Select the antonym (word opposite in meaning) of the adjective "outlandish".

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: common

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Vocabulary questions on antonyms check whether the learner can identify a word with the opposite meaning to the one given. In this question, the focus word is outlandish, which is frequently used in English to describe unusual or bizarre behaviour, ideas, or clothing. Selecting the correct opposite helps to develop a precise sense of shades of meaning among similar adjectives.


Given Data / Assumptions:
The target adjective is outlandish. The options include droll, kinky, common, grotesque, and one more simple descriptive word. We assume a general context where outlandish describes something that is very strange, unconventional, or noticeably odd. The task is to find a word that expresses a normal or usual quality, which would be the opposite of this idea.


Concept / Approach:
Outlandish means very strange, odd, or unconventional. It often suggests something so unusual that it almost seems to come from another land or world. The antonym should therefore convey a sense of normality, ordinariness, or familiarity. When we compare the options, words that again describe strange or humorous behaviour will not work as opposites. Only a word that indicates something usual or widely accepted will qualify as a true antonym.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of outlandish as extremely strange, odd, or bizarre.
Step 2: List in mind some possible opposites such as normal, usual, ordinary, or common.
Step 3: Examine each option and mentally substitute it into sentences where outlandish is used.
Step 4: Notice that common fits naturally as a contrast to unusual or strange.
Step 5: Confirm that common clearly points to something widely seen and therefore not outlandish.


Verification / Alternative check:
Consider the sentence He wore an outlandish hat that shocked everyone. If we reverse the idea, we can say He wore a common hat that nobody noticed. The contrast is clear and sounds natural. On the other hand, using any of the other options would still keep the idea of strangeness rather than reverse it. This confirms that common is the correct antonym in the list given in the question.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, droll, means amusing in an odd way and still carries the idea of something unusual, not ordinary. Option B, kinky, informally means strange or unnatural in behaviour or taste, which is again close to outlandish rather than opposite. Option D, grotesque, refers to something ugly and distorted, usually more extreme in strangeness and therefore similar in feel. Any additional descriptive option that suggests unusualness is also incorrect. Only common properly conveys usual or ordinary and stands opposite to the sense of outlandish.


Common Pitfalls:
Students may mistakenly look for a synonym rather than an antonym, especially when several options seem to have a similar strange flavour. Some may be attracted to droll because it is less strong than grotesque, but it does not reverse the meaning. Carefully underlining the instruction select the antonym before reading the options is a useful habit. Building pairs of opposite adjectives like normal versus outlandish improves word power and exam performance.


Final Answer:
The antonym of outlandish is common.

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