Daily Vocabulary from International Newspapers and Publications
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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...
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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.
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WORD-1: Sequel
Context:
"It is 21 years since Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler published The Gruffalo’s Child, the sequel to their bestselling Gruffalo picture book of five years earlier." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "sequel" refers to a work that continues the story or develops the theme of an earlier one. It’s commonly used in the context of books, films, and other narrative forms where creators revisit previous stories to explore what happens next. A sequel can bring back beloved characters, resolve unresolved conflicts, or expand the fictional universe.
Meaning: A published, broadcast, or recorded work that continues the story of an earlier one (Noun)
Pronunciation: SEE-kwuhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Old French *sequel* or Latin *sequela*, meaning "that which follows", from *sequi*, "to follow".
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Understanding "sequel" helps students grasp how stories evolve over time. It's a fundamental term in literature and media, especially when analyzing narrative structure or franchise development. Always check if the sequel builds directly on plot or just shares the same universe (like a spin-off).
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: continuation, follow-up, next installment, progression
Antonyms: prequel, origin story, standalone, precursor
Usage Examples:
- The movie was a sequel to last year’s blockbuster hit.
- Fans eagerly awaited the sequel, hoping for more character development and plot twists.
- The sequel failed to live up to the expectations set by the original novel.
- After the success of the video game, a sequel was announced within six months.
Cultural Reference:
"The Empire Strikes Back" is often considered one of the greatest sequels in cinematic history, building on the original "Star Wars" with deeper storytelling and character arcs. - Popular Film Reviews
Think About It:
Why do you think some sequels succeed while others fail to capture the same magic as the original?
Quick Activity:
Name your favorite book or movie sequel and explain how it expands or changes the original story.
Memory Tip:
Think of “sequel” as something that *seeks* to *equal* or exceed the original—it follows the first to continue the journey.
Real-World Application:
The term “sequel” is used frequently in the entertainment industry, especially when producers greenlight the next part of a successful franchise. It's also relevant in publishing, where authors often write sequels to capitalize on successful books.
WORD-2: Iconic
Context:
"While the pair have collaborated on numerous other stories, none is as iconic as the tale of the little brown mouse who outwits a succession of predators. There is no shortage of Gruffalo merchandise. But in an age of franchises and prequels, this author-illustrator partnership clearly decided that less was more." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "iconic" describes something or someone widely recognized and admired, often symbolizing a larger idea or representing a cultural standard. When a story, image, or person becomes "iconic," it means it holds a lasting impact and is often instantly associated with particular values, achievements, or aesthetics. In this context, the Gruffalo story is considered iconic due to its enduring popularity and cultural influence.
Meaning: Widely recognized and well-established, especially as a symbol of something admired (Adjective)
Pronunciation: eye-KON-ik
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: From Greek *eikonikos* (pertaining to an image), from *eikon* meaning “likeness or image”.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Iconic" is often used in both casual and academic language to highlight importance and influence. When analyzing literature, art, or media, describing something as iconic implies its deep-rooted cultural significance. Be cautious not to overuse the word; it should be reserved for truly exceptional examples.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: legendary, emblematic, symbolic, classic, renowned
Antonyms: obscure, unknown, ordinary, unremarkable
Usage Examples:
- Her red dress became an iconic image of the 1960s fashion revolution.
- The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.
- The actor’s iconic role in the sci-fi series defined his career.
- The painting has become iconic in the world of modern art.
Cultural Reference:
"I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse" — this iconic line from *The Godfather* is instantly recognizable to movie enthusiasts around the globe. - Classic Cinema Review
Think About It:
What qualities do you think make a book, movie, or character truly iconic, and can something become iconic overnight?
Quick Activity:
List three iconic figures (real or fictional) and explain why you think each one is considered iconic.
Memory Tip:
Think of “iconic” as linked to “icon”—something you immediately recognize on your desktop or in life because it's powerful and stands out.
Real-World Application:
The word “iconic” is widely used in media, marketing, and pop culture to highlight standout personalities, styles, or products that influence public perception and trends.
WORD-3: Outwits
Context:
"While the pair have collaborated on numerous other stories, none is as iconic as the tale of the little brown mouse who outwits a succession of predators. There is no shortage of Gruffalo merchandise. But in an age of franchises and prequels, this author-illustrator partnership clearly decided that less was more." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Outwits" means to defeat or overcome someone by being more clever or intelligent. When a character outwits others, it implies using quick thinking, strategy, or clever deception rather than force. In the context of *The Gruffalo*, the mouse outsmarts the dangerous animals through clever storytelling and imagination, making "outwits" the perfect word to describe its actions.
Meaning: To get the better of someone by being more clever or cunning (Verb)
Pronunciation: out-WITS
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Middle English *wit*, meaning “intelligence” or “mental sharpness”; combined with the prefix *out-* meaning “to surpass”.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a great word for understanding character dynamics in stories. It emphasizes the value of mental agility over brute strength. When analyzing texts, notice how protagonists often outwit villains rather than overpower them—it’s a key theme in many children's books and fables.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: outsmart, outthink, deceive, trick, fool
Antonyms: be outsmarted, surrender, submit, yield
Usage Examples:
- The mouse outwits each predator by convincing them he has a dangerous friend.
