Daily "The Hindu" Vocab & Editorial 4 February 2026 | English Notes for SSC

Daily The Hindu Vocab & Editorial  4 February 2026 brings a focused set of English notes designed specially for SSC and other competitive exam aspirants. Based on a careful reading of The Hindu editorial, this edition covers important vocabulary, idioms, one-word substitutions, phrasal verbs, and common grammar rules that frequently appear in exams. Along with language practice, it also includes an exam-oriented reading comprehension passage to help candidates improve understanding, accuracy, and confidence in real exam conditions.

Daily "The Hindu" Vocab & Editorial 4 February 2026

Mastering English language skills is crucial for competitive exams like SSC. This resource offers a targeted approach to enhance vocabulary, understand idiomatic expressions, practice one-word substitutions, and reinforce grammar rules. Check the detailed analysis of "The Hindu" editorials, providing relevant context and practical application for exam success.

Vocabulary Warm-Up

A quick review of key vocabulary:

• Anticipated: Expected.

• Recourse: Reliance or dependence on someone for help.

• Criticized: Blamed.

• Principal: The main or chief person/thing.

• Fiscal Federalism: Refers to financial decentralization, where financial responsibilities and resources are distributed among different levels of government rather than being centralized.

• Accepting: Acknowledging or agreeing to something.

• Abrupt: Sudden and unexpected.

• Sharply: Significantly or with great intensity.

• Tweak: A small adjustment made to improve something.

• Structural: Relating to a system or an organized framework. It is distinct from contour, which refers to an outline.

• Nudge: Encouragement.

• Resort to: To depend on or turn to for help.

Idioms & Phrases Practice

• To cut the painter: To sever ties and become independent.

• To be in queer street: To be in financial trouble.

• To cleave to something: To stick strongly and loyally to something.

• To lay by the heels: To imprison someone.

• To stand in good stead: To be of great use or benefit at a later time.

One-Word Substitution Practice

• A place where weapons are stored: Arsenal (शस्त्रशाला).

• Language that has been very much used (and is now unoriginal): Hackneyed (घिसा-पिटा).

• A person who loves luxury and sensuous pleasures: Voluptuary.

• Fear of being enclosed in a small, closed space: Claustrophobia.

• Note: This is a very common word in competitive exams.

Core Vocabulary from the Editorial

1. End in Sight (Idiom)

• Meaning: A situation where the conclusion or resolution seems near. The end is visible.

• Synonyms: Nearing completion, approaching conclusion.

• Antonyms: Endless, never-ending, unresolved, ongoing.

• Example: After years of negotiation, the trade dispute finally has an end in sight.

2. Palpable (Adjective)

• Meaning: Easily noticeable, tangible, or clearly felt; obvious and apparent.

• Synonyms: Obvious, tangible, evident, perceptible, noticeable.

• Antonyms: Vague, unclear, imperceptible, doubtful.

• Example: There was palpable excitement among the investors.

3. Persistent (Adjective)

• Meaning: Continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action despite difficulty, opposition, or obstacles.

• Note: This is an SSC favorite word.

• Synonyms: Continuous, relentless, unyielding, enduring.

• Antonyms: Temporary, fleeting, intermittent, inconsistent.

• Example: Persistent issues cannot be ignored by policymakers.

4. Unanswered (Adjective)

• Meaning: Not responded to or resolved.

• Synonyms: Unresolved, ignored, pending, open.

• Antonyms: Resolved, answered, clarified, settled.

• Example: Several questions remain unanswered after the press briefing.

5. Ambiguity (Noun)

• Meaning: The state of having more than one possible meaning, leading to a lack of clarity.

• Synonyms: Uncertainty, vagueness, doubtfulness, obscurity.

• Antonyms: Certainty, clarity, definiteness, precision.

• Example: Ambiguity surrounds the scope of the trade deal.

• (Memory Tip: Think of the character "Ambi" from the movie Aparichit, who had multiple personalities (Ambi, Remo, Aparichit), creating a state of ambiguity about his true identity.)

6. Tranche (Noun)

• Meaning: A portion or installment of a larger plan, payment, or deal. Similar to an EMI (Equated Monthly Installment).

• Synonyms: Portion, phase, segment, installment.

