One Word Substitutes Practice Test Questions - Verbal Ability -- Free Practice

Question 1

A person solely interested in his own welfare is called:

A

egotist✓✗

B

egoist✓✗

C

altruist✓✗

D

ascetic✓✗

Explanation

An egoist is one guided by self-interest; distinct from an egotist (excessively conceited) and an altruist (selfless).

Question 2

One who can use both hands with equal skill is called:

A

Dexterous✓✗

B

Ambidextrous✓✗

C

Adroit✓✗

D

Sinister✓✗

Explanation

Ambidextrous means able to use both hands equally well.

Question 3

A specialist who delivers babies and takes care of the mother is called:

A

Mid-wife✓✗

B

Obstetrician✓✗

C

Gynaecologist✓✗

D

Physician✓✗

Explanation

An obstetrician is a doctor specializing in pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care.

Question 4

A doctor who specializes in the treatment of disorders related to the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system is called:

A

Psychologist✓✗

B

Psychiatrist✓✗

C

Neurologist✓✗

D

Endocrinologist✓✗

Explanation

A neurologist specializes in disorders of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.

Question 5

Someone who measures your vision and prescribes glasses is called:

A

Ophthalmologist✓✗

B

Optician✓✗

C

Eye-specialist✓✗

D

All✓✗

Explanation

An optician is commonly understood to be the person who tests vision and prescribes/fits glasses.

Question 6

The instrument used to measure your blood pressure is called:

A

Thermometer✓✗

B

Barometer✓✗

C

Sphygmomanometer✓✗

D

Chronometer✓✗

Explanation

A sphygmomanometer is the instrument used to measure blood pressure.

Question 7

A person who analyses handwriting is called:

A

Graphologist✓✗

B

Chiropractor✓✗

C

Chirographer✓✗

D

Cacographer✓✗

Explanation

A graphologist studies handwriting to analyze character.

Question 8

Someone who studies all living things is called:

A

Biologist✓✗

B

Botanist✓✗

C

Zoologist✓✗

D

Geologist✓✗

Explanation

A biologist studies all living organisms; botanists study plants and zoologists study animals specifically.

Question 9

Someone who is not faithful to their spouse is called:

A

Philanthropist✓✗

B

Philanderer✓✗

C

Bigamist✓✗

D

Asocial✓✗

Explanation

A philanderer is someone who has many casual sexual relationships; unfaithful to their spouse.

Question 10

The analysis of living tissues is called:

A

Biopsy✓✗

B

Autopsy✓✗

C

Anatomy✓✗

D

Astronomy✓✗

Explanation

A biopsy is the examination of tissue removed from a living body to diagnose disease.

Question 11

Someone who enjoys groups and companionship is called:

A

Gregarious✓✗

B

Egregious✓✗

C

Magnanimous✓✗

D

Asocial✓✗

Explanation

Gregarious means fond of company; sociable.

Question 12

The word that means "hero worship" is:

A

Adulate✓✗

B

Titillate✓✗

C

Disparage✓✗

D

Militate✓✗

Explanation

Adulate means to admire or praise excessively; hero worship.

Question 13

The word for when day and night are of equal length is:

A

Nocturnal✓✗

B

Equitable✓✗

C

Equable✓✗

D

Equinox✓✗

Explanation

An equinox is when day and night are of approximately equal length.

Question 14

Choose the alternative that best expresses the meaning: A person who is unwilling to change their opinions or behaviour in a way that would be helpful to others.

A

Intractable✓✗

B

Intransitive✓✗

C

Intransigent✓✗

D

Entrench✓✗

Explanation

Intransigent means stubbornly refusing to change one's views.

Question 15

Choose the correct option: A style of speaking

A

Elocution✓✗

B

Locution✓✗

C

Lodge✓✗

D

Laden✓✗

Explanation

Locution means a manner or style of speaking; phraseology.

Question 16

Choose the correct option for: An angry disagreement between people.

A

Contention✓✗

B

Contemptuous✓✗

C

Contempt✓✗

D

Contemporary✓✗

Explanation

Contention means a heated or angry disagreement.

Question 17

Choose the correct option for: A person who is confused and unable to think normally.

A

Befriend✓✗

B

Baffled✓✗

C

Muddled✓✗

D

Befuddled✓✗

Explanation

Befuddled means confused and unable to think clearly.

Question 18

Choose the correct option for: Fear of thunder and lightning.

A

Brontophobia✓✗

B

Blennophobia✓✗

C

Bogyphobia✓✗

D

Bacillophobia✓✗

Explanation

Brontophobia is the fear of thunder and lightning.

