Meaning: 'Severe' means very great or intense, indicating a high level of anxiety experienced by individuals afraid of flying.

Wrong options:

• harsh: 'Harsh' typically describes something unpleasant or severe in a different context, such as conditions or treatment, and does not appropriately describe anxiety.
• austere: 'Austere' refers to something strict or severe in manner, attitude, or appearance, which does not fit the context of describing anxiety.
• stern: 'Stern' implies a serious or strict demeanor, which does not accurately convey the emotional intensity of anxiety.

Correct answer: hate

Explanation: The word 'hate' is a strong emotional response that fits grammatically and contextually, as it describes a negative feeling towards flying, paralleling the fear mentioned earlier.

Meaning: 'Hate' means to feel intense or passionate dislike for someone or something, in this case, flying.

Wrong options:

• disgust: 'Disgust' refers to a strong feeling of dislike or disapproval, but it does not convey the same intensity of emotional aversion as 'hate' in this context.
• distaste: 'Distaste' implies a mild dislike or aversion, which is not as strong as 'hate' and does not fit the context of phobia.
• horror: 'Horror' suggests a feeling of shock or fear, but it does not specifically convey the intense dislike that 'hate' does.

Correct answer: means

Explanation: The word 'means' fits grammatically as it refers to methods or resources available for support. Contextually, it aligns with the idea of lacking support while flying.

Meaning: 'Means' refers to the resources or methods available to someone, in this case, the lack of support while flying.

Wrong options:

• grounds: 'Grounds' typically refers to the basis or reason for something, which does not fit the context of support in the air.
• resource: 'Resource' is a singular noun that does not fit grammatically in this plural context, and it does not convey the same meaning as 'means.'
• resort: 'Resort' implies a place for relaxation or a last option, which does not fit the context of support while flying.

Correct answer: peril

Explanation: The word 'peril' fits grammatically as it is a noun that describes danger. Contextually, it aligns with the discussion of risks associated with flying.

Meaning: 'Peril' means serious and immediate danger, emphasizing the risks involved in flying compared to other activities.

Wrong options:

• hazard: 'Hazard' refers to a potential source of danger, but it does not convey the same immediacy or seriousness as 'peril' in this context.
• menace: 'Menace' implies a threat or danger, but it is more abstract and does not fit as well as 'peril' in describing the risks of flying.
• threat: 'Threat' indicates a possibility of harm, but it lacks the urgency and severity that 'peril' conveys in this context.

Correct answer: light

Explanation: The word 'light' fits grammatically as it describes the nature of the heart in a metaphorical sense. Contextually, it suggests a carefree or untroubled attitude towards flying.

Meaning: 'Light' in this context means free from worry or anxiety, suggesting a relaxed state of mind.

Wrong options:

• soft: 'Soft' describes texture or gentleness, which does not convey the emotional state relevant to flying.
• gentle: 'Gentle' implies a mild or kind nature, which does not fit the context of being carefree or untroubled about flying.
• bright: 'Bright' typically refers to light or intelligence, which does not align with the emotional context of fear and anxiety.

Correct answer: to

Explanation: The word 'to' fits grammatically as it indicates the direction of the action towards a state of being cured. Contextually, it aligns with the idea of achieving a state of reduced fear.

Meaning: 'To' indicates direction or purpose, in this case, the extent to which individuals can overcome their fear of flying.

Wrong options:

• with: 'With' suggests accompaniment or association, which does not fit the context of achieving a state of being cured.
• by: 'By' indicates the means of achieving something, but it does not convey the intended direction towards being cured.
• in: 'In' suggests being within a state or condition, which does not accurately reflect the intended meaning of overcoming fear.