WAEC 2021 English Language · Question 31

Henry likes to be involved in shady deals.

Question

choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence. Henry likes to be involved in shady deals.

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

  1. A.unknown
  2. B.undisclosed
  3. C.dishonest
  4. D.doubtful

Answer: C. dishonest

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: The underlined word is "shady" in the sentence "Henry likes to be involved in shady deals." We need the word closest in meaning to "shady" as it is used here.

Explain the concept: "Shady" has two meanings:

  1. Literal: giving or providing shade (a shady tree).
  2. Figurative/informal: suspicious, disreputable, or of questionable honesty (a shady businessman, shady deals).

Since the sentence talks about "deals" that Henry likes to be involved in, the figurative meaning applies. Shady deals are transactions that are not honest or legal.

Solution, option by option:

  • A. unknown: Not known. A deal can be unknown without being wrong, so this misses the moral sense.
  • B. undisclosed: Not revealed. This is about secrecy only, not about dishonesty.
  • C. dishonest: Lacking honesty and involving fraud or cheating. This is the closest match to "shady" in the sense of disreputable.
  • D. doubtful: Uncertain. It is close, because shady things are suspicious, but "doubtful" describes uncertainty rather than wrongdoing. It is weaker than "dishonest".

Answer: The best choice is **C.

Tip: For "nearest in meaning" questions, always look at the context. Ask yourself whether the word is used literally or figuratively. When "shady" describes deals, dealings, or characters, think "dishonest or suspicious". Also watch out for near-miss options like "doubtful" that only capture part of the meaning.

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