Examkin

Lexis and Vocabulary

997 questions

All types997Multiple choice475Matching152Fill in the blank370
Question 461Question →

Match each specialized occupational term on the left with its corresponding professional meaning or context on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Subpoena
Manifest
Biopsy
Arbitrage

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Subpoena matches with the legal writ compelling court attendance; Manifest matches with the comprehensive document listing cargo and passengers; Biopsy matches with the medical diagnostic tissue removal; Arbitrage matches with the financial practice of profiting from market price differences.
Each technical term is correctly matched to its standard definition in its respective professional register: Subpoena belongs to the legal domain, Manifest to shipping and aviation, Biopsy to medicine, and Arbitrage to financial markets.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the professional field for each specialized term on the left.
Subpoena (Law/Judiciary), Manifest (Nautical/Aviation), Biopsy (Medicine), Arbitrage (Finance/Trading).
Recognizing the occupational register narrows down the appropriate contextual definition.
2
Match each term to its exact technical definition on the right.
Subpoena pairs with court attendance writ; Manifest pairs with vessel cargo/passenger list; Biopsy pairs with tissue examination; Arbitrage pairs with exploitation of market price differences.
Each definition accurately reflects the technical usage of the corresponding term within its domain.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 462Question →

The newly appointed committee spent several weeks trying to ________ the complex logistics of distributing medical supplies to rural health centers. Which of the following options correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: wrestle with

Answer

wrestle with
The phrasal verb 'wrestle with' means to struggle to deal with or solve a difficult task, problem, or decision. In this sentence, the committee is struggling to manage complex logistics, making 'wrestle with' the appropriate choice.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the intended meaning.
The sentence describes a committee attempting to deal with and resolve a challenging logistical problem.
Identifying the specific action required helps determine the correct particle to pair with the verb 'wrestle'.
2
Evaluate the meanings of the prepositions/particles when paired with 'wrestle'.
'Wrestle with' means to struggle to manage or solve a difficult task, whereas 'wrestle over' means competing for something, and 'wrestle against' implies fighting an adversary.
Only 'wrestle with' properly conveys the sense of grappling with a complex task or dilemma.

Key Concept

Contextual particle selection for phrasal and prepositional verbs
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 463Question →

Match each word in Column A with its appropriate antonym in Column B as used in formal English.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Audacious
Affluent
Benevolent

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Audacious matches with Timid; Affluent matches with Impoverished; Benevolent matches with Malevolent.
Each vocabulary word is paired with its precise semantic opposite: audacious (daring) pairs with timid (fearful), affluent (wealthy) pairs with impoverished (poor), and benevolent (charitable) pairs with malevolent (spiteful).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the literal definition of each word in Column A.
'Audacious' signifies boldness or daring; 'Affluent' signifies financial wealth; 'Benevolent' signifies kindness and goodwill.
Establishing accurate meanings is required before locating exact semantic opposites.
2
Identify the word in Column B that expresses the direct opposite meaning for each target word.
Boldness (audacious) is opposite to timidity (timid); wealth (affluent) is opposite to poverty (impoverished); goodwill (benevolent) is opposite to ill-will (malevolent).
Antonyms express opposite qualities along identical descriptive dimensions.

Key Concept

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning
Question 464Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct phrasal verb that appropriately fills the blank.

Fill in the blanks below

The empirical data gathered during the field trial do not the researcher's initial hypothesis regarding soil degradation.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct phrase to fill the blank is 'bear out'.
The phrasal verb 'bear out' means to confirm, corroborate, or substantiate evidence or a hypothesis. In this context, it accurately conveys that the gathered data failed to support the initial hypothesis.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the semantic context of the sentence to determine the required meaning.
The context demands a phrasal verb meaning to confirm, corroborate, or substantiate a claim or hypothesis using empirical evidence.
The sentence discusses field trial data in relation to a researcher's initial hypothesis.
2
Select the precise phrasal verb matching the definition of corroborating evidence.
The phrasal verb 'bear out' specifically means to confirm or support a statement, theory, or hypothesis.
Using incorrect particles such as 'on' (relate to) or 'up' (endure stress) changes the sentence meaning inappropriately.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
Question 465Question →

Match each phrasal or prepositional verb in Column A with its precise contextual definition in Column B as used in formal English.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Ferret out
Tide over
Tamper with
Mull over

