Answer the following question below and choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase in. As an idiot, the boy is weak in class

Analyze the question: You are asked to find the word opposite in meaning to "idiot" (the underlined word) in the sentence: "As an idiot, the boy is weak in class."

Explain the concept: This is an antonym question. First, find what the word means, then pick the option that means the reverse.

• Idiot = a very foolish or unintelligent person.
• So the antonym should describe a person who is very intelligent.

Check each option:

• A. a deviant: someone who departs from accepted norms. This has nothing to do with intelligence, so it is not an opposite.
• B. an expert: someone skilled in a particular field. This is close, but an expert is skilled in a specific area, not generally brilliant. It is not the best opposite.
• C. a dunce: a slow learner or a stupid person. This is a synonym of idiot, not an antonym.
• D. a genius: a person of exceptional intelligence. This is the direct opposite of an idiot.

Answer: The opposite of "idiot" (a very unintelligent person) is a genius (a very intelligent person).

Tip: In antonym questions, first spot any option that is a synonym of the given word (here, "dunce") and eliminate it. It is often placed there as a trap. Then choose the option with the strongest opposite meaning (genius vs. idiot sits at the two extremes of intelligence).