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How To and Other Atuff
How To and Other Atuff
VOCABULARY
Every student at some time or the other faces the question ''How anything, so that an incomprehensible word can be looked
do I increase my vocabulary? '' This is because, people who might up immediately. Procrastination invariably leads to the words
otherwise be very fluent in spoken English do not really take care remaining incomprehensible due to forgetfulness in looking
to use new words, since, for the purpose of communication, the up the word in the dictionary.
current register of words is deemed enough. An unfortunate fallout (c) Self-help books - Quite a few self-help books claiming to
of this nonchalant complacency is that when these people actually improve Verbal Ability are to be found in the open market,
face questions examining their vocabulary and its extent, they are and one or two are actually helpful in this regard. Students
all at sea. An easy example will bear this out. Everyone knows that are welcome to consult these books but are advised to do so
when we are asked to name the tip of a mountain or the highest after consulting discriminating people who have experience
point of something, we use the word peak. But not everyone in this regard e.g. experienced English teachers or the English
would know that words like zenith, apogee, crest and summit may faculty, since they have better idea of the relative efficacy of
be replacements for the same word. So the same meaning used in these books.
the form of another word might leave the student totally flummoxed. (d) Thesaurus-the viable alternative - If using a dictionary seems
Therefore, it is important to start working on ones vocabulary as to be too boring to be considered for any length of time,
soon as possible for success in any competitive exam. using a thesaurus may be a more interesting alternative. In
Given below are a few tips on the accepted methods and practices theory, it is the reverse of a dictionary, and basically gives
used to improve ones vocabulary: the various synonyms and the types of usage of a word e.g.
(a) The practice of reading - This is, sadly, lacking in most as a verb, adjective, noun etc.. So it gives a lot of information
aspirants. With the advent of Television, reading has almost about each word. If the student can remember even some of
become passe. Reading is important not just because it it, it will be a great advantage. The most commonly available
increases general knowledge. That it definitely does; in thesaurus in the market is the Rogets Thesaurus, usually
addition what it does is help a student get into the habit of now used as a generic name by most publishers.
reading. It is also important to read a variety of subjects, (e) The Word List - The Word List is a comprehensive
because each subject has its own register of language and compendium of the words most commonly asked or used in
words are used with differing connotations in each register. the Management Examination question papers. Studying the
So, for success in competitive exams, perusal of a few different Word List will also give the student a lot of information about
sources of reading material is mandatory. The sources are: the origin of various words, their roots etc. This is a
1) A general magazine e.g. India Today, Frontline, Outlook, particularly useful method of studying because knowledge
Readers Digest, Time, etc. of etymology helps the student gauge the meaning and usage
2) A business magazine e.g. Business Today, Business of other words having the same roots, regardless of whether
India, Business World, etc. the student has come across the word earlier or not.
3) The daily newspaper e.g. The Times of India, The Hindu, (f) Flip-Cards - We strongly advocate this technique which is
The Indian Express, etc. another tool to memorize words from the list. These are blank
(b) Using a dictionary-the almost-extinct habit - Even though cards approximately double the size of your standard visiting
the idea of using a dictionary does nothing to enthuse the card. After isolation of the exceptionally difficult words from
common student, every one owns a dictionary but treats it the Word List, the student should write approximately five
like a sacred cow, not to be touched and defiled; of course, words on one side of the card and the corresponding
not that they are to be blamed too much for it; it is almost a meanings on the other. The advantages of using this type of
habit now; but should be considered a necessary evil. A tool are that (1) Cards are portable and the student can carry
dictionary should be kept with the student while reading a card around with him/her any where and glance at it anytime.
