Learn English Vocabulary - via Word of the Day

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Showing posts from March, 2011

abet

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 31, 2011

abet [ uh'-BET ] [ verb ] MEANING : to assist, encourage or support an activity or plan esp. some wrongdoing USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : To abet a criminal in any wrongdoing is a punishable offence in all the countries of the world. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : We believe it is crucial to have an open discussion about whether it is legitimate to aid and abet criminal activities – and the theft of data certainly qualifies as a criminal activity – by using substantial public resources to purchase stolen goods from a thief.

abrogate

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 30, 2011

abrogate [ AB-ruh'-geyt ] [ transitive verb ] MEANING : to abolish by formal or official means; annul by an authoritative act; repeal USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : The CPI(M) party's plea to the Congress to abrogate the India-US nuclear deal fell on deaf ears. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : Demanding unilateral changes and threatening to abrogate an agreement that has increased trade and prosperity is nothing more than retreating behind protectionist walls.

affable

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 29, 2011

affable [ AF-uh'-buh' l ] [ adjective ] MEANING : approachable; friendly; pleasant and polite USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : His affable temperament won him many friends. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : The affable host thrives on the adrenaline rush of anything-can-happen live TV — and he can handle anything that comes his way.

iridescent

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 28, 2011

iridescent [ ir-i-DES-uh’ nt ] [ noun, adjective ] MEANING : 1. (adj.) colourful and lustrous like a rainbow 2. (n.) material or cloth that displays lustrous colours like a rainbow USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : The iridescent painting was eye-catching. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : An elephant hawk-moth's beautiful deep pink wings, edged in iridescent green, would put even the brightest of butterflies to shame.

expatiate

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 27, 2011

expatiate [ ik-SPEY-shee-eyt ] [ intransitive verb ] MEANING : 1. to roam about or wander freely 2. to elaborate or explain in detail USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : The guests expatiated around the country side. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : In other words, or variable words if you prefer, expatiated the Management Expert, you can't step into the same river twice.

imbroglio

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 26, 2011

imbroglio [ im-BROHL-yoh ] [ noun ] MEANING : 1. a misunderstanding, disagreement of a complicated or bitter nature, as between persons or nations. 2. an intricate and perplexing state of affairs; a complicated or difficult situation. 3. a confused heap. USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : The Kashmir imbroglio threatens to push India and Pakistan into yet another major confrontation. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : The political imbroglio also appears to endanger the latest International Monetary Fund loan package for Russia, which is considered critical to avoid a default this year on the country's $17 billion in foreign debt.

ignoramus

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 25, 2011

Announcement: Win Prizes by making your own sentence ignoramus [ ig-nuh'-REY-muh' s, -RAM-uh' s ] [ noun ] MEANING : an absolutely ignorant person USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : A captain of industry position is not for the ill educated or an ignoramus. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : Apart from Shilparamam, which holds little interest for a bachelor and art ignoramus like me, this city is not even half as happening as neighbouring Bangalore

hypochondria

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 24, 2011

Announcement: Win Prizes by making your own sentence hypochondria [ hahy-puh'-KON- dree-uh' ] [ noun ] MEANING : a persistent apprehension about one's health, usually when illness is neither present nor likely USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : There is a marked difference between being health conscious and possessing hypochondria. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : Hoggard does not possess Old's well-known hypochondria or his seam movement, but he does make the new ball count, something England may have cause to be grateful for in this match if their batsmen can occupy the crease over the next two days in pursuit of an eighth successive Test victory.

facile

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 22, 2011

Announcement: Make your own sentence with this word and win prizes every month. Best rewarding way to learn. Right Click here and open in new tab to know how to participate. facile [ FAS-ahyl; FAS-il ] [ adjective ] MEANING : 1. easily obtained or accomplished 2. superficial, shallow 3. flowing or moving freely; fluent 4. mild or affable; compliant; courteous USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : Barcelona recorded a facile 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the recently held European Champion's League final. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : Some say there's absolutely no proof that our political views are embedded in our DNA. "These are very facile studies that make outrageous claims," says Evan Charney, a political scientist at Duke University.

Lackadaisical

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 21, 2011

Announcement: Make your own sentence with this word and win prizes every month. Best rewarding way to learn. Right Click here and open in new tab to know how to participate. lackadaisical [ lak-uh’-DEY- zi-kuh’ l ] [ adjective ] MEANING : 1. devoid of spirit or vigor; listless 2. lazy or reluctant to work USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : Government babus are renowned for their lackadaisical attitude to work. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : Such guidelines were essential to ensure that the erring officers were prosecuted and sent to jail for neglecting duty, it said, taking a strict view of the lackadaisical policing in the country.

tacit

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 19, 2011

Announcement: Make your own sentence with this word and win prizes every month. Best rewarding way to learn. Right Click here and open in new tab to know how to participate. tacit [ TAS-it ] [ adjective ] MEANING : 1. unspoken; expressed without words; indicated or implied through means other than words 2. silent; quiet USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : After the conduct of the underground nuclear tests in 1998, the Defence minister, George Fernandes, made a tacit admission that it considers China, and not Pakistan, to be India's main threat. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : The Chinese Government has made a tacit admission that it faces a serious Aids crisis in central China.

dour

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 18, 2011

Announcement: Make your own sentence with this word and win prizes every month. Best rewarding way to learn. Right Click here and open in new tab to know how to participate. dour [ doo’ r, douuh' r, DOU-er ] [ adjective ] MEANING : 1. gloomy; sullen; bleak 2. stubborn; obstinate 3. extremely strict and harsh; forbidding USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : The perpetually dour expression on his face made him unpopular. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : Gone are the days when the traditional Chinese greeting "Have you eaten yet?" seemed like a bad joke in the dour capital where, as recently as the 1980s, staples were rationed, state-run canteens dished out the slop of the day in chipped enamel bowls and restaurants were few and far between.

hustings

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 17, 2011

hustings [ HUHS-tingz ] [ noun ] MEANING : the proceedings of a parliamentary election USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : During the recently held parliamentary hustings, voter apathy in Mumbai seemed to be at an all time high. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : With little chances of beating either Samajwadi Party (SP) or Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) at the hustings, both BJP and Congress are preparing to take on each other for next year's UP assembly polls. visit: http://www.healthywealthyindia.com

ignoble

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 16, 2011

ignoble [ ig-NOH-buh' l ] [ adjective ] MEANING : 1. not belonging to the nobility; of humble rank or lineage 2. base; low; of inferior grade USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : His ignoble purposes were soon revealed and he was asked to leave the company. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : A year later he declared himself Emperor Napoleon III, bringing an ignoble end to the Third Republic. Sponsors: http://www.healthywealthyindia.com

Japan Radiation Alert

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 15, 2011

BBC FLASHNEWS: Japan govt confirms radiation leak @ Fukushima nuclear plants. Asian countries should take necessary precautions. If rain comes, remain indoors first 24hrs. Close doors & windows. Swab neck skin with betadine where thyroid area is, radiation hits thyroid first. Take extra precautions. Radiation may hit Philippines at starting 4pm today. Plz forward this msg to as many as possible. ISSUED IN SOCIAL INTEREST by FAST FORWARD SMS

flamboyant

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 15, 2011

flamboyant [ flam-BOI-uh' nt ] [ noun, adjective ] MEANING : 1. (adj.) ornate, showy or florid 2. (adj.) richly colorful, brilliant or flame like 3. (adj.) pertaining to the french Gothic architecture of the 15th and 16th century that had characteristic flame like forms and wavy lines 4.(n.) another name for the royal poinciana tree USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : Her flamboyant personality made her famous. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : Flamboyant costumes for this year's Notting Hill Carnival are being put on show at Alexandra Palace, north London. Sponsor: Check out Fast Forward SMS App on the Android Market! Now no excuses, read and forward the best SMS of the day to your friends. Download Free at http://t.co/iXxhReQ

humdrum

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 14, 2011

humdrum [ HUHM-druhm ] [ noun, adjective ] MEANING : 1. (adj.) not challenging; dull and tedious; lacking excitement and variety 2. (v.) routine or monotonous talk USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : Spectators soon lost interest in the humdrum quiz contest taking place. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : It may be one of the most humdrum metaphors in the sporting lexicon, but Brent Romany's story begins with him being - actually, physically - thrown in at the deep end. Sponsor: http://www.healthywealthyindia.com/ visit for free mobile recharge gifts etc.

ethos

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 13, 2011

ethos [ EE-thos, EE-thohs, ETH-os, -ohs ] [ noun ] MEANING : fundamental or distinguishing character, disposition, beliefs or moral nature of a person, group, institution, etc. USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : Love for the outdoors seems to be the ethos of the Australian people. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : I can give them absolute reassurance, in terms of what they are concerned about, of maintaining the ethos and the character of their schools, they will not notice any difference. Sponsor: Visit http://www.healthywealthyindia.com

adroit

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 12, 2011

adroit [ uh'-DROIT ] [ adjective ] MEANING : 1. dextrous; agile 2. skilful; resourceful USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : His adroit debating skills helped our college secure the first rank in the debating competition. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : Mr Sullivan become the third “Spitzer boss” to fall, joining two lawyers, Mr Prince and Mr Cherkasky, both of whom were considerably less adroit at running companies than they were at cosying up to Mr Spitzer.

