In the following one word substitution question on English vocabulary, select the alternative that best replaces the phrase "obsession for wine", meaning an excessive or abnormal craving for wine.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Oenomania

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question checks your familiarity with advanced vocabulary related to psychological obsessions, expressed through one word substitutions ending in "-mania". The phrase "obsession for wine" refers to an abnormal, intense craving or fixation on wine. Recognising the correct Greek root for wine helps you pick the correct term used in specialised English vocabulary.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The phrase given is "obsession for wine".
  • All four options end with "-mania", indicating an obsession or madness.
  • Each word has a different prefix that specifies the focus of the obsession.
  • Your task is to find the word whose prefix refers to wine.


Concept / Approach:
The suffix "-mania" means abnormal enthusiasm, obsession, or madness. The prefix "oeno" (or "eno") relates to wine, from the Greek "oinos". Therefore, "oenomania" is an obsession or craze for wine. The other options refer to different types of fixations: "ethnomania" would suggest obsession with race or people, "egomania" is an unhealthy obsession with oneself, and "idolomania" would relate to an obsession with idols. Only "oenomania" correctly combines the root for wine with the concept of obsession.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that "-mania" in all options signifies an obsessive enthusiasm or mental fixation. Step 2: Focus on the prefix of each word to understand what the obsession is about. Step 3: Recall that "oeno" is the Greek root for wine, used in terms like "oenology" (study of wines). Step 4: Match "oeno" with "wine", giving "Oenomania" as obsession for wine. Step 5: Discard the other options as they relate to different root meanings and do not fit the given phrase.


Verification / Alternative check:
You can cross check by relating these words to more familiar terms. For example, "egomania" is derived from "ego" and refers to extreme self admiration. "Oenology" is the science dealing with wine and winemaking, clearly showing that "oeno" is connected with wine. Combining "oeno" with "mania" results in "oenomania", meaning obsession with wine. This relationship confirms that Option B accurately represents the given phrase.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Option A, "Ethnomania", would suggest obsession related to race or nation, from "ethnos" (people), not to wine.
  • Option C, "Egomania", indicates an unhealthy obsession with oneself, not a drink or substance.
  • Option D, "Idolomania", refers to craze for idols or figures of worship and is unrelated to wine.


Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes assume all unfamiliar "-mania" words are interchangeable or guess purely from sound. Another error is to confuse "oeno" with "ego" or other similar sounding roots. To avoid such confusion, you should consciously learn major Greek and Latin roots used in common scientific and psychological terms. Building this foundation allows you to decode many complex words even if you have not seen them before.


Final Answer:
The correct one word substitution for "obsession for wine" is Oenomania, so Option B is the right answer.

More Questions from English

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion