✨ 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:
- Slippage
- Democratising
- Nonbinary
- Uncategorisability
- Tethered
- Appliques
- Reciprocal
- Coincident
- Ontological
- Porousnes
WORD-1: Slippage
Context:
"There was significant slippage in the project timeline due to unforeseen technical issues." - Project Management Today
Explanatory Paragraph:
Slippage refers to a situation where progress, timing, or control is lost, often gradually and unintentionally. In project management, it usually means a delay or failure to stick to the planned schedule. In finance, it can refer to the difference between expected and actual transaction prices. The term generally conveys a sense of deviation from the original plan.
Meaning: A delay or deviation from a plan or expected outcome (Noun)
Pronunciation: SLIP-ij
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner-Intermediate
Etymology: From “slip” + “-age,” suggesting the act or result of slipping away from a position or schedule
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Use “slippage” to describe slow or unnoticed decline — in schedules, standards, or even motivation. Imagine something quietly sliding out of control without anyone realizing until it’s too late.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: delay, drift, lapse, deviation, setback
Antonyms: progress, advancement, improvement, adherence, consistency
Usage Examples:
- There has been a noticeable slippage in the team’s performance over the past month.
- The budget slippage raised concerns among the stakeholders.
- The company introduced a new tool to minimize schedule slippage.
- He warned against moral slippage in times of political instability.
Cultural Reference:
In political discourse, “value slippage” is a term used to describe how ethical standards erode subtly over time, often discussed in journalism and media critiques. - Public Ethics Commentary
Think About It:
Is slippage always a result of external circumstances, or can it also be a symptom of internal neglect or complacency?
Quick Activity:
Identify one area in your life (e.g., schedule, goals, habits) where slippage may be occurring. Write a short plan to get back on track.
Memory Tip:
Slippage = *slip + age* — think of something slowly slipping with age or time, like deadlines or commitment.
Real-World Application:
“Slippage” is a key term in project management, finance, and behavior analysis. Recognizing slippage early can help prevent bigger failures in performance, deadlines, or outcomes.
WORD-2: Democratising
Context:
"Tech companies are democratising access to education through free online learning platforms." - Forbes
Explanatory Paragraph:
Democratising means making something accessible to everyone, not just a privileged few. It comes from the idea of democracy — a system where all individuals have equal say or access. In modern usage, it often appears in contexts like technology, education, or finance, where resources or opportunities are being spread out more equally across society.
Meaning: Making something accessible to all people; spreading control or access widely (Verb - Present participle)
Pronunciation: dih-MOK-ruh-ty-zing
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From “democratise” (British spelling), based on “democracy,” from Greek “dēmokratia,” meaning “rule by the people”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of “democratising” as breaking down barriers — it’s about spreading access. From voting rights to AI tools, this word shows up in discussions about equity, reform, and change.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: decentralising, equalising, opening up, sharing, broadening access
Antonyms: monopolising, centralising, restricting, hoarding, limiting
Usage Examples:
- Open-source software is democratising technology development for users worldwide.
- The startup focused on democratising investment tools for everyday people.
- Streaming platforms are democratising media by giving indie artists global reach.
- Democratising education requires affordable access and inclusive curriculum design.
Cultural Reference:
The phrase “democratising innovation” was popularised in business literature to describe how technology empowers individuals to create and contribute, not just consume. - Business Thought Leadership
Think About It:
Can democratising a resource lead to a drop in quality, or does it enhance innovation by involving more people?
Quick Activity:
Choose an area (e.g., healthcare, travel, AI, art). Write one sentence on how it is being democratised today.
Memory Tip:
“Democratising” = making it like a *democracy* — where everyone gets access or a voice, not just a few.
Real-World Application:
Understanding “democratising” is key in conversations around equity, technology, governance, and social change. It helps identify efforts to bridge gaps in opportunity and access.
