In the following sentence, a blank has been left for an adjective that matches the meaning of “taciturn”. Select the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: Both taciturn and _____, Daniel seldom spoke and never spent money.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question tests your ability to choose an adjective that fits both the grammatical structure of the sentence and the logical description of a person. The sentence describes Daniel as taciturn and then adds another quality related to how he spends money. You must identify the option that best completes the description in a precise and natural way.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence: “Both taciturn and _____, Daniel seldom spoke and never spent money.”
• Key clue 1: taciturn refers to someone who talks very little.
• Key clue 2: “never spent money” suggests a negative attitude towards spending.
• Options: wary, cheap, discreet, miserly.
• We want an adjective that logically pairs with taciturn and directly explains his attitude to money.

Concept / Approach:
The word miserly means extremely unwilling to spend money, like a miser. It directly explains “never spent money” and therefore matches the second half of the sentence perfectly. Wary means cautious, discreet means careful or tactful in speech and behaviour, and cheap informally means not willing to spend, but it is less precise and more colloquial than miserly in a formal exam sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the two traits being described: little speech and refusal to spend.Taciturn already covers the idea of speaking very little.The second adjective must therefore match “never spent money”.Among the options, miserly is the exact word used for someone who hates spending money.Thus, “Both taciturn and miserly, Daniel seldom spoke and never spent money” is the most natural and precise completion.

Verification / Alternative check:
Read the full sentence with each option: “taciturn and wary” describes a quiet, cautious person but does not connect strongly to “never spent money”. “Taciturn and discreet” focuses on speech, not spending. “Taciturn and cheap” is understandable but sounds informal and slightly awkward in this formal context. “Taciturn and miserly” fits both the style and the logic of the sentence.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Wary means cautious or watchful, usually about danger, not about spending in a persistent, stingy way. Cheap is a casual word that can mean low in price or not willing to spend but is less appropriate in a formal exam sentence about personality. Discreet describes someone who is careful about what they say or do, but the sentence already uses taciturn to talk about speech, and “never spent money” needs a specific money related adjective.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may be tempted by cheap because they commonly use it in daily speech, but advanced vocabulary questions prefer more precise and formal words like miserly or stingy. Always match the tone of the sentence and the exact nuance required. When a person is described as never spending money, miserly is the most accurate one word description.

Final Answer:
The blank should be filled with miserly, giving “Both taciturn and miserly, Daniel seldom spoke and never spent money.”