When it comes to playing the piano, I am a complete [ignoramus]

Analyze the question You are asked to find the word opposite in meaning to "ignoramus" in the sentence: "When it comes to playing the piano, I am a complete ignoramus."

Explain the concept An ignoramus is an ignorant or stupid person, someone who lacks knowledge or skill in a particular area. In this sentence, it means someone with no skill at the piano.

This is an antonym question, so we need the word that means the reverse: someone with great knowledge or skill.

Solution: check each option

• A. Idiot: a foolish person. This is a synonym of ignoramus, so it is wrong.
• B. Virtuoso: a person with outstanding skill, especially in music. This is the opposite of an ignoramus, and it fits the piano context perfectly.
• C. Novice: a beginner. This is close in meaning to ignoramus (little skill), so it is a near-synonym, not an antonym.
• D. Nonentity: a person of no importance. This is not an antonym, and it relates to status rather than skill.

Answer The correct option is B. virtuoso.

Exam tip In antonym questions, first decide what the given word means, then eliminate its synonyms. Options A, C and D all describe someone lacking skill or importance, so they are the "same side" as ignoramus. The odd one out, virtuoso, is usually the antonym. Remember: virtuoso = very talented (especially in music).