JAMB 2023 English Language · Question 62

The test shows that the lumps are malignant.

Question

In each of the following sentences, there is one underlined word. From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word. The test shows that the lumps are malignant.

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

A.numerous
B.cancerous
C.dominant
D.benign

Answer: D. benign

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question You are asked to find the word opposite in meaning to malignant, as used in "the lumps are malignant."

Explain the concept In medicine, malignant describes a tumour or growth that is harmful and can spread, which is what we call cancerous. The opposite is a growth that is harmless and does not spread, which is benign.

Go through the options

A. numerous: means many. It has nothing to do with harmfulness.
B. cancerous: this is a synonym of malignant, not an opposite.
C. dominant: means controlling or most influential. It is not related.
D. benign: means harmless, gentle, not threatening. This is the direct antonym.

Answer The correct option is D. benign.

Tip Remember the pair malignant vs benign. The prefix mal- means bad (as in malfunction, malice), while bene- means good (as in benefit, benevolent). Spotting these Latin roots can help you with many antonym questions in JAMB.

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