Class 7 English Poorvi book Chapter Wise Word Meanings

by | Jul 11, 2025 | General | 0 comments

Class 7 English Poorvi Book Word Meanings

 

NCERT Class 7 English Poorvi book Chapter Wise difficult word meanings 

 

Here, the difficult words and their meanings of all the Chapters of CBSE Class 7 English Poorvi Book have been compiled for the convenience of the students. This is an exhaustive list of the difficult words and meanings of all the Chapters from the Poorvi Book for NCERT Class 7 English. The difficult words’ meanings have been explained in an easy language so that every student can understand them easily.

 

Class 7 English Poorvi book Word Meaning

 

Unit 1 – Learning Together 

Chapter 1 – The Day the River Spoke

    1. Splashed: fell in drops, making a sound
    2. Kingfisher: an often brightly coloured bird with a large head and long sharp beak, typically diving for fish from a perch. Many of the tropical kinds live in forests and feed on terrestrial prey such as insects and lizards
    3. Swept down: something that moves swiftly and smoothly downward, often in a continuous, forceful manner
    4. Slithered: moved by sliding from side to side
    5. River’s edge: the point where the land meets the water of a river.
    6. Bask in the sun: to lie or sit in the pleasant warmth of the sun, enjoying its heat and light
    7. Murmuring: speaking in a low voice
    8. Startled: surprised
    9. Thicket: a dense group of bushes and trees
    10. Shrieked: made a high-pitched sound
    11. There wasn’t a soul in sight: no one was visible; the area was completely empty of people
    12. Went on: to continue, to happen, or to talk excessively.
    13. Puzzled: unable to understand; perplexed.
    14. Fields: an area of open land, especially one planted with crops or pasture, typically bounded by hedges or fences.
    15. Minding: take care or be careful of or about something
    16. Sob: cry noisily
    17. Rustle: light sound made by leaves rubbing against each other
    18. Breathless: gasping for breath, typically due to exertion
    19. Conspiratorially: secretly
    20. Pity: the feeling of sorrow and compassion caused by the suffering and misfortunes of others.
    21. Clump: a small group of trees growing together
    22. Rattling: noise made by shaking things
    23. Catamaran: a kind of boat
    24. Wailed: (here) complained in a loud voice
    25. Panting: breathing with short, quick breaths; out of breath.
    26. Crept: move slowly and carefully in order to avoid being heard or noticed.
    27. Squatting: crouch or sit with one’s knees bent and one’s heels close to or touching one’s buttocks or the back of one’s thighs.
    28. earthen floor: floor that is made from compacted soil or clay, not concrete, tile, or wood.
    29. Spring from: to originate from, be caused by, or result from something
    30. Scratching: the act of rubbing your skin with your nails
    31. Nodding: lower and raise one’s head slightly and briefly, especially in greeting, assent, or understanding, or to give someone a signal
    32. Chuckle: laugh quietly or inwardly.
    33. Sail: voyage

 

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Chapter 2 – Try Again

  1. Flung (v): to throw something or someone suddenly and with a lot of force
  2. ‘Tis (contraction): it is
  3. Monarch (n): a king or queen
  4. Deed (n): an intentional act, especially a very bad or very good one
  5. Glad (adj.): pleased and happy
  6. Despair (n): the feeling that there is no hope and that you can do nothing to improve a difficult or worrying situation
  7. Grieved (v): to feel or express great sadness
  8. Pondered (v): to think carefully about something
  9. Silken (adj.): soft, smooth, and shiny like silk
  10. Filmy clue (n): thin thread the spider climbs
  11. Midst (n): the middle of things
  12. ‘Twas (contraction): it was
  13. Ceiling dome (n):  a rounded, curved ceiling that resembles the shape of a dome or a half-sphere
  14. Cobweb (n): a structure like a net of sticky silk threads made by a spider for catching insects
  15. Divine (v): to guess something
  16. Cling (v): to stick onto or hold something or someone tightly
  17. Crawl (v): to move along on hands and knees or with your body stretched out along a surface
  18. Endeavour (v): to try to do something
  19. Slippery (adj.): when something is wet or smooth so that it slides easily or causes something to slide
  20. Sprawl (n): a position with the arms and legs spread out while sitting or lying down 
  21. Utter (v): to say something or to make a sound with your voice, here to show any signs of complaint
  22. Dizzy (adj.): having or causing a feeling of spinning around and being unable to balance
  23. Faint (adj.): to feel weak
  24. Steady (v): to stop shaking or moving
  25. Half-yard (n): 18 inches in length
  26. Tread (v): to walk
  27. Tire (v): to begin to feel as if you have no energy 
  28. Swung (v): to move easily or hang backwards and forwards or from one side to the other
  29. Mounted (v): climb up
  30. Foolish (adj.): unwise, stupid, or not showing good judgment
  31. Strive (v): to try very hard to do something
  32. Toils (n): hard work, especially work that makes you feel physically tired
  33. Tumbles (v): to fall quickly and without control
  34. Anxious (adj.): worried and nervous
  35. Pinch (n): a small amount of something
  36. Native (adj.): someone’s place of birth
  37. Cot (n): here, the spider’s home 
  38. Bravo (exclamation): used to express your pleasure when someone, especially a performer, has done something well
  39. Honour (n): a quality that combines respect, being proud, and honesty
  40. Defied (v): to refuse to obey a person, decision, law, situation, etc
  41. Conquered (v): to deal with or successfully fight against a problem or an unreasonable fear 
  42. Braced (v): to prepare yourself physically or mentally for something
  43. Gossips (n): conversation or reports about other people’s private lives 

