Select the word that best completes the sentence.
Despite the critics' ______ reviews, the play drew large audiences for years.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. scathing
- Step 1: The conjunction "Despite" establishes a sharp contrast between the negative critical reception of the production and its ongoing commercial success with large audiences.
- Step 2: The adjective scathing means severely critical or harshly cutting. Favorable descriptors like laudatory, rapturous, and glowing would contradict the contrast signaled by "Despite".
Answer
scathing.
Why not the others: Laudatory expresses glowing approval; rapturous conveys ecstatic delight; effusive denotes unreserved and overflowing praise; glowing signifies intensely positive evaluation.
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