In this English vocabulary question, you are asked to select the word that is opposite in meaning (antonym) to the given word "Gregarious", which usually describes a sociable and outgoing person who enjoys the company of others.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your grasp of antonyms in English vocabulary. The given word is "Gregarious". In competitive exams, this word regularly appears because it describes a personality type. "Gregarious" is used for people who are friendly, outgoing, and fond of company. To answer correctly, you must identify a word that expresses the opposite attitude toward social interaction.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The target word is "Gregarious".
- The options are "Affable", "Genial", "Introvert", and "Urbane".
- We assume standard dictionary meanings for personality adjectives and nouns.
- Exactly one option should represent an opposite or strongly contrasting meaning.

Concept / Approach:
"Gregarious" describes someone who loves being with others, is sociable, and likes group activities. Therefore, the antonym must refer to a person who prefers to be alone, is reserved, or not inclined toward social gatherings. When solving antonym questions, it helps to translate the word into a simpler phrase, such as "very sociable", and then look for an option that describes "not sociable" or "prefers solitude".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand that "Gregarious" means sociable and fond of company. Step 2: Look at "Affable". It means friendly, pleasant, and easy to talk to, which is similar to gregarious, not opposite. Step 3: Look at "Genial". This also means warm, cheerful, and friendly, again close to gregarious. Step 4: Look at "Introvert". This word describes a person who is more inward-looking, reserved, and often prefers being alone rather than being in large groups. Step 5: Look at "Urbane". This refers to someone who is suave, polite, and refined in manner, but it does not directly oppose sociability.

Verification / Alternative check:
If "Gregarious" equals "outgoing" and "sociable", then the opposite concept is "reserved", "quiet", or "inward-looking". An "Introvert" is someone who tends to draw energy from solitude rather than social gatherings. This clearly contrasts with gregarious behaviour, making "Introvert" the best antonym among the options. The remaining alternatives all carry a sense of friendliness or polished manners, which do not contradict sociability.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Affable" is wrong because a person who is affable is pleasant and easy to approach, not the opposite of gregarious. "Genial" is wrong because a genial person is also kindly and cheerful. "Urbane" is wrong because it refers to refined and cultivated behaviour, often in social settings, but it does not indicate dislike of company. None of these express a preference for being alone.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners confuse "Introvert" as a purely negative trait and hesitate to choose it. Remember that personality descriptions are not automatically positive or negative; they simply describe tendencies. Another common mistake is to treat similar positive words, like "Affable" or "Genial", as antonyms just because they are unfamiliar. Always match the core idea, not the emotional tone of the word.

Final Answer:
The word that is opposite in meaning to "Gregarious" is Introvert.