Which word will be the best fit for blank 3 in the

Solution

Refer to: Having achieved this cynical agreement, the other provisions of which _____ (3) _____  Europe even without Let us first learn the meanings of the given words: a) Nonchalant (adjective) – Appearing casually calm and relaxed b) Stupefied (verb- participle) – Shocked or astonished c) Reassured (verb) – Gave confidence or comfort d) Astonish (verb) – Surprised greatly e) Dumbfounded (verb) – Greatly amazed or confused As the sentence starts with ‘cynical’ agreement, thus the idea of shock and wonder comes into play. The use of ‘nonchalant’ and ‘reassured’ will be contextually unfit. We require a participle to fit the blank, thus first form of verb ‘astonish’ is also incorrect. Now between ‘stupefied’ and ‘dumbfounded’, ‘stupefied’ is contextually a better fit as per the language of the passage. Hence, the correct answer option is B