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multiple choice questions on one word substitution

One-word Substitution
  1. A shortened version of a larger work
    A. Summary
    B. Precis
    C. Shorts
    D. Abridgement

Answer: Option D
Solution: One word substitute is Abridgement
Abridgement is a shortened version of a larger literary work, like a book or play, where less important details are removed while keeping the main ideas and structure. It’s a reduced version of the work itself. The other options are not as precise:
(A) Summary: A summary is a brief account of the main points of something.
(B) Precis: A precis is a concise summary focusing on essential points.
(C) Shorts: This term usually refers to short films, stories, or clothing and not specifically to a reduced version of a larger work.
Thus, abridgement is the most fitting term for a shortened version of a larger work.
  1. Adjust or make right; correct, amend
    A. Recruit
    B. Recreate
    C. Recourse
    D. Rectify

Answer: Option D
Solution: One word substitute is Rectify
The term rectify means to adjust, correct, or make something right, especially to put an error or mistake right. it aligns perfectly with the phrase “Adjust or make right; correct, amend”. For instance, if there is a mistake in a document, one would rectify the error that “rectify” and “correct” share a common Latin root, “regere”, which can mean “to lead straight” or “to direct”.
(A) Recruit: To recruit means to enlist or enroll someone, typically for an organization or armed forces. It means to persuade someone to work for a company or become a new member of an organization. It is not related to making something right or correcting it.
(B) Recreate: This word has two main meanings: to make something exist or happen again, or to enjoy oneself through enjoyable activities. Neither meaning aligns with adjusting or correcting something that is wrong. It means to make something exist or happen again.
(C) Recourse: Recourse refers to a source of help in a difficult situation, or the act of turning to someone or something for help. It means using something or someone as a way of getting help, especially in a difficult or dangerous situation. It does not mean to make something right or correct it.
Therefore, rectify is the most fitting one-word substitute for “Adjust or make right; correct, amend”.
  1. Having or showing an excessively high opinion of one’s appearance. abilities, or worth.
    A. Superior
    B. Vain
    C. Otiose
    D. Domineering

Answer: Option B
Solution: One word substitute is Vain
The term vain describes a person who has or shows an excessively high opinion of their appearance, abilities, or worth. It implies a preoccupation with oneself, often with an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance or achievements. For example, someone who spends an excessive amount of time admiring themselves in a mirror or constantly talks about their accomplishments could be described as vain.
Let’s look at the other options:
(A) Superior: This term means higher in rank, status, or quality. While a vain person might believe they are superior, the word itself describes a state of being better, not the inflated self-perception.
(C) Otiose: This term means serving no practical purpose or result; useless. It is unrelated to someone’s opinion of themselves.
(D) Domineering: This term describes someone who asserts their will over others in an arrogant way. While this behavior might stem from an excessive self-opinion, it describes the action of trying to control others rather than the internal excessive opinion itself.
Therefore, vain is the most accurate one-word substitute for “Having or showing an excessively high opinion of one’s appearance, abilities, or worth”.
  1. The date when both, day and night are of approximately equal length
    A. Equilibrium
    B. Equine
    C. Equator
    D. Equinox

Answer: Option D
Solution: One word substitute is Equinox
The term equinox refers to the time or date, occurring twice each year, at which the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in day and night being of approximately equal length across most latitudes. The word “equinox” itself derives from the Latin words “aequus” (equal) and “nox” (night). Equinoxes occur around March 20th (vernal or spring equinox) and September 22nd or 23rd (autumnal equinox), marking the beginning of spring and autumn respectively, in the Northern Hemisphere. During an equinox, the Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the Sun, causing both hemispheres to receive roughly equal amounts of sunlight.
Let’s examine the other options:
(A) Equilibrium: This refers to a state of balance, especially between opposing forces or influences, but it doesn’t specifically relate to the length of day and night. For instance, a system can be in thermal equilibrium when the heat entering it equals the heat leaving it.
(B) Equine: This word means relating to or resembling a horse or horses and has no connection to the length of day and night.
(C) Equator: This is an imaginary line drawn around the Earth, equidistant from both poles, dividing the Earth into Northern and Southern hemispheres. It is a geographical line, not a date related to the length of day and night.
Therefore, the most accurate term for the date when both day and night are of approximately equal length is equinox.
  1. One who mediates in a deal or complex situation
    A. Equaliser
    B. Solicitor
    C. Pacifier
    D. Negotiator

Answer: Option D
Solution: One word substitute is Negotiator
A negotiator is a person who has formal discussions with someone else in order to reach an agreement, especially in a deal or complex situation. The act of mediating involves facilitating communication and finding common ground to help parties reach an agreement or resolve a dispute. A negotiator’s role often includes these mediation functions when working towards a resolution or agreement.
(A) Equaliser: This refers to something that makes things or people equal, or a device that counterbalances opposing forces. It’s not directly related to mediating a situation to reach an agreement.
(B) Solicitor: A solicitor is a type of lawyer in Britain and other countries who advises clients and prepares legal cases. While they may be involved in negotiations, their primary role is legal representation and advice.
(C) Pacifier: A pacifier is something used to soothe or calm someone, especially a baby,. It can also refer to a person who tries to bring peace, but it generally implies calming conflict rather than actively structuring a deal or agreement.
Therefore, a negotiator is the most accurate term for one who mediates in a deal or complex situation, as they actively work with parties to reach an agreement.
  1. A loud appeal or demand
    A. Protest
    B. Entourage
    C. Clamour
    D. Gambit

