One-word Substitution MCQ for SSC exams

- An author who writes the story of another person’s life is known as
A) Historian.
B) Biographer.
C) Chronicler.
D) Diarist.
Answer: Option B
Solution: One word substitute is Biographer
A biographer is an author who writes the story of another person’s life. A biography is a non-fiction work that details the life of an individual, often covering their experiences, relationships, and significant achievements. It is written from an objective perspective, based on extensive research and various sources, such as interviews, letters, diaries, photographs, and essays. The aim of a biography is to provide a comprehensive account of the subject’s life, highlighting various aspects, including intimate details and analysis of their personality.
(A) Historian: A historian is a person who studies and writes about the past in general, researching and narrating past events as they relate to human society. While historians might touch upon the lives of individuals, their focus is broader, encompassing the context in which people lived rather than solely focusing on a person’s life story.
(C) Chronicler: A chronicler records historical events in the order of their occurrence, often without the narrative and interpretive content found in the work of a historian or biographer. They focus on factual and sequential reporting of events. Chronicles primarily serve as records of events and may offer insights into the social and cultural context of the period, but they are not detailed narratives of an individual’s life.
(D) Diarist: A diarist is someone who writes a diary, which is a personal record of their own experiences, thoughts, and feelings. While a diarist may write about their interactions with others, their primary focus is their own life, not the life of another person.
Therefore, a biographer is the most precise term for an author who writes the story of another person’s life.
- The one who knows everything
A) Knowledgeable.
B) Clever.
C) Intelligent.
D) Omniscient.
Answer: Option D
Solution: One word substitute is Omniscient
The term omniscient describes someone who knows everything. It is often used to refer to a divine being or a being that possesses infinite knowledge. The word has Latin roots: “omni-“, meaning “all” or “universally”, and “scientia”, meaning “knowledge”.
(A) Knowledgeable: This describes a person who has a good understanding of a wide range of facts and information or about a specific subject. However, it does not imply knowing absolutely everything. For instance, a knowledgeable critic might be well-versed in art, but not necessarily in quantum physics.
(B) Clever: This term describes someone who is intelligent and quick-witted, especially in their ability to learn or plan things well. It can also describe something that is ingenious or skillful in its design or execution. While a clever person might have a lot of knowledge, it doesn’t mean they know absolutely everything.
(C) Intelligent: This describes someone possessing the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills. It refers to the capacity for thought, reasoning, and understanding. Intelligence is about the ability to learn and understand, not the possession of all knowledge.
Therefore, omniscient is the most accurate term for describing one who knows everything, highlighting the absolute and unlimited nature of the knowledge.
- A decision On which one cannot go back
A) Incorrigible.
B) Irreparable.
C) Irrevocable.
D) Infallible.
Answer: Option C
Solution: One word substitute is Irrevocable
The term irrevocable means impossible to retract or revoke; irreversible or unalterable. When a decision is irrevocable, it signifies that it is final and cannot be changed or reversed once it has been made. This word is often used in legal or formal contexts, such as describing irrevocable contracts or agreements that cannot be canceled by one party without the consent of the other.
Let’s examine the other options:
(A) Incorrigible: This adjective is typically used to describe a person or their behavior as being bad or having bad habits that cannot be changed or improved. For example, an incorrigible liar or an incorrigible optimist are examples of this usage.
(B) Irreparable: This term refers to something that is impossible to repair or make right again. It describes damage or loss that is too severe to be fixed or remedied. An irreparable mistake or irreparable damage are common uses of this word.
(D) Infallible: This adjective describes something that is incapable of making mistakes or being wrong. An infallible memory or an infallible remedy are examples of this meaning. It implies absolute trustworthiness and reliability.
Therefore, the most appropriate term for a decision on which one cannot go back is irrevocable, as it directly conveys the meaning of being impossible to reverse or change.
- Alternative one-word for “an afternoon nap.”
A) Doze.
B) Catnap.
C) Slumber.
D) Siesta.
Answer: Option D
Solution: One word substitute is Siesta
The term siesta specifically refers to a short nap taken in the early afternoon, typically after the midday meal, and is often associated with cultures in warmer climates like Spain and many Latin American countries. It is derived from the Latin phrase “hora sexta” meaning “sixth hour” (from dawn), referring to midday. This practice allows individuals to rest during the hottest part of the day and often helps in avoiding post-lunch drowsiness, enabling them to resume activities in the cooler evening hours.
