✨ 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:
- Imperceptibly
- Divergence
- Speciation
- Relentless
- Preserve
- Ubiquitous
- Asserted
- Predation
- Adapted
- Traits
WORD-1: Imperceptibly
Context:
But they thought it reflected evolutionary changes that unfolded imperceptibly, over millions of years.
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Imperceptibly" is used to describe a change or action so subtle, gradual, or slight that it is almost impossible to detect with the senses. It often refers to shifts in emotion, time, movement, or environmental conditions. This adverb adds nuance to writing by emphasizing things that happen quietly or beneath our awareness—like someone’s mood shifting, or a room becoming darker.
Meaning: In a way that is so slight, gradual, or subtle as to be barely noticeable (Adverb)
Pronunciation: im-per-SEP-tuh-blee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *im-* (not) + *percipere* (to perceive); literally “not able to be perceived”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is excellent for descriptive writing. Use it when you want to draw attention to something that happens subtly—like a mood shift, a character's expression, or a creeping change in tone. It adds elegance and depth to your narration.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: subtly, faintly, barely, indistinctly, gradually
Antonyms: noticeably, obviously, clearly, overtly
Usage Examples:
- Her expression changed imperceptibly as she listened to the news.
- The temperature dropped imperceptibly over the course of the evening.
- Time passed imperceptibly while they sat together in silence.
- The building trembled imperceptibly as the train rolled by underground.
Cultural Reference:
In literature, writers like Virginia Woolf and Marcel Proust used imperceptible shifts in thought and time to portray the fluidity of consciousness—central to the stream-of-consciousness style. - Literary Modernism
Think About It:
What are some imperceptible changes in your habits, relationships, or environment that you only noticed after a long time?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence describing a place or moment using “imperceptibly” to show a subtle change in feeling, light, or motion.
Memory Tip:
Think: *imperceptibly* = "impossible to perceive" — like the moment night falls or a quiet tear rolls down a cheek.
Real-World Application:
Writers, psychologists, and observers of human behavior use this word to describe slow, hidden changes—making it valuable in fiction, reflective essays, and subtle character development.
WORD-2 : Divergence
Context:
That divergence between populations within a species was enforced, according to Ernst Mayr, the great evolutionary biologist of the 1940s, when a population was separated from the rest of the species by a mountain range or a desert, preventing breeding across the divide over geologic scales of time.
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Divergence" refers to the process or state of moving apart, becoming different, or developing in different directions. It is commonly used in discussions about opinions, trends, paths, or outcomes that once started from a similar point but gradually separated. In social, scientific, or financial contexts, “divergence” signals a growing gap—whether in ideas, performance, or values—highlighting contrast rather than unity.
Meaning: The act or process of separating or moving away from a common point or standard (Noun)
Pronunciation: dih-VER-jens
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *divergere*, from *di-* ("apart") + *vergere* ("to bend or turn") — literally "to turn away from"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Divergence” is a powerful word to use when analyzing trends or decisions that once shared a path. It is especially useful in academic writing, economics, philosophy, and even science. Remember, divergence is not just separation—it implies a meaningful or measurable difference over time.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: separation, deviation, split, difference, dissimilarity
Antonyms: convergence, agreement, similarity, alignment
Usage Examples:
- There has been a clear divergence in political beliefs between generations.
- The roads diverged at the base of the mountain, leading to two very different landscapes.
- Scientists observed a genetic divergence between two isolated species.
- Economic divergence is widening the gap between rich and poor nations.
Cultural Reference:
Robert Frost’s famous poem “The Road Not Taken” explores the concept of divergence through a metaphor of two roads splitting in a forest—symbolizing life’s choices and their consequences. - American Poetry
Think About It:
What are some areas in your own life—values, goals, relationships—where you’ve noticed divergence from where you began?
Quick Activity:
Write a short sentence comparing two things (e.g., lifestyles, opinions, trends) that once aligned but now show divergence.
