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Lexis and Vocabulary

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Question 321Question →

The diplomat's affable nature made him popular among delegates from all nations.

Which of the following words is nearest in meaning to the underlined word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: friendly

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'affable' is 'friendly'.
The word 'friendly' is nearest in meaning to 'affable', as both describe a warm, pleasant, and approachable manner that fosters good relations.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined word in context.
The word 'affable' describes a positive quality of a diplomat that makes him popular and well-liked.
Contextual clues such as 'made him popular among delegates' indicate an approachable and warm personality trait.
2
Select the choice with the matching meaning.
'Friendly' means agreeable, pleasant, and easy to talk to.
'Friendly' captures the exact meaning of 'affable' in this sentence.

Key Concept

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
Question 322Question →

Pair each phrasal verb on the left with its corresponding definition on the right based on standard English usage.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

bank on
cave in
hammer out
wear off

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

'bank on' matches 'To rely on or depend with confidence upon something or someone', 'cave in' matches 'To yield or submit under pressure after resisting', 'hammer out' matches 'To reach an agreement or solution after detailed discussion', and 'wear off' matches 'To gradually diminish in intensity, effect, or strength'.
Each phrasal verb is paired with its precise idiomatic sense: 'bank on' means to rely on, 'cave in' means to submit under pressure, 'hammer out' means to negotiate an agreement through hard work, and 'wear off' means to fade or diminish gradually.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of 'bank on'
Identify that 'bank on' expresses confidence and reliance on something.
The particle 'on' following 'bank' creates a prepositional phrasal verb meaning to depend upon.
2
Analyze the meaning of 'cave in'
Identify that 'cave in' denotes giving up resistance under pressure.
Metaphorically derived from a structural collapse, it describes yielding during a dispute.
3
Analyze the meaning of 'hammer out'
Identify that 'hammer out' means working tirelessly to shape an agreement.
The verb 'hammer' combined with 'out' conveys forging a consensus through effort.
4
Analyze the meaning of 'wear off'
Identify that 'wear off' signifies the decline of an effect over time.
It refers to feelings, pain, or chemical effects dissipating gradually.

Key Concept

Phrasal verb semantics and particle meanings in Standard English
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 323Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with a word opposite in meaning to the highlighted word.

Fill in the blanks below

While the chairman's speech was remarkably CONCISE, the secretary's report was unexpectedly .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word opposite in meaning to 'concise' is 'verbose' (or 'wordy').
The word 'concise' describes communication that is brief and to the point. The introductory word 'While' establishes a contrast between the two speeches. Therefore, the blank requires a word meaning overly long or using too many words, such as 'verbose' or 'wordy'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the meaning of the highlighted target word 'CONCISE'.
'Concise' means expressing ideas clearly using few words (succinct, brief).
Determining the target word's definition is essential before finding its antonym.
2
Identify the contextual contrast and select the appropriate antonym for the blank.
The word 'verbose' (or 'wordy') means using more words than necessary, directly contrasting with 'concise'.
The sentence begins with the subordinating conjunction 'While', signaling a direct contrast between the chairman's speech and the secretary's report.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning
Question 324Question →

Connect each phrasal verb listed on the left with its correct meaning provided on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Pass out
Call off
Carry on
Look up to

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Pass out matches 'To faint or lose consciousness'; Call off matches 'To cancel an event or planned activity'; Carry on matches 'To continue an activity or task'; Look up to matches 'To admire and respect someone'.
Each phrasal verb matches its standard English definition: 'pass out' means losing consciousness, 'call off' means canceling a planned event, 'carry on' means continuing an action, and 'look up to' means admiring someone.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning of 'pass out'.
'Pass out' corresponds to fainting or losing consciousness briefly.
The particle 'out' combined with 'pass' creates an idiomatic meaning of losing awareness.
2
Determine the contextual meaning of 'call off'.
'Call off' corresponds to canceling an event or activity.
The particle 'off' indicates stopping or abandoning a planned event.
3
Determine the contextual meaning of 'carry on'.
'Carry on' corresponds to continuing an activity or task.
The particle 'on' signifies continuation of an action.
4
Determine the contextual meaning of 'look up to'.
'Look up to' corresponds to admiring and respecting someone.
The three-word prepositional phrasal verb 'look up to' means to hold someone in high regard.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
Estimated Time:45s
Question 325Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with a word that is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE in meaning to the emphasized target word in bold. What word correctly completes the contrast in the sentence?

