VOCABULARY BUILDING-1

Class Exercise (Basic Module)

NATURE OF THE ENGLISH VOCABULARY

1. ONE MEANINGMANY WORDS (SYNONYMS)
Synonym-Antonym Matrix (PRAISE-CRITICIZE) Appendix I
Synonym Spectrum (MEAN) Appendix II
2. ONE WORDMANY MEANINGS (MULTIPLE USAGE)
Multiple Meaning Tree (SHY) Appendix III
Word Family Tree (DISPENSE) Appendix IV
1. SYNONYMS
DIRECTIONS: Choose the word or phrase you believe is closest in meaning to the key word.
1. EXPEDIENT 8. EFFLUENCE
(1) suitable and advantageous. (1) power to effect by indirect means.
(2) moral or ethical. (2) political power.
(3) troublesome or costly. (3) emanation.
(4) a quick solution. (4) an oily scum, as on water.
2. AVID 9. CRASS
(1) stingy. (1) irritating.
(2) rapid. (2) vulgarly stupid.
(3) greedy. (3) bitter.
(4) bitter. (4) noisy.
3. CONCEIVE 10. TRANSGRESS
(1) to understand; grasp (1) to change sides in a debate.
(2) to bear a child. (2) to sin; offend.
(3) self-love. (3) to forgive.
(4) a large valley. (4) to transport over a specific route.
4. CREDULOUS 11. COY
(1) unbelievable. (1) reticent.
(2) firm in believing. (2) vain.
(3) easily deceived. (3) quiet.
(4) suspicious. (4) authentic.
5. CHRONICALLY 12. ENJOIN
(1) irritably. (1) to share good times.
(2) sickly. (2) to order, direct, or prohibit authoritatively.
(3) habitually. (3) to settle a labour dispute.
(4) due to a run-down condition. (4) to meet in order to negotiate.
6. ENDEMIC 13. MANIFEST
(1) a contagious disease. (1) boasting.
(2) peculiar to a particular locale. (2) evident.
(3) tending to produce vomiting. (3) destined.
(4) a disease affecting children. (4) generous
7. ARCH 14. NOMINAL
(1) playfully sly and roghish. (1) understood; known.
(2) incriminating. (2) unnamed.
(3) patriotic. (3) too small to be considered.
(4) wandering. (4) believable.

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15. PERMISSIVE 25. ESTIMABLE
(1) ungrudging. (1) careless.
(2) immoral. (2) popular.
(3) lenient. (3) worthy of high regard.
(4) relaxed. (4) capable of being counted.
16. DISPENSATION 26. WAIVE
(1) to sell drugs or medicine. (1) to signal.
(2) a religious or political system. (2) a gentle curve.
(3) an excuse. (3) to disturb things.
(4) a gift to a charity or religious order. (4) to refrain from enforcing.
17. ALLUSION 27. GLOSS
(1) a false mental image. (1) to shine.
(2) an indirect reference. (2) to give plausible explanations to cover a
(3) a claim. fault.
(4) a temptation. (3) to act foolishly.
(4) to explain thoroughly.
18. APPREHENSION
(1) approval. 28. STAID
(2) fear of the past. (1) straightforward.
(3) information. (2) dull.
(4) capture (3) theatrical.
(4) sedulous.
19. AFFINITY
(1) daintiness. 29. RUSTIC
(2) on and on without an end. (1) charming.
(3) close similarity. (2) rusted.
(4) strength. (3) unrefined.
(4) easy-going.
20. APPROPRIATE
(1) to take for ones own use. 30. APPRECIABLE
(2) to make fitting and suitable. (1) perceptible.
(3) to express a favorable opinion. (2) grateful.
(4) to give away. (3) pleasant.
(4) very small.
21. EDIFY
(1) to scold. 31. DON
(2) to praise. (1) a lover.
(3) to improve and enlighten. (2) to put on, as a garment.
(4) to have exceptional pleasure from. (3) an infatuation.
(4) to dance lightly.
22. HAIL
(1) to go to. 32. ENACT
(2) to shower. (1) to be in action, to work.
(3) to familiarise. (2) to perform in a play.
(4) to be healthy. (3) to make into a law.
(4) to do or perform again.
23. PRESUMPTUOUS
(1) luxurious. 33. AFFRONT
(2) offensively bold. (1) to advance abreast.
(3) insincere. (2) to offend purposely.
(4) giving grounds for belief. (3) to display anger.
(4) the forefront.
24. EQUABLE
(1) just or fair. 34. INVIOLATE
(2) steady or even. (1) calm.
(3) capable of being compared. (2) excited.
(4) equivalent. (3) brutal.
(4) pure.

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35. TRANSACT 43. ADDUCE
(1) to carry through; accomplish. (1) to find a solution to.
(2) to sin. (2) to persuade.
(3) to give or carry to someone else. (3) to increase.
(4) to move from one place to another (4) to cite or allege.
quickly.
44. CONCEPTION
36. INCUMBENT (1) with the exclusion of.
(1) person occupying a post. (2) a beginning.
(2) clumsy. (3) unaware of.
(3) accomplice. (4) a specific idea.
(4) dutiful.
45. ANTECEDENT
37. REMISS (1) contemporary.
(1) to miss again. (2) prior.
(2) careless. (3) a future generation.
(3) abstracted. (4) conflicting.
(4) sorrowful.
46. ACCREDIT
38. SOBER (1) to vouch for or authorise.
(1) to become more serious. (2) to sell.
(2) to drink excessively. (3) to discount.
(3) to subside. (4) to find fault with.
(4) to make more subtle.
47. WAN
39. UNWONTED (1) pale.
(1) unaccustomed. (2) a storage place.
(2) not desirable. (3) ghastly.
(3) unable to do wrong. (4) to diminish.
(4) inconsistent.
48. WRY
40. UNTOWARD (1) twisted.
(1) unfortunate. (2) dry.
(2) moving away or retreating. (3) funny.
(3) uncovered. (4) a spice.
(4) facing away.
49. CON
41. SUBTLE (1) to end abruptly.
(1) unwilling. (2) to trick.
(2) unsympathetic. (3) to forfeit.
(3) written below. (4) to accompany.
(4) keen or discriminating.
50. ANIMATE
42. SUBSCRIBE (1) to enrage.
(1) to scorn. (2) to cause to move or work faster.
(2) to continue to exist. (3) to describe dramatically.
(3) to agree with. (4) to make more alive.
(4) to receive money.
2. ANTONYMS
DIRECTIONS: Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the key word.
1. GAINSAY 3. FLOURISH
(1) hesitate. (1) lack of consistency.
(2) intercede. (2) lack of embellishment.
(3) praise. (3) lack of spontaneity.
(4) concur. (4) lack of substance.
2. NICE 4. FINESSE
(1) indirect. (1) indecision.
(2) indecisive. (2) heavy-handedness.
(3) imprecise. (3) extravagance.
(4) imperturbable. (4) competitiveness.
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5. SLACK 15. PRECARIOUS
(1) twisted. (1) certain.
(2) taut. (2) covert.
(3) compact. (3) rescued.
(4) shattered. (4) revived.
6. INIMITABLE 16. ENGENDER
(1) inclined to disagree. (1) enumerate.
(2) eager to advise. (2) emulate.
(3) intelligible. (3) encapsulate.
(4) ordinary. (4) eradicate.
7. PREVARICATION 17. GRIEVOUS
(1) tact. (1) slight.
(2) consistency. (2) solicitous.
(3) veracity. (3) sophisticated.
(4) silence. (4) sparkling.
8. AMORTIZE 18. PRECIPITATE
(1) loosen. (1) desperate.
(2) denounce. (2) determined.
(3) suddenly increase ones indebtedness. (3) dissident.
(4) wisely cause to flourish. (4) deliberate.
9. EMACIATION 19. DISABUSE
(1) invigoration. (1) afflict with pain.
(2) glorification. (2) lead into error.
(3) amelioration. (3) remove from grace.
(4) inundation. (4) free from obligation.
10. UNALLOYED 20. INVETERATE
(1) destabilized. (1) casual.
(2) unregulated. (2) satisfactory.
(3) assimilated. (3) trustworthy.
(4) adulterated. (4) private.
11. FOMENT 21. VERITABLE
(1) squelch. (1) impetuous.
(2) dilute. (2) specious.
(3) liberate. (3) inefficacious.
(4) clear. (4) pernicious.
12. TOY 22. TURPITUDE
(1) think over seriously. (1) saintly behaviour.
(2) admire overtly. (2) clever conversation.
(3) praise unstintingly. (3) lively imagination.
(4) covet irrationally. (4) agitation.
13. RENT 23. STEEP
(1) in abeyance. (1) repulse.
