✨ 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:
- Perpetuate
- Bureaucracies
- Disruptive
- Regimented
- Stultifying
- Urbanist
- Subjugated
- Revitalizing
- Endowed
- Province
WORD-1: Perpetuate
Context:
"The media tends to perpetuate certain stereotypes, reinforcing outdated views rather than challenging them." – The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
To perpetuate something means to make it continue or last indefinitely, often something undesirable. When a harmful belief or practice is perpetuated, it means it is passed on or reinforced rather than being challenged or eliminated. This word frequently appears in discussions about social issues, injustice, or cultural norms that are difficult to dismantle.
Meaning: To cause something to continue or be prolonged (Verb)
Pronunciation: per-PET-choo-ate
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin perpetuatus, past participle of perpetuare, meaning "to make perpetual", from perpetuus ("continuous, everlasting")
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a high-utility academic and critical thinking word. It often comes up in essays and debates about societal patterns, systemic issues, and historical injustices. Learn it deeply!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: sustain, maintain, continue, preserve, prolong
Antonyms: halt, discontinue, abolish, cease, suppress
Usage Examples:
- Unquestioned traditions can perpetuate harmful gender roles in society.
- The new reforms aim to stop the perpetuation of outdated practices.
- By remaining silent, we often perpetuate injustice unknowingly.
- His actions only served to perpetuate the myth rather than dispel it.
Cultural Reference:
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." – Nelson Mandela. This quote reminds us that ignorance can perpetuate inequality, while education can challenge and change systems.
Think About It:
What are some beliefs or systems in your culture that are perpetuated without questioning, and how can they be challenged?
Quick Activity:
List two traditions you know that have been perpetuated for generations. Are they beneficial or harmful? Reflect briefly in one or two sentences.
Memory Tip:
Think of "perpetual" as something that never ends. "Perpetuate" is the verb form – it makes things last forever, whether good or bad!
Real-World Application:
In journalism, educators and policymakers often discuss how media representation can perpetuate racial, gender, or class stereotypes, affecting how societies evolve.
WORD-2: Bureaucracies
Context:
"Large bureaucracies can sometimes become inefficient, bogged down by rules and resistant to change." – The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Bureaucracies” refers to complex administrative systems governed by departments or officials. These systems are often found in governments and large organizations. While bureaucracies are meant to ensure structure and consistency, they can also be criticized for being slow, overly procedural, and inflexible, leading to delays and inefficiency. Understanding this term is essential for discussions on public administration, organizational reform, and policy implementation.
Meaning: Administrative systems with many rules, departments, and procedures (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: byoo-ROCK-ruh-seez
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Etymology: From French bureaucratie ("government by desks or offices"), based on bureau ("desk") + -cracy ("rule")
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Whenever you see a discussion about government inefficiency or administrative red tape, this is the word that will appear. Link it mentally to sluggish systems and rules!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: administration, red tape, civil service, officialdom
Antonyms: anarchy, informality, deregulation
Usage Examples:
- Innovation often struggles to thrive in rigid bureaucracies.
- The reforms aimed to reduce the size and complexity of state bureaucracies.
- In many countries, local bureaucracies control access to education and healthcare services.
- He grew frustrated with the endless paperwork required by government bureaucracies.
Cultural Reference:
George Orwell’s *1984* critiques bureaucratic control through the fictional Ministry of Truth, showcasing the dangers of excessive administrative power.
Think About It:
Do you think bureaucracies are necessary in modern society, or do they hinder innovation and responsiveness? Why?
Quick Activity:
Write down one instance where you encountered bureaucracy in real life. Was the experience smooth or frustrating? Briefly explain.
Memory Tip:
Think of a “bureau” (desk) and lots of “cracies” (rules) piled up behind it. Bureaucracies = government by desks and endless rules!
Real-World Application:
Understanding bureaucracies is vital for careers in civil services, management, and public policy, where navigating structured systems is part of the job.
WORD-3: Disruptive
Context:
"Disruptive technologies like AI and blockchain are reshaping industries and challenging traditional business models." – Harvard Business Review
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Disruptive” refers to something that causes a major change or interruption in the normal course of events. In a business or technological context, it often means innovations that significantly alter or replace existing products, services, or methods. While disruption can lead to progress, it can also unsettle established systems or create short-term challenges.
