In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word which is opposite in meaning to the given word.\n\nAdvocacy

Introduction / Context:
This question asks you to identify the antonym of the word “advocacy.” You must know what advocacy means and then pick the option that expresses the opposite idea. Such questions are common in exams that test English vocabulary and verbal reasoning.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: advocacy.
• Options: Discouragement, Advancement, Assistance, Backing.
• Advocacy means active support for a cause, policy, or person.
• The correct antonym must indicate the opposite of supporting or arguing in favour of something.

Concept / Approach:
“Advocacy” comes from the idea of an advocate who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy. Therefore, the opposite of advocacy would be something that means resisting, discouraging, or arguing against that cause. “Discouragement” is the act of making someone less confident or less willing to continue a cause, which is the clearest opposite of active support.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Define “advocacy” as the act of publicly supporting or recommending a cause or idea.Step 2: Look at “Discouragement,” which means trying to prevent or weaken support by making someone lose confidence or interest.Step 3: Notice that “Advancement,” “Assistance,” and “Backing” all carry the sense of helping or supporting.Step 4: Since we need an opposite, only “Discouragement” correctly opposes the idea of helping or promoting a cause.Step 5: Conclude that “Discouragement” is the correct antonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine a social movement. If a group is engaged in advocacy for the movement, they support it, speak in favour of it, and encourage others to join. If another group is engaged in discouragement, they try to reduce support, warn people against joining, and argue that the movement is not worth following. The two actions clearly oppose each other, confirming that “discouragement” is the antonym of “advocacy.”

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B: “Advancement” means progress or promotion, often in the context of a cause or a career, and is closer to supporting something than opposing it.

Option C: “Assistance” means help or support given to someone or something.

Option D: “Backing” is another word for support, especially financial or moral support.

Option E: “Support” is nearly the same as advocacy and therefore not an antonym.

Common Pitfalls:
One common mistake is to pick a word that appears in similar contexts but does not actually oppose the given word. Another trap is to confuse “advancement” with “advocacy” because both are positive-sounding, but the question asks for an opposite, not a similar word. Always focus on the core meaning: advocacy is about actively supporting; the opposite must reduce or weaken that support.

Final Answer:
Discouragement