 

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Chapter 3 – Three Days to See

  1. Symmetry: evenness
  2. Birch: a slender tree with thin peeling bark
  3. Shaggy: hairy
  4. Quiver: shiver
  5. Longing: deep desire
  6. Revealed: told or shown
  7. Detect: find
  8. Obvious: certain
  9. Arise: here, awake
  10. Dawn: daybreak
  11. Behold: see
  12. Awe: amazement
  13. Panorama: scene
  14. Glimpse: brief look
  15. Pageant: display
  16. Condensed: brief
  17. Carcasses: remains
  18. Mastodons: a large animal similar to an elephant, but with fur
  19. Stature: physique, build
  20. Haunts: regular meeting places
  21. Merely: just
  22. Compassionate: feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others
  23. Strains: tunes
  24. Tactile sense: sense of touch
  25. Morsel: a small piece of food
  26. Facets: aspects

 

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Unit 2 – Wit and Humour

Chapter 1 – Animals, Birds, and Dr. Dolittle

  1. Vet(s): Short form of veterinarian, a doctor who treats animals.
  2. Scholar: a learned person
  3. Sense: good judgment; wisdom.
  4. Silly: foolish; lacking good sense.
  5. Brains enough: sufficient intelligence.
  6. Plenty: a large or sufficient amount or number; more than enough.
  7. Proudly: with a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that one widely admires.
  8. Cracker: a thin, dry biscuit usually eaten with cheese
  9. Good Gracious!: An exclamation of surprise or mild shock.
  10. Porridge: A dish made of oatmeal or another meal boiled in milk or water.
  11. Dusting: Lightly brushing or wiping to remove dust or small particles.
  12. Cracker crumbs: Small broken pieces of a dry, thin biscuit.
  13. Excited: Feeling or showing enthusiasm and eagerness.
  14. Rushed: Moved or went quickly or energetically.
  15. Drawer: A box-like storage compartment without a lid, made to slide horizontally in or out of a piece of furniture.
  16. Interesting: Arousing curiosity or interest; holding the attention.
  17. Quite: To a considerable extent; rather.
  18. Birds’ A.B.C.: (here) the language that birds speak
  19. Teatime: The time in the late afternoon when tea is usually drunk, typically accompanied by light refreshments.
  20. Scratching: rubbing a part of the body with fingernails to relieve itching.
  21. Twitching: giving a sudden, involuntary jerking movement.
  22. Pugs: A breed of small dog with a wrinkled face and short muzzle.
  23. Poodles: A breed of dog with a thick, curly coat that is often trimmed in various styles.
  24. Miles: A unit of distance equal to 5,280 feet (approximately 1.6 kilometers).
  25. Plough horse: A horse used for pulling a plough, a large farming implement used for turning over the soil.
  26. Terribly glad: Extremely happy or pleased.
  27. Vet: Short form of veterinarian, an animal doctor.
  28. Something or the other: An unspecified ailment or problem.
  29. Spectacles: Eyeglasses.
  30. Going blind: Losing the ability to see.
  31. Stupid: Lacking intelligence or common sense.
  32. Pills: Small, solid doses of medicine to be swallowed.
  33. At once: immediately; without delay.
  34. Ploughing: turning over and loosening soil with a plough, typically to prepare it for planting.
  35. Certainly: without doubt; definitely.
  36. Trouble: the problem
  37. Complain: express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something.
  38. As a matter of fact: used to emphasize the truth of a statement.
  39. Cleverer: more intelligent or quick-witted.
  40. Fine: good; of high quality.
  41. Spectacles: eyeglasses.
  42. Plough horse: a horse used for pulling a plough, a farm implement used for turning over and loosening the soil.
  43. Common sight: something that is seen frequently or regularly.
  44. Countryside: rural area
  45. Round Puddleby: in the area surrounding the town of Puddleby.
  46. Unknown: not known or familiar.
  47. Cure: to relieve the symptoms of a disease or condition.
  48. Harvest mice: Small rodents that live in fields of tall grass, especially wheat and barley.
  49. Badgers: Heavily built omnivorous mammals with short legs and a black and white striped face, that typically live in underground dens.
  50. Bats: Mammals of an order Chiroptera, with forelimbs modified as wings, enabling flight.
  51. Edge of the town: The border or outer limit of the town.
  52. Crowded: Full of people or things; packed.
  53. Cellar: a room below ground level often used for storage
  54. Patiently: in a way that shows tolerance of delays or suffering without getting annoyed or anxious.
  55. Rows: a number of people or things arranged in a straight line.
  56. Come round: to visit someone’s home or a place where they are.
  57. Miles and miles: a very long distance.
  58. Foreign lands: countries other than one’s own.
  59. Troubles: difficulties or problems.
  60. Famous: widely known and recognized.

