Question 1

One-word substitution (vocabulary): A person interested in collecting, studying, and selling old things  Select the single best word that matches the description.

Accepted Answer

Given data Description: someone who collects, studies, and often trades in old/rare objects. Concept/Approach Distinguish between scholarly interest in antiques vs. general dealing or unrelated traits. Reasoning through options Antiquarian — a student/collector of antiques and rare objects; often buys/sells them. Correct. Junk-dealer — trades in discarded items of little value; not focused on historical/rare objects. Archaeologist — scientifically studies past human life via excavation; not defined by collecting/selling objects. Crank — eccentric person; irrelevant. Common pitfalls Equating archaeology (a scientific field) with antique trading or private collecting.

Question 2

One-word substitution (vocabulary): A drawing on transparent paper  Select the single best word that matches the description.

Accepted Answer

Given data Object: a drawing made on transparent material/paper. Concept/Approach Identify the term used for clear/see-through sheets used for overlays or projection. Reasoning through options Transparency — a clear sheet with an image/drawing; used for viewing/overlays/projection. Correct. Blueprint — reproduction of technical drawings (traditionally blue background); not specifically on transparent paper. Negative — photographic term; not a general drawing on transparent paper. Red print — not a standard term for such drawings.

Question 3

One-word substitution (vocabulary): One who is not easily pleased by anything  Select the single best word that matches the description.

Accepted Answer

Given data Trait: difficult to satisfy; very hard to please. Concept/Approach Look for the personality adjective denoting excessive attention to detail and high standards. Reasoning through options Fastidious — very attentive to detail; hard to please. Correct. Maiden — unmarried girl/woman; unrelated. Mediaeval — of the Middle Ages; unrelated. Precarious — unsafe/unstable; unrelated to pleasing.

Question 4

One-word substitution (vocabulary): A remedy for all diseases  Select the single best word that matches the description.

Accepted Answer

Given data Definition: a cure-all; a solution for all diseases/problems. Reasoning through options Panacea — a universal remedy/cure-all. Correct. Stoic — a person who endures pain without complaint. Marvel — something wonderful; not a remedy. Recompense — compensation; not medical.

Question 5

One-word substitution (vocabulary): One who is fond of fighting  Select the single best word that matches the description.

Accepted Answer

Given data Meaning sought: a disposition inclined toward fighting/war. Concept/Approach Choose the adjective that primarily denotes a warlike temperament. Reasoning through options Bellicose — warlike; demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight. Correct. Belligerent — engaged in war/hostile; close, but often used for parties at war rather than innate fondness. Aggressive — broadly forceful or attacking; not necessarily a fondness for fighting. Militant — combative in support of a cause; context-specific.

Question 6

One-word substitution (vocabulary): A small shop that sells fashionable clothes, cosmetics, etc.  Select the single best word that matches the description.

Accepted Answer

Given data Retail type: small, fashionable, often curated goods (clothes/cosmetics). Reasoning through options Boutique — a small, specialized shop selling fashionable items. Correct. Store — generic term; not necessarily small/fashion-forward. Stall/Booth — temporary or small selling point; not typically a fashion shop.

Question 7

One-word substitution (vocabulary): That which cannot be read  Select the single best word that matches the description.

Accepted Answer

Given data Definition: impossible or very hard to read (e.g., handwriting). Reasoning through options Illegible — not readable. Correct. Ineligible — not qualified; unrelated. Negligible — so small as to be not worth considering. Incorrigible — cannot be corrected; unrelated to reading.

Question 8

One-word substitution (idiom/phrase): In a state of tension, anxiety, or suspense  Select the single best expression that matches the description.

Accepted Answer

Given data Sought meaning: feeling very anxious/tense, waiting for an outcome. Reasoning through options On tenterhooks — idiom meaning in a state of painful suspense/anxiety. Correct. Off balance — unsteady or surprised; not specifically suspense. Depressed — unhappy/low mood; different nuance. Diffused — spread out; unrelated.

Question 9

One-word substitution (vocabulary): That which cannot be seen  Select the single best word that matches the description.

Accepted Answer

Given data Definition: not visible to the eye. Reasoning through options Invisible — cannot be seen. Correct. Unseen — not seen (perhaps overlooked or hidden), but not necessarily incapable of being seen. Intangible — cannot be touched; about touch, not sight. Insensible — unconscious/imperceptible; not the same as invisible.

