Question

Which of the following words best replaces incredulous in the following excerpt?

"When did you come to New York?" he asked.

"I did not come to New York," I replied (while I added, mentally, "because I have been here for some time.")

"But you are in New York now," said the man.

"No," I said, looking as incredulous as I thought a crazy person could, "I did not come to New York."
Answer choices for the above question

A. unbelieving

B. honest

C. superior

D. not smart

Answer 1

The best word to replace 'incredulous' in the given passage is (option A) 'unbelieving,' as it accurately captures the speaker's skepticism.

Step-by-step explanation:

The word 'incredulous' in the given excerpt implies a state of being unable to believe something. The best replacement for 'incredulous' from the provided answer choices would be 'A. unbelieving.' This choice accurately conveys the sense that the speaker is doubtful or skeptical of the fact that he is in New York, which aligns with the original use of 'incredulous.'

The other options do not appropriately replace the word in the context provided. 'Honest' implies truthfulness, 'superior' suggests a sense of being better than others, and 'not smart' implies a lack of intelligence, which do not correspond with disbelief or skepticism inherent in 'incredulous.'