Examkin

Lexis and Vocabulary

997 questions

All types997Multiple choice475Matching152Fill in the blank370
Question 921Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the word nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

Fill in the blanks below

Despite intense pressure from the governing council to compromise, the vice-chancellor remained obdurate, refusing to modify the university's admission policies. A word nearest in meaning to obdurate in this context is .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

unyielding (or obstinate, stubborn, adamant, inflexible)
In this context, 'obdurate' describes a person who steadfastly refuses to alter their position or yield to external pressure. Therefore, words like 'unyielding', 'obstinate', 'stubborn', 'adamant', or 'inflexible' serve as accurate synonyms.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the underlined word 'obdurate' in the sentence.
The sentence describes an administrator who refuses to compromise or modify established policies despite strong pressure.
Contextual analysis shows that the target word describes a firm, unbending, and resolute posture.
2
Determine the precise meaning of 'obdurate'.
'Obdurate' means stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action.
Understanding the formal register and denotative meaning of the word helps identify suitable contextual equivalents.
3
Identify words nearest in meaning that complete the blank.
Terms such as 'unyielding', 'obstinate', 'stubborn', 'adamant', or 'inflexible' fit the context accurately.
These synonyms convey the exact idea of refusing to yield to persuasion or pressure.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms and High-Level Lexis
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 922Question →

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

Call off
Put off
Carry out
Bring about

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

'Call off' matches 'To cancel a planned event', 'Put off' matches 'To postpone or delay an action', 'Carry out' matches 'To perform or execute a task', and 'Bring about' matches 'To cause something to happen'.
Each phrasal verb is accurately paired with its established idiomatic meaning according to Standard British English rules tested in JAMB UTME.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the meaning of 'Call off'
'Call off' signifies abandoning or cancelling a scheduled event.
The particle 'off' combined with 'call' creates the standard phrasal verb for cancellation.
2
Identify the meaning of 'Put off'
'Put off' signifies deferring an action to a future time.
The particle 'off' with 'put' forms the phrasal verb meaning to postpone.
3
Identify the meaning of 'Carry out'
'Carry out' signifies completing or executing an assignment.
The particle 'out' with 'carry' forms the phrasal verb meaning to perform a plan or command.
4
Identify the meaning of 'Bring about'
'Bring about' signifies causing a change or result.
The particle 'about' with 'bring' forms the phrasal verb meaning to cause.

Key Concept

Contextual Meanings of Common Phrasal Verbs
Question 923Question →

After months of intense disagreement among board members over the proposed corporate restructuring, the chief executive officer sought to pour oil on troubled waters during the emergency press conference. Which of the following best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: soothe anger and restore harmony in a contentious situation

Answer

soothe anger and restore harmony in a contentious situation
The idiom 'pour oil on troubled waters' means to say or do something to make an angry or difficult situation calm. In the sentence, the chief executive officer attempted to settle the dispute and soothe the board members' anger.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context in which the expression is used in the sentence.
The CEO is addressing severe disagreement and tension among board members during a press conference.
Contextual clues point toward an effort to calm a public and internal dispute.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of 'pour oil on troubled waters'.
The established idiom means to act as a peacemaker or do something to calm an angry or difficult situation.
Idioms cannot be interpreted literally word-by-word; their established metaphorical meanings must be applied.
3
Match the figurative definition with the provided choices.
The option stating 'soothe anger and restore harmony in a contentious situation' is the precise definition.
It directly reflects the action of bringing peace and resolution to a conflict.

