The Hindu Editorial Analysis – 3 July 2025

Learn English Vocabulary – The Hindu EDITORIAL – 3 July 2025

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Away from the edge

The incineration of toxic waste from the Bhopal tragedy took time and effort

The Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board has confirmed that officials had incinerated 337 tonnes of toxic waste moved to a private waste treatment facility in Pithampur from the defunct Union Carbide facility in Bhopal. The event closes a single, but important, chapter in the sordid history of the 1984 Bhopal disaster, the state response to which pushed the city and its people to the edge. The successful incineration is illustrative in that it demanded interventions from the Madhya Pradesh High Court, the Supreme Court of India, and the Union Environment Ministry, among other stakeholders, over more than a decade. In the end, the State government was able to arrange for the waste to be safely disposed of — including an outreach exercise to assuage public anxiety over the emissions — within six months at a cost of ₹126 crore. Evidently the means have always existed; the political initiative to effect them has been wanting. This is an important detail: waste, once it has entered the environment, has a tendency to be converted to different forms; it seldom goes away. The toxic waste incinerated thus far has yielded more than 800 tonnes of ash and residue that officials will have to landfill in a scientific manner. Like solid waste landfills around the country, this new facility will require regular upkeep, monitoring, and funds of its own. The site of the Union Carbide plant also retains several more tonnes of contaminated soil and other hazardous artefacts, plus contaminated subsurface resources in the area. Crucially, much of the impetus for positive change in the matter, including waste removal, has come from victims’ families, survivors, and activists rather than from the state. Survivors’ groups have filed petitions arguing that deaths and injuries continue to be undercounted and that they are owed inflation-adjusted damages. Since the Supreme Court closed the door on the curative route, also in dispute is whether a new valuation of losses can be forced on The Dow Chemical Company, notwithstanding the fact that it remains a proclaimed offender. Long-term surveillance has been patchy, with activists and survivors alleging that the advisory committee appointed by the top court has met only sporadically and that local hospitals continue to suffer a shortage of specialist medical workers to attend to survivors. In the final analysis, Dow must account for all remediation activities. Both the State and the Centre must close pending settlement claims and attend on a self-motivated basis to the survivors’ well-being, if required with the assistance of a new statutory body to unify health, relief, and remediation goals. Ultimately, the families must be able to move on.

Under fire

The state must enforce compliance of regulations in the fireworks industry

An accident is, by definition, both unexpected and preventable. But the numerous fireworks industry blasts that dot the summer months with stunning regularity in the firecracker manufacturing belt of Tamil Nadu in Virudhunagar challenge this definition. A total of 26 people have died and 20 others injured in eight accidents that have occurred in the first six months of 2025. According to official data, 17 accidents were reported in fireworks units in the State in 2024 and claimed the lives of 52 people. Of these, 42 people died in 12 accidents in Virudhunagar, which has roughly 1,000 fireworks units and 3,000 cracker shops. In 2023, 79 workers were killed in 27 accidents in the State, including 28 workers in 15 accidents in Virudhunagar. In the latest episode, eight persons died and five others were injured in an explosion at a fireworks factory in Sattur, near Sivakasi this week. Preliminary reports said friction caused during the process of filling chemicals that are used to make special fireworks may have caused the explosion. Investigations are on to pinpoint the exact cause. But whatever the cause, there is unlikely to be any new learning from this kind of post-mortem. Temperatures in the rather dry, hot belt of Virudhunagar often soar unbearably during the day. It is also common knowledge that firecracker units store chemicals that are highly inflammable, and can ignite and burn easily when exposed to an ignition source such as a spark, flame, or high heat. And yet, unerringly, the summer months, usually, have unfortunate accidents resulting in the death or the disability of people who are already vulnerable, socially and economically. While the laxity of manufacturers is condemnable, there is also a big role for the state in regulating these fireworks units, since all of them require a licence from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation to function. The Explosives Rules, 2008, which govern fireworks units, specify that packages containing explosives shall not be allowed to remain in the sun or exposed to excessive heat, and all due precautions ought to be taken to prevent accidents by fire or explosion. Following the rules is essential to retaining the licence to operate and manufacture explosives. Clearly, here is a situation where the heft of the state can be utilised to ensure compliance, but a better way of handling it is to involve manufacturers in an effort to ensure there are no further accidents, no further lives lost as a result. Such cooperation has produced results in the past in curbing the employment of child labourers in the industry. It will now have to be leveraged to save precious lives. A preventable tragedy that repeats itself makes a farce of state regulation and enforcement.

