Use Of English 2014 Jamb Examination

Incessant (adjective) - /ɪnˈses.ənt/
The word 'incessant' is used to describe something regarded as unpleasant that continues without pause or interruption. In the context of the sentence, it implies that the meetings happen one after another without stopping. The term 'constant' is the closest synonym as it also refers to something happening all the time or repeatedly. 'Irregular' and 'unusual' suggest the opposite of a steady flow, while 'planned' refers to the organization of the meetings rather than their frequency or lack of interruption.

Favourable (adjective) - /ˈfeɪ.vər.ə.bəl/
When conditions such as weather are described as 'favourable', it means they are advantageous, suitable, or likely to lead to a successful outcome for a specific activity. For a game of tennis, this would mean the sun, wind, and temperature are just right. 'Encouraging' is the nearest in meaning here because it suggests that the conditions provide a positive incentive or a 'green light' to proceed with the game. 'Disapproving' is an antonym, 'impartial' means neutral, and 'abnormal' implies the weather is strange, which does not necessarily mean it is good.

Aghast (adjective) - /əˈɡɑːst/
To be 'aghast' is to be filled with horror, shock, or amazement, typically in response to something unexpected or unpleasant. If candidates looked aghast at their exam questions, it suggests they were overwhelmed or troubled by what they saw. 'Dismayed' is the closest synonym, as it describes a feeling of unhappiness and disappointment or a loss of courage in the face of a challenge. 'Relaxed', 'fulfilled', and 'satisfied' all represent positive emotional states, which are the opposite of being aghast.

Jaunty (adjective) - /ˈdʒɔːn.ti/
The word 'jaunty' describes a manner that is expressing a lively, cheerful, and self-confident air. A jaunty smile is one that radiates happiness and a lighthearted spirit. Therefore, 'cheerful' is the most accurate synonym provided. 'Discouraging' and 'frightful' convey negative emotions, while 'inviting' suggests a specific intent to attract someone, which is not strictly the same as the bright, breezy nature of a jaunty expression.

Doddle (noun) - /ˈdɒd.əl/
In informal British English, a 'doddle' is a task or activity that is extremely easy to accomplish or perform. Calling the first round of a tournament a 'doddle' implies that the competition was not challenging at all. Consequently, 'easy' is the perfect synonym. 'Exasperating' means very annoying, 'balanced' suggests a fair or even competition, and 'dodgy' implies something dishonest or of poor quality.

Lustful (adjective) - /ˈlʌst.fəl/
The word 'lustful' describes a strong feeling of healthy or unhealthy sexual desire. However, in a broader or biblical sense, it often overlaps with the idea of 'coveting' or desiring something that belongs to another. While 'envious' means wanting what someone else has (jealousy), 'covetous' specifically refers to an inordinate or wrongful desire for the possessions or relations of others. In this context, looking at a neighbour's wife with such desire is best described as being covetous. 'Hateful' implies dislike, and 'quick' refers only to the speed of the glance, neither of which captures the emotional intent.

Foment (verb) - /fəˈment/
To foment means to instigate or stir up an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action. When someone is accused of fomenting political unrest, they are being accused of 'inciting' or provoking trouble and disorder. It implies an active effort to start or spread something negative. 'Guiding' implies leadership or direction, while 'discouraging' and 'preventing' are antonyms, as they involve stopping the unrest rather than starting it.

Learn (verb) - /lɜːn/
To learn is to acquire knowledge or skill through experience, study, or by being taught. In this sentence, watching other players serves as the method of acquisition. 'Discover' is the nearest synonym here because it refers to finding out or becoming aware of information or facts for the first time through observation. 'Invent' means to create something new, 'accumulate' means to gather or pile up (usually physical items or wealth), and 'allow' means to permit, none of which fit the context of gaining knowledge through observation.

Gather (verb) - /ˈɡæð.ə/
To gather means to bring together or assemble a number of things from different sources. In research, this involves the systematic acquisition of data. 'Collect' is a direct synonym for gather, as it also refers to the act of bringing things together into one place or record. 'Give' and 'disseminate' (which means to spread information widely) represent the opposite part of the process—sharing information after it has been gathered. 'Distort' means to change the facts in a misleading way.

Sever (verb) - /ˈsev.ə/
To sever means to divide by cutting or slicing, especially suddenly and forcibly. When applied to diplomatic relations, it means to put an end to a connection or relationship abruptly. Therefore, 'breaking' is the nearest in meaning, as it describes the termination of the formal ties between the nations. 'Strengthening' and 'securing' are antonyms (making the bond tighter), and 'swapping' means exchanging one thing for another, which does not fit the context of ending a dispute.