✨ 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:
- Precludes
- Oncological
- Convenience
- Bagging
- Breakthroughs
- Homogeneity
- seek diversity
- guarantees
- Meritocracy
- guarantees
WORD: Precludes
Context:
(Inferred example: “His prior conviction precludes him from applying for the government position.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Precludes" is a verb that means to prevent something from happening or to make it impossible. It is often used in formal, legal, or logical contexts where one action, condition, or fact rules out the possibility of another. To say something “precludes” something else is to say that it blocks it from occurring, usually by necessity or logic, rather than direct force. It’s a strong, precise word for expressing inevitability or incompatibility.
Meaning: To prevent something from happening or make it impossible (Verb – third person singular)
Pronunciation: pri-KLOODS
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *praecludere*, from *prae-* (“before”) + *claudere* (“to shut”) → meaning “to shut out in advance”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Precludes” is a formal and precise word—ideal for analytical essays, legal writing, and academic arguments. Use it to show that one factor makes another impossible or invalid. For example, if something is already true, it may *preclude* the need for further discussion.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: prevent, prohibit, bar, obstruct, rule out
Antonyms: allow, permit, enable, facilitate
Usage Examples:
- Financial constraints preclude us from expanding the program this year.
- His injury precludes him from participating in the tournament.
- The agreement precludes any future legal action on the matter.
- Being late may preclude you from entering the examination hall.
Cultural Reference:
In legal contracts, the term “precludes” is commonly used to specify limitations—such as clauses that preclude litigation or further claims, shaping how rights are exercised. – Legal Language & Policy Writing
Think About It:
Can planning for every risk sometimes preclude creativity or spontaneity in decision-making?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “precludes” in a legal, academic, or personal context, showing one thing making another impossible.
Memory Tip:
“Precludes” = *pre-* (before) + *clude* (shut) → think of something “shutting the door before” something else can enter.
Real-World Application:
“Precludes” is used in law, formal writing, research papers, debates, and policy discussions where conditions or actions cancel out possibilities or rights.
WORD: Oncological
Context:
(Inferred example: “The hospital specializes in oncological treatments for rare and aggressive cancers.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Oncological" is an adjective that relates to oncology—the branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. It is used in medical, clinical, and research contexts to describe services, studies, therapies, or specialists that focus on cancer care. The term emphasizes a highly specialized and serious field of medical science and is commonly encountered in academic journals, hospitals, and healthcare policy discussions.
Meaning: Related to the study, diagnosis, or treatment of cancer (Adjective)
Pronunciation: on-kuh-LOJ-i-kul
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Etymology: From Greek *onkos* (“mass, tumor”) + *-logy* (“study of”) + *-ical* (adjective-forming suffix)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Oncological” is a highly specific academic term. Use it in formal, scientific, or healthcare-related contexts. It’s often paired with terms like *treatment*, *research*, *unit*, or *specialist*. Avoid using it loosely—stick to cancer-related discussions where precision matters.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: cancer-related, tumor-specific (contextual)
Antonyms: non-cancerous, general medical (contextual)
Usage Examples:
- The patient was referred to the oncological department for further treatment.
- Oncological research has advanced rapidly with the introduction of immunotherapy.
- The hospital is known for its state-of-the-art oncological care.
- New funding will support oncological clinical trials across the country.
Cultural Reference:
Major institutions like the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and MD Anderson are global leaders in oncological research, pioneering treatments like targeted therapy and precision medicine. – Modern Medicine & Cancer Research
Think About It:
How does the rapid growth of oncological science affect access to treatment in under-resourced parts of the world?
Quick Activity:
Use “oncological” in a sentence describing a hospital, research program, or breakthrough in medicine.
Memory Tip:
“Onco” = tumor + “logical” = study-related → *oncological* = related to the medical study or treatment of tumors/cancer.
Real-World Application:
“Oncological” is used in medical reports, research papers, hospital services, pharmaceutical development, and healthcare policy, especially in contexts dealing with cancer treatment and study.