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

'Ferret out' corresponds to uncovering or searching out hidden facts through persistent effort; 'Tide over' corresponds to providing temporary support during a difficult period; 'Tamper with' corresponds to interfering with or altering something in an unauthorized manner; and 'Mull over' corresponds to pondering a matter extensively before arriving at a decision.
Each phrasal or prepositional verb is correctly paired with its established dictionary definition in Standard English: 'Ferret out' means uncovering hidden information through persistence, 'Tide over' means providing short-term relief or assistance, 'Tamper with' means illegally or harmfully meddling with something, and 'Mull over' means contemplating something thoroughly.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of 'Ferret out'
'Ferret out' relates to investigative discovery through persistence.
The verb 'ferret' metaphorically implies searching tenaciously into dark corners or hidden places to locate concealed information.
2
Analyze the meaning of 'Tide over'
'Tide over' relates to temporary assistance.
The expression originates from nautical contexts where a tide carries a ship past an obstacle; in general usage, it refers to helping someone bridge a gap during a crisis.
3
Analyze the meaning of 'Tamper with'
'Tamper with' relates to unauthorized interference.
The prepositional verb 'tamper with' specifically denotes meddling with something in a sneaky or destructive manner.
4
Analyze the meaning of 'Mull over'
'Mull over' relates to deep contemplation.
To 'mull over' an idea means to process it carefully in one's mind over time.

Key Concept

Nuanced contextual meanings of formal phrasal verbs and prepositional verbs in Standard English.
Estimated Time:2m 0s
Question 466Question →

Match each technical term listed below with the specific occupational domain in which it is used.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Affidavit
Starboard
Irrigation
Suture

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Affidavit matches Law and judicial proceedings; Starboard matches Nautical and maritime navigation; Irrigation matches Agriculture and crop farming; Suture matches Medicine and surgical procedures.
Each specialized term corresponds to its primary field of use: an affidavit is a sworn legal statement used in courts; starboard is the right side of a ship in nautical contexts; irrigation is the controlled watering of crops in farming; and a suture is a surgical stitch used to seal body tissue in medicine.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the core occupational context of each specialized term.
Affidavit relates to sworn testimony, Starboard to ship orientation, Irrigation to field watering, and Suture to wound closure.
Specialized registers designate precise technical terminology for distinct fields of human endeavor.
2
Pair each specialized word with its corresponding professional field.
Affidavit connects to Law, Starboard connects to Nautical navigation, Irrigation connects to Agriculture, and Suture connects to Medicine.
Correct alignment reflects accurate knowledge of technical and professional lexis.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers
Question 467Question →

The commercial bank refused to approve the business loan application because the applicant failed to pledge adequate ________ as security for the facility. Which of the following specialized terms correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: collateral

Answer

The correct term is 'collateral'.
In banking and finance register, 'collateral' refers specifically to valuable assets pledged by a borrower as security for loan repayment, perfectly completing the sentence context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the financial context of the sentence stem
The sentence describes a banking scenario where a loan applicant must provide an asset as guarantee or security to obtain a credit facility.
Specialized banking registers require specific terms to describe assets used to secure loans.
2
Evaluate the occupational register terms provided in the options
'Collateral' is the precise banking register term for an asset pledged by a borrower to secure loan repayment.
Other options belong to corporate profit sharing (dividend), insurance payments (premium), or sales transaction fees (commission).

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers - Banking and Finance Terminology
Estimated Time:45s
Question 468Question →

In maritime shipping and international logistics, when a cargo vessel is detained at a port by the charterer beyond the designated laytime specified for loading or unloading cargo, the liquidated damages or compensation fee charged for the delay is referred to as which of the following terms?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: demurrage

Answer

Demurrage
Demurrage is the established legal and maritime register term for the financial charge incurred when a vessel is held by a charterer past its allowed laytime.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the operational context in the stem
The scenario describes maritime cargo shipping, specifically an excess delay in port beyond agreed contract hours (laytime).
Specialized registers require matching specific professional terminology to precise occupational contexts.
2
Distinguish between general trade terms and specialized maritime vocabulary
The term 'demurrage' specifically denotes financial compensation paid by a freighter to a shipowner for delay in loading/unloading.
Related terms such as 'wharfage' relate to facility usage fees, whereas 'demurrage' is specifically punitive/compensatory for time overruns.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers (Maritime and Maritime Law)
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 469Question →

The labor union leaders made a vociferous protest outside the ministry, demanding an immediate review of the new tax laws. Which of the following options is nearest in meaning to the underlined word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: vehement

