✨ 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:
- Counterintuitive
- Marginal
- Quipped
- Neolithic
- Paleolithic
- foragers
- empirical
- ethnocentric
- Meager
- Rebuking
WORD-1: Counterintuitive
Context:
"Sahlins’s principal argument was simple but counterintuitive." - Fifty years after its publication in English [in 1972]… we may ask: why did his essay “Original Affluent Society” have such an impact, and how has it fared since?
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Counterintuitive" refers to something that goes against what one would expect or what seems logical at first glance. In Sahlins’s case, his argument contradicted the widely accepted idea that hunter-gatherers lived in poverty and constant struggle. Instead, he claimed they were actually affluent in time, leisure, and satisfaction—an idea that defied intuitive economic assumptions and challenged traditional thinking.
Meaning: Contrary to intuition or common sense (Adjective)
Pronunciation: kown-tuh-in-TOO-uh-tiv
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From the prefix “counter-” meaning “against” + “intuitive,” derived from Latin *intueri*, meaning “to look at or consider.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is one of those high-utility academic words. It shows up often in essays and arguments when the author wants to point out that an idea challenges conventional belief. Think of it as a good ‘surprise’ word: it helps label ideas that aren’t obvious but are powerful once explained.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: unexpected, illogical, puzzling, paradoxical
Antonyms: obvious, predictable, intuitive, self-evident
Usage Examples:
- It's counterintuitive, but exercising when you're tired can actually give you more energy.
- The economist’s counterintuitive theory proposed that reducing work hours could boost productivity.
- Her counterintuitive advice was to stop studying the night before the test and get a full night's sleep.
- Counterintuitive as it may seem, scarcity can sometimes increase demand.
Cultural Reference:
"Much of what behavioral economics teaches us is counterintuitive—people often act against their own best interests." - From a TED Talk by Dan Ariely
Think About It:
Can you recall a time when a decision or idea seemed counterintuitive at first, but made perfect sense later? What changed your perspective?
Quick Activity:
Write down two things you believed were true but later discovered were false or opposite of what you expected. Label them as “counterintuitive insights.”
Memory Tip:
Think of "counter" as in "opposite," and "intuitive" as what feels natural—so "counterintuitive" literally means the opposite of what feels right.
Real-World Application:
In business strategy, some counterintuitive ideas—like giving away products for free—can actually drive profits through alternative revenue models like advertising or upselling.
WORD-2: Marginal
Context:
"Before being driven into marginal environments by colonial powers, hunter-gatherers, or foragers, were not engaged in a desperate struggle for meager survival." - From the essay “Original Affluent Society” by Marshall Sahlins
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "marginal" in this context refers to being on the periphery or edge of something—literally or figuratively. It often describes areas that are less favorable or less central, such as land that is not ideal for farming or regions far from economic or cultural centers. In Sahlins’s essay, it implies that indigenous peoples were pushed into less hospitable and less resource-rich environments by colonizers. So, rather than always having lived in difficult conditions, their marginal position was a result of historical displacement.
Meaning: Located at the edge or fringe; of minor importance or limited quality (Adjective)
Pronunciation: MAR-jin-uhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *margo* meaning "edge" or "border," and later adopted into Medieval Latin as *marginalis*, meaning "relating to an edge or border."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word has both literal and metaphorical uses. Literally, it can mean land or location at the edge. Metaphorically, it also refers to ideas, people, or roles that are not central or powerful. Understanding both uses helps decode nuanced academic and editorial writing.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: peripheral, minor, secondary, fringe, insignificant
Antonyms: central, crucial, significant, mainstream, important
Usage Examples:
- The community was pushed into marginal lands with little access to clean water or fertile soil.
- Her influence in the company was marginal compared to the senior executives.
- Farmers avoided planting crops in the marginal zones near the cliffs due to soil erosion.
- The proposal received only marginal support during the board meeting.
Cultural Reference:
"Marginal voices are often the most revolutionary, because they challenge the dominant narrative." - bell hooks
Think About It:
Who decides what is marginal and what is central in a society? What consequences arise when entire communities are labeled as 'marginal'?
Quick Activity:
List three groups or ideas that have been considered “marginal” in history but later became central or widely accepted. Reflect on why that change occurred.
Memory Tip:
Think of “marginal” as what’s written in the *margin* of a page—not the main content, just the extra notes on the side. That’s what “marginal” often means: not in the center.
Real-World Application:
In economics, “marginal” is commonly used in terms like “marginal cost” or “marginal utility,” describing small or incremental changes that affect decision-making. In society, it describes people or regions pushed to the edge due to policy, power, or prejudice.
