The Daily Editorial Analysis – English Vocabulary Building – 16 December 2025

Learn English Vocabulary – Daily Editorial Analysis – 16 December 2025

This blog post by Veranda RACE helps competitive exam aspirants learn 60+ high-level vocabulary English words with meanings, synonyms, antonyms and usage examples — perfect for Bank Exam, Insurance Exam, Intelligence Bureau, SSC Exam, Railways/RRB Exam, TNTET and UPSC Exam preparation.

This December 2025, Veranda RACE brings a focused learning guide to help competitive exam aspirants strengthen high-level English vocabulary with meanings, synonyms, antonyms and usage examples. This will be ideal for Bank Exams, Insurance Exams, SSC Exams, Railways/RRB Exams, TNTET, UPSC and Intelligence Bureau preparation. With major exams lined up this month such as the IBPS RRB PO Prelims, IBPS RRB Clerk Prelims, IBPS PO Mains and IBPS Clerk Mains, mastering strong vocabulary and comprehension has never been more important for both Prelims and Mains exams.

Reading the Daily Editorial Analysis curated by Veranda RACE every day builds your reading comprehension, critical thinking and vocabulary recall. It sharpens your ability to handle descriptive papers, mains answer writing and tricky prelims passages. Designed for clarity, accuracy and exam relevance, this English vocabulary series helps aspirants stay ahead of the curve. Prepare smarter with contextual learning from trusted sources, only at Veranda RACE.

Daily Editorial Vocabulary Analysis – 16 December 2025

1. Iconic

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Widely recognised and well-established; representing something important or characteristic

Tamil Meaning: புகழ்பெற்ற / அடையாளச் சின்னம்

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രശസ്തമായ, പ്രതീകാത്മകമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರತಿಮಾತ್ಮಕ, ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧ

Synonyms: emblematic, symbolic, legendary, famous, representative

Antonyms: obscure, unknown, insignificant, unremarkable

Usage in Sentence: The Taj Mahal remains an iconic symbol of our country’s rich architectural heritage.

2. Massacre

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The brutal killing of a large number of people

Tamil Meaning: படுகொலை

Malayalam Meaning: കൂട്ടക്കൊല

Kannada Meaning: ಸಾಮೂಹಿಕ ಹತ್ಯೆ

Synonyms: carnage, slaughter, butchery, bloodbath, killing

Antonyms: rescue, protection, preservation, salvation

Usage in Sentence: The international community condemned the massacre of innocent civilians in Australia.

3. Gathering

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: An assembly or meeting of people for a particular purpose

Tamil Meaning: கூட்டம், சந்திப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: സമ്മേളനം, കൂട്ടായ്മ

Kannada Meaning: ಸಭೆ, ಸಮಾವೇಶ

Synonyms: assembly, meeting, congregation, collection, rally

Antonyms: dispersal, separation, scattering, dissolution

Usage in Sentence: The festival gathering brought together people from diverse backgrounds.

4. Survivor

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A person who continues to live after an event in which others have died

Tamil Meaning: உயிர் தப்பியவர், தப்பிப்பிழைத்தவர்

Malayalam Meaning: അതിജീവിച്ചവർ, രക്ഷപ്പെട്ടവർ

Kannada Meaning: ಬದುಕುಳಿದವರು, ಉಳಿದುಕೊಂಡವರು

Synonyms: escapee, remaining person, one who endured

Antonyms: victim, casualty, fatality, deceased

Usage in Sentence: The earthquake survivor shared her harrowing experience with journalists.

5. Firearms

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Weapons from which a shot is discharged by gunpowder

Tamil Meaning: ஆயுதங்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: തോക്കായുധങ്ങൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಗುಂಡು ಹಾರಿಸುವ ಆಯುಧಗಳು

Synonyms: guns, weapons, arms, rifles, pistols

Usage in Sentence: The administration introduced stricter regulations on the licensing of firearms.

6. Custody

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The protective care or guardianship of someone or something, especially by the police or prison authorities

Tamil Meaning: சிறைக்காவல்

Malayalam Meaning: ജയിൽ ഗാർഡ്

Kannada Meaning: ಜೈಲು ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿ

Synonyms: detention, confinement, imprisonment, guardianship, care

Antonyms: freedom, liberty, release, independence

Usage in Sentence: The accused remained in police custody pending further investigation.

7. Deadliest

Part of speech: Adjective (superlative)

Meaning: Most likely to cause death; most dangerous or harmful

Tamil Meaning: மிகவும் கொடிய, மிக ஆபத்தான

Malayalam Meaning: ഏറ്റവും മാരകമായ, അത്യന്തം അപകടകരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಮಾರಕ, ಅತಿ ಅಪಾಯಕಾರಿ

Synonyms: most lethal, most fatal, most dangerous, most destructive

Antonyms: safest, harmless, benign, innocuous

Usage in Sentence: The recent cyclone was the deadliest natural disaster to hit the region in decades.

