SAT Vocab Builder

Answer: Choice (C) is correct.

Auspicious means encouraging or promising, the opposite of unfavorable. So, look for the answer choice that is made up of antonyms. Egregious and flagrant are synonyms that mean extraordinary in a negative way. Fastidious and meticulous both mean being very careful with details, to the point of being fussy or finicky. Exorbitant means excessive and inflated. The only choice that does not contain synonyms is choice (C). Maudlin means overemotional, sentimental, and sappy, not unemotional.