D
Appraise : Evaluate, estimate
Apprehend : Seize, fear, arrest anger : Hazard, risk, peril
Arbitrary : Despotic, wayward
Assent : Agree, consent, acquiesce Dash : Run, rush, fly
Astonish : Astound, surprise, amaze, bewilder Dastardly : Cowardly, invaliant, afraid, fearful
Audacious : Bold, courageous, daring Dawn : Daybreak, appear, (sunrise), begin
Aversion : Dislike, detestation, hostility, hatred Deadly : Fatal, lethal, destructive
B
Dearth : Scarcity, lack, want
ase : Mean, low, ignoble Debase : Degrade, defame, disparage,
humiliate
Beg : Implore, ask, beseech, solicit Decay : Decompose, rot, decline in power,
Behaviour : Conduct, deportment, way, demeanour wealth, waste, wither, fade
Brave : Courageous, intrepid, bold, daring, Decease : Death, demise, end
valiant Deceit : Fraud, cheating, forgery
Brisk : Active, fast, quick, busy, alert Decipher : Translate, interpret, solve, explain
Brittle : Frail, fragile Decorum : Decency, etiquette, propriety, gravity
Brutal : Animal, savage, beastly, cruel Decree : Law, edict, ordinance, mandate,
Burglar : Thief, bandit, brigand, stealer judgement
Bystander : Spectator, onlooker, beholder Defamation : Calumny, disparagement, debasement
Despise
Despondency
:
:
Condemn, dislike
Despair, dejection, E arnest : Eager, ardent, intent,anxious, sincere
hopelessness Eccentric : Irregular, anomalous, abnormal, odd
Despotic : Arbitrary, tyrannical, illegal Economise : Save, retrench
Destitute : Needy, poor, miserable, indigent Ecstasy : Trance, enchantment, rapture
Destruction : Ruin, demolition, ravage Efface : Blot out, obliterate, destroy
Detain : Lock in, arrest, hold, custody Effeminate : Womanly, weak, unmanly
Detest : Despise, abhor, dislike Efficacy : Energy, virtue, potence
Dethrone : Depose, remove (from office) Egotistic : Self-centered, egoist, self-conceited
Devastate : Ruin, demolition, ravage Egregious : Conspicuously bad, sinful, monstrous,
Devoid : Lacking, empty, vacant shocking
Devout : Religious, reverent Elaborate : Explain, discuss, elucidate
Dexterity : Adroitness, cleverness, skill Elevated : Elated, promoted, upgraded, risen
Diabolical : Fiendish, devilish, wicked Eliminate : Remove, replace, dismiss, discard
Diatribe : Tirade, denunciation Eloquence : Oratory, rhetoric, finery (of speech)
Dictatorial : Tyrannical, arbitrary, despotic fluency of expression
Diffident : Hesitating, doubtful, distrusting Emanate : Originate, proceed, spring, issue
Digression : Excursion, deviation, misguidance Emancipate : Free, deliver, liberate
Diligence : Care, industry, effort Embarrass : Vex, confuse, entangle
Dire : Terrible, awful, horrible; miserable Embezzle : Steal, peculate, cheat
Disapprove : Condemn, reject, disallow Embody : Incorporate, include, comprise
Disavow : Deny, refuse Emolument : Salary, wage, remuneration
Disciple : Follower, learner, student Emulate : Compete, rival, vie against, copy
Disclose : Reveal, tell, uncover, divulge Enchant : Charm, bewitch, hypnotise
Disconsolate : Sad, cheerless, miserable Encompass : Surround, encircle
Discredit : Disbelieve, doubt, disgrace Encounter : Come across, combat, fight
Disgust : Abhorrence, dislike, detestation Encroach : Trespass, intrude, invade
Dismay : Disappointment, Endeavour : Attempt, effort, aspiration
discouragement Endorse : Back, approve, ratify
Disorder : Disease, illness, OR untidiness, Endurance : Patience, continuance, fortitude
uncleanliness Enfranchise : Liberate, free, (also: give right to vote)
Disown : Disclaim, deny, renounce Enlighten : Illuminate, edify, elaborate
Disparage : Debase, decry, defame Enmity : Hostility, hatred, animosity
Dispose : Adjust, arrange, incline Enormous : Big, huge, colossal, gigantic
Dispute : Argument, controversy, altercation Enrage : Infuriate, madden, incense, irritate
Disregard : Neglect, overlook, Ensue : Succeed, follow, result
