✨ 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:
- Enceladus
- Friction
- Extrapolated
- markedly
- smokestack
- celestial
- Inspection
- dinosaurs
- Suffused
- Evolves
WORD 1: Enceladus
Context:
“NASA’s Cassini spacecraft revealed that Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons, has icy geysers that may indicate the presence of a subsurface ocean.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
Enceladus is one of Saturn’s many moons, known for its icy surface and geologically active behavior. It gained immense scientific interest when NASA’s Cassini mission discovered water-rich plumes erupting from its south pole, suggesting a liquid ocean beneath the ice—a possible habitat for microbial life. Apart from its astronomical identity, the name Enceladus comes from Greek mythology, where Enceladus was a giant defeated by Athena. The moon’s activity and potential to support life make it a prime target for future exploration.
Meaning: A geologically active moon of Saturn known for icy geysers and a possible subsurface ocean (Proper Noun – Astronomy)
Pronunciation: en-SELL-uh-dus
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced (scientific/astronomical)
Etymology: Named after Enceladus, a giant in Greek mythology; the name was assigned by astronomer William Herschel’s son in the 19th century
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Enceladus” is a fascinating term that blends astronomy and mythology. Use it in scientific essays, space exploration discussions, or when highlighting the search for extraterrestrial life. Its use symbolizes curiosity, discovery, and the merging of ancient myth with modern science.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: Saturn’s moon, icy satellite, ocean world
Antonyms: barren planet, lifeless body (contextual)
Usage Examples:
- Enceladus has become one of the most promising places in the solar system to search for alien life.
- The Cassini mission provided breathtaking images of Enceladus’s icy plumes erupting into space.
- Unlike many moons, Enceladus shows signs of active geology and possible hydrothermal activity.
- Scientists believe Enceladus’s ocean may contain the chemical ingredients necessary for life.
Cultural Reference:
In Greek mythology, Enceladus was a powerful giant buried beneath Mount Etna, believed to cause earthquakes—mirrored in the moon’s internal activity and geysers, linking myth and science. – Mythology & Modern Astronomy
Think About It:
What would discovering life on Enceladus mean for how we understand life’s uniqueness—or its commonality—in the universe?
Quick Activity:
Write a short paragraph comparing Enceladus to Earth in terms of water, activity, and the potential for life.
Memory Tip:
“Enceladus” = Enceladus the mythological giant, *buried and restless*—just like the moon’s ocean hidden beneath ice, yet still active.
Real-World Application:
“Enceladus” appears in space exploration, planetary science, astrobiology, and speculative fiction, and is central to discussions about life beyond Earth and icy moons in the solar system.
WORD 2: Friction
Context:
“There was growing friction between the two departments over how the budget should be allocated.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Friction" is a noun with both literal and figurative meanings. Literally, it refers to the resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another—an essential concept in physics. Figuratively, it describes conflict, tension, or disagreement between individuals, groups, or ideas. Whether used in science or social analysis, friction implies resistance that slows progress or generates heat—physically or emotionally.
Meaning: (1) The resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another (literal); (2) Conflict or tension between people or ideas (figurative) (Noun)
Pronunciation: FRIK-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *frictio* (“a rubbing”), from *fricare* (“to rub”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Friction” is a versatile word used in both scientific and human contexts. In essays, use it to describe social or ideological tensions. In physics, it appears in laws of motion and engineering. Its metaphorical power also makes it effective in writing about politics, innovation, or workplace dynamics.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: resistance, conflict, tension, disagreement, rubbing
Antonyms: harmony, smoothness, cooperation, flow
Usage Examples:
- Friction between the tires and the road helps the car stop safely.
- There’s been increasing friction between management and staff over working conditions.
- Oil reduces friction between engine parts, preventing wear and tear.
- Friction in group projects often arises from poor communication.
Cultural Reference:
In business and UX (user experience) design, reducing “friction” means making processes smoother and easier—like simplifying a checkout process or reducing customer complaints. – Tech & Startup Culture
Think About It:
Can friction—whether physical or emotional—sometimes be necessary for progress or growth?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “friction” in a physics context and another using it in a workplace or social setting.
