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Difficulty: MediumSynonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning

In light of the volatile market conditions, the board of directors advised the chief executive officer to be extremely circumspect in making further capital expenditures. Which word is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as used in the sentence?

  1. cautiousAnswer
  2. B
    reckless
  3. C
    circumscribed
  4. D
    suspicious

Answer

cautious
In the given sentence, 'circumspect' describes an attitude of being discreet, prudent, and careful when navigating financial volatility. The word 'cautious' is nearest in meaning to 'circumspect' in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence discusses financial decision-making by an executive facing volatile market conditions.
Context dictates whether a word implies bravery, restraint, caution, or haste.
2
Determine the contextual meaning of the underlined target word
'Circumspect' derives from Latin roots meaning 'looking around', which contextually signifies being guarded, discreet, and careful to avoid risk.
Identifying the target meaning allows exact matching with option choices.
3
Match the meaning against the candidate options
'Cautious' is the precise synonym that preserves the intended meaning of prudent care in economic decision-making.
'Cautious' accurately captures the sense of taking care to avoid risks in a volatile environment.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonym Identification
Estimated Time:50s
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Topics

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning

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