✨ 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:
- Conveys
- Inheren
- Tribe
- Cheaters
- Outlandish
- Unalloyed
- Adherence
- Triumph
- Disunity
- Signaler
WORD-1: Conveys
Context:
"Many people believe that truth conveys power. . . . Hence sticking with the truth is the best strategy for gaining power." - Reading Comprehension Passage
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "conveys" refers to the act of communicating or making an idea, feeling, or piece of information known to someone. In this sentence, the idea is that truth "conveys" or delivers power, suggesting that being truthful communicates or results in strength, influence, or authority. It implies that truth is not just virtuous but also a powerful tool or pathway to leadership and respect.
Meaning: To communicate or make known (verb)
Pronunciation: kuhn-VAYZ
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner
Etymology: From Old French *conveier*, from Latin *conviare* meaning "to accompany" or "to bring together."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
One of the most frequently used academic and RC words. Think of it as a synonym for “communicates,” especially in abstract or intellectual contexts.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: communicate, express, transmit, impart, disclose
Antonyms: withhold, suppress, conceal, hide
Usage Examples:
- Her smile conveyed genuine happiness.
- The speaker conveyed his message with clarity and passion.
- This painting conveys a deep sense of loneliness.
- The author conveys his argument through compelling examples.
Cultural Reference:
"What is essential is invisible to the eye," conveys the deeper meaning of love and connection in *The Little Prince* by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Think About It:
How does the way we convey our thoughts influence the way others perceive us?
Quick Activity:
Write a short paragraph (3–4 lines) conveying a strong emotion—joy, sadness, anger, or surprise—without naming the emotion explicitly.
Memory Tip:
Think of a *conveyor belt*—just as it moves items from one place to another, to "convey" something means to carry an idea or message from your mind to someone else.
Real-World Application:
In everyday communication—be it emails, presentations, or casual conversations—how you convey your message determines its impact. Being clear, precise, and emotionally aware can significantly improve interpersonal and professional relationships.
WORD-2: Inherent
Context:
"When it comes to uniting people around a common story, fiction actually enjoys three inherent advantages over the truth. First, whereas the truth is universal, fictions tend to be local." - Reading Comprehension Passage
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Inherent" refers to qualities or features that are naturally a part of something and cannot be separated from it. In the sentence above, the author is saying that fiction naturally possesses certain advantages—these aren't added or acquired traits, but ones that are deeply rooted in its nature. The word emphasizes that these qualities are built into the very concept of fiction.
Meaning: Existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute (adjective)
Pronunciation: in-HAIR-uhnt
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *inhaerentem*, meaning "adhering to," from *in-* (in) + *haerere* (to stick).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Always think of “inherent” as something built-in—something you can’t remove without destroying the thing itself. It's a high-utility word in philosophy, essays, and abstract writing.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: intrinsic, innate, built-in, essential, natural
Antonyms: acquired, extrinsic, external, accidental
Usage Examples:
- There is an inherent risk in every investment.
- The desire for freedom is inherent in all human beings.
- Inherent flaws in the system made it vulnerable to corruption.
- Creativity is an inherent quality of artistic individuals.
Cultural Reference:
"All men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights" — this line from the U.S. Declaration of Independence conveys the belief that rights are inherent, not granted.
Think About It:
Do you believe morality is inherent in humans, or is it shaped entirely by society and upbringing?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using the word "inherent" to describe a quality in a person or object (e.g., "inherent strength," "inherent bias").
Memory Tip:
Think of “inherent” as “in-here”—something that is always inside, like the engine inside a car or the sweetness inside sugar.
Real-World Application:
Understanding inherent qualities is crucial in debates, law, psychology, and science—where distinguishing between what is built-in and what is external can guide decision-making and policy.
WORD-3: Tribe
Context:
"Fiction actually enjoys three inherent advantages over the truth. First, whereas the truth is universal, fictions tend to be local. Consequently if we want to distinguish our tribe from foreigners, a fictional story will serve as a far better identity marker than a true story." - Reading Comprehension Passage
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "tribe" in this context refers to a social group that shares common beliefs, customs, or identity. It goes beyond just an ethnic or historical group to imply a collective with a shared worldview or allegiance. In the passage, the term is used metaphorically to show how stories can define and separate groups of people, reinforcing in-group identity by distinguishing them from "foreigners" or outsiders.
