Select the option that is closest in meaning to the adjective "spartan" as used to describe a lifestyle, attitude, or way of living.

Introduction / Context:
This question asks for a synonym of the adjective "spartan". The term originally refers to things related to ancient Sparta, whose citizens were famous for strict discipline, courage, and a very simple, austere way of life. Over time, "spartan" has acquired meanings like "simple, without luxury, and very disciplined" and can also extend to the idea of bravery and toughness in difficult conditions. The options here focus on various qualities, and you must choose the one that comes closest in common usage.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: "spartan".
• Options: garish, forgiven, civilized, brave.
• We assume the question focuses on the historical association of Sparta with courage and severe discipline.
• We want the option that best captures the core meaning among the four given words.

Concept / Approach:
In many exam contexts, "spartan" is connected to a hard, disciplined life and the bravery of Spartan warriors. While the most precise dictionary synonym would be words like "austere" or "simple", these are not present among the options. When such direct synonyms are missing, you must look for the option that best fits the main historical connotation. Spartans are widely known for bravery in battle, so "brave" is the closest match from the list provided, whereas the other options are unrelated in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the historical background. Sparta was a Greek city state famous for strict discipline, severe training, and courage in warfare. Step 2: Think about how "spartan" is used in modern English. It often means "simple, without unnecessary comforts, very disciplined", and carries a nuance of toughness and fearlessness. Step 3: Check the options. "Garish" means showy or overly bright, which is the opposite of spartan simplicity. Step 4: "Forgiven" refers to pardon for a fault and is not connected with austerity or courage. Step 5: "Civilized" describes a society or behaviour that is cultured and polite, which is not the central idea in the word "spartan". Step 6: "Brave" reflects courage and toughness, qualities strongly associated with the Spartan people and their lifestyle.

Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine a sentence: "The soldiers led a spartan life in the camp." Replacing it with "The soldiers led a brave life" does not preserve the idea of simplicity, but it maintains the sense of toughness in difficult conditions much better than the other choices. If we replace "spartan" with "garish" or "civilized", the meaning changes completely. Given that competitive exams sometimes rely on the strongest historical association, bravery is the closest of the given options.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Garish" is almost the opposite of spartan. It suggests bright, flashy, and showy, while a spartan lifestyle is plain and restrained.

"Forgiven" is about moral or legal pardon and has no overlap with the ideas of discipline, harshness, or courage.

"Civilized" focuses on culture and refinement, whereas "spartan" emphasises toughness and simplicity rather than manners or sophistication.

Common Pitfalls:
One major pitfall is expecting a perfect one to one dictionary synonym in every question. Sometimes the exam setter provides approximate options and expects you to pick the one closest in spirit. Here, while "austere" would be the best pure synonym, it is not available, so you must fall back on the strong historical image of Spartan warriors as brave and tough. When several options feel unrelated, always choose the one that at least shares a key idea or association with the given word.

Final Answer:
Among the given options, "brave" is the closest in meaning to "spartan".