Universal Core Vocabulary · Episode 19
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.
to make something slower or harder to do
बाधा डालना, रोकना
Usage
Heavy rain hindered the rescue work.
Noise can hinder your concentration.
Common mistake
The fog hindered the pilots to land.
The fog hindered the pilots from landing.
We say hinder someone from doing something.
Remember: Hinder = holds you behind.
lack of knowledge or information
अज्ञानता
Usage
His ignorance of Tamil made shopping hard.
Ignorance of the law is no excuse.
Common mistake
She was ignorance of the new rule.
She was ignorant of the new rule.
Ignorance is the noun; the adjective is ignorant.
Remember: Ignorance = the gap where facts should be.
to show that someone is involved in a crime
फँसाना, संलिप्त दिखाना
Usage
Two officers were implicated in the fraud.
The letter implicated the manager in the theft.
Common mistake
The minister was implicated with the scam.
The minister was implicated in the scam.
We say implicated in something.
Remember: Implicate = pulled into the crime.
to start something, often officially
आरंभ करना, शुरू करना
Usage
The school initiated a tree-planting drive.
The two countries initiated peace talks.
Common mistake
The meeting initiated at ten o'clock.
The meeting started at ten o'clock.
A person initiates something; a meeting starts or begins.
Remember: Initiate = the initial step.
a belief in personal freedom, rights and democracy
उदारवाद
Usage
Supporters of liberalism value free speech.
The essay compares liberalism and socialism.
Common mistake
She gives money with great liberalism.
She gives money with great generosity.
Liberalism is a political idea; for giving, say generosity.
Remember: Liberalism = liberty first.
very small or not very important
मामूली, सीमांत
Usage
There was only a marginal rise in prices.
Many marginal farmers own less than one hectare.
Common mistake
Prices rose marginal this year.
Prices rose marginally this year.
After a verb, use the adverb marginally.
Remember: Marginal = only at the edge.
to make something as small as possible
न्यूनतम करना, कम करना
Usage
A helmet minimizes the risk of injury.
We can minimize waste by reusing bags.
Common mistake
Please minimize the volume a little.
Please lower the volume a little.
Minimize means make as small as possible; for a little, say lower.
Remember: Minimize = down to the minimum.
a government department led by a minister
मंत्रालय
Usage
The Ministry of Railways announced new trains.
She works at the education ministry.
Common mistake
The minister of Health issued new rules.
The Ministry of Health issued new rules.
The minister is the person; the ministry is the department.
Remember: Ministry = the minister's office.
not well known; unclear or hard to understand
अस्पष्ट, अज्ञात
Usage
He found an old book by an obscure poet.
Tall buildings obscure the view of the sea.
Common mistake
The answer is obscure; everyone knows it.
The answer is obvious; everyone knows it.
Obscure means unknown or unclear; obvious means clear to all.
Remember: Obscure = in the shadows.
an introduction for new people; a direction or focus
अभिविन्यास, परिचय सत्र
Usage
New staff attend an orientation on the first day.
The college holds orientation week in July.
Common mistake
We had an oriental session on the first day.
We had an orientation session on the first day.
Oriental refers to the East; an orientation is an introduction.
Remember: Orientation = finding your way in.