Fill in the blanks below

While the managing director was commended for his sagacious investments during the recession, his deputy was faulted for making decisions that brought significant financial losses.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct response is an antonym such as 'fatuous', 'unwise', 'imprudent', or 'foolish'.
The sentence sets up a clear contrast between the managing director, who was praised for his 'sagacious' (wise, shrewd, discerning) investments, and his deputy, who was blamed for decisions leading to financial losses. The word required in the blank must mean foolish, unwise, or lacking judgment. Suitable antonyms include 'fatuous', 'unwise', 'imprudent', 'foolish', or 'injudicious'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning of the emphasized target word.
The word 'sagacious' means having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; wise and shrewd.
The director was 'commended' (praised) for these investments, establishing a positive connotation of wisdom.
2
Analyze the sentence structure for contrast clues.
The conjunction 'While' and the phrase 'faulted for making... decisions that brought significant financial losses' establish a direct contrast between the director and his deputy.
The blank requires an adjective opposite in meaning to 'sagacious', reflecting a lack of judgment or wisdom.
3
Select a contextually appropriate antonym.
Words like 'fatuous', 'unwise', 'imprudent', 'foolish', or 'injudicious' directly contradict 'sagacious' and fit syntactically and semantically.
Inserting any of these words accurately completes the contrast required by the sentence.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms and Word Contrast
Question 326Question →

Despite the severe economic downturn affecting the state, the chief executive received sharp criticism for his PROFLIGATE allocation of public funds. Which option provides the word most nearly opposite in meaning to the capitalized word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: thrifty

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'profligate' in this context is thrifty.
In the given sentence, the target word refers to reckless, extravagant, and wasteful spending of public funds. The word expressing the direct opposite behavior—careful, prudent, and economical management of money—is 'thrifty'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the highlighted word in the sentence.
The clause contrasts a 'severe economic downturn' with the executive's 'PROFLIGATE allocation of public funds', indicating that 'profligate' means wildly extravagant, reckless, or wasteful in spending.
Determining exact contextual usage is essential before identifying the appropriate antonym.
2
Evaluate the choices to find the word expressing the exact opposite concept.
The word 'thrifty' denotes exercising careful economy and prudence in financial expenditure, directly opposing reckless wastefulness.
The precise antonym of financial wastefulness in a resource-allocation context is thriftiness.

Key Concept

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning
Question 327Question →

During the annual audit, the board of directors cautioned the head of finance that his aggressive tax avoidance strategies were sailing close to the wind. Which of the following options BEST explains the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: acting on the verge of illegal or morally unacceptable behavior

Answer

Acting on the verge of illegal or morally unacceptable behavior
The idiom 'sailing close to the wind' comes from nautical terminology where a boat sails as close as possible to the direction of the wind, risking stalling or capsize. Figuratively, it refers to taking actions that come very close to breaking the law or violating accepted moral standards.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The head of finance is being cautioned by the board regarding aggressive tax strategies.
Contextual clues like 'cautioned' and 'aggressive tax avoidance' point toward risky or boundary-pushing behavior.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of the idiom 'sailing close to the wind'
The idiom means acting close to the limits of what is legal, safe, or socially acceptable.
Idioms cannot be interpreted literally word-for-word; their established metaphorical usage must be applied.
3
Evaluate the options against the idiomatic meaning
The option stating 'acting on the verge of illegal or morally unacceptable behavior' accurately reflects the idiom.
It captures the precise sense of taking dangerous risks near ethical or legal limits without overstepping into outright proven crime.

