Meaning: 'Accustomed' means being familiar with something through frequent use or experience, suggesting that Sanders has adapted to the hectic nature of his political life.

Wrong options:

• habitual: 'Habitual' implies a repeated action but does not convey the sense of comfort or familiarity that 'accustomed' does in this context.
• adept: 'Adept' refers to being skilled or proficient, which does not directly relate to the idea of being used to a situation, making it contextually inappropriate here.
• ingrained: 'Ingrained' suggests something deeply embedded or established, which is not the intended meaning in this context where familiarity is more relevant.

Correct answer: stride

Explanation: The term 'stride' is appropriate as it conveys a sense of confidence and ease in movement, which fits the context of taking on challenges in a composed manner. It aligns with the idiomatic expression 'to take something in stride,' indicating acceptance and resilience.

Meaning: 'Stride' refers to a long, decisive step, often used metaphorically to indicate handling situations with confidence and ease.

Wrong options:

• pace: 'Pace' refers to the speed of movement and does not convey the same sense of confidence or ease as 'stride' does in this context.
• step: 'Step' is too general and lacks the connotation of confidence and ease that 'stride' provides in this specific context.
• tread: 'Tread' implies walking or stepping but does not capture the idiomatic expression or the sense of confidence that 'stride' conveys.

Correct answer: placed

Explanation: The word 'placed' fits grammatically as it indicates the act of putting something in a particular position, which aligns with the context of stress being imposed on his mind and body. It conveys a sense of being affected by external factors.

Meaning: 'Placed' means to put something in a specific position, here referring to the stress being imposed on Sanders.

Wrong options:

• brought: 'Brought' implies an action of causing something to come, which does not fit the context of stress being positioned or imposed on him.
• set: 'Set' suggests establishing something but lacks the nuance of positioning that 'placed' provides in this context.
• bore: 'Bore' typically means to carry or endure, which does not accurately convey the idea of stress being positioned on him.

Correct answer: comforted

Explanation: The word 'comforted' is appropriate as it describes the action of providing solace or relief, fitting the context of Sanders seeking mental peace during stressful times. It aligns with the emotional tone of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Comforted' means to provide solace or reassurance, indicating that Sanders is finding peace in his thoughts about the ranch.

Wrong options:

• refrained: 'Refrained' means to hold back, which does not fit the context of seeking comfort or solace.
• poised: 'Poised' suggests being composed or balanced, but does not convey the action of seeking comfort as effectively as 'comforted' does.
• eased: 'Eased' implies reducing discomfort but lacks the emotional connection that 'comforted' provides in this context.

Correct answer: recurrent

Explanation: The word 'recurrent' fits grammatically and contextually as it describes something that happens repeatedly over time, aligning with the idea of Sanders frequently wishing to be at the ranch. It conveys a sense of ongoing desire.

Meaning: 'Recurrent' means occurring repeatedly or periodically, indicating that Sanders has been experiencing this wish often.

Wrong options:

• imminent: 'Imminent' refers to something about to happen, which does not fit the context of a repeated desire.
• incessant: 'Incessant' implies something that continues without interruption, which does not accurately describe the nature of his wishes as 'recurrent' does.
• looming: 'Looming' suggests something threatening or impending, which does not align with the positive sentiment of wishing to be at the ranch.