Choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word(s).
The doctor examined the patient painstakingly?
Answer Details
The opposite in meaning to "painstakingly" is "perfunctorily."
"Painstakingly" is an adverb that means taking great care and effort to do something thoroughly and accurately. In the given sentence, it implies that the doctor took a lot of time and effort to examine the patient with care and precision.
On the other hand, "perfunctorily" is an adverb that means to do something with little interest or effort, just going through the motions. Therefore, if the doctor examined the patient "perfunctorily," it would suggest that they did it without much attention or care, just going through the motions without taking the time to do a thorough examination.
The other options are not appropriate antonyms in this context. "Carefully" is a synonym for "painstakingly." "Professionally" means to do something in a skilled and competent way, which is not necessarily the opposite of "painstakingly." "Painfully" is an adverb that means causing physical or emotional pain, which is not relevant to the context of examining a patient.