Meaning: A social group united by shared culture, language, or beliefs (noun)
Pronunciation: tryb
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner
Etymology: From Latin *tribus*, referring to a division of the Roman people; earlier origins are tied to the concept of a group bound by kinship.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is frequently used in both literal and metaphorical senses—especially in sociology, anthropology, and modern commentary on politics or consumer behavior (e.g., “tribal loyalty” or “brand tribe”). Recognizing the shift from literal to abstract usage is key for RC and vocabulary mastery.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: clan, group, community, faction, sect
Antonyms: outsider, individualist, cosmopolitan (in contrastive usage)
Usage Examples:
- The tribe maintained its traditions for hundreds of years.
- In modern marketing, brands often aim to create a loyal tribe of customers.
- Political debates can become tribal, with people defending their side regardless of facts.
- Each tribe in the region speaks a slightly different dialect.
Cultural Reference:
In *Sapiens* by Yuval Noah Harari, the author frequently discusses how tribes and imagined communities shaped the evolution of societies—suggesting that shared stories and myths helped early human tribes cooperate on large scales.
Think About It:
Do modern online communities function like digital tribes? How do shared beliefs or interests unify people who have never met?
Quick Activity:
Make a list of 3 “tribes” you belong to—these could be based on hobbies, language, nationality, profession, or online groups. What stories or ideas unify them?
Memory Tip:
Think of “tribe” as your *team*—a close-knit group that shares your values, language, or symbols. The “tri” in “tribe” can remind you of triangle—a shape with strong bonds on all sides.
Real-World Application:
The idea of “tribe” is central to branding, social identity, and group behavior. Understanding how people form and defend group identities helps in fields like politics, advertising, and conflict resolution.
WORD-4: Cheaters
Context:
"The second huge advantage of fiction over truth has to do with the handicap principle, which says that reliable signals must be costly to the signaler. Otherwise, they can easily be faked by cheaters. . . . If political loyalty is signaled by believing a true story, anyone can fake it." - Reading Comprehension Passage
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Cheaters” refers to individuals who deceive others by breaking rules, faking commitment, or exploiting a system for their own benefit. In the context of the passage, the term points to people who might pretend to hold certain beliefs or loyalties (like political ones) without genuinely meaning them. They do this to gain benefits, acceptance, or avoid consequences—hence undermining the sincerity or reliability of social or ideological signals.
Meaning: People who act dishonestly or unfairly to gain an advantage (noun, plural)
Pronunciation: CHEE-turz
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Beginner
Etymology: Derived from the verb “cheat,” which comes from Middle English *cheten*, short for *escheten*, meaning to confiscate property—originally linked with legal deception.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word appears often in logical reasoning, moral philosophy, and game theory. In competitive environments—whether academic, political, or social—“cheaters” are those who subvert fair systems. Key to understand not just in literal games but in broader behavioral contexts.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: deceivers, frauds, tricksters, impostors, scammers
Antonyms: honest people, loyalists, truth-tellers, faithful
Usage Examples:
- Cheaters were disqualified from the competition after being caught.
- The system must be designed to make it harder for cheaters to exploit loopholes.
- Cheaters can undermine trust within a team or society.
- Online exams often face challenges in identifying cheaters.
Cultural Reference:
In the popular film *The Social Network*, the concept of intellectual “cheating” and betrayal plays a central role in the legal and ethical disputes between Mark Zuckerberg and the Winklevoss twins.
Think About It:
Is it possible to design a society where cheating is not just difficult but also unnecessary? What would that look like?
Quick Activity:
Write two short sentences—one describing a situation where someone cheats, and another describing how it affects others.
Memory Tip:
Think of a “cheater” as someone who takes a shortcut through the “maze of rules”—easy to remember because “cheat” sounds like “treat” without the fairness.
Real-World Application:
In ethics, game theory, education, and cybersecurity, identifying and preventing cheating behavior is essential. Systems must include checks, balances, and incentives that discourage cheaters and reward fairness.
