✨ 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:
- Urbanization
- Predominately
- immigrants
- segregated
- criminogenic
- Protestant
- counterparts
- criminogenic
- disruptive
- Ecology
WORD-1: Urbanization
Context:
"Urbanization" - Context Keyword
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Urbanization” refers to the process by which rural areas transform into urban areas, often marked by the growth of cities, increased population density, and changes in lifestyle, infrastructure, and economy. It typically involves migration from countryside to cities and the development of modern amenities such as roads, buildings, and services. Urbanization can bring opportunities like jobs and education, but also challenges such as overcrowding, pollution, and inequality. It is one of the key features of modern development across the globe.
Meaning: The process of making an area more urban, usually through population growth and infrastructure development (Noun)
Pronunciation: ur-buh-nuh-ZAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *urbs* meaning “city” + *-ization* (a process or result)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Urbanization” is a key concept in geography, economics, and sociology. When using this word, always think beyond the construction of buildings—it’s also about the movement of people, shifts in culture, and economic transformation. It's a great term for essays on development, sustainability, or social change.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: city development, metropolitan growth, industrialization (in context)
Antonyms: ruralization, depopulation, decentralization
Usage Examples:
- Rapid urbanization has led to increased demand for housing and transport in major cities.
- The 20th century witnessed unprecedented levels of urbanization across Asia and Africa.
- Urbanization often brings economic growth, but can also strain natural resources.
- Government policies are needed to manage urbanization sustainably.
Cultural Reference:
“Urbanization is not just about cities growing; it's about how we live, work, and interact in the 21st century.” — From global urban development forums
Think About It:
How does urbanization shape identity, access to opportunity, and inequality in modern societies?
Quick Activity:
Identify one positive and one negative impact of urbanization in your city or country. Briefly explain each.
Memory Tip:
Urbanization = *urban* + *-ization*. Think of a village transforming into a bustling city—people, roads, buildings rising everywhere.
Real-World Application:
Urbanization is central to planning, economics, environmental policy, and social justice. Understanding it helps inform sustainable development, public health, and housing policy across the world.
WORD-2: Predominately
Context:
"Farmers and villagers from America’s hinterland, like their European cousins of whom Durkheim wrote, moved in large numbers into cities. At the start of the twentieth century, Americans were predominately a rural population, but by the century’s mid-point, most lived in urban areas." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Predominately” means mostly or primarily. It describes the most common characteristic or condition in a group or situation. In the given context, it indicates that, at the beginning of the twentieth century, the majority of Americans lived in rural areas and farming communities rather than cities. The word emphasizes the demographic shift that occurred over time, showing how urbanization gradually replaced rural living as the dominant mode of life in the U.S.
Meaning: Mostly; for the most part; chiefly or primarily (Adverb)
Pronunciation: pri-DOM-uh-nuht-lee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From *predominate* (to prevail or be dominant) + *-ly* (adverb-forming suffix)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Predominately” is very useful in descriptive and analytical writing, especially when you want to emphasize the dominant aspect of a trend, group, or phenomenon. It’s often used in demographics, politics, and cultural studies. Watch out—it's sometimes confused with *predominantly*, which means the same and is actually more commonly used in modern English.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: mainly, mostly, chiefly, primarily, largely
Antonyms: rarely, minimally, marginally, secondarily
Usage Examples:
- The region is predominately agricultural, with few urban centers.
- Early settlers were predominately of European descent.
- The protest was predominately peaceful despite a few disruptions.
- At that time, American society was still predominately rural and agrarian.
Cultural Reference:
"Sociologists track how predominately rural populations transform into urban ones during times of industrialization and modernization." — From urban sociology studies
Think About It:
How do we decide which traits or values are “predominant” in a society? Who gets to define what is mainstream?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “predominately” to describe the makeup of a group or region you are familiar with (e.g., a school, neighborhood, or profession).
Memory Tip:
Think: *predominately* = *dominant trait* → the feature that “rules” or appears most often in a situation.
Real-World Application:
“Predominately” is commonly used in social research, news writing, and reports to highlight major trends or identities, such as race, geography, religion, or political alignment in specific contexts.
WORD-3: Immigrants
Context:
"Chicago’s in-migrants were both native-born whites and blacks from rural areas and small towns, and foreign immigrants." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Immigrants” refers to people who move to a country other than the one they were born in, usually with the intention of settling there permanently or for a long time. In the given context, *foreign immigrants* are contrasted with *native-born* Americans who also migrated into cities like Chicago. The word highlights the diversity of urban populations during periods of rapid urbanization, where cities became melting pots of different ethnic, cultural, and national backgrounds. Immigrants often play a vital role in economic growth and cultural development, but they also face challenges related to assimilation, discrimination, and identity.
