PSEB Class 10 English Meaning of Difficult Words from All Chapters (Prose and Poetry) of English Main Course Book and English Literature Book (Supplementary Reader)
PSEB Class 10 English Word Meanings – Here, the difficult words and their meanings of all the chapters of PSEB Class 10 English Main Course Book and English Literature Book (Supplementary Reader) have been compiled for the convenience of the students. This is an exhaustive list of the words and meanings of all the Prose and Poetry from the PSEB Class 10 English Main Course Book and English Literature book. The difficult words’ meanings have been explained lucidly so that every student can understand them.
English Main Course Book Lessons
- Chapter 1 – The Happy Prince
- Chapter 2- Where is Science Taking Us?
- Chapter 3- Secret of Happiness
- Chapter 4- A Gift for Christmas
- Chapter 5 – Some Glimpses of Ancient Indian Thought and Practices
- Chapter 6 – The Home – Coming
- Chapter 7 – The Making of the Earth
- Chapter 8 – The Rule of the Road
English Main Course Book Poems
- Poem 1- Character of a Happy Man
- Poem 2- Death the Leveller
- Poem 3 – A Ballad of Sir Pertab Singh
- Poem 4 – Razia, the Tigress
- Poem 5 – Where the Mind is Without Fear
Supplementary Reader Lessons
- Chapter 1 – Bed Number -29
- Chapter 2 – Half A Rupee Worth
- Chapter 3 – One Thousand Dollars
- Chapter 4 – The Dying Detective
- Chapter 5- How Much Land Does a Man Need
- Chapter 6- Return to Air
English Main Course Book Lessons
Chapter 1 – The Happy Prince
Word Meanings
- gilded: to covered with something, coating of something
- hilt: the handle of a weapon or tool, especially a sword, dagger, or knife
- swallow: a tiny bird
- Alighted: descended
- curious: strange
- drenched: soaked with water
- misery: sadness
- coarse: rough
- seamstress: a woman who makes a living by sewing.
- sword hilt: the handle of the sword
- pedestal: raised platform
- mast: sail of the ship
- tossing: turning left and right
- sank: drown but here it means the boy in going to sleep
- prospect: thought of something
- Steeple: high tower of the church
- garret: small dark room at the top of the house
- withered: worn out
- violet: kind of flower
- pomegranate: is a fruit
- faint: weak
- grate: fireplace
- darted: pushed himself inside
- appreciate: to praise someone
- harbor: sea port
- swooped: fly very low
- shabby: untidy
- proclamation: order, rule
- furnace: is a fire place where metal are melted
- overseer: supervisor
- foundry: workshop for casting metals
Related:
- The Happy Prince Summary, Explanation
- The Happy Prince Question Answers
- The Happy Prince Character Sketch
Chapter 2- Where is Science Taking Us?
Word Meanings
- undoubtedly: without doubt, certainly
- drives: motivates, pushes forward
- force itself into our notice : demand our attention
- ethical : relating to moral principles
- spiritual : relating to the soul or spirit
- regard : respect to, concerning
- floundering : struggling, confused
- animated : given life, activated
- stronghold : fortress, area of strength
- gills : breathing organs of fish
- overwhelming : very large, crushing
- petrol machines : machines powered by petroleum/gasoline
- consequences : results, outcomes
- abnormal : unusual, excessive
- teeming : crowded, swarming
- triumph : victory, great success
- crammed : packed, filled completely
- leisure : free time
- represses : suppresses, holds back
- leisure : free time
- represses : suppresses, holds back
- redistribution : rearrangement, new distribution
- span of life : life expectancy, duration of life
- overcrowded : too full, excessively populated
- astonishing : amazing, surprising
- readjustment : adaptation, reorganization
- vicious circle : a repeating cycle of cause and effect
- striving : trying hard, making efforts
- glut : excess, oversupply
- conquest : act of conquering, complete control
- innumerable : countless, too many to count
- apparent : visible, obvious
- ultimate : final, eventual
- enrichment : improvement, enhancement
- worthwhile : valuable, meaningful
- world-shattering : revolutionary, earth-shaking
- breath-taking : amazing, astonishing
- forbearance : patience, self-control
- tolerance : acceptance of different views
- mercy : compassion, kindness
- anxiously : with worry, eagerly
- distinguish : differentiate, tell apart
- probable : likely, possible
- effect : bring about, cause
- structural : relating to structure
- functional : relating to operation or working
- fantastic : unrealistic, imaginary
- reasoning : logical thinking
- intellectual : mental, relating to intellect
- abolish : eliminate, put an end to
- remains to be seen : is yet unknown, will be known in future
- vicissitudes : changes in circumstances, ups and downs
- troublesome : difficult, problematic
- craven : cowardly, lacking courage
- intriguing : fascinating, arousing curiosity
Related:
Chapter 3- Secret of Happiness
Word Meanings
- individual: person
- realize himself: understand one’s true nature and potential
- dramatic suddenness: happening quickly and impressively
- unsuccessful: failing, not achieving success
