I abhor a traitor — Choose the one opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined

Analyze the question

The question has no visible underlined word, but the sentence is "I abhor a traitor." Since the options are all phrases (such as "keeper of secrets"), the underlined part is most likely "a traitor", and we need the phrase that is opposite in meaning to it.

Explain the concept

• Traitor: someone who betrays trust, a country, a friend, or a cause. He is disloyal and often gives away secrets.
• Antonym: a word or phrase with the opposite meaning. The opposite of a traitor is someone loyal, faithful, and trustworthy.

Go through the options

• A. fallacious person: "Fallacious" means misleading or based on false reasoning. It has nothing to do with loyalty, so it is not the opposite.
• B. reveler of secrets: This is someone who reveals secrets. That is close to the meaning of a traitor, so it is a synonym, not an antonym. (Note: "reveler" really means a party-goer, but the intended word is "revealer".)
• C. progressive element: This means a forward-looking person or part. It has no link to loyalty or betrayal.
• D. keeper of secrets: This is someone who guards confidences and stays faithful. That is the direct opposite of a traitor, who betrays trust.

Identify the answer

The opposite of "traitor" (one who betrays or gives away secrets) is "keeper of secrets" (one who stays loyal and guards trust).

Tip

In antonym questions, first state the core idea of the word in your own mind. Here, traitor means betrayal or disloyalty, so look for loyalty. Be careful with options that are synonyms (like B), because examiners include them as traps.