WORD-5: Outlandish
Context:
"If political loyalty is signaled by believing a true story, anyone can fake it. But believing ridiculous and outlandish stories exacts greater cost, and is therefore a better signal of loyalty. . . . Third, and most important, the truth is often painful and disturbing." - Reading Comprehension Passage
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Outlandish" is used to describe something that is extremely strange, bizarre, or wildly unconventional. In the context of the passage, it refers to unbelievable or absurd stories that are far removed from logic or reality. Believing such outlandish tales requires a strong emotional or ideological commitment—hence, it serves as a costly and more convincing signal of loyalty or group belonging.
Meaning: Extremely unusual, bizarre, or absurd (adjective)
Pronunciation: owt-LAN-dish
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Middle English *outlandish* meaning “foreign, alien,” derived from *outland* (foreign land) + *-ish*; originally meant “of or from a foreign country.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Often used in RC passages to describe ideas, claims, or theories that challenge logic or reason. It carries a tone of exaggeration, making it ideal for analyzing satire, belief systems, and propaganda.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: bizarre, absurd, preposterous, outrageous, eccentric
Antonyms: ordinary, normal, conventional, reasonable
Usage Examples:
- His outlandish costume drew everyone's attention at the party.
- The conspiracy theory was so outlandish that few took it seriously.
- She proposed an outlandish idea to solve the problem—one that actually worked.
- The politician made outlandish claims without any evidence to support them.
Cultural Reference:
In Roald Dahl’s *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory*, Willy Wonka is portrayed with outlandish behavior and attire, emphasizing his whimsical and unpredictable nature.
Think About It:
Why are people sometimes more willing to believe outlandish stories over simple truths?
Quick Activity:
Come up with your own outlandish news headline that sounds absurd but is grammatically correct. Example: “Cats Elect New Feline President in Meowlandia.”
Memory Tip:
“Outlandish” = “out of the land of logic.” Think of it as an idea that has traveled far away from common sense.
Real-World Application:
Understanding the use of outlandish claims is crucial in analyzing propaganda, satire, or misinformation. In debates, being able to identify and question outlandish arguments helps maintain rational discourse.
WORD-6: Unalloyed
Context:
"Third, and most important, the truth is often painful and disturbing. Hence if you stick to unalloyed reality, few people will follow you." - Reading Comprehension Passage
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "unalloyed" means pure and not mixed with anything else. Originally a term used in metallurgy to describe pure metals, it is often used metaphorically in writing. In this passage, "unalloyed reality" refers to raw, unfiltered truth—truth that hasn’t been softened or masked. The author suggests that most people find such stark honesty too harsh or uncomfortable, and therefore, they are unlikely to embrace it.
Meaning: Pure; not mixed with anything else (adjective)
Pronunciation: un-uh-LOYD
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From “un-” (not) + “alloyed,” where *alloy* means a mixture, especially of metals. Literally, “not mixed.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a refined academic word, useful in essays and high-level writing. “Unalloyed joy” or “unalloyed grief” are common expressions. Think of it as "pure" in its emotional or philosophical form.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: pure, absolute, untainted, genuine, unmodified
Antonyms: mixed, diluted, tainted, impure, compromised
Usage Examples:
- She felt unalloyed joy at her graduation ceremony.
- The unalloyed truth can sometimes be difficult to accept.
- His motives were unalloyed—driven only by compassion.
- Few leaders dare to present unalloyed reality to the public.
Cultural Reference:
In many spiritual traditions, seeking unalloyed truth—truth untouched by illusion—is considered the highest form of wisdom. For example, Buddhist teachings emphasize seeing “things as they are,” which echoes the concept of unalloyed reality.
Think About It:
Why do people often prefer comforting illusions over unalloyed truth? What does this reveal about human psychology?
Quick Activity:
Use “unalloyed” in a sentence about an emotion or experience. Example: “The news brought her unalloyed relief.”
Memory Tip:
Think of “unalloyed” as “un-mixed metal”—a pure substance. Similarly, unalloyed truth or emotion is the real deal, no sugarcoating or dilution.
Real-World Application:
In journalism, ethics, and leadership, presenting unalloyed facts is often seen as brave but risky. Balancing truth with sensitivity can shape how a message is received and acted upon.
