JAMB UTME - Use of English - 1995

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning of the underlined word.

The ruler expects full allegiance from his subjects at all times?

Answer Details

The underlined word "allegiance" means loyalty or faithfulness to a person, government, or cause. The opposite of loyalty is disloyalty, which means lack of loyalty or faithfulness. Therefore, the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to "allegiance" is "disloyalty." The sentence means that the ruler wants complete loyalty and faithfulness from his subjects all the time.

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

He did not explain what happened _____ did she?

Answer Details

The correct option is "neither." "Neither" is used to indicate that something is not true of two things or people mentioned. In the sentence given, "neither" is used to show that both "he" and "she" did not explain what happened. Example: Neither John nor Jane attended the party. (This means that both John and Jane did not attend the party).

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

At that point, the speaker went off a tangent?

Answer Details

The most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined phrase is "began to discuss unrelated matters." This means that the speaker deviated from the main topic of discussion and started talking about something else.

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

Oche's mother advised him to talk very little because still waters run deep?

Answer Details

The phrase "still waters run deep" means that people who are calm and quiet may have a more complex or interesting personality or life experience than what they initially appear to have. In the context of the sentence, Oche's mother is advising him to talk less and listen more because it is often those who speak less that have more depth to them. Therefore, the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined phrase is "there is wisdom in silence."

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

Either Ekaette or you _____ to go.

Answer Details

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning of the underlined word.

In his quest for solidarity, the party leader undertook a nation-wide tour?

Answer Details

The most appropriate option opposite in meaning of the underlined word "solidarity" is "resistance". Explanation: "Solidarity" refers to the unity or cooperation between individuals or groups towards a common goal or interest. Therefore, the opposite of solidarity would be the lack of unity or cooperation, which can be expressed as resistance or opposition. The other options, such as mobilization or re-organization, do not convey the opposite meaning of solidarity.

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

She has been here _____ the past three years?

Answer Details

The most appropriate option to fill in the gap is 'for'. 'For' is used to indicate a period of time when the duration is mentioned. Therefore, the correct sentence is "She has been here for the past three years".

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

Did the boys enjoy _____ when they went on vacation?

Answer Details

The correct option to fill in the blank is "themselves." "Enjoy themselves" is a common English idiom that means "to have a good time" or "to enjoy oneself." It is important to note that "theirselves" is not a correct word in standard English. The correct reflexive pronoun is "themselves."

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

The _____ engineer was unhappy with the shoddy work done by the contractors?

Answer Details

The correct option for the blank is "site." Explanation: The sentence is referring to an "engineer" who is unhappy with the work done by "contractors." The word "engineer" suggests that the sentence is likely talking about a construction site or engineering project. In this context, the correct spelling for the blank is "site," which refers to the location where the work is being carried out. "Cite" means to refer to something as an authority or an example, "sight" refers to the ability to see, and "side" refers to one of two or more halves of an object or place.

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning of the underlined word.

The engineers have been urged to make a prototype of the long-awaited Nigerian car.

Answer Details

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning of the underlined word.

The government is initiating new effective programmes to boost production?

Answer Details

The most appropriate option opposite in meaning of the underlined word would be 'terminating / reduce'. Initiating means to begin or start, so the opposite of initiating would be to end or terminate. In this context, if the government is initiating new programmes to boost production, the opposite would be if the government is terminating or stopping programmes, which would reduce production.

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

One of the three candidates contesting the union election was obliged to _____ in favour of his friends?

Answer Details

The most appropriate option to fill in the gap is "obliged to step down in favour of his friends". To "step down" means to resign from a position of authority or leadership. In this context, the candidate was likely forced to resign from the union election in favor of his friends. "Stand down" means to withdraw or give up a claim or demand, but it is not a suitable option in this context. "Step out" means to leave a place or situation, and "stand out" means to be very noticeable or distinctive, and neither of these options fits the context of the sentence.

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

The fact that Olu able to guess correctly some of the questions that were asked, made him _____ the other candidates?

Answer Details

The correct option is "have an edge over". This means that Olu had an advantage or was superior to the other candidates because he was able to correctly guess some of the questions asked. The phrase "have an edge over" means to have a slight advantage over someone or something. The other options do not accurately convey this meaning.

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

He is one of those who _____ in my school?

Answer Details

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

It was an _____ moment for us to be _____ to welcome the new Vice - Chancellor?

