words Confused -2

Words Confused -2

1.       Women, in most villages, have to walk for long distances to fetch a pot of portable(a)/ potable (b) water.

2.       We were all set to go for a picnic in the woods but the unseasonal rains caught us unaware (a)/ unawares(b),  throwing cold water upon our plans.

3.       Most corporate hospitals offer intensive(a)/ intense (b) care to patients who are critically ill.

4.       Our exiguous(a)/ exigent (b) incomes are barely sufficient to beat the rising inflation.

(A)   Aaab    (B) bbaa,     (C) abaa,      (D) bbab

1.       The shear(a)/sheer(b) lace curtains enhance the summery look of the room.

2.        The black currant(a)/current(b) cake served as the last course of the meal was truly lip-smacking.

3.       As a child John had always been sick(a)/sickly(b) and extremely prone to infections.

4.       The remains of the old palace were obviated(a)/obliterated(b) in a matter of days.

(A)   Aaaa,       (B) aabb,      (C) bbbb,    (D) babb.

1.       It is hoped that the new ruling party would affect(a)/effect(b) a change in the country’s foreign policy.

2.       Junk foods have absolutely no nutritious(a)/nutritional(b) value.

3.       There was a gross disparity(a)/discrepancy(b) between the wagesbof the men and women labourers.

4.       The doctor expatiated(a)/ expiated(b) at length on the ill effects of smoking.

(A)   Bbba,    (B) babb,     (C)   bbaa,     (D) abbb

1.       This is one of the most vicious (a)/ viscous(b) terrorist attacks that has ever been witnessed.

2.       Due to the recent fluctuations in the stock market, this is not the auspicious (a)/propitious(b) time to invest in shares.

3.       It was a truly creditable (a)/credible(b) achievement for the team.

4.       The deadly criminal who remained elusive for a long time was finally nabbed by the police in a/an covert(a)/overt(b) operation.

1.       The Chief Minister was apprised(a)/ appraised(b) of the situation.

2.       She endeared to everyone with her winsome ways and childish(a) /childlike(b) innocence.

3.       The abrogation (a)/ abnegation (b) of the much despised presidential rule was greeted with a lot of enthusiasm.

4.       The symptoms of the disease may be exasperated(a)/exacerbated(b) by certain foods.

(A)   Abab,    (B) bbaa,   (C) abba,   (D) babb.

 Answers

1.      “potable” refers to water which is fit for drinking. “portable” means something which can be moved from place to place. Only option b makes sense here.

2.      “unaware” means having no knowledge of a situation or fact. “unawarse” means suddenly and unexpectedly, without any warning. Only option b makes sense here.

3.      “intense” is used to describe an extreme degree. “intensive” is about concentration ; for example concentrated medical effort etc. Hence a.

4.      “exiguous” , meaning very small is apt in the context when compared to the word “exigent” meaning pressing or urgent need. Only option a makes sense here.

Choice: (B)

1.      “shear” is to cut the wool off (a sheep) etc. “sheer” means nothing but absolute. The latter suits the context better. Hence b.

2.      “currant” refers to dried grapes whereas, ‘current” refers to a flow. Only option a makes sense here.

3.      “sick” means physically or mentally ill. “sickly” means often ill. The latter is apt here. B.

4.      “obviate” is to foretell whereas “obliterate” is to remove or efface by destruction. Only option b makes sense here.

Choice (D)

1.      “affect’ means to cause or influence something to happen. “effect” is the result or achieve and cause it to happen. Only option b makes sense here.

2.      The word “nutritional” means relating to nutrition. “nutritious” means containing many of the substances needed for life and growth. The former is more apt in the given context. So, b.
3.      “disparity” highlights dramatic difference while “discrepancy” is a difference that should not exist at all. “disparity” is apt here; hence a.
4.      “expatiate” is elaborate or enlarge upon a topic in speaking or writing. “to expiate” is to make amends or atone for something wrong. Only option a makes sense here.

