✨ 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:
- slender-snooted
- Camouflaged
- Exception
- Onslaught
- Cattledamaged
- Pedler
- Predator-free
- Marsupials
- Now-extinct
- Sanctuaries
WORD-1: Slender-snooted
Context:
"Landing in Australia, the British colonists weren’t much impressed with the small-bodied, slender-snooted marsupials called bandicoots." - Historical account of colonial Australia
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Slender-snooted” is a compound adjective used to describe an animal (or even a person, metaphorically) with a thin, narrow snout or nose. In this context, it refers to the bandicoot’s distinct facial structure, which is slimmer and more elongated than that of many other animals. Such descriptive terms are often used in natural history or creative writing to evoke vivid imagery.
Meaning: Having a thin or narrow snout (Adjective)
Pronunciation: SLEN-der-SNOO-ted
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: Formed by combining “slender” (meaning thin or slight) and “snooted” (from “snout,” referring to the projecting nose or jaws of an animal).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a compound adjective with a descriptive tone, often seen in zoological texts or vivid writing. It may not appear in standard dictionaries but is understandable by its parts. Ideal for understanding how writers create imagery through language.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: narrow-nosed, thin-snouted, fine-muzzled
Antonyms: broad-snouted, wide-nosed, flat-faced
Usage Examples:
- The slender-snooted animal darted through the underbrush with remarkable agility.
- In her sketchbook, she drew a series of slender-snooted mythical creatures.
- The biologist noted the slender-snooted appearance of the new species.
- Cartoonists often exaggerate features like a slender-snooted face to add character.
Cultural Reference:
"The bandicoot, with its slender-snooted profile, is often featured in Australian children's books and cartoons as a quirky, misunderstood character." - Australian Wildlife Culture
Think About It:
How does the use of compound adjectives like “slender-snooted” enhance the imagery in storytelling or scientific descriptions?
Quick Activity:
Create your own compound adjective using a body part and a descriptor (e.g., “sharp-eyed” or “broad-shouldered”) and use it in a sentence.
Memory Tip:
Think of “slender” (thin) + “snooted” (having a snout) = a thin-nosed creature. Visualize a bandicoot with a tiny nose sniffing around!
Real-World Application:
This word teaches how compound adjectives work in English and how writers and scientists coin such terms for precise, often creative, descriptions. It can be helpful when reading or writing nature articles, fiction, or even character sketches.
WORD-2: Bandicoot
Context:
"Silly-looking or not, though, the zebra rat—the smallest bandicoot, more commonly known today as the western barred bandicoot—exhibited a genius for survival in the harsh outback, where its ancestors had persisted for some 26 million years." - Australian Wildlife Feature
Explanatory Paragraph:
A “bandicoot” is a small to medium-sized marsupial native to Australia and nearby regions. Despite their odd appearance—pointy noses, hunched posture, and rapid movements—bandicoots are incredibly resilient animals. They’ve adapted well to harsh environments like the Australian outback and are often seen digging for insects or grubs. This term can also metaphorically describe someone who is quick, elusive, or unexpectedly resourceful.
Meaning: A small marsupial with a long nose and hunched body, native to Australia (Noun)
Pronunciation: BAN-dee-koot
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From the Telugu word "pandikokku" meaning "pig-rat", adopted by early European settlers to describe these animals due to their similar size and digging habits.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a good example of a loanword adapted into English. While it refers to a specific marsupial, it's also interesting in how it bridges native Australian fauna and colonial descriptions. It's useful in both zoological and metaphorical contexts.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: marsupial, digging mammal, small forager
Antonyms: large herbivore, predator
Usage Examples:
- The bandicoot darted across the trail before disappearing into the bushes.
- Conservationists are working hard to protect endangered bandicoot species in Western Australia.
- Her backyard was frequently visited by a curious bandicoot looking for food.
- He moved through the crowd like a bandicoot—quiet, nimble, and unseen.
Cultural Reference:
"Crash Bandicoot" is a popular video game character introduced in the 1990s—a fast-moving, adventurous creature inspired by the real-world bandicoot, though the fictional version is much more cartoonish and human-like. - Gaming History Magazine
Think About It:
Why do you think early settlers gave native Australian animals such descriptive, sometimes strange names—like bandicoot or wombat?
Quick Activity:
Research another marsupial and write one sentence comparing it to the bandicoot. Use at least one descriptive adjective in your sentence.
Memory Tip:
Picture a bandicoot burrowing with its pointy nose like a mini bulldozer. “Bandicoot” = “bandit + cute” — a sneaky little survivor!
