JAMB 2011 English Language · Question 6

It is inconceivable that the sun shone in the night?

Question

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word. It is inconceivable that the sun shone in the night?

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

A.credible
B.unthinkable
C.impossible
D.contestable

Answer: A. credible

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The underlined word is "inconceivable", and we need its opposite (antonym).

Explain the concept: "Inconceivable" means impossible to imagine or believe. It comes from the root "conceive" (to imagine or grasp in the mind), with the prefix "in-" meaning "not". So its opposite must mean able to be believed or imagined.

Solution, checking each option:

A. credible: means believable or convincing. This is the opposite of "inconceivable". ✔
B. unthinkable: means not able to be thought of. This is a synonym, not an opposite. ✘
C. impossible: means cannot happen. This is close in meaning to "inconceivable", so it is not the opposite. ✘
D. contestable: means open to dispute or argument. This is not related to believability. ✘

Answer: The only option that means the reverse of "inconceivable" is credible.

Tip: In antonym questions, first eliminate options that mean the same as the underlined word. Here B and C are synonyms, and examiners often include them as traps. Also, break words into prefix and root: in- (not) + conceivable (can be imagined) → the opposite is "can be imagined or believed".

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