One Word Substitution - List of One Word Substitutions

 

English Grammar – List of Important One Word Substitutions (Give one word Substitution) 

 

 
 

What is One Word Substitution?

Language is possibly the most powerful and impactful tool for communication. The ability to express oneself and one’s thoughts clearly is a valuable skill. Give One word or One word substitution is a  linguistic skill wherein a long sentence or phrase is replaced by a single word, making the communication and writing more efficient, easy and engaging. When used appropriately it also prevents the communication or the writing from being too descriptive in nature, making it concise and relevant. This tool is useful in a variety of areas such as academic writing, competitive exams, day-to-day interactions, thus enhancing vocabulary and improving clarity in both thought and communication. 

 

For students, mastering one word can improve their essays, article writing, letter writing among others, thus boosting their comprehension skills. By substituting lengthy words and sentences with precise words, students can not only save time but also leave an impactful impression of their knowledge and research in the exams. In this article, we will explore a variety of one word substitution, helping you in expanding your vocabulary, and thereby improving your communicating and writing skills. 
 
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List of Important One Word Substitutions

 

A versatile vocabulary is important for effective writing and communication both in the real world and in exams, one-word substitution therefore plays a pivotal role in achieving this. Below is an exhaustive list of one -word substitutions covering, generic words, profession/ people, place or institutions, government / systems, actions or behaviours, group/ collection and, nature and environment. These compilations would serve as a rich resource to refine your language skills and effectively use them in your examinations, enhancing your vocabulary and writing. 
 
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1. Generic Words – 

Here is a list of words which denote a group in general. These word substitutions can be used instead of writing a group of words.

 

Phrase/Definition One Word Substitution
An act of abdicating or renouncing the throne Abdication
An annual calendar containing important dates and statistical information such as astronomical data and tide tables Almanac
A cold-blooded vertebrate animal that is born in water and breathes with gills Amphibian
A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one Allegory
A statement or proposition on which an abstractly defined structure is based Axiom
A nation or person engaged in war or conflict, as recognized by international law Belligerent
An examination of tissue removed from a living body to discover the presence, cause, or extent of a disease Biopsy
The action or offense of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things; profane talk Blasphemy
The arrangement of events or dates in the order of their occurrence Chronology
A vigorous campaign for political, social, or religious change Crusade
Lasting for a very short time Ephemeral
Spoken or done without preparation Extempore
Release someone from a duty or obligation Exonerate
Fond of company Gregarious
Making marks that cannot be removed Indelible
Incapable of making mistakes or being wrong Infallible
Certain to happen Inevitable
A sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past Nostalgia
A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases Panacea
A doctrine which identifies God with the universe Pantheism
Excessively concerned with minor details or rules Pedantic
The practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as one’s own Plagiarism
The emblems or insignia of royalty Regalia

 

Violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred Sacrilege
A thing that is kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event Souvenir
An imaginary ideal society free of poverty and suffering Utopia
Denoting a sin that is not regarded as depriving the soul of divine grace Venial
In exactly the same words as were used originally Verbatim
A person who is always optimistic Optimist
A person who is always pessimistic Pessimist
A person who supports a particular cause Advocate
A person who betrays his or her country Traitor
A person who has a phobia of heights Acrophobe
A substance that causes poisoning or harm Toxin
A long period of time, usually lasting years Era
A device used for looking at distant objects Telescope
The act of leaving one’s country to live in another Emigration
A small, round, soft fruit that grows on trees Berry
The process of creating and printing books Publishing
An accident or incident that leads to significant damage or loss Disaster
A narrow and usually deep part of a sea, lake, or river Bay
The process of growing plants Cultivation

 

A public meeting or gathering for discussion Forum
A detailed record of events or activities Journal
The act of throwing away waste or unwanted items Disposal
A feeling of deep sadness or sorrow Grief
An area of land that is inhabited by a group of people Settlement
The sound made when one laughs softly Giggle
A long, deep cut or mark on the skin Gash
A sign or symbol that represents something Icon
A natural or artificial body of water used for boating or fishing Pond

