Select the antonym (opposite in meaning) of the word “conjoined”, which describes things that are joined or united together.

Introduction:
This vocabulary question asks for the antonym, or opposite in meaning, of the word conjoined. Antonym questions test both your understanding of the target word and your knowledge of related words. Conjoined is commonly used to describe things that are linked, joined, or united, so the correct opposite must express the idea of separating or cutting apart rather than joining together.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- Target word: conjoined. - Options: sever, adjoin, meld, affix. - Conjoined means joined together or united. - We need a word that expresses the opposite action or state.

Concept / Approach:
To solve antonym questions effectively, you must first be sure of the meaning of the base word. Conjoined comes from join and the prefix con meaning together. It appears in phrases like conjoined twins or conjoined efforts, where two or more things are combined. The opposite meaning is to cut apart or separate. Among the choices, sever clearly expresses the idea of separating by cutting, while the other options all suggest some form of joining or attaching.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that conjoined means joined or united together. Step 2: Examine sever, which means to cut off, break apart, or separate completely. Step 3: Recognise that adjoin means to be next to or to join something. Step 4: Note that meld means to blend or combine. Step 5: See that affix means to attach or fasten something. Step 6: Since sever is the only word that expresses separation instead of joining, it is the correct antonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
Use the words in contrasting sentences: The two pieces of metal were conjoined with a weld versus The two pieces of metal were severed with a saw. These two sentences clearly show opposite actions. Likewise, you could say The countries were conjoined by a treaty versus Their relationship was severed after the conflict. This contrast confirms sever as the right choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Adjoin suggests things being next to each other or joining at a boundary, which is similar in spirit to conjoined, not opposite. Meld means to blend or merge, again reinforcing the idea of joining rather than separating. Affix means to attach something firmly, which is another joining action. Because they all describe forms of combination or attachment, none of them can be an antonym of conjoined.

Common Pitfalls:
Many test takers misread antonym questions as synonym questions and simply select a familiar word related to the original term. Always underline or mentally highlight the word antonym to remind yourself that you are looking for opposite meaning. It also helps to think of a simple paraphrase, such as conjoined equals joined together, and then search directly for something like cut apart in the options.

Final Answer:
sever is the correct antonym of conjoined.