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Lexis and Vocabulary

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Question 401Question →

In Column A below are four target words as used in formal contexts. Match each word in Column A with its exact opposite in meaning (antonym) in Column B.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

loquacious
ephemeral
fastidious
ebullient

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Loquacious matches taciturn; Ephemeral matches perennial; Fastidious matches careless; Ebullient matches despondent.
Each word in Column A correctly matches its exact antonym in Column B: 'loquacious' (talkative) is opposite to 'taciturn' (reserved), 'ephemeral' (transient) is opposite to 'perennial' (enduring), 'fastidious' (meticulous) is opposite to 'careless' (unconcerned), and 'ebullient' (exuberant) is opposite to 'despondent' (downcast).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target words in Column A to determine their precise meanings.
Loquacious means talkative; ephemeral means short-lived; fastidious means overly meticulous or detailed; ebullient means enthusiastic and cheerful.
Understanding precise definitions is required to identify exact antonyms.
2
Pair each word in Column A with its direct semantic opposite in Column B.
Loquacious pairs with taciturn; ephemeral pairs with perennial; fastidious pairs with careless; ebullient pairs with despondent.
Each pair establishes a direct antonym relationship.

Key Concept

Identifying Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning
Question 402Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

After realizing that his misconduct was destroying his career, the young officer decided to reform his habits and turn over a new .
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Answer

The correct word that completes the idiomatic expression is 'leaf'.
The expression 'to turn over a new leaf' is a well-established idiom meaning to change one's conduct for the better or begin anew. Therefore, 'leaf' is the only word that completes the phrase correctly.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the intended meaning.
The subject intends to make a fresh start and significantly improve his behavior.
The clause 'decided to reform his habits' indicates a positive change in personal conduct.
2
Identify the standard fixed English idiom corresponding to making a fresh start.
The conventional idiomatic phrase is 'to turn over a new leaf'.
Idioms are fixed collocations where specific words cannot be substituted with near-synonyms.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Expressions and Fixed Collocations
Estimated Time:45s
Question 403Question →

Despite his lack of seniority, the junior diplomat displayed remarkable TEMERITY when opposing the ambassador's proposal during the international assembly. Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to the capitalized word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: diffidence

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'temerity' is 'diffidence'.
In the given context, 'temerity' signifies excessive audacity or reckless boldness. The word 'diffidence' conveys shyness, modest restraint, or a lack of assertiveness, making it the precise opposite in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word in context
In the sentence, 'temerity' describes the junior diplomat's rash audacity or reckless boldness in challenging a superior.
Understanding how the word functions in context reveals its core meaning of excessive boldness.
2
Identify the required relation
The prompt asks for a word 'opposite in meaning' (antonym).
Establishing the precise relationship requested prevents selecting a synonym by mistake.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the true contextual antonym
'Diffidence' means shyness, hesitancy, or modesty stemming from a lack of self-confidence, which directly contrasts with rash boldness.
Selecting 'diffidence' accurately provides the opposite behavioral trait to 'temerity'.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 404Question →

In the report presented to the senate, the committee described the proposed economic policy as relying on specious reasoning that would fail under real market conditions. Which word is nearest in meaning to the underlined word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: misleading

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'specious' is 'misleading'.
The word 'specious' refers to claims or arguments that seem reasonable or true at first glance but are actually false or deceptive. Therefore, 'misleading' is the word nearest in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word 'specious' in its sentence context.
The clause 'that would fail under real market conditions' indicates that the reasoning only appears sound on the surface but is flawed underneath.
Contextual clues help establish the specific semantic nuance of the target word.
2
Define the target word 'specious'.
'Specious' means superficially plausible or attractive, but actually wrong, false, or deceptive.
Establishing the precise definition allows for accurate matching with option choices.
3
Compare options to find the closest synonym.
'Misleading' directly matches the deceptive quality of specious reasoning.
Selecting the option that preserves the sentence's contextual meaning.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonym Identification
Question 405Question →

In his inaugural address, the vice-chancellor emphasized that the university management would have to __________ the growing financial deficit before launching new capital projects. Which of the following phrasal expressions correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: reckon with

