Choose the most appropriate option to replace the underlined phrases in the text below:
The manager, while speaking at the annual general body meeting, felt it would be unpleasant, unfair and likely to offend if he was to single out any one person to thank.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → invidious
Invidious means likely to cause resentment or anger because it seems unfair. Thanking only one person at a general body meeting would seem unfair to all the others and could offend them, so "invidious" replaces "unpleasant, unfair and likely to offend". The word comes from the Latin invidia (envy).
Example: The teacher was in the invidious position of choosing one winner from two equally good essays.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: assiduous — Incorrect. Assiduous means hardworking and careful, giving close attention to a task; it describes effort, not an act that seems unfair.
Example: She was assiduous in her preparation for the board examinations.
Option 3: belligerent — Incorrect. Belligerent means hostile and aggressive, ready to fight; it describes a person's attitude, not the unfairness of singling someone out.
Example: The belligerent customer shouted at the shopkeeper.
Option 4: inveterate — Incorrect. Inveterate means having a habit that is long-established and unlikely to change (an inveterate liar); it has nothing to do with unfairness.
Example: My grandfather is an inveterate reader of detective novels.