She looks very pale. — Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase underlined

Analyze the question: You need the antonym (opposite) of "pale" as used in "She looks very pale."

Explain the concept: "Pale" describes a face that is light in colour or has lost its natural colour, often because of illness, shock, or fear. So its opposite is a face with healthy, rosy colour.

Solution: Check each option.

• A. ruddy means healthy red or rosy in complexion. This is the direct opposite of pale.
• B. strange means unusual. It has no link to colour, so it is not an antonym.
• C. sick is actually close to what "pale" suggests, so it is more of a related idea than an opposite.
• D. weak also goes along with looking pale, so it is not an opposite either.

Options C and D are traps. They are related to "pale" rather than opposite to it. The only option that describes the opposite complexion is "ruddy".

Correct answer: A. ruddy

Tip: In antonym questions, first ask yourself whether an option is a synonym or an associated idea. Eliminate those, because examiners often include them as distractors. Also remember that "pale" is about colour, so look for a colour-related opposite such as ruddy, rosy, flushed, or glowing.