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Question

Difficulty: MediumConnotation and Tone

Which word with a positive connotation of careful and trustworthy confidentiality best completes the statement below?

Answer:To safeguard the identities of the service members involved, the liaison conducted the sensitive inquiry in a 【discreet】 manner.

Answer

The word 'discreet' (or a synonymous term such as 'circumspect' or 'tactful') best completes the sentence by conveying a positive, professional tone of careful confidentiality.
The word 'discreet' conveys a positive and respectful tone of confidentiality, accurately capturing the responsible behavior required when safeguarding personnel records.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and evaluate the required tone.
The scenario involves protecting service member identities during an official inquiry, requiring a word that conveys commendable prudence, professionalism, and trustworthy confidentiality.
Understanding the evaluative stance of the sentence helps distinguish between words with favorable versus unfavorable connotations.
2
Identify the term that matches the definition of confidentiality while carrying a positive connotation.
'Discreet' signifies wise restraint and respect for privacy, providing a distinctly positive connotation appropriate for an official investigation.
Near-synonyms such as 'secretive' or 'surreptitious' share the core denotation of keeping things private but carry negative connotations of deceit or furtiveness.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between positive and negative connotations among synonyms related to confidentiality
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Topics

Connotation and Tone

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