1. A person who writes poems —
A. Novelist
B. Poet
C. Author
D. Composer
Answer: B
Explanation: A poet is one who writes poems.
2. A person who loves mankind —
A. Misogynist
B. Misanthrope
C. Philanthropist
D. Egoist
Answer: C
Explanation: Philanthropist = lover of mankind; Misanthrope = hater of mankind.
3. A place where books are kept —
A. Library
B. Laboratory
C. Bookshop
D. Museum
Answer: A
Explanation: Library is a place for reading and storing books.
4. A person who cannot read or write —
A. Literate
B. Illiterate
C. Scholar
D. Graduate
Answer: B
Explanation: Illiterate = uneducated, unable to read or write.
5. A speech delivered without preparation —
A. Extempore
B. Dialogue
C. Debate
D. Lecture
Answer: A
Explanation: Extempore = spoken without preparation.
6. A person who knows many languages —
A. Linguist
B. Polyglot
C. Interpreter
D. Translator
Answer: B
Explanation: Polyglot = a person who speaks many languages.
7. A person who eats too much —
A. Glutton
B. Gourmet
C. Cannibal
D. Starver
Answer: A
Explanation: Glutton = overeater; Gourmet = one who enjoys fine food.
8. One who looks at the bright side of things —
A. Pessimist
B. Realist
C. Optimist
D. Critic
Answer: C
Explanation: Optimist = positive thinker.
9. A person who hates women —
A. Misogamist
B. Misogynist
C. Philogynist
D. Feminist
Answer: B
Explanation: Misogynist = hater of women.
10. A person who lives by himself —
A. Solitary
B. Social
C. Gregarious
D. Polite
Answer: A
Explanation: Solitary = living alone.
11. A child whose parents are dead —
A. Infant
B. Orphan
C. Minor
D. Waif
Answer: B
Explanation: Orphan = one who has lost both parents.
12. A person who pretends to be what he is not —
A. Hypocrite
B. Liar
C. Actor
D. Imposter
Answer: D
Explanation: Imposter = one who pretends to be someone else.
13. A government by the people —
A. Autocracy
B. Monarchy
C. Democracy
D. Aristocracy
Answer: C
Explanation: Democracy = rule by the people.
14. One who cannot hear —
A. Deaf
B. Blind
C. Mute
D. Dumb
Answer: A
Explanation: Deaf = unable to hear.
15. A place where animals are kept —
A. Zoo
B. Nursery
C. Barn
D. Aviary
Answer: A
Explanation: Zoo = place for keeping wild animals.
16. A person who travels —
A. Passenger
B. Tourist
C. Traveler
D. Voyager
Answer: D
Explanation: Voyager = one who travels, especially by sea.
17. One who looks on the dark side of life —
A. Optimist
B. Pessimist
C. Idealist
D. Realist
Answer: B
Explanation: Pessimist = one who expects the worst.
18. A person who dies for a noble cause —
A. Hero
B. Martyr
C. Patriot
D. Rebel
Answer: B
Explanation: Martyr = one who sacrifices life for a cause.
19. A book of words and their meanings —
A. Atlas
B. Thesaurus
C. Dictionary
D. Encyclopedia
Answer: C
Explanation: Dictionary = collection of words with meanings.
20. A place where birds are kept —
A. Aquarium
B. Aviary
C. Apiary
D. Nest
Answer: B
Explanation: Aviary = place where birds are kept.
21. A place where bees are kept —
A. Aviary
B. Hive
C. Apiary
D. Colony
Answer: C
Explanation: Apiary = bee-house.
22. A place where fish are kept —
A. Aquarium
B. Aviary
C. Tank
D. Pool
Answer: A
Explanation: Aquarium = transparent tank for fish.
23. A person who believes in fate —
A. Fatalist
B. Atheist
C. Optimist
D. Theist
Answer: A
Explanation: Fatalist = one who believes everything is predestined.
24. A person who does not believe in God —
A. Theist
B. Monotheist
C. Atheist
D. Agnostic
Answer: C
Explanation: Atheist = disbeliever in God.
25. A person who doubts the existence of God —
A. Atheist
B. Agnostic
C. Theist
D. Monist
Answer: B
Explanation: Agnostic = one who is uncertain about God’s existence.
26. A person who draws maps —
A. Geologist
B. Cartographer
C. Geographer
D. Topographer
Answer: B
Explanation: Cartographer = map-maker.
