Select the antonym of the word "impiety", which means lack of respect for religion or sacred things.

Introduction / Context:
This question asks for the antonym of "impiety". In English vocabulary for competitive exams, many words are related to attitudes toward religion or sacred things. Knowing the difference between words that show disrespect and words that show deep respect is important for reading comprehension and precise expression.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The target word is "impiety".
• Options are "blasphemy", "heresy", "profanity", and "reverence".
• We must choose the word that is opposite in meaning, not just different.

Concept / Approach:
First recall the meaning:

• "Impiety" means lack of respect for God, religion, or sacred principles; irreverence.

An antonym must therefore express deep respect or devotion toward what is considered holy. Several options here actually reinforce the idea of disrespect and are near synonyms of "impiety".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand "impiety": it suggests irreverence, disrespect, or neglect of religious duties. Step 2: Evaluate "blasphemy": this means speaking sacrilegiously about God or holy things, which is a form of extreme impiety, not its opposite. Step 3: Evaluate "heresy": this means belief or opinion that goes against established religious doctrine. It also signals disobedience in religious matters and aligns with impiety. Step 4: Check "profanity": this refers to disrespectful or obscene language, especially when it treats sacred things without respect. Again, this is similar to impiety. Step 5: Examine "reverence": this means deep respect and awe, especially toward God, elders, or sacred objects. It is clearly opposite to impiety.

Verification / Alternative check:
Think of simple word pairs:

• "Impiety" is to "irreverence" as "reverence" is to "deep respect".
• "Blasphemy", "heresy", and "profanity" can all be condemned as acts of impiety by religious authorities.

Thus, if impiety is a lack of reverence, then reverence is the natural antonym that exam setters expect.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• blasphemy: Not opposite; it is a typical example of impious behaviour.
• heresy: Indicates deviation from accepted religious beliefs and is again a sign of impiety.
• profanity: Refers to irreverent and often obscene language, overlapping strongly with impiety.

Common Pitfalls:
A common trap in antonym questions is that examiners provide near synonyms of the given word to check whether you can clearly distinguish "same" from "opposite". Many candidates confuse "different from" with "opposite to" and end up selecting another negative word. Always consciously ask yourself: "Does this word mean the reverse idea, or is it just another form of the same thing?"

Final Answer:
The antonym of "impiety" is reverence.