One-word substitution topic is one of the important topics of SSC (Staff Selection Commission) exams, in the English language section. This topic assess the vocabulary and linguistic abilities of candidates. One-word substitutes are words or phrases that
represent a complete idea,concept, or characteristic, replacing the need for a longer explanation or description. The purpose of one-word substitutes is to test a candidate’s ability to condense information into a single word,reflecting their linguistic precision
and vocabulary range. In order to answer these questions, candidates must have a strong command of the English language,including knowledge of synonyms,antonyms, prefixes, suffixes, and root words.In SSC exams, one-word substitutes cancover a
wide range of topics and categories,such as human characteristics, professions,animals, phobias, hobbies, emotions, andmore. Candidates are expected to identify the appropriate word that accurately represents the given context or meaning.
Directions (Qs. 1 - 17): Choose the correct oneword substitution of the given phrase/ sentence.
1. One who appointed by two parties to settle disputes between them.
A) Arbitrator B) Archer C) Aspirant D) Antipathy
Explanation: An arbitrator is a person who appointed by two or more parties to settle disputes between them.
Archer: A person who shoots with a bow and arrows.
Aspirant: An aspirant is someone who is actively working towards achieving their aspiration sand goals.
Antipathy: A feeling of strong dislike between two persons.
Ans: A
2. A person who talks too much.
A) Cynic B) Loquacious C) Versatile D) Fastidious
Explanation: A loquacious person is someone who is very talkative, tending to talk a lot.
Cynic: A person who is always doubting and skeptical.
Versatile: A person who is skilled in many things.
Fastidious: A person who is difficult to please him/ her.
Ans: B
3. A person who is excessively fond of acquiring knowledge.
A) Epicure B) Insomniac C) Philomath D) Pugnacious
Explanation: A philomath is a person who is excessively fond of acquiring knowledge.
Epicure: A person who is fond of eating.
Insomniac: A person who is unable to sleep.Pugnacious: A person who is fond of fighting or quarrelling.
Ans: C
4. A person who is very skilled in using words to persuade people.
A) Mnemonic B) Misanthrope C) Recluse D) Orator
Explanation: An orator is a person who is very skilled in using words to persuade people.
Mnemonic: A person who has a great memory.
Misanthrope: A person who hates man kind.Recluse: A person who loves solitude and avoids social interaction.
Ans: D
5. A building or buildings occupied by a community of monks living under religious vows.
A) Monastery B) Scullery C) Sanatorium D) Morgue
Explanation: A monastery is a building occupied by a community of monks living under religious vows.
Scullery: A small kitchen or room at the back of a house used for washing dishes and another dirty household work.
Sanatorium: A room or building for sick children in a boarding school.
Morgue: A place where bodies are kept for identification.
Ans: A
6. A collection of historical documents or records providing information about a place, institution, or group of people.
A) Casino B) Archives C) Cemetery D) Cache
Explanation: An archive is a collection of historical documents or records providing information about a place, institution, or group of people.
Casino: A public room or building where gambling games are played.
Cemetery: A large burial ground, especially one not in a churchyard.
Cache: A collection of items of the same type stored in a hidden or in accessible place.
Ans: B
7. A piece of enclosed land planted with fruit trees.
A) Lair B) Mint C) Orchard D) Wardrobe
Explanation: An orchard is a piece of enclosed land planted with fruit trees.
Lair: A place where wild animal live.
Mint: A place where coins, medals, or tokens are made.
Wardrobe: A large, tall cupboard in which clothes may be hung or stored.
Ans: C
8. Study of celestial bodies.
A) Aviation B) Acoustics C) Anthropology D) Astronomy
Explanation: Astronomy is the study of everything in the universe beyond Earth’s atmosphere like the Sun, the Moon, the planets, and the stars.
Aviation: Study of flying aero planes.
Acoustics: Study of sound and sound waves.
Anthropology: Study of the evolution of mankind.
Ans: D
9. A group of worshippers.
A) Congregation B) Hamlet C) Claque D) Caravan
Explanation: A congregation is a group of worshippers.
Hamlet: A community of people smaller than a village.
Claque: A group of followers hired to applaud at a performance.
Caravan: A group of people, typically with vehicles or animals travelling together.
Ans: A
10. One who possesses outstanding technical ability in a particular art or field.
A) Uxorious B) Virtuoso C) Insolvent D) Introver
Explanation: Virtuoso is a person who possesses outstanding technical ability in a particular art or field.Uxorious: A person who shows a great or excessive fondness for one’s wife.
Insolvent: A person who is unable to pay his/ her debts.
Introvert: A person who does not express himself / herself freely.
Ans: B
11. The act of killing one person by another.
A) Patricide B) Regicide C) Homicide D) Genocide
Explanation: Homicide is the act of killing one person by another.
Patricide: The act of killing of one’s father.
Regicide: The act of killing a king.
Genocide: The act of killing of a large group of people.
Ans: C
12. A keeper or custodian of a museum.
A) Compere B) Cartographer C) Calligrapher D) Curator
Explanation: A curator is a keeper or custodian of a museum.
Compere: A person who introduces the performers or contestants in a variety show.
Cartographer: A person who draws or produces maps.
Calligrapher: A person who writes beautiful writing.
Ans: D
13. The scientific study of the structure and diseases of teeth.
A) Odontology B) Petrology C) Dactylology D) Chronobiology
Explanation: Odontology is the scientific study of the structure and diseases of teeth.
Petrology: The branch of science concerned with the origin, structure and composition of rocks.
Dactylology: The use of the fingers and hands to communicate and convey ideas
Chronobiology: The branch of biology that examines timing processes, including periodic (cyclic) phenomena in living organisms.Ans: A
14. One who loves his/ her country.
A) Anglophile B) Patriot C) Androphile D) Philosopher
Explanation: A patriot is a person who loves his/ her country.
Anglophile: One who loves and admires the British.
Androphile: One who loves men.
Philosopher: One who loves pursuing wisdom.
Ans: B
15. One who believes in only one God.
A) Polytheist B) Pantheist C) Monotheist D) Atheist
Explanation: A monotheist is a person who believes in the theory of only one God.
Polytheist: One who believes in many Gods.
Pantheist: One who believes that God is union of all forces of the universe.
Atheist: One who doesn't believe in the presence of God.
Ans: C
16. Marriage outside one’s tribe.
A) Endogamy B) Monogamy C) Polyandry D) Exogamy
Explanation: Exogamy is related to the marriage happened out side one’s tribe.
Endogamy: Marriage happened inside one’s tribe.
Monogamy: Having only one wife (to a husband).
Polyandry: Having several husbands (to a wife).
Ans: D
17. A method of talking indirectly.
A) Circumlocution B) Eloquen C) Laconic D) Soliloquy
Explanation: Circumlocution is a method of talking indirectly.
Eloquent: Expressive in the use of words.
Laconic: Few words packed with meaning, concise.
Soliloquy: A speech to oneself, alone.
Ans: A
Some Useful Tips
* Read the question carefully: Understanding the context of the questionis important to identify the right word.Read the entire sentence or phrase carefully before choosing an answer.
* Identify the root word: Root words often provide clues about the meaning of theword. Try to identify the root word and its meaning to eliminate in correct options.
* Use elimination technique: If you are unsure of the correct answer, use the process of elimination. Eliminate the options that are clearly incorrect to narrow down the choices.
