Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: MILD
Explanation:
Introduction:
This antonym question tests your understanding of the word "inclement", which is often used in connection with weather conditions. To find the opposite, you must first be clear about the exact meaning of the given word and then choose the option that reverses that sense rather than simply sounding impressive.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Target word: INCLEMENT.
- Typical usage: "inclement weather".
- Options: RADICAL, MILD, HARSH, TYRANNICAL.
- We assume that the question is referring to general English usage, especially in weather forecasts and descriptions.
Concept / Approach:
"Inclement" usually means severe, rough, or harsh, especially with reference to climate or weather. Inclement weather can involve heavy rain, snow, storms, or extreme cold. Therefore, the opposite will be a word describing gentle, pleasant, or moderate conditions. Among the options, "mild" is the standard antonym used for weather that is not severe.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Define "inclement" as harsh, rough, or stormy, especially in relation to weather conditions.Step 2: Look at "mild". This word describes soft, moderate, or gentle conditions, such as mild weather or a mild climate.Step 3: Compare the two meanings: harsh versus mild. They are directly opposite in the context of weather.Step 4: Examine "harsh". This is actually similar in meaning to inclement, so it cannot be an antonym.Step 5: Check "radical" and "tyrannical". Both are used for politics or behaviour, not for weather, and do not represent the opposite of inclement in the common collocation "inclement weather".
Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute the options into a typical sentence: "The match was cancelled due to inclement weather" versus "The match was held in mild weather." These two sentences show a clear contrast. By comparison, "radical weather" and "tyrannical weather" sound strange and are not standard expressions. This test confirms that only "mild" works as a natural opposite in the usual context.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, RADICAL, refers to extreme changes or political positions and is rarely used to describe weather. Option C, HARSH, is in fact a synonym for inclement, not an antonym. Option D, TYRANNICAL, relates to cruel or oppressive rulers and is not used to describe climate. None of these words express a gentle or pleasant condition, so they cannot be the opposite of inclement. Only option B, MILD, fits both meaning and usage.
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes choose HARSH because they confuse the requirement for an antonym with a request for a synonym. Another error is to select RADICAL simply because it sounds strong or impressive. Remember that antonym questions require you to reverse the core meaning, not to intensify it. Focusing on typical phrases such as "inclement weather" and "mild weather" can guide you to the correct choice quickly.
Final Answer:
The word that is opposite in meaning to "inclement" is MILD.
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