✨ 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:
- Sensation
- Outpacing
- Pitifully
- Intoxicating
- Disinfect
- Champagne
- Outpacing
- Prestige
- lucrative
- Exorbitantly
WORD-1: Sensation
Context:
"Moutai has been the global booze sensation of the decade. A bottle of its Flying Fairy which sold in the 1980s for the equivalent of a dollar now retails for $400" - The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "sensation" in this context refers to something or someone that causes great excitement, interest, or publicity. When a product, person, or event becomes a "sensation," it garners widespread attention and creates a buzz, often rapidly. Moutai's dramatic rise in fame and price transformed it from a local liquor into a global phenomenon, making it a true "booze sensation."
Meaning: A person, event, or thing that causes widespread excitement or interest (Noun)
Pronunciation: sen-SAY-shuhn
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *sensus*, meaning "feeling" or "perception"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Focus on how the word links to "excitement" and "impact." A product or person becomes a "sensation" when they break through and capture attention. Not to be confused with just a physical feeling—it also has a metaphorical meaning of fame and buzz.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: phenomenon, craze, buzz, marvel, showstopper
Antonyms: non-event, failure, obscurity, dud
Usage Examples:
- The new singer became an overnight sensation after her video went viral.
- The tech gadget turned into a global sensation within weeks of its launch.
- His performance created a sensation in the fashion industry.
- The movie was a box office sensation, grossing millions in just a few days.
Cultural Reference:
"The Beatles caused a sensation when they arrived in America in the 1960s, sparking Beatlemania." - Pop Culture Archives
Think About It:
Why do some things suddenly become a sensation while others, equally good, remain unnoticed?
Quick Activity:
List three things that have recently become sensations in the world (e.g., a product, celebrity, or viral trend) and explain why they captured attention.
Memory Tip:
Think of "sensation" as something that sends ripples through the "senses" of the world — it's hard to miss and even harder to ignore!
Real-World Application:
In marketing, creating a "sensation" can lead to viral success and high sales. Businesses often aim to build buzz and make their product the next big thing.
WORD-2: Outpacing
Context:
"Moutai’s listed shares have soared by almost 600% in the past five years, outpacing the likes of Amazon." - The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "outpacing" refers to the act of moving faster or achieving more than someone or something else. In this context, Moutai's stock performance has exceeded or gone beyond even tech giants like Amazon in terms of growth. It highlights a remarkable achievement, especially when compared to companies that are typically considered strong market leaders.
Meaning: To move faster or achieve more than someone or something else (Verb)
Pronunciation: out-PAY-sing
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From the prefix *out-* meaning "beyond" or "more than," and *pace*, meaning "speed of movement."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Outpacing” often shows up in economic, business, and sports contexts. Think of it as a competitive verb — when you outpace someone, you're leading, progressing faster, or succeeding more. The root idea is comparison and surpassing.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: surpassing, exceeding, overtaking, outperforming
Antonyms: trailing, lagging, following, falling behind
Usage Examples:
- Electric vehicle sales are outpacing traditional car models in many countries.
- Her academic performance is outpacing everyone else in the class.
- The company is outpacing its competitors with innovative technology.
- Inflation is outpacing wage growth, leading to reduced purchasing power.
Cultural Reference:
"China is outpacing the U.S. in certain AI research metrics." - MIT Technology Review
Think About It:
What does it take for one individual or organization to consistently outpace others in a competitive field?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences comparing two things (e.g., people, companies, or trends) using the word "outpacing." Try using it in both present and past tense.
Memory Tip:
Think of a race: if you’re “outpacing” someone, you're ahead — moving faster and getting there first!
Real-World Application:
“Outpacing” is commonly used in news articles and reports to describe market trends, economic shifts, or competitive dynamics, especially in business, technology, and politics.
