✨ 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:
- Campaign
- Charities
- Knowingly
- Aviation
- Thrifting
- Microfibre
- Norm
- landfills
- Fleece
- Liquidation
WORD-1: Campaign
Context:
"The Second Hand September campaign, led by Oxfam . . . seeks to encourage shopping at local organisations and charities as alternatives to fast fashion brands such as Primark and Boohoo in the name of saving our planet." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "campaign" refers to a planned set of actions aimed at achieving a specific goal. It is often used in political, social, or marketing contexts, but its meaning is broader. Whether it’s a company promoting a product, an organization trying to raise awareness about an issue, or an activist pushing for change, a campaign involves effort, coordination, and a clear objective. In the context of Oxfam’s "Second Hand September," the campaign is a socially driven initiative encouraging people to shop more sustainably.
Meaning: A series of planned activities aimed at achieving a particular goal (Noun)
Pronunciation: kam-payn
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Easy
Etymology: From French *campagne*, from Italian *campagna*, from Latin *campus* meaning "field"; originally referring to military operations in the field.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Campaign" is one of those powerful, action-oriented words. Whether it's political, marketing-related, or social, it implies organized effort and purpose. Encourage students to explore its usage across different contexts—it builds awareness of how language influences public action.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: drive, movement, initiative, crusade, operation
Antonyms: inaction, apathy, stagnation
Usage Examples:
- The government launched a campaign to reduce plastic waste.
- Her election campaign focused on healthcare and education.
- Activists began a campaign to preserve the local forest.
- Oxfam’s campaign promotes second-hand shopping to fight climate change.
Cultural Reference:
"Yes We Can" was the famous slogan of Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, which inspired millions with its message of hope and change. - U.S. Presidential History
Think About It:
Can a well-organized campaign truly change people's behavior, or do real changes require deeper structural shifts?
Quick Activity:
Think of a cause you care about. Now draft the name and purpose of a campaign that would promote that cause. Share with a friend or teacher.
Memory Tip:
Think of a campaign like a *military mission*—it’s a focused attack, but on an idea or goal, not an enemy.
Real-World Application:
Understanding the term "campaign" helps you critically evaluate marketing messages, political promises, and social movements, making you a more informed citizen and consumer.
WORD-2: Charities
Context:
"The Second Hand September campaign, led by Oxfam . . . seeks to encourage shopping at local organisations and charities as alternatives to fast fashion brands such as Primark and Boohoo in the name of saving our planet." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "charities" refers to organizations established to help those in need and to promote social welfare. These groups are typically non-profit and operate through donations and volunteer work. In the context of the Oxfam campaign, charities are presented as ethical shopping alternatives—places where people can donate or buy second-hand items to reduce waste and support important causes, such as poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability.
Meaning: Organizations set up to provide help and raise money for those in need (Noun, plural)
Pronunciation: cha-ri-teez
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Easy
Etymology: From Old French *charité*, from Latin *caritas* meaning "dearness, affection, high price," later evolving to mean “altruistic love or giving.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Charities” should not be thought of just as donation centers—they are powerful engines of change. Students should explore how modern charities blend social good with business models, creating impact-driven initiatives.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: non-profits, aid organizations, humanitarian groups, foundations
Antonyms: businesses (for-profit), corporations, enterprises
Usage Examples:
- Many charities rely on public donations to continue their work.
- She volunteered at several local charities during summer break.
- Online platforms now make it easier to support global charities.
- The concert raised over $100,000 for children’s charities.
Cultural Reference:
"No one has ever become poor by giving." — Anne Frank, a quote often invoked by charities to inspire generosity and compassion. - From *The Diary of a Young Girl*
Think About It:
Do you believe that charities should remain purely donation-based, or should they explore business models to sustain their missions?
Quick Activity:
Search for a local charity online. Write down its mission, the cause it supports, and one way you could help—either by donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness.
Memory Tip:
Think of "charity" as sharing from the heart—‘chari-’ sounds like “care,” and that’s what charities do: they care.
Real-World Application:
Knowing what charities do can help you choose where to contribute time, resources, or money to support causes that matter to you, such as education, environment, or health.
