In this vocabulary question, you must choose the word that is closest in meaning to the given word. The word is "Fustian", which is often used to describe language or style. Which of the following options best matches the meaning of "Fustian" in the sense of speech or writing?

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on a relatively uncommon English word, Fustian, which often appears in advanced vocabulary lists and literature. It is usually used to describe speech or writing that is overly showy, inflated or pompous. Exam setters like such words because they test whether you can distinguish subtle attitudes in tone and style. The options provided mix ideas of humility, fearfulness, pride and politeness, making it important to recall the core sense of Fustian accurately.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The target word is Fustian.
• The options are Unpretentious, Timid, Arrogant and Courteous.
• In literary context, Fustian usually refers to pompous or inflated language.
• You must choose the option that is closest in meaning to that sense.

Concept / Approach:
Historically, fustian referred to a kind of thick or coarse cloth. By extension, in literature it came to describe speech or writing that is thick with big, showy words but lacking real substance. Such language is often associated with arrogance, self importance or pretentiousness. To answer correctly, you must link the idea of pompous or bombastic style with the personality trait that best matches it. Among the given choices, arrogant describes a proud, overbearing attitude that fits the sense of fustian language better than humility, fear or simple politeness.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that in literary criticism, Fustian usually means high sounding, pompous or bombastic language that tries to impress more than it informs. Step 2: Consider Unpretentious. This word means simple, modest and not attempting to impress others, which is the exact opposite of a fustian style. Step 3: Consider Timid. This word describes a shy or easily frightened person and does not connect to showy or inflated speech. Step 4: Consider Arrogant. This word signifies an exaggerated sense of one own importance or abilities and is often reflected in boastful or pompous speech. Step 5: Consider Courteous. This word means polite and respectful, which describes good manners, not pompous language. Therefore, Arrogant is the closest match.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify your choice, imagine a sentence like His speech was full of fustian phrases. This implies that he spoke in a showy, overblown way, trying to sound grand. That fits a personality trait that we might also call arrogant or pretentious. If his speech had been unpretentious, it would have been simple and straightforward, which is the opposite of fustian. If he had been timid, he would probably have avoided making such grand speeches. If he had been merely courteous, his speech would have been polite, not necessarily pompous. This scenario confirms that arrogant best captures the sense of fustian language.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Unpretentious directly contradicts the idea of fustian. It suggests a lack of showiness or display, while fustian suggests too much display in words. Timid relates to fearfulness and shyness, characteristics that do not fit the idea of loud, bombastic or inflated speech. Courteous refers to politeness and good manners, which are neutral in terms of how grand or simple the language is; a courteous person can be modest or pompous in style, so it does not specifically match fustian. Therefore, none of these three correctly represent the meaning of the target word.

Common Pitfalls:
Many students are unfamiliar with the literary use of fustian and may try to guess based purely on sound, which is risky. Others might choose unpretentious because they think a rare word must be negative and interpret the options in a random way. The best strategy is to build a vocabulary habit where you associate such terms with short explanations, for example fustian equals pompous language. Once you know that, it becomes much easier to match it with arrogant rather than humble or gentle traits. Being systematic in vocabulary learning significantly reduces guesswork in exams.

Final Answer:
In the context of speech and writing, the word closest in meaning to Fustian is Arrogant, which reflects a pompous and self important style.