✨ 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:
- Mega Events
- Congested
- Natatorium
- Hectic
- Frenzied
- velodrome
- Dubious
- Federations
- fiesta
- Prospects
WORD-1: Mega Events
Context:
"Do sports mega events like the summer Olympic Games benefit the host city economically? It depends, but the prospects are less than rosy." - Economic Analysis of Sports Hosting
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Mega events" refer to extremely large-scale public events that attract massive international attention, participation, and media coverage. These include major sporting events like the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, or Super Bowl, and occasionally large expos or summits. These events are often pitched as opportunities to boost tourism, national pride, and infrastructure, but they can also strain public budgets, displace communities, and leave behind underused facilities.
Meaning: Exceptionally large public events with international visibility and economic impact (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: MEG-uh ee-VENTS
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Greek *mega* (“great, large”) + Latin *eventus* (“outcome, occurrence”); became widely used in the 20th century with global sports and media growth
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Mega events” are more than just large gatherings—they’re moments of national or global focus. Use the term when talking about global sports, world expos, or massive cultural summits. Remember, while they bring glamour and attention, they also invite debate on cost versus long-term benefit.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: large-scale events, global spectacles, world-class events, major gatherings
Antonyms: small-scale events, local gatherings, niche events, private functions
Usage Examples:
- The Olympics is considered one of the most iconic mega events in the world.
- Mega events require years of planning and billions in infrastructure investment.
- While mega events can boost tourism, they may leave behind a financial burden.
- Governments often use mega events to project soft power on the global stage.
Cultural Reference:
The 2008 Beijing Olympics is often cited as a mega event that showcased China’s global rise—but it also raised concerns over costs, surveillance, and long-term utility of Olympic venues. - Global Politics of Sports
Think About It:
Should public money be spent on hosting mega events, or would it be better used for long-term community development?
Quick Activity:
List two pros and two cons of hosting a mega event like the Olympics. Which side do you find more convincing, and why?
Memory Tip:
“Mega” = massive. Just think of fireworks, stadiums, and media cameras everywhere—classic signs of a mega event.
Real-World Application:
The term “mega events” is commonly used in urban planning, tourism studies, international relations, and economics to evaluate how such large-scale experiences affect cities, countries, and global perception.
WORD 2: Congested
Context:
(Inferred example: “The city center was so congested that it took an hour to move a few blocks.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Congested" refers to something being overcrowded or blocked to the point where normal movement or function is difficult. It is commonly used in two main contexts: physical spaces (like traffic or urban areas) and health (such as nasal congestion). In both cases, it suggests an undesirable buildup or overaccumulation that causes discomfort, delay, or inefficiency.
Meaning: Overcrowded or blocked, often to the point of hindrance or difficulty (Adjective)
Pronunciation: kuhn-JES-tid
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *congerere* (“to heap up”) via *congestus* (“crowded, pressed together”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is very versatile and works well in urban studies, health topics, and even metaphorical writing. Use “congested” when you want to describe something as clogged or overwhelmed. It’s a handy term for essays, reports, and casual usage alike.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: overcrowded, clogged, blocked, jammed, packed
Antonyms: clear, open, free-flowing, spacious
Usage Examples:
- The roads were congested due to a citywide marathon.
- She felt congested and dizzy after catching a cold.
- Urban planners are working to reduce traffic congestion in the downtown area.
- The hospital’s emergency room was congested with patients during the flu outbreak.
Cultural Reference:
Major cities like Mumbai, Manila, and Los Angeles are often listed among the most congested in global traffic index reports, with commuters spending hundreds of hours annually in traffic jams. - Global Urban Mobility Studies
Think About It:
What strategies can cities use to reduce congestion, both on roads and in public spaces?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences using “congested”: one about traffic and one about a health condition.
Memory Tip:
Think “congested = can’t go” — whether it’s a car in traffic or air through your nose, something is blocked.
Real-World Application:
“Congested” is useful in writing related to health, city planning, travel, and infrastructure. It’s also frequently used in news reports and environmental studies.
