✨ 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:
- Specimens
- Mitochondrial
- Endemic
- Seafarers
- Legacy
- Lineage
- En masser
- Advent
- Skiffs
- Colonized
WORD 1: Specimens
Context:
“The lab received several blood specimens for testing after the outbreak was confirmed.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Specimens" is the plural form of "specimen," a noun used to refer to individual samples or examples taken for scientific, medical, or observational purposes. In biology, specimens may be plants, animals, or tissue samples used for study. In broader usage, a specimen can be any single example that represents a whole category. This word is frequently used in laboratories, museums, and research fields where observation and analysis of samples is essential.
Meaning: Individual samples or examples, often taken for scientific study or medical testing (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: SPES-uh-minz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *specimen* (“a mark, example, or indication”), from *specere* (“to look at”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Specimens” is a precise, scientific word often used in academic and research settings. It’s useful in essays, lab reports, and observational writing. While typically used in biological or medical contexts, you can also use it metaphorically to refer to standout examples of people, writing, or behavior.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: samples, examples, models, cases, instances
Antonyms: wholes, generalizations, populations (contextual)
Usage Examples:
- Scientists collected plant specimens from the rainforest for classification.
- Each patient was required to submit urine specimens for testing.
- The museum displayed fossil specimens from the Jurassic period.
- His behavior is a rare specimen of patience and restraint in high-pressure situations.
Cultural Reference:
In *The Origin of Species*, Charles Darwin relied heavily on detailed study of animal and plant specimens collected during his voyage on the HMS Beagle to support his theory of natural selection. – Evolutionary Biology & History of Science
Think About It:
How do carefully chosen specimens help us understand the complexity of the whole without being overwhelmed by it?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “specimens” in a biological context, and another in a metaphorical or literary sense.
Memory Tip:
Think of “specimens” as “specific men” or “specific samples”—they stand in for the bigger picture.
Real-World Application:
“Specimens” are central to lab science, natural history, forensics, medicine, and museum work—they help scientists and researchers analyze, diagnose, and classify with accuracy.
WORD 2: Mitochondrial
Context:
“Mitochondrial DNA is inherited exclusively from the mother and is used in tracing maternal ancestry.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Mitochondrial" is an adjective that relates to mitochondria—small structures within cells that act as powerhouses, producing the energy needed for cell function. The term is commonly used in genetics, medicine, and cell biology to describe anything pertaining to mitochondria, including mitochondrial DNA, diseases, and metabolism. Because mitochondria play a vital role in energy production, mitochondrial health is central to discussions of aging, inheritance, and many chronic diseases.
Meaning: Relating to mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles found in most cells (Adjective)
Pronunciation: my-toh-KON-dree-uhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced
Etymology: From “mitochondrion” (Greek *mitos* = thread + *chondrion* = granule) + *-al* (adjective suffix)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Mitochondrial” is a specialized term most commonly used in biology and genetics. It's especially useful when discussing cell structure, hereditary conditions, or biochemical processes. When writing academic or scientific essays, it often appears alongside terms like *DNA*, *respiration*, *mutation*, or *inherited disorders*.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: related to cell energy, energy-cellular (contextual)
Antonyms: non-cellular, nuclear (in genetic context), unrelated to mitochondria
Usage Examples:
- Mitochondrial disorders can affect the muscles, brain, and organs due to reduced energy production.
- Scientists study mitochondrial DNA to trace human migration patterns through maternal lineage.
- Exercise and nutrition can influence mitochondrial function in positive ways.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is a common factor in many age-related diseases.
Cultural Reference:
In forensic science and ancestry testing, mitochondrial DNA is used because it is passed down unchanged from mothers to their children, making it useful in solving cold cases and tracing maternal heritage. – Genetics & Anthropology
Think About It:
If mitochondria power our cells, what might happen when their function begins to decline—and how can science intervene?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “mitochondrial” in a scientific context, and another connecting it to health or daily life.
Memory Tip:
Think *mitochondrial* = *mitochondria* + *-al* → describing something related to the “energy factories” inside your cells.
