The Daily Editorial Analysis – English Vocabulary Building – 12 February 2026

Learn English Vocabulary – Daily Editorial Analysis – 12 February 2026

This blog post by Veranda RACE helps competitive exam aspirants learn 70+ 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 – 12 February 2026

1. Laggards

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: People or things that are slow to make progress or develop compared to others

Tamil Meaning: பின்தங்கியவர்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: പിന്നോക്കം നിൽക്കുന്നവർ

Kannada Meaning: ಹಿಂದುಳಿದವರು

Synonyms: stragglers, dawdlers, slowpokes, underperformers, trailing entities

Antonyms: leaders, pioneers, frontrunners, pacers, trailblazers

Usage in Sentence: Despite significant investment in infrastructure, several states remain laggards in industrial development.

2. Governance

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The action or manner of governing a state, organisation or people

Tamil Meaning: ஆட்சி

Malayalam Meaning: ഭരണം

Kannada Meaning: ಆಡಳಿತ

Synonyms: administration, management, rule, leadership, supervision

Antonyms: anarchy, disorder, chaos, misrule, lawlessness

Usage in Sentence: Effective governance requires transparency, accountability and responsiveness to citizens' needs.

3. Lacunae

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Gaps or missing parts, especially in a manuscript, theory or series

Tamil Meaning: குறைபாடுகள்

Malayalam Meaning: വിടവുകൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಂತರಗಳು

Synonyms: gaps, omissions, deficiencies, voids, shortcomings

Antonyms: completeness, wholeness, continuity, fullness, entirety

Usage in Sentence: The research highlighted critical lacunae in the existing healthcare delivery system.

4. Bridge

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To make a connection or reduce the distance between two things

Tamil Meaning: இடைவெளியை நிரப்புதல்

Malayalam Meaning: വിടവ് നികത്തുക

Kannada Meaning: ಅಂತರವನ್ನು ತುಂಬು

Synonyms: connect, link, span, reconcile, unite

Antonyms: separate, divide, disconnect, widen, split

Usage in Sentence: The administration must bridge the digital divide to ensure equitable access to technology.

5. Goodwill

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Friendly, helpful or cooperative feelings or attitude

Tamil Meaning: நல்லெண்ணம்

Malayalam Meaning: സൽസ്വഭാവം

Kannada Meaning: ಸದ್ಭಾವನೆ

Synonyms: benevolence, kindness, favour, friendliness, amity

Antonyms: hostility, malice, ill will, animosity, enmity

Usage in Sentence: The leader earned the goodwill of citizens through years of dedicated public service.

6. Seeking

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Attempting to find or obtain something

Tamil Meaning: தேடுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: അന്വേഷിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಹುಡುಕುವುದು

Synonyms: searching, pursuing, requesting, soliciting, hunting

Antonyms: avoiding, shunning, evading, ignoring, rejecting

Usage in Sentence: Political parties are seeking electoral support by promising comprehensive welfare schemes.

7. Insidious

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way but with harmful effects

Tamil Meaning: நயவஞ்சகமான

Malayalam Meaning: കപടമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಮೋಸದ

Synonyms: subtle, cunning, treacherous, deceitful, stealthy

Antonyms: honest, straightforward, overt, obvious, sincere

Usage in Sentence: The insidious spread of misinformation poses a serious threat to democratic institutions.

8. Bogeymen

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Imaginary evil spirits or beings used to frighten people, especially children

Tamil Meaning: பயமுறுத்தும் கற்பனை எதிரிகள்

Malayalam Meaning: ഭയപ്പെടുത്തുന്ന സാങ്കൽപ്പിക ശത്രുക്കൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಕಾಲ್ಪನಿಕ ಭಯಂಕರ ಶತ್ರುಗಳು

Synonyms: phantoms, spectres, monsters, demons, scarecrows

Antonyms: protectors, guardians, saviours, heroes, defenders

Usage in Sentence: Populist leaders often create bogeymen to divert attention from real issues.

