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Question 1Question →

Which word opposite in meaning to the bold word completes the sentence correctly?

Although the senior financial analysts remained remarkably SANGUINE about the market's recovery, the venture capital board grew increasingly {{blank_1}} following three consecutive quarters of declining revenue.

Fill in the blanks below

Although the senior financial analysts remained remarkably SANGUINE about the market's recovery, the venture capital board grew increasingly following three consecutive quarters of declining revenue.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

pessimistic (or despondent / gloomy / morose)
In the sentence, 'SANGUINE' describes an optimistic and confident outlook regarding economic recovery. The introductory conjunction 'Although' signals that the missing word must contrast with optimism. Therefore, words indicating a negative, doubtful, or hopeless outlook—such as 'pessimistic', 'despondent', or 'gloomy'—provide the exact opposite meaning required.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word in its sentence context.
The word 'SANGUINE' in this context means optimistic, hopeful, or confident regarding a future outcome.
Identifying the contextual meaning of the highlighted vocabulary word is essential before determining its antonym.
2
Identify structural clues signalling contrast.
The sentence begins with the subordinating conjunction 'Although', establishing a direct contrast between the analysts' positive posture and the venture capital board's reaction to bad financial news.
Conjunctions of concession like 'although' indicate that the missing word must express the semantic opposite of 'sanguine'.
3
Formulate the correct antonym to fill the blank.
Words such as 'pessimistic', 'despondent', or 'gloomy' accurately express a negative, doubtful, or hopeless outlook.
These terms directly oppose the optimistic connotation of 'sanguine' in a financial forecasting context.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual antonyms using sentence contrast clues
Question 2Question →

Complete the sentence below by providing the appropriate idiomatic expression in the blank.

Fill in the blanks below

By quietly securing the international patent rights before any competitor was aware of the breakthrough, the technology firm managed to the entire industry.
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Answer

The correct idiomatic expression to complete the sentence is 'steal a march on' (or 'steal a march upon').
The idiomatic expression 'steal a march on' means to gain an advantage over someone by acting secretly or earlier than anticipated. In the context of quietly securing patent rights before rivals are even aware, this phrase provides the exact figurative meaning required.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual clues in the sentence
The sentence describes an entity acting secretly and ahead of time to gain an unfair or strategic advantage over rivals.
Contextual analysis requires identifying the precise figurative action being described.
2
Select the standard English idiomatic expression that denotes gaining a secret head start
The idiom 'steal a march on' specifically means to gain an advantage over a competitor, especially by acting secretly or earlier than expected.
The origin of the idiom stems from military tactics where one army marches quietly during the night to gain a positional advantage before the enemy realizes.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 3Question →

Complete the sentence below by identifying a word nearest in meaning to 'obdurate' as used in the given context.

Fill in the blanks below

Despite fierce criticism from committee members, the director remained obdurate in his stance, demonstrating an entirely posture regarding the restructuring of the agency.
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Answer

An appropriate word nearest in meaning to 'obdurate' in this context is 'uncompromising' (or 'inflexible', 'unyielding', 'intransigent').
In the context of resisting external criticism to maintain a stance, 'obdurate' means stubbornly unyielding. Therefore, terms such as 'uncompromising', 'inflexible', 'unyielding', or 'intransigent' accurately convey the intended semantic meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of 'obdurate' in the stem.
In administrative and policy contexts, 'obdurate' refers to someone who is stubbornly resistant to persuasion or unwilling to alter their position despite pressure.
Evaluating the surrounding phrase ('despite fierce criticism... remained obdurate') highlights unbending resistance.
2
Select a precise synonym that fits the grammatical slot preceding 'posture'.
Adjectives such as 'uncompromising', 'inflexible', 'unyielding', or 'intransigent' directly reflect the refusal to compromise or yield.
The sentence structure requires an adjectival synonym that conveys firm, unbending resolve.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms and Lexical Precision
Question 4Question →

Which word nearest in meaning to 'unyielding' or 'stubborn' appropriately completes the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

