Here is the compilation of all the difficult words/ phrases/ terms used in The Hindu editorial in the month of June. To make the best use of this PDF, we suggest that you take a printout and keep it in such a place from where you can have a glance at the words. While you do that, try to recall the meaning of those words. For example, it would be a good idea to stick this printout right above your study table. Once you get bored of your studies, you can indulge in a quick revision.
Have a look at the words/ phrases/ terms and their contextual sense/ definitions:
Difficult Word/ Phrase/ Term | Contextual Sense/ Definition |
Absurd | Inconsistent with reason, logic or common sense |
Vile | extremely unpleasant or bad |
Embarrassment | feeling ashamed or shy |
Incite | Provoke or stir up |
Enmity | A state of deep-seated ill-will |
Pseudonymous | using a name that is not their real name |
Vengeance | The act of taking revenge |
Resentment | A feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will |
Antipathy | A feeling of intense dislike |
Bigotry | ​the state of feeling, or the act of expressing, strong, unreasonable beliefs or opinions |
Conjure up | Summon into action or bring into existence |
Flagrant | that shocks you because it is done in a very obvious way and shows no respect for people, laws, etc. |
Rant | Pompous or pretentious talk or writing |
Slur | A disparaging remark |
Breath-taking | Very surprising or shocking |
Insinuation | An indirect (and usually malicious) implication |
Deity | a god or goddess |
Unwittingly | Without knowledge or intention |
Odium | Hate coupled with disgust |
Hounding | Pursue or chase relentlessly |
Travesty | A comedy characterized by broad satire and improbable situations |
Spiteful | Showing malicious ill will and a desire to hurt |
Essence | importance |
Manoeuvre | A plan for attaining a particular goal |
Dissident | Disagreeing, especially with a majority |
Vote out | to defeat (an incumbent) in an election |
Defection | the desertion of one’s political party in favor of an opposing one |
Unhindered | Not slowed, blocked or interfered with |
Actualise | Make real |
Adjudication | The final judgment in a legal proceeding |
Albeit | Even though |
Occasion | cause |
Compliance | Acting according to certain accepted standards |
Ploy | A tactic or manoeuvre intended to gain an advantage |
Countenance | give permission |
Render | announce |
Nugatory | Of no real value |
Menace | Something that is a source of danger |
Keep up | Maintain a required pace or level |
Extradition | The surrender of an accused or convicted person by one state or country to another (usually under the provisions of a statute or treaty) |
Mastermind | a very clever person who has planned or organized something |
Give up | Stop trying or participating |
Wanted | One who is tried to be located |
Reconnaissance | The act of scouting or exploring |
Deposition | a pretrial interrogation of a witness; usually conducted in a lawyer’s office |
Conspiracy | A secret agreement between two or more people to perform an unlawful act |
Blasphemous | showing a lack of respect for God or religion |
Mandated | Assign authority to |
Pursue | Go in search of |
Convict | find or declare guilty |
Rectify | Correct |
Concerted | Involving the joint activity of two or more |
Turn the spotlight on something | to attract attention to something, usually to give information about something bad: |
Predilection | a strong liking or preference |
Reprieve | a temporary relief or escape, as from trouble |
Paradigm shift | a complete and important change in the usual or accepted way of doing or thinking about somebody/something |
Guerrilla | A member of an irregular armed force that fights a stronger force by sabotage and harassment |
Sweep across | to spread or pass rapidly across, through, or along (a region, area, etc.) |
Overhaul | to look at something carefully and change or repair it if necessary |
Break into | manage to have some success |
Script | Write |
Devastating | damaging |
Psyche | human mind or soul |
Lay down | stop fighting a battle or war and make peace |
Vow | Make a solemn pledge or promise |
Inimical | Not friendly |
Strike a chord | Create an emotional response |
Cartel | an association of similar businesses that have grouped together in order to prevent competition and to control prices |
Outsize | Larger than normal for its kind |
Bloc | A group of voters or politicians who have common objectives |
Idly | Not in action or at work |
Brace | Prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult |
Emanate | to come out from a source |
Pulverize | Destroy completely |
Steal a march | Gain an advantage over unexpectedly |
Poised | about to do something |
Elevation | the highest stage of development |
Testimony | Something that serves as evidence |
Mobilisation | Organized for a purpose |
Subaltern | Inferior in status |
Incorporate | Include |
Relentless | Not stopping |
Tilt | to direct something so as to favor a particular opinion or side |
Counter | in a way that opposes something |
Radical | Markedly new or introducing fundamental change |
Starkly | In sharp outline or contrast |
Adrift | Without a clear purpose or direction |
