Choose the correct meaning of the underlined words used in the given sentence from the options below.
The rise in income is generally offset by various taxes imposed.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → reduced in effect
To offset something means to balance it with an opposite effect, so that its impact becomes smaller. The taxes work against the rise in income and cancel part of it, so the rise is reduced in effect.
Example: The rise in prices was offset by a fall in transport costs.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: amplified — Incorrect. Amplify means to make something stronger or louder; taxes weaken the rise in income, they do not strengthen it.
Example: The microphone amplified his voice.
Option 2: increased in effect — Incorrect. This means the effect became greater; taxes work against the rise in income, so its effect becomes smaller.
Option 3: destroyed — Incorrect. Destroy means to ruin something completely; "generally offset" shows a partial reduction, not total loss.
Example: The fire destroyed the old library.