The Hindu Editorial : May 5, 2025 - Learn Vocabulary

The Hindu Editorial – May 05, 2025 – Learn Vocabulary

Boost your English with The Hindu Editorial – May 05, 2025.

This post by Veranda Race helps aspirants learn 50+ high-level vocabulary words with meanings, synonyms, antonyms, and usage examples—perfect for Bank Exam, SSC Exam, and UPSC Exam preparation.

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Temporary respite

India's growth strategy must focus on boosting domestic consumption

India's Goods and Services Tax collection in April, since the indirect taxation framework was implemented in 2017, has consistently hit record highs. This April was no different - generally because of businesses tallying their books and completing their financial year-end tax commitments. The gross GST collected this time was about ₹2.37 lakh crore, marking an on-year growth of 12.6% from last April. After tax funds, the central government netted over ₹2.09 lakh crore, an on-year rise of 9.1%. This also signifies a marked rise in GST compliance, also aided by faster refunds, which are crucial for small businesses as they work with thin working capital, and the mass adoption of fintech. The fintech adoption rate in India, at 87%, which is well above the global average, and aided by the insular COVID-19 years of 2020-21, has brought in millions from the MSME sector into the formal banking system, enabling better tax compliance and regulatory supervision. Wider compliance is also boosting from April's GST collections from 2018 to 2025, which has more than doubled from ₹1.03 lakh crore to ₹2.37 lakh crore.

What is significant this April has been the 86% rise in refunds issued to exporters and the 20.8% increase in GST revenues from imports. This correlates with the 10-month high growth in the April print of HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI). The PMI rose from 58.1 in March to 58.2 in April. The survey indicated a sharp rise in new business aided by greater international demand. Orders from abroad grew to the largest degree in over 14 years in the first month of the 2026 fiscal year, with demand led by Africa, Asia, Europe, West Asia and the Americas. This suggests that businesses have scrambled to get their orders in before the 90-day pause on tariffs by the U.S. ends on July 9. It also suggests a possible re-alignment in supply chains, with greater sourcing from India, as the U.S. tariffs on China appear to be more onerous and certain, with the possibility of transhipment goods from China being taxed, without a high value-add threshold. Apple has said at its January-to-March quarterly earnings call that it intends to source most of its iPhones for the U.S., its largest market, from India. This suggests a temporary respite for India's manufacturing sector, which witnessed a four-year growth low at 4% in the last fiscal. A more durable growth strategy would be to boost domestic consumption with favourable concessions for its manufacturing sector.\

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1. framework

Type: Noun

Meaning: A basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text

Tamil Meaning: கட்டமைப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: ചട്ടക്കൂട്

Kannada Meaning: ಚೌಕಟ್ಟು

Synonyms: structure, system, scaffold, outline, foundation

Antonyms: chaos, disorder, disorganization

Example Sentence: The indirect taxation framework introduced with GST has fundamentally transformed how businesses pay taxes in India.

2. tallying

Type: Verb

Meaning: Calculating or recording financial figures to ensure they balance

Tamil Meaning: கணக்கிடுதல்

Malayalam Meaning: കണക്കുകൂട്ടൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಲೆಕ್ಕಹಾಕುವುದು

Synonyms: reconciling, balancing, calculating, counting, matching

Antonyms: miscalculating, disregarding, ignoring

Example Sentence: Businesses spend considerable time tallying their books at the financial year-end to ensure tax compliance.

3. gross

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Total amount before deductions; overall or complete

Tamil Meaning: மொத்த

Malayalam Meaning: മൊത്തം

Kannada Meaning: ಒಟ್ಟು

Synonyms: total, whole, entire, aggregate, complete

Antonyms: net, partial, incomplete

Example Sentence: The gross GST collection reached a record high, reflecting improved economic activity across sectors.

4. netted

Type: Verb

Meaning: To gain or obtain as a net amount after deductions

Tamil Meaning: நிகரமாகபெற்றது

Malayalam Meaning: നേടിയെടുത്തു

Kannada Meaning: ನಿವ್ವಳವಾಗಿಪಡೆಯಿತು

Synonyms: gained, acquired, secured, obtained, yielded

Antonyms: lost, forfeited, surrendered

Example Sentence: After processing all refunds, the government netted over ₹2.09 lakh crore in GST revenue.

