Daily Vocabulary from Indian Newspapers and Publications: May 9, 2025

Daily Vocabulary from Indian Newspapers and Publications

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At Wordpandit, we understand the importance of staying rooted in the local context while expanding your language skills. This section focuses on enriching your vocabulary with words and phrases drawn from India’s leading newspapers and publications, ensuring you're learning vocabulary that is practical, relevant, and uniquely Indian.

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We believe that the best way to master any language is by immersing yourself in local content. That’s why we carefully curate vocabulary from top Indian publications, including:

The Hindu
The Times of India
The Economic Times
Hindustan Times
Live Mint
The Indian Express
And many others...

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WORD-1: Sacred

Context:

"There are two kinds of people in the world: those who treat books like sacred scrolls passed down by literary gods, and those who treat books like free souvenirs from a roadside wedding. Unfortunately, I have been a victim of the latter, an umpteen number of times." - The Times of India

Explanatory Paragraph:

The word "sacred" conveys a deep sense of reverence and value. When something is described as sacred, it is not only respected but held in high esteem—often with spiritual, emotional, or cultural significance. In the context of books, describing them as "sacred scrolls" implies they are revered and should be treated with care, almost like holy relics. This perspective contrasts sharply with casual or careless treatment, which the author criticizes humorously.

Meaning: Regarded with great respect and reverence; considered holy or inviolable (Adjective)

Pronunciation: SAY-krid

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic

Etymology: From Latin "sacer" meaning "holy, dedicated," originally used in religious contexts to denote things devoted to the gods.

Prashant Sir's Notes:

One of those words that move beyond religion—“sacred” applies to anything we deeply value: traditions, relationships, rituals, even personal routines. In vocabulary usage, this word brings emotional weight and is powerful in contrast-building.

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: holy, divine, revered, hallowed, sanctified

Antonyms: profane, secular, irreverent, disrespectful

Usage Examples:

The shrine is considered sacred by millions of devotees across the country.
She kept her grandmother’s diary in a sacred box wrapped in silk.
For the tribe, the river is more than water—it is sacred life-giver.
He violated the sacred trust between a teacher and a student.

Cultural Reference:

"Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Think About It:

What are some things in your life that you consider sacred—and why do they hold such deep meaning for you?

Quick Activity:

Make a list of 3 non-religious things you consider sacred. Then, write a sentence for each using the word "sacred."

Memory Tip:

Think: "Sacred = Safe + Credible" — something sacred is safe from harm and holds credibility or reverence in our eyes.

Real-World Application:

Use "sacred" in academic writing or speeches when discussing values, beliefs, or traditions held in high regard—whether cultural, historical, or personal. For example: "Freedom of speech is a sacred right in many democracies."

WORD-2: Scrolls

Context:

Explanatory Paragraph:

"Scrolls" refer to rolled-up pieces of paper, parchment, or other materials used historically for writing. They were the main medium for recording information before the invention of the book format. The term carries a strong sense of antiquity, wisdom, and sacred knowledge. In the context of the quote, books are being compared to scrolls to emphasize their timeless value and the reverence they deserve, as if they carry divine or ancient literary wisdom.

Meaning: A roll of parchment or paper for writing or printing on (Noun)

Pronunciation: SKROHLZ

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic

Etymology: From Old French “escroe,” meaning “strip or roll of parchment,” derived from Latin “scrofa” (a strip or roll).

Prashant Sir's Notes:

This is one of those words rich in imagery. Whenever you use "scroll," you’re invoking a visual of ancient libraries, temples, or philosophical teachings. Use this word when you want to lend gravitas or historical depth to your writing.

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: parchment, manuscript, roll, script, codex

Antonyms: book (modern form), tablet, slab (in some historical contexts)

Usage Examples:

The ancient scrolls contained prophecies written in a forgotten language.
He carefully unrolled the scroll to reveal intricate calligraphy.
In many cultures, sacred teachings were preserved on scrolls made from papyrus.
The museum displayed centuries-old scrolls behind glass panels.

Cultural Reference:

"The Dead Sea Scrolls" – A collection of ancient Jewish manuscripts found near the Dead Sea, considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Think About It:

Why do we associate scrolls with wisdom and sacredness, and how has the transition to digital screens affected this perception?

Quick Activity:

Draw or imagine a scroll and write one sentence you’d want to preserve forever on it. Share with a friend or classmate.

Memory Tip:

Think of "scrolls" as what you’d "roll" to read—like old magical or ancient scripts that unfurl with mystery and meaning.

Real-World Application:

The term “scroll” is also widely used in tech, like “scrolling” down a page. While its ancient meaning persists in academia and religion, its modern usage reflects how we consume digital information today.

WORD-3: Umpteen

Context:

Explanatory Paragraph:

"Umpteen" is an informal way of expressing a large, often indefinite number. It is frequently used when the exact count isn't important but the speaker wants to emphasize that something has happened many times. It conveys mild exaggeration and frustration in a conversational tone, as seen in the example, where the speaker laments experiencing the same annoyance repeatedly.

Meaning: Very many; a large but unspecified number (Adjective)

Pronunciation: UHM-teen

Difficulty Level: ⭐ Intermediate

Etymology: Originated in early 20th-century American English, modeled after "thirteen," "fourteen," etc., with "ump" acting as a placeholder for an unspecified numeral.

