✨ 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:
- Imperialist
- Mobilization
- Deprivation
- Churn
- persuading
- remembrance
- widespread
- Turmoil
- Airbrushed
- Incubus
WORD 1: Imperialist
Context:
(Inferred example: “The novel critiques the imperialist mindset that justified colonization in the name of ‘civilizing’ native populations.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Imperialist" is a noun (and also an adjective) used to describe a person, policy, or ideology that supports imperialism—the practice of one nation extending control or domination over others, often through colonization, economic pressure, or military force. It’s frequently used in historical, political, and critical discussions to describe aggressive expansionist policies or the attitudes that fuel them. The word often carries a negative connotation, especially in postcolonial discourse.
Meaning: A person or system that supports or engages in imperialism—dominating other countries politically or economically (Noun / Adjective)
Pronunciation: im-PEER-ee-uh-list
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From *imperial* (relating to empire) + *-ist* (a person who supports a principle or practice); related to Latin *imperium* (“command, empire”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Imperialist” is a powerful term in history and political analysis. Use it when discussing colonialism, global power struggles, or critical theory. It pairs well with words like *colonizer*, *expansionist*, *hegemony*, and *nationalism*. Be aware of its critical tone—often used to expose unequal power relations.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: expansionist, colonizer, empire-builder, dominator
Antonyms: anti-imperialist, nationalist (contextual), decolonizer, pacifist
Usage Examples:
- During the 19th century, European imperialists claimed vast territories in Africa and Asia.
- The book exposes how imperialist ideologies were masked as moral missions.
- Many countries today still struggle with the economic legacies left by imperialist systems.
- She argued against the imperialist policies of foreign intervention and cultural domination.
Cultural Reference:
In George Orwell’s *Shooting an Elephant*, the narrator—a British officer in colonial Burma—reflects on the psychological cost of being both an agent and a victim of the imperialist system. – Postcolonial Literature & Political Critique
Think About It:
Can modern forms of imperialism exist without traditional empires—through corporations, media, or economic control?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “imperialist” in a historical context and another in a modern political or economic context.
Memory Tip:
Think of *imperialist* as someone building or defending an *empire*—with control, dominance, and expansion at its core.
Real-World Application:
“Imperialist” is widely used in academic history, political science, international relations, and postcolonial studies to critique domination and global inequality.
WORD 2: Mobilization
Context:
(Inferred example: “The protest was a result of the rapid mobilization of thousands of citizens demanding justice.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Mobilization" is a noun that refers to the act of organizing and preparing people, resources, or ideas for action—typically in a large, coordinated effort. It is often used in military contexts (e.g., troop mobilization), but it is also widely applied to social movements, political campaigns, emergency responses, and public health. The term suggests readiness, urgency, and collective energy directed toward a common goal.
Meaning: The process of assembling and preparing resources or people for action, especially for war, protest, or large-scale operations (Noun)
Pronunciation: moh-buh-luh-ZAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From French *mobilisation*, from *mobile* (movable), rooted in Latin *mobilis* (“movable, flexible”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Mobilization” is a versatile word to use in academic, political, and historical writing. It pairs well with terms like *resources*, *protest*, *campaign*, or *military*. Use it when discussing how people or systems are quickly brought into action for a cause, goal, or emergency. It adds power and formality to your vocabulary.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: deployment, organization, rallying, preparation, activation
Antonyms: disbandment, inaction, demobilization, disengagement
Usage Examples:
- The government ordered the mobilization of all medical staff during the crisis.
- Mass mobilization of youth was central to the success of the climate strike movement.
- Mobilization of troops began within hours of the declaration of war.
- The NGO focused on community mobilization to spread awareness about water conservation.
Cultural Reference:
During World War II, the United States underwent massive mobilization—not only of military forces but also of industries, women in the workforce, and national resources—changing the social and economic fabric of the country. – Modern History & War Studies
Think About It:
What causes or events today require mass mobilization—and who is responsible for initiating it?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence describing a situation (real or imagined) where rapid mobilization led to a successful outcome.
