✨ 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:
- Squatter cities
- Rickshaw
- Favela
- Gleaners
- Deforestation
- Concentrate
- Cosmopolitan
- Organic
- Compactness
- Hick
WORD-1: Squatter Cities
Context:
"Squatter cities are the world's fastest growing neighborhoods, often emerging on the outskirts of expanding urban centers." - National Geographic
Explanatory Paragraph:
Squatter cities are informal settlements that grow without official planning or legal land ownership. These communities often emerge when urban areas cannot keep up with the housing demands of incoming migrants. Though lacking in infrastructure, they are vibrant spaces where people build homes from available materials and create local economies to survive.
Meaning: Informal urban settlements developed without legal title to the land, often lacking basic infrastructure. (Noun)
Pronunciation: SKWAH-ter sih-teez
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: Derived from "squat" (to occupy land illegally) and "city" (a large urban area). The term became popular as urban sprawl and migration accelerated in the 20th century.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Squatter cities reflect the unintended consequences of rapid urbanization. While often dismissed as chaotic, they show human resilience and adaptability. They are a key subject in geography and urban studies.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: informal settlement, shantytown, slum, favela, urban sprawl
Antonyms: planned community, suburb, urban estate, regulated housing
Usage Examples:
- Many families in squatter cities build homes from salvaged materials like tin and plywood.
- Governments struggle to provide basic services to rapidly expanding squatter cities.
- Despite harsh conditions, squatter cities often develop vibrant local economies.
- Urban planners are studying squatter cities to design more inclusive housing policies.
Cultural Reference:
"In 'Slumdog Millionaire', the protagonist grows up in a squatter city outside Mumbai, portraying the gritty reality and human spirit within such environments." - Film Analysis
Think About It:
How should governments balance legality and humanity when dealing with squatter cities?
Quick Activity:
Identify a squatter city in your country. Research how it started and list three challenges its residents face today.
Memory Tip:
Think of "squat" as to occupy land illegally and “city” as a large population center—together, "Squatter City" is an illegally occupied urban space.
Real-World Application:
Understanding squatter cities is vital for urban planners, social workers, and policy makers aiming to improve housing conditions in developing nations.
WORD-2: Rickshaw
Context:
"She hailed a rickshaw to weave through the bustling lanes of Old Delhi, avoiding traffic with surprising ease." - Travelogue India
Explanatory Paragraph:
A rickshaw is a small, lightweight vehicle used to carry passengers, typically found in many Asian countries. It is either manually pulled, pedaled, or powered by a motor. Rickshaws are an essential part of public transport in crowded urban areas, especially where streets are narrow and traffic is dense.
Meaning: A small passenger vehicle pulled or driven by a person, used especially in parts of Asia. (Noun)
Pronunciation: RIK-shaw
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Basic
Etymology: From the Japanese word "jinrikisha", meaning "human-powered vehicle", combining *jin* (human), *riki* (power), and *sha* (vehicle).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Rickshaws are symbols of both tradition and necessity. They illustrate how local innovations adapt to urban chaos. While often considered humble, their cultural and economic role is significant in many regions.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: trishaw, pedicab, tuk-tuk, handcart (for older forms)
Antonyms: car, bus, metro, train
Usage Examples:
- The tourist took a rickshaw ride to explore the old town’s narrow alleyways.
- Rickshaws are a common sight in South and Southeast Asian cities.
- She negotiated the fare before getting into the auto-rickshaw.
- Cycle rickshaws offer a slower but more scenic route through the city center.
Cultural Reference:
"Satyajit Ray’s films often portray rickshaw pullers as characters deeply embedded in the rhythm of city life in Kolkata." - Indian Cinema Studies
Think About It:
How does the rickshaw represent the blending of tradition and modernity in urban transport?
Quick Activity:
Interview a rickshaw driver or read a story about one. What challenges do they face, and how do they see their role in the city?
Memory Tip:
Think of “Rick” giving you a “shaw” (short) ride through traffic—Rickshaw is the quick fix in crowded cities!
