Antonym: in the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the word which is opposite in meaning to the given word. INTERIM

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your ability to find the antonym, or opposite in meaning, of the word interim. Interim is frequently used in news reports and official contexts to describe a temporary arrangement, such as an interim government or interim report. Identifying its opposite helps confirm that you understand its time related sense.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: INTERIM.
• Options: PROVISIONAL, TENTATIVE, PERMANENT, INTERVAL, and TEMPORARY.
• You are to select the word that means the opposite of interim.
• Interim generally means temporary, meant to last only until a more permanent solution is in place.

Concept / Approach:
Since interim means temporary or for the time being, its antonym must express the idea of lasting or continuing indefinitely. Permanent is the standard opposite of temporary. Provisional and tentative are close synonyms of interim, not opposites. Interval refers to a gap between events, while temporary is again similar in meaning to interim.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that interim arrangements are in place only for a limited time. Step 2: Identify that a state that is not interim would be designed to last, that is, permanent. Step 3: Examine all options and mark PROVISIONAL and TENTATIVE as similar in meaning to temporary. Step 4: Choose PERMANENT as the direct opposite of interim.

Verification / Alternative check:
Think of pairs used in real life: interim government versus permanent government; interim solution versus permanent solution. These pairs appear naturally in media language and official documents. You would not say interim versus provisional as opposites, because both describe temporary measures. This confirms PERMANENT as the only true antonym among the options provided.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• PROVISIONAL: Means temporary or conditional, very close in meaning to interim.
• TENTATIVE: Suggests hesitation or lack of finality, often used for plans or decisions that are not yet confirmed, again similar to interim.
• INTERVAL: Refers to a gap between two events in time, not a state that contrasts with temporary.
• TEMPORARY: Almost a direct synonym for interim, not an opposite.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes get confused because they see many time related words and may choose interval or provisional without carefully checking the relationship. Always decide whether a word has similar meaning or truly opposite meaning. Since interim equals temporary for the time being, you must choose permanent to get the correct antonym.

Final Answer:
Correct option: PERMANENT.