Spellings

Nymph is the correct spelling - a mythological spirit of nature, usually depicted as a beautiful maiden. The 'y' after 'n' and 'ph' ending are the key markers.

Obliterate is the correct spelling meaning to destroy completely. The key is 'liter' after the 'b', not 'literat' or 'literat'. The word comes from Latin 'oblitterare'.

Omen is the correct spelling - a sign or forewarning of something to come. It's a short word with just 'o-m-e-n'. Words like 'ominous' and 'ominously' derive from this root.

Occurrence is the correct spelling. The pattern is 'oc-cur-rence' with double 'r' but single 'e' before the 'nce'. This follows the rule for words ending in '-cur' like concur, recur. Many mistakenly add an extra 'r' or change 'ence' to 'ance'.

Oyster is the correct spelling - a marine mollusk. The 'y' after 'O' and 'st' in the middle are the key. Words like 'ostrich' or 'oster' are common misspellings to avoid.

Pleasant is the correct spelling - meaning agreeable or enjoyable. The pattern is 'pleas' + 'ant' with 'ea' in the first syllable and 'ant' at the end. Common misspellings include changing 'ea' to 'a' or adding extra letters.

Outcast is the correct spelling - someone who is rejected or excluded from society. The 'ou' at the beginning and 'cast' at the end are the key parts. It's derived from 'out' + 'cast'.

Opportunity is the the correct spelling - a favorable circumstance or chance. The pattern is 'oppor-tun-i-ty' with 'pp' (double p), single 't', 'i' then 'ty'. Common misspellings include changing 'unity' to 'utee' or missing the double 'p'.

Patronage is the correct spelling - support, encouragement, or financial aid given by a patron. The pattern is 'patron' + 'age' with 'ron' not 'rn'. It comes from 'patron' meaning a person who gives support.

Panacea is the correct spelling - a remedy for all diseases or problems. The word comes from Greek 'panakeia' with 'pan' meaning all and 'akos' meaning cure. The pattern is 'pan-a-ce-a' with 'ae' not 'ei' in the middle.

Politician is the correct spelling - a person who is professionally involved in politics. The pattern is 'poli-ti-cian' with 'ti' not 'te' or 'ic' before 'ian'. It comes from 'politics' with the 'c' changing to 't' before 'ician' (like 'magic' to 'magician').

 Predicament is the correct spelling.

Pretentious means attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed. The word follows standard English spelling rules with 'ten' before 'tious' (similar to contententious, ostentatious). Option A omits the 'i', option C uses 'ous' instead of 'tious', and option D is completely unrelated.

Opulent means having a great deal of money or wealth, or showing great wealth. The correct spelling is 'opulent' with 'le' at the end (similar to turbulent, opulent). Options A and B incorrectly modify the ending, while option D introduces an unnecessary 'w'.

Pastoral relates to the keeping or grazing of sheep or cattle (rural simplicity). The correct spelling is 'pastoral' with 'or' in the middle (similar to adversary, historical). Option A uses 'a' instead of 'o', option C incorrectly spells it as 'pastreal', and option D is completely garbled.

Quota refers to a limited or fixed number or amount of things or people. The correct spelling begins with 'Qu' (required for this word sound). Options A, C, and D incorrectly substitute 'K' or 'C' for 'Qu', which is phonetically incorrect in standard English.

Querulous means complaining in a petulant or whining manner. The correct spelling is 'querulous' with 'ue' after 'q' and 'ous' ending. Option A substitutes 'ue' with 'eu', option C is incomplete, and option D incorrectly uses 'a' instead of 'e' in the second syllable.

Pantheism is a doctrine which identifies God with the universe, or the universe with God. The correct spelling includes 'the' in the middle and 'ism' suffix (pan + the + ism). Options B, C, and D incorrectly modify or omit parts of 'the' in the middle.

A pseudonym is a fictitious name, especially one used by an author (like a pen name). The correct spelling is 'pseudonym' with 'seudo' in the middle (Greek pseudo- meaning false). Options B, C, and D incorrectly omit letters from 'pseudo' or 'nym'.

Raillery refers to good-humored teasing, ridicule, or banter. The correct spelling is 'raillery' with 'ai' after 'r' and double 'l' before 'ery'. Option A uses 'i' instead of 'ai', option B is incomplete, and option D incorrectly uses 'a' instead of 'i' in the ending.

Pyorrhoea (also spelled pyorrhea) refers to pus discharge from the gums (periodontal disease). The correct spelling is 'pyorrhoea' with 'y' at start, 'orrh' in middle, and 'oea' ending. Options A, C, and D incorrectly modify or omit letters from the correct form.

Quarrelled (British spelling) or quarreled (American spelling) means argued or fought. The British spelling doubles the 'l' before 'ed'. Options A, C, and D incorrectly modify the middle vowels or consonant doubling. The question tests British spelling conventions.

Retable can mean to replace (a table) or to re-establish (something). The correct spelling is 'retable' with 're' prefix and 'table' root. Options B, C, and D incorrectly modify the ending or middle letters, creating non-existent words.

Reprieve means to cancel or postpone the punishment of someone. The correct spelling is 'reprieve' with 'ie' in the middle (similar to believe, retrieve). Options A, C, and D incorrectly omit or modify the 'ie' or 'v' letters, creating misspelled versions.

Resistance is the correctly spelt word among the options. Option B incorrectly spells it as 'Resistense', option C as 'Resitnce' (missing 'a' and 's'), and option D as 'Reicistance' (extra 'i' before 's'). The correct spelling follows the pattern 'resist' + 'ance'.