Despite numerous appeals from the mediation panel, the director remained in his stance against restructuring the division.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct response is 'obdurate' (or synonyms such as 'intransigent', 'adamant', or 'recalcitrant'), which denotes an unyielding, stubborn refusal to alter one's position or opinion despite persuasion.
The correct terms ('obdurate', 'intransigent', 'adamant') accurately express a firm, unyielding refusal to compromise, directly aligning with the contextual contrast set by 'Despite numerous appeals'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual clues provided in the stem sentence.
The opening prepositional phrase 'Despite numerous appeals from the mediation panel' establishes a contrast, indicating that the director refused to yield or compromise.
Evaluating contextual contrast helps determine the exact semantic trait needed for the missing word.
2
Identify words nearest in meaning to 'unyielding' or 'stubborn' fitting formal register.
Words such as 'obdurate', 'intransigent', 'adamant', and 'recalcitrant' precisely express an unyielding firmness of purpose.
JAMB UTME tests advanced lexis where the chosen synonym must match both contextual meaning and formal tone.

Key Concept

Synonyms and Contextual Word Usage
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 5Question →

Analyze the literary description provided below concerning internal narrative portrayal, then fill in the missing term to complete the analysis. Which narrative technique accurately completes the statement?

Fill in the blanks below

In literary analysis, when a narrative presents the continuous, unfiltered flow of a character's internal thoughts, memories, and sensory reactions without conventional syntactic structure or transitional markers, it utilizes the technique of .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

stream of consciousness
The term 'stream of consciousness' accurately describes a narrative device designed to render the fluid, unedited, and frequently non-linear cognitive process of a character as sensory data and thoughts occur.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the key characteristics described in the literary analysis statement.
The statement highlights an unfiltered flow of internal thoughts, memories, and sensory impressions lacking standard punctuation or linear syntax.
Recognizing structural and stylistic indicators is necessary to distinguish specific narrative modes.
2
Differentiate between related narrative modes such as interior monologue, free indirect discourse, and stream of consciousness.
Stream of consciousness specifically denotes the non-linear, associative, and continuous psychological flux of a character's consciousness.
While interior monologue represents structured internal speech, stream of consciousness mimics the chaotic, real-time thought process.

Key Concept

Stream of Consciousness Narrative Technique
Question 6Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the word nearest in meaning to 'painstaking' that accurately reflects rigorous attention to detail in a formal investigation.

Fill in the blanks below

The forensic investigator conducted a analysis of the evidence, ensuring that no detail, however small, was overlooked.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

meticulous (or scrupulous / thorough / rigorous)
The sentence describes an investigation executed with exhaustive precision where no detail is missed. The word 'meticulous' (along with synonyms like 'scrupulous' or 'rigorous') accurately fits this contextual requirement.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The clause 'ensuring that no detail, however small, was overlooked' indicates an action defined by extreme care, precision, and thoroughness.
Contextual clues dictate that the missing word must describe an intense focus on precision and detail.
2
Select the appropriate contextual synonym
'Meticulous' directly means taking or showing extreme care about minute details, matching the context perfectly.
It captures both the academic precision and formal tone required by the sentence.

Key Concept

Identifying synonyms and words nearest in meaning in formal context
Question 7Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the appropriate idiomatic expression that correctly captures the intended meaning.

Fill in the blanks below

Despite facing severe financial headwinds and mounting opposition from stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer refused to and insisted on carrying out the planned corporate restructuring.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

throw in the towel (or throw in the sponge)
The idiomatic expression 'throw in the towel' (or 'throw in the sponge') means to surrender, quit, or admit defeat. In this context, stating that the CEO 'refused to throw in the towel' correctly conveys that he refused to give up despite severe obstacles.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence.
The subject (the CEO) faces heavy challenges but refuses to admit defeat or quit.
The phrase 'refused to... and insisted on carrying out' indicates perseverance against adversity.
2
Select the appropriate idiomatic phrase.
The idiom 'throw in the towel' (originating from boxing) means to admit defeat or surrender.
Inserting 'throw in the towel' fits both the grammatical structure and the figurative context of the sentence.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Question 8Question →

