Universal Core Vocabulary · Episode 24
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.
only one; also the bottom of a foot or shoe
एकमात्र; तलवा
Usage
Ravi is the sole earning member of his family.
The hot sand at Juhu burnt the soles of my feet.
Common mistake
He is the soul owner of the shop.
He is the sole owner of the shop.
Soul is the spirit; sole means only.
Remember: Sole sounds like solo: the only one.
more than is needed; not necessary
अनावश्यक, फ़ालतू
Usage
Cut the superfluous words from your essay.
After his clear answer, more questions seemed superfluous.
Common mistake
Relax, we have superfluous time before the train.
Relax, we have plenty of time before the train.
Superfluous means not needed, not 'plenty'.
Remember: Superfluous: super-full, more than you need.
to end something, such as a job or a contract
समाप्त करना, ख़त्म करना
Usage
The company terminated his contract after a month.
This train terminates at Howrah station.
Common mistake
The cricket match terminated in a draw.
The cricket match ended in a draw.
Terminate is formal; for games and stories, say end.
Remember: A terminus is where a train line ends.
shy and easily frightened
डरपोक, शर्मीला
Usage
The timid boy hid behind his mother.
She gave a timid answer in a soft voice.
Common mistake
He is very timidly in front of strangers.
He is very timid in front of strangers.
After 'is', use the adjective timid.
Remember: Timid as a mouse.
calm, peaceful and quiet
शांत, स्थिर
Usage
We stayed in a tranquil village in the hills.
The lake was tranquil in the early morning.
Common mistake
The city was tranquillity after midnight.
The city was tranquil after midnight.
Tranquil is the adjective; tranquillity is the noun.
Remember: Tranquil: calm as still water.
lasting only for a short time
क्षणिक, अस्थायी
Usage
Fame on social media is often transient.
The pain was transient and soon went away.
Common mistake
Theirs is a transient friendship of forty years.
Theirs is a lasting friendship of forty years.
Transient means short-lived, not long-lasting.
Remember: Transient: here today, gone tomorrow.
an act that breaks a law, rule or agreement
उल्लंघन
Usage
Jumping a red light is a traffic violation.
The factory was fined for a violation of safety rules.
Common mistake
Riding without a helmet is a violation to the law.
Riding without a helmet is a violation of the law.
We say a violation of a rule.
Remember: Violate a rule, and you commit a violation.
the highest or lowest ever recorded
अब तक का (सबसे ऊँचा या नीचा)
Usage
Petrol prices are at an all-time high.
Sholay is my all-time favourite film.
Common mistake
Prices are at all time high this week.
Prices are at an all-time high this week.
Use 'an' and a hyphen: an all-time high.
Remember: All-time: the best or worst of all time.
to give a share of something for a purpose
आवंटित करना, बाँटना
Usage
The government allocated funds for new schools.
Allocate one hour a day to revision.
Common mistake
The money was allocated for each student equally.
The money was allocated to each student equally.
We allocate something to a person.
Remember: Allocate: give each one their lot.
to reach or achieve something after effort
प्राप्त करना, हासिल करना
Usage
She worked hard to attain her goal of becoming a doctor.
India attained independence in 1947.
Common mistake
He attained to first rank in the exam.
He attained first rank in the exam.
Attain takes an object directly, with no 'to'.
Remember: Attain: reach the target.