Question 65·Medium·Words in Context
The art critic praised the painter’s work for its subtle use of color, observing that the faint blues and grays produced a mood of ______ introspection that lingered long after one left the gallery.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
For SAT Words-in-Context questions, first ignore the choices and use the sentence itself to predict the kind of word you need—focus on tone words, contrast words, and descriptive details. Identify whether the blank needs a positive/negative, intense/subtle, or lasting/temporary quality, then test each option by plugging it into the sentence and eliminating any that clash with clear clues like “lingered,” color descriptions, or key nouns such as “introspection.”
Hints
Use the description of the colors
Pay attention to the phrase “faint blues and grays.” What kind of emotional tone do these colors usually create—bright and cheerful, or quiet and serious?
Notice the word “introspection”
Think about what “introspection” means. What kind of thinking or feeling does it describe, and what adjectives naturally go with that idea?
Connect to “lingered long after”
The sentence says the mood “lingered long after one left the gallery.” Which choice describes a mood that seems lasting and weighty, rather than quick or flashy?
Step-by-step Explanation
Use the context clues about color and mood
Look at the descriptive details: the critic notes the “subtle use of color” and specifically mentions “faint blues and grays” and a “mood … that lingered long after one left the gallery.” These clues suggest a quiet, subdued, and possibly serious or somber feeling, not something bright, flashy, or cheerful.
Focus on “introspection” and what kind of mood fits
“Introspection” means deep, inward-looking thought or self-reflection. A mood of introspection is usually serious and thoughtful, not loud or showy. Also, because it “lingered long after” leaving the gallery, the mood seems lasting and weighty, not quick or passing.
Test each answer choice against the tone and meaning
Now check each option:
- A mood of diffident introspection would mean shy or hesitant reflection.
- A mood of opulent introspection would suggest rich, luxurious reflection.
- A mood of fleeting introspection would be brief and not lasting.
- One remaining option describes a deep, somewhat dark, serious kind of reflection that matches the subdued colors and the lingering mood.
The choice that best fits these clues is brooding, so the correct answer is D) brooding.