Directions: Choose the word nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to the given word. DILATE
2018
Directions: Choose the word nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to the given word.
DILATE
- A.
shrink
- B.
abduct
- C.
contract
- D.
expand
Attempted by 85 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Meaning of dilate: to become larger, wider, or more open.
Best antonym: contract — meaning to become smaller or narrower, which is the near opposite of dilate.
Why not the other words:
Shrink is close in meaning to contract (to become smaller), but contract is the standard, most precise opposite of dilate.
Expand means to make larger, which is a synonym of dilate, not an antonym.
Abduct means to kidnap or carry off and is unrelated to size or width.
Therefore, the correct choice is contract.