JAMB 2011 English Language · Question 63

The mistake brought the show to an ignominious end?

Question

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s). The mistake brought the show to an ignominious end?

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

A.a good
B.a palatable
C.a disgraceful
D.a satisfactory

Answer: C. a disgraceful

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question You are asked to find the word closest in meaning to "ignominious" in the sentence: The mistake brought the show to an ignominious end.

Explain the concept "Ignominious" (adjective) means causing public shame or disgrace, or marked by humiliation. It comes from the Latin ignominia ("loss of good name"). It is used for failures or endings that are embarrassing.

Solution, step by step

Look at the context. A mistake ended the show, so the ending was clearly not a happy one.
Test each option: • A. a good end: a mistake would not cause a good ending. Wrong. • B. a palatable end: "palatable" means pleasant to taste or acceptable. Wrong. • C. a disgraceful end: this matches "shameful" and "humiliating". Correct. • D. a satisfactory end: this is positive and contradicts the idea of a mistake ruining the show. Wrong.

Answer: Option C, a disgraceful.

Tip Remember the link: IGNOMINIOUS = IGNO(re) + NO(good name), which means a loss of good name, so it is shameful. Related words are disgraceful, humiliating, shameful, dishonourable. In JAMB synonym questions, check whether the word is positive or negative and eliminate the options with the opposite tone first.

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