✨ 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:
- Discretion
- Auxiliary
- Anecdote
- Empowerment
- Revenue
- Facilitate
- Provision
- Accountability
- Broadly
- illusion
WORD 1: Discretion
Context:
“The manager handled the situation with great discretion, respecting everyone’s privacy.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Discretion" is a noun that refers to the ability to make careful decisions or to behave in a way that avoids causing offense or revealing private information. It combines good judgment, tact, and a sense of responsibility. In legal or formal contexts, it can also mean the freedom to make choices based on one’s own judgment. Whether in leadership, diplomacy, or everyday situations, discretion implies wisdom in timing, tone, and action.
Meaning: Careful judgment or the freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation (Noun)
Pronunciation: dis-KRESH-un
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *discretio* (“separation, discernment”), from *discernere* (“to distinguish”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Discretion” is a word of both power and humility. Use it in essays on leadership, privacy, ethics, and communication. It works well in discussing professional conduct or personal restraint. Common phrases: *at someone’s discretion*, *exercise discretion*, *use discretion*, *discretion is advised*.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: judgment, prudence, tact, caution, diplomacy
Antonyms: indiscretion, carelessness, bluntness, impulsiveness
Usage Examples:
- The teacher handled the student’s mistake with discretion, avoiding public embarrassment.
- Employees are expected to use discretion when dealing with confidential information.
- The judge acted at her discretion when determining the sentence.
- Discretion is often more powerful than confrontation in tense negotiations.
Cultural Reference:
In professional ethics, especially in law, medicine, and counseling, discretion is considered a core value, ensuring that sensitive information is handled with confidentiality and care. – Ethics & Confidentiality in Professions
Think About It:
Is discretion a sign of strength and wisdom, or can it sometimes be a way to avoid difficult truths?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences: one showing someone exercising discretion, and one showing a lack of discretion with unintended consequences.
Memory Tip:
“Discretion” = *discern + action* → knowing when (and when not) to speak or act, especially with sensitivity.
Real-World Application:
“Discretion” is vital in leadership, law, journalism, healthcare, counseling, HR, and diplomacy—anywhere confidentiality, judgment, and communication intersect.
WORD 2: Auxiliary
Context:
“The hospital brought in auxiliary staff to handle the surge in emergency cases.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Auxiliary" is both a noun and an adjective, generally used to describe something or someone that provides support, help, or backup, especially when the primary systems or people are overwhelmed or unavailable. In grammar, an auxiliary verb (like *is*, *have*, or *will*) supports the main verb to express tense, mood, or voice. The term is common in military, medical, mechanical, and educational contexts, as well as in grammar instruction.
Meaning: Providing help or support; supplementary (Adjective); A person or thing that gives aid or support (Noun)
Pronunciation: awg-ZIL-yuh-ree
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *auxiliarius* (“helping, supporting”), from *auxilium* (“help, aid”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Auxiliary” is a smart word to use when referring to backup, secondary roles, or additional support. It’s precise in both technical and grammatical contexts. Use it in essays or reports to describe support systems, or in grammar explanations when referring to helping verbs. Pairs well with terms like *force*, *staff*, *equipment*, or *verb* depending on usage.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: supplementary, backup, supporting, helping, assisting
Antonyms: primary, main, essential, principal
Usage Examples:
- The army deployed auxiliary troops to support the frontline battalions.
- We used an auxiliary power unit when the main generator failed.
- In the sentence “She is running,” the word “is” is an auxiliary verb.
- Volunteers formed an auxiliary group to help manage the crowd at the event.
Cultural Reference:
During World War II, many women served in auxiliary branches of the military, such as the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) in Britain—highlighting their essential, yet often underrecognized, support roles. – History & Gender Studies
Think About It:
Are auxiliary roles undervalued in society simply because they’re seen as secondary—despite being essential for success?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences—one using “auxiliary” in a grammatical context, and one in a technical or real-world support context.
Memory Tip:
Think “auxiliary” = *assisting* → like a helpful *ally* or backup system that kicks in when needed.
Real-World Application:
“Auxiliary” is used in education, healthcare, engineering, linguistics, and emergency response—any field where backup systems or supporting roles are vital.
WORD 3: Anecdote
Context:
“The speaker opened her presentation with a humorous anecdote to capture the audience’s attention.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Anecdote" is a noun referring to a short, often amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person. It is commonly used in speeches, writing, and everyday conversation to illustrate a point, evoke emotion, or engage an audience. Anecdotes are powerful rhetorical tools—they personalize information, add credibility, and make abstract ideas relatable through concrete experience.
