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Lexis and Vocabulary

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Question 161Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the most appropriate specialized term.

Fill in the blanks below

The investigative reporter was granted early access to the government policy document on the strict condition that she observed the press and withheld disclosure until the official release time.
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Answer

embargo
In journalism and publishing, an 'embargo' refers to an official request or agreement that information provided to news organizations must not be published or disclosed until a specified date or time.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to identify the occupational field.
The sentence involves news reporting, press handling, and official policy release, which points to the domain of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Recognizing the occupational context narrows down the required register.
2
Determine the specialized term that matches the definition of a temporary ban or prohibition on publishing information until a specified time.
The technical journalism term for an agreement not to publish information prior to a designated date/time is an 'embargo' (or news embargo).
An embargo in media terminology specifies a temporary restriction on broadcasting or printing shared information.

Key Concept

Occupational Register (Journalism and Publishing - News Embargo)
Question 162Question →

After weeks of persistent scrutiny, the forensic auditors managed to __________ the concealed financial records that had been omitted from the official report. Which phrasal verb correctly completes the sentence to express the act of discovering hidden information through thorough searching?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: ferret out

Answer

The phrasal verb 'ferret out' correctly completes the sentence.
The phrasal verb 'ferret out' means to uncover, search out, or bring to light hidden information through persistent efforts. In the sentence, the forensic auditors worked for weeks to find concealed financial records, making 'ferret out' the only idiomatically precise choice.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the stem sentence.
The sentence describes forensic auditors who spent weeks searching persistently to discover hidden financial documents.
Identifying the target meaning is required to select the precise phrasal verb.
2
Evaluate the idiom 'ferret out' against alternative particle combinations.
'Ferret out' specifically means to unearth or search out hidden information after diligent effort.
Standard English idiomatic usage dictates that 'out' is the correct particle used with 'ferret' for this meaning.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 163Question →

Match each specialized register term on the left with its correct occupational definition on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Empennage
Colophon
Bottomry
Subpoena duces tecum

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Empennage matches with the tail assembly of an aircraft that provides control and stability during flight; Colophon matches with a statement at the end of a book giving details about its publication, typeface, and printing; Bottomry matches with a maritime contract by which a ship's hull is pledged as security for a loan to finance a voyage; Subpoena duces tecum matches with a judicial writ commanding a witness to appear in court and present specific documents or records.
Each specialized term corresponds precisely to its respective professional register: Empennage refers to the tail structure of an aircraft in aeronautical engineering; Colophon refers to technical publication details at the end of a printed book in typography and publishing; Bottomry is an established admiralty law term for securing a maritime loan using the vessel itself as collateral; and Subpoena duces tecum is a legal writ requiring the production of evidentiary documents.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the technical domain of each term.
Empennage is Aviation; Colophon is Publishing/Printing; Bottomry is Maritime Law; Subpoena duces tecum is Legal Procedure.
Identifying the target occupational register isolates the correct field of meaning.
2
Match each term to its precise definition.
Empennage connects to aircraft tail assembly; Colophon connects to publication imprint details; Bottomry connects to ship hull pledging; Subpoena duces tecum connects to document production writ.
Each technical term carries a specific meaning distinct from general vocabulary.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers
Question 164Question →

Despite extensive negotiations and pleas for compromise, the management remained obdurate in its refusal to adjust the proposed working hours.

In the sentence above, which of the following options is NEAREST IN MEANING to the underlined word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: inflexible

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'obdurate' is 'inflexible'.
In the sentence context, 'obdurate' describes a firm, unyielding stance that resists pleas for compromise. The option 'inflexible' accurately captures this sense of stubborn resistance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context
The phrase 'Despite extensive negotiations and pleas for compromise' signals that management refused to alter its position.
Contextual clues establish that the target word characterizes persistent resistance to change.
2
Determine the contextual meaning of 'obdurate'
'Obdurate' refers to being unyielding or stubbornly resistant to persuasion.
Identifying the formal definition in context allows selection of the closest synonym.
3
Evaluate the given options
'Inflexible' directly matches the meaning of being unyielding and unwilling to change.
The correct synonym must fit the precise tone and structural function of the target word.

Key Concept

Contextual vocabulary identification and synonym selection
Question 165Question →

Complete the sentence below by selecting the appropriate pair of commonly confused words for each blank. Which words correctly complete the sentence?

