Examkin

Lexis and Vocabulary

997 questions

All types997Multiple choice475Matching152Fill in the blank370
Question 81Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with a word that is opposite in meaning to the highlighted word.

Fill in the blanks below

Although the new manager was criticized by the board for being extremely arrogant, his assistant was widely praised for being .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

humble
The sentence uses the concessive conjunction 'Although' to contrast the manager's character with that of his assistant. Since the manager is described as 'arrogant' (overly proud and boastful), the assistant must be described with a word opposite in meaning. The word 'humble' (or 'modest') directly expresses the opposite quality of humility.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target word in the sentence and determine its contextual meaning.
The target word is 'arrogant', which means having or showing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities.
Understanding the precise meaning of the target word is required before finding its antonym.
2
Analyze the sentence structure to determine the required relationship.
The conjunction 'Although' signals a contrast between the manager's negative trait ('arrogant') and the assistant's positive trait.
The sentence context demands a word that is opposite in meaning to 'arrogant'.
3
Select an appropriate antonym to fill the blank.
The word 'humble' (or 'modest') means having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's importance, which is the direct opposite of 'arrogant'.
'Humble' correctly completes the contrast required by the sentence structure.

Key Concept

Antonyms and Contextual Contrast
Question 82Question →

Match each of the following advanced vocabulary words on the left with its precise antonym (word opposite in meaning) on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Recondite
Intrepid
Inimical
Trenchant

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Recondite matches with Patent; Intrepid matches with Pusillanimous; Inimical matches with Propitious; Trenchant matches with Obtuse.
Each pair correctly matches an advanced formal English adjective with its exact semantic antonym: Recondite (obscure) contrasts with Patent (obvious); Intrepid (fearless) contrasts with Pusillanimous (timid); Inimical (hostile/harmful) contrasts with Propitious (favorable); and Trenchant (incisive/sharp) contrasts with Obtuse (dull/blunt).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the semantic meaning of 'Recondite'
'Recondite' describes subject matter that is obscure, deep, or concealed from view. The term 'Patent' denotes something blatantly obvious and easily recognized, making them exact antonyms.
Establishing accurate lexical definitions is necessary to determine precise opposites.
2
Analyze the semantic meaning of 'Intrepid'
'Intrepid' characterizes dauntless bravery and boldness. Its opposite, 'Pusillanimous', signifies cowardice and timidity.
Matching high-level adjectives of character traits requires contrasting resolute courage with cowardice.
3
Analyze the semantic meaning of 'Inimical'
'Inimical' describes conditions or attitudes that are adverse, hostile, or detrimental. Its exact opposite is 'Propitious', indicating favorable or promising conditions.
Differentiating relational terms requires recognizing harmful versus advantageous states.
4
Analyze the semantic meaning of 'Trenchant'
'Trenchant' refers to sharp, incisive, and vigorous commentary or critique. Its antonym, 'Obtuse', signifies dullness and a lack of sharpness or mental sharpness.
Identifying metaphorical descriptions of sharpness in expression.

Key Concept

Advanced Lexical Antonyms and Nuanced Vocabulary Contrast
Question 83Question →

In modern healthcare, sterile equipment is indispensable during surgical procedures. Which of the following words is nearest in meaning to the underlined word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: essential

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'indispensable' is 'essential'.
The word 'indispensable' means completely necessary or essential. In the sentence, describing sterile equipment as indispensable highlights that surgery cannot safely occur without it, which directly matches the meaning of 'essential'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word in its sentence context
The word 'indispensable' describes equipment that is vital and impossible to do without during surgery.
Contextual analysis helps determine the exact sense in which the word is used.
2
Select the option that best mirrors this meaning
'Essential' means absolutely necessary, making it the precise synonym for 'indispensable'.
Matching core definitions in the context of mandatory medical protocol.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual synonyms
Question 84Question →

Match each vocabulary word in the left column with its correct word opposite in meaning in the right column.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Affluent
Harmonious
Transparent

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

'Affluent' matches with 'Impoverished', 'Harmonious' matches with 'Discordant', and 'Transparent' matches with 'Opaque'.
Each left item is paired with a term that represents its direct semantic opposite in standard English usage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the meaning of each target word in the left column.
'Affluent' denotes wealth, 'Harmonious' denotes agreement or pleasing sound, and 'Transparent' denotes clarity and see-through quality.
Understanding core definitions is necessary prior to identifying exact antonyms.
2
Pair each word with its opposite term from the right column.
The opposite of wealth ('Affluent') is poverty ('Impoverished'). The opposite of agreement/harmony ('Harmonious') is clash ('Discordant'). The opposite of see-through ('Transparent') is non-transparent ('Opaque').
An antonym must express a contrasting or inverted meaning relative to the target word.

Key Concept

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning
Question 85Question →

When the main investor abruptly withdrew from the agricultural venture, the directors were forced to _______ their personal savings to keep the farm operational. Which of the following options correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: fall back on

Answer

The correct answer is 'fall back on'.
The phrasal verb 'fall back on' means to rely on or resort to something (such as emergency funds or secondary options) when primary means fail. Here, the directors relied on personal savings after losing investor funding.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context to determine the required meaning.
The main investor withdrew, so the directors had to rely on alternative emergency funds (their personal savings).
The blank requires a phrasal verb that means to use a secondary resource or backup plan when primary support fails.
2
Evaluate each option against the contextual meaning.
'Fall back on' means to resort to or rely on reserves; other choices mean quarrel ('fall out with'), agree/associate ('fall in with'), or fail/collapse ('fall through').
Only 'fall back on' fits both the idiomatic meaning and grammatical structure of the sentence.

Key Concept

Selecting the appropriate prepositional particle in a multi-word phrasal verb based on contextual meaning.
Question 86Question →

The panel was mandated to look _____ the circumstances surrounding the sudden financial discrepancy before submitting its final report. Which of the following prepositions correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: into

Answer

into
The preposition 'into' combines with the verb 'look' to form the phrasal verb 'look into', which idiomatically means to investigate or research a matter officially and thoroughly.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence describes an official panel tasked with examining the circumstances of a financial discrepancy.
Identifying the contextual meaning determines which phrasal verb particle is idiomatically appropriate.
2
Evaluate the particle options with the base verb 'look'
'Look into' specifically means to investigate or examine the facts of a situation.
Matching the verb 'look' with the preposition 'into' forms the correct phrasal verb corresponding to official investigation.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs with 'Look'
Estimated Time:45s
Question 87Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

Despite the intense pressure from board members during the emergency meeting, the chief executive officer refused to back from his proposed policy.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

down
The phrasal verb 'back down' means to retreat from a position, opinion, or claim when faced with opposition. In the sentence, 'down' correctly completes the phrasal verb phrase 'back down from'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning required by the sentence stem.
The sentence context indicates a refusal to yield, concede, or abandon a stance despite pressure.
The expression 'refused to back ___ from his proposed policy' requires a particle that signifies retreating from a position.
2
Select the correct particle that forms the appropriate phrasal verb with 'back'.
The phrasal verb 'back down' means to withdraw a claim, demand, or position in the face of opposition.
'Back down' specifically collocates with the preposition 'from' when referring to relinquishing an argument or policy stance.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs with 'Back'
Question 88Question →

Match each vocabulary word on the left with its precise antonym (word opposite in meaning) on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Fastidious
Taciturn
Ephemeral
Alacrity

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Fastidious matches with Careless; Taciturn matches with Garrulous; Ephemeral matches with Perpetual; Alacrity matches with Reluctance.
Each pair correctly matches a high-register vocabulary word with its precise lexical antonym: 'Fastidious' (meticulous) is opposite to 'Careless', 'Taciturn' (uncommunicative) is opposite to 'Garrulous', 'Ephemeral' (fleeting) is opposite to 'Perpetual', and 'Alacrity' (eagerness) is opposite to 'Reluctance'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the literal and contextual definitions of the target words on the left.
Fastidious means meticulous/exacting; Taciturn means quiet/reserved; Ephemeral means short-lived/transient; Alacrity means swift eagerness/readiness.
Establishing clear definitions is necessary to identify their exact semantic opposites.
2
Evaluate the terms on the right to locate the exact lexical antonym for each target word.
Careless opposes Fastidious; Garrulous opposes Taciturn; Perpetual opposes Ephemeral; Reluctance opposes Alacrity.
Pairing each word with its corresponding opposite fulfills the matching requirement.

