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Lexis and Vocabulary

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Question 941Question →

In the sentence below, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

The governor's address was criticized by analysts for containing truculent remarks directed at political opponents.

Which word is nearest in meaning to the underlined word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: aggressive

Answer

aggressive
In the given context, 'truculent' means fiercely defiant, belligerent, or aggressively hostile. Therefore, 'aggressive' is the word nearest in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the underlined word within the sentence.
The sentence describes political remarks that drew criticism because of their hostile stance toward opponents.
Contextual clues point to an antagonistic tone.
2
Identify the precise contextual synonym for 'truculent'.
'Truculent' signifies bad-tempered, belligerent, or aggressive behavior/speech.
Selecting 'aggressive' directly reflects the intended hostile meaning.

Key Concept

Contextual Lexis and Synonyms
Question 942Question →

Which established idiomatic expression correctly completes the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

Despite facing severe financial constraints during the project, the site engineer refused to when procuring safety gear for the technical crew.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

cut corners
The idiomatic expression 'cut corners' means to execute a task hurriedly or cheaply to save money or effort, often at the risk of lowering safety or quality standards.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context to determine the required figurative meaning.
The context describes a situation where an engineer avoids taking shortcuts or reducing standards despite budget limitations.
The missing expression must figuratively mean doing something in a cheap, hasty, or careless way that compromises quality or safety.
2
Identify the standard English idiomatic expression that conveys taking shortcuts.
The fixed phrase 'cut corners' means to save time, effort, or money by doing something less thoroughly than required.
Inserting 'cut corners' accurately completes the sentence in both structure and idiomatic meaning.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 943Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

Despite receiving several lucrative job offers abroad, the senior research fellow decided to stay and help develop his home country, proving that he preferred to face the music rather than burn his behind him.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

bridges
The complete idiomatic expression is 'burn one's bridges', which metaphorically means committing to a direction by permanently destroying existing relationships, opportunities, or routes of return.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and identify the required idiomatic phrase
The context discusses taking an unalterable action that cuts off one's path of retreat or past connections.
The standard English idiomatic expression is 'to burn one's bridges', meaning to permanently sever connections or take a course of action from which there is no turning back.

Key Concept

Fixed Idiomatic Expressions
Question 944Question →

Read the sentence below carefully:

'By authorizing major capital expenditures without prior approval from the governing board, the newly appointed financial supervisor was skating on thin ice.'

Which of the following options best captures the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Taking a serious risk that could easily lead to severe trouble or failure

Answer

Taking a serious risk that could easily lead to severe trouble or failure
The expression 'skating on thin ice' is an idiom used to describe taking a significant risk or putting oneself in a precarious, vulnerable position where mistakes can bring immediate penalty or failure. Bypassing board approval exposes the supervisor to severe administrative risk.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The supervisor took an unauthorized risk by spending major capital without board permission.
Sentence context indicates that the supervisor's action was risky and unapproved.
2
Identify the figurative meaning of 'skating on thin ice'
The expression metaphorically compares taking a dangerous gamble to standing on weak ice that could break at any moment.
Idioms must be understood figuratively rather than by literal word definitions.

Key Concept

Interpretation of Idiomatic Expressions in Context
Question 945Question →

The environmental panel warned that the uncontrolled discharge of industrial effluent would have a deleterious effect on the local aquatic ecosystem. Which word is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: detrimental

Answer

detrimental
In the given sentence, 'deleterious' describes an action or substance that inflicts severe harm or damage on an ecosystem. The word 'detrimental' means causing harm or damage, making it the option nearest in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the target word in the sentence
The stem describes 'uncontrolled discharge of industrial effluent' impacting an 'aquatic ecosystem', signaling a negative and damaging consequence.
Contextual clues in JAMB UTME questions establish the precise semantic shade required.
2
Determine the contextual meaning of 'deleterious'
'Deleterious' means causing harm, injury, or severe damage.
Defining the target word clearly allows accurate comparison with option choices.
3
Compare options to find the word nearest in meaning
'Detrimental' means causing harm or damage, making it the precise synonym for 'deleterious'.
Synonym selection requires matching core semantic features without selecting antonyms or visually similar confusables.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual synonyms for formal and academic vocabulary
Question 946Question →