9. Stereotyping

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Forming an oversimplified or fixed idea about a particular type of person or thing

Tamil Meaning: பொதுவான கருத்துருவாக்கம்

Malayalam Meaning: സ്റ്റീരിയോടൈപ്പിംഗ്

Kannada Meaning: ಸ್ಟೀರಿಯೊಟೈಪಿಂಗ್

Synonyms: categorising, labelling, pigeonholing, generalising, typecasting

Antonyms: individualising, distinguishing, differentiating, personalising, specifying

Usage in Sentence: Stereotyping entire population based on ethnicity undermines social cohesion.

10. Demagogue

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Political leaders who seek support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than rational argument

Tamil Meaning: மக்களைத் தூண்டும் தலைவர்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: ജനകീയ വികാരങ്ങളെ ഉത്തേജിപ്പിക്കുന്ന നേതാക്കൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಜನಪ್ರಿಯ ಭಾವನೆಗಳನ್ನು ಪ್ರಚೋದಿಸುವ ನಾಯಕರು

Synonyms: agitators, rabble-rousers, provocateurs, instigators, firebrands

Antonyms: statesmen, diplomats, pacifists, peacemakers, moderates

Usage in Sentence: Demagogues exploit social divisions for electoral gains without offering genuine solutions.

11. Bypass

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To avoid or circumvent something

Tamil Meaning: தவிர்த்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: ഒഴിവാക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ತಪ್ಪಿಸು

Synonyms: circumvent, evade, avoid, sidestep, skirt

Antonyms: confront, face, address, tackle, engage

Usage in Sentence: Leaders who bypass substantive policy work often resort to divisive rhetoric instead.

12. Inciting

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Encouraging or stirring up violent or unlawful behaviour

Tamil Meaning: தூண்டுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രേരിപ്പിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಚೋದಿಸು

Synonyms: provoking, instigating, stirring, fomenting, rousing

Antonyms: calming, soothing, discouraging, deterring, pacifying

Usage in Sentence: Politicians inciting hatred against certain population must be held accountable under the law.

13. Polarisation

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Division into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs

Tamil Meaning: பிரிவினை

Malayalam Meaning: ധ്രുവീകരണം

Kannada Meaning: ಧ್ರುವೀಕರಣ

Synonyms: division, separation, fragmentation, bifurcation, schism

Antonyms: unity, harmony, integration, convergence, consensus

Usage in Sentence: Social media platforms have accelerated political polarisation in recent years.

14. Discourse

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Written or spoken communication or debate

Tamil Meaning: உரையாடல்

Malayalam Meaning: സംവാദം

Kannada Meaning: ಸಂವಾದ

Synonyms: discussion, dialogue, conversation, debate, communication

Antonyms: silence, monologue, muteness, reticence, taciturnity

Usage in Sentence: Public discourse should be based on facts and reasoned arguments rather than prejudice.

15. Mired

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Stuck or entangled in a difficult situation

Tamil Meaning: சிக்கித் தவித்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: കുടുങ്ങിയിരിക്കുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಸಿಲುಕಿರುವ

Synonyms: stuck, entangled, bogged down, trapped, enmeshed

Antonyms: freed, liberated, extricated, released, unstuck

Usage in Sentence: The region remains mired in economic stagnation due to poor policy choices.

16. Communal

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Relating to a community, especially relating to relations between different religious or ethnic groups

Tamil Meaning: வகுப்புவாத

Malayalam Meaning: വർഗീയ

Kannada Meaning: ಕೋಮುವಾದಿ

Synonyms: sectarian, factional, denominational, ethnic, religious

Antonyms: secular, inclusive, universal, non-sectarian, egalitarian

Usage in Sentence: Communal politics threatens the secular fabric of democratic societies.

17. Deploying

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Using or employing something strategically or effectively

Tamil Meaning: பயன்படுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: വിന്യസിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ನಿಯೋಜಿಸು

Synonyms: utilising, employing, using, positioning, implementing

Antonyms: withdrawing, retracting, recalling, abandoning, removing

Usage in Sentence: The administrator is deploying divisive rhetoric instead of focusing on development.

18. Incendiary

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Tending to stir up conflict or designed to cause fires

Tamil Meaning: தீப்பிடிக்கும் / தூண்டுகிற

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രകോപനപരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಚೋದನಕಾರಿ

Synonyms: inflammatory, provocative, explosive, contentious, rabble-rousing

Antonyms: soothing, calming, conciliatory, pacific, appeasing

Usage in Sentence: The politician's incendiary statements sparked widespread protests across the state.

19. Rhetoric

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the exploitation

Tamil Meaning: சொல்லாட்சி

Malayalam Meaning: വാചാടോപം

Kannada Meaning: ವಾಕ್ಚಾತುರ್ಯ

Synonyms: oratory, eloquence, discourse, language, speech

Antonyms: plainness, simplicity, bluntness, directness, frankness

Usage in Sentence: Empty rhetoric without concrete action fails to address citizens' genuine concerns.

20. Demographic

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Relating to the structure of populations

Tamil Meaning: மக்கள்தொகை சார்ந்த

Malayalam Meaning: ജനസംഖ്യാപരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಜನಸಂಖ್ಯಾ

Synonyms: population-related, statistical, census-based, populational, societal

Antonyms: individual, personal, singular, non-statistical, anecdotal

Usage in Sentence: Claims of demographic threats are often used to justify failed policies.

21. Indigenous

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native

Tamil Meaning: பூர்வீக

Malayalam Meaning: തദ്ദേശീയ

Kannada Meaning: ಸ್ಥಳೀಯ

Synonyms: native, aboriginal, original, local

Antonyms: foreign, alien, exotic, imported, non-native

Usage in Sentence: Protecting the rights of indigenous people requires genuine policy commitment.

22. Escalating

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Increasing rapidly in intensity or seriousness

Tamil Meaning: அதிகரித்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: വർദ്ധിപ്പിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಸು

Synonyms: intensifying, heightening, accelerating, amplifying, mounting

Antonyms: decreasing, diminishing, reducing, de-escalating, lowering

Usage in Sentence: The situation is escalating due to inflammatory statements by political leaders.

23. Persecution

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Hostility and ill-treatment, especially on the basis of ethnicity or political beliefs

Tamil Meaning: துன்புறுத்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: പീഡനം

Kannada Meaning: ಕಿರುಕುಳ

Synonyms: oppression, harassment, victimisation, mistreatment, discrimination

Antonyms: protection, support, assistance, defence, sanctuary

Usage in Sentence: Economic persecution of people violates constitutional guarantees of equality.

24. Underpay

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To pay someone less than the proper or fair amount

Tamil Meaning: குறைவாக கூலி கொடுத்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: കുറഞ്ഞ വേതനം നൽകുക

Kannada Meaning: ಕಡಿಮೆ ವೇತನ ನೀಡು

Synonyms: shortchange, cheat, swindle, defraud, exploit

Antonyms: overpay, compensate fairly, reward, remunerate properly, pay adequately

Usage in Sentence: Calls to underpay workers based on their region constitute economic discrimination.

25. Accused

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To charge someone with an offence or crime

Tamil Meaning: குற்றம் சாட்டுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: കുറ്റപ്പെടുത്തുക

Kannada Meaning: ಆರೋಪಿಸು

Synonyms: charged, blamed, alleged, indicted, arraigned

Antonyms: exonerated, absolved, vindicated, cleared, acquitted

Usage in Sentence: The leader accused the entire population of imaginary crimes without evidence.

26. Coined

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To invent a new word or phrase

Tamil Meaning: புதிய சொல் உருவாக்குதல்

Malayalam Meaning: പുതിയ പദം സൃഷ്ടിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಹೊಸ ಪದ ರಚಿಸು

Synonyms: invented, created, devised, formulated, originated

Antonyms: adopted, borrowed, copied, imitated, replicated

Usage in Sentence: Politicians have coined inflammatory terms to demonise specific people.

27. Lexicon

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The vocabulary of a person, language or branch of knowledge

Tamil Meaning: சொல்லகராதி

Malayalam Meaning: പദാവലി

Kannada Meaning: ಶಬ್ದಕೋಶ

Synonyms: vocabulary, terminology, wordbook, glossary, dictionary

Antonyms: silence, muteness, wordlessness, speechlessness, inarticulateness

Usage in Sentence: The political lexicon increasingly includes manufactured terms designed to spread hatred.

28. Pursuit

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The action of pursuing someone or something

Tamil Meaning: தேடுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: പിന്തുടരൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಅನ್ವೇಷಣೆ

Synonyms: chase, quest, search, hunt, endeavour

Antonyms: retreat, abandonment, flight, surrender, avoidance

Usage in Sentence: In pursuit of electoral gains, some leaders abandon ethical principles.

29. Cynical

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity

Tamil Meaning: இழிந்த நோக்கமுள்ள

Malayalam Meaning: സംശയാത്മകമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಸಂದೇಹಪೂರಿತ

Synonyms: sceptical, distrustful, pessimistic, scornful, contemptuous

Antonyms: optimistic, trusting, idealistic, hopeful, believing

Usage in Sentence: The cynical manipulation of sentiments for political gain erodes democratic values.

30. Alarmed

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Feeling fear or anxiety; frightened or disturbed

Tamil Meaning: பீதியடைந்த

Malayalam Meaning: ഭയപ്പെട്ട

Kannada Meaning: ಭಯಗೊಂಡ

Synonyms: frightened, worried, anxious, concerned, disturbed

Antonyms: calm, composed, relaxed, untroubled, reassured

Usage in Sentence: Citizens should not be kept constantly alarmed by manufactured threats.

31. Menacing

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Suggesting the presence of possible danger; threatening

Tamil Meaning: அச்சுறுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ഭീഷണിപ്പെടുത്തുക

Kannada Meaning: ಬೆದರಿಸು

Synonyms: threatening, intimidating, frightening, ominous, sinister

Antonyms: reassuring, comforting, encouraging, soothing, protecting

Usage in Sentence: Political leaders menacing people with imaginary dangers undermine social harmony.

32. Hobgoblins

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Imaginary frightening creatures or causes of fear

Tamil Meaning: கற்பனை பயமுறுத்தும் உருவங்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: സാങ്കൽപ്പിക ഭീകരരൂപങ്ങൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಕಾಲ್ಪನಿಕ ಭಯಾನಕ ಜೀವಿಗಳು

Synonyms: phantoms, goblins, spectres, demons, apparitions

Antonyms: realities, actualities, truths, facts, certainties

Usage in Sentence: The philosopher observed that politicians keep people fearful by conjuring endless hobgoblins.

33. Isolated

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Occurring alone or once; not part of a pattern

Tamil Meaning: தனிமைப்படுத்தப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: ഒറ്റപ്പെട്ട

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರತ್ಯೇಕವಾದ

Synonyms: singular, lone, individual, solitary, separate

Antonyms: repeated, systematic, continuous, frequent, regular

Usage in Sentence: These are not isolated incidents but part of a sustained pattern of hate speech.

34. Sustained

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Continuing for an extended period without interruption

Tamil Meaning: தொடர்ச்சியான

Malayalam Meaning: തുടർച്ചയായ

Kannada Meaning: ನಿರಂತರವಾದ

Synonyms: continuous, prolonged, persistent, ongoing, constant

Antonyms: intermittent, sporadic, temporary, brief, short-lived

Usage in Sentence: The petition documents a sustained campaign of targeting by the administrator.

35. Distasteful

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Causing dislike or aversion; unpleasant or offensive

Tamil Meaning: அருவருப்பான

Malayalam Meaning: അരോചകമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಸಹ್ಯಕರ

Synonyms: unpleasant, disagreeable, offensive, objectionable, unsavoury

Antonyms: pleasant, agreeable, appealing, attractive, palatable

Usage in Sentence: Such distasteful rhetoric has no place in responsible political discourse.

36. Unlawful

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Not conforming to or permitted by law or rules

Tamil Meaning: சட்டத்திற்கு புறம்பான

Malayalam Meaning: നിയമവിരുദ്ധമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಕಾನೂನುಬಾಹಿರ

Synonyms: illegal, illegitimate, illicit, prohibited, criminal

Antonyms: lawful, legal, legitimate, authorised, permissible

Usage in Sentence: Hate speech is both morally reprehensible and constitutionally unlawful.

37. Scrutiny

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Critical observation or examination

Tamil Meaning: ஆய்வு

Malayalam Meaning: സൂക്ഷ്മപരിശോധന

Kannada Meaning: ಪರಿಶೀಲನೆ

Synonyms: examination, inspection, investigation, analysis, review

Antonyms: neglect, ignorance, oversight, disregard, inattention

Usage in Sentence: Statements by public officials deserve judicial scrutiny when they violate constitutional norms.

