JAMB 2021 English Language · Question 6

Akin's health has greatly degenerated in the last week.

Question

choose the option nearly opposite in meaning to the word(s) underlined Mr. Akin's health has greatly degenerated in the last week.

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

A.improved
B.deteriorated
C.expanded
D.abated

Answer: A. improved

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: You need the word nearly opposite in meaning to "degenerated" in the sentence "Mr. Akin's health has greatly degenerated in the last week."

Explain the concept: To degenerate means to decline in quality or condition, to become worse. Its antonym is a word meaning to get better.

Check each option:

A. improved means became better. This is the opposite of degenerated.
B. deteriorated means became worse. This is a synonym of degenerated, not an opposite.
C. expanded means grew larger. It has nothing to do with health quality.
D. abated means lessened or subsided. It is used for things like storms, pain or fever, and it does not mean "got better in health" in general. It is not a true opposite of degenerate.

Answer: Option A, improved, is the correct choice.

Tip: In "opposite meaning" questions, an option that is a synonym of the given word (like deteriorated here) is often placed as a trap. First work out the meaning of the underlined word, then make sure you choose the antonym and not the synonym.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.