Real-World Application:
Knowing the word “bandicoot” is useful in biology, ecology, and even pop culture. It's often used in environmental studies or when discussing endangered species in Australia. Understanding this word also enriches reading material that touches on native wildlife or cultural history.
WORD-3: Camouflaged
Context:
"It carried its breath-mint-size babies in a backward-facing pouch so mothers could forage for food and dig shallow, camouflaged shelters." - Natural History Narrative
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word “camouflaged” describes something that has been disguised or hidden by blending in with its surroundings. In nature, animals often use camouflage to avoid predators or to sneak up on prey. In this context, it refers to how the shelter was hidden or blended into the natural environment, making it difficult to detect. The term is widely used in both military and ecological contexts.
Meaning: Hidden or disguised by blending in with the surroundings (Adjective/Verb - past tense)
Pronunciation: KAM-uh-flajd
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From French *camoufler*, meaning “to disguise,” originally a slang word used by soldiers in World War I.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a great example of how language from warfare enters everyday and ecological usage. “Camouflaged” is visually rich and very useful in descriptive writing, especially in environmental, wildlife, or tactical scenarios.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: concealed, hidden, disguised, blended
Antonyms: exposed, visible, revealed, noticeable
Usage Examples:
- The leopard lay camouflaged in the tall grasses, watching silently.
- Soldiers wore camouflaged uniforms to avoid detection.
- The nest was cleverly camouflaged with twigs and leaves.
- Her emotions were camouflaged behind a calm expression.
Cultural Reference:
"Camouflage" became a major concept in World War I, when military forces began designing uniforms and equipment to blend into terrain—a practice that has since influenced fashion, design, and even street art. - Military Design History
Think About It:
In what ways do humans use camouflage beyond physical concealment—emotionally, socially, or digitally?
Quick Activity:
Look at an object near you and imagine how it could be camouflaged in nature. Write a sentence describing how it would blend into a specific environment.
Memory Tip:
Think of a chameleon changing color—“camouflaged” means blending in so well, you almost disappear!
Real-World Application:
This word is used in biology, the military, and even fashion. Whether describing a hidden animal in a forest, a soldier in battle gear, or a metaphorical disguise, “camouflaged” adds depth and vividness to descriptions.
WORD-4: Onslaught
Context:
"Still, these adaptations did not prepare the western barred bandicoot for the colonial-era transformation of its ecosystem, particularly the onslaught of imported British animals, from cattle and rabbits that damaged delicate desert vegetation to ravenous house cats that soon developed a taste for bandicoots." - Environmental History Article
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word “onslaught” refers to a fierce or destructive attack. It is often used to describe sudden, intense, and overwhelming events—whether they be physical attacks, emotional outbursts, or the arrival of a large number of threats. In the context above, it vividly illustrates how the rapid introduction of foreign species to Australia was an aggressive and overwhelming force that disrupted the natural balance and endangered native species like the bandicoot.
Meaning: A fierce or destructive attack; a sudden and severe onset of something (Noun)
Pronunciation: ON-slot
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Middle Dutch *onslag* meaning "attack," the term gained prominence in English during the 17th century to describe violent military assaults.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word often appears in academic and journalistic writing. It can be used literally (e.g., a military onslaught) or metaphorically (e.g., an onslaught of emotions or changes). It's ideal for expressing overwhelming intensity or rapid accumulation.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: assault, barrage, attack, invasion, deluge
Antonyms: retreat, withdrawal, lull, pause, reprieve
Usage Examples:
- The village faced a sudden onslaught of torrential rain that flooded the streets within minutes.
- The internet company struggled to handle the onslaught of user traffic after the product launch.
- The team braced for the onslaught of criticism following their controversial decision.
- The onslaught of invasive species transformed the ecosystem in a matter of decades.
Cultural Reference:
"Marvel's X-Men: Onslaught" was a major comic book crossover event in the 1990s, in which a powerful villain named Onslaught threatens the entire Marvel Universe, symbolizing unstoppable and destructive force. - Marvel Comics
Think About It:
What modern issues—like digital misinformation or climate change—could be described as an “onslaught,” and how does this framing affect our perception of them?
Quick Activity:
Think of a situation you've experienced that felt like an onslaught (e.g., homework, responsibilities, notifications). Write a sentence using the word to describe it.
Memory Tip:
Break it down: “on” + “slaught” (slaughter-like intensity). Picture a flood of unstoppable attackers charging forward—an onslaught!