 
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2. Professions and People –

Here are certain one word substitutions which are useful to denote a particular type of profession or people and can be used to replace a group of words-

 

Phrase/Definition One Word Substitution
One who is not sure about God’s existence Agnostic
A person who deliberately sets fire to a building Arsonist
One who does a thing for pleasure and not as a profession Amateur
One who can use either hand with ease Ambidextrous
One who makes an official examination of accounts Auditor
A person who believes in or tries to bring about a state of lawlessness Anarchist
A person who has changed his faith Apostate
One who does not believe in the existence of God Atheist
A person appointed by two parties to solve a dispute Arbitrator
One who leads an austere life Ascetic
An unconventional style of living Bohemian
One who is bad in spellings Cacographer
One who feeds on human flesh Cannibal
A person who is blindly devoted to an idea/ a person displaying aggressive or exaggerated patriotism Chauvinist
A critical judge of any art and craft Connoisseur
Persons living at the same time Contemporaries
One who is recovering health after illness Convalescent
A girl/woman who flirts with a man Coquette
A person who regards the whole world as his country Cosmopolitan
One who is a centre of attraction Cynosure
One who sneers at the beliefs of others Cynic
A leader or orator who espouses the cause of the common people Demagogue
A person having a sophisticated charm Debonair

 

A leader who sways his followers by his oratory Demagogue
A dabbler (not serious) in art, science and literature Dilettante
One who is for pleasure of eating and drinking Epicure
One who often talks of his achievements Egotist
Someone who leaves one country to settle in another Emigrant
A man who is womanish in his habits Effeminate
One who is hard to please (very selective in his habits) Fastidious
One who runs away from justice Fugitive
One who is filled with excessive enthusiasm in religious matters Fanatic
One who believes in fate Fatalist
A lover of good food Gourmand
Conferred as an honour Honorary
A person who acts against religion Heretic
A person of intellectual or erudite tastes Highbrow
A patient with imaginary symptoms and ailments Hypochondriac
A person who is controlled by wife Henpeck
One who shows sustained enthusiastic action with unflagging vitality Indefatigable
Someone who attacks cherished ideas or traditional institutions Iconoclast
One who does not express himself freely Introvert
Who behaves without moral principles Immoral

 

One who is unable to pay his debts Insolvent
A person who is mentally ill Lunatic
A person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society Misanthrope
One who collect coins as hobby Numismatist
A person who likes or admires women Philogynist
A lover of mankind Philanthropist
A person who speaks more than one language Polyglot
One who lives in solitude Recluse
Someone who walks in sleep Somnambulist
A person who is indifferent to the pains and pleasures of life Stoic
A scolding nagging bad-tempered woman Termagant
One who possesses outstanding technical ability in a particular art or field Virtuoso
A person who is an expert in the art of cooking Chef
A person who studies the stars and planets Astronomer
A person who designs buildings Architect
A person who studies ancient cultures Archaeologist
A person who makes medicines Pharmacist
A person who treats animals Veterinarian
A person who is in charge of a ship Captain

 

A person who teaches students Teacher
A person who prepares and serves food Waiter
A person who writes books Author
A person who is fond of traveling Traveller
A person who composes music Composer
A person who makes shoes Cobbler
A person who repairs watches Watchmaker
A person who plays a musical instrument Musician
A person who arranges flowers Florist
A person who draws or paints pictures Artist
A person who investigates crimes Detective
A person who advises people on legal matters Lawyer
A person who is responsible for managing a company Manager
A person who makes and repairs furniture Carpenter
A person who makes clothes Tailor
A person who brings cases to trial Prosecutor
A person who leads or controls an orchestra Conductor
A person who assists the priest in church ceremonies Sacristan

 