WORD 3: Natatorium
Context:
(Inferred example: “The city built a state-of-the-art natatorium to host the national swimming championships.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
A “natatorium” is an indoor facility that contains a swimming pool and often includes seating for spectators, locker rooms, and training equipment. The word is mostly used in formal or architectural contexts. While the average person may refer to it simply as an "indoor pool," natatorium is the technical or official term used in event planning, construction, and competitive sports like swimming and diving.
Meaning: An indoor swimming pool building, especially one designed for competition (Noun)
Pronunciation: nay-tuh-TOHR-ee-um
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate (technical vocabulary)
Etymology: From Latin *natare* (“to swim”) + *-orium* (place suffix); literally meaning “a place for swimming”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a great word to use if you want to sound precise or formal when discussing sports facilities or urban development. Though less common in daily language, it often appears in institutional contexts—schools, universities, Olympic infrastructure, or architectural blueprints.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: indoor pool, aquatic center, swimming facility, sports complex (contextual)
Antonyms: open-air pool, beach, non-aquatic arena
Usage Examples:
- The university’s new natatorium features Olympic-sized lanes and digital timing systems.
- Swimmers trained year-round thanks to the heated natatorium in their training center.
- The school district invested in a natatorium to support competitive swimming and water safety programs.
- The natatorium will host national diving trials next summer.
Cultural Reference:
Many Olympic host cities build world-class natatoriums as part of their commitment to international aquatics. The “London Aquatics Centre,” built for the 2012 Olympics, is a modern example of a natatorium with sweeping architecture and world-class features. - Olympic Architecture
Think About It:
Why do you think dedicated venues like natatoriums are necessary for athletic training and international sports events?
Quick Activity:
Describe a natatorium in your area or one you’ve seen in pictures—what features stood out the most?
Memory Tip:
“Natatorium” comes from *natare* (to swim) — imagine a *swim-natorium*, a sophisticated pool space designed just for swimming!
Real-World Application:
“Natatorium” is useful in architectural discussions, sports facility design, and formal writing about athletic venues. It signals professionalism and precision when discussing infrastructure for aquatics.
WORD: Hectic
Context:
(Inferred example: “The office was especially hectic during the final week of the financial year.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Hectic" is an adjective used to describe situations that are full of intense activity, often in a disorganized or overwhelming way. It usually refers to days, schedules, or periods where things feel rushed, chaotic, or non-stop. While the word can carry a sense of excitement, it also implies pressure and a lack of calm. It’s commonly used in both casual conversation and narrative writing to express busyness or mental overload.
Meaning: Full of activity, confusion, or intense pressure; very busy (Adjective)
Pronunciation: HEK-tik
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Greek *hektikos*, meaning “habitual” or “continuous,” later evolving to describe feverish or rushed activity in English
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Hectic” is a handy word to describe fast-paced or exhausting moments. It’s great for describing emotional or environmental intensity in daily life, especially in personal narratives or journal entries. It conveys a mood—rushed, frazzled, maybe exciting, but definitely intense.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: frantic, chaotic, busy, intense, stressful
Antonyms: calm, relaxed, peaceful, orderly
Usage Examples:
- After a hectic morning of meetings, she finally took a break.
- The airport was hectic during the holiday travel season.
- His schedule has been so hectic lately that he barely sleeps.
- They enjoyed a quiet dinner after a hectic day at work.
Cultural Reference:
In modern work culture, a “hectic lifestyle” is often worn like a badge of honor—but it can also lead to burnout, prompting movements that emphasize slow living and mindfulness. – Contemporary Lifestyle Trends
Think About It:
Does a hectic life mean a productive one—or can constant busyness be a distraction from what truly matters?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence describing a hectic situation in your week. Then rewrite it using a synonym of “hectic” to vary tone or intensity.
Memory Tip:
“Hectic” sounds like *hectic traffic*—picture horns, rushing cars, and noise to remember it means “busy and chaotic.”
