Question

Choose the word closest in meaning to the underlined phrase-
The study of heavenly bodies.
a. Anthology
b. Anthropology
c. Astronomy
d. Aetiology

Answer 1

Hint : There are many studies of different parts of this planet, they are all coined as different terms in physics/geography.

Complete step by step answer :
One word substitution is one of the integral parts of vocabulary. It simply means that a sentence has to be replaced with a single word. Here, the given sentence is “study of heavenly bodies”, in which, a study of all the celestial bodies takes place. Objects of interest include planets, moons, stars, nebulae, galaxies and comets.
Let us examine all the given options and find out the correct option :

Option ‘a’ is Anthology. It is a published collection of poems or other pieces of writing. It is a collection of music from one artist. For example : a book that contains many Shakespeare's plays.

Option ‘b’ is Anthropology. It is the discipline studying various aspects of human beings. This study includes study of human, human behaviours, societies in the past and present.

Option ‘c' is Astronomy. It is the study of heavenly and celestial bodies. It uses mathematics, physics and chemistry in order to explain their origin and evolution.

Option ‘d’ is Aetiology. It refers to the cause or a set of causes leading to a disease or a condition.
As we have discussed all the given options, we can easily figure out the correct answer, which is, option ‘c’, astronomy.

Note : You have to know these basic terms to increase your vocabulary and to solve the one word substitutions.