✨ 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:
- Grew
- Mould
- Intertwined
- Refinements
- varying
- expository
- spontaneously
- Tinkering
- congruent
- Precise
WORD-1: Grew
Context:
"Hegelians and Marxists emphasise universal institutions such as the family, rituals, governance, economy and the military. These are mostly institutions that just grew." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Grew” is the simple past tense of the verb *grow*, meaning to develop, increase, or expand over time. In the given context, it implies that certain social institutions did not arise from a specific plan or design but emerged organically through gradual changes in human society. The word reflects natural, often unplanned evolution—suggesting that institutions like the family or economy are not artificial constructs, but developments shaped by historical, cultural, and social forces.
Meaning: Developed or increased in size, influence, or complexity over time (Verb – past tense of *grow*)
Pronunciation: groo
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old English *growan*, meaning “to flourish, increase, or thrive”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Although “grew” is a basic word, in philosophical or historical contexts, it carries depth. It distinguishes between what is *constructed* or *designed* and what *evolved*. When institutions are said to have “just grown,” the implication is that they emerged over time through use, tradition, and adaptation—not by deliberate creation.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: developed, evolved, expanded, emerged
Antonyms: declined, diminished, collapsed, shrank
Usage Examples:
- The city grew rapidly during the industrial revolution.
- Over centuries, religious rituals grew in complexity and symbolism.
- The family structure grew out of early tribal societies.
- What began as informal trade grew into a global economic system.
Cultural Reference:
"Some of the most powerful social systems weren’t designed—they grew from custom, repetition, and shared need." — From sociological texts on institutional development
Think About It:
What’s the difference between something that is *built* and something that *grew*—and why does that matter in understanding how societies function?
Quick Activity:
Choose one institution (e.g., family, government, school). Write one sentence explaining how it grew over time rather than being planned from the start.
Memory Tip:
Think of a tree: it doesn’t appear fully formed—it *grows*. Similarly, when something “grew,” it developed naturally over time.
Real-World Application:
Understanding that institutions “grew” rather than were designed helps historians, sociologists, and policymakers see them as changeable and adaptable—products of culture rather than fixed systems.
WORD-2: Mould
Context:
"Perhaps in some imaginary beginning of time they spontaneously appeared. In their present incarnations, however, they are very much the product of conscious attempts to mould and plan them." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Mould” (British spelling of “mold”) means to shape or influence something—physically, mentally, or conceptually. In the given context, it refers to the deliberate effort to shape institutions like family or governance through conscious planning and decision-making. Unlike the idea of institutions that just *grew*, those that are *moulded* result from intentional design, often guided by ideology or policy. The word emphasizes human agency in shaping systems, identities, or structures over time.
Meaning: To shape or influence something, often with intention or control (Verb)
Pronunciation: mohld
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old French *modle*, Latin *modulus*, meaning “measure” or “form”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Mould” is a common yet powerful verb when discussing how societies or individuals are shaped. Whether it’s education, culture, or ideology, moulding implies intention. It contrasts beautifully with “grew” from the earlier word—*grew* is organic, while *mould* is crafted. Keep this distinction in mind while analyzing texts or writing essays on social change or education.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: shape, form, sculpt, influence, craft, design
Antonyms: neglect, ignore, disorganize, leave alone
Usage Examples:
- Education plays a key role in moulding young minds and values.
- Governments have tried to mould public opinion through media.
- Over time, leaders moulded the organization into a global force.
- The clay was soft and easy to mould into any shape she desired.
Cultural Reference:
"We are not just products of history—we are also its moulders." — Adapted from historical and philosophical reflections
Think About It:
Who or what has moulded your views about justice, success, or identity? Were those influences intentional?
Quick Activity:
List two institutions (e.g., school, family, government). For each, write one example of how it has been consciously moulded over time (e.g., through laws, curriculum, media).
Memory Tip:
Think of a *mould* as a physical object used to shape clay or metal. In thought and society, “moulding” is about shaping ideas or systems in a similar way.
Real-World Application:
Understanding how societies, ideologies, or personal habits are moulded helps in fields like education, policy, psychology, and leadership. It empowers individuals to recognize influence and take ownership of their own shaping forces.
