Question

Select the word that can be substituted for the given phrase.
A commonplace and unoriginal statement
A) Witticism
B) Preamble
C) Prevarication
D) Platitude

Answer 1

Hint:Substituted means that can be used in place of other like synonyms that have same or similar meaning and be used as a substitute.

Complete answer:
Let’s analyse the options:
Option A) Witticism – is an incorrect answer because the meaning of witticism is ‘a witty remark or joke or quip or pun’ and this is not the meaning of the phrase ‘A commonplace and unoriginal statement’. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option B) Preamble - is an incorrect answer because the meaning of preamble is ‘a preliminary or preparatory statement or an introduction or preface’ and this is not the meaning of the phrase ‘A commonplace and unoriginal statement’. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option C) Prevarication - is an incorrect answer because the meaning of prevarication is ‘lying or dishonesty or falsehood’ and this is not the meaning of the phrase ‘A commonplace and unoriginal statement’. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option D) Platitude – is the correct answer because the meaning of platitude is ‘commonplace or old chestnut or bromide or a remark or statement, especially one with a moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful’ and this is the correct meaning of the phrase ‘A commonplace and unoriginal statement’. Thus, this is the correct answer.

Hence, the correct answer is option ‘D’.

Note:Synonyms somehow are considered as a substitute in this question because the meaning of word platitude and the phrase ‘A commonplace and unoriginal statement’ is the same i.e. their meanings and can be used in place of each other. So, option D is the most appropriate answer as compared to any other option.