In the following question, choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the adjective "rugged".

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks for an antonym, or opposite, of the word "rugged". The adjective is commonly used to describe uneven surfaces, rough landscapes, or sometimes strong, weathered faces. Knowing its opposite helps you interpret descriptions in reading passages where writers contrast rough and gentle surfaces or harsh and mild conditions. The correct answer must capture the idea that is most directly opposed to roughness and irregularity.

Given Data / Assumptions:

Target word: RUGGED (in capitals for emphasis).
Options: HARD, STURDY, SMOOTH, ROUGH.
We assume the typical physical sense of "rugged" as uneven, rough, or jagged, especially in relation to terrain or surfaces.
The opposite should describe a surface that is even, gentle, and free from roughness.
Two options are synonyms or near synonyms, one is the opposite, and one is somewhat neutral.

Concept / Approach:
"Rugged" often describes a surface that is rough and irregular, such as a rugged mountain trail or rugged coastline. The word can also mean strong or sturdy when talking about people or equipment, but in exam questions, the primary physical sense is usually tested. Therefore, the best antonym is a word describing a surface that is even and not rough, which is "smooth". Words like "hard" and "sturdy" do not imply roughness; they describe strength or firmness. "Rough" is actually a close synonym of the surface sense of "rugged".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "rugged" means rough, uneven, or jagged, especially when describing terrain or surfaces. Step 2: Examine option A, "HARD". A hard surface may be smooth or rough, so hardness is not the opposite of being rugged. Step 3: Examine option B, "STURDY". This describes strength and robustness, and is often a positive quality. Rugged hills can also be sturdy, so they are not opposites. Step 4: Examine option C, "SMOOTH". This means even, with no bumps or roughness, which is directly opposite to a rugged, uneven surface. Step 5: Examine option D, "ROUGH". This is very close in meaning to rugged; a rough road and a rugged road both have irregular, difficult surfaces. Step 6: Conclude that "SMOOTH" is the correct antonym for "rugged".

Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine a sentence: "The path was too rugged to walk comfortably." Reversing the idea, we can say "The path was smooth and easy to walk." The contrast between rugged and smooth makes sense and reflects common usage. However, replacing rugged with hard would not reverse the difficulty, because even a smooth marble floor is hard. Similarly, a sturdy bridge can be both smooth and rugged in different ways. "Rough" works as a synonym, not an opposite. These comparisons verify that smooth is the true antonym in this context.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, HARD, is wrong because hardness refers to resistance to pressure or scratching, not to surface evenness or irregularity.
Option B, STURDY, is wrong because it describes strength or durability and is often used positively with rugged to highlight toughness.
Option D, ROUGH, is wrong because it closely matches the sense of rugged instead of opposing it.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes confuse intensity with opposition. Words like "hard" and "sturdy" may feel strong and so they attract attention, but strength is not the opposite of roughness. The correct strategy is to focus on the specific quality being highlighted in the question. For "rugged", the key quality is uneven and rough surface. Therefore the opposite should be an even and sleek surface, which is best captured by "smooth". Paying attention to context and visualising the described object will make such questions easier.

Final Answer:
SMOOTH