Question

Select the best word to complete the sentence:
__________ pompous, he was an entertaining person.

Before

Never

Though

Despite

Answer 1

The best fit is the word though.
Another way to write this sentence would be Though he is pompous, he is also entertaining.

Answer 2

The answer is "Though".

BEFORE pompus, he was an entertaining person.

"before" has neither rhyme nor reason since you're missing words. It would need to peruse "before he wound up vainglorious, he was an engaging individual.

NEVER pompous, he was an entertaining person.

"never" has neither rhyme nor reason due to linguistic structure. there's extremely no chance *to* shape a rational sentence with that word.

THOUGH pompous, he was an entertaining person.

This is right. The sentence bodes well - no holes, no missing words.

DESPITE pompous, he was an entertaining person.

you would require the sentence to peruse "despite being pompous..."" for the sentence to be exact.