Antonym question: select the word that is opposite in meaning to "to comprise"

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks for the antonym of the verb "to comprise". In English, "comprise" means "to consist of" or "to include", especially when talking about the parts that make up a whole. The correct antonym should therefore express an opposite idea, such as rejecting, denying, or not including something, rather than listing or containing parts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target verb: "to comprise".
• Options: "to dispute", "to embody", "to span", and "to encompass".
• We must choose the option that is opposite in meaning to "to comprise".
• We assume the standard meaning of "comprise" as "to be made up of" or "to include".

Concept / Approach:
"To comprise" and "to encompass" are very close in meaning: both suggest including or containing parts within a whole. "To span" means to extend across a range or distance, which is not opposite but somewhat related. "To embody" means to represent or give form to an idea or quality, again not opposite. "To dispute" means to question, challenge, or argue about something, which is conceptually opposite to calmly accepting that parts form a whole; it suggests disagreement rather than inclusion.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Define "to comprise": for example, "The committee comprises ten members" means the committee consists of, or includes, ten members. Step 2: Evaluate "to embody": this means to represent or personify something, not to be opposite of including parts; if anything, it is another way of expressing content or form. Step 3: Evaluate "to span": this means to extend across a certain area, period, or range. It does not directly contradict "comprise". Step 4: Evaluate "to encompass": this is almost a synonym for "to comprise", meaning to include or surround comprehensively. Step 5: Evaluate "to dispute": this means to argue about, challenge, or deny a claim, which opposes the idea of calmly describing what something consists of. Step 6: Conclude that among the given choices, "to dispute" is the best opposite in sense, since it indicates disagreement rather than inclusion.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider example sentences. "The syllabus comprises five units" states that the syllabus includes five units. An opposite action would be to challenge or question such a claim: "The students dispute that the syllabus comprises only five units." In contrast, using "encompass" or "embody" in such a sentence would not express opposition. "Span" might describe the range of the syllabus but does not contradict the idea of comprising units.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B: "To embody" suggests representing something in concrete form, which is not the opposite of including components. Option C: "To span" focuses on the extent or range and can co exist with comprising; it is not antonymous. Option D: "To encompass" is near synonymous with "to comprise", both involving inclusion of parts within a whole.

Common Pitfalls:
Many candidates mistakenly choose a near synonym instead of an antonym because they are more familiar with words like "encompass" or "embody". It is crucial to pause and ask whether the chosen word truly expresses an opposite idea. Also, some students expect a perfect direct opposite for every verb, which is not always available; in such cases, selecting a word that contrasts in function or attitude, like "to dispute" does here, is the best approach.

Final Answer:
The word that is most opposite in meaning to "to comprise" among the given options is "to dispute", so option A is correct.