✨ 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:
- Positivists
- Ascertain
- Pulpy
- Timber
- Epigraphy
- Dictum
- Eastbourne
- Eradicate
- Untrue
- Cognitive
WORD-1: Positivists
Context:
"The Positivists, anxious to stake out their claim for history as a science, contributed the weight of their influence to the cult of facts." - Historical Essay
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Positivists" are individuals who follow the philosophy of *Positivism*, a school of thought that emphasizes the importance of observable, scientific facts and empirical evidence over speculation or metaphysics. In the context of history, Positivists argued that historical study should be as objective and fact-based as the natural sciences. Their approach prioritized the collection of concrete data and often dismissed subjective interpretation or emotional narratives. This perspective helped shape modern historical and social science research methodologies, although it has also been criticized for being overly rigid or dismissive of human complexity.
Meaning: People who adhere to the philosophy of positivism, emphasizing factual, scientific, and objective methods of inquiry (Noun, plural)
Pronunciation: poz-i-tiv-ists
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Etymology: From the Latin *positivus* ("settled by agreement") and popularized by Auguste Comte, a 19th-century French thinker considered the father of positivism.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Positivists” are key figures in the development of modern scientific and academic thinking. Their strict emphasis on fact and evidence still influences how we define "truth" in research today. Encourage students to explore the balance between facts and interpretation in subjects like history, literature, and even politics.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: empiricists, rationalists, scientific thinkers, objectivists
Antonyms: idealists, metaphysicians, relativists, subjectivists
Usage Examples:
- The Positivists believed that history should be studied like a natural science.
- Positivists tend to distrust theories that cannot be tested through empirical observation.
- Critics argue that Positivists often overlook cultural and emotional dimensions of human behavior.
- As a positivist, he demanded hard data before accepting any psychological claims.
Cultural Reference:
Auguste Comte, the founder of positivism, envisioned a “science of society” that would replace religion and metaphysics with factual knowledge. His ideas shaped early sociology and modern scientific inquiry. - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Think About It:
Can facts alone explain the human experience, or do we need stories, emotions, and interpretations alongside data?
Quick Activity:
Pick a historical event and write two brief summaries: one as a Positivist focused only on facts, and another as a storyteller adding context and emotion. Compare the results.
Memory Tip:
“Positivists” focus on what’s *positive*—as in provable, clear-cut, and testable—rather than uncertain or philosophical.
Real-World Application:
Understanding Positivism helps students and researchers critically assess the strengths and limits of scientific and historical methodologies, and recognize how facts are framed and interpreted.
WORD-2: Ascertain
Context:
"First ascertain the facts, said the positivists, then draw your conclusions from them. . . . This is what may [be] called the common-sense view of history." - Historical Essay
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Ascertain" means to find out something with certainty, usually through investigation or analysis. It emphasizes clarity and factual confirmation, especially before forming opinions or making decisions. In the context of the sentence, the Positivists emphasize the importance of first verifying facts—through observation or research—before forming historical interpretations. The word captures the logical, evidence-based approach that underpins scientific inquiry and rational thinking.
Meaning: To find out or determine something for certain, often through investigation (Verb)
Pronunciation: as-er-tayn
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Old French *acertener*, based on Latin *certus* meaning “settled” or “sure”; the prefix *a-* adds emphasis to making something certain.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Ascertain” is a sophisticated alternative to “find out” or “confirm.” It’s commonly used in academic, legal, and investigative contexts. Teach students how using precise vocabulary like this can elevate their writing, especially in essays and formal arguments.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: determine, verify, confirm, discover, establish
Antonyms: ignore, assume, guess, overlook
Usage Examples:
- The detective worked hard to ascertain the truth behind the missing documents.
- Before making a decision, you must ascertain all the facts.
- It is difficult to ascertain the exact cause of the ancient structure’s collapse.
- The historian tried to ascertain whether the diary entries were authentic.
Cultural Reference:
In classic detective novels by Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle, characters like Poirot and Sherlock Holmes frequently use logic to *ascertain* the facts before solving a mystery. - British Literary Tradition
Think About It:
Why is it important to ascertain facts before forming opinions—especially in today's age of misinformation?
Quick Activity:
Write down three questions about your daily life you’ve never tried to ascertain the truth of. Pick one and research it today.
Memory Tip:
“Ascertain” sounds like “a certain”—think of it as making something *a certain fact* rather than a guess.
Real-World Application:
Using “ascertain” correctly is especially useful in formal writing, critical thinking, and academic research—where verifying information is key to building strong, credible arguments.
