<p>The critic noted that the ------ tone that characterizes much of the writer’s work stands in stark contrast to his gentle disposition.</p>
<p>(A) benign
(B) somber
(C) stoic
(D) conciliatory
(E) strident</p>
<p>The answer is E.</p>
<p>The dictionary definition of “strident” is a. “having a loud harsh and unpleasant sound” and b. “aggressive and determined.”</p>
<p>My question is, is “strident” often used as the definition b.? Is that why this is the answer?</p>
<p>Plus, doesn’t C work too? Aren’t “gentle” and “stoic” (not revealing emotions and being quite oppressively silent and rude) opposites?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance ;)</p>