JAMB 2011 English Language · Question 12

Fila has always been described as belligerent?

Question

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s). Fila has always been described as belligerent?

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

A.beautiful
B.attractive
C.combative
D.innocent

Answer: C. combative

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question You are asked to pick the word closest in meaning to belligerent, which describes Fila.

Step 2: Explain the concept "Belligerent" comes from the Latin bellum, meaning "war". It describes someone who is hostile, aggressive, and eager to fight or quarrel. Related words include bellicose, combative, aggressive, and quarrelsome.

Step 3: Go through the options

A. beautiful: this refers to looks and has nothing to do with aggression.
B. attractive: this also refers to appearance or appeal, so it is wrong.
C. combative: this means eager to fight or argue. It matches "belligerent" closely.
D. innocent: this means not guilty or harmless. It is almost the opposite of belligerent.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C. combative.

Tip: Link the root bell- (war) to words like rebel, bellicose, and belligerent. If you see bell- in a word, think "fighting" or "war". In JAMB synonym questions, also eliminate options that are unrelated or opposite in meaning, as A, B, and D are here.

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