Key Concept

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning
Question 89Question →

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

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

call off
look up to
give up
turn down

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

'Call off' matches 'to cancel a scheduled event'; 'look up to' matches 'to admire and respect someone'; 'give up' matches 'to stop making an effort or surrender'; 'turn down' matches 'to reject an offer or request'.
Each phrasal verb directly corresponds to its established dictionary definition: cancelling an event corresponds to 'call off', admiring someone corresponds to 'look up to', stopping effort corresponds to 'give up', and rejecting an offer corresponds to 'turn down'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the meaning of 'call off'.
Identify that combining 'call' with particle 'off' expresses cancellation of an event.
The particle 'off' signifies termination or cancellation of plans.
2
Determine the meaning of 'look up to'.
Identify that the combination of 'look', 'up', and 'to' signifies admiration or respect.
In standard English usage, looking up to someone means viewing them as a role model.
3
Determine the meaning of 'give up'.
Identify that 'give up' means abandoning effort or surrendering.
The particle 'up' with 'give' forms an idiomatic expression for quitting.
4
Determine the meaning of 'turn down'.
Identify that 'turn down' means refusing or rejecting a proposal or request.
'Turn down' idiomatically means to decline an offer.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
Question 90Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with a word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word in context.

Fill in the blanks below

Despite the committee's expectation of a brief overview, the auditor's fastidious examination of the account ledgers exposed subtle discrepancies, as her methodology left no detail unscrutinized.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'fastidious' in this context is 'meticulous' (or 'scrupulous', 'painstaking', 'exacting').
In formal and academic contexts, 'fastidious' signifies showing great attention to detail and high standards of accuracy. Words like 'meticulous', 'scrupulous', and 'painstaking' convey this exact meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to understand the specific role of the target word.
The clue 'left no detail unscrutinized' shows that the auditor worked with extreme care, precision, and thoroughness.
Contextual clues reveal the precise semantic nuance of the target word within formal administrative/financial discourse.
2
Identify the contextual definition of 'fastidious'.
In this formal context, 'fastidious' means very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.
Understanding the exact dictionary and contextual meaning allows for precise synonym matching.
3
Determine suitable synonyms that fit grammatically and semantically into the blank.
Words such as 'meticulous', 'scrupulous', 'painstaking', or 'exacting' accurately convey extreme attention to detail.
Substituting these words maintains both the meaning and structural integrity of the sentence.

Key Concept

Contextual Vocabulary and Precise Synonyms
Question 91Question →

After realizing that his poor attendance was affecting his academic performance, Chidi resolved to turn over a new leaf. What is the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Change his behavior and make a fresh, positive start

Answer

Change his behavior and make a fresh, positive start
The idiom 'turn over a new leaf' means to change one's conduct or attitude for the better and start afresh. In the context of Chidi improving his academic performance, it refers to reforming his habits.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the underlined idiom in the sentence context
The idiom is 'turn over a new leaf'.
Contextual usage indicates a deliberate shift in response to poor academic performance.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of the expression
'Turn over a new leaf' figuratively signifies making a fresh start by improving one's character or conduct.
Idioms cannot be interpreted word-for-word; their figurative meaning is established through common usage.
3
Match the figurative meaning to the correct option
The statement describing changing behavior and making a fresh, positive start correctly captures the definition.
It directly reflects positive self-improvement and behavioral reform.

Key Concept

Interpretation of Idiomatic Expressions
Estimated Time:45s
Question 92Question →

In the sentence, 'After decades of intense dispute, the two neighboring communities finally resolved to bury the hatchet during the peace summit,' what is the interpretation of the underlined idiomatic expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: make peace and end their ongoing conflict

Answer

make peace and end their ongoing conflict
The idiomatic expression 'bury the hatchet' means to end a quarrel and become friendly again. In the context of two conflicting communities attending a peace summit, resolving to bury the hatchet means agreeing to make peace and end their ongoing conflict.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the idiomatic expression in the stem.
The target expression is 'bury the hatchet'.
Recognizing the fixed phrase is required to determine its figurative sense.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of the idiom.
'Bury the hatchet' means to make peace, forgive past grievances, and end an argument or conflict.
Idioms convey non-literal meanings established through common usage.
3
Select the option matching this figurative meaning.
The option stating 'make peace and end their ongoing conflict' is the correct interpretation.
It accurately defines the phrase in the context of resolving a community dispute.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Question 93Question →

