Which word could best replace the underlined word as it is used in the paragraph?

frank was running late. he was supposed to meet his friends in front of the movie theater for the 2 o’clock show. he had left in plenty of time, but it was hard to reckon what traffic would be like at this time on a saturday afternoon. frank hoped he’d make it in time and wouldn’t miss the beginning of the movie.

a.
advance

b.
estimate

c.
persuade

d.
respond