Real-World Application:
Rickshaws are vital for last-mile connectivity and are increasingly being electrified to reduce pollution in developing urban areas.
WORD-3: Favela
Context:
"The sprawling favela climbed the hillside like a chaotic mosaic, alive with color and community spirit despite the hardships." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
A favela is a type of informal urban settlement found mainly in Brazil, particularly around cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. These areas are often built illegally on land the residents do not own and lack formal urban infrastructure. Despite their challenges—such as poverty, crime, and limited services—favelas are vibrant communities where people build lives, run small businesses, and form strong social networks.
Meaning: A densely populated, informal urban settlement in Brazil, typically lacking legal recognition and basic services. (Noun)
Pronunciation: fah-VEH-luh
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From the Portuguese word "favela", originally the name of a plant found in Brazil. The term was first used to describe the hillside settlements built by soldiers in the late 19th century.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Favelas are not just places of poverty—they are reflections of resilience and urban improvisation. Studying them gives insights into how urban poor manage life, organize space, and create culture under adversity.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: shantytown, slum, informal settlement, squatter community
Antonyms: suburb, gated community, formal housing, high-rise complex
Usage Examples:
- The documentary highlighted the daily life of families living in Rio’s largest favela.
- Despite the lack of formal governance, the favela maintained its own set of rules and leadership structures.
- Artists from the favela showcased their talents in the city’s annual cultural festival.
- Many government initiatives aim to improve conditions in Brazil’s favelas through urban renewal programs.
Cultural Reference:
"City of God", a Brazilian film, powerfully portrays the social dynamics and challenges of growing up in a favela. - Film Review, The New York Times
Think About It:
What responsibilities do governments have in transforming favelas without destroying the community spirit they foster?
Quick Activity:
Research two differences and two similarities between a favela and a squatter city in another country. Present your findings in a comparative chart.
Memory Tip:
Think: "Favelas fill the valleys"—they often appear like waves of houses climbing up hills in Brazilian cities.
Real-World Application:
Understanding favelas is crucial for urban policy makers, sociologists, and NGOs aiming to create inclusive city planning and housing policies in the Global South.
WORD-4: Gleaners
Context:
"The modern gleaners search landfills and supermarkets, reclaiming what the economy discards as waste." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
Gleaners are individuals who collect leftover or discarded items, especially food or crops, that are no longer considered useful or sellable by others. Historically, gleaners followed harvesters in fields to pick up what was missed. Today, the term can apply more broadly, including people who salvage usable goods from urban waste, contributing to sustainability and survival in resource-scarce contexts.
Meaning: People who gather leftover or discarded items, especially after a harvest. (Noun)
Pronunciation: GLEE-ners
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Old French *glener*, meaning "to glean," and Latin *glennare*, "to gather grain left by reapers."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
The word 'gleaners' carries both a literal and symbolic meaning. Literally, it refers to people gathering leftovers. Symbolically, it speaks of resilience, survival, and finding value in what is discarded. It also has a powerful presence in art and activism.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: foragers, scavengers, re-collectors, gatherers
Antonyms: producers, consumers, discarder
Usage Examples:
- The gleaners followed the harvest, collecting ears of corn left behind.
- Modern-day gleaners help reduce food waste by retrieving unsold produce from markets.
- In history books, gleaners are often portrayed as the poorest of the rural poor, yet full of dignity.
- Environmental groups sometimes organize urban gleaners to salvage usable items and reduce landfill waste.
Cultural Reference:
“The Gleaners” by Jean-François Millet is a famous painting depicting rural French women collecting leftover grain, symbolizing humility and hardship. - Musée d'Orsay
Think About It:
In a world of abundance and waste, what can we learn from gleaners about sustainability and value?
Quick Activity:
Write a short paragraph imagining a day in the life of a modern gleaner—what do they see, collect, and feel?
Memory Tip:
Remember: "Gleaners gather grains that got away" — both the word and the image help you visualize the action.
