The Daily Editorial Analysis – English Vocabulary Building – 7 February 2026

Learn English Vocabulary – Daily Editorial Analysis – 7 February 2026

This blog post by Veranda RACE helps competitive exam aspirants learn 65+ 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 February 2026, 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 SBI CBO Exam, 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 – 7 February 2026

1. Grim

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Forbidding or uninviting in appearance; depressing or tragic in nature

Tamil Meaning: கடுமையான / இரக்கமற்ற / கண்டிப்பான

Malayalam Meaning: നിരാശാജനകമായ

Kannada Meaning: ನೀರಸವಾದ

Synonyms: Dark, dreary, bleak, dismal, tragic

Antonyms: Cheerful, bright, pleasant, hopeful

Usage in Sentence: The grim discovery of unsafe mining practices has forced the administration to strengthen regulatory mechanisms across the coal industry.

2. Supervision

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The action or process of overseeing and directing the operations or performance of a person or organisation

Tamil Meaning: மேற்பார்வை

Malayalam Meaning: മേൽനോട്ടം

Kannada Meaning: ಮೇಲ್ವಿಚಾರಣೆ

Synonyms: Oversight, monitoring, inspection, control, management

Antonyms: Neglect, abandonment, disregard

Usage in Sentence: Effective supervision of mining operations by administrative authorities is essential to prevent accidents and protect workers.

3. Substitute

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To replace something with something else, typically something of lesser quality or suitability

Tamil Meaning: பதிலாக

Malayalam Meaning: പകരം വയ്ക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಬದಲುಗೊಳಿಸು

Synonyms: Replace, exchange, swap, change, alternate

Antonyms: Keep, retain, preserve, maintain

Usage in Sentence: Court orders cannot substitute for robust administrative enforcement and preventive mechanisms in controlling illegal mining.

4. Distinct

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Recognisably different in nature; clearly defined or determined

Tamil Meaning: தனிச்சிறப்பான

Malayalam Meaning: വ്യത്യസ്തമായ

Kannada Meaning: ವಿಶಿಷ್ಟವಾದ

Synonyms: Different, separate, unique, individual, particular

Antonyms: Similar, identical, indistinct, common

Usage in Sentence: Meghalaya's coal-mining ecosystem is distinct because of its small landholdings, thin seams and complex supply chains.

5. Enforcement

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The process of ensuring that rules or laws are obeyed; the act of compelling someone to do something

Tamil Meaning: நடைமுறைப்படுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: നിർബന്ധനം

Kannada Meaning: ಜಾರಿಕೆ

Synonyms: Implementation, execution, administration, application, compliance

Antonyms: Neglect, violation, breach, disregard

Usage in Sentence: Weak local enforcement of mining regulations has allowed illegal rat-hole mining to flourish in the northeast.

6. Launder

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To make illegally obtained money appear to be legitimate; to transfer illicit funds through complex transactions

Tamil Meaning: சட்டவிரோதமாக

Malayalam Meaning: അനുചിതമായി വിതരണം ചെയ്യുക

Kannada Meaning: ಅಕ್ರಮವಾಗಿ ಹಣವನ್ನು ಸರಿಪಡಿಸು

Synonyms: Disguise, conceal, hide, mask, whitewash

Antonyms: Expose, reveal, uncover, declare

Usage in Sentence: Illegal coal is laundered into legitimate markets through a network of intermediaries and supply chain operators.

7. Legitimate

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Conforming to the law or rule; able to be justified on logical or moral grounds

Tamil Meaning: நியாயமான

Malayalam Meaning: നിയമാനുസരണമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಕಾನೂನುಬದ್ಧ

Synonyms: Legal, lawful, valid, justified, authorised

Antonyms: Illegal, unlawful, invalid, unjustified

Usage in Sentence: The administration must ensure that all coal entering the market is from legitimate sources with proper documentation.

8. Intermediaries

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Persons or organisations acting as the link between parties in a transaction

Tamil Meaning: இடைத்தரகர்கள் (

Malayalam Meaning: മധ്യസ്ഥർ

Kannada Meaning: ಮಧ್ಯವರ್ತಿಗಳು

Synonyms: Broker, agent, mediator, middleman, liaison

Antonyms: Principal, direct party

Usage in Sentence: Supply chain intermediaries must be held accountable for knowingly facilitating the sale of illegally mined coal.

