Join CAT WhatsApp Group
Daily Vocabulary from International Newspapers and Publications
Expand Your Vocabulary with Wordpandit’s Global Vocabulary Hub
At Wordpandit, we are committed to helping you develop a truly global vocabulary by drawing from some of the most respected international publications. This section is designed to keep you ahead of the curve by introducing you to words that define global conversations and trends.
The Power of Global Sources
To help you think and communicate on a global scale, we curate vocabulary from renowned international sources, such as:
- The New York Times
- The Washington Post
- BBC
- The Guardian
- The Economist
- Scientific American
- Psychology Today
- And many more...
Stay Global, Stay Competitive
Our daily updates from international publications ensure you are consistently exposed to new words that reflect global news and developments, making sure your vocabulary is not only current but also globally relevant.
Enhance Your Global Perspective
Whether you’re preparing for international exams, aiming to excel in global business communication, or want to enhance your language skills for personal growth, Wordpandit offers the resources you need to thrive in a global context.
Effective Learning, Global Reach
Our learning methodology combines global examples, memory aids, and interactive activities, allowing you to internalize new words effectively and apply them in real-world scenarios.
Begin Your Global Vocabulary Journey Now!
Why Choose Wordpandit?
Practical Learning: Focus on words you'll actually encounter in real-world reading, enhancing your comprehension and communication skills.
Diverse Content: From current affairs to scientific breakthroughs, our varied sources expose you to vocabulary across multiple domains.
Effortless Integration: Make Wordpandit a part of your daily routine. Just a few minutes each day can significantly boost your lexicon over time.
Your Path to Vocabulary Mastery
- Visit our Daily Vocabulary section regularly
- Explore new words and their usage in context
- Practice incorporating these words into your own writing and speech
- Track your progress as your vocabulary expands
Start Your Journey Today
Embark on your vocabulary enhancement journey with Wordpandit. By consistently engaging with our daily posts, you'll build a robust vocabulary that serves you well in academic, professional, and personal contexts.
Remember, a word a day keeps linguistic limitations at bay. Make Wordpandit your daily companion in the quest for vocabulary excellence!
WORD-1: Contravene
Context:
"By applying the laws of war to organised criminals as if they were terrorists or insurgents, the move may contravene international law, Human Rights Watch’s deputy Americas director, Juan Pappier, told the Washington Post." - Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word contravene is used when someone goes against or violates a law, rule, or agreement. It suggests a direct conflict with something that is officially established. In the context of the sentence, it implies that applying wartime laws to criminals may go against or breach international legal standards.
Meaning: To go against or act in violation of (a law, rule, or code) (Verb)
Pronunciation: KON-truh-veen
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *contravenire*, meaning "to come against," formed from *contra* (against) + *venire* (to come)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Contravene is a formal word commonly used in legal and diplomatic contexts. When you see this word, think of a direct breach or violation—especially of something official or codified like a law, treaty, or agreement. It's often used when discussing policies that may be inconsistent with existing rules.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: violate, breach, defy, disobey, infringe
Antonyms: comply, obey, conform, follow, uphold
Usage Examples:
- The new policy could contravene national privacy regulations.
- He was fined for actions that clearly contravened safety protocols.
- Publishing classified documents may contravene state secrecy laws.
- The company was sued for contravening labor rights of its employees.
Cultural Reference:
"In debates over surveillance, many critics argue that government programs contravene civil liberties established in the Constitution." - Public Discourse
Think About It:
Is it ever justifiable to contravene a law in pursuit of a higher moral goal? What distinguishes civil disobedience from criminal violation?
Quick Activity:
Write three sentences using "contravene" in different contexts: one legal, one social, and one personal. Example: "I didn’t want to contravene my family's wishes, but I had to make my own decision."
Memory Tip:
Break it into "contra" (against) + "vene" (come). If you "come against" a rule, you *contravene* it.
Real-World Application:
In professional settings like law, journalism, or diplomacy, the word “contravene” is used to describe actions or policies that violate formal agreements or laws. Recognizing when something contravenes a policy is crucial for ethical and legal compliance.
