The semicolon in this sentence indicates that the second clause will be related to the first one.

So they are not in contrast but agree with each other. They are on the same level.

“False modesty” is the pretense of modesty, and is typically meant to present the appearance of a lack of vanity. An attempt to repress one’s high opinion of oneself will draw attention to it instead. Basically, false modesty means you are arrogant.

So when you repress the opinion of yourself this behavior accentuates your false modesty. We do need a word that highlights all this scenario NOT that hides it.

Regards

Two clues. 1) The word "emphasizes" 2) the semicolon. So it's a continuation and you're just looking for synonym.

False modesty only emphasizes the arrogance of the one who proffers it; the attempt to repress one's high opinion of oneself instead $\qquad$ it.

Blank (i)
A. withdraws
B. explains
C. accentuates
D. hides
E. condemns

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION


C

The semicolon in this sentence indicates that the second clause will be related to the first one. "False modesty" is the pretense of modesty, and is typically meant to present the appearance of a lack of boastfulness. An attempt to repress one's high opinion of oneself will draw attention to it instead, so look for a word like "emphasize" in order to fill in the blank. Choice (C) accentuates, or "highlights," matches our prediction. None of choices (A) withdraws, (B) explains, (D) hides, or (E) explains makes sense in this context.
Choice (C) is the credited response.