✨ 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:
- Looting
- Patrimony
- Prohibitions
- Policymakers
- Souvenir
- Artifacts
- Far-reaching
- Abolish
- Diminishes
- Archaeological
WORD-1: Looting
Context:
"In 2007, the Getty [art museum in the US] agreed to return 40 objects to Italy, including a marble Aphrodite, in the midst of looting scandals." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Looting” refers to the act of stealing goods, often during times of chaos such as war, protests, or colonial occupation. In the context of art and archaeology, it typically involves the illegal excavation and sale of cultural artifacts, often removed from their original context without permission. The sentence describes a scandal in which the Getty Museum was implicated in acquiring objects that were believed to have been obtained through such illicit means. Looting has legal, ethical, and cultural implications, especially concerning national heritage and restitution.
Meaning: The act of stealing or plundering, especially during times of disorder (Noun / Verb – “to loot”)
Pronunciation: LOO-ting
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Hindi *lūṭ*, meaning “to plunder,” adopted into English during the colonial period in the 18th century.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Looting is more than just theft—it often has a historical or political dimension. In contexts like war or colonialism, looting is about the loss of identity and heritage, not just objects. Be alert to this deeper meaning in academic or journalistic discussions.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: plundering, pillaging, ransacking, theft, robbery
Antonyms: protection, preservation, restitution, return
Usage Examples:
- The museum faced international criticism for displaying looted antiquities.
- Wartime looting led to the disappearance of countless cultural treasures.
- The rebels were accused of looting homes and government buildings during the uprising.
- Archaeologists condemned the looting of sacred burial sites for private collections.
Cultural Reference:
The British Museum has faced repeated calls to return looted artifacts like the Elgin Marbles and the Benin Bronzes—objects taken during colonial military campaigns and still held today.
Think About It:
Should museums be required to return all looted artifacts, even if they were acquired decades or centuries ago? Who gets to decide?
Quick Activity:
Research a well-known case of cultural looting (e.g., Nazi art theft, colonial looting in Africa). Write 3–4 lines summarizing the event and its impact.
Memory Tip:
“Loot” sounds like “loot box” in games—except in real life, looting means taking what doesn't belong to you, often during disorder or war.
Real-World Application:
Understanding “looting” is essential in discussions of cultural heritage, ethics in museum curation, international law, and post-conflict justice. It helps contextualize debates around repatriation of art and historical accountability.
WORD-2: Patrimony
Context:
"Cultural property, or patrimony, laws limit the transfer of cultural property outside the source country’s territory, including outright export prohibitions and national ownership laws." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Patrimony” originally means an inheritance from one’s father or ancestors, but in a broader and modern sense, it refers to the collective cultural, historical, and artistic heritage of a nation or community. In the sentence above, patrimony laws are legal protections that prevent the unauthorized removal or sale of cultural objects, which are seen not as private commodities but as national treasures. The term emphasizes the idea that cultural artifacts belong to a shared identity and legacy, rather than individuals or foreign institutions.
Meaning: Inherited property or heritage, especially cultural or national heritage (Noun)
Pronunciation: PAT-ruh-moh-nee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *patrimonium*, meaning “father’s estate” (*pater* = father + *monium* = property/condition). Originally used for family inheritance, now expanded to cultural inheritance.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
In modern legal and cultural discussions, “patrimony” doesn’t just mean money or land—it refers to everything that a society values and passes on: monuments, language, literature, traditions, and artworks. Think: legacy + identity.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: heritage, inheritance, legacy, cultural wealth, national treasure
Antonyms: loss, neglect, disinheritance, dispossession
Usage Examples:
- The government declared the temple a protected site of national patrimony.
- Many indigenous communities fight to preserve their cultural patrimony from commercial exploitation.
- European museums are under pressure to return artifacts considered stolen patrimony.
- Language and folklore form an essential part of a country’s intangible patrimony.
Cultural Reference:
UNESCO’s World Heritage program is a global initiative to protect natural and cultural patrimony deemed of outstanding value to humanity, such as the Pyramids of Egypt or the Taj Mahal.
Think About It:
Should cultural patrimony always stay in its country of origin, or can museums and collectors elsewhere serve as legitimate stewards?
Quick Activity:
List three items or traditions you think should be considered part of your country’s patrimony. Justify why they deserve legal protection or global recognition.
