TNPSC One Word Substitution Test 3

Concept Booster – TNPSC One Word Substitution Test 3

1. Choose the one word for “A person who studies ancient objects and remains”:

Answer & Meaning:
An Archaeologist is a person who studies ancient civilizations through artifacts, monuments, and historical remains.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Historian – Studies and records historical events.
• Geologist – Studies rocks, minerals, and the Earth’s structure.
• Scientist – Conducts research in various scientific fields.

Example:
An archaeologist discovered ancient pottery during an excavation.

Exam Tip:
Do not confuse Archaeologist with Historian. Archaeologists study physical remains, whereas historians study written records and historical events.

2. Choose the one word for “A person who can use both hands equally well”:

Answer & Meaning:
An Ambidextrous person can use both hands equally well.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Left-handed – Prefers using the left hand.
• Flexible – Able to bend or adapt easily.
• Dexterous – Skillful, especially with the hands, but not necessarily both hands.

Example:
The artist is ambidextrous and can draw with either hand.

Exam Tip:
Remember: Ambi = Both. Therefore, Ambidextrous means using both hands with equal skill.

3. Choose the one word for “A person who makes maps”:

Answer & Meaning:
A Cartographer is a person who makes or draws maps.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Surveyor – Measures and maps land boundaries.
• Geographer – Studies the Earth’s physical features and human activities.
• Navigator – Plans and directs the course of a journey.

Example:
The cartographer prepared a detailed map of the region.

Exam Tip:
A Cartographer creates maps, whereas a Geographer studies places and environments.

4. Choose the one word for “A person who studies human societies”:

Answer & Meaning:
An Anthropologist is a person who studies human societies, cultures, and their development.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Economist – Studies the production and distribution of wealth.
• Psychologist – Studies the human mind and behavior.
• Sociologist – Studies social relationships and institutions.

Example:
The anthropologist spent years studying tribal cultures.

Exam Tip:
Do not confuse Anthropology with Sociology. Anthropology focuses on human origins and cultures, while sociology studies social systems and relationships.

5. Choose the one word for “A person who loves learning”:

Answer & Meaning:
A Philomath is a person who loves learning and acquiring knowledge.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Scholar – A person with extensive academic knowledge.
• Student – A person who is studying at a school or college.
• Intellectual – A person engaged in critical thinking and ideas.

Example:
Being a true philomath, she spends hours reading books on different subjects.

Exam Tip:
Remember: Philo = Love and Math = Learning. A Philomath is someone who loves learning, not necessarily an expert in a subject.

6. Choose the one word for “A person who treats diseases”:

Answer & Meaning:
A Physician is a qualified medical practitioner who diagnoses and treats diseases.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Pharmacist – Prepares and dispenses medicines.
• Surgeon – Performs surgical operations.
• Nurse – Provides medical care and assistance to patients.

Example:
The physician prescribed medication after examining the patient.

Exam Tip:
Do not confuse Physician with Surgeon. A physician primarily treats diseases through diagnosis and medication, whereas a surgeon performs operations.

7. Choose the one word for “A person who walks on foot”:

Answer & Meaning:
A Pedestrian is a person who travels or walks on foot.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Traveler – A person who travels from one place to another.
• Tourist – A person who travels for pleasure.
• Passenger – A person traveling in a vehicle.

Example:
Pedestrians should always use the zebra crossing.

Exam Tip:
Remember that a Pedestrian specifically refers to someone walking, not someone traveling by vehicle.

8. Choose the one word for “A person who studies weather and climate”:

Answer & Meaning:
A Meteorologist is a scientist who studies weather patterns, atmospheric conditions, and climate.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Astronomer – Studies stars, planets, and celestial bodies.
• Geologist – Studies the Earth’s rocks and structure.
• Ecologist – Studies the relationship between living organisms and their environment.

Example:
The meteorologist predicted heavy rainfall for the weekend.

Exam Tip:
Do not confuse Meteorologist with Astronomer. Meteorology deals with the Earth’s atmosphere, while astronomy deals with space.

9. Choose the one word for “A person who eats human flesh”:

Answer & Meaning:
A Cannibal is a person who eats the flesh of other human beings.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Savage – A person considered uncivilized or brutal.
• Hunter – A person who hunts animals.
• Nomad – A person who moves from place to place without a permanent home.

Example:
The story described an isolated tribe that practiced cannibalism.

Exam Tip:
Remember that Cannibal specifically refers to consuming human flesh and should not be confused with general terms describing lifestyle or behavior.

10. Choose the one word for “A person who cannot be corrected”:

Answer & Meaning:
An Incorrigible person is someone who cannot be corrected, reformed, or improved.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Disobedient – Unwilling to obey rules or authority.
• Stubborn – Unwilling to change one’s opinion or actions.
• Careless – Not giving sufficient attention or thought.

Example:
The teacher considered the student’s repeated misconduct to be incorrigible behavior.

Exam Tip:
Remember: In + Corrigible = Not capable of correction. An incorrigible person refuses to change despite repeated efforts.