 

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Chapter 2 – A Funny Man

  1. Funny: The word “funny” here carries a double meaning – both humorous and strange.
  2. Came walking down: to arrive at a place by walking in a downward direction.
  3. Hats: there are hats for each foot.
  4. Polite: having or showing behaviour that is respectful and considerate of other people
  5. Funny sounding sight: ‘funny sounding sight’ is a subtle element of synesthesia (the blending of senses). A ‘sight’ is something that is seen, not heard. By calling the visual spectacle ‘sounding’ the poet enhances the peculiar man’s strangeness. 
  6. Allow me to present: A very formal and polite way of saying “Let me give.”
  7. Present: To give or offer something.
  8. Your Highness: A title of respect typically used for royalty or someone of very high rank, used here humorously given the situation
  9. Currant bun: A small, sweet bread roll or cake containing dried currants (small raisins)
  10. Held it to my nose: Implied to be for smelling, like one would smell a rose.
  11. Staggered back: To move unsteadily, as if about to fall; in this context, it implies a sudden, surprised, or taken-aback reaction.
  12. Well!: An exclamation used to express surprise, consideration, or to introduce a statement.
  13. Funny looking smell: This is a playful and nonsensical phrase, blending the senses of sight (“looking”) and smell. It humorously describes a smell that is unusual or unexpected, almost as if it has a visual quality that is strange.
  14. Funny feeling sound: A phrase that combines auditory (“sound”) with emotional (“feeling”) sensations, humorously describing a sound that is extremely strange.
  15. Turned the other way about: He turned around to face the opposite direction.
  16. Hopped home on his head: He moved by jumping and balancing on his head all the way home. 

 

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Chapter 3 – Say The Right Thing

  1. Hilariously: in a very funny way
  2. Blunders: careless mistakes
  3. Embarrasses: makes (the guests) uncomfortable
  4. Put that coat away: To store something in its proper place.
  5. Wealthy: Rich; having a lot of money or possessions.
  6. For a while: For a period of time.
  7. May not say the right thing: Might say something inappropriate or offensive.
  8. Talk for a long time: engaging in a conversation that extends over a significant period, from a casual chat to a formal discussion. 
  9. Take care: Be careful; be cautious.
  10. Pleased: Made happy or satisfied.
  11. Gladly: Happily; with pleasure.
  12. Sorry: Feeling regret or sadness.
  13. A little while longer: For a short additional period of time.
  14. Kind: In a gentle, friendly, or benevolent way.
  15. Angry: Feeling or showing strong annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.
  16. Quietly: In a low voice or without much noise.
  17. Banker: A person who works in a bank, often in a financial or managerial role.
  18. Talkative: fond of or given to talking
  19. Shooting: the action or practice of shooting with a gun

 

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Unit 3 – Dreams and Discoveries  

