Question 1

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). This word appears frequently in SSC CGL Tier-1 passages about nature, fashion, or temporary phenomena. The antonym must express permanence or long duration.

Question 2

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to BENEVOLENT.

Accepted Answer

Benevolent (adjective) means kind, generous, and showing goodwill towards others. It comes from Latin 'bene' (well) + 'volens' (wishing). In SSC papers, this word frequently appears in RC passages about charitable organisations or kind-hearted individuals. The correct synonym must capture the sense of kindness and generosity.

Question 3

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to AMELIORATE.

Accepted Answer

Ameliorate (verb) means to make something better or improve a situation. From Latin 'melior' (better). This word appears in IBPS PO and SSC CGL passages discussing social reforms, policy improvements, or problem-solving. The correct synonym must express the idea of improvement or making better.

Question 4

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). This word appears regularly in IBPS and SSC papers describing practical approaches to problems. The correct synonym must express practicality and realism.

Question 5

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to VERBOSE.

Accepted Answer

VERBOSE (adjective) means using or containing more words than necessary; wordy and lengthy in speech or writing. From Latin 'verbosus' (wordy). Common in SSC RC passages critiquing communication style or describing writing quality. The correct antonym is CONCISE, meaning brief and expressing much in few words.

Question 6

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to CANDID.

Accepted Answer

Candid (adjective) means frank, honest, and straightforward in speech or expression. From Latin 'candidus' (white/pure). This word frequently appears in SSC CHSL RC passages describing people's communication styles or attitudes. The antonym must express dishonesty or evasiveness.

Question 7

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to CANDID.

Accepted Answer

CANDID (adjective) means frank, honest, and straightforward in expression; not hiding one's thoughts. From Latin 'candidus' (white, pure). It frequently appears in SSC passages about interviews, statements, or character descriptions. The correct synonym is FRANK, which means honest and direct in speech. BLUNT means abrupt/rude in manner (related but carries a negative tone of rudeness). VAGUE means unclear/indefinite (opposite meaning). RESERVED means quiet/restrained (opposite meaning).

Question 8

Read the following passage and answer the question.

"The government's new policy aimed to ameliorate the conditions of migrant workers who had long suffered due to inadequate wages and poor living standards. Several welfare schemes were introduced, and officials were directed to ensure their swift implementation. Critics, however, remained sceptical, arguing that without stringent monitoring, such measures would remain mere paper promises. Civil society organisations urged the administration to adopt a more transparent approach and involve local bodies in the process to achieve tangible results."

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

Accepted Answer

'Ameliorate' comes from the Latin 'meliorare', meaning to make better. In the passage, it refers to improving the harsh conditions of migrant workers. 'Mitigate' means to lessen severity, which is related but not as precise. 'Aggravate' is the antonym. 'Evaluate' means to assess — a common distractor as it sounds official but is unrelated. 'Alleviate' is partially correct but focuses only on reducing suffering, whereas 'ameliorate' implies a broader, more positive improvement. The best synonym here is 'Improve', which captures the full intent of the word in context.

Question 9

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to PROLIFIC.

Accepted Answer

PROLIFIC (adjective) means producing much fruit, foliage, or many offspring; highly productive or creative. From Latin 'prolifer' (bearing offspring). It appears in SSC passages about authors, artists, or agricultural output. The correct antonym is BARREN, which means unable to produce or unproductive. SPARSE means thinly distributed (related but not direct opposite), VERBOSE means using many words (unrelated), and ABUNDANT means plentiful (near-synonym).

Question 10

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to SANGUINE.

Accepted Answer

SANGUINE (adjective) means optimistic or positive, especially in an unjustifiably confident way; also means blood-red in colour. From Latin 'sanguineus' (bloody/blood-coloured). In SSC papers, it typically appears in passages about attitudes or outlooks. The correct synonym is OPTIMISTIC, which means hopeful about the future. PESSIMISTIC is the opposite, SCEPTICAL means doubtful (opposite tone), and PRAGMATIC means practical/realistic (different concept).

Question 11

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). It appears frequently in SSC passages about communication, politics, or deceptive practices. The correct synonym is OBSCURE, which means to make unclear or hidden. CLARIFY is the opposite, ILLUMINATE means to shed light (opposite), and ELABORATE means to add detail (unrelated).

Question 12

Read the passage and answer the question.

The government's new policy on renewable energy was lauded by environmental groups, though critics argued it was merely a superficial gesture that would not substantively address climate change. The initiative, they contended, was designed to placate public opinion rather than enact meaningful reform. Despite the acrimony surrounding the debate, both sides acknowledged the urgency of the crisis.

Which of the following best captures the meaning of ACRIMONY as used in the passage?

Accepted Answer

ACRIMONY (noun) means bitterness, harshness, or ill-feeling in speech or manner. From Latin 'acrimonia' (sharpness). In SSC RC passages, it describes heated disputes or bitter disagreements.

Question 13

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to PROPITIOUS.

Accepted Answer

PROPITIOUS (adjective) means favourable, auspicious, or giving a good chance of success. From Latin 'propitius' (favourable). Appears in SSC passages about timing, circumstances, or conditions for success.

Question 14

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 government's new policies aim to ameliorate the living conditions of rural communities.'

Question 15

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to PROPITIOUS.

Accepted Answer

PROPITIOUS (adjective) means favourable, auspicious, or giving signs of future success. From Latin 'propitius' (favourable). Context: 'The propitious weather conditions made it an ideal day for the outdoor ceremony.'

Question 16

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to PERSPICACIOUS.

Accepted Answer

PERSPICACIOUS (adjective) means having keen insight, discernment, or understanding; mentally sharp. From Latin 'perspicax' (seeing clearly). Context: 'The perspicacious detective noticed details that others had overlooked.'

SSC CHSL Vocabulary in RC

SSC CHSL Vocabulary in RC — Past Exam Questions

Vocabulary in RC— Rules & Concept

Key Points to Remember

Exam-Specific Tips

60-Second Revision — Vocabulary in RC