WORD: Convenience
Context:
(Inferred example: “Online shopping offers the convenience of ordering products from the comfort of your home.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Convenience" is a noun that refers to the quality of being easy, accessible, or suitable for one’s needs. It often describes features, services, or arrangements that save time, effort, or difficulty. The word is widely used in both everyday and commercial contexts—whether it’s about convenient transportation, convenient technology, or convenient lifestyles. While convenience is usually seen as a benefit, it can also raise questions about over-reliance and loss of effort or meaning.
Meaning: The quality of being easy to use, access, or benefit from, especially to save time or effort (Noun)
Pronunciation: kun-VEEN-yuns
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *convenientia* (“agreement, suitability”), from *convenire* (“to come together, be suitable”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Convenience” is a very useful word in essays related to technology, lifestyle, consumer culture, and urban planning. It's often associated with comfort and time-saving, but remember to think critically—does convenience always lead to better outcomes? Consider using it in contrast with *authenticity*, *effort*, or *depth* when analyzing modern life.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: ease, comfort, accessibility, suitability, practicality
Antonyms: difficulty, hardship, obstacle, inconvenience
Usage Examples:
- The 24-hour store was built for the convenience of nearby residents.
- Many apps are designed purely for user convenience.
- She chose the apartment for its convenience to her workplace.
- In modern life, we often prioritize convenience over long-term sustainability.
Cultural Reference:
The rise of the “convenience economy”—powered by services like Uber, Amazon, and food delivery apps—has transformed how we shop, travel, and eat, but it has also sparked debates about labor rights, sustainability, and instant gratification. – Contemporary Culture & Tech Discourse
Think About It:
What do we lose—creatively, socially, or ethically—when we always choose convenience?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “convenience” in a positive context and another using it in a more critical or negative tone.
Memory Tip:
“Convenience” = *con* (together) + *venire* (come) → what *comes together easily* to make life smoother or simpler.
Real-World Application:
“Convenience” is widely used in marketing, urban design, consumer studies, and lifestyle writing to assess how people seek ease in daily decisions and habits.
WORD: Bagging
Context:
(Inferred example: “The store clerk was busy bagging groceries for the long line of customers.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Bagging" is a versatile noun and verb form that typically refers to the act of placing items into bags. It is commonly used in retail, travel, and food-related settings. However, in technical fields—especially machine learning—"bagging" stands for **Bootstrap Aggregating**, an ensemble technique used to improve the accuracy and stability of predictive models. Thus, the meaning of "bagging" depends heavily on context—either practical and physical, or analytical and computational.
Meaning: (1) The act of putting items into a bag (common usage); (2) A machine learning method that combines results from multiple models (technical usage) (Noun/Verb)
Pronunciation: BAG-ing
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic (literal use), ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced (technical use)
Etymology: From “bag” + *-ing* (action-forming suffix); “bagging” in data science is short for *Bootstrap Aggregating*, coined in the 1990s
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Bagging” can be casual or complex. In writing, use it to describe simple actions like packaging, or apply its advanced meaning in technical discussions on data science. If you're writing an academic piece in AI or statistics, make sure to explain the term clearly. If you're using it casually, it fits well in everyday storytelling.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: packing, collecting (general); ensemble method, model averaging (technical)
Antonyms: unpacking, removing (general); single model prediction (technical)
Usage Examples:
- The volunteers were bagging meals for distribution.
- She spent the afternoon bagging leaves in the yard.
- In machine learning, bagging reduces variance by combining outputs from multiple models.
- Bagging often improves prediction performance on complex datasets.
Cultural Reference:
Bagging has become a part of daily routine in supermarkets, but in data science, “bagging” revolutionized ensemble learning and is a foundational idea behind Random Forests. – AI & Consumer Culture
Think About It:
What does the shift in meaning from physical “bagging” to analytical “bagging” tell us about language evolution and specialization?
Quick Activity:
Write one sentence using “bagging” in a grocery-related context, and another using it in a technical or metaphorical way.
Memory Tip:
Think “bagging” = *gathering into a bag* → whether that’s apples or algorithms, the idea is about collecting for better use.
Real-World Application:
“Bagging” is used in daily retail and household tasks, and in data science for advanced model performance—bridging practicality and theory across fields.