(2) made whole. (2) plummet.
(3) undeserved. (3) clarify.
(4) turned down. (4) parch.
14. TENUOUS 24. ODIUM
(1) finite. (1) ease.
(2) embedded. (2) fragrance.
(3) proximate. (3) eccentricity.
(4) substantial. (4) infatuation.

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25. SEEMLY 35. DISPATCH
(1) indecorous. (1) serenity.
(2) apparent. (2) celerity.
(3) disingenuous. (3) leisureliness.
(4) deleterious. (4) irregularity.
26. PRODIGIOUS 36. DIVESTITURE
(1) implicit. (1) acquisition.
(2) slight. (2) promotion.
(3) premature. (3) consultation.
(4) prodigal. (4) monopolization.
27. MANNERED 37. EXTANT
(1) plain. (1) extensive.
(2) progressive. (2) extraneous.
(3) ignorant. (3) extricable.
(4) artificial. (4) extinct.
28. BANAL 38. TRACTABILITY
(1) faithful. (1) implausibility
(2) arresting. (2) incorrigibility
(3) inclined. (3) impenetrability
(4) forced. (4) indefatigability
29. MUNDANE 39. NOISOME
(1) sufficient. (1) attractively fragrant.
(2) superior. (2) subtly flattering.
(3) spiritual. (3) consistently patient.
(4) perfect. (4) softly glowing.
30. CHARY 40. FERMENT
(1) brisk. (1) purity.
(2) bold. (2) lucidity.
(3) untidy. (3) transparency.
(4) ungenerous. (4) tranquility.
31. CONFOUND 41. BREACH
(1) specify. (1) garner.
(2) signify. (2) solder.
(3) scrutinize. (3) move forward.
(4) discriminate between. (4) keep silent.
32. FLAG 42. REVERE
(1) favour. (1) imitate.
(2) sustain. (2) dismiss.
(3) wax. (3) confuse.
(4) strive. (4) profane.
33. OFFHAND 43. PROPITIATE
(1) accurate. (1) elate.
(2) universal. (2) pester.
(3) appropriate. (3) incense.
(4) premeditated. (4) distract.
34. BROACH 44. STOMACH
(1) keep track of. (1) reformulate.
(2) lay claim to. (2) anticipate.
(3) close off. (3) lose fascination for.
(4) soothe. (4) refuse to tolerate.

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45. PLUMB 48. DISAFFECT
(1) examine superficially. (1) win over.
(2) answer accurately. (2) fail to proceed.
(3) agree. (3) reinstate.
(4) abstain. (4) cause to improve.
46. PINE 49. HAPLESS
(1) fall apart. (1) excited.
(2) become invigorated. (2) elated.
(3) become enraged. (3) fortunate.
(4) stand firm. (4) completely self-reliant.
47. RAVE 50. STOCK
(1) cant. (1) unique.
(2) flak. (2) unfounded.
(3) pan. (3) desirable.
(4) flop. (4) unhealthy.

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SYNONYM-ANTONYM MATRIX
PRAISECRITICIZE
PRAISE(v)
Acclaim(v): praise enthusiastically and publicly
The conference was acclaimed as a success.
Accolades(n): an expression of praise or admiration
He received accolades for the courage displayed during
the terror attack.
Accredit(v): give credit to/praise someone for
something
He was accredited with being the worlds fastest
sprinter.
Adulate(v): praise or admire someone excessively
Adulation(noun [U]): He found it difficult to cope with
the adulation of the fans.
Applaud(v): show approval or praise by clapping
The crowd whistled and applauded. | His speech was
loudly applauded.
Applause(noun[U]): They gave him a round of
applause.
Approbate(v): approve formally; sanction (US rare)
He sent a letter approbating the recommendations of the
committee.
Approbation(noun[U]): approval or praise
He efforts deserve the approbation of the entire
community.
Approve(v): believe that someone or something is good
or acceptable
I strongly approve of his innovative approach.
Approving(adj): The wine drew approving comments
from everyone.
Commend(v): praise formally or officially
He was commended for his achievements.
Credit(noun[U]): praise in recognition
He deserves the credit for the success of the project.
To his credit: in praise of: He has five grand slam titles
to his credit.
Defer(v): submit to or acknowledge/praise the merit of
He deferred to his bosss financial acumen.
Deference(noun[U]): courteous regard; regard
[Deferential(adj)]
He treated all women in a deferential manner.