9. Prone

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Likely to do something or be affected by something, typically something harmful; lying face down

Tamil Meaning: ஆளாக

Malayalam Meaning: എളുപ്പത്തിൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಆಗುವ ಸಾಧ್ಯತೆ

Synonyms: Susceptible, vulnerable, inclined, liable, subject

Antonyms: Resistant, immune, unlikely, protected

Usage in Sentence: Rat-hole mines are prone to catastrophic collapses because they lack proper engineering and safety structures.

10. Cessation

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The action or process of ceasing or stopping something; a pause or discontinuation

Tamil Meaning: நிறுத்தம்

Malayalam Meaning: നിര്യാണം

Kannada Meaning: ನಿರತ

Synonyms: Stopping, halt, pause, termination, suspension

Antonyms: Beginning, commencement, continuation, persistence

Usage in Sentence: The National Green Tribunal's order for cessation of rat-hole mining has not been adequately implemented.

11. Fragmented

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Broken or separated into fragments; existing in separate or incomplete pieces

Tamil Meaning: பிரிந்த

Malayalam Meaning: വിഭജിതമായ

Kannada Meaning: ವಿಭಜಿತ

Synonyms: Divided, scattered, dispersed, broken, disjointed

Antonyms: Unified, integrated, whole, consolidated

Usage in Sentence: The fragmented ownership structure of coal mines in Meghalaya makes it difficult to assign responsibility for illegal operations.

12. Accountability

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The requirement or responsibility to explain and justify one's actions and accept consequences for them

Tamil Meaning: பொறுப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: ഉത്തരവാദിത്വം

Kannada Meaning: ನೈತಿಕ ಮತ್ತು ಕಾನೂನು ಜವಾಬ್ದಾರಿ

Synonyms: Responsibility, liability, answerability, culpability

Antonyms: Irresponsibility, evasion, avoidance

Usage in Sentence: The spreading of accountability among multiple contractors allows illegal mine operators to escape punishment.

13. Patronage

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The support given by a patron; the power to influence in one's favour; political favouritism

Tamil Meaning: பாதுகாப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: സംരക്ഷണം

Kannada Meaning: ಪೃಷ್ಠಪೋಷಣೆ

Synonyms: Favour, support, backing, influence, nepotism

Antonyms: Opposition, withdrawal, fairness, impartiality

Usage in Sentence: Political patronage enables illegal mining operators to continue their activities without facing legal consequences.

14. Underreport

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To report something as being smaller, less significant, or less serious than it actually is

Tamil Meaning: குறைவாக விவரிக்க

Malayalam Meaning: കുറച്ച് പ്രസ്താവിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಕಡಿಮೆ ವರದಿ ಮಾಡು

Synonyms: Downplay, minimise, understate, suppress, conceal

Antonyms: Exaggerate, overstate, emphasise, highlight

Usage in Sentence: Illegal mine operators routinely underreport accidents to avoid drawing attention from regulatory authorities.

15. Degraded

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Reduced in rank or status; of poor quality; damaged or diminished in condition

Tamil Meaning: தரங்குறைந்த

Malayalam Meaning: തകരാറിലായ

Kannada Meaning: ಹತ್ತಿದ

Synonyms: Damaged, deteriorated, weakened, reduced, impaired

Antonyms: Improved, upgraded, enhanced, restored

Usage in Sentence: Degraded roads around illegal mining areas make it dangerous for workers and impossible for emergency services to respond quickly.

16. Legacy

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Belonging to or based on old technology or systems; inherited from the past

Tamil Meaning: ஏற்கனவே உற்பத்தி செய்யப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: ഇതിനകം നിർമ്മിച്ചത്

Kannada Meaning:ಈಗಾಗಲೇಉತ್ಪಾದಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ

Synonyms: Historical, inherited, old, traditional, established

Antonyms: Modern, new, contemporary, innovative

Usage in Sentence: Legacy coal from established mines is difficult to distinguish from illegally extracted coal once it enters the supply chain.