Despite receiving several attractive job offers abroad, the talented engineer decided to ______ all of them to serve his local community. Which of the following phrasal verbs correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: turn down

Answer

The correct answer is 'turn down', which means to reject or refuse an offer.
The phrasal verb 'turn down' is standard English for rejecting or refusing an offer, invitation, or request. In this context, it correctly indicates that the engineer declined the job offers.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The subject chose not to accept employment offers abroad in order to serve locally.
Identifying the intended meaning of refusing an offer guides the selection of the correct phrasal verb.
2
Select the correct particle for the verb stem 'turn'
'Turn down' expresses the meaning of declining or rejecting an offer.
Combining 'turn' with the particle 'down' creates the phrasal verb meaning to decline.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs
Question 94Question →

Match each of the following vocabulary words in the left column with its precise antonym (word opposite in meaning) in the right column.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Mercurial
Insouciant
Obsequious
Inchoate

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Mercurial matches with Steadfast, Insouciant matches with Concerned, Obsequious matches with Assertive, and Inchoate matches with Fully formed.
The pairing correctly matches each term with its exact opposite in meaning: 'Mercurial' (volatile) contrasts with 'Steadfast' (constant); 'Insouciant' (unconcerned) contrasts with 'Concerned'; 'Obsequious' (servile) contrasts with 'Assertive'; and 'Inchoate' (undeveloped) contrasts with 'Fully formed'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of each vocabulary word in the left column.
'Mercurial' denotes volatility/unpredictability; 'Insouciant' denotes unconcerned indifference; 'Obsequious' denotes servile submissiveness; 'Inchoate' denotes an embryonic or undeveloped state.
Establishing clear semantic definitions is required before finding exact antonyms.
2
Evaluate the terms in the right column to find the precise opposite of each left-column word.
'Steadfast' directly opposes 'Mercurial'; 'Concerned' directly opposes 'Insouciant'; 'Assertive' directly opposes 'Obsequious'; 'Fully formed' directly opposes 'Inchoate'.
Antonyms express directly contrasting attributes along the same semantic domain.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual and formal antonyms for tertiary-level English vocabulary.
Question 95Question →

While searching through the archives in the school library, the researcher happened to come ______ a rare historical document from the nineteenth century. Which particle correctly completes the phrasal verb meaning to find or encounter by chance?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: across

Answer

across
The correct particle is 'across' because the phrasal verb 'come across' specifically means to encounter or discover something unexpectedly, matching the narrative context of accidentally finding an old document.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the intended meaning of the verb phrase.
The sentence describes finding an archival document by accident while searching.
Phrasal verbs depend on the specific particle paired with the verb root to convey exact meaning.
2
Select the particle that forms a phrasal verb meaning 'to find by chance'.
'Come across' is the established standard phrasal verb meaning to find or meet unexpectedly.
In Standard English, pairing 'come' with 'across' satisfies this specific idiomatic definition.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs with 'Come'
Question 96Question →

Despite facing relentless entreaties from the community elders, the warlord remained OBDURATE, refusing to enter into any peaceful negotiations. Which option is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE in meaning to the capitalized word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: amenable

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'OBDURATE' is 'amenable'.
In this context, 'obdurate' means stubbornly persistent and refusing to change one's mind or yield to persuasion. The word 'amenable' means compliant and willing to yield or agree to requests, making it the direct antonym of obdurate.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word in context
The target word 'OBDURATE' describes someone who is unyielding, stubbornly refusing to change their opinion or course of action despite entreaties.
Contextual clues like 'refusing to enter into any peaceful negotiations' establish that the word denotes obstinacy and inflexibility.
2
Identify the required relation
The question requests a word opposite in meaning (antonym).
Understanding the precise relation prevents choosing a synonym by mistake.
3
Evaluate the choices for the correct contextual antonym
'Amenable' signifies being compliant, flexible, and open to influence or persuasion, making it the exact antonym of obdurate.
A person who is amenable would yield to entreaties and enter into negotiations, contrasting directly with someone who is obdurate.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms and Advanced Lexis
Question 97Question →

