Odd One Out — Among Bachelor, Widow, Spinster, and Wife, select the term that differs by gender category when comparing standard marital-status terms.
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ABachelor
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BWidow
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CSpinster
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DWife
Answer
Correct Answer: Bachelor
Explanation
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