In the following question, choose the one-word substitute that best expresses the phrase 'mania for travel'.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Dromomania

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This one word substitution question asks for a single term that captures the meaning of the phrase mania for travel. Such questions often use words derived from Greek roots that are common in psychological or literary contexts. Recognising the meaning of these word parts can help identify the correct option even if the full word is unfamiliar. Here, the goal is to find the term that specifically refers to an obsessive desire to travel or wander.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Phrase: mania for travel.
  • Options: Dromomania, Hypomania, Megalomania, Nymphomania.
  • The task is to choose the one word substitute that best fits the phrase.
  • Each option represents a type of mania, or excessive enthusiasm or obsession, but with different focuses.


Concept / Approach:
Many psychological or descriptive terms are formed from Greek roots. The root dromo comes from the Greek word for running or course, and in a broader sense is used in terms related to movement or travelling. Mania means an intense enthusiasm or obsession. Therefore, Dromomania refers to an uncontrollable desire to wander or travel. By contrast, Hypomania describes a mild form of mania, Megalomania refers to an obsession with power or grandiose ideas, and Nymphomania refers to excessive sexual desire. Only Dromomania matches the idea of travel mania.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Break down the phrase mania for travel. This implies an abnormal or intense desire to move from place to place.Step 2: Analyse Option A: Dromomania. The root dromo relates to running or movement, and the suffix mania refers to excessive desire, so together they signify an abnormal desire to wander or travel.Step 3: Analyse Option B: Hypomania. Hypo means under or less, so hypomania denotes a less severe form of mania, without specifying any particular focus on travel.Step 4: Analyse Option C: Megalomania. Megalo means great or large, and this term refers to an obsession with power, importance, or grand schemes.Step 5: Analyse Option D: Nymphomania. This term relates to an excessive sexual drive, especially in women, and is not connected with travel or wandering.Step 6: Based on these meanings, Dromomania is the only option that fits mania for travel.


Verification / Alternative check:
Look up example usage: Historically, Dromomania was used as a psychiatric term for patients who repeatedly wandered away from home without clear purpose, often travelling long distances. In more general or literary usage, it can describe a compulsion to travel constantly. None of the other terms can be reasonably paraphrased as obsession with travel. Hypomania describes mood elevation, Megalomania describes power obsession, and Nymphomania describes sexual obsession. This confirms that Dromomania is the correct one word substitute.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Hypomania does not specify what the mania is directed toward and usually refers to a clinical state of elevated mood, not travel.
  • Megalomania centres on delusions of grandeur and a desire for power, which is unrelated to physical travelling.
  • Nymphomania relates to abnormal sexual desire and has nothing to do with exploring new places or wandering.


Common Pitfalls:
Because all four options end in mania, some students focus only on the suffix and ignore the prefixes. It is important to remember that the prefix determines the specific object of the obsession. Another pitfall is guessing based on which word sounds familiar without analysing its components. Learning common Greek and Latin roots, such as dromo for running or mega for large, helps decode such words and improves performance in one word substitution questions.


Final Answer:
The correct one word substitute for mania for travel is Dromomania.

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