✨ 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:
- Refrigeration
- Disseminated
- Dutch
- Peppercorns
- Condiments
- Harvest
- Procure
- Ingredients
- Supposedly
- Drying
WORD-1: Refrigeration
Context:
"However, refrigeration was not available, and some hot spices have been shown to serve as an anti-bacterial agent." - Anonymous Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
Refrigeration refers to the process of cooling an area or substance below the environmental temperature to preserve it, especially food. It helps slow down bacterial growth, keeping perishable items safe to consume for a longer time. Before the invention of refrigeration, people relied on natural preservatives like salt, spices, or ice. This technology revolutionized food storage, healthcare (such as preserving medicines), and industrial processes.
Meaning: The process of cooling or keeping something cool for preservation (Noun)
Pronunciation: ree-frij-uh-RAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin "refrigerare" meaning "to make cold," based on "re-" (again) and "frigus" (cold).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word often appears in contexts related to food science, medicine, and logistics. Understanding it helps connect scientific advancements to daily life, particularly in food safety and storage.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: cooling, chilling, preservation
Antonyms: heating, warming, spoilage
Usage Examples:
- Refrigeration is essential for keeping dairy products fresh.
- Before modern refrigeration, people salted meat to preserve it.
- The vaccine must be kept under refrigeration until use.
- Portable refrigeration units are useful during long journeys.
Cultural Reference:
"The invention of mechanical refrigeration in the 19th century was as revolutionary as the internet is today, transforming not just food safety but global trade." - Food History Channel
Think About It:
What would modern life look like if refrigeration had never been invented?
Quick Activity:
List 5 food items in your home that depend on refrigeration to stay fresh. What would you do to preserve them without a fridge?
Memory Tip:
Think of a "refrigerator" — the appliance helps in "refrigeration." The word is inside the device!
Real-World Application:
Refrigeration plays a critical role in industries like healthcare (for storing vaccines), food delivery (to keep perishables safe), and even space missions where temperature-sensitive materials are involved.
WORD-2: Disseminated
Context:
"So, why were spices so highly prized in Europe in the centuries from about 1000 to 1500? One widely disseminated explanation for medieval demand for spices was that they covered the taste of spoiled meat." - Anonymous Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Disseminated” means something that has been spread or distributed widely, particularly information, ideas, or knowledge. In the context of historical narratives or explanations, a disseminated idea is one that has circulated among many people or across regions. It's often used when talking about the widespread sharing of beliefs, research, or stories. In this case, the explanation about spices covering the taste of spoiled meat was a commonly shared idea in medieval Europe.
Meaning: Spread or dispersed widely, especially information or ideas (Verb - past participle)
Pronunciation: dih-SEM-uh-nay-tid
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin "disseminare," meaning "to scatter, sow," from "dis-" (widely) + "seminare" (to sow, from "semen" meaning seed)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a great word to use when talking about ideas, news, or information that has been circulated to the public. It's formal and often used in academic or journalistic contexts. Think of it as “broadcasting” thoughts or beliefs.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: spread, circulate, propagate, broadcast, distribute
Antonyms: conceal, suppress, withhold
Usage Examples:
- The researcher disseminated her findings through academic journals and conferences.
- Fake news can be rapidly disseminated through social media platforms.
- During the pandemic, accurate health guidelines were disseminated via government websites.
- Philosophical ideas were disseminated throughout Europe during the Enlightenment.
Cultural Reference:
"The printing press revolutionized how knowledge was disseminated, making books more accessible and fueling the spread of the Renaissance." - World History Textbook
Think About It:
What are the consequences of disseminating false information in the digital age?
Quick Activity:
Think of a piece of information or news that went viral recently. Write 2–3 sentences about how it was disseminated across platforms.
Memory Tip:
Think of "disseminate" like "sowing seeds" — just as seeds spread across a field, ideas can be disseminated across society.
Real-World Application:
Understanding how information is disseminated helps in fields like marketing, journalism, education, and public health—where reaching a wide audience effectively is essential.