Read the following passage regarding prerogative judicial writs and determine the precise technical terms required to complete the description. Which specialized legal terms correctly fill in the blanks in the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

In constitutional law and legal register, when a superior court issues an extraordinary judicial order commanding a public official, body, or lower tribunal to perform a mandatory duty required by law, the writ is known as a writ of . Conversely, an emergency judicial order directing a detaining authority to bring a person held in custody before the court to determine the legality of their detention is called a writ of .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct legal register terms are 'mandamus' for blank 1 and 'habeas corpus' for blank 2.
In the specialized register of law and judicial administration, 'mandamus' is a prerogative writ issued by a superior court commanding a public officer or lower tribunal to perform a mandatory duty imposed by law. A writ of 'habeas corpus' is a constitutional remedy commanding a detaining authority to produce a prisoner before the court to test the legal validity of the detention.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the legal context of the first blank describing an order compelling a public official or lower court to perform a mandatory statutory duty.
Identify the specialized Latin prerogative term used in judicial register for commanding official duty performance, which is 'mandamus'.
In legal vocabulary, 'mandamus' (Latin for 'we command') is the specific writ issued to enforce the performance of a public or statutory obligation.
2
Analyze the legal context of the second blank describing an order commanding a custodian to bring a detainee to court to assess the legality of detention.
Identify the technical term protecting personal liberty against unlawful restraint, which is 'habeas corpus'.
In legal nomenclature, 'habeas corpus' (Latin for 'you shall have the body') is the constitutional writ protecting individuals against arbitrary detention.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers: Legal and Judicial Prerogative Writs
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 9Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blanks with the contextually appropriate words.

Fill in the blanks below

Although the chief executive officer was not to taking calculated risks, she advised the board against proceeding under such market conditions.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct words to complete the sentence are 'averse' for the first blank and 'adverse' for the second blank.
The word 'averse' means feeling reluctant or disinclined, which fits the personal attitude toward risk in the first blank. The word 'adverse' means unfavorable or harmful, which correctly describes hostile market conditions in the second blank.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the first blank following 'was not... to'.
The sentence describes an inclination or unwillingness toward taking risks. The adjective 'averse' (followed by 'to') means strongly disinclined, opposed, or reluctant.
Choosing 'averse' correctly completes the idiomatic expression 'not averse to', meaning willing or open to.
2
Analyze the context of the second blank modifying 'market conditions'.
The context requires an adjective describing unfavorable, hostile, or harmful conditions. The adjective 'adverse' means harmful, unfavorable, or opposing one's interests.
'Adverse market conditions' is the correct formal collocation for unfavorable economic or financial circumstances.

Key Concept

Distinction between 'averse' (reluctant/opposed) and 'adverse' (unfavorable/hostile)
Question 10Question →

Complete the sentence below by providing the correct word for each blank to demonstrate accurate lexical usage.

Fill in the blanks below

Although the board members were quick to the manager's hasty decision, they acknowledged that the company's capital assets would not significantly over the coming fiscal year.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The first blank requires 'deprecate' (meaning to express disapproval of or criticize), while the second blank requires 'depreciate' (meaning to diminish in value or price over time).
The word 'deprecate' correctly fits the first blank because the board members expressed disapproval of a decision. The word 'depreciate' fits the second blank because it describes the loss of financial value in capital assets.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual requirement of the first blank: 'to _____ the manager's hasty decision'.
The verb required must describe expressing disapproval, protest, or criticism toward an action or decision.
'Deprecate' specifically means to express earnest disapproval of or urge reasons against an action.
2
Analyze the contextual requirement of the second blank: 'capital assets would not _____ significantly'.
The verb required must denote a reduction in financial value or price of tangible assets over time.
'Depreciate' specifically means to decrease in value or purchasing power, particularly regarding monetary or physical assets.

Key Concept

Distinction between the paronyms 'deprecate' (to express disapproval of) and 'depreciate' (to decrease in monetary value).
Question 11Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct derivative of the word in brackets using the appropriate prefix and suffix.

