Select the word or phrase which best expresses the meaning of the given word:…

Correct answer: Sprout

Meaning: "Germinate" means to begin to grow or develop, especially used for seeds starting to grow.

• Sprout is a direct synonym: it refers to producing shoots or new growth, the same process described by germinate.

• Decay is the opposite: it means to rot or decompose, not to begin growth.

• Breed refers to producing offspring or cultivating animals/plants over generations, which is different from a seed beginning to grow.

• Produce is more general (to make or create) and does not specifically capture the idea of beginning to grow.

Example: After a few days in moist soil, the seed germinated and began to sprout.