What is the meaning of 'Edifice' in Hindi & English?

Edifice (noun) means 'A large, imposing building, or a complex system of beliefs or organization.'. Hindi Meaning: भव्य भवन या कोई बड़ा ढांचा/व्यवस्था. Synonyms: Structure, Building, Construction.

What is the meaning of 'Abutting' in Hindi & English?

Abutting (verb (used as adjective/participle)) means 'Sharing a common boundary; bordering or touching.'. Hindi Meaning: सटा हुआ या सीमा से लगा हुआ. Synonyms: Bordering, Adjacent, Conterminous.

What is the meaning of 'Haphazard' in Hindi & English?

Haphazard (adjective) means 'Lacking any obvious principle of organization; random or disorganized.'. Hindi Meaning: बेतरतीब, अस्त-व्यस्त या अव्यवस्थित. Synonyms: Chaotic, Random, Disorganized, Aimless.

What is the meaning of 'Absolved' in Hindi & English?

Absolved (verb (past tense)) means 'Set or declared free from blame, guilt, or responsibility.'. Hindi Meaning: दोषमुक्त करना या जिम्मेदारी से मुक्त करना. Synonyms: Exonerated, Acquitted, Exempted, Cleared.

What is the meaning of 'Citing' in Hindi & English?

Citing (verb (present participle)) means 'Referring to something as a passage, book, or author as evidence or justification.'. Hindi Meaning: हवाला देना, उल्लेख करना या उद्धृत करना. Synonyms: Quoting, Referencing, Alluding to, Mentioning.

What is the meaning of 'Flout' in Hindi & English?

Flout (verb) means 'Openly disregard a rule, law, or convention.'. Hindi Meaning: नियम या कानून का उल्लंघन करना (धज्जियां उड़ाना). Synonyms: Defy, Violate, Disobey, Scorn.

What is the meaning of 'Bylaws' in Hindi & English?

Bylaws (noun (plural)) means 'Regulations or local laws made by a local authority or corporation.'. Hindi Meaning: उपनियम, स्थानीय या नगरपालिका के कानून. Synonyms: Regulations, Ordinances, Local laws, Rules.

What is the meaning of 'Sanity' in Hindi & English?

Sanity (noun) means 'The ability to think and behave in a normal and rational manner; mental health.'. Hindi Meaning: मानसिक संतुलन, समझदारी या मानसिक स्वस्थता. Synonyms: Rationality, Reasonableness, Mental health, Someness.

What is the meaning of 'Harness' in Hindi & English?

Harness (verb) means 'Control and make use of (natural resources or a potential power) for a constructive purpose.'. Hindi Meaning: नियंत्रित करना और उपयोग में लाना (संसाधन या क्षमता को). Synonyms: Utilize, Exploit, Channel, Mobilize.

What is the meaning of 'Stringent' in Hindi & English?

Stringent (adjective) means 'Strict, precise, and exacting.'. Hindi Meaning: कठोर, सख्त या कड़ा (नियम/नीति). Synonyms: Rigorous, Strict, Severe, Inflexible.

The Hindu Editorial Vocabulary: Falling edifice: On the Delhi private hostel building collapse (2026-09-08) | Hindi Meaning & Synonyms

📅 September 09, 2026 ✍️ author 🏷️ Idioms Phrasal Verbs September The Hindu Vocabulary

📰 The Hindu • 2026-09-08

The Hindu Editorial Vocabulary: Falling edifice: On the Delhi private hostel building collapse (2026-09-08) | Hindi Meaning & Synonyms

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Edifice

(noun)

🗣️ ED-uh-fis (एडिफिस)

English Definition

A large, imposing building, or a complex system of beliefs or organization.

हिंदी अर्थ

भव्य भवन या कोई बड़ा ढांचा/व्यवस्था

📝 Editorial Context: "Falling edifice: On the Delhi private hostel building collapse"

✓ Synonyms: Structure, Building, Construction

✗ Antonyms: Ruin, Destruction

💡 Mnemonic Memory Trick:

'Edi' (like Head) + 'fice' (like Office) = Head office की बड़ी building (Edifice).

🌱 Root Word Breakdown: From Latin 'aedificium' meaning building.

Abutting

(verb (used as adjective/participle))

🗣️ uh-BUT-ing (अबटिंग)

English Definition

Sharing a common boundary; bordering or touching.

