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Difficulty: HardConnotation and Tone

Read the professional evaluation excerpt below. Which word best completes the blank to convey an unpleasantly submissive and insincere tone?

Answer:While the department head appreciated courteous cooperation from staff members, she criticized the junior associate's behavior as 【obsequious】 because his excessive, groveling compliments felt manipulative and insincere.

Answer

obsequious (or closely matching derogatory terms such as sycophantic, fawning, or servile)
The correct response ('obsequious', 'sycophantic', or 'fawning') matches the specific negative connotation required by the context. The sentence explicitly contrasts healthy, positive workplace respect ('courteous cooperation') with an extreme, distasteful form of flattery described as 'excessive', 'groveling', and 'insincere'. 'Obsequious' precisely denotes servile obedience and insincere praise, perfectly fitting both the denotation and the critical tone of the passage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context and tone contrast markers.
The subordinating conjunction 'While' contrasts an approved behavior ('courteous cooperation') with a criticized behavior characterized by 'excessive, groveling compliments' that feel 'manipulative and insincere'.
Identifying contrast signals reveals whether the required term carries a positive, neutral, or negative evaluative connotation.
2
Determine the denotation and required connotation.
The target word must denote high deference or compliance while carrying a strongly negative, pejorative connotation reflecting false flattery and submissiveness.
Both meaning (flattering/compliant) and tone (disapproving/insincere) must align with the critique in the context.
3
Select the precise vocabulary term matching these constraints.
'Obsequious' (as well as 'sycophantic' or 'fawning') specifically means obedient or attentive to an excessive, servile degree with a distinctly negative tone.
This word satisfies both the denotative requirement of deference and the negative connotation demanded by the context.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between positive deference and negative servility based on connotation and tone
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Connotation and Tone

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