Examkin

Lexis and Vocabulary

997 questions

All types997Multiple choice475Matching152Fill in the blank370
Question 881Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the word that is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE IN MEANING to the capitalized target word.

Fill in the blanks below

Far from AMELIORATING the severe economic hardship faced by low-income families, the recently introduced tariff adjustments served only to their distress.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

exacerbate (or worsen / aggravate / compound / intensify)
The capitalized word 'AMELIORATING' means improving, mitigating, or making a bad situation better. The sentence structure begins with the contrastive marker 'Far from...', which requires an action opposite to improving. Therefore, the blank must be filled with a word meaning to make worse or intensify distress, such as 'exacerbate', 'worsen', or 'aggravate'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of the capitalized target word in context.
The word 'AMELIORATING' means making something bad or unsatisfactory better, improving, or mitigating.
Accurately identifying the contextual definition of the emphasized word is necessary before selecting its antonym.
2
Examine the sentence structure for contextual indicators.
The opening prepositional phrase 'Far from [action X]... served only to [blank]' sets up an explicit contrast between the intended positive effect (ameliorating) and the actual negative outcome.
The syntactic construction 'Far from...' signals that the blank must contain a word opposite in meaning to the target word.
3
Determine the appropriate contextual antonym.
The precise antonym of 'ameliorate' in the context of hardship or distress is to 'exacerbate' (or worsen/aggravate).
Inserting 'exacerbate' logically completes the contrast and maintains syntactic and semantic coherence.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms
Question 882Question →

In spite of the high stakes involved in the board evaluation, the executive provided only a PERFUNCTORY appraisal of the department's performance. Which of the following words is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE in meaning to the capitalized word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: thorough

Answer

The word 'thorough' is the most nearly opposite in meaning to 'PERFUNCTORY'.
In the given context, 'perfunctory' means carried out with minimal effort, care, or interest. The word 'thorough' means executed with great care, detail, and completeness, making it the direct contextual antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word in its sentence context
In the sentence, 'perfunctory' describes an appraisal conducted hastily, shallowly, or with minimal interest despite the critical nature of the evaluation.
Determining the precise contextual meaning of the capitalized word is necessary before choosing its antonym.
2
Identify the required opposite meaning
The correct antonym must express diligence, depth of inquiry, and careful attention to detail.
The antonym must directly contradict the careless, superficial manner implied by 'perfunctory'.
3
Evaluate the option choices
'Thorough' explicitly means detailed, painstaking, and comprehensive, serving as the accurate antonym.
Evaluating each distractor prevents falling for synonym traps like 'cursory' or register mismatches like 'accountable'.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual antonyms in advanced English vocabulary
Question 883Question →

In the passage below, consider the context of the political address:

The minister's unexpected parliamentary address quickly devolved into a vituperative assault on his opponents, astonishing even his closest allies with its unrelenting bitterness and hostile tone.

Which option is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: scathing

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'vituperative' in this context is 'scathing'.
In the given sentence, 'vituperative' describes a speech characterized by intense hostility, verbal abuse, and bitterness. The word 'scathing', which means sharply critical and devastatingly harsh, accurately captures this meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context clues in the sentence.
The clues 'devolved into', 'unrelenting bitterness', and 'hostile tone' indicate that the attack was extremely harsh, abusive, and bitter.
Contextual indicators surrounding the target word dictate its specific nuance in the passage.
2
Define the target word 'vituperative'.
Vituperative means bitter, abusive, or harshly censorial in language.
Establishing the precise definition allows for matching with the closest candidate option.
3
Evaluate the option choices against the defined contextual meaning.
'Scathing' directly aligns with bitterly harsh criticism, whereas 'laudatory' is an antonym, 'perspicuous' refers to clarity of expression, and 'judicious' implies sound judgment.
Elimination of antonyms, paronyms/confusables, and unwarranted contextual inferences isolates the correct synonym.

Key Concept

Identifying Contextual Synonyms of Advanced Lexis
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 884Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying a word in the blank that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the capitalized word in bold.