8. Antisemitic

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Hostile to or prejudiced against Jewish people

Tamil Meaning: யூத எதிர்ப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: യഹൂദ വിരുദ്ധ

Kannada Meaning: ಯಹೂದಿ ವಿರೋಧಿ

Synonyms: Anti-Jewish, prejudiced against Jews, Judeophobic

Usage in Sentence: The antisemitic graffiti on the synagogue walls shocked the local community.

9. Synagogue

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A building where Jewish people gather for religious worship and instruction

Tamil Meaning: யூத வழிபாட்டு இடம்

Malayalam Meaning: യഹൂദ ആരാധനാലയം

Kannada Meaning: ಯಹೂದಿ ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥನಾ ಮಂದಿರ

Synonyms: temple, house of worship, Jewish temple

Usage in Sentence: The historic synagogue in the old city has been restored to its former glory.

10. Firebombed

Part of speech: Verb (past tense)

Meaning: Attacked with incendiary bombs or devices designed to cause fire

Tamil Meaning: தீயால் தாக்கப்பட்டது

Malayalam Meaning: തീബോംബ് ആക്രമണം നടത്തി

Kannada Meaning: ಬೆಂಕಿ ಬಾಂಬ್ ದಾಳಿ ಮಾಡಲಾಯಿತು

Synonyms: torched, set ablaze, incinerated, burned

Antonyms: extinguished, protected, preserved, saved

Usage in Sentence: The community centre was firebombed by unknown assailants late at night.

11. Accused

Part of speech: Verb (past tense)

Meaning: Charged with an offence or crime; claimed that someone has done something wrong

Tamil Meaning: குற்றம் சாட்டுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ആരോപണം

Kannada Meaning: ಆರೋಪ

Synonyms: charged, blamed, indicted, alleged, denounced

Antonyms: exonerated, acquitted, cleared, vindicated

Usage in Sentence: The administration accused foreign actors of interfering in domestic affairs.

12. Expelled

Part of speech: Verb (past tense)

Meaning: Forced to leave a place or organisation, especially permanently

Tamil Meaning: வெளியேற்றப்பட்டது, நாடு கடத்தப்பட்டது

Malayalam Meaning: പുറത്താക്കി, നാടുകടത്തി

Kannada Meaning: ಹೊರಹಾಕಲಾಯಿತು, ತೆಗೆದುಹಾಕಲಾಯಿತು

Synonyms: ejected, removed, banished, deported, evicted

Antonyms: admitted, welcomed, accepted, retained, included

Usage in Sentence: Several diplomats were expelled following the breakdown of bilateral relations.

13. Diplomats

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Officials representing a country abroad and engaged in international relations

Tamil Meaning: தூதர்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: നയതന്ത്രജ്ഞർ

Kannada Meaning: ರಾಜತಾಂತ್ರಿಕರು

Synonyms: envoys, ambassadors, representatives, emissaries, consuls

Usage in Sentence: The diplomats worked tirelessly to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

14. Retaliatory

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Characterised by a desire for revenge; intended as retaliation

Tamil Meaning: பதிலடி, பழிவாங்குதல்

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രതികാരാത്മക, തിരിച്ചടിക്കുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರತೀಕಾರದ, ಮರುದಾಳಿಯ

Synonyms: vengeful, revengeful, punitive, reciprocal, counter-attacking

Antonyms: forgiving, conciliatory, peaceful, merciful

Usage in Sentence: The retaliatory measures imposed by the administration escalated tensions further.

15. Genocidal

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Relating to or intending the deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially of a particular ethnic group or nation

Tamil Meaning: இனப்படுகொலை

Malayalam Meaning: വംശഹത്യാപരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ನರಮೇಧದ

Synonyms: murderous, exterminatory, annihilating, mass-killing

Antonyms: protective, preserving, humanitarian, merciful

Usage in Sentence: The international court examined evidence of genocidal intent in the conflict.

16. Envoy

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A messenger or representative, especially one on a diplomatic mission

Tamil Meaning: தூதர், பிரதிநிதி

Malayalam Meaning: ദൂതൻ, പ്രതിനിധി

Kannada Meaning: ರಾಯಭಾರಿ, ಸಂದೇಶವಾಹಕ

Synonyms: ambassador, emissary, representative, delegate, agent

Usage in Sentence: The special envoy was appointed to mediate between the conflicting parties.