Choice (C)

1.      The word “viscous” describes a liquid that is thick and sticky and does not flow easily. “vicious” on the other hand, describes people or actions that show an intension or desire to hurt someone or something badly. Only option a makes sense here.
2.      “auspicious” means that the circumstances are a good omen pointing to success, while “propitious” means the conditions are directly conducive to success. Only option b makes sense here.
3.      “credible” is something believable. “creditable” is worthy of praise. “creditable” is apt here. a
4.      “covert” means hidden or secret. “overt” means open and frank, antonym of covert. The former suits the given context.                           Choice : (C)

1.       The word “appraise” means to examine or evaluate someone or something to judge their qualities, success or needs, is a misfit here. “apprise” means to inform is apt. Hence a.
2.      While “childish” is a disappointing term which means silly, “childlike” means honest and innocent. Only option b makes sense here.
3.      “abrogate” is to end a law, custom or an agreement formally. “abnegate” is self-denial. ‘a’ suits the context.
4. “exacerbate” means make something worse. “exasperate” means make someone annoyed. The former is apt in the context.b.   Choice : (A)

words Confused -2

Words Confused -2

1.       Women, in most villages, have to walk for long distances to fetch a pot of portable(a)/ potable (b) water.

2.       We were all set to go for a picnic in the woods but the unseasonal rains caught us unaware (a)/ unawares(b),  throwing cold water upon our plans.

3.       Most corporate hospitals offer intensive(a)/ intense (b) care to patients who are critically ill.

4.       Our exiguous(a)/ exigent (b) incomes are barely sufficient to beat the rising inflation.

(A)   Aaab    (B) bbaa,     (C) abaa,      (D) bbab

1.       The shear(a)/sheer(b) lace curtains enhance the summery look of the room.

2.        The black currant(a)/current(b) cake served as the last course of the meal was truly lip-smacking.

3.       As a child John had always been sick(a)/sickly(b) and extremely prone to infections.

4.       The remains of the old palace were obviated(a)/obliterated(b) in a matter of days.

(A)   Aaaa,       (B) aabb,      (C) bbbb,    (D) babb.

1.       It is hoped that the new ruling party would affect(a)/effect(b) a change in the country’s foreign policy.

2.       Junk foods have absolutely no nutritious(a)/nutritional(b) value.

3.       There was a gross disparity(a)/discrepancy(b) between the wagesbof the men and women labourers.

4.       The doctor expatiated(a)/ expiated(b) at length on the ill effects of smoking.

(A)   Bbba,    (B) babb,     (C)   bbaa,     (D) abbb

1.       This is one of the most vicious (a)/ viscous(b) terrorist attacks that has ever been witnessed.

2.       Due to the recent fluctuations in the stock market, this is not the auspicious (a)/propitious(b) time to invest in shares.

3.       It was a truly creditable (a)/credible(b) achievement for the team.

4.       The deadly criminal who remained elusive for a long time was finally nabbed by the police in a/an covert(a)/overt(b) operation.

1.       The Chief Minister was apprised(a)/ appraised(b) of the situation.

2.       She endeared to everyone with her winsome ways and childish(a) /childlike(b) innocence.

3.       The abrogation (a)/ abnegation (b) of the much despised presidential rule was greeted with a lot of enthusiasm.

4.       The symptoms of the disease may be exasperated(a)/exacerbated(b) by certain foods.

(A)   Abab,    (B) bbaa,   (C) abba,   (D) babb.

 Answers

1.      “potable” refers to water which is fit for drinking. “portable” means something which can be moved from place to place. Only option b makes sense here.

2.      “unaware” means having no knowledge of a situation or fact. “unawarse” means suddenly and unexpectedly, without any warning. Only option b makes sense here.

3.      “intense” is used to describe an extreme degree. “intensive” is about concentration ; for example concentrated medical effort etc. Hence a.

