How to Approach Antonyms

The logical relationship embedded in each antonym question is one of opposition. In each case, you are looking for the answer choice that is most nearly opposite the initial word. If you remember this simple principle and apply your vocabulary skills to decipher unfamiliar words, you will still do well on the antonym questions. 

An antihero is the opposite of a hero. An antibiotic is designed to inhibit or destroy life (bio = life). Antifreeze works against the tendency of liquids to freeze. The most important thing to keep in mind as you answer antonym questions is that you are looking for a word or phrase that stands most directly in opposition to the stem word. 

It is easy to become distracted by a synonym to the stem word and think that is the answer. However, a synonym will mean the same as the stem word, not the opposite of the stem. Train yourself so that alarms 

See what kinds of outrageous contexts you can find in which to use your new words. Amaze your friends and confound your coworkers. 

Find a buddy with whom you can play word games. Try to stump each other. 

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