Choose from the options lettered A - E the one that is nearest in meaning to the word in italics What made his…

Analyze the question: The italicized word is erstwhile, used to describe "friends." We need the option closest in meaning.

Explain the concept: Erstwhile is an adjective meaning "former" or "previous." It describes someone or something that used to be a certain way but is no longer. For example: "The erstwhile president" means the former president.

Solution:

Substitute each option into the sentence: "What made his ___ friends turn against him is still not clear."

• A. cheerful: describes mood, not a change in time. Does not fit.
• B. former: "his former friends" means people who were once his friends. This fits perfectly, because the sentence says they turned against him, which suggests the friendship has ended.
• C. intimate: means very close. It does not match the meaning of erstwhile.
• D. several: refers to number, not time or status.
• E. supportive: contradicts the idea of turning against someone.

Answer: B. former

Tip: Break the word down: erst is an old word for "first" or "formerly," and while relates to time. Anything that points to time in the past, such as erstwhile, ex-, onetime, previous, and sometime, means "former." In your exam, always check the sentence context, as "turn against him" signals that the friendship is over.