Select the antonym (word opposite in meaning) of the word “castigated” from the following alternatives.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks you to choose the antonym, or opposite in meaning, of the word “castigated”. Antonyms are frequently tested in English sections because they reveal how well you understand both the basic sense and emotional tone of words. Recognising the difference between praise and severe criticism is especially important in reading comprehension and writing tasks.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The word given is “castigated”.
• The options are “approve”, “rate”, “flay”, and “drub”.
• You must select the word that is closest to the opposite meaning.

Concept / Approach:
“Castigate” means to criticise someone very harshly or severely, often in a public or formal way. Therefore, its antonym should express acceptance, praise, or positive approval, not more criticism. Among the options, “approve” clearly reflects a positive or favourable attitude, while “flay” and “drub” also mean harshly criticise or beat, and “rate” can also refer to scolding or evaluating critically in some contexts. Thus, “approve” stands out as the opposite of “castigated”.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of “castigated”: to criticise severely, often with anger or moral disapproval. Step 2: Look at “approve”. This means to accept, praise, or see something as good or satisfactory, which is opposite in sense to severe criticism. Step 3: Consider “rate”. In informal British usage, “to rate” someone can mean to scold or rebuke. In other contexts, it means to judge or value. Neither sense gives an opposite meaning to “castigate”. Step 4: Examine “flay”. This can mean to strip skin off, but figuratively it means to criticise very harshly, similar to “castigate”. Step 5: Check “drub”. Figuratively, it means to beat severely or defeat badly, and can also suggest harsh treatment, not approval. Step 6: Since “approve” is the only word conveying a positive judgement, it is the correct antonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
If a person is castigated for a mistake, they are being strongly rebuked. If instead their action is approved, it means the action is accepted and perhaps praised. This is a clear contrast. The remaining options either share a negative tone similar to “castigated” or are neutral, confirming that only “approve” truly functions as an opposite.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• rate: Often carries a sense of judging or scolding, which can be close to “castigate” rather than opposite.
• flay: Means to criticise or attack severely, very similar in force and negativity to “castigate”.
• drub: Implies a severe beating or heavy defeat, and can suggest harsh treatment rather than approval.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse antonyms with synonyms, especially when they are not fully sure of the original word’s meaning. If you mix up “castigate” with “praise”, you might select a negative word like “flay” by mistake. It is important to first clearly identify the meaning of the given word, then deliberately look for the opposite emotional and semantic direction.

Final Answer:
The antonym of “castigated” among the given options is approve.