✨ 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:
- Deemed
- Downplay
- clinical
- Inadequately
- Core
- Disengagement
- Uteruses
- Entrenched
- Pedagogy
- paradise
- Endometriosis
WORD-1: Deemed
Context:
"Nontechnical parameters such as access to a technology, cultural relevancy or potential harms are deemed political and invalid in this way of learning." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Deemed" is used to express that something is considered or judged in a certain way, often in formal or official contexts. It doesn’t imply proof or evidence, but rather an authoritative or societal decision. In the sentence provided, elements like cultural relevance or access to technology are *deemed*—that is, judged—to be political and thus disregarded in a certain educational framework. The word often signals subjectivity masked as formality or neutrality.
Meaning: Regarded or judged in a specified way, typically based on a decision or perception (Verb – past tense)
Pronunciation: DEEMD
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old English *dēman*, meaning “to judge, decide, or pronounce”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Deemed" is often used in academic, legal, and bureaucratic language. It’s a passive way to show judgment or classification, which can carry bias or assert authority. It’s important for students to recognize when something is *deemed* as opposed to *proven* or *shown*, especially in critical thinking contexts.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: considered, regarded, judged, viewed as
Antonyms: ignored, overlooked, dismissed
Usage Examples:
- The project was deemed a success by the review committee.
- His actions were deemed inappropriate by school officials.
- What is deemed “normal” often reflects cultural assumptions.
- The risk was deemed too high, and the plan was scrapped.
Cultural Reference:
“One man’s treasure is another man’s trash — it all depends on what is deemed valuable.” — Common saying about perspective and judgment
Think About It:
Who gets to decide what is deemed acceptable or unacceptable in education, and what impact does that have on inclusivity?
Quick Activity:
Write down three things society deems important today. Then, reflect on whether you personally agree or disagree with each one and why.
Memory Tip:
“Deemed” = “deemed appropriate” — a common phrase where someone has decided something fits the standards. Remember: it’s a judgment, not always a fact.
Real-World Application:
The word "deemed" is used in laws, policies, and institutional reports. Recognizing it helps you spot where opinions or assumptions are presented as objective classifications.
WORD-2: Downplay
Context:
"But those technical ideals are at their core social and political choices determined by a dominant culture focused on economic growth for the most privileged segments of society. By choosing to downplay public welfare as a critical parameter for engineering design, we risk creating a culture of disengagement from societal concerns amongst engineers that is antithetical to the ethical code of engineering." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Downplay” means to make something seem less important, serious, or significant than it actually is. It’s often used to describe situations where critical issues are minimized or dismissed in favor of other priorities. In the context of the sentence, the act of downplaying public welfare means treating it as a secondary concern in engineering design—an action that could undermine ethics and promote indifference to societal impact.
Meaning: To reduce the importance or seriousness of something (Verb)
Pronunciation: DOWN-play
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: Formed from “down” (reduce) + “play” (to present or act), first used in mid-20th century informal English
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Downplay” is an especially relevant term in debates, politics, and ethics. It reveals how language can subtly shift focus away from what truly matters. When we downplay something, we are making a value judgment, consciously or unconsciously, that can shape decisions, behaviors, and priorities. Recognize when something important is being brushed aside.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: minimize, understate, diminish, soft-pedal
Antonyms: emphasize, highlight, stress, accentuate
Usage Examples:
- Some officials tried to downplay the severity of the environmental disaster.
- By downplaying the ethical dimensions of engineering, we risk neglecting human impact.
- The company spokesperson downplayed the product’s flaws during the interview.
- It’s dangerous to downplay early signs of mental health issues.
Cultural Reference:
"Politicians often downplay issues they find inconvenient or difficult to solve, especially in times of crisis." — Common media analysis of political rhetoric
Think About It:
What are the long-term consequences of downplaying social or ethical concerns in scientific and technological fields?
Quick Activity:
Think of a current issue in the news. Write two sentences: one that downplays it and one that emphasizes its importance. Notice the difference in tone and effect.
Memory Tip:
Imagine literally “playing something down”—like lowering the volume on a loudspeaker. *Downplay* = make it seem smaller or quieter than it really is.
Real-World Application:
“Downplay” is a key concept in media literacy and critical thinking. Recognizing when and why something is downplayed helps people question bias, detect misinformation, and evaluate priorities in decision-making processes.