हिंदी अर्थ

सटा हुआ या सीमा से लगा हुआ

📝 Editorial Context: "...in a densely populated colony abutting Delhi University’s South Campus..."

✓ Synonyms: Bordering, Adjacent, Conterminous

✗ Antonyms: Distant, Detached, Apart

💡 Mnemonic Memory Trick:

'Butt' (किनारा या छोर) का आपस में touch होना = Abutting (सीमावर्ती)।

🌱 Root Word Breakdown: From Old French 'abouter' meaning to join end to end.

Haphazard

(adjective)

🗣️ hap-HAZ-urd (हैपहज़र्ड)

English Definition

Lacking any obvious principle of organization; random or disorganized.

हिंदी अर्थ

बेतरतीब, अस्त-व्यस्त या अव्यवस्थित

📝 Editorial Context: "...brought to light the twin issues of haphazard development in the capital city’s residential areas..."

✓ Synonyms: Chaotic, Random, Disorganized, Aimless

✗ Antonyms: Systematic, Methodical, Planned

💡 Mnemonic Memory Trick:

Hap (happens by chance) + Hazard (risk) = बिना प्लानिंग के किया गया काम हमेशा अस्त-व्यस्त और खतरनाक (haphazard) होता है।

🌱 Root Word Breakdown: From 'hap' (chance/luck) + 'hazard' (danger/risk).

Absolved

(verb (past tense))

🗣️ ab-ZOLVD (अब्ज़ॉल्व्ड)

English Definition

Set or declared free from blame, guilt, or responsibility.

हिंदी अर्थ

दोषमुक्त करना या जिम्मेदारी से मुक्त करना

📝 Editorial Context: "The University has, for all practical purposes, absolved itself of the responsibility..."

✓ Synonyms: Exonerated, Acquitted, Exempted, Cleared

✗ Antonyms: Blamed, Charged, Held responsible

💡 Mnemonic Memory Trick:

Ab (अब) + Solve (सुलझ गया) = अब मामला सुलझ गया है, इसलिए उसे जिम्मेदारी से मुक्त (Absolve) कर दिया गया।

🌱 Root Word Breakdown: From Latin 'absolvere' meaning to loosen, set free.

Citing

(verb (present participle))

🗣️ SYT-ing (साइटिंग)

English Definition

Referring to something as a passage, book, or author as evidence or justification.

हिंदी अर्थ

हवाला देना, उल्लेख करना या उद्धृत करना

📝 Editorial Context: "...absolved itself of the responsibility, citing lack of land..."

✓ Synonyms: Quoting, Referencing, Alluding to, Mentioning

✗ Antonyms: Ignoring, Disregarding, Concealing

💡 Mnemonic Memory Trick:

जब आप किसी 'Site' (वेबसाइट/स्थान) का प्रमाण देते हैं, तो आप उसे 'Cite' (साइट) कर रहे होते हैं।

🌱 Root Word Breakdown: From Latin 'citare' meaning to summon or call.

Flout

(verb)

🗣️ FLOWT (फ़्लाउट)

English Definition

Openly disregard a rule, law, or convention.

हिंदी अर्थ

नियम या कानून का उल्लंघन करना (धज्जियां उड़ाना)

📝 Editorial Context: "...buildings that flout building bylaws and fire safety regulations..."

✓ Synonyms: Defy, Violate, Disobey, Scorn

✗ Antonyms: Comply, Observe, Obey, Respect

💡 Mnemonic Memory Trick:

Flout sounds like 'Fly out' = कानून की सीमा से बाहर उड़ जाना यानी नियमों का सरेआम उल्लंघन करना।

🌱 Root Word Breakdown: Probably from Middle Dutch 'fluiten' meaning to whistle or mock.

Bylaws

(noun (plural))

🗣️ BY-lawz (बाय-लॉज़)

English Definition

Regulations or local laws made by a local authority or corporation.

हिंदी अर्थ

उपनियम, स्थानीय या नगरपालिका के कानून

📝 Editorial Context: "...often located in buildings that flout building bylaws and fire safety regulations..."

✓ Synonyms: Regulations, Ordinances, Local laws, Rules

✗ Antonyms: Constitutions, Federal laws (broad scale)

💡 Mnemonic Memory Trick:

By (पास की/स्थानीय) + Laws = स्थानीय स्तर के नियम या Bylaws।

🌱 Root Word Breakdown: From Old Norse 'bý' (town) + 'lög' (law).

