One Word Substitution MCQs with Answers & Explanations (Page 34)

To 'extravasate' is a medical term meaning (of a fluid, especially blood) to escape from its proper vessel into the surrounding tissues. 'Extrapolate' is to infer. 'Exuberate' is to be abundant. 'Extricate' is to free.

Inexplicable means unable to be explained or understood. 'Incredible' means unbelievable. 'Inexplicit' means not clearly stated. 'Inexpressible' means too great to be put into words.

A 'bookworm' is an informal term for a person who reads a great deal, often to the exclusion of other activities. A 'student' or 'scholar' reads, but 'bookworm' implies a singular, consuming passion. A 'book-keeper' manages accounts.

A 'pot-boiler' is a work of art or literature produced quickly and of inferior quality, purely for financial gain (i.e., to 'boil the pot' or earn money for food). A 'money-spinner' is any product that makes a lot of money.

An anomaly is something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected. 'Heterogeneity' means diversity. 'Unanimity' means complete agreement. 'Anonymity' means being unknown.

A misogynist is a person who hates, dislikes, or is strongly prejudiced against women. A 'misanthropist' hates all people. A 'misogamist' hates marriage. A 'masochist' derives pleasure from pain.

A chaperon (or chaperone) is traditionally an older person who accompanies and supervises a young, unmarried person, especially a girl, on social occasions. A 'spinster' is an unmarried woman. A 'matron' is a senior nurse or married woman.

A peninsula is a piece of land that is surrounded by water on three sides and is connected to a larger landmass on the fourth side, making it 'almost an island'. An 'archipelago' is a group of islands. An 'isthmus' is a narrow strip of land.

A scullery is a small room or area, typically adjoining a kitchen, where domestic tasks like washing dishes and cleaning are done. A 'pantry' is for storing food. A 'cellar' is underground. A 'wardrobe' is for clothes.

Invulnerable means impossible to harm or damage (literally 'not woundable'). 'Invincible' means impossible to defeat. 'Impregnable' means impossible to capture (like a fortress). 'Infallible' means incapable of making errors.

A geostationary orbit is a specific type of orbit where a satellite travels at the same speed as the Earth's rotation, making it appear to stay in a fixed position above one spot on the equator. 'Geo-synchronous' is a broader term. 'Geocentric' means Earth-centered.

A madrigal is a type of secular vocal music, popular in the Renaissance, that is a 'part-song' for several voices and is sung 'a cappella' (without instruments). A 'ballad' tells a story. A 'panegyric' is praise. A 'limerick' is a humorous poem.

A slave is a person who is the legal property of another and is forced to work for them without pay. A 'servant' is employed and paid. A 'subordinate' is lower in rank. A 'bondsman' is bound by a contract, which could include slavery.

A hallucination is a sensory experience (seeing, hearing, feeling something) that occurs in the absence of any real, external stimulus. An 'illusion' is a misinterpretation of a real stimulus. An 'allusion' is an indirect reference.

A versatile person is one who has many different skills, abilities, or talents. 'Gifted' and 'exceptional' are more general terms for high ability. 'Nubile' describes a young woman as sexually attractive.

A geologist is a scientist who studies geology, the science of the Earth's physical structure, substance, history, and the processes that act on it. A 'meteorologist' studies weather. An 'anthropologist' studies humans. A 'seismologist' studies earthquakes.

A kaleidoscope is a toy in the form of a tube containing mirrors and colored glass pieces, which create changing symmetrical patterns when the tube is rotated. A 'periscope' sees over objects. A 'microscope' magnifies tiny objects.

Verbatim is an adverb or adjective that means 'in exactly the same words as were used originally'. 'Copying' is general. 'Photostat' was a brand of copier. 'Mugging' means to study (or to rob).

A numismatist is a person who studies or collects coins, paper currency, and medals. A 'philatelist' collects stamps. A 'narcissist' is self-obsessed. A 'fatalist' believes in fate.

A mutiny is a specific type of rebellion where soldiers or sailors refuse to obey the orders of their officers and attempt to take control. 'Revolt' and 'revolution' are broader rebellions against a government. 'Anarchy' is a lack of authority.