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Lexis and Vocabulary

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Question 281Question →

Complete the sentence below by identifying the correct word to form the standard idiomatic expression. Which word correctly completes the sentence?

Fill in the blanks below

When the young lawyer was offered a lucrative position at a prestigious firm, she decided to strike while the was hot and accepted immediately.
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Answer

The word required to complete the idiomatic expression is 'iron'.
The complete idiomatic expression is 'strike while the iron is hot', which means to take advantage of an opportunity as soon as it arises. Therefore, 'iron' is the only correct word that maintains the established form of the idiom.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence to identify the incomplete idiomatic expression.
The phrase 'strike while the ... is hot' describes acting promptly upon a favorable opportunity.
Idioms are conventional expressions with fixed wording.
2
Supply the exact word that forms the standard English idiom.
The noun 'iron' completes the phrase 'strike while the iron is hot'.
Replacing the key word with synonyms or contextually plausible terms violates the fixed structure of the idiom.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Question 282Question →

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

Known throughout his political career for his LACONIC responses during press briefings, the former statesman surprisingly delivered a address that lasted for over three hours.
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Answer

verbose (or garrulous, voluble, loquacious)
The capitalized word 'LACONIC' means using very few words or expressing much in few words (concise, terse). In contrast to a brief response, a speech lasting over three hours is excessively wordy. Therefore, words like 'verbose', 'garrulous', 'voluble', or 'loquacious', which denote wordiness or talkativeness, serve as exact opposites in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning of the capitalized word
The word 'LACONIC' means using very few words, concise, or terse.
Understanding the precise definition of the target vocabulary word in its sentence context is required before finding its antonym.
2
Analyze the sentence context for contrast clues
The sentence uses the contrast marker 'surprisingly' and describes an address lasting 'over three hours', indicating a shift from extreme brevity to excessive wordiness.
Contextual clues dictate that the missing word must describe someone who uses far too many words.
3
Identify the precise contextual antonym
The word 'verbose' (or 'garrulous', 'voluble', 'loquacious') means using far more words than necessary, serving as the exact antonym of 'laconic'.
These terms directly oppose conciseness and fit the elevated vocabulary register expected in the JAMB UTME exam.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual antonyms for advanced English lexis.
Question 283Question →

The artist realized that popularity in the modern entertainment industry is often EPHEMERAL, lasting for only a brief period before public interest shifts. Which word is OPPOSITE in meaning to the bold word?

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Answer: permanent

Answer

The word opposite in meaning to 'ephemeral' is 'permanent'.
'Ephemeral' means lasting for a very short time. The word 'permanent' means lasting indefinitely or intended to remain unchanged, making it the precise opposite in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word in context
In the sentence, 'ephemeral' refers to something short-lived or temporary.
Understanding the contextual meaning of the word is required to identify its opposite.
2
Identify the word that expresses the opposite concept
'Permanent' means enduring, long-lasting, or eternal, which directly contradicts 'ephemeral'.
An antonym must convey the opposite meaning of the target word.

Key Concept

Identifying Contextual Antonyms
Estimated Time:45s
Question 284Question →

The forensic evidence presented in court helped to ______ the testimony of the eyewitness. Which of the following phrasal verbs correctly completes the sentence?

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Answer: bear out

Answer

The phrase 'bear out' is the correct phrasal verb to complete the sentence.
The phrasal verb 'bear out' means to corroborate, confirm, or substantiate a statement. In the given sentence, forensic evidence serves to confirm the eyewitness's account.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning needed in the sentence
The sentence describes forensic evidence confirming or proving the eyewitness testimony to be true.
Identifying the target meaning ('to confirm' or 'to substantiate') allows selection of the appropriate phrasal verb particle.
2
Evaluate the particles associated with the verb 'bear'
'Bear out' explicitly means to corroborate or confirm facts, making it the correct choice.
The particles 'up', 'down', and 'with' create distinct idiomatic meanings unrelated to corroborating evidence.

Key Concept

Meaning and Usage of Phrasal Verbs with 'Bear'
Question 285Question →

During the investigative hearing, the tribunal revealed that the non-governmental organization was actually sailing under false colours by covertly funding political campaigns while claiming to provide humanitarian relief. What does the underlined idiomatic expression mean in this context?