Encomium(n): a speech or piece of writing that praises
someone or something highly
The CEO delivered an appropriate encomium in honour
of his colleague.
Endorse(v): declare ones public approval/praise or
support of
The Principals efforts were endorsed by the teachers
wholeheartedly.
Esteem(v): respect and admire/praise
Many of these qualities are esteemed by managers.
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APPENDIX I
CRITICIZE(v)
Animadvert(v): pass criticism or censure on; speak out
against
We shall be obliged to animadvert most severely upon you in
our report.
Asperse(v): attack or criticize the reputation or integrity of
He aspersed the place and its inhabitants.
Aspersion(noun[U]): an attack on the reputation or integrity
of a person
I dont think anyone is casting aspersions on your character.
Belittle(v): dismiss someone or something as unimportant
She belittled Amys riding skills whenever she could.
Brickbat(n): a critical remark or comment
He received more brickbats than bouquets.
Castigate(v): reprimand someone severely
He was castigated for not setting a good example.
Censure(v): express severe disapproval of, esp. in a formal
statement
The critics censured the film.
Censure(noun[U]): Two MPs were singled out for censure.
(noun[C]): Despite repeated censures, the practice
continued.
Disapprove(v): have or express an unfavourable opinion
Bob strongly disapproved of drinking and driving.
Disapproving(adj): He shot a disapproving glance at her.
Chastise(v): rebuke or reprimand severely
He chastised his colleagues for their laziness.
Discredit(v): cause an idea or account seem false and
unreliable; harm the good reputation of
His explanation for the phenomenon was soon discredited.
His remarks were taken out of context in an effort to
discredit him.
Chide(v): scold or rebuke
He was forever being chided for overfamiliarity.
Denounce(v): publicly declare to be wrong or evil
The Assembly denounced the use of violence.
He was widely denounced as a traitor.
Deplore(v): feel or express strong condemnation of
We deplore all violence.
Deprecate(v): express disapproval of
What I deprecate is persistent indulgence.
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Esteemed(adj): a highly esteemed scholar
Esteem(noun[U]): He was held in high esteem by
colleagues
Eulogize(v): praise highly in speech or writing
He was eulogized as a rock star | a plaque that
eulogizes the workers
Eulogy(n): a speech or piece of writing praising
someone highly, especially as a tribute to someone who
has just died
John Elton presented an eulogy to Princess Diana.
Exalt(v): think or speak very highly of
The party will continue to exalt their deceased founder.
Extol(v): praise enthusiastically
He extolled the virtues of the Indian woman.
Honour(v): regard with great respect
He has now learnt to honour his fathers memory.
Honoured(adj): You will always be welcome as an
honoured guest.
Kudos(noun [U]): praise and honour received for an
achievement
He received much kudos [notmany kudos or a kudo]
for his work.
ORIGIN: Kudos comes from the Greek word for
praise.
Laud(v): praise (a person or his achievements) highly
The obituary lauded him as a great statesman and
soldier.
Lauded(adj): his much-lauded rendering of Hamlet
Laudable(adj): (of an action, idea, or aim) deserving
praise
Laudable though the aim might be, the results have been
criticized.
Laudatory(adj): (of speech or writing) expressing
praise
The tone of the editorial was laudatory.
Paean(n): a song of praise or triumph; a creative work
expressing enthusiastic praise
Moses leads the people in a great paean of triumph |
paeans of praise for everybodys wisdom
ORIGIN: from Greek paianhymn of thanksgiving to
Apollo
Panegyric(n): a public speech or published text in praise
A panegyric on the pleasures of malt whisky
Panegyrize(v): speak or write in praise of (archaic)
Plaudits(plural noun): praise
The network has received plaudits for its sports
coverage.
Regard(noun[U]): liking and respect; esteem
Scientists hold dolphins in high regard
(noun[C]): she had a special regard for Eliot
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Deprecating(adj): He sniffed in a deprecating manner.
Depreciate(v): disparage or belittle something
She was depreciating his aesthetic taste.
Deride(v): express contempt for; ridicule
The decision was derided by environmentalists.
Derision(noun[U]): My stories were received with disbelief
and derision.
Derisive(adj): He gave a harsh, derisive laugh.
Derogate(v): detract from
This does not derogate from his duty to act honestly and
faithfully.
Derogatory(adj): She makes derogatory remarks about my
obesity.
Detract(v): diminish the worth or value of
These personal shortcomings in no way detract from her
achievements.
