Choose the one word substitute that means "the customary code of polite behaviour in society or among members of a particular profession or group".

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: etiquette

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This one word substitution question checks whether you can match a detailed English definition to the precise term used in social and professional contexts. Knowing such words is important for reading editorials, writing formal letters, and performing well in descriptive sections of competitive exams.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The given phrase is: "the customary code of polite behaviour in society or among members of a particular profession or group".
  • The options are: etiquette, frizette, epaulette, fossette, manuscript.
  • Exactly one word correctly captures the idea of socially accepted rules of behaviour.
  • The question does not focus on spelling but on meaning.


Concept / Approach:
One word substitution problems require you to know standard dictionary definitions. The phrase clearly points to rules of politeness and behaviour that are accepted and expected in a society or group. The correct term must refer to behavioural norms, not physical objects or unrelated concepts. Elimination based on word origin and common usage is a very effective strategy.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand that the definition is about a "code of polite behaviour", focusing on manners and conduct rather than written documents. Step 2: Recall that "etiquette" means the conventional rules of polite behaviour and formal conduct in society or among professional groups. Step 3: Recognise that "etiquette" is widely used in phrases like "business etiquette", "dining etiquette", and "email etiquette". Step 4: Consider "frizette". This is a rare term related to artificial curls or wigs and has no connection with behaviour. Step 5: Look at "epaulette". It refers to a type of ornamental shoulder piece on a military or formal coat, again unrelated to social behaviour. Step 6: "Fossette" refers to a small hollow or dimple, especially on the face, and is a physical feature, not a behavioural code. Step 7: "Manuscript" means a handwritten or typed document, often a draft of a book or article, clearly outside the domain of manners. Step 8: Therefore, "etiquette" is the only word that precisely matches the given definition.


Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by forming simple sentences. For example, "Professional etiquette requires that you respond to emails promptly" makes sense and matches the definition. No other option fits into such a sentence meaningfully. You cannot sensibly say "Professional epaulette requires polite behaviour". This practical language check supports the choice of "etiquette".


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • frizette: Refers to artificial hair or curls, not to behaviour or manners.
  • epaulette: A decorative shoulder piece on uniforms, especially military dress, unrelated to social codes.
  • fossette: A small dimple or hollow, a physical characteristic rather than a social rule.
  • manuscript: A handwritten or typed document, especially a draft of a book, which does not convey behaviour standards.


Common Pitfalls:
Candidates may be distracted by the similar endings of words like "etiquette", "epaulette", and "fossette", guessing that they all refer to related concepts. However, English often uses similar sounding endings for completely different ideas. The safe method is to rely on solid knowledge of word meanings instead of sound patterns alone. Reading high quality articles and books gradually builds the vocabulary needed for such questions.


Final Answer:
The correct one word substitute is etiquette.

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