Correct Answer: Cheerful

Solution : The correct choice is the second option.

Genial refers to having a friendly and pleasant disposition, often accompanied by warmth and amiability, and cheerful means being in a good mood, happy, and optimistic, which aligns closely with the meaning of genial.

The meanings of the other options are as follows:

• Optimistic refers to having a positive outlook on life and expecting favourable outcomes, but it's a broader term than genial.
• Despondent means feeling hopeless or in low spirits, which is the opposite of genial.
• Positive is a more general term that can encompass optimism and other positive qualities but is not synonymous with genial.