In the following question, choose the word that is opposite in meaning to “Bifurcate”.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary item asks for an antonym of the verb “bifurcate”. Bifurcate means to divide into two branches or parts, as when a road splits into two directions or a river divides into two channels. Therefore, the opposite concept is bringing things together into one, rather than splitting them apart.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Target word: Bifurcate.
- Options: Combine, Ramify, Furcate, Diverge, Separate.
- We assume the common definition “to divide into two branches or forks”.

Concept / Approach:
The antonym must convey unification or joining, not further division. Several options (Ramify, Furcate, Diverge, Separate) are themselves close in meaning to “bifurcate”, because they all describe splitting or moving apart. “Combine” alone stands for bringing things together into a single unit, which is the conceptual opposite of bifurcation.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that “bifurcate” describes a path, river or structure that splits into two branches. Step 2: Consider “Combine”. This verb means to bring together, to merge or to join two or more things into one whole. This is clearly the opposite of splitting. Step 3: Consider “Ramify”. This means to branch out or spread into many branches, quite similar to bifurcating. Step 4: Consider “Furcate”. This also means to branch or fork, again similar to bifurcate. Step 5: Consider “Diverge”. This means to move or extend in different directions from a common point, another splitting idea. Step 6: Consider “Separate”. This means to set apart or divide, again related to splitting rather than joining. Step 7: Therefore, the only true opposite is “Combine”.

Verification / Alternative check:
Use each word in contrastive sentences: “The path bifurcates at the top of the hill” versus “The two lanes combine into a single road at the bridge.” Here the second sentence describes the opposite process: instead of one road becoming two, two roads become one. This confirms that “combine” is the correct antonym. Ramify, furcate, diverge and separate would all describe more splitting or spreading, not uniting.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Ramify: means to branch out; this is actually similar in meaning to bifurcate, not opposite.
- Furcate: another verb meaning to branch or fork, again too close to the original word.
- Diverge: describes moving apart from a common point, consistent with splitting, not combining.
- Separate: a general term for dividing things; it is very close in spirit to bifurcate, so it cannot be the antonym.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners who only vaguely remember that “bifurcate” is some kind of change may pick a word that simply “sounds technical” like ramify or furcate. To avoid such traps, always focus on the core image of the word: bifurcate literally suggests a fork or two branches, which is a splitting action. Once this is clear, the opposite process is easy to identify as combining or merging.

Final Answer:
The word opposite in meaning to “Bifurcate” is Combine.