In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the word which is opposite in meaning to the given word "SQUANDER".

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your knowledge of antonyms. The key word is "squander", which is frequently used in discussions about money, time and resources. Knowing its opposite helps in understanding financial, social and even environmental texts where resource management is discussed. Your task is to pick the word that is opposite in meaning to "squander".

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: "SQUANDER".
• Options: SPEND, REDUCE, SLANDER, SKIMP.
• We must choose the antonym (opposite in meaning).
• We assume standard dictionary meanings for all options.

Concept / Approach:
"Squander" means to waste something, especially money, time or opportunity, in a careless, foolish or extravagant way. An antonym should express the idea of using resources carefully, sparingly or economically. It is not enough for the option to simply relate to money or action; it must reverse the wasteful aspect of squandering. The approach is to recall each option's core meaning and see which one emphasises saving or economising rather than wasting.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of "squander": to spend or use something wastefully and extravagantly, for example "squander money" or "squander an opportunity". Step 2: Examine "SPEND": this simply means to pay out money or use time. One can spend wisely or squander; spending itself is neutral, not the opposite of wasting. Step 3: Examine "REDUCE": this means to make something smaller in amount, degree, or size. While it can be used about expenses, it does not directly describe a careful attitude to resources. Step 4: Examine "SLANDER": this is a completely different word meaning to make false and damaging statements about someone; it has nothing to do with money or resources. Step 5: Examine "SKIMP": this means to use or give too little of something, to economise excessively, or to spend as little as possible. It clearly indicates using resources very sparingly. Step 6: Since "squander" means to waste extravagantly and "skimp" means to be extremely economical, they stand on opposite ends of the spending spectrum. Step 7: Conclude that "SKIMP" is the best antonym for "SQUANDER" among the given options.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider the phrases "squander money" versus "skimp on expenses". The first suggests careless overspending, while the second suggests spending too little. In everyday language, if a person is criticised for squandering resources, the opposite praise would be for someone who does not waste resources and perhaps even cuts back too much, which is very close to skimping. This confirms that "skimp" functionally works as an antonym for "squander" in typical contexts.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• SPEND: Neutral term; one can spend wisely or squander. It does not automatically imply careful or wasteful use, so it cannot be the opposite of squander.
• REDUCE: Simply means to lessen. It does not directly express an attitude of carefulness or thrift, and may be applied in many contexts unrelated to money.
• SLANDER: Unrelated in meaning, dealing with defamation and speech, not resources.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes pick "SPEND" because they remember the phrase "squander money" and think that "squander" is just a strong form of "spend". But squandering is specifically wasteful spending, so the opposite should stress saving or stinging use, not just the act of spending itself. Always pay attention to the emotional or evaluative tone of the key word when searching for an antonym.

Final Answer:
The word opposite in meaning to "SQUANDER" is SKIMP.