Universal Core Vocabulary · Episode 17
Pick the English-only version or the Hindi version (English lesson with Hindi meanings) above; the video keeps your place when you switch.
Below in teaching order, as in the video: related words sit side by side so you can compare them.
a person with long experience; a former soldier
अनुभवी व्यक्ति; पूर्व सैनिक
Usage
The veteran players helped the new recruits.
He is a veteran journalist with 30 years' work.
Common mistake
He is a veterinary actor of Hindi films.
He is a veteran actor of Hindi films.
Veterinary is about animal doctors; veteran means experienced.
Remember: Veteran = years in the game.
to end a law, system or practice officially
समाप्त करना, उन्मूलन करना
Usage
Slavery was abolished in the nineteenth century.
The school abolished the late-fee rule.
Common mistake
The workers abolished the old shed with hammers.
The workers demolished the old shed with hammers.
Demolish is for buildings; abolish is for laws and systems.
Remember: Abolish = end it for good.
to collect more and more of something over time
संचय करना, इकट्ठा होना
Usage
Dust accumulates quickly on the shelves.
She accumulated years of teaching experience.
Common mistake
We accumulated together in the hall.
We gathered in the hall.
People gather; things such as money or dust accumulate.
Remember: Accumulate = pile up slowly.
able to be changed to fit or suit you
समायोज्य
Usage
This chair has an adjustable height.
The bag has adjustable straps.
Common mistake
Please adjustable the mirror before driving.
Please adjust the mirror before driving.
Adjustable is an adjective; the verb is adjust.
Remember: Adjustable = can be set just right.
a person who does something for pleasure, not pay
शौकिया
Usage
He is an amateur photographer.
The club holds an amateur drama contest.
Common mistake
She is an amateur singer; she earns her living from it.
She is a professional singer; she earns her living from it.
An amateur is not paid; a professional is.
Remember: Amateur = for love, not money.
able to express ideas clearly; to put into words
स्पष्ट बोलने वाला; व्यक्त करना
Usage
She is an articulate speaker.
He found it hard to articulate his feelings.
Common mistake
He articulated about his plans.
He articulated his plans.
Articulate takes a direct object, with no about.
Remember: Articulate = clear words, clear thoughts.
to give official permission for something
अधिकृत करना, अनुमति देना
Usage
Only the manager can authorize a refund.
The bank authorized the payment.
Common mistake
The principal authorized us for leaving early.
The principal authorized us to leave early.
We say authorize someone to do something.
Remember: Authorize = the official yes.
kind, generous and wanting to help others
परोपकारी, दयालु
Usage
A benevolent donor paid for the new library.
The old king was benevolent to the poor.
Common mistake
The benevolent thief robbed the old man.
The malevolent thief robbed the old man.
Benevolent means kind; malevolent means wishing harm.
Remember: Benevolent = bene, good.
to support or make something stronger
मज़बूत करना, बढ़ावा देना
Usage
The win bolstered the team's confidence.
New facts bolstered her argument.
Common mistake
His praise bolstered up her to try again.
His praise bolstered her confidence to try again.
Bolster something, such as confidence; no up.
Remember: Bolster = a pillow that props you up.
having enough skill to do something well
सक्षम, योग्य
Usage
We need a competent driver for the school bus.
She is competent in three languages.
Common mistake
Ten teams are competent in the final.
Ten teams are competing in the final.
Competing means taking part in a contest; competent means skilled.
Remember: Competent = up to the job.