Fill in the blanks below

Before the committee makes a final decision on the property acquisition, the auditor must the market value of the estate and the board members of any financial risks involved.
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Answer

The correct word for the first blank is 'appraise' and for the second blank is 'apprise'.
The verb 'appraise' specifically means to estimate the monetary value, quality, or magnitude of something, fitting the context of evaluating an estate's market value. The verb 'apprise' means to give notice to or inform someone of something, matching the context of notifying board members about financial risks.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the appropriate word for the first blank: 'the auditor must _____ the market value of the estate'.
The target word requires the meaning of estimating or assessing the financial worth or quality of property, which is 'appraise'.
'Appraise' is a verb meaning to set a value on or evaluate the worth of something.
2
Determine the appropriate word for the second blank: 'and _____ the board members of any financial risks involved'.
The target word requires the meaning of notifying or informing people about a situation, which is 'apprise'.
'Apprise' is a verb meaning to inform, notify, or advise someone (typically followed by 'of').

Key Concept

Distinguishing between orthographically and phonetically similar verbs with distinct semantic definitions: 'appraise' (to assess value) versus 'apprise' (to inform/notify).
Question 166Question →

Which words correctly complete the sentence below by filling in the blanks with the contextually appropriate terms?

Fill in the blanks below

Although the legal scholar was praised for her analysis of the complex constitutional dispute, her draft submission was criticized for not being sufficiently for a lay jury to comprehend.
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Answer

The sentence is correctly completed by 'perspicacious' in the first blank and 'perspicuous' in the second blank.
The adjective 'perspicacious' signifies having keen mental perception and discernment, making it the appropriate choice to describe an insightful analysis. In contrast, 'perspicuous' refers specifically to language, speech, or writing that is clear, lucid, and easy to understand by an audience.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the context of the first blank describing the legal scholar's mental acumen in analyzing the dispute.
'Perspicacious' means having acute mental discernment, keen insight, or wisdom, which accurately describes an insightful analytical mind.
The first blank requires an adjective denoting sharp intellectual perception.
2
Examine the context of the second blank describing the clarity of the written submission for non-experts.
'Perspicuous' means clearly expressed, transparent, and easily understood in style or language.
The second blank requires an adjective describing lucid and accessible prose.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between paronyms: 'perspicacious' (keenly insightful person or mind) versus 'perspicuous' (lucidly expressed text or statement).
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 167Question →

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

tide over
crop up
bring round
smooth over

Matches

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Answer

'Tide over' matches 'To support someone temporarily through a difficult period'; 'Crop up' matches 'To happen or appear unexpectedly'; 'Bring round' matches 'To convince someone to accept a proposal after initial resistance'; and 'Smooth over' matches 'To lessen the severity of a dispute or misunderstanding'.
Each phrasal verb is paired accurately according to standard English idiomatic usage: 'tide over' denotes providing temporary support, 'crop up' signifies an unexpected occurrence, 'bring round' means persuading someone to agree, and 'smooth over' refers to easing interpersonal conflict.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of 'tide over'
Identified as providing temporary assistance through hard times
The particle 'over' in this context denotes sustaining someone across a difficult interval.
2
Analyze the meaning of 'crop up'
Identified as emerging or appearing unexpectedly
The idiom conveys the sudden appearance of issues or topics.
3
Analyze the meaning of 'bring round'
Identified as persuading someone to alter their opinion
To 'bring someone round' signifies guiding another person toward concurrence.
4
Analyze the meaning of 'smooth over'
Identified as easing or diminishing conflict
To 'smooth over' implies removing friction or discord between parties.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs Contextual Meanings
Question 168Question →

Far from being PUNCTILIOUS in executing his administrative duties, the newly appointed registrar frequently disregarded established protocol and left critical records disorganized.

