I grew up learning to assert my rights and not to be cowed by other people’s intimidation. A. comforted B. helped C. pleased D. scared
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is D. scared.
Explanation:
In the sentence, the phrase “not to be cowed by other people’s intimidation” suggests that the speaker was taught to stand up for themselves and not allow others to frighten or control them through intimidation. The word “cowed” means to be intimidated or frightened into submission, so it is used here in the context of resisting fear or intimidation.
Let’s break it down:
- Cowed is synonymous with being scared, as it means to feel intimidated or frightened. It refers to being mentally or emotionally subdued through fear.
- Intimidation often involves a feeling of fear, and to be cowed by it would mean to feel scared or vulnerable.
The other choices don’t fit as well in this context:
- A. comforted would imply that the speaker found solace or reassurance, which contrasts with the notion of resisting intimidation.
- B. helped doesn’t make sense because to be “cowed” suggests being overpowered or controlled, not helped.
- C. pleased would suggest a positive emotion, but “cowed” relates to negative feelings like fear or subjugation.
Therefore, the sentence conveys a message about not letting others intimidate or scare you, and “scared” (D) is the most fitting answer.
