In this antonym question, select the word which is most opposite in meaning to "primed" in the sense of prepared or ready.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: unready

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question tests your understanding of antonyms, that is, words with opposite meanings. The word "primed" in everyday English usually means "prepared", "ready", or "in the right condition for immediate use". For example, a primed pump is ready to work, and a primed student is ready to answer questions. You are asked to identify the word whose meaning is most opposite to this idea of readiness.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The target word is "primed" meaning ready or prepared.
  • The options are "fit", "able", "unready", "prepped", and "prepared".
  • Only one of these expresses clear lack of readiness.


Concept / Approach:
An antonym must reverse the central meaning of the given word. Since "primed" stresses readiness, the antonym should express unreadiness or lack of preparation. Among the options, "unready" directly states that something or someone is not ready. The other words either match the original meaning or are near synonyms. Therefore, careful attention to meaning rather than just sound or familiarity is necessary to choose correctly.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Fix the meaning of "primed" as "prepared" or "ready". Step 2: Look at "unready". It clearly means "not ready" or "not prepared". Step 3: Check "fit". This usually means physically healthy or suitable, which is close to being ready, not opposite. Step 4: Check "able". It means capable, again related to being ready to do something rather than the opposite. Step 5: Check "prepped". It is a colloquial short form of "prepared" and is actually a synonym of "primed". Step 6: Check "prepared". This is almost identical in meaning to "primed". Step 7: Since "unready" is the only option that expresses the opposite concept, it is the correct antonym.


Verification / Alternative check:
Try replacing "primed" with each option in a sample sentence: "The students were primed for the exam." If we insert "unready", the meaning reverses: "The students were unready for the exam." This is a genuine opposite. Using "fit", "able", "prepped", or "prepared" all keep or even strengthen the original idea of readiness. This check confirms that "unready" is the correct choice.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Fit" often indicates health or suitability, which supports readiness rather than opposing it. "Able" expresses capacity or capability and again does not show lack of readiness. "Prepped" is informal but clearly means prepared, almost identical to "primed". "Prepared" is a direct synonym. Because an antonym must reverse the meaning, none of these serve as a true opposite of "primed".


Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes students misread antonym questions as synonym questions and automatically choose a word that sounds similar in meaning. Another common mistake is to pick words that feel unfamiliar or complex, assuming the exam setters always hide answers in less common vocabulary. However, in many cases, the correct antonym is simple and direct, as here with "unready". Always focus on meaning, not on how fancy the word looks.


Final Answer:
The antonym of "primed" in the sense of prepared or ready is unready.

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