disrespect Entangle : Ravel, involve, perplex
Dissolute : Corrupt, mean, lax, licentious Enterprise : Undertaking, venture, endeavour
F
Frisk : Skip, dance, caper, frolic
able : Story, legend, myth, fiction Frivolous : Vain, foolish, trivial
Frugal : Economical, thrifty
Fabricate : Construct, forge, invent Futile : Useless, hopeless, in vain
Fabulous : Fictitious, mythical, exaggerated
Facile : Fluent, ready, glib (of writing), pliable,
docile, tractable
G aiety : Hilarity, jollity, festivity
Faction : Clique, cabal, discord, section Gainsay : Contradict, dispute, controvert, deny
Fallacy : Deception, illusion, mistake Gallantry : Courage, bravery, heroism
Falter : Waver, hesitate, delay, flounder Garbage : Filth, waste, useless, throwaway, trash
Famine : Hunger, starvation, scarcity of food Garner : Accumulate, collect, gather
Fanatical : Bigoted, enthusiastic Garrulous : Prattling, chattering
Fancy : Liking, conception, craving, whim Gawky : Awkward, clumsy
Farcical : Droll, comic, extravagant Gay : Happy, merry, joyous
Fascinate : Charm, bewitch, attract Generous : Noble, magnanimous, kind, liberal
Fastidious : Particular, over-nice, squeamish Genteel : Well-bred, well-cultured, polite, refined
Fatal : Deadly, lethal, mortal Genuine : True, authentic, real
Fatigue : Weakness, exhaustion, tiredness Ghastly : Horrible, horrifying, horrific
Feeble : Weak, frail, dim Ghost : Phantom, spirit, spectre
Felicitate : Congratulate, compliment Glimmer : Shine, flash, gleam
Felicity : Joy, happiness, good luck Glimpse : Glance, (quick) look, (brief) view
Felon : Criminal, sinner, guilty, bandit Glisten : Shine, beam, glow
Ferment : Excite, agitate Gloom : Depression, melancholy, loneliness
Ferocity : Fierceness, vehemence, fanaticism Glutinous : Sticky, viscous
Fervent : Glowing, heated, impassioned Gluttonous : Greedy, gorging, voracious
Fervour : Warmth, glow, vehemence Grandeur : Splendour, magnificence, glory
Festivity : Gaiety, merry-making Grapple : Grasp, clutch, seize
Fetter : Shackle, bind, imprison Gratification : Satisfaction, enjoyment
Feud : Dispute, broil, strife Gravity : Seriousness, importance, calmness
Fickle : Changeable, vacillating, varying Greed : Avarice, ravenous, envious, covetous
Fiendish : Devilish, diabolical, malignant Grievance : Hardship, complaint, trouble
Figurative : Typical, imaginative, emblematic, Grotesque : Horrifying, contorted, bizzare, whimsical
metaphorical Grudge : Grievance, begrudge, resent
Filthy : Dirty, foul, nasty Gullible : Simple, easy, pliable, credulous
Fissure : Crevice, rift, narrow opening
H
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allucination : Delusion, illusion, nightmare
13
Hamper : Impede, block, fetter, bind wanton
Hapless : Unfortunate, unlucky Indolence : Apathy, inactivity, laziness,
Harangue : a lengthy speech, oration sluggishness, lethargy
Hardship : Trouble, adversity, difficulty Industrious : Busy, active, tireless
Haughty : Arrogant, overbearing, imperious Inevitable : Unavoidable, certain, sure
Havoc : Devastation, destruction, ruin Inexorable : Relentless, indefatigable
Hearty : Sincere, warm, ardent
Infallible : Unfailing, unerring, certain
Heave : Raise, lift
Infectious : Catching, contaminating, corrupting,
Hedge : Fence, hem
Heed : Advise, note, consider, mind transmittable
Heinous : Atrocious, odious, wicked Infer : Gather, conclude, deduce
Hem : Border, edge, fringe, outskirt Influence : Authority, effect, power
Herculean : Colossal, laborious, excessive Infringe : Break, violate, transgress, encroach
Heterogeneous : Dissimilar, unlike, different, diverse, Ingredient : Constituent, component, element
varied Inherent : Inborn, innate, built-in
Hideous : Terrific, horrible, filthy Inhibition : Restraint, check
Hilarious : Exceedingly, funny, boisterously merry, Iniquitous : Unjust, wrong, unfair
