In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - E, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences.
The exotic bird looked resplendent; its bright plumage contrasted with the rather.........undergrowth.
A
immobile
B
foreign
C
extraneous
D
bright
E
drab
Verified Correct Answer: E.
Grammar & Contextual Explanation
The underlined word is resplendent, which means very bright, attractive, or impressive in appearance, especially because of rich colours or decoration.
Its opposite is drab, meaning dull, lacking brightness, colour or attractiveness.
So the sentence becomes:
“The exotic bird looked resplendent; its bright plumage contrasted with the rather drab undergrowth.”
The contrast is between the bird's bright, impressive appearance and the dull, unattractive vegetation around it.
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #24124)