Step 1 : Understanding the Question:
This question focuses on Antonyms and Word Relationships. An antonym is a word that has the exact opposite meaning of another word. The task is to examine each pair provided in the options and determine which pair represents a "Fat vs. Thin" or "High vs. Low" relationship, while the others might be synonyms or definitions.
Step 2 : Key Formulas and approach:
The approach involves a semantic audit of each word pair.
1. Define Word 1 and Word 2 in each option.
2. Determine relationship: Are they same (synonym), opposite (antonym), or descriptive (definition)?
3. Target the opposites: Isolate the pair that cannot exist as the same state simultaneously.
Step 3 : Detailed Explanation:
Option (A) "adroit – skillful": Adroit is defined as being clever or skillful in using the hands or mind. Since both words have the same meaning, they are synonyms.
Option (B) "verbose – lengthy": Verbose means using more words than necessary. A verbose document is inherently lengthy. These are synonymous in the context of describing communication.
Option (C) "corpulent – emaciated": Corpulent means excessively fat or having a large, bulky body. Emaciated means abnormally thin or weak, especially because of illness or lack of food. Because one means "very fat" and the other means "very thin," they are perfect antonyms. This is the correct choice.
Option (D) "philately – stamp collection": Philately is the actual study and collection of postage stamps. This is a word followed by its direct definition, not an opposite.
Step 4 : Final Answer:
By identifying the opposing physical states of being fat and thin, we conclude that "corpulent – emaciated" (Option C) is the correct pair of antonyms.