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CAT 2025 Lesson : Synonyms, Antonyms & Usage - Word Usage
2.2 Contextual usage
Many words have more than one meaning. We can get word usage questions which ask us to select the meaning which is suitable in the context of an example. Here, we need to infer the meaning from the sentence given. We have already discussed this in detail, but let us solve an example to understand further.Example 20
What is the meaning of the underlined phrase?
We must all chip in for her birthday present.
(1) Deep fried potatoes (2) Contribute (3) Refund (4) Interpose
The correct choice is option (2).
Option (1) gives is the meaning of potato chips, whereas options (3) and (4) are irrelevant.
You can infer the meaning even if you are not aware of it. Since the writer mentions a birthday present, the only relevant option is to contribute money to buy one. Potatoes, refunds and interpose (intervene) are not logical in the context of a present.
Therefore, option (2) is the correct choice.
Answer: (2) Contribute
We must all chip in for her birthday present.
(1) Deep fried potatoes (2) Contribute (3) Refund (4) Interpose
Solution
To chip in means to contribute, and is usually used when many people are contributing for something. In this sentence, it seems to be for someone's birthday gift.The correct choice is option (2).
Option (1) gives is the meaning of potato chips, whereas options (3) and (4) are irrelevant.
You can infer the meaning even if you are not aware of it. Since the writer mentions a birthday present, the only relevant option is to contribute money to buy one. Potatoes, refunds and interpose (intervene) are not logical in the context of a present.
Therefore, option (2) is the correct choice.
Answer: (2) Contribute
Example 21
For the word given at the top of the table, match the dictionary definitions on the left (A, B, C, D) with their corresponding usage on the right (E, F, G, H). Out of the four possibilities given in the options below the table, select the one that has all the definitions and their usages correctly matched.
[CAT 2001]
MELLOW
(1) A-E, B-G, C-H, D-F
(2) A-E, B-F, C-G, D-H
(3) A-G, B-E, C-H, D-F
(4) A-H, B-G, C-F, D-E
“E” describes a person who has mellowed with age. This means that the person has become tempered, tolerant or easy-going as he has become older. We can see that “B” conveys this meaning.
Note that we can select option (3) now, as it is the only one with B-E. However, even if you are short for time, it is best to have matched at least two sets.
“F” talks about mellow notes of a violin. In terms of sound or favour, mellow means smooth and not harsh.
“D” has this meaning (stridency means harshness). Therefore, free from stridency means mellow, and the usage of the words rich and full help us infer that this is a description of the musical notes from the violin.
Now we are sure about option (3), as it is the only one with B-E and D-F.
“G” describes mellow wine. As we have already learnt that mellow means smooth and not harsh in terms of flavour or sounds, we can select “A”.
In terms of soil, mellow means rich and loamy, (loam means fertile soil). Therefore, C-H is correct.
Therefore, option (3) is the correct choice.
Answer: (3) A-G, B-E, C-H, D-F
[CAT 2001]
MELLOW
| Dictionary Definition | Usage | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| A. | Adequately and properly aged so as to be free of harshness | E. | He has mellowed with age. |
| B. | Freed from rashness of youth | F. | The tones of the old violin were mellow. |
| C. | Of soft and loamy consistency | G. | Some wines are mellow. |
| D. | Rich and full but free from stridency | H. | Mellow soil is found in the Gangetic plains. |
(1) A-E, B-G, C-H, D-F
(2) A-E, B-F, C-G, D-H
(3) A-G, B-E, C-H, D-F
(4) A-H, B-G, C-F, D-E
Solution
To answer this question, we need to match each sentence on the right column with the appropriate meaning of mellow given in the left column. Let us consider the sentences on the right.“E” describes a person who has mellowed with age. This means that the person has become tempered, tolerant or easy-going as he has become older. We can see that “B” conveys this meaning.
Note that we can select option (3) now, as it is the only one with B-E. However, even if you are short for time, it is best to have matched at least two sets.
“F” talks about mellow notes of a violin. In terms of sound or favour, mellow means smooth and not harsh.