Chapter 1- My Brother’s Great Invention

  1. Racket (n): a loud and disturbing noise
  2. Sopping (adj.): soaking
  3. Scowling (adj.): having an angry or frowning expression
  4. Grimly (adv): in a worried, serious, or sad way
  5. Burglar (n): a person who illegally enters buildings and steals things
  6. Soothing (adj.): having a gently calming effect
  7. Rigged up (v): assembled something temporarily
  8. Hoo-ha (n): an occasion when there is too much interest in or discussion about something that is not important
  9. Nerves (phrase): worry or anxiety about something that is going to happen
  10. Frightened (adj.): feeling fear or worry
  11. Tinkering (v): experimenting or fiddling
  12. Dynamos (n): electric generator
  13. Shelling (n): here, a scolding or getting shouted at
  14. Blueprint (n): a photographic copy of an early plan for a building or machine
  15. Elaborate (adj.): detailed
  16. Clanging (v): a loud ringing sound like that of a metal being hit
  17. Loftily (adv): in a way that shows you think you are better than other people
  18. Smugly (adv): proudly
  19. Stealthily (adv): quietly or carefully so that one is not seen or heard
  20. Rigged (v): set up
  21. Sceptical (adj.): doubtful
  22. Justified (adj.): having a good reason for something
  23. Soaked (adj.): extremely wet
  24. Wary (adj.): not completely trusting or certain about something or someone
  25. Hammering (v): the sound or activity of someone or something loudly and repeatedly hitting or knocking something
  26. Sawing (v): to cut something using a saw
  27. Clattering (v): to make continuous loud noises by hitting hard objects against each other, or to cause objects to do this
  28. Springs (n): a tool used in construction
  29. Levers (n): a bar or handle which moves around a fixed point
  30. Enormous (adj.): very large in size
  31. Switchboard (n): an apparatus for connections between electric circuits in other applications
  32. Savage (adj.): uncontrolled and wild
  33. Frantic (adj.): hurried and disorganised
  34. Crestfallen look (adj.): sad and disappointed appearance
  35. Reassured (v): say or do something to remove the doubts or fears
  36. Sternly (adv): in a serious and severe manner
  37. Half-heartedly (adv): without energy
  38. Offended (adj.): felt upset or hurt
  39. Scratching (v): mark the surface with a sharp or pointed object
  40. Groggily (adv): sleepily
  41. Holler (v): give a loud shout or cry.
  42. Ruffianly (adj.): rough or violent looking
  43. Gasped (adv): took a short, deep breath in surprise
  44. Sweeping (adj.): cleansing or carrying away dirt with a broom
  45. Compounds (n): an outdoor space attached along the sides or front of a house
  46. Occupants (n): a person who resides or is present in a house
  47. Brandishing (v): waving
  48. Cudgel (n): a short, thick stick used as a weapon
  49. Latch (n): a device for keeping a door or gate closed
  50. Muffled (adj.): not a very clear and loud sound
  51. Thumps (v): hit something heavily
  52. Eerie (adj.): strange
  53. Whine (n): a long, high-pitched cry
  54. Humming (v): to make a continuous, low sound, or to sing a tune with closed lips
  55. Howl (n): to make a loud sound, usually to show pain, sadness, or another emotion
  56. Clattering (n): continuous loud noises
  57. Unison (n): together
  58. Hastily (adv): quickly
  59. Puzzled (adj.): unable to understand
  60. Peering (v): looking carefully
  61. Protested (v): to say something forcefully or complain about something
  62. Indulgently (adv): fondly
  63. Intruders (n): people who enter a place without permission
  64. Dismantled (v): taken apart
  65. Niggling (adv): slight feeling (of)
  66. Suspicion (n): the act or an instance of suspecting something wrong without proof or on slight evidence

 

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Chapter 2 – Paper Boats

  1. Day by day: Every single day; consistently.
  2. I float: The child gently places the paper boats on the water so it can move on its own.
  3. My paper boats: Little boats made by the child from paper.
  4. One by one: Each boat individually, sequentially.
  5. Down the running stream: Along the small, moving river or brook.
  6. In big black letters: Using large, dark, clearly visible writing.
  7. I write my name: The child put his personal identifier.
  8. Strange land: An unfamiliar or unknown place.
  9. Shiuli flower: A specific type of fragrant white flower (also known as Night-flowering Jasmine) that blooms at dawn and falls during the day.
  10. Blooms of the dawn: A poetic way of referring to the flowers that bloom at night and fall off the branch before sunrise. It’s a metaphor for hope that is beautiful but fleeting in nature.
  11. Carried safely to land in the night: This expresses the wish that the flowers (and metaphorically, the hopes) complete their journey securely before their natural lifespan (blooming period) ends.
  12. I launch: The child sends his paper boats onto the water.
  13. Into the sky: Towards the sky above
  14. Setting the white bulging sails: That looks as if they are spreading out their white, puffy sails, like a ship’s sails filled with wind.
  15. What playmate of mine: Which friend of the child.
  16. Sends them down the air: Makes those clouds move downwards through the air.
  17. To race with my boats!: So that they can compete or float alongside his paper boats.
  18. Bury my face: To place one’s face down into something, in this case, their arms, often to feel cozy or to hide.
  19. Float on and on: To continue to sail or drift without stopping, endlessly.
  20. Midnight stars: The stars visible in the sky in the middle of the night.
  21. Fairies of sleep: Imaginary, magical creatures associated with bringing sleep or dreams.
  22. Sailing: Traveling on water in a boat.
  23. Lading: The cargo or goods carried by a ship or other vehicle; freight.

