In the following question on antonyms, out of the four given alternatives, select the one which is opposite in meaning to the word "Protract".

Introduction / Context:
This question checks whether you know the meaning of the verb "protract" and can identify its opposite. "Protract" often appears in formal contexts, such as legal, academic, or technical writing, to describe something that is drawn out in time. Finding the antonym will show that you understand both the word and its typical usage.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: "Protract".
• Options: "Delay", "Advance", "Unwise", and "Sharp".
• You must find a word that expresses the opposite meaning.
• "Protract" is related to extending time or lengthening something.

Concept / Approach:
"Protract" means to prolong or extend in time or space. For example, "protracted negotiations" refers to negotiations that took much longer than expected. The opposite of prolonging something is to move it forward or shorten its duration. Among the options, "Advance" best captures this idea of moving forward or bringing something ahead in time, which opposes the idea of extending it. The other options do not express the opposite meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Remember that "protract" is commonly used with nouns like "discussion", "war", or "dispute", and means to lengthen or draw out.Identify that the antonym should refer to reducing length or moving things forward, not delaying further.Check each option: "Delay" means to postpone or make something slower, which is similar to prolonging in effect, not opposite."Unwise" and "Sharp" are unrelated in meaning to the idea of time or extension."Advance" means to move forward or ahead in time, which is the clearest opposite of "protract".

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider two example sentences: "The lawyers tried to protract the case" and "The judge decided to advance the hearing date". Protracting the case would make it last longer, while advancing the hearing would bring the process forward and help to conclude it sooner. These ideas are directly opposed in terms of time and length. This comparison confirms that "Advance" is an appropriate antonym.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, "Delay", involves making something happen later, which can also cause a process to stretch out. This is closer in effect to "protract" than to its opposite. Option C, "Unwise", describes lack of wisdom and has no connection to lengthening or shortening time. Option D, "Sharp", is generally used for edges, sounds, or intelligence, and again is unrelated to temporal duration or extension.

Common Pitfalls:
Some test takers may choose "Delay" incorrectly because they associate both "protract" and "delay" with time. However, the question asks specifically for the opposite meaning. The correct approach is to think in terms of whether the action makes something longer or shorter. "Protract" and "delay" both tend to stretch time, while "advance" moves events earlier and shortens overall duration.

Final Answer:
The antonym of "Protract" is Advance.