Real-World Application:
“Onslaught” is widely used in news media, environmental writing, and even casual speech to describe overwhelming conditions—be they military, ecological, emotional, or informational. It’s powerful and vivid, making it a favorite in persuasive and descriptive writing.
WORD-5: Sanctuaries
Context:
"For now, though, a recent surge of rainfall has led to a bandicoot joey boom, raising the Wild Deserts population to about 100, with other sanctuaries adding to that number." - Wildlife Conservation Report
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Sanctuaries” are safe places where animals, people, or even ideas are protected from harm or disturbance. In the context above, it refers to protected wildlife areas designed to conserve endangered species like the bandicoot. These areas are free from threats such as predators or human interference, allowing the species to survive and reproduce safely. Sanctuaries can be natural, religious, or metaphorical, but in environmental discussions, they are critical for preserving biodiversity.
Meaning: Protected places where wildlife or people are safe from danger or disturbance (Plural Noun)
Pronunciation: SANK-choo-air-eez
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *sanctuarium*, meaning a sacred or holy place. The term evolved to mean any safe haven or protected space.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Sanctuary” is a beautiful word rooted in both environmental and spiritual language. In modern usage, it often refers to spaces that offer protection—whether for endangered species, people in crisis, or cultural practices. Pluralized as “sanctuaries,” it frequently appears in ecological and humanitarian contexts.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: refuges, shelters, havens, safe zones
Antonyms: danger zones, hostile environments, exposed areas
Usage Examples:
- The national park includes several sanctuaries for endangered birds and mammals.
- War refugees sought safety in temporary sanctuaries established by humanitarian groups.
- Marine sanctuaries protect coral reefs from fishing and pollution.
- The forest sanctuaries have helped revive populations of rare marsupials.
Cultural Reference:
In many cultures, religious temples and churches were once used as **sanctuaries**—places where fugitives or those in danger could not be harmed. This symbolic idea of protection carries over into today’s wildlife and refugee policies. - Global Heritage Studies
Think About It:
How do human and wildlife sanctuaries reflect our values about protection, safety, and coexistence?
Quick Activity:
Name one animal sanctuary in the world and describe what species it protects. Write 1-2 lines on why such places matter.
Memory Tip:
Think of “sanctuaries” as **safe sanctums**—quiet, protected places where life gets a second chance.
Real-World Application:
The term “sanctuaries” is key in fields like environmental science, humanitarian aid, and policy-making. From wildlife parks to asylum policies, sanctuaries represent hope, safety, and the preservation of life under threat.
WORD-6: Predator-free
Context:
"1940s the western barred bandicoot, whose original range stretched across much of the continent, persisted only on two predator-free islands in Shark Bay, off Australia’s western coast." - Conservation History Article
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Predator-free” is a compound adjective that describes an environment where no predators exist. In the natural world, this means a habitat free from animals that hunt and eat others. In the sentence above, it refers to the two islands where no predatory animals—such as cats or foxes—threatened the survival of the western barred bandicoot. Such predator-free zones are crucial for the protection and recovery of endangered or vulnerable species.
Meaning: An area or environment without natural or introduced predators (Adjective)
Pronunciation: PREH-duh-tur-free
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: Formed by combining “predator” (from Latin *praedator*, meaning “plunderer”) and “free” (meaning “without” or “lacking”).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a practical compound word often used in environmental science and conservation literature. It's essential to recognize how such terms describe protected or isolated ecosystems. Compound adjectives like this one are descriptive, straightforward, and contextually rich.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: safe, secure, predator-resistant, protected
Antonyms: predator-rich, dangerous, exposed, vulnerable
Usage Examples:
- The conservation team relocated the rare birds to a predator-free island.
- Predator-free environments help vulnerable species recover and thrive.
- The scientists built predator-free enclosures for newly hatched turtles.
- Maintaining a predator-free zone requires constant monitoring and control.
Cultural Reference:
New Zealand has launched several “Predator-Free 2050” initiatives to eliminate invasive predators like rats and stoats to protect native wildlife. This campaign has become a global model for conservation success. - WWF and National Geographic Reports
Think About It:
Should humans create more predator-free zones to protect endangered species, or does this interfere too much with natural ecosystems?
Quick Activity:
List two animals that would benefit from living in a predator-free environment. Write one sentence for each explaining why.
Memory Tip:
Just think: “Predator-free” = “free from predators.” Imagine a peaceful island where animals roam without fear—totally safe!