- efficient: effective, skilled
- athletic field: sports arena
- destiny: fate
- enthralled: fascinated, captivated
- average man: ordinary person
- consolidate: bring together, unite
- illustration: example, demonstration
- familiar: well-known, common
- burning glass: magnifying glass that concentrates sunlight
- focus: central point where energy is concentrated
- intense: very strong, extreme
- pointed out: emphasized, drew attention to
- dissipated: scattered, wasted
- futile: useless, ineffective
- flashing illumination: sudden burst of understanding
- oblivious: unaware, not noticing
- veritable: genuine, true
- revelation: discovery, eye-opening realization
- potential: possible, having capability
- abundantly: plentifully, greatly
- grand success: great achievement
- address: speech, lecture
- habitually: regularly, customarily
- possess: own, have
- appropriate circumstances: right conditions
- optimism: positive outlook, hopefulness
- mental capacity: brain power, intellectual ability
- reservoir: storage tank, reserve
- unused power: untapped potential
- miserable: pathetic, very small
- trickle: small flow, drip
- sluice gates: floodgates that control water flow
- terrific stream: powerful flow
- transform: change completely
- effectiveness: capability to produce desired results
- master: control, conquer
- inward power: internal strength
- unified: made whole, integrated
- poise: balance, composure
- publishing house: company that prints and sells books
- volume: book
- sermon: religious speech, moral lesson
- eminent: distinguished, famous
- man of letters: scholar, writer
- single out: choose, select
- adversary: enemy, opponent
- financial fears: worries about money
- ill health: sickness, disease
- anticipating: expecting, imagining in advance
- direful consequences: terrible results
- affliction: illness, suffering
- haunt: trouble constantly like a ghost
- cast a shadow: darken, make gloomy
- victim: one who suffers from something
- paralyzing: causing inability to move or act
- obstacle: barrier, hindrance
- adept: skilled, expert
- conquer: defeat, overcome
- subdue: control, suppress
- outset: beginning
- ultimately: finally, in the end
- thorough-going: complete, comprehensive
- campaign: organized effort, battle
- shrivel up: shrink, become smaller anything.
- gloom: darkness, dimness
- amount to: result in, turn out to be significant
- enlarged: made bigger, magnified
- distorted: twisted, misshapen
- out of all proportion: much larger than reality
- shiver up my spine: feeling of fear running through the body
- transfixed: frozen, unable to move
- rooted to my chair: unable to move from the chair
- suspense: anxious uncertainty
- desperation: hopelessness, extreme anxiety
- lending bravado: giving courage
- flung: threw open forcefully
- array: group, collection
- chipmunk: a small striped rodent similar to a squirrel
- scurried off: ran away quickly
- limp: weak, without energy
- mortified: extremely embarrassed, ashamed
- salutary: beneficial, healthy
- poise: composure, balance, calmness
- remarkable: extraordinary, noteworthy
- priceless: invaluable, extremely valuable
- immerse: submerge completely, involve deeply
- grace of God: divine blessing, God’s favor
- profound: very deep, intense
- calm: peacefulness, tranquility
- encountering: facing, meeting
- mobs: angry crowds
- threatened: warned of harm, endangered
- opponents: enemies, adversaries
- afflicted: caused suffering, troubled
- testified: gave evidence, bore witness
- amazed: astonished, surprised
- depth: profoundness, intensity
- assured: promised, guaranteed
- unshakable: firm, cannot be weakened
- watches over: guards, protects
- bring you through: help you survive, guide you past
- total peace of mind: complete mental tranquility
Related:
Chapter 4- A Gift for Christmas
Word Meanings
- Pennies: smallest coins, one cent each
- Counted: calculated, added up
- Couch: a sofa or settee for sitting/lying
- Throw herself: collapse onto something in despair
- Furnished flat: a rented apartment with basic furniture provided
- Poverty: extreme poorness, lack of money
- Earns: makes money through work
- Looking-glass: mirror
- Powder: apply cosmetic powder to make skin look fresh
- Dully: without interest or brightness, sadly
- Grey: dull, colorless (symbolizing her sad mood)
- Expenses: costs, money spent on necessities
- Calculated: estimated, figured out
- Fine: excellent quality
- Rare: special, unique
- Worthy: deserving, good enough
- Honour: privilege, special distinction
- Brilliantly: brightly, with excitement
- Lost its colour: turned pale (from fear or shock)
- Rapidly: quickly
- Possessions: belongings, things owned
- Took great pride: were very proud of, treasured highly
- Grandfather’s: belonging to one’s father’s father
- Cascade: waterfall, flowing stream
- Nervously: anxiously, with worry
- Did it up: tied or arranged hair
- Faltered: hesitated, wavered in determination
- Fluttered: moved quickly and lightly, like a bird
- Shining brightly: gleaming with determination and excitement
- M’me: abbreviation for Madame (Mrs.)
