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Lexis and Vocabulary

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Question 241Question →

Complete the sentence below by identifying a word nearest in meaning to the target word in context.

Fill in the blanks below

Navigating the narrow cliff path during a heavy storm was extremely perilous; the travelers were well aware of how the condition was.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'perilous' is 'dangerous' (or 'hazardous' / 'risky').
The adjective 'perilous' means fraught with danger or involving high risk. In this context, words like 'dangerous', 'hazardous', or 'risky' accurately convey the exact same meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the meaning of 'perilous'.
The sentence describes navigating a narrow cliff path during a storm, which presents significant threat and danger.
'Perilous' means full of danger or risk.
2
Supply a word nearest in meaning to 'perilous' that fits the sentence structure.
'Dangerous' (or 'hazardous' / 'risky') directly substitutes 'perilous' while maintaining the correct sentence meaning.
These adjectives mean exposed to or involving danger or threat of harm.

Key Concept

Identifying synonyms and words nearest in meaning in context
Question 242Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

During the strategy meeting, the analyst managed to when she identified the exact cause of the company's declining sales.
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Answer

hit the nail on the head
The idiom 'hit the nail on the head' figuratively means to state or identify something with absolute accuracy. In the given sentence, the analyst accurately pinpointed the exact reason for the decline in sales.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the required meaning.
The sentence describes an action where someone accurately pinpoints the precise cause of a problem during a discussion.
Contextual clues such as 'identified the exact cause' indicate complete accuracy in analysis.
2
Identify the idiomatic expression that corresponds to stating or doing something with exact accuracy.
The idiom 'hit the nail on the head' means to describe or identify a problem or situation with exact accuracy.
This idiomatic expression fits the syntactic and semantic structure of the sentence.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Question 243Question →

In the following sentence, one word is printed in capital letters. Select the option that is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE IN MEANING to the capitalized word.

Despite the board's increasingly authoritarian demands, the new managing director proved remarkably COMPLAISANT, acquiescing to every policy change without objection.

Which of the following words is most nearly opposite in meaning to COMPLAISANT as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: recalcitrant

Answer

recalcitrant
In the sentence, 'complaisant' means overly agreeable, obliging, or yielding to the wishes of others without resistance. The word 'recalcitrant' means obstinately resistant to authority, uncooperative, or stubbornly defiant, which is the exact opposite of being complaisant.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word in context
In the sentence, 'complaisant' describes a director who yields easily and acquiesces to every demand made by an authoritarian board.
Understanding the contextual meaning is necessary to identify its precise antonym.
2
Determine the required opposite meaning
The antonym must mean stubborn, defiant, or unwilling to yield or comply with demands.
The question asks for the word most nearly opposite in meaning.
3
Evaluate the option choices against the required antonym
'Recalcitrant' means obstinately defiant of authority or restraint, perfectly contradicting 'complaisant'.
'Acquiescent' and 'accommodating' are synonyms, while 'complacent' is an easily confused paronym meaning self-satisfied.

Key Concept

Identifying Contextual Antonyms
Question 244Question →

Unlike his sister who is extremely GREGARIOUS and enjoys large public gatherings, Paul has always been a quiet person. Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to the capitalized word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: reserved

Answer

reserved
The word 'gregarious' means fond of company and sociable. 'Reserved' means quiet, restrained, and preferring privacy, making it the direct word opposite in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning of the target word GREGARIOUS.
In this sentence context, 'gregarious' means fond of company and enjoying social interaction.
Finding the opposite meaning requires first establishing the core definition of the target word.
2
Evaluate the answer options to select the word with the opposite meaning.
'Reserved' describes a person who is quiet, restrained, and avoids social spotlight, which directly opposes 'gregarious'.
An antonym must express the direct logical opposite of the word's primary meaning in context.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms
Question 245Question →

During the tumultuous student protest that threatened to disrupt academic operations, the vice-chancellor handled the volatile situation with remarkable equanimity.