Memory Tip:
Think *“mobilization” = mobilize* → getting people or things “moving” toward a goal.
Real-World Application:
“Mobilization” is used in military strategy, public health, activism, political science, and disaster response. It’s a powerful term for describing collective effort and urgency.
WORD 3: Deprivation
Context:
(Inferred example: “Prolonged sleep deprivation can have serious effects on mental and physical health.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Deprivation" is a noun that refers to the state of having something taken away or being denied access to something essential—such as food, sleep, education, safety, or love. It is commonly used in both physical and emotional contexts, and it often appears in discussions of poverty, inequality, health, and psychology. The word emphasizes absence, loss, and its often harmful impact on well-being.
Meaning: The state of lacking or being denied something necessary or desirable (Noun)
Pronunciation: dep-ruh-VAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *deprivare* (“to take away”), from *de-* (“from”) + *privare* (“to rob, deprive”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Deprivation” is a powerful word for essays on social issues, health, psychology, or literature. It’s especially useful when analyzing the effects of inequality or emotional neglect. Use it with words like *sleep*, *nutritional*, *emotional*, or *economic* to specify the type of lack or hardship.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: lack, hardship, scarcity, denial, poverty
Antonyms: abundance, wealth, access, privilege
Usage Examples:
- Children raised in deprivation often struggle with emotional regulation and academic success.
- Sleep deprivation impairs memory, focus, and decision-making.
- The report highlights areas suffering from economic deprivation and social neglect.
- Emotional deprivation during childhood can have lasting psychological effects.
Cultural Reference:
In *Night* by Elie Wiesel, deprivation—of food, warmth, and dignity—is a central theme, showing how systemic cruelty erodes humanity. – Holocaust Literature & Memoir
Think About It:
Which is harder to recover from—physical deprivation or emotional deprivation—and why?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence describing a type of deprivation (e.g., digital, educational, emotional) and its effect on an individual or community.
Memory Tip:
“Deprivation” = *deprive* → think of something *being taken away* that’s vital for well-being.
Real-World Application:
“Deprivation” is widely used in public health, psychology, education, development studies, and human rights discourse to highlight systemic inequality or neglect.
WORD 4: Churn
Context:
(Inferred example: “The startup struggled with high customer churn in its first year of operations.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Churn" can be used as both a noun and a verb, and its meaning varies by context. Originally, it referred to the process of agitating cream to produce butter. In modern usage, it often describes continuous or turbulent motion (e.g., waves churning), emotional unrest, or—especially in business—the rate at which customers stop doing business with a company. It's a powerful word used to describe instability, turnover, or internal turbulence, whether literal or metaphorical.
Meaning: (1) To stir or shake forcefully (verb); (2) The rate of loss or turnover (noun, esp. in business) (Verb/Noun)
Pronunciation: chern
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old English *cyrin* (a churn for making butter); the verb form originally described the manual stirring of milk or cream
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Churn” is a vivid word with both physical and metaphorical power. Use it in business writing to refer to customer loss or in creative writing to describe emotional or physical turbulence. It’s great for describing movement, instability, or emotional unrest. In marketing or SaaS, ‘customer churn rate’ is a key metric.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: stir, agitate, shake, rotate, turnover (business)
Antonyms: settle, calm, retain, stabilize
Usage Examples:
- The waves churned violently during the storm.
- He felt his stomach churn with anxiety before the interview.
- The company needs to reduce customer churn by improving its support services.
- High employee churn is a sign of a toxic work culture.
Cultural Reference:
In the subscription-based business model, “churn rate” is a critical performance indicator. For example, Netflix and Spotify invest heavily in user engagement to minimize churn and maintain profitability. – Digital Business & SaaS Trends
Think About It:
In both business and life, what causes churn—and what does it take to create lasting loyalty or calm?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “churn” in a business sense and another using it in a physical or emotional sense.