- Hair Goods: hair products, wigs, hairpieces made from real hair
- Experienced: skilled, knowledgeable from practice
- Eagerly: enthusiastically, with great interest and excitement
- Platinum: a precious silvery-white metal, more valuable than gold
- Watch-chain: a decorative chain attached to a pocket watch
- Worthy: deserving, appropriate for
- Remained: was left over
- Reflection: image in the mirror
- Critically: judgmentally, examining faults
- Curling irons: heated metal tool for curling hair
- Kill me: (figuratively) be extremely upset with me
- Arranged: prepared, organized
- Turned white: became pale with fear
- Prayed: spoke to God, asked for help
- Burdened: loaded with responsibility, weighed down
- Overcoat: heavy winter coat
- Fixed: focused steadily
- Expression: look showing feelings
- Terrified: extremely frightened
- Stared: looked fixedly with wide eyes
- Darling: term of affection, beloved
- Don’t mind: are not upset, don’t object
- Speaking with difficulty: struggling to speak, finding it hard to talk
- Curiously: strangely, oddly
- Air of disbelief: manner suggesting he couldn’t believe it
- Needn’t: don’t need to
- Be good to me: be kind, don’t be angry
- Wake up: (figuratively) come out of shock, return to awareness
- Drew: pulled out, took out
- Package: wrapped gift box
- Make any mistake: misunderstand, have wrong ideas
- Behaved: acted, reacted
- Scream: loud cry
- Feminine: characteristic of women
- Followed by: came after
- Set of combs: matching hair combs for decoration
- Broadway: famous shopping street in New York
- Alas: expression of grief or regret
- Lovingly: with great affection
- Smiled through her tears: smiled while crying
- Jumped up: sprang up suddenly
- Held it out: extended, offered
- Eagerly: enthusiastically, excitedly
- Open palm: flat, open hand
- Lovely: beautiful, wonderful
- Hunted: searched thoroughly
- All over town: everywhere in the city
- Obeying: doing as asked
- Instead: rather than that
- Put away: store for later
- Awhile: for some time
- At present: right now, currently
Related:
- A Gift for Christmas Summary, Explanation
- A Gift for Christmas Question Answers
- A Gift for Christmas Character Sketch
Chapter 5 – Some Glimpses of Ancient Indian Thought and Practices
Word Meanings
- immemorial: something that is ancient
- comity: an association of nations for their mutual benefit
- yore: of former times
- studded: dotted with, filled and scattered
- snippets: small piece of a brief extract
- ethos: the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its attitudes and aspirations
- desperation: a state of having no hope
- anxiety: a state of feeling nervous
- vanquish: to defeat completely
- mighty: possessing great and impressive power or strength
- invincible: too strong to be defeated
- renunciation: the act of giving up
- bricked alive: being walled up inside a space, often with the opening sealed with bricks, as a method of imprisonment or execution
- canons: principles
- detachment: to be not attached to anything or anyone
- lofty: very high and impressive
- ocular: connected with the eyes
- directive: an official instruction
- kith and kin: people with whom you are connected
- sanctity: the state of being holy
- ticklish: difficult to deal with, a touchy subject
- derisive: unkind and showing that something is ridiculous
- creed: a system of religious belief
- intrinsic: a part of the real nature of something
- tacitly: suggested indirectly
- frivolous: silly or absurd
- misguided: having wrong judgment or reasoning
- resorting: to turn to an undesirable and extreme action
Related:
- Some Glimpses of Ancient Indian Thought and Practices Summary, Explanation
- Some Glimpses of Ancient Indian Thought and Practices Question Answers
Chapter 6 – The Home – Coming
Word Meanings
- ring leader: leader of mischievous activities
- mischief: playful wrongdoing or prank
- log: piece of wood from a tree trunk
- mud flat: muddy ground near a river
- mast: tall pole used on a boat
- shift: move from one place to another
- by main force: using full physical strength
- unanimously: with complete agreement
- sauntered up: walked slowly and casually
- puzzled: confused
- timidly: in a shy or nervous manner
- unconcerned: not bothered or affected
- philosopher: a deep thinker
- futility of things: uselessness or pointlessness of everything
- furious: extremely angry
- thrash: beat severely
- regal dignity: royal pride or authority
- courage failed him: he lost confidence at the key moment
- fertile brain: clever and quick thinking mind
- manoeuvre: smart plan or strategic action
- discomfit: embarrass or trouble someone
- afford amusement: give enjoyment
- made it a point of honour: considered it a matter of pride
- earthly fame: praise or recognition in the world
- peril: danger
- heave: pull or push with great effort
- with all their might: using all their strength
- shouted themselves hoarse: shouted so much that their voices became rough
- blind as Fate: unable to see because of anger
- the Furies: mythological spirits representing extreme rage
- Mother Earth: the ground or soil
- first act of the drama: the beginning or first stage of the event
- sunken barge: a partly submerged or low lying boat
- nibble: bite gently or chew lightly
- landing: a place where boats stop
- to and fro: back and forth
- servant: a person employed to perform domestic duties
- refused: declined or would not do something
- roughly: in a harsh or forceful manner
- impotent rage: anger without the power to change the situation
- indignantly: with anger caused by unfair treatment
- sullenly: in a bad-tempered or sulky manner
- stick to his statement: remain firm on what he said previously
- patience exhausted: unable to tolerate any more
- injustice: unfair treatment
- rained a shower of blows: hit repeatedly