Memory Tip:
Divergence = *di* (apart) + *verge* (turn) → Imagine two people walking side by side who gradually turn onto different paths.
Real-World Application:
“Divergence” is essential in economics, politics, science, and relationships—anywhere difference or deviation needs to be recognized and analyzed. Use it to write or speak about evolving contrasts with clarity and precision.
WORD-3 : Speciation
Context:
. Speciation Without the separation, gene flow was relentless. But as the separation persisted, the isolated population grew apart and speciation occurred.
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Speciation" is the evolutionary process by which populations evolve to become distinct species. It often occurs when a group within a species becomes isolated—either geographically, genetically, or behaviorally—and gradually accumulates enough differences to prevent interbreeding. Speciation is a cornerstone concept in evolutionary biology, helping explain the immense diversity of life on Earth.
Meaning: The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution (Noun)
Pronunciation: spee-shee-AY-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced (scientific vocabulary)
Etymology: From Latin *species* (a kind or form) + *-ation* (process of)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is crucial for students of biology and environmental science. It's often used in evolutionary theory to describe how biodiversity arises. Also, speciation is linked with ideas like natural selection, adaptation, and ecological niches—essential concepts for understanding life sciences at a deeper level.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: species formation, evolutionary branching, genetic divergence
Antonyms: extinction, genetic uniformity, convergence
Usage Examples:
- Darwin’s finches are a classic example of speciation in action.
- Geographical isolation can result in speciation over millions of years.
- Climate change may accelerate the rate of speciation in some regions.
- Speciation helps explain why biodiversity is greater in tropical rainforests.
Cultural Reference:
Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection, presented in *On the Origin of Species* (1859), brought the concept of speciation into public awareness by showing how species evolve and branch out over time. - Evolutionary Science
Think About It:
How might human activity—like deforestation, pollution, or climate change—influence the process of speciation?
Quick Activity:
Research or imagine an animal species that might undergo speciation in the next few centuries. What factors might drive it?
Memory Tip:
Speciation = *species* + *creation* → the process by which new species are created.
Real-World Application:
Speciation is fundamental to understanding biodiversity, conservation efforts, and the impact of environmental changes. It helps scientists predict how life will adapt—or not—on our ever-changing planet.
WORD-4: Relentless
Context:
. Speciation Without the separation, gene flow was relentless
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Relentless" describes something that continues without stopping or giving up—often in a way that is harsh, intense, or difficult to bear. It can refer to people, weather, emotions, or situations that persist with unyielding force. Whether it's relentless pressure, criticism, ambition, or a storm, the word conveys something that does not let up and demands endurance.
Meaning: Continuing without becoming weaker or less severe; unyielding or determined (Adjective)
Pronunciation: ruh-LENT-lis
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From “relent” (to soften or become less intense) + “-less” (without); literally “without relenting”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a power word. Use “relentless” to describe anything that is unstoppable, unforgiving, or impressively persistent. It can be negative (a relentless headache) or positive (a relentless pursuit of excellence). Just make sure you pair it with something intense or enduring.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: unyielding, persistent, unstoppable, tireless, ruthless
Antonyms: lenient, merciful, soft, intermittent, forgiving
Usage Examples:
- The team’s relentless effort paid off with a championship win.
- The desert sun was relentless, beating down from morning to night.
- She pursued her goals with relentless determination.
- Online trolls launched a relentless wave of attacks against the writer.
Cultural Reference:
In the movie *The Terminator*, the main villain is described as a “relentless killing machine”—a pop culture image of unstoppable pursuit. - Sci-Fi Cinema
Think About It:
Is being relentless always a virtue—or can it become destructive if not balanced with reflection and rest?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence describing a time when you or someone you know was relentless. Was it helpful or harmful?
Memory Tip:
“Relentless” = *no relenting* — think of a wave crashing again and again without pause.
Real-World Application:
This word is common in motivational writing, journalism, sports commentary, and business contexts. It helps describe intensity, whether physical, emotional, or strategic.
