One-word Substitution refers to the practice of replacing a group of words or a full sentence with a single word that expresses the same idea clearly and concisely.
This is especially helpful in:
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Competitive Exams (SSC, UPSC, Banking, Railways, etc.)
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Academic Writing
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Verbal Ability Enhancement
Understanding one-word substitutions improves vocabulary, helps in precise communication, and makes writing and speaking more sophisticated.
📚 Definition
One-word Substitution is the use of one word in place of a longer phrase or a full sentence without changing the meaning.
🔹 Example:
“A person who believes in God” → Theist
📂 Why Are One-Word Substitutions Important?
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✔️ Makes language concise and effective
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✔️ Useful in summarizing ideas
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✔️ Frequently asked in competitive exams
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✔️ Enhances clarity in communication
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✔️ Improves vocabulary retention
🗂️ Categories of One-Word Substitutions
To understand and learn efficiently, one-word substitutions can be classified under the following categories:
🧑⚖️ 1. People and Profession
| Phrase | One-word Substitute |
|---|---|
| A person who writes poems | Poet |
| A person who studies the stars | Astronomer |
| One who is unable to pay debts | Insolvent |
| One who compiles a dictionary | Lexicographer |
| One who pretends to be what he is not | Hypocrite |
🏠 2. Places and Institutions
| Phrase | One-word Substitute |
|---|---|
| A place where orphans are kept | Orphanage |
| A place where weapons are stored | Arsenal |
| A place where birds are kept | Aviary |
| A place for scientific experiments | Laboratory |
| A place where dead bodies are kept | Mortuary |
| Phrase | One-word Substitute |
|---|---|
| Belief in many gods | Polytheism |
| Belief in one God | Monotheism |
| Absence of religion | Atheism |
| Rule by people | Democracy |
| Rule by king | Monarchy |
| Phrase | One-word Substitute |
|---|---|
| A disease that spreads rapidly | Epidemic |
| A short stay at a place | Sojourn |
| A general pardon granted to prisoners | Amnesty |
| Speech without preparation | Extempore |
| A decision made by vote | Referendum |
| Phrase | One-word Substitute |
|---|---|
| A handwriting that cannot be read | Illegible |
| A person who talks too much | Loquacious |
| A speech given at a funeral | Eulogy |
| One who loves mankind | Philanthropist |
| One who walks on foot | Pedestrian |
🧩 Tips to Learn One-Word Substitutions Effectively
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✅ Categorize the terms and learn them thematically.
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✅ Make flashcards with phrases on one side and the word on the other.
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✅ Revise regularly with short quizzes.
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✅ Use them in daily writing to retain them longer.
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✅ Understand root words – many words come from Latin or Greek (e.g., “phil” means love, “bio” means life).
📝 Practice Questions with Answers and Explanations
1. A person who can speak many languages
A. Polyglot
B. Orator
C. Bilingual
D. Translator
✅ Answer: A. Polyglot
Explanation:
A polyglot is someone who knows and can use several languages fluently. “Poly” means many, and “glot” refers to language or tongue.
2. A government by a king or queen
A. Democracy
B. Plutocracy
C. Monarchy
D. Aristocracy
✅ Answer: C. Monarchy
Explanation:
Monarchy is a form of government with a monarch at the head. The prefix “mono-” means one, and it refers to rule by one person, typically a king or queen.
3. One who hates mankind
A. Misogynist
B. Philanthropist
C. Misanthrope
D. Egoist
✅ Answer: C. Misanthrope
Explanation:
A misanthrope is someone who dislikes or distrusts humankind. The prefix mis- means hate, and anthrope means human.
4. A speech delivered without preparation
A. Manuscript
B. Extempore
C. Monologue
D. Rehearsal
✅ Answer: B. Extempore
Explanation:
An extempore speech is spoken or performed without preparation.
5. A handwriting that cannot be read
A. Illiterate
B. Illegible
C. Ineligible
D. Inaudible
✅ Answer: B. Illegible
Explanation:
Illegible means that the writing is not clear enough to be read. “Legible” means readable; the prefix “il-” negates it.
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