17. Combat

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To take action to reduce or prevent something bad or undesirable

Tamil Meaning: எதிர்த்துப் போராடுதல், சமாளித்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: പോരാടുക, നേരിടുക

Kannada Meaning: ಹೋರಾಡು, ಎದುರಿಸು

Synonyms: fight, counter, oppose, tackle, resist

Antonyms: surrender, yield, submit, encourage, promote

Usage in Sentence: The administration launched new initiatives to combat climate change.

18. Grave

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Giving cause for alarm; serious or significant

Tamil Meaning: கடுமையான, தீவிரமான

Malayalam Meaning: ഗൗരവമേറിയ, ഗുരുതരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಗಂಭೀರವಾದ, ಅಪಾಯಕಾರಿ

Synonyms: serious, severe, critical, dire, acute

Antonyms: trivial, minor, insignificant, unimportant, light

Usage in Sentence: The economic crisis posed a grave threat to national stability.

19. Hosts

Part of speech: Verb (present tense, third person singular)

Meaning: Provides space or facilities for an event or contains something within it

Tamil Meaning: கொண்டிருத்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: ഉള്ളത്

Kannada Meaning: ಹೊಂದಿರುವ

Synonyms: accommodates, contains, harbours, entertains, shelters

Antonyms: expels, excludes, rejects, evicts

Usage in Sentence: The country hosts one of the largest and most diverse populations in the world.

20. Swiftly

Part of speech: Adverb

Meaning: At high speed; quickly or promptly

Tamil Meaning: விரைவாக, துரிதமாக

Malayalam Meaning: വേഗത്തിൽ, പെട്ടെന്ന്

Kannada Meaning: ಶೀಘ್ರವಾಗಿ, ವೇಗವಾಗಿ

Synonyms: quickly, rapidly, speedily, promptly, hastily

Antonyms: slowly, gradually, leisurely, tardily

Usage in Sentence: The authorities responded swiftly to contain the outbreak.

21. Seek

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To attempt to find or obtain something; to try to achieve

Tamil Meaning: தேடுதல், முயற்சித்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: അന്വേഷിക്കുക, തേടുക

Kannada Meaning: ಹುಡುಕು, ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಿಸು

Synonyms: search for, pursue, strive for, look for, aim for

Antonyms: ignore, neglect, avoid, shun, abandon

Usage in Sentence: Divisive forces seek to undermine social harmony.

22. Extremists

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: People who hold radical political or religious views and support extreme actions

Tamil Meaning: தீவிரவாதிகள்

Malayalam Meaning: തീവ്രവാദികൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಉಗ್ರಗಾಮಿಗಳು

Synonyms: radicals, fanatics, militants, fundamentalists, zealots

Antonyms: moderates, centrists, liberals, pacifists

Usage in Sentence: The security forces have intensified operations against violent extremists.

23. Critics

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: People who express disapproval of someone or something

Tamil Meaning: விமர்சகர்கள், எதிர்ப்பாளர்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: വിമർശകർ, എതിരാളികൾ

Kannada Meaning: ವಿಮರ್ಶಕರು, ವಿರೋಧಿಗಳು

Synonyms: detractors, opponents, reviewers, commentators, censors

Antonyms: supporters, admirers, advocates, proponents, defenders

Usage in Sentence: The critics of the policy argue that it lacks adequate safeguards.

24. Sought

Part of speech: Verb (past tense)

Meaning: Attempted to find, obtain or achieve something

Tamil Meaning: முயற்சித்தது, தேடியது

Malayalam Meaning: ശ്രമിച്ചു, അന്വേഷിച്ചു

Kannada Meaning: ಹುಡುಕಿದರು, ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಿಸಿದರು

Synonyms: tried, attempted, pursued, endeavoured, searched for

Antonyms: avoided, ignored, neglected, abandoned

Usage in Sentence: Opposition leaders sought to capitalise on the administration’s missteps.

25. Healing

Part of speech: Noun / Verb

Meaning: The process of becoming sound or healthy again; reconciliation

Tamil Meaning: குணப்படுத்துதல், சமரசம்

Malayalam Meaning: സൗഖ്യമാക്കൽ, സമാധാനം വരുത്തൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಗುಣಪಡಿಸುವಿಕೆ, ಸಮಾಧಾನ

Synonyms: recovery, mending, reconciliation, restoration, curing

Antonyms: worsening, harming, damaging, dividing

Usage in Sentence: National healing requires dialogue and understanding among diverse communities.

27. Concerns

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Matters of interest or importance causing worry or anxiety

Tamil Meaning: கவலைகள், அக்கறைகள்

Malayalam Meaning: ആശങ്കകൾ, ഉത്കണ്ഠകൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಕಾಳಜಿಗಳು, ಚಿಂತೆಗಳು

Synonyms: worries, anxieties, issues, matters, problems

Antonyms: reassurances, certainties, confidences

Usage in Sentence: Public concerns about privacy have grown with increased digital surveillance.