Editorial Vocabulary

1. Incinerated

Part of Speech: Verb

Meaning: To burn something completely, especially waste material, at very high temperatures

Tamil Meaning: எரித்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: ദഹിപ്പിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ದಹಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: Burned, combusted, torched

Antonyms: Preserved, conserved, extinguished

Example Sentence: The medical waste was safely incinerated at the authorised facility to prevent contamination.

2. Defunct

Part of Speech: Adjective

Meaning: No longer existing or functioning; dead or obsolete

Tamil Meaning: செயலற்ற, மூடப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: നിലവിലില്ലാത്ത

Kannada Meaning: ನಿಷ್ಕ್ರಿಯ

Synonyms: Closed, abandoned, obsolete, inactive

Antonyms: Active, functioning, operational, alive

Example Sentence: The defunct factory left behind contaminated soil that required extensive cleanup.

3. Sordid

Part of Speech: Adjective

Meaning: Involving immoral or dishonest behaviour; morally degraded

Tamil Meaning: கீழ்மையான, அசிங்கமான

Malayalam Meaning: നികൃഷ്ടമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಸಹ್ಯಕರ

Synonyms: Shameful, disgraceful, corrupt

Antonyms: Noble, honorable, virtuous, dignified

Example Sentence: The sordid details of the industrial disaster revealed years of corporate negligence.

4. Illustrative

Part of Speech: Adjective

Meaning: Serving as an example or explanation; demonstrative

Tamil Meaning: உதாரணமாக

Malayalam Meaning: ഉദാഹരണമായി

Kannada Meaning: ಉದಾಹರಣೆಯಾಗಿ

Synonyms: Explanatory, exemplary, demonstrative, representative

Antonyms: Confusing, misleading, unclear

Example Sentence: This case is illustrative of the systemic failures in industrial waste management.

5. Interventions

Part of Speech: Noun (Plural)

Meaning: Actions taken to improve a situation or prevent it from getting worse

Tamil Meaning: தலையீடுகள், நடவடிக்கைகள்

Malayalam Meaning: ഇടപെടലുകൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಹಸ್ತಕ್ಷೇಪಗಳು

Synonyms: Actions, measures, steps, involvement

Antonyms: Inaction, neglect, withdrawal

Example Sentence: Multiple judicial interventions were required to ensure proper waste disposal.

6. Stakeholders

Part of Speech: Noun (Plural)

Meaning: People or groups with an interest or concern in something

Tamil Meaning: பங்குதாரர்கள், நலன்விரும்பிகள்

Malayalam Meaning: പങ്കാളികൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಪಾಲುದಾರರು

Synonyms: Participants, parties, partners, investors

Antonyms: Outsiders, uninvolved parties

Example Sentence: All stakeholders must collaborate to address environmental concerns effectively.

7. Disposed

Part of Speech: Verb (Past tense)

Meaning: Got rid of something, especially waste, in a proper manner

Tamil Meaning: அகற்றப்பட்ட, நீக்கப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: നീക്കംചെയ്തു

Kannada Meaning: ವಿಲೇವಾರಿಮಾಡಲಾಯಿತು

Synonyms: Discarded, eliminated, removed, thrown away

Antonyms: Retained, kept, accumulated, stored

Example Sentence: The toxic materials were finally disposed of according to environmental guidelines.

8. Outreach

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: An effort to bring services or information to people where they live or spend time

Tamil Meaning: விழிப்புணர்வுநடவடிக்கை

Malayalam Meaning: ബോധവൽക്കരണം

Kannada Meaning: ಜಾಗೃತಿಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮ

Synonyms: Awareness campaign, extension, communication

Antonyms: Isolation, withdrawal, neglect

Example Sentence: The government conducted an outreach program to educate citizens about the safety measures.

9. Assuage

Part of Speech: Verb

Meaning: To make unpleasant feelings less intense; to calm or soothe

Tamil Meaning: அமைதிப்படுத்துதல், சாந்தப்படுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ശമിപ്പിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಶಾಂತಗೊಳಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: Calm, soothe, pacify, alleviate

Antonyms: Aggravate, intensify, worsen, provoke

Example Sentence: The officials tried to assuage public fears about air pollution during the incineration process.

