Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word from the options given below:-
Despite the conflicting circumstances, she continued to speak _______, keeping her thoughts steady and grounded.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → composedly
Composedly means calmly and with self-control. The sentence says she kept her thoughts "steady and grounded" despite the conflicting circumstances, which is what speaking composedly means.
Example: She answered the angry customer composedly.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: furtively — Incorrect. Furtively means secretly, trying not to be noticed; it has nothing to do with steady thoughts.
Example: The thief looked furtively at the door.
Option 2: falteringly — Incorrect. Falteringly means hesitantly and unsteadily; it is the opposite of speaking with steady, grounded thoughts.
Example: The nervous boy read his speech falteringly.
Option 4: conspicuously — Incorrect. Conspicuously means in a way that attracts attention; it says nothing about calmness.
Example: The minister was conspicuously absent from the meeting.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| falter | – | – | – | 10-06 S3 | – |
| conspicuous | 29-05 S2 30-05 S1 | 19-05 S2 26-05 S1 | 29-05 S1 | – | 21-08 S1 |