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

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your understanding of the word "invective", which often appears in discussions about speech, debate, and criticism. Many vocabulary questions in exams focus on such words because they help test comprehension of editorial and literary passages. You must select the option that best captures the meaning of "invective" as it is used in standard English, especially in phrases like "a stream of invective".

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: Invective.
• Option A: Invent.
• Option B: Expressive.
• Option C: Abusive.
• Option D: Invitation.
• Option E: Polite.
• We assume standard dictionary definitions of these words.

Concept / Approach:
"Invective" is a noun that refers to insulting, abusive, or highly critical language directed toward a person or group. It carries a strongly negative tone and suggests harsh verbal attack. Among the given options, "Abusive" is the closest in meaning because it describes language that is insulting or violent in words. The other options either describe neutral or positive concepts or belong to completely different word families and grammatical categories.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "invective" refers to harsh, insulting, or abusive language, often in angry criticism. Step 2: Examine option C, "Abusive". This adjective describes language or behaviour that is insulting and harmful, matching the core sense of "invective". Step 3: Examine option A, "Invent". This is a verb meaning to create or design something new, unrelated to angry speech. Step 4: Examine option B, "Expressive". This means capable of conveying meaning or emotion clearly, and does not imply negativity or insult. Step 5: Examine option D, "Invitation". This refers to a request for someone to attend an event, which is entirely positive and polite. Step 6: Examine option E, "Polite", which is the opposite of the rude tone implied by "invective". Step 7: Conclude that "Abusive" is the only option that fits the meaning of "invective".

Verification / Alternative check:
Look at typical usage: "The debate degenerated into personal invective" means the speakers started using abusive language instead of reasoned argument. If we replace "invective" with "abusive language", the meaning remains the same. Substituting "expressive", "invitation", or "polite" would destroy the sense of the sentence. This substitution test confirms that "Abusive" is the best synonym among the options provided.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Invent" is wrong because it deals with creating things, not with insulting language. "Expressive" is wrong because expression can be neutral or positive and does not necessarily involve insult. "Invitation" is wrong because it relates to requesting someone presence, a completely different domain. "Polite" is wrong because invective speech is harsh and rude, which is the opposite of politeness. None of these words overlap in meaning with "invective".

Common Pitfalls:
Students may be misled by superficial similarity between "invective" and "invent", especially if they have not seen "invective" before. Others may be lazy and choose "expressive" because it is vaguely related to speech, without noticing the negative aspect in the question word. To handle such items, always think of a short definition for the target word in your own mind first. For "invective", you might remember "abusive language". Then choose the option that best matches that definition.

Final Answer:
The option that best expresses the meaning of "Invective" is Abusive, referring to abusive language or criticism.