JAMB 2020 English Language · Question 13

I thought that the comments made by the Manager were quite innocuous but the chairman considered them …

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. I thought that the comments made by the Manager were quite innocuous but the chairman considered them __________

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

A.polite
B.inappropriate
C.antagonistic
D.harmful

Answer: D. harmful

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: "Innocuous" is the key word. We need the word that is opposite in meaning to it and also fits the gap logically (the chairman disagreed with the speaker's view).

Explain the concept: Innocuous means harmless, not likely to offend or cause injury. Its antonyms include harmful, damaging, offensive, injurious.

Solution:

A. polite: not the opposite. Innocuous comments could be polite, so this doesn't contrast.
B. inappropriate: means unsuitable. It could fit the sentence, but it is not the direct opposite of "harmless". Something can be inappropriate without being harmful.
C. antagonistic: means hostile or opposing. It describes an attitude or person more than a comment's effect, and it is not the precise opposite of innocuous.
D. harmful: the direct antonym of "innocuous" (harmless). It also fits the sentence: "I thought the comments were quite harmless, but the chairman considered them harmful."

Answer: D. harmful.

Tip: Break down unfamiliar words. "Innocuous" comes from the Latin in- (not) + nocere (to harm), so it means "not harming". Compare "innocent" and "noxious" (harmful). Once you know "noc/nox" relates to harm, the antonym "harmful" is easy to spot.

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