✨ 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:
- Wearable
- Sinister
- tweaking
- misery
- Surveillance
- Exploitative
- Humanyze
- Entrenches
- Cognitive
- deliberately
WORD 1: Wearable
Context:
(Inferred example: “The new smartwatch is not only stylish but also packed with wearable technology for fitness tracking.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Wearable" is an adjective and a noun that refers to something that can be worn on the body, often relating to clothing or accessories. In modern usage, especially in technology, it typically refers to *wearable devices*—gadgets like fitness trackers, smartwatches, and smart glasses that combine clothing or accessories with digital functions. These items often monitor health, activity, or provide connectivity, blending fashion and function in real time.
Meaning: (Adj.) Able to be worn; (Noun) a device or item designed to be worn, often with built-in technology (Adjective / Noun)
Pronunciation: WAIR-uh-buhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From “wear” + “-able,” meaning capable of being worn; the noun usage gained popularity with tech trends in the early 2000s.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Wearable” is a great word to explore how technology is evolving. Use it in writing about fashion, innovation, fitness, or healthcare. It helps connect traditional clothing with the digital world. Also, be aware of its dual function—as an adjective and a noun (e.g., *wearable clothing* vs. *a wearable*).
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: portable tech, smart gear, tech-enabled clothing (contextual)
Antonyms: non-wearable, immobile device, stationary hardware (contextual)
Usage Examples:
- The wearable tracks your heart rate, sleep patterns, and step count throughout the day.
- Designers are focused on creating wearable fashion that integrates tech without sacrificing style.
- Wearables are becoming increasingly important in health monitoring and remote diagnostics.
- This fabric is light, durable, and highly wearable for all weather conditions.
Cultural Reference:
Wearable technology was propelled into mainstream culture with the launch of the Apple Watch and Fitbit, transforming how people manage fitness and health through real-time data. – Consumer Tech Trends
Think About It:
Can wearable technology improve lives—or does it risk turning our bodies into data-driven machines?
Quick Activity:
Describe one wearable device you use or would like to invent. What function would it serve, and how would it help people?
Memory Tip:
“Wearable” = *wear + able* → anything you can *wear* comfortably—now often with a smart twist.
Real-World Application:
“Wearable” is used in tech reviews, fashion design, fitness apps, healthcare innovation, and product marketing. It’s central to the conversation around personalized, on-the-go digital lifestyles.
WORD 2: Sinister
Context:
(Inferred example: “There was something sinister about the way he smiled in the shadows.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Sinister" is an adjective used to describe something that seems evil, threatening, or dangerous. It often appears in literature, film, or storytelling to build suspense or create a dark atmosphere. A sinister look, setting, or plan suggests something harmful may happen, even if it's not obvious yet. The word carries a strong emotional charge and is useful for expressing a sense of hidden danger or malevolence.
Meaning: Giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen (Adjective)
Pronunciation: SIN-iss-ter
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *sinister* (“left, unlucky”), historically associated with bad omens due to superstitions about left-handedness
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Sinister” is perfect for fiction, storytelling, and dramatic description. It adds suspense, especially in horror or mystery genres. Use it to describe tone, mood, or characters. It's also useful in essays that analyze narrative techniques, symbolism, or emotional impact in literature and film.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: menacing, evil, threatening, ominous, malevolent
Antonyms: innocent, harmless, cheerful, kind, benevolent
Usage Examples:
- The abandoned house had a sinister feel that made her uneasy.
- He gave her a sinister grin before vanishing into the alley.
- The villain’s sinister plot unfolded slowly, keeping the audience on edge.
- The music in the background added a sinister tone to the scene.
Cultural Reference:
In Gothic literature and horror films, the word "sinister" is often used to describe haunted locations, eerie characters, or malevolent forces—such as Dracula’s castle or the masked killer in *Scream*. – Literary & Cinematic Tropes
Think About It:
What makes something or someone *seem* sinister—is it their actions, appearance, or the fear we project onto them?
Quick Activity:
Write a descriptive sentence that uses “sinister” to build suspense in a story or poem.