WORD-3: Dutch
Context:
"The English and the Dutch were struggling for control of the Spice Islands: Dutch New Amsterdam, or New York, was exchanged by the British for one of the Moluccan Islands where nutmeg was grown." - Anonymous Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "Dutch" refers to anything related to the Netherlands, its people, language, or culture. Historically, the Dutch were major players in global trade and colonial expansion, especially during the 16th and 17th centuries. In the given context, it refers to the Dutch Empire's efforts to control valuable spice-producing islands in Southeast Asia. "Dutch" can function both as a proper adjective (Dutch ships, Dutch culture) and as a noun (the Dutch = the people of the Netherlands).
Meaning: Relating to the Netherlands, its people, or their language (Adjective/Noun)
Pronunciation: duhch
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Middle Dutch "duutsch" meaning “of the people,” originally used to distinguish local languages from Latin. It evolved to refer specifically to people of the Netherlands.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Dutch” is often encountered in historical, cultural, and geographical contexts. Remember its dual use as both an adjective and a noun. Be aware of how deeply entwined Dutch history is with maritime trade and colonization.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: Netherlandish (rare), Hollandic (archaic)
Antonyms: (No true antonym, but used in contrast with other nationalities like English, French, Spanish)
Usage Examples:
- The Dutch established a powerful trading empire during the Age of Exploration.
- Amsterdam is a beautiful Dutch city known for its canals and art museums.
- She learned to speak Dutch while studying in the Netherlands.
- Dutch traders played a key role in the global spice trade.
Cultural Reference:
"Going Dutch" is a popular expression meaning that each person pays for themselves—an idea linked to perceived Dutch frugality, though it is now used internationally. - Idiom Origins
Think About It:
How did the Dutch, a relatively small nation, come to dominate global trade in the 17th century?
Quick Activity:
Research three major contributions of the Dutch to world history and write one sentence for each.
Memory Tip:
Think of “Dutch” and “dike” — both related to the Netherlands, a country known for building dikes to manage sea levels.
Real-World Application:
Understanding the term “Dutch” is essential in discussions of European history, colonialism, art (like Dutch Masters), and global trade, especially during the Renaissance and early modern periods.
WORD-4: Peppercorns
Context:
"Which would drive the snakes underground. Of course, this bit of lore would explain the shriveled black peppercorns, but not white, pink or other colors." - Anonymous Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
Peppercorns are the small, dried berries of the pepper plant (Piper nigrum), used as a spice in various cuisines around the world. They come in different colors—black, white, green, and pink—depending on how they are harvested and processed. Black peppercorns are picked when almost ripe and then dried, giving them a wrinkled, dark appearance. The reference to peppercorns in this context ties in folklore with the visual look of these spices, especially the shriveled black variety.
Meaning: The dried berry of the pepper plant, used whole or ground as a spice (Noun)
Pronunciation: PEP-er-kornz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Middle English “peper” + “corn,” literally meaning a grain of pepper; "corn" here means a small hard seed or grain.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Peppercorns may seem like simple kitchen items, but they were once so valuable that they were used as currency and sparked wars. Understanding such words adds depth to both culinary and historical vocabulary.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: spice berries, seasoning seeds
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; conceptually: sugar, bland food)
Usage Examples:
- Black peppercorns are crushed fresh in many recipes for stronger flavor.
- The soup was garnished with whole pink peppercorns for a subtle heat and color.
- Traders once valued peppercorns as highly as gold.
- He ground a mix of black and white peppercorns for his spice rub.
Cultural Reference:
“In the Middle Ages, peppercorns were so precious that they were used to pay rent or taxes, often referred to as ‘peppercorn rent.’” - Food History Museum
Think About It:
How did something as small as a peppercorn come to shape global trade routes and colonial history?
Quick Activity:
Visit your kitchen and look at the pepper you have. Is it whole or ground? Try to identify its type (black, white, pink, etc.) and note its texture and aroma.
Memory Tip:
Break down the word: "pepper" (spice) + "corn" (small grain) = small spice grains used in cooking — peppercorns!
Real-World Application:
Peppercorns are used globally in cooking and seasoning. In legal terms, “peppercorn” can also symbolize a very small or nominal payment used to validate contracts.
