What does the word truculent mean in the sentence below?
The spokesperson adopted an unexpectedly truculent posture during the press conference, fiercely attacking journalists rather than clarifying policy ambiguities.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant
- Step 1: Analyze context: the spokesperson attacked reporters instead of explaining policies, demonstrating hostile, combative aggression.
- Step 2: 'Truculent' means eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant or pugnacious.
Answer
eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant.
Why not the others: 'calm, diplomatic, and conciliatory toward critics' is the exact antonym; 'visibly terrified and desperate to avoid attention' describes timidity; 'thoroughly transparent and candid in sharing data' contradicts aggressive defensiveness.
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