Fill in the blank: mediator suggested a break to _______ the tense atmosphere

Question

To _______ the tense atmosphere in the room, the mediator suggested a short break and some light refreshments. A). exacerbate B). galvanize C). mitigate D). ossify

Edvaya · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is mitigate. Mitigate means to make less severe, serious, or painful — to lessen the impact or intensity of something negative. Why "mitigate" fits: A mediator suggesting a break is trying to reduce tension, not amplify it — mitigation is the goal. Why the other options are wrong: • Exacerbate — to make a problem worse; the direct opposite of what is intended. • Galvanize — to shock or stimulate into action; would intensify rather than calm the atmosphere. • Ossify — to harden or become rigid; used for systems or attitudes, not atmospheres. Example in use: "The government introduced subsidies to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices on low-income households." Synonyms: Alleviate, lessen, reduce, assuage, temper.

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