Question

Which of the following is closest in meaning to the opposite of the phrase antithetical to (line 4, para 2)?

• A. connected to
• B. in contrast with
• C. adversaries of
• D. adherents of
• E.

Hint:

When identifying opposites, look for words that imply support or connection rather than opposition.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The term “antithetical” means something that is in direct contrast or opposition to something else. The opposite of “antithetical” would therefore be something that is closely linked or in support of the subject in question. In this case, “adherents of” fits as the opposite of “antithetical to”, meaning someone who supports or is aligned with an idea. This is how we arrive at option (D). - Why option (D) fits: The opposite of being antithetical to an idea would mean supporting or adhering to that idea. - Eliminations: - (A) "connected to" does not clearly imply support or alignment. - (B) "in contrast with" is directly opposite in meaning to "antithetical". - (C) "adversaries of" refers to opposites, not support. Thus, the correct answer is (D) adherents of. 

Answer 2

A quick way to solve this is to first pin down the exact sense of "antithetical" and then test which option can grammatically and logically replace "opposite of antithetical to" in the sentence.

1. Option A (connected to): This only indicates a link between two things; it does not carry the sense of being in favour of or supportive of an idea, so it fails to capture the true opposite of "antithetical to."
2. Option B (in contrast with): This phrase itself means being opposed to something, so it is a synonym of "antithetical to" rather than its opposite; it cannot be the answer.
3. Option C (adversaries of): This describes people who oppose something, which again sits on the same side as "antithetical to" rather than being its reverse.
4. Option D (adherents of): An adherent is a follower or supporter of an idea; supporting something is the direct reverse of being opposed to it, so this phrase correctly reverses the meaning of "antithetical to."
5. Option E: No text has been supplied for this choice, so it cannot be evaluated as a valid alternative.

Since only "adherents of" reverses the sense of opposition carried by "antithetical to" into one of support, option (D) is the phrase being sought.

Hence, the correct answer is (D) adherents of.