10. Anxiety

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: A feeling of worry, nervousness or unease about something with an uncertain outcome

Tamil Meaning: கவலை, பதற்றம்

Malayalam Meaning: ഉത്കണ്ഠ

Kannada Meaning: ಆತಂಕ

Synonyms: Worry, concern, nervousness, apprehension

Antonyms: Calm, confidence, peace, tranquility

Example Sentence: Public anxiety about the safety of the waste disposal process was understandable.

11. Emissions

Part of Speech: Noun (Plural)

Meaning: The discharge of gas, radiation or other substances into the atmosphere

Tamil Meaning: வெளியேற்றம், உமிழ்வு

Malayalam Meaning: പുറന്തള്ളൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಹೊರಸೂಸುವಿಕೆ

Synonyms: Discharge, release, output, exhalation

Antonyms: Absorption, intake, retention

Example Sentence: Strict monitoring of emissions was essential during the toxic waste incineration.

12. Evidently

Part of Speech: Adverb

Meaning: Clearly; obviously; as can be seen or understood

Tamil Meaning: தெளிவாக, வெளிப்படையாக

Malayalam Meaning: വ്യക്തമായി

Kannada Meaning: ಸ್ಪಷ್ಟವಾಗಿ

Synonyms: Clearly, obviously, apparently, manifestly

Antonyms: Unclearly, doubtfully, questionably

Example Sentence: Evidently, the technology for safe waste disposal was available all along.

13. Initiative

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: The ability to act independently and with a fresh approach; a new plan for dealing with a problem

Tamil Meaning: முன்முயற்சி, தொடக்கம்

Malayalam Meaning: മുൻകൈ

Kannada Meaning: ಉಪಕ್ರಮ

Synonyms: Enterprise, leadership, drive, action

Antonyms: Passivity, inaction, lethargy, indifference

Example Sentence: The lack of political initiative delayed the cleanup process for decades.

14. Tendency

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: An inclination toward a particular characteristic or type of behaviour

Tamil Meaning: போக்கு, சாய்வு

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രവണത

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರವೃತ್ತಿ

Synonyms: Inclination, propensity, disposition, trend

Antonyms: Aversion, reluctance, unwillingness

Example Sentence: Toxic waste has a tendency to persist in the environment for long periods.

15. Seldom

Part of Speech: Adverb

Meaning: Not often; rarely

Tamil Meaning: அரிதாக, எப்போதாவது

Malayalam Meaning: അപൂർവ്വമായി

Kannada Meaning: ಅಪರೂಪವಾಗಿ

Synonyms: Rarely, infrequently, hardly ever, occasionally

Antonyms: Often, frequently, regularly, always

Example Sentence: Environmental pollutants seldom disappear completely without proper treatment.

16. Yielded

Part of Speech: Verb (Past tense)

Meaning: Produced or provided as a result; gave way to

Tamil Meaning: விளைவித்தது, கொடுத்தது

Malayalam Meaning: നൽകി

Kannada Meaning: ನೀಡಿತು

Synonyms: Produced, generated, provided, resulted in

Antonyms: Withheld, retained, consumed, absorbed

Example Sentence: The incineration process yielded hundreds of tonnes of ash that required proper disposal.

17. Residue

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: A small amount of something that remains after the main part has gone

Tamil Meaning: எஞ்சியது, எச்சம்

Malayalam Meaning: അവശിഷ്ടം

Kannada Meaning: ಅವಶೇಷ

Synonyms: Remainder, remains, leftover, debris

Antonyms: Whole, entirety, totality

Example Sentence: The toxic residue from the incineration required specialised landfill facilities.

18. Landfill

Part of Speech: Verb/Noun

Meaning: To dispose of waste by burying it; a site for disposing of waste

Tamil Meaning: நிலமூடுதல், கழிவுபுதைப்பிடம்

Malayalam Meaning: മണ്ണിടൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಭೂಸಂಸ್ಕಾರ

Synonyms: Dump, disposal site

Antonyms: Excavate, unearth, retrieve

Example Sentence: The ash and residue must be landfilled using scientific methods to prevent contamination.

19. Upkeep

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: The process of keeping something in good condition; maintenance

Tamil Meaning: பராமரிப்பு, பராமரிப்புசெலவு

Malayalam Meaning: അറ്റകുറ്റപ്പണി

Kannada Meaning: ನಿರ್ವಹಣೆ

Synonyms: Maintenance, care, preservation, servicing

Antonyms: Neglect, deterioration, abandonment

Example Sentence: Regular upkeep of the landfill site is essential for environmental safety.

