The witness averred that she had seen Dosun at the scene of the crime

Analyze the question: You need the word that is opposite in meaning to "averred" in the sentence: "The witness averred that she had seen Dosun at the scene of the crime."

Explain the concept: "Aver" means to state positively, to assert or declare something to be true. Its synonyms are affirm, assert, declare, maintain and state. Its opposite is to deny, reject or refute.

Solution:

• A. argued: to give reasons for or against something. This is not an opposite, and it is only loosely related.
• B. confirmed: to establish as true. This is close to "averred", so it is a synonym, not an opposite.
• C. denied: to declare something untrue. This is the direct opposite of asserting that something is true.
• D. affirmed: to state firmly that something is true. This is a synonym of "averred".

Since "averred" means asserted as true, the opposite is "denied", so the witness would be saying she did not see Dosun there.

Answer: C. denied

Tip: In "opposite meaning" questions, first find the meaning of the word, then eliminate the synonyms. Here, B and D mean the same as "averred", so they cannot be the answer. Also remember that "aver" and "affirm" go together, while "deny" and "refute" are on the opposite side.