The Daily Editorial Analysis – English Vocabulary Building – 20 January 2026

Learn English Vocabulary – Daily Editorial Analysis – 20 January 2026

This blog post by Veranda RACE helps competitive exam aspirants learn 55+ 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 – 20 January 2026

1. Flux

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A state of continuous change or instability

Tamil Meaning: நிலையற்ற நிலை

Malayalam Meaning: അസ്ഥിരത

Kannada Meaning: ಅಸ್ಥಿರತೆ

Synonyms: instability, fluidity, transition, uncertainty, volatility

Antonyms: stability, constancy, steadiness, permanence, equilibrium

Usage in Sentence: The political situation in the region remains in flux as various parties struggle for dominance.

2. Ascent

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: An upward movement or rise in power, status or position

Tamil Meaning: எழுச்சி, முன்னேற்றம்

Malayalam Meaning: ഉയർച്ച, പുരോഗതി

Kannada Meaning: ಏರಿಕೆ, ಪ್ರಗತಿ

Synonyms: rise, climb, advancement, progression, elevation

Antonyms: descent, decline, fall, deterioration, regression

Usage in Sentence: The party's ascent to power was marked by a series of electoral victories across the state.

3. Factions

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Small organised dissenting groups within a larger organisation or political party

Tamil Meaning: பிரிவுகள், குழுக்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: വിഭാഗങ്ങൾ, ഗ്രൂപ്പുകൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಬಣಗಳು, ಗುಂಪುಗಳು

Synonyms: groups, cliques, blocs, camps, divisions

Antonyms: unity, whole, entirety, consensus, union

Usage in Sentence: Multiple factions within the party are competing for control of the organisation.

4. Legacy

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Something handed down or received from a predecessor or the past

Tamil Meaning: மரபு, பாரம்பரியம்

Malayalam Meaning: പാരമ്പര്യം, പൈതൃകം

Kannada Meaning: ಪರಂಪರೆ, ಪೈತೃಕ

Synonyms: heritage, inheritance, tradition, bequest, patrimony

Antonyms: innovation, novelty, originality, modernity

Usage in Sentence: Political leaders continue to invoke the legacy of the founders to legitimise their actions.

5. Nativism

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The policy of protecting the interests of native-born inhabitants against those of immigrants

Tamil Meaning: சொந்த நாட்டவர் முதன்மைவாதம்

Malayalam Meaning: സ്വദേശിവാദം

Kannada Meaning: ಸ್ಥಳೀಯವಾದ

Synonyms: xenophobia, ethnocentrism, chauvinism, provincialism

Antonyms: cosmopolitanism, multiculturalism, inclusiveness, tolerance

Usage in Sentence: The rise of nativism in urban areas has led to tension between local residents and migrants.

6. Communalism

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Strong allegiance to one's own ethnic or religious group rather than to society as a whole

Tamil Meaning: மதவாதம்

Malayalam Meaning: വർഗീയത

Kannada Meaning: ಕೋಮುವಾದ

Synonyms: sectarianism, parochialism, tribalism, partisanship

Antonyms: secularism, universalism, inclusivity, integration

Usage in Sentence: The spread of communalism poses a serious threat to social harmony and national unity.

7. Agenda

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A list of items to be discussed or a plan of things to be done or problems to be addressed

Tamil Meaning: திட்டம்

Malayalam Meaning: പദ്ധതി

Kannada Meaning: ಯೋಜನೆ

Synonyms: programme, schedule, plan, platform, manifesto

Antonyms: improvisation, spontaneity, randomness

Usage in Sentence: The party adopted a new political agenda to appeal to younger voters.

8. Catering

Part of speech: Verb (present participle)

Meaning: Providing what is desired or needed, especially to meet specific requirements

Tamil Meaning: வழங்குதல், பூர்த்தி செய்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: നൽകുന്നു, പരിപാലിക്കുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಒದಗಿಸುವುದು, ಪೂರೈಸುವುದು

Synonyms: serving, providing, supplying, accommodating, pandering

Antonyms: ignoring, neglecting, disregarding, refusing

Usage in Sentence: The administration is catering to various interest groups to maintain its coalition.

9. Demographics

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it

Tamil Meaning: மக்கள்தொகை

Malayalam Meaning: ജനസംഖ്യാശാസ്ത്രം

Kannada Meaning: ಜನಸಂಖ್ಯಾಶಾಸ್ತ್ರ

Synonyms: population statistics, census data, vital statistics

Usage in Sentence: Changing demographics in metropolitan areas are reshaping electoral politics.

10. Ally

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A person, group or nation that is associated with another for some common cause or purpose

Tamil Meaning: கூட்டாளி, நட்பு நாடு

Malayalam Meaning: സഖ്യകക്ഷി, സഹായി

Kannada Meaning: ಮಿತ್ರ, ಸಹಾಯಕ

Synonyms: partner, associate, confederate, collaborator, supporter

Antonyms: enemy, opponent, adversary, rival, foe

Usage in Sentence: The smaller party proved to be a valuable ally in forming the coalition government.

11. Strongholds

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Places that are strongly defended or areas where a particular group or belief is particularly strong

Tamil Meaning: பலமான இடங்கள், கோட்டைகள்

Malayalam Meaning: ശക്തികേന്ദ്രങ്ങൾ, കോട്ടകൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಬಲವಾದ ಕೇಂದ್ರಗಳು, ಕೋಟೆಗಳು

Synonyms: bastions, fortresses, citadels, centres, heartlands

Antonyms: weaknesses, vulnerabilities, exposed areas

Usage in Sentence: The party lost several of its traditional strongholds in the recent elections.

12. Alliances

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Unions or associations formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries or organisations

Tamil Meaning: கூட்டணிகள், கூட்டுறவுகள்

Malayalam Meaning: സഖ്യങ്ങൾ, കൂട്ടായ്മകൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಮೈತ್ರಿಗಳು, ಸಹಕಾರಗಳು

Synonyms: coalitions, partnerships, unions, confederations, blocs

Antonyms: divisions, separations, rivalries, competitions

Usage in Sentence: Political alliances are often formed on the basis of convenience rather than ideology.

13. Estranged

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: No longer close or affectionate; alienated or separated

Tamil Meaning: பிரிந்த, விலகிய

Malayalam Meaning: അകന്ന, വേർപിരിഞ്ഞ

Kannada Meaning: ದೂರವಾದ, ಬೇರ್ಪಟ್ಟ

Synonyms: alienated, separated, distant, divided, disaffected

Antonyms: reconciled, united, close, friendly, harmonious

Usage in Sentence: The two estranged leaders decided to join forces to contest the municipal elections.

14. Reclaim

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To retrieve or recover something previously lost or to claim back something

Tamil Meaning: மீட்டெடுத்தல், திரும்பப் பெறுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: തിരിച്ചുപിടിക്കുക, വീണ്ടെടുക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಮರಳಿ ಪಡೆಯುವುದು, ಮರುಪಡೆಯುವುದು

Synonyms: recover, retrieve, regain, repossess, restore

Antonyms: lose, surrender, relinquish, forfeit, abandon

Usage in Sentence: The opposition is attempting to reclaim its influence in the state assembly.

15. Prominence

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The state of being important, famous or noticeable

Tamil Meaning: முக்கியத்துவம், புகழ்

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രാധാന്യം, പ്രശസ്തി

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಾಮುಖ್ಯತೆ, ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧಿ

Synonyms: importance, distinction, eminence, fame, notability

Antonyms: obscurity, insignificance, anonymity, unimportance

Usage in Sentence: The family struggled to maintain its political prominence in the rapidly changing landscape.

