Choose the one-word substitute for the expression "Postponement or delay permitted in the suffering of a penalty or the discharge of an obligation".

Introduction / Context:
This one-word substitution question focuses on legal and formal vocabulary. The phrase describes a temporary postponement or delay allowed in carrying out a penalty or fulfilling an obligation. The correct word must capture both the sense of relief or pause and the connection to something that would otherwise be unpleasant or burdensome.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The phrase is "Postponement or delay permitted in the suffering of a penalty or the discharge of an obligation".
• The options are "Respite", "Spire", "Splurge", and "Scourge".
• We rely on standard dictionary meanings.
• Only one option fits the idea of officially granted delay or relief.

Concept / Approach:
The key idea is a pause or temporary relief from something difficult or unpleasant, especially a penalty or duty. The term "respite" in legal and general usage means a short period of rest or relief from something hard, and it can refer to a delay granted in the execution of a punishment or in performing an obligation. We must confirm that this meaning aligns closely with the phrase and that the other options are unrelated.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Examine "Respite". It means a short break or delay from something unpleasant, and in legal language it can mean a postponement of a sentence or obligation.Step 2: Compare it with the phrase in the question. Both emphasise a permitted delay in suffering a penalty or carrying out a duty, so they match well.Step 3: Examine "Spire". This refers to a pointed structure on top of a building, usually a church tower. It has no connection with delay or obligations.Step 4: Examine "Splurge". It means to spend money freely or extravagantly, which again is unrelated to postponement.Step 5: Examine "Scourge". This refers to a source of great suffering or punishment, or a whip used for punishment, which is the opposite of relief.Step 6: Therefore, "Respite" is the only option that fits the definition.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider these examples: "The judge granted a respite in the execution of the sentence" and "The debtor received a temporary respite from payment". In both sentences, "respite" clearly means a delay in suffering a penalty or fulfilling an obligation. This lines up exactly with the wording of the question, confirming that "Respite" is the correct substitution.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, "Spire", is a purely architectural term and has no semantic overlap with legal delay or relief.
Option C, "Splurge", relates to extravagant spending, which does not match the concept of postponed suffering or obligation.
Option D, "Scourge", is closer to the idea of severe punishment, not delay or relief from it.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners may be misled by sound similarity rather than meaning, for example confusing "respite" with other words that start with "re" or "sp". Another pitfall is not recognising that the phrase in the question has a slightly formal or legal flavour, which points towards a word used in such contexts rather than everyday casual slang like "splurge".

Final Answer:
The correct one-word substitute is "Respite", so option A is correct.