Meaning form or shape

Root Word of the Day

Meaning  form or shape
12,Dec,2025

19 words from this day's editorials with Hindi meaning

Read the words first, then the editorial: you will meet them in the text and remember them. Tap a word for its dictionary page.

Resurgence (noun)

A new increase or return of activity, interest, or popularity after a period of decline; a revival. पुनः उभरना, पुनरुत्थान

Synonyms: Revival, Renewal, Reawakening, Comeback

Antonyms: Decline, Collapse, Deterioration, Downturn

Example: The resurgence of traditional festivals has brought communities closer together again.

Dissuade (verb)

To persuade someone not to do something; to discourage or prevent by advising against it. रोकना, मना करना, हतोत्साहित करना

Synonyms: Discourage, Deter, Dampen, Talk out of

Antonyms: Persuade, Encourage, Urge, Convince

Example: His friends tried to dissuade him from investing all his savings in a risky scheme.

Transgression (noun)

An act that goes against a law, rule, or moral code; a violation or wrongdoing. उल्लंघन, अपराध

Synonyms: Violation, Infringement, Breach, Misconduct

Antonyms: Obedience, Compliance, Observance, Conformity

Example: His repeated transgression of traffic rules finally led to the suspension of his driving licence.

Modicum (noun)

A small or limited amount of something, especially something valuable or desirable. बहुत ही कम मात्रा, अल्पांश

Synonyms: Small amount, Iota, Shred, Ounce

Antonyms: Abundance, Plenty, Excess, Profusion

Example: She showed only a modicum of interest in the project, so the teacher decided to give it to someone else.

Hindrance (noun)

Something that makes it difficult for someone to do something or for something to happen; an obstacle or obstruction. रुकावट, बाधा

Synonyms: Obstacle, Obstruction, Impediment, Barrier

Antonyms: Aid, Help, Assistance, Support

Example: Lack of proper guidance can become a major hindrance in a student’s success.

Myopia (noun)

A condition in which a person can see nearby objects clearly but finds it hard to see distant objects; also, narrowness of view or lack of foresight. निकट दृष्टि दोष, संकीर्ण दृष्टिकोण

Synonyms: Nearsightedness, Shortsightedness, Narrow-mindedness, Tunnel vision

Antonyms: Farsightedness, Broad-mindedness, Vision, Foresight

Example: Political myopia often leads leaders to ignore long-term problems for short-term gains.

Virulent (adjective)

Extremely harmful, poisonous, or infectious; also, very bitter, harsh, and full of hatred in attitude or language. अत्यंत घातक, प्रखर शत्रुतापूर्ण

Synonyms: Deadly, Toxic, Malignant, Noxious

Antonyms: Harmless, Benign, Mild, Friendly

Example: The leader’s virulent speeches created tension and hatred between the two communities.

Subjugate (verb)

To bring under complete control or domination, often by force; to conquer and make submissive. अधीन करना, वश में करना

Synonyms: Conquer, Dominate, Suppress, Overpower

Antonyms: Liberate, Free, Release, Uplift

Example: The invaders tried to subjugate the local tribes through fear and military power.

Penitence (noun)

Deep regret or sorrow for having done something wrong; a feeling of repentance. पश्चाताप, प्रायश्चित

Synonyms: Remorse, Repentance, Contrition, Compunction

Antonyms: Indifference, Defiance, Remorselessness, Impenitence

Example: His honest penitence after the mistake made others willing to forgive him.

Gumption (noun)

Courage and boldness to take initiative; practical intelligence or resourcefulness in dealing with situations. साहस और समझदारी से पहल करने की क्षमता

Synonyms: Initiative, Resourcefulness, Courage, Enterprise

Antonyms: Cowardice, Timidity, Hesitation, Indecision

Example: It took a lot of gumption for her to start a business with very little money and no support.

Ruthless (adjective)

Having or showing no pity or compassion for others; cruel and harsh. निर्दयी, कठोर

Synonyms: Merciless, Cruel, Relentless, Pitiless

Antonyms: Compassionate, Kind, Merciful, Humane

Example: The ruthless king punished anyone who dared to question his authority.

Resplendent (adjective)

Shining brilliantly; very bright, beautiful, and impressive in appearance. दीप्तिमान, जगमगाता, शोभायमान

Synonyms: Radiant, Dazzling, Glorious, Splendid

Antonyms: Dull, Drab, Gloomy, Lackluster

Example: The queen entered the hall in a resplendent gown that caught everyone’s attention.

Countenance (noun)

Support or approval; permission for something to happen. समर्थन, अनुमोदन

Synonyms: Approval, Endorsement, Support, Backing

Antonyms: Disapproval, Opposition, Refusal, Rejection

Example: The policy was implemented only after it received the full countenance of the committee.

Ramshackle (adjective)

Very badly made or in a state of severe disrepair; likely to fall apart. जर्जर, टूटा-फूटा, बहुत खराब हालत में

Synonyms: Dilapidated, Rickety, Shabby, Decrepit

Antonyms: Sturdy, Solid, Well-built, Robust

Example: The travelers spent the night in a ramshackle hut that shook with every gust of wind.

Subservient (adjective)

Too willing to obey someone else; behaving like a servant and accepting their authority without question. (bahut adhik aagya-kaari, dusron ke neeche dab kar rehne wala)

Synonyms: Obedient, Obsequious, Submissive, Servile

Antonyms: Assertive, Dominant, Independent, Defiant

Example: He was so subservient to his boss that he never voiced his own opinion in meetings.

