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Lexis and Vocabulary

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Question 101Question →

Match each advanced English vocabulary word on the left with the phrase on the right that expresses its exact OPPOSITE in meaning.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Trenchant
Punctilious
Sanguine
Inimical

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Trenchant matches with vague, superficial, and lacking vigor or force; Punctilious matches with careless and negligent regarding fine details; Sanguine matches with pessimistic and despairing about future outcomes; Inimical matches with favorable and conducive to harmony or success.
Each word is accurately paired with its direct antonym: Trenchant (incisive/vigorous) contrasts with vague and superficial; Punctilious (meticulous/scrupulous) contrasts with careless and negligent; Sanguine (optimistic/hopeful) contrasts with pessimistic and despairing; Inimical (hostile/harmful) contrasts with favorable and conducive.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the precise meaning of each target word in the left column.
Trenchant denotes incisive or forceful expression; Punctilious denotes strict adherence to details; Sanguine denotes optimism; Inimical denotes hostility or adversity.
Establishing clear semantic definitions is essential before identifying exact antonyms.
2
Identify the contrasting semantic concept for each definition.
The opposite of incisive/forceful is vague/superficial; the opposite of meticulous is careless/negligent; the opposite of optimistic is pessimistic; the opposite of hostile/adverse is favorable/conducive.
Antonym matching requires selecting descriptions that express direct polar opposites.
3
Pair each word from the left column to its corresponding antonym phrase in the right column.
Form valid pairs: Trenchant to vague/superficial, Punctilious to careless/negligent, Sanguine to pessimistic, and Inimical to favorable/conducive.
Completes the matching matrix accurately.

Key Concept

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning
Question 102Question →

Due to an unexpected power outage, the university Senate had to ________ the scheduled examination until further notice. Which phrasal verb best completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: put off

Answer

The phrasal verb 'put off' best completes the sentence, as it means to postpone or delay an event.
The phrasal verb 'put off' means to delay or postpone an activity until a future time, which perfectly matches the context of rescheduling an examination due to a power outage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence describes delaying a university examination due to an unexpected power outage.
Understanding the context helps identify the required meaning of the phrasal verb.
2
Evaluate the meanings of the given phrasal verbs
'Put off' means to postpone, while 'put out' means to extinguish, 'put down' means to suppress or record, and 'put away' means to store.
Matching the correct particle with the verb root 'put' yields the required meaning of postponement.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs with 'Put'
Question 103Question →

The judge dismissed the defense counsel's argument as specious, noting that while it appeared plausible at first glance, detailed scrutiny revealed subtle fallacies. Which of the following words is nearest in meaning to the underlined word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: deceptive

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'specious' is 'deceptive'.
The word 'specious' describes something that superficially appears genuine, true, or plausible, but is actually false and misleading. In the sentence context, detailed scrutiny exposed fallacies behind a plausible appearance, making 'deceptive' the correct synonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual clues provided in the stem sentence.
The sentence contrasts an initial impression of being 'plausible at first glance' with the outcome of 'detailed scrutiny' revealing 'subtle fallacies'.
These context clues indicate that the target word describes an argument that appears valid initially but is fundamentally unsound.
2
Evaluate the precise semantic meaning of 'specious'.
'Specious' means superficially plausible, but actually wrong, deceptive, or misleading.
Matching this definition directly leads to 'deceptive'.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual synonyms by analyzing subtle semantic nuances and sentence context.
Question 104Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the word nearest in meaning to the context of high-sounding, inflated, and excessively wordy language.

Fill in the blanks below

The diplomat's rhetoric, though full of ornate phrases and lofty declarations, failed to mask the underlying lack of substance in the proposal.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word nearest in meaning that fits the context of ornate, inflated, and excessively wordy language is 'grandiloquent' (or accepted synonyms such as 'bombastic', 'magniloquent', 'prolix', or 'turgid').
The sentence emphasizes speech filled with 'ornate phrases' and 'lofty declarations' that ultimately lack substance. The terms 'grandiloquent', 'bombastic', and 'magniloquent' specifically mean using pompous or excessively high-flown language, perfectly fitting the sentence context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context clues within the sentence.
The sentence describes rhetoric characterized by 'ornate phrases', 'lofty declarations', and a 'lack of substance'.
Contextual clues indicate a word describing language that is overly high-sounding, pompous, or verbose.
2
Identify high-level vocabulary synonyms that fit this specific meaning.
'Grandiloquent' (as well as 'bombastic' or 'magniloquent') refers specifically to speech or writing that is extravagant, pompous, or inflated in style.
Selecting a precise contextual synonym demonstrates mastery of advanced lexis and vocabulary required for high-level assessment.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms and Advanced Lexis
Question 105Question →

Fill in the blank with the word nearest in meaning to 'honest' or 'frank' that best completes the sentence.

Fill in the blanks below

During the press conference, the spokesperson gave a assessment of the crisis, concealing none of the challenges ahead.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

candid (or frank, truthful, sincere, forthright)
The sentence describes an assessment that hides no details or difficulties. Words such as 'candid', 'frank', and 'forthright' precisely match the meaning of being open, sincere, and honest in speech.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The clause 'concealing none of the challenges ahead' indicates open, unreserved honesty and transparency.
Contextual clues establish the required meaning of the missing word.
2
Identify the word nearest in meaning to 'honest' or 'frank'
The word 'candid' describes someone who is straightforward, truthful, and open.
Matching the definition and contextual nuance with the target concept.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
Question 106Question →

Which word nearest in meaning to 'shrewd' or 'discerning' best completes the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

The senior auditor's analysis of the subtle ledger discrepancies exposed the sophisticated embezzlement scheme.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct response is 'perspicacious' (or contextual synonyms such as 'astute', 'discerning', 'incisive', or 'shrewd').
The word 'perspicacious' (along with synonyms like 'astute' or 'discerning') accurately reflects the auditor's ability to perceive subtle details and unravel a complex fraudulent operation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the required meaning.
The context describes an auditor who notices subtle discrepancies and exposes a complex financial scheme, requiring an adjective that means highly insightful, sharp-witted, or discerning.
Contextual clues such as 'subtle ledger discrepancies' and 'exposed the sophisticated embezzlement scheme' indicate exceptional mental acuity and analytical depth.
2
Identify the precise lexical term that functions as a synonym for 'shrewd' or 'discerning' in a formal administrative/financial context.
'Perspicacious' fits the context precisely, as it denotes having keen mental perception and quick discernment.
The term 'perspicacious' specifically describes someone who possesses acute mental vision and deep understanding.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual synonyms and distinguishing easily confused vocabulary terms
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 107Question →

Which idiomatic expression correctly completes the context of the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

Following the catastrophic failure of the regional power grid during peak demand, the parliamentary committee resolved to the energy minister for gross negligence.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

haul over the coals
The expression 'haul over the coals' means to reprimand or censure someone severely for a mistake, which matches the context of a parliamentary body penalizing a minister for gross negligence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the syntactic and semantic requirements of the context.
The sentence requires an idiomatic transitive verb phrase signifying severe reprimand, criticism, or censure from an authority figure.
A parliamentary committee addressing gross negligence after a catastrophic power grid failure would formally and harshly scold the official responsible.
2
Select the idiomatic expression that precisely denotes severe reprimand.
The idiom 'haul over the coals' (or 'call over the coals') means to scold or reprimand someone severely for a grave error or failure.
The phrase fits grammatically following 'resolved to' and accurately expresses severe official reprimand.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Expressions of Reprimand and Censure
Question 108Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

The spokesperson gave a candid account of the incident, speaking in a completely manner.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

frank (or honest, truthful, direct, forthright)
The word 'candid' denotes being open, sincere, and straightforward. Terms such as 'frank', 'honest', or 'truthful' match this definition precisely in the sentence context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of the word 'candid' within the given sentence context.
'Candid' means truthful, straightforward, and open when communicating.
Determining the contextual meaning of the target word is necessary before selecting a synonym.
2
Identify an equivalent word that completes the blank without changing the sentence meaning.
The word 'frank' (or 'honest') seamlessly replaces the meaning of 'candid' in this context.
Both 'candid' and 'frank' describe unreserved and honest speech.

Key Concept

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
Question 109Question →

Read the sentence below and determine the word nearest in meaning to 'aggressively hostile and quick to argue' that appropriately completes the formal statement. Which word best fills the blank?

