Vocabulary Building – CA Foundation BCR Notes

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Vocabulary Building – BCR Notes CA Foundation

We can communicate better with others if we know more words. Rich vocabulary helps in both oral and written communication. One can enrich one’s stock of words by reading newspapers, magazines and journals. Interactions with knowledgeable persons, frequently referring to a good dictionary and frequently writing are other means of enriching vocabulary.

Everyone has a limited stock of words i.e. vocabulary. Vocabulary building is a continuous process. To enrich your vocabulary, you must learn –

homonyms or pair of words that are similar in sound but different in spelling and meaning
synonyms which are words having, nearly the same meaning
antonyms or words having opposite meaning
single word substitutes for group of words
idioms and phrases.

In order to build vocabulary, one must have at least one good general purpose dictionary of modern English and one special purpose dictionary. Names of some of the most popular dictionaries are given below:

The Random House Dictionary of the English Language (College Edition)
Collins Cobuild English Language Dictionary (Full Text Edition)
Oxford Advanced Learners’ Dictionary of Current English
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
A Business Dictionary (Oxford University Press)
Webster’s Collegiate English Dictionary
Roget’s Thesaurus : A Dictionary of Synonyms and Antonyms.

A systematic and step-by-step approach needs to be adopted to build and expand our vocabulary. The main steps in this approach are as follows

Learn Derivatives:
Whenever you consult a dictionary to know the meaning of a new word, you must learn the derivatives or new words that arise from the original or ‘root’/word. For example, look at the following roots and their derivatives:

Root	Derivatives
able	ability
absent	absence
access	accessary, accessorial, accessory
acclaim	acclamation, acclimatization
account	accountancy, accountant
advice	advise, adviser, advisory
agree	agreed, agreeable, agreement
ambit	ambition, ambivalance
analyse	analysis, analyst
article	articular, articulate, articulation
assemble	assembly, assemblage
bail	bailey, bailiff
bank	banker, banking, bankrupt
broker	brokerage, broking
budget	budgetary, budgeting
casual	casualty
centre	centralize, centralization
decent	decentralization
effuse	effusion, effusive
fabric	fabricate, fabrication, fabricator
globe	global, globalization
habit	habitable, habitant, habitat, habitual
jug	juggery, jaguar
keep	keeper, keeping, keep sake
lace	lacerate, laceration
manage	management, manager, managerial
nebula	nebular, nebulize, nebulous
part	partition, partner
race	racial, racism
sabot	sabotage, saboteur
tab	tabard, tabaret, tabby

Build Vocabulary With Prefixes And Suffixes:
Word Formation:
Word formation is the process of forming new words English words are formed from morphemes which are the smallest unit of speech. These may have a meaning or grammatical function. Morphemes are of two kinds – roots and affixes prefixes and suffixes. Root is that part of a word which has no affixes. The distinction between root and affixes is shown in
the following table:

Prefix	Root	Suffix
Dis	grace	ful
Un	bear	able
Un	digest	able

The process of adding an affix to the root word in order to modify its meaning or to create a new word is called affixation.

A prefix means a syllable put before a word to qualify its meaning. On the contrary, a suffix is a syllable which is put after a word to qualify its meaning. Prefixes and suffixes in modern English are innumerable. But most of them are derived from old English, Latin and Greek. One can improve one’s vocabulary considerably by learning proper use of prefixes and suffixes. These also help us in learning spelling.
1. Prefixes : Prefixes are of three types :
(a) Number Prefixes : These denote numbers

uni (one) : uniform, unilateral, unison
mono (one) : monopoly, monogamy, monologic
bi (two) : bicycle, bilingual, bigamy
ambi (on both sides) : ambiguous, ambivalent
tri (three) : tricycle, triangle, trinity
quad (four) : quadruped, quadrilateral, quadrangle
multi (many) multimillionaire : multiple, multifarious
cent (hundred) : centigrade, centenary, century
poly (many) : polygamy, polyglot, polytechnic

(b) Negative Prefixes: When added to a word, the word. The negative prefixes include a, Observe the following pairs of the words :
a (amoral, anarchy, apathy, atheist) de (decade, decode, decline, deform)
dis:

agree – disagree
advantage – disadvantage
affirm – disaffirm
appear – disappear
approve – disapprove
assemble – disassemble
burden – disburden
charge – discharge
close – disclose
concert – disconcert
content – discontent
courtesy – discourtesy
embark – disembark
favour – disfavour
grace – disgrace
infect – disinfect
like – dislike
mantle – dismantle
organize – disorganize
arms – disarms
ability – disability
allow – disallow
arrange – disarrange
assimilation – disassimilation
belief – disbelief
claim – disclaim
comfort – discomfort
connect – disconnect
courage – discourage
cover – discover
engage – disengage
figure – disfigure
honest – dishonest
illusion – disillusion
joint – disjoint
locate – dislocate
order – disorder
place – displace
please – displease
respect – disrespect
service – disservice
sociable – dissociable
taste – distaste
tend – distend

il:

advised – iladvised
legal – illegal
anti (against): – antidote, antiseptic, antisocial
legible – illegible
literate – illiterate
logical – illogical

im:

balance – imbalance
maculate – immaculate
material – immaterial
mobile – immobile
moral – immoral
movable – immovable
partial – impartial
patience – impatience
permanent – impermanent
pure – impure
proper in – improper

in:

active – inactive
ability – inability
attention – inattention
active – inactive
born – inborn
breeding – inbreeding
capable – incapable
capacity – incapacity
definite – indefinite
different – indifferent
decent – indecent
efficiency – inefficiency
elastic – inelastic
equality – inequality
famous – infamous
flexible – inflexible
glorious – inglorious
hale – inhale
human – inhuman
imitable inimitable
judicious – injudicious
variable – invariable
organic – inorganic
road – inroad
sane – insane
secure – insecure
tangible – intangible
valid – invalid
valuable – invaluable

ir:

rational – irrational
recoverable – irrecoverable
redeemable – irredeemable
regular – irregular

mis:

adventure – misadventure
behaviour – misbehaviour
calculate – miscalculate
direct – misdirect
fire – misfire
fortune – misfortune
guide – misguide
lead – mislead
manage – mismanage
spell – misspell
use – misuse
understand – misunderstand
place – misplace
trust – mistrust
take – mistake
spell – misplace
understand – misunderstand

non:

cooperation – non-cooperation
sense – nonsense
vegetarian – non-vegetarian
violence – nonviolence

un:

acceptable – unacceptable
balance – unbalance
certain – uncertain
decided – undecided
educated – uneducated
faithful – unfaithful
graceful – ungraceful
harmed – unharmed
impressive – unimpressive
kind – unkind
lawful – unlawful
married – unmarried
natural – unnatural
planned – unplanned
read – unread
seen – unseen
taught – untaught
well – unwell
wise – unwise
yielding – unyielding
happy – unhappy
fair – unfair
do – undo
load – unload
lock – unlock
true – untrue
be (around) – Bedeck, befriend, behead
em (to cover) – embalance, embody, empower
en (cause) – enable, endanger, enrich