Real-World Application:
“Mitochondrial” appears in biology, medicine, genetics, and health sciences—especially when discussing energy, disease, inheritance, and evolution.
WORD 3: Endemic
Context:
“Malaria is endemic to certain tropical regions, where it remains a constant health challenge.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Endemic" is an adjective used to describe something—especially a disease, species, or condition—that is regularly found and consistently present within a particular geographic area or population. In biology, it can refer to a species native to a specific location and found nowhere else. In public health, it refers to diseases that are constantly maintained at a baseline level within a region. The term is also metaphorically applied to social problems or habits that are deeply rooted in a community or culture.
Meaning: Constantly present or regularly found in a particular area or group (Adjective)
Pronunciation: en-DEM-ik
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *endēmos* (“native”), from *en-* (“in”) + *dēmos* (“people, district”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Endemic” is commonly used in biology, ecology, and epidemiology. It’s useful when discussing persistent conditions or native species. Don’t confuse it with *epidemic* (a sudden outbreak) or *pandemic* (global spread). Use it in scientific or critical essays where something is deeply embedded in a region or system.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: native, local, habitual, rooted, indigenous (in biological/ecological contexts)
Antonyms: foreign, epidemic, global, imported
Usage Examples:
- Corruption has become endemic in parts of the system, making reform difficult.
- The lemur is endemic to Madagascar and found nowhere else in the wild.
- Chronic respiratory diseases are endemic to this region due to air pollution.
- Some cultural practices are endemic to specific island communities.
Cultural Reference:
In public health, diseases like tuberculosis and malaria are classified as *endemic* in specific regions, meaning they persist at predictable rates year after year—unlike *epidemics*, which are sudden spikes. – Epidemiology & Global Health
Think About It:
Can something being endemic to a culture or region make it harder to challenge or change—even when it’s harmful?
Quick Activity:
Write one sentence using “endemic” in a biological context, and another using it metaphorically (e.g., about behavior or inequality).
Memory Tip:
“Endemic” = *in the people* → something that lives *inside* or *belongs to* a place or population consistently.
Real-World Application:
“Endemic” is used in biology, epidemiology, ecology, sociology, and even political analysis—especially when discussing persistent, place-bound traits or issues.
WORD 4: Seafarers
Context:
“For centuries, seafarers navigated uncharted waters guided only by the stars and their experience.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Seafarers" is the plural form of "seafarer" and refers to people who travel by sea, especially those who work on ships as sailors, navigators, or mariners. Seafarers have played crucial roles throughout history—exploring new lands, enabling trade, and connecting civilizations. In both a literal and symbolic sense, seafarers represent resilience, adventure, and the human spirit of discovery. The word also carries a romantic and historical tone, often used in literature, folklore, and maritime traditions.
Meaning: People who travel or work on the sea, especially sailors or maritime professionals (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: SEE-fair-erz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From “sea” + “farer” (from Old English *faran* – “to journey”) → literally, “one who journeys by sea”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Seafarers” is a poetic yet precise word to use in historical, literary, or occupational writing. It can refer to ancient explorers, modern mariners, or metaphorical voyagers. Use it in geography, global history, or when describing the human connection with the oceans. It evokes imagery and adventure while also being technically accurate in naval contexts.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: sailors, mariners, navigators, ship crew, ocean travelers
Antonyms: landlubbers, non-sailors, inlanders (informal/opposite context)
Usage Examples:
- Seafarers from ancient Polynesia navigated vast oceans using only stars and wave patterns.
- The museum honors the lives of seafarers lost at sea.
- Modern seafarers often spend months away from their families while working aboard cargo ships.
- Throughout history, seafarers have been the bridge between isolated cultures and continents.
Cultural Reference:
In Norse mythology and Viking sagas, seafarers are depicted as fearless explorers who ventured across the Atlantic long before Columbus—making them enduring symbols of courage and exploration. – World Mythology & Maritime History
Think About It:
What motivates seafarers to leave the safety of land and sail into the unknown—and how has this spirit shaped our world?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence or short paragraph using “seafarers” to describe a historical journey, fictional voyage, or metaphorical exploration.
