Odd One Out — Among Bachelor, Widow, Spinster, and Wife, select the term that differs by gender category when comparing standard marital-status terms.

Introduction / Context:
This verbal classification item tests knowledge of gendered marital-status nouns in everyday English usage.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Bachelor: unmarried man.
• Spinster: traditional term for an unmarried woman.
• Wife: a married woman.
• Widow: a woman whose husband has died.

Concept / Approach:
Group by gender reference first, then by marital status condition (unmarried, married, bereaved).

Step-by-Step Solution:
Widow, Spinster, Wife: all refer to women.Bachelor: refers to a man.Thus, Bachelor is the unique male term among three female-specific terms.

Verification / Alternative check:
Alternative grouping by marital state still isolates Bachelor by gender, confirming the distinction.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Widow: female term, not unique by gender.
• Spinster: female term, not unique by gender.
• Wife: female term, not unique by gender.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing the contrast as married vs unmarried instead of observing the clearer gender distinction.

Final Answer:
Bachelor