✨ 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:
- Ferocious
- Discreet
- Prevention
- Acquisition
- Renegades
- Piracy
- Freebooters
- Initiatives
- Warships
- Periphery
WORD-1: Ferocious
Context:
"The rest ranged from the discreet theft of coils of rope in the Yellow Sea to the notoriously ferocious Nigerian gunmen attacking and hijacking oil tankers in the Gulf of Guinea, as well as armed robbery off Singapore" - [Source: International Maritime Crime Report]
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "ferocious" is used to describe something or someone that is savagely intense, violent, or aggressive. In this context, it conveys the ruthless and brutal nature of the Nigerian gunmen who violently hijack oil tankers. The term paints a picture of extreme hostility and a lack of restraint, emphasizing the dangerous and unpredictable threat posed by these attackers.
Meaning: Fierce, violent, and aggressive (Adjective)
Pronunciation: fuh-ROH-shuhs
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *ferox* (fierce, wild), from *ferus* (wild, untamed)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Always associate "ferocious" with wild and intense energy — think of wild animals, brutal battles, or even a ferocious debate. It’s not just physical violence — even a storm or a competitor can be described as ferocious if their force is overwhelming.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: savage, brutal, vicious, fierce, aggressive
Antonyms: gentle, tame, mild, peaceful
Usage Examples:
- The lion gave a ferocious roar that echoed across the jungle.
- The storm hit the coast with ferocious winds and heavy rain.
- He faced ferocious criticism for his controversial remarks.
- She entered the debate with ferocious determination and clarity.
Cultural Reference:
"There is a ferocious intensity to his acting that grips the audience." – A review of Daniel Day-Lewis's performance in *There Will Be Blood*
Think About It:
Can "ferocity" ever be a positive trait? When might being ferocious be admired or even necessary?
Quick Activity:
Write a short paragraph describing a natural disaster using the word "ferocious" and at least two of its synonyms.
Memory Tip:
Think of a "furious ferret" — small but wildly aggressive — to remember that *ferocious* means wild and violent.
Real-World Application:
The term "ferocious" is frequently used in journalism and literature to highlight extreme aggression, whether in warfare, politics, sports, or nature, helping readers grasp the intensity of a situation.
WORD-2: Discreet
Context:
"The rest ranged from the discreet theft of coils of rope in the Yellow Sea to the notoriously ferocious Nigerian gunmen attacking and hijacking oil tankers in the Gulf of Guinea, as well as armed robbery off Singapore and the Venezuelan coast and kidnapping in the Sundarbans in the Bay of Bengal." - [Source: International Maritime Crime Report]
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "discreet" describes behavior that is careful, unobtrusive, and intended to avoid drawing attention. In the given context, it refers to a type of theft that was executed in a subtle and quiet manner, likely to avoid detection or confrontation. Unlike loud or violent crimes, a discreet act is performed with caution, often in secret or in a tactful way to escape notice.
Meaning: Careful and circumspect in one's actions or speech to avoid attention or offense (Adjective)
Pronunciation: dih-SKREET
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *discretus*, meaning "separated, distinct," later evolving to mean "prudent, careful" in Middle English
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Don’t confuse *discreet* with *discrete*! While *discreet* means cautious and tactful, *discrete* means separate or distinct. Always remember: "A discreet person keeps secrets; a discrete object stands alone."
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: cautious, prudent, tactful, subtle, circumspect
Antonyms: indiscreet, reckless, conspicuous, careless
Usage Examples:
- He made a discreet exit from the meeting to avoid drawing attention.
- The spy moved discreetly through the corridors, gathering information.
- Please be discreet when handling this confidential information.
- They held a discreet conversation in the corner of the café.
Cultural Reference:
"Be discreet in all things, and so render it unnecessary to be mysterious." – Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington
Think About It:
Is being discreet always ethical, or can it sometimes be used to hide wrongdoing?
Quick Activity:
List three situations where being discreet is not only useful but essential. Explain why.
Memory Tip:
Remember: A *discreet* person "keeps things under the sheets" — private, quiet, and tactful.