Memory Tip:
“Seafarers” = *sea* + *farer* → one who *fares*, or journeys, across the sea—picture sails on the horizon.
Real-World Application:
“Seafarers” is used in history, literature, geography, naval training, and global trade discussions—highlighting human interaction with the sea across time and cultures.
WORD 5: Lineage
Context:
“She traced her lineage back to 17th-century settlers who arrived from Europe.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Lineage" is a noun that refers to the line of descent from an ancestor—essentially, one's family line or ancestral background. It can describe biological, historical, or cultural continuity, and is often used in discussions of genealogy, nobility, tradition, and identity. In biology, it can also refer to the evolutionary development of a species or group. The word carries a tone of legacy, heritage, and belonging, and is used in both personal and academic contexts.
Meaning: Direct descent from an ancestor; ancestry or family heritage (Noun)
Pronunciation: LIN-ee-ij
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Middle English *linage*, from Old French, from Latin *linea* (“line”) → referring to a family or ancestral line
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Lineage” is a great word for essays on history, heritage, or evolution. It adds formality and depth when discussing origins—whether in families, cultures, or species. Use it alongside words like *ancestry*, *dynasty*, *legacy*, or *heritage* in academic or narrative writing.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: ancestry, descent, heritage, bloodline, family tree
Antonyms: unrelatedness, disconnection, outsider (contextual)
Usage Examples:
- He was proud of his royal lineage and often spoke of his family’s history.
- DNA tests helped confirm her African lineage stretching back several centuries.
- The temple was maintained by priests of a sacred lineage passed down for generations.
- In evolutionary biology, the term “lineage” refers to a sequence of species each evolving from the previous.
Cultural Reference:
In many indigenous and royal cultures, lineage is crucial for leadership, land rights, and identity—often determining social status and spiritual role. For instance, royal lineage plays a central role in British and Japanese monarchies. – Anthropology & Global Cultures
Think About It:
How much of your identity is shaped by your lineage—and how much by your choices and environment?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “lineage” in a historical context, and another in a biological or cultural context.
Memory Tip:
“Lineage” comes from “line”—think of a family *line* stretching from past to present to future.
Real-World Application:
“Lineage” is used in history, genealogy, biology, anthropology, and cultural identity discussions—especially when tracing origins or legitimacy.
WORD 6: En Masse
Context:
“The employees resigned en masse after the company announced sweeping layoffs.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"En masse" is a French phrase adopted into English that means “in a group” or “all together.” It is used to describe people or things acting or occurring collectively and simultaneously. The phrase conveys a sense of large-scale action or movement and is often found in political, social, journalistic, and literary contexts. It is especially useful for emphasizing the unity or scale of a response, decision, or migration.
Meaning: All together; as a group; in a unified or collective manner (Adverbial Phrase)
Pronunciation: on MASS
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic (borrowed expression)
Etymology: From French *en masse* (“in a mass”), combining *en* (“in”) and *masse* (“mass, group”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“En masse” is a concise, elegant alternative to saying “as a group” or “all at once.” Use it to emphasize collective behavior in formal writing, journalistic reports, or essays. It's useful in historical analysis, social commentary, or any context where mass action matters. Avoid overuse—it works best when the scale is notable.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: all together, collectively, as a group, in unison
Antonyms: individually, separately, one by one, piecemeal
Usage Examples:
- The protesters marched en masse through the capital city.
- After the announcement, students left the lecture hall en masse.
- Voters turned out en masse to support the reform initiative.
- The birds migrated en masse to warmer climates for winter.
Cultural Reference:
“En masse” is widely used in historical writing—especially in contexts like wartime evacuations, mass protests, or cultural movements (e.g., “The population fled en masse during the conflict”). It’s also a favorite in political journalism to capture the scale of public response. – History & Media Language
Think About It:
What causes people to act en masse—and how does collective action differ from individual choices?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “en masse” to describe a political event, social trend, or cultural movement.
Memory Tip:
Think of *mass* = group or crowd → “en masse” = *in the mass* → everyone acting *at once*.
Real-World Application:
“En masse” is used in news reporting, academic writing, sociology, political science, and literature to describe group behavior or mass phenomena.
