✨ Introduction
Mastering Reading Comprehension begins with mastering the words!
In this post, we dive deep into vocabulary taken directly from an actual CAT RC passage. Each word has been explained in a simple, easy-to-understand way, along with examples to help you grasp its usage in real contexts.
From words like "species" and "cognitive" to "subjection" and "paradise," strengthen your vocabulary one word at a time — and take your RC performance to the next level!
📚 What’s Inside This Vocabulary Post?
- 🔍 Words Sourced from an Actual CAT RC Passage: Directly pick up important vocabulary from real CAT exam material.
- 🧠 Meaningful Explanations: Understand the exact meaning and usage of each word in a simple, student-friendly way.
- ✍️ Context-Based Learning: Learn words with examples that reflect their actual usage in reading comprehension contexts.
- 🗂️ Quick Reference Format: Words are neatly listed with meanings, parts of speech, and example sentences for easy revision.
- 🚀 Boost Your RC and Verbal Ability Skills: Improve your understanding of tough passages by strengthening your vocabulary.
📝 Words Covered in This Article:
- cognitive
- exception
- scrawled
- papyrus
- subjection
- desirable
- oriented
- consistency
- accordance
- hard-wired
WORD-1: Cognitive
Context:
"Understanding where you are in the world is a basic survival skill, which is why we, like most species, come hard-wired with specialised brain areas to create cognitive maps of our surroundings." - Science Article
Explanatory Paragraph:
The term "cognitive" refers to anything related to the mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and understanding. These processes include thinking, knowing, remembering, judging, and problem-solving. In the context of the sentence, "cognitive maps" are mental representations that help us navigate and understand the spaces around us, showing how our brains process spatial information.
Meaning: Related to mental processes like thinking, learning, and memory (Adjective)
Pronunciation: KOG-ni-tiv
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *cognitio* (knowledge), from *cognoscere* meaning "to know"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Cognitive" is a crucial word in psychology and neuroscience. It's often used to discuss how the brain functions when it comes to understanding, decision-making, and learning. Remember this term when thinking about how the mind works internally.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: mental, intellectual, psychological, cerebral, rational
Antonyms: emotional, instinctive, unconscious
Usage Examples:
- Babies develop cognitive abilities rapidly in their first few years of life.
- The test is designed to assess the patient’s cognitive function.
- She read books on neuroscience to better understand human cognitive behavior.
- Virtual reality can aid in cognitive rehabilitation after brain injuries.
Cultural Reference:
"Cognitive dissonance" is a concept in psychology introduced by Leon Festinger in 1957, referring to the discomfort felt when holding two conflicting beliefs. - Psychology Texts
Think About It:
How do your cognitive biases shape the way you interpret everyday events and interactions?
Quick Activity:
Make a list of 5 activities you do daily that involve cognitive processes. Reflect on how your brain supports these functions without you even realizing it.
Memory Tip:
Think of "COGnitive" as related to "COGnition"—both begin with "COG," hinting at the "gears" of the mind turning when you think.
Real-World Application:
In education, understanding cognitive development helps teachers design better learning experiences. In technology, it informs the creation of AI systems that mimic human thinking.
WORD-2: Exception
Context:
"Where humans are unique, though, with the possible exception of honeybees, is that we try to communicate this understanding of the world with others." - Science Article
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "exception" is used to indicate something or someone that is not included in a general rule or does not follow the norm. In this sentence, the author points out that humans are generally unique in their ability to share understanding through communication—but mentions honeybees as a possible rare case that may also exhibit this trait, thus serving as an exception to the general rule.
Meaning: A person or thing that is excluded from a general statement or does not follow a rule (Noun)
Pronunciation: ek-SEP-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *exceptio*, from *excipere*, meaning “to take out”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of "exception" as a word that signals a break from the usual. It's a handy term when you're dealing with rules, patterns, or generalizations, and want to point out that something doesn't fit the mold.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: exclusion, anomaly, outlier, irregularity
Antonyms: rule, norm, standard, regularity
Usage Examples:
- Everyone passed the exam, with the exception of one student.
