Synonyms Which answer expresses the meaning of the specified word best? 1. reassuring compassionate comforting explanatory meddlesome
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: comforting
Explanation
The word reassuring refers to something that provides comfort, confidence, or relief, especially in times of doubt or anxiety. It is often used when someone is calmed or encouraged through words, actions, or presence. For example, a reassuring voice or touch can help ease someone’s fears or worries.
Let’s examine the given options:
- Compassionate – This means showing sympathy or concern for others’ suffering. While compassion can be part of a reassuring action, it is not the exact meaning of reassuring. Compassion focuses more on empathy and kindness, rather than the effect of making someone feel secure or less anxious.
- Comforting – This means providing comfort, ease, or consolation. It closely aligns with the meaning of reassuring, since both involve reducing discomfort, fear, or distress. Comforting words or gestures often have a reassuring effect. Therefore, this is the best synonym.
- Explanatory – This relates to explaining something or making it clear. While explanations can sometimes be reassuring, the word explanatory itself emphasizes clarity and information, not emotional relief or confidence.
- Meddlesome – This refers to someone who interferes in others’ affairs in an unwanted or intrusive way. It is unrelated to reassuring and is instead negative in connotation.
Out of the four options, comforting most directly captures the essence of reassuring. Both words imply actions or expressions that soothe and support someone emotionally. If a person is anxious or fearful, a reassuring presence is one that comforts them and makes them feel safe. Thus, comforting is the most accurate synonym among the choices provided.
