Universal Core Vocabulary · Episode 47
This episode is in English.
Below in teaching order, as in the video: related words sit side by side so you can compare them.
a spirit that serves God; a very kind person
देवदूत, फ़रिश्ता
Usage
The nurse was an angel to every patient.
In the painting, an angel has white wings.
Common mistake
She sang like an angle at the concert.
She sang like an angel at the concert.
An angle is a corner; an angel is a spirit.
Remember: Angel ends -el; angle, the corner, ends -le.
to say something firmly, or show your power
दृढ़ता से कहना
Usage
The minister asserted that the bridge was safe.
Learn to assert yourself at work.
Common mistake
He asserted on his right to speak.
He asserted his right to speak.
Assert takes an object directly.
Remember: Assert: say it, and stand by it.
a lawyer, especially in the USA
वकील, अटॉर्नी
Usage
The family hired an attorney for the court case.
The Attorney General advises the government.
Common mistake
He hired an attorny for the case.
He hired an attorney for the case.
It is spelt attor-ney.
Remember: Attorney: a lawyer who speaks for you.
the story of your own life, written by you
आत्मकथा
Usage
Sachin's autobiography is called Playing It My Way.
Gandhi wrote his autobiography in Gujarati.
Common mistake
I read Kalam's autobiography written by a journalist.
I read Kalam's biography written by a journalist.
Written by someone else, it is a biography.
Remember: Auto means self: your life, by you.
to stop something bad from happening
टालना, रोकना
Usage
Last-minute talks averted a bus strike in Chennai.
Quick action averted a disaster at the plant.
Common mistake
I am not avert to hard work.
I am not averse to hard work.
Averse means against; avert means prevent.
Remember: Avert: turn the danger away.
difficult or embarrassing; not easy to use
अजीब, असहज
Usage
There was an awkward silence at the dinner table.
I feel awkward when I meet strangers.
Common mistake
It was an akward moment for both of us.
It was an awkward moment for both of us.
It is spelt awk-ward, with a w.
Remember: Awkward: a w at both ends, awkward to spell.
a nobleman; a rich, powerful businessman
सामंत; उद्योगपति
Usage
The baron lived in a castle above the village.
A media baron bought the newspaper.
Common mistake
The field was baron after the drought.
The field was barren after the drought.
Barren means dry and empty; a baron is a person.
Remember: Baron: a powerful man; barren: empty land.
loved very much
प्रिय, प्यारा
Usage
The beloved teacher got a farewell from her students.
Lata Mangeshkar was beloved by millions.
Common mistake
The poet is beloved to every Bengali.
The poet is beloved by every Bengali.
We say beloved by people.
Remember: Beloved: be loved by all.
with very little taste, or dull
फीका, बेस्वाद
Usage
The hospital dal was so bland that Priya asked for pickle.
The film was bland and forgettable.
Common mistake
The curry was too bland, so I drank water for the heat.
The curry was too spicy, so I drank water for the heat.
Bland means no strong taste.
Remember: Bland: no salt, no spice, no fun.
to ask God to protect someone; to make holy
आशीर्वाद देना
Usage
The priest blessed the family's new house.
Dadi blessed us before our exams.
Common mistake
She is blessed by a sweet voice.
She is blessed with a sweet voice.
We are blessed with a gift.
Remember: Bless: kind words from above.