Memory Tip:
“Sinister” sounds like *sin* → think of *evil intentions* lurking behind a smile or in a shadowy room.
Real-World Application:
“Sinister” is frequently used in literature, media reviews, film critique, and narrative essays. It helps create a dark tone and can be used metaphorically in politics, psychology, or journalism to suggest hidden threats.
WORD 3: Tweaking
Context:
(Inferred example: “The developer kept tweaking the app’s interface to improve the user experience.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Tweaking" refers to making small adjustments or fine-tuning something to improve its function, appearance, or performance. It is a common term in technology, design, music, and everyday problem-solving. The idea is not to overhaul or change something drastically, but rather to refine and improve it gradually. It reflects a mindset of continual improvement, often associated with creative or technical work.
Meaning: Making small changes to improve something or make it work better (Verb – present participle)
Pronunciation: TWEE-king
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Middle English *tweek* (“to pinch or twist”), later adapted to mean subtle adjustments or refinements
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Tweaking” is a modern, informal word useful in tech, design, and creative fields. Use it when you're talking about improvements that are small but impactful. It’s not a formal academic word, but it works well in reports, blogs, reviews, or conversations where practical or creative refinement is being discussed.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: adjusting, refining, fine-tuning, modifying, optimizing
Antonyms: neglecting, ignoring, damaging, overhauling (in contrast)
Usage Examples:
- She kept tweaking the recipe until it tasted just right.
- The engineer is tweaking the code to improve loading speed.
- By tweaking the lighting, the photographer created a more dramatic effect.
- The website was already good, but he’s tweaking the layout to boost engagement.
Cultural Reference:
In the tech world, “tweaking” is part of the iterative process—where developers continually refine apps, websites, or games based on feedback. It’s a key practice in agile development and startup culture. – Tech & UX Design Trends
Think About It:
How do small tweaks in our habits or mindset lead to long-term change—both personally and professionally?
Quick Activity:
Think of something you've recently improved. Write a sentence describing how you tweaked it and what result you noticed.
Memory Tip:
“Tweaking” = *tiny tweaks* → think of gentle adjustments, like turning a dial just slightly to get it just right.
Real-World Application:
“Tweaking” is frequently used in technology, cooking, marketing, design, and daily conversations. It reflects the modern focus on continuous improvement and small-scale innovation.
WORD 4: Surveillance
Context:
(Inferred example: “The city increased video surveillance to enhance public safety in crowded areas.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Surveillance" refers to the close monitoring or observation of individuals, groups, or activities, often for the purpose of security, control, or intelligence gathering. This can be done through cameras, online tracking, drones, or physical watch. While surveillance can deter crime and enhance safety, it also raises important questions about privacy, freedom, and power—especially in the digital age where constant tracking can occur without people’s knowledge.
Meaning: The act of closely watching people or activities, especially for security or monitoring purposes (Noun)
Pronunciation: ser-VAY-luns
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From French *surveiller* (“to watch over”), based on Latin *super* (“over”) + *vigilare* (“to watch”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is essential for discussing modern topics like data privacy, policing, and international politics. It’s commonly found in essays on ethics, digital rights, or legal issues. Use “surveillance” to discuss the balance between safety and liberty—especially when governments or corporations are involved.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: observation, monitoring, scrutiny, watch, tracking
Antonyms: negligence, inattention, privacy, freedom (contextual)
Usage Examples:
- The shopping mall is under constant video surveillance for safety.
- Surveillance cameras helped the police identify the suspect.
- There is growing concern about mass surveillance and personal data protection.
- Governments often justify surveillance in the name of national security.
Cultural Reference:
George Orwell’s *1984* introduced the concept of “Big Brother,” symbolizing a state where citizens are always under surveillance—an idea that remains central in debates about privacy and government overreach. – Dystopian Literature
Think About It:
When does surveillance shift from protection to intrusion—and who gets to decide?
Quick Activity:
Write one sentence supporting surveillance for safety, and one sentence criticizing it as a threat to privacy.
Memory Tip:
“Surveillance” comes from *sur* (over) + *vigil* (watch) → imagine someone watching *over* every move you make.