WORD 7: Advent
Context:
“The advent of the internet revolutionized how people communicate and access information.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Advent" is a noun that refers to the arrival or beginning of something significant, especially an event, invention, or period. It is often used in formal or literary contexts to mark the appearance of something that has a major impact. The term also has strong religious connotations, referring to the Christian season leading up to Christmas. In general writing, "advent" suggests the dawn of a new era or transformative change.
Meaning: The arrival or beginning of something important or notable (Noun)
Pronunciation: AD-vent
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *adventus* (“arrival, coming”), from *advenire* (“to arrive”), from *ad-* (“to”) + *venire* (“come”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Advent” is a beautiful and formal word to use when writing about change, discovery, or the start of something transformative. It elevates your tone and adds weight to the idea you're discussing. Common pairings include “advent of technology,” “advent of democracy,” or “advent of a new era.”
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: arrival, emergence, beginning, initiation, onset
Antonyms: departure, conclusion, end, disappearance
Usage Examples:
- The advent of electricity transformed cities into vibrant, 24-hour hubs.
- With the advent of smartphones, communication became instant and portable.
- Historians often discuss the advent of the Renaissance as a turning point in Europe.
- The Advent season in Christianity is a time of reflection and anticipation of Christ’s birth.
Cultural Reference:
In Christian tradition, *Advent* is the liturgical period beginning four Sundays before Christmas, symbolizing the anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent calendars, used by many families, count down to Christmas with small daily surprises. – Religious Traditions & Modern Culture
Think About It:
What “advent” in your lifetime has most dramatically shaped the world you live in?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences: one using “advent” in a technological context, and one in a personal or cultural context.
Memory Tip:
“Advent” = *ad* (to) + *vent* (come) → the *coming* of something new and important.
Real-World Application:
“Advent” is used in academic writing, history, technology, religious studies, and formal commentary to mark the beginning of major phases, discoveries, or movements.
WORD 8: Skiffs
Context:
“Fishermen launched their skiffs at dawn, gliding quietly across the still waters of the bay.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Skiffs" is the plural form of "skiff," a small, light boat typically used for fishing or short-distance travel in calm waters. Skiffs can be rowed, sailed, or motor-powered, and they are known for their agility and simplicity. They appear frequently in maritime literature, historical accounts, and outdoor life writing, symbolizing self-reliance, solitude, or close connection with nature. Skiffs are still widely used today in both recreational boating and traditional fishing communities.
Meaning: Small, lightweight boats used for rowing, sailing, or fishing, especially in shallow or calm waters (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: skiffs
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic (with poetic/literary potential)
Etymology: From Middle French *esquif* or Italian *schifo*, from Old High German *scif* (“ship”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Skiffs” is a visually and sonically rich word to use in nature writing, maritime fiction, or historical narratives. Use it to create mood and imagery—evoking simplicity, craftsmanship, or isolation. It works especially well in poetic or reflective tones, but is also a precise technical term in boating.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: dinghies, rowboats, canoes, small crafts, fishing boats
Antonyms: ships, yachts, ferries, large vessels
Usage Examples:
- They tied their skiffs to the dock after a long morning of fishing.
- Skiffs bobbed gently in the harbor, painted in fading blues and greens.
- The novel opens with a boy setting off alone in a skiff, symbolizing his journey toward freedom.
- Inlets and rivers in the South are often navigated by wooden skiffs built by hand.
Cultural Reference:
In *The Old Man and the Sea* by Ernest Hemingway, the protagonist uses a skiff to venture into deep waters—symbolizing both his independence and the intimate battle between man and nature. – American Literature
Think About It:
Why do small boats like skiffs appear so often in literature as symbols of solitude, escape, or self-discovery?
Quick Activity:
Describe a scene involving skiffs using vivid sensory details—what do you hear, see, or feel?
Memory Tip:
Picture “skiffs” as *swift, simple ships*—small boats gliding quietly across calm waters.
Real-World Application:
“Skiffs” is used in maritime writing, boat-building, fishing industries, and environmental studies involving small-craft navigation in rivers, bays, and coastal areas.
