General Knowledge MCQs
Topic Notes: General Knowledge
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
1
What is 'Verner's Law'?
Answer:
A refinement of Grimm's Law explaining exceptions based on accent/stress
Karl Verner explained why some Germanic consonants didn't follow Grimm's prediction (e.g., father's 'th' vs. 'd' sounds).
2
The 'Macmillan Dictionary' was the first major learner's dictionary to:
Answer:
Stop printing paper editions and go digital-only
In 2012, Macmillan announced it would phase out print dictionaries to focus on the constantly updating digital version.
3
The word 'Clue' originally meant:
Answer:
A ball of thread or yarn
From the myth of Theseus, who used a ball of thread (clew) to navigate the Labyrinth; thus, a 'clew' helps solve a puzzle.
4
Which author is credited with inventing the word 'Nerd' in 1950?
Answer:
Dr. Seuss
It first appeared in 'If I Ran the Zoo' as the name of a creature.
5
The word 'Muscle' comes from the Latin 'musculus', meaning:
Answer:
Little mouse
The movement of a muscle under the skin was thought to resemble a mouse moving under a rug.
6
What is the 'Domesday Book'?
Answer:
A manuscript record of the 'Great Survey' of England completed in 1086
While not a dictionary, it is a crucial linguistic resource for Place-Name etymology in England.
7
The word 'Sinister' is the Latin word for:
Answer:
Left (side)
Historically, the left side was associated with bad luck; 'Dexter' was the right side (skill/good).
8
The 'Academie Française' was founded in 1635 by:
Answer:
Cardinal Richelieu
It was established to be the official authority on the usages, vocabulary, and grammar of the French language.
9
The word 'Goodbye' is a contraction of:
Answer:
God be with ye
Over time, 'God' was conflated with 'Good' (as in Good morning), and the phrase contracted.
10
Who authored the influential 'A Vocabulary, or Collection of Words and Phrases' (1816), focusing on 'Americanisms'?
Answer:
John Pickering
Pickering was one of the first to catalog words peculiar to the United States, though often with a critical eye.