Question

Choose the word which best expresses the meaning of the italicized bold part of the sentence:
He adopted quite a diffident stand when it was a matter of his son’s career.
a) Confident
b) Bold
c) Forward
d) Unassuming

Answer 1

Hint: The word diffident means – someone who is modest or shy because of a lack of self - confidence. Now, from the following options which word best suits this meaning.

Complete answer:
 The word diffident is an adjective that describes a person who is modest or shy due to a lack of self–confidence. For example, they are a bunch of diffident youngsters.
Now, confidence and bold both can be eliminated at first look because both are like synonyms of each other and mean – showing or feeling certain regarding one’s abilities and showing a willingness to take a risk or courageous or confident respectively.
Since these two options describe the antonym of diffident they are not the correct solution. Why? Because we need the word which shares a similar meaning and not an opposite meaning with the root word.
Now, we have two options (c) & (d).
(c) Forward mean confident and honest in such a way that it may seem rude to the other person. Someone who forward means he does not shy out or is open about everything he thinks. So, this too is like an antonym. Therefore, this too is incorrect.
Now, option (d) – unassuming means – someone who is modest or quiet. This shares somewhat the same meaning as the main/ root/ or given word. Therefore, this is the correct answer.
Therefore, the correct solution is an option (d).

Note:
 You can easily eliminate the first two words as synonyms as they are very simple words and are used by us every day and we are aware of their meaning. That leaves you with two options that will make it easier to get the right solution.