In the following question, select the word which is most nearly opposite in meaning to the verb "to spurn".

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks for the antonym, or opposite in meaning, of the verb to spurn. Such questions test your understanding of fine differences between verbs related to acceptance and rejection. Knowing both synonyms and antonyms of common verbs is very important for competitive examinations and for precise communication in English.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The target word is spurn.
• We must find the option that has the opposite meaning.
• Options: to accept, to flout, to scorn, to rebuff, to ignore.
• We assume the usual meaning of spurn in modern English usage.

Concept / Approach:
To spurn means to reject something or someone with contempt or strong dislike. It has a clear negative sense of pushing something away, often in a proud or scornful manner. Therefore, its antonym must be a verb that expresses positive acceptance or welcoming of something that is offered. Among the given choices, to accept is the only verb that directly expresses receiving or agreeing to something, which is opposite to rejecting it.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of spurn as reject with contempt or refuse sharply.Step 2: List its possible synonyms: reject, scorn, turn down, rebuff.Step 3: From the options, identify which ones match these synonyms.Step 4: Notice that flout, scorn, and rebuff are all close to rejecting or showing contempt, so they are similar in meaning.Step 5: Recognise that accept is the only verb that means receive, agree to, or welcome, which is opposite to spurn, and therefore is the correct antonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
If someone spurns a job offer, they reject it with contempt. The opposite behaviour would be to accept the job offer. You would not say they flout or rebuff a job offer in the opposite sense, because those words also imply rejection or disrespect. This simple real life example makes it clear that accept is opposite to spurn in common usage.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• to flout: This means to openly disregard or show contempt for rules or norms, which is negative and closer to rejecting than accepting.
• to scorn: This is almost a synonym for spurn, as it means to treat with contempt or strong dislike.
• to rebuff: This means to reject bluntly or refuse sharply, again very close in meaning to spurn.
• to ignore: This means to pay no attention to something. It is not a direct opposite of spurn, because ignoring is more passive than accepting.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse antonyms and synonyms, especially when several options carry strong negative connotations. It helps to first clearly define the target word in your own words, decide whether it is positive or negative, and then look for an option with the opposite tone and action. Here, identifying spurn as a strong rejection makes it easier to see accept as the true opposite.

Final Answer:
The antonym of to spurn is to accept.