✨ 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:
- Frigid
- Palpable
- consequences
- Disruptions
- Cycling
- Experiments
- Subnivium
- Insulation
- Arctic
- Refuge
WORD-1: Frigid
Context:
"The explorers endured frigid temperatures as they crossed the Arctic terrain." – National Geographic
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Frigid” describes something extremely cold—usually in terms of temperature—but it also has a metaphorical use. It can describe people who are emotionally distant, a tone that lacks warmth, or relationships that feel icy or unfriendly. This makes it a powerful descriptive word in both literal and literary contexts.
Meaning: Extremely cold in temperature; lacking warmth or emotion (Adjective)
Pronunciation: FRIJ-id
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic-Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin frigidus ("cold, chill") from frigere ("to be cold")
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a vivid word with dual usage—use it for icy landscapes or icy attitudes! It adds emotional intensity to writing when used metaphorically.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: icy, freezing, cold, frosty, aloof, distant
Antonyms: warm, hot, heated, affectionate, friendly
Usage Examples:
- The frigid wind made walking outside almost unbearable.
- She gave him a frigid response, clearly not interested in continuing the conversation.
- The movie opens in a frigid, snowy village cut off from the rest of the world.
- Their frigid relationship showed no signs of thawing even after years of silence.
Cultural Reference:
In Jack London's short story *To Build a Fire*, the protagonist's struggle in the frigid Yukon wilderness becomes a metaphor for human vulnerability against nature's extremes.
Think About It:
Have you ever felt that a place or person was “frigid” emotionally? What causes people to become cold or distant?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences using “frigid”—one describing weather and one describing a human interaction or emotional state.
Memory Tip:
“Frigid” sounds like “fridge”—a place that’s icy cold! Easy to remember for both physical and emotional coldness.
Real-World Application:
In literature, psychology, and even weather reporting, “frigid” helps describe not just extreme cold but also the tone of interactions or social climates.
WORD-2: Palpable
Context:
"There was a palpable tension in the room as the final decision was announced." – The New Yorker
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Palpable” describes something so intense or noticeable that it feels almost physical—like it could be touched or felt, even if it’s not a physical object. It's often used for emotions, atmospheres, or sensations that are overwhelmingly present, such as fear, excitement, or tension. The word helps elevate writing by turning abstract feelings into vivid, almost tangible experiences.
Meaning: So intense or obvious that it feels almost physical or touchable (Adjective)
Pronunciation: PAL-puh-bul
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin palpare ("to touch, feel") → Latin palpabilis ("that may be touched or felt")
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of this word as the bridge between feelings and the senses. Use it to make emotions more vivid and real—especially in narrative or descriptive writing.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: tangible, intense, evident, obvious, noticeable
Antonyms: subtle, faint, obscure, invisible, intangible
Usage Examples:
- The excitement in the stadium was palpable as the final goal was scored.
- There was a palpable sense of relief when the results were finally announced.
- Her anger was so palpable, it seemed to radiate from her.
- The fear in his voice was palpable as he recounted the story.
Cultural Reference:
In Shakespeare’s *Macbeth*, the phrase “Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand?” shows Macbeth's hallucination—a palpable vision that represents inner turmoil and guilt.
Think About It:
Why do you think some emotions or atmospheres feel so strong that we describe them as "palpable"? What makes them feel almost physical?
Quick Activity:
Think of a moment when the emotion in a room or event was so strong you could “feel it.” Write one sentence describing it using “palpable.”
Memory Tip:
“Palpable” comes from “palp” = touch (like palpate or palpitation). So if something is *palpable*, it’s so real you can almost *feel* it.
Real-World Application:
Writers, public speakers, and journalists use “palpable” to add vividness to emotional or social descriptions—especially when highlighting powerful atmospheres or moments.
WORD-3: Consequences
Context:
"The long-term consequences of climate inaction could be catastrophic for future generations." – Scientific American
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Consequences” are the results or effects that follow from an action, event, or decision. They can be positive or negative, immediate or delayed. This word helps communicate the logical outcome of choices, making it essential for argumentation, analysis, and storytelling. It’s especially important in discussions of responsibility, policy, and moral decisions.
Meaning: Outcomes or results of a particular action or event (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: KON-suh-kwen-siz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic-Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin consequentia meaning "following closely," from consequi – "to follow"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of “consequences” as the ‘ripple effect’ of actions. In essays and arguments, this word helps you shift from just describing an action to analyzing its impact.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: results, outcomes, effects, aftermath, ramifications
Antonyms: causes, origins, beginnings, insignificance (in some contexts)
Usage Examples:
- His reckless driving had serious legal consequences.
- Skipping breakfast every day may have long-term health consequences.
- The film explores the emotional consequences of war on soldiers.
- They acted without thinking about the consequences of their decisions.
Cultural Reference:
In Charles Dickens' *A Christmas Carol*, Ebenezer Scrooge is forced to confront the consequences of his selfishness through visions of the past, present, and future.
Think About It:
Can someone be held responsible for unintended consequences? Where should accountability begin and end?
Quick Activity:
Write two examples—one where a decision led to positive consequences, and one where it led to negative ones. Keep each to one sentence.
Memory Tip:
“Con-sequence” literally means “to follow with.” So whatever comes *after* an action = consequence!
Real-World Application:
Understanding consequences is central to decision-making in politics, law, parenting, science, and personal life—it's how we weigh actions against outcomes.
WORD-4: Disruptions
Context:
"Supply chain disruptions during the pandemic caused global shortages of essential goods." – The Financial Times
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Disruptions” refer to unexpected breaks, interruptions, or disturbances in a system, activity, or process. These can be caused by external factors like natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, or technological changes. The term is widely used in business, education, transport, and innovation, and can carry both negative (chaos) and positive (breakthrough innovation) implications depending on the context.
Meaning: Sudden interruptions or disturbances in the normal flow of a system (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: dis-RUP-shuns
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin disrumpere meaning "to break apart", from dis- ("apart") + rumpere ("to break")
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of a smooth-running train that suddenly goes off track—that’s a disruption. Whether you're writing about crises or innovation, this word fits when the normal pattern is broken.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: interruptions, disturbances, breakdowns, upheavals, interferences
Antonyms: continuity, stability, flow, order, consistency
Usage Examples:
- Power outages caused major disruptions in the city’s transportation system.
- The company faced disruptions due to a cyberattack on its servers.
- Frequent classroom disruptions made it hard for students to concentrate.
- While painful at first, technological disruptions often lead to progress.
Cultural Reference:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, global education systems saw unprecedented disruptions, pushing schools and universities to adopt remote learning models almost overnight.
Think About It:
Can disruptions always be seen as negative? When might a disruption actually help break a bad or outdated system?
Quick Activity:
Think of a disruption you’ve experienced (in school, travel, or work). In 2 lines, describe what caused it and how it affected you.
Memory Tip:
“Disruption” sounds like “rupture” — something breaking apart. So “disruptions” are things that rupture normal flow or routines.
Real-World Application:
“Disruptions” is a core term in crisis management, business analysis, and innovation strategy—used to discuss both setbacks and game-changing breakthroughs.
WORD-5: Cycling
Context:
"Cycling to work not only reduces carbon emissions but also improves personal health and well-being." – World Health Organization
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Cycling” primarily refers to riding a bicycle, but the word also has broader meanings—such as repeating in a circular pattern (e.g., "water cycling" or "economic cycles"). It’s widely used in the contexts of health, sustainability, fitness, and transportation. As both a literal and metaphorical term, it emphasizes movement, repetition, and flow.
Meaning: A) The activity of riding a bicycle; B) A process that repeats in a loop (Noun / Present participle of verb)
Pronunciation: SY-kling
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic-Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek kyklos ("circle") → Latin cyclus → French cycle → English cycling
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a two-in-one word: use it for healthy habits like biking, and also to explain scientific or economic cycles. Its versatility makes it useful across topics!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: biking, pedaling, rotating, looping, repeating
Antonyms: walking (literal), stopping, stagnating, pausing
Usage Examples:
- Cycling is one of the best forms of low-impact cardio exercise.
- She started cycling every morning to build stamina and clear her mind.
- The economy is cycling through another phase of growth and inflation.
- The water is cycling continuously through the filtration system.
Cultural Reference:
Tour de France, one of the most prestigious cycling races in the world, showcases elite athletic endurance and promotes global cycling culture.
Think About It:
Can a return to cycling as daily transport make cities healthier and more livable? What might prevent people from making this shift?
Quick Activity:
Make a list of three benefits of cycling and one possible barrier you’d need to overcome to make it a habit.
Memory Tip:
“Cycling” = movement in circles or loops → Think of a bike’s tires or the circle of natural processes (like the water cycle).
Real-World Application:
Cycling plays a key role in urban mobility, environmental conservation, fitness routines, and even metaphors used in economics and science to describe repetition and flow.
WORD-6: Experiments
Context:
"Scientific experiments have shown that consistent sleep improves memory and cognitive function." – Nature
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Experiments” are carefully designed procedures carried out to test a hypothesis, observe a phenomenon, or discover something new. While the term is most commonly used in science, it can also apply to personal and social trials—like trying new routines, foods, or strategies. The goal of any experiment is to gain knowledge, prove or disprove an idea, or improve a process through observation and results.
