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Lexis and Vocabulary

997 questions

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Question 501Question →

Which of the options best completes the sentence below?

The school principal urged all students to _____ attention to the newly published examination timetable.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: pay

Answer

pay
The word 'pay' forms a fixed, standard English collocation with 'attention' (to pay attention), which means to listen to or direct one's mind toward something.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the noun in the target blank
The target noun phrase is '_____ attention to'.
English lexis relies on specific conventional verb-noun combinations.
2
Select the natural verb collocation
The established fixed collocation is 'pay attention'.
'Pay' is the standard verb that pairs naturally with 'attention' to express directing one's mental focus.

Key Concept

Fixed Verb-Noun Collocations
Question 502Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the correctly spelled and contextually appropriate word.

Fill in the blanks below

During the court proceedings, the judge asked the defense attorney to provide sound legal to the accused.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word 'counsel' is correct because it functions as a noun meaning advice or guidance given formally, particularly in a legal context.
'Counsel' is the correct term because in legal and formal registers, it refers to advice, opinion, or instruction given by a knowledgeable person, or the legal advocate representing a party in court.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the required meaning.
The context refers to advice or guidance offered by a legal professional during court proceedings.
The blank follows the modifier 'legal', requiring a noun associated with professional advice or legal representation.
2
Differentiate between the commonly confused homophones 'counsel', 'council', and 'consul'.
'Counsel' means advice, guidance, or a legal advocate. 'Council' refers to an administrative or legislative body. 'Consul' refers to a government official residing in a foreign city.
Choosing the word with the correct definition ensures contextually accurate legal terminology.

Key Concept

Distinction between commonly confused homophones ('counsel' vs. 'council' vs. 'consul')
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 503Question →

Complete the sentence below with the most appropriate pair of words:

"Despite his public reputation as a strictly ________ diplomat who yielded to every demand of his hosts, his underlying strategy was remarkably ________, concealing a subtle scheme that ultimately outwitted the opposing delegates."

Which of the following word pairs correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: complaisant / ingenious

Answer

The pair 'complaisant / ingenious' correctly completes the sentence.
The correct answer pair combines 'complaisant' (disposed to satisfy or yield to others) and 'ingenious' (showing remarkable cleverness and inventiveness). This creates a coherent contrast between the diplomat's outward accommodating behavior and his inwardly clever tactics.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the first blank
The word describes a diplomat 'who yielded to every demand of his hosts'. The appropriate term is 'complaisant' (obliging, agreeable, eager to please), not 'complacent' (smug or self-satisfied).
The sentence specifies an active willingness to comply with demands rather than passive self-satisfaction.
2
Analyze the context of the second blank
The word describes a strategy 'concealing a subtle scheme that ultimately outwitted the opposing delegates'. The appropriate term is 'ingenious' (clever, inventive), not 'ingenuous' (naive, candid, innocent).
Outwitting opponents requires a clever and resourceful strategy, whereas 'ingenuous' implies simplicity and lack of subtlety.

Key Concept

Distinction between commonly confused paronyms: complaisant/complacent and ingenious/ingenuous
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 504Question →

Read the sentence below and choose the option that correctly completes the blanks.

The ethics committee decided to ________ the director for his involvement in ________ business transactions that violated company policy.

Which pair of words best completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: censure / illicit

Answer

censure / illicit
The correct option pair is 'censure / illicit'. The verb 'censure' means to express severe formal disapproval or officially reprimand someone, which fits the actions of an ethics committee addressing misconduct. The adjective 'illicit' means illegal, unauthorized, or improper, accurately describing business transactions that break company rules.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the first blank following the infinitive marker 'to'.
The first blank requires a verb indicating an official disciplinary action taken by an ethics committee against an individual.
Differentiate between 'censure' (to express severe formal disapproval/reprimand) and 'censor' (to inspect and suppress objectionable material in text or media).
2
Analyze the context of the second blank preceding the noun phrase 'business transactions'.
The second blank requires an adjective describing transactions that violate company policy.
Differentiate between 'illicit' (adjective: illegal, forbidden, or improper) and 'elicit' (verb: to evoke or draw out a response).
3
Combine the correct choices for both blanks.
'censure' fits the first blank and 'illicit' fits the second blank.
The complete sentence correctly reads: 'The ethics committee decided to censure the director for his involvement in illicit business transactions that violated company policy.'

