10 English vocabulary words which are curated for all competitive exams. As the weightage of vocabulary words is significantly becoming high, the learning of these words has become very important. Now let’s start these vocabulary words which you can use both in your daily conversation as well as in your writing skills.
1. Abeyance – The word abeyance, which is very much in the news these days, literally means something that is inactive or not in an active state.
Now, understand the vocabulary word abeyance with the sentence:
India has placed the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan into abeyance.
ਭਾਰਤ ਨੇ ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨ ਨਾਲ ਸਿੰਧੂ ਜਲ ਸਮਝੌਤੇ ਨੂੰ ਅਸਥਾਈ ਤੌਰ ’ਤੇ ਮੁਅੱਤਲ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਹੈ।
So, in the above sentence we get the contextual meaning of vocabulary word abeyance as to hold, not in an active state, dormant, suspended state, or not in present use. In the sentence, India has held the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, meaning India is not going to review it in the near future.
Synonyms: Suspension, Dormant, Cold Storage
Antonyms: active state, in process, ongoing
In Punjabi, its meaning is: ਮੁਅੱਤਲ ਕਰਨਾ।
2. Unprecedented – The word unprecedented (often asked in many exams, especially state level) literally means something that has never happened before.
Let’s understand this word with the given sentence:
The world has never witnessed the U.S.A.’s unprecedented approach against its non‑ally countries as the president of U.S.A. went all over to annex these countries pushing the whole world into an unrest state.
ਦੁਨੀਆ ਨੇ ਕਦੇ ਵੀ ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਦਾ ਨਵੇਕਲਾ ਰਵੱਈਆ ਆਪਣੇ ਗੈਰ‑ਮਿੱਤਰ ਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਵਿਰੁੱਧ ਨਹੀਂ ਵੇਖਿਆ, ਜਿਵੇਂ ਕਿ ਰਾਸ਼ਟਰਪਤੀ ਹਰ ਥਾਂ ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੇ ਨਾਲ ਮਿਲਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਪੂਰੀ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਨੂੰ ਅਸ਼ਾਂਤੀ ਦੇ ਹਾਲਤਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਧੱਕ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ।
So, from the sentence we can get the contextual meaning of unprecedented as something which has never happened before. The U.S.A. had never acted like this before, as they abducted the sitting president of another country and took him captive in the U.S.A.
So the synonyms are – Not common, Unique, Rare, etc.
Antonyms are – Very common, Usual, Daily stuff.
Meaning in Punjabi – ਨਵੇਕਲਾ
3. Arbiter- The word arbiter means a person or the authority who settles disputes among the parties, and acts as the judge, referee in disagreements, or peacemaker.
Now, understand the word arbiter with a sentence:
The U.S.A. became the arbiter between Gaza and Israel who have been at war for two years.
ਅਮਰੀਕਾ ਗਾਜ਼ਾ ਅਤੇ ਇਸਰਾਇਲ ਦੇ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ ਪੰਚ ਬਣ ਗਿਆ, ਜੋ ਪਿਛਲੇ ਦੋ ਸਾਲਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਜੰਗ ਵਿੱਚ ਹਨ।
So, in the above sentence you can get the contextual meaning of arbiter, which literally means someone who becomes the judge to solve problems between two parties. In the shared sentence the U.S.A. tried to settle the dispute between Gaza and Israel by acting as an arbiter for these countries.
Synonyms are – Referee, Peacemaker, Umpire, Controller
Now the antonyms are – Troublemaker, Disruptive, Biased
Meaning in Punjabi – ਪੰਚ
4. Tame- The word tame which is again very common and favourite for the examiner, which means to control or reduce especially in prices of the commodities.
Now understand the word tame with sentence:
Our government tried to shift their focus to tame inflation and stabilize the economy.
ਸਾਡੀ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨੇ ਆਪਣਾ ਧਿਆਨ ਮਹਿੰਗਾਈ ‘ਤੇ ਕਾਬੂ ਪਾਉਣ ਅਤੇ ਅਰਥਵਿਵਸਥਾ ਨੂੰ ਸਥਿਰ ਕਰਨ ਵੱਲ ਕੇਂਦ੍ਰਿਤ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਕੀਤੀ।
So in the above sentence you can get the contextual meaning of the word tame as to control or reduce or check inflation. As in the above sentence the government tried to control the prices of commodities to reduce the price.
Synonyms are – to curb, check, stabilize, regulate
Now antonyms are – Boost, Exacerbate, Fuel
In Punjabi – ਕਾਬੂ ਕਰਨਾ, ਨਿਯੰਤਰਣ ਵਿਚ ਕਰਨਾ, ਰੋਕ ਲਗਾਉਣਾ
5. Scourge- The word scourge which literally means a very serious and widespread problem that causes suffering or harms somebody.