WORD-3: Nonbinary
Context:
"Alex identifies as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, preferring not to be categorized strictly as male or female." - NPR
Explanatory Paragraph:
Nonbinary refers to a gender identity that does not fit within the traditional binary of male and female. A nonbinary person may identify as both, neither, or somewhere along a spectrum of gender identities. The term reflects a broader understanding of gender as fluid, personal, and diverse, rather than strictly determined by biological sex or societal norms.
Meaning: Describing a gender identity that is not exclusively male or female (Adjective)
Pronunciation: non-BY-nuh-ree
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From “non-” (not) + “binary” (involving two parts), indicating something outside a two-part system
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Nonbinary” helps us think beyond either/or categories. It’s a vital term in today’s conversations about identity, inclusion, and respecting individual self-expression. Treat this term with awareness and sensitivity.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: genderqueer, gender nonconforming, genderfluid (context-dependent)
Antonyms: binary (gender conforming), cisgender (in some contexts)
Usage Examples:
- The form includes options for nonbinary individuals, reflecting a more inclusive approach.
- Nonbinary fashion challenges traditional male and female clothing norms.
- They came out as nonbinary and started using they/them pronouns.
- Understanding nonbinary identities is essential for creating safe and respectful environments.
Cultural Reference:
In 2021, actor Emma Corrin updated their social media to reflect their nonbinary identity, helping increase visibility and dialogue about gender diversity in mainstream culture. - Media Reference
Think About It:
How can language and labels evolve to reflect the full spectrum of human identity without creating new limitations?
Quick Activity:
Write a paragraph introducing a fictional nonbinary character. Focus on personality, not just identity. Use respectful language and appropriate pronouns.
Memory Tip:
Nonbinary = *not binary* — think of a rainbow instead of two dots: not just A or B, but a whole spectrum in between.
Real-World Application:
“Nonbinary” is crucial in discussions around gender inclusion, rights, education, and workplace diversity. Understanding it promotes empathy, representation, and respectful communication in all spheres of life.
WORD-4: Uncategorisability
Context:
"The beauty of her work lies in its uncategorisability—it transcends genre, language, and tradition." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
Uncategorisability is the quality of not being able to be placed into a predefined category. It describes things—especially ideas, people, or works of art—that resist easy labeling or classification. This word suggests complexity, uniqueness, or fluidity, often celebrated in creative, academic, or identity-based contexts.
Meaning: The state of being impossible to categorize or define clearly (Noun)
Pronunciation: un-KAT-uh-gor-eye-ZUH-bill-uh-tee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Etymology: From “uncategorisable” (not able to be categorized) + “-ity” (noun-forming suffix), rooted in “category” from Greek “kategoria” (statement, accusation)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Use “uncategorisability” to describe things that defy rigid boxes — whether it’s someone’s identity, a musical style, or a philosophical idea. A powerful term to signal uniqueness or nonconformity.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: indefinability, ambiguity, complexity, uniqueness, fluidity
Antonyms: classification, labeling, categorisation, definition, taxonomy
Usage Examples:
- His uncategorisability as an artist keeps critics constantly intrigued.
- The film’s uncategorisability made it hard to market but beloved by audiences.
- She embraces the uncategorisability of her identity, refusing societal boxes.
- The novel's uncategorisability makes it both challenging and rewarding to read.
Cultural Reference:
The poet Rainer Maria Rilke is often described as possessing literary uncategorisability, as his work blends mysticism, modernism, and existentialism — making it hard to assign to any one tradition. - Literary Analysis
Think About It:
Why do we feel the need to categorise everything? What do we gain — or lose — when something resists classification?
Quick Activity:
List three things or people in your life that feel uncategorisable. Describe what makes them difficult to label and why that might be valuable.
Memory Tip:
Break it down: “Un” (not) + “categorise” + “ability” → The ability *not* to be categorised. Think of a rainbow that shifts every time you try to label it.
