Use Of English 2013 Jamb Examination
Use Of English 2013 Jamb Examination
Question 31
Select the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase underlined.
The man's mordant wit is apparent to the entire village.
The man's mordant wit is apparent to the entire village.
Mordant (adjective) - /ˈmɔː.dənt/
The word 'mordant' describes a style of humour or wit that is sharp, critical, and often cruel or biting. Synonyms for this include 'scathing', 'caustic', and 'withering', all of which imply a harsh or stinging quality. The antonym or opposite would be something that is gentle, pleasant, or benevolent. Therefore, 'kind' serves as the most appropriate opposite in meaning, as it suggests a lack of malice or sharpness.
The word 'mordant' describes a style of humour or wit that is sharp, critical, and often cruel or biting. Synonyms for this include 'scathing', 'caustic', and 'withering', all of which imply a harsh or stinging quality. The antonym or opposite would be something that is gentle, pleasant, or benevolent. Therefore, 'kind' serves as the most appropriate opposite in meaning, as it suggests a lack of malice or sharpness.
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Question 32
Select the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase underlined.
The soldiers tried in their dogged defence of the city.
The soldiers tried in their dogged defence of the city.
Dogged (adjective) - /ˈdɒɡ.ɪd/
To be 'dogged' means to show tenacity and grim persistence; it describes a person or action that is determined and unwavering. In the context of a military defence, it implies the soldiers were deeply committed and refused to give up. The opposite of being determined and persistent is being 'indifferent' (/ɪnˈdɪf.ər.ənt/), which means having a lack of interest, concern, or enthusiasm regarding the outcome.
To be 'dogged' means to show tenacity and grim persistence; it describes a person or action that is determined and unwavering. In the context of a military defence, it implies the soldiers were deeply committed and refused to give up. The opposite of being determined and persistent is being 'indifferent' (/ɪnˈdɪf.ər.ənt/), which means having a lack of interest, concern, or enthusiasm regarding the outcome.
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Question 33
Select the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase underlined.
Ayodeji is an ardent support of education for the girl child.
Ayodeji is an ardent support of education for the girl child.
Ardent (adjective) - /ˈɑː.dənt/
The term 'ardent' is used to describe someone who is very enthusiastic or has very strong feelings about a cause or person. A person who is an ardent supporter is deeply committed and emotionally invested. 'Passionate' (/ˈpæʃ.ən.ət/) is the closest synonym, as it also describes having or showing strong feelings of enthusiasm or belief.
The term 'ardent' is used to describe someone who is very enthusiastic or has very strong feelings about a cause or person. A person who is an ardent supporter is deeply committed and emotionally invested. 'Passionate' (/ˈpæʃ.ən.ət/) is the closest synonym, as it also describes having or showing strong feelings of enthusiasm or belief.
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Question 34
Select the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase underlined.
The scholar's epitaph was demolished.
The scholar's epitaph was demolished.
Epitaph (noun) - /ˈep.ɪ.tɑːf/
An 'epitaph' is a phrase or form of words written in memory of a person who has died, especially as an inscription on a tombstone. Because an epitaph is physically located on a grave marker or a commemorative structure, it is closely associated with a 'monument' (/ˈmɒn.jə.mənt/). In the context of something being 'demolished', 'monument' is the most suitable synonym for the structure bearing the inscription.
An 'epitaph' is a phrase or form of words written in memory of a person who has died, especially as an inscription on a tombstone. Because an epitaph is physically located on a grave marker or a commemorative structure, it is closely associated with a 'monument' (/ˈmɒn.jə.mənt/). In the context of something being 'demolished', 'monument' is the most suitable synonym for the structure bearing the inscription.
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Question 35
Select the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase underlined.
Mohammed does his work with so much ardour.
Mohammed does his work with so much ardour.
Ardour (noun) - /ˈɑː.də/
'Ardour' refers to great enthusiasm, passion, or zeal that a person brings to an activity. It is the noun form related to 'ardent'. When someone works with ardour, they are not merely doing a job but are doing it with great spirit and energy. 'Enthusiasm' (/ɪnˈθjuː.zi.æz.əm/) is the most accurate synonym provided, representing that intense heat of emotion or interest.
