Word List - 8 | 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!  

Disciple

• Disciple: a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher.
• Example: Jesus had twelve disciples who followed him and learned from him.

Lush

• Lush is an adjective that means luxuriously rich and abundant.
• Example: The lush green grass of the golf course was a beautiful sight.

Ponder

• Ponder means to think deeply or carefully about something.
• Example: After the discussion, she paused to ponder the issue before making a decision.

Unabated

• Unabated means continuing without any sign of weakening or decreasing.
• Example: The storm's winds blew unabated throughout the night.

Indoctrinate

• Indoctrinate means to teach a person or group to accept a set of beliefs or doctrines uncritically.
• Example: The cult's leader spent hours indoctrinating his followers into accepting his views.

Omnivorous

• Omnivorous: (adjective) Having a diet that includes both animal and plant-based foods.
• Example: Bears are omnivorous animals that feed on both berries and small animals.

Restrictive

• Restrictive: Adjective; having or imposing restrictions; limiting.
• Example: The restrictive zoning laws prevented the construction of a new apartment building.

Blunt

• Blunt: (adjective) having a thick, dull edge or point; not sharp; having a direct or abrupt manner of speaking.
• Example: She was known for her blunt style of speaking, and never minced her words.

Eccentric

• Eccentric means unconventional or odd in behavior, appearance, or opinions.
• Example: Her eccentric style of dress made her stand out in the crowd.

Indict

• Indict means to formally charge someone with a crime.
• Example: The suspect was indicted on charges of fraud.

Nostalgia

• Nostalgia is a sentimental longing for a past time, place, or situation.
• Example: The old man's nostalgia for his childhood was evident in the stories he told.

Penance

• Penance is an act of self-imposed punishment done in order to show regret or repentance for a wrongdoing. It is often associated with religious practices, such as confession in the Catholic Church. 
• Example: After lying to his parents, the teenager felt the need to do penance by going to church every day for a month.

Rife

• Rife means widespread or abundant.
• Example: In this small town, gossip is rife.

Destitution

• Destitution is the state of having no resources or money, and being in extreme poverty.
• Example: The family was living in destitution, unable to afford food or shelter.

Fulsome

• Fulsome means to be excessive or exaggerated in praise or compliments.
• Example: He gave her a fulsome compliment about her new dress.

Metamorphosis

• Metamorphosis is the transformation of a living thing from one state or form to another. 
• Example: The caterpillar undergoes a metamorphosis when it transforms into a butterfly.

Opulence

• Opulence means extreme wealth or luxury.
• Example: The opulence of the royal palace was breathtaking.

Pesky

• Pesky means annoying and persistent.
• Example: The pesky fly wouldn't leave me alone, so I had to swat it away.

Balk

• Balk: To refuse to do or comply with something.
• Example: She balked at the thought of going on the roller coaster, which made her friends laugh.

Abstemious

• Abstemious means practicing moderation or self-restraint, especially in the context of food and drink.
• Example: He was an abstemious man, rarely drinking more than one glass of wine.

Derogatory

• Derogatory means to express a low opinion of someone or something or to belittle or criticize them.
• Example: His derogatory remarks about her intelligence made her very angry.

Disparate

• Disparate means different or dissimilar.
• Example: The disparate cultures of the world have different customs and beliefs.

Extant

• Extant means existing or in existence. 
• Example: The extant manuscripts from the ancient civilization provide insight into its culture.

Lugubrious

• Lugubrious (adjective): expressing great sadness or mournfulness.
• Example: The lugubrious music set a somber tone for the funeral.

Nebulous

• Nebulous: (adjective) having a hazy, indistinct, or vague outline or form.
• Example: The artist's nebulous painting was full of swirling colors and shapes.

Puissant

• Puissant is an adjective meaning extremely powerful, influential, or authoritative.
• Example: The puissant ruler commanded the entire kingdom.

Repose

• Repose (noun): a state of rest, tranquility, or peace.
• Example: After a long day of work, the sun setting on the horizon brought a sense of repose to the countryside.

Scion

• Scion: a descendant of a notable family, especially a wealthy and powerful one.
• Example: The scion of the royal family was sent to a prestigious boarding school.

Supplication

• Supplication is a humble request or prayer for help, mercy, or favor.
• Example: She offered a supplication to the gods for a safe journey across the sea.

Vicissitudes

• Vicissitudes means changes, especially unexpected or unpredictable ones. 
• Example: The vicissitudes of life can be difficult to manage.

Decadence

• Decadence: the state or process of declining or deteriorating.
• Example: The decadence of the city was evident in the crumbling buildings and the high crime rate.

Desultory

• Desultory means lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm.
• Example: His desultory approach to his studies meant he had difficulty keeping up with the class.

Edifice

• Edifice means a large, impressive structure.
• Example: The Eiffel Tower is an impressive edifice.

Levity

• Levity is a lightness of manner or speech, especially when inappropriate in a particular situation.
• Example: After his grandfather's funeral, John's levity in the face of such sadness was offensive to his family.

Maudlin

• Maudlin means overly sentimental or tearful.
• Example: When the movie ended, the audience was left in a maudlin state.

Obsequious

• Obsequious: Exhibiting a fawning attentiveness; servilely attentive.
• Example: The obsequious waiter bowed deeply and asked if he could take our order.

Redolent

• Redolent means having a strong pleasant smell.
• Example: The room was redolent of freshly baked cookies.

Reviled

• Reviled: to express strong disapproval or criticism of someone or something through verbal abuse.
• Example: The politician was reviled for his stance on immigration.

Sultry

• Sultry (adjective): having a hot and humid atmosphere; suggestive of sexual passion or excitement.
• Example: The sultry summer night made it difficult to sleep.

Trenchant

• Trenchant is an adjective that means "forceful and distinct." It can also mean "vigorous, incisive, or acute in expression or style."
• Example: His trenchant criticism of the government's policies was clear and direct.