Meaning: People who come to live permanently in a country other than their own (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: IM-uh-gruhnts
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *immigrare*, meaning “to move into” (in- = into + migrare = to move)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Immigrants” is more than a demographic term—it’s a word loaded with historical, cultural, and political meaning. It’s crucial in understanding the formation of modern cities, especially in countries like the U.S. where immigration has shaped national identity. When writing or discussing this term, always consider both the contributions and the challenges faced by immigrants in society.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: newcomers, settlers, migrants, expatriates (context-dependent)
Antonyms: natives, locals, emigrants (contextual opposite)
Usage Examples:
- Immigrants from Europe played a key role in building America’s industrial economy.
- Chicago attracted both immigrants and internal migrants during its growth boom.
- Many immigrants faced harsh working conditions and discrimination in early 20th-century cities.
- Modern policies around immigrants often reflect deep social and political divides.
Cultural Reference:
"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." — Inscription on the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing America's historical welcome to immigrants
Think About It:
How do immigrants shape the culture, economy, and identity of a city or nation—and how does society choose to welcome or resist them?
Quick Activity:
Identify a famous immigrant who contributed to your country’s development (scientist, artist, leader). Write one sentence describing their impact.
Memory Tip:
Immigrants *move in* to a new country (think *in* = immigrate), while emigrants *exit* their homeland (*e* = exit).
Real-World Application:
Understanding the role of immigrants is key in fields like sociology, politics, economics, and human rights. Their stories reflect broader themes of mobility, diversity, resilience, and globalization.
WORD-4: Segregated
Context:
"...such as crowding, poverty, and illness, caused crime rates to climb in the cities, particularly in the segregated wards and neighbourhoods where the migrants were forced to live." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Segregated” refers to being separated or set apart from others, often by force or systemic practice. In a social and historical context, it most commonly describes the enforced separation of people based on race, ethnicity, religion, or class. In the sentence provided, “segregated wards and neighbourhoods” implies that migrants—both internal and foreign—were deliberately or structurally confined to specific, often underdeveloped, areas of the city. This segregation limited their access to resources and reinforced patterns of inequality, making them more vulnerable to issues like poverty and crime.
Meaning: Separated from others, often by law, policy, or social pressure, especially based on race, class, or ethnicity (Adjective / Verb – past participle of *segregate*)
Pronunciation: SEG-ruh-gay-tid
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *segregare*, meaning “to separate from the flock” (*se-* = apart + *grex* = flock)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Segregated” is a powerful word that carries historical and emotional weight. It is especially important in the study of social history, urbanization, and civil rights. Always be mindful of its implications—it suggests not just separation, but often inequality, exclusion, and injustice. It's ideal for writing critically about structural disparities and the lived experiences of marginalized groups.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: separated, isolated, divided, excluded, partitioned
Antonyms: integrated, inclusive, united, mixed, connected
Usage Examples:
- In many American cities, housing was segregated by race well into the 20th century.
- Segregated schools often received fewer resources and funding.
- The migrants were forced into segregated districts with poor infrastructure.
- Desegregation policies were aimed at undoing decades of legally segregated systems.
Cultural Reference:
"Segregated spaces reflect a divided society—one where opportunity and dignity are not equally shared." — From civil rights discourse
Think About It:
How does segregation—physical or social—shape access to education, health, and justice in modern societies?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence explaining the long-term impact of living in a segregated neighborhood or school on a person’s future opportunities.
Memory Tip:
Think of *segregated* as “separate gates” — people being kept apart by physical or invisible barriers.
Real-World Application:
Understanding segregation is crucial in fields like urban planning, law, sociology, and education. It helps identify and address the root causes of systemic inequality in both historical and present-day contexts.
WORD-5: Tunnel
Context:
"They argue that the digital templates used by the hospital’s clinicians to record patient information probably helped to induce a kind of tunnel vision. 'These highly constrained tools,' the researchers write, 'are optimized for data capture but at the expense of sacrificing their utility for appropriate triage and diagnosis, leading users to miss the forest for the trees.' Medical software, they write, is no 'replacement for...'" - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Tunnel,” in its literal sense, is a long, narrow passage through or under the ground. However, in this context, it is used metaphorically in the phrase *tunnel vision*. This metaphor implies a mental state where a person focuses so narrowly on specific details that they lose sight of the broader picture. In the medical example given, clinicians using rigid digital forms became so focused on structured data entry that they overlooked critical, contextual information necessary for accurate diagnosis or triage. Thus, “tunnel” represents a constrained way of thinking that limits awareness or perception.