Key Concept

Idiom Interpretation in Context
Question 328Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

Following the unexpected failure of the internal audit, the financial controller was hauled over the by the executive board for gross negligence.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

coals
The idiomatic phrase 'to be hauled over the coals' means to be severely reprimanded, criticized, or lectured for a serious mistake. In the context of the sentence, the financial controller faces intense criticism from the board after a failed audit, making 'coals' the only lexically valid word to complete the idiom.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to identify the idiomatic meaning required.
The context describes an executive being severely reprimanded or criticized by a governing board following a major institutional failure.
Phrases like 'gross negligence' and 'executive board' indicate a scenario involving severe scolding or formal reprimand.
2
Identify the fixed English idiomatic expression that fits the structural frame 'hauled over the ...'.
The correct fixed idiomatic phrase is 'to haul (or be hauled) over the coals'.
Idioms are fixed lexical items whose constituents cannot be replaced by literal synonyms or related terms without corrupting the expression.

Key Concept

Fixed idiomatic expressions and structural collocation in English lexis
Question 329Question →

Despite his initial reservations regarding the new corporate policy, the senior manager realized he had no choice but to toe the line if he wanted to retain his position.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: conform strictly to official rules and directives

Answer

conform strictly to official rules and directives
The idiomatic expression 'toe the line' means to follow rules, standards, or orders strictly, particularly when required by an authority or organization. The sentence context describes a manager choosing compliance over losing his job.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The senior manager disagrees with the corporate policy but must follow it to keep his job.
Contextual clues indicate compulsory compliance under pressure.
2
Identify the figurative meaning of the idiom 'toe the line'
It means to yield to authority and abide by established regulations.
Idioms carry established non-literal meanings separate from individual word definitions.

Key Concept

Interpretation of English idiomatic expressions in formal and professional contexts
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 330Question →

During the implementation of the community healthcare project, the field officers unexpectedly ran __________ severe logistical constraints that delayed operations for months.

Which of the following options correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: up against

Answer

up against
The phrasal verb 'run up against' specifically means to encounter or be faced with unanticipated problems, obstacles, or opposition. In this sentence, it appropriately describes encountering severe logistical constraints.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the required contextual meaning of the missing phrasal verb.
The sentence describes field officers confronting or experiencing unexpected obstacles (logistical constraints).
The context requires an expression that denotes encountering problems or difficulties.
2
Select the correct particle combination that pairs with 'run' to express encountering difficulties.
'Run up against' is the standard idiomatic phrasal verb meaning to face or encounter problems.
Other combinations either carry different meanings like exhausting supplies ('run out of') or are grammatically invalid ('run into with').

Key Concept

Meaning and prepositional selection for multi-word phrasal verbs.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 331Question →

The management has decided to ______ the annual staff retreat until the financial audit is completed. Which of the following options correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: put off

Answer

The phrasal verb 'put off' correctly completes the sentence, meaning to postpone an event.
The phrasal verb 'put off' means to delay or postpone something to a later date. In the context of rescheduling a staff retreat until an audit finishes, 'put off' is the only appropriate choice.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence describes delaying a staff retreat until an audit is finished.
Understanding the context helps determine the required meaning of the phrasal verb.
2
Evaluate the meanings of the candidate phrasal verbs
'Put off' means to postpone, while 'put out', 'put down', and 'put in' carry unrelated meanings.
Selecting the correct particle is necessary to convey the intended meaning of postponement.

