Directions: Select the word which means the same as the group of words given. A person who is blamed for something that someone else has done
Scapegoat
Understanding the Meaning of Scapegoat
The question asks us to find a single word that represents the phrase: "A person who is blamed for something that someone else has done." This is a common type of question that tests vocabulary and the ability to identify specific terms that summarise a description.
Let's look at the meanings of the given options:
- Opponent: An opponent is someone you are competing against in a game, contest, or argument. They are against you, but not necessarily blamed for your actions or mistakes.
- Enemy: An enemy is a person who is actively hostile or opposed to someone or something. Like an opponent, they are against you, but the primary meaning doesn't involve being blamed for your actions.
- Competitor: A competitor is a person or entity that is striving to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others trying to do the same. This relates to rivalry, not being blamed for another's faults.
- Scapegoat: A scapegoat is a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others, especially for reasons of expediency. This definition perfectly matches the description given in the question.
Based on the definitions, the word that means "A person who is blamed for something that someone else has done" is 'Scapegoat'. The scapegoat is unjustly held responsible for the actions of others.
Here is a summary of the terms:
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Opponent | A person who opposes another in a contest, argument, etc. |
| Enemy | A person actively hostile or opposed to someone or something. |
| Competitor | A person or entity competing for the same thing. |
| Scapegoat | A person blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others. |
Therefore, the correct word matching the description is Scapegoat.
Revision Table: Vocabulary Terms
| Term | Key Idea |
|---|---|
| Opponent | Opposition/Contest |
| Enemy | Hostility |
| Competitor | Rivalry/Striving |
| Scapegoat | Unjustly Blamed for Others |
Additional Information: Origin of "Scapegoat"
The term "scapegoat" has its origins in ancient religious rituals. In some traditions, a goat was symbolically burdened with the sins of the community and then driven into the wilderness, effectively carrying away the sins. Over time, the word evolved to describe a person or group made to bear the blame for others.
Understanding the etymology can sometimes help remember the meaning of words like scapegoat. It highlights the idea of burdening someone with guilt that is not truly theirs.
Important Questions from One Word Substitution
For the expression which has been underlined in each of the following sentences, choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which most nearly expresses its meaning.
The institution decided to give Mrs. Roy’s job to her son not because she was a social worker, but because she haddied in harness.
For the expression which has been underlined in each of the following sentences, choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which most nearly expresses its meaning.
Your ambition should be inconsonance withyour capabilities.
For the expression which has been underlined in each of the following sentences, choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which most nearly expresses its meaning.
I could not go up in lifefor want ofproper guidance.
For the expression which has been underlined in each of the following sentences, choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which most nearly expresses its meaning.
Though he was arrogant, I could notdispense withhis services.
For the expression which has been underlined in each of the following sentences, choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which most nearly expresses its meaning.
In spite of his hard work, he wasmade a scapegoatfor the failure of the project