Real-World Application:
“Uncategorisability” is a powerful word in creative arts, identity politics, and philosophy. It reflects modern complexity, helping us appreciate things that don’t fit into neat boxes.
WORD-5: Tethered
Context:
"The astronaut remained tethered to the spacecraft, drifting slowly in the void of space." - NASA Mission Log
Explanatory Paragraph:
Tethered means being tied or fastened to something. Originally used to describe animals tied to a fixed point with a rope, the word now also has metaphorical uses—describing emotional attachment, technological connection, or being figuratively restricted. Whether physical or symbolic, it implies a connection that limits free movement or independence.
Meaning: Tied, fastened, or connected to something (Adjective/Verb - past participle)
Pronunciation: TEH-thurd
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner-Intermediate
Etymology: From Old Norse “tjóðr” meaning “tether, rope,” which passed into Middle English as “tether”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Picture a goat tethered to a post—it can move around, but only within a fixed radius. “Tethered” can describe not just physical restriction, but emotional or digital attachment too.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: tied, bound, fastened, connected, secured
Antonyms: untied, disconnected, freed, unbound, detached
Usage Examples:
- The horse was tethered to a tree near the campsite.
- She felt emotionally tethered to her childhood memories.
- The phone was tethered to the laptop to provide internet access.
- Despite his fame, he remained tethered to his humble roots.
Cultural Reference:
In science fiction and space exploration, astronauts are often shown tethered to spacecraft—symbolizing both security and limitation in the vast unknown. - Visual Trope in Media
Think About It:
What are you tethered to in life—relationships, responsibilities, fears—and how do these tethers shape your freedom?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences using “tethered”—one literal (physical) and one metaphorical (emotional or digital). Compare the feeling each evokes.
Memory Tip:
Think of “tethered” as being tied with a rope or cable. Like a balloon tethered to a child's hand—it’s attached, but not free to drift.
Real-World Application:
“Tethered” is useful across contexts—from technology (mobile tethering), to emotions (being tied to the past), to science (tethered motion). It’s a versatile word that conveys restriction with connection.
WORD-6: Appliqués
Context:
"The designer embellished the gown with delicate floral appliqués, adding texture and elegance to the fabric." - Vogue
Explanatory Paragraph:
Appliqués are decorative pieces of fabric, embroidery, or other material that are sewn or stuck onto a larger fabric surface to create artistic designs or visual interest. Commonly used in fashion, upholstery, and quilting, appliqués allow for intricate decoration, often giving depth, contrast, and character to a base garment or item.
Meaning: Pieces of fabric or material sewn or attached onto another fabric as decoration (Noun - plural)
Pronunciation: ap-lee-KAYS
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner-Intermediate
Etymology: From French “appliquer” meaning “to apply,” which in turn comes from Latin “applicare” (to attach or join)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Appliqués are “applied art” in the most literal sense—small, stitched-on designs that enhance plain fabric. This word is especially useful in fashion and design vocabulary.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: embellishments, decorations, ornaments, patches, motifs
Antonyms: plainness, simplicity, minimalism, undecorated fabric
Usage Examples:
- The wedding dress was adorned with lace appliqués that shimmered under the light.
- She used appliqués to personalize her denim jacket with stars and symbols.
- Appliqués made from recycled materials added a sustainable flair to the collection.
- The quilt featured appliqués of birds and flowers stitched in bright colors.
Cultural Reference:
Appliqué work is an integral part of many traditional textile arts, such as in Rajasthani or African decorative stitching, where symbolic shapes are added to garments and tapestries. - Textile Heritage Reference
Think About It:
Why do we decorate everyday objects like clothing or furniture? What does it say about our need for self-expression?
Quick Activity:
Sketch a simple shirt or pillow design and label three types of appliqués you could use to enhance it. Bonus: Describe the textures and colors.
Memory Tip:
Think of “appliqués” as tiny “applications” of art on cloth — just like apps decorate your phone, appliqués decorate fabric.
