Which of the following pairs represents EXACT ANTONYMS where both words are correctly paired?
Options:
(A) Frugal : Prodigal
(B) Ephemeral : Perpetual
(C) Mitigate : Exacerbate
(D) Ambiguous : Equivocal
Answer Key:
A, B, C
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
**Method 1: Lexical Semantics & Antonymy Analysis**
- (A) 'Frugal' (economical, sparing) vs 'Prodigal' (wasteful, lavish, extravagant) are exact antonyms.
- (B) 'Ephemeral' (transient, short-lived) vs 'Perpetual' (everlasting, eternal) are exact antonyms.
- (C) 'Mitigate' (alleviate, make less severe) vs 'Exacerbate' (aggravate, make worse) are exact antonyms.
- (D) 'Ambiguous' (open to multiple interpretations) and 'Equivocal' (uncertain, ambiguous) are SYNONYMS, not antonyms.
Therefore, the correct options are **A**, **B**, and **C**.