Real-World Application:
The word *discreet* is crucial in professions like diplomacy, law, counseling, and intelligence, where sensitive information and actions must be handled with care and tact.
WORD-3: Acquisition
Context:
"Where does piracy begin or end? According to St Augustine, a corsair captain once told Alexander the Great that in the forceful acquisition of power and wealth at sea..." - [Source: Philosophical reflection on piracy, based on Augustine's writings]
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Acquisition" refers to the act of gaining or obtaining something, typically something valuable like property, knowledge, or power. In this context, it implies the taking or seizing of power and wealth, especially through forceful means such as piracy. The use of the word emphasizes the process of accumulation and the underlying motive behind acts like piracy — not just violence, but the deliberate pursuit of gain.
Meaning: The act of acquiring or gaining possession of something (Noun)
Pronunciation: ak-wuh-ZIH-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *acquisitio* (an acquiring), from *acquirere* meaning "to get, obtain"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Commonly used in business and warfare. In corporate language, a “merger and acquisition” refers to companies combining or one buying another. Don’t limit this word to peaceful contexts — it also fits in historical, military, and aggressive scenarios.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: gain, procurement, attainment, purchase, appropriation
Antonyms: loss, forfeiture, relinquishment, surrender
Usage Examples:
- The company announced the acquisition of a major competitor to expand its market share.
- Her acquisition of fluent French came after years of practice and immersion.
- The general’s acquisition of new territory was hailed as a military triumph.
- Knowledge acquisition is a lifelong process that requires curiosity and discipline.
Cultural Reference:
"Greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right. Greed works." — Gordon Gekko in *Wall Street*, referring to the aggressive acquisition culture in finance.
Think About It:
Is every acquisition ethical, or does the method of acquisition determine its morality?
Quick Activity:
Make a list of five things people can acquire in life — rank them from most material to most abstract. Reflect on how each type affects personal growth.
Memory Tip:
Think of *acquisition* as something you "acquire" — both words start with "acq," helping you remember it’s about gaining or getting something.
Real-World Application:
"Acquisition" is a key concept in business, law, and education. It’s often used in financial reports, training programs, and philosophical or historical discussions about how power or resources are obtained.
WORD-4: Renegades
Context:
"But Lehr sticks to the disorganized small fry, making comparisons with the renegades of today possible." - [Source: Commentary on maritime piracy analysis]
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Renegades" refers to individuals or groups who reject established rules, traditions, or allegiances, often behaving rebelliously or outside of accepted norms. In the given context, the word highlights how modern-day pirates and disorganized criminals resemble rebellious figures of the past — people who operate on the fringes of law and society, defying authority and acting independently or lawlessly.
Meaning: People who desert or betray an organization, country, or set of principles (Noun, plural)
Pronunciation: REN-uh-gaydz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Spanish *renegado*, originally meaning "Christian turned Muslim," from Latin *renegare* (to deny)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Renegades aren't just traitors — they can also be rebels, iconoclasts, or visionaries depending on the context. The term often carries a dual sense: someone who breaks away from norms either to cause harm or to challenge unfair systems.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: rebel, defector, outlaw, traitor, deserter
Antonyms: loyalist, follower, adherent, patriot
Usage Examples:
- The renegades formed their own militia after breaking away from the official army.
- Throughout history, many revolutionary leaders began as political renegades.
- The novel tells the story of a group of renegades living off-grid and rejecting modern society.
- He was labeled a renegade for questioning the party's core policies.
Cultural Reference:
"Renegades" is also the title of a podcast and book collaboration between Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen, exploring rebelliousness and American identity.
Think About It:
Are all renegades dangerous, or can going against the grain sometimes lead to positive change?
Quick Activity:
Think of a famous historical or fictional character who acted as a renegade. Write a few lines explaining how their actions challenged the status quo.
Memory Tip:
Link *renegade* with “rebel with a cause” — someone who has broken away and is going their own way, often in defiance.