- equal vigour: with the same energy or force
- little villain: mischievous or naughty person
- critical moment: very important or decisive time
- sheepish: embarrassed or ashamed
- anger changed to surprise: sudden shift from anger to astonishment
- bowed to the ground: bent down in respect
- touched his feet: traditional gesture of showing respect to elders
- enquiries: questions or investigations to find out information
- hastened: went quickly or rushed
- rejoice: feel great happiness
- perpetual nuisance: always causing trouble or annoyance
- as good as gold: very well-behaved or good
- as quiet as a lamb: gentle and calm
- fond of reading: likes reading very much
- readily agreed: agreed without hesitation
- joy knew no bounds: was extremely happy
- immense relief: very great comfort or alleviation
- prejudice: preconceived opinion not based on reason
- no love was lost: mutual dislike existed
- drown: cause to die by submersion in water
- distressed: worried or upset
- eagerness: strong desire or enthusiasm
- on pins: in a state of anxious excitement
- bequeathed: gave as a gift or legacy
- in perpetuity: forever or permanently
- generosity: willingness to give or share
- unbounded: limitless or without restrictions
- by no means: not at all
- unnecessary addition: something not needed
- terribly upsetting: very distressing or troubling
- indiscretion: a careless or unwise action
- nuisance: a source of annoyance or trouble
- ornamental: decorative or attractive
- shower affection: give a lot of love and care
- lisp: a speech defect where s sounds are pronounced as th
- impertinent: rude or disrespectful
- resented: felt anger or displeasure at
- indecent haste: too fast or careless speed
- angular: having sharp or harsh features
- unsightly: unpleasant to look at
- shortcomings: faults or deficiencies
- unavoidable lapses: mistakes that cannot be prevented
- self-conscious: overly aware of oneself and embarrassed
- unduly forward: excessively bold
- unduly shy: excessively timid
- heart of hearts: in the deepest part of one’s feelings
- craves: strongly desires
- recognition: appreciation or acknowledgment
- devoted slave: completely obedient or loyal
- consideration: kindness or attention shown to someone
- undue indulgence: excessive pampering
- scolding: reprimanding or telling off
- chiding: mildly criticizing
- stray dog: a dog without a home or master, symbolizing loneliness and neglect
- paradise: a place of great happiness and comfort
- little short of torture: almost like suffering
- bliss: extreme happiness
- slights: insults or disrespectful treatment
- anguish: severe mental or emotional pain
- unwelcome guest: someone who is not wanted
- despised: hated or strongly disliked
- exaggerated: made to seem greater than it actually is
- backward: slow in learning or development
- gaped: stared with open mouth in surprise or confusion
- overladen ass: a heavily burdened donkey, symbolizing patient suffering
- thrashings: beatings or punishments
- meted out: given or administered
- wistfully: with a feeling of longing or yearning
- espied: saw or noticed
- ache with longing: feel deep desire or yearning
- summoned up courage: gathered bravery to do something
- caned: beaten with a stick as punishment
- unmercifully: without mercy or leniency
- abjectly miserable: extremely unhappy and hopeless
- jeer: mock or ridicule
- insult: speak to or treat with disrespect
- contempt: a feeling of strong dislike or disrespect
- clumsy: awkward in movement or handling
- country lout: an unsophisticated or rude boy from the village
- shivering fit: uncontrollable shaking due to cold or illness
- malaria: a disease caused by mosquito bites
- nuisance: a source of trouble or annoyance
- neighbourhood: the local area around the house
- futile: useless or without result
- pouring in torrents: raining heavily
- drenched: completely wet
- nightfall: the time when night begins
- constables: police officers
- flushed with fever: face and eyes red due to high temperature
- limbs: arms and legs
- trembling: shaking involuntarily
- heap of trouble: a lot of problems or difficulties
- sobbed aloud: cried loudly
- delirious: in a disturbed state due to fever or illness
- vacantly: with a blank or empty expression
- muttern: speak quietly or indistinctly
- shriek: a loud, high-pitched cry
- thin burning hands: hands that are hot due to fever
- conscious: aware of surroundings
- air of disappointment: expression showing sadness or letdown
- critical: very serious or dangerous
- by the mark: phrase used by sailors to measure depth of water
- fathoms: units of depth in water (six feet each)
- plumbing: measuring or exploring
- unfathomable sea: very deep or incomprehensible sea
- whirlwind: a sudden, violent rush or disturbance
- moan: make a low sound expressing pain or distress
- flung herself: threw herself suddenly with force
- restless: unable to keep still or calm
- ceased: stopped
- murmured: spoke quietly and softly
Related:
- The Home – Coming Summary, Explanation
- The Home – Coming Question Answers
- The Home – Coming Character Sketch
Chapter 7 – The Making of the Earth
Word Meanings
- goes round: moves in a circular path around, orbits
- several other bodies: many other heavenly objects
- planets: heavenly bodies that rotate around the sun
- satellite: a natural body that orbits a planet
- hangs on to: stays attached to, revolves around
- solar: relating to or belonging to the sun
- father: the source or origin, the central figure
- thousands: a very large number
- distinguish between: tell the difference between, identify separately
- quite tiny: very small
- compared to: when measured against
- in reality: actually, in truth
- quite a baby: very small in size
- twinkle: shine with a flickering light, sparkle
- only shine because: shine solely due to
- get the light: receive illumination