11. Choose the one word for “A person who prepares and sells meat”:

Answer & Meaning:
A Butcher is a person who cuts, prepares, and sells meat.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Baker – Prepares and sells bread, cakes, and other baked goods.
• Grocer – Sells food items and household products.
• Vendor – A person who sells goods, especially in public places.

Example:
The butcher carefully prepared fresh meat for his customers.

Exam Tip:
Do not confuse Butcher with Grocer. A butcher deals specifically with meat, whereas a grocer sells a variety of food items.

12. Choose the one word for “A person who studies the mind”:

Answer & Meaning:
A Psychologist is a person who studies the human mind and behavior.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Psychiatrist – A medical doctor who diagnoses and treats mental illnesses.
• Philosopher – A person who studies fundamental questions about existence and knowledge.
• Neurologist – A doctor who treats disorders of the nervous system.

Example:
The psychologist helped the patient overcome anxiety through counseling.

Exam Tip:
Do not confuse Psychologist with Psychiatrist. A psychologist studies behavior and provides therapy, while a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medicines.

13. Choose the one word for “A person who is eighty years old”:

Answer & Meaning:
An Octogenarian is a person who is between 80 and 89 years old.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Centenarian – A person who is 100 years old or older.
• Septuagenarian – A person who is between 70 and 79 years old.
• Nonagenarian – A person who is between 90 and 99 years old.

Example:
The octogenarian remained active and healthy even at the age of 85.

Exam Tip:
Remember the age groups:

• Septuagenarian → 70–79
• Octogenarian → 80–89
• Nonagenarian → 90–99
• Centenarian → 100+

14. Choose the one word for “A person who repairs shoes”:

Answer & Meaning:
A Cobbler is a person who repairs and sometimes makes shoes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Tailor – Makes and repairs clothes.
• Mason – Works with stone, brick, or concrete.
• Carpenter – Works with wood.

Example:
The cobbler repaired my old shoes within an hour.

Exam Tip:
Remember that a Cobbler is associated only with footwear, whereas a tailor deals with clothing.

15. Choose the one word for “A person who is unable to hear and speak”:

Answer & Meaning:
A Deaf-mute is a person who is unable to hear and speak.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Blind – A person who cannot see.
• Deaf – A person who cannot hear.
• Dumb – A person who is unable to speak.

Example:
Special educational programs are available for deaf-mute individuals.

Exam Tip:
Do not confuse these terms:

• Blind → Cannot see
• Deaf → Cannot hear
• Dumb → Cannot speak
• Deaf-mute → Cannot hear and speak

16. Choose the one word for “A person who studies birds”:

Answer & Meaning:
An Ornithologist is a scientist who studies birds, their behavior, classification, and habitats.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Zoologist – Studies animals in general.
• Botanist – Studies plants.
• Ecologist – Studies the relationship between organisms and their environment.

Example:
The ornithologist spent years observing migratory birds.

Exam Tip:
Remember: Ornithology = Study of Birds. It is a specialized branch of zoology.

17. Choose the one word for “A person who looks after passengers on a ship”:

Answer & Meaning:
A Steward is a person who attends to the comfort and needs of passengers, especially on ships and aircraft.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Sailor – Works on a ship as part of the crew.
• Captain – Commands and controls the ship.
• Navigator – Plans and directs the route of a ship.

Example:
The steward ensured that all passengers were comfortable during the voyage.

Exam Tip:
Do not confuse Steward with Captain. A steward provides passenger services, whereas a captain commands the vessel.

18. Choose the one word for “A person who studies insects”:

Answer & Meaning:
An Entomologist is a scientist who studies insects and their behavior.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Ecologist – Studies ecosystems and environmental relationships.
• Biologist – Studies living organisms in general.
• Taxonomist – Classifies and names organisms.

Example:
The entomologist collected samples of butterflies for research.

Exam Tip:
Remember: Entomology = Study of Insects. This is a specialized branch of zoology.

19. Choose the one word for “A person who is new to a profession”:

Answer & Meaning:
An Amateur is a person who is inexperienced or engages in an activity for pleasure rather than as a profession.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Expert – A person with extensive knowledge or skill.
• Veteran – A person with long experience in a particular field.
• Specialist – A person with expertise in a specific area.

Example:
As an amateur photographer, she enjoyed taking pictures as a hobby.

Exam Tip:
Do not confuse Amateur with Beginner. An amateur may have experience but does not practice professionally.

20. Choose the one word for “A person who studies the origin of words”:

Answer & Meaning:
An Etymologist is a person who studies the origin, history, and development of words.

Why Other Options Are Wrong?

• Linguist – Studies language and its structure.
• Grammarian – Studies grammar and language rules.
• Lexicographer – Compiles and edits dictionaries.

Example:
The etymologist traced the origin of several English words to Latin.

Exam Tip:
Remember: Etymology = Study of the origin of words. A Lexicographer writes dictionaries, whereas an Etymologist studies word history.

Authority Reference:
Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries – One Word Meanings and Usage