In the following question, out of the given four alternatives, select the one which is opposite in meaning to the given word. Consensus.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of antonyms for important social and political vocabulary. The word consensus is widely used in discussions of group decisions, politics and negotiations. It describes a situation in which most or all people agree. You need to choose the option that expresses the opposite idea, that is, disagreement or lack of harmony.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: Consensus.
• Options: Accord, Discord, Consent, Unity.
• We are asked for the opposite in meaning, not the same or similar meaning.

Concept / Approach:
Consensus means general agreement among the members of a group. The word comes from a root meaning to feel together. The opposite of agreement is disagreement or conflict. Among the options, discord is the term that directly expresses lack of agreement or harmony. Accord, consent and unity are all close to consensus in meaning and therefore cannot be antonyms. Recognising that consensus is positive agreement and discord is open disagreement is the key here.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Define consensus as general or wide agreement in opinion or feeling.Step 2: Identify that we must find a word that describes the opposite state: disagreement, conflict or disharmony.Step 3: Look at discord, which means disagreement between people, lack of harmony or conflict.Step 4: Compare with accord, which actually means agreement or harmony, making it similar to consensus.Step 5: Consider consent, which means permission or agreement to do something, also similar to consensus.Step 6: Note that unity refers to being joined together or acting as one, again a positive agreement related word. Only discord goes in the opposite direction.

Verification / Alternative check:
Use the words in simple sentences. The committee reached a consensus on the new policy means the committee members agreed. The committee remained in discord over the new policy means the committee members disagreed and could not agree. If we replaced consensus with accord or unity, the positive meaning would remain. Replacing consensus with discord, however, reverses the meaning and indicates conflict, confirming that discord is the antonym.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Accord: Accord means agreement or harmony, often used in formal contexts such as peace accords. It is a synonym of consensus, not an antonym. Consent: Consent means approval or permission, often personal or legal, and again expresses agreement rather than disagreement. Unity: Unity means oneness or the state of being joined together, often used to describe groups that stand together instead of being divided. It is consistent with consensus, not opposite to it.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes misread the question and think they are being asked for a synonym instead of an antonym. This can lead them to choose accord or consent, both of which are close in meaning to consensus. To avoid this mistake, always underline in your mind whether the question says similar meaning or opposite meaning. When you see words like consensus, look immediately for their natural opposite: disagreement, conflict or discord. That mental pairing will help you answer quickly and accurately.

Final Answer:
The word opposite in meaning to consensus is Discord.