Question 1

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to EPHEMERAL as used in the passage below:

'The beauty of cherry blossoms lies in their ephemeral nature. These delicate flowers bloom for only a few days each spring, reminding us that some of life's most precious moments are fleeting and temporary. Tourists travel thousands of miles to witness this brief spectacle before the petals fall and the trees return to their bare state.'

Accepted Answer

EPHEMERAL (adjective) means lasting for a very short time; transitory; fleeting. It comes from Greek 'ephemeros' (lasting only a day). In the passage, it describes how cherry blossoms exist briefly before disappearing. The correct synonym is TRANSIENT, which also means 'lasting a short time' or 'temporary'. PERMANENT (option A) is an antonym. FRAGRANT (option C) refers to pleasant smell, a common distractor because both words describe flowers. DELICATE (option D) describes physical fragility, not temporal brevity—a false synonym trap.

Question 2

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, fact). Example: 'The pragmatic manager focused on solutions that would actually work.' The correct answer is PRACTICAL, which also means concerned with actual use or practice rather than theory.

Question 3

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). Example: 'She gave a candid opinion about the project.' The correct answer is FRANK, which also means honest and direct without concealment.

Question 4

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). Example: 'The beauty of cherry blossoms is ephemeral.' The correct answer is PERMANENT, which means lasting indefinitely or unchanging.

Question 5

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to BENEVOLENT.

Accepted Answer

Benevolent (adjective) means kind, generous, and charitable in nature. It comes from Latin 'bene' (well) + 'volens' (wishing). Example: 'The benevolent organisation donated funds to the orphanage.' The correct answer is PHILANTHROPIC, which also means showing concern for human welfare through charitable acts.

Question 6

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to EPHEMERAL.

Accepted Answer

Ephemeral (adjective) means lasting for a very short time; transitory. It comes from Greek 'ephemeros' (lasting only a day). In SSC/Banking papers, it often appears in passages about temporary phenomena, fleeting moments, or short-lived trends.

Question 7

Read the passage and answer the question.

The scientist's findings were considered heretical by the established academic community. Her research challenged centuries-old assumptions about cellular biology, and many senior professors dismissed her work as unfounded speculation. However, within a decade, her theories were vindicated by independent laboratories worldwide, and she eventually received the highest honours in her field. The initial resistance to her ideas reflected the conservative nature of institutional science.

Which of the following is most OPPOSITE in meaning to HERETICAL as used in the passage?

Accepted Answer

Heretical (adjective) means contrary to established or orthodox beliefs; unorthodox. From Greek 'hairesis' (choice/sect). In the passage, it describes ideas that challenge traditional academic views. The opposite would be something aligned with established doctrine.

Question 8

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). It appears in SSC CGL and IBPS papers in passages about social reform, policy improvements, or problem-solving.

Question 9

Read the passage and answer the question.

The government's recent policy on environmental conservation has been widely praised for its pragmatic approach. Rather than imposing draconian measures that would cripple industry, the administration has chosen to work collaboratively with businesses to reduce carbon emissions. This measured strategy has garnered support from both environmental advocates and corporate leaders, demonstrating that progress need not come at the cost of economic stability.

Which of the following is most similar in meaning to DRACONIAN as used in the passage?

Accepted Answer

Draconian (adjective) means extremely harsh, severe, or oppressive. From Draco, an ancient Athenian lawgiver known for brutal laws. In the passage, it contrasts with the 'pragmatic' and 'measured' approach, showing that draconian = excessively strict. This word appears frequently in SSC/Banking passages discussing laws, policies, or punishments.

Question 10

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to OBFUSCATE.

Accepted Answer

Obfuscate (verb) means to deliberately make something unclear or confusing. From Latin 'obfuscare' (to darken). It frequently appears in SSC CGL Tier-1 passages discussing communication, policy, or deception.