During the parliamentary committee hearing on the failed urban renewal project, the lead auditor remarked that the former commissioner clearly had an axe to grind. Which of the following best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: possessed a personal or private motive for taking a specific position

Answer

The expression means possessing a personal or private motive for taking a specific position.
The idiomatic expression 'to have an axe to grind' means to have a private motive, ulterior reason, or personal grievance that influences one's actions or opinions. In the given context, it signifies that the former commissioner had a personal interest shaping his involvement with the project.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined idiomatic expression within the sentence context.
The expression identified is 'an axe to grind'.
Determining the exact figurative phrase is essential for establishing its contextual meaning.
2
Analyze the figurative sense of the idiom 'to have an axe to grind'.
The phrase figuratively denotes having a secret or personal motive, dispute, or opinion to promote.
Idiomatic expressions cannot be understood by combining the literal definitions of individual words.
3
Match the established figurative meaning with the correct option while eliminating literal and illogical distractors.
The option describing a personal or private motive is the only correct interpretation.
The other options either interpret the words literally, invert the meaning to imply impartiality, or make unwarranted assumptions.

Key Concept

Figurative meaning of idioms in context
Question 947Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

The official inquiry revealed that the former treasurer used municipal development funds to feather his own rather than complete the promised community welfare projects.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

nest
The correct noun to complete the idiomatic expression is 'nest'. The full idiom 'to feather one's own nest' is a well-established English expression that means to make oneself wealthy or comfortable, often by misusing money or opportunities provided by one's job or public position.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contextual meaning of the sentence.
The sentence describes an official who dishonestly diverted public funds for personal enrichment.
Understanding the context helps identify the specific figurative phrase being invoked.
2
Recall the established fixed idiomatic expression matching this context.
The standard English idiom meaning 'to enrich oneself dishonestly while in a position of trust' is 'to feather one's own nest'.
Idiomatic expressions have fixed lexical components that cannot be altered or substituted with literal synonyms.

Key Concept

Fixed Idiomatic Expressions and Lexical Collocations
Question 948Question →

Fill in the blank with a word nearest in meaning to 'reticent' that correctly completes the sentence below.

Fill in the blanks below

Despite his twin brother's lively personality, the diplomat remained surprisingly during the formal negotiations.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word 'taciturn' (or 'reserved' / 'uncommunicative') correctly completes the sentence as it is nearest in meaning to 'reticent'.
The target word 'reticent' describes a person who is habitually reserved and disinclined to talk. In this context, 'taciturn' (or 'reserved' / 'uncommunicative') is nearest in meaning because it accurately describes someone who maintains silence and speaks very little.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word 'reticent' in the context of the sentence.
The word 'reticent' refers to someone who is disinclined to speak freely, reserved, or quiet.
Understanding the precise meaning of the given word is required to determine an appropriate synonym.
2
Evaluate the context clues provided in the sentence structure.
The phrase 'Despite his twin brother's lively personality' introduces a contrast, indicating that the diplomat speaks very little.
Contextual contrast reinforces the need for a term indicating speech restraint or silence.
3
Identify a valid synonym that fits the blank grammatically and semantically.
'Taciturn' (or 'reserved') directly matches 'reticent' as a word meaning habitually untalkative or restrained in speech.
'Taciturn' captures the identical nuance of minimal speech in formal settings.

Key Concept

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
Question 949Question →

Read the sentence below carefully:

'During the parliamentary debate on the national budget, the minister of finance and the opposition spokesperson locked horns over the allocation of public funds.'