Meaning: Causing interruption or radical change to existing systems or norms (Adjective)
Pronunciation: dis-RUP-tiv
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic-Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin disrumpere meaning "to break apart", from dis- ("apart") + rumpere ("to break")
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a power word in business and innovation contexts. Whenever there's a new trend or game-changer in any industry, you'll hear this word. It’s important to grasp both its positive and challenging aspects.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: revolutionary, radical, game-changing, unsettling, transformative
Antonyms: stabilizing, consistent, traditional, conventional, preserving
Usage Examples:
- Uber was a disruptive force in the taxi industry.
- Online learning platforms are proving to be disruptive in the field of education.
- While the new manager's ideas were disruptive, they ultimately led to improved efficiency.
- Disruptive behavior in classrooms is a concern for educators worldwide.
Cultural Reference:
Clayton Christensen popularized the term "disruptive innovation" in his book *The Innovator's Dilemma*, referring to how small companies can displace industry giants through new approaches.
Think About It:
Can disruption be a good thing in education or society, or does it always cause chaos? Reflect on both sides.
Quick Activity:
Name one disruptive product or innovation you use daily. Describe how it changed your routine or habits.
Memory Tip:
Think of “disruptive” as something that breaks (ruptures) what’s normal – like a loud alarm in a quiet room. It shakes things up!
Real-World Application:
In entrepreneurship and tech, being disruptive is often a badge of honor—it means you're innovating, challenging the norm, and driving change.
WORD-4: Regimented
Context:
"Life in the military is highly regimented, with strict schedules and little room for personal choice." – BBC News
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Regimented” refers to something that is strictly organized and controlled, often in a way that limits flexibility or individuality. It is commonly used to describe environments, routines, or systems that are governed by clear rules, orders, and uniformity. While a regimented approach can bring order and discipline, it may also stifle creativity or spontaneity.
Meaning: Very strictly organized or controlled (Adjective)
Pronunciation: REJ-uh-men-tid
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From the noun “regiment” (military unit), which comes from Latin regimen meaning “rule or direction”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of the military or a strict school schedule. This word captures that "follow the rules" atmosphere. It's often used in contrast to more relaxed or flexible approaches.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: controlled, strict, disciplined, ordered, structured
Antonyms: chaotic, unstructured, relaxed, spontaneous, flexible
Usage Examples:
- The school followed a regimented daily schedule that allowed little time for creative exploration.
- Her workout plan was so regimented that she rarely missed a session.
- Children often rebel against overly regimented parenting styles.
- The company culture was too regimented for employees to express new ideas freely.
Cultural Reference:
In *Dead Poets Society*, the strict and regimented educational environment is challenged by a teacher who encourages freedom of thought and expression—a classic conflict between structure and individuality.
Think About It:
Is a regimented lifestyle more productive or more limiting? Where should we draw the line between order and freedom?
Quick Activity:
Think of a time when you followed a regimented routine (e.g., exam prep or fitness). Did it help or hinder your progress? Write 2–3 lines.
Memory Tip:
Link “regimented” to “regiment”—a military unit that follows strict orders. Regimented = run like the army!
Real-World Application:
In project management or exam preparation, a regimented schedule helps ensure goals are met efficiently—but too much rigidity can burn people out.
WORD-5: Stultifying
Context:
"The stultifying routine of office life made her crave creativity and spontaneity." – The Atlantic
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Stultifying” describes something that causes you to feel dull, bored, or mentally deadened. It refers to conditions or experiences that suppress your energy, enthusiasm, or creativity. This word is often used for environments—like jobs, systems, or routines—that are so repetitive or rigid they seem to sap the life out of you.
Meaning: Causing someone to feel bored, dull, or mentally stifled (Adjective / Present participle of verb)
Pronunciation: STUHL-tuh-fy-ing
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Etymology: From Latin stultus ("foolish") + facere ("to make") → stultify: to make foolish or useless
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a great descriptor for anything that drains your brain—be it a boring class, a robotic job, or excessive rules. Use it when you want to emphasize how mentally deadening something is!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: deadening, boring, numbing, suppressive, spiritless
Antonyms: stimulating, invigorating, inspiring, energizing
Usage Examples:
- The stultifying silence in the classroom made learning almost impossible.
- Many workers feel trapped in stultifying corporate environments.
- Excessive regulations can have a stultifying effect on innovation.
- The book criticized the stultifying influence of rote learning on young minds.
Cultural Reference:
In George Orwell’s *1984*, the stultifying atmosphere of a totalitarian regime is used to show how constant surveillance and control can extinguish free thought and creativity.
Think About It:
Have you ever experienced a stultifying environment? What made it feel that way, and what helped you escape or cope with it?