- This restaurant is open every day, with no exceptions.
- The rule applies to all, but there may be a few exceptions.
- She’s usually calm, but today was an exception.
Cultural Reference:
In law, the phrase "the exception proves the rule" is a famous maxim suggesting that exceptions highlight the presence of a general rule. - Common Legal Aphorism
Think About It:
Can making room for exceptions actually make a rule stronger or more flexible?
Quick Activity:
Write down three rules you follow daily and try to think of one exception to each. What does each exception teach you about the rule?
Memory Tip:
Think of "ex-ception" as something that is "ex" (out of) the "ception" (normal concept). It's something that doesn't fit in the usual box.
Real-World Application:
The idea of exceptions is critical in fields like programming, law, and education, where rules are important but flexibility is needed to handle special or unexpected situations.
WORD-3 : Scrawled
Context:
"We have a long history of doing this by drawing maps – the earliest versions yet discovered were scrawled on cave walls 14,000 years ago." - Science Documentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Scrawled" refers to writing or drawing something in a hurried, messy, or careless way. In the sentence above, it highlights how early humans etched or drew rudimentary maps onto cave walls in a rough or unrefined manner. The use of "scrawled" emphasizes the informal, perhaps chaotic, yet meaningful nature of those ancient markings.
Meaning: Written or drawn in a careless, messy, or hurried way (Verb – past tense of "scrawl")
Pronunciation: SKRAWLD
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: Possibly from Middle English *scrawlen*, related to "crawl", suggesting awkward movement or strokes
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Scrawled" is a very visual word — think of a child quickly scribbling on a wall or someone jotting a note in haste. It conveys lack of precision but often carries authenticity or spontaneity.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: scribbled, doodled, scratched, jotted
Antonyms: wrote neatly, drafted, inscribed, engraved
Usage Examples:
- He scrawled his phone number on the back of a napkin.
- The graffiti was scrawled across the wall in large red letters.
- She scrawled a quick note before rushing out the door.
- Ancient messages were scrawled into the stone with primitive tools.
Cultural Reference:
In movies like *The Da Vinci Code*, clues are often scrawled in haste before danger strikes, adding tension and a sense of urgency. - Film Symbolism
Think About It:
Can something messy or quickly done, like a scrawl, still hold lasting meaning or value?
Quick Activity:
Try scrawling your name on a piece of paper using your non-dominant hand. Reflect on how the act feels different from neat writing.
Memory Tip:
Scrawled sounds like "crawl" — imagine letters that are crawling messily across the page instead of standing up neatly!
Real-World Application:
In archaeology, scrawled markings can provide valuable insights into early human communication, while in everyday life, quick scrawls often capture spontaneous thoughts and emotions.
WORD-4: Papyrus
Context:
"Human cultures have been drawing them on stone tablets, papyrus, paper and now computer screens ever since." - Educational Article
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Papyrus" refers to an ancient writing material used by civilizations like the Egyptians. Made from the pith of the papyrus plant, it was pressed into sheets and used much like modern paper. The word evokes a time when human knowledge and records were literally hand-crafted, showing how far communication has evolved—from carving into stone to digital screens.
Meaning: A material similar to thick paper used in ancient times for writing (Noun)
Pronunciation: puh-PIE-rus
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *papyrus*, from Greek *papyros* — the name of the Egyptian plant used to make it
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Papyrus is more than just a word—it's a symbol of how writing began. Understanding it gives you a glimpse into early civilization and the roots of human communication. Also, beware of confusing "papyrus" with the modern font of the same name!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: scroll, parchment, manuscript, document
Antonyms: digital file, hard drive, ebook
Usage Examples:
- Ancient Egyptians wrote important texts on papyrus scrolls.
- A fragment of papyrus bearing Greek writing was discovered during the excavation.
- Papyrus allowed early civilizations to keep records and share knowledge.
- Historians study papyrus documents to learn about ancient cultures.
Cultural Reference:
Papyrus was used to produce the famous Egyptian *Book of the Dead*, a guide for the afterlife. These texts offer deep insight into ancient beliefs and customs. - Ancient Egyptian Texts
Think About It:
What does the shift from papyrus to digital screens say about the way we value and preserve information today?
