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Difficulty: HardSynonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning

Despite the board's efforts to foster an inclusive environment, the director's supercilious demeanour alienated most of his subordinates. Which word is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as used in the sentence?

  1. haughtyAnswer
  2. B
    deferential
  3. C
    superficial
  4. D
    belligerent

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'supercilious' in this context is 'haughty'.
The word 'supercilious' is an adjective used to describe someone who behaves in a haughty, arrogant, or condescending manner toward others. In the sentence, the director's arrogant behavior toward his subordinates alienates them, making 'haughty' the precise synonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The target word describes a demeanour of a director that alienates subordinates despite inclusion efforts.
Contextual clues indicate an attitude of superiority, arrogance, or disdain.
2
Determine the contextual definition of 'supercilious'
'Supercilious' means behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others; arrogant or disdainful.
Vocabulary analysis in formal registers.
3
Match with the closest synonym among choices
'Haughty' directly captures the meaning of arrogant superiority.
'Haughty' means arrogantly superior and disdainful.

Key Concept

Contextual Lexical Meaning & Synonyms
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Topics

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning

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