JAMB - English Language (1983 - No. 69)
In the question below, select the option which best expresses the meaning of the phrase or word underlined:
The president stood his ground because the committee member would not be persuaded to arrive at a compromise on the issue being debated.
The president stood his ground because the committee member would not be persuaded to arrive at a compromise on the issue being debated.
yield his position
shifted his position
maintained his position
defended his position
resisted his position
Explanation
The phrase "stood his ground" means to maintain one's position despite opposition. Based on the surrounding page content, the phrase "stood his ground" in this context means that the president maintained his position firmly during the debate. The president refused to change his stance despite the committee member's unwillingness to compromise.
To "defend one's position" adds an extra layer of meaning which is not present in to "stand one's ground", it means to actively provide explanations as to why one is not budging on such position.
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