WORD-3: Clinical
Context:
"This is because they have been inadequately represented in clinical trials. Beyond physical failings, subjective beliefs treated as facts by those in decision-making roles can encode social inequities." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word “clinical” most commonly refers to anything related to the observation and treatment of patients in healthcare settings. In the context of “clinical trials,” it refers to scientifically controlled studies conducted to test medical treatments, drugs, or procedures on human participants. These trials are essential for ensuring that medical advancements are effective and safe. However, lack of representation in such trials can lead to biased outcomes and unequal healthcare access across different groups.
Meaning: Relating to the direct observation and treatment of patients, particularly in medical or healthcare settings (Adjective)
Pronunciation: KLIN-i-kuhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *klinike* meaning "bedside" (from *klinikē tekhnē*, the art of healing at the bedside)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Clinical” is a powerful word because it carries both scientific and emotional weight. In science, it suggests precision and objectivity. But socially, the term takes on deeper importance—especially when discussions about clinical trials highlight systemic gaps, such as underrepresentation of women or minority groups in medical studies.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: medical, therapeutic, diagnostic, scientific
Antonyms: theoretical, emotional, speculative
Usage Examples:
- Clinical trials are essential for testing new medications and vaccines.
- The drug has shown promising results in early clinical studies.
- Her clinical approach to the problem ensured objective decision-making.
- Due to their absence in clinical research, some populations receive suboptimal care.
Cultural Reference:
"Most of the drugs we take have only been tested on a small fraction of the population — clinical trials don’t always reflect the real world." — From *The Atlantic*, on medical bias
Think About It:
What are the consequences of having clinical trials that do not represent the diversity of the population they aim to serve?
Quick Activity:
List two benefits and two potential ethical concerns associated with clinical trials. How can diversity in trial participants address these concerns?
Memory Tip:
“Clinical” comes from the Greek word for “bed” — think of a patient being treated at the bedside to remember its connection to medical care.
Real-World Application:
Clinical research forms the backbone of modern medicine. Understanding what clinical trials are—and who they include—helps ensure treatments are safe and effective for all, not just a privileged few.
WORD-4: Inadequately
Context:
"This is because they have been inadequately represented in clinical trials. Beyond physical failings, subjective beliefs treated as facts by those in decision-making roles can encode social inequities." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Inadequately" is an adverb that describes something done in a way that is not good enough, sufficient, or appropriate to meet a particular standard. In this context, it highlights how certain groups have not been fairly or fully represented in clinical trials—leading to gaps in medical knowledge and treatment effectiveness. The word carries a tone of deficiency and points toward the need for improvement or equity in whatever is being described.
Meaning: In a way that is not sufficient, not enough, or lacking what is needed (Adverb)
Pronunciation: in-AD-uh-kwut-lee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *in-* meaning “not” + *adequatus* meaning “equalized, proportioned”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Inadequately” is often used to critique the quality or fairness of actions, systems, or policies. It’s a word that signals imbalance or failure to meet standards. In discussions about equity—whether in education, medicine, or governance—it’s crucial to spot where something is being done inadequately and understand the consequences of that shortfall.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: insufficiently, poorly, improperly, unacceptably
Antonyms: sufficiently, properly, effectively, appropriately
Usage Examples:
- Many minority groups are inadequately represented in medical research.
- The response to the crisis was inadequately planned and poorly executed.
- The building was inadequately insulated, leading to energy loss.
- She felt inadequately prepared for the exam, despite her efforts.
Cultural Reference:
"Inadequately addressing systemic bias only allows inequality to persist beneath the surface." — From social justice discourse
Think About It:
When something is described as being done “inadequately,” who gets to decide what is adequate—and how does that shape access and fairness?
Quick Activity:
Think of a time when you felt something (a policy, plan, or effort) was handled inadequately. Write one sentence describing the situation and another suggesting how it could have been improved.
Memory Tip:
“Inadequately” starts with *in-* (not) and ends with *-ly* (how something is done) — think of it as “not done well enough.”
Real-World Application:
This word often appears in policy reviews, academic evaluations, and social critique. Recognizing when something is done inadequately helps push for standards that are more inclusive, effective, and fair.
