Strategies for Antonyms

• think of a context for the word you are given
• think of an antonym for that word before you look at the answer choices
• then read all the choices before you decide which is best
• consider alternative or secondary meanings of words. Many words have a verb and a noun meaning.
• Remember that you are looking for the opposite in meaning. Do not get caught out by synonyms.

Each question below consists of a word printed in capital letters, followed by five lettered words or phrases. Choose the lettered word or phrase that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word in capital letters.

Question:
SUFFRAGE:
(A) absence of charity
(B) absence of franchise
(C) absence of pain
(D) absence of success
(E) absence of malice

Answer:B

Explanation:Suffrage comes from the verb ‘suffer’. The opposite of suffering would be an absence of pain. However, that connection would be easy, too obvious for this hard problem. “Absence of pain’ is a trap. In fact, suffrage means ‘the right to vote’. Franchise is a synonym for vote, hence, the answer is B.

Question:
INSIPIDNESS:
(A) wisdom
(B) cowardice
(C) lividity
(D) savoriness
(E) tentativeness

Answer:D

Explanation:The opposite of insipidness or lack of flavor is savoriness, the quality of being flavorsome. Think of the insipidness of overcooked, boiled cabbage.

Question:
CONDIGN:
(A) intentional
(B) unbiased
(C) obdurate
(D) inevitable
(E) unmerited

Answer:E

Explanation:The opposite of condign or due (as in deserved) is unmerited.

Question:
DISLODGE:
(A) restore
(B) secure
(C) wander
(D) transport
(E) anticipate

Answer:B

Explanation:The opposite of dislodge, or cause something to shift, is to secure, or fasten it in place.

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