✨ 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:
- Dozens
- Vindication
- Resilient
- Hemisphere
- Sisyphean
- Ephemerality
- Equipment
- Deteriorate
- Grapple
- Catalogues
WORD-1: Dozens
Context:
"In the summer of 2022, subscribers to the US streaming service HBO MAX were alarmed to discover that dozens of the platform’s offerings - from the Covid-themed heist thriller Locked Down to the recent remake..."
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "dozens" is used to express a large, but somewhat vague, quantity — more than a few but not counted precisely. It implies a count of multiple groups of twelve. In this sentence, "dozens" highlights the significant number of shows or movies that were suddenly removed, giving the reader a sense of scale without stating an exact number.
Meaning: A group or set of twelve; multiple groups of twelve (Noun - plural)
Pronunciation: DUH-zuhns
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Beginner
Etymology: From Old French *dozaine*, from *doze* meaning "twelve", from Latin *duodecim* (twelve).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Dozens" is often used to generalize quantities when we want to imply something significant but not overly precise. It appears frequently in journalistic and conversational English to emphasize impact or quantity without exactness.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: scores, many, a multitude, lots, heaps
Antonyms: few, handful, some, one or two
Usage Examples:
- Dozens of birds flew over the lake as the sun began to set.
- She baked dozens of cookies for the school fundraiser.
- The protest attracted dozens of participants, even in the rain.
- Over the years, dozens of employees have contributed to the company’s growth.
Cultural Reference:
"Cheaper by the Dozen" — a popular film and book about a family with twelve children, highlighting the traditional understanding of a 'dozen' as a complete and notable set.
Think About It:
Why do you think the term "dozen" became a standard unit of counting in commerce and daily language, rather than using base-10 multiples like ten or twenty?
Quick Activity:
List five things you usually buy or see in dozens. Try using them in a sentence that expresses quantity or surprise.
Memory Tip:
Imagine a standard egg carton — it holds a dozen eggs. Now imagine multiple cartons to visualize “dozens” as many sets of twelve.
Real-World Application:
"Dozens" is commonly used in news, recipes, business inventory, and everyday speech to suggest approximate yet substantial amounts — especially when exact numbers are unknown or unnecessary.
WORD-2: Vindication
Context:
"The news seemed like vindication to those who had long warned that streaming was more about controlling access to the cultural commons than expanding it."
Explanatory Paragraph:
In this sentence, "vindication" refers to the feeling of being proven right after others had dismissed or doubted a belief. Those who had been warning about the negative implications of streaming services now feel justified — their concerns are finally acknowledged or validated by the unfolding news. The word carries a strong emotional weight, as it often involves a sense of justice or moral triumph.
Meaning: The act of proving that someone or something is right, reasonable, or justified (Noun)
Pronunciation: vin-duh-KAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *vindicare*, meaning “to claim, avenge, or justify” + suffix *-tion* indicating action or process.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Vindication" is a powerful noun that often follows conflict, criticism, or skepticism. It’s especially relevant when someone has stood firm in their beliefs and is eventually proven correct. This word is great for essays and debates, particularly when discussing justice, integrity, or perseverance.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: justification, exoneration, defense, support, validation
Antonyms: condemnation, accusation, blame, discredit
Usage Examples:
- Her success was seen as vindication of her bold and unconventional approach to education.
- The scientist received vindication when new research confirmed his controversial theory.
- Years later, the court ruling brought a sense of vindication to the wrongly accused man.
- The team's victory served as vindication for their months of hard training and sacrifice.
Cultural Reference:
"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship." — Louisa May Alcott. This quote connects with the spirit of vindication: enduring criticism and challenges until you're proven right by time or results.
Think About It:
Is seeking vindication always positive, or can it sometimes lead to holding on too tightly to being “right” instead of understanding others?
Quick Activity:
Think of a time when you or someone you know experienced vindication. Write a short paragraph describing the situation using the word correctly.
Memory Tip:
Think “VINDICATE = WIN + DEBATE” — when you vindicate something, you’ve essentially won the argument or been proven right.
Real-World Application:
“Vindication” is common in journalism, legal contexts, political commentary, and personal development stories — any area where someone’s stance is eventually proven correct after being questioned or dismissed.
WORD-3: Resilient
Context:
"The humble DVD has already proved far less resilient, with many early releases already beginning to deteriorate in quality. Digital movie purchases provide even less security."
