Vocabulary • Synonyms & antonyms • One-word substitution • Idioms & phrases

 

Vocabulary: Full-Length Notes

Topics Covered:

• Synonyms & Antonyms

• One-Word Substitution

• Idioms & Phrases

---

1. Synonyms & Antonyms

A. Synonyms

Definition:
Words that have the same or nearly the same meaning as another word.

Examples:

• Happy – Joyful, Content, Cheerful

• Begin – Start, Commence, Initiate

• Big – Large, Huge, Enormous

How to Master Synonyms:

• Learn words in groups (e.g., “happy” group: joyful, elated, delighted).

• Practice with context: Some synonyms are only appropriate in certain contexts.

Sample Questions:

• Choose the synonym of “Rapid”:
  (A) Slow (B) Fast (C) Weak (D) Calm
  Answer: (B) Fast

B. Antonyms

Definition:
Words that have opposite meanings.

Examples:

• Happy – Sad

• Increase – Decrease

• Generous – Stingy

How to Master Antonyms:

• Learn common antonym pairs.

• Watch for prefixes (un-, in-, dis-, etc.) that often signal opposites.

Sample Questions:

• Choose the antonym of “Expand”:
  (A) Contract (B) Grow (C) Spread (D) Enlarge
  Answer: (A) Contract

---

2. One-Word Substitution

Definition:
Replacing a phrase or a group of words with a single word that expresses the same meaning2345678.

Why Important:

• Makes language concise and precise.

• Common in exams and professional writing.

Examples:

Phrase/Meaning	One-Word Substitution
One who doesn’t consume alcohol	Teetotaler
One who loves mankind	Philanthropist
One who looks at the bright side of everything	Optimist
One who does not believe in God	Atheist
A person who collects coins	Numismatist
Someone who lives in solitude	Recluse
Someone who speaks many languages	Polyglot
A person who draws maps	Cartographer
Words written on a tomb	Epitaph
A thing no longer in use	Obsolete
A person who hates women	Misogynist
A person who is all-powerful	Omnipotent
Someone who regards the world as their country	Cosmopolitan
Someone who studies birds	Ornithologist
A person who boasts of achievements	Egotist
Someone who is reserved and shy	Introvert
A person who is greedy for money	Avaricious
Someone who insists on something	Stickler
A person who abandons his religion	Apostate

Tips for One-Word Substitution:

• Understand the full meaning of the phrase.

• Look for root words (e.g., “phobia” = fear, “phil” = love).

• Practice with lists and sample questions12345678.

Sample Questions:

1. A person who loves mankind:
   (A) Philanthropist (B) Optimist (C) Atheist (D) Pessimist
   Answer: (A) Philanthropist

2. A thing no longer in use:
   (A) Redundant (B) Obsolete (C) Sick (D) Obnoxious
   Answer: (B) Obsolete

---

3. Idioms & Phrases

Definition:
Idioms are expressions whose meanings cannot be understood from the literal meanings of the words that make them up. Phrases are groups of words that work together to convey a particular meaning.

Why Important:

• Idioms and phrases are common in both written and spoken English.

• They add color and expressiveness to language.

• Many exam questions test understanding of idiomatic usage.

Examples of Common Idioms & Their Meanings:

Idiom/Phrase	Meaning
Break the ice	Start a conversation in a social setting
Once in a blue moon	Very rarely
Spill the beans	Reveal a secret
Hit the nail on the head	Describe exactly what is causing a situation
A blessing in disguise	Something good that isn’t recognized at first
Kill two birds with one stone	Accomplish two tasks at once
Let the cat out of the bag	Reveal a secret
Piece of cake	Something very easy
Under the weather	Feeling ill
Burn the midnight oil	Work late into the night

How to Master Idioms & Phrases:

• Learn idioms in context, not just as isolated expressions.

• Practice using them in sentences.

• Be aware that idioms are often culture-specific.

