Word Meaning (Vocabulary) – Concepts for Verbal Aptitude

Contextual Vocabulary

Contextual vocabulary questions test a student’s ability to deduce the meaning of an unfamiliar word by analyzing the context in which it appears. In these questions, clues from surrounding words, phrases, or the overall tone of the sentence help pinpoint the meaning.

How to Approach Contextual Vocabulary Questions

Look for Clues in the Sentence:
- Contextual clues can indicate whether the word has a positive or negative connotation or if it is related to something specific, like an action or feeling.
Analyze Synonyms and Antonyms:
- Often, words in the same sentence might offer hints through synonyms (words with similar meanings) or antonyms (words with opposite meanings).
- Phrases like “but,” “although,” and “instead” signal contrasting ideas, which can guide your understanding of the unfamiliar word.
Observe Cause and Effect:
- Sometimes a sentence will describe a cause and its effect. If an unfamiliar word describes the effect, understanding the cause can reveal the meaning.
Examine Adjectives and Adverbs:
- Modifiers (like adjectives and adverbs) surrounding a word often provide hints about its meaning. For example, “the incessant noise” suggests that “incessant” might mean something continuous or never-ending.

Example Questions on Contextual Vocabulary

Example 1:

Despite the chef’s reputation, the food was quite unpalatable, and most guests left it untouched.
- What does “unpalatable” mean in this context?
  - (a) Delicious, (b) Flavorful, (c) Unpleasant, (d) Overcooked
  - Answer: (c) Unpleasant

Explanation: The fact that guests left the food “untouched” suggests they found it unpleasant, making “unpalatable” mean “unpleasant” or “not tasty.”

Example 2:

The lawyer presented a cogent argument, leaving no doubt in the jury’s mind about the defendant’s innocence.
- What does “cogent” mean here?
  - (a) Unclear, (b) Convincing, (c) Confusing, (d) Insincere
  - Answer: (b) Convincing

Explanation: The phrase “leaving no doubt” implies that the argument was strong and persuasive, making “cogent” mean “convincing.”

Example 3:

Although her speech was replete with inspiring quotes, it failed to capture the audience’s attention.
- What does “replete” mean in this context?
  - (a) Lacking, (b) Full of, (c) Original, (d) Short
  - Answer: (b) Full of

Explanation: “Replete” here means “full of,” as the speech contained many quotes, even if it didn’t captivate the audience.

Word Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes

Understanding word roots, prefixes, and suffixes can greatly enhance your vocabulary skills. Many English words are derived from Latin or Greek roots, and knowing these can help you decipher unfamiliar words by breaking them down into their components.

Common Prefixes, Roots, and Suffixes

Prefixes: These are added to the beginning of words and can often indicate meaning or modify it.
- “Un-”: Means “not” (e.g., unfriendly = not friendly).
- “Pre-”: Means “before” (e.g., predict = to say before something happens).
Roots: The core part of a word, often derived from Latin or Greek, that carries its main meaning.
- “Cred” (Latin): Means “believe” (e.g., credible = believable).
- “Dict” (Latin): Means “say” (e.g., dictate = to say or give orders).
Suffixes: Added to the end of words, suffixes often determine the part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, etc.) and can slightly alter the meaning.
- “-able”: Indicates capability (e.g., manageable = able to be managed).
- “-ous”: Means full of or possessing (e.g., joyous = full of joy).

Examples of Word Breakdown Using Roots and Prefixes

Example Word: Incredible
- Prefix: “In-” (not)
- Root: “Cred” (believe)
- Suffix: “-ible” (able to be)
- Meaning: Not able to be believed; extraordinary or unbelievable.
Example Word: Predictable
- Prefix: “Pre-” (before)
- Root: “Dict” (say)
- Suffix: “-able” (able to be)
- Meaning: Able to be predicted or said before; something that can be anticipated.
Example Word: Beneficial
- Root: “Bene” (good or well)
- Suffix: “-ficial” (relating to or resulting in)
- Meaning: Resulting in good; advantageous or helpful.
Example Word: Autonomous
- Prefix: “Auto-” (self)
- Root: “Nom” (law or rule)
- Suffix: “-ous” (full of)
- Meaning: Self-governing or independent.

Practice Questions Using Word Roots and Prefixes

Example 1:

Based on its root, what does the word “benevolent” mean?
- Root: “Bene-” (good, kind)
- Options: (a) Hostile, (b) Kind, (c) Poor, (d) Mean
- Answer: (b) Kind

Explanation: The root “bene-” implies goodness or kindness, so “benevolent” means kind or charitable.

Example 2:

What does the word “inaudible” mean?
- Prefix: “In-” (not)
- Root: “Aud” (hear)
- Suffix: “-ible” (able to be)
- Options: (a) Unable to be heard, (b) Hard to find, (c) Difficult to see, (d) Weak
- Answer: (a) Unable to be heard

Explanation: The root “aud” relates to hearing, and the prefix “in-” means not, so “inaudible” means something that cannot be heard.

Example 3:

If “credible” means believable, what does “incredulous” mean?
- Prefix: “In-” (not)
- Root: “Cred” (believe)
- Suffix: “-ulous” (full of)
- Options: (a) Full of belief, (b) Unbelieving, (c) Faithful, (d) Thoughtful
- Answer: (b) Unbelieving

Explanation: “Incredulous” uses the root “cred” (believe) and “in-” (not), so it means unwilling or unable to believe.

Tips for Building Vocabulary with Context and Roots

Identify and Memorize Common Roots: Knowing a handful of common roots like “dict” (say), “cred” (believe), “ject” (throw), and “bene” (good) will help you unlock many words.
Practice Contextual Vocabulary: Whenever you encounter an unfamiliar word in reading, try to deduce its meaning from context before looking it up. This habit will help reinforce context clues.
Use Flashcards for Roots and Prefixes: Create flashcards for common roots and prefixes with example words on the back. Practice these regularly.
Read Regularly in Different Genres: Exposure to diverse topics will introduce you to a variety of words in different contexts, solidifying your contextual understanding.
Use Word Games and Quizzes: Word games like crosswords or vocabulary apps focus on context clues and word roots, making vocabulary-building enjoyable and effective.

Refer word meaning questions here: https://www.learntheta.com/aptitude-questions-meanings/

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