Re: His wifes icy stare and aloof demeanor told Johann unequivocally that
[#permalink]
13 Dec 2022, 05:00
OE
If you’re comfortable with the meaning of propitiatory, you can recycle the verb propitiate into the blank; if not, the clue icy stare and aloof demeanor can tell you—like Johann—that the gifts didn’t calm her anger. Both exacerbate and aggravate are nearly the opposite of what you’re looking for, so eliminate choices (C) and (D). Neither vilify, which means to speak ill of, nor garner, which means to amass or acquire, makes sense in the blank, so eliminate choices (A) and (B). Both placate and mollify can mean to calm, so choices (E) and (F) give you appropriate, equivalent sentences.