One Word Substitution is a high-scoring vocabulary component tested extensively across Staff Selection Commission (SSC) examinations, including CGL, CHSL, MTS, and CPO. It evaluates a candidate’s ability to express complex phrases, definitions, or descriptions concisely using a single precise term derived from Latin, Greek, or English roots. Mastering these terms enhances verbal precision, saves critical time during the English Language section, and significantly boosts overall scoring potential in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams.
1. A person who loves mankind is called a:
Correct Answer: b) Philanthropist
Explanation:
A philanthropist is someone who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.
2. A person who hates mankind is known as a:
Correct Answer: a) Misanthrope
Explanation:
A misanthrope is a person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society.
3. One who collects coins as a hobby is a:
Correct Answer: c) Numismatist
Explanation:
A numismatist is a person who studies or collects coins, paper money, and medals.
4. A person who collects or studies stamps is called a:
Correct Answer: b) Philatelist
Explanation:
Philately is the collection and study of postage stamps, and a person who does this is a philatelist.
5. One who is all-powerful is:
Correct Answer: c) Omnipotent
Explanation:
Omnipotent means having unlimited power, able to do anything (often referring to a deity).
6. One who is present everywhere at the same time is:
Correct Answer: b) Omnipresent
Explanation:
Omnipresent refers to being present everywhere at the same time.
7. One who knows everything is:
Correct Answer: a) Omniscient
Explanation:
Omniscient means knowing everything; having unlimited understanding or knowledge.
8. A supposed cure for all diseases or problems is a:
Correct Answer: a) Panacea
Explanation:
A panacea is a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases.
9. A person who knows and is able to use several languages is a:
Correct Answer: b) Polyglot
Explanation:
A polyglot is a person who knows and is able to use several languages.
10. The life history of a person written by himself is an:
Correct Answer: a) Autobiography
Explanation:
An autobiography is an account of a person's life written by that person.
11. The life history of a person written by another person is a:
Correct Answer: c) Biography
Explanation:
A biography is an account of someone's life written by someone else.
12. One who looks at the bright side of things is an:
Correct Answer: a) Optimist
Explanation:
An optimist is a person who tends to be hopeful and confident about the future or the success of something.
13. One who looks at the dark side of things is a:
Correct Answer: b) Pessimist
Explanation:
A pessimist is a person who tends to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen.
14. A person who walks in their sleep is a:
Correct Answer: c) Somnambulist
Explanation:
Somnambulism is sleepwalking, so a person who walks in their sleep is a somnambulist.
15. A person who talks in their sleep is a:
Correct Answer: a) Somniloquist
Explanation:
Somniloquy refers to sleep talking, so one who talks in sleep is a somniloquist.
16. One who never makes mistakes is:
Correct Answer: a) Infallible
Explanation:
Infallible means incapable of making mistakes or being wrong.
17. One who cannot be corrected or reformed is:
Correct Answer: b) Incorrigible
Explanation:
Incorrigible refers to a person or their behavior that is not able to be changed or reformed.
18. One who cannot be defeated is:
Correct Answer: b) Invincible
Explanation:
Invincible means too powerful to be defeated or overcome.
19. A mark that cannot be erased is:
Correct Answer: a) Indelible
Explanation:
Indelible refers to marks made by ink or pen that cannot be removed, or a memory that cannot be forgotten.
20. A situation that cannot be avoided is:
Correct Answer: a) Inevitable
Explanation:
Inevitable means certain to happen; unavoidable.
21. A sound that cannot be heard is:
Correct Answer: a) Inaudible
Explanation:
Inaudible means unable to be heard.
22. A place that cannot be reached is:
Correct Answer: a) Inaccessible
Explanation:
Inaccessible means unable to be reached or entered.
23. Something that cannot be explained is:
Correct Answer: a) Inexplicable
Explanation:
Inexplicable means unable to be explained or accounted for.
24. Something that cannot be believed is:
Correct Answer: a) Incredible
Explanation:
Incredible means impossible to believe.
25. A person who is unable to pay his debts is:
Correct Answer: a) Insolvent
Explanation:
An insolvent person is one who does not have enough assets to pay their debts.
