✨ 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:
- Epitome
- Obsolete
- Algorithms
- Surveillance
- Nostalgic
- Attentiveness
- Carriage
- Margins
- Distractions
- Ratchet
WORD 1: Epitome
Context:
(Inferred example: “She is the epitome of grace and professionalism under pressure.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Epitome" refers to a person or thing that perfectly represents or embodies a particular quality, type, or idea. It is used when someone or something is seen as the very best example of a characteristic. Whether it's "the epitome of kindness," "the epitome of luxury," or "the epitome of courage," the word adds strength and clarity to descriptions by pinpointing a perfect representation.
Meaning: A perfect or typical example of a quality or type (Noun)
Pronunciation: ih-PIT-uh-mee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *epitomē* (“abridgment, summary”), from *epi-* (“into”) + *temnein* (“to cut”) — originally meaning a condensed version, now meaning the *essence* or perfect example
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Epitome” is a great word to enhance your descriptive vocabulary, especially for essays or speeches. It allows you to highlight someone or something as the *ideal* or *standard*. Be sure to follow it with “of” (e.g., epitome of strength, elegance, leadership). It adds elegance to both academic and creative writing.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: embodiment, personification, ideal, representation, exemplar
Antonyms: opposite, antithesis, misrepresentation
Usage Examples:
- He is the epitome of a true gentleman—polite, thoughtful, and humble.
- The sleek design and attention to detail make this car the epitome of luxury.
- Her dedication and hard work are the epitome of professionalism.
- The quiet village is the epitome of peace and simplicity.
Cultural Reference:
Martin Luther King Jr. is often described as the epitome of nonviolent resistance and moral courage, representing the civil rights movement’s highest ideals. - Social Justice & History
Think About It:
Who or what, in your life or in history, would you describe as the epitome of leadership, courage, or kindness—and why?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence that uses “epitome” to describe a person, place, or idea you admire.
Memory Tip:
“Epitome” = the *ultimate example* — think of a trophy shelf holding the best of the best!
Real-World Application:
“Epitome” is widely used in essays, biographies, media reviews, and inspirational writing to highlight excellence or perfect representation of values, qualities, or roles.
WORD 2: Obsolete
Context:
(Inferred example: “With the rise of smartphones, pagers have become completely obsolete.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Obsolete" refers to something that is no longer in use or no longer useful, often because it has been replaced by something newer and more effective. The word is most often used for technology, practices, tools, or ideas that were once common but have faded away with time. It can also apply metaphorically to social attitudes or outdated methods. "Obsolete" implies not just old, but outdated or irrelevant in today’s context.
Meaning: Out of date and no longer used or relevant (Adjective)
Pronunciation: OB-suh-leet
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *obsolētus*, meaning “grown old, worn out” — past participle of *obsolēscere* (“to fall into disuse”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Obsolete” is perfect for essays about progress, innovation, or cultural change. Use it when comparing the old with the new—especially in tech, education, or ideology. It carries a slightly formal tone, so it fits best in structured writing, reports, and critiques.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: outdated, archaic, outmoded, old-fashioned, antiquated
Antonyms: modern, current, up-to-date, cutting-edge, innovative
Usage Examples:
- Typewriters are now considered obsolete in the digital age.
- The factory used obsolete equipment that slowed down production.
- Many fear that traditional bookstores will become obsolete with the rise of e-books.
- Social norms that discriminate based on gender are now widely seen as obsolete.
Cultural Reference:
In business and design, the term "planned obsolescence" refers to the practice of creating products with a limited useful life, prompting consumers to replace them—often criticized in sustainability debates. - Business & Environmental Ethics
Think About It:
Can something be considered obsolete even if it still works? What makes something truly “useless” in a modern world?
Quick Activity:
List three items or ideas that were once common but are now obsolete. Briefly explain why they were replaced.
Memory Tip:
“Obsolete” sounds like “obsolete seat” — no one wants to sit in it because it’s old and unusable!
Real-World Application:
“Obsolete” is frequently used in technology discussions, historical comparisons, education reform, and cultural critiques. It helps frame progress by highlighting what no longer fits current needs.