Explanatory Paragraph:
In this context, "resilient" is used to describe the ability of DVDs to withstand damage or degradation over time. Saying that DVDs are "far less resilient" means they are more likely to deteriorate, unlike more durable forms of storage. The term is often used more broadly to describe people, materials, or systems that can recover from difficulties, stress, or damage effectively and quickly.
Meaning: Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions or damage (Adjective)
Pronunciation: rih-ZIL-yuhnt
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *resilire* meaning "to leap back" or "rebound"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Resilient" is a highly versatile word — it can be applied to materials, ecosystems, people, and even economies. In the emotional or personal sense, being resilient means not just surviving hardship but bouncing back stronger. A favorite in motivational and psychological contexts!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: tough, durable, flexible, adaptable, strong
Antonyms: fragile, vulnerable, brittle, weak
Usage Examples:
- Children are remarkably resilient and often bounce back quickly after challenges.
- This material is lightweight yet resilient enough to withstand extreme pressure.
- The economy proved resilient after the crisis, recovering faster than predicted.
- Resilient communities adapt quickly to environmental or social changes.
Cultural Reference:
"It's not how far you fall, but how high you bounce that counts." — Zig Ziglar. This quote perfectly reflects the essence of resilience: recovering and thriving after setbacks.
Think About It:
Do you think resilience is an innate trait, or something that can be learned and strengthened over time?
Quick Activity:
Write down three traits or habits that help people become more resilient in their daily lives. Then, use “resilient” in a sentence about yourself or someone you admire.
Memory Tip:
Think “resilient = re + silent leap” — something that quietly bounces back into shape, whether it’s a person, a rubber band, or a digital system!
Real-World Application:
"Resilient" is commonly used in psychology, education, business, technology, and environmental science — anytime you want to express the ability to endure, recover, or adapt effectively under stress or threat.
WORD-4: Hemisphere
Context:
"After a man took to Twitter to bemoan losing access to Cars 2 after moving from Canada to Australia, Apple clarified that users who downloaded films to their devices would retain permanent access to those downloads."
Explanatory Paragraph:
Although the word "hemisphere" is not directly used in the sentence, the context of the man moving from Canada (Northern Hemisphere) to Australia (Southern Hemisphere) brings the concept into play. "Hemisphere" is a geographical term referring to half of the Earth, divided either by the equator (north/south) or the prime meridian (east/west). It’s also used metaphorically to describe divided realms, such as brain hemispheres or political regions.
Meaning: One of two halves of the Earth, usually divided by the equator or a meridian (Noun)
Pronunciation: HEM-uh-sfeer
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Greek *hemi-* meaning "half" + *sphaira* meaning "sphere"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Hemisphere" is a word that shows up not just in geography but also in neuroscience and astronomy. Whether you're talking about the Earth's divisions or the brain's lobes, this word often signals a contrast or a split — a useful metaphor in many forms of writing.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: half-globe, section, division (contextual)
Antonyms: whole, entirety (contextual)
Usage Examples:
- The Northern Hemisphere experiences summer while the Southern Hemisphere has winter.
- Damage to one hemisphere of the brain can affect speech and movement.
- The Earth can be divided into eastern and western hemispheres by the prime meridian.
- They moved from one hemisphere to another and noticed dramatic seasonal changes.
Cultural Reference:
In Pink Floyd's song *"Brain Damage"*, the phrase “there’s someone in my head but it’s not me” evokes the complexity of the brain’s hemispheres and how they control different cognitive functions — often used in pop culture to hint at the dual nature of the mind.
Think About It:
How might your experiences or perspectives change if you lived in a different hemisphere of the world — culturally, environmentally, or even emotionally?
Quick Activity:
On a blank sheet, draw a circle and divide it into two hemispheres. Label them with examples of places or characteristics (e.g., “Northern: Canada, cold winters” and “Southern: Australia, reversed seasons”).
Memory Tip:
Break the word down: *Hemi* = half, *Sphere* = globe. “Hemisphere” literally means “half of a globe.” Visualize the Earth sliced in two!
Real-World Application:
"Hemisphere" is used in geography, science, astronomy, and medicine. It helps describe physical locations (like hemispheric climate zones) or abstract ideas (like left and right brain hemispheres in psychology).
WORD-5: Sisyphean
Context:
"Only the regular migration of files from hard drive to hard drive can delay the inevitable, in a sisyphean battle against the ravages of digital time."