bi (two) : bicycle, bilateral, bilingual
di (two) : dichotomy, diameter, dipole
tri (three) : triangle, tricycle, tripartite
mono (one) : monoacting, monopoly, monosyllable
uni (one) : uniform, unilateral, universe
multi (many) : multiple, multilingual, multinational
poly (many) : polygamy, polygon, polysyllable
ante (before) : antecedent, antedate, antenupital
ante (against) : anteroom, anteversion, antefix
auto (self) : autobiography, automation, autosuggestion
bene (good) : benefit, benevolent, benign
bio (life) : biochemistry, biography, biology
chron (time) : chronicle, chronological, chronometer
circum (around) : circumsference, circumlocution, circumscribe
co (together) : coalition, coexist, coincide, coincidence
contra (against) : contradict, contrary, contrast
counter (against) : counteract, counterfeit, counterpoint, countersign
en (make) : enrich, ensure, entangle
ex (former) : ex-wife, ex-chairman, ex-president
geo (earth) : geocentric, geology, geometry
hydro (water) : hvdropathy, hydrophobîa, hydrotropic
hyper (above) : hyperactive, hyperbolic, hvperrnarket hypertension
hypo (under) : hvpoc risy, hypomania, hypothesis
inter (between) : intermediate, intermix, international
magni (great) : magnificent, magnify, magnitude
mal (bad) : maladministration, maldistribution, malnutrition
ah (away) : abnormal, abstract, abount’
arch (chief) : archbishop, archduke
extra (outside) : extraordinary, extra curricular
mini (lesser) : minicab, minibus, miniskirt
micro (small) : micrometer, microphone, microscope, microwave
phys (of the body) : physical, physiotherapy, physique
pre (before) : preface, preliminary, premature, prepare
pro (for) : proclaim, profess, pronoun, promotion
pseudo (sham) : pseudograph, pseudonym, pseudoscope
psyche (of the mind) : psychology, psychic, psychiatrist
quasi (almost) : quasi-judicial, quasi-official, quasi-religious
retro (back) : retroact, retrogress, retrospect
out (surpass) : outdo, outgrow, outshine
over (too much) sur : overdo, over crowd, over flow, over confident
(over and above) : surcharge, surpass, surtax
under (too little) : undercook, under-estimate, undersell, underprivileged
ultra (beyond) : ultra modern, ultra violet
semi (half) : semi-circle, semi-colon, semi-final
sub (under) : submarine, substandard, subway, subhuman
super (above) : superfine, superior, supernatural
tele (at a distance) : telephone, telescope, television
trans (across) : transform, transnational, transverse

2. Suffixes

al (action) : cultural, dismissal, natural, legal, national, refusal
age (result) : drainage
an (person) : American, Asian, Indian
ar (action) : familiar, regular, singular
ant : disinfectant, inhabitant
ary (belonging to) : customary, honorary, necessary
ate : accurate, fortunate obstinate
action : exploration, organisation
er : binder, glimmer, stationer, teenager, driver
eer : engineer, profiter, volunteer
ess (female) : actress, lioness, waitress
dom (condition) : kingdom, stardom
ery : gentry, machinery, slavery
ent : dependent, different
re (again, back) : recall, reclaim, rewrite, reunion
fore (before) : forearm, forecast, foretell
post (after) : postgraduate, postscript, post-war
cide (kill) : germicide, insecticide, suicide
en (make) : blacken, weaken, whiten, gladden, sudden
fill (made of) : beautiful, careful, useful
gamy (marriage) : biogamy, monogamy, polygamy
graph (written) : autograph, photograph, telegraph
logy (study of) : astrology, biology, psychology, zoology
mania (extremes) : bibliomania, kleptomania, megatomania
phobia (dread of) : agoraphobia, claustrophobia, hydrophobia
phone (sound) : gramophone, microphone, telephone
scope (examine) : microscope, periscope, telescope.

Pairs or Groups of Words:
There are several pairs or groups of words that are similar in sound but are different in spelling and meaning. These are called homonyms. Right words have a positive effect while ill-chosen words cause friction. Many pairs of words that sound somewhat similar, their meanings and sentences are given below:
1. Able (having the skill or power): A rich person having enough money is able to help the poor.
Capable (having the ability or power): Mohan is capable of working for twelve hours a day.

2. Abandon (to leave completely): He is so poor that he abandoned his wife and children.
Abundance (plentiful): There is abundance of foreign exchange reserves in India now.

3. Access (right of entering): Students in my college have easy access to the library.
Excess (more than reasonable): Excess of everything is bad.

4. Accident (mishap): Madhu met with a serious accident.
Incident (event): The guest narrated an interesting incident.

5. Adapt (becoming suitable): Renu has adapted herself to the American culture.
Adept (expert): Sohan is adept in surfing the internet.
Adopt (to make one’s own or to approve): The pay commission adopted her suggestions.
The childless couple adopted a child from me orphanage.

6. Advice (noun): Anyone can offer advice.
Advise (verb): The teacher advised the students to work hard.

7. Affect (influence): Junk food affected his health.
Effect (result): The principal effected several changes in the college.

8. Allude (making an indirect reference): The witness did not name Deepak but he was clearly alluding to Deepak.
Elude (to escape): The rabbit eluded the hunter. The name of this place eludes my memory.

9. Alternate (turn by turn): Rekha visits the temple alternate day.
Alternative (a choice between two or more courses) 47: He had the alternative of accepting transfer or lose the job.

10. Appraise (to judge the worth) : The customer appraised the diamond carefully before she bought it.
Apprise (to inform): The Principal apprised of the leakage of question paper.

11. Artist (a practitioner of fine art): Bismillah Khan was a great artist.
Artiste (a professional performer) Amir Khan is a cine artiste.
Artisans (skilled workmen): Indian artisans make a large number of useful products.

12. Artistic (beautiful): The stonework of Akshardham Temple is very artistic.
Artificial (man made): Dal Lake in Srinagar is not artificial.
Artful (clever): Artful politicians often win elections.

13. Artifice (deception): Roshan got a foreign posting by artifice.
Artistry (artistic skill): Everybody cannot appreciate the artistry of Hawa Mahal in Jaipur.

14. Averse (oppose) : Civilised persons are averse to dirty jokes.
Adverse (going against): The Director of Marketing is adverse to flattery.

15. Bail (money deposited in the court to free a prisoner) : The thief was granted bail.
Bale (a mass of goods): One hundred bales of jute were loaded in the truck.

16. Bare (uncovered): The beggar’s feet were bare.
Bear (endure): Who will bear this loss?

17. Beneficial (useful): Morning walk is beneficial to health.
Beneficent (Kind hearted): Beneficent people helped the victims of flood.

18. Berth (bed): Senior citizens use given lower berths in railway compartments.
Birth (coming into life): The birth of a child made the couple happy.

19. Beside (next to) : The Lord Jagannath Temple at Puri is situated beside the sea.
Besides (in addition to): Besides Mr. Kamath five others attended the meeting of the Board of Directors.

20. Casual (not permanent): Ten casual workers are employed in this company.
Causal (connection) : There is some causal relationship between purchasing power and demand.