20. Contaminated

Part of Speech: Adjective/Verb (Past participle)

Meaning: Made impure by exposure to or addition of a poisonous or polluting substance

Tamil Meaning: மாசுபட்ட, தீட்டுப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: മലിനമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಕಲುಷಿತ

Synonyms: Polluted, tainted, infected, poisoned

Antonyms: Pure, clean, uncontaminated, sterile

Example Sentence: The contaminated soil around the plant poses health risks to nearby residents.

21. Hazardous

Part of Speech: Adjective

Meaning: Risky; dangerous

Tamil Meaning: ஆபத்தான, இடர்பாடுள்ள

Malayalam Meaning: അപകടകരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಪಾಯಕಾರಿ

Synonyms: Dangerous, risky, perilous, unsafe

Antonyms: Safe, secure, harmless, risk-free

Example Sentence: Hazardous materials require specialised handling and disposal procedures.

22. Artefacts

Part of Speech: Noun (Plural)

Meaning: Objects made by human beings, typically of cultural or historical interest

Tamil Meaning: கலைப்பொருட்கள், மனிதர்களால்உருவாக்கப்பட்டபொருட்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: കലാസൃഷ്ടികൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಕಲಾಕೃತಿಗಳು

Synonyms: Objects, relics, remnants, items

Antonyms: Natural objects, organic materials

Example Sentence: The site contained various hazardous artefacts from the industrial operations.

23. Subsurface

Part of Speech: Adjective/Noun

Meaning: Existing or occurring below the surface, especially of the earth

Tamil Meaning: நிலத்தடி, மேற்பரப்புக்குக்கீழே

Malayalam Meaning: ഭൂമിക്കടിയിലുള്ള

Kannada Meaning: ಭೂಗರ್ಭ

Synonyms: Underground, below-ground, subterranean

Antonyms: Surface, above-ground, aerial

Example Sentence: Subsurface contamination affects groundwater quality in the area.

24. Impetus

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: The force or energy with which a body moves; stimulus or encouragement

Tamil Meaning: உந்துதல், ஊக்கம்

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രേരണ

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರೇರಣೆ

Synonyms: Momentum, stimulus, motivation, drive

Antonyms: Deterrent, hindrance, obstacle, discouragement

Example Sentence: The impetus for environmental cleanup came primarily from activist groups.

25. Undercounted

Part of Speech: Verb (Past participle)/Adjective

Meaning: Counted as being fewer in number than the actual amount

Tamil Meaning: குறைவாகஎண்ணப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: കുറവായികണക്കാക്കിയ

Kannada Meaning: ಕಡಿಮೆಎಣಿಕೆಮಾಡಲಾದ

Synonyms: Underestimated, underreported, miscounted

Antonyms: Overcounted, overestimated, accurately counted

Example Sentence: The disaster's casualties were undercounted due to inadequate record-keeping.

26. Owed

Part of Speech: Verb (Past participle)

Meaning: Under obligation to pay or repay; deserved

Tamil Meaning: செலுத்தவேண்டிய, கடன்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: കടപ്പെട്ട

Kannada Meaning: ಸಾಲದಲ್ಲಿರುವ

Synonyms: Due, deserved, indebted, obligated

Antonyms: Paid, settled, cleared, satisfied

Example Sentence: The survivors argued they were owed proper compensation for their suffering.

27. Inflation-adjusted

Part of Speech: Adjective (Compound)

Meaning: Modified to account for the effects of inflation on purchasing power

Tamil Meaning: பணவீக்கசரிசெய்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: പണപ്പെരുപ്പംകണക്കിലെടുത്ത്

Kannada Meaning: ಹಣದುಬ್ಬರಹೊಂದಾಣಿಕೆ

Synonyms: Cost-adjusted, price-corrected, indexed

Antonyms: Nominal, unadjusted, fixed

Example Sentence: The compensation amount should be inflation-adjusted to reflect current monetary values.

28. Curative

Part of Speech: Adjective

Meaning: Able to cure disease; relating to legal remedy

Tamil Meaning: குணப்படுத்தும், சிகிச்சை

Malayalam Meaning: രോഗശമനി

Kannada Meaning: ಗುಣಪಡಿಸುವ

Synonyms: Healing, therapeutic, remedial, restorative

Antonyms: Harmful, damaging, destructive

Example Sentence: The Supreme Court closed the curative petition route for seeking additional compensation.