Meaning: Tests or procedures conducted to make discoveries, test ideas, or prove facts (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: ek-SPAIR-uh-ments
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic-Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin experimentum (“a trial, proof, test”), from experiri ("to try, test")
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think beyond the lab! Life itself is full of experiments—every time you try something new to see what works, you're experimenting. This word is great for essays, especially those about discovery, innovation, or failure.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: tests, trials, investigations, studies, research
Antonyms: assumptions, guesses, certainties (in context)
Usage Examples:
- The experiments confirmed that the new drug was effective.
- He enjoys culinary experiments, mixing unexpected flavors in his cooking.
- The teacher encouraged students to design their own science experiments.
- Social experiments often reveal surprising truths about human behavior.
Cultural Reference:
In the famous “Stanford Prison Experiment,” researchers explored how people respond to authority roles—raising ethical debates in psychological experimentation.
Think About It:
Why do you think experiments—both in science and in life—are important for growth and understanding?
Quick Activity:
Think of one small “experiment” you could do this week (e.g., changing your study time, trying a new food). Predict the possible result.
Memory Tip:
“Experiment” contains “experience”—you experiment to gain experience and results!
Real-World Application:
Experiments are the foundation of the scientific method, but they also apply in startups (A/B testing), education (new teaching methods), and even personal life (trial-and-error learning).
WORD-7: Subnivium
Context:
"Scientists have recently begun studying the subnivium—an insulated space between the ground and the snowpack that serves as a refuge for winter-dwelling species." – Smithsonian Magazine
Explanatory Paragraph:
The “subnivium” is the layer of air and environment that forms between the surface of the ground and the bottom of the snowpack during winter. Despite the cold above, this layer can remain relatively warm and stable, providing shelter for small animals, insects, and microbes. It plays a vital role in winter ecology and biodiversity and is a focus of concern in climate change research as warming temperatures alter snow cover.
Meaning: The zone between the ground and snow cover that remains insulated in winter (Noun)
Pronunciation: sub-NIV-ee-um
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced (Scientific)
Etymology: From Latin sub (“under”) + nives (“snow”) → “under the snow”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Though niche, this word is incredibly useful in scientific writing and ecology discussions. It shows how nature adapts in hidden ways—even under snow! Use it to expand your academic vocabulary.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: subnivean zone, insulated snow layer, snow-under zone (scientific synonyms)
Antonyms: exposed surface, open ground, above-snow layer
Usage Examples:
- The subnivium acts like a natural greenhouse, preserving warmth during freezing conditions.
- Many rodents survive winter by tunneling through the subnivium in search of food.
- Climate scientists worry that reduced snow cover will destroy the delicate balance of the subnivium.
- Researchers placed sensors in the subnivium to track temperature changes and humidity.
Cultural Reference:
In recent wildlife documentaries such as *Frozen Planet*, the subnivium is featured as a hidden yet vital part of the winter ecosystem where voles, mice, and insects remain active despite freezing temperatures above.
Think About It:
How might changes in snowfall patterns due to global warming affect animals that depend on the subnivium for survival?
Quick Activity:
Draw or imagine a cross-section of snow and label where the subnivium lies. List two animals that might live in this zone.
Memory Tip:
“Sub” = under, “niv” = snow → Subnivium = under the snow. Think of a cozy blanket of snow creating a safe zone beneath!
Real-World Application:
Understanding the subnivium is crucial for ecological research, wildlife conservation, and climate studies. It reveals how even unseen layers of nature sustain life in extreme conditions.
WORD-8: Insulation
Context:
"Proper insulation helps keep buildings warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing energy consumption." – National Geographic
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Insulation” refers to the act of protecting something by surrounding it with a material or layer that prevents the transfer of heat, sound, or electricity. In buildings, insulation helps regulate temperature. In electronics, it prevents unwanted electrical flow. Metaphorically, it can also describe emotional or social detachment from outside influences. The word carries strong implications of shielding and safety.
Meaning: Material or process used to prevent the transfer of heat, sound, or electricity (Noun)
Pronunciation: in-suh-LAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic-Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin insula (“island”), suggesting separation or isolation
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Insulation = isolation with purpose. It’s what keeps your room warm, your wires safe, and sometimes, your emotions in check. Use this word to talk about protection—physical or emotional.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: protection, barrier, buffer, shield, coating
Antonyms: exposure, vulnerability, conduction (in technical contexts)
Usage Examples:
- Foam panels provide excellent insulation for attics and basements.
- Emotional insulation can be helpful during stressful times but may also isolate us.