Memory Tip:
“Patrimony” = “pater” (father) + “money” → think of it as ancestral wealth or legacy passed from one generation to the next—not just physical objects, but cultural identity.
Real-World Application:
Understanding patrimony is vital in fields like law, international relations, anthropology, and museum studies. It shapes debates on ownership, restitution, and cultural rights in a globalized world.
WORD-3: Prohibitions
Context:
"Cultural property, or patrimony, laws limit the transfer of cultural property outside the source country’s territory, including outright export prohibitions and national ownership laws." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Prohibitions” refer to official rules or laws that forbid certain actions. In this context, export prohibitions are legal restrictions that prevent cultural property—such as artworks, monuments, or artifacts—from being taken out of their country of origin. These rules are meant to protect a nation's heritage from being lost, stolen, or sold abroad. The word carries the force of authority and implies legal or institutional enforcement of what is not allowed.
Meaning: Official bans or restrictions that forbid an action or behavior (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: proh-huh-BISH-uhnz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *prohibere* meaning "to prevent, hinder, forbid," from *pro-* ("before") + *habere* ("to hold"). The English noun form developed in the 15th century.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Prohibition” is often used in legal, historical, and moral contexts. It's stronger than mere disapproval—it implies a formal, often government-backed, restriction. In exams and essays, it can be paired with terms like “policy,” “law,” or “moral.”
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: ban, restriction, embargo, interdiction, limitation
Antonyms: permission, allowance, approval, authorization, freedom
Usage Examples:
- Export prohibitions protect ancient artifacts from being trafficked illegally.
- The school has strict prohibitions against cheating during exams.
- Many countries have lifted prohibitions on foreign media access.
- The treaty includes prohibitions on the use of certain weapons in war.
Cultural Reference:
The word "Prohibition" is capitalized in American history to refer to the nationwide constitutional ban on alcohol (1920–1933), illustrating how legal prohibitions can reshape society.
Think About It:
Can prohibitions protect society, or do they sometimes backfire and create black markets and resistance?
Quick Activity:
List three modern prohibitions (legal, moral, or institutional) in your country. What are they trying to prevent, and are they effective?
Memory Tip:
Think of “prohibit” as “pro” (forward) + “hibit” (to hold) → to hold something off or stop it from happening.
Real-World Application:
Understanding prohibitions is key in legal studies, ethics, international law, and public policy. It helps analyze how rules shape behavior and protect national or cultural interests.
WORD-4: Policymakers
Context:
"Most art historians, archaeologists, museum officials and policymakers portray cultural property laws in general as invaluable tools for counteracting the ugly legacy of Western cultural imperialism." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Policymakers” are individuals or groups—often in government, international organizations, or advisory bodies—who are responsible for creating rules, laws, and strategies that guide public action and governance. In the context above, policymakers are key players in shaping cultural property laws, which aim to protect heritage and rectify historical injustices, such as colonial plundering. They influence how nations regulate the acquisition, return, and preservation of cultural artifacts and ensure that legal frameworks reflect ethical considerations.
Meaning: People who create or influence laws, regulations, and public strategies (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: PAW-lih-see-may-kurz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From “policy” (a course of action) + “maker” (one who creates). The compound came into common use in political discourse in the 20th century.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
When reading about politics, economics, education, or cultural debates, remember that “policymakers” are not always elected—they may include diplomats, bureaucrats, researchers, and advisors. Their role is to frame the legal and ethical rules of society.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: legislators, lawmakers, officials, strategists, regulators
Antonyms: citizens, the public, followers, constituents
Usage Examples:
- Policymakers must balance economic growth with environmental protection.
- The summit brought together global policymakers to discuss cultural restitution.
- Education policymakers are debating reforms to reduce inequality in schools.
- Effective laws depend not only on policymakers but also on proper implementation.
Cultural Reference:
Policymakers played a crucial role in shaping post-war institutions like the United Nations and UNESCO, which protect cultural heritage and human rights on a global scale.
Think About It:
How can policymakers ensure that the laws they create reflect the values and voices of the people they serve, especially in matters of cultural justice?
Quick Activity:
Choose one current issue (e.g., climate change, digital privacy, cultural heritage). Write a sentence explaining what you think policymakers should do about it and why.