WORD-3: Knowingly
Context:
"As innocent as mindless scrolling through online shops may seem, such consumers are unintentionally—or perhaps even knowingly— contributing to an industry that uses more energy than aviation..." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Knowingly" is an adverb used when someone does something with full awareness and intent. It suggests a conscious choice or deliberate action. In the context of online shopping, it implies that some consumers are fully aware that their habits support industries with significant environmental impacts—yet they continue anyway. This word highlights personal responsibility and ethical awareness.
Meaning: With full knowledge, awareness, or intention (Adverb)
Pronunciation: noh-ing-lee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Easy
Etymology: Derived from the verb "know" (Old English *cnāwan*) + adverbial suffix "-ly", forming “knowingly”—i.e., in a knowing way.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Knowingly” is a powerful adverb that highlights intent. In moral or legal contexts, it’s the difference between an accident and a crime. Encourage students to explore how this word shifts meaning based on the tone and context it appears in.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: deliberately, intentionally, consciously, purposefully
Antonyms: unknowingly, unintentionally, accidentally, inadvertently
Usage Examples:
- He knowingly broke the rules despite being warned.
- She knowingly kept the information to herself to avoid conflict.
- They were accused of knowingly polluting the river.
- Many consumers now knowingly support sustainable brands.
Cultural Reference:
In legal drama series like *Law & Order*, the term "knowingly" is often used in court to establish criminal intent—a key difference between manslaughter and murder. - Popular Legal Media
Think About It:
When people act "knowingly" in harmful situations, are they more responsible than those who act in ignorance?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences: one where someone does something knowingly and another where they do something unknowingly. Compare the outcomes.
Memory Tip:
“Knowingly” comes from “know”—so if you *know* something and still do it, you’re doing it *knowingly*.
Real-World Application:
Understanding and using “knowingly” helps in legal writing, ethical discussions, and debates about responsibility—vital for academic and professional settings.
WORD-4: Aviation
Context:
"As innocent as mindless scrolling through online shops may seem, such consumers are unintentionally—or perhaps even knowingly— contributing to an industry that uses more energy than aviation..." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Aviation" refers to the operation, development, and production of aircraft, especially for flight through the air. It encompasses everything related to flying—from commercial airlines to private jets, air traffic control, and aerospace engineering. In the given context, aviation is used as a benchmark for high energy consumption, highlighting the significant environmental impact of the online shopping and fast fashion industries, which now rival or surpass even this traditionally energy-intensive sector.
Meaning: The design, development, production, operation, and use of aircraft (Noun)
Pronunciation: ay-vee-ay-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *avis* meaning "bird" + the suffix *-ation*, denoting action or process. The term was first coined in French as *aviation* in the late 19th century.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Aviation” is a great word to explore when discussing science, sustainability, or even war history. It reflects humanity’s progress in conquering the skies, but also our growing environmental responsibilities. Encourage students to link this word to innovation, travel, and climate change debates.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: air travel, aeronautics, flying, flight operations
Antonyms: ground transport, railways, road travel (in context of modes of transport)
Usage Examples:
- The aviation industry faced major setbacks during the global pandemic.
- Innovations in aviation have made air travel faster and safer than ever.
- Many countries are investing in sustainable aviation fuels to reduce carbon emissions.
- He has always dreamed of a career in aviation, designing next-gen aircraft.
Cultural Reference:
The Wright brothers, credited with inventing and building the world’s first successful airplane in 1903, are celebrated pioneers of aviation history. - Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Think About It:
As air travel becomes more accessible, should we be more concerned about the environmental impact of the aviation industry?
Quick Activity:
List three industries you think use more energy than aviation. Then research to check if your assumptions are correct.
Memory Tip:
Think of “aviation” as linked to “aviary”—a place for birds. Aviation is how humans have taken flight, just like birds in the sky.
Real-World Application:
Understanding “aviation” is key for discussions about travel, climate policy, engineering careers, and future technologies like drones and flying cars.
WORD-5: Microfibre
Context:
"These can end up in our rivers and seas after just one wash due to the worn material, thus contributing to microfibre pollution." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Microfibre" refers to extremely fine synthetic fibers, often made of polyester or nylon, that are used in textiles. Though they make clothes lightweight and stretchy, they come with a significant environmental downside. When garments made from synthetic materials are washed, tiny microfibres break off and enter water systems, eventually reaching oceans. These microplastics are nearly impossible to filter out and can harm marine life, making microfibre pollution a growing environmental issue.