WORD-3: Pulpy
Context:
"[Sir George Clark] contrasted the 'hard core of facts' in history with the surrounding pulp of disputable interpretation forgetting perhaps that the pulpy part of the fruit is more rewarding than the hard core..." - Historical Essay
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Pulpy" literally refers to something soft, juicy, and full of pulp—like the inside of a fruit. In this metaphorical context, it describes the interpretive, subjective, and debatable aspects of history. While facts may form the “core,” the “pulpy” parts are where richness, complexity, and meaning reside. The author suggests that while some may dismiss interpretation as less solid than facts, it often holds greater value—much like the enjoyable, flavorful part of fruit compared to its hard, inedible core.
Meaning: Resembling or full of soft, juicy material; figuratively, something rich in texture or content, though possibly lacking firmness (Adjective)
Pronunciation: pul-pee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Easy
Etymology: From the noun *pulp* (Latin *pulpa*, meaning "flesh of fruit") + the descriptive suffix *-y*, forming “pulpy.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Pulpy” here is a great example of metaphorical language in academic writing. While it often has a literal or even slightly negative connotation (like in "pulpy magazines"), this usage elevates the term to praise the depth and richness of interpretation. It’s a word that helps learners appreciate nuance in both literature and analysis.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: mushy, juicy, soft-textured, interpretive (figurative)
Antonyms: firm, hard, factual, rigid (figurative)
Usage Examples:
- The mango was perfectly ripe—sweet and pulpy.
- He preferred the pulpy novels filled with dramatic twists and exaggerated plots.
- The film was criticized for its pulpy storytelling, but audiences loved it.
- The essay argues that the pulpy, interpretive side of history often holds the most insight.
Cultural Reference:
“Pulpy” fiction, such as early 20th-century detective and sci-fi magazines printed on cheap wood pulp paper, gave rise to cult classics like *The Shadow* and *Flash Gordon*. These stories were rich in imagination, even if not seen as “high art.” - Pulp Magazine Archives
Think About It:
Is interpretation in history less valid than facts, or does it make the study of the past more meaningful?
Quick Activity:
Pick a fruit and describe its core and pulp metaphorically. What does each part represent in how we understand truth or ideas?
Memory Tip:
“Pulpy” sounds like “pulp”—the soft, juicy part of fruit. Think of pulpy as full of content—sometimes messy, but rich and rewarding.
Real-World Application:
Understanding metaphorical uses of words like “pulpy” helps in reading literature, essays, and academic writing where language often carries deeper symbolic meaning.
WORD-4: Timber
Context:
"The historian must not get these things wrong. But [to] praise a historian for his accuracy is like praising an architect for using well-seasoned timber or properly mixed concrete in his building. It is a necessary condition of his work, but not his essential function." - Historical Essay
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Timber" refers to wood that has been prepared for use in building and carpentry. In the context of this metaphor, “well-seasoned timber” symbolizes the basic materials a professional must use correctly—here, it stands for factual accuracy in history. Just as an architect must use solid materials to construct a sound building, a historian must use accurate facts to build reliable narratives. However, the quote emphasizes that using good materials is only the foundation; creativity, design, or interpretation is what defines the true quality of the work.
Meaning: Wood prepared for construction or carpentry; also used metaphorically to refer to foundational or structural quality (Noun)
Pronunciation: tim-ber
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Easy
Etymology: From Old English *timber* meaning “building, structure, wood for building”; closely related to Old High German *zimbar* and Old Norse *timbr*.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Timber” is a fantastic word for exploring metaphorical thinking. It’s often used literally in construction, but here it appears as a symbol of factual integrity. Encourage students to unpack such metaphors—they enhance comprehension and deepen engagement with academic texts.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: wood, lumber, beams, planks
Antonyms: concrete, steel, brick (in construction context); in metaphorical usage: weak foundation, falsehood
Usage Examples:
- The cabin was built entirely out of strong oak timber.
- Seasoned timber is less likely to crack or warp over time.
- In literature, character is the timber of a good story—everything else builds on it.
- Praising a historian for accuracy is like praising a builder for using quality timber—it’s expected, not exceptional.
Cultural Reference:
In the American frontier era, “Timber!” was famously shouted when a tree was being felled. Timber remains a symbol of both rugged construction and foundational strength in Western culture. - Folklore of Logging Traditions
Think About It:
What are the “timber” elements in your work or studies—the basics you must get right before adding creativity or interpretation?
Quick Activity:
List three materials or skills that act as "timber" in different professions (e.g., coding in software development). How do they support greater functions?
