✨ 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:
- Pioneered
- Anthropology
- Caricature
- Spawned
- Duke
- Almighty
- Intracranial
- invading
- Perceptions
- Tackled
WORD-1: Pioneered
Context:
"Gary Becker, for instance, pioneered the idea of human capital. To do so, he famously tackled topics like crime and domesticity, applying methods honed in the study of markets to domains of nonmarket life." - The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "pioneered" refers to being among the first to explore or develop a new idea, method, or area of study. In the context of the sentence, Gary Becker is described as having introduced or advanced the idea of "human capital" by applying economic principles to nontraditional areas. Pioneering involves courage, innovation, and a willingness to step into uncharted territory.
Meaning: To be the first to develop or apply (Verb)
Pronunciation: pie-uh-neerd
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner
Etymology: Derived from the French word "pionnier" meaning foot soldier or explorer; later adopted into English to describe trailblazers or first movers in any field.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a classic word that can be linked to innovation and courage. Use it whenever you're referring to someone who has done something original or groundbreaking.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: initiated, founded, established, innovated, spearheaded
Antonyms: followed, copied, imitated, replicated
Usage Examples:
- Marie Curie pioneered research in radioactivity.
- That tech company pioneered the use of AI in mobile applications.
- He pioneered a new approach to teaching mathematics in rural schools.
- The artist pioneered a bold new style that defied tradition.
Cultural Reference:
"The Wright brothers pioneered aviation, changing the course of history with their flying machine." - Smithsonian Institution
Think About It:
Can you think of someone in your field or area of interest who has pioneered a concept or method? What impact did it have?
Quick Activity:
Write down three industries or fields. For each, name one person or organization that pioneered something significant in it.
Memory Tip:
Think of a “pioneer” on a journey through a forest—clearing the way for others. “Pioneered” means doing the same, but with ideas.
Real-World Application:
The term "pioneered" is often used in academic, scientific, and business contexts to acknowledge individuals or groups that brought about innovative practices or original thinking. It’s a powerful word to include in essays, presentations, and professional bios.
WORD-2: Anthropology
Context:
"At the same time, he did not let other ways of thinking enter his own economic realm: for example, he did not borrow from anthropology or history or let observations of nonmarket economics inform his homo economicus. Becker was a picture of the imperial economist in the heyday of the discipline’s bravura." - The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
Anthropology is the study of humans, their societies, cultures, and development throughout history. It looks beyond numbers and markets to understand the lived experiences, behaviors, and social structures of people across time and place. In the context of this sentence, it refers to an alternative lens that economists like Becker did not consider—one that is more qualitative, culture-focused, and rooted in human narratives rather than models and equations.
Meaning: The scientific study of human societies, cultures, and their development (Noun)
Pronunciation: an-thruh-pol-uh-jee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek "anthrōpos" meaning human and "logia" meaning study or discourse—literally, "the study of humans."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a foundational word in the social sciences. It's essential for understanding how human behavior is shaped by culture, environment, and history. Think of it as the study of people in their full richness—past, present, and even future possibilities.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: ethnology, sociology (though distinct), cultural studies
Antonyms: (None direct, but disciplines like hard sciences or economics might contrast in method)
Usage Examples:
- She studied anthropology to better understand indigenous cultures.
- The museum's new exhibit offers an anthropological perspective on ancient rituals.
- Anthropology helps bridge the gap between economic models and human realities.
- He used anthropological methods to study urban communities in developing countries.
Cultural Reference:
"Margaret Mead, a pioneering anthropologist, brought global attention to the cultural practices of Pacific Island societies." - National Geographic
Think About It:
How might our economic or political decisions change if we looked at them through an anthropological lens?
Quick Activity:
List three human practices or customs you see every day. Try to guess what an anthropologist might say about them.
Memory Tip:
Break it down: "Anthro" = human + "ology" = study of → Anthropology = study of humans.
Real-World Application:
Anthropology plays a vital role in international development, marketing, UX design, policymaking, and conflict resolution by helping professionals understand diverse human behaviors and needs.