WORD-5 : Preserve
Context:
They had studied checkerspot butterflies living in the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve in California, and it soon became clear that they were not examining a single population.
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Preserve" means to maintain something in its original or existing state, protecting it from damage, decay, or destruction. It is used in a wide range of contexts—historical (preserving monuments), environmental (preserving forests), cultural (preserving traditions), and personal (preserving memories or values). The word carries a sense of responsibility and care, often emphasizing the long-term importance of safeguarding what matters.
Meaning: To keep something safe from harm or decay; to maintain in its current or original condition (Verb)
Pronunciation: pruh-ZURV
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *praeservare* — *prae-* ("before") + *servare* ("to keep safe") — literally "to keep beforehand"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Preserve” is a powerful word that suggests intention, care, and foresight. Whether you're writing an essay about the environment or making an emotional appeal about traditions, this verb adds weight and a sense of duty to your argument. Use it to show that something is worth saving—not just for today, but for tomorrow too.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: protect, safeguard, maintain, conserve, uphold
Antonyms: destroy, neglect, abandon, damage
Usage Examples:
- We need to preserve the rainforest for the health of our planet.
- The museum preserves rare manuscripts dating back to the 15th century.
- He worked hard to preserve the family’s honor and traditions.
- The food was preserved with natural ingredients to avoid spoilage.
Cultural Reference:
The UNESCO World Heritage program identifies and helps preserve cultural and natural sites of outstanding value around the world — such as the Taj Mahal or the Galápagos Islands. - Global Heritage Efforts
Think About It:
What parts of your culture, environment, or personal life do you believe are worth preserving—and why?
Quick Activity:
Write one sentence starting with: “If we don’t preserve ________, future generations will lose something valuable.”
Memory Tip:
“Preserve” = *pre* (before) + *serve* → Think of it as serving something *before* it's lost — guarding it in advance.
Real-World Application:
Whether you're advocating for environmental sustainability, digital privacy, or cultural heritage, “preserve” is a versatile and impactful word used across academic writing, activism, science, and public policy.
WORD-6: Ubiquitous
Context:
"Among other ideas, Ehrlich and Raven argued in a now classic paper from 1969 that gene flow was not as predictable and ubiquitous as Mayr and his cohort maintained, and thus evolutionary divergence between neighbouring groups in a population was probably common." - Scientific Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Ubiquitous” is a word used to describe something that seems to be present everywhere at the same time. It conveys a sense of pervasiveness or omnipresence. In the context of the sentence, it’s used to question the assumption that gene flow is present everywhere uniformly within populations. Instead, the authors argue that this was not always the case — thus evolutionary changes could occur more locally and frequently than previously thought.
Meaning: Present, appearing, or found everywhere (Adjective)
Pronunciation: yoo-BIK-wi-tuhs
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *ubique* meaning "everywhere" and *ubiquitas* meaning "presence everywhere or in many places simultaneously."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a powerful word to describe phenomena that are widespread. Whether it’s technology, fashion, or biological traits, “ubiquitous” captures the idea of presence across multiple places without needing to repeat that fact.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: omnipresent, pervasive, universal, widespread, all-over
Antonyms: rare, scarce, infrequent, uncommon
Usage Examples:
- Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society.
- The smell of fresh coffee was ubiquitous throughout the café.
- Social media is now so ubiquitous that even grandparents are online.
- The concept of evolution was once controversial but is now ubiquitous in biology classrooms.
Cultural Reference:
"McDonald’s golden arches are almost ubiquitous, a global symbol of American fast food culture." - Cultural Observation
Think About It:
Does the ubiquity of something always make it more valuable, or can it reduce its significance?
Quick Activity:
List 5 things that are ubiquitous in your daily life and consider how your routines might change without them.
Memory Tip:
Think of "Ubiquitous = You be quick to see it everywhere!"—because it’s all around!