5. signifies

Type: Verb

Meaning: To be a sign or indication of something; to represent or mean

Tamil Meaning: குறிக்கிறது

Malayalam Meaning: സൂചിപ്പിക്കുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಸೂಚಿಸುತ್ತದೆ

Synonyms: indicates, denotes, symbolizes, represents, implies

Antonyms: conceals, obscures, masks

Example Sentence: The rise in tax collection signifies improved economic health and better compliance from businesses.

6. compliance

Type: Noun

Meaning: The action or fact of complying with a wish or command; adherence to rules or standards

Tamil Meaning: இணக்கம்

Malayalam Meaning: അനുസരണം

Kannada Meaning: ಅನುಸರಣೆ

Synonyms: conformity, obedience, adherence, observation, acquiescence

Antonyms: defiance, disobedience, violation, noncompliance

Example Sentence: GST compliance has improved significantly due to digitalization and streamlined procedures.

7. insular

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Isolated or detached from surroundings; narrow-minded or limited in perspective

Tamil Meaning: தனிமைப்படுத்தப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: ഒറ്റപ്പെട്ട

Kannada Meaning: ನಿಬಂಧಿತ

Synonyms: isolated, secluded, detached, confined, restricted

Antonyms: connected, integrated, open, accessible

Example Sentence: The insular COVID-19 years forced businesses to adopt digital payment technologies at an unprecedented rate.

8. supervision

Type: Noun

Meaning: The action of supervising someone or something; oversight and direction

Tamil Meaning: மேற்பார்வை

Malayalam Meaning: മേൽനോട്ടം

Kannada Meaning: ಮೇಲ್ವಿಚಾರಣೆ

Synonyms: oversight, monitoring, management, direction, control

Antonyms: neglect, abandonment, inattention

Example Sentence: Effective regulatory supervision has been crucial in ensuring tax compliance among businesses.

9. correlates

Type: Verb

Meaning: To have a mutual relationship or connection, where one thing affects or depends on another

Tamil Meaning: தொடர்புபடுத்துகிறது

Malayalam Meaning: പരസ്പരബന്ധമുണ്ട്

Kannada Meaning: ಸಹಸಂಬಂಧಹೊಂದಿದೆ

Synonyms: corresponds, relates, connects, associates, coincides

Antonyms: contradicts, differs, diverges

Example Sentence: The rise in GST revenue correlates strongly with the growth in manufacturing activity.

10. indicated

Type: Verb

Meaning: To point out or show; to be a sign of; to suggest

Tamil Meaning: சுட்டிக்காட்டியது

Malayalam Meaning: സൂചിപ്പിച്ചു

Kannada Meaning: ಸೂಚಿಸಿತು

Synonyms: revealed, demonstrated, signified, denoted, implied

Antonyms: concealed, obscured, masked

Example Sentence: The PMI survey indicated a significant improvement in manufacturing activity across various sectors.

11. scrambled

Type: Verb

Meaning: To move or act hurriedly and disorganizedly to achieve something

Tamil Meaning: அவசரமாகமுயன்றன

Malayalam Meaning: തിടുക്കത്തിൽശ്രമിച്ചു

Kannada Meaning: ತ್ವರಿತವಾಗಿಪ್ರಯತ್ನಿಸಿದರು

Synonyms: rushed, hurried, dashed, hastened, scurried

Antonyms: delayed, lingered, dawdled

Example Sentence: Businesses have scrambled to complete their orders before the U.S. tariff pause ends in July.

12. tariffs

Type: Noun

Meaning: Taxes or duties to be paid on a particular class of imports or exports

Tamil Meaning: சுங்கவரிகள்

Malayalam Meaning: തീരുവകൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಸುಂಕಗಳು

Synonyms: duties, levies, tolls, customs, impositions

Antonyms: subsidies, rebates, incentives

Example Sentence: The uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods has prompted companies to diversify their manufacturing bases.