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Answer: Deceiving others about its true character, purpose, or intentions

Answer

Deceiving others about its true character, purpose, or intentions
The correct answer accurately reflects the figurative meaning of 'sailing under false colours,' which denotes pretending to be something one is not, or disguising one's true motives and identity in order to deceive others.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context in which the underlined idiom is used
The sentence contrasts the organization's public claim of providing humanitarian relief with its covert activity of funding political campaigns.
Context clues such as 'covertly funding' and 'claiming' signal deception and misrepresentation.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of the idiom 'sailing under false colours'
Historically originating from pirate ships flying friendly flags to deceive targets, the idiom figuratively means misrepresenting one's true character or intentions.
Idiomatic expressions require understanding their established figurative sense rather than a word-for-word translation.
3
Evaluate the options against the derived meaning
The statement describing deception regarding true character and intentions directly matches the idiomatic meaning.
This interpretation aligns precisely with the contextual clue of covertly operating behind a public façade.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 286Question →

The court officials were critical of the clerk's obsequious deference to the visiting dignitaries during the formal ceremony. Which of the following words is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as used in the sentence?

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Answer: fawning

Answer

fawning
In the context of the sentence, 'obsequious' refers to an excess of deference that is overly attentive, servile, and flattering to an unnatural degree. The choice 'fawning' accurately conveys this exact sense of servile flattery.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the underlined word in the sentence.
The sentence highlights criticism of excessive and insincere deference shown by the clerk to dignitaries.
Context clues such as 'critical of' indicate that the word 'obsequious' carries a negative tone denoting overly submissive or servile flattery.
2
Evaluate the options against the established contextual meaning.
The term 'fawning' precisely matches the meaning of excessively eager to please or servile.
Comparing definitions confirms that 'fawning' and 'obsequious' are nearest in meaning in formal register.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonym Identification
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 287Question →

During the intense board negotiations over the proposed corporate restructuring, the chairperson warned the executives that signing the unilateral divestment contract would mean they had decided to cross the Rubicon.

Which of the following best conveys the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression?

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Answer: take an irrevocable step that commits one to a specific course of action without possibility of return

Answer

take an irrevocable step that commits one to a specific course of action without possibility of return
The expression 'cross the Rubicon' means to make an irreversible commitment or take a decisive step from which there is no turning back. In the sentence context, signing the contract represents a point of no return for the executives.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the idiomatic expression in context.
The phrase 'cross the Rubicon' refers historically to Julius Caesar's march across the Rubicon river, which marked an irreversible decision to go to war.
Understanding the figurative origin helps identify its standard idiomatic usage as taking a point-of-no-return action.
2
Evaluate the contextual clues in the sentence.
The chairperson is warning executives against signing a unilateral contract, emphasizing that doing so locks them into a definitive, unalterable position.
Contextual usage confirms that the action cannot be undone once committed.
3
Differentiate the correct figurative sense from literal and erroneous distractors.
The definition describing an irrevocable step without possibility of return is the precise meaning.
Literal readings of physical rivers or assumed corporate crimes fail to capture the true figurative meaning.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Expressions - Historical Allusions and Irreversible Decisions
Question 288Question →

By launching their innovative product line two months ahead of their chief competitor, the technology firm managed to steal a march on the rest of the industry.

Which of the following options best conveys the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: gain an unexpected advantage over rivals by acting before them

Answer

gain an unexpected advantage over rivals by acting before them
The correct option accurately reflects the meaning of 'steal a march on', which is to quietly or unexpectedly secure an advantage over someone, especially a rival, by acting before they are prepared or aware.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The company released its product two months earlier than its rival, showing proactive timing.
Contextual clues indicate an advantageous strategic move executed ahead of competitors.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of the idiom 'steal a march on'
The idiom historically relates to military maneuvers where an army marches secretly to gain a superior position before the opponent realizes it; hence, gaining an early advantage.
Idioms cannot be interpreted literally word-by-word; their established metaphorical meaning applies.
3
Match the figurative definition to the correct option
The option stating 'gain an unexpected advantage over rivals by acting before them' reflects the true meaning of the expression.
This option captures both elements of the idiom: priority of action and competitive advantage.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Interpretation in Context
Question 289Question →

