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Question

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

A thing which happens every two years

The correct answer is

Biennial

Finding the Right Word for Events Every Two Years

The question asks for a single word that describes something which occurs every two years. This is a common type of vocabulary question testing your knowledge of specific terms used to denote frequencies or periods of time.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the provided options and their meanings:

  • Century: A period of 100 years. This is a very long period, not related to an event happening every two years.
  • Annual: Occurring once every year. This describes yearly events, not events happening every two years.
  • Biennial: Occurring every two years. This word specifically means happening once every two years.
  • Bi-monthly: Occurring twice a month OR occurring every two months. The prefix 'bi-' can be ambiguous, but in either interpretation (twice a month or every two months), it does not mean every two years.

Identifying the Correct Substitute

Based on the analysis of the options, the word that precisely means "a thing which happens every two years" is Biennial.

Therefore, the one-word substitute for "A thing which happens every two years" is Biennial.

Frequency Terms Summary
Term Meaning
Century 100 years
Annual Every year
Biennial Every two years
Bi-monthly Twice a month or every two months

Revision Table: One-Word Substitutes

Review of Options and Meanings
Given Phrase Option Meaning Matches "Every two years"?
A thing which happens every two years Century 100 years No
Annual Every year No
Biennial Every two years Yes
Bi-monthly Twice a month or every two months No

Additional Information on Frequency Terms

Understanding prefixes and roots can help with such questions. Here are some other terms related to frequency:

  • Semiannual: Happening twice a year (also called 'biannual').
  • Triennial: Happening every three years.
  • Quadrennial: Happening every four years.
  • Quinquennial: Happening every five years.
  • Decennial: Happening every ten years.
  • Centennial: Happening every hundred years (synonymous with centenary).

Note the difference between 'bi-' meaning 'two' and 'semi-' meaning 'half'. Bi-annual and semi-annual both mean twice a year, which can be confusing. Biennial specifically means every two years.

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Important Questions from One Word Substitution

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

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