Given below are sentences that use discourse markers/expressions to make them complete. Identify the most appropriate discourse marker/expression and mark your answer accordingly in the Answer Sheet: Many, __________, hesitate to publicly broach such question for fear of nurturing discrimination.

Step-by-step solution

The sentence requires an adverb or discourse marker that logically connects the hesitation to its reason. The phrase "for fear of nurturing discrimination" provides a valid reason for the hesitation, making it understandable. Therefore, "understandably" fits perfectly in the context, acting as a parenthetical adverb. The words "despite" and "until" are grammatically incorrect in this position, and "of course" does not convey the intended meaning of the hesitation being justified by the fear. Answer: understandably