17. Mandatory

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Required or compelled by law or rules; obligatory

Tamil Meaning: கட்டாய

Malayalam Meaning: നിർബന്ധിത

Kannada Meaning: ಅನಿವಾರ್ಯ

Synonyms: Compulsory, obligatory, required, binding, necessary

Antonyms: Optional, voluntary, discretionary, elective

Usage in Sentence: Mandatory GPS tracking for all coal carriers would significantly reduce the transport of illegally mined coal.

18. Invalidate

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To make something invalid or of no effect; to nullify or render void

Tamil Meaning: தகுதியில்லாதாக்க

Malayalam Meaning: അസാധുവാക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಅಮಾನ್ಯ ಮಾಡು

Synonyms: Nullify, void, cancel, annul, reject

Antonyms: Validate, confirm, authorise, approve, certify

Usage in Sentence: The administration should invalidate consignments of coal that deviate from authorised transport routes.

19. Consignments

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A batch of goods sent or delivered together; the action of delivering goods to someone

Tamil Meaning: அனுப்பப்படும் சரக்கு

Malayalam Meaning: അയയ്ക്കേണ്ട ചരക്ക്

Kannada Meaning: ಸಾಗಿಸಬೇಕಾದ ಸರಕು

Synonyms: Shipment, cargo, batch, delivery, load

Usage in Sentence: Coal consignments that lack proper documentation should be seized at checkpoints.

20. Deviate

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To depart from an established course, path or standard

Tamil Meaning: விலகு

Malayalam Meaning: ഭിന്നത കാണിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ವಿಚಲನ

Synonyms: Depart, diverge, stray, differ, swerve

Antonyms: Conform, adhere, follow, comply

Usage in Sentence: Coal carriers that deviate from designated routes should face severe penalties and blacklisting.

21. Incentivised

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Provided with reasons or motivation to do something; offered financial or material rewards

Tamil Meaning: ஊக்குவித்த

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രേരിപ്പിച്ച

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರೋತ್ಸಾಹಿಸಿದ

Synonyms: Encouraged, motivated, stimulated, rewarded

Antonyms: Discouraged, penalised, hindered

Usage in Sentence: Community monitoring of mining activities should be incentivised by sharing penalties with local bodies.

22. Conversely

Part of speech: Adverb

Meaning: In a way that is the opposite or reverse; on the other hand

Tamil Meaning: மறுபுறமாக

Malayalam Meaning: എതിരായി

Kannada Meaning: ವಿರುದ್ಧವಾಗಿ

Synonyms: Contrarily, oppositely, reversely, by contrast

Antonyms: Similarly, likewise, equally

Usage in Sentence: Conversely, the administration should actively pursue severe penalties against intermediaries who facilitate illegal coal trade.

23. Seizure

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The action of forcibly taking possession of something; sudden onset of an attack or illness

Tamil Meaning: கைப்பற்றுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: പിടിച്ചെടുക്കല്‍

Kannada Meaning: ವಶಕ್ಕೆ ತಗೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳುವಿಕೆ

Synonyms: Confiscation, impounding, appropriation, capture, arrest

Antonyms: Release, relinquishment, delivery

Usage in Sentence: Authorities should impose seizure of assets belonging to illegal mining intermediaries.

24. Blacklisting

Part of speech: Noun / Gerund

Meaning: The action of putting someone on a blacklist or list of people who are disapproved of or distrusted; exclusion

Tamil Meaning: கறுப்புப் பட்டியலிடுதல்/ தவறிழைத்தோர் பட்டியலில் சேர்த்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: കരിമായ പട്ടിക തയ്യാറാക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಕಪ್ಪು ಪಟ್ಟಿ

Synonyms: Exclusion, prohibition, banning, proscription, disqualification

Antonyms: Approval, endorsement, inclusion, acceptance

Usage in Sentence: Intermediaries caught in illegal coal trade should face blacklisting from future mineral auctions.

25. Displace

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To take the place of something; to force someone to leave their home or position

Tamil Meaning: இடம் மாற்று

Malayalam Meaning: തമ്മിൽ സ്ഥാനം മാറ്റുക

Kannada Meaning: ಸ್ಥಾನಾಪನ್ನ

Synonyms: Replace, supersede, supplant, shift, remove

Antonyms: Keep, retain, restore, reinstate

Usage in Sentence: The state should displace illegal mining as an income source by developing alternative livelihood options.

