Illuminating the Essence of Diwali: A Linguistic Celebration

As we delve into the intricate details of Diwali’s festivities and its underlying spiritual connotations, we’ll illuminate this enchanting celebration with an array of 100+ GRE words that aptly encapsulate its essence.

***(Anticipate the contextual meaning as you read through the blog. Later, revise the words using the meanings provided here.)

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a resplendent celebration that transcends boundaries and embraces the rich tapestry of Indian culture. With a history steeped in tradition and mythology, Diwali is a quintessential festival celebrated by millions across the globe. The word “Diwali” itself holds profound significance, derived from the Sanskrit words “deepa” (lamp) and “avali” (row), symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.

Euphoric Preparations

The Diwali season commences weeks in advance as households embark on a flurry of preparations. Streets and marketplaces burgeon with an assortment of decorations, a melange of colors, and an array of aromatic delicacies. Families engage in meticulous cleaning and decorating, a ritual, known as “shringar,” to embellish their homes with vibrant rangoli patterns, marigold garlands, and shimmering lanterns.

The Significance of Each of the Five Days:

The five-day revelry commences with Dhanteras, marking the inauguration of the festivities. On this day, devout reverence is extended to Lord Dhanvantari, the revered deity associated with medicine and Ayurveda. It is also regarded as propitious to invest in gold and silver during Dhanteras, believed to usher in auspiciousness and affluence.

Diwali’s significance is grounded in a plethora of mythological narratives and enigmatic legends. The most renowned legend is the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya following his victory over the demon king Ravana. This story highlights themes of valorrighteousness, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Naraka Chaturdashi, the second day, is a commemoration of Lord Krishna’s subdual of the formidable demon Narakasura. People rise at dawn to perform ablutions, signifying personal purification. Subsequently, they illuminate their residences and workplaces with the radiance of oil lamps and candles.

The third day, the central Diwali day or Lakshmi Puja, is dedicated to venerating Goddess Lakshmi, the divine patroness of wealth and prosperity. Families unite in special prayers and pujas, imploring blessings for an opulent forthcoming year. Abodes are bejeweled with oil lamps, resplendent rangoli motifs, and fragrant blossoms. As evening descends, a symphony of firecrackers reverberates, rejoicing in the supremacy of righteousness over malevolence.

The fourth day, known as Govardhan Puja or Padwa, is a day of reverence for Lord Krishna, who upraised the Govardhan Hill to shield the villagers from the wrath of Lord Indra. People also engage in the exchange of gifts and sweets, visiting their kith and kin to cement bonds of camaraderie.

The concluding day of Diwali, Bhai Dooj or Yama Dwitiya, celebrates the fraternal and sororal connection. Sisters craft delectable delicacies for their brothers, embellishing their foreheads with a tilak (vermilion mark). Brothers reciprocate with gifts to honor this cherished relationship.

During the five days, you will observe: 

Radiant Decorations

An array of decorations, each reflecting a sense of opulence and festivity, festoon homes and public spaces. The artistic embellishments, from torans (door hangings) to intricate paper lanterns, add to the overall splendor of the festival.

Luminous Illumination

At the heart of Diwali lies the symbolic lighting of lamps, diyas, and candles. Kindling these luminous lights not only brightens the physical realm but also represents the inner illumination, with knowledge dispelling ignorance. The interplay of light and shadow casts an ethereal glow on the surroundings, signifying the victory of truth over falsehood.

Mellifluous Melodies

Diwali’s spiritual and cultural significance finds resonance in the mellifluous strains of devotional music and classical ragas. The enchanting melodies of bhajans (hymns) and classical compositions often captivate the hearts of devotees. The tabla, sitar, and harmonium lend a harmonious quality to the atmosphere, invoking a sense of transcendence.

Sumptuous Feasting

The Diwali feast is a cornucopia of flavors and aromas, offering a gastronomic experience that tantalizes the senses. Savory delights such as samosas, pakoras, and chaats are accompanied by an array of sweets, including the delectable gulab jamun, jalebi, and rasgulla. The extravagant spread mirrors the festival’s festive and indulgent nature.

