What does the term "insidious" imply about a certain process?

The term "insidious" refers to something that develops in a gradual and subtle manner, often leading to harmful or negative consequences without being immediately apparent. This captures the essence of the word, which is commonly used to describe processes or conditions that may seem harmless initially but ultimately result in significant damage or danger over time.

In the context of the word, it suggests that the progression is sneaky or stealthy, making it easy for people to overlook the signs until serious issues arise. For example, many health issues, certain social problems, or deceptive tactics in a variety of contexts can appear benign at first but have serious negative outcomes that only manifest later.

The other options do not align with this definition. Something that is easily recognizable would not fit the idea of insidious, as it implies a lack of immediate visibility. A sudden and dramatic occurrence contradicts the gradual nature of insidious processes. Lastly, characterizing something as beneficial runs counter to the inherent negative connotation associated with insidious developments.