Word List - 3 | 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! 

Affluent

• Affluent means having or showing a lot of money or great wealth.
• Example: The affluent family owned a large mansion in the most expensive part of town.

Arbitrary

• Arbitrary means based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.
• Example: She made an arbitrary decision to go to the beach, without consulting anyone else.

Discern

• Discern: to recognize or understand something, especially with difficulty.
• Example: She had to discern the meaning of the ancient text.

Dubious

• Dubious means uncertain or questionable.
• Example: The quality of the food was dubious, so I decided not to eat it.

Feasible

• Feasible means possible or achievable.
• Example: We need to come up with a feasible solution to this problem.

Fiasco

• Feasible means possible or achievable.
• Example: We need to come up with a feasible solution to this problem.

Harass

• Harass means to subject someone to constant pressure, especially in a bothersome or aggressive way.
• Example: The bully kept harassing the new student, making them feel uncomfortable.

Jurisdiction

• Jurisdiction is the authority of a court or other legal body to hear and decide a case.
• Example: The court had jurisdiction over the case because the incident happened within its jurisdiction.

Oust

• Oust means to force someone out of a position or place.
• Example: The new mayor was elected to oust the previous mayor from office.

Revert

• Revert means to return to a previous state or condition.
• Example: After trying a new hairstyle, she decided to revert to her original style.

Terminate

• Terminate means to bring to an end or conclusion.
• Example: After five years, the contract between the two companies was terminated.

Cognizant

• Cognizant (adjective): Aware or conscious of something.
• Example: She was cognizant of the fact that she had made a mistake.

Confidante

• Confidante (noun): a person to whom secrets are entrusted; a trusted friend or adviser.
• Example: John's sister is his confidante; he tells her everything.

Deride

• Deride means to mock or ridicule someone or something.
• Example: The bullies derided the new student for his clothes.

Disparage

• Disparage means to speak of in a negative way; to belittle.
• Example: His boss disparaged him in front of the other employees.

Effigy

• Effigy: a sculpture or model of a person, typically in the form of a caricature or exaggerated representation.
• Example: Protestors burned an effigy of the president in front of the White House.

Flout

• Flout means to openly disregard or disobey a rule or authority.
• Example: The students flouted the school's dress code by wearing clothes that were too revealing.

Forthwith

• Forthwith is an adverb meaning "immediately" or "at once."
• Example: When I heard the news, I forthwith made plans to attend the event.

Laudable

• Laudable means deserving of praise or admiration.
• Example: Her efforts to raise funds for the charity are laudable.

Perverse

• Perverse means having a deliberately contrary or obstinate attitude or behavior.
• Example: Despite the doctor's warnings, he had a perverse urge to keep smoking.

Quell

• Quell (verb): to put an end to or suppress (something)
• Example: The heavy rainfall quickly quelled the raging fire.

Skirmish

• Skirmish: a minor fight between small groups of troops in a war.
• Example: The battle was a long and brutal skirmish that lasted for hours.

Turbulent

• Turbulent: adj. Characterized by unrest, disorder, or confusion; turbulent activity.
• Example: The turbulent waters of the river were too dangerous to cross.

Chagrin

• Chagrin is a noun that means a feeling of disappointment or distress.
• Example: After failing the exam, he felt a deep sense of chagrin.

Consternation

• Consternation is a feeling of great shock, worry, or dismay.
• Example: His teacher's consternation was evident when she saw the mess he had made in the classroom.

Eschew

• Eschew means to abstain from or avoid something.
• Example: She decided to eschew all forms of processed sugar in her diet.

Exacerbate

• Exacerbating means to make a situation worse.
• Example: The heavy traffic exacerbated the driver's stress and frustration.

Fray

• Fray means to become worn or tattered.
• Example: The fabric of the dress had started to fray around the edges.

Implacable

• Implacable: adj. Unyielding or inflexible in attitude or opinion; relentless.
• Example: The bully's implacable attitude made it impossible for her victim to negotiate a truce.

Indigent

• Indigent: adjective meaning poor or destitute, lacking the necessities of life.
• Example: The indigent family was living in a homeless shelter, unable to afford basic necessities.

Masticate

• Masticate means to chew or grind food in your mouth before swallowing.
• Example: The cow masticates the hay before swallowing it.

Monolithic

• Monolithic: (adjective) having or appearing to have a single, massive, and typically imposing structure or form.
• Example: The monolithic skyscraper towers over the rest of the city.

Obsolescence

• Obsolescence means the state of being out-of-date or no longer useful. 
• Example: The invention of the DVD player caused the obsolescence of the VCR.

Paroxysm

• Paroxysm: A sudden, violent outburst or attack of a particular emotion or activity.
• Example: She had a paroxysm of laughter when she heard the joke.

Perfunctory

• Perfunctory: Characterized by a lack of interest, care, or enthusiasm; done mechanically or routinely.
• Example: She gave a perfunctory apology and continued on with her business as usual.

Precocious

• Precocious means having developed certain abilities or inclinations at an unusually early age.
• Example: The young girl was precocious and already reading at the age of 3.

Reprehensible

• Reprehensible means deserving of condemnation.
• Example: His behavior was reprehensible and he was rightly punished for it.

Sally

• Sally is a female name derived from the Hebrew name Sarah, meaning "princess".
• Example: Sally is a kind and caring person.

Stymie

• Stymie means to impede or block progress.
• Example: The inclement weather stymied the construction team's efforts to finish the project on time.

Voluble

• Voluble means to be talkative or to talk rapidly and easily.
• Example: The politician was a voluble speaker, able to quickly and easily explain complex ideas.