In English vocabulary questions on one word substitution, what is the correct word that means a brief or short stay at a place, for example when a traveller stops somewhere for a limited period before moving on. Choose the most appropriate option.

Introduction / Context:
One word substitution questions are a favourite area in English sections of competitive exams because they test both vocabulary range and precision. Here, the definition given is "a brief or short stay at a place", which often describes a temporary halt during travel. The task is to choose the single word that exactly captures this idea.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- We need a noun that means a short or temporary stay at a place.
- The stay is not permanent and is usually part of a journey or visit.
- We must pick the option that fully matches this meaning, not just a related idea.

Concept / Approach:
The correct word is "Sojourn". In English, "Sojourn" means a temporary stay, especially when a person is travelling or living for a short time in a place away from home. The other options either describe something else entirely or only partially relate to the idea of time, not a stay in a place. Understanding each word clearly is the key to solving such questions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the keywords in the definition: brief, short, stay, and place. Step 2: Recall that "Sojourn" is commonly used in sentences such as "During his sojourn in Delhi, he visited many historical monuments". Step 3: Compare this with each option to see which one directly means a temporary stay. Step 4: "Solitude" means the state of being alone, especially by choice, not a stay in a location. Step 5: "Soiree" means an evening party, usually a social gathering, not a stay. Step 6: "Solstice" refers to either of the two times in the year when the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator, related to astronomy. Step 7: "Interval" means a pause or break in time, especially between events, not a residence in a place. Step 8: Therefore, "Sojourn" is the only word that satisfies the definition.

Verification / Alternative check:
Dictionary definitions confirm that "Sojourn" means a temporary stay, especially as a visitor. Reading example sentences in good books or articles further shows this usage. None of the other options is used in standard English to mean a short stay in a place. This confirms that our choice is accurate.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Solitude" refers to aloneness, often for peace and quiet. "Soiree" is a party, mainly social and festive. "Solstice" is a scientific term from astronomy. "Interval" is a gap in time between events. None of these words refers to a brief residence or stay in a place, so they do not match the definition given in the question.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may be misled by the similar spellings and sounds of "Sojourn", "Soiree", and "Solitude". Another common mistake is to confuse any word that sounds sophisticated with the correct answer without checking its exact meaning. Always link the exact definition in the question with the core meaning of the word before choosing your answer.

Final Answer:
The one word that means a brief or short stay at a place is Sojourn.