Meaning: A short and often amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person (Noun)
Pronunciation: AN-ik-doht
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic–Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *anekdota* (“unpublished things”), from *an-* (“not”) + *ekdotos* (“published”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Use “anecdote” to add a personal or relatable touch to essays, speeches, or articles. Great for introductions, transitions, or when trying to humanize abstract points. But use sparingly and purposefully—ensure it supports your message, not distracts from it.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: story, tale, narrative, recollection, account
Antonyms: analysis, statistic, argument, theory
Usage Examples:
- She shared an anecdote from her childhood to explain the importance of empathy.
- The professor’s anecdotes made the lecture more engaging and memorable.
- Journalists sometimes use anecdotes to humanize complex social issues.
- An anecdote, while interesting, does not replace scientific evidence in research.
Cultural Reference:
In TED Talks and public speeches, anecdotes are frequently used to establish emotional connection and credibility—turning abstract data into relatable stories. – Public Speaking & Communication
Think About It:
Can an anecdote ever mislead an audience—even if it’s true—by focusing on one case and ignoring the bigger picture?
Quick Activity:
Write a brief anecdote (2–3 sentences) that illustrates the value of honesty or hard work.
Memory Tip:
“Anecdote” = *a note* or *dot* from life → a tiny, memorable story that leaves a big impression.
Real-World Application:
“Anecdote” is used in writing, teaching, journalism, psychology, and public speaking to enrich communication with real-life examples or human insight.
WORD 4: Revenue
Context:
“The company's quarterly report showed a sharp increase in revenue due to strong online sales.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Revenue" is a noun that refers to the total income generated by a business, organization, or government from its operations, services, or investments, before any expenses are deducted. In business, it’s a key indicator of performance, often derived from product sales or service fees. In public finance, revenue typically comes from taxes, fees, and government-owned enterprises. Understanding revenue is critical for analyzing financial health and making informed strategic decisions.
Meaning: Income generated from normal business activities or other sources before expenses (Noun)
Pronunciation: REV-uh-nyoo
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic–Intermediate
Etymology: From Old French *revenue* (“a return”), from *revenir* (“to return”), reflecting the idea of income returning to the organization
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Revenue” is an essential financial term used in business, economics, and government. Don’t confuse it with *profit*, which is what remains after expenses are subtracted. Use “revenue” when writing about financial performance, budgeting, taxes, or business models.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: income, earnings, turnover, proceeds, returns
Antonyms: expenses, losses, debt (contextual)
Usage Examples:
- The startup generated over $1 million in revenue in its first year.
- Tax revenue is used to fund public services like education and healthcare.
- Despite high revenue, the company reported a net loss due to rising costs.
- The hotel’s main source of revenue during off-season months is event hosting.
Cultural Reference:
In corporate reports, “top-line revenue” is a key metric investors watch closely, as it reflects a company’s ability to sell goods or services—before deductions like taxes or operating costs. – Finance & Investing
Think About It:
Can a company with high revenue still fail financially—and what does that tell us about the importance of managing costs?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence describing how a business or government increases its revenue, and another about what happens when revenue drops.
Memory Tip:
“Revenue” = *returns* → money that *comes back in* to the organization from what it offers.
Real-World Application:
“Revenue” is used in business analysis, government finance, accounting, budgeting, and economics to measure income and inform financial decisions.
WORD 5: Facilitate
Context:
“The new software is designed to facilitate collaboration between remote teams.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Facilitate" is a verb that means to make a process or task easier, smoother, or more efficient. It involves removing obstacles, providing support, or offering guidance that helps others achieve a goal or complete an activity. The word is commonly used in education, business, technology, and leadership contexts. To facilitate something doesn't mean doing it for others—it means enabling them to do it better or faster.
Meaning: To make a task, process, or activity easier or more efficient (Verb)
Pronunciation: fuh-SIL-ih-tayt
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *facilis* (“easy”) and *facilitare* (“to make easy”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Facilitate” is a versatile, formal verb that adds polish to essays, reports, and business communication. It’s often used when describing systems, strategies, or people who help smooth out complex processes. Ideal for discussions on education, teamwork, technology, and leadership roles.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: enable, ease, assist, support, simplify
Antonyms: hinder, obstruct, complicate, impede
Usage Examples:
- The platform facilitates real-time communication between team members.
- Teachers are trained to facilitate group discussions effectively.
- Technology can facilitate access to education in remote areas.
- Clear instructions facilitate smoother onboarding for new employees.
Cultural Reference:
In modern education and leadership, a *facilitator* is someone who guides learning or collaboration without controlling it—promoting autonomy and participation rather than direct instruction. – Pedagogical Theory & Teamwork Models
Think About It:
How can leaders or educators shift from controlling outcomes to facilitating learning or growth—and what benefits might result?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences—one using “facilitate” in a technological context, and another in a leadership or educational setting.
Memory Tip:
“Facilitate” = *make things facile* (easy) → think of a helper who clears the path for progress.
