✨ 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:
- Conjures
- Curation
- Opt out
- Venture capital
- Snazzy
- Aspirational worldview
- Catalog
- gravitate
- Accessible simplicity
- Stuff rat race
WORD-1: Conjures
Context:
"The smell of fresh rain conjures memories of her childhood summers in the hills." – Personal Essays Monthly
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Conjures” is a verb that means to bring something to mind or call something into existence, often as if by magic. It’s commonly used in emotional or descriptive writing to express how certain sensations—like sights, smells, or sounds—evoke vivid memories or images. It can also mean to summon something supernaturally, such as spirits in fantasy or folklore contexts.
Meaning: To bring to mind or call into existence as if by magic or memory (Verb)
Pronunciation: KUN-jurz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *conjurare*, meaning “to swear together, to call upon solemnly,” later developing into the idea of magical summoning.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a beautifully expressive verb for narrative or literary writing. Use “conjures” when you want to show how something intangible like a feeling or image is vividly summoned in the mind or imagination.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: evoke, summon, recall, bring forth, imagine
Antonyms: suppress, ignore, dismiss, forget
Usage Examples:
- The old melody conjures images of candle-lit halls and royal dances.
- Her painting conjures a sense of both nostalgia and longing.
- The magician conjures objects out of thin air to amaze his audience.
- The story conjures the terror of war with haunting realism.
Cultural Reference:
"In J.K. Rowling’s *Harry Potter* series, wizards and witches conjure magical items and spells using wands and incantations." – Fantasy Literature Digest
Think About It:
Why do certain smells, songs, or sights conjure memories more powerfully than others?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “conjures” to describe a feeling or memory brought to life by a sensory experience.
Memory Tip:
Think of a magician waving a wand—“conjure” means to bring something out of nothing, just like memory or magic.
Real-World Application:
“Conjures” is widely used in storytelling, poetry, advertising, and psychology—where sensory triggers are shown to activate vivid recall or imagination.
WORD-2: Curation
Context:
"The gallery’s powerful curation of protest art highlighted the voices of underrepresented communities." – Art & Politics Quarterly
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Curation” refers to the process of thoughtfully selecting, organizing, and presenting content—whether in art, fashion, museums, social media, or digital platforms. It involves not just collecting, but carefully arranging materials with a specific theme, purpose, or narrative in mind. Curation combines taste, knowledge, and strategy to guide how others experience information or art.
Meaning: The act of selecting and organizing items or content for presentation or display (Noun)
Pronunciation: kyoo-RAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *curare* (to care for); originally used in museums and galleries, now applied to digital and cultural content.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a versatile word used across fields—from museums to Instagram. Use it in discussions of content creation, brand strategy, or exhibitions. It’s modern, smart, and strategic in tone.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: selection, organization, compilation, arrangement, editing
Antonyms: disorganization, randomness, neglect, clutter
Usage Examples:
- The museum’s curation told a compelling story of colonial resistance through visual art.
- She was praised for her curation of eco-friendly brands in the fashion showcase.
- Effective content curation is key to a strong digital marketing strategy.
- The playlist felt like a personal letter thanks to its thoughtful curation.
Cultural Reference:
"Netflix uses algorithmic curation to personalize what shows appear on your homepage based on past viewing habits." – Streaming Tech Journal
Think About It:
Does curation help filter information in a chaotic world, or does it risk creating echo chambers?
Quick Activity:
Pick 5 items (books, songs, posts, or photos) and describe what theme or message your curation conveys.
Memory Tip:
“Curation” comes from “care” — think of it as *carefully curating* what others see, like an art gallery for ideas or content.
Real-World Application:
“Curation” is widely used in education, content marketing, museums, social media, and event planning to describe how material is selected and framed for specific audiences.
WORD-3: Opt Out
Context:
"The new data-sharing policy allows users to opt out if they are uncomfortable with their information being tracked." – Digital Privacy Weekly
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Opt out” is a phrasal verb that means to choose not to participate in something. It’s commonly used in formal, digital, or legal settings, especially regarding subscriptions, data sharing, marketing emails, or social programs. Choosing to opt out means you actively decide to withdraw from or decline an offer, service, or requirement.
