Synonyms – Choose the option that BEST expresses the meaning of the highlighted word in context. Sentence: When he returned, he was accompanied by a sprightly young girl.

Introduction / Context:
The adjective “sprightly” is frequently used in literary and everyday English to describe someone who is full of energy, brisk, and lively—often with a cheerful or spirited manner. In this sentence, it modifies “young girl,” so the task is to select the single-word synonym that preserves that energetic, animated sense.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: sprightly.
• Context: a person’s demeanor while accompanying someone.
• Goal: pick the closest meaning among the four options.

Concept / Approach:
When dealing with synonyms, focus on the core semantic feature. For “sprightly,” the core is vivacity and energy. It does not primarily evaluate beauty, intellect, or mere playfulness, but sustained animation and pep.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify semantic core: sprightly ≈ animated, lively, energetic.2) Compare options: “beautiful” (appearance), “lively” (energy), “intelligent” (cognition), “sportive” (playful).3) Map to context: describing a person’s manner as energetic fits “lively” best.4) Select “lively” as the precise synonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
Substitution test: “accompanied by a lively young girl” reads naturally, preserving tone and meaning. Thesaurus pairs such as “spry,” “vivacious,” and “animated” also align closely with “lively.”

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• beautiful: evaluates looks, not energy.
• intelligent: evaluates mental ability, not liveliness.
• sportive: suggests playful or frolicsome behavior; close in feel, but “lively” is the standard, broader synonym.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating “sprightly” with “pretty” due to positive tone; overemphasizing playfulness and choosing “sportive” even when general energy is intended.

Final Answer:
lively