Daily Vocabulary from International Newspapers and Publications
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WORD-1: Exclusion
Context:
"The other camp we’ll call Africanist. For the Africanist way of doing Ethiopian philosophy, the history of philosophy is a process of deliberate exclusion that consists primarily in epistimicide – the systematic process of obliterating the knowledge system of the Other." - Aeon
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Exclusion” refers to the act of intentionally leaving someone or something out. It can apply to social groups, ideas, systems, or individuals. In this context, the word is used to describe how traditional philosophical narratives have deliberately left out or erased the contributions and perspectives of non-Western thinkers, especially from African traditions. This form of exclusion is not accidental—it is purposeful and systematic.
Meaning: The act of preventing someone or something from being included or considered (Noun)
Pronunciation: eks-KLOO-zhuhn
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner
Etymology: From Latin “excludere” meaning “to shut out”; from “ex-” (out) + “claudere” (to close)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Exclusion” is a key term in philosophy, sociology, and politics. It’s important to identify whether exclusion is overt (open and obvious) or covert (hidden and systemic). In this context, it connects deeply with power, representation, and whose knowledge is valued.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: omission, rejection, segregation, isolation, denial
Antonyms: inclusion, acceptance, integration, admission
Usage Examples:
- The club's policy of exclusion has been criticized for being discriminatory.
- Historical narratives often show the exclusion of marginalized voices.
- The exclusion of non-European thinkers from the curriculum is being re-evaluated.
- Feeling the sting of exclusion, she left the group quietly.
Cultural Reference:
"No one is born hating another person... People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love." — Nelson Mandela, whose life work opposed racial exclusion - Long Walk to Freedom
Think About It:
What knowledge systems or cultural voices do we unconsciously exclude in our education or media, and why?
Quick Activity:
List three instances in your life—school, workplace, or society—where exclusion was evident. Reflect on who was excluded and what the impact was.
Memory Tip:
Think of “ex” meaning “out” and “clusion” like “closure” — so “closure out” or shutting someone out.
Real-World Application:
Understanding exclusion is crucial in fields like education, HR, urban planning, and international policy. Recognizing who is being left out helps create more equitable systems.
WORD-2: Subverts
Context:
"In her work, Báez subverts this legacy by transforming maps, manuals and other documents of colonial classification into canvases, covering them with imagery that reframes what was considered ‘abject’ as beautiful." - Aeon
Explanatory Paragraph:
To “subvert” something means to undermine or overturn its original intention, authority, or meaning—usually in a creative or rebellious way. In this sentence, the artist Báez is not following the intended colonial use of the maps and documents; instead, she alters their meaning, turning tools of oppression into expressions of beauty and resistance. Subversion is often used in art, literature, and politics to challenge dominant narratives or power structures.
Meaning: To undermine, overturn, or challenge an established system, idea, or authority (Verb)
Pronunciation: sub-VURTS
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin “subvertere” meaning “to overturn, overthrow,” from “sub-” (from below) + “vertere” (to turn)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Subvert” is a power-packed word. It carries a tone of rebellion and creativity. It’s often used when talking about artists, activists, and writers who reshape or challenge dominant norms and ideologies—especially subtly or through symbolism.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: undermine, destabilize, overthrow, disrupt, challenge
Antonyms: support, uphold, reinforce, maintain, comply
Usage Examples:
- The filmmaker subverts gender stereotypes by casting against type.
- The activist group aims to subvert traditional political systems through peaceful protest.
- By using humor, the cartoonist subverts oppressive policies with satire.
- Her reinterpretation of ancient texts subtly subverts patriarchal interpretations.
Cultural Reference:
“Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” — Banksy, a street artist known for subverting societal norms through provocative imagery.
Think About It:
Can subversion be a form of patriotism or progress, rather than rebellion? When does challenging the system become necessary?
Quick Activity:
Think of a traditional norm or belief in your culture. Write one sentence that subverts or challenges it creatively.
Memory Tip:
“Subvert” = “sub” (under) + “vert” (turn) → imagine someone turning something upside down from underneath—it’s hidden, clever resistance.
Real-World Application:
Subversion is used in marketing (to break conventions), in activism (to challenge injustice), and in education (to question outdated practices). It’s a vital concept in critical thinking and creativity.
WORD-3: Imagery
Context:
"In her work, Báez subverts this legacy by transforming maps, manuals and other documents of colonial classification into canvases, covering them with imagery that reframes what was considered ‘abject’ as beautiful." - Aeon
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Imagery” refers to visually descriptive or symbolic representations used in various forms of expression, especially in art and literature. In this context, it means the artist’s use of powerful visual elements—colors, patterns, symbols, and figures—to challenge old colonial perceptions and turn what was seen as undesirable or "abject" into something beautiful. Imagery allows creators to communicate messages beyond words, often evoking strong emotional or intellectual responses.
Meaning: Visually descriptive or figurative language or symbols used to represent ideas, objects, or feelings (Noun)
Pronunciation: IH-muhj-ree
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner
Etymology: From Old French “imagerie” meaning “figure, picture” and from Latin “imago” meaning “image”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Imagery is not just about pretty pictures—it’s about creating meaning through visual or symbolic representation. Whether in poetry, prose, or painting, it’s used to help the audience ‘see’ ideas in their mind and feel their emotional power.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: visuals, symbols, representations, depictions, illustrations
Antonyms: plainness, literalness, abstraction (in some contexts)
Usage Examples:
- The poem is rich with natural imagery that evokes feelings of peace.