Real-World Application:
“Hectic” is used in everyday conversation, email writing, personal storytelling, and news media. It helps express urgency and emotional load in work, school, and life events.
WORD 5: Frenzied
Context:
(Inferred example: “The crowd erupted into frenzied cheers as the final goal was scored.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Frenzied" describes a state of intense and uncontrolled activity, emotion, or movement—usually chaotic, wild, or emotionally charged. Whether it’s a frenzied crowd, a frenzied pace of work, or frenzied efforts before a deadline, the word suggests a break from calmness or order. It often carries a slightly negative or overwhelming tone, though it can also reflect intense enthusiasm or excitement depending on context.
Meaning: Wildly excited or uncontrolled; marked by frantic activity (Adjective)
Pronunciation: FREN-zeed
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Middle English *frenesied*, based on Old French *frenesie*, from Latin *phrenesis* (delirium), from Greek *phrēn* (mind)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Frenzied” is a high-energy word—perfect for capturing chaotic or emotionally charged scenes. Use it in narratives, sports writing, or commentary when describing excitement, panic, or madness. Great for setting tone and intensity in storytelling or critique.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: frantic, wild, hysterical, chaotic, feverish
Antonyms: calm, peaceful, composed, orderly
Usage Examples:
- The traders were engaged in frenzied activity as the market closed.
- Fans gave a frenzied cheer when the team lifted the trophy.
- She wrote frenzied notes as the professor explained the theory.
- A frenzied search began after the child went missing in the crowd.
Cultural Reference:
In William Golding’s *Lord of the Flies*, the boys descend into frenzied violence—a symbolic loss of civilization and control. The word “frenzied” helps capture that psychological chaos. - Classic Literature
Think About It:
What situations in life cause people to become frenzied—and how can we manage or prevent those reactions?
Quick Activity:
Describe a moment—real or imagined—when a frenzied reaction took place. What caused it, and what was the outcome?
Memory Tip:
Frenzied = think *frenzy* + *ed* → a moment charged with chaos, like bees buzzing or a rock concert crowd erupting.
Real-World Application:
“Frenzied” is ideal for journalism, storytelling, sports commentary, and psychological writing. It vividly conveys heightened emotional or physical activity in scenes of intensity or disruption.
WORD 6: Velodrome
Context:
(Inferred example: “The Olympic cycling events were held in a state-of-the-art velodrome packed with fans.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
A "velodrome" is a specially designed arena or track for bicycle racing. Characterized by its oval shape and steeply banked curves, a velodrome allows cyclists to maintain high speeds while turning. It is commonly used in competitive cycling events, especially in the Olympics and other major sports competitions. Velodromes can be indoor or outdoor and are often used for track cycling disciplines such as sprinting, pursuit, and team events.
Meaning: A stadium or arena with a banked track for bicycle racing (Noun)
Pronunciation: VEL-uh-drohm
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate (specialized vocabulary)
Etymology: From French *vélodrome*, based on *vélo* (“bicycle”) + *drome* (from Greek *dromos*, meaning “running or racecourse”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a technical term related to sports vocabulary, especially Olympic-level cycling. It’s great to know if you're writing about sports infrastructure, athletic events, or modern architecture. Even outside of professional use, it's a fun word to drop when discussing lesser-known Olympic terms!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: cycle arena, bicycle track, cycling stadium
Antonyms: road course, mountain trail (contextual opposites)
Usage Examples:
- The velodrome hosted hundreds of spectators during the international cycling championship.
- Racing on the steep curves of the velodrome requires incredible balance and strength.
- He trained for months at the national velodrome before competing in the Olympics.
- Modern velodromes are equipped with high-tech timing and tracking systems.
Cultural Reference:
The London 2012 Olympic Velodrome, nicknamed "The Pringle" because of its curved shape, became a symbol of British cycling excellence, where numerous records were broken. - Olympic Games History
Think About It:
Why do you think specialized venues like velodromes are necessary for professional sports? Could general-purpose arenas ever match their precision?