Meaning: A narrow passage or channel; metaphorically, a limited or overly focused mental outlook (Noun)
Pronunciation: TUHN-uhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old French *tonel*, meaning “funnel-shaped cave or tube”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Tunnel” becomes a powerful metaphor when used in expressions like *tunnel vision*, suggesting that we often get so focused on a single objective or tool that we ignore context or complexity. This kind of usage is especially effective in critical essays or reports on systems thinking, technology, or decision-making.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: passage, channel, narrow focus (metaphorical), single-mindedness (in context)
Antonyms: openness, broad perspective, wide view, holistic thinking
Usage Examples:
- Clinicians developed a kind of tunnel vision, focusing solely on the checkboxes in the software.
- Tunnel vision can hinder creativity and problem-solving in complex environments.
- He walked through the long tunnel connecting the two train platforms.
- When under pressure, people often fall into tunnel-like thinking and miss critical cues.
Cultural Reference:
“Tunnel vision” is a common critique in both medicine and law enforcement, where narrow focus can lead to misdiagnosis or wrongful conviction by ignoring broader evidence.
Think About It:
What systems or habits in your own life might be creating tunnel vision—where you’re so focused on details that you miss the bigger picture?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “tunnel” in both its literal and metaphorical sense. Reflect on how the metaphor changes the tone or meaning.
Memory Tip:
Picture a literal tunnel—you can only see what’s straight ahead. That’s *tunnel vision*: focused so narrowly that you miss what’s around you.
Real-World Application:
In medicine, education, business, and policymaking, recognizing and avoiding tunnel vision is key to making well-rounded, ethical, and effective decisions.
WORD-6: Protestant
Context:
"Foreign immigrants during this period did not look as dramatically different from the rest of the population as blacks did, but the migrants from eastern and southern Europe who came to American cities did not speak English, and were frequently Catholic, while the native born were mostly Protestant." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Protestant” refers to a branch of Christianity that originated with the Reformation in the 16th century as a protest against certain doctrines and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. In the context of American immigration history, being *Protestant* was often associated with being native-born, English-speaking, and part of the cultural majority. This religious identity distinguished many native-born Americans from the Catholic immigrants from southern and eastern Europe, contributing to tensions and divisions based not only on ethnicity and language, but also faith. Thus, “Protestant” here signals a dominant religious and cultural identity in early 20th-century America.
Meaning: A member or follower of any of the Western Christian churches that separated from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation (Noun / Adjective)
Pronunciation: PROT-uh-stuhnt
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *protestari* (“to declare publicly”), originally used in 1529 to describe German princes who protested against the Catholic Church
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Protestant” is a historically loaded term, especially in discussions of religious identity, migration, and socio-political conflict. It can signal both a theological tradition and a broader cultural identity, particularly in American and European histories. When using this word, be aware of its religious roots as well as its role in shaping attitudes toward immigration, education, and politics.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: reformist (historically), non-Catholic Christian
Antonyms: Catholic, Orthodox (in Christian contexts)
Usage Examples:
- The early settlers of America were largely Protestant, particularly Puritans and Anglicans.
- Religious differences between Protestant natives and Catholic immigrants fueled social tensions.
- Protestant values were often used to define the cultural "norm" in 19th-century America.
- The Protestant Reformation marked a major shift in the history of Christianity.
Cultural Reference:
"The Protestant work ethic" — a term coined by sociologist Max Weber to describe the values of discipline, hard work, and thrift often associated with Protestantism in Western capitalism
Think About It:
How do religious identities like “Protestant” or “Catholic” influence perceptions of who belongs in a society, especially during times of mass immigration?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence explaining how religious differences between Protestants and Catholics affected early 20th-century urban America.
Memory Tip:
“Protestant” comes from *protest*—remember it as a group that “protested” against Catholic traditions and started new Christian denominations.
Real-World Application:
Understanding religious labels like “Protestant” is important in history, sociology, and cultural studies. These identities shape laws, politics, social norms, and migration patterns—especially in multicultural societies.
