Question:
The children's ---- natures were in sharp contrast to the even-tempered dispositions of their parents.
The children's ---- natures were in sharp contrast to the even-tempered dispositions of their parents.
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Understanding the precise meaning of vocabulary is key. For contrast questions, think of the core meaning of the given word ("even-tempered" = calm, steady) and then search for the option that means the opposite (volatile, changeable).
Updated On: Oct 1, 2025
- mercurial
- blithe
- phlegmatic
- introverted
- artless
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question asks for a word that describes the children's natures, which are presented as being in "sharp contrast" to the "even-tempered" nature of their parents. We need to find an antonym for "even-tempered."
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
"Even-tempered" means calm, not easily angered or upset.
The phrase "in sharp contrast to" tells us we are looking for a word with the opposite meaning. The opposite of being calm and steady is being volatile, unpredictable, or subject to mood swings.
Let's examine the options:
(A) mercurial means subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind. This is a direct antonym of "even-tempered."
(B) "blithe" means showing a casual and cheerful indifference. While not calm, it's not the best contrast to "even-tempered."
(C) "phlegmatic" means having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition. This is a synonym for "even-tempered," not an antonym.
(D) "introverted" means shy or reserved. This is a personality trait, not necessarily related to temperament in the way the sentence implies.
(E) "artless" means natural and simple, without guile. This is not related to temperament.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The word that best captures the opposite of an "even-tempered" disposition is "mercurial." Therefore, option (A) is the correct answer.
This question asks for a word that describes the children's natures, which are presented as being in "sharp contrast" to the "even-tempered" nature of their parents. We need to find an antonym for "even-tempered."
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
"Even-tempered" means calm, not easily angered or upset.
The phrase "in sharp contrast to" tells us we are looking for a word with the opposite meaning. The opposite of being calm and steady is being volatile, unpredictable, or subject to mood swings.
Let's examine the options:
(A) mercurial means subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind. This is a direct antonym of "even-tempered."
(B) "blithe" means showing a casual and cheerful indifference. While not calm, it's not the best contrast to "even-tempered."
(C) "phlegmatic" means having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition. This is a synonym for "even-tempered," not an antonym.
(D) "introverted" means shy or reserved. This is a personality trait, not necessarily related to temperament in the way the sentence implies.
(E) "artless" means natural and simple, without guile. This is not related to temperament.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The word that best captures the opposite of an "even-tempered" disposition is "mercurial." Therefore, option (A) is the correct answer.
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