One Word Substitution with Shortcut tricks Set A

One Word Substitution (OWS) is a crucial topic in competitive exams such as SSC CGL, CHSL, Bank Exams (IBPS, SBI, RBI), Railways, and other government job tests. Mastering this topic not only improves your vocabulary but also enhances your ability to solve English questions quickly and accurately.
In this article, we will discuss:
- What is One Word Substitution?
- 20 Types of One Word Substitution with Examples
- Shortcut Tricks to Solve One Word Substitution in Exams
- Practice Questions for One Word Substitution

What is One Word Substitution?
One Word Substitution refers to a single word that replaces a longer phrase or a group of words. These words are used to make sentences concise and effective.
Example:
- A person who loves mankind → Philanthropist
- A place where birds are kept → Aviary

20 Types of One Word Substitution with Examples

Below are the most common types of One Word Substitution along with their meanings and examples:

1️ Words for Government & Rule
Phrase                                                            One Word
Government by the people                               Democracy
Government by a king or queen                       Monarchy
Government by the rich                                   Plutocracy
Government by officials                                   Bureaucracy

2 Words Related to Study & Science
Phrase                                             One Word
Study of birds                                  Ornithology
Study of insects                               Entomology
Study of human behavior                  Psychology

3 Words for Fear & Phobia
Phrase                                       One Word
Fear of heights                            Acrophobia
Fear of water                              Hydrophobia
Fear of confined spaces               Claustrophobia

4 Words for Killing & Death
Phrase                                       One Word
Killing of a human                       Homicide
Killing of one’s father                   Patricide
Killing of a king                           Regicide

5 Words for People & Professions
Phrase                                                  One Word
A person who loves books                       Bibliophile
A person who hates mankind                  Misanthrope
A person who walks in sleep                   Somnambulist

6 Words for Places
Phrase                                                     One Word
A place where coins are made                    Mint
A place where orphans live                        Orphanage
A place where wild animals are kept           Zoo

7️ Words for Medical Conditions   
Phrase                                                 One Word
A disease that spreads quickly                Epidemic
A disease present from birth                  Congenital
A disease affecting a large area              Pandemic

Continue for more categories such as Emotions, Religion, Law, Nature, Relations, Speech & Writing, Actions, Time, Groups, and Objects.)

Shortcut Tricks to Solve One Word Substitution Quickly

1️ Break Down the Word Components
Many one-word substitutions come from Latin and Greek roots. Understanding them makes it easy to guess meanings.
- “Phil” = Love, “Anthro” = Humans → Philanthropist (Lover of mankind)
- “Auto” = Self, “Graph” = Writing → Autobiography (Self-written life story)

2️ Use Mnemonics & Associations
- Misanthrope → Mis + Anthrope → Mis (Hate) + Anthrope (Humans) → Hater of humans
- Claustrophobia → Claus (Closed) + Phobia (Fear) → Fear of closed spaces

3️ Relate to Commonly Known Words
- Euthanasia (Mercy killing) → Similar to anesthesia (which numbs pain)
- Ambidextrous (Able to use both hands) → Ambi = Both, Dexterous = Skillful

4️ Practice with Mock Tests & Flashcards
- Regular quizzes and flashcards help in memorizing complex words easily.
- Try solving previous years’ questions to understand the exam pattern.

5️ Group Similar Words Together
- Grouping words by category (Government, Science, Fear, etc.) makes them easier to remember.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: What is the best way to memorize One Word Substitution?
Answer: Use mnemonic techniques, categorize words, and revise regularly with flashcards and mock tests.

Question: How many One Word Substitutions should I learn for exams?
Answer: Learn at least 500 high-frequency words commonly asked in competitive exams.

Question: Where can I find One Word Substitution questions for practice?
Answer: You can practice from previous year question papers, online quizzes, and mock test series.

Question: Are One Word Substitutions repeated in exams?
Answer: Yes, many words like Epidemic, Philanthropist, and Bureaucracy are frequently repeated.

Question: How can I improve my English vocabulary apart from One Word Substitution?
Answer: Read newspapers, novels, and articles, and use vocabulary apps for daily practice.

Final Thoughts

One Word Substitution is a high-scoring section in competitive exams. By following the shortcut tricks and categorization techniques, you can master this topic easily. Practice regularly with quizzes and previous year papers to reinforce your learning.

 Pro Tip:
- Keep a One Word Substitution notebook for quick revision.
- Use online quizzes to enhance retention.
- Learn 5 new words daily for consistent improvement.

One Word Substitution - High Difficulty MCQs
Set of 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Question: A person who renounces the world and practices self-discipline to attain salvation:
a) Ascetic
b) Atheist
c) Recluse
d) Theist
Answer: a

Question: One who believes in the idea of total governmental control over every aspect of public and private life:
a) Anarchist
b) Nihilist
c) Totalitarian
d) Plutocrat
Answer: c

Question: A government by the wealthy:
a) Oligarchy
b) Aristocracy
c) Plutocracy
d) Democracy
Answer: c

Question: A person who collects or has a great love of books:
a) Bibliophile
b) Calligrapher
c) Cartographer
d) Philanthropist
Answer: a

Question: A place where dead bodies are kept for identification:
a) Morgue
b) Cemetery
c) Mausoleum
d) Crematorium
Answer: a

Question: One who walks in sleep:
a) Somnambulist
b) Insomniac
c) Nocturnal
d) Lunatic
Answer: a

Question: A speech delivered without previous preparation:
a) Extempore
b) Monologue
c) Rhetoric
d) Elocution
Answer: a

