Universal Core Vocabulary · Episode 20
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.
an unfair opinion formed before knowing the facts
पूर्वाग्रह
Usage
Judging people by their caste is a form of prejudice.
She fought prejudice against women in sport.
Common mistake
He has a prejudice to people from other states.
He has a prejudice against people from other states.
We say prejudice against a group.
Remember: Prejudice = pre-judging.
used to say you think something is probably true
संभवतः, शायद
Usage
Presumably, he missed the train.
The shop is shut, presumably for the holiday.
Common mistake
He presumably asked me to sit, so I sat.
He politely asked me to sit, so I sat.
Presumably shows a guess; it does not describe how someone acts.
Remember: Presumably = I presume so.
based on reason and facts, not feelings
तर्कसंगत, विवेकपूर्ण
Usage
Make a rational choice, not an emotional one.
There must be a rational explanation for the noise.
Common mistake
Sugar is rational during the shortage.
Sugar is rationed during the shortage.
Rationed means given in fixed amounts; rational means sensible.
Remember: Rational = ruled by reason.
not willing to do something
अनिच्छुक
Usage
Arjun was reluctant to lend his new bike.
She gave a reluctant smile.
Common mistake
He was reluctant for speaking in class.
He was reluctant to speak in class.
We say reluctant to do something.
Remember: Reluctant = feet dragging.
someone's permission or order to do something
अनुमति, आदेश
Usage
Nothing changes here without the director's say-so.
He left early on his boss's say-so.
Common mistake
We can leave on the manager's say.
We can leave on the manager's say-so.
For permission, use the full noun say-so, with a hyphen.
Remember: Say-so = because the boss said so.
a model of a real situation, used to train or study
अनुकरण, सिमुलेशन
Usage
Pilots train in a flight simulation first.
The scientists ran a simulation of the flood.
Common mistake
The engineers simulation an earthquake on the computer.
The engineers simulate an earthquake on the computer.
Simulation is the noun; the verb is simulate.
Remember: Simulation = similar to the real thing.
using images or objects to stand for ideas
प्रतीकवाद
Usage
The white dove is an example of symbolism for peace.
The film is rich in symbolism.
Common mistake
The flag is a strong symbolism of the nation.
The flag is a strong symbol of the nation.
One thing is a symbol; symbolism is the use of symbols.
Remember: Symbolism = speaking in symbols.
a complete change in form or character
रूपांतरण, परिवर्तन
Usage
The old mill's transformation into a gallery took three years.
The town has seen a complete transformation.
Common mistake
The new road will transformation the village.
The new road will transform the village.
Transformation is the noun; the verb is transform.
Remember: Transformation = a whole new form.
clear enough to see through; open and honest
पारदर्शी
Usage
The water in the lake was transparent.
The selection process must be transparent.
Common mistake
The fog was so transparent that we couldn't see.
The fog was so thick that we couldn't see.
Transparent means easy to see through, the opposite here.
Remember: Transparent = see right through.
a film or play made from a book; a change to fit
रूपांतर; अनुकूलन
Usage
The play is an adaptation of a short novel.
Camels show adaptation to desert life.
Common mistake
The film is an adoption of a Premchand story.
The film is an adaptation of a Premchand story.
Adoption is taking in a child or idea; an adaptation is a remake in a new form.
Remember: Adaptation = the story, re-shaped.