WORD: Breakthroughs
Context:
(Inferred example: “Recent medical breakthroughs have revolutionized the treatment of previously incurable diseases.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Breakthroughs" is the plural form of “breakthrough,” which refers to a significant and often sudden advance or discovery that overcomes a major obstacle. Whether in science, medicine, technology, or personal growth, breakthroughs mark moments of progress that change understanding, solve problems, or open new paths forward. They often follow persistent effort, experimentation, or innovation, and are frequently celebrated for their transformative impact.
Meaning: Major discoveries or advancements that mark a significant step forward, especially after difficulty or delay (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: BRAYK-throoz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From “break” + “through” – originally a military term referring to breaking through enemy lines, later adapted for discoveries and progress
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Breakthroughs” is an inspiring word often used in essays about innovation, progress, and discovery. Use it in both academic and motivational contexts—especially in science writing, business strategy, or personal narratives. Try pairing it with words like *technological*, *scientific*, or *psychological* to specify the area of progress.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: discoveries, advances, milestones, leaps, innovations
Antonyms: setbacks, delays, failures, stagnation
Usage Examples:
- Scientific breakthroughs in genetics have opened new possibilities for personalized medicine.
- The startup achieved several technological breakthroughs within its first year.
- Therapy helped her experience emotional breakthroughs she hadn’t expected.
- Historical breakthroughs in civil rights were achieved through years of resistance.
Cultural Reference:
One of the most celebrated breakthroughs in history was the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928, which revolutionized medicine and saved millions of lives. – History of Science
Think About It:
Are breakthroughs the result of sudden genius, or do they come from consistent effort and learning over time?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “breakthroughs” in a scientific context and another in a personal development or emotional context.
Memory Tip:
“Breakthrough” = breaking *through* a barrier — picture a wall cracking open, allowing progress to pour through.
Real-World Application:
“Breakthroughs” is a key word in scientific research, media headlines, business innovation, psychology, and motivational discourse—used to signal turning points and transformations.
WORD: Meritocrac
Context:
“In the ruins of the old world, they spoke of the Meritocrac—a fractured system that once rewarded excellence but ignored compassion.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Meritocrac” appears to be a creative or stylized truncation of the word “meritocracy.” It could be used to represent a corrupted or incomplete version of a merit-based system, especially in literature, satire, or speculative writing. It symbolizes a society that claims to reward talent and effort, but may be flawed in execution—either through exclusion, elitism, or systemic bias. This word offers room for metaphorical or rhetorical exploration in narrative or philosophical texts.
Meaning: A stylized or fictional representation of a flawed merit-based system (Noun – informal/creative)
Pronunciation: meh-ri-TOH-krak
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Creative/Contextual
Etymology: Derived from “meritocracy” (from Latin *meritum* – “deserved” + Greek *kratos* – “rule”). “Meritocrac” may serve as a literary shorthand for a failed or incomplete meritocratic ideal.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Meritocrac” is not a dictionary word, but you can use it creatively to symbolize breakdown or critique of a merit-based society. It’s perfect for dystopian writing, essays on systemic bias, or social satire. Treat it as a loaded symbol—less about definition, more about implication.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: flawed meritocracy, broken system, half-merit system (figurative)
Antonyms: true equality, egalitarianism, just system
Usage Examples:
- The Meritocrac rewarded only the loudest voices, not the most capable hands.
- Her novel portrays a decaying Meritocrac where brilliance is buried under privilege.
- The youth rebelled against the so-called Meritocrac that had failed their generation.
- In speeches, activists referred to the system as a ‘Meritocrac’—a mockery of justice.
Cultural Reference:
In dystopian fiction, authors often twist real-world terms to reflect societal decay. “Meritocrac” could echo Orwellian language, where ideals are stripped of meaning and turned into slogans. – Political Fiction & Dystopian Literature
Think About It:
What happens when a society claims to be fair—but designs success in ways that exclude most people?
Quick Activity:
Create a sentence or short paragraph using “Meritocrac” as a metaphor for a society or system you want to critique.
Memory Tip:
Think of “Meritocrac” as a *cracked* meritocracy—a structure that started fair but collapsed under inequality.
Real-World Application:
“Meritocrac” could be used in speeches, literature, or critiques to challenge surface-level meritocracy in education, hiring, or governance. It sparks reflection on how fairness is defined and who defines it.
