English Usage — Spot the intended meaning behind a misused word. Sentence (corrected): Sanjay is very diffident about passing the Civil Services Examination this year.

Introduction / Context:
The original stem has a likely typo: “different” should read “diffident.” In entrance-exam English, “diffident” is a standard adjective meaning shy, reserved, or lacking in self-confidence. The sentence concerns Sanjay’s feelings about his chances of passing a high-stakes exam, so we must select the paraphrase that captures low confidence.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Corrected keyword: diffident (not different).
• Context: expectations regarding an exam result.
• We need the most accurate meaning from the given paraphrases.

Concept / Approach:
“Diffident about” directly maps to “lacking self-confidence about.” Options that express certainty or hopefulness contradict the meaning, and “reasonably certain” is especially opposite. Therefore option C is the precise match.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute: “Sanjay is very lacking in self-confidence about passing …” This reads naturally and mirrors typical exam explanations where “diffident” is contrasted with “confident,” “hopeful,” or “certain.”

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Dead sure of: Total confidence; opposite meaning.
• Very hopeful of: Optimism; not diffidence.
• Reasonably certain of: Moderate confidence; still opposite.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “diffident” with “different” due to similarity in spelling. Always verify the collocation “diffident about/of” meaning shy or lacking confidence in a particular matter.

Final Answer:
Lacking self confidence about