13. re-alignment

Type: Noun

Meaning: The process of changing or restoring something to a different or former position or state

Tamil Meaning: மறுசீரமைப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: പുനഃക്രമീകരണം

Kannada Meaning: ಮರುಹೊಂದಾಣಿಕೆ

Synonyms: reorganization, restructuring, reconfiguration, readjustment, rearrangement

Antonyms: continuation, stability, maintenance

Example Sentence: Global trade tensions have triggered a significant re-alignment in international supply chains.

14. onerous

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensome

Tamil Meaning: சுமையான

Malayalam Meaning: ഭാരമുള്ള

Kannada Meaning: ಹೊರೆಯಾದ

Synonyms: burdensome, oppressive, troublesome, arduous, taxing

Antonyms: easy, light, simple, manageable, straightforward

Example Sentence: Companies are shifting production from China as U.S. tariffs become increasingly onerous and unpredictable.

15. transhipment

Type: Noun

Meaning: The transfer of goods from one ship or transport method to another during transit

Tamil Meaning: மறுஏற்றுமதி

Malayalam Meaning: ട്രാൻഷിപ്‌മെന്റ്

Kannada Meaning: ಮರುಸಾಗಣೆ

Synonyms: transfer, transloading, relaying, forwarding

Antonyms: direct shipment, direct delivery

Example Sentence: New regulations aim to prevent tax evasion through transhipment of Chinese goods through third countries.

16. threshold

Type: Noun

Meaning: A point that must be exceeded to begin producing a given effect or result

Tamil Meaning: வரம்பு

Malayalam Meaning: പരിധി

Kannada Meaning: ಮಿತಿ

Synonyms: limit, boundary, cutoff point, benchmark, criterion

Antonyms: unlimited, unbounded, unrestricted

Example Sentence: Companies must add significant value to imported components to meet the threshold for avoiding additional tariffs.

17. intends

Type: Verb

Meaning: To have as one's purpose or objective; to plan or mean to do something

Tamil Meaning: உத்தேசிக்கிறது

Malayalam Meaning: ഉദ്ദേശിക്കുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಉದ್ದೇಶಿಸುತ್ತದೆ

Synonyms: plans, proposes, aims, purposes, contemplates

Antonyms: avoids, rejects, abandons

Example Sentence: Apple intends to significantly increase iPhone production in India to diversify its manufacturing base.

18. respite

Type: Noun

Meaning: A short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant

Tamil Meaning: இடைவேளை

Malayalam Meaning: ആശ്വാസം

Kannada Meaning: ವಿರಾಮ

Synonyms: relief, break, reprieve, hiatus, interval

Antonyms: continuation, persistence, extension

Example Sentence: The increased export orders provide a temporary respite for India's manufacturing sector which had been experiencing slower growth.

19. fiscal

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Relating to government revenue, especially taxes

Tamil Meaning: நிதிசார்ந்த

Malayalam Meaning: ധനപരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಹಣಕಾಸಿನ

Synonyms: financial, budgetary, monetary, economic, tax-related

Antonyms: non-financial, non-monetary

Example Sentence: India's manufacturing sector witnessed its lowest growth rate in four years during the last fiscal.

20. consumption

Type: Noun

Meaning: The using up of a resource; the action of using up a resource

Tamil Meaning: நுகர்வு

Malayalam Meaning: ഉപഭോഗം

Kannada Meaning: ಬಳಕೆ

Synonyms: utilization, use, expenditure, depletion, exhaustion

Antonyms: production, creation, generation

Example Sentence: A sustainable growth strategy must focus on boosting domestic consumption rather than relying solely on exports.

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Sober verdicts

Voters across regions have been rejecting Trump-type leaders

The re-election of the centre-left Labor party in the Australian general election on Saturday is a shot in the arm for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who became the first Australian leader to win a second term in more than two decades. The centre-right Liberal-National coalition was trounced, with Labor winning 87 of the 151 seats in the Australian parliament’s lower house, against its previously razor-thin edge of 77 seats. Welcoming Mr. Albanese’s win, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him for an “emphatic mandate” and a commitment to take India-Australia bilateral ties and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific forward. Both countries signed an ‘early-harvest’ partial FTA (ECTA) in 2022, and have agreed to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) by the end of this year. India will host the Quad summit later this year, and Mr. Albanese is expected to discuss closer cooperation on trade, resilient supply chains, and critical mineral and technology partnerships. The geopolitical changes wrought by China and the U.S. signal the need for Indo-Pacific region countries to diversify their economic interests and shore up each other’s strategic needs.

