Identify the option closest in meaning to the underlined word.
The movie star’s biography is a glossy, sycophantic portrayal.
Correct Answer :
flattering
Solution :
The correct option is flattering.
Step-by-step Explanation:
• Understand the context and definition: The sentence describes a movie star's biography as a "glossy, sycophantic portrayal." The word sycophantic is used to describe behavior or writing that is excessively obedient, obsequious, or insincerely complimentary toward a powerful or famous person, typically to gain their favor or advantage.
• Evaluate the given options:
1. flattering: This means praising someone excessively or insincerely to please them. This is the definition closest to "sycophantic."
2. cowardly: This means lacking courage or being easily frightened, which does not relate to insincere praise.
3. domineering: This means asserting one's will over others in an arrogant and overbearing way, which is the opposite of the submissive, pleasing behavior of a sycophant.
4. insolent: This means showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect, which contradicts the complimentary nature of being sycophantic.
Therefore, the option closest in meaning to "sycophantic" is flattering.
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