Sanity

(noun)

🗣️ SAN-i-tee (सैनिटी)

English Definition

The ability to think and behave in a normal and rational manner; mental health.

हिंदी अर्थ

मानसिक संतुलन, समझदारी या मानसिक स्वस्थता

📝 Editorial Context: "...realise that they are paying to live in the city not just in monetary terms but with their safety, security and sanity."

✓ Synonyms: Rationality, Reasonableness, Mental health, Someness

✗ Antonyms: Insanity, Madness, Lunacy

💡 Mnemonic Memory Trick:

'Insane' का मतलब पागल होता है, तो उसका उल्टा 'Sane' (समझदार) और उसकी स्थिति 'Sanity' (मानसिक संतुलन)।

🌱 Root Word Breakdown: From Latin 'sanitas' meaning health or soundness.

Harness

(verb)

🗣️ HAR-nis (हार-नेस)

English Definition

Control and make use of (natural resources or a potential power) for a constructive purpose.

हिंदी अर्थ

नियंत्रित करना और उपयोग में लाना (संसाधन या क्षमता को)

📝 Editorial Context: "...harness the soft power of its youth..."

✓ Synonyms: Utilize, Exploit, Channel, Mobilize

✗ Antonyms: Waste, Squander, Neglect

💡 Mnemonic Memory Trick:

घोड़े को 'Harness' (लगाम) पहनाकर उसकी ऊर्जा को नियंत्रण में लिया जाता है और काम कराया जाता है।

🌱 Root Word Breakdown: From Old French 'herneis' meaning military equipment.

Stringent

(adjective)

🗣️ STRIN-juhnt (स्ट्रिंजेंट)

English Definition

Strict, precise, and exacting.

हिंदी अर्थ

कठोर, सख्त या कड़ा (नियम/नीति)

📝 Editorial Context: "...introducing a stringent policy under which every building used for public activity would be required..."

✓ Synonyms: Rigorous, Strict, Severe, Inflexible

✗ Antonyms: Lenient, Lax, Flexible

💡 Mnemonic Memory Trick:

Stringent sounds like 'Strict Agent' = जो हर काम में बहुत कड़ा और सख्त हो।

🌱 Root Word Breakdown: From Latin 'stringere' meaning to bind tight.

Audits

(noun (plural))

🗣️ AW-dits (ऑडिट्स)

English Definition

Systematic and official examinations or verification of safety, finances, or structures.

हिंदी अर्थ

समीक्षा, आधिकारिक जांच या ऑडिट

📝 Editorial Context: "...periodic structural audits and obtain safety certifications."

✓ Synonyms: Inspections, Scrutinies, Assessments, Reviews

✗ Antonyms: Neglect, Oversight (carelessness)

💡 Mnemonic Memory Trick:

Audit करने वाले अधिकारी ध्यान से 'Audio' (सुनकर) और देखकर सब कुछ जांचते हैं।

🌱 Root Word Breakdown: From Latin 'auditus' meaning a hearing.

Reactive

(adjective)

🗣️ ree-AK-tiv (री-ऐक्टिव)

English Definition

Acting in response to a situation or event rather than creating or controlling it (proactive).

हिंदी अर्थ

प्रतिक्रियाशील (समस्या आने के बाद कदम उठाना, पहले नहीं)

📝 Editorial Context: "It must go beyond these reactive measures to seek more durable solutions."

✓ Synonyms: Reflexive, Responsive, Retrospective

✗ Antonyms: Proactive, Preventative, Anticipatory

💡 Mnemonic Memory Trick:

Action होने के बाद 'React' करना = Reactive (जो पहले से तैयार नहीं रहता)।

🌱 Root Word Breakdown: Based on 'react' + '-ive'.

Durable

(adjective)

🗣️ DUR-uh-buhl (ड्यूरेबल)

English Definition

Able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage; hard-wearing and long-lasting.

हिंदी अर्थ

टिकाऊ, स्थायी या मजबूत

📝 Editorial Context: "It must go beyond these reactive measures to seek more durable solutions."

✓ Synonyms: Long-lasting, Sturdy, Resilient, Enduring

✗ Antonyms: Fragile, Temporary, Ephemeral

💡 Mnemonic Memory Trick:

Duracell battery लंबे समय तक चलती है क्योंकि वह बहुत 'Durable' होती है।

🌱 Root Word Breakdown: From Latin 'durare' meaning to last.