Memory Tip:
“Friction” = *friction burns* or *heated arguments* → both create resistance and discomfort.
Real-World Application:
“Friction” is used in physics, engineering, conflict resolution, sociology, workplace culture, and digital design—wherever there’s resistance between forces, ideas, or people.
WORD 3: Extrapolated
Context:
“The researchers extrapolated future climate patterns based on current temperature trends.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Extrapolated" is the past tense of the verb “extrapolate,” which means to extend or project known information into an unknown area to make an educated guess or prediction. It is often used in scientific, mathematical, and analytical contexts to describe how data from a limited range is used to predict values or outcomes beyond the original scope. The word suggests reasoning based on patterns, trends, or logic, but with an understanding that such projections carry uncertainty.
Meaning: Estimated or inferred something unknown based on known data or trends (Verb – past tense)
Pronunciation: ek-STRAP-uh-lay-tid
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *extra* (“outside”) + *polare* (related to “to polish,” later “to draw or extend”) → meaning “to infer beyond the known”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Extrapolated” is perfect for use in academic writing, especially in scientific reports, economic forecasts, or data analysis. It shows that the conclusion is not arbitrary but based on logical extensions. Be sure to distinguish it from “interpolated,” which means estimating *within* a known range. Use it when you want to show informed prediction or projection.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: projected, predicted, inferred, estimated, deduced
Antonyms: ignored, miscalculated, misjudged, overlooked
Usage Examples:
- The scientists extrapolated the planet’s future temperature rise from current CO₂ levels.
- Market trends were extrapolated to forecast next year’s revenue.
- She extrapolated the outcome of the election based on early polling data.
- The teacher extrapolated the student’s potential from just a few assignments.
Cultural Reference:
In climate science, extrapolation is a key method used in modeling future environmental conditions based on current emissions and temperature data, although it is always accompanied by cautions about assumptions and uncertainty. – Scientific Modeling & Policy
Think About It:
How reliable are decisions based on extrapolated data—especially when dealing with unpredictable systems like the economy or climate?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “extrapolated” to describe a forecast in science, business, or education.
Memory Tip:
“Extrapolated” = *extra* (beyond) + *data* → using what you know to predict what lies beyond the known.
Real-World Application:
“Extrapolated” is used in statistics, science, economics, climate studies, business forecasting, and even historical analysis to describe informed guesses beyond available data.
WORD 4: Markedly
Context:
“Public opinion on the issue shifted markedly after the release of the investigation report.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Markedly" is an adverb used to emphasize that something has changed or differs in a noticeable or significant way. It often appears in analytical, academic, or journalistic writing to highlight contrast or transformation. Whether describing improvement, decline, difference, or emphasis, "markedly" signals that the change or quality is clearly observable, not subtle or minor.
Meaning: In a way that is clearly noticeable or significant (Adverb)
Pronunciation: MARK-id-lee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic–Intermediate
Etymology: From “marked” (distinct or noticeable) + “-ly” (adverbial suffix)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Markedly” is an excellent word for essays and reports when you want to show sharp contrasts or significant changes—especially in tone, behavior, results, or opinions. Use it with verbs like *shifted*, *improved*, *increased*, *decreased*, *differed*, etc., to strengthen your argument or observation.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: noticeably, significantly, distinctly, clearly, strongly
Antonyms: slightly, subtly, vaguely, marginally
Usage Examples:
- The patient's health has improved markedly since starting the new treatment.
- The two candidates differ markedly in their views on climate policy.
- Consumer spending dropped markedly after the economic downturn.
- She was markedly more confident during the second round of interviews.
Cultural Reference:
In scientific writing, “markedly” is often used in describing experimental results or social trends (e.g., “The reaction rate increased markedly under higher temperatures”). It adds authority and emphasis without exaggeration. – Academic & Scientific Tone
Think About It:
How can small changes over time become markedly noticeable in hindsight—and why does that matter in personal growth or social movements?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences using “markedly”—one about a change in behavior, and one about a contrast in opinion or result.
Memory Tip:
“Markedly” = something so *marked* or clear, it stands out—as if it's been *highlighted*.
