One Word Substitution MCQs with Answers & Explanations (Page 36)

Unintelligible means impossible to understand (e.g., garbled speech, a complex theory). 'Illegible' means impossible to read (e.g., bad handwriting). 'Undecipherable' means it cannot be decoded.

An introvert is a person who is predominantly concerned with their own inner world of thoughts and feelings, rather than with external people and events. An 'egoist' is self-centered and vain. An 'extrovert' is outgoing.

Incredible means 'impossible to believe' or 'difficult to believe'. 'Fictitious' and 'imaginary' mean not real. 'Concocted' means deliberately made up or fabricated.

A postulate, or axiom, is a statement that is taken to be true or 'taken for granted' without proof, serving as a starting point for logical deduction or debate. 'Doctrine' and 'tenet' are beliefs. A 'maxim' is a short saying.

An archipelago is a sea or stretch of water containing a large number of islands. The term can also refer to the group of islands itself. A 'strait' is a narrow passage. 'Ocean' and 'gulf' are large bodies of water.

An alien is the formal, legal term for a person residing in a country who is not a citizen of that country. 'Foreigner' is a more general and informal term. A 'native' is born there. A 'prodigal' is wasteful.

A cartographer is a person who is skilled in the science and art of drawing maps. A 'lexicographer' writes dictionaries. A 'graphologist' studies handwriting. 'Mappier' is not a standard English word.

An antidote is a substance or medicine that counteracts the effects of a specific poison. An 'antiseptic' prevents the growth of germs. 'Serum' is a component of blood. 'Seramycin' is not a standard medical term.

A dirge is a mournful song, piece of music, or poem that expresses grief or lamentation, especially one forming part of a funeral or burial rite. An 'elegy' is a poem of lament, but not necessarily sung at a burial.

Archaic is the linguistic term for words or language that are very old or old-fashioned and are no longer in common use. 'Antiquated' is similar but 'archaic' is the specific term. 'Extinct' means a language is no longer spoken.

A malapropism is the humorous and ridiculous misuse of a word by substituting it with a similar-sounding word (e.g., saying 'electrical college' instead of 'electoral college'). 'Onomatopoeia' is a word from a sound. 'Neologism' is a new word.

'Shredding' means to cut or tear something into small pieces. 'Slashing' implies violent, wide cuts. 'Ripping' is tearing apart. 'Disposing' means getting rid of, not the method.

An 'Ostler' is a person who looks after horses, especially at an inn (a stableman). A 'Butler' is a chief male servant. An 'Imposter' is a pretender. A 'Jockey' rides horses in races.

'Belligerent' describes a nation or person actively engaged in war or conflict. 'Bellicose' and 'Warlike' mean aggressive and willing to fight, but not necessarily currently at war. 'Imperialist' relates to building an empire.

A 'Reticule' is an old-fashioned term for a lady's small purse or handbag. A 'Parasol' is a light umbrella. A 'Vestibule' is an entrance hall. A 'Veil' is a cloth covering.

A 'Maiden' speech is the first official speech delivered by a person. 'Matin' is a morning prayer. 'Peroration' is the concluding part of a speech. 'Platitude' is a commonplace remark.

'Forgery' is the act of producing counterfeit documents or certificates. 'Stoicism' is indifference to pain. 'Pugnacity' is a desire to fight. 'Epitaph' is an inscription on a tomb.

'Meticulous' means showing great attention to detail; very careful and particular. 'Precise' means exact. 'Scrupulous' and 'Conscientious' relate to doing what is right or thorough.

A 'Mercenary' is a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army, motivated by money rather than a cause. 'Sinecure' is a post with pay but no work. 'Honorary' is unpaid. 'Equestrian' relates to horse riding.

'Pantisocracy' is a Utopian form of government where all rule equally. 'Democracy' is government by the people. 'Bureaucracy' is government by officials. 'Plutocracy' is government by the wealthy.