WORD: Homogeneity
Context:
(Inferred example: “The cultural homogeneity of the town was both comforting and limiting to outsiders.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Homogeneity" is a noun that refers to the quality or state of being uniform, similar, or of the same kind throughout. It is often used in science to describe substances with consistent composition, and in social contexts to refer to communities, groups, or environments where there is little diversity in race, culture, ideas, or behavior. While homogeneity can promote unity or stability, it can also lead to stagnation, lack of innovation, or exclusion of differing perspectives.
Meaning: The quality of being uniform, alike, or consistent in composition or character (Noun)
Pronunciation: hoh-muh-jee-NEE-uh-tee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *homogenes* (“of the same kind”), from *homos* (“same”) + *genos* (“kind, type”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Homogeneity” is a useful word in academic writing, especially in sociology, chemistry, statistics, and cultural studies. Use it to describe consistency within a group, environment, or system. It often appears alongside words like *diversity*, *uniformity*, or *standardization*, and works well in analytical or evaluative writing.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: uniformity, sameness, consistency, standardization
Antonyms: diversity, heterogeneity, variety, difference
Usage Examples:
- The homogeneity of the team made collaboration easier but stifled creativity.
- In scientific research, homogeneity in samples ensures reliable results.
- The neighborhood was criticized for its socioeconomic homogeneity.
- Marketing campaigns often assume cultural homogeneity, which can alienate diverse audiences.
Cultural Reference:
In Benedict Anderson’s theory of *Imagined Communities*, national identity often relies on cultural homogeneity, but globalization increasingly challenges this notion. – Political Theory & Sociology
Think About It:
Can a society be both unified and diverse—or does homogeneity inevitably suppress individual and cultural differences?
Quick Activity:
Write one sentence that uses “homogeneity” in a scientific context and another in a social or cultural context.
Memory Tip:
“Homo” = same + “genus” = kind → *homogeneity* = everything is of the same kind or nature.
Real-World Application:
“Homogeneity” is widely used in science (e.g., materials, populations), education, media, business, and cultural analysis—especially when evaluating inclusiveness or the risks of conformity.
PHRASE: Seek Diversity
Context:
“In building a more inclusive classroom, we are encouraged to seek diversity—not just in race or gender, but in ideas, experiences, and perspectives.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Seek diversity" is a two-word imperative phrase that encourages individuals, institutions, or societies to actively pursue and embrace differences—whether in culture, race, gender, thought, ability, or background. It suggests that diversity is not just to be accepted passively, but to be pursued intentionally as a source of strength, creativity, and fairness. In education, business, media, and community building, this phrase acts as a guiding principle for inclusive growth and innovation.
Meaning: To actively look for or value variety in people, perspectives, and experiences (Phrase)
Pronunciation: seek duh-VER-suh-tee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic (conceptually rich)
Etymology: “Seek” from Old English *sēcan* (“to go to, search for”), and “diversity” from Latin *diversitas* (“difference, variety”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This phrase goes beyond vocabulary—it's an ethical and educational value. Use it in speeches, essays, or personal reflections. It fits especially well in writing about inclusion, collaboration, global thinking, and creative environments. True diversity goes beyond visible identities—seek diversity of ideas, voices, and stories.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: embrace variety, value differences, promote inclusion, foster pluralism
Antonyms: reinforce uniformity, ignore difference, exclude, homogenize
Usage Examples:
- As global citizens, we must seek diversity to broaden our understanding of the world.
- Creative industries thrive when teams seek diversity in thought and experience.
- Educational institutions are redesigning curricula to seek diversity in authorship and perspective.
- To build fairer systems, we must seek diversity not as a checkbox, but as a core strength.
Cultural Reference:
Modern movements like *DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)* in workplaces and universities are built on the philosophy of “seeking diversity” as a proactive process, not just a demographic outcome. – Social Justice & Organizational Change
Think About It:
What does it truly mean to seek diversity—not just in others, but within your own beliefs and habits?
Quick Activity:
List three areas in your life (e.g., reading, conversations, environments) where you could actively seek more diversity.
Memory Tip:
“Seek diversity” = Look *beyond the familiar* to find the unexpected—because difference often sparks discovery.
Real-World Application:
The phrase “seek diversity” is used in hiring practices, educational reforms, team-building, social activism, and even in creative industries to promote well-rounded and just systems.
