Choose the correct antonym of the English word Jettison from the following options.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks for the antonym of the word Jettison. In English, Jettison is commonly used in maritime or aircraft contexts and in general situations where something is thrown away or discarded. Antonym questions help measure how well a learner understands not only the primary meaning of a word but also its opposites, which is important for precise communication and comprehension in exams, reading, and writing.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The target word is Jettison.
• The options are Salvage, Submerge, Repent, and Descend.
• We assume standard dictionary meanings for all the choices.
• The task is to choose the word that is most opposite in meaning to Jettison.

Concept / Approach:
Jettison means to throw something from a ship, aircraft, or vehicle, especially in order to lighten the load. By extension, it also means to discard or abandon something, such as an idea or plan. The antonym must therefore express the idea of saving, keeping, or retrieving rather than throwing away. Salvage means to save something from loss or destruction, especially property at risk. This is directly opposite to throwing it away. The other options do not capture this sense of preserving or retrieving something that would otherwise be lost.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of Jettison. It means to throw overboard or to discard. Step 2: Understand that an antonym must express the opposite action or intention. Step 3: Consider the option Salvage. Salvage means to save, rescue, or recover something from loss, damage, or destruction. Step 4: Note that the action of salvaging an item is the conceptual opposite of jettisoning it. Step 5: Compare this with Submerge, Repent, and Descend, which do not involve the idea of saving an object from being thrown away. Step 6: Therefore choose Salvage as the correct antonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
As a double check, we can imagine a ship during a storm. To stay afloat, the crew may jettison cargo, meaning they throw goods into the sea. If later divers recover those goods, they salvage them. The two actions clearly oppose each other in purpose and effect. Submerge means to put under water, but one may jettison or salvage something that is submerged; it is not inherently opposite to Jettison. Repent is about feeling sorrow for a wrong action and relates to emotions and morality, not to handling cargo or objects. Descend means to move downward, which again has no necessary connection with throwing away or saving things. This confirms Salvage as the only proper antonym.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Submerge: Submerge means to put something under water. One can submerge an object intentionally or accidentally, but it is not necessarily the opposite of discarding it.
Repent: Repent is an emotional and moral term about feeling remorse for past actions. It is unrelated to the physical act of discarding items.
Descend: Descend simply means to move downward, as in going down stairs or falling. It does not reflect the idea of preserving or discarding objects.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates may be tempted by Submerge because ships and sea water are often mentioned in the same context as Jettison. However, the question asks for an opposite meaning, not an associated idea. Another pitfall is choosing Repent because it is a strong action word, but it is semantically unrelated. The best strategy is to focus directly on the core definition of Jettison and then look for the word that reverses that action, which is Salvage. This approach helps in similar antonym questions as well.

Final Answer:
The correct antonym of Jettison from the given options is Salvage.