✨ 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:
- Fragile
- Plausible
- Consuming
- Fatalism
- Sequential
- Extraordinary
- Underexplored
- Vanishingly
- Benzene
- Malnutrition
WORD-1: Fragile
Context:
"Steven Pinker’s new book, “Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters,” offers a pragmatic dose of measured optimism, presenting rationality as a fragile but achievable ideal in personal and civic life." - The New York Times
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "fragile" describes something that is easily broken, damaged, or disrupted. In the context of Pinker's book, rationality is portrayed as a delicate concept that must be carefully nurtured and preserved to thrive in individual and collective settings. It underscores how rational thinking, though powerful, is susceptible to being undermined by biases, misinformation, and emotional impulses.
Meaning: Easily broken or damaged; delicate and vulnerable (Adjective)
Pronunciation: FRA-jil
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *fragilis*, from *frangere* meaning "to break".
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Fragile” isn't just about physical things like glass or porcelain; it’s a powerful metaphor for emotions, ideas, or systems. When something is fragile, it needs mindfulness and care. Think of how rationality, relationships, or even democracy can be fragile if not protected.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: delicate, breakable, brittle, vulnerable, flimsy
Antonyms: sturdy, durable, strong, resilient, tough
Usage Examples:
- The vase was so fragile that it shattered with a mere touch.
- Her confidence was fragile after the repeated criticism.
- The ceasefire agreement was fragile and could collapse at any moment.
- Trust, once broken, is a fragile thing to rebuild.
Cultural Reference:
"People are fragile creatures. You should see how easily they break." – From the movie *The Book of Eli*
Think About It:
Why do you think societies often treat rationality as a fragile ideal rather than a natural way of thinking?
Quick Activity:
Make a two-column list: on one side, list five things that are physically fragile, and on the other, five abstract concepts (like trust or peace) that are also fragile.
Memory Tip:
Think of "fragile" as "frail glass"—both can break easily if not handled with care.
Real-World Application:
In healthcare, fragile patients are those with complex, vulnerable conditions. In technology, fragile systems are ones that can fail from minor disruptions. The word is widely used in logistics, packaging, psychology, and politics.
WORD-2: Plausible
Context:
"It’s also plausible to believe that a wider application of the rational tools he analyzes would improve the world in important ways." - The New York Times
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "plausible" refers to something that appears reasonable or believable, even if it isn't certain. In this sentence, it means that it's a sensible and likely idea to think that using more rational tools could make a positive difference in the world. The word does not confirm truth—it simply suggests the idea makes logical or realistic sense.
Meaning: Seemingly reasonable or probable; believable (Adjective)
Pronunciation: PLAW-zuh-buhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *plausibilis*, from *plaudere*, meaning "to applaud or clap".
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Plausible” is often used in arguments or discussions to evaluate whether an idea is worth considering. It doesn’t mean the idea is true—only that it sounds like it could be. Be careful not to confuse “plausible” with “true” or “proven.”
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: believable, credible, reasonable, likely, conceivable
Antonyms: implausible, unlikely, unbelievable, doubtful
Usage Examples:
- Her excuse for being late sounded plausible, so the teacher let it go.
- The theory is plausible, but it still needs more evidence.
- It's plausible that climate change contributed to the extreme weather patterns.
- Though he gave a plausible explanation, some people remained skeptical.
Cultural Reference:
"When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." — Often quoted from Sherlock Holmes, this touches on the idea of plausibility vs. improbability. - Arthur Conan Doyle
Think About It:
Can an idea be plausible but still completely false? How can we distinguish between something that sounds believable and something that is actually true?
Quick Activity:
Write two short scenarios—one that is clearly plausible and one that sounds implausible. Share them with a friend and see if they can tell which is which!
Memory Tip:
Think of someone applauding (from Latin *plaudere*) an idea—they do that only if it *sounds* good, not necessarily if it's true. That’s plausible!
Real-World Application:
In journalism, science, and courtroom arguments, people often refer to the most plausible explanation among several. It helps in making reasoned judgments even when all facts aren’t available.