Quick Activity:
Research a velodrome in your country or region. What events are held there? Share one interesting fact about it.
Memory Tip:
“Velodrome” = *vélo* (bike) + *drome* (track) → A racing track for bikes!
Real-World Application:
“Velodrome” is a key term in discussions about sports architecture, Olympic infrastructure, or competitive cycling. Useful for students of sports science, journalism, and even urban planning focused on recreational spaces.
WORD 7: Dubious
Context:
(Inferred example: “Many economists are dubious about the long-term benefits of the policy.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Dubious" describes something that arouses doubt, suspicion, or uncertainty. It can refer to a statement, decision, source, or action that seems untrustworthy or questionable. The tone can range from skeptical to outright disapproving, depending on how it's used. While “dubious” can suggest a lack of credibility, it can also simply express hesitation or uncertainty about the truth or value of something.
Meaning: Hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon (Adjective)
Pronunciation: DOO-bee-us
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *dubiosus* (“doubtful”), from *dubium* (“doubt”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a polite yet powerful way to criticize something indirectly. Instead of saying something is “false” or “bad,” you can say it’s “dubious.” This word is perfect for essays or critiques where you want to sound skeptical but remain formal and subtle.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: doubtful, questionable, suspicious, uncertain, untrustworthy
Antonyms: certain, reliable, credible, trustworthy, definite
Usage Examples:
- He gave a dubious excuse for arriving late to the meeting.
- The company's claims about its environmental impact seem dubious at best.
- She looked dubious when he offered to fix her computer for free.
- Investors were wary of the dubious figures presented in the report.
Cultural Reference:
In journalism and media critique, the phrase “of dubious origin” is often used to refer to information that lacks reliable sources — especially in the age of misinformation and fake news. - Media Literacy Campaigns
Think About It:
How can you determine if a piece of information or claim is genuinely credible or just *dubious*?
Quick Activity:
Write one sentence using “dubious” to describe a decision, offer, or piece of news that you’d be skeptical about.
Memory Tip:
“Dubious” sounds like “do you believe this?” — a question that reflects uncertainty or suspicion.
Real-World Application:
“Dubious” is commonly used in academic writing, critical essays, journalism, and legal discussions where judgment and skepticism are important. It’s ideal when you need to express doubt without sounding overly harsh.
WORD 8: Federations
Context:
(Inferred example: “International sports federations regulate competitions and set rules across member nations.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Federations" refers to organizations formed by smaller units (such as states, regions, or clubs) that come together under a central governing body while still retaining some degree of autonomy. The term is widely used in political, organizational, and sports contexts. For example, in international sports, federations like FIFA or the International Tennis Federation regulate global competitions and set rules for member associations across countries.
Meaning: Unions or associations of smaller groups or entities under a central authority, often with shared goals or governance (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: feh-duh-RAY-shuns
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *foederare* (“to league together”), from *foedus* (“treaty, agreement”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Federations” is a formal word often linked with structure and governance. It’s common in political science (e.g., the Russian Federation), sports administration, and global cooperation. Recognizing the difference between a federation and a union is useful when analyzing organizational hierarchies.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: associations, alliances, unions, coalitions, leagues
Antonyms: disunion, fragmentation, separation, independence (in certain contexts)
Usage Examples:
- Sports federations play a major role in setting international rules and organizing tournaments.
- The World Chess Federation regulates rankings and competitions globally.
- Several states formed a federation to share resources and coordinate laws.
- Labor federations represent workers from various sectors under one umbrella.
Cultural Reference:
FIFA, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, is one of the most powerful sports federations in the world, governing international football and organizing the World Cup. - Global Sports Governance
Think About It:
What are the advantages and challenges of forming federations in politics, sports, or global movements?
Quick Activity:
List two types of federations you know (e.g., sports, labor, national) and write one sentence about what they manage or govern.
Memory Tip:
“Federations” = *feder* (treaty, pact) → Think of a pact that unites smaller groups into a larger organized body.
