✨ 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:
- Manuscripts
- Immense
- Publons
- underrepresented
- Opacity
- Fraudulent
- Begun
- Agreeing
- Abreast
- compensation
WORD-1: Manuscripts
Context:
"The job of a peer reviewer is thankless. Collectively, academics spend around 70 million hours every year evaluating each other's manuscripts on the behalf of scholarly journals - and they usually receive no monetary compensation and little if any recognition for their effort." - Nature
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "manuscripts" refers to written works, typically those that are unpublished and under review for publication. In academic or literary settings, a manuscript is usually a document that contains the author's original ideas, research, or stories, and is submitted for evaluation or editing before it is formally published. Manuscripts can vary from research papers to novels, depending on the context.
Meaning: A document submitted for publication, often unpublished and subject to review (Noun)
Pronunciation: MAN-yuh-skripts
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *manu scriptus*, meaning "written by hand"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of "manuscripts" as the raw version of a writer's or researcher's work. It is what you send before the world gets to see the polished, printed version. In modern times, most manuscripts are typed, but the term still holds its historical value of being original and not yet finalized.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: draft, paper, article, thesis, composition
Antonyms: publication, print, final copy
Usage Examples:
- The author submitted her manuscript to three different publishing houses.
- His handwritten manuscript was discovered in an old wooden chest.
- The journal rejected the manuscript due to insufficient data analysis.
- She spent months revising the manuscript based on peer feedback.
Cultural Reference:
"Many of the world's oldest manuscripts are preserved in the Vatican Library, offering glimpses into ancient wisdom." - Historical Archives
Think About It:
Why do you think handwritten or early drafts are often more valuable to historians than the final published versions?
Quick Activity:
List three types of manuscripts you might encounter in academic or professional fields and describe their purpose in one sentence each.
Memory Tip:
Think "manu = hand" and "script = write" — manuscripts were originally handwritten texts before being printed.
Real-World Application:
In academic publishing, researchers regularly submit manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals as part of the knowledge-sharing process. Understanding how to prepare and review manuscripts is essential for success in scholarly environments.
WORD-2: Immense
Context:
"While that's vital in the publish-or-perish culture of academia, there's also immense value in the data underlying peer review." - Nature
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Immense" is used to emphasize something extremely large in size, amount, degree, or importance. In this context, it highlights the tremendous, often underappreciated, significance of the data generated during the peer review process. The word helps stress that this data, although not always visible, holds great potential and worth in academic circles.
Meaning: Extremely large or great, especially in scale or degree (Adjective)
Pronunciation: ih-MENS
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *immensus*, meaning "immeasurable"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is one of those words that can be used to give your writing emotional weight. Whether you're describing an immense crowd, immense pressure, or immense joy — the word helps you convey intensity and scale powerfully. Use it to emphasize impact.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: enormous, vast, tremendous, massive, colossal
Antonyms: tiny, minute, small, negligible, trivial
Usage Examples:
- The project demanded an immense amount of time and resources.
- She felt immense gratitude for the support she received.
- The mountain loomed with immense power over the valley.
- There is immense potential in renewable energy technologies.
Cultural Reference:
"Space is big. Really big. You just won’t believe how vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big it is." — Douglas Adams, *The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy*
Think About It:
How can recognizing the "immense" value of less visible contributions, like peer review data, change the way we view academic work?
Quick Activity:
Write three short sentences using "immense" to describe something physical, something emotional, and something abstract.
Memory Tip:
Think “immense = impossible to measure” — when something is immense, it’s so big you can’t even put a number to it.
Real-World Application:
“Immense” is commonly used in journalism, academic writing, and everyday speech to express scale — whether referring to data, feelings, or achievements. It’s a great word to amplify the importance or size of what you're talking about.
