Instruction: Select the option that is most nearly opposite to the given word.
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Instruction:** Select the option that is most nearly opposite to the given word.
TENTATIVE (OPPOSITE)
Show answer & explanation
TENTATIVE means uncertain, hesitant, or not fully committed. CONFIDENT is the direct opposite—it means assured, certain, and fully committed. While 'Faltering' (wavering), 'Probationary' (trial-based), and 'Speculative' (conjectural) are all related to uncertainty, only 'Confident' represents the strongest antonym.
Step-by-step Derivation:
Definition analysis: TENTATIVE = uncertain, hesitant, provisional, experimental. Antonym candidates: (A) Faltering = wavering, uncertain (similar to tentative, not opposite); (B) Probationary = subject to trial or testing (similar meaning); (C) Speculative = based on conjecture (related to tentative); (D) Confident = assured, certain, decisive (direct opposite). Answer: D.