28. Enforcing

Part of speech: Verb (present participle)

Meaning: Compelling observance of or compliance with a law, rule or obligation

Tamil Meaning: அமல்படுத்துதல், செயல்படுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: നടപ്പിലാക്കൽ, നിർബന്ധിക്കൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಜಾರಿಗೊಳಿಸುವುದು, ಅನುಷ್ಠಾನಗೊಳಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: implementing, executing, administering, applying, imposing

Antonyms: ignoring, neglecting, abandoning, waiving

Usage in Sentence: The authorities are enforcing stricter penalties for traffic violations.

29. Regime

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A system or planned way of doing things, especially imposed from above

Tamil Meaning: ஆட்சி முறை, அமைப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: ഭരണസംവിധാനം, വ്യവസ്ഥ

Kannada Meaning: ಆಡಳಿತ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆ, ಪದ್ಧತಿ

Synonyms: system, arrangement, scheme, administration, framework

Antonyms: chaos, disorder, anarchy

Usage in Sentence: A strict licensing regime helps regulate potentially dangerous activities.

30. Decline

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A gradual and continuous loss of strength, numbers or quality

Tamil Meaning: வீழ்ச்சி, குறைவு

Malayalam Meaning: ഇടിവ്, കുറവ്

Kannada Meaning: ಕುಸಿತ, ಕಡಿಮೆಯಾಗುವಿಕೆ

Synonyms: decrease, reduction, fall, deterioration, downturn

Antonyms: increase, rise, growth, improvement, upturn

Usage in Sentence: There has been a significant decline in crime rates over the past decade.

31. Tighten

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To make something stricter or more severe

Tamil Meaning: இறுக்குதல், கடுமைப்படுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: കർശനമാക്കുക, മുറുക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಬಿಗಿಗೊಳಿಸು, ಕಠಿಣಗೊಳಿಸು

Synonyms: strengthen, intensify, stiffen, restrict, increase

Antonyms: loosen, relax, ease, slacken, weaken

Usage in Sentence: The central bank decided to tighten monetary policy to control inflation.

32. Monitoring

Part of speech: Verb (present participle) / Noun

Meaning: Observing and checking the progress or quality of something over time

Tamil Meaning: கண்காணித்தல், கவனித்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: നിരീക്ഷണം, പരിശോധന

Kannada Meaning: ಮೇಲ್ವಿಚಾರಣೆ, ಪರಿಶೀಲನೆ

Synonyms: observing, watching, tracking, supervising, surveying

Antonyms: ignoring, neglecting, overlooking, disregarding

Usage in Sentence: Continuous monitoring of social media platforms can help identify potential threats.

33. Ideologies

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Systems of ideas and ideals forming the basis of economic or political theory and policy

Tamil Meaning: கொள்கைகள், சித்தாந்தங்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രത്യയശാസ്ത്രങ്ങൾ, വിശ്വാസങ്ങൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಸಿದ್ಧಾಂತಗಳು, ಆದರ್ಶಗಳು

Synonyms: doctrines, beliefs, philosophies, principles, theories

Antonyms: pragmatism, realism, practicality

Usage in Sentence: Extremist ideologies often exploit social grievances to recruit members.

34. Isolate

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To cause a person or place to be separate from others; to identify and deal with separately

Tamil Meaning: தனிமைப்படுத்துதல், பிரித்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: ഒറ്റപ്പെടുത്തുക, വേർപെടുത്തുക

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರತ್ಯೇಕಿಸು, ಪ್ರತ್ಯೇಕಿಸಲು

Synonyms: separate, segregate, quarantine, detach, insulate

Antonyms: integrate, include, unite, connect, associate

Usage in Sentence: Effective counter-terrorism strategies must isolate extremist elements from mainstream society.

35. Perpetrate

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To carry out or commit a harmful, illegal or immoral action

Tamil Meaning: செய்தல், புரிதல் (குற்றம்)

Malayalam Meaning: ചെയ്യുക, നടത്തുക (കുറ്റകൃത്യം)

Kannada Meaning: ಮಾಡು, ನಡೆಸು (ಅಪರಾಧ)

Synonyms: commit, carry out, execute, inflict, perform

Antonyms: prevent, stop, deter, inhibit

Usage in Sentence: Those who perpetrate hate crimes must face the full force of the law.

36. Outcome

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The way a thing turns out; a result or consequence

Tamil Meaning: விளைவு, முடிவு

Malayalam Meaning: ഫലം, പരിണതി

Kannada Meaning: ಫಲಿತಾಂಶ, ಪರಿಣಾಮ

Synonyms: result, consequence, upshot, conclusion, effect

Antonyms: cause, origin, beginning, source

Usage in Sentence: The outcome of the elections will shape the political landscape for years to come.