WORD-5: Core
Context:
"But those technical ideals are at their core social and political choices determined by a dominant culture focused on economic growth for the most privileged segments of society." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Core” refers to the central, most important, or foundational part of something. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. In the sentence provided, the phrase "at their core" suggests that beneath the surface of technical ideals lies a deeper truth: these ideals are shaped by cultural and political influences. It implies that what seems purely technical or objective may, in fact, be driven by values and decisions rooted in power and privilege.
Meaning: The central, essential, or most important part of something (Noun)
Pronunciation: kohr
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *cor*, meaning “heart”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Core” is a simple yet powerful word that signals importance and essence. It helps in identifying what lies beneath the surface. Whether we are analyzing texts, organizations, or technologies, asking “What is at the core?” is a good way to reach deeper understanding.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: essence, heart, center, nucleus, foundation
Antonyms: surface, exterior, periphery, fringe
Usage Examples:
- Honesty is at the core of her personality.
- At its core, the issue is about fairness and access.
- The Earth's core is made primarily of iron and nickel.
- We must return to the core principles of our democracy.
Cultural Reference:
“At the core of every major social movement is the fight for dignity.” — Adapted from civil rights discourse
Think About It:
What lies at the core of your personal beliefs or values, and how does that shape your actions?
Quick Activity:
Write down three things you care deeply about. Then, identify what you believe is at the core of each of those values.
Memory Tip:
Think of the “core” of an apple—it's the innermost part. In ideas or beliefs, the *core* is what everything else grows around.
Real-World Application:
“Core” is frequently used in education, ethics, business, and science. Whether you're discussing core values, core curriculum, or core components, it highlights what is essential and non-negotiable.
WORD-6: Disengagement
Context:
"By choosing to downplay public welfare as a critical parameter for engineering design, we risk creating a culture of disengagement from societal concerns amongst engineers that is antithetical to the ethical code of engineering." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Disengagement” refers to the act or state of withdrawing from involvement, commitment, or emotional connection. In the context of engineering and ethics, it describes a dangerous detachment from the real-world impact of technical decisions. When professionals become disengaged from societal concerns, they may focus solely on efficiency or profit, ignoring broader implications such as equity, public safety, or environmental sustainability. Disengagement here is not just personal but systemic—a cultural condition where critical human values are overlooked.
Meaning: The act of separating or withdrawing from involvement, commitment, or concern (Noun)
Pronunciation: dis-en-GAGE-ment
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From French *désengager*, meaning "to release" or "disentangle"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Disengagement” is a powerful concept in ethics, psychology, education, and civic life. In an academic or professional setting, it signals a lack of connection with the values that should guide responsible action. Watch for disengagement not just in behavior, but in policy, curriculum, and culture—it often signals that something vital is being neglected.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: withdrawal, detachment, separation, aloofness
Antonyms: involvement, participation, commitment, engagement
Usage Examples:
- There is a growing concern about student disengagement in virtual classrooms.
- Disengagement from ethical concerns can lead to irresponsible innovation.
- Political disengagement among youth is often linked to a lack of trust in institutions.
- The culture of disengagement in corporate spaces discourages employee creativity and input.
Cultural Reference:
"Moral disengagement allows individuals to commit harmful acts while believing they are still ethical." — Albert Bandura, psychologist and moral theorist
Think About It:
What systems or environments in our society might unintentionally promote disengagement, and how can we reverse that trend?
Quick Activity:
Reflect on a time when you or someone else felt disengaged from a project or cause. What caused that feeling, and what might have re-engaged you?
Memory Tip:
“Dis-” = not + “engagement” = involvement → *Disengagement* means “not being involved.” Think of unplugging from something important.
Real-World Application:
Disengagement is a key concern in education, ethics, and civic participation. Tackling it involves fostering inclusive, purpose-driven environments where people see the value of their contributions and feel connected to larger goals.
WORD-7: Uteruses
Context:
"Many technologies for systemically marginalized people have not been built because they were not deemed important such as better early diagnostics and treatment for diseases like endometriosis, a disease that afflicts 10 percent of people with uteruses." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Uteruses” is the plural form of *uterus*, the organ in the female reproductive system where a fetus develops during pregnancy. In this context, it’s used to highlight how gender-specific health issues, such as endometriosis—a painful condition affecting the uterus—are often overlooked in medical technology and research. The phrasing "people with uteruses" reflects inclusive language, acknowledging that not all individuals with this anatomy identify as women, broadening awareness of gender diversity in healthcare discussions.
