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

Learn English Vocabulary – Daily Editorial Analysis – 12 January 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 January 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 IBPS RRB PO Mains, IBPS RRB 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 – 12 January 2026

1. Sparked

Part of speech: Verb (past tense)

Meaning: To trigger or cause something to start suddenly, especially a process or series of events

Tamil Meaning: தூண்டியது

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രേരിപ്പിച്ചു

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಚೋದಿಸಿತು

Synonyms: triggered, ignited, provoked, initiated, stimulated, kindled, instigated

Antonyms: extinguished, suppressed, quelled, dampened, stifled

Usage in Sentence: The administration's new policy sparked widespread protests across the nation.

2. Concern

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A matter that causes worry or anxiety; a feeling of unease about something

Tamil Meaning: கவலை

Malayalam Meaning: ആശങ്ക

Kannada Meaning: ಕಾಳಜಿ

Synonyms: worry, anxiety, apprehension, unease, disquiet, alarm, trepidation

Antonyms: indifference, unconcern, apathy, disregard, nonchalance

Usage in Sentence: The rising unemployment rate has become a major concern for policymakers.

3. Memorandum

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A written message or document used for internal communication, especially in business or diplomacy

Tamil Meaning: குறிப்பாணை

Malayalam Meaning: ഔദ്യോഗിക കുറിപ്പ്

Kannada Meaning: ಜ್ಞಾಪನ ಪತ್ರ

Synonyms: memo, directive, notice, communication, dispatch, note

Usage in Sentence: The President issued a memorandum outlining the new administrative procedures.

4. Contrary

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Opposite in nature, direction or meaning; conflicting with something

Tamil Meaning: எதிரான

Malayalam Meaning: വിരുദ്ധമായ

Kannada Meaning: ವಿರುದ್ಧವಾದ

Synonyms: opposite, conflicting, contradictory, opposing, antithetical, incompatible

Antonyms: consistent, compatible, agreeable, harmonious, concordant

Usage in Sentence: The leader's statement was contrary to the official administrative position.

5. Predecessor

Part of speech: Noun

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

Tamil Meaning: முன்னோடி / முன்னிருந்தவர்

Malayalam Meaning: മുൻഗാമി

Kannada Meaning: ಹಿಂದಿನವರು

Synonyms: forerunner, precursor, antecedent, former holder

Antonyms: successor, follower, descendant

Usage in Sentence: The new chairman reversed several decisions made by his predecessor.

6. Mandate

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: An official order or commission to do something; authority granted to carry out a policy

Tamil Meaning: அதிகாரம் / மேலிடக்கட்டளை

Malayalam Meaning: അധികാരപരിധി

Kannada Meaning: ಆದೇಶ

Synonyms: authority, directive, commission, instruction, decree, command

Antonyms: prohibition, ban, veto, denial

Usage in Sentence: The agency's mandate includes protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair trade practices.

7. Woke

Part of speech: Adjective (colloquial/slang)

Meaning: Alert to social and racial injustice and discrimination; politically progressive

Tamil Meaning: சமூக விழிப்புணர்வு கொண்ட

Malayalam Meaning: സാമൂഹിക അവബോധമുള്ള

Kannada Meaning: ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ಜಾಗೃತಿಯುಳ್ಳ

Synonyms: aware, conscious, progressive, enlightened, socially aware

Antonyms: unaware, ignorant, regressive, insensitive

Usage in Sentence: Critics accused the company of promoting woke ideology in its advertising campaigns.

8. Engendered

Part of speech: Verb (past tense)

Meaning: To cause or give rise to a feeling, situation or condition

Tamil Meaning: உருவாக்கியது

Malayalam Meaning: സൃഷ്ടിച്ചു

Kannada Meaning: ಸೃಷ್ಟಿಸಿತು

Synonyms: caused, produced, generated, created, brought about, prompted

Antonyms: destroyed, eliminated, prevented, suppressed

Usage in Sentence: The controversial legislation engendered fierce debate among parliamentarians.

9. Impending

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: About to happen; approaching or imminent

Tamil Meaning: வரவிருக்கும்

Malayalam Meaning: ആസന്നമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಸನ್ನಿಹಿತವಾದ

Synonyms: imminent, approaching, forthcoming, looming, nearing, upcoming

Antonyms: distant, remote, far-off, unlikely

Usage in Sentence: The meteorological department warned residents about the impending cyclone.

10. Plunge

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A sudden and dramatic fall or decline; a dive or jump into something

Tamil Meaning: திடீர் வீழ்ச்சி

Malayalam Meaning: പെട്ടെന്നുള്ള താഴ്ച

Kannada Meaning: ಹಠಾತ್ ಕುಸಿತ

Synonyms: drop, fall, dive, descent, tumble, decline

Antonyms: rise, ascent, climb, increase, surge

Usage in Sentence: The stock market took a sharp plunge following the announcement of new taxes.

11. Isolationism

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other countries or groups

Tamil Meaning: தனிமைவாதம்

Malayalam Meaning: ഒറ്റപ്പെടൽ നയം

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರತ್ಯೇಕತಾವಾದ

Synonyms: seclusion, separation, withdrawal, detachment, non-involvement

Antonyms: internationalism, interventionism, engagement, involvement

Usage in Sentence: The country's shift towards isolationism weakened its diplomatic relationships worldwide.

12. Setbacks

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Reverses or checks in progress; events that delay or prevent advancement

Tamil Meaning: பின்னடைவுகள்

Malayalam Meaning: തിരിച്ചടികൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಹಿನ್ನಡೆಗಳು

Synonyms: reverses, hindrances, obstacles, impediments, delays, checks

Antonyms: advances, progress, breakthroughs, successes

Usage in Sentence: Despite numerous setbacks, the research team remained committed to finding a cure.

13. Halting

Part of speech: Verb (present participle/gerund)

Meaning: Stopping or bringing to a stop; preventing the progress or movement of something

Tamil Meaning: நிறுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: തടയുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ನಿಲ್ಲಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: stopping, arresting, checking, preventing, impeding, stemming

Antonyms: continuing, advancing, promoting, facilitating

Usage in Sentence: Halting the spread of misinformation requires coordinated efforts from all stakeholders.

14. Momentum

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The impetus and driving force gained by the development of a process or course of events

Tamil Meaning: வேகம்

Malayalam Meaning: ആക്കം

Kannada Meaning: ಆವೇಗ

Synonyms: impetus, force, drive, energy, thrust, propulsion

Antonyms: inertia, stagnation, standstill, cessation

Usage in Sentence: The reform movement gained significant momentum after the landmark court decision.

15. Inevitable

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Certain to happen; unavoidable

Tamil Meaning: தவிர்க்க முடியாத

Malayalam Meaning: അനിവാര്യമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಅನಿವಾರ್ಯವಾದ

Synonyms: unavoidable, inescapable, certain, inexorable, destined, assured

Antonyms: avoidable, preventable, uncertain, unlikely

Usage in Sentence: Climate change will have inevitable consequences if immediate action is not taken.

16. Vacuum

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A space entirely devoid of matter; a gap left by the absence of something previously present

Tamil Meaning: வெற்றிடம்

Malayalam Meaning: ശൂന്യത

Kannada Meaning: ನಿರ್ವಾತ

Synonyms: void, emptiness, gap, absence, blank, cavity

Antonyms: fullness, presence, abundance, occupation

Usage in Sentence: The sudden resignation created a leadership vacuum in the organisation.

17. Cede

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To give up power or territory; to surrender or relinquish

Tamil Meaning: விட்டுக்கொடுக்க

Malayalam Meaning: വിട്ടുകൊടുക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಬಿಟ್ಟುಕೊಡು

Synonyms: surrender, relinquish, yield, abandon, forfeit, transfer

Antonyms: retain, keep, hold, maintain, acquire

Usage in Sentence: The nation refused to cede any territory despite intense diplomatic pressure.

18. Incentives

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Things that motivate or encourage someone to do something; rewards or benefits offered

Tamil Meaning: ஊக்கத்தொகைகள்

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രോത്സാഹനങ്ങൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರೋತ್ಸಾಹಗಳು

Synonyms: motivations, inducements, encouragements, stimuli, rewards, benefits

Antonyms: disincentives, deterrents, discouragements, penalties

Usage in Sentence: The administration introduced tax incentives to attract foreign investment.

19. Deleterious

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Causing harm or damage; having a harmful effect

Tamil Meaning: தீங்கு விளைவிக்கும்

Malayalam Meaning: ഹാനികരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಹಾನಿಕಾರಕ

Synonyms: harmful, damaging, detrimental, injurious, destructive, pernicious

Antonyms: beneficial, advantageous, helpful, constructive, favourable

Usage in Sentence: Prolonged exposure to pollution has deleterious effects on public health.

