Analogy — “Pardon” contrasts with “Penalty”; in similar fashion, “Definitely” contrasts best with ____. (Select the best contrary in degree of certainty.)

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Probably

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The first pair shows contrast: to pardon is to remove or cancel a penalty. We therefore seek a word that stands in practical opposition to “Definitely,” i.e., one that weakens certainty. “Probably” signals likelihood, not certainty, forming a contrast in degree of assurance.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Analogies often use graded contrasts when exact antonyms are rare.
  • “Definitely” denotes 100% certainty; “Probably” indicates high but not full certainty.


Concept / Approach:
Choose the response that best reduces certainty while staying semantically related to assertions.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Identify contrast type: absolute vs partial certainty.2) Map: Definitely (absolute) ↔ Probably (partial).3) Discard synonyms or unrelated adverbs.


Verification / Alternative check:
“Positively” is near-synonym; “Actually” states fact; “Urgently” concerns time, not certainty; “Perhaps” is weaker than “Probably” but remains in the same family—however, “probably” is the standard graded contrast.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Actually/Positively: synonyms of certainty.Urgently: unrelated category.Perhaps: possible alternative, but “probably” is the conventional graded counter to “definitely.”


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing exact antonyms with graded contrasts; in analogy sets, graded contrast is common and acceptable.


Final Answer:
Probably

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