His re-election comes despite a rocky three-year term since 2022, as he faced low ratings on issues such as the economy, inflation and immigration; a recent poll said he would either lose or face a hung parliament. Given the timing of the turnaround, just after U.S. President Donald Trump took office, his win is seen as mirroring the results in Canada, where a dark horse centre-left Liberal party candidate, Mark Carney, won. As with the Conservative leadership in Canada, the Australian opposition’s ‘Liberal’ candidate Peter Dutton was seen as a Trump policy admirer, and had taken a tough “anti-woke” stance, pillorying Mr. Albanese for allowing too many immigrants into the country, and vowing to stand with Israel on Gaza. However, as Mr. Trump unleashed a barrage of measures including tariffs on countries, his policies also appear to have had a negative impact on Mr. Dutton’s chances. Despite being a staunch U.S. ally, Mr. Albanese’s relatively tough stand against the tariffs was seen favourably by voters – much as Mr. Carney’s tough stand against the U.S.’s tariffs and threats won him votes. Another election result this weekend, in Singapore, saw a win, albeit quite expected, for Lawrence Wong, whose party won its 14th term. Mr. Wong too made Mr. Trump’s policies a rallying cry during his campaign, even suggesting that countries would simply “stop exporting to USA” if the tariffs were not taken down. In each of the wins, voters chose sober candidates seen as more rational at the wheel, and not those seen as tough leaders with strong rhetoric. This is a trend among America’s closest allies, and Mr. Trump will have to pay heedto sane voices from outside his own advisers.

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1. shot in the arm

Type: Idiom

Meaning: A sudden stimulus or boost that provides encouragement or energy

Tamil Meaning: ஊக்கமளிக்கும்செயல்

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രചോദനം

Kannada Meaning: ಹುರಿದುಂಬಿಸುವವಿಷಯ

Synonyms: boost, stimulus, encouragement, fillip, impetus

Antonyms: setback, blow, discouragement, hindrance

Example Sentence: The unexpected electoral victory was a shot in the arm for the political party that had been struggling in opinion polls.

2. decades

Type: Noun

Meaning: A period of ten years

Tamil Meaning: பத்தாண்டுகள்

Malayalam Meaning: ദശാബ്ദങ്ങൾ

Kannada Meaning: ದಶಕಗಳು

Synonyms: ten-year periods, ten-year spans, decenniums

Antonyms: moments, instants, short periods

Example Sentence: After two decades of political instability, the country has finally entered a period of sustained economic growth.

3. Liberal

Type: Noun/Adjective (political context)

Meaning: In Australia, a center-right political party (contrary to its name, which in other countries often represents progressive politics)

Tamil Meaning: தாராளவாதகட்சி

Malayalam Meaning: ലിബറൽപാർട്ടി

Kannada Meaning: ಲಿಬರಲ್ಪಕ್ಷ

Synonyms: conservative (in Australian context), right-wing, center-right

Antonyms: labor, left-wing, progressive (in Australian context)

Example Sentence: The Liberal party in Australia has traditionally championed free market policies and social conservatism.

4. coalition

Type: Noun

Meaning: A temporary alliance of distinct parties or groups for combined action, especially in politics

Tamil Meaning: கூட்டணி

Malayalam Meaning: സഖ്യം

Kannada Meaning: ಮೈತ್ರಿಕೂಟ

Synonyms: alliance, union, partnership, bloc, confederation

Antonyms: division, separation, disunion, independence

Example Sentence: The Liberal-National coalition had governed Australia for nearly a decade before its recent electoral defeat.

5. trounced

Type: Verb

Meaning: To defeat heavily or decisively in a contest or competition

Tamil Meaning: படுதோல்வியடையச்செய்தது

Malayalam Meaning: തകർത്തോടിച്ചു

Kannada Meaning: ಭಾರಿಸೋಲಿಗೆ ಗುರಿಪಡಿಸಿತು

Synonyms: defeated decisively, crushed, routed, thrashed, walloped

Antonyms: was narrowly defeated by, barely lost to, tied with

Example Sentence: The Labor party trounced its opposition, gaining a comfortable majority in parliament.