29. Notwithstanding

Part of Speech: Preposition

Meaning: In spite of; nevertheless

Tamil Meaning: இருந்தபோதிலும், ஆயினும்

Malayalam Meaning: എങ്കിലും

Kannada Meaning: ಆದರೂ

Synonyms: Despite, although, nevertheless, however

Antonyms: Because of, due to, owing to

Example Sentence: Notwithstanding the legal complexities, justice must be served to the victims.

30. Proclaimed

Part of Speech: Verb (Past participle)/Adjective

Meaning: Announced officially or publicly; declared

Tamil Meaning: அறிவிக்கப்பட்ட, பிரகடனம்செய்யப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രഖ്യാപിച്ച

Kannada Meaning: ಘೋಷಿಸಲಾದ

Synonyms: Declared, announced, stated, published

Antonyms: Concealed, hidden, suppressed, denied

Example Sentence: The company remains a proclaimed offender in the industrial disaster case.

31. Offender

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: A person or organisation that commits an illegal or harmful act

Tamil Meaning: குற்றவாளி

Malayalam Meaning: കുറ്റവാളി

Kannada Meaning: ಅಪರಾಧಿ

Synonyms: Criminal, violator, transgressor, wrongdoer

Antonyms: Law-abider, innocent, victim, compliant party

Example Sentence: The corporate offender must be held accountable for environmental damages.

32. Surveillance

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: Close observation, especially of a suspected person; monitoring

Tamil Meaning: கண்காணிப்பு, மேற்பார்வை

Malayalam Meaning: നിരീക്ഷണം

Kannada Meaning: ಕಣ್ಗಾವಲು

Synonyms: Monitoring, observation, supervision, watch

Antonyms: Neglect, inattention, disregard

Example Sentence: Long-term health surveillance of affected populations has been inadequate.

33. Patchy

Part of Speech: Adjective

Meaning: Existing or happening in small, isolated areas; inconsistent in quality

Tamil Meaning: சீரற்ற, இடங்களுக்குஇடம்வேறுபடும்

Malayalam Meaning: അസമമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಸಮಾನ

Synonyms: Inconsistent, irregular, sporadic, uneven

Antonyms: Consistent, uniform, regular, comprehensive

Example Sentence: The government's response to the health crisis has been patchy and inadequate.

34. Alleging

Part of Speech: Verb (Present participle)

Meaning: Claiming or asserting that someone has done something wrong, typically without proof

Tamil Meaning: குற்றம்சாட்டுதல், கூறுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ആരോപിക്കുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಆರೋಪಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: Claiming, asserting, accusing, contending

Antonyms: Denying, disproving, defending, exonerating

Example Sentence: Activists are alleging that the monitoring committee has failed in its duties.

35. Sporadically

Part of Speech: Adverb

Meaning: Occurring at irregular intervals; occasionally

Tamil Meaning: அவ்வப்போது, ஆங்காங்கே

Malayalam Meaning: ഇടയ്ക്കിടെ

Kannada Meaning: ಸಾಂದರ್ಭಿಕವಾಗಿ

Synonyms: Occasionally, intermittently, irregularly, periodically

Antonyms: Regularly, consistently, continuously, frequently

Example Sentence: The advisory committee has met only sporadically, failing to provide adequate oversight.

36. Remediation

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: The action of remedying something, especially reversing environmental damage

Tamil Meaning: சரிசெய்தல், சுத்திகரிப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: പരിഹാരം

Kannada Meaning: ಪರಿಹಾರ

Synonyms: Restoration, cleanup, rehabilitation, correction

Antonyms: Contamination, damage, destruction, pollution

Example Sentence: Environmental remediation at the disaster site requires substantial investment and expertise.

37. Self-motivated

Part of Speech: Adjective (Compound)

Meaning: Driven by one's own enthusiasm and interests without external pressure

Tamil Meaning: சுயஉந்துதல், தன்னியக்க

Malayalam Meaning: സ്വയംപ്രേരിത

Kannada Meaning: ಸ್ವಯಂ-ಪ್ರೇರಿತ

Synonyms: Self-driven, voluntary, spontaneous, proactive

Antonyms: Externally motivated, forced, compelled, reluctant

Example Sentence: Officials should act on a self-motivated basis rather than waiting for court orders.

