Master CAT vocabulary with smart VARC strategies, word-building techniques, and reading tips to boost accuracy in CAT & XAT exams.
CAT vocabulary preparation is about understanding words in context, not memorising long word lists. A strong CAT vocabulary improves VARC accuracy by helping aspirants read faster, avoid misinterpretation in RCs, and choose correct options in para-summary and inference questions. The smartest way to build CAT vocabulary is through contextual reading, mock test analysis, and repeated exposure to CAT-level language used in exams like CAT and XAT.
We hope you find this blog informational. If you want a FREE DEMO, click here.
Quantifiers CAT Academy, Chandigarh
A strong CAT vocabulary does not mean memorizing the dictionary. It means being comfortable with words in context, understanding subtle differences in meaning, and avoiding confusion while answering RCs and verbal questions. This is where many aspirants lose easy marks—often due to unfamiliar words triggering panic and leading to incorrect choices with negative marking.
In this blog by Quantifiers, we will break down:
CAT vocabulary ≠ mugging dictionary words
Focus is on context, tone, and inference
Unfamiliar words cause panic → wrong answers → negative marking
Vocabulary helps most in RCs, para summaries & inference questions
Learn 10–15 words daily, but revise smartly
Build a personal vocabulary bank (Notion / Google Doc)
Learn words from RCs, editorials & mock tests, not random lists
Visual memory + repeated exposure = better retention
Mock test analysis is the biggest vocabulary booster
Strong CAT vocabulary also helps in XAT, SNAP, NMAT & GD-PI
CAT VARC is less about knowing words and more about interpreting meaning accurately. However, vocabulary acts as the foundation of comprehension. When you encounter unfamiliar words in passages or questions, it disrupts your reading flow and increases the chance of misinterpretation.
Here’s why vocabulary cannot be ignored:
A decent vocabulary acts as a confidence booster, helping you stay calm and logical during the exam.
Word | Meaning (Simple) | Usage in CAT Context |
|---|---|---|
Abate | To reduce or lessen | Public criticism did not abate after the policy change. |
Abstruse | Difficult to understand | The theory is abstruse for lay readers. |
Alleviate | Reduce pain or difficulty | The reform aims to alleviate poverty. |
Ambiguous | Having multiple meanings | The author’s opinion remains ambiguous throughout the passage. |
Anomaly | Something unusual or abnormal | The data reveals an unexpected anomaly. |
Antithetical | Completely opposite | This view is antithetical to common belief. |
Arduous | Very difficult | The transition was an arduous process. |
Assuage | Reduce fear or anxiety | The statement failed to assuage concerns. |
Austere | Plain, strict, severe | The author adopts an austere writing style. |
Belligerent | Aggressive or hostile | The article criticizes a belligerent political stance. |
Candid | Honest and direct | The writer gives a candid view of market failures. |
Capricious | Unpredictable | Policy decisions appear capricious. |
Clandestine | Secret or hidden | A clandestine operation was exposed. |
Cogent | Clear and convincing | The argument is cogent and persuasive. |
Coherent | Logical and consistent | The argument lacks a coherent flow of ideas. |
Conspicuous | Clearly noticeable | There is a conspicuous lack of evidence. |
Contend | Argue or claim | The author contends that growth is uneven. |
Corroborate | Confirm with evidence | The data corroborates the hypothesis. |
Deference | Respectful submission | The author shows deference to traditional economists. |
Deplete | Reduce significantly | Natural resources continue to deplete rapidly. |
Detrimental | Harmful | Pollution has detrimental effects on health. |
Dichotomy | Division into two opposite parts | The passage presents a false dichotomy. |
Disparity | Inequality or difference | The passage highlights income disparity. |
Egregious | Extremely bad | The policy failure was egregious. |
Elusive | Difficult to grasp or define | A clear solution remains elusive. |
Empirical | Based on data or observation | The claim lacks empirical backing. |
Enigma | Mystery | Human consciousness remains an enigma. |
Ephemeral | Short-lived | The benefits proved ephemeral. |
Exacerbate | To make worse | Inflation may exacerbate inequality. |
Exonerate | Clear from blame | The report seeks to exonerate officials. |
Fallacy | False belief | The argument rests on a logical fallacy. |
Feasible | Practically possible | The proposal is financially feasible. |
Frugal | Economical, avoiding waste | The policy promotes frugal consumption habits. |
Implicit | Implied, not stated | There is implicit criticism of globalization. |
Inadvertent | Unintentional | The omission was inadvertent. |
Incisive | Sharp and insightful | The article offers incisive commentary. |
Incongruous | Out of place or inconsistent | The tone is incongruous with the topic. |
Inevitable | Certain to happen | Economic slowdown seems inevitable. |
Juxtapose | Place side by side for contrast | The author juxtaposes theory and practice. |
Lament | Express regret | The writer laments policy failures. |
Meticulous | Very careful and detailed | The study is meticulous but limited in scope. |
Mitigate | Reduce severity | Steps were taken to mitigate risks. |
Myriad | Very many | The passage explores myriad challenges. |
Notion | An idea or belief | The passage challenges the notion of free markets. |
Obscure | Unclear or unknown | The cause remains obscure. |
Ostensibly | Apparently but not actually | Ostensibly neutral, the report favors one side. |