“D” has this meaning (stridency means harshness). Therefore, free from stridency means mellow, and the usage of the words rich and full help us infer that this is a description of the musical notes from the violin.
Now we are sure about option (3), as it is the only one with B-E and D-F.
“G” describes mellow wine. As we have already learnt that mellow means smooth and not harsh in terms of flavour or sounds, we can select “A”.
In terms of soil, mellow means rich and loamy, (loam means fertile soil). Therefore, C-H is correct.
Therefore, option (3) is the correct choice.
Answer: (3) A-G, B-E, C-H, D-F
2.3 Logical reasoning
Sometimes, you will have to choose the appropriate option based on logic. A word might have more than one meaning, and you will have to understand the context and then choose.Sometimes, you would also have words which are close to each other, and you must select the word which is most appropriate syntactically and logically. Let us solve some questions to understand this better.
Example 22
Select the most suitable antonym for the underlined word in the sentence, in the context of the given sentence.
During the monsoons, there is a mass exodus of sun-seeking English people to the French Riviera.
(1) egress (2) departure (3) influx (4) terminal
The word influx means the arrival of a large number of people of things. It is the closest antonym for exodus.
Both egress and departure mean the action of leaving a place. Terminal is not relevant to this sentence. Therefore, we can eliminate these options and select option (3) as the correct choice.
Answer: (3) influx
During the monsoons, there is a mass exodus of sun-seeking English people to the French Riviera.
(1) egress (2) departure (3) influx (4) terminal
Solution
The word exodus is a mass departure of people.The word influx means the arrival of a large number of people of things. It is the closest antonym for exodus.
Both egress and departure mean the action of leaving a place. Terminal is not relevant to this sentence. Therefore, we can eliminate these options and select option (3) as the correct choice.
Answer: (3) influx
Example 23
Select the most suitable synonym for the underlined word in the sentence, in the context of the given sentence.
[IIFT 2009]
Noticing the behaviour of the audience in the amphitheater, the performer was more bemused than bitter.
(1) amused
(2) bewildered
(3) enlightened
(4) enthused
Note that bemused is very different from amused (finding something to be funny or entertaining), even though the words look similar. Entrance tests sometimes have similar looking words to confuse you.
Enlightened means to be spiritually aware or be well-informed/rational about a topic. Enthused means being eager or enthusiastic. These are not similar in meaning to bemused., and hence, can be eliminated.
Answer: (2) bewildered
[IIFT 2009]
Noticing the behaviour of the audience in the amphitheater, the performer was more bemused than bitter.
(1) amused
(2) bewildered
(3) enlightened
(4) enthused
Solution
Being bemused means being puzzled or confused. The closest word in meaning is bewildered, which means confused or puzzled. Therefore, it is the correct choice.Note that bemused is very different from amused (finding something to be funny or entertaining), even though the words look similar. Entrance tests sometimes have similar looking words to confuse you.
Enlightened means to be spiritually aware or be well-informed/rational about a topic. Enthused means being eager or enthusiastic. These are not similar in meaning to bemused., and hence, can be eliminated.
Answer: (2) bewildered
2.4 Idioms
An idiom is a group of words which mean something different from the literal meaning. The idiomatic meaning has come about by usage over time.For instance, At the drop of a hat means instantaneously, immediately.
To cut corners is to do something cheaply or without proper thought and interest.
A blue moon means rarely, infrequently.
A dime a dozen is used to describe something which is very common.
To beat around the bush means to avoid saying something, usually because it makes you uncomfortable.
Many more examples of idioms are provided in the Analogies lesson. A list is also provided at the end of this lesson. Please go through these, you can read 4-5 idioms daily so that you remember the meaning. Idioms are commonly found in Reading Comprehension and Summary passages as well, making a thorouogh knowledge important.
Example 24
Choose the option that is the closest in meaning to the underlined phrase in bold.
I had forgotten to finish the assignment, but I was off the hook because the school is closed today.
(1) vindicated
(2) escaped
(3) acquitted
(4) free
In this sentence, the idiomatic meaning is used. The option closest to the meaning and context is escaped, and therefore, we can select option (2) as the correct choice.
