… — Choose the option that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will correctly…

Analyze the question

The sentence is: "Tolu was sanctioned for late coming but his friend was ____." The underlined word is sanctioned, which here means punished or penalised. We need the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning and also fits the gap grammatically.

Concept

"Sanction" has two opposite meanings in English: to approve, or to punish. In this sentence, "for late coming" shows it means punish. The opposite is to let someone off without punishment, which is to pardon or exempt.

Weighing the options

• A. ignored: This means to take no notice. It is not a true opposite of punishing, and it does not carry the idea of forgiveness.
• B. released: This means to set free or let go. It suggests being held, such as in detention, rather than being punished for an offence.
• C. exempted: This means freed from an obligation or rule. It is close, but we exempt someone from a duty in advance (e.g., "exempted from fees"). It is not normally used for an offence already committed.
• D. pardoned: This means forgiven and not punished for a wrongdoing. Since Tolu was punished for the offence of lateness, his friend, who was equally guilty, was forgiven and not punished. This is the best opposite.

Answer

The word that is most nearly opposite to "sanctioned" (punished) and fits the gap is pardoned.

Tip

When you see "sanction" in an opposite-meaning question, read the context first. If the sentence involves an offence, "sanction" means punish, so look for forgive, pardon, or excuse. If the context involves permission, it means approve, and the opposite is forbid.