Memory Tip:
Picture *churning butter*—a repetitive, intense motion that transforms. Think of churn as any intense, ongoing agitation or turnover.
Real-World Application:
“Churn” is widely used in business analytics, marketing, literature, emotional writing, and environmental reporting to describe instability or loss.
WORD 5: Persuading
Context:
(Inferred example: “She was skilled at persuading others to see her point of view without sounding forceful.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Persuading" is the present participle of the verb "persuade," meaning to convince someone to believe, feel, or do something—usually through reasoning, emotion, or appeal. It is a key tool in communication, debate, sales, politics, and leadership. Effective persuading involves understanding your audience and using logic, credibility, or emotional connection to change minds or influence decisions.
Meaning: The act of convincing someone to do or believe something through reasoning or appeal (Verb – present participle)
Pronunciation: pur-SWAY-ding
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *persuadere*, from *per-* (“thoroughly”) + *suadere* (“to advise or urge”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Persuading” is one of the most important academic and real-world skills. Use it in essays about communication, argumentation, or leadership. It’s also the core idea behind persuasive writing and rhetoric. Understand the difference between persuading and manipulating—intent matters.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: convincing, urging, influencing, coaxing, encouraging
Antonyms: dissuading, discouraging, deterring, repelling
Usage Examples:
- He spent hours persuading the jury of his client’s innocence.
- The advertisement focused on persuading consumers to switch brands.
- She was good at persuading her parents to let her travel alone.
- Persuading a team to embrace change takes empathy and clear communication.
Cultural Reference:
In Aristotle’s *Rhetoric*, the three modes of persuasion—ethos (credibility), logos (logic), and pathos (emotion)—remain foundational to the art of persuading effectively. – Classical Philosophy & Communication
Think About It:
What makes persuading ethical—and when does it cross the line into manipulation?
Quick Activity:
Write a two-line persuasive message trying to convince someone to try something new—use either logic or emotion.
Memory Tip:
“Persuading” = *per* (thoroughly) + *suade* (to advise) → you’re thoroughly advising someone toward your view.
Real-World Application:
“Persuading” is essential in leadership, marketing, teaching, writing, public speaking, and personal relationships—it’s the foundation of influence.
WORD 6: Remembrance
Context:
(Inferred example: “The monument was built in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the war.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Remembrance" is a noun that refers to the act of remembering someone or something, especially someone who has died or an event of great significance. It is associated with memory, tribute, and honoring the past. Often used in solemn or ceremonial contexts, the word carries a tone of respect, reflection, and emotional weight. It can refer to both personal memory and collective or national memory.
Meaning: The act of remembering and honoring someone or something from the past (Noun)
Pronunciation: ri-MEM-bruns
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old French *remembrer*, from Latin *rememorari* (“to recall, bring to mind”), from *re-* (“again”) + *memor* (“mindful”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Remembrance” is a beautiful, respectful word ideal for reflective writing, tributes, and ceremonies. Use it when talking about honoring history, personal memories, or loved ones. In academic writing, it often appears in discussions of memorialization, war, and identity.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: memory, tribute, honor, commemoration, recollection
Antonyms: forgetfulness, oblivion, disregard
Usage Examples:
- The day was marked with silence and remembrance.
- She lit a candle in remembrance of her late grandmother.
- Public ceremonies were held in remembrance of the fallen soldiers.
- The poem was a gentle act of remembrance for a lost friendship.
Cultural Reference:
November 11 is observed as Remembrance Day in many countries, honoring those who died in military service, symbolized by the red poppy. – Historical Observances & World War I Legacy
Think About It:
Why is remembrance so important to both personal healing and national identity?
Quick Activity:
Write a short sentence or phrase you might find on a plaque or memorial expressing remembrance.
Memory Tip:
“Remembrance” = *re-* (again) + *mem* (memory) → to bring someone or something back into your heart and mind.
Real-World Application:
“Remembrance” is used in public ceremonies, history education, literature, and spiritual contexts to preserve and honor the past meaningfully.
