In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word or phrase:

The corrupt official had to leave the public service willy-nilly

  • A unprepared
  • B reluctantly
  • C willingly
  • D compulsorily
  • E by retirement
jamb 1985english-language

The correct answer is D. compulsorily

The word “willy-nilly” means “whether one likes it or not” or "without any order or planning"1. It can be used to describe something that happens by compulsion or in a haphazard manner.

In this context, the word “willy-nilly” is used to describe the departure of the corrupt official from the public service.

It implies that the official had no choice or control over the situation and had to leave abruptly or disorderly.

Therefore, the option that is nearest in meaning to “willy-nilly” is D. compulsorily. This means by force or obligation.

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