TNPSC One Word Substitution Test 2

TNPSC One Word Substitution Test 2– Concept Booster

If you look closely at this quiz, many questions are based on people and their identities—what they do, what they believe, what they study, or how they behave. In TNPSC English sections, especially in Group 2, Group 4 examinations, One Word Substitution questions often test whether candidates can connect a description with the exact term used in English vocabulary.

Words such as Biographer, Botanist, Philatelist, Atheist, and Spendthrift are more than just dictionary entries; they represent specific professions, interests, beliefs, and personality traits. Learning these TNPSC English words in context makes them easier to remember and helps you answer similar One Word Substitution questions with confidence. As you review the explanations below, try to associate each word with a real person, profession, or situation instead of memorizing it mechanically.

1. Biographer

Meaning:
A Biographer is a person who writes the life story of another person based on real events and achievements.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Novelist – Writes fictional stories and novels.
• Poet – Writes poems and verses.
• Historian – Studies and records historical events.

Example:
A biographer may write a book about the life and achievements of a famous scientist.

Exam Tip:
Do not confuse Biographer with Autobiographer. A biographer writes about another person, whereas an autobiographer writes about their own life.

Quick Revision:
✓ Biographer → Writes another person’s life story
✓ Novelist → Writes fiction
✓ Poet → Writes poems
✓ Historian → Studies history

2. Pilot

Meaning:
A Pilot is a trained person who operates and flies an aircraft.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Sailor – Works on ships and boats.
• Driver – Operates vehicles on roads.
• Captain – May command a ship, team, or aircraft but is not the specific word for a person flying an aircraft.

Example:
The pilot safely landed the aircraft despite bad weather conditions.

Exam Tip:
Remember that a pilot controls aircraft, while a sailor navigates water vessels.

Quick Revision:
✓ Pilot → Flies an aircraft
✓ Sailor → Works on ships
✓ Driver → Drives vehicles
✓ Captain → Leader or commander

3. Botanist

Meaning:
A Botanist is a scientist who studies plants and plant life.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Zoologist – Studies animals.
• Chemist – Studies chemicals and chemical reactions.
• Physicist – Studies matter, energy, and physical laws.

Example:
A botanist may research medicinal plants and their uses.

Exam Tip:
The word Botany refers to the scientific study of plants.

Quick Revision:
✓ Botanist → Studies plants
✓ Zoologist → Studies animals
✓ Chemist → Studies chemicals
✓ Physicist → Studies physics

4. Zoologist

Meaning:
A Zoologist is a scientist who studies animals, their behavior, habitats, and classification.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Biologist – Studies living organisms in general, including plants and animals.
• Geologist – Studies rocks, minerals, and the Earth’s structure.
• Astronomer – Studies stars, planets, and other celestial bodies.

Example:
A zoologist may conduct research on wildlife conservation and animal behavior.

Exam Tip:
Remember: Zoo → Animals → Zoologist. This simple connection can help you recall the word quickly during exams.

Quick Revision:
✓ Zoologist → Studies animals
✓ Biologist → Studies living organisms
✓ Geologist → Studies rocks and Earth
✓ Astronomer → Studies space

5. Narcissist

Meaning:
A Narcissist is a person who admires and loves himself or herself excessively.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Patriot – A person who loves and supports their country.
• Miser – A person who is unwilling to spend money.
• Optimist – A person who expects positive outcomes.

Example:
A narcissist often believes that they are more important or talented than others.

Exam Tip:
The word Narcissist comes from the Greek mythological character Narcissus, who was fascinated by his own reflection.

Quick Revision:
✓ Narcissist → Excessive self-love
✓ Patriot → Loves country
✓ Miser → Hates spending money
✓ Optimist → Positive thinker

6. Spendthrift

Meaning:
A Spendthrift is a person who spends money freely and often without careful planning.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Miser – Saves money excessively and avoids spending.
• Banker – Works in banking and financial services.
• Creditor – A person to whom money is owed.

Example:
A spendthrift may purchase unnecessary items without considering future expenses.

Exam Tip:
Think of Spend + Thrift. Despite containing the word “thrift,” a spendthrift is someone who spends money carelessly.

Quick Revision:
✓ Spendthrift → Spends money freely
✓ Miser → Saves excessively
✓ Banker → Banking professional
✓ Creditor → Person who lends money

7. Misogynist

Meaning:
A Misogynist is a person who dislikes, despises, or shows prejudice against women.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Feminist – Supports equal rights and opportunities for women.
• Humanist – Believes in human values and welfare.
• Philanthropist – A person who helps others through charitable activities.

Example:
A misogynist may hold unfair opinions about women’s abilities or roles in society.

Exam Tip:
Remember: Misogynist = Hates women, while Feminist = Supports women’s equality.

Quick Revision:
✓ Misogynist → Dislikes women
✓ Feminist → Supports women’s rights
✓ Humanist → Values humanity
✓ Philanthropist → Helps others

8. Mute

Meaning:
A Mute person is unable to speak.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Deaf – Unable to hear properly.
• Blind – Unable to see.
• Crippled – Having a severe physical disability affecting movement.

Example:
A mute person may communicate using sign language or writing.

Exam Tip:
Do not confuse Mute with Deaf. A mute person cannot speak, while a deaf person cannot hear.

Quick Revision:
✓ Mute → Cannot speak
✓ Deaf → Cannot hear
✓ Blind → Cannot see
✓ Crippled → Physically disabled

9. Zoophile

Meaning:
A Zoophile is a person who loves animals and cares deeply about their welfare.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Zoologist – Studies animals scientifically.
• Vegetarian – Avoids eating meat.
• Naturalist – Studies nature and the environment.

Example:
Many animal rescue volunteers can be described as zoophiles because of their affection for animals.

Exam Tip:
Remember: Zoo = Animals and Phile = Love. Together, Zoophile means a lover of animals.

Quick Revision:
✓ Zoophile → Loves animals
✓ Zoologist → Studies animals
✓ Vegetarian → Eats plant-based food
✓ Naturalist → Studies nature

10. Geologist

Meaning:
A Geologist is a scientist who studies the Earth’s structure, rocks, minerals, and natural processes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Botanist – Studies plants.
• Zoologist – Studies animals.
• Chemist – Studies chemicals and chemical reactions.

Example:
A geologist may examine rock samples to learn about the Earth’s history.

Exam Tip:
The word Geo means “Earth.” This can help you remember that a geologist studies the Earth and its materials.

Quick Revision:
✓ Geologist → Studies rocks and minerals
✓ Botanist → Studies plants
✓ Zoologist → Studies animals
✓ Chemist → Studies chemicals

11. Mortuary

Meaning:
A Mortuary is a place where dead bodies are kept before burial or cremation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Museum – A place where historical, cultural, or scientific objects are displayed.
• Hospital – A place where sick or injured people receive treatment.
• Monastery – A place where monks live and worship.

Example:
After identification procedures, the body was kept in the mortuary until the funeral.

Exam Tip:
Questions on places are common in One Word Substitution. Focus on the specific purpose of each place.

Quick Revision:
✓ Mortuary → Keeps dead bodies
✓ Museum → Displays artifacts
✓ Hospital → Treats patients
✓ Monastery → Residence of monks

12. Pharmacy

Meaning:
A Pharmacy is a place where medicines are prepared, stored, and dispensed.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Bakery – Produces bread, cakes, and other baked goods.
• Laboratory – A place used for scientific experiments and research.
• Library – A place where books and other reading materials are kept.

Example:
The doctor sent the prescription to the pharmacy for dispensing medicines.

Exam Tip:
Do not confuse a Pharmacy with a Laboratory. A pharmacy mainly provides medicines, while a laboratory is used for testing and research.

Quick Revision:
✓ Pharmacy → Medicines are prepared and dispensed
✓ Bakery → Baked food items
✓ Laboratory → Scientific experiments
✓ Library → Books and reading materials

13. Theist

Meaning:
A Theist is a person who believes in the existence of God or gods.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Atheist – Does not believe in God.
• Agnostic – Believes that the existence of God cannot be known with certainty.
• Skeptic – Questions or doubts accepted beliefs and claims.

Example:
Many people around the world are theists and follow different religions.

Exam Tip:
Remember: Theist = Believes in God, while Atheist = Does not believe in God.

Quick Revision:
✓ Theist → Believes in God
✓ Atheist → Does not believe in God
✓ Agnostic → Unsure about God’s existence
✓ Skeptic → Questions beliefs

14. Atheist

Meaning:
An Atheist is a person who does not believe in the existence of God.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Theist – Believes in God.
• Believer – Has faith in God or a religion.
• Saint – A person recognized for holiness or virtue.

Example:
An atheist may base beliefs on scientific or philosophical reasoning rather than religion.

Exam Tip:
The prefix “A-“ often means “without” or “not.” Therefore, Atheist means “without belief in God.”

Quick Revision:
✓ Atheist → Does not believe in God
✓ Theist → Believes in God
✓ Believer → Has religious faith
✓ Saint → Holy person

15. Vegetarian

Meaning:
A Vegetarian is a person who does not eat meat, fish, or poultry and mainly consumes plant-based foods.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Carnivore – Eats meat.
• Omnivore – Eats both plants and animals.
• Hunter – Hunts animals for food or sport.

Example:
Many vegetarians choose their diet for health, ethical, or environmental reasons.

Exam Tip:
Do not confuse Vegetarian with Vegan. Vegetarians may consume dairy products, while vegans avoid all animal-derived products.

Quick Revision:
✓ Vegetarian → Eats plant-based food
✓ Carnivore → Eats meat
✓ Omnivore → Eats plants and meat
✓ Hunter → Hunts animals

16. Philatelist

Meaning:
A Philatelist is a person who collects and studies postage stamps as a hobby.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Numismatist – Collects coins and currency.
• Archaeologist – Studies ancient civilizations through artifacts and remains.
• Collector – A general term for someone who collects items, but not specifically stamps.

Example:
My grandfather is a philatelist who has stamps from more than fifty countries.

Exam Tip:
Remember: Philatelist = Stamps. This is one of the most frequently asked One Word Substitution questions in competitive exams.

Quick Revision:
✓ Philatelist → Collects stamps
✓ Numismatist → Collects coins
✓ Archaeologist → Studies ancient remains
✓ Collector → General collector

17. Numismatist

Meaning:
A Numismatist is a person who collects and studies coins, currency, and medals.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Philatelist – Collects stamps.
• Archaeologist – Studies historical artifacts and ancient cultures.
• Historian – Studies and records past events.

Example:
A numismatist may own rare coins that are hundreds of years old.

Exam Tip:
A common TNPSC confusion is Philatelist vs Numismatist. Remember:

• Philatelist → Stamps
• Numismatist → Coins

Quick Revision:
✓ Numismatist → Collects coins
✓ Philatelist → Collects stamps
✓ Archaeologist → Studies artifacts
✓ Historian → Studies history

18. Illegible

Meaning:
Illegible means impossible or very difficult to read because the writing is unclear.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Legible – Easy to read.
• Beautiful – Attractive in appearance.
• Cursive – A style of handwriting with joined letters.

Example:
The doctor’s handwriting was so illegible that the pharmacist could not read it clearly.

Exam Tip:
The prefix “Il-“ means “not.” Therefore, Illegible means “not readable.”

Quick Revision:
✓ Illegible → Difficult to read
✓ Legible → Easy to read
✓ Beautiful → Attractive
✓ Cursive → Handwriting style

19. Hermit

Meaning:
A Hermit is a person who chooses to live alone, away from society, often for religious, spiritual, or personal reasons.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Nomad – A person who moves from place to place without a permanent home.
• Monk – A member of a religious community living under specific rules.
• Tourist – A person who travels for pleasure or sightseeing.

Example:
The hermit lived in a small hut deep in the forest, far from the busy city.

Exam Tip:
Do not confuse Hermit with Monk. A hermit lives in solitude, while a monk usually lives within a religious community.

Quick Revision:
✓ Hermit → Lives alone in solitude
✓ Nomad → Moves from place to place
✓ Monk → Religious community member
✓ Tourist → Travels for leisure

20. Irresolute

Meaning:
An Irresolute person is unable to make decisions and often hesitates between choices.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Determined – Firm in purpose and decision-making.
• Confident – Sure of one’s abilities or decisions.
• Courageous – Brave and willing to face difficulties.

Example:
Being irresolute during an examination may waste valuable time and affect performance.

Exam Tip:
The prefix “Ir-“ means “not.” Therefore, Irresolute means “not resolute” or “not decisive.”

Quick Revision:
✓ Irresolute → Unable to decide
✓ Determined → Firm in decision
✓ Confident → Self-assured
✓ Courageous → Brave

Final Revision Tips

✅ Learn One Word Substitutions by category rather than memorizing random words.

✅ Remember common collector terms:

• Philatelist → Stamps
• Numismatist → Coins

✅ Remember common study-related terms:

• Botanist → Plants
• Zoologist → Animals
• Geologist → Rocks and minerals

✅ Revise opposite pairs:

• Theist ↔ Atheist
• Legible ↔ Illegible

✅ Associate words with real-life situations. This improves retention far better than rote memorization.

✅ Spend a few minutes daily revising previously learned substitutions to strengthen long-term memory.

To understand word meanings more clearly, refer to trusted sources like the Cambridge Dictionary for accurate definitions and usage examples.