21. Check (verify): The auditor checked the books of account.
Cheque (a negotiable instrument): My father gave me a blank cheque.

22. Cite (quote): The lawyer cited an example in support of his argument.
Site (Place): This is the site for our new factory.
Sight (view): Kashmir is a beautiful sight.

23. Collaborate (to work together) : India and Russia collaborated in launching this missile.
Corroborate (to support): The person who was present at the site corroborated the statement of the police.

24. Confident (showing confidence) : The team is confident of winning the match.
Confidant (a person to whom one tells one’s secrets) : Our English teacher is the confidant of the Principal.

25. Decease (dead): People prayed for the soul of their deceased leader.
Disease (illness): Cancer is a terrible disease.

26. Dependent (that depends on): Health is dependent on right food, regular exercise and positive thinking.
Dependant (one who depends on others) : This head of the family has a large number of dependants.

27. Device (noun): E W. Taylor invented a new device to save labour.
Devise (verb): The chairman devised a new plan to boost sales.

28. Economic (relating to earning money): India is now in an excellent economic condition.
Economical (not wasteful): Sea travel is more economical than by air travel.

29. Elicit (draw out): She wrote a polite letter to elicit a reply.
Illicit (unlawful): That are illicit distilleries in this town.

30. Emigrant (one who leaves his country to live in another) : Tom Alter a cine artist is an emigrant from Great Britain.
Immigrant (one who comes to live in a foreign country): There are a large number of Indian immigrants in USA.

31. Ensure (to make certain): Ram worked hard to ensure success in the examination.
Insure (to protect against loss) : I have insured my house against fire.
Assure (to promise): The doctors assured the patient of best treatment.

32. Equal (the same): Under the Constitution of India women are entitled to equal pay for equal work.
Equitable (just and fair) : Management should handle the workers in an equitable manner.

33. Exhausting (tiring): Hockey is an exhausting game.
Exhaustive (to consider all aspects) : The researcher has made an exhaustive study of the problem.

34. Expedient (useful): The management thought it expedient to consult the workers’ representatives before deciding the new promotion policy of the company.
Expeditious (quick) : The ambulance carried the patient to the hospital expeditiously.

35. Final (last): The final match of the series was played on Saturday.
Finale (last section of a show): The finale of the awards ceremony was spectacular with all the awardees presenting a dance.

36. Gate (main door): The gates of the Ram Lala in Ayodhya remained closed for a long time.
Gait (walking style) : The models walking on the ramp had a charming gait.

37. Historic (memorable) : Pandit Nehru delivered a historic speech on the night of August 14, 1947.
Historical (relating to history): Taj Mahal at Agra is one of the historical buildings in India.

38. Human (mankind): It is human to err.
Humane (benevolent): India accorded a humane treatment to the prisoners of war

39. Illicit (against a law): Police is investigating illicit trading in drugs.
Illegal (against the law): It is illegal to drive without a valid driving license.
Illegitimate (disallowed by the rules): A child born to an unmarried mother is called illegitimate.

40. Industrial (concerning industry): Surat is an industrial city in Gujarat.
Industrious (hard working): Industrious persons are likely to succeed in life.

41. Interrupt (to interfere): The teacher asked the students not to interrupt the lecture.
Intervene (to stop something undesirable): The war between the two countries came to an end after the intervention of the United Nations.

42. Judicial (concerning law): Courts deal with judicial matters.
Judicious (wise): People who make judicious decisions need not repent.

43. Lose (deprived of): You never lose by playing
Loose (not fitting closely): Sadhus wear loose clothes.

44. Momentary (one that lasts for a very short period): The power failure today was momentary.
Momentous (very important): The Platinum Jubilee of our college was indeed a momentous occasion.

45. Negligent (careless): Students who are negligent in studies often fail in examinations.
Negligible (very little): There has been negligible rise in the company’s sales.

46. Observance (following law or customs): Observance of traffic rules helps to minimise accidents on the road.
Observation (noticing): Scientists generally have strong observation.

47. Official (concerning the office): These are the official documents of our company.
Officious (too eager to tell people about rules): The new branch manager became unpopular because he is so officious.

48. Persecute (to treat in a cruel manner): Asians fled from Uganda at the time of persecution by Idi Amin.
Prosecute (to file criminal charges): Harshad Mehta was prosecuted for stock market scam.
Personal (concerning a person): I never like interference in my personal matters.
Personnel (the people employed in an organisation): The personnel in Infosys Technologies are hardworking and intelligent.

49. Plain (frank) : Plain and blunt people are not popular.
Plane (level): Hills do not have plane surface.

50. Practice (used as a noun): Practice makes a person perfect
Practise (used as a verb): Sohan practises law in Mumbai.

51. Refuge (shelter): The poor man sought refuse in our home
Refuse (not accept): The officer refused to grant his request.
Refuse (dirt): This colony is littered with refuse.

52. Rout (complete defeat): Indian army routed the Pakistani army in 1971 war.
Route (the path): The route to Ladakh is difficult.
Root (core): The root of this tree is very deep.

53. Site (piece of ground): The Delhi Development Authority auctioned several sites for malls in Delhi.
Sight (seen): Her eyesight is weak.
Cite (quote): Can you cite some examples in support of your argument.

54. Social (relating to society): Mahatma Gandhi fought against the social evil of untouchability.
Sociable (liking for people): People who are sociable have several friends.

55. Stationary (standing still): The truck hit his stationary car.
Stationery (paper, pen, etc.): The students bought stationery

56. Superficial (not deep): Superficial knowledge of science cannot make you a good scientist.
Superfluous (more than necessary): A good report should not contain superfluous words.

57. Wait (to stay till some one/something comes): I will wait for the arrival of the train.
Await (to wait for): Students are awaiting for the results of the Board Examination.

58. Veracity (truthfulness): The policy vouched for the veracity of the witness Statement.
Voracity (unlimited hunger for something): The farmer’s voracity for money prompted him to kill the goose who laid golden eggs.

Synonyms And Antonyms:
Homonym refer to a word that has the same sound and spelling as another, but is different in meaning and origin. Examples: gait-gate; heard-herd.

