Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option:
The new CEO__________ addressed the concerns of the employees who were worried about the possible increase in their workload due to the upcoming merger.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → sensitively
Sensitively means in a way that shows care for and understanding of other people's feelings. The employees are worried about a heavier workload after the merger, so a new CEO who wants to calm them would address their concerns with understanding.
Example: The doctor spoke sensitively to the worried parents.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: fatuously — Incorrect. Fatuously means in a silly, foolish way. A CEO answering worried staff would not be described as acting foolishly.
Example: He grinned fatuously and missed the point of the question.
Option 2: heartily — Incorrect. Heartily means warmly, cheerfully and with enthusiasm. It suits greetings or laughter, not a serious discussion of the staff's worries.
Example: The guests laughed heartily at the joke.
Option 3: sternly — Incorrect. Sternly means in a strict and severe manner. Severity would not ease the fears of worried employees.
Example: The principal sternly warned the latecomers.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| fatuous | – | – | – | – | 10-08 S1 |