WORD 3: Algorithms
Context:
(Inferred example: “Social media platforms use algorithms to decide what content appears in your feed.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Algorithms" are step-by-step sets of rules or instructions used to solve problems or perform tasks. While they are most commonly associated with computer science and technology, algorithms also exist in everyday life—like a recipe for baking or instructions for assembling furniture. In the digital world, algorithms drive everything from search engine results to social media feeds and online shopping suggestions. They help process large volumes of information quickly and efficiently, though they can also influence behavior and raise ethical questions.
Meaning: A set of rules or instructions followed to solve a problem or perform a task, especially by computers (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: AL-guh-ri-thumz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latinized name of Persian mathematician *al-Khwārizmī*, whose works introduced systematic procedures for calculation
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is essential in the age of AI and digital technology. You’ll find it in computer science, data science, economics, and even literature. Use “algorithms” when discussing how systems or platforms function logically and predictably. It's a critical term in both academic and everyday digital awareness.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: procedures, formulas, systems, programs, logic rules
Antonyms: guesswork, randomness, improvisation (in context)
Usage Examples:
- Google’s search algorithms rank websites based on relevance and popularity.
- Financial firms use algorithms to automate trading and predict market shifts.
- Many apps use machine learning algorithms to improve recommendations over time.
- Critics argue that biased algorithms can reinforce discrimination in hiring or policing.
Cultural Reference:
In the documentary *The Social Dilemma*, tech experts reveal how algorithms manipulate user behavior to maximize screen time—highlighting the ethical implications of automated decision-making. - Technology & Society
Think About It:
Do you think algorithms help us by personalizing experiences—or trap us in echo chambers that limit perspective?
Quick Activity:
Describe a simple algorithm from your daily life (e.g., making tea, choosing clothes, or setting a daily schedule).
Memory Tip:
“Algorithms” = *logical rhythm* — think of a smart robot following a step-by-step beat to solve a problem!
Real-World Application:
Algorithms shape search engines, GPS, online shopping, job applications, healthcare, and entertainment. Understanding them is key to navigating modern digital life and making informed choices.
WORD 4: Surveillance
Context:
(Inferred example: “The government increased surveillance in the city after the security threats.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Surveillance" refers to the act of closely observing or monitoring people, places, or activities—typically for security, intelligence, or control purposes. It can involve video cameras, phone tapping, online data tracking, or physical observation. While surveillance is often justified in the name of safety and crime prevention, it also raises serious questions about privacy, freedom, and the potential for abuse of power, especially in authoritarian or digitally intrusive societies.
Meaning: The close observation or monitoring of people, activities, or areas, often for security or control (Noun)
Pronunciation: sur-VAY-luns
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From French *surveiller* (“to watch over”), from *sur-* (“over”) + *veiller* (“to watch”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Surveillance” is a powerful and loaded word—perfect for essays on politics, privacy, or modern technology. Use it when discussing government oversight, security measures, or corporate data collection. It’s also a key concept in dystopian fiction and current affairs.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: monitoring, observation, tracking, spying, oversight
Antonyms: neglect, freedom, privacy, inattention
Usage Examples:
- Surveillance cameras were installed across the airport to improve security.
- Activists raised concerns about the government's growing surveillance of online activity.
- Military drones are used for aerial surveillance in conflict zones.
- She felt uneasy under constant surveillance at her workplace.
Cultural Reference:
George Orwell’s *1984* famously portrayed a society under total surveillance by “Big Brother,” symbolizing the dangers of authoritarian control and loss of personal privacy. - Dystopian Literature
Think About It:
How much surveillance is acceptable in the name of safety, and where should we draw the line to protect personal freedom?
Quick Activity:
List two forms of surveillance you’ve seen in public places. Then, write one sentence describing how each could be helpful or harmful.
Memory Tip:
“Surveillance” = *sur* (over) + *veillance* (watch) → Think of someone watching from above—like a drone or security cam.
Real-World Application:
Surveillance is central to debates about national security, digital rights, policing, and democracy. Understanding it helps engage with modern issues in technology, governance, and civil liberties.
