At the interview, Sameer answered our questions nonchalantly shrugging his shoulders.' The underlined word is a/an :

Question

Accepted Answer

The underlined word "nonchalantly" is an **Adverb** because it modifies the verb "answered."

Here's why:

*   **Adverb:** Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. In this sentence, "nonchalantly" describes *how* Sameer answered the questions. It adds information about the manner of his answering. Therefore, it functions as an adverb.

Here's why the other options are incorrect:

*   **Adjective:** Adjectives modify nouns or pronouns. "Nonchalantly" does not describe a noun or pronoun in the sentence. It describes the action of answering.
*   **Verb:** Verbs are action words or words that describe a state of being. "Nonchalantly" does not describe an action or state of being; it describes *how* an action is performed.
*   **Conjunction:** Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses. "Nonchalantly" does not connect any parts of the sentence. It modifies the verb "answered."