Word List - 10 | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC) - CAT PDF Download

The CAT is one of the most highly competitive exam that requires extensive preparation and practice. In order to ace the CAT, one needs to be familiar with the key concepts, words and phrases used in the exam. To help you in this preparation, we have compiled a comprehensive list of words and phrases commonly used in the CAT exam.  In addition to building strong vocabulary, it will also give you a better understanding of the level of language tested in the exam. 
So, let's get started!  

Array 

• Array: An array is a data structure consisting of a collection of elements (values or variables), each identified by at least one array index or key.
• Example: An array of numbers could look like this: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

Hostile

• Hostile means unfriendly or aggressive.
• Example: After their argument, the two siblings were hostile toward each other.

Lethargic

• Lethargic (adjective): having or showing a lack of interest, energy, or enthusiasm.
• Example: After a long day of work, he was feeling lethargic and just wanted to sleep.

Prominent

• Prominent: standing out in a noticeable or striking way.
• Example: The prominent feature of the painting was the bright red rose.

Rue

• Rue: (verb) To feel deep regret or sadness for something.
• Example: I rue the day I made the decision to quit my job.

Longevity

• Longevity is the ability to live for a long period of time.
• Example: The average human longevity is around 70-80 years.

Initiate

• Initiate: (verb) to begin or set in motion.
• Example: The company initiated an investigation into the cause of the accident.

Detriment

• Detriment means something that causes harm or damage.
• Example: Smoking is a detriment to your health.

Acute

• Acute means sharp or intense.
• Example: The acute pain in my arm was unbearable.

Culminate

• Culminate means to reach a climax or conclusion.
• Example: After months of preparation, their wedding ceremony culminated in a beautiful celebration.

Doddering

• Doddering is an adjective used to describe someone who is old and feeble, and who moves very slowly and unsteadily.
• Example: The doddering old woman slowly shuffled her way down the street.

Hoard 

• Hoard: To collect and store up a large amount of something, often for future use.
• Example: The squirrel hoarded acorns in preparation for the winter.

Inevitable

• Inevitable: certain to happen and unable to be avoided or prevented.
• Example: Death is an inevitable part of life.

Lucrative

• Lucrative (adjective): Highly profitable; producing a great deal of profit or reward.
• Example: The company's new venture was very lucrative and quickly made them a fortune.

Paramount

• Paramount: of highest importance; supreme.
• Example: She felt that her health was paramount, so she had regular checkups with her doctor.

Obscure 

• Obscure: (adjective) not easily understood; not clear or plain; vague.
• Example: The professor's lecture was filled with obscure references that most of the students did not understand.

Intrinsic

• Intrinsic means something that is essential, inherent, or natural to something.
• Example: The intrinsic value of a diamond is determined by its cut, clarity, and carat weight.

Imbibe

• Imbibe means to absorb or take in, often in reference to a liquid.
• Example: He imbibed the whiskey, savoring the flavor.

Gist

• Gist: the main point or essential part of something; the essence.
• Example: To get the gist of the story, you need to understand the main characters and the conflict they face.

Deplorable

• Deplorable means extremely bad or unacceptable.
• Example: The living conditions in the refugee camp were deplorable.

Congenial

• Congenial means pleasant or agreeable. 
• Example: We had a congenial dinner conversation with our new neighbors.

Sage

• Sage: (noun) A wise and respected person.
• Example: Grandfather is a sage in our family. Everyone turns to him for advice.

Tussle

• Tussle means to struggle or fight in a rough or noisy way.
• Example: The two boys got into a tussle after they argued over who should have the last slice of pizza.

Superficial

• Superficial: relating to or concerned with physical appearances rather than with deeper qualities or meanings.
• Example: The critic's review of the play was superficial; he focused on the actors' appearances rather than the plot.

Aegis

• Aegis: a protective shield; an authority or protection.
• Example: The United Nations is an aegis of international law, protecting many nations from conflict.

Aversion

• Aversion: A strong feeling of distaste or dislike for something.
• Example: He had an aversion to loud music and preferred a more peaceful environment.

Conflagration

• Conflagration is a large, destructive fire that burns quickly and spreads rapidly.
• Example: The conflagration destroyed almost the entire town.

Jettison

• Jettison means to discard or get rid of something, usually for practical reasons.
• Example: The pilot had to jettison some fuel so the plane could land safely.

Pinnacle

• Pinnacle: the highest point or greatest achievement of something.
• Example: Winning the championship was the pinnacle of his sports career.

Remiss

• Remiss means neglectful, careless, or lax in the performance of a duty or responsibility.
• Example: The teacher was remiss in not checking the student's work before handing it back.

Terse

• Terse means concise and to the point.
• Example: She gave a terse response to his question.

Virile

• Virile: (adj) having or characterized by strength, vigor, and manliness.
• Example: His virile good looks attracted a lot of admirers.

Vogue

• Vogue: To be in fashion or to be popular.
• Example: Her new style of clothing has become vogue among the younger generation.

Ardent

• Ardent means passionate or enthusiastic.
• Example: She was an ardent supporter of the cause.

Cogent

• Cogent is an adjective that means convincing, logical, and well-articulated. 
• Example: Her cogent argument was compelling enough to convince the board to approve the proposal.

Evince

• Evince means to show or demonstrate clearly.
• Example: She evinced her enthusiasm for the project by staying late and working hard.

Obliterate

• Obliterate means to completely destroy or erase something.
• Example: The hurricane obliterated the small town's buildings.

Rebuke

• Rebuke: to speak severely to someone as a reprimand or reproof.
• Example: The teacher rebuked the student for talking in class.

Senile

• Senile: adjective; describing someone who is old and mentally weak, often forgetting things and showing signs of mental decline.
• Example: Grandma is becoming more senile as she gets older; she has trouble remembering the names of her family members.

Transient

• Transient: Lasting for a very short time; fleeting.
• Example: The transient nature of fame can be difficult for some people to accept.