Question 19

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below given word/ sentence.

A speech delivered without any prior preparation

A

Narration✓✗

B

Argument✓✗

C

Dialectic✓✗

D

Extempore✓✗

Explanation

"Extempore" means done or spoken without any preparation, so it is the word for a speech delivered without prior preparation.

Option A is wrong because narration means telling a story, and does not mean an unprepared speech.
Option B is wrong because an argument is a set of reasons put forward or a quarrel, and does not mean an unprepared speech.
Option C is wrong because dialectic is a method of reasoning through discussion, and does not mean an unprepared speech.

Question 20

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below given word/ sentence.

Afternoon nap

A

Reprieve✓✗

B

Truce✓✗

C

Siesta✓✗

D

Respite✓✗

Explanation

A siesta is a short rest or nap taken after the midday meal, so it is the word for an afternoon nap.

Option A is wrong because a reprieve is a postponement of punishment.
Option B is wrong because a truce is an agreement to stop fighting.
Option D is wrong because a respite is a short break from something unpleasant.

Question 21

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below underlined phrase.

He was very rich and yet a <U>man who would not share a penny with anyone</U>.

A

Wastrel✓✗

B

Spendthrift✓✗

C

Miser✓✗

D

Parsimonious✓✗

Explanation

A miser is a person who does not like to spend or share money. It fits "a man who would not share a penny with anyone".

Option A is wrong because a wastrel is a person who wastes money.
Option B is wrong because a spendthrift is a person who spends money freely.
Option D is wrong because parsimonious is an adjective for being very careful with money, while the sentence needs a noun.

Question 22

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below underlined phrase.

The child talked too much in class. She was <U>talkative</U>.

A

Reserved✓✗

B

Garrulous✓✗

C

Witty✓✗

D

Teacher’s pet✓✗

Explanation

Garrulous means talking too much, which is the same as talkative.

Option A is wrong because reserved means quiet and shy.
Option C is wrong because witty means clever and funny.
Option D is wrong because a teacher's pet is a favourite student.

Question 23

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below underlined phrase.

She spent her summer vacation lazing in the warm and pleasant Miami weather.

A

Comfortable✓✗

B

Austere✓✗

C

Balmy✓✗

D

Admirable✓✗

Explanation

Balmy means warm and pleasant, especially about weather.

Option A is wrong because comfortable is too general and does not mean warm and pleasant weather.
Option B is wrong because austere means severe and plain.
Option D is wrong because admirable means worthy of respect.

Question 24

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below underlined phrase.

The parents attending the meeting were hostile and aggressive. This set the mood of the unfortunate meeting.

A

Shrewd✓✗

B

Belligerent✓✗

C

Docile✓✗

D

Timorous✓✗

Explanation

Belligerent means hostile and aggressive.

Option A is wrong because shrewd means clever in judging situations.
Option C is wrong because docile means easy to control and quiet.
Option D is wrong because timorous means shy and fearful.

Question 25

Choose the correct alternative, which can be substituted for the phrase below.

The condition of being abnormally afraid of thunder and lightning.

A

Astraphobia✓✗

B

Cynophobia✓✗

C

Enochlophobia✓✗

D

Podophobia✓✗

Explanation

Astraphobia is the fear of thunder and lightning.

Option B is wrong because cynophobia is the fear of dogs.
Option C is wrong because enochlophobia is the fear of crowds.
Option D is wrong because podophobia is the fear of feet.

Question 26

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below underlined phrase.

She was reading from a list that contained almost all the known idioms and phrases of English. She was reading from a ………… of idioms.

A

Magazine✓✗

B

Gazette✓✗

C

Dictionary✓✗

D

Glossary✓✗

Explanation

A glossary is a list of terms or idioms with their meanings.

Option A is wrong because a magazine is a periodical publication.
Option B is wrong because a gazette is an official journal or newspaper.
Option C is wrong because a dictionary lists all words, not only idioms.

Question 27

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below underlined phrase.

At the haunted house a series of events took place, which could not be explained

A

were infamous✓✗

B

were inexplicable✓✗

C

were phantasmic✓✗

D

were horrifying✓✗

Explanation

"Inexplicable" means something that cannot be explained.

Option A is wrong because infamous means well known for something bad.
Option C is wrong because phantasmic means ghost-like or imaginary.
Option D is wrong because horrifying means causing horror.

Question 28

Choose the correct alternative, which can be substituted for the phrase below.

The senile old man let his saliva run all over his vest.