Meaning: The plural of *uterus*, the reproductive organ in which fetal development occurs during pregnancy (Noun)
Pronunciation: YOO-tuh-rus-iz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *uterus*, meaning “womb” or “belly”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
The term “uteruses” may appear straightforward, but its use in discussions around equity and health is deeply important. It encourages specificity and inclusivity, especially when addressing gender-sensitive medical concerns. Pay attention to how language shapes awareness and representation in science and policy.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: wombs (informal or poetic equivalent)
Antonyms: N/A (biological organ with no direct opposite, but contrast with male reproductive organs in comparative anatomy)
Usage Examples:
- Diseases that affect uteruses are often underdiagnosed due to lack of awareness and funding.
- Medical research needs to include a wider study of people with uteruses to ensure accurate treatments.
- Endometriosis is a painful disorder that affects the tissue lining uteruses.
- Technological advances for monitoring uteruses could greatly improve reproductive health outcomes.
Cultural Reference:
“The uterus is one of the most studied and yet still misunderstood organs in medicine, largely due to gender bias in clinical research.” — Adapted from public health advocacy materials
Think About It:
How does the underrepresentation of people with uteruses in medical research affect public health and healthcare innovation?
Quick Activity:
Research one condition that affects the uterus (e.g., endometriosis, fibroids, PCOS). Note one challenge in diagnosis or treatment that arises due to systemic neglect or limited research.
Memory Tip:
“Uterus” sounds like “you-terus”—think *you* carry life inside it. Add “-es” to make it plural: *uteruses*, not *uteri* (though both are correct).
Real-World Application:
Understanding the role and challenges surrounding uteruses is crucial in reproductive healthcare, gender-inclusive policy-making, and biomedical research aimed at addressing longstanding gaps in women’s and LGBTQ+ health.
WORD-8: Entrenched
Context:
"When we design and build with equity and justice in mind, we craft better solutions that respond to the complexities of entrenched systemic problems." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Entrenched” describes something so firmly established that it is difficult to change. Often used in discussions of social, political, or institutional systems, it implies deep roots and long-standing presence. In the given context, entrenched systemic problems refer to injustices or inequalities that are deeply embedded within the fabric of society—such as racism, sexism, or economic disparity. Addressing such issues requires more than surface-level solutions; it demands structural change and intentional design that prioritizes equity.
Meaning: Firmly established and difficult to change, often in reference to attitudes, systems, or practices (Adjective)
Pronunciation: en-TRENCHT
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From French *en-* (in) + *trancher* (to cut), originally a military term meaning "to dig in for defense"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Entrenched” is a great word to describe systems or beliefs that resist change. It signals depth and resistance, making it essential in conversations about justice, reform, and history. It’s especially useful when discussing why certain societal problems persist despite progress in other areas.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: embedded, established, rooted, ingrained, fixed
Antonyms: flexible, changeable, temporary, superficial
Usage Examples:
- The policy aimed to dismantle entrenched racial disparities in the education system.
- Entrenched beliefs are often the hardest to challenge, even with evidence.
- Corruption had become entrenched in the local government.
- The design team confronted entrenched biases in how accessibility was treated.
Cultural Reference:
"The most entrenched injustices are those that disguise themselves as tradition or common sense." — Adapted from social justice literature
Think About It:
What systems or practices do you see as entrenched in your environment, and what would it take to begin unearthing them?
Quick Activity:
List two examples of entrenched problems in your community, school, or industry. For each, suggest one design or policy change that might help address it.
Memory Tip:
Imagine something *literally* in a trench—deep, hard to move. *Entrenched* means stuck in place, hard to dislodge, just like an idea or system that won't budge easily.
Real-World Application:
Understanding the concept of entrenched problems is crucial in activism, policymaking, education, and organizational change. It helps identify why certain issues persist and what kind of deep, thoughtful strategies are required to solve them.
WORD-9: Pedagogy
Context:
"We can infer that the author would approve of a more evolved engineering pedagogy that includes..." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Pedagogy” refers to the method and practice of teaching, especially in terms of how educational content is delivered and how learning is structured. It encompasses both theory and practical approaches to instruction. In the context of engineering, an evolved pedagogy would imply a teaching philosophy that goes beyond technical skills to include ethics, equity, sustainability, and societal relevance—shaping not just what is taught, but *how* and *why* it is taught.
