Learn CAT Coaching with Free Lessons & Tips

If you're preparing for the CAT (Common Admission Test), having a strong vocabulary is essential for the Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) section. Below is a categorized list of important English vocabulary words that frequently appear in CAT exams:

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1. High-Frequency Words

• Aberration – Deviation from the norm
• Acrimonious – Bitter in words or manner
• Belligerent – Hostile, aggressive
• Cacophony – Harsh, jarring sound
• Capricious – Unpredictable, impulsive
• Debilitate – Weaken
• Enigma – Mystery
• Evanescent – Fleeting, short-lived
• Fortuitous – Happening by chance, lucky
• Juxtaposition – Placing two things side by side for comparison

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2. Words Related to Tone & Attitude (For RC & Para Jumbles)

• Euphemistic – Using mild words to replace harsh ones
• Didactic – Intended to teach
• Derisive – Mocking, contemptuous
• Sanguine – Optimistic
• Laconic – Using very few words
• Pernicious – Harmful in a subtle way
• Supercilious – Arrogant, looking down on others

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3. Commonly Confused Words

• Affect (verb) vs. Effect (noun) – Influence vs. Result
• Elicit (verb) vs. Illicit (adj.) – Draw out vs. Illegal
• Compliment (noun/verb) vs. Complement (noun/verb) – Praise vs. Complete/match
• Disinterested (adj.) vs. Uninterested (adj.) – Impartial vs. Not interested
• Flout (verb) vs. Flaunt (verb) – Disregard rules vs. Show off

How to Improve Vocabulary for CAT?

1. Read daily – The Hindu, The Economist, The Guardian, NY Times
2. Use Flashcards – Apps like Anki, Quizlet
3. Practice Word Roots – E.g., bene- (good) → Benevolent, Beneficiary
4. Solve CAT RC & Vocabulary Questions
5. Revise & Apply Words in Writing & Speaking

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