6. emphatic

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Expressing something forcibly and clearly, leaving no doubt

Tamil Meaning: அழுத்தமான

Malayalam Meaning: ശക്തമായ

Kannada Meaning: ದೃಢವಾದ

Synonyms: decisive, definite, unequivocal, unambiguous, forceful

Antonyms: hesitant, uncertain, ambiguous, tentative, vague

Example Sentence: The emphatic electoral victory gave the prime minister a clear mandate to implement his policy agenda.

7. mandate

Type: Noun

Meaning: The authority granted by a constituency to act as its representative; the support or authority for a policy given by voters to a candidate or party

Tamil Meaning: ஆணை

Malayalam Meaning: ജനവിധി

Kannada Meaning: ಜನಾದೇಶ

Synonyms: authorization, commission, directive, instruction, charge

Antonyms: prohibition, restriction, veto, denial

Example Sentence: With such a strong mandate from voters, the government can now pursue ambitious reforms with confidence.

8. bilateral

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Involving two parties or countries; affecting both sides

Tamil Meaning: இருதரப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: ദ്വിപക്ഷ

Kannada Meaning: ದ್ವಿಪಕ್ಷೀಯ

Synonyms: mutual, reciprocal, two-sided, two-way, joint

Antonyms: unilateral, one-sided, multilateral

Example Sentence: The bilateral trade agreement between India and Australia is expected to boost commerce between the two nations significantly.

9. conclude

Type: Verb

Meaning: To bring to an end; to finalize or complete formally

Tamil Meaning: முடிவுக்குக்கொண்டு வருதல்

Malayalam Meaning: പൂർത്തിയാക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಮುಕ್ತಾಯಗೊಳಿಸಲು

Synonyms: finalize, complete, wrap up, consummate, settle

Antonyms: initiate, begin, commence, start

Example Sentence: The two nations have agreed to conclude the comprehensive trade agreement by the end of this year.

10. summit

Type: Noun

Meaning: A meeting between heads of government or other high-ranking officials

Tamil Meaning: உச்சிமாநாடு

Malayalam Meaning: ഉച്ചകോടി

Kannada Meaning: ಶೃಂಗಸಭೆ

Synonyms: conference, high-level meeting, convention, conclave, top-level gathering

Antonyms: low-level meeting, working group

Example Sentence: The upcoming Quad summit will focus on strengthening cooperation among member countries in the Indo-Pacific region.

11. resilient

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions

Tamil Meaning: மீள்திறன்கொண்ட

Malayalam Meaning: പ്രതിരോധശേഷിയുള്ള

Kannada Meaning: ಮರಳುಶಕ್ತಿಯುಳ್ಳ

Synonyms: robust, adaptable, flexible, elastic, buoyant

Antonyms: fragile, brittle, vulnerable, weak, delicate

Example Sentence: Building resilient supply chains has become a priority for countries seeking to reduce vulnerability to global disruptions.

12. wrought by

Type: Phrasal verb

Meaning: Caused or brought about by

Tamil Meaning: ஏற்படுத்தப்பட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: സൃഷ്ടിക്കപ്പെട്ട

Kannada Meaning: ಉಂಟುಮಾಡಲ್ಪಟ್ಟ

Synonyms: caused by, created by, produced by, effected by, brought about by

Antonyms: prevented by, avoided by, averted by

Example Sentence: The geopolitical changes wrought by rising powers have reshaped international relations in the Indo-Pacific.

13. diversify

Type: Verb

Meaning: To enlarge or vary the range of products, services, fields of operation, or investments

Tamil Meaning: பன்முகப்படுத்த

Malayalam Meaning: വൈവിധ്യവൽക്കരിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ವೈವಿಧ್ಯಗೊಳಿಸಲು

Synonyms: vary, branch out, expand, broaden, multiply

Antonyms: specialize, concentrate, focus, narrow

Example Sentence: Indo-Pacific nations are seeking to diversify their economic partnerships to reduce dependence on any single market.

