In this English vocabulary question, choose the word that is opposite in meaning (antonym) to the given word INSOLENT.

Introduction / Context:
In competitive English vocabulary, questions on antonyms test how well you understand fine shades of meaning in common adjectives. The given word here is INSOLENT. To answer correctly, you must know what this word means and then select the option that expresses the opposite quality, not merely a different or unrelated one.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Given key word: INSOLENT. - You must choose one option that is opposite in meaning. - Options: SCRUPULOUS, EMOLLIENT, COURTEOUS, LAZY. - Standard dictionary meanings of these words are assumed.

Concept / Approach:
The word INSOLENT describes a person who is rude, disrespectful, and often openly insulting, especially toward someone who deserves respect. An antonym must therefore describe a person who behaves with politeness, respect, and good manners. While some distractor options may be positive qualities, only one will directly contrast with the idea of rude or disrespectful behaviour.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that INSOLENT means rude, boldly disrespectful, or impertinent. Step 2: Consider SCRUPULOUS. This means extremely careful, honest, and attentive to moral details. It refers mainly to moral conscience, not politeness. Step 3: Consider EMOLLIENT. This usually means soothing or softening, especially a substance used to soften the skin. It does not directly relate to manners. Step 4: Consider COURTEOUS. This means polite, respectful, and considerate in behaviour and speech, which is the direct opposite of rude and disrespectful. Step 5: Consider LAZY. This means unwilling to work or lacking energy. Laziness is unrelated to politeness versus rudeness. Step 6: Therefore, COURTEOUS is the only word that clearly expresses the opposite quality to INSOLENT.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick way to verify is to imagine example sentences. An insolent student talks back rudely to a teacher. A courteous student speaks respectfully and uses polite language. When two adjectives can be used in clearly opposite behaviour descriptions, they are good antonyms. None of the other options create such a clear contrast when used in similar contexts.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
SCRUPULOUS is about moral integrity and carefulness, not specifically about respectful or polite speech. EMOLLIENT refers mostly to soothing or softening qualities, often for substances, and has no direct connection with rude or polite behaviour. LAZY describes energy level and willingness to work, which is unrelated to manners or respect.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes choose a generally positive word, assuming any positive word is an antonym of a negative one. However, antonyms must contrast along the same dimension. Insolent describes manners, so the opposite must also be about manners. Another common error is guessing based on familiarity and not checking the exact sense of the word. Always compare the core idea, in this case rude versus polite.

Final Answer:
The correct antonym of INSOLENT is COURTEOUS.