Choose the most appropriate word from the options given below to complete the following sentence. The official answered ____________ that the complaints of the citizen would be looked into. A. respectably B. respectfully C. reputably D. respectively

GATE 2015 · General Aptitude · Most Appropriate Word · medium

Answer: A. respectably

1. Eliminate clearly wrong options: 'Respectively' links ordered list items — not applicable here. 'Reputably' means having a good reputation — not used to describe manner of speaking. These two are eliminated.
2. Distinguish respectably from respectfully: 'Respectfully' implies showing deference to the listener. 'Respectably' implies behaving in a proper, decent, socially accepted manner. An official answering citizens' complaints in a proper/dignified manner is described as answering 'respectably'.
3. Confirm the answer: The official answered RESPECTABLY that the complaints of the citizen would be looked into — proper, dignified conduct.