A

Slobbered✓✗

B

Slubbered✓✗

C

Slabbered✓✗

D

Subbered✓✗

Explanation

To slobber means to let saliva run from the mouth, so "slobbered" is correct.

Option B is wrong because "slubbered" is a wrong spelling.
Option C is wrong because "slabbered" is a wrong spelling.
Option D is wrong because "subbered" is not a word.

Question 29

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below underlined phrase.

When Mohan and Rohini could not decide who would take the plot of land, they decided to take the advice of someone who would be mutually appointed by them and whose decision would be binding on them.

A

an arbitrator✓✗

B

a lawyer✓✗

C

a judge✓✗

D

a referee✓✗

Explanation

An arbitrator is a person chosen by both sides to settle a dispute, and whose decision is binding.

Option B is wrong because a lawyer represents one side.
Option C is wrong because a judge is appointed by the court and not chosen by both parties.
Option D is wrong because a referee controls a game and is not a settler of property disputes.

Question 30

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below underlined phrase.

Several tribes, who were the earliest inhabitants of Australia, are extant till today.

A

native people✓✗

B

aboriginal people✓✗

C

endemic people✓✗

D

contiguous people✓✗

Explanation

"Aboriginal" means the earliest known inhabitants of a place, such as the first people of Australia.

Option A is wrong because "native people" is a general term and does not carry the sense of being the earliest.
Option C is wrong because "endemic" is used for diseases or species restricted to a place.
Option D is wrong because "contiguous" means sharing a border.

Question 31

In the question below choose the alternative that best substitutes the underlined expression.

His astrologer had predicted that he would die at age 58. Being a strong believer in fate, he willed his property to his dear wife just before his fifty eighth birthday.

A

Atheist✓✗

B

Fatalist✓✗

C

Fatist✓✗

D

Fate-believer✓✗

Explanation

A fatalist is a person who believes that all events are decided by fate.

Option A is wrong because an atheist does not believe in God.
Option C is wrong because "fatist" is not a word.
Option D is wrong because "fate-believer" is not a standard word.

Question 32

In the question below choose the alternative that best substitutes the underlined expression.

After the sepoy revolt of 1857, the Queen decided to grant a general pardon to all soldiers involved in the mutiny except a few who had played pivotal roles.

A

Exemption✓✗

B

Discharge✓✗

C

Reprieve✓✗

D

Amnesty✓✗

Explanation

Amnesty means an official pardon granted to a group of people.

Option A is wrong because exemption means freedom from an obligation.
Option B is wrong because discharge means release from service.
Option C is wrong because reprieve means a delay of punishment, not a full pardon.

Question 33

In the question below choose the alternative that best substitutes the underlined expression.

He leaned forward to have a look at the array of baked goods that impressed by their sheer variety and huge quantity.

A

Table of baked goods✓✗

B

Panoply of baked goods✓✗

C

Potpourri of baked goods✓✗

D

collage of baked goods✓✗

Explanation

A panoply is an impressive display or collection of things.

Option A is wrong because "table" does not carry the meaning of an impressive variety.
Option C is wrong because a potpourri is a mixture, usually of dried flowers.
Option D is wrong because "collage" is a picture made of pieces, and is not spelled with a capital.

Question 34

In the question below choose the alternative that best substitutes the underlined expression.

If you look, you will find a hole in the side of every ship that allows water to drain from the deck.

A

Sink✓✗

B

Drain✓✗

C

Scabbard✓✗

D

Scupper✓✗

Explanation

A scupper is a hole in the side of a ship that lets water drain from the deck.

Option A is wrong because a sink is a basin for washing.
Option B is wrong because a drain is a general word and not the specific ship term.
Option C is wrong because a scabbard is a sheath for a sword.

Question 35

In the question below choose the alternative that best substitutes the underlined expression.

Prices of grain have risen in the retail markets due to shortage but wholesalers have their storehouses of grain full.

A

barns✓✗

B

granaries✓✗

C

graineries✓✗

D

warehouses✓✗

Explanation

A granary is a storehouse for grain.

Option A is wrong because barns are farm buildings that may store many things.
Option C is wrong because "graineries" is not a word.
Option D is wrong because warehouses store all kinds of goods, not only grain.

Question 36

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below given word/ sentence.

A physician who diagnoses and interprets the changes caused by disease in tissues and body fluids

A

Pharmacist✓✗

B

Psychologist✓✗

C

Optometrist✓✗

D

Pathologist✓✗

Explanation

A pathologist is a doctor who studies the changes caused by disease in tissues and body fluids.

Option A is wrong because a pharmacist prepares medicines.
Option B is wrong because a psychologist studies the mind.
Option C is wrong because an optometrist tests eyesight.

