The diplomat sought to __________ tensions between the two nations, hoping to __________ a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict.

(I) Alleviate
(II) Mitigate
(III) Ameliorate

Which of the following options correctly fills the blanks?

Question

The diplomat sought to __________ tensions between the two nations, hoping to __________ a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict.

(I) Alleviate
(II) Mitigate
(III) Ameliorate

Which of the following options correctly fills the blanks?

Accepted Answer

**Solution:**

1. The sentence is: "The diplomat sought to __________ tensions between the two nations, hoping to __________ a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict."

2. The first blank requires a verb that means to reduce or lessen tensions.

3. The second blank requires a verb that means to bring about or achieve a peaceful resolution.

4. Analyze the options:
   - (I) Alleviate: means to make something (such as pain or a problem) less severe or intense. It is commonly used with "tensions" or "problems." So, "alleviate tensions" is correct.

- (II) Mitigate: means to make less severe, serious, or painful. It is also appropriate for "tensions" and can be used similarly to "alleviate."

- (III) Ameliorate: means to make something better or improve it. It is generally used for conditions or situations, but not commonly used with "tensions" or "resolution" in this context.

5. For the second blank, the phrase "hoping to __________ a peaceful resolution" implies the diplomat wants to "bring about" or "achieve" a peaceful resolution. Neither "alleviate" nor "mitigate" fits well here, but since the question focuses on the first blank, the options are about the first blank only.

6. Since both (I) Alleviate and (II) Mitigate correctly fit the first blank, the correct answer is "Both (I) and (II)."

**Answer:** Both (I) and (II)

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