Vindicated (meaning cleared of suspicion and blame), acquitted (meaning declared not guilty of a criminal charge) and free are not the same in meaning as off the hook. Therefore, we can eliminate these options.
Thus, option (2) is the correct choice.
Answer: (2) escaped
I had forgotten to finish the assignment, but I was off the hook because the school is closed today.
(1) vindicated
(2) escaped
(3) acquitted
(4) free
Solution
The idiom off the hook means no longer in difficulty or trouble. Another meaning is with respect to telephones, a literal meaning where the telephone receiver is off the hook.In this sentence, the idiomatic meaning is used. The option closest to the meaning and context is escaped, and therefore, we can select option (2) as the correct choice.
Vindicated (meaning cleared of suspicion and blame), acquitted (meaning declared not guilty of a criminal charge) and free are not the same in meaning as off the hook. Therefore, we can eliminate these options.
Thus, option (2) is the correct choice.
Answer: (2) escaped
Example 25
Choose the option that is the closest in meaning to the phrase in bold.
With no real checks on our work, the temptation was to cut corners, and this happened regularly.
(1) economise
(2) act illegally
(3) ignore the rules
(4) skimp
In the context of this sentence, skimp (spend less time, money or material in an attempt to economise) is the closest in meaning.
Economise is typically used with respect to money, and hence, option (1) can be eliminated.
Act illegally and ignore the rules are not the same in meaning, and hence, options (2) and (3) can also be eliminated.
Thus, option (4) is the correct choice.
Answer: (4) skimp
With no real checks on our work, the temptation was to cut corners, and this happened regularly.
(1) economise
(2) act illegally
(3) ignore the rules
(4) skimp
Solution
Cut corners is an idiom means do something perfunctorily so as to save time or money. This sentence is telling us that the writer and their friends/colleagues were not working properly as no one was checking their work.In the context of this sentence, skimp (spend less time, money or material in an attempt to economise) is the closest in meaning.
Economise is typically used with respect to money, and hence, option (1) can be eliminated.
Act illegally and ignore the rules are not the same in meaning, and hence, options (2) and (3) can also be eliminated.
Thus, option (4) is the correct choice.
Answer: (4) skimp
3. Solved Examples
Example 26
Which word is the opposite of the word ‘hypothesize’?
[XAT 2012]
(1) Posit
(2) Propose
(3) Conjecture
(4) Refute
(5) Speculate
Posit, propose, conjecture and speculate are all similar in meaning – posit means the same as hypothesize. To propose something means to suggest or put something forward. To conjecture and to speculate both mean forming an opinion with insufficient evidence. All these words are similar in meaning to hypothesize.
To refute, on the other hand, is to disprove, and hence is the appropriate antonym.
Note that hypothesize is the American spelling, and the British spelling is hypothesise.
Answer: (4) Refute
[XAT 2012]
(1) Posit
(2) Propose
(3) Conjecture
(4) Refute
(5) Speculate
Solution
We need to find the opposite of hypothesize. To hypothesize is to come up with a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a supposition which needs to be proven.Posit, propose, conjecture and speculate are all similar in meaning – posit means the same as hypothesize. To propose something means to suggest or put something forward. To conjecture and to speculate both mean forming an opinion with insufficient evidence. All these words are similar in meaning to hypothesize.
To refute, on the other hand, is to disprove, and hence is the appropriate antonym.
Note that hypothesize is the American spelling, and the British spelling is hypothesise.
Answer: (4) Refute
Example 27
A word has been used in sentences in five different ways. Choose the option corresponding to the sentence in which the usage of the word is incorrect or inappropriate.
BILL
(1) The Kumbh Mela held in Pushkar is billed as the world's largest religious gathering.
(2) We were so engrossed in our conversation that we sat in the cafe for almost an hour after paying the bill.
(3) A debate over the recently introduced bill has disrupted Parliament.
(4) The money that you paid will bill me over till the end of the month.
(5) The duck-billed platypus is endemic to Australia.