Meaning: Very fine synthetic fibers, often used in fabrics, that can pollute water bodies when shed during washing (Noun)
Pronunciation: my-kroh-fy-ber
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From *micro-* meaning “small” (Greek *mikros*) + *fibre*, from Latin *fibra*, meaning “fiber or thread.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Microfibre" may sound technical, but it's increasingly relevant in everyday conversations about sustainability and pollution. It's crucial for learners to connect vocabulary to real-world issues—like how our clothing choices impact the environment through something as tiny as microfibres.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: synthetic fiber, fine filament, textile strand
Antonyms: natural fiber, organic thread, cotton, wool
Usage Examples:
- Microfibre cloths are popular for cleaning because of their high absorbency.
- Every wash of synthetic clothing releases thousands of microfibres into the water system.
- Researchers are working on filters to reduce microfibre pollution from washing machines.
- The rise of fast fashion has accelerated microfibre pollution in marine ecosystems.
Cultural Reference:
Documentaries like *The True Cost* and *A Plastic Ocean* highlight how microfibre pollution from clothing and plastic waste threatens marine ecosystems. - Environmental Film Archive
Think About It:
Should governments regulate synthetic clothing production to reduce microfibre pollution, or should change come from consumer choices?
Quick Activity:
Check the labels of five clothing items you own. Identify which ones are made of synthetic fibers and could be shedding microfibres during washes.
Memory Tip:
“Micro” means tiny and “fibre” means thread—so a microfibre is a tiny thread, often too small to see, but big enough to cause real environmental damage.
Real-World Application:
Understanding microfibres helps consumers make informed choices about clothing materials, sustainability, and washing practices to reduce their environmental footprint.
WORD-6: Thrifting
Context:
"If everyone bought just one used item in a year, it would save 449 million lbs of waste, equivalent to the weight of 1 million Polar bears. 'Thrifting' has increasingly become a trendy practice. London is home to many second-hand, or more commonly coined ‘vintage’, shops across the city from Bayswater to Brixton." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Thrifting" refers to the act of shopping for second-hand or pre-owned items, especially clothing, typically at thrift stores, vintage shops, or charity shops. Originally rooted in the idea of being frugal or economical, thrifting has evolved into a cultural movement that blends sustainability with personal style. In recent years, it has gained popularity among young people not just as a way to save money but as a fashionable, eco-conscious alternative to fast fashion.
Meaning: The practice of shopping for second-hand or used goods, especially clothes, usually at thrift or vintage stores (Noun/Verb - informal)
Pronunciation: thrif-ting
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Easy
Etymology: From the word "thrift," meaning wise use of resources or frugality, with the verb-forming suffix "-ing." The term has been used informally in American English since the late 20th century.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Thrifting” is more than a trend—it's a lifestyle that reflects economic mindfulness and environmental responsibility. It’s a great word to introduce students to sustainability through vocabulary. Ask them to reflect on their consumption habits and the role language plays in shaping culture.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: bargain hunting, second-hand shopping, vintage buying, resale shopping
Antonyms: splurging, luxury shopping, fast fashion shopping
Usage Examples:
- She spends her weekends thrifting for vintage jackets and old vinyl records.
- Thrifting is not only budget-friendly but also eco-conscious.
- He found a designer shirt for just $5 while thrifting in Brooklyn.
- Thrifting has become a creative way to express one’s personal style.
Cultural Reference:
The song “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (2012) brought thrifting into the mainstream pop culture, celebrating second-hand fashion with style and humor. - Billboard Top 100 Archives
Think About It:
Can thrifting truly challenge the dominance of fast fashion, or is it just a passing trend for certain social groups?
Quick Activity:
Visit a local thrift store or browse an online second-hand marketplace. Find one item you would consider buying and explain why.
Memory Tip:
Link “thrifting” with “thrift = save.” When you thrift, you *save* money and the planet at the same time.
Real-World Application:
Thrifting helps reduce textile waste, supports local charities or small businesses, and promotes conscious consumerism—skills and values that align with sustainability goals worldwide.
