✨ 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:
- Habermas
- rationalization
- disempowered
- prevails
- hermeneutics
- pathologies
- Ourselves
- Deskilled
- Trajectory
- Rationality
WORD-1: Habermas
Context:
"Critical theory of technology is a political theory of modernity with a normative dimension. It belongs to a tradition extending from Marx to Foucault and Habermas according to which advances in the formal claims of human rights take center stage while in the background centralization of ever more powerful public institutions and private organizations imposes an authoritarian social order." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
Jürgen Habermas is a prominent German philosopher and sociologist known for his work in critical theory, particularly his theory of communicative action and public discourse. In the context above, he is mentioned as part of an intellectual lineage that critiques modernity, focusing on how societal progress (like the promotion of human rights) is often accompanied by the growth of centralized, authoritarian structures. Habermas emphasizes the importance of rational communication, democracy, and discourse ethics as counterbalances to such tendencies.
Meaning: Jürgen Habermas, a German philosopher known for theories on communication, democracy, and modernity (Proper noun)
Pronunciation: HAH-bur-mahs
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Etymology: Jürgen Habermas (b. 1929) is a real historical figure. His surname is of German origin and does not carry a separate linguistic meaning apart from his identity.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Habermas is a foundational figure in understanding the modern critique of rationality and institutional power. He’s central to discussions in sociology, political science, philosophy, and media theory. His work encourages us to protect democratic spaces for dialogue and resist dehumanizing systems.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: (No direct synonyms — but related thinkers include Karl Marx, Michel Foucault, Theodor Adorno)
Antonyms: (Conceptually opposed thinkers may include proponents of technocracy or authoritarianism)
Usage Examples:
- Habermas argued that rational dialogue is the foundation of true democracy.
- The seminar explored Habermas's views on the public sphere in the digital age.
- Many scholars apply Habermasian ethics to modern debates in media and politics.
- Habermas emphasized the need for communicative action over strategic manipulation.
Cultural Reference:
Habermas’s work is deeply tied to the Frankfurt School and the post–World War II critique of Western rationality, capitalism, and mass media. His concept of the “public sphere” remains essential in democratic theory.
Think About It:
In an age of social media algorithms and information bubbles, is Habermas’s vision of rational public discourse still achievable?
Quick Activity:
Write one sentence summarizing what you think “communicative action” means based on Habermas’s philosophy. How might it apply to a debate in today’s world?
Memory Tip:
Think *Haber-mass* = "Have mass conversation" — Habermas believed in mass communication grounded in rationality and mutual understanding.
Real-World Application:
Habermas’s ideas are applied in democratic theory, media ethics, deliberative politics, and education. His critiques help us examine how institutions shape — and sometimes silence — public dialogue and democratic participation.
WORD-2: Rationalization
Context:
"Marx attributed this trajectory to the capitalist rationalization of production. Today it marks many institutions besides the factory and every modern political system, including so-called socialist systems." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Rationalization" refers to the process of making systems, practices, or operations more efficient, logical, or standardized—often at the cost of emotion, tradition, or individuality. In the context above, Marx criticizes the rationalization of production under capitalism, where human labor and creativity are reduced to predictable, mechanical functions to maximize efficiency and profit. This concept has since been extended to many areas of society, such as bureaucracy, education, and governance, where rules and systems dominate over human values.
Meaning: The process of making something more logical, efficient, or controlled—often through rules, planning, or technology (Noun)
Pronunciation: rash-uh-nuh-luh-zay-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Etymology: From Latin *rationalis* (“reasoning”) + *-ization*, a suffix meaning “process of making.” Popularized in sociology by Max Weber and Karl Marx in critiques of industrial capitalism.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Rationalization” is a crucial concept in political theory, sociology, and economics. It’s not just about logic—it also carries a warning: over-rationalization can dehumanize systems, making them efficient but cold and rigid.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: systematization, streamlining, efficiency planning, mechanization
Antonyms: disorganization, inefficiency, emotional response, spontaneity
Usage Examples:
- Max Weber warned that the rationalization of society could lead to an “iron cage” of bureaucracy.
- The rationalization of healthcare has increased efficiency but reduced patient interaction time.
- Factories rely on rationalization to maximize output and minimize waste.
- Rationalization affects not just work processes but also how people justify their actions psychologically.
Cultural Reference:
Max Weber’s concept of rationalization is central to modern sociology. He viewed it as both a hallmark of progress and a trap where human freedom and creativity are sacrificed for order and predictability.
