Choose the correct word from the given options to complete the following sentence.
The villain, on the stage, laughed _______ and sent a chill down the spine of the audience.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → menacingly
Menacingly means in a threatening way, suggesting that harm may follow. A villain's laugh that sends a chill down the spine of the audience is threatening and frightening.
Example: The dog growled menacingly at the stranger.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: ludicrously — Incorrect. Ludicrously means in a ridiculous, absurd way that makes people laugh; it would not frighten anyone.
Example: The clown was ludicrously dressed.
Option 3: joyfully — Incorrect. Joyfully means happily; a happy laugh does not send a chill down anyone's spine.
Example: The children sang joyfully at the festival.
Option 4: ecstatically — Incorrect. Ecstatically means with overwhelming delight; it describes great happiness, not menace.
Example: The fans cheered ecstatically after the final goal.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ludicrous | 19-05 S2 | 15-05 S2 | 19-07 S1 | 10-06 S2 10-06 S3 | – |