Fill in the blanks below

The committee's deliberations were repeatedly stalled by the senior delegate's attitude toward any proposed administrative compromise.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word that best completes the sentence is 'truculent' (or its contextual synonyms 'belligerent', 'pugnacious', 'combative'), which means aggressively hostile, defiant, and quick to argue.
The sentence requires an adjective describing a disposition that actively stalls progress by being aggressively hostile and combative. 'Truculent' precisely conveys fierce hostility, eager combativeness, and defiance in formal discourse.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual clues in the sentence stem.
The phrase 'repeatedly stalled' alongside a refusal to accept an 'administrative compromise' indicates an uncooperative, fierce, and aggressively hostile disposition.
Understanding context is critical to selecting the correct lexical item that fits both meaning and register.
2
Identify the precise vocabulary term matching the target meaning of aggressive hostility and combativeness.
'Truculent' fits the high-level formal register and directly signifies being aggressively defiant, combative, and eager to argue.
JAMB UTME Lexis testing at difficulty level 4 requires selecting words with exact contextual nuance and formal academic/socio-political register.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms and High-Level Lexis
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 110Question →

Fill in the blank in the sentence below with the appropriate prepositional particle to complete the phrasal verb.

Fill in the blanks below

Although Chidi shares his father's physical height, in terms of temperament, he clearly takes his mother.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

after
The phrasal verb 'take after' means to resemble a parent or relative in appearance, character, or disposition. In the given sentence, 'after' correctly completes the phrase indicating that Chidi inherits his mother's temperament.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to identify the intended meaning of the verb phrase.
The sentence contrasts physical traits with behavioral characteristics, noting that Chidi resembles his mother in temperament.
Contextual clues indicate that the required particle must express inheriting traits or resembling a parent.
2
Select the standard particle that pairs with the verb 'take' to convey parental resemblance.
The particle 'after' forms the phrasal verb 'take after'.
'Take after' is defined in Standard English as resembling a parent or relative in appearance, character, or behavior.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs denoting Resemblance ('Take after')
Question 111Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

Rather than confronting the systemic financial irregularities directly, the committee was accused of merely tilting at , wasting valuable resources on imaginary problems.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct word to complete the blank is 'windmills', forming the idiomatic expression 'tilting at windmills'.
The word 'windmills' completes the idiom 'tilting at windmills', which means spending energy fighting imaginary, exaggerated, or futile enemies/problems.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the intended figurative meaning.
The context describes a committee wasting effort and resources on imaginary or non-existent issues rather than real financial problems.
Identifying context clues helps determine the precise idiom that signifies confronting illusory opponents or futile tasks.
2
Identify the standard fixed idiomatic structure that fits the prepositional frame 'tilting at ...'.
The fixed idiomatic expression is 'tilting at windmills', derived from Cervantes' novel Don Quixote.
Idioms are conventionalized fixed expressions where words cannot be arbitrarily substituted with literal synonyms.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Question 112Question →

Complete the sentence below by identifying the word nearest in meaning to the contextually required concept.

Fill in the blanks below

Despite the chairman's initial refusal to compromise, the persistent mediation efforts eventually rendered his stance far more .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct completion requires a word nearest in meaning to 'yielding', 'flexible', or 'amenable' (such as pliant or tractable), which contrasts directly with an unyielding or refusing stance.
The sentence describes a transition from initial stubbornness to flexibility due to persistent mediation. Therefore, terms meaning flexible, accommodating, or yielding (such as pliant or amenable) accurately complete the meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence contrasts an 'initial refusal to compromise' with a transformation brought about by 'persistent mediation efforts'.
Understanding the contrast indicator 'despite' reveals that the target blank must express a willingness to yield or adapt.
2
Determine the required contextual synonym
Words such as 'pliant', 'amenable', or 'yielding' precisely denote flexibility or readiness to yield under influence.
The sentence structure requires an adjective opposite to stubborn or unyielding.

Key Concept

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 113Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

While synthetic pesticides often exert deleterious impacts on beneficial insects, organic remedies are known to be to the surrounding environment.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

beneficial (or salutary / advantageous / wholesome / harmless)
The word 'deleterious' means causing harm, injury, or damage. Within the contrastive context introduced by 'While', the word opposite in meaning must signify producing positive, healthy, or favorable results, making words like 'beneficial' or 'salutary' the correct fit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning of the target word 'deleterious'
In this sentence, 'deleterious' describes something causing harm, damage, or injury to living organisms.
Identifying the target word's exact contextual meaning is essential before searching for its antonym.
2
Identify the opposite meaning required by the sentence structure
The word 'While' sets up a direct contrast between synthetic pesticides and organic remedies. The opposite of causing harm ('deleterious') is producing favorable, helpful, or healthy effects.
The contrasting sentence structure demands an antonym such as 'beneficial' or 'salutary' to complete the meaning logically.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 114Question →

