Select the most appropriate word to fill in the blank in the following sentence.

She listened _____ to the speaker, hanging on every word as if it were a life-changing revelation.

avidly

The correct answer is Option (2) → avidly

Avidly means with great eagerness or enthusiasm. The phrase "hanging on every word as if it were a life-changing revelation" strongly suggests intense eagerness and passionate attention, which is the definition of avidly.

Other Options:

• Admiringly: Means with admiration or respect. While the listener might admire the speaker, the focus of the sentence is on the intense attention and eagerness of the listening, not just the respect.

• Thoughtfully: Means in a serious, reflective way. This suggests deep consideration, but lacks the intensity and excitement implied by "hanging on every word."

• Anxiously: Means in a worried or uneasy way. This emotion contradicts the idea of listening to a "life-changing revelation," which usually inspires excitement or hope, not fear.