Select the word which is the antonym (opposite in meaning) of "veteran".

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks you to identify the antonym of the word "veteran". Antonym questions are designed to test not only your knowledge of meanings but also your ability to distinguish between words that are merely related and words that are truly opposite in sense. Understanding such nuances is essential for strong verbal ability and precise communication.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Word given: "veteran".
• Options: youthful, pliable, expert, amateur.
• You must choose the word that is opposite in meaning to "veteran".

Concept / Approach:
"Veteran" generally refers to a person who is highly experienced in a particular field, activity, or profession. It can also imply someone who has served in the armed forces, but in vocabulary questions it usually carries the broader sense of being seasoned and experienced. Therefore, the antonym should describe someone who lacks experience or is a beginner in a field.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of "veteran": a person with long experience or service, a seasoned expert. Step 2: Examine "youthful". This word relates to age, meaning young or having the qualities of youth. A veteran is often older, but the core meaning is experience, not age alone. Step 3: Examine "pliable". This means easily bent or easily influenced. It has no direct connection to the level of experience. Step 4: Examine "expert". This is actually a synonym of "veteran", since both suggest a high level of skill and experience. Step 5: Examine "amateur". An amateur is someone who engages in an activity as a beginner or without professional experience, often opposite to a seasoned professional. Step 6: Conclude that "amateur" is the correct antonym because it directly contrasts with the notion of an experienced, professional veteran.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can pair the words to test their relationship: "veteran professional" versus "amateur beginner". These pairs clearly show opposite positions on the scale of experience. "Veteran expert" is a reinforcing pair, not an opposite. "Veteran youthful" mixes experience with age and is not a strict semantic contrast, confirming that "amateur" is the best opposite.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Youthful" talks about age and energy rather than experience. A person may be young but still quite experienced in some areas, so it does not form a strict antonym to "veteran". "Pliable" relates to flexibility or ease of being influenced and is unrelated to the concept of experience or expertise. "Expert" is very close in meaning to "veteran" and is therefore a synonym, not an antonym.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes get distracted by the image of an older person suggested by "veteran" and jump to "youthful" as the opposite. However, exam questions usually focus on the core meaning, which in this case is experience, not age. Always identify the central idea of the given word before choosing an antonym. Also beware of synonyms disguised among the options, like "expert" in this case.

Final Answer:
The antonym of "veteran" is amateur.