A person who studies the mind and behavior Psychologist
A person who repairs locks Locksmith
A person who makes drawings of buildings Draughtsman
A person who sells goods Merchant
A person who removes or pulls out teeth Dentist
A person who performs in plays Actor
A person who conducts research in the field of biology Biologist
A person who writes news articles Journalist
A person who studies the weather Meteorologist
A person who repairs electrical devices Electrician
A person who looks after children Nanny
A person who takes care of livestock Shepherd
A person who builds roads or buildings Builder
A person who sells medicines Chemist
A person who repairs and cleans vehicles Mechanic
A person who is hired to assist another person in tasks Assistant
A person who interprets dreams Psychoanalyst
A person who catches fish Fisherman
A person who deals with money in a bank Banker
A person who composes poetry Poet
A person who fixes leaks in buildings Plumber
A person who trains animals Animal trainer
A person who makes and repairs musical instruments Luthier
A person who writes scripts for movies or television Screenwriter

 
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3. Place or Institutions –

 Here are one word substitutions which denote different places or types of institutions-

 

Phrase/Definition One Word Substitution
A building or complex housing monks or nuns Abbey
A facility where aircraft take off and land Airport
A structure in a church used for religious rites Altar
A large outdoor area with rides, games, and entertainment Amusement Park
A facility where aquatic animals and plants are kept for public display Aquarium
A large outdoor or indoor venue for sports and entertainment events Arena
A space for the exhibition of visual art Art Gallery
An institution that deals with financial transactions Bank
A building or group of buildings used to house soldiers Barracks
A large and important church, typically the principal church of a diocese Basilica
A sandy or pebbly shore along the edge of a body of water Beach
A library or collection of books Bibliotheca
A reinforced underground shelter, often used for military or protection Bunker
A place where people stay outdoors, often for recreation or training Camp
A large fortified building or complex, often medieval Castle
A large and important church, typically the principal church of a diocese Cathedral
A healthcare facility offering outpatient services Clinic
A building for the use of members of a club Clubhouse
A higher education institution for learning, often conferring degrees College
A place for scientific research or experiments Laboratory
A building where judicial cases are heard Court
A public building housing government offices and services City Hall

 

A place where books, magazines, and other materials are available for public use Library
A place for the preservation of historical objects or artwork Museum
A large building where concerts, shows, and other public events are held Auditorium
A residential school for young people, typically run by a religious order Seminary
A place where people are temporarily housed, often for a specific purpose Hostel
A place where soldiers are trained Training Camp
A place where people go to worship or practice religion Temple
A place where people gather for concerts, meetings, or performances Venue
A building used for public worship, especially in the Christian faith Church
A place where children receive education outside of the home School
A building where patients receive medical treatment Hospital
A large building where events like conferences, exhibitions, and conventions are held Convention Center
A place or institution where scientific or academic research is carried out Research Institute
A place or institution where soldiers live and are trained Military Base
A building used for the production of films, television programs, or radio broadcasts Studio
A large-scale public event, such as a fair or concert Festival
A place or institution that serves food and drinks to customers Restaurant
A place where animals are kept, often for conservation or research purposes Zoo
A building used for the creation and exhibition of theatrical performances Theater
A place where people are trained for a specific job or activity Training Institute

 

A government-run facility where the public can access services and assistance Government Office
A place where a particular type of product is manufactured Factory
A place where citizens go to vote in elections Polling Station
A building where official records are kept or stored Archive
A large public area where people can exercise and take part in outdoor activities Park
A religious service or meeting held in honor of a deity Worship Service
A small residential or working place often for single occupants Dormitory
A facility used to provide long-term care for elderly or disabled people Nursing Home
A building where animals are bred, raised, and housed Barn
A place where valuable items, such as jewelry, are stored securely Safe
A place where natural history specimens are studied and exhibited Natural History Museum
A place where theatrical performances take place, often with seats for the audience Playhouse
A place for religious ceremonies, typically a building designed for public worship Chapel
A commercial establishment for the sale of goods and services Store
A place where people can have their teeth checked and treated Dental Clinic
A place for business, often involving a particular type of product or service Shop
A place where public meetings or discussions occur Forum
A building used for lodging, typically for tourists or travelers Hotel
A place that is used by a specific community for their activities Community Center
A large room or building used for educational instruction Classroom

 

