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

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

Answer: (C)

The action described is calming or softening something; the word that fits best is mollify. Mollify means to soothe or soften someone's anger or concerns, to appease and make less intense. It directly captures the idea of calming emotions or temper, which is the emphasis here.

Mitigate also means to make something less severe, but it’s used more for reducing the harshness, danger, or consequences of a situation rather than soothing feelings. Laud means to praise, and a misanthrope is someone who dislikes people—neither matches the sense of calming.

So, mollify is the best fit because it centers on calming and softening rather than merely reducing severity of a condition.