37. Modicum

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A small quantity of a particular thing, especially something desirable

Tamil Meaning: சிறிதளவு, குறைந்த அளவு

Malayalam Meaning: അൽപ്പം, ചെറിയ അളവ്

Kannada Meaning: ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಪ್ರಮಾಣ, ಸಣ್ಣ ಪ್ರಮಾಣ

Synonyms: small amount, bit, trace, particle, fragment

Antonyms: abundance, plenty, excess, lot

Usage in Sentence: There appears to be a modicum of truth in the allegations.

38. Anti-incumbency

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Opposition to or dissatisfaction with those currently holding power

Tamil Meaning: தற்போதுள்ள ஆட்சிக்கு எதிர்ப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: നിലവിലുള്ള ഭരണത്തിനെതിരായ വികാരം

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ ಆಡಳಿತದ ವಿರೋಧ

Synonyms: voter discontent, dissatisfaction with current leadership

Antonyms: pro-incumbency, support for existing government

Usage in Sentence: Anti-incumbency sentiment was evident in the voters' rejection of the ruling party.

39. Bipolar

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Having or relating to two poles or extremities; involving two opposing political groups or systems

Tamil Meaning: இரு துருவ, இரு அரசியல் கட்சி முறை

Malayalam Meaning: ദ്വിധ്രുവ, രണ്ട് പ്രധാന ധ്രുവങ്ങൾ

Kannada Meaning: ದ್ವಿಧ್ರುವೀಯ, ಎರಡು ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಗುಂಪುಗಳು

Synonyms: two-party, dual, dichotomous, binary

Antonyms: multipolar, unified, singular, monolithic

Usage in Sentence: Kerala has traditionally maintained a bipolar political system dominated by two major coalitions.

40. Unseating

Part of speech: Verb (present participle)

Meaning: Removing someone from a position of power or authority

Tamil Meaning: வீழ்த்துதல், அகற்றுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: അധികാരത്തിൽ നിന്ന് പുറത്താക്കൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಧಿಕಾರದಿಂದ ತೆಗೆದುಹಾಕುವುದು

Synonyms: ousting, removing, displacing, deposing, overthrowing

Antonyms: installing, establishing, enthroning, maintaining

Usage in Sentence: The opposition succeeded in unseating the long-ruling party in several constituencies.

41. Perception

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The way in which something is regarded, understood or interpreted

Tamil Meaning: கருத்து, உணர்வு

Malayalam Meaning: ധാരണ, കാഴ്ചപ്പാട്

Kannada Meaning: ಗ್ರಹಿಕೆ, ಅಭಿಪ್ರಾಯ

Synonyms: understandingContinue2:52 PM, view, impression, interpretation, notion

Antonyms: reality, fact, ignorance, misunderstanding

Usage in Sentence: The party's success created a perception of growing political strength.

42. Forerunner

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A person or thing that precedes the coming or development of someone or something else; an indication of what is to follow

Tamil Meaning: முன்னோடி, முன்னுரிமை

Malayalam Meaning: മുൻഗാമി, സൂചന

Kannada Meaning: ಮುಂಚೂಣಿ, ಸೂಚಕ

Synonyms: precursor, harbinger, herald, predecessor, indicator

Antonyms: successor, follower, consequence

Usage in Sentence: The local elections are often seen as a forerunner to the general elections.

43. Consolidation

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The action or process of combining things into a single more effective or coherent whole

Tamil Meaning: ஒருங்கிணைப்பு, வலுப்படுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ഏകീകരണം, ശക്തിപ്പെടുത്തൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಏಕೀಕರಣ, ಬಲಪಡಿಸುವಿಕೆ

Synonyms: unification, strengthening, merging, integration, amalgamation

Antonyms: division, separation, fragmentation, dispersal

Usage in Sentence: The victory was achieved through the consolidation of various voter groups.

44. Alliance

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A union or association formed for mutual benefit between countries or organisations

Tamil Meaning: கூட்டணி, சங்கம்

Malayalam Meaning: സഖ്യം, സഖ്യകക്ഷി സംഘം

Kannada Meaning: ಮೈತ್ರಿ, ಸಂಘಟನೆ

Synonyms: coalition, partnership, union, federation, league

Antonyms: separation, division, opposition, enmity

Usage in Sentence: The alliance between the two parties proved crucial to their electoral success.

45. Substantial

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Of considerable importance, size or worth

Tamil Meaning: கணிசமான, பெரும்

Malayalam Meaning: ഗണ്യമായ, വലിയ

Kannada Meaning: ಗಣನೀಯ, ಗಮನಾರ್ಹ

Synonyms: considerable, significant, sizeable, large, ample

Antonyms: insignificant, negligible, minor, small, trivial

Usage in Sentence: The party received substantial support from minority communities.

