In this English vocabulary question, you must select the word which is opposite in meaning (antonym) to the adjective "grotesque".

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your knowledge of antonyms in English vocabulary. The given word is "grotesque", which is commonly used to describe something that is extremely ugly, distorted, or bizarre in appearance. To answer such questions correctly in competitive exams, you must know both the meaning of the given word and the meanings of the options, then select the one that is opposite in sense, not just different.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The target word is "grotesque".
• We have four options: Free, Odd, Plain, and Queer.
• We must identify the antonym, i.e., the opposite meaning, not a synonym.
• Only one option should be clearly opposite to the main sense of "grotesque".

Concept / Approach:
"Grotesque" refers to something that is very ugly, unnatural, or absurdly distorted. It often combines elements of the comical and the horrifying. Therefore, the opposite will be a word that conveys normality, simplicity, and lack of distortion or bizarreness. Words like "odd" and "queer" actually move towards the same side of meaning as "grotesque" because they suggest strangeness. The only word that suggests simplicity and lack of decorative or bizarre features is "plain". Hence, "plain" is the antonym we are looking for.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of "grotesque" as extremely ugly, distorted, and bizarre. Step 2: Note that we need an antonym, which is a word opposite in meaning. Step 3: Check the meaning of "Free" which generally means not under control or not costing money; this is not the opposite of "grotesque". Step 4: Check "Odd" which means strange or unusual; this is somewhat similar to "grotesque", not opposite. Step 5: Check "Plain" which means simple, ordinary, not decorated, not unusual; this is the direct opposite of strange and bizarre. Step 6: Check "Queer" which also means strange or unusual; again it is near in meaning to "grotesque", not opposite. Step 7: Conclude that "Plain" is the only word that expresses a normal, simple appearance, making it the correct antonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this choice by placing each option in a sample sentence and seeing whether it makes sense as the opposite. For example, "The building was not grotesque; it was quite plain." This contrast feels natural, because "plain" balances "grotesque". On the other hand, sentences like "The building was not grotesque; it was quite odd or quite queer" do not make sense as opposites, because "odd" and "queer" also suggest strangeness. The word "free" has no meaningful connection with appearance, so it cannot be the direct opposite of "grotesque".

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Free" is about freedom, cost, or lack of restriction, not about visual normality or ugliness, so it does not relate to the meaning of "grotesque". "Odd" means strange or unusual, which is close to the disturbing and strange sense of "grotesque", so it cannot be an antonym. "Queer" similarly means strange or unusual, again aligning with the idea of something bizarre or out of the ordinary, not its opposite.

Common Pitfalls:
Many students confuse antonyms with any word that is simply different from the original word. However, an antonym must be opposite, not just unrelated. Another common mistake is to jump at the first word that looks uncommon, assuming the examiners want a difficult option. In reality, sometimes the simplest sounding word, such as "plain", is the correct answer because it directly reverses the given concept. Always focus on the core meaning of the target word and then look for a word that reverses that core, not one that merely sounds complicated.

Final Answer:
The word that is opposite in meaning to "grotesque" is Plain.