JAMB 2024 English Language · Question 57

He bequeathed his company to his last daughter.

Question

Choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase underlined. He bequeathed his company to his last daughter.

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

A.sold
B.left
C.lent
D.added

Answer: B. left

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

1. Analyze the question The question asks for the word closest in meaning to "bequeathed" in the sentence: He bequeathed his company to his last daughter.

2. Explain the concept "Bequeath" is a verb that means to leave property or money to someone in a will after you die. It comes from Old English becwethan ("to say, to declare"), because a person declares in a will who gets what. A related noun is bequest, meaning something that is left in a will.

3. Step-by-step solution

A. sold: This involves exchanging something for money. Bequeathing is a gift after death, not a sale. ❌
B. left: This means to pass something on to someone after your death, as in "He left her the house." ✅
C. lent: This means giving something temporarily, with the expectation that it will be returned. A bequest is permanent. ❌
D. added: This has no connection to transferring ownership. ❌

So the sentence means: He left his company to his last daughter.

4. Answer The correct option is B. left.

5. Exam tip Whenever you see words that sound legal or formal, such as bequeath, inherit, will, estate, heir, think of inheritance after death. Note that the verb "leave" has this meaning in everyday English too ("He left me his books"). Also remember the word family: bequeath (verb) → bequest (noun).

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