✨ 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:
- Annihilation
- Endangered
- Immense
- Philosophical
- Equipment
- Perspectives
- Empathetic
- linguistic
- Enriched
- Privileged
WORD-1: Annihilation
Context:
"Languages become endangered and die out for many reasons. Sadly, the physical annihilation of communities of native speakers of a language is all too often the cause of language extinction." - Linguistic Anthropology Text
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "annihilation" refers to the complete destruction or obliteration of something. In this context, it emphasizes the tragic erasure of entire communities that speak a particular language, often due to violence, war, genocide, or colonization. When a group is annihilated, their language can vanish along with them, leading to a loss of cultural and linguistic heritage.
Meaning: Complete destruction or obliteration (Noun)
Pronunciation: uh-nye-uh-LAY-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Late Latin 'annihilatio' meaning 'reduction to nothing', from Latin 'ad-' (to) + 'nihil' (nothing)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Remember this word is often used in very serious and intense contexts: war, disaster, extinction. It is emotionally heavy and shouldn't be used lightly.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: destruction, obliteration, extermination, eradication, decimation
Antonyms: preservation, survival, protection, conservation
Usage Examples:
- The sudden annihilation of the ancient city shocked archaeologists around the world.
- Nuclear war could lead to the annihilation of life on Earth.
- Historians have documented the annihilation of native tribes during colonization.
- The film portrayed the psychological effects of near-annihilation during battle.
Cultural Reference:
"Annihilation is an act of destruction—but also erasure, a wiping out of identity." - Adapted from discussions around the film *Annihilation* (2018)
Think About It:
What does it mean for a culture to be annihilated? Is language loss a form of annihilation?
Quick Activity:
List three situations from history where communities faced annihilation. What were the effects on their languages and traditions?
Memory Tip:
Think: “A-nothing-ilation” → sounds like “a nothing” — when something is turned into nothing, it's annihilated!
Real-World Application:
The term "annihilation" is used in political discussions, war reporting, environmental crises, and cultural preservation to describe irreversible loss and total destruction.
WORD-2: Endangered
Context:
"Languages become endangered and die out for many reasons. Sadly, the physical annihilation of communities of native speakers of a language is all too often the cause of language extinction. In North America, European..." - Linguistic Anthropology Text
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Endangered" refers to something that is at risk of disappearing, becoming extinct, or no longer existing. In this context, it describes languages that are in danger of no longer being spoken because the number of speakers is declining rapidly. These languages are often spoken by small communities, and when those communities are disrupted or destroyed, the language begins to fade away.
Meaning: At risk of no longer existing or disappearing (Adjective)
Pronunciation: en-DAYN-jerd
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old French 'en-' (in) + 'danger' (power, authority), meaning to put in danger
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Use "endangered" with caution—it can apply to species, languages, or traditions. It’s not about minor risk; it implies serious, possibly irreversible threat.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: threatened, at risk, imperiled, vulnerable
Antonyms: safe, secure, protected, thriving
Usage Examples:
- The snow leopard is an endangered species due to habitat loss.
- Hundreds of indigenous languages are endangered and may disappear within the next century.
- Conservationists work hard to protect endangered ecosystems around the world.
- His reckless behavior endangered the safety of everyone on the expedition.
Cultural Reference:
"There are over 2,500 languages considered endangered today, and each one represents a unique worldview and culture." - UNESCO Linguistic Report
Think About It:
If a language is endangered, what does that say about the community that speaks it? What responsibilities do we have toward cultural preservation?
Quick Activity:
Search for one endangered language and note where it is spoken, how many speakers remain, and what efforts are being made to preserve it.
Memory Tip:
Think of “danger” in “endangered” — it helps remind you that something is in serious risk of being lost forever.
Real-World Application:
The word "endangered" is commonly used in biology, linguistics, and cultural discussions to emphasize the urgency of protecting what might soon be lost — from wildlife to traditional practices.
WORD-3: Philosophical
Context:
"When the language they speak goes extinct, the rest of humanity loses their knowledge of that environment, their wisdom about the relationship between local plants and illness, their philosophical and religious beliefs as well as their native cultural expression." - Linguistic Anthropology Text
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "philosophical" relates to philosophy—the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, and ethics. In this context, it refers to the deep, reflective belief systems of a culture that explore the meaning of life and human experience. When a language is lost, so too are these complex philosophical ideas that help shape a community’s worldview.
Meaning: Related to the study or system of fundamental knowledge, beliefs, and existence (Adjective)
Pronunciation: fih-luh-SAW-fih-kul
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek 'philosophia' meaning ‘love of wisdom’, from 'philo-' (loving) + 'sophia' (wisdom)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word can be used both academically and casually. For instance, someone might be “philosophical” in their attitude—calm and thoughtful—even in everyday situations.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: reflective, thoughtful, rational, analytical, intellectual
Antonyms: impulsive, superficial, emotional (in context), unthinking
Usage Examples:
- She approached the tragedy with a philosophical calm that surprised everyone.