In the sentence above, which of the following words is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to the capitalized word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: remiss

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'PUNCTILIOUS' is 'remiss'.
In the given context, 'punctilious' describes an individual who is painstaking, exact, and strictly attentive to established rules and protocols. The word 'remiss' means negligent, careless, or derelict in fulfilling responsibilities, making it the precise contextual opposite.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word in its context
In the sentence, 'PUNCTILIOUS' describes someone who is expected to follow established protocols and maintain organized records meticulously.
Contextual clues like 'disregarded established protocol' indicate that being punctilious implies strict adherence to rules and details.
2
Determine the exact definition of PUNCTILIOUS
'PUNCTILIOUS' means showing great attention to detail, correct behavior, or official procedure.
Identifying the core meaning is necessary to locate its direct antonym.
3
Evaluate the options for the most accurate antonym
'Remiss' means careless, negligent, or lax in performing duties, which directly contradicts being punctilious.
Selecting 'remiss' provides the exact contextual opposite required by the question prompt.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms and Paronym Distinction
Question 169Question →

In English lexis and vocabulary, identifying precise contextual synonyms is key to clear communication. Which word nearest in meaning to 'alleviate' correctly completes the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

The humanitarian organization distributed emergency food and medical supplies to help the severe hardship caused by the drought.
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Answer

The word 'mitigate' (or 'lessen', 'relieve', 'ease') correctly completes the sentence as a direct synonym of 'alleviate' in this context.
The verb 'alleviate' means to make a burden, pain, or difficulty less severe. In the sentence, providing supplies to people experiencing drought aims to reduce or lessen their suffering, making 'mitigate' (or 'lessen' / 'relieve') the nearest in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word and contextual meaning
The target word 'alleviate' means to make suffering, pain, or a problem less severe or more bearable.
Understanding the core definition in the context of humanitarian intervention is essential.
2
Identify words nearest in meaning that fit the sentence structure
Verbs such as 'mitigate', 'lessen', 'relieve', or 'ease' express reducing the severity of hardship.
The sentence requires a verb that means reducing or softening the impact of drought-induced hardship.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms and Lexical Selection
Question 170Question →

In formulating the new state budget, the finance commissioner emphasized that the planning committee must __________ the unpredictable fluctuations in international crude oil prices. Which of the following prepositional or phrasal verbs correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: reckon with

Answer

The correct option is 'reckon with'.
The phrasal verb 'reckon with' means to take into account, deal with, or consider a particular factor when making plans. In the given sentence, the committee needs to factor in the volatile crude oil prices during the budget formulation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context
The sentence describes a budgeting process where planners must account for or take into consideration unstable crude oil prices.
Understanding the contextual meaning dictates which particle correctly pairs with the verb 'reckon'.
2
Evaluate the meanings of the candidate phrasal verbs
'Reckon with' means to take into account or deal with a factor. 'Reckon on' means to rely on or expect. 'Reckon up' means to calculate totals.
Only 'reckon with' conveys the intended sense of factoring in unpredictable economic conditions.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs (Particle Selection)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 171Question →

When a public company distributes a portion of its earnings directly to its shareholders based on the number of shares they own, which financial register term correctly identifies this payout?

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Answer: Dividend

Answer

Dividend is the correct financial term for the payout distributed to shareholders from a company's profits.
Dividend is the exact term in corporate finance and stock trading used to describe a payment made by a corporation to its shareholders from its profits or reserves.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the context of the scenario
The context involves corporate finance and stock market investment, specifically payouts made to stockholders from corporate earnings.
Specialized register questions require matching the correct technical term to its specific professional domain.
2
Evaluate the specialized register terms
Dividend specifically refers to the sum of money paid regularly by a company to its shareholders out of its profits. Royalty belongs to intellectual property law, Premium belongs to insurance, and Interest belongs to banking debt and savings.
Distinguishing between related commercial terms ensures precise technical vocabulary usage.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers (Banking and Finance)
Question 172Question →

Match each phrasal or prepositional verb in Column A with its precise contextual definition in Column B as used in formal English.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

claw back
fritter away
reconcile to
whittle down

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

'claw back' matches 'To retrieve or regain resources or power after initial loss or concession'; 'fritter away' matches 'To squander or waste resources or opportunities recklessly on trivial matters'; 'reconcile to' matches 'To reluctantly accept an unfavorable or undesirable reality'; and 'whittle down' matches 'To gradually reduce the quantity or number of something through systematic removal'.
Each verb pair strictly matches its formal contextual definition based on standard usage in British English: 'claw back' describes regaining lost funds or power; 'fritter away' describes squandering resources on trivialities; 'reconcile to' denotes accepting unwelcome conditions; and 'whittle down' means reducing items incrementally.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze 'claw back'
Identified as regaining lost assets or power
The particle 'back' combined with 'claw' denotes forceful recovery of what was previously conceded.
2
Analyze 'fritter away'
Identified as wasting resources frivolously
'Fritter' combined with 'away' signifies dissipation or gradual wastage on minor matters.
3
Analyze 'reconcile to'
Identified as becoming resigned to an unavoidable state
'Reconcile' followed by 'to' forms a prepositional verb meaning passive acceptance of unpleasant circumstances, distinguished from 'reconcile with' (restoring harmony between parties).
4
Analyze 'whittle down'
Identified as reducing numbers step by step
'Whittle' metaphorically refers to carving wood by shaving off pieces, indicating incremental reduction.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 173Question →