Real-World Application:
Understanding federations is key in international relations, civics, sports administration, and law — helping us grasp how complex structures operate across diverse regions and interests.
WORD 9: Fiesta
Context:
(Inferred example: “The streets were filled with music, food, and color during the annual summer fiesta.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Fiesta" is a Spanish word commonly used in English to refer to a lively celebration or festival, often involving music, dance, food, and community gatherings. It typically refers to cultural or religious festivities in Spanish-speaking regions but is also widely used more generally to describe vibrant public events or parties. The word conveys joy, color, and collective spirit.
Meaning: A festive celebration, especially one involving music, dance, and communal activities (Noun)
Pronunciation: fee-ES-tuh
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Spanish *fiesta* meaning "feast" or "festival", derived from Latin *festum* ("festival")
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Fiesta” is more than a party—it often reflects cultural heritage, tradition, and community spirit. When you use this word, it adds flavor and vibrancy to your writing. Perfect for describing colorful public events, carnivals, or traditional holidays.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: celebration, carnival, party, festivity, gala
Antonyms: mourning, solemnity, fast, silence
Usage Examples:
- Locals dressed in traditional costumes for the fiesta honoring their patron saint.
- The streets were filled with music and color during the spring fiesta.
- They hosted a lively fiesta to celebrate the end of exams.
- Every year, the fiesta draws thousands of tourists from around the world.
Cultural Reference:
One of the most famous fiestas in the world is the *Fiesta de San Fermín* in Pamplona, Spain, which includes the iconic "Running of the Bulls" — a deep-rooted tradition that draws global attention. - Spanish Cultural Heritage
Think About It:
What makes a celebration more than just a party? What cultural or emotional elements turn it into a true "fiesta"?
Quick Activity:
Describe a fiesta (real or imagined) you would love to attend. Include sights, sounds, and cultural details.
Memory Tip:
“Fiesta” sounds like “festive”—think fireworks, dancing, and drums echoing through a town square.
Real-World Application:
“Fiesta” is a vibrant word often used in cultural writing, travel blogs, marketing, or lifestyle content to evoke excitement and celebration, especially tied to tradition and community.
WORD 10: Prospects
Context:
"Do sports mega events like the summer Olympic Games benefit the host city economically? It depends, but the prospects are less than rosy." - Economic Analysis of Sports Hosting
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Prospects" refers to the chances or possibilities of future success, growth, or outcomes. It’s a versatile word used in personal, economic, academic, and professional contexts. In the sentence above, "prospects" points to the potential economic outcomes of hosting sports mega events—and the phrase “less than rosy” implies that those outcomes are not very hopeful or promising.
Meaning: The likelihood or expectation of a future event or success (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: PROS-pekts
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *prospectus*, meaning “a view or outlook”; from *pro-* ("forward") + *specere* ("to look") — literally “looking forward”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a must-know word for essays, especially when discussing the future or predictions. Whether you’re writing about job prospects, economic prospects, or political prospects—this word frames future expectations. Watch for tone: “bright prospects” is hopeful; “grim prospects” is pessimistic.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: possibilities, expectations, outlook, potential, chances
Antonyms: hopelessness, improbability, despair, dead-end
Usage Examples:
- The job prospects for data scientists are excellent in today's market.
- After the economic crisis, the country's growth prospects dimmed.
- The new policy improved the long-term prospects of education reform.
- She moved abroad in search of better career prospects.
Cultural Reference:
In business and sales, “prospects” often refers to potential clients or customers who may eventually make a purchase—highlighting the importance of nurturing future possibilities. - Sales and Marketing Language
Think About It:
How do your current choices influence your prospects for the next 5 or 10 years?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences using “prospects”—one expressing a hopeful tone and the other expressing concern or doubt.
Memory Tip:
“Prospects” = *looking forward* to what’s coming — imagine standing on a hill, scanning the horizon for signs of success or struggle.
Real-World Application:
The word “prospects” is common in career planning, economics, international relations, and motivational contexts—helping frame goals, challenges, and potential futures.
