The exotic bird looked resplendent; its bright plumage contrasted with the rather … undergrowth

Analyze the question

The sentence says the bird looked resplendent (splendid, brilliant), and its bright plumage contrasted with the undergrowth. The key word "contrasted" tells us the undergrowth must be the opposite of bright and splendid. The question also asks for the word nearest in opposite meaning to the underlined word, which is most likely "resplendent" or "bright," and the word must fit the gap.

Explain the concept

This is an antonym question with a context clue. Words like contrasted, but, however and rather signal opposition. Always test each option in the sentence as well as checking its meaning.

Step-by-step solution

• Resplendent means shining brilliantly, splendid, colourful. Its opposite is dull, colourless or plain.
• A. immobile means not moving. This says nothing about colour or brilliance, so it does not contrast with "bright plumage."
• B. foreign is a near-synonym of "exotic," not an opposite of anything relevant here.
• C. bright is a synonym, not an antonym. It would also destroy the contrast in the sentence.
• D. drab means dull, dreary and lacking colour. It is the direct opposite of resplendent and bright. It also fits perfectly: "...contrasted with the rather drab undergrowth."

Answer: D. drab

Tip: In "opposite meaning" questions, first find the contrast signal (contrasted, but, although, rather). Then eliminate synonyms, since they are common traps (here, "bright" and "foreign"). Finally, read the sentence with your chosen word to confirm it makes sense.