SSC CGL English · Free notes
Vocabulary: SSC CGL English
Vocabulary has 1,036 questions in the SSC CGL Tier I bank: 392 from the 2023 shifts, 373 from the 2024 shifts and 271 from the 2025 shifts, and 820 of them EASY. That makes it the largest English chapter, and most of its questions take a few seconds if you know the word and cannot be worked out if you do not. The pages hold the words SSC actually asked, grouped by meaning, with the year each was asked and the look-alike that sits beside it in the options, so the time you spend learning goes to words that have already appeared.
The handout has every subtopic, worked example, formula and trap with answers shown. The formula sheet is the chapter’s formulas and traps alone, on one page.
Subtopic notes
One-Word Substitution
236 PYQsReplacing a phrase with the single word that means it: words for people, places and groups, studies and kinds of government, and qualities, acts and fears.
Spelling
222 PYQsSpotting the misspelt word, or choosing the correct spelling, by checking doubled letters, word endings, and vowels, silent letters and ie or ei.
Synonyms
210 PYQsChoosing the word closest in meaning to a given word, learnt in families: law and duty, character and temper, harm and size, and feelings and speech.
Antonyms
260 PYQsChoosing the word opposite in meaning to a given word, learnt in pairs: people and character, speech and praise, size and worth, change and action, and feelings.
Homophones and Word Meaning
108 PYQsWords that sound alike but are spelt differently, words spelt alike with two unrelated meanings, and choosing the right word or word form for a sentence.
Formula & revision sheet
0 formulas · 19 reference tables · 41 gotchas across all subtopics — the exam-eve cheat-sheet
Formula & revision sheet
0 formulas · 19 reference tables · 41 gotchas across all subtopics — the exam-eve cheat-sheet
One-Word Substitution
Reference tables (4)
People by what they do or believe14 rows
| Word | Meaning | Asked in |
|---|---|---|
| Pessimist | One who sees the worst side of things | 2023, 2024 (twice), 2025 |
| Fatalist | One who believes in fate | 2023 (twice), 2025 |
| Cannibal | One who eats the flesh of his own kind | 2024 (twice), 2025 |
| Impostor | One who pretends to be someone else | 2023, 2024, 2025 |
| Traitor | One who betrays his country | 2023, 2024 |
| Apostate | One who abandons his religion | 2023, 2025 |
| Cartographer | One who draws maps | 2023, 2025 |
| Atheist | One who does not believe in god | 2023, 2024 |
| Anarchist | One who thinks laws and governments are not needed | 2023, 2025 |
| Glutton | One who eats too much | 2024, 2025 |
| Stoic | One unmoved by pain or pleasure | 2024, 2025 |
| Cynic | One who doubts other people's goodness | 2025 (twice) |
| Misanthrope | One who hates and avoids people | 2023 |
| Agnostic | One unsure whether god exists | 2024 |
Places and groups13 rows
| Word | Meaning | Asked in |
|---|---|---|
| Aviary | A place where birds are kept | 2023, 2024 |
| Mint | A place where coins are made | 2023, 2025 |
| Hangar | A place where aeroplanes are kept | 2023, 2024 |
| Clique | A small group that keeps others out | 2024 (twice) |
| Granary | A place where grain is stored | 2023 |
| Cemetery | A burial ground | 2023 |
| Shoal | A large number of fish swimming together | 2023 |
| Congregation | A group of worshippers | 2023 |
| Orchard | A place where fruit trees are grown | 2024 |
| Arena | A flat area ringed by seats, for sport or shows | 2024 |
| Menagerie | A place where wild animals are kept | 2025 |
| Mortuary | A building where dead bodies are kept for a time | 2025 |
| Horde | A large group of people moving together | 2025 |
Studies, governments, writing and speech14 rows
| Word | Meaning | Asked in |
|---|---|---|
| Numismatics | The study of coins | 2024, 2025 |
