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Question

Directions: Fill in the blanks with the word that best completes the sentence.

At times he gets very angry, and then no one can_______ him.

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2017 General Knowledge Previous Year Paper (05-Feb-2017)
The correct answer is

Mollify

Understanding the Sentence and Finding the Right Word

The question asks us to fill in the blank in the sentence: "At times he gets very angry, and then no one can _______ him." We need to choose the word from the given options that best fits the context, specifically describing what someone might try to do when another person is very angry.

Analyzing the Options and Their Meanings

Let's look at the meanings of the words provided as options:

  • Prevent: To stop something from happening or existing.
  • Humour: To comply with or indulge (someone's wishes), especially in order to please them.
  • Mollify: To appease the anger or anxiety of someone.
  • Satisfy: To meet the expectations, needs, or desires of (someone).

Evaluating Which Word Fits the Angry Context

The sentence describes a situation where someone is "very angry." We are looking for a word that describes the action taken when someone is angry, implying an attempt to deal with or lessen that anger.

  • Prevent: You might try to prevent someone from *getting* angry, but once they *are* angry, you can't "prevent" them in this context. This word doesn't fit the situation of dealing with existing anger.
  • Humour: To humour someone means to go along with their mood or wishes, often to avoid conflict or keep them happy. While sometimes humouring an angry person might help, the primary meaning is about indulging wishes, not directly addressing and reducing anger itself.
  • Mollify: This word specifically means to calm someone down or reduce their anger or anxiety. This directly addresses the state of being "very angry" mentioned in the sentence.
  • Satisfy: To satisfy someone is to meet their needs or desires. While sometimes anger stems from unmet needs, "satisfy" doesn't directly describe the action of calming an angry person; it's more about fulfilling a requirement or wish.

Comparing the options, "Mollify" is the word that most precisely describes the act of calming down someone who is very angry.

Conclusion on Filling the Blank

The sentence implies that when this person becomes very angry, efforts to calm them down are unsuccessful. Therefore, the word that means 'to calm or appease anger' is the most suitable fit for the blank.

The completed sentence reads: "At times he gets very angry, and then no one can mollify him."

Word Meaning related to Anger Fits the Sentence?
Prevent Stop anger from starting No (doesn't deal with existing anger)
Humour Indulge wishes (indirectly might help) Less likely (doesn't directly mean 'calm')
Mollify Appease or calm anger Yes (directly addresses the state of being angry)
Satisfy Meet needs/desires Less likely (doesn't directly mean 'calm anger')

Based on the meanings and context, "Mollify" is the best word to complete the sentence.

Revision Table: Words for Dealing with Emotions

Word Core Meaning Context of Use
Prevent Stop something from happening Stopping events, actions, or the onset of states (like anger)
Humour Indulge or comply with wishes/moods Dealing with people by going along with them, often to maintain peace
Mollify Appease or calm (anger, anxiety) Reducing strong negative emotions, making someone less angry or upset
Satisfy Meet needs, expectations, desires Fulfilling requirements, making someone content with an outcome or provision

Additional Information: Synonyms for Mollify

Understanding synonyms can help grasp the nuances of words. Some synonyms for "mollify" include:

  • Appease
  • Pacify
  • Calm
  • Soothe
  • Placate
  • Conciliate

These words all relate to the idea of reducing strong feelings, particularly anger or agitation, in someone.

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