- shine of themselves: produce their own light
- burning: undergoing combustion, radiating heat
- great ball of fire: large sphere of burning gases
- belongs to: is a member of, is part of
- compared to: when measured against
- tiny selves: our small bodies
- fast train or steamer: quick railway or ship
- speck of dust: tiny particle, minute fragment
- hanging in the air: suspended in space
- millions of miles: an enormous distance
- even farther away: at an even greater distance
- astronomers: scientists who study celestial bodies
- long-long ago: in the very distant past
- mass of flaming matter: large amount of burning material
- terribly hot: extremely high temperature
- got loose: broke free, separated
- shot out: flew outward rapidly
- wholly get rid of: completely escape from
- whirling round: spinning around, rotating
- strange force: mysterious power (gravity)
- attracts: pulls toward, draws closer
- fall by their weight: drop due to gravity
- shot out from: flew away from, separated from
- terrible hot gases: extremely heated vapors
- started to cool: began to lose heat
- getting less hot: gradually cooling down
- of course: naturally, obviously
- burnt up: destroyed by heat, incinerated
- just as: in the same way that
- a bit of: a piece of, a portion of
- shot out: broke away and flew out
- great hollow: large depression, enormous cavity
- came out of: originated from, was formed from
- took a long time over it: required many years for the process
- gradually: slowly, little by little
- surface: outer layer, top part
- interior: inner part, inside
- coal mine: underground tunnel for extracting coal
- deep enough: sufficiently far down
- red hot: glowing with intense heat
- delightfully cool: pleasantly cold
- glaciers: massive ice formations
- ice fields: large areas covered with ice
- water vapour: water in gas form, steam
- condensed into: changed from gas to liquid form
- came down as: fell in the form of
- tremendous lot: enormous amount
- great hollows: large depressions, deep cavities
- filled: occupied completely
- oceans and seas: large bodies of water
- became cooler: decreased in temperature
- became possible: was able to happen
- living things: organisms, life forms
- exist: survive, live
- earth’s surface: the outer layer of the planet
Related:
Chapter 8 – The Rule of the Road
Word Meanings
- jolly: amusing or cheerful
- stout: fat or heavily built
- peril: danger
- pavement: footpath at the side of a road
- foot passengers: people walking on foot
- liberty: freedom to act as one wishes
- entitled: gave the right
- universal chaos: complete disorder everywhere
- social anarchy: absence of social order
- liberty-drunk: carried away by the idea of freedom
- rule of the road: traffic rules that control movement
- preserved: kept safe or protected
- curtailed: limited or reduced
- symbol: sign representing something
- tyranny: cruel or unfair use of power
- insolence: rude or overconfident behavior
- outraged: deeply offended
- interfere: obstruct or intervene
- public highway: road meant for public use
- reasonable: able to think sensibly and fairly
- incidentally: as a minor or secondary matter
- maelstrom: a state of violent confusion or disorder
- submitted: accepted or yielded
- curtailment: reduction or limitation
- social order: organized and orderly functioning of society
- social contract: an understanding among people to live together under rules
- accommodation: adjustment or compromise
- touch: affect or concern
- dressing-gown: a loose robe worn at home
- indifferent: unconcerned or not caring
- fancy: a sudden liking or wish
- permission: approval or consent
- details: small individual matters
- ask no one’s leave: do not seek permission
- kingdom: area of complete personal control
- ridiculous: foolish or laughable
- conventional: following accepted customs
- odd: strange or unusual
- directly: as soon as
- qualified: limited or restricted
- practise: perform repeatedly to improve skill
- please myself: do what I like
- interfere: disturb or hinder
- liberty: freedom
- neighbours: people living nearby
- accommodate: adjust or adapt
- liable: likely
- conscious: aware
- imperfections: faults or weaknesses
- respect: particular matter
- railway carriage: compartment of a train
- settled down: sat comfortably and began work
- swot: hard study
- Blue-book: official government report
- for pleasure: for enjoyment
- brief: legal document prepared for a lawyer
- humble: simple or modest
- honest penny: fair earning
- midst: middle
- task: work that must be done
- reasonable: proper or suitable
- quiet: absence of noise
- couple: two people
- pompous: self-important and showy
- journey: travel from one place to another
- subject: topic
- daresay: suppose or believe
- rude: impolite
- occur: come to mind
- convinced: firmly believed
- illuminating: informative
- pleasing: giving satisfaction
- well-intentioned: having good motives
- social sense: awareness of how one should behave with others
- clubbable: fit to live socially with other people
- reasonable: fair and sensible
- consideration: thoughtful regard
- foundation: basic support
- conduct: behaviour
- illustration: example
- entitled: having the right
- nuisance: source of annoyance
- attic: room just below the roof
- maximum: greatest possible amount
- violence: great force or intensity
- interfering: disturbing
- liberties: freedoms
- limit: restrict
- household: people living in one home
- undisturbed: peaceful
- impertinence: rude behaviour
- wilfully: deliberately
- trespass: enter without permission
- trample: crush by stepping
- clash: conflict
- liberties: freedoms
- defy: resist or oppose
- compromise: mutual agreement by adjustment
- irascibility: tendency to get angry easily
- flies into a passion: suddenly becomes very angry
