Which adjective describes something foolish or inane in a smug way?

• A. Silly
• B. Fatuous
• C. Astute
• D. Cogent

Answer: (B)

This word tests your ability to spot a smug kind of foolishness. Fatuous describes something that is both foolish or inane and carried with a self-satisfied, vacuous air. It’s not just silly; it implies that the stupidity is packaged with a sham confidence, as if the speaker or idea is impressively sensible when it isn’t.

Silly can describe harmless or lighthearted foolishness but doesn’t inherently carry that smug, self-important tone. Astute means sharp and perceptive, the opposite of foolish. Cogent means clear, logical, and convincing, also the opposite of foolish. So fatuous is the right fit because it uniquely conveys both the foolhardy nature and the self-satisfied, empty quality.