WORD-3: Refinements
Context:
"Reformed natural languages and artificial languages introduce design into their modifications or refinements of natural language." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Refinements” are improvements or slight modifications made to something to increase its effectiveness, precision, or sophistication. In the provided context, the word refers to intentional changes made to natural languages—either by reformers or through artificial language creation—to make them more logical, structured, or efficient. A refinement doesn’t change the core identity of something but enhances or polishes it. It suggests careful attention to detail and thoughtful enhancement rather than radical overhaul.
Meaning: Small but important improvements or adjustments that enhance quality, clarity, or functionality (Noun, plural)
Pronunciation: ruh-FINE-ments
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Old French *refiner*, meaning “to purify” or “to make more elegant”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Refinements” is a thoughtful word. It suggests progress made through care, nuance, and detail. In academic or design-based writing, it often shows evolution—not revolution. It’s useful in contexts like writing, language, technology, ethics, or even personal development, where incremental changes matter a great deal.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: improvements, enhancements, upgrades, tweaks, fine-tunings
Antonyms: degradations, coarsenings, corruptions, oversights
Usage Examples:
- The software update included several refinements to improve user experience.
- Her essay went through many refinements before it reached its final form.
- Refinements in the language made communication clearer and more inclusive.
- Even ancient philosophies show refinements added by later thinkers over time.
Cultural Reference:
“Language is never static. Over centuries, it undergoes endless refinements, mirroring the societies it serves.” — From linguistic evolution studies
Think About It:
Can refinements sometimes remove valuable complexity in an effort to make something more efficient or standardized?
Quick Activity:
Take a short paragraph you’ve written recently and revise it with two small refinements—for clarity, tone, or elegance. What difference do they make?
Memory Tip:
Think of *refinements* as the final polish on a sculpture—small touches that make something finished feel complete, elegant, and precise.
Real-World Application:
Refinements are central to design, engineering, writing, and education. Whether tweaking code, crafting policy, or updating user manuals, refinements reflect a commitment to excellence and thoughtful progress.
WORD-4: Varying
Context:
"Both formal and informal language is involved, naturally grown or designed. (Language is all of these to varying degrees.)" - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Varying” means changing or differing in amount, degree, or form. In the context provided, it describes the idea that language—whether formal, informal, natural, or designed—exhibits a mix of these characteristics in different proportions. That is, some languages might be more formal, others more naturally evolved, and so on. The word highlights diversity, flexibility, and a spectrum rather than fixed categories. It’s often used to express gradation or non-uniformity.
Meaning: Differing or changing in degree, amount, size, or form (Adjective/Present participle of *vary*)
Pronunciation: VAIR-ee-ing
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *variare*, meaning “to change” or “to make different”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Varying” is a simple yet essential academic word. It’s commonly used in phrases like “to varying degrees” or “with varying results,” especially when highlighting range, diversity, or subtle distinctions. It’s helpful in writing where nuance matters and you want to avoid absolute claims.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: differing, changing, fluctuating, diverse, shifting
Antonyms: constant, unchanging, fixed, uniform
Usage Examples:
- The results showed varying levels of improvement across age groups.
- Languages evolve to varying degrees depending on social and political influences.
- The intensity of the storm had varying effects across different regions.
- We received feedback of varying quality from the participants.
Cultural Reference:
"Human identity is constructed through varying layers of language, culture, and memory." — From contemporary linguistic anthropology
Think About It:
How does the idea of "varying degrees" help us understand complex topics better than viewing them in binary terms?
Quick Activity:
Think of three traits you see in people (e.g., kindness, ambition, creativity). For each, describe how they appear in varying degrees in different individuals.
Memory Tip:
“Varying” comes from *vary*—to change. Think of a slider bar that moves up or down: the position *varies* depending on what’s needed.
Real-World Application:
Understanding and using “varying” is key in academic writing, data interpretation, and policy-making. It helps express complexity and avoid oversimplification.
