In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word which is opposite in meaning to the word "disdain", meaning contempt or lack of respect.

Introduction / Context:
This antonym question checks your understanding of the word "disdain" and your ability to pick its opposite. "Disdain" is a strong negative feeling meaning contempt, scorn, or a sense that someone or something is unworthy of respect. The correct antonym must express a positive attitude of respect or approval, not another form of dislike or contempt.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: "Disdain".
• Options: Antipathy, Admiration, Derision, Scorn.
• We assume standard dictionary meanings: disdain = to regard with contempt, to look down on.
• The correct answer must be positive in tone, showing respect or high regard, not another negative feeling.

Concept / Approach:
"Disdain" implies strong dislike combined with a sense of superiority. The opposite of that attitude is admiration, which involves respect, approval, and sometimes even affection. "Antipathy", "derision", and "scorn" are all different forms of hostility or contempt, which are close in meaning to "disdain", not opposites. Therefore, "Admiration" is the only option that clearly reverses the emotional direction of "disdain".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Define "disdain": a feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect; contempt. Step 2: Examine "Admiration": this means respect, warm approval, and often appreciation of someone's qualities. Step 3: Recognise that admiration and disdain lie on opposite ends of a spectrum of evaluation: one is positive respect, the other is negative contempt. Step 4: Examine "Antipathy": this means a deep seated feeling of dislike, which is similar in negativity to disdain. Step 5: Examine "Derision": this means mockery or ridicule, again related to scorn and very close to disdain. Step 6: Examine "Scorn": this is almost a direct synonym of disdain, meaning contempt or the feeling that someone is worthless. Step 7: Conclude that "Admiration" is the only option that expresses the opposite attitude.

Verification / Alternative check:
Use the words in opposite sentences: "She regarded him with disdain," versus "She regarded him with admiration." These sentences clearly oppose each other in meaning: one shows contempt, the other shows respect. If you substitute "antipathy", "derision", or "scorn" into the second sentence, you still get negative feelings, not an opposite. This confirms that "Admiration" is the correct antonym for "Disdain".

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Antipathy" is wrong because it describes strong dislike, not respect. "Derision" is wrong because it means mockery and is another way of expressing contempt. "Scorn" is wrong because it is essentially a synonym of disdain, not its opposite.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes mistakenly choose "antipathy" as an opposite because they confuse the question type and look for a synonym rather than an antonym. Another pitfall is not paying attention to the emotional direction (positive versus negative) of the options. When you see words like "admiration" among a group of negative nouns, that contrast is a strong hint that it is the required antonym for a word like "disdain".

Final Answer:
The antonym of "Disdain" is Admiration.