16. Seized

Part of speech: Verb (past tense)

Meaning: Took hold of suddenly and forcibly or took possession of something

Tamil Meaning: கைப்பற்றியது, பிடித்தது

Malayalam Meaning: പിടിച്ചെടുത്തു, കൈവശപ്പെടുത്തി

Kannada Meaning: ವಶಪಡಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಿತು, ಹಿಡಿದುಕೊಂಡಿತು

Synonyms: captured, grabbed, took, commandeered, appropriated

Antonyms: released, relinquished, surrendered, freed, abandoned

Usage in Sentence: The ruling coalition seized control of the municipal corporation after a decisive victory.

17. Solace

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness

Tamil Meaning: ஆறுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ആശ്വാസം

Kannada Meaning: ಸಾಂತ್ವನ

Synonyms: comfort, consolation, relief, reassurance, support

Antonyms: distress, torment, anguish, grief, discomfort

Usage in Sentence: The party could take solace in the fact that it had prevented a complete rout.

18. Disapproved

Part of speech: Verb (past tense)

Meaning: Expressed an unfavourable opinion or had a negative view of something

Tamil Meaning: எதிர்த்தது, மறுத்தது

Malayalam Meaning: എതിർത്തു, വിയോജിച്ചു

Kannada Meaning: ವಿರೋಧಿಸಿತು, ಒಪ್ಪಲಿಲ್ಲ

Synonyms: objected, opposed, rejected, condemned, criticised

Antonyms: approved, endorsed, supported, praised, commended

Usage in Sentence: The national leadership disapproved of the regional alliance formed without consultation.

19. Inroads

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Advances or progress made into an area or domain, often at the expense of others

Tamil Meaning: ஊடுருவல், முன்னேற்றம்

Malayalam Meaning: കടന്നുകയറ്റം, മുന്നേറ്റം

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರವೇಶ, ಮುನ್ನಡೆ

Synonyms: advances, incursions, encroachments, penetrations, progress

Antonyms: retreats, withdrawals, setbacks, losses

Usage in Sentence: The new party has made significant inroads into areas traditionally dominated by established parties.

20. Ideological

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Based on or relating to a system of ideas and ideals, especially concerning political theory and policy

Tamil Meaning: கொள்கை சார்ந்த, கருத்தியல் சார்ந்த

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രത്യയശാസ്ത്രപരമായ, ആശയപരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಸೈದ್ಧಾಂತಿಕ, ವಿಚಾರಧಾರೆಯ

Synonyms: doctrinal, philosophical, theoretical, political, principled

Antonyms: pragmatic, practical, realistic, non-ideological

Usage in Sentence: The chief minister must balance ideological commitments with practical governance challenges.

21. Hardliners

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: People who adhere uncompromisingly to a set of ideas or policies

Tamil Meaning: கடுமையான கொள்கையாளர்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: കടുത്ത നിലപാടുകാർ

Kannada Meaning: ಕಠಿಣ ನಿಲುವುಗಾರರು

Synonyms: extremists, fundamentalists, radicals, zealots, conservatives

Antonyms: moderates, pragmatists, liberals, reformists

Usage in Sentence: The hardliners in the party oppose any compromise on the core principles.

22. Migration

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Movement of people from one place to another, especially to find work or better living conditions

Tamil Meaning: இடம்பெயர்வு, குடியேற்றம்

Malayalam Meaning: കുടിയേറ്റം, പലായനം

Kannada Meaning: ವಲಸೆ, ಸ್ಥಳಾಂತರ

Synonyms: relocation, movement, resettlement, immigration, exodus

Antonyms: settlement, permanence, stability, residency

Usage in Sentence: Large-scale migration to urban centres has changed the demographic profile of many cities.

23. Manoeuvrability

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The ability to move or be moved easily and flexibly; freedom to manoeuvre

Tamil Meaning: நெகிழ்வுத்தன்மை, இயக்கும் திறன்

Malayalam Meaning: നീക്കാനുള്ള കഴിവ്, സ്വാതന്ത്ര്യം

Kannada Meaning: ಚಲಿಸುವ ಸಾಮರ್ಥ್ಯ, ಚಾಲನೆ ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ್ಯ

Synonyms: flexibility, mobility, adaptability, agility, dexterity

Antonyms: rigidity, inflexibility, immobility, stiffness

Usage in Sentence: The party's past statements have limited its political manoeuvrability on the issue.