Meaning: To choose not to be part of something; to withdraw voluntarily (Phrasal Verb)
Pronunciation: opt owt
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From the Latin *optare* (to choose); “opt out” evolved in the 20th century as a modern choice-oriented expression.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a practical and essential phrase in modern vocabulary, especially in legal, digital, and marketing contexts. It signifies autonomy and personal choice. Students should be confident using it in both casual and professional settings.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: decline, withdraw, reject, abstain
Antonyms: opt in, accept, agree, enroll
Usage Examples:
- Employees can opt out of the pension plan if they have alternative arrangements.
- Many users choose to opt out of targeted advertisements on social media platforms.
- You are automatically enrolled unless you opt out by the deadline.
- He opted out of the group trip due to budget constraints.
Cultural Reference:
"The rise of digital consent culture has made 'opt out' an essential concept in online privacy law." – Data Ethics Quarterly
Think About It:
Is it truly fair when systems assume participation unless we opt out—should the default always require active consent instead?
Quick Activity:
Think of one service or mailing list you’ve opted out of recently. Write a sentence explaining your reason for opting out.
Memory Tip:
“Opt” = choose. “Opt out” = choose *out*. Visualize someone stepping out of a queue—they’ve opted out.
Real-World Application:
“Opt out” is a key phrase in technology, privacy policies, health care, education, and customer service—where individuals are given the power to decline participation or consent.
WORD-4: Venture Capital
Context:
"The startup secured $5 million in venture capital to scale its AI-powered education platform." – Startup Funding Daily
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Venture capital” refers to financing provided by investors to startups and small businesses that are believed to have long-term growth potential. It is typically offered in exchange for equity (ownership) in the company and is considered high-risk, high-reward. Venture capital is a critical part of the startup ecosystem, enabling innovation, entrepreneurship, and rapid scaling of ideas.
Meaning: Investment in a startup or new business by individuals or firms in exchange for equity and high potential returns (Noun)
Pronunciation: VEN-chur KAP-i-tuhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From “venture” (a risky undertaking) + “capital” (financial resources); first used prominently in the mid-20th century during the Silicon Valley boom.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Essential for students interested in startups, business, and economics. This is a core concept in the world of entrepreneurship, and understanding it opens the door to topics like pitch decks, valuation, and funding rounds.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: startup funding, seed investment, equity financing, private capital
Antonyms: bootstrapping, loan financing, grant funding, debt financing
Usage Examples:
- She pitched her app to a panel of venture capitalists in hopes of securing early-stage funding.
- Venture capital plays a key role in driving innovation in tech and biotech industries.
- The company burned through its venture capital in six months without reaching profitability.
- Securing venture capital often means giving up a portion of control to investors.
Cultural Reference:
"Shark Tank is a popular TV show where entrepreneurs pitch ideas to secure venture capital from successful investors." – Pop Business Culture
Think About It:
Should access to venture capital be more evenly distributed across regions and backgrounds, or is it naturally exclusive to high-risk industries?
Quick Activity:
Imagine you're starting a company. Write a 1-line pitch to attract venture capital, focusing on the problem your product solves.
Memory Tip:
“Venture” = risk + “Capital” = money → Venture capital = risky money invested in big ideas!
Real-World Application:
“Venture capital” is a foundational term in business, innovation, and startup ecosystems—commonly used in tech, finance, entrepreneurship, and investment-related discussions.
WORD-5: Snazzy
Context:
"He showed up to the party in a snazzy blue blazer and designer sneakers that turned heads instantly." – Style Now Magazine
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Snazzy” is an informal adjective used to describe something that is stylish, attractive, and modern—often with a flashy or eye-catching flair. It's typically used to compliment clothing, gadgets, cars, or designs that stand out due to their visual appeal or trendiness. While fun and expressive, the word keeps a casual, light-hearted tone.
Meaning: Stylish, attractive, and attention-grabbing in a flashy or modern way (Adjective)
Pronunciation: SNAZ-ee
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Basic
Etymology: Possibly from 1940s American slang, a blend of “snappy” and “jazzy,” reflecting vibrant style and flair.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a great vocabulary enhancer for informal speech or writing, especially in lifestyle, pop culture, and fashion contexts. Use “snazzy” when you want to add a fun, upbeat description to stylish items or looks.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: flashy, chic, trendy, jazzy, fashionable
Antonyms: plain, dull, boring, outdated, drab
Usage Examples:
- That snazzy phone case caught everyone's attention at the table.