Key Concept

Distinguishing between commonly confused homophones and paronyms in formal vocabulary (censure vs. censor and illicit vs. elicit).
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 505Question →

To prevent impending bankruptcy, the board of directors urged the chief executive officer to curb escalating operational costs. Which of the following options correctly completes the sentence: 'The management must __________ reckless spending before the next fiscal quarter'?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: rein in

Answer

rein in
The phrasal verb 'rein in' means to control, limit, or restrict something such as expenditure or emotion. Derived from the leather straps used to control a horse, it fits the financial context of curbing reckless spending.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contextual meaning required by the sentence.
The sentence requires a phrasal verb that means 'to limit, restrain, or control' excessive spending.
The context discusses preventing bankruptcy by curbing operational costs.
2
Distinguish between homophones and select the idiomatically correct phrasal verb.
'Rein in' (derived from using reins to control a horse) is the standard English phrasal verb meaning to bring under control.
'Reign' relates to sovereign rule and does not form this phrasal verb.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
Question 506Question →

After taking on two demanding jobs while studying for his university examinations, Chukwuma realized he was burning the candle at both ends. What is the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Exhausting his health and physical energy by overworking himself without sufficient rest

Answer

Exhausting his health and physical energy by overworking himself without sufficient rest
The idiomatic expression 'burning the candle at both ends' means to work extremely hard, staying up late and getting up early, thereby exhausting one's physical energy and health. In the context of the sentence, Chukwuma is managing two demanding jobs alongside academic studies, which directly illustrates overworking to the point of exhaustion.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The subject is combining two demanding jobs with intensive academic study for university examinations.
Contextual clues indicate excessive workload, pressure, and late/early working hours.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of 'burning the candle at both ends'
The idiom metaphorically describes consuming energy rapidly from both early morning and late night effort, leading to exhaustion.
Idioms cannot be interpreted literally; they carry established figurative meanings.
3
Select the option that best expresses this figurative meaning
The option stating that he is exhausting his health and physical energy by overworking himself without sufficient rest matches the meaning precisely.
It accurately reflects the consequences of overexertion described by the idiom.

Key Concept

Interpretation of English Idioms in Context
Question 507Question →

After several years of intensive farming, the agricultural scientist advised the farmers to leave their land uncultivated for a season to allow the soil to naturally restore its fertility. Which of the following specialized agricultural terms correctly describes land deliberately left unplanted for this purpose?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: fallow

Answer

The term 'fallow' correctly refers to farmland that is left uncultivated for a period to allow the soil to recover its nutrients.
The correct term is 'fallow', which in agricultural terminology refers specifically to land that is intentionally left unseeded during a growing season to enable soil replenishment and moisture conservation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the occupational context of the stem
The context relates to agriculture, specifically land management and soil conservation practices.
Identifying the specific register context narrows down the suitable technical vocabulary.
2
Determine the precise meaning required by the sentence
The target term must mean leaving previously cultivated land intentionally unplanted so it can regain fertility.
The sentence specifies land left uncultivated for a season to naturally restore soil nutrients.
3
Evaluate the specialized options against the definition
'Fallow' is the precise agricultural register term for farmland left unseeded to restore fertility.
Other options such as 'arable' (suitable for farming), 'pasture' (grazing land), and 'virgin' (never cultivated) do not fit the requirement of resting cultivated land.

Key Concept

Occupational Register in Agriculture
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 508Question →

The newly enacted tariffs proved inimical to the growth of small-scale domestic industries, severely hindering their expansion into the regional market. Which of the following words is NEAREST IN MEANING to the underlined word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: harmful

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'inimical' in this context is 'harmful'.
In the context of the sentence, 'inimical' describes tariffs that act against or cause damage to domestic industries. The word 'harmful' accurately reflects this negative impact.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context
The clause 'severely hindering their expansion' indicates that the tariffs had a negative, obstructive effect on domestic industries.
Contextual clues clarify whether the target word carries a favorable, neutral, or adverse meaning.
2
Determine the contextual meaning of 'inimical'
'Inimical' describes something that is hostile, unfavorable, or damaging to an outcome.
Matching the formal lexical definition to the specific economic scenario described in the stem.
3
Evaluate the options against the target meaning
'Harmful' directly expresses the adverse effect of hindering growth.
Select the choice that best preserves the sentence's original meaning.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual synonyms for formal vocabulary in socio-economic texts.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 509Question →

During the transaction for the landed property, the solicitor examined the land registry to ensure that the title was free from any legal claim, mortgage, or financial liability that could restrict the buyer's ownership rights. Which of the following specialized legal terms refers to such a burden or restriction on a property title?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: encumbrance