WORD-2: Disenchantment
Context:
"Burgeoning security issues are a significant factor in Latin America’s growing disenchantment with democracy." - Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
Disenchantment refers to a feeling of disappointment or loss of belief, especially when reality falls short of expectations. In the given context, it describes how citizens in Latin America are becoming increasingly disillusioned with democratic systems, likely because of persistent security issues and unfulfilled promises of safety and progress.
Meaning: A feeling of disappointment or disillusionment, often after discovering something is not as good as one believed (Noun)
Pronunciation: dis-en-CHANT-ment
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From French *désenchantement*, based on Latin roots: *dis-* (apart) + *incantare* (to enchant). Literally, “to undo enchantment.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a great word to capture the shift from idealism to realism or even cynicism. Disenchantment is the emotional state that often follows broken promises or failed systems. Think of the emotional contrast: enchantment implies hope and wonder, while disenchantment marks the fall from that ideal.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: disillusionment, disappointment, cynicism, dissatisfaction
Antonyms: enchantment, hope, idealism, optimism
Usage Examples:
- There is a growing sense of disenchantment among youth regarding politics.
- Her disenchantment with corporate life led her to start a non-profit organization.
- Years of unkept promises resulted in widespread public disenchantment.
- Traveling through poverty-stricken regions caused a deep disenchantment with the myth of prosperity.
Cultural Reference:
"Max Weber famously spoke of the 'disenchantment of the world' as societies move from mystical to rational worldviews." - Sociological Theory
Think About It:
Can disenchantment lead to positive change, or does it always lead to apathy and withdrawal?
Quick Activity:
Write a short paragraph about a time when you felt disenchantment—whether about a person, place, idea, or institution. What caused it? How did it change your outlook?
Memory Tip:
Think of “disenchantment” as the magic being broken—like waking up from a dream and realizing things aren’t as wonderful as they seemed.
Real-World Application:
Disenchantment is a powerful concept in political science, sociology, and literature. It's often used to explain voter apathy, the decline of civic engagement, or a shift in public opinion after repeated disappointments.
WORD-3: Besieged
Context:
"It is understandable that human rights are an intangible concern for people besieged by criminal groups." - Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word besieged typically refers to being surrounded or attacked—originally in the context of warfare. However, it also has a broader use to describe people or places overwhelmed by pressure, threats, or hardship. In the sentence above, it suggests that people living under the constant threat of criminal violence are so burdened by survival that abstract ideals like human rights seem distant or secondary.
Meaning: Surrounded and under attack; overwhelmed by problems or hostile forces (Verb – past participle of “besiege”)
Pronunciation: buh-SEEZHD
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Middle French *assiéger* (to sit down before, blockade), based on Latin *sedere* (to sit). Originally used in military contexts.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
While “besieged” began as a military term (think of a city under siege), it now has metaphorical uses too. It can describe people overwhelmed by stress, demands, enemies, or even media attention. Always look at context: are we talking about physical threats, emotional pressure, or both?
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: surrounded, overwhelmed, attacked, harassed, bombarded
Antonyms: free, liberated, untroubled, secure, protected
Usage Examples:
- The city was besieged for weeks before it finally surrendered.
- She felt emotionally besieged by constant criticism from her peers.
- The company was besieged with complaints after the product malfunctioned.
- Besieged by debt and unemployment, the family struggled to survive.
Cultural Reference:
"The ancient city of Troy was besieged for ten years in the famous tale from Homer’s *Iliad*." - Classical Mythology
Think About It:
In what ways can modern individuals feel “besieged” in their daily lives, and what strategies can help them find relief?
Quick Activity:
List three situations where someone might feel besieged — one physical, one emotional, and one professional. Then write a sentence for each using the word "besieged."
Memory Tip:
Think of “besieged” as being “under siege”—like walls being surrounded by enemies or your mind surrounded by problems.
Real-World Application:
"Besieged" is frequently used in journalism to describe populations or governments under extreme stress or threat—physically or metaphorically. It helps paint a vivid picture of intense, ongoing pressure.