Answer: Option C
Solution: One word substitute is Clamour
The term clamour refers to a loud and insistent demand or expression, often made by a crowd of people. It can also refer to the loud, confused noise that results from such a demand. The word can be used as a noun to describe the demand itself, or as a verb to describe the act of making such a demand. For example, the public might clamour for the resignation of a politician.
(A) Protest: While a protest often involves loud appeals or demands, the word “protest” itself refers to a strong complaint expressing disagreement or disapproval, not necessarily the loudness of the demand.
(B) Entourage: This refers to the group of people who travel with and work for an important or famous person. It is unrelated to a loud appeal or demand.
(D) Gambit: A gambit is a clever action or remark, often involving a risk, intended to gain an advantage. It’s a strategic move, not a loud appeal or demand.
Therefore, clamour is the most precise term for a loud appeal or demand.
  1. The study of languages
    A. Philology
    B. Anthropology
    C. Lexicography
    D. Philosophy

Answer: Option D
Solution: One word substitute is Philology
While Linguistics is the broader term for the scientific study of language in all its aspects (structure, use, and acquisition), Philology specifically refers to the historical study of languages, particularly in connection with written texts and the historical development of a language. It often involves the study of ancient languages, classical literature, and the deciphering and interpretation of historical documents to understand the evolution and context of language. Before the 20th century, philology was the dominant field of language study, especially focused on historical development.
Let’s look at the other options:
(B) Anthropology: Anthropology is the study of humankind in all its aspects, including culture, society, biology, and language. While it has a branch called linguistic anthropology, which studies the relationship between language and culture, it is a broader discipline than the study of languages alone.
(C) Lexicography: Lexicography is the process of compiling, writing, and editing dictionaries. It involves the study of words and their meanings, but it is focused on the creation of reference works rather than the broader study of language itself.
(D) Philosophy: Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems concerning matters such as existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. While the philosophy of language is a branch of philosophy that examines the nature and function of language, it is not the general study of languages as a whole.
Therefore, given the choices, philology is the most fitting term among the options for the study of languages, particularly emphasizing their history and development through the analysis of texts.
  1. Sharp and direct
    A. Acerbic
    B. Zoonic
    C. Anodyne
    D. Acidic

Answer: Option A
Solution: One word substitute is Acerbic
The term acerbic is used to describe something, especially a comment or a style of speaking or writing, that is sharp and direct, often in a critical or even harsh way. It implies a biting or cutting quality in the tone or manner of expression, frequently associated with wit or satire. For example, one might refer to an acerbic critic or an acerbic sense of humor. The word originated in the 19th century from the adjective acerb, which had been used since the 17th century to describe things with a sour taste.
Let’s look at the other options:
(B) Zoonic: This adjective relates to or is derived from animals. It does not fit the description “sharp and direct.”
(C) Anodyne: This describes something unlikely to cause offense; it is often bland. This is contrary to being sharp and direct.
(D) Acidic: While this can mean sharp, it typically applies to taste or smell rather than communication.
Based on these definitions, “acerbic” is the best fit for describing something “sharp and direct” in communication.
  1. One who does something not professionally but for pleasure
    A. Professional
    B. Mature
    C. Immature
    D. Amateur

Answer: Option D
Solution: One word substitute is Amateur
An amateur is a person who engages in an activity, typically a sport or artistic pursuit, as a pastime or for pleasure rather than as a profession or for financial gain. The word derives from the Latin “amare”, meaning “to love”, which highlights the core motivation of an amateur: a love for the activity itself. For example, an amateur photographer enjoys taking pictures as a hobby, without necessarily seeking payment or professional recognition.
Let’s examine the other options:
(A) Professional: A professional is someone who engages in a specified activity as their main paid occupation, often with a high level of training and/or education. This is the opposite of an amateur.
(B) Mature: This term describes someone who has reached an advanced stage of physiological or behavioral development; fully developed. It relates to development and responsible behavior, not the motivation for engaging in an activity.
(C) Immature: This term describes someone who is not yet mature or who lacks sense and behaves in a childish manner. This is the opposite of mature and is also unrelated to the motivation for doing something for pleasure.
Therefore, amateur is the most accurate term for one who does something not professionally but for pleasure.
  1. A person having significant experience in an occupation
    A. Agnostic
    B. Fastidious
    C. Veteran
    D. Novice

Answer: Option C
Solution: One word substitute is Veteran
A veteran is a person who has had long service or experience in a particular occupation or field. While it is commonly used for someone who has served in the armed forces that it can also refer to anyone who has been involved in a particular activity for a long time. For instance, a “veteran teacher” or a “veteran journalist” are phrases that describe people with extensive experience in those fields. The term “veteran” comes from the Latin word vetus meaning ‘old’.
Let’s examine the other options:
(A) Agnostic: An agnostic is a person who neither believes nor disbelieves in a god or religious doctrine. This term relates to religious beliefs and not professional experience.
(B) Fastidious: This term describes someone who is very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail. They want everything to be correct and perfect and are often difficult to please. They can also be very concerned about keeping clean. This is a personality trait or working style, not a measure of experience.
(D) Novice: A novice is a person who is new to or inexperienced in a particular field or situation. They are a beginner with little or no experience. This is the opposite of someone with significant experience.
Therefore, veteran is the most accurate term for a person having significant experience in an occupation.