One-word Substitution One-word substitution is a process in which we use one word to replace a wordy phrase, to make the sentence structure more clear. For example: ‘A person who deliberately sets fire to a building’ for this phrase we can use one word ‘Arsonist’ which means the same. This is the verbal ability questions and answers section on “One-word Substitution” with explanations for various competitive examinations. Solved examples with detailed answer descriptions and explanations are given and it would be easy to understand. Through this section, Candidates can practice a variety of One-word Substitution Verbal Ability questions.
One-word Substitution
Direction: In the following One-word Substitution questions, Out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given word/sentence.
A life story of a person written by himself – A) Biography. B) Climax. C) Autobiography. D) Catastrophe.
Answer: Option C
Solution: One word substitute is Autobiography.
Biography: A biography is simply the story of a real person’s life.
Climax: the most important and exciting part of a book, play, piece of music, event, etc.
Autobiography: the story of a person’s life written by that person
Catastrophe: a sudden disaster that causes great suffering or damage
One who talks while asleep is called A) Somnambulist. B) Somniloquist. C) Somniferous. D) Sleeptalker.
Answer: Option B
Solution: One word substitute is Somniloquist
Somnambulist: A person walks around while they are sleeping
Somniloquist: One who talks in his asleep
Somniferous: A person who sleeps too much or usually feels very sleepy
Sleeptalker: A person who talks unconsciously in their sleep.
One who believes in fate – A) Fatalist. B) Narcissist. C) Feminist. D) Numismatist.
Answer: Option A
Solution: One word substitute is Fatalist
Fatalist: A fatalist is someone who holds specific beliefs about life, destiny, and the future.
Narcissist: A person who has an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves.
Feminist: A feminist is someone who supports equal rights for women
Numismatist: a person who collects or studies coins and medals
Policeman riding on motorcycle as gaurd to a VIP A. Outriders B. Servants C. Commandos D. Attendants
Answer: Option A
Solution: One word substitute is Outriders.
Outriders: a person in a motor vehicle or on horseback who goes in front of or beside a vehicle as an escort or guard.
Servants: a person who performs duties for others, especially a person employed in a house on domestic duties or as a personal attendant.
Commandos: a soldier specially trained for carrying out raids.
Attendants: a person employed to provide a service to the public in a particular place.
Iconoclast is one who – A) Destroys images. B) A group of icons. C) Is a popular figure of the society. D) Is a popular figure of the history.
Answer: Option A
Solution: One word substitute is Destroys images
Iconoclasts (Greek for “breakers of images”) refers to those who opposed icons. Iconophiles (Greek for “lovers of images”), also known as “iconodules” (Greek for “servants of images”), refers to those who supported the use of religious images.
_____ leads an austere life
A) An apostate. B) An ascetic. C) An atheist. D) A bohemian.
Answer: Option B
Solution: One word substitute is An ascetic
not allowing yourself physical pleasures, especially for religious reasons
severe in manner or appearance; uncompromising; strict; forbidding: an austere teacher. rigorously self-disciplined and severely moral; ascetic; abstinent: the austere quality of life in the convent.
One who collects coins – A) Collector. B) Narcissist. C) Calligrapher. D) Numismatist.
Answer: Option D
Solution: One word substitute is Numismatist
Collector: a person who collects things as a hobby or as part of his/her job
Narcissist: A person extremely self-centered with an exaggerated sense of self-importance
Calligrapher: a person who practises calligraphy, the art of writing beautifully with a special pen or brush.
Numismatist : a person who collects or studies coins and medals
Philatelist is one who A) Does not care for art and literature. B) Likes to have a short sexual relationship with many women. C) Loves mankind. D) Collects stamps.
Answer: Option D
Solution: One word substitute is Collects stamps
a person who studies or collects postage stamps
One who talks of his own achievements A) Egomaniac. B) Egotist. C) Boastful. D) proud.
Answer: Option B
Solution: One word substitute is Egotist
Egomaniac: a tendency to refer to oneself excessively and boastfully
Egotist: a person who is excessively conceited or absorbed in themselves; a self-seeker
Boastful: showing too much pride
proud: feeling that you are better and more important than other people
A lover of good food A) Gourmand. B) Gourmet. C) Epicure. D) Professional Eater.
Answer: Option A
Solution: One word substitute is Gourmand
Gourmand: a person who enjoys eating and eats large amounts of food
Gourmet: being high quality, expensive, or specialty food typically requiring elaborate and expert preparation.
Epicure: a person who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink.