During the high-level diplomatic summit, observers noted that the delegation remained obdurate despite numerous reasonable proposals for compromise. Which word is nearest in meaning to the underlined word?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: unyielding

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'obdurate' is 'unyielding'.
In formal vocabulary usage, 'obdurate' describes a person or group stubbornly refusing to alter their stance or compromise. Therefore, 'unyielding' is the word nearest in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence.
The phrase 'despite numerous reasonable proposals for compromise' indicates that the delegation firmly refused to bend or change their position.
Contextual clues provide key information about the tone and meaning of target vocabulary.
2
Define the target word 'obdurate'.
'Obdurate' means stubbornly persistent in holding to an opinion or course of action.
Understanding the formal dictionary definition confirms the exact sense used in the sentence.
3
Compare candidate options to find the closest semantic equivalent.
'Unyielding' expresses the exact quality of being immovable and stubborn in one's stance.
Selecting the option with matching semantic properties satisfies the demand for the word nearest in meaning.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual synonyms and words nearest in meaning
Question 174Question →

In the sentence below, read the context carefully: 'Despite prolonged negotiations with foreign envoys, the minister remained intransigent in his stance on national sovereignty, refusing every proposed compromise.' Which of the following words is nearest in meaning to intransigent?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: unyielding

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to intransigent is unyielding.
In the given sentence, the minister is described as refusing every proposed compromise despite extended negotiations. The word 'intransigent' refers to an uncompromising attitude, making 'unyielding' the exact synonym required.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence states that despite prolonged negotiations, the minister refused every proposed compromise regarding national sovereignty.
Context dictates how the target vocabulary item functions in the sentence.
2
Define the target word 'intransigent' in context
'Intransigent' means stubbornly refusing to compromise or change an established position.
Matching contextual definition to available option choices.
3
Compare candidate synonyms with the target word
'Unyielding' directly mirrors the concept of refusing to bend or compromise. Other choices introduce unrelated traits like hostility, betrayal, or the exact opposite meaning.
Isolating the precise contextual synonym.

Key Concept

Contextual Vocabulary and Synonyms
Question 175Question →

The explanation provided by the lecturer on the complex topic was completely OPAQUE to the first-year students. Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to OPAQUE as used in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: clear

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to OPAQUE in the given sentence is 'clear'.
In the sentence, 'opaque' is used figuratively to mean obscure or difficult to understand. The word 'clear' means easy to perceive and comprehend, making it the precise contextual opposite.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning of the bold word 'OPAQUE'.
In the sentence, 'opaque' describes an explanation that students could not understand, meaning obscure or hard to fathom.
Vocabulary in JAMB UTME must be interpreted within its specific sentence context.
2
Select the option that provides the exact opposite meaning to 'obscure'.
'Clear' means easily understood or transparent in meaning, which directly opposes 'opaque'.
An antonym must express the opposite contextual sense.

Key Concept

Identifying Contextual Antonyms
Question 176Question →

Complete the sentence below by identifying the word nearest in meaning to the context of persuasive, clear, and logical reasoning.

Fill in the blanks below

Despite the committee's initial skepticism, the lead researcher presented a case that ultimately persuaded all members to endorse the new policy.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The word nearest in meaning that correctly completes the sentence is 'cogent' (or 'compelling' / 'convincing').
The adjective 'cogent' means logical, convincing, and well-reasoned. In the context of overcoming skepticism to gain unanimous approval, a clear and forceful argument is required.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence describes a scenario where initial skepticism was overcome, leading to full endorsement of a policy.
Understanding the context helps determine that the target word must describe an argument or case of strong persuasive force and clarity.
2
Evaluate candidate vocabulary for contextual alignment
'Cogent' signifies clear, logical, and powerfully persuasive reasoning.
It precisely fits the requirement of overcoming skepticism through sound, effective argument.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms and High-Level Academic Vocabulary
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 177Question →

Read the sentence below carefully. Complete the sentence by providing a word in the blank that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the capitalized target word. Which word correctly fills the blank to complete the contrast?

