Opposite in Meaning: Practice Set 2
Opposite in Meaning (Practice Set 2) continues the same 11+ verbal reasoning question type as the first set: a word is given in capital letters and pupils choose or state the word that means the opposite, its antonym. This second set introduces a fresh set of vocabulary, still testing precision, since the wrong options are usually near-synonyms rather than genuine opposites. It remains a staple of GL Assessment verbal reasoning papers.
Method
- Read the capitalised word carefully and put its meaning into your own words before looking at any options.
- Think of your own opposite first, then look for the option that matches it most closely.
- Cross out any option that means roughly the same as the given word; a synonym is the most common wrong answer in this question type.
- Cross out any option that has no real connection to the given word's meaning at all.
- Where two options both seem to point in the opposite direction, choose the one that is the complete, direct opposite rather than just a milder contrast.
- Read your final choice back against the original word to make sure the two truly are opposites.
Worked example
Choose the word most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to ABUNDANT. A) Plentiful B) Rich C) Scarce D) Common E) Large.
- Abundant means existing in large quantities, more than enough.
- The true opposite is a word describing something in very short supply: scarce.
- Plentiful and Common are both close synonyms of abundant, not opposites, so they are wrong.
- Rich and Large describe wealth or size, which are not the same idea as quantity, so they are also wrong.
- Final answer: C) Scarce.
Practice questions
Type your answer and press Check to be marked straight away, or reveal the answer and mark yourself.
Q1Choose the word most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to CAUTIOUS.Show answer
Answer: Reckless (acting without thinking about danger, the opposite of cautious)
Q2Choose the word most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to TRANQUIL.Show answer
Answer: Chaotic (in a state of complete disorder, the opposite of tranquil, which means calm and peaceful)
Q3Choose the word most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to HUMBLE.Show answer
Answer: Arrogant (having an exaggerated sense of one's own importance, the opposite of humble)
Q4Choose the word most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to RELUCTANT.Show answer
Answer: Eager (very keen and willing, the opposite of reluctant)
Q5Choose the word most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to TRANSPARENT.Show answer
Answer: Opaque (not able to be seen through, the opposite of transparent)
Q6Choose the word most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to METICULOUS.Show answer
Answer: Careless (not giving enough attention to detail, the opposite of meticulous)
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a 11+ exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Choose the word most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to the word in capitals. a) VIGILANT - A) Watchful B) Alert C) Careless D) Cautious E) Attentive. b) AMIABLE - A) Friendly B) Kind C) Hostile D) Warm E) Sociable. c) PERSISTENT - A) Determined B) Steady C) Sporadic D) Firm E) Constant.
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Choose the word most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to the word in capitals. d) FRANK - A) Honest B) Direct C) Blunt D) Evasive E) Open. e) ELABORATE - A) Detailed B) Complex C) Ornate D) Simple E) Fancy. f) VOLUNTARY - A) Willing B) Optional C) Free D) Compulsory E) Chosen. g) PUNCTUAL - A) Prompt B) Timely C) Reliable D) Late E) Exact.
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Choose the word most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to the word in capitals. h) FRAGILE - A) Delicate B) Weak C) Robust D) Brittle E) Flimsy. i) SUBMISSIVE - A) Obedient B) Meek C) Defiant D) Compliant E) Docile.
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Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the opposite in meaning: practice set 2 worksheet pack - 9 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. One email opens every download in this browser for 14 days - no account, no card. Print it for personal and classroom use.
This topic is chapter 12 of 11+ Verbal Reasoning Workbook 3, the whole course as one free printable PDF.
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