Question 1

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to: PRAGMATIC

Accepted Answer

Pragmatic (adjective) means dealing with things in a practical, realistic way based on actual circumstances rather than theory. From Greek 'pragma' (deed, fact). Frequently appears in SSC CGL Tier-1 passages about decision-making and problem-solving.

Question 2

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to BENEVOLENT.

Accepted Answer

Benevolent (adjective) means kind, generous, and showing goodwill toward others. It comes from Latin 'bene' (well) + 'volens' (wishing). This word appears in SSC passages describing charitable organizations, philanthropists, and ethical leadership. The correct answer is 'Malevolent' which means wishing harm or evil on others. 'Indifferent' means unconcerned (not quite opposite). 'Neutral' means unbiased (unrelated to kindness). 'Apathetic' means lacking emotion (related to indifference, not opposition).

Question 3

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to PRAGMATIC.

Accepted Answer

Pragmatic (adjective) means dealing with things in a practical, realistic way based on actual circumstances rather than theory. It comes from Greek 'pragma' (deed/action). This word frequently appears in SSC passages about policy-making, business decisions, and problem-solving approaches. The correct answer is 'Practical' which conveys the same sense of realistic, action-oriented thinking. 'Theoretical' is the opposite. 'Dogmatic' means rigidly adhering to principles (opposite in spirit). 'Skeptical' means doubtful (unrelated).

Question 4

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to: PRAGMATIC

Accepted Answer

Pragmatic (from Greek 'pragma' = deed/action) means dealing with things in a practical, realistic way based on actual circumstances. The opposite is IDEALISTIC, which means guided by ideals or principles rather than practical reality. FLEXIBLE means adaptable (not opposite—pragmatists are often flexible). STUBBORN means inflexible (unrelated to pragmatism). THEORETICAL relates to theory but isn't the true opposite.

Question 5

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to: AMELIORATE

Accepted Answer

Ameliorate (verb) means to make something better or improve it. From Latin 'melior' (better). Appears in SSC CGL Tier-1 passages discussing improvements to conditions, policies, or situations.

Question 6

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to: BENEVOLENT

Accepted Answer

Benevolent (adjective) means kind, generous, and charitable. From Latin 'bene' (well) + 'volent' (wishing). Frequently tested in SSC CGL vocabulary sections and banking exams.

Question 7

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to: VERBOSE

Accepted Answer

Verbose (adjective) means using or containing more words than necessary; wordy. From Latin 'verbosus' (full of words). Common in SSC CGL reading comprehension passages criticising overly long writing or speeches.

Question 8

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 SSC/Banking papers, this word tests understanding of words describing brief duration or temporary nature.

Question 9

Choose the ONE WORD SUBSTITUTION for: 'A person who is unable to pay their debts.'

Accepted Answer

The word 'Insolvent' means a person who cannot pay their debts. It comes from Latin 'insolvens' (not able to pay). 'Bankrupt' is a close synonym but 'Insolvent' is the precise legal and formal one-word substitution used in SSC papers. 'Debtor' simply means one who owes money, not necessarily unable to pay. 'Pauper' means an extremely poor person, not specifically one who cannot pay debts. 'Miser' means a person who hoards money — the opposite context entirely.

Question 10

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' meaning 'lasting only a day.' Synonyms include 'transient', 'fleeting', and 'momentary'. In the context of SSC CGL vocabulary: 'The beauty of cherry blossoms is ephemeral, lasting only a few weeks.' The word EVANESCENT is the closest synonym, meaning tending to vanish or fade away. PERMANENT (opposite), ETERNAL (opposite), and CONSTANT (opposite) are distractors that test whether candidates understand ephemeral means SHORT-LIVED, not long-lasting.

Question 11

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to: PRAGMATIC

Accepted Answer

Pragmatic (adjective) means dealing with things in a practical, realistic way based on actual circumstances rather than theory. From Greek 'pragma' (deed, fact). Common in SSC CGL passages about business and decision-making.

Question 12

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 SSC CGL papers, this word tests understanding of words describing brief duration or temporary nature. The correct answer is 'Transient' which means passing quickly or temporary. 'Permanent' is the direct opposite. 'Trivial' means unimportant (different concept). 'Eternal' means lasting forever (opposite meaning).

Question 13

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to OBFUSCATE.

Accepted Answer

OBFUSCATE (verb) means to deliberately make something unclear, confusing, or difficult to understand. It comes from Latin 'obfuscare' (to darken). In academic and professional contexts, it describes the act of obscuring facts, language, or meaning intentionally. Example: 'The politician's response was designed to obfuscate the real issue.'

Question 14

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to: OBFUSCATE

Accepted Answer

OBFUSCATE (verb) means to make something unclear or deliberately confuse. It comes from Latin 'obfuscare' (to darken). In context: 'The politician's vague statements obfuscate the real issue.' The correct answer is OBSCURE because both mean to make unclear or hide from view. CLARIFY is the opposite. FACILITATE means to make easier. ELUCIDATE means to explain clearly (also opposite). OBFUSCATE appears frequently in SSC CGL Tier-1 vocabulary sections and IBPS PO papers.

Question 15

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to: PROFLIGATE

Accepted Answer

PROFLIGATE (adjective/noun) means recklessly extravagant; wasteful of money or resources; or a person who is dissolute and immoral. From Latin 'profligatus' (ruined, abandoned). Example: 'The company's profligate spending on luxury items led to its financial collapse.'

Question 16

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to: PROPITIOUS

Accepted Answer

PROPITIOUS (adjective) means giving or indicating a good chance of success; favourable. From Latin 'propitius' (favourable, gracious). Example: 'The propitious weather conditions were ideal for the outdoor event.'

Question 17

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to: SANGUINE

Accepted Answer

SANGUINE (adjective) means optimistic or positive, especially in an unjustifiably confident way; or blood-red in colour. From Latin 'sanguineus' (of blood). Example: 'Despite the economic downturn, the CEO remained sanguine about the company's future prospects.'

Question 18

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to: PERSPICACIOUS

Accepted Answer

PERSPICACIOUS (adjective) means having keen insight, discernment, or mental sharpness; able to understand things clearly. From Latin 'perspicax' (seeing clearly). Example: 'The perspicacious detective quickly identified the inconsistencies in the suspect's alibi.'

Question 19

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to: PROFLIGATE

Accepted Answer

PROFLIGATE (adjective) means recklessly extravagant; wasteful of money or resources. From Latin 'profligatus' (dissolute). Example: 'His profligate spending habits left him bankrupt within years.'

Question 20

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to: PERSPICACIOUS

Accepted Answer

PERSPICACIOUS (adjective) means having keen insight, discernment, or sharp judgment. From Latin 'perspicax' (seeing clearly). Example: 'Her perspicacious analysis revealed the hidden flaws in the proposal.'

RPF Sub-Inspector 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