Think About It:
Can a society become too rationalized? What do we lose when we prioritize systems and efficiency over human emotion and spontaneity?
Quick Activity:
List one area of life (e.g., education, relationships, art) where you think rationalization has gone too far. Explain how it has changed the human experience in that area.
Memory Tip:
Think: *Rationalization = making things “rational” and system-based.* But remember, more “logic” doesn’t always mean better outcomes for people.
Real-World Application:
"Rationalization" is widely used in discussions about capitalism, bureaucracy, education reform, industrial processes, and even AI. It helps us analyze where systems enhance or limit freedom, creativity, and human connection.
WORD-3: Disempowered
Context:
"This trajectory arose from the problems of command over a disempowered and deskilled labor force; but everywhere [that] masses are organized — whether it be Foucault’s prisons or Habermas’s public sphere — the same pattern prevails." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Disempowered" describes a state in which individuals or groups have been deprived of power, control, or influence. In this context, it refers to workers who have lost autonomy and decision-making capacity—often due to industrial processes, bureaucracy, or systemic social structures. A disempowered labor force is easier to control but also more vulnerable, highlighting the imbalance between authority and agency within modern institutions.
Meaning: Deprived of power, authority, or the ability to act freely (Adjective)
Pronunciation: dis-em-pow-erd
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *dis-* ("apart, away") + *empower* (to give power), meaning the removal or denial of power or authority.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Disempowered” is a key word in critical theory, often linked to systemic injustice. It’s a powerful term when analyzing labor issues, gender inequality, racial oppression, or institutional dynamics. Use it when describing loss of control or marginalization.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: oppressed, marginalized, weakened, overruled, voiceless
Antonyms: empowered, authoritative, autonomous, influential
Usage Examples:
- The disempowered workers were unable to negotiate better wages or conditions.
- Social reforms often aim to uplift disempowered communities.
- Automation has left many skilled workers disempowered and displaced.
- He felt disempowered in the decision-making process due to lack of access to information.
Cultural Reference:
Postcolonial theory, feminist movements, and civil rights campaigns frequently use the concept of disempowerment to highlight how institutions systematically silence or exclude certain groups from power and voice.
Think About It:
Can disempowerment ever be reversed without active redistribution of power? Who is responsible for empowering those who’ve been disempowered?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences: one describing a situation where a group is disempowered, and one where they are empowered. Compare the tone and outcome in each.
Memory Tip:
Think: *dis* = without, *empowered* = having power. So *disempowered* means "without power or control."
Real-World Application:
"Disempowered" is widely used in discussions of labor rights, social justice, education reform, and advocacy. It helps highlight systemic barriers and the need for inclusive, participatory structures.
WORD-4: Prevails
Context:
"But everywhere [that] masses are organized — whether it be Foucault’s prisons or Habermas’s public sphere — the same pattern prevails." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Prevails" means to be widespread, dominant, or victorious in a situation. In the provided context, it suggests that regardless of the setting—whether in systems of control like prisons (Foucault) or democratic forums (Habermas)—the same fundamental structure or power dynamic continues to exist. The word implies something that endures or overrides alternatives, suggesting a persistent or dominant condition that is hard to dislodge.
Meaning: To be dominant, continue to exist, or prove more powerful than opposing forces (Verb)
Pronunciation: pri-vaylz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *praevalere* — *prae* ("before") + *valere* ("to be strong or powerful"); meaning "to be stronger than others."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Prevails” is a subtle yet strong verb—perfect for describing patterns, beliefs, or systems that continue despite resistance. Use it in analytical or philosophical writing when discussing enduring truths or dominant ideologies.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: dominates, persists, reigns, triumphs, holds sway
Antonyms: disappears, fails, surrenders, fades, vanishes
Usage Examples:
- Despite many reforms, the old system still prevails in rural communities.
- Justice prevailed when the innocent man was finally released from prison.
- The belief in personal freedom prevails across democratic societies.
- A culture of fear prevails in organizations where transparency is lacking.
Cultural Reference:
In legal and political discourse, phrases like “justice prevails” or “truth will prevail” express hope that fairness or morality will ultimately overcome corruption or oppression.
Think About It:
What forces or beliefs prevail in your community or culture? Are they helpful, harmful, or a mixture of both?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences: one where “love prevails” and one where “fear prevails.” Note how each sentence shifts the emotional tone.
