Question 18

Intermittent and constant represent antonyms.

The words "intermittent" and "constant" are opposites, as "intermittent" refers to something that occurs at irregular intervals, while "constant" signifies something that happens continuously or without interruption.

A) malicious - pernicious

Both "malicious" and "pernicious" describe harmful or destructive qualities, making them synonyms rather than antonyms. Therefore, this pair does not represent opposing meanings.

B) intermittent - constant

This option correctly identifies a pair of antonyms. "Intermittent" denotes something that does not happen continuously, while "constant" indicates something that is unchanging and occurs without pause.

C) interminable - infinite

While "interminable" suggests something that seems endless or never-ending, "infinite" refers to something without limits. Although they share a theme of extent, they do not serve as direct antonyms, as both imply a lack of boundaries rather than opposing concepts.

D) egregious - extreme

"Egregious" refers to something that stands out in a negative way, while "extreme" can describe something that is at the farthest end of a spectrum, whether positive or negative. These terms do not oppose each other and are more aligned as descriptors of intensity rather than antonyms.

Conclusion

The correct answer, "intermittent - constant," captures the essence of antonyms by contrasting the regularity and continuity of "constant" with the irregular nature of "intermittent." All other options fail to meet the criteria of antonyms, as they either represent synonyms or do not directly oppose each other in meaning.