Quick Activity:
Make a two-column list: on one side, write things you find stimulating; on the other, list things you find stultifying. Reflect on the contrast.
Memory Tip:
“Stultifying” = “Still + dying” – when things make you feel like you're dying inside because nothing ever changes!
Real-World Application:
Use this word in essays or discussions about education, work culture, or governance where rigid systems fail to inspire growth or creativity.
WORD-6: Urbanist
Context:
"The urbanist argued for walkable neighborhoods and green public spaces as essential to healthy city life." – The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
An “urbanist” is a person who specializes in or advocates for city planning and urban development. Urbanists study how cities grow, how infrastructure functions, and how to create spaces that promote health, equity, and environmental sustainability. Whether as professionals or activists, urbanists are deeply involved in shaping better, more livable urban environments.
Meaning: A specialist in the study or design of cities (Noun)
Pronunciation: UR-buh-nist
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic-Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin urbs meaning "city" + English suffix -ist, denoting someone who practices or is concerned with something
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is central to modern debates on how we design cities—whether it's climate, community, or commute, the urbanist has a say. Think "city thinker" or "city designer."
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: city planner, urban designer, metropolitan thinker, civic strategist
Antonyms: ruralist (contextually), anti-urban advocate
Usage Examples:
- The urbanist proposed converting old parking lots into community gardens.
- As an urbanist, she believes that every neighborhood deserves access to public parks.
- Urbanists are rethinking city infrastructure to prioritize bikes and pedestrians.
- He followed urbanist blogs to stay updated on the latest city planning trends.
Cultural Reference:
Famous urbanist Jane Jacobs revolutionized how people think about cities with her book *The Death and Life of Great American Cities*, advocating for community-based planning.
Think About It:
What changes would you make to your city or town if you were an urbanist? What kind of spaces would you prioritize?
Quick Activity:
Take a short walk around your neighborhood. Identify one thing that improves livability and one that detracts from it. Record your thoughts.
Memory Tip:
“Urbanist” = “Urban” (city) + “-ist” (a person who thinks or works in that field) → someone who thinks deeply about cities!
Real-World Application:
Urbanists influence how cities deal with housing, transportation, public spaces, and climate change—vital areas that shape daily urban life.
WORD-7: Subjugated
Context:
"Throughout history, empires have subjugated native populations to expand their control and influence." – National Geographic
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Subjugated” means to bring someone or something under control, especially by force. It often refers to people or nations who are conquered and dominated, losing their independence or rights. This word carries a strong tone of oppression and is used in both historical accounts and modern discussions about power, colonization, and civil rights.
Meaning: Brought under domination or control, especially by conquest (Verb – past tense)
Pronunciation: SUB-juh-gay-tid
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Etymology: From Latin subjugare, meaning "to bring under the yoke," from sub ("under") + jugum ("yoke")
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word comes up often in history and political essays. Think of it whenever you’re reading about groups that have been oppressed, conquered, or stripped of power.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: oppressed, dominated, conquered, enslaved, vanquished
Antonyms: liberated, freed, emancipated, empowered, independent
Usage Examples:
- The indigenous tribes were subjugated by colonial powers for centuries.
- Women were historically subjugated in many patriarchal societies.
- The dictator subjugated dissenters using fear and violence.
- Literature often tells stories of subjugated people rising up against tyranny.
Cultural Reference:
In *Braveheart*, the Scottish people are depicted as being subjugated by English rule, symbolizing their struggle for freedom and national identity.
Think About It:
Can people ever fully recover from being subjugated? What kinds of actions are needed to restore dignity and autonomy?
Quick Activity:
Write a short paragraph (3–4 lines) describing a historical or fictional character who was subjugated. What was their response?
Memory Tip:
Think of “sub” (under) + “jugate” (like jugular or yoke) → Subjugated = pushed under someone else’s control.
Real-World Application:
This word is key in discussions about colonialism, human rights, and political oppression—where it describes the real impact of losing freedom and power.
WORD-8: Revitalizing
Context:
"The new policy focuses on revitalizing rural communities through infrastructure and education reforms." – The New York Times
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Revitalizing” refers to the process of bringing new life, energy, or strength to something that has become weak, inactive, or outdated. Whether you're revitalizing a neighborhood, a company, or your own health, the word implies a fresh start and positive change. It’s frequently used in developmental, urban, health, and environmental contexts.