Synonyms (words that have nearly the same meaning):
A:

Aback : Confused, Surprised
Abandon : Forsake, Desert, Leave
Ability : Competency, Capacity, Skill
Abnormal : Peculiar, Unusual, Unnatural
Abridge : Condense, Curtail, Lessen, shorten
Absolute : Complete, Unrestricted, Unconditional
Absurd : Funny, Ridiculous, Silly
Absorb : Engulf, Assimilate
Abundant : Ample, Plentiful
Achieve : Accomplish, Gain
Accumulate : Amass, Collect, Store
Adept : Clever, Proficient, Skilled
Adequate : Enough, Sufficient
Admiration : Praise, Respect
Advance : Rise, Promote, Improve ,
Affliction : Distress, Sorrow, Suffering
Aggravate : Heighten, Intensify
Alarm Alien : Bell, Fear, Excite
Amiable : Charming, Friendly
Alliance : Friendship, Treaty
Annex : Attach, Appendix
Announce : Proclaim, Say
Answer : Reply, Solution
Appetite : Hunger, Relish
Apprehend : Fear, Dread
Assistance : Help, Support
Attack : Assault Assail
Audacious : Bold, Defiant, Daring
Authentic : Reliable, True
Awkward : Clumsy, Inopportune

Babble : Inarticulate, Incoherent, Blab, Foolish
Backward : Reversed, Retailed
Bad : Inferior, Unfit, Defective
Baffle : Hinder, Perplex
Bald : Bare, Hairless, Plain
Bar : Rod, Barrier, Obstruct
Base : Bottom, Foundation
Beam : Rafter, Radiate
Blame : Accuse, censure
Border : Edge, Limit, Debenture
Break . : Interrupt, Shatter
Brisk : Bright, Quick, Lively
Brutal : Cruel, Inhuman, Savage
Bulk : Mass, Volume, Pile

Call : Invite, Announce, Summon
Callous : Cruel, Hard, Insensitive
Calm : Quiet, Tranquil, Poised
Calon : Quiet, Poised, Tranquil
Cancel : Annul, Crossout, Neutralise
Candid : Frank, Sincere
Canny : Cautious, Thrifty, Shrewd
Category : Class, Kind
Chafe : Friction, Irritate
Civil : Courteous, Polite
Cogent : Clean, Powerful, Relevant
Cold : Frigid, Indifferent
Command : Order, Sway, Mastery
Common : General, Ordinary
Compassion : Pity, Sympathy
Compatible : Congruous, Consistent
Concise : Brief, Succinct, Short
Condemn : Blame, Censure
Condense : Compress, Thicken
Conversant : Familiar
Confirm : Ratify, Strengthen
Cordial : Friendly, Hearty, Warm
Corrupt : Debarred, Deprived, Tainted
Crafty : Cunning, Foxy, Sly
Criterion : Rule, Standard
Crucial : Critical, Decisive
Curb : Check, Harness
Cut : Diminish, Trim

Dainty : Fastidious, Refined
Damage : Harm, Injury, Loss
Dash : CoLlision, Rush, Run
Deal : Bargain, Agreement
Deficient : Inadequate, Insufficient, Lackii
Denial : Refusal, Repudiation
Denounce : Accuse, Censure, Condemn
Depress : Sudden, Weaken
Desolate : Lonely, Wretched
Deteriorate : Decline, Degenerate, Worsen
Devious : Crooked, Wrong
Dexterity : Adroitness, Deftness, Skill
Diffident : Hesitant, Sly, Timid
Diligent : Industrious, Persevering
Discharge : Dismiss, Remove, Free
Disgrace : Dishonour, Notoriety, Shame
Distinct : Different, Unique
Draw : Attract, Elicit, Stretch
Duplicate Twofold, Doubled, Copy

Eccentric : Irregular, whimsical
Economical : Frugal, Thrifty
Elastic : Adaptable, Flexible, Supple, Springy
Elegant : Nice, Refined, Tasteful
Emancipate : Liberate, Free
Eradicate : Destroy, Remove, Uproot
Essential : Necessary, Requisite
Exceptional : Rare, Unusual, Extraordinary
Extravagant : Prodigal, Spendthrift, Wasteful
Extraordinary : Astonishing, Remarkable, Uncommon
Exquisite : Fine, Elegant

Fabricate : Construct, Devise, Forge
Faith : Confidence, Trust
Fallacious : Deceptive, False
False : Fake, Spurious, Untrue
Famous : Known, Popular
Fictitious : False, Untrue, Imagined
Flaw : Defect, Fault
Follow : Imitate, Pursue, Obey
Fraud : Deceit, Trickery
Furry : Anger, Rage
Futile : Useless, Trifling

Gain : Increase, Profit
Gaiety : Happy, Joyful, Mirth
Gallant : Courageous, Stately
General : Common, Usual
Gigantic : Colossal, Great, Huge
Goal : Aim, Objective, Purpose
Grievous : Distressing, Painful, Sorrowful
Gulf : Abyss, Pit, Gap
Gratification : Satisfaction, enjoyment

Habitual : Customary, Usual
Hamper : Hinder, Impede
Handsome : Charming, Beautiful
Hazardous : Dangerous, Perilous, Risky
Hollow : Empty, False, Worthless
Humble : Modest, Polite
Humane : Kind, Benevolent
Humility : Modest, Politeness

Idea : Notion, Opinion
Idle : Unemployed, Unused, Lazy
Illicit : Forbidden, Improper, Unauthorised
Imitation : Resembling, Copy
Immaterial : Negligible, Unimportant
Inadvertent : Careless, Negligent
Incompetent : Incapable, Unfit
Independent : Free, Seifreliant
Indignant : Angry
Inexorable : Merciless, Relentless
Ingenious : Artless, Candid, Sincere
Insidious : Cunning, Treacherous
Irresolute : Undecided, Vacillating, Wavering

Jest : Taunt, Witticism
Joy : Delight, Happiness
Jubilant : Cheerful, Joyful
Judicious : Discreet, Prudent, wise
Jumble : Medley, Muddle, Flounder

Keen : Eager, Pungent
Knock : Rap, Thumping

Laborious : Assiduous, Industrious
Least : Minimum, Lowest
Liberal : Generous, Plentiful
Lone : Alone, Isolated
Loyal : Devoted, Faithful
Luster : Brilliance, Gloss

Malice : Spite, Iliwill
Magnificent : Grand, Splendid
Malign : Hate, Pathol
Marvellous : Astonishing, Wonderful
Miraculous : Marvellous, Wonderful
Mockery : Contempt, Ridicule
Morbid : Diseased, Gloomy, Unhealthy
Murmur : Grumble, Mumble
Meagre : Small, Scanty

Nasty : Filthy, Unpleasant
Nervous : Agitated, Apprehensive
Nimble : Agile, Witted, Alert
Normal : Common, Usual, General
Numerous : Many, Several
Notable : Remarkable, Memorable
Negligent : Careless, Heedless

Opportune : Timely, Convenient
Objective : Aim, Purpose
Obliterate : Cancel, Destroy, Efface
Obsolete : Antiquated, Outdated
Observe : See, Notice
Onerous : Burdensome, Oppressive
Opposite : Contrary, Opposite
Ordain : Decree, Command, Enact
Obtuse : Dull, Stupid

Plentiful : Abundant
Pant : Puff, Throb
Particular : Careful, Fastidious
Partition : Division, Separation
Pathetic : Miserable, Touching
Peculiar : Special, Unique
Pick : Choose, Select
Poke : Jab, Push, Meddle
Popular : Famous, Known
Portray : Depict, Draw, Sketch
Precarious : Doubtful, Uncertain
Pretence : Excuse, Pretext, Show
Prime : Fundamental, Main
Prodigal : Generous, Profuse
Purpose : Aim, Objective
Persuade : Induce, urge

