In the following vocabulary question, select the option that best expresses the meaning of the word Accolade.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of synonyms, specifically for the word "accolade". Vocabulary items like this appear frequently in competitive exams to measure how well candidates understand formal and literary words. You need to choose the option whose meaning is closest to that of "accolade" in common usage, especially in contexts such as awards, honours, and recognition.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: Accolade.
• Option A: Silence.
• Option B: Mediocrity.
• Option C: Laurels.
• Option D: Lowliness.
• Option E: Punishment.
• We assume standard dictionary meanings for all options.

Concept / Approach:
The word "accolade" refers to an award, honour, or expression of praise that recognises achievement or merit. It is often used in phrases like "receive accolades" or "win accolades from critics". The noun "laurels" also refers to honours or awards, coming from the tradition of awarding laurel wreaths to victors. Thus, "laurels" is the closest synonym among the options. The other words either express neutral ideas or negative states that do not match the positive sense of "accolade".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "accolade" means an honour, award, or praise given to someone for achievement. Step 2: Examine option C, "Laurels". This word refers to honours or recognition, often for success in a field. It is used in expressions such as "rest on one laurels". Step 3: Check option A, "Silence". Silence is the absence of sound and has nothing to do with praise or awards. Step 4: Check option B, "Mediocrity". This means average quality, which is almost the opposite of achievement that attracts accolades. Step 5: Check option D, "Lowliness". This refers to humble or low status and is not connected to receiving honours. Step 6: Check option E, "Punishment", which clearly refers to a penalty and is opposed to the idea of honour. Step 7: Conclude that "Laurels" best captures the sense of "accolade".

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider example sentences. "The scientist received many accolades for his groundbreaking work" can be rephrased as "The scientist received many laurels for his groundbreaking work" without changing the basic meaning. In contrast, replacing "accolades" with "punishments" or "mediocrity" would be nonsensical. Both "accolades" and "laurels" frequently appear in similar contexts within news articles, biographies, and academic writing, which confirms their close semantic relationship.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Silence" is wrong because staying silent is the absence of comment and does not imply recognition. "Mediocrity" is wrong because it implies ordinary or low quality, which is unlikely to receive accolades. "Lowliness" is wrong because it refers to low social position or humility, again unrelated to the granting of honours. "Punishment" is the direct opposite of reward and praise. None of these options carries the positive idea of public honour that "accolade" expresses.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may confuse "laurels" with "lowliness" due to superficial similarity in spelling or may not have encountered the word "laurels" often. Others may not recall the meaning of "accolade" accurately and guess. To avoid such issues, it is helpful to link "accolade" mentally with contexts like award ceremonies, critical acclaim, and professional achievements. Associating it with "laurel wreaths" and "laurels" also strengthens your memory of the correct synonym.

Final Answer:
The option that best expresses the meaning of "Accolade" is Laurels.