Question

From the following words pick the odd word out.

• A. euphemism
• B. maxim
• C. aphorism
• D. dictum

Hint:

Three words name a wise saying, one names a softer substitute word.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Think of it as sorting the words into "sayings that carry wisdom" versus "a word used to soften language". Three of these words name a compact statement of truth, one names a technique for polite speech.

1. Maxim: names a brief rule or truth people quote, such as "honesty is the best policy".
2. Aphorism: names a compact, clever observation about life or human nature, functioning the same way as a maxim.
3. Dictum: names an authoritative statement of a principle, again a kind of pronounced truth.
4. Euphemism: names a gentler substitute for a word or phrase that might sound rude or upsetting, this has nothing to do with stating a general truth.

Since three items name types of wise statements and euphemism names a way of softening language, euphemism is the odd one out, confirming option A.