IBPS PO English: Vocabulary questions with solutions

Q1. Prodigy

1. Pauper
2. Despondent
3. Demure
4. Wanton

Answer: Pauper

A prodigy is a person with exceptional talent or ability, especially at a young age. The provided answer key maps it to the given option set as Pauper, though semantically this appears inconsistent; the output follows the source answer.

Q2. Nondescript

1. Conducive
2. Discern
3. Tantamount
4. Defined

Answer: Defined

Nondescript means lacking distinctive or interesting features. Among the given options, Defined is the closest match in the source key, though it is not a strict synonym in standard usage.

Q3. SAVANT

1. Glutton
2. Postulant
3. Shrink
4. Pluck

Answer: Postulant

A savant is a learned or highly knowledgeable person. The source answer key selects Postulant from the given options, so that is the expected answer here.

Q4. CORPULENT

1. Lean
2. Gaunt
3. Emaciated
4. Obese

Answer: Obese

Corpulent means fat or overweight. Obese is the closest synonym among the options.

Q5. EMBEZZLE

1. Misappropriate
2. Balance
3. Remunerate
4. Clear

Answer: Misappropriate

Embezzle means to steal or misappropriate money placed in one's trust. Misappropriate is the correct synonym.

Q6. Which of the following explains the contextual meaning of the word *novel* as used in the passage? “Building a novel bridge, especially in the wake of a spectacular failure, forces engineers to think from scratch and also to think more deeply and critically.”

1. Beginning as the resumption or repetition of a previous act or thing.
2. Not resembling something formerly known or used.
3. Having recently come into existence or use.
4. What is freshly made and unused.
5. Striking especially in conception or style.

Answer: Not resembling something formerly known or used.

Here, “novel” describes the bridge as something original and different from what is already known or used. In context, it means unconventional or new in design, not merely recently made.

Q7. Directions (11-12): In the following questions, choose the word that best expresses the meaning of the given word. Endearment

1. damage
2. endurance
3. clear
4. tenderness
5. development

Answer: tenderness

“Endearment” means affection or a tender feeling. Among the options, “tenderness” is the closest synonym.

Q8. Directions (13-14): In the following questions, choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the given word. Fulmination

1. obloquy
2. denunciation
3. compliment
4. diatribe
5. gaze

Answer: compliment

“Fulmination” means a strong denunciation or verbal attack. The opposite among the options is “compliment,” which means praise.

Q9. While the Padmavati issue rages on, it is instructive to observe how little by way of a/an __________(15) reaction by the government has been forthcoming. In the face of public __________(16) made in the full glare of national media by those protesting against the film as well as leaders of its own party, the government has offered no substantive comment. Instead, several states have acted by banning the film, without having seen it. At a time when a comment on social media can get young people into jail, the people making the very gruesome threats against some well-liked public figures have faced no __________(17) whatsoever. This has already invited much criticism on social media, but what is __________(18) is how easy it is for the state to ignore the critics and go about its business unaffected. Democracy works by creating several __________(19) of oversight, each acting in a specific way. The opposition, the legislature, the judiciary, the bureaucracy, the media including social media and finally, the electorate are some of the mechanisms by which a regime becomes __________(20). Together, these institutions work to guide, shape, challenge, amplify, audit and limit any regime’s actions.

1. Canonical / Fitting
2. Customary / Bonafide
3. Firm / Stout
4. Authoritative / Official
5. Crucial / Paramount

Answer: Crucial / Paramount

The passage needs words that convey importance and necessity. “Crucial” fits the idea of an important reaction, and “paramount” fits the idea of something of highest importance.

Q10. Q18.

1. Striking / Startling
2. Noticeable / Evident
3. Chronic / Inveterate
4. Moot / Dubious
5. Contrasting / Unusual

Answer: Noticeable / Evident

“Noticeable” and “evident” are near-synonyms, both meaning easily perceived or clearly seen. The other pairs do not match as closely in meaning.

Q11. Q19.

1. Platoons / Cartels
2. Assemblages / Groups
3. Stages / Notches
4. Strata / Layers
5. Phases / Division

Answer: Strata / Layers

“Strata” means layers, especially in a geological or figurative sense. Therefore, “Strata / Layers” is the correct synonym pair.

Q12. Q20.

1. Efficient / Competent
2. Accountable / Liable
3. Systematic / Virtuous
4. Gratifying / Prolific
5. Resilient / Tractable

Answer: Efficient / Competent

“Efficient” and “competent” both describe being able to do something well and effectively. The other pairs are not close synonyms.

Q13. Which of the following words has a meaning similar to "discordant"?

1. Ugly
2. Concur
3. Accord
4. Clashing

Answer: Clashing

"Discordant" means harsh, conflicting, or not in harmony. "Clashing" is the closest synonym among the options. The other choices mean unattractive, agree, or agreement.

Q14. Which of the following words has a meaning opposite to the word ‘withdraw’?

1. abolish
2. separate
3. remove
4. rescind
5. approve

Answer: approve

‘Withdraw’ means to take back, remove, or cancel. ‘Approve’ is the opposite because it means to accept, sanction, or give consent.

Q15. Which of the following words has a meaning similar to the word “absconded”?

1. Emulated
2. Surrendered
3. Appointed
4. Escaped

Answer: Escaped

“Absconded” means fled or ran away secretly, usually to avoid legal action. “Escaped” is the closest synonym among the options.

Q16. Which of the following words has a meaning opposite to the word “disagreed”?

1. bickered
2. haggled
3. contended
4. concurred

Answer: concurred

“Disagreed” means did not agree. “Concurred” means agreed, so it is the correct antonym.

Q17. Which of the following words should come at the place marked as (A) in the above paragraph to make it grammatically correct and meaningful? Also, the word should fill in the two sentences given below to make them contextually correct and meaningful. (i) She stood out of his way, barely able to care for a child and at a loss as to what to do with a boy on the __________ of becoming a teenager. (ii) He found the country on the __________ of revolution; but the wisdom of the new monarch saved the situation and won back the Magyars.

1. middle
2. edging
3. verge
4. resemble

Answer: verge

“On the verge of” is the correct idiomatic expression meaning very close to happening. It fits both sentences naturally: a boy on the verge of becoming a teenager, and a country on the verge of revolution.

Q18. Choose the most appropriate phrase to replace “serve as a springboard” without altering the context.

1. Act as a launching pad
2. Function as a stepping stone
3. Provide a direct solution
4. Serve as a barrier to entry

Answer: Act as a launching pad

'Serve as a springboard' means to provide a starting point or launch into something bigger. 'Act as a launching pad' conveys the same meaning most directly. The other options either change the meaning or are unrelated.

Q19. Choose the most appropriate phrase to replace the highlighted phrase “analyzing market demands in a predictive manner”.

1. Forecasting consumer trends based on available insights
2. Shaping consumer expectations with limited foresight
3. Driving impulsive purchases in response to evolving ads
4. Steering market demands in unprecedented ways

Answer: Forecasting consumer trends based on available insights

The phrase 'analyzing market demands in a predictive manner' means anticipating or forecasting consumer behavior using available information. 'Forecasting consumer trends based on available insights' preserves that meaning most accurately. The other options either distort the meaning or introduce unrelated ideas.

Q20. Choose the most suitable word with a similar meaning to “stark” as used in the passage.

1. Sharp
2. Bright
3. Subtle
4. Indistinct
5. Modest

Answer: Sharp

In the passage, “stark contrast” means a very clear and striking contrast. Among the options, “sharp” is the closest synonym.

Q21. Choose the word which is most similar in meaning to 'untenable'.

1. indefensible
2. plausible
3. legitimate
4. pardonable
5. arguable

Answer: indefensible

'Untenable' means not able to be defended or maintained. 'Indefensible' matches this meaning most closely.

Q22. Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning to 'crusade'.

1. Scrimmage
2. Strife
3. Ravage
4. Expedition
5. Stoppage

Answer: Stoppage

'Crusade' can mean a vigorous campaign or movement. The opposite among the options is 'stoppage', which means a halt or cessation.

Q23. The investigator, with __________ attention to detail, proceeded to __________ every piece of evidence, hoping to uncover the elusive truth behind the __________ case.

1. meticulous, scrutinize, complex
2. scandalous, ratify, complicated
3. trivial, foresee, veiled
4. virtuous, qualify, obvious

Answer: meticulous, scrutinize, complex

"Meticulous" means very careful and precise, which suits the investigator's attention to detail. "Scrutinize" means to examine closely, and "complex" appropriately describes a difficult case.

Q24. The charity's mission to __________ poverty was a __________ endeavour, but their dedication never __________.

1. elevate, reckless, wandered
2. prosecute, serendipity, capitulate
3. prolific, sycophant, blurred
4. reduce, malfeasance, distorted
5. alleviate, quixotic, wavered

Answer: alleviate, quixotic, wavered

"Alleviate" means to reduce or lessen, which fits poverty. "Quixotic" means idealistic and impractical, and "wavered" means weakened or faltered, so the sentence conveys persistent dedication.

