Question 1

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to CANDID.

Accepted Answer

Candid (adjective) means frank, honest, and straightforward. It comes from Latin 'candidus' (white, pure, sincere). The correct antonym is 'Deceptive' (misleading; intended to deceive). 'Candor' is a noun form meaning honesty. 'Blunt' means direct/honest but is a synonym, not antonym. 'Vague' means unclear but doesn't mean dishonest.

Question 2

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to EPHEMERAL.

Accepted Answer

Ephemeral (adjective) means lasting for a very short time; transitory. It comes from Greek 'ephemeros' (lasting only a day). In banking exams, this word tests understanding of abstract time-related vocabulary. The correct synonym is 'Transient' (lasting briefly, temporary). 'Permanent' is the opposite. 'Ethereal' means delicate/heavenly but doesn't mean short-lived. 'Eternal' means everlasting, the opposite of ephemeral.

Question 3

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to BENEVOLENT.

Accepted Answer

Benevolent (adjective) means kind, generous, and charitable. It comes from Latin 'bene' (well) + 'volent' (wishing). The correct antonym is 'Malevolent' (wishing harm; evil). 'Benign' means harmless/kind, so it's a synonym, not an antonym. 'Indifferent' means uncaring but not actively harmful. 'Negligent' means careless but doesn't mean the opposite of kind.

Question 4

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to METICULOUS.

Accepted Answer

Meticulous (adjective) means showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise. It comes from Latin 'meticulosus' (fearful, timid), originally meaning 'fearfully careful'. The correct synonym is 'Fastidious' (very careful about details; particular). 'Reckless' means careless, the opposite. 'Meager' means scanty/insufficient. 'Mundane' means ordinary/dull.

Question 5

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to: EPHEMERAL

Accepted Answer

EPHEMERAL (adjective) means lasting for a very short time; transitory. It comes from Greek 'ephemeros' (lasting only a day). In banking and competitive exams, this word frequently appears in reading passages about temporary policies, fleeting opportunities, or short-lived trends. The correct synonym is TRANSIENT, which also means temporary or short-lived. PERMANENT is the direct opposite. TRIVIAL means unimportant (a different concept). FRAGILE means delicate or easily broken (a physical property, not duration).

IBPS Clerk One Word Substitution

One Word Substitution— Rules & Concept

Key Points to Remember

Exam-Specific Tips

One Word Substitution — Practice Questions

60-Second Revision — One Word Substitution