Vocabulary - Previous Year CAT/MBA Questions
The best way to prepare for Vocabulary is by going through the previous year Vocabulary XAT questions.
Here we bring you all previous year Vocabulary XAT questions along with detailed solutions.
Click here for previous year questions of other topics.
It would be best if you clear your concepts before you practice previous year Vocabulary XAT questions.
1. XAT 2024 VALR | Vocabulary XAT Question
Read the following statement carefully and fill up the blanks from the given options.
As _________evolved and eventually moved to cities, close proximity ____________how we viewed and assessed each_________.
- (a)
generations, changed, other
- (b)
people, helped, nation
- (c)
lives, destroyed, culture
- (d)
culture, helped, life
- (e)
civilization, enhanced, situation
Answer: Option
A
Text Explanation :
2. XAT 2024 VALR | Vocabulary XAT Question
Read the following statement carefully.
___________like a fake can be a sign of___________, and clinging too tightly to what feels like one’s authentic self can ________that growth.
Fill in the blanks meaningfully, in the above statement, from the following options.
- (a)
operating, smartness, increase
- (b)
performing, stupidity, change
- (c)
feeling, growth, hinder
- (d)
behaving, improvement, support
- (e)
acting, progress, enhance
Answer: Option
C
Text Explanation :
3. XAT 2023 VALR | Vocabulary XAT Question
Fill up the blanks with appropriate words.
Oil painting did to appearance what capital did to social____________. It reduced everything to the __________of objects. Everything became __________because everything became a commodity. All reality was mechanically__________ by its materiality.
- (a)
Reality, randomness, saleable, located
- (b)
Setup, understanding, useless, identified
- (c)
Justice, level, expensive, understood
- (d)
Relations, equality, exchangeable, measured
- (e)
Construction, minuteness, commercial, evaluated
Answer: Option
D
Text Explanation :
4. XAT 2020 VARC | Vocabulary XAT Question
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
Text 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 (a).
5. XAT 2020 VARC | Vocabulary XAT Question
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
Text 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 (e).
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
6. XAT 2019 VARC | Vocabulary XAT Question
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
Text 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.
7. XAT 2019 VARC | Vocabulary XAT Question
______ 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
Text 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.
8. XAT 2019 VARC | Vocabulary XAT Question
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
Text 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.
9. XAT 2019 VARC | Vocabulary XAT Question
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
Text 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.
10. XAT 2018 VARC | Vocabulary XAT Question
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
Text 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.
11. XAT 2018 VARC | Vocabulary XAT Question
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
Text 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.
12. XAT 2018 VARC | Vocabulary XAT Question
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
Text 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.
The serious study of popular films by critics is regularly credited with having rendered obsolete a once-dominant view that popular mainstream films are inherently inferior to art films. Yet the change of attitude may be somewhat _________ Although, it is now academically respectable to analyse popular films, the fact that many critics feel compelled to rationalize their own _________ action movies or mass-market fiction reveals, perhaps unwittingly, their continued _________ the old hierarchy of popular and art films.
Consider the following words:
- unproductive
- not appreciated
- overstated
- penchant for
- dislike for
- investment in
- exposure to
13. XAT 2017 VARC | Vocabulary XAT Question
Which of the following options is the most appropriate sequence that would meaningfully fit the blanks in the above paragraph?
- (a)
1, 5, 6
- (b)
3, 2, 7
- (c)
3, 4, 6
- (d)
4, 5, 6
- (e)
6, 3, 1
Answer: Option
C
Text Explanation :
The second sentence/line in the passage can be completed by either “unproductive” or “overstated”. But the following sentence (third) questions the perception of change of attitudes contained in the second sentence/line. The serious study of popular films by critics implies that the critics are compelled to rationalize their ―”penchant for” and hence, 3 will be followed by 4. By rationalizing their penchant for popular films, they unwittingly reveal their continued investment in the categorization of popular and art films. Hence, the appropriate sequence of words should start with 3 follow it with 4 and then by 6.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
14. XAT 2017 VARC | Vocabulary XAT Question
Choose the option with all the correct words and their correct accent (underlined syllable) that fits the blanks.
The suspension of the captain may _________ the number of spectators, who turn up for this match.
Transportation costs will directly _________ the cost of retail goods.
Grandmother’s advancing age could _________ her ability to take care of the house.
She _________ a Texan accent throughout the interview.
