Select the antonym (word most opposite in meaning) of "celibate".

Introduction / Context:
Antonym questions ask you to choose the word that has the most opposite meaning to the given word. The word "celibate" is commonly used to describe a person who abstains from sexual relations, often for religious or personal reasons, or someone who remains unmarried. To pick the correct antonym, you must understand this core idea of abstinence and then look for the option that represents an opposite lifestyle or attitude.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: "celibate".
• Options: chaste, virtuous, promiscuous, continent and abstinent (extra distractor).
• We assume the usual modern English meanings, especially in moral and social contexts.
• "Celibate" typically implies sexual abstinence or remaining unmarried.

Concept / Approach:
"Celibate" carries the meaning of refraining from sexual activity, especially by choice, and often suggests self control or religious commitment. Words such as "chaste", "virtuous" and "continent" all suggest sexual restraint or moral purity and are therefore close in meaning to "celibate", not opposite. The word "promiscuous", on the other hand, describes a person who has many sexual partners or engages in sexual relations in an uncontrolled or casual way. This behaviour is the direct opposite of celibacy. Thus, the most appropriate antonym of "celibate" among the options is "promiscuous".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand "celibate" as sexually abstinent, often unmarried and refraining from sexual relations.Step 2: Examine option A, "chaste". It means pure, especially in the sense of avoiding sexual activity or immoral behaviour. This is similar to celibate, not opposite.Step 3: Examine option B, "virtuous". It refers to moral excellence or high ethical standards, often including sexual purity, again close in meaning to celibate.Step 4: Examine option D, "continent". In a moral or religious context, continent often means exercising self restraint, especially in sexual matters. This is another near synonym.Step 5: Examine option E, "abstinent". This means refraining from some pleasure, often alcohol or sex, which again is similar to celibate.Step 6: Examine option C, "promiscuous". This describes someone who engages in sexual activity with many partners without firm commitment. This is clearly the opposite of choosing to remain celibate. Therefore, the correct antonym is "promiscuous".

Verification / Alternative check:
Put the words into contrasting sentences: "He chose to remain celibate" versus "He led a promiscuous lifestyle." The two sentences clearly describe opposite choices regarding sexual behaviour. In contrast, "He chose to remain celibate" versus "He remained chaste" both indicate similar levels of restraint. Dictionaries and vocabulary guides often list chaste, abstinent and continent as synonyms or near synonyms of celibate. "Promiscuous" appears on antonym lists, confirming that it is the correct opposite.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Chaste: Suggests purity and avoidance of sexual sins; it is similar in meaning to celibate.
• Virtuous: Implies moral excellence; often includes sexual restraint, not its opposite.
• Continent: Refers to self control, particularly in sexual matters; again similar to celibate.
• Abstinent: Means refraining from certain pleasures; in sexual context it overlaps strongly with celibate.

Common Pitfalls:
Because exams frequently test synonyms, some students instinctively choose words with similar moral or religious associations, forgetting that the question is asking for an antonym, not a synonym. Another mistake is not focusing on the specific aspect of meaning that matters. Celibate is specifically about sexual abstinence, so the opposite must describe sexual activity that is free or uncontrolled, not just a different moral quality. Keeping the core meaning in mind and mentally forming example sentences with each option is a reliable strategy for avoiding such errors.

Final Answer:
The antonym of "celibate" is promiscuous.