Key Concept

Meaning and particle selection in phrasal verbs
Question 332Question →

While the monarch anticipated total loyalty from his advisors during the political crisis, the prime minister’s PERFIDIOUS conduct accelerated the downfall of the regime. Which of the following words is most nearly opposite in meaning to the capitalized word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: steadfast

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to PERFIDIOUS is 'steadfast'.
In the provided context, 'perfidious' characterizes deceitful and treacherous behavior that breaches trust. The word 'steadfast' signifies constant, firm, and loyal adherence, making it the exact antonym required.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word in context
In the sentence, 'perfidious' describes conduct that betrayed the monarch's trust and accelerated the downfall of the regime, meaning deceitful, treacherous, or untrustworthy.
Understanding the precise contextual meaning of the target word is necessary before determining its opposite.
2
Determine the required antonym meaning
The required antonym must mean loyal, faithful, or unwavering in allegiance.
Antonyms express the polar opposite quality in a given grammatical and situational context.
3
Evaluate the choices against the required antonym
'Steadfast' means firm, loyal, and unwavering, which directly opposes 'perfidious'.
Choosing 'steadfast' correctly satisfies the demand for a word opposite in meaning.

Key Concept

Identifying Contextual Antonyms
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 333Question →

When the parliamentary committee found itself deadlocked over the ambiguous clauses of the new tax reform bill, the chairperson decided to cut the Gordian knot by introducing a radical, simplified compromise that bypassed all minor disputes. Which of the following best captures the meaning of the idiomatic expression cut the Gordian knot as used in the sentence above?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Solve a complex problem by taking swift, decisive action

Answer

Solve a complex problem by taking swift, decisive action
The idiomatic expression 'cut the Gordian knot' refers to taking prompt, radical, and direct action to resolve a complex, seemingly intractable problem. In the sentence, the chairperson resolves the committee's deadlock by bypassing minor disputes with a simplified compromise.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context
The committee is described as being 'deadlocked over ambiguous clauses', showing a complex, stuck situation.
Contextual clues indicate that an impasse needed resolution.
2
Identify the meaning of the idiom 'cut the Gordian knot'
Originating from classical mythology, the expression means to take bold, drastic, or direct action to solve a highly complicated problem quickly.
The chairperson bypassed minor disputes with a simplified compromise.
3
Evaluate options against contextual and figurative meaning
The option stating 'Solve a complex problem by taking swift, decisive action' correctly matches this figurative meaning.
All other options either interpret the phrase literally or mistake the outcome of the action.

Key Concept

Interpretation of Idioms in Sentence Context
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 334Question →

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

The new branch manager was known to be remarkably PRODIGAL with the company's financial resources.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: frugal

Answer

frugal
The capitalized word 'PRODIGAL' means recklessly wasteful with resources. The word 'frugal' describes someone who is careful and economical with money, making it the true contextual antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of the target word 'PRODIGAL' within the context of managing financial resources.
'PRODIGAL' describes someone who spends money or uses resources recklessly, wastefully, or extravagantly.
Determining the precise contextual definition is necessary before evaluating potential antonyms.
2
Evaluate the option choices to locate the word that means the exact opposite of wasteful spending.
'frugal' means sparing, economical, and wise regarding expenditure.
Being frugal directly opposes being prodigal.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual antonyms for advanced vocabulary
Question 335Question →

Complete the sentence below by entering the word that correctly completes the idiomatic expression.

Fill in the blanks below

To gain a significant advantage over their competitors in the tech sector, the startup managed to a march on the industry leaders by releasing their application months ahead of schedule.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word required to complete the idiomatic phrase is 'steal'.
The correct idiomatic expression is 'to steal a march on (someone)', which means to gain an advantage over a competitor, especially by acting quietly, unexpectedly, or before they are prepared. Therefore, 'steal' is the only correct word.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual clue in the sentence
The sentence refers to getting ahead of competitors unexpectedly or earlier than anticipated.
Idiomatic expressions depend heavily on contextual meaning to determine the exact fixed phrase required.
2
Identify the standard idiomatic expression
The established English idiom meaning to gain an advantage over someone by acting secretively or earlier than expected is 'to steal a march on'.
Idioms are fixed grammatical and lexical units whose individual words cannot be freely substituted.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 336Question →

Read the context below carefully. Which word nearest in meaning to 'exonerate' appropriately fills the blank in the sentence?

