In this English vocabulary question on antonyms, choose the option that is opposite in meaning to the verb "Loathe".

Introduction / Context:

This question tests your understanding of antonyms in English vocabulary. The target verb is "loathe", which describes a very strong feeling of dislike or disgust. To answer correctly, you must pick the option that expresses the opposite attitude toward someone or something, namely a positive or favourable feeling rather than hatred.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- Target word: "Loathe".

- Options: "Abhor", "Decline", "Hate", "Like".

- The question specifically asks for the opposite in meaning.

- "Loathe" is stronger than "dislike" and close in intensity to "detest" or "abhor".

Concept / Approach:

To find the antonym, first clearly recall the meaning of "loathe". It means to feel intense dislike or disgust for someone or something. Therefore, any synonym such as "hate" or "abhor" must be rejected. Instead, we must look for a word that conveys liking, approval, or positive feeling. Among the four options given, "Like" is the only one that expresses a positive attitude and can naturally oppose "loathe".

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

We can test the contrast in simple sentences: "I loathe spicy food" versus "I like spicy food". The first expresses strong aversion, the second expresses positive preference; they are clear opposites in feeling. Similarly, "He loathes his job" is reversed by "He likes his job". Replacing "loathe" with "abhor" or "hate" in these sentences keeps the negative meaning, while "decline" would create completely different sentences. This shows that "Like" is the only suitable antonym.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

"Abhor" is practically synonymous with "loathe"; both describe strong dislike or revulsion. Choosing it would mean you are giving a synonym, not an antonym. "Hate" is also a clear synonym, describing intense dislike. "Decline" is unrelated in meaning; it can refer to refusing an offer or a fall in quantity or quality, but it does not describe emotional attitude in the same way. Thus, none of these options function as opposites to "loathe".

Common Pitfalls:

Many students misread "antonym" as "synonym" under exam pressure, leading them to pick "Abhor" or "Hate", which feel intuitively close to "loathe". Others may be unsure of the exact meaning of "abhor" and assume it is weaker or different. A careful reading of the question and a clear memory of basic emotional verbs like "love", "like", "dislike", "hate", and "loathe" can prevent such mistakes. Always double-check whether the question asks for "same" or "opposite" meaning.

Final Answer:

The antonym of "Loathe" among the given options is "Like".