He seemed anxious to please, but not in an ____________ way.

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $9.99Unlock all

Enhance your English proficiency with our English Vocabulary Builder Test. Boost your word power through flashcards and multiple choice questions, with insightful hints and explanations to prepare for your exam effectively. Elevate your learning journey!

Multiple Choice

He seemed anxious to please, but not in an ____________ way.

Explanation:
The main idea being tested is choosing a word that describes the manner in which someone tries to please. Unctuous describes a way of ingratiating oneself that feels oily or insincere—flattery that’s overly smooth or smarmy. In the sentence, saying he seemed anxious to please, but not in an unctuous way, contrasts genuine or straightforward eagerness to please with flattery that feels insincere. The other options fail this nuance: incisive refers to sharp or analytical manner, phlegmatic to a calm, unemotional temperament, and febrile to feverish intensity. Hence, unctuous is the best fit.

The main idea being tested is choosing a word that describes the manner in which someone tries to please. Unctuous describes a way of ingratiating oneself that feels oily or insincere—flattery that’s overly smooth or smarmy. In the sentence, saying he seemed anxious to please, but not in an unctuous way, contrasts genuine or straightforward eagerness to please with flattery that feels insincere. The other options fail this nuance: incisive refers to sharp or analytical manner, phlegmatic to a calm, unemotional temperament, and febrile to feverish intensity. Hence, unctuous is the best fit.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy