All questions of One Word Substitution for SSC CGL Exam

**Explanation:**

The word that means the same as the group of words given, "a person who compiles dictionaries" is **lexicographer**.

**Lexicographer** is a noun that refers to a person who writes or compiles dictionaries. They are experts in the field of lexicography, which is the practice of compiling, editing, and studying dictionaries.

Here's a breakdown of the options:

1. **Calligrapher**: This refers to a person who practices or studies the art of beautiful handwriting. It has no relation to compiling dictionaries.
2. **Cartographer**: This refers to a person who draws or makes maps. It has no relation to compiling dictionaries.
3. **Lexicographer**: This is the correct answer. It refers to a person who writes or compiles dictionaries.
4. **Choreographer**: This refers to a person who creates and arranges dances. It has no relation to compiling dictionaries.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'C', **lexicographer**.

Explanation:



Meaning of the given words:


Resistant: not susceptible to a particular disease or infection.


Particular: used to single out an individual member or subset from a larger group or category.


Infection: the process of infecting or the state of being infected.


Innocent: not guilty of a crime or offense.


Immune: resistant to a particular infection.


Immortal: living forever; never dying or decaying.


Innocuous: not harmful or offensive.



The correct word:


The word that means the same as "resistant to a particular infection" is immune.

Explanation:

Abridge
- Abridge means to shorten a piece of writing without losing the sense.
- It involves condensing the content while retaining the main ideas and meaning.
- Abridging helps in making the text more concise and easier to understand.
- It is often done to reduce the length of a text or to make it more suitable for a specific audience.
- Abridging is a common practice in editing and publishing to improve readability and clarity.
Therefore, in the context of the given question, the word 'abridge' is the most appropriate choice as it specifically refers to shortening a piece of writing without losing the sense.

Explanation:

Definition of the words:
- Toddler: A young child who is just beginning to walk.
- Cub: A young animal, such as a lion or bear.
- Joey: A young marsupial, particularly a kangaroo or koala.
- Kid: A child or young person.

Analysis:
The word that means the same as "A young child just beginning to walk" is Toddler. This is because a toddler is typically defined as a young child who is just starting to walk and explore the world around them. On the other hand, a "Cub" refers to a young animal, particularly a lion or bear. A "Joey" is a young marsupial, commonly found in kangaroos or koalas. Finally, a "Kid" is a general term for a child or young person, but it does not specifically imply the stage of learning to walk.
Therefore, the most suitable word that matches the description provided is Toddler.

**Explanation:**

The given phrase "Government by a few people" refers to a system of government where a small group of individuals hold power and make decisions on behalf of the entire population. This type of government is known as an *oligarchy*.

- **Aristocracy**: Aristocracy refers to a system of government where power is held by a small group of individuals who belong to a privileged social class, typically based on hereditary titles or wealth. While aristocracy also involves a few people holding power, it is specifically based on social status rather than the broader concept of a small group governing.

- **Oligarchy**: Oligarchy is the best substitute for the given phrase as it precisely represents the idea of government by a few people. In an oligarchy, power is concentrated in the hands of a small group of individuals, who may or may not belong to a specific social class.

- **Dictatorship**: Dictatorship refers to a system of government where power is held by a single individual, known as a dictator, who has complete control over the government and its decisions. While dictatorship also involves concentration of power, it is different from the concept of government by a few people.

- **Bureaucracy**: Bureaucracy refers to a system of government where power is held by a complex network of administrative departments and officials. It involves a hierarchical structure and standardized procedures. Bureaucracy does not accurately represent the idea of government by a few people, as it focuses more on the administrative aspects rather than the concentration of power.

Therefore, the correct answer is option **B) Oligarchy**.

Pantheism
Pantheism is the belief that God is in everything, including nature. It is the idea that everything in the universe is part of one divine entity, and that this entity is present in all things. Pantheists believe that the universe is sacred, and that all life is interconnected. This belief system is often associated with Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Taoism, but it can also be found in Western philosophy and spirituality.

Polytheism
Polytheism is the belief in multiple gods or goddesses. In polytheistic religions, each god or goddess has a specific role or domain, and worshippers may choose to focus on one or more of these deities. Examples of polytheistic religions include ancient Greek and Roman religions, as well as many indigenous religions around the world.

Mysticism
Mysticism is a spiritual practice that involves seeking direct experience of the divine or transcendent. Mystics often use techniques such as meditation or prayer to achieve a state of heightened awareness, and they may also have visions or other mystical experiences. Mysticism can be found in many different religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, as well as in non-religious spiritual practices.