WORD 5: Nostalgic
Context:
(Inferred example: “Hearing that old song made her feel deeply nostalgic for her childhood summers.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Nostalgic" describes the bittersweet emotion one feels when remembering the past—especially moments that were joyful, meaningful, or simpler than the present. It reflects a longing for earlier times, often idealized in memory. People may feel nostalgic when looking through photo albums, visiting childhood homes, or reconnecting with old friends. The feeling mixes warmth with a touch of sadness, as it reminds us of moments that are gone but cherished.
Meaning: Feeling sentimental longing or affection for the past (Adjective)
Pronunciation: naw-STAHL-jik
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Greek *nostos* (“return home”) + *algos* (“pain”), originally describing homesickness
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Nostalgic” is a great word for narrative essays, emotional writing, or reflective pieces. It captures a universal feeling—something almost everyone can relate to. Use it carefully, though: it’s more emotional than factual. Avoid using it in objective or analytical writing unless describing sentiment directly.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: sentimental, wistful, reminiscent, longing, reflective
Antonyms: indifferent, forward-looking, detached, unfeeling
Usage Examples:
- He felt nostalgic when he saw his childhood toys in the attic.
- The film’s soundtrack evoked a nostalgic mood that touched every viewer.
- She grew nostalgic thinking about her school days and old friendships.
- The reunion was filled with laughter, hugs, and nostalgic stories.
Cultural Reference:
The popularity of retro fashion, vinyl records, and vintage-themed cafes shows how nostalgia shapes consumer trends—especially among millennials and Gen Z. - Cultural Psychology
Think About It:
Why do we sometimes remember the past more fondly than it really was? What role does nostalgia play in our personal identity?
Quick Activity:
Write one sentence describing something that makes *you* feel nostalgic. Be specific about the memory or object.
Memory Tip:
“Nostalgic” = *nos* (home) + *algic* (pain) → a soft ache for the “good old days.”
Real-World Application:
“Nostalgic” is useful in storytelling, memoir writing, advertising, cultural analysis, and psychology—where emotional memory plays a strong role in shaping behavior and identity.
WORD 6: Attentiveness
Context:
(Inferred example: “Her attentiveness to detail made her an exceptional editor.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Attentiveness" refers to the quality of being alert, focused, and fully present—whether in listening, observing, or performing a task. It’s a key trait in effective communication, learning, and leadership. Someone with attentiveness notices what others might miss and responds thoughtfully. It can be intellectual (like paying attention in class), emotional (like being sensitive to others' needs), or professional (like staying detail-oriented at work).
Meaning: The quality of being alert, focused, and responsive to details or people (Noun)
Pronunciation: uh-TEN-tiv-ness
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *attendere* (“to stretch toward, give heed”) → *attentus* (“heedful, alert”) + *-ness* (noun suffix)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Attentiveness” is a powerful soft skill. In reading comprehension, it helps catch fine details; in conversations, it builds respect and understanding. Use it in personal reflections, interviews, or any essay about learning, leadership, or relationships. It's a word that signals both intelligence and empathy.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: alertness, focus, concentration, mindfulness, consideration
Antonyms: inattentiveness, distraction, negligence, apathy
Usage Examples:
- Her attentiveness during meetings made her a respected team member.
- The teacher praised his attentiveness in class discussions.
- Good customer service depends on attentiveness to client needs.
- Meditation improves mental clarity and attentiveness.
Cultural Reference:
In mindfulness practices, attentiveness is seen as the foundation of self-awareness—key to emotional regulation, compassion, and mental well-being. - Mindfulness & Psychology
Think About It:
In a world full of distractions, how can we train ourselves to be more attentive—to others, to work, and to life?
Quick Activity:
Write one sentence about a time when attentiveness helped you succeed or solve a problem.
Memory Tip:
“Attentiveness” comes from *attend*—to *tend to* something with care and focus.
Real-World Application:
“Attentiveness” is a core skill in education, healthcare, customer service, leadership, and emotional intelligence. It signals reliability, empathy, and professionalism.