Question 37

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below given word/ sentence.

A person who cannot help but steal whatever he can find.

A

daconomaniac✓✗

B

thanatomaniac✓✗

C

kleptomaniac✓✗

D

theomaniac✓✗

Explanation

A kleptomaniac is a person who cannot resist the urge to steal.

Option A is wrong because "daconomaniac" is not a real word.
Option B is wrong because "thanatomaniac" is not a standard word.
Option D is wrong because "theomaniac" refers to religious madness.

Question 38

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below given word/ sentence.
Fear of water:

A

Hydrophobia✓✗

B

Zoo-phobia✓✗

C

Agoraphobia✓✗

D

Arachnophobia✓✗

Explanation

Hydrophobia is the fear of water.

Option B is wrong because zoophobia is the fear of animals.
Option C is wrong because agoraphobia is the fear of open or crowded places.
Option D is wrong because arachnophobia is the fear of spiders.

Question 39

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below given word/ sentence.

A word indicating medicines that have no biological value yet create an impact because of psychological reasons.

A

Albedo✓✗

B

Tornado✓✗

C

Placebo✓✗

D

Albino✓✗

Explanation

A placebo is a harmless substance given as medicine that has no active ingredient but works through the patient's belief.

Option A is wrong because albedo is the reflecting power of a surface.
Option B is wrong because a tornado is a storm.
Option D is wrong because an albino is a person with no pigment.

Question 40

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below given word/ sentence.

A word meaning happy and joyful

A

Infuriated✓✗

B

Exhilarated✓✗

C

Despondent✓✗

D

None of the above✓✗

Explanation

Exhilarated means very happy and excited.

Option A is wrong because infuriated means very angry.
Option C is wrong because despondent means very sad.
Option D is wrong because option B is correct.

Question 41

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below given word/ sentence.

Person who is two faced

A

Janus faced✓✗

B

Sincere✓✗

C

Versatile✓✗

D

None of the above✓✗

Explanation

Janus was a Roman god with two faces, so "Janus-faced" means two-faced and insincere.

Option B is wrong because sincere means honest, which is the opposite.
Option C is wrong because versatile means able to do many things.
Option D is wrong because option A is correct.

Question 42

Out of the given choices. select the one which can be substituted for the given word or sentence.

One who looks at the bright side of things

A

Pessimist✓✗

B

Dreamer✓✗

C

Optimist✓✗

D

None of the above✓✗

Explanation

An optimist is a person who looks at the bright side of things.

Option A is wrong because a pessimist looks at the dark side.
Option B is wrong because a dreamer imagines things.
Option D is wrong because option C is correct.

Question 43

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below given word/ sentence.

Fear of spiders is known as:

A

Hydrophobia✓✗

B

Social Phobia✓✗

C

Agoraphobia✓✗

D

Arachnophobia✓✗

Explanation

Arachnophobia is the fear of spiders.

Option A is wrong because hydrophobia is the fear of water.
Option B is wrong because social phobia is the fear of social situations.
Option C is wrong because agoraphobia is the fear of open or crowded places.

Question 44

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below given word/ sentence.

A house where an Eskimo lives.

A

dower✓✗

B

hamlet✓✗

C

village✓✗

D

igloo✓✗

Explanation

An igloo is a dome-shaped house built by the Eskimos, usually from blocks of ice.

Option A is wrong because "dower" is a widow's share of property.
Option B is wrong because a hamlet is a small village.
Option C is wrong because a village is a small settlement.

Question 45

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below given word/ sentence.

Person who writes in a newspaper

A

Writer✓✗

B

Author✓✗

C

Journalist✓✗

D

None of the above✓✗

Explanation

A journalist is a person who writes for a newspaper.

Option A is wrong because a writer is a general word for anyone who writes.
Option B is wrong because an author writes books.
Option D is wrong because option C is correct.

Question 46

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below given word/ sentence.

'General pardon of political offenders' is also called as ________.

A

Amnesty✓✗

B

Despotism✓✗

C

Autocracy✓✗

D

Magnanimity✓✗

Explanation

An amnesty is a general pardon given by the government to a group of offenders, especially political ones.

Option B is wrong because despotism is rule by a tyrant.
Option C is wrong because autocracy is rule by one person with absolute power.
Option D is wrong because magnanimity means generosity in forgiving.

Question 47

In the following questions, write a single word which can be replaced with the key sentence.

