CAT prep 2014: 20 words you pretend to know, but you don’t
For several us, English is not the first language. For some others, vocabulary is simple not their strong point. So, while preparing for CAT 2014, spend some extra time on vocabulary.
Vocabulary doesn’t have a set pattern like Data Interpretation or Quant or Logical Reasoning. Language is infinite and cannot be bounded in few books. Vocabulary is vast and the best way to learn the language is to read more and observe or listen to English shows and movies. Since preparation for CAT and other management exams is time bound, develop a strategy and then follow it.
In this article, we have listed out some common words that you pretend to know but may not know.
1. Acrimonious
Meaning: Angry and bitter (especially in feeling or language)
Sentence: My friends went through an acrimonious divorce.
2. Aspersion
Meaning: A misleading charge on reputation of a person or object; slander; malign
Sentence: Tom was deliberately trying to cast an aspersion on neighbour’s character.
3. Capricious
Meaning: Sudden and unpredictable changes; especially in mood and behaviour
Sentence: Egyptian queen Cleopatra was famous for her capricious moods.
4. Carpe diem
Meaning: Latin word which literally translates into ‘Seize the Day’; enjoying the present without concern about the future
Sentence: While saving is a must, spending for today’s pleasure’s is also important. Carpe Diem!
5. Demagogue
Meaning: A political or national leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than using rational argument:
Sentence: Most of the current leaders are fickle and ambitious demagogues.
6. Formidable
Meaning: Something that causes fear or respect by the virtue of being large or powerful
Sentence: This college principal has a formidable temper.
7. Melange
Meaning: A varied mixture
Sentence: A melange of colours and forms of art can be found at Delhi Haat.
8. Murky
Meaning: Dark; dirty; gloomy; clouded; obscure
Sentence: Due to the smog, the morning remained murky with low visibility.
9. Myriad
Meaning: Infinite; countless; great numbers
Sentence: A myriad of emotions passed through my mind during the wedding function.
10. Ostensible
Meaning: Something that seems to be true but it may not be true
Sentence: The Company is giving ostensible reasons for its employee’s accident.
11. Perusal
Meaning: Reading; referring; examining
Sentence: The documents have been kept for your perusal.
12. Pigmentation
Meaning: Coloration (Deposition) of the skin or tissues
Sentence: Too much sun-exposure can cause severe pigmentation of the skin.
13. Retroactive
Meaning: Something goes into effect from a date in the past
Sentence: The retroactive changes to the tax laws will be implemented immediately.
14. Shenanigans
Meaning: mischief; deceit; underhanded acts; prankishness; mischievous trick
Sentence: There are obviously some political shenanigans happening here.
15. Spawn
Meaning: Offspring of a person or animal; reproduce;
Sentence: The spokesperson hoped his statement would spawn fewer complications this time.
16. Sic
Meaning: To attack; thus or so
Sentence: Some protestors decided to sic the criminal outside the court.
17. Status-quo
Meaning: The existing state or condition
Sentence: What is the status-quo of the file?
18. Humongous
Meaning: Huge; enormous
Sentence: The 3-D movie had a humongous box-office opening.
19. Panacea
Meaning: solution, cure, remedy for all difficulties or illness
Sentence: This new gene may contain the panacea for all cancer patients.
20. Umbrage
Meaning: annoyance; resentment
Sentence: Don’t take umbrage at the coach’s remarks. He means well.