Naturalism
Naturalism is a philosophical belief that the universe is governed by natural laws, and that there is no supernatural or divine intervention in the world. Naturalists believe that everything in the universe can be explained by scientific principles, and that there is no need to invoke supernatural explanations. This worldview is often associated with atheism and scientific materialism.

In conclusion, the correct answer for the given question is 'Pantheism', as it refers to the belief that God is in everything, including nature.

1. Parboil Explanation:
Parboil is the method of boiling briefly to cook food slightly. This process involves partially cooking food in boiling water or broth for a short period of time before finishing the cooking process through other methods.
2. Comparison with other options:
- Steam: Cooking food by exposing it to steam.
- Bake: Cooking food in an oven using dry heat.
- Saute: Cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or butter over high heat.
3. Importance of Parboiling:
Parboiling is often used in recipes to speed up the cooking process, especially for ingredients that take longer to cook. It helps to soften the food slightly before further cooking, ensuring that it cooks evenly and thoroughly.
4. Usage in recipes:
Parboiling is commonly used for vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and broccoli before roasting, grilling, or sautéing them. It is also used for certain meats like ribs or chicken before grilling or baking to ensure they are cooked through.
5. Conclusion:
In conclusion, parboiling is a useful cooking technique that involves boiling food briefly to partially cook it before using other cooking methods. It is a versatile method that helps in preparing various dishes effectively.

Understanding the Term "Volunteer"
In the context of the question, we are looking for a term that describes someone who offers their services willingly and without any expectation of payment or compensation. Let's analyze the options provided:
Option Analysis:
- Worker: This term typically refers to someone who is employed and receives compensation for their labor. It does not imply voluntary service but rather a contractual obligation.
- Slave: This term denotes someone who is forced to work against their will and is owned by another person. This is the opposite of offering services freely, as slaves have no choice in their labor.
- Volunteer: A volunteer is someone who offers their time and effort willingly, without any expectation of payment. This perfectly aligns with the definition of someone providing services of their own free will.
- Servant: While a servant may provide services, this term often implies a contractual relationship where the servant is compensated, which contradicts the notion of freely offering one's services.
Conclusion:
The correct answer is option 'C', "Volunteer," as it encapsulates the essence of someone who offers their service out of their own free will, aligning perfectly with the question's requirement. Volunteering is a selfless act, making it distinct from other terms that imply obligation or coercion.

Understanding the Term "Widower"
The question asks for a term that describes a man whose wife has died. Among the options provided, the most accurate choice is "widower."
Definitions of Each Option:
- Widower: A man whose wife has passed away. This term specifically refers to the male counterpart of a widow.
- Spinster: Traditionally refers to an unmarried woman, often one who is older and likely to remain unmarried. It does not relate to the status of a deceased spouse.
- Bachelor: A man who is unmarried. Similar to "spinster," this term does not imply anything about a deceased spouse.
- Widow: A woman whose husband has died. This is the female counterpart to a widower.
Why "Widower" is the Correct Answer:
- The term "widower" directly addresses the condition of a man who has lost his wife, making it the most precise choice in this context.
- In contrast, the other options pertain to unmarried individuals or women who have lost their husbands, which do not fulfill the requirement of the question.
Conclusion:
In summary, the correct answer is option 'A' (Widower) because it specifically denotes a man whose wife is deceased, while the other options do not accurately represent this status.

Best substitute for "An event which happens once in five years" is Quinquennial.

Explanation:
The given phrase refers to an event that occurs once every five years. The word 'quint' means 'five', and 'ennial' means 'year'. Therefore, the best substitute for this phrase is 'quinquennial', which means 'occurring once every five years'.

Option A - Septennial means 'occurring once every seven years', which is not the same as occurring once every five years.

Option C - Interregnum means a period when normal government is suspended, especially between successive reigns or regimes. This does not match the given phrase.

Option D - Pun means a joke or a witty remark, which is not related to the given phrase.

Therefore, the correct answer is option B - Quinquennial.