Fill in the blanks below

While the auditor noted that the executive's actions had a PERNICIOUS effect on the firm's assets, the board maintained that his strategic investments were ultimately to its financial growth.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word opposite in meaning to 'PERNICIOUS' in this context is 'beneficial' (or 'salutary').
In this sentence context, 'PERNICIOUS' signifies having a harmful or damaging effect. The contrasting sentence structure introduced by 'While' demands a word that means producing good or advantageous outcomes. 'Beneficial' (or 'salutary') serves as the direct contextual antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of the target word 'PERNICIOUS' in context.
'Pernicious' means having a subtle, highly harmful, or destructive effect.
Determining the contextual definition of the target word is necessary before identifying its antonym.
2
Analyze the sentence structure for contextual clues.
The subordinating conjunction 'While' establishes a contrast between the negative assessment of the auditor ('pernicious') and the positive view of the board.
The sentence contrast requires a positive adjective describing favorable impact to complete the blank correctly.
3
Select the exact antonym for 'PERNICIOUS'.
'Beneficial' (or 'salutary') means producing a favorable, wholesome, or advantageous effect.
Inserting 'beneficial' provides the exact opposite meaning to 'pernicious' within the formal business context.

Key Concept

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 885Question →

In the sentence below, select the word nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

The sudden imposition of stringent trade restrictions proved inimical to the fragile economic recovery of the developing nation.

Which option best replaces the underlined word without altering the meaning of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: adverse

Answer

adverse
In the sentence, 'inimical' describes something that obstructs, harms, or works against progress. The word 'adverse' means harmful, unfavorable, or hostile, making it the precise synonym that preserves the contextual meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence describes how 'stringent trade restrictions' affected 'fragile economic recovery', establishing a clear negative/obstructive relationship.
Contextual indicators demonstrate that strict restrictions hinder or damage an already delicate recovery.
2
Define the target word 'inimical'
'Inimical' denotes something tending to obstruct, harm, or act in opposition/hostility toward an outcome.
Identifying the formal register definition clarifies its negative operational role in the sentence.
3
Evaluate options against contextual meaning
'Adverse' directly captures the harmful, unfavorable, and opposing nature of 'inimical' in an economic context.
Substituting 'inimical' with 'adverse' preserves both the exact semantic intent and academic tone of the sentence.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonym Identification
Question 886Question →

Which word nearest in meaning to 'expressed in few words without unnecessary details' correctly completes the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

The manager appreciated the assistant's explanation, as it clearly conveyed the essential facts of the project in less than two minutes.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

concise (or brief / succinct)
The sentence describes an explanation that delivered all essential facts in under two minutes, indicating brevity and efficiency. 'Concise' (or 'brief' / 'succinct') means giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual clues provided in the sentence stem.
The phrase 'conveyed the essential facts of the project in less than two minutes' points to a word that signifies brevity and clarity.
Contextual clues define the specific nuance required for the target word slot.
2
Identify the word that accurately means expressed briefly and clearly.
The word 'concise' (or synonyms like 'brief' or 'succinct') describes communication that is short and straight to the point.
Selecting a word that directly fits both the definition clue and the grammatical context of the sentence.

Key Concept

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
Question 887Question →

The ambitious politician was accused of attempting to _______ favour with influential delegates prior to the party congress. Which verb correctly completes the standard fixed phrase in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: curry

Answer

The verb 'curry' correctly completes the fixed phrase 'curry favour'.
The correct response is 'curry'. In standard English, 'to curry favour' is a fixed idiom meaning to flatter or ingratiate oneself with someone to gain an advantage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target idiomatic expression in the sentence.
The phrase follows the structure '[verb] + favour + with [someone]', describing insincere efforts to win approval.
Recognizing standard English collocations requires identifying fixed word pairings.
2
Evaluate the choices against standard British English idiomatic usage.
'Curry favour' is the recognized fixed phrase.
Other options substitute general verbs that violate the established collocation.

Key Concept

Collocations and Fixed Phrases: Idiomatic Verb-Noun Pairings
Estimated Time:45s
Question 888Question →

Match each capitalized target word on the left with its correct word opposite in meaning on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

AFFLUENT (The nation's affluent regions contrast sharply with its poorer areas.)
AMELIORATE (New health policies were introduced to ameliorate living conditions.)
TRANSIENT (Her enthusiasm for the new hobby proved to be purely transient.)
GREGARIOUS (Unlike his quiet sister, he has an extremely gregarious personality.)

