Word List - 2 | 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!

Aspirants

• Aspirants: a person who longs for or aspires to a particular goal or purpose. 
• Example: The aspiring actors were eager to make their mark in the industry.

Brash

• Brash means to be bold or forward in manner or speech, often without good reason or in a way that is considered impolite.
• Example: He was so brash that he interrupted the speaker in the middle of her presentation.

Concur

• Concur means to agree with something or to express agreement.
• Example: I concur with your assessment that the situation needs to be addressed.

Condolence

• Condolence: an expression of sympathy to someone who is suffering grief or sorrow.
• Example: Our family would like to express our deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved father.

Culprit

• Culprit: a person who is guilty of a crime or responsible for a wrong or illegal act.
• Example: The police apprehended the thief, who was identified as the culprit responsible for the break-in.

Ethics

• Ethics: the moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity. 
• Example: His strong ethical code meant that he never compromised his values, no matter the situation.

Frenzy

• Frenzy: a state of wild and chaotic activity; a frenzy of activity.
• Example: The shoppers were in a frenzy, all grabbing items off the shelves in a mad rush to get the best deals.

Incongruous

• Incongruous means incompatible or out of place.
• Example: The incongruous pairing of a tuxedo and sneakers made everyone look twice.

Ominous

• Ominous (adjective): Having or showing a sign of evil or misfortune; foreboding.
• Example: The dark clouds on the horizon were an ominous sign of an approaching storm.

Admonish

• Admonish means to scold or criticize someone gently but firmly in order to correct their behavior.
• Example: The teacher admonished the students to pay attention in class.

Castigate

• Castigate means to severely criticize or reprimand someone.
• Example: The teacher castigated her student for not paying attention in class.

Cessation

• Cessation means the act of stopping or ceasing.
• Example: The cessation of the construction work was due to a lack of funds.

Clandestine

• Clandestine means involving or done in secret or having an unknown or hidden purpose. 
• Example: He was involved in a clandestine operation.

Inane

• Inane: Adjective; lacking sense, substance, or significance; silly or pointless.
• Example: She made an inane comment that made everyone in the room groan.

Intimidate

• Intimidate: to make someone feel scared or intimidated by using threatening words or behavior.
• Example: The bully tried to intimidate his classmate by standing over her and scowling.

Mundane

• Mundane means "dull and ordinary".
• Example: The mundane routine of going to work and coming home was getting tiresome.

Solace

• Solace means a feeling of comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness.
• Example: After the death of his wife, John found solace in the company of his children.

Stipulate

• Stipulate means to specify or agree to a condition or requirement as part of a contract or agreement.
• Example: The tenants stipulated that they would not be held responsible for any damage caused by natural disasters.

Tangible

• Tangible means something that can be perceived or touched. 
• Example: The tangible feel of the book's cover was reassuring to the reader.

Tremulous

• Tremulous means trembling or quivering.
• Example: She walked away, her tremulous hands shaking.

Alacrity

• Alacrity is a noun that means cheerful readiness, willingness, and enthusiasm. 
• Example: The team members approached their tasks with alacrity, eager to get the job done.

Belittle

• Belittle means to make someone or something seem unimportant or of little value.
• Example: He belittled his opponent's accomplishments, making them seem insignificant.

Belligerent

• Belligerent is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is aggressive and hostile.
• Example: The belligerent dictator was determined to start a war with their neighboring country.

Bristle

• Bristle: (verb) To stand out in stiff, short hairs or stiff hairs.
• Example: The cat's fur began to bristle when it sensed danger.

Disdain

• Disdain is a feeling of contempt or disapproval, usually expressed through a scornful attitude or snobbish behavior.
• Example: She looked at him with disdain when he asked her out on a date.

Dregs

• Dregs: The last remnants of a liquid, usually unpleasant or undesirable.
• Example: After drinking the coffee, I was left with only the dregs at the bottom of the cup.

Duress

• Duress: The use of violence, threats, or other pressure to make someone do something against their will.
• Example: Alan was forced to sign the contract under duress, as the other party threatened him with physical harm if he did not comply.

Euphemism

• Euphemism: a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.
• Example: Instead of saying "She passed away," you might say "She departed."

Feint

• Feint (verb): To pretend to do or go in one direction in order to deceive someone into believing one is doing something else.
• Example: He feinted left and then quickly moved right to avoid being tackled by the defender.

Flagrant

• Flagrant: (adjective) shockingly noticeable or evident, especially of something bad.
• Example: His flagrant disregard for the law was shocking.

Inexorable

• Inexorable: not able to be persuaded, moved, or stopped; relentless.
• Example: The relentless heat of the summer has been an inexorable force.

Laceration

• Laceration: A deep cut or tear in the skin, usually caused by an accident or violence.
• Example: The patient had a large laceration on his arm that needed stitches.

Octogenarian

• Octogenarian: noun. A person who is between 80 and 89 years old.
• Example: My grandmother is an octogenarian and still lives in her own home.

Promulgate

• Promulgate means to make something known by proclaiming it publicly.
• Example: The mayor promulgated the new city ordinance at a press conference.

Pugnacious

• Pugnacious means having a quarrelsome or combative nature.
• Example: The pugnacious politician was always ready to start an argument with anyone who disagreed with him.

Rampant

• Rampant: (adjective) uncontrolled or unchecked in growth or spread.
• Example: The rampant weeds were taking over the garden.

Repudiate

• Repudiate means to reject or to refuse to accept something.
• Example: She repudiated her father's request to borrow money.

Scoff

• Scoff: (verb) to express contempt, disbelief, or derision through words or actions.
• Example: After hearing his excuses, the teacher scoffed and sent him to the office.

Scurrilous

• Scurrilous means making or spreading insulting remarks or allegations.
• Example: His scurrilous accusations were met with disbelief.

Sordid

• Sordid means involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt.
• Example: The sordid details of the scandal shocked the public.