38. Statutory

Part of Speech: Adjective

Meaning: Required, permitted or enacted by statute; legally mandated

Tamil Meaning: சட்டபூர்வ, சட்டத்தால்நிர்ணயிக்கப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: നിയമപരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಕಾನೂನು

Synonyms: Legal, mandated, prescribed, official

Antonyms: Voluntary, optional, unofficial, illegal

Example Sentence: A new statutory body may be needed to coordinate relief and rehabilitation efforts.

39. Unify

Part of Speech: Verb

Meaning: To combine or join together to form a single unit; to make uniform

Tamil Meaning: ஒன்றிணைத்தல், ஒருங்கிணைத்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: ഏകീകരിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಏಕೀಕರಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: Combine, merge, integrate, consolidate

Antonyms: Divide, separate, fragment, split

Example Sentence: The new body should unify all health and relief activities under one administration.

40. Dot

Part of Speech: Verb

Meaning: To mark with spots; to scatter or place at intervals

Tamil Meaning: புள்ளியிடுதல், சிதறல்

Malayalam Meaning: കുത്തുകൾഇടുക

Kannada Meaning: ಚುಕ್ಕಿಗಳಿಡುವುದು

Synonyms: Scatter, pepper, speckle, distribute

Antonyms: Concentrate, cluster, gather, collect

Example Sentence: Fireworks accidents dot the industrial calendar with alarming regularity.

41. Explosion

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: A violent and destructive shattering or blowing apart of something

Tamil Meaning: வெடிப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: സ്ഫോടനം

Kannada Meaning: ಸ್ಫೋಟ

Synonyms: Blast, detonation, eruption, burst

Antonyms: Implosion, compression, containment

Example Sentence: The explosion at the fireworks factory claimed eight lives and injured several others.

42. Preliminary

Part of Speech: Adjective

Meaning: Denoting an action or event preceding or done in preparation for something more important

Tamil Meaning: முதனிலை, ஆரம்ப

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രാഥമിക

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಾಥಮಿಕ

Synonyms: Initial, preparatory, introductory, early

Antonyms: Final, conclusive, ultimate, definitive

Example Sentence: Preliminary reports suggest that friction during chemical mixing caused the explosion.

43. Friction

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: The resistance that one surface encounters when moving over another; conflict or disagreement

Tamil Meaning: உராய்வு, முரண்பாடு

Malayalam Meaning: ഘർഷണം

Kannada Meaning: ಘರ್ಷಣೆ

Synonyms: Rubbing, resistance, conflict, tension

Antonyms: Smoothness, harmony, agreement, cooperation

Example Sentence: Excessive friction during the chemical mixing process can generate dangerous heat.

44. Pinpoint

Part of Speech: Verb

Meaning: To identify the exact position or cause of something

Tamil Meaning: துல்லியமாககண்டறிதல்

Malayalam Meaning: കൃത്യമായികണ്ടെത്തുക

Kannada Meaning: ನಿಖರವಾಗಿಗುರುತಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: Identify, locate, determine, specify

Antonyms: Generalise, approximate, estimate roughly

Example Sentence: Investigators are working to pinpoint the exact cause of the industrial accident.

45. Post-mortem

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: An analysis of an event after it has occurred

Tamil Meaning: பின்னோக்குஆய்வு

Malayalam Meaning: പോസ്റ്റ്‌മോർട്ടം

Kannada Meaning: ಮರಣೋತ್ತರಪರೀക്ಷೆ

Synonyms: Analysis, review, examination

Antonyms: Prediction, forecast, prevention, anticipation

Example Sentence: The post-mortem analysis of industrial accidents rarely yields new safety insights.

46. Soar

Part of Speech: Verb

Meaning: To fly or rise high in the air; to increase rapidly

Tamil Meaning: உயரஎழுதல், வேகமாகஅதிகரித்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: കുതിച്ചുയരുക

Kannada Meaning: ಮೇಲೇರುವುದು

Synonyms: Rise, climb, ascend, increase

Antonyms: Fall, drop, descend, plummet

Example Sentence: Temperatures soar unbearably during summer months in the region.

47. Unbearably

Part of Speech: Adverb

Meaning: To an extent that cannot be endured; extremely

Tamil Meaning: தாங்கமுடியாதஅளவிற்கு

Malayalam Meaning: സഹിക്കാനാകാത്തവിധം

Kannada Meaning: ಸಹಿಸಲಾಗದಷ್ಟು

Synonyms: Intolerably, extremely, excessively, insufferably

Antonyms: Bearably, tolerably, moderately, acceptably

Example Sentence: The heat becomes unbearably intense during peak summer hours in the factory area.

