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LNAT passages use sophisticated vocabulary, and some questions will test your ability to understand what specific words or phrases mean in the context of the passage. This is not a test of your vocabulary in isolation — it is a test of your ability to infer meaning from how a word is used.
Many English words have multiple meanings. The meaning that applies depends entirely on the context. Consider the word "critical":
| Sentence | Meaning |
|---|---|
| "The report was highly critical of the government's policy." | Expressing disapproval |
| "Water supply is critical to the region's survival." | Extremely important |
| "The patient is in a critical condition." | Seriously ill / at a turning point |
| "Critical thinking is essential for the LNAT." | Analytical, involving careful judgement |
If an LNAT question asks what "critical" means in the passage, you must determine which meaning the author intends from the surrounding text. The dictionary definition alone is not sufficient.
These ask what a specific word or phrase means in context.
"In the context of the passage, the word 'radical' most closely means..."
Strategy: Read the sentence containing the word, plus the sentences before and after it. Substitute each answer option into the sentence and see which one makes the most sense.
These test whether you understand the emotional or evaluative overtones of a word.
"The author's use of the word 'regime' in paragraph 3 suggests..."
Strategy: Consider why the author chose that particular word instead of a neutral alternative. "Regime" has connotations of authoritarianism — the author may be implying criticism.
These test whether you understand metaphorical or idiomatic expressions.
"When the author describes the policy as 'a sticking plaster on a broken bone', they most likely mean..."
Strategy: Identify the point of comparison. A sticking plaster on a broken bone is inadequate and superficial — the author is saying the policy does not address the real problem.
Understanding the difference between connotation and denotation is fundamental to this skill.
| Concept | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Denotation | The literal, dictionary definition of a word | "Home" denotes a place where someone lives |
| Connotation | The emotional associations and implied meanings of a word | "Home" connotes warmth, safety, belonging |
LNAT questions often test connotation rather than denotation. The author's choice of words reveals their attitude and purpose.
| Neutral Word | Positive Connotation | Negative Connotation |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Community | Mob |
| Persuade | Inspire | Manipulate |
| Determined | Resolute | Stubborn |
| Questioning | Curious | Suspicious |
| Thrifty | Prudent | Miserly |
| Confident | Assured | Arrogant |
| Government policy | Reform | Interference |
When an LNAT passage uses a word with strong connotations, the author is revealing their attitude. If the passage describes protesters as a "mob", the author is signalling disapproval. If they describe the same group as a "community", they are signalling sympathy.
Replace the unknown word with each answer option. Which one preserves the meaning of the sentence?
Example:
"The minister's perfunctory response did little to reassure worried parents."
If the options are: (A) detailed, (B) hasty and superficial, (C) angry, (D) thoughtful
Substitute each:
Answer: (B) hasty and superficial
The sentences around the unknown word often provide clues to its meaning:
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