In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best substitute of the words/sentence. A person who moves stealthily about or loiters near a place with a view to committing a crime
Prowler
Understanding the Question: Finding the Best Word Substitute
The question asks us to find a single word that best describes a specific type of person: someone who moves stealthily about or loiters near a place with the clear intention of committing a crime. We need to examine the given options and determine which one fits this description most accurately.
Analyzing the Options for the Word Substitute
Let's look at each option and its meaning:
| Option | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Scrupulous | Diligent, thorough, and extremely careful. Also, concerned to avoid doing wrong; strictly moral. |
| Prowler | A person who moves stealthily in search of prey or plunder. This often implies looking for opportunities to steal or commit another crime. |
| Veracious | Speaking or representing the truth; truthful. |
| Unfeigned | (Of a feeling, especially joy) genuine; sincere. |
Evaluating Options Against the Definition
Now, let's compare the meaning of each word to the description provided in the question: "A person who moves stealthily about or loiters near a place with a view to committing a crime".
- Scrupulous: This word relates to being careful, thorough, or moral. It has no connection to stealth, loitering for criminal purposes, or committing a crime. So, this is not the correct word substitute.
- Prowler: The definition of a prowler directly mentions moving stealthily and searching for plunder (which relates to crime or theft). Loitering stealthily near a place with criminal intent is exactly what a prowler does. This meaning aligns perfectly with the description in the question.
- Veracious: This word means truthful. It is completely unrelated to moving stealthily, loitering, or committing crimes. Therefore, it is not the correct substitute.
- Unfeigned: This word means genuine or sincere. It describes a feeling or emotion, not a person's actions related to stealth or crime. This is not the correct word substitute.
Conclusion: Identifying the Best Substitute
Based on the analysis of the options, the word that best describes "A person who moves stealthily about or loiters near a place with a view to committing a crime" is 'Prowler'. The definition of a prowler directly matches the characteristics and intent described in the question.
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning Relevant to Question | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Stealthily | In a cautious and surreptitious manner, so as not to be seen or heard. | He crept stealthily towards the door. |
| Loiter | Stand or wait around idly or without apparent purpose, especially while waiting for someone or something. (In the context of the question, with a hidden criminal purpose). | Teenagers were loitering outside the shop. |
| Commit a crime | Perform an illegal act. | He was arrested for trying to commit a crime. |
| Prowler | A person who moves stealthily in search of prey or plunder (with criminal intent). | The police are looking for a suspected prowler in the neighbourhood. |
Additional Information: Understanding Word Substitutes for Exams
One-word substitutes are common in vocabulary sections of competitive exams. They test your ability to understand a description or phrase and identify the single word that encapsulates its meaning. To improve your skills in this area:
- Learn root words, prefixes, and suffixes.
- Study common phrases and their corresponding one-word substitutes.
- Practice with previous year's question papers.
- Build a strong vocabulary by reading widely.
Words like 'prowler' are specific terms used to describe particular types of individuals or actions. Understanding these specific meanings is crucial for selecting the correct word substitute.
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