Answer

The term 'encumbrance' is the correct technical legal term for any claim, lien, or financial liability attached to a property title.
In legal and conveyancing register, an encumbrance refers to any claim, lien, charge, or liability attached to real property that reduces its value or restricts its transfer without preventing the transfer entirely.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the question
The context involves property law (conveyancing) and refers to a legal claim, mortgage, or financial burden that limits or restricts ownership rights on a title.
Identifying the target professional domain (law/conveyancing) narrows down the precise register term required.
2
Evaluate the specialized legal vocabulary options
'Encumbrance' denotes any claim, mortgage, lien, or restriction attached to real property that affects the title. 'Distraint' involves seizure of goods for unpaid debt, 'easement' grants a specific right of land use to a non-owner, and 'replevin' is a lawsuit to recover wrongfully seized personal property.
Distinguishing between specific legal sub-terms ensures the correct register term is chosen.

Key Concept

Occupational Register in Law (Conveyancing / Property Law)
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 510Question →

During the board's investigation into the firm's financial records, the auditor noted that the managing director had been sailing close to the wind in his offshore dealings. Which of the following options best conveys the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: acting in a manner that comes dangerously close to breaking rules or legal boundaries

Answer

The expression 'sailing close to the wind' means acting in a manner that comes dangerously close to breaking rules, laws, or acceptable boundaries.
The idiomatic expression 'sailing close to the wind' originates from nautical jargon where sailing too directly into the wind is dangerous and risks stalling the ship. In general usage, particularly in business or legal contexts, it means acting on the outer margin of what is legal, honest, or acceptable. Therefore, the option describing acting in a manner dangerously close to breaking rules accurately conveys the meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined idiom in the sentence context
The idiom is 'sailing close to the wind' within a financial investigation context.
Understanding the figurative nature of nautical idioms used in formal contexts is essential.
2
Analyze the figurative meaning of 'sailing close to the wind'
Nautically, sailing too close to the wind risks losing control or stalling. Figuratively, it refers to taking risks by behaving in a way that is barely acceptable or lawful.
Distinguishing between literal nautical terms and figurative idiomatic usage resolves the task.
3
Evaluate option meanings against the target idiom definition
The option stating 'acting in a manner that comes dangerously close to breaking rules or legal boundaries' matches the definition precisely.
This option correctly captures the sense of impending risk and boundary-pushing inherent to the expression.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 511Question →

Which phrasal verb correctly completes the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

The auditing committee cautioned the bursar not to the financial irregularities discovered during the annual inspection.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

gloss over
The phrasal verb 'gloss over' means to deliberately avoid dealing with or explaining something bad, wrong, or embarrassing by treating it as unimportant. In this context, it accurately expresses the warning given to the bursar not to cover up or minimize the financial irregularities.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context and meaning of the sentence
The context involves an auditor warning an official against ignoring, minimizing, or treating serious financial irregularities superficially.
Establishing the precise semantic context is required to select the appropriate verb-particle combination.
2
Identify the phrasal verb that conveys superficial treatment or concealment of errors
The phrasal verb 'gloss over' specifically means to treat a mistake, serious matter, or defect as unimportant or to cover it up superficially.
'Gloss over' correctly fills the blank both syntactically and semantically.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs - Contextual Meaning and Particle Selection
Question 512Question →

Which words correctly complete the sentence below? Fill in the blanks with the appropriate terms.

Fill in the blanks below

The investigative panel discovered that the officer had chosen to established administrative protocols, relying on a arrangement with corrupt contractors.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct words to fill the blanks are 'flout' for the first blank and 'venal' for the second blank.
The verb 'flout' precisely fits the first blank as it means to openly mock or violate rules/laws. The adjective 'venal' precisely fits the second blank as it denotes corruption and open susceptibility to bribery, fitting the context of dealing with corrupt contractors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the first blank: 'chosen to {{blank_1}} established administrative protocols'.
The sentence requires a verb meaning to openly disregard, defy, or treat a rule/law with contempt.
'Flout' means to intentionally break or disregard a rule or law. It is commonly confused with 'flaunt', which means to display something ostentatiously.
2
Analyze the context of the second blank: 'relying on a {{blank_2}} arrangement with corrupt contractors'.
The sentence requires an adjective describing a corrupt, bribe-susceptible, or dishonorable deal.
'Venal' means showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery or corruption. It is commonly confused with 'venial', which refers to a minor, forgivable fault or sin.

Key Concept

Distinction between paronyms and homophones ('flout' vs 'flaunt', and 'venal' vs 'venial').
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 513Question →

Fill in the blanks in the sentence below with the correct pair of commonly confused words.