- The tribe’s stories contain rich philosophical insights about nature and existence.
- He enjoys late-night discussions on philosophical topics like justice and free will.
- The loss of language also means the loss of philosophical traditions unique to that culture.
Cultural Reference:
"To be philosophical is not just to ask why, but to live thoughtfully with the answers." - Inspired by the writings of Marcus Aurelius
Think About It:
How much of a culture’s philosophy is shaped by its language? Can we truly translate its essence into another tongue?
Quick Activity:
Write down one philosophical belief you hold. Then, try to express it in simpler terms—how easy or difficult is it to put deep thoughts into plain words?
Memory Tip:
Think of “philo” (love) and “sophia” (wisdom). Philosophical people “love wisdom” and often think deeply about life.
Real-World Application:
"Philosophical" is widely used in discussions of ethics, literature, education, and even in everyday life to describe deep, calm, and reflective thinking—especially in the face of challenges.
WORD-4: Immense
Context:
"As educators deeply immersed in the liberal arts, we believe that educating students broadly in all facets of language and culture . . . yields immense rewards. Some individuals educated in the liberal arts tradition will pursue advanced study in linguistics and become actively engaged in language preservation." - Liberal Arts Curriculum Statement
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Immense" is used to describe something extremely large or great in scale, degree, or impact. In this context, it refers to the significant benefits or outcomes—both personal and societal—that come from a broad and deep education in the liberal arts. These rewards may include intellectual growth, cultural awareness, and real-world impact, such as contributing to language preservation.
Meaning: Extremely large or great, especially in scale or degree (Adjective)
Pronunciation: ih-MENS
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin 'immensus', meaning ‘immeasurable’—formed from 'in-' (not) + 'mensus' (measured)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a great word for emphasis—when something is not just big but overwhelmingly so. It’s useful for describing anything from emotions to accomplishments.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: enormous, vast, tremendous, massive, colossal
Antonyms: tiny, small, slight, minimal
Usage Examples:
- She gained immense knowledge during her time at the university.
- The impact of the teacher’s mentorship was immense and lasting.
- Language preservation brings immense cultural value to future generations.
- The desert stretched out with immense silence and beauty.
Cultural Reference:
"The rewards of learning are immense and enduring, not just for the learner but for society at large." - Inspired by educational thought leaders like John Dewey
Think About It:
What is one “immense” reward you’ve gained from your own education or personal growth? How would you describe its impact?
Quick Activity:
Write down three things in your life you would describe as “immense”—they could be experiences, feelings, or achievements.
Memory Tip:
“Immense” sounds like “immensurable”—something so large it can’t be measured. Think of outer space to remember its vast meaning!
Real-World Application:
“Immense” is used frequently in writing and speech to convey strong emphasis—whether talking about opportunities, challenges, emotions, or accomplishments.
WORD-5: Equipment
Context:
"Some individuals educated in the liberal arts tradition will pursue advanced study in linguistics and become actively engaged in language preservation, setting out for the Amazon, for example, with video recording equipment to interview the last surviving elders in a community to record and document a language spoken by no children." - Linguistic Field Study Narrative
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "equipment" refers to the tools or gear needed for a particular task or activity. In the context provided, it specifically means the devices—such as cameras, microphones, and storage tools—used by linguists to document languages. Without proper equipment, valuable linguistic data and cultural knowledge could be lost forever.
Meaning: The necessary tools, items, or gear for a specific purpose (Noun)
Pronunciation: ih-KWIP-ment
Difficulty Level: ⭐ Basic
Etymology: From French 'équipement', from 'équiper' (to fit out), originally from Old Norse 'skipa' (to arrange or prepare)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a collective noun—usually uncountable. We say “some equipment” or “a piece of equipment,” not “an equipment” or “equipments.” Always watch its usage!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: gear, tools, apparatus, instruments, hardware
Antonyms: none (Note: there are no direct antonyms; may use "lack of tools" or "unpreparedness" conceptually)
Usage Examples:
- The expedition team packed all their equipment before heading into the rainforest.
- Modern recording equipment allows researchers to preserve endangered languages in high quality.
- Without proper safety equipment, working in the lab would be dangerous.
- The school invested in new computer equipment for its digital learning program.
Cultural Reference:
"The tools you bring shape the stories you can tell." — Reflections from National Geographic field linguists on the importance of equipment in cultural documentation
Think About It:
Can advanced equipment replace human skill and sensitivity in cultural documentation? Where should the balance lie?
Quick Activity:
List five types of equipment you would need if you were sent to document an endangered language in a remote village.