Question 10

One-word substitution (action verb: striking with a flat object): Choose the option that most accurately names the act of slapping with a flat-surfaced object.  Definition focus: A quick, sharp blow delivered with a flat hand or flat object.  Instru…

Accepted Answer

Given data Prompt: ‘‘To slap with a flat object’’ → find the most precise verb. Options: Swat, Chop, Hew, Gnaw. Concept / Approach Swat means to strike or slap sharply with a flat object (e.g., a flyswatter or open palm). The other verbs do not involve a flat slapping action. Step-by-step elimination Swat — sharp, flat-surface strike; matches ‘‘slap’’. ✅Chop — cut with a quick downward blow, typically with an edge (axe/hand edge). ❌Hew — to chop or cut, often shaping with blows of an axe; not a slap. ❌Gnaw — bite persistently; no slapping. ❌ Verification / Usage ‘‘He swatted the mosquito with a magazine.’’ → flat-object strike. Common pitfalls Confusing any quick strike with slapping; slapping specifically implies a flat surface. Final Answer Swat

Question 11

One-word substitution (personality trait: speaking habits): Identify the precise adjective for someone who is habitually silent or speaks very little.  Context: The term should denote consistent brevity or reluctance in speech, not mere clarity or n…

Accepted Answer

Given data Definition target: habitually silent / speaking little. Options: Taciturn, Servile, Unequivocal, Synoptic. Concept / Approach Taciturn = reserved, habitually silent. Other options denote different qualities (submissive, clear, summarized). Elimination Taciturn — quiet by habit; correct. ✅Servile — overly submissive; unrelated to speech volume. ❌Unequivocal — clear, unambiguous; about meaning, not talkativeness. ❌Synoptic — giving a brief summary; describes texts, not people's speaking habits. ❌ Verification / Example ‘‘A taciturn colleague who rarely volunteers comments in meetings.’’ Final Answer Taciturn

Question 12

One-word substitution (character assessment): Choose the correct term for a person who cannot be corrected, reformed, or improved by punishment or persuasion.  Context: The word should emphasize incorrigibility in habits or behavior patterns.  Instr…

Accepted Answer

Given data Sought meaning: cannot be corrected/reformed. Options: Incorrigible, Incurable, Hardened, Invulnerable. Concept / Approach Incorrigible directly denotes someone not reformable by correction or discipline. Other terms relate to disease (incurable), mere desensitization (hardened), or immunity to harm (invulnerable). Elimination Incorrigible — irreformable; correct. ✅Incurable — about illness; metaphorical use possible but not precise here. ❌Hardened — inured, but still potentially correctable. ❌Invulnerable — cannot be harmed; unrelated. ❌ Example ‘‘An incorrigible prankster who ignores repeated warnings.’’ Final Answer Incorrigible

Question 13

One-word substitution (embodiment): Identify the best verb that means to be the embodiment or perfect example of a quality, idea, or type.  Context: The word should convey representing an abstract quality in concrete, recognizable form.  Instruction…

Accepted Answer

Given data Definition: be the embodiment or perfect example of. Options: Personify, Characterise, Idol, Signify. Concept / Approach Personify = embody or represent (a quality, concept) as a person or in a person. ‘‘Characterise’’ means describe the distinctive qualities; ‘‘idol’’ is a noun; ‘‘signify’’ means to mean/indicate, not necessarily embody. Elimination Personify — to embody; correct. ✅Characterise — to describe/mark as a feature; not embodiment. ❌Idol — noun meaning adored person/object; wrong part of speech. ❌Signify — to indicate/mean; not necessarily to embody. ❌ Example ‘‘She personifies resilience in the face of adversity.’’ Final Answer Personify

Question 14

One-word substitution (belief about God): Determine the precise term for a person who is not sure whether God exists (neither affirms nor denies).  Context: Distinguish among disbelief (atheism), belief (theism), and skepticism/uncertainty.  Instruc…

Accepted Answer

Given data Target: one not sure of the existence of God. Options: Agnostic, Cynic, Atheist, Theist. Concept / Approach Agnostic = neither believing nor disbelieving, or holding that the truth of God’s existence is unknown/unknowable. Atheist denies; theist believes; cynic distrusts motives of people. Elimination Agnostic — uncertainty/unknowability; correct. ✅Atheist — affirms non-existence; not uncertainty. ❌Theist — affirms existence; not uncertainty. ❌Cynic — unrelated to belief in God. ❌ Example ‘‘He describes himself as an agnostic, open to arguments on both sides.’’ Final Answer Agnostic

Question 15

One-word substitution (text form): Choose the correct term for a document written by hand rather than typed or printed.  Context: The word often denotes an author’s handwritten text in its original form.  Instruction: Select the most appropriate sin…

Accepted Answer

Given data Definition: paper written by hand. Options: Manuscript, Handicraft, Handiwork, Thesis. Concept / Approach Manuscript (Latin: manus = hand, scriptus = written) → handwritten document/original text. ‘‘Handicraft’’/‘‘handiwork’’ are crafted items; ‘‘thesis’’ is a formal dissertation (may be typed). Elimination & verification Manuscript — specifically hand-written/original text; correct. ✅Handicraft/Handiwork — general manual craft, not a document. ❌Thesis — academic work, not necessarily handwritten. ❌ Example ‘‘The poet’s manuscript contains corrections in the margin.’’ Final Answer Manuscript

