WAEC 2010 English Language · Question 16

Such utterances are inimical to the peaceful co-existence of the two communities

Question

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word. Such utterances are inimical to the peaceful co-existence of the two communities

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

A.unhelpful
B.unimportant
C.harmful
D.useless

Answer: C. harmful

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question We need the word closest in meaning to inimical in the sentence: "Such utterances are inimical to the peaceful co-existence of the two communities."

Step 2: Explain the concept Inimical is an adjective meaning harmful, hostile, or unfavourable. It comes from the Latin inimicus (enemy), so it carries the idea of something that works against another thing. It is almost always followed by "to".

Step 3: Work through the options

A. unhelpful: This is too weak. Something unhelpful just fails to assist, but it does not damage or oppose.
B. unimportant: This means having no significance, which is not the idea of inimical at all.
C. harmful: This fits well. Utterances that are harmful to peaceful co-existence damage or threaten it.
D. useless: This means serving no purpose, which does not capture the damaging effect.

Step 4: Test in the sentence "Such utterances are harmful to the peaceful co-existence of the two communities.

Correct answer: C. harmful

Tip: Link inimical with enemy (both start with in-/en- and come from the same Latin root). If a word suggests "enemy-like," pick the option meaning harmful or hostile. Do not confuse it with inimitable (impossible to imitate), which is a common trap in WASSCE and JAMB Lexis questions.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.