Fill in the blanks below

The newly enacted law aims to any unauthorized gatherings within military zones, while strictly mandating that law enforcement officers follow the procedures by the executive council.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct words to fill the blanks are 'proscribe' for the first blank and 'prescribe' for the second blank.
'Proscribe' derives from Latin meaning to publish in writing an outlawry or prohibition, making it the appropriate choice for banning unauthorized assemblies. 'Prescribe' means to lay down as a rule or directive, which correctly fits the context of official procedures established by an executive council.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the context of the first blank to determine whether the action is to outlaw or to mandate gatherings.
Identify that the sentence refers to banning or prohibiting unauthorized gatherings in restricted zones.
The verb 'proscribe' specifically means to officially forbid, condemn, or outlaw something.
2
Examine the context of the second blank to determine the relationship between law enforcement officers and executive procedures.
Identify that the sentence refers to following rules or directives laid down by authority.
The verb 'prescribe' means to lay down authoritatively as a rule, guide, or direction.

Key Concept

Distinction between 'proscribe' (to forbid/outlaw) and 'prescribe' (to order/specify rules)
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 514Question →

The lead researcher explained that subsequent experimental data would __________ the initial hypothesis proposed by the team. Which phrasal verb best completes the sentence to convey the meaning of confirming or corroborating a statement?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: bear out

Answer

The correct phrasal verb is 'bear out', which means to corroborate, support, or confirm a hypothesis or evidence.
The phrasal verb 'bear out' means to substantiate, corroborate, or provide evidence in support of a theory or statement. In this sentence, experimental data is serving as confirmation for the team's initial hypothesis.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The context requires a phrasal verb that indicates experimental data confirming or validating an initial hypothesis.
The verb must accurately capture the relationship between new evidence and an existing idea.
2
Evaluate the meaning of each phrasal verb with the root 'bear'
'Bear out' explicitly means to corroborate or support with evidence.
'Bear up' refers to emotional endurance, 'bear down' refers to exerting pressure, and 'bear off' refers to steering away.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs with 'Bear'
Question 515Question →

Match each formal English word in the left column with the word in the right column that is most directly opposite in meaning.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

MUNIFICENT
LUGUBRIOUS
SAGACIOUS
PERFIDIOUS

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Munificent matches Penurious; Lugubrious matches Mirthful; Sagacious matches Fatuous; Perfidious matches Steadfast.
Each word in the left column pairs directly with its semantic opposite in the right column: Munificent (extremely generous) opposes Penurious (stingy or miserly); Lugubrious (dismal and mournful) opposes Mirthful (cheerful and joyful); Sagacious (shrewd and wise) opposes Fatuous (foolish and silly); and Perfidious (treacherous and disloyal) opposes Steadfast (loyal and firm).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the precise meaning of each target word in the left column.
Munificent means extremely generous or lavish; Lugubrious means mournful or dismal; Sagacious means insightful or wise; Perfidious means deceitful or disloyal.
Establishing precise definitions is necessary to determine true antonym relationships.
2
Evaluate the terms in the right column to find the exact semantic opposite for each left-column word.
Penurious (miserly/stingy) contrasts directly with Munificent; Mirthful (cheerful/joyous) contrasts with Lugubrious; Fatuous (foolish/inane) contrasts with Sagacious; Steadfast (loyal/unwavering) contrasts with Perfidious.
Matching each word to its direct contextual antonym demonstrates accurate lexical comprehension.

Key Concept

Lexical antonyms and words opposite in meaning
Question 516Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct particle to form an appropriate phrasal verb.

Fill in the blanks below

Rather than addressing the structural defects in the contract directly, the legal team attempted to paper the loopholes with vague clauses.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct particle to complete the phrasal verb is 'over'.
The phrasal verb 'paper over' is an established English idiom meaning to repair or cover up a fault or disagreement superficially instead of resolving it fundamentally. In the sentence, using 'over' correctly conveys that the legal team tried to hide the contract's loopholes using vague phrasing.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning required by the sentence.
The context describes an effort to conceal, disguise, or hastily patch up contractual flaws using superficial means ('vague clauses') rather than fixing the core issues.
The contrast established by 'Rather than addressing... directly' signifies superficial concealment or smoothing over of difficulties.
2
Identify the correct particle that collocates with the verb stem 'paper'.
The idiomatic multi-word verb 'paper over' means to cover up or hide a disagreement, fault, or flaw temporarily to preserve an appearance of stability.
Only the particle 'over' completes the verb stem 'paper' to convey this exact idiomatic sense in standard English.