WORD-7: Counterparts
Context:
"The scale of this migration is one of the most dramatic in human history. These migrants, unlike their white counterparts, were not integrated into the cities they now called home. In fact, most American cities at the end of the twentieth century were characterized by high levels of racial residential..." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Counterparts” refers to people or things that correspond to or closely resemble one another in function, position, or category, but may differ in background or context. In this case, the word is used to compare Black migrants with their “white counterparts”—those who may have undergone similar geographic movement but experienced vastly different outcomes in terms of social integration and urban life. The term implies a shared role or situation (i.e., being migrants), while also highlighting disparities in treatment, opportunities, and societal reception.
Meaning: People or things that have similar functions, roles, or positions in different contexts or groups (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: KOWN-ter-pahrts
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *contra* (“against” or “corresponding to”) + *part* (“a share or portion”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Counterparts” is a useful word when drawing comparisons, especially in academic writing. It allows you to highlight similarities in status or function while also exploring differences. Whether comparing individuals across racial, professional, national, or institutional lines, it’s a respectful and analytical way to frame a comparison.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: equivalents, peers, parallels, equals, analogs
Antonyms: opposites, contrasts, divergents
Usage Examples:
- Black migrants were treated very differently from their white counterparts in urban housing policies.
- The Indian delegate met with her Chinese counterpart to discuss trade agreements.
- In nature documentaries, animal behavior is often compared with human counterparts.
- Though they held similar jobs, the two counterparts received vastly different salaries.
Cultural Reference:
"Counterparts" is often used in policy, diplomacy, and social analysis to emphasize structural similarities while examining differing experiences—especially along lines of race, class, or gender.
Think About It:
Why do people with equivalent roles or experiences—like migrants or students—receive such different treatment depending on identity markers like race or nationality?
Quick Activity:
Choose a person or group you know and identify a counterpart from a different background. Write one sentence highlighting both the similarity and a key difference.
Memory Tip:
“Counterparts” = *parts that correspond across groups*. Think of counterparts as matching roles across different teams or categories.
Real-World Application:
The concept of counterparts is valuable in comparative studies—be it in international relations, workplace equality, or education reform. It’s a critical term for analyzing equity and systemic bias.
WORD-8: Criminogenic
Context:
"According to social disorganization theory, until the social ecology of the ‘new place’ can adapt, this rapid change is a criminogenic influence." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Criminogenic” refers to any condition, environment, or factor that tends to lead to or encourage criminal behavior. In this context, the word is used to describe the impact of sudden migration and community disruption on urban areas. Social disorganization theory explains that when established community structures break down—due to migration, poverty, or urban crowding—crime is more likely to emerge. So, rapid changes to a city's social fabric can be considered *criminogenic* because they reduce stability, weaken informal social controls, and increase the risk of deviant behavior.
Meaning: Causing or likely to cause criminal behavior (Adjective)
Pronunciation: krim-uh-no-JEN-ik
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Etymology: From *crimin-* (crime) + *-genic* (producing or causing), rooted in Latin and Greek
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Criminogenic” is a high-level academic term often used in criminology, sociology, and policy discussions. It’s excellent for analytical essays where you're discussing the root causes of crime or the structural conditions that shape criminal behavior. Use it when you're identifying environments—not individuals—as the source of deviance.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: crime-inducing, crime-prone, lawless (contextual), disorderly
Antonyms: law-abiding, crime-resistant, orderly, stable
Usage Examples:
- High unemployment and community breakdown are considered criminogenic conditions.
- The criminogenic nature of overcrowded neighborhoods was a major concern for city planners.
- Prisons themselves can become criminogenic if they fail to rehabilitate inmates.
- Social reformers aim to reduce criminogenic influences through education and urban development.
Cultural Reference:
"We must address the criminogenic effects of inequality and marginalization, not just punish the outcomes." — From contemporary criminal justice debates
Think About It:
Can a society be made less criminogenic without increasing surveillance or policing? What alternative solutions might reduce crime at the root?
Quick Activity:
Identify a real or hypothetical environment you think could be described as criminogenic. Write one sentence explaining why.
Memory Tip:
Think: *Criminogenic* = *Crime + Generating*. It’s not the person—it’s the *setting* or *condition* that may generate crime.
Real-World Application:
“Criminogenic” is crucial in criminology, urban studies, and policy. It encourages a shift from blaming individuals to understanding how social and environmental conditions shape behavior and crime rates.
