In this vocabulary question based on the passage, choose the option that gives the opposite of the word "votaries" as used in the text.

Introduction / Context:
Within the passage about ancient Egyptians and cats, the word "votaries" appears to describe people connected with the temples of the goddess Bast. This vocabulary question asks for the opposite, or antonym, of "votaries" in that context. To answer correctly, you must first understand what "votaries" means and then select the option that represents a person with an opposite attitude or role.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The passage states that cats had their own priests and votaries.
• "Votaries" in religious contexts are devoted followers or worshippers of a deity.
• The options are enthusiast, critic, adherent and fanatic.
• We must choose the one that is most clearly opposite in meaning.

Concept / Approach:
"Votary" is a noun meaning a devoted follower, supporter or worshipper of a particular religion, cause or person. In this passage, votaries are people who are strongly attached to the goddess Bast and her sacred cats. The opposite of such a follower would be someone who does not support or admire the subject but instead opposes or finds fault with it. Among the options, "critic" best captures this sense of an opposing or disapproving person.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Interpret "votaries" as used in the passage: devoted worshippers or followers associated with the temple.Step 2: Summarise the meaning simply as supporters or adherents who are positively committed.Step 3: Examine option A "enthusiast," which is a person who shows intense interest or enjoyment and is therefore similar in meaning, not opposite.Step 4: Examine option C "adherent," which directly means follower or supporter and again is close in meaning to "votary."Step 5: Examine option D "fanatic," which means an excessively enthusiastic and often unreasonably intense follower, also similar rather than opposite.Step 6: Examine option B "critic," which refers to a person who finds fault, judges or disapproves, which is the opposite attitude to that of a devoted follower.

Verification / Alternative Check:
Imagine sentences such as "He is a votary of classical music" versus "He is a critic of classical music." The first sentence implies devotion and admiration, while the second implies evaluation and possibly disapproval. Enthusiast, adherent and fanatic all imply strong positive involvement with something, so they cannot be antonyms. In contrast, critic indicates a person who questions, judges or opposes, which serves as a natural opposite to devoted follower.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Enthusiast suggests excitement and admiration, which are very close to the feelings of a votary. Adherent is almost a synonym, as it literally means follower or supporter of a cause or leader. Fanatic is an extreme type of follower whose commitment is intense and sometimes irrational, again on the same side as "votary." None of these words expresses opposition or lack of devotion. Only "critic" captures the opposite concept of someone who questions or disapproves.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates confuse "votary" with "voter" and then choose an option randomly. Others in a hurry may mistakenly pick "fanatic," thinking the exam is asking for a stronger synonym rather than an antonym. To avoid such errors, always read the question carefully: when it asks for "opposite" or "antonym," you must search consciously for a word that stands against the original, not just another word from the same semantic family. Also, remember that context here is religious devotion, which makes "critic" a natural opposite of "worshipper."

Final Answer:
The word opposite in meaning to "votaries" is Critic.