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Question

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

Having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's appearance, abilities, or worth

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2022 Tier-II (Paper 2 JSO) Previous Year Paper (04-Mar-2023)
The correct answer is

Vain

Finding the One-Word Substitute for High Self-Opinion

The question asks for a single word that describes someone who has an excessively high opinion of their own appearance, abilities, or worth. Let's examine the given options to find the best fit for this description.

Analyzing the Options for Excessive Self-Opinion

We are given four options:

  1. Superior
  2. Vain
  3. Otiose
  4. Domineering

Let's define each word:

  • Superior: Higher in rank, status, or quality. While someone with a high opinion might think they are superior, the word itself describes a state of being better, not necessarily the inflated self-perception.
  • Vain: Having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's appearance, abilities, or worth. This definition exactly matches the group of words provided in the question. A vain person is often preoccupied with their looks and thinks too highly of their own talents or importance.
  • Otiose: Serving no practical purpose or result; useless. This word has no relation to someone's opinion of themselves.
  • Domineering: Asserting one's will over another in an arrogant way; dictatorial. This describes a behavior towards others (trying to control them), which might stem from an excessive self-opinion, but it's not the direct description of the internal excessive opinion itself.

Comparing Definitions to Find the One-Word Substitute

Based on the definitions, the word that directly substitutes the phrase "Having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's appearance, abilities, or worth" is 'Vain'.

Let's summarise this comparison in a table:

Word Meaning Fits the Phrase?
Superior Higher in rank, quality, etc. No (Describes a state, not the excessive opinion)
Vain Having an excessively high opinion of self (appearance, abilities, worth) Yes (Direct match)
Otiose Useless; serving no purpose No (Unrelated to self-opinion)
Domineering Asserting will arrogantly over others No (Describes behaviour, not the opinion itself)

Conclusion: Identifying the Correct Substitute Word

The analysis shows that 'Vain' is the precise one-word substitute for someone exhibiting an excessively high opinion of their appearance, abilities, or worth. This term perfectly captures the trait described.

Revision Table: Vocabulary for Self-Opinion

Term Definition Relevant to Self-Opinion
Excessive opinion Holding a view that is too high or unreasonable.
Appearance How someone looks.
Abilities Skills or talents someone possesses.
Worth The value or importance of a person.
Vain Having an excessively high opinion of one's own appearance, abilities, or worth.

Additional Information on Vain and Similar Traits

Understanding words related to self-perception is important for vocabulary building. Here are some related concepts:

  • Vanity: This is the noun form of vain, referring to the quality of being vain, particularly excessive pride in one's appearance.
  • Narcissism: A more clinical term referring to excessive interest in or admiration of oneself and one's physical appearance. It often involves a sense of entitlement and lack of empathy, going beyond just being vain about appearance or abilities.
  • Conceited: Similar to vain, meaning excessively proud of oneself; vain.
  • Arrogant: Having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities. This is very close to vain but often emphasizes a haughty attitude towards others.
  • Egotistical: Excessively conceited or absorbed in oneself; self-centred.

While these words share some overlap, 'vain' specifically addresses the excessive high opinion of appearance, abilities, or worth, making it the best fit for the given phrase.

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