Question

Pick out the most effective word(s) from the given words to fill in the blank to make the sentence meaningfully complete.
The miser gazed ...... at the pile of gold coins in front of him.

• A. avidly
• B. admiringly
• C. thoughtfully
• D. earnestly

Hint:

Use "avidly" to describe someone looking at something with intense eagerness or desire.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the sentence.
The word "gazed" suggests a focused or intense look, which fits well with the word "avidly," indicating a strong desire or intense interest, especially in something valuable, like gold coins.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) avidly: Correct — "Avidly" fits perfectly as it means with intense interest or eagerness.
(B) admiringly: This is incorrect because "admiringly" implies a sense of admiration, not a greedy or intense look.
(C) thoughtfully: This word doesn't fit with the context of the miser's intense focus on gold coins.
(D) earnestly: While earnestness could be related to focus, "avidly" better conveys the idea of strong desire.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (A) avidly, as it fits the context of the sentence, describing the miser's intense focus on the gold coins.

Answer 2

The sentence describes a miser looking at a pile of gold coins, and a miser is defined by greed and an intense desire to possess wealth, so the adverb must capture that specific intensity rather than a milder or unrelated shade of meaning.

1. avidly: This adverb describes looking at something with eager, greedy intensity, which matches exactly how a miser, driven by an obsessive desire for wealth, would look at a pile of gold coins.
2. admiringly: This suggests looking at something with respect or appreciation for its beauty or quality, a gentler and more detached reaction than the greedy fixation expected from a miser.
3. thoughtfully: This suggests a reflective, considering look, which does not capture the emotional intensity of greed that defines a miser's character.
4. earnestly: This suggests sincerity and seriousness of purpose, a tone more suited to someone pleading or working hard than to someone gazing greedily at treasure.

Only one adverb captures the specific greedy intensity that defines how a miser would look at gold coins.

Therefore, the correct answer is avidly.