Understanding One-Word Substitution Questions

One-word substitution questions test your vocabulary by asking you to find a single word that accurately replaces a given phrase or definition. To answer these questions correctly, you need to understand the meaning of the phrase and the meanings of the given options.

Analyzing the Given Phrase: Affected by an Undesirable Condition or Unpleasant Feeling

The phrase describes a state where a person or thing is significantly impacted by something negative. This negative impact could be a physical condition, a disease, a strong emotion like grief or fear, or some other misfortune.

• "Affected by": Means influenced or impacted by something.
• "Undesirable condition": Refers to a negative state, situation, or illness.
• "Unpleasant feeling": Refers to negative emotions like sadness, fear, distress, etc.

So, we are looking for a word that means being strongly impacted by something bad or negative.

Evaluating the Options for One-Word Substitution

Let's look at each option and see which one best fits the definition provided in the question.

Option 1: Cancelled

The word "cancelled" means to call off or stop something that was planned. For example, a meeting can be cancelled, or an event can be cancelled. This word is related to actions or plans, not to being affected by a condition or feeling. Therefore, "cancelled" is not the correct substitute.

Option 2: Indifferent

"Indifferent" means having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned. Someone who is indifferent doesn't care one way or the other. This is the opposite of being affected, especially by unpleasant feelings. So, "indifferent" does not fit the definition.

Option 3: Modest

"Modest" means humble in estimation of one's abilities or achievements, or relatively moderate, limited, or small in amount, scope, or extent. It can also mean simple or plain in style. This word is related to humility, size, or style, not to being affected by a negative condition or feeling. Thus, "modest" is not the correct answer.

Option 4: Stricken

The word "stricken" is the past participle of "strike." When used in this context, it means seriously affected by an undesirable condition or unpleasant feeling. For example:

• "Stricken with grief" means deeply affected by sadness.
• "Stricken by illness" means seriously ill.
• "Stricken with fear" means suddenly feeling intense fear.

This meaning perfectly matches the phrase "Affected by an undesirable condition or unpleasant feeling."

Why 'Stricken' is the Correct Word

Based on the analysis of the definition and the options, "stricken" is the only word that accurately describes someone or something seriously affected by a negative state or emotion. It is commonly used to convey being overcome or hit hard by something negative.

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary

Here is a quick look at the key terms from this question:

Additional Information: More on 'Stricken' Usage

The word "stricken" is often used in formal or descriptive writing. It emphasizes the severity of the impact. Some common phrases include:

• Grief-stricken (deeply sad)
• Poverty-stricken (severely poor)
• Fear-stricken (overcome by fear)
• Disease-stricken (severely affected by illness)
• Panic-stricken (overcome by panic)

Understanding these common collocations can help you better grasp the meaning of "stricken" in different contexts and improve your vocabulary for one-word substitutions.