A building where a series of performances, especially films, are shown Cinema 
A facility for the production and display of works of art or other creative works Art Studio
A space where food is prepared and served to customers in a restaurant or other venue Kitchen
A place where goods are sold, often on a daily or weekly basis Market
A public building where public business is conducted Town Hall
A place where people practice or learn a craft or trade Workshop
A facility used by a government or a business to provide services Service Center
A building or area used for sports events or activities Sports Complex
A place where students can live and study, typically at a university College Dormitory
A place where people can listen to recorded or live music Concert Hall
A place where people are given temporary shelter in an emergency situation Shelter
A building used for artistic performances, typically for large audiences Auditorium
A business that makes things for sale Manufacturing Facility
A facility providing shelter and care for abandoned, neglected, or unwanted animals Animal Shelter
A place where goods are produced, often in large quantities Factory
A facility for the maintenance and repair of vehicles Garage
A place where people or goods are transported, often for storage or distribution Warehouse
A place where people take part in outdoor leisure activities Recreational Park
A building that houses artifacts or information for historical study Museum
A place for storing valuable objects, typically for safekeeping Vault 

 

A place where coal, minerals, or other materials are extracted from the earth Mine
A facility for treating and rehabilitating the disabled or injured Rehabilitation center
A place where animals are cared for or rehabilitated Sanctuary
A place where vehicles are kept and repaired Garage
A building used by religious members for prayer or worship Temple
A place where books, music, or other media are borrowed or accessed Lending library
A place where plants are grown for scientific study Botanical garden
A place where soldiers are trained or housed Fort
A place where aircraft are stored and maintained Hangar
A place where wine is made Winery
A place for sheltering, especially in the case of a disaster or emergency Refuge
A place used for keeping wild animals, often in a controlled environment for public viewing Zoo
A facility providing food and shelter for travelers and tourists Inn
A place where ships are built, repaired, or docked Shipyard
A place for temporary accommodation for tourists or travelers Motel
A place where goods are stored and distributed Depot
A place where a specific type of product is sold, often related to food or beverages Deli
A place where people meet for the exchange of ideas, often for political discussions Forum
A place where food and drinks are served to the public Café

 
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4. Government / Systems – 

Commonly used one word for many words that are used for the government or various systems are given below-

 

Phrase/Definition One Word Substitution
A state of disorder due to absence or non-recognition of authority or other controlling systems Anarchy
A form of government in which power is held by the nobility Aristocracy
A system of government by one person with absolute power Autocracy
A self-governing country or region Autonomy
A system of government in which most of the important decisions are taken by state officials rather than by elected representatives Bureaucracy
A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives Democracy
A state, society, or group governed by old people Gerontocracy
A state or country run by the worst, least qualified, or most unscrupulous citizens Kakistocracy
Government by new or inexperienced hands Neocracy
Government by the populace Ochlocracy
A small group of people having control of a country or organization Oligarchy
Government by the wealthy Plutocracy
Government not connected with religious or spiritual matters Secular
A form of government with a monarch at the head Monarchy
A political system based on the government of men by God Thearchy
A government in which power is concentrated in the hands of one individual Dictatorship
A government with two houses Bicameral
A government in which a body of citizens meet and make decisions directly Direct democracy
A form of government where the leaders are chosen by election Representative government
A system of government in which laws are passed by an assembly of elected representatives Parliamentary democracy
A society in which all people have equal access to resources Egalitarianism
A form of government that seeks to control all aspects of public and private life Totalitarianism
A political system in which a single party controls the government and no opposition is allowed One-party state

 

A political theory that advocates the abolition of government Anarchism
A type of democracy where citizens vote on decisions directly Direct democracy
A political system where the state controls most of the economy and society Socialism
A society ruled by a single leader, often through force Tyranny
A system of government where the elite group has power Plutarchy
A form of government in which officials are appointed based on qualifications Meritocracy
A system in which the head of state is a monarch, but his or her powers are limited by law Constitutional monarchy
A system of governance where laws and procedures are designed to limit power Constitutionalism
A government in which a leader’s powers are limited by laws or a constitution Republic
A form of government in which there is no separation between religion and political power Theocracy
A state or system in which the government does not intervene in the economy Laissez-faire
A system of governance based on tribal affiliations Tribalism
A system of government ruled by a queen Matriarchy
A system of government where the father or eldest male is head of the family or tribe Patriarchy
A system of government where the clergy holds political power Hierocracy
A government based on merit, where individuals are chosen based on abilities Technocracy
A political system where military officials control the government Stratocracy
A political ideology advocating the supremacy of the state over individuals Statism