- distinguished: respected and important
- picaresque: adventurous and unconventional
- dotes on: loves very much
- surrender: give up
- vice versa: the other way round
- riddle: puzzle
- anarchists: people who want no government
- socialists: people who support organized social control
- judicious: wise and sensible
- liberties: freedoms
- permit: allow
- specialize: focus on a particular area
- primeval: ancient and uncivilized
- academy: school
- stern: strict
- commonwealth: society or community
- conduct: behaviour
- observance: following rules
- civilized: well-mannered and socially responsible
- uncivilized: rude or socially irresponsible
- heroism: brave actions
- sacrifice: giving up something for others
- intercourse: interaction or communication
- sweeten: make pleasant
- bitter: make unpleasant
- reflect: think carefully
Related:
- The Rule of the Road Summary and Explanation
- The Rule of the Road Question Answers
- The Rule of the Road Character Sketch
English Main Course Book Poems
Poem 1- Character of a Happy Man
Word Meanings
- Serveth: serves, works for
- Armour: protection, defensive covering
- Utmost: greatest, highest
- Passions: strong emotions, desires
- Still: always, constantly
- Untied: not bound, not attached
- Breath: talk, gossip, what people say
- Envies: feels jealous of
- Doth: does (old English)
- Vice: immoral behavior, wickedness
- State: government, political power, estate
- Late and early: night and morning
- Grace: divine blessing, spiritual favor
- Lend: give, grant
- Entertains: spends, occupies
- Harmless: innocent, peaceful
- Servile: slavish, submissive
- Bonds: chains, ties that restrict
- Lord: master, ruler
- Hath: has (old English)
Related:
Poem 2- Death the Leveller
Word Meanings
- glories: honors, splendors, magnificent achievements
- blood: birth, lineage, noble ancestry
- state: high social position, status, rank
- shadows: insubstantial things, illusions without real substance
- substantial: real, solid, having actual substance
- armour: protective covering, defense
- Fate: destiny, inevitable death
- icy hand: cold touch of death
- Sceptre: ornamental rod held by rulers as symbol of authority
- Crown: king’s headpiece, symbol of royalty
- tumble down: fall, collapse
- dust: earth, grave
- equal made: made equal, brought to the same level
- crooked: bent, curved
- scythe: curved blade tool used for cutting crops
- spade: digging tool
- reap the field: harvest the battlefield, kill many in war
- plant fresh laurels: achieve new victories, win new honors
- laurels: wreaths of laurel leaves, symbols of victory and honor
- nerves: physical strength, muscular power
- yield: surrender, give in, submit
- tame: conquer, subdue, control
- still: nevertheless, yet, however
- stoop to fate: bow down to destiny, submit to death
- murmuring breath: complaining breath, reluctant final breath
- pale captives: prisoners who have become white/colorless from fear or death
- creep: move slowly and fearfully
- garlands: wreaths, crowns of flowers or leaves worn as honor
- wither: fade, dry up, lose freshness
- brow: forehead
- boast: brag, speak proudly of
- mighty deeds: great achievements, powerful actions
- purple altar: sacrificial platform (the color purple symbolizes royalty and blood)
- victor-victim: both conqueror and conquered
- bleeds: loses blood, suffers
- tomb: grave, burial place
- just: righteous, virtuous, morally good
- smell sweet: have pleasant fragrance, leave good memory
- blossom: bloom, flourish
- dust: remains after death, ashes
Related:
Poem 3 – A Ballad of Sir Pertab Singh
Word Meanings
- first year of him that first was Emperor and King: 1901, the first year of King Edward VII’s reign (he was first to be both Emperor of India and King of England simultaneously).
- rider: horseman, cavalryman, soldier
- Rose-red House: the palace of Pertab Singh in Jodhpur (perhaps red sandstone).
- Pertab Singh: Maharaja Pertab Singh of Jodhpur, a Rajput prince.
- young: youthful, in his prime.
- Englishman: British soldier.
- soldier, hilt and heel: complete soldier from top to bottom (hilt = sword handle, heel = bottom of boot); thoroughly, entirely a soldier.
- struck fire: created sparks, ignited passion; won immediate respect and affection.
- Pertab’s heart: the soul/emotions of Maharaja Pertab Singh.
- as the steel strikes on steel: like two swords clashing together, creating sparks.
- beneath the morning stars: in the pre-dawn darkness, early morning rides.
- beneath the evening sun: in late afternoon/evening.
- rode: traveled on horseback together.
- their blood sang: their soldier’s spirit, their innermost being called to them; instinctive feeling.
- all good wars are one: all just causes, all noble battles are essentially the same; soldiers fighting for righteousness are united.
- tales: stories, experiences.
- love of women: romantic experiences, love affairs.
- East and West: their different backgrounds – India (East) and England (West).
- their blood sang: their deepest feelings told them.
- of all their loves: among all the things they loved
- loved a soldier best: valued the companionship of fellow soldiers most.
- so ran their joy: thus passed their happy time.
- allotted days: the designated, predetermined period; the days fate had given them.
- till at the last day’s end: until the final day concluded.
- the Shadow: death (personified as a dark shadow).
- stilled: silenced, made motionless, stopped.
- Rose-red House: Pertab’s palace.
- heart of Pertab’s friend: the English soldier’s life.
- narrow chest: coffin (narrow wooden box for the dead).
- soldier’s face: the English soldier’s face.
- they hid: they concealed, covered, placed inside
- fast-dreaming eyes: eyes permanently closed in death’s eternal “dream”; eyes that dream forever (euphemism for death).
- shut down: closed.
- narrow lid: coffin cover.