20. Destabilising

Part of speech: Verb (present participle/gerund)

Meaning: Making something unstable or less stable; undermining the stability of something

Tamil Meaning: ஸ்திரமின்மை ஏற்படுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: അസ്ഥിരപ്പെടുത്തുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ಅಸ್ಥಿರಗೊಳಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: undermining, weakening, disrupting, unsettling, unbalancing

Antonyms: stabilising, strengthening, securing, reinforcing, solidifying

Usage in Sentence: The spread of fake news is destabilising democratic institutions worldwide.

21. Trumping

Part of speech: Verb (present participle/gerund)

Meaning: Surpassing or defeating; taking precedence over something

Tamil Meaning: மேலோங்குதல்

Malayalam Meaning: മറികടക്കുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಮೀರಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: surpassing, overriding, defeating, outranking, eclipsing, superseding

Antonyms: yielding, succumbing, submitting, losing

Usage in Sentence: Short-term political gains are trumping long-term economic planning.

22. Modus operandi

Part of speech: Noun (Latin phrase)

Meaning: A particular way or method of doing something; a mode of operation

Tamil Meaning: செயல்படும் முறை

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രവർത്തന രീതി

Kannada Meaning: ಕಾರ್ಯ ವಿಧಾನ

Synonyms: method, procedure, approach, system, technique, practice

Usage in Sentence: The committee investigated the modus operandi of the criminal network.

23. Remainder

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The part that is left over; what remains after other parts have been removed or dealt with

Tamil Meaning: மீதமுள்ளது

Malayalam Meaning: ശേഷിക്കുന്നത്

Kannada Meaning: ಉಳಿದಿರುವುದು

Synonyms: rest, residue, balance, remnant, surplus, leftover

Antonyms: whole, entirety, total, completeness

Usage in Sentence: The administration plans to implement these reforms over the remainder of its term.

24, Unprecedented

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Never done or known before; without previous example

Tamil Meaning: முன்னெப்போதும் இல்லாத

Malayalam Meaning: അഭൂതപൂർവമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಭೂತಪೂರ್ವ

Synonyms: unparalleled, extraordinary, unique, novel, exceptional, remarkable

Antonyms: common, ordinary, usual, typical, precedented

Usage in Sentence: The pandemic created unprecedented challenges for healthcare systems globally.

25. Ethno nationalism

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A form of nationalism wherein the nation is defined in terms of ethnicity or ethnic identity

Tamil Meaning: இனவாத தேசியவாதம்

Malayalam Meaning: വംശീയ ദേശീയത

Kannada Meaning: ಜನಾಂಗೀಯ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯತೆ

Synonyms: ethnic nationalism, racial nationalism, tribalism

Antonyms: civic nationalism, cosmopolitanism, multiculturalism, internationalism

Usage in Sentence: The rise of ethno-nationalism threatens the fabric of multicultural societies.

26. Racist

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Showing or feeling discrimination or prejudice against people of other races

Tamil Meaning: இனப்பற்று கொண்டவர்

Malayalam Meaning: വംശീയ വിവേചനപരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಜನಾಂಗೀಯ

Synonyms: discriminatory, prejudiced, bigoted, intolerant, xenophobic

Antonyms: tolerant, egalitarian, unprejudiced, fair-minded, inclusive

Usage in Sentence: The organisation condemned the racist remarks made by the public official.

27. Disastrous

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Causing great damage or harm; extremely unfortunate or unsuccessful

Tamil Meaning: பேரழிவை ஏற்படுத்தும்

Malayalam Meaning: വിനാശകരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ವಿನಾಶಕಾರಿ

Synonyms: catastrophic, calamitous, devastating, ruinous, destructive, tragic

Antonyms: successful, fortunate, beneficial, advantageous, favourable

Usage in Sentence: The hasty decision proved to be disastrous for the company's reputation.

28. Acknowledged

Part of speech: Verb (past tense)

Meaning: Accepted or admitted the existence or truth of something; recognised

Tamil Meaning: ஒப்புக்கொண்டது

Malayalam Meaning: അംഗീകരിച്ചു

Kannada Meaning: ಅಂಗೀಕರಿಸಿತು

Synonyms: recognised, admitted, accepted, confirmed, conceded, granted

Antonyms: denied, rejected, disputed, ignored, dismissed

Usage in Sentence: The administration finally acknowledged the failures in its response to the crisis.

29. Consensual

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Relating to or involving consent or agreement; done with mutual consent

Tamil Meaning: ஒப்புதலுடன் கூடிய

Malayalam Meaning: സമ്മതപൂർവമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಒಪ್ಪಿಗೆಯ

Synonyms: agreed, mutual, voluntary, willing, cooperative

Antonyms: forced, coerced, involuntary, compulsory, non-consensual

Usage in Sentence: The law distinguishes between consensual relationships and coercive situations.

30. Menace

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A person or thing that is likely to cause harm; a threat or danger

Tamil Meaning: அச்சுறுத்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: ഭീഷണി

Kannada Meaning: ಬೆದರಿಕೆ

Synonyms: threat, danger, hazard, peril, risk, nuisance

Antonyms: benefit, blessing, advantage, help, protection

Usage in Sentence: Drug trafficking remains a serious menace to society.

31. Weaponised

Part of speech: Verb (past participle)

Meaning: Adapted for use as a weapon; used as a means of attack or harm

Tamil Meaning: ஆயுதமாக பயன்படுத்தப்பட்டது

Malayalam Meaning: ആയുധമാക്കി

Kannada Meaning: ಅಸ್ತ್ರವಾಗಿ ಬಳಸಲಾಯಿತು

Synonyms: militarised, armed, converted, exploited, misused

Antonyms: disarmed, neutralised, pacified

Usage in Sentence: Social media has been weaponised to spread propaganda and misinformation.

32. Intervention

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The action of becoming involved in a situation to improve or alter it

Tamil Meaning: தலையீடு

Malayalam Meaning: ഇടപെടൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಹಸ್ತಕ್ಷೇಪ

Synonyms: involvement, interference, mediation, intercession, action

Antonyms: non-intervention, abstention, withdrawal, neglect

Usage in Sentence: The court's intervention prevented the demolition of the heritage building.

33. Validates

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

Meaning: Confirms or proves the validity or accuracy of something

Tamil Meaning: உறுதிப்படுத்துகிறது

Malayalam Meaning: സാധൂകരിക്കുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಮಾನ್ಯಗೊಳಿಸುತ್ತದೆ

Synonyms: confirms, verifies, substantiates, corroborates, authenticates, ratifies

Antonyms: invalidates, refutes, disproves, negates, contradicts

Usage in Sentence: The recent study validates the concerns raised by environmental activists.

34. Statute

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A written law passed by a legislative body

Tamil Meaning: சட்டம்

Malayalam Meaning: നിയമം

Kannada Meaning: ಕಾನೂನು

Synonyms: law, regulation, act, enactment, ordinance, decree

Usage in Sentence: Parliament passed a new statute to regulate digital commerce.

35. Shield

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To protect someone or something from danger, harm or unpleasant experience

Tamil Meaning: பாதுகாக்க

Malayalam Meaning: സംരക്ഷിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ರಕ್ಷಿಸು

Synonyms: protect, safeguard, defend, guard, shelter, screen

Antonyms: expose, endanger, harm, attack, threaten

Usage in Sentence: The legislation aims to shield vulnerable people from exploitation.

36. Predatory

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Seeking to exploit or oppress others; relating to plundering or exploiting

Tamil Meaning: கொள்ளையடிக்கும்/ சூறையாடும் தன்மை

Malayalam Meaning: കൊള്ളയടിക്കുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ಕೊಳ್ಳೆಗಾರ

Synonyms: exploitative, rapacious, oppressive, aggressive, marauding, parasitic

Antonyms: protective, benevolent, generous, supportive, caring

Usage in Sentence: Consumer protection laws target predatory lending practices.

37. Subverted

Part of speech: Verb (past participle)

Meaning: Undermined the power and authority of an established system or institution

Tamil Meaning: சீரழிக்கப்பட்டது

Malayalam Meaning: അട്ടിമറിച്ചു

Kannada Meaning: ಉರುಳಿಸಲಾಯಿತು

Synonyms: undermined, sabotaged, corrupted, overthrown, destabilised, perverted

Antonyms: supported, upheld, maintained, reinforced, strengthened

Usage in Sentence: Democratic processes were subverted through widespread electoral fraud.

38. Enforcing

Part of speech: Verb (present participle/gerund)

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

Tamil Meaning: அமல்படுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: നടപ്പിലാക്കുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಜಾರಿಗೊಳಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: implementing, administering, executing, applying, imposing, compelling

Antonyms: neglecting, ignoring, waiving, abandoning

Usage in Sentence: Police officers are responsible for enforcing traffic regulations.

39. Systemic

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Relating to a system as a whole; affecting an entire system

Tamil Meaning: முறைசார்ந்த

Malayalam Meaning: വ്യവസ്ഥാപരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥಿತ

Synonyms: systematic, structural, institutional, organisational, inherent, endemic

Antonyms: isolated, individual, sporadic, random

Usage in Sentence: The inquiry revealed systemic corruption within the department.

40. Vulnerability

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of harm or attack

Tamil Meaning: பாதிப்புக்குள்ளாகும் தன்மை

Malayalam Meaning: ദുർബലത

Kannada Meaning: ದುರ್ಬಲತೆ

Synonyms: weakness, susceptibility, fragility, defencelessness, exposure, frailty

Antonyms: strength, security, invulnerability, resilience, protection

Usage in Sentence: The pandemic exposed the vulnerability of global supply chains.

41. Inflexible

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Unwilling to change or compromise; rigid and unyielding

Tamil Meaning: வளைந்து கொடுக்காத

Malayalam Meaning: വഴക്കമില്ലാത്ത

Kannada Meaning: ಬಗ್ಗದ

Synonyms: rigid, unbending, unyielding, obstinate, stubborn, adamant

Antonyms: flexible, adaptable, pliable, yielding, accommodating

Usage in Sentence: The inflexible approach to negotiations led to a complete breakdown in talks.

42. Rigid

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Unable to bend or be forced out of shape; not flexible

Tamil Meaning: கடினமான

Malayalam Meaning: കർക്കശമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಕಠಿಣವಾದ

Synonyms: stiff, firm, hard, unyielding, strict, stringent

Antonyms: flexible, adaptable, lenient, soft, elastic

Usage in Sentence: The organisation maintains a rigid hierarchy that stifles innovation.

43. Liability

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The state of being responsible for something, especially by law; legal responsibility

Tamil Meaning: பொறுப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: ബാധ്യത

Kannada Meaning: ಹೊಣೆಗಾರಿಕೆ

Synonyms: responsibility, accountability, obligation, culpability, duty

Antonyms: immunity, exemption, freedom, asset

Usage in Sentence: The company accepted full liability for the environmental damage caused.

44. Rendered

Part of speech: Verb (past participle)

Meaning: Caused to be or become; made something into a particular state

Tamil Meaning: ஆக்கப்பட்டது

Malayalam Meaning: മാറ്റി

Kannada Meaning: ಮಾಡಲಾಯಿತು

Synonyms: made, caused, transformed, converted, turned

Antonyms: maintained, preserved, kept

Usage in Sentence: The new regulations have rendered the old procedures obsolete.

45. Irrelevant

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Not connected with or relevant to something; not important or pertinent

Tamil Meaning: பொருத்தமற்ற

Malayalam Meaning: അപ്രസക്തമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ

Synonyms: unrelated, immaterial, inapplicable, extraneous, inconsequential, unimportant

Antonyms: relevant, pertinent, applicable, important, significant

Usage in Sentence: The witness's testimony was deemed irrelevant to the case.

46. Indiscriminate

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Done at random or without careful judgement; not making distinctions

Tamil Meaning: வேறுபாடின்றி / தாறுமாறான

Malayalam Meaning: വിവേചനരഹിതമായ

Kannada Meaning: ವಿವೇಚನೆಯಿಲ್ಲದ

Synonyms: random, haphazard, arbitrary, unselective, wholesale, blanket

Antonyms: selective, discriminating, careful, deliberate, specific

Usage in Sentence: The indiscriminate use of antibiotics has led to drug resistance.

47. Offenders

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: People who commit illegal or harmful acts; those who break laws or rules

Tamil Meaning: சட்டத்தை மீறுபவர்/ குற்றவாளிகள்

Malayalam Meaning: കുറ്റവാളികൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಪರಾಧಿಗಳು

Synonyms: criminals, wrongdoers, lawbreakers, culprits, violators, transgressors

Antonyms: law-abiders, innocents, victims

Usage in Sentence: The rehabilitation programme aims to reduce reoffending among first-time offenders.

48. Stringent

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Strict, precise and exacting; imposing rigorous standards or requirements

Tamil Meaning: கடுமையான

Malayalam Meaning: കർശനമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಕಠಿಣವಾದ

Synonyms: strict, rigorous, severe, demanding, harsh, tough

Antonyms: lenient, lax, relaxed, mild, flexible

Usage in Sentence: The administration imposed stringent measures to control air pollution.

49. Intended

Part of speech: Adjective/Verb (past participle)

Meaning: Planned or meant to be; designed for a particular purpose

Tamil Meaning: நோக்கமிட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: ഉദ്ദേശിച്ച

Kannada Meaning: ಉದ್ದೇಶಿತ

Synonyms: planned, designed, meant, proposed, purposed, aimed

Antonyms: unintended, accidental, unplanned, inadvertent

Usage in Sentence: The policy had several unintended consequences that were not intended by lawmakers.

50. Deter

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To discourage someone from doing something by instilling doubt or fear

Tamil Meaning: தடுக்க

Malayalam Meaning: പിന്തിരിപ്പിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ತಡೆಯು

Synonyms: discourage, prevent, dissuade, inhibit, restrain, hinder

Antonyms: encourage, promote, facilitate, inspire, motivate

Usage in Sentence: Severe penalties are meant to deter people from committing crimes.

51. Heinous

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Utterly odious or wicked; extremely evil or cruel

Tamil Meaning: கொடூரமான

Malayalam Meaning: ക്രൂരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಘೋರವಾದ

Synonyms: atrocious, abominable, monstrous, vile, wicked, evil

Antonyms: admirable, noble, virtuous, good, honourable

Usage in Sentence: The perpetrators of this heinous crime must face the full force of the law.

52. Manipulated

Part of speech: Verb (past participle)

Meaning: Handled or controlled in a skilful manner; influenced or controlled unfairly

Tamil Meaning: சூழ்ச்சியாக மாற்றுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: കൈകാര്യം ചെയ്തു

Kannada Meaning: ಕುಶಲತೆಯಿಂದ ನಡೆಸಲಾಯಿತು

Synonyms: controlled, influenced, exploited, managed, manoeuvred, rigged

Antonyms: ignored, neglected, left alone

Usage in Sentence: The election results were allegedly manipulated through voter fraud.

53. Elopement

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The act of running away secretly to get married, especially without parental consent

Tamil Meaning: ஓடிப்போதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ഓടിപ്പോകൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಓಡಿಹೋಗುವುದು

Synonyms: escape, flight, runaway marriage

Antonyms: formal marriage, arranged marriage

Usage in Sentence: The couple's elopement caused a major family conflict.

54. Triggers

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

Meaning: Causes something to happen or begin; sets off a reaction or series of events

Tamil Meaning: தூண்டுகிறது

Malayalam Meaning: ഉണർത്തുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಚೋದಿಸುತ್ತದ

Synonyms: initiates, activates, prompts, provokes, sets off, sparks

Antonyms: prevents, stops, suppresses, inhibits

Usage in Sentence: High unemployment often triggers social unrest.

55. Coercive

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Relating to or using force or threats to make someone do something

Tamil Meaning: கட்டாயப்படுத்தும்

Malayalam Meaning: നിർബന്ധിതമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಬಲವಂತದ

Synonyms: forceful, compulsory, threatening, oppressive, intimidating

Antonyms: voluntary, consensual, willing, optional

Usage in Sentence: The interrogation methods were deemed coercive and illegal.

56. Punitive

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Inflicting or intended as punishment; relating to or causing punishment

Tamil Meaning: தண்டனை சார்ந்த

Malayalam Meaning: ശിക്ഷാപരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಶಿಕ್ಷಾರ್ಹ

Synonyms: penal, disciplinary, retributive, corrective, castigatory

Antonyms: rewarding, beneficial, compensatory

Usage in Sentence: The court imposed punitive damages on the company for its negligence.

57. Severity

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The fact or condition of being severe; seriousness or harshness

Tamil Meaning: தீவிரம்

Malayalam Meaning: തീവ്രത

Kannada Meaning: ತೀವ್ರತೆ

Synonyms: seriousness, harshness, gravity, strictness, rigor, intensity

Antonyms: leniency, mildness, gentleness, moderation

Usage in Sentence: The severity of the punishment did not match the nature of the offence.