Memory Tip:
Timber = Tree + Builder → Think of a strong tree being turned into strong materials. In learning, “timber” = solid foundation!
Real-World Application:
Understanding both the literal and metaphorical uses of "timber" helps you engage with deeper ideas in writing, from literature to history, where physical terms often represent abstract values like structure, integrity, or foundation.
WORD-5: Epigraphy
Context:
"It is precisely for matters of this kind that the historian is entitled to rely on what have been called the 'auxiliary sciences' of history—archaeology, epigraphy, numismatics, chronology, and so forth..." - Historical Essay
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Epigraphy" is the study and interpretation of inscriptions, especially those carved on durable materials like stone, metal, or clay. These inscriptions often serve as primary historical sources, offering valuable insights into ancient languages, rulers, laws, dedications, and everyday life. As one of the “auxiliary sciences” of history, epigraphy supports historians by providing concrete, dated records that help reconstruct events, verify narratives, or shed light on periods with few written texts.
Meaning: The scientific study and interpretation of inscriptions, particularly those from ancient times (Noun)
Pronunciation: eh-pig-ruh-fee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Etymology: From Greek *epigraphē* meaning “inscription,” from *epi-* ("upon") + *graphein* ("to write").
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Epigraphy is an excellent example of how specialized disciplines enrich our understanding of history. While it may sound niche, it plays a crucial role in validating ancient texts and timelines. Introduce this word when discussing evidence-based history or the detective work historians do to piece together the past.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: inscription study, ancient writing analysis, script interpretation
Antonyms: oral tradition, folklore (in context of historical evidence sources)
Usage Examples:
- Through epigraphy, scholars decoded early Roman laws inscribed on stone tablets.
- The temple's walls provided valuable data for the epigraphy team studying Mayan civilization.
- Epigraphy revealed that the monument dated back to the third century BCE.
- She specialized in epigraphy and could read ancient Greek inscriptions with ease.
Cultural Reference:
The Rosetta Stone, inscribed in three scripts and key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs, is one of the most famous artifacts studied through epigraphy. - British Museum Archives
Think About It:
What can ancient inscriptions tell us that written books or digital records might miss?
Quick Activity:
Search online for a famous ancient inscription (like the Code of Hammurabi or an Egyptian stele). Write two facts historians have learned from it using epigraphy.
Memory Tip:
“Epi” = upon and “graphy” = writing → Epigraphy is the study of what’s *written upon* things like stones or walls.
Real-World Application:
Understanding epigraphy is crucial for fields like archaeology, history, and linguistics—it allows scholars to uncover details about societies that left no books but carved their stories in stone.
WORD-6: Dictum
Context:
"...surrounding pulp of disputable interpretation forgetting perhaps that the pulpy part of the fruit is more rewarding than the hard core. . . . It recalls the favourite dictum of the great liberal journalist C. P. Scott: 'Facts are sacred, opinion is free.'" - Historical Essay
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Dictum" refers to a formal or authoritative statement, often expressing a principle, opinion, or wise observation. In this context, it highlights a well-known saying by journalist C. P. Scott that distinguishes between facts—which must be treated with integrity—and opinions, which should remain open and unrestricted. A dictum is typically concise and memorable, serving as a guiding idea in discussions, writing, or decision-making. It adds rhetorical weight and clarity to arguments or reflections.
Meaning: A formal statement of principle, belief, or opinion; a notable or authoritative saying (Noun)
Pronunciation: dik-tum
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *dictum* meaning “a thing said,” from *dicere* (“to say”).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Dictum” is a great word for students to use when referring to famous quotations, rules, or principles. It instantly elevates writing, especially in argumentative essays or reflective pieces. Encourage learners to collect dictums from leaders, philosophers, and writers to support their ideas more effectively.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: saying, maxim, adage, principle, proclamation
Antonyms: question, ambiguity, rumor, hearsay
Usage Examples:
- He often quoted the dictum “knowledge is power” in his speeches.
- The judge’s dictum in the case became a guiding principle for future decisions.
- “Facts are sacred, opinion is free” is a powerful journalistic dictum.
- She lived by her grandmother’s dictum: “Do what is right, not what is easy.”
Cultural Reference:
The phrase “Facts are sacred, opinion is free” comes from C. P. Scott, the long-time editor of *The Manchester Guardian*. His dictum has become a journalistic standard emphasizing ethical reporting and editorial freedom. - British Journalism Heritage
Think About It:
What dictum do you live by, or what short saying deeply influences how you see the world?
Quick Activity:
Write down one famous dictum you’ve heard. Then rephrase it in your own words and explain what it means to you.