WORD-3: Publons
Context:
"The rise of Publons suggests that academics are increasingly placing value on the work of peer review and asking others, such as grant funders, to do the same. While that's vital in the publish-or-perish culture of academia," - Nature
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Publons" refers to an online platform designed to track, verify, and showcase the contributions of researchers who participate in peer review and editorial activities. In academia, where peer reviewing often goes unrecognized, Publons offers a system for academics to gain acknowledgment for their reviewing efforts. It allows users to build a verified record of their peer review work, which can be useful for career development, academic evaluations, and grant applications.
Meaning: A web-based platform that records and displays researchers’ peer review and editorial contributions (Noun – Proper Noun)
Pronunciation: PUB-lonz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: Derived from "publications" and "recognition" – coined as a modern tech brand name
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Publons represents how digital tools are changing academia. It not only helps researchers gain credit for their invisible labor but also adds transparency and accountability to the peer review process. It's a good example of how tech platforms are aligning academic incentives with actual effort.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: peer review tracker, academic contribution profile, reviewer platform
Antonyms: anonymity, uncredited work, offline peer review
Usage Examples:
- She linked her Publons profile to her academic CV to highlight her peer review contributions.
- Publons helps journals and researchers maintain transparency in the peer review process.
- Many universities now consider Publons data during faculty evaluations.
- His Publons record shows over 200 verified peer reviews across leading journals.
Cultural Reference:
"Publons was acquired by Clarivate Analytics in 2017, integrating with Web of Science to bring reviewer recognition into mainstream academic metrics." - Scholarly Kitchen
Think About It:
Should academic systems place more value on peer reviewing through platforms like Publons, or should the focus remain solely on published research?
Quick Activity:
Visit the Publons website and list three types of academic contributions it tracks. How might each of these be used in building an academic profile?
Memory Tip:
Think “Publons = Publication + Badges” — it's like earning badges or points for the peer reviews you’ve done, similar to a gaming achievement system, but for academics!
Real-World Application:
Researchers can use Publons to document their reviewing activity and gain professional recognition. This is especially useful in job applications, grant proposals, or performance reviews where service to the academic community matters.
WORD-4: Underrepresented
Context:
"Last year, a study based on peer review data for nearly 24,000 submissions to the biomedical journal eLife found that women and non-Westerners were vastly underrepresented among peer reviewers." - Nature
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Underrepresented" refers to individuals or groups that have less presence or participation in a particular setting than would be expected based on their proportion in the general population. In this context, it points out the lack of diversity among peer reviewers in the scientific community, highlighting that women and individuals from non-Western regions are not adequately included in this important academic process.
Meaning: Present in numbers that are disproportionately low compared to the general population (Adjective)
Pronunciation: un-der-rep-ree-ZEN-tid
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From prefix *under-* meaning "below" or "not enough", and *represented*, from Latin *repraesentare*, meaning "to show or present again"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is frequently used in discussions of social equity, diversity, and inclusion. Whether it’s in academics, politics, corporate leadership, or media, recognizing who is underrepresented can be the first step in creating more balanced and fair systems. Always ask: who’s missing from the table?
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: marginalized, excluded, overlooked, absent, sidelined
Antonyms: represented, included, featured, well-represented
Usage Examples:
- Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles across many industries.
- The study highlighted how underrepresented communities face systemic barriers in education.
- Certain cultural groups are often underrepresented in mainstream media portrayals.
- Efforts are being made to recruit more underrepresented minorities in STEM fields.
Cultural Reference:
"We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own 'to do' list." — Michelle Obama, in the context of advocating for underrepresented voices in society.
Think About It:
What are the long-term consequences of having underrepresented voices in fields like science, government, or media?
Quick Activity:
Make a list of three areas (e.g., sports, film, technology) where certain groups might be underrepresented. Suggest one way to improve representation in each area.
Memory Tip:
Break it down: “under” (too little) + “represented” (shown or present) = underrepresented — not shown or included enough.
Real-World Application:
The term "underrepresented" is often used in diversity reports, equity audits, and policy discussions. Identifying underrepresented groups is essential for designing inclusive hiring practices, educational outreach, and public initiatives that promote fairness and equal opportunity.
