Opposite meaning

Which word is most nearly the opposite in meaning to TEMPORARY?

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The answer is D. Temporary means lasting only a short time. The word that means the reverse is permanent. Brief is the trap: it means nearly the same as temporary, not the opposite. Words that start with un-, in- or dis- are often opposites, but check the meaning rather than trusting the start.

Which word is most nearly the opposite in meaning to ENTRANCE?

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The answer is B. Entrance means the way in. The word that means the reverse is exit. Entry is the trap: it means nearly the same as entrance, not the opposite. Ask yourself what the word means first, then what would mean the reverse.

Which word is most nearly the opposite in meaning to RETREAT?

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The answer is B. Retreat means to move back or away. The word that means the reverse is advance. Withdraw is the trap: it means nearly the same as retreat, not the opposite. Words that start with un-, in- or dis- are often opposites, but check the meaning rather than trusting the start.

Which word is most nearly the opposite in meaning to OPTIMISTIC?

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The answer is B. Optimistic means expecting things to turn out well. The word that means the reverse is pessimistic. Hopeful is the trap: it means nearly the same as optimistic, not the opposite. Words that start with un-, in- or dis- are often opposites, but check the meaning rather than trusting the start.

Which word is most nearly the opposite in meaning to SHARP?

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The answer is B. Sharp means having a fine edge or point. The word that means the reverse is blunt. Pointed is the trap: it means nearly the same as sharp, not the opposite. Say the word, then 'not' in front of each choice, and see which one fits.

Which word is most nearly the opposite in meaning to PRAISE?

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The answer is B. Praise means to say good things about someone. The word that means the reverse is criticise. Admire is the trap: it means nearly the same as praise, not the opposite. Say the word, then 'not' in front of each choice, and see which one fits.

Which word is most nearly the opposite in meaning to GENEROUS?

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The answer is E. Generous means happy to give to others. The word that means the reverse is mean. Kind is the trap: it means nearly the same as generous, not the opposite. Words that start with un-, in- or dis- are often opposites, but check the meaning rather than trusting the start.

Which word is most nearly the opposite in meaning to ANCIENT?

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The answer is B. Ancient means very old. The word that means the reverse is modern. Old is the trap: it means nearly the same as ancient, not the opposite. Underline the word 'opposite' in the question: picking a word that means the same is the classic slip.

Which word is most nearly the opposite in meaning to PUBLIC?

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The answer is E. Public means open to everyone. The word that means the reverse is private. Open is the trap: it means nearly the same as public, not the opposite. Underline the word 'opposite' in the question: picking a word that means the same is the classic slip.

Which word is most nearly the opposite in meaning to VICTORY?

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The answer is B. Victory means a win. The word that means the reverse is defeat. Triumph is the trap: it means nearly the same as victory, not the opposite. Ask yourself what the word means first, then what would mean the reverse.

Which word is most nearly the opposite in meaning to SPACIOUS?

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The answer is D. Spacious means with plenty of room. The word that means the reverse is cramped. Roomy is the trap: it means nearly the same as spacious, not the opposite. Say the word, then 'not' in front of each choice, and see which one fits.

Which word is most nearly the opposite in meaning to CRUEL?

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The answer is B. Cruel means deliberately causing pain. The word that means the reverse is kind. Harsh is the trap: it means nearly the same as cruel, not the opposite. Words that start with un-, in- or dis- are often opposites, but check the meaning rather than trusting the start.

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