why 2nd blank is e?

[hasibul.alam]

All too often scientists are quick to (i)_____ findings that ostensibly fail to mesh with their own research nonetheless, such a response is (ii)_____ compared to the (iii)_____, if not downright contemptuous attitude they take towards a theory that questions the very foundation upon which their work rests.
Blank(i)
A.discuss
B.doubt
C.clutch at
Blank(ii)
D.unquestionably vitriolic
E.positively muted
F.slightly undiplomatic
Blank(iii)
G.complacent
H.convivial
I.dismissive
ans - b, e, i
but why 2nd blank is e? what is the clue here? what is the meaning of positively muted

[tommywallach]

Hey Hasibul,

My dictionary defines muted as "not expressed strongly or openly." The "positively" part is just an intensifier, and can be ignored in terms of meaning.

We know blank two is being compared to the whole last part of the sentence. Reading that part, we see a "dismissive, if not downright contemptuous attitude." So what would contradict that for blank 2? Contempt is a strong opinion, so "muted" makes sense for the second blank.

-t