Key Concept

Contextual Interpretation of Idiomatic Expressions
Question 924Question →

Which word opposite in meaning to the capitalized word correctly completes the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

While the lead forensic examiner was extraordinarily PUNCTILIOUS in gathering crime scene evidence, his inexperienced assistant proved to be surprisingly during the initial inspection.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word required is 'careless' (or valid antonyms such as 'negligent', 'perfunctory', 'sloppy', or 'remiss').
The capitalized word 'PUNCTILIOUS' describes someone who pays strict attention to detail and correct behavior. The sentence construction ('While... proved to be...') signals a contrast between the examiner and the assistant. Therefore, the blank must be filled with a word opposite in meaning, such as 'careless', 'negligent', or 'perfunctory'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of the target word 'PUNCTILIOUS' in context.
'PUNCTILIOUS' means showing great attention to detail, being extremely meticulous, precise, or careful.
Identifying the baseline definition of the target word is essential before determining its opposite.
2
Analyze the syntactic structure of the sentence to identify the semantic relationship.
The subordinating conjunction 'While...' sets up a direct contrast between the examiner's thoroughness and the assistant's flaw.
The sentence demands an antonym that expresses a lack of care or attention to detail.
3
Select an appropriate word opposite in meaning.
'Careless' or 'negligent' directly opposes 'punctilious'.
These terms describe an attitude lacking precision and thoroughness.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms
Question 925Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct occupational register term.

Fill in the blanks below

During the trial, the presiding judge granted an to allow the defense counsel time to examine the new evidence.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

adjournment
In legal proceedings, an 'adjournment' is the official suspension or postponement of a court proceeding until a future date or time.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the professional domain.
The sentence involves court proceedings ('trial', 'presiding judge', 'defense counsel', 'evidence').
Identifying the field (Law/Judiciary) establishes the appropriate specialized register.
2
Determine the formal legal term for postponing or suspending a court session.
The term required is 'adjournment'.
In legal register, an adjournment specifically refers to a temporary postponement of court proceedings.

Key Concept

Legal Register (Judicial Terminology)
Estimated Time:45s
Question 926Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

The newly appointed diplomat executed the peace council's directives with , resolving the border dispute well ahead of the scheduled deadline.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word that correctly completes the sentence is 'alacrity' (or 'eagerness'), which signifies promptness and brisk, cheerful readiness.
The word 'alacrity' (as well as terms like 'eagerness' or 'dispatch') denotes brisk, eager, and prompt execution, perfectly matching the contextual clue of completing tasks well ahead of a deadline.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual clues in the sentence
The phrase 'resolving the border dispute well ahead of the scheduled deadline' indicates speed, enthusiasm, and efficiency.
Determining the context allows us to pinpoint the required tone and exact semantic meaning needed for the blank.
2
Identify the word nearest in meaning to 'promptness' that fits the formal context
'Alacrity' means lively, cheerful readiness or promptness in response.
'Alacrity' appropriately fills the grammatical slot while preserving the precise meaning of prompt and enthusiastic action.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms and Precise Lexical Selection
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 927Question →

After compensating a policyholder for vehicle damage caused by a reckless third party, an insurance company exercised its legal right to step into the insured person's position to sue the responsible driver for recovery of the settlement amount. Which specialized insurance register term refers to this legal right of substitution?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: subrogation

Answer

subrogation
The correct answer is 'subrogation', which is the precise technical term in insurance law referring to an insurer's right to legally substitute itself for an indemnified policyholder in order to recover damages from the party legally liable for the loss.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual scenario described in the stem.
The situation describes an insurer compensating a policyholder and subsequently assuming the policyholder's legal rights to recover those funds from the responsible third party.
Occupational register questions require linking precise operational contexts with their formal technical terminology.
2
Evaluate potential register terms based on their specific legal and financial definitions.
'Subrogation' is the exact term for third-party legal substitution in insurance, distinguishing it from 'indemnity' (the underlying concept of compensation), 'reinsurance' (risk sharing among insurers), and 'subornation' (a criminal law term).
Differentiating between closely sounding paronyms and adjacent domain concepts is required to select the precise specialized register term.

Key Concept

Insurance and Legal Register
Question 928Question →

Fill in the blank in the sentence below with the appropriate legal register term.

