Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Clean
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question asks you to find the antonym of the word "Ribald." In English, "ribald" is commonly used to describe language, jokes, or behaviour that is coarse, indecent, or vulgar, especially in a sexual way. To answer correctly, you must pick the option that expresses the opposite moral or stylistic quality.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
"Ribald" implies something that is coarse, crude, or indecent, especially in relation to sexual matters. The natural opposite is language that is decent, pure, or free from obscenity or vulgarity. The word "clean," when used to describe jokes, speech, or entertainment, typically means that it is free of obscenity and is morally appropriate. Thus "Clean" is the best antonym among the given options.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "ribald jokes" are rude, off colour, or indecent jokes.
Step 2: Look for a word that expresses a morally acceptable and decent style of speech or humour.
Step 3: "Clean" in the context of jokes or language means not containing obscenity or vulgar content.
Step 4: Notice that "Vulgar" is actually close in meaning to "ribald," not opposite.
Step 5: Confirm that "Clean" directly contrasts with "ribald" in this context.
Verification / Alternative check:
Consider the pair of phrases: "ribald jokes" versus "clean jokes." The first clearly implies indecent, crude humour, while the second means family friendly humour with no offensive material. This is a direct and widely understood opposition in everyday English. No other option in the list creates such a clear contrast.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: "Provision" refers to supplying or providing something (for example, food, resources) and has no semantic link to decency or vulgarity in language.
Option B: "Biased" means prejudiced or unfairly partial, which is unrelated to whether language is indecent or clean.
Option D: "Vulgar" is actually a synonym or near synonym of "ribald," as both indicate crude or indecent behaviour or speech.
Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to confuse the test of antonyms with synonyms and pick a word like "Vulgar" because it seems to fit the general idea of rude language. Always read the question carefully: "opposite in meaning" changes the task completely. When you see "ribald," think of "vulgar," and then immediately search for its opposite, "clean" or "decent."
Final Answer:
The word opposite in meaning to "Ribald" is: Clean.
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