Universal Core Vocabulary · Episode 28
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.
something that seems to contradict itself but is true
विरोधाभास
Usage
It is a paradox that a rich country has so many poor people.
'Less is more' is a famous paradox.
Common mistake
The two answers are paradox to each other.
The two answers contradict each other.
Paradox is a noun; for clashing answers, say contradict.
Remember: Paradox: two opposite ideas, both true.
very new and different; or extreme in views
आमूल, क्रांतिकारी; कट्टर
Usage
The internet brought a radical change in how we study.
The 1991 reforms were a radical shift in policy.
Common mistake
He made a radically change to the plan.
He made a radical change to the plan.
Before a noun, use the adjective radical.
Remember: Radical: right down to the roots.
to become friends again, or make two things agree
मेल-मिलाप करना; सामंजस्य बिठाना
Usage
After years apart, the brothers finally reconciled.
It is hard to reconcile work with family life.
Common mistake
She reconciled to her old friend.
She reconciled with her old friend.
We reconcile with a person.
Remember: Reconcile: come together again.
to prove that a statement or idea is wrong
खंडन करना
Usage
The scientist refuted the claim with clear data.
The minister refuted the charges against him.
Common mistake
He refuted to answer any questions.
He refused to answer any questions.
Refuse means say no; refute means prove wrong.
Remember: Refute: prove the facts are false.
bringing something back to its old condition
जीर्णोद्धार, पुनर्स्थापना
Usage
The restoration of the Ajanta paintings took years.
Power restoration after the cyclone was slow.
Common mistake
The old temple is under restore.
The old temple is under restoration.
Restore is the verb; restoration is the noun.
Remember: Restore it, and that is restoration.
cruel, with no pity for others
निर्दयी, बेरहम
Usage
The ruthless dictator jailed anyone who disagreed.
The team showed ruthless batting in the final overs.
Common mistake
The kind nurse was ruthless with every patient.
The kind nurse was gentle with every patient.
Ruthless means cruel, the opposite of kind.
Remember: Ruthless: with no ruth, no pity.
money the government pays to keep costs low
सब्सिडी, अनुदान
Usage
Farmers get a subsidy on fertiliser.
The government cut the subsidy on cooking gas.
Common mistake
The state gives a subsidy for farmers on seeds.
The state gives a subsidy to farmers on seeds.
A subsidy goes to people, on things.
Remember: Subsidy: support money.
a person who takes a job or place after another
उत्तराधिकारी
Usage
The company named her as successor to the chairman.
Akbar was the successor to Humayun.
Common mistake
Humayun was Akbar's successor.
Humayun was Akbar's predecessor.
A predecessor comes before; a successor comes after.
Remember: A successor succeeds, or follows.
not giving up easily; holding on firmly
दृढ़, हठी
Usage
Mary Kom is a tenacious boxer who never gives up.
The tenacious student cleared the exam on her fourth try.
Common mistake
He held the rope tenacious.
He held the rope tenaciously.
Use the adverb tenaciously with a verb.
Remember: Tenacious: ten tries, still trying.
to show deep respect for someone or something
पूजना, श्रद्धा रखना
Usage
Many Indians venerate the Ganga as a holy river.
Kabir is venerated by Hindus and Muslims alike.
Common mistake
We venerate to our grandparents.
We venerate our grandparents.
Venerate takes an object directly, with no 'to'.
Remember: Venerate: honour with reverence.