- A written statement of money owed for goods or services (noun)
- A draft of a proposed law (noun)
- The beak of a bird or peak of a cap (noun)
- A banknote (noun, usually used in the US)
- To charge for goods or services provided (verb)
- To send someone a bill (verb)
- To describe or advertise (verb)
Option (1) uses bill in the last meaning.
Option (2) uses bill in its most common meaning, the first one given above.
Option (3) uses bill in its second meaning (a draft version of a proposed law).
Option (5) uses bill in the meaning of a bird's beak. The duck-billed platypus is a mammal.
Option (4), on the other hand, uses bill incorrectly. The correct usage would be tide me over. (To tide someone over means to help someone through a difficult period, usually with money).
Answer: (4) The money that you paid will bill me over till the end of the month.
BILL
(1) The Kumbh Mela held in Pushkar is billed as the world's largest religious gathering.
(2) We were so engrossed in our conversation that we sat in the cafe for almost an hour after paying the bill.
(3) A debate over the recently introduced bill has disrupted Parliament.
(4) The money that you paid will bill me over till the end of the month.
(5) The duck-billed platypus is endemic to Australia.
Solution
The word Bill has the following meanings:- A written statement of money owed for goods or services (noun)
- A draft of a proposed law (noun)
- The beak of a bird or peak of a cap (noun)
- A banknote (noun, usually used in the US)
- To charge for goods or services provided (verb)
- To send someone a bill (verb)
- To describe or advertise (verb)
Option (1) uses bill in the last meaning.
Option (2) uses bill in its most common meaning, the first one given above.
Option (3) uses bill in its second meaning (a draft version of a proposed law).
Option (5) uses bill in the meaning of a bird's beak. The duck-billed platypus is a mammal.
Option (4), on the other hand, uses bill incorrectly. The correct usage would be tide me over. (To tide someone over means to help someone through a difficult period, usually with money).
Answer: (4) The money that you paid will bill me over till the end of the month.
Example 28
There are four sentences S1, S2, S3, S4 where the underlined word is used either correctly or incorrectly. Choose the option which lists the sentences, where the underlined word is used correctly.
[IIFT 2008]
S1. Only of the people voted. The rest were totally disinterested.
S2. The management and the union asked a completely disinterested party to mediate between them.
S3. I don’t know why he didn’t go to the exhibition. Perhaps he was too busy or just disinterested.
S4. France’s intervention in the dispute was not entirely disinterested. It gave her increased power and influence in the area.
(1) S1, S2, S4
(2) S2, S3, S4
(3) S1, S4
(4) S2, S4
Let us consider the statements. S1 uses disinterested incorrectly. The appropriate word should be uninterested, as the sentence tells us that of the people were not interested in voting. Similarly, S3 also uses disinterested where uninterested should have been used, as the person being described was not interested in the exhibition.
S2 and S4, on the other hand, use disinterested accurately. In S2, the two parties need an unbiased mediator (someone who resolves a dispute). Similarly, in S4, we learn that France is biased or disinterested in this dispute, as she got increased power and influence. Therefore, option (4) is the correct choice.
Answer: (4) S2, S4
[IIFT 2008]
S1. Only of the people voted. The rest were totally disinterested.
S2. The management and the union asked a completely disinterested party to mediate between them.
S3. I don’t know why he didn’t go to the exhibition. Perhaps he was too busy or just disinterested.
S4. France’s intervention in the dispute was not entirely disinterested. It gave her increased power and influence in the area.
(1) S1, S2, S4
(2) S2, S3, S4
(3) S1, S4
(4) S2, S4
Solution
Disinterested means unbiased or not influenced by personal advantage. It is different from uninterested, which means not interested in something.Let us consider the statements. S1 uses disinterested incorrectly. The appropriate word should be uninterested, as the sentence tells us that of the people were not interested in voting. Similarly, S3 also uses disinterested where uninterested should have been used, as the person being described was not interested in the exhibition.
S2 and S4, on the other hand, use disinterested accurately. In S2, the two parties need an unbiased mediator (someone who resolves a dispute). Similarly, in S4, we learn that France is biased or disinterested in this dispute, as she got increased power and influence. Therefore, option (4) is the correct choice.