26. Dismantle

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To take something apart; to break down a system or structure; to end or abolish

Tamil Meaning: தகர்த்து விடு

Malayalam Meaning: കഴിച്ചുകൊടുക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಭಿಕಿಸುವ

Synonyms: Disassemble, break down, demolish, destroy, abolish

Antonyms: Assemble, construct, build, establish

Usage in Sentence: The administration must dismantle the informal labour systems that enable illegal mining operations.

27. Testify

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To give evidence as a witness in court; to provide proof or evidence of something

Tamil Meaning: சாட்சியம் அளிக்க

Malayalam Meaning: സാക്ഷ്യം പറയുക

Kannada Meaning: ಸಾಕ್ಷ್ಯ ಪ್ರದಾನ

Synonyms: Witness, depose, declare, affirm, attest

Antonyms: Deny, refute, contradict

Usage in Sentence: Workers should be allowed to testify against illegal mining operations in exchange for legal amnesty.

28. Amnesty

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: An official pardon, typically granted by a government; a period during which offenders can escape punishment

Tamil Meaning: மன்னிப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: കെട്ടിപ്പുറത്താക്കല്‍

Kannada Meaning: ಕ್ষಮೆ

Synonyms: Pardon, forgiveness, waiver, reprieve, clemency

Antonyms: Prosecution, punishment, conviction

Usage in Sentence: Offering amnesty to workers who provide testimony about illegal mining could encourage them to come forward.

29. Errant

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Straying from the proper course or standards; wandering; in error

Tamil Meaning: தவறான

Malayalam Meaning: പിശകുകാരനായ

Kannada Meaning: ತಪ್ಪುಮಾಡುವ

Synonyms: Wayward, deviant, incorrect, faulty, erroneous

Antonyms: Correct, accurate, proper, right

Usage in Sentence: The administration must aggressively pursue errant contractors who knowingly collude with illegal mining operators.

30. Subvert

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To undermine the power or authority of a system; to corrupt or pervert

Tamil Meaning: அடிபணிவதை தகர்க்க

Malayalam Meaning: കീഴിലാക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಪರಾಕ್ರಮಿಸು

Synonyms: Undermine, sabotage, corrupt, compromise, weaken

Antonyms: Support, strengthen, uphold, reinforce

Usage in Sentence: Officials must subvert administrative tolerance for illegal mining contractors through regular inspections and audits.

31. Trapped

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Caught in a place or situation from which one cannot escape; stuck

Tamil Meaning: சிக்கிப் போயிருக்கும்

Malayalam Meaning: കുടുങ്ങിയ

Kannada Meaning: ಸಿಕ್ಕಿಬಿದ್ದ

Synonyms: Caught, stuck, ensnared, confined, captive

Antonyms: Free, released, liberated, escaped

Usage in Sentence: The country’s largest province remains trapped in a deepening cycle of violence due to military reprisals.

32. Deepening

Part of speech: Adjective / Verb form

Meaning: Becoming deeper, more intense or more serious; growing in extent or severity

Tamil Meaning: ஆழமாக்க

Malayalam Meaning: ആഴമുണ്ടാക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಆಳವಾದ

Synonyms: Intensifying, worsening, increasing, strengthening, escalating

Antonyms: Diminishing, easing, weakening, lessening

Usage in Sentence: The deepening cycle of violence in the neighbouring country shows no signs of abating without political reforms.

33. Reprisals

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Punishment inflicted in return for an injury or offence; retaliation

Tamil Meaning: பதிலடி

Malayalam Meaning: തിരിച്ചടിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಸೇಡು ತೀರಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಿ

Synonyms: Retaliation, revenge, vengeance, punishment, requital

Antonyms: Forgiveness, pardon, mercy, reconciliation

Usage in Sentence: Military reprisals against fighters have only intensified the cycle of violence rather than resolving underlying grievances.

