In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word that is opposite in meaning (antonym) to the given word. Word: Rebuke (meaning to scold or criticise someone for their actions).

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question tests your understanding of antonyms in English. The key word given is rebuke, which is often used in formal and informal communication to describe the act of scolding or sharply criticising someone for their behaviour or mistake. To answer correctly, you must know what rebuke means and then select the word that expresses the opposite idea, not a similar one.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: rebuke.
• Rebuke is generally negative in tone and refers to criticism or scolding.
• You are asked to choose the opposite in meaning, i.e., the antonym.
• Options given are: admonition, censure, scold, and flattery.
• Only one option should clearly express the opposite meaning of rebuke.

Concept / Approach:
The word rebuke means to criticise sharply, to reprimand, or to speak to someone in a disapproving way because of what they have done. Therefore, its antonym must express the idea of praising, complimenting, or speaking approvingly. When analysing options, you should first identify which words are close in meaning to rebuke and which word is clearly different or opposite. Words like admonition, censure, and scold all belong to the semantic field of criticism, while flattery involves praise and excessive compliments.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of rebuke: to criticise or scold someone for doing something wrong. Step 2: Look at option a, admonition. Admonition means a warning or mild scolding, which is similar to rebuke, not opposite. Step 3: Examine option b, censure. Censure means strong disapproval or harsh criticism, again very close in meaning to rebuke. Step 4: Examine option c, scold. To scold someone is to rebuke them verbally, so this is almost a direct synonym. Step 5: Examine option d, flattery. Flattery means excessive or insincere praise, usually to gain favour. This is the opposite of rebuke, because instead of criticising, you are praising. Step 6: Conclude that flattery is the only option that clearly expresses the opposite idea to rebuke.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, imagine a situation: A teacher rebukes a student for being late means the teacher criticises the student. In contrast, A teacher flatters a student means the teacher praises the student, perhaps excessively. The emotional direction of the words is oppositional: rebuke is negative, while flattery is positive. None of the other options change the direction from criticism to praise, so they cannot be antonyms.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Admonition is a gentle or serious warning and is still a type of criticism, so it is a near synonym, not an antonym. Censure is even stronger disapproval, making it also a synonym. Scold is almost identical to rebuke in everyday use, as both refer to speaking angrily or critically to someone. Since the question asks specifically for the opposite in meaning, all three of these must be rejected.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake in antonym questions is to pick a familiar word rather than analysing meaning carefully. Another error is confusing degree with direction: students may pick censure thinking it is too strong and therefore opposite, but it is actually just a stronger form of criticism. Always look for a word that reverses the basic emotional or conceptual direction of the given word. For rebuke, that reversal is from criticism to praise, which leads directly to flattery.

Final Answer:
The word opposite in meaning to Rebuke is Flattery.