Explanatory Paragraph:
The term "Sisyphean" refers to a task that seems endless and futile — no matter how much effort is put in, success is never fully achieved. In the context of digital file preservation, it vividly captures the feeling of constantly transferring data just to keep up with evolving technology and avoid loss, knowing that the process will never be truly “done.” The word has mythological roots that add a layer of depth and timelessness to the struggle described.
Meaning: Requiring continuous, often pointless effort; seemingly endless and without result (Adjective)
Pronunciation: sis-uh-FEE-uhn
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Etymology: From the Greek myth of Sisyphus, a king condemned to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity, only to have it roll back down each time he neared the top.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Sisyphean" is a striking word to describe struggles that feel both exhausting and never-ending. Perfect for describing bureaucracy, bad routines, or digital maintenance — anything that keeps demanding energy but seems to offer no final reward. Ideal for vivid writing and metaphorical expression.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: futile, unending, toilsome, laborious, never-ending
Antonyms: achievable, rewarding, fulfilling, manageable
Usage Examples:
- Cleaning the house with toddlers around felt like a Sisyphean effort.
- The government’s attempt to reform the system turned into a Sisyphean endeavor.
- Updating software on dozens of machines weekly became a Sisyphean task for the IT team.
- For many writers, editing their own work can feel Sisyphean — always something to fix, never quite finished.
Cultural Reference:
The French philosopher Albert Camus famously interpreted the myth of Sisyphus as a metaphor for human existence in his essay *The Myth of Sisyphus*, concluding, “One must imagine Sisyphus happy.”
Think About It:
Are there tasks in your life that feel Sisyphean? Can finding meaning in the process — not the outcome — change how you approach them?
Quick Activity:
List three everyday tasks that sometimes feel Sisyphean to you. For each one, write a metaphor comparing it to Sisyphus’s eternal task.
Memory Tip:
Think: “Sisyphus = Silly + Suffering Forever.” Imagine someone endlessly pushing a rock uphill, just like repetitive tasks that never end.
Real-World Application:
"Sisyphean" is ideal for describing bureaucratic processes, IT maintenance, or repetitive work cycles — especially when there’s no clear finish line in sight. It adds literary flair and emotional weight to routine struggles.
WORD-6: Ephemerality
Context:
"Back then, at least, cinema was defined by its ephemerality: the sense that a film was as good as gone once it left your local cinema."
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "ephemerality" refers to the quality of being short-lived or transitory. In the context of cinema, it highlights a time when films had a fleeting presence — once they were gone from theaters, they were practically inaccessible. This sense of impermanence gave movies a unique kind of urgency and rarity that’s largely absent in the age of digital streaming, where content is available on-demand. The word brings poetic weight to the concept of something beautiful and meaningful that vanishes quickly.
Meaning: The quality of lasting for a very short time; transience (Noun)
Pronunciation: ih-fem-uh-RAL-ih-tee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Etymology: From Greek *ephemeros* meaning "lasting only a day" + Latin suffix *-ality* indicating a state or condition.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Ephemerality" is a wonderful word for expressing the beauty of things that don’t last — sunsets, childhood, live performances, or memories. It is deeply poetic and reflective, often found in literature, film criticism, and art commentary.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: transience, impermanence, fleetingness, short-livedness
Antonyms: permanence, durability, longevity, continuity
Usage Examples:
- Artists often try to capture the ephemerality of moments that quickly fade away.
- The cherry blossoms symbolize the ephemerality of life in Japanese culture.
- There’s a certain beauty in the ephemerality of live theater that recordings can’t replicate.
- He was fascinated by the ephemerality of trends in the digital age.
Cultural Reference:
The Japanese concept of *mono no aware* — an awareness of the impermanence of things — captures the emotional depth of ephemerality and is central to many works in literature and cinema.
Think About It:
Is there more beauty in things that last forever or in things that vanish quickly? Why do you think humans are drawn to the ephemeral?
Quick Activity:
Write a short paragraph about an experience or moment in your life that was fleeting but deeply meaningful. Try to use the word “ephemerality” in your reflection.
Memory Tip:
“Ephemerality” comes from “ephemeral,” which sounds like “a film reel” — imagine watching a beautiful short film that vanishes the moment it ends. That’s ephemerality in action.
Real-World Application:
Use “ephemerality” to describe anything that doesn't last — trends, beauty, youth, weather, moods, or even digital content that disappears after 24 hours on social media. It adds philosophical and emotional weight to everyday observations.