Which of the following options best conveys the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: engaged in a fierce dispute or conflict

Answer

The expression 'locked horns' means engaged in a fierce dispute or conflict.
The idiom 'lock horns' comes from imagery of horned animals fighting by interlocking their horns. In general usage, it means to enter into a direct struggle, severe argument, or heavy dispute. In the given sentence, it describes the intense disagreement between the minister and the opposition spokesperson over public fund allocation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The setting is a parliamentary debate regarding budget allocations, which inherently suggests opposition and intense disagreement.
Context clues help determine whether the interaction was cooperative or contentious.
2
Interpret the figurative meaning of the idiom 'lock horns'
Derived from animals interlocking horns during combat, the idiom figuratively denotes getting involved in a clash, fight, or violent argument.
Idioms cannot be understood literally; their established figurative meanings must be applied.

Key Concept

Interpretation of English idioms in sentence contexts
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 950Question →

Select the option that best expresses the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression in the sentence below:

By launching its new renewable energy product six months ahead of schedule, the tech startup managed to steal a march on its main competitors.

Which of the following best interprets the underlined expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: gain an advantage over their rivals by taking action before them

Answer

The expression 'steal a march on' means to gain a secret or unexpected advantage over someone, especially by acting before they do.
The idiom 'steal a march on' means to gain a surprise or prompt advantage over a rival by acting before they are prepared or aware. In the sentence context, launching six months early allowed the startup to gain this early competitive edge.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The startup launched its product six months ahead of schedule, placing itself ahead of rivals.
Context clues such as 'ahead of schedule' indicate a proactive advantage gained over competitors.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of the idiom
To 'steal a march on someone' is a established idiomatic phrase originating from military maneuvers where an army moved silently to gain a tactical position before the enemy noticed.
Idioms cannot be interpreted literally by breaking down individual words like 'steal' or 'march'.
3
Match the figurative definition with the choices
The option stating 'gain an advantage over their rivals by taking action before them' precisely matches the figurative meaning.
It accurately reflects both the timing and competitive advantage implied by the context.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Question 951Question →

During the press conference, the head coach advised sports journalists to take rumors of key player transfers with a pinch of salt. Which of the following options best interprets the underlined idiomatic expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: regard the news reports with skepticism and caution

Answer

To regard the news reports with skepticism and caution
The idiomatic expression 'take with a pinch of salt' means to maintain a degree of skepticism or doubt regarding information, recognizing that it may be exaggerated or false.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The coach is responding to unconfirmed transfer rumors presented by journalists.
Context helps establish whether the expression refers to complete belief, total denial, or cautious skepticism.
2
Identify the figurative meaning of the idiomatic phrase
The phrase 'to take something with a pinch of salt' (or grain of salt) means to maintain skepticism and not accept a claim as entirely true.
Idioms cannot be interpreted literally by summing up the dictionary definitions of their component words.
3
Match the meaning with the available choices
The option stating 'regard the news reports with skepticism and caution' precisely matches the figurative meaning.
Skepticism accurately describes maintaining reserve or doubt about unverified rumors.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Expression Interpretation
Estimated Time:50s
Question 952Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

When the startup's lead investor abruptly withdrew financial backing, the founder refused to throw in the and persevered until new sponsors were secured.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

towel
The established idiomatic expression is 'throw in the towel', originating from boxing to signify admitting defeat or quitting a contest. In this sentence, refusing to 'throw in the towel' correctly conveys that the founder refused to quit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the sentence.
The sentence depicts a founder who refuses to surrender or give up despite facing a serious setback.
Understanding the context helps identify the idiomatic phrase meaning 'to admit defeat'.
2
Identify the standard idiomatic expression that signifies giving up or admitting defeat.
The conventional English idiom is 'throw in the towel'.
Idioms rely on fixed, invariant lexical combinations established by historical usage.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Expressions - Fixed Phrase Completion
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 953Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the appropriate specialized occupational term from journalism and media relations.

Fill in the blanks below

To prevent premature public disclosure of sensitive reports, press agencies are often required to honor a news , which stipulates that information must not be broadcast or published before a designated time.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

embargo
In journalism and media relations, a news 'embargo' is the official technical term for a request or agreement that information supplied to media organizations not be published or broadcast until a specified future date and time.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the occupational context of the sentence.
The scenario describes a formal restriction placed on press agencies and news outlets regarding the release time of news materials.
Identifying the field as media and journalism establishes the domain of the required specialized term.
2
Select the precise specialized register term.
A press 'embargo' is the specific technical term for a temporary ban or agreed delay on publishing news until a specified date and time.
General terms such as 'censorship' or 'prohibition' do not reflect the standard professional jargon used in media relations.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers (Journalism and Media)
Question 954Question →

Read the sentence below carefully:

'When a heated argument broke out between the senior executives regarding the proposed corporate restructuring, the board chairperson stepped in to pour oil on troubled waters.'