Fill in the blanks below

Following the severe oil spill along the coast, environmental scientists warned that the destruction of the marine ecosystem was virtually [REPAIR].
Show answer & explanation

Answer

irreparable
The correct form is 'irreparable'. It combines the negative prefix 'ir-' with the modified root 'par' and adjectival suffix '-able', correctly denoting damage that cannot be repaired.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the base root word and the required part of speech.
The base word is 'repair' (verb/noun), and the context requires an adjective describing the noun 'destruction'.
The sentence structure 'was virtually [adjective]' dictates an adjectival modifier.
2
Apply the appropriate negative prefix for words derived from Latin roots starting with 'r'.
The prefix 'ir-' (a variant of 'in-') assimilates before the letter 'r'.
In English word formation, 'ir-' attaches to Latinate stems beginning with 'r' (e.g., responsible -> irresponsible, regular -> irregular).
3
Select the correct adjectival suffix and adjust stem vowel spelling.
The suffix '-able' is added while shifting the root vowel from 'repair' to 'par' -> 'irreparable'.
The morphological derivation of 'repair' into a negative adjective follows the Latin stem 'reparare', altering the diphthong 'air' to 'ar'.

Key Concept

Prefix assimilation (ir-) and Latinate stem vowel alternation in derivative adjectives
Question 12Question →

Read the excerpt below carefully. What word best fills the blank to contextually mean managing or conserving resources with careful prudence?

Fill in the blanks below

Faced with an unprecedented contraction in export revenue, the cabinet advised the minister that the country must its dwindling foreign reserves to prevent an outright currency collapse.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct word to fill the blank is 'husband' (or contextually synonymous terms such as 'conserve', 'steward', or 'economize').
In formal English discourse, to 'husband' resources means to manage them with frugal care and careful economy. Within the passage, the surrounding contextual cues—dwindling reserves and preventing financial collapse—demand a verb that signifies careful preservation and stewardship.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence discusses economic hardship ('unprecedented contraction in export revenue') and a desperate policy measure needed to 'prevent an outright currency collapse'.
Understanding the surrounding financial crisis sets the precise semantic constraint for the required verb.
2
Determine the required contextual meaning
The missing word must describe the careful, frugal management and preservation of limited assets ('dwindling foreign reserves').
In formal and academic Use of English, particularly in JAMB UTME registers, words with specific secondary meanings are tested.
3
Identify the precise lexical fit
The verb 'husband' specifically denotes using or managing resources carefully and economically.
Substituting 'husband' satisfies both the syntactic structure (bare infinitive following 'must') and the exact contextual nuance required.

Key Concept

Contextual Word Meaning and Polysemy in Formal Registers
Question 13Question →

Read the passage excerpt below carefully and complete the statement with the most appropriate contextual meaning of the highlighted word.

Fill in the blanks below

Passage excerpt: "Despite the board's optimistic financial projections, the lead auditor refused to sanction the expenditure until verifiable receipts were presented."

In the passage above, the word sanction contextually means to .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word 'sanction' in this context means to authorize or approve.
In an administrative and auditing context, 'sanction' functions as a verb meaning to give official authorization or permission for an expenditure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the syntactic role and immediate context of the target word in the sentence.
The word 'sanction' is used as an infinitive verb ('refused to sanction the expenditure').
The surrounding phrase 'until verifiable receipts were presented' indicates an official process of granting permission for financial disbursement.
2
Distinguish between competing definitions of the contronym 'sanction'.
'Sanction' can mean either to grant official approval or to impose penalties. Here, it clearly denotes granting formal permission.
An auditor reviewing financial documents grants formal authorization when compliance conditions (verifiable receipts) are met.
3
Determine the appropriate semantic replacement.
Words such as 'authorize', 'approve', or 'endorse' seamlessly substitute for 'sanction' without changing the meaning of the excerpt.
Substituting 'authorize' preserves the intended administrative and financial register of the passage.

Key Concept

Contextual Word Meaning and Contronyms
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 14Question →

Read the sentence below and complete it by supplying the correct legal and property register term in the blank.

