Choose the most appropriate word to fill in the blank:-

Because the orator's speech was high-flown and pretentious, the reporter termed it as _____.

bombastic

The correct answer is Option (4) → bombastic

Bombastic (Adjective): Describing language that is high-sounding but with little meaning; characterized by pretentious words and style. This perfectly matches the phrase "high-flown and pretentious."

Other Options:

• Untruthful (Adjective): Not telling the truth; lying. (Relates to content, not style.)

• Vituperative (Adjective): Bitter and abusive. (Relates to tone, not the use of high-flown language.)

• Austere (Adjective): Severe or strict in manner or appearance; rigorously simple. (The opposite of high-flown and pretentious.)