- She outwitted the competition by coming up with a unique marketing strategy.
- He tried to cheat, but the teacher outwitted him with a clever question.
- In many detective stories, the hero outwits the villain in the final act.
Cultural Reference:
In the classic cartoon *Tom and Jerry*, Jerry the mouse often outwits Tom the cat using traps, disguises, and quick thinking—showcasing cleverness over strength. - Cartoon Archives
Think About It:
Can intelligence and wit be more powerful than physical strength in real life? Why or why not?
Quick Activity:
Write a short scene where a child outwits an adult using only clever reasoning or quick thinking.
Memory Tip:
Remember: to *outwit* is to *win with your wits*. Think of a brain beating a bicep!
Real-World Application:
"Outwits" is a valuable term in fields like business, law, or politics, where clever strategies often lead to success more than direct confrontation. It also appears often in storytelling and media where brains triumph over brawn.
WORD-4: Succession
Context:
"While the pair have collaborated on numerous other stories, none is as iconic as the tale of the little brown mouse who outwits a succession of predators. There is no shortage of Gruffalo merchandise. But in an age of franchises and prequels, this author-illustrator partnership clearly decided that less was more." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word "succession" refers to a number of people or things that follow one after another. It emphasizes sequence and continuity. In this context, the mouse faces a series of predators, one after the other. The word also carries broader uses, including inheritance of titles or positions, or the natural order of events in ecosystems and societies.
Meaning: A number of people or things sharing a specified characteristic and following one after the other (Noun)
Pronunciation: suk-SESH-un
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *successio*, from *succedere* meaning “to follow after”.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
"Succession" is a versatile word with academic, legal, and narrative relevance. In reading comprehension, it often indicates an ordered or patterned flow. It can also imply hierarchy or replacement, especially in political or biological texts.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: sequence, series, chain, progression
Antonyms: interruption, break, disconnection
Usage Examples:
- The hiker encountered a succession of narrow trails and steep climbs.
- A succession of leaders failed to bring lasting peace to the region.
- The royal succession was clearly outlined in the constitution.
- They watched a succession of fireworks light up the night sky.
Cultural Reference:
The TV series *Succession* explores the dramatic struggles within a wealthy family as they compete for power and control over a media empire, perfectly reflecting the word's dual meaning of order and inheritance. - HBO Series Overview
Think About It:
Why do you think societies place so much importance on planning for succession, whether in leadership, business, or nature?
Quick Activity:
List a succession of 5 activities you do from waking up to getting ready in the morning, using sequence words like first, next, then, etc.
Memory Tip:
Think: *"Success comes in succession."* Each step leads to the next one, forming a continuous chain of events.
Real-World Application:
"Succession" is key in legal contexts (inheritance laws), corporate planning (succession planning), and ecology (plant succession in forests). Recognizing its use helps in understanding systems and structures in various fields.
WORD-5: Prequel
Context:
"While the pair have collaborated on numerous other stories, none is as iconic as the tale of the little brown mouse who outwits a succession of predators. There is no shortage of Gruffalo merchandise. But in an age of franchises and prequels, this author-illustrator partnership clearly decided that less was more." - The Guardian
Explanatory Paragraph:
A "prequel" is a story or creative work that portrays events which happened before those of an existing story. It gives background and context to characters, settings, or events in the original narrative. While sequels move a story forward, prequels move it backward to explore origins and foundational events. In today’s storytelling landscape, especially in franchises, prequels help expand a fictional universe.
Meaning: A story or movie containing events that precede those of an existing work (Noun)
Pronunciation: PREE-kwuhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Basic
Etymology: Coined in the 20th century by blending “pre-” (before) with “sequel”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Understanding the difference between a prequel and a sequel is vital for narrative structure. Prequels explore the “how it all began” angle. They're especially useful in literature and film when analyzing timelines, character motivations, or thematic development across a series.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: origin story, backstory, prologue (in extended sense)
Antonyms: sequel, continuation, follow-up
Usage Examples:
- The film is a prequel that shows how the hero got his powers.
- Writers released a prequel novel to explain the villain's origins.
- Fans were excited to learn that a prequel to the trilogy was in production.
- Unlike the original movie, the prequel focuses more on character development than action.
Cultural Reference:
The *Star Wars* prequel trilogy explores the rise of Darth Vader, filling in the history that led to the events of the original movies. - Lucasfilm Archives
Think About It:
Do prequels enhance or limit your imagination about a character's past? Can too much background take away the mystery?
Quick Activity:
Pick a favorite story and write a one-line idea for a possible prequel. What would it reveal?
Memory Tip:
"Prequel" starts with "pre" = before. Just remember: a prequel is what happened *previously*.
Real-World Application:
Prequels are popular in books, film franchises, and even video games. Understanding this term helps readers and viewers follow complex timelines and appreciate storytelling techniques that explore origins and evolution.
