In English vocabulary and word usage, choose the option that gives the word which is opposite in meaning (antonym) to the given word DETEST.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests basic English vocabulary, especially the ability to recognise antonyms. The given word is DETEST, which is a strong verb related to feelings and attitudes. Competitive exams frequently ask candidates to identify the opposite meaning, or antonym, of a highlighted word in order to check their command over shades of meaning in English words.

Given Data / Assumptions:
In this question we have:

• The given word: detest.
• Four options: Denounce, Ignore, Adore, Castigate.
• We must select the option that is opposite in meaning to detest.

Concept / Approach:
The word detest means to hate something or someone very strongly, to feel intense dislike or hatred. To find the antonym, we should think of a word that expresses strong liking, love, or deep affection. The approach is to recall or infer the meanings of each option, then see which one conveys the opposite emotional attitude. A good strategy is to restate detest mentally as to hate intensely and then look for a word that means to love or cherish deeply.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand the word detest. It means to hate, to dislike intensely, or to feel extreme aversion. Step 2: Consider the option Denounce. It means to publicly condemn or criticise someone or something, not necessarily the direct opposite of hating. Step 3: Consider the option Ignore. It means to pay no attention to someone or something. This is not the same as loving; it just means not noticing. Step 4: Consider the option Adore. It means to love deeply, to regard with great affection and admiration. Step 5: Consider the option Castigate. It means to criticise or punish someone severely. Step 6: Since detest means to hate and adore means to love very much, Adore is clearly the opposite in meaning.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can verify by placing the words in simple sentences. If a person detests spinach, that person hates spinach strongly. If a person adores spinach, that person loves it very much. These sentences show opposite attitudes. Denounce and castigate both involve blaming or criticising and therefore are related more closely to negative feelings rather than being opposites. Ignore is neutral, not positive love. Thus, adore stands as the correct antonym of detest.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Denounce is wrong because it means to criticise or condemn publicly, which is not the opposite of hate. It may even accompany hatred rather than oppose it. Ignore is wrong because it means to pay no attention, which is different from strongly loving something. Castigate is wrong because it means to criticise or punish severely, again a negative action rather than a loving or positive feeling.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to choose words that simply look formal or severe, thinking that they may match the tone of detest. Another error is to pick a word that is not clearly opposite in meaning but only slightly different or related in a negative sense. Students sometimes confuse antonyms with unrelated words. It is important to focus on emotional direction: detest equals strong dislike, so the antonym must express strong liking or love, not just absence of attention or another type of negative action.

Final Answer:
The correct antonym of detest is Adore.