WORD-3: Pitifully
Context:
"It scores pitifully on environmental, social and governance measures. In the Boy Scout world of Western business it would leave a bad taste, in more ways than one." - The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Pitifully" is an adverb used to describe something done to a very poor or inadequate extent. It implies a level of performance or quality that is so low it evokes sympathy, disappointment, or even contempt. In this context, it means that the company’s performance in areas such as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards is extremely poor—so much so that it stands out as unacceptable in today’s business climate.
Meaning: In a way that arouses pity due to being very poor, weak, or inadequate (Adverb)
Pronunciation: PIT-ih-full-ee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From the noun *pity*, derived from Old French *pitié*, based on Latin *pietas*, meaning "compassion" or "duty"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Pitifully” emphasizes emotional weakness or inadequacy. It’s not just about low quantity, but about how sadly lacking something is. It’s a good word for criticism, especially in essays or reviews.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: miserably, inadequately, weakly, sadly
Antonyms: admirably, impressively, excellently, strongly
Usage Examples:
- He performed pitifully on the final exam despite weeks of preparation.
- The team's defense was pitifully weak, allowing multiple goals in the first half.
- They were pitifully underprepared for the storm that hit the region.
- The country's infrastructure scores pitifully in global development indexes.
Cultural Reference:
"The government responded pitifully to the crisis, with delays and confusion," noted a BBC analyst during the 2005 hurricane aftermath.
Think About It:
What does using a word like "pitifully" reveal about the speaker’s attitude toward a subject, and when might it be too harsh?
Quick Activity:
Rewrite this sentence by replacing “pitifully” with a synonym: “The school was pitifully equipped for online learning.”
Memory Tip:
Think of something so poor it's almost “pity-full” — filled with pity. That’s pitifully!
Real-World Application:
Use "pitifully" in evaluations, critiques, and formal reviews when highlighting extremely poor performance — whether in corporate reports, essays, or policy analysis.
WORD-4: Intoxicating
Context:
"Moutai owes its intoxicating success to three factors—not all of them easy to emulate. First, it profits from Chinese nationalism." - The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "intoxicating" is used metaphorically here to describe success that is so overwhelming, exhilarating, or pleasurable that it almost affects the mind—much like alcohol does physically. In this context, Moutai’s success is described as "intoxicating" because it's powerful, impressive, and difficult to resist or ignore. The term evokes a sense of excitement and overwhelming impact that draws attention and admiration.
Meaning: Exciting or enjoyable to the point of overwhelming the senses or emotions (Adjective)
Pronunciation: in-TOX-ih-kay-ting
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *intoxicare*, meaning “to poison,” originally referring to the effect of alcohol; over time, it took on figurative meanings related to overwhelming excitement or pleasure
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of this word in both literal and metaphorical ways. Literally, it refers to the effect of alcohol or drugs. Figuratively, it describes anything so exciting or powerful that it feels mentally overwhelming—like success, fame, love, or power.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: exhilarating, thrilling, heady, rapturous, overwhelming
Antonyms: dull, boring, depressing, underwhelming
Usage Examples:
- Her intoxicating charm made her the center of attention wherever she went.
- The intoxicating aroma of spices filled the kitchen.
- They were swept up in the intoxicating excitement of their victory.
- The view from the mountaintop was so beautiful, it felt almost intoxicating.
Cultural Reference:
"Power is intoxicating. Those who taste it seldom wish to give it up." – A paraphrase of Lord Acton's observations on power and corruption.
Think About It:
Can success or fame be so intoxicating that it clouds judgment or alters one’s values?
Quick Activity:
List two things in life you find “intoxicating” (in the metaphorical sense) and describe how they make you feel.
Memory Tip:
Think of “toxic” inside the word—it hints at something that overwhelms or overpowers, even in a good way!
Real-World Application:
"Intoxicating" is often used in writing or speech to describe powerful feelings—whether it’s a product’s appeal in marketing, the allure of a person in literature, or the rush of victory in sports or politics.