Memory Tip:
“Policymakers” = people who **make policies**. Easy to remember: they’re the rule-setters behind the scenes of how society works.
Real-World Application:
Understanding the role of policymakers is essential for civic awareness, public debates, activism, and careers in law, governance, and international relations.
WORD-5: Souvenir
Context:
"‘The age of piracy’ — American and European art museums acquired antiquities by hook or by crook, from grave robbers or souvenir collectors, bounty from digs and ancient sites in impoverished but art-rich source countries." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
A “souvenir” is typically a small item kept or given as a reminder of a place, person, or event. However, in the context above, “souvenir collectors” refers to individuals—often travelers, colonizers, or adventurers—who took artifacts from ancient or sacred sites under the guise of collecting mementos. These objects were sometimes removed without permission, contributing to the loss of cultural heritage. While “souvenir” often sounds innocent, it can carry problematic connotations when linked to cultural appropriation or looting.
Meaning: An object kept as a reminder of a place, person, or experience (Noun)
Pronunciation: soo-vuh-NEER
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Basic
Etymology: From French *souvenir*, meaning “to remember.” Related to Latin *subvenire*, “to come to mind.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Souvenir” may seem harmless, like a fridge magnet from a holiday. But when used historically, especially in colonial or archaeological contexts, it can mean unethically taken items. Be alert to how tone and context shift its meaning.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: keepsake, memento, token, reminder, relic
Antonyms: loss, discard, forgettable item, generic object
Usage Examples:
- She brought back a small figurine as a souvenir from her trip to Kyoto.
- The soldier kept a letter as a cherished souvenir of his time overseas.
- Some museums were built around souvenirs taken from colonized regions.
- Looters often disguised stolen artifacts as “souvenirs” to avoid legal trouble.
Cultural Reference:
During the colonial era, travelers often returned with “souvenirs” that were in fact sacred or historically valuable artifacts. This practice contributed to the rise of large museum collections in the West.
Think About It:
When does collecting a souvenir cross the line from innocent remembrance to cultural theft?
Quick Activity:
List two souvenirs you’ve collected. Reflect on their origin: Were they locally made? Ethically sourced? Why does that matter?
Memory Tip:
“Souvenir” sounds like “so you remember”—because that’s what it’s for: an object that helps you remember a place or moment.
Real-World Application:
Understanding the ethical dimensions of souvenirs is important in tourism, museum studies, anthropology, and cultural preservation. Not all keepsakes are harmless; some carry histories of displacement and exploitation.
WORD-6: Artifacts
Context:
"China provides an interesting alternative approach for source nations eager for foreign archaeological investment. From 1935 to 2003, China had a restrictive cultural property law that prohibited foreign ownership of Chinese cultural artifacts." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Artifacts” are objects made or shaped by humans, typically of cultural, historical, or archaeological interest. These items—such as tools, pottery, sculptures, or jewelry—offer insights into past civilizations and societies. In the given context, Chinese cultural artifacts refer to ancient objects that are part of the nation’s heritage. The law mentioned was designed to protect these valuable artifacts from being taken or sold abroad, asserting national control over items considered integral to cultural identity and history.
Meaning: Human-made objects of historical, cultural, or archaeological importance (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: AR-tuh-fakts
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *arte* (“by skill”) + *factum* (“a thing made”); first used in the 19th century in archaeological contexts.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Artifacts aren’t just old things—they are **evidence** of human history. They tell stories about how people lived, believed, built, and ruled. In cultural debates, artifacts often stand at the center of disputes over ownership, identity, and historical justice.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: relics, antiquities, objects, remains, cultural items
Antonyms: natural objects, modern tools, synthetic items (context-dependent)
Usage Examples:
- The museum houses thousands of ancient artifacts from Mesopotamia.
- Looted artifacts often end up in private collections or foreign museums.
- Archaeologists were thrilled to discover well-preserved artifacts buried beneath the temple.
- China strictly regulates the excavation and export of its cultural artifacts.
Cultural Reference:
The Rosetta Stone, an artifact housed in the British Museum, remains a symbol of cultural significance and controversy, as Egypt continues to request its return.
Think About It:
Should artifacts taken during colonial rule be returned to their countries of origin? Why or why not?
