What is the opposite of yearn?

[Art]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #215 "Antonyms (1)", question 10

Steven was stationed so long in Iraqthat he often yearned to see his wife and children again. What is an antonym of yearn? .........

(a) desire
(b) refuse
(c) long
(d) unite

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #215 "Antonyms (1)", answer 10

Steven was stationed so long in Iraqthat he often yearned to see his wife and children again. What is an antonym of yearn? refuse

Correct answer: (b) refuse
_________________________

Please explain as to why refuse is the answer in here. is there another word that comes close to this answer?

Art

[Linda]

Hello,
The definition of "yearn" is: "to long for - persistently, wistfully or sadly; to want something badly."
So, the best answer (an antonym) is "refuse" because the definition is: "to express oneself as unwilling to accept. For example, "to refuse a gift."
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[English Rpg Gm]

ForWhatItsWorth, as a native speaker, I fail this test - though not in the multiple choice form. "Refuse" is a poor choice in context but certainly diametrically opposite the others

My choice? Dread. IMHO, Refuse is more appropriate an antonym to accept as dread is to long/yearn.

Steven was stationed so long in Iraq that he often dreaded to see his wife and children again.

This is not the first time I would choose a different antonym. Why do these tests use words that natives would not? There must be a logical answer I do not see.

[Linda]

Hi,
I'm a native speaker and I'm not sure what you're referring to when you say we use words that "natives" would not. Are you referring to yearn or refuse? I use both and so do many other people. "Dread" is a good option but the students have to choose the word that is an antonym to yearn and refuse is an antonym of yearn - in my opinion. I think this discussion is a matter of opinion.
You also made a mistake in your speech. Did you mean "I would fail this test" or "I failed this test?" I "fail this test" is not correct.
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[English Rpg Gm]

Hi Linda,

yeah, well I would fail the test were I to take it. As it is, I fail the test because I do not (even) see the rationale in using the best word available which is obviously supposed to be refuse.* Obvious for me only because all the other words are not even close to antonyms.

"Steven was stationed so long in Iraq that he often refused to see his wife and children again." That does not sound, well, normal to me.

So I am thinking why is a better antonym, such as dread, not an option? It just rolls off the tip of the tongue as a natural antonym to yearn. A student is not about to pencil in a better antonym. But why wasn't a better one provided?

Is the test to emphasize the word refuse/reject at that level? Why not use a more natural context for the verb refuse if such is the case?

I am just curious.

* breaking a rule can be used for emphasis but only after you know the rule, my grade school teacher told me. Also, breaking the rule is acceptable if you're a hillbilly or an American President.

[Yankee]

Hi

I agree with English RPG GM that dread would be more appropriate as an antonym for yearn. To me, refuse isn't quite right, and only the fact that the other options are so much "wronger" help a test-taker find the "correct" answer in this test.

Just my two cents.
.

[Linda]

Again,
Thanks for the opinions but I think you're failing to understand how this test works. It's really not that difficult but I'll explain it.
The sentence is only given so that the students can see how the first word is used - in context. Then, the students choose an antonym (from the highlighted word used in a sentence) from a list of words. The antonym does not replace the highlighted word in the sentence. I'm glad that dread rolls off of your tongue ever so beautifully. However, I think the word refuse (as an antonym) is fine.
The definition of yearn is: to want something badly
The definition of refuse is: unwilling to accept something
The definition of dread is: "to fear greatly; to feel extreme reluctance to meet or face" - usually with fear
So, that really doesn't make sense at all. Subsequently, although you are yearning for dread, I'm going to have to refuse that request.
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[Linda]

Hi again,
Just so I'm clear. It doesn't make sense to me that refuse wouldn't work in this case (that's what I meant by my latter sentences). Furthermore, there are many other words that would work as antonyms as well. For example, "abhor, detest, dislike." Any one of these - as an antonym of yearn - is just fine.
And again, did you mean to say "I fail to understand this test"....OR "I fail to see why this word was used" because "I fail the test" (unless you repeatedly take the test everyday and fail) is not proper English.
Also, you said "Why do these tests use words that natives would not?" That is not the case - at all - and you didn't respond to the question I posed about that.
By the way, all of my teachers and university professors taught me to use fact and reason to support my views etc. - not insults and/or generalizations.
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[Yankee]

.
To me, both 'yearn' and 'dread' suggest that a good bit of time is spent either feeling that you want (yearn) or do not want (dread) something, and in both cases the feeling is very strong. That's one reason I like English RPG GM's suggestion.

In addition, with the word 'yearn' there is a sense that you want something that it is not possible to have -- at least not right away. On the other hand, the word 'dread' suggests that the person is anticipating that what they don't want to happen is going to happen. So, that suggests opposite to me.

The word 'refuse' just doesn't quite make it as an antonym for 'yearn' -- at least not to me. I also think that 'refuse' and 'accept' make much better antonyms.
.

[Mister Micawber]

.
Refuse is not a good antonym for yearn. I would replace it with dread or something else that includes the idea of the opposite emotion: loathe, repulse, spurn, etc.
.
_________________
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[English Rpg Gm]

[Linda]

Hi,
Thanks for all of the opinions but I think the word should be changed to "abhor" instead. I like that better. But, I still think that the word "refuse" is fine.
As far as the other comments (such as the one made about not using "refuse" in everyday language), I'd like to respond by saying that people still use the word "refuse" whether you say they do or not.
I'm also still curious about why you have now dodged the question about your improper grammar (that you used and then defended until your last comments). I, as a native speaker, wouldn't have defended grammar like that - it's elementary. As you stated, you wouldn't be a good teacher if you fail to use proper grammar when speaking or writing.
Lastly, you're entitled to your opinions about the tests and the English language - as am I. By the way, I wouldn't call it "nit picking" - I, as a native speaker, would call it "splitting hairs." I like the way that sounds.
I now have to get back to work.
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[English Rpg Gm]

[Alan]

Hi,

You repeatedly tell us that you are a native speaker. Where did you grow up and learn/acquire your English?

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Well, Hello!

[English Rpg Gm]

Hi Alan,

I am an anglophone Canadian from Quebec, Canada.

Sorry about my anonymous nickname: English RPG GM. I use it as a little self-promotion here of how I do what I do in Poland. I give conversation practice using role playing games. My market is proficiency-level speakers. My proper name is R.A. Whipple.

This is about me from my website; and on my LinkedIn profile.

Academically, I studied British literature at UPEI in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, before going into business in Montreal. I opened a second office in Toronto, Ontario, serving national clients. I found myself in Warsaw, Poland 7 years ago.

Experience-wise, I am a public relations counselor: spokesperson, news release writer, media/presentations trainer.

I am also dyslexic so my apologies for the typos I may have missed. You have quite a remarkable site here, Alan.