✨ 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:
- Preventable
- Carnivores
- Unattended
- heterogeneous
- Escalation
- Predatory
- habituated
- Instinctive
- Euthanised
- Coauthored
WORD-1: Preventable
Context:
"There are three other common drivers for carnivore-human attacks, some of which are more preventable than others." - National Geographic
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Preventable" refers to something that can be avoided or stopped from happening, especially through prior action, awareness, or planning. When something is described as preventable, it means steps can be taken in advance to stop it from occurring, making it avoidable under the right circumstances.
Meaning: Capable of being stopped from happening (Adjective)
Pronunciation: prih-ven-tuh-buhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: Derived from the verb "prevent" (Latin *praevenire* – to come before), with the suffix "-able" indicating capability.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Use this word to describe situations, problems, or disasters that could have been avoided with the right precautions. It's often used in health, safety, and risk-related discussions.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: avoidable, stoppable, avertible, controllable
Antonyms: inevitable, unavoidable, inescapable
Usage Examples:
- Many diseases are preventable through proper vaccination and hygiene.
- The car crash was deemed preventable by the investigators.
- Climate-related disasters are partially preventable with proactive policies.
- Workplace injuries are often preventable with adequate training and safety gear.
Cultural Reference:
"Ninety percent of type 2 diabetes cases are preventable with a healthy lifestyle." - World Health Organization
Think About It:
Why do societies often fail to take action against preventable problems until it’s too late?
Quick Activity:
List five global issues that are preventable and one action each that could help avoid them.
Memory Tip:
Think of "preventable" as "able to prevent" — if something is "able" to be stopped, it is "preventable".
Real-World Application:
In public health, "preventable" is a key term used to highlight conditions like heart disease or stroke that can be avoided through lifestyle changes.
WORD-2: Carnivores
Context:
"Carnivores that recognise humans as a means to get food, are a different story. As they become more reliant on human food they might find at campsites or in rubbish bins, they become less avoidant of humans." - National Geographic
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Carnivores" are animals that primarily eat meat. Unlike herbivores that consume plants, carnivores rely on hunting or scavenging other animals for food. Their physiology — including sharp teeth, strong jaws, and digestive systems — is adapted to process animal protein. In ecological discussions, they are crucial predators that help balance ecosystems.
Meaning: Animals that feed primarily on the flesh of other animals (Noun, plural)
Pronunciation: KAR-nih-vorz
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *caro* (flesh) + *vorare* (to devour); literally, “flesh-eaters.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Important for biology and environmental studies. Know the distinction: carnivores eat animals; herbivores eat plants; omnivores eat both. Don't confuse with "predator" — all carnivores are not necessarily predators (e.g., scavengers).
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: meat-eaters, predators, flesh-eaters
Antonyms: herbivores, vegetarians, plant-eaters
Usage Examples:
- Lions, tigers, and wolves are classic examples of carnivores.
- Some carnivores scavenge meat rather than hunt live prey.
- Human interference can alter the natural behavior of wild carnivores.
- The ecosystem relies on carnivores to control herbivore populations.
Cultural Reference:
"In Jurassic Park, the carnivores were the most feared dinosaurs, with the T. rex stealing the show." - Popular culture
Think About It:
How does human presence change the natural behavior of wild carnivores, and what are the ethical implications?
Quick Activity:
List five carnivorous animals and identify the habitat each one lives in.
Memory Tip:
“Carn” means flesh — just like “carnival of meats”! Carnivores eat meat!
Real-World Application:
Understanding carnivores is essential in wildlife conservation, especially to manage predator-prey balance and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
WORD-3: Unattended
Context:
"Two of the most common risky behaviours are parents leaving their children to play outside unattended and walking an unleashed dog, according to the study." - Scientific Research Article
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Unattended" describes a person, object, or situation that is left without supervision, care, or attention. When someone or something is unattended, it means no one is present to look after it, often implying risk or neglect. It is frequently used in safety-related contexts involving children, pets, luggage, or dangerous equipment.
Meaning: Not being watched, looked after, or supervised (Adjective)
Pronunciation: un-uh-TEN-did
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From the prefix "un-" (not) + "attended" (from Latin *attendere* – to give heed or attention to)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word often appears in warnings: “Do not leave bags unattended.” It's useful for discussions around safety, responsibility, and risk management. Make sure you distinguish between unattended (unsupervised) and ignored (deliberately overlooked).
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: unsupervised, neglected, ignored, unguarded
Antonyms: supervised, watched, monitored, guarded
Usage Examples:
- The airport security warned against leaving luggage unattended.
- Children should never be left unattended near water.
- An unattended stove caused the fire in the kitchen.
- The dog was roaming freely after being left unattended in the yard.