WORD-3: Fatalism
Context:
"Vanishingly rare events, from shark attacks to adverse vaccine reactions, would help prevent dangerous overreactions, fatalism and the diversion of finite resources away from solvable but less-dramatic issues, like malnutrition in the developing world." - The New York Times
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Fatalism" is the belief that all events are predetermined and inevitable, making human effort or intervention pointless. In the context of this sentence, fatalism refers to a resigned mindset that discourages proactive solutions. When people believe that tragic events are unavoidable or uncontrollable, they may stop trying to fix or prevent them, leading to inaction and misplaced priorities.
Meaning: The belief that all events are fixed in advance and human actions cannot change them (Noun)
Pronunciation: FAY-tuh-liz-uhm
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *fatalis* (“ordained by fate”) + *-ism* (a belief system or ideology)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Fatalism” can be a dangerous mindset. It shuts the door to action by convincing us that effort is useless. In competitive exams or real-life challenges, adopting a fatalistic view means giving up before trying—something we must avoid. Believing in change is the first step to creating it.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: resignation, determinism, passivity, acceptance
Antonyms: agency, empowerment, activism, hopefulness
Usage Examples:
- He spoke with a tone of fatalism, as if nothing he did could change the outcome.
- Fatalism can discourage people from taking action during crises.
- Instead of giving in to fatalism, she chose to fight for justice.
- The novel explores themes of destiny and fatalism in human life.
Cultural Reference:
"Que sera, sera — whatever will be, will be." — This popular song lyric reflects a fatalistic worldview, suggesting that outcomes are beyond our control. - Doris Day
Think About It:
Is believing in fate the same as being fatalistic? Where should we draw the line between accepting reality and changing it?
Quick Activity:
Write a short paragraph (3–4 lines) describing a situation where someone might feel fatalistic. Then, rewrite it showing how they could take action instead.
Memory Tip:
Think: *Fatalism* starts with "fatal" — as in a “dead-end” mindset that sees no way forward. Avoid it!
Real-World Application:
In social and political discussions, fatalism often leads to public apathy—people thinking problems like poverty or climate change are unsolvable. Challenging fatalism is crucial to fostering activism and positive change.
WORD-4: Sequential
Context:
"Pinker’s main focus is the sort of conscious, sequential reasoning that can track the steps in a geometric proof or an argument in formal logic." - The New York Times
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Sequential" refers to things that follow a particular order, one after another, like steps in a process. In this context, it describes a logical flow of thought, where each idea or step follows the previous one in a clear and structured way—just like in solving a math problem or analyzing a logical argument. Sequential thinking is crucial for clarity, precision, and strong reasoning.
Meaning: Arranged in a specific order or occurring in sequence (Adjective)
Pronunciation: see-KWEN-shuhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *sequentia* (“a following”), from *sequi*, meaning “to follow”.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Sequential” is a must-know word in logical and analytical writing. When solving a puzzle, writing a code, or building an argument, we often proceed in sequential steps. This is the opposite of random thinking. Understanding how to build ideas sequentially is a key skill in both writing and reasoning.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: consecutive, ordered, successive, step-by-step, linear
Antonyms: random, unordered, haphazard, disorganized
Usage Examples:
- The tasks must be completed in a sequential manner to avoid confusion.
- Her presentation followed a sequential structure that made it easy to understand.
- Learning to code often involves writing sequential commands for the computer to execute.
- He used sequential reasoning to prove the theorem step by step.
Cultural Reference:
"Sequencing is fundamental to understanding narratives, science, and math. It's how we make sense of the world." — Adapted from educational psychology resources.
Think About It:
Why do you think our brains sometimes struggle with sequential thinking in complex situations?
Quick Activity:
Write a 4-step sequential process for making a cup of tea or solving a math equation. Check if each step flows logically into the next.
Memory Tip:
“Sequential” sounds like “sequence” — just think of a line of dominoes falling one after another in order!
Real-World Application:
Sequential thinking is vital in fields like computer programming, storytelling, legal reasoning, and scientific experimentation—anywhere a clear, step-by-step approach is necessary.
