Question

Read the excerpt from “A Century Ride.”

But now, Carr was behaving atrociously. When Lizzie and her husband were present, he was geniality personified, his brown eyes twinkled, and his laugh rang clear; when Lizzie, with transparent diplomacy, pleaded delicate health, and retired early, or with pretty wifely demands drew her husband aside, and left the young people en tête-à-tête, Carr knitted his brows in an ugly frown, and sat, stood, or strolled in gloomy silence.
Which phrase in the excerpt clarifies the meaning of “atrociously” by providing its opposite?

Answer 1

geniality personfied

Answer 2

The answer seems indeed to be "he was geniality personified".

"Atrocious" - the adjective that originates the adverb "atrociously" - means abominable, dreadful, or even cruel, brutal. On the other hand, geniality is the ability to behave in a cheerful, easy-going way, with affability.

The phrase "he was geniality personified" clarifies the meaning of "atrociously" by providing its opposite.