Choose the word which is nearest in meaning to the given word. The target word is "anathema", which is often used for something or someone that is strongly disliked or cursed.

Introduction / Context:
This synonym question tests your understanding of the word anathema, which is frequently used in formal English, theology, and literature. Originally a religious term, anathema has come to describe something or someone that is intensely disliked or formally cursed. Recognising this meaning helps in understanding strong negative opinions expressed in newspapers, essays, and novels.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The word to be defined is "anathema".
We assume the common modern sense: something or someone hated or cursed, rather than a neutral religious object.
The correct synonym should capture the idea of a curse or something regarded with deep hatred or loathing.

The options include religious chant, pun, musical subject, and curse, with one clear match.

Concept / Approach:
In religious history, anathema referred to a formal curse or excommunication pronounced by a church against a person or doctrine. In modern general English, it is used more broadly to describe something that a person strongly detests or rejects, almost as if it were cursed. Thus, curse is the nearest straightforward synonym among the options. Religious chant, pun, and musical subject have completely different meanings, and blessing is actually the opposite of anathema in a religious sense.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that anathema is used for something that is hated, accursed, or formally condemned. Step 2: Look for an option that expresses the idea of a curse or something viewed as utterly unacceptable. Step 3: Option D Curse matches this meaning well; anathema can refer both to the act of cursing and to the thing cursed. Step 4: Option A Religious chant is misleading; although anathema is a religious word historically, it does not mean chant. Step 5: Option B Pun refers to a play on words, which has nothing to do with cursing or hatred. Step 6: Option C Musical subject is unrelated to the idea of condemnation or dislike. Step 7: Option E Blessing is almost the direct opposite of anathema, signifying approval rather than condemnation.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider this sentence: "For environmentalists, the idea of burning more coal is anathema." Here, anathema clearly means something completely unacceptable or detested. If we substitute curse, "the idea is a curse to them" roughly preserves the negative sense. However, replacing it with religious chant, pun, or musical subject would make the sentence meaningless. In older texts, you may see phrases like "to pronounce an anathema on someone", which is very close to saying "to curse someone". This confirms that curse is the best synonym among the options.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A Religious chant confuses the religious origin of the word with a completely different religious practice.
Option B Pun refers to humorous wordplay and has no connection with hatred or formal condemnation.
Option C Musical subject belongs to the vocabulary of music theory, not theology or strong disapproval.
Option E Blessing means favour or approval, which is nearly the opposite of anathema and therefore cannot be correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes focus on the word's religious origin and pick the first religious-sounding option they see, such as religious chant. Always remember to match the meaning, not just the domain. A good trick is to recall that anathema is often used in contexts where someone strongly opposes an idea: "X is anathema to Y." In such contexts, the idea is treated like a curse or something accursed, not like a chant or blessing.

Final Answer:
The word nearest in meaning to "anathema" is curse.