Memory Tip:
“Dictum” comes from “dict-” meaning “say”—so think of it as something *said* with authority or wisdom, like a quote worth remembering.
Real-World Application:
Knowing how to use and refer to dictums strengthens essays, debates, and speeches. It also helps critically evaluate ideas that are widely quoted but may require deeper thought or challenge.
WORD-7: Eastbourne
Context:
"It is no doubt important to know that the great battle was fought in 1066 and not in 1065 or 1067, and that it was fought at Hastings and not at Eastbourne or Brighton." - Historical Essay
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Eastbourne" is a coastal town in East Sussex, England. In the quoted sentence, it is used humorously to contrast historical accuracy with hypothetical error. The author stresses the importance of factual precision in history by stating that the Battle of Hastings occurred at Hastings—not at nearby towns like Eastbourne or Brighton. While Eastbourne itself is not the focus of the discussion, its mention adds a layer of geographical realism and subtly highlights how small factual mistakes can change the meaning or integrity of historical understanding.
Meaning: A seaside town in East Sussex, England, known for its Victorian architecture and coastal scenery (Proper Noun)
Pronunciation: eest-born
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Easy (Geographical Name)
Etymology: From Old English *East burne* meaning “east stream,” referring to its location near an eastern brook or stream.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Even though “Eastbourne” is not a vocabulary word in the traditional sense, it’s important for students to recognize proper nouns and place names, especially when they’re used rhetorically or to make a point in historical or literary texts. This is a great opportunity to explore how place names can function as examples in argument or satire.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: (none; proper noun)
Antonyms: (none; proper noun)
Usage Examples:
- Eastbourne is a popular seaside resort town in southern England.
- The author joked that the battle didn’t take place in Eastbourne or Brighton, but in Hastings.
- Eastbourne is known for its scenic promenade and chalk cliffs.
- Many retirees choose to settle in Eastbourne for its peaceful environment.
Cultural Reference:
Eastbourne is featured in British literature and media as a symbol of relaxed coastal life, and it has been a setting in works by authors like George Orwell and Agatha Christie. - British Coastal Literature Review
Think About It:
Why do authors sometimes use real place names, even in hypothetical or humorous statements, to make a historical point?
Quick Activity:
Look up a map of East Sussex. Locate Hastings, Eastbourne, and Brighton. What historical or cultural features do these towns share?
Memory Tip:
Eastbourne = *East* + *bourne* (“stream”)—a coastal town by a stream in the east of England. Think seaside, not battlefield!
Real-World Application:
Recognizing place names like Eastbourne enriches your reading of historical and literary texts, helping you spot references, satire, or comparisons that rely on geographical awareness.
WORD-8: Eradicate
Context:
"The belief in a hard core of historical facts existing objectively and independently of the interpretation of the historian is a preposterous fallacy, but one which it is very hard to eradicate." - Historical Essay
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Eradicate" means to completely eliminate or wipe something out, often something undesirable such as a belief, behavior, or disease. In the context of the quote, the author refers to a deeply held but flawed belief about history—that facts can exist without interpretation—and suggests that this misconception is difficult to completely remove from people’s thinking. The use of the word underscores how persistent and embedded certain ideas can be, even in the face of logic or evidence.
Meaning: To destroy or remove something completely, especially something harmful or unwanted (Verb)
Pronunciation: ih-rad-ih-kayt
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *eradicare*, from *e-* ("out") + *radix* ("root"), literally meaning “to root out.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Eradicate" is a vivid and strong word that conveys more than just 'remove'—it suggests permanent and total elimination. Encourage students to use it when they want to express forceful intent or lasting impact in essays and debates, especially around social, political, or intellectual issues.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: eliminate, remove, wipe out, exterminate, abolish
Antonyms: preserve, maintain, sustain, promote
Usage Examples:
- Vaccination campaigns aim to eradicate deadly diseases like polio and measles.
- The organization works to eradicate poverty in rural communities.
- Despite education reforms, some outdated teaching methods are hard to eradicate.
- The historian argued that the myth was deeply rooted and difficult to eradicate from academic thinking.
Cultural Reference:
The World Health Organization celebrated the eradication of smallpox in 1980—the first and only human disease to be completely wiped out. - WHO Archives
Think About It:
Why do some false beliefs or harmful practices remain so difficult to eradicate, even with education and evidence?
Quick Activity:
List three problems in your school, community, or society that you think should be eradicated. What would be the first step toward doing that?
Memory Tip:
“Eradicate” comes from *root*—imagine pulling a weed out completely by its root. No trace left behind!