WORD-3: Spawned
Context:
"The booming field of behavioral economics—the fusion of economics and social psychology—is another case. Having spawned active subfields, like judgment, decision making and a turn to experimentation, the field aims to go beyond the caricature of Rational Man to explain how humans make decisions." - The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "spawned" is often used to describe the creation or emergence of something new, especially as a result of a larger trend or force. It implies that one thing has led to the birth or development of something else. In this context, the phrase means that behavioral economics has given rise to—or caused the development of—several new areas of academic study and practical research, such as judgment and decision-making theories.
Meaning: To produce or give rise to something, especially in large numbers or over time (Verb)
Pronunciation: spawnd
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner
Etymology: From Old French "espandre" (to spread or shed), derived from Latin "expandere" (to spread out); later evolved in English to describe reproduction, especially in aquatic life, and metaphorically, the creation of ideas or movements.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a visually rich verb—imagine fish releasing eggs that lead to new life. That’s the metaphorical power of “spawned.” Use it when describing origin or cause, especially for ideas, movements, or trends.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: generated, created, initiated, triggered, produced
Antonyms: ended, extinguished, destroyed, suppressed
Usage Examples:
- The success of the film spawned an entire franchise of sequels and merchandise.
- His controversial speech spawned widespread protests across the country.
- Social media has spawned countless new ways to connect with people globally.
- The invention of the smartphone spawned a new era in communication and computing.
Cultural Reference:
"The hit video game 'Minecraft' spawned a global community of modders, educators, and content creators." - Wired Magazine
Think About It:
What is one trend or invention in your lifetime that has spawned entirely new industries or ways of living?
Quick Activity:
Think of three innovations or events. Write one sentence each showing what they “spawned.”
Memory Tip:
Think of a pond where frogs “spawn”—lay eggs—and soon, the water is filled with tadpoles. “Spawned” means something has caused many new things to come into being.
Real-World Application:
The word “spawned” is commonly used in academic writing, media, and business to describe the origin of trends, movements, technologies, or schools of thought. It’s especially effective in narratives showing growth or ripple effects.
WORD-4: Caricature
Context:
"Decision making and a turn to experimentation, the field aims to go beyond the caricature of Rational Man to explain how humans make decisions." - The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
A "caricature" is an exaggerated or oversimplified portrayal of someone or something, often used to highlight specific features or to mock. In the context of the sentence, "the caricature of Rational Man" refers to an overly simplistic or unrealistic model of human behavior used in classical economics. The new field of behavioral economics seeks to move beyond this narrow depiction by exploring the real, often irrational, ways people make decisions.
Meaning: A distorted or exaggerated representation of someone or something, often to mock or simplify (Noun)
Pronunciation: keh-ri-kuh-cher
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Italian "caricatura" (exaggeration), based on "caricare" (to load or exaggerate); it entered English in the 18th century through French usage in satirical art and writing.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a powerful word that implies distortion. It’s not just for cartoons—use it to describe any situation where something is misrepresented in an oversimplified or mocking way.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: parody, distortion, exaggeration, lampoon, satire
Antonyms: realism, accuracy, representation, truth
Usage Examples:
- The cartoonist drew a caricature of the politician with an oversized nose and wild hair.
- His portrayal of scientists as cold and emotionless is a mere caricature.
- The movie offered a caricature of small-town life rather than a nuanced view.
- Many business leaders reject the caricature of CEOs as greedy and ruthless.
Cultural Reference:
"Political caricatures in 18th-century newspapers shaped public opinion by ridiculing the monarchy and aristocracy." - British Library Archives
Think About It:
Can oversimplified models or caricatures of people or ideas ever be useful? When do they become dangerous or misleading?
Quick Activity:
Pick a public figure or fictional character. Write one sentence that exaggerates a trait of theirs, turning it into a caricature.
Memory Tip:
Think of a cartoon where someone's head is way too big or their ears are like satellite dishes—that’s a caricature: an exaggerated image meant to entertain or critique.