Which option is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: composure

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'equanimity' is 'composure'.
The term 'equanimity' refers to mental calmness, poise, and evenness of temper, especially in difficult or stressful situations. In the sentence, the vice-chancellor maintained calm control despite a volatile and tumultuous student protest. Therefore, 'composure' is the exact word nearest in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context to determine the tone and circumstances.
The situation is described as 'tumultuous' and 'volatile', indicating extreme pressure and chaos.
Contextual meaning of vocabulary depends on surrounding descriptive modifiers.
2
Determine the contextual meaning of the underlined word 'equanimity'.
'Equanimity' signifies maintaining poise, calm control, and even-tempered decision-making during crises.
The contrast between the 'volatile situation' and the vice-chancellor's 'remarkable equanimity' highlights poise under pressure.
3
Evaluate the options against the derived contextual meaning.
'Composure' denotes state of calm self-control, matching 'equanimity'.
'Composure' is the precise synonym in formal/academic English register.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms in Formal Register
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 246Question →

Despite the board's efforts to foster an inclusive environment, the director's supercilious demeanour alienated most of his subordinates. Which word is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: haughty

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'supercilious' in this context is 'haughty'.
The word 'supercilious' is an adjective used to describe someone who behaves in a haughty, arrogant, or condescending manner toward others. In the sentence, the director's arrogant behavior toward his subordinates alienates them, making 'haughty' the precise synonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The target word describes a demeanour of a director that alienates subordinates despite inclusion efforts.
Contextual clues indicate an attitude of superiority, arrogance, or disdain.
2
Determine the contextual definition of 'supercilious'
'Supercilious' means behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others; arrogant or disdainful.
Vocabulary analysis in formal registers.
3
Match with the closest synonym among choices
'Haughty' directly captures the meaning of arrogant superiority.
'Haughty' means arrogantly superior and disdainful.

Key Concept

Contextual Lexical Meaning & Synonyms
Question 247Question →

Despite the high-pressure environment of the surgical theatre, the lead surgeon remained exceptionally PUNCTILIOUS in enforcing sterile protocols, insisting that every minor procedure be recorded without exception. Which of the following words is most nearly opposite in meaning to the capitalized word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: slipshod

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'PUNCTILIOUS' is 'slipshod'.
The target word 'PUNCTILIOUS' means showing great attention to detail or correct behavior. The word 'slipshod' means characterized by a lack of care, thought, or organization, which serves as the precise contextual opposite.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the target word 'PUNCTILIOUS' in the sentence.
In this context, 'punctilious' describes showing great attention to detail, exactness, and strict adherence to protocol.
Establishing the precise contextual meaning of the target word is necessary before searching for its antonym.
2
Identify the required semantic relationship.
The target relation is an antonym (a word opposite in meaning), requiring a term that denotes carelessness or disregard for standards.
The question instructions explicitly request the word opposite in meaning.
3
Evaluate the option choices to select the true antonym.
'Slipshod' means careless, disorganized, or negligent in standards, directly opposing 'punctilious'. 'Meticulous' is a synonym, 'punctual' is a root-confusable paronym, and 'pragmatic' refers to practical reasoning.
Comparing semantic properties eliminates distractors based on synonymy, root confusion, and contextual irrelevance.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms of Advanced Vocabulary
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 248Question →

In the sentence below, one word is printed in bold capitals. Read the sentence carefully and answer the question that follows.

'Despite the initial hostility of the opposing delegates, the veteran negotiator remained surprisingly TRACTABLE throughout the peace summit.'

Which of the following words is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to TRACTABLE as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: obstinate

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to tractable is obstinate.
The word 'tractable' means easily controlled, manageable, or yielding. In the context of a negotiation, a tractable person is cooperative and flexible. 'Obstinate' means stubborn and unyielding, making it the exact contextual opposite of 'tractable'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context to determine the meaning of the target word
In the sentence, 'tractable' describes a negotiator who is easily managed, flexible, and willing to yield during discussions.
Understanding the contextual meaning of the capitalized word is necessary before selecting its antonym.
2
Identify the required semantic opposite
The antonym must describe someone who is stubborn, unyielding, or difficult to control.
JAMB UTME antonym items assess the candidate's ability to identify direct contextual opposites.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the exact contextual antonym
'Obstinate' means stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action, making it the precise antonym of 'tractable'.
'Obstinate' provides the direct semantic contrast to being tractable.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual antonyms in JAMB UTME Use of English
Question 249Question →

During the high-stakes trade negotiations, the lead envoy warned his team not to throw the baby out with the bathwater while restructuring the outdated agreement.