Answer

The correct phrase is 'reckon with', which means to take into account or deal effectively with a difficult problem.
The expression 'reckon with' is a standard prepositional verb meaning to take into account, confront, or deal with a difficult factor. In this context, managing a growing financial deficit requires taking it into account before spending resources on new capital projects.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The university management needs to confront or take into consideration an existing financial deficit before initiating new projects.
Determining the context allows for selecting the precise prepositional verb that conveys tackling or factoring in a challenge.
2
Evaluate the meanings of the verb particle combinations
'Reckon with' appropriately means to take into account or deal with a problem, whereas 'reckon on' means relying on something happening.
Distinguishing between subtle particle variations ensures grammatical accuracy and semantic precision according to Standard English norms.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 406Question →

Below are four vocabulary words listed in Column A alongside potential antonyms listed in Column B. Which pairings correctly match each word in Column A with its exact opposite in meaning from Column B?

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Fastidious
Languid
Taciturn
Magnanimous

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct matches pair 'Fastidious' with 'Careless', 'Languid' with 'Vigorous', 'Taciturn' with 'Garrulous', and 'Magnanimous' with 'Vindictive'.
Each word in Column A is accurately paired with its semantic opposite in Column B: 'Fastidious' (meticulous) contrasts with 'Careless' (negligent); 'Languid' (sluggish) contrasts with 'Vigorous' (energetic); 'Taciturn' (reserved) contrasts with 'Garrulous' (talkative); and 'Magnanimous' (forgiving) contrasts with 'Vindictive' (revengeful).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the core meaning of 'Fastidious' and identify its exact antonym.
'Fastidious' means meticulous and demanding of extreme accuracy. The direct opposite is 'Careless'.
Extreme precision and detail contrast directly with negligence and lack of care.
2
Analyze the core meaning of 'Languid' and identify its exact antonym.
'Languid' means slow, relaxed, or lacking energy. The direct opposite is 'Vigorous'.
Lethargy and slow pace contrast directly with physical vigor and high energy.
3
Analyze the core meaning of 'Taciturn' and identify its exact antonym.
'Taciturn' means habitually silent or uncommunicative. The direct opposite is 'Garrulous'.
Reticence in speech contrasts directly with excessive talkativeness.
4
Analyze the core meaning of 'Magnanimous' and identify its exact antonym.
'Magnanimous' means generous, noble, and forgiving. The direct opposite is 'Vindictive'.
Forgiving nobility contrasts directly with revenge-seeking bitterness.

Key Concept

Identifying strict contextual and lexical antonyms for high-register tertiary-level English vocabulary.
Question 407Question →

Which particle correctly completes the phrasal verb in the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

The board of directors cautioned that any attempt to gloss the glaring accounting discrepancies would severely compromise the firm's public credibility.
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Answer

The correct particle is 'over', forming the phrasal verb 'gloss over'.
The phrasal verb 'gloss over' means to deliberately avoid talking about something bad or to deal with it very quickly in order to make it seem less important. In this sentence, attempting to hide or downplay glaring financial discrepancies fits the context perfectly.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the sentence.
The context involves an attempt to minimize, hide, or ignore serious financial irregularities to protect credibility.
Understanding the surrounding context is necessary to select the correct particle for the verb 'gloss'.
2
Identify the particle that pairs with 'gloss' to mean 'to treat or represent something bad as less serious than it really is'.
Combining 'gloss' with the particle 'over' forms 'gloss over', which precisely carries this idiomatic meaning.
Particles such as 'through', 'upon', or 'at' do not create valid or standard phrasal verbs with 'gloss' in this context.

Key Concept

Particle selection for multi-word phrasal verbs
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 408Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

The newly elected chairman enjoyed brief public admiration, but his popularity proved to be strictly rather than enduring.
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Answer

transitory (or transient, fleeting, short-lived)
The word 'ephemeral' means lasting for a very short period. In the context of the sentence, contrasting with 'enduring', words such as 'transitory', 'transient', or 'fleeting' correctly fill the blank as accurate synonyms.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence.
The sentence contrasts a brief period of admiration with something that is 'enduring'.
The sentence context requires a word denoting short duration to match 'ephemeral'.
2
Determine the synonym for 'ephemeral'.
'Ephemeral' means lasting for a very short time. Appropriate synonyms include 'transitory', 'transient', 'fleeting', or 'short-lived'.
These words accurately capture the temporal brevity expressed in the sentence.