Real-World Application:
Understanding "caricature" helps in analyzing media, satire, and even academic critiques where concepts or people are overly simplified to make a point—sometimes unfairly.
WORD-5: Duke
Context:
"This is one place where the humanist can help the economist. If narrative economics is going to help us understand how rivals duke it out, who wins and who loses, we are going to need much more than lessons from epidemiological studies of viruses or intracranial stimuli." - The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
In this context, "duke it out" is an informal idiomatic phrase meaning to fight or struggle fiercely, usually in competition. While “duke” is a noble title, the phrase evolved separately and refers to using fists in a fight. Here, it metaphorically describes rivals competing intensely, not physically but in terms of ideas, influence, or power, particularly in economic or social arenas.
Meaning: (As a verb phrase: "duke it out") To fight fiercely, especially in a competitive context (Verb phrase)
Pronunciation: dook
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner
Etymology: As a noun, "duke" comes from Latin "dux" (leader). The verb phrase “duke it out” emerged in early 20th-century American slang, likely from “dukes” as slang for fists.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This phrase is a fun one to know! It’s often used in sports, politics, and business when rivals go head-to-head. Think of it as a verbal or strategic fight, not a physical one.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: battle, fight, clash, contend, compete
Antonyms: reconcile, cooperate, agree, retreat
Usage Examples:
- The two candidates will duke it out on the debate stage tonight.
- In the finals, the top tennis players will duke it out for the championship title.
- The tech giants are duking it out in the smartphone market.
- Rather than duke it out in court, they chose to settle privately.
Cultural Reference:
"In boxing films like *Rocky*, opponents duke it out in the ring—physically and emotionally—showing the metaphor’s full power." - Film Critic Reviews
Think About It:
In which fields today do you see major players "duking it out"—and what does that say about competition and progress?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “duke it out” in a non-sports context—maybe business, politics, or even academia!
Memory Tip:
Imagine two cartoon characters in royal robes throwing punches—dukes literally "duking it out." The image makes the idiom stick!
Real-World Application:
The phrase "duke it out" is commonly used in news headlines, commentary, and casual conversation to describe intense rivalry, whether in politics, sports, or business. It's colorful, dynamic, and instantly communicates struggle and competition.
WORD-6: Intracranial
Context:
"If narrative economics is going to help us understand how rivals duke it out, who wins and who loses, we are going to need much more than lessons from epidemiological studies of viruses or intracranial stimuli." - The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Intracranial" refers to anything located or occurring within the skull. It is often used in medical or scientific contexts to describe activities, conditions, or measurements that happen inside the cranium, where the brain resides. In the sentence, the phrase “intracranial stimuli” implies neurological or brain-based signals—suggesting that understanding human decisions requires more than just brain scans or biological responses. It’s a call to move beyond just biology to include narrative, context, and behavior.
Meaning: Occurring or situated within the skull (Adjective)
Pronunciation: in-truh-kray-nee-uhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin roots: “intra-” meaning within, and “cranium” meaning skull; together meaning “within the skull.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a technical, scientific word mostly found in medicine and neuroscience. It's great for advanced learners, especially in academic or health-related contexts.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: cerebral, brain-related, neurologic
Antonyms: extracranial, external, peripheral
Usage Examples:
- The doctors detected an increase in intracranial pressure after the head injury.
- Researchers used intracranial recordings to study brain activity in real time.
- Intracranial bleeding can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- He specialized in treating intracranial tumors as a neurosurgeon.
Cultural Reference:
"In science fiction, brain chips and intracranial implants are often portrayed as tools to enhance memory or control machines." - SciFi Now Magazine
Think About It:
How much of our decision-making is truly based on brain chemistry, and how much is shaped by our environment and stories?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “intracranial” in a medical or technological context. Then try rewriting it in simpler terms.
Memory Tip:
Break it down: “intra” = inside + “cranial” = skull → Intracranial = inside the skull. Think of brain scans or surgeries!