Cultural Reference:
"Unattended children will be given espresso and a free kitten." – Common humorous sign seen in cafés and bookstores
Think About It:
In what situations is it especially dangerous to leave something or someone unattended? What responsibilities does this place on individuals?
Quick Activity:
Write three public safety announcements that include the word "unattended". Focus on different contexts: transport, children, and pets.
Memory Tip:
Think of “unattended” as “no one paying attention.” “Un-” means “not” and “attended” means “cared for or watched.”
Real-World Application:
This word is vital in safety training and policy-making — from schools and playgrounds to airports and public events — where being unattended can lead to serious consequences.
WORD-4: Heterogeneous
Context:
"There are a lot of working landscapes in the Global South that are really heterogeneous, that are interspersed with carnivore habitats, forests and savannahs, which creates a lot more opportunity for these encounters, just statistically," says Wilkinson. - National Geographic
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Heterogeneous" describes something that is made up of different or diverse elements. In simple terms, it's the opposite of "uniform" or "homogeneous." When used to describe landscapes, populations, or systems, it means that those areas or groups contain a wide mix of components, characteristics, or types, resulting in variety and complexity.
Meaning: Consisting of diverse or different parts; varied in content (Adjective)
Pronunciation: heh-tuh-roh-JEE-nee-uhs
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *heteros* (different) + *genos* (kind or type), meaning “of different kinds.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of this word when describing mixtures—whether physical, cultural, or ecological. It’s used a lot in science, sociology, and geography. For instance, a heterogeneous society includes people from many cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: diverse, mixed, assorted, variegated
Antonyms: uniform, homogeneous, consistent, similar
Usage Examples:
- The city's population is heterogeneous, with residents from over 100 different countries.
- A heterogeneous mixture contains substances that are not evenly distributed.
- The region’s heterogeneous terrain includes mountains, valleys, and wetlands.
- The class was heterogeneous in terms of skills, making teaching a challenge.
Cultural Reference:
"India is often described as a heterogeneous society due to its multitude of languages, religions, and traditions." - Sociology Textbook
Think About It:
Does a heterogeneous society lead to more creativity and innovation, or does it create more challenges in governance and unity?
Quick Activity:
Look around your room or your digital space. Make a quick list of five heterogeneous things you see (objects with varied elements).
Memory Tip:
“Hetero” means different (as in heterosexual = different genders), so heterogeneous = different kinds mixed together.
Real-World Application:
In ecology, understanding heterogeneous environments is crucial for planning conservation efforts and predicting animal-human interactions, especially in mixed-use landscapes like those in the Global South.
WORD-5: Escalation
Context:
"Experts believe climate change also plays a part in the escalation of human-carnivore conflicts, but the correlation still needs to be ironed out." - National Geographic
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Escalation" refers to a rapid or gradual increase in the intensity, seriousness, or magnitude of something — often a conflict, problem, or situation. It implies a movement from a lower to a higher level of severity. This term is commonly used in discussions involving tensions, violence, disputes, or any condition that worsens over time.
Meaning: A rise or increase in intensity, seriousness, or scope (Noun)
Pronunciation: ess-kuh-LAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From the verb “escalate,” which was derived from “escalator” (originally a trade name), and the Latin *scala* meaning “ladder” – suggesting a step-by-step rise.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a high-utility word, especially in current affairs, diplomacy, warfare, and social issues. It pairs well with terms like “conflict,” “tension,” “cost,” or “crisis.” Think of escalation as a climb — from minor to major.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: intensification, increase, amplification, surge
Antonyms: de-escalation, reduction, decline, easing
Usage Examples:
- The sudden escalation of violence prompted the city to declare a curfew.
- Prices saw a sharp escalation due to supply chain disruptions.
- Escalation of the disagreement turned a small argument into a legal battle.
- Diplomats are working to prevent further escalation in the region.
Cultural Reference:
"The Vietnam War is a classic example of military escalation without a clear exit strategy." - History Channel Documentary
Think About It:
What are some early warning signs of escalation in conflicts, and how can societies intervene before situations worsen?
Quick Activity:
Identify two current global issues where escalation is a concern. Describe the factors that are causing them to intensify.
Memory Tip:
Think of “escalation” like riding an escalator — it only goes up. So when a problem escalates, it grows or worsens.
Real-World Application:
"Escalation" is key in understanding how local disputes, environmental changes, or political disagreements can spiral into larger crises if not managed properly — from international diplomacy to conservation efforts.
WORD-6: Predatory
Context:
"A fed bear is a dead bear," says Servheen, referring to a common saying among biologists and conservationists. Predatory or predation-related attacks are quite rare, only accounting for 17% of attacks in North America since 1955. - National Geographic
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Predatory" describes behavior or characteristics related to predators — animals or entities that hunt, kill, or exploit others for survival or gain. While it’s most commonly used in an ecological sense (e.g., predatory animals), it can also be applied metaphorically to humans or organizations that exploit others unfairly, such as "predatory lending" or "predatory behavior."
