Directions: Read the passage given below. Choose the most appropriate word from the options given to fill in the blank (A).
In the modern corporate environment, high-pressure situations have become a routine experience for working professionals. Although a moderate level of stress is _________________ (A) for driving efficiency and encouraging personal growth, prolonged anxiety can severely impair emotional stability and bodily health. Consequently, individuals must _________________ (B) effective coping mechanisms to mitigate daily strain. Engaging in consistent physical activity, practicing mindfulness, taking short reflective breaks, and spending time outdoors can all contribute to mental rejuvenation. Furthermore, strong interpersonal connections with colleagues and loved ones can significantly _________________ (C) emotional burdens. Adopting balanced lifestyle habits, ensuring adequate sleep, and abstaining from _________________ (D) habits like excessive caffeine intake or late-night screen overuse are also essential. Finally, consulting a qualified wellness mentor or mental health practitioner may prove _________________ (E) when navigating particularly challenging periods.
Which of the following words is most appropriate to fill in blank (C)?
Correct Answer :
alleviate
Solution :
The correct answer is alleviate.
Explanation:
The context of the passage focuses on strategies to mitigate and reduce daily stress and emotional strain. The targeted sentence states: "Furthermore, strong interpersonal connections with colleagues and loved ones can significantly _________________ (C) emotional burdens."
Let's evaluate the given options based on their definitions:
• alleviate: Means to make suffering, pain, or emotional stress less severe or more bearable. Having supportive relationships helps lighten emotional strain, so 'alleviate' fits the context perfectly.
• provoke: Means to incite or cause a reaction (often negative), which contradicts the positive role of strong personal connections.
• intensify: Means to make something stronger or more extreme, which is opposite to the intended meaning of reducing stress.
• heighten: Means to raise or increase, which incorrectly implies that loved ones increase emotional burdens.
• accumulate: Means to collect or build up over time, which does not describe the helpful effect of interpersonal relationships on burdens.
Therefore, the word alleviate is the most appropriate choice to fill in blank (C).
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