Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase underlined. Fake news is rife on social media platforms.

The word "fake" implies that something is not genuine or is intended to deceive. It is an imitation or a fabrication. Thus, the word that carries the opposite meaning of "fake" would suggest that something is genuine, real, or not an imitation.

Let's analyze the options:

• Hard: Refers to something that is solid or firm, and does not relate to genuineness. Therefore, this is not the opposite of "fake."
• Original: Suggests that something is the very first of its kind or not a copy. Though this can be related to genuineness, it is not strictly the opposite of "fake" in the context of authenticity.
• Authentic: Means something that is genuine and not false. This is exactly the opposite of "fake," making it the word that effectively counters "fake" in meaning.
• Bogus: This means something is false or not genuine, which is synonymous rather than opposite to "fake."

Thus, the option that is opposite in meaning to "fake" is "authentic." This means that something is real and not intended to deceive.