Real-World Application:
“Markedly” is commonly used in news articles, scientific reports, academic essays, policy analysis, and business reviews to emphasize noticeable shifts or differences.
WORD 5: Smokestack
Context:
“The city skyline was once dominated by smokestacks, symbols of its booming industrial era.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Smokestack" is a noun that refers to a tall vertical pipe or chimney used to release smoke and gases from factories, ships, or power plants into the air. It’s strongly associated with heavy industry and fossil fuel-based production. In broader cultural and economic discussions, "smokestack" also symbolizes old manufacturing economies—often contrasted with modern, technology-driven sectors. It can evoke both nostalgia for industrial progress and concern for environmental degradation.
Meaning: A large chimney or vertical pipe for releasing smoke from an industrial facility or ship (Noun)
Pronunciation: SMOHK-stak
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From *smoke* + *stack* (a pile or vertical structure), popularized during the Industrial Revolution
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Smokestack” is both literal and symbolic. In environmental or economic writing, it often refers to traditional heavy industries. It contrasts with “clean energy” or “digital economy.” Useful in essays on industrialization, environmental impact, or urban history. It can carry positive or negative connotations depending on context.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: chimney, flue, stack, exhaust tower
Antonyms: wind turbine (symbolic), solar panel (clean energy), eco-structure
Usage Examples:
- The smokestack belched thick clouds of grey into the sky above the steel mill.
- Many towns once reliant on smokestack industries have struggled to adapt to modern economies.
- The artist painted a haunting image of rusted smokestacks and decaying warehouses.
- New environmental laws have forced many smokestack industries to reduce their emissions.
Cultural Reference:
The term "smokestack industry" often refers to traditional manufacturing sectors like steel, coal, and shipbuilding—central to the 19th and 20th centuries, but now under pressure from automation and environmental regulation. – Economic History & Environmental Studies
Think About It:
What does the decline of smokestack industries mean for communities built around them—and what can replace them?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence describing a smokestack in either an industrial or symbolic context (e.g., decline, nostalgia, pollution).
Memory Tip:
Think *smoke* + *stack* = a tall pipe stacked upward that sends smoke into the sky—classic symbol of factories.
Real-World Application:
“Smokestack” is used in environmental science, economics, industrial history, and literature to discuss pollution, energy, manufacturing decline, and the changing shape of cities and economies.
WORD 6: Celestial
Context:
“The telescope revealed a breathtaking view of celestial bodies scattered across the night sky.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Celestial" is an adjective used to describe things related to the sky, outer space, or the heavens. In scientific contexts, it refers to astronomical objects like stars, planets, and galaxies. In literary or spiritual usage, it often conveys a sense of divinity, wonder, or beauty. The word bridges the worlds of science and imagination, used to describe both real cosmic phenomena and ethereal, heavenly qualities.
Meaning: Related to the sky, space, or the heavens; divine or heavenly in nature (Adjective)
Pronunciation: suh-LES-chuhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic–Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *caelestis* (“heavenly”), from *caelum* (“sky, heaven”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Celestial” is a beautiful and versatile word—use it in scientific writing (e.g., *celestial mechanics*) or poetic descriptions (e.g., *celestial beauty*). It pairs well with terms like *bodies*, *orbs*, *realm*, or *light*. In essays, it elevates tone and evokes awe or transcendence when referring to outer space or the divine.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: heavenly, astral, cosmic, ethereal, stellar
Antonyms: earthly, terrestrial, mundane, grounded
Usage Examples:
- The observatory is equipped to track celestial movements with great precision.
- Her voice had a celestial quality, as though it came from another world.
- Ancient cultures used celestial maps to guide their travels and rituals.
- The eclipse is a rare celestial event that draws global attention.
Cultural Reference:
In many mythologies and religions, celestial beings such as angels or gods reside in the heavens, symbolizing purity, power, and enlightenment. In modern usage, “celestial” continues to inspire both scientific curiosity and spiritual awe. – Mythology & Astronomy
Think About It:
Why do celestial phenomena continue to inspire both scientific inquiry and spiritual wonder across cultures?
Quick Activity:
Write one sentence using “celestial” in a scientific context, and one using it poetically or symbolically.
Memory Tip:
“Celestial” = related to the *ceiling* of the universe—think stars, planets, and the divine sky above.
Real-World Application:
“Celestial” is used in astronomy, literature, religion, and even branding (e.g., *Celestial Seasonings*) to describe things beyond the earthly—whether literally in space or metaphorically in feeling.
WORD 7: Inspection
Context:
“The factory was shut down temporarily after a routine safety inspection revealed multiple violations.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Inspection" is a noun that refers to the careful examination or evaluation of something, often to check for problems, ensure compliance, or assess quality. Inspections are common in industries like manufacturing, health, construction, and education. The term implies attention to detail, authority, and the importance of standards. It may be physical (e.g., inspecting a building) or abstract (e.g., an inspection of performance or behavior).
Meaning: A close and detailed examination or check, often for safety, quality, or compliance (Noun)
Pronunciation: in-SPEK-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *inspectio*, from *inspicere* (“to look into or examine”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Inspection” is a formal, process-oriented word frequently used in official, technical, or regulatory writing. Use it when describing audits, quality control, supervision, or evaluation. It often implies a third-party judgment and is useful in business reports, academic evaluations, or safety procedures.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: examination, review, audit, assessment, evaluation
Antonyms: neglect, overlook, glance, ignorance
Usage Examples:
- The building failed its fire safety inspection and had to be evacuated.
- Routine inspections help maintain hygiene in restaurants.
- The teacher conducted an inspection of the students’ notebooks.
- A thorough inspection of the vehicle revealed several mechanical issues.
Cultural Reference:
In many countries, food safety inspections are carried out by government agencies to ensure restaurants meet health codes—a practice that protects public health and can affect business reputations. – Public Health & Regulation
Think About It:
Does the presence of inspection improve actual quality, or simply influence how people behave under scrutiny?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences—one using “inspection” in a school context, and one in a technical or industrial context.
Memory Tip:
“Inspection” = *in* + *spec* (look) → to *look into something carefully*.
Real-World Application:
“Inspection” is used in engineering, healthcare, education, governance, manufacturing, and compliance work—anywhere accuracy, safety, or accountability matters.
WORD 8: Dinosaurs
Context:
“Many children are fascinated by dinosaurs and can name more species than most adults.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Dinosaurs" is the plural form of "dinosaur"—a group of extinct reptiles that dominated Earth during the Mesozoic Era. They ranged in size from tiny bird-like creatures to towering giants like the Tyrannosaurus rex. Scientifically, dinosaurs are central to studies in paleontology and evolution. Culturally, the term is also used metaphorically to describe people, companies, or technologies considered outdated or resistant to change, especially in fast-evolving environments.
Meaning: Extinct reptiles that lived millions of years ago; metaphorically, outdated or obsolete entities (Noun – plural)
Pronunciation: DYE-nuh-sawrz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Greek *deinos* (“terrible”) + *sauros* (“lizard”) → “terrible lizard”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Use “dinosaurs” both literally (for science writing or historical context) and figuratively (in modern commentary). It’s a vivid metaphor for something large, powerful, but slow to adapt. Great for essays discussing change, evolution—biological or organizational—and even resistance to innovation.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: prehistoric creatures, fossils (literal); relics, outmoded systems (figurative)
Antonyms: innovations, modern entities, adaptable organisms
Usage Examples:
- Fossils have helped scientists learn more about how dinosaurs lived and evolved.
- The company was seen as a corporate dinosaur—huge but unable to keep up with tech trends.
- Some dinosaurs were feathered, hinting at the evolutionary link to modern birds.
- He calls landline phones “dinosaurs” in the age of smartphones.
Cultural Reference:
The popularity of dinosaurs in media—from *Jurassic Park* to museum exhibits—has kept them in the cultural imagination as symbols of both awe-inspiring power and irreversible extinction. – Pop Culture & Paleontology
Think About It:
What lessons can we learn from the extinction of dinosaurs when facing modern threats like climate change or technological disruption?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “dinosaurs” in a literal sense and another using it metaphorically (e.g., in business, education, or technology).
Memory Tip:
“Dino” = terrifying + “saur” = lizard → *terrible lizards* that once ruled the Earth—and now live in books and bones.
