Step 1: Understand the acidic strength concept.
The presence of electron-withdrawing groups increases acidity, while electron-donating groups decrease acidity.
Step 2: Identify the effect of substituents.
- \( \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{OH} \) (phenol) has no substituent and is the most acidic.
- \( m\text{CH}_3\text{C}_6\text{H}_4\text{OH} \) (meta-hydroxy-toluene) has an \( \text{CH}_3 \) group at the meta position, which is slightly electron-donating but not enough to reduce acidity significantly.
- \( p\text{CH}_3\text{C}_6\text{H}_4\text{OH} \) (para-hydroxy-toluene) has the \( \text{CH}_3 \) group in the para position, where it is electron-donating through both inductive and hyperconjugative effects, making it less acidic than the meta derivative.
- \( \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH} \) (ethanol) has an \( \text{C}_2\text{H}_5 \) group, which is electron-donating and makes it the least acidic.
Step 3: Compare the acidic strengths.
The acidic strength decreases in the order:
\[
\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{OH} > m\text{CH}_3\text{C}_6\text{H}_4\text{OH} > p\text{CH}_3\text{C}_6\text{H}_4\text{OH} > \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH}
\]
Step 4: Final conclusion.
Therefore, the correct order is:
\[
\boxed{\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{OH} > m\text{CH}_3\text{C}_6\text{H}_4\text{OH} > p\text{CH}_3\text{C}_6\text{H}_4\text{OH} > \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH}}
\]
Thus, the correct option is:
\[
\boxed{(4)}
\]