| Anthropology | The study of humans and their societies | 2023, 2025 |
| Autobiography | One's life story written by oneself | 2023, 2025 |
| Euphemism | A mild word used in place of a harsh one | 2025 (twice) |
| Plutocracy | Government by the rich | 2023 |
| Lexicography | The writing of dictionaries | 2023 |
| Epilogue | A speech at the end of a play | 2023 |
| Archaeology | The study of ancient remains | 2024 |
| Bureaucracy | Government by officials | 2024 |
| Demography | The statistical study of populations | 2024 |
| Affidavit | A written statement made on oath | 2024 |
| Theocracy | Rule by priests in the name of god | 2025 |
| Extempore | A speech made without preparation | 2025 |
| Rhetoric | The art of persuasive speaking or writing | 2025 |
Qualities, acts and fears14 rows
| Word | Meaning | Asked in |
|---|---|---|
| Invincible | Too strong to be defeated | 2023, 2024 (twice) |
| Genocide | The killing of a whole people or nation | 2023 (twice) |
| Edible | Fit to eat | 2023, 2024 |
| Illegible | Impossible to read | 2023, 2025 |
| Blasphemy | Speaking disrespectfully of sacred things | 2023, 2024 |
| Claustrophobia | Fear of closed spaces | 2024, 2025 |
| Procrastinate | Keep putting off what should be done | 2023 |
| Inevitable | Certain to happen | 2023 |
| Omnipotent | Having unlimited power | 2024 |
| Incorrigible | Cannot be corrected | 2024 |
| Agoraphobia | Fear of open spaces | 2025 |
| Glossophobia | Fear of public speaking | 2025 |
| Arson | Setting fire to property on purpose | 2025 |
| Ephemeral | Lasting a very short time | 2025 |
Watch out for (8)
- Mixing up atheist and agnostic→ People by what they do or believe
- Choosing the quality instead of the person→ People by what they do or believe
- Hangar and hanger→ Places and groups
- Aviary and apiary→ Places and groups
- Anthropology and archaeology→ Studies, governments, writing and speech
- Biography and autobiography→ Studies, governments, writing and speech
- Claustrophobia and agoraphobia→ Qualities, acts and fears
- Illegible and ineligible→ Qualities, acts and fears
Spelling
Reference tables (3)
Doubled and single letters12 rows
| Misspelling | Correct | Asked in |
|---|---|---|
| Occurence | Occurrence | 2024 (twice) |
| Allimony | Alimony | 2023 |
| Submisive | Submissive | 2023 |
| Remmission | Remission | 2023 |
| Harrasment | Harassment | 2023 |
| Aggreement | Agreement | 2023 |
| Allmost | Almost | 2023 |
| Neccessary | Necessary | 2024 |
| Beggining | Beginning | 2024 |
| Eficient | Efficient | 2024 |
| Atempt | Attempt | 2024 |
| Occassionally | Occasionally | 2025 |
Endings: -able or -ible, -ance or -ence, -cede or -ceed10 rows
| Misspelling | Correct | Asked in |
|---|---|---|
| Mischievious | Mischievous | 2024 (twice) |
| Consciencious | Conscientious | 2024, 2025 |
| Acceptible | Acceptable | 2023 |
| Prefferance | Preference | 2023 |
| Sufficeint | Sufficient | 2023 |
| Preceed | Precede | 2024 |
| Tangiable | Tangible | 2024 |
| Removel | Removal | 2024 |
| Indispensible | Indispensable | 2025 |
| Quintessance | Quintessence | 2025 |
Vowels, silent letters and ie or ei14 rows
| Misspelling | Correct | Asked in |
|---|---|---|
| Recieve, recieved | Receive, received | 2024 (three times) |
| Reciept | Receipt | 2023 |
| Sieze | Seize | 2023 |
| Wierd | Weird | 2023 |
| Concieve | Conceive | 2023 |
| Calender | Calendar | 2023 |
| Stetionery | Stationery | 2023 |
| Pronounciation | Pronunciation | 2023 |
| Guage | Gauge | 2023 |
| Conspirasy | Conspiracy | 2023 |
| Resturant | Restaurant | 2024 |
| Convinient | Convenient | 2024 |
| Priviledge | Privilege | 2025 |
| Onomatopiea | Onomatopoeia | 2025 |
Watch out for (6)
- Doubling every consonant that sounds strong→ Doubled and single letters
- Missing a double in a long word→ Doubled and single letters
