The Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam stands as a crucial milestone for individuals aspiring to serve in the esteemed armed forces. Within the English section of the CDS exam, a solid grasp of essential words is paramount for success. This article serves as a comprehensive guide, presenting a curated list of important words frequently asked in the CDS exam, along with example sentences, synonyms, and antonyms, to aid candidates in their preparation.
Ø OMNIPOTENT: All-powerful
•Example: an omnipotent despot
•Synonyms: invincible, almighty, autocratic
•Antonyms: powerless, impotent, weak
Ø OSTENSIBLE: Apparent; pretended
•Example: his ostensible, though not actual, purpose
•Synonyms: professed, plausible (that is, appearing true, reasonable, or fair), specious
•Antonyms: hidden, impossible, actual
Ø OSTRACIZE: To banish; to exclude from public favor or privileges
•Example: a former Prime Minister ostracized by popular vote
•Synonyms: outlaw, exclude, repudiate
•Antonyms: include, accept, welcome
Ø PANACEA: A remedy for all ills
•Example: seeking a panacea to cure our social troubles
•Synonyms: nostrum, cure, remedy, elixir
•Antonyms: enigma, hassle, drawback
Ø PANEGYRIC: A speech or writing of extravagant praise
•Example: Rajiv delivered a panegyric speech at his friend’s wedding dinner.
•Synonyms: eulogy, adulation, tribute, laudation (adj. laudatory), encomium
•Antonyms: censure, disparagement, derogation, castigation, depreciation
Ø PARADOX: A self -contradictory statement; something ‘that appears to be absurd and yet may be true
•Example: “Life is too important a matter to be taken seriously.“ is a paradox by Oscar Wilde.
•Synonyms: anomaly, contradiction, conflict, absurdity
•Antonyms: regularity, normalcy, certainty
Ø PECCADILLO: A petty fault
•Example: He possesses one peccadillo among his many virtues.
•Synonyms: frailty, foible, flaw, blemish
•Antonyms: innocence, moralities
Ø PEDANT (adj.: PEDANTIC): One who proudly shows off his learning or who overrates his knowledge
•Example: He was like a pedant glorying in his scholarly trifles.
•Synonyms: perfectionist, purist, formalist
•Antonyms: ignorant, non-intellectual
Ø PENSIVE: Sadly thoughtful
•Example: He softly sang his pensive song.
•Synonyms: reflective, meditative, contemplative, musing
•Antonyms: unreflective, frivolous, cheerful
Ø PEREMPTORY: Positive in expressing an opinion
•Example: He gave a peremptory judgment.
•Synonyms: decisive, resolute, imperious, positive, dogmatic
•Antonyms: indecisive, tentative
For more words, check out Top 25 Most Important Words With Synonyms & Antonyms | Part 7 | CDS 1 2024 | UPSC
Strategies for Preparation:
- Create flashcards or mnemonic devices to aid memorization.
- Practice using the words in sentences to reinforce understanding.
- Engage in regular reading and vocabulary-building exercises.
- Utilize online resources and vocabulary lists specific to the CDS exam.
- Review synonyms and antonyms to grasp the nuances of word meanings.
Conclusion:
Mastering essential words is a key component of success in the English section of the CDS exam. By familiarizing themselves with the words presented in this article, along with their example sentences, synonyms, and antonyms, candidates can enhance their language skills and approach the exam with confidence. Through dedicated practice and strategic preparation, aspiring candidates can elevate their performance and embark on the path towards achieving success in the CDS exam and beyond.
