The Daily Editorial Analysis – English Vocabulary Building – 3 January 2026

Learn English Vocabulary – Daily Editorial Analysis – 3 January 2026

This blog post by Veranda RACE helps competitive exam aspirants learn 40+ 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 – 3 January 2026

1. Marginally

Part of speech: Adverb

Meaning: To a limited extent; slightly

Tamil Meaning: சிறிதளவு

Malayalam Meaning: നേരിയ തോതിൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಮಟ್ಟಿಗೆ

Synonyms: slightly, minimally, barely, negligibly, somewhat

Antonyms: significantly, substantially, considerably, greatly, vastly

Usage in Sentence: The company's profits increased marginally this quarter compared to the last.

2. Sustained

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Continuing for an extended period without interruption

Tamil Meaning: நீடித்த

Malayalam Meaning: നിലനിൽക്കുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ನಿರಂತರವಾದ

Synonyms: continuous, prolonged, persistent, ongoing, steady

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

Usage in Sentence: Economic recovery requires sustained efforts from both government and private sectors.

3. Optimism

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Hopefulness and confidence about the future or success of something

Tamil Meaning: நம்பிக்கை

Malayalam Meaning: ശുഭാപ്തിവിശ്വാസം

Kannada Meaning: ಆಶಾವಾದ

Synonyms: hopefulness, confidence, positivity, cheerfulness, buoyancy

Antonyms: pessimism, despair, cynicism, hopelessness, negativity

Usage in Sentence: Despite the challenges, investors showed considerable optimism about the market's prospects.

4. Pad up

Part of speech: Phrasal verb

Meaning: To increase or add to something, especially savings or reserves

Tamil Meaning: அதிகரிக்க

Malayalam Meaning: വർദ്ധിപ്പിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಸು

Synonyms: increase, boost, augment, build up, enhance

Antonyms: reduce, decrease, deplete, diminish, lower

Usage in Sentence: Many families chose to pad-up their emergency funds rather than spend on luxury items.

5. Pare down

Part of speech: Phrasal verb

Meaning: To reduce or decrease something gradually

Tamil Meaning: குறைக்க

Malayalam Meaning: കുറയ്ക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಕಡಿಮೆ ಮಾಡು

Synonyms: reduce, cut, trim, decrease, diminish

Antonyms: increase, expand, enlarge, augment, boost

Usage in Sentence: Consumers are using their tax savings to pare down their credit card debt.

6. Rejig

Part of speech: Noun/Verb

Meaning: A reorganisation or rearrangement of something

Tamil Meaning: மறுசீரமைப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: പുനഃസംവിധാനം

Kannada Meaning: ಮರುಸಂಘಟನೆ

Synonyms: reorganisation, restructuring, rearrangement, overhaul, modification

Antonyms: maintenance, preservation, continuation, stagnation

Usage in Sentence: The budget rejig aimed to provide relief to middle-class taxpayers.

7. Exempted

Part of speech: Verb (past tense)

Meaning: Freed from an obligation or liability imposed on others

Tamil Meaning: விலக்கு அளிக்கப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: ഒഴിവാക്കപ്പെട്ട

Kannada Meaning: ವಿನಾಯಿತಿ ನೀಡಲಾಗಿದೆ

Synonyms: excused, released, freed, absolved, spared

Antonyms: obligated, required, compelled, liable, subjected

Usage in Sentence: The administration exempted small businesses from certain regulatory requirements.

8. Discretion

Part of speech: Noun

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

Tamil Meaning: விருப்ப அதிகாரம்

Malayalam Meaning: വിവേചനാധികാരം

Kannada Meaning: ವಿವೇಚನಾಧಿಕಾರ

Synonyms: choice, judgement, freedom, liberty, authority

Antonyms: obligation, compulsion, restriction, constraint, requirement

Usage in Sentence: The administration has little discretion over mandatory expenditure items like pensions.

