Question

Choose the word which is closest to the opposite in meaning to the italicized word.
The Principal hardly managed to give the papers a cursory glance.

• A. superficial
• B. through
• C. thorough
• D. curious

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

thorough

Option C: 'Cursory' means 'hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed'.

'Thorough' means 'complete with regard to every detail'.

As you can see, 'thorough' means the opposite of 'cursory'.

Hence option C is correct.

Option A: 'Superficial' means 'not thorough, deep or complete; cursory'. It means the same as 'cursory' and not the opposite.

Option B: 'Through' means 'from the beginning to the end of (an experience or activity)'.

Option D: 'Curious' means 'eager to know or learn something'.

These words do not mean the opposite of the italicized word 'cursory'.

Hence options A, B and D are wrong.