- Wires are coated with rubber for electrical insulation and safety.
- The subnivium acts as a natural form of insulation for small winter animals.
Cultural Reference:
Green architecture emphasizes eco-friendly insulation materials such as recycled denim and sheep’s wool to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints.
Think About It:
When can insulation—whether physical or emotional—protect us, and when can it cut us off from necessary connection or awareness?
Quick Activity:
List two things in your home that are insulated, and one situation where you think people use emotional insulation.
Memory Tip:
“Insulation” = like an “island” (from Latin *insula*) → keeps you separated and protected from external forces.
Real-World Application:
Insulation is critical in architecture, engineering, climate control, and psychology. From thermal homes to stress management, it shapes how we manage energy and emotion.
WORD-9: Arctic
Context:
"The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the rest of the planet, threatening fragile ecosystems and indigenous ways of life." – The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
The “Arctic” refers to the Earth's northernmost region, characterized by extreme cold, sea ice, polar wildlife, and long, dark winters. While it's a geographical term, "Arctic" also evokes environmental issues like climate change and melting ice caps. The region plays a crucial role in global weather patterns and ocean currents. In a broader sense, the word can also describe anything extremely cold (e.g., “an Arctic wind”).
Meaning: A) The polar region at the northernmost part of Earth; B) Extremely cold (Noun / Adjective)
Pronunciation: AHRK-tik
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic-Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek arktikos (“of the bear”), referring to the constellation Ursa Major visible in the northern sky
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Though it’s a place name, “Arctic” is packed with emotion and meaning—from adventure and exploration to survival and environmental fragility. Use it with awareness of its symbolic and scientific weight.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: polar, freezing, icy, glacial, frigid (in descriptive usage)
Antonyms: tropical, warm, equatorial, temperate
Usage Examples:
- Scientists are monitoring rapid ice loss in the Arctic region.
- The Arctic fox has adapted to survive in freezing temperatures.
- She wore an Arctic jacket to protect against the bitter wind.
- Rising temperatures in the Arctic are a major concern for climate scientists.
Cultural Reference:
The Arctic has long fascinated explorers and authors—from the real journeys of Ernest Shackleton to fictional tales like *The Golden Compass*, where the icy north symbolizes mystery and danger.
Think About It:
What does the Arctic symbolize in today’s world—just a remote cold region, or a warning sign of climate change and global imbalance?
Quick Activity:
List three things you associate with the Arctic. Now write one sentence connecting the Arctic to climate change.
Memory Tip:
“Arctic” = “Ark” + “tic” → Think of an icy ark for polar bears and glaciers, ticking away with time under climate pressure.
Real-World Application:
Understanding the Arctic is essential for climate science, geopolitics, indigenous rights, and global weather forecasting—its changes affect the entire planet.
WORD-10: Refuge
Context:
"During the storm, the hikers found refuge in a small cave tucked into the mountainside." – BBC News
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Refuge” refers to a place or state of safety, shelter, or protection—especially in times of trouble, danger, or hardship. It can be physical (like a safe building) or emotional (like a comforting relationship). It’s a key word in discussions around war, climate displacement, wildlife, and personal well-being. The word carries both literal and symbolic significance, often implying hope and survival.
Meaning: A place or condition of safety and protection (Noun)
Pronunciation: REF-yooj
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic-Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin refugium (“a place to flee back to”), from re- (“back”) + fugere (“to flee”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a beautifully rich word. Think of any situation—war, natural disasters, stress—where people or animals seek a safe space. That's refuge. It also works metaphorically, like “books are my refuge.”
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: shelter, haven, sanctuary, safe haven, hideaway
Antonyms: exposure, danger, threat, insecurity
Usage Examples:
- The old monastery served as a refuge for war victims.
- Nature offers a peaceful refuge from the chaos of city life.
- Wildlife seeks refuge in forests during natural disasters.
- In times of emotional distress, she found refuge in poetry and solitude.
Cultural Reference:
The phrase “cities of refuge” comes from the Bible, referring to places where those accused of crimes could find temporary protection—symbolizing mercy and justice.
Think About It:
What or who do you turn to as a form of refuge in times of stress or hardship? Is it a place, a habit, or a person?
Quick Activity:
List one physical place and one emotional activity that serve as a “refuge” for you. Write a sentence using each.
Memory Tip:
“Refuge” sounds like “refuse + huge danger” → It’s the place you go when you refuse to face huge danger head-on—you seek shelter!
Real-World Application:
“Refuge” is used widely in humanitarian, environmental, and personal wellness contexts—whether discussing refugee crises, animal sanctuaries, or emotional safety in therapy.
