Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Abdicate
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
One word substitution questions test your vocabulary and ability to express long phrases using a single precise word. In political and historical contexts, kings, queens, and emperors sometimes leave the throne by choice rather than being forced out. English has a specific verb for this act. In this question you must pick the word that means "to give up a throne voluntarily".
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The subject is a ruler or monarch who gives up power.
- The act is voluntary, not by force, defeat, or death.
- We need a verb that directly refers to giving up a throne or position of supreme authority.
- Options include unrelated professions and character types, so you must filter carefully.
Concept / Approach:
The key term here is "abdicate". In English, "to abdicate" means to formally renounce or give up a throne, high office, responsibility, or power, especially by a monarch. The other words describe totally different ideas. The strategy is to recall the precise dictionary meaning of each option and match it to the phrase given in the question rather than selecting by vague familiarity.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the phrase "give up a throne voluntarily". It must relate to a king, queen, or ruler.
Step 2: Consider "Archer". This means someone who shoots using a bow and arrows, not related to giving up power.
Step 3: Consider "Bigot". This is a person who is intolerant of people who hold different opinions or beliefs.
Step 4: Consider "Abdicate". This has the precise meaning "to renounce a throne, high office, or responsibility".
Step 5: Consider "Delegate". This means to assign responsibility or to send someone as a representative, not to give up a throne.
Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine a newspaper headline: "King decides to _____ the throne." Only "abdicate the throne" sounds natural and is common in English. Phrases like "Bigot the throne" or "Delegate the throne" are meaningless. "Archer the throne" is also not valid. This confirms that "abdicate" is the only word that fits both grammatically and semantically.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- "Archer": Refers to someone skilled in archery, usually in sports or battle contexts.
- "Bigot": Describes a narrow minded, prejudiced person, unrelated to kingship or renouncing power.
- "Delegate": Means to assign tasks or send a representative; though related to authority, it does not mean surrendering the throne.
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse "abdicate" with "delegate" because both involve authority. Remember that "delegate" spreads or shares responsibility, whereas "abdicate" gives it up completely. Also, you must always read the full phrase carefully; the mention of a throne is a direct hint towards monarchy and therefore towards the verb "abdicate".
Final Answer:
The correct one-word substitute is Abdicate, which means to renounce or give up a throne voluntarily.
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