✨ 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:
- Taint
- Anticapitalist
- Preindustrial
- Parochial
- Shabby chic
- Uncanny
- Perpetual
- Iteration
- Electrification
- Pastiche
WORD: Taint
Context:
“The scandal left a taint on the politician’s reputation that he never fully recovered from.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Taint" is both a noun and a verb used to describe the presence or addition of something harmful, undesirable, or impure. As a verb, it means to contaminate, spoil, or damage something, especially its quality, purity, or reputation. As a noun, it refers to the mark or trace of such contamination. "Taint" can be used in physical, moral, emotional, or reputational contexts, often carrying a strong negative connotation.
Meaning: (Verb) To contaminate, damage, or spoil something; (Noun) A trace of something bad or harmful (Verb/Noun)
Pronunciation: taynt
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Old French *teint* (“dyed, tinged”), from Latin *tingere* (“to dye or color”), later evolving to mean “to stain or contaminate”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Taint” is a powerful word that should be used with precision. It’s excellent for essays discussing ethics, reputation, politics, or even environmental issues. It carries emotional weight, so it’s best suited for strong critiques or cautionary observations. It often refers to moral or symbolic damage rather than just physical pollution.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: stain, blemish, corrupt, infect, sully, spoil
Antonyms: purify, cleanse, restore, honor, preserve
Usage Examples:
- The water supply was tainted with chemicals from the factory runoff.
- His involvement in the cover-up tainted his otherwise respectable career.
- There was a taint of suspicion in her voice that couldn’t be ignored.
- The scandal cast a long-lasting taint on the organization’s integrity.
Cultural Reference:
In Arthur Miller’s play *The Crucible*, characters fear the taint of witchcraft accusations, showing how moral and social “stains” can destroy reputations and community trust. – Literature & Social Commentary
Think About It:
Can a person or institution ever fully remove the taint of a scandal—or does some damage always linger?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “taint” as a verb in an environmental context and another as a noun in a social or moral context.
Memory Tip:
“Taint” sounds like “stain” → both suggest something pure being dirtied or spoiled.
Real-World Application:
“Taint” is used in law, politics, journalism, environmental science, and literature—anywhere integrity, purity, or trust can be damaged or questioned.
WORD-2: Anticapitalist
Context:
"The protest was led by a coalition of anticapitalist groups who demanded a complete overhaul of the financial system." - Independent News Agency
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "anticapitalist" refers to someone or something that opposes capitalism, often advocating for alternative economic systems such as socialism or communism. This term is commonly used to describe ideologies, movements, or individuals that criticize the inequalities and exploitation they associate with capitalist economies.
Meaning: Opposed to capitalism or capitalist principles (Adjective/Noun)
Pronunciation: an-tee-KAP-i-tuh-list
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: Derived from the prefix "anti-" meaning "against" and "capitalist" from Latin *capitalis* (of the head), related to wealth and ownership.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word reflects ideological positions, especially in political or economic debates. It’s useful to understand it in contrast to "capitalist" and often shows up in global protest narratives or critiques of modern economies.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: socialist, Marxist, collectivist, communist, leftist
Antonyms: capitalist, pro-market, neoliberal, free-marketeer
Usage Examples:
- Her anticapitalist stance made her a prominent figure in student activism circles.
- The book explores anticapitalist themes through the lens of dystopian fiction.
- They formed an anticapitalist cooperative to challenge traditional corporate models.
- Many anticapitalist movements believe in redistributing wealth and power.
Cultural Reference:
"The Occupy Wall Street movement brought anticapitalist sentiment to the mainstream, questioning the power of the 1%." - Political Commentary Digest
Think About It:
Can an anticapitalist movement thrive within a largely capitalist global economy, or must it create an entirely new structure to succeed?
Quick Activity:
Write a 3-line paragraph expressing either a capitalist or anticapitalist viewpoint. Try using the word "anticapitalist" once in your paragraph.
Memory Tip:
Remember: "Anti" means "against" and "capitalist" is about markets—so an *anticapitalist* stands against market-driven economies.
Real-World Application:
Understanding the term “anticapitalist” is important in political science, history, and sociology discussions, especially when analyzing revolutions, protests, or critiques of economic systems.
WORD-3: Preindustrial
Context:
"The village maintained a preindustrial lifestyle, relying on manual labor and traditional farming techniques." - Cultural Anthropology Review
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Preindustrial” describes the period or society before the onset of industrialization, where economies were largely based on agriculture, craftsmanship, and small-scale production. It refers to the time before the widespread use of machines and factories, typically associated with the Industrial Revolution. Understanding this term helps contextualize major economic and social shifts in history.
