In English vocabulary, which single word best substitutes the phrase "in exactly the same words as were used originally"?

Introduction / Context:
One word substitution questions test your ability to match a longer descriptive phrase with a single precise English word. These are very common in competitive exams, especially in general English sections. Here the phrase is "in exactly the same words as were used originally", which refers to repeating or reporting something without changing the wording at all. Recognising the correct term helps in understanding reading passages, legal language, and academic writing.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The descriptive phrase is "in exactly the same words as were used originally".
• We must select one word that captures this meaning.
• The options given include "Verbatim", "Offbeat", "Divergent", and "Contrary".
• We assume standard modern English usage.

Concept / Approach:
In English, the word that is used when you quote or repeat something without any change is "verbatim". For example, "The witness repeated the statement verbatim" means the witness repeated the statement word for word without alteration. The other options either refer to something unusual, different, or opposite, which do not fit the meaning of exact repetition. Therefore we must identify and select the word that is regularly used in contexts of exact wording, reporting, and quoting.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the key idea in the phrase, which is "exactly the same words".Step 2: Recall common exam vocabulary: "verbatim" is strongly associated with "word for word" repetition.Step 3: Compare this with the meanings of the other options, which involve being unusual, different, or opposite.Step 4: Match the phrase "in exactly the same words as were used originally" to the technical word "verbatim".Step 5: Confirm that no other option fits the sense of exact, unchanged wording.

Verification / Alternative check:
Dictionaries define "verbatim" as "in exactly the same words as were used originally" or "word for word". This almost directly duplicates the wording of the question stem, which makes the match very clear. In contrast, "offbeat" is defined as unconventional or unusual, "divergent" means differing from a standard or norm, and "contrary" means opposite. None of these mention wording or repetition. This confirms that "verbatim" is the only correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Option B "Offbeat" refers to something unusual or not conventional. It has no connection with exact repetition or wording.
• Option C "Divergent" means moving or extending in different directions from a common point, or differing from a standard. It again focuses on difference, not sameness.
• Option D "Contrary" means opposite in nature or direction, which is the opposite of what we need because our phrase talks about exact similarity.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students may confuse "verbatim" with "verbal" because both relate to words. However, "verbal" simply means relating to words or speech, while "verbatim" specifically means repeating words exactly. It is important to memorise this distinction to avoid confusion in exam situations that focus on fine differences in vocabulary.

Final Answer:
The correct one word substitute for "in exactly the same words as were used originally" is "Verbatim".