Real-World Application:
Understanding “intracranial” is useful for students and professionals in medicine, neuroscience, and psychology. It's also relevant in discussions about brain-based technologies and health diagnostics.
WORD-7: Almighty
Context:
"Times have changed for the once almighty discipline. Economics has been taken to task, within and beyond its ramparts. Some economists have reached out, imported, borrowed, and collaborated—been less imperial, more open." - The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Almighty" typically refers to having absolute power and authority, often associated with a divine being. However, in this context, it is used metaphorically to describe the past dominance and unquestioned authority of economics as a discipline. The sentence suggests that economics was once perceived as the supreme or all-powerful field in social science, but that influence has diminished as other perspectives have challenged and reshaped it.
Meaning: Having complete power or authority; all-powerful (Adjective)
Pronunciation: awl-my-tee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner
Etymology: From Old English "æalmihhtig" meaning "all-powerful," combining "all" + "mighty."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is often used to describe divine beings, but it has strong figurative uses too. Use it to emphasize overwhelming power—real or perceived—especially when you're describing dominance or influence.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: all-powerful, supreme, dominant, omnipotent
Antonyms: powerless, weak, limited, subordinate
Usage Examples:
- The CEO once held almighty control over every decision in the company.
- Religious texts often refer to God as the Almighty.
- The media portrayed the court as an almighty institution above criticism.
- For decades, the oil industry had almighty influence over global policy.
Cultural Reference:
"Bruce Almighty," a 2003 film, imagines a man temporarily receiving God's powers—raising questions about responsibility and control.
Think About It:
When does authority become so dominant that it prevents growth? Can anything truly stay almighty forever?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence describing an institution, idea, or person you once thought was “almighty” but later saw differently.
Memory Tip:
Think of “all” + “mighty” = all-powerful. Imagine a superhero with unlimited strength to remember its meaning!
Real-World Application:
"Almighty" is used both in religious and secular contexts—whether you're referring to God, an unstoppable market force, or an authority figure. It's powerful for essays, storytelling, and satire.
WORD-8: Perceptions
Context:
"Above all, we need politics and institutions. Shiller [the Nobel prize winning economist] connects perceptions of narratives to changes in behavior and thence to social outcomes." - The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Perceptions" refer to the way individuals interpret or understand things based on their senses, experiences, or beliefs. In this context, it refers to how people interpret or emotionally react to the stories (or "narratives") around them—how these mental impressions influence behaviors and, ultimately, society. The idea is that how people *perceive* things matters just as much—if not more—than the facts themselves when it comes to social and economic outcomes.
Meaning: The way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: per-sep-shuns
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner
Etymology: From Latin *percipere*, meaning "to seize or understand," combining *per-* (thoroughly) and *capere* (to grasp).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a cornerstone word in psychology, communication, and even economics. Remember: reality might be fixed, but perceptions shape how we respond to it. That's why marketers, politicians, and storytellers work so hard to influence perceptions.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: views, opinions, interpretations, impressions, beliefs
Antonyms: realities, facts, truths, certainties
Usage Examples:
- Public perceptions of safety can influence tourism more than actual crime statistics.
- Her perceptions of the meeting were very different from his.
- The media plays a big role in shaping political perceptions.
- Our perceptions of others are often shaped by cultural background and experience.
Cultural Reference:
"Perception is reality" is a famous adage in media and politics, emphasizing that what people believe is often more powerful than what is true.
Think About It:
How do your perceptions of events or people differ from others’? What shapes these differences?
Quick Activity:
Think of one object (like a smartphone or book). Write two different perceptions people might have of it, depending on their background or experience.
Memory Tip:
Think of wearing different-colored glasses—your “perception” changes depending on the lens. What you *see* isn’t always what *is*.
Real-World Application:
“Perceptions” are critical in marketing, politics, education, and economics. How people interpret events or products can shape buying habits, voting behavior, social movements, and more.
