2004 · Q20
ANTONYMS
Directions (For the following 5 items): Each of the following five items consists of a word in capital letters, followed by four words or groups of words. Select the word or group of words that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word in capital letters.
20. PONTIFICATE
General EnglishAntonyms
- ATo pilfer
- BTo leave one's country
- CTo speak in a humble manner
- DTo spend recklessly
Explanation
PONTIFICATE (as a verb) means to speak or write in a pompous, dogmatic manner, as if one's opinions were infallible decrees. The opposite manner of speaking is "to speak in a humble manner". "To pilfer" is to steal, "to leave one's country" is emigration, and "to spend recklessly" is prodigality — none relates to dogmatic speech.