Synonyms

An egotist is a person who excessively talks about themselves, boasts of their own achievements, and seeks attention. While 'egoist' (option D) refers to someone who prioritizes their own interests, 'egotist' specifically describes someone who derives pleasure from discussing themselves and their accomplishments, making option A correct.

A pedant is someone who excessively emphasizes minor details, technicalities, or book learning in an annoying or narrow way. They often display their knowledge to show superiority rather than to genuinely educate. Unlike a sophist (who uses clever but false arguments) or a cynic (who distrusts human motives), a pedant specifically shows off learning.

A coadjutor refers to someone who works alongside another person as an assistant or helper, particularly in formal, religious, or organizational contexts. The term comes from Latin meaning 'helper together.' An antiquary studies old things, a prospector searches for valuable resources, so 'coadjutor' is the precise term for a collaborative assistant.

A stowaway is exactly defined as a person who secretly hides aboard a vehicle (ship, plane, truck, or train) to obtain free transportation. The term specifically refers to unauthorized passengers who conceal themselves to avoid paying fares. Neither 'archer' (bowman) nor 'angler' (fisherman) relates to hiding for free passage.

Bureaucracy refers to a system of government where departments and officials administer state functions through established procedures and hierarchies. Oligarchy is rule by few, democracy is rule by many.

A cope is a liturgical vestment - a cloak-like garment worn over cassock or other robes during ceremonies. Rochet is a different vestment, cassock is the base robe, and clergy refers to the people, not clothing.

A heckler is someone who interrupts and harasses speakers (especially candidates) with awkward questions, shouting, or disruptive behavior. Ingrate is ungrateful, assassin is a killer, and 'None' is not a valid term.

An alcoholic is someone with an irresistible craving or dependence on alcohol. Blonde refers to hair color, termagant means an scolding woman, and teetotaler is someone who abstains from alcohol - the opposite.

A cathedral is the principal church of a diocese and the bishop's official seat. An aisle is a passage, a sexton is a church officer, so 'Cathedral' correctly identifies the main church.

A referendum is a direct vote by the entire electorate on a political question. A regent is a ruler, census is population counting, so 'Referendum' is the correct substitute.

A crypt is a vault beneath a church traditionally used for burial. A vestry is a room for vestments, a lectern is a reading desk, so 'Crypt' is correct.

A lectern is specifically a reading desk where scriptures are read during services. A pulpit is for preaching, a mitre is bishop's headgear, so 'Lectern' is correct.

An agnostic believes that knowledge of God is impossible and that only natural phenomena can be known. An atheist denies God's existence, a theist believes in God, so 'Agnostic' is correct.

A synod is a council or assembly of clergymen for discussion and decision-making. A dean is a clergyman rank, halo is divine symbol, chaplain is religious representative, so 'Synod' is correct.

Divorce is the legal dissolution of marriage. A celibate is unmarried, bigamist has two spouses, widower's spouse died, so 'Divorce' is the correct term.

A volunteer offers services freely without compulsion or payment. A recruit is enlisted, hermit lives secluded, so 'Volunteer' correctly describes free-will service.

A mountebank is a person who pretends to have great knowledge or skill. A coxswain steers boats, linguist studies languages, mimic imitates, so 'Mountebank' is correct.

Cicatrix is the medical term for a scar remaining after wound healing. Antidote counteracts poison, immune means resistant, so 'Cicatrix' is correct.

Culex is the mosquito genus that transmits filarial parasites. Fumigate is pest control, anaemia is blood condition, prognosis is medical prediction, so 'Culex' is correct.

Orology is the scientific study of mountains. Philology studies language, astronomy studies celestial bodies, so 'Orology' is the correct substitute.

A mausoleum is an elaborate, expensive free-standing tomb building. A crypt is an underground burial chamber (often beneath a church), while obituary is a death notice in a newspaper.

A requiem is a mass or musical composition for the dead, specifically in the Catholic tradition. Fratricide is killing one's brother, and suicide is self-killing.

Geology is the scientific study of Earth's solid materials including rocks and soils. Botany studies plants, oology studies eggs, and biology studies living organisms broadly.

Surveying is the art and technique of measuring land and establishing boundaries. Mensuration is the mathematical branch of measuring geometric quantities, while agriculture is farming practice.