Which of the following options best explains the meaning of the idiomatic expression 'throw the baby out with the bathwater' as used in the sentence above?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Discarding valuable elements alongside undesirable ones during a major cleanup or reorganization

Answer

Discarding valuable elements alongside undesirable ones during a major cleanup or reorganization
The idiom 'throw the baby out with the bathwater' is a figurative expression meaning to accidentally eliminate valuable or desirable things while attempting to discard unnecessary or bad elements during a overhaul or change. The option describing the disposal of valuable elements alongside undesirable ones captures this exact figurative meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence involves restructuring an outdated agreement during negotiations, where caution is advised against losing useful components.
Contextual clues help pinpoint the intent of the idiom within professional and strategic decision-making.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of the idiomatic expression
'To throw the baby out with the bathwater' figuratively means to lose or reject essential or valuable things in the process of trying to get rid of useless or undesirable things.
Idioms cannot be interpreted literally; their established figurative definitions must be applied.
3
Evaluate the options against the idiomatic meaning
The statement describing the disposal of valuable elements together with undesirable ones accurately mirrors the figurative meaning.
Only this option conveys the true essence of preserving what is good while discarding what is bad.

Key Concept

Interpretation of Idiomatic Expressions in Context
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 250Question →

The manager decided to curtail the meeting so that employees could return to their urgent tasks. Which word is nearest in meaning to curtail as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: shorten

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'curtail' is 'shorten'.
In this context, 'curtail' means to cut short or decrease the duration of an event. The choice 'shorten' conveys the exact same meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the context in which the target word is used.
The context shows that the meeting was trimmed in duration so employees could get back to work.
Understanding the context helps isolate the intended meaning of the underlined word.
2
Define 'curtail' based on vocabulary knowledge.
'Curtail' means to cut short, reduce, or diminish.
Connecting contextual clues to the definition clarifies the exact sense required.
3
Compare 'curtail' with the available choices.
'Shorten' directly mirrors the concept of cutting short or reducing duration.
Choosing the closest contextual synonym satisfies the question requirement.

Key Concept

Determining word meaning through contextual analysis and synonym recognition.
Question 251Question →

Complete the sentence below with the appropriate idiomatic expression. Which phrase correctly completes the sentence?

Fill in the blanks below

Rather than avoiding the difficult conversation with the committee, the chairperson decided to and present the audit findings directly.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The expression that correctly completes the sentence is 'bite the bullet'.
The phrase 'bite the bullet' is an idiomatic expression that means to accept and face a difficult, unavoidable situation with fortitude. In the sentence, the chairperson decides to face the uncomfortable task of presenting audit findings directly.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual clues in the sentence.
The sentence contrasts avoiding a difficult situation ('Rather than avoiding...') with taking direct, brave action.
Understanding the context establishes the intended meaning needed to complete the idiom.
2
Select the idiomatic phrase matching the requirement of confronting a tough situation bravely.
The idiom 'bite the bullet' means to face a painful or undesirable situation with courage.
This idiom perfectly fits the action of presenting unpleasant audit findings directly without hesitation.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Question 252Question →

Match each highlighted advanced vocabulary word in the left column with the word in the right column that is most nearly opposite in meaning to it.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

imperious (e.g., 'The chairman was criticized for his imperious handling of the debate.')
magnanimous (e.g., 'The victor proved magnanimous in defeat, praising his opponent's effort.')
alacrity (e.g., 'The newly appointed clerk accepted the task with great alacrity.')
trenchant (e.g., 'The analyst offered a trenchant critique of the government's fiscal policy.')

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Imperious pairs with Submissive; Magnanimous pairs with Vindictive; Alacrity pairs with Reluctance; Trenchant pairs with Bland.
Each left-hand term represents a specific high-level vocabulary word whose precise semantic opposite is matched in the right-hand column: 'imperious' contrasts with 'submissive', 'magnanimous' contrasts with 'vindictive', 'alacrity' contrasts with 'reluctance', and 'trenchant' contrasts with 'bland'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of 'imperious'
'Imperious' means dictatorial or overbearing. The contrasting trait is obedience/meekness, matching 'submissive'.
Establishing the denotation and connotation of the first target item.
2
Analyze the contextual meaning of 'magnanimous'
'Magnanimous' means noble-minded, benevolent, and forgiving. The opposing quality is seeking revenge, matching 'vindictive'.
Identifying the core psychological trait being contrasted.
3
Analyze the contextual meaning of 'alacrity'
'Alacrity' represents eager readiness. The direct opposite state of mind is unwillingness or hesitation, matching 'reluctance'.
Contrasting enthusiasm with hesitation.
4
Analyze the contextual meaning of 'trenchant'
'Trenchant' denotes cutting, sharp, and incisive expression. The opposite tone is dull, featureless, or unstimulating, matching 'bland'.
Evaluating stylistic and descriptive vocabulary opposition.