Which of the following options best expresses the meaning of the bolded idiomatic expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: pacify the situation and restore harmony among the disputing parties

Answer

To pacify the situation and restore harmony among the disputing parties.
The idiomatic expression 'pour oil on troubled waters' means to say or do something that calms a tense situation, reduces anger, or settles a heated argument. In the sentence, the chairperson intervenes during a disagreement to bring peace and pacify the executives.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and identify the bolded idiomatic expression.
The phrase 'pour oil on troubled waters' describes the action taken by the chairperson during a heated argument between senior executives.
Contextual clues indicate a conflict resolution role undertaken by a leader.
2
Deduce the figurative meaning of the idiom.
Just as pouring oil onto rough water calms the surface waves, 'pouring oil on troubled waters' means intervening to soothe anger, calm tempers, and resolve discord.
Idioms carry established non-literal meanings derived from metaphorical imagery.
3
Match the figurative definition with the provided options.
The option stating 'pacify the situation and restore harmony among the disputing parties' accurately conveys this meaning.
It captures the peaceful, resolving nature of the expression.

Key Concept

Interpretation of English idioms in context
Question 955Question →

Match each phrasal verb on the left with its correct contextual meaning on the right as used in standard formal English.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

bear out
brush up on
fall back on
play down

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The phrasal verb 'bear out' pairs with 'to confirm or corroborate evidence'; 'brush up on' pairs with 'to refresh one's existing knowledge or skill'; 'fall back on' pairs with 'to resort to a secondary option in times of need'; and 'play down' pairs with 'to minimize the significance of an event'.
The correct pairings accurately reflect the formal definitions of each phrasal verb: 'bear out' means to corroborate, 'brush up on' means to review knowledge, 'fall back on' means to rely on an alternative reserve, and 'play down' means to underestimate or minimize significance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of each phrasal verb in standard English usage.
Identified 'bear out' as corroboration, 'brush up on' as refreshing knowledge, 'fall back on' as utilizing a reserve option, and 'play down' as minimizing importance.
Phrasal verbs carry specific idiomatic meanings formed by combining a verb stem with one or more particles.
2
Match each verb to its precise definition provided in the list.
Established correct pairings for all four expressions.
Accurate semantic matching ensures formal precision in lexical assessment.

Key Concept

Understanding idiomatic expressions and precision in matching phrasal verbs with their formal contextual definitions.
Question 956Question →

During the parliamentary inquiry into the missing funds, the minister attempted to ________ the glaring irregularities in the budget report as mere clerical oversights. Which of the following phrasal verbs best completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: explain away

Answer

The phrasal verb 'explain away' correctly completes the sentence to mean minimizing or excusing serious irregularities.
The phrasal verb 'explain away' means to show why one is not to blame for something, or to make an error or suspicious circumstance seem unimportant by giving reasons. In the given sentence, the minister tries to dismiss serious financial irregularities as harmless mistakes, making 'explain away' the only idiomatically accurate choice.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The subject is trying to dismiss or make serious financial irregularities seem minor and excusable ('as mere clerical oversights').
Understanding the contextual meaning determines which particle correctly alters the verb's sense.
2
Evaluate the idiomatic meaning of the phrasal verb options
'Explain away' specifically means to offer explanations that lessen the blame or make a serious fault appear trivial.
Standard British English phrasal verb conventions require matching 'explain' with 'away' when dismissing fault.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs with Specific Idiomatic Particles
Question 957Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with a word nearest in meaning to 'ameliorate' that fits the sentence context correctly.

