One Word Substitution MCQs with Answers & Explanations (Page 33)

To 'peel' is the specific verb for removing the outer skin or covering from fruits and vegetables. 'Rinse' and 'scrub' are methods of washing. 'Remove' is too general.

Ochlophobia is the specific term for an irrational fear of large crowds. 'Claustrophobia' is the fear of enclosed spaces. 'Sitophobia' is the fear of food. 'Astrophobia' is the fear of stars or celestial space.

An arbiter (or arbitrator) is a person chosen by two disputing parties to make a binding decision to resolve the dispute. A 'mediator' helps the parties reach their own agreement, which may not be binding.

A glossary is an alphabetical list of specialized terms, words, or phrases from a text, along with their definitions. An 'index' lists terms and page numbers. An 'appendix' contains supplementary information.

Ambidextrous means being able to use both the left and right hands equally well. 'Ambi-' means 'both', and 'dexterous' means 'skilled with the hands'. 'Gluttonous' means greedy.

Incomprehensible means impossible to understand. 'Illegible' means impossible to read (like bad handwriting). 'Inexplicable' means impossible to explain. 'Infallible' means incapable of being wrong.

Flora is the collective term for all the plant life found in a particular region or time period. 'Fauna' refers to the animal life of the same region. 'Landscape' refers to the visible features of the area.

Garrulous means excessively talkative, especially about trivial or unimportant matters. A 'speaker' is just someone who speaks. An 'orator' is a skilled public speaker. A 'laxative' is a medicine.

Dermatology is the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin. 'Orthopaedics' deals with bones and muscles. 'Venereology' deals with sexually transmitted diseases.

A lavatory is a room or compartment equipped with a toilet and, typically, a wash basin. A 'suite' is a set of rooms. 'Deluxe' is an adjective for luxury. A 'cabin' is a small room, e.g., on a ship.

A polyglot is a person who knows and is able to use several different languages. A 'linguist' studies the science of language but may not speak many. A 'scholar' is a learned person. A 'grammarian' studies grammar.

Blasphemy is the act or offense of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things. 'Obscenity', 'rudeness', and 'vulgarity' are general terms for offensive behavior or language, but 'blasphemy' is specific to religion.

A recluse is a person who lives a solitary life and intentionally avoids contact with other people. An 'ascetic' is one who practices severe self-discipline, often for religious reasons. 'Unsocial' is an adjective. 'Agnostic' doubts God's existence.

A promise is an explicit declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen. An 'agreement' involves two or more parties. A 'decision' is a conclusion. A 'settlement' resolves a dispute.

Regicide is the act of killing a king. 'Matricide' is the killing of one's mother. 'Genocide' is the killing of a large group of people. 'Homicide' is the general term for killing another person.

To 'besiege' a place means to surround it with armed forces in order to capture it or force its surrender, often by cutting off supplies. 'Seize' means to take. 'Attack' is a direct assault. 'Cease' means to stop.

An anarchist is a person who rejects all forms of compulsory government and authority ('establishments') and advocates for a society based on voluntary cooperation.

A 'masque' was a form of dramatic entertainment, popular in 16th and 17th century Europe, that involved masked performers, dancing, and elaborate staging. 'Mask' is a face covering. 'Mosque' is a place of worship. 'Mascot' is a symbol.

A howdah is a seat, often covered with a canopy, for riding on the back of an elephant. A 'saddle' is typically used for a horse. 'Lounge' is a chair. 'Hoof' is the foot of an animal.

A reproof is an expression of blame or disapproval, generally considered mild. 'Impertinence' is rudeness. 'Warning' is about future danger. 'Denigration' is strong criticism or defamation.