Which word correctly completes the idiomatic expression in the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

When tempers flared during the parliamentary debate on fiscal policy, the elder statesman attempted to oil on troubled waters by proposing a bipartisan committee.
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Answer

The word 'pour' correctly completes the fixed idiom 'pour oil on troubled waters'.
The expression 'pour oil on troubled waters' is a recognized idiom meaning to bring peace or calm to a heated situation. In the given context, proposing a committee serves to calm the raging debate.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual clues in the sentence.
The sentence describes a high-tension scenario ('tempers flared') where an intervention ('proposing a bipartisan committee') aims to soothe anger and restore order.
Understanding context determines the figurative meaning required.
2
Identify the standard idiomatic expression for pacifying a conflict.
The established English idiom meaning to soothe anger or settle a disturbance is 'to pour oil on troubled waters'.
Idioms rely on fixed combinations of words that cannot be substituted arbitrarily.
3
Insert the required verb to complete the expression.
The required verb is 'pour'.
Using alternative verbs breaks the conventional structure of the idiomatic phrase.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Expressions and Fixed Collocations
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 290Question →

The magistrate's equitable judgment restored peace and trust among the disputing parties. Which of the following options is nearest in meaning to the underlined word?

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Answer: fair

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'equitable' is 'fair'.
In the given sentence, 'equitable' describes a judicial decision that is just, reasonable, and unbiased towards all parties. Therefore, 'fair' is the word nearest in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence highlights that the magistrate's judgment restored peace and trust, indicating a just and reasonable outcome.
Contextual clues show that the outcome was positive and balanced for all involved.
2
Determine the meaning of 'equitable'
'Equitable' means characterized by equity, justice, and fairness.
Matching the word to the option that reflects impartiality points directly to 'fair'.

Key Concept

Determining contextual synonyms for vocabulary words
Question 291Question →

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

While the committee chairman was PUGNACIOUS throughout the negotiations, his vice-chairman remained remarkably .
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Answer

conciliatory (or peaceful / placid / pacific / amicable)
The word 'pugnacious' means aggressive, combative, or eager to fight. The clause introduced by 'While' establishes a contrast between the chairman's belligerent demeanor and the vice-chairman's attitude. Therefore, the blank requires an antonym expressing peace-seeking or placating behavior, such as 'conciliatory', 'peaceful', or 'placid'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning of the target word 'PUGNACIOUS'.
'Pugnacious' means eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight; hostile and belligerent.
Understanding the meaning of the target word is essential before identifying its opposite.
2
Analyze the sentence structure to identify the relationship between the target word and the blank.
The conjunction 'While' sets up a contrast between the chairman's behavior and the vice-chairman's behavior.
Contrast structures signal that the missing word must express the opposite quality of being combative.
3
Select a suitable antonym for 'pugnacious'.
Words such as 'conciliatory', 'peaceful', 'placid', or 'amicable' express an inclination toward peace and cooperation rather than hostility.
These words directly contradict the aggressive nature implied by 'pugnacious'.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms
Question 292Question →

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

While the outgoing minister's speech was expected to be ACRIMONIOUS, his actual remarks turned out to be remarkably .
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Answer

harmonious (or cordial / amicable / conciliatory)
The sentence contrasts an expected bitter, hostile speech ('acrimonious') with the actual speech given. To complete the contrast accurately, the blank requires a word denoting friendliness, peace, or goodwill, such as 'harmonious', 'cordial', 'amicable', or 'conciliatory'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of the capitalized word 'ACRIMONIOUS' in context.
'ACRIMONIOUS' means angry, bitter, full of resentment, or sharp in language and tone.
Determining the accurate contextual meaning of the target word is essential before searching for its antonym.
2
Identify the contrastive relationship established by the sentence structure.
The subordinating conjunction 'While' sets up a contrast between what was expected ('acrimonious') and what actually occurred.
The blank requires a word that directly opposes bitterness and hostility to complete the intended contrast.
3
Select a suitable contextual antonym.
Words such as 'harmonious', 'cordial', 'amicable', or 'conciliatory' express friendliness, peace, or goodwill.
These terms serve as precise opposite meanings to 'acrimonious' in the context of a public speech or delivery.