WORD: Guarantees
Context:
“The warranty guarantees that the product will be replaced or repaired if it breaks within one year.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Guarantees" is the plural form of the noun "guarantee" and can also serve as the third person singular form of the verb "to guarantee." It refers to promises, assurances, or formal agreements that something will happen or be provided. In business, law, and everyday life, guarantees are used to build trust, offer protection, or confirm reliability—whether for a product, a promise, or a result.
Meaning: Promises or formal assurances that certain conditions will be fulfilled (Noun – plural) / To promise or assure (Verb – third person singular)
Pronunciation: GAIR-uhn-teez
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old French *garantie*, from *garant* (“protector, defender”), related to the Germanic root *waran* (“to defend”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Guarantees” is a practical word in legal, commercial, and persuasive writing. Use it when emphasizing responsibility, assurance, or confidence. It also works metaphorically (e.g., "Education guarantees opportunity") to strengthen claims or arguments in essays.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: promises, assurances, pledges, warranties, commitments
Antonyms: uncertainties, risks, doubts, disclaimers
Usage Examples:
- The company guarantees free returns within 30 days.
- Human rights laws provide guarantees of freedom and equality.
- There are no guarantees in life, but hard work improves your chances.
- Some manufacturers offer lifetime guarantees on their products.
Cultural Reference:
In consumer culture, “money-back guarantees” are marketing strategies used to build customer trust and reduce perceived risk—originating in 19th-century retail practices. – Business History & Consumer Behavior
Think About It:
Can we truly guarantee fairness or safety in society—or are guarantees more about perception than certainty?
Quick Activity:
Write one sentence using “guarantees” as a noun, and one using it as a verb.
Memory Tip:
“Guarantees” = *guard + assurance* → Think of it as a strong verbal or legal *shield* for outcomes or expectations.
Real-World Application:
“Guarantees” are crucial in contracts, sales, education, and human rights discourse—they’re tools for trust, accountability, and consumer protection.
WORD : Meritocracy
Context:
(Inferred example: “The company claimed to be a meritocracy, rewarding employees solely based on performance and talent.”)
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Meritocracy" is a noun used to describe a system, organization, or society where power, rewards, or positions are distributed based on individual merit—such as intelligence, ability, or achievement—rather than on wealth, class, or social connections. While often praised for promoting fairness, the concept is also debated, with critics pointing out that meritocratic systems can overlook structural inequalities and inherited advantages that shape access to success.
Meaning: A system in which people are rewarded or advanced based on their abilities and accomplishments (Noun)
Pronunciation: meh-ri-TAH-kruh-see
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: Coined in 1958 by British sociologist Michael Young in *The Rise of the Meritocracy*, from Latin *meritum* (“deserved”) + Greek *kratos* (“power, rule”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Meritocracy” is a key term in sociology, education, politics, and business. Use it in essays discussing fairness, access, inequality, or governance. Be sure to analyze both its promise (rewarding hard work) and its pitfalls (ignoring systemic barriers). It’s a word that encourages deeper critical thinking about justice and success.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: system of merit, performance-based system, achievement-based structure
Antonyms: nepotism, favoritism, cronyism, aristocracy
Usage Examples:
- Many believe a true meritocracy gives everyone a fair chance regardless of background.
- The university defends its admissions process as being rooted in meritocracy.
- Critics argue that the so-called meritocracy often benefits those who already have privilege.
- Corporate meritocracies aim to reward performance, but unconscious bias can still play a role.
Cultural Reference:
Michael Young, who coined the term *meritocracy*, ironically used it in a dystopian sense—warning that a society obsessed with merit could become even more unequal, as those at the top believed they truly deserved everything. – Sociology & Political Theory
Think About It:
Is a meritocracy truly fair if people don’t all start from the same place or have equal access to opportunity?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence supporting meritocracy and one critiquing it. Focus on fairness and real-world implications.
Memory Tip:
“Merit” = worthiness + “-cracy” = rule → Meritocracy = rule by the worthy (those with talent and achievement).
Real-World Application:
“Meritocracy” is widely used in discussions of education, hiring practices, social mobility, public policy, and governance—it’s central to debates about equality and justice.
