Select the option that is the most appropriate antonym of the highlighted word…

Concept

An antonym is a word with an opposite meaning. In context, identify the central sense of the highlighted word and compare that sense with every choice. Words that reinforce the same sense must be excluded.

Application

Here, eternal means continuing forever or having no end. Temporary means lasting for only a limited period, so it reverses the time-duration sense of eternal.

Contrast

• Immortal refers to something not subject to death or remembered forever, so it preserves the idea of permanence.

• Perpetual means continuing indefinitely or repeatedly, so it also preserves the idea of no end.

• Enduring means lasting for a long time or remaining strong, so it stays close to the idea of persistence.

Cross-check

Replacing eternal with temporary gives a friendship expected to last for a limited time, which reverses the original meaning rather than repeating it. Therefore, the antonym is temporary.