Question: A person who opposes war and violence:
a) Pessimist
b) Fatalist
c) Pacifist
d) Misogynist
Answer: c

Question: A person who knows and can use many languages:
a) Linguist
b) Philologist
c) Polyglot
d) Grammarian
Answer: c

Question: An excessive desire to steal, not due to need:
a) Kleptomania
b) Megalomania
c) Hypochondria
d) Pyromania
Answer: a

Question: A place where bees are kept:
a) Apiary
b) Aviary
c) Aquarium
d) Herbarium
Answer: a

Question: A person who writes dictionaries:
a) Lexicographer
b) Calligrapher
c) Editor
d) Grammarian
Answer: a

Question: One who studies the human mind and behavior:
a) Psychologist
b) Neurologist
c) Psychiatrist
d) Anthropologist
Answer: a

Question: A person who lends money at an excessively high interest rate:
a) Usurer
b) Philanthropist
c) Capitalist
d) Economist
Answer: a

Question: A place where wine is stored:
a) Brewery
b) Cellar
c) Tavern
d) Distillery
Answer: b

Question: A person who believes in fate:
a) Pessimist
b) Fatalist
c) Optimist
d) Realist
Answer: b

Question: A person who loves mankind:
a) Misanthrope
b) Philanthropist
c) Altruist
d) Egoist
Answer: b

Question: A person who studies ancient writings and inscriptions:
a) Palaeographer
b) Archaeologist
c) Epigraphist
d) Numismatist
Answer: c

Question: A person who is skilled in multiple forms of art:
a) Polymath
b) Virtuoso
c) Connoisseur
d) Aesthete
Answer: b

Question: A person who studies human societies and cultures:
a) Anthropologist
b) Biologist
c) Archaeologist
d) Sociologist
Answer: a

Question: A person who devotes themselves to pleasure:
a) Hedonist
b) Pessimist
c) Stoic
d) Cynic
Answer: a

Question: One who is fluent in multiple languages:
a) Linguist
b) Polyglot
c) Philologist
d) Grammarian
Answer: b

Question: A person who believes in equal rights for all humans:
a) Elitist
b) Egalitarian
c) Monarchist
d) Autocrat
Answer: b

Question: A person who is indifferent to pleasure or pain:
a) Epicurean
b) Stoic
c) Nihilist
d) Pessimist
Answer: b

Question: A person who collects and studies coins:
a) Philatelist
b) Numismatist
c) Cartographer
d) Archaeologist
Answer: b

Question: A person who studies birds:
a) Ornithologist
b) Zoologist
c) Entomologist
d) Ecologist
Answer: a

Question: A person who writes with both hands:
a) Ambivert
b) Ambidextrous
c) Polygamous
d) Dexterous
Answer: b

Question: A person who does not believe in any religion:
a) Atheist
b) Agnostic
c) Theist
d) Deist
Answer: a

Question: A person who believes nothing can be known about God:
a) Atheist
b) Agnostic
c) Theist
d) Skeptic
Answer: b

Question: A person who speaks more than one language fluently:
a) Bilingual
b) Polyglot
c) Monolingual
d) Linguist
Answer: b

Question: A person who hates people:
a) Misogynist
b) Misanthrope
c) Philanthropist
d) Altruist
Answer: b

Question: A person who loves women:
a) Misogamist
b) Philanderer
c) Philogynist
d) Chauvinist
Answer: c

Question: A person who strongly dislikes women:
a) Misogynist
b) Misanthrope
c) Misogamist
d) Egoist
Answer: a

Question: A person who cannot make up their mind:
a) Indecisive
b) Skeptic
c) Pessimist
d) Agnostic
Answer: a

Question: A person who derives pleasure from inflicting pain on others:
a) Sadist
b) Masochist
c) Pessimist
d) Psychopath
Answer: a

Question: A person who derives pleasure from their own pain:
a) Sadist
b) Masochist
c) Narcissist
d) Optimist
Answer: b

Question: A person who believes their own opinions are superior:
a) Egotist
b) Chauvinist
c) Altruist
d) Realist
Answer: b

Question: A person who does things for the benefit of others:
a) Egoist
b) Altruist
c) Pessimist
d) Optimist
Answer: b

Question: A person who enjoys being alone:
a) Recluse
b) Extrovert
c) Socialite
d) Cynic
Answer: a

Question: A place where government records are kept:
a) Archive
b) Library
c) Bureau
d) Museum
Answer: a

Question: A person who collects stamps:
a) Numismatist
b) Philatelist
c) Philologist
d) Philanthropist
Answer: b

Question: A person who does not drink alcohol:
a) Vegetarian
b) Teetotaler
c) Abstinent
d) Stoic
Answer: b

Question: A person who studies the origin of words:
a) Etymologist
b) Philologist
c) Linguist
d) Lexicographer
Answer: a

Question: A person who walks in their sleep:
a) Insomniac
b) Somnambulist
c) Nocturnal
d) Sleepwalker
Answer: b

Question: A government ruled by a king or queen:
a) Oligarchy
b) Democracy
c) Monarchy
d) Plutocracy
Answer: c

Question: A government run by religious leaders:
a) Theocracy
b) Autocracy
c) Democracy
d) Aristocracy
Answer: a

Question: A government ruled by a small group of people:
a) Democracy
b) Oligarchy
c) Plutocracy
d) Bureaucracy
Answer: b

Question: A person who is skilled at public speaking:
a) Orator
b) Rhetorician
c) Debater
d) Elocutionist
Answer: a

Question: A person who is easily deceived or tricked:
a) Gullible
b) Cynical
c) Skeptic
d) Cunning
Answer: a