Now understand the word scourge with the sentence:
India is located in a geographical region whose neighbors are often notorious and pose a threat to its citizens.
ਭਾਰਤ ਇੱਕ ਭੂਗੋਲਿਕ ਖੇਤਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਥਿਤ ਹੈ ਜਿਸ ਦੇ ਪਡੋਸੀ ਅਕਸਰ ਬਦਨਾਮ ਹਨ ਅਤੇ ਇਸ ਦੇ ਨਾਗਰਿਕਾਂ ਲਈ ਖ਼ਤਰਾ ਪੈਦਾ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ।
From the above sentence you can get the contextual meaning of scourge as India’s location which is in a geographical area where other neighbouring countries try to show friendship in front of India but behind the scenes they always join others for the ill will of India, so that’s why they become a scourge.
Its synonyms are – Evil, Threat, Curse, Ill manner
Antonyms – Friends, Relief, Blessing
Scourge (Punjabi): ਆਫਤ, ਬਲਾਹ, ਵੱਡੀ ਮੁਸੀਬਤ, ਉਹ ਚੀਜ਼ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਬਹੁਤ ਦੁੱਖ, ਡਰ ਅਤੇ ਨੁਕਸਾਨ ਪਹੁੰਚਾਏ
6. Menace- The word menace which literally means a danger that is very serious, which can cause harm, fear and instability, so it should be stopped.
Now, understand the word Menace with the sentence:
The world, which is in the present state where the most powerful countries are at war with each other and also getting involved in other countries’ instability, has led to the menace of the peace of the world and it should be stopped right now.
ਦੁਨੀਆ ਆਪਣੇ ਮੌਜੂਦਾ ਹਾਲਾਤਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ, ਜਿੱਥੇ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਤਾਕਤਵਰ ਦੇਸ਼ ਇਕ‑ਦੂਜੇ ਨਾਲ ਜੰਗ ਕਰ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ ਅਤੇ ਹੋਰ ਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਦੀ ਅਸਥਿਰਤਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਵੀ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹੋ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ, ਇਸ ਕਾਰਨ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਦੀ ਅਮਨ‑ਸ਼ਾਂਤੀ ਲਈ ਵੱਡਾ ਖਤਰਾ ਪੈਦਾ ਹੋ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ, ਅਤੇ ਇਸਨੂੰ ਤੁਰੰਤ ਰੋਕਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ।
So its meaning is similar with scourge as they are synonyms of each other, but scourge figuratively means something that causes widespread suffering, and menace is a serious threat that can lead to disturbed stability.
So its synonyms are – Intolerance, Danger, Risk, Threat
Antonyms – Guard, Shield, Protection
In Punjabi – ਖ਼ਤਰਾ, ਧਮਕੀ, ਮੁਸੀਬਤ, ਸਮਾਜ ਲਈ ਖ਼ਤਰਨਾਕ ਤੱਤ।
7. Jeopardise- The word Jeopardise which literally means to put at risk or in danger. So Jeopardised means that something might be in danger but not at present, as it does not necessarily mean it has already been damaged or is in danger.
Now understand with the sentence:
Bangladesh Cricket Board refused to play in India and pressed the ICC to reschedule matches outside India which could jeopardise the integrity of the ICC.
ਬੰਗਲਾਦੇਸ਼ ਕ੍ਰਿਕਟ ਬੋਰਡ ਨੇ ਭਾਰਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਖੇਡਣ ਤੋਂ ਇਨਕਾਰ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਅਤੇ ਆਈ.ਸੀ.ਸੀ. ‘ਤੇ ਦਬਾਅ ਬਣਾਇਆ ਕਿ ਮੈਚਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਭਾਰਤ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਹਰ ਮੁੜ ਤਹਿ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾਵੇ, ਜਿਸ ਨਾਲ ਆਈ.ਸੀ.ਸੀ. ਦੀ ਸਾਖ ਖਤਰੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਪੈ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ।
Now from the sentence above, as the Bangladesh Cricket Board was politically motivated and stated the reason not to play in India as security concerns, but ICC refused to do so as it may harm the image of the ICC. Because the World Cup event is organized and scheduled by the ICC, jeopardise here means to harm the image.
Synonyms are – Compromise, Threaten, Undermine, Endanger etc.
Antonyms are – Friendly, Cooperative etc.
Meaning in Punjabi – ਖਤਰੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਾਉਣਾ, ਵਿਗਾੜਨਾ, ਨੁਕਸਾਨ ਪਹੁੰਚਾਉਣਾ
8. Vociferous- The word vociferous which literally means loud, noisy, and enthusiastic. So vociferous is again a very favourite vocabulary word for the examiner, which means to have a very joyful and high spirit for something.
