He seemed anxious to please, but not in an ____________ way.

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Multiple Choice

He seemed anxious to please, but not in an ____________ way.

Explanation:
The main idea being tested is choosing a word that describes the manner in which someone tries to please. Unctuous describes a way of ingratiating oneself that feels oily or insincere—flattery that’s overly smooth or smarmy. In the sentence, saying he seemed anxious to please, but not in an unctuous way, contrasts genuine or straightforward eagerness to please with flattery that feels insincere. The other options fail this nuance: incisive refers to sharp or analytical manner, phlegmatic to a calm, unemotional temperament, and febrile to feverish intensity. Hence, unctuous is the best fit.

The main idea being tested is choosing a word that describes the manner in which someone tries to please. Unctuous describes a way of ingratiating oneself that feels oily or insincere—flattery that’s overly smooth or smarmy. In the sentence, saying he seemed anxious to please, but not in an unctuous way, contrasts genuine or straightforward eagerness to please with flattery that feels insincere. The other options fail this nuance: incisive refers to sharp or analytical manner, phlegmatic to a calm, unemotional temperament, and febrile to feverish intensity. Hence, unctuous is the best fit.

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