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Question

Difficulty: MediumSynonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning

Read the sentence below and fill in the blank with the word nearest in meaning to the target concept of being showy and pretentious.

Answer:The magnate was often criticized for his ostentatious lifestyle, particularly his penchant for 【flamboyant】 displays of wealth that alienated his modest neighbors.

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'ostentatious' in this context is 'flamboyant' (or 'showy'), which describes an ornate, conspicuous, or pretentious display meant to attract attention.
In the context of the sentence, 'ostentatious' signifies an overly elaborate, boastful display of riches designed to attract attention. 'Flamboyant' and 'showy' precisely capture this connotation of extravagant pretension.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of 'ostentatious' in the sentence stem.
The target word 'ostentatious' refers to vulgar, boastful, or pretentious displays intended to impress others or draw notice.
Understanding the context of lavish wealth displays contrasting with modest neighbors reveals the required tone and meaning.
2
Identify an exact synonym that fits grammatically and semantically into the blank.
The adjective 'flamboyant' (or 'showy') accurately mirrors the sense of extravagant, eye-catching pretension.
Replacing 'ostentatious' with 'flamboyant' preserves the original meaning and structure of the statement.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms and Lexical Selection
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Topics

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning

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