WORD-5: Condiments
Context:
"Ages spices were used as both medicines and condiments. Above all, medieval recipes involve the combination of medical and culinary lore in order to balance food's humeral properties and prevent disease." - Anonymous Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
Condiments are substances such as sauces, spices, or pickled items that are added to food to enhance its flavor. In medieval times, condiments played a dual role—not only did they make food taste better, but they were also believed to have medicinal properties. Unlike main ingredients, condiments are used in smaller quantities and are typically added to prepared dishes. Today, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, and chutneys are familiar examples, but historically, condiments included many types of exotic spices and mixtures.
Meaning: Substances used to add flavor to food, such as sauces or spices (Noun - plural)
Pronunciation: KON-di-ments
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin "condimentum" meaning “spice, seasoning,” from "condire" meaning “to preserve or season.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Though we now think of condiments as minor additions to meals, they once held immense cultural, economic, and even medicinal significance. Think of them as powerful, flavor-boosting agents that shaped global taste and trade.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: seasoning, flavoring, relish, dressing, sauce
Antonyms: staple, main course, entrée (contextual opposites)
Usage Examples:
- Soy sauce and wasabi are common condiments in Japanese cuisine.
- He topped his burger with a variety of condiments including mustard and relish.
- In medieval times, condiments were often made from ground spices mixed with vinegar or wine.
- The chef prepared a special condiment to complement the grilled meat.
Cultural Reference:
"Hot sauce, once a regional condiment, has now become a global obsession with entire festivals and brands devoted to its variations." - Food Culture Magazine
Think About It:
Why do certain condiments become culturally iconic in specific regions while others remain local specialties?
Quick Activity:
List three condiments you use regularly. For each, write where it originates from and what types of dishes it complements.
Memory Tip:
Think of “condiments” as “contributing deliciousness”—they’re the companions that add zest and spice to your food!
Real-World Application:
Condiments are a staple in kitchens worldwide, used in home cooking, restaurants, and food packaging. Knowing about them helps you explore culinary diversity and even experiment with your own flavor creations.
WORD-6: Harvest
Context:
"Trees 'guarded' by serpents that would bite and poison anyone who attempted to gather the fruit. The only way to harvest pepper was to burn the trees, which would drive the snakes underground. Of course, this bit of lore would explain the shriveled black peppercorns, but not white, pink or other colors." - Anonymous Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Harvest” refers to the act of gathering mature crops or plants for use, consumption, or sale. It can also refer to the season or time when crops are collected. The term is often associated with agriculture, but it can also be used metaphorically in business, technology, or science (e.g., harvesting data or energy). In the context provided, "harvest" is used in its traditional sense—gathering pepper from trees, which, according to folklore, were protected by venomous serpents.
Meaning: To gather crops or other resources when they are ready (Verb/Noun)
Pronunciation: HAHR-vuhst
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old English “hærfest,” meaning “autumn” or “harvest-time,” originally referring to the season of gathering crops.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is highly versatile and can be used both literally and metaphorically. In vocabulary exams, it may also appear in abstract contexts like “harvest results” or “harvesting information.” Its agricultural roots, however, are essential to remember.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: gather, reap, collect, pick, crop
Antonyms: plant, sow, scatter, lose
Usage Examples:
- Farmers work long hours during the fall to harvest their crops.
- The villagers harvest olives every winter using traditional methods.
- The tech company harvests data to improve user experience.
- They celebrated the successful harvest with a community festival.
Cultural Reference:
"Thanksgiving in the United States originated as a celebration of the autumn harvest shared between Native Americans and Pilgrims." - American History Archive
Think About It:
In what ways has the concept of “harvest” evolved in modern society beyond agriculture?
Quick Activity:
Make a list of at least three things (literal or metaphorical) that people "harvest" in today’s world.
Memory Tip:
Remember: “Harvest” happens at the end — after you’ve grown or built something. Think: “Hard work ➝ Harvest.”
Real-World Application:
The word “harvest” is crucial in agriculture, seasonal work, sustainability discussions, and even data science—where people talk about "harvesting data" for analysis.
