JAMB 2020 English Language · Question 15

Although Chide's manners are quite refined , his colleagues are rather …

Question

From the list of words or group of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearest opposite in meaning to the underlined word or group of words and that will, at the same time correctly fill in the gap in the sentence. Although Chide's manners are quite refined , his colleagues are rather ___________

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

A.bold
B.crude
C.hostile
D.rash

Answer: B. crude

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The underlined word is "refined" (describing Chide's manners). We need the opposite of "refined" that also fits the gap. The word "Although" signals contrast, so his colleagues must be the opposite of refined.

Concept: "Refined" means polite, cultured, well-mannered, elegant. Its antonym is something like rough, vulgar, uncultured, or crude.

Step-by-step check of the options:

A. bold means daring or confident. This is not the opposite of refined, since a person can be bold and still have good manners.
B. crude means rough, rude, lacking polish or good manners. This is the direct opposite of "refined" and fits the sentence: "Although Chide's manners are quite refined, his colleagues are rather crude."
C. hostile means unfriendly or aggressive. This describes attitude, not manners or refinement, so it is not a true antonym.
D. rash means acting without thinking. This has nothing to do with refinement.

Answer: The correct option is B. crude.

Tip: In "Although..., ..." sentences, the second part contrasts with the first. Find the underlined word's opposite, then test it in the sentence. Related antonym pairs worth remembering: refined ↔ crude/coarse/uncouth, polite ↔ rude, cultured ↔ boorish.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.