WORD-5: Expository
Context:
"Culture and tradition are sub-sets of institutions analytically isolated for explanatory or expository purposes." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Expository” refers to something that is intended to explain or describe something clearly. It is most often used to characterize writing, speech, or analysis that focuses on laying out facts, ideas, or arguments in a straightforward way. In the given context, “expository purposes” means that culture and tradition are being examined not for their lived experiences or practices, but to clarify, describe, or explain their function within institutions. It’s an academic or analytical way of viewing a subject, often used in education, essays, or scholarly discourse.
Meaning: Intended to explain or describe something clearly and logically (Adjective)
Pronunciation: ek-SPOZ-i-tor-ee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *exponere* meaning “to set forth” or “explain”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Expository” is an essential academic word, especially useful when describing types of writing, essays, or analysis. It signals that the goal is *clarification*, not persuasion. When you’re asked to write an expository piece, your job is to inform or explain—not argue or entertain. Remember, *expository = expose through explanation*.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: explanatory, descriptive, analytical, instructive
Antonyms: narrative, persuasive, poetic, ambiguous
Usage Examples:
- The professor asked students to write an expository essay on climate change.
- His lecture was purely expository, aiming to explain the theory without opinion.
- In expository writing, clarity and structure are more important than emotional appeal.
- The documentary provided an expository look at global trade systems.
Cultural Reference:
"Expository writing has been the backbone of academic instruction for centuries—its goal: to illuminate, not to persuade." — Educational philosophy sources
Think About It:
Can expository writing ever be truly neutral, or is the choice of what to explain always influenced by perspective?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences: one that makes a persuasive claim, and one that presents the same idea in an expository style. Compare the tone and purpose.
Memory Tip:
“Expository” sounds like *expose*—it’s about exposing facts clearly, without arguing. Think: "explain, not persuade."
Real-World Application:
Expository skills are vital in education, journalism, technical writing, and research. They help break down complex topics so audiences can understand and apply knowledge effectively.
WORD-6: Spontaneously
Context:
"These are mostly institutions that just grew. Perhaps in some imaginary beginning of time they spontaneously appeared." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Spontaneously” means occurring naturally, suddenly, or without being planned or forced. In the context of social institutions, it suggests that these systems—such as family or governance—might have come into being without deliberate creation or formal design. The use of “spontaneously” here is slightly ironic or hypothetical, suggesting that while institutions seem like they just *appeared*, in reality, they often result from gradual development or conscious construction.
Meaning: In a way that happens naturally or suddenly, without planning or external cause (Adverb)
Pronunciation: spon-TAY-nee-us-lee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Late Latin *spontaneus*, meaning “of one’s free will” + English suffix *-ly*
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Spontaneously” is an excellent word when discussing processes or events that seem to occur without planning. It can describe anything from emotional reactions to chemical reactions to cultural developments. It contrasts beautifully with deliberate, planned action. In academic writing, it’s often used to question whether something really just “happened,” or if unseen forces were involved.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: naturally, impulsively, automatically, instinctively
Antonyms: deliberately, intentionally, methodically, consciously
Usage Examples:
- The crowd spontaneously began to cheer after the performance.
- In legends, entire civilizations are said to have spontaneously emerged.
- The laughter erupted spontaneously, without anyone prompting it.
- Some scientists believe that life may have arisen spontaneously from non-living matter.
Cultural Reference:
“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep—and some of the best moments happen spontaneously.” — Inspired by artist wisdom and improvisational theory
Think About It:
Can anything truly happen spontaneously, or is everything influenced by unseen causes and conditions?
Quick Activity:
Recall a moment when you acted spontaneously—write a sentence describing what happened and why it felt natural or unplanned.
Memory Tip:
“Spontaneously” sounds like *spontaneous combustion*—a sudden, unplanned burst. That’s the key: it means something happening *on its own*, without a plan.
Real-World Application:
“Spontaneously” is often used in science, psychology, and sociology. From chemical reactions to emotional responses, the term helps describe events that arise without premeditation—important in fields where cause and effect are constantly analyzed.
WORD-7: Tinkering
Context:
"From constitutions at the top to by-laws near the bottom we are always adding to, or tinkering with, earlier institutions; the grown and the designed are intertwined." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Tinkering” refers to the act of making small, often informal changes or adjustments to something—usually with the goal of improvement, but sometimes without a clear or systematic plan. In the given context, it suggests that societal institutions (like constitutions or by-laws) are not fixed; they evolve through constant additions and modifications. This *tinkering* blends elements of both natural development and deliberate design, showing that human systems are shaped not only by grand plans but also by continuous, often improvised, refinement.
