English Vocabulary — Antonyms (Style and Display) Choose the word that is OPPOSITE in meaning to the highlighted noun in the sentence below. Sentence: In the interest of one's own reputation, one should avoid ostentation while entertaining friends. Target word: ostentation

Introduction / Context:
"Ostentation" refers to a showy, pretentious display intended to attract notice. When entertaining, it suggests lavishness and conspicuous expenditure or display. The antonym should indicate restraint and the absence of showiness in style or presentation, i.e., plainness or modest simplicity.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target noun: ostentation (showiness, pretentious display).
• Context: social entertaining and personal reputation.
• Task: choose the most accurate opposite in this stylistic domain.

Concept / Approach:

On the axis of display, "ostentation" contrasts with "simplicity" or "modesty." Between the options, "simplicity" directly signals plain, unpretentious style. "Miserliness" misfires: it means unwillingness to spend and is morally loaded; one can be non-ostentatious without being miserly. "Purity" and "innocence" are moral/character notions unrelated to display style; "modesty" is close but typically describes attitude, while the sentence focuses on the manner of entertaining—style and presentation—making "simplicity" the best fit.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Define ostentation: conspicuous, showy display.2) Identify the style opposite: plainness/minimalism = simplicity.3) Compare with alternatives: modesty (attitude) vs simplicity (style).4) Select "simplicity" as the most context-appropriate antonym.

Verification / Alternative check:

Rephrase: "…one should prefer simplicity while entertaining friends" is the clear inverse of "avoid ostentation," confirming the opposite on the style dimension.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

miserliness: Stinginess; not the stylistic opposite of showiness.purity: Moral/ritual sense; unrelated.innocence: Lack of guilt/experience; unrelated.modesty: Close in meaning but more about attitude than style; "simplicity" better matches entertaining style.

Common Pitfalls:

Equating the opposite of showiness with stinginess. Minimalist style can be generous yet unpretentious; simplicity, not miserliness, captures that idea.

Final Answer:

simplicity