amusing, joyous Initiate : Start, begin, inchoate
Hindrance : Impediment, hampering, obstruction, Innocuous : Harmless, mild, innocent
obstacle Insanity : Madness, lunacy, mania
Histrionic : Theatrical, dramatic Insidious : Deceitful, treacherous
Hoax or
Instantaneous : Immediate, Sudden, quick
Humbug : Dupe, cheat, befool
Instigate : Arouse, misguide, provoke
Homage : Deference, salute, worshipping
Horizon : Verge, limit, skyline Intact : Untouched, unscathed, whole,
Hostile : Adverse, opposing, inimical unbroken, undamaged, unimpaired,
Hover : remain in one place in the air, remain entire
suspended, linger Integrity : Oneness, entirety, completeness,
Humane : Compassionate, caring, bvenevolent honesty, wholeness, soundness
Humiliate : Abase, insult, mock, defy Intellectual : Intelligent, rational, learned
Humorous : Amusing, laughable, comical Intentional : Deliberate, intended,
Hypocrisy : Pretence, imposture, deceit Intercourse : Intimacy, association, communication
Intermission
Intervene
:
:
Suspension, stoppage, pause,
cessation, interval
Interpose, mediate
Illegal or Illicit : Unlawful, prohibited
Illogical : Inconsequent, irrational Intimate : Close, tender, friendly or informal,
Imitate : Copy, follow, mimic, emulate advertise, inform
Immaculate : Spotless, stainless, perfect Intolerable : Unendurable, unbearable
Immature : Crude, childish, unseasoned Intransigent : Uncompromising, inflexible
Imminent : Impending, near, due, threatening Intrepid : Brave, fearless
Immodest : Indecent, indelicate, unchaste Intricate : Complex, difficult, complicated
Immortal : Everlasting, undying, endless Intuition : Insight, premonition, instinct
Impassioned : Fervent, frenzied, fanatical Inveterate : Habitual, deep-rooted
Impeachment : Imputation, accusation Involuntary : Compulsory, unwilled, reflex
Implicit : Implied, assumed, inferred Irksome : Annoying, disagreeable, tedious
Impostor : Cheat, conman, charlatan Irresolute : Wavering, confused, vacillating
Impracticable : Impossible, (merely) theoretical Itinerant : Travelling (on a circuit), wandering,
Impressive : Striking, affecting, extraordinary
nomadic
Impunity : Exemption (from punishment)
Inane
Inarticulate
Incense
:
:
:
Empty, silly, idiotic
Voiceless, indistinct, inexpressive
Infuriate, enrage, anger
J aded : Tired, weary
Jargon : cant, technical language, gibberish
Incessant : Unceasing, continual
Incognito : (Identity) Concealed, secretly, stealthily Jocose : Jocular, humorous
Inculcate : Instil, enforce, pass on, generate Jocular : Inclined to joke.
Inculpate : Blame, incriminate Jovial : Merry.
Incumbent : Compulsory, obligatory, binding Judicious : Prudent.
Incursion : Inroad, foray, venture Juxtaposition : Closeness, nearness
Indefatigable
Indict
Indiscriminate
:
:
:
Tireless, assiduous
Accuse, charge
Mixed, undistinguished, confused,
K iosk : Stand (open on one side), booth
Knead : Work up (into dough), press, squeeze
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14
L
Obfuscate : To darken; to obscure.
acerate : Tear (tissue toughly), mangle Oblique : Slanting; said of lines.
Obstreperous : Boisterous.
Lachrymose : Given to shedding tears. Odious : Hateful.
Lackadaisical : Listless. Odium : A feeling of extreme repugnance, or of
Laconic : (Briskly) Short, concise, pithy dislike and disgust.
Languid : Listless, spiritless Ominous : Portentous.
Languish : Die (with hunger or desire), weaken, Onerous : Burdensome or oppressive.
droop Onus : A burden or responsibility.
Lascivious
Lassitude
:
:
Lustful.
Weariness, tiredness P alate : The roof of the mouth.
Latent : Hidden, concealed Palatial : Magnificent.
Laudable : Praiseworthy. Palliate : To cause to appear less guilty.
Legacy : A bequest. Palpable : Perceptible by feeling or touch.
Legitimate : Genuine, lawful Panoply : A full set of armor.
Levity : Frivolity. Paragon : A model of excellence.