WORD-3: Quipped
Context:
"Hunters, he quipped, keep bankers’ hours. Refusing to maximize, many were 'more concerned with games of chance than with chances of game.'" - From the essay “Original Affluent Society” by Marshall Sahlins
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "quipped" means to say something clever, witty, or sarcastic—often on the spot. It usually implies humor or irony, and the person making the remark is often trying to amuse or make a point subtly. In the given context, Sahlins makes a humorous and ironic comment about hunters working short hours like bankers, thereby challenging the stereotype that hunter-gatherers labored constantly for survival.
Meaning: Said something witty or clever, often with humor or sarcasm (Verb – past tense)
Pronunciation: kwipt
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: Derived from the noun “quip,” which likely originated in the 16th century as a humorous or sarcastic remark. The verb form evolved from the same root, meaning "to joke."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a great storytelling and writing word. It gives flair to dialogue and narration, especially when you want to show a character or speaker being clever or ironic. It subtly signals humor without shouting it out loud.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: joked, jested, wisecracked, bantered, retorted
Antonyms: stated, declared, explained, asserted
Usage Examples:
- "Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit caffeine," he quipped as he fumbled through a stressful meeting.
- The professor quipped that the final exam would be “easy—if you studied everything.”
- “I’m not late,” she quipped, “I’m fashionably delayed.”
- When asked about the long flight, he quipped, “At least the food was consistently bad.”
Cultural Reference:
"I never forget a face—but in your case, I’ll be glad to make an exception." - Groucho Marx, known for his famous quips
Think About It:
Why do we often use humor or sarcasm to make serious points? Can a quip ever be more persuasive than a straightforward argument?
Quick Activity:
Write a short quip you might use in one of these situations: (a) being stuck in traffic, (b) attending a long lecture, or (c) burning toast.
Memory Tip:
Think of "quip" as a *quick* and *witty* comment. Both words start with “q” and refer to fast, clever speech.
Real-World Application:
In journalism, literature, and public speaking, quips are used to add humor and engagement. They're also common in social media captions, stand-up comedy, and political commentary to entertain while making a point.
WORD-4: Neolithic
Context:
"The so-called Neolithic Revolution, rather than improving life, imposed a harsher work regime and set in motion the long history of growing inequality..." - From the essay “Original Affluent Society” by Marshall Sahlins
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Neolithic" refers to the later part of the Stone Age when humans began farming, domesticating animals, and settling into permanent villages. This period marked a major turning point in human history, often referred to as the "Neolithic Revolution." While it brought about agriculture and technological innovation, many scholars, including Sahlins, argue that it also led to longer working hours, social hierarchies, and inequality—making it a mixed blessing in terms of human well-being.
Meaning: Relating to the later part of the Stone Age, when humans began farming and domesticating animals (Adjective)
Pronunciation: nee-uh-LITH-ik
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *neos* meaning "new" + *lithos* meaning "stone," literally “New Stone Age.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a key academic word, especially in history, anthropology, and archaeology. Knowing the term helps frame the shift from foraging to farming societies and understand its complex impact—not just as progress, but also as a beginning of inequality.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: New Stone Age (historical context), agrarian period, early farming era
Antonyms: Paleolithic, pre-agricultural, hunter-gatherer era
Usage Examples:
- The Neolithic period saw the development of agriculture, pottery, and permanent settlements.
- Tools from the Neolithic era show a significant advancement over earlier stone implements.
- Many Neolithic communities were located near rivers, where fertile soil supported early farming.
- Some researchers argue that the Neolithic Revolution reduced dietary diversity and increased labor demands.
Cultural Reference:
"The Neolithic Revolution may have made civilization possible, but it also set the stage for social inequality, disease, and overwork." - From Jared Diamond's *Guns, Germs, and Steel*
Think About It:
If the Neolithic Revolution led to both technological progress and social inequality, how should we evaluate historical 'progress' today?
Quick Activity:
Create a two-column list comparing life before and after the Neolithic period (e.g., mobility vs. settlement, hunting vs. farming, equality vs. hierarchy).
Memory Tip:
Think “Neo” = new and “lithic” = stone. So, “Neolithic” = New Stone Age, when new tools and farming began to shape society.
Real-World Application:
The Neolithic period is frequently studied in school curricula to explain the origins of agriculture, settled life, and social structures. Understanding it helps us trace the roots of many modern societal patterns, including work, food systems, and inequality.
WORD-5: Paleolithic
Context:
"The real interest for most readers, after all, is not in foragers either today or in the Paleolithic—but rather its conceptual challenge to contemporary economic life and bourgeois individualism." - From the essay “Original Affluent Society” by Marshall Sahlins
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Paleolithic" refers to the early phase of the Stone Age, a period that began over 2 million years ago and lasted until around 10,000 BCE. During this era, humans primarily lived as nomadic hunter-gatherers using rudimentary stone tools. The word often contrasts with "Neolithic," which came later and introduced farming and permanent settlements. In the context of the essay, the reference to the Paleolithic is not about historical accuracy but rather a critique of how modern economic values differ from those of simpler, communal lifestyles of early humans.
Meaning: Relating to the early Stone Age when humans used primitive tools and lived as foragers (Adjective)
Pronunciation: pay-lee-oh-LITH-ik
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *palaios* meaning “old” and *lithos* meaning “stone,” forming “Paleolithic”—literally “Old Stone Age.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This term is essential for understanding human prehistory. In academic texts, it's often used to contrast the hunter-gatherer phase with later agricultural developments. It's also metaphorically used to refer to anything ancient, primitive, or foundational in nature.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: Old Stone Age, prehistoric, early human era
Antonyms: Neolithic, modern, historical, contemporary
Usage Examples:
- The Paleolithic era was marked by simple stone tools and a nomadic lifestyle.
- Archaeologists discovered Paleolithic cave paintings that reveal early human creativity.
- Humans in the Paleolithic period survived by hunting animals and gathering wild plants.
- Some argue that Paleolithic diets reflect a healthier way of eating than modern processed foods.
Cultural Reference:
"The Paleolithic diet," also known as the “caveman diet,” has gained popularity in modern times, promoting the idea of eating like early humans—lean meats, nuts, and wild fruits. - From *The Guardian*
Think About It:
What can modern societies learn from Paleolithic ways of living, particularly in terms of community, simplicity, and balance with nature?
Quick Activity:
Draw a simple Venn diagram comparing the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods in terms of tools, lifestyle, and food sources.
Memory Tip:
“Paleo” means “old” and “lithic” means “stone.” So Paleolithic = Old Stone Age. Think of “old stones and old ways.”
Real-World Application:
Understanding the Paleolithic period helps historians and anthropologists trace the origins of human behavior, societal structures, and even dietary practices that still influence modern life and debates.
WORD-6: Foragers
Context:
"To Sahlins, this showed that foragers are not simply examples of human diversity or victimhood but something more profound: they demonstrated that societies make real choices." - From the essay “Original Affluent Society” by Marshall Sahlins
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Foragers" refers to people who obtain food by searching, collecting, and gathering from the natural environment, rather than by farming or raising animals. This method of subsistence is associated with hunter-gatherer societies that lived before the agricultural revolution. In Sahlins’s argument, foragers are not primitive or backward but represent an intentional and viable way of life—one that prioritizes leisure, sustainability, and social balance over accumulation or economic growth.
Meaning: People who gather food from wild plants, animals, and natural surroundings rather than cultivating it (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: FOR-uh-jurz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Old French *forager* meaning "to forage or plunder," ultimately from Latin *fodere*, meaning "to dig."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a core anthropological term. It's not just about survival—it's about a worldview. Foragers represent a lifestyle of choice, not deficiency. When used in academic writing, it often signals debates about sustainability, choice, and cultural alternatives to modern economic systems.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: gatherers, scavengers, hunters, subsistence seekers
Antonyms: farmers, cultivators, agriculturalists, producers
Usage Examples:
- Foragers rely on seasonal plants, wild fruits, and game for their daily sustenance.
- Ancient foragers moved in small groups to follow the availability of natural resources.
- Many traditional societies practiced foraging well into the modern era.
- Unlike farmers, foragers spent fewer hours working each day, according to some anthropological studies.
Cultural Reference:
"The forager lifestyle has often been romanticized as freer and more balanced, but also misunderstood as primitive or lacking." - From Yuval Noah Harari’s *Sapiens*
Think About It:
What might modern societies learn from forager lifestyles in terms of simplicity, sustainability, or work-life balance?
Quick Activity:
Imagine you are living as a forager for a week. Make a list of things you'd gather from your environment for food, tools, or shelter. What would be the challenges and benefits?
Memory Tip:
Think of “foragers” as people who go out and *forage*—they search and collect, just like someone picking berries in the forest.
Real-World Application:
Some communities still practice foraging today, either as a cultural tradition or for sustainable living. In modern contexts, the term also appears in discussions around food security, environmental ethics, and alternative economic models.
