Question

read the passage from etiquette, by emily post.
new yorks bad manners are often condemned and often very deservedly. even though the cause is carelessness rather than intentional indifference, the indifference is no less actual and the rudeness inexcusable.
what is the closest meaning of the underlined phrase as it used in the excerpt?
○ carefully scrutinized
○ justifiably criticized
○ undeniably improper
○ thoroughly convincing

Explanation:

The underlined phrase "condemned and often very deservedly" links criticism ("condemned") to being well-merited ("deservedly"). "Justifiably criticized" matches this: "justifiably" aligns with "deservedly," and "criticized" aligns with "condemned." Other options do not fit: "carefully scrutinized" means examined closely, not criticized; "undeniably improper" describes the manners themselves, not the judgment of them; "thoroughly convincing" is unrelated to the critical tone.

Answer:

justifiably criticized