NUMS — Medical & Dental Entry Test

NUMS English — Vocabulary: Meanings, Synonyms and Antonyms (Set 4)

Take the NUMS English — Vocabulary: Meanings, Synonyms and Antonyms (Set 4): 30 multiple-choice questions (40 minutes) with instant scoring and a full…

What this test covers

• 30 NUMS English

Sample questions with answers

The first 5 questions of this test, with the correct answer and explanation.

1. Q1. Choose the word closest in meaning to the capitalised word as used in the sentence: "The surgeon's PRUDENT decision to wait for further scans saved the patient from an unnecessary operation."

   • A. hasty
   • B. cautious ✓
   • C. stubborn
   • D. generous

   Answer: B. cautious

   Explanation: 'Prudent' means showing care and good judgement about risks; 'cautious' is closest.

2. Q2. Choose the word closest in meaning to the capitalised word as used in the sentence: "The professor was an ARDENT supporter of free vaccination camps."

   • A. passionate ✓
   • B. indifferent
   • C. reluctant
   • D. occasional

   Answer: A. passionate

   Explanation: 'Ardent' means full of strong enthusiasm; 'passionate' is closest.

3. Q3. Choose the word closest in meaning to the capitalised word as used in the sentence: "The hostel rooms were AUSTERE, with only a bed, a table and a chair."

   • A. overcrowded
   • B. luxurious
   • C. severely plain ✓
   • D. untidy

   Answer: C. severely plain

   Explanation: 'Austere' describes something simple and without comfort or decoration.

4. Q4. Choose the word closest in meaning to the capitalised word as used in the sentence: "Her TENACIOUS efforts finally earned her a place in the medical college."

   • A. careless
   • B. persistent ✓
   • C. fortunate
   • D. half-hearted

   Answer: B. persistent

   Explanation: 'Tenacious' means holding firmly to a goal; 'persistent' is closest.

5. Q5. Choose the word closest in meaning to the capitalised word as used in the sentence: "The clerk gave the form only a PERFUNCTORY check and missed the error."

   • A. very thorough
   • B. done without real care ✓
   • C. carried out secretly
   • D. unusually slow

   Answer: B. done without real care

   Explanation: 'Perfunctory' means done as a duty with minimum effort and interest.

The other 25 questions

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6. Q6. Choose the word closest in meaning to the capitalised word as used in the sentence: "The success of the pilot project BOLSTERED the team's confidence."

   • A. strengthened
   • B. tested
   • C. replaced
   • D. shook

7. Q7. Choose the word closest in meaning to the capitalised word as used in the sentence: "The old physician gave an ENIGMATIC smile and refused to say more."

   • A. rude
   • B. cheerful
   • C. puzzling
   • D. nervous

8. Q8. Choose the word closest in meaning to the capitalised word as used in the sentence: "There is a DEARTH of trained nurses in the remote districts."

   • A. variety
   • B. shortage
   • C. surplus
   • D. history

9. Q9. Choose the word closest in meaning to the capitalised word as used in the sentence: "The wealthy donor's OSTENTATIOUS wedding was reported in every newspaper."

   • A. private
   • B. traditional
   • C. showy
   • D. modest

10. Q10. Choose the word closest in meaning to the capitalised word as used in the sentence: "She felt AMBIVALENT about leaving her village for the city college."

    • A. completely delighted
    • B. deeply insulted
    • C. totally certain
    • D. having mixed feelings

11. Q11. Choose the word opposite in meaning to EPHEMERAL.

    • A. colourful
    • B. delicate
    • C. fleeting
    • D. enduring

12. Q12. Choose the word opposite in meaning to BENEVOLENT.

    • A. generous
    • B. gentle
    • C. malevolent
    • D. indifferent

13. Q13. Choose the word opposite in meaning to OBSTINATE.

    • A. compliant
    • B. stubborn
    • C. determined
    • D. hesitant

14. Q14. Choose the word opposite in meaning to ELATED.

    • A. exhausted
    • B. relieved
    • C. thrilled
    • D. dejected

15. Q15. Choose the word opposite in meaning to VOLATILE (as in 'a volatile political situation').

    • A. unpredictable
    • B. explosive
    • C. dangerous
    • D. stable

16. Q16. Choose the word opposite in meaning to MEAGRE.

    • A. ample
    • B. scanty
    • C. costly
    • D. tasty

17. Q17. Choose the word opposite in meaning to ADVERSE (as in 'adverse weather conditions').

    • A. favourable
    • B. seasonal
    • C. unexpected
    • D. harsh

18. Q18. Choose the word opposite in meaning to LENIENT.

    • A. gentle
    • B. strict
    • C. tolerant
    • D. forgiving

19. Q19. Choose the word opposite in meaning to NOVICE.

    • A. expert
    • B. beginner
    • C. apprentice
    • D. trainee

20. Q20. Choose the word opposite in meaning to EXONERATE.

    • A. pardon
    • B. acquit
    • C. incriminate
    • D. release

21. Q21. Choose the single word that means 'a person who walks about in his sleep'.

    • A. Insomniac
    • B. Claustrophobe
    • C. Somnambulist
    • D. Pedestrian

22. Q22. Choose the single word that means 'a form of government in which a few people hold all the power'.

    • A. Oligarchy
    • B. Anarchy
    • C. Monarchy
    • D. Democracy

23. Q23. Choose the single word that means 'a speech made without any preparation'.

    • A. Rehearsed
    • B. Monologue
    • C. Eloquent
    • D. Extempore

24. Q24. Choose the single word that means 'a person who dislikes and distrusts all human beings'.

    • A. Pessimist
    • B. Philanthropist
    • C. Hermit
    • D. Misanthrope

25. Q25. What does the idiom 'to sit on the fence' mean?

    • A. To avoid taking either side in a dispute
    • B. To protect oneself from criticism by staying silent in public
    • C. To build a boundary around a property
    • D. To rest after a long journey

26. Q26. What does the idiom 'a double-edged sword' mean?

    • A. Something with both advantages and disadvantages
    • B. A weapon used only by trained soldiers
    • C. A tool that is useful but expensive
    • D. A very sharp remark that hurts everyone

27. Q27. What does the idiom 'the tip of the iceberg' mean?

    • A. The coldest part of a region
    • B. A dangerous mistake made on purpose
    • C. A small visible part of a much larger problem
    • D. A sign that a problem has ended

28. Q28. Choose the word that correctly completes the sentence: The panel will ___ evidence from several witnesses before announcing its verdict.

    • A. deplete
    • B. illicit
    • C. elude
    • D. elicit

29. Q29. Choose the word that correctly completes the sentence: The judge asked the defendant's ___ to present the closing argument.

    • A. council
    • B. consul
    • C. consulate
    • D. counsel

30. Q30. In the sentence 'The minister's reply was evasive, and the reporters left without a straight answer', the word EVASIVE means:

    • A. very brief and polite
    • B. full of technical detail
    • C. deliberately avoiding a direct answer
    • D. loud and angry