Here are ten vocabulary words from The Hindu on April 18, 2024, along with their meanings, alternate words, and usage:

1. Bountiful (adjective)
   • Meaning: Large in amount; abundant.
   • Alternate Words: Plentiful, copious, ample.
   • Usage: The recent monsoon forecast predicts a bountiful rainfall for India.
2. Soaring (verb)
   • Meaning: Rising very quickly to a high level.
   • Alternate Words: Ascending, skyrocketing, climbing.
   • Usage: The prices of essential commodities have been soaring due to supply shortages.
3. Comparison (noun)
   • Meaning: The act of comparing two or more people or things.
   • Alternate Words: Contrast, analogy, similarity assessment.
   • Usage: The study involves a comparison of different economic models.
4. Excessive (adjective)
   • Meaning: An amount that is more than acceptable, expected, or reasonable.
   • Alternate Words: Overabundant, immoderate, extravagant.
   • Usage: The excessive use of plastic is harmful to the environment.
5. Torrential (adjective)
   • Meaning: Used to refer to very heavy rain.
   • Alternate Words: Deluging, downpouring, pouring.
   • Usage: The city experienced torrential rains, causing flooding in low-lying areas.
6. Neutral (adjective)
   • Meaning: Not saying or doing anything that would encourage or help any of the groups involved in an argument or war.
   • Alternate Words: Unbiased, impartial, nonpartisan.
   • Usage: The mediator maintained a neutral stance during the negotiations.
7. Searing (adjective)
   • Meaning: Extremely hot or intense; causing a burning or piercing sensation.
   • Alternate Words: Scorching, blistering, seething.
   • Usage: The searing pain in his leg made it difficult to walk.
8. Arid (adjective)
   • Meaning: Lacking sufficient water or rainfall; dry.
   • Alternate Words: Desert-like, parched, barren.
   • Usage: The arid regions of the Sahara experience extreme heat.
9. Vulnerable (adjective)
   • Meaning: Able to be easily physically or mentally hurt, influenced, or attacked.
   • Alternate Words: Susceptible, exposed, defenseless.
   • Usage: The elderly population is more vulnerable to certain diseases.
10. Infrastructure (noun)
    • Meaning: The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
    • Alternate Words: Facilities, systems, networks.
    • Usage: Investment in infrastructure is crucial for economic development.

Feel free to incorporate these words into your vocabulary practice! 📚