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

Fill in the blanks below

The diplomatic envoy was known for his amicable disposition, always preferring negotiations over hostile confrontation.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'amicable' in this context is 'friendly' (or 'cordial' / 'peaceful').
The term 'amicable' refers to an approach characterized by goodwill and peaceful intent. Therefore, completing the sentence with 'friendly' or 'cordial' accurately conveys the intended contextual meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence and the meaning of the target word 'amicable'.
The sentence contrasts the envoy's disposition with 'hostile confrontation', indicating a desire for peaceful and good-natured interaction.
'Amicable' describes relations characterized by friendliness and absence of discord.
2
Select a synonym that fits grammatically and semantically into the blank.
'Friendly' (or 'cordial') fits the sentence structure and preserves the original contextual meaning.
Both words denote a warm, non-antagonistic attitude suitable for constructive negotiation.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms
Question 115Question →

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

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Back out
Bring about
Carry on
Fall through

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

'Back out' pairs with 'Withdraw from a promise or agreement', 'Bring about' pairs with 'Cause something to happen', 'Carry on' pairs with 'Continue doing an activity', and 'Fall through' pairs with 'Fail to materialize or succeed'.
Each phrasal verb correctly corresponds to its established dictionary meaning: 'back out' refers to withdrawal from commitments, 'bring about' refers to causing events, 'carry on' refers to continuation, and 'fall through' refers to failure of arrangements.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the idiomatic meaning of 'Back out'.
It describes retreating or withdrawing from a prior commitment.
Matches with 'Withdraw from a promise or agreement'.
2
Determine the idiomatic meaning of 'Bring about'.
It signifies producing, causing, or giving rise to a result or event.
Matches with 'Cause something to happen'.
3
Determine the idiomatic meaning of 'Carry on'.
It means to keep going or continue performing a task.
Matches with 'Continue doing an activity'.
4
Determine the idiomatic meaning of 'Fall through'.
It refers to plans or deals that break down and fail to take place.
Matches with 'Fail to materialize or succeed'.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verb Meanings and Particle Semantics
Question 116Question →

Read the sentence below carefully and complete it by supplying a word in the blank that is directly OPPOSITE in meaning to the bold word.

Fill in the blanks below

Rather than displaying a SUPERCILIOUS attitude toward the junior researchers, the distinguished professor proved to be exceptionally , treating everyone's ideas with genuine respect and modesty.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word opposite in meaning to 'SUPERCILIOUS' in this context is 'humble' (or 'modest', 'unpretentious', 'deferential').
In this context, 'SUPERCILIOUS' describes an arrogant, disdainful, or haughty demeanor. The phrase 'Rather than displaying...' establishes a direct contrast between supercilious behavior and the character trait needed to fill the blank. The words 'humble', 'modest', 'unpretentious', or 'deferential' accurately represent the exact opposite of arrogance and fit the formal register of the sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of the target word 'SUPERCILIOUS' within the sentence context.
'SUPERCILIOUS' means behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others; arrogant, haughty, or disdainful.
Determining the precise contextual meaning of the target word is the essential first step before establishing its opposite.
2
Identify the contrast clue provided by the sentence structure.
The introductory clause 'Rather than displaying...' creates an explicit contrast between a supercilious attitude and the professor's actual behavior of 'treating everyone's ideas with genuine respect and modesty.'
Syntactic indicators such as 'Rather than' signal that the word filling the blank must be an exact antonym of supercilious.
3
Select an appropriate antonym matching the formal register and contextual meaning.
Words such as 'humble', 'modest', 'unpretentious', or 'deferential' denote the quality of having or showing a low estimate of one's own importance and respecting others.
These terms fit both the grammatical requirements of the sentence and the semantic demand for an opposite to arrogance.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms and Semantic Contrast
Question 117Question →

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

The diplomat was widely criticized for his BELLIGERENT stance during the international peace negotiations.

