Which word means 'to soften, to lessen'?

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

Answer: (D)

Mitigate means to lessen or make something less severe, harsh, or intense. It’s used when describing actions that reduce negative effects, such as mitigating damage, risk, or penalties. That sense fits the prompt’s idea of softening or reducing.

Laud means to praise highly, which is the opposite of softening or reducing impact. Monotony refers to dull sameness, not a verb related to easing or diminishing. Misanthrope describes a person who dislikes humanity, not a verb about reducing or softening something. So the word that captures the idea of softening or reducing is the one that conveys easing or diminishing effects.