- The new website has a snazzy layout that’s both colorful and easy to navigate.
- She wore a snazzy red dress to the launch party.
- His snazzy sports car gleamed under the showroom lights.
Cultural Reference:
"In pop culture, the term 'snazzy' is often used in makeover shows and fashion critiques to describe quick, stylish transformations." – TV Style Tracker
Think About It:
Can style and substance go hand-in-hand, or does something snazzy sometimes mask a lack of depth?
Quick Activity:
Describe one snazzy item you own or have seen recently. What made it stand out?
Memory Tip:
“Snazzy” sounds like “jazzy”—both full of flair, fun, and visual pop. Picture sparkles and swagger!
Real-World Application:
“Snazzy” is a popular choice in advertising, fashion writing, lifestyle journalism, and casual speech when describing anything cool, stylish, or eye-catching.
WORD-6: Aspirational Worldview
Context:
"Her aspirational worldview led her to believe that education and hard work could overcome even the harshest circumstances." – Social Commentary Digest
Explanatory Paragraph:
An “aspirational worldview” refers to a way of seeing the world that is shaped by hope, ambition, and the belief in progress or improvement. People with this mindset often envision better futures—for themselves or society—and strive toward those goals. This worldview underpins everything from personal motivation to political ideology and is often associated with optimism and idealism.
Meaning: A perspective on life and society driven by goals, ambition, and belief in upward progress (Noun Phrase)
Pronunciation: as-puh-RAY-shuh-nuhl wurld-VYOO
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From *aspire* (Latin *aspirare*, “to strive for”) + *worldview* (a person’s comprehensive perspective on life and the world).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is an insightful phrase, perfect for essays and personal reflections. It combines internal motivation with external vision—use it to describe individuals, movements, or cultures that believe in transformation and progress through effort and vision.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: optimistic perspective, upward-looking mindset, visionary outlook, progressive worldview
Antonyms: cynical worldview, fatalism, defeatist attitude, pessimistic outlook
Usage Examples:
- Her aspirational worldview was shaped by stories of people who rose from poverty to success.
- The campaign promoted an aspirational worldview focused on equality and empowerment.
- In his writing, the author expressed an aspirational worldview rooted in education and self-belief.
- Critics say the aspirational worldview often ignores structural barriers and real-life inequalities.
Cultural Reference:
"The American Dream is often cited as a classic example of an aspirational worldview—built on the belief that anyone can succeed through hard work." – American Studies Review
Think About It:
Can an aspirational worldview coexist with realism, or does too much idealism prevent us from seeing the truth?
Quick Activity:
Describe your own worldview in one sentence. Would you consider it aspirational? Why or why not?
Memory Tip:
“Aspirational” = aiming high; “worldview” = how you see the world → Aspirational worldview = seeing the world through the lens of hope and possibility.
Real-World Application:
This phrase is used in psychology, politics, education, and branding—where belief in change, success, and progress is a key motivator for individuals and societies.
WORD-7: Catalog
Context:
"The museum released a beautifully curated catalog featuring every piece in the upcoming exhibition." – Art World Review
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Catalog” is both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a systematic list of items—such as books, artworks, products, or data—often arranged with descriptions and classifications. As a verb, it means to list or classify systematically. The word is commonly used in libraries, museums, retail, education, and databases, helping people find and organize information easily.
Meaning: A systematic list of items, or the act of organizing and listing items (Noun/Verb)
Pronunciation: KAT-uh-log
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Late Latin *catalogus*, from Greek *katalogos* (a list, register), from *kata-* (down) + *legein* (to say or collect).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is practical and very useful in both academic and real-life contexts. Whether you're creating a product catalog, referencing a library catalog, or cataloging memories in a narrative, the word carries a sense of order and thoughtful organization.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: list, index, archive, inventory, directory
Antonyms: disarray, clutter, chaos, omission
Usage Examples:
- The online catalog made it easy to browse all the available courses.
- She cataloged every photo from their trip into a digital album.
- The store mailed out its seasonal product catalog to loyal customers.
- The scientist cataloged dozens of new species discovered in the rainforest.
Cultural Reference:
"In the age of e-commerce, companies like IKEA and Amazon have redefined what a modern product catalog looks like—interactive, searchable, and digital." – Retail UX Insights
Think About It:
What does the way we catalog things—books, data, even memories—say about how we value and understand them?
