Question 1

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; practical and sensible. From Greek 'pragma' (deed/action). In banking exams, it describes practical decision-making. The correct answer is PRACTICAL, which shares the meaning of being realistic and action-oriented.

Question 2

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to VERBOSE.

Accepted Answer

VERBOSE (adjective) means using or containing more words than necessary; wordy or long-winded. From Latin 'verbosus' (full of words). In RC passages, it describes unnecessarily lengthy writing or speech. The opposite is CONCISE, meaning brief and clear without unnecessary words.

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 fleeting moments or temporary phenomena. The opposite is PERMANENT, meaning lasting indefinitely.

Question 4

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to ARDENT.

Accepted Answer

ARDENT (adjective) means passionate, enthusiastic, or intensely devoted. From Latin 'ardere' (to burn), it conveys burning enthusiasm. In banking exams, it often describes passionate commitment or zeal. The correct answer is FERVENT, which shares the same meaning of intense passion or enthusiasm.

Question 5

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to PROLIFIC.

Accepted Answer

PROLIFIC (adjective) means producing much fruit, foliage, or many offspring; highly productive or fertile. From Latin 'proles' (offspring). Context: 'Shakespeare was a prolific writer, producing 37 plays.' The correct answer is BARREN, which means unproductive, sterile, or unable to produce.

Question 6

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to EPHEMERAL.

Accepted Answer

EPHEMERAL (adjective) means lasting for a very short time; transitory. From Greek 'ephemeros' (lasting only a day). Context: 'The beauty of cherry blossoms is ephemeral, lasting only a few weeks each spring.' The correct answer is TRANSIENT, which shares the core meaning of being short-lived or temporary.

Question 7

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to SANGUINE.

Accepted Answer

SANGUINE (adjective) means optimistic or positive, especially in an unjustifiably confident way. From Latin 'sanguis' (blood), originally referring to a ruddy complexion associated with optimism in medieval humour theory. Context: 'Despite the economic crisis, the CEO remained sanguine about future growth.' The correct answer is OPTIMISTIC, which means hopeful and confident about the future.

Question 8

Read the passage below and answer the question that follows.

The government's decision to curtail subsidies has been met with widespread apprehension among farmers. Many fear that the withdrawal of financial support will exacerbate their already precarious situation. Agricultural experts, however, argue that such measures are imperative to ensure long-term sustainability. They contend that subsidies often perpetuate inefficient farming practices and hinder innovation. While the short-term impact may be deleterious, proponents believe the reform will ultimately foster a more resilient agricultural sector.

Which of the following is most SIMILAR in meaning to the word 'curtail' as used in the passage?

Accepted Answer

The word 'curtail' in the passage means to reduce or limit something. In context, 'the government's decision to curtail subsidies' means to reduce or cut back on subsidies. The correct answer is 'restrict' because it carries the same meaning of limiting or controlling something. 'Curtail' comes from the Latin 'curtus' (short) and is commonly used in formal/official contexts to mean 'to reduce in extent or quantity.' This word frequently appears in SSC CGL and IBPS PO reading comprehension passages when discussing policy decisions.

Question 9

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to AMELIORATE.

Accepted Answer

AMELIORATE (verb) means to make something better or improve it. From Latin 'melior' (better). Context: 'The new policy aims to ameliorate working conditions in factories.' The correct answer is EXACERBATE, which means to make worse or worsen—the direct opposite.

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). Context: 'The politician's vague statements obfuscate the real issue.' The correct answer is OBSCURE, which means to make unclear or hidden.

Question 11

Read the passage and answer the question.

**Passage:** The government's recent initiative to subsidise renewable energy has been lauded by environmental groups, though critics argue it represents a profligate use of public funds. Proponents contend that the long-term benefits—reduced carbon emissions and energy independence—justify the expenditure. Nevertheless, the scheme remains contentious among fiscal conservatives who view such spending as wasteful and unsustainable.

**Question:** In the context of the passage, the word PROFLIGATE most nearly means:

Accepted Answer

PROFLIGATE (adjective) means wasteful, extravagant, or recklessly spending money. From Latin 'profligatus' (ruined, dissolute). In this passage, critics use it to describe government spending they consider excessive and irresponsible.

Question 12

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to SANGUINE.

Accepted Answer

SANGUINE (adjective) means optimistic, hopeful, or confident about the future. From Latin 'sanguineus' (blood-red, hence 'ruddy' or 'healthy-looking,' implying vitality and optimism). Context: 'Despite market volatility, the CEO remained sanguine about quarterly growth.'

Question 13

Read the passage below and answer the question that follows.

The government's decision to curtail subsidies has been met with considerable opprobrium from agricultural communities. Farmers argue that such austerity measures will exacerbate their financial hardships and render their livelihoods untenable. Environmental groups, however, contend that the subsidies perpetuate unsustainable farming practices. This dichotomy reflects a broader tension between economic necessity and ecological responsibility, leaving policymakers in a quandary.

Which of the following is most OPPOSITE in meaning to the word 'CURTAIL' as used in the passage?

Accepted Answer

The word 'curtail' means to reduce, limit, or cut short. In the passage, it refers to reducing subsidies. The opposite would be to increase, expand, or enlarge something. 'Augment' (option B) means to make greater in size, quantity, or quality—the direct antonym of curtail. 'Abridge' (option A) is a synonym meaning to shorten. 'Truncate' (option C) means to cut off abruptly, also a synonym. 'Diminish' (option D) means to reduce, another synonym. The correct answer is B because augment represents the opposite action: increasing rather than decreasing.

Question 14

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to AMELIORATE.

Accepted Answer

AMELIORATE (verb) means to make something better; to improve. From Latin 'melior' (better). Context: 'The government's new policies aim to ameliorate the living conditions of rural populations.'

SBI PO 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