gaunt

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 11, 2011

gaunt [ gawnt ] [ adjective ] MEANING : 1. thin, bony, haggard or emaciated 2. desolate, barren, grim or bleak USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : He had a gaunt face with a pale complexion. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : What remains is the immensity of the sky, gaunt slopes scrubby with thistles and wild grasses, the roar of glacial torrents in dark ravines, and the powerful pull of the first gods ever feared by men. Sponsors: Take free Mock Test for CAT

grotesque

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 10, 2011

grotesque [ groh-TESK ] [ noun, adjective ] MEANING : 1. (adj.) unnatural or outlandish appearance or behavior 2. (n.) characterized by extravagant, distorted and hideous shape and size (n.) art that features fantastic and absurd human and animal figures intertwined with foliage, scrolls etc. USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : The burnt corpses looked grotesque in the bright morning sun. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : In an editorial, the tabloid newspaper, The Sun, said Gibbons' jailing was a "grotesque insult to Islam" and called Gibbons "an innocent abroad." Sponsors: Check out Earn Money on the Android Market! http://t.co/uwXbWf8

ad nauseam

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 09, 2011

ad nauseam [ ad NAW-zee-uh'm, -am ] [ adverb ] MEANING : to a sickening or disgusting degree; to the point of nausea USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : All news channels showed the capture of the terrorist ad nauseam. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : Through the haze of Bud Light and Stoli, the authentic Russian vodka, the sickening images of the second plane slicing through the World Trade Centre were played ad infinitum and ad nauseam. <p>Loading...</p>

epitome

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 08, 2011

epitome [ i-PIT-uh'-mee ] [ noun ] MEANING : 1. a brief account, summary or abstract 2. an example, representative or one that exemplifies the qualities of a group or class USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : He was the epitome of what a gentleman should be. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : He is a man typical of the times, the epitome of how the world works today.

hovel

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 07, 2011

hovel [ HUHV-uh' l, HOV- ] [ noun ] MEANING : 1. a small and miserable dwelling 2. an open shed which is low USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : Being a man without means, the best accommodation he could afford in Mumbai was a hovel. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : When your home is a hovel, a neighbor seems an enemy because everybody is fighting for too little space. Sponsor: Visit http://www.healthywealthyindia.com to win movie tickets, recharge vouchers, paypal cash etc.

idee fixe

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 06, 2011

idée fixe [ ee-dey FEEKS ] [ noun ] MEANING : an idea that one has entertained for a long time; a fixed idea; obsession USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : The British psychedelic band Pink Floyd's idee fixe of incorporating technology in music was considered ahead of its time. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : Again, Berlioz's idée fixe puts in an appearance, with a heart-pounding variation for cellos and basses over which the theme itself floats in fragments. Sponsor: visit http://www.healthywealthyindia.com for earning points and gifts.

iconoclast

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 05, 2011

iconoclast [ ahy-KON-uh'-klast ] [ noun ] MEANING : 1. a person who destroys religious images or objects to their worship 2. a person who attacks prejudices, beliefs or institutions that are based on superstitions or erroneous rationale USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : Only an iconoclast like Raja Rammohan Roy could have succeeded in abolishing sati from Hindu society. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : A natural-born iconoclast, Fela was a legend in his own lifetime; as infamous for his lifestyle and politics as he was acclaimed for his music. AD: Get free Movie Tickets, Mobile recharges, Paypal Cash, and more earn points at http://www.healthywealthyindia.com via your mobile or PC

hoary

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 04, 2011

hoary [ HAWR-ee, HOHR-ee ] [ adjective ] MEANING : 1. extremely old, and often impressive and admired 2. greyish white or white due to age 3. white or whitish in colour USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : I found an old dog with a hoary muzzle sleeping in my front verandah. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : He used the hoary metaphor of thousands of planes landing safely at the airport every day, but we only hear about the ones with bumpy landings. Sponsored: Earn money through Android/Smartphones visit http://www.healthywealthyindia.com

eschew

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 03, 2011

eschew [ es-CHOO ] [ verb ] MEANING : to avoid or keep away from, esp. from wrongdoings or evil; to shun USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : All religions advise their people to eschew wickedness and evil from their daily lives. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : If this was not enough, the PMO statement, talking about the meeting of Left leaders with PM, went to the extent of indirectly advising the Left parties to "eschew the temptation of politicising the misery of the people". This is the first time in four years that PMO has reacted so bitterly. Sponsor: Unlimited calling at just $29.99/month to India and 13 other countries

ensconce

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 02, 2011

ensconce [ en-SKONS ] [ transitive verb ] MEANING : 1. to conceal, hide or secure snugly 2. to settle or place in a snug or comfortable manner USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : She was ensconced in a snug tweed jacket. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : Appropriately enough, Brother Claus spent much of his life ensconced in an Alpine cave in solitary reflection. Sponsor: Unlimited calling at just $29.99/month to India and 13 other countries

Fallible

By Sangeet Jaiswal - March 01, 2011

fallible [ FAL-uh-buh' l ] [ adjective ] MEANING : 1. (of persons) very likely to make a mistake or be misled 2. likely to be erroneous, faulty or false USAGE EXAMPLE 1 : Since we humans are fallible, we have not yet succeeded in building a perfect world. USAGE EXAMPLE 2 : The final Test in Adelaide (next week) will be a cliffhanger because the Indians have now smelt blood and know this Australian team is fallible.

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