WORD-5: Disinfect
Context:
"It was used to raise spirits and disinfect wounds in Mao’s Long March. It was Premier Zhou Enlai’s favourite tipple, shared with Richard Nixon in 1972." - The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "disinfect" refers to the act of cleaning something—especially wounds, surfaces, or objects—to eliminate harmful germs, bacteria, or viruses. In this historical context, Moutai (a strong liquor) was not only consumed to lift morale but also applied to wounds to kill bacteria due to its high alcohol content. This dual-purpose use highlights the practicality of alcohol in harsh conditions like those of the Long March.
Meaning: To clean something to destroy bacteria or viruses, especially to prevent infection (Verb)
Pronunciation: dis-in-FEKT
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *dis-* (expressing reversal) + *infectare* ("to taint, stain, infect") — meaning to reverse infection or contamination
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a highly practical word, especially relevant in health and hygiene contexts. Note that "disinfect" is stronger than just "clean" — it implies the destruction of harmful microorganisms. During the COVID era, this word became extremely common in everyday language.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: sterilize, sanitize, purify, cleanse
Antonyms: contaminate, infect, pollute, dirty
Usage Examples:
- The nurse used alcohol to disinfect the wound before applying a bandage.
- All surfaces must be disinfected regularly to prevent the spread of germs.
- They used bleach to disinfect the kitchen after the food spill.
- Hospitals routinely disinfect surgical tools to ensure patient safety.
Cultural Reference:
"Disinfecting" became a global household term during the COVID-19 pandemic as people sanitized hands, surfaces, and packages obsessively. - WHO Public Health Reports
Think About It:
In what other ways—beyond physical cleaning—can we "disinfect" harmful influences in our lives?
Quick Activity:
Write three nouns that can be disinfected, and use the word “disinfect” in a sentence for one of them.
Memory Tip:
Break it down: “dis-” (remove) + “infect” (to contaminate) = remove contamination!
Real-World Application:
"Disinfect" is commonly used in healthcare, food safety, and public health policies. It's a key action in preventing the spread of disease in homes, hospitals, and public places.
WORD-6: Champagne
Context:
"Moutai is to these well-heeled drinkers what vintage champagne is to the rest of the world... Third, Moutai looks beyond affluent millennials and digital natives." - The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Champagne" refers to a luxurious sparkling wine originating from the Champagne region in France, known for its effervescence, prestige, and association with celebration. In the context above, Moutai is being compared to vintage champagne, suggesting it holds a similarly elite and celebratory status among its drinkers. This metaphor implies exclusivity, luxury, and cultural significance, elevating Moutai’s image in the global market.
Meaning: A sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France, often associated with luxury and celebration (Noun)
Pronunciation: sham-PAYN
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From the French region *Champagne*, where this specific sparkling wine is produced under strict regulations
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Remember: “Champagne” is not just any sparkling wine—it must come from the Champagne region in France. It’s a protected term. Also, culturally, it's used symbolically to represent celebration, elegance, and exclusivity.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: sparkling wine, bubbly, prosecco (though technically different), celebratory drink
Antonyms: flat wine, still wine, non-alcoholic drink
Usage Examples:
- They popped open a bottle of champagne to celebrate their anniversary.
- Champagne is traditionally used for toasts at weddings and formal events.
- She prefers vintage champagne for its refined taste and historical value.
- The award ceremony ended with glasses of chilled champagne for the winners.
Cultural Reference:
“I only drink champagne on two occasions, when I am in love and when I am not.” – Coco Chanel. A famous quote underlining the symbolic status of champagne in luxury and style.
Think About It:
Why do you think champagne, more than other drinks, has become such a powerful symbol of celebration and status?
Quick Activity:
List three occasions where champagne is traditionally used. Then write a sentence using “champagne” metaphorically, as done in the context above.
Memory Tip:
Think “Champagne = Cheers + Prestige + France.” If it’s not from Champagne, France—it’s just sparkling wine!
Real-World Application:
In branding, marketing, and storytelling, “champagne” is often used to suggest quality, luxury, and celebration—whether talking about drinks, experiences, or even technology.