- Adding an extra i→ Endings: -able or -ible, -ance or -ence, -cede or -ceed
- Precede and proceed→ Endings: -able or -ible, -ance or -ence, -cede or -ceed
- Applying i before e to every word→ Vowels, silent letters and ie or ei
- Spelling pronunciation like pronounce→ Vowels, silent letters and ie or ei
Synonyms
Reference tables (4)
Law, duty and getting things done15 rows
| Word | Meaning | Keyed synonym | Asked in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scam | A dishonest scheme to cheat people | Swindle | 2023 |
| Spurious | False, not genuine | Fraudulent | 2023 |
| Transgression | An act that breaks a law or rule | Violation | 2023 |
| Inculcate | Fix an idea in someone's mind by repeating it | Instil | 2023 |
| Yield | Give in to a demand | Concede | 2023 |
| Condone | Overlook or forgive an offence | Pardon | 2024 |
| Confiscate | Take property away by authority | Seize | 2024 |
| Forsake | Give up or leave | Abandon | 2024 |
| Rectify | Correct, put right | Amend | 2024 |
| Indispensable | Absolutely necessary | Essential | 2024 |
| Respite | A short period of rest or relief | Break | 2024 |
| Kilter | Good working order | Order | 2024 |
| Abnegate | Give up a right or claim | Renounce | 2025 |
| Dilatory | Slow to act, causing delay | Tardy | 2025 |
| Haphazard | Without order or plan | Random | 2025 |
Character and temper16 rows
| Word | Meaning | Keyed synonym | Asked in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judicious | Showing good judgement | Sensible, prudent | 2023, 2024 |
| Adamant | Refusing to change one's mind | Stubborn | 2023 |
| Benevolent | Kind and ready to help | Generous | 2023 |
| Treacherous | Betraying trust | Disloyal | 2023 |
| Genial | Friendly and cheerful | Cheerful | 2023 |
| Temerity | Rash, cheeky boldness | Impudence | 2023 |
| Obstinate | Refusing to change one's mind | Stubborn | 2024 |
| Munificent | Very generous | Magnanimous | 2024 |
| Frugal | Careful and sparing with money | Thrifty | 2024 |
| Jovial | Cheerful and friendly | Cheerful | 2024 |
| Pugnacious | Eager to argue or fight | Belligerent | 2024 |
| Intransigent | Refusing to change one's views | Stubborn | 2025 |
| Implacable | Cannot be calmed or moved | Unyielding | 2025 |
| Perfidious | Deceitful and untrustworthy | Treacherous | 2025 |
| Circumspect | Wary, unwilling to take risks | Cautious | 2025 |
| Callow | Young and inexperienced | Inexperienced | 2025 |
Harm, size and the senses16 rows
| Word | Meaning | Keyed synonym | Asked in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luminous | Giving off light | Resplendent, radiant | 2023, 2025 |
| Insidious | Harmful in a slow, hidden way | Harmful | 2023 |
| Mortal | Causing death (a mortal blow) | Lethal | 2023 |
| Feeble | Lacking strength | Weak | 2023 |
| Fragile | Easily broken | Delicate | 2023 |
| Predicament | A difficult situation | Quandary | 2023 |
| Fatal | Causing death | Deadly | 2024 |
| Toxic | Poisonous | Lethal | 2024 |
| Brittle | Hard but easily broken | Fragile | 2024 |
| Abundant | Existing in large amounts | Ample | 2024 |
| Paramount | More important than anything else | Supreme | 2024 |
| Adversity | Hardship | Misfortune | 2024 |
| Deleterious | Causing harm or damage | Harmful | 2025 |
| Exiguous | Very small in amount | Scanty | 2025 |
| Apogee | The highest point | Peak | 2025 |
| Propitious | Giving a good chance of success | Favourable | 2025 |
Feelings, speech and praise16 rows
| Word | Meaning | Keyed synonym | Asked in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbose | Using more words than needed | Talkative | 2023 |
| Extol | Praise highly | Praise | 2023 |
| Glorify | Praise and honour | Praise | 2023 |
| Apathy | Lack of interest or feeling | Indifference | 2023 |
| Consent | Agreement or permission | Assent | 2023 |
| Tedious | Long, slow and dull | Tiresome | 2023 |