 

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Chapter 3 – North, South, East, West

  1. Postcard: a card for sending a message by post without an envelope, typically having a photograph or other illustration on one side
  2. Way up north: in the northern-most area
  3. Appa: A word used for father in South India
  4. Amma: A word used for mother in South India
  5. Cabin: small room
  6. Chirping: short, sharp sound made by birds
  7. Growling: the sound made by bears
  8. Snoring: making a loud noise as one breathes while sleeping
  9. Treehouse: a house built on the top of a tree
  10. Wetlands: an area of land that is permanently or seasonally saturated with water
  11. Beach: the sandy land by the sea
  12. Rafting: the sport of travelling down a river in an air-filled rubber boat
  13. Plateau: an area of fairly level high ground
  14. Tunnels: a passage made underground or through something like a hill.
  15. Surf: a water sport that involves standing on a long lightweight board and riding a wave to the seashore.
  16. Dive: swim underwater with special breathing equipment
  17. Pebbles: small smooth stones

 

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Unit 4 – Travel and Adventure

Chapter 1 – The Tunnel

  1. Shimmered: shined with a light that appears to move
  2. Railway embankment: a stone wall made to carry the railway over low ground
  3. Serpents: Snakes. (Here, used metaphorically to describe the shape of the tracks).
  4. Cutting: a narrow valley cut through a hill to make space for a railway line
  5. Scrub-covered: covered with short trees and bushes
  6. Shrill: A high-pitched and piercing sound.
  7. Presently: Soon; after a short time.
  8. Issued: Came out from; emerged from.
  9. Instinctively: without thought or plan
  10. Flinch: make a quick movement
  11. Plume of smoke: long, thin cloud of smoke
  12. Shisham: a tree found in northern parts of India
  13. Still: motionless
  14. Contemplation: deep thought
  15. Embankment: a stone wall or raised mound of earth built to carry a railway or road over low ground.
  16. Pitch dark:  extremely dark; completely without light.
  17. Reassure: comfort, calm 
  18. Damp: Slightly wet, not completely dry.
  19. Sticky: Having a quality that makes things adhere; gummy.
  20. Scuttled: ran hurriedly
  21. Dazzled: blinded by bright light
  22. Glare: A strong, harsh, and sometimes blinding light.
  23. Swishing: moving with a brushing sound
  24. Obstacles: things that block the way
  25. Length: The full distance from one end to the other.
  26. Inspecting: Carefully looking at something to check its condition or to find out if there are any problems.
  27. Engine driver: The person who operates the train.
  28. Porcupine: a small animal (large rodent) with sharp spikes on its back
  29. Approaching: Coming nearer in distance or time.
  30. Settling down: Getting into a comfortable position, often to relax or sleep.
  31. Cot: A simple, lightweight bed, often a folding one.
  32. Emerge: To come out from a hidden or enclosed place.
  33. Watchman: A person employed to guard a building or an area.
  34. Government: The system or group of people governing an organized community, often a state or nation.
  35. Cot: A simple, lightweight bed, often a folding one.
  36. Leopard: A large, solitary wild cat that has a yellowish-brown coat with black spots, found in the forests of Africa and southern Asia.
  37. Minds its own business: (An idiom) Does not interfere with others; stays out of trouble.
  38. Range: area
  39. Night mail: a train that runs at night
  40. Complained: To express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something. (Suraj expressed his annoyance that everyone slept in the afternoon.)
  41. Tribe of boys: A playful way to refer to a group of boys, suggesting they act like a distinct group or community.
  42. Snoring: The noisy breathing of someone sleeping.
  43. Gently: In a soft, light, or mild way.
  44. Dusk: The time just before night, when the light is fading.
  45. Flying foxes: Large fruit bats.
  46. Swooped: moved quickly through the air downwards
  47. Breeze: A gentle wind.
  48. Mango blossoms: The flowers of a mango tree.
  49. Kettle: A container with a spout and handle, used for boiling water.
  50. Oil stove: A small cooking device that burns oil for heat.
  51. Tailorbird: A small Asian bird known for its distinctive loud calls.
  52. Seven sisters: birds, also called jungle babblers and found in groups of six to eight
  53. Twilight: The soft, dim light from the sky that occurs after sunset but before full darkness, or before sunrise.
  54. Conveyed: Carried or communicated. In this context, the sounds were carried on the breeze.
  55. Quaint: unusual
  56. Nightjar: a nocturnal bird with a short bill
  57. Flexing: bending
  58. Trimming: (here) adjusting the wick of the lamp
  59. Padded footfall: The soft sound of an animal’s foot hitting the ground, as if it has soft pads on its feet.
  60. Rustle: A soft, muffled crackling sound, often caused by the movement of dry leaves or paper.
  61. Peering: Looking very carefully or with difficulty at something.
  62. Distinctly: Clearly; easy to hear or see.
  63. Rhythmic: Having a regular, repeating pattern of sounds or movements.
  64. Sawing: The action of cutting with a saw; here, a sound like a saw cutting.
  65. Advanced: Moved forward.
  66. Scare away: To frighten an animal or person so that they leave.
  67. Unable: Not having the ability to do something
  68. Paces: Steps; a single step in walking.
  69. Crouching: Bending low with the arms and legs drawn close to the body; to stoop.
  70. lithe: thin, graceful
  71. Sinewy: lean and muscular
  72. Baring: Uncovering; showing.
  73. Snarling: growling
  74. Twitching: a short, sudden movement
  75. Rang: (past tense of ring) Produced a clear, resonant sound; echoed.
  76. Uncertain: Not sure; doubtful.
  77. Disappeared: Vanished; no longer visible.
  78. Length: The full extent from end to end.
  79. Entrance: A place through which one can enter.
  80. Hum: To make a low, steady continuous sound like that of a bee.
  81. Tremor: A slight shaking movement.
  82. Rumble: A continuous deep, resonant sound.
  83. Hissing: Making a sharp, sibilant sound, like a prolonged ‘s’.
  84. Scattering: Throwing in various random directions.
  85. Defying: Openly resisting or refusing to obey.
  86. Cutting: A narrow valley or passage cut through a hill or high ground, usually for a road or railway.
  87. Charged: Moved quickly and forcefully in a particular direction.
  88. Thundering: Moving with a loud, heavy, rolling sound.
  89. Scribbling: Writing or drawing something carelessly or quickly.
  90. Accounts: Records of financial transactions; business records.
  91. Complained: Expressed dissatisfaction or annoyance about something.
  92. Flickering: burning unsteadily
  93. Fringe: edge
  94. Shrill: sharp sound
  95. Rumble: A deep, continuous, dull sound.
  96. Cutting: A narrow passage cut through a hill or high ground, often for a road or railway.
  97. Strained: To make a great effort to do something, often with difficulty.
  98. Thundered: To move with a loud, heavy, rumbling noise.
  99. Endless: Having or seeming to have no end or limit.
  100. Plains: A large area of flat land with few trees.