Quaver : Tremble, Trill
Questionable : Doubtful, Disputable

Radiant : Bright, Shinning
Reason : Cause, Logic, Argument
Rebellion : Mutiny, Revolt
Recede : Diminish, Lessen
Reciprocal : Opposite, Reverse
Remorse : Regret, Repentance
Renown : Fame, Reputation
Resistance : Hindrance, Opposition
Refined : Elegant, Cultivated
Reiterate : Repeat
Relevant : Pertinent
Reticence : Reservation, Silence
Riddle : Enigma. Screen
Rigid : Inflexible, unyielding
Rip : Cut,Tear
Rogue : Mischievous, Fraudulent
Rudiment : Elementary, Vestigial
Ruin : Destruction, Dilapidation
Repudiate : Reject, Discard

Sane : Sensible
Sacred : Holy, Venerable
Safe : Reliable, Secure
Scanty : Meagre, Slender
Secret : Hidden, Mystery
Sensual : Hedonism, Lustful
Shrewd : Acute, Canny, Wily
Sick : Ill, Diseased unwell
Slender : Scanty, Slight
Sonorous : Melodious, Resonant, Rhetorical
Sordid : Filthy, Disgusting, Base, Ugly
Special : Distinctive, Particular, Unique
Specimen : Sample, Model
Splendid : Grand, Magnificent, Brilliant
Spurious : Fake, Imaginary, Copied
Sterile : Barren, Unproductive
Stubborn : Inflexible, Obstinate, Rigid
Sublime : Exalted, Elevated, Grandiose
Submission : Obedience, Surrender
Superficial : Cursory, Shallow
Sure : Confident, Reliable, Unfailing
Scandal : Infamy, Slander

Temperate Moderate
Tack Nail, Stitch
Tedious Boring. Uninteresting, Wearisome
Thoughtful : Contemplative, Pensive
Thrifty : Economical, Frugal
Thrive : Flourish, Prosper
Tickle : Amuse, Please, Tingle
Top : Peak, Summit
Transient : Passing, Temporary
Tug : Drag, Pull
Tentative : Experimental

Ugly : Repulsive, Unpleasant
Unique : Excellent, Unparalleled
Urge : Drive, Impel, Desire
Useful : Beneficial, Helpful
Urbane : Polite, Courteous

Vagrant : Wanderer, Wayward
Various : Many, Several
Vent : Flue, Outlet
Vigilant : Alert, Watchful
Voracious : Greedy, Hungry
Vulgar : Coarse, Crude

Want : Desire, Need
Weary : Exhausted, Tired
Wealthy : Rich, Well-to-do
Whole : Aggregate, Total
Wise : Discreet, Intelligent
Wonky : Tottery, Unsteady
Wretched : Miserable, Unfortunate
Wholesome : Healthy, Sound

Yearn : Crave, Desire
Yell : Howl, Scream
Yield : Surrender

Zeal : Passion, Lust
Zenith : Peak, Top
Zest : Enthusiasm, Passion

Antonyms (Words having opposite meaning):
A:

Adopt : Discard, Reject
Affluence : Poverty
After : Before
Agree : Disagree
Alike : Dissimilar
Ample : Shortage, Inadequate
Analysis : Synthesis
Ancient : Modern
Appreciate : Depreciate
Arrival : Departure
Arrogant : Humble
Artificial : Genuine, Natural
Assent : Dissent
Attach : Detach
Awkward : Graceful
Authentic : Fake, Spurious
Awful : Unimpressive
Arrival : Department

Bliss : Misery
Babble : Articulate, Coherent
Back : Front
Beautiful : Ugly
Big : Small
Borrow : Lend
Boom : Depression
Brave : Coward
Bull : Bear
Busy : Idle
Belief : Disbelief

Case : Neglect
Calm : Agitated
Candid : Partial, Biased
Cautious : Rash, Reckless
Censure : Applaud, Praise
Certain : Uncertain
Cheerful : Depressed, Gloomy
Clean : Dirty
Coarse : Fine, Soft
Callous : Soft, Tender
Create : Destroy
Compare : Contrast
Comfort : Discomfort
Competent : Incompetent
Conceal : Expose, Reveal
Condense : Expand, Lengthen
Confidence : Diffidence, Doubt
Continue : Break, Discontinue
Credit : Debit, Discredit
Crude : Refined, Soft
Curtail : Enlarge, Expand
Condense : Expand

Delay : Haste
Daft : Clever
Damp : Dry
Definite : Indefinite, Vague
Delicate : Hard
Denial : Acceptance
Destroy : Create
Dexterity : Inefficiency
Diligence : Laziness
Discourage : Encourage
Disorder : Order
Dodge : Face
Dull : Bright
Distant : Near
Dcspair : Hope

Early : Late
Easy : Difficult
Economical : Extravagant, Uneconomical
Eligible : Ineligible
Enmity : Friendship
Equality : Inequality
Entrance : Exit
Exact : Inexact
Explicit : Implicit
Extensive : Intensive
External : Internal
Exterior : Interior
Extraordinary : Ordinary

Faith : Doubt
Fact : Fiction
Failure : Success
Fake : Genuine
Famous : Notorious
Few : Many
Flexible : Rigid
Follow : Lead
Folly : Wisdom
Foolish : Wise
Foreign : Native
Fundamental : Elementary
Fickle : Constant

Gaiety : Mourning, Sorrow
Gain : Loss
Gallant : Coward
General : Particular
Genuine : Fake
Give : Take
Good : Bad
Growth : Decline
Guide : Misguide

Haggard : Stout
Half : Full
Haughty : Humble
Heavy : Light
High : Low
Hope : Despair
Host : Guest
Huge : Small
Humility : Arrogance
Homogeneous : Heterogeneous
Honour : Dishoriour
Humble : Proud

Idle : Busy
Illegal : Legal
Impel : Dispel
Implicit : Explicit
Imperative : Optional
Include : Exclude
Interesting : Boring
Irreversible : Reversible

Jittery : Confident
Joint : Separate
Justice : Injustice

Kind : Cruel
Known : Unknown

Lack : Plenty
Lagging : Leading
Languid : Energetic, Vigorous
Least : Maximum
Loose : Tight
Liberty : Slavery
Loss : Profit
Legible : Illegible
Luxury : Necessity
Legal : Illegal
Loyal : Treacherous

Main : Subsidiary
Major : Minor
Malign : Praise
Meagre : Plentiful
Merit : Demerit
Miserly : Generous
Mortal : Immortal
Monopoly : Competition
Morbid : Healthy
Multiply : Divide
Malice : Goodwill

Naked : Covered
Natural : Artificial
Negative : Positive
Noble : Ignoble
Nothing : Something
Notorious : Reputed
Numerous : Few

Oblivion : Regard
Observe : Ignore
Offensive : Defensive
Optional : Compulsory
Oral : Written
Outward : Inward

Partial : Impartial
Particular : General
Permanent : Temporary
Persuade : Dissuade
Physical : Mental
Plural : Singular
Plenty : Scarcity
Polite : Impolite
Practical : Impractical
Praise : Condemn
Precious : Cheap
Premium : Discount
Pride : Humility
Public : Private
Pure : Impure

Quack : Expert
Qualify : Disqualify

Raise : Lower
Rampant : Checked
Religious : Secular
Rear : Front
Rare : Ordinary
Rash : Cautious, Steady
Remote : Near
Repulsive : Attractive
Risky : Safe
Rogue : Gentleman
Rude : Courteous
Relevant : Irrelevant