Quick Activity:
Imagine you are an ancient scribe. Write a short 2-sentence message on a piece of paper as if you were using papyrus. Use cursive or symbolic writing for effect!
Memory Tip:
Think of the word "papyrus" as "paper from a plant"—they both start with “p” and relate to writing. Also, recall the *Papyrus* font—it’s styled to look ancient!
Real-World Application:
In archaeology, studying ancient papyrus texts helps researchers unlock the secrets of long-lost civilizations and languages. It also shows the importance of written records in human history.
WORD-5: Subjection
Context:
"North is not very good but you are in a position of subjection to the emperor, so you look up to him,” says Brotton. - Interview Excerpt
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Subjection" refers to the state of being under the control or authority of someone else, often unwillingly or as part of a social or political structure. In the context above, it reflects a historical or symbolic position where one is dominated by the emperor, showing both geographical orientation and hierarchical power dynamics—looking north and looking up both represent submission.
Meaning: The state of being under the power or control of someone else (Noun)
Pronunciation: sub-JEK-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *subicere*, meaning "to throw under" or "subject to authority"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of "subjection" as being beneath someone else's rule or control—both physically and metaphorically. It’s a powerful word when discussing history, politics, or social dynamics. It often implies a lack of freedom or choice.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: domination, oppression, enslavement, servitude, subjugation
Antonyms: freedom, independence, liberty, autonomy
Usage Examples:
- The people lived in subjection to the king for centuries.
- Her ideas were constantly under subjection by her manager.
- Colonial rule brought long periods of subjection for many nations.
- He refused to live in subjection and led a rebellion.
Cultural Reference:
The concept of subjection is central to George Orwell’s *1984*, where the state exerts absolute control over the people, reducing them to mere subjects. - Literature Analysis
Think About It:
Is it possible to be in subjection without realizing it—socially, culturally, or mentally?
Quick Activity:
List three historical events where people or nations were held in subjection. Then, write one sentence each explaining how they resisted or overcame it.
Memory Tip:
Remember that *subjection* begins with "sub-" meaning "under" — think of someone being *under* someone else's control or rule.
Real-World Application:
Understanding subjection is crucial in discussions about human rights, colonialism, gender roles, and authoritarian regimes—any context where power dynamics influence individual or collective freedom.
WORD-6: Desirable
Context:
"Early Chinese compasses were actually oriented to point south, which was considered to be more desirable than deepest darkest north." - Historical Geography Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Desirable" refers to something that is wanted, attractive, or preferred. In the context of early Chinese compasses, the south was seen as a positive or favorable direction—perhaps associated with warmth, life, or power—making it the "desirable" orientation. This reflects how cultural values shape what is considered appealing or preferable.
Meaning: Worth having or wanting; attractive or preferable (Adjective)
Pronunciation: dih-ZY-ruh-bul
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old French *desirables*, from Latin *desiderabilis*, from *desiderare* meaning "to long for"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Use "desirable" to describe anything people naturally gravitate toward—be it a quality, location, job, or object. It's a positive word, but remember that what's desirable can vary widely based on culture and context.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: attractive, appealing, sought-after, favorable, admirable
Antonyms: undesirable, unappealing, unwanted, repellent
Usage Examples:
- The south-facing apartment was considered more desirable because of the sunlight.
- Good communication skills are highly desirable in any workplace.
- They offered him a very desirable position at the firm.
- In ancient Chinese culture, certain directions were viewed as more desirable than others.
Cultural Reference:
In Feng Shui, south is associated with fame and fire, making it a desirable direction in home and building orientation. - Traditional Chinese Philosophy
Think About It:
How much of what we find desirable is shaped by culture, tradition, or societal norms?
Quick Activity:
List 3 things you find desirable. Then, write one sentence for each explaining why—notice how personal or cultural your reasons are.
Memory Tip:
“Desirable” contains “desire” — if you *desire* something, it's *desirable* to you!