Fill in the blanks below

During the property title verification, the solicitor confirmed that although the buyer would own the land, a neighboring farmer retained a legal right to cross a portion of it to reach the main road, a burden legally recognized as an .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

easement
In legal register, 'easement' refers specifically to a granted right of use over real property owned by another person, such as a right of way to cross a piece of land.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the professional domain and specific concept.
The domain is legal/property law, specifically concerning a non-owner's legal right to use another person's real estate for a specific purpose (access path).
Specialized occupational registers require precise technical vocabulary matching the contextual definition provided.
2
Identify the precise legal register term matching a right of way across another person's property.
The correct term is 'easement'.
An easement is a non-possessory right to use and/or enter onto the real property of another without possessing it.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers
Question 929Question →

Match each 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

execrable
trenchant
pusillanimous
penurious

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct pairings are: execrable matches laudable; trenchant matches feeble; pusillanimous matches valiant; and penurious matches munificent.
Each word in Column A is paired with its precise semantic opposite in Column B: 'execrable' (detestable) contrasts directly with 'laudable' (praiseworthy); 'trenchant' (incisive/vigorous) contrasts with 'feeble' (weak/lacking vigor); 'pusillanimous' (cowardly) contrasts with 'valiant' (courageous); and 'penurious' (stingy/destitute) contrasts with 'munificent' (bountiful/generous).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the core semantic definition of each word in Column A.
Execrable means detestable/worthless; trenchant means forceful/incisive; pusillanimous means cowardly/timid; and penurious means stingy/impoverished.
Establishing clear definitions of the target words is essential to identifying their exact opposites.
2
Pair each word from Column A with the item in Column B that expresses the exact opposite meaning.
Execrable pairs with laudable (praiseworthy); trenchant pairs with feeble (weak); pusillanimous pairs with valiant (brave); and penurious pairs with munificent (generous).
Antonyms must express directly contrasting qualities or characteristics.

Key Concept

Identification of precise vocabulary antonyms
Question 930Question →

In maritime law and shipping register, cargo that is deliberately thrown overboard from a vessel in distress to lighten the ship and preserve it from sinking is classified under a specific technical term when recovered. Which of the following specialized terms correctly identifies this class of goods?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Jetsam

Answer

Jetsam
In nautical and maritime law registers, the term 'jetsam' (derived from 'jettison') specifically applies to cargo or equipment voluntarily thrown overboard by a ship's crew during an emergency to lighten the vessel and prevent capsizing.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context and action described in the stem
The scenario describes cargo intentionally thrown overboard during a maritime crisis to lighten a vessel in distress.
Identifying the voluntary and emergency nature of the action is essential to choosing the correct maritime register.
2
Differentiate between closely related specialized maritime terms
'Jetsam' denotes goods voluntarily cast overboard ('jettisoned') in an emergency; 'Flotsam' denotes goods accidentally lost from a shipwreck; 'Lagan' denotes jettisoned goods marked with a buoy; 'Derelict' denotes an abandoned vessel.
Maritime legal register makes strict distinctions based on how property entered the water and whether it was voluntary.
3
Select the term that matches the scenario exactly
The correct term is 'Jetsam'.
It precisely fits cargo thrown overboard to prevent a ship from sinking.

Key Concept

Maritime and Shipping Occupational Register
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 931Question →

The committee's investigation revealed that the regional treasurer had been using public development funds to feather his own nest. Which of the following best explains the meaning of the underlined expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: enrich himself for personal gain at the expense of his office

Answer

enrich himself for personal gain at the expense of his office
The idiom 'to feather one's nest' means to gain wealth, comfort, or resources for oneself, usually dishonestly or by exploiting one's official position. In the context of the sentence, the treasurer used public funds to enrich himself.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined idiomatic phrase within the context of the sentence.
The expression is 'feather his own nest'.
The sentence describes an investigative finding regarding a treasurer and public development funds.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of the expression.
The idiom means to accumulate personal wealth improperly while holding a position of responsibility.
Idioms convey non-literal meanings that cannot be deduced solely from the definitions of their individual words.
3
Select the option that accurately captures this figurative meaning.
The option stating 'enrich himself for personal gain at the expense of his office' is correct.
It correctly identifies the selfish and illicit personal enrichment implied by the idiom.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Question 932Question →

Which word best completes the sentence below by providing a meaning nearest to untiring and persistent effort in context?

