Question

Choose the word that best fits the blank: 'Despite the heavy rainfall, the outdoor event proceeded as scheduled, much to the ___ of the organizers, who had feared a complete washout.'

• A. dismay
• B. indifference
• C. regret
• D. relief

Hint:

Notice that the outcome the organizers feared did not actually happen. Think about what emotion follows when a bad outcome is avoided.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Identify the two events in the sentence: the organizers 'feared a complete washout', and yet the event 'proceeded as scheduled' despite heavy rain. So the feared outcome did not happen.
Step 2: When a feared negative outcome does not occur, the natural emotional response is a positive one. Check each option's emotional charge: 'dismay' is a negative reaction (disappointment or alarm), 'regret' is negative (sorrow over something), 'indifference' means no reaction at all.
Step 3: Only 'relief' carries the positive charge that fits an outcome better than what was feared. The phrase 'much to the ___ of' also signals a shift in feeling, which matches relief after fear.
Correct option: (4) relief.