Question

Reagan uses the word gash in the first paragraph of this speech. In each sentence below, the underlined word shares the same denotation, or general literal meaning, as gash: “deep cut.” Which underlined word has connotations most clearly opposite to gash as Reagan uses it in his speech? Base your answer on context.
A. A laceration that deep should be treated with antibiotics.
B. To begin the operation, the surgeon made an incision in the patient.
C. With a gouge like that in the door, the car is worth much less.
D. The cat made a slash in the cushions that let the stuffing out.

Answer 1

B.

All four words denote a deep cut, but "incision" (B) carries a clinical, controlled, often healing connotation (a surgeon’s deliberate cut), which is the clearest opposite of the violent, damaging sense Reagan gives "gash." The others (laceration, gouge, slash) retain the messy or destructive connotations similar to "gash."