Choose the correct word from the given options to fill in the blank :
He behaved in a ___________ manner and refused to give any monetary assistance to the needy family.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → niggardly
Niggardly means unwilling to spend or give money; mean and stingy. Refusing money to a needy family is niggardly behaviour.
Example: The miser was too niggardly to give a coin to the beggar.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: cowardly — Incorrect. Cowardly means lacking courage; refusing money shows meanness, not fear.
Example: It was cowardly of him to run away from the fight.
Option 2: melancholic — Incorrect. Melancholic means sad and gloomy; sadness has nothing to do with refusing help.
Example: The rainy evening put her in a melancholic mood.
Option 3: bitterly — Incorrect. Bitterly is an adverb (in an angry, hurt way); the blank before the noun "manner" needs an adjective.
Example: She complained bitterly about the delay.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| melancholic | 11-05 S1 | – | – | 30-05 S3 01-06 S1 | – |
| niggardly | 19-05 S2 | – | – | 21-06 S1 | – |