58. Counterproductive

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Having the opposite of the desired effect; hindering rather than helping

Tamil Meaning: எதிர்விளைவு தரும்

Malayalam Meaning: വിപരീത ഫലം നൽകുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಫಲಿತಾಂಶ

Synonyms: ineffective, detrimental, harmful, obstructive, disadvantageous

Antonyms: productive, effective, beneficial, helpful, constructive

Usage in Sentence: Excessive regulation can be counterproductive to economic growth.

59. Discretion

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation; careful judgement

Tamil Meaning: விருப்புரிமை

Malayalam Meaning: വിവേചനാധികാരം

Kannada Meaning: ವಿವೇಚನೆ

Synonyms: judgement, choice, freedom, liberty, prudence, wisdom

Antonyms: indiscretion, obligation, compulsion, carelessness

Usage in Sentence: The judge used her discretion to reduce the sentence based on mitigating circumstances.

60. Endeavour

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To try hard to do or achieve something; to make an effort

Tamil Meaning: முயற்சிக்க

Malayalam Meaning: ശ്രമിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಿಸು

Synonyms: attempt, try, strive, undertake, seek, aim

Antonyms: abandon, neglect, give up, quit

Usage in Sentence: The committee will endeavour to resolve the dispute through mediation.

61. Curb

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To restrain or keep in check; to control or limit something

Tamil Meaning: கட்டுப்படுத்த

Malayalam Meaning: നിയന്ത്രിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ನಿಯಂತ್ರಿಸು

Synonyms: restrain, control, check, limit, restrict, constrain

Antonyms: encourage, promote, facilitate, increase

Usage in Sentence: The central bank raised interest rates to curb inflation.

62. 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-governance, freedom, self-determination, sovereignty

Antonyms: dependence, subjection, subordination, control

Usage in Sentence: The region demanded greater autonomy in managing its resources.

63. Navigating

Part of speech: Verb (present participle/gerund)

Meaning: Finding one's way through or dealing with a difficult situation

Tamil Meaning: செல்லுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: കടന്നുപോകുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ದಾರಿ ಹುಡುಕುವುದು

Synonyms: steering, manoeuvring, traversing, handling, managing, negotiating

Antonyms: abandoning, avoiding, neglecting

Usage in Sentence: Young entrepreneurs face challenges in navigating complex regulatory frameworks.

64. Emerging

Part of speech: Adjective/Verb (present participle)

Meaning: Coming into existence or prominence; developing or becoming known

Tamil Meaning: உருவாகி வரும்

Malayalam Meaning: ഉയർന്നുവരുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ಹೊರಹೊಮ್ಮುತ್ತಿರುವ

Synonyms: developing, arising, growing, evolving, nascent, budding

Antonyms: declining, disappearing, established, fading

Usage in Sentence: Cybersecurity is an emerging field with tremendous career opportunities.

65. Intergenerational

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Relating to or affecting several generations; occurring between different generations

Tamil Meaning: தலைமுறைகளுக்கு இடையிலான

Malayalam Meaning: തലമുറകൾക്കിടയിലുള്ള

Kannada Meaning: ಅಂತರ ತಲೆಮಾರಿನ

Synonyms: cross-generational, multigenerational

Antonyms: single-generation, contemporary

Usage in Sentence: Intergenerational dialogue is essential for maintaining family harmony.

66. Conservative

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Holding to traditional attitudes and values; averse to change or innovation

Tamil Meaning: பழமைவாத

Malayalam Meaning: യാഥാസ്ഥിതിക

Kannada Meaning: ಸಂಪ್ರದಾಯವಾದಿ

Synonyms: traditional, conventional, orthodox, cautious, moderate

Antonyms: progressive, liberal, radical, innovative, reformist

Usage in Sentence: Many rural communities maintain conservative views on social issues.

67. Bolstering

Part of speech: Verb (present participle/gerund)

Meaning: Supporting or strengthening; reinforcing or boosting

Tamil Meaning: வலுப்படுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ശക്തിപ്പെടുത്തുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಬಲಪಡಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: strengthening, reinforcing, supporting, boosting, fortifying, enhancing

Antonyms: weakening, undermining, diminishing, reducing

Usage in Sentence: The administration is bolstering defence capabilities along the border.