Scanty : Plentiful
Sad : Happy
Safety : Danger
Savage : Civilised
Scarcity : Plenty
Secondary : Primary
Sober : Excited
Sophisticated : Naive
Sharp : Blunt
Separate : Joint
Sick : Healthy
Solid : Liquid
Stationary : Moving
Superior : Inferior
Surplus : Deficit
Synonym : Antonym
Secret : Open

Tall : Short
Tedious : Simple
Tender : Hard, Strong
Theory : Practice
Thirsty : Extravagant
Thrive : Decline
Timid : Bold
Tight : Loose
Together : Alone
Transient : Durable, Lasting
Transparency : Opaqueness
Turmoil : Peace
Tolerance : Intolerance

Ubiquitous : Nonubiquitous
Uncertain : Certain
Uniform : Variable
Urban : Rural
Use : Abuse

Vacant : Occupied
Vertical : Horizontal
Vigilant . : Careless
Violent : Nonviolent
Virtue : Voice
Volatile : Calm
Vulgar : Civiised
Visible : Invisible

Walk : Sit
Weak : Strong
Wearisome : Refreshing
Wife : Husband
Worthy : Unworthy
Wrong : Right
Want : Abundance

Yes : No
Yield : Resist
Young : Old

Zest : Laziness
Zenith : Nadir
Zeal : Indifference

One Word Substitutes:

- Abbreviation : A shortened form of a word or phrase
- Accelerate : To increase the speed or to hasten the progress
- Actuary : One who calculates insurance premium
- Alien : A person residing in a country of which he is not a citizen
- Amateur : One who pursues some art or sport as a hobby
- Ambassador : A diplomat sent by one country to another
- Ambiguous : A statement that can be interpreted in more than one way
- Ambivalent : One having opposite feelings
- Amnesty : General pardon
- Anarchy : Absence of government
- Answerable : A person accountable for his action
- Annual : Happening every year
- Anonymous : That does not bear the name of the writer
- Archives : The place where public records are kept
- Antiseptic : That which counters infection
- Aquatic : Living in water
- Atheist : One who does not believe in God
- Auditor : The person who makes an official verification of accounts
- Audience : An assembly of hearers
- Autobiography : The Lifestory of a person written by himself.
- Autograph : Signature of an important person in his own handwriting
- Bankrupt : One who cannot pay off his debt
- Biography : The life history of a person written by someone else
- Biology : The science which involves study of living beings
- Bigot : One having narrow and biased religious views
- Botany : The science of vegetable life
- Barometer : An instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure
- Blonde : A beautiful lady of fair complexion and golden hair.
- Brittle : Prone to be easily broken
- Bourgeois : A member of the middle class
- Bureaucracy : Government by the officials
- Cantonment : Temporary quarters made for military men
- Catalogue : A list containing names, authors and prices of books
- Century : One hundred years
- Collaborator : One who attempts some task jointly with others
- Colleagues : People working together in the same organisation.
- Combustible : liable to catch fire easily.
- Contagious : A disease communicable by contact
- Congenial : Pertaining to a person by birth
- Contemporary : People Living in the same age
- Credulous : One who believes easily whatever is told
- Cosmopolitan : One who can make himself at home in all countries
- Deadletter : A letter claimed by no body
- Democracy : Government by the people
- Delegation : The process of giving authority to another
- Depreciation : Decrease in the value of an asset
- Dictionary : A book containing words and their meanings
- Drawngame : A game is which neither party wins
- Ecology : Studs of environment
- Edible : A thing that is fit to be eaten
- Egoist : A person who always thinks of himself
- Eligible : One who is fit to be elected
- Elucidate : To explain something difficult
- Embezzlement : Misappropriation of money
- Emphaslse : To say stress on
- Equilibrium : A state of perfect balance
- Eradicate : To root out a disease or evil
- Explicit : An absolutely clear statement
- Extempore : A speech made without previous preparation
- Fanailc : A person having too much enthusiasm or his own religion
- Facsimile : An exact copy
- Fastidious : Hard to please
- Fatal : That which causes death

Fatalist : One who believes in fate
Fantastic : One who enjoys everything carelessly
Fiend : A most cruel and wicked person
Fingerpost : A guidepost pointing at the way for a place.
Germicide ; Substance that can destroy germs
Hades : Lower world beneath the earth.
Hearse : Vehicle for carrying dead body.
Holdall : A canvas bag to hold bedding, etc.
Honeymoon : The hi-st night of newly married couple
honorary : A post for which no salarw is paid
HospItable : One who entertains his guests
Hoyden : A very romping girl
Hydra : An imaginan scrpent with many heads
Hypnotism : A science of hypnosis by which artificial sleep can be induced on Others
Hoyden : A very romping girl
Hydra : An imaginan scrpent with many heads
Hypnotism : A science of hypnosis by which artificial sleep can be induced on Others
Hung : Assembly or Parliament in which no party has go clear majority
Illegible : That which cannot be read
Illicit : A trade that is prohibited by law
Illegal : Contrary to law
Illiterate : One who cannot read or write
Inapt : A comparison that is out of place
Incredible : One that cannot be believed
Impractical : A scheme that cannot be put into practice
Improbable : That which is not likely to happen
Inaudible : A sound that cannot be heard
Incomprehensible : A statement that cannot be understood
Incorrigible : One who cannot be corrected
Inexplicable : That which cannot be explained
Infallible : That which never lails
InImitable : That which cannot he imitated
InsatIable : That which cannot he satisfied
Insolvent : One who is unable to pay his debts
Invulnerable : That which cannot be hurt
Introspection : Looking into unes own thought
Invisible : That which cannot be seen
Irrelevant : Something which is not applicable
Irreparable : A damage or loss that cannot be repaired
lirevocable : That which cannot be altered or withdrawn
IrrItable : One who becomes angry very casik
Immovable : That which cannot be moved
Inaccessible : One which cannot be approached
Incurable : Thai which cannot be cured
Indelible : That which cannot be effaced
Indescribable : That which cannot be described
IndIspensable : That which cannot be dispensed with
Insoluble : That which cannot be dissolved
Inseparable : That which cannot be separated
Invincible : That which cannot be conquered
Insurmountable : That which cannot be overcome
Interstate : Dying without hating made a will
Jurisdiction : Thai area over which an official has control
Kidnap : To carry away a penon forcibly
Kindergarten : A school for young children
Libra : A place where books are kept for reading and referente
Linguist : One who knows many languages
Maiden : The first speech made by a person
Manuscript : Papers written by hand
Materialistic : A person for whom money or gain is the most important Consideration
Mercenary : A person working only lot money
Misanthrope : A hater of mankind
Monopoly : Exclusive possession of the trade in some commodity
Migratory : One who moves from one place to another
Matinee : A cinema show which is held in the afternoon
Manifesto : A written declaration of a political party
Manna : Foods offered to the Gods
Matrtmonial : Concerning marriage
Notorious : One with evil reputation
Numismatics : Science of coin.s, medals, etc.
Nurse : A lady who attends sick persons
Oasis : A shady fertile place in the desert
Obsolete : Something which is no longer in use
Omnipotent : One who is all powerful
Omnipresent : One who is present everywhere
Omniscient : One who knows everything
Opaque : A body through which light cannot pass.
Opportunist : One who makes good use at opportunities
Optimist : One who looks at the bright side of things
Orthodox : One who holds traditional beliefs
Orphan : A child whose parents are dead
Panacea : A remedy for all ilks
Pedestrian : One who walks on foot
Patent : Sole right to make and sell some invention
Patrimony : Property inherited from ones father
Pessimist : One who looks at the dark side of things
Parasite : One who lives on others
Perpetuate : To presen’e from extinction
Philanthropist : Lover of mankind
Pick-pocket : One who steals [rum the pockets of others
Popular : One whom people like
Postmortem : An examination of a dead body
Posthumous : A child born after the death of its father
Parables : Stories which build moral
Paramour : Illicit lover
Precedent : A previous case which serves as an example
Psephology : Systematic study of election trends
Quisling : One who collaborated with an enemy
Quorum : Minimum number of members required to be present for holding a meeting
Rape : Intercourse with a lady without her willingness
Right : Privilege enjoyed by citizens
Red-taplsm : Too much official formality
Remuneration : Money paid to someone for the work done
Reinstate : To put someone back in a job
Retrospection : Looking back on past time
Royalty : Money paid to a writer/inventor for the right to use his intellectual property
Sanatorium : A place for invalids and convalescents
Simultaneous : Taking place at the same time
Spokesperson : One who speaks for others
Shrew : A perish woman
Scholarship : Allowance given to intelligent/poor students
Temporary/transient : That which lasts for a short while
Transparent : Capable of being seen through
Teetotaler : One who totally abstains from alcoholic drinks
Tryst : A place for meeting of two lovers
Turncoat : A person who changes his party or principles easily
Unanimous : A decision/opinion on which all agree
Unavoidable : That which cannot be avoided
Unintelligible : That which cannot be understood
Unique : That has no equal
Universal : A rule that is applicable to all
Vegetarian : One who does not eat meat
Verbose : A style full of words
Versatile : One who possesses several talents
Veteran : A person who has long experience of any occupation
Voluntary : Of one’s own free will
Waterproof : Through which water cannot pass
Widow : A woman whose husband is dead
Widower : A man whose wife is dead
Zoo : A place where birds and animalsare kept.

