Vocabulary - Previous Year CAT/MBA Questions
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1. XAT 2020 VARC | Vocabulary
Carefully read the paragraph below:
A map is a useful metaphor for our brain when talking about _______ because at its most basic level our brain __________to be our atlas of sorts, a system of routes _______to navigate us toward just one destination: staying alive!
From the options below, choose the set that MOST appropriately fills up the blanks.
- A.
Perception, evolved, designed
- B.
Understanding, progressed, shaped
- C.
Connections, changed, molded
- D.
Design, developed, shaped
- E.
Comprehension, metamorphosed, designed
Answer: Option
A
Explanation :
The first blank needs a word that means "the way it is understood" so from the options it can be either perception, understanding or comprehension. In the second blank, the word we require is one that means develop, but as it concerns the human brain, it will make more sense to use the word evolve (gradually develop).
Hence, option 1.
2. XAT 2020 VARC | Vocabulary
Carefully read the paragraph below:
__________, medicine has been operated by trial and error, in other words, __________. We know by now that there can be entirely_________ connections between symptoms and treatment, and some medications succeed in medical trials for mere random reasons.
From the options below, choose the one that MOST appropriately fills up the blanks.
- A.
Formerly, randomly, accidental
- B.
Traditionally, analytically, casual
- C.
Initially, statistically, unexpected
- D.
Periodically, logically, arbitrary
- E.
Historically, arbitrarily, fortuitous
Answer: Option
E
Explanation :
The first blank requires a word that refers to the events of the past; the best-suited word is "historically".
In the second blank, we need a word that goes with the idea of random choices; here, both "random" and "arbitrarily" are well suited.
The third blank requires a word that means by chance or luck, "fortuitous" is the best fit here.
Hence, option 5.
Use the table for answering the following questions:
3. IIFT 2019 VARC | Vocabulary
Below given (a) and (b) explain the meaning/synonym of two words from the above table. Identify the correct matching option from the choices given below :
(a) Idealistic but impractical
(b) Extremely thorough
- A.
(a) - (ix) ; (b) – (ii)
- B.
(a) - (xiii) ; (b) - (xviii)
- C.
(a) - (xiii) ; (b) - (viii)
- D.
(a) - (xii) ; (b) - (viii)
Answer: Option
C
Explanation :
Quixotic means idealistic but unpractical. Scrupulous means extremely thorough.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
4. IIFT 2019 VARC | Vocabulary
Below given (a) and (b) explain the meaning /synonym of the two words from the above table. Identify the correct matching option from the choices given below :
(a) Change of fortune
(b) Unruly
- A.
(a) - (xi) ; (b) - (ii)
- B.
(a) - (vi); (b) - (i)
- C.
(a) - (i); (b) - (xiv)
- D.
(a) - (vi) ; (b) - (xi)
Answer: Option
B
Explanation :
Vicissitude represents a change of circumstances or fortune. Unruly means boisterous.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
5. IIFT 2019 VARC | Vocabulary
Complete the crosswords using words from the above table. There are more words than required.
Hint :
(a) Across: Producing tears (b) Across : Mocking
(a) Down: Unpredictable (b) Down: Resembling a caveman
- A.
(a) - Across - (ii) ; (b) - Across - (iii) ;
(a) - Down - (xv) ; (b) - Down - (xvi)
- B.
(a) - Across - (vii) ; (b) - Across - (iv) ;
(a) - Down - (xv) ; (b) - Down - (xvi)
- C.
(a) - Across - (ii) ; (b) - Across - (xvii) ;
(a) - Down - (ix) ; (b) - Down - (x)
- D.
(a) - Across - (vii) ; (b) - Across - (iv) ;
(a) - Down - (ix) ; (b) - Down - (vi)
Answer: Option
B
Explanation :
Lachrymose means something that produces tears. It is the word that fits in (a) Across.
Sardonic means to be mocking or cynical. It is the word that fits in (b) Across.
Capricious is something that is unpredictable. It is the word that fits in (a) Down.
Troglodytic is someone who represents a caveman. It is the word that fits in (b) Down.
Hence, [2] is the correct choice of words.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
6. IIFT 2019 VARC | Vocabulary
Match each word in the left hand column with the description in the right hand column which best describes its meaning/synonym:
Choose the correct option :
- A.
(a) – (iv) ; (b) – (ii) ; (c) – (iii) ; (d) – (i) ; (e) – (v)
- B.
(a) – (v) ; (b) – (iii) ; (c) – (ii) ; (d) – (i) ; (e) – (iv)
- C.
(a) – (i) ; (b) – (iv) ; (c) – (v) ; (d) – (ii) ; (e) – (iii)
- D.
(a) – (iii) ; (b) – (v) ; (c) – (iv) ; (d) – (ii) ; (e) – (i)
Answer: Option
B
Explanation :
The correct match of words and meanings is expressed in [2].
