Question

Which word best replaces propriety as it is used in

the following passage?
[H]is niece, Abigail Williams, seventeen, enters-a
strikingly beautiful girl, an orphan, with an
endless capacity for dissembling. Now she is all
worry and apprehension and propriety.
A. anxiety
B. arrogance
C. respectability
D. indecency

Answer 1

The word that best replaces 'propriety' is 'respectability.'

Step-by-step explanation:

The word that best replaces 'propriety' in the given passage is 'respectability.'

Propriety generally refers to conforming to socially accepted behavior or standards. In the context of the passage, Abigail Williams is described as worrying and apprehensive, which suggests that she is concerned about maintaining respectable behavior or adhering to proper conduct.

Therefore, 'respectability' is an appropriate word choice that conveys the idea of adherence to proper and acceptable behavior.

Learn more about word replacement in a passage