46. Onslaught

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A fierce or destructive attack; an overwhelmingly large quantity of something

Tamil Meaning: தாக்குதல், படையெடுப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: ആക്രമണം, കടന്നാക്രമണം

Kannada Meaning: ಆಕ್ರಮಣ, ಧಾಳಿ

Synonyms: attack, assault, offensive, barrage, bombardment

Antonyms: defence, protection, retreat, withdrawal

Usage in Sentence: The party faced a continuous onslaught of criticism from its opponents.

47. Tacit

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Understood or implied without being stated openly

Tamil Meaning: மறைமுகமான, உணர்த்தப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: മൗനമായ, പരോക്ഷമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಮೌನವಾದ, ಅಸ್ಪಷ್ಟವಾದ

Synonyms: implied, implicit, unspoken, understood, indirect

Antonyms: explicit, stated, expressed, direct, open

Usage in Sentence: There was a tacit agreement between the parties not to criticise each other publicly.

48. Fervent

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Having or displaying a passionate intensity

Tamil Meaning: தீவிரமான, உற்சாகமான

Malayalam Meaning: തീക്ഷ്ണമായ, ആവേശപൂർണ്ണമായ

Kannada Meaning: ತೀವ್ರವಾದ, ಉತ್ಸಾಹಭರಿತ

Synonyms: passionate, ardent, intense, zealous, enthusiastic

Antonyms: apathetic, indifferent, unenthusiastic, lukewarm, cool

Usage in Sentence: The candidate made a fervent appeal to voters to support change.

49. Erosion

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The gradual destruction or diminution of something

Tamil Meaning: அரிப்பு, சிதைவு

Malayalam Meaning: നശീകരണം, ക്ഷയം

Kannada Meaning: ಸವೆತ, ನಾಶ

Synonyms: deterioration, wearing away, decline, degradation, reduction

Antonyms: buildup, growth, accumulation, strengthening

Usage in Sentence: The party witnessed an erosion of its traditional support base.

50. Counter-productive

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Having the opposite of the desired effect

Tamil Meaning: எதிர்விளைவு தரும், தீங்கு விளைவிக்கும்

Malayalam Meaning: വിപരീത ഫലം നൽകുന്ന, ഫലശൂന്യമായ

Kannada Meaning: ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಫಲಿತಾಂಶ, ಅನಪೇಕ್ಷಿತ

Synonyms: harmful, disadvantageous, detrimental, unhelpful, adverse

Antonyms: beneficial, helpful, productive, advantageous, useful

Usage in Sentence: The aggressive campaign tactics proved counter-productive and alienated voters.

51. Far-fetched

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Unlikely and unconvincing; implausible

Tamil Meaning: நம்பமுடியாத, அசாத்தியமான

Malayalam Meaning: അസംഭവ്യമായ, വിശ്വസിക്കാൻ പ്രയാസമുള്ള

Kannada Meaning: ಅಸಂಭವ, ನಂಬಲಾಗದ

Synonyms: implausible, unconvincing, unrealistic, dubious, questionable

Antonyms: plausible, believable, convincing, realistic, credible

Usage in Sentence: The explanation offered for the defeat seemed far-fetched and unconvincing.

52. Ascribe

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To regard something as being caused by or attribute something to

Tamil Meaning: காரணம் கூறுதல், சொல்லுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: കാരണമായി പറയുക, ആരോപിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಕಾರಣವೆಂದು ಹೇಳು, ಆರೋಪಿಸು

Synonyms: attribute, assign, credit, impute, blame

Antonyms: deny, reject, dissociate, disclaim

Usage in Sentence: It would be simplistic to ascribe the victory solely to one factor.

53. Probe

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: An investigation or inquiry into something

Tamil Meaning: விசாரணை, ஆய்வு

Malayalam Meaning: അന്വേഷണം, പരിശോധന

Kannada Meaning: ತನಿಖೆ, ಪರಿಶೀಲನೆ

Synonyms: investigation, inquiry, examination, exploration, study

Antonyms: ignorance, neglect, disregard, overlook

Usage in Sentence: The administration ordered a judicial probe into the allegations of corruption.

54. Alleged

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Said, without proof, to have taken place or to have a specified quality

Tamil Meaning: குற்றம் சாட்டப்பட்ட, கூறப்படும்

Malayalam Meaning: ആരോപണം, ആരോപിക്കപ്പെട്ട

Kannada Meaning: ಆರೋಪಿತ, ಹೇಳಲಾದ

Synonyms: supposed, claimed, purported, reported, asserted

Antonyms: proven, confirmed, verified, established, substantiated

Usage in Sentence: The alleged misconduct is currently under investigation.