Real-World Application:
The word "renegades" is frequently used in politics, military, history, and pop culture to describe individuals or groups who resist authority, often with controversial or impactful consequences.
WORD-5: Piracy
Context:
"The main motive for piracy has always been a combination of need and greed. Why toil away as a starving peasant in the 16th century when a successful pirate made up to £4,000 on each raid? Anyone could turn to freebooting if the rewards were worth the risk." - [Source: Historical commentary on maritime piracy]
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Piracy" refers to the act of attacking and robbing ships at sea. It historically involved violent raiders who looted vessels for wealth and survival. In the context provided, it highlights how poverty and the lure of riches tempted many to turn to piracy. While piracy today can also refer to digital theft, such as illegally downloading software or media, its origins lie in the high-seas adventures of individuals who lived outside the law in pursuit of fortune.
Meaning: The act of robbery or criminal violence at sea (Noun)
Pronunciation: PY-ruh-see
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *piratia*, from Greek *peirateia* ("piracy, piratical attack")
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Remember: Piracy isn't just historical. Today, we talk about software piracy and digital piracy. The core idea is *stealing something that isn’t yours*, especially in a hidden or illegal manner, whether by sea or by screen.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: robbery, raiding, hijacking, looting, freebooting
Antonyms: protection, trade, security, legitimate commerce
Usage Examples:
- The navy increased patrols in the region to combat modern-day piracy.
- During the Golden Age of piracy, many pirates became infamous legends.
- Digital piracy remains a major concern for the music and film industries.
- He was charged with software piracy after illegally distributing games online.
Cultural Reference:
The "Pirates of the Caribbean" film series brought piracy lore to mainstream entertainment, romanticizing and dramatizing the life of 17th-century pirates.
Think About It:
Is piracy always wrong, or can desperation justify illegal actions in extreme circumstances?
Quick Activity:
Make a chart showing differences between historical piracy and digital piracy. Highlight one similarity and one difference for each.
Memory Tip:
Think of “pirates” as people who "peer" (from *peirateia*) into your ship or screen and snatch what isn’t theirs!
Real-World Application:
"Piracy" is still relevant today — not just in maritime law enforcement but also in discussions around copyright protection, intellectual property, and digital content regulation.
WORD-6: Freebooters
Context:
"A rise in global shipping has meant rich pickings for freebooters." - [Source: Maritime piracy commentary]
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Freebooters" refers to people who engage in unauthorized or lawless plundering, especially at sea. Historically, they were pirates or adventurers who attacked ships or settlements for profit. In the context provided, the term is used to describe modern sea bandits who exploit increased shipping traffic to loot valuable goods. While the word has romanticized associations with adventure, its core meaning centers on illegal raiding for personal gain.
Meaning: Plunderers or pirates, especially those operating without state sanction (Noun, plural)
Pronunciation: FREE-boo-terz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Dutch *vrijbuiter* ("free plunderer"), which also gave rise to the word *filibuster*
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of "freebooters" as pirates who aren’t just thieves — they’re opportunists who chase profits where there is chaos. In some historical texts, they were even glorified as bold adventurers. But don’t forget — they operated outside the law.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: pirate, buccaneer, raider, marauder, corsair
Antonyms: merchant, trader, guardian, protector
Usage Examples:
- The freebooters struck at night, vanishing before the naval patrols could respond.
- Freebooters once ruled the Caribbean, attacking Spanish treasure fleets.
- He was fascinated by tales of freebooters who defied empires for gold.
- Modern freebooters often operate through digital black markets instead of ships.
Cultural Reference:
The word “freebooter” is the root of the Spanish word *filibustero* and even influenced the term *filibuster* in U.S. politics, symbolizing disruptive and rebellious behavior.
Think About It:
Why do stories often glamorize freebooters and pirates, even though their actions were criminal?
Quick Activity:
Write a fictional sentence about a modern-day freebooter in the digital world. What are they plundering and how?
Memory Tip:
Break it into “free” + “booters” — they “boot” (grab) things for free! Easy way to recall it means lawless takers or pirates.