Aspirants

(noun (plural))

🗣️ ASP-i-ruhnts (ऐस्पिरेंट्स)

English Definition

People who have ambitions to achieve something, typically a career or position.

हिंदी अर्थ

आकांक्षी, उम्मीदवार या छात्र जो किसी बड़ी परीक्षा की तैयारी कर रहे हों

📝 Editorial Context: "...claiming the lives of three civil service aspirants."

✓ Synonyms: Candidates, Applicants, Seekers, Hopefuls

✗ Antonyms: Opponents, Non-competitors

💡 Mnemonic Memory Trick:

जो लोग UPSC या Banking में सफलता पाने की 'Aspire' (इच्छा) रखते हैं, वे Aspirants कहलाते हैं।

🌱 Root Word Breakdown: From Latin 'aspirare' meaning to breathe upon, pant after, aspire.

Elusive

(adjective)

🗣️ ih-LOO-siv (इल्यूसिव)

English Definition

Difficult to find, catch, achieve, or recall.

हिंदी अर्थ

हाथ न आने वाला, पकड़ से दूर या भ्रामक

📝 Editorial Context: "...but a larger systemic change remains elusive."

✓ Synonyms: Evasive, Slippery, Intangible, Hard to pin down

✗ Antonyms: Accessible, Attainable, Obvious

💡 Mnemonic Memory Trick:

Illusion (भ्रम) हमेशा 'Elusive' (पकड़ से बाहर) होता है।

🌱 Root Word Breakdown: From Latin 'eludere' meaning to mock or deceive.

Crumbling

(verb (used as adjective))

🗣️ KRUM-bling (क्रम्बलिंग)

English Definition

Breaking or falling apart into small fragments, decaying over time.

हिंदी अर्थ

ढहता हुआ, जर्जर या टूटकर बिखरता हुआ

📝 Editorial Context: "...but crumbling civic infrastructure, illegal construction..."

✓ Synonyms: Decaying, Disintegrating, Collapsing, Deteriorating

✗ Antonyms: Flourishing, Strong, Sturdy

💡 Mnemonic Memory Trick:

Bread crumbs (टुकड़े) की तरह धीरे-धीरे बिखर जाना = Crumbling.

🌱 Root Word Breakdown: From Old English 'crumian' meaning to break into crumbs.

Systemic

(adjective)

🗣️ sis-TEM-ik (सिस्टेमिक)

English Definition

Relating to a system as a whole, rather than just some its parts; deep-rooted.

हिंदी अर्थ

व्यवस्थागत, पूरे तंत्र या प्रणाली से संबंधित

📝 Editorial Context: "...but a larger systemic change remains elusive."

✓ Synonyms: Structural, Inherent, System-wide, Organizational

✗ Antonyms: Localized, Specific, Isolated

💡 Mnemonic Memory Trick:

System + ic = जो समस्या सिर्फ एक जगह नहीं बल्कि पूरे System (तंत्र) में फैली हो।

🌱 Root Word Breakdown: Derived from 'system' (Greek 'systema').

⚡

Editorial Phrasal Verbs

1. Keep up with

Meaning (English): To move, progress, or increase at the same rate as someone or something else.

Meaning (Hindi): बराबरी रखना, गति बनाए रखना या तालमेल बिठाना

💬 Example: "The city has failed to keep up with the growing demand for safe and affordable student housing."

💡 Memory Tip: Keep (बनाए रखना) + Up with (साथ में) = दूसरों की रफ़्तार के साथ कदम से कदम मिलाकर चलना।

2. Cash in (on)

Meaning (English): To take advantage of a situation or event to make money or gain an immediate profit.

Meaning (Hindi): फायदा उठाना, भुनाना या मुनाफा कमाना

💬 Example: "Private players are ready to cash in on the shortage of accommodation by charging high rents for small rooms."

💡 Memory Tip: Cash (नकदी) + In (अंदर करना) = किसी विपदा या अवसर का लाभ उठाकर अपनी जेब भरना।

3. Stay on

Meaning (English): To remain in a place, job, or education facility longer than was originally expected or required.

Meaning (Hindi): अतिरिक्त समय तक रुकना या बने रहना

💬 Example: "The introduction of four-year degrees means that students will stay on for an additional year."

💡 Memory Tip: Stay (रहना) + On (जारी रखना) = अपना समय समाप्त होने के बाद भी वहीं टिके रहना।

🔥

Editorial Idioms & Phrases

1. Bring to light

Meaning (English): To make something that was hidden or secret known or visible to the public.