'Ardour' refers to great enthusiasm, passion, or zeal that a person brings to an activity. It is the noun form related to 'ardent'. When someone works with ardour, they are not merely doing a job but are doing it with great spirit and energy. 'Enthusiasm' (/ɪnˈθjuː.zi.æz.əm/) is the most accurate synonym provided, representing that intense heat of emotion or interest.
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Question 36
Select the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase underlined.
The Nobel laureate's activity in the field of science is heinous.
The Nobel laureate's activity in the field of science is heinous.
Heinous (adjective) - /ˈheɪ.nəs/
The word 'heinous' describes an action (usually a crime) that is utterly wicked, hateful, or abominable. If a scientist's activity is called heinous, it is being condemned as deeply shameful or evil. The opposite would be an action that deserves praise and commendation. 'Laudable' (/ˈlɔː.də.bəl/) means deserving praise or even being admirable, making it the perfect antonym.
The word 'heinous' describes an action (usually a crime) that is utterly wicked, hateful, or abominable. If a scientist's activity is called heinous, it is being condemned as deeply shameful or evil. The opposite would be an action that deserves praise and commendation. 'Laudable' (/ˈlɔː.də.bəl/) means deserving praise or even being admirable, making it the perfect antonym.
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Question 37
Select the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase underlined.
The accused was eventually convicted.
The accused was eventually convicted.
Eventually (adverb) - /ɪˈven.tʃu.ə.li/
'Eventually' means occurring in the end or after a long delay or series of events. It points toward the conclusion of a process. The opposite of the end or final stage of a process is the beginning. 'Initially' (/ɪˈnɪʃ.əl.i/) means at the beginning or in the first stage, which provides the direct chronological contrast to 'eventually'.
'Eventually' means occurring in the end or after a long delay or series of events. It points toward the conclusion of a process. The opposite of the end or final stage of a process is the beginning. 'Initially' (/ɪˈnɪʃ.əl.i/) means at the beginning or in the first stage, which provides the direct chronological contrast to 'eventually'.
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Question 38
Select the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase underlined.
The plebs can be found in every society of the world.
The plebs can be found in every society of the world.
Plebs (noun) - /plebz/
'Plebs' is a term derived from the Roman 'plebeian', referring to the common people or the lower social classes (the 'masses'). In sociology and history, the direct opposite of the common people or the lower class is the 'Elite' (/iˈliːt/), which refers to a select group of people considered to be superior in terms of ability, wealth, or social status.
'Plebs' is a term derived from the Roman 'plebeian', referring to the common people or the lower social classes (the 'masses'). In sociology and history, the direct opposite of the common people or the lower class is the 'Elite' (/iˈliːt/), which refers to a select group of people considered to be superior in terms of ability, wealth, or social status.
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Question 39
Select the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase underlined.
Everyone's condition was appalling.
Everyone's condition was appalling.
Appalling (adjective) - /əˈpɔː.lɪŋ/
Something that is 'appalling' is horrific, shocking, or very bad, causing dismay or revulsion. If a condition is appalling, it is deeply unpleasant and distressing. The opposite would be a condition that is enjoyable, nice, or satisfactory. 'Pleasant' (/ˈplez.ənt/) describes something that gives a sense of happy satisfaction or enjoyment, serving as the antonym.
Something that is 'appalling' is horrific, shocking, or very bad, causing dismay or revulsion. If a condition is appalling, it is deeply unpleasant and distressing. The opposite would be a condition that is enjoyable, nice, or satisfactory. 'Pleasant' (/ˈplez.ənt/) describes something that gives a sense of happy satisfaction or enjoyment, serving as the antonym.
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Question 40
Select the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase underlined.
The war against malaria keeps waxing.
The war against malaria keeps waxing.
Waxing (verb) - /wæksɪŋ/
In this context, 'waxing' means to increase in size, strength, intensity, or volume (commonly paired with 'waning'). If a war is waxing, it is growing stronger or more intense. The opposite of growing or increasing is 'decreasing' (/dɪˈkriːsɪŋ/), which means becoming smaller or less intense over time.
In this context, 'waxing' means to increase in size, strength, intensity, or volume (commonly paired with 'waning'). If a war is waxing, it is growing stronger or more intense. The opposite of growing or increasing is 'decreasing' (/dɪˈkriːsɪŋ/), which means becoming smaller or less intense over time.
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