For this question, choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics.  Musa vehemently opposed his son's political ambition.

Analyze the question: The word in italics is vehemently, and you need the option that is opposite in meaning (an antonym).

Explain the concept: Vehemently means with strong feeling, force, or intensity. It describes an action done passionately and forcefully. So the antonym should describe something done without passion, force, or strong feeling.

Go through the options:

• A. emphatically: means forcefully or with strong emphasis. This is a synonym, so it is wrong.
• B. strongly: also a synonym of vehemently, so it is wrong.
• C. coldly: means without warmth or passion, in an unemotional way. This is the opposite of showing intense feeling, so it fits.
• D. carelessly: means without care or attention. It is not the opposite of forceful feeling, because someone can be careless without being mild or unemotional. It does not fit as well.

Answer: The best antonym is **C.

Tip: In antonym questions, first spot the synonyms among the options (here A and B), and eliminate them immediately. They are usually distractors. Then pick the option that reverses the feeling or degree of the word. For vehemently (intense, passionate), think "mild, indifferent, cold, unemotional."