Quick Activity:
List three famous artifacts you’ve heard of (e.g., the Mona Lisa, Terracotta Army). Write one sentence on what each tells us about its culture of origin.
Memory Tip:
Think of “artifact” as “a fact made by art” — a physical clue left behind by human hands, like a time capsule from the past.
Real-World Application:
Artifacts are central to museum studies, archaeology, history, and international law. They help societies understand their past and also raise ethical questions about ownership and cultural preservation.
WORD-7: Far-reaching
Context:
"To the extent that source countries can fund their own archaeological projects, artifacts and sites may still be discovered.... The survey has far-reaching implications." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Far-reaching” is used to describe something that has a wide and significant impact, often influencing many areas or lasting a long time. In this context, the phrase “far-reaching implications” suggests that the results of the archaeological survey could affect not just academic research but also cultural policy, national identity, and international relationships around heritage. It emphasizes the broad scope and importance of the findings or decisions.
Meaning: Having a wide-ranging and significant effect or influence (Adjective)
Pronunciation: fahr-REE-ching
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: Compound of “far” (great distance or extent) + “reaching” (extending to). Used metaphorically to describe consequences that extend broadly in scope or time.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Far-reaching” is a useful academic and journalistic phrase. Use it when describing effects, changes, or consequences that go beyond the obvious or immediate—especially in law, science, politics, or ethics.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: extensive, wide-ranging, sweeping, broad, influential
Antonyms: limited, narrow, superficial, insignificant
Usage Examples:
- The new education policy will have far-reaching effects on rural communities.
- Technological advances in AI may bring far-reaching changes to the job market.
- The treaty had far-reaching implications for international law and sovereignty.
- His resignation sent far-reaching ripples through the organization.
Cultural Reference:
The U.S. Supreme Court’s 1954 decision in *Brown v. Board of Education* had far-reaching consequences, ending racial segregation in American public schools and reshaping civil rights law.
Think About It:
Can small decisions ever have far-reaching consequences? Think of a time when something minor had a major ripple effect.
Quick Activity:
Choose a current event and write one sentence explaining why its outcome could have far-reaching implications.
Memory Tip:
Imagine something “reaching far” like a ripple in water—it starts small but spreads out wide. That’s what far-reaching decisions do.
Real-World Application:
“Far-reaching” is often used in analysis, reports, speeches, and policy writing to highlight significance. Mastering this term can strengthen your ability to discuss impact and long-term consequences effectively.
WORD-8: Abolish
Context:
"This does not mean these nations should abolish restrictions on foreign excavation and foreign claims to artifacts." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Abolish” means to formally put an end to a system, practice, or institution—especially one that is seen as outdated, unjust, or no longer necessary. In the sentence above, it refers to whether nations should eliminate legal restrictions that protect their cultural heritage from being excavated or claimed by outsiders. The word carries a sense of permanence and legal authority, implying that the action would completely dismantle a regulation or structure.
Meaning: To officially end or do away with something, especially a law, practice, or institution (Verb)
Pronunciation: uh-BAW-lish
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *abolere*, meaning “to destroy, to cause to die out.” Entered English via Old French in the 15th century.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Abolish” is often used in serious legal or political discussions—think of slavery, apartheid, the death penalty, or institutional barriers. It signals a **complete and formal ending**, not just a reduction or reform.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: eliminate, repeal, annul, terminate, dismantle
Antonyms: establish, enforce, uphold, maintain, implement
Usage Examples:
- The government voted to abolish outdated colonial-era laws.
- Slavery was officially abolished in the U.S. in 1865 with the 13th Amendment.
- Activists are calling to abolish the use of fossil fuels by 2050.
- The museum director opposed abolishing protections for cultural sites.
Cultural Reference:
The Abolitionist Movement in the 18th and 19th centuries, led by figures like Frederick Douglass and William Wilberforce, was instrumental in the global campaign to abolish slavery.
Think About It:
What systems or practices in today’s world do you believe should be abolished? What would be the benefits and risks of doing so?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “abolish” in a legal, social, and environmental context. Observe how the tone shifts with each use.
Memory Tip:
Think of “abolish” as pressing a “big red button” to **end something completely**—no going back, just gone.
Real-World Application:
“Abolish” is key in law, politics, and social reform. It is often used in advocacy to call for the end of unjust systems—whether legal, institutional, or cultural.
