Explanation

Blank (i): B. heterogeneity

The passage says there are “as many renderings as early adopters,” indicating a diversity of spellings.

- Heterogeneity = diversity or lack of uniformity.
- Ambiguity means uncertainty of meaning, but the passage explicitly says everyone agrees on the word’s meaning.
- Orthodoxy means conformity to accepted conventions.

Blank (ii): D. all but obligatory

As one spelling becomes more widespread, deviating from it becomes increasingly costly.

- All but obligatory = virtually required or almost compulsory.
- Conspicuously modish means noticeably fashionable.
- Entirely discretionary means completely optional, which contradicts the growing cost of using a different spelling.

Blank (iii): H. convergences

The passage describes different spellings gradually disappearing as people adopt a single, dominant form, even without any grammarian imposing a rule.

- Convergences = processes in which different things gradually become more alike.
- Aberrations are deviations from a norm.
- Stratifications are divisions into layers or levels.

Answer: B,D,H