WORD-7: Adherence
Context:
"An American presidential candidate who tells the American public the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about American history has a 100 percent guarantee of losing the elections." - Commentary on political honesty and adherence to truth
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word adherence refers to the act of sticking firmly to a rule, belief, or standard. In the context of political discourse, it highlights the level of commitment someone maintains toward telling the truth or upholding certain values, even when it is inconvenient. The quote points out the ironic challenge faced by politicians who show unwavering adherence to truth in a system that may penalize such integrity.
Meaning: The act of following or being faithful to a rule, belief, or standard (Noun)
Pronunciation: uh-DEER-ens
Difficulty Level: :star::star: Beginner
Etymology: From Latin *adhaerentia*, meaning “a sticking to,” derived from *adhaerere*, “to stick to.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Use "adherence" to emphasize discipline, loyalty, or commitment to a principle. It’s especially useful in academic, political, or ethical contexts. Often found with words like "strict adherence," "loyal adherence," or "unwavering adherence."
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: compliance, obedience, fidelity, allegiance, devotion
Antonyms: disobedience, disregard, deviation, defiance
Usage Examples:
- The company expects strict adherence to its code of ethics.
- His adherence to a vegan lifestyle impressed everyone around him.
- Military training demands total adherence to commands.
- The success of the experiment relied on the scientist’s adherence to the protocol.
Cultural Reference:
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." — Thomas Jefferson. This highlights the value of adherence to one's principles even amid social pressure. - Founding Fathers' Wisdom
Think About It:
Can strict adherence to truth and principles harm one's success in politics or business? Why or why not?
Quick Activity:
Write down three personal principles you strongly adhere to. Reflect on how they influence your decisions.
Memory Tip:
Remember: *Adhere = stick*. If you adhere to something, you stick to it — like glue!
Real-World Application:
In the workplace, adherence to safety protocols is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring productivity.
WORD-8: Triumph
Context:
"Even if we need to pay some price for deactivating our rational faculties, the advantages of increased social cohesion are often so big that fictional stories routinely triumph over the truth in human history." - Analysis of social psychology and narrative power
Explanatory Paragraph:
Triumph refers to a great victory, achievement, or success — especially one gained after struggle or difficulty. It can also be used as a verb to mean "to win" or "to prevail." In the provided context, it’s used metaphorically to highlight how fictional narratives often "win out" over facts in shaping human beliefs and behaviors. This use underlines the power of storytelling in creating shared identity and meaning, sometimes at the cost of objective truth.
Meaning: A great victory or success; the act or fact of being victorious (Noun/Verb)
Pronunciation: TRY-umf
Difficulty Level: :star::star: Beginner
Etymology: From Latin *triumphus*, originally a ceremonial procession for a victorious Roman general.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Triumph” has a strong, celebratory tone. It can be used in various domains: sports (a team triumphs), politics (a leader triumphs), or ideas (truth triumphs over lies). As a verb, it brings action and emotion. Be mindful of using it with significant achievements, not minor wins.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: victory, win, conquest, success, accomplishment
Antonyms: defeat, failure, loss, collapse
Usage Examples:
- The team’s triumph in the championship was celebrated across the city.
- Justice finally triumphed after years of legal battles.
- Her personal triumph over adversity inspired millions.
- The idea of liberty triumphed over oppression during the revolution.
Cultural Reference:
"The triumph of the will" — a controversial propaganda film by Leni Riefenstahl, showcasing how media can be used to glorify power. It serves as a cautionary tale about the triumph of narrative over morality. - Historical Reference
Think About It:
Why do fictional stories often triumph over truth in shaping collective beliefs and national identities?
Quick Activity:
List a moment in your life when you experienced a personal triumph. What factors led to that success?
Memory Tip:
Imagine a Roman emperor in a “triumphal” parade — visualize drums, cheers, and victory. That’s the feeling of triumph!
Real-World Application:
“Triumph” is commonly used in motivational speaking, journalism, and personal narratives to describe victories, both big and small — from overcoming illness to winning elections or innovating solutions.