'A large enclosure for keeping birds' is also called as __________

A

Zoo✓✗

B

Aquarium✓✗

C

Aviary✓✗

D

Homicide✓✗

Explanation

An aviary is a large enclosure for keeping birds.

Option A is wrong because a zoo is a place for keeping animals.
Option B is wrong because an aquarium is a place for keeping water animals.
Option D is wrong because homicide means the killing of a person.

Question 48

In the following questions, write a single word which can be replaced with the key sentence.

An examination of a dead body is called as

A

Amputate✓✗

B

Autopsy✓✗

C

Morgue✓✗

D

Crusade✓✗

Explanation

An autopsy is an examination of a dead body to find the cause of death.

Option A is wrong because amputate means to cut off a limb.
Option C is wrong because a morgue is a place where dead bodies are kept.
Option D is wrong because a crusade is a campaign or a holy war.

Question 49

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below given word/ sentence.

Place for ammunition and weapons is called as ________

A

Asylum✓✗

B

Arsenal✓✗

C

Archives✓✗

D

Acoustics✓✗

Explanation

An arsenal is a place where weapons and ammunition are stored.

Option A is wrong because an asylum is a place of refuge or mental care.
Option C is wrong because archives are a place for old records.
Option D is wrong because acoustics is the science of sound.

Question 50

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below given word/ sentence.

A person who eats too much is called as _______

A

Glutton✓✗

B

Nibbler✓✗

C

Cannibal✓✗

D

Omnivore✓✗

Explanation

A glutton is a person who eats too much.

Option B is wrong because a nibbler eats small bites.
Option C is wrong because a cannibal eats human flesh.
Option D is wrong because an omnivore eats both plants and animals.

Question 51

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below given word/ sentence.

The life history of a person written by an author is called as ___________

A

Autobiography✓✗

B

History✓✗

C

Bibliography✓✗

D

Biography✓✗

Explanation

A biography is the life history of a person written by another person.

Option A is wrong because an autobiography is written by the person himself.
Option B is wrong because history is the study of past events.
Option C is wrong because a bibliography is a list of books.

Question 52

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the given word/ sentence.

A person involving in an activity for pleasure and not money is called as ___

A

Amateur✓✗

B

Follower✓✗

C

Altruist✓✗

D

Antiquarian✓✗

Explanation

An amateur is a person who does something for pleasure and not for money.

Option B is wrong because a follower is a person who follows something.
Option C is wrong because an altruist is a person who helps others selflessly.
Option D is wrong because an antiquarian is a person who studies or collects antiques.

Question 53

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below given word/ sentence.

The person who knows everything

A

Omnipresent✓✗

B

Omnipotent✓✗

C

Omniscient✓✗

D

Oblivious✓✗

Explanation

Omniscient means knowing everything.

Option A is wrong because omnipresent means present everywhere.
Option B is wrong because omnipotent means all-powerful.
Option D is wrong because oblivious means unaware.

Question 54

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below given word/ sentence.

A person who talks in sleep is called as

A

Philatelist✓✗

B

Somnambulist✓✗

C

Somniloquist✓✗

D

Oneirocritic✓✗

Explanation

A somniloquist is a person who talks in sleep.

Option A is wrong because a philatelist collects stamps.
Option B is wrong because a somnambulist walks in sleep.
Option D is wrong because an oneirocritic interprets dreams.

Question 55

Choose the correct alternative which can be most effectively substituted for the given word/sentence.

A person who loves rains

A

Pluviophile✓✗

B

Bibliophile✓✗

C

Oenophile✓✗

D

Hydrophile✓✗

Explanation

A pluviophile is a person who loves rain.

Option B is wrong because a bibliophile loves books.
Option C is wrong because an oenophile loves wine.
Option D is wrong because hydrophile means water-loving in science.

Question 56

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below given word/ sentence.

A person who is bad with spellings is called as

A

Calligraphist✓✗

B

Cartographer✓✗

C

Choreographer✓✗

D

Cacographist✓✗

Explanation

A cacographist is a person who is bad at spelling.

Option A is wrong because a calligraphist is a person skilled in handwriting.
Option B is wrong because a cartographer makes maps.
Option C is wrong because a choreographer designs dances.

Question 57

Choose the correct alternative which can be substituted for the below given word/ sentence.

Fear of needles is known as :

A

Ergophobia✓✗

B

Nyctophobia✓✗

C

Trypanophobia✓✗

D

Necrophobia✓✗

Explanation

Trypanophobia is the fear of needles.

Option A is wrong because ergophobia is the fear of work.
Option B is wrong because nyctophobia is the fear of the dark.
Option D is wrong because necrophobia is the fear of dead things.