WORD 7: Widespread
Context:
(Inferred example: “The policy received widespread support across different sectors of society.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Widespread" is an adjective used to describe something that is found, observed, or accepted over a large area or among many people. It conveys the idea of broad distribution—whether it’s a belief, behavior, problem, or trend. The term is commonly used in media, academia, and science to describe phenomena that affect a wide region or population, often indicating significance or urgency.
Meaning: Existing or happening in many places or among many people (Adjective)
Pronunciation: WIDE-spred
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From “wide” + “spread” — literally meaning “spread out broadly”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Widespread” is a very useful adjective for essays, especially in social sciences, current affairs, and analytical writing. It helps you describe trends, reactions, or effects that are not isolated but broadly felt. Try pairing it with words like *awareness*, *concern*, *damage*, or *support* to build strong, informative statements.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: prevalent, common, extensive, universal, far-reaching
Antonyms: limited, rare, localized, isolated
Usage Examples:
- There is widespread concern about climate change across the globe.
- The disease outbreak led to widespread panic in the region.
- Social media has led to the widespread sharing of both news and misinformation.
- The reforms enjoyed widespread public support.
Cultural Reference:
The term “widespread” was heavily used during the COVID-19 pandemic to describe transmission rates, lockdown measures, and global effects—highlighting the scale of the crisis. – Global Health & Media Language
Think About It:
Does widespread acceptance of an idea mean it’s true or just that it’s been normalized over time?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “widespread” to describe a social trend, a natural disaster, or a technological shift.
Memory Tip:
“Widespread” = *spread widely* — picture a ripple expanding across a pond, reaching everywhere.
Real-World Application:
“Widespread” is used in news reporting, scientific findings, academic writing, and policy discussions to describe large-scale impact or presence.
WORD 8: Turmoil
Context:
(Inferred example: “The nation was thrown into political turmoil following the unexpected resignation of the president.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Turmoil" is a noun that describes a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty—whether internal (emotional) or external (social, political, or economic). It implies chaos or disorder that disrupts stability and causes distress. The term is widely used in journalism, literature, and psychology to evoke intense upheaval or disarray, especially during crises or emotional struggles.
Meaning: A state of confusion, disturbance, or disorder (Noun)
Pronunciation: TUR-moil
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: Uncertain; likely from Middle English *turmoyl* or *turmoil*, possibly influenced by Old French *tremouille* (“mill hopper” – a shaking device), reflecting agitation
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Turmoil” is a strong, expressive word ideal for describing emotional conflict, political instability, or chaotic events. Use it in essays, reports, or stories to emphasize disruption or unrest. It works beautifully in phrases like *emotional turmoil*, *economic turmoil*, or *social turmoil* to add depth and drama.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: chaos, upheaval, unrest, confusion, disorder
Antonyms: peace, calm, order, stability, harmony
Usage Examples:
- The stock market plunged into turmoil after the shocking announcement.
- Her mind was in turmoil as she faced a difficult decision.
- The civil war left the region in years of political turmoil.
- During times of personal turmoil, it’s important to find supportive spaces.
Cultural Reference:
The Great Depression of the 1930s is often cited as a time of economic and social turmoil, marked by widespread unemployment, fear, and political change worldwide. – Modern History
Think About It:
Can turmoil be a catalyst for personal growth or social transformation—or is it always destructive?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence describing either political, emotional, or societal turmoil using vivid imagery.
Memory Tip:
Think *TUR* = turn + *moil* = mess → everything turning into a mess = turmoil.
Real-World Application:
“Turmoil” is frequently used in journalism, political commentary, psychology, literature, and personal essays to describe disorder and emotional unrest.
WORD 9: Airbrushed
Context:
(Inferred example: “The magazine cover featured an airbrushed image that erased all imperfections from the model’s face.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Airbrushed" originally refers to the use of a tool (an airbrush) to spray paint or makeup finely onto a surface to smooth or enhance its appearance. Over time, the term has evolved—especially in digital media and photography—to mean altering or retouching images to remove flaws or imperfections. It’s now also used metaphorically to describe how history, memory, or truth is softened, cleaned up, or idealized, often by removing uncomfortable details.
