Correct Answer: 1, 4, 3, 2

Solution : Given:
1. Manifest 2. Meticulous 3. Meridian 4. Merchant

Step 1: Compare the first letter of each word. Since all the words start with the same letter M , then move on to the next letter.
Step 2: The second letter of each word is either a or e . Based on the alphabetical order of these letters, we can arrange them – M a nifest, M e ticulous, M e ridian, M e rchant.
Step 3: Compare the third letter of (Me t iculous, Me r idian, Me r chant). (Meridian, Merchant) will come before Meticulous in the sequence, as r comes before t in the alphabetical system.
Step 4: Compare the fourth letter of (Mer i dian, Mer c hant). Merchant will come before Meridian in the sequence as c comes before i in the alphabetical system.

So, the sequence is Manifest, Merchant, Meridian, Meticulous, or 1, 4, 3, 2. Hence, the first option is correct.