Use Of English 2007 Jamb Examination

To deprecate means to express disapproval of something or to condemn it as wrong or unworthy.
The word ‘condemned’ best captures this meaning as it implies strong disapproval or censure.
‘Challenged’ means to confront or question, which is not the same.
‘Resisted’ means to oppose actively, and ‘despised’ means to hate deeply — both are not precise synonyms here.
Therefore, ‘condemned’ is the closest in meaning.

To reverse a decision means to revoke or cancel it, making it no longer valid.
‘Rescinded’ means to cancel officially, which closely matches the sense of ‘reversed’.
‘Dismissed’ means to reject, ‘implemented’ means to put into effect, and ‘reverted’ means to return to a previous state, which do not convey cancellation of a decision.
Hence, ‘rescinded’ is the nearest in meaning.

The term depraved refers to someone morally corrupt or wicked.
‘Immoral’ means lacking moral principles or engaging in morally wrong behaviour, which is synonymous.
‘Violent’ refers to physical aggression, ‘indolent’ to laziness, and ‘loquacious’ to talkativeness — none express moral corruption.
Therefore, ‘immoral’ is the closest in meaning.

The expression made in ignorance means done without adequate knowledge or awareness.
‘Uninformed’ describes someone lacking in knowledge or information, aligning perfectly with the context.
‘Unimpeachable’ means beyond doubt or faultless, ‘objective’ means unbiased, and ‘impeccable’ means flawless — none relate to lack of knowledge.
Thus, ‘uninformed’ is the most appropriate synonym.

The phrasal verb fend off means to avoid or ward off something undesirable.
‘Sidestepped’ also means to avoid or evade a question or issue, making it the closest synonym.
‘Asked’ and ‘explained’ do not convey avoidance, while ‘welcomed’ suggests the opposite.
Hence, ‘sidestepped’ is correct.

The word recriminations refers to mutual accusations — when two parties accuse each other in response.
‘Counter-charges’ means retaliatory accusations, which matches this meaning.
‘Accusations’ alone lack the mutual aspect; ‘indiscretions’ mean acts of imprudence; and ‘frivolous allegations’ mean unserious claims.
Therefore, ‘counter-charges’ is the most accurate synonym.

The adjective perennial describes something that persists or recurs continually over a long time.
‘Recurring’ means happening repeatedly or continually, making it the closest equivalent.
‘Seasonal’ means occurring at specific times of the year, ‘annual’ means once a year, and ‘incurable’ applies to diseases, not problems.
Therefore, ‘a recurring’ is the best synonym.

The noun verve means enthusiasm, vigour, or lively spirit in doing something.
‘Energy’ fits this meaning, as it denotes vitality and spiritedness.
‘Intelligence’ relates to intellect, ‘handsomeness’ to appearance, and ‘work’ to activity — none convey enthusiasm.
Hence, ‘energy’ is the correct option.

The adjective hackneyed means overused and lacking originality or freshness.
‘Obsolete’ means outdated or no longer in use, which aligns with the sense of something stale or old-fashioned.
‘Wayward’ means unpredictable, ‘principled’ means ethical, and ‘positive’ means optimistic — none express overuse or staleness.
Thus, ‘obsolete’ is the closest in meaning.

The word umpteen is an informal term meaning ‘very many’ or ‘countless’.
‘Often’ conveys frequent occurrence, which is closest in meaning.
‘Seldom’ means rarely, ‘twice’ indicates only two times, and ‘occasionally’ means from time to time — all imply infrequency.
Therefore, ‘often’ is the correct synonym.