WAEC 2016 English Language · Question 4

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that…

Question

From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence Most people abhor nagging.

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

A.scorn
B.despise
C.reject
D.slight

Answer: B. despise

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question You are asked for the word nearest in meaning to abhor in the sentence "Most people abhor nagging."

Explain the concept To abhor means to hate or detest something strongly, usually with disgust. So we need the option that expresses the strongest dislike or hatred.

Check each option

A. scorn: to treat with contempt, mocking or looking down on someone or something. It suggests ridicule more than hatred, and it is usually aimed at a person or idea.
B. despise: to feel intense dislike and contempt for something. This is the closest to "hate or detest."
C. reject: to refuse to accept something. It describes an action, not a feeling of hatred.
D. slight: to treat as unimportant, or to snub. It is much weaker than abhor.

"Most people despise nagging" keeps the meaning of the original sentence. "Scorn" is a near second, but it carries the idea of mockery, which abhor does not.

Answer: B (despise)

Tip: Group strong-feeling words together. Abhor, detest, loathe, despise and hate all belong to the "intense dislike" family. When you see one of these in a question, look for another from the same family. Also remember that "abhor" is followed directly by the thing hated, as in "abhor violence".

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