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Question

Direction: Choose the word that best illustrates the meaning given below.

to say that one has committed a crime or is at fault

The correct answer is

Confess

The question asks to identify the word that accurately conveys the meaning "to say that one has committed a crime or is at fault." This requires a careful examination of the nuances of each given word.

Confessing a Crime: Defining 'Confess'

The central task is to find the word that specifically describes the act of admitting responsibility for wrongdoing, whether it's a crime or a mistake. Let's analyze the most fitting option:

  • Confess: This term is precisely used to describe the act of admitting or acknowledging that one has committed an offense, a crime, or an error. It implies a personal declaration of guilt or responsibility for an act considered wrong. For instance, in legal contexts, a suspect might "confess to the crime." In a general sense, someone might "confess their mistake." This definition perfectly aligns with the provided meaning: "to say that one has committed a crime or is at fault."

Meaning of Alternative Words

It's important to understand why the other options, while related to communication, do not convey the specific meaning of admitting fault or crime:

  • Agree: To agree means to concur in opinion, to consent, or to be in harmony with another's viewpoint or proposal. It does not involve admitting one's own wrongdoing. For example, "I agree with your assessment" or "They agreed to the terms."
  • Reveal: To reveal means to make something previously unknown or secret available to others. While a crime might be revealed, the act of revealing itself does not necessarily imply that the person doing the revealing is admitting their own guilt or fault. It could be revealing someone else's secret or simply bringing hidden information to light. For instance, "The investigation revealed new evidence" or "She revealed a secret about her past."
  • Declare: To declare means to state something formally, officially, or publicly. It is a statement or announcement, which can be about a fact, an intention, or a decision, but it typically lacks the personal admission of culpability or fault. For example, "The nation declared independence" or "He declared his candidacy."

Confess: The Best Fit for Admitting Fault

Based on the definitions and common usage, confess is the most accurate word that illustrates the meaning "to say that one has committed a crime or is at fault." It uniquely carries the weight of personal admission of wrongdoing, distinguishing it from simply agreeing, revealing information, or making a general declaration.

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Important Questions from One Word Substitution

  1. Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.

    A glass container to keep fish

  2. Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.

    Something that is strong and lasts a long time without breaking or becoming weaker.

  3. Select the word which means the same as the group of words given.

    A place where plants are grown for sale

  4. In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentence.

    Open refusal to obey orders

  5. Select the word which means the same as the group of words given.

    A doctor who specializes in heart diseases

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