One-Word Substitution — MCQs with Answers (Set 3)

Fungus forms its own biological kingdom, distinct from plants, animals, and bacteria.

Sericulture comes from the Latin ‘sericum’ (silk); apiculture instead refers to beekeeping.

Bilingual specifically means two languages; polyglot implies knowledge of several languages.

The Richter scale, developed in 1935, measures the energy released by an earthquake.

Lunar specifically relates to the moon, as in a lunar eclipse or the lunar calendar.

Barometer measures air pressure specifically; a thermometer measures temperature and an anemometer measures wind speed.

Heed specifically implies attentive consideration, not necessarily full compliance like obey.

Penchant specifically implies a persistent, often noticeable liking or tendency.

A jury specifically renders a verdict in a court case, distinct from a tribunal, which is a judicial body more broadly.

Figment specifically implies something existing only in the imagination, as in ‘a figment of imagination’.

Culture broadly covers a society’s shared beliefs, arts, and practices, distinct from civilization, which implies an advanced social organization.

Colleague specifically implies a shared profession or workplace, often at a similar level.

Acrobat is the general term for such performers, often associated with circus performances.

Diatribe specifically implies a sustained, often abusive critical attack in speech or writing.

Hamlet specifically implies a very small, often unincorporated settlement, smaller than a village.

Genocide is a specific legal term for the intentional destruction of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.

Ambiguous specifically means having two or more possible meanings, more precise than merely vague.

A fluke specifically implies an unlikely, unrepeatable success attributable to chance.

Rhetoric can be neutral (the art of persuasion) or critical (implying empty, showy language).

Cocktail is used both literally for the drink and figuratively for any combination, such as a ‘cocktail of chemicals’.

Bigot specifically implies stubborn intolerance and prejudice against those who differ.

Etymology traces a word’s history and origin, easily confused in spelling with entomology (the study of insects).

Malleable specifically refers to shaping by hammering or pressing; ductile instead refers to being drawn into wires.

Herbivorous comes from Latin ‘herba’ (plant) and ‘vorare’ (to devour).

Eternal means without beginning or end. It describes something that lasts forever. Perpetual means going on without stopping, but it may still have a start. Infinite is about size or number. Timeless means unaffected by time.