The people of ancient Sparta (a region also called Lakonia) were known for sparing their words. Today the word "laconic," meaning concise or succinct communication, keeps the memory of the ancient Spartan concision alive in the English language.

The word “stoic” is taken from a school of Greek and Roman philosophy that emphasized the need of being detached from emotions and unmoved by the fortunes of life. When someone is said to be “stoic” or “stoical,” he or she is being described as “accepting things as they come in a calm manner.” When someone is “resigned,” he or she accepts something that is undesirable precisely because he or she cannot alter the situation.

"Tractable" and "manageable" both mean controllable or easily grasped. "Obstinate" means stubborn or determined. "Eclectic" means diverse or varied. "Loquacious" means talkative. "Vacuous" means empty or unintelligent.

"Verbose" and "loquacious" both mean wordy or long-winded. "Succinct" means brief or to the point. "Venturesome" means courageous or adventurous. "Venerable" means respected or esteemed. "Pejorative" means negative or belittling.

This question is meant to make you over-think your answer. The word “reliable” is very common, but do not be fooled by the options given to you. We often think of someone who is reliable as being friendly, willing, and many other positive descriptions. While this might be the case at times, the strictest sense of “reliable” (i.e. the sense that most directly applies to our question here) is "dependable” or trustworthy. The former is the answer to this question in particular. We speak of “reliable” people and things when we wish to express that we can “count on them,” that is, when we know that they will function when the necessary time arrives.

The word “laconic” is very rare, but it means “speaking in a brief manner.” It is derived from the Greek region Lacedaemonia, in which were located the Spartans. As a warrior people, they were known for being rather “short” in their speech—practical people, cut and dry. The word “laconic” is derived from this. The only option that expresses such brevity is “terse.”

"Conniving" and "colluding" both mean to plot or scheme. "Jaundiced" means tainted or prejudiced. "Superlative" means excellent or first-class. "Emaciated" means undernourished or thin. "Surly" means gruff or boorish.

"Reclusive" and "hermitlike" both mean unsociable. "Gregarious" means friendly and sociable. "Garrulous" means talkative. "Resolute" means determined or strong-willed. "Reciprocal" means exchanged or alternating.

"Incorrigible" means recidivous or incapable or being corrected. "Emboldened" means encouraged or invigorated. "Indelible" means indestructible or unable to be erased. "Ponderous" means heavy or weighty. "Pragmatic" means sensible, practical, or logical.

A misanthrope is somewhat like a scrooge: someone who is antisocial and avoids human society; therefore "reclusive," which is a word for someone who acts like a bit of a hermit and spends most of his or her time away from others, is the correct answer.