55. Pilferage

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The action of stealing things of relatively little value

Tamil Meaning: திருட்டு, சிறிய அளவில் களவு

Malayalam Meaning: മോഷണം, ചെറിയ കള്ളത്തരം

Kannada Meaning: ಕಳ್ಳತನ, ಸಣ್ಣ ಕಳ್ಳತನ

Synonyms: theft, stealing, larceny, embezzlement, misappropriation

Antonyms: honesty, integrity, restitution, return

Usage in Sentence: There were reports of pilferage of temple offerings by officials.

56. Wrested

Part of speech: Verb (past tense)

Meaning: Obtained something with effort or difficulty; pulled or twisted suddenly

Tamil Meaning: பிடுங்கியது, கைப்பற்றியது

Malayalam Meaning: പിടിച്ചെടുത്തു, കൈക്കലാക്കി

Kannada Meaning: ಬಲವಂತವಾಗಿ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಂಡರು, ಸ್ವಾಧೀನಪಡಿಸಿಕೊಂಡರು

Synonyms: seized, grabbed, snatched, captured, obtained

Antonyms: surrendered, relinquished, yielded, gave up

Usage in Sentence: The opposition wrested control of several key constituencies from the ruling party.

57. Umbilical

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Relating to or affecting the navel or umbilical cord; having a close relationship

Tamil Meaning: தொப்புள்கொடி சார்ந்த, நெருங்கிய தொடர்புள்ள

Malayalam Meaning: പൊക്കിൾകൊടി സംബന്ധിച്ച, അടുത്ത ബന്ധമുള്ള

Kannada Meaning: ಹೊಕ್ಕುಳಿನ, ನಿಕಟ ಸಂಬಂಧವುಳ್ಳ

Synonyms: intrinsic, inherent, essential, fundamental, close

Antonyms: disconnected, separate, unrelated, distant

Usage in Sentence: The municipality has an umbilical connection with the religious shrine.

58. Boroughs

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Towns or districts that are administrative units; areas that send representatives to parliament

Tamil Meaning: நகர பகுதிகள், நகராட்சிகள்

Malayalam Meaning: നഗരപ്രദേശങ്ങൾ, ഭരണവിഭാഗങ്ങൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಪಟ್ಟಣ ಪ್ರದೇಶಗಳು, ನಗರ ಪ್ರದೇಶಗಳು

Synonyms: districts, municipalities, townships, constituencies, wards

Usage in Sentence: The party lost several of its traditional pocket boroughs in the elections.

59. Unholy

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Sinful or wicked; unnatural or outrageous (often used for emphasis)

Tamil Meaning: புனிதமற்ற, அநியாயமான

Malayalam Meaning: അപവിത്രമായ, അധാർമികമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಪವಿತ್ರ, ಅನೈತಿಕ

Synonyms: improper, inappropriate, unsuitable, ungodly, immoral

Antonyms: holy, sacred, proper, appropriate, righteous

Usage in Sentence: Critics alleged an unholy alliance between the two rival parties.

60. Forfeited

Part of speech: Verb (past tense)

Meaning: Lost or surrendered as a penalty for wrongdoing or failure

Tamil Meaning: இழந்தது, பறிக்கப்பட்டது

Malayalam Meaning: നഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടു, കൈവെടിഞ്ഞു

Kannada Meaning: ಕಳೆದುಕೊಂಡರು, ಬಿಟ್ಟುಕೊಟ್ಟರು

Synonyms: lost, surrendered, relinquished, sacrificed, gave up

Antonyms: won, gained, retained, kept, preserved

Usage in Sentence: The party forfeited several seats due to poor performance.

61. Spur

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To encourage or stimulate something; to promote development or activity

Tamil Meaning: தூண்டுதல், ஊக்குவித்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രോത്സാഹിപ്പിക്കുക, ഉത്തേജിപ്പിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಉತ್ತೇಜಿಸು, ಪ್ರೋತ್ಸಾಹಿಸು

Synonyms: stimulate, encourage, prompt, motivate, incite

Antonyms: discourage, deter, hinder, inhibit, restrain

Usage in Sentence: The administration sought to spur economic growth through infrastructure investment.

62. Parochial

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Having a limited or narrow outlook or scope; relating to a church parish

Tamil Meaning: குறுகிய சிந்தனையுள்ள, ஊர் சார்ந்த

Malayalam Meaning: ഇടുങ്ങിയ കാഴ്ചപ്പാടുള്ള, പ്രാദേശികമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಸಂಕುಚಿತ, ಸ್ಥಳೀಯ

Synonyms: narrow-minded, provincial, insular, limited, restricted

Antonyms: broad-minded, cosmopolitan, liberal, open-minded, universal

Usage in Sentence: The state administration struggled against the parochial policies of the central administration.