WORD-7: Norm
Context:
"There will always be a market for consignment but there is also a whole generation of people who have been taught that only buying new products is the norm; second-hand luxury goods are not in their psyche." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Norm" refers to a standard or expected way of doing things within a group, society, or culture. It reflects what is generally accepted as normal behavior or practice. In the sentence, the norm is the idea that buying brand-new products is the usual or socially accepted practice. The statement highlights how cultural conditioning can shape consumer behavior and how deviating from the norm—like buying second-hand luxury items—might feel unfamiliar or even unacceptable to some people.
Meaning: A standard or typical pattern of behavior that is expected within a society or group (Noun)
Pronunciation: norm
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Easy
Etymology: From Latin *norma*, meaning “carpenter’s square” or “rule.” Originally used in the sense of a standard or guideline.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
The word “norm” is simple yet powerful. It’s a great entry point into discussions about social behavior, psychology, and even rebellion. Encourage students to reflect on which norms they follow and which they challenge—and why.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: standard, convention, rule, custom, expectation
Antonyms: anomaly, exception, deviation, irregularity
Usage Examples:
- Wearing uniforms to school is the norm in many countries.
- Remote work has become the norm for many tech companies after the pandemic.
- Questioning social norms is often the first step toward societal change.
- In some cultures, it is the norm to greet others with a bow instead of a handshake.
Cultural Reference:
The term “norms” is heavily used in sociology and psychology, such as in *Durkheim’s* theories about how social norms regulate behavior and maintain order. - From Émile Durkheim’s work on social facts
Think About It:
What is one social norm that you think should change in today’s world—and why?
Quick Activity:
List three norms you follow every day without questioning. Reflect on whether they help or limit you.
Memory Tip:
“Norm” sounds like “normal”—and that’s what it is: what society sees as *normal* behavior.
Real-World Application:
Understanding norms helps in cross-cultural communication, behavioral studies, and even marketing—since what’s "normal" can vary greatly across regions and generations.
WORD-8: Fleece
Context:
"To break it down, the amount of microfibers released by laundering 100,000 fleece jackets is equivalent to as many as 11,900 plastic grocery bags, and up to 40 per cent of that ends up in our oceans." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Fleece" refers to a soft, warm fabric typically made from polyester—a type of plastic. It is popular for jackets, blankets, and cold-weather clothing due to its insulating properties and lightweight feel. However, because fleece is synthetic, washing it can release thousands of tiny plastic microfibers into the water system. These fibers are too small to be filtered out in treatment plants and often end up in oceans, posing a threat to marine life. While comfortable and affordable, fleece garments raise significant environmental concerns.
Meaning: A soft, warm fabric made from synthetic fibers, commonly used in jackets and winterwear (Noun)
Pronunciation: flees
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Easy
Etymology: Originally from Old English *flēos*, meaning "fleece of wool." In modern usage, it also refers to synthetic fabric that mimics the texture of natural wool.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Fleece” is a great example of a word with both natural and synthetic meanings. Originally referring to a sheep’s wool coat, it now also means a man-made fabric. This word lets us explore how language adapts over time and how materials we use every day impact the environment.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: synthetic wool, polar fleece, plush fabric
Antonyms: cotton, wool (natural fibers), linen
Usage Examples:
- He wore a fleece jacket to stay warm on the chilly hike.
- Fleece garments are cozy but contribute to microplastic pollution.
- This blanket is made of recycled fleece material.
- Washing fleece clothing releases tiny plastic fibers into the environment.
Cultural Reference:
Outdoor brands like Patagonia pioneered the use of fleece in sustainable fashion but have since raised awareness about its environmental footprint, encouraging customers to wash fleece less frequently and use special laundry bags. - Patagonia Environmental Campaigns
Think About It:
Can we balance comfort and environmental responsibility when choosing materials like fleece?
Quick Activity:
Check the tags on two of your warm garments. Are they made of fleece or natural fibers? Consider which is more eco-friendly and why.
Memory Tip:
“Fleece” feels like “fuzzy” and “fleecy”—soft and warm! But also remember: synthetic fleece = plastic base, which can pollute when washed.
Real-World Application:
Knowing what fleece is helps you make better choices when shopping for winter clothing. Choosing recycled or low-shedding fleece—or washing it in special bags—reduces your environmental impact.