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

AFFLUENT matches Impoverished, AMELIORATE matches Worsen, TRANSIENT matches Permanent, and GREGARIOUS matches Solitary.
Each word on the left correctly matches its exact contextual antonym on the right: 'affluent' (wealthy) pairs with 'impoverished', 'ameliorate' (improve) pairs with 'worsen', 'transient' (short-lived) pairs with 'permanent', and 'gregarious' (sociable) pairs with 'solitary'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning of each target word.
AFFLUENT means wealthy; AMELIORATE means to improve; TRANSIENT means temporary; GREGARIOUS means highly sociable.
Understanding the core definition in sentence context is required before finding an antonym.
2
Select the item on the right that expresses the precise opposite meaning for each target word.
Opposite of wealthy is impoverished; opposite of improve is worsen; opposite of temporary is permanent; opposite of sociable is solitary.
Antonym matching requires identifying direct semantic contrast.

Key Concept

Identifying words opposite in meaning (antonyms) based on contextual usage.
Question 889Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with a word nearest in meaning to the context provided. Which word best completes the sentence?

Fill in the blanks below

The lecturer gave a explanation of the complex topic, making it completely clear and easy for all the students to comprehend.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

lucid (or clear / intelligible)
The word 'lucid' means clear, transparent, and easy to understand, perfectly matching the contextual clue of an explanation that made a complex subject easy to comprehend.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence.
The context describes a teaching style or explanation that makes a difficult subject easily understood by students.
The clue 'making it completely clear and easy for all the students to comprehend' indicates that the missing word must convey clarity and ease of understanding.
2
Identify the word nearest in meaning fitting the blank.
The word 'lucid' means expressed clearly and easy to understand.
'Lucid' directly aligns with the contextual requirement of clarity in explanation.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual synonyms for clarity and comprehension
Question 890Question →

Despite his enormous wealth, the old merchant maintained a remarkably FRUGAL lifestyle throughout his retirement years. Which word is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE in meaning to the capitalized word FRUGAL?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Extravagant

Answer

Extravagant
'Extravagant' is the correct answer because it means spending money excessively or wastefully, which is the direct opposite of 'frugal' (thrifty and careful with money).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning of the target word 'FRUGAL'.
In the sentence, 'frugal' refers to being prudent, thrifty, and economical with money and resources.
Understanding the context of a wealthy person maintaining a simple lifestyle establishes the core meaning.
2
Identify the word among the choices that means the exact opposite of being thrifty.
'Extravagant' describes spending money recklessly, lavishly, or beyond necessity.
Extravagant directly contradicts frugality, making it the precise contextual antonym.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual antonyms for words describing financial behavior and personal traits.
Question 891Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the word that forms a standard English fixed expression.

Fill in the blanks below

During the town hall meeting, the community leader took to the commissioner's assertion that local residents were indifferent to environmental sanitation.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

exception
The noun 'exception' completes the fixed idiom 'take exception to', which means to object strongly to or express formal disagreement with something.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context to identify the required meaning.
The speaker indicates that the community leader formally objected to or was offended by a statement.
The context demands a noun that fits into the fixed structure 'took _____ to' signifying strong disagreement.
2
Determine the exact word completing the prepositional collocation frame.
The standard English fixed phrase is 'take exception to'.
'Exception' is the unique noun that completes the idiom with 'take' and 'to' to convey formal objection.

Key Concept

Collocations and Fixed Phrases
Question 892Question →

The witness gave a CANDID account of the incident during the cross-examination. Which of the following options is most nearly opposite in meaning to the capitalized word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Evasive

Answer

Evasive is the correct antonym for candid in this context.
In the sentence provided, 'candid' means truthful, frank, and unreserved. The word 'evasive' means intentionally vague or avoiding direct disclosure, which is directly opposite in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning of the capitalized target word.
In the given sentence, 'candid' means open, honest, and straightforward.
Understanding the precise meaning of the target word is necessary before searching for its opposite.
2
Identify the word among the options that expresses the exact opposite concept.
'Evasive' describes someone avoiding directness or concealing information, making it the antonym of candid.
An antonym must represent the opposing quality of the target word.

Key Concept

Antonyms and Contextual Word Meanings
Question 893Question →

After months of advocating for strict financial auditing of all committee members, the senior minister was ultimately hoist with his own petard when the software he sponsored uncovered his own hidden accounts.