Memory Tip:
Think of “equip” as “prepare” — so “equipment” is what you are prepared with to complete a task.
Real-World Application:
“Equipment” is a practical word used in education, research, sports, construction, healthcare, and countless fields—whenever specific tools are essential to get the job done.
WORD-6: Empathetic
Context:
"With such an education, students are more likely to be able to articulate insights into their own cultural biases, be more empathetic to individuals of other cultures." - Multicultural Education Curriculum Statement
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Empathetic" describes the ability to understand and share the feelings or experiences of others. In this context, it highlights the value of a liberal arts education in fostering deeper emotional and cultural understanding. Empathetic individuals are able to step into someone else’s shoes and respond with care, making them better communicators, leaders, and community members in a diverse world.
Meaning: Showing an ability to understand and share another person's feelings (Adjective)
Pronunciation: em-puh-THET-ik
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek 'empatheia' meaning 'passion, state of emotion', from 'en-' (in) + 'pathos' (feeling)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Don’t confuse “empathetic” with “sympathetic.” Empathy is about truly feeling *with* someone, not just feeling sorry *for* them. It’s deeper and more personal.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: understanding, compassionate, sensitive, caring
Antonyms: indifferent, insensitive, cold, detached
Usage Examples:
- Her empathetic response helped the grieving student feel seen and supported.
- Great leaders are often deeply empathetic and attentive to the needs of others.
- Through cultural immersion, students become more empathetic toward global communities.
- Being empathetic doesn't mean you have to agree—it means you try to understand.
Cultural Reference:
"Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another." — Adapted from Alfred Adler
Think About It:
Can empathy be taught, or is it something we are born with? How can education systems cultivate true empathy?
Quick Activity:
Recall a time someone was empathetic toward you. How did it make you feel? Now, write down a way you can show empathy to someone today.
Memory Tip:
Remember: “Empathetic” = “Em” (emotion) + “path” (feeling) → Feeling the path another person walks.
Real-World Application:
Being empathetic is crucial in relationships, workplaces, leadership, counseling, and diplomacy. It helps break down cultural barriers and build genuine human connections.
WORD-7: Perspectives
Context:
"When students study languages other than their own, they are sensitized to the existence of different cultural perspectives and practices." - Intercultural Language Education Statement
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "perspectives" refers to particular attitudes or viewpoints toward something. In this context, it means the diverse ways in which people from different cultures perceive and interpret the world. Studying new languages exposes students to new perspectives—broadening their understanding of values, beliefs, behaviors, and customs that may differ from their own. This helps develop open-mindedness and cultural sensitivity.
Meaning: A particular attitude toward or way of seeing something; a point of view (Noun - plural)
Pronunciation: per-SPEK-tivs
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Latin 'perspectiva' meaning 'science of optics', from 'perspicere' meaning 'to look through'
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Use this word to describe how different people or groups may interpret the same situation differently. Great for essays and discussions that involve cultural understanding or problem-solving.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: viewpoints, outlooks, standpoints, angles, interpretations
Antonyms: narrow-mindedness, bias, prejudice (contextual opposites)
Usage Examples:
- Studying world history helps students understand different cultural perspectives.
- The panel included speakers from diverse backgrounds to provide multiple perspectives on the issue.
- Traveling abroad gave her new perspectives on what it means to live a good life.
- Listening to others' perspectives fosters empathy and better communication.
Cultural Reference:
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." — Marcus Aurelius
Think About It:
Why is it important to consider multiple perspectives when making decisions, especially in a multicultural world?
Quick Activity:
Choose a common topic (e.g., school uniforms, technology use, or climate change). Write two different cultural or personal perspectives on it.
Memory Tip:
Think of a camera changing angles — each position shows a different “perspective” of the same object.
Real-World Application:
Understanding multiple perspectives is essential in journalism, diplomacy, counseling, teaching, and teamwork. It allows people to approach problems and people with greater respect and creativity.
WORD-8: Linguistic
Context:
"Be more empathetic to individuals of other cultures, communicate successfully across linguistic and cultural differences, consider and resolve questions in a way that reflects multiple cultural perspectives, and, ultimately extend support to people, programs, practices, and policies that support the preservation of endangered languages." - Global Education Statement
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "linguistic" relates to language or the study of language. In this context, it emphasizes the importance of being aware of and capable of navigating language-related differences when interacting across cultures. Linguistic sensitivity enables clearer communication, deeper understanding, and more respectful engagement with speakers of different languages, especially when it comes to preserving endangered ones.