WORD-9: Landfills
Context:
"[They would be well advised to buy] high-quality items that shed less and last longer [as this] combats both microfibre pollution and excess garments ending up in landfills." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Landfills" are specially designated areas where waste is buried as a means of disposal. In modern society, landfills are a major part of waste management systems, but they also represent a serious environmental challenge. Items that are not biodegradable or recyclable can remain in landfills for centuries, contributing to land and water pollution. The sentence warns against buying low-quality garments that wear out quickly and are discarded—eventually ending up in landfills, adding to the growing problem of textile waste.
Meaning: Sites where garbage and other waste materials are buried under the ground (Noun, plural)
Pronunciation: land-filz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Easy
Etymology: From “land” + “fill,” literally meaning to fill land with refuse or garbage; modern usage dates back to mid-20th century waste management practices.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word may seem straightforward, but it opens the door to deeper discussions on environmental ethics and responsibility. When students understand what landfills are and what ends up there, they’re more likely to change their behavior. Combine this word with “recycle,” “biodegradable,” and “sustainable” in class discussions.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: dump site, waste ground, refuse site, garbage pit
Antonyms: recycling center, compost site, incinerator (in some contexts)
Usage Examples:
- Old electronics should be recycled instead of sent to landfills.
- Landfills release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
- The city is running out of space in its existing landfills.
- Buying durable products helps reduce landfill waste.
Cultural Reference:
Landfills play a prominent role in environmental documentaries like *Before the Flood* and *A Plastic Ocean*, which examine the impact of human waste on our planet. - National Geographic Films
Think About It:
What personal changes can you make to reduce how much waste you contribute to landfills?
Quick Activity:
List five common household items that often end up in landfills. Next to each, write one way to reuse or recycle it instead.
Memory Tip:
Think of “landfills” as land *filled* with waste. The word says exactly what it is—land being filled up with garbage.
Real-World Application:
Knowing about landfills can guide better choices in shopping, recycling, and advocating for sustainable community practices, all of which help preserve the environment for future generations.
WORD-10: Liquidation
Context:
"Ben Whitaker, director at Liquidation Firm B-Stock, told Prospect that unless recycling becomes cost-effective and filters into mass production, with the right technology to partner it, 'high-end retailers would rather put brand before sustainability.'" - Prospect Magazine
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Liquidation" in this context refers to the process of selling off excess or unsold inventory, often at discounted prices, to recover cash. While the term also has a broader financial meaning related to winding up a business, here it specifically relates to companies offloading stock through third-party firms like B-Stock. This practice helps businesses manage overproduction or outdated inventory, though it often highlights the wasteful aspects of the fast fashion and retail industries when products are discarded or deeply discounted instead of repurposed or recycled.
Meaning: The process of converting goods or assets into cash, often through discount sales or asset sell-offs (Noun)
Pronunciation: lik-wi-day-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *liquidare* ("to melt, make liquid") + English suffix *-tion*; originally a legal/financial term referring to dissolving or clearing out assets.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Liquidation” is often linked with financial failure, but it also plays a key role in how businesses handle unsold stock. In today’s retail world, liquidation reflects deeper issues of overproduction and sustainability. Ask students to reflect on how consumerism and corporate strategies intersect through this word.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: clearance, sell-off, asset disposal, fire sale
Antonyms: accumulation, retention, acquisition
Usage Examples:
- The store held a liquidation sale to clear out its inventory before closing down.
- Online platforms specialize in helping retailers manage product liquidation.
- The company faced bankruptcy and entered liquidation to pay off debts.
- Liquidation firms like B-Stock sell returned or excess goods at discounted rates.
Cultural Reference:
During the 2008 financial crisis, several well-known companies like Circuit City underwent liquidation as they failed to stay afloat in the collapsing economy. - Business Insider Archives
Think About It:
Is liquidation a responsible way to deal with surplus goods, or does it reflect deeper problems in how we produce and consume?
Quick Activity:
Research three brands that use liquidation channels to sell excess stock. What does this say about their business model and sustainability approach?
Memory Tip:
“Liquidation” comes from “liquid”—think of turning solid assets (like stock) into something fluid and movable: cash!
Real-World Application:
Understanding liquidation helps consumers, entrepreneurs, and students of business see how excess production, sustainability, and financial strategy are connected in modern retail.