Fill in the blanks below

Before finalizing the purchase of the commercial building, the buyer's solicitor conducted a detailed search at the land registry to verify that the title was clear and free from any legal liability, mortgage, or .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The term that correctly fills the blank is 'encumbrance'.
In legal and real estate terminology, an encumbrance refers to any legal right, interest, charge, or liability attached to a piece of real estate (such as a mortgage, lien, or easement) that burdens the title and may diminish the value of the property.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The context involves property law, title search, land registry, and legal liabilities attached to a property.
Specialized registers require choosing the precise technical term appropriate for property law transactions.
2
Identify the appropriate technical register term
An 'encumbrance' (or 'incumbrance') is the formal legal term for any claim, lien, mortgage, or liability attached to real property that affects its transferability or value.
General vocabulary words like 'problem' or 'debt' do not match the formal legal register required in real estate conveyancing.

Key Concept

Occupational Register (Law and Property Conveyancing)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 15Question →

Which words contextually and grammatically complete the blanks in the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

While accepting a minor token of appreciation from a long-time acquaintance might be viewed as a oversight by the ethics panel, taking cash gifts to influence contract awards is a blatantly act that warrants immediate dismissal.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The first blank requires 'venial' (meaning minor, pardonable, or excusable) to describe a slight oversight, while the second blank requires 'venal' (meaning corruptible or open to bribery) to describe the criminal act of taking bribes.
'Venial' means pardonable or excusable (fitting a minor oversight), while 'venal' means corruptible or open to bribery (fitting the act of accepting cash gifts for contracts).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the first blank in relation to 'minor token of appreciation' and 'oversight'.
The word needed must describe a mistake or fault that is easily forgiven, minor, or excusable.
The adjective 'venial' specifically denotes a minor or pardonable offense.
2
Analyze the context of the second blank in relation to 'taking cash gifts to influence contract awards'.
The word needed must describe an act involving corruption, dishonesty, or susceptibility to bribery.
The adjective 'venal' specifically means showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery or corruption.

Key Concept

Words Commonly Confused and Homonyms: Venial vs. Venal
Question 16Question →

Fill in the blank with the correct possessive pronoun that agrees with its antecedent in the sentence below.

Fill in the blanks below

The city council decided to revise municipal budget during the executive session.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct pronoun is 'its'.
The singular possessive pronoun 'its' correctly agrees with the collective noun antecedent 'city council', which functions as a single unified unit in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the antecedent in the sentence.
The antecedent is the noun phrase 'The city council'.
The missing word is a possessive pronoun referring back to the body making the decision.
2
Determine the grammatical number and person of the antecedent.
'City council' is a singular collective noun functioning as a single acting entity.
When a collective noun acts as a single unified body, it takes a singular neuter pronoun.
3
Select the possessive pronoun that matches the antecedent in number and gender.
The third-person singular neuter possessive pronoun is 'its'.
Proper pronoun-antecedent agreement requires a singular pronoun ('its') to agree with the singular collective antecedent ('city council').

Key Concept

Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement with Collective Nouns
Question 17Question →

Which word correctly fills the blank to ensure proper subject-verb concord in the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

Dr. Adebayo is one of the prominent researchers who actively advocating for renewable energy adoption in West Africa.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

are
In sentences structured around the phrase 'one of the... who', the relative pronoun 'who' refers to the plural noun immediately preceding it ('researchers'). Consequently, the verb within the relative clause must be plural ('are').

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the relative pronoun and its antecedent in the clause.
The relative pronoun is 'who', and its antecedent is the plural noun 'researchers'.
In the construction 'one of the [plural noun] who...', the relative pronoun 'who' refers back to the plural noun preceding it, not to 'one'.
2
Determine the required number (singular or plural) for the verb in the relative clause.
A plural verb form is required to match the plural antecedent 'researchers'.
A relative pronoun takes a verb that agrees in number with its antecedent.
3
Select the correct present continuous auxiliary verb form.
The plural auxiliary verb 'are' correctly completes 'are actively advocating'.
'Are' agrees in number with 'researchers' and maintains proper present continuous tense with 'advocating'.

Key Concept

Relative Pronoun Antecedent Concord
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 18Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with a word that is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE in meaning to the capitalized word.