Real-World Application:
Appliqués are widely used in fashion design, costume making, and crafts. Knowing this term is especially helpful in fields like textiles, design, and visual merchandising.
WORD-7: Reciprocal
Context:
"Their partnership was built on reciprocal respect and shared responsibility." - Harvard Business Review
Explanatory Paragraph:
Reciprocal refers to something that is mutual, shared, or given and received in return. It is often used to describe relationships, actions, or agreements where both sides contribute or benefit equally. Whether in friendships, professional settings, or treaties, “reciprocal” implies balance, fairness, and two-way interaction.
Meaning: Given or done in return; mutual or shared by both sides (Adjective/Noun)
Pronunciation: reh-SIP-ruh-kul
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner-Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin “reciprocus,” meaning “moving back and forth,” from “re-” (back) + “pro” (forward)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of “reciprocal” as a handshake — it only works when both people participate. It shows up in math (fractions), relationships, and legal contracts — anywhere two sides give and get equally.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: mutual, shared, two-sided, balanced, exchanged
Antonyms: one-sided, unilateral, unequal, lopsided, biased
Usage Examples:
- The agreement is based on reciprocal trade between the two nations.
- They shared a reciprocal trust that strengthened their collaboration.
- In math, the reciprocal of 4 is ¼.
- Healthy relationships rely on reciprocal effort and understanding.
Cultural Reference:
Confucian philosophy places a strong emphasis on reciprocal duties between rulers and subjects, parents and children — a concept called “reciprocity” (shu). - Philosophical Concept
Think About It:
Can a relationship survive if it isn’t reciprocal? How do we know when we are giving more than we are receiving?
Quick Activity:
Write two examples from your life where a reciprocal exchange has taken place—one personal, one professional. Describe the give-and-take.
Memory Tip:
Reciprocal = RE (back) + PRO (forward) — a two-way street. Like ping-pong, each action bounces back.
Real-World Application:
“Reciprocal” is a key concept in negotiation, diplomacy, relationships, and even math. It teaches fairness and balance in both thought and practice.
WORD-8: Coincident
Context:
"The rise in interest rates was coincident with a slowdown in consumer spending." - Financial Times
Explanatory Paragraph:
Coincident describes things that happen at the same time or in the same place, often by chance. While it can simply refer to timing or alignment, it may also suggest a meaningful or striking correlation. The term is commonly used in science, statistics, economics, and philosophy to highlight simultaneous events or occurrences.
Meaning: Occurring at the same time or occupying the same space (Adjective)
Pronunciation: koh-IN-sih-dunt
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin “co-” (together) + “incident” (falling upon), meaning “falling or happening together”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Coincident doesn’t always imply a cause-and-effect relationship — just that things occur together. Be careful not to confuse it with “coincidence,” which refers more to chance rather than simultaneous occurrence.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: simultaneous, concurrent, synchronous, co-occurring, overlapping
Antonyms: separate, independent, asynchronous, disconnected, sequential
Usage Examples:
- Their resignations were coincident, though reportedly unrelated.
- The festival’s date is coincident with the national holiday, making it convenient for attendees.
- The two trends appear coincident, but further analysis is needed to understand any correlation.
- In geometry, two coincident points lie exactly on top of one another.
Cultural Reference:
In physics, “coincident events” refer to measurements that occur simultaneously in different locations, a concept especially relevant in quantum experiments and relativity. - Scientific Concept
Think About It:
Are events that are coincident always connected? Why do humans often search for meaning in simultaneous events?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences: one using “coincident” in a scientific or factual context, and another using it in a more poetic or emotional way. Compare the tone and meaning.
Memory Tip:
Coincident = “co” (together) + “incident” → think of two things *incidentally landing together* in time or space.
Real-World Application:
“Coincident” is useful in technical writing, research, and reporting, especially where you want to emphasize timing or alignment without implying causation.