34. Militants

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Combative or aggressive individuals; armed fighters engaged in a conflict

Tamil Meaning: போராளிகள்

Malayalam Meaning: സായുധ സമരക്കാർ

Kannada Meaning: ಸಾಶಸ್ತ್ರ ಯಾಚಕರು

Synonyms: Fighters, combatants, insurgents, armed activists, warriors

Antonyms: Civilians, pacifists, peacemakers

Usage in Sentence: Militants hijacked a train in March as part of their campaign against authorities.

35. Hijacked

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To seize control of a vehicle or aircraft illegally; to take something without permission or proper authority

Tamil Meaning: கடத்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: കവര്‍ന്നെടുക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಅವೈಧವಾಗಿ ಸ್ವಾಧೀನಿಸುವಿಕೆ

Synonyms: Seize, commandeer, capture, usurp, take control

Antonyms: Release, surrender, relinquish

Usage in Sentence: When militants hijacked the Jaffar Express, it highlighted the severity of security challenges in the region.

36. Reactive

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Acting in response to an event rather than anticipating it; responding to stimulus

Tamil Meaning: எதிர்வினை செய்யக்கூடிய

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രതികരണാത്മകമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರತಿಕ್ರಿಯಾ ಸ್ವಭಾವ

Synonyms: Responsive, responding, retaliatory, defensive, passive

Antonyms: Proactive, preventive, initiative, anticipatory

Usage in Sentence: The region’s reactive military responses have been largely ineffective in addressing the root causes of insurgency.

37. Disproportionate

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Not in proportion or balance; too large, great or excessive in relation to something else

Tamil Meaning: சமநிலையற்ற

Malayalam Meaning: അനുപാതരഹിതമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಸಮ ಪ್ರಮಾಣದ

Synonyms: Excessive, imbalanced, unequal, uneven, inordinate

Antonyms: Proportionate, balanced, equal, commensurate

Usage in Sentence: Disproportionate military responses by the country have alienated the border population further.

38. Rebel

Part of speech: Noun / Adjective

Meaning: A person who resists authority or convention; engaging in armed resistance against a government

Tamil Meaning: கிளச்சியாளர்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രതിരോധകർ

Kannada Meaning: ಕ್ರಾಂತಿಕಾರಿ

Synonyms: Insurgent, revolutionary, dissident, resistance fighter, nonconformist

Antonyms: Loyalist, conformist, obedient, compliant

Usage in Sentence: Rebel groups have united to improve coordination in their armed struggle.

39. Outfits

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Groups or organisations; sets of clothes or equipment

Tamil Meaning: அமைப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: സിസ്റ്റം

Kannada Meaning: ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆ

Synonyms: Groups, organisations, bands, factions, units

Usage in Sentence: Several smaller outfits have joined the unified front to oppose the educational reforms.

40. Indefensible

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Not able to be justified or defended; unjustifiable; inexcusable

Tamil Meaning: பாதுகாக்க முடியாத

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രതിരോധിക്കാനാകാത്ത

Kannada Meaning: ರಕ್ಷಣೆ ಮಾಡಲಾಗದ

Synonyms: Unjustifiable, inexcusable, indefendable, wrong, unacceptable

Antonyms: Justifiable, defensible, acceptable, excusable

Usage in Sentence: Whilst violence against civilians is indefensible, the state's coercive approach has fuelled the rebellion.

41. Reliance

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Dependence on or trust in someone or something; the state of being reliant

Tamil Meaning: சார்பு

Malayalam Meaning: ആശ്രയം

Kannada Meaning: ಅವಲಂಬನೆ

Synonyms: Dependence, confidence, trust, faith, belief

Antonyms: Independence, distrust, self-reliance, doubt

Usage in Sentence: The country’s long reliance on coercive military measures has paradoxically strengthened outfits.

42. Coercion

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The practice of forcing someone to do something against their will, typically through threats or violence

Tamil Meaning: கட்டாய

Malayalam Meaning: നിർബന്ധനം

Kannada Meaning: ಬಲಪ್ರಯೋಗ

Synonyms: Force, compulsion, pressure, duress, intimidation

Antonyms: Consent, persuasion, agreement, cooperation

Usage in Sentence: The state's excessive coercion against the population has created resentment.