Key Concept

Advanced Lexical Antonyms in Context
Question 253Question →

Fill in the blank with the appropriate idiomatic expression that best completes the sentence.

Fill in the blanks below

Recognizing that the organization was facing an impending financial crisis, the executive board decided to and confront the restructuring challenges directly.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

take the bull by the horns
The expression 'take the bull by the horns' means to face a difficult or threatening situation head-on with courage and determination. In the sentence, the board decides to address their financial crisis directly, making this idiom the exact contextual fit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence describes an executive board choosing to confront a difficult situation (an impending financial crisis) in a direct, decisive manner.
Understanding context reveals the precise figurative meaning required for sentence completion.
2
Identify the standard idiomatic expression matching this context
The expression 'take the bull by the horns' figuratively means to deal with a difficult or dangerous situation directly and courageously.
This idiom matches both the structural flow and the contextual semantics of the sentence.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Expressions - Direct Confrontation of Difficulty
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 254Question →

Complete the sentence below by providing the correct idiomatic expression to fill in the blank.

Fill in the blanks below

To prepare thoroughly for the final examinations, the diligent student had to every night.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

burn the midnight oil
The expression 'burn the midnight oil' is an idiomatic phrase meaning to stay up late working or studying. It fits the context of preparing for examinations.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the sentence context
The context describes a student studying late at night for final examinations.
Understanding context helps determine the appropriate figurative phrase.
2
Identify the standard idiomatic expression for studying or working late into the night
The correct phrase is 'burn the midnight oil'.
This established English idiom specifically means to stay up late studying or working.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Question 255Question →

Match each word in the left column with the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning (antonym) in the right column.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Amicable
Authentic
Meticulous
Prosperity

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

'Amicable' matches with 'Hostile', 'Authentic' matches with 'Spurious', 'Meticulous' matches with 'Careless', and 'Prosperity' matches with 'Adversity'.
Each word from the left column is correctly paired with its standard English antonym from the right column based on their core definitions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Define each word in the left column
Amicable = friendly/peaceable; Authentic = genuine/real; Meticulous = careful/thorough; Prosperity = wealth/success.
Establishing clear dictionary definitions helps identify exact opposites.
2
Find the word in the right column with the direct opposite meaning for each item
The opposite of friendly (Amicable) is Hostile; the opposite of genuine (Authentic) is Spurious; the opposite of thorough (Meticulous) is Careless; the opposite of wealth/success (Prosperity) is hardship (Adversity).
Matches must strictly reflect direct antonym relationship.

Key Concept

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning
Question 256Question →

Which word nearest in meaning to 'friendly' best completes the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

Her disposition made her well-liked by all her neighbors, as she always greeted everyone with warmth and kindness.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'friendly' in this context is 'amiable'.
The term 'amiable' means friendly, agreeable, and warm-hearted, which directly corresponds to the description of greeting neighbors with warmth and kindness.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence to determine the meaning required for the blank space.
The phrase 'greeted everyone with warmth and kindness' indicates a pleasant and friendly personality trait.
Contextual clues emphasize warmth, kindness, and being well-liked by neighbors.
2
Select the appropriate synonym that fits the grammatical slot and contextual meaning.
The adjective 'amiable' means displaying a friendly and pleasant manner.
'Amiable' accurately expresses the idea of warmth and friendliness required by the sentence.