Fill in the blanks below

The government introduced several emergency measures designed to the economic hardship faced by rural communities.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word 'alleviate' (or 'mitigate' / 'relieve' / 'ease') is nearest in meaning to 'ameliorate' and correctly completes the sentence.
In the given context, 'ameliorate' means to make something bad or unsatisfactory better or less severe. The word 'alleviate' directly expresses the exact concept of lessening suffering, hardship, or severity.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning of the target word 'ameliorate'.
'Ameliorate' means to make a bad or painful situation better, more tolerable, or less severe.
Understanding the precise meaning of the prompt word is essential for identifying its nearest synonym.
2
Select a synonym that fits the sentence context of lessening economic hardship.
'Alleviate' (or 'mitigate' / 'relieve') means to lessen the severity of hardship or suffering.
Substituting 'alleviate' into the blank maintains the intended sentence meaning of reducing economic hardship.

Key Concept

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 958Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the correct preposition to form an appropriate prepositional verb.

Fill in the blanks below

The defense counsel argued that the new circumstantial evidence presented by the prosecution did not bear the specific charges against the accused.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct preposition to complete the sentence is 'on' (or 'upon').
The prepositional verb 'bear on' (or 'bear upon') means to relate to, be relevant to, or affect a specific matter. In legal and formal discourse, asserting that evidence does not 'bear on' a charge indicates that it lacks direct relevance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and main verb.
The verb is 'bear', and the sentence describes whether legal evidence relates directly to specified charges.
The sentence addresses the concept of relevance of evidence in legal proceedings.
2
Determine the preposition required to convey the intended meaning of relevance.
The prepositional verb 'bear on' (or 'bear upon') means to have relevance, impact, or reference to a subject.
'Bear on' is standard formal English for expressing relevance or influence.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
Question 959Question →

The newly appointed principal emphasized that the administration would not ________ the established regulations on academic discipline, regardless of student protests. Which of the following prepositional verbs best completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: dispense with

Answer

The prepositional verb 'dispense with' best completes the sentence.
The prepositional verb 'dispense with' standardly means to do without, disregard, or set aside. In this sentence, it accurately conveys that the school administration will not set aside or forgo the disciplinary regulations.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the required meaning.
The sentence requires a verb phrase that means 'to set aside', 'forgo', or 'do without' established regulations.
The context clues 'would not' and 'regardless of student protests' indicate that the administration will not bypass or eliminate the rules.
2
Evaluate the particle collocations of the given options.
'Dispense with' is the standard English prepositional verb meaning to set aside or do without.
'Dispense' standardly takes the preposition 'with' for this meaning, whereas 'dispose' takes 'of'.

Key Concept

Prepositional Verb Collocation and Meaning
Estimated Time:50s
Question 960Question →

Match each specialized occupational term listed on the left with its corresponding technical definition on the right. Which sequence correctly pairs each register term with its professional application?

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Debenture
Triage
Colophon
Avionics

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Debenture matches the corporate debt security definition, Triage matches emergency medical prioritization, Colophon matches publishing production notes, and Avionics matches aviation electronics systems.
Each term is accurately matched with its domain of usage: 'Debenture' is a financial debt security, 'Triage' is emergency patient sorting in medicine, 'Colophon' is a publisher's imprint and printing note in publishing, and 'Avionics' refers to aircraft electronic systems in aviation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the financial term 'Debenture'.
Recognize it as a banking term for an unsecured long-term corporate debt instrument.
Understanding corporate finance terminology helps distinguish debt securities from equity instruments.
2
Analyze the medical term 'Triage'.
Identify it as a healthcare term for assessing and categorizing patients by urgency.
Specialized clinical vocabulary is used to describe emergency medical prioritization.
3
Analyze the printing/publishing term 'Colophon'.
Connect it to the bibliographic note describing publication and printing details.
Publishing registers use specific terms to categorize different structural parts of a book.
4
Analyze the aeronautical term 'Avionics'.
Map it to the electronics and equipment used in aircraft operations.
Aviation terminology groups flight electronics and instruments under the portmanteau term avionics.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers across Banking, Medicine, Publishing, and Aviation
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