Real-World Application:
The term is vital in conservation work, environmental science, and wildlife documentaries. It also teaches us how language evolves to reflect practical goals in ecology—like the protection of vulnerable species from extinction.
WORD-7: Cattledamaged
Context:
"With their constant digging, the bandicoots trap moisture and allow for seed germination so the cattledamaged desert can restore itself." - Ecological Restoration Commentary
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Cattledamaged” is a compound adjective used to describe land or an environment that has been harmed by the activities of cattle. Overgrazing, trampling, and soil compaction by livestock can degrade fragile ecosystems like deserts. This term may not appear in standard dictionaries but is understandable due to its transparent structure. It captures the environmental impact in a vivid and specific way, especially in ecological discussions.
Meaning: Harmed or degraded due to the impact of cattle grazing or movement (Adjective)
Pronunciation: KAT-uhl-dam-ijd
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: Compound of “cattle” (from Old French *catel*, referring to livestock) and “damaged” (from Latin *damnum*, meaning harm or loss). This is an example of productive English word formation, especially in environmental writing.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a creative, context-specific adjective that combines two simple words into a powerful environmental term. Though not standard, such compound words are increasingly common in journalism and ecological writing for their clarity and immediacy.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: overgrazed, trampled, degraded, livestock-impacted
Antonyms: undisturbed, pristine, untouched, flourishing
Usage Examples:
- Restoration projects are underway in cattledamaged grasslands across the region.
- The cattledamaged terrain revealed how poorly managed grazing could devastate ecosystems.
- Volunteers planted native vegetation in the cattledamaged areas to prevent erosion.
- The study focused on the regeneration of cattledamaged habitats using marsupial diggers.
Cultural Reference:
The concept of “cattledamaged land” is often highlighted in documentaries like *Planet Earth II* and *Our Planet*, where overgrazing is shown to threaten biodiversity in arid and semi-arid landscapes. - BBC Earth
Think About It:
How can modern farming balance livestock production with environmental conservation to avoid creating more cattledamaged areas?
Quick Activity:
Create your own environmental compound word (e.g., "plastichoked", "smogfilled") and write a sentence using it.
Memory Tip:
Picture hooves pounding dry earth—“cattledamaged” = cattle-caused damage. It's both literal and easy to visualize!
Real-World Application:
Understanding terms like “cattledamaged” is important for discussing land use, sustainable agriculture, and ecological recovery. Such vocabulary helps convey the impact of human and animal activity on natural systems clearly and succinctly.
WORD-8: Pedler
Context:
"They have a new nickname—a flattering one, this time. 'We call them ecosystem engineers,' Pedler says." - Ecological Research Interview
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Pedler” in this context is a **proper noun**, referring to a person—likely a scientist, ecologist, or researcher—quoted in a nature or conservation article. It is **not** to be confused with the noun “peddler,” which refers to someone who sells goods, especially by traveling from place to place. Here, Pedler is simply the surname of an expert sharing insight into how animals like bandicoots are important to their ecosystems.
Meaning: A surname; refers to an individual (Proper Noun)
Pronunciation: PED-lur
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Basic (when understood as a name)
Etymology: As a surname, “Pedler” may be derived from Middle English and historically linked to traders or traveling salesmen—though in modern usage it is just a family name with no direct semantic meaning in this context.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Don’t confuse “Pedler” (a person’s name) with “peddler” (a traveling salesperson). The capitalization is your biggest clue. It’s always worth checking context when interpreting unusual or unfamiliar proper nouns in reading passages.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: N/A (Proper noun – personal name)
Antonyms: N/A
Usage Examples:
- “Pedler observed that the bandicoots' digging helped native plants thrive.”
- “According to Pedler, these animals are true ecosystem engineers.”
- “In Pedler’s study, predator-free environments led to successful rewilding.”
- “Pedler explained how native species shaped the landscape over millennia.”
Cultural Reference:
In scientific writing and nature journalism, it's common to reference researchers by their last name, as seen with Pedler in this article. It reflects both credibility and brevity. - Science Communication Style Guide
Think About It:
Why is it important to cite scientists like Pedler in articles about environmental recovery and wildlife? How does naming sources add authority to what we read?
Quick Activity:
Look through a recent science article and note down how many times experts are named directly. How does this affect your trust in the information?
Memory Tip:
Remember: “Pedler” = Proper noun = Person. Check the capital “P” and the quotation mark placement to recognize it's a speaker, not an object.
