Universal Core Vocabulary · Episode 50
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 disadvantage; the opposite of a pro
नुकसान, कमी
Usage
Meera listed the pros and cons of each city.
The only con of the flat is the long commute.
Common mistake
Let's list the pros and cones before deciding.
Let's list the pros and cons before deciding.
It is spelt cons, without an e.
Remember: Con: the minus side of a choice.
to accept bad behaviour as if it were all right
अनदेखा करना, माफ़ करना
Usage
The school will never condone cheating.
We cannot condone violence of any kind.
Common mistake
We went to condone the family on their loss.
We went to offer condolences to the family.
Condone means accept wrong; condolences are for grief.
Remember: Condone: say okay to something not okay.
the way the parts of something are set up
विन्यास, व्यवस्था
Usage
The update changed the laptop's network configuration.
The hall has a new seating configuration.
Common mistake
Please configuration the printer first.
Please configure the printer first.
Configure is the verb; configuration is the noun.
Remember: Configuration: how it is set up.
to take control of a place by force; to beat
जीतना, विजय पाना
Usage
Babur went on to conquer much of north India.
She worked hard to conquer her fear of maths.
Common mistake
The army conquered over the city.
The army conquered the city.
Conquer needs no 'over'.
Remember: Conquer: come, fight, win.
following one after another without a break
लगातार
Usage
India won three consecutive matches.
It rained for five consecutive days in Kochi.
Common mistake
He won on Monday, Friday and Sunday: three consecutive days.
He won on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: three consecutive days.
Consecutive days come one after another.
Remember: Consecutive: in a row, no gaps.
giving good value for the money spent
किफ़ायती
Usage
Electric buses proved cost-effective for the city.
Buying in bulk is cost-effective.
Common mistake
The cost effective plan saved us money.
The cost-effective plan saved us money.
Before a noun, write cost-effective with a hyphen.
Remember: Cost-effective: low cost, good effect.
the wish to know or learn about something
जिज्ञासा
Usage
Out of curiosity, Aditya asked how fast the train goes.
Children are full of curiosity.
Common mistake
I asked from curiosity about her new job.
I asked out of curiosity about her new job.
We say out of curiosity.
Remember: Curiosity: the question mark in your mind.
having many curves or bends
घुमावदार
Usage
The ghat road to Pune is long and curvy.
Draw a curvy line under the title.
Common mistake
Drive slowly; the road is very curvey.
Drive slowly; the road is very curvy.
It is spelt curvy, without an e.
Remember: Curvy: curves all the way.
a wall built across a river to hold back water
बाँध
Usage
The Hirakud Dam is among the longest in the world.
They opened the dam gates after heavy rain.
Common mistake
The village flooded when the damn broke.
The village flooded when the dam broke.
A dam holds water; damn is a swear word.
Remember: Dam: one m, and it holds a river.
making you feel slightly afraid or unsure
कठिन लगने वाला, डराने वाला
Usage
For many, the UPSC syllabus seems daunting.
Climbing Everest is a daunting task.
Common mistake
I felt daunting before my first interview.
I felt daunted before my first interview.
The task is daunting; you feel daunted.
Remember: Daunting: a task that makes you gulp.