Fill in the blanks below

While the prosecution witness was remarkably LOQUACIOUS during cross-examination, offering lengthy explanations for every query, the defendant remained completely throughout the trial.
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Answer

The blank is correctly completed by 'taciturn' (or 'reticent' / 'laconic'), which means reserved or untalkative, serving as the direct antonym to 'LOQUACIOUS' (talkative or garrulous).
The sentence establishes a contrast between a witness who is 'LOQUACIOUS' (excessively talkative) and a defendant who exhibits the opposite trait. The correct word must denote speech restraint or silence, making 'taciturn' (or synonyms like 'reticent' and 'laconic') the appropriate contextual antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of the target word in context.
The target word 'LOQUACIOUS' means tending to talk a great deal or garrulous, as evidenced by offering lengthy explanations.
Establishing the precise contextual meaning of the capitalized word is necessary before identifying its opposite.
2
Identify the contrast indicated by the sentence structure.
The subordinating conjunction 'While' sets up a direct contrast between the behavior of the prosecution witness and that of the defendant.
Recognizing the structural contrast signals that the missing word must express the antonym of being talkative.
3
Determine the appropriate antonym to fill the blank.
Words such as 'taciturn', 'reticent', or 'laconic' describe someone who is silent, reserved, or uncommunicative in speech, perfectly opposing 'loquacious'.
Supplying a contextual antonym satisfies both the syntactic structure and the semantic contrast of the sentence.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual antonyms for high-register tertiary vocabulary in complex sentence structures.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 178Question →

Fill in the blank space with a word that is nearest in meaning to the bracketed word to complete the sentence meaningfully.

Fill in the blanks below

The board commended the manager for her [sagacious] leadership during the financial restructuring, describing her decisions as exceptionally .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

astute (or wise / discerning / judicious / shrewd)
In the sentence context, 'sagacious' refers to having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment. Words like 'astute', 'wise', and 'discerning' fit as precise synonyms.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word in context
The target word '[sagacious]' describes leadership that successfully navigated a complex financial restructuring.
Contextual meaning indicates high intelligence, sound judgment, and mental sharpness.
2
Identify exact contextual synonyms
Words such as 'astute', 'wise', 'discerning', 'judicious', or 'shrewd' precisely match the meaning of showing keen judgment and insight.
These words capture the cognitive discernment required by the sentence.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning
Question 179Question →

Complete the sentence by filling in the blank with the appropriate word to complete the fixed English collocation.

Fill in the blanks below

By secretly securing exclusive distribution rights before rival firms had even submitted their proposals, the logistics company managed to a march on the entire regional market.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

steal
The verb 'steal' correctly completes the fixed English expression 'to steal a march on', which means to gain an advantage over competitors by acting secretly or before they are prepared.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target idiom/collocation in the sentence context.
The phrase '_ a march on' signifies gaining an unexpected advantage over competitors by acting before them.
Standard English fixed expressions require specific verbs that cannot be substituted with near-synonyms.
2
Select the verb that correctly pairs with 'a march on'.
The correct verb is 'steal', completing the idiom 'to steal a march on'.
'Steal a march on' is an established idiomatic expression originating from military tactics.

Key Concept

Fixed Idiomatic Collocations
Question 180Question →

Read the sentence below carefully. Which idiomatic expression correctly fills the blank to complete the sentence's intended meaning?

Fill in the blanks below

By quietly securing the manufacturing patent before its main rival launched a similar product, the startup was able to its competitor in the market.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct idiomatic expression to complete the sentence is 'steal a march on'.
The expression 'steal a march on' means to gain an advantage over someone, especially a rival or competitor, by acting secretly, promptly, or unexpectedly before they are aware of what is happening. In this context, obtaining the patent early allowed the company to gain an unexpected head start over its competitor.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The context describes a startup secretly taking action ahead of a business rival to gain a competitive edge.
Identifying contextual clues about stealth and early advantage helps determine the appropriate figurative phrase.
2
Match the meaning to the appropriate idiomatic phrase
The idiom 'steal a march on' means to gain a secret, unexpected, or clever advantage over a rival.
Securing the patent before the rival could launch their product directly exemplifies stealing a march on a competitor.

Key Concept

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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