9. Comprises

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Consists of; is made up of

Tamil Meaning: உள்ளடக்கியது

Malayalam Meaning: ഉൾക്കൊള്ളുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಒಳಗೊಂಡಿದೆ

Synonyms: consists of, includes, contains, encompasses, incorporates

Antonyms: excludes, omits, lacks, misses

Usage in Sentence: Revenue expenditure comprises fixed costs such as salaries and interest payments.

10. Subdued

Part of speech: Adjective/Verb (past tense)

Meaning: Kept under control; quietened or brought under control

Tamil Meaning: அடக்கப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: അടക്കിപ്പിടിച്ച

Kannada Meaning: ನಿಗ್ರಹಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ

Synonyms: restrained, suppressed, controlled, muted, quiet

Antonyms: intensified, amplified, increased, heightened, unrestrained

Usage in Sentence: Administrative spending on essential services cannot be kept subdued indefinitely.

11. Valiantly

Part of speech: Adverb

Meaning: In a brave or determined manner

Tamil Meaning: துணிவுடன்

Malayalam Meaning: ധീരമായി

Kannada Meaning: ಧೈರ್ಯದಿಂದ

Synonyms: bravely, courageously, boldly, gallantly, heroically

Antonyms: cowardly, timidly, fearfully, weakly

Usage in Sentence: The finance ministry valiantly attempted to increase revenue through various measures.

12. Bolster

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: To support or strengthen

Tamil Meaning: பலப்படுத்த

Malayalam Meaning: ഉറപ്പിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಬಲಪಡಿಸು

Synonyms: strengthen, reinforce, support, boost, fortify

Antonyms: weaken, undermine, diminish, reduce, impair

Usage in Sentence: The administration introduced new taxes to bolster its dwindling revenues.

13. Excise

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A tax levied on certain goods produced or sold within a country

Tamil Meaning: கலால் வரி

Malayalam Meaning: എക്സൈസ് നികുതി

Kannada Meaning: ಅಬಕಾರಿ ತೆರಿಗೆ

Synonyms: duty, tax, levy, tariff, impost

Antonyms: exemption, rebate, refund

Usage in Sentence: The new excise rates on tobacco products will generate additional revenue.

14. Cess

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A tax or levy

Tamil Meaning: கூடுதல் வரி

Malayalam Meaning: സെസ്സ്

Kannada Meaning: ಉಪಕರ

Synonyms: tax, levy, duty, surcharge, impost

Antonyms: exemption, relief, rebate

Usage in Sentence: The health and security cess on pan masala will take effect from February.

15. Remarkably

Part of speech: Adverb

Meaning: To a striking or unusual degree; extraordinarily

Tamil Meaning: குறிப்பிடத்தக்க வகையில்

Malayalam Meaning: ശ്രദ്ധേയമായി

Kannada Meaning: ಗಮನಾರ್ಹವಾಗಿ

Synonyms: notably, extraordinarily, strikingly, exceptionally, unusually

Antonyms: ordinarily, typically, commonly, normally, unremarkably

Usage in Sentence: Inflation rates have been remarkably low throughout the year.

16. Nominal

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Relating to or consisting of names or designations; in economics, measured in current prices without adjustment for inflation

Tamil Meaning: பெயரளவு

Malayalam Meaning: നാമമാത്രമായ

Kannada Meaning: ನಾಮಮಾತ್ರದ

Synonyms: theoretical, titular, supposed, ostensible, apparent

Antonyms: real, actual, substantial, significant

Usage in Sentence: Although his salary increased in nominal terms, his purchasing power stayed the same.

17. Pegged

Part of speech: Verb (past tense)

Meaning: Fixed or attached to a particular level or value

Tamil Meaning: இணைக்கப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: ബന്ധിപ്പിച്ചിരിക്കുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ಸ್ಥಿರಗೊಳಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ

Synonyms: fixed, tied, linked, attached, connected

Antonyms: detached, separated, unfixed, free, floating

Usage in Sentence: Several economic indicators are pegged to the GDP growth rate.

