Choose the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word The boss is quite inflexible once he has made up his mind.

Step 1: Analyze the question The underlined word is inflexible. We need the option closest in meaning to it in the sentence: "The boss is quite inflexible once he has made up his mind."

Step 2: Explain the concept Inflexible comes from the prefix in- (meaning "not") and flexible (meaning "able to bend or adapt"). So inflexible means:

• not willing to change or compromise
• firm, rigid, stubborn

The context also helps. Someone who will not change their mind once it is made up is firm and stubborn.

Step 3: Test each option

• A. wicked: means evil or morally bad. Being inflexible does not mean being evil. ❌
• B. relaxed: means calm and at ease. This is almost the opposite of rigid. ❌
• C. excited: means enthusiastic or thrilled. It has nothing to do with refusing to change. ❌
• D. unyielding: means not giving way, firm, refusing to bend. This matches inflexible exactly. ✅

Step 4: Answer The correct option is D. unyielding.

Step 5: Exam tip When you meet a hard word, break it into its prefix and root. Here, in- (not) + flexible (bendable) = "not bendable." Other words that mean the same: rigid, stubborn, firm, adamant, obstinate. Opposites: flexible, adaptable, pliable.