Language-in-Context Questions

In the context in which it appears, _comportment_ __most nearly__ means:

Incorrect. [[snippet]] _Gentility_, meaning “social superiority as demonstrated by genteel manners, behavior, or appearance,” is a __same subject distractor__. While it is simple to associate genteel manners with the Renaissance, this word is too specific as it implies a desire for social superiority. The courtier should _impress_, but not for the sake of feeling superior to his audience.

Incorrect. [[snippet]] _Finery_ means “expensive or ostentatious clothes or decoration.” There is more to the meaning of _comportment_ than wearing pretentious clothing. Look for an answer choice that better fits the __sentence keys__.

Terrific! The __sentence keys__––_importance of delivery for a courtier_ and _impress his audience with an air of nonchalance and ease_––should direct you to a word that reflects the behavior of the courtier. _Conduct_, meaning “the manner in which a person behaves,” matches the __sentence keys__ very well.

Incorrect. [[snippet]] _Methodology_ means “a system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity.” Although this word can describe the advice given in _The Book of the Courtier_, it doesn’t quite match the __sentence keys__. Look for an answer choice that focuses on the courtier and not the book.

Incorrect. [[snippet]] _Constitution_, meaning “a person's physical state with regard to vitality,” is outside the scope of this passage, which doesn’t focus on the courtier’s health.

gentility.

finery.

conduct.

methodology.

constitution.