24. Propaganda

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Information, especially biased or misleading, used to promote a particular political cause or point of view

Tamil Meaning: பிரச்சாரம்

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രചാരണം

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಚಾರ

Synonyms: publicity, promotion, advertising, disinformation, indoctrination

Antonyms: truth, facts, objectivity, impartiality

Usage in Sentence: The party has been accused of spreading propaganda to drive its core political theme.

25. Inclusive

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Not excluding any section of society or any party involved; open to everyone

Tamil Meaning: உள்ளடக்கிய, அனைவரையும் சேர்க்கும்

Malayalam Meaning: എല്ലാവരെയും ഉൾപ്പെടുത്തുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ಸಮಾವೇಶಕ, ಎಲ್ಲರನ್ನೂ ಒಳಗೊಂಡ

Synonyms: comprehensive, all-embracing, broad, universal, wide-ranging

Antonyms: exclusive, restrictive, narrow, selective, limited

Usage in Sentence: The administration should adopt an inclusive approach that benefits all sections of society.

26. Flare up

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A sudden outbreak of something, especially violence or hostility

Tamil Meaning: திடீர் வெடிப்பு, மோதல்

Malayalam Meaning: പൊടുന്നനെ പൊട്ടിപ്പുറപ്പെടൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಹಠಾತ್ ಸ್ಫೋಟ, ಘರ್ಷಣೆ

Synonyms: outbreak, eruption, outburst, explosion, recurrence

Antonyms: cessation, calm, peace, resolution, settlement

Usage in Sentence: The recent flare-up of violence has threatened the fragile ceasefire agreement.

27. Separatist

Part of speech: Adjective/Noun

Meaning: A person who supports separation of a particular group from a larger body

Tamil Meaning: பிரிவினைவாதி

Malayalam Meaning: വിഘടനവാദി

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರತ್ಯೇಕತಾವಾದಿ

Synonyms: secessionist, dissident, rebel, breakaway, insurgent

Antonyms: unionist, loyalist, federalist, integrationist

Usage in Sentence: The separatist movement has gained strength in the regional provinces.

28. Exposed

Part of speech: Verb (past tense)

Meaning: Revealed, uncovered or made visible something that was hidden

Tamil Meaning: அம்பலப்படுத்தியது, வெளிப்படுத்தியது

Malayalam Meaning: തുറന്നുകാട്ടി, വെളിപ്പെടുത്തി

Kannada Meaning: ಬಹಿರಂಗಪಡಿಸಿತು, ಬಯಲು ಮಾಡಿತು

Synonyms: revealed, uncovered, disclosed, unveiled, laid bare

Antonyms: concealed, hidden, covered, protected, shielded

Usage in Sentence: The crisis has exposed the deep divisions within the coalition.

29. Vulnerabilities

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Weaknesses or susceptibilities to harm or attack

Tamil Meaning: பாதிப்புகள், பலவீனங்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: ദുർബലതകൾ, അപകടസാധ്യതകൾ

Kannada Meaning: ದುರ್ಬಲತೆಗಳು, ಅಪಾಯಗಳು

Synonyms: weaknesses, susceptibilities, frailties, exposures, liabilities

Antonyms: strengths, securities, protections, invulnerabilities

Usage in Sentence: The conflict has highlighted the country’s economic vulnerabilities and dependence on foreign aid.

30. Geopolitical

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Relating to politics, especially international relations, as influenced by geographical factors

Tamil Meaning: புவி அரசியல் சார்ந்த

Malayalam Meaning: ഭൗമരാഷ്ട്രീയപരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಭೌಗೋಳಿಕ ರಾಜಕೀಯ

Synonyms: political-geographical, strategic, international, territorial

Antonyms: domestic, internal, local, non-political

Usage in Sentence: The region's geopolitical importance has made it a focal point of international rivalry.

31. Fault lines

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Divisions or differences, especially in opinion or interests, that may cause problems

Tamil Meaning: பிளவுகள், வேறுபாடுகள்

Malayalam Meaning: വിഭജനരേഖകൾ, വിള്ളലുകൾ

Kannada Meaning: ವಿಭಜನೆಗಳು, ಬಿರುಕುಗಳು

Synonyms: divisions, rifts, fractures, splits, cleavages

Antonyms: unities, agreements, harmonies, convergences

Usage in Sentence: The election results revealed the fault-lines within the ruling coalition.

32. Escalated

Part of speech: Verb (past tense)

Meaning: Increased or intensified rapidly in extent, volume or importance

Tamil Meaning: அதிகரித்தது, தீவிரமடைந்தது

Malayalam Meaning: വർധിച്ചു, രൂക്ഷമായി

Kannada Meaning: ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಯಿತು, ತೀವ್ರಗೊಂಡಿತು

Synonyms: intensified, heightened, increased, amplified, aggravated

Antonyms: decreased, diminished, de-escalated, reduced, subsided

Usage in Sentence: The dispute between the two teams escalated into widespread competition.

33. Offensive

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A military campaign or attack intended to achieve a particular objective

Tamil Meaning: தாக்குதல், படையெடுப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: ആക്രമണം, യുദ്ധനീക്കം

Kannada Meaning: ಆಕ್ರಮಣ, ದಾಳಿ

Synonyms: attack, assault, onslaught, campaign, strike

Antonyms: defence, retreat, withdrawal, protection

Usage in Sentence: The army launched a major offensive to recapture the strategic territory.

34. Advances

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Forward movements or progress towards an objective

Tamil Meaning: முன்னேற்றங்கள், முன்னகர்வுகள்

Malayalam Meaning: മുന്നേറ്റങ്ങൾ, പുരോഗതികൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಮುನ್ನಡೆಗಳು, ಪ್ರಗತಿಗಳು

Synonyms: progress, developments, breakthroughs, improvements, headway

Antonyms: retreats, setbacks, reversals, regressions

Usage in Sentence: The military advances were reversed after the counter-attack by regional forces.

35. Short-lived

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Lasting only a short time; temporary or brief

Tamil Meaning: குறுகிய காலம், தற்காலிகமான

Malayalam Meaning: ഹ്രസ്വകാലം, താൽക്കാലികമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಲ್ಪಾವಧಿಯ, ತಾತ್ಕಾಲಿಕ

Synonyms: temporary, brief, fleeting, transient, ephemeral

Antonyms: lasting, enduring, permanent, long-lasting, perpetual

Usage in Sentence: The rebels' control over the territory proved to be short-lived as army forces regained control.

36. Delegation

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A group of people representing others, especially at a meeting or conference

Tamil Meaning: பிரதிநிதிகள் குழு

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രതിനിധി സംഘം

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರತಿನಿಧಿ ಸಂಘ

Synonyms: representatives, deputation, mission, commission, embassy

Antonyms: individual, sole representative

Usage in Sentence: A delegation from the opposition party met the administrator to present their demands.

37. Dissolution

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The action of formally ending or dismissing an assembly, partnership or official body

Tamil Meaning: கலைப்பு, முடிவு

Malayalam Meaning: പിരിച്ചുവിടൽ, അവസാനിപ്പിക്കൽ

Kannada Meaning: ವಿಸರ್ಜನೆ, ಮುಕ್ತಾಯ

Synonyms: disbandment, termination, closure, abolition, disintegration

Antonyms: formation, establishment, creation, continuation

Usage in Sentence: The dissolution of the council was announced following intense pressure from the administration.

38. Treason

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The crime of betraying one's country

Tamil Meaning: தேசத்துரோகம், துரோகம்

Malayalam Meaning: രാജ്യദ്രോഹം, വിശ്വാസവഞ്ചന

Kannada Meaning: ರಾಜದ್ರೋಹ, ದ್ರೋಹ

Synonyms: betrayal, treachery, sedition, disloyalty, perfidy

Antonyms: loyalty, allegiance, fidelity, patriotism, faithfulness

Usage in Sentence: The separatist leader was charged with treason for his role in the armed rebellion.

39. Rebuke

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: An expression of sharp disapproval or criticism

Tamil Meaning: கண்டனம், திட்டு

Malayalam Meaning: ശാസന, വിമർശനം

Kannada Meaning: ಖಂಡನೆ, ನಿಂದೆ

Synonyms: reprimand, reproach, admonishment, criticism, censure

Antonyms: praise, commendation, approval, compliment, endorsement

Usage in Sentence: The foreign ministry issued a strong rebuke to the neighbouring country for its interference.

40. Coalition

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A temporary alliance for combined action, especially of political parties forming a government

Tamil Meaning: கூட்டணி, கூட்டு அமைப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: സഖ്യം, കൂട്ടായ്മ

Kannada Meaning: ಮೈತ್ರಿ, ಒಕ್ಕೂಟ

Synonyms: alliance, union, partnership, confederation, bloc

Antonyms: separation, division, opposition, rivalry

Usage in Sentence: The coalition government collapsed after the smaller parties withdrew their support.

41. Militia

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A military force that is raised from the civil population to supplement a regular army in an emergency

Tamil Meaning: குடிமக்கள் படை, போராளிகள்

Malayalam Meaning: സന്നദ്ധസൈന്യം, പോരാളികൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಸ್ವಯಂಸೇವಕ ಸೇನೆ, ಮಿಲಿಷಿಯಾ

Synonyms: paramilitary, guerrillas, irregulars, fighters, armed group

Antonyms: regular army, standing army, professional military

Usage in Sentence: The militia groups have been fighting the armed forces for control of the region.

42. Ceasefire

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A temporary suspension of fighting; a truce

Tamil Meaning: போர்நிறுத்தம், சண்டை நிறுத்தம்

Malayalam Meaning: യുദ്ധവിരാമം, വെടിനിർത്തൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಕದನ ವಿರಾಮ, ಹೋರಾಟ ನಿಲುಗಡೆ

Synonyms: truce, armistice, suspension of hostilities, peace agreement

Antonyms: warfare, hostilities, combat, fighting, conflict

Usage in Sentence: Both sides agreed to a ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach the affected civilians.

43. Defiance

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Bold resistance or disobedience to an opposing force or authority

Tamil Meaning: எதிர்ப்பு, மீறல்

Malayalam Meaning: എതിർപ്പ്, ധിക്കാരം

Kannada Meaning: ವಿರೋಧ, ಧಿಕ್ಕಾರ

Synonyms: resistance, opposition, disobedience, insubordination, rebellion

Antonyms: obedience, compliance, submission, acquiescence, conformity

Usage in Sentence: The rebels continued their armed struggle in defiance of international pressure.

44. Separatists

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: People who support the separation of a particular group from a larger body

Tamil Meaning: பிரிவினைவாதிகள்

Malayalam Meaning: വിഘടനവാദികൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರತ್ಯೇಕತಾವಾದಿಗಳು

Synonyms: secessionists, dissidents, rebels, insurgents, breakaway factions

Antonyms: unionists, loyalists, federalists, integrationists

Usage in Sentence: The administration launched military operations against the separatists.

45. Entrenched

Part of speech: Verb (past tense) / Adjective

Meaning: Established firmly and difficult to change or remove

Tamil Meaning: வேரூன்றிய, நிலைப்படுத்தப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: വേരൂന്നിയ, ഉറപ്പിച്ച

Kannada Meaning: ಬೇರೂರಿದ, ದೃಢವಾಗಿ ನೆಲೆಸಿದ

Synonyms: established, embedded, ingrained, rooted, fixed

Antonyms: temporary, unstable, superficial, removable, flexible

Usage in Sentence: The rebel forces have become deeply entrenched in the border territories.