Key Concept

Antonyms and Contextual Word Opposition
Question 293Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

In order to prepare adequately for her final university entrance examinations, Fatima stayed up late every night, literally burning the midnight .
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Answer

oil
The word 'oil' correctly completes the idiom 'burn the midnight oil', which means to work, study, or read late into the night.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of staying up late to study or work.
The scenario describes working late into the night.
The context clues 'stayed up late every night' and 'prepare adequately' point to the fixed idiomatic expression for working late.
2
Identify the word that completes the fixed idiomatic expression.
The correct word is 'oil'.
The standard English idiom is 'burn the midnight oil', historically referring to burning oil in lamps while studying late.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Question 294Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

While his older brother was known to be EXTRAVAGANT with his money, spending lavishly on unnecessary items, Paul remained remarkably .
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Answer

frugal (or thrifty / economical)
The word 'extravagant' refers to spending money excessively or wastefully. In contrast, 'frugal' (or 'thrifty') refers to being cautious, wise, and economical with money, making it the precise contextual antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the meaning of the capitalized target word 'EXTRAVAGANT' in context.
The word 'EXTRAVAGANT' means spending money excessively, recklessly, or wastefully.
Understanding the target word's contextual definition is necessary to identify its antonym.
2
Identify the contrast in the sentence structure to find the required antonym.
The conjunction 'While' sets up a direct opposition between the brother's spending habits and Paul's behavior. The opposite of spending lavishly is being careful and modest with money.
The blank requires a word opposite in meaning to 'extravagant' to complete the contrast.

Key Concept

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning
Question 295Question →

Faced with years of bureaucratic deadlock over the proposed infrastructure project, the new governor decided to cut the Gordian knot by issuing an executive order to commence construction immediately. Which of the following options best captures the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: solve a complex problem through bold and decisive action

Answer

solve a complex problem through bold and decisive action
The correct answer accurately reflects the figurative meaning of 'cut the Gordian knot', which means taking swift, radical, and decisive action to overcome a complicated or seemingly insurmountable obstacle.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context
The sentence presents a scenario involving a long-standing bureaucratic deadlock that required an immediate executive order to resolve.
Understanding the surrounding situation helps clarify how the governor addressed the administrative impasse.
2
Identify the figurative meaning of the idiomatic phrase
The expression 'cut the Gordian knot' originates from classical mythology and metaphorically signifies taking bold, direct, and decisive measures to solve a complicated dilemma.
Idiomatic expressions convey non-literal meanings that must be interpreted beyond their individual constituent words.
3
Select the option that matches the figurative interpretation
The choice describing solving a complex problem through bold and decisive action correctly defines the idiom in this context.
This interpretation aligns both with the historical meaning of the idiom and the governor's decisive action in the sentence.

Key Concept

Interpretation of classical and formal idiomatic expressions in sentence context
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 296Question →

Which idiomatic expression correctly completes the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

By engaging in aggressive accounting practices that barely bypassed regulatory scrutiny, the board was essentially , risking severe penal sanctions if their luck ran out.
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Answer

sailing close to the wind
The idiom 'sailing close to the wind' accurately describes taking actions that test the absolute limits of acceptable, safe, or legal conduct. In the given sentence, engaging in aggressive financial practices that barely escape regulatory scrutiny fits this meaning precisely.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence.
The sentence describes taking actions that come dangerously close to breaking the law or incurring regulatory penalties.
Phrases like 'barely bypassed regulatory scrutiny' and 'risking severe penal sanctions' indicate behavior on the verge of illegality or danger.
2
Select the exact idiomatic expression fitting this contextual meaning.
The idiom 'sailing close to the wind' means acting on the verge of illegal, improper, or dangerous behavior.
This expression originates from maritime terminology where a vessel sails as close to the wind direction as possible without capsizing or stalling, figuratively representing high-risk or borderline illegal conduct.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Question 297Question →

