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Lexis and Vocabulary

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Question 561Question →

Despite the lively atmosphere of the victory celebration, the captain remained exceptionally taciturn throughout the evening. Which word is nearest in meaning to the underlined word?

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Answer: reserved

Answer

reserved
The word 'taciturn' describes someone who is naturally reserved, quiet, or inclined to speak very little. In the given context, 'reserved' is the choice nearest in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the sentence context for clue words.
The phrase 'lively atmosphere' contrasts with the captain being quiet and saying very little during the evening.
Contextual clues establish the behavioral meaning of the target word in context.
2
Define the target word 'taciturn'.
'Taciturn' refers to a person who is habitually reserved, reticent, or uncommunicative in speech.
Establishing the precise lexical definition enables matching with options.
3
Identify the closest synonym among the choices.
'Reserved' directly captures the meaning of being quiet and untalkative.
'Reserved' is the word nearest in meaning to 'taciturn'.

Key Concept

Contextual Vocabulary and Synonyms
Question 562Question →

The detailed audit report presented to the board of directors failed to ________ the manager's claims of operational transparency during the fiscal year. Which of the following phrasal verbs correctly completes the sentence?

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Answer: bear out

Answer

The phrasal verb 'bear out' correctly completes the sentence because it means to corroborate or confirm.
The phrasal verb 'bear out' means to corroborate, support, or prove the truth of a statement or claim. In this context, the sentence requires a verb indicating that the audit report did not confirm or substantiate the manager's claims.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence discusses an audit report evaluating a manager's claims, requiring a verb that means 'to confirm' or 'to substantiate'.
Understanding the intended contextual meaning is essential for selecting the correct particle.
2
Evaluate the particle combinations with the root verb 'bear'
'Bear out' means to substantiate; 'bear up' means to endure; 'bear with' means to be patient; 'bear down' means to press hard.
Different particles alter the core meaning of phrasal verbs significantly.
3
Select the appropriate phrasal verb
'Bear out' provides the exact meaning required by the sentence.
Only 'bear out' fits the requirement of an audit report corroborating financial claims.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs with 'Bear'
Question 563Question →

After a heated public argument with the managing director, the senior auditor resigned abruptly, fully aware that his actions meant he had burned his bridges.

Which of the following best captures the meaning of the idiomatic expression burned his bridges as used in the sentence above?

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Answer: acted in a manner that permanently eliminated any possibility of returning or rebuilding relationships

Answer

acted in a manner that permanently eliminated any possibility of returning or rebuilding relationships
The idiomatic expression 'burn one's bridges' means to do something that makes it impossible to return to a previous situation or restore a relationship. In the context of a contentious resignation, it signifies making a permanent break with an organization.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the idiomatic phrase in the context
The core phrase is 'burned his bridges', which is a recognized English idiom.
Idioms cannot be interpreted literally; their meanings are figurative and established by usage.
2
Determine the figurative meaning based on context
The context describes an auditor leaving abruptly after an open confrontation, rendering future reconciliation impossible.
The figurative sense of 'burning one's bridges' is to intentionally cut off all means of retreat or restoration.

Key Concept

Interpretation of Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Question 564Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

The new executive accepted the challenging assignment with great , eager to demonstrate her competence to the board of directors.
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Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'alacrity' in this context is 'eagerness' (or 'readiness').
In the context of the sentence, 'alacrity' signifies a brisk, cheerful readiness or promptness in taking on a task. Replacing it with 'eagerness' or 'readiness' preserves the exact semantic meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence containing the target concept 'alacrity'.
The target word refers to the enthusiasm and prompt willingness with which the executive accepted the assignment.
Understanding sentence context is essential to choosing the precise synonym.
2
Identify the word nearest in meaning to 'alacrity' that appropriately completes the sentence.
'Eagerness' or 'readiness' fits grammatically and semantically into the blank.
'Alacrity' denotes brisk and cheerful readiness.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 565Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