Communal Merriment

Diwali is a time for communal bonding, transcending barriers of age, caste, and creed. Families and friends come together to exchange gifts and sweets, igniting a sense of camaraderie and warmth. The sense of togetherness exemplifies the festival’s universal appeal.

Transcendent Spirituality

For many, Diwali is not merely a festival but a deeply spiritual journey. The Sanskrit concept of “Atman” (the individual soul) and “Brahman” (the universal soul) comes into focus, inspiring introspection and the search for the divine within. It prompts contemplation of the transient nature of life and the pursuit of eternal knowledge. Praying and seeking blessings from deities invokes a sense of humility, demonstrating that even the most erudite minds have much to learn.

Exuberant Fireworks

The night of Diwali is marked by the resounding burst of fireworks that light up the sky. The sky becomes an effulgent canvas adorned with a plethora of pyrotechnic displays. The jubilant explosions metaphorically represent the celebration’s exuberance as people welcome the festival with a bang.

Charitable Giving

Diwali also underscores the significance of charitable acts and compassion. Many people dedicate a portion of their earnings to charitable endeavors, following the principle of “dharma” (duty) and “seva” (service). This philanthropic element underscores the festival’s theme of giving and sharing.

Auspicious Attire

As Diwali approaches, people adorn themselves in resplendent garments that symbolize purity and renewal. Women don colorful sarees or lehengas, often embellished with intricate embroidery and ornate jewelry. Men opt for traditional kurta-pajamas or sherwanis; children are dressed in vibrant, eye-catching attire.

Artistic Articulation

Diwali provides a platform for artistic expression as people create rangoli patterns, intricate kolam designs, and ornate mehndi (henna) artwork on their hands. These artistic endeavors, characterized by their intricate beauty, evoke a sense of splendor and admiration.

Cultural Pageantry

Diwali’s diverse regional customs and traditions add to its cultural richness. For instance, in West Bengal, the festival of Kali Puja coincides with Diwali, honoring the fierce goddess Kali. The deity is carried on ornate chariots, accompanied by music and dance. These processions are a spectacle of grandeur, exemplifying the fervor and devotion of the participants. In southern India, Diwali is celebrated with the lighting of oil lamps and the exchange of gifts. These regional variations showcase the festival’s adaptability and multifaceted nature.

Diwali, with its effulgent rituals and profound symbolism, serves as a beacon of light and unity for millions worldwide. The festivities, steeped in tradition and rich cultural heritage, resonate with the essence of human life – the pursuit of knowledge, the victory of good over evil, and the celebration of togetherness. As the festival transcends linguistic and geographical barriers, it invites people to embrace the light within and radiate positivity to the world, transcending the bounds of language, culture, and ethnicity. So, let us all partake in the magnificence of Diwali, igniting our inner diyas and celebrating the enduring spirit of humanity.

Dilip Oak’s Academy wishes you all a happy, sparkling and a safe Diwali! Hope this brings you academic success and fulfillment of your dreams.

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Illuminating the Essence of Diwali: A Linguistic Celebration – Vocabulary

Words, Meanings, Sentences:

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  1. Ablution – (noun) the act of washing oneself, often as a religious ritual. E.g., On Naraka Chaturdashi, people rise at dawn to perform ablutions, signifying personal purification.
  2. Abode – (noun) places where people live; homes. E.g., Abodes are bejeweled with oil lamps, resplendent rangoli motifs, and fragrant blossoms during Diwali.
  3. Adaptability – (noun) the quality of being able to adjust to different conditions or circumstances. E.g., Diwali’s diverse regional customs and traditions add to its cultural richness, showcasing the festival’s adaptability and multifaceted nature.
  4. Adorn – (verb) to decorate or add beauty to something. E.g., Families engage in meticulous cleaning and decorating to adorn their homes with vibrant rangoli patterns.
  5. Affluence – (noun) great wealth or abundance of resources. E.g., It is regarded as propitious to invest in gold and silver during Dhanteras, believed to usher in auspiciousness and affluence.
  6. Array – (noun) a large or impressive display or collection of things. E.g., Streets and marketplaces burgeon with an assortment of decorations, a melange of colors, and an array of aromatic delicacies during Diwali.
  7. Articulation – (noun) the act of expressing or conveying something clearly. E.g., Diwali provides a platform for artistic expression, as people create rangoli patterns and intricate mehndi artwork on their hands, showcasing their artistic articulation.
  8. Artwork – (noun) creative or artistic pieces, often visual. E.g., Diwali provides a platform for artistic expression, as people engage in creative endeavors like rangoli patterns and mehndi artwork.
  9. Assortment – (noun) a variety or collection of different types of things. E.g., Streets are filled with an assortment of decorations, a melange of colors, and an array of aromatic delicacies during the Diwali season.
  10. Auspicious – (adjective) considered to be a sign of good fortune or success. E.g., Dhanteras is regarded as an auspicious day for investing in gold and silver.
  11. Beacon – (noun) a source of light or inspiration. E.g., Diwali serves as a beacon of light and unity for millions worldwide.
  12. Bejeweled – (adjective) adorned with jewelry or decorative elements. E.g., Abodes are bejeweled with oil lamps, rangoli motifs, and fragrant blossoms during Diwali.
  13. Burgeon – (verb) to grow or develop rapidly; to flourish. E.g., Streets and marketplaces burgeon with decorations and aromatic delicacies as the Diwali season approaches.
  14. Camaraderie – (noun) a spirit of friendship and mutual trust among a group of people. E.g., Families and friends come together to exchange gifts and sweets, igniting a sense of camaraderie and warmth during Diwali.
  15. Captivate – (verb) to attract and hold the attention or interest of someone. E.g., The mellifluous strains of devotional music and classical ragas often captivate the hearts of devotees during Diwali.
  16. Charitable – (adjective) relating to the practice of giving aid to those in need, often through donations or acts of kindness. E.g., Diwali also underscores the significance of charitable acts and compassion, as many people dedicate a portion of their earnings to charitable endeavors.
  17. Cherish – (adjective) deeply loved and valued. E.g., The concluding day of Diwali, Bhai Dooj, celebrates the cherished fraternal and sororal connection.
  18. Commemoration – (noun) the act of observing or remembering a significant event or person. E.g., Naraka Chaturdashi is a commemoration of Lord Krishna vanquishing the formidable demon Narakasura.
  19. Communal – (adjective) relating to or involving a community or group of people. E.g., Diwali is a time for communal bonding, transcending barriers of age, caste, and creed.
  20. Compassion – (noun) a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for the suffering of others, often accompanied by a desire to help. E.g., Diwali also underscores the significance of charitable acts and compassion, as many people dedicate a portion of their earnings to charitable endeavors.
  21. Connotation – (noun) the suggested or implied meaning of a word or expression; the feelings or ideas associated with a word. E.g., As we delve into the intricate details of Diwali’s festivities and its underlying spiritual connotations, we’ll illuminate this enchanting celebration with an array of GRE words.
  22. Contemplation – (noun) the act of deep thinking or reflection. E.g., Diwali prompts contemplation of the transient nature of life and the pursuit of eternal knowledge.
  23. Cornucopia – (noun) an abundant supply of something; an overflowing collection or assortment. E.g., The Diwali feast is a cornucopia of flavors and aromas, offering a gastronomic experience that tantalizes the senses.
  24. Delectable – (adjective) delicious; highly pleasing to the taste or senses. E.g., The Diwali feast is a cornucopia of delectable flavors, including samosas, pakoras, and an array of sweets.