 

A system of governance that prioritizes the welfare of the common people Populism
A government system where criminals rule Kleptocracy
A government controlled by the army or military forces Militarism
A state ruled by absolute power and oppression Despotism
A form of government in which power is inherited within families Hereditary monarchy
A state governed by rule of law rather than will or terror  Nomocracy
A system of governance by a council of elders Gerousia
A system of governance under the rule of a pope Papacy
A society where government is absent, and people self-govern in harmony Libertarianism

 
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5. Group / Collection –

 Here are some important word substitutions for groups, also known as collective nouns.

 

Phrase/Definition One Word Substitution
A group of guns or missile launchers operated together at one place Battery
A large bundle bound for storage or transport Bale
A large gathering of people of a particular type Bevy
An arrangement of flowers that is usually given as a present Bouquet
A family of young animals Brood
A group of things that have been hidden in a secret place Cache
A group of people, typically with vehicles or animals travelling together Caravan
A closed political meeting Caucus
An exclusive circle of people with a common purpose Clique
A group of followers hired to applaud at a performance Claque
A series of stars Constellation
A funeral procession Cortege
A group of worshippers Congregation
A herd or flock of animals being driven in a body Drove
A small fleet of ships or boats Flotilla
A small growth of trees without underbrush Grove
A community of people smaller than a village Hamlet
A group of cattle or sheep or other domestic mammals Herd
A large group of people Horde
A temporary police force Posse
A large number of fish swimming together Shoal
A strong and fast-moving stream of water or other liquid Torrent
A group of ships or vehicles traveling together Convoy
A dense group of bushes or trees Thicket
A group of soldiers assembled for inspection or parade Troop
A set of bells producing a harmonious sound Carillon
A collection of writings Anthology
A large group of people gathered together in one place Crowd
A formal meeting of people for discussion Assembly

 

A group of birds Flock
A group of islands Archipelago
A collection of weapons and military equipment Arsenal
A collection of wild animals kept in captivity for exhibition Menagerie
A group of musicians who perform together Orchestra
A collection of historical documents or records Archive
A group of people selected to give a verdict in a legal case Jury
A group of warships Armada
A group of stars forming a recognizable pattern Asterism
A collection of sticks or twigs bound together Fagot
A small group of people with shared interests Coterie
A group of lions Pride
A group of monkeys Troop
A group of bees Swarm
A number of people or things sharing a specified characteristic Cluster
A group of people engaged in a common pursuit or purpose Band
A group of similar items clustered together Clump
A collection of works of art Gallery
A gathering of people or animals Assemblage
A number of connected or related things Network
A systematic collection of laws Code
A set of people chosen to investigate or report on something Committee
A group of people working on a ship Crew
A large group of people moving together Mob
A large organized group of singers Choir
A group of cattle Fold
A collection of valuable things hidden in a safe place Hoard
A large organized group of armed forces Regiment
A collection of knowledge or information Compendium
A group of players forming one side in a competitive game or sport Team
A group of related families Clan
A group of people trained for a particular purpose Squad
A compact mass of snow Drift
A collective body of clergy Clergy
A group of trees planted close together Orchard
A group of insects Nest
A collection of tools or equipment Kit
A group of accomplices Gang
A compact collection of houses Settlement

 
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6. Nature and Environment – 

The following list gives the one word substitutions for nature and environment.

