Question

The need of looking after others was not the only thing that urged the chemist to such obsequious cordiality; there was a plan underneath it all. What is the word that describes the chemist's behavior?

1) genuine
2) recent
3) servile
4) brusque

Answer 1

The chemist's behavior, being driven by an underlying plan and not just by the need to care for others, is best described as 'servile'. This indicates a submissive attitude adopted for a specific purpose.

Step-by-step explanation:

The chemist's behavior described in the question suggests a nature that is not genuinely kind but is instead motivated by an ulterior motive or agenda. Considering the context provided, where the chemist's cordiality is not solely driven by the need to care for others, the word that accurately describes the chemist's behavior is servile.

This implies a willingness to behave in an overly submissive or obsequious manner to gain favor or to serve a particular purpose. The options also offered 'genuine,' 'recent,' 'brusque' which do not align with the intent described in the scenario. 'Genuine' suggests authenticity and sincerity, 'recent' pertains to time and is unrelated to behavior, and 'brusque' indicates a blunt or abrupt manner, quite the opposite of what is described.