Fill in the blanks below

The newly discovered forensic evidence served to the accused officer from all allegations of misconduct.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'exonerate' that appropriately completes the sentence is 'exculpate'.
The word 'exculpate' means to officially declare or prove that someone is blameless and not guilty of wrongdoing, making it the exact contextual synonym for 'exonerate'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context to determine the required meaning of the blank space.
The phrase 'from all allegations of misconduct' combined with 'newly discovered forensic evidence' indicates a contextual need for a word meaning to clear from blame, fault, or guilt.
Contextual clues demand a formal verb denoting official acquittal or demonstration of innocence.
2
Identify a precise synonym that matches 'exonerate' in formal legal/administrative register.
'Exculpate' (or 'vindicate'/'acquit') directly means to show or declare that someone is not guilty of wrongdoing.
Both 'exonerate' and 'exculpate' convey the formal clearing of charges or allegations.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual synonyms in formal legal and administrative registers
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 337Question →

Complete the sentence by entering the word required to complete the idiomatic expression.

Fill in the blanks below

Instead of addressing the primary concern directly during the meeting, the manager preferred to beat around the .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word required to complete the idiomatic expression is 'bush'.
The idiomatic expression 'beat around the bush' means to talk about a topic indirectly without getting to the main point. The word 'bush' is the standard component that completes this phrase.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context to identify the intended meaning.
The sentence describes an action of avoiding the main topic and speaking evasively.
Idioms are fixed phrases whose figurative meanings depend on specific word combinations.
2
Recall the conventional English idiomatic expression that means to avoid coming to the point.
The established idiom is 'beat around the bush'.
The phrase requires the exact word 'bush' to maintain standard idiomatic form.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Expressions and Fixed Phrases
Question 338Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct preposition to complete the prepositional verb.

Fill in the blanks below

The manager refused to yield the demands of the striking workers.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct preposition to fill the blank is 'to'.
The prepositional verb 'yield to' correctly means to submit, give in, or surrender to pressure or demands.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the base verb and the contextual meaning of submission or surrendering.
The verb is 'yield', which in this context means to give in or submit to external pressure or demands.
Standard British English and JAMB grammar rules require specific prepositions to follow certain verbs to convey precise meanings.
2
Select the fixed preposition that collocates with 'yield'.
The correct prepositional combination is 'yield to'.
'Yield to' is the fixed prepositional verb meaning to succumb or submit to someone or something.

Key Concept

Prepositional Verbs (Verb + Fixed Preposition)
Question 339Question →

The manager remained CANDID during the discussion about the company's financial performance. Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to the capitalized word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Deceitful

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to CANDID is 'Deceitful'.
The word 'candid' means truthful, frank, and open. The word 'deceitful' means misleading or dishonest, which is directly opposite in meaning to 'candid'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning of the target word.
In the sentence, 'candid' means frank, honest, and straightforward.
Understanding the target word's meaning is essential before searching for its antonym.
2
Identify the word that expresses the opposite meaning.
'Deceitful' means dishonest or misleading, which is the direct opposite of 'candid'.
The question asks for the word opposite in meaning (antonym).

Key Concept

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning
Question 340Question →

The defense attorney's specious arguments initially seemed persuasive to the panel, but they quickly crumbled under detailed judicial scrutiny. Which of the following words is nearest in meaning to the underlined word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: fallacious

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'specious' is 'fallacious'.
The target word 'specious' means superficially plausible but actually wrong or misleading. In the sentence, the attorney's reasoning appeared sound at first glance but failed upon deeper investigation. The word 'fallacious' directly corresponds to arguments that contain logical errors or misleading premises, making it the correct option nearest in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual clue in the sentence
The phrase 'initially seemed persuasive... but quickly crumbled under detailed judicial scrutiny' indicates that the arguments were falsely convincing or deceptively sound.
Contextual contrast helps define the precise connotation of the target word.
2
Select the synonym matching false or deceptive reasoning
'Fallacious' means based on a mistaken belief or unsound argument, making it the exact nearest in meaning.
Matching the formal lexical definition with contextual cues confirms the correct choice.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonym Identification
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