Word List - 1 | 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! 

Level 1

Backpedal

• Backpedal means to move in the opposite direction or to take back something that was previously said or done.
• Example: After making a controversial statement, the politician had to backpedal and apologize for what he had said.

Compound

• Compound: a mixture of two or more elements or ingredients.
• Example: Salt is a compound made up of sodium and chloride.

Caustic

• Caustic: having a corrosive or sarcastic effect.
• Example: The caustic comments from the comedian left the audience in stitches.

Voracious

• Voracious: having or showing an eager desire to consume large amounts of something.
• Example: She had a voracious appetite for knowledge, devouring every book she could get her hands on.

Indiscriminate

• Indiscriminate means without careful or discriminate selection. 
• Example: Indiscriminate bombing of the city caused widespread destruction.

Eminent

• Eminent means famous or well-respected.
• Example: The eminent musician was honored for her contributions to the music industry.

Matron

• Matron: This noun is used to describe a woman who is in charge of a particular area, such as a hospital, school, or prison. It can also be used to refer to a married woman of an older age.
• Example: The matron of the school was a strict but fair woman who ran the school with a steady hand.

Paradox

• Paradox: a seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true.
• Example: "Life is both a blessing and a curse."

Realm

• Realm: A kingdom or domain ruled by a monarch. 
• Example: The medieval realm of England was ruled by Queen Elizabeth I.

Throng

• Throng means a large group of people crowded together, often in a disorderly way.
• Example: The throng of tourists gathered in the square created a chaotic atmosphere.

Accost

• Accost is a verb meaning to approach or speak to someone in a bold or confrontational manner.
• Example: The shouting man accosted the woman on the street, causing her to be frightened and run away.

Plethora

• Plethora: an excessive amount or abundance of something.
• Example: There was a plethora of people at the concert, making it difficult to find a place to sit.

Felon

• Felon: a person who has been convicted of a serious criminal offense, typically one involving violence.
• Example: The police arrested the felon after finding him in possession of illegal firearms.

Fabricate

• Fabricate means to make something up or to invent something.
• Example: He fabricated a story to cover up what happened.

Gesticulate

• Gesticulate means to use gestures to express oneself or to emphasize a point. 
• Example: She gesticulated wildly as she described her exciting adventure.

Vigilant

• Vigilant: alert and watchful, especially to avoid danger or trouble.
• Example: The police officers were vigilant in their search for the criminal.

Avid

• Avid means eager and enthusiastic.
• Example: She was an avid reader, devouring book after book.

Enhance

• Enhance: To make something better or more attractive; to improve.
• Example: She used accessories to enhance her outfit.

Jostle

• Jostle means to bump into someone or something roughly in a crowded place.
• Example: At the busy train station, people jostled each other as they tried to make their way to the platform.

Steeped

• Steeped means to be soaked in a liquid or have a strong influence from something.
• Example: The tea leaves had been steeped in the hot water for several minutes.

Replete

• Replete means to be filled to the point of being full or overflowing.
• Example: The buffet table was replete with a variety of dishes.

Abound

• Abound: To exist or occur in large numbers or in great quantity.
• Example: The forest abounds with wildlife.

Automaton

• Automaton: an artificial being or machine that looks and behaves like a real person.
• Example: The robot in the science fiction movie was an automaton that could speak, move, and interact with its surroundings.

Annals

• An annal is a record of events, especially those of a particular year or period. 
• Example: The annals of history are filled with stories of bravery and courage.

Perceive

• Perceive means to become aware of or understand something through the senses.
• Example: She perceived the aroma of freshly baked cookies coming from the kitchen.

Laconic

• Laconic means using few words; terse or succinct. 
• Example: He gave a laconic response, simply saying "Yes."

Reticent

• Reticent means being reluctant to talk or express one's thoughts or feelings.
• Example: Mary was reticent when asked about her personal life.

Hapless

• Hapless means having no luck or having bad luck.
• Example: The hapless driver was involved in a serious accident.

Irate

• Irate: feeling or showing strong and uncontrolled anger.
• Example: The customer became irate when he was told that the store was out of stock of the product he wanted.

Prognosticate

• Prognosticate is a verb that means to make predictions about the future, usually based on knowledge or experience.
• Example: The weatherman prognostication that the upcoming winter would be very cold.

Badger

• Badger: (verb) To persistently and annoyingly ask someone to do something.
• Example: She badgered him to take her out to dinner every day until he finally agreed.

Implore

• Implore means to earnestly or desperately ask for something.
• Example: She implored her parents to let her go to the concert.

Drudgery

• Drudgery is tedious and repetitive labor, often involving hard physical work.
• Example: After years of drudgery working in the factory, he was ready to retire.

Interminable

• Interminable means seemingly without end or limit. 
• Example: The interminable lecture went on for hours and hours.

Intrepid

• Intrepid means brave and resolute in the face of danger or difficulty.
• Example: The intrepid explorer faced the harsh conditions of the jungle with courage and determination.

Furtive

• Furtive means done or made in a stealthy, secretive way.
• Example: She cast a furtive glance around the room before she started to speak.

Pretext

• Pretext: An excuse or false reason used to hide a true purpose.
• Example: She used the pretext of needing to buy groceries to sneak off and meet her friends.

Adroit

• Adroit (adjective) means skillful, clever, and well-practiced in the use of the mind or body.
• Example: She was so adroit at solving puzzles that she completed the challenge in record time.

Cajole

• Cajole means to persuade someone to do something by flattery or gentle urging.
• Example: The salesperson tried to cajole the customer into buying the new product.

Reprimand

• Reprimand is a strong criticism or warning.
• Example: The teacher gave the student a reprimand for his disruptive behavior.