Diatribe(n): a forceful and bitter verbal attack
-a diatribe against the misguided economic policies of the
government
Disparage(v): regard and represent as being of little worth
He never missed an opportunity to disparage his
comprtitors.
Disparaging(v): He passed disparaging remarks about
blacks.
ORIGIN: from Old French desparagier marry someone of
unequal rank and hence bring discredit on
Excoriate(v): Med. Remove part of the surface of the skin;
criticize someone severely
He excoriated the government for needless censorship.
Execrate(v): feel or express great loathing for
They were execrated as dangerous and corrupt.
Execrable(adj): extremely bad or unpleasant
-execrable cheap wine
Flak(noun[U]): strong criticism
You must be strong enough to take the flak if things go
wrong.
Flay(v): strip the skin of; criticize severely and brutally
He flayed the government for not implementing economic
reforms.
Fulminate(v): express vehement protest
All students fulminated against the new curriculum.
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Respect(noun[U]): a feeling of deep admiration
The director had a lot of respect for Amitabh as an
actor.
Respect(v): She was respected by everyone she worked
with.
Revere(V): feel deep respect or admiration for
Picassos paintings were revered by his contemporaries.
Reverence(noun[U]): Rituals showed honour and
reverence for the dead.
Reverent(adj): a reverent silence
Reverential(adj): Their names are mentioned in
reverential tones.
Rhapsody(n): an effusively enthusiastic or ecstatic
expression of feeling
-rhapsodies of praise
Rhapsodize(v): He began to rhapsodize about Gods
goodness.
Tribute(n): an act, statement, or gift intended to show
respect/admiration
The video is a tribute to the musicals of the 190s.
(noun[C]): A symposium was organized to pay tribute to
Darwin.
Venerate(v): regard with great respect; revere
Mahatma Gandhi was venerated as a saint.
Venerable(adj): accord a great deal of respect,
especially because of age, wisdom, or charactera
venerable statesman
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Harangue(v): lecture at length in an aggressive and critical
manner
He harangued the public on their ignorance.
Hatchet Job(n): a fierce written attack on someone or his
work (informal)
Impute(v): represent (especially something undesirable) as
being done or possessed by someone; attribute (especially
blame)
The company imputed the failure to the CEOs bad
judgement.
Libel(n): a false and typically malicious statement about a
person; a thing that brings undeserved discredit on a person
by misrepresentation
Malign(v): speak about someone in a spitefully critical
manner
Dont you dare malign her in my presence.
Obloquy(noun[U]): strong public condemnation
He endured years of contempt and obloquy.
Opprobrium(noun[U]): harsh criticism or censure; public
disgrace arising from shame conduct
-the critical opprobrium generated by his films
-the opprobrium of being closely associated with the
underworld
Pan(v): criticize severely (informal)
The movie was panned by the critics.
Philippic(adj): a bitter attack or denunciation, esp. a verbal
one (literary)
Pillory(v): attack or ridicule publicly
He found himself pilloried by his own party members.
Reprehend(v): reprimand
He displays a recklessness that cannot be too severely
reprehended.
Reprehensible(adj): deserving censure or condemnation
They blamed his complacency and reprehensible laxity for
his downfall.
Reproach(v): express to someone ones disapproval of or
disappointment in their actions
Her friends reproached her for not doing enough for her
family.
You know that isnt true, he reproached her.
Reprobate(v): express or feel disapproval of
His neighbours reprobated his unsocial behavior.
Reprove(v): reprimand someone
He was reproved for obscenity \ Dont be childish, he
reproved mildly.
Reproving(adj): The mother gave her child a reproving
glance.
Revile(v): criticize in a abusive or angrily insulting manner
He was now reviled by the party that he had helped build.
Verbal Ability -1(Basic Module)New
 Scarify(v): criticize severely and hurtfully
The actress was scarified by the critics for the raunchy
scenes.
Slander(v): make false and damaging statements about
someone
They were accused of slandering the Prime Minister.
Stricture(n): a sternly critical or censorious remark or
instruction
They resented his strictures on their lack of civic virtue.
Tirade(n): a long, angry speech of criticism or accusation
He let out a tirade of abuse against the Communists.
Vilify : speak or write about in an abusively disparaging
manner
He has recently been vilified in the press.
