WAEC 2022 English Language · Question 38

Kofi is generous, whereas his wife is

Question

Select the option 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.   Kofi is generous, whereas his wife is

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

  1. A.sparing
  2. B.stingy
  3. C.unkind
  4. D.harsh

Answer: B. stingy

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence is "Kofi is generous, whereas his wife is ____." The word "whereas" signals contrast, so we need a word that is the opposite of "generous" (the underlined word, presumably "generous").

Step 2: Concept Generous means willing to give freely, whether money, time, or help. Its antonyms are words like stingy, miserly, mean, tight-fisted. When a question says "most nearly opposite," look for the word that contrasts with the specific quality described, which here is giving or spending freely.

Step 3: Check each option

  • A. sparing: means careful or frugal in using something. It is close to the idea of restraint, but it is milder and doesn't strongly oppose "generous." It is also usually followed by "with" or "in" (e.g., "sparing with praise"), so it is not the best fit.
  • B. stingy: means unwilling to give or spend. This is the direct opposite of generous and fits the sentence perfectly.
  • C. unkind: means lacking kindness. This is about character in general, not about giving, so it is not a precise opposite.
  • D. harsh: means severe or cruel. This has nothing to do with giving.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. stingy. It is the direct antonym of "generous" and fills the gap correctly.

Tip: In antonym questions, match the exact dimension of meaning. "Generous" is about giving, so pick the word about not giving (stingy, miserly), not just any negative word like "harsh" or "unkind." Also watch for contrast words such as whereas, but, while, however, which tell you the missing word must be the opposite.

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