| Equivocal | Open to more than one meaning | Ambiguous | 2024 |
| Beseech | Ask urgently | Implore | 2024 |
| Acquiesce | Accept without protest | Concur | 2024 |
| Innuendo | An indirect, unkind hint | Insinuation | 2024 |
| Garrulous | Talking too much about small things | Talkative | 2025 |
| Eulogy | A speech praising someone, often after death | Tribute | 2025 |
| Upbraid | Scold | Reprimand | 2025 |
| Invective | Abusive, angry language | Tirade | 2025 |
| Nebulous | Hazy, not clearly defined | Vague | 2025 |
| Cogent | Clear and convincing | Convincing | 2025 |
Watch out for (9)
- Picking the opposite→ Law, duty and getting things done
- Dilatory is not about dilating→ Law, duty and getting things done
- Complaisant is not complacent→ Character and temper
- Frugal does not mean poor or mean→ Character and temper
- Genuine and authentic both ways→ Character and temper
- Apogee and nadir→ Harm, size and the senses
- Mortal can mean deadly→ Harm, size and the senses
- Apathy and empathy→ Feelings, speech and praise
- Assent and dissent→ Feelings, speech and praise
Antonyms
Reference tables (5)
People and character16 rows
| Word | Meaning | Keyed antonym | Asked in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meticulous | Very careful about detail | Careless | 2023 (twice) |
| Veteran | Someone with long experience | Novice | 2023 |
| Amateur | A non-professional, a beginner | Expert | 2023 |
| Modest | Humble, not boastful | Conceited | 2023 |
| Gullible | Easily fooled | Cynical | 2023 |
| Frugal | Sparing with money | Extravagant | 2023 |
| Candid | Frank and honest | Dishonest | 2024 |
| Timid | Lacking courage | Daring | 2024 |
| Ostentatious | Showy, meant to impress | Restrained | 2024 |
| Dogmatic | Insisting one's views are right | Liberal | 2024 |
| Sagacious | Wise and shrewd | Foolish | 2025 |
| Perfidious | Treacherous | Loyal | 2025 |
| Pusillanimous | Cowardly | Brave | 2025 |
| Mendacious | Lying | Truthful | 2025 |
| Munificent | Very generous | Stingy | 2025 |
| Obsequious | Too eager to please | Assertive | 2025 |
Speech, praise and blame16 rows
| Word | Meaning | Keyed antonym | Asked in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absurd | Wildly unreasonable | Sensible, realistic | 2023 (twice) |
| Persuade | Talk someone into doing something | Dissuade | 2023 |
| Chide | Scold | Applaud | 2023 |
| Lucid | Clear and easy to understand | Ambiguous | 2023 |
| Clandestine | Kept secret | Known | 2023 |
| Yell | Shout loudly | Whisper | 2023 |
| Concede | Admit that something is true | Deny | 2024 |
| Bombastic | High-sounding and inflated | Simple | 2024 |
| Vouch | Confirm that something is true | Invalidate | 2024 |
| Vociferous | Loud and forceful | Silent | 2025 |
| Demur | Raise an objection | Agree | 2025 |
| Encomium | A speech of high praise | Castigation | 2025 |
| Esoteric | Understood by only a few | Straightforward | 2025 |
| Opprobrium | Harsh public criticism | Honour | 2025 |
| Dissemble | Hide one's real feelings | Reveal | 2025 |
| Cacophony | A harsh mix of sounds | Harmony | 2025 |
Size, worth and law16 rows
| Word | Meaning | Keyed antonym | Asked in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trivial | Of little importance | Significant | 2023 (twice) |
| Acquitted | Declared not guilty | Convicted | 2023 |
| Compulsory | Required by rule | Voluntary | 2023 |
| Prohibition | Forbidding something | Permission | 2023 |
| Superficial | On the surface, shallow | Profound | 2023 |
| Spurious | False, fake | Authentic | 2023 |
| Profuse | Plentiful | Scarce | 2024 |
| Absolve | Declare free from blame | Accuse | 2024 |
| Taboo | Forbidden by custom | Acceptable | 2024 |
| Brittle | Hard but easily broken | Resilient | 2024 |
| Laudable | Deserving praise | Deplorable | 2024 |
| Abrogate | Repeal, do away with | Uphold | 2025 |
