In this vocabulary question, select the word that is opposite in meaning to 'Meretricious', which describes something showy, gaudy or superficially attractive but without real value.

Introduction / Context:
This English vocabulary question tests your ability to find antonyms for advanced adjectives. The word 'Meretricious' is often used in literary and critical writing to criticise something that looks attractive on the surface but is actually cheap, showy or lacking in true worth. To score well, you should be able to contrast this idea with a word that suggests genuine, unforced or simple attractiveness.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Target adjective: 'Meretricious'.
- Options: 'Brazen', 'Natural', 'Exemplary', 'Gaudy'.
- Exactly one option should be a clear opposite in meaning.
- Standard exam-level meanings are assumed, with 'Meretricious' taken to mean showy and falsely attractive.

Concept / Approach:
'Meretricious' usually carries a negative connotation: it describes something that is flashy or adorned in a way that attracts attention but lacks depth and authenticity. The antonym should therefore convey true, simple, genuine or unpretentious quality, without the cheap showiness. When solving antonym questions, first define the core idea of the target word, then identify which option most directly reverses that idea, not just any positive or sophisticated-sounding alternative.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Interpret 'Meretricious' as gaudy, showy, flashy and superficially attractive but without real value. Step 2: Check 'Brazen'. This word means shameless, bold or impudent, which is a different negative quality and not the opposite of showy falseness. Step 3: Check 'Natural'. This suggests something simple, genuine, not artificial and not over-decorated, which contrasts well with 'Meretricious'. Step 4: Check 'Exemplary'. This means serving as a desirable model or worthy of imitation and focuses on high quality, not specifically on simple, genuine appearance. Step 5: Check 'Gaudy'. This directly means showy or too brightly decorated, which is actually very close in meaning to 'Meretricious', not opposite.

Verification / Alternative check:
Think about a 'meretricious display' versus a 'natural display'. A meretricious display is full of cheap glitter and artificial glamour, whereas a natural display is simple, unforced and genuine. This contrast fits the idea of an antonym. 'Exemplary' is positive but could apply to a meretricious performance if it were judged only on certain criteria, so it does not directly reverse the 'false show' aspect. 'Brazen' and 'Gaudy' both describe negative or showy traits and therefore cannot be opposites of 'Meretricious'.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
'Brazen' is wrong because it refers to shameless boldness, not to any quality of being simple or genuine. 'Exemplary' is wrong because it focuses on being an excellent example, which does not directly oppose false glamour. 'Gaudy' is clearly wrong as an antonym because it is almost a direct synonym, meaning overly showy and tastelessly bright. Only 'Natural' captures the idea of unforced, genuine appearance that is the opposite of meretricious showiness.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes grab a strongly positive or impressive-sounding word like 'Exemplary' and treat it as the opposite of any negative adjective. This strategy fails when the question tests a specific contrast such as artificial versus genuine. Another pitfall is ignoring subtle nuance: 'Meretricious' criticises fake or flashy appeal, so its antonym must counter that particular idea, not just negativity in general. Focusing on the core image of false glitter versus natural simplicity helps you select correctly.

Final Answer:
The word opposite in meaning to 'Meretricious' is Natural.