Question

Choose the option that is most opposite in meaning (antonym) to the word given below.
EXCORIATE

• A. Prevaricate
• B. Berate
• C. Regurgitate
• D. Acclaim

Hint:

Do not pick "Berate," it means nearly the same as excoriate; look for a strong word of praise instead.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

"Excoriate" means to criticize someone or something severely and harshly, to denounce scathingly (it literally meant to strip off skin). This question asks for the word most opposite to this harsh criticism.

1. Prevaricate: This means to speak evasively or lie in order to avoid the truth. It is about honesty, not about praising or criticizing, so it does not oppose excoriate.
2. Berate: This means to scold someone angrily, which is close in meaning to excoriate rather than its opposite.
3. Regurgitate: This means to bring back swallowed food, or to repeat information without real understanding. It has no connection to praise or blame.
4. Acclaim: This means to praise enthusiastically and publicly, which is the direct opposite of harshly criticizing or denouncing someone.

Since excoriate means to criticize severely, its true opposite is a strong word of praise, which is "Acclaim."

Let's summarize:

• Excoriate means to criticize harshly or denounce scathingly.
• Berate is a trap since it means almost the same thing as excoriate, not its opposite.
• Acclaim means to praise strongly, the real opposite of excoriate.

So the correct answer is "Acclaim."