Meaning: Giving new life, energy, or strength to something (Verb – present participle)
Pronunciation: ree-VY-tuh-ly-zing
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic-Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin vita meaning "life" + prefix re- ("again") + suffix -ize → "to bring back to life"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word has a very positive tone—it’s all about giving a second wind. Use it when you’re talking about renewal or reform, especially when something old or decaying is made useful again.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: renewing, rejuvenating, refreshing, restoring, regenerating
Antonyms: draining, exhausting, decaying, weakening, depleting
Usage Examples:
- The city council proposed revitalizing the old waterfront into a public park.
- Daily walks and healthy food were key to revitalizing her health.
- The new CEO is focused on revitalizing the brand through digital transformation.
- Tree plantations are revitalizing once barren lands across the region.
Cultural Reference:
Many cities around the world, like Detroit, have gone through revitalization projects—transforming abandoned industrial zones into tech hubs and cultural centers.
Think About It:
What is one area in your life, community, or country that needs revitalizing? What first step would you take?
Quick Activity:
Choose a space in your home (e.g., desk, room, garden) and write down 3 ways you could revitalize it this week.
Memory Tip:
“Re-” means again, and “vital” means life → Revitalizing = bringing something back to life!
Real-World Application:
Revitalizing is a go-to word in policy documents, speeches, and project pitches—especially when referring to community development, environmental recovery, or economic upliftment.
WORD-9: Endowed
Context:
"She was endowed with a sharp intellect and a natural flair for leadership." – The Washington Post
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Endowed” means to be naturally equipped with a quality, talent, or ability, or to be provided with a resource, especially money. It’s used in both personal and institutional contexts—someone can be endowed with kindness, or a university can be endowed with funding. It carries a formal tone and implies something granted as a gift or legacy.
Meaning: Given a quality, talent, or resource, either by nature or donation (Verb – past tense)
Pronunciation: en-DOWD
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Old French endouer, from Latin dotare meaning "to provide with a dowry or gift"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word shows up often in formal writing—especially biographies, academic texts, and speeches. Think of it as a dignified way of saying “blessed with” or “equipped with.”
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: gifted, blessed, equipped, furnished, granted
Antonyms: deprived, stripped, dispossessed, lacking
Usage Examples:
- The university was richly endowed by a tech entrepreneur.
- He is endowed with a remarkable ability to simplify complex problems.
- The artist was endowed with both talent and determination.
- Her family endowed a library in her name to support rural education.
Cultural Reference:
In the U.S., institutions like Harvard and Yale are heavily endowed, meaning they receive large donations that fund scholarships, research, and infrastructure.
Think About It:
Are people born endowed with qualities like leadership or kindness, or do they develop them through experience and environment?
Quick Activity:
List three qualities or talents you believe you are endowed with. Reflect on how you've used them in your life so far.
Memory Tip:
Think of “endowed” as being “endowed with gifts” — whether it's talent, money, or virtues, it’s like being handed something valuable.
Real-World Application:
In education, finance, and literature, “endowed” describes both personal qualities and financial grants. It’s often used in speeches, academic profiles, and official announcements.
WORD-10: Province
Context:
"Healthcare policy is largely the province of individual states in a federal system." – The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Province” has two primary meanings: first, it refers to a territorial or administrative region, especially outside the capital or main cities. Second, and more abstractly, it refers to a specific area of responsibility, expertise, or control. This second usage is particularly important in political, academic, and professional contexts. Understanding both meanings deepens your reading comprehension significantly.
Meaning: A) A territorial division within a country; B) A specific area of responsibility or expertise (Noun)
Pronunciation: PRAH-vins
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin provincia, meaning "territory under Roman rule"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a dual-meaning word—geographical and conceptual. Always look at the sentence to understand which one is being used. It's also often used metaphorically in writing about authority or specialization.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: region, area, district, field, domain, responsibility
Antonyms: metropolis (geographical), irrelevance (figurative)
Usage Examples:
- The western provinces of Canada have different policies on education.
- Scientific research is not the province of politicians.
- He grew up in a quiet province far from the bustling capital.
- Curriculum design is the province of educational boards, not individual teachers.
Cultural Reference:
In many countries like China, Canada, and South Africa, the term “province” defines major administrative regions with varying degrees of autonomy and governance.
Think About It:
Should education be the province of local governments, or should it be managed centrally to ensure consistency?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “province” in each of its two meanings—one geographical, one conceptual.
Memory Tip:
Think of a province as a "portion"—of land or responsibility. It’s a piece someone owns or governs.
Real-World Application:
Whether you’re studying political science, law, or geography, “province” will come up often. It’s key in debates on federalism, decentralization, and policy control.