WORD-5: Opacity
Context:
"There may be instances in which there are valid reasons to keep the content of peer reviews hidden and the identity of the referees confidential. But the norm should shift from opacity in all cases to opacity only when necessary." - Nature
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Opacity" refers to the quality of being difficult to see through or understand. Originally used to describe something that blocks light, it now also refers to a lack of transparency in information or processes. In this context, "opacity" implies secrecy or lack of openness in peer review practices — suggesting that such confidentiality should be the exception, not the standard, to encourage greater trust and accountability in academic publishing.
Meaning: The quality of being obscure, unclear, or not transparent (Noun)
Pronunciation: oh-PASS-uh-tee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *opacitas*, meaning "shadiness" or "darkness"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Opacity" is often contrasted with "transparency." It’s a powerful word in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Whether we’re talking about glass, business practices, or government policies, calling something "opaque" suggests there’s something being concealed — sometimes with intent.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: obscurity, secrecy, murkiness, ambiguity, non-transparency
Antonyms: transparency, clarity, openness, lucidity
Usage Examples:
- The financial report was filled with so much jargon, it added unnecessary opacity to the company’s performance.
- Citizens demand less opacity and more transparency in government decisions.
- The artist used layers of paint to create a sense of visual opacity on the canvas.
- Scientific integrity improves when opacity in peer review is reduced.
Cultural Reference:
"Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants." — Louis Brandeis, U.S. Supreme Court Justice, advocating against opacity in public affairs
Think About It:
Is full transparency always ideal, or are there situations where opacity protects people or processes for the better?
Quick Activity:
List two situations where opacity might be necessary, and two where it might hinder trust or progress. Explain why in each case.
Memory Tip:
Think "opaque = can’t see through" → so "opacity" means the condition of not being able to see or understand something clearly.
Real-World Application:
Opacity is a critical concept in governance, business, and science. For instance, financial opacity can mislead investors, while transparency in academic peer review can improve trust and integrity. Recognizing when and why opacity occurs helps you evaluate the fairness and honesty of systems around you.
WORD-6: Fraudulent
Context:
"Openly publishing peer review data could perhaps also help journals address another problem in academic publishing: fraudulent peer reviews. For instance, a minority of authors have been known to use phony email addresses to pose as an outside expert and review their own manuscripts..." - Nature
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Fraudulent" describes something that is intentionally deceptive, dishonest, or fake, typically used to gain an unfair advantage. In the context of academic publishing, "fraudulent peer reviews" refer to dishonest practices where individuals manipulate the review system—such as posing as reviewers using fake identities—to falsely legitimize their own work. The word conveys a strong sense of ethical wrongdoing and misconduct.
Meaning: Involving deceit, trickery, or intentional dishonesty, usually for personal gain (Adjective)
Pronunciation: FRAW-juh-lent
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *fraudulentus*, meaning "deceitful"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word always carries a serious tone—fraudulent behavior is more than just a mistake; it's deliberate and often punishable. In exams, journalism, research, or finance, calling something "fraudulent" implies a breach of trust and integrity. It's a strong accusation, so use it with precision.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: deceitful, dishonest, fake, phony, deceptive
Antonyms: honest, legitimate, genuine, truthful, authentic
Usage Examples:
- The company was sued for making fraudulent claims about its product.
- He was dismissed from the university for submitting fraudulent research data.
- The audit revealed several fraudulent transactions in the account books.
- Creating a fake identity to review your own paper is considered fraudulent conduct.
Cultural Reference:
"Fraud and falsehood only dread examination. Truth invites it." — Samuel Johnson, emphasizing the moral contrast between fraudulent behavior and honest conduct.
Think About It:
In highly competitive environments like academia or finance, what motivates people to engage in fraudulent behavior despite the risks?
Quick Activity:
Think of a situation (real or hypothetical) where a system could be vulnerable to fraud. Write two lines explaining what makes it vulnerable and how to prevent fraudulent actions.