WORD-7: Meager
Context:
"Before being driven into marginal environments by colonial powers, hunter-gatherers, or foragers, were not engaged in a desperate struggle for meager survival." - From the essay “Original Affluent Society” by Marshall Sahlins
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Meager" describes something that is lacking in quantity, quality, or substance—insufficient, inadequate, or minimal. In the passage, it refers to the commonly held (but challenged) belief that hunter-gatherers lived in constant poverty or barely had enough resources to survive. Sahlins contests this idea, arguing instead that they enjoyed a relatively abundant and balanced lifestyle. The word "meager" thus becomes a key term in framing how survival and prosperity are culturally interpreted.
Meaning: Lacking in quantity or quality; inadequate (Adjective)
Pronunciation: MEE-gur
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old French *meigre*, from Latin *macrum*, meaning "lean" or "thin."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Meager” is a frequently used word in both academic and everyday language. It's great for describing anything that falls short—resources, opportunities, support. In writing, it helps convey contrast or criticism effectively, especially when paired with terms like “survival,” “income,” or “results.”
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: scanty, sparse, insufficient, paltry, skimpy
Antonyms: abundant, ample, generous, plentiful, substantial
Usage Examples:
- Despite working two jobs, he earned only a meager income.
- The villagers survived on a meager supply of food during the drought.
- The evidence presented was too meager to support the claim.
- She received meager praise for her outstanding performance.
Cultural Reference:
"Even in Dickens’s world of meager meals and bleak orphanages, children found ways to imagine joy." – From a literary review of *Oliver Twist*
Think About It:
Why do some societies describe non-materialistic lifestyles as “meager”? Is it possible that minimalism is sometimes mistaken for poverty?
Quick Activity:
Write three sentences using “meager” to describe different aspects of life (e.g., food, opportunity, support). Try to vary the tone—sympathetic, critical, ironic.
Memory Tip:
Think of “meager” as sounding like “mere”—both suggest something small or barely enough.
Real-World Application:
"Meager" is often used in journalism, economics, and literature to discuss poverty, inequality, or minimal resources. It's a useful word when critiquing systems that fail to provide basic needs or fair compensation.
WORD-8: Empirical
Context:
"But the point [of the essay] is not so much the empirical validity of the data—the real interest for most readers, after all, is not in foragers either today or in the Paleolithic— but rather its conceptual challenge to contemporary economic life and bourgeois individualism." - From the essay “Original Affluent Society” by Marshall Sahlins
Explanatory Paragraph:
The term "empirical" refers to knowledge or conclusions that are based on observation, experience, or actual data—rather than on theory, speculation, or belief. In academic and scientific writing, empirical evidence is highly valued because it is verifiable and grounded in the real world. In the essay, Sahlins points out that the significance of his argument doesn’t rest solely on whether the data about foragers is empirically precise, but on how the argument challenges the ideological assumptions of modern economic life.
Meaning: Based on observation, experience, or experiment rather than theory (Adjective)
Pronunciation: em-PEER-ih-kul
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *empiricus*, from Greek *empeirikos*, meaning “experienced” or “based on observation.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is essential in academic vocabulary, especially in research writing. "Empirical" helps distinguish between what can be tested or observed and what is purely theoretical or ideological. Learn it well—it shows up in every major discipline!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: evidence-based, observed, experiential, factual
Antonyms: theoretical, hypothetical, speculative, abstract
Usage Examples:
- The scientist relied on empirical data collected over several months of fieldwork.
- Empirical research helps us understand real-world behavior, not just theoretical models.
- Her conclusions were not supported by any empirical evidence.
- In social sciences, empirical studies often involve surveys, interviews, or case analysis.
Cultural Reference:
"Empirical observation is the backbone of the scientific method—without it, we drift into ideology." - From Carl Sagan's *The Demon-Haunted World*
Think About It:
Can something still be considered true if it lacks empirical evidence but has strong conceptual or philosophical support?
Quick Activity:
Choose a common belief or opinion and write one sentence describing how you would test it empirically.
Memory Tip:
Think "empirical" = "experienced"—both start with “e” and relate to things you can see, hear, or measure in real life.
Real-World Application:
"Empirical" is widely used in research, policy-making, science, and academia. Whether you're writing a research paper or evaluating evidence in journalism or law, knowing this term helps you critically assess claims based on data versus those based purely on theory or opinion.