WORD-9: Ontological
Context:
"The philosopher posed an ontological question: What does it mean for something to truly 'exist'?" - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Explanatory Paragraph:
Ontological relates to the branch of philosophy called *ontology*, which studies the nature of being, existence, or reality. When something is described as ontological, it deals with fundamental questions such as: What is real? What kinds of things exist? This term is often used in academic, philosophical, and even AI-related contexts when exploring the structure of knowledge and being.
Meaning: Relating to the nature of being or existence (Adjective)
Pronunciation: on-tuh-LOJ-ih-kuhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Etymology: From Greek “ontos” (being) + “-logy” (study of), forming “ontology” — the study of existence
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Ontological” is a heavyweight word in philosophy. Use it when discussing the core nature of things — what it means for something to ‘be’ or ‘exist.’ It's abstract, so connect it to real-world ideas for clarity.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: existential, metaphysical, philosophical (context-dependent)
Antonyms: physical, superficial, empirical, observable (in contrast to abstract)
Usage Examples:
- The debate over whether time is real or constructed is an ontological one.
- AI researchers explore ontological models to simulate human reasoning.
- His novel wrestled with ontological questions about identity and memory.
- Ontological arguments for the existence of God are central to many theological discussions.
Cultural Reference:
René Descartes' famous phrase “I think, therefore I am” is rooted in ontological inquiry—it asks what constitutes the essence of being. - Classical Philosophy
Think About It:
If you were to define what it means “to exist,” where would you start? Is existence a physical state, a perception, or something else?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “ontological” in a discussion about technology, and another in the context of literature or art. Reflect on how the meaning shifts.
Memory Tip:
Think of “ontology” = *onto* (being) + *-logy* (study). Ontological = relating to the study of being. Like peeling back the universe to ask: What is this, really?
Real-World Application:
“Ontological” is used in philosophy, theology, artificial intelligence, and information systems to explore or categorize existence. Mastery of this word signals depth in abstract and theoretical thinking.
WORD-10: Porousness
Context:
"The porousness of the border made it difficult to control illegal crossings and smuggling." - The Wall Street Journal
Explanatory Paragraph:
Porousness refers to the quality of having tiny holes or spaces through which liquid, air, or even ideas can pass. While it originates in physical sciences to describe materials like sponges or rocks, the word is also used metaphorically to describe systems, boundaries, or defenses that are easily penetrated or lacking strict containment.
Meaning: The quality of being full of pores or easily penetrated (Noun)
Pronunciation: POR-uss-niss
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin “porus” (passage, pore) + English suffix “-ness” forming the noun from the adjective “porous”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Porousness isn’t just about physical holes — it’s a brilliant metaphor for weak policies, ideas that spread fast, or emotions that can’t be contained. Think of it as a sponge-like trait, both literal and abstract.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: permeability, leakiness, openness, penetrability, absorbency
Antonyms: impermeability, solidity, resistance, seal, closure
Usage Examples:
- The porousness of the soil allowed water to drain quickly after the rain.
- She worried about the porousness of her arguments under tough questioning.
- The old building’s porousness made it difficult to insulate against cold winds.
- The porousness of digital boundaries raises concerns about data privacy.
Cultural Reference:
In global politics, the “porousness of borders” is frequently mentioned when discussing migration, security, and globalization—especially in debates about sovereignty vs. openness. - Geopolitical Discourse
Think About It:
Is porousness always a weakness, or can it sometimes allow necessary flow—of people, ideas, or emotions?
Quick Activity:
Write a metaphorical sentence using “porousness” to describe something non-physical, like a law, a feeling, or a friendship.
Memory Tip:
Think: “Porousness” = like a sponge — lots of tiny holes. Easy for things to seep in or out. That applies to walls, arguments, and emotions!
Real-World Application:
“Porousness” is relevant in science, architecture, cybersecurity, and social theory. It helps express both literal permeability and metaphorical vulnerability or openness in a range of fields.
