The editorial
Source: Root word of the day · 21 Feb 2026About: The root word “Vac” used in many English words, is derived from Latin word “Vacuus” which means “Empty”. Various prefixes and suffixes are added to create new words, however the implicated sense of “empty” always exists. Words: Evacuate (verb) - Remove (someone) from a place of danger to a safer place. Evacuation (noun) - The action of evacuating a person or a place. Evacuee (noun) - A person evacuated from a place of danger Vacuum (noun) - A space entirely devoid of matter. Vacancy (noun) - An unoccupied position or job. Vacant (adjective) - Of a place) not occupied; empty. Vacate (verb) - Leave (a place that one previously occupied). Vacation (noun) - The action of leaving something one previously occupied. Vacuity (noun) -Lack of thought or intelligence; empty-headedness. Vacuole (noun) - A space or vesicle within the cytoplasm of a cell, enclosed by a membrane and typically containing fluid. Vacuous (adjective) - Having or showing a lack of thought or intelligence; mindless.
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 app20 words from this day's editorials with Hindi meaning
The important words of this editorial with Hindi meaning, synonyms, antonyms and an example. Tap a word for its dictionary page.
Apoplectic (adjective)
Extremely angry; furious. अत्यंत क्रोधित
Synonyms: Furious, Enraged, Incensed, Irate
Antonyms: Calm, Composed, Placid, Unruffled
Example: The manager became apoplectic when he discovered the repeated accounting errors.
Neologism (noun)
A newly coined word or expression. नवशब्द
Synonyms: Coinage, New word, Invention, Novel term
Antonyms: Archaism, Old word, Traditional expression, Established term
Example: Selfie is a neologism that became common worldwide within a few years.
Mountebank (noun)
A person who deceives others, especially to trick them into buying something. धोखेबाज़
Synonyms: Charlatan, Fraud, Impostor, Quack
Antonyms: Honest person, Truth-teller, Genuine expert, Reliable person
Example: The so-called healer was exposed as a mountebank who sold fake cures.
Effigy (noun)
A model or statue of a person, often made to be destroyed as a protest. प्रतिमा
Synonyms: Image, Statue, Figure, Likeness
Antonyms: Original, Person, Reality, Living being
Example: Protesters burned an effigy of the leader to show their anger.
Savant (noun)
A highly knowledgeable and learned person; an expert, especially in a particular field. विद्वान
Synonyms: Scholar, Expert, Intellectual, Authority
Antonyms: Ignoramus, Novice, Amateur, Philistine
Example: She is a math savant who can solve complex problems in seconds.
Ablution (noun)
The act of washing oneself; ritual cleansing, especially for religious purposes. स्नान
Synonyms: Washing, Cleansing, Bathing, Purification
Antonyms: Filthiness, Dirtiness, Contamination, Defilement
Example: Before entering the temple, he performed ablution as a sign of purity.
Cloying (adjective)
Excessively sweet, rich, or sentimental to the point of being disgusting. उबाऊ
Synonyms: Sickening, Overly sweet, Maudlin, Saccharine
Antonyms: Pleasant, Refreshing, Subtle, Natural
Example: The dessert was so cloying that I couldn’t finish even a few bites.
Idolatry (noun)
The worship of idols; extreme admiration or devotion to someone or something. मूर्तिपूजा
Synonyms: Idol worship, Adoration, Veneration, Reverence
Antonyms: Irreverence, Disrespect, Criticism, Skepticism
Example: His idolatry of celebrities made him ignore their obvious flaws.
Dirge (noun)
A mournful song or piece of music, especially for a funeral. शोकगीत
Synonyms: Lament, Elegy, Funeral song, Threnody
Antonyms: Celebration song, Carol, Anthem, Rejoicing song
Example: A soft dirge was played as the funeral procession moved forward.
Elegy (noun)
A poem or song expressing sorrow, especially for someone who has died. शोकगीत
Synonyms: Lament, Dirge, Eulogy, Threnody
Antonyms: Ode, Paean, Celebration, Hymn
Example: The poet wrote an elegy to mourn his friend’s sudden death.
