Choose the foreign phrase that can best replace the underlined words:
On the school trip to Shimla, Mrs Thomas acted in the place of a parent for all forty children.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → in loco parentis
In the given sentence, in the place of a parent means taking the care and the duty that a parent would take. The foreign phrase for it is in loco parentis. Example: When his parents went abroad, Uncle Ramesh stood in the place of a parent for Kabir.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) alter ego | a second self, or a very close friend | Superman is the alter ego of the shy reporter Clark Kent. |
| (2) in loco parentis (answer) | having a parent’s duty of care for someone else’s child | The hostel warden acts in loco parentis for the students who live far from home. |
| (3) ex officio | because of the post one holds | The principal is an ex officio member of the school committee. |
| (4) vice versa | the other way round | Riya helps Sara with English and vice versa. |