The following text is adapted from a story about a chef.
"I have received the order for the wedding banquet," said Chef Marco. "To ensure the menu is perfect, I have been obliged to source truffles from Italy and saffron from Spain."
As used in the text, what does the word "obliged" most nearly mean?
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
Forced
Thankful
Happy
Requested
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The chef says he had to do it to "ensure the menu is perfect." "Obliged" means bound or compelled to do something. "Forced" captures this necessity.
Choice B is incorrect because "thankful" refers to gratitude. Choice C is incorrect because "happy" refers to emotion. Choice D is incorrect because "requested" implies someone else asked him, but the context implies the task itself required it.