48. Inflammable

Part of Speech: Adjective

Meaning: Easily set on fire; highly flammable

Tamil Meaning: எளிதில்எரியக்கூடிய, தீப்பிடிக்கக்கூடிய

Malayalam Meaning: എളുപ്പത്തിൽകത്തുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ಸುಲಭವಾಗಿಉರಿಯುವ

Synonyms: Flammable, combustible, ignitable, burnable

Antonyms: Non-flammable, fireproof, incombustible, fire-resistant

Example Sentence: The storage of inflammable chemicals requires strict safety protocols.

49. Exposed

Part of Speech: Verb (Past participle)/Adjective

Meaning: Left without protection; revealed or made visible

Tamil Meaning: வெளிப்படுத்தப்பட்ட, பாதுகாப்பற்ற

Malayalam Meaning: തുറന്നുകാട്ടപ്പെട്ട

Kannada Meaning: ಬಹಿರಂಗಗೊಳಿಸಲಾದ

Synonyms: Unprotected, revealed, uncovered, vulnerable

Antonyms: Protected, covered, shielded, concealed

Example Sentence: Chemicals become dangerous when exposed to high temperatures or sparks.

50. Ignition

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: The action of setting something on fire; the process of starting combustion

Tamil Meaning: தீப்பிடித்தல், எரிதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ജ്വലനം

Kannada Meaning: ದಹನ

Synonyms: Combustion, firing, lighting, burning

Antonyms: Extinguishing, quenching, suppression, cooling

Example Sentence: The ignition source for the explosion could have been a simple spark or flame.

51. Unerringly

Part of Speech: Adverb

Meaning: In a way that is always accurate and never wrong; infallibly

Tamil Meaning: தவறாமல், நிச்சயமாக

Malayalam Meaning: തെറ്റാതെ

Kannada Meaning: ತಪ್ಪದೆ

Synonyms: Infallibly, accurately, precisely, consistently

Antonyms: Erroneously, inaccurately, inconsistently, wrongly

Example Sentence: Summer months unerringly bring a spike in fireworks factory accidents.

52. Disability

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: A physical or mental condition that limits movements, senses or activities

Tamil Meaning: இயலாமை, குறைபாடு

Malayalam Meaning: വൈകല്യം

Kannada Meaning: ಅಂಗವೈಕಲ್ಯ

Synonyms: Impairment, handicap, limitation, incapacity

Antonyms: Ability, capability, fitness, wellness

Example Sentence: Industrial accidents often result in permanent disability for workers.

53. Vulnerable

Part of Speech: Adjective

Meaning: Exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed; at risk

Tamil Meaning: பாதிக்கப்படக்கூடிய, பலவீனமான

Malayalam Meaning: അപകടസാധ്യതയുള്ള

Kannada Meaning: ದುರ್ಬಲ

Synonyms: At-risk, defenseless, susceptible, endangered

Antonyms: Protected, secure, safe, invulnerable

Example Sentence: Workers from economically vulnerable backgrounds often lack proper safety training.

54. Laxity

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: Lack of strictness or care; negligence

Tamil Meaning: அலட்சியம், கவனக்குறைவு

Malayalam Meaning: അലസത

Kannada Meaning: ಅಲಕ್ಷ್ಯ

Synonyms: Negligence, carelessness, slackness, indifference

Antonyms: Strictness, diligence, care, vigilance

Example Sentence: The laxity of safety measures by manufacturers contributes to these tragic accidents.

55. Condemnable

Part of Speech: Adjective

Meaning: Deserving strong disapproval; blameworthy

Tamil Meaning: கண்டிக்கத்தக்க, தண்டனைக்குரிய

Malayalam Meaning: അപലപനീയമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಖಂಡನೀಯ

Synonyms: Blameworthy, reprehensible, censurable, deplorable

Antonyms: Praiseworthy, commendable, admirable, laudable

Example Sentence: The condemnable negligence of safety protocols led to preventable deaths.

56. Regulating

Part of Speech: Verb (Present participle)

Meaning: Controlling or maintaining according to rules or laws

Tamil Meaning: ஒழுங்குபடுத்துதல், கட்டுப்படுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: നിയന്ത്രിക്കുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ನಿಯಂತ್ರಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: Controlling, governing, supervising, managing

Antonyms: Deregulating, liberating, freeing, releasing

Example Sentence: The state plays a crucial role in regulating hazardous industries.