26. One who works only for money is a:
Correct Answer: a) Mercenary
Explanation:
A mercenary is a person primarily concerned with making money at the expense of ethics, or a soldier hired to serve in a foreign army.
27. A person who is very selective, hard to please, and pays close attention to detail is:
Correct Answer: a) Fastidious
Explanation:
Fastidious refers to someone who is very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.
28. A person who believes that all events are predetermined and therefore inevitable is a:
Correct Answer: a) Fatalist
Explanation:
A fatalist believes that all events are dictated by fate and cannot be altered by human actions.
29. A person who is supremely self-centered and thinks only of himself is an:
Correct Answer: b) Egoist
Explanation:
An egoist is a self-centered or selfish person.
30. A person who constantly talks or boasts about his own achievements is an:
Correct Answer: a) Egotist
Explanation:
An egotist is someone who is excessively conceited or absorbed in themselves, especially one who boasts.
31. One who unselfishly works for the welfare of others is an:
Correct Answer: a) Altruist
Explanation:
An altruist is a person who cares about others and helps them despite not gaining anything by doing this.
32. One who doubts the existence of God is an:
Correct Answer: a) Agnostic
Explanation:
An agnostic is a person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God.
33. One who does not believe in the existence of God is an:
Correct Answer: b) Atheist
Explanation:
An atheist is a person who disbelieves or lacks belief in the existence of God or gods.
34. One who believes in the existence of God is a:
Correct Answer: a) Theist
Explanation:
A theist is a person who believes in the existence of a god or gods.
35. A person whose thoughts are turned inward is an:
Correct Answer: b) Introvert
Explanation:
An introvert is a shy, reticent person whose attention is directed inward toward themselves.
36. A person whose thoughts are turned outward is an:
Correct Answer: b) Extrovert
Explanation:
An extrovert is an outgoing, socially confident person whose attention is directed outward.
37. A person who has both introverted and extroverted characteristics is an:
Correct Answer: c) Ambivert
Explanation:
An ambivert is a person whose personality has a balance of extrovert and introvert features.
38. A person who leads an austere and self-disciplined life is an:
Correct Answer: a) Ascetic
Explanation:
An ascetic is a person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons.
39. A person who eats human flesh is a:
Correct Answer: b) Cannibal
Explanation:
A cannibal is a person who eats the flesh of other human beings.
40. Animals that eat meat or flesh are called:
Correct Answer: b) Carnivorous
Explanation:
Carnivorous refers to animals that feed on other animals.
41. Animals that eat plants are called:
Correct Answer: c) Herbivorous
Explanation:
Herbivorous refers to animals that feed primarily on plants.
42. Animals that eat both plants and flesh are called:
Correct Answer: a) Omnivorous
Explanation:
Omnivorous animals have a diet that includes both plants and animals.
43. Animals that feed on grass are called:
Correct Answer: a) Graminivorous
Explanation:
Graminivorous animals feed primarily on grass.
44. Animals that feed on fruits are called:
Correct Answer: c) Frugivorous
Explanation:
Frugivorous animals are fruit-eaters.
45. A person who deliberately destroys or damages public or private property is a:
Correct Answer: a) Vandal
Explanation:
A vandal is someone who intentionally damages property belonging to others or the public.
46. A person who attacks or breaks established customs, traditions, or images is an:
Correct Answer: a) Iconoclast
Explanation:
An iconoclast is a person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions.
47. A person who hates women is a:
Correct Answer: a) Misogynist
Explanation:
A misogynist is a person who dislikes, despises, or is strongly prejudiced against women.
48. A person who hates the institution of marriage is a:
Correct Answer: b) Misogamist
Explanation:
A misogamist is a person who hates or is opposed to marriage.
49. A person who hates new things or ideas is a:
Correct Answer: b) Misoneist
Explanation:
A misoneist is a person who has a hatred or intolerance of innovation or change.
50. A person who is indifferent to pleasure or pain is a:
Correct Answer: a) Stoic
Explanation:
A stoic is a person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining.