Question 11

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 economic situation. Agricultural experts, however, argue that such measures are necessary to ensure long-term sustainability. They contend that subsidies often create market distortions and discourage innovation. While the short-term impact may be deleterious, proponents believe the policy will ultimately foster a more resilient farming 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, 'curtail subsidies' means to reduce or cut back on financial support. The correct answer is 'reduce' because it directly conveys the sense of making something smaller or less in amount. 'Curtail' comes from the Latin 'curtus' (short) and is commonly used in SSC/Banking papers to mean 'restrict' or 'limit'. Option B (reduce) is the most precise synonym. Option A (eliminate) is too extreme—curtailing means limiting, not completely removing. Option C (distribute) is unrelated and represents a common distractor for test-takers unfamiliar with the word. Option D (regulate) is a partial meaning but doesn't capture the core sense of 'making smaller'.

Question 12

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to AMELIORATE.

Accepted Answer

AMELIORATE (verb) means to make something better or improve a situation. It comes from Latin 'melior' (better). Context: 'The new policy will ameliorate working conditions for factory workers.' The correct answer is EXACERBATE because it means to make worse or more severe. MITIGATE means to reduce severity (similar to ameliorate). ALLEVIATE means to ease or relieve (similar). PALLIATE means to ease symptoms (similar).

Question 13

Read the passage and answer the question.

The government's recent fiscal policy has been widely criticised for its profligacy. Critics argue that the unbridled expenditure on infrastructure projects, though ostensibly beneficial, masks a deeper malaise of fiscal mismanagement. The treasury's inability to curtail wasteful spending has precipitated a crisis of confidence among investors. Economists contend that unless stringent measures are implemented, the nation's economic stability will be irrevocably compromised.

Which of the following is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to PROFLIGACY as used in the passage?

Accepted Answer

PROFLIGACY (noun) means reckless or wasteful spending; extravagance. From Latin 'profligatus' (ruined/dissolute). In the passage, it describes the government's excessive spending. The correct answer is FRUGALITY because it means careful, economical use of money—the direct opposite of wasteful spending. PARSIMONY means extreme stinginess (similar to frugality but more extreme). AUSTERITY means severe restriction (similar concept). EXTRAVAGANCE means lavish spending (synonym of profligacy).

Question 14

Choose the word most SIMILAR in meaning to OBFUSCATE.

Accepted Answer

OBFUSCATE (verb) means to deliberately make something unclear or difficult to understand. It comes from Latin 'obfuscare' (to darken). Context: 'The politician's obfuscate remarks left the audience confused about his actual stance.' The correct answer is OBSCURE because both mean to make unclear or hidden. ELUCIDATE means to clarify (opposite). FABRICATE means to invent falsely (different concept). CASTIGATE means to reprimand severely (unrelated).

Question 15

Choose the word most OPPOSITE in meaning to SANGUINE.

Accepted Answer

SANGUINE (adjective) means optimistic or positive in outlook; hopeful about the future. From Latin 'sanguineus' (blood-red, hence vigorous/optimistic). Context: 'Despite the economic downturn, the CEO remained sanguine about the company's prospects.' The correct answer is PESSIMISTIC because it means expecting the worst or negative outcomes—the direct opposite of hopeful optimism. CYNICAL means distrustful of motives (related but not exact opposite). APATHETIC means indifferent (different concept). PRAGMATIC means practical/realistic (not opposite).

Question 16

Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

The government's policy on environmental conservation has been somewhat nebulous, lacking the clarity and specificity required for effective implementation. Critics argue that such ambiguous directives only obfuscate the true intentions of policymakers, making it difficult for citizens to understand what is actually being mandated. However, proponents contend that this deliberate vagueness allows for flexibility in adapting to regional variations and unforeseen circumstances. The debate continues to be contentious, with neither side willing to acquiesce to the other's viewpoint.

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

Accepted Answer

The word 'nebulous' in the passage means 'unclear, vague, or lacking definition.' It describes a policy that is not clearly articulated. The opposite would be a word meaning 'clear, well-defined, or explicit.' 'Lucid' (option B) means clear and easy to understand, making it the direct antonym. 'Ambiguous' (option A) is a near-synonym of nebulous. 'Obscure' (option C) reinforces vagueness. 'Tentative' (option D) suggests uncertainty, which aligns with nebulous rather than opposing it. The passage itself uses 'clarity' as the contrasting concept to nebulous, confirming that lucidity is the intended opposite.

SSC CPO Vocabulary in RC

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Vocabulary in RC— Rules & Concept

Key Points to Remember

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Vocabulary in RC — Practice Questions

60-Second Revision — Vocabulary in RC