The novelist's mordant humor pervaded the work, with cutting observations about human folly that made readers laugh even as they recognized uncomfortable truths about themselves.
2
readingAs used in the text, what does the word "mordant" most nearly mean?
A
gentle
B
rare
C
predictable
D
biting
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. The passage describes "cutting observations" about human folly revealing uncomfortable truths. "Biting" captures this sharp, incisive quality of the humor.
Choice A is incorrect because "gentle" contradicts cutting. Choice B is incorrect because "rare" doesn't describe humor quality. Choice C is incorrect because "predictable" doesn't convey the edge described.