WORD-7: Procure
Context:
"The prices - but less about demand. Why go to such extraordinary efforts to procure expensive products from exotic lands?" - Anonymous Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
To “procure” something means to obtain it with effort, care, or special means—often something rare, valuable, or difficult to acquire. Unlike simple buying or receiving, procuring typically implies a deliberate process, often involving negotiation, searching, or even risk. In historical contexts, people had to travel long distances or engage in complex trade networks to procure exotic spices, making the term especially relevant in discussions of exploration, commerce, or diplomacy.
Meaning: To obtain something, especially with effort or special means (Verb)
Pronunciation: pro-KYOOR
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin "procurare" meaning “to take care of,” from “pro-” (on behalf of) and “curare” (to care).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Procure” is a high-utility academic and formal word often seen in exams, essays, or professional writing. Use it instead of informal terms like “get” or “buy” when describing effortful or formal acquisition.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: obtain, acquire, secure, fetch, source
Antonyms: lose, forfeit, abandon, relinquish
Usage Examples:
- They procured rare herbs from the highlands for medicinal purposes.
- The chef went to great lengths to procure authentic Italian truffles.
- In ancient times, rulers sent expeditions to procure spices and gold.
- She managed to procure funding for her research through a government grant.
Cultural Reference:
"During World War II, intelligence officers worked covertly to procure enemy documents vital to the war effort." - Military History Journal
Think About It:
What factors influence how much effort someone is willing to make to procure something they desire?
Quick Activity:
Write 2 sentences: one where someone procures a luxury item, and one where someone procures something essential.
Memory Tip:
Think of “procure” as “pro” (professional) + “cure”—like finding a special remedy, it takes effort and intention to procure something valuable.
Real-World Application:
“Procure” is widely used in business, especially in logistics and supply chain management, where companies must procure materials or services for operations. It's also common in international trade, law, and diplomacy.
WORD-8: Ingredients
Context:
"Most spices used in cooking began as medical ingredients, and throughout the Middle Ages spices were used as both medicines and condiments." - Anonymous Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Ingredients” are the individual components or substances used to create a finished product, most commonly a dish or recipe. Each ingredient contributes a specific property—flavor, texture, nutrition, or even medicinal value. In historical times, especially during the Middle Ages, ingredients weren’t just about taste—they were chosen for their perceived health effects as well. Spices, herbs, and roots were seen as medicinal ingredients that promoted balance and prevented illness.
Meaning: The individual items or substances used to make something, especially food (Noun - plural)
Pronunciation: in-GREE-dee-uhnts
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin “ingredientem,” present participle of “ingredī,” meaning “to go into, enter,” implying the idea of something that goes into a mixture.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Though “ingredients” is a common word, it's essential in both literal and metaphorical use. It helps in understanding how things are composed, whether it’s a dish, a formula, or even an idea. Always consider what each ‘ingredient’ brings to the mix!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: components, elements, parts, constituents, materials
Antonyms: whole, final product, result (contextual)
Usage Examples:
- The recipe calls for just five simple ingredients.
- Garlic and ginger are common ingredients in Asian cuisine.
- All ingredients must be fresh to achieve the best flavor.
- Trust and communication are key ingredients in a successful relationship.
Cultural Reference:
"The ancient Ayurvedic texts list hundreds of natural ingredients used in the preparation of medicinal concoctions." - Indian Medical Heritage Archives
Think About It:
What does the word “ingredient” mean when applied to things beyond cooking—like success, creativity, or leadership?
Quick Activity:
Pick your favorite dish and list all the ingredients used to make it. Then, identify which ones also have medicinal value.
Memory Tip:
Break it down: “in-gred-ients” — things that “go into” something. Just like ingredients go into a recipe!
Real-World Application:
Ingredients are essential in food labeling, healthcare (active ingredients in medicine), cosmetics, and even in manufacturing. Being aware of ingredients helps people make informed choices about what they consume or use.
