Question

passage
the shakers, an american religious group prominent in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, have left a surprising legacy: their classic furniture. by resisting excessive ornamentation, the shakers produced some of the simplest and most beautiful furniture ever made. the shakers concentration on simplicity of line and on the merging of form and function make them forerunners to modern design.
question
in the second sentence, \excessive\ most nearly means
pleasing
unnecessary
obvious
tempting

Explanation:

The Shakers produced simple furniture by resisting "excessive" ornamentation. "Excessive" implies more than needed. "Unnecessary" (not needed) fits as it contrasts with simplicity. "Pleasing" (pleasant) doesn't relate to simplicity - resistance context. "Obvious" (clear) is unrelated. "Tempting" (alluring) also doesn't fit the simplicity - resistance theme.

Answer:

unnecessary