from the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the…

Analyze the question

The question asks for the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word (here, pride) and that also fits the gap: "It is a fact that pride is a less admirable quality than __."

Explain the concept

This is an opposites (antonyms) question. You must find the word whose meaning is the reverse of the key word. The word must also make sense in the sentence.

Solution

• Pride means an excessive sense of one's own importance or superiority, or arrogance.
• The opposite of that is being modest and not thinking too highly of yourself.

Checking the options:

• A. humility: the quality of being modest and having a low view of your own importance. This is the direct antonym of pride.
• B. honesty: this is about truthfulness, not about how one views oneself. It is not the opposite of pride.
• C. affection: this means fondness or love. It is unrelated to pride.
• D. tenderness: this means gentleness or softness. It is not the direct opposite of pride.

Substituting into the sentence: "It is a fact that pride is a less admirable quality than humility." This is grammatical and makes sense, since humility is the admired virtue and pride is the vice.

Answer: A. humility

Exam tip

In antonym questions, first define the key word in your own words, then look for the option that reverses that exact idea. Don't be distracted by words that are merely "good qualities" (like honesty or tenderness). The word must be the opposite, not just a positive trait. A useful pairing to memorize is pride ↔ humility, and likewise arrogance ↔ modesty.