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Those with a reputation for ________ behavior seldom inspire resp
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06 Feb 2026, 06:51
06 Feb 2026, 06:51
Expert Reply
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Question Stats:
76% (00:40) correct
23% (00:42) wrong based on 21 sessions
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Those with a reputation for ________ behavior seldom inspire respect: unwavering adherence to a viewpoint is more admired than flexibility.
| Two Answers |
|---|
| A. capricious |
| B. bombastic |
| C. dogmatic | D. fickle | E. honorable |
| F. stalwart |
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Re: Those with a reputation for ________ behavior seldom inspire resp
[#permalink]
08 Feb 2026, 08:48
08 Feb 2026, 08:48
Expert Reply
The correct choices are A. capricious and D. fickle.
The Logic Breakdown
- The Pivot: The colon (:) acts as an explanation or a contrast. The second half of the sentence tells us that "unwavering adherence" (being stubborn or consistent) is admired.
- The Contrast: Since "unwavering adherence" is admired, the behavior that "seldom inspires respect" must be the opposite of unwavering. We are looking for words that mean "changing one's mind frequently" or "unpredictable."
- The Matches:
- Capricious (A): Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.
- Fickle (D): Changing frequently, especially as regards one's loyalties, interests, or affection.
Why the others fail:
- Dogmatic (C) / Stalwart (F): These are the opposite of what we need. A dogmatic person has "unwavering adherence" to their beliefs. While these people are respected according to the sentence, they don't fit the first blank because the sentence says the behavior in the blank seldom inspires respect.
- Bombastic (B): This means high-sounding but with little meaning; inflated. While this might not inspire respect, it has nothing to do with the "flexibility vs. unwavering" contrast.
- Honorable (E): This is a positive trait that generally does inspire respect, contradicting the "seldom inspires respect" opening.
The "Synonym Pair" Trap
This question is a classic GRE setup because it includes two pairs of synonyms:
1. Capricious / Fickle (The correct pair meaning "changing").
2. Dogmatic / Stalwart (The distractor pair meaning "unchanging").
You have to look at the phrase "seldom inspire respect" to realize you need the negative, "changing" pair, even though the second half of the sentence discusses the "unchanging" side of the coin.
The Logic Breakdown
- The Pivot: The colon (:) acts as an explanation or a contrast. The second half of the sentence tells us that "unwavering adherence" (being stubborn or consistent) is admired.
- The Contrast: Since "unwavering adherence" is admired, the behavior that "seldom inspires respect" must be the opposite of unwavering. We are looking for words that mean "changing one's mind frequently" or "unpredictable."
- The Matches:
- Capricious (A): Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.
- Fickle (D): Changing frequently, especially as regards one's loyalties, interests, or affection.
Why the others fail:
- Dogmatic (C) / Stalwart (F): These are the opposite of what we need. A dogmatic person has "unwavering adherence" to their beliefs. While these people are respected according to the sentence, they don't fit the first blank because the sentence says the behavior in the blank seldom inspires respect.
- Bombastic (B): This means high-sounding but with little meaning; inflated. While this might not inspire respect, it has nothing to do with the "flexibility vs. unwavering" contrast.
- Honorable (E): This is a positive trait that generally does inspire respect, contradicting the "seldom inspires respect" opening.
The "Synonym Pair" Trap
This question is a classic GRE setup because it includes two pairs of synonyms:
1. Capricious / Fickle (The correct pair meaning "changing").
2. Dogmatic / Stalwart (The distractor pair meaning "unchanging").
You have to look at the phrase "seldom inspire respect" to realize you need the negative, "changing" pair, even though the second half of the sentence discusses the "unchanging" side of the coin.
gmatclubot
Re: Those with a reputation for ________ behavior seldom inspire resp [#permalink]
08 Feb 2026, 08:48
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