JAMB 2012 English Language · Question 61

Answer the following question below and choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase…

Question

Answer the following question below and choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase in. The economist concluded that several factors have been adduced to explain the fall in the birth rate.

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

A.affirmed
B.diffused
C.mentioned
D.refuted

Answer: D. refuted

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The word "adduced" is the key term. We need the option that is opposite in meaning to it.

Explain the concept: To adduce means to cite or put forward something as evidence, proof, or an explanation. In the sentence, "several factors have been adduced" means several factors have been offered or cited as explanations for the fall in the birth rate.

Check the options:

A. affirmed: means declared to be true or confirmed. This is close to "adduced", not opposite.
B. diffused: means spread out or scattered. It is unrelated to citing evidence, so it is not the opposite.
C. mentioned: means referred to or cited. This is a synonym of "adduced".
D. refuted: means disproved or rejected. Adducing is putting forward a claim or evidence, while refuting is knocking it down. This is the best opposite among the options.

Answer: The opposite of "adduced" (put forward or cited) is refuted (rejected or disproved).

Tip: Learn related words together. Adduce = cite, present, advance. For opposites, think withdraw, reject, refute. In "opposite meaning" questions, first find the synonyms, which here are A and C. They cannot be the answer, so you can eliminate them quickly.

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