JAMB 2020 English Language · Question 57

The Major demanded an unalloyed and not a … loyalty from his soldiers

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. The Major demanded an unalloyed and not a __________ loyalty from his soldiers

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

A.strict
B.wavering
C.clumsy
D.alterable

Answer: B. wavering

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question

The underlined word is "unalloyed", and we need its opposite that also fits the gap in "The Major demanded an unalloyed and not a __ loyalty from his soldiers."

Explain the concept

"Unalloyed" means pure, complete, undiluted, not mixed with anything else. An alloy is a metal mixed with another metal, so "unalloyed" means not mixed or watered down. When used with loyalty, it means total, wholehearted, unwavering loyalty.

The opposite would describe loyalty that is mixed, diluted, half-hearted or unsteady.

Step-by-step solution

A. strict: Strict loyalty is rigid and firm. It is not the opposite of pure or total loyalty, so it does not fit.
B. wavering: Wavering loyalty is hesitant and unsteady, so it is not pure or complete. It is the opposite of unalloyed loyalty and fits the sentence: "an unalloyed and not a wavering loyalty."
C. clumsy: This describes awkwardness, not loyalty, so it does not fit.
D. alterable: This means "able to be changed". It is close in idea, but it is not a natural way to describe loyalty, and it is not a true antonym of "pure/unmixed". "Wavering" is the more natural collocation.

Answer

The correct option is B. wavering.

Tip

For antonym questions with a gap, do two checks: (1) does the word oppose the meaning of the underlined word, and (2) does it sound natural in the sentence? Break unfamiliar words down too: "un-" means not, and "alloy" means mixed, so "unalloyed" means not mixed, or pure.

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