One-Word Substitution — MCQs with Answers (Set 5)

Desertion specifically implies abandoning a post or duty, often carrying serious legal consequences in the military.

A manifesto typically outlines future intentions and policy positions, especially before an election.

Calligraphy comes from Greek ‘kallos’ (beauty) and ‘graphein’ (to write).

A referendum lets citizens vote directly on a specific issue, rather than choosing representatives.

Narcissism, from the Greek myth of Narcissus, specifically implies an excessive, often unhealthy fixation on oneself.

Parasite specifically implies a relationship harmful to the host, unlike symbiont, which may be mutually beneficial.

Epic poems, like the Ramayana or Iliad, are narrative works recounting heroic achievements over great length.

Venerable specifically implies respect earned through age or long service, not just achievement.

Elope is specifically used in the context of a secret marriage, unlike the more general abscond or flee.

A sinecure, from Latin ‘sine cura’ (without care), is a position of profit involving minimal duties.

An era is a distinct period in history, often marked by notable events. A century is exactly 100 years. A decade is 10 years. A minute is a short unit of time, not a historical period.

Drought specifically refers to a shortage of rainfall over time, distinct from famine, a shortage of food.

A truism is self-evidently true, unlike a cliché, which is simply an overused expression.

Panacea, from the Greek goddess Panacea, implies a universal cure-all, whether medical or metaphorical.

Heresy specifically refers to holding a belief contrary to orthodox doctrine, while apostasy means abandoning the faith entirely.

Totalitarianism implies total state control, going further than mere authoritarian rule.

Truant specifically implies unauthorized absence from school, unlike a general absentee.

Altitude specifically measures vertical height above sea level, distinct from latitude, a measure of position north or south.

A bevy specifically describes a gathered group, traditionally used for birds or a group of women.

Democracy specifically means rule by the people, whether direct or through elected representatives.

Criterion is the singular form; ‘criteria’ is its plural, a common source of grammatical confusion.

Nepotism specifically involves relatives, while cronyism involves friends or close associates more broadly.

An excerpt is a direct quotation from the original text, unlike a summary, which restates it in different words.

Pseudonym specifically refers to a name used in a published or professional context.

An epicure especially appreciates fine food and drink, refined pleasures of the senses.