WORD 7: Carriage
Context:
(Inferred example: “The royal family arrived in a horse-drawn carriage, delighting the crowd.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Carriage" refers to a wheeled vehicle, especially one drawn by horses, used for transporting people in earlier times. While it often evokes historical or royal imagery, the term also applies to train compartments and, metaphorically, to the way someone carries themselves. For example, one might compliment a dancer's “elegant carriage” or refer to the “carriage of goods.” Its varied meanings reflect movement, posture, and presence.
Meaning: 1) A horse-drawn vehicle for transporting people; 2) A train compartment; 3) The manner in which a person carries themselves (Noun)
Pronunciation: KA-rij
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old Northern French *carriage* (“means of conveyance”), related to *carier* (“to transport”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a rich word with multiple meanings. It's helpful for describing historical settings, royal contexts, and even body language. Be sure to recognize its context—whether you're talking about transport or elegance. It appears often in literature, especially when describing nobility or old-world charm.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: coach, chariot, wagon, compartment, posture (contextual)
Antonyms: dismount (for vehicles), slouch (for posture), standstill
Usage Examples:
- The queen waved from her ornate golden carriage during the parade.
- He stepped into the train carriage and looked for a seat by the window.
- Her upright carriage and graceful walk revealed her years of ballet training.
- The carriage of supplies through the mountain pass took days.
Cultural Reference:
Horse-drawn carriages are a key feature in period dramas like *Downton Abbey* and *Bridgerton*, symbolizing status, tradition, and romance in historical storytelling. - British TV & Film
Think About It:
How do words like “carriage” preserve the past—and why do some old terms still find new life in modern settings?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “carriage” in a historical sense and another in a metaphorical sense related to posture or presence.
Memory Tip:
“Carriage” = *carries people or presence* — either on wheels or through elegance and dignity.
Real-World Application:
“Carriage” is useful in historical writing, literature, period drama analysis, travel contexts, and discussions of body language or grace.
WORD 8: Margins
Context:
(Inferred example: “The company’s profit margins shrank after the new tax regulations were enforced.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Margins" can refer to physical edges, financial differences, or metaphorical boundaries. In a document, margins are the blank spaces around the text. In business, a margin usually means the difference between cost and selling price—such as a "profit margin." In broader usage, "on the margins" can describe someone or something existing outside the center of attention or power, like marginalized communities. Its meaning changes with context, but it always relates to space, distance, or limits.
Meaning: 1) The edges or borders of a page or area; 2) The difference between two amounts (like profit and cost); 3) A position of lesser importance or influence (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: MAR-jinz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *margo, marginis* (“edge, border”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is highly versatile. You’ll see it in writing formats, business articles, and even sociology. When using “margins,” always look at the context. It could be talking about profits, spaces on a page, or people left out of mainstream discussions. Mastering its multiple meanings makes your vocabulary more flexible and mature.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: edges, boundaries, borders, profit gaps, periphery
Antonyms: center, core, mainstream, deficit (in financial contexts)
Usage Examples:
- Please adjust the margins of your essay to 1 inch on all sides.
- The startup operates on very thin profit margins and must minimize costs.
- Many artists worked on the margins of society before gaining recognition.
- They left notes in the margins of the book to aid their research.
Cultural Reference:
The term “margins of society” is commonly used in sociology and literature to discuss those excluded from power, privilege, or participation—often due to race, class, gender, or ability. - Social Studies & Critical Theory
Think About It:
Why do we use the same word for profit gaps, page borders, and social exclusion? What does this say about the idea of “being at the edge”?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences: one using “margins” in a financial sense, and one in a social or literary sense.
Memory Tip:
“Margins” = *what’s left at the edges*—whether it’s on a page, in a budget, or in society.
Real-World Application:
“Margins” is essential in writing, economics, business, publishing, and social studies. Knowing how to use it across contexts adds range to your language toolkit.
WORD 9: Distractions
Context:
(Inferred example: “He turned off his phone to avoid distractions while studying for the exam.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Distractions" refer to things that divert your attention away from what you are trying to focus on. They can be external—like noise, phones, or people—or internal, like wandering thoughts or stress. In today’s digital world, distractions are everywhere, and learning to manage them is crucial for productivity, concentration, and peace of mind. The word can also be used more broadly to describe anything that pulls someone away from a goal or responsibility.