18. Pertinently

Part of speech: Adverb

Meaning: In a way that is relevant or applicable to a particular matter

Tamil Meaning: பொருத்தமாக

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രസക്തമായി

Kannada Meaning: ಸೂಕ್ತವಾಗಿ

Synonyms: relevantly, appropriately, aptly, suitably, fittingly

Antonyms: irrelevantly, inappropriately, unsuitably

Usage in Sentence: The fiscal deficit ratio, most pertinently, depends on the size of the nominal GDP.

19. Estimated

Part of speech: Verb (past tense)

Meaning: Roughly calculated or judged the value, number or quantity of something

Tamil Meaning: மதிப்பிடப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: കണക്കാക്കിയ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಂದಾಜು ಮಾಡಲಾಗಿದೆ

Synonyms: calculated, assessed, evaluated, approximated, gauged

Antonyms: measured, determined, verified, confirmed

Usage in Sentence: The budget deficit turned out higher than initially estimated.

20. Commendable

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Deserving praise and approval

Tamil Meaning: பாராட்டத்தக்க

Malayalam Meaning: അഭിനന്ദനീയമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಶ್ಲಾಘನೀಯ

Synonyms: praiseworthy, admirable, laudable, creditable, meritorious

Antonyms: deplorable, disgraceful, shameful, blameworthy, reprehensible

Usage in Sentence: The administration’s commendable fiscal discipline has helped stabilise the economy.

21. Unenviable

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Difficult, undesirable or unpleasant

Tamil Meaning: விரும்பத்தகாத

Malayalam Meaning: അസൂയാപാത്രമല്ലാത്ത

Kannada Meaning: ಅನಪೇಕ್ಷಿತ

Synonyms: undesirable, unpleasant, disagreeable, uncomfortable, difficult

Antonyms: enviable, desirable, pleasant, fortunate, advantageous

Usage in Sentence: The minister faces the unenviable task of balancing growth and fiscal prudence.

22. Generating

Part of speech: Verb (present participle)

Meaning: Producing or creating something

Tamil Meaning: உருவாக்குதல்

Malayalam Meaning: സൃഷ്ടിക്കുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ಉತ್ಪಾದಿಸುವ

Synonyms: producing, creating, causing, making, yielding

Antonyms: destroying, eliminating, consuming, depleting

Usage in Sentence: Capital expenditure plays a crucial role in generating economic growth.

23. Allegation

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A claim or assertion that someone has done something wrong, typically without proof

Tamil Meaning: குற்றச்சாட்டு

Malayalam Meaning: ആരോപണം

Kannada Meaning: ಆರೋಪ

Synonyms: accusation, claim, assertion, charge, indictment

Antonyms: vindication, exoneration, defence, acquittal

Usage in Sentence: Russia's allegation against Ukraine has intensified tensions between the two nations.

24. Massive

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Large and heavy or solid; exceptionally large

Tamil Meaning: பெருமளவு

Malayalam Meaning: ഒരുപാട്

Kannada Meaning: ಬಹಳಷ್ಟು

Synonyms: huge, enormous, immense, vast, colossal

Antonyms: tiny, small, minute, minuscule, insignificant

Usage in Sentence: Ukraine allegedly launched a massive drone attack on Russian territory.

25. Concerning

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Causing anxiety or worry

Tamil Meaning: கவலையளிக்கும்

Malayalam Meaning: ആശങ്കാജനകമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಚಿಂತಾಜನಕ

Synonyms: worrying, troubling, disturbing, alarming, disquieting

Antonyms: reassuring, comforting, encouraging, heartening

Usage in Sentence: The escalation of violence is deeply concerning to international observers.

26. Fortified

Part of speech: Adjective/Verb (past tense)

Meaning: Strengthened or protected with defensive works

Tamil Meaning: பலப்படுத்தப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: ഉറപ്പിച്ച

Kannada Meaning: ಬಲಪಡಿಸಲಾದ

Synonyms: strengthened, reinforced, protected, defended, secured

Antonyms: weakened, vulnerable, unprotected, exposed

Usage in Sentence: The president's residence is heavily fortified with multiple layers of security.