Real-World Application:
While "freebooters" is often used historically, it's also applicable to modern piracy on land and online — for example, cybercriminals who exploit digital platforms for profit without authorization.
WORD-7: Initiatives
Context:
"Diplomatic initiatives against piracy are plagued by mutual distrust: the Russians execute pirates, while the EU and US are reluctant to capture them for fear they’ll claim asylum." - [Source: Global security and diplomacy commentary]
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Initiatives" refers to new plans, strategies, or actions intended to address a problem or improve a situation. In this context, the word highlights diplomatic efforts undertaken by international actors to combat piracy. However, these initiatives face complications due to differing political stances, legal risks, and a lack of trust between nations — which undermines cooperation and weakens the overall impact of these efforts.
Meaning: Planned actions or proposals aimed at solving a problem or achieving a goal (Noun, plural)
Pronunciation: ih-NIH-shee-uh-tivz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *initiare* ("to begin"), related to *initium* ("beginning")
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Initiatives" often appear in formal and professional settings — diplomacy, policy-making, corporate leadership, or social programs. Think of them as *intentional first steps*. When you hear "initiative," think: Who’s leading? What’s the goal?
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: proposals, plans, measures, schemes, strategies
Antonyms: inaction, apathy, passivity, neglect
Usage Examples:
- The government launched several environmental initiatives to reduce pollution.
- Corporate initiatives to improve mental health have gained popularity in recent years.
- Despite multiple peace initiatives, the conflict continued to escalate.
- The student's initiative to organize a fundraiser was praised by the faculty.
Cultural Reference:
The United Nations has launched multiple global initiatives such as the *Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)* to address poverty, inequality, and climate change worldwide.
Think About It:
What makes an initiative succeed or fail — the idea itself, or the people implementing it?
Quick Activity:
Write a brief proposal for an initiative to reduce plastic waste in your local community. What steps would you include?
Memory Tip:
Think: *Initiative = Initial step* — both start with “initi,” linking it to the beginning of something purposeful.
Real-World Application:
In business, education, politics, and international relations, initiatives are the first structured steps toward change. Understanding them helps in evaluating policy effectiveness and leadership vision.
WORD-8: Prevention
Context:
"Modern pirate prevention has failed. After the French yacht Le Gonant was ransomed for $2 million in 2008, opportunists from all over Somalia flocked to the coast for a piece of the action." - [Source: Maritime piracy analysis]
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Prevention" refers to the action of stopping something from happening or arising. In this context, it indicates the efforts taken by governments or maritime forces to stop acts of piracy before they occur. The statement highlights how those measures have not been effective, as the lucrative ransom of the French yacht encouraged even more piracy. It suggests that without effective prevention, criminal activity not only continues but expands.
Meaning: The act of stopping something before it happens (Noun)
Pronunciation: pruh-VEN-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *praeventio*, from *praevenire* (“to come before, anticipate”)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Always think of "prevention" as the opposite of reaction. If you are reacting, the problem has already occurred. But if you're preventing it, you’re thinking ahead — whether it's in crime, health, or risk management. Prevention is the smart step before disaster.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: deterrence, obstruction, hindrance, precaution, avoidance
Antonyms: encouragement, facilitation, allowance, promotion
Usage Examples:
- The police launched a new initiative for crime prevention in urban areas.
- Vaccination is a key method of disease prevention.
- Fire prevention measures include installing alarms and conducting drills.
- Piracy prevention has become a top priority for international naval forces.
Cultural Reference:
The famous saying “Prevention is better than cure” is often used in public health campaigns to stress the importance of early action and risk reduction.
Think About It:
Why do societies often invest more in solving problems than in preventing them?
Quick Activity:
List three things in your daily life you could prevent with better planning. How would it change your outcomes?
Memory Tip:
Think: “Pre” = before + “vention” = action → *Take action before trouble starts.* That’s prevention!
Real-World Application:
"Prevention" is central to areas such as healthcare, cybersecurity, disaster management, and law enforcement. Effective prevention strategies save lives, resources, and time.
