If '\( \to \)' denotes increasing order of intensity, then the meaning of the words [sick \( \to \) infirm \( \to \) moribund] is analogous to [silly \( \to \) \(\_\_\_\_\_\_\) \( \to \) daft].
Which one of the given options is appropriate to fill the blank?
The progression of words [sick \( \to \) infirm \( \to \) moribund] represents an increasing level of severity, with each subsequent word indicating a more intense or serious condition. Analogously, for [silly \( \to \) \(\_\_\_\_\_\_\) \( \to \) daft], we must find a word that represents a higher degree of silliness than "silly" but less extreme than "daft."
Step 1: Analyze the options. \( \text{frown} \): Not related to the progression of silliness. \( \text{fawn} \): Refers to excessive flattery, unrelated to silliness. \( \text{vein} \): Refers to a blood vessel, irrelevant to the context. \( \text{vain} \): Indicates excessive pride or foolishness, which aligns well with the increasing intensity from "silly" to "daft."
Step 2: Select the appropriate option. The correct choice is \( \text{vain} \), as it fits the progression from "silly" to "daft."
Conclusion.
The blank in the sequence [silly \( \to \) \(\_\_\_\_\_\_\) \( \to \) daft] is appropriately filled by \( vain \), making the correct answer \( \mathbf{(4)} \).
Read the sentence and infer the writer's tone: "The politician's speech was filled with lofty promises and little substance, a performance repeated every election season."