Key Concept

Phrasal and Prepositional Verbs
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 517Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the word that forms a natural, standard English collocation.

Fill in the blanks below

Before making an important life decision, it is advisable to advice from an experienced mentor.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct verb to fill the blank is 'seek' (or 'take' / 'obtain'). In standard English, one 'seeks advice' from someone.
In standard English usage, the verb 'seek' forms a classic collocation with 'advice' (to seek advice). Synonymous natural expressions include 'take advice' or 'get advice'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the key noun following the target gap.
The target noun is 'advice'.
Collocations require choosing a verb that pairs naturally with the specific noun.
2
Select the standard verb that collocate appropriately with 'advice'.
The verb 'seek' naturally pairs with 'advice' to mean asking for or searching for guidance.
Verbs like 'make' or 'demand' create unnatural pairings or alter the intended formal meaning.

Key Concept

Verb-Noun Collocations
Question 518Question →

Match each formal vocabulary word in Column A with its exact word opposite in meaning (antonym) in Column B.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Pusillanimous
Profligate
Obdurate
Pithy

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

'Pusillanimous' pairs with 'Dauntless'; 'Profligate' pairs with 'Frugal'; 'Obdurate' pairs with 'Pliable'; 'Pithy' pairs with 'Verbose'.
Each word on the left is matched to its direct semantic opposite on the right: 'pusillanimous' (cowardly) is opposite to 'dauntless' (fearless); 'profligate' (extravagant) is opposite to 'frugal' (thrifty); 'obdurate' (unyielding) is opposite to 'pliable' (yielding); and 'pithy' (concise) is opposite to 'verbose' (wordy).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the core semantic meaning of each word in the left column.
Pusillanimous = cowardly/timid; Profligate = wasteful/extravagant; Obdurate = stubborn/unyielding; Pithy = concise/succinct.
Establishing accurate definitions is necessary before finding opposite meanings.
2
Identify the precise antonym for each word from the right column.
Cowardly opposes Dauntless (brave); Wasteful opposes Frugal (thrifty); Stubborn opposes Pliable (yielding); Concise opposes Verbose (wordy).
Matching each word to its direct semantic polar opposite ensures accurate solution pairs.

Key Concept

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning
Question 519Question →

Which specialized technical term from insurance and legal registers correctly completes the passage below?

Fill in the blanks below

When an insurer indemnifies a policyholder for a loss caused by a negligent third party and subsequently steps into the policyholder's legal rights to recover compensation directly from that third party, the insurer is exercising the right of .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

subrogation
In legal and insurance register, 'subrogation' specifically denotes the legal doctrine by which an insurer, having paid a loss to its insured, steps into the insured's legal rights to pursue recovery from the third party responsible for causing the loss.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the operational context in legal and insurance practice where an insurer compensates an insured party and assumes their right to take legal action against a tortfeasor.
Identify the precise legal doctrine that governs the substitution of one creditor or claimant for another.
The scenario describes the transfer of legal rights of recovery from the policyholder to the insurer following indemnification.
2
Select the correct specialized register term matching this exact legal transfer process.
Determine that 'subrogation' is the accurate technical term in insurance law.
'Subrogation' prevents the insured from collecting twice for the same loss and ensures the responsible party remains legally liable.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers (Insurance and Legal Law)
Question 520Question →

Which specialized terms complete the sentence below correctly?

Fill in the blanks below

In insurance law and risk management, the legal doctrine of permits an insurer that has indemnified a policyholder to assume that party's legal rights against responsible third parties, whereas an insurance evaluates financial risk and computes premium rates using statistical models.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

blank_1: subrogation; blank_2: actuary
In insurance law and financial risk management, 'subrogation' is the technical term for the process whereby an insurer inherits the legal rights of the insured to pursue a claim against the party responsible for the loss. An 'actuary' is the precise occupational title for the statistical professional who models financial risks and computes insurance premium rates.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the legal term in insurance register for an insurer stepping into a policyholder's legal rights after compensating a loss.
The precise specialized term is 'subrogation'.
Subrogation specifically denotes the substitution of one person or entity in the place of another with respect to a lawful claim or right.
2
Identify the occupational title for a professional who assesses statistical risk and calculates insurance premiums.
The correct register term is 'actuary'.
An actuary applies mathematical, statistical, and financial theory to analyze future financial risks and determine pricing.

Key Concept

Insurance and Actuarial Registers
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Lexis and Vocabulary Practice Questions — JAMB UTME — Page 26 | Examkin