The board Chairman cherishes punctuality at the meeting.

Analyze the question: The underlined word is "cherishes" (the sentence: "The board Chairman cherishes punctuality at the meeting"). We need the option closest in meaning.

Explain the concept: To cherish something is to hold it dear, value it highly, and treat it with affection or high regard. It is a positive feeling.

Examine the options:

• A. condemns means to strongly criticise or disapprove of. This is negative, so it is the opposite.
• B. abhors means to hate or detest. This is also the opposite.
• C. despises means to look down on or feel contempt for. This is negative as well.
• D. admires means to regard with respect, approval, or warmth. This is positive and closest to "cherishes."

Answer: Options A, B and C are all negative, so they cannot match "cherishes." Option D is the only positive word, and it matches the idea of valuing something highly.

Tip: In synonym questions, first decide whether the word is positive or negative. Here, "cherish" is positive, which eliminates three options immediately. Related words to remember: cherish = treasure, value, hold dear, prize.