43. Fuelled

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To supply with fuel; to cause something to develop or become more intense

Tamil Meaning: தூண்டப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രേരിപ്പിച്ചത്

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಚೋದಿಸಿತು

Synonyms: Powered, stimulated, encouraged, provoked, intensified

Antonyms: Extinguished, suppressed, reduced, diminished

Usage in Sentence: Security crackdowns have fuelled rather than suppressed the insurgency.

44. Insurgency

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: An organised armed rebellion against a government or authority; rebellion or uprising

Tamil Meaning: கிளர்ச்சி

Malayalam Meaning: കലാപം

Kannada Meaning: ಕ್ರಾಂತಿ

Synonyms: Rebellion, uprising, revolt, resistance, armed struggle

Antonyms: Submission, compliance, peace, loyalty

Usage in Sentence: Military force alone cannot eliminate an insurgency that stems from deep economic and political grievances.

45. Deteriorated

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Became progressively worse in condition or quality; declined or degenerated

Tamil Meaning: சிதைவுற்ற

Malayalam Meaning: അധഃപതിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಕ್ಷೀಣಿಸು

Synonyms: Worsened, declined, degenerated, degraded, regressed

Antonyms: Improved, enhanced, developed, progressed

Usage in Sentence: Security conditions along tribal borderlands have deteriorated significantly.

46. Chaos

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Complete disorder and confusion; a state of disorder without organisation or predictability

Tamil Meaning: குழப்பம்

Malayalam Meaning: അരാജകത്വം

Kannada Meaning: ಗೋಲಮಾಲೆ

Synonyms: Disorder, confusion, turmoil, anarchy, pandemonium

Antonyms: Order, organisation, peace, harmony, control

Usage in Sentence: The chaos following the takeover provided an opportunity for fringe groups to rekindle resentment.

47. Strategic

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Relating to the identification and achievement of long-term goals; militarily important

Tamil Meaning: யுக்திசார

Malayalam Meaning: തന്ത്രപരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಕೌಶಲ್ಯಪೂರ್ಣ

Synonyms: Tactical, important, crucial, critical, vital

Antonyms: Tactical, unimportant, insignificant, random

Usage in Sentence: Sri Lanka’s strategic coastline makes it of crucial geopolitical importance to international powers.

48. Crackdown

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Stern enforcement of regulations; severe or repressive action against something

Tamil Meaning: கடும் நடவடிக்கை

Malayalam Meaning: കർശന നടപടി

Kannada Meaning: ಕಟ್ಟುನಿಟ್ಟಿನ ಕ್ರಮ

Synonyms: Clampdown, suppression, repression, enforcement, assault

Antonyms: Leniency, tolerance, acceptance

Usage in Sentence: Security crackdowns in the border region have worsened the alienation.

49. Counterinsurgency

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Military or political action taken to suppress an insurgency or armed rebellion

Tamil Meaning: எழுச்சியை ஒடுக்கும்

Malayalam Meaning: കലാപ വിരുദ്ധ പ്രവര്‍ത്തനം

Kannada Meaning: ವಿದ್ರೋಹ ನಿಗ್ರಹ

Synonyms: Suppression, military action, offensive, operation

Antonyms: Insurgency, rebellion, uprising

Usage in Sentence: Counterinsurgency campaigns without addressing root causes have proven ineffective in the international borders.

50. Alienation

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The state of feeling isolated, estranged or cut off from others; withdrawal of affection

Tamil Meaning: அன்னியமாதல்

Malayalam Meaning: അകൽപ്പമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಪೃಥಕ್ಕರಣ

Synonyms: Estrangement, isolation, detachment, disconnection, disaffection

Antonyms: Belonging, integration, inclusion, connection

Usage in Sentence: Security crackdowns and counterinsurgency campaigns have worsened the alienation of the population.

51. Documented

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Recorded in writing or on film; provided with official documents; given factual evidence

Tamil Meaning: ஆவணப்படுத்த

Malayalam Meaning: രേഖപ്പെടുത്തുക

Kannada Meaning: ದಸ್ತಾವೇಜು ಮಾಡು

Synonyms: Recorded, registered, reported, evidenced, catalogued

Antonyms: Undocumented, unrecorded, unmarked

Usage in Sentence: Human rights groups have extensively documented enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

52. Enforced

Part of speech: Verb / Adjective

Meaning: Carried out or executed with force; compelled or coerced; imposed against resistance

Tamil Meaning: கட்டாயப்படுத்த

Malayalam Meaning: നിർബന്ധിതമാക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಬಲವಂತವಾಗಿ ಜಾರಿ

Synonyms: Compelled, coerced, forced, imposed, mandated

Antonyms: Voluntary, optional, free, consensual

Usage in Sentence: Enforced disappearances of suspected citizens have become a widespread practice in the region.