38. Fraternity

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A feeling of friendship and mutual support within a group

Tamil Meaning: சகோதரத்துவம்

Malayalam Meaning: സാഹോദര്യം

Kannada Meaning: ಸಹೋದರತ್ವ

Synonyms: brotherhood, solidarity, fellowship, camaraderie, kinship

Antonyms: enmity, hostility, discord, division, antagonism

Usage in Sentence: The Constitution's promise of fraternity is undermined by hate speech.

39. Liable

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Responsible by law; legally answerable

Tamil Meaning: பொறுப்பான

Malayalam Meaning: ബാധ്യസ്ഥനായ

Kannada Meaning: ಜವಾಬ್ದಾರಿಯುತ

Synonyms: accountable, responsible, answerable, subject, susceptible

Antonyms: exempt, immune, unaccountable, free, absolved

Usage in Sentence: Leaders making hate speeches are liable to prosecution under criminal law.

40. Prosecution

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The institution and conducting of legal proceedings against someone

Tamil Meaning: வழக்குத் தொடுத்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രോസിക്യൂഷൻ

Kannada Meaning: ಕಾನೂನು ಕ್ರಮ

Synonyms: indictment, legal action, litigation, trial, arraignment

Antonyms: defence, acquittal, exoneration, pardon, amnesty

Usage in Sentence: Hate speech deserves prosecution regardless of the perpetrator's political position.

41. Cumulative

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Increasing or increased in quantity, degree or force by successive

additions Tamil Meaning: திரட்டு

Malayalam Meaning: സഞ്ചിതമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಸಂಚಿತ

Synonyms: collective, aggregate, accumulated, combined, total

Antonyms: individual, separate, isolated, discrete, singular

Usage in Sentence: The cumulative effect of repeated hate speeches creates a climate of fear.

42. Doctrine

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a church, political party or other group

Tamil Meaning: கோட்பாடு

Malayalam Meaning: സിദ്ധാന്തം

Kannada Meaning: ಸಿದ್ಧಾಂತ

Synonyms: principle, tenet, teaching, theory, belief

Antonyms: practice, application, reality, pragmatism, action

Usage in Sentence: The Court's cumulative effect doctrine recognises that repeated statements amplify harm.

43. Manoeuvre

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A movement or series of moves requiring skill and care; a carefully planned scheme

Tamil Meaning: தந்திரம்

Malayalam Meaning: തന്ത്രം

Kannada Meaning: ತಂತ್ರ

Synonyms: tactic, strategy, ploy, scheme, stratagem

Antonyms: directness, honesty, straightforwardness, candour, openness

Usage in Sentence: The petition cannot be dismissed as a mere political manoeuvre given the serious constitutional issues.

45. Offender

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A person who commits an illegal act

Tamil Meaning: குற்றவாளி

Malayalam Meaning: കുറ്റവാളി

Kannada Meaning: ಅಪರಾಧಿ

Synonyms: culprit, wrongdoer, lawbreaker, criminal, violator

Antonyms: victim, innocent, law-abider, upright citizen, observer

Usage in Sentence: The offender holding high office makes the violation more serious, not less.

46. Unopposed

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Not opposed; unchallenged

Tamil Meaning: எதிர்ப்பில்லாமல்

Malayalam Meaning: എതിരില്ലാതെ

Kannada Meaning: ವಿರೋಧವಿಲ್ಲದೆ

Synonyms: unchallenged, uncontested, undisputed, unanimous, unrivalled

Antonyms: opposed, contested, challenged, disputed, rivalled

Usage in Sentence: The candidate was elected unopposed to the party presidency.

47. Ideological

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Based on or relating to a system of ideas and ideals

Tamil Meaning: கருத்தியல்

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രത്യയശാസ്ത്രപരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ವೈಚಾರಿಕ

Synonyms: philosophical, doctrinal, theoretical, conceptual, principled

Antonyms: practical, pragmatic, empirical, realistic, utilitarian

Usage in Sentence: The new leader lacks strong ties to the party's ideological parent organisation.

48. Legitimacy

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The quality of being legitimate; conformity to the law or to rules

Tamil Meaning: சட்டபூர்வத் தன்மை

Malayalam Meaning: നിയമസാധുത

Kannada Meaning: ಕಾನೂನುಬದ್ಧತೆ

Synonyms: validity, lawfulness, legality, authenticity, rightfulness

Antonyms: illegitimacy, unlawfulness, invalidity, spuriousness, falseness

Usage in Sentence: His political legitimacy derives from the support of senior party leaders.

49. Reposed

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To place trust or confidence in someone

Tamil Meaning: நம்பிக்கை வைத்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: വിശ്വസിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ನಂಬಿಕೆ ಇಡು

Synonyms: entrusted, placed, invested, vested, confided

Antonyms: withdrawn, distrusted, doubted, suspected, questioned

Usage in Sentence: The faith reposed in the new leader by party seniors will be tested soon.

50. Considerations

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Careful thought, typically over a period of time; facts taken into account

Tamil Meaning: கருத்தில் கொள்ளும் விஷயங்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: പരിഗണനകൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಪರಿಗಣನೆಗಳು

Synonyms: factors, issues, concerns, aspects, elements

Antonyms: disregard, neglect, oversight, inattention, thoughtlessness

Usage in Sentence: Multiple political considerations influenced the selection of the new party leader.

51. Xennial

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A person born in the late 1970s to early 1980s, between Generation X and Millennials

Tamil Meaning: எக்ஸ் தலைமுறைக்கும் மில்லினியல் தலைமுறைக்கும் இடைப்பட்டவர்

Malayalam Meaning: എക്സ് തലമുറയ്ക്കും മില്ലേനിയൽ തലമുറയ്ക്കും ഇടയിലുള്ളവർ

Kannada Meaning: ಎಕ್ಸ್ ಮತ್ತು ಮಿಲೇನಿಯಲ್ ತಲೆಮಾರುಗಳ ನಡುವಿನವರು

Usage in Sentence: As a xennial, the new leader bridges traditional and modern political approaches.

52. Overseeing

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Supervising or being in charge of a task or activity

Tamil Meaning: மேற்பார்வையிடுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: മേൽനോട്ടം വഹിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಮೇಲ್ವಿಚಾರಣೆ ಮಾಡು

Synonyms: supervising, managing, monitoring, administering, directing

Antonyms: neglecting, ignoring, abandoning, overlooking, disregarding

Usage in Sentence: He gained experience overseeing party operations in several challenging states.

53. Collegial

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Characterised by shared responsibility among colleagues

Tamil Meaning: சகாக்களுடன் இணைந்து செயல்படும்

Malayalam Meaning: സഹപ്രവർത്തകരുമായി സഹകരിക്കുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ಸಹೋದ್ಯೋಗಿಗಳೊಂದಿಗೆ ಸಹಕರಿಸುವ

Synonyms: cooperative, collaborative, collective, fraternal, team-oriented

Antonyms: autocratic, authoritarian, dictatorial, individualistic, domineering

Usage in Sentence: His collegial approach helps build consensus within the party.

54. Contested

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Disputed or challenged; subject to disagreement

Tamil Meaning: போட்டியான

Malayalam Meaning: തർക്കമുള്ള

Kannada Meaning: ವಿವಾದಾಸ್ಪದ

Synonyms: disputed, debated, contentious, controversial, challenged

Antonyms: accepted, undisputed, agreed, uncontested, settled

Usage in Sentence: The contested nature of politics in Hindi heartland states requires careful navigation.

55. Strongholds

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Places of strength or security; areas where particular beliefs or groups are dominant

Tamil Meaning: கோட்டைகள்

Malayalam Meaning: ശക്തികേന്ദ്രങ്ങൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಭದ್ರಕೋಟೆಗಳು

Synonyms: fortresses, bastions, citadels, centres of power, safe havens

Antonyms: weaknesses, vulnerabilities, exposed areas, enemy territory, hostile zones

Usage in Sentence: The party must retain its traditional strongholds while expanding to new regions.

56. Demeanour

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Outward behaviour or bearing

Tamil Meaning: நடத்தை

Malayalam Meaning: പെരുമാറ്റം

Kannada Meaning: ನಡವಳಿಕೆ

Synonyms: behaviour, conduct, manner, deportment, bearing

Antonyms: misbehaviour, misconduct, impropriety, unseemly conduct, rudeness

Usage in Sentence: His calm demeanour is seen as an asset in managing internal party conflicts.

57. Benign

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Gentle and kindly; not harmful

Tamil Meaning: தீங்கற்ற

Malayalam Meaning: ദോഷകരമല്ലാത്ത

Kannada Meaning: ಹಾನಿರಹಿತ

Synonyms: harmless, gentle, kind, mild, favourable

Antonyms: harmful, malignant, dangerous, threatening, hostile

Usage in Sentence: His benign social location helps him navigate complexities more easily.

58. Effecting

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Causing something to happen; bringing about

Tamil Meaning: நடைமுறைப்படுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: സാധിതമാക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಸಾಧಿಸು

Synonyms: accomplishing, achieving, implementing, executing, realising

Antonyms: preventing, hindering, blocking, obstructing, thwarting

Usage in Sentence: The party is effecting a generational transition in its leadership structure.

59. Peripheral

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Relating to or situated on the edge or periphery of something; marginal

Tamil Meaning: விளிம்பு நிலையில் உள்ள

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രാന്തപ്രദേശത്തെ

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಾಂತೀಯ

Synonyms: marginal, outlying, outer, fringe, secondary

Antonyms: central, core, main, primary, essential

Usage in Sentence: Making the party acceptable in peripheral regions remains a major challenge.

60. Consolidation

Part of speech: Noun

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

Tamil Meaning: ஒருங்கிணைப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: ഏകീകരണം

Kannada Meaning: ಏಕೀಕರಣ

Synonyms: unification, amalgamation, integration, merger, strengthening

Antonyms: division, separation, fragmentation, dispersal, weakening

Usage in Sentence: The strategy of regional consolidation has reached its limits in many regions.

61. Saturated

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Reached a point where no more can be absorbed or accepted

Tamil Meaning: நிறைவடைந்த

Malayalam Meaning: പൂരിതമായ

Kannada Meaning: ತುಂಬಿದ

Synonyms: filled, soaked, permeated, drenched, impregnated

Antonyms: depleted, empty, unsaturated, deficient, lacking

Usage in Sentence: The communal polarisation strategy has saturated and offers diminishing returns.

62. Unguided

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Not guided or directed; lacking supervision or control

Tamil Meaning: வழிகாட்டுதல் இல்லாத

Malayalam Meaning: നയിക്കപ്പെടാത്ത

Kannada Meaning: ಮಾರ್ಗದರ್ಶನವಿಲ್ಲದ

Synonyms: undirected, unsupervised, uncontrolled, unregulated, autonomous

Antonyms: guided, directed, supervised, controlled, managed

Usage in Sentence: The party's rhetoric has created a legion of unguided actors spreading hatred.

63. Unenviable

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Difficult, undesirable or unpleasant

Tamil Meaning: விரும்பத்தகாத

Malayalam Meaning: ആഗ്രഹിക്കാത്ത

Kannada Meaning: ಅಪೇಕ್ಷಣೀಯವಲ್ಲದ

Synonyms: undesirable, unpleasant, disagreeable, thankless, difficult

Antonyms: enviable, desirable, pleasant, coveted, attractive

Usage in Sentence: He faces the unenviable task of moderating regional rhetoric without alienating the base.

64. Disembarking

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Getting off a ship, aircraft or other vehicle; withdrawing from a difficult situation

Tamil Meaning: இறங்குதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ഇറങ്ങുക

Kannada Meaning: ಇಳಿಯುವುದು

Synonyms: alighting, debarking, descending, exiting, withdrawing

Antonyms: embarking, boarding, mounting, entering, engaging

Usage in Sentence: Disembarking from divisive politics proves difficult once a party commits to it.

65. Delicate

Part of speech:

Adjective Meaning: Requiring sensitive or careful handling

Tamil Meaning: நுட்பமான

Malayalam Meaning: സൂക്ഷ്മമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಸೂಕ್ಷ್ಮ

Synonyms: sensitive, tricky, difficult, fragile, precarious

Antonyms: robust, straightforward, simple, easy, sturdy

Usage in Sentence: Managing the relationship between party and parent organisation requires delicate diplomacy.