57. Precautions

Part of Speech: Noun (Plural)

Meaning: Measures taken in advance to prevent harm or trouble

Tamil Meaning: முன்னெச்சரிக்கைநடவடிக்கைகள்

Malayalam Meaning: മുൻകരുതലുകൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಮುನ್ನೆಚ್ಚರಿಕೆಗಳು

Synonyms: Safety measures, preventive steps, safeguards, protections

Antonyms: Recklessness, negligence, carelessness, risks

Example Sentence: All necessary precautions must be taken to prevent fire and explosion hazards.

58. Retaining

Part of Speech: Verb (Present participle)

Meaning: Continuing to have or hold; keeping possession of

Tamil Meaning: தக்கவைத்தல், பராமரித்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: നിലനിർത്തുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಉಳಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವುದು

Synonyms: Keeping, maintaining, preserving, holding

Antonyms: Losing, releasing, abandoning, surrendering

Example Sentence: Following safety rules is essential for retaining the operating license.

59. Heft

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: The weight or heaviness of something; influence or power

Tamil Meaning: எடை, செல்வாக்கு

Malayalam Meaning: ഭാരം, സ്വാധീനം

Kannada Meaning: ತೂಕ, ಪ್ರಭಾವ

Synonyms: Weight, influence, power, authority

Antonyms: Lightness, weakness, powerlessness, insignificance

Example Sentence: The heft of state authority should be used to ensure industrial compliance.

60. Compliance

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: The action of conforming to rules, standards or laws

Tamil Meaning: இணக்கம், கீழ்ப்படிதல்

Malayalam Meaning: അനുസരണം

Kannada Meaning: ಅನುಸರಣೆ

Synonyms: Conformity, adherence, obedience, observance

Antonyms: Non-compliance, violation, disobedience, defiance

Example Sentence: Strict compliance with safety regulations could prevent most industrial accidents.

61. Curbing

Part of Speech: Verb (Present participle)

Meaning: Restraining or keeping in check; reducing or controlling

Tamil Meaning: கட்டுப்படுத்துதல், குறைத்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: നിയന്ത്രിക്കുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ನಿಯಂತ್ರಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: Controlling, restraining, limiting, reducing

Antonyms: Encouraging, promoting, increasing, unleashing

Example Sentence: Past cooperation has been successful in curbing child labor in the industry.

62. Leveraged

Part of Speech: Verb (Past participle)

Meaning: Used something to maximum advantage; applied force effectively

Tamil Meaning: பயன்படுத்தப்பட்ட, செல்வாக்குசெலுத்தப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രയോജനപ്പെടുത്തി

Kannada Meaning: ಬಳಕೆಮಾಡಲಾಯಿತು

Synonyms: Utilided, exploited, applied, used effectively

Antonyms: Wasted, ignored, underutilided, neglected

Example Sentence: The successful partnership model should be leveraged to improve workplace safety.

63. Farce

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: An absurd or meaningless situation; a mockery

Tamil Meaning: கேலிக்கூத்து, அபத்தம்

Malayalam Meaning: പരിഹാസം

Kannada Meaning: ಹಾಸ್ಯಾಸ್ಪದ

Synonyms: Mockery, absurdity, charade, sham

Antonyms: Serious matter, reality, authenticity, genuine effort

Example Sentence: Repeated preventable tragedies make a farce of government regulation and enforcement.

Idiom of the Day: 3 July 2025

Know/Learn the Ropes

Informal

Meaning: To understand or learn how to do a particular job or activity, especially one that is complex or new

Explanation:

"Knowing the ropes" means being familiar with the details, rules and procedures of a job or task. It refers to the process of gaining that knowledge, often through observation, practice or training.

This idiom originates from the sailing world, where knowing how to handle ropes was essential.

Example Sentences:

It’s my first week at the new job, so I’m still learning the ropes.

She knows the ropes around here and you should ask her if you need help.

It took a few months, but once I learned the ropes, the work became much easier.

With today’s The Hindu Editorial from 3 July 2025, you've learned 60+ powerful English vocabulary words with their meaning, meaning in English, meaning in Tamil, meaning in Kannada, meaning in Malayalam, Synonyms, antonyms and Example Sentences. Consistent practice like these builds not just your word bank but also sharpens your comprehension and expression for competitive exams and real-world communication.

Keep reading, keep learning! 💪📖

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Students are encouraged to refer to the original articles on THE HINDU’s official platforms for comprehensive reading.