 

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Chapter 2 – Travel

  1. Railroad (n): the metal tracks on which trains run
  2. Miles (n): a unit of measurement for distance
  3. Whistle (n): a loud sound produced by air or steam being forced through a small opening
  4. Shrieking (n): a short, loud, high cry
  5. Cinders (n): a small piece of partly burned coal or wood
  6. Engine (n): a machine that uses the energy from liquid fuel or steam to produce movement
  7. Steaming (adj.): producing steam
  8. Heart is warm (idiom): to cause someone to have pleasant feelings of happiness

 

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Chapter 3 – Conquering the Summit

  1. Triumph: victory
  2. Will: will power, determination
  3. Dedication: wholeheartedness
  4. Beacon: source of inspiration
  5. Resilience: ability to recover quickly from a difficulty
  6. Amputated: cut off a part of the body (here the leg)
  7. Prosthetic leg: an artificial leg that helps people to move around easily
  8. Feat: achievement
  9. Hails: belongs
  10. Inclination: here, interest
  11. Pursue: follow or takeup
  12. Passion: deep interest
  13. Harrowing: extremely disturbing and painful
  14. Rigorous: severe
  15. Endeavour: an attempt to do something
  16. Instilled: to put and fix an idea into someone’s mind
  17. Exhausting: tiring
  18. Summit: peak
  19. Surge: a sudden and great increase
  20. Feat: an achievement that requires great courage, skill, or strength
  21. Submitted: climbed
  22. Endurance: (here) ability to continue doing something difficult for a long time
  23. Fortitude: courage over a long period
  24. Profound:  very great or intense
  25. Autobiography: the story of one’s own life
  26. Adversity: a difficult situation
  27. Testament: proof
  28. Conferred: given an official title or honour

 

