Choose the option opposite in meaning to the word or phrase in italics:
The students received a mild reproof from the teacher.
Answer Details
The option opposite in meaning to the word "reproof" is "commendation". "Reproof" means mild criticism or disapproval, whereas "commendation" means praise or approval. So, the sentence implies that the teacher gave the students mild criticism or disapproval for something. The other options, "exhortation", "opposition", and "appropriation", do not provide an opposite meaning to "reproof" and are not suitable for the blank space in the sentence.