• Antonyms: Whole, entirety, totality, complete amount.

• Example: This agreement may be the first tranche of a broader deal.

7. Assertion (Noun)

• Meaning: A confident and forceful statement of fact or belief; a firm declaration.

• Synonyms: Claim, declaration, statement, affirmation.

• Antonyms: Denial, retraction, doubt, negation.

• Example: The president's assertion raised serious concerns.

8. Cast a Shadow Over (Idiom)

• Meaning: To create doubt, concern, or negativity about something; to spoil a situation with something unpleasant.

• Synonyms: Undermine, cloud, overshadow, jeopardize.

• Antonyms: Strengthen, improve, brighten, enhance.

• Example: The issue could cast a shadow over diplomatic ties.

• (Memory Tip: This is like the feeling of "कुछ तो गड़बड़ है" (something is wrong), where a seemingly good situation is clouded by doubt or suspicion.)

9. Ordeal (Noun)

• Meaning: A severe, painful, or trying experience; a hardship.

• Synonyms: Trial, hardship, tribulation, suffering, agony.

• Antonyms: Comfort, ease, pleasure, relief.

• Example: The tariffs ordeal may finally be coming to an end.

10. In That Light (Phrase)

• Meaning: Considering the situation from a particular perspective or in that context.

• Synonyms: From that perspective, accordingly, therefore, thus.

• Antonyms: Regardless, irrespective of context.

• Example: In that light, the matter deserves discussion.

11. Bilateral (Adjective)

• Meaning: Involving two countries or parties.

• Synonyms: Two-sided, mutual, reciprocal, joint.

• Antonyms: Unilateral (one-sided), Multilateral (many-sided).

• Example: A bilateral trade agreement benefits both nations.

Phrasal Verbs Practice

• Held back: To restrain or withhold.

• Example: He held back crucial information.

• Phased out: To gradually remove or replace something.

• Example: The company phased out old machinery.

• Stood by: To support or remain loyal to someone or a decision.

• Example: The leader stood by her decision despite criticism.

• Broke down: To fail.

• Example: The talks broke down after several rounds.

Grammar and Spelling Practice

Grammar Rules

1. Subject-Verb Agreement:

• Incorrect: "The news… has brought relief… but it also come with…"

• Correct: "The news… has brought relief… but it also comes with…" (The subject "it" is singular and requires the singular verb "comes").

2. Tense in Reported Speech:

• Incorrect: "Mr. Goyal said that the details will be shared soon."

• Correct: "Mr. Goyal said that the details would be shared soon." (When the reporting verb is in the past, "said," the verb in the reported clause usually shifts to the past).

Antonym

• The antonym for Haggard (looking exhausted and unwell) is Fresh.

Spelling

• The correctly spelled word among the options is Sonnet (a 14-line poem).

Also Read:

• SSC Monthly Current Affairs
• SSC Weekly Current Affairs

Reading Comprehension: US-India Trade Deal

Summary of the Passage

The announcement of a US-India trade deal, including a tariff cut from 50% to 18% on certain Indian imports, has brought palpable relief to Indian industries. However, the informal social media announcement leaves persistent and unanswered questions. There is no clarity on the implementation timeline, with conflicting statements from President Trump ("immediately") and India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal ("soon"). 

Further ambiguity exists regarding whether this is a small "mini-deal" or the first tranche of a larger bilateral agreement. A significant concern is President Trump's assertion that PM Modi has agreed to stop buying Russian oil, a claim unaddressed by the Indian government. Halting oil imports from Russia, a long-time friend and critical defense supplier, would force India to find alternatives for a third of its oil and cast a shadow over its relationship with Russia. Such a major strategic shift, the author argues, warrants parliamentary discussion.

Comprehension Questions & Answers

1. What is the theme of the passage?

• Answer: Relief mixed with uncertainty over the US-India trade deal.

2. The phrase "cast a shadow over" most nearly means:

• Answer: To create uncertainty or doubt.

3. Why does the author believe stopping Russian oil imports is significant?

• Answer: It would force India to change its strategic alignments.

4. Which of the following best describes the author's view of the trade deal?

• Answer: Promising but unclear.

5. How does the passage describe the mode of announcement of the trade deal?

• Answer: Informal and unusual for India.