In the following question, choose the one-word substitute for 'one who has suddenly gained new wealth, power or prestige'.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Parvenu

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This one word substitution question asks for a term that describes a person who has suddenly gained new wealth, power, or prestige. Such terms are often used in social or literary discussions to describe changes in social status. Recognising the nuance in these words helps in understanding character descriptions and social commentary in English texts.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Phrase: one who has suddenly gained new wealth, power or prestige.
  • Options: Egotist, Imposter, Parvenu, Scullery.
  • The task is to choose the single word that best matches this description.
  • Each option has a distinct meaning related to personality, honesty, status, or objects.


Concept / Approach:
Parvenu is a word used for a person who has recently gained wealth or social position but is not yet fully accepted by the established upper class. It often carries a slight negative or critical tone, suggesting that the person is seen as upstart or lacking refinement. This fits very closely with the idea of someone who has suddenly gained new wealth, power, or prestige. The other options describe a self centred person, a deceiver, or a room in a house, which do not match this social status concept.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand the phrase. It refers to a person whose financial or social position has recently improved dramatically.Step 2: Examine Option C: Parvenu. This term specifically means a person of humble origin who has gained wealth, influence, or position but is sometimes considered not fully acceptable in the higher social circle.Step 3: Examine Option A: Egotist. An egotist is someone who talks excessively about themselves and is overly self centred.Step 4: Examine Option B: Imposter. An imposter is a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others, often for gain.Step 5: Examine Option D: Scullery. This is the name of a small room in a house traditionally used for washing dishes and other kitchen work.Step 6: Only Parvenu fits the concept of newly gained wealth or status, so it is the correct answer.


Verification / Alternative check:
Consider how these words appear in sentences. For example, The parvenu struggled to gain acceptance in aristocratic society clearly portrays someone new to high status. Describing this person as an egotist would focus on self importance, not new wealth. Calling them an imposter would suggest they are pretending to be someone else, which is not implied in the phrase. Finally, scullery is clearly not a person at all. Dictionary definitions also confirm that Parvenu refers to a recently wealthy or socially elevated individual.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Egotist emphasises vanity and self centred behaviour, not sudden change in social or economic status.
  • Imposter emphasises deceit and false identity, which are not mentioned in the phrase.
  • Scullery is a room, not a person, and thus cannot refer to someone with new wealth or power.


Common Pitfalls:
Examinees may be tempted to choose a more familiar term like Egotist or Imposter simply because they recognise it, ignoring whether it matches the precise description in the question. Another pitfall is not paying attention to part of speech; in this case, the answer must be a noun referring to a person. Parvenu may be less common in everyday conversation but fits perfectly in this exam context. Building familiarity with such words through reading novels and articles that discuss society and class can greatly improve performance on one word substitution questions.


Final Answer:
The correct one word substitute for one who has suddenly gained new wealth, power or prestige is Parvenu.

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