Inception (noun)
The beginning or start of something, especially an idea, plan, or process. आरंभ
Synonyms: Beginning, Start, Origin, Commencement
Antonyms: Conclusion, End, Finish, Termination
Example: The inception of the new policy brought major changes to the company.
Impending (adjective)
About to happen soon; likely to occur in the near future, often something negative. आसन्न
Synonyms: Imminent, Approaching, Forthcoming, Looming
Antonyms: Distant, Remote, Unlikely, Receding
Example: Dark clouds gathered, warning of an impending storm.
Extravagant (adjective)
Lacking restraint in spending money or using resources; excessively elaborate or expensive. फिजूलखर्च
Synonyms: Lavish, Excessive, Overindulgent, Profligate
Antonyms: Frugal, Moderate, Simple, Economical
Example: He threw an extravagant wedding party that cost more than he could afford.
Disarray (noun)
A state of disorder or confusion; lack of organization. अव्यवस्था
Synonyms: Disorder, Confusion, Chaos, Mess
Antonyms: Order, Organization, Arrangement, Neatness
Example: After the sudden announcement, the entire meeting room fell into disarray.
Industrious (adjective)
Hard-working and diligent; consistently putting in effort. परिश्रमी
Synonyms: Diligent, Hardworking, Assiduous, Tireless
Antonyms: Lazy, Idle, Slothful, Negligent
Example: She is an industrious student who studies every day without excuses.
Crestfallen (adjective)
Feeling very sad, disappointed, or embarrassed, especially after a defeat or failure. हताश
Synonyms: Dejected, Downcast, Disheartened, Despondent
Antonyms: Elated, Jubilant, Cheerful, Encouraged
Example: He looked crestfallen after hearing that he had not been selected.
Doctrine (noun)
A set of beliefs or principles taught and accepted by a group, especially in religion, politics, or law. सिद्धांत
Synonyms: Principle, Belief, Teaching, Dogma
Antonyms: Doubt, Disbelief, Uncertainty, Skepticism
Example: The party’s doctrine focuses on equality and social justice.
Nomadic (adjective)
Living a life of moving from place to place rather than staying in one permanent location. खानाबदोश
Synonyms: Wandering, Roaming, Migratory, Itinerant
Antonyms: Settled, Stable, Stationary, Permanent
Example: Nomadic tribes often move with their animals in search of water and grass.
Haven (noun)
A safe place or shelter, especially during danger or trouble. आश्रय
Synonyms: Refuge, Shelter, Sanctuary, Safe haven
Antonyms: Danger, Threat, Peril, Hazard
Example: The library became a quiet haven for students during exams.
Ungainly (adjective)
Awkward, clumsy, or lacking grace in movement or appearance. भद्दा
Synonyms: Awkward, Clumsy, Uncoordinated, Lumbering
Antonyms: Graceful, Agile, Elegant, Coordinated
Example: The ungainly puppy kept tripping over its own paws while running.
Quick quiz: 5 questions on these words
Synonyms and antonyms, the way exams ask them. Answers show as you tap.
1. Synonym of Cloying
2. Antonym of Extravagant
3. Synonym of Mountebank
4. Antonym of Ablution
5. Synonym of Effigy
Want the full 30-question quiz with All India rank? It is in the Vocab24 app.
Ped / Pod
Sep 09, 2026Loqu / Locu
Sep 08, 2026Meaning way
Sep 07, 2026Meaning horse
Sep 05, 2026Meaning holy sacred
Sep 04, 2026Meaning gape
Sep 03, 2026Unlock everything, every day
- Tap any word for its meaning, unlimited (free: 10 taps a day)
- All 6 editorials daily (The Hindu, Indian Express topics, long read), not just the free ones
- All 20 words with Hindi meaning, examples and memory tricks
- 1000+ practice tests: cloze, one word, spelling, spotting errors, idioms, RC and previous year papers
- Unlimited live speaking practice with real people
- 60+ A to Z vocabulary videos (3000+ words with tricks) in the app
One Prime for the website and the app, same login. Videos play in the app.

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!