Libel : Defamation. Pariah : A member of a degraded class; a social
Licentious : Wanton. outcast.
Lithe : Supple. Paroxysm : A sudden outburst (of any kind of
Loquacious : Talkative. activity).
Lustrous : Shining. Paucity : Fewness.
Pellucid : Translucent.
M alaise : A condition of uneasiness or ill-being.
Penchant
Penurious
:
:
A bias in favor of something.
Excessively sparing in the use of
Malevolence : Ill will. money.
Malleable : Pliant. Penury : Indigence.
Mawkish : Sickening or insipid. Peremptory : Precluding question or appeal.
Perfidy : Treachery.
Mellifluous : Sweetly or smoothly flowing.
Perfunctory : Half-hearted.
Mendacious : Untrue.
Peripatetic : Walking about.
Mendicant : A beggar.
Perjury : A solemn assertion of a falsity.
Mesmerize : To hypnotize. Permeate : To pervade.
Meticulous : Over-cautious. Pernicious : Tending to kill or hurt.
Mettle : Courage. Persiflage : Banter.
Mien : The external appearance or manner of a Perspicacity : Acuteness or discernment.
person. Perturbation : Mental excitement or confusion.
Moderation : Temperance. Petulant : Displaying impatience.
Modicum : A small or token amount. Phlegmatic : Not easily roused to feeling or action.
Mollify : To soothe. Pique : To excite a slight degree of anger in.
Mordant : Biting. Plea : An argument (to obtain some desired
Moribund : On the point of dying. action).
Morose : Gloomy. Plenary : Entire.
Multifarious : Having great diversity or variety. Plethora : Excess; superabundance.
Mundane : Worldly, as opposed to spiritual or Poignant : Severely painful or acute to the spirit.
celestial. Polyglot : Speaking several tongues.
Ponderous : Unusually weighty or forcible.
Munificent : Extraordinarily generous.
Portent : Anything that indicates what is to
Myriad : A vast indefinite number.
happen.
Putrefy
Pyre
:
:
Decay, rot, decompose
A heap of combustibles arranged for
burning a dead body.
S agacious : Wise, shrewd, astute
Q
Salacious :Obscene, foul, indecent, lecherous
ualm : A fit of nausea. Salubrious :Healthful; promoting health.
Salutary : (Morally) Healthy, salubrious,
Quandary : Doubt, dilemma, plight beneficial
Quibble : An utterly trivial distinction or Sanguine : Ardent, confident, optimistic
objection. Sardonic : Ironical, scornful, derisive
Quiescence : Being quiet, still, or at rest; inactive Satiate : Gratify (fully), surfeit, saturate
Quirk : Twist, quibble, deviation Satyr : A very lascivious person.
Quixotic : (Foolishly) Chivalrous, unrealistic, Savor : To perceive by taste or smell.
whimsical Schism : Disjunction, split
U
Stingy : Cheap, unwilling to spend money.
Stolid : Expressing no power of feeling or biquitous : Being present everywhere.
perceiving.
Submerge : To place or plunge under water. Umbrage : A sense of injury.
Subterfuge : Evasion. Unctuous : Oily.
Succinct : Concise. Undulate : To move like a wave or in waves.
Sumptuous : Rich and costly. Untoward : Causing annoyance or hindrance.
Supercilious : Exhibiting haughty and careless Upbraid : To reproach as deserving blame.
V
contempt.
Superfluous : Being more than is needed. agary : A sudden desire or action
Supernumerary : Superfluous.
Supersede : To displace. Vainglory : Excessive, pretentious, and
Supine : Lying on the back. demonstrative vanity.
Supplicate : To beg. Valorous : Courageous.
Suppress : To prevent from being disclosed or Vapid : Having lost sparkling quality and
punished. flavor.
Surcharge : An additional amount charged. Variegated : Having marks or patches of different
Surfeit : To feed to fullness or to satiety. colors; also, varied.
Susceptibility : A specific capability of feeling or Vehement : Very eager or urgent.
emotion. Venal : Mercenary, corrupt.
Turbid
Turgid
Turpitude
:
:
:
In a state of turmoil; muddled
Swollen.
Depravity.
W himsical : Capricious.
Winsome : Attractive.