JAMB 2010 English Language · Question 65

Beneath Ado's gruff exterior, he's really very kind-hearted?

Question

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word(s). Beneath Ado's gruff exterior, he's really very kind-hearted?

In the original paper part of this question is underlined. The underline isn't shown here: see the explanation below.

A.nice
B.harsh
C.rough
D.gentle

Answer: D. gentle

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The underlined word is "gruff" (the exterior is described as gruff, but Ado is really kind-hearted). We need the word opposite in meaning to "gruff".

Explain the concept: "Gruff" means rough, harsh, or stern in manner or voice. Its opposite (antonym) will describe a soft, mild, or pleasant manner.

Step-by-step solution:

A. nice: This is pleasant, but it is a general word. It is not the closest opposite of "gruff".
B. harsh: This is a synonym of gruff, so it is wrong.
C. rough: This is also a synonym of gruff, so it is wrong.
D. gentle: This means soft, mild, and kind in manner. It is the direct opposite of gruff.

The sentence itself helps: "Beneath his gruff exterior, he's really very kind-hearted" sets up a contrast between a rough outer manner and a kind inner nature. "Gentle" captures the opposite of that rough outer manner most precisely.

Answer: D. gentle.

Exam tip: In opposite-meaning questions, first spot and eliminate the synonyms. Here, "harsh" and "rough" both mean about the same as "gruff", so they cannot be the opposite. Then choose the most precise antonym from what remains. Also, watch for contrast words like "beneath" and "really", which signal that an opposite idea is coming.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.