Vocabulary for CUET

Vocabulary for CUET: Why It Matters and How to Master It

The CUET (Common University Entrance Test) has become a key part of undergraduate admissions in central and many other universities across India. For students choosing the English language paper or courses requiring strong communication skills, building a strong vocabulary is not optional—it’s essential. A good vocabulary for CUET helps students perform better in the English language section and boosts overall comprehension and accuracy.

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Why Vocabulary Matters in CUET

In the CUET English section, questions are designed to test a student’s ability to understand, interpret, and use the English language effectively. While the section includes reading comprehension, grammar, and sentence rearrangement, vocabulary-based questions appear frequently. These may include synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitutions, idioms, or context-based vocabulary.

Mastering vocabulary for CUET helps in:

Understanding complex passages in comprehension
Answering synonym and antonym-based MCQs
Interpreting the correct meaning in sentence-based questions
Improving reading speed and understanding tone or intent

Common Types of Vocabulary Questions in CUET

Synonyms and Antonyms
One-word Substitutions
Idioms and Phrases
Fill in the Blanks with Vocabulary Context
Word Usage in Sentences
Foreign Words and Phrases
Spelling Correction or Identification
Collocations and Phrasal Verbs

These questions test not only the knowledge of a word’s meaning but also the ability to use it correctly in context.

How to Build Strong Vocabulary for CUET

Read English newspapers and editorials daily
Maintain a personal vocabulary notebook
Use vocabulary flashcards for revision
Practice with CUET-specific vocabulary lists
Attempt vocabulary quizzes regularly
Learn through usage, not just definitions
Watch English news or documentaries with subtitles
Use mobile apps and platforms that offer word-of-the-day or vocabulary games

A consistent, practical approach improves retention and recall in a timed exam environment.

Essential Vocabulary Topics to Cover

While vocabulary is a vast area, some specific categories and word types are often found in CUET:

Academic vocabulary related to literature, history, or social science
Frequently used verbs and adjectives in reading passages
Vocabulary from NCERT Class 10 to 12 English texts
Idiomatic expressions commonly used in spoken and written English
Business and current affairs terminology, especially for general test takers

Students should pay close attention to how words are used in different grammatical forms or sentence contexts.

Sample Vocabulary Words to Practice

Abate – to reduce or lessen
Benevolent – kind and generous
Concur – to agree or have the same opinion
Diligent – hardworking and careful
Empathy – the ability to understand others’ feelings
Frivolous – not serious or lacking importance
Gregarious – sociable or outgoing
Hypocrisy – claiming to have moral standards one does not follow
Inept – lacking skill or ability
Juxtapose – to place side by side for comparison

Focusing on these types of words improves both vocabulary strength and contextual understanding.

Best Sources for CUET Vocabulary Preparation

NCERT textbooks for Class 11 and 12 English Core
CUET-specific guidebooks and online material
Editorials from newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express
Trusted vocabulary building books such as Word Power Made Easy
CUET previous year papers and mock tests for word usage patterns
Online test prep platforms with topic-based vocabulary tests

Selecting material that balances learning and testing is key to effective preparation.

Final Tips to Excel in Vocabulary for CUET

Practice daily in small, consistent sessions
Focus on understanding word usage, not just definitions
Attempt mock tests and vocabulary sections under time limits
Revise new words frequently to improve long-term retention
Learn root words, prefixes, and suffixes to decode new words faster
Avoid rote memorization—contextual learning is more effective

Conclusion

A rich vocabulary is not only essential for scoring well in the CUET English section but also plays a vital role in academic and professional success. With the right resources, smart strategies, and regular practice, any student can improve their vocabulary for CUET and face the exam with greater confidence and competence.

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