Common Idioms:

To add fuel to the fire (To aggravate an agitation): His provocative speech added fuel to the fire.
To beat about the bush (Talking in a roundabout manner) : Do not beat about the bush, come to the point.
To beat black and blue (Beating mercilessly): The policeman beat the thief black and blue.
To blow one’s own trumpet (Praising oneself) : Ramu is a vain fellow as he always blows his own trumpet.
To break the ice (Start speaking) : When there was silence in the committee room, the chairman of the committee broke the ice.
To be a bone of contention (Become a subject of dispute): Kashmir has been a bone of contention between India and Pakistan.
To be above board (To be honest): The Board of Directors of Infosys Technology is above board.
To breathe one’s last (To die): Mahatma Gandhi breathed his last on January 30, 1948.
To break the news (To tell bad news): Sohan broke the news of his father’s death to his family.
To burn one’s fingers (To invite unexpected trouble) : Deepak burnt his fingers by indulging into horse racing and gambling.
To burn the candle at both ends (Wasting energy): Meena ruined her health by burning the candle at both ends.
To burn the midnight oil (Working late night): My students are burning the midnight oil to secure high marks in the examination.
To call a spade a spade (to speak the truth) : Those who call a spade a spade annoy somebody.
To carry the day (To win): The team that plays well in the tournament will carry the day.
To come of age (To mature): You will become a voter once you come of age.
To create bad blood (To create enmity): Disputes over division of family property often create bad blood among brothers.
To cut a sorry figure (To become afraid): Students who are not sincere in their studies have to cut a sorry figure in the examination.
To declare null and void (to announce invalid): The Court declared her election as Member of Parliament null and void
To die in harness (To die while working): Our former Prime Minister Lai Bahadur Shastri died in harness.
To eat humble pie (To face defeat): Prem always boasted of his learning but he had to eat humble pie in the debate.
To end in smoke (To fail): All the schemes of Kabir ended in smoke for want of money.
To err on the safe side (To choose a safe course of action that may be inaccurate): By investing his savings in bank deposits, Sohan had chosen to err on the safe side.
To be at the eleventh hour (At the last moment): We discovered at the eleventh hour that our passports were missing.
To be an eyewash (To deceive): The advertisements of fairness creams and lotions are very often an eyewash.
To find fault with (To blame): It is his habit to find fault with others.
To fish in troubled waters (To extract gain for self from a disturbance): The dog fished in troubled waters when the two cats were fighting on a piece of bread.
To follow suit (To defend): The leader left the stage and others followed suit.
To get into hot water (To get into trouble): The thief got into hot water by breaking into the house of a police officer.
To go to the dogs (To get ruined): A drunkard is bound to go to the dogs.
To Give and take policy (A policy of mutual concessions): A give and take policy helps us to maintain good relations with others.
To be in good office (To get recommendation) : The good offices of his uncle, helped Satish to get this job.
To be a good Samaritan (One who charitably helps others): Mother Teressa was a good Samaritan to the destitutes and the disabled.
To have one’s hands full (To be very busy): His hands are full since he launched this cement factory.
To have too many irons in fire (To be overburdened with work) : Those who have too many irons in the fire cannot maintain a balance in their life.
To have at one’s finger ends (To remember well): Reena has worked so hard for the forthcoming examinations that she has her lessons at her finger ends.
To have an axe of one’s own to grind (To serve one’s own interest) : Workers are supporting the management’s decision because they have an axe of their own to grind.
To keep with the Jones (To imitate one’s friends and neighbours): In order to keep with the Jones, Ahshan is squandering his hard earned money.
To keep abreast of (To remain informed): I keep myself abreast of latest developments in management literature.
To keep at arm’s length (To keep distance): Good people always keep bad people at an arm’s length.
To keep in the dark (Not to disclose) : He kept his friends and relatives in the dark about his love marriage.
To kill two birds with one stone (Double benefit): Those who deposit money in banks kill two birds with one stone because their money remains safe and they also earn interest.
To leave no stone unturned (To make full efforts) : Dhirubhai Ambani left no stone unturned to become a business magnate.
To lose heart (To lose courage): Those who do not lose heart in difficulties will ultimately succeed.
To take lion’s share (To get the largest share): Medical expenses take away the lion’s share of the old man’s earnings.’
To make amends (To correct one’s mistake): By submitting a written apology to his boss, Sahil has made amends for abusing the boss.
To make both ends meet (To lead a very poor life) : Ramu’s salary is so small that he can hardly make both ends meet.
To make good the loss (To compensate the loss): Suraj has made good the loss to his business which was caused by the fraud of his accountant.
To mind one’s own business (To concentrate on one’s work): The manager asked his secretary not to interfere in his work and to mind her own business.
To nip in the bud (To destroy in the beginning): If you do not nip the evil in the bud it will overcome you in the end.
To play second fiddle (To take a subordinate role): Many countries play second fiddle to the United States.
To pay back in the same coin (Tit for tat): When her neighbour rebuked Neena, she paid her back in the same coin.
To pocket an insult (To bear insult): Sita is a brave girl and never pockets insult from her mother- in-law.
To pour oil on troubled water (To smoothen passions): Whenever there is a dispute between nations, the UNO tries to pour oil on troubled waters.
To rest on one’s laurels (To remain satisfied with one’s achievements) : Those who rest on their laurels do not make further progress.
To rise to the occasion (To prepare for the occasion) : Ambani brothers rose to the occasion and did not let their business empire suffer due to the death of their father.
To rain cats and dogs (To rain heavily): I could not attend the meeting as it was raining cats and dogs.
To set one’s house in order (To manage one’s own affairs) : One who cannot set his own house in order cannot help others.
To speak volumes (To have adequate evidence): The success of Bharti Enterprises speaks volumes for the capabilities of Sunil Bharti Mittal.
To be at large (To free) : The terrorists who burnt the train are still at large.