Ensconce | Fix firmly |
Cocoon | Protective cover |
Consensus | Full agreement between a number of people |
clear the decks | prepare for an event or course of action by dealing with anything that might hinder progress |
Cater | Give what is desired or needed |
Vanguard | the leading position in any movement or field |
Underscore | Give extra weight to (a communication) |
Laudable | Worthy of high praise |
Perceptible | Easily seen or detected |
Staggered | arranged so that they do not all happen at the same time |
Shrink | Reduce in size |
Duopoly | State of market dominance by two companies |
Viability | Capable of being done in a practical and useful way |
Bank | Have faith or confidence in |
Roll out | officially launch or introduce a new product or service |
Confines | Limits |
Roil | to move or proceed turbulently |
Relentless | not stopping |
Persecution | cruel and unfair treatment of a person or group, especially because of their political beliefs |
Fillip | Anything that makes one feel encouraged |
Go-ahead | A signal to proceed |
Extradite | Hand over to the authorities of another country |
Collaborate | Work together on a common enterprise of project |
Tenure | The term during which some position is held |
Predecessor | One who precedes you in time (as in holding a position or office) |
Grave | Causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm |
Severe | Intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality |
Autocracy | A political system governed by a single individual |
Redaction | an edited work |
Bulwark | something giving strong support or encouragement in time of need, danger, or doubt |
Repertoire | A list or supply of something |
Perpetrator | a person who carries out a harmful, illegal, or immoral act |
Dog | Go after with the intent to catch |
Forefront | the leading position in any movement or field |
Enshrine | preserve (a right, tradition, or idea) in a form that ensures it will be protected and respected |
Pivotal | Being of crucial importance |
Onus | something that is one’s duty or responsibility |
Fora | A public meeting or assembly for open discussion |
Déjà vu | The experience of thinking that a new situation had occurred before |
Pile | a lot of something |
Prosecute | Conduct a prosecution (conduct of legal proceedings against a defendant for criminal behaviour) in a court of law |
Overturn | Cancel officially |
Convict | declare guilty |
Overwhelming | Very strong |
Acrimony | A rough and bitter manner |
Bilateral | Affecting two parties |
Grey list | Grey listing means FATF has placed a country under increased monitoring to check its progress on measures against money laundering and terrorism financing |
Loophole | an ambiguity that makes it possible to evade a difficulty or obligation |
Charge | a statement that says that somebody has done something illegal or bad |
Pursuance | the action of trying to achieve something |
Derail | to cause to fail or become deflected from a purpose; reduce or delay the chances for success or development of |
Nod | A sign of assent, salutation or command |
Festering | to become or cause to become bitter, irritated, etc, esp over a long period of time; rankle |
Imperative | Some duty that is essential and urgent |
Drastic | Forceful and extreme and rigorous |
Coincide | Happen simultaneously |
Pandemic | An epidemic that is geographically widespread |
Tackle | Accept as a challenge |
Concomitant | Occurring with or following as a consequence |
War footing | the condition of being prepared to undertake or maintain war |
Chunk | A considerable portion |
Ameliorative | Tending to make something better |
Squander | Spend thoughtlessly |
Reap | Get or derive |
Belated | Delayed |
Demolition | Complete destruction of a building |
Retribution | The act of taking revenge |
Conspirator | a member of a group of people who are planning to do something bad or illegal |
Amply | Sufficiently; more than adequately |
Fig-leaf | a thing intended to conceal a difficulty or embarrassment |
Brush aside | Bar from attention or consideration |
Rehabilitation | The restoration of someone to a useful place in society |
In the wake of | following (someone or something), especially as a consequence. |
Brook | to bear; tolerate |
Stringent | Demanding strict attention to rules and procedures |
Convoluted | extremely involved; intricate; complicated |
Purported | Have the often specious appearance of being, intending, or claiming |
Suo motu | on its own motion; the term is usually applied to actions by a judge taken without a prior motion or request from the parties |
Proportionality | The principle of proportionality is the idea that an action should not be more severe than is necessary, especially in a war or when punishing someone for a crime |
Conflict | An open clash between two opposing groups |
Troop | soldiers or armed forces |
Blast their way somewhere | If someone blasts their way somewhere, they get there by shooting at people or causing an explosion |
Artillery | an army unit that uses big guns |
Shell | Ammunition consisting of a cylindrical metal casing containing an explosive charge and a projectile; fired from a large gun |
Ammunition | Projectiles to be fired from a gun |
