IPU CET BBA key terms

A word that carries the same or nearly the same meaning as another word in a given context, such as 'begin' and 'commence'. Synonym questions ask you to pick the closest match to the given word.

A word whose meaning is opposite to another word, such as 'expand' and 'contract'. Antonym questions test whether you can identify the word with the reverse meaning of the one given.

A hint inside a sentence, such as a definition, example, contrast, or cause-effect signal, that helps you infer the meaning of an unfamiliar word without a dictionary.

A fixed expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from its individual words, for example 'to let the cat out of the bag' meaning to reveal a secret. Idioms are tested through usage and meaning questions.

The habitual pairing of words that native users expect together, such as 'make a decision' rather than 'do a decision'. Choosing the natural partner word is often tested in fill-in-the-blank items.

A small connecting word such as in, on, at, of, or to that links a noun or pronoun to another part of the sentence and shows relations of place, time, or direction.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number and person, so a singular subject takes a singular verb. Intervening phrases and collective nouns often complicate this in error-spotting questions.

Keeping the sequence of verb tenses logical within a sentence or passage, so a past-tense main clause normally governs past-tense subordinate clauses unless a clear time shift is intended.

A word, phrase, or clause that describes another element in the sentence. A dangling or misplaced modifier attaches to the wrong element and creates confusion or unintended humour.

Balancing items in a list or comparison so they share the same grammatical form, such as all infinitives or all nouns. Breaking this pattern is a common error tested in sentence correction.

A question type where an underlined portion of a sentence must be swapped for the option that makes the sentence grammatically correct and idiomatic, or confirmed as needing no change.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a passage rather than stated outright. Inference questions ask what must be true, or is most likely true, given what the author has written.

The main point a passage is built around, often stated in a topic sentence or implied through the whole text. Main-idea questions ask you to summarise it in one option.

The attitude an author conveys towards the subject, such as critical, sympathetic, neutral, or ironic. Tone questions require you to read word choice and emphasis, not just content.

A fraction expressed out of one hundred, where 25% means 25 per 100. Percentage problems typically involve converting between fractions, decimals, and ratios, and finding increase or decrease.

A comparison of two or more quantities by division, written as a:b. Ratio problems often require dividing a total in a given proportion or combining two ratios into one.

The sum of a set of values divided by the number of values, also called the arithmetic mean. Average questions often involve a change in average when a value is added or removed.

A mean in which each value contributes in proportion to its assigned weight rather than equally, used for mixed groups such as two batches of students with different scores.

Calculations based on cost price, selling price, and the difference between them, expressed as a percentage of cost price. Marked price and discount are usually layered on top.

Interest calculated only on the original principal for the whole period, using the formula principal × rate × time ÷ 100. It does not compound, unlike compound interest.

Interest calculated on the principal plus previously accumulated interest, so the amount grows geometrically each period. It is usually computed as amount minus principal over stated compounding intervals.

The relationship distance = speed × time, used to find any one of the three when the others are known. Problems often involve relative speed, trains, boats, or two travellers meeting.

Problems where the rate of work is expressed as a fraction of a job completed per day, and combined rates add. Typical tasks include finding how long two workers take together.

A variation of time-and-work problems in which inlet pipes fill a tank and outlet pipes empty it. Filling rates are added and emptying rates subtracted to find net time.

Counting techniques for arranging items where order matters (permutation) versus selecting groups where order does not matter (combination). Both rely on factorials and are tested through word or team selection problems.

The chance of an event, computed as favourable outcomes divided by total equally likely outcomes. Values range from 0 for impossible to 1 for certain.

A form of deductive reasoning using two or more premises to reach a conclusion, commonly tested with statements like 'All A are B' and 'Some B are C' and a set of possible conclusions.

A diagram using overlapping circles to show how sets relate, useful for checking which conclusions necessarily follow from statements about categories in syllogism questions.

Reasoning from general statements to a conclusion that must follow if the premises are true. It differs from induction, which generalises from specific observations.

An unstated premise that must be true for a given argument to hold. Assumption questions ask you to identify the hidden link the author relies on.

The claim an argument tries to establish on the basis of evidence or premises. In logical reasoning items you separate the conclusion from the supporting statements.

A puzzle where letters, words, or numbers are transformed by a rule, and you must apply or reverse the rule. Common patterns include letter shifts, reversals, and position-based substitutions.

A sequence of numbers, letters, or figures that follows a pattern, where you must identify the rule and supply the missing or next item. Differences may be constant, increasing, or alternating.

A pair relationship question of the form A is to B as C is to ?, where you identify how the first pair is linked and apply the same link to complete the second pair.

An odd-one-out task in which all items except one share a common property, and you must spot the exception. The shared property may be numerical, verbal, or conceptual.

Puzzles that describe family links through statements or a diagram and ask how two people are related. Drawing a simple family tree with gender and generation markers prevents errors.

Problems tracking movement in terms of north, south, east, and west, often with turns, to find final distance or facing direction. Sketching each step is the reliable method.

A puzzle placing people around a circle or in a row according to clues about who sits next to, opposite, or between whom. Fixed and variable positions must be tracked carefully.

Gross Domestic Product, the total market value of final goods and services produced within a country in a period. It is the standard headline measure of the size of an economy.

A sustained rise in the general price level, which reduces the purchasing power of money. Central banks often respond by raising policy interest rates to cool demand.

Actions by a central bank, such as changing interest rates or reserve requirements, to influence money supply, credit, and inflation. In India this is set by the Reserve Bank of India.

The government's use of taxation and public spending to influence the economy, including budget deficits and stimulus measures. It is distinct from central bank action on interest rates.

The set of controllable elements a firm blends to reach its market, traditionally the four Ps: product, price, place, and promotion. Services marketing extends this with people, process, and physical evidence.

Dividing a broad market into smaller groups of buyers with similar needs or traits so that offers can be tailored. Segments are then evaluated and targeted.

Creating a distinct name, symbol, or identity that distinguishes a product from competitors and builds recognition and loyalty in the buyer's mind.

A planning tool that maps an organisation's internal strengths and weaknesses against external opportunities and threats, helping to frame strategy and priorities.