WORD-7: Pursuits
Context:
"As they grow older, health concerns, work-life balance and the desire for more wholesome pursuits than binge-drinking may curb the “Ganbei!” toasting culture on which so much of the demand for Moutai rests. For the time being, though, the party goes on." - The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
The noun "pursuits" refers to activities that people engage in regularly, especially those that are enjoyable, meaningful, or purposeful. In the context above, "wholesome pursuits" means healthy or enriching activities that individuals might turn to as they age—like fitness, hobbies, family time, or intellectual interests—as opposed to unhealthy habits like excessive drinking. The word highlights a shift in values and lifestyle preferences over time.
Meaning: Activities or interests that someone devotes time and energy to, often for enjoyment or purpose (Noun)
Pronunciation: pur-SOOTS
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old French *poursuite*, from *poursuir* meaning "to pursue" or "follow after with intent"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Pursuits” has a formal and positive tone. It usually refers to meaningful or productive activities—think of it as the opposite of time-wasting. Common collocations: “intellectual pursuits,” “creative pursuits,” “career pursuits.” It can also be used in philosophical or lifestyle contexts.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: activities, interests, endeavors, undertakings
Antonyms: idleness, inaction, passivity, neglect
Usage Examples:
- He devoted his weekends to creative pursuits like painting and poetry.
- The university encourages students to explore academic and extracurricular pursuits.
- Retirement gave her the freedom to focus on personal pursuits she had long ignored.
- More people are choosing wellness and mindfulness as their primary pursuits in life.
Cultural Reference:
“The pursuit of happiness” is a well-known phrase from the U.S. Declaration of Independence, highlighting the right of individuals to seek meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Think About It:
How do our pursuits change over time, and what do they reveal about our personal values and growth?
Quick Activity:
List three pursuits you enjoy today. For each one, write a short sentence explaining why it’s meaningful to you.
Memory Tip:
Think of “pursuits” as what you’re actively *pursuing* — what keeps you curious, active, and engaged.
Real-World Application:
"Pursuits" is commonly used in academic writing, self-help literature, and lifestyle journalism to emphasize personal development, hobbies, and meaningful engagement.
WORD-8: Prestige
Context:
"The country's premium market is massive—at 73m-strong, bigger than the population of France, notes Euan McLeish of Bernstein, an investment firm, and still less crowded with prestige brands than advanced economies. Moutai is to these well-heeled drinkers what vintage champagne is to the rest of the world..." - The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Prestige" refers to the high status or respect a person, brand, or product earns due to its perceived quality, achievements, or reputation. In this context, “prestige brands” are luxury or high-status brands that carry a certain elite image. The use of "prestige" in marketing often appeals to consumers who seek exclusivity, heritage, and societal recognition through the products they use or buy.
Meaning: High respect or status earned by success, quality, or reputation (Noun)
Pronunciation: preh-STEEZH
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From French *prestige* meaning "illusion" or "glamour," originally from Latin *praestigiae* (delusions or tricks), but now evolved to mean high regard or admiration
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a high-utility word in business, branding, and academic writing. “Prestige” is about perception — something can be prestigious because of excellence or simply due to its association with the elite. Think: Harvard, Rolex, or a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: distinction, status, honor, eminence, reputation
Antonyms: obscurity, insignificance, mediocrity, disrepute
Usage Examples:
- Graduating from a university with prestige can open many career doors.
- The brand built its prestige on decades of craftsmanship and excellence.
- She accepted a position at a company known for its global prestige.
- Owning a luxury car is often more about prestige than practicality.
Cultural Reference:
"The Nobel Prize is the most prestigious award in many academic fields, signifying excellence and global recognition." – Encyclopedia Britannica
Think About It:
Does prestige come from genuine quality and achievement, or can it be manufactured through branding and perception?
Quick Activity:
Make a list of three “prestige” brands or institutions you know. Then describe what makes them prestigious in one sentence each.
Memory Tip:
Think of “prestige” as the *stage* where only the best or most respected get to perform — it’s all about public admiration.
Real-World Application:
Understanding “prestige” is key in business, especially in luxury marketing, education, and job recruitment, where brand or institutional reputation strongly influences decisions.