14. shore up

Type: Phrasal verb

Meaning: To support or strengthen something that would otherwise weaken or fail

Tamil Meaning: வலுப்படுத்த

Malayalam Meaning: ശക്തിപ്പെടുത്തുക

Kannada Meaning: ಬಲಪಡಿಸಲು

Synonyms: bolster, reinforce, buttress, fortify, prop up

Antonyms: weaken, undermine, destabilize

Example Sentence: The new defense agreements aim to shore up regional security amid growing geopolitical tensions.

15. inflation

Type: Noun

Meaning: A general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money

Tamil Meaning: பணவீக்கம்

Malayalam Meaning: പണപ്പെരുപ്പം

Kannada Meaning: ಹಣದುಬ್ಬರ

Synonyms: price rise, cost increase, depreciation, devaluation

Antonyms: deflation, disinflation, appreciation

Example Sentence: Rising inflation has been a major concern for voters across many developed economies.

16. immigration

Type: Noun

Meaning: The action of coming to live permanently in a foreign country

Tamil Meaning: குடிவரவு

Malayalam Meaning: കുടിയേറ്റം

Kannada Meaning: ವಲಸೆ

Synonyms: migration, settlement, relocation, resettlement

Antonyms: emigration, departure, exodus

Example Sentence: Immigration policy has become a divisive political issue in many Western democracies.

17. hung parliament

Type: Noun phrase

Meaning: A parliament in which no single political party has an absolute majority of seats

Tamil Meaning: தொங்குநாடாளுமன்றம்

Malayalam Meaning: ഭിന്നപാർലമെന്റ്

Kannada Meaning: ತೂಗಾಡುವಸಂಸತ್ತು

Synonyms: deadlocked parliament, split legislature, balanced chamber

Antonyms: majority government, absolute majority

Example Sentence: The polls had predicted a hung parliament, but voters ultimately delivered a clear majority government.

18. anti-woke

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Opposing or criticizing progressive views on social issues, particularly those related to identity politics

Tamil Meaning: எழுச்சி-எதிர்ப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: ബോധോദയ-വിരുദ്ധ

Kannada Meaning: ಜಾಗೃತಿ-ವಿರೋಧಿ

Synonyms: conservative, traditionalist, anti-progressive, reactionary

Antonyms: progressive, socially conscious, liberal

Example Sentence: The opposition candidate's anti-woke positioning failed to resonate with the majority of voters in urban areas.

19. pillorying

Type: Verb

Meaning: To publicly attack or ridicule someone or something severely and persistently

Tamil Meaning: கடுமையாகவிமர்சித்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: പരസ്യമായിഅധിക്ഷേപിക്കൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕವಾಗಿಖಂಡಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: denouncing, criticizing harshly, lambasting, castigating, berating

Antonyms: praising, commending, applauding, lauding

Example Sentence: The opposition spent months pillorying the prime minister's immigration policies, but this strategy ultimately backfired.

20. barrage

Type: Noun

Meaning: An overwhelming number of complaints, criticisms, questions, or actions

Tamil Meaning: பலத்ததாக்குதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ശക്തമായനീക്കം

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಚಂಡದಾಳಿ

Synonyms: onslaught, bombardment, deluge, flood, storm

Antonyms: trickle, dearth, scarcity, shortage

Example Sentence: President Trump unleashed a barrage of protectionist measures that disrupted traditional trading relationships.

21. staunch

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Very loyal and committed in attitude; firm and steadfast

Tamil Meaning: உறுதியான

Malayalam Meaning: ശക്തമായ

Kannada Meaning: ದೃಢವಾದ

Synonyms: loyal, faithful, devoted, committed, unwavering

Antonyms: disloyal, unfaithful, unreliable, fickle

Example Sentence: Despite being a staunch ally of the United States, Australia has pushed back against some of its recent trade policies.

22. ally

Type: Noun

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

Tamil Meaning: நட்புநாடு

Malayalam Meaning: സഖ്യകക്ഷി

Kannada Meaning: ಮಿತ್ರರಾಷ್ಟ್ರ

Synonyms: partner, associate, confederate, friend, supporter

Antonyms: enemy, adversary, opponent, foe

Example Sentence: As a long-term ally of the United States, Australia must balance its diplomatic relationships carefully in an era of increasing superpower competition.

