In the following sentence, a blank is given. Select the most appropriate word to complete the sentence meaningfully: Since I forgot about Jeetus birthday last week, I will send him a _____________ greeting today.

Introduction / Context:
This fill in the blank question tests your knowledge of vocabulary related to time, particularly words describing actions that happen later than the ideal moment. The sentence refers to forgetting a birthday in the previous week and sending a greeting now. You must pick the word that best describes such a late greeting.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The sentence context is sending a greeting after the actual birthday has already passed.
• Option A: belated.
• Option B: timely.
• Option C: unpunctual.
• Option D: tardy.
• We assume standard meanings and common collocations in English, especially how these words combine with "greeting" or "birthday".

Concept / Approach:
The word "belated" means "coming later than expected or usual". It is commonly used in the fixed phrase "belated birthday wishes" or "belated greetings" when you congratulate someone after the actual day. "Timely" means on time or at the right moment. "Unpunctual" and "tardy" can describe people or general lateness, but they are not the natural choice before the noun "greeting" in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand the situation. The birthday was last week, and the speaker is sending a greeting now, which means the greeting is late.Step 2: Examine option A, "belated". This directly expresses the idea that something, especially a greeting or wish, is delayed beyond the proper date.Step 3: Examine option B, "timely". This means happening at the right or appropriate time. A greeting sent after the birthday cannot be called timely.Step 4: Examine option C, "unpunctual". This word usually describes people or their arrival times, not the greeting itself.Step 5: Examine option D, "tardy". This can mean late, but the standard collocation in this situation is "belated greeting" or "belated birthday wishes", not "tardy greeting". Therefore option A is most appropriate.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider common phrases you have seen in cards or messages. People routinely write "Belated happy birthday" or "Belated birthday greetings". The phrase "timely greeting" would mean the opposite, suggesting that the greeting came exactly on time. Similarly, "tardy greeting" is grammatically possible but is not idiomatic and sounds awkward in this context.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Timely" contradicts the idea that the birthday was last week and the greeting is being sent now. "Unpunctual" focuses on someone being late rather than on the greeting itself. "Tardy" is too general and does not match the fixed expression used for late birthday wishes. For exam purposes, "belated" is the only fully correct answer.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may see that "tardy" also means late and choose it without thinking about collocation. However, in English, certain adjectives are strongly preferred with certain nouns, especially in greetings and social phrases. Memorising common expressions such as "belated birthday" helps you avoid such traps.

Final Answer:
The correct word to complete the sentence is belated, so option A is correct.