WORD-9: Diminishes
Context:
"I surveyed 90 countries with one or more archaeological sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list, and my study shows that in most cases the number of discovered sites diminishes sharply after a country passes a cultural property law." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Diminishes” means to decrease in size, importance, number, or intensity. In this context, the sentence refers to a noticeable drop in the number of new archaeological discoveries after stricter cultural property laws are enacted. This may suggest reduced excavation activity, limited access, or bureaucratic restrictions. The verb implies a weakening or lessening of something over time, and it often carries a slightly negative or concerning tone when used in academic or policy discussions.
Meaning: To become smaller or less; to reduce in size, number, or importance (Verb – third-person singular present)
Pronunciation: dih-MIH-nish-iz
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *deminuere*, meaning “to lessen, make small.” The root *minus* means “less.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Diminishes” is often used in formal writing—especially in essays and reports—when describing decline or reduction. It’s a more academic and precise alternative to “goes down” or “decreases.” Use it to describe trends, impact, or value.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: decrease, lessen, decline, reduce, dwindle
Antonyms: increase, expand, grow, intensify, escalate
Usage Examples:
- Public trust in the system diminishes when transparency is lacking.
- The value of the currency diminished rapidly due to inflation.
- His enthusiasm for the project diminished after repeated setbacks.
- The number of new archaeological discoveries diminished after the law was enforced.
Cultural Reference:
In economics and psychology, the “law of diminishing returns” describes how the benefit of something decreases as more of it is used or consumed—illustrating how “diminishes” connects to patterns of loss or decline across fields.
Think About It:
Can something diminishing ever be a good thing—like stress, pollution, or inequality? What factors determine whether decline is positive or negative?
Quick Activity:
Write three sentences using “diminishes” in different contexts: one about quantity, one about emotion, and one about value or influence.
Memory Tip:
Think of “diminish” as the opposite of “finish big”—it’s when something gets **smaller** or **weaker** over time.
Real-World Application:
“Diminishes” is a versatile word used in statistics, policy analysis, science, and emotional descriptions. It helps communicate subtle or sharp declines with clarity and precision.
WORD-10: Archaeological
Context:
"It suggests that source countries, particularly in the developing world, should narrow their cultural property laws so that they can reap the benefits of new archaeological discoveries, which typically increase tourism and enhance cultural pride." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Archaeological” relates to archaeology—the scientific study of human history and prehistory through the excavation and analysis of artifacts, structures, and other physical remains. In the sentence above, the term describes discoveries made through archaeological methods, such as uncovering ancient cities, burial grounds, or monuments. These findings are often linked to national identity, tourism, and education, making “archaeological” both a technical and culturally significant term.
Meaning: Relating to the study of ancient human history through material remains (Adjective)
Pronunciation: ar-kee-uh-LOJ-ih-kul
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *arkhaiologia* (study of ancient things), combining *arkhaios* (ancient) and *logos* (study or discourse). “Archaeology” became formalized as a discipline in the 19th century.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Archaeological” is more than just digging up ruins—it connects deeply to cultural identity, historical knowledge, and sometimes political power. When used in essays, it often signals a topic related to heritage, preservation, or tourism.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: historical (contextually), ancient, excavational, antiquarian
Antonyms: modern, futuristic, contemporary, current
Usage Examples:
- The archaeological site revealed a lost civilization buried for centuries.
- Archaeological research provides vital insights into human development.
- New archaeological discoveries often attract global attention and tourism.
- The country tightened its archaeological laws to prevent illegal excavation.
Cultural Reference:
The discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun by Howard Carter in 1922 remains one of the most famous archaeological events, significantly shaping global fascination with Egyptology.
Think About It:
Should archaeological discoveries always remain in their country of origin, or is there value in sharing them globally through museums and exhibitions?
Quick Activity:
Pick a famous archaeological discovery (like Machu Picchu or Pompeii). Write two sentences about what it revealed and why it's important.
Memory Tip:
“Archaeological” starts with “arch-” like “ancient architecture”—think of ruins and buried cities that tell human stories from the past.
Real-World Application:
“Archaeological” knowledge is used in fields like history, tourism, museum curation, and cultural preservation. It helps countries protect their heritage and develop informed public policies on cultural property.
