Final answer:
The word 'couched' generally means to express something in a certain manner. It is often related to phrasing, with an emphasis on the style or framework of communication. The term indicates presentation of information in a gentler or more diplomatic way.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term couched as it is used in paragraph 3 most likely means that something is expressed in a particular way. In literature, the word couched is often used to describe the manner in which something is communicated, such as an idea, feeling, or statement. It can imply that the information is presented within a certain style or framework, often with the intention to make it more palatable or acceptable to the reader or listener. For instance, if a criticism is couched in gentle language, it means it's delivered in a less blunt or abrasive manner. This use of phrasing or presentation is designed to offer the information or opinion in a way that is considered softer or more diplomatic.