The word "tremulous" is given in bold. Choose the option in which the pair of words correctly gives a synonym and an antonym of "tremulous".

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Quivery, Steady

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks about the word "tremulous". You must choose the pair of words that correctly acts as a synonym and an antonym of "tremulous". Understanding this word requires knowledge of both physical and emotional connotations relating to trembling or nervousness.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The target word is "tremulous".
  • Four options are given, each with a pair of words.
  • The correct pair must contain one word that is close in meaning to "tremulous" and another that is opposite in meaning.
  • The context of "tremulous" often involves shaking from fear, weakness, or nervousness.


Concept / Approach:
"Tremulous" means shaking or quivering, often slightly, due to nervousness, fear, or weakness. So a synonym would be a word like "quivery" or "shaky". An antonym would describe steadiness or firmness, such as "steady". The method is to identify which pair contains these complementary ideas of trembling versus stability.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Fix the meaning of "tremulous" as quivering, shaking, or trembly. Step 2: Look at option A, "Stringent, Garrulous". "Stringent" means strict or severe; "garrulous" means very talkative. Neither relates to trembling. Step 3: Look at option B, "Quivery, Steady". "Quivery" means shaking or trembling, which is a direct synonym. "Steady" means firm, stable, or not shaking, which is the opposite of tremulous. Step 4: Look at option C, "Conjunctive, Desist". "Conjunctive" relates to connection or combination, and "desist" means to stop doing something. These are unrelated. Step 5: Look at option D, "Abstain, Defer". Both "abstain" and "defer" relate to delaying or refraining from actions, not to physical shaking or steadiness. Step 6: Conclude that only option B provides a clear synonym and antonym of "tremulous".


Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine a sentence: "Her voice was tremulous as she spoke." Replace "tremulous" with "quivery": "Her voice was quivery as she spoke." This still makes sense and preserves the sense of shaking. Replace "tremulous" with "steady": "Her voice was steady as she spoke." This flips the meaning to the opposite. This test confirms that "quivery" and "steady" are indeed an appropriate synonym and antonym pair for "tremulous". No other option supports this kind of substitution test.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A fails because strictness or talkativeness does not capture the idea of trembling. Option C joins ideas of connection and stopping, which are completely outside the semantic field of shaking or stability. Option D relates to postponing or avoiding actions, again unrelated to physical or emotional trembling. None of these options provide a natural synonym or antonym of "tremulous".


Common Pitfalls:
Many learners might be tempted to choose options with impressive looking words that they only vaguely recognise. However, this can lead to errors when the meanings do not actually align. In such questions, it is important to rely on precise definitions rather than on the sound or length of the word. Whenever possible, recall example sentences where you may have seen the word, and test whether proposed synonyms and antonyms can replace it while keeping or reversing the meaning correctly.


Final Answer:
The correct pair containing a synonym and an antonym of "tremulous" is Quivery, Steady.

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