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Unit 5 – Bravehearts

Chapter 1 – A Homage to our Brave Soldiers

  1. Century: a period of one hundred years
  2. Post-independence: after independence
  3. Territorial integrity: safeguarding nation’s borders
  4. Recall: remember
  5. Looking forward: to be excited about something that is about to happen
  6. Monument: a statue or building erected in the memory of a famous person or event
  7. Inspiring: something which encourages others
  8. Envisioned: imagined a future possibility
  9. Iconic: something which represents a thinking or a time
  10. Tribute: an act or gift to show respect, admiration
  11. Aspiration: a strong desire
  12. Decade: a period of ten years.
  13. Toll: suffering
  14. Supreme sacrifice: to give one’s life
  15. Etched: to cut a pattern in a surface
  16. Gallantry: courageous behaviour especially in war
  17. Posthumously: after the death of the originator
  18. Exemplary: serving as a perfect example 
  19. Citation: a mention of a praiseworthy act in an official report, especially that of a member of the armed forces in wartime
  20. Awestruck: shocked
  21. Aspire: direct one’s hopes or ambitions towards achieving something
  22. Installation: the action of installing someone or something, or the state of being installed
  23. Commemorates: to recall and show respect for something
  24. Immortal: alive forever
  25. Ablaze: on fire
  26. Revere: respect
  27. Obelisk: a tapering stone pillar, typically having a square or rectangular cross section, set up as a monument or landmark.
  28. Wreaths: an arrangement of flowers, leaves, or stems fastened in a ring and used for decoration or for laying on a grave
  29. Majestic: having or showing impressive beauty or scale
  30. Overwhelmed: have a strong emotional effect on
  31. Interminable: never ending
  32. Metaphor: to draw a similarity between two things
  33. Valour: bravery
  34. Murals: a painting or other work of art executed directly on a wall
  35. Graphic: visual or pictoric depiction
  36. Depicting: showing
  37. Valiant: brave
  38. Concentric: circles of varying radii with the same centre
  39. Etched: inscribed
  40. Integrity: the quality of being honest and having strong moral principle
  41. Immersed: involve oneself deeply in a particular activity 
  42. Ambience: atmosphere
  43. Solemn: sacred
  44. Emotive: to arise emotions
  45. Discourses: serious discussion of a subject
  46. Massive: huge
  47. Devastation: destruction
  48. Martyrs: one who gives up his or her life for his nation
  49. Depicting: showing
  50. To have an eye for detail: one who observes small details too
  51. Essence: core or depth of something
  52. Edifice: a large imposing building
  53. Supreme sacrifice: here, means sacrificing their life
  54. Valiant: very brave
  55. Bougainvillea: the name of a flower
  56. Inconsequential: not important or significant
  57. Memoir: account of one’s personal life and experiences
  58. Exemplary: exceptional
  59. Excerpt: a part
  60. Interactive: influencing each other
  61. Enchanting: attractive
  62. Collage: a piece of art made by sticking various pieces of paper, fabric to a backing

 

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Chapter 2 – My Dear Soldiers

  1. Defenders: people who defend something or someone
  2. Deed: an action that is performed purposefully
  3. Scorching: severely hot
  4. Sweltering: uncomfortably hot
  5. Treading: walking
  6. Expanses: a wide area
  7. Yogi: a spiritual person who performs yoga
  8. Striding: walking with long steps
  9. Prime: the time of greatest vigor in a person’s life
  10. Wind chime: a percussion instrument and garden ornament

 

