SSC CGL Preparation – Day 17

English – Vocabulary – Contextual Usage

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🔍 What is Contextual Vocabulary?

Contextual Vocabulary refers to understanding the meaning, usage, and nuances of words based on the context of a sentence or passage. It’s not about memorizing definitions alone, but about comprehending how a word behaves in real language use.

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🎯 Why It’s Important for SSC CGL

• Frequently tested in Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, and Fill in the Blanks
• Appears in direct vocabulary questions (1–2 per set)
• Helps in Sentence Completion and Synonym/Antonym-based MCQs
• Crucial for eliminating wrong options that “seem right”

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📌 What You Need to Learn

1. Meaning of words (especially Tier-II level vocabulary)
2. Tone and connotation (positive, negative, neutral)
3. Correct grammatical usage
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
5. Collocations (common word pairings)
6. Word roots and prefixes/suffixes (for quick guessing)

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🧠 Context Clues to Guess Word Meaning

Use the surrounding words in the sentence to infer meaning.

Type of Clue	Example	Helps Identify
Definition	Arboreal animals, that is, those who live in trees…	Meaning follows directly
Example	Celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and stars…	Shows what the word includes
Synonym	The movie was riveting – truly gripping and intense.	Same meaning words nearby
Antonym	Unlike his gregarious brother, he was quite reserved.	Shows contrast
Inference	After failing repeatedly, his morale sank.	Implied meaning

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✍️ How to Approach Contextual Vocabulary Questions

1. Read the full sentence or paragraph carefully
2. Identify the tone and flow
3. Use logic to eliminate extreme/wrong options
4. Check for synonyms/antonyms nearby
5. Look at the word’s function – noun, verb, adjective?

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🧩 Common SSC CGL Vocabulary Types

Type	Example	Asked As
Synonym	The plan was scrapped due to flaws. → Synonym of scrapped?	MCQ
Antonym	He is known for his benevolence. → Antonym of benevolence?	MCQ
Word Meaning	The boy was elated to win. → What does elated mean in the sentence?	Inference
Word in Context	Despite his affluence, he was humble. → Choose the word that best fits.	Fill in the Blank

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🧠 Tricks to Learn Vocabulary

✅ Use mnemonics: Ubiquitous = found everywhere (UBI – Uber is everywhere)
✅ Learn via roots/prefixes:

• bene- = good → benevolent, benefactor
• mal- = bad → malicious, malpractice
  ✅ Practice in sentences, not in isolation
  ✅ Read newspapers/editorials (The Hindu, Indian Express)
  ✅ Maintain a daily vocab log with usage

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📝 Commonly Asked SSC CGL Vocabulary Words

Word	Meaning	Contextual Use
Prudent	Wise, sensible	A prudent investor avoids risky bets.
Scrutiny	Close examination	His documents were under scrutiny.
Ubiquitous	Found everywhere	Smartphones are ubiquitous today.
Reluctant	Unwilling	She was reluctant to speak publicly.
Detrimental	Harmful	Smoking is detrimental to health.
Elated	Extremely happy	He was elated after winning.
Vexed	Irritated	I was vexed by the delay.
Pseudonym	False name	The author wrote under a pseudonym.

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🧾 Practice Sentence – Contextual MCQ Example

Sentence:
Despite his benevolent nature, he was misunderstood by many.

Q: What does “benevolent” mean in this context?
A) Cruel
B) Kind-hearted
C) Arrogant
D) Reserved

✅ Answer: B) Kind-hearted
🧠 Explanation: “Despite” and “misunderstood” suggest he was actually good, but seen otherwise.

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📚 How to Practice Effectively

• ✅ Practice with 10 contextual vocab MCQs daily
• ✅ Solve Cloze Tests, RCs, and Fill-in-the-Blank passages
• ✅ Revise your vocab log weekly
• ✅ Attempt previous year SSC papers focusing on vocab

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✅ Quick Summary Checklist

✔ Read in context
✔ Understand tone
✔ Guess with clues
✔ Eliminate wrong meanings
✔ Build word families (act → active, activity, react, deactivate)
✔ Practice daily in questions, not flashcards only