The cast consisted of many famous actors and few … ones.

Analyze the question

The underlined word is "famous" (the underline doesn't show in the text, but "famous" is the word that fits). We need the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to "famous" and that also fits the gap: "many famous actors and few __ ones."

Explain the concept

This is an antonym-in-context question. Two things must hold:

1. The word must be opposite in meaning to "famous."
2. It must make sense in the sentence.

Work through the options

• A. humble: This means modest, not proud. It describes character, not fame, so it is not the opposite of "famous."
• B. infamous: This means famous for something bad. It is still well known, so it is not an opposite. It is a common trap because it looks like the negative of "famous."
• C. unknown: This means not known or not recognised, which is the direct opposite of famous. "Many famous actors and few unknown ones" reads correctly.
• D. unpopular: This means not liked. An actor can be famous and still unpopular, so it is not a true opposite.

Answer

The word that fits both conditions is unknown, which is option C.

Exam tip

Watch out for "infamous." Students often think it is the opposite of "famous" because of the prefix "in-", but it actually means notorious, which is fame for bad reasons. The true opposite of famous is unknown, obscure, or unheard-of.