WORD-5: Extraordinary
Context:
"Mozart's symphonies, much extraordinary human achievement is not a product of conscious, sequential reasoning. Even Plato's Socrates — who anticipated many of Pinker’s points by nearly 2,500 years, showing the virtue of knowing..." - The New York Times
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "extraordinary" is used to describe something that is extremely impressive, rare, or far beyond the ordinary. In the sentence, it highlights human achievements—like composing symphonies—that cannot be fully explained by logical, step-by-step reasoning. These accomplishments stand out for their brilliance and uniqueness, making them "extra-ordinary"—literally, beyond the normal.
Meaning: Very unusual, remarkable, or exceptional (Adjective)
Pronunciation: ek-STRAWR-dih-ner-ee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *extraordinarius*, from *extra-* (“outside”) + *ordinarius* (“regular, usual”).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Extraordinary" is one of those superlative words you must use with care. It’s not just a synonym for "good"—it means something that truly defies the norm. Use it to emphasize genius, courage, effort, or beauty that feels out of this world.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: remarkable, exceptional, outstanding, phenomenal, incredible
Antonyms: ordinary, average, normal, typical, unremarkable
Usage Examples:
- Her performance in the debate was extraordinary—confident, sharp, and persuasive.
- The rescue team showed extraordinary bravery during the flood operation.
- Mozart's music is often cited as an example of extraordinary talent.
- He had an extraordinary ability to remember even the smallest details.
Cultural Reference:
"Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." — William Shakespeare. This quote often refers to extraordinary individuals who rise beyond the average in their life journey.
Think About It:
Do you believe extraordinary achievements are born of talent, hard work, or a mix of both? Can the ordinary become extraordinary through effort?
Quick Activity:
Write down three things you’ve done that felt ordinary but, upon reflection, could be seen as extraordinary. Share one with a friend or mentor.
Memory Tip:
Break it into: *extra* + *ordinary* — think of something so "extra" that it rises above the "ordinary."
Real-World Application:
We use "extraordinary" to describe everything from heroic acts to scientific breakthroughs. It’s a word that celebrates excellence in sports, arts, leadership, and everyday life.
WORD-6: Underexplored
Context:
"The role of moral and ethical education in promoting rational behavior is also underexplored. Pinker recognizes that rationality “is not just a cognitive virtue but a moral one.”" - The New York Times
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "underexplored" describes something that has not been examined or investigated deeply enough. In the context of this sentence, it means that the influence of moral and ethical education on rational thinking hasn’t received the attention or research it deserves. While many focus on cognitive tools, the moral foundation of rationality remains insufficiently addressed.
Meaning: Not adequately examined, researched, or considered (Adjective)
Pronunciation: un-der-ex-PLORD
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: Formed from the prefix *under-* (meaning "not enough") + *explored* (past participle of "explore", from Latin *explorare*, “to investigate”).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Underexplored” is a strong academic word. It’s used to highlight gaps—areas that haven’t been thought about enough or studied in depth. Spotting underexplored areas can help you write powerful essays or research papers because it shows critical thinking and originality.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: neglected, overlooked, underexamined, uninvestigated, undiscovered
Antonyms: well-researched, thoroughly studied, extensively explored
Usage Examples:
- The psychological impact of online learning on students is still an underexplored topic.
- This region of the forest remains largely underexplored due to its harsh terrain.
- The link between nutrition and mental health is underexplored in medical literature.
- Many underexplored themes in the novel offer room for deeper analysis.
Cultural Reference:
"Not all those who wander are lost." — J.R.R. Tolkien. This quote encourages exploration, suggesting that many paths and ideas remain underexplored, waiting to be discovered.
Think About It:
Why do some important topics remain underexplored, even when they directly impact our lives? What prevents people or institutions from digging deeper?
Quick Activity:
List three underexplored issues in your field of study or interest. Choose one and write 2–3 sentences on why it deserves more attention.
Memory Tip:
Break it into "under" (not enough) + "explored" (examined). Think of a map with large blank spaces—those are underexplored territories.
Real-World Application:
Academics, journalists, and innovators often focus on underexplored areas to offer new insights or solutions. Spotting them can lead to meaningful discoveries, new policies, or creative breakthroughs.