4.      “exiguous” , meaning very small is apt in the context when compared to the word “exigent” meaning pressing or urgent need. Only option a makes sense here.

Choice: (B)

1.      “shear” is to cut the wool off (a sheep) etc. “sheer” means nothing but absolute. The latter suits the context better. Hence b.

2.      “currant” refers to dried grapes whereas, ‘current” refers to a flow. Only option a makes sense here.

3.      “sick” means physically or mentally ill. “sickly” means often ill. The latter is apt here. B.

4.      “obviate” is to foretell whereas “obliterate” is to remove or efface by destruction. Only option b makes sense here.

Choice (D)

1.      “affect’ means to cause or influence something to happen. “effect” is the result or achieve and cause it to happen. Only option b makes sense here.

2.      The word “nutritional” means relating to nutrition. “nutritious” means containing many of the substances needed for life and growth. The former is more apt in the given context. So, b.
3.      “disparity” highlights dramatic difference while “discrepancy” is a difference that should not exist at all. “disparity” is apt here; hence a.
4.      “expatiate” is elaborate or enlarge upon a topic in speaking or writing. “to expiate” is to make amends or atone for something wrong. Only option a makes sense here.

Choice (C)

1.      The word “viscous” describes a liquid that is thick and sticky and does not flow easily. “vicious” on the other hand, describes people or actions that show an intension or desire to hurt someone or something badly. Only option a makes sense here.
2.      “auspicious” means that the circumstances are a good omen pointing to success, while “propitious” means the conditions are directly conducive to success. Only option b makes sense here.
3.      “credible” is something believable. “creditable” is worthy of praise. “creditable” is apt here. a
4.      “covert” means hidden or secret. “overt” means open and frank, antonym of covert. The former suits the given context.                           Choice : (C)

1.       The word “appraise” means to examine or evaluate someone or something to judge their qualities, success or needs, is a misfit here. “apprise” means to inform is apt. Hence a.
2.      While “childish” is a disappointing term which means silly, “childlike” means honest and innocent. Only option b makes sense here.
3.      “abrogate” is to end a law, custom or an agreement formally. “abnegate” is self-denial. ‘a’ suits the context.
4. “exacerbate” means make something worse. “exasperate” means make someone annoyed. The former is apt in the context.b.   Choice : (A)

Books for General Reading

Dear Sir,

Could you please a bibliography for my general reading which may improve my comprehension and language skills.

Kiran Prabha (CAT) 

Title                                         Author                               Subject

Future Shock                      Alvin Toffler                           Society

The End of Work              Jeremy Rifkin                          Society

The Boitech Century           -do-                              Science and Society-                                      

Who should play God         -do-                                        -do-

An America Dilemma     Gunnar Myrdal                        Society

Our Posthuman Future   Francis Fukuyama       Science and Society

The Open Society and its Enemies    Karl Popper       Sociology

Children of Crisis                                  Robert Coles     Social Psychology

The Story of Philosophy                     Will Durant        Philosophy

The Varieties of Religious Experience  Will James        Religion

A Study of History                                  Arnold Toinbee    History

The Art of Memory                               Frances Yeats        Cultural History

The Affluent Society                           John K Galbraith     Economic Thoughts

The Liberal Hour                                          -do-                        -do-

The Way the World Works              Jude Wanninski        Economics

The Abolition of Man                        CS Lewis                   Natural Law

Homage to Catalonia                        George Orwell         Critical Essays

The Aspects of the Novel               EM Forster               Literature

Ideas and Opinions                  Albert Einstein       Scientific Thoughts

Six Easy Pieces                                Richard Feynman   Education

Sweet Science                                AJ Liebling                Sports

Autobiography of a Yogi             Paramahamsa Yogananda         Yoga

Animal Farm                                 George Orwell                Fiction

1984                                                    -do-                               -do-

        

Words Confused

Words confused

In each question, there are four sentences. Each sentence has pairs of words/phrases that are italicized/and highlighted. Select the most appropriate ones.

