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Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing

Catalyst

noun / KAT-uh-list / Easy
Meaning

A person or thing that precipitates an event or accelerates a process or change without being permanently affected itself.

Origin / Etymology

Greek katalysis (dissolution), from kata (down) + lyein (to loosen)

Synonyms
Stimulus Impetus Trigger
Antonyms
Inhibitor Impediment
Example Sentence
"The Jan Dhan Yojana served as a catalyst for financial inclusion, bringing over 500 million previously unbanked Indians into the formal financial system."
🎯 UPSC Usage

Widely applicable in UPSC answers, GS3 on technology as catalyst for development, GS2 on policies as catalyst for social change, GS1 on events that acted as catalysts in the freedom movement. A versatile word for Mains answers and Essays.

Relevant Subjects
Economy Science Tech
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