Match each phrasal or prepositional verb in the left column with its corresponding meaning in the right column.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

back down
rule out
take after
stand by

Matches

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Answer

'back down' matches 'To withdraw a claim or position during a confrontation'; 'rule out' matches 'To exclude or eliminate a option from consideration'; 'take after' matches 'To resemble an older family member in appearance or character'; 'stand by' matches 'To support or remain loyal to someone during difficult times'.
Each phrasal or prepositional verb is accurately paired with its standard definition in Standard British and English educational contexts: 'back down' pairs with withdrawing a claim, 'rule out' pairs with eliminating options, 'take after' pairs with resembling a relative, and 'stand by' pairs with remaining loyal.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the verb 'back down'
Identified as yielding in a dispute or contest
'Back' implies receding and 'down' implies reducing stance or claim.
2
Analyze the verb 'rule out'
Identified as excluding a potential answer or option
'Rule' refers to making a judgment, and 'out' denotes exclusion.
3
Analyze the verb 'take after'
Identified as resembling a predecessor
'Take after' is an established idiomatic phrasal verb for familial resemblance.
4
Analyze the verb 'stand by'
Identified as maintaining support or loyalty
'Stand by' means remaining alongside someone, providing ongoing assistance or commitment.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
Question 298Question →

The lecturer gave a LUCID explanation of the complex scientific theory, enabling every student in the auditorium to grasp the core concepts quickly. Which of the following words is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE in meaning to the capitalized word LUCID as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Obscure

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'LUCID' is 'Obscure'.
The word 'lucid' in the given context means clear, intelligible, and easy to comprehend. The word 'obscure' means hidden, vague, or difficult to understand, making it the precise opposite in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word in its sentence context
In the sentence, 'LUCID' describes an explanation that allows students to understand a complex topic easily, meaning clear and intelligible.
Context determines the exact shade of meaning required for antonym identification.
2
Identify the word that expresses the precise opposite meaning
'Obscure' means difficult to understand, vague, or unclear, which directly contradicts 'lucid'.
An antonym must provide the contrasting meaning within the same contextual dimension (clarity of communication).

Key Concept

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning
Estimated Time:45s
Question 299Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the emphasized target word.

Fill in the blanks below

While the initial inspection of the historical manuscript was merely PERFUNCTORY, the scholar's subsequent analysis was remarkably , leaving no detail unexamined.
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Answer

The word opposite in meaning to 'PERFUNCTORY' in this context is 'meticulous' (or 'thorough' / 'painstaking').
In the sentence context, 'perfunctory' describes an action done hastily, superficially, and without care. The word 'meticulous' (or 'thorough') means showing extreme care and precision, making it the exact antonym needed to complete the contrasting thought.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the emphasized word 'PERFUNCTORY'.
'Perfunctory' means carried out with minimal effort, care, or attention to detail, performed merely as a routine duty.
Understanding the context���contrasting an indifferent initial inspection with an exhaustive subsequent analysis—establishes the required semantic antonym.
2
Determine the exact word that completes the contrast in the sentence.
'Meticulous' means showing great attention to detail, careful, and precise, which directly reverses the idea of a superficial check.
The clause 'leaving no detail unexamined' signals that the missing word must convey extreme thoroughness and rigor.

Key Concept

Identifying Contextual Antonyms
Question 300Question →

In the sentence below, which word is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE in meaning to the capitalized word?

Despite the harrowing economic forecasts issued by the ministry, the minister remained remarkably SANGUINE about the nation's financial recovery within the upcoming fiscal year.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: despondent

Answer

despondent
In the given context, 'sanguine' describes an attitude of hopefulness and confidence despite dire economic predictions. The word 'despondent' describes feeling loss of hope or courage, making it the precise contextual opposite.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context and syntax of the target sentence.
The word 'SANGUINE' describes the minister's mood in contrast to 'harrowing economic forecasts'. This indicates a positive, hopeful, and confident attitude.
Understanding context clues is essential for identifying the precise contextual meaning of vocabulary words in sentence completion.
2
Define the target word 'SANGUINE' in context.
'SANGUINE' means optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently difficult situation.
Defining the target word establishes the baseline needed to find its true opposite.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the exact opposite in meaning.
'Despondent' means feeling hopeless or discouraged, which directly opposes being optimistic.
Choosing 'despondent' fulfills the instruction to select the word most nearly opposite in meaning.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms and Lexical Semantics
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