Meaning: Relating to language or the scientific study of language (Adjective)
Pronunciation: lin-GWIS-tik
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin 'lingua' meaning 'tongue, language', plus the suffix '-istic' indicating relatedness
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Linguistic” is a key academic word often used in fields like linguistics, anthropology, communication, and education. It’s useful when discussing anything tied to language, not just speech.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: language-related, grammatical, verbal, lexical
Antonyms: nonverbal, visual (contextual opposites)
Usage Examples:
- Her research focuses on the linguistic features of endangered languages in the Amazon.
- Linguistic diversity is a hallmark of cultural richness.
- Children exposed to multiple languages develop strong linguistic skills early on.
- The course explores the social and linguistic dimensions of communication.
Cultural Reference:
"A linguistic revolution happens every time a dying language is given a voice again." — Inspired by UNESCO’s Language Revitalization Programs
Think About It:
How do linguistic differences shape our worldview? Can language influence the way we think?
Quick Activity:
Identify three languages that are spoken in your country. What are the major linguistic differences among them (such as script, grammar, or sound)?
Memory Tip:
Link “linguistic” to “lingua,” the Latin word for tongue. Tongue = language → linguistic = related to language!
Real-World Application:
“Linguistic” is crucial in fields such as education, translation, AI development, anthropology, and cultural preservation. Understanding linguistic differences improves communication and cross-cultural collaboration.
WORD-9: Enriched
Context:
"Their philosophical and religious beliefs as well as their native cultural expression (in music, visual art and poetry) that has enriched both the speakers of that language and others who would have encountered that culture..." - Language and Culture Preservation Narrative
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "enriched" refers to making something better, more meaningful, or more valuable. In this context, it describes how cultural expressions such as music, art, and poetry have added depth and richness to the lives of both native speakers and outsiders. When a culture is shared through language, it enriches global understanding, offering emotional, spiritual, and intellectual nourishment.
Meaning: Improved or enhanced in quality, value, or significance (Verb – past participle)
Pronunciation: en-RICHT
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old French 'enrichir', from 'en-' (make) + 'riche' (rich)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Enriched” has both literal and metaphorical meanings. It can refer to adding nutrients to food, or adding depth to knowledge, culture, or experience. Use this word when talking about positive growth or enhancement.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: enhanced, improved, deepened, uplifted, refined
Antonyms: depleted, impoverished, diminished, weakened
Usage Examples:
- The exchange program enriched students' understanding of global cultures.
- Her experiences abroad enriched her personal and professional life.
- Traditional folk music has enriched generations with its timeless wisdom.
- Learning new languages has enriched his ability to connect with diverse people.
Cultural Reference:
"Art, when shared, enriches not just the artist but every soul it touches." — Inspired by cultural historian Joseph Campbell
Think About It:
What experiences or people have enriched your worldview? How would your life be different without them?
Quick Activity:
List three activities, books, or people that have enriched your life. Briefly write how they made a difference.
Memory Tip:
“Enriched” sounds like “made rich” — think of something becoming richer in quality, knowledge, or value.
Real-World Application:
“Enriched” is commonly used in education, culture, science, and personal development to highlight growth, value, and meaningful improvement—both emotionally and intellectually.
WORD-10: Privileged
Context:
"The largest language 'killers' are English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Russian, Hindi, and Chinese, all of which have privileged status as dominant languages threatening minority languages." - Global Linguistic Diversity Report
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Privileged" refers to having special rights, advantages, or status not enjoyed by everyone. In this context, it highlights how certain dominant world languages hold a position of power and influence, often due to historical, political, or economic reasons. This privileged status can lead to the suppression or marginalization of minority languages, which may lack the same institutional support or global reach.
Meaning: Having special rights, advantages, or access to opportunities that others may not have (Adjective)
Pronunciation: PRIV-uh-lijd
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Old French 'privilege', from Latin 'privilegium' (a law applying to one person), from 'privus' (private) + 'lex' (law)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word carries weight—it suggests imbalance and inequality. It can be used for languages, people, institutions, or systems that benefit disproportionately while others struggle.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: advantaged, elite, favored, powerful, dominant
Antonyms: disadvantaged, marginalized, oppressed, underprivileged
Usage Examples:
- English holds a privileged position in international business and academia.
- Privileged communities often have better access to healthcare and education.
- The dominant language is privileged in the school system, while local dialects are neglected.
- Recognizing one’s privileged status is the first step toward creating a more equitable society.
Cultural Reference:
"When you are accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression." — Attributed to various social justice advocates
Think About It:
How can language privilege shape the identity and survival of minority cultures? Is privilege always visible?
Quick Activity:
Make a list of three areas (language, education, society) where certain groups are privileged. Reflect on how this impacts others who are not.
Memory Tip:
“Privileged” comes from “private law”—think of it as special rules or benefits just for some, not for all.
Real-World Application:
“Privileged” is used widely in discussions on language, race, gender, economy, and politics to identify and analyze systems of advantage and inequality. It encourages awareness of unseen advantages.