27. Fabricated

Part of speech: Adjective/Verb (past tense)

Meaning: Invented or made up, typically with deceitful intent

Tamil Meaning: கட்டுக்கதை

Malayalam Meaning: കെട്ടിച്ചമച്ചത്

Kannada Meaning: ಕಟ್ಟಿಕೊಂಡ

Synonyms: invented, false, fictitious, made-up, concocted

Antonyms: genuine, authentic, real, true, factual

Usage in Sentence: The leader dismissed the financial allegations as completely fabricated.

28. Ally

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: A state or person formally cooperating with another for a military or other purpose

Tamil Meaning: நட்பு நாடு

Malayalam Meaning: സഖ്യകക്ഷി

Kannada Meaning: ಮಿತ್ರ

Synonyms: partner, associate, confederate, friend, supporter

Antonyms: enemy, adversary, opponent, foe, rival

Usage in Sentence: The intelligence organisation is a strategic ally of the country in the ongoing conflict.

29. Assessment

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: The evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality or ability of someone or something

Tamil Meaning: மதிப்பீடு

Malayalam Meaning: വിലയിരുത്തൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಮೌಲ್ಯಮಾಪನ

Synonyms: evaluation, appraisal, judgement, analysis, estimation

Antonyms: ignorance, neglect, disregard

Usage in Sentence: The intelligence organisation’s assessment of the situation may not be viewed as entirely objective.

30. Impartial

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just

Tamil Meaning: பக்கச்சார்பற்ற

Malayalam Meaning: നിഷ്പക്ഷമായ

Kannada Meaning: ನಿಷ್ಪಕ್ಷಪಾತ

Synonyms: unbiased, neutral, objective, fair, equitable

Antonyms: biased, partial, prejudiced, unfair, one-sided

Usage in Sentence: International observers must remain impartial when investigating war crimes.

31. Sabotage

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Deliberate destruction of or damage to property or the obstruction of normal operations

Tamil Meaning: நாசவேலை

Malayalam Meaning: അട്ടിമറി

Kannada Meaning: ವಿಧ್ವಂಸಕ ಕೃತ್ಯ

Synonyms: destruction, damage, vandalism, disruption, subversion

Antonyms: construction, preservation, protection, assistance

Usage in Sentence: The country has conducted several sabotage operations inside the war zone.

32. Credible

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Able to be believed; convincing

Tamil Meaning: நம்பத்தகுந்த

Malayalam Meaning: വിശ്വസനീയമായ

Kannada Meaning: ವಿಶ್ವಾಸಾರ್ಹ

Synonyms: believable, convincing, plausible, reliable, trustworthy

Antonyms: unbelievable, implausible, incredible, doubtful, unreliable

Usage in Sentence: the country must present credible evidence to support its allegations.

33. Accusations

Part of speech: Noun

Meaning: Claims that someone has done something wrong or illegal

Tamil Meaning: குற்றச்சாட்டுகள்

Malayalam Meaning: ആരോപണങ്ങൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಆರೋಪಗಳು

Synonyms: allegations, charges, claims, indictments, imputations

Antonyms: vindications, defences, exonerations, acquittals

Usage in Sentence: The accusations flying between both nations have escalated tensions dangerously.

34. Alarmingly

Part of speech: Adverb

Meaning: In a way that causes worry or fear

Tamil Meaning: அச்சுறுத்தும் வகையில்

Malayalam Meaning: ഭയപ്പെടുത്തുന്ന വിധത്തിൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಎಚ್ಚರಿಕೆಯುಂಟುಮಾಡುವಂತೆ

Synonyms: disturbingly, worryingly, frighteningly, shockingly, terrifyingly

Antonyms: reassuringly, comfortingly, soothingly, calmly

Usage in Sentence: The situation between the two countries has deteriorated alarmingly in recent weeks.

35. Volatile

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse

Tamil Meaning: நிலையற்ற

Malayalam Meaning: അസ്ഥിരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಸ್ಥಿರ

Synonyms: unstable, unpredictable, erratic, changeable, explosive

Antonyms: stable, steady, predictable, constant, calm

Usage in Sentence: The war has entered an alarmingly volatile phase with unpredictable consequences.

