English Vocabulary — Antonym (choose the word opposite in meaning to the highlighted word). Correct the sentence and then answer. Sentence (corrected for clarity): The chairman rebuked the accounts officer for not supervising the work of his subordinates.

Introduction / Context:
The sentence describes managerial feedback to an “accounts officer.” The focal word “rebuked” means “criticized sharply” or “reprimanded.” Antonym items ask you to choose the word that most directly reverses that action—here, an expression of approval or commendation. Such word pairs are common in HR reports and performance reviews.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target verb: rebuked = reprimanded, scolded.
• Context: failure to supervise subordinates properly.
• Options: received, awarded, invited, praised.

Concept / Approach:
The opposite of a reprimand is praise/commendation. Among the options, only “praised” directly flips the illocutionary force of “rebuked.” The others denote unrelated actions (getting something, being asked, being welcomed) rather than reversing negative feedback to positive endorsement.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute: “The chairman praised the accounts officer …” This produces a meaning directly opposite to the original reprimand and remains idiomatic in workplace narratives.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• received: Transitive past of “receive”; does not oppose rebuke.
• awarded: Bestowing an award; unrelated to reprimand.
• invited: Requesting presence/participation; not an antonym.

Common Pitfalls:
Picking a generally positive word that is not the speech-act opposite. In antonym tasks, reverse the core function (criticism ↔ commendation), not just the sentiment.

Final Answer:
praised