WORD-9: Supposedly
Context:
"Most spices were hot and dry and so appropriate in sauces to counteract the moist and wet properties supposedly possessed by most meat and fish..." - Anonymous Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Supposedly” is an adverb used to express something that is claimed or believed to be true, especially when there is doubt or lack of concrete evidence. It often implies skepticism or that the information being shared may be based on assumptions, tradition, or hearsay rather than fact. In the context provided, the term reflects the traditional belief systems of the Middle Ages, where food properties were classified according to humoral theory—something that was “supposedly” true at the time but is no longer supported by modern science.
Meaning: As is believed or claimed, often with uncertainty or skepticism (Adverb)
Pronunciation: suh-POH-zid-lee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From “suppose,” which comes from Latin “supponere” meaning “to assume” or “put under”; the adverb form adds “-ly” to indicate manner or condition.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is very useful when you want to present information that may not be fully verified. It helps maintain a neutral or cautious tone in writing and is often used in academic, journalistic, or conversational contexts to suggest doubt.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: allegedly, reportedly, seemingly, apparently, purportedly
Antonyms: certainly, definitely, unquestionably
Usage Examples:
- The treasure was supposedly buried under the old oak tree.
- He is supposedly an expert, but I haven't seen him in action.
- The film is supposedly based on a true story.
- That remedy is supposedly effective, though there's no scientific proof.
Cultural Reference:
"Area 51 is supposedly where the U.S. government hides information about extraterrestrial life, though no evidence has ever confirmed this theory." - Pop Culture Conspiracy Archives
Think About It:
Why do we often accept “supposedly true” ideas without questioning their origins or evidence?
Quick Activity:
Write 2 sentences using “supposedly” to express skepticism—one about a historical belief and one about a modern rumor.
Memory Tip:
Think of “supposedly” as “I’m told this is true, but don’t quote me on it”—it’s the word that adds a pinch of doubt!
Real-World Application:
“Supposedly” is often used in news, documentaries, and casual speech when the speaker wants to present information without fully endorsing its truth. It helps distinguish facts from assumptions or rumors.
WORD-10: Drying
Context:
"Salting, smoking or drying meat were other means of preservation. Most spices used in cooking began as medical ingredients, and throughout the Middle Ages spices were used as both medicines and condiments." - Anonymous Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Drying” is the process of removing moisture from food, substances, or materials, usually to prevent spoilage, enhance longevity, or prepare them for use. It is one of the oldest and simplest methods of food preservation. In the context of the Middle Ages, drying meat helped prevent bacterial growth in the absence of refrigeration. Drying also made it easier to store and transport spices and herbs, which were crucial for both culinary and medicinal use at the time.
Meaning: The process of removing moisture, especially for preservation (Noun - Gerund/Present participle)
Pronunciation: DRY-ing
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old English “drygan,” meaning “to dry,” related to the adjective “dry,” which traces back to Proto-Germanic origins.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Though simple, “drying” is a fundamental term in science, cooking, agriculture, and technology. It illustrates a process that’s vital across industries—from food safety to textile production. Also note its use as a verb and a noun.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: dehydrating, evaporating, desiccating, curing
Antonyms: moistening, soaking, hydrating, saturating
Usage Examples:
- Drying fruits like apricots and figs extends their shelf life significantly.
- The drying of clothes is faster in sunny weather.
- Drying herbs before storage helps preserve their aroma and medicinal properties.
- They used traditional drying methods to preserve meat during long voyages.
Cultural Reference:
"Sun-drying tomatoes originated in Mediterranean regions, where farmers laid tomatoes on rooftops to dry in the summer sun." - Culinary Traditions Journal
Think About It:
How has the evolution from natural drying methods to modern dehydration technologies changed the way we store and consume food?
Quick Activity:
List three items in your kitchen that have been preserved using drying. Then, research how each item is traditionally dried.
Memory Tip:
Just think of “drying” as “taking the wet out”—when something is no longer wet, it’s dry. The -ing form shows it’s happening or being done.
Real-World Application:
Drying is crucial in fields like agriculture (drying crops), food technology (creating dehydrated meals), and environmental science (drying sludge or waste materials). Understanding it can deepen your awareness of sustainability and storage techniques.
