One-word Substitution One-word substitution is a process in which we use one word to replace a wordy phrase, to make the sentence structure more clear. For example: ‘A person who deliberately sets fire to a building’ for this phrase we can use one word ‘Arsonist’ which means the same. This is the verbal ability questions and answers section on “One-word Substitution” with explanations for various competitive examinations. Solved examples with detailed answer descriptions and explanations are given and it would be easy to understand. Through this section, Candidates can practice a variety of One-word Substitution Verbal Ability questions.
One-word Substitution
Direction: In the following One-word Substitution questions, Out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given word/sentence.
A life story of a person written by himself – A) Biography. B) Climax. C) Autobiography. D) Catastrophe.
Answer: Option C
Solution: One word substitute is Autobiography
Autobiography refers to a person’s life story written by that same person. The prefix “auto-” means self, and “bio-” refers to life, while “-graphy” means writing.
(A) Biography: This refers to a person’s life story written by someone else.
(B) Climax: This refers to the most intense, exciting, or important point of something, especially in a story or argument.
(D) Catastrophe: This refers to an event causing great and often sudden damage or suffering; a disaster.
Therefore, the word that best substitutes “A life story of a person written by himself” is “Autobiography”.
One who talks while asleep is called A) Somnambulist. B) Somniloquist. C) Somniferous. D) Sleeptalker.
Answer: Option B
Solution: One word substitute is Somniloquist
Somniloquist is the specific term used to describe a person who talks in their sleep. The word comes from the Latin roots ‘somnus’, meaning sleep, and ‘loqui’, meaning to talk.
(A) Somnambulist: A Somnambulist is someone who walks or performs other complex actions while asleep. This condition is commonly known as sleepwalking.
(C) Somniferous: Somniferous is an adjective meaning tending to induce sleep or causing sleep.
(D) Sleeptalker: This is a more casual or informal term, but not the specific one-word substitution being sought. Somniloquy is the medical term for the act of talking in one’s sleep.
Therefore, the most appropriate one-word substitution for “One who talks while asleep” is Somniloquist.
One who believes in fate – A) Fatalist. B) Narcissist. C) Feminist. D) Numismatist.
Answer: Option A
Solution: One word substitute is Fatalist
A fatalist is a person who believes that all events (specific beliefs about life, destiny, and the future) are predetermined and therefore unavoidable, often leading to a sense of resignation in the face of future events. This means they believe in the power of fate and destiny.
(B) Narcissist: A Narcissist is someone who has an excessive preoccupation with their own self, appearance, or abilities. Narcissists believe they are much more important than others and often lack empathy.
(C) Feminist: A feminist is a person who believes in and advocates for feminism, which is the belief in the social, economic, and political equality of the sexes.
(D) Numismatist: A Numismatist is a person who studies or collects coins, tokens, or paper money.
Therefore, the word that best substitutes “One who believes in fate” is Fatalist.
Policeman riding on motorcycle as gaurd to a VIP A. Outriders B. Servants C. Commandos D. Attendants
Answer: Option A
Solution: One word substitute is Outriders
Outriders are escort riders (usually on motorcycles or horses) who accompany a vehicle carrying a VIP (Very Important Person) as guards or to clear the way. Their primary role is often related to security and ceremonial escort.
(B) Servants: Servants are people employed to perform duties for others, such as domestic chores, and are not typically involved in VIP security escort.
(C) Commandos: Commandos are specialized soldiers trained for surprise attacks and raids, or highly trained special operations forces. While they provide security, they do not specifically refer to motorcycle escorts.
(D) Attendants: Attendants are people who are present to provide a service or assistance. While a general term for someone who helps, it doesn’t specifically refer to a motorcycle guard escort for a VIP.
Therefore, the most appropriate one-word substitution for “Policeman riding on motorcycle as guard to a VIP” is Outriders.
Iconoclast is one who – A) Destroys images. B) A group of icons. C) Is a popular figure of the society. D) Is a popular figure of the history.
Answer: Option A
Solution: One word substitute is Destroys images
The term iconoclast, derived from the Greek word ‘eikonoklastēs’, literally translates to “image destroyer.” Historically, it referred to individuals in the Byzantine Empire who opposed and often destroyed religious images or icons, believing their veneration amounted to idolatry.
Other similar words: Iconophiles (Greek for “lovers of images”), also known as “iconodules” (Greek for “servants of images”), refers to those who supported the use of religious images.
In modern usage, the term has a broader, figurative meaning. An iconoclast is someone who criticizes or opposes beliefs and practices that are widely accepted in society. They challenge established customs, ideas, or traditions. So, while the initial meaning refers to the physical destruction of images, the modern interpretation emphasizes challenging or attacking cherished beliefs or institutions.
(B) A group of icons does not accurately describe an iconoclast.