Meaning (Hindi): उजागर करना, प्रकाश में लाना या सच सामने लाना

💬 Example: "The tragic building collapse has brought to light the complete lack of safety norms in private student hostels."

2. For all practical purposes

Meaning (English): In real terms or in reality, regardless of what is officially stated or believed.

Meaning (Hindi): व्यावहारिक रूप से, वास्तव में या असल में

💬 Example: "For all practical purposes, the university administration has washed its hands of the responsibility for providing housing."

3. Claim the lives of

Meaning (English): To cause the death of someone (often used in accidents, natural disasters, or tragedies).

Meaning (Hindi): जान ले लेना या मौत का कारण बनना

💬 Example: "The heavy flooding in the basement claimed the lives of three young civil service aspirants."

4. Matchbox-sized

Meaning (English): Extremely small and cramped (used metaphorically for rooms or living spaces).

Meaning (Hindi): माचिस की डिब्बी के समान बहुत छोटा और तंग

💬 Example: "Students are forced to live in matchbox-sized rooms with absolutely no ventilation."

🧠 Daily Vocabulary Practice Quiz (Exam Questions & Answer Key)

Q1. Which of the following is the most appropriate antonym for the word 'Stringent' as used in administrative and legal contexts?

A) Lax

B) Rigorous

C) Binding

D) Exacting

Q2. In the context of regulatory failures, if a municipal body is 'absolved' of its duties, what does it imply?

A) They are held legally liable for the tragedy.

B) They are declared free from blame, guilt, or responsibility.

C) They are instructed to conduct a thorough safety audit.

D) They are suspended pending a departmental inquiry.

Q3. Complete the following sentence with the correct phrasal verb: "Unscrupulous landlords often try to __________ the desperate need of civil services aspirants for accommodation by renting out unsafe basement rooms."

A) stay on

B) keep up with

C) cash in on

D) bring to light

Q4. What does the idiomatic expression 'Matchbox-sized' metaphorically describe in urban housing contexts?

A) Well-ventilated and modern apartment designs

B) Extremely small, cramped, and congested spaces

C) Highly flammable wooden structures prone to catching fire

D) Cheaply constructed but spacious suburban buildings

Q5. Choose the word that best fits the blank: "The building collapse was not an isolated accident but a symptom of a __________ failure in urban planning and enforcement of safety bylaws."

A) systemic

B) haphazard

C) durable

D) reactive

Q6. In the sentence, "The safety audits conducted after the incident ___________ gross violations of building codes," which idiom best completes the blank to mean 'disclosed' or 'made public'?

A) claimed the lives of

B) brought to light

C) kept up with

D) stayed on

🎯 Answer Key & Explanations:

Q1: Option A ('Stringent' means strict, precise, and exacting (कठोर या सख्त). Its antonym is 'Lax', which means careless, negligent, or not sufficiently strict (ढीला या लापरवाह). 'Rigorous' and 'Exacting' are synonyms of 'Stringent'.)

Q2: Option B ('Absolved' means to be declared free from blame, guilt, or responsibility (दोषमुक्त करना या जिम्मेदारी से मुक्त करना). Therefore, option B is the correct meaning.)

Q3: Option C (The phrasal verb 'cash in on' means to take advantage of a situation or event to make money or gain an immediate profit (फायदा उठाना या भुनाना). Here, landlords are exploiting the students' urgent need for housing to make profit.)

Q4: Option B (The idiom 'Matchbox-sized' is used metaphorically to describe rooms or living spaces that are extremely small, cramped, and congested (अत्यंत छोटा और तंग स्थान).)

Q5: Option A ('Systemic' relates to the system as a whole rather than just some of its parts; it implies something deep-rooted (व्यवस्थागत या पूरे तंत्र से संबंधित). A systemic failure means the entire organizational setup is flawed.)

Q6: Option B (The idiom 'bring to light' (past tense: 'brought to light') means to make something that was hidden, secret, or unknown visible to the public (प्रकाश में लाना या उजागर करना).)

🧠

Vocabulary Practice Quiz

आज के एडिटोरियल से खुद को टेस्ट करें!

0 / 6

QUESTION 1 OF 6

Which of the following is the most appropriate antonym for the word 'Stringent' as used in administrative and legal contexts?

A Lax

B Rigorous

C Binding

D Exacting

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