Real-World Application:
“Surveillance” is a critical term in law, public policy, cybersecurity, and global affairs. Understanding it helps in analyzing current debates on technology, rights, and state control.
WORD 5: Exploitative
Context:
(Inferred example: “The documentary exposed the exploitative labor conditions in overseas factories.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Exploitative" is an adjective that describes actions or systems that unfairly take advantage of people or resources for personal gain. It usually refers to situations where power is imbalanced—such as an employer exploiting workers or a company exploiting a natural resource—without regard for harm or fairness. The word carries a strong negative tone and is often used in discussions about ethics, labor, human rights, and economic injustice.
Meaning: Taking unfair advantage of someone or something, especially for personal or commercial gain (Adjective)
Pronunciation: ek-SPLOY-tuh-tiv / ek-SPLOY-tay-tiv
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From “exploit” (to use or take advantage of) + *-ative* (forming adjectives), rooted in Latin *exploitare* (“to set out to accomplish”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Use “exploitative” in essays about ethics, economics, or human rights. It's powerful for critiquing systems that benefit the powerful at the expense of the vulnerable. Pair it with issues like labor practices, media coverage, or capitalism to create a strong analytical tone. Be clear about who is being exploited and how.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: abusive, manipulative, unfair, oppressive, greedy
Antonyms: fair, ethical, respectful, equitable, protective
Usage Examples:
- Many workers in the gig economy face exploitative contracts with no benefits.
- The film critic accused the director of using an exploitative plot to attract viewers.
- Environmentalists condemned the exploitative mining practices in the rainforest.
- Social media influencers warned followers against exploitative beauty trends.
Cultural Reference:
The term “exploitative capitalism” is often used by critics like Noam Chomsky to describe economic systems where corporations prioritize profit over workers’ rights or ecological health. – Political Economy & Media Ethics
Think About It:
How can we recognize when something is truly exploitative, and when it’s just competitive or opportunistic?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “exploitative” in the context of media, labor, or environmental issues.
Memory Tip:
“Exploitative” = *exploit + -ative* → someone or something actively *using others unfairly*.
Real-World Application:
“Exploitative” is common in critical essays, documentaries, journalism, and advocacy work. It helps uncover injustices in business, media, and global affairs.
WORD 6: Humanyze
Context:
(Inferred example: “Companies are using Humanyze technology to analyze employee collaboration patterns while aiming to increase productivity.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Humanyze" is the name of a people analytics company that uses AI and wearable technology to gather workplace data and uncover patterns in communication, collaboration, and behavior. It is part of a growing field where technology is used to improve organizational efficiency, team dynamics, and work culture. However, the use of such tools also raises questions about privacy, consent, and how much monitoring is appropriate in a professional setting.
Meaning: (Proper noun/Brand) A company that provides AI-powered workplace analytics to improve productivity and team performance
Pronunciation: HYOO-muh-nize
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate (due to its specificity and tech context)
Etymology: A coined brand name combining “human” + “analyze” to reflect its mission of analyzing human behavior in workplaces
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Humanyze” is an example of how technology brands create names that blend human values with analytics. It's useful in essays or presentations on workplace surveillance, ethical AI, and the future of work. Mention it when discussing real-world tools used in HR tech and data-driven performance management.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: people analytics, workplace tracking tech, behavior analytics tools (contextual)
Antonyms: manual observation, traditional HR practices, privacy-first models (in contrast)
Usage Examples:
- Humanyze provides data-driven insights to help companies redesign their office spaces.
- Through Humanyze analytics, the firm realized its remote teams were outperforming in-person departments.
- Critics argue that tools like Humanyze blur the line between performance analysis and surveillance.
- Startups are adopting Humanyze to identify collaboration bottlenecks in hybrid workplaces.
Cultural Reference:
Humanyze has been featured in *Harvard Business Review* and *MIT Sloan Management Review* for pioneering workplace analytics using wearables and communication metadata—sparking global debate on productivity vs. privacy. – Future of Work & Organizational Analytics
Think About It:
When does performance tracking turn into workplace surveillance—and who decides how far technology like Humanyze should go?