Answer: (4) S2, S4
4. Cheatsheet
Synonym and antonym questions can be direct or indirect questions. We can be asked the synonym or antonym of a given word, or we could be given questions in the form of Analogies and Fill in the Blanks.
Word Usage questions test your knowledge of the meaning and contextual usage of words. The questions will ask you to identify the correct (or incorrect) usage of a particular word from the given options. The options might provide the meaning of the word or a sentence using the word. You must know the meaning as well as the contextual and idiomatic usage of the word.
In order to solve these questions, read as much as possible, focusing on words, their meaning(s) as well as contextual usage.
1) Roots of words – by knowing the meaning of the word's root, you can sometimes guesstimate the meaning (please use cautiously)
2) Common prefixes and suffixes
In order to solve the Word Usage questions, you can also use
1) Grammar rules
These are based on Parts of Speech (nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, articles, determiners, prepositions, conjunctions and interjections). You can select the right option based on grammar rules (for instance, a blank before a noun will typically be an adjective).
2) Logical reasoning
Understand the message being conveyed by the word and analyse the sentences in the options to select the appropriate option.
3) Context or connotation
The typical context of a word (positive or negative) is extremely important – if you are given a word with a positive or negative connotation, you must select the answer option which matches the respective connotation.
Example:
Positive context - childlike, youthful, frugal, cautious, slim, slender, curious, club
Negative context – childish, immature, juvenile, cheap, miserly, scared, skinny, prying, clique
4) Idioms
Sometimes, you will have options with idiomatic reference. Learn the common idioms from the Analogies lesson in order to know the correct and incorrect usage.
Word Usage questions test your knowledge of the meaning and contextual usage of words. The questions will ask you to identify the correct (or incorrect) usage of a particular word from the given options. The options might provide the meaning of the word or a sentence using the word. You must know the meaning as well as the contextual and idiomatic usage of the word.
In order to solve these questions, read as much as possible, focusing on words, their meaning(s) as well as contextual usage.
1) Roots of words – by knowing the meaning of the word's root, you can sometimes guesstimate the meaning (please use cautiously)
2) Common prefixes and suffixes
| Prefix | Meaning | Prefix | Meaning |
| A/An | Without | Hyper | Excessive |
| Ab | Away, from | Hypo | Under, below |
| Ad | Towards | Inter | Between |
| Ambi | Both sides | Mis | Bad |
| Ante | Before | Peri | Around |
| Anti | Against | Retro | Back |
| Be | Around, by | Super | Over, beyond |
| Prefix | Meaning | Prefix | Meaning |
| Circum | Orbit | Sym | Together |
| Dia | Across | Syn | Together |
| Dys | Bad | Uber | Over and beyond |
| Eu | Good | Ultra | Over and beyond |
| For | Apart, away | Trans | Across |
| Fore | Before |
| Suffix | Meaning | Suffix | Meaning |
| Age | Place | Ish | Like, similar |
| Ancy | State or process | Ist | Follower or expert in some field |
| Ard | Characteristic of | Ling | Characteristic of |
| Ary | Place | Ness | State, condition |
| Dom | State, quality | Oid | Like, shape of |
| Ent | Being, having | Ship | State of |
| Ful | Full of | Wise | In the manner of |
| one | two | Three | Four |
| Hood | State, quantity |
In order to solve the Word Usage questions, you can also use
1) Grammar rules
These are based on Parts of Speech (nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, articles, determiners, prepositions, conjunctions and interjections). You can select the right option based on grammar rules (for instance, a blank before a noun will typically be an adjective).
2) Logical reasoning
Understand the message being conveyed by the word and analyse the sentences in the options to select the appropriate option.
3) Context or connotation
The typical context of a word (positive or negative) is extremely important – if you are given a word with a positive or negative connotation, you must select the answer option which matches the respective connotation.
Example:
Positive context - childlike, youthful, frugal, cautious, slim, slender, curious, club
Negative context – childish, immature, juvenile, cheap, miserly, scared, skinny, prying, clique
4) Idioms
Sometimes, you will have options with idiomatic reference. Learn the common idioms from the Analogies lesson in order to know the correct and incorrect usage.
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