WORD-7: Equipment
Context:
"Such statistics remain largely theoretical until they come to pass, and are dependent on storage conditions, not to mention the continued availability of playback equipment."
Explanatory Paragraph:
In this sentence, “equipment” refers to the tools or devices necessary for playing back digital or physical media (like DVDs or old hard drives). It highlights how even if storage conditions are perfect, you still need functional and compatible equipment to access that data. Broadly, the term covers any tangible items used for a specific task, especially in technical, mechanical, or professional contexts.
Meaning: The necessary tools, machines, or objects for a particular purpose (Noun – uncountable)
Pronunciation: ih-KWIP-muhnt
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From French *équipement*, from *équiper*, meaning "to fit out, prepare", originally from Norse *skipa* (to arrange or prepare a ship).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Equipment" is an uncountable noun — you don’t say “equipments.” It refers collectively to all the tools or devices needed for a job. It's extremely useful in both academic and practical writing — think labs, sports, media, or IT infrastructure.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: gear, tools, apparatus, kit, hardware
Antonyms: disrepair, unpreparedness, emptiness (contextual)
Usage Examples:
- The laboratory is equipped with the latest scientific equipment for DNA analysis.
- Hiking in rough terrain requires proper equipment such as boots, a compass, and a water filter.
- Without the right playback equipment, many old media formats are virtually inaccessible.
- The soldiers checked their equipment before heading out on the mission.
Cultural Reference:
In classic sci-fi films like *2001: A Space Odyssey*, the equipment aboard the spaceship HAL becomes central to the plot, symbolizing the reliance—and potential danger—of advanced technology.
Think About It:
As technology evolves, do you think access to older equipment should be preserved for cultural and historical purposes? Why or why not?
Quick Activity:
List five types of equipment you use in your daily life (home, school, or work). Choose one and write a short sentence explaining what it’s used for.
Memory Tip:
Think “equipment = everything you need to be equipped.” Imagine a soldier or explorer checking their gear before a journey — that’s their equipment!
Real-World Application:
"Equipment" is used across industries — from education (teaching equipment), healthcare (medical equipment), entertainment (audio/video gear), to sports (training equipment). It’s vital for task readiness and performance in almost any field.
WORD-8: Deteriorate
Context:
"The humble DVD has already proved far less resilient, with many early releases already beginning to deteriorate in quality. Digital movie purchases provide even less security."
Explanatory Paragraph:
In this sentence, "deteriorate" refers to the gradual decline in the physical or visual quality of DVDs over time. It suggests a slow process of degradation where something once good or functional loses its value or performance. This word is frequently used to describe the worsening of conditions, materials, relationships, or health — anything that breaks down or weakens over time.
Meaning: To become progressively worse in condition, quality, or function (Verb)
Pronunciation: dih-TEER-ee-uh-rayt
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *deteriorare*, meaning "to make worse", based on *deterior*, meaning "worse".
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Deteriorate" is a useful word in academic writing and everyday conversation. It often comes up in discussions of aging, environmental decline, or wear and tear. Remember, it implies a *process* — slow and continuous, not sudden.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: degrade, decay, weaken, erode, worsen
Antonyms: improve, strengthen, enhance, restore
Usage Examples:
- Without proper maintenance, the building began to deteriorate rapidly.
- Her eyesight started to deteriorate with age.
- Relations between the two countries deteriorated after the border dispute.
- The quality of the old video files had clearly deteriorated over time.
Cultural Reference:
In George Orwell’s *1984*, society itself is shown to deteriorate under constant surveillance and control, portraying the dangers of unchecked power and loss of truth.
Think About It:
Can deterioration sometimes lead to renewal or transformation, or is it always negative? What factors influence whether something deteriorates or improves?
Quick Activity:
Think of three things in your daily life that can deteriorate if not cared for (e.g., relationships, electronics, health). Write a sentence for each using the word correctly.
Memory Tip:
“Deteriorate” starts with “det-” — think “detour” from its best state. Something is taking a wrong turn, getting worse over time.
Real-World Application:
Use “deteriorate” to discuss everything from environmental issues and infrastructure to human relationships, health, or data loss — it’s a vital verb for describing decline in both physical and abstract terms.
WORD-9: Grapple
Context:
"Anyone who does manage to acquire Digital Rights Management free (DRM-free) copies of their favourite films must nonetheless grapple with ever-changing file format standards, not to mention data decay — the gradual process by which electronic information slowly but surely corrupts."