53. Extrajudicial

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Not sanctioned by law; beyond or outside the authority of courts; illegal

Tamil Meaning: சட்டத்திற்கு புறம்பான

Malayalam Meaning: നിയമവിരുദ്ധം

Kannada Meaning: ಅಕ್ರಮ

Synonyms: Illegal, unlawful, unauthorised, unconstitutional, arbitrary

Antonyms: Legal, judicial, lawful, authorised, constitutional

Usage in Sentence: Extrajudicial killings of suspected citizens have been documented by international human rights organisations.

54. Arbitrary

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Based on random choice or personal whim rather than reason or system; despotic or tyrannical

Tamil Meaning: தன்னிச்சையான

Malayalam Meaning: യാഥേച്ഛികമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಮನಸ್ವಾಗೇ

Synonyms: Random, capricious, despotic, tyrannical, unjustified

Antonyms: Justified, rational, reasonable, systematic, fair

Usage in Sentence: Arbitrary detentions of activists without proper legal procedures have violated international human rights standards.

55. Reflexive

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Relating to an automatic or habitual action; done without conscious thought; turning back

Tamil Meaning: பிரதிபலிப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രതിഫലനം

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರತಿಬಿಂಬ

Synonyms: Automatic, habitual, instinctive, mechanical, unconscious

Antonyms: Deliberate, intentional, conscious, thoughtful

Usage in Sentence: The country’s reflexive tendency to blame the other countries for unrest lacks credible evidence.

56. Unrest

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Lack of peace or tranquillity; a state of dissatisfaction or agitation; conflict or disturbance

Tamil Meaning: அமைதியின்மை

Malayalam Meaning: അസന്തുഷ്ടി

Kannada Meaning: ಶಾಂತಿಯಲ್ಲದ ಸ್ಥಿತಿ

Synonyms: Discontent, uneasiness, agitation, disturbance, dissatisfaction

Antonyms: Peace, calm, contentment, satisfaction, tranquillity

Usage in Sentence: Political unrest in the borders stems from decades of economic marginalisation and political exclusion.

57. Introspection

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Examination of one's own thoughts and feelings; careful examination of a situation or problem

Tamil Meaning: உள் பரிசோதனை

Malayalam Meaning: ആത്മനിരീക്ഷണം

Kannada Meaning: ಆತ್ಮಚಿಂತನೆ

Synonyms: Self-examination, reflection, self-analysis, introspectiveness, contemplation

Antonyms: Extroversion, outward focus, disregard

Usage in Sentence: The country’s reflexive blame on the neighbouring countries avoids the introspection needed to address genuine grievances.

58. Annexation

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The action or process of annexing territory; incorporation of a region into a state

Tamil Meaning: இணைப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: സമ്മിലനം

Kannada Meaning: ಸಂಯೋಜನೆ

Synonyms: Incorporation, union, integration, addition, absorption

Antonyms: Separation, division, independence, secession

Usage in Sentence: Since its annexation in 1948, the region has experienced repeated cycles of violence and repression.

59. Rebellion

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Acts of violent resistance against a government or authority; uprisings or revolts

Tamil Meaning: கலவரம்

Malayalam Meaning: കലാപങ്ങൾ

Kannada Meaning: ದಂಗೆ

Synonyms: Uprisings, revolts, insurgencies, mutinies, risings

Antonyms: Submission, compliance, obedience, loyalty

Usage in Sentence: The region has witnessed five major rebellions since 1948, each followed by brutal crackdowns.

60. Brute

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Savage, violent and cruel; involving physical strength rather than intelligence

Tamil Meaning: முரட்டுத்தனமான

Malayalam Meaning: പരുഷമായി

Kannada Meaning: ಅಸಭ್ಯ

Synonyms: Violent, savage, brutal, crude, harsh

Antonyms: Gentle, refined, intelligent, thoughtful, civilised

Usage in Sentence: The team’s reliance on brute force has repeatedly failed to resolve the crisis.