Real-World Application:
“Facilitate” is frequently used in business, education, leadership, tech, HR, and healthcare—any domain where guidance, tools, or processes help others achieve more with less friction.
WORD 6: Provision
Context:
“The contract includes a provision that allows either party to terminate the agreement with 30 days’ notice.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Provision" is a flexible noun with several key meanings, all revolving around the idea of preparation, supply, or legal inclusion. In law and contracts, a provision is a specific clause or condition set in a formal agreement. In general use, it refers to the act of providing or preparing for future needs—often food, supplies, or plans. It highlights foresight and structure, whether in legal, logistical, or everyday contexts.
Meaning: (1) A clause in a legal document or agreement; (2) The act of supplying or preparing something for future use (Noun)
Pronunciation: pruh-VIZH-un
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *providere* (“to foresee, provide”), through Old French *provision* (“supply, condition”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Provision” is extremely useful in formal and academic writing. Use it when referring to conditions in contracts, policy terms, or when discussing the logistics of supplying goods or services. Be clear about which meaning you intend—legal clause or material supply—based on context.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: condition, clause, supply, arrangement, stipulation
Antonyms: neglect, omission, removal (contextual)
Usage Examples:
- The new law includes provisions to protect consumers from fraud.
- Provisions were delivered to the stranded hikers by helicopter.
- There’s a special provision in the insurance policy for natural disasters.
- They made careful provision for the upcoming winter months.
Cultural Reference:
In legal and political discourse, “provisions” are critical—appearing in constitutions, treaties, and corporate contracts. For example, the *provision for freedom of speech* in democratic constitutions guarantees essential rights. – Legal Frameworks & Governance
Think About It:
Why is it important to include clear provisions in contracts or laws—and what risks arise if they’re vague or missing?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “provision” in a legal context, and another in a supply or planning context.
Memory Tip:
“Provision” = think *pro-vision* → looking ahead and preparing—whether with supplies or with rules.
Real-World Application:
“Provision” is used in law, logistics, emergency planning, policymaking, and contract management—any field where foresight and preparedness are crucial.
WORD 7: Accountability
Context:
“The organization promised greater transparency and accountability after the public outcry.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Accountability" is a noun that refers to the obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for one’s actions and to be answerable to others. It plays a critical role in governance, leadership, education, and relationships. Whether in business, politics, or personal life, accountability promotes trust, fairness, and improvement. It is closely tied to transparency, ethical conduct, and integrity.
Meaning: The state of being responsible and answerable for one’s actions or decisions (Noun)
Pronunciation: uh-kown-tuh-BIL-ih-tee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From *account* (to report or explain) + *-ability* (state or quality of being able to), meaning “the ability to give an account of something”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Accountability” is a crucial term in essays about leadership, ethics, government, or corporate behavior. Use it when discussing responsibility, especially in systems where individuals or groups must explain and justify their actions. It's especially relevant in the age of transparency and social justice.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: responsibility, answerability, liability, transparency
Antonyms: irresponsibility, unaccountability, denial, evasion
Usage Examples:
- Government officials must be held to the highest standards of accountability.
- Team leaders foster a culture of accountability by recognizing both achievements and mistakes.
- Lack of accountability in large corporations can lead to unethical practices.
- She showed accountability by admitting the error and taking corrective steps.
Cultural Reference:
Movements like #MeToo and corporate whistleblower cases have highlighted the demand for accountability in powerful institutions—showing that public scrutiny can force change when internal systems fail. – Social Movements & Organizational Ethics
Think About It:
Can real accountability exist without transparency—and who decides what counts as being accountable?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “accountability” in a political or corporate context, and one in a personal or academic setting.
Memory Tip:
“Accountability” = the *ability to account* → being answerable for actions, not hiding from responsibility.
Real-World Application:
“Accountability” is vital in governance, education, business, nonprofit management, journalism, and personal development—anywhere trust, ethics, and leadership matter.
WORD 8: Broadly
Context:
“Broadly speaking, the policy has been successful, despite a few localized challenges.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Broadly" is an adverb used to describe generalizations or wide-ranging views without getting into specific details. It often appears in academic, journalistic, and analytical writing when an author wants to present an overview or simplified perspective that still holds overall truth. It can refer to ideas, trends, interpretations, or attitudes. The word encourages focus on the big picture rather than narrow exceptions.
Meaning: In general terms; without focusing on specific details (Adverb)
Pronunciation: BRAWD-lee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From “broad” (wide in scope or extent) + “-ly” (adverbial suffix)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Broadly” is an excellent tool for summarizing or introducing a wide perspective in writing. Use it when you want to express something that’s mostly true, even if there are exceptions. Common phrase: *broadly speaking*. Ideal for topic sentences, conclusions, or comparative analysis.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: generally, overall, roughly, approximately, in general
Antonyms: specifically, narrowly, precisely, particularly
Usage Examples:
- Broadly speaking, the two theories agree on the fundamental principles.
