Question

Choose the word that best fits the blank in the sentence below: "Despite his remarks, the audience found his ideas intriguing and thought-provoking."

• A. laudatory
• B. derisive
• C. euphemistic
• D. succinct

Hint:

Look for contrast clues like "despite" to choose the word that provides logical opposition in context.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To complete the sentence, we must choose a word that describes the nature of the person's remarks that contrasts with the audience's positive reception to his ideas. Here is the analysis of the options:

• Laudatory: This means expressing praise. If the remarks were laudatory, it would align with a positive audience reaction, making it an unsuitable choice because it does not provide a contrasting sentiment.
• Derisive: This means expressing contempt or ridicule. If the remarks were derisive, it contrasts with the audience finding the ideas intriguing and thought-provoking, which matches the need for contrasting viewpoints.
• Euphemistic: This refers to using mild or indirect words to substitute for harsh or blunt ones. Euphemistic remarks wouldn't inherently create a contrast with an intrigued audience reception.
• Succinct: This means briefly and clearly expressed. Succinct doesn't necessarily imply contrast with an audience finding the ideas interesting.

Given these definitions, derisive is the correct word, as it introduces a contrasting perspective that fits the context of the sentence.

Answer 2

The sentence contrasts his remarks with the audience's reaction. This implies that his remarks might have been negative, yet his ideas were interesting. "Derisive" means mocking or contemptuous, which fits this contrast.

Explanation of other options:
- "Laudatory" means expressing praise — inconsistent with contrast.
- "Euphemistic" refers to mild or indirect language — doesn't imply negativity.
- "Succinct" means brief and to the point — does not express contrast.