Real-World Application:
Marketers use the concept of what is “desirable” to create demand, whether for a product, lifestyle, or experience—understanding this helps consumers make more conscious choices.
WORD-7: Medieval
Context:
"When Columbus describes the world it is in accordance with east being at the top,” he says. “Columbus says he is going towards paradise, so his mentality is from a medieval mappa mundi.” - Historical Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Medieval" refers to the period in European history between the fall of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Renaissance—roughly from the 5th to the 15th century. In this context, it describes Columbus’s worldview being shaped by the beliefs and cartographic practices of the Middle Ages, such as placing east at the top of maps (mappa mundi) and imagining paradise as a real, reachable place.
Meaning: Relating to the Middle Ages, a historical period roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century (Adjective)
Pronunciation: meh-DEE-ee-vul
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *medium aevum*, meaning “the middle age”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Medieval" is often associated with knights, castles, religious dominance, and feudal society—but it also encompasses early scientific thought, artistic expression, and map-making traditions like the mappa mundi. Use it to describe anything historically rooted in that era or old-fashioned in spirit.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: Middle Ages, old-fashioned, antiquated, feudal
Antonyms: modern, contemporary, futuristic, progressive
Usage Examples:
- The medieval castle still stands as a reminder of feudal times.
- He is fascinated by medieval philosophy and theology.
- Medieval maps often placed religious landmarks at the center of the world.
- The story is set in a medieval village surrounded by forests and mystery.
Cultural Reference:
Medieval Europe saw the creation of illuminated manuscripts, like the *Book of Kells*, and mappa mundi maps that reflected both geography and spiritual beliefs. - European Historical Archives
Think About It:
What aspects of the medieval worldview still influence our thinking and cultural imagination today?
Quick Activity:
Draw or describe a "medieval" version of the world—how would you arrange the continents if spirituality guided your design instead of science?
Memory Tip:
Break it into “medi” (middle) + “eval” (age) = "middle age" → *medieval* = from the Middle Ages!
Real-World Application:
Medieval studies inform our understanding of religion, governance, science, and even pop culture—from academic texts to fantasy series like *Game of Thrones* that draw heavily on medieval themes.
WORD-8: Paradise
Context:
"When Columbus describes the world it is in accordance with east being at the top,” he says. “Columbus says he is going towards paradise, so his mentality is from a medieval mappa mundi.” - Historical Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Paradise" refers to an ideal or perfect place of happiness, peace, and beauty. Historically and spiritually, it is often linked to the Garden of Eden or heaven. In this context, Columbus's worldview—shaped by medieval beliefs—imagined paradise as a physical location in the east, reinforcing the idea that exploration was not only geographical but also spiritual and symbolic.
Meaning: A place or state of perfect happiness and peace; often associated with heaven or a utopia (Noun)
Pronunciation: PAIR-uh-dice
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old French *paradis*, from Latin *paradisus*, from Greek *paradeisos*, originally meaning "enclosed park or garden"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Paradise" carries both emotional and spiritual weight. While commonly used to describe idyllic places (like a tropical island), it also carries theological meaning. In literature and exploration narratives, it often symbolizes the quest for ultimate peace or divine favor.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: heaven, utopia, Eden, bliss, nirvana
Antonyms: hell, misery, dystopia, chaos
Usage Examples:
- They described the island as a tropical paradise.
- Religious texts often depict paradise as a reward for the righteous.
- He sought paradise not just on earth, but in his heart and mind.
- Medieval explorers believed that paradise lay somewhere far to the east.
Cultural Reference:
In Dante Alighieri’s *Divine Comedy*, *Paradiso* is the final realm representing heaven and divine union—contrasting with *Inferno* and *Purgatorio*. - Classical Literature
Think About It:
Is "paradise" a physical place, a spiritual idea, or a state of mind? How does your definition shape the way you pursue happiness?
Quick Activity:
Draw or describe what your version of paradise looks like. Is it a location, a feeling, or a moment in time?
Memory Tip:
“Paradise” sounds like “pair of dice”—imagine rolling a lucky pair of dice that takes you to a dreamlike, perfect world!
