Question:

Select the appropriate word to replace the given group of words:
The study of the structure, historical development and a relationship of a language.

Show Hint

Branch of Study Clues:
- Philology = historical evolution & structure of languages.
- Phonetics = physical sounds of speech.
- Philately = postage stamps.
- Petrology = rocks.
Updated On: Sep 4, 2026
  • Philology
  • Philately
  • Petrology
  • Phonetics
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
One-word substitution for academic disciplines requires precise differentiation between specialized scientific and linguistic fields. The study of language contains multiple sub-disciplines: the acoustic study of individual speech sounds (Phonetics), the structural and historical comparative development of whole languages and literary texts (Philology/Historical Linguistics), and entirely unrelated scientific disciplines studying minerals and rocks (Petrology) or hobbies like stamp collecting (Philately).

Step 1: Detailed Lexical Breakdown of the Options:

- (A) Philology: Derived from Greek philos (love) + logos (word, reason, speech). It is the branch of knowledge that deals with the structure, historical development, comparative evolution, and relationships of a language or languages, especially as preserved in written historical sources.
- (B) Philately: Derived from Greek philos (love) + ateleia (exemption from tax/postage). It is the collection and study of postage stamps and postal history.
- (C) Petrology: Derived from Greek petra (rock) + logia (study). It is the branch of geological science concerned with the origin, small-scale structure, and chemical composition of rocks.
- (D) Phonetics: Derived from Greek phone (voice/sound). It is the branch of linguistics that deals with the physical production, acoustic transmission, and auditory perception of human speech sounds.

Step 2: Matching with the Given Definition:

The exact definition “the study of the structure, historical development and relationship of a language” uniquely defines Philology.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The correct substitute is “Philology”, which is Option (A).
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top CUET English Questions

View More Questions