During the faculty meeting, the vice-chancellor urged the committee members not to gloss the persistent administrative errors.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

over
The particle 'over' correctly combines with 'gloss' to form the phrasal verb 'gloss over', which means to deliberately ignore or minimize the seriousness of a problem, mistake, or fault.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the required meaning of the phrasal verb based on 'gloss'.
The context implies trying to downplay, conceal, or ignore serious administrative errors rather than addressing them fully.
The verb 'gloss' requires a specific particle to convey the meaning of treating mistakes lightly or attempting to hide them.
2
Select the particle that forms the idiomatic phrasal verb meaning to downplay or conceal.
The correct particle is 'over', completing the phrasal verb 'gloss over'.
In Standard British English, 'gloss over' means to avoid discussing something embarrassing or problematic by treating it as unimportant.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
Question 566Question →

Following weeks of fruitless investigation into the company's missing funds, the senior auditor realized he was barking up the wrong tree by focusing solely on the junior clerks. Which of the following best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Pursuing an entirely mistaken course of action or line of inquiry

Answer

Pursuing an entirely mistaken course of action or line of inquiry
The idiom 'barking up the wrong tree' originates from hunting dogs barking at the base of a tree where they mistakenly believe their prey is hiding. In modern usage, it figuratively describes pursuing a mistaken course of action, following a false lead, or accusing the wrong person. In the given context, the auditor realized that focusing his investigation on junior clerks was the wrong approach.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the idiomatic expression in the sentence.
The target phrase is 'barking up the wrong tree'.
The question requires evaluating the figurative meaning of this specific expression.
2
Analyze the sentence context.
The senior auditor spent weeks investigating junior clerks without success before realizing his assumption about their involvement was wrong.
Contextual clues indicate that focusing on the junior clerks was an incorrect approach.
3
Select the option that reflects the established figurative definition.
'Barking up the wrong tree' figuratively means pursuing a mistaken line of thought or misdirecting one's efforts.
Idioms are non-literal; the correct interpretation reflects misdirected effort rather than physical barking or trees.

Key Concept

Interpretation of English Idioms in Context
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 567Question →

Which set of pairings correctly connects each advanced vocabulary word in Column A with its precise antonym (word opposite in meaning) in Column B?

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Ameliorate
Exculpate
Gregarious
Loquacious

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Ameliorate pairs with Aggravate; Exculpate pairs with Incriminate; Gregarious pairs with Reclusive; Loquacious pairs with Reticent.
Each vocabulary word in Column A is paired with its precise semantic opposite in Column B: Ameliorate (improve) contrasts with Aggravate (worsen); Exculpate (vindicate) contrasts with Incriminate (blame/charge); Gregarious (sociable) contrasts with Reclusive (solitary); Loquacious (talkative) contrasts with Reticent (reserved).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Define each vocabulary term listed in Column A
Ameliorate means to improve or make better; Exculpate means to free from blame or declare innocent; Gregarious means highly sociable; Loquacious means extremely talkative.
Understanding the exact denotative meaning of each target word is necessary to locate its semantic opposite.
2
Match each word in Column A to its precise opposite meaning in Column B
Ameliorate contrasts directly with Aggravate (to worsen); Exculpate contrasts with Incriminate (to imply or establish guilt); Gregarious contrasts with Reclusive (withdrawn/solitary); Loquacious contrasts with Reticent (reserved/quiet).
Antonym matching requires identifying the word that demonstrates complete semantic inversion.

Key Concept

Contextual and direct antonyms of formal English vocabulary.
Question 568Question →

Match each specialized register term on the left with its corresponding field of occupation on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Plaintiff
Stethoscope
Ledger
Cockpit

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct pairings are: Plaintiff matches Law; Stethoscope matches Medicine; Ledger matches Accounting; Cockpit matches Aviation.
Each specialized term maps directly to its professional domain: Plaintiff is a legal term, Stethoscope is a medical instrument, Ledger belongs to accounting and finance, and Cockpit belongs to aviation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze each specialized vocabulary item on the left.
Identify the primary domain in which each term operates.
Specialized terms (registers) belong strictly to specific professional environments.
2
Pair each word with its corresponding field.
Plaintiff connects to Law, Stethoscope to Medicine, Ledger to Accounting, and Cockpit to Aviation.
This establishes accurate register recognition.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers
Question 569Question →

In the sentence below, one word is printed in bold capital letters. Read the sentence carefully and answer the question that follows.