Let’s examine the other options:
(A) Doze: To doze means to sleep lightly or for a short period, especially during the daytime, and is often unplanned or unintended. While one might doze during an afternoon nap, “doze” doesn’t inherently carry the specific afternoon timing or cultural significance of a siesta.
(B) Catnap: A catnap is a very short sleep or doze, typically lasting only 10-20 minutes, intended to quickly revitalize the sleeper. Similar to “doze,” “catnap” refers to a brief period of sleep but lacks the specific afternoon context and cultural association that defines a siesta.
(C) Slumber: Slumber is a general term for sleep, often implying a peaceful or deep sleep. It doesn’t specifically refer to a nap or a daytime sleep, especially not one taken in the afternoon with the cultural context of a “siesta”.
Therefore, based on the definitions, siesta is the most precise and culturally specific term for an afternoon nap, particularly one taken after the midday meal.
- One who doubts the existence of God
A) Atheist.
B) Theocratic.
C) Agnostic.
D) Ascetic.
Answer: Option A
Solution: One word substitute is Agnostic
An atheist is a person who disbelieves or lacks belief in the existence of God or gods. Atheism is typically defined as the rejection of the assertion that deities exist. The term originates from the Greek “átheos” meaning “godless”. The Collins Dictionary states that an atheist is a person who believes that there is no God. Atheism is the fact of not believing in any god or gods, or the belief that no god or gods exist.
(A) Atheist: This term accurately describes someone who does not believe in the existence of a God or gods.
(B) Theocratic: This term refers to a form of government or society governed by religious leaders or based on religious principles. It does not describe a person’s belief or doubt about the existence of God.
(C) Agnostic: An agnostic is a person who neither believes nor disbelieves in a god or religious doctrine, considering it impossible to know or prove. While an agnostic might doubt, their position is about the knowability of God, not necessarily a denial of God’s existence.
(D) Ascetic: An ascetic is a person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons. This describes a lifestyle choice, not a belief system related to the existence of God.
Therefore, an atheist is the term that best describes one who doubts (or disbelieves in) the existence of God.
- One who eats human flesh –
A) Carnivorous.
B) Omnivorous.
C) Man-eater.
D) Cannibal.
Answer: Option D
Solution: One word substitute is Cannibal
A cannibal is a person who eats the flesh of other human beings, or an animal that eats the flesh of animals of its own type. Cannibalism is the practice of consuming another individual of the same species as food. The word has also been used to describe human beings who consume human flesh. Historically, cannibalism has been practiced in certain cultures for various reasons, including ritualistic purposes or as a last resort in extreme situations like famine. The word “cannibal” is derived from the Spanish word “caníbal”, which was originally a variant of “caríbal”, used to refer to the Kalinago people of the West Indies, who were said to have eaten human flesh.
(A) Carnivorous: Carnivorous animals primarily eat meat, but this term typically refers to the consumption of animals from different species. For example, a lion eating a zebra is carnivorous, while eating another lion would be cannibalism.
(B) Omnivorous: Omnivorous animals or humans eat both plants and animals. While humans are generally considered omnivores, the term doesn’t specifically address the consumption of human flesh.
(C) Man-eater: A man-eater is an animal, such as a tiger or a shark, that has become accustomed to eating human flesh. It can also refer to a human cannibal. However, “cannibal” is the more direct and specific term when referring to a person who eats human flesh.
Therefore, cannibal is the most accurate and precise term for one who eats human flesh.
- An unconventional lifestyle is called
A) Bohemian.
B) Chauvinism.
C) Aristocracy.
D) Modern.
Answer: Option A
Solution: One word substitute is Bohemian
Bohemian: a person who is interested in artistic and unusual things, for example art, music, or literature, and lives in an informal way that A bohemian lifestyle is characterized by its unconventional nature, often prioritizing artistic, literary, or spiritual pursuits over traditional norms and societal expectations. The term describes a person or a way of life that is considered unconventional and engaged in artistic or literary pursuits. Bohemianism is the pursuit of an unconventional way of life, often in the company of like-minded individuals and with few permanent ties. It entails musical, artistic, literary, or spiritual endeavor.
