In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word opposite in meaning to the word given. Benediction.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary item asks the learner to select the antonym of benediction. The word benediction appears in religious and formal contexts and usually refers to a blessing, especially a spoken blessing. To find its opposite, we must look for a word that conveys disapproval, censure, or some harmful statement rather than a positive, holy wish. Understanding such words is useful not only in exams but also when reading literature and religious texts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The target word is benediction.
• Options given are Criticism, Invocation, Beatitude, Approbation, and Blessing.
• We are asked for the opposite in meaning.
• Benediction means blessing, usually a formal or divine blessing.
• The antonym must therefore express negative judgment, curse, or disapproval, although the exact word curse does not appear in the list.

Concept / Approach:
The central concept is to distinguish positive words that express approval or divine favour from negative words that express disapproval. Benediction, Invocation, Beatitude, Approbation, and Blessing are all associated with positive or sacred ideas. Criticism, however, stands apart as a word that usually indicates disapproval or pointing out faults. Therefore, by grouping the options into positive and negative sets, we can quickly identify criticism as the opposite of benediction.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Define benediction as a blessing, especially a prayer asking for divine help, protection, or favour. Step 2: Consider Invocation, which is a call for help or guidance, often addressed to a deity, and is therefore related to prayer. Step 3: Recognise Beatitude as a state of blessedness or supreme happiness, again connected with blessing. Step 4: Approbation means approval or praise, which is another positive, supportive term. Step 5: Blessing is almost a direct synonym for benediction and cannot be its opposite. Step 6: Criticism, in contrast, refers to the expression of disapproval or the pointing out of faults or mistakes. Step 7: Since benediction is a positive, approving prayer and criticism is a negative judgment, they form an opposite pair within the given choices.

Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine a public speech. If at the end the speaker receives a benediction, it means people offer a blessing or good wishes. If instead the speaker receives criticism, it means people point out problems and faults. These two outcomes are clearly contrasting in tone and effect. Using invocation, beatitude, or approbation in place of benediction would preserve a positive atmosphere and therefore would not express an opposite meaning. This scenario confirms that criticism is the best antonym available in the list.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Invocation is wrong because it is a prayer calling upon a deity or higher power, which is closely related to benediction. Beatitude describes blessed happiness, especially spiritual joy, and therefore shares the positive, holy mood of benediction. Approbation refers to approval or praise, which again cannot be an opposite of a blessing. Blessing is almost identical in meaning to benediction, so it is clearly a synonym, not an antonym. None of these three negative options contradict the idea of a blessing.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse benediction with malediction, which does mean a curse. This confusion can cause them to misjudge the emotional tone of the word. Another pitfall is getting attracted to long or formal sounding words without checking their meanings. To avoid such mistakes, try to break the word into parts. Bene suggests good, as in benefit or benevolent, which hints that benediction is a positive term. Remembering such roots can make both synonym and antonym questions easier to handle.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Criticism.