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While she was unfailingly ____________ to her superiors, such slavish
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28 Aug 2025, 23:32
28 Aug 2025, 23:32
Expert Reply
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Question Stats:
50% (00:40) correct
50% (00:17) wrong based on 6 sessions
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While she was unfailingly ____________ to her superiors, such slavish obedience and unquestioning sycophancy never helped her ascend beyond the role of a lackey.
| Blank (i) |
|---|
| A. glib |
| B. impertinent |
| C. obliging | D. obsequious | E. deferential |
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Re: While she was unfailingly ____________ to her superiors, such slavish
[#permalink]
30 Aug 2025, 08:26
30 Aug 2025, 08:26
Expert Reply
The correct answer is D. obsequious.
Here is the breakdown of why this is the best fit:
The phrase "such slavish obedience and unquestioning sycophancy" directly defines the behavior of the person in the sentence. Therefore, the word in the blank must be a synonym for, or closely related to, this extreme and negative form of submissiveness and flattery.
- D. obsequious: This means obedient or attentive to an excessive degree, often in a fawning or servile manner. It perfectly captures the meaning of "slavish obedience and unquestioning sycophancy," which is a negative trait that prevented her from advancing in her career.
The other options do not fit the context:
- A. glib is about speaking insincerely.
- B. impertinent is about being disrespectful, which is the opposite of the described behavior.
- C. obliging and E. deferential are too mild. While they suggest a willingness to help or show respect, they lack the strong, negative connotation of "slavish obedience" that is central to the sentence.
Here is the breakdown of why this is the best fit:
The phrase "such slavish obedience and unquestioning sycophancy" directly defines the behavior of the person in the sentence. Therefore, the word in the blank must be a synonym for, or closely related to, this extreme and negative form of submissiveness and flattery.
- D. obsequious: This means obedient or attentive to an excessive degree, often in a fawning or servile manner. It perfectly captures the meaning of "slavish obedience and unquestioning sycophancy," which is a negative trait that prevented her from advancing in her career.
The other options do not fit the context:
- A. glib is about speaking insincerely.
- B. impertinent is about being disrespectful, which is the opposite of the described behavior.
- C. obliging and E. deferential are too mild. While they suggest a willingness to help or show respect, they lack the strong, negative connotation of "slavish obedience" that is central to the sentence.
gmatclubot
Re: While she was unfailingly ____________ to her superiors, such slavish [#permalink]
30 Aug 2025, 08:26
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