Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
She ________ gracefully and greeted the interview committee with respect.

The correct answer is smiled.

Explanation:

To choose the most appropriate word for the sentence, we need to understand the tone and meaning of each given option in context:

1. Smiled: To express pleasantness, warmth, or politeness by curling the corners of the mouth. In a formal setting like an interview, smiling gracefully and showing respect is appropriate positive behavior.

2. Leered: To look or smile in an unpleasant, malicious, or lascivious way.

3. Grinned: To smile broadly, often showing teeth. While positive, it lacks the sense of elegance/grace requested by the word "gracefully" in this context.

4. Smirked: To smile in a conceited, silly, or smug manner.

Therefore, "smiled" fits best with "gracefully" and greeting an interview committee with respect.