68. Invoking

Part of speech: Verb (present participle/gerund)

Meaning: Calling upon or appealing to; citing as an authority or in support

Tamil Meaning: பயன்படுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ആഹ്വാനം ചെയ്യുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಕರೆಯುವುದು

Synonyms: summoning, calling upon, appealing to, citing, referring to

Antonyms: dismissing, ignoring, rejecting

Usage in Sentence: The opposition is invoking constitutional provisions to challenge the legislation.

69. Tweaking

Part of speech: Verb (present participle/gerund)

Meaning: Making small adjustments or improvements; fine-tuning something

Tamil Meaning: சிறு மாற்றம் செய்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: ചെറിയ മാറ്റം വരുത്തുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಸಣ್ಣ ಬದಲಾವಣೆ ಮಾಡುವುದು

Synonyms: adjusting, modifying, refining, altering, fine-tuning, amending

Antonyms: maintaining, preserving, overhauling

Usage in Sentence: The committee is tweaking the draft policy based on public feedback.

70. Recourse

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A source of help in a difficult situation; the use of someone or something as a source of help

Tamil Meaning: புகலிடம்

Malayalam Meaning: ആശ്രയം

Kannada Meaning: ಆಶ್ರಯ

Synonyms: resort, option, remedy, refuge, alternative, resource

Antonyms: None (specific term)

Usage in Sentence: Citizens have recourse to the courts if their rights are violated.

71. Vulnerable

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed; susceptible to danger

Tamil Meaning: பாதிப்புக்குள்ளாகக்கூடிய

Malayalam Meaning: ദുർബലമായ

Kannada Meaning: ದುರ್ಬಲವಾದ

Synonyms: susceptible, exposed, defenceless, weak, at risk, endangered

Antonyms: protected, secure, invulnerable, strong, safe

Usage in Sentence: Children from impoverished backgrounds are particularly vulnerable to exploitation.

72. Wrath

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Extreme anger; intense fury or indignation

Tamil Meaning: கோபம்

Malayalam Meaning: ക്രോധം

Kannada Meaning: ಕ್ರೋಧ

Synonyms: anger, fury, rage, ire, indignation, vengeance

Antonyms: pleasure, delight, happiness, calmness, forgiveness

Usage in Sentence: The community faced the wrath of vigilante groups for their progressive views.

73. Prosecutorial

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Relating to or characteristic of a prosecutor or prosecution

Tamil Meaning: வழக்குரைஞர் சார்ந்த

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രോസിക്യൂഷൻ സംബന്ധിച്ച

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಾಸಿಕ್ಯೂಟರ್ ಸಂಬಂಧಿತ

Synonyms: legal, judicial, accusatory, criminal justice

Antonyms: defensive, exculpatory

Usage in Sentence: There are concerns about prosecutorial bias in high-profile cases.

74. Overreach

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The act of reaching too far or exceeding proper limits; excessive extension of authority

Tamil Meaning: அதிகார வரம்பு மீறல்

Malayalam Meaning: അധികാര ലംഘനം

Kannada Meaning: ಅತಿಯಾದ ಹಸ್ತಕ್ಷೇಪ

Synonyms: excess, abuse, transgression, infringement, exceedance

Antonyms: restraint, limitation, moderation, propriety

Usage in Sentence: The ruling was criticised as an example of judicial overreach.

Idiom of the Day: 12 January 2026

Cross the Line

Formal / Neutral

Meaning: To go beyond acceptable limits of behaviour, ethics, authority or social boundaries.

Explanation of the Idiom:

The idiom ‘cross the line’ originates from the idea of a clearly marked boundary, whether literal or symbolic, that separates what is permitted from what is forbidden.

To cross that line is to move beyond an agreed standard or conduct. In its early usage, this phrase often referred to physical boundaries, where stepping over a marked line carried immediate consequences.

Over time, this phrase evolved into a powerful metaphor for moral, professional and social transgressions.

Today, this idiom ‘crossing the line’, is commonly used to describe moments when someone exceeds ethical limits, abuses authority, invades personal space or violates trust.

Example Sentences:

The politician crossed the line by spreading misinformation that deliberately misled citizens.

The coach crossed the line when discipline turned into public humiliation of young athletes.

The company crossed the line by exploiting customer data for profit without transparent disclosure.

With today’s Editorial Vocabulary Analysis from 12 January 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 ‘Cross the Line’ 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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