The audience applauded the last speaker, but the first was

Analyze the question You are asked for the word most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word, "applauded", that also fits the gap. The sentence is: "The audience applauded the last speaker, but the first was __."

Explain the concept "Applaud" means to show approval by clapping or cheering. Its opposite is to show disapproval loudly, and the word that does this is boo. The question has two tests, so each option must pass both:

1. It must be opposite in meaning to "applauded".
2. It must fit the sentence grammatically and naturally.

Step-by-step solution

• A. booed: This is the direct opposite of applauding, because both are audience reactions, one of approval and one of disapproval. It fits the sentence: "the first was booed."
• B. rejected: This means refused or turned down. It is not a typical way for an audience to respond to a speaker, and it is not a direct opposite of clapping.
• C. abused: This means insulted or mistreated. It is stronger and does not specifically mean showing disapproval of a performance.
• D. scorned: This means treated with contempt. It is an attitude, not a vocal or audible reaction like applause, so it is a weaker opposite.

Answer The best choice is A. booed. The complete sentence reads: "The audience applauded the last speaker, but the first was booed."

Exam tip For opposite-in-meaning questions with a gap, ask yourself what the same kind of action is in reverse. Applause is an audible show of approval, so its reverse is an audible show of disapproval, which is booing. Also check that the word fits the sentence grammatically (here, a past participle after "was").