Answer Details

It was an opportune moment for us to be privileged to welcome the new Vice - Chancellor. The adjective "opportune" means a moment that is appropriate, convenient or well-timed. It describes the moment as being suitable or fitting for the action of welcoming the Vice-Chancellor. The adjective "privileged" means having an exclusive or special right or advantage. In this context, it describes the speaker's feeling of being honored or lucky to be given the opportunity to welcome the new Vice-Chancellor.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

People are not interested in who rules?

Answer Details

The correct option is "People are indifferent about the rulers." The sentence means that people do not care or are not concerned about who is in power or who rules over them. They may not be interested in politics or may not feel that their opinions matter, among other reasons.

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

What saved her was that she _____ to the side of the boat?

Answer Details

The correct option is "clung". The sentence is in the past tense, and it describes an action that saved the subject. The verb that fits the context and tense is "clung", which means to hold on tightly to something. "Had clinged" is incorrect because "clinged" is not a valid verb form in English. "Clanged" is also incorrect because it means to make a loud ringing noise, which is not the intended meaning in this sentence.

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

During the examination, a student _____ more answer sheets?

Answer Details

During the examination, a student requested more answer sheets. Explanation: In this sentence, the word "requested" means that the student asked for something. The word "for" is not needed after "requested" because the verb "requested" already implies that the student is asking for something. Therefore, the most appropriate option to fill the gap is "requested".

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

This is to congratulate you on your success in the last examination and wish you _____?

Answer Details

The correct answer is "more power to your elbow." This is an idiom used to express congratulations and encouragement to someone for a job well done and to wish them continued success. The phrase suggests that the person has been working hard, and they need more strength in their elbow to keep doing what they have been doing.

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning of the underlined word.

The poor man is compelled to languish in his poverty-stricken situation?

Answer Details

The opposite of "languish" is "luxuriate in" which means to enjoy oneself in luxurious surroundings or conditions. This means that the poor man is not enjoying himself or his situation, so the opposite would be to luxuriate in or enjoy a better, more comfortable situation.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

I was one of those who actively believe in his development programmes?

Answer Details

The option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence is "I was one of the people who embraced the programmes". This means that the speaker was in support of the development programmes and actively believed in them.

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

The delegates to the Constitutional Conference have mooted that funding of universities be transferred to states where they are located?

Answer Details

Explanation: "Mooted" means to bring up or introduce a topic for discussion or debate. In this sentence, the delegates have introduced the idea or proposal that funding of universities should be transferred to states where they are located. Therefore, the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to "mooted" is "proposed".

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning of the underlined word.

In the opinion of most observers, it was a disinterested decision?

Answer Details

The most appropriate option opposite in meaning to "disinterested" is "biased." "Disinterested" means impartial, neutral, or unbiased, while "biased" means having a tendency to favor one side or point of view over another.

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

Do this job while I am away, but take your time?

Answer Details

In the question below, choose the option nearest in meaning to the word(s) or phrase(s) underlined.

The gallant solders met their waterloo unexpected

Answer Details

The option nearest in meaning to the underlined word is "defeat". In this context, "Waterloo" refers to a famous battle that took place in 1815, where Napoleon Bonaparte and his army were defeated by the British and Prussian forces. Therefore, when someone says "meet their Waterloo," they mean that the person or group has suffered a decisive defeat or setback.

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

The man who gave the closing remarks at the party spoke tongue in cheek?

Answer Details

The word "tongue in cheek" implies a form of humor or irony expressed in a way that is not meant to be taken literally. Therefore, the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined phrase is "ironically."

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

The minister can't come today because he has _____ engagement?

Answer Details

The sentence is stating that the minister is unable to come today because he has an engagement. The missing word needed to complete the sentence is "a prior engagement." This means that the minister had already planned or scheduled an appointment or activity before the current one, which makes it impossible for him to attend the present event. In other words, the minister had a commitment that he made earlier, which he cannot break, and therefore, he cannot attend the engagement that is happening today.

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

The hospital can now boast of more _____?

Answer Details

The most appropriate option to fill the gap is "women doctors." Explanation: The sentence implies that the hospital has an increase in the number of doctors who are female, and the correct way to phrase that is "women doctors." Option A, "women doctor," is incorrect because it implies only one female doctor, whereas the sentence suggests there are more than one. Option B, "woman doctors," is also incorrect because it uses the singular form of "woman" instead of the plural "women." Option D, "woman's doctors," is incorrect because it implies that the doctors belong to a woman, rather than being female doctors.

