In this English vocabulary question, you must select the word that is opposite in meaning to “Blasphemous,” which describes speech or behaviour that shows disrespect or irreverence toward something considered sacred.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of antonyms for words used in religious or moral contexts. The given word is “Blasphemous,” which refers to speech, acts, or attitudes that insult or show irreverence toward God, religion, or something held sacred. You need to identify the option that expresses the opposite idea, namely respectfulness and devotion toward the sacred. Such vocabulary is important in reading comprehension and verbal sections of exams, especially in passages dealing with religion, culture, or ethics.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: “Blasphemous.”
• Options: Pious, Profane, Sacrilegious, Irreligious.
• “Blasphemous” has a negative connotation, suggesting disrespect toward something holy.
• The correct antonym must therefore suggest reverence, devotion, or religious respect.

Concept / Approach:
“Blasphemous” is closely related in meaning to “profane” and “sacrilegious,” both of which also describe disrespectful or irreverent attitudes toward the sacred. “Irreligious” refers to a lack of religion or religious feeling. The only option that clearly expresses the opposite of irreverence is “Pious,” which describes someone who is devout, reverent, and sincerely religious. Therefore, “Pious” is the natural antonym of “Blasphemous.”

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that “blasphemous” describes actions or words that insult or show great disrespect for God or holy things.Step 2: Understand that the antonym must indicate deep respect, religious devotion, or reverence.Step 3: Examine “Pious,” which means deeply religious, devout, and respectful toward divine or sacred matters.Step 4: Consider “Profane,” which means secular, irreverent, or showing disrespect for sacred things, and is therefore similar, not opposite, to “blasphemous.”Step 5: Examine “Sacrilegious,” which directly describes acts that violate or insult sacred things, again a near synonym of “blasphemous.”Step 6: Look at “Irreligious,” which means lacking religious feeling or practice and so does not convey the reverent tone needed for an antonym.Step 7: Conclude that only “Pious” expresses the opposite idea of “blasphemous.”

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, consider example sentences. A “blasphemous remark” is one that insults religion, whereas a “pious remark” is respectful and devout. Similarly, a “blasphemous painting” might mock sacred figures, while a “pious painting” would depict them with honour and reverence. In contrast, “profane language” and “sacrilegious acts” are also disrespectful, reinforcing rather than opposing the idea contained in “blasphemous.” “Irreligious behaviour” may simply ignore religion rather than actively honour it. This comparison confirms Pious as the best antonym.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Profane” is wrong because it describes something secular or disrespectful toward religion, so it is a near synonym of “blasphemous.” “Sacrilegious” is also wrong because it refers to violating or misusing things that are regarded as sacred, again matching the negative, irreverent idea. “Irreligious” means lacking in religious belief or practice and does not carry the positive reverent tone that a true opposite would require. None of these words represents respectful devotion to the sacred.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may confuse antonyms and synonyms and choose a word like “profane” or “sacrilegious” because they sense a strong religious connection, not realising that these words are similar in meaning to “blasphemous.” Others may pick “irreligious” simply because it sounds like “not religious,” without noticing that the question asks for an opposite, not just an absence of religion. To avoid such mistakes, always clearly classify each option in your mind as positive, negative, or neutral in relation to the target word and then select the one with the opposite tone and meaning.

Final Answer:
The word opposite in meaning to “Blasphemous” is Pious.