46. Encompassing

Part of speech: Verb (present participle)

Meaning: Surrounding or including comprehensively

Tamil Meaning: உள்ளடக்கிய, சூழ்ந்திருக்கும்

Malayalam Meaning: ഉൾക്കൊള്ളുന്ന, വലയം ചെയ്യുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ಆವರಿಸುವ, ಒಳಗೊಂಡ

Synonyms: including, containing, covering, embracing, incorporating

Antonyms: excluding, omitting, excluding, leaving out

Usage in Sentence: The rebel-held territory is encompassing several major cities and strategic locations.

47. Civilians

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: People not in the armed services or police force; non-military persons

Tamil Meaning: பொதுமக்கள், குடிமக்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: സാധാരണക്കാർ, പൗരന്മാർ

Kannada Meaning: ನಾಗರಿಕರು, ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯ ಜನರು

Synonyms: non-combatants, citizens, populace, public, residents

Antonyms: military personnel, soldiers, combatants, armed forces

Usage in Sentence: The conflict has caused immense suffering to civilians caught in the crossfire.

48. Humanitarian

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare

Tamil Meaning: மனிதநேய, மனித நலன் சார்ந்த

Malayalam Meaning: മാനുഷിക, മനുഷ്യക്ഷേമപരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಮಾನವೀಯ, ಮಾನವ ಕಲ್ಯಾಣದ

Synonyms: charitable, philanthropic, benevolent, compassionate, altruistic

Antonyms: inhumane, cruel, selfish, merciless, uncompassionate

Usage in Sentence: International organisations have appealed for immediate humanitarian access to the war-torn region.

49. Crises

Part of speech: Noun (plural of crisis)

Meaning: Times of intense difficulty, trouble or danger

Tamil Meaning: நெருக்கடிகள், இக்கட்டான நிலைகள்

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രതിസന്ധികൾ, കഷ്ടകാലങ്ങൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಬಿಕ್ಕಟ್ಟುಗಳು, ಸಂಕಷ್ಟಗಳು

Synonyms: emergencies, catastrophes, disasters, predicaments, calamities

Antonyms: stability, normalcy, peace, calm, prosperity

Usage in Sentence: The nation is facing multiple crises including economic recession and political instability.

50. Brink

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The extreme edge of land before a steep slope or a body of water; a point at which something is about to happen

Tamil Meaning: விளிம்பு, கரை

Malayalam Meaning: അരികിൽ, വക്കിൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಂಚು, ತುದಿ

Synonyms: edge, verge, threshold, border, precipice

Antonyms: centre, middle, safety, security

Usage in Sentence: The country is on the brink of a major humanitarian disaster.

51. Famine

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Extreme scarcity of food leading to widespread hunger

Tamil Meaning: பஞ்சம், பட்டினி

Malayalam Meaning: ക്ഷാമം, പട്ടിണി

Kannada Meaning: ಕ್ಷಾಮ, ಹಸಿವು

Synonyms: starvation, hunger, scarcity, shortage, deprivation

Antonyms: abundance, plenty, surplus, prosperity, sufficiency

Usage in Sentence: Prolonged drought and conflict have pushed millions to the famine threshold.

52. Ruins

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The physical destruction or disintegration of something; the remains of a building or place that has been destroyed

Tamil Meaning: இடிபாடுகள், அழிவு

Malayalam Meaning: അവശിഷ്ടങ്ങൾ, നാശം

Kannada Meaning: ಅವಶೇಷಗಳು, ನಾಶ

Synonyms: wreckage, debris, remnants, destruction, remains

Antonyms: construction, building, creation, restoration, preservation

Usage in Sentence: Years of war have left the country's economy in ruins.

