Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
To find the antonym of an advanced vocabulary word like \(scurrilous\), one must identify its primary definition and its emotional charge (connotation).
Scurrilous is a descriptive adjective that characterizes language or behavior. It has a strong negative connotation, implying harm and vulgarity.
The correct antonym must be a word that describes language with a positive, supportive, or respectful intent.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us perform a comparative analysis of the definitions:
- Scurrilous: Making or spreading scandalous, vulgar, or defamatory claims about someone with the intent to damage their reputation. It is characterized by abusive insults.
Example: "The campaign was marred by scurrilous attacks on the candidate's family."
- (A) Coarse: This means rough, vulgar, or lacking in refinement. Since this shares the "vulgar" element with scurrilous, it is a synonym, not an antonym.
- (B) Sophisticated: This refers to having refined knowledge, culture, or elegance. While positive, it is the opposite of "simple" or "naive" rather than "abusive." One can be sophisticated and still be scurrilous.
- (C) Insolent: This means showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect. This is another synonym for the negative behavior described by scurrilous.
- (D) Complimentary: This adjective describes something that expresses a compliment, praise, or admiration.
If "scurrilous" is about tearing someone down with nasty lies or insults, "complimentary" is about building someone up with positive remarks.
The semantic opposition between "abusive" and "praising" makes "complimentary" the perfect antonym.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The opposite of \(Scurrilous\) is \(Complimentary\), which corresponds to option (d).