Question

Choose the word that is most OPPOSITE in meaning to the word given in capitals.

SUBSTANTIAL

• A. Extensive
• B. Independent
• C. Manifest
• D. Minimal

Hint:

Substantial means large or considerable in amount. Look for the option describing the smallest possible amount.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Think of SUBSTANTIAL on a simple scale of amount, from almost nothing at one end to a great deal at the other. Substantial sits firmly on the great deal end, describing a sum, size, or fact that carries real weight.

1. Extensive: This word also sits on the great deal end of the scale, describing something spread wide or covering a lot of ground. It sits beside substantial on the same side of the scale, not opposite it.
2. Independent: This word measures a completely different quality, how much something relies on others, not how much of it there is. It does not belong on the same scale as substantial.
3. Manifest: This word measures visibility, whether something can be seen or noticed, again a different scale from amount or size.
4. Minimal: This word sits at the opposite end of the amount scale from substantial, right next to almost nothing. Because both words measure the same thing, amount or size, but from opposite ends, minimal is the true opposite.

Only minimal shares the same amount scale as substantial while sitting at the far opposite end of it.

Let's summarize:

• Substantial and Minimal both describe amount or size, but from opposite ends of the scale.
• Extensive shares the same large side as substantial, so it cannot be the opposite.
• Independent and Manifest measure different qualities altogether, not amount.

So the correct opposite of substantial is option (4), Minimal.