Key Concept

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
Question 409Question →

Fill in the blank with a word that is nearest in meaning to the target word highlighted in the sentence.

Fill in the blanks below

The inexorable advance of desertification across the northern border has forced thousands of farming communities to migrate southward; the word nearest in meaning to 'inexorable' in this context is .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

relentless (or unyielding / unstoppable / unrelenting / inevitable)
In this context, 'inexorable' refers to a force or trend that is relentless, unstoppable, or unyielding, emphasizing that the encroachment of the desert cannot be turned back.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual usage of the target word 'inexorable' in the sentence.
In the sentence, 'inexorable' describes a process of desertification that cannot be stopped, altered, or persuaded to relent.
Contextual analysis is necessary to determine the exact nuance of meaning required.
2
Identify the synonym that best corresponds to 'inexorable'.
The word 'relentless' (or 'unyielding'/'unstoppable') means impossible to stop or prevent, which precisely matches 'inexorable'.
The correct replacement must maintain the formal register and semantic intensity of the original context.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms in Advanced Lexis
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 410Question →

Complete the sentence below by providing the missing word that forms the correct idiomatic expression.

Fill in the blanks below

To gain a competitive edge over their main rivals before the product launch, the tech startup managed to steal a on them by releasing their software two weeks ahead of schedule.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

march
The idiomatic expression 'to steal a march on' means to gain a secret or unexpected advantage over a competitor, especially by taking action before they are prepared. In the sentence context, launching product software early to outmaneuver rivals requires the noun 'march'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context and surrounding words of the incomplete idiomatic phrase
The sentence presents a scenario where a company acts ahead of schedule to gain an advantage over competitors, surrounding the structure 'steal a _____ on'.
Contextual indicators such as 'gain a competitive edge' and 'releasing software two weeks ahead of schedule' signify anticipating or outmaneuvering an opponent.
2
Identify the standard noun that completes the fixed idiomatic expression
The noun 'march' completes the idiomatic phrase 'steal a march on'.
Originating from military tactics regarding surprise troop movements, 'to steal a march on' is an established English idiom meaning to gain an unexpected or secret advantage over someone.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Question 411Question →

When an entrepreneur applies for a commercial loan, the bank often requires valuable property or assets to be pledged to guarantee repayment in the event of default. Which specialized banking term refers to this security?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: collateral

Answer

The correct specialized banking term for an asset pledged by a borrower as security for loan repayment is collateral.
The term 'collateral' is the precise occupational register used in banking and finance to describe property or an asset pledged by a borrower as security for the repayment of a loan.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the occupational field and context from the stem.
The domain is banking and finance, specifically concerning securing a commercial loan.
Understanding the professional context narrows the selection to banking register.
2
Evaluate the terms against the specific definition required.
'Collateral' is the exact legal and banking term for property pledged to guarantee loan repayment.
Selecting the term that matches the precise technical definition demonstrates register mastery.

Key Concept

Banking and Financial Register
Question 412Question →

Which word nearest in meaning to 'taciturn' correctly completes the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

Despite the bustling environment of the editorial board, the senior investigator remained remarkably taciturn, rarely joining in idle conversation; in other words, he was naturally .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

reticent (or reserved)
The adjective 'taciturn' describes a person who is disinclined to talk or habitually reserved. The context indicates that the investigator rarely engages in conversation, making 'reticent' or 'reserved' the exact word nearest in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze context clues within the sentence stem
The clause 'rarely joining in idle conversation' indicates a tendency to speak very little and stay quiet.
Contextual clues reveal the specific behavioral nuance of the target word.
2
Determine the synonym of the target word 'taciturn'
'Taciturn' means habitually quiet, reserved, or uncommunicative in speech, making 'reticent' or 'reserved' the word nearest in meaning.
Matching the formal lexical definition with the identified contextual clue.

