Vocabulary is a crucial part of the English language section in the MPSC Combine exam. A strong vocabulary helps in Comprehension, Error Detection, Cloze Tests, Synonyms/Antonyms, and One-Word Substitutions.
1. Core Strategies for Learning Vocabulary
Contextual Learning: Never learn a word in isolation. Always note its meaning, part of speech (noun, verb, adjective, etc.), and use it in a sentence to understand its proper application.
Example:Ephemeral (adj.) – lasting for a very short time.1The beauty of the sunset was ephemeral.
The Power of Repetition: Review learned words regularly (daily/weekly). Use flashcards (physical or digital) or spaced repetition apps.
Active Recall: Test yourself frequently.2 Cover the word and try to recall its meaning, or cover the meaning and try to recall the word.
Maintain a Notebook: Keep a dedicated notebook to write down new words, their meanings, example sentences, and related words.
2. Word Components: Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes
Understanding word components can help you guess the meaning of unfamiliar words.3
A. Roots (The Core Meaning)
Root
Meaning
Example Word
Meaning of Example
Bene-
Good, well
Beneficent
Generous, doing good
Mal-
Bad, evil
Malicious
Intending to do harm
Aud-
Hear
Audible
Able to be heard
Cred-
Believe
Credible
Believable, trustworthy
Scrib/Script-
Write
Manuscript
A book, document, or piece of music written by hand
Tract-
Pull, drag
Tractor
A powerful vehicle that pulls farm machinery
B. Prefixes (Added to the Beginning)
Prefix
Meaning
Example Word
Meaning of Example
Un-
Not
Unhappy
Not happy
Dis-
Not, away
Disagree
Not agree
Sub-
Under
Submarine
A vessel designed to operate under water
Inter-
Between
International
Between different nations
Trans-
Across
Transport
Carry across a place
Co-/Com-
Together
Co-exist
Exist together
C. Suffixes (Added to the End)
Suffix
Function
Example Word
Part of Speech
-tion / -sion
Forms a Noun
Education, Decision
Noun
-ment
Forms a Noun
Government, Treatment
Noun
-ous / -al / -ic
Forms an Adjective
Generous, Logical, Historic
Adjective
-ly
Forms an Adverb
Quickly, Carefully
Adverb
-ize / -ify
Forms a Verb
Finalize, Simplify
Verb
-er / -or
Person/thing that does
Teacher, Creator
Noun
3. Key Areas to Focus for MPSC
A. Synonyms and Antonyms
Focus on words that appear in previous year papers or are frequently used in editorial sections of newspapers.
Learn the degree of meaning (e.g., happy, joyful, ecstatic – all mean happy, but ecstatic is a much stronger feeling).
Word
Synonym
Antonym
Abundance
Plenty, Profusion
Scarcity, Dearth
Lethargy
Sluggishness, Inertia
Vigor, Activity
Eloquent
Articulate, Expressive
Inarticulate, Mute
Perilous
Hazardous, Risky
Safe, Secure
B. One-Word Substitutions
These replace a phrase or a clause with a single word.
Phrase
One Word
A person who hates women.
Misogynist
The study of birds.
Ornithology
A person who believes in fate.
Fatalist
That which cannot be read.
Illegible
The act of looking back upon past events.
Retrospection
C. Phrasal Verbs and Idioms
A Phrasal Verb is a verb combined with an adverb or a preposition, or sometimes both (e.g., put off, look after).4 An Idiom is a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words (e.g., break the ice).5
Type
Phrase
Meaning
Example Sentence
Phrasal Verb
Call off
To cancel
The match was called off due to rain.
Phrasal Verb
Look up to
To admire/respect
She looks up to her parents.
Idiom
A storm in a teacup
A lot of fuss about something minor
The argument was just a storm in a teacup.
Idiom
To face the music
To accept punishment
After cheating, he had to face the music.
4. Sources for Vocabulary Enrichment
Newspapers: Read the Editorial and Opinion pages of The Hindu or Indian Express daily. Note down new words.
Previous Year Papers (PYQs): Analyze MPSC Combine and other similar competitive exam papers to identify frequently tested words and patterns.
Standard Grammar Books: Refer to books like Wren & Martin for dedicated vocabulary sections.6
The Internet: Use reliable online dictionaries (e.g., Oxford Learner’s Dictionary) for accurate definitions and usage.7
