Which English verb best translates making something weaker (affaiblir, fragiliser)?

• A. To degrade
• B. To diminish
• C. To weaken
• D. To impair

Answer: (C)

This question tests finding the verb that most directly expresses reducing strength or resistance. The best fit is to weaken, because it plainly means to make something less strong or less able to withstand force. You can say the metal was weakened by corrosion or the argument weakened the case, which shows a straightforward drop in strength or effectiveness.

Other options are less precise in this context. Degrade usually implies a deterioration in quality or value, often with a moral or qualitative slant. Diminish is a general term for reducing amount or degree and can apply to many things, not specifically strength. Impair means to hinder or damage how well something functions, which is close but tends to focus more on capacity or performance rather than a general reduction in inherent strength.