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Welcome to our blog on Introduction to Vocabulary, an essential topic in English Grammar that plays a crucial role in all competitive exams. Approximately 3 - 4 questions certainly appear based on this topic, in the exam, making it imperative for you to grasp the nuances of Vocabulary thoroughly and practice a variety of questions.

In this blog, we will comprehensively cover tips and tricks to learn Vocabulary. Additionally, we have included many examples for you to deeply understand each word and rlearn the meaning. So, let's dive into the world of Vocabulary and boost your exam preparation.

<img loading="lazy" alt="Vocabulary piccs" src="https://study.kdcampus.live/admin/assets/uploads/ckeditor/Vocabulary_piccs.webp" style="height:338px; width:600px">

[Source: KD Live]

<h2 id="content-id-1834-0">What is Vocabulary?</h2>

The word ‘vocabulary’ has been derived from the Latin word ‘vocabularium’, which means ‘a list of words’. Hence, in simple terms, vocabulary is the number of words a person knows with meaning. It varies from person to person based on how much one can remember or use it while talking or writing.

But vocabulary is not limited to a list of words only. It can extend to cover special words, terms or even signals. For example – vocabulary of dance may involve various expressive forms/symbols and not words.

But we need not delve deeper into that because we only need to stick to word-meanings from exam point of view.

<h2 id="content-id-1834-1">Types of Vocabulary</h2>

Have you ever felt that you know what a word means but are unable to explain it to your friends? Or you feel like you know the word’s usage but don’t know the meaning at all? It’s a common phenomenon. You must have either heard someone using it on TV or read in a famous magazine but didn’t actually read or learn the meaning.

Since you know the word even without its meaning, it has entered your vocabulary at the primary level. Slowly, you can read the meaning, use it in sentences and finally, it becomes a part of your vocabulary completely. Hence, vocabulary is of two types ---

a) Active vocabulary – These are words that we know and understand with their meanings. We use these words in everyday speaking and writing.

b) Passive vocabulary – These words may be familiar to us but we don’t use them frequently in our normal conversations.

<h2 id="content-id-1834-2">Why is Vocabulary Important?</h2>

For some, vocabulary is important to write properly, while some find it easier to communicate effectively using a variety of words. Here are some of the main benefits of having a good vocabulary size -

1. It helps in effective expression and communication.

2. It helps to solve questions related to reading comprehension.

3. It helps to develop thinking and analyzing power.

4. It helps to develop personality and confidence.

5. People often listen to those who can deliver meaningful conversations using wide range of words. Hence, it can also build popularity among peers and teachers.

<h2 id="content-id-1834-3">Importance of Vocabulary in Exams like SSC/Banking</h2>

If you have gone through the syllabus of various entrance exams like SSC and Banking, you must be well aware of the importance of having a good vocabulary. Solving these questions correctly can improve your rank thus increasing your chances of selection.

However, you might not always find direct questions in the exam. Having a strong vocabulary will help you solve questions from these topics –

a) Synonyms

b) Antonyms

c) One-word substitution

d) Idioms and Phrases

e) Word Swap & Word Usage

f) Cloze Test

g) Misspelled words, etc.

<h2 id="content-id-1834-4">Tiers of Vocabulary</h2>

To become an expert at word learning and usage, you need to understand that there are three tiers of vocabulary –

1. Basic Vocabulary: The first tier consists of basic vocabulary. As the name suggests, these words are quite commonly used and usually have one meaning only. This is the first stage of learning easy words for daily communication.

These include early reading words (babies learning words before actually writing them), sight words (frequently appearing words like it, the, a, etc.), adjectives, verbs, nouns, etc. Examples include – dog, cat, happy, sad, etc.

2. High-frequency Vocabulary: The next tier includes words that are used in multiple contexts and may have multiple meanings. These words influence reading and speaking about complex topics and develop mature understanding. Adults use it to communicate regularly and these words are also used in literature, speeches, news, etc.

Hence, it is also called descriptive vocabulary which can be used to instruct, communicate complex feelings, and deliver speeches, etc.

Examples include – description, hypotheses, etc.

Tier 2 words are necessary for the following -

a) Understand reading comprehension and answer questions that follow.

b) Utilize multiple meanings of the same word in a sentence or paragraph.

c) Develop the art of using specific words to deliver exact emotion or concept.

3. Low-frequency Vocabulary: The final tier of words is used only in certain situations or categories like academics, technology, a particular occupation etc. These words have distinct meaning and purpose relevant to a specific topic. These words are also known as jargons. Example – Laser, Renaissance, BMI, circumference, etc.

<h2 id="content-id-1834-5">How to Increase Vocabulary?</h2>

There are many ways to improve your vocabulary. Some of the most effective and proven methods are as follows -

Developing a Reading Habit: When you read books, newspapers, journals or any written material, your brain picks up on new words. This is the reason why parents try to teach children to read from a young age. It doesn’t matter what you read mostly, but ensuring that the content is adding to your vocabulary is important. Extensive reading will help in developing intelligence and personality among students.

Using new words while conversing: It is not enough to just read and learn new words. When you use newly learnt words in writing and conversations, your brain tends to remember it. Also, it helps you gain confidence that you are using the right word in the right place. Practicing new or tough words in casual conversations is key to broaden your vocabulary.

Using a dictionary: There is no better way than looking up the meaning of words from a dictionary. It’s best to carry a pocket dictionary because it is easy to carry around and look for words as you come across new ones. But you also need to write them down in a notebook or flashcards for easy revision.

Word Games: There are many games that help improve your vocabulary. You can ask your siblings or friends to take part. It can be a good vocabulary building project.

