Choose the most appropriate word from the options given below to complete the following sentence.
If you are trying to make a strong impression on your audience, you cannot do so by being understated, tentative or __________.
A. hyperbolic B. restrained C. argumentative D. indifferent
GATE 2011 · General Aptitude · Most Appropriate Word · medium
Answer: B. restrained — being restrained, like being understated or tentative, prevents you from making a strong impression on your audience.
Identify the semantic theme of the list: Understated = lacking emphasis; tentative = lacking confidence. Both describe behaviors that prevent strong impact. The blank must be a third behavior of the same kind — something that weakens or reduces communicative force.
Evaluate each option against the pattern: A. hyperbolic — means over-exaggerated; the opposite of understated; would INCREASE rather than reduce impact. B. restrained — means holding back; fits perfectly as a third weak/low-intensity style. C. argumentative — means combative/quarrelsome; a different quality, not about communication intensity. D. indifferent — means uncaring; shifts to attitude rather than communication style.