In the following question, choose the option that gives the word opposite in meaning (antonym) to the given English word “Rebuff”.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Praise

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The vocabulary question here tests knowledge of antonyms, that is, words that are opposite in meaning. The given word is “rebuff”, which is commonly used in formal and semi formal English. Learners preparing for competitive exams must clearly understand its meaning, usage, and the difference between similar looking negative words. Identifying the correct opposite helps improve both comprehension and precise expression in spoken and written English.


Given Data / Assumptions:
The question provides one target word and four alternatives. The task is to select the word that is opposite in meaning to “rebuff”. We assume the standard dictionary meaning of each option and that the context is general English usage rather than a highly technical field.


Concept / Approach:
“Rebuff” means to reject someone or something in an abrupt or ungracious way. It carries the idea of turning someone down, refusing a suggestion, or dismissing a person or proposal. To find an antonym, we must look for a word that conveys welcoming, accepting, or showing approval, rather than refusal. The other options mostly show different shades of refusal or disapproval and are therefore likely to be similar in meaning rather than opposite.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that “rebuff” means to reject, refuse, or snub a request, offer, or person, often in a curt or rude manner. Step 2: Examine “Rebuke”. This means to scold, criticize, or express sharp disapproval. It is also negative, not opposite to rejection. Step 3: Examine “Snub”. This means to ignore or treat someone with coldness, often by refusing to acknowledge them properly. This is close to the meaning of “rebuff”. Step 4: Examine “Nix”. This informal word means to veto or reject an idea or plan. Again, this is similar to “rebuff”. Step 5: Examine “Praise”. This means to express warm approval or admiration. Instead of rejecting, it shows positive acceptance and appreciation. This is the opposite attitude to a rebuff.


Verification / Alternative check:
A quick dictionary check would confirm that “rebuff” involves an act of rejection or denial, while “praise” is a form of positive response or approval. In practical use, if a manager rebuffs an employee's idea, the manager refuses it. If the manager praises the idea, the manager welcomes and approves it. These two reactions cannot occur at the same moment to the same proposal, which confirms they are conceptual opposites in this general sense.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Rebuke” is a sharp expression of criticism, which is still negative and closer to disapproval, not the opposite of refusal.
“Snub” describes cold or rude treatment, very similar to “rebuff”, since both imply dismissive behavior.
“Nix” is a casual word for vetoing or rejecting, again overlapping strongly with the meaning of “rebuff”.
None of these words suggests warm acceptance or admiration.


Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse “rejection” words with each other and wrongly treat one negative word as the opposite of another simply because they sound different. Another pitfall is not reading the question carefully and treating it as a synonym question rather than an antonym question. Always check whether the exam asks for “similar in meaning” or “opposite in meaning” before choosing. Also, avoid choosing unfamiliar words simply because they look unusual; always base the choice on meaning, not appearance.


Final Answer:
The word opposite in meaning to “rebuff” is Praise.

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