Real-World Application:
Gleaners today include food recovery volunteers and zero-waste activists, helping communities by redistributing surplus resources that would otherwise go to waste.
WORD-5: Deforestation
Context:
"The Amazon rainforest continues to face threats from illegal deforestation, driven by agriculture and logging." - BBC News
Explanatory Paragraph:
Deforestation refers to the large-scale removal of trees and forested areas, often to make way for agriculture, urban development, or mining. This process leads to habitat loss, contributes to climate change, and disrupts ecological balance. While sometimes done for economic reasons, the environmental costs of deforestation are severe and long-lasting.
Meaning: The clearing or thinning of forests by humans, often resulting in permanent destruction of trees. (Noun)
Pronunciation: dee-FOR-uh-STAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *de-* (removal) + *foresta* (forest) + *-tion* (process of). The term has been in common use since the early 1800s.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Deforestation is a key topic in environmental studies and global policy discussions. Its consequences reach beyond local ecosystems, affecting global climate patterns and biodiversity. Understanding the causes and impacts is crucial for responsible citizenship.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: forest clearing, logging, tree felling, land clearing
Antonyms: reforestation, afforestation, forest regeneration, conservation
Usage Examples:
- Deforestation in Southeast Asia has contributed to the endangerment of several species.
- The government launched a campaign to curb illegal deforestation in protected zones.
- Satellite images revealed extensive deforestation over just a few months.
- Many environmental activists advocate for reforestation to combat the effects of deforestation.
Cultural Reference:
"Before the Flood", a documentary featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, explores the devastating effects of deforestation on the planet's climate and indigenous communities. - National Geographic
Think About It:
Is economic growth worth the ecological damage caused by deforestation, or can we find a sustainable balance?
Quick Activity:
List three causes and three consequences of deforestation. Then, write one suggestion to help prevent it in your local area.
Memory Tip:
“De-” means remove, and “forest” means trees—so deforestation means removing forests. Simple as that!
Real-World Application:
Deforestation awareness is vital for environmental education, policymaking, and activism. It influences decisions in agriculture, urban development, and climate action worldwide.
WORD-6: Concentrate
Context:
"He struggled to concentrate on his studies with all the construction noise outside his window." - Academic Diary
Explanatory Paragraph:
To concentrate means to give your full attention or mental effort to a single task, object, or idea. It can also refer to the process of making a substance stronger by removing excess elements (such as water). In both senses—mental focus or substance strength—it implies intensifying or narrowing down to something essential.
Meaning: To focus all attention on a particular object or activity; or to make something denser or stronger by reducing its volume. (Verb/Noun)
Pronunciation: KON-sen-trayt
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *com-* (together) + *centrum* (center); the idea of bringing things to a central focus.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Concentrate" is a versatile word that’s crucial for both academic and personal success. Its double meaning—mental focus and physical reduction—makes it useful in various contexts, from exams to cooking!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: focus, attend, centralize, condense
Antonyms: distract, disperse, dilute, scatter
Usage Examples:
- You must concentrate if you want to understand this difficult chapter.
- The juice is made from concentrate and needs to be diluted with water.
- He concentrated all his energy on passing the entrance exam.
- Please concentrate on the road while driving.
Cultural Reference:
"In mindfulness meditation, practitioners are taught to concentrate on their breath, a practice shown to improve mental clarity and reduce stress." - Psychology Today
Think About It:
In a world full of distractions, what techniques can help you truly concentrate on what matters most?
Quick Activity:
Set a timer for 5 minutes and try to concentrate on your breath or a single object. Note how your mind behaves during that time.
Memory Tip:
Think: “Concentrate” is like bringing everything to the **center**—just like *cent* in the middle of the word!
Real-World Application:
Concentration is key in education, driving, sports, meditation, and productivity. Strengthening this skill leads to improved performance and decision-making in daily life.