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning of the underlined word.

The masses are controlled by the whims and caprices of their rulers?

Answer Details

The most appropriate option opposite in meaning of the underlined word would be "level-headedness". "Whims and caprices" mean unpredictable and impulsive behavior or decisions that are often influenced by personal feelings rather than reason or logic. Level-headedness, on the other hand, means the ability to think and make decisions calmly and rationally, based on reason and common sense. Therefore, the opposite of "whims and caprices" would be "level-headedness".

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

_____ he would have been convicted?

Answer Details

The correct option to fill in the gap is "if he had done this". This sentence is in the third conditional form, which is used to talk about hypothetical situations that are contrary to reality. The sentence suggests that a certain outcome (conviction) could have been avoided if a past action (not doing something) had been taken. The correct option "if he had done this" correctly reflects the past action in question. The other options do not correctly reflect the past action and are therefore incorrect.

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

He and his lieutenants have been accused of remaining intransigent?

Answer Details

The opposite of "intransigent" is "compromising". "Intransigent" means being unwilling to change one's views or to agree about something. Therefore, "compromising" is the option that best means the opposite of "intransigent".

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

Good student can easily identify spurious arguments?

Answer Details

The most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined word "spurious" is "genuine." "Spurious" means false or fake, so "genuine," which means real or authentic, is the opposite.

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

It's time the room _____ it looks awful?

Answer Details

The most appropriate option to fill in the blank is: "was redecorated". Explanation: The phrase "it's time" indicates that the action of redecorating the room should have been done before, but hasn't been done yet. Since the sentence is in the past tense ("was redecorated"), it means that the speaker is saying that the room needed to be redecorated in the past, but wasn't redecorated at that time.

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning of the underlined word.

Segun is somebody who always follow his own inclinations?

Answer Details

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning of the underlined word.

Our party is wielding potent political power?

Answer Details

Opposite in meaning to "wielding" is "renouncing". "Wielding" means to have and use power or influence, whereas "renouncing" means to give up or abandon something, such as power or influence. In the given sentence, the speaker is talking about their party having a strong hold on political power, so the opposite meaning would be that they are giving up or abandoning their political power.

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning of the underlined word.

In spite of many days of fasting, Musa is still fastidious about his food?

Answer Details

The opposite of "fastidious" is "indifferent". In this context, "fastidious" means being very particular or meticulous about food, while "indifferent" means not caring or showing no interest. So if Musa is "fastidious" about his food, it means he is very careful and particular about what he eats, and therefore the option that is opposite in meaning to "fastidious" is "indifferent", which means he doesn't care or isn't particular about what he eats.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

My son, who is in the U.S.A. is studying Engineering?

Answer Details

Explanation: The sentence states that the speaker has a son who is studying Engineering and is currently located in the United States. The use of "my son" implies that the speaker has more than one son, but it is not specified how many. Therefore, option B "one of my sons is in the U.S.A studying Engineering" best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning of the underlined word.

The chairman's reaction was a storm in a tree cup?

Answer Details

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

Her mother said to her 'I _____ the dinner now?

Answer Details

Her mother said to her "I would rather you cooked the dinner now." The correct option to fill in the gap is "would rather you cook." This means that her mother prefers that she cooks the dinner at that moment, rather than doing something else. The use of "would rather" expresses a preference or a desire for a particular action to be taken. The options "would rather you not cooked" and "would rather have you cooked" do not express the same meaning as the original sentence.

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

The driver of the car admitted _____a licence?

Answer Details

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

The poor man was pleased to find _____ tyre?

Answer Details

The correct option to fill in the gap is "an old discarded rubber." This means that the poor man found an old and discarded tire, and he was happy to find it.

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

He was angry with me _____ being treated nonchalantly?

Answer Details

The correct option is "for". Explanation: "Angry with" is a common collocation in English that is followed by the preposition "for". So, the correct sentence is "He was angry with me for being treated nonchalantly."

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

The development is to be carried to the _____ level?

Answer Details

The correct option is "grassroots". This refers to the basic or fundamental level of something, typically a social or political organization. It is used to describe activities or movements that originate from ordinary people rather than established leaders or experts.

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

You must study hard this semester in order to avoid being made _____ ridicule?

