One word Substitution - Concept

In CAT Verbal ability one word substitution is an important topic. This topic is all about about replacing a particular word or sentence with an another single word. Question from these topics are mainly in word meaning, synonym or antonyms form. Hence these type of question can be solved with little understanding, practice and learning new words.

One easy method of doing one word substitution is by using the root method. Roots are nothing but the words from which the main word has been derived. In our other series of vocabulary, we have consolidated the lists of root words that will ease your preparation.

Also Read : The Ultimate Guide to Cat Exam Preparation

So Lets have a look on some root words that would definitely helps you while solving the questions.

CRACY = RULE / GOVERNMENT

• A government by the people - Democracy
• A government by a king or queen - Monarchy
• A government by the officials - Bureaucracy
• A government by the rich - Plutocracy
• A government by few - Oligarchy
• A government by the nobles - Aristocracy

OMNI = ALL

• One who is all powerful - Omnipotent
• One who is present everywhere - Omnipresent
• One who knows everything - Omniscient

CIDE= KILLING

• Killing of a human being - Homicide
• Killing/ Murder of a king - Regicide
• Killing of an Infant/ new born baby - Infanticide
• Killing of a race or community - Genocide
• Killing of One's sister - Sorocide
• Killing of self or self-murder - Suicide
• Killing of either or both parents - Parricide
• Killing of one's brother - Fratricide
• Killing of one's father - Patricide
• Killing of one's mother - Matricide
• Killing of one's husband - Mariticide
• Killing of one's wife - Uxoricide

Ible= Able to be

• Inaudible - a sound that cannot be heard
• Inaccessible - that cannot be easily approached
• Incorrigible - incapable of being corrected
• Irreparable - incapable of being repaired
• Illegible - incapable of being read
• Inevitable - incapable of being avoided
• Impracticable - incapable of being practiced
• Invincible - one, too strong to be overcome
• Indelible - that cannot be erased
• Indefatigable - one, who does not tire easily
• Infallible - one, who is free from all mistakes and failures

Video’s that could help aspirant.

Some Solved Examples of One Word Substitution.

1. ornithology
2. anthropology
3. zoology
4. numismatics

Answer: Option A
Explanation:- Ornithology is the study of birds. The study and collection of coins and medals is called numismatics. Zoology is the scientific study of animals. Anthropology is study of human customs and beliefs.

1. redundant
2. obsolete
3. sick
4. obnoxious

Answer: Option B
Explanation:- Obsolete means out of date; unfashionable or outmoded. Redundant means being in excess. Obnoxious means very rude or unpleasant.

1. manuscript
2. inscription
3. Epitaph
4. engrave

Answer: Option C
Explanation:- An inscription on a tombstone in memory of the one buried is called as an epitaph. Manuscript is an old book written by hand. Inscription means a piece of writing written or cut on especially as a record of an achievement.

1. avaricious
2. spendthrift
3. splendid
4. cynic

Answer: Option A
Explanation:- Avaricious is immoderately desirous of wealth or gain; greedy. Spendthrift is a person who spends money or possessions extravagantly. Cynic is a person who thinks that people think only about themselves and are not sincere or honest. Splendid is big and pompous.

1. Disciplinarian
2. Stickler
3. Instantaneous
4. Boaster

Answer: Option B
Explanation:- Stickler is someone who insists on something; "a stickler for promptness"

1. cruel
2. misogynist
3. misanthropist
4. philanthropist

Answer: Option B
Explanation:- One who hates women is misogynist. A hater of humankind say as misanthropist. A person who practices philanthropy say as philanthropist. Philanthropy means the belief that you should help people, especially by giving money to those who need it.

Practice Question of One word substitution.

1. Egoist
2. eccentric
3. proud
4. boaster

1. unintelligible
2. reticent
3. garrulous
4. banal

1. traveller
2. stickler
3. disciplinarian
4. pedestrian

1. democratic
2. monarchy
3. plutocracy
4. autocracy

1. polygamy
2. dotage
3. monogamy
4. bigamy

1. biography
2. autobiography
3. anthropology
4. ornithology

1. matricide
2. patricide
3. homicide
4. suicide

1. Inimitable
2. inevitable
3. duplicity
4. inexplicable

1. Illiterate
2. invulnerable
3. blindfolded
4. headstrong

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