Now understand the meaning with the sentence:
Many vociferous spectators came to the stadium in Ladakh to watch their favourite sport, ice hockey, at the Khelo India Winter Games.
ਲਦਾਖ ਦੇ ਸਟੇਡੀਅਮ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਈ ਉੱਚੀ ਆਵਾਜ਼ ਵਾਲੇ ਦਰਸ਼ਕ ਆਪਣੇ ਮਨਪਸੰਦ ਖੇਡ ਆਈਸ ਹਾਕੀ ਦੇਖਣ ਲਈ ਖੇਲੋ ਇੰਡੀਆ ਵਿਂਟਰ ਗੇਮਜ਼ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਹੁੰਚੇ।
Now in the sentence, where the Khelo India Winter Games are being held in Ladakh, many outspoken, cheerful, and vocal people went to see the game of ice hockey, which is their favourite sport. From the given sentence we can get the contextual meaning of vociferous as to be more enthusiastic and more outspoken.
Synonyms are – Outspoken, Vocal, Eager, Enthusiastic etc.
Antonyms are – Silent, Quiet, Calm, Peaceful etc.
Meaning in Punjabi – ਉੱਚੀ ਆਵਾਜ਼ ਵਾਲਾ / ਸ਼ੋਰਗੁਲ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲਾ / ਜ਼ੋਰ ਨਾਲ ਬੋਲਣ ਵਾਲਾ
9. SouthPaw- The word southpaw is again a very important vocabulary word for your upcoming exams as it means the person who uses the left hand as his main working one. So southpaw literally means the person who uses his left hand as his main hand, just as a right‑handed person does, which is also known as the left‑hander.
Now understand the meaning with a sentence:
The great comedian Kapil Sharma is the southpaw and he is proud of it.
ਮਹਾਨ ਕੌਮੇਡੀਅਨ ਕਪਿਲ ਸ਼ਰਮਾ ਖੱਬੂ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਉਸਨੂੰ ਇਸ ‘ਤੇ ਮਾਣ ਹੈ।
Now in the above sentence you may get the meaning of the word southpaw as left‑handed, as India’s great comedian Kapil Sharma is a left‑handed person who is very proud of it. But in ancient times, or even among some people now, it is thought that left‑handed persons are not very good or have something different. They think it is a curse or a clumsy thing. So many synonyms are also there for southpaw which carry the sense of clumsiness, e.g. maladroit.
Now synonyms of Southpaw – Left‑handed, Sinister‑handed
Antonyms are – Right‑handed
Now meaning in Punjabi – ਖਵੂ, ਖੱਬੇ ਹੱਥ ਦਾ ਪਰਯੋਗ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲਾ।
10. Pyrotechnics – The word pyrotechnics literally means the display of fireworks.
Now, let’s understand its meaning with the sentence:
Abhishek Sharma, the southpaw batter of the Indian cricket team, showed his pyrotechnics against arch‑rivals New Zealand in the T20I, where he scored 84 runs in just 34 balls.
ਅਭਿਸ਼ੇਕ ਸ਼ਰਮਾ, ਜੋ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਕ੍ਰਿਕਟ ਟੀਮ ਦਾ ਖੱਬੂ ਬੱਲੇਬਾਜ਼ ਹੈ, ਉਸਨੇ ਨਿਊਜ਼ੀਲੈਂਡ ਜੋ ਮੁੱਖ ਵਿਰੋਧੀਆਂ ਵਿਰੁੱਧ ਟੀ20I ਮੈਚ ਵਿੱਚ ਆਪਣੀ ਆਤਸ਼ਬਾਜ਼ੀ ਦਿਖਾਈ, ਜਿੱਥੇ ਉਸਨੇ ਸਿਰਫ਼ 34 ਗੇਂਦਾਂ ‘ਤੇ 84 ਰਨ ਬਣਾਏ।
Here, the meaning of pyrotechnics is “display of fireworks.” But in the contextual sense, it refers to power hitting—striking sixes with massive height and impact, just like fireworks lighting up the sky.
Synonyms: hard hitting, power hitting, power display
Antonyms: dull, timid
Meaning in Punjabi: ਆਤਸ਼ਬਾਜ਼ੀ / ਸ਼ਾਨਦਾਰ ਪ੍ਰਦਰਸ਼ਨ
So, in this article we have studied 10 English vocabulary words with detailed explanations. We hope you won’t forget these vocabulary words, and now you are required to make sentences of your own with these vocabulary words and share them with us on WhatsApp or Facebook so that we can evaluate your learning of these vocabulary words.
On rankerschoice.com, you can read other vocabulary words explained in the same way as in this article, and strengthen your preparation for better opportunities in the upcoming exams.