To be at one’s back and call (To follow somebody): My secretary is at my back and call.
To be at sixes and sevens (Scattered) : Books in this bookstore are lying at sixes and sevens.
To be caught red-handed : The policeman caught the pickpocket red handed while picking a pocket.
To be hand and glove with (To be friends): Reeta and Geeta are hand and glove with each other.
To be out of the mark (Not related to the subject matter): Her remark in the group discussion was wide of the mark.
To be in a fix (Perplexed): The tourist is in a fix and does not know what to do.
To be in full swing : The book fair was in full swing.
To be in the good books of (Being favourite of someone) : Ram is in the good books of his boss.
To be out of pocket (Having to money): The robbers robbed all the passengers in the bus and left them out of pocket.
A black sheep (unfaithful): There are many black sheeps in this team.
A child’s play (An easy task): To pass the IIT-JEE examination is not a child’s play.
To steel a march (To gain an advantage over others): Many information technology firms in India have stolen a march over Patni Computers by expanding their domestic and overseas operations.
To steer clear of (To avoid): The Principal likes to steer clear of problems by remaining neutral.
A storm in a tea cup (A great fuss about a trifle) : The hue and cry raised by the passenger about his missing ticket turned out to be a storm in a tea cup.
A sheet anchor (The most reliable support) : The faculty in our college is our sheet anchor.
To see eye to eye with (To agree) : India and Pakistan do not see eye to eye with each other on Kashmir.
To take offence (To get offended): The audience took offence at her remarks on religion.
To take to task (To scold): The supervisor took the factory workers to task for not completing the work.
To take to one’s heels (To run away quietly): The thief took to his heels as he saw the policeman.
To take heart (To have courage): The teacher asked the failing students to take heart and try again.
To take cue (To get a hint) : Reeta took a cue from the speaker’s remarks and made her point.
To take to heart (To lose heart): She committed suicide because she took her to heart her failure in the examination.
To take a leap in the park (To take a risky step carelessly): Sohan took a leaf in the dark by setting up an export house without adequate study of the markets abroad.
To take the bull by the horns (To tackle a problem with courage): The Government of India is strong enough
To take the bull by the horns. It will solve the problem of poverty.
To turn the tables (To reverse somebody’s position): The infiltrators were trying to sneak into our country,
but the Border Security Force turned the tables.
To turn a deaf ear to (To ignore): The students turned a deaf ear to the advice of their teacher.
To turn one’s head (To become proudy): The lottery prize of two crores have turned his head.
To weather the storm (To come out of a crisis successfully): Globalisation posed a threat to Indian industry. But with determination and hard work Indian companies have weathered die storm.
For good (for all times) : Khanna left India for good.
In a body (Together): The students went to the Principal in a body.
Ups and downs (Prosperity and adversity): I have seen many ups and downs in my life.
Up to the mark (Reaching a set standard) : After training for two years, the performance of new recruits came upto the mark.
A white elephant (A costly comfort) : The Mercedes car which he bought last year has become a white elephant.
A wild goose chase (A foolish venture): It has been a wild goose chase for Ramlal who is trying to reform his habitually drunkard son.
Ins and outs (Full details): She knows all the ins and outs of mathematics.
At the eleventh hour (At the last moment) : The passengers reached the railway station at the eleventh hour and boarded the moving train.
All and sundry : All and sundry are welcome to the exhibition.
All in all: The chairman is all in all in this company.
An apple of discord (The root of conflict): Family property is the apple of discord between the two brothers.
A bed of roses : Life is not a bed of roses but a bed of thorns.
For want of : Crops often fail in this state for want of rains.
Bad blood (active enmity): Kashmir has created bad blood between India and Pakistan.
Crocodile tears (faking): She shed crocodile tears over the death of her neighbour.
Bag and baggage : Deepak turned out his dishonest servant bag and baggage.
Bread and butter (Source of earning) : For an author, writing is his bread and butter.
By hook or by crook (In any way): He wants to settle abroad by hook or by crook.
By leaps and bounds (Fast): Our country is progressing by leaps and bounds.
First and foremost: The first and foremost duty of a boy is to serve his parents.
Kith and kin (Relatives): Shyam invited his kith and kin on his marriage.
Part and parcel (Essential part): He treats his servant as a part and parcel of his family.
Spick and span : Everything in my house is spick and span.
Sum and substance (The essence): Write the sum and substance of this story.
To and fro : Every morning I walk to and fro in my garden.
Through and through (Completely): It was raining heavily and the students got drenched through and through by the time they reached the school.
A flying visit (A short visit): The Prime Minister paid a flying visit to the flooded town.
A hair breadth escape : The passengers had a hair breadth escape when the tyre of the plane burnt on the terminal.
A laughing stock (Target of laughter): Due to her foolish habits, Saira has become a laughing stock of her class.
A maiden speech (First speech): Many people have to cut a sorry figure in their maiden speech. An open
secret: It is an open secret that Indian firms are becoming global.
A past master (Expert): Puneet is a past master in cutting jokes.
A red letter day : The 15th August is a red letter day in the history of India.
A short cut: There is no shortcut to success.
A turn coat: Never depend on a turncoat.
A man of letters (Scholar): Our first President S. Radhakrishnan was a man of letters.
In black and white : The witness gave his statement in black and white.
Through thick and thin (In any situation): A true friend will stand by you through thick and thin.
At a stretch (Continuously): I can study five hours at a stretch.
With open arms : The victorious team was received with open arms.
At the eleventh hour (At the last moment) : The ambulance arrived at the site of the accident at the eleventh hour.
In the long run : Courtesy pays in the long run.
In spite of : Geeta fasted in spite of hard work.

Summary :

Derivatives : Words derived from the same root word.
Prefixes : Syllable put before a word to qualify its meaning.
Suffix : Syllable put after a word to qualify its meaning
Synonyms : Words having the same meaning.
Antonyms : Words having reverse meaning.

Vocabulary Building – BCR Notes CA Foundation

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