Ramp up | Bolster or strengthen |
Bleak | Offering little or no hope |
Retreat | Move away or backward |
Slap | An act or expression of criticism and censure |
Biting | Very harsh |
Sanctions | Something someone is made to do to compensate for a wrongdoing |
Reap | Get or derive |
Soaring | Ascending to a level markedly higher than the usual |
Maximalist | Somebody who holds extreme views and is not prepared to compromise |
Imperative | Requiring attention or action |
Batter | seriously damaged or affected |
Brink | The limit beyond which something happens or changes |
Devastating | Wreaking or capable of wreaking complete destruction |
Intensifying | Increasing in strength or intensity |
Rivalry | The act of competing |
Geopolitical | Relating to the study of the effects of economic geography on the powers of the state |
Eye-opening | Something surprising and revealing |
Weaponry | Weapons considered collectively |
Coercive | relating to or using force or threats |
Bilateral | Having two sides |
Prospect | The possibility of future success |
Imminent | Close in time; about to occur |
Fortify | Make strong or stronger |
De-escalation | reduction of the intensity of a conflict or potentially violent situation |
Band | Form a group or unite |
Restrain | To close within bounds, or otherwise limit or deprive of free movement |
Destabilising | Become unstable |
Nascent | Being born or beginning |
Tussle | Disorderly fighting |
Omnibus | Providing for many things at once |
Prosecute | to officially charge somebody with a crime and try to show that he/she is guilty, in a court of law |
Allegedly | According to what has been declared but not proved |
Vilify | Spread negative information about |
Outrage | Strike with disgust or revulsion |
Ill-will | unfriendly feeling; hate; dislike |
Defy | to elude, esp in a baffling way |
Animosity | a strong feeling of dislike and anger |
Inflammatory | Arousing to action or rebellion |
Club | Unite with a common purpose |
Emanate | Proceed or issue forth, as from a source |
Tit-for-tat | An equivalent given in return |
Transgression | the violation of a law or a duty or moral principle |
Tactic | A plan for attaining a particular goal |
Spin | A distinctive interpretation |
Transmorgify | Change completely the nature or appearance of |
Purport | Have as a plan or objective |
Foment | Try to stir up public opinion |
Insurrection | Organized opposition to authority |
Dissent | A difference of opinion |
Ambit | An area in which something acts or operates or has power or control |
Tug of war | Any hard struggle between equally matched groups |
Turf | Range of jurisdiction or influence |
Disruptive | Characterized by unrest, disorder or insubordination |
Meddle | to touch something that does not belong to you |
Set the cat among the pigeons | say or do something that is likely to cause trouble or controversy |
At loggerheads | In a dispute or confrontation |
Undermine | hinder normal operations |
Bypass | to ignore, fail to consult, etc. |
Consuming | Very strong; urgently felt |
Latter | Referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned |
Curtail | Place restrictions on |
Thorn in your side | someone or something that continually causes problems for you |
Tussle | Disorderly fighting |
Rein in | to limit or control (someone or something) |
Propagate | Cause to spread |
Propellant | Something causing you to move forward |
Grievance | A resentment strong enough to justify retaliation |
Stand-off | a situation in which neither of two opposing groups or forces will make a move until the other one does something |
In tandem | Together |
Nosedive | To get much worse |
Manpower | The force of workers available |
Enforcement | ensuring observance of or obedience to |
Lax | Lacking in rigour or strictness |
Creditable | Worthy of often limited commendation |
Compliance | Acting according to certain accepted standards |
Surveillance | Close observation of a person or group |
Incremental | Increasing gradually by regular degrees or additions |
Scrutinise | To look at critically or searchingly, or in minute detail |
Barring | The act of excluding someone |
Penultimate | Second last |
Liberal | Showing or characterized by broad-mindedness |
Hesitant | unable to act or decide quickly or firmly |
Conundrum | A difficult problem |
Strained | Showing signs of mental and emotional tension |
Allege | Make an accusation or assertion without any proof |
Friction | A state of conflict between persons |
Assent | Agreement with a statement or proposal to do something |
Underscore | emphasizing the importance of something |
Conferment | the act of giving something (such as a degree, award, title, or right) to someone |
Regime | a form of government or rule; political system |
Intent | Purpose |
Vest | Place (authority, property, or rights) in the control of a person or group of persons |
Insulate | Separate in order to protect or prevent interaction |
Discretion | Freedom to act or judge on one’s own |
Forthcoming | Frank, direct |
Cease | Put an end to a state or an activity |
Presciently | With foresight |
Perpetuate | continue |
Autonomy | The capacity of a system to make its own decisions about its actions |