WORD 9: Colonized
Context:
“Much of Africa was colonized by European powers during the 19th and early 20th centuries.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Colonized" is the past tense of the verb “colonize” and refers to the act of one country or group taking control of another area—often by settling there, dominating its people, and exploiting its resources. The term is heavily associated with imperialism and has deep historical and cultural implications. It often carries negative connotations, particularly in postcolonial studies, where it highlights oppression, cultural erasure, and resistance. It can also be used metaphorically to describe domination in social, economic, or psychological contexts.
Meaning: Taken control of and settled by a foreign power, often involving domination and exploitation (Verb – past tense)
Pronunciation: KOL-uh-nized
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *colonia* (“farm, settlement”), from *colere* (“to cultivate, inhabit”), evolved through Old French *coloniser*
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Colonized” is a powerful and historically charged word. Use it in essays on imperialism, resistance, or postcolonial critique. It pairs well with discussions of identity, sovereignty, language, and cultural legacy. Also useful in metaphorical writing—e.g., colonized minds or colonized markets—to express domination or imposed influence.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: occupied, settled, subjugated, dominated, annexed
Antonyms: liberated, decolonized, independent, sovereign
Usage Examples:
- India was colonized by the British Empire for nearly two centuries.
- Many indigenous cultures were suppressed when their lands were colonized.
- Decolonization movements emerged in the mid-20th century after nations had been colonized for decades.
- The author argues that education systems remain colonized by Western ideals.
Cultural Reference:
Frantz Fanon's *The Wretched of the Earth* critiques the psychological and cultural effects of being colonized, offering a foundational text in postcolonial thought. – Postcolonial Literature & Theory
Think About It:
What does it mean for a people to be colonized not only politically, but also culturally or mentally?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “colonized” in a historical sense, and one using it metaphorically (e.g., a colonized mindset or economy).
Memory Tip:
“Colonized” = *controlled and settled by outsiders* → Think of power crossing borders and changing everything in its path.
Real-World Application:
“Colonized” is used in history, political science, cultural studies, sociology, and literature—especially in the context of resistance, decolonization, and identity reclamation.
WORD 10: Legacy
Context:
“Her tireless advocacy for education reform is the most enduring part of her legacy.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Legacy" is a noun that refers to something left behind by someone, especially after they have passed away. It can be tangible—like property or money—or intangible, such as values, ideas, achievements, or influence. In both personal and societal contexts, a legacy represents lasting impact. The word is commonly used in discussions of leadership, history, philanthropy, and personal development, and it often invites reflection on how people or institutions are remembered.
Meaning: Something handed down from the past, such as values, property, or influence (Noun)
Pronunciation: LEG-uh-see
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic–Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *legatus* (“ambassador” or “deputy”), from *legare* (“to bequeath” or “appoint”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Legacy” is ideal for essays on leadership, social impact, or history. Use it when discussing the lasting results of a person’s actions, a movement’s influence, or cultural traditions. It works well in both emotional and analytical writing—perfect for speeches, memorials, or reflective essays.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: inheritance, heritage, bequest, contribution, memory
Antonyms: loss, absence, erasure, forgetfulness
Usage Examples:
- The scientist’s legacy lives on through the medical breakthroughs she inspired.
- He wanted to leave behind a legacy of compassion and innovation.
- The architectural style is part of the city’s colonial legacy.
- Slavery left a painful legacy that still shapes modern social structures.
Cultural Reference:
Figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Mahatma Gandhi are remembered not just for what they did during their lifetimes, but for the legacies they left behind—of justice, peace, and courage. – Global History & Leadership
Think About It:
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind—and how can your current actions contribute to that future memory?
Quick Activity:
Write one sentence using “legacy” to describe a historical figure, and one to describe a personal or family value you’d want to pass on.
Memory Tip:
“Legacy” = *leave a gift* or *leave a mark* → what you leave *behind* for the world to remember.
Real-World Application:
“Legacy” is used in leadership, education, social work, family culture, estate planning, and history—anywhere someone’s lasting impact is being reflected on or honored.
