Choose the word nearest in meaning to ABATE: The flood waters began to abate after three days.

## The reasoning **ABATE** means to become less intense, to reduce in strength, or to gradually decrease. When the flood waters "began to abate," they started getting lower and calmer — the flooding was easing up. **SUBSIDE** carries the exact same meaning: to become less strong, to sink to a lower level, or to diminish. Both words describe something intense becoming gentler or smaller over time. Think of it this way: After heavy rain stops, the flood waters don't just disappear instantly — they gradually *abate/subside*. The principle here is **synonyms in context** — you're finding the word that could replace "abate" without changing the sentence's meaning. --- ## Why the wrong options tempt you **Increase (B)** — This is the direct opposite, but some students pick it thinking about water "pouring in." The sentence says "after three days" though — time passed, so things are calming down, not getting worse. **Remain (C)** — Suggests the water stayed at the same level. The word "began" signals a *change* was happening. **Pour (D)** — Describes water flowing strongly, which contradicts the idea of reduction. --- ## Quick takeaway **Abate = things cooling down or reducing**; think "a-*bait*-ing your anger" — letting it fade away.