Example 1:
* Sentence: The teacher was optimistic about the students' progress, while the principal was pessimistic and worried about the upcoming standardized tests.
* Antonym: Optimistic and pessimistic are antonyms. This helps us understand that "optimistic" means hopeful and positive, while "pessimistic" means negative and doubtful.
Example 2:
* Sentence: The artist's exuberant use of color was a stark contrast to the austere design of the building.
* Antonym: Exuberant and austere are antonyms. This helps us understand that "exuberant" means lively and full of energy, while "austere" means plain, simple, and severe.
Example 3:
* Sentence: The politician was known for his eloquent speeches, but his opponent was inarticulate and struggled to express himself.
* Antonym: Eloquent and inarticulate are antonyms. This helps us understand that "eloquent" means fluent and persuasive, while "inarticulate" means unable to express oneself clearly.
Example 4:
* Sentence: The child was timid and shy around strangers, but his older brother was bold and outgoing.
* Antonym: Timid and bold are antonyms. This helps us understand that "timid" means fearful and hesitant, while "bold" means brave and confident.
Example 5:
* Sentence: The company's profit for the quarter was much lower than expected, which led to a significant loss in the stock market.
* Antonym: Profit and loss are antonyms. This helps us understand that "profit" means a gain, while "loss" means a decrease in value.
Key takeaway: When encountering unfamiliar words, look for words with opposite meanings (antonyms) within the sentence or surrounding text. This can often provide a strong clue to the word's definition.