Answer :
Pair each noun phrase with its opposite:
- a trivial affair - a serious matter
- a stubborn beast - a willing animal
- a casual glance - a prolonged scrutiny
- an arid waste - a fertile area
- a determined march - an irresolute air
- a concise narrative - a diffuse story
- a fluent talker - a halting conversationalist
- a substantial amount - a negligible quantity
- a direct assault - an oblique attack
- a brisk promenade - a leisurely dawdle
- a chilly reception - a cordial welcome
- a temporary set-up - a permanent arrangement
- an impetuous remark - a calculated comment
- a spendthrift wife - a thrifty spouse
- a solemn observation - a cheerful comment
1. A trivial affair - a serious matter: Trivial refers to something of little importance or significance, while serious denotes something important or significant.
2. A stubborn beast - a willing animal: Stubborn describes someone or something refusing to change or comply, while willing implies readiness or eagerness to do something.
3. A casual glance - a prolonged scrutiny: A casual glance is a quick, informal look, whereas prolonged scrutiny involves careful examination or analysis over an extended period.
4. An arid waste - a fertile area: Arid describes dry, barren land unsuitable for cultivation, whereas fertile denotes land capable of producing abundant vegetation or crops.
5. A determined march - an irresolute air: Determined describes someone showing firmness of purpose or resoluteness, while irresolute means lacking determination or wavering in decision-making.
6. A concise narrative - a diffuse story: Concise means brief and to the point, while diffuse implies wordiness or lack of focus, resulting in a lengthy, rambling story.
7. A fluent talker - a halting conversationalist: Fluent describes someone speaking or writing with ease and accuracy, while halting implies speaking with interruptions or hesitation.
8. A substantial amount - a negligible quantity: Substantial refers to a large or significant amount, while negligible means so small or unimportant as to be not worth considering.
9. A direct assault - an oblique attack: Direct implies straightforward or without deviation, while oblique refers to an indirect or evasive approach.
10. A brisk promenade - a leisurely dawdle: Brisk describes something quick, energetic, or lively, while leisurely means unhurried or relaxed, suggesting a slow, relaxed stroll.
11. A chilly reception - a cordial welcome: Chilly suggests a cool or unfriendly reception, while cordial implies warm and friendly greetings or treatment.
12. A temporary set-up - a permanent arrangement: Temporary describes something lasting for a limited time or intended to be temporary, whereas permanent means lasting indefinitely or intended to be lasting.
13. An impetuous remark - a calculated comment: Impetuous refers to something done quickly without thought or consideration, while calculated implies done deliberately or with careful planning.
14. A spendthrift wife - a thrifty spouse: Spendthrift describes someone who spends money extravagantly or wastefully, while thrifty denotes someone who is careful and economical with money.
15. A solemn observation - a cheerful comment: Solemn describes something serious, earnest, or formal, while cheerful denotes being happy, optimistic, or lively.