Memory Tip:
Think "fraudulent = full of fraud" — if something smells fishy or seems too good to be true, it might just be fraudulent.
Real-World Application:
Understanding the concept of "fraudulent" is vital in law, journalism, finance, and academia. Spotting and preventing fraud—whether in taxes, research, or online content—is crucial to maintaining trust and integrity in systems that rely on fairness and truth.
WORD-7: Begun
Context:
"In recent years, some scientists have begun posting their reviews online, mainly to claim credit for their work." - Nature
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Begun" is the past participle of the verb "begin," which means to start something. It is typically used with a helping verb like "have" or "has" to form the present perfect tense, indicating that an action started in the past and may still be ongoing. In the sentence above, it implies that the practice of scientists posting reviews online started in recent years and might be continuing today.
Meaning: Started; commenced (Past participle of the verb "begin")
Pronunciation: bih-GUN
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old English *beginnan*, meaning "to begin, attempt, undertake"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a classic example of irregular verb usage. Many learners confuse "began" and "begun": "began" is simple past (e.g., "She began the project"), while "begun" is used with "has/have" (e.g., "She has begun the project"). Mastering such verb forms strengthens your grammatical foundation.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: started, initiated, commenced, launched
Antonyms: ended, finished, completed, ceased
Usage Examples:
- She has just begun her PhD research in climate science.
- They have begun planning the wedding for next spring.
- The children had already begun eating when we arrived.
- The debate on AI regulation has only just begun.
Cultural Reference:
"We’ve only just begun to live..." — Lyrics from *We've Only Just Begun* by The Carpenters, symbolizing hopeful beginnings.
Think About It:
Why is the idea of a “beginning” often associated with hope and potential, even when the path ahead is uncertain?
Quick Activity:
Write one sentence using "began" and another using "begun" correctly. Identify the difference in their grammatical structure.
Memory Tip:
Remember: *Began* is like “ran” (past tense); *Begun* is like “done” — always needs a helper verb like "has" or "have."
Real-World Application:
Using the correct form of irregular verbs like "begun" is key in formal writing, academic papers, and professional communication. It ensures clarity and shows command of the language.
WORD-8: Agreeing
Context:
"They are revealing their identities by signing them. Some also hold concerns that open reviewing may deter referees from agreeing to judge manuscripts in the first place, or that they'll take longer to do so out of fear of scrutiny..." - Nature
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Agreeing" is the present participle of the verb "agree," meaning to consent, accept, or say yes to something. In this context, it refers to the act of consenting to review a manuscript. The sentence suggests that some people worry open peer review might discourage reviewers from accepting invitations to evaluate academic work, due to potential exposure or criticism.
Meaning: Consenting to or accepting something; being in harmony or accordance (Verb – Present participle)
Pronunciation: uh-GREE-ing
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old French *agreer*, meaning "to please," based on Latin *ad + gratum* (toward + favor/pleasure)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Agreeing” is one of those foundational verbs that is often used in both everyday and formal settings. It can mean going along with a plan, approving an idea, or simply saying yes. But pay attention — agreeing doesn’t always mean enthusiasm; sometimes it's just polite compliance.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: consenting, accepting, approving, complying
Antonyms: refusing, declining, objecting, disagreeing
Usage Examples:
- Thank you for agreeing to meet with us on such short notice.
- He hesitated before finally agreeing to the proposal.
- Not everyone is agreeing with the new policy changes.
- By agreeing to the terms, you accept full responsibility for your actions.
Cultural Reference:
"Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future." — John F. Kennedy, a call for agreeing on common ground.
Think About It:
What factors influence whether someone agrees to take on a responsibility — is it more about the task, the requester, or the environment?
Quick Activity:
Write two short dialogues: one where someone agrees enthusiastically, and another where someone agrees reluctantly. Note how tone and word choice differ.
Memory Tip:
Think of “agree” as a green light 🚦— when you’re agreeing, you’re giving the go-ahead or saying “yes.”