Meaning: Altered or smoothed (especially visually) to appear more perfect or ideal than reality (Verb – past tense or Adjective)
Pronunciation: AIR-bruh-sht
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From “air” + “brush,” referring to the painting tool; figurative use became common in the late 20th century with photography and media editing
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Airbrushed” is a powerful word for discussions on media, beauty standards, and truth. Use it literally when talking about photography or images, and metaphorically in essays or critiques when discussing how reality is distorted or softened—especially in media, memory, or propaganda.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: retouched, edited, polished, beautified, sanitized
Antonyms: raw, unfiltered, unedited, authentic, untouched
Usage Examples:
- The celebrity’s photo was heavily airbrushed to remove every wrinkle.
- They airbrushed out the controversial parts of the leader’s past in the documentary.
- The historical narrative presented in the textbook was airbrushed to hide colonial brutality.
- Social media often presents an airbrushed version of people’s lives.
Cultural Reference:
The use of airbrushed models in fashion magazines sparked global movements like *#NoFilter* and *Body Positivity*, challenging unrealistic beauty standards and promoting authenticity. – Media Literacy & Body Image
Think About It:
What are the risks of constantly consuming airbrushed versions of people, history, or reality?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “airbrushed” metaphorically—e.g., about a memory, a biography, or a story being softened.
Memory Tip:
Think of *airbrush = soft spray* → used to “soften” or *cover up flaws*—whether in a photo or a fact.
Real-World Application:
“Airbrushed” is used in discussions of media ethics, photography, beauty culture, social media, and historical revisionism—helping critique how truth or reality is often filtered.
WORD 10: Incubus
Context:
(Inferred example: “The haunting sense of failure clung to him like an incubus, draining his energy every day.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Incubus" originally refers to a male demon from medieval folklore believed to sit on people while they slept, causing nightmares or draining their energy. In modern usage, it has taken on a metaphorical meaning, referring to a psychological or emotional burden—something oppressive or nightmarish that weighs a person down. The word powerfully captures feelings of anxiety, guilt, or fear that persist and suffocate one's mental peace.
Meaning: (1) A male demon believed to prey on people during sleep; (2) A persistent, oppressive burden or worry (Noun)
Pronunciation: IN-kyoo-bus
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Etymology: From Latin *incubare* (“to lie upon”), from *in-* (“upon”) + *cubare* (“to lie down”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Incubus” is a dark and rich word with both literal (mythical) and figurative uses. Use it in literature, psychological writing, or poetic description when referring to deep, haunting burdens—especially emotional ones. It’s especially strong in symbolic writing or when discussing internal struggles or trauma.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: torment, burden, nightmare, oppression, weight
Antonyms: relief, comfort, freedom, peace
Usage Examples:
- He felt the incubus of guilt pressing down on him night after night.
- In medieval lore, an incubus was blamed for unexplained sleep paralysis.
- The trauma from the war became a lasting incubus in his life.
- The book portrays ambition as both a dream and an incubus.
Cultural Reference:
In Gothic literature, the incubus often symbolizes repressed desire, guilt, or fear—appearing in works like *The Monk* (1796) by Matthew Lewis, where demonic figures blur the line between horror and psychological torment. – Gothic Fiction & Symbolism
Think About It:
What personal or societal incubuses weigh on us today—and how can we name and release them?
Quick Activity:
Write a metaphorical sentence using “incubus” to describe an emotional or psychological weight.
Memory Tip:
Think *incubus* = *in* + *cubus* (to lie upon) → something that *lies heavily* on your chest—literally or emotionally.
Real-World Application:
“Incubus” is used in literature, psychology, gothic horror, and metaphorical writing to describe oppressive mental states or unresolved fears.