WORD-9: Disunity
Context:
"Which is why scholars often had to decide whether they served the truth or social harmony. Should they aim to unite people by making sure everyone believes in the same fiction, or should they let people know the truth even at the price of disunity?" - Discussion on the ethical dilemma between truth and cohesion
Explanatory Paragraph:
Disunity refers to a lack of unity or harmony among people, groups, or ideas. It signals division, disagreement, or internal conflict. In the provided context, the word is used to highlight the social consequences of spreading factual truths that may not align with shared myths or collective beliefs. While truth may have its value, it can sometimes lead to disunity by disrupting commonly held but unifying illusions or narratives.
Meaning: Lack of agreement or harmony; division or conflict (Noun)
Pronunciation: dis-YOO-nih-tee
Difficulty Level: :star::star: Beginner
Etymology: From Latin *dis-* (apart) + *unitas* (oneness), literally meaning “apart from unity.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Disunity" is commonly used in political, social, and organizational contexts. It’s useful to describe situations where cohesion breaks down. Think of it as the opposite of teamwork, cooperation, or national unity. Often appears with adjectives like “dangerous disunity,” “growing disunity,” or “internal disunity.”
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: division, discord, conflict, fragmentation, schism
Antonyms: unity, harmony, cohesion, solidarity
Usage Examples:
- Political disunity weakened the country during the crisis.
- The team failed to win because of internal disunity and poor communication.
- Religious disunity has often led to prolonged conflicts in history.
- Efforts were made to overcome the disunity between regional factions.
Cultural Reference:
"A house divided against itself cannot stand." — Abraham Lincoln, warning against disunity during the American Civil War. - American History
Think About It:
Is it better to preserve social unity through shared beliefs, even if they aren't true, or to risk disunity in pursuit of truth?
Quick Activity:
Think of a group or organization you are part of. List one example of unity and one of disunity you've observed within it.
Memory Tip:
“Dis” means apart — so disunity is people being *apart*, not together. Imagine puzzle pieces that don't fit!
Real-World Application:
In global politics, disunity among allies can lead to weaker negotiation power, delayed decisions, and fragmented policies, affecting international cooperation and stability.
WORD-10: Signaler
Context:
"The second huge advantage of fiction over truth has to do with the handicap principle, which says that reliable signals must be costly to the signaler." - Explanation of evolutionary psychology and signaling theory
Explanatory Paragraph:
A signaler is someone or something that sends a signal — typically a message, cue, or indicator — to others. In biology and communication theory, a signaler provides information (like strength, intention, or status) to a receiver. According to the handicap principle in evolutionary biology, the most trustworthy signals are those that are costly to the signaler, meaning they require effort or risk to produce, thus proving their authenticity. This concept applies beyond biology, into areas like marketing, politics, and social behavior.
Meaning: One who sends or emits a signal (Noun)
Pronunciation: SIG-nuh-ler
Difficulty Level: :star::star: Beginner
Etymology: Derived from the word “signal,” which traces back to Latin *signum*, meaning "mark" or "sign," with the agentive suffix “-er.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Signaler" is often used in academic or technical contexts, such as biology, economics, or behavioral science. It’s the active participant in any system of signaling. When learning this word, link it to concepts of trust, cost, and communication — key to understanding behavior both in nature and society.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: messenger, communicator, indicator, notifier
Antonyms: receiver, responder, bystander (contextual)
Usage Examples:
- In peacock courtship, the male is the signaler, using its vibrant feathers to attract a mate.
- A luxury brand acts as a signaler of wealth and social status.
- The early alarm call of a bird makes it a vulnerable signaler, but it helps the flock escape predators.
- Donating to charity can be a social signal, making the donor a signaler of generosity and values.
Cultural Reference:
In marketing, celebrities often act as signalers of value — their endorsement implies the product is worthy. This reflects Thorstein Veblen’s idea of “conspicuous consumption” — buying as a signal of status. - Consumer Culture Theory
Think About It:
What signals do you consciously or unconsciously send in your daily life — and what cost are you willing to bear to send them?
Quick Activity:
Identify three different types of signalers in nature, society, or media. What are they signaling and to whom?
Memory Tip:
Think: A “signaler” sends a *signal*. Add “-er” to someone who *does* the action — like a "runner" runs or a "teacher" teaches!
Real-World Application:
In job interviews, your resume and attire make you the signaler — subtly broadcasting competence, professionalism, or cultural fit.