Real-World Application:
Understanding the word "eradicate" equips you to discuss issues of global concern—like disease, injustice, or misinformation—with greater precision and seriousness in academic writing and public discourse.
WORD-9: Untrue
Context:
"It used to be said that facts speak for themselves. This is, of course, untrue." - Historical Essay
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Untrue" means not in accordance with fact or reality; simply put, it describes something that is false. In the context of the sentence, the statement challenges the idea that facts inherently carry meaning without interpretation. The author argues that facts do not “speak” unless they are placed within a framework of meaning, context, or narrative—so the claim that they explain themselves is false, or *untrue*. This word serves to directly refute a commonly held belief with clarity and precision.
Meaning: Not true; false or incorrect (Adjective)
Pronunciation: uhn-troo
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Easy
Etymology: From Old English *un-* (not) + *true*, forming “untrue,” meaning not in agreement with the truth.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Untrue" is a simple but forceful word, great for both formal and informal contexts. It's especially useful in academic writing where a claim or assumption needs to be clearly rejected. When paired with thoughtful reasoning, this word helps students build strong arguments.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: false, incorrect, inaccurate, misleading
Antonyms: true, accurate, factual, correct
Usage Examples:
- The accusation was completely untrue and based on rumors.
- It's untrue to assume that history is only about memorizing dates.
- Many believed the myth, but it was later proven untrue by scientists.
- To say that facts speak for themselves is untrue—they require interpretation.
Cultural Reference:
The term “untrue” is often used in legal and journalistic contexts, where the accuracy of statements has major consequences—such as in defamation cases where proving a claim is *untrue* can lead to legal penalties. - Legal Studies Review
Think About It:
Is something still untrue if it’s widely believed to be true? How do we determine the line between belief and fact?
Quick Activity:
Write down three statements you once believed to be true but later discovered were untrue. What changed your perspective?
Memory Tip:
“Un-” means not, and “true” means correct—so *untrue* literally means “not true.” A simple prefix flips the meaning entirely.
Real-World Application:
Mastering the use of "untrue" helps you articulate disagreement, correct misinformation, and strengthen arguments in discussions, essays, and digital communications—skills critical in today’s information-driven world.
WORD-10: Cognitive
Context:
"The only reason why we are interested to know that the battle was fought at Hastings in 1066 is that historians regard it as a major historical event. . . . Professor Talcott Parsons once called [science] 'a selective system of cognitive orientations to reality.'" - Historical Essay
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Cognitive" relates to mental processes such as thinking, reasoning, memory, learning, and perception. In the context of this quote, it refers to the intellectual frameworks or mental filters through which we understand and interact with reality. When Professor Talcott Parsons describes science as a "cognitive orientation," he means that science is a way of organizing and interpreting information about the world based on logic and evidence. Thus, the term underscores how our understanding of events—like historical battles—is shaped not just by facts, but by the mental systems through which we process those facts.
Meaning: Related to mental processes such as knowledge, thinking, understanding, learning, and remembering (Adjective)
Pronunciation: kog-ni-tiv
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *cognitio* meaning “knowledge” or “understanding,” from *cognoscere* (“to get to know”).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Cognitive” is a foundational term in psychology, education, and philosophy. It reminds us that knowledge isn’t just absorbed—it’s processed, shaped, and filtered by how we think. Help students link this word to ideas like cognitive bias, cognitive load, or cognitive development for deeper insights.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: intellectual, mental, psychological, rational
Antonyms: emotional, instinctive, unconscious, irrational
Usage Examples:
- Learning a new language enhances your cognitive flexibility.
- He specializes in cognitive psychology, studying how people solve problems.
- Cognitive development in children is crucial during early years of education.
- Scientific reasoning is a cognitive system for interpreting the world.
Cultural Reference:
Cognitive science emerged as a key interdisciplinary field in the 20th century, combining psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, and computer science to understand how the human mind works. - MIT Cognitive Sciences Department
Think About It:
Do we really perceive facts objectively, or are all our experiences filtered through cognitive frameworks we've been trained to use?
Quick Activity:
List two cognitive skills you use daily (e.g., planning, remembering). Describe how improving these skills could benefit your learning or work.
Memory Tip:
“Cognitive” comes from “cogitate,” meaning to think deeply. Think: Cognitive = Anything involving your brain’s *thinking* power.
Real-World Application:
Understanding cognitive processes is key in fields like education, AI, psychology, and even leadership—helping you design better learning strategies, improve decision-making, and understand how people interpret information.