Which of the following options best conveys the meaning of the bolded idiomatic expression in the sentence above?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: ruined by the very scheme or instrument he had devised to catch others

Answer

The expression 'hoist with one's own petard' means to be harmed, exposed, or caught by a trap or plan that one had originally set for others.
The idiom 'hoist with one's own petard' describes a situation where someone is caught, ruined, or harmed by the very trap, device, or plan they intended to use against others. In the sentence, the minister's own auditing software exposed his secret accounts, making the statement that he was ruined by the very scheme he devised to catch others the correct interpretation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual clues in the sentence
The senior minister spearheaded an auditing initiative, but the resulting software exposed his own concealed financial records.
The context implies a self-inflicted setback where an action intended for others backfires on the initiator.
2
Determine the established figurative meaning of 'hoist with one's own petard'
The idiom means falling victim to one's own plan or trap.
Historically, a petard was an explosive engine used to breach gates; if it detonated prematurely, the engineer was hoist (lifted/blown up) by his own device.
3
Select the option that accurately captures this figurative meaning
The option stating that he was ruined by the very scheme he devised to catch others is the correct interpretation.
It directly matches both the contextual situation and the figurative definition of the idiom.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Expressions and Contextual Interpretation
Question 894Question →

When questioned about the sudden disappearance of the project funds, the accountant offered a rather elastic explanation that failed to satisfy the auditing panel. In the sentence above, what is the intended connotation of the word elastic?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Vague, evasive, and easily manipulated to suit the speaker's convenience

Answer

The word 'elastic' is used figuratively to convey an explanation that is vague, evasive, and untruthful because it can be stretched or distorted easily.
The correct answer accurately identifies the figurative connotation of 'elastic'. Applied to an explanation in a suspicious context, 'elastic' implies that the statement is flexible in a dishonest way—lacking fixed truth, evasive, and manipulated to dodge tough questions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The accountant is being questioned about missing funds, and the auditing panel remains unsatisfied.
Contextual clues reveal whether a word carries a positive, neutral, or pejorative connotation.
2
Evaluate the figurative meaning of 'elastic' in relation to 'explanation'
An 'elastic explanation' is one that lacks rigidity, firm facts, or truth, allowing the speaker to alter its meaning under scrutiny.
Figurative language applies physical attributes (flexibility/stretchiness) to abstract concepts (statements/arguments) to highlight instability or evasiveness.

Key Concept

Figurative Use of Language and Connotations
Question 895Question →

Despite intense opposition from the factional leaders, the peace envoy eventually managed to prevail _______ the aggrieved parties to suspend their industrial action. Which of the following prepositions correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: on

Answer

The preposition 'on' is correct because the prepositional verb 'prevail on' (or 'prevail upon') means to persuade or induce someone to take a specific action.
The prepositional verb 'prevail on' (or 'prevail upon') means to persuade or induce someone to do something. In the given sentence, the envoy successfully persuades the aggrieved parties to suspend their strike.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the sentence.
The sentence describes an action of persuading the aggrieved parties to suspend their industrial action.
Understanding the intended contextual meaning determines the correct particle selection.
2
Evaluate the semantic distinction between 'prevail on' and 'prevail over'.
'Prevail on' (or 'upon') signifies persuading or inducing someone, whereas 'prevail over' signifies defeating or overcoming an opponent.
Prepositional verbs frequently alter meaning depending on the accompanying preposition.
3
Select the preposition that accurately completes the verb structure.
'on' satisfies both grammatical precision and contextual sense.
It forms the established prepositional verb 'prevail on' followed by an object and infinitive clause.

Key Concept

Prepositional verb particle selection and semantic distinction between 'prevail on' (persuade) and 'prevail over' (triumph over).
Question 896Question →

Despite the looming financial crisis, the managing director's PUSILLANIMOUS decision-making only exacerbated the company's vulnerability to market fluctuations. Which word is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE in meaning to the capitalized word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: audacious

Answer

audacious
In the provided sentence, 'pusillanimous' characterizes leadership that is timid, faint-hearted, or lacking courage during a crisis. The word 'audacious' signifies fearlessness, boldness, and resolute courage in decision-making, serving as the exact contextual antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word in its sentence context.
The target word 'pusillanimous' modifies 'decision-making' in a situation where fearfulness or cowardice worsens a financial crisis.
Context clues such as 'exacerbated vulnerability' indicate that the leadership was timid, faint-hearted, or lacking resolve.
2
Define the target word precisely.
'Pusillanimous' means showing a lack of courage or determination; timid or cowardly.
Establishing the precise definition enables accurate identification of its direct opposite.
3
Evaluate the options to find the word opposite in meaning.
'Audacious' means showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks, intrepid, or courageous.
Boldness and courage ('audacious') directly oppose cowardice and timidity ('pusillanimous').