Quick Activity:
Create a mini catalog of your 5 favorite items (books, apps, clothes, etc.) and write one line describing each.
Memory Tip:
Think of a “cat” walking through “a log” of items—that’s your quirky way to remember “catalog” means a *listed collection*.
Real-World Application:
“Catalog” is used in retail, museums, education, libraries, science, and content management—anywhere structured listing and easy access to information is key.
WORD-8: Accessible Simplicity
Context:
"The app’s success lies in its accessible simplicity—anyone can use it without a manual." – UX Design Weekly
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Accessible simplicity” refers to a design or concept that is both easy to understand and use, while being inclusive and welcoming to a wide range of people. This phrase emphasizes clarity, minimalism, and universal usability—qualities often praised in technology, writing, education, and architecture. It’s not just about being simple, but also about being approachable and unintimidating.
Meaning: A quality of being simple, clear, and usable by all people regardless of background or ability (Noun Phrase)
Pronunciation: ak-SES-uh-buhl sim-PLIS-i-tee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *accessibilis* (approachable) + *simplicitas* (plainness or unity); together, they highlight clarity that includes everyone.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This phrase is a gem for describing good design, effective teaching, or quality writing. It’s about elegance that invites—not complexity that excludes. Use it in essays, tech reviews, or even philosophy discussions.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: user-friendly design, inclusive clarity, elegant minimalism, intuitive interface
Antonyms: complexity, exclusivity, clutter, confusion
Usage Examples:
- The product’s accessible simplicity makes it ideal for users of all ages.
- His writing is admired for its accessible simplicity and emotional depth.
- Minimalist architecture often aims for accessible simplicity without feeling cold or sparse.
- The lecture stood out because of the accessible simplicity with which complex ideas were explained.
Cultural Reference:
"Steve Jobs famously championed accessible simplicity in Apple products, making powerful technology usable for everyone." – Design Thinking Archives
Think About It:
Is simplicity always better—or can too much simplification risk removing depth and meaning?
Quick Activity:
Think of a website, tool, or product you love for its accessible simplicity. Describe it in one sentence.
Memory Tip:
Think of “accessible” as “open to all” and “simplicity” as “no clutter” → Accessible simplicity = clear, clean, and welcoming to everyone.
Real-World Application:
This phrase is common in UX/UI design, education, marketing, and writing—anywhere clarity, inclusion, and user experience are key values.
WORD-9: Gravitate
Context:
"In group projects, she tends to gravitate toward leadership roles without even trying." – Campus Life Chronicles
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Gravitate” is a verb that means to be naturally drawn or attracted to something, whether physically, emotionally, or by preference. It originates from the idea of gravity pulling objects, but in everyday use, it’s often metaphorical—describing how people are inclined toward people, ideas, roles, or environments that appeal to them in some way.
Meaning: To move or be drawn toward something or someone, especially by natural inclination (Verb)
Pronunciation: GRAV-i-tayt
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *gravitas* (weight, seriousness) → *gravitare* (to weigh down or be influenced by weight); later extended metaphorically to attraction.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a highly useful word for describing preferences and natural tendencies. Whether you're talking about careers, interests, social dynamics, or even shopping habits—this word fits beautifully. It adds depth to your analysis of choices and behavior.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: drift toward, be drawn to, lean toward, incline, be attracted to
Antonyms: repel, avoid, shun, withdraw from, steer clear of
Usage Examples:
- Artists often gravitate toward urban spaces that foster creativity and collaboration.
- Children naturally gravitate to stories filled with wonder and magic.
- As his interests matured, he gravitated away from social media and toward books.
- Even without direction, she always gravitates toward the quiet corner of any room.
Cultural Reference:
"In career development, people tend to gravitate toward roles that align with their core values and personality strengths." – Psychology of Work Report
Think About It:
What do your natural gravitations—toward people, ideas, or hobbies—say about your inner values?
Quick Activity:
Write one sentence using “gravitate” to describe something you're naturally drawn to—be it a subject, activity, or place.
Memory Tip:
Think of “gravity” pulling things in → when you *gravitate*, you’re gently pulled toward something you like.
Real-World Application:
“Gravitate” is commonly used in psychology, career counseling, personal essays, and informal writing to describe preferences and unconscious leanings.