Meaning: Related to or characteristic of a predator; seeking to exploit or harm others (Adjective)
Pronunciation: PREH-duh-tor-ee
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *praedatorius*, from *praedator* meaning "plunderer," based on *praeda* meaning "prey."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is very versatile — use it in both biological and metaphorical contexts. For example, a lion has predatory instincts, while a company might use predatory pricing. Always connect it with the idea of one party overpowering another.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: hunting, aggressive, exploitative, ravenous
Antonyms: defensive, passive, preyed-upon, victimized
Usage Examples:
- The tiger’s predatory nature makes it a fearsome hunter in the wild.
- Sharks exhibit highly developed predatory behavior.
- Critics condemned the company’s predatory marketing tactics toward teenagers.
- Insects like mantises and dragonflies are also predatory in their feeding habits.
Cultural Reference:
"Predatory lending" became a buzzword during the 2008 financial crisis, referring to unethical loans targeting vulnerable borrowers. - Financial Times
Think About It:
Can “predatory” ever have a positive connotation — such as ambition or competitiveness — or is it always inherently negative?
Quick Activity:
Write two sentences: one using "predatory" in a wildlife context and one in a business or human behavior context.
Memory Tip:
Think “predatory = predator-like.” It always involves something or someone going after a target aggressively.
Real-World Application:
Understanding predatory behavior is crucial in wildlife conservation to anticipate animal actions, and in law and finance to protect individuals from unethical exploitation.
WORD-7: Habituated
Context:
"Eventually, that animal becomes habituated to people, and [then] bad things happen to the animal. And the folks who initially wanted to make that connection don't necessarily realise that," says Christine Wilkinson, a postdoctoral researcher at UC Berkeley, California, who's been studying coyote-human conflicts. - National Geographic
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Habituated" means becoming so familiar with something — usually through repeated exposure — that it no longer causes a reaction or seems unusual. In wildlife studies, an animal is said to be habituated when it stops fearing humans due to frequent contact. While this might seem harmless, it often leads to dangerous situations for both the animal and people.
Meaning: Made accustomed to something through repeated exposure or experience (Verb – past participle/adjective)
Pronunciation: huh-BICH-oo-ay-tid
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *habituare*, from *habitus* meaning “habit” or “condition.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a subtle yet important word, especially in psychology and animal behavior. If someone is habituated to something, they may become desensitized to its impact. In animal conservation, habituation often leads to human-wildlife conflict.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: accustomed, adapted, desensitized, familiarized
Antonyms: unaccustomed, sensitive, unfamiliar, startled
Usage Examples:
- The deer became habituated to human presence and often wandered into backyards.
- Soldiers can become habituated to the sounds of gunfire over time.
- He had become so habituated to traffic noise that he barely noticed it anymore.
- Habituated animals often lose their natural fear and become more aggressive.
Cultural Reference:
"In psychology, habituation is one of the simplest forms of learning — a decrease in response after repeated exposure to a stimulus." - Intro to Psychology Textbook
Think About It:
How can habituation be both beneficial and harmful depending on the context — such as in humans versus wildlife?
Quick Activity:
List three things you have become habituated to in your daily environment. Reflect on how your behavior has changed as a result.
Memory Tip:
Think of "habit" in "habituated" — when something becomes a habit, you’re no longer surprised or bothered by it.
Real-World Application:
In wildlife conservation, understanding habituation is essential to managing human-animal interactions. Feeding wild animals can habituate them, leading to dangerous encounters and often tragic consequences for the animal.
WORD-8: Instinctive
Context:
"Losing that instinctive fear response puts them into more situations where they could get into an altercation with a human, which often results in that bear being put down by humans." - National Geographic
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Instinctive" refers to something that is done automatically or naturally, without the need for conscious thought. It arises from instincts — innate patterns of behavior that animals (including humans) are born with. In this context, an "instinctive fear response" means a built-in, natural reaction that helps animals avoid danger, such as fear of humans.
Meaning: Done without thinking, driven by natural instinct or impulse (Adjective)
Pronunciation: in-STINK-tiv
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *instinctus*, meaning “impulse” or “natural urge,” and *-ive* forming an adjective from the root “instinct.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is often used in animal behavior and psychology. Instinctive actions are those not learned or thought through — they come naturally. Use it when describing reactions like flinching, running from danger, or maternal care in animals.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: automatic, natural, reflexive, unthinking
Antonyms: deliberate, calculated, conscious, learned
Usage Examples:
- The cat made an instinctive leap away from the falling object.
- She gave an instinctive smile when she saw her childhood friend.
- Many animals have an instinctive response to flee from predators.
- His instinctive reaction was to protect his child without thinking.