  25. Delve – (verb) to investigate or research deeply and thoroughly. E.g., As we delve into the intricate details of Diwali’s festivities and its underlying spiritual connotations, we’ll illuminate this enchanting celebration with an array of GRE words.
  26. Devout – (adjective) deeply religious or devoted to a particular faith or practice. E.g., On this day, devout reverence is extended to Lord Dhanvantari.
  27. Dispel – (verb) to make something disappear or drive it away. E.g., The act of kindling lamps and candles during Diwali dispels darkness and ignorance, symbolizing the victory of truth over falsehood.
  28. Don – (verb) to put on or dress in (a particular item of clothing). E.g., As Diwali approaches, people don resplendent garments to symbolize purity and renewal.
  29. Effulgent – (adjective) shining brightly; radiant. E.g., The night of Diwali is marked by the effulgent burst of fireworks that light up the sky.
  30. Embellish – (verb) to decorate or enhance with additional details or features. E.g., Families engage in meticulous cleaning and decorating, a ritual known as “shringar,” to embellish their homes with vibrant rangoli patterns.
  31. Encapsulate – (verb) to express the essential features or ideas of something in a concise or condensed form. E.g., Diwali, with its effulgent rituals and profound symbolism, serves as a beacon of light and unity, encapsulating the enduring spirit of humanity.
  32. Enchanting – (adjective) captivating and delightful, often with a magical quality. E.g., The enchanting melodies of bhajans and classical compositions during Diwali often captivate the hearts of devotees.
  33. Endeavor – (noun) concerted efforts or attempts to achieve a goal. E.g., Diwali provides a platform for artistic expression, as people engage in creative endeavors like rangoli patterns and mehndi artwork.
  34. Enduring – (adjective) lasting or continuing for a long time; persistent. E.g., The concluding day of Diwali, Bhai Dooj, celebrates the cherished fraternal and sororal connection, emphasizing the enduring bonds between siblings.
  35. Enigmatic – (adjective) mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand. E.g., Diwali’s significance is grounded in a plethora of mythological narratives and enigmatic legends, adding depth to its spiritual connotations.
  36. Erudite – (adjective) having or showing great knowledge or learning. E.g., The Sanskrit concept of “Atman” (the individual soul) and “Brahman” (the universal soul) comes into focus, inspiring introspection and the search for the divine within, even for the most erudite minds.
  37. Eternal – (adjective) lasting forever; without an end. E.g., Diwali prompts contemplation of the transient nature of life and the pursuit of eternal knowledge.
  38. Ethereal – (adjective) extremely delicate and light; seemingly not of this world. E.g., The interplay of light and shadow during Diwali casts an ethereal glow on the surroundings, signifying the victory of truth over falsehood.
  39. Euphoric – (adjective) characterized by an intense feeling of happiness, excitement, or delight. E.g., The Diwali season commences weeks in advance, and people engage in euphoric preparations, adorning their homes with vibrant decorations.
  40. Exemplify – (verb) to be a typical example of something. E.g., The sense of togetherness during Diwali exemplifies the festival’s universal appeal, transcending barriers of age, caste, and creed.
  41. Extravagant – (adjective) excessive, elaborate, or beyond what is reasonable or necessary. E.g., The Diwali feast is an extravagant spread, mirroring the festival’s festive and indulgent nature.
  42. Exuberance – (noun) the quality of being full of energy, excitement, and enthusiasm. E.g., The night of Diwali is marked by the resounding burst of fireworks that light up the sky, representing the celebration’s exuberance.
  43. Fervor – (noun) intense and passionate enthusiasm or eagerness. E.g., The diverse regional customs and traditions during Diwali add to its cultural richness, showcasing the fervor and devotion of the participants.
  44. Festoon – (verb) to decorate or adorn with ribbons, garlands, or other ornaments. E.g., An array of decorations, from torans to intricate paper lanterns, festoon homes and public spaces during Diwali.
  45. Flurry – (noun) a sudden and brief burst or commotion of activity or emotion. E.g., The Diwali season commences weeks in advance as households embark on a flurry of preparations.
  46. Formidable – (adjective) inspiring fear or respect through being large, powerful, intense, or capable. E.g., Naraka Chaturdashi is a commemoration of Lord Krishna vanquishing the formidable demon Narakasura.
  47. Fraternal – (adjective) relating to or involving brothers; brotherly. E.g., The concluding day of Diwali, Bhai Dooj, celebrates the fraternal and sororal connection, emphasizing the enduring bonds between siblings.
  48. Gastronomic – (adjective) relating to the art and science of good eating; culinary. E.g., The Diwali feast is a gastronomic delight, offering a wide variety of delectable dishes to tantalize the senses.
  49. Grandeur – (noun) splendor and impressiveness, especially of appearance or style. E.g., In West Bengal, the Kali Puja processions are a spectacle of grandeur, exemplifying the fervor and devotion of the participants.
  50. Humility – (noun) a modest or low view of one’s importance; a lack of arrogance. E.g., Praying and seeking blessings from deities during Diwali invokes a sense of humility, demonstrating that even the most erudite minds have much to learn.
  51. Illuminate – (verb) to light up; to make something brighter. E.g., Kindling lamps and candles during Diwali illuminates the surroundings and represents the inner illumination with knowledge dispelling ignorance.
  52. Imploring – (verb) to beg or earnestly request something. E.g., Families unite in special prayers and pujas, imploring blessings for an opulent forthcoming year during Lakshmi Puja.
  53. Indulgent – (adjective) characterized by an excessive or overly permissive attitude. E.g., The Diwali feast is an extravagant and indulgent spread, offering a wide range of delectable dishes.
  54. Interplay – (noun) the way in which two or more things have an effect on each other. E.g., The interplay of light and shadow during Diwali represents the victory of truth over falsehood.
  55. Intricate – (adjective) very detailed and complicated; complex. E.g., The artistic embellishments, from torans to intricate paper lanterns, add to the overall splendor of Diwali.
  56. Introspection – (noun) the examination or observation of one’s own mental and emotional processes. E.g., Diwali prompts introspection about the transient nature of life and the pursuit of eternal knowledge.
  57. Invoke – (verb) to call upon a deity or spirit in prayer or as a witness. E.g., Families come together to invoke blessings and seek divine guidance during Diwali.
  58. Jubilant – (adjective) showing great joy, satisfaction, or triumph; exultant. E.g., The night of Diwali is marked by the jubilant burst of fireworks that light up the sky.
  59. Kindling – (noun) the act of igniting or lighting something, especially a fire. E.g., The act of kindling lamps and candles during Diwali symbolizes the victory of truth over falsehood.
  60. Kith and Kin – (noun) friends and family; one’s acquaintances and relatives. E.g., People visit their kith and kin during Govardhan Puja to cement bonds of camaraderie.
  61. Legend – (noun) traditional stories or narratives, often about historical events or heroic figures. E.g., Diwali’s significance is grounded in a plethora of mythological narratives and enigmatic legends, adding depth to its spiritual connotations.
  62. Linguistic – (adjective) relating to language or the study of languages. E.g., As we delve into the intricate details of Diwali’s festivities and its underlying spiritual connotations, we’ll illuminate this enchanting celebration with an array of GRE words that aptly encapsulate its essence in a linguistic celebration.
  63. Luminous – (adjective) emitting or reflecting steady, glowing light; radiant. E.g., The symbolic lighting of lamps, diyas, and candles during Diwali is a luminous celebration of knowledge dispelling ignorance.
  64. Malevolence – (noun) the quality of having a wish to do evil to others. E.g., The triumph of good over malevolence is a recurring theme in Diwali’s mythological narratives.
  65. Melange – (noun) a mixture or medley of different things. E.g., Streets and marketplaces are filled with a melange of colors and an array of aromatic delicacies during Diwali.
  66. Mellifluous – (adjective) (of a voice or words) sweet or musical; pleasant to hear. E.g., Diwali’s spiritual and cultural significance finds resonance in the mellifluous strains of devotional music and classical ragas.
  67. Metaphorically – (adverb) in a way that uses metaphor, or figure of speech, to make a comparison. E.g., The jubilant explosions of fireworks during Diwali metaphorically represent the celebration’s exuberance.
  68. Meticulous – (adjective) showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise. E.g., Families engage in meticulous cleaning and decorating to embellish their homes with vibrant rangoli patterns during Diwali.
  69. Motif – (noun) recurring themes, ideas, or patterns in a creative work, such as art, music, or literature. E.g., Abodes are adorned with oil lamps, resplendent rangoli motifs, and fragrant blossoms during Diwali.
  70. Multifaceted – (adjective) having many different aspects or features. E.g., Diwali’s diverse regional customs and traditions add to its cultural richness, showcasing the festival’s multifaceted nature.
  71. Opulence – (noun) great wealth or luxury. E.g., Abodes are bejeweled with oil lamps, resplendent rangoli motifs, and fragrant blossoms, adding an air of opulence during