JAMB 2014 English Language · Question 25

Prolonged strike action debilitated the industry.

Question

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word or phrase. Prolonged strike action debilitated the industry.

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

A.Stroyed.
B.Invigorated.
C.Isolated.
D.Weakened.

Answer: B. Invigorated.

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question You need the word opposite in meaning to the underlined word, "debilitated," in the sentence: Prolonged strike action debilitated the industry.

Step 2: Explain the concept To debilitate means to make weak or feeble, to sap the strength of something. It comes from the Latin debilis, meaning weak (the same root as "debility").

So we need an antonym: a word meaning to strengthen, energize, or give vigor to.

Step 3: Check each option

A. Stroyed: This is not a standard word. It is a distractor, and it is probably a truncated form of "destroyed," which is close in meaning to debilitated, not opposite.
B. Invigorated: It means to give strength or energy to. This is the direct opposite of weakening.
C. Isolated: It means set apart. It has no connection to strength or weakness.
D. Weakened: It means made weak. This is a synonym of debilitated, not an antonym.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. Invigorated.

Step 5: Exam tip In "opposite in meaning" questions, JAMB often places a synonym among the options (here, "Weakened") to trap students who rush. Always remind yourself: "I'm looking for the opposite."

Memory trick: DEbilitate sounds like "DEcrease strength," while INvigorate has "VIGor" (strength) inside it.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.