JAMB 2010 English Language · Question 25

His father surmounted the myriad of obstacles on his way?

Question

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word(s). His father surmounted the myriad of obstacles on his way?

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

A.most
B.few
C.all
D.many

Answer: B. few

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question You are asked to find the word that is opposite in meaning to "myriad" in the sentence: "His father surmounted the myriad of obstacles on his way."

Explain the concept "Myriad" means a very large, countless number of things. It can be used as a noun ("a myriad of") or an adjective ("myriad obstacles"). Its opposite would therefore be a small number.

Solution Let's test each option:

A. most: refers to nearly all, which is a large quantity. This is not opposite.
B. few: refers to a small number. This is the opposite of countless or very many.
C. all: refers to the entire quantity. This is not opposite.
D. many: this is nearly the same in meaning as myriad (a synonym), not the opposite.

Answer The opposite of "myriad" (a great number) is "few" (a small number), which is option B.

Tip In opposite-meaning questions, first find the meaning of the underlined word, then eliminate any options that are synonyms. Here, "many" is a trap because it matches "myriad" rather than opposing it. Also remember related words: myriad = countless, innumerable, multitude.

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