- The artist used bold imagery to comment on urban life.
- Through vivid imagery, the novelist brought the battlefield to life.
- The film’s dark imagery reflected the character’s inner turmoil.
Cultural Reference:
In Pablo Picasso’s *Guernica*, the powerful imagery of suffering figures and fragmented forms conveys the horror of war without using a single word.
Think About It:
Can imagery be more powerful than words when it comes to expressing difficult truths? Why or why not?
Quick Activity:
Describe a memory or feeling using only imagery—no abstract words like “happy” or “sad.” Focus on colors, objects, and sensations.
Memory Tip:
Think of “imagery” as a collection of “images” used to paint a picture in the reader’s or viewer’s mind—like a gallery of feelings and ideas.
Real-World Application:
Imagery is essential in advertising, branding, film, literature, and art. It helps shape public perception, evoke emotions, and communicate complex messages quickly and powerfully.
WORD-4: Extrinsic
Context:
"Motivation psychologists distinguish these two states as extrinsic and intrinsic motivation for what we’re doing. The former takes hard work and discipline to keep us going." - Aeon
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Extrinsic” refers to something that comes from outside rather than from within. In psychology, extrinsic motivation means doing something not because you enjoy it, but because of an external reward or pressure—such as money, grades, praise, or avoiding punishment. The sentence contrasts this with intrinsic motivation, which is driven by internal desires like curiosity or personal satisfaction. Extrinsic factors can be powerful but often require effort and discipline to maintain.
Meaning: Originating from outside; not part of the essential nature of something (Adjective)
Pronunciation: ek-STRIN-zik
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin “extrinsecus” meaning “from the outside,” from “extra” (outside) + “seco” (to cut)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think of “extrinsic” as “external”—coming from outside. It's a key term in motivation theory, but also used in economics, education, and ethics. Always compare it with “intrinsic” to understand the contrast clearly.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: external, outside, outward, foreign, nonessential
Antonyms: intrinsic, internal, inherent, essential, innate
Usage Examples:
- Her motivation was largely extrinsic—she studied hard to earn scholarships and awards.
- Extrinsic rewards can help form habits, but long-term success often needs intrinsic passion.
- The company offered extrinsic incentives like bonuses to boost performance.
- He viewed fame as an extrinsic goal, not something that fulfilled him personally.
Cultural Reference:
In *Drive*, author Daniel H. Pink explains how over-reliance on extrinsic rewards (like money) can actually reduce creativity and motivation in knowledge-based work.
Think About It:
Which motivates you more in your studies or career—extrinsic rewards like grades and salary, or intrinsic desires like curiosity and purpose? Why?
Quick Activity:
List three extrinsic motivators in your life and then write one sentence on how they affect your behavior or mindset.
Memory Tip:
“Extrinsic” starts with “ex-” meaning “out” — think of it as “exit-based” motivation: it comes from outside of you.
Real-World Application:
Understanding extrinsic motivation helps in areas like teaching, management, and parenting—where rewards or consequences are used to guide behavior. But knowing when to balance it with intrinsic motivation is key to sustainable success.
WORD-5: Conspire
Context:
"BJP MP Sambit Patra accused billionaire-philanthropist George Soros, LoP Rahul Gandhi as well as the OCCRP, an association of investigative journalists, of conspiring to 'destabilise' India." - Indian Express
Explanatory Paragraph:
To “conspire” means to secretly plan with others, typically to do something unlawful or harmful. It often suggests collaboration behind the scenes with negative intentions, such as undermining a government, sabotaging an effort, or deceiving people. In the context above, the accusation is that several individuals and organizations are secretly working together to cause instability in India—an example of how “conspire” is often used in political or criminal scenarios.
Meaning: To make secret plans jointly to commit an unlawful or harmful act (Verb)
Pronunciation: kuhn-SPIRE
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin “conspirare” meaning “to plot together, breathe together”; from “con-” (together) + “spirare” (to breathe)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Conspire” often brings to mind secret meetings and shady intentions. It’s frequently used in legal and political contexts. Remember: not all secret planning is criminal, but the word “conspire” almost always implies wrongdoing.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: plot, scheme, collude, connive, machinate
Antonyms: cooperate openly, support, assist, disclose
Usage Examples:
- The rebels conspired to overthrow the government in a midnight coup.
- She was arrested for allegedly conspiring to leak classified documents.
- Some believe the CEOs conspired to fix prices and cheat consumers.
- In the novel, two old friends conspire to hide a dark secret from their past.
Cultural Reference:
“The Gunpowder Plot” of 1605, where Guy Fawkes and others conspired to blow up the English Parliament, is one of history’s most famous conspiracies—now commemorated as Guy Fawkes Night in the UK.
Think About It:
Why do conspiracy theories appeal to so many people, even without strong evidence? Is it about distrust, fear, or something deeper?
Quick Activity:
Think of a famous historical or fictional conspiracy. Write two sentences describing who conspired and what they planned.
Memory Tip:
“Conspire” sounds like “con” (together) + “spire” (breathe)—imagine people huddled together whispering a secret plan.
Real-World Application:
Understanding the word “conspire” is useful in law, history, politics, and even literature, where it often describes plots or coordinated schemes with hidden motives.