Answer Details

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

_______ woman was attacked by a group of bandits

Answer Details

The most appropriate option to fill in the gap is "a 90-year old" as it follows the correct format for hyphenating compound adjectives that include numbers and age. In this case, "90-year" functions as a single adjective modifying the noun "woman." The other options include incorrect or nonstandard forms of hyphenation or use of plurals where they are not needed.

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

Eze's skin now looks flabby as a result of his changed circumstances?

Answer Details

The most appropriate option opposite in meaning to the underlined word "flabby" is "firm". This is because "flabby" means lacking firmness or looseness in texture, while "firm" means having a solid or hard surface and being resistant to pressure. Therefore, the opposite of "flabby" is "firm".

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

The teacher with his wife _____ here?

Answer Details

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

He might be compelled to take a momentous decision?

Answer Details

The most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word "momentous" is "an important" because "momentous" refers to something that is of great importance or significance.

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning of the underlined word.

The leader called for concerted efforts in order to get over the problems?

Answer Details

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

The director, no less than his workers _____ to blame?

Answer Details

The correct answer is "is". The sentence is structured in a way that compares the director to his workers, emphasizing that they are all equally responsible for something. Therefore, the verb that follows should agree with "director" in number, which is singular. The only option in the list that is singular is "is".

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

The judge took issue with the counsel who complained of double standards?

Answer Details

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning of the underlined word.

His textile business deals are in gross?

Answer Details

The correct answer is "retailed". In this sentence, "gross" means the total revenue of the business before expenses are deducted, so the opposite of this would be "net" which refers to the revenue after expenses have been deducted. However, in the given options, "retailed" is the closest opposite in meaning to "gross" as it refers to the sale of goods in small quantities directly to the consumer, whereas "gross" implies larger quantities or overall revenue.

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

The policeman pointed out a _____ between Mr. Ogene's two accounts of the incident?

Answer Details

The most appropriate option to fill the gap is "discrepancy". This is because a discrepancy refers to a difference or inconsistency between two or more things that should be similar or consistent. In this case, the policeman noticed a difference between Mr. Ogene's two accounts of the incident, which suggests that one or both of the accounts may not be accurate or truthful. "Discord," "distinction," and "disagreement" do not accurately capture the meaning of a difference or inconsistency between two accounts.

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

The principal asked me _____ ?

Answer Details

The correct option to fill in the gap is "what my name was". This is a reported speech question, and the sentence is in the past tense, so the question should also be in the past tense. The correct word order for a reported speech question is "question word + subject + verb," which makes "what my name was" the correct option.

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

A very popular ruler is at the _____ ?

Answer Details

The correct option to fill in the blank is "helm of affairs". This implies that the ruler is in charge or in control of the affairs of the state or country.

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

Akin made such a dog's breakfast of his home work?

Answer Details

The most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word is "a mess". The phrase "a dog's breakfast" is an informal expression that means a complete mess or a chaotic situation, especially when referring to something that has been done badly or haphazardly. Therefore, Akin made a complete mess of his homework.

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

The young man's behavior showed that he was at the top of the tree?

Answer Details

The phrase "at the top of the tree" usually means that someone is at the highest position in their profession or field. So, the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word would be "at the highest position in his profession".

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

The enemy interestingly proved a real bulwarkon that memorable day?

Answer Details

The word "bulwark" means a protective wall, and in the context of the sentence, it suggests that the enemy provided strong protection or defense. Therefore, the option that is nearest in meaning to "bulwark" is "protecting force."

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

The doctor insisted on giving all of us prophylactic drugs?

Answer Details

The most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word is "preventive". In this context, prophylactic drugs refer to medication given to prevent the spread of diseases, as opposed to curative drugs which are given to treat or cure existing diseases. Therefore, the doctor insisted on giving prophylactic drugs to all of them in order to prevent the onset of any potential diseases.

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning of the underlined word.

We watch in wonder as she rattled away in that esoteric language?

Answer Details

The opposite of "esoteric" refers to something that is well-known or familiar, so the correct option is "familiar". "Esoteric" means something that is intended to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

Imona couldn't have attended lectures yesterday?

Answer Details

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

The panel's _____ was stretched to the limit by what they heard?

Answer Details

The correct answer is "credulity". The sentence indicates that what the panel heard was so extraordinary that it tested their ability to believe it. Credulity refers to a tendency to believe things too easily or quickly, which fits the context of the sentence. Credit refers to belief or trust in something's reliability, while credence refers to the acceptance of something as true. Credibility refers to the quality of being trustworthy or believable.