- (a)
affect, effect, effect, effected
- (b)
affect, effect, affect, affected
- (c)
affect, affect, affect, affected
- (d)
effect, affect, effect, effected
- (e)
effect, affect, effect, affected
Answer: Option
C
Text Explanation :
In all these words, the emphasis is on the second syllable ―fect. Hence, options with first part emphasised are wrong. This makes 3 as the right answer. Further, generally, affect is used as verb, while effect is used as noun.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
15. XAT 2016 VARC | Vocabulary XAT Question
Choose the best pronunciation of the word, Sobriquet, from the following options:
- (a)
soh-bruh-key
- (b)
sub-rry-ka
- (c)
sob-bee-ri-kwet
- (d)
soub-rick-kaat
- (e)
Sobb-rik-kwet
Answer: Option
A
Text Explanation :
The correct pronunciation of the word “sobriquet” is 'soh-bruh-key'.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
16. XAT 2016 VARC | Vocabulary XAT Question
The subject of this book is knavery, skullduggery, cheating, betrayal, unfairness, crime, sneakiness, malingering, cutting corner, immorality, dishonesty, betrayal, graft, wickedness, and sin.
Which of the following options best captures ALL the italicized words above?
- (a)
Aggressive behaviours
- (b)
Illegal behaviours
- (c)
Deviant behaviours
- (d)
Banned behaviours
- (e)
Vetoed behaviours
Answer: Option
C
Text Explanation :
None of the actions can be categorized under aggressive behaviours as one cannot be sure if they are an outcome of “aggression”.
Option 2 encompasses only “crime”. So, eliminate option 2.
Option 3 correctly describes the set of actions as being against the society norms.
Option 4 with “banned behaviours” and option 5 with “vetoed behaviours” do not describe every subject of the book.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
17. XAT 2015 VA | Vocabulary XAT Question
Which of the following is not a term of ‘disapproval’?
- (a)
infantile
- (b)
charlatan
- (c)
imbecile
- (d)
childlike
- (e)
awful
Answer: Option
D
Text Explanation :
“Infantile” means 'displaying or suggesting a lack of maturity'.
“Charlatan” means 'person who pretends to special knowledge or skill that he or she does not possess'.
“Imbecile” means 'a very foolish or stupid person'.
“Awful” means 'very bad or unpleasant'.
All the four words indicate a sense of disapproval or express a negative opinion.
So we can eliminate options 1, 2, 3 and 5.
“Childlike” means 'having the good qualities, such as innocence, associated with a child'. Having good qualities indicates a sense of approval and expresses a positive opinion.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
18. XAT 2015 VA | Vocabulary XAT Question
Read the four sentences given below:
He is the most ______ of the speakers to address us today.
The belief in ______ justice is the essence of his talk.
This hall would have been full but for the _____ rain.
Many in the audience have achieved _____ in their respective fields.
Which of the following sequence of words would most appropriately fit the blanks?
- (a)
i. Eminent, ii. Imminent, ii. Immanent, iv. Eminence
- (b)
i. Immanent, ii. Imminent, iii. Imminence, iv. Eminence
- (c)
i. Eminent, ii. Immanent, iii. Imminent, iv. Eminence
- (d)
i. Eminent, ii. Immanent, iii. Imminent, iv. Imminence
- (e)
i. Immanent, ii. Imminence, iii. Eminent, iv. Eminence
Answer: Option
C
Text Explanation :
“Eminent” meaning “famous and respected within a particular sphere.” clearly fits sentence i describing a famous speaker.
“Immanent” means “existing or operating within” clearly fits sentence ii describing the person's belief in a certain type of justice.
“Imminent” meaning “about to happen” clearly fits sentence iii describing the expected rain.
“Eminence” meaning “fame or acknowledged superiority within a particular sphere” clearly fits sentence iv expressing the attainments of the persons in the audience.
The above combination is stated in option 3. So, eliminate options 1, 2, 4 and 5.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
19. XAT 2015 VA | Vocabulary XAT Question
Six words are given below
Cacophonic
Cacographic
Calamitous
Catastrophic
Contraindicative
Cataclysmic
Which of the above words have similar meanings?
- (a)
IV & VI only
- (b)
I, II & V only
- (c)
II, V & VI only
- (d)
III, IV & VI only
- (e)
III, IV, V & VI only
Answer: Option
D
Text Explanation :
“Calamitous” means 'Causing or involving calamity'.
“Catastrophic” means 'involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering'.
“Cataclysmic” means 'causing sudden and violent upheaval'.
Rest of the words are invalid since they have unrelated meanings. So, eliminate options 1, 2, 3 and 5.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.
20. XAT 2015 VA | Vocabulary XAT Question
Identify the correct sequence of words would most that aptly fit the blanks in the following passage.
It is _____ (i) _____ that the accused had _____ (ii) _____ _____ (iii) _____ from all criminal activities by adopting the _____ (iv) _____ of a sanyasi. However, despite repeated requests from the counsel for prosecution, the court has _____ (v) _____ a lie detector to ascertain the truth.
