Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: Courageous : Craven
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
“Mendacity” means lying or untruthfulness; “honesty” is truthfulness. The stem is therefore an antonym pair, contrasting a vice with a virtue. We need a second pair that also presents clear semantic opposition.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Identify which option forms unmistakable opposites within the same semantic field (character traits).
Step-by-Step Solution:
(a) Truth : Beauty → unrelated abstract nouns; not opposites.(b) Sportsmanship : Fortitude → different virtues; not opposites.(c) Courageous : Craven → brave vs cowardly; clear antonyms in character traits.(d) Turpitude : Depravity → near-synonyms (moral corruption), not opposites.
Verification / Alternative check:
Both pairs oppose a positive trait to a negative counterpart (honesty vs mendacity; courageous vs craven).
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
(a) No antonymy; (b) both positive; (d) synonyms of vice.
Common Pitfalls:
Choosing synonyms of vice in (d) because they “feel strong,” but the stem requires opposition.
Final Answer:
Courageous : Craven
Discussion & Comments