Memory Tip:
Think of “prevail” as “pre + valiant” — something strong or valiant that comes out on top or continues over time.
Real-World Application:
“Prevails” is often used in writing about society, politics, law, and literature. It helps describe which forces, ideas, or systems survive and shape the course of events.
WORD-5: Hermeneutics
Context:
"A hermeneutics of technology must make explicit the meanings implicit in the devices we use and the rituals they script." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Hermeneutics" is the theory and methodology of interpretation, especially of texts, language, and symbolic systems. In this context, a “hermeneutics of technology” suggests analyzing not just what technology *does*, but what it *means* — how tools and devices shape our actions, thoughts, and social rituals. The term emphasizes deeper understanding and uncovering hidden meanings, applying interpretive thinking to everyday technologies much like one would approach literature or philosophy.
Meaning: The study or theory of interpretation, especially of texts, language, or symbolic practices (Noun)
Pronunciation: hur-muh-NOO-tiks
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Etymology: From Greek *hermēneutikos* (“interpretive”), from *hermēneuein* (“to interpret”), traditionally associated with Hermes, the messenger god who bridged divine and human communication.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Hermeneutics” is key in philosophy, literary theory, theology, and now increasingly in science and technology studies. It reminds us that even devices carry meanings, not just functions. This word is for deep thinkers and interpreters of culture and context.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: interpretation, analysis, exegesis, critical understanding
Antonyms: misreading, literalism, oversight, misinterpretation
Usage Examples:
- Hermeneutics plays a central role in understanding ancient texts and religious scriptures.
- A hermeneutics of the body examines how culture assigns meaning to physical gestures and appearances.
- In philosophy of technology, hermeneutics explores how tools influence human behavior and identity.
- He applied hermeneutics to decode the social significance of mobile phone usage rituals.
Cultural Reference:
Hermeneutics is rooted in classical theology (interpreting the Bible) but was later developed by thinkers like Heidegger, Gadamer, and Ricoeur, who expanded it into philosophy and the humanities.
Think About It:
What do your daily habits with technology (scrolling, swiping, liking) *mean* beyond their function? What would a “hermeneutics of your phone” reveal?
Quick Activity:
Choose one common device (e.g., a smartphone, microwave, fitness tracker). Write a short interpretation of what it “says” about the people who use it.
Memory Tip:
Think of *Hermes*, the Greek god who interpreted messages from the gods to humans — hermeneutics is the art of interpreting deeper meanings.
Real-World Application:
"Hermeneutics" is widely used in philosophy, theology, literary theory, and now even in science and tech studies. It encourages us to look beyond surfaces and ask: What is the deeper message or meaning behind this?
WORD-6: Ourselves
Context:
"The reference here is, of course, not to the nature of natural science, but to the lived nature in which we find ourselves and which we are." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Ourselves" is a reflexive pronoun used to refer back to the subject “we.” In this philosophical context, it emphasizes the human experience of being both *within* and *part of* the world we study. The sentence suggests a distinction between objective scientific analysis and the subjective, lived experience — the nature we inhabit and embody. "Ourselves" here points to human consciousness and identity being deeply interwoven with the natural world, not outside observers of it.
Meaning: Used by a speaker to refer to themselves and one or more other people as the object of a verb or preposition when they are also the subject (Pronoun - reflexive form of "we")
Pronunciation: ahr-selvz
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old English *ūs selfe*, meaning “we self.” The word has evolved as the reflexive form of “we.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Though grammatically simple, “ourselves” becomes profound in philosophical or existential writing. It helps express self-awareness, identity, and our embeddedness in the world we describe or question.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: we ourselves, our own being, our identity (contextual synonyms)
Antonyms: others, them, not us (contextual opposites)
Usage Examples:
- We need to ask ourselves why we react the way we do.
- We found ourselves lost in the middle of nowhere.
- In reflecting on nature, we discover more about ourselves.
- We taught ourselves how to live sustainably and simply.
Cultural Reference:
Philosophers like Heidegger and Sartre use phrases like “finding ourselves” to describe the existential condition of being — emphasizing that we are not detached observers but active participants in the world.
Think About It:
Can we truly understand the world without understanding ourselves first? Or are the two inseparable?
Quick Activity:
Write a short sentence that uses “ourselves” to describe self-awareness, identity, or belonging. Try to connect it to your experience.
Memory Tip:
Think “our” + “selves” = who *we* are, especially when we reflect inward or act on our own behalf.