61. Fragile

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Easily broken or damaged; vulnerable or delicate; not solid or stable

Tamil Meaning: உடையக்கூடிய

Malayalam Meaning: നേരിയ

Kannada Meaning: ದುರ್ಬಲ

Synonyms: Delicate, frail, weak, vulnerable, brittle

Antonyms: Strong, sturdy, robust, durable, solid

Usage in Sentence: The fragile peace following war victories has always given way to renewed violence within years.

62. Lull

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A temporary pause or period of reduced activity; a temporary calm before further disturbance

Tamil Meaning: அமைதி

Malayalam Meaning: നിശ്ശ്വാസ

Kannada Meaning: ಶಾಂತಿಯ ಅವಧಿ

Synonyms: Pause, respite, calm, lull, interlude, breathing space

Antonyms: Storm, tumult, commotion, turmoil

Usage in Sentence: War victories typically result only in a fragile lull before violence resurfaces.

63. Reconciliation

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The restoration of friendly relations; the action of making one thing compatible with another

Tamil Meaning: நல்லிணக்கம்

Malayalam Meaning: അനുരഞ്ജനം

Kannada Meaning: ಸಮನ್ವಯ

Synonyms: Settlement, agreement, restoration, harmony, accord

Antonyms: Conflict, confrontation, discord, enmity

Usage in Sentence: Political reconciliation between the state leaders is essential to end the cycle of chaos.

64. Confrontation

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A hostile or argumentative meeting or situation; direct conflict between opposing parties

Tamil Meaning: சந்திப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: ഏറ്റുമുട്ടുതൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಎದುರಾಳು

Synonyms: Conflict, clash, showdown, opposition, struggle

Antonyms: Reconciliation, agreement, accord, peace, cooperation

Usage in Sentence: Continuing confrontation rather than dialogue will perpetuate the violence in the region.

65. Grievances

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Valid and serious complaints or reasons for dissatisfaction; wrongs or injustices suffered

Tamil Meaning: புகார்

Malayalam Meaning: പരാതി

Kannada Meaning: ಸಮಸ್ಯೆ (

Synonyms: Complaints, injustices, wrongs, hardships, complaints

Antonyms: Contentment, satisfaction, happiness

Usage in Sentence: Addressing long-standing grievances regarding economic exclusion and marginalisation is vital for lasting peace.

66. Perpetual

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Continuing or lasting forever or indefinitely; constant and never-ending

Tamil Meaning: நிரந்தரமான

Malayalam Meaning: നിത്യമായ

Kannada Meaning: ವಿಶ್ವದ ಸಂಚಯ

Synonyms: Endless, eternal, constant, continuous, unending

Antonyms: Temporary, fleeting, transient, finite

Usage in Sentence: Without political reforms, the region risks remaining locked in perpetual conflict.

Idiom of the Day: 7 February 2026

Break the Cycle

Formal / Neutral

Meaning: To put an end to a recurring pattern of harmful behaviour, events or conditions, especially those that persist across time or generations.

Explanation of the Idiom:

The idiom ‘break the cycle’ refers to the deliberate act of interrupting a repeated sequence that perpetuates negative outcomes. A ‘cycle’ implies continuity, an ongoing loop of actions, habits or circumstances that reinforce themselves unless consciously disrupted.

To break it, therefore, requires awareness, intention and often sustained effort against deeply ingrained forces.

This phrase gained prominence in discussions around social policy, psychology, economics and public health, particularly in reference to cycles of poverty, addiction, violence and institutional failure.

Example Sentences:

Determined to break the cycle of debt, she adopted stricter budgeting habits and long-term financial planning.

The education reform aimed to break the cycle of inequality that had marginalised rural students for decades.

By openly addressing mental health, the community hoped to break the cycle of silence and stigma.

With today’s Editorial Vocabulary Analysis from 7 February 2026, you've learned 66 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 ‘Break the Cycle’ 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.

Keep reading, keep learning English with Veranda RACE! 💪📖

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