WORD-9: Lucrative
Context:
"The elderly and the middle-aged, it found, can be just as lucrative. Its biggest market now is (male) drinkers in their mid-30s. Many have no siblings, thanks to four decades of China’s one-child policy—which also means their elderly parents can splash out on weddings and banquets." - The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
The adjective "lucrative" refers to something that generates a lot of money or profit. It’s often used to describe markets, jobs, deals, or opportunities that are financially rewarding. In the given context, the older demographic of consumers is said to be "just as lucrative" as younger ones—meaning they are equally profitable for the company due to their high spending capacity, particularly on celebratory events and luxury items like Moutai.
Meaning: Producing a great deal of profit; financially rewarding (Adjective)
Pronunciation: LOO-kruh-tiv
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *lucrativus* (gainful), derived from *lucrum*, meaning "profit" or "gain"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Use “lucrative” when talking about opportunities or markets that are not just good—but financially *very* rewarding. Perfect for business, career, and economic writing. A strong word that instantly signals profit and potential.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: profitable, rewarding, gainful, money-making
Antonyms: unprofitable, loss-making, unrewarding, fruitless
Usage Examples:
- He left his job to pursue a more lucrative position in tech.
- Real estate in that district has become a lucrative investment.
- They found a lucrative market for their product in Southeast Asia.
- Influencer marketing has turned into a surprisingly lucrative career path.
Cultural Reference:
"Acting might be glamorous, but voiceover work can be even more lucrative," noted a Forbes article highlighting behind-the-scenes earnings in entertainment.
Think About It:
Can something be lucrative but still ethically questionable? Where should we draw the line between profit and principles?
Quick Activity:
List two career paths or business ideas you think are lucrative today. Then use “lucrative” in a sentence to describe one of them.
Memory Tip:
Think of “lucrative” as *loot*-crative — it creates loot, i.e., profit and riches!
Real-World Application:
“Lucrative” is a go-to word in business reports, investment analyses, and career guides when describing high-earning fields or profitable opportunities.
WORD-10: Exorbitantly
Context:
"Exorbitantly priced booze is at odds with its professed socialist ideals." - The Economist
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Exorbitantly" is an adverb used to emphasize that something is unreasonably or excessively high, especially in terms of cost or amount. In this context, it describes how the pricing of luxury alcohol, like Moutai, starkly contrasts with socialist values that emphasize equality and moderation. The word adds a tone of critique, pointing out the irony or contradiction between luxury pricing and the ideology it supposedly aligns with.
Meaning: To an unreasonably high or excessive degree, especially in terms of price or demand (Adverb)
Pronunciation: ig-ZOR-bih-tuhnt-lee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *exorbitare*, meaning “to go out of the track,” combining *ex-* (out of) + *orbita* (track or course)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a powerful adverb used to highlight extremes, especially in pricing or demands. Think of it as a more sophisticated way to say “ridiculously” or “outrageously.” Use it to emphasize excess with precision.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: excessively, outrageously, steeply, unduly
Antonyms: reasonably, affordably, modestly, fairly
Usage Examples:
- The hotel charged exorbitantly for basic room service items.
- He was paid exorbitantly for a job that required minimal effort.
- The rent in that neighborhood is exorbitantly high compared to nearby areas.
- Some luxury brands price their goods exorbitantly to create an aura of exclusivity.
Cultural Reference:
"Housing prices in major cities like London and San Francisco are now considered exorbitantly high, pushing out middle-class residents." – The Guardian
Think About It:
When does high pricing shift from being premium to being exorbitant, and who decides where that line is drawn?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence describing something you think is priced exorbitantly today—explain why you feel it’s too much.
Memory Tip:
Think: “Exorbitantly = Exiting the orbit of reasonable prices” — prices that are so high they’ve flown off the chart!
Real-World Application:
"Exorbitantly" is frequently used in consumer reports, business journalism, and social commentary to highlight unreasonable pricing or demands, especially when pointing out economic inequality or exploitation.
