②Social support cushions stress in a number of ways. First, friends, relatives and co-workers may let us know that they value us. Our self-respect is strengthened when we feel accepted by others in spite of (尽管) our faults and difficulties. Second, other people often provide us with informational support. They help us to define and understand our problems and find solutions to them. Third, we typically find social companionship ( 同伴) supportive. Taking part in free-time activities with others helps us to meet our social needs while at the same time distracting(转移注意力) us from our worries and troubles. Finally, other people may give us instrumental (手段的) support—money aid, material resources, and needed services—that reduces stress by helping us resolve and deal with our problems.
Which of the following is closest in meaning to the underlined word “cushions” ?（）
A、
takes place of
B、
makes up of
C、
reduces the effect of
D、
gets rid of
【正确答案】：C
【题目解析】：
“Social support cushions stress in a number of ways” 社会支持在很多方面减少（降低）压力。