In each of the following questions, sentences are given with blanks to be filled in with an appropriate word (s). Four alternatives are suggested for each question. Choose the correct alternative out of the four and indicate your choice for the correct answer.

Q:

The columnist was very gentle when he mentioned his friends but was bitter and ever ___________ when he discussed people who irritated him.

• 1
  laconic
• 2
  acerbic
• 3
  remorseful
• 4
  militant