23. albeit

Type: Conjunction

Meaning: Although; even if; even though

Tamil Meaning: என்றாலும்

Malayalam Meaning: എങ്കിലും

Kannada Meaning: ಆದರೂ

Synonyms: although, though, even though, notwithstanding, despite the fact

Antonyms: because, since, as

Example Sentence: The election in Singapore resulted in a victory for the ruling party, albeit with a reduced majority compared to previous years.

24. taken down

Type: Phrasal verb

Meaning: To remove, dismantle, or revoke something that was previously established

Tamil Meaning: அகற்றப்படும்

Malayalam Meaning: നീക്കംചെയ്യപ്പെടുക

Kannada Meaning: ತೆಗೆದುಹಾಕಲಾಗುವ

Synonyms: removed, dismantled, revoked, withdrawn, rescinded

Antonyms: implemented, imposed, established, maintained

Example Sentence: Several Asian nations have threatened retaliatory measures if the new tariffs are not taken down.

25. sober

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Serious, sensible, and solemn in character or manner

Tamil Meaning: நிதானமான

Malayalam Meaning: ഗൗരവമുള്ള

Kannada Meaning: ಗಂಭೀರವಾದ

Synonyms: serious, grave, solemn, serious-minded, level-headed

Antonyms: frivolous, flippant, irresponsible, reckless

Example Sentence: Voters across several countries have shown preference for sober leadership that can navigate complex international relationships.

26. rational

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Based on or in accordance with reason or logic

Tamil Meaning: பகுத்தறிவுள்ள

Malayalam Meaning: യുക്തിപരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ವಿವೇಕಪೂರ್ಣ

Synonyms: logical, reasonable, sensible, sound, judicious

Antonyms: irrational, unreasonable, illogical, unsound

Example Sentence: The election results suggest voters prefer rational policy approaches over emotional appeals and divisive rhetoric.

27. rhetoric

Type: Noun

Meaning: Language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect, but which is often regarded as lacking in sincerity or meaningful content

Tamil Meaning: சொற்போர்

Malayalam Meaning: വാഗ്മിത

Kannada Meaning: ವಾಕ್ಚಾತುರ್ಯ

Synonyms: oratory, eloquence, bombast, grandiloquence, pomposity

Antonyms: plain speaking, straightforwardness, directness

Example Sentence: Despite strong rhetoric from opposition candidates, voters appeared more concerned with pragmatic policy solutions.

28. pay heed

Type: Phrasal verb

Meaning: To give attention to something; to listen to and consider carefully

Tamil Meaning: கவனம்செலுத்துதல்

Malayalam Meaning: ശ്രദ്ധിക്കുക

Kannada Meaning: ಗಮನಕೊಡು

Synonyms: listen to, attend to, take notice of, be mindful of, consider

Antonyms: ignore, disregard, dismiss, overlook

Example Sentence: The new U.S. administration will need to pay heed to international concerns about its economic policies to maintain cooperative relationships.

29. sane

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Of sound mind; reasonable and rational

Tamil Meaning: மனநலமுள்ள

Malayalam Meaning: വിവേകമുള്ള

Kannada Meaning: ವಿವೇಕಯುತ

Synonyms: reasonable, sensible, rational, balanced, level-headed

Antonyms: insane, irrational, unreasonable, deranged

Example Sentence: Global leaders hope President Trump will listen to sane voices advocating for international cooperation rather than confrontation.

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With today’s THE HINDU Editorial from May 5, 2025, you've learned 50+ powerful vocabulary words. Consistent practice like these builds not just your word bank but also sharpens your comprehension and expression for exams and real-world communication. Keep reading, keep learning! 💪📖

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FAQs for The Hindu Editorial – May 5, 2025

Q. What is the meaning of the Word “pay heed” ?

A. Meaning: To give attention to something; to listen to and consider carefully

Q. What is the meaning of the word “rhetoric” ?

A. Meaning: Language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect, but which is often regarded as lacking in sincerity or meaningful content