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'vociferous' in this context is 'vehement'.
In the given context, 'vociferous' describes a protest characterized by loud, forceful, and passionate demands. 'Vehement' means expressing strong, forceful feelings, making it the option nearest in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the underlined word in the sentence
The word 'vociferous' describes the nature of the protest made by union leaders demanding tax law reviews.
Contextual analysis determines whether the term refers to volume, forcefulness, or tone.
2
Define 'vociferous' within this contextual setting
'Vociferous' means expressing feelings or opinions in a loud, forceful, or passionate manner.
Determining the contextual definition helps identify the precise synonym among options.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the closest synonym
'Vehement' means showing strong feeling or passion, which aligns directly with 'vociferous'.
'Vehement' matches both the intensity and tone implied by 'vociferous'.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual synonyms and distinguishing precise lexical meanings from paronyms, antonyms, and unwarranted inferences.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 470Question →

During the parliamentary debate on the new taxation bill, the opposition leader accused the minister of skirting the issue whenever difficult questions about implementation were raised. Which of the following best expresses the meaning of the underlined expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: avoiding a direct discussion or response to the matter

Answer

The phrase 'skirting the issue' means avoiding dealing with or discussing a problem directly.
The idiomatic expression 'skirting the issue' means to attempt to ignore, avoid, or bypass a central problem or topic rather than facing or discussing it directly. In the context of a debate where challenging questions are being asked, avoiding direct answers precisely matches this definition.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context
The minister is facing 'difficult questions about implementation' during a parliamentary debate.
Contextual clues indicate an evasive behavioral pattern when confronted with challenging queries.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of the idiom
To 'skirt' an issue or question means to travel around the outer edge of it without tackling the core matter directly.
Idiomatic expressions convey non-literal meaning derived from figurative usage.
3
Match with the correct interpretation
The option stating 'avoiding a direct discussion or response to the matter' correctly reflects this figurative meaning.
It accurately captures the essence of evasion in speech or debate.

Key Concept

Idiom Interpretation in Context
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 471Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

The senior legal consultant warned the board that the proposed merger deal would likely fall if both financial institutions failed to settle their governance disputes before the deadline.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

through
The particle 'through' correctly forms the phrasal verb 'fall through', which means to collapse, fail to materialize, or come to nothing. This accurately fits the sentence context regarding a merger deal failing due to unresolved governance disputes.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the intended meaning of the verb phrase.
The sentence discusses a proposed business merger failing to materialize or collapsing because of unresolved disputes.
Understanding the contextual meaning is necessary to choose the appropriate prepositional particle.
2
Select the correct prepositional particle that combines with 'fall' to mean 'fail to happen or be completed'.
The particle 'through' combines with 'fall' to form 'fall through', which idiomatically means to fail, collapse, or come to nothing.
Standard English phrasal verb conventions dictate using 'fall through' for plans, negotiations, or deals that do not succeed.

Key Concept

Contextual selection of particles in phrasal verbs
Question 472Question →

Read the sentence below concerning maritime trade logistics and fill in the missing technical term. What is the correct occupational term to complete the sentence?

Fill in the blanks below

When the charterer failed to complete the loading of cargo within the agreed laytime, the shipowner levied a daily penalty fee known as for the extended detention of the vessel at the port.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct occupational term to complete the sentence is 'demurrage'.
In maritime trade and shipping register, 'demurrage' is the specific technical term for the penalty fee assessed when a vessel is held by a charterer beyond the stipulated time allowed for loading or unloading (laytime).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the occupational domain and context
The passage belongs to the maritime shipping and chartering register, describing a situation where a cargo vessel is delayed beyond the allocated loading time ('laytime').
Understanding the specific industry context is essential to selecting the precise technical term.
2
Identify the specific maritime term for loading delay compensation
In maritime law and shipping commerce, 'demurrage' refers specifically to the liquidated damages payable by a charterer to a shipowner for detaining the vessel past the allowed laytime.
Related terms such as 'freight' (cost of cargo transport) or 'wharfage' (port dock usage fee) describe different financial concepts in shipping.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 473Question →

