Challenging Words in the Article The Hindu
1) Spurt (noun) (उछाल) : es-purt
Meaning – an unexpected short increase in activity, development or effort
Synonyms – sprint, burst, flare, flare-up, flash, flicker
Antonyms – calm, doldrums, slump
Example – With a spurt of energy, Raman was able to cross over the finish line and won the race.
2) Brace (verb) ( तैयार रहना) : bray-s
Meaning – to prepare for use by making stronger/prepare (someone) for something difficult or unpleasant.
Synonyms – gear up, stabilize, gird, strengthen, fortify, bolster
Antonyms – weaken, die down, ease off, sap, undermine
Example -Soldiers in the capital are bracing themselves against an expected attack by rebel forces.
3) Rally (noun) (सुधार) : ra-li
Meaning – recover or cause to recover in health, spirits, or poise.
Synonyms – recovery, improve, get better, pick up, revive, rebound,
Antonyms – deteriorate, worsen
Example -He floundered for a moment, thenrallied again.
4) Windfall (noun) (अप्रत्याशित) : vind-faal
Meaning -an unanticipated benefit, usually monetary in nature
Synonyms – bonanza, jackpot
Antonyms – misfortune, bane and calamity
Example – The college student was thrilled when the purchase of a dollar lottery ticket won her awindfall.
5) Feel the pinch (phrase) (कठिनाई भुगतना)
Meaning – experience hardship, especially financial.
Synonyms – suffer hardship, have less money, be short of money, be poor, be impoverished,
Antonyms – rich, wealthy
Example -The recession hit us hard and many of our customers have been feeling the pinch.
6) Hedge (noun) (सुरक्षा) : hej
Meaning – a way of protecting oneself against financial loss or other adverse circumstances.
Synonyms – safeguard, protection, shield, screen, guard, buffer, cushion
Antonyms – expose, neglect, attack, harm
Example -Index-linked gilts are a useful hedgeagainst inflation.
7) Undue (adjective) (अनुपयुक्त) : un-dew
Meaning – at a level that is extreme, not needed
Synonyms – excessive, extreme, immoderate.
Antonyms – due, appropriate, proper
Example -Because of undue stress, the doctor decided to take a break from working at the hospital.
8) Desist from (verb) (से बाज आना , से हटना ) : de-zist-from
Meaning – stop doing something; cease or abstain.
Synonyms – abstain, refrain, forbear, hold back
Antonyms – indulge
Example -During the swearing-in ceremony, each pledged to desist from acts of sabotage.
9) Taking a leaf out of the book (phrase) – (अनुसरण करना) :
Meaning – To do something in the way someone else would do it; to behave or act like someone else.
Synonyms – imitate, copy/reproduce, follow.
Antonyms – disregard, ignore, tune out
Example – As I am impressed by your healthy habits, I think I’m going to take a leaf out of your book and start going for a run first thing in the morning.