Meaning: Existing or occurring before industrialization (Adjective)
Pronunciation: pree-in-DUHS-tree-uhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin prefix “pre-” meaning “before” and “industrial” from Latin *industria*, meaning diligence or activity.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a descriptive word often used in history, economics, and climate studies. A useful modifier to compare eras and societies—just pair it mentally with “before machines and factories.”
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: agrarian, rural, traditional, premodern
Antonyms: industrial, modern, mechanized, postindustrial
Usage Examples:
- The documentary highlights life in a preindustrial society untouched by modern technology.
- Many environmental models use preindustrial levels of carbon dioxide as a benchmark.
- Historians study preindustrial economies to understand the evolution of trade and labor.
- Preindustrial architecture often relied on local materials and manual craftsmanship.
Cultural Reference:
"Before the steam engine and spinning jenny, societies were largely preindustrial and agrarian." - A Short History of the World, H.G. Wells
Think About It:
What advantages or disadvantages might a preindustrial society have compared to a modern industrial one?
Quick Activity:
List three characteristics of a preindustrial society. Then, write one sentence using the word “preindustrial.”
Memory Tip:
Split it as “pre + industrial” = before factories and machines. Think: “horse and plow” not “robots and cars.”
Real-World Application:
“Preindustrial” is used in climate reports, historical studies, and discussions of societal development to compare modern data with the baseline before industrial growth changed human and environmental dynamics.
WORD-4: Parochial
Context:
"His parochial views prevented him from understanding the global implications of the issue." - International Affairs Journal
Explanatory Paragraph:
The term “parochial” originally referred to something related to a parish, but over time, it has evolved to describe a narrow, limited, or provincial point of view. When someone is called parochial, it means their thinking is restricted to their local experiences or concerns, often ignoring broader or more diverse perspectives.
Meaning: Having a limited or narrow outlook or scope (Adjective)
Pronunciation: puh-ROH-kee-uhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Late Latin *parochialis* meaning "of a parish," from *parochia* (parish), originally Greek *paroikia*, meaning “sojourning in a foreign land.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is perfect to describe narrow-mindedness or lack of exposure to diverse ideas. Very useful in essays and critiques of viewpoints, especially in politics, education, or social commentary.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: narrow-minded, provincial, insular, limited, petty
Antonyms: broad-minded, cosmopolitan, open, liberal, worldly
Usage Examples:
- His parochial approach to policy-making alienated international allies.
- They criticized the newspaper for its parochial coverage of global events.
- Education should broaden horizons, not reinforce parochial attitudes.
- The parochial mindset of the committee delayed necessary reforms.
Cultural Reference:
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and parochialism." — Paraphrased from Mark Twain
Think About It:
How can exposure to different cultures and perspectives help us move beyond a parochial worldview?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence contrasting a parochial viewpoint with a global one. Use the word “parochial” clearly in your example.
Memory Tip:
“Parochial” sounds like “parish” — think of a small church community, limited in scope, to remember its narrow meaning.
Real-World Application:
“Parochial” is often used in political discourse, education reform, and journalism to critique tunnel vision or resistance to new ideas.
WORD-5: Shabby Chic
Context:
"The cafe's decor perfectly captured the shabby chic aesthetic, with distressed wooden tables and vintage floral cushions." - Design & Living Magazine
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Shabby chic” is a design style that blends worn, vintage elements with soft, elegant touches to create a cozy, romantic aesthetic. It often involves repurposed furniture, distressed finishes, and pastel colors. The style embraces imperfection, giving old or secondhand items a fashionable new life while maintaining a feminine and whimsical charm.
Meaning: A style that combines aged or worn elements with a charming, artistic look (Noun/Adjective)
Pronunciation: SHAB-ee sheek
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: Coined in the 1980s, from “shabby” (worn or faded) + French word “chic” meaning stylish or fashionable.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
It’s a modern design term, perfect for fashion and interior design contexts. Think of a rustic look made fashionable—aged furniture with elegance. Useful in descriptive writing and lifestyle commentary.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: vintage-inspired, rustic chic, retro charm, boho elegance
Antonyms: modernist, industrial, contemporary sleek, minimalist
Usage Examples:
- The bride chose a shabby chic theme with lace, mason jars, and antique furniture.
- That old armchair with faded upholstery fits perfectly in your shabby chic living room.
- The boutique specialized in shabby chic home décor imported from Europe.
- They gave their flat a shabby chic makeover using second-hand treasures and floral wallpaper.