Real-World Application:
Beyond grammar, “ourselves” is central to discussions of identity, mindfulness, community, and ethics. It bridges personal responsibility with collective identity — vital in education, philosophy, and leadership.
WORD-7: Pathologies
Context:
"[It] emerges out of a historical context as that context is [depicted] in illicit joys, struggles and pathologies. We can perhaps admit a less romantic . . . conception in which those dimensions of human nature recognized by society are also granted theoretical legitimacy." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Pathologies" refers to abnormal conditions or dysfunctional behaviors, both in medical and metaphorical terms. In the context above, the word is used figuratively to describe the darker, troubled aspects of society or human experience—such as addiction, violence, alienation, or systemic oppression—that arise from historical and cultural circumstances. These pathologies are not simply personal flaws but are shaped by broader social forces, and recognizing them helps in creating a fuller, more honest picture of human nature.
Meaning: Abnormal or dysfunctional conditions—either medical diseases or societal and psychological disorders (Noun - plural)
Pronunciation: puh-THA-luh-jeez
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *pathos* ("suffering") + *-logia* ("study"). Originally referring to the study of disease, now also used for dysfunctional patterns in systems or behavior.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Pathologies” is often used in sociology, psychology, and critical theory to highlight systemic or structural problems. It's a powerful word that allows you to move beyond symptoms and focus on underlying causes in human behavior or institutions.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: disorders, dysfunctions, abnormalities, illnesses, afflictions
Antonyms: wellness, normalcy, health, stability
Usage Examples:
- Sociologists examine the pathologies of modern urban life, including isolation and anxiety.
- The novel explores the psychological pathologies of power and control.
- Economic inequality has led to social pathologies such as crime and despair.
- Medical students study the physical pathologies that underlie chronic diseases.
Cultural Reference:
Michel Foucault, a key figure in critical theory, often explored how societies define and institutionalize certain behaviors as “pathologies” to exercise power and control over individuals.
Think About It:
Who decides what counts as a “pathology” in a society? Can labeling behaviors or groups as pathological become a tool of oppression?
Quick Activity:
List two examples of societal pathologies you think are relevant today. What causes them, and how might they be addressed?
Memory Tip:
Think of *pathologies* as “patterns of pain” — whether in the body or society, they indicate something deeper is wrong.
Real-World Application:
"Pathologies" is used across fields from medicine to sociology to describe dysfunctions in systems — from mental illness to the breakdown of democratic norms — helping diagnose and hopefully treat societal or institutional problems.
WORD-8: Deskilled
Context:
"This trajectory arose from the problems of command over a disempowered and deskilled labor force; but everywhere [that] masses are organized — whether it be Foucault’s prisons or Habermas’s public sphere — the same pattern prevails." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Deskilled" refers to a condition where labor or workers have been stripped of complex, specialized, or creative skills — often as a result of industrial or bureaucratic processes that break work down into repetitive, simple tasks. In this context, a “deskilled labor force” suggests a group of workers who no longer have control over their craft or knowledge, making them easier to manage but also more vulnerable and alienated. This term critiques systems that reduce human contribution to mechanical execution for the sake of efficiency or control.
Meaning: Deprived of specialized skills or autonomy in work; reduced to basic, repetitive tasks (Adjective / Verb - past participle)
Pronunciation: dee-skilld
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From the prefix *de-* ("removal") + *skilled* (from Old Norse *skil* meaning "discernment or knowledge"). Coined in the 20th century in relation to labor and industrial production.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Deskilled” is a critical word when discussing labor history, industrialization, or automation. It highlights how technological or systemic changes can reduce human value in work, turning creators into operators.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: dequalified, reduced, downgraded, simplified, routinized
Antonyms: upskilled, specialized, empowered, trained
Usage Examples:
- Mass production systems have deskilled many traditional craftspeople.
- The deskilled labor force had little control or decision-making power in the factory.
- Automation has deskilled jobs that once required deep expertise.
- Efforts are underway to retrain deskilled workers for digital-age roles.
Cultural Reference:
The concept of “deskilling” is central to Harry Braverman’s *Labor and Monopoly Capital*, which critiques how capitalism undermines worker autonomy through managerial control and mechanization.
Think About It:
Is deskilling inevitable in the pursuit of efficiency and scale? How can society balance productivity with the dignity of meaningful work?
Quick Activity:
Identify a job or task that has become deskilled due to technology. Write a short note on what has been lost or gained in that transition.
