Which word means 'to calm or make less severe'?

• A. Laconic
• B. Misanthrope
• C. Laud
• D. Mollify

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is finding a verb that means to calm or lessen the severity of something. Mollify fits because it directly conveys softening anger, easing concerns, or reducing harshness. It’s commonly used when you want to placate someone or quiet agitation, as in offering concessions to mollify complaints or taking steps to mollify a tense situation. An example: the manager spoke calmly and offered compensation to mollify the workers’ concerns.

Laconic means concise or using few words, which isn’t about calming. A misanthrope is a person who dislikes humanity, not about easing things. Laud means to praise, which is about commendation rather than reducing intensity or calming.