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms and Advanced Lexical Choice
Question 897Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying a word opposite in meaning to the capitalized word.

Fill in the blanks below

Although the antique glass appeared FRAGILE, rigorous laboratory testing proved that the structure was remarkably .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

durable (or sturdy / strong / robust)
The sentence relies on the contrast conjunction 'Although' to oppose the initial perception of the glass with its actual tested quality. Since 'fragile' means easily damaged or delicate, the correct word to fill the blank must mean long-lasting and resistant to damage, such as 'durable' or 'sturdy'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence structure and target word meaning.
The word 'FRAGILE' means easily broken, delicate, or flimsy. The conjunction 'Although' indicates a contrast between the outward appearance and the actual testing outcome.
Understanding the contrast context reveals that the missing word must express the quality opposite to being easily broken.
2
Identify the word opposite in meaning (antonym) to 'FRAGILE'.
'Durable' (or 'sturdy' / 'robust') means able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.
'Durable' is the direct contextual antonym of 'fragile'.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms
Estimated Time:45s
Question 898Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

While the first speaker delivered a remarkably LUCID presentation that laid out the plan clearly, the second speaker's explanation was entirely , leaving the committee completely confused.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct response is 'obscure' (or acceptable antonyms such as 'unclear', 'vague', or 'ambiguous').
In this context, 'lucid' means clear, easy to understand, and articulated well. The contrast marker 'While' indicates that the second speaker's explanation had the opposite effect. Therefore, 'obscure' (or words like 'unclear' or 'vague') correctly completes the sentence by describing an explanation that is hard to understand.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the target word in the sentence.
The target word 'LUCID' describes a presentation that is clear, easily understood, and transparent.
Understanding the context of contrast indicated by 'While' helps establish the intended meaning of the target word.
2
Identify the word that provides the exact opposite meaning to fill the blank.
The word 'obscure' means difficult to understand, unclear, or hidden, which directly opposes 'lucid'.
The sentence structure requires an adjective opposite to 'lucid' to reflect the audience's state of being 'completely confused'.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual antonyms in contrasting sentence structures
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 899Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the word nearest in meaning that correctly fits the context.

Fill in the blanks below

Despite the turbulent political crisis and fierce public outcry, the negotiator maintained an posture throughout the tense deliberations.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

imperturbable (or accepted synonyms: equanimous, unruffled, composed, serene)
The sentence highlights a state of remaining calm, steady, and unbothered amidst surrounding turmoil. The word 'imperturbable' (along with synonyms like 'equanimous' and 'unruffled') specifically denotes an inability to be agitated or flustered under extreme pressure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the surrounding context and tone of the sentence
The phrase 'despite the turbulent political crisis and fierce public outcry' sets up a contrast showing that external chaos did not affect the negotiator's emotional state during deliberations.
Contextual clues demand an adjective denoting an unshakable, calm, and collected disposition under high stress.
2
Identify the precise vocabulary term for unshakable composure
The word 'imperturbable' (or 'equanimous') means incapable of being upset or agitated, matching the required register and nuance.
It conveys steadfast self-possession far better than generic or inaccurate adjectives.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms and High-Level Register Vocabulary
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 900Question →

Complete the sentence below by providing the appropriate word to complete the idiomatic expression.

Fill in the blanks below

Instead of reporting the minor rule violation, the supervisor chose to turn a blind .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

eye
The correct word is 'eye'. The standard idiomatic expression 'turn a blind eye' means to consciously choose to ignore something bad or illegal.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the incomplete idiomatic expression in the sentence context.
The phrase 'turn a blind ____' is an incomplete standard English idiom.
Idioms are fixed expressions whose standard components cannot be arbitrarily altered.
2
Determine the precise conventional word needed to complete the idiom.
The correct noun is 'eye', completing the idiom 'turn a blind eye'.
'Turn a blind eye' means to deliberately ignore or pretend not to notice an unacceptable act.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
PreviousPage 45 / 50Next
Lexis and Vocabulary Practice Questions — JAMB UTME — Page 45 | Examkin