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
7. IIFT 2019 VARC | Vocabulary
Identify the correct sentence from the given options :
- A.
When fishing you can always tell when you lose a fish because the line feels loose.
- B.
When fishing you can always tell when you loose a fish because the line feels lose.
- C.
When fishing you can always tell when you loose a fish because the line feels loose.
- D.
When fishing you can always tell when you lose a fish because the line feels lose.
Answer: Option
A
Explanation :
‘Lose’ means to cease to have or retain something. On the other hand, ‘loose’ means not firmly tight.
The two words are correctly placed in [1].
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
8. IIFT 2019 VARC | Vocabulary
Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the given idiom/phrase.
A pipe dream :
- A.
A bad dream
- B.
A pleasant dream
- C.
An impracticable plan
- D.
A foolish idea
Answer: Option
C
Explanation :
A pipe dream is an idiom that means an idea or plan that is impossible or very unlikely to happen.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
9. IIFT 2019 VARC | Vocabulary
Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the given idiom/phrase.
Ante meridiem :
Answer: Option
A
Explanation :
Ante meridiem (AM) means before noon. From the given options, [1] is the answer.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
10. IIFT 2019 VARC | Vocabulary
Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the given idiom/phrase.
To flog a dead horse :
Answer: Option
A
Explanation :
To flog a dead horse is an idiom that means to waste energy on a lost cause or unalterable situation. As per the official answer key released by IIFT, both options [1] and [4] are the correct choices for the answer.
In 1942, the French writer Albert Camus composed an essay, ‘The Myth of Sisyphus’. It draws on the Greek fable of a man condemned to roll a rock up a mountain only to have it roll back down under its own weight, a ______ that lasts for eternity. Camus argues that this image ______ the human condition in a world where we can no longer make sense of events; but instead of committing suicide, we should ______ ourselves to this ‘elusive feeling of absurdity’ and bear it as best we can. In this sense, Sisyphus is the ideal hero.
Consider the following words:
- surrender
- choice
- symbolises
- quandary
- attune
- option
- reconcile
- depicts
11. XAT 2019 VARC | Vocabulary
Which of the following options is the most appropriate sequence that best fits the blanks in the above paragraph?
- A.
4, 2, 6
- B.
4, 3, 7
- C.
2, 3, 1
- D.
4, 5, 1
- E.
2, 5, 7
Answer: Option
B
Explanation :
As per the paragraph, even though the rock rolls back down the mountain under its own weight, Sisyphus is condemned to roll it back up. Thus only ‘quandary’ which means ‘a circumstance that presents problems difficult to solve’ or ‘dilemma’ correctly fits the first blank. Camus is comparing this image of the rolling stone with that of the human condition in this world – so it’s like a metaphor. Thus ‘symbolises’ which means ‘represent in the manner of symbol’ correctly fits the second blank. ‘Depicts’ which means ‘represents by drawing, sculpture, painting, etc.’ is incorrect in the second blank. Camus further maintains that we should accept this feeling of absurdity and continue to live in the best way we can. Thus ‘reconcile’ which means ‘to accept or be resigned to something not desired’ correctly fits the third blank. Thus the correct sequence is – 4, 3, 7.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
12. XAT 2019 VARC | Vocabulary
______ the importance of ‘horizontal stratification’ ______ higher education is widely acknowledged, ______ attention has been applied to horizontal stratification ______ compulsory schooling.
- A.
Whereas; with: too less; to
- B.
While; on: far fewer; about
- C.
Whereas; about: for less; of
- D.
While; within: far less; within
- E.
While; without: further less; within
Answer: Option
D
Explanation :
As per the given sentence, though the role of ‘horizontal stratification’ has been acknowledged in higher education, not much attention is given to it in compulsory schooling. ‘Whereas’ means ‘on the contrary’ and ‘while’ means ‘even though’. Both these words can be correctly used to fit the first blank. however, since ‘horizontal stratification’ has to be a part of higher education, only ‘within’ which means ‘inside’ correctly fits the second blank as well as fourth blank. ‘Too less’, ‘for less’ and ‘further less’ are grammatically incorrect in the third blank. ‘Far fewer’ is incorrect in the third blanks as it is a comparative degree while nothing has been compared in the sentence. Also, ‘fewer’ is used for countable nouns while nothing countable has been mentioned in the given sentence. Thus only ‘far less’ correctly fits the third blank.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
13. XAT 2019 VARC | Vocabulary
Study the first sentence and then identify from among the options given the closest antonym of the highlighted word in the second sentence
It’s conventional wisdom that procreation between first cousins is unhealthy. But what are the actual genetic risks?