<h2 id="content-id-1834-6">Improving Vocabulary for Exams</h2>

The English language has more than 1 lakh words and it is impossible to remember all of them. Hence, it is important to identify the type of vocabulary asked in exams that you will be sitting for. In SSC and Banking, examiners ask common trending vocabulary, from newspapers or from previous year question papers.

Hence, as an aspirant, you need to go through the following parts/categories to cover the vocabulary section -

1. Previous year vocabulary

2. Frequently used words

3. Trending words

4. Commonly confused words

5. Phrasal verbs

6. Root words

7. Jargons – Difficult words especially used by specific professions/groups

<h2 id="content-id-1834-7">Effective Ways to Learn New Words of Vocabulary</h2>

1. Editorial: It is a common practice to read newspapers for any entrance examination. You can pick up some catchy and difficult words while reading the editorial or sections of the newspaper. It’s best to write them down with their meanings as soon as you come across new words.

2. Learning root words: There are many English words that have the same base word or root word. These words can be of Latin, Greek, Spanish, etc. origin. For example: ‘multi’ is a base word or a root word which means 'many'. There are many words that can be formed using the word ‘multi’ such as –

Multicolor

Multimillionaire

Multiply

Multivitamin

Multitasker, etc.

When we add a suffix to the word 'multi', we get a new word every time. Hence, you can learn many words with just one root word. Hence, the basic structure is as follows:

New word = Prefix + root word/ Root word + suffix

Sometimes, the root word itself is a word.

For example: love.

Further, we can add prefixes to make it lovable, lovely, lovesick, etc. Adding a suffix to it can give us words like beloved, etc.

Thus, learning multiple root words will help you remember the meaning of new words.

Additionally, it will help you to determine the closest meaning of any given word in the exam without actually knowing the meaning.

Here are some common examples of root words in English, their combination and a variety of words that can be formed by them.

I. Logy – the study or science of

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:320px">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Biology</td>
			<td>Bio means life</td>
			<td>Study of life</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Astrology</td>
			<td>Astro means stars, heavenly bodies</td>
			<td>Study of stars/celestial bodies and effect on human beings</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Meteorology</td>
			<td>Meteor/atm osphere</td>
			<td>Study of weather processes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Anthropology</td>
			<td>Anthro means human</td>
			<td>Study of human societies and development</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Oncology</td>
			<td>‘Onco’ means related to tumors</td>
			<td>Study and treatment of tumors</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Geology</td>
			<td>Geo means earth</td>
			<td>To study the earth’s physical structure</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

II. Dic/Dict – To say

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:320px">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Interdict</td>
			<td>Inter means between (another root word)</td>
			<td>to say in between</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Contradict</td>
			<td>Contra means against (another root word)</td>
			<td>to say against something or someone</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Predict</td>
			<td>Pre means before</td>
			<td>To say beforehand</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Verdict</td>
			<td>Ver means truth (another root word)</td>
			<td>To speak the truth</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dictator</td>
			<td>Orator means who says</td>
			<td>Who says out the rules and makes people follow them</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

III. Contra – Against/opposite

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:320px">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Contraband</td>
			<td>Band – goods, items</td>
			<td>Goods important illegally/against rules</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Contrary</td>
			<td> </td>
			<td>Opposite in nature or direction</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Contrast</td>
			<td> </td>
			<td>The state of being different or in opposition</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Contraction</td>
			<td>Action means act or activity</td>
			<td>To make something small or decrease</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

IV. Mal – Bad

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:320px">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Malignant</td>
			<td>Person who talks bad, does bad, bad tumor</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Malnourish</td>
			<td>Badly or poorly nourished</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Malpractice</td>
			<td>Bad or illegal practice in professions</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Malicious</td>
			<td>Intent to harm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Malfunction</td>
			<td>Badly functioning</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Malnutrition</td>
			<td>Bad or poor nutrition</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

V. Port – Carry

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:320px">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Portable</td>
			<td>Things that can be easily carried</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Reporter</td>
			<td>Person who reports or carries news</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Porter</td>
			<td>Person who carries</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Import</td>
			<td>Carry in</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

3. Audio Visual Technique: Visual memories tend to last longer because of their visual appeal, fun and entertainment they provide. This is the reason why we tend to remember movie names, plots, song videos, etc. We can apply the same technique to memorize and remember new words.

• You can watch English news channels or re-watch your favorite English shows to improve vocabulary. Jot down the words and their meanings as you watch your favorite character say them.

• You can associate images / songs / movie names with the new word you are learning. These words tend to last longer in the brain because of the visual appeal.

BONUS TIP: Learn 20 words daily after waking up by any of the above methods. You will have a vocabulary of 600 words in 1 month.

By the end of the year, you will be equipped with 7300 new words in addition to your existing vocabulary which is more than enough to excel this topic.

<h2 id="content-id-1834-8">Vocabulary Topics Asked in Exam</h2>

• Synonyms and Antonyms

• One Word Substitution

• Idioms and Phrases

• Fillers

• Spellings

• Word Replacement/Swap

• Word Usage

This article has provided you with valuable insights into the world of Vocabulary. We sincerely hope that you have found this blog useful and that it has contributed to enhancing your understanding of this crucial topic. As you continue to gear up for your upcoming exam, we encourage you to share your thoughts, or any doubts you may have in the comments section below.

Stay tuned, as <a href="https://study.kdcampus.live/">KD Live</a> promises to bring you more such informative blogs with comprehensive study material and a thorough analysis of previous year questions on all the topics of English Language section. Best of luck with your exam preparations, and may you excel in your endeavors!

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