In the following passages, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
PassageTap to readHide
Economic stability is often described through charts and targets, yet its foundations reach far deeper than numerical summaries. A nation’s economy depends not only on policies and production but also on the confidence held by households and firms. When people believe conditions are favourable, they are more likely to spend, invest, and innovate. Such confidence cannot be (56)_____through declarations alone; it grows through consistent governance and transparent communication. Periods of uncertainty reveal how quickly expectations shape behaviour. Even minor doubts can alter consumption and investment decisions. Economists refer to this as the “expectations effect,” noting that markets react as strongly to perception as they do to measurable data. When expectations turn pessimistic, caution may (57)____ growth long before official indicators reflect the shift. Public policy therefore carries a psychological dimension. Reforms must not only be effective but must also inspire trust. Policies that appear inconsistent or disconnected from daily realities breed scepticism. In contrast, clarity and steady execution help create a sense of direction that (58)___ economic resilience. Another challenge lies in balancing immediate needs with long-term goals. Measures aimed at short-term stability can sometimes compete with investments required for future development. Without careful balance, economies risk becoming reactive, thereby (59)_____ their capacity to adapt to changing global circumstances. Ultimately, stability does not mean the absence of volatility but the strength to withstand it. When institutions function reliably and trust is nurtured, societies can face uncertainty with greater confidence, transforming temporary disruptions into opportunities for renewed (60)_____.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 57.
Show answerAnswer & explanation
Correct option: B — inhibit
inhibit 'Inhibit' means restrain, slow down, or prevent progress. The given passage states that when expectations turn pessimistic, caution may inhibit growth long before official indicators reflect the shift. Hence, ‘inhibit’ is the most appropriate answer.