Cultural Reference:
"Fight or flight is an instinctive reaction to danger, hardwired into the nervous system." – Psychology Today
Think About It:
Can humans always trust their instinctive responses, or are there times when instincts might lead us astray?
Quick Activity:
Describe a situation in which you or someone else had an instinctive reaction. What was the outcome? Would a deliberate response have worked better?
Memory Tip:
“Instinctive” comes from “instinct” — something built in. Think: “I didn’t think — I just did it!” That’s instinctive.
Real-World Application:
Understanding instinctive behavior is crucial in wildlife conservation and animal training, as well as in designing emergency protocols for humans who may act on reflex rather than logic in high-stress situations.
WORD-9: Euthanised
Context:
"Then there are animal attacks provoked by people taking pictures with them or feeding them in natural settings such as national parks which often end with animals being euthanised out of precaution." - National Geographic
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Euthanised" refers to the act of putting an animal (or occasionally a person) to death humanely, often to relieve suffering or prevent greater harm. In the context of wildlife, animals are sometimes euthanised not because they are injured or sick, but because they pose a danger to humans after becoming too accustomed to human presence. It is a highly sensitive and often controversial decision rooted in public safety and animal welfare.
Meaning: Put to death humanely, especially to end suffering or prevent danger (Verb – past tense)
Pronunciation: YOO-thuh-nized
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *eu* (good) + *thanatos* (death), literally meaning “a good death.” The spelling "euthanised" is British English; "euthanized" is the American variant.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word is emotionally loaded and appears in discussions around animal rights, veterinary care, and end-of-life decisions. Always consider the context — medical, ethical, or environmental. Also, be aware of the regional spelling differences: "euthanised" (UK) vs. "euthanized" (US).
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: put down, put to sleep, humanely killed, mercy killing
Antonyms: revive, rescue, resuscitate, prolong life
Usage Examples:
- The injured dog was euthanised by the vet to prevent further suffering.
- Several habituated bears had to be euthanised after repeated close encounters with humans.
- There is an ongoing debate about whether animals should be euthanised simply for aggressive behavior.
- The zoo had no choice but to euthanise the lion after it escaped its enclosure.
Cultural Reference:
"In many Western countries, euthanasia is a legal but highly regulated practice for terminally ill patients, and even more controversial when it involves animals." – BBC Ethics Series
Think About It:
Is euthanising wild animals who pose a threat due to human interference a fair and ethical practice? What are the alternatives?
Quick Activity:
Write a short paragraph (3–4 sentences) explaining a situation where euthanising an animal might be considered necessary, and one where it might not be justified.
Memory Tip:
Remember: "eu" means "good" and "thanatos" means "death" — euthanised = "a good or gentle death," usually for mercy or safety.
Real-World Application:
Understanding the term "euthanised" is essential for engaging in ethical debates about animal treatment, wildlife conservation, and veterinary care — especially in contexts where human behavior has irreversible consequences on animals.
WORD-10: Coauthored
Context:
"A 2017 study coauthored by Penteriani found that engaging in risky behaviour around large carnivores increases the likelihood of an attack." - National Geographic
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Coauthored" refers to the act of jointly writing or producing a written work, such as a book, article, or academic paper. When a person has coauthored a document, it means they collaborated with at least one other person to contribute to its content. This term is especially common in academic, scientific, and literary contexts, where teamwork and shared expertise are critical.
Meaning: Wrote or created a written work together with one or more people (Verb – past tense)
Pronunciation: koh-AW-thurd
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From "co-" (together, jointly) + "author" (writer of a work); meaning "joint authoring."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Use "coauthored" when referring to shared authorship. Common in research citations. If a paper or book is written by more than one person, they are coauthors. A good word to know for academic and collaborative writing discussions.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: collaborated on, jointly wrote, contributed to
Antonyms: authored alone, solo-authored, independently wrote
Usage Examples:
- She coauthored a paper on climate resilience with three environmental scientists.
- The bestselling novel was coauthored by two renowned crime writers.
- He has coauthored multiple research articles during his PhD studies.
- Coauthoring an article requires excellent communication and coordination between writers.
Cultural Reference:
"Bill Gates coauthored *The Road Ahead*, which outlines his vision for the digital future." – Business Insider
Think About It:
What are the challenges and advantages of coauthoring a work, and how does it compare to solo writing?
Quick Activity:
Choose a topic you enjoy. Write a 2–3 sentence introduction, then imagine what part a coauthor might add. Note how the tone or focus might shift with collaboration.
Memory Tip:
Break it down: "co" = together, "authored" = wrote → coauthored = wrote together.
Real-World Application:
In academic and scientific publishing, coauthored papers demonstrate collaborative research. It’s an important concept for students, researchers, and professionals working on group projects or interdisciplinary studies.
