In this one word substitution question, choose the single English word that best replaces the description "the practice of magic", especially in the sense of using spells, charms or supernatural powers.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Witchery

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the English vocabulary area of one word substitution. You are given a descriptive phrase, "the practice of magic", and asked to identify the single word that best conveys this meaning. Such questions are common in examinations because they test whether you can connect everyday descriptive language with the more precise and sometimes literary words that appear in books, articles and advanced reading passages.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The phrase to be replaced is "the practice of magic".
  • Four options are provided and exactly one is correct.
  • The context is neutral: no specific religion or culture is mentioned, only a general idea of using magical powers.
  • You must pick the word which directly refers to using magic, spells or supernatural arts.


Concept / Approach:
One word substitution questions work by condensing a descriptive explanation into a concise, recognised term. The phrase "the practice of magic" points to activities like spell casting, enchantment, sorcery and supernatural manipulation. Several words exist in English for this: "witchcraft", "sorcery", "wizardry" and "witchery". Among the given options, "Witchery" is the only word that directly relates to magical practices. The other options describe qualities such as being tangible or related to the body, which do not match the idea of magic.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the core idea in the phrase: it is about actually practising magic, not just believing in it.Step 2: Recall terms used in stories and discussions about magic, such as witchcraft, sorcery and witchery.Step 3: Examine the options and ask which one belongs to the semantic field of magic and supernatural powers.Step 4: Recognise that "Witchery" refers to magical practices, enchantment and the art of witches.Step 5: Confirm that the remaining words are adjectives for physical qualities and are therefore unrelated to the practice of magic.


Verification / Alternative check:
Test the correctness by forming example sentences. If we say, "The villagers believed she practised witchery in the forest", we clearly mean that she practised magic. Now try substituting other options: "practised palpable", "practised substantial" or "practised corporal" do not make sense in English. This simple check shows that only "Witchery" naturally fits as a noun phrase describing magical activity, confirming that it is the right one word substitute.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Palpable" means something that can be touched or felt; it describes physical tangibility or strong feelings, not magic. "Substantial" relates to something having substance or being considerable in quantity or importance, again unrelated to magic. "Corporal" means bodily or relating to the body (for example, corporal punishment), which has nothing to do with the practice of magic. None of these capture the idea of casting spells or using supernatural powers.


Common Pitfalls:
One common mistake is to choose a word that simply sounds impressive without checking its meaning carefully. Another is to confuse "witchery" with "witchcraft" and think that only one of them is correct English, when in fact both are recognised words. In this question, however, you must choose from the options given, and "Witchery" is the only meaningful match for "the practice of magic". Remember always to focus on exact meanings rather than general impressions of strangeness or mystery.


Final Answer:
The correct answer is Witchery, because it is the only option that directly refers to the practice of magic and the use of supernatural powers.

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