In this single word substitution question, select the word that means "to preserve a right, tradition, or idea in a form that ensures it will be protected and respected".

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Enshrine

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This is another single word substitution question from English vocabulary. The descriptive phrase is "preserve a right, tradition, or idea in a form that ensures it will be protected and respected". This definition often appears in legal, constitutional and cultural discussions when important values or principles are given a special, protected status. Your task is to pick the one verb that captures this idea precisely. Recognising such terms is especially useful in reading editorials and legal texts.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The phrase describes a process of preserving and honouring rights, traditions or ideas.
  • The options are "Profane", "Sacrilege", "Enshrine", "Blaspheme" and "Desecrate".
  • Several options have religious or sacred connotations, which can be confusing.
  • We assume standard dictionary meanings and typical usage in formal English.


Concept / Approach:
The verb "enshrine" means to place something in a shrine or, more commonly in modern usage, to preserve, protect and honour a principle or right in a permanent or respected form, such as in a constitution or important document. It carries a strong sense of sacred protection. In contrast, words like "profane", "blaspheme" and "desecrate" refer to disrespecting or violating something sacred. "Sacrilege" is a noun meaning an act of disrespect toward something holy. Since the phrase clearly talks about preserving and protecting, not violating, we look for the positive term that expresses careful protection and honour.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the key ideas: "preserve", "protected" and "respected". Step 2: Recall that "enshrine" is commonly used to say that a principle or right is preserved in law or tradition. Step 3: Note that the other options are connected with disrespect or violation, which is the opposite of preservation. Step 4: Conclude that "Enshrine" is the only verb that fits the positive, protective meaning of the given phrase.


Verification / Alternative check:
Consider typical usages. One might say, "The right to free speech is enshrined in the constitution" or "The values of the organisation are enshrined in its charter." These sentences show that important ideas are given a protected and honoured status. If we try "profane", the sentence would become "The right to free speech is profaned in the constitution", which means the document disrespects the right, the opposite of what is intended. Similar problems arise with "blaspheme" and "desecrate". "Sacrilege" is a noun and cannot directly perform the action described by the phrase. This test confirms that only "enshrine" matches both grammar and meaning.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Profane" means to treat something sacred with disrespect or to make it common. "Sacrilege" is an act of disrespect toward something considered holy and is a noun, not a verb. "Blaspheme" means to speak irreverently about God or sacred things. "Desecrate" means to damage or show serious disrespect for something sacred or highly valued. All these actions go against the idea of preserving and protecting. They imply violation or dishonour, which is the exact opposite of the careful protection implied by the original phrase.


Common Pitfalls:
Because several options share a religious or sacred feel, students sometimes become distracted by the general theme and overlook the direction of the meaning. They may consider "sacrilege" simply because it sounds important or solemn, forgetting that it refers to disrespect. Always pay attention to whether the phrase describes a positive protective action or a negative destructive one. Matching that positive or negative orientation carefully with the options will help you choose correctly in single word substitution questions.


Final Answer:
The correct single word that means to preserve a right, tradition or idea in a protected and respected form is Enshrine.

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