Memory Tip:
“Deskilled” = *De* (take away) + *skilled* — when skills are taken away or reduced to the bare minimum.
Real-World Application:
"Deskilled" is often used in sociology, labor studies, and economics to assess the human impact of automation, globalization, and managerial restructuring. It helps frame debates on labor rights, job training, and social equity.
WORD-9: Trajectory
Context:
"Public institutions and private organizations impose an authoritarian social order. Marx attributed this trajectory to the capitalist rationalization of production." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Trajectory" refers to the path or direction something follows over time. While originally a term from physics describing the arc of a moving object, it is often used metaphorically to describe the development or course of events in history, society, or an individual’s life. In this context, Marx’s use of “trajectory” refers to the historical and social path taken by capitalist societies—shaped by economic rationalization and resulting in authoritarian systems. The term suggests a continuing movement shaped by prior momentum or systemic forces.
Meaning: The path or progression of a process, trend, or development over time (Noun)
Pronunciation: truh-jek-tuh-ree
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *trajectoria*, from *traicere* (“to throw across”), from *trans-* (“across”) + *jacere* (“to throw”).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Trajectory” is a versatile academic and analytical word, useful in history, politics, science, and life planning. It captures the sense of motion and evolving direction — great for essays discussing causes, progressions, or transformations.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: path, direction, course, arc, development
Antonyms: stasis, halt, stagnation, reversal
Usage Examples:
- The company’s growth trajectory suggests it will become a market leader by next year.
- History followed a different trajectory after the Industrial Revolution.
- Her career trajectory shifted from law to social entrepreneurship.
- According to Marx, the trajectory of capitalism leads to centralization and inequality.
Cultural Reference:
The term “trajectory” is used in political theory to describe historical trends, such as Francis Fukuyama’s “liberal democracy trajectory” or Marx’s vision of capitalism’s collapse and socialist emergence.
Think About It:
Is the trajectory of history shaped by individual actions or by structural forces? Can we change the course once it gains momentum?
Quick Activity:
Choose a current global issue (e.g., climate change, AI development). Describe its current trajectory and what might alter its course.
Memory Tip:
Think “trajectory” = “track + jet” — the path a jet or any force-driven object takes. Now apply that idea to social or personal paths.
Real-World Application:
"Trajectory" is widely used in business, politics, personal development, and critical theory. It helps describe trends and long-term implications of decisions or systems.
WORD-10: Rationality
Context:
"What he called rather confusingly 'technological rationality.' Releasing technology from this project is a democratic political task." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Rationality" refers to the quality or state of being reasonable, logical, or based on clear, structured thought. In this context, the phrase “technological rationality” critiques a system where the values of efficiency, control, and technical progress dominate human decision-making. Rather than being purely about reason or logic, this form of rationality can mask ideological control by prioritizing function over freedom or ethics. Thus, the term carries both descriptive and critical weight, especially in discussions about democracy, ethics, and social systems.
Meaning: The quality of being logical, reasonable, or based on clear thinking (Noun)
Pronunciation: rash-uh-NAL-uh-tee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *rationalis* ("of reason") + *-ity*, forming a noun that expresses the state or quality of being rational.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Rationality” is not just about logic; it also reflects the dominant values in a system. Whether it’s “economic rationality” or “technological rationality,” this word can reveal what a society prioritizes — often efficiency at the cost of humanity.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: logic, reason, clear-thinking, coherence, objectivity
Antonyms: irrationality, emotion, chaos, subjectivity, confusion
Usage Examples:
- He valued rationality above all else when making business decisions.
- The Enlightenment emphasized rationality as the path to human progress.
- Technological rationality, as critiqued by Marcuse, masks power under the guise of neutrality.
- True rationality requires both critical thinking and ethical consideration.
Cultural Reference:
Herbert Marcuse, a key member of the Frankfurt School, coined “technological rationality” to critique how modern societies use logic and progress to justify control and conformity.
Think About It:
Is rationality always a good thing? When might reason become a tool of domination rather than liberation?
Quick Activity:
Write a comparison between “rationality” and “emotionality.” In what areas of life is each more valuable?
Memory Tip:
Think *rationality = reason in action*. If it makes sense and follows logic, it's grounded in rationality.
Real-World Application:
"Rationality" is a foundational concept in economics, science, philosophy, and politics. It’s used to justify decision-making, but can also be questioned for excluding emotion, ethics, or cultural nuance.
