Question 1

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to ARDENT.

Accepted Answer

ARDENT (adjective) means passionate, enthusiastic, or intensely devoted. It comes from Latin 'ardere' (to burn), suggesting intense heat of emotion. In banking papers, it often describes commitment or zeal. The correct answer is FERVENT, which shares the same meaning of passionate intensity. ARDENT and FERVENT are near-perfect synonyms, both implying burning enthusiasm.

Question 2

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to AMELIORATE.

Accepted Answer

AMELIORATE (verb) means to make something better; to improve. From Latin 'melior' (better). Common in IBPS passages discussing policy reforms or social improvements. The correct answer is IMPROVE, which directly conveys the same meaning. AMELIORATE and IMPROVE are synonyms expressing positive change.

Question 3

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to EPHEMERAL.

Accepted Answer

EPHEMERAL (adjective) means lasting for a very short time; transitory. From Greek 'ephemeros' (lasting only a day). In RC passages, it describes temporary phenomena. The opposite is PERMANENT, meaning lasting indefinitely. EPHEMERAL (short-lived) ↔ PERMANENT (enduring/lasting forever).

Question 4

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to VERBOSE.

Accepted Answer

VERBOSE (adjective) means using or containing more words than necessary; wordy. From Latin 'verbosus' (full of words). In RC, it describes overly lengthy writing or speech. The opposite is CONCISE, meaning brief and to the point. VERBOSE (wordy) ↔ CONCISE (brief/succinct).

Question 5

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to PRAGMATIC.

Accepted Answer

PRAGMATIC (adjective) means dealing with things in a practical, realistic way based on actual circumstances rather than theory. From Greek 'pragma' (deed/action). Common in IBPS passages about business decisions and policy-making. The correct answer is PRACTICAL, which shares the same meaning of being realistic and action-oriented.

Question 6

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to AMELIORATE as used in the sentence: 'The government's new policies aim to ameliorate the living conditions of rural communities.'

Accepted Answer

AMELIORATE (verb) means to make something better or improve it. It comes from Latin 'melior' (better). In formal and academic contexts, especially in banking and competitive exams, this word frequently appears when discussing improvements in conditions, services, or situations. The correct synonym must convey the sense of making something better or less severe.

Question 7

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to PERSPICACIOUS.

Accepted Answer

PERSPICACIOUS (adjective) means having keen insight, discernment, or mental sharpness; able to understand things clearly. From Latin 'perspicax' (seeing clearly). Used in literary and formal contexts: 'The perspicacious detective quickly identified the culprit.' The correct synonym must convey sharp judgment or clear understanding.

Question 8

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to PROFLIGATE.

Accepted Answer

PROFLIGATE (adjective/noun) means wasteful, extravagant, or recklessly spending money; also means a dissolute person. From Latin 'profligatus' (ruined, debauched). Used in economics and character descriptions: 'The profligate spending of the corporation led to bankruptcy.' The antonym must convey thriftiness or restraint.

Question 9

Read the passage below and answer the question that follows.

The government's decision to curtail subsidies has been met with widespread criticism from agricultural communities. Farmers argue that reducing financial support will exacerbate their already precarious situation. However, economists contend that prolonged subsidies create market distortions and hinder long-term economic growth. The debate remains contentious, with both sides presenting compelling arguments about fiscal responsibility and social welfare.

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to 'curtail' as used in the passage.

Accepted Answer

The word 'curtail' in the passage means to reduce or limit something. In the context of subsidies, it refers to cutting back or decreasing government financial support. The correct answer is 'reduce' because it directly conveys the meaning of making something smaller or less in quantity. 'Curtail' (from Latin 'curtus' meaning short) is a formal synonym for 'reduce' or 'diminish' and is commonly used in policy and administrative contexts in banking and competitive exams. The other options represent common distractors: 'cancel' implies complete removal (too extreme), 'suspend' suggests temporary halt (not permanent reduction), and 'control' refers to regulation rather than reduction in amount.

Question 10

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to OBFUSCATE.

Accepted Answer

OBFUSCATE (verb) means to deliberately make something unclear or confusing; to obscure. From Latin 'obfuscare' (to darken). Common in academic and legal contexts: 'The witness's testimony was designed to obfuscate the truth.' The correct synonym must convey deliberate confusion or concealment.

Question 11

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to AMELIORATE.

Accepted Answer

AMELIORATE (verb) means to make something better; to improve. From Latin 'melior' (better). Context: 'The new policies were designed to ameliorate working conditions in factories.'

Question 12

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to SANGUINE.

Accepted Answer

SANGUINE (adjective) means optimistic or positive in outlook; hopeful. From Latin 'sanguineus' (blood-red, hence lively/confident). Context: 'Despite the economic downturn, the CEO remained sanguine about future growth.'

Question 13

Read the passage below and answer the question that follows.

The government's decision to promulgate stringent environmental regulations has been met with considerable opprobrium from industrial sectors. Factory owners argue that such draconian measures will cripple their operations and render their businesses unviable. Environmental activists, however, contend that these regulations are imperative for mitigating the deleterious effects of unchecked industrial expansion. The debate remains acrimonious, with both sides unwilling to countenance any compromise on their respective positions.

Which of the following words is most OPPOSITE in meaning to 'PROMULGATE' as used in the passage?

Accepted Answer

The word 'promulgate' (from Latin 'promulgare') means to officially announce, declare, or put into effect a law, decree, or regulation. In the passage, it refers to the government's formal announcement of environmental regulations. The opposite action would be to suppress, conceal, or withdraw such an announcement. 'Suppress' directly contradicts the act of making something officially public and binding. The other options either share similar meanings with 'promulgate' or are unrelated to the concept of official declaration.

IBPS Clerk Vocabulary in RC

Vocabulary in RC— Rules & Concept

Key Points to Remember

Exam-Specific Tips

Vocabulary in RC — Practice Questions

60-Second Revision — Vocabulary in RC