One Word Substitution: Definitions, Examples & Practice

In layman’s language, One-Word Substitution is basically using one word to replace a group of words or a phrase by conveying the same meaning. This practice is generally used to make the language and communication more precise. Additionally, one-word substitutions are commonly used for vocabulary building.

For Example:

• Instead of saying, “a person who loves to read or collect books”, one can say “Bibliophile”
• Instead of saying, “a thing that is kept as a reminder of a person, place or event’, one can say “Souvenir”

Also Read:

• What is an Adverb?
• What are Phrases?

One Word Substitution in English Grammar can be categorized into approximately eight types. Given below are the categories one word substitution:

People and Personalities: These are the words that describe types of people based on their habits, beliefs, or roles

Example:

• A person who prefers to solitude or is shy: Introvert
• One who does not believe in God: Atheist
• A person who has an unconventional style of living: Bohemian

Professions and Occupation: These one-words describe a person’s job or any specialized field.

Example:

• A person who creates an expressive style of writing: Calligrapher
• A person who works with flowers, generally, in a shop that sells cut flowers and plants: Florist
• A person who manages and organizes information resources in a library: Librarian

Science and Studies: These are the terms related to academic disciplines or scientific fields

Example:

• Scientific study of living organisms: Biology
• Study of Earth: Geology
• Study of celestial bodies: Astronomy

Places and Institutions: These words indicate specific locations or facilities

Example:

• A large bedroom for a number of people in an institution or school: Dormitory
• Building or a room containing a collection of books, periodicals, or more: Library
• An institution devoted to the care of old people: Orphanage

Government / Systems: These words indicate government-related one-word substitutions. These include various types of governments and rules.

Example:

• A form of government with a monarch as a head: Monarchy
• A system of government in which most of the decisions are taken by the state officials rather than the elected representatives: Democracy
• A system of government that is ruled by one person: Autocracy

Group / Collection Related: These are the one-word substitutions that describe a set of people, things, or animals as a single unit.

Example:

• A group of musicians: Band / Orchestra
• A group of singers: Choir
• A group of cattle or sheep: Herd

Generic Terms Related: These are the words that describe broader categories or general concepts in a more concise way.

Example:

• Spoken or done without preparation: Extempore
• An arrangement of dates or events as per the order of their occurrence: Chronology
• Certain to happen: Inevitable

Given below are some of the one-word substitution examples as per the different categories.

Study-Related One Word Substitution

Check the table given below to know about study-related one-word substitution. 

One Word Substitution for Generic Terms

Check the table given below to know about one-word substitution related to generic terms. 

One Word Substitution for Government or Political Systems

Check the table given below to know about the One Word Substitution for Government or Political Systems

Venue or Place-Related One Word Substitution

Here are the one-word Substitution related to venue or places:

One Word Substitution for People or Person

Check the table given below to know about the One Word Substitution for People or Person: 

Group / Collection Related One Word Substitution

Check the table given below to know about the One Word Substitution for Group / Collection: 

Profession-Related One Word Substitution

Check the table given below to know about the One Word Substitution for Profession-Related: 

One Word Substitution for Sound

Here are One Word Substitution for Sound-related phrases: 

Death / Murder Related One Word Substitution

Here are One Word Substitution for death / murder phrases: 

One Word substitution is an important concept as it boosts vocabulary, comprehension, and helps in concise expression. It enhances vocabulary, saves times in exams while writing long answers, enhances comprehension skills, and in a way, shows language profiency. The questions on one words substitution are common part of English Language / Verbal Ability sections in various exams such as:

• Competitive Exams in India: SSC, CGL, CHSL, Banking exams like SBI, IBPS PO, Clerk, UPSC, Defence exams like CDS, NDA, AFCAT
• International exams: Questions on one words substitutions can be asked in reading, writing, speaking, and listening sections of many English language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc. Additionally, One words substitutions can be asked in GRE, GMAT

One-word substitutions are important when it comes to making the sentence structure concise and clear. In a way, the one word becomes identical with the sentence. The importance of One-Word Substitution is given below:

• Provides clarity: One Word Substitutions demonstrate complex ideas or phrases concisely and clearly. For example: Instead of saying, “a person employed to drive a private car”, one can say Chauffeur
• Can help in getting good scores in Competitive Exams: Questions are asked on One Word Substitutions in exams like TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, etc.
• Refines Vocabulary: Using one-word substitution helps in improving their vocabulary. As a result, one can write and speak efficiently
• Adds Professionalism: With the right one-word, communication can be more polished and formal

Also Read: 

To learn about a particular topic, it is important to look at its examples. Here are a few examples of One Word Substitutions in a particular sentence:

1. Phrase: A person who draws or produces maps
   One-Word Substitution: Cartographer
2. Phrase: A lover of mankind
   One-Word Substitution: Philanthropist
3. Phrase: The scientific study of the structure and diseases of teeth
   One-Word Substitution: Odontology
4. Phrase: A person who likes books
   One-Word Substitution: Bibliophile
5. Phrase: A person who is always hopeful
   One-Word Substitution: Optimist

Also Read: 

To know how to solve questions on one-word substitution, the steps given below can be followed:

• Understand the Phrase or Definition: Carefully check the sentence or phrase and identify the meaning of what is being described.
• Identify keywords: Focus on the important keywords and learn the commonalities of different words. For instance: “Study of …” – logy, “Fear of …” – Phobia, “One Who…” can refer to a person
• Learn the roots, prefix or suffix: One-word substitution questions can be solved by identifying the root word or core meaning and then, checking the prefix and suffix. For example: In Hydrophobia, the root is Phob, which means fear. The prefix is Hydro, which means water. The suffix is –ia, which is a common suffix in Medical and Psychological Terms, mentioning a state or a condition. The full meaning is Hydrophobia – a condition of fear of water