In this English vocabulary question, you must select the word which is similar in meaning (synonym) to the adjective "opulent".

Introduction / Context:
This question examines your knowledge of synonyms for descriptive adjectives related to wealth and luxury. The given word is "opulent". Such words are common in reading comprehension passages about lifestyle, history, and art. Knowing them helps you understand descriptions quickly and accurately. Here you must select the word that is closest in meaning to "opulent".

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The target adjective is "opulent".
• Options are Fake, Gloomy, Rich, and Selfish.
• We must choose the synonym that best represents wealth and luxury.
• Only one option captures the correct sense of the word.

Concept / Approach:
"Opulent" is used to describe something that is very rich, luxurious, and expensive in appearance or quality. It often refers to grand houses, lavish decorations, or very wealthy lifestyles. Therefore, the synonym should also refer to wealth or richness. Among the given options, "Rich" clearly matches this idea. The other words, like "Fake", "Gloomy", and "Selfish", describe very different qualities and cannot be synonyms of "opulent".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "opulent" means very wealthy, luxurious, or richly decorated. Step 2: Look at "Fake", which means not genuine or not real; this is not related to wealth or luxury. Step 3: Consider "Gloomy", which describes a dark or sad mood; again this is about emotion and lighting, not richness. Step 4: Examine "Rich", which directly describes a person or thing having a lot of money, valuable resources, or luxurious quality. Step 5: Review "Selfish", which describes a person who only thinks of themselves; this is a moral quality, not a measure of wealth. Step 6: Conclude that "Rich" is the only option that matches the idea of "opulent".

Verification / Alternative check:
Check the words in sample sentences. "They lived in an opulent palace" can be paraphrased as "They lived in a rich, luxurious palace". The word "rich" naturally fits in that sentence, whereas "fake", "gloomy", or "selfish" would make the sentence illogical or change its meaning completely. Standard dictionary definitions also describe "opulent" as "rich and luxurious or lavish", which confirms that "Rich" is the closest synonym among the choices given.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Fake" talks about authenticity, not about the level of wealth or luxury. "Gloomy" relates to a sad or dark atmosphere, which does not define richness or luxury. "Selfish" describes a character trait in which a person only cares about themselves, not their financial status or lifestyle.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse "opulent" with "opinionated" or other similar sounding words. Others may misinterpret it as something negative because very rich lifestyles are sometimes criticised, but the word itself is neutral and descriptive, referring simply to great wealth and luxury. In synonym questions, focus on the core meaning first and ignore any personal feelings about whether the quality is good or bad. Once you know "opulent" means richly luxurious, "Rich" becomes the clear and safe choice.

Final Answer:
The word that is similar in meaning to "opulent" is Rich.