Key Concept

Identifying synonyms and words nearest in meaning in context
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 413Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the word that is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to the bold word.

Fill in the blanks below

Rather than adopting a conciliatory approach during the dispute resolution, the union leaders remained unexpectedly , rejecting every compromise offered by the mediation committee.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct answer is 'belligerent' (or an equivalent antonym such as 'antagonistic', 'intransigent', 'confrontational', or 'truculent').
The word 'conciliatory' refers to an attitude aimed at resolving conflicts, peacemaking, or placating opposing parties. The context indicates that instead of being peacemaking, the union leaders actively rejected all compromises. Therefore, a word denoting hostility, aggression, or uncompromising stance—such as 'belligerent', 'antagonistic', 'intransigent', 'confrontational', or 'truculent'—is the precise antonym needed to complete the sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the target word 'conciliatory'.
'Conciliatory' means intended or likely to placate, pacify, or bring about agreement.
Establishing the meaning of the target word within a dispute resolution context is necessary to find its opposite.
2
Examine the sentence structure for contextual clues.
The opening phrase 'Rather than...' sets up a contrast between the expected peaceful approach and the union leaders' actual behavior.
The clause 'rejecting every compromise' indicates that the leaders took a hostile, aggressive, or unyielding stance.
3
Identify an accurate antonym for 'conciliatory' that fits the context.
'Belligerent', 'antagonistic', 'intransigent', or 'confrontational' directly express hostility or refusal to negotiate, serving as exact opposite meanings.
Supplying an antonym completes the contrast required by the sentence.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms in Tertiary Level English
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 414Question →

Read the sentence below carefully. Complete the sentence by supplying the word that is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to the capitalized word.

Fill in the blanks below

Although the initial repair offered only TEMPORARY relief from the water leak, the plumber promised to return tomorrow with a solution.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

permanent (or lasting / enduring)
The word 'TEMPORARY' denotes something intended to last for a short time only. The exact opposite in meaning in this context is 'permanent' (or 'lasting'), which signifies something intended to remain indefinitely without change.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the meaning of the target word in context.
The word 'TEMPORARY' means lasting for a limited time, brief, or impermanent.
Understanding the context of short-term relief is necessary to find the contrasting word.
2
Determine the contextual antonym.
The word opposite in meaning to short-lived or temporary is 'permanent' (or 'lasting').
The sentence structure contrasts a short-term initial repair with a long-term, lasting solution.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms
Estimated Time:45s
Question 415Question →

Match the phrasal verbs in Column A with their appropriate meanings in Column B.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

bear with
give in
run into
pass out

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

'bear with' matches 'be patient with someone'; 'give in' matches 'surrender or yield to demand'; 'run into' matches 'encounter someone unexpectedly'; 'pass out' matches 'faint or lose consciousness'.
Each phrasal verb correctly aligns with its standard contextual definition: 'bear with' implies exercising patience; 'give in' signifies yielding or surrendering; 'run into' denotes meeting by chance; and 'pass out' means fainting.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of each phrasal verb in Column A.
Identify the standard definitions of 'bear with', 'give in', 'run into', and 'pass out'.
Phrasal verbs carry idiomatic meanings distinct from their constituent verbs and prepositions.
2
Pair each phrasal verb with its corresponding definition in Column B.
Match 'bear with' to 'be patient with someone', 'give in' to 'surrender or yield to demand', 'run into' to 'encounter someone unexpectedly', and 'pass out' to 'faint or lose consciousness'.
This establishes the exact semantic equivalence between each phrasal verb and its definition.

Key Concept

Phrasal verb meanings and prepositional collocations
Question 416Question →

The university governing council refused to ________ the pressure from student union leaders, maintaining that academic standards would not be compromised. Which phrasal verb correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: cave in to

Answer

The phrasal verb 'cave in to' correctly completes the sentence as it means to yield or submit under heavy pressure or demands.
The phrasal verb 'cave in to' specifically means to yield or submit to external pressure, perfectly matching the context of a governing body refusing to give way to demands.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The governing council is resisting pressure from student union leaders and refusing to submit or compromise academic standards.
Understanding the surrounding context establishes the intended meaning: to yield or surrender under coercion.
2
Evaluate the verb-particle collocations of the options
'Cave in to' correctly conveys surrendering to pressure. 'Give in for' contains a mismatched particle ('to' is required). 'Fall back to' and 'bow out of' express unrelated actions (resorting to reserves and withdrawing, respectively).
JAMB UTME Lexis and Vocabulary standards require precise identification of multi-word phrasal verb structures.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
Question 417Question →

