After the trumpet was sounded and the flag folded, a member of the honor guard knelt in front of my frail, aging mother, looked her directly in the eye and in a soft voice, thanked her— and my father—for his service. It was beautiful, and touching, and I was thankful for the recognition of a life well-lived. Which best identifies the connotative definition of the highlighted word? not hard or firm to the touch not loud gentle pliable