(C) Is a popular figure of the society and (D) Is a popular figure of the history are also incorrect. An iconoclast is often seen as an outsider or someone who doesn’t conform to societal norms.
Therefore, the most direct and historically accurate one-word substitution, reflecting the etymology, is “Destroys images.”
_____ leads an austere life
A) An apostate. B) An ascetic. C) An atheist. D) A bohemian.
Answer: Option B
Solution: One word substitute is An ascetic
An austere life is characterized by strict self-discipline, simplicity, and the avoidance of indulgences and pleasure, often for religious or spiritual reasons.
(B) An ascetic: An ascetic is a person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons. They lead a life of rigorous self-denial and may engage in practices like fasting or self-mortification to pursue spiritual goals.
(A) An apostate: An apostate is someone who has abandoned their religious faith, political beliefs, or cause. This term does not describe a lifestyle.
(C) An atheist: An atheist is a person who disbelieves in the existence of God or gods. This describes a belief system, not a lifestyle.
(D) A bohemian: A bohemian is a person who lives an unconventional, often artistic lifestyle, ignoring conventional rules of behavior. While they may live frugally or simply, their lifestyle is not necessarily characterized by the severe self-denial of an ascetic.
Therefore, the word that best substitutes “one who leads an austere life” is “An ascetic”.
One who collects coins – A) Collector. B) Narcissist. C) Calligrapher. D) Numismatist.
Answer: Option D
Solution: One word substitute is Numismatist
A numismatist is a person who studies or collects coins, tokens, paper money, and related objects. This field of study and collection is known as numismatics.
(A) Collector: This is a general term for anyone who collects anything, not specific to coins.
(B) Narcissist: A narcissist is someone who has an excessive preoccupation with their own self, appearance, or abilities. They believe they are much more important than others and often lack empathy.
(C) Calligrapher: A calligrapher is a person who practices the art of producing decorative handwriting or lettering with a pen or brush.
Therefore, the most precise one-word substitution for “One who collects coins” is Numismatist.
Philatelist is one who A) Does not care for art and literature. B) Likes to have a short sexual relationship with many women. C) Loves mankind. D) Collects stamps.
Answer: Option D
Solution: One word substitute is Collects stamps
A philatelist is a person who studies or collects postage stamps and related materials, such as postmarks, stamped envelopes, and postal history. This activity is known as philately. The term comes from the Greek words “philos” (loving) and “ateleia” (exemption from payment), originally referring to the exemption from payment that stamps represented.
(A) Does not care for art and literature: This describes someone who might be considered uncultured or lacking appreciation for aesthetics, but it is not specifically related to the term “philatelist.”
(B) Likes to have a short sexual relationship with many women: This describes a womanizer or a philanderer, which is unrelated to collecting stamps.
(C) Loves mankind: This describes a philanthropist, a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by donating money to good causes.
Therefore, the most appropriate one-word substitution for “Philatelist is one who” is “Collects stamps.”
One who talks of his own achievements A) Egomaniac. B) Egotist. C) Boastful. D) proud.
Answer: Option B
Solution: One word substitute is Egotist
An egotist is a person who is excessively conceited or absorbed in their own interests; a selfishly conceited person. They frequently talk about themselves and their achievements, often to impress others.
(A) Egomaniac: An egomaniac is someone who is pathologically self-centered. This refers to an excessive and unhealthy preoccupation with oneself, which can be more severe than simple egotism.
(C) Boastful: This is an adjective describing someone who brags or talks about their achievements with excessive pride. While it describes the behavior, the noun form for the person who does it is more accurately “egotist.”
(D) Proud: This is an adjective describing a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that one admires. While an egotist is proud, “proud” itself isn’t a noun for someone who talks about their achievements.
Therefore, the most appropriate one-word substitution for “One who talks of his own achievements” is Egotist.
A lover of good food A) Gourmand. B) Gourmet. C) Epicure. D) Professional Eater.
Answer: Option A
Solution: One word substitute is Gourmand
The term “lover of good food” can be described by several words, including gourmet, gourmand, epicure, and foodie. However, these words differ slightly.
• A gourmand is a person who takes great pleasure and interest in consuming particularly good food and drink. They enjoy eating, often heartily or to excess, they are devoted to eating lots of good food.
• A gourmet is a connoisseur of fine food; a person with a discerning palate. They are knowledgeable about food and cooking and enjoy high-quality food. Gourmets are more refined, appreciating the quality and presentation of food (requiring elaborate and expert preparation).
• An epicure is a person who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink, often associating with an appreciation for culinary excellence and gastronomic sophistication. Epicures are often associated with refined tastes and a pursuit of pleasure through food.
• A “Professional Eater” is not a standard one-word substitution for “a lover of good food”.
To learn more about one-word substitutes and also the list of substitutes with examples. Check our page One-word Substitution.