Prashant Sir's Notes:

This is a great word to spice up informal writing or speech. It conveys tone beautifully—whether annoyance, humor, or exaggeration—and helps personalize the message. Just avoid using it in formal academic contexts.

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: countless, innumerable, many, dozens, loads

Antonyms: few, scarce, limited

Usage Examples:

I’ve told you umpteen times to clean your room!
We’ve had this discussion umpteen times, yet nothing changes.
She has watched that movie umpteen times and still cries at the end.
He checked his phone umpteen times waiting for the message.

Cultural Reference:

"You’ve said that umpteen times already!" – A common phrase in sitcoms and rom-coms to express exasperation humorously, often in repeated relationship dialogues.

Think About It:

Why do we create words like “umpteen” to express vagueness? What does that say about the way we perceive and communicate quantity?

Quick Activity:

Write 3 humorous sentences using “umpteen” to exaggerate an everyday annoyance you experience regularly.

Memory Tip:

Think: “Umpteen = Unknown + Teen” → A made-up teen number to suggest a huge, unknown count!

Real-World Application:

“Umpteen” is perfect for casual conversations, blogs, emails, or storytelling when you want to highlight frequency or volume without being exact. It adds flavor and tone to your language.

WORD-4: Reverence

Context:

"Let me begin with a confession. I am weak. Not in the traditional “can’t-lift-a-bucket” sense, but in the way that makes my spine disappear every time someone stands in front of my bookshelf, sighs with reverence, and says, “Wow, you’ve actually read all of these?” They caress the spines of my books like they’re petting a Persian cat at a Bond villain’s lair." - The Times of India

Explanatory Paragraph:

"Reverence" refers to a deep and profound respect, often bordering on awe. It goes beyond casual admiration to imply a sense of honor, almost spiritual or sacred. In the passage, when someone looks at the speaker’s bookshelf with reverence, they are treating the books—and by extension, the act of reading them—as something noble, perhaps even sacred. This elevates the books from mere objects to symbols of wisdom and devotion.

Meaning: Deep respect tinged with awe or admiration (Noun)

Pronunciation: REV-uh-runts

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate

Etymology: From Latin "reverentia" (respect, awe), from "revereri" meaning "to stand in awe of."

Prashant Sir's Notes:

Use this word when you want to emphasize not just respect, but a kind that involves quiet admiration, almost like silent worship. It works beautifully in essays, descriptions, and character analysis.

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: respect, admiration, veneration, awe, honor

Antonyms: disrespect, contempt, disdain, irreverence

Usage Examples:

They spoke with reverence about the late professor’s contributions to science.
Visitors approached the ancient temple in quiet reverence.
The child looked at the astronaut with wide eyes and utter reverence.
He handled the old letters with reverence, as if they were holy relics.

Cultural Reference:

"Reverence for life affords me my fundamental principle of morality." – Albert Schweitzer, theologian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Think About It:

What things or people do you hold in reverence, and why do they command such deep respect from you?

Quick Activity:

Write down 3 people, objects, or traditions you feel reverence for. Then use the word “reverence” in a sentence for each.

Memory Tip:

Reverence sounds like “revere”—so if you revere something or someone, you feel deep reverence for them.

Real-World Application:

“Reverence” is useful in speeches, articles, and writing that reflects admiration, cultural respect, or spirituality. For example: "The people of the village showed reverence for the forest, treating it as a living spirit."

WORD-5: Lair

Context:

Explanatory Paragraph:

"Lair" traditionally refers to the secret or secluded resting place of a wild animal, like a den or hideout. In modern usage, especially in pop culture, it often describes the secretive and stylish hideaway of a villain or mysterious character. In this context, the speaker uses the phrase “Bond villain’s lair” humorously to describe the dramatic and almost theatrical reverence shown toward their bookshelf, as if it’s the headquarters of a powerful and cultured figure.

Meaning: A secret or secluded place, especially a hiding place or retreat of a wild animal or villain (Noun)

Pronunciation: LAIR

Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic

Etymology: From Old English "leger" meaning "bed or resting place," related to the word "lie."

Prashant Sir's Notes:

A vivid word that combines mystery and drama. Use “lair” when you want to describe a place that’s both secretive and possibly dangerous—or whimsically luxurious, depending on the tone.

Synonyms & Antonyms:

Synonyms: den, hideout, retreat, sanctuary, refuge

Antonyms: open space, public area, exposure

Usage Examples:

The spy tracked the villain back to his mountain lair.
After a long day, he returned to his cozy lair of books and music.
The dragon’s lair was hidden behind the waterfall.
She converted her attic into a personal lair for reading and writing.

Cultural Reference:

In James Bond films, villains are often shown operating from luxurious, high-tech “lairs,” complete with sharks, lasers, and thrones—turning the word into a symbol of dramatic flair and secrecy.

Think About It:

What would your personal “lair” look like if you could design one? What purpose would it serve?

Quick Activity:

Sketch or describe your ideal reading/writing lair. Then write a sentence using “lair” to describe it.

Memory Tip:

Think: “Lair = Layer of secrecy” — a hidden place tucked away like a secret layer in a video game or spy movie.

Real-World Application:

Use “lair” creatively in storytelling, design descriptions, or when describing cozy personal spaces with a hint of mystery. It adds personality and intrigue to narratives.

Daily Vocabulary from Indian Newspapers and Publications: May 9, 2025