- Step 1: Define "Frugal." "Frugal" means economical, sparing, or avoiding waste, often describing careful or restrained spending habits.
- Step 2: Identify the opposite. The opposite of frugal would be wasteful, lavish, or excessive in spending or resource use.
- Step 3: Evaluate the options.
- Option (1): "Thrifty" means economical or careful with money, a synonym of frugal, so it is incorrect.
- Option (2): "Economical" also means careful with resources, another synonym of frugal, so it is incorrect.
- Option (3): "Extravagant" means lavish, wasteful, or excessive, directly opposite to frugal's carefulness, making it a strong candidate.
- Option (4): "Prudent" implies carefulness or wisdom in resource use, similar to frugal, so it is incorrect.
- Step 4: Eliminate synonyms. Options (1), (2), and (4) are synonyms or closely related to frugal, as they all suggest careful resource use. Option (3) Extravagant stands out as the opposite.
- Step 5: Confirm with context. In a sentence like "Her frugal lifestyle saved money," replacing with "Her extravagant lifestyle wasted money" creates a direct contrast, confirming the antonym relationship.
- Step 6: Final conclusion. Option (3) Extravagant is the correct answer, as it is the most opposite in meaning to "Frugal."
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