JAMB 2011 English Language · Question 60

The teacher who beat the student was treated with mercy?

Question

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word. The teacher who beat the student was treated with mercy?

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

A.disrespect
B.contempt
C.vengeance
D.kindness

Answer: C. vengeance

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

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

Explain the concept: Mercy means compassion or forgiveness shown to someone, especially when you have the power to punish or harm them. Its opposite is therefore harshness, cruelty, or a desire to punish or get back at someone.

Go through the options:

A. disrespect: This means lack of regard or courtesy. It is not the opposite of mercy, because you can show mercy to someone and still not respect them.
B. contempt: This means scorn or looking down on someone. It is about attitude, not about punishment or forgiveness, so it is not a true antonym.
C. vengeance: This means punishment inflicted in retaliation for a wrong, i.e. revenge. Mercy is withholding punishment, while vengeance is inflicting it. These are direct opposites.
D. kindness: This is a synonym (or close in meaning) to mercy, so it cannot be the answer.

Answer: The correct option is C. vengeance.

Tip: In antonym questions, first eliminate options that are synonyms (like kindness here). Then ask which remaining word describes the exact opposite action. Mercy (forgive or spare) vs. vengeance (punish or revenge) is a classic pair worth memorizing for JAMB. Others include mercy–cruelty and pardon–punish.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.