Although the council members initially opposed the controversial policy, they were ultimately forced to ACQUIESCE to the demands of the board.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: resist

Answer

resist
In the given sentence, 'acquiesce' means to submit, yield, or agree reluctantly to a demand. The word 'resist' means to withstand, oppose, or refuse to comply, making it the precise contextual antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning of the target word in the sentence.
In the context of yielding to board demands after initial opposition, 'acquiesce' means to submit reluctantly or comply without open protest.
Understanding how the word functions in the sentence is necessary before finding its opposite.
2
Identify the word that expresses the direct opposite meaning of submitting or giving in.
'Resist' means to withstand, oppose, or refuse to comply.
Actively opposing demands directly contradicts the action of yielding to them.

Key Concept

Identifying Contextual Antonyms
Question 570Question →

Match each phrasal verb on the left with its correct contextual meaning on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Fritter away
Claw back
Hark back
Pass off

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

'Fritter away' matches 'To squander or waste resources recklessly on trivial matters'; 'Claw back' matches 'To regain or recover money or power with considerable effort'; 'Hark back' matches 'To recall or refer back to a previous period or event'; 'Pass off' matches 'To falsely present or misrepresent something as genuine'.
Each phrasal verb is correctly paired with its standard definition: 'fritter away' corresponds to squandering resources on trivialities; 'claw back' refers to retrieving money or power with difficulty; 'hark back' means referencing or remembering an earlier time; and 'pass off' denotes misrepresenting something as genuine.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the idiomatic meaning of 'Fritter away'.
Identified as wasting or squandering resources foolishly.
The verb 'fritter' combined with 'away' denotes gradual waste or destruction on unimportant things.
2
Analyze the idiomatic meaning of 'Claw back'.
Identified as reclaiming or recovering lost assets or advantages with difficulty.
The metaphor of 'clawing' implies exertion and effort to pull something back into one's possession.
3
Analyze the idiomatic meaning of 'Hark back'.
Identified as referencing or returning to a past time or topic.
Derived from hunting terminology, 'hark back' means to turn back to an earlier subject or historical period.
4
Analyze the idiomatic meaning of 'Pass off'.
Identified as fraudulently deceiving others regarding the identity or quality of something.
The expression 'pass off as' signifies deception or false representation.

Key Concept

Matching advanced phrasal verbs to their correct idiomatic meanings
Question 571Question →

After completing the routine maintenance check, the engineer parked the aircraft inside a specialized enclosed structure designed to house and protect planes. Which of the following is the correct occupational term for this structure?

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Answer: hangar

Answer

The correct term for an enclosed structure designed to house and maintain aircraft is 'hangar'.
In aviation terminology, a 'hangar' is a large enclosed structure built specifically to hold aircraft for storage, shelter, or maintenance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the key context and characteristics described in the stem.
The scenario describes a covered building used to park and protect aircraft in aviation.
Specialized aviation registers differentiate between open outdoor paving, takeoff strips, passenger facilities, and aircraft storage buildings.
2
Evaluate the specialized aviation terms against the description.
'Hangar' matches the definition of a large building used to house aircraft.
'Runway', 'tarmac', and 'terminal' refer to other distinct airport locations and facilities.

Key Concept

Aviation Occupational Register
Estimated Time:45s
Question 572Question →

Which of the following words contextually completes the sentence below?

"The arrival of the keynote speaker is ________, so all participants are requested to take their seats immediately."

Show answer & explanation

Answer: imminent

Answer

imminent
The word 'imminent' is an adjective that means about to happen or taking place very soon. In the sentence, the instruction for participants to take their seats immediately signals that the arrival of the speaker is impendent.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The clause 'so all participants are requested to take their seats immediately' indicates that the arrival is about to happen very soon.
The temporal cue 'immediately' requires a word denoting an impending or near-at-hand event.
2
Distinguish between near-homophones and paronyms
'Imminent' means about to occur, 'eminent' means famous/distinguished, and 'immanent' means inherent/indwelling.
Confusable words with similar sound profiles must be selected based on their specific semantic definitions.
3
Select the correct word
'Imminent' fits both the grammatical requirement and context of an impending arrival.
It accurately conveys that the event will happen shortly.