Real-World Application:
Understanding when and how people agree is key in negotiations, teamwork, and leadership. In academic and professional settings, securing agreement often determines whether a project, partnership, or review moves forward.
WORD-9: Abreast
Context:
"Some do it as a way to keep abreast with developments in their field; some simply see it as a duty to the discipline. Either way, academic publishing would likely crumble without them." - Nature
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Abreast" means to stay informed or up to date with the latest information, trends, or developments. In the context of academia, it suggests that researchers engage in peer review or reading scholarly work to stay current in their field of study. The phrase “keep abreast with” is commonly used to describe ongoing awareness and continued education in a fast-moving domain.
Meaning: Up to date with the latest news, ideas, or information (Adverb)
Pronunciation: uh-BREST
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Middle English *a brest*, meaning “side by side, at the breast” — originally a physical position, later used metaphorically to mean “in step with”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Abreast” is a great word for academic and professional writing. It shows awareness and engagement. Think of it as walking side by side with developments — not falling behind. A good habit for any learner or leader is to stay abreast of what’s happening in their domain.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: informed, up-to-date, current, knowledgeable, aware
Antonyms: unaware, uninformed, out-of-touch, outdated
Usage Examples:
- She reads multiple journals each month to keep abreast of medical research.
- It’s crucial for IT professionals to stay abreast of new cybersecurity threats.
- The news app helps users keep abreast of world events in real time.
- Executives must keep abreast with economic and policy changes that affect their industries.
Cultural Reference:
"In times of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists." — Eric Hoffer. A reminder to stay abreast with evolving knowledge.
Think About It:
In a world flooded with information, how do you decide what to stay abreast of and what to ignore?
Quick Activity:
Write down three strategies you use (or could use) to keep abreast of developments in a subject you're passionate about.
Memory Tip:
Imagine walking “side by side” (breast to breast) with information — that’s what it means to stay *abreast* of something!
Real-World Application:
Professionals across industries — from medicine and education to tech and finance — need to stay abreast of emerging trends and updates. It’s a key part of lifelong learning and staying competitive in any field.
WORD-10: Compensation
Context:
"Each other's manuscripts on the behalf of scholarly journals — and they usually receive no monetary compensation and little if any recognition for their effort." - Nature
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Compensation" refers to something, often money, that is given in return for work, services, or as a way of making up for a loss or inconvenience. In this academic context, it highlights a significant issue — peer reviewers spend considerable time evaluating research papers, yet they typically receive no financial reward (monetary compensation) for their efforts, underscoring a lack of tangible recognition in academic systems.
Meaning: Payment or reward given for services rendered or to make up for loss/damage (Noun)
Pronunciation: kom-pen-SAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *compensatio*, meaning "a weighing one thing against another"
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a practical word that shows up in job contracts, insurance policies, and legal discussions. It often comes in phrases like “monetary compensation,” “compensation for injury,” or “fair compensation.” It's not just about money — it’s about fairness and recognition.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: payment, remuneration, reimbursement, reward, reparation
Antonyms: penalty, loss, deduction, forfeiture
Usage Examples:
- The company offered generous compensation for employees working overtime.
- She received financial compensation after the airline lost her luggage.
- Despite the hours of work, he received no compensation for his efforts.
- Volunteers work without expecting compensation but appreciate acknowledgment.
Cultural Reference:
“A fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work” — a classic labor movement slogan highlighting the principle of just compensation.
Think About It:
In what types of work should people be compensated even if they are not producing tangible goods or profits?
Quick Activity:
List three situations where compensation is not in the form of money. What are people rewarded with instead?
Memory Tip:
Think of "compensate" as “come + pay + state” — a way to make up for something or balance the scales through payment or reward.
Real-World Application:
Compensation is a key topic in employment contracts, freelance work, insurance claims, and even volunteer work. Understanding your rights around compensation helps ensure fair treatment in both personal and professional spheres.
