One-Word Substitution Quiz: English Vocabulary Practice
10 one-word substitution questions of the SSC type. People, government, places and writing. With the root that unlocks each word.
One-Word Substitution Quiz: English Vocabulary Practice
Tip: use keys 1-4 to answer, Enter for next.
Answers to the starter quiz
Spoilers! These are the Starter quiz’s answers. Easy, Medium, Hard and Mixed rounds show their own answers when you finish.
Choose the one word for: One who hates mankind.
- Misogynist
- Misanthrope
- Philanthropist
- Ascetic
Answer: Misanthrope. Misanthrope = mis (hate) + anthropos (man). A misogynist hates women; a philanthropist loves and helps mankind.
Choose the one word for: A speech made without any preparation.
- Elocution
- Monologue
- Extempore
- Soliloquy
Answer: Extempore. Extempore means spoken without preparation. Elocution is the art of clear speaking; a soliloquy is a character speaking thoughts aloud alone on stage.
Choose the one word for: Government by a small group of powerful people.
- Autocracy
- Monarchy
- Theocracy
- Oligarchy
Answer: Oligarchy. Oligarchy comes from oligos (few) + archy (rule). Autocracy is rule by one person with unlimited power; theocracy is rule by religious authority.
Choose the one word for: A medicine that counteracts the effect of a poison.
- Antidote
- Antiseptic
- Antibiotic
- Anaesthetic
Answer: Antidote. An antidote counters a poison. An antiseptic prevents infection on skin or wounds; an antibiotic kills bacteria.
Choose the one word for: One who is unable to pay his debts.
- Insolent
- Indigent
- Insolvent
- Impudent
Answer: Insolvent. Insolvent means unable to pay debts. Insolent and impudent mean rude; indigent means very poor.
Choose the one word for: A child born after the death of its father.
- Orphan
- Posthumous
- Stepchild
- Foundling
Answer: Posthumous. Posthumous means occurring after death; it describes a child born after the father's death or a book published after the author's death.
Choose the one word for: A place where coins are made.
- Treasury
- Foundry
- Armoury
- Mint
Answer: Mint. Coins are struck at a mint. A foundry casts metal objects; an armoury stores weapons.
Choose the one word for: Words inscribed on a tomb.
- Epitaph
- Epilogue
- Epigram
- Epithet
Answer: Epitaph. An epitaph is written on a tomb. An epilogue ends a book or play; an epigram is a short witty saying; an epithet is a descriptive name.
Choose the one word for: Handwriting that cannot be read.
- Ineligible
- Illegible
- Illiterate
- Inaudible
Answer: Illegible. Illegible means not readable. Ineligible means not qualified; inaudible means unable to be heard.
Choose the one word for: An abnormal fear of heights.
- Claustrophobia
- Hydrophobia
- Acrophobia
- Agoraphobia
Answer: Acrophobia. Acro means height. Claustrophobia is fear of closed spaces, hydrophobia of water, agoraphobia of open or crowded places.
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