53. Devastated

Part of speech: Verb (past participle) / Adjective

Meaning: Destroyed or severely damaged; emotionally shattered

Tamil Meaning: அழிக்கப்பட்ட, சேதமடைந்த

Malayalam Meaning: നശിപ്പിക്കപ്പെട്ട, തകർന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ನಾಶವಾದ, ಧ್ವಂಸವಾದ

Synonyms: destroyed, ruined, wrecked, shattered, demolished

Antonyms: preserved, intact, constructed, built, restored

Usage in Sentence: The prolonged conflict has left the country's infrastructure completely devastated.

54. Prevails

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

Meaning: Proves more powerful or superior; exists or is widespread

Tamil Meaning: நிலவுகிறது, மேலோங்குகிறது

Malayalam Meaning: നിലനിൽക്കുന്നു, വിജയിക്കുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಚಾಲ್ತಿಯಲ್ಲಿದೆ, ಮೇಲುಗೈ ಸಾಧಿಸುತ್ತದೆ

Synonyms: exists, persists, dominates, triumphs, succeeds

Antonyms: fails, loses, disappears, ceases, surrenders

Usage in Sentence: An atmosphere of uncertainty prevails in the region following the recent clashes.

55. Disbanded

Part of speech: Verb (past participle)

Meaning: Broken up or caused to disperse; dissolved an organisation

Tamil Meaning: கலைக்கப்பட்ட, கலைந்த

Malayalam Meaning: പിരിച്ചുവിട്ട, പിരിഞ്ഞ

Kannada Meaning: ವಿಸರ್ಜಿಸಲ್ಪಟ್ಟ, ಕರಗಿದ

Synonyms: dissolved, dispersed, broken up, dismantled, dismissed

Antonyms: formed, assembled, gathered, united, established

Usage in Sentence: The organisation was officially disbanded following internal conflicts and external pressure.

56. Grievances

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Real or imagined causes for complaint, especially unfair treatment

Tamil Meaning: குறைகள், புகார்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: ആവലാതികൾ, പരാതികൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಕುಂದುಕೊರತೆಗಳು, ದೂರುಗಳು

Synonyms: complaints, objections, protests, resentments, injustices

Antonyms: satisfactions, contentments, approvals, pleasures

Usage in Sentence: The peace agreement must address the historical grievances of all citizens involved.

57. Impoverished

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Made poor or reduced to poverty; lacking in resources or quality

Tamil Meaning: வறுமையான, ஏழ்மையான

Malayalam Meaning: ദരിദ്രമായ, നിർദ്ധനമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಬಡತನದ, ಬಡವ

Synonyms: poor, destitute, poverty-stricken, needy, penniless

Antonyms: wealthy, prosperous, affluent, rich, well-off

Usage in Sentence: Decades of conflict have left the impoverished nation dependent on international aid.

Idiom of the Day: 20 January 2026

Bury the Hatchet

Formal / Neutral

Meaning: To end a conflict, settle a dispute and restore peaceful relations after a period of disagreement or hostility.

Explanation of the Idiom:

The idiom ‘bury the hatchet’ traces its origins to early Native American traditions, where tribes would literally bury their weapons, often hatchets or tomahawks, as a symbolic gesture of peace after resolving a conflict. The act of placing a weapon into the ground represented a permanent end to violence and a sincere commitment to reconciliation.

Over time, this phrase entered English usage in the 18^th century and evolved into a powerful metaphor for putting aside resentment, grudge and long-standing disputes.

Today, this idiom is widely used in politics, business, diplomacy, sports and personal relationships to describe moments when rivals choose dialogue over division and cooperation over conflict.

Example Sentences:

After years of public disputes, the two political leaders finally agreed to bury the hatchet for national stability.

The rival companies decided to bury the hatchet and collaborate on a project that benefited both industries.

Realising the feud was harming their children, the families chose to bury the hatchet and reconcile.

With today’s Editorial Vocabulary Analysis from 20 January 2026, you've learned 55+ 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 ‘Bury the Hatchet’ 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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