Which of the following words is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to the word BELLIGERENT as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: amicable

Answer

amicable
The word 'belligerent' describes a hostile, combative, or aggressive disposition. In a sentence concerning peace negotiations, the word 'amicable'—meaning friendly, peaceful, and cooperative—serves as its precise antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning of the bold target word.
The word 'belligerent' in the context of peace negotiations describes a hostile, aggressive, or warlike attitude.
Context clues such as 'criticized' and 'peace negotiations' indicate that the stance was quarrelsome and unfavorable to agreement.
2
Identify the option that provides the contrasting or opposite meaning.
'Amicable' means characterized by friendliness and goodwill, representing the exact opposite of a hostile or belligerent approach.
The prompt specifically asks for the word most nearly opposite in meaning.

Key Concept

Identifying Contextual Antonyms
Question 118Question →

Match each advanced English word on the left with the word on the right that is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Pusillanimous
Loquacious
Magnanimous
Profligate

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Pusillanimous matches Audacious; Loquacious matches Laconic; Magnanimous matches Vindictive; Profligate matches Provident.
Each target vocabulary word is matched to its direct polar opposite in meaning based on precise dictionary denotations: timidity versus boldness, talkativeness versus conciseness, forgiveness versus revengefulness, and extravagance versus frugality.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of 'Pusillanimous'
'Pusillanimous' denotes cowardice or timidity; its antonym is 'Audacious', which signifies bravery or boldness.
Establishing accurate definitions allows pairing words with their direct polar opposites.
2
Analyze the meaning of 'Loquacious'
'Loquacious' refers to extreme talkativeness; its antonym is 'Laconic', meaning terse or concise in speech.
Identifying communication registers helps distinguish talkative traits from succinct ones.
3
Analyze the meaning of 'Magnanimous'
'Magnanimous' denotes a lofty, forgiving spirit; its antonym is 'Vindictive', which implies vengefulness.
Contrasting moral inclinations reveals the antonymic relationship.
4
Analyze the meaning of 'Profligate'
'Profligate' signifies squandering resources extravagantly; its antonym is 'Provident', which means foresightedly thrifty.
Distinguishing fiscal expenditure behaviors isolates the exact antonym.

Key Concept

Identifying precise contextual antonyms for high-level tertiary entrance vocabulary.
Question 119Question →

Read the sentence below and fill in the blank with a single word that is nearest in meaning to 'intransigent'.

Fill in the blanks below

Despite hours of intense international negotiation, the diplomatic envoy remained intransigent, maintaining an extraordinarily stance on the border dispute.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'intransigent' in this context is 'unyielding' (or 'inflexible', 'obstinate', 'uncompromising').
In formal and diplomatic contexts, 'intransigent' describes an individual or party that stubbornly refuses to compromise or alter their stance. Words such as 'unyielding', 'inflexible', and 'uncompromising' precisely match this contextual meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the surrounding context of the sentence.
The clause 'Despite hours of intense international negotiation' indicates resistance to compromise.
Contextual clues establish the behavioral tone of the subject.
2
Determine the precise meaning of the target word 'intransigent'.
'Intransigent' means refusing to agree, alter one's position, or compromise.
Establishing the dictionary and contextual sense is essential for choosing a proper synonym.
3
Select a synonym that fits the formal administrative context.
'Unyielding' directly reflects the firm, uncompromising attitude of the envoy.
The synonym must maintain the exact semantic value and formal register of the sentence.

Key Concept

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 120Question →

Read the sentence below and fill in the blank with a single word nearest in meaning to 'resolute' that appropriately completes the context.

Fill in the blanks below

Despite relentless criticism from rival political factions, the prime minister remained in pursuing economic reform.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The blank should be filled with 'steadfast' (or synonymous terms like 'unwavering', 'determined', or 'firm'), which signifies holding firm and unyielding in purpose against opposition.
The target word 'resolute' describes someone who is admirably purposeful and unbending in conviction. In this context, 'steadfast' or 'unwavering' serves as the exact contextual synonym denoting firm adherence to a cause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence describes a leader maintaining an unshakeable commitment to a policy despite facing relentless political opposition.
Understanding the context establishes the tone, formal register, and semantic orientation of the required word.
2
Identify a precise contextual synonym for 'resolute'
The word 'steadfast' (or 'unwavering') means fixed, firm, and unwavering in loyalty or purpose, directly replacing 'resolute'.
It accurately matches the formal register and contextual meaning required by the administrative scenario.

Key Concept

Identifying precise contextual synonyms in formal English prose.
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