Impromptu (adjective)

Done without any preparation, planning, or rehearsal; spontaneous. (bina tayari ke kiya gaya, achanak)

Synonyms: Spontaneous, Unplanned, Unrehearsed, Improvised

Antonyms: Planned, Rehearsed, Deliberate, Premeditated

Example: Their impromptu road trip turned into one of the best experiences of their lives.

Congruous (adjective)

In agreement or harmony; suitable or appropriate to a particular situation. संगत, उपयुक्त, मेल खाता हुआ

Synonyms: Compatible, Harmonious, Consistent, Appropriate

Antonyms: Incongruous, Incompatible, Conflicting, Unsuitable

Example: His calm behavior was congruous with the seriousness of the situation.

Meritorious (adjective)

Deserving praise, reward, or recognition; showing great merit or worth. योग्य, प्रशंसनीय, सराहनीय

Synonyms: Praiseworthy, Commendable, Laudable, Admirable

Antonyms: Undeserving, Discreditable, Shameful, Unworthy

Example: She received a scholarship for her meritorious performance in the civil services exam.

Courtly (adjective)

Very polite, graceful, and refined; behaving in an elegant way like people at a royal court. सभ्य, विनम्र, दरबारी ढंग का

Synonyms: Polite, Refined, Elegant, Gallant

Antonyms: Rude, Uncouth, Crude, Boorish

Example: His courtly manners and gentle speech impressed everyone at the formal gathering.

The editorial

Source: Root Word of the Day · 12 Dec 2025

Origin: The word MORPH originated from the Greek word MORPHE which means Form or Shape. The words derived from this possess the above meaning. Words: Allomorph = Any of two or more actual representations of a morpheme. Amorphous = Without a clearly defined shape or form. Apomorphy = A specialized trait or character that is unique to a group or species. Dimorphic = Occurring in or representing two distinct forms. Dysmorphia = A condition in which someone falsely believes that there is something seriously wrong. Ectomorph = A person with a lean and delicate build of body. Endomorph = A person with a soft round build of body and a high proportion of fat tissue. Geomorphology = The study of the physical features of the surface of the earth and their relation to its geological structures. Isomorphic = Corresponding or similar in form and relations. Mesomorph = A person whose build is compact and muscular. Metamorphic = Denoting or relating to rock that has undergone transformation by heat, pressure, or other natural agencies. Monomorphic = Having or existing in only one form. Morpheme = A meaningful morphological unit of a language that cannot be further divided. Morpheus = God of dreams. Morphine = An analgesic and narcotic drug obtained from opium and used medicinally to relieve pain. Morphology = The study of the forms of things, in particular. Perimorph = A crystal of one mineral enclosing that of another mineral. Polymorhism = The condition of occurring in several different forms. Pseudomorph = A crystal consisting of one mineral but having the form of another. Trimorphic = Occurring in or having three distinct forms. Zoomorph = Of or relating to a deity or other being conceived of as having the form of an animal.

Read the full editorial, free

Log in with your mobile number (no password) to read the whole text with the words highlighted. It takes 20 seconds and it is free.

Log in and read the full editorial →or open it in the Vocab24 app

Quick quiz: 5 questions on these words

Synonyms and antonyms, the way exams ask them. Answers show as you tap.

1. Synonym of Impromptu

2. Antonym of Subservient

3. Synonym of Meritorious

4. Antonym of Ramshackle

5. Synonym of Transgression

Want the full 30-question quiz with All India rank? It is in the Vocab24 app.

More from Root Word of the Day

Meaning  horse
Meaning horse
Sep 05, 2026
Meaning  holy  sacred
Meaning holy sacred
Sep 04, 2026
Meaning  gape
Meaning gape
Sep 03, 2026
Meaning  six
Meaning six
Sep 02, 2026
Meaning  seven
Meaning seven
Aug 31, 2026

Stay updated with The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 app, your definitive source for breaking news and comprehensive coverage from India and around the globe. Whether it's political developments, business updates, sports highlights, the latest technology trends, or current events, The Hindu brings live, accurate, and reliable news directly to your device.

Don’t fall for sensationalized or fake news shared online. Read and share accurate updates with friends and family through The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 app. Download it today!

News Coverage in The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 App

Breaking News: Receive instant notifications on breaking news stories as they unfold. Stay informed about major events and developments in India and around the world with live blogs, news in shorts videos, and concise articles.

Politics: Get the latest updates on Indian politics, including elections, policy changes, government decisions, and political events that shape the nation.

Business and Economy: Stay ahead in the economic landscape with detailed business news and market analysis. Learn about stock market trends, financial reports, corporate news, and economic developments to make informed investment decisions.

Current Events: Follow stories on social issues, policy changes, global events, and daily current affairs, tailored for UPSC and other competitive exam preparations.

Technology: Keep up with the latest gadgets, innovations, and tech trends. Read expert reviews and analyses in short, concise updates on cutting-edge technology from India and beyond.

Sports: Never miss a moment of your favorite sports. Get live scores, match reports, and expert analysis on cricket, football, tennis, and more.

International News: Stay informed about global events and geopolitical developments, including the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Palestine conflict, and other key international stories.

Local News: Stay connected to your community with the latest updates on city events, issues, and local news. Coverage includes hyperlocal updates from cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, and more.

Trending Topics: Discover what's trending today with the most talked-about stories and hot topics across India and the world.

Experience journalism that values integrity, accuracy, and reliability. Download The Hindu Editorial Vocab24 app today and stay connected with the world.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

* Your mail address will be fully secure . We don’t share!