The restaurant's signature dish was deliberately understated in its presentation. The chef believed that simple plating allowed the quality of ingredients to speak for themselves without distraction.
As used in the text, what does the word "understated" most nearly mean?
exaggerated
invisible
expensive
subtle
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. The passage explains that "simple plating" lets ingredients shine "without distraction," suggesting a restrained, minimal approach. "Subtle" captures this sense of being deliberately modest or understated.
Choice A is incorrect because "exaggerated" is the opposite of simple presentation. Choice B is incorrect because "invisible" is too extreme; the dish is still visible. Choice C is incorrect because "expensive" refers to cost, not presentation style.