- (a)
(i) inferred, (ii) feigned, (iii) separation, (iv) deportment, (v) prescribed
- (b)
(i) inferred, (ii) forged, (iii) parting, (iv) deportment, (v) proscribed
- (c)
(i) implied, (ii) faked, (iii) separation, (iv) demeanour, (v) proscribed
- (d)
(i) implied, (ii) feigned, (iii) separation, (iv) demeanour, (v) proscribed
- (e)
(i) inferred, (ii) faked, (iii) cessation, (iv) deportment, (v) proscribed
Answer: Option
C
Text Explanation :
The sentence says that it is speculated that the accused is faking his separation from criminal activities. However, the repeated requests from the counsel to validate the speculations using a lie detector are being rejected by the court.
“Inferred” correctly fits the first blank indicating the speculation.
“Faked” correctly fits the second blank given the tone of the passage.
“Separation” correctly fits the third blank expressing the central idea of the passage.
“Demeanour” correctly fits the fourth blank indicating the accused conducting himself with the bearing of a sanyasi..
“Proscribed” meaning “forbid, especially by law” correctly fits the fifth blank justifying the usage of “despite” in the sentence to bring out two contrasting ideas.
Thus, eliminate options 1, 2, 4 and 5.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3.
21. XAT 2015 VA | Vocabulary XAT Question
Which of the above ‘related words’ on the right – hand side are correctly matched with ‘words’ on the left – hand side?
- (a)
i – b, ii – d, iii – c, iv –a
- (b)
i – a, ii – d, iii – b, iv –c
- (c)
i – a, ii – d, iii – c, iv –b
- (d)
i – d, ii – b, iii – a, iv –c
- (e)
i – b, ii – a, iii – c, iv –d
Answer: Option
A
Text Explanation :
“Counterpane” refers to a “bed”, since it is a form of bedspread.
“Dungeon” refers to a “cell”.
“Guillotine” refers to an “execution”, since it is a machine used for beheading people.
“Shroud” refers to a “burial”, since it is a garment in which a dead person is wrapped.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.
22. XAT 2014 VA | Vocabulary XAT Question
Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate option that follows:
The defense proposes to show that the incident that the prosecution so _________ rejects as __________ did indeed take place.
- (a)
blithely, undesirable
- (b)
cavalierly, apocryphal
- (c)
vehemently, factual
- (d)
persuasively, pointless
- (e)
convincingly, inevitable
Answer: Option
B
Text Explanation :
One may infer through examination of the statement that the defense went on to prove what the prosecution rejected by indicating that the said incident did take place. The prosecution is not likely to reject an incident as “undesirable”, “pointless” or “inevitable”.
“Cavalierly” meaning 'haughty; disdainful' describes the manner of rejection of the prosecution.
In comparison to “factual”, “apocryphal” meaning 'of questionable authenticity' fits appropriately with respect to the prosecution in the second blank.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
23. XAT 2014 VA | Vocabulary XAT Question
Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate option that follows:
Not just the absence of ____________ , but also the presence of ____________ and honesty is required to bind up the nation’s wound.
- (a)
retribution, camaraderie
- (b)
guilt, religion
- (c)
crime, religion
- (d)
love, austerity
- (e)
recrimination, insight
Answer: Option
E
Text Explanation :
The first blank with “absence” preceding it, needs a word with a negative connotation while the second blank, which must be used in combination with “honesty” must be positive in connotation.
“Retribution” referring to 'punishment or vengeance' would be necessary in overcoming the nation's wrongs and thus, binding up the “nation's wound”. “Camaraderie” meaning 'a spirit of familiarity and trust existing between friends' is nearly synonymous with “honesty” and would amount to redundancy. This eliminates option 1.
“Religion” does not fit in the context logically. Eliminate options 2 and 3.
Option 4 is ruled out as “love” has a positive connotation.
“Recrimination” meaning 'wrongdoing' and “insight” fit in logically and contextually.
Hence, the correct answer is option 5.
24. XAT 2012 VARC | Vocabulary XAT Question
It _____________ not look like a great deal today, but back then it was a coup: no man before ___________ to import tea directly into Ireland.
The option that will best fill the blanks in the above sentences would be:
- (a)
may, has dared
- (b)
may, had dared
- (c)
might, have dared
- (d)
might, have ever dared
- (e)
may, ever dared
Answer: Option
B
Text Explanation :
Options 1, 3 and 4 use the present tense whereas the sentence clearly requires a past tense, indicated by ‘but back then’. Option 5 with “ever”, meaning ‘at all times; always’ becomes erroneous as it is placed after the word “before”.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
25. XAT 2012 VARC | Vocabulary XAT Question
Ravindra Dubey was guilty of embezzlement. It means that Ravindra Dubey
- (a)
did not pay his bills.
- (b)
misappropriated assets he was entrusted with.
- (c)
engaged in circulating black money in the economy.
- (d)
cheated on his spouse.
- (e)
misreported educational qualification.
Answer: Option
B
Text Explanation :
The meaning of “embezzlement” is ‘to take (money, for example) for one's own use in violation of a trust’.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.
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