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 underlined word is "amicable" (the sentence says "the terms were amicable"). You need the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning and that also fits the gap: "others thought that they were ____."

Explain the concept

"Amicable" means friendly, peaceable, or characterized by goodwill. Its antonym should mean unfriendly or antagonistic.

Step-by-step solution

• A. strange: means unusual. It is not the opposite of friendly.
• B. disagreeable: means unpleasant or not to one's liking. It is somewhat opposite, but it describes how pleasant something is, not the lack of friendliness.
• C. bad: too general. It is not a precise opposite.
• D. hostile: means unfriendly, antagonistic, or showing ill will. This is the direct opposite of "amicable" (friendly and peaceable).

"Hostile" also fits the gap well: "While some workers felt that the terms were amicable, others thought that they were hostile." The contrast in the sentence (friendly versus unfriendly) works.

Although "disagreeable" is a plausible distractor, "hostile" is the stronger and more exact antonym.

Tip

Remember the root: "amicable" comes from the Latin amicus, meaning friend (think of "amity" and "amiable"). So its opposite is about being unfriendly or enemy-like, which is "hostile." For antonym questions, always test the word in the sentence as well.