WORD-4: Intangible
Context:
"It is understandable that human rights are an intangible concern for people besieged by criminal groups." - Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
Intangible refers to something that cannot be touched or physically grasped—something abstract, like emotions, ideas, or values. In the given context, human rights are described as intangible because they may seem like distant or theoretical concepts to those who are struggling with immediate, physical dangers from criminal groups. It reflects the emotional distance between daily survival and abstract principles.
Meaning: Not able to be touched or physically measured; abstract or non-material (Adjective)
Pronunciation: in-TAN-juh-buhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Medieval Latin *intangibilis*, from *in-* (not) + *tangere* (to touch)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Intangible” is a powerful word for describing things you can feel but not physically handle—like love, fear, freedom, or trust. It's often used in business (intangible assets), law (intangible rights), and philosophy. In vocabulary learning, pairing it with its opposite—“tangible”—can be helpful.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: abstract, immaterial, non-physical, elusive, invisible
Antonyms: tangible, concrete, physical, palpable, measurable
Usage Examples:
- The team's success was driven by intangible qualities like trust and resilience.
- He struggled to express the intangible sense of unease he felt.
- In business, brand reputation is an important intangible asset.
- Justice is an intangible ideal that societies strive to achieve.
Cultural Reference:
"Steve Jobs believed in the power of design, intuition, and other intangibles that couldn't be easily measured but made all the difference." - Walter Isaacson, *Steve Jobs*
Think About It:
What are some intangible things in your life that you value more than material possessions? Why do they matter so much?
Quick Activity:
List five intangible things that influence your everyday decisions (e.g., trust, fear, hope). Use at least one of them in a sentence with the word “intangible.”
Memory Tip:
“In-” means “not,” and “tangible” means “touchable”—so “intangible” = not touchable. Imagine trying to grab air—real, but can’t be touched.
Real-World Application:
In economics, companies often deal with intangible assets such as brand reputation, goodwill, and intellectual property. In personal development, intangible factors like motivation and mindset play critical roles in success.
WORD-5: Compelling
Context:
"If you are likely to be killed by a stray bullet, or kidnapped by a criminal group, due process is not compelling." - Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
Compelling refers to something that captures attention strongly or demands action or belief because it is forceful, convincing, or emotionally powerful. In the given context, the author suggests that when people are facing extreme physical dangers, abstract principles like “due process” (a legal ideal) may not seem urgent or convincing—they are not *compelling* enough compared to immediate threats to life and safety.
Meaning: Evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way; not able to be refuted (Adjective)
Pronunciation: kum-PEL-ing
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *compellere* — *com-* (together) + *pellere* (to drive), meaning "to drive together, to force."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
“Compelling” is a versatile adjective. It can describe arguments, stories, visuals, or even people—anything that grabs your attention or leaves you with no choice but to pay attention. Use it when something is irresistibly strong, logical, or emotionally stirring.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: persuasive, forceful, convincing, gripping, captivating
Antonyms: unconvincing, weak, uninteresting, uninspiring, bland
Usage Examples:
- Her speech was so compelling that even her critics applauded.
- The documentary presented compelling evidence of climate change.
- The movie’s compelling storyline kept the audience glued to their seats.
- He made a compelling case for reform during the debate.
Cultural Reference:
"A compelling story isn't always loud or dramatic—it’s the one that makes you feel something deeply." - Oprah Winfrey
Think About It:
What makes something compelling to you—logic, emotion, urgency, or storytelling? Can something be compelling but still misleading?
Quick Activity:
List three things (a book, a speech, or a moment) you found compelling recently. For each, write one sentence using the word “compelling.”
Memory Tip:
Think of “compel” as “to force” — so something compelling *forces* your attention or belief because it’s so convincing or emotionally strong.
Real-World Application:
In law, media, marketing, and leadership, “compelling” is a go-to word to describe anything that moves people to act, decide, or care. Whether you're writing an essay or pitching an idea, crafting a compelling message is key to influence.
