Select the one-word substitute that best expresses the meaning of the phrase “having or displaying an overly critical point of view”.

Introduction:
This vocabulary question checks your ability to replace a descriptive phrase with a precise one-word substitute. The phrase given is having or displaying an overly critical point of view, which describes a negative attitude in which a person constantly judges others harshly. One-word substitutes are especially important in exams and formal writing because they allow you to express ideas concisely and accurately.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- Descriptive phrase: having or displaying an overly critical point of view. - Options: judgmental, to hallucinate, to contravene, expanse. - Only one word should match the meaning of the phrase.

Concept / Approach:
The adjective judgmental is commonly used in English to describe someone who tends to judge people and situations too quickly and often too harshly, focusing on perceived faults. The phrase overly critical directly matches this idea. The other options describe completely different concepts: hallucinate is to see or sense something that is not actually present, contravene means to break a law or rule, and expanse refers to a wide open area. Therefore, judgmental is the only option that expresses the intended personality trait.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the core meaning of the phrase: overly critical point of view. Step 2: Recall that judgmental is used in contexts like Stop being so judgmental toward others or She has a very judgmental attitude. Step 3: Compare this with to hallucinate, which belongs to medical or psychological contexts. Step 4: Note that to contravene is about disobeying laws or rules, not about criticism or attitudes. Step 5: Recognise that expanse is a noun used for wide areas, such as an expanse of desert. Step 6: Conclude that judgmental is the only option that fits the description.

Verification / Alternative check:
Insert judgmental back into the paraphrased definition: having or displaying a judgmental point of view means having or displaying an overly critical point of view. The match is almost exact in tone and usage. If you attempt the same with hallucinate, contravene, or expanse, the phrases become absurd or completely off-topic, which confirms that they are wrong choices.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
To hallucinate refers to experiencing illusions or sensations that have no external cause, and it has nothing to do with being critical of others. To contravene talks about violating regulations or agreements. Expanse is a noun for a wide continuous area of land, sea, or sky. None of these words includes the idea of constant criticism or harsh judgement, so they cannot substitute the given phrase.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes get distracted by unfamiliar words and think that the most difficult word must be the answer. However, in one-word substitution questions, the correct answer is simply the one that matches the meaning, regardless of whether it is common or rare. A good strategy is to paraphrase each option in your own words and check whether it fits the original phrase without forcing the meaning.

Final Answer:
judgmental is the correct one-word substitute for the phrase having or displaying an overly critical point of view.