Key Concept

Distinction between commonly confused paronyms: imminent (about to happen), eminent (distinguished), and immanent (inherent).
Estimated Time:45s
Question 573Question →

The university senate decided to ________ exception to the auditor's unannounced inspection of the departmental accounts. Which of the following options best completes the sentence to form an idiomatically correct expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: take

Answer

The correct option is 'take', completing the fixed phrase 'take exception to'.
The verb 'take' combines with 'exception to' to form the recognized English fixed expression 'take exception to', which means to object strongly to or express offense at something.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context to determine the required meaning.
The sentence describes an action of expressing formal disapproval or objection toward an unannounced inspection.
Establishing contextual meaning helps determine which idiomatic collocation is required.
2
Match the noun 'exception' and preposition 'to' with its standard collocating verb.
The established fixed idiom meaning to object to or take offense at something is 'take exception to'.
Fixed phrases in Standard English require exact verb-noun combinations that cannot be substituted with semantic near-synonyms.

Key Concept

Fixed Verb-Noun Expressions ('take exception to')
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 574Question →

Match each specialized occupational term on the left with its corresponding technical definition in its respective field of register on the right. Which set of pairings correctly aligns each term with its field definition?

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Nolle prosequi
Demurrage
Culling
Idiopathic

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

'Nolle prosequi' matches the legal declaration to discontinue prosecution; 'Demurrage' matches the shipping charge for cargo delays beyond laytime; 'Culling' matches the agricultural practice of removing weak livestock; 'Idiopathic' matches medical conditions of spontaneous or unknown origin.
Each specialized register term accurately aligns with its technical definition within its respective domain: 'Nolle prosequi' is the formal legal entry to cease prosecution; 'Demurrage' is the maritime shipping penalty for laytime overrun; 'Culling' is the agricultural removal of undesirable livestock; and 'Idiopathic' is the medical designation for diseases of unknown cause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the legal term 'nolle prosequi'.
Identify that in law, it signifies an official decision by prosecution to discontinue criminal proceedings.
This establishes the link between the legal term and the formal notice to discontinue prosecution.
2
Analyze the nautical/maritime term 'demurrage'.
Recognize that it pertains to shipping logistics, specifically financial damages incurred for exceeding stipulated cargo handling time.
This links demurrage directly to charterer penalties for delayed unloading.
3
Analyze the agricultural term 'culling'.
Identify its application in farming and animal husbandry as the deliberate selection and removal of unproductive or diseased animals.
This connects culling to livestock herd management.
4
Analyze the medical term 'idiopathic'.
Define it as a medical classification for illnesses whose etiology or cause cannot be identified.
This completes the accurate technical mapping for all four specialized registers.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers (Legal, Maritime, Agricultural, and Medical)
Question 575Question →

Which word nearest in meaning to the bracketed term correctly completes the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

The spokesperson's [evasive] remarks during the press conference raised concerns among journalists, as her answers deliberately avoided addressing the core controversy.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'evasive' in this context is 'equivocal' (or 'ambiguous' / 'noncommittal').
In this formal communicative context, 'evasive' describes speech designed to dodge direct questions. Terms such as 'equivocal', 'ambiguous', or 'noncommittal' accurately capture this specific meaning of intentional vagueness and concealment.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the target word '[evasive]' within the sentence.
In the context of avoiding direct answers during a press conference, 'evasive' means intentionally vague, misleading, or designed to avoid committing to a direct statement.
Synonym selection requires matching the precise contextual nuance rather than just general dictionary definitions.
2
Identify a synonym that maintains the exact tone and meaning of the sentence.
The word 'equivocal' (or 'ambiguous' / 'noncommittal') fits the blank perfectly, expressing the quality of being open to multiple interpretations or avoiding a clear declaration.
Substituting 'equivocal' preserves the structural integrity and semantic intent of the original sentence.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms and Word Substitution
Question 576Question →

Read the formal statement below and complete it by supplying the correct words for each blank. Which words accurately fill the blanks?

Fill in the blanks below

Before the tribunal convenes, the lead counsel must the panel of all recent factual developments so that the members can render a truly judgment.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The first blank requires 'apprise' (to inform or give notice) and the second blank requires 'disinterested' (impartial and unbiased).
The correct term for the first blank is 'apprise' because the counsel needs to inform the panel of facts. The correct term for the second blank is 'disinterested' because the members of the tribunal must deliver an impartial, objective judgment without personal bias.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the required word for the first blank: 'must _____ the panel of all recent factual developments'.
The context demands a verb meaning 'to notify' or 'to inform'.
'Apprise' means to inform or give notice to someone, whereas its commonly confused counterpart 'appraise' means to assess or evaluate the value or quality of something.
2
Determine the required word for the second blank: 'render a truly _____ judgment'.
The context demands an adjective meaning 'impartial' or 'unbiased'.
'Disinterested' means free from self-interest, neutral, and objective. In contrast, 'uninterested' means lacking interest, bored, or unconcerned.

