Arrange these “necro…” words in strict dictionary (alphabetical) order. Words: (1) necrology, (2) necromancy, (3) necropolis, (4) necrophilia.

Introduction / Context:
Dictionary order (lexicographic order) compares words left-to-right, character by character. When all entries share a long prefix (here “necro…”), the first differing character after that prefix determines the order. Hyphens are ignored for ordinary alphabetical intent.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Set: necrology, necromancy, necropolis, necrophilia.
• Case-insensitive comparison; treat letters only.
• We seek the ascending A→Z order.

Concept / Approach:
Strip the common prefix “necro”. Compare the next letters: “l” (necrology), “m” (necromancy), “p” (necrophilia/necropolis). Within the “p…” block, compare subsequent letters to break ties.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Among the four, “necrology” (…l…) comes first because l < m < p.Next is “necromancy” (…m…).Remaining two begin with “…pro…”. Compare “necrophilia” vs “necropolis”: after “…necrop”, we get “h” vs “o”; since h < o, necrophilia precedes necropolis.

Verification / Alternative check:
Check adjacent pairs: necrology < necromancy (l<m), necromancy < necrophilia (m<p), necrophilia < necropolis (“h” before “o”).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
They either place a “p…” word before “l/m…”, or invert the internal order of the “p…” group.

Common Pitfalls:

• Letting word familiarity (e.g., “necropolis”) override letter-by-letter comparison.

Final Answer:
(1), (2), (4), (3).