The Hindu Editorial (Cold calculations) – Oct 22, 2025

To read this article, click  “The Hindu”.

This preview is provided here with permission.

Courtesy: The Hindu

The Hindu Editorial (Cold calculations) – Oct 22, 2025:

1. cold (adjective) – unfriendly, unemotional, unwelcoming, dispassionate, lacking warmth; indifferent, distant, aloof.
2. calculation (noun) – assessment, judgement, forecast, projection, estimation.
3. front (noun) – alliance, coalition, bloc, group.
4. dynamics (noun) – basic/fundamental cause or force that triggers change within a system.
5. constituent (noun) – voter, elector, member of an electorate.
6. negotiate (verb) – discuss formally to reach agreement; bargain, mediate, discuss terms.
7. relatively (adverb) – comparatively, proportionately, somewhat, to a certain extent.
8. have a smooth sailing (phrase) – experience an easy or trouble-free process; proceed effortlessly, go well.
9. however (adverb) – but, nevertheless, yet, still.
10. conflicting (adjective) – opposing, clashing, incompatible, contradictory.
11. claim (noun) – assertion, affirmation, statement.
12. alliance (noun) – association, coalition, partnership, union.
13. manifestation (noun) – display, demonstration, expression, indication.
14. upper hand (noun) – advantage, control, dominance, superiority.
15. at the helm (phrase) – in charge, in control, leading, directing.
16. upset the apple cart (phrase) – to spoil a plan or an arrangement; disturb the present situation or condition; disrupt, damage, thwart, obstruct, hinder, hamper, stall, prevent.
17. authentic (adjective) – genuine, real, reliable, trustworthy.
18. platform (noun) – base, foundation, means, forum (for expressing ideas).
19. consequently (adverb) – as a result, therefore, hence, accordingly.
20. in the event of (phrase) – if something happens; in case of, in the situation of.
21. term (noun) – period, duration, tenure (of office).
22. anti-incumbency (noun) – opposition or dissatisfaction with the ruling party/government.
23. strategy (noun) – plan of action, approach, policy, method.
24. primacy (noun) – importance, superiority, dominance, pre-eminence.
25. social engineering (noun) – use of methods to influence social behaviour for political/economic purposes.
26. consolidation (noun) – strengthening, unification, integration, reinforcement.
27. horizontal identity (noun) – identity based on social categories like gender, age, occupation (cutting across hierarchies).
28. vertical identity (noun) – identity based on hierarchical divisions such as caste, class, religion.
29. identity (noun) – a social category, a set of persons marked by a label and distinguished by rules deciding membership and (alleged) characteristic features or attributes; individuality, character, originality.
30. accommodate (verb) – include, adjust to, make room for, adapt to.
31. caste interest group (noun) – community organisation promoting caste-based interests.
32. state (noun) – government, public.
33. resource (noun) – asset, source of support.
34. brazen (adjective) – bold, shameless, blatant, unashamed.
35. welfare (noun) – well-being, benefit, social support, assistance.
36. cut across (phrasal verb) – affect different groups; extend beyond, transcend.
37. notable (adjective) – important, significant, marked, prominent.
38. decry (verb) – criticise publicly, condemn, denounce, censure.
39. subsidy (noun) – financial aid/support/assistance (by government).
40. design (verb) – create, plan, devise, formulate.
41. little more than (phrase) – almost the same as, practically, virtually, merely.
42. ill-disguised (adjective) – barely hidden, obvious, transparent.
43. grant (noun) – financial aid, allowance, donation, funding.
44. cold war (noun) – rivalry, hostility, tension without open conflict.
45. decisive (adjective) – conclusive, determining, final, crucial.
46. organic (adjective) – natural, genuine, inherent, spontaneous.
47. bonding (noun) – connection, relationship, attachment, association.
48. resolve (noun) – determination, firmness, steadfastness, willpower.
49. posture (noun) – attitude, stance, position, approach.
50. fall short (phrasal verb) – fail to reach the required standard; be insufficient.
51. formidable (adjective) – powerful, strong, intimidating, challenging.
52. haunt (verb) – trouble, disturb, plague, torment.
53. undeliverable (adjective) – impossible to fulfil; unachievable, impractical.
54. ring (verb) – sound, appear, seem (to have a particular quality).
55. cynical (adjective) – distrustful, sceptical, pessimistic, disbelieving.
56. optimistic (adjective) – hopeful, positive, confident, cheerful.

Note : 

1. Click each one of the words above for their definition, more synonyms, pronunciation, example sentences, phrases, derivatives, origin and etc. from http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/.

2. Definitions (elementary level) & Synonyms provided for the words above are my personal work and not that of Oxford University Press. Tentative definitions/meanings are provided for study purposes only and they may vary in a different context.  

3. This word list is for personal use only. Reproduction in any format and/or Commercial use of it is/are strictly prohibited.

The Hindu Editorial (Cold calculations) – Oct 22, 2025: