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Lexis and Vocabulary

997 questions

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Question 301Question →

Match each word in the left column with its direct antonym (word opposite in meaning) in the right column.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Abundant
Opaque
Rigid
Diminish

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

'Abundant' pairs with 'Scarce', 'Opaque' pairs with 'Transparent', 'Rigid' pairs with 'Flexible', and 'Diminish' pairs with 'Magnify'.
Each word in the left column is matched with its precise opposite in meaning from the right column: 'Abundant' (plentiful) opposes 'Scarce' (rare); 'Opaque' (cloudy/impervious to light) opposes 'Transparent' (clear); 'Rigid' (inflexible) opposes 'Flexible' (adaptable); and 'Diminish' (lessen) opposes 'Magnify' (enlarge).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the literal definition of each word in the left column.
'Abundant' means plentiful; 'Opaque' means non-transparent; 'Rigid' means stiff or inflexible; 'Diminish' means to reduce.
A precise understanding of word meanings is required to locate exact opposites.
2
Identify the corresponding antonym for each word from the right column.
'Scarce' opposes 'Abundant'; 'Transparent' opposes 'Opaque'; 'Flexible' opposes 'Rigid'; 'Magnify' opposes 'Diminish'.
Antonyms express directly contrasting semantic meanings.

Key Concept

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning
Question 302Question →

Match each advanced vocabulary word in the left column with its precise contextual antonym (word opposite in meaning) in the right column.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Pusillanimous
Fastidious
Execrable
Inimical

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Pusillanimous matches Intrepid; Fastidious matches Slipshod; Execrable matches Exemplary; Inimical matches Propitious.
Each word is paired with its precise semantic opposite: 'Pusillanimous' (cowardly) is opposite to 'Intrepid' (fearless); 'Fastidious' (painstakingly meticulous) is opposite to 'Slipshod' (careless); 'Execrable' (appalling) is opposite to 'Exemplary' (praiseworthy); and 'Inimical' (hostile/detrimental) is opposite to 'Propitious' (favorable/auspicious).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of 'Pusillanimous'
Pusillanimous signifies showing a lack of courage or determination.
Identify the term that represents the exact opposite quality of bravery, which is 'Intrepid'.
2
Analyze the meaning of 'Fastidious'
Fastidious describes someone who is overly demanding, meticulous, and hard to please.
Identify the term that represents a complete lack of care or thoroughness, which is 'Slipshod'.
3
Analyze the meaning of 'Execrable'
Execrable refers to something wretched, appalling, or of extremely poor quality.
Identify the term denoting outstanding merit and laudable quality, which is 'Exemplary'.
4
Analyze the meaning of 'Inimical'
Inimical describes conditions that are hostile, obstructive, or detrimental.
Identify the term denoting highly favorable or auspicious circumstances, which is 'Propitious'.

Key Concept

Advanced Lexical Antonyms and Nuanced Semantic Opposition
Question 303Question →

The principal was exceptionally courteous when receiving the parents at the annual meeting.

Which of the following options is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: polite

Answer

The word 'polite' is nearest in meaning to 'courteous'.
The word 'courteous' means showing politeness, respect, and good manners. In the given sentence, 'polite' captures this exact meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the underlined word
The word 'courteous' describes someone who acts with good manners, respect, and politeness toward others.
Understanding the context helps identify the closest synonym.
2
Evaluate the options against the contextual meaning
'Polite' directly matches the meaning of being well-mannered and respectful.
Comparing each option reveals that 'polite' is the exact synonym.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual synonyms
Estimated Time:45s
Question 304Question →

Despite the impending deadline and the escalating gravity of the financial crisis, the managing director remained strikingly INSOUCIANT during the emergency board meeting. Which word is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE in meaning to the capitalized word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: solicitous

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'INSOUCIANT' is 'solicitous'.
In the provided context, 'INSOUCIANT' describes a disposition of being free from worry or concern. The word 'solicitous' refers to showing intense care, attention, or anxiety for a situation, making it the exact contextual antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the capitalized target word 'INSOUCIANT'.
In the sentence, 'INSOUCIANT' describes an attitude of casual unconcern, lightheartedness, or indifference amidst serious trouble.
Understanding the contrasting context of a financial crisis and an impending deadline shows that the director exhibited a lack of concern.
2
Identify the option that expresses the precise opposite meaning in this context.
The word 'solicitous' means displaying eager concern, attentiveness, or anxiety.
Active concern and attentiveness ('solicitous') directly oppose a state of unconcerned indifference ('insouciant').

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms in Advanced English Lexis
Question 305Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with a word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word in context.

Fill in the blanks below

The regulatory agency was inexorable in enforcing safety standards across the industry, remaining despite persistent corporate lobbying.
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Answer

unrelenting (or unyielding / relentless / inflexible)
In this formal regulatory context, 'inexorable' describes an unbending determination to enforce rules regardless of opposition. The word 'unrelenting' (or 'unyielding') is nearest in meaning because it conveys an unshakeable refusal to soften or compromise.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning of the underlined target word 'inexorable'.
In an administrative and regulatory context, 'inexorable' refers to a stance that cannot be persuaded, altered, or stopped by entreaty or external pressure.
The sentence states that the agency maintained strict enforcement without bending to persistent lobbying.
2
Identify a precise synonym that fits the contextual slot.
'Unrelenting' (or 'unyielding') captures the exact sense of refusing to yield or soften under pressure.
Both terms denote an unbending determination to maintain a course of action.

Key Concept

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 306Question →

Which word nearest in meaning to 'uncompromising' appropriately completes the formal sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

Despite hours of intense diplomatic negotiations, the senior envoy remained completely in his position, refusing to yield on any of the core security demands.
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Answer

The word 'intransigent' (or valid synonyms such as 'obdurate' or 'unyielding') correctly fills the blank, describing someone who refuses to compromise or agree.
The sentence describes an envoy who firmly refuses to make concessions during negotiations. The word 'intransigent' fits this context perfectly because it denotes an uncompromising attitude and refusal to yield.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context clues in the sentence.
The phrase 'refusing to yield on any of the core security demands' indicates that the envoy was stubbornly firm and completely unwilling to make concessions.
Context clues establish the precise psychological and behavioral state required for the target word.
2
Identify the formal vocabulary term nearest in meaning to 'uncompromising'.
'Intransigent' directly means unwilling or refusing to change one's views or to agree about something.
The formal diplomatic register of the sentence demands a high-level academic synonym matching this exact contextual sense.

Key Concept

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
Question 307Question →

In formal English usage, precise vocabulary selection requires recognizing contrasting semantic nuances. Which of the following correctly pairs each vocabulary word on the left with its exact antonym (word opposite in meaning) on the right?

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

perspicacious
pusillanimous
fastidious
ineffable

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

'Perspicacious' pairs with 'obtuse', 'pusillanimous' pairs with 'intrepid', 'fastidious' pairs with 'slapdash', and 'ineffable' pairs with 'expressible'.
Each pair correctly matches a high-register vocabulary word with its precise semantic opposite: 'perspicacious' (shrewd/discerning) is opposite to 'obtuse' (slow/unperceptive); 'pusillanimous' (cowardly) is opposite to 'intrepid' (fearless); 'fastidious' (meticulous) is opposite to 'slapdash' (careless); and 'ineffable' (indescribable) is opposite to 'expressible' (articulable).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the semantic definition of each target word in the left column
'Perspicacious' means mentally sharp/shrewd; 'pusillanimous' means cowardly/timid; 'fastidious' means meticulous/demanding; 'ineffable' means indescribable/unspeakable.
Establishing clear definitions is necessary to identify exact semantic opposites.
2
Evaluate the terms in the right column for exact opposite meanings
'Intrepid' means dauntless/fearless; 'expressible' means articulable; 'obtuse' means dull/unperceptive; 'slapdash' means careless/haphazard.
Matching requires pairing each term with its direct antonym.
3
Formulate the correct antonym pairs
Perspicacious ↔ Obtuse, Pusillanimous ↔ Intrepid, Fastidious ↔ Slapdash, Ineffable ↔ Expressible.
Each pair represents a strict lexical opposition.

Key Concept

Advanced Lexical Antonyms and Semantic Contrasts
Estimated Time:2m 0s
Question 308Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

When asked about the underlying cause of the project's delay, the analyst hit the on the head by pointing directly to the lack of funding.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

nail
The correct word is 'nail' because the established idiomatic expression is 'to hit the nail on the head', which means to describe or identify a problem or situation with complete accuracy.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the overall meaning of the sentence context.
The sentence describes someone giving a precise and accurate explanation for a problem.
Context clues such as 'pointing directly to' indicate exactness and truth.
2
Recall the fixed idiomatic expression matching this context.
The standard English idiom for doing or saying something exactly right is 'to hit the nail on the head'.
Idioms are fixed lexical phrases whose core component words cannot be randomly substituted.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Expressions: Hit the nail on the head
Question 309Question →

In the sentence below, choose the option that BEST explains the underlined idiomatic expression.

During the press conference, rather than showcasing his firm's latest achievements, the managing director chose to cry stinking fish before potential investors.

What does the underlined expression mean in this context?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: disparage or speak ill of his own organization

Answer

disparage or speak ill of his own organization
The idiomatic expression 'cry stinking fish' means to depreciate or speak badly of one's own efforts, goods, or group. In the sentence, the phrase 'rather than showcasing his firm's latest achievements' indicates that the director engaged in self-deprecating criticism rather than self-praise.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target idiomatic expression in the sentence.
The target expression is 'cry stinking fish'.
The sentence presents this idiom to evaluate its contextual figurative meaning.
2
Analyze the context of the sentence for clues.
The context contrasts showcasing achievements ('rather than showcasing...') with what the director chose to do ('chose to cry stinking fish').
The contrast indicator 'rather than' signals an action opposing positive self-presentation.
3
Retrieve the figurative meaning of the idiom and select the matching option.
'Cry stinking fish' means to criticize or decry one's own belongings, business, or party. Therefore, disparaging one's own organization is the correct interpretation.
Idioms cannot be interpreted literally; their established figurative meanings must be applied to the context.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Interpretation in Context
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 310Question →

During the annual general meeting, the executive committee was accused of attempting to ______ the accounting irregularities highlighted by the auditors. Which of the following phrasal verbs correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: gloss over

Answer

gloss over
The phrasal verb 'gloss over' is the correct standard expression meaning to conceal or avoid dealing with unpleasant facts or errors by giving them cursory attention.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The context describes an attempt to ignore or minimize significant accounting irregularities.
Understanding the context determines the required idiomatic meaning of the phrasal verb.
2
Evaluate the idiomatic meaning of the phrasal verb candidates
The phrasal verb 'gloss over' precisely means to minimize, conceal, or fail to address something unpleasant or problematic.
Standard English requires the preposition 'over' following the verb 'gloss' when conveying this specific meaning.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verb Particle Selection
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 311Question →

Despite the critical deadline approaching for the project, the senior researcher remained surprisingly INDOLENT, refusing to commence the required data collection. In the sentence above, which word is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE in meaning to the capitalized word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: diligent

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'INDOLENT' is 'diligent'.
The word 'indolent' means habitual laziness, inactivity, or slothfulness. The option 'diligent' means showing steady, active, and painstaking effort, which is the direct opposite of being indolent.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word in its context
In the context of refusing to work despite an approaching deadline, 'INDOLENT' means lazy, idle, or avoiding exertion.
Understanding the contextual meaning of the target word is essential before identifying its opposite.
2
Evaluate the choices to find the exact opposite meaning
'Diligent' means energetic, hardworking, and steady in application to duty, making it the direct antonym of lazy or idle.
An antonym must express a contrasting quality that fits grammatically and semantically into the context.

Key Concept

Identifying Antonyms in Sentence Context
Estimated Time:45s
Question 312Question →

During the parliamentary inquiry, it was revealed that the official had used his appointment to feather his own nest rather than serve the public interest. Which of the following best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: enrich himself financially through improper means

Answer

enrich himself financially through improper means
The idiomatic expression 'to feather one's nest' means to promote one's own material interests or accumulate personal wealth, typically by taking advantage of a position of trust or authority. In the sentence context, it directly describes the official using his position for corrupt financial gain.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target idiomatic expression within the sentence.
The phrase to interpret is 'feather his own nest'.
Idioms must be evaluated as fixed figurative units rather than individual words.
2
Analyze the contextual contrast provided in the stem.
The contrast between using an official position to 'feather his own nest' versus 'serve the public interest' highlights self-serving financial gain.
Contextual clues in JAMB questions help reinforce the established figurative sense of the idiom.

Key Concept

Interpretation of Idiomatic Expressions
Question 313Question →

Fill in the blank with the word nearest in meaning to 'thrifty' that best completes the sentence.

Fill in the blanks below

To manage their limited household budget effectively, the family adopted a lifestyle.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

frugal (or economical)
The word 'frugal' means practical and cautious with money, making it nearest in meaning to 'thrifty' in the context of managing a household budget.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of the target word 'thrifty'.
'Thrifty' means careful and wise in spending money or using resources to avoid waste.
Determining the precise meaning of the keyword is essential for identifying an accurate synonym.
2
Select the contextual synonym that correctly completes the sentence.
The word 'frugal' refers to practicing sensible economy in living expenses, which directly matches 'thrifty' and fits grammatically into the blank.
Replacing 'thrifty' with 'frugal' preserves the meaning and tone of the sentence.

Key Concept

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
Question 314Question →

After reflecting on his past mistakes and poor financial management, the young entrepreneur decided to turn over a new leaf. Which of the following best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiom?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Change one's behavior for the better

Answer

Change one's behavior for the better
The idiom 'turn over a new leaf' figuratively means to make a fresh start and reform or improve one's behavior, which directly fits the context of overcoming past mistakes.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the idiom in context
The expression 'turn over a new leaf' describes the entrepreneur's response to past mistakes.
Understanding the context helps confirm whether the phrase refers to physical actions or figurative personal reform.
2
Apply the figurative interpretation of the idiom
'Turn over a new leaf' standardly means to start anew with better conduct.
Idioms cannot be interpreted using the literal dictionary definitions of individual constituent words.

Key Concept

Understanding figurative meaning of common English idioms in sentence context
Estimated Time:45s
Question 315Question →

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

The governor's speech delivered a TRENCHANT criticism of the municipal council's fiscal negligence, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: feeble

Answer

The correct answer is the word expressing a weak or ineffective quality ('feeble').
In the given sentence, 'trenchant' describes criticism that is incisive, forceful, and sharply focused. The word 'feeble', which means lacking force, strength, or effectiveness, serves as its direct contextual antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the target word
In the context of delivering a criticism about fiscal negligence, 'trenchant' means incisive, sharp, forceful, and biting.
Determining exact contextual meaning is essential before searching for a semantic opposite.
2
Identify the word that expresses the direct opposite meaning
An opposite term must denote a lack of force, sharpness, or vigor, which is precisely captured by 'feeble'.
'Feeble' describes criticism that is weak, unconvincing, and lacking impact.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual antonyms for high-level vocabulary in formal English sentences
Question 316Question →

Read the sentence below carefully and choose the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

The governor emphasized that corrupt practices in the public sector are inimical to sustainable economic development.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: detrimental

Answer

detrimental
The word 'inimical' means harmful, adverse, or hostile to something. In the sentence, corrupt practices hinder and damage economic development, making 'detrimental' the exact synonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined word and context.
The target word is 'inimical', used to describe how corrupt practices relate to 'sustainable economic development'.
Contextual clues indicate a negative, damaging relationship between corruption and economic growth.
2
Define 'inimical' precisely.
'Inimical' derives from Latin origins relating to enemy/hostile forces and means tending to obstruct, harm, or injure.
Understanding the formal definition helps isolate the core attribute of causing harm.
3
Evaluate the options for contextual fit.
'Detrimental' means tending to cause harm or damage, perfectly aligning with 'inimical'.
Excluding antonyms like 'favorable' and unrelated adjectives like 'intrinsic' or 'peripheral' yields the correct synonym.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms in Formal Register
Question 317Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

The auditor conducted a examination of the account books to ensure that no error was overlooked.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word 'meticulous' (or an equivalent synonym such as 'thorough' or 'scrupulous') correctly completes the sentence, as it denotes showing great care and precise attention to detail.
The word 'meticulous' means extremely careful, precise, and paying close attention to detail. In the context of examining financial records so that no error goes unnoticed, 'meticulous' (or 'thorough'/'scrupulous') is the word nearest in meaning to 'painstaking'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context to determine the required meaning.
The clause 'to ensure that no error was overlooked' indicates an inspection executed with extreme care, precision, and diligence.
Contextual clues establish the specific adjectival nuance required for the blank.
2
Identify the word nearest in meaning to 'painstaking'.
'Meticulous' means showing great attention to detail, which matches 'painstaking' and fits the context perfectly.
Selecting the contextually appropriate synonym satisfies the lexical requirement.

Key Concept

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
Estimated Time:45s
Question 318Question →

During the preliminary diplomatic briefings, the special envoy's statement was intended merely to fly a kite before the multilateral summit convened. Which of the following best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: test public opinion and gauge reactions to a proposal before committing to a course of action

Answer

The expression 'fly a kite' means to test public opinion and gauge reactions to a proposal before committing to a course of action.
The idiomatic expression 'fly a kite' originates from floating an object into the air to check wind direction; figuratively, it means floating a policy idea, proposal, or statement to see how the public or interested parties will react before making a firm commitment.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The statement was made during preliminary briefings prior to a main summit to observe reactions.
Contextual clues indicate a preliminary, exploratory effort rather than a final or binding decision.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of the idiom 'fly a kite'
In political and formal registers, 'flying a kite' refers to releasing information or proposals tentatively to test public reaction.
Idioms must be interpreted through established figurative usage rather than literal word-for-word translation.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions in Context
Question 319Question →

In the sentence below, which option is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE IN MEANING to the capitalized word?

The board concluded that the consultant's recommendations were entirely NUGATORY given the company's current financial standing.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: consequential

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'NUGATORY' is 'consequential'.
In the given sentence, 'NUGATORY' means worthless, ineffective, or of no value or importance. The word 'consequential' means of vital significance, important, or having major consequences, making it directly opposite in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word in context.
In the sentence, 'NUGATORY' describes recommendations that have no practical value, weight, or significance to the company's situation.
Understanding the contextual meaning of the target word is essential before searching for its opposite.
2
Identify the required opposite meaning.
The correct antonym must mean 'having substantial value, weight, or significant effect'.
JAMB UTME antonym questions require selecting the word furthest in meaning from the target.
3
Evaluate the option choices against the required antonym.
'Consequential' directly expresses significant weight or importance, whereas 'futile' and 'nominal' are synonyms/near-synonyms, and 'unlawful' is an irrelevant legal register term.
Consequential is the only option standing in direct semantic opposition to nugatory.

Key Concept

Identifying Contextual Antonyms
Question 320Question →

Read the contextual sentence below and identify the word required to form the correct idiomatic phrase. Which word accurately completes the expression?

Fill in the blanks below

Faced with mounting scrutiny over the misallocated developmental funds, the committee chairman attempted to the waters by introducing several irrelevant topics during the public hearing.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word required to complete the idiomatic expression is 'muddy' (or 'cloud'). The established idiom 'to muddy the waters' means to make a issue or situation confusing, obscure, or harder to understand, especially by introducing irrelevant information.
The correct idiomatic phrase is 'to muddy the waters' (or 'to cloud the waters'), which metaphorically means to make a matter obscure, confusing, or complicated—often deliberately to prevent people from discovering the truth. In the given sentence, the chairman uses irrelevant topics to distract from financial misallocation, which directly aligns with this idiomatic meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the intended meaning.
The subject is trying to avoid scrutiny regarding misallocated funds by introducing irrelevancies during a hearing, indicating an attempt to confuse or obscure the situation.
Contextual clues dictate which figurative meaning is required.
2
Identify the standard English idiomatic expression that collocates with 'the waters' to mean obscuring or confusing an issue.
The fixed idiomatic expression is 'to muddy the waters' (or 'to cloud the waters').
Idioms are fixed lexical units that require precise word choices.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions - Contextual Completion
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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