Quick Activity:
Imagine you're a team leader. Would you use a tool like Humanyze to analyze your team's communication? Why or why not?
Memory Tip:
“Humanyze” = *Human* + *Analyze* → a tech tool designed to study how humans interact at work.
Real-World Application:
“Humanyze” is used in corporate HR, management consulting, and workplace research. It’s a case study in how data science is reshaping team performance, office design, and employee experience.
WORD 7: Entrenches
Context:
(Inferred example: “Inequality often entrenches itself in systems that favor the privileged over the marginalized.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Entrenches" is a verb that means to firmly establish something—typically an idea, habit, or system—so deeply that it becomes difficult or almost impossible to change. Often used in discussions of power, inequality, or belief systems, the word implies that the thing being entrenched has become part of the structure or mindset of a society, institution, or individual. It has a strong connotation of rigidity and resistance to change, often used in political, social, or psychological contexts.
Meaning: To firmly establish something so it becomes difficult to change or remove (Verb – third-person singular)
Pronunciation: en-TREN-chiz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From French *en–* (“in”) + *trenchier* (“to cut”), originally referring to digging trenches—later evolving metaphorically to describe deep-rooted ideas or positions
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Use “entrenches” when analyzing systems, beliefs, or behaviors that are hard to break or change. It’s especially helpful in essays on politics, ideology, gender norms, and institutional inequality. When something is *entrenched*, it’s not accidental—it’s systemic and resistant to progress.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: embeds, secures, establishes, roots, cements
Antonyms: uproots, dismantles, removes, erodes, loosens
Usage Examples:
- Fear of change often entrenches outdated traditions in communities.
- Social media entrenches the idea that success is tied to visibility and popularity.
- The law entrenches privilege by favoring those with economic power.
- Once a belief system entrenches itself, even facts may not be enough to challenge it.
Cultural Reference:
In political science, constitutions that “entrench” certain laws—like rights to free speech—make them harder to change, safeguarding them from ordinary legislative shifts. – Legal Theory & Constitutional Design
Think About It:
What beliefs or structures in our society are so entrenched that we no longer question them—should we?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence showing how a system (education, government, media) entrenches a specific norm or belief.
Memory Tip:
Think of “entrenches” like digging a trench—once something is in deep, it’s protected and hard to move.
Real-World Application:
“Entrenches” is used in essays, journalism, politics, sociology, and psychology to describe long-standing patterns that are resistant to change. It adds intellectual weight to analysis.
WORD 8: 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.” – Scientific Article
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Cognitive" is an adjective used to describe anything related to thinking, understanding, learning, remembering, or mental processing. It is commonly used in psychology, neuroscience, and education to refer to how the brain handles information. For example, *cognitive skills* refer to abilities like attention, memory, problem-solving, and language use. The word helps us explore how we mentally perceive and interact with the world.
Meaning: Related to mental processes such as thinking, learning, remembering, and decision-making (Adjective)
Pronunciation: KOG-ni-tiv
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *cognitio* (“knowledge, understanding”), from *cognoscere* (“to get to know”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Cognitive” is an academic and scientific term that you should use in psychology, neuroscience, and education essays. It's often paired with words like *development*, *skills*, *decline*, or *load*. Use it when discussing how people learn, think, or process the world around them—especially when analyzing behavior or learning methods.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: mental, intellectual, psychological, cerebral
Antonyms: physical, emotional (in contrast to mental), unconscious (contextual)
Usage Examples:
- Children experience rapid cognitive development in their early years.
- Video games are being studied for their impact on cognitive flexibility and reaction time.
- As people age, some cognitive functions like memory and focus may decline.
- The study focuses on the cognitive processes involved in decision-making under pressure.
Cultural Reference:
The field of *cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)*, widely used in mental health treatment, is based on the idea that our thoughts (cognitions) affect our emotions and actions. – Psychology & Mental Health Practices
Think About It:
How can understanding our own cognitive patterns help us become better learners, communicators, or decision-makers?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence explaining how a specific activity (like reading, chess, or meditation) supports your cognitive growth.