Question 16

One-word substitution (offence against sacred things): Identify the exact term for the act of violating the sanctity of a church or any sacred place/object.  Context: Distinguish this from blasphemy (insulting speech) and heresy (doctrinal deviation…

Accepted Answer

Given data Sought meaning: the act of violating the sanctity of a church/sacred thing. Options: Sacrilege, Blasphemy, Heresy, Desecration. Concept / Approach Sacrilege = profaning or violating something sacred (place/object/rite); typically an act. Blasphemy = insulting or showing contempt for the divine, usually in speech; heresy = belief contrary to orthodox doctrine; desecration = general profanation, often synonymous but broader, not limited to sacred institutions like the church. Elimination Sacrilege — specific to breach of sacredness; best fit. ✅Blasphemy — verbal irreverence; not necessarily an act against a site/object. ❌Heresy — doctrinal deviation; belief, not an act upon a place/object. ❌Desecration — close, but sacrilege is the more precise, traditional term for church/sacred violation. ⚠️❌ Example ‘‘Stealing relics from a cathedral constitutes sacrilege.’’ Common pitfalls Choosing ‘‘blasphemy’’ because it sounds severe; the prompt focuses on an act against a sacred place/object. Final Answer Sacrilege

Question 17

One-word substitution (perceptibility by ear): Choose the term that precisely means ‘‘capable of being heard’’ or ‘‘perceptible to the ear’’.  Context: Do not confuse with terms referring to the sense of hearing in general or to mixed media.  Instru…

Accepted Answer

Given data Target meaning: something that can be heard. Options: Audible, Auditory, Audio-visual, Audition. Concept / Approach ‘‘Audible’’ describes a sound that is actually hearable. ‘‘Auditory’’ pertains to the sense of hearing; ‘‘audio-visual’’ combines sound and sight; ‘‘audition’’ is the act of hearing or a trial performance. Elimination Audible — hearable; correct. ✅Auditory — relating to hearing (adjectival category), not ‘‘can be heard’’. ❌Audio-visual — involving sound and sight; not a property of being hearable. ❌Audition — hearing or try-out; not an adjective meaning hearable. ❌ Example ‘‘The announcement was barely audible over the crowd.’’ Final Answer Audible

Question 18

One-word substitution (pen name): Identify the literary term for a fictitious name adopted by an author for publication instead of his or her real name.  Context: The usage is common for privacy, branding, or genre separation.  Instruction: Choose t…

Accepted Answer

Given data Definition: a name adopted by an author in writing. Options: Pseudonym, Nickname, Nomenclature, Title. Concept / Approach Pseudonym (pen name) = fictitious name used by an author. ‘‘Nickname’’ is an informal familiar name; ‘‘nomenclature’’ is a system of names; ‘‘title’’ is the name of a work or honorific. Elimination Pseudonym — pen name; correct. ✅Nickname — informal alias, not necessarily for publication. ❌Nomenclature — naming system, not a personal alias. ❌Title — of a book/position; not an author’s alias. ❌ Example ‘‘Samuel Clemens wrote under the pseudonym Mark Twain.’’ Final Answer Pseudonym

Question 19

One-word substitution (branch of zoology): Select the scientific field that specifically studies birds, including their behavior, ecology, and classification.  Context: Distinguish it from eye medicine and other homophone-like terms.  Instruction: C…

Accepted Answer

Given data Sought field: study of birds. Options: Ornithology, Orology, Optology, Ophthalmology. Concept / Approach Ornithology = the branch of zoology dealing with birds. ‘‘Orology’’ studies mountains; ‘‘ophthalmology’’ is medical science of the eye; ‘‘optology’’ is a rare/archaic term sometimes associated with optics, not birds. Elimination Ornithology — birds; correct. ✅Orology — mountains/relief; unrelated. ❌Optology — optics (rare) or misused term; not zoology. ❌Ophthalmology — medicine of the eye; human/animal vision health, not birds specifically. ❌ Example ‘‘She specializes in migration patterns in ornithology.’’ Final Answer Ornithology

Question 20

One-word substitution (vocabulary): Choose the correct term for “a place that provides refuge”  Select the single best option that precisely denotes a place offering safety, protection, or refuge.

Accepted Answer

Given data Prompt: A place that provides refuge. Options: Asylum, Sanatorium, Shelter, Orphanage. Concept/Approach Match the definition to the most specific word denoting legal/sanctioned protection and refuge, often for vulnerable or persecuted persons. Reasoning through options Asylum — formal refuge/protection granted to someone; a protected place offering safety. This is the most precise match.Sanatorium — medical facility for long-term illness (not primarily refuge).Shelter — general temporary housing; close but less formal/precise than asylum.Orphanage — residence for children without parents; not a general refuge for anyone. Common pitfalls Choosing “Shelter” for general safety; the question prefers the more exact, formal term. Final Answer Asylum

One Word Substitutes Questions