1.       The minister who was arrested for his alleged involvement in a scam was denied bail (a)/bale (b)by the court.

2.       Emperor Asoka abjured(a)/adjured(b) his kingdom after the Kalinga war.

3.       I purposefully(a)/purposely(b) avoided taking the public transport during the peak hours.

4.       The Chief Minister made an aerial survey of the flood ravaged(a)/ ravished(b) districts.

(A)   Aaba,    (B) aaaa, (C) abba,  (D) baaa

1.       Rebecca looked stunning in her long sumptuous(a)/ scrumptious (b)evening gown.

2.       The politicians’ tour to the remote villages and interaction with the slum dwellers was a flagrant(a)/ blatant (b) attempt to win votes from the masses.

3.        The penalty of Rs. 10,000 was imposed upon him for flouting(a)/ flaunting (b) the traffic rules.

4.       Both the young and old were greatly amused(a)/bemused(b) by the clown’s antics.

(A)   Baaa,  (B) bbab,  (C) abaa,  (D) aaaa

1.       Even the aroma detectable food not whet(a)/wet(B) badly impaired appetite

2.       After a restive(a)/restful(b) sleep, I felt relaxed and rejuvenated the next morning.

3.       The municipal authorities razed(a)/raised (b) several illegal constructions to the ground.

4.       Our holiday plans were ruined by the adverse(a)/averse(b) weather conditions

(A)   Abab,  (B) baab,  (C) aaba,  (D)abaa

1.       Prince Sidhartha renounced his princely life and turned into an acetic (a)/ ascetic at the very young age.

2.       There was a notable(a)/noticeable(b) improvement in Ram’s health over the past few weeks.

3.       Physical exercise and consumption of healthy(a)/healthful(b) food is essential for keeping oneself fit.

4.       He evinced(a)/evoked(b) a strong desire to be reconciled with his estranged wife.

(A)   Bbba,  (B) baaa,  (C) bbbb,  (D) bbaa

Answers:

1.The word ‘bail” refers to the money paid into a court to release a person charged with an offence. “bale” refers to a bundle of hay or wool. Only (a) is apt.

“abjure” means to renounce. “Adjure” is to charge someone with a serious responsibility. Only (a) is apt.

“purposely”  means intentionally or with a purpose. “purposefully” means determined or resolute. Only (b) is apt.

“ravaged “ means extensively damaged, ruined or destroyed. “ravish” means to capture or to be carried away with great delight. Only (a) is apt.    

The correct sequence is aaba . Choice A

2.  The word “sumptuous” means luxurious and showing wealth is apt. “scrumptious” means delicious, which does not make sense in the context.

“blatant” means something bad that is very obvious or intentional, while the word “flagrant” which refers to an action which is shockingly bad does not make sense here.

“to flout” is to violate a rule or a law. “flaunt” is to display. Only (a) makes sense.

“bemuse” means confuse. “amuse” is apt.

The sequence is abaa. Choice (C)

3.  “whet” means to sharpen, excite, or stimulate is apt here. Hence (a)

“restive” means restless does not suit in the given context. “restful means relaxed make sense here. Hence (a)

“raze” means to pull down illegal constructions. “raise” means to elevate. The former makes sense here.

The word “adverse” which means harmful or unpleasant is more appropriate here. “averse” means strongly disliking or opposed to. Hence (a)

The sequence is abaa   Choice is ( D)

5.       An “ascetic” is a hermit, a sanyasi. “acetic” means acerbic or sharp tasting. Only ascetic makes sense here. Option is (a)

“a notable person “ is someone who is distinguished by some aspect of worthiness or character. “noticeable” means easily seen. Hence (b).

“healthy” means having good health. “healthful” means having or helping towards good health. Only (b) makes sense.

“evince” means make obvious or show clearly. “evoke is to make someone remember something or feel an emotion. Only a makes sense. Choice(A)