WAEC - English Language (1997 - No. 9)
In each of the following sentences, there is one word underlined and one gap. From the list of words lettered A - E, choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word and that will, at the same time, correctly fill the gap in the sentences.
The gradual process of transition to civil rule came to an .....end.
The gradual process of transition to civil rule came to an .....end.
unnecessary
anticipated
invidious
unhappy
abrupt
Explicaţie
The underlined word "gradual" means slow and steady. The opposite of "gradual" is "abrupt", which means sudden or unexpected.
Thus, "abrupt end" correctly contrasts with "gradual process" and makes sense in the sentence.