Related:
Poem 4 – Razia, the Tigress
Word Meanings
- tigress: female tiger
- Razia: name of the tigress
- lives alone: exists without her mate
- cubs: baby tigers
- haven’t yet been named: so young they have no names
- barely: hardly; very little
- played with them: spent time with the cubs
- he’s gone: he has disappeared or been killed
- O what a shame: expression of sadness or regret
- expert: highly skilled
- winds: moving air
- traversed: moved across
- dale: valley
- hill: raised landform
- put up for the night: settled/rested
- stirred: moved
- all was still: everything was quiet, motionless
- traffic lanes: paths or routes (used metaphorically for wind directions)
- smell him out: detect his scent
- down-wind: direction in which the wind blows (scent travels toward deer)
- belly-crawl: move low on the stomach
- crouch: bend low to hide or move stealthily
- circular route: going around in a wide circle
- bush / shrub: small plants used for cover
- scent won’t carry: smell won’t reach the prey
- in a flash: very quickly
- erupt: burst out suddenly
- sniffed: smelled
- thick and musty: strong, heavy animal smell
- dubbed: called or named
- tiger-scent: natural smell of a tiger
- stag: male deer
- claw: sharp curved nail of a tiger
- giant club: large weapon used for striking
- neck and antler: parts of a deer
- crushed: broken completely
- gone: dead or killed (likely by poachers)
- dreaded: feared
- spoor: track or trail of an animal
- pug-mark: footprint of a tiger
- grief: deep sadness
- fear: worry, anxiety
- competing: struggling at the same time
- hound: chase or harass
- leave alone: go away from them
- hunting flesh and bone: searching for prey
- lives in fear: constantly afraid
- dread: great fear
- poachers: illegal hunters
- appear: come back again
Related:
Poem 5 – Where the Mind is Without Fear
Word Meanings
- Fragments – separate pieces
- Domestic – Relating to the home or the running of a household
- Tireless – having or showing great effort or energy
- Striving – Putting in a lot of effort to achieve something
- Stretches its arms – aims at achieving a goal
- Stream – Small river
- Dreary – Depressing and boring
- Dead habit – old traditional rituals and customs that are harmful
- Thee – you (Can be interpreted as God or a higher power)
- Ever-widening – forever broadening one’s outlook
- heaven of freedom – condition of total freedom of good thoughts, good words and good deeds, while respecting those of others
Related:
English Literature Book (Supplementary Reader) Lessons
Chapter 1 – Bed Number -29
Word Meanings
- shrieked: made a loud noise
- dreadful: something that involves suffering and sadness
- depression: a state of feeling sad
- divert: to take someone’s attention away from something
- nightmare: unpleasant situation
- Urge: request
- minutely: in a detailed manner
- lashed out: criticized in anger, spoke angrily
- hysterical: shouted in an uncontrolled way
- ablaze: full of bright colours
- gasped: took a deep breath
- embarrassed: ashamed
- pleaded: requested
- miracle: a divine extraordinary and pleasant event
- labored: to worked hard
- absorbed: interested in something
- bounded: ran with long steps
- bungled: did something very badly
- marvellous: wonderful
- dreamy: when something is so wonderful and pleasant it seems unreal and extraordinary
- lump: feel pressure in the throat
- unwound: removed
- consoling: the act of comforting someone
- persuade: convince
- crisp banknotes: banknotes that look newly printed, without creases and folds
- bounds: boundaries
- soared: rose upwards
- consented: agreed
- off and on: from time to time
- splashed: printed across
- regained : got back
- masses: a large number
- haphazard: irregular, not in order
Related:
Chapter 2 – Half A Rupee Worth
Word Meanings
- wicker: long, thin sticks of wood that are used to make baskets, furniture, etc.
- coarse: consisting of large pieces; rough, not smooth
- gunny: coarse sacking, typically made of jute fibre.
- husk: the dry outside layer of nuts, fruits and seeds, especially of grain
- paddy: rice that has not been processed in any way and is still in its husk or rice as a growing crop
- stuffy: without much fresh air
- drought: period of time when there is a little or no rain
- scoured: searched the place thoroughly
- depression: a period of little economic activity
- flourished: to be very successful
- apprentice: one who is learning a trade under an expert
- loathed: disliked
- brigands: thieves, criminals
- prospered: became successful
- steadfastness: dedication/devotion
- longed for: wanted very much; greatly desired
- horsewhipped: beat (a person or animal) with a horsewhip.
- intact: complete-not damaged
- rotund: round (fat body)
- exorbitant: much too high
- brocade: thick cloth with gold and silver material
- gaudy: too bright, lacking taste
- gilt: thin layer of gold used on any surface for decoration
- Acquired: to obtain or buy something
- swollen with money: someone who has become wealthy and possibly conceited or arrogant as a result
- shoving: to push with a sudden, rough movement
- Eternity: a period that never seems to end
- ceased: stopped
- hoax: something made to look true, though.. is not
- profits piled up: you get more and more of them
- flocked: (used about people) to go or meet somewhere in large numbers
- waiting: serving
- groaned: to complain about something
- surrender: hand over
- atrocious: shocking, brutal
- produce(n): things that have been grown like wheat, rice, etc
- considerable: large in size/amount
- deft: skilful
- accumulated: increased, gathered more and more
- garb: A false outward appearance
- exhausted: to consume entirely
- halted: to stop
- contempt: a feeling of dislike
- seer: a traditional unit of weight, roughly equivalent to 0.9331 kilograms or 933.10 grams
- enraged: to make someone very angry
- mutter : to complain in a quiet way
- Suspicious: that makes you feel that something is wrong, dishonest or illegal
- Wander: to walk somewhere slowly with no particular sense of direction or purpose
- Anxious: worried and afraid
- Whereabouts: the place where somebody/something is
- Bolted: secured or locked
Related:
- Half A Rupee Worth Summary and Explanation
- Half A Rupee Worth Question Answers
- Half A Rupee Worth Character Sketch
Chapter 3 – One Thousand Dollars
Word Meanings
- solemnly: seriously
- severely: harshly
- Account: record
- comply: obey the order
- billiard: a game played on a table with a stick and balls
- Thrust: To make a sudden forward movement
- calm at forty: peaceful, quiet, and without worry
- microbe: a small living thing that can be seen only under a microscope
- do away with: end, terminate
- ward: a child (mostly an orphan) looked after by another grown-up person
- divan: a piece of furniture
- Offensive: rude words said to someone to make him angry
- ambitious: making a lot of effort to be successful
- moralize: tell people what is wrong or right (normally not liked by them)
- ranch: a big farm where cattle, sheep, etc are bred
- lump: at one time, not in parts
- Rising: the act of a person
- Ciphers – a secret or disguised way of writing; a code.
