In this English vocabulary question, select the antonym (word with the opposite meaning) of the verb "flog", which commonly means to beat or whip severely.

Introduction / Context:

This question asks you to find the antonym of the verb "flog". In English, "to flog" usually means to beat, whip, or punish severely, either literally with a whip or figuratively in terms of harsh criticism. To answer correctly, you must identify the option that expresses the opposite concept, that is, treating someone positively rather than punishing them.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The given word is "flog".
• The options are whop, compliment, flay, and flax.
• The correct antonym should involve praise or positive treatment, not another form of violence or a meaningless word.
• The context is general vocabulary, not a specialised technical domain.

Concept / Approach:

"Flog" and "flay" are both associated with physical or severe verbal punishment. "Whop" is an informal verb that means to hit or strike hard. These words belong to a semantic field of beating or harming. An antonym must show positive treatment, gentle behaviour, or praise. "Compliment" is the only option that directly involves saying something good to or about someone. It is the opposite of harsh punishment or criticism, and therefore serves as a natural antonym for "flog" in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Think of example sentences. "The coach flogged the players for their poor performance" suggests harsh criticism or punishment. The opposite situation would be "The coach complimented the players on their excellent performance", which clearly involves praise. If someone flogs a subordinate in a story, they are mistreating them, whereas complimenting the subordinate would show appreciation. This comparison confirms that "compliment" is the true opposite in spirit.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

"Whop" is near synonymous with "flog" because it means to hit hard. "Flay" is even more intense, describing severe physical or verbal punishment. "Flax" is unrelated to behaviour or treatment of a person and therefore cannot be considered in an antonym pair. None of these offer a positive or opposite action to flogging.

Common Pitfalls:

Some candidates see unfamiliar or similar looking words like "flay" and assume that the exam wants the rare word. Others may think that an unrelated word such as "flax" counts as an opposite simply because its meaning is neutral. However, antonyms must show a clear contrast in semantic direction. Here the contrast is between punishment and praise, and only "compliment" satisfies that requirement.

Final Answer:

The antonym of "flog" from the given options is compliment.