Undue | Beyond normal limits |
Stern | Very serious |
Assert | State categorically |
Inflection point | a time of significant change in a situation |
Communalisation | act or process of making related to a small community |
Alacrity | great willingness, eagerness or enthusiasm |
Sensitivity | a tendency to have a strong emotional reaction, esp to be offended or upset |
Slam | Strongly criticize |
Offending | Responsible for causing difficulty, displeasure, disgust, etc. |
Accord | to grant; bestow |
Introspection | The contemplation of your own thoughts and desires and conduct |
Draw the line | to put a limit on what you will do or allow to happen, esp. because you feel something is wrong |
Adhere | Be compatible or in accordance with |
Prime time | The hours between 7 and 11 p.m. when the largest tv audience is available |
Radical | (used of opinions and actions) far beyond the norm |
Spar | Fight verbally |
Blatantly | very obvious and intentional, when this is a bad thing |
Snowball | Increase or accumulate at a rapidly accelerating rate |
Bypoll | an election held in a single political constituency to fill a vacancy arising during a government’s term of office |
Do-or-die | Desperately determined |
High-stake | involving serious risks if there is no success |
Slumber | Dormant state |
Chaos | A state of extreme confusion and disorder |
Stronghold | an area in which there is a lot of support for a particular belief or group of people especially a political party |
Demise | death |
Align | Adjust |
Referendum | A popular vote by the electorate whether to approve a specific legislative act |
Championing | to support or fight for a particular group or idea |
Reinforce | Make stronger |
Humility | a lack of false pride |
Recalibrate | Make fine adjustments |
Necessitate | to make something necessary |
Revamp | to change or arrange something again, in order to improve it |
Nurture | Help grow |
Eat humble pie | speak or behave in a way which tells people that you admit you were wrong about something |
Churn | frequent replacement of employees with new employees |
Grim | Shockingly offensive |
Trigger | Put in motion, initiate |
On the verge of | at the point when (something) is about to happen or is very likely to happen |
Contemplate | Consider as a possibility |
Exodus | A journey by a large group to escape from a hostile environment |
Abominable | Exceptionally bad or displeasing |
Predicament | A situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one |
Reconciliation | The reestablishing of cordial relations |
Subtle | Difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyse |
Surge | A sudden or abrupt strong increase |
Outreach | the extent or length of reaching out |
Spectrum | A broad range of related objects, values, qualities, ideas or activities |
Conducive | helpful |
Dole out | Give or provide in small portions |
Alter | Make different |
Termination | The act of ending something |
Disadvantageous | Involving or creating circumstances detrimental to success or effectiveness |
Alienation | Separation resulting from hostility |
Exploit | Use or manipulate to one’s advantage |
Afresh | Again but in a new or different way |
Dilution | Weakening |
Triumphalism | Gloating or excessive celebration over the defeat of an opponent |
Choppy | Jerky |
Spur | Incite or stimulate |
Reckon | Expect to be true; believe |
Woe | Great sorrow |
Assertion | A declaration that is made emphatically (as if no supporting evidence were necessary) |
Meagre | Deficient in amount, quality or extent |
Evoke | Make appear |
Flashback | An unexpected but vivid recurrence of a past experience |
Trajectory | the way in which a process or event develops over a period of time |
Reluctant | Offering resistance |
Uptick | A small increase |
Silver lining | a comforting or hopeful aspect of an otherwise desperate or unhappy situation |
Lingering | to persist or continue, esp in the mind |
Aloof | apart |
Flare up | Erupt or intensify suddenly |
Squeeze | to oppress with exacting demands |
Dampen | Suppress or constrain so as to lessen in intensity |
Rising tide | an increase in the amount or strength of something |
Strand | Drive (a vessel) ashore |
Detritus | The remains of something that has been destroyed or broken up |
Advisory | giving advice only |
Downplay | Represent as less significant or important |
Bizarre | very strange or unusual |
Sensible | Showing reason or sound judgment |
Exponentially | (with reference to an increase) more and more rapidly |
Fraudster | A person who cheats someone |
Scam | A fraudulent business scheme |
Biometrics | The use of physical characteristics (face shape, finger prints, etc.) of an individual for personal identification |
Rife | Excessively abundant |
Ambivalent | Uncertain or unable to decide about what course to follow |
Indiscriminate | random |
Flip-flop | A decision to reverse an earlier decision |
Discretion | Freedom to act or judge on one’s own |
Universalise | Make common to all |
Missionary zeal | great enthusiasm |
Scrutiny | The act of examining something closely (as for mistakes) |
Crack down on | take severe measures against someone or something. |
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