Memory Tip:
“Cognitive” comes from *cognition* → think of *COGnitive = how you COGitate (think) about the world.*
Real-World Application:
“Cognitive” is widely used in education, psychology, neuroscience, and AI research. It’s key to understanding learning styles, diagnosing mental disorders, and developing smart technologies.
WORD 9: Misery
Context:
(Inferred example: “He lived in constant misery after losing his family and home.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Misery" is a noun that refers to intense suffering or unhappiness—whether physical, emotional, or mental. It is often used to describe long-lasting sadness, hardship, or pain caused by loss, poverty, illness, or emotional trauma. In literature and daily language, it evokes deep empathy and is closely tied to the human experience of suffering. The word also captures both personal grief and broader social conditions marked by despair.
Meaning: A state of great suffering, unhappiness, or discomfort (Noun)
Pronunciation: MIZ-uh-ree
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old French *miserie* and Latin *miseria*, from *miser* meaning “wretched” or “unhappy”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Misery” is a deeply emotional word often used in literature, storytelling, and essays on mental health or inequality. Use it to describe emotional states or situations that involve intense hardship. It's especially powerful when you want to evoke empathy or reflect on the darker sides of life.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: suffering, anguish, despair, torment, wretchedness
Antonyms: happiness, joy, comfort, bliss, contentment
Usage Examples:
- The long war brought misery to millions of innocent civilians.
- She lived in misery after the tragic accident changed her life forever.
- The novel is a powerful portrayal of human misery during the famine.
- Despite the misery around him, he tried to remain hopeful.
Cultural Reference:
Stephen King's *Misery* is a psychological thriller about a writer held captive by a fan, capturing literal and emotional misery in a chilling form. The title itself reflects themes of suffering, obsession, and isolation. – Contemporary Fiction
Think About It:
Is misery always caused by external events—or can it sometimes come from within through our thoughts and expectations?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence that describes a moment of misery in a character’s life—focus on sensory detail and emotion.
Memory Tip:
“Misery” = *mis-er-y* → think of something going terribly *amiss*, leading to intense sadness or suffering.
Real-World Application:
“Misery” is used in literature, psychology, and social commentary. It’s key in discussing emotional trauma, inequality, or human conditions that demand compassion and awareness.
WORD 10: Deliberately
Context:
(Inferred example: “She deliberately avoided eye contact, knowing it would reveal her emotions.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Deliberately" is an adverb that means doing something with careful intention or purpose, rather than by accident or impulse. It suggests thoughtfulness and control—whether someone is making a strategic decision, causing harm intentionally, or choosing their words with precision. In both formal and informal contexts, this word is often used to emphasize responsibility and awareness behind an action.
Meaning: Done on purpose; with conscious intention and thought (Adverb)
Pronunciation: dih-LIB-uh-ruht-lee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *deliberare* (“to weigh, consider carefully”) → *de-* (“thoroughly”) + *libra* (“scales, balance”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Use “deliberately” when you want to emphasize that something was not accidental. It’s especially helpful in academic writing, legal analysis, and storytelling when motive matters. It's a great word to contrast with actions done impulsively or unintentionally.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: intentionally, purposefully, knowingly, willfully, consciously
Antonyms: accidentally, unintentionally, carelessly, impulsively
Usage Examples:
- He deliberately paused before responding, choosing his words carefully.
- The artist deliberately used muted colors to evoke a sense of calm and sadness.
- The child didn’t just break the vase—he did it deliberately, out of anger.
- In legal terms, acting deliberately may change the severity of the punishment.
Cultural Reference:
In courtroom dramas like *Law & Order*, the term “deliberately” often signals intent—a key factor in distinguishing between murder and manslaughter, emphasizing how language shapes legal consequences. – Legal Drama & Justice Narratives
Think About It:
Can deliberate actions be morally justified even when they cause harm—if the intention behind them is good?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence contrasting something done *deliberately* with something done *accidentally* to highlight intention.
Memory Tip:
“Deliberately” = *deliberate* → imagine someone weighing their thoughts on a scale before acting.
Real-World Application:
“Deliberately” is widely used in law, education, leadership, and narrative writing—any context where intention and responsibility matter.