Fill in the blanks below

Despite the grueling schedule and challenging weather conditions, the rescue team worked with devotion to locate the missing hikers.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

indefatigable (or synonyms such as unflagging, tireless, untiring)
The context describes a team working continuously despite grueling conditions, which requires a word meaning incapable of being fatigued, such as 'indefatigable' or 'tireless'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence.
The clues 'grueling schedule' and 'challenging weather conditions' combined with persistent work indicate a quality of persistence without succumbing to fatigue.
Contextual analysis reveals the requirement for an adjective describing persistent, unwearied effort.
2
Select the appropriate synonym fitting the blank.
'Indefatigable' (or 'unflagging' / 'tireless') precisely captures the meaning of persisting tirelessly.
It directly matches the contextual demand of working continuously despite severe hardship.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms and Vocabulary fit
Question 933Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

After years of intense rivalry and public disputes, the two community leaders finally decided to bury the and work together for the progress of their town.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

hatchet
The idiomatic expression 'to bury the hatchet' means to end a quarrel, conflict, or feud and make peace. In the provided context, the two leaders ended their years of rivalry to collaborate, making 'hatchet' the precise and only correct word to complete the idiom.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the intended figurative meaning.
The sentence describes two former rivals resolving their conflicts and deciding to cooperate.
Contextual clues like 'intense rivalry', 'public disputes', and 'work together' indicate an expression about making peace.
2
Identify the standard fixed English idiom for making peace or settling a feud.
The correct phrase is 'to bury the hatchet'.
Idioms are fixed lexical units; substituting synonymous terms (such as 'axe' or 'sword') breaks the standard idiomatic structure.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 934Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

Despite facing severe financial setbacks, the managing director refused to throw in the and continued to negotiate with potential investors.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

towel (or sponge)
The correct word is 'towel' (or 'sponge'), forming the fixed idiomatic phrase 'to throw in the towel', which means to acknowledge defeat or surrender in a struggle.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the idiomatic context
The sentence describes a situation where someone is suffering defeat or failure but refuses to surrender or give up.
The surrounding text 'refused to... and continued to negotiate' signals that the idiom means to admit defeat.
2
Complete the fixed idiomatic expression
The established English idiom is 'to throw in the towel' (or 'throw in the sponge').
This expression originates from boxing, where throwing a towel into the ring signifies surrender.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Question 935Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

Despite the fierce opposition from critics, the minister remained in his commitment to implementing the economic reforms.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word 'steadfast' (or 'resolute') means firm and unwavering in purpose or resolution, which fits the sentence context of maintaining determination despite opposition.
In the given context, showing perseverance and refusal to back down in the face of criticism requires a word meaning firm and unwavering, such as 'steadfast'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence.
The prepositional phrase 'Despite the fierce opposition' sets up a contrast indicating that the minister did not back down or falter.
Understanding the context helps determine the precise semantic requirement of the blank.
2
Identify a synonym for 'unwavering' that fits the sentence structure.
Words such as 'steadfast' or 'resolute' accurately mean firm, fixed, and unwavering.
Selecting a word with the correct denotation and connotation satisfies the requirement for a word nearest in meaning.

Key Concept

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 936Question →

Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the emboldened idiomatic expression in the sentence below.

By launching their innovative renewable energy product six months ahead of schedule, the tech firm managed to steal a march on its primary rivals.

Which of the following best expresses the meaning of the emboldened expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: gain a secret advantage over

Answer

gain a secret advantage over
The expression 'steal a march on' means to gain an advantage over a competitor or opponent by acting before they are prepared or aware.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The company launched a product six months ahead of schedule, placing them ahead of their rivals.
Contextual clues indicate early action resulting in a competitive edge.
2
Interpret the idiom 'steal a march on'
The idiom historically comes from military movements where one army moves stealthily to gain a superior position before the enemy realizes it.
Figuratively, it means obtaining an advantage over someone, especially by acting secretly or promptly.

