Select the synonym (word with the closest meaning) of "gaudy".

Introduction / Context:
This question asks you to identify a synonym of the adjective "gaudy". Words like "gaudy" are often used to describe appearance, particularly clothing, decoration or design. Recognising its connotation will help you choose the word that carries a similar meaning and tone. Synonym questions are a standard way examiners test your vocabulary depth and your sensitivity to shades of meaning.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: "gaudy".
• Options: modest, showy, refined, sophisticated and subtle.
• We assume everyday descriptive usage, such as describing clothes, jewellery or interior decoration.
• "Gaudy" often carries a negative or critical tone, implying tastelessness or excessive brightness.

Concept / Approach:
"Gaudy" describes something that is very bright or heavily decorated in a way that is likely to be considered tasteless or overly flashy. The closest simple synonym in the options is "showy", which also suggests being designed to attract attention through bright colours or elaborate decoration. "Modest", "refined", "sophisticated" and "subtle" all suggest restraint or good taste, and are almost opposite in connotation to "gaudy". Therefore, "showy" best matches the meaning of "gaudy".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Define "gaudy" in simple terms: excessively bright, flashy or decorated, often without good taste.Step 2: Examine option B, "showy". It means designed to attract attention, often by being bright or extravagant; this aligns closely with "gaudy".Step 3: Examine option A, "modest". This means simple or not intended to attract attention, the opposite of flashy.Step 4: Examine option C, "refined". This suggests elegance and good taste, which contrasts with the tasteless implication of "gaudy".Step 5: Examine option D, "sophisticated". This usually implies complexity, elegance or worldly taste, again opposite to the sense of loud and tasteless.Step 6: Examine option E, "subtle". This refers to being delicate or understated, very far from "gaudy". Thus, "showy" is the only option that genuinely matches the meaning.

Verification / Alternative check:
Use both words in similar sentences: "She wore a gaudy dress covered in sequins" and "She wore a showy dress covered in sequins." Both suggest that the dress is bright and attention grabbing, perhaps excessively so. However, "She wore a refined dress" or "She wore a subtle dress" would convey the opposite idea: tasteful and understated. If you consult a thesaurus, you will find "showy", "flashy" and "garish" listed as common synonyms of "gaudy". This confirms that "showy" is the best match among the options given.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Modest: Implies simplicity and lack of display; essentially the opposite of gaudy.
• Refined: Suggests elegance and good taste, whereas gaudy criticises lack of taste.
• Sophisticated: Implies complexity and cultured style, not loud or tasteless decoration.
• Subtle: Means delicate or not easily noticeable, the reverse of loud and bright.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to focus only on positive or negative tone and not the exact meaning. Some learners might reject "showy" because it can sometimes be used neutrally, and choose a more obviously positive word like "sophisticated". However, synonyms are about similarity of meaning, not simply matching positive or negative feeling. In descriptions of appearance, "showy" and "gaudy" both signal brightness and attention seeking, which is the key feature to notice here.

Final Answer:
The synonym of "gaudy" is showy.