Meaning: Things that divert attention from what someone is doing or should be doing (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: dis-TRAK-shunz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *dis-* (“apart”) + *trahere* (“to draw”) → “to draw away from”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Distractions” is a useful word in academic and motivational writing. Whether you’re writing about study habits, work efficiency, or digital detoxes, it’s a go-to term. Pair it with verbs like “reduce,” “eliminate,” or “avoid” when giving advice on productivity. Try to identify your own distractions—it’s a great way to personalize essays!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: interruptions, disturbances, diversions, disruptions
Antonyms: focus, attention, concentration, mindfulness
Usage Examples:
- Social media is one of the biggest distractions for students today.
- He created a quiet study environment to minimize distractions.
- Even small distractions can break your flow when you're deep in thought.
- She used meditation to reduce mental distractions and stay focused.
Cultural Reference:
In the book *Deep Work* by Cal Newport, the author emphasizes eliminating distractions to achieve peak productivity and concentration in a world full of digital interruptions. - Productivity & Focus Literature
Think About It:
What are your biggest distractions in daily life—and how can you manage or reduce them to stay focused on your goals?
Quick Activity:
List three distractions you face while studying or working. Next to each, write one strategy to overcome it.
Memory Tip:
“Distractions” = *drawn away* from action → anything that pulls your brain or energy in the wrong direction.
Real-World Application:
“Distractions” is key in time management, education, psychology, and wellness conversations. It's a common topic in personal growth, workplace productivity, and mental health discussions.
WORD: Ratchet
Context:
(Inferred example: “The tension ratcheted up as both sides refused to compromise.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Ratchet" has two key uses: one as a noun in mechanical contexts, and the other as a verb in both formal and informal language. As a noun, a ratchet is a device that allows movement in one direction only, used in tools or machinery. As a verb, "to ratchet (up/down)" means to increase or decrease something step-by-step, especially tension, pressure, or effort. In slang, "ratchet" has a very different meaning—it can describe a person or behavior seen as loud, wild, or lacking class, though it is often used humorously or in pop culture. Always pay attention to the tone and setting.
Meaning: 1) (Noun) A device allowing motion in only one direction; 2) (Verb) To steadily increase or decrease something; 3) (Slang – Adjective/Noun) Behavior or appearance considered crude or outrageous
Pronunciation: RATCH-it
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate (due to multiple meanings)
Etymology: From French *rochet* (“toothed wheel”), linked to mechanical tools. The slang use emerged from African-American Vernacular English in the early 2000s.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Ratchet” is a great word to explore multiple registers of English—technical, formal, and slang. In writing, use the mechanical or metaphorical meanings. Be cautious with slang: while it’s popular in music and pop culture, it can carry negative or judgmental tones. Always consider your audience and purpose.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: tighten, escalate, amplify (for verb usage); tool (for noun)
Antonyms: loosen, reduce, calm (verb usage); refined, elegant (slang antonym)
Usage Examples:
- The mechanic used a ratchet to tighten the bolts.
- Tensions ratcheted up between the two countries after the incident.
- They plan to ratchet down interest rates to ease inflation.
- (Slang) That party was wild—everyone was acting totally ratchet!
Cultural Reference:
The slang term “ratchet” gained popularity through hip-hop culture and viral videos in the 2010s. It’s often used humorously, though it can also reflect stereotypes or be seen as derogatory. - Pop Culture Linguistics
Think About It:
How does the shift in meaning of a word like “ratchet” show the flexibility—and complexity—of language across cultures and contexts?
Quick Activity:
Use “ratchet” in two sentences—one using the technical/mechanical meaning, and another using it in a metaphorical or slang context.
Memory Tip:
Think of a ratchet tool—each click moves one step. That’s how things “ratchet up” step-by-step. And in slang? Just picture someone turning up the wildness, one level at a time!
Real-World Application:
“Ratchet” is used in engineering, negotiations, economics, and slang-heavy media. Understanding its multiple meanings helps you navigate technical fields, journalism, and pop culture fluently.