Real-World Application:
The word is frequently used in news articles, academic writing, and discussions around trends, behaviors, and technologies that seem to pervade society or systems.
WORD-7 : Asserted
Context:
.They also asserted that isolation and gene flow were less important to evolutionary divergence than natural selection (when factors such as mate choice, weather, disease or predation cause better-adapted individuals to survive and pass on their successful genetic traits
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Asserted" is the past tense of "assert" and means to state something confidently and forcefully, often in defense of a belief, right, or opinion. It is typically used when someone takes a clear stance or speaks with authority. The word may also imply strength and clarity in situations where someone is standing up for themselves, presenting a fact, or making a claim—whether it's in a debate, personal conversation, or formal setting.
Meaning: Declared or stated something firmly and confidently (Verb – past tense)
Pronunciation: uh-SUR-tid
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *assertus*, past participle of *asserere* – “to claim, affirm, or maintain”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Asserted” is a strong, confident word. Use it to describe situations where someone is taking a firm stand—whether defending an idea or their own dignity. It’s especially useful in argumentative writing or when analyzing characters in literature or historical figures who defended their principles.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: declared, claimed, stated, affirmed, maintained
Antonyms: denied, questioned, doubted, retracted
Usage Examples:
- He asserted his innocence throughout the entire trial.
- The scientist asserted that the data supported her theory.
- She asserted herself in the meeting and made sure her voice was heard.
- They asserted their right to protest peacefully.
Cultural Reference:
In the U.S. Declaration of Independence, the Founding Fathers asserted the right to liberty and self-governance—marking a turning point in world history. - American Historical Documents
Think About It:
When is it most important to assert your views—and when might it be wiser to listen instead?
Quick Activity:
Write one sentence in which a person “asserted” something strongly. Identify what they stood up for.
Memory Tip:
Think of “assert” as “a statement with certainty” — a way to express beliefs boldly and clearly.
Real-World Application:
“Asserted” is useful in essays, debates, journalism, and legal writing—anywhere someone presents a claim or defends a position with confidence.
WORD-8 : Predation
Context:
They also asserted that isolation and gene flow were less important to evolutionary divergence than natural selection (when factors such as mate choice, weather, disease or predation cause better-adapted individuals to survive and pass on their successful genetic traits)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Predation" refers to the biological interaction where one organism (the predator) hunts, kills, and eats another organism (the prey). It is a natural and essential part of most ecosystems, helping control population sizes and drive evolutionary changes. The term is also used metaphorically in discussions of economics, power dynamics, and social injustice—where one party exploits another.
Meaning: The act of one organism hunting and feeding on another (Noun)
Pronunciation: preh-DAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *praedatio* (“plundering”), from *praeda* (“prey” or “booty”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a biology keyword but also very powerful in metaphorical use. Use “predation” in science contexts to explain food chains or species survival, and in social writing to comment on exploitation or aggressive behavior (e.g., “corporate predation”). It helps convey intensity and power imbalance.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: hunting, pursuit, attack, exploitation (metaphorical)
Antonyms: protection, defense, cooperation, symbiosis
Usage Examples:
- Lions rely on predation to control populations of herbivores in the savanna.
- The absence of predation can lead to overpopulation and ecological imbalance.
- In nature documentaries, predation scenes show the raw survival instincts of animals.
- Many critics argue that high-interest payday loans are a form of financial predation.
Cultural Reference:
In Darwin’s theory of natural selection, predation is a key factor that drives adaptation—only the most fit survive predatory threats. - Evolutionary Biology
Think About It:
How does the concept of predation apply not just in nature, but in society, business, or relationships?
Quick Activity:
Name one predator-prey relationship in nature and explain how predation affects both species over time.
Memory Tip:
“Predation” comes from “predator” — think of a tiger stalking prey, a vivid image that defines the word.
Real-World Application:
Understanding predation is key in biology, ecology, conservation science, and even economics—helping explain power dynamics, survival, and balance across systems.
