The Vocab Weekly

DWINDLE

Dwindle In dire circumstances, hope dwindles. In situations when we absolutely need some money, the moolah (Informal term for money) dwindles. In situations when we need to be mentally strong, our faith and confidence dwindles. And the golden rule of life: youth has to dwindle. The above are in itself explanatory with respect to the meaning of dwindle, arent they? Dictionary definition for Dwindle: 1. To become gradually less until little remains. There are more than a few words that can be learned from this paragraph: 1. Contretemps:Read here. 2. Anonymous: Having no known name or identity or known source. 3. Vying: Compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others 4. Piety: Righteousness by virtue of being pious

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May 23-May 31| Issue 32

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EBBING

Ebbing Ebbing in Context: In the given context, the word ebbing means that the momentum of the movement is giving away, it is falling to pieces. Ebbing comes from the word ebb. Ebb can mean the following: 1. The flowing back of the tide as the water returns to the sea ( opposed to flood, flow). 2. A flowing backward or away; decline or decay: the ebb of a once great nation. 3. A point of decline: His fortunes were at a low ebb. From the above, we derive the meaning of ebbing: a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number). Three idioms based on the word ebb and in common usage are: Ebb tide: the ebbing tide They sailed on the ebb tide. At a low ebb: In a poor or depressed state She was at a low ebb after the operation. On the ebb: Ebbing or getting less His power is on the ebb.

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May 23-May 31| Issue 32

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GRUELLING

Gruelling/Grueling (The difference in spelling depends on the version of English you adopt: Single L is American and Double L is British) To gruel is to go through the hard laps, toil hard and spend every ounce of your energy to the point where one might end up exhausted and without an ounce of energy. Working in factories, on construction sites or as daily wage laborers: these are some grueling activities. Dictionary definition for gruelling: Physically or mentally demanding to the point of exhaustion. There are a few words that can be learned from this paragraph: 1. Contemplating: To think deeply about something. 2. Candid: Being absolutely frank and honest about something. We seldom find such personalities in our life. 3. Junket: A junket is a journey taken for pleasure.

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LITANY

Litany Litany in Context: Litanies are pretty common. Need to see one? Be on the lookout for a girlfriend going after her boyfriend. What ensues in the conversation is a long list of complaints that just does not seem to end. It goes on and on, it is a recital of sorts. That is what a litany is: a tiring recital. In the current context, Mr. Fai refers to the lost process of bilateral talks between India and Pakistan as a litany, a long and tedious process that has bore no fruit. Dictionary definition for Litany: 1. A prayer consisting of a series of invocations by the priest with responses from the congregation. 2. Any long and tedious address or recital. Other Words to learn from this section: Steadfastly: With resolute determination. Tripartite: Involving three parties or elements.

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May 23-May 31| Issue 32

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OBSCURANTISM

Obscurantism Obscurantism is word that comes to us from the word obscure. Obscure, we all know, means to make things less visible or clear. It is making things hazy. And obscurantism is a policy of opposition to enlightenment or the spread of knowledge, that is to make knowledge obscure. We can say it is the practice of making things obscure. Dictionary definition for obscurantism: 1. Opposition to the increase and spread of knowledge. (noun) 2. Deliberate obscurity or evasion of clarity. (noun) Obscurantism in Context: The given context for this word is fact one of the best ones that can define the word: the kind of issues women face in countries such as Pakistan is as much an outcome of obscurantism as anything else. Isnt it so?

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REJIG

Rejig Rejig in Context: The given context is actually a pretty good explanation for rejig: the reshuffle that we had in the cabinet of ministers. A reshuffle is essentially a rejig. There are two more words that can learnt from this paragraph: 1. Revamp: To renovate and restore. 2. Belie: Be in contradiction with. Dictionary definition for Rejig: 1. (Business / Commerce) to re-equip (a factory or plant) 2. To rearrange, alter, or manipulate, sometimes in a slightly dishonest way.

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May 23-May 31| Issue 32

The Vocab Weekly

RENEGE

Renege Renege in Context: People often do this. At times it becomes part of their nature: to renege agreements, promises and like. Barack Obama has done it and that is what the paragraph highlights. He has backed down on a few of his promises, in other words, he has reneged on them. (The one who reneges is a reneger. Reneger is the noun form for renege.) Memory tip for Renege: Remember, POLITICIANS ALWAYS RENEGE! It is almost their job to do so. Dictionary definition for Renege: 1. To fail to carry out a promise or commitment: reneged on the contract at the last minute.

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May 23-May 31| Issue 32

The Vocab Weekly

Work Out Zone

Work Out 1: Match the following words with their respective meanings or synonyms. Word 1 Dwindle 2 Ebbing 3 Gruelling 4 Litany 5 Obscurantism 6 Rejig 7 Renege Meaning or Synonym A Wane B Taxing C Prayer D Revoke E Diminish F Deception G rearrange

Work Out 2: Did you really understand the word? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Alcohol use should not dwindle with time. Chances of fighting cancer do not ebb with time. Gruelling work should be undertaken in summer heat. Litanies take place in temples and churches. Obscurantism should be avoided as a policy. One should never renege on ones promises. A rejig of positions takes places in any election. yes yes yes yes yes yes yes no no no no no no no

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Answers: Work Out Zone

Work Out 1 1-A, 2-E, 3-B, 4-C, 5-F, 6-G, 7-D Work Out 2 1-no, 2-no, 3-no, 4-yes, 5-yes, 6-yes, 7-yes

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