Match each phrasal verb on the left with its precise contextual definition on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

bear out
gloss over
break off
bring round

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

'bear out' matches with 'To substantiate or confirm an assertion'; 'gloss over' matches with 'To treat a mistake or problem as unimportant'; 'break off' matches with 'To abruptly terminate a discussion or relationship'; and 'bring round' matches with 'To persuade someone to accept a particular opinion'.
Each phrasal verb is accurately paired with its standard contextual definition as required by Standard British English grammar guidelines in JAMB UTME.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning of 'bear out'
'bear out' means to corroborate or provide supporting evidence for a claim
Analyzing the combined sense of the root verb 'bear' with the particle 'out'
2
Determine the contextual meaning of 'gloss over'
'gloss over' means to conceal or minimize errors or uncomfortable truths
Recognizing formal register phrasal verb usage
3
Determine the contextual meaning of 'break off'
'break off' means to suddenly cease an interaction or relationship
Identifying particle function with the verb stem 'break'
4
Determine the contextual meaning of 'bring round'
'bring round' means to win someone over to a viewpoint through argument
Evaluating persuasive idiomatic expressions

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
Question 418Question →

During the parliamentary debate on the national budget, the minister presented a cogent argument that persuaded even opposition members to endorse the bill. Which of the following words is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: convincing

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'cogent' is 'convincing'.
The word 'cogent' refers to an argument or reasoning that is clear, logical, and compelling. In the context of a parliamentary debate where opposition members were successfully persuaded, 'convincing' is the word nearest in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence.
The minister's argument was effective enough to persuade political opponents to support the bill.
The surrounding context indicates that the word describes a strong, effective, and logically sound argument.
2
Determine the meaning of 'cogent' and match it with the options.
'Cogent' means clear, logical, and persuasive. The option 'convincing' directly matches this definition.
Choosing the word that captures logical strength fits both dictionary definition and context.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms in Lexis and Vocabulary
Estimated Time:45s
Question 419Question →

Which legal term correctly completes the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

In court proceedings, a formal written statement made under oath before an authorized officer is called an .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

affidavit
The term 'affidavit' refers specifically to a written declaration made under oath before a notary public or authorized officer, serving as documentary evidence in judicial matters.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the occupational field and context from the sentence.
The domain is legal terminology, referring to a sworn written document used as evidence in court.
The sentence specifies a formal written statement sworn under oath before a judicial authority.
2
Select the precise specialized register term that fits the description.
The word 'affidavit' is the exact legal term.
An affidavit is defined specifically as a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation for use as evidence in legal proceedings.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers (Legal Vocabulary)
Question 420Question →

Despite the board members' anticipation of an open, collaborative dialogue, the new managing director issued PEREMPTORY instructions that admitted no possibility of discussion or debate. Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to the capitalized word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: deferential

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'PEREMPTORY' in this context is 'deferential'.
In the given sentence, 'peremptory' refers to an overbearing, dictatorial style that insists on immediate obedience and allows no room for debate. The word 'deferential' means showing respectful submission or yielding to the opinion and wishes of others, making it the exact contextual antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the target word.
In the sentence, 'peremptory' describes directives that are bossy, dogmatic, and insist on immediate obedience without debate.
Understanding the context of the sentence is essential to establishing the exact shade of meaning required.
2
Determine the required contextual antonym.
An opposite word must convey willingness to listen, yield, or show respectful submission to others.
The sentence contrasts an expected collaborative dialogue with an unyielding command structure.
3
Evaluate the options against the target concept.
'Deferential' means showing deference or respectful submission, which directly contradicts an overbearing and dictatorial approach.
Matching semantic definitions confirms 'deferential' as the precise antonym.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms in Lexis and Vocabulary
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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