Question

Out of the given alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentence.
To change shape, nature or substance of
(a)modulate
(b)substitute
(c)remodel
(d)transmute

Answer 1

Hint: The given description can be summarised by another synonym given in the options. This synonym should help you find the word that is the replacement for the given phrase.

Complete answer: In grammar, a substitute is used as a noun to refer to a
word that serves as a particular kind of replacement. When one word replaces an entire
phrase and still retains the original meaning, it is called a ‘substitute noun’. For example,
the phrase ‘one who lives for the pleasure of eating and drinking’ can be summarised by
the word ‘epicure’.
The only way to identify them correctly is to memorise them or use etymology to guess
them as accurately as possible. The given phrase refers to changing the structure of something to make something different out of it.

Now, we know the meaning of the given phrase. Let’s look at the given options:
(a)modulate - The word ‘modulate’ refers to ‘exert a modifying or controlling influence on’. This word does not have the same meaning as the given phrase. It does not mean the same thing. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
(b)substitute - The word ‘substitute’ refers to ‘a person or thing acting or serving in place of another'. This word does not have the same meaning as the given phrase. It does not mean the same thing. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
(c)remodel - The word ‘remodel’ refers to ‘change the structure or form of (something, especially a building)’. This word does not have the same meaning as the given phrase. It does not mean the same thing. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
(d)transmute - The word ‘transmute’ refers to ‘change in form, nature, or substance'. This word has the same meaning as the given phrase. It means the same thing. This is the required answer. So, this is the correct option.

Hence, the correct answer is option ‘d’.

Note: Look through the given options and understand the meanings. Use them in a
sentence to completely understand their meaning. Make sure to differentiate
between ‘remodel’ and ‘modulate’. Then, choose the correct option accordingly.