WAEC 2021 English Language · Question 51

The champions were elated after the tournament while their opponents looked …

Question

From the list of words lettered A to D, choose the one that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentence. The champions were elated after the tournament while their opponents looked _______

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

A.baffled
B.dejected
C.pitiful
D.frightened

Answer: B. dejected

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The underlined word is "elated" (the champions were elated). We need the word most nearly opposite in meaning that also fits the gap describing the opponents (the losers).

Step 2: Explain the concept

Elated means extremely happy, joyful, in high spirits.
The antonym should therefore mean very unhappy or low in spirits.

Step 3: Check each option

A. baffled: confused or puzzled. This is not the opposite of happy.
B. dejected: sad, downcast, disheartened. This is a direct opposite of elated, and it suits losers after a tournament.
C. pitiful: deserving pity, or poor in quality. It describes how someone appears to others, not an inner emotional state, so it is not a true antonym of elated.
D. frightened: scared. Fear is not the opposite of joy.

Step 4: Answer "The champions were elated after the tournament while their opponents looked dejected." The opponents lost, so they feel downcast.

Tip: For antonym questions, first decide whether the word is positive or negative, then find the option with the opposite feeling and the same intensity. Elated means very happy, so the opposite is very sad, which is dejected. Related word pairs to remember: elated and dejected, jubilant and despondent, euphoric and miserable.

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