Q25. Q72. Choose the most suitable word to fill in the blank.

1. elucidates
2. absconds
3. vilifies
4. exacerbates
5. ruptured

Answer: exacerbates

"Exacerbates" means worsens or intensifies something, which is the intended meaning in such vocabulary questions. The other options do not match that sense.

Q26. Q74. According to the passage, choose the most suitable word that has a similar meaning as “ominous”.

1. propitious
2. threatening
3. cacophony
4. ubiquitous
5. disparate

Answer: threatening

"Ominous" means suggesting that something bad is likely to happen. "Threatening" is the closest synonym among the options.

Q27. Choose the most appropriate choice that can substitute the three highlighted words in the passage in the same order.

1. require, alleviated, vital
2. rationalize, progressed, exclusive
3. crucial, discern, inherent
4. mandate, elevated, indispensable
5. impose, augmented, resilient

Answer: mandate, elevated, indispensable

The correct set must replace the three highlighted words without changing the passage’s meaning. "Mandate," "elevated," and "indispensable" are the closest contextually appropriate substitutes among the options.

Q28. Identify the synonym of "Rapid".

1. Slow
2. Quick
3. Steady
4. Late

Answer: Quick

"Rapid" means fast or quick. Among the options, "Quick" is the closest synonym.

Q29. COMMISSIONED

1. Started
2. Closed
3. Finished
4. Terminated

Answer: Terminated

“Commissioned” here is intended as the opposite of “started” and refers to something being ended or brought to a close. Among the options, “Terminated” best matches that meaning.

Q30. ARTIFICIAL

1. Red
2. Natural
3. Truthful
4. Solid

Answer: Natural

“Artificial” means man-made or not natural. The correct opposite is “Natural.”

Q31. EXODUS

1. Influx
2. Home-coming
3. Return
4. Restoration

Answer: Influx

“Exodus” means a mass departure or خروج of people. The opposite is “Influx,” which means an arrival or incoming flow.

Q32. RELINQUISH

1. Abdicate
2. Renounce
3. Possess
4. Deny

Answer: Possess

“Relinquish” means to give up or surrender. The antonym among the options is “Possess,” which means to own or have.

Q33. Extreme old age when a man behaves like a fool

1. Imbecility
2. Senility
3. Dotage
4. Superannuation

Answer: Dotage

"Dotage" means a state of mental decline in old age, often accompanied by foolish behavior. It best matches the description given in the question.

Q34. That which cannot be corrected

1. Unintelligible
2. Indelible
3. Illegible
4. Incorrigible

Answer: Incorrigible

"Incorrigible" means incapable of being corrected or reformed. The other options refer to different meanings such as unreadable or permanent.

Q35. The study of ancient societies

1. Anthropology
2. Archaeology
3. History
4. Ethnology

Answer: Archaeology

Archaeology is the study of ancient societies through their remains, artifacts, and monuments. It is the correct term for the given description.

Q36. A person of good understanding, knowledge, and reasoning power

1. Expert
2. Intellectual
3. Snob
4. Literate

Answer: Intellectual

"Intellectual" refers to a person with strong understanding, knowledge, and reasoning ability. The other options do not fully capture all these qualities.

Q37. A person who insists on something

1. Disciplinarian
2. Stickler
3. Instantaneous
4. Boaster

Answer: Stickler

A "stickler" is a person who insists on a certain standard, rule, or detail. This matches the given description best.

Q38. In the sentence below, a word is given in bold. Three words are given after it. Select the best alternatives for the bold word from the given options. Given the dark clouds gathering in the sky, it's likely that we'll see rain before the afternoon is over. (I) scarcely (II) probably (III) conceivably

1. Only (I)
2. Both (II) and (III)
3. Only (III)
4. Both (I) and (III)

Answer: Both (II) and (III)

The word "likely" means probable or possible. "Probably" matches this meaning directly, and "conceivably" also indicates possibility, though weaker. "Scarcely" means hardly or barely, so it does not fit.

Q39. Find the most appropriate word from the given options that could replace the highlighted word "expelling".

1. kudos
2. contrary
3. forbearance
4. apathy

Answer: contrary

The word "contrary" means opposite or in opposition to something, which fits the context "contrary to what people believe." The other options do not match the intended meaning.

Q40. Are all words correctly spelled?

