In this English vocabulary question on synonyms, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the given word "Mordant".

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of advanced English vocabulary, particularly adjectives used to describe humour or criticism. The target word is "mordant", which appears in literary criticism and descriptions of speech or writing. To answer correctly, you must recall what kind of tone "mordant" refers to and select the closest synonym from the options provided.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Word to be explained: "Mordant".
• Options:
  • stupid
  • pensive
  • senseless
  • sarcastic
  • gentle
• We assume "mordant" is being used in its common sense, referring to speech, humour, or wit.

Concept / Approach:
"Mordant" comes from a Latin root meaning "biting". In English, it describes remarks, humour, or criticism that is sharply critical, cutting, or caustic, often with a bitter or sarcastic tone. Therefore, any option that suggests sharp, biting humour or criticism will be a good synonym. Options that suggest stupidity, thoughtfulness, or gentleness are clearly unrelated to this meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the typical phrase "mordant wit" or "mordant satire", which refers to sharp, biting, and often cruelly humorous criticism. Step 2: Evaluate "stupid". This means lacking intelligence and has nothing to do with sharp or witty speech. Step 3: Evaluate "pensive". This suggests deep or serious thoughtfulness, often quiet and reflective, which is almost the opposite of sharp, biting humour. Step 4: Evaluate "senseless". This means lacking meaning or sense; it does not describe a cutting or witty tone. Step 5: Evaluate "sarcastic". Sarcasm is a form of sharp, often ironic or mocking speech that can be bitter or cutting in tone, which aligns very closely with "mordant". Step 6: Evaluate "gentle". This implies softness and kindness, which is again the opposite of a "mordant" style. Step 7: Since "sarcastic" alone captures the idea of sharp, biting, and often cruel humour or criticism, it is the best synonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider example sentences: "The writer's mordant commentary on politics offended many readers" could be rephrased as "The writer's sarcastic commentary on politics offended many readers" with almost no change in meaning. However, replacing "mordant" with "pensive" or "gentle" would radically change the meaning and no longer fit the critical, biting context. This strong overlap between "mordant" and "sarcastic" confirms "sarcastic" as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• stupid: Refers to low intelligence, not sharp or biting humour.
• pensive: Means thoughtful and reflective, often quiet, not cutting or mocking.
• senseless: Means lacking meaning or reason; unrelated to tone of humour or criticism.
• gentle: Means kind, soft, or mild; the opposite of the cutting quality implied by "mordant".

Common Pitfalls:
Learners may confuse "mordant" with words that simply sound negative or harsh without recalling its specific connotation of sharp humour. In vocabulary questions, it is crucial to connect target words with typical collocations ("mordant wit", "mordant satire") and mental images. Building vocabulary notebooks with example sentences for such words helps ensure that you remember both meaning and typical usage for exam situations.

Final Answer:
The word "Mordant" is closest in meaning to "sarcastic".