Mrs. Okpala gave the drunk a contemptuous look.

Step 1: Analyze the question The underlined word is contemptuous. We need the option closest in meaning to it, as used in "Mrs. Okpala gave the drunk a contemptuous look."

Step 2: Explain the concept Contemptuous is the adjective form of contempt, which means a feeling that someone or something is worthless or deserves no respect. A contemptuous look is a look that shows disrespect, disdain, or scorn.

Step 3: Work through the options

• A. happy: A happy look shows joy. This is the opposite of what contempt shows. ❌
• B. sorrowful: This shows sadness or pity, not disrespect. ❌
• C. knowing: This suggests she understood or was aware of something, with no sense of disdain. ❌
• D. scornful: This means showing contempt or mockery. It matches contemptuous closely. ✅

Step 4: Context check Someone looking at a drunk person is likely to show disapproval or disdain. "Scornful" fits perfectly.

Answer: D. scornful

Tip: Link words to their roots. Contempt → contemptuous → scorn, disdain, disrespect. Other synonyms to remember for exams are disdainful, derisive, and sneering. Learning clusters of synonyms like this helps you answer "nearest in meaning" questions quickly.