Meaning be open

Root Word of the Day

20 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.

Moot (adjective/verb)

Open to discussion; debatable (विवाद योग्य). / Raise for discussion विचार के लिए उठाना

Synonyms: Debatable, Irrelevant, Academic, Unsettled

Antonyms: Relevant, Certain, Settled, Indisputable

Example: The point became moot after the policy was withdrawn.

Splurge (verb)

Spend money freely or extravagantly. फिजूलखर्ची करना

Synonyms: Lavish, Squander, Indulge, Spendthrift

Antonyms: Save, Economize, Hoard, Scrimp

Example: She decided to splurge on a new phone after getting her bonus.

Bedraggled (adjective)

Dirty and untidy, especially after being wet or in a mess. गीला और अस्त-व्यस्त

Synonyms: Disheveled, Scruffy, Unkempt, Soaked

Antonyms: Neat, Tidy, Groomed, Orderly

Example: He arrived bedraggled after walking through the heavy rain.

Skullduggery (noun)

Dishonest or unfair behavior, especially secret actions. धोखाधड़ी

Synonyms: Deceit, Trickery, Fraud, Chicanery

Antonyms: Honesty, Integrity, Fairness, Uprightness

Example: The deal was cancelled after evidence of skullduggery came to light.

Hodgepodge (noun)

A confused mixture of different things. मिश्रण

Synonyms: Mixture, Medley, Hotchpotch, Patchwork

Antonyms: Order, Uniformity, Consistency, Harmony

Example: The room was a hodgepodge of old furniture and modern gadgets.

Brouhaha (noun)

A noisy and overexcited reaction or uproar. हंगामा

Synonyms: Uproar, Commotion, Tumult, Hullabaloo

Antonyms: Calm, Silence, Peace, Tranquility

Example: There was a brouhaha in the hall when the results were announced.

Miasma (noun)

A heavy, unpleasant, and unhealthy smell or vapor. दुर्गंध

Synonyms: Stench, Fumes, Vapors, Noxiousness

Antonyms: Freshness, Fragrance, Purity, Cleanliness

Example: A miasma of smoke and garbage hung over the street.

Dour (adjective)

Stern, harsh, and gloomy in manner or appearance. उदास

Synonyms: Gloomy, Stern, Sullen, Grim

Antonyms: Cheerful, Pleasant, Friendly, Jovial

Example: His dour expression made everyone hesitate to speak.

Svelte (adjective)

Slender and graceful in appearance. सुडौल

Synonyms: Slim, Graceful, Elegant, Lithem

Antonyms: Plump, Bulky, Stocky, Clumsy

Example: She looked svelte in her new outfit.

Tremulous (adjective)

Shaking or quivering slightly, often from fear, nervousness, or emotion. काँपता हुआ; भय से थरथराता

Synonyms: Trembling, Quivering, Shaky, Timid

Antonyms: Steady, Firm, Confident, Unwavering

Example: With a tremulous voice, he asked if everything would be alright.

Consonance (noun)

The repetition of similar consonant sounds in nearby words, especially at the end or middle of words. व्यंजन ध्वनियों की पुनरावृत्ति

Synonyms: Harmonic agreement, Euphony, Resonance, Alliteration

Antonyms: Dissonance, Discord, Cacophony, Clashing

Example: The consonance in “blank and think” gives the line a musical flow.

Decadence (noun)

Moral or cultural decline, often marked by excessive luxury and lack of discipline. नैतिक या सांस्कृतिक पतन

Synonyms: Decline, Degeneration, Dissolution, Depravity

Antonyms: Purity, Discipline, Morality, Virtue

Example: Many critics saw the lavish lifestyle of the elites as a sign of decadence.

Procrastinate (verb)

Delay or postpone action; keep putting off doing something. टालमटोल करना

Synonyms: Postpone, Delay, Defer, Stall

Antonyms: Expedite, Advance, Accelerate, Complete

Example: He tends to procrastinate and finishes assignments at the last minute.

Germinate (verb)

Begin to grow and develop; (of a seed or spore) start sprouting. अंकुरित होना

Synonyms: Sprout, Bud, Grow, Develop

Antonyms: Wither, Die, Decay, Stagnate

Example: The seeds will germinate quickly in warm, moist soil.

Fluctuate (verb)

Rise and fall irregularly; change frequently in level, amount, or condition. उतार-चढ़ाव होना

Synonyms: Vary, Oscillate, Waver, Swing

Antonyms: Stabilize, Steady, Maintain, Fix

Example: Fuel prices fluctuate depending on global supply and demand.

Epitaph (noun)

A short text written on a tombstone in memory of a dead person. समाधि-लेख

Synonyms: Inscription, Eulogy, Tribute, Memorial

Antonyms: Obscurity, Forgetfulness, Neglect, Silence

Example: The epitaph on his grave described him as a kind and fearless man.

Calibrate (verb)

Make precise adjustments to a measuring instrument or system so it gives accurate results. अंशांकन करना

Synonyms: Adjust, Standardize, Fine-tune, Gauge

Antonyms: Miscalibrate, Misadjust, Misalign, Distort

Example: The engineer calibrated the pressure gauge before starting the experiment.

Intrusion (noun)

An unwelcome entry or interference into someone’s place, activity, or privacy. अनधिकार प्रवेश

Synonyms: Interference, Invasion, Encroachment, Trespass

Antonyms: Withdrawal, Retreat, Exit, Departure

Example: The constant phone calls felt like an intrusion into her personal life.

Amass (verb)

Gather together or collect a large amount of something, especially over time. संचय करना

Synonyms: Accumulate, Collect, Gather, Assemble

Antonyms: Disperse, Scatter, Dissipate, Squander

Example: She managed to amass a large collection of rare coins over the years.

Exhume (verb)

Dig out something buried, especially a dead body from a grave. कब्र से निकालना

Synonyms: Unearth, Dig up, Disinter, Extract

Antonyms: Bury, Inter, Conceal, Cover

Example: The authorities decided to exhume the body for further investigation.

The editorial

Source: Root Word of the Day · 14 Jan 2026

Origin: The word PAT originated from the Latin word PATERE which means Be open. The words derived from this possess the above meaning. Words: Impatent = Not potent; lacking in power Patefaction = The act of opening, disclosing, or manifesting Patella = The kneecap Patelliform = Disk-shaped with a narrow rim Paten = A shallow metal plate or dish Patency = The condition of being open or unobstructed Patent = A government authority or licence conferring a right or title for a set period Patera = A broad, shallow bowl-shaped feature on the surface of a planet

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.

Quick quiz: 5 questions on these words

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

1. Synonym of Exhume

2. Antonym of Germinate

3. Synonym of Amass

4. Antonym of Moot

5. Synonym of Brouhaha

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

Grammar

A to Z Vocab

Comprehesion

Idioms & Phrases

Phrasal Verbs

Root Words

Similar Words

1000+ Tests

Vocab Games

Vocab Dictionary

Linked Words

Previous Year Papers

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.