Meaning: The art, science, or method of teaching and instructional practice (Noun)
Pronunciation: PED-uh-goh-jee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *paidagogia*, from *paidagogos* meaning “teacher of children” (*pais* = child, *agogos* = leader)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Pedagogy” is a key word in educational theory and curriculum development. It’s more than just teaching techniques—it reflects a teacher’s values, philosophy, and understanding of the learner. A progressive pedagogy can shift focus from rote memorization to critical thinking and empathy, especially in fields like engineering where human impact matters.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: educational method, teaching approach, instructional strategy
Antonyms: miseducation, ignorance (conceptual rather than direct linguistic opposites)
Usage Examples:
- The university is revising its pedagogy to include more collaborative and student-centered learning.
- An inclusive pedagogy accounts for cultural diversity and social justice in the classroom.
- Good pedagogy balances content mastery with the development of ethical reasoning.
- Traditional pedagogy often relied on rote learning, but modern methods encourage active participation.
Cultural Reference:
“Pedagogy is not just about what we teach—it’s about who we teach, how we teach, and why it matters.” — bell hooks, *Teaching to Transgress*
Think About It:
How might changing the pedagogy in STEM education affect the values and mindset of future engineers or scientists?
Quick Activity:
Reflect on a teacher or course that changed the way you think. Was it their content, or their pedagogy—the way they taught—that made the difference?
Memory Tip:
“Pedagogy” = *ped* (child) + *agogos* (leader) → Originally meant “to lead the child.” Think of pedagogy as the *guide* to learning.
Real-World Application:
Pedagogy influences how students learn across disciplines. In engineering, medicine, or law, a thoughtful pedagogy can ensure professionals are not only skilled, but also ethical, inclusive, and socially aware.
WORD-10: Endometriosis
Context:
"Many technologies for systemically marginalized people have not been built because they were not deemed important such as better early diagnostics and treatment for diseases like endometriosis, a disease that afflicts 10 percent of people with uteruses." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Endometriosis” is a chronic medical condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium) grows outside the uterus. This misplaced tissue behaves like normal uterine tissue—it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle—but unlike menstrual blood, it has no way to exit the body. This can lead to severe pain, inflammation, scarring, and fertility issues. Endometriosis is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, especially because its symptoms can be dismissed or misunderstood in healthcare settings that don’t prioritize reproductive health equity.
Meaning: A painful disorder where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often affecting reproductive and pelvic organs (Noun)
Pronunciation: en-doh-mee-tree-OH-sis
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Etymology: From Greek *endon* (“within”) + *metra* (“womb”) + *-osis* (“condition or disease”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Endometriosis” is a term every educated person should know—not just because it affects millions, but because it exemplifies how health disparities and gender bias in medicine lead to neglect. It’s also an excellent example of a word whose roots help explain its function: *endo* (inside) + *metrium* (uterus) → misplaced uterine tissue. Don’t ignore this word—understand it and advocate with it.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: chronic pelvic inflammation (contextual), uterine lining disorder
Antonyms: N/A (as a medical condition, it has no direct antonym, but can be contrasted with “healthy uterine function”)
Usage Examples:
- Endometriosis is often misdiagnosed as general menstrual pain, delaying treatment for years.
- She underwent surgery to remove endometriosis tissue from her ovaries and intestines.
- Medical researchers are calling for more inclusive studies on endometriosis across different gender identities.
- Raising awareness about endometriosis can lead to earlier diagnoses and better support for patients.
Cultural Reference:
"Endometriosis is not just a women's health issue—it's a human rights issue." — From global health advocacy campaigns
Think About It:
What does the lack of research and awareness around endometriosis reveal about whose health concerns are prioritized in society?
Quick Activity:
Research one major challenge faced by people with endometriosis. Write a sentence explaining how better technology or policy could help address it.
Memory Tip:
Break it into parts: *endo-* (inside) + *metrium* (uterus) + *-osis* (condition) — it’s a condition involving uterine tissue inside (and outside) places it shouldn’t be.
Real-World Application:
Understanding endometriosis is vital for healthcare professionals, educators, and advocates working to reduce gender-based disparities in medicine. It empowers patients to seek care and helps drive inclusive, science-based medical innovation.