Understanding the Term: Sonnet
A sonnet is a specific type of poem characterized by its structure and thematic content. Here's a detailed explanation:
Definition of a Sonnet
- A sonnet is defined as a poem consisting of exactly fourteen lines.
- Typically, these lines follow a specific rhyme scheme and meter, most commonly iambic pentameter.
Types of Sonnets
- There are two main types of sonnets: the Petrarchan (or Italian) and the Shakespearean (or English).
- Petrarchan Sonnet: Consists of an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines).
- Shakespearean Sonnet: Comprised of three quatrains (four lines each) followed by a couplet (two lines).
Other Options Explained
- Ballad:
- A narrative poem that tells a story, often in short stanzas.
- Typically has a musical quality but does not adhere to the fourteen-line structure.
- Psalm:
- A sacred song or hymn, particularly found in religious texts.
- While it can vary in length, it does not specifically refer to fourteen lines.
- Carol:
- A festive song or hymn, often associated with Christmas.
- Like ballads, carols can be of various lengths and do not conform to the sonnet structure.
Conclusion
Given the definitions and characteristics outlined, the correct answer to the question, "A poem of fourteen lines," is indeed C) Sonnet. This choice accurately encapsulates the specific form of poetry being referred to, unlike the other alternatives.

Explanation:

To find the correct answer, let's understand the meanings of the given options:

a) Friable: Easily crumbled or broken into small fragments.
b) Ephemeral: Lasting for a very short time; transient.
c) Metronomic: Regularly or mechanically rhythmic.
d) Eternal: Lasting or existing forever; without end.

Analysis of the Options:

The word given is "lasting for a very short time." We need to find a word that means the same.

a) Friable: This word means easily crumbled or broken into small fragments. It does not convey the meaning of something being short-lived.

b) Ephemeral: This word means lasting for a very short time. It perfectly matches the given meaning.

c) Metronomic: This word means regularly or mechanically rhythmic. It does not convey the meaning of something being short-lived.

d) Eternal: This word means lasting or existing forever; without end. It is the opposite of the given meaning.

Conclusion:

Out of the given options, only option 'B' (Ephemeral) matches the meaning of "lasting for a very short time." Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B'.

Gratuity
Gratuity is the money paid to employees on retirement as a token of appreciation for their years of service. It is a form of financial support provided by the employer to the employee upon their retirement. Here's why 'Gratuity' is the correct answer for the given word:

Explanation:
- Gratuity: It is a sum of money paid by an employer to an employee for services rendered to the company. It is typically given to employees upon retirement or resignation.
- Gift: A gift is something given voluntarily without payment in return, and it is not specifically related to retirement benefits.
- Pension: A pension is a fixed sum paid regularly to a person, typically following retirement from service. It is different from gratuity as it is a periodic payment rather than a one-time lump sum.
- Arrears: Arrears refer to the amount of money that is owed and should have been paid earlier. It is not specifically related to retirement benefits.
In conclusion, 'Gratuity' is the most appropriate term to describe the money paid to employees on retirement as it signifies a form of recognition and financial support for their dedicated service to the organization.

Understanding the Term "Antidote"
An antidote is a specific substance that counteracts the effects of a poison. When someone is exposed to a toxic substance, administering an antidote can neutralize the poison's effects, making it a crucial aspect of emergency medical treatment.
Explanation of Options
- Emetic: This is a substance that induces vomiting. While it can be used to expel certain poisons, it does not directly counteract their effects.
- Antidote: This is the correct answer. An antidote specifically works against poisons or toxins, neutralizing their harmful effects in the body.
- Anti-venom: This is a type of antidote specifically designed to counteract venom from bites or stings, such as snake bites. While it is a form of antidote, it is limited to venom and does not cover all types of poisoning.
- Antiseptic: This refers to substances that prevent or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, primarily used to clean wounds and prevent infections. It does not address poisons.
Conclusion
The term "medicine to counteract the effect of a poison" is best defined by the word "antidote." While other options like anti-venom serve specific cases, antidote is the most comprehensive term applicable to various toxic substances. Thus, option 'B' is the correct choice.

Understanding the Term "Versatile"
The question asks for a word that describes someone who possesses many talents. Among the options provided, the correct choice is "Versatile." Let's break down why this is the most suitable answer.
Definition of Versatile
- Versatile refers to a person who is adaptable and has many different skills or talents. It conveys the idea of being able to excel in various activities or fields, showcasing a range of abilities.
Analysis of Other Options
- Gifted: While this term indicates someone who has exceptional abilities, it doesn't necessarily imply that the person possesses multiple talents. A gifted individual may excel in one specific area.
- Talented: This word is similar to "gifted" but still leans towards indicating proficiency in one or a few areas rather than a multitude of skills.
- Exceptional: This term denotes someone who stands out due to their remarkable abilities. However, it does not specifically imply versatility or a range of talents.
Conclusion
Choosing "Versatile" captures the essence of someone with multiple talents effectively. It encompasses the idea of adaptability and proficiency across various domains, making it the most fitting alternative among the options provided. Thus, "Versatile" is the correct answer for someone who possesses many talents.