Select the antonym (opposite in meaning word) of "veracity", which refers to truthfulness and accuracy.

Introduction / Context:
This question assesses your knowledge of antonyms, that is, words with opposite meanings. The target word is "veracity", a term often used in legal, journalistic, and academic contexts to discuss truthfulness and accuracy. You must identify which option expresses the opposite idea, which is essential for nuanced reading and precise writing.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The word in focus is "veracity".
• The options are: deceit, condor, probity, rectitude, truthfulness.
• Exactly one option must represent the opposite of truthfulness and honesty.
• We assume knowledge of common ethical and moral vocabulary.

Concept / Approach:
"Veracity" means truthfulness, honesty, or accuracy in what one says or reports. An antonym should therefore convey lying, dishonesty, or deliberate falsehood. Some options are actually synonyms of veracity, while others are unrelated or misspelled forms of different words. The method is to define each option mentally and then select the one that clearly contradicts the meaning of "veracity".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Define "veracity" as the quality of being true, honest, and accurate. Step 2: Consider "deceit". Deceit means the act of deceiving, cheating, or deliberately making someone believe something false. Step 3: Since deceit directly involves lying and falsehood, it is opposite in meaning to truthfulness. Step 4: Examine "condor". This appears to be a misspelling of "candor", which means openness and honesty, a near synonym of veracity. Step 5: Look at "probity". Probity refers to moral integrity and uprightness, again closely aligned with honesty and veracity. Step 6: "Rectitude" means righteousness or moral correctness, also supporting truthful and ethical behaviour. Step 7: "Truthfulness" is almost a direct synonym of veracity and clearly cannot be its opposite. Step 8: Therefore, "deceit" is the only option that stands in clear opposition to veracity.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider a simple sentence: "The witness was praised for his veracity." Replacing "veracity" with "deceit" reverses the meaning: "The witness was praised for his deceit" now criticises his honesty. Likewise, using "probity" or "rectitude" in place of "veracity" would keep the positive moral meaning, confirming that those words are not antonyms. This substitution test makes it obvious that deceit is the opposite.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• condor: Likely intended as "candor", which means openness and honesty and is similar in meaning to veracity, not opposite.
• probity: Refers to moral uprightness and integrity, supporting truthfulness.
• rectitude: Means righteousness and correct moral conduct, aligned with ethical truth.
• truthfulness: Direct synonym of veracity, representing the same concept.

Common Pitfalls:
A typical mistake is to confuse unfamiliar words and choose a random option without recalling meaning. Another common error is to overlook misspellings like "condor" and assume they represent a negative quality. For antonym questions, always try to recall or infer the meaning of each option and ensure that your choice truly contradicts the target word rather than merely differing from it.

Final Answer:
The antonym of "veracity" is deceit.