Introduction / Context:
During disasters, news consumption is often accompanied by tension and worry. The noun “anxiety” refers to a state of mental unease due to fear, uncertainty, or concern—distinct from eagerness or mere curiosity. This question checks your ability to pick the closest emotional equivalent.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Target noun: “anxiety.”
- Context: earthquake news, implying fear and concern.
- We must select one best synonym.
Concept / Approach:
“Anxiety” most closely matches “uneasiness” or “apprehension.” Between the options given, “uneasiness” captures the general mental discomfort and worry. “Apprehension” is also close but can emphasize fear about a future event specifically; test conventions commonly prefer “uneasiness” as the broader match. The other options point to different emotions entirely.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify the emotional polarity: negative worry/tension.2) Select the broadest near-synonym: “uneasiness.”3) Reject options that indicate different emotions: eagerness (positive anticipation), curiosity (interest), grief (sorrow after loss).4) Confirm contextual fit with disaster news.
Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute: “listening … with mounting uneasiness” reads naturally in news reporting about a crisis, confirming correctness.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
eagerness: Positive anticipation; opposite direction.grief: Deep sorrow after loss; different state.curiosity: Neutral interest; lacks worry.apprehension: Close, but the broader, plainer “uneasiness” fits general anxiety best here.
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing anxiety with curiosity or excitement due to similar body arousal. The valence (negative vs positive) is crucial for choosing the right synonym.
Final Answer:
uneasiness
Discussion & Comments