Choose the word which can best be substituted for the given sentence.
A professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Mercenary
A mercenary is a professional soldier who is paid to fight for a foreign country or group. It comes from the Latin merces (wages).
Example: The king hired foreign mercenaries to strengthen his army.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Liquidator — Incorrect. A liquidator is a person appointed to close down a company and sell its assets.
Example: The liquidator sold the firm's machinery to pay its debts.
Option 3: Vendor — Incorrect. A vendor is a person who sells goods, often in the street.
Example: A fruit vendor stood near the station.
Option 4: Hireling — Incorrect. A hireling is anyone who works only for pay, often doing unpleasant tasks; the word does not mean a soldier serving in a foreign army.
Example: The landlord sent his hirelings to collect the rent.