Choose the word which is closest to the opposite in meaning to the italicized word.
His conduct on the stage was applauded unanimously.
A) Booed
B) Silenced
C) Hated
D) Disturbed

Hint: Antonyms are the words that are opposite in meaning to another. The root words for the word 'antonym' are the words 'anti' meaning 'against' or 'opposite' and 'onym' meaning 'name’. For instance: the antonym of ‘hot’ is ‘cold’.

Complete step by step answer:
The meaning of the word applauded is ‘show approval or praise by clapping or cheering’. So, as per the question we have to find the word which is opposite in meaning to the word applauded.
Option A) Booed - is the correct answer because the meaning of booed is ‘to show disapproval of a speaker or performer’ and this is the antonym of the word applauded as they have different meaning or they are opposite in meaning to each other. Thus, this is the correct answer.
Option B) Silenced - is an incorrect answer because the meaning of silenced is ‘quiet or shush or prohibited from speaking’ and this is not antonym of the word applauded. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option C) Hated - is an incorrect answer because the meaning of hated is ‘intense dislike’ and this is not antonym of the word applauded. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option D) Disturbed - is an incorrect answer because the meaning of disturbed is ‘trouble or upset or distressed’ and this is not antonym of the word applauded. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Note:
Antonyms are the words that are opposite to each other i.e. antonym of applauded is booed and synonyms are the words that are similar in meaning. So, the synonym of the word applauded is cheer or clap. Thus, Option A is the most appropriate answer as compared to the other options.