Explanatory Paragraph:
In this sentence, "grapple" means to struggle or wrestle with a difficult issue or challenge — in this case, the constant changes in file formats and the inevitable degradation of digital data. The word conveys the idea of mental or technical struggle, much like physically wrestling with a problem. It suggests ongoing effort, confusion, or resistance, often without easy solutions — perfect for describing technical frustrations or personal dilemmas.
Meaning: To wrestle with or try to deal with a difficult problem or situation (Verb)
Pronunciation: GRAP-uhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Middle English *graplen*, from Old French *grapil* meaning “grappling hook,” related to the Latin *grappus* — hook or claw.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Grapple” is a dynamic verb — it brings action to abstract challenges. It's ideal for essays, especially when discussing struggles in thought, innovation, ethics, or systems. Note: it can be both literal (as in wrestling) and metaphorical (struggling mentally or technically).
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: wrestle, struggle, contend with, confront, deal with
Antonyms: avoid, ignore, sidestep, surrender
Usage Examples:
- Students often grapple with complex theories during their first year of college.
- He grappled with the decision for days before finally choosing to resign.
- The software team had to grapple with multiple bugs before the product launch.
- Philosophers have long grappled with the question of free will versus determinism.
Cultural Reference:
In superhero comics and games, "grappling hooks" are often used — literal tools for grabbing and climbing. Similarly, "grappling" with problems in life is like mentally throwing a hook and trying to gain control over a difficult situation.
Think About It:
What’s a challenge you’ve grappled with that ended up teaching you something important — even if you didn’t “solve” it?
Quick Activity:
Choose a personal or academic issue you've struggled with recently. Write a sentence using "grapple" to describe your effort to handle it.
Memory Tip:
Imagine a wrestler gripping his opponent — that’s what “grapple” means: to hold on tight and wrestle with something tough, whether physically or mentally.
Real-World Application:
"Grapple" is frequently used in discussions around education, law, technology, and leadership — wherever people are trying to navigate ongoing or complex problems. It conveys a sense of struggle and engagement, not passive resistance.
WORD-10: Catalogues
Context:
"Today, with film studios keen to stress the breadth of their back catalogues (or to put in Hollywood terms, the value of their IPs), audiences may start to wonder why those same studios seem happy to set the vault alight themselves if it’ll help next quarter’s numbers."
Explanatory Paragraph:
In this sentence, “catalogues” refers to comprehensive collections or inventories of a studio’s past films and productions. A “back catalogue” specifically refers to older works that continue to have cultural or financial value. The word suggests both a curated archive and a commercial asset, especially in industries like publishing, music, or film where older titles remain monetizable. The use here underscores the irony that studios boast about their catalogues while also being willing to discard or devalue them for short-term gain.
Meaning: A complete list or collection of items, often systematically arranged, especially of artistic or commercial works (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: KAT-uh-logs (British spelling: catalogue; American spelling: catalog)
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old French *catalogue*, from Late Latin *catalogus*, from Greek *katalogos*, meaning "a list" or "register".
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Catalogue” (British) or “Catalog” (American) originally referred to printed lists, like library or mail-order inventories. Now, especially in creative industries, it implies a collection of published work — a musician’s albums, a studio’s films, or an author’s books. It's both archival and commercial.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: archive, inventory, collection, register, anthology
Antonyms: disarray, disorganization, chaos (contextual)
Usage Examples:
- The artist’s back catalogues are still available on streaming platforms.
- The museum digitized its catalogues to make them accessible to researchers worldwide.
- Music labels often reissue old catalogues as special edition box sets.
- She spent hours cataloguing the bookstore’s new arrivals.
Cultural Reference:
Streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ often promote the strength of their catalogues — the legacy content that forms the backbone of their subscription value, from *Star Wars* to *Friends*.
Think About It:
Should creative catalogues be treated more like cultural heritage than commercial products? Who should decide what gets preserved or deleted?
Quick Activity:
Make a mini-catalogue of your top 5 favorite books, songs, or films. Then write a sentence explaining why this collection represents your tastes.
Memory Tip:
Think of a “catalogue” as a “log of a category” — a recorded list that organizes things you value, from music albums to vintage films.
Real-World Application:
"Catalogues" are vital in business, art, retail, and libraries — wherever items need to be systematically listed or archived. In digital spaces, maintaining catalogues ensures users can access older content just as easily as the new.