Sample Questions:

• “To break the ice” means:
  (A) To start a quarrel
  (B) To end hostility
  (C) To start a conversation
  (D) To make friends
  Answer: (C) To start a conversation

---

4. Practice Strategies

• Read widely: Newspapers, novels, and magazines expose you to new words, idioms, and phrases.

• Make vocabulary lists: Group words by themes (e.g., emotions, professions, phobias).

• Use flashcards: For synonyms, antonyms, and one-word substitutions.

• Practice with quizzes: Regular testing improves recall and application.

---

5. Useful Resources

• [Hitbullseye: One Word Substitution List]1

• [Career Power: One Word Substitutions]2

• [Leverage Edu: One Word Substitution]3

• [BYJU’S: One Word Substitution PDF]7

• [PacketPrep: One Word Substitutes]8

---

Summary:
A strong vocabulary—covering synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitutions, and idioms & phrases—is essential for mastering English in exams and real life. Learn words in context, practice regularly, and focus on understanding meanings and usage for best results.

Section 1: Synonyms (1–25)

Choose the word most similar in meaning to the given word.

1. ABANDON
   (A) Leave (B) Accept (C) Join (D) Arrive

2. BRIEF
   (A) Short (B) Slow (C) Wide (D) Tall

3. CALM
   (A) Angry (B) Quiet (C) Loud (D) Sad

4. CONCEAL
   (A) Reveal (B) Hide (C) Show (D) Display

5. DILIGENT
   (A) Lazy (B) Careful (C) Quick (D) Honest

6. EAGER
   (A) Reluctant (B) Keen (C) Angry (D) Sad

7. FAMOUS
   (A) Unknown (B) Popular (C) Weak (D) Small

8. GENEROUS
   (A) Kind (B) Mean (C) Cruel (D) Harsh

9. HARMONY
   (A) Disagreement (B) Peace (C) War (D) Noise

10. IGNORE
    (A) Notice (B) Overlook (C) Forget (D) Avoid

11. JUSTIFY
    (A) Defend (B) Blame (C) Attack (D) Deny

12. KINDLE
    (A) Extinguish (B) Ignite (C) Remove (D) Stop

13. LETHARGIC
    (A) Energetic (B) Lazy (C) Angry (D) Sad

14. MUNDANE
    (A) Ordinary (B) Exciting (C) Rare (D) Special

15. NIMBLE
    (A) Clumsy (B) Quick (C) Slow (D) Heavy

16. OBSCURE
    (A) Clear (B) Uncertain (C) Hidden (D) Bright

17. PERIL
    (A) Safety (B) Danger (C) Calm (D) Peace

18. QUELL
    (A) Encourage (B) Suppress (C) Create (D) Start

19. RECALL
    (A) Forget (B) Remember (C) Lose (D) Miss

20. SINCERE
    (A) False (B) Honest (C) Untrue (D) Dishonest

21. TACTFUL
    (A) Rude (B) Polite (C) Careless (D) Honest

22. UNIQUE
    (A) Common (B) Rare (C) Usual (D) Ordinary

23. VIVID
    (A) Dull (B) Bright (C) Weak (D) Sad

24. WITHDRAW
    (A) Advance (B) Remove (C) Give (D) Add

25. YEARN
    (A) Desire (B) Hate (C) Ignore (D) Forget

---

Section 2: Antonyms (26–50)

Choose the word most opposite in meaning to the given word.

