In this English vocabulary question, you must select the word which is similar in meaning (synonym) to the adjective "morose".

Introduction / Context:
This question assesses your understanding of synonyms, that is, words which are close or similar in meaning. The given word is "morose", which often appears in reading passages and vocabulary-based questions. Knowing its sense helps you interpret the emotional tone of sentences and passages correctly. To score well, you must match "morose" with the option that best mirrors its emotional and descriptive quality.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The word to be explained is "morose".
• Options given are Flatter, Gloomy, Friendly, and Savvy.
• We must choose the synonym, that is, the word closest in meaning.
• Only one option should truly express the same emotional tone.

Concept / Approach:
"Morose" describes a person who is very gloomy, sullen, or in a depressed mood. It suggests a kind of silent sadness or ill-temper. Therefore, the synonym must also carry the idea of gloom or sadness. Among the choices, "Gloomy" is the word that matches this idea. The other words express completely different concepts such as praising someone, being friendly, or being clever.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "morose" means very gloomy, sullen, or depressed in mood. Step 2: Look at "Flatter", which means to praise someone excessively; this has no connection with sadness or gloom. Step 3: Examine "Gloomy", which means sad, dark or depressed in mood; this is strongly aligned with "morose". Step 4: Consider "Friendly", which means kind, pleasant, and warm towards others, almost opposite to the idea of sullen or withdrawn. Step 5: Consider "Savvy", which means shrewd or knowledgeable; it is about intelligence, not mood. Step 6: Conclude that only "Gloomy" accurately captures the meaning of "morose".

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, we can use both words in similar sentences and see if the meaning remains consistent. For instance: "He sat there, morose and silent, staring at the floor" can easily be changed to "He sat there, gloomy and silent, staring at the floor" without changing the basic sense. However, substituting "flatter", "friendly", or "savvy" in place of "morose" would make the sentence illogical or change its meaning completely. Standard dictionaries also define "morose" as sullen, gloomy, or ill-tempered, confirming that "Gloomy" is the correct synonym.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Flatter" refers to giving exaggerated praise, often insincerely, and has nothing to do with mood or sadness. "Friendly" indicates a warm, kind, and pleasant attitude, which is almost the opposite of the withdrawn and gloomy mood expressed by "morose". "Savvy" means knowledgeable or clever in practical matters, which again does not describe an emotional state like gloom or depression.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates focus too much on whether a word is positive or negative and ignore the specific quality of the emotion. "Morose" is not just negative; it is specifically gloomy and sullen. Another pitfall is choosing a word simply because it is unfamiliar, thinking that the exam setter wants a hard option. In reality, many correct answers are everyday words like "gloomy". Always compare the base meaning carefully and ensure that the chosen synonym can replace the original word in typical sentences without changing the overall sense.

Final Answer:
The word that is similar in meaning to "morose" is Gloomy.