Paradox | Seeming contradiction | The policy creates a paradox. |
Pervasive | Widespread | Corruption is pervasive across sectors. |
Plausible | Reasonable or believable | The explanation sounds plausible. |
Pragmatic | Practical and realistic | The author suggests a pragmatic solution. |
Precarious | Unstable or risky | Jobs in the gig economy are precarious. |
Prolific | Highly productive | The author is a prolific researcher. |
Ramification | Consequence | The decision has serious ramifications. |
Redundant | Unnecessary | The paragraph seems redundant. |
Rebut | To argue against | The passage fails to rebut counterarguments. |
Resilient | Able to recover quickly | The economy proved resilient. |
Scrutinize | Examine carefully | The claims must be scrutinized. |
Sporadic | Irregular | Violence has been sporadic. |
Stagnant | Not growing | Wages have remained stagnant. |
Subtle | Not obvious | A subtle change in tone is noticeable. |
Superficial | Lacking depth | The analysis is superficial. |
Tangential | Only slightly related | The example is tangential to the issue. |
Tenable | Logically defensible | The assumption is no longer tenable. |
Ubiquitous | Found everywhere | Technology is now ubiquitous. |
Unwarranted | Not justified | The criticism is unwarranted. |
Viable | Capable of working | The model is economically viable. |
Vindicate | Prove right | Later evidence vindicated the author’s claim. |
Vindictive | Seeking revenge | The tone appears vindictive. |
Volatile | Unstable, changing quickly | Markets remain volatile. |
Wary | Cautious | Investors remain wary of sudden reforms. |
Withstand | Resist or endure | Small firms struggled to withstand pressure. |
Zealous | Excessively enthusiastic | Zealous policies may backfire. |
Zealotry | Excessive fanaticism | The passage warns against ideological zealotry. |
CAT doesn’t ask vocabulary directly — it tests comprehension accuracy. Familiar words = faster reading + fewer mistakes.
Building vocabulary helps you far beyond just VARC marks. Here’s how:
In short, vocabulary is a long-term MBA skill, not just an exam requirement.
Trying to memorize word lists blindly is one of the biggest mistakes aspirants make. CAT does not test direct word meanings. It tests how words behave inside a sentence or argument.
The best way to build CAT vocabulary is through:
For every new word, add:
📌 Keep it date-wise so revision becomes effortless.
Read daily from:
The goal is exposure, not speed initially.
Our brain remembers visuals better than text. You can:
This technique works especially well for abstract vocabulary.
Your MBA journey doesn’t have to be confusing. At Quantifiers CAT Academy, we mentor students from the ground up—whether you’re preparing for CAT or exploring exams like SNAP, NMAT, CMAT, IIFT and MICAT. With personalised attention, proven strategies and performance-focused guidance, we help you build strong fundamentals, boost accuracy, and stay consistent throughout your preparation journey.
Repeated exposure in mocks increases the probability of recognizing words in the actual exam.
CAT often gives enough clues within the passage.
To decode word meanings:
This skill alone can save 5–7 marks in VARC.
Even if a topic doesn’t interest you—read it anyway. CAT doesn’t care about preferences.
If you’re not a habitual reader, don’t panic. Start small and build momentum.
Sticky notes work brilliantly:
Write 8–10 new words daily and place them where you’ll see them often—desk, mirror, wall.
Word lists can help only when used smartly:
Remember, CAT rewards clarity, not vocabulary show-off.
Vocabulary is a cross-exam advantage.
Building CAT vocabulary is not a one-day task—it’s a daily habit. Consistency beats intensity. Read daily, revise smartly, analyze mocks deeply, and focus on context-based learning.
No. CAT does not ask direct vocabulary questions. However, vocabulary plays a crucial role in understanding RC passages, para summaries, and inference-based questions in the VARC section.
Learning 10–15 new words daily is sufficient if you revise them regularly and understand their usage in context rather than memorising meanings blindly.
Memorising random word lists is not effective. CAT vocabulary should be built through contextual reading, mock test analysis, and repeated exposure to words used in RC passages.
Vocabulary is most useful in Reading Comprehension, Para Summary, and Inference questions, where understanding tone and intent is critical.
Yes. CAT VARC focuses more on comprehension and logical interpretation than on grammar rules. Basic grammar knowledge combined with good vocabulary and reading practice is enough.
The vocabulary level is similar, but XAT passages can be more abstract and philosophical, making strong vocabulary even more important for XAT preparation.
Non-readers should start with short daily reading sessions, gradually increase reading time, use sticky notes for new words, and consistently analyse mock tests to build vocabulary.
Yes. Editorials from quality newspapers expose aspirants to CAT-level language, arguments, and tone, which directly helps in VARC accuracy.
Mock test analysis is extremely important. It helps identify repeated and high-frequency words, improves contextual understanding, and strengthens retention through application.
To connect with us, for mentorship and daily test practice
DM us on Instagram or WhatsApp. We reply back 24/7. Get your CAT prep started
We at Quantifiers understand and deliver on the personal attention each of our students requires. Whether it is through our pedagogy that enables non-engineers or non-math background students, our constant effort to proactively provide solutions, or our focus on our student’s goals.