26. ACCEPT
    (A) Refuse (B) Agree (C) Take (D) Allow

27. BENEFACTOR
    (A) Supporter (B) Enemy (C) Opponent (D) Beneficiary

28. COURAGE
    (A) Fear (B) Bravery (C) Strength (D) Power

29. DESCEND
    (A) Fall (B) Drop (C) Rise (D) Lower

30. EFFICIENT
    (A) Capable (B) Useless (C) Inefficient (D) Smart

31. FLIMSY
    (A) Weak (B) Strong (C) Light (D) Thin

32. GENEROUS
    (A) Kind (B) Stingy (C) Polite (D) Happy

33. HASTY
    (A) Quick (B) Slow (C) Rushed (D) Early

34. INNOCENT
    (A) Guilty (B) Pure (C) Honest (D) Simple

35. JOYOUS
    (A) Happy (B) Sad (C) Excited (D) Glad

36. KIND
    (A) Cruel (B) Soft (C) Gentle (D) Nice

37. LOYAL
    (A) Faithful (B) Honest (C) Unfaithful (D) Brave

38. MATURE
    (A) Grown (B) Immature (C) Wise (D) Old

39. NATIVE
    (A) Local (B) Foreign (C) Original (D) Traditional

40. OPTIMIST
    (A) Pessimist (B) Realist (C) Dreamer (D) Believer

41. PLENTY
    (A) Few (B) Many (C) Some (D) Enough

42. QUIET
    (A) Silent (B) Calm (C) Noisy (D) Peaceful

43. RARE
    (A) Common (B) Unique (C) Unusual (D) Precious

44. SCARCE
    (A) Abundant (B) Short (C) Rare (D) Little

45. TIMID
    (A) Brave (B) Shy (C) Weak (D) Quiet

46. URBAN
    (A) Rural (B) City (C) Town (D) Suburban

47. VICTORY
    (A) Defeat (B) Win (C) Success (D) Triumph

48. WEALTHY
    (A) Poor (B) Rich (C) Prosperous (D) Affluent

49. XENOPHOBIA
    (A) Fear (B) Hatred (C) Love of foreigners (D) Dislike

50. ZEALOUS
    (A) Enthusiastic (B) Indifferent (C) Eager (D) Passionate

---

Section 3: One-Word Substitution (51–75)

Choose the one word that best expresses the meaning of the phrase.

51. One who does not believe in God
    (A) Atheist (B) Optimist (C) Pessimist (D) Theist

52. One who loves mankind
    (A) Philanthropist (B) Misogynist (C) Egoist (D) Pessimist

53. One who can speak many languages
    (A) Polyglot (B) Orator (C) Linguist (D) Translator

54. A person who collects coins
    (A) Numismatist (B) Philatelist (C) Archaeologist (D) Botanist

55. One who looks at the bright side of things
    (A) Optimist (B) Pessimist (C) Realist (D) Idealist

56. One who lives alone
    (A) Recluse (B) Hermit (C) Solitary (D) Loner

57. Words written on a tomb
    (A) Epitaph (B) Epilogue (C) Epistle (D) Eulogy

58. A person who draws maps
    (A) Cartographer (B) Geographer (C) Astronomer (D) Topographer

59. One who hates women
    (A) Misogynist (B) Philogynist (C) Feminist (D) Misanthrope

60. One who is all-powerful
    (A) Omnipotent (B) Omniscient (C) Omnipresent (D) Ubiquitous

61. A person who abandons his religion
    (A) Apostate (B) Atheist (C) Heretic (D) Pagan

62. A person who is greedy for money
    (A) Miser (B) Avaricious (C) Generous (D) Spendthrift

63. One who is reserved and shy
    (A) Introvert (B) Extrovert (C) Optimist (D) Pessimist

64. One who boasts of achievements
    (A) Egotist (B) Altruist (C) Philanthropist (D) Egoist

65. A person who regards the world as his country
    (A) Cosmopolitan (B) Patriot (C) Nationalist (D) Foreigner

66. A person who studies birds
    (A) Ornithologist (B) Zoologist (C) Botanist (D) Entomologist

67. Someone who insists on something
    (A) Stickler (B) Martinet (C) Fanatic (D) Zealot

68. A person who collects stamps
    (A) Philatelist (B) Numismatist (C) Collector (D) Archivist

69. A handwriting that cannot be read
    (A) Illegible (B) Eligible (C) Ineligible (D) Legible

70. A person who eats too much
    (A) Glutton (B) Gourmet (C) Epicure (D) Cannibal

71. Fear of water
    (A) Hydrophobia (B) Claustrophobia (C) Acrophobia (D) Xenophobia

72. Study of human societies
    (A) Sociology (B) Psychology (C) Anthropology (D) Archaeology

73. One who is present everywhere
    (A) Omnipresent (B) Omniscient (C) Omnipotent (D) Ubiquitous

74. A person who is new to a job
    (A) Novice (B) Veteran (C) Expert (D) Mentor

75. A person who walks in sleep
    (A) Somnambulist (B) Insomniac (C) Hypochondriac (D) Lunatic

---

Section 4: Idioms & Phrases (76–100)

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom/phrase.