Key Concept

Distinction between commonly confused paronyms and homophones (apprise vs. appraise; disinterested vs. uninterested).
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 577Question →

Following the unexpected delay of the flight, the airline manager stepped forward to _______ an unreserved apology to the stranded passengers. Which of the following words correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: tender

Answer

The word 'tender' correctly completes the sentence to form the fixed formal collocation 'tender an apology'.
The correct option 'tender' naturally collocates with 'an apology' in standard formal English when expressing an official offer of regret.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and formal register
The context involves an official statement by an airline manager addressing stranded passengers, requiring formal vocabulary.
Word choice in English lexis depends heavily on the appropriate level of formality and register.
2
Identify the target noun requiring a collocating verb
The target phrase is '_______ an unreserved apology'.
Certain nouns pair exclusively with specific verbs to express formal offering.
3
Select the correct collocating verb
'tender' is the standard verb paired with 'an apology' or 'resignation' in formal English.
'Tender an apology' is a fixed collocation in British and standard formal English usage.

Key Concept

Formal Verb-Noun Collocations
Estimated Time:45s
Question 578Question →

During the annual financial audit, the independent consultant was engaged to ________ the company's real estate portfolio and subsequently ________ the board of trustees of the final valuation. Which of the following pairs of words correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: appraise / apprise

Answer

appraise / apprise
The verb 'appraise' means to assess or evaluate the financial value of property, making it the appropriate choice for the first blank. The verb 'apprise' means to inform or notify, which accurately fits the second blank requiring the consultant to report findings to the board.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the first blank in relation to real estate holdings.
Determined that an assessment of value is required, which calls for the verb 'appraise' (to set a value on or estimate the worth of).
Financial audits require evaluating the value of physical or corporate assets.
2
Analyze the context of the second blank in relation to the board of trustees.
Determined that a notification or reporting verb is required, which calls for the verb 'apprise' (to inform or give notice to).
The consultant must inform the governing body of the results of the evaluation.

Key Concept

Distinction between paronyms 'appraise' (to assess value) and 'apprise' (to inform).
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 579Question →

Which word correctly completes the sentence below to form a standard English collocation?

Fill in the blanks below

The severe macroeconomic instability threatens to havoc on the nation's fragile manufacturing sector.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct verb to complete the collocation is 'wreak', forming the fixed phrase 'wreak havoc on'.
In standard English, the fixed expression meaning to cause great damage, chaos, or confusion is 'to wreak havoc on'. The verb 'wreak' is uniquely collocated with 'havoc' in this formal context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and identify the target noun 'havoc' followed by the preposition 'on'.
Recognize that the sentence requires a verb that combines with 'havoc on' to convey causing widespread destruction or chaos.
English lexis relies on established verb-noun collocations to express specific idiomatic meanings.
2
Select the verb that conventionally pairs with 'havoc'.
Identify 'wreak' as the correct collocate, yielding 'wreak havoc on'.
'Wreak' is the standard, idiomatically correct verb used in formal British and international English with 'havoc'.

Key Concept

Collocations and Fixed Phrases
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 580Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

During the union negotiations, the delegates refused to give short to the workers' safety demands.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word required to complete the sentence is 'shrift'.
The noun 'shrift' correctly forms the fixed idiomatic phrase 'give short shrift to', which means to dismiss quickly or give very little attention or sympathy to a matter.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context and structure of the sentence to determine the required idiomatic unit.
The context describes a situation where union delegates refuse to dismiss or give light attention to safety demands.
The surrounding phrase 'give short _____ to' indicates a specific standard English fixed expression.
2
Identify the precise lexical item that completes the fixed phrase.
The noun 'shrift' completes the idiom 'give short shrrift to'.
In standard British English, 'give short shrift to' is an established fixed phrase meaning to accord little time, consideration, or sympathy to something.

Key Concept

Fixed Phrases and Collocations
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Lexis and Vocabulary Practice Questions — JAMB UTME — Page 29 | Examkin