Which term describes a word or group of words that substitutes for an offensive or distasteful term?

• A. Euphemism
• B. Discriminative listening
• C. Ethos
• D. Eulogy

Answer: (A)

A euphemism is a word or group of words used to substitute for an offensive or distasteful term. It helps soften the impact of what’s being said or make the topic easier to discuss in polite or sensitive contexts. For example, saying someone “passed away” instead of “died” uses a gentler expression, which is exactly what a euphemism does—replacing harsher language with something more acceptable. The other options don’t fit: discriminative listening describes a way of listening in which one focuses on specific sounds or cues, ethos refers to the writer’s or speaker’s credibility, and a eulogy is a speech given in praise of someone, not a substitution for an offensive term.