 

Phrase/Definition One Word Substitution
A large body of water surrounded by land Lake
A natural underground chamber formed by erosion Cave
A large expanse of salt water Ocean
A dense forest in tropical regions with a high amount of rain Rainforest
A piece of land completely surrounded by water Island
The natural environment in which an organism lives Habitat
A small, narrow river or stream Stream
A large, flowing body of water that usually empties into a sea River
A ridge of coral or rock beneath the sea Reef
A large plant with a thick stem and branches Tree
A type of plant that grows in humid climates, typically on trees Fern
A large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth Forest
A rupture in the earth’s crust that results in eruptions Volcano
The expanse of saltwater that covers most of the earth’s surface Sea
A tropical tree with long leaves that is common in coastal areas Palm
A deep, narrow valley, typically with a river flowing through it Gorge
A cold, treeless region of the world Tundra
A grassy land area that has few trees Meadow
A mass of ice, typically moving slowly across land Glacier
A fine spray of water that rises from the ground Mist
A tropical grassland with scattered trees Savannah
The animals, birds, insects, and plants of a particular region Wildlife
The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat Biodiversity
Living organisms collectively or the world of life Life
Water falling from a height, typically from a cliff Waterfall
A forest that sheds its leaves seasonally Deciduous forest
A small body of water surrounded by land Pond
The weather conditions in a particular area over a long period Climate
The process by which liquid water turns into vapor Evaporation
The change of water from a vapor to a liquid Condensation
The process by which water moves downward through the soil Infiltration
The water portion of the Earth’s surface Hydrosphere
The total mass of living matter in a given area Biomass
An area of land that is saturated with water Wetland
A large ecological unit, such as a forest or desert Biome
The gradual process of change in the species composition of an ecosystem Succession
A small area of still water, typically one formed naturally Pool
The collective term for plants and animals in an area Flora and fauna
The area in which an animal lives and feeds Territory
A boundary or area of transition between two ecosystems Ecotone
The presence of harmful substances in the environment Pollution
The practice of protecting and preserving natural resources Conservation
An area of land used for cultivation or growing plants Garden
The natural landscape and features of a particular area Scenery
Interaction between two species in which both benefit Symbiosis
The study of interactions between organisms and their environment Ecology
Species that are in danger of extinction Endangered species
A substance used to kill pests or unwanted organisms Pesticide
An area of land used for growing crops or raising animals Farm
An area of snow-covered land Snowfield
A natural underground reservoir of water Aquifer
A mountain or ridge formed by the movement of glaciers Moraine
A long, narrow stretch of water Strait
A mass of ice or snow in the mountains Icefield
An environment where organisms thrive because of the abundance of resources Oasis
The complete chain of organisms through which energy flows Food chain
The gradual transformation of a species over time Evolution
A climate characterized by low rainfall and high temperatures Arid
A living organism that is adapted to an environment Species
The total number of living organisms in an ecosystem Population
The science of the physical features of the Earth and its atmosphere Geology
A body of water surrounded by land, typically smaller than a sea Bay
A small natural pool or lake, often temporary Puddle
A shallow body of water with a low level of salinity Lagoon
A thick forest located near the equator Jungle
A large area of sand dunes or rocky desert Wasteland
The temperature and weather conditions typical of an area Climate
The land area covered by a river and its tributaries Watershed
The management of natural resources for their preservation Sustainability
The practice of planting trees to prevent soil erosion Afforestation
A circular or elliptical feature on the Earth’s surface Basin
An area covered in tall, thick grass Prairie
A vast stretch of flat, treeless land covered by snow or ice Polar region
A specialized plant or animal adapted to a particular environment Endemic species
A group of individuals of the same species within a given area Population
A small island or a group of islands Archipelago
A raised, flat area of land Plateau
A high, pointed mountain peak Summit
A tall, narrow waterfall Cataract
The study of environmental changes and human impacts Environmental science
The process of turning organic matter into compost Decomposition
An area covered by snow or ice year-round Polar ice cap
An area of water that is often shallow and supports aquatic plants Wetland
A region where animals and plants live that is distinct from other areas Bioregion
A large, barren landscape with minimal plant life Desert
The process of plant decay and breakdown in soil Composting

 
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Conclusion

The diversity of terms, phrases and sentences, and their definitions across different categories showcases the complexity and richness of English language. Each of the above word substitutes carries appropriate meaning and thus, if used, would enhance one’s writing and communication skills. The above comprehensive collections of 500 entries on one word substitutions would help in enriching one’s vocabulary and deepen understanding of concepts that shape our world.
 
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