Choose the most appropriate word to fill in the blank:
Nobody in the team could predict the coach’s ______ temper; he would be joking with us one minute and shouting at all of us the next.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → mercurial
Complete sentence: Nobody in the team could predict the coach’s mercurial temper; he would be joking with us one minute and shouting at all of us the next.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) placid | calm and not easily upset | The placid old cow did not move even when the bus honked. |
| (2) mercurial (answer) | changing mood suddenly and often, so that nobody can guess what comes next (fits joking one minute and shouting the next) | Our mercurial neighbour greets us warmly one day and ignores us the next. |
| (3) sullen | silent and bad-tempered, with the bad mood showing on one’s face | Varun sat sullen in a corner after losing the match. |
| (4) stoic | bearing pain or trouble calmly, without complaining | Grandma stayed stoic through her long hospital treatment. |