66. Predecessor

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A person who held a job or office before the current holder

Tamil Meaning: முன்னோடி

Malayalam Meaning: മുൻഗാമി

Kannada Meaning: ಹಿಂದಿನವರು

Synonyms: forerunner, antecedent, precursor, former holder, earlier occupant

Antonyms: successor, descendant, follower, heir, replacement

Usage in Sentence: Like his predecessor, he must balance party independence with loyalty to senior leaders.

67. Cue

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A signal for action; a hint or indication

Tamil Meaning: சமிக்ஞை

Malayalam Meaning: സൂചന

Kannada Meaning: ಸೂಚನೆ

Synonyms: signal, prompt, hint, indication, sign

Antonyms: confusion, misdirection, ignorance, silence, obscurity

Usage in Sentence: The new leader is expected to follow the cue of senior leaders on major decisions.

68. Autonomy

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The right or condition of self-government; freedom from external control

Tamil Meaning: சுயாட்சி

Malayalam Meaning: സ്വയംഭരണാവകാശം

Kannada Meaning: ಸ್ವಾಯತ್ತತೆ

Synonyms: independence, self-government, sovereignty, freedom, self-rule

Antonyms: dependence, subjection, control, subordination, domination

Usage in Sentence: The leader must maintain an aura of autonomy while actually deferring to party seniors.

69. Slip-up

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A mistake or blunder

Tamil Meaning: தவறு

Malayalam Meaning: തെറ്റ്

Kannada Meaning: ತಪ್ಪು

Synonyms: mistake, error, blunder, gaffe, oversight

Antonyms: success, achievement, accomplishment, triumph, correct action

Usage in Sentence: Any slip-up will be his responsibility alone, while successes will be shared.

70. Reassure

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To say or do something to remove doubts and fears

Tamil Meaning: உறுதிப்படுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ഉറപ്പുനൽകുക

Kannada Meaning: ಭರವಸೆ ನೀಡು

Synonyms: comfort, encourage, hearten, console, pacify

Antonyms: alarm, worry, frighten, disturb, unsettle Usage

in Sentence: The young leader must reassure senior colleagues while asserting his own vision.

70. Inconsequential

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Not important or significant

Tamil Meaning: முக்கியமற்ற

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രാധാന്യമില്ലാത്ത

Kannada Meaning: ಅಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ

Synonyms: insignificant, trivial, unimportant, negligible, minor

Antonyms: important, significant, consequential, substantial, meaningful

Usage in Sentence: He must avoid becoming inconsequential by deferring excessively to senior leaders.

Idiom of the Day: 12 February 2026

Ride a Tiger

Formal / Neutral

Meaning: To engage in a dangerous, high-risk situation that cannot be easily abandoned without severe consequences.

Explanation of the Idiom:

The idiom ‘Ride a Tiger’ conjures a vivid and perilous image: once a person climbs onto a tiger’s back, dismounting safely becomes nearly impossible. The rider must keep going, not because the situation is safe but because stopping would invite disaster.

This expression is often used to describe circumstances where an individual, organisation or administration commits to a risky course of action that leaves little room for retreat.

This expression gained prominence in political and strategic discourse during the mid-20^th century, particularly in Cold War-era commentary, where it was used to describe alliances, policies and power struggles that were dangerous yet unavoidable once undertaken.

Example Sentences:

By taking on massive debt to expand rapidly, the footwear startup found itself riding a tiger.

The administration’s aggressive economic reforms left it riding a tiger amid rising public unrest.

After exposing internal corruption, the whistleblower knew he was riding a tiger with no safe exit.

With today’s Editorial Vocabulary Analysis from 12 February 2026, you've learned 70+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 ‘Riding a Tiger’ 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! 💪📖

Follow our Veranda RACE Blog for more detailed information about the Daily Editorial Analysis for English Vocabulary Building with important words and idioms from the month of February 2026 here:

Follow our Veranda RACE Blog for more detailed information about the Daily Editorial Analysis for English Vocabulary Building with important words and idioms from the month of January 2026 here:

DISCLAIMER: The Editorial words and content shared here are used solely for educational purposes to help students enhance their vocabulary and language skills. We acknowledge and attribute all such content to the respective owners and we do not claim any ownership over it. This material is not intended for any commercial or unauthorised use.

Students are encouraged to refer to the original articles on the official newspaper platforms for comprehensive reading.