Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the underlined group of words in the given sentence. The two women chatted in a friendly and peaceable manner, as if they'd known one another for a lifetime.
amicably
Understanding the Question: One-Word Substitution
The question asks us to find a single word that can replace the underlined phrase "in a friendly and peaceable manner" in the given sentence. This is a common type of vocabulary question that tests your knowledge of synonyms and adverbs.
Analyzing the Underlined Phrase: Friendly and Peaceable
The phrase "in a friendly and peaceable manner" describes how the two women chatted. It implies that their conversation was pleasant, kind, without conflict, and characterized by goodwill.
- Friendly: Kind and pleasant.
- Peaceable: Not quarrelsome or aggressive; inclined to avoid conflict.
- Manner: The way in which something is done.
So, we are looking for an adverb that means "in a friendly and peaceable way".
Examining the Options for One-Word Substitute
Let's look at the meaning of each provided option:
- apparently: This adverb means "as far as one knows or can see". It suggests something is likely true based on what is visible or stated, but not necessarily confirmed. It doesn't relate to the manner of interaction being friendly or peaceable.
- assuredly: This means "without a doubt; certainly". It expresses certainty or confidence. This word describes the degree of certainty about something, not the manner of interaction.
- absurdly: This means "in a way that is wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate". It describes something that is ridiculous or nonsensical. This is the opposite of friendly or peaceable.
- amicably: This adverb means "in a friendly and peaceable manner". It comes from the word 'amicable', which means characterized by friendliness and absence of discord. This word directly matches the meaning of the underlined phrase.
Selecting the Correct One-Word Substitute
Comparing the meaning of the phrase "in a friendly and peaceable manner" with the meanings of the options, we find that "amicably" is a direct synonym for the underlined group of words. The sentence "The two women chatted amicably, as if they'd known one another for a lifetime" conveys the same meaning as the original sentence.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
The other options do not fit the context:
- Chatting apparently means they chatted in a way that was visible or seemed to be happening, which is redundant and doesn't describe the *quality* of the chat.
- Chatting assuredly means they chatted with certainty, which doesn't make sense in this context.
- Chatting absurdly means they chatted in a ridiculous or illogical way, which contradicts the idea of knowing one another for a lifetime (implying a comfortable, easy chat).
Therefore, amicably is the only word that accurately substitutes the phrase "in a friendly and peaceable manner".
| Word | Meaning | Fit with "friendly and peaceable"? |
|---|---|---|
| Apparently | As far as one knows/can see | No |
| Assuredly | Certainly; without doubt | No |
| Absurdly | Wildly unreasonable; illogical | No |
| Amicably | In a friendly and peaceable manner | Yes |
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amicable | Adjective | (of relations or interactions) characterized by friendliness and absence of discord. | They reached an amicable agreement. |
| Amicably | Adverb | In a friendly and peaceable manner. | They resolved the dispute amicably. |
| Peaceable | Adjective | Inclined to avoid conflict; not aggressive. | He is known for his peaceable nature. |
| Friendly | Adjective | Kind and pleasant. | She gave a friendly smile. |
Additional Information: Adverbs of Manner
Adverbs of manner tell us *how* an action is performed. They usually modify verbs and are often formed by adding '-ly' to an adjective (e.g., quick → quickly, careful → carefully). In this question, we were looking for an adverb that describes the *manner* of chatting.
Examples of other adverbs of manner:
- Quickly
- Slowly
- Carefully
- Loudly
- Softly
- Happily
- Sadly
The word "amicably" is also an adverb of manner, describing the action of chatting.
Important Questions from One Word Substitution
Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.
A glass container to keep fish
Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.
Something that is strong and lasts a long time without breaking or becoming weaker.
Select the word which means the same as the group of words given.
A place where plants are grown for sale
In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentence.
Open refusal to obey orders
Select the word which means the same as the group of words given.
A doctor who specializes in heart diseases
