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Jeff_999 Posted 21 years ago
Grammar

Antonym/ DELICACY

DELICACY:
A. disparity
B. flamboyance
C. crudity
D. simplicity
E. expansiveness


(Choose a lettered word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the word in the capital letter.)


Yep, that's right. It is C. But ain't this question showing any flow in the GRE general test developed by the ETS, since "simplicity" fairly expresses an opposite meaning to "delicacy"? (Delicay means sensitivity to the feelings of others or tact, while simplicity menas lack of good sense or sophistication.)


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Top answer

-- 'lacking subtlety'. However, I don't think the specific term 'simplicity' generally carries that connotation, though 'simple-mindedness' would. )

— Davkett

  • -- 'lacking subtlety'.
  • However, I don't think the specific term 'simplicity' generally carries that connotation, though 'simple-mindedness' would.
  • )
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4 Answers
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I believe you could so argue your point by basing it on one of the definitions of 'simple', i.e.-- 'lacking subtlety'. However, I don't think the specific term 'simplicity' generally carries that connotation, though 'simple-mindedness' would.

('Showing any flow', I take as a typo for 'showing a flaw'.)
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It does, Davkett.

Here is its definition I drew from http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=simplicity

Simplicity

n. pl. sim·plic·i·ties
  1. The property, condition, or quality of being simple or uncombined.
  2. Absence of luxury or sh
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Well, I protected my opinion somewhat by saying that 'simplicity' does not generally carry the connotation of 'lacking subtlety'. This no.4 dictionary definition is not reflected in the other four definitions. Thus, one might reasonably conclude that it is not the most decisive basis for choosing the best antonym for 'delicacy'.
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  1. Lack of sophistication or subtlety; naiveté.
  2. Lack of good sense or intelligence; foolishness.


    3. Hmm. I'm not convinced that "simplicity" in any of these senses would necessarily exclude "delicacy".

    An unsophisticated, unsubtle, unintelligent person can show "delicacy". (Even dogs can be "delicate", at times.)

    MrP
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