Arrange the words beginning with “Z” in strict dictionary (alphabetical) order. Words: (i) Zephyr, (ii) Zodiac, (iii) Zoonomy, (iv) Zenith, (v) Zig-zag.
Correct Answer: (iv), (i), (v), (ii), (iii)
Introduction / Context:Dictionary order compares words letter by letter from left to right. If prefixes match, the first differing letter decides; shorter prefixes do not trump a later letter difference. Hyphens are ignored for basic alphabetical intent here.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Words: Zenith, Zephyr, Zig-zag, Zodiac, Zoonomy.
- Case is irrelevant; compare in lowercase.
- Treat “zig-zag” as “zigzag” for ordering.
Concept / Approach:Group by first two letters: all start with “z”. Next letters decide: “ze…”, “zi…”, “zo…”. Hence, all “ze” words come first (ordered among themselves), then “zi…”, then “zo…”.
Step-by-Step Solution:Among “ze…”, compare “zenith” vs “zephyr”: “zen…” precedes “zep…”.Next is “zigzag” (starts with “zi…”), which follows all “ze…” words.Finally, compare “zodiac” vs “zoonomy”: after “zo…”, “zod…” precedes “zoo…”.Thus: (iv) Zenith → (i) Zephyr → (v) Zig-zag → (ii) Zodiac → (iii) Zoonomy.
Verification / Alternative check:Check pairwise neighbors to ensure monotonicity (no later letter reversals).
Why Other Options Are Wrong:They disturb the “ze → zi → zo” block structure or invert the order within a block (e.g., placing Zephyr before Zenith).
Common Pitfalls:
- Letting length dominate: a shorter word does not come first if a longer word has an earlier differing letter that sorts before.
Final Answer:(iv), (i), (v), (ii), (iii).