- A.
unfounded
- B.
relative
- C.
tangible
- D.
hard
- E.
abstract
Answer: Option
A
Explanation :
‘Actual’ means ‘in fact’ or ‘real’. Thus ‘unfounded’ which means ‘not based on fact’ is the correct antonym of ‘actual’ in the given sentence. (‘Abstract’ means ‘having no reference to material objects’ and is thus incorrect in the given sentence).
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
Who could resist the idea of remembering everything they wanted to, without trying? Learning would be made easy, exams a ______ and you would never forget where you left your keys. And memory-related disorders like Alzheimer’s would have met their match. So, it is of little surprise that scientists have turned their attention to ways of ______ human memory using techniques that ______, supplement or even mimic parts of the brain. The immediate goal is to treat memory disorders, but the idea of a memory ______ for everyday life is gaining ground.
14. XAT 2019 VARC | Vocabulary
Fill in the blanks in the above paragraph, with the best option from among the following:
- A.
breeze; exploring; simulate; aid
- B.
routine; expanding; invigorate; crutch
- C.
joy; augmenting; awaken; crutch
- D.
routine; expanding; trigger; support
- E.
breeze; enhancing; stimulate; prosthesis
Answer: Option
E
Explanation :
As per the paragraph, since we will remember everything we learnt, giving exams would become very easy. Thus only ‘breeze’ can fit the first blank as it means ‘an easy task’. ‘Joy’ cannot fit the first blank as even though one remembers everything, nobody likes giving exams. Thus only options 1 and 5 can be retained. Since humans will have to remember everything, their memory needs to be increased. Thus only ‘enhancing’ which means ‘raising to a higher degree’ correctly fits the second blank. ‘Exploring’ means ‘examining’ and does not fit the second blank contextually. In the third blank, ‘simulate’ means ‘creating a model or linking of something’ while ‘stimulate’ means ‘encourage’. Thus only the latter fits the third blank. In the fourth blank, ‘aid’ means ‘help’ while ‘prosthesis’ means ‘an external device that supplements a part of the body’. Thus only ‘aid’ fits the last blank.
Hence, the correct answer is option 5.
15. IIFT 2018 VA | Vocabulary
Create a word using all the given letters from the jumbled letters and identify its appropriate meaning
- A.
Verbose
- B.
Taciturn
- C.
Rational
- D.
Alluring
Answer: Option
A
Explanation :
The word that can be formed from the given letters is LOQUACIOUS which means ‘talkative’. ‘Verbose’ means ‘using too many words’ and is a synonym of the given word. Retain option 1. ‘Taciturn’ means ‘habitually silent’ or ‘uncommunicative’. Thus it is the antonym of the given word and can be negated. ‘Rational’ is also not a synonym of ‘loquacious’ and can be negated. ‘Alluring’ means ‘very attractive’ or ‘charming’ and is not related to the given word. Thus option 4 can also be negated.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
16. IIFT 2018 VA | Vocabulary
Create a word using all the given letters from the jumbled letters and identify its appropriate meaning
- A.
Innocent
- B.
Tarried
- C.
Gruesome
- D.
Pleasing
Answer: Option
C
Explanation :
The word that can be formed from the given letters is MACABRE which means ‘gruesome’ or ‘horrible’. Thus ‘innocent’ or ‘pleasing’ cannot be the synonyms of the given word. So options 1 and 4 can be negated. ‘Tarried’ means ‘delayed’ and is not a synonym of ‘macabre’. Thus option B can also be negated. ‘Gruesome’ means ‘ghastly’ or ‘horrible’ and is a synonym of the given word.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
17. IIFT 2018 VA | Vocabulary
Create a word using all the given letters from the jumbled letters and identify its appropriate meaning
- A.
Spiteful
- B.
Careless
- C.
Ignorant
- D.
Fussy
Answer: Option
D
Explanation :
The word that can be formed from the given letters is PERNICKTEY which means ‘fussy’.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
18. IIFT 2018 VA | Vocabulary
Match the words in column 1 with their appropriate meaning in column 2.
- A.
1-c, 2-b, 3-d, 4-a
- B.
1-b, 2-d, 3-a, 4-c
- C.
1-b, 2-a, 3-d, 4-c
- D.
1-c, 2-d, 3-a, 4-b
Answer: Option
D
Explanation :
The correct match is 1-c, 2-d, 3-a, 4-b.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
19. IIFT 2018 VA | Vocabulary
Match the words in column 1 with their appropriate meaning in column 2.
- A.
1-c, 2-d, 3-b, 4-a
- B.
1-b, 2-a, 3-d, 4-c
- C.
1-d, 2-b, 3-c, 4-a
- D.
1-d, 2-c, 3-a, 4-b
Answer: Option
A
Explanation :
The correct match is 1-c, 2-d, 3-b, 4-a.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
20. XAT 2018 VARC | Vocabulary
Read the following statements carefully:
The payoff from ________ in education is so ______ and _______ that it is almost ________ as a predictor of economic change over a five to ten year period.
