The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is terse.
The sentence requires a word that not only means brief but also carries a connotation of irritation or annoyance, which would lead the speaker to believe the other person is angry. Among the given options, “terse” is the only word that fits this specific emotional context.
A terse response is one that is short and abrupt, often to the point of being considered rude or unfriendly. It implies that the speaker is sparing with words because they are annoyed, impatient, or otherwise in a negative mood. The second half of the sentence, “that I thought he must be angry at my question,” provides the crucial clue. The effect of the response was to suggest anger, and a terse manner of speaking directly aligns with this perception.
Let’s analyze why the other options are less suitable. “Concise” means being brief but comprehensive and clear. It is generally a positive or neutral quality, suggesting efficiency rather than anger. A concise answer is helpful, not upsetting. “Condensed” typically refers to something, like a text or a liquid, that has been made shorter or more concentrated. It is an awkward and unnatural choice for describing a spoken response and lacks any emotional implication. Finally, “pithy” describes a statement that is brief yet full of meaning and substance, often in a clever or witty way. A pithy remark is usually admired for its intelligence, which is contrary to a response that would be interpreted as a sign of anger.
Therefore, “terse” is the best fit because it uniquely captures the nuance of a response that is brief due to impatience or anger, making it the most logical choice to complete the sentence.