WORD-9 : Adapted
Context:
They also asserted that isolation and gene flow were less important to evolutionary divergence than natural selection (when factors such as mate choice, weather, disease or predation cause better-adapted individuals to survive and pass on their successful genetic traits)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Adapted" is the past form of "adapt" and refers to the process of changing or adjusting in order to fit new conditions. It can apply to living organisms, ideas, technologies, or even behaviors. In biology, it refers to traits developed for survival. In literature or film, a story is said to be “adapted” when it's altered to suit a new format or audience. The word reflects flexibility, resilience, and responsiveness to change.
Meaning: Changed or modified to suit a new use, condition, or environment (Verb – past tense/participle)
Pronunciation: uh-DAP-tid
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *adaptare*, meaning “to fit to” — *ad-* (to) + *aptare* (to fit)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Adapted” is a go-to word for discussing how people, animals, or ideas evolve or respond to changing circumstances. Whether in biology or storytelling, this word captures transformation. Try pairing it with subjects like “species,” “individuals,” or “technologies” for clear, effective expression.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: modified, adjusted, evolved, transformed, reworked
Antonyms: unchanged, rigid, fixed, inflexible
Usage Examples:
- Polar bears are adapted to survive in freezing Arctic temperatures.
- She quickly adapted to life in a new country.
- The book was adapted into a successful movie.
- Plants in deserts have adapted to store water for long periods.
Cultural Reference:
Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution highlights how species adapted over generations through natural selection — a process essential for survival and biodiversity. - Evolutionary Science
Think About It:
What’s something you’ve had to adapt to recently? How did that change affect your mindset or habits?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence that uses “adapted” to describe how either a person or a technology changed to meet new demands.
Memory Tip:
Think of “adapted” as “apt”—meaning “fit”—so someone adapted has *fit into* a new space or challenge.
Real-World Application:
“Adapted” is used in biology, education, storytelling, and everyday conversation to describe how we or things around us evolve in response to challenges or new environments.
WORD-10 : Traits
Context:
They also asserted that isolation and gene flow were less important to evolutionary divergence than natural selection (when factors such as mate choice, weather, disease or predation cause better-adapted individuals to survive and pass on their successful genetic traits).
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Traits" are characteristics or features that distinguish an individual or object. In biology, traits refer to inherited features like eye color, height, or fur pattern. In psychology and character analysis, traits describe personality elements, such as honesty, kindness, or stubbornness. Traits can be physical or behavioral, genetic or learned. They help define what makes something or someone unique.
Meaning: Distinguishing qualities or characteristics, typically belonging to a person, organism, or object (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: trayts
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From French *trait*, meaning "feature" or "line," derived from Latin *tractus* (drawing out or pulling)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Traits” is a fundamental word in both science and literature. Use it when talking about inherited qualities (like in genetics), or character traits (like in essays or novels). It’s versatile and essential across disciplines — biology, psychology, or storytelling.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: characteristics, features, qualities, attributes, aspects
Antonyms: flaws, defects, faults (in certain contexts), abnormalities
Usage Examples:
- Her most admirable traits are patience and generosity.
- Certain physical traits, like fur thickness, help animals adapt to cold climates.
- These genetic traits are passed from parents to offspring.
- The villain’s traits included cunning and manipulation.
Cultural Reference:
In the popular *Big Five* personality model, human behavior is studied based on five major traits: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism — a widely accepted tool in psychology. - Personality Psychology
Think About It:
Which of your own traits do you think are inherited, and which have been shaped by your environment or choices?
Quick Activity:
List three traits—one physical, one personality-based, and one behavioral—you recognize in yourself. Try to identify where each may have come from.
Memory Tip:
Think of "traits" as the *tracks* or *traces* that define what something or someone is — the visible signs of identity.
Real-World Application:
Understanding traits helps in fields like genetics, leadership, education, and psychology — from predicting health risks to improving teamwork by analyzing personality traits.
