The Hindu Vocabulary 20 May 2025

Word/Phrase

Part of speech

Meaning

Synonyms

Antonyms

Sentence

Undermine

Verb

Damage or weaken (someone or something), especially gradually or insidiously.

(कमजोर करना)

Weaken, Erode, Subvert, Sap, Impair, Cripple, Damage, Sabotage, Threaten, Diminish

Strengthen, Bolster, Support, Reinforce, Fortify, Uphold, Enhance, Improve, Sustain, Solidify

His constant criticism undermined her confidence.

Prolong

Verb

Extend the duration of.

(लंबा करना)

 Extend, Lengthen, Protract, Draw out, Elongate, Continue, Sustain, Perpetuate, Delay, Postpone

Shorten, Curtail, Reduce, Abbreviate, Condense, Truncate, Expedite, Hasten, Accelerate, Conclude

The heavy rain prolonged the game.

Arbitrary

Adjective

Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.

(मनमाना)

Arrogant, Wilful, Unfair, Inconsistent, Dominant, Dictatorial

Equitable, Fair, Reasonable, Rational, Balanced

The decision seemed completely arbitrary.

Assent

Verb

Agreement with a statement or proposal to do something.

(सहमत होना)

Agreement, Consent, Approval, Acceptance, Accord, Concurrence, Compliance, Affirmation

Dissent, Disagreement, Opposition, Refusal, Rejection, Protest, Objection, Denial, Contradiction, Repudiation

The board of directors gave their assent to the merger.

Brazen

Adjective

Bold and without shame.

(बेशर्म)

Shameless, Impudent, Insolent, Audacious, Bold, Forward, Impertinent, Cheeky, Unabashed, Defiant

Timid, Shy, Bashful, Reticent, Modest, Humble, Meek, Diffident, Coy, Self-effacing

His brazen lie was obvious to everyone.

Mandate

Verb

An official order or commission to do something; authorize (someone) to act in a particular way.

(अनिवार्य करना)

Command, Order, Directive, Instruction, Authorization, Commission, Sanction, Endorsement, Approval, Obligation

Prohibition, Ban, Restriction, Veto, Disapproval, Opposition, Refusal, Revocation, Disclaimer, Repudiation

The new government claimed a clear mandate from the voters.

Federalism

Noun

A system of government in which the same territory is controlled by two levels of government.

(संघवाद)

Unionism, Confederation, Alliance, League, Federation, Decentralization, Division of powers, Shared sovereignty, Compound republic, Dual sovereignty

Centralism, Unitarianism, Autocracy, Dictatorship, Totalitarianism, Absolutism, Authoritarianism

Federalism in India divides powers between the central and state governments.

Whimsical

Adjective

Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way.

(मनमौजी)

Fanciful, Playful, Quirky, Capricious, спонтанно, Eccentric, Amusing, Droll, Fantastic, Imaginative

 Serious, Practical, Logical, Rational, Sensible, Realistic, Pragmatic

The artist's paintings had a whimsical charm.

Consensus

Noun

A general agreement.

(आम सहमति)

Agreement, Accord, Harmony, Unity, Concurrence, Unanimity, Concord, Assent, General agreement, Common view

Disagreement, Dissent, Opposition, Conflict, Variance, Dissension, Contention, Discord, Dispute, Argument

The committee finally reached a consensus on the issue.

Residual

Adjective

Remaining after the greater part has been used or accounted for.

(अवशेष)

Remaining, Leftover, Surplus, Excess, Remainder, Residuary, Outstanding, Lingering, Vestigial, Trailing

Primary, Main, Principal, Chief, Core, Essential, Fundamental, Initial, Original, Entire

There was a residual smell of smoke in the room.

Convene

Verb

Come or bring together for a meeting or activity; assemble.

(एकत्र करना)

Assemble, Gather, Meet, Muster, Summon, Call together, Congregate, Convoke, Round up, Collect

Disperse, Scatter, Adjourn, Dismiss, Separate, Dissolve, Disband, Divide, Leave, Depart

The committee will convene next week to discuss the budget.

Unusual

Adjective

Not habitually or commonly occurring or done; remarkable or interesting because different from or better than what is ordinary.

(असामान्य)

Uncommon, Rare, Strange, Odd, Peculiar, Extraordinary, Remarkable, Exceptional, Singular, Unique

Usual, Common, Normal, Typical, Ordinary, Regular, Familiar, Standard, Everyday, Conventional

It's unusual for it to snow in May.