27. A person who studies stars and planets —
A. Astrologer
B. Astronomer
C. Physicist
D. Meteorologist
Answer: B
Explanation: Astronomer = scientist of heavenly bodies; Astrologer predicts future.
28. One who can use both hands with equal skill —
A. Ambidextrous
B. Dexterous
C. Skillful
D. Efficient
Answer: A
Explanation: Ambidextrous = able to use both hands equally well.
29. A person who makes sculptures —
A. Carpenter
B. Sculptor
C. Potter
D. Mason
Answer: B
Explanation: Sculptor = one who carves figures from stone, wood, etc.
30. A person who repairs vehicles —
A. Mechanic
B. Technician
C. Engineer
D. Driver
Answer: A
Explanation: Mechanic = repairs machinery.
31. A person who can speak eloquently —
A. Fluent
B. Orator
C. Linguist
D. Dramatist
Answer: B
Explanation: Orator = a skilled public speaker.
32. One who lends money at high interest —
A. Creditor
B. Banker
C. Usurer
D. Financier
Answer: C
Explanation: Usurer = money-lender charging excessive interest.
33. A person who looks after horses —
A. Shepherd
B. Farrier
C. Groom
D. Cowherd
Answer: C
Explanation: Groom = one who takes care of horses.
34. A person who sells medicines —
A. Pharmacist
B. Physician
C. Surgeon
D. Chemist
Answer: A or D
Explanation: Both mean one who prepares/sells medicines; pharmacist is the formal term.
35. A person who mends shoes —
A. Cobbler
B. Tailor
C. Barber
D. Mason
Answer: A
Explanation: Cobbler = shoemaker or repairer.
36. A person who makes barrels or casks —
A. Tinker
B. Mason
C. Cooper
D. Potter
Answer: C
Explanation: Cooper = barrel-maker.
37. A person who sells flowers —
A. Gardener
B. Florist
C. Farmer
D. Botanist
Answer: B
Explanation: Florist = flower-seller.
38. A person who repairs water-pipes —
A. Plumber
B. Mason
C. Electrician
D. Fitter
Answer: A
Explanation: Plumber = one who works on pipes and fittings.
39. One who keeps or breeds bees —
A. Apiarist
B. Aviator
C. Zoologist
D. Agriculturist
Answer: A
Explanation: Apiarist = beekeeper; Apiary = place where bees are kept.
40. A person who studies ancient things —
A. Historian
B. Archaeologist
C. Paleontologist
D. Philologist
Answer: B
Explanation: Archaeologist = one who studies ancient remains.
41. One who makes or repairs clocks and watches —
A. Mechanic
B. Watchman
C. Horologist
D. Timekeeper
Answer: C
Explanation: Horologist = expert in timepieces.
42. A lover of books —
A. Bibliophile
B. Philologist
C. Scholar
D. Librarian
Answer: A
Explanation: Bibliophile = book-lover.
43. One who eats human flesh —
A. Cannibal
B. Carnivore
C. Omnivore
D. Herbivore
Answer: A
Explanation: Cannibal = man-eater.
44. A person who spends money wastefully —
A. Miser
B. Spendthrift
C. Thrifty
D. Economical
Answer: B
Explanation: Spendthrift = one who spends extravagantly.
45. One who saves everything —
A. Miser
B. Hoarder
C. Collector
D. Saver
Answer: B
Explanation: Hoarder = one who stores and never spends.
46. A person who pretends to have moral standards —
A. Actor
B. Pretender
C. Hypocrite
D. Faker
Answer: C
Explanation: Hypocrite = one who says one thing and does another.
47. A person who loves himself excessively —
A. Egoist
B. Egotist
C. Narcissist
D. Proud
Answer: C
Explanation: Narcissist = self-lover (from myth of Narcissus).
48. A person who talks too much —
A. Silent
B. Reticent
C. Garrulous
D. Taciturn
Answer: C
Explanation: Garrulous = talkative or chatty.
49. One who hates marriage —
A. Misogamist
B. Misogynist
C. Philogamist
D. Celibate
Answer: A
Explanation: Misogamist = hater of marriage.
50. A person who is new to a subject or activity —
A. Amateur
B. Novice
C. Professional
D. Veteran
Answer: B
Explanation: Novice = beginner.
51. A person who believes in God —
A. Theist
B. Atheist
C. Agnostic
D. Spiritualist
Answer: A
Explanation: Theist = one who believes in the existence of God.
52. A person who hates mankind —
A. Philanthropist
B. Misogynist
C. Misanthrope
D. Egoist
Answer: C
Explanation: Misanthrope = one who hates human beings.