Real-World Application:
The word "paradise" is widely used in tourism, literature, and religion to describe places of ideal beauty or peace. Understanding its layers can deepen our appreciation of how language shapes aspiration and belief.
WORD-9: Hard-wired
Context:
"Understanding where you are in the world is a basic survival skill, which is why we, like most species, come hard-wired with specialised brain areas to create cognitive maps of our surroundings." - Neuroscience Article
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Hard-wired" is a metaphorical expression used to describe behaviors, abilities, or instincts that are deeply embedded or automatic—often due to biology or evolution. In this sentence, it means that humans (and other species) are born with a built-in capacity to understand spatial environments, suggesting that this ability isn’t learned but naturally present in our brains.
Meaning: Inborn or instinctive; permanently programmed or ingrained (Adjective – informal)
Pronunciation: hard-WY-erd
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: Originally from electronics, where wires are fixed into hardware; now used metaphorically for innate behaviors or tendencies
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Hard-wired” is a powerful modern metaphor. It blends science and psychology and is commonly used to talk about things we can’t help doing because they are part of our natural design—like fear, love, memory, or spatial awareness.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: ingrained, innate, built-in, instinctive, automatic
Antonyms: learned, acquired, flexible, adaptable
Usage Examples:
- Humans are hard-wired to seek social connection and belonging.
- Fight-or-flight responses are hard-wired into the nervous system.
- Some biases appear to be hard-wired from early development.
- Children seem hard-wired to learn language from a young age.
Cultural Reference:
In behavioral psychology and AI discussions, "hard-wired" often contrasts with "programmable" or "learned" traits, suggesting fixed patterns that resist change. - Cognitive Science Literature
Think About It:
If certain human behaviors are hard-wired, to what extent can we truly change or reprogram them?
Quick Activity:
List three behaviors or instincts you think might be hard-wired in humans. Then, reflect on whether these can be modified through learning or experience.
Memory Tip:
Think of a robot with wires soldered into place—*hard-wired*—it can only act as it was built. Similarly, hard-wired human traits feel automatic and fixed.
Real-World Application:
Understanding what's hard-wired in human behavior helps psychologists, educators, and tech designers create systems that align with natural tendencies—like designing user interfaces that match human attention patterns.
WORD-10: Accordance
Context:
"When Columbus describes the world it is in accordance with east being at the top,” he says. “Columbus says he is going towards paradise, so his mentality is from a medieval mappa mundi.” - Historical Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Accordance" refers to being in agreement, harmony, or alignment with a rule, belief, or standard. In the context of the sentence, Columbus’s worldview is described as being *in accordance with* the medieval belief that east—associated with spiritual significance and paradise—should be placed at the top of maps. It suggests that his views matched the traditional or accepted thinking of his time.
Meaning: Agreement or conformity with something (Noun)
Pronunciation: uh-KORD-ens
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Old French *acordance*, from *acorder* (to agree), based on Latin *accordare* meaning “to bring into harmony”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Accordance" is a formal word used in both academic and legal settings. Whenever something is "in accordance with" a rule or belief, it means it follows or respects that rule. It's especially useful in essays and official writing.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: agreement, conformity, alignment, consistency
Antonyms: disagreement, conflict, contradiction, disobedience
Usage Examples:
- The design was created in accordance with international safety standards.
- In accordance with tradition, the eldest son inherited the estate.
- Columbus’s maps were drawn in accordance with medieval religious beliefs.
- All actions must be taken in accordance with the company’s policies.
Cultural Reference:
Legal documents frequently use the phrase "in accordance with" to show compliance with laws or procedures, such as: “in accordance with Section 3B of the Constitution…” - Legal Language Guide
Think About It:
When should we act in accordance with tradition, and when should we challenge it?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences using “in accordance with.” One should be about a law or rule, and the other about a personal belief or habit.
Memory Tip:
“Accordance” sounds like “accord” — think of a musical chord in harmony, just like ideas or actions in agreement.
Real-World Application:
"In accordance with" is often used in official writing—legal contracts, policy documents, academic essays—making it an essential phrase for clear, formal communication.
