Each of the following sentences contains one blank. Choose the word that best fits the context of the sentence.  As lifestyles become increasingly comfortable, people may gradually develop the unrealistic belief that life should remain entirely ______ hardship or inconvenience.

The sentence describes a belief that life should be completely without hardship, which corresponds to the phrase free from. Option Analysis A. Tolerant of – capable of enduring something. This suggests accepting hardship, not avoiding it. B. Dependent on – relying on something. This does not match the context. C. Aware of – having knowledge of something. The sentence refers to absence, not awareness. D. Resistant to – able to withstand something. This is different from being completely without hardship. E. Free from – completely without something. This perfectly fits the context.