WORD-9: Ecology
Context:
"The social lives of these migrants, as well as those already living in the cities they moved to, were disrupted by the differences between urban and rural life. According to social disorganization theory, until the social ecology of the ‘new place’ can adapt, this rapid change is a criminogenic influence." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Ecology” traditionally refers to the study of the relationships between living organisms and their physical environments. However, in a sociological context—like in the sentence above—*social ecology* refers to how individuals and communities interact with their social environments. It includes factors like networks, institutions, norms, and public spaces. Here, the phrase “social ecology of the new place” points to the structure and organization of a city or neighborhood—how people relate to one another, establish order, and create a functioning community. When this ecology is disrupted by sudden migration or population change, it can become unstable and potentially criminogenic.
Meaning: The system of interactions between people and their social or physical environment; in sociology, the structure and functioning of a community (Noun)
Pronunciation: ee-KOL-uh-jee or eh-KOL-uh-jee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *oikos* (house) + *-logia* (study of) — originally "the study of the household or environment"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Ecology” isn't just about forests and wildlife—it’s also used to describe human systems. When writing about cities or social change, the idea of *social ecology* is very helpful. It helps explain how human relationships and institutions adapt—or fail to adapt—to changes like migration, modernization, or economic shifts.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: environment, system, network, community structure
Antonyms: disorder, breakdown, disorganization (contextual)
Usage Examples:
- Urban ecology studies how people interact with their city environments.
- The social ecology of neighborhoods affects crime rates, trust, and cooperation.
- Environmental and social ecologies are deeply intertwined in sustainable development.
- The rapid influx of newcomers disrupted the city's existing social ecology.
Cultural Reference:
“Social ecology” was developed as a field by theorists like Murray Bookchin, who argued that environmental and social issues must be addressed together.
Think About It:
How do human communities adapt their social ecology in response to challenges like migration, climate change, or economic collapse?
Quick Activity:
Describe one element of your community’s social ecology (e.g., a park, market, or cultural center) and how it contributes to cohesion or connection.
Memory Tip:
Think of *eco-* as “environment” and *-logy* as “study of”—*ecology* is how things and people live together in a shared space, socially or naturally.
Real-World Application:
Understanding ecology—especially social ecology—is vital in urban planning, sociology, and environmental policy. It helps us build stronger, more adaptive communities in a rapidly changing world.
WORD-10: Disruptive
Context:
"In the 1920s and 1930s Chicago, like many American cities, experienced considerable immigration. Rapid population growth is a disorganizing influence, but growth resulting from in-migration of very different people is particularly disruptive." - Context Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Disruptive” means causing interruption, disorder, or confusion in an established system or process. In the context provided, the word describes the social effects of rapid and diverse in-migration into cities like Chicago. The arrival of people from different cultural, ethnic, or linguistic backgrounds disrupted the existing social structure, making it harder for communities to maintain cohesion. This disruption often challenged local norms and made integration more difficult, especially in the absence of strong institutions or shared community frameworks.
Meaning: Causing disturbance or disorder, often by interrupting or undermining existing systems (Adjective)
Pronunciation: dis-RUP-tiv
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *disrumpere*, meaning “to break apart” (*dis-* = apart + *rumpere* = to break)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Disruptive” is a word with two shades: it can be negative (causing chaos) or positive (challenging outdated systems). In this context, it leans toward the negative—highlighting the social difficulties caused by cultural and demographic shifts. In essays, it’s important to clarify whether the disruption is harmful or transformative.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: unsettling, destabilizing, chaotic, disorderly, interruptive
Antonyms: stabilizing, harmonious, orderly, smooth
Usage Examples:
- Rapid migration into urban centers had a disruptive effect on traditional neighborhoods.
- Disruptive technologies often challenge existing industries and job markets.
- The influx of newcomers created a disruptive tension between old and new residents.
- In the classroom, a disruptive student can prevent others from focusing.
Cultural Reference:
“Disruptive innovation” — a term coined by Clayton Christensen to describe new technologies that radically change industries by displacing existing market leaders
Think About It:
Can something be both disruptive and beneficial? What determines whether disruption leads to progress or breakdown?
Quick Activity:
Write one sentence using “disruptive” in a social context and one in a technological context. Compare the tone and implication in each.
Memory Tip:
“Disruptive” comes from *rupture*—something that *ruptures* or *breaks up* the normal flow. Think of a sudden shake-up in a quiet room.
Real-World Application:
“Disruptive” is widely used in sociology, business, education, and politics. Whether referring to social unrest, innovation, or demographic shifts, it helps describe moments of critical change and instability.