- saloon: a place where alcohol is sold
- credit: money in one’s account in the bank
- post-script: message added after one’s signature or end of a writing
- black sheep: a person different from others in a group or a family
- turned White: the skin on their face becomes very pale, for example- because of fear, shock, anger, or illness
- tossed: threw it with force
- bequest: money/property given to someone by a person after his death
- gist: the general meaning of something rather than all the details
- disgust: dislike
Related:
- One Thousand Dollars Summary, Explanation
- One Thousand Dollars Question Answers
- One Thousand Dollars Character Sketch
Chapter 4 – The Dying Detective
Word Meanings
- horrified: shocked
- gaunt: very thin (usually because of illness)
- flushed: red
- twitch: sudden quick movement
- listless: lacking energy or spirit
- croaking: low, harsh sound, like the sound frogs make
- contagious : spreading quickly to others
- advancing : moving forward
- symptoms : a change in the body which indicates that a disease is present
- practitioner : someone who practices something, generally a profession
- bolted : suddenly rushed forward
- mantelpiece: a structure made above or around a fireplace
- dreadful : very bad or unpleasant
- half-crown : an old British coin
- tongs: a tool (like scissors) used for picking or holding things
- delirious : a state in which a person is not able to think or speak clearly
- plead: request
- Scotland Yard: the headquarters of the London Metropolitan Police, particularly the branch focused on serious crime investigation
- frail: weak
- startled: mildly shocked
- Eastern : from Eastern countries e.g. China, Cambodia
- Pretending: to behave as if something is true when you know that it is not.
- sinking heart: it is an idiom used to refer to the sudden feeling of worry or disappointment or sadness
- coincidence: two things happening at the same time by chance
- groan: to make a deep unclear sound to convey pain or displeasure
- natural : normal
- scuffle: a short, confused fight or struggle at close quarters.
- clash: a loud sound of metal objects
- undermine: to lessen the ability of something or someone
- appearance : look
Related:
- The Dying Detective Summary, Explanation
- The Dying Detective Question Answers
- The Dying Detective Character Sketch
Chapter 5- How Much Land Does a Man Need
Word Meanings
- underscore: to emphasise or put stress on something
- inevitable: sure to happen
- piqued: wounded in pride
- twain: old term for ‘two’
- chatter: to speak rapidly
- boasting: self praising
- tussle: a strong struggle to obtain or achieve something
- estate: an extensive area of land in the country, usually with a large house, owned by one person, family, or organization.
- consented: gave permission for something to happen
- envious: jealous
- colt: a young male horse
- scraped: to barely manage achieving something
- wooded: covered with trees
- undertaking: a formal pledge or promise to do something
- pasture: land covered with grass suitable for grazing animals
- supper: light evening meal served before dinner
- sheaf: a bundle of grain stalks laid lengthways and tied together after reaping.
- kindled: to burn fiercely
- desire: the feeling of wanting something intensely
- shillings: a type of currency
- freehold: permanent or strong ownership of something which allowed the owner to dispose of it at will
- abode: home
- recur: to happen or occur repeatedly
- haggled: to dispute repeatedly over the price of something
- clinched: to confirm or settle a bargain
- Bakshirs: a Turkish ethnic group in areas like Russia
- Robes: gowns
- Virgin soil: unused soil which is highly fertile
- prairie: level land overgrown with grass
- plied: to continuously supply insistently
- saddle: to burden oneself with a huge responsibility
- interpreter: someone who mediates between speakers of different languages
- kumiss: a fermented liquor prepared from mare’s milk
- reckon: to calculate
- dispersed: move away from each other
- Tract: piece of land
- roused: to wake up
- bade: to order
- steppe: a large area of flat unforested grassland in south-eastern Europe or Siberia.
- hillock: a small hill or mound
- glistened : shone brightly; sparkled
- undercoat: a light coat or jacket worn underneath the heavy coat
- girdle: a belt
- Turf: short thick grass and the layer of soil underneath it
- scarcely: barely, very little
- Done up: had enough of something
- Longed: wished
- rim: horizon
- Pressed on: hurried
- grasped: grabbed by the hands tightly
- ruined: cause failure
- parched: made dry by heat
- bellows: a deep roaring sound
- Strain: excessive physical pressure
Related:
- How Much Land Does a Man Need Summary, Explanation
- How Much Land Does a Man Need Question Answers
- How Much Land Does a Man Need Character Sketch
Chapter 6- Return to Air
Word Meanings
- squeeze: to pass forcefully through a small space
- sausage: a meat preparation made into a long, round shape, here, the name of a person.
- diving: jumping into the water with head or arms first
- work on: do a job/work
- drowning: death caused by being underwater and not being able to breathe
- flannel: a type of soft woollen cloth
- blurred: became less clear
- splash: sound of water hitting something
- flabby: fat
- lemonade: a sweet drink made of lemon
- glimmer: a weak, unsteady light
- fading away: disappearing slowly
- sticking up: pointing upwards
- stirred: moved slightly
- drifted: carried along by water/wind
- exploded: came up fast with a loud noise
- trickling: flowing down in a thin line
- mastiff: a big dog with short hair
- what on earth: an expression used to make a statement more forceful
- slime: mud which gives foul smell
- mantelpiece: a shelf that projects from a wall above a fireplace.
- frightened: full of fear or worry
Related:
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