WORD-9: Warships
Context:
"2008, opportunists from all over Somalia flocked to the coast for a piece of the action... A consistent rule, even today, is there are never enough warships to patrol pirate-infested waters." - [Source: Global piracy trends report]
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Warships" are powerful naval vessels that are specifically designed and equipped for warfare. They carry weapons, defensive systems, and trained personnel for combat and security operations at sea. In this context, warships are crucial tools used by countries to patrol and secure international waters against threats like piracy. However, the sentence reveals a recurring problem — that the number of warships is insufficient to cover vast areas where piracy is active, making complete maritime security a persistent challenge.
Meaning: Armed naval ships built for combat and defense (Noun, plural)
Pronunciation: WAR-ships
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Basic
Etymology: From "war" (conflict) + "ship" (vessel), dating back to Old English naval terminology
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of warships as the military’s eyes and fists at sea. While they symbolize power, they also reflect the challenge of maintaining peace over massive oceans. Modern warships carry radar, missiles, helicopters, and even drones.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: battleships, destroyers, cruisers, naval vessels, frigates
Antonyms: merchant ships, fishing boats, civilian vessels, yachts
Usage Examples:
- Several warships were deployed to monitor the disputed maritime border.
- The presence of warships helped deter pirate activity in the region.
- During the conflict, the navy relied heavily on advanced warships.
- Modern warships are equipped with both offensive and defensive technology.
Cultural Reference:
The iconic HMS *Victory*, Admiral Nelson’s flagship during the Battle of Trafalgar, remains one of the most famous warships in British naval history.
Think About It:
Should nations invest more in warships for global security, or in international cooperation to reduce the need for them?
Quick Activity:
Make a Venn diagram comparing warships and commercial cargo ships in terms of purpose, features, and crew.
Memory Tip:
Just like "spaceships" are for space, "warships" are ships for *war* — equipped for defense and combat at sea.
Real-World Application:
Warships play a central role in international relations, maritime law enforcement, humanitarian missions, and responding to piracy or conflict at sea.
WORD-10: Periphery
Context:
"...but was dependent on money somehow filtering through a corrupt bureaucracy to the poor on the periphery." - [Source: Socioeconomic commentary on systemic corruption]
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Periphery" refers to the outer edges or margins of an area, system, or group. In this context, it symbolizes people who live on the outskirts of economic and social privilege — the marginalized and overlooked. The sentence points to how government aid, if it reaches the poor at all, trickles down only after being strained by a corrupt system, with those on the periphery receiving the least. It captures the idea of systemic neglect and uneven distribution of resources.
Meaning: The outer limits or edge of an area or group (Noun)
Pronunciation: puh-RIF-uh-ree
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *periphereia* ("circumference"), from *peri-* ("around") + *pherein* ("to carry")
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Don’t limit “periphery” to physical space — it's often metaphorical. In society or politics, being on the periphery means being excluded, ignored, or underrepresented. Central vs. peripheral — that’s the contrast to watch for.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: edge, fringe, border, outskirts, margin
Antonyms: center, core, hub, heart, nucleus
Usage Examples:
- Communities on the periphery of the city often lack access to clean water.
- She remained on the periphery of the discussion, hesitant to speak up.
- Economic aid rarely reaches those on the periphery of society.
- The conflict spread from the center to the periphery of the region.
Cultural Reference:
In geography and development studies, the “core-periphery model” explains global inequality — where wealthy countries form the core and poorer ones the periphery, receiving fewer benefits from globalization.
Think About It:
Why do some groups stay stuck on the periphery, even after reforms or aid are introduced?
Quick Activity:
Draw a circle diagram showing "center" vs. "periphery" in terms of wealth, influence, and access. Place different professions or communities in each zone and reflect on their roles.
Memory Tip:
“Peri” means *around*, like in *perimeter*. So *periphery* is what’s around the edge, not in the center.
Real-World Application:
"Periphery" is used in urban planning, global economics, politics, and social justice to highlight disparities in access, attention, and opportunity for those outside the centers of power.