76. Break the ice
    (A) To start a conversation
    (B) To break something
    (C) To end a relationship
    (D) To make a mistake

77. Once in a blue moon
    (A) Very often
    (B) Very rarely
    (C) At night
    (D) Every month

78. Spill the beans
    (A) To cook food
    (B) To reveal a secret
    (C) To waste money
    (D) To spoil something

79. Hit the nail on the head
    (A) To hurt someone
    (B) To do something exactly right
    (C) To make a mistake
    (D) To hammer a nail

80. A blessing in disguise
    (A) Something bad
    (B) A hidden blessing
    (C) A good thing that seemed bad at first
    (D) A curse

81. Kill two birds with one stone
    (A) To do two things at once
    (B) To hurt animals
    (C) To waste time
    (D) To break a rule

82. Let the cat out of the bag
    (A) To free an animal
    (B) To reveal a secret
    (C) To make a mess
    (D) To buy a pet

83. Piece of cake
    (A) Something very easy
    (B) A dessert
    (C) A difficult task
    (D) A small part

84. Under the weather
    (A) Feeling ill
    (B) Enjoying rain
    (C) Feeling happy
    (D) Traveling

85. Burn the midnight oil
    (A) Work late into the night
    (B) Waste oil
    (C) Sleep early
    (D) Burn something

86. A red letter day
    (A) A day of importance
    (B) A holiday
    (C) A sad day
    (D) A day with letters

87. At the eleventh hour
    (A) At the last moment
    (B) Early in the morning
    (C) At noon
    (D) At midnight

88. To go the extra mile
    (A) To walk far
    (B) To make extra effort
    (C) To get lost
    (D) To run away

89. To blow one’s own trumpet
    (A) To praise oneself
    (B) To play music
    (C) To shout loudly
    (D) To make noise

90. To call it a day
    (A) To stop working
    (B) To start a job
    (C) To go out
    (D) To call someone

91. To cut corners
    (A) To do something badly to save money
    (B) To take a shortcut
    (C) To cut something
    (D) To avoid work

92. To get cold feet
    (A) To become nervous
    (B) To feel cold
    (C) To run away
    (D) To be excited

93. To hit the sack
    (A) To go to bed
    (B) To hit someone
    (C) To eat food
    (D) To go out

94. To be in hot water
    (A) To be in trouble
    (B) To take a bath
    (C) To be happy
    (D) To be angry

95. To keep one’s fingers crossed
    (A) To hope for good luck
    (B) To be angry
    (C) To be scared
    (D) To be confused

96. To let sleeping dogs lie
    (A) To avoid restarting old conflicts
    (B) To let animals sleep
    (C) To forget something
    (D) To be lazy

97. To pull someone’s leg
    (A) To joke with someone
    (B) To hurt someone
    (C) To help someone
    (D) To pull hard

98. To see eye to eye
    (A) To agree
    (B) To look at someone
    (C) To fight
    (D) To be angry

99. To turn a deaf ear
    (A) To ignore
    (B) To listen carefully
    (C) To be deaf
    (D) To be rude

100. To take the bull by the horns
     (A) To face a problem boldly
     (B) To fight an animal
     (C) To run away
     (D) To be scared

---

Instructions:

• For each question, choose the most appropriate answer from the options.

• For maximum benefit, try to reason out your answer before checking with answer keys or explanations.

If you need answers or explanations for any section or question, just ask!