WORD-7: Cosmopolitan
Context:
"New York is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, where cultures blend effortlessly and global cuisines are found on every corner." - Lonely Planet
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Cosmopolitan" refers to a person, place, or mindset that is familiar with and at ease in many different cultures and parts of the world. A cosmopolitan city is one that attracts diverse groups of people and celebrates multiculturalism. As a trait in individuals, it indicates openness, worldliness, and an inclusive attitude toward global perspectives.
Meaning: Including or containing people from many different countries; worldly or culturally inclusive. (Adjective/Noun)
Pronunciation: koz-muh-POL-uh-tuhn
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *kosmopolites* (citizen of the world), combining *kosmos* (world) and *polites* (citizen).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
A cosmopolitan outlook is essential in today’s interconnected world. This word not only describes geography but also attitude—being global, accepting, and informed beyond borders. It’s one of those elegant, worldly words worth remembering.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: worldly, multicultural, international, global
Antonyms: provincial, parochial, insular, narrow-minded
Usage Examples:
- Her cosmopolitan background made her an ideal ambassador for cultural exchange programs.
- London's cosmopolitan nature is reflected in its food, fashion, and festivals.
- He considered himself a cosmopolitan, more at home in airports than in his hometown.
- The conference attracted a cosmopolitan crowd of scholars from across the globe.
Cultural Reference:
“Cosmopolitan” is also the name of a well-known international women’s magazine, reflecting global themes in fashion, lifestyle, and culture. - Hearst Media
Think About It:
Does being cosmopolitan mean losing one’s cultural roots, or can it enhance your appreciation of them?
Quick Activity:
Make a list of three cities you consider cosmopolitan and write a sentence for each explaining why.
Memory Tip:
Break it down: **Cosmo** (world) + **Politan** (citizen) = someone who belongs to the world. Think of the word “cosmos” to remember!
Real-World Application:
Being cosmopolitan is a valuable trait in global careers, diplomacy, international business, and travel. It promotes adaptability, empathy, and cross-cultural communication.
WORD-8: Organic
Context:
"Shoppers are increasingly choosing organic produce, prioritizing health and environmental sustainability over cost." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "organic" refers to anything that is natural, living, or derived from living matter. In everyday usage, it commonly describes food grown without synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). More broadly, it can refer to a system, process, or development that grows naturally and harmoniously without forced intervention. The word has both scientific and lifestyle relevance, making it widely used in multiple contexts.
Meaning: Related to or derived from living matter; produced without synthetic chemicals. (Adjective/Noun)
Pronunciation: or-GAN-ik
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *organicus*, from Greek *organikos* (“relating to an organ or instrument”); later evolved in scientific use to refer to carbon-based lifeforms and natural products.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Organic" is one of those words whose meaning stretches across biology, chemistry, agriculture, and even philosophy. It’s used to represent things that are natural, holistic, and free from artificial interference—an idea that resonates in both scientific and lifestyle choices.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: natural, ecological, chemical-free, biological
Antonyms: synthetic, artificial, processed, inorganic
Usage Examples:
- The family decided to switch to organic vegetables to avoid pesticide residues.
- Organic chemistry deals with the study of carbon-based compounds.
- Her writing style was so fluid and organic that it felt like a conversation.
- Many skincare brands now promote organic ingredients to appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Cultural Reference:
The rise of the organic food movement in the 1990s led to a global shift in agricultural and consumer habits, influencing policies and grocery trends worldwide. - Environmental Working Group (EWG)
Think About It:
Does choosing organic always lead to better health outcomes, or are there other factors to consider in a healthy lifestyle?
Quick Activity:
Make a list of five items in your kitchen. Identify which of them are organic and research one benefit of eating organic versions of those foods.
Memory Tip:
Think: “Organ” is in “organic”—relating to living things. Organic = grown by nature, not made in a lab!
Real-World Application:
Understanding what "organic" truly means is important for making informed choices in food, skincare, and environmental practices. It impacts everything from health to sustainability to economics.
