Question:medium

A person who collects stamps is called a:

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Keep this essential pair locked down together in your vocabulary review logs to score easy marks on competitive exams:
  • Philatelist = Collects and studies postage stamps.
  • Numismatist = Collects and studies currency and coins.
These two hobby terms are among the most frequently tested items in competitive exams!
Updated On: Jun 3, 2026
  • Numismatist
  • Archaeologist
  • Philatelist
  • Linguist
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This problem belongs to the ``One Word Substitution'' category, which evaluates knowledge of specialized terminology used to categorize professions, hobbies, and academic fields of expertise.
In competitive exams, specifically the CUET, terms for collectors and specialists are very common.
Learning the Greek and Latin roots of these words can help in identifying them even if you haven't seen them before.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let’s define each professional term to trace their respective disciplines and see which one matches the prompt:
1. Numismatist: A person who collects, studies, or examines coins, tokens, paper currency, and medals.
While similar in nature to stamp collecting, this field is strictly related to the history and study of money.
2. Archaeologist: A scientist who studies human history and prehistory through the excavation of historical sites and the analysis of physical artifacts (pottery, tools, ruins).
This is a broad scientific field, not a specific hobby related to postage.
3. Philatelist (Correct): A person who collects, studies, or values postage stamps, postmarks, and related postal history materials.
The term comes from the Greek roots {philos} (meaning loving) and {ateleia} (meaning exemption from tax).
In the early days of mail, a stamp indicated that the sender had paid the tax/postage, hence the term ``exemption from tax'' for the recipient.
4. Linguist: A person who specializes in the scientific study of human language, its structure, grammar, and historical developments.
This confirms that choice (c) is the correct term for someone with a passion for stamps.
Step 3: Final Answer:
A person who collects stamps is called a Philatelist.
The correct choice is Option (c).
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