Select the antonym of the word "pompous", which describes someone who is self important and showy.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary item asks you to find the antonym of "pompous". Understanding adjectives that describe personality types is important for reading descriptions of characters in literature, news articles, or social commentary. The word "pompous" has a negative tone and refers to an attitude people often dislike.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The target word is "pompous".
• Options are "modern", "turgid", "modest", and "vain".
• We need the opposite meaning, not just a word from a different semantic field.

Concept / Approach:
First recall the meaning of "pompous": a pompous person is self important, overly formal, and often speaks in a grand, showy way to impress others. An antonym must therefore describe someone who does not show off and who avoids self importance. That leads us naturally to words like "humble" and "modest".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Fix the definition of "pompous" in your mind: someone who behaves as if they are very important, often in a grand or affected way. Step 2: Examine "modern". This refers to the present time or to contemporary styles. It has no direct link to modesty or self importance, so it cannot be an antonym. Step 3: Look at "turgid". This usually describes writing or speech that is swollen, over complicated, and pompous. It is actually similar in tone, not opposite. Step 4: Check "modest". This means not talking too much about your achievements, being humble, and not trying to impress others. That is the opposite of pompous. Step 5: Consider "vain". A vain person is excessively proud of their appearance or achievements, which is quite close to being pompous, not the reverse.

Verification / Alternative check:
Try creating simple opposite pairs:

• Pompous speech is boastful and self important; modest speech is simple and not self praising.
• Pompous behaviour is showy and full of ego; modest behaviour is low key and humble.

Thus, "modest" clearly serves as an antonym in personality description. The other options either have no connection to the idea or actually reinforce the negative quality.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• modern: Relates to time and style, not to the level of self importance.
• turgid: Often used to criticise pompous and overblown writing, so it supports, not opposes, the idea.
• vain: Indicates excessive pride, which is closely related to pompous behaviour.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students choose any word that they recognise as difficult, thinking difficulty equals correctness. Others mix up synonyms and antonyms, especially when several negative words appear together. Always begin by clearly stating the meaning and emotional tone of the given word, then search specifically for a reverse idea rather than just a different one.

Final Answer:
The antonym of "pompous" is modest.