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
Complete sentence: The new CEO sensitively addressed the concerns of the employees who were worried about the possible increase in their workload due to the upcoming merger. 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.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) fatuously | in a silly, foolish way (a CEO answering worried staff would not be described as acting foolishly) | He grinned fatuously and missed the point of the question. |
| (2) heartily | warmly, cheerfully and with enthusiasm (it suits greetings or laughter, not a serious discussion of the staff's worries) | The guests laughed heartily at the joke. |
| (3) sternly | in a strict and severe manner (severity would not ease the fears of worried employees) | The principal sternly warned the latecomers. |
| (4) sensitively (answer) | in a way that shows care for and understanding of other people's feelings | The doctor spoke sensitively to the worried parents. |
| Also asked in CUET (UG): fatuous – 10-08-2022 Slot 1 |