I can't solve this GRE®-problem

[Gq5974]

while the delegate clearly sought to _________ the optimism
that has emerged recently, she stopped short of suggesting
that the conference was near collapse and might produce
nothing of significance.

(a) substantiate
(b) dampen
(c) encourgae
(d) elucidate
(e) rekindle

Answer : (b) but I selected "c"

I think that 'the delegate' = 'she'. Right??

And I don't know that "stop short of~"
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VERITAS LUXMEA !!

[Mister Micawber]

.
Yes, B is the answer; it is the only word that lowers 'optimism', which is the meaning based on the concessive conjunction 'while' (= although) and the intent of the main clause.

'She' is indeed the delegate.

'Stop short of' = not do completely; stop before doing. Here, she did not suggest... (stopped short of suggesting...).
.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Gq5974]

Thank you, Mister Micawber :)
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VERITAS LUXMEA !!