WORD-9: Invading
Context:
"Oftentimes, when economists cross borders, they are less interested in learning from others than in invading their garden plots. Gary Becker, for instance, pioneered the idea of human capital." - The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Invading" typically means forcefully entering a place, often associated with military or aggressive actions. In this sentence, it’s used metaphorically to describe economists entering other disciplines (like sociology, anthropology, etc.) not to collaborate, but to dominate or impose their own frameworks. The image of “invading their garden plots” paints a vivid picture of territorial overreach, where economists are seen as encroaching on others' intellectual spaces without genuine openness.
Meaning: Entering a place or domain forcefully or without permission, often to take control (Verb – present participle)
Pronunciation: in-vay-ding
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner
Etymology: From Latin *invadere* — *in-* (into) + *vadere* (to go); originally used in a military context and now widely applied in both literal and figurative ways.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a strong word that carries a sense of force or imposition. It’s important to note how tone changes when using it figuratively, like “invading privacy” or “invading a field of study.” It implies disruption or disrespect if not used carefully.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: intruding, encroaching, trespassing, storming, overrunning
Antonyms: retreating, respecting, withdrawing, yielding
Usage Examples:
- The army was accused of invading foreign territory without justification.
- By invading their academic space, he offended many sociologists.
- Tourists were invading the once-peaceful village, disrupting local life.
- He was uncomfortable with journalists invading his privacy.
Cultural Reference:
"The 1960s British Invasion, led by bands like The Beatles, refers to the cultural phenomenon of UK music invading the American charts." - BBC Culture
Think About It:
Can “invading” ever be positive or productive, especially in intellectual or cultural spaces? Where is the line between influence and intrusion?
Quick Activity:
List two examples: one where “invading” is used literally (e.g., military), and one where it's metaphorical (e.g., invading someone's time or space).
Memory Tip:
Think of an army *invading* a land—now apply that to ideas or people entering your space without asking. That’s how the figurative use works too!
Real-World Application:
“Invading” is frequently used in media, politics, and social commentary. Whether discussing military conflict, digital privacy, or academic overreach, it signals an assertive and often unwelcome intrusion.
WORD-10: Tackled
Context:
"Gary Becker, for instance, pioneered the idea of human capital. To do so, he famously tackled topics like crime and domesticity, applying methods honed in the study of markets to domains of nonmarket life." - The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Tackled" means to take on a challenge or deal with a problem or subject with effort and determination. In the sentence, it refers to Gary Becker addressing complex, often overlooked social topics—like crime and domesticity—by applying economic tools. The use of “tackled” here conveys intellectual boldness, showing how he confronted these unconventional topics head-on, rather than avoiding them.
Meaning: To confront or deal with a problem, challenge, or subject directly and energetically (Verb)
Pronunciation: tak-uhld
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner
Etymology: From Middle English "takel" (equipment for handling a task); later evolved into a verb meaning “to seize, grapple with,” especially in sports or metaphorically in problem-solving.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a versatile action word. Originally from sports like football, where players “tackle” opponents, it now applies broadly—use it for anything that requires effort, focus, or initiative to overcome.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: addressed, dealt with, confronted, approached, engaged
Antonyms: avoided, ignored, neglected, evaded
Usage Examples:
- The committee tackled the issue of climate change with urgency.
- She tackled the final exam with confidence after weeks of preparation.
- The book tackles complex questions about morality and freedom.
- He tackled the broken engine himself rather than hiring a mechanic.
Cultural Reference:
"In American football, a player who tackles successfully stops the opponent’s advance—this physical image inspired the broader use of the word in life and work." - ESPN Glossary
Think About It:
What’s one issue or topic you’ve been avoiding that you could finally tackle with purpose?
Quick Activity:
List three challenges—academic, personal, or professional—that you’ve tackled recently. How did you approach each one?
Memory Tip:
Think of a football player lunging at a problem—“tackling” it to the ground. That’s how you handle tough topics too—head-on!
Real-World Application:
“Tackled” is commonly used in academic writing, job interviews, and everyday conversation to show action and initiative. It's a go-to verb to convey problem-solving and active effort.
