One Word for a Phrase: People, Places and Qualities

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.One who does not believe in the existence of God.

   • A.agnostic
   • B.pagan
   • C.atheist✓ Correct Answer
   • D.optimist

   Explanation: An atheist denies the existence of God. An agnostic says it cannot be known.

2. Q2.The life story of a person written by someone else.

   • A.biography✓ Correct Answer
   • B.autobiography
   • C.diary
   • D.novel

   Explanation: A biography is written by another person; an autobiography is written by the person himself or herself.

3. Q3.A person who loves books.

   • A.bibliographer
   • B.bibliophile✓ Correct Answer
   • C.librarian
   • D.author

   Explanation: A bibliophile is a lover and collector of books.

4. Q4.The scientific study of birds.

   • A.ornithology✓ Correct Answer
   • B.zoology
   • C.entomology
   • D.ecology

   Explanation: Ornithology is the branch of zoology dealing with birds.

5. Q5.A person who can speak two languages.

   • A.monolingual
   • B.linguist
   • C.orator
   • D.bilingual✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Bilingual means able to speak two languages fluently.

6. Q6.A doctor who specialises in the treatment of children.

   • A.cardiologist
   • B.surgeon
   • C.dentist
   • D.paediatrician✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: A paediatrician is a children's doctor.

7. Q7.A place where birds are kept.

   • A.apiary
   • B.aviary✓ Correct Answer
   • C.aquarium
   • D.nursery

   Explanation: An aviary houses birds; an apiary houses bees.

8. Q8.One who knows everything.

   • A.omnipotent
   • B.omnivorous
   • C.omniscient✓ Correct Answer
   • D.optimistic

   Explanation: Omniscient means all-knowing; omnipotent means all-powerful.

9. Q9.Something that cannot be read because of bad handwriting.

   • A.eligible
   • B.audible
   • C.illegible✓ Correct Answer
   • D.legible

   Explanation: Illegible means not clear enough to be read.

10. Q10.The fear of closed or confined spaces.

    • A.agoraphobia
    • B.acrophobia
    • C.hydrophobia
    • D.claustrophobia✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: Claustrophobia is fear of enclosed spaces; agoraphobia is fear of open or crowded places.

11. Q11.A person who walks in his or her sleep.

    • A.somnambulist✓ Correct Answer
    • B.insomniac
    • C.sleuth
    • D.somnologist

    Explanation: A somnambulist is a sleepwalker; an insomniac cannot sleep.

12. Q12.A person who hates mankind.

    • A.philanthropist
    • B.misogynist
    • C.misanthrope✓ Correct Answer
    • D.egoist

    Explanation: A misanthrope dislikes people in general; a misogynist hates women.

13. Q13.A speech delivered without any preparation.

    • A.rehearsed
    • B.prologue
    • C.monologue
    • D.extempore✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: An extempore speech is spoken on the spot without preparation.

14. Q14.Too bad to be corrected or reformed.

    • A.incredible
    • B.incorrigible✓ Correct Answer
    • C.inevitable
    • D.indelible

    Explanation: Incorrigible describes a person or habit that cannot be reformed.

15. Q15.A collection of poems or other literary pieces by various authors.

    • A.antonym
    • B.catalogue
    • C.biography
    • D.anthology✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: An anthology is a selected collection of literary works.

16. Q16.That which cannot be avoided.

    • A.indelible
    • B.invisible
    • C.inevitable✓ Correct Answer
    • D.illegible

    Explanation: Inevitable means certain to happen and unavoidable.

17. Q17.The study or collection of coins.

    • A.numismatics✓ Correct Answer
    • B.philately
    • C.cartography
    • D.heraldry

    Explanation: Numismatics is the study of coins; philately is the study of stamps.

18. Q18.The killing of one's own brother.

    • A.patricide
    • B.fratricide✓ Correct Answer
    • C.matricide
    • D.homicide

    Explanation: Fratricide is killing a brother; patricide a father; matricide a mother.

19. Q19.A speech in which a character in a play speaks his or her thoughts aloud while alone.

    • A.soliloquy✓ Correct Answer
    • B.dialogue
    • C.epilogue
    • D.monologue

    Explanation: A soliloquy is spoken by a character alone on the stage; a monologue is a long speech to others.

20. Q20.One who can use both hands with equal skill.

    • A.ambivalent
    • B.ambidextrous✓ Correct Answer
    • C.amateur
    • D.ambiguous

    Explanation: Ambidextrous means equally skilled with both the right and left hand.