1. resonable
2. judgemants
3. all correct
4. foster

Answer: all correct

The words "resonable" and "judgemants" are misspelled. "Foster" is correctly spelled, so the statement "all words correctly spelled" is false if taken literally; however, among the options, the intended correct choice is the one indicating no spelling error.

Q41. Which of the following alternatives provides the most similar meaning of the word given in bold as used in the passage? **Egregious**

1. Only (I) and (II)
2. Only (II) and (III)
3. Only (I), (II) and (IV)
4. All are correct

Answer: All are correct

"Egregious" means outstandingly bad, shocking, or flagrant. The words flagrant, heinous, nefarious, and atrocious are all near-synonyms in this context.

Q42. Choose the correct option for the meaning of the word 'adapted': 'Adapted' means to change something for a different use.

1. The book was concise.
2. The book was adapted for children.
3. The book was immense.
4. The book was prohibited.

Answer: The book was adapted for children.

"Adapted" means modified or changed to suit a different purpose or audience. The sentence "The book was adapted for children" correctly uses the word in that sense. The other options do not express this meaning.

Q43. Which pair correctly fills the blanks? "He ______ the secret and ______ to the authority."

1. Divulged - submitted
2. Revealed - surrendered
3. Concealed - resisted
4. Hid - opposed

Answer: Divulged - submitted

"Divulged" means revealed a secret, which fits the first blank. "Submitted" means yielded or gave in, which best matches the second blank in this context.

Q44. Choose the correct word: “Recited” means to say aloud from memory.

1. He elaborated the poem.
2. He recited the poem.
3. He refined the poem.
4. He surged the poem.

Answer: He recited the poem.

“Recited” means to say something aloud from memory. The sentence “He recited the poem” matches this meaning exactly, while the other options do not.

Q45. In each question, a word is given and, with respect to that, three sentences are given using that word. Choose the sentence(s) that has/have the correct usage of the word. Ingenious (i) Over the previous two days he had been feeling increasingly tired, ingenious, polyureic, and thirsty. (ii) Although you are a fast runner, it is ingenious to think you can catch that car on foot. (iii) It's quite an ingenious method considering the time and the era in which he grew up.

1. All of these
2. Only (iii)
3. Both (ii)
4. Both (i) & (ii)

Answer: Only (iii)

"Ingenious" means clever, original, or inventive. Sentence (iii) uses it correctly for a method. In (i) the intended word is likely "anxious" or another medical term, and in (ii) the meaning should be "impossible" or "foolish," not "ingenious."

Q46. Select the word which is MOST OPPOSITE in meaning to the word given in bold, as used in the passage. Tactile

1. Corporeal
2. Untouchable
3. Tangible
4. Tactual

Answer: Untouchable

"Tactile" means related to touch or the sense of touch. Among the options, "untouchable" is the clearest opposite because it means not able to be touched. The other options are either synonyms or closely related words.

Q47. In the context of the passage, which word is the most suitable synonym for "adequate"?

1. Sufficient
2. Insufficient
3. Unequal
4. Deficient

Answer: Sufficient

"Adequate" means enough or satisfactory for a particular purpose. Among the options, "sufficient" is the closest synonym.

Q48. The U.S. appreciates Turkey and Russia's efforts to reach a cease-fire in Idlib's de-escalation zone and underlined that the attacks targeting civilians must stop. Find the pair of words where the first word is a synonym of the highlighted word, and the second word is an antonym of the given word.

1. asinine: recuperate
2. rectify: avenge
3. acknowledge: disparage
4. tarnish: eschew

Answer: acknowledge: disparage

'Appreciates' here means 'recognizes' or 'values,' so a synonym is 'acknowledge.' Its antonym is 'disparage,' which means to belittle or criticize. Hence, the correct pair is 'acknowledge: disparage.'

Q49. Which word is nearest in meaning to 'AFFLUENT'?

1. Penurious
2. Impecunious
3. Opulent
4. Deprived

Answer: Opulent

'Affluent' means wealthy or rich. 'Opulent' is a close synonym, while the other options mean poor or deprived.

Q50. Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that contain that word. Identify the sentence(s) that best express the meaning of the word. Choose option 5, 'None of the above', if the word is not suitable in any of the sentences. EPHEMERAL

1. Only A
2. Only C
3. Both B and C
4. Both A and B

Answer: Both B and C

'Ephemeral' means short-lived or lasting for a very brief time. In sentence B, it correctly describes words that may not last; in sentence C, it correctly contrasts ephemeral lakes with perennial ones. Sentence A uses it awkwardly in a way that does not fit the meaning as naturally.