In the question below choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word or phrase:

The lecturer maintained his usual good humour in spite of the cat-calls and rude behaviour of his students

  • A provoked
  • B obtained
  • C kept
  • D lost
  • E improved

The correct answer is C. kept

The word “maintained” means “to keep in an existing state; preserve from failure or decline” or "to continue or persevere in; carry on, keep up"1. It can also mean "to affirm in or as if in argument; assert".

In this context, the word “maintained” is used to describe the lecturer’s attitude in the face of the students’ disrespect. It implies that the lecturer did not lose or change his good humour despite the challenges.

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