Vituperate(v): blame or insult in strong or violent language
(archaic)
Vituperative(adj): bitter and abusive: a vituperative
outburst
Vituperation(noun[U]): No one else attracted such
vituperation from her.

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 APPENDIX II
SYNONYM SPECTRUM
MEAN (adj.)
[Synonyms ordered from FAVOURABLEthrough NEUTRALto UNFAVOURABLE]
PENNY-WISE: extremely careful about the way one spends even small amounts of money
Being penny-wise, she has been able to build up a nice little nest egg.
THRIFTY: using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully
He had been brought up to be thrifty and careful.
THRIFT (noun[U]): The mercantile community in India has traditionally espoused the values of thirft and self-
reliance.
ECONOMICAL: (of a person or lifestyle) careful not to waste money or resources
She manages her home in a fairly economical manner.
PRUDENT: acting with or showing care and thought for the future
No prudent money manager would authorize a loan without first knowing its purpose.
CANNY: having or showing shrewdness and good judgement, especially in money or business matters
Canny investors will switch banks if they think they are getting a raw deal.
FRUGAL: sparing or economical as regards money or food
Im a bit too frugal to splash out on these clothes as a mere fad.
SPARING: moderate, economical
Physicians advised sparing use of the ointment.
PARSIMONIOUS: careful in the use of money or other resources (favourable tone)
Even the usually parsimonious Joe paid for drinks all round.
-mean, stingy (unfavourable tone)
He is parsimonious and does not like to spend even a penny on anyone but himself.
MEAN: unwilling to give or share things, especially; not generous
She felt mean not giving a tip | He was so mean that he refused to share his class notes.
SCRIMPING: be extremely careful in even small and necessary expenditures
She scrimped and saved out of sheer habit, though they were quite well off.
PENNY-PINCHING: unwilling to spend money, miserly
To contain the fiscal deficit, the government has taken such penny-pinching measures that even the defence of the
country could be compromised.
CHEESE-PARING: stingy, mean
She is cheese-paring even when it comes to extending hospitality to guests.
TIGHT-FISTED: not willing to spend or give out much money, miserly
My father is so tight-fisted that he has not increased my pocket money for the last two years.
MISERLY: hoarding wealth and spending as little as possible
His miserly grand-uncle proved to be worth at least Rupees ten crores.
STINGY: mean, ungenerous
He is notoriously stingy, so his friends avoided eating out with him.
STINTING: to be very economical or mean about spending or providing something
He is stinting on even the basic expenditures required to run an office efficiently.
NIGGARDLY: ungenerous with money, giving even meagre amounts grudgingly
The defence ministry had to fight for even the niggardly funds doled out by the finance ministry.
SKINFLINTY: characteristic of a skinflint or a miser (informal)
Dont be a skinflintyou earn more than she does.

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Sense-1 (adj.)
SHY: suggests a lack of ease in the
company of others, or fearfulness in
facing new experiences
Shy: lacking confidence and uncertain
how to behave or what to say in the
presence of other people; shy people
try to avoid people/things they feel
uneasy about
I was inordinately shy of girls.
Small investors remained shy of the
stock market | People can be very shy
about giving compliments.
Apprehensive: anxious, nervous, or
fearful
Many of the students were very
apprehensive about their first visit to
the new school.
Abashed: embarrassed, disconcerted,
or ashamed
He looked slightly abashed.
Bashful: nervously reluctant to draw
attention to oneself
Many men are bashful about
discussing their feelings out in the
open.
Coy: (esp. of a woman) making a
pretence of shyness or modesty which
is intended to be alluring
She gave him a coy smile of
invitation.
She was coy over the telephone when
he asked for a date; although she had
flirted outrageously with him the
evening before.
Diffident: so modest and hesitant that
they have difficulty in putting
themselves forward
He was very diffident about working
in close association with senior
management.
Embarrassed: feeling or showing
embarrassment
I felt quite embarrassed whenever I
spoke to her. | an embarrassed silence
Faint-hearted: lacking courage; timid
They were feeling faint-hearted at the
prospect of war.
CAT
MULTIPLE MEANING TREE
SHY
Sense-2 (adj.)
SHY: suggests an absence of
assertiveness, a lack of vanity or
presumption
Shy: suggests unwillingness to call
attention to oneself out of timidity or
a lack of social experience
She did attend office parties, but was
too shy to mingle with people.
Humble: having or showing a modest
or low estimate of ones importance
I felt very humble in the company of
such illustrious people | my humble
apologies
Demure:(of a woman or her
behavior) reserved, modest, and shy
The painting showed a demure Indian
bride.