Meaning: Making small adjustments or experimental changes to improve or alter something (Noun / Present participle of *tinker*)
Pronunciation: TING-kuhr-ing
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Middle English *tynkere*, referring to a traveling mender of pots and pans—someone who "tinkered" with metal objects
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Tinkering” is a word full of character. It suggests hands-on, trial-and-error exploration. In intellectual or institutional settings, it’s often used to contrast with systematic reform—it implies adjustment rather than overhaul. Remember, *tinkering* is often how real change begins: small, curious, iterative steps that grow into transformation.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: adjusting, modifying, fiddling, tweaking, patching
Antonyms: overhauling, rebuilding, ignoring, destroying
Usage Examples:
- He spent the afternoon tinkering with the old radio until it worked again.
- Governments are always tinkering with policies to reflect new challenges.
- The team kept tinkering with the design until the product felt just right.
- Her writing process involves a lot of tinkering before anything is finalized.
Cultural Reference:
“Innovation often begins with tinkering—a willingness to explore, adjust, and learn without a master plan.” — From maker movement philosophies
Think About It:
Can constant tinkering with institutions be a sign of progress, or does it risk weakening core principles through endless adjustment?
Quick Activity:
Name something you’ve recently “tinkered” with (a tool, process, paragraph, or app). What small change did you make, and did it improve the outcome?
Memory Tip:
Think of an old-fashioned *tinker*—a curious person fixing pots or gadgets by trial and error. *Tinkering* = small fixes and explorations, one step at a time.
Real-World Application:
Tinkering is central to innovation, design, education, and governance. Whether it’s revising code, editing a law, or testing a recipe, small adjustments often lead to big improvements—and reflect a mindset of curiosity and growth.
WORD-8: Congruent
Context:
"We begin with the emergence of the philosophy of the social sciences as an arena of thought and as a set of social institutions. The two characterisations overlap but are not congruent." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Congruent” means in agreement, harmony, or alignment with something else. It often describes things that match in shape, meaning, or function. In mathematics, it refers to shapes that are exactly the same in size and form. In the provided context, the word is used in a conceptual or philosophical sense: the two ways of viewing the philosophy of social sciences (as thought and as institution) may share similarities or points of overlap, but they are not perfectly aligned—they differ in key ways.
Meaning: In agreement, harmony, or alignment with something; identical in form (Adjective)
Pronunciation: KON-groo-uhnt or KON-groo-ent
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *congruere*, meaning “to come together, to agree”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Congruent” is a precision word. It helps express subtle differences in alignment—when things are similar but not identical. In academic writing, especially philosophy or sociology, it’s a useful way to signal that two ideas share common ground but still diverge in structure or outcome. Don’t confuse it with “equal”—congruent means they fit, but aren’t necessarily the same in every way.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: aligned, harmonious, matching, consistent
Antonyms: conflicting, incongruent, incompatible, misaligned
Usage Examples:
- The company’s stated values were not congruent with its internal policies.
- Her actions were congruent with her beliefs in environmental sustainability.
- In geometry, congruent triangles have exactly the same shape and size.
- The two theories overlap, but their assumptions are not fully congruent.
Cultural Reference:
“True leadership is when your actions are congruent with your words.” — A principle often cited in ethics and integrity workshops
Think About It:
Can two systems or perspectives be equally valid even if they are not congruent? How should we respond to such differences?
Quick Activity:
Identify two things in your life (beliefs, habits, goals) that are congruent and one pair that are not. Reflect on how this affects your daily decision-making.
Memory Tip:
Think of puzzle pieces that *fit* together—*congruent* things align well. Even in math, congruent shapes overlap perfectly when placed one on top of the other.
Real-World Application:
“Congruent” is used in psychology, education, business ethics, and design. Whether it’s aligning behavior with values, or ensuring product features match user needs, recognizing congruence helps create integrity and consistency.