WORD-9: Compactness
Context:
"The compactness of the device makes it perfect for travelers who want high performance without the bulk." - TechRadar
Explanatory Paragraph:
Compactness refers to the quality of being small, tightly packed, or efficiently organized. It often implies a design or structure where space is used effectively without unnecessary expansion. In both physical and abstract terms, compactness suggests neatness, density, or conciseness—whether in objects, text, or ideas.
Meaning: The quality of being closely and neatly packed together; the state of using space efficiently. (Noun)
Pronunciation: kum-PAKT-ness
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *compactus*, past participle of *compingere* meaning "to put together, to unite"; formed from *com-* (together) + *pangere* (to fasten).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Compactness is a powerful concept, especially in design, urban planning, and writing. Whether you're describing a city, a device, or an essay, aiming for compactness can lead to greater clarity, efficiency, and elegance.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: density, tightness, efficiency, neatness
Antonyms: looseness, sprawl, diffusion, expansiveness
Usage Examples:
- The compactness of the studio apartment made it feel cozy and efficient.
- Writers value compactness in language to deliver maximum meaning with minimal words.
- The engine’s compactness allows it to fit into smaller vehicles without losing power.
- Urban planners promote compactness to reduce traffic and encourage public transport.
Cultural Reference:
“The Art of Travel” by Alain de Botton praises the compactness of carry-on luggage as a metaphor for minimalist living. - Philosophy of Everyday Life
Think About It:
In what ways can compactness in our lifestyles—like smaller homes or simpler routines—lead to greater satisfaction or peace of mind?
Quick Activity:
Pick one paragraph from a recent essay or article you’ve written. Rewrite it, aiming for greater compactness while keeping the core message intact.
Memory Tip:
Think: "Compactness packs more in less space" — easy to remember by picturing a packed suitcase or a compact car!
Real-World Application:
Compactness is a key principle in product design, city planning, digital storage, and effective writing. Recognizing and applying it can lead to smarter solutions and better use of space and resources.
WORD-10: Hick
Context:
"The city folks mocked him as a hick, but he was far wiser than they realized." - Character dialogue in a Southern novel
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Hick” is an informal, often derogatory term used to describe someone from a rural or less developed area who is perceived as unsophisticated or lacking in urban manners and education. While sometimes used humorously, the word can carry a stereotype of ignorance and backwardness. However, many people now push back against this label, celebrating rural wisdom and simplicity as valuable in their own right.
Meaning: An unsophisticated or socially awkward person from the countryside, often viewed as lacking urban polish. (Noun - Informal)
Pronunciation: hɪk
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: Possibly from the nickname "Hick," a diminutive of Richard; used since the 18th century to denote a rustic or simple person.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Be cautious with this word—it can be insulting if used to stereotype. However, it also reflects social attitudes about urban vs. rural life. Useful in literature and social commentary, but best avoided in casual reference to real people unless used self-referentially or humorously.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: bumpkin, yokel, hayseed, rustic
Antonyms: sophisticate, urbanite, cosmopolitan, worldly person
Usage Examples:
- They laughed at him as a hick, but he built a successful tech startup from his barn.
- The film portrays the journey of a hick navigating the complexities of city life.
- He spoke with a thick accent that marked him as a hick to the urban crowd.
- Though labeled a hick, she outsmarted the city executives with her common sense and grit.
Cultural Reference:
The comedian Jeff Foxworthy’s “You might be a redneck…” jokes play with the hick stereotype, often to challenge or embrace rural identity. - American Comedy Culture
Think About It:
Why do societies often underestimate people from rural backgrounds, and how can we challenge these stereotypes?
Quick Activity:
Find two examples in literature or media where the term “hick” is used. Identify whether it is meant humorously, insultingly, or ironically.
Memory Tip:
Hick rhymes with “stick”—imagine someone in a rural area with a walking stick—an old-school stereotype for remembering the term.
Real-World Application:
Understanding words like "hick" helps us recognize bias and stereotypes in communication. It's also useful when analyzing characters in literature, films, or social discussions about class and geography.