Real-World Application:
“Dinosaurs” are key to biology, Earth history, museum education, media narratives, and metaphorical language about change, extinction, and survival.
WORD 9: Suffused
Context:
“Her face was suffused with a soft pink glow as the sun began to rise.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Suffused" is the past tense of the verb “suffuse,” which means to gradually spread through or over something—especially light, color, emotion, or feeling. It carries a poetic and emotional tone, often used in literature and descriptive writing to evoke atmosphere or mood. The word suggests a gentle but complete presence or saturation, whether literal (like light) or figurative (like joy or sorrow).
Meaning: Spread over or through something, typically in a gradual or gentle way (Verb – past tense)
Pronunciation: suh-FYOOZD
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *suffundere* (“to pour upon”), from *sub-* (“under”) + *fundere* (“to pour”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Suffused” is a beautifully expressive word for descriptive writing, especially in fiction, poetry, or art critique. Use it when describing something that is gently filled with color, light, or emotion. It elevates your tone and adds subtlety and elegance to narration or imagery.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: bathed, filled, imbued, flooded, permeated
Antonyms: drained, emptied, cleared, removed
Usage Examples:
- Her cheeks were suffused with embarrassment after the unexpected compliment.
- The horizon was suffused with golden light as dawn approached.
- The room was suffused with the scent of fresh jasmine.
- A sense of nostalgia suffused his voice as he spoke about his childhood.
Cultural Reference:
In romantic and lyrical literature—such as the works of Keats, Woolf, and Tagore—“suffused” is often used to create a dreamy or emotionally rich atmosphere, where light and feeling merge into sensory experience. – Literary Aesthetics
Think About It:
How does the choice of a word like “suffused” change the mood or tone of a description compared to more direct terms like “covered” or “filled”?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “suffused” to describe a moment involving light, and another involving an emotion like joy or sorrow.
Memory Tip:
“Suffused” = softly *poured into* → think of sunlight or feeling *gently soaking through* something.
Real-World Application:
“Suffused” is used in fiction, poetry, photography critique, art reviews, and emotional reflection to enhance subtle, expressive writing.
WORD 10: Evolves
Context:
“The story evolves gradually, revealing the characters’ hidden motivations and inner growth.”
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Evolves" is the third-person singular form of the verb “evolve,” which means to develop or change gradually over time, often into a more complex, advanced, or improved state. While it is most commonly used in biology to describe the gradual development of species, the term is also widely used in personal, social, technological, and narrative contexts to suggest organic growth or transformation. The process is typically slow, layered, and driven by adaptation or learning.
Meaning: Gradually develops or changes into a different, often more advanced or mature, form (Verb – third person singular)
Pronunciation: ee-VOLVZ
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic–Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *evolvere* (“to unroll”), from *ex-* (“out”) + *volvere* (“to roll”) → suggesting unfolding or gradual emergence
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Evolves” is a highly adaptable verb used in science, storytelling, self-development, and tech. In essays, it helps describe progress or transition without implying sudden change. It's often paired with subjects like *species*, *society*, *technology*, *beliefs*, or *characters*. Great for analytical and reflective writing.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: develops, progresses, transforms, matures, advances
Antonyms: stagnates, regresses, remains static, deteriorates
Usage Examples:
- The technology evolves rapidly, making older models obsolete within months.
- As society evolves, new values and priorities often emerge.
- The main character evolves from a selfish teenager into a responsible adult.
- Language evolves over time as people invent new expressions and abandon old ones.
Cultural Reference:
Charles Darwin’s theory that life evolves through natural selection fundamentally changed our understanding of biology, shaping not only science but also philosophy and cultural perspectives. – Evolutionary Theory & Cultural Impact
Think About It:
Do you believe personal growth evolves naturally, or does it require deliberate effort and choices?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence using “evolves” in a scientific context and another in a personal or social one.
Memory Tip:
Think “evolves” = *slowly unfolds* like a flower blooming or a person growing—gradual, layered, lasting change.
Real-World Application:
“Evolves” is widely used in biology, personal development, history, literature, technology, and education to express how things change over time through learning, pressure, or need.