Real-World Application:
Recognizing proper nouns like “Pedler” helps you distinguish between general vocabulary and named sources in articles. This is essential for academic reading, comprehension tests, and research-based writing.
WORD-9: Marsupials
Context:
"A third fenced area contains the program’s Wild Training Zone, where two other rare marsupials (bilbies, a larger type of bandicoot, and mulgaras, …" - Ecological Conservation Report
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Marsupials” are a group of mammals known for carrying and nursing their young in a pouch. Unlike placental mammals, marsupials give birth to underdeveloped young that continue to grow inside the mother's pouch. This group includes animals like kangaroos, koalas, bandicoots, bilbies, and opossums. Native mostly to Australia and nearby islands, marsupials are an essential part of the region's biodiversity and evolutionary history.
Meaning: A group of mammals that carry and nurse their young in pouches (Plural Noun)
Pronunciation: mar-SOO-pee-uhlz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *marsupium*, meaning "pouch" or "purse", which itself derives from Greek *marsypion*.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Marsupials are biologically fascinating because of their unique reproductive strategy. The word often appears in zoology, biology, and ecology-related texts. It’s essential vocabulary for any discussion on Australian or evolutionary wildlife.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: pouched mammals, metatherians (technical term)
Antonyms: placental mammals, monotremes
Usage Examples:
- Australia is home to over 200 species of marsupials, including kangaroos and wallabies.
- Unlike most mammals, marsupials give birth to tiny, underdeveloped young.
- Marsupials such as the koala and bilby are icons of Australian wildlife.
- Conservationists are working to protect endangered marsupials from invasive predators.
Cultural Reference:
Marsupials often appear in Australian folklore and popular culture—kangaroos, for example, are national symbols and feature on the country’s coat of arms and currency. - Australian Cultural Encyclopedia
Think About It:
What advantages or disadvantages might marsupials face in evolution because of their unique pouch-based reproduction?
Quick Activity:
Match the following animals with their category: Koala, Platypus, Elephant, Bandicoot. Identify which are marsupials.
Memory Tip:
“Marsupial” = “marsupium” (Latin for pouch). Just think of a mama kangaroo with a joey peeking out—pouch = marsupial!
Real-World Application:
Understanding marsupials is essential for ecology, wildlife conservation, and evolutionary biology. The term is also useful in cultural studies, especially when discussing Australia and Oceania’s unique animal kingdom.
WORD-10: Now-extinct
Context:
"Shark Bay bandicoots, which are perhaps even more predator-naive than their now-extinct mainland bandicoot kin, will be able to make that kind of breakthrough." - Conservation Biology Article
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Now-extinct” is a compound adjective used to describe something that no longer exists in the present. It emphasizes the **recent or final disappearance** of a species, culture, or object. In the sentence, it refers to mainland bandicoot populations that once lived in Australia but have completely died out—mostly due to environmental changes, human interference, or introduced predators. The term conveys loss and also sets a contrast with surviving species.
Meaning: No longer in existence; recently or completely died out (Adjective)
Pronunciation: now-ex-TINKT
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From “now” (present time) and “extinct” (Latin *extinctus*, meaning "put out" or "ended"). Used to describe the present absence of what once existed.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a modern compound often seen in wildlife conservation texts. It adds emotional weight to ecological writing by indicating a permanent loss that has occurred recently or within recorded history. Very useful for environmental essays and comprehension passages.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: vanished, eradicated, wiped out, lost
Antonyms: surviving, extant, living, existing
Usage Examples:
- The Tasmanian tiger is a now-extinct species once native to Australia.
- Fossils of now-extinct creatures help us understand ancient ecosystems.
- Climate change has pushed some once-thriving species to become now-extinct.
- The museum displayed remains of a now-extinct flightless bird from New Zealand.
Cultural Reference:
Documentaries like *The Lost Animals* and *Extinction: The Facts* often highlight now-extinct species to raise awareness about biodiversity loss. The term is also common in reports by IUCN and WWF. - BBC Earth Series
Think About It:
How does the label “now-extinct” influence how we think about conservation—does it motivate urgency or evoke helplessness?
Quick Activity:
Name one now-extinct animal, research why it went extinct, and write a 2-line summary of what led to its disappearance.
Memory Tip:
“Now-extinct” = gone **as of now**. Imagine a candle snuffed out—recently burning, but now completely extinguished.
Real-World Application:
This word is crucial in conservation, ecology, and environmental journalism. It signals species or cultures that have been lost and reminds us of the importance of proactive protection efforts.