| Vindicate | Clear someone of blame | Accuse | 2025 |
| Impecunious | Having little money | Wealthy | 2025 |
| Nugatory | Of no value | Significant | 2025 |
| Pernicious | Harmful in a slow, hidden way | Innocuous | 2025 |
Time, change and action16 rows
| Word | Meaning | Keyed antonym | Asked in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hinder | Hold back, obstruct | Aid, facilitate | 2023, 2024 |
| Incessant | Continuing without a pause | Sporadic, intermittent | 2023, 2025 |
| Wax | Grow, increase | Wane | 2023 |
| Seldom | Rarely | Frequently | 2023 |
| Transient | Lasting a short time | Permanent | 2023 |
| Divergence | Moving apart | Convergence | 2023 |
| Conceal | Hide | Reveal | 2023 |
| Abate | Lessen | Increase | 2023 |
| Jeopardise | Put in danger | Safeguard | 2024 |
| Meander | Follow a winding course | Direct | 2024 |
| Foment | Stir up trouble | Regulate | 2024 |
| Chronic | Long-lasting (of an illness) | Mild | 2024 |
| Transitory | Lasting a short time | Eternal | 2025 |
| Extirpate | Root out, destroy completely | Establish | 2025 |
| Incipient | Just beginning | Advanced | 2025 |
| Pulverize | Crush into powder | Restore | 2025 |
Feelings and calm16 rows
| Word | Meaning | Keyed antonym | Asked in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jubilant | Full of joy | Melancholic | 2023 |
| Exultant | Triumphantly happy | Disconsolate | 2023 |
| Lament | Mourn, express grief | Celebrate | 2023 |
| Tedious | Dull and tiring | Interesting | 2023 |
| Allay | Calm a fear or doubt | Aggravate | 2024 |
| Elated | Very happy and excited | Discouraged | 2024 |
| Desolate | Bleak and joyless | Festive | 2024 |
| Lethargic | Sluggish, without energy | Active | 2024 |
| Risible | Laughable | Serious | 2024 |
| Lachrymose | Tearful | Jovial | 2025 |
| Lugubrious | Mournful | Joyous | 2025 |
| Lassitude | Tiredness, lack of energy | Vigour | 2025 |
| Soporific | Causing sleep | Stimulating | 2025 |
| Reverence | Deep respect | Contempt | 2025 |
| Redolent | Strongly smelling of something | Unscented | 2025 |
| Quell | Put down, calm | Provoke | 2025 |
Watch out for (11)
- Disinterested and uninterested→ People and character
- Astute and obtuse→ People and character
- Fulsome praise is not generous praise→ Speech, praise and blame
- Demur means object→ Speech, praise and blame
- Epitome can mean a summary→ Size, worth and law
- Nominal means very small here→ Size, worth and law
- Pernicious and innocuous→ Size, worth and law
- Wax as a verb→ Time, change and action
- Chronic is about time, not strength→ Time, change and action
- Allay, mitigate and mollify→ Feelings and calm
- Risible is not risky→ Feelings and calm
Homophones and Word Meaning
Reference tables (3)
Homophones: same sound, different spelling16 rows
| Word SSC wanted | Meaning | Sound-alikes in the options | Asked in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scent | A smell | Sent, cent | 2023 (twice), 2024 |
| Flour | Ground grain for bread | Floor, flower | 2024 (twice) |
| Floor | The ground surface of a room | Flour, flower | 2024 |
| Heir | One who inherits | Hair, hare | 2023 |
| Rein | A strap to control a horse | Reign, rain | 2023 |
| Aisle | A passage between rows of seats | Isle, I'll | 2023 |
| Troupe | A group of performers | Troop | 2023 |
| Cite | Quote as evidence | Site, sight | 2023 |
| Waive | Give up a right or claim | Wave | 2023 |
| Pale | Light in colour, unwell-looking | Pail, pall | 2023 |
| Dew | Water drops formed overnight | Due | 2023 |
| Heal | Cure | Heel | 2024 |
| Capitol | The building where the US Congress meets | Capital | 2024 |
| Bear | Put up with | Bare, beer | 2024 |
| Too | More than enough, very | To, two | 2024 |
| Their | Belonging to them | There | 2024 |
Homonyms: same spelling, different meaning13 rows
