Which term refers to a verbal blunder in which one word is replaced by another similar in sound but different in meaning?

Which term refers to a verbal blunder in which one word is replaced by another similar in sound but different in meaning?

• A. Malapropism
• B. Exposition
• C. Apostrophe
• D. Conceit

Answer: (A)

This question tests a verbal blunder where a word that sounds similar is used in place of the intended word, with a different meaning. That specific mistake is called malapropism. It often happens in dialogue to create humor because the word chosen sounds right to the speaker but makes no sense in context. The term comes from Mrs. Malaprop, a character in Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s The Rivals, who famously misuses words in ridiculous ways. A classic example is saying “the very pineapple of politeness” instead of “the very pinnacle of politeness.” This shows the pattern: sound-alike words swapped in, yielding a meaning that’s humorous or nonsensical. Exposition, by contrast, is background information; an apostrophe is addressing someone or something directly (often not present); and a conceit is an extended, elaborate metaphor. So the description fits malapropism.

This question tests a verbal blunder where a word that sounds similar is used in place of the intended word, with a different meaning. That specific mistake is called malapropism. It often happens in dialogue to create humor because the word chosen sounds right to the speaker but makes no sense in context.

The term comes from Mrs. Malaprop, a character in Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s The Rivals, who famously misuses words in ridiculous ways. A classic example is saying “the very pineapple of politeness” instead of “the very pinnacle of politeness.” This shows the pattern: sound-alike words swapped in, yielding a meaning that’s humorous or nonsensical.

Exposition, by contrast, is background information; an apostrophe is addressing someone or something directly (often not present); and a conceit is an extended, elaborate metaphor. So the description fits malapropism.