In the following question, out of four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best substitute of the words/sentences.
A community of people smaller than a village.

1. A

   Posse

2. B

   Shoal

3. C

   Hamlet

4. D

   Horde

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

• The term 'Hamlet' specifically refers to a small settlement or group of houses that is smaller than a village.
• It accurately captures the description of a community that is minimal in size and population.
• Historically, a hamlet was distinguished from a village by its lack of a church.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: A 'Posse' is a group related to law enforcement, not a type of residential settlement.
• Option B: A 'Shoal' refers to a group of fish, not a human community.
• Option D: A 'Horde' implies a large, often nomadic or chaotic crowd, which is the opposite of a small, settled community.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vocabulary - One-Word Substitution as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• This is a general vocabulary question and does not have direct clinical relevance.
• However, a strong vocabulary is essential for clear communication in all professions, including nursing, for understanding patient histories, medical literature, and inter-professional communication.
• What if the question was about medical groups? Terms like 'cohort' (a group of subjects in a study) or 'panel' (a group of tests) would be relevant.

How to Approach the Question

• First, carefully read and understand the definition provided in the question: 'A community of people smaller than a village'.
• Analyze the key concepts: 'community' and 'smaller than a village'.
• Evaluate each option one by one against this definition.
• Eliminate options that are clearly incorrect. For example, 'shoal' refers to fish, and 'posse' is a law-enforcement term.
• Compare the remaining options. A 'horde' is a large group, which contradicts 'smaller than a village'.
• Select the option that best fits the definition. 'Hamlet' is the precise term for a settlement smaller than a village.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Vocabulary - One-Word Substitution
• Stem keywords: community, people, smaller than a village
• Lead-in keywords: best substitute
• Clinical cues: The care setting changes urgency, monitoring level, and the expected nursing action.

Question ID

QMxjXfrBZeORhYVMYwObrq

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Applied Sociology for Nurses TK Indrani pp. 116-118, 72-74