English Vocabulary – Choose the best synonym Word: antique Select the option that is closest in meaning to the given word, emphasizing the sense used in art, collectibles, and valuation.

Introduction / Context:
“Antique” most commonly refers to an old and valuable object—often collectible—prized for age, craftsmanship, or historical significance. This question asks for the nearest synonym in that object-focused sense rather than merely the idea of being old.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: antique.
• Options: rarity, artifact, aged, prehistoric.
• We prioritize the noun sense used for items in art/antique markets.

Concept / Approach:
An “antique” is typically a man-made object from an earlier period valued for its age and quality. Among the options, “artifact” (a human-made object) most closely aligns with the noun sense of a tangible item—commonly historical or culturally significant—matching how “antique” is used for objects in collections and auctions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify the relevant sense of “antique”: an old, collectible object.2) Map each option to that sense.3) Select the one that best denotes a human-made object from the past, consistent with collecting and valuation contexts.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider typical phrases: “antique furniture,” “antique jewelry,” “antique artifact.” The overlap in usage between “antique” and “artifact” is strong when emphasizing historical, human-made items.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• rarity: suggests scarcity, which may apply to some antiques but is not intrinsic to the definition; many antiques are not rare.
• aged: an adjective meaning old; it does not carry the object/collectible nuance of “antique.”
• prehistoric: predating written history; far older and not synonymous with “antique,” which can be merely centuries old.

Common Pitfalls:
Choosing “aged” because antiques are old; however, the test expects a noun closely tied to human-made objects of historical value.

Final Answer:
artifact