Question

Pick out the best filler which can complete the given sentence correctly:
He --------- his sister saying that he would clear all her debts.

• A. startled
• B. frightened
• C. scared
• D. reassured

Hint:

When you tell someone you will pay off their financial debts, you are giving them peace of mind and removing their stress. The word that perfectly describes "removing someone's doubts or fears" is reassure.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: The context of this sentence revolves around a financial commitment where a brother promises his sister to "clear all her debts". Paying off someone's debt removes an immense burden, alleviates anxiety, and brings mental comfort. Therefore, the verb completing the statement must accurately reflect an action that restores confidence, provides comfort, or offers a solid guarantee.

Detailed Vocabulary Analysis:

• Startled (Verb): To cause a person to feel a sudden shock or alarm; to surprise someone unexpectedly.

• Frightened (Verb): To throw into a fright; terrify or scare someone intensely.

• Scared (Verb): To make someone afraid or fearful.

• Reassured (Verb): To say or do something to remove the doubts and fears of someone; to restore confidence or comfort them with a promise.

Contextual Alignment:

• Having outstanding debts is a highly stressful situation that causes worry and anxiety.

• When the brother says "that he would clear all her debts," he is delivering an encouraging, supportive, and comforting message designed to eliminate her worries.

• The action of eliminating someone's anxieties through a supportive promise is precisely defined as

reassuring them.

• While such a statement could potentially surprise someone, the primary intention and effect of a promise to pay off a debt is emotional relief and comfort, making "reassured" the most contextually appropriate word.

Analysis of Options:

• Option (A) is incorrect because "startled" emphasizes a sudden physical or mental jolt of surprise rather than the deep comfort and removal of anxiety present in this context.

• Option (B) is incorrect because a promise of financial help does not induce fear or terror.

• Option (C) is incorrect because scaring someone is the opposite of helping them settle their worries.

• Option (D) is correct because "reassured" fits the exact emotional profile of making a comforting, supportive promise to an anxious individual.