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

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

stave off
pass off
zero in on
gloss over

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct matching pairs are: 'stave off' matches 'To temporarily avert or delay an impending undesirable situation'; 'pass off' matches 'To falsely present an item or identity under a fraudulent guise'; 'zero in on' matches 'To direct concentrated attention and scrutiny toward a specific focal point'; and 'gloss over' matches 'To treat serious defects or mistakes casually in order to minimize their importance'.
'Stave off' denotes delaying or holding off a negative event; 'pass off' denotes misrepresenting something fraudulently; 'zero in on' denotes concentrating scrutiny on a central target; and 'gloss over' denotes downplaying or superficially covering up mistakes.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the idiomatic meaning of 'stave off'
Identify that combining the verb 'stave' with particle 'off' denotes holding back or warding off trouble.
This establishes the match with holding back or delaying an impending undesirable situation.
2
Analyze the idiomatic meaning of 'pass off'
Recognize that 'pass off' signifies presenting something fraudulently or falsely representing identity.
This connects directly to presenting an item or identity under a fraudulent guise.
3
Analyze the idiomatic meaning of 'zero in on'
Understand that 'zero in on' originates from target acquisition, meaning to direct focused attention.
This establishes the link to concentrating scrutiny toward a specific focal point.
4
Analyze the idiomatic meaning of 'gloss over'
Recognize that 'gloss over' implies giving a superficial appearance to hide flaws or treating mistakes lightly.
This links to treating serious defects or mistakes casually to minimize their importance.

Key Concept

Idiomatic nuances and particle combinations in phrasal verbs
Question 98Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

Faced with mounting financial losses and unanimous disapproval from the board of directors, the managing director was forced to throw in the .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word that completes the idiomatic expression is 'towel' (or 'sponge').
The idiomatic expression 'throw in the towel' (or 'throw in the sponge') means to quit, surrender, or admit defeat in the face of insurmountable difficulty.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the scenario described in the sentence.
The managing director is surrendering or admitting defeat due to overwhelming hardship and disapproval.
Contextual clues like 'mounting financial losses' and 'unanimous disapproval' indicate an inescapable failure.
2
Identify the standard English idiomatic phrase corresponding to admitting defeat.
The fixed idiomatic expression is 'to throw in the towel' (or historically, 'throw in the sponge').
This idiom originates from combat sports like boxing, where throwing a towel into the ring signifies submission.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Expressions and Fixed Metaphorical Phrasings
Question 99Question →

In spite of the intricate and deceptive nature of the corporate audit, the lead investigator provided a PERSPICACIOUS report that exposed the hidden financial discrepancies. Which of the following words is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to the capitalized word as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: obtuse

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'perspicacious' is 'obtuse'.
In the sentence, 'perspicacious' describes a person displaying keen mental perception, sharpness, and discernment. The word 'obtuse' means lacking sharpness of intellect or being slow to comprehend, which serves as its precise contextual antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word in its sentence context.
The target word 'PERSPICACIOUS' describes an investigator who successfully unravelled intricate and deceptive financial figures, indicating high discernment and mental sharpness.
Contextual clues like 'intricate', 'deceptive', and 'exposed hidden discrepancies' demonstrate keen analytical acumen.
2
Determine the precise opposite meaning required.
The antonym must convey a lack of mental discernment, dullness, or slowness in understanding complex details.
An opposite of sharp intellectual perception is dullness or imperceptiveness.
3
Evaluate the options against the required antonym meaning.
'Obtuse' directly denotes being slow to comprehend or lacking sharp insight, making it the exact antonym.
'Astute' is a synonym, 'perspicuous' is a paronym meaning lucid, and 'transparent' applies to visual or structural clarity rather than intellectual discernment.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms in Advanced Lexis
Question 100Question →

Read the sentence below carefully:

The doctor recommended a frugal lifestyle to help the patient manage financial stress.

Which of the following words is nearest in meaning to the underlined word frugal?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: economical

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'frugal' is 'economical'.
The word 'frugal' refers to exercising care and prudence in spending money. Therefore, 'economical' is the closest synonym in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined word in context
In the sentence, 'frugal' describes living simply and spending money wisely to avoid financial strain.
Contextual meaning determines the correct synonym in Lexis and Vocabulary assessment.
2
Compare option meanings with the target word
'Economical' means prudent and thrifty in spending, which aligns directly with 'frugal'.
Matching the core semantic meaning identifies the correct synonym.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual synonyms in Use of English
PreviousPage 5 / 50Next
Lexis and Vocabulary Practice Questions — JAMB UTME — Page 5 | Examkin