Fill in the blanks below

Unlike her colleague who only conducted a PERFUNCTORY examination of the financial audit reports, Sandra performed a investigation that uncovered every minor accounting discrepancy.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct response requires a word opposite in meaning to 'PERFUNCTORY', such as 'thorough', 'meticulous', 'rigorous', 'painstaking', or 'detailed'.
In the given context, 'PERFUNCTORY' signifies something done casually, routinely, or without attention to detail. The sentence structure contrasts the colleague's perfunctory approach with Sandra's effort. To complete the contrast logically, the blank must contain an antonym such as 'thorough' or 'meticulous', indicating an in-depth and careful examination.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the capitalized word 'PERFUNCTORY'.
'PERFUNCTORY' means carried out with minimal effort, care, or reflection, done merely as a routine duty or superficially.
Determining the precise contextual meaning of the target word is essential prior to finding its opposite.
2
Identify the contrastive relationship established by the sentence structure.
The phrase 'Unlike her colleague...' sets up a direct contrast between the colleague's superficial work and Sandra's deep investigation.
The sentence demands an adjective modifying 'investigation' that directly opposes a hasty, routine effort.
3
Select an appropriate contextual antonym.
Words such as 'thorough', 'meticulous', or 'rigorous' describe an investigation conducted with great care, completeness, and effort.
These terms provide the exact opposite meaning to 'perfunctory' in the context of an audit investigation.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms and Contrastive Vocabulary
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 19Question →

Read the excerpt below regarding legal arbitration carefully. Fill in the blank with the single word that best captures the contextual meaning of the highlighted term as used in the passage.

Fill in the blanks below

Rather than siding with either faction in the land dispute, the state governor appointed a disinterested arbitrator whose primary duty was to review the deeds without personal bias or financial stake in the outcome.

In this context, describing the arbitrator as disinterested means that the arbitrator was completely in evaluating the dispute.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct word to fill in the blank is 'impartial' (or 'unbiased' / 'neutral').
In formal English registers, particularly within administrative or legal contexts, 'disinterested' means having no personal involvement or receiving no private benefit, thereby remaining impartial. The excerpt reinforces this by explicitly mentioning an absence of personal bias or financial stake.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the surrounding context of the bolded word in the excerpt.
The text explains that the governor appointed an arbitrator 'without personal bias or financial stake in the outcome.'
Contextual clues in the sentence explicitly outline the expected attitude and standing of the arbitrator.
2
Distinguish between the colloquial misinterpretation and the formal contextual meaning of the word.
While 'disinterested' is often incorrectly confused with 'uninterested' (meaning bored or indifferent), in formal legal and academic prose it specifically means free from self-interest or personal bias.
Contextual word meaning requires selecting the sense that aligns strictly with text clues rather than popular misuses.
3
Substitute appropriate synonyms into the blank to ensure semantic and syntactic fit.
Replacing the blank with 'impartial', 'unbiased', or 'neutral' creates a coherent sentence that preserves the exact meaning of the excerpt.
Verifies that the target word functions correctly in context.

Key Concept

Contextual Word Meaning and Disambiguation of Commonly Confused Words
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 20Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the word nearest in meaning to having keen financial insight and sharp judgment.

Fill in the blanks below

The managing director made an investment during the recession, ensuring long-term profitability for the firm.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word nearest in meaning that correctly completes the sentence is 'astute' (or acceptable synonyms such as 'sagacious', 'shrewd', or 'perceptive').
The word 'astute' accurately conveys the concept of keen mental sharpness, practical wisdom, and shrewdness required to navigate an economic recession successfully.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual clues in the sentence stem.
The context describes a decision made during an economic downturn that resulted in securing long-term profitability.
Contextual analysis reveals that the target word must denote sharp discernment, keen practical intelligence, and wise decision-making.
2
Select the appropriate synonym fitting the sentence register.
'Astute' refers to having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations and turn them to one's advantage.
This word directly aligns with the required meaning of sharp judgment in administrative and financial affairs.

Key Concept

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
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