WORD-9: Intertwined
Context:
"To be precise, mixtures are the norm... From constitutions at the top to by-laws near the bottom we are always adding to, or tinkering with, earlier institutions; the grown and the designed are intertwined." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Intertwined” means twisted together or closely connected in a way that makes separation difficult. It can refer to physical objects (like vines) or abstract concepts (like ideas, histories, or systems). In the context of institutions, it highlights how organically evolved practices (*the grown*) and intentionally created structures (*the designed*) are deeply linked. Rather than being separate categories, these aspects of institutions overlap, influence, and shape one another in complex ways.
Meaning: Closely connected or twisted together, often in a way that cannot be easily separated (Adjective / Past participle of *intertwine*)
Pronunciation: in-ter-TWYND
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Old French *entre-* (“between”) + *tweinen* (“to twine”) — meaning “to twist together”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Intertwined” is a beautiful word to describe complexity and connection. It’s particularly useful when you want to highlight relationships that are layered and inseparable. Use it when writing about systems, histories, institutions, or emotions that are not easily teased apart. It suggests harmony, conflict, and co-dependence—all rolled into one.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: connected, linked, interwoven, entangled, fused
Antonyms: separated, disconnected, isolated, detached
Usage Examples:
- Their lives became emotionally intertwined after years of working together.
- History and myth are often intertwined in cultural storytelling.
- The roots of the trees were so intertwined that they appeared as one.
- In modern governance, the legal and traditional are deeply intertwined.
Cultural Reference:
"In the web of life, all things are intertwined—pull one thread, and the whole tapestry moves." — Ecological metaphor from systems theory
Think About It:
When systems become intertwined, does it increase their strength and resilience—or make them more difficult to change?
Quick Activity:
Choose two elements from your life (e.g., work and passion, tradition and innovation). Write a sentence on how they are intertwined, and what that means for you.
Memory Tip:
Think of two ropes twisted together—*inter* = between, *twined* = twisted. Intertwined means things are bound tightly, often for good.
Real-World Application:
In fields like sociology, history, ecology, and literature, “intertwined” helps describe how causes and effects are not linear, but deeply connected. It’s a powerful word for analyzing systems and relationships.
WORD-10: Precise
Context:
"Consider further that there are many features of the work of the stock exchange that rely on informal, noncodifiable agreements, not least the language used for communication. To be precise, mixtures are the norm." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Precise” means exact, accurate, and clearly defined. It is used to refer to information, expressions, or measurements that leave no room for confusion or ambiguity. In the context provided, the phrase “to be precise” signals a shift from general commentary to a specific, clarifying point: that mixed systems—both formal and informal—are typical in practice. The word adds weight to the speaker’s intention to highlight a fact or distinction that is carefully thought through and specific.
Meaning: Clearly expressed, accurate, and exact in detail or definition (Adjective)
Pronunciation: pruh-SICE
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *praecisus*, meaning “cut off, brief, concise” (from *prae-* = before + *caedere* = to cut)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Precise” is a sharp and clean word—useful when clarity and accuracy are essential. It’s frequently found in academic, legal, scientific, and formal writing. In debates or explanatory writing, starting a phrase with “to be precise” helps tighten your argument and highlight your exact point. It's a great tool for focused thinking and effective communication.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: exact, specific, accurate, definite, unambiguous
Antonyms: vague, imprecise, ambiguous, loose, approximate
Usage Examples:
- To be precise, the meeting begins at 9:03 a.m., not 9:00.
- She gave a precise summary of the legal argument.
- Mathematics requires precise calculations to produce valid results.
- The instructions must be precise to avoid confusion in assembling the product.
Cultural Reference:
"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." — Often attributed to Einstein, reinforcing the value of precise communication.
Think About It:
Why is precision important in communication, especially in fields like science, law, or ethics? What can happen when we are not precise?
Quick Activity:
Rewrite a vague sentence (e.g., "The thing happened yesterday") into a more precise version (e.g., "The fire alarm went off at 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday").
Memory Tip:
Think of a precision tool like a scalpel or a laser—*precise* things are sharp, exact, and leave no room for error.
Real-World Application:
Being precise is crucial in contracts, scientific research, policy-making, and technical manuals. Precision helps avoid misunderstandings, ensures accountability, and strengthens logical reasoning in both spoken and written communication.