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning of the underlined word.

She was ask to swallow her pride and get busy?

Answer Details

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning of the underlined word.

Many species in creation have mutated over the years into new forms of life _____ ?

Answer Details

Many species in creation have mutated over the years into new forms of life. The opposite in meaning of "mutated" would be to remain unchanged or to maintain stability. Therefore, the most appropriate option is "stabilized."

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

The mills of God grind slowly, but the grind exceedingly small?

Answer Details

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

He was _____ weak _____ he could now boast of more _____?

Answer Details

The correct answer is "so/that." This is because the sentence is saying that he was very weak and as a result, he could now boast of more strength. The word "so" is used to show the extent of his weakness, and "that" is used to indicate the result or consequence of his weakness. Example: He was so tired that he fell asleep immediately. Here, "so" is used to show the extent of his tiredness, and "that" is used to indicate the result or consequence of his tiredness.

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

The confused student found himself in a spot?

Answer Details

The most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word is "in a difficult situation". This is because the word "spot" in this context is being used metaphorically to mean a troublesome or embarrassing situation that the student has found himself in.

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

The workers suffered a lot, toiling _____ the sun?

Answer Details

The correct option is "under". "Toiling under the sun" means that the workers were working outside, exposed to the sun's rays, which can be very hot and exhausting.

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

I shuddered in revulsion as i watched the snake slowly swallow the struggling rat?

Answer Details

The option nearest in meaning to the underlined word would be "was repelled." "Shuddered in revulsion" means to feel a strong sense of disgust or repulsion towards something, and the only option that reflects this meaning is "was repelled." The other options do not accurately capture the sentiment of the sentence.

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

It was evident to whoever listened to his speech that he also had an axe to grind?

Answer Details

The phrase "an axe to grind" means to have a hidden motive or personal objective to achieve. So the option nearest in meaning to the underlined phrase is "a personal objective to achieve".

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning of the underlined word.

The culprit unwittingly subjected himself to great humiliation?

Answer Details

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

One of the vice _____ in an interim capacity?

Answer Details

One of the vice presidents acts in an interim capacity. Explanation: The sentence is incomplete as the blank is left to be filled. The appropriate word to complete the sentence is "presidents acts." However, it needs to be corrected to "presidents act." The correct sentence would be "One of the vice presidents acts in an interim capacity."

Fill in the gap(s) with the most appropriate option from the list following the gap(s).

She has the _____ of being intelligent when in fact she is not?

Answer Details

The correct option to fill the gap is "illusion." "Illusion" refers to a false perception or belief about something or someone. In this context, it means that people believe that she is intelligent, but it is not actually true. "Elision" refers to the omission of sounds or syllables in speech or writing. "Delusion" refers to a persistent false belief in something despite evidence to the contrary. "Allusion" refers to a reference to something without explicitly mentioning it. Therefore, "illusion" is the best fit for the given context.

Select the option that best explains the information conveyed in the sentence.

Most of the time, their presence is a menace?

Answer Details

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

New companies in the country always put up classified advertisement in the dailies?

Answer Details

The most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word is "secret". In this context, "classified" means confidential or secret, usually relating to information or documents that are not meant to be shared publicly or with unauthorized persons. Therefore, the sentence means that new companies in the country always put up secret advertisements in the dailies.

Choose the most appropriate option opposite in meaning of the underlined word.

The video tape recorder was made obsolete by the introduction of the satellite dish?

Answer Details

The most appropriate option opposite in meaning to "obsolete" is "fashionable". "Obsolete" means no longer produced or used; out of date while "fashionable" means popular at a particular time, stylish or trendy. Therefore, the sentence means that the video tape recorder is no longer used because it has become out of date with the introduction of the satellite dish, which has become more popular and stylish.

Choose the most appropriate option nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

The principal advised the students to bear with him in their present situation since every cloud has a silver lining?

Answer Details

The option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word is "every bad situation has something good." This means that even in difficult times, there is a possibility of a positive outcome or a good side to the situation. The phrase "every cloud has a silver lining" is often used to encourage someone to remain hopeful and optimistic in a difficult situation. It is a metaphor that suggests that behind every dark cloud, there is a hidden silver lining or a positive outcome that can be discovered.