WORD-9: Ethnocentric
Context:
"If it seems that foragers have been left behind by 'progress,' this is due only to the ethnocentric self-congratulation of the West." - From the essay “Original Affluent Society” by Marshall Sahlins
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Ethnocentric" refers to the belief that one’s own ethnic group, culture, or way of life is superior to others. When someone is being ethnocentric, they tend to judge other cultures by the standards and values of their own, often dismissing different ways of living as inferior or backward. In this context, Sahlins is criticizing the Western worldview for viewing foragers as primitive or lagging behind, when in fact they may have consciously chosen a different and equally valid way of life.
Meaning: Evaluating other cultures according to the standards of one’s own culture, often with a sense of superiority (Adjective)
Pronunciation: eth-no-SEN-trik
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *ethnos* meaning “nation” or “people” and *kentron* meaning “center”—literally “centered on one’s own ethnic group.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is often used in anthropology, sociology, and global studies. It’s a key concept for understanding cultural bias and why some worldviews dominate others in history and discourse. It also invites students to reflect on their own assumptions when studying or discussing other societies.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: culturally biased, narrow-minded, chauvinistic, xenophobic
Antonyms: culturally aware, open-minded, relativistic, inclusive
Usage Examples:
- The travel writer’s account was criticized for being ethnocentric and dismissive of local traditions.
- Ethnocentric thinking can prevent true understanding between diverse groups.
- The curriculum was revised to avoid an ethnocentric focus on Western history alone.
- She challenged the ethnocentric notion that modern technology equals progress for everyone.
Cultural Reference:
"The tendency to view one’s own culture as the norm and others as deviations is the essence of ethnocentrism." — From Edward T. Hall’s work on intercultural communication
Think About It:
Can development and progress be defined in culturally neutral terms? Or is every model of “success” shaped by ethnocentric values?
Quick Activity:
Write a short paragraph describing a cultural practice that might be misunderstood if judged from an ethnocentric perspective. Then rewrite it from a culturally respectful viewpoint.
Memory Tip:
Think of "ethnocentric" as “ethnic-centered”—when someone places their own ethnic or cultural group at the center of everything.
Real-World Application:
Understanding ethnocentrism is crucial in fields like international relations, education, global business, and media. It helps professionals approach other cultures with sensitivity, avoid miscommunication, and foster inclusive thinking.
WORD-10: Rebuking
Context:
"While acknowledging the violence of colonialism, racism, and dispossession, it does not thematize them as heavily as we might today. Rebuking evolutionary anthropologists for treating present-day foragers as 'left behind' by progress..." - From the essay “Original Affluent Society” by Marshall Sahlins
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Rebuking" means expressing strong disapproval or criticism of someone or something, especially for moral or intellectual reasons. In this context, Sahlins is not just disagreeing with evolutionary anthropologists—he is sharply criticizing their assumption that foragers are relics of the past who haven’t kept up with societal progress. The word conveys more intensity than “disagreeing”—it suggests moral or ethical condemnation.
Meaning: Expressing sharp criticism or disapproval (Verb – present participle)
Pronunciation: ri-BYOO-king
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Middle English *rebuken*, from Anglo-French *rebuker*, meaning “to beat back” or “reprimand.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a powerful academic and argumentative word. “Rebuking” often appears in scholarly texts or opinion pieces where the writer wants to show not just disagreement, but ethical or logical opposition. It’s assertive—use it to make strong critical statements in writing.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: scolding, reprimanding, censuring, criticizing, reproaching
Antonyms: praising, endorsing, approving, commending
Usage Examples:
- The teacher was rebuking the student for copying answers during the test.
- The journalist wrote a scathing editorial rebuking the government’s handling of the crisis.
- She stood firm, rebuking the unfair accusations with clarity and evidence.
- Rebuking traditional interpretations, the scholar offered a radically new perspective.
Cultural Reference:
"Jesus turned and looked at Peter. ‘Get behind me, Satan!’ he said, rebuking him." – From the Bible, Mark 8:33 (illustrating moral correction)
Think About It:
When is rebuking necessary in academic or public discourse? Can it be constructive, or does it always create conflict?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences: one where someone rebukes a social policy, and another where someone rebukes a personal behavior. Try to keep the tone formal and impactful.
Memory Tip:
Think of “rebuking” as “re-BUZZ-kicking”—delivering a sharp verbal kick or pushback when something is morally or logically wrong.
Real-World Application:
"Rebuking" is often used in critical writing, debates, journalism, and speeches. It’s especially common in settings where someone is challenging unjust actions, outdated beliefs, or unethical practices with strong conviction.
