Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question asks for the antonym of the adjective VAUNTING.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The word VAUNTING means boasting or praising something, especially excessively. It describes an attitude of pride, arrogance, and self-praise. For example, "vaunting ambition."
We are looking for a word that means the opposite: humble, modest, or not self-promoting.
Let's evaluate the options:
(A) plucky: Brave and spirited. Not an opposite.
(B) meek: Quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive. A meek person is not boastful or proud. This is a strong antonym for the arrogance of vaunting.
(C) chaste: Abstaining from extramarital, or all, sexual intercourse. Unrelated.
(D) cowardly: Lacking courage. While a vaunting person might be covering up cowardice, "cowardly" is not a direct opposite of "boastful."
(E) ardent: Enthusiastic or passionate. Unrelated.
The opposite of prideful boasting is quiet humility, which is best captured by "meek."
Step 3: Final Answer:
The opposite of VAUNTING (boastful, proud) is MEEK (humble, submissive).