Key Concept

Contextual synonyms and words nearest in meaning
Question 257Question →

Match each word in the left column with the word in the right column that is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Truculent
Alacrity
Grandiloquent
Voracious

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

'Truculent' pairs with 'Placid'; 'Alacrity' pairs with 'Reluctance'; 'Grandiloquent' pairs with 'Unpretentious'; 'Voracious' pairs with 'Abstemious'.
Each word in the left column is correctly paired with its opposite in meaning: 'Truculent' (combative) contrasts with 'Placid' (peaceful); 'Alacrity' (eager willingness) contrasts with 'Reluctance' (hesitation); 'Grandiloquent' (pompous) contrasts with 'Unpretentious' (modest); and 'Voracious' (insatiable) contrasts with 'Abstemious' (moderate).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Define the lexical meaning of each word listed in the left column.
'Truculent' means combative/aggressive; 'Alacrity' means cheerful readiness; 'Grandiloquent' means pompous in speech; 'Voracious' means excessively greedy or insatiable.
Understanding the exact meanings of target words is necessary before determining their antonyms.
2
Evaluate the terms in the right column to locate the precise antonym for each left-column word.
'Placid' contrasts with 'Truculent'; 'Reluctance' contrasts with 'Alacrity'; 'Unpretentious' contrasts with 'Grandiloquent'; 'Abstemious' contrasts with 'Voracious'.
Matching each word to its direct conceptual opposite fulfills the requirement of selecting words opposite in meaning.

Key Concept

Identifying direct antonyms for tertiary-level English vocabulary words.
Question 258Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

Although the philanthropist's initial donations to the university library were praised for being munificent, his subsequent contributions toward student scholarships were criticized for being surprisingly .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

A word opposite in meaning to 'munificent' in this context is 'parsimonious' (or 'penurious', 'miserly', 'stingy').
The word 'munificent' signifies extreme generosity or lavishness in giving. Because the sentence uses the contrastive conjunction 'Although' to oppose 'praised' with 'criticized', the required word must denote the exact opposite quality—extreme stinginess, frugality, or reluctance to spend, best captured by terms like 'parsimonious', 'penurious', or 'miserly'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the target word 'munificent'.
In this sentence, 'munificent' describes donations that are extraordinarily generous, bountiful, or lavish.
Understanding the context clue ('praised for being munificent') establishes the positive, high-magnitude generosity of the initial act.
2
Identify the contrast indicator in the sentence structure.
The conjunction 'Although' signals a direct contrast between the early praised donations and the later criticized contributions.
Syntactic contrast requires the missing word to express the opposite characteristic of generosity.
3
Determine the precise contextual antonym to complete the blank.
The direct antonym of munificent or generous is parsimonious (or penurious/miserly), indicating extreme frugality or stinginess.
Inserting 'parsimonious' fulfills the structural contrast and accurately completes the semantic requirement of the sentence.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms for Advanced Lexis
Question 259Question →

Complete the sentence below by providing the appropriate idiomatic expression that means becoming complacent as a result of past success.

Fill in the blanks below

Following three successive years of record profits, the executive board cautioned the management team against ahead of the major market expansion.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct idiomatic expression is 'resting on their laurels' (or 'resting on one's laurels'), which signifies relying on past achievements and ceasing to make further effort.
The expression 'rest on one's laurels' originates from ancient Greece and Rome, where victors were crowned with laurel wreaths as symbols of triumph. Figuratively, it refers to becoming overly satisfied with past accomplishments to the point of neglecting current or future efforts. In the sentence, the management team is advised against such complacency.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and required figurative meaning
The sentence describes an executive board cautioning a successful management team against becoming self-satisfied prior to an expansion project.
Identifying the contextual clue ('cautioned... ahead of expansion') confirms the need for an expression indicating complacency after success.
2
Select and grammatically adjust the appropriate idiomatic phrase
The core idiom is 'rest on one's laurels'. Governed by the preposition 'against', the gerund form 'resting on their laurels' correctly fits the sentence structure.
Idioms possess fixed lexical components and must align with the grammatical context of the host sentence.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 260Question →

Complete the sentence below by providing the correct word required to complete the idiomatic expression.

Fill in the blanks below

During the parliamentary committee probe into the mismanaged public funds, the minister tried to pass the onto his subordinates rather than taking full responsibility for the oversight.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word that correctly completes the idiomatic expression is 'buck' (forming the complete idiom 'pass the buck').
The correct word is 'buck'. The idiomatic expression 'to pass the buck' means to shift responsibility, blame, or an unpleasant task onto someone else rather than accepting accountability oneself.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence describes an official attempting to transfer blame or accountability to subordinates during an official investigation.
Contextual clues reveal the underlying figurative meaning of shifting responsibility.
2
Identify the target idiomatic expression
The standard English idiom for shifting blame or responsibility to someone else is 'pass the buck'.
Idioms rely on fixed lexical components; 'buck' is the precise element required to complete this phrase.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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