Practice Questions: Vocabulary | IBPS PO Prelims & Mains Preparation - Bank Exams PDF Download

Introduction

A strong vocabulary is essential for bank exams like IBPS PO, SBI Clerk, and RBI Assistant. These questions test your knowledge of synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and word meanings in the English section.

Here are 10 practice questions with explanations to boost your vocabulary skills.

Practice Questions

1. Choose the correct synonym for "Benevolent":

(a) Cruel
(b) Kind
(c) Selfish
(d) Arrogant

Answer: (b) Kind
Explanation: "Benevolent" means well-meaning and kindly, so the correct synonym is "Kind."

2. Select the antonym of "Cumbersome":

(a) Heavy
(b) Awkward
(c) Convenient
(d) Bulky

Answer: (c) Convenient
Explanation: "Cumbersome" means difficult to handle, so the opposite is "Convenient."

3. What is the meaning of the idiom "Bite the bullet"?

(a) To avoid a difficult situation
(b) To endure a painful experience bravely
(c) To eat something quickly
(d) To argue angrily

Answer: (b) To endure a painful experience bravely
Explanation: The idiom means to face a tough situation with courage.

4. Choose the word closest in meaning to "Ephemeral":

(a) Permanent
(b) Temporary
(c) Eternal
(d) Lasting

Answer: (b) Temporary
Explanation: "Ephemeral" means lasting for a very short time.

5. Identify the correct antonym for "Diligent":

(a) Hardworking
(b) Lazy
(c) Careful
(d) Active

Answer: (b) Lazy
Explanation: "Diligent" means showing care in one's work, so the opposite is "Lazy."

6. What does the phrase "Hit the nail on the head" mean?

(a) To make a mistake
(b) To describe exactly what is right
(c) To act violently
(d) To miss an opportunity

Answer: (b) To describe exactly what is right
Explanation: The idiom means to say or do something precisely correct.

7. Choose the synonym for "Pragmatic":

(a) Idealistic
(b) Practical
(c) Theoretical
(d) Unrealistic

Answer: (b) Practical
Explanation: "Pragmatic" means dealing with things sensibly and realistically.

8. Select the antonym of "Scarce":

(a) Rare
(b) Abundant
(c) Limited
(d) Insufficient

Answer: (b) Abundant
Explanation: "Scarce" means in short supply, so the opposite is "Abundant."

9. What is the meaning of the word "Ubiquitous"?

(a) Rare
(b) Present everywhere
(c) Hidden
(d) Temporary

Answer: (b) Present everywhere
Explanation: "Ubiquitous" means found everywhere.

10. Choose the correct meaning of the idiom "Spill the beans":

(a) To clean up a mess
(b) To reveal a secret
(c) To waste time
(d) To cook food

Answer: (b) To reveal a secret
Explanation: The idiom means to disclose confidential information.

Tips to Improve Vocabulary for Bank Exams

1. Read newspapers (The Hindu, Indian Express) daily to learn new words.

2. Maintain a vocabulary notebook and revise regularly.

3. Use flashcards or apps (Quizlet, Magoosh) for memorization.

4. Practice synonyms & antonyms from previous bank papers.

5. Learn root words (e.g., "Bene" = good, "Mal" = bad) to guess meanings.