- The film was broadly well-received by critics and audiences alike.
- The new law will broadly affect education policy across all states.
- She broadly outlined the goals of the project without going into detail.
Cultural Reference:
In politics and media, the phrase “broadly speaking” is often used to simplify complex issues or frame general consensus—while acknowledging that deeper nuance exists. – Political Commentary & Journalism
Think About It:
When does using “broadly” help clarify a complex idea—and when might it oversimplify something important?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences—one using “broadly” to summarize an idea, and another contrasting it with a specific exception.
Memory Tip:
“Broadly” = *broad view* → think of a drone camera showing the whole landscape rather than zooming in on one detail.
Real-World Application:
“Broadly” is commonly used in essays, policy discussions, summaries, debates, and news to express general truths while acknowledging complexity.
WORD 9: Illusion
Context:
“The magician’s trick created the perfect illusion of levitation, leaving the audience stunned.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Illusion" is a noun that refers to a false idea, impression, or perception of reality. It can occur visually—such as in optical illusions—or mentally and emotionally, such as when someone believes something to be true despite contrary evidence. Illusions play a major role in magic, psychology, philosophy, and literature, often highlighting the gap between appearance and reality. The word suggests deception, misinterpretation, or an ideal that may not match real-world conditions.
Meaning: A false appearance or belief; something that deceives by producing a misleading impression of reality (Noun)
Pronunciation: ih-LOO-zhun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic–Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *illusio* (“mockery, trick”), from *illudere* (“to mock or trick”), based on *in-* + *ludere* (“to play”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Illusion” is a great word for philosophical writing, psychological discussion, or literary analysis. Use it when examining themes of deception, false hope, imagination, or human perception. It’s powerful when discussing the difference between reality and what we believe or wish to be true.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: deception, mirage, fantasy, trick, misconception
Antonyms: reality, truth, fact, certainty
Usage Examples:
- The oasis turned out to be an illusion caused by heat waves in the desert.
- He lived under the illusion that money would solve all his problems.
- Optical illusions challenge our understanding of visual perception.
- The story explores the illusion of control in a chaotic world.
Cultural Reference:
Philosopher Plato famously discussed illusion in his “Allegory of the Cave,” where people mistake shadows for reality—a metaphor for how we often live in illusion unless we seek true understanding. – Philosophy & Critical Thinking
Think About It:
What common beliefs in society might be illusions—and how can we tell the difference between perception and truth?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence where “illusion” refers to something visual, and another where it refers to a mistaken belief.
Memory Tip:
“Illusion” = *I-lie-vision* → what you *see* may not be what *is*—it only looks real.
Real-World Application:
“Illusion” is used in psychology, magic, philosophy, art, advertising, and storytelling to discuss how appearances can deceive or influence human perception.
WORD 10: Empowerment
Context:
“Education is a powerful tool for the empowerment of marginalized communities.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Empowerment" is a noun that refers to the process of gaining confidence, control, and the ability to make decisions or effect change. It is commonly used in discussions around social justice, personal growth, education, leadership, and workplace equality. Empowerment involves both internal growth (such as self-belief) and external support (such as rights or resources). It emphasizes enabling people or groups to take action and assert control over their lives and circumstances.
Meaning: The process of becoming stronger, more confident, and capable of controlling one’s life or making important decisions (Noun)
Pronunciation: em-POW-er-ment
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From *empower* (to give power or authority) + *-ment* (noun-forming suffix); originally from Old French *em- + pouvoir* (“to be able”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Empowerment” is a dynamic and motivational term, perfect for essays on education, gender equality, social justice, and leadership. It is especially powerful in contexts where action, independence, and voice are emphasized. Use it thoughtfully to convey a shift from dependence to agency.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: enablement, authorization, liberation, self-determination, strengthening
Antonyms: oppression, disempowerment, subjugation, restriction
Usage Examples:
- Financial literacy programs can lead to the economic empowerment of low-income families.
- Leadership training focuses on the empowerment of team members to make independent decisions.
- The film celebrates the empowerment of women in science and technology.
- True empowerment comes when people have both the tools and the freedom to use them.
Cultural Reference:
Movements like feminism, civil rights, and education reform have centered on empowerment—shifting power to historically marginalized groups. Empowerment remains a key concept in global development and human rights advocacy. – Social Movements & Global Development
Think About It:
Can empowerment truly exist without access to education, opportunity, or justice?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “empowerment” in a social context and another in a workplace or educational setting.
Memory Tip:
“Empowerment” = *power put in your hands* → the process of gaining strength, voice, and control.
Real-World Application:
“Empowerment” is used in education, gender studies, leadership training, community development, psychology, and politics to emphasize growth in personal or collective agency.