Cultural Reference:
"The term 'shabby chic' was popularized by Rachel Ashwell, a British designer who turned flea market finds into fashion statements in the late 1980s." - Interior Design Archives
Think About It:
Why do you think styles like shabby chic, which celebrate imperfection, appeal to people in a highly polished, digital world?
Quick Activity:
Look around your home and pick one item that could be turned into a shabby chic piece. Describe how you’d transform it.
Memory Tip:
Think: “Shabby” = worn out, “Chic” = stylish. So, shabby chic = worn but fashionable!
Real-World Application:
“Shabby chic” is often used in interior design, wedding planning, and fashion to describe a nostalgic, DIY look that blends comfort with creativity.
WORD-6: Uncanny
Context:
"He had an uncanny ability to predict outcomes, almost as if he could see the future." - Psychology & Behavior Weekly
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Uncanny” describes something that is so unusual or strange that it feels mysterious or even unsettling. It often refers to things that are eerily accurate, coincidental, or disturbingly familiar. This word is commonly used to describe phenomena that lie just outside the bounds of what we consider normal or natural.
Meaning: Strange or mysterious in an unsettling or eerie way (Adjective)
Pronunciation: un-KAN-ee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Scottish dialect, originally meaning “mischievous or unknown,” from “un-” (not) + “canny” (pleasant or safe).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a great word for storytelling or analysis—especially when describing things that seem too perfect, too weird, or slightly spooky. Use it for anything that gives you a “goosebumps” feeling because it feels oddly familiar or inexplicably accurate.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: eerie, mysterious, weird, spooky, strange
Antonyms: ordinary, natural, normal, usual, expected
Usage Examples:
- The robot’s movements were so lifelike, it was uncanny.
- She had an uncanny resemblance to the actress from the old movie.
- His uncanny intuition always led him to the right decision.
- The novel captures the uncanny feeling of déjà vu in a chilling way.
Cultural Reference:
"Sigmund Freud explored the concept of 'the uncanny' in his 1919 essay, describing it as the eerie sense of something familiar made strange." - Freud’s *The Uncanny*
Think About It:
Why do you think humans are disturbed by things that are *almost* normal, like realistic dolls or human-like robots?
Quick Activity:
Write a short two-line description of an uncanny experience you've had—or imagine one.
Memory Tip:
“Un” = not + “canny” = safe or nice → So, “uncanny” = not quite right… strange in a creepy way!
Real-World Application:
“Uncanny” is widely used in fiction, psychology, and even tech discussions—especially when talking about the “uncanny valley” in robotics and AI.
WORD-7: Perpetual
Context:
"The region is in a state of perpetual conflict, with no resolution in sight." - Global Affairs Weekly
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Perpetual” describes something that continues indefinitely without interruption or end. It can refer to emotions, actions, situations, or even physical states. This word is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, highlighting a sense of never-ending duration or repetition.
Meaning: Never ending or changing; continuing forever or for a very long time (Adjective)
Pronunciation: per-PECH-oo-uhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *perpetuus*, meaning continuous, from *per-* (through) + *petere* (to seek or go toward).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a great word for writing about timeless ideas or ongoing states—especially in essays, debates, and speeches. Use it to emphasize endurance, monotony, or permanence depending on the tone of your sentence.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: everlasting, eternal, continuous, ceaseless, unending
Antonyms: temporary, brief, finite, short-lived, intermittent
Usage Examples:
- They lived in a state of perpetual fear under the authoritarian regime.
- The machine was designed for perpetual motion, though it defied the laws of physics.
- Her perpetual optimism kept the team's morale high.
- The artist was in a perpetual search for inspiration.
Cultural Reference:
"Perpetual peace is a dream, and not even a beautiful one." – Immanuel Kant, *Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Sketch*
Think About It:
Is it better to strive for perpetual success, or should we accept that everything, including achievements, has a cycle?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “perpetual” to describe a feeling, a weather condition, or a habit. Bonus: Try writing a metaphor!
Memory Tip:
Think of a “perpetual calendar” — one that goes on forever. “Perpetual” = permanent + eternal.
Real-World Application:
“Perpetual” is widely used in legal, environmental, and philosophical contexts—such as “perpetual motion machines,” “perpetual licenses,” or “perpetual inequality.”
WORD-8: Iteration
Context:
"Each new iteration of the app came with improved features and a sleeker design." - Tech Updates Daily
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Iteration” refers to the process of repeating something to improve or refine it, especially in technology, design, or problem-solving. Each cycle or version in an ongoing process is called an iteration. It’s a powerful word that emphasizes learning through repetition and gradual improvement.
