Select the word you consider most appropriate to fill in the blank space. Mahatma Gandhi was a lover of humanity and a ___ believer in the goodness of human nature.

Step-by-step solution

'hopeful' will be used in the given blank. Staunch: very loyal and committed in attitude. Powerful: having great power or strength. Cheerful: noticeably happy and optimistic. Hopeful: feeling or inspiring optimism about a future event. Hence, D is the right answer choice.