63. Retaining

Part of speech: Verb (present participle)

Meaning: Continuing to have or keep something; not losing or abolishing

Tamil Meaning: தக்கவைத்தல், பேணுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: നിലനിർത്തൽ, സൂക്ഷിക്കൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಉಳಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವುದು, ಇಟ್ಟುಕೊಳ್ಳುವುದು

Synonyms: keeping, maintaining, preserving, holding, sustaining

Antonyms: losing, abandoning, relinquishing, discarding, releasing

Usage in Sentence: The party focused on retaining its core ideological principles.

64. Welfarist

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Relating to or supporting policies aimed at promoting the welfare of citizens

Tamil Meaning: நலன்சார்ந்த, நல்வாழ்வு சார்ந்த

Malayalam Meaning: ക്ഷേമപരമായ, ജനക്ഷേമത്തിന്റെ

Kannada Meaning: ಕಲ್ಯಾಣದ, ಕಲ್ಯಾಣಕಾರಿ

Synonyms: welfare-oriented, social welfare, pro-welfare, benevolent

Antonyms: market-oriented, laissez-faire, individualistic

Usage in Sentence: The administration maintained its welfarist approach to social policy.

65. Defensive

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Used or intended to defend or protect; anxious to challenge or avoid criticism

Tamil Meaning: தற்காப்பு, பாதுகாப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രതിരോധാത്മകമായ, സംരക്ഷണാത്മകമായ

Kannada Meaning: ರಕ್ಷಣಾತ್ಮಕ, ಸಂರಕ್ಷಣಾತ್ಮಕ

Synonyms: protective, guarded, cautious, wary, apologetic

Antonyms: offensive, aggressive, assertive, confident, attacking

Usage in Sentence: The party's campaign was largely defensive rather than presenting a positive vision.

66. Sundry

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Of various kinds; several; miscellaneous

Tamil Meaning: பல்வேறு, பலவிதமான

Malayalam Meaning: പലതരം, വിവിധം

Kannada Meaning: ವಿವಿಧ, ಹಲವಾರು

Synonyms: various, diverse, assorted, miscellaneous, different

Antonyms: uniform, similar, identical, singular, same

Usage in Sentence: The campaign addressed sundry issues without a coherent central message.

67. Lapses

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Temporary failures of concentration, memory or judgement; declines or falls from a standard

Tamil Meaning: தவறுகள், குறைபாடுகள்

Malayalam Meaning: വീഴ്ചകൾ, പിഴവുകൾ

Kannada Meaning: ತಪ್ಪುಗಳು, ನ್ಯೂನತೆಗಳು

Synonyms: mistakes, errors, slip-ups, oversights, failures

Antonyms: achievements, successes, improvements, strengths

Usage in Sentence: The opposition capitalised on the ruling party's policy lapses to gain electoral advantage.

Idiom of the Day: 16 December 2025

Know the Ropes

Formal / Neutral

Meaning: To be familiar with the practical details, procedures and unwritten rules of a job, task or environment; to understand how things truly work through experience rather than theory.

Explanation of the Idiom:

The idiom ‘know the ropes’ originates from the world of sailing and maritime work, where ropes controlled sails, anchors and rigging. For a novice sailor, the web of ropes could be bewildering; knowing which rope did what, and when to use it, was essential for safety and efficiency. To know the ropes therefore meant possessing hands-on knowledge that came only with time, observation and practice.

Over time, the phrase moved ashore and into broader usage. By the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries, this phrase had become a metaphor for competence in any structured setting. Today, it is commonly used to distinguish those who understand not just formal rules, but also the subtle rhythms, shortcuts and expectations that define real-world functioning.

This idiom carries an important implication: mastery is often quite and invisible. Those who know the ropes do not draw attention to themselves; they move confidently, anticipate problems and adapt smoothly.

Example Sentences:

After a few months on the job, she knew the ropes well enough to manage the team independently.

The new editor didn’t much hand-holding; he clearly knew the ropes of a fast-paced newsroom.

It took years in public service before he truly knew the ropes of policymaking and negotiation.

With today’s Editorial Vocabulary Analysis from 16 December 2025, you've learned 60+ powerful English vocabulary words with their meaning, meaning in English, meaning in Tamil, meaning in Kannada, meaning in Malayalam, synonyms, antonyms and example sentences.

Through Veranda RACE’s ‘Idiom of the Day’ series you learned the idiom ‘know the ropes’ by understanding its meaning, explanation, origin and practical usage.

With example sentences and common use cases, this Idiom of the Day section from Veranda RACE helped you strengthen your vocabulary and use idiomatic expressions effectively in both writing and conversation.

Consistent practice with vocabulary and idiom of the day like these builds every day not just your word bank but also sharpens your comprehension and expression for competitive exams and real-world communication.

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