The economist described the financial regulations as draconian, arguing that their severe restrictions would stifle innovation and harm small businesses more than they protected consumers.
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readingAs used in the text, what does the word "draconian" most nearly mean?
A
lenient
B
balanced
C
ancient
D
harsh
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. The passage describes regulations with "severe restrictions" that would harm businesses. "Harsh" captures this quality of excessive strictness.
Choice A is incorrect because "lenient" is the opposite of severe. Choice B is incorrect because "balanced" contradicts disproportionate harm. Choice C is incorrect because "ancient" refers to age, not severity.