51. A person who is devoted to the pleasures of eating and drinking is an:
Correct Answer: a) Epicure
Explanation:
An epicure is a person who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink.
52. A connoisseur of good food is a:
Correct Answer: b) Gourmet
Explanation:
A gourmet is a person with a refined palate and expert knowledge of good food and drink.
53. A person who eats too much is a:
Correct Answer: b) Glutton
Explanation:
A glutton is an excessively greedy eater.
54. A person who is new to a profession or activity is a:
Correct Answer: a) Novice
Explanation:
A novice is a person new to or inexperienced in a field or situation.
55. A person who has had long experience in a particular field is a:
Correct Answer: b) Veteran
Explanation:
A veteran is a person who has had long experience in a particular field.
56. A critical judge of any art and craft is a:
Correct Answer: a) Connoisseur
Explanation:
A connoisseur is an expert judge in matters of taste, especially in the fine arts.
57. A person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, without real commitment or knowledge is a:
Correct Answer: c) Dilettante
Explanation:
A dilettante is a person who cultivates an area of interest without real commitment or knowledge; a dabbler.
58. A person displaying aggressive or exaggerated patriotism is a:
Correct Answer: b) Chauvinist
Explanation:
A chauvinist is a person displaying aggressive or exaggerated patriotism.
59. A person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest is a:
Correct Answer: a) Cynic
Explanation:
A cynic is a person who believes that human actions are motivated only by selfishness.
60. A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument is a:
Correct Answer: a) Demagogue
Explanation:
A demagogue is a political leader who appeals to the prejudices and desires of the ordinary people to gain power.
61. A person who pretends to have moral standards or beliefs that they do not actually possess is a:
Correct Answer: a) Hypocrite
Explanation:
A hypocrite is someone who claims to have moral standards or beliefs to which their own behavior does not conform.
62. A person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs is a:
Correct Answer: b) Martyr
Explanation:
A martyr is a person who dies for a noble cause or for their beliefs.
63. A person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies is a:
Correct Answer: b) Patriot
Explanation:
A patriot is a person who loves, supports, and defends his or her country.
64. A person who betrays a friend, country, principle, etc., is a:
Correct Answer: a) Traitor
Explanation:
A traitor is a person who betrays someone or something, such as a friend, cause, or principle.
65. A person living in a country who is not a citizen of that country is an:
Correct Answer: a) Alien
Explanation:
An alien is a foreigner, especially one who is not a naturalized citizen of the country where they are living.
66. A person who leaves their own country in order to settle permanently in another is an:
Correct Answer: b) Emigrant
Explanation:
An emigrant is a person who leaves their own country to settle permanently in another.
67. A person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country is an:
Correct Answer: b) Immigrant
Explanation:
An immigrant is a person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country.
68. A member of a people having no permanent abode, who travel from place to place to find fresh pasture for their livestock is a:
Correct Answer: a) Nomad
Explanation:
A nomad is a member of a community of people who live in different locations, moving from one place to another.
69. A person who wanders from place to place without a home or job is a:
Correct Answer: a) Vagabond
Explanation:
A vagabond is a person who wanders from place to place without a home or job.
70. A person who travels from place to place, especially to find work, is an:
Correct Answer: a) Itinerant
Explanation:
An itinerant is a person who travels from place to place, often for work.
71. People living or occurring at the same time are called:
Correct Answer: c) Contemporaries
Explanation:
Contemporaries are people or things living or existing at the same time.
72. People who work together in the same profession or office are:
Correct Answer: b) Colleagues
Explanation:
Colleagues are people with whom one works, especially in a profession or business.
73. A person of the same age, status, or ability as another specified person is a:
Correct Answer: a) Peer
Explanation:
A peer is a person of the same age, status, or ability as another specified person.
74. A person who engages in a pursuit, especially a sport, on an unpaid rather than a professional basis is an:
Correct Answer: a) Amateur
Explanation:
An amateur is a person who engages in a pursuit for pleasure rather than for financial benefit.
75. Something occurring, awarded, or appearing after the death of the originator is:
Correct Answer: a) Posthumous
Explanation:
Posthumous refers to occurring, awarded, or appearing after the death of the originator.
76. A book or work of art whose author is not known is:
Correct Answer: a) Anonymous
Explanation:
Anonymous means (of a person) not identified by name; of unknown name.
77. A fictitious name used by an author is a:
Correct Answer: a) Pseudonym
Explanation:
A pseudonym is a fictitious name, especially one used by an author.
78. A short speech at the end of a play or book is an:
Correct Answer: a) Epilogue
Explanation:
An epilogue is a section or speech at the end of a book or play that serves as a comment on or a conclusion to what has happened.
79. A short speech or introduction at the beginning of a play or book is a:
Correct Answer: b) Prologue
Explanation:
A prologue is a separate introductory section of a literary or musical work.
80. A long speech by one person in a play or movie is a:
Correct Answer: b) Monologue
Explanation:
A monologue is a long speech by one actor in a play or movie, or as part of a theatrical or broadcast program.
81. A conversation between two or more people as a feature of a book, play, or movie is a:
Correct Answer: c) Dialogue
Explanation:
A dialogue is a conversation between two or more people.
82. An act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers, especially by a character in a play is a:
Correct Answer: a) Soliloquy
Explanation:
A soliloquy is the act of speaking one's thoughts aloud to oneself, especially in a play.
83. A notice of a death, especially in a newspaper, typically including a brief biography of the deceased person is an:
Correct Answer: a) Obituary
Explanation:
An obituary is a news article that reports the recent death of a person.
84. Words inscribed on a tomb in memory of the person buried there is an:
Correct Answer: b) Epitaph
Explanation:
An epitaph is a phrase or form of words written in memory of a person who has died, especially as an inscription on a tombstone.
85. A mournful poem or song written for someone who has died is an:
Correct Answer: a) Elegy
Explanation:
An elegy is a poem of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead.
86. A poem written in praise of someone or something is an:
Correct Answer: a) Ode
Explanation:
An ode is a lyric poem in the form of an address to a particular subject, often elevated in style or manner.
87. A poem of fourteen lines is a:
Correct Answer: a) Sonnet
Explanation:
A sonnet is a poem of fourteen lines using any of a number of formal rhyme schemes.
88. A poem or song narrating a story in short stanzas is a:
Correct Answer: b) Ballad
Explanation:
A ballad is a poem or song narrating a story in short stanzas.
89. A long narrative poem recounting heroic deeds is an:
Correct Answer: a) Epic
Explanation:
An epic is a long poem, typically one derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures.
90. The killing of a human being by another is:
Correct Answer: b) Homicide
Explanation:
Homicide is the deliberate and unlawful killing of one person by another; murder.
91. The act of intentionally causing one's own death is:
Correct Answer: b) Suicide
Explanation:
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death.
92. The killing of one's father is:
Correct Answer: a) Patricide
Explanation:
Patricide is the killing of one's father.
93. The killing of one's mother is:
Correct Answer: b) Matricide
Explanation:
Matricide is the killing of one's mother.
94. The killing of one's brother or sister is:
Correct Answer: c) Fratricide
Explanation:
Fratricide is the killing of one's brother or sister.
95. The killing of an infant is:
Correct Answer: a) Infanticide
Explanation:
Infanticide is the crime of a mother killing her child within a year of birth, or generally the killing of an infant.
96. The action of killing a king is:
Correct Answer: c) Regicide
Explanation:
Regicide is the action of killing a king.
97. The deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular ethnic group or nation is:
Correct Answer: b) Genocide
Explanation:
Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group.
98. A place where animals are slaughtered for the consumption of food is an:
Correct Answer: a) Abattoir
Explanation:
An abattoir is a slaughterhouse where animals are killed for food.
99. A place where bees are kept is an:
Correct Answer: b) Apiary
Explanation:
An apiary is a place where bees are kept; a collection of beehives.
100. A large cage, building, or enclosure for keeping birds in is an:
Correct Answer: c) Aviary
Explanation:
An aviary is a large enclosure for keeping birds.
