Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment (cynical) in the given sentence.

The cynical investors believed in every word the analysts said.

Question

Select the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment (cynical) in the given sentence.

The cynical investors believed in every word the analysts said.

Accepted Answer

The word 'cynical' means distrustful or skeptical, especially about others' motives. The sentence says 'The cynical investors believed in every word the analysts said,' which is contradictory because cynical people generally do not believe easily. The correct word to replace 'cynical' here should mean 'believing easily' or 'gullible.' Among the options, 'credulous' means willing to believe or trust too readily, which fits the context perfectly. 'Distrustful' means not trusting, which is the opposite of the intended meaning. 'Persuasive' means able to convince others, and 'credible' means believable or trustworthy, neither of which fits the context of the investors' attitude. Therefore, the correct substitution is 'credulous.'

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