In each of the following questions, out of the given alternatives,choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word.
Brazen
Answer: D
It is shameless.
Brazen means bold without shame, from brass - the metal's hardness and its brightness both feed the sense. Shamefaced, modest and humble are its opposites.
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Anathema
Answer: B
It is something strongly detested.
An anathema was originally a formal curse of excommunication, and the word now means anything one abhors - the idea is anathema to him. Love is its opposite.
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Cavil
Answer: C
It is quibble.
To cavil is to raise petty objections. Appreciate is its opposite, and to munch merely resembles it in sound.
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Open
Answer: D
It is frank.
Open of a person means candid and unconcealing. Restricted and unavailable are its opposites in the physical sense, and sordid is unrelated.
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Sadistic
Answer: C
It is given to deriving pleasure from inflicting pain on others.
Sadistic takes its name from the Marquis de Sade. Humane, merciful and gentle are its opposites.
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Histrionic
Answer: A
It is overdramatic.
Histrionic means theatrical in an exaggerated way, from the Latin histrio, an actor. Historically important is a false friend built on a different word.
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Lest
Answer: C
It is unless.
Lest introduces what is to be prevented - take care lest you fall. Unless is the nearest of the four in function; but is a plain contrast and fear is a noun.
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Debonair
Answer: A
It is pleasant and gracious.
Debonair means confident, stylish and charming in manner, from the Old French de bon aire, of good disposition. Inelegant and uncharming are its opposites.
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Pastel
Answer: D
It is light shades or colours.
Pastel colours are pale and soft. Bright, loud and vivid are all its opposites; the word first named the crayon of powdered pigment bound in paste.
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Breach
Answer: E
It is break.
A breach is a break or gap - a breach in the wall, a breach of contract. Connection and juncture are its opposites.
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