| Word | Meaning in SSC's sentence | The other meaning (keyed) | Asked in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stern | Strict, severe | The rear part of a ship | 2025 |
| Compact | Small and neatly packed | A formal agreement | 2025 |
| Current | Present, of now | A flow of water | 2025 (twice) |
| Fine | Subtle, precise | A money penalty | 2025 |
| Bass | A low, deep sound | A kind of fish | 2025 |
| Ring | A band worn on the finger | To make a bell-like sound | 2025 |
| Watch | To observe | A timepiece | 2025 |
| Pike | A long spear | A freshwater fish | 2025 |
| Vault | An arched roof or chamber | A gymnast's leap | 2025 |
| Mitre | A bishop's tall headdress | A joint cut at an angle | 2025 |
| Crosier | A bishop's hooked staff | The coiled young frond of a fern | 2025 |
| Tripos | The Cambridge honours exam | A three-legged stool | 2025 |
| Sconce | A wall bracket for a light | To fine a student (an Oxford custom) | 2025 |
Word meaning and word choice12 rows
| Word | Meaning | Asked in |
|---|---|---|
| Harangue | A long, aggressive speech | 2023 |
| Termagant | A violent, quarrelsome woman | 2023 |
| Diffident | Shy through lack of confidence | 2023 |
| Retaliation | Revenge | 2023 |
| Colossal | Very huge | 2024 |
| Verity | Truth | 2024 |
| Cascade | A waterfall | 2024 |
| Affiliated | Allied, officially connected | 2024 |
| Daredevil | A fearless person | 2024 |
| Diametrically opposed | Completely opposite | 2025 |
| Rigorous scrutiny | Close, careful examination | 2025 |
| Perspicuously | Clearly, in a way easy to follow | 2025 |
Watch out for (7)
- Waive and waiver→ Homophones: same sound, different spelling
- Complement and compliment→ Homophones: same sound, different spelling
- Capitol and capital→ Homophones: same sound, different spelling
- Keep watch still means watching→ Homonyms: same spelling, different meaning
- A change of setting is not a change of meaning→ Homonyms: same spelling, different meaning
- Perspicuous and perspicacious→ Word meaning and word choice
- Adverse is not averse→ Word meaning and word choice
PYQ weightage by concept
19 concepts · 1036 PYQs — where the marks actually sit, so you know what to drill first
PYQ weightage by concept
19 concepts · 1036 PYQs — where the marks actually sit, so you know what to drill first
One-Word Substitution236 PYQs · 23%
| Concept | PYQs | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Qualities, acts and fears | 110 | 11% |
| People by what they do or believe | 69 | 7% |
| Studies, governments, writing and speech | 37 | 4% |
| Places and groups | 20 | 2% |
Spelling222 PYQs · 21%
| Concept | PYQs | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Vowels, silent letters and ie or ei | 136 | 13% |
| Endings: -able or -ible, -ance or -ence, -cede or -ceed | 44 | 4% |
| Doubled and single letters | 42 | 4% |
Synonyms210 PYQs · 20%
| Concept | PYQs | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Harm, size and the senses | 65 | 6% |
| Character and temper | 58 | 6% |
| Feelings, speech and praise | 53 | 5% |
| Law, duty and getting things done | 34 | 3% |
Antonyms260 PYQs · 25%
| Concept | PYQs | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Time, change and action | 65 | 6% |
| Size, worth and law | 57 | 6% |
| People and character | 55 | 5% |
| Feelings and calm | 46 | 4% |
| Speech, praise and blame | 37 | 4% |
Homophones and Word Meaning72 PYQs · 7%
| Concept | PYQs | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Homophones: same sound, different spelling | 45 | 4% |
| Homonyms: same spelling, different meaning | 27 | 3% |
| Word meaning and word choicefoundation | — | — |
Test yourself on Vocabulary
20 past SSC CGL questions from this chapter, timed at 12 minutes and marked the way the exam marks it. You see your score and every answer the moment you finish. Free to start.