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Chapter 3 – Rani Abbakka

  1. Rani Abbakka: “Rani” means Queen. So, Queen Abbakka.
  2. Ullal: The name of a small kingdom or territory.
  3. Small Principality: A small kingdom or state ruled by a prince or, in this case, a queen.
  4. West Coast of Karnataka: The western part of the state of Karnataka in India, which borders the Arabian Sea.
  5. Portuguese: People from Portugal, a European country, who were colonial invaders in India.
  6. Vassal: A state or country that is dependent on a more powerful one, often forced to pay tribute or taxes to it.
  7. Tribute: A payment made by one ruler or state to another as a sign of dependence or for protection.
  8. Colonial Power: A foreign country that has control over another country or territory, often for economic or strategic reasons.
  9. Successor: Her child (daughter) who will take over the throne (become queen) after her.
  10. By her side: Next to her.
  11. Helpless: Unable to defend oneself or do anything to change a situation.
  12. Hush: An exclamation used to tell someone to be quiet or to calm down.
  13. Tire yourself: Make yourself feel weary or exhausted.
  14. Thoughts: Ideas or worries.
  15. Rest: Stop working or fighting; take a break.
  16. Driven them out: Forced them to leave.
  17. Crowned: To place a crown on someone’s head as a symbol of becoming a king, queen, or ruler.
  18. Whole-hearted: Complete and sincere; with full effort and feeling.
  19. Co-operation: Working together with others to achieve a common goal.
  20. Majesty: A title used when addressing or referring to a king, queen, or emperor.
  21. Victory: The act of winning a battle, game, or competition; triumph.
  22. Coronation: The ceremony where a king or queen is officially crowned and begins their rule.
  23. Veera Narasimha: The name of her husband.
  24. Bangadi: The name of another kingdom or place where her husband is king.
  25. Future plans: What she intends to do next or in the time to come.
  26. Spices: Aromatic substances from plants (like pepper, cardamom, etc.) used to flavor food. India was famous for its spices, which were highly valuable in trade.
  27. Rash decision: A decision made too quickly, without careful thought, and possibly leading to bad consequences.
  28. Dangerous: Likely to cause harm or problems.
  29. In league with her: Working together or secretly allied with her.
  30. Bangadi: The name of the kingdom ruled by Rani Abbakka’s husband.
  31. Wrath: Intense anger; fury.
  32. Make her change her mind: Convince her to alter her decision.
  33. Afraid: Scared; feeling fear.
  34. Refuse: To say no; to not agree to do something.
  35. Cowed by them: Intimidated or frightened into submission by them; made to feel afraid and give in.
  36. Walked away: Moved away from a place.
  37. Seize: To take hold of suddenly and forcibly.
  38. Spell cast by the brave queen: The powerful effect or influence that the queen had on the soldiers, making them do what she wanted.
  39. Stirred: Moved even slightly.
  40. Decided to follow: Chose to go with or obey.
  41. Brave leader: A courageous person who guides others.
  42. Addressed a meeting of Rajas: Spoke to a gathering of kings or rulers.
  43. Unite: To come together for a common purpose; to join forces.
  44. Drive out: To force someone to leave a place.
  45. Impossible: Not able to be done or to happen.
  46. No match for them: Not strong or skilled enough to compete with them successfully.
  47. Reactions: Responses or ways of acting in response to something.
  48. Strengthen: To make something stronger or more determined.
  49. Abbakka’s resolve: Rani Abbakka’s strong determination or firmness of purpose.
  50. Fight alone: To battle by oneself, without help from others.
  51. Provoke: To intentionally make someone angry or cause a reaction.
  52. Portuguese Envoy: A representative or messenger sent by the Portuguese (in this case, an officer).
  53. Presented himself to the queen: Introduced himself or appeared before the queen.
  54. Governor: A person who is the official head of a state or region, often a colonial power’s representative.
  55. Remind: To cause someone to remember something.
  56. Annual: Happening once every year.
  57. Ullal: The name of Rani Abbakka’s kingdom.
  58. Long overdue: Something that should have been done or paid a long time ago.
  59. Sovereign Country: a political unit that is independent and self-governing, with its own government and territory, and is not under the authority of any other country or entity. 
  60. Alliance: a union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries or organizations.
  61. Defied: openly resist or refuse to obey.
  62. The end will soon follow: a conclusion, resolution, or final outcome is imminent or expected to happen in a short period of time.
  63. Apprehended: Caught or taken into custody.
  64. Canon: a large gun, usually on wheels, which used to be used in battles
  65. Avenge: To harm or punish someone in return for an injury or wrong done to oneself or to someone one cares about.
  66. Unleashed: To release from a leash or restraint; to allow or cause to operate at full force. In this context, it means Abbakka released her forces to attack with full intensity.
  67. Goa: A state on the southwestern coast of India, which was historically the capital of Portuguese India and a major Portuguese stronghold. Ribeiro expects help from this key Portuguese base.
  68. The Last Laugh: To finally triumph after being defeated or scorned, especially after a long period of adversity or difficulty. Ribeiro means he believes the Portuguese will ultimately be victorious despite the current situation.
  69. Boomed: Made a deep, resonant sound, like thunder or a cannon.
  70. Mighty: Having great power or strength.
  71. Laughing-stock: A person or thing that is the object of ridicule; someone or something that is made fun of.
  72. Dauntless: Fearless and determined.
  73. Once and for all: Completely and finally.
  74. Raged: Continued with great violence or intensity. In this context, it means the battle was very fierce and active.
  75. Hasty retreat: A quick and hurried withdrawal, usually from a dangerous situation or a battle. “Hasty” means done quickly and with little thought.
  76. Dream has come true: A long-held wish or ambition has been realized.
  77. Eventually: In the end, especially after a long delay or much difficulty.
  78. Driven out: Forced to leave a place or position.

 

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