Meaning: A version or repetition in a process, especially one of several attempts at improvement (Noun)
Pronunciation: ih-tuh-RAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *iteratio*, from *iterare* meaning “to repeat,” based on *iterum* – “again.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Iteration” is a go-to term in tech and business vocabulary. It's ideal for talking about updates, drafts, or any repeated process. Remember: each new version is an iteration that builds on the last.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: version, repetition, cycle, draft, rerun
Antonyms: original, first attempt, final version, one-off
Usage Examples:
- The third iteration of the design fixed the layout issues users had reported.
- Scientific progress often relies on multiple iterations of experiments.
- She reviewed each iteration of her essay before the final submission.
- This is not the final product—just an early iteration for testing.
Cultural Reference:
"In software development, iteration is a core principle of agile methodology, promoting constant refinement through feedback loops." - Agile Manifesto Explained
Think About It:
Why do you think the idea of iteration is so powerful in creativity, learning, and innovation?
Quick Activity:
Think of a school project or creative task you improved over time. Describe the changes in each iteration.
Memory Tip:
“Iteration” sounds like “repetition”—both are about doing something again. Remember: every “iteration” is a new try, not a final goodbye!
Real-World Application:
“Iteration” is essential in tech development, scientific research, writing, and design—any field where continuous improvement is valued.
WORD-9: Electrification
Context:
"The government launched a nationwide electrification program to bring power to remote villages." - The Economic Times
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Electrification” refers to the process of supplying or using electricity, particularly in areas or systems that previously did not have access to it. This term is especially significant in the context of development, sustainability, and modern infrastructure. It can also refer to the shift from fuel-based to electric-powered technologies in sectors like transport and housing.
Meaning: The process of powering something with electricity or converting a system to use electricity (Noun)
Pronunciation: ee-lek-tri-fi-KAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From the word "electric" (from Greek *ēlektron* meaning amber) + the suffix "-fication" (making or becoming).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a high-utility word, especially in energy, environment, and technology contexts. Keep it in your toolkit for writing on rural development, green transitions, or future innovations.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: power conversion, modernization, energization, charging
Antonyms: disconnection, blackout, power loss, de-electrification
Usage Examples:
- Electrification of rural areas has improved access to education and healthcare.
- The electrification of public transport helps reduce carbon emissions.
- Rapid electrification is a key goal in the fight against climate change.
- Battery technology plays a critical role in vehicle electrification.
Cultural Reference:
"Lenin once said, 'Communism is Soviet power plus the electrification of the whole country.'" - Historical Speeches Archive
Think About It:
How might global electrification change the way societies function economically, socially, and environmentally?
Quick Activity:
List two ways electrification has changed life in your home or city. Use the word in a sentence to describe one of them.
Memory Tip:
Link “electrification” to “electricity + transformation” — it’s the act of bringing energy to life.
Real-World Application:
Electrification is a crucial topic in global development, renewable energy, smart cities, and climate policy. It enables growth and connects people to modern systems.
WORD-10: Pastiche
Context:
"The film is a delightful pastiche of classic noir and modern comedy." – CineScope Monthly
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Pastiche” refers to a creative work that imitates the style or character of another artist, period, or genre—often blending several influences into a single composition. It can be a celebration, homage, or light parody. While sometimes seen as lacking originality, pastiches can also showcase deep understanding and admiration of previous styles.
Meaning: A work that imitates the style of another or combines multiple styles (Noun)
Pronunciation: pa-STEESH
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From French *pastiche*, from Italian *pasticcio*, meaning a pie or medley—derived from *pasta*, meaning paste.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of this word as a collage of influences. It's very handy in discussions of literature, film, or art. It can be both a compliment and a critique—depending on how it’s used.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: imitation, collage, parody, tribute, spoof
Antonyms: original, authentic creation, innovation, prototype
Usage Examples:
- The designer's latest collection is a pastiche of 1960s fashion icons.
- The novel reads like a pastiche of Hemingway and Fitzgerald.
- Critics loved the pastiche approach, blending opera with punk rock.
- It’s hard to tell if the play is a tribute or a satirical pastiche.
Cultural Reference:
"Quentin Tarantino is known for his pastiche style, mixing elements from grindhouse cinema, spaghetti westerns, and kung fu movies." – Film Theory Today
Think About It:
Can a pastiche be more creative than an original work, or does imitation always rank below innovation?
Quick Activity:
Pick two styles (e.g., Shakespeare + science fiction). Write a two-line pastiche combining them.
Memory Tip:
Think “pastiche = paste” — you’re pasting together different styles into one creative work.
Real-World Application:
“Pastiche” is often used in art, literature, architecture, and cinema to describe works that draw heavily from previous styles or movements. It helps in analyzing creative blends and cultural references.