Let’s examine the other options:
(B) Chauvinism: Chauvinism is the unreasonable belief in the superiority or dominance of one’s own group or people.It can be an attitude of superiority toward members of the opposite sex or undue partiality or attachment to a group or place to which one belongs or has belonged. It is also described as excessive or blind patriotism.
(C) Aristocracy: Aristocracy refers to a form of government or a society ruled by a small privileged class. Aristocrats, or the ruling elites, typically enjoy social and economic prestige as well as political power. Key features often include hereditary rule, privilege, and a rigid social hierarchy.
(D) Modern: Modern refers to characteristics of the present time or a recent period. While an unconventional lifestyle may be considered modern, “modern” itself is not a specific term for an unconventional lifestyle. A modern lifestyle can encompass many different ways of living, both conventional and unconventional.
Therefore, bohemian is the most accurate term for an unconventional lifestyle, particularly one associated with artistic and free-spirited individuals.
- One who hates the mankind is called –
A) Philanthropist.
B) Altruist.
C) Misanthrope.
D) Anthropologist.
Answer: Option C
Solution: One word substitute is Misanthrope
A misanthrope is a person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society. This word comes from Greek roots: “misos” meaning hatred, and “anthropos” meaning human being. A misanthrope holds negative views or feelings towards humanity based on perceived flaws and vices. They might see these flaws as universal and inherent to human nature.
(A) Philanthropist: A philanthropist is the opposite of a misanthrope. They are a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes. The word originates from Greek, meaning “loving humankind”.
(B) Altruist: An altruist is someone who cares about others and helps them, often at personal cost, without expecting anything in return. Altruism is the unselfish concern for the welfare of others.
(D) Anthropologist: An anthropologist is a person who specializes in anthropology, which is the scientific study of humanity, including human behavior, biology, cultures, and societies.
Therefore, the most accurate term for one who hates mankind is misanthrope.
- One who eats everything
A) Omnivorous.
B) Graminivorous.
C) Herbivorous.
D) Carnivorous.
Answer: Option A
Solution: One word substitute is Omnivorous
The term omnivorous describes an animal or person that habitually consumes and digests both plant and animal matter for sustenance.The word “omni” means “all”, and “vore” means “eating”, so omnivores are those who eat all types of food.also defines omnivorous as naturally able to eat both plants and meat. Humans are classified as omnivores because our diets include a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, and dairy products.
(A) Omnivorous: This term accurately describes an organism that eats both plants and animals.
(B) Graminivorous: This refers to animals that primarily feed on grasses.
(C) Herbivorous: Herbivores are animals that eat only plants or plant products.herbivorous humans are typically referred to as vegetarians.
(D) Carnivorous: Carnivores are animals that eat only meat.
Therefore, the most appropriate term for one who eats everything (both plants and animals) is omnivorous.
- One who is determined to exact full vengeance for wrong done to him
A. Virulent
B. Vindictive
C. Usurer
D. Vindicator
Answer: Option B
Solution: One word substitute is Vindictive.
A vindictive person is someone who has a strong and often unreasonable desire to harm or upset another person because they believe that person has harmed them. The term implies a determination to seek revenge or retribution for a perceived wrong. For example, a vindictive manager might spread false rumors about an employee who disagreed with them.The word “vindictive” is traced back to the Latin word vindicta, meaning “revenge” or “vindication”.
Let’s examine the other options:
(A) Virulent: This term has two main meanings:
o Referring to a disease or poison, it means dangerous, fast-spreading, or highly infectious. For instance, a virulent strain of flu spreads quickly.
o Referring to feelings or actions, it means extremely bitter, hostile, or full of hate. it can describe feelings or actions that are violently or spitefully hostile. However, it doesn’t directly describe a person determined to get vengeance, but rather the intensity of their hostility.
(C) Usurer: A usurer is a person who lends money at unfairly or unlawfully high rates of interest.usurers are often described as exploiting the poor. This term is completely unrelated to seeking vengeance.
(D) Vindicator: A vindicator is someone who clears another person from blame, suspicion, or doubt, or who proves someone right through evidence or argument. It can also refer to someone who argues to defend or justify a policy or institution. For example, a lawyer might act as a vindicator in court. It is not related to exacting vengeance.
Therefore, the most accurate term for a person who is determined to exact full vengeance for a wrong done to them is vindictive.