Fill in the blanks meaningfully, in the above statement, from the following options.
- A.
Expenditure, small, insignificant, irrelevant
- B.
Productivity, small, erratic, useless
- C.
Expenditure, fast, significant, powerful
- D.
Investment, slow, erratic, useless
- E.
Investment, slow, predictable, irrelevant
Answer: Option
D
Explanation :
The first three options are eliminated as payoff is usually derived from “investment” and not “expenditure” or “productivity”. If the payoff is “slow and predictable”, it cannot be an irrelevant predictor of economic change. Thus, [5] is eliminated. Also, if data is “erratic”, meaning “inconsistent” or “uncertain”, it is useless in predicting anything.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
21. XAT 2018 VARC | Vocabulary
Which of the following sentences contains correct and meaningful usage of the underlined words?
- A.
Vikram’s approach to the problem was unique from Harpreet’s, and he hadn’t expected no criticism from her.
- B.
Vikram’s approach to the problem was different from Harpreet’s, but he hadn’t expected no criticism from her.
- C.
Vikram’s approach to the problem was different from Harpreet’s, but he had expected no criticism from her.
- D.
Vikram’s approach to the problem was unique from Harpreet’s, further he hadn’t expected no criticism from her.
- E.
Vikram’s approach to the problem was different from Harpreet’s, and he had expected no criticism from her.
Answer: Option
C
Explanation :
“Difference” is a point or way in which people or things are not the same. “Unique” is being the only one of its kind. As “unique” means unlike anything else, it cannot be used for comparison. Thus, [1] and [5] are eliminated. From the context, it is clear that though Vikram’s approach was different from that of Harpreet, he was expecting no criticism from her. Thus, ‘but’ expresses the contrast between the expectation of Vikram and the actual outcome. Thus, [5] which uses ‘and’ as a conjunction is eliminated. If we assume the double negation (“hadn’t expected no criticism from her) in [2] to be fair and true, the placement of “but” causes a problem as there is no contrasting elements in the statement. If there was “and” in place of “but”, [2] would have been correct. Thus, the correct usage of words occurs only in [3].
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
22. XAT 2018 VARC | Vocabulary
Read the following statements carefully:
Though he thought of himself as a/an ______ person, his boss's abusive behaviour made him talk back. However, as he engaged in a/an _______ with his boss, all he got in response was a/an
_______, which only filled him with _____
Fill in the blanks meaningfully, in the above statement, from the following options:
- A.
nonchalant, remonstration, philippic, ennui
- B.
insouciant, philippic, remonstration, ennui
- C.
philippic, remonstration, ennui, insouciance
- D.
ennui, philippic, insouciance, remonstration
- E.
nonchalant, ennui, philippic, remonstration
Answer: Option
A
Explanation :
‘Nonchalant’ or ‘insouciant’ refers to someone who is feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed. ‘Philippic’ means ‘a bitter attack or denunciation’. ‘Ennui’ means a ‘feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement’. Thus only, ‘nonchalant’ or ‘insouciant’ can be used to describe a person as ‘Ennui’ and ‘Philippic’ are feelings. Thus, [3] and [4] are eliminated. Similarly, one cannot indulge in ‘Ennui’ or ‘Philippic’ with one’s boss. ‘Remonstration’ means saying or pleading in protest, objection, or disapproval. It fits the second blank perfectly. Hence, [2] and [5] are eliminated. ‘Philippic’ and ‘Ennui’ fit the third and fourth blanks perfectly.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
23. IIFT 2017 VA | Vocabulary
Match the prefix and suffix with its meaning
- A.
a)-(i), b)-(iii), c)-(ii), d)-(v), e)-(iv)
- B.
a)-(i), b)-(ii), c)-(iii), d)-(v), e)-(iv)
- C.
a)-(iv), b)-(v), c)-(iii), d)-(ii), e)-(i)
- D.
None of the above
Answer: Option
A
Explanation :
‘ation’ indicates an action, process or state, ‘trans’ means across, beyond or through, ‘ship’ means a position or a title, ‘ambi’ means both and around and ‘ose’ means full of or abounding end.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
24. IIFT 2017 VA | Vocabulary
Create a word using all the given letters from the jumbled letters and identify its appropriate meaning
Answer: Option
D
Explanation :
The given letters form the word “hermetic” meaning ‘complete and airtight’.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
25. IIFT 2017 VA | Vocabulary
Create a word using all the given letters from the jumbled letters and identify its appropriate meaning
- A.
Denounce
- B.
Sincere
- C.
Enlighten
- D.
Confound
Answer: Option
C
Explanation :
The given letters form the word “elucidate” meaning ‘make something clear’.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
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