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

Introduction / Context:
This question tests knowledge of antonyms by asking for the opposite meaning of the word incentive. Words connected with motivation, encouragement, and obstacles occur frequently in news and economics passages, so understanding these shades of meaning is important. Incentive usually refers to something that motivates a person to act, such as a reward or benefit. To find the antonym, we need a word that reflects an obstacle or discouraging factor rather than a motivating one.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The word given is incentive.
• The options are Impetus, Stimulus, Enticement, Hindrance, and Encouragement.
• We are asked specifically for the opposite in meaning.
• Incentive is a positive motivator that encourages people to do something.
• The antonym should therefore express something that blocks, delays, or discourages action.

Concept / Approach:
The core concept is to contrast motivation with obstruction. Incentive is something that pushes a person forward toward a goal. Words like impetus, stimulus, enticement, and encouragement all share this motivating nature. Hindrance, however, is different because it refers to something that gets in the way and makes progress more difficult. By grouping words according to whether they promote action or obstruct it, we can easily identify the correct antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Define incentive as a reward, benefit, or condition that encourages more effort or desired behaviour. Step 2: Consider Impetus, which means a driving force or motivation that causes something to happen more quickly. Step 3: Recognise that Impetus is similar in meaning to incentive and is therefore not an antonym. Step 4: Stimulus is also something that provokes activity or response, another near synonym of incentive. Step 5: Enticement refers to attraction or temptation that lures someone into an action, again very close to incentive. Step 6: Encouragement clearly supports or gives confidence to do something, which corresponds to incentive. Step 7: Hindrance means a barrier, obstacle, or factor that delays or prevents progress. Step 8: Since hindrance blocks action instead of promoting it, it stands as the opposite of incentive.

Verification / Alternative check:
Insert each option into a sample sentence. If there is no incentive, there is a hindrance to productivity makes logical sense, showing a contrast between presence and absence of motivation. If there is no incentive, there is no impetus or stimulus or enticement or encouragement changes the sentence but does not introduce an opposite; it only shows a lack of the same kind of force. This confirms that hindrance is the best antonym among the given choices.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Impetus is wrong because it means driving force and, like incentive, it pushes an action forward. Stimulus is incorrect because it is something that arouses activity, interest, or energy, again motivational in nature. Enticement is a tempting offer or lure, closely related to incentive as it draws a person toward an action. Encouragement provides support and confidence, also promoting action rather than blocking it. None of these words express obstruction or difficulty.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to treat any word that simply looks different as an opposite, especially under time pressure. Some students also confuse antonym questions with synonym questions and mistakenly choose options that feel similar to the stem word. To avoid this, always pause to form a quick explanation of the target word in your own language or simple English, then look for the option that clearly contradicts that explanation. This habit reduces confusion and improves accuracy in vocabulary sections.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Hindrance.