Vocabulary: Smart Learning Strategy

Root-Based Learning

Common Roots

• Bene (good): Benefit, Benevolent, Benediction
• Mal (bad): Malicious, Malevolent, Malady
• Chron (time): Chronology, Chronic, Anachronism
• Dict (say): Dictate, Predict, Contradict
• Graph (write): Biography, Autograph, Graphology

Prefixes

• Un-, In-, Im- (not): Unusual, Incomplete, Impossible
• Pre- (before): Predict, Precede, Prelude
• Post- (after): Postpone, Postscript, Posterior
• Anti- (against): Antibiotic, Antisocial, Antithesis

Suffixes

• -ous, -ious (full of): Dangerous, Ambitious
• -able, -ible (capable): Readable, Visible
• -tion, -sion (act of): Creation, Confusion

Context-Based Learning

Don't memorize isolated words - learn in sentences

High-Frequency CAT Words

Positive

Ameliorate, Benevolent, Commendable, Diligent, Exemplary

Negative

Aberrant, Belligerent, Contemptuous, Deleterious, Egregious

Neutral

Ambiguous, Ephemeral, Ubiquitous, Pragmatic, Eclectic

Synonyms vs Antonyms

• Focus on nuances: Happy vs Ecstatic vs Content
• Learn word families together

CAT Strategy

• Learn 10 words daily with example sentences
• Revise weekly
• Read quality newspapers: The Hindu, Indian Express
• Use flashcard apps: Anki, Quizlet