Key Concept

Meaning of the idiom 'steal a march on'
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 937Question →

During the tense contract negotiations, the lead union representative made a conscious decision to keep the corporate management team at arm's length until all labor grievances were formally documented. Which of the following options best conveys the meaning of the emboldened expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: avoid becoming overly friendly or familiar with them

Answer

The correct option is 'avoid becoming overly friendly or familiar with them'.
The idiomatic expression 'to keep someone at arm's length' means to maintain distance, reserve, or detachment, deliberately avoiding close familiarity or intimacy. In the context of labor negotiations, it signifies maintaining a formal distance rather than establishing warm personal relations.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and identify the emboldened idiomatic phrase
The phrase is 'keep... at arm's length' in the context of professional negotiations.
Determining context helps differentiate figurative usage from literal phrasing.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of 'keep at arm's length'
It means to maintain emotional distance, deliberate reserve, or avoid intimacy/familiarity.
Idioms carry established non-literal meanings accepted in standardized English usage.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the exact interpretation
The option stating 'avoid becoming overly friendly or familiar with them' accurately captures this figurative meaning.
The distractor options rely on literal body-part interpretations, antonymous actions, or unwarranted narrative extrapolations.

Key Concept

Interpretation of Idiomatic Expressions in Context
Question 938Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the correct word to complete the idiomatic expression.

Fill in the blanks below

Facing intense competition from rival telecommunications firms, the chief executive officer resolved to take the bull by the and overhaul the company's entire market strategy.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

horns
The word 'horns' accurately completes the well-known English idiom 'to take the bull by the horns', which signifies confronting a difficult, dangerous, or demanding situation head-on with courage and determination.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the context and intention of the phrase
The corporate executive decides to confront a competitive challenge directly and decisively.
The surrounding text describes taking bold action in response to severe business competition.
2
Recall the fixed idiomatic expression for direct confrontation
The standard English idiom is 'to take the bull by the horns'.
Idioms rely on precise, fixed lexical collocations that cannot be arbitrarily modified.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Question 939Question →

When the regional agricultural cooperative faced insolvency, the appointed liquidator sold off the entire processing facility, lock, stock, and barrel. Which of the following best captures the meaning of the emboldened expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: completely, including every single part and asset

Answer

The correct option is the one stating 'completely, including every single part and asset'.
The idiomatic expression 'lock, stock, and barrel' means entirely or completely, leaving nothing behind. In the context of selling a facility upon insolvency, it indicates that every asset and component of the facility was sold altogether.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence.
The sentence describes an agricultural cooperative undergoing liquidating sales due to insolvency.
Understanding context helps determine how the figurative phrase functions in the scenario.
2
Identify the figurative meaning of the idiom 'lock, stock, and barrel'.
Historically originating from the three constituent parts of a musket, the idiom figuratively means 'completely', 'in its entirety', or 'including everything'.
Idioms cannot be decoded by summing the literal definitions of their individual words.
3
Match the figurative meaning with the appropriate option.
The phrase 'completely, including every single part and asset' matches the figurative meaning precisely.
This option accurately captures total inclusion without distortion or literal misinterpretation.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Expressions - Figurative Interpretation
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 940Question →

Despite belonging to an aristocratic family, the retired diplomat lived an impecunious lifestyle after losing his fortune in unsound ventures. Which word is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: impoverished

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'impecunious' is 'impoverished'.
In the sentence, 'impecunious' describes someone who has lost their wealth and is living without money. 'Impoverished' means poor or destitute, making it the word nearest in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The subject lost his fortune in unsound ventures, leading to a lifestyle lacking financial resources despite his noble lineage.
Contextual clues like 'losing his fortune' indicate financial hardship.
2
Determine the meaning of the target word 'impecunious'
'Impecunious' means having little or no money, being poor or destitute.
Understanding the definition within the context of wealth loss.
3
Select the option that matches this contextual meaning
'impoverished' means reduced to poverty or having little money.
'Impoverished' is the exact contextual synonym.

Key Concept

Contextual Vocabulary and Synonyms
Estimated Time:1m 0s
PreviousPage 47 / 50Next
Lexis and Vocabulary Practice Questions — JAMB UTME — Page 47 | Examkin