Match each formal 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

Truculent
Fastidious
Gregarious
Loquacious

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Truculent matches Conciliatory; Fastidious matches Slapdash; Gregarious matches Solitary; Loquacious matches Reticent.
Each word on the left is matched to its precise opposite in formal English: 'Truculent' (combative) opposes 'Conciliatory' (peace-seeking); 'Fastidious' (painstaking) opposes 'Slapdash' (careless); 'Gregarious' (social) opposes 'Solitary' (isolated); and 'Loquacious' (garrulous) opposes 'Reticent' (reserved).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the core meaning of each word in the left list
'Truculent' relates to aggressiveness; 'Fastidious' relates to meticulous care; 'Gregarious' relates to sociability; 'Loquacious' relates to talkativeness.
Establishing accurate definitions is essential before identifying antonyms.
2
Pair each word with its opposite concept from the right list
Aggressive (Truculent) opposes Peace-making (Conciliatory); Meticulous (Fastidious) opposes Careless (Slapdash); Sociable (Gregarious) opposes Preferring solitude (Solitary); Talkative (Loquacious) opposes Reserved in speech (Reticent).
Antonyms require precise direct opposition in core semantic features.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual and formal English vocabulary antonyms
Question 474Question →

During the parliamentary debate over trade tariffs, the opposition spokesperson attempted to put a spoke in the government's wheel by introducing an unexpected procedural motion.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: deliberately obstruct or thwart the execution of the government's plans

Answer

deliberately obstruct or thwart the execution of the government's plans
The idiomatic expression 'to put a spoke in someone's wheel' means to interfere with someone's plans and hinder their progress. In the context of a parliamentary debate where an opposition member introduces a surprise motion, the intent is clearly to thwart or delay the government's legislative goals.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The opposition spokesperson introduced an unexpected procedural motion during a debate, signaling an action intended to challenge or disrupt the governing party's progress.
Contextual clues in JAMB UTME questions clarify whether an action is supportive or obstructive.
2
Identify the figurative meaning of the idiom 'to put a spoke in someone's wheel'
Just as inserting a metal or wooden rod into a moving bicycle wheel stops it from turning, the idiom figuratively means to block, hinder, or prevent a plan from succeeding.
Idioms cannot be interpreted literally word-by-word; their established metaphorical meanings dictate the correct response.
3
Evaluate the options against the established figurative sense
The statement about deliberately obstructing or thwarting plans precisely aligns with the figurative definition.
Matching the contextual usage with the precise figurative definition yields the correct choice.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Interpretation in Context
Question 475Question →

Which specialized term correctly completes the sentence below regarding banking and financial operations?

Fill in the blanks below

Before issuing the business loan, the bank required the entrepreneur to pledge her commercial real estate property as to guarantee repayment.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

collateral
In the banking and financial register, 'collateral' refers to an asset or property that a borrower pledges to a lender as security for a loan. If the borrower defaults, the lender gains legal right to seize the collateral to recover the debt.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the occupational domain and context of the sentence.
The sentence belongs to the Banking and Financial Register, describing a security arrangement for a loan.
The sentence specifies a borrower pledging an asset (commercial real estate) to a lending institution (bank) to ensure loan repayment.
2
Select the precise specialized register term that denotes an asset pledged as security for a loan.
The term 'collateral' precisely defines an asset offered by a borrower to secure a loan.
'Collateral' is the specific technical word used in banking register for pledged property.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers (Banking and Finance)
Question 476Question →

During the protracted contract negotiations, the vendor attempted to __________ the board's limited technical expertise to secure an inflated project budget. Which of the following phrasal verbs best completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: trade on

Answer

The phrasal verb 'trade on' correctly completes the sentence as it means to exploit or take unfair advantage of something (such as a weakness or lack of knowledge).
The phrasal verb 'trade on' idiomatically means to exploit, leverage, or take unfair advantage of a situation, vulnerability, or reputation for personal gain. In the given sentence, the vendor takes advantage of the board's limited technical knowledge to secure an inflated contract budget.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and identify the required meaning.
The context describes a vendor exploiting the board's lack of technical knowledge to obtain an inflated budget.
Understanding the contextual nuances of the sentence determines the precise particle needed.
2
Evaluate the idiomatic meanings of phrasal verbs rooted in 'trade'.
'Trade on' specifically signifies taking unfair advantage of a situation or vulnerability, whereas 'trade off' implies compromise and 'trade in' refers to physical exchange.
Differentiating between particle pairings prevents selecting inappropriate collocations or literal misinterpretations.
3
Select the correct option that satisfies both grammatical structure and semantic precision.
'Trade on' fits seamlessly into the sentence structure and accurately reflects the vendor's opportunistic behavior.
Ensures adherence to Standard British English rules tested in JAMB UTME Use of English.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
Question 477Question →

Complete the sentence by supplying the precise specialized medical term in the blank provided.