Modest:
-too modest for the aggressiveness
demanded of him| touchingly modest
about her tremendous success
Reserved: slow to reveal emotion or
opinions
He is a reserved, almost taciturn
man.
Reticent: not revealing ones
thoughts or feelings readily
She was extremely reticent about her
personal affairs.
Retiring: shy and fond of being on
ones own
-a retiring, acquiescent woman | he
was such a quiet, retiring man
Self-effacing: not claiming attention
for oneself; retiring and modest
His demeanour was self-effacing,
gracious, and polite.
Page 12
APPENDIX III
Sense-3 (verb)
SHY: suggests hanging back from
full participation or full assent
Shy: emphasizes a skittish standing
aside or squeamish holding back out
of fear, doubt, or caution
The girl shied away from looking the
strange man in the eye.
Balk/Baulk: hesitate or be unwilling
to accept an idea or undertaking
He baulked at the suggestion of such
drastic measures.
Demur: raise objections or show
reluctance
Normally she would have accepted
the challenge, but in this instance she
demurred.
Recoil: suddenly spring back out of
surprise, distaste, or fear at the
thought of something
Scruple: hesitate or be reluctant to
do something that one thinks may be
wrong
She doesnt scruple to ask her
parents for money.
Shirk: avoid or neglect (a duty or
responsibility)
Some teachers shirk their basic
responsibilities to their students.
Shrink: Emphasizes an indecisive
cringing from something ominous,
frightening, or even disgusting
She shrank from entering the seedy
bar with him and once inside she
recoiled at every depraved face that
met her gaze.
Verbal Ability -1(Basic Module)New
 Submissive: ready to conform to the
authority or will of others; meekly
obedient
-a submissive, almost sheeplike
people
Timid: lacking normal confidence or
courage; stems from fear, resulting in
nervousness in the presence of others
I was too timid to ask for what I
wanted | She gave him a timid smile.
Timorous: showing or suffering from
nervousness or a lack of confidence
-a timorous voice | she was no
helpless, timorous woman
Tremulous: shaking or quivering
slightly; timid, nervous
Where, she asked in a tremulous
voice.
He gave a tremulous smile.
CAT
Unassumimg: not pretentious or
arrogant; modest
He was an unassuming and kindly
man.
Unpretentious: not attempting to
impress others with an appearance of
greater importance, talent, or culture
than is actually possessed
In spite of his fame he was thoroughly
unpretentious and down-to-earth.
Meek: quiet, gentle, and easily
imposed on
She brought her meek, little husband
along
She meekly answered the questions
during the interview.
Page 13 Verbal Ability -1(Basic Module)New

WORD FAMILY TREE
DISPENSE (Verb)
DISPENSE: distribute or provide (a service or
information) to a number of people
Orderlies went about dispensing drinks.
The courts dispensed swift justice.
Dispenser: a person or thing that dispenses something
The king was the protector of the weak and dispenser of
justice.
-a paper towel dispenser, a water dispenser
Dispensary: a room where medicines are prepared and
provided
The queue at the hospital dispensary was too long, so I
bought my medicines from the nearest pharmacy.
Dispensation: the action of distributing or supplying
something
There are enough regulations controlling dispensation of
medicines.
We cant continue to live off the charitable dispensations of
others.
Dispensation: a political, religious, or social system
prevailing at a particular time
There is a peculiar dispensation obtaining in Pakistan
where political power is distributed among the duly elected
civilian government, the army, and the muslim clergy.
Scholarship is conveyed to a wider audience than under the
earlier dispensation.
CAT Page 14
APPENDIX IV
DISPENSE WITH: manage without or get rid of
Lets dispense with the formalities, shall we?
-give special exemption from (a rule, law, religious
obligation, etc.)
The Secretary of State was empowered to dispense with
nationality requirement in each case.
The pope personally nominated as bishop, dispensing him
from his impediment
Dispensable: able to be replaced or done without;
superfluous
The captains loss of form made him dispensable
Indispensable: absolutely necessary, cannot be replaced or
done without
He made himself indispensable to the boss.
Dispensation: exemption from a rule, religious obligation,
or usual requirement
Although she was too young, she was given special
dispensation to play before her birthday.
The pope granted King Henry VIII a dispensation to marry
Elizabeth of York.
Verbal Ability -1(Basic Module)New