53. A person who speaks the truth —
A. Honest
B. Veracious
C. Faithful
D. Sincere
Answer: B
Explanation: Veracious = habitually truthful.
54. One who believes in fate or destiny —
A. Fatalist
B. Optimist
C. Pessimist
D. Realist
Answer: A
Explanation: Fatalist = believes that all events are predetermined.
55. A person who believes in pleasure as the chief goal of life —
A. Pessimist
B. Ascetic
C. Hedonist
D. Idealist
Answer: C
Explanation: Hedonist = one who lives for pleasure.
56. A person who abstains from all kinds of indulgence —
A. Ascetic
B. Atheist
C. Miser
D. Saint
Answer: A
Explanation: Ascetic = one who practices severe self-discipline.
57. A person who is unable to pay debts —
A. Banker
B. Insolvent
C. Borrower
D. Creditor
Answer: B
Explanation: Insolvent = one who cannot pay debts; bankrupt.
58. A person who introduces new ideas —
A. Follower
B. Inventor
C. Innovator
D. Traditionalist
Answer: C
Explanation: Innovator = originator of new methods or ideas.
59. One who knows everything —
A. Scholar
B. Genius
C. Omniscient
D. Intelligent
Answer: C
Explanation: Omniscient = all-knowing (used for God or highly wise person).
60. One who has total power or authority —
A. Autocrat
B. Democrat
C. Bureaucrat
D. Monarchist
Answer: A
Explanation: Autocrat = ruler with absolute power.
61. A system of government by a king or queen —
A. Democracy
B. Republic
C. Monarchy
D. Theocracy
Answer: C
Explanation: Monarchy = rule by a single sovereign.
62. Government by a small group of people —
A. Oligarchy
B. Aristocracy
C. Monarchy
D. Theocracy
Answer: A
Explanation: Oligarchy = rule by few powerful people.
63. Government by the rich —
A. Plutocracy
B. Democracy
C. Aristocracy
D. Bureaucracy
Answer: A
Explanation: Plutocracy = rule by the wealthy.
64. Government by officials —
A. Autocracy
B. Bureaucracy
C. Democracy
D. Oligarchy
Answer: B
Explanation: Bureaucracy = rule by officials or administrative departments.
65. One who does not drink alcohol —
A. Abstainer
B. Teetotaller
C. Vegetarian
D. Reformer
Answer: B
Explanation: Teetotaller = one who never drinks alcohol.
66. One who eats both plants and flesh —
A. Herbivore
B. Carnivore
C. Omnivore
D. Cannibal
Answer: C
Explanation: Omnivore = animal/person eating both meat and plants.
67. One who lives on vegetables only —
A. Vegan
B. Vegetarian
C. Carnivore
D. Omnivore
Answer: A
Explanation: Vegan = one who avoids all animal products; stricter than vegetarian.
68. A person who believes in many gods —
A. Theist
B. Atheist
C. Polytheist
D. Monotheist
Answer: C
Explanation: Polytheist = believer in multiple deities.
69. A person who believes in only one God —
A. Atheist
B. Polytheist
C. Monotheist
D. Spiritualist
Answer: C
Explanation: Monotheist = believer in one God.
70. A person who opposes progress —
A. Radical
B. Conservative
C. Reactionary
D. Revolutionary
Answer: C
Explanation: Reactionary = one who resists change or progress.
71. A person who takes care of teeth —
A. Optician
B. Dentist
C. Surgeon
D. Orthopedist
Answer: B
Explanation: Dentist = doctor for teeth and gums.
72. One who studies the origin of words —
A. Lexicographer
B. Philologist
C. Etymologist
D. Linguist
Answer: C
Explanation: Etymologist = one who studies word origins.
73. A person who studies the human mind —
A. Anthropologist
B. Neurologist
C. Psychologist
D. Sociologist
Answer: C
Explanation: Psychologist = expert in the science of mind and behavior.
74. A person who studies societies and social behavior —
A. Sociologist
B. Economist
C. Archaeologist
D. Anthropologist
Answer: A
Explanation: Sociologist = studies social relationships and institutions.
75. A person who studies human races and cultures —
A. Zoologist
B. Anthropologist
C. Philologist
D. Sociologist
Answer: B
Explanation: Anthropologist = studies evolution and development of humans.
76. A person who pretends illness to avoid duty —
A. Hypochondriac
B. Malingerer
C. Loafer
D. Patient
Answer: B
Explanation: A Malingerer feigns sickness to escape work or responsibility.
