JAMB 2020 English Language · Question 30

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined…

Question

From the words lettered A to D, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence Coming late to work, according to Leonard, is inimical to the progress of the company

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

A.harmful
B.predominat
C.unavoidable
D.inevitable

Answer: A. harmful

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

1. Analyze the question The question asks for the word closest in meaning to "inimical" in the sentence: "Coming late to work... is inimical to the progress of the company."

2. Explain the concept "Inimical" comes from the Latin inimicus (enemy). It means harmful, hostile, or having a damaging effect. It is usually followed by "to", as in "inimical to progress", meaning something that works against progress.

3. Step-by-step solution

Look at the context: coming late to work and its effect on the company's progress. Lateness hurts a company, so the missing word must describe something damaging.
Test each option: • A. harmful: Lateness is harmful to progress. This fits perfectly. • B. predominant (the option is spelled "predominat"): This means most common or dominant. It makes no sense here. • C. unavoidable: This means cannot be avoided. Lateness can be avoided, and the word says nothing about damage. • D. inevitable: This means certain to happen. It also has nothing to do with harm.

4. Answer The correct option is A. harmful.

5. Tip Remember: inimical = enemy-like. The "ini-" in "inimical" is close to "enemy", so think "enemy to progress". Words you can link to it include hostile, adverse, detrimental, and harmful. Don't confuse it with "inimitable" (impossible to imitate), a common JAMB trap.

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