Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Wreath
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on a specific one word substitute related to funerals and floral arrangements. The phrase to be replaced is an arrangement of flowers fastened in a ring and used for laying on a grave. Many languages have distinct words for ceremonial objects, and English uses a particular term for a circular floral tribute placed on graves or memorials. Recognising it is important for vocabulary building and for understanding descriptions in literature and news reports about ceremonies and commemorations.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The key concept is to link the circular shape and the funeral use. A wreath is a circular arrangement of flowers, leaves, or other materials, often used as a decoration or a symbol of honour, particularly placed on graves or war memorials. A garland is also a decorative chain or string of flowers, but it is usually not specifically ring shaped or restricted to graves. Brier and prickle relate to thorny plants or sharp points, and splint is a medical support for broken bones. Therefore, only wreath matches both the ring shape and the grave association.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note the two important features in the definition: ring shaped arrangement and use on a grave.
Step 2: Recall that a wreath is a ring of flowers, leaves, or similar items used as a decoration or tribute.
Step 3: Confirm that wreaths are commonly placed on graves and memorials during funerals and remembrance ceremonies.
Step 4: Examine Brier, which refers to a thorny plant and is not an arrangement of flowers.
Step 5: Consider Prickle, which is simply a small sharp point or thorn, again unrelated to floral rings.
Step 6: Splint is a rigid support used in medicine to immobilise broken bones, so it is irrelevant here.
Step 7: Garland is a chain or string of flowers worn around the neck or hung as decoration, not necessarily ring shaped or specifically placed on graves.
Step 8: Therefore, Wreath is the only precise match for the description.
Verification / Alternative check:
Visualise a military ceremony at a war memorial. Officials often lay a wreath at the monument as a mark of respect. The news report might say A wreath was laid at the memorial, which is exactly the usage highlighted in the question. A garland might be used in cultural or wedding events and is often worn, not laid flat on a grave. This comparison between real world usage and the description confirms that wreath is the appropriate one word substitute.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Brier is a type of thorny shrub and has no connection to formal floral arrangements laid on graves. Prickle denotes a sharp point, like a thorn, and does not refer to any organised arrangement. Splint is a device used by doctors to support broken limbs and belongs to medical vocabulary, not funeral customs. Garland, while related to flowers, usually refers to a string or chain, not a ring specifically used on graves. It might be used in celebrations rather than in mourning contexts.
Common Pitfalls:
Learners may wrongly choose garland because it is a familiar word associated with flowers. However, the question includes two special constraints: the arrangement must be ring shaped and must be used for laying on a grave. Keeping such details in mind helps avoid confusion. In one word substitute questions, always pay close attention to shape, purpose, and context mentioned in the definition rather than focusing on just one element such as flowers.
Final Answer:
The correct one word substitute is Wreath.
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