77. A person who doubts human sincerity —
A. Optimist
B. Cynic
C. Pessimist
D. Skeptic
Answer: B
Explanation: A Cynic believes that people act only from selfish motives.
78. One who attacks or opposes established beliefs —
A. Heretic
B. Iconoclast
C. Revolutionary
D. Radical
Answer: B
Explanation: An Iconoclast criticises or breaks traditional ideas or institutions.
79. A person who lives only for pleasure —
A. Stoic
B. Hedonist
C. Saint
D. Realist
Answer: B
Explanation: A Hedonist believes pleasure is the chief goal of life.
80. A person who speaks very little —
A. Garrulous
B. Loquacious
C. Reticent
D. Talkative
Answer: C
Explanation: Reticent means habitually silent or reserved in speech.
81. A person who boasts of his own achievements —
A. Modest
B. Braggart
C. Miser
D. Critic
Answer: B
Explanation: A Braggart is boastful and proud of his own deeds.
82. A person inclined to doubt everything —
A. Believer
B. Skeptic
C. Cynic
D. Credulous
Answer: B
Explanation: A Skeptic questions accepted facts and beliefs.
83. An excessively patriotic or prejudiced person —
A. Nationalist
B. Chauvinist
C. Loyalist
D. Patriot
Answer: B
Explanation: A Chauvinist is blindly patriotic or biased toward his group.
84. The killing of one’s father —
A. Fratricide
B. Matricide
C. Patricide
D. Parricide
Answer: C
Explanation: Patricide means killing one’s own father.
85. A person who walks in sleep —
A. Insomniac
B. Somnambulist
C. Somniloquist
D. Dreamer
Answer: B
Explanation: Somnambulist is a sleep-walker.
86. A person who cannot sleep —
A. Somniloquist
B. Somnambulist
C. Insomniac
D. Lethargic
Answer: C
Explanation: An Insomniac suffers from sleeplessness.
87. A person who enjoys the pain of others —
A. Sadist
B. Masochist
C. Cruel
D. Tyrant
Answer: A
Explanation: A Sadist derives pleasure from inflicting pain.
88. A person who enjoys his own pain —
A. Sadist
B. Masochist
C. Martyr
D. Sufferer
Answer: B
Explanation: A Masochist finds pleasure in self-suffering.
89. A person who finds fault with everything —
A. Critic
B. Pessimist
C. Rebel
D. Cynic
Answer: A
Explanation: A Critic analyses and points out faults or defects.
90. A person who remains calm and shows no emotion in pain —
A. Stoic
B. Hedonist
C. Epicure
D. Romantic
Answer: A
Explanation: A Stoic endures pleasure and pain without complaint.
91. A person who pretends to be virtuous —
A. Hypocrite
B. Actor
C. Pretender
D. Saint
Answer: A
Explanation: A Hypocrite pretends moral standards he doesn’t possess.
92. A person who cannot make mistakes —
A. Infallible
B. Perfect
C. Accurate
D. Blameless
Answer: A
Explanation: Infallible means incapable of error or failure.
93. A person who talks during sleep —
A. Somniloquist
B. Somnambulist
C. Insomniac
D. Talkative
Answer: A
Explanation: Somniloquist = one who speaks while asleep.
94. A person who believes everything easily —
A. Skeptic
B. Credulous
C. Cynic
D. Prudent
Answer: B
Explanation: Credulous = too ready to believe; gullible.
95. A person who pretends to have knowledge —
A. Charlatan
B. Pedant
C. Quack
D. All of these
Answer: D
Explanation: All mean a false pretender to learning or skill.
96. A person who writes about his own life —
A. Biographer
B. Autobiographer
C. Novelist
D. Historian
Answer: B
Explanation: An Autobiographer writes his own life story.
97. A person who speaks several languages —
A. Linguist
B. Polyglot
C. Philologist
D. Orator
Answer: B
Explanation: A Polyglot is fluent in many languages.
98. One who does something first or leads the way —
A. Explorer
B. Inventor
C. Pioneer
D. Pathfinder
Answer: C
Explanation: A Pioneer is an originator or trail-blazer.
99. A person who is easily deceived —
A. Gullible
B. Rational
C. Sensible
D. Wise
Answer: A
Explanation: Gullible = simple-minded and easily fooled.
100. A person who cannot be corrected or reformed —
A. Incorrigible
B. Infallible
C. Invincible
D. Incurable
Answer: A
Explanation: Incorrigible = beyond correction or improvement.