Out of the following options, select the word that is opposite in meaning to "to filch" (to steal something, especially of small value).

Introduction / Context:
This antonym question focuses on the verb to filch, which means to steal something, especially something small or of little value, often in a secretive way. To answer correctly, you must identify the option that expresses an opposite action, not just another form of taking without permission.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- Target verb: to filch, meaning to steal in a sneaky way. - Options all present different types of taking or giving actions. - Three options describe various forms of stealing or misappropriation. - One option must describe an opposite behaviour to stealing.

Concept / Approach:
If to filch means to secretly take someone else's property without permission, then the opposite idea would involve willingly giving or donating property rather than secretly taking it. The antonym must therefore capture generosity and voluntary sharing instead of theft. Among the alternatives, only the option that talks about giving generously to others points firmly in that opposite direction.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Fix the meaning of to filch as to steal small items sneakingly or casually. Step 2: Examine option A: to steal slyly from someone. This is essentially a restatement of filch, so it cannot be an antonym. Step 3: Look at option B: to pilfer small valuable items. Pilfer is also a close synonym of filch and still describes stealing small things. Step 4: Consider option C: to misappropriate another person's property. Misappropriate means to take something for oneself dishonestly, which is again a form of stealing. Step 5: Evaluate option D: to give generously to others. This describes voluntary, open, and often kind transfer of property from oneself to others, which is a clear opposite of secret theft. Step 6: Conclude that only option D expresses an action that logically contrasts with the idea of filching.

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare two types of people: one who regularly filches snacks from a coworker's desk without asking, and another who regularly gives snacks to colleagues. The second person is doing the very opposite of stealing; they are sharing and donating. Replacing filch with steal slyly, pilfer, or misappropriate would not change the basic type of action. Only a phrase about giving generously reverses the moral direction and the flow of property.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A describes secret theft and matches the meaning of filch rather than opposing it. Option B, to pilfer small valuable items, also describes quiet and repeated stealing, which is a close synonym. Option C, to misappropriate another person's property, refers to dishonest taking, usually of funds or resources entrusted to someone. All three keep the core idea of theft and therefore cannot be called antonyms.

Common Pitfalls:
Because all four options involve money or property in some way, it can be tempting to choose among the stealing related verbs simply because they seem familiar. However, an antonym must represent a clearly opposite action, not just another variant of the same behaviour. Training yourself to first restate the target word in simple language, such as to steal secretly, and then consciously look for an opposite, such as to give openly, is a reliable strategy in these questions.

Final Answer:
To give generously to others is the correct antonym of to filch.