36. Proposed

Part of speech: Verb (past tense)

Meaning: Put forward an idea or plan for consideration

Tamil Meaning: முன்மொழிந்த

Malayalam Meaning: നിർദ്ദേശിച്ച

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾಪಿಸಿದ

Synonyms: suggested, recommended, presented, offered, submitted

Antonyms: rejected, withdrawn, opposed, dismissed

Usage in Sentence: The leader proposed a comprehensive peace plan to end the conflict.

37. Fragile

Part of speech: Adjective

Meaning: Easily broken or damaged; delicate

Tamil Meaning: உடையக்கூடிய

Malayalam Meaning: ദുർബലമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಮುರಿದುಹೋಗುವ

Synonyms: delicate, weak, brittle, breakable, vulnerable

Antonyms: strong, durable, robust, sturdy, resilient

Usage in Sentence: The fragile peace negotiations could collapse at any moment.

38. Negotiating

Part of speech: Verb (present participle)

Meaning: Trying to reach an agreement through discussion

Tamil Meaning: பேச்சுவார்த்தை நடத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ചർച്ചചെയ്യുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ಮಾತುಕತೆ ನಡೆಸುವುದು

Synonyms: discussing, bargaining, debating, conferring, mediating

Antonyms: refusing, rejecting, disagreeing, opposing

Usage in Sentence: The country has hardened its negotiating position after the alleged attack.

39. Intensified

Part of speech: Verb (past tense)

Meaning: Made or became more intense or stronger

Tamil Meaning: தீவிரப்படுத்தப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: തീവ്രമാക്കി

Kannada Meaning: ತೀವ್ರಗೊಳಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ

Synonyms: increased, heightened, strengthened, escalated, amplified

Antonyms: reduced, weakened, diminished, lessened, decreased

Usage in Sentence: The country has intensified its military strikes on the war-ravaged cities.

40. Escalating

Part of speech: Verb (present participle)

Meaning: Increasing rapidly in intensity or seriousness

Tamil Meaning: அதிகரித்துவரும்

Malayalam Meaning: വർദ്ധിക്കുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ಹೆಚ್ಚುತ್ತಿರುವ

Synonyms: increasing, intensifying, mounting, rising, growing

Antonyms: decreasing, declining, diminishing, subsiding, de-escalating

Usage in Sentence: The escalating attacks on both sides threaten regional stability.

41. Spirals

Part of speech: Verb

Meaning: Shows a continuous and dramatic increase or decrease

Tamil Meaning: சுழன்று அதிகரித்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: ചുഴറ്റുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಸುರುಳಿಯಾಗಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಗುತ್ತದೆ

Synonyms: escalates, increases, soars, rockets, mushrooms

Antonyms: decreases, declines, stabilises, levels, falls

Usage in Sentence: If the conflict spirals out of control, it could engulf the entire region.

Idiom of the Day: 3 January 2026

On the Heels of

Formal / Neutral

Meaning: Immediately following or occurring very soon after a particular event, action or development.

Explanation of the Idiom:

The idiom ‘on the heels of’ originates from the literal image of one person walking so closely behind another that they are nearly stepping on the other’s heels. This sense of close physical proximity gradually evolved into a temporal metaphor, signifying events that follow one another with little or no delay.

Linguistically, this phrase conveys urgency, momentum and casual sequence, suggesting that the second event is not merely subsequent but closely tied to the first in timing or consequence.

Today, ‘on the heels of’ is widely employed across domains including business, geopolitics, science and culture. This idiom is especially effective when highlighting cause-and-effect relationships, where timing itself carries analytical weight.

Example Sentences:

The policy reversal came on the heels of mounting public criticism and sustained pressure from opposition.

Stock markets rallied sharply on the heels of the central bank’s unexpected announcement about interest rates.

Protests erupted nationwide on the heels of the film’s global success and critical acclaim.

The company launched its new product on the heels of a disappointing quarter and declining investor confidence.

With today’s Editorial Vocabulary Analysis from 3 January 2026, you've learned 40+ 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 ‘On the Heels of’ by understanding its meaning, explanation, origin and practical usage.

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

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

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