Fill in the blanks below

In epidemiological and clinical practice, an infection acquired by a patient during hospital care that was neither present nor incubating at the time of admission is termed a infection.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct specialized term is 'nosocomial'.
The term 'nosocomial' is the precise medical register word for an infection contracted inside a hospital or healthcare setting that was not present or incubating prior to patient admission.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The context describes a specific type of disease/infection contracted specifically within a hospital or healthcare facility environment during medical treatment.
Specialized registers require identifying terms unique to specific professional fields based on context clues.
2
Identify the precise medical register term
The medical term for a hospital-acquired infection is 'nosocomial'.
Derived from the Greek words 'nosos' (disease) and 'komeion' (to take care of), 'nosocomial' specifically denotes hospital-originated conditions.

Key Concept

Medical and Epidemiological Occupational Register
Question 478Question →

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

Despite the gloomy economic forecast presented at the annual general meeting, the chief executive officer remained surprisingly ebullient throughout his address to the shareholders.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: despondent

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'ebullient' is 'despondent'.
In the given context, 'ebullient' describes someone who is overflowing with fervor, enthusiasm, and cheerfulness. The word 'despondent' refers to being disheartened, dejected, and gloomy, which provides the exact opposite meaning to 'ebullient'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the target word in the sentence.
The word 'ebullient' describes the chief executive officer's high-spirited, cheerful, and enthusiastic mood despite a gloomy forecast.
Understanding the contextual meaning of the target word is necessary before searching for its antonym.
2
Determine the exact antonym required for this context.
The opposite of high-spirited enthusiasm and cheerfulness is feeling dejected, gloomy, or discouraged.
The question explicitly requires the word most nearly opposite in meaning.
3
Evaluate the option choices against the identified opposite meaning.
'Despondent' precisely means dejected and low-spirited, making it the direct opposite of 'ebullient'.
'Exuberant' is a synonym, 'tranquil' merely indicates calmness, and 'bellicose' relates to aggressiveness.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual antonyms in high-level English prose
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 479Question →

During the publication process, an editor sends the author an uncorrected, preliminary print of the text specifically to check for layout formatting and typographical errors before final mass production. Which specialized publishing term refers to this preliminary version?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: galley proof

Answer

galley proof
In the publishing and printing industry, a 'galley proof' is the preliminary version of a book or publication printed for proofreading by the author and editor prior to final printing.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the relevant professional field and context
The context describes book publishing and printing at the stage where an initial layout draft is evaluated for errors before mass printing.
Understanding the occupational domain helps narrow down specialized terminology.
2
Evaluate the publishing terminology choices
The term 'galley proof' specifically describes the preliminary, trial print of a typeset manuscript produced for authors and proofreaders to make final corrections.
This distinguishes it from raw author submissions or post-printing correction slips.

Key Concept

Publishing and Printing Specialized Register
Question 480Question →

In the legal brief presented to the appellate court, the advocate contended that the newly introduced compliance tariffs would severely __________ the operational expansion of small-scale enterprises. Which of the following options correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: militate against

Answer

militate against
The prepositional verb 'militate against' precisely conveys the meaning of acting as a strong force or factor against something (in this case, impeding the operational expansion of small-scale enterprises).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the gap in the sentence.
The sentence requires a verb structure meaning 'to hinder, work against, or serve as a strong factor preventing expansion'.
The context discusses restrictive tariffs impeding operational growth.
2
Evaluate the idiom and prepositional requirements of 'militate' versus 'mitigate'.
'Militate' takes the preposition 'against' to form the prepositional verb 'militate against' (meaning to hinder). 'Mitigate' means to lessen or soften (e.g., 'mitigate damages') and is used transitively without 'against'.
Conflating 'mitigate' with 'militate' is a frequent confusable error in formal English.
3
Select the correct option that satisfies both grammatical collocational rules and semantic intent.
'militate against' appropriately fills the blank.
It correctly combines the verb and particle to convey impediment.

Key Concept

Prepositional Verbs and Confusable Verbs (Militate against vs. Mitigate)
Estimated Time:1m 30s
PreviousPage 24 / 50Next
Lexis and Vocabulary Practice Questions — JAMB UTME — Page 24 | Examkin