The critic described the playwright's dialogue as stilted, noting that characters spoke in unnaturally formal patterns that failed to capture how people actually communicate in everyday life.
2
readingAs used in the text, what does the word "stilted" most nearly mean?
A
natural
B
brief
C
powerful
D
artificial
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. The passage describes "unnaturally formal patterns" that don't reflect real communication. "Artificial" means not natural or genuine, fitting this stiff quality.
Choice A is incorrect because "natural" contradicts unnatural. Choice B is incorrect because "brief" refers to length, not quality. Choice C is incorrect because "powerful" doesn't address the criticism.