WORD-7: Vanishingly
Context:
"More broadly, he argues that less media coverage of shocking but vanishingly rare events, from shark attacks to adverse vaccine reactions, would help prevent dangerous overreactions, fatalism and the diversion of finite resources away from solvable but less-dramatic issues, like malnutrition in the developing world." - The New York Times
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Vanishingly" is an adverb used to emphasize that something is so rare or so small that it almost disappears from practical consideration. In this sentence, the term "vanishingly rare events" refers to occurrences that are so unlikely that they should not command disproportionate attention or resources. It's used to suggest that our focus should shift from dramatic but extremely rare events to more common, solvable problems.
Meaning: Extremely rarely or in an almost disappearing amount (Adverb)
Pronunciation: VAN-ish-ing-lee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: Derived from the verb "vanish," from Latin *evanescere*, meaning "to disappear or fade away."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Vanishingly” is a powerful adverb, often used in intellectual or scientific writing. It adds emphasis to just how tiny or rare something is. It's especially effective when arguing that a problem receives more attention than it logically should. This word is a great tool for nuance.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: scarcely, barely, rarely, negligibly, infinitesimally
Antonyms: frequently, commonly, substantially, significantly
Usage Examples:
- The chances of winning the lottery are vanishingly small.
- It’s vanishingly rare to encounter such kindness from a stranger.
- The temperature dropped to a vanishingly low level in the arctic expedition.
- Vanishingly few people understood the full implications of the policy change.
Cultural Reference:
"The probability of this happening is vanishingly close to zero." — A phrase commonly used in scientific and statistical writing to denote extreme rarity.
Think About It:
Why do people and the media often focus more on vanishingly rare dangers rather than common, solvable issues?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence describing a vanishingly small chance of something happening in your daily life. Then explain why it might still capture attention.
Memory Tip:
Think of something “vanishing” before your eyes—“vanishingly” describes how small or rare it is, as if it’s about to disappear.
Real-World Application:
In journalism, public health, and policy-making, distinguishing between vanishingly rare risks and everyday challenges is crucial for effective decision-making and resource allocation.
WORD-8: Benzene
Context:
"From the 19th-century chemist Friedrich August Kekulé’s discovery of the structure of benzene to any of Mozart's symphonies, much extraordinary human achievement is not a product of conscious, sequential reasoning." - The New York Times
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Benzene" is a chemical compound that played a major role in the development of organic chemistry. In the sentence, it refers to a breakthrough in understanding molecular structures. The discovery of its ring-like structure by Kekulé, often credited to a dream of a snake seizing its own tail, is cited as an example of intuition and creativity—rather than purely logical reasoning—leading to scientific innovation.
Meaning: A colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor, used in chemical synthesis and industrial processes (Noun)
Pronunciation: BEN-zeen
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From German *Benzin*, from *benzoic acid*, originally derived from gum benzoin, a resin.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Benzene” isn’t just a chemistry term—it’s a symbol of a scientific "aha!" moment. Kekulé’s idea of its ring structure came not from strict logic, but a moment of imaginative insight. The word teaches us that innovation often blends science with creativity.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: aromatic hydrocarbon, C₆H₆ (chemical name)
Antonyms: (None commonly used; specific to chemistry—non-aromatic compounds)
Usage Examples:
- Benzene is a fundamental building block in organic chemistry.
- The hexagonal ring structure of benzene is considered elegant and stable.
- Exposure to benzene in high amounts can be toxic and hazardous to health.
- Kekulé's discovery of the benzene ring changed the way scientists understood molecular structures.
Cultural Reference:
Legend has it that Kekulé dreamed of a snake biting its tail, which led him to envision the circular structure of benzene—a moment often cited as a triumph of subconscious reasoning in science.
Think About It:
How often do our biggest ideas come not from hard work alone, but from rest, dreams, or sudden insight—like the discovery of benzene's structure?
Quick Activity:
Draw or look up the structure of a benzene ring. What makes its symmetry and shape so scientifically and aesthetically appealing?
Memory Tip:
“Ben-ZENE” sounds like "clean"—but ironically, benzene is toxic. Remember it by picturing a “clean” perfect hexagon with hidden dangers inside.
Real-World Application:
Benzene is used in the production of plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, rubber lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. However, due to its toxicity, it is heavily regulated in industrial use and environmental exposure.
WORD-9: Consuming
Context:
"His primer on statistics and scientific uncertainty is particularly timely and should be required reading before consuming any news about the [COVID] pandemic. More broadly, he argues that less media coverage of shocking but vanishingly rare events, from shark attacks to adverse vaccine reactions, would help prevent dangerous overreactions." - The New York Times
Explanatory Paragraph:
In this context, "consuming" means engaging with or taking in information, such as reading, watching, or listening to news. It is often used more broadly than physical consumption—here it refers to the mental act of absorbing content. The sentence suggests that readers should be educated and cautious before they absorb or accept media narratives, especially on sensitive topics like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meaning: Taking in or absorbing (especially information, content, or resources); also, using up (Verb - Present participle)
Pronunciation: kuhn-SOO-ming
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *consumere*, meaning “to use up, eat completely,” from *con-* (“altogether”) + *sumere* (“to take”).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Consuming” doesn’t always mean eating food—it also applies to how we "devour" information. This word reminds us to be mindful of what we take in, especially in the digital age. Overconsumption of bad or misleading news can harm our mental health and judgment.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: absorbing, reading, taking in, engaging with, devouring
Antonyms: ignoring, rejecting, overlooking, avoiding
Usage Examples:
- Be cautious while consuming information from unverified online sources.
- He spent hours consuming podcasts on economics and politics.
- Consuming too much junk food and screen time can negatively affect your health.
- She has a consuming interest in environmental science.
Cultural Reference:
"We are not only what we eat—we are what we consume in every way: books, media, conversations." — Adapted from modern digital wellness movements.
Think About It:
What types of content do you “consume” every day, and how might they be shaping your worldview or emotions without you realizing it?
Quick Activity:
List three sources of information you consume regularly. Evaluate them: Are they credible? Balanced? How do they affect your mood or mindset?
Memory Tip:
Think: "Consume = Take in." Whether it’s food or facts, to consume is to absorb—sometimes too much!
Real-World Application:
In today’s media-saturated world, consuming information critically is a life skill. It helps people make informed decisions, stay grounded, and avoid falling for misinformation or fear-based narratives.
WORD-10: Malnutrition
Context:
"...help prevent dangerous overreactions, fatalism and the diversion of finite resources away from solvable but less-dramatic issues, like malnutrition in the developing world." - The New York Times
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Malnutrition" refers to a serious condition that occurs when a person’s diet does not provide adequate nutrients for proper growth, development, or health. It can result from both undernourishment (not enough food or essential nutrients) and overnourishment (too much unhealthy food). In the sentence, it is highlighted as a critical, solvable problem that deserves more attention compared to rare and sensationalized events.
Meaning: Poor nutrition caused by insufficient, excessive, or imbalanced intake of nutrients (Noun)
Pronunciation: mal-nu-TRI-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *malus* (“bad”) + *nutritio* (“nourishment”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Malnutrition” is not just about hunger—it's about lack of the *right* kind of nourishment. A person can eat food every day and still suffer from malnutrition if their diet lacks vital vitamins or minerals. It's one of the world’s most pressing, yet solvable, problems.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: undernourishment, poor nutrition, dietary deficiency, starvation
Antonyms: nourishment, well-nourishment, healthy diet
Usage Examples:
- Malnutrition remains a major health crisis in many parts of the developing world.
- The child was diagnosed with malnutrition due to a diet lacking in essential nutrients.
- Programs focusing on nutrition education can significantly reduce malnutrition rates.
- Even in wealthy nations, malnutrition can affect low-income families with poor access to healthy foods.
Cultural Reference:
"Every 10 seconds, a child dies from hunger-related causes." — United Nations statistics, underscoring the ongoing crisis of malnutrition globally.
Think About It:
Why do issues like malnutrition receive less media attention than dramatic but rare events? How can we shift focus toward solving such critical challenges?
Quick Activity:
Research and list three major causes of malnutrition in developing countries. Then propose one practical solution for each cause.
Memory Tip:
Break it down: “Mal-” means bad + “nutrition” = bad or inadequate nutrition.
Real-World Application:
Malnutrition affects education, productivity, and life expectancy. Addressing it through food programs, policy, and education can lift communities out of poverty and disease cycles worldwide.
