In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word opposite in meaning to the word given. Niggardly.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks for an antonym of the adjective niggardly. Antonym questions test whether you understand both the core meaning of the original word and its emotional direction, whether positive or negative. Niggardly is commonly used to describe people who are very mean with money or other resources.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: Niggardly.
• Options: Mingy, Inefficient, Generous, Sinful.
• We must select the option that expresses the opposite meaning.

Concept / Approach:
Niggardly means extremely mean, miserly, or unwilling to spend or give. Therefore, the direct opposite is someone who gives freely, shares readily, or spends with an open hand. The adjective that captures this is generous. Among the options, mingy is another word for mean or miserly, inefficient is unrelated, and sinful describes moral wrongdoing rather than attitudes to giving.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Define niggardly as mean, miserly, or very tight with money and resources.Step 2: Identify generous as the word that describes a person who is willing to give or share freely.Step 3: Compare meanings: a niggardly person avoids giving, while a generous person enjoys giving. These are opposite behaviours.Step 4: Check mingy and note that it is a synonym of niggardly, not an antonym.Step 5: Note that inefficient has to do with poor performance and sinful concerns moral wrongdoing, neither related to generosity.Step 6: Conclude that generous is the correct antonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
Use sample sentences. A niggardly tip disappointed the waiter versus A generous tip delighted the waiter. The two sentences describe opposite experiences and opposite attitudes. Using mingy in place of niggardly would preserve the negative idea, not reverse it; using generous reverses it, which is what an antonym should do.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Mingy: This is a synonym of niggardly, meaning mean or penny pinching. It is the opposite of generous, not of niggardly.
Inefficient: This word describes someone who does not work effectively or wastes time and resources. It is unrelated to attitudes about giving or spending.
Sinful: This word is used in a religious or moral context to describe actions that are morally wrong, not specifically about being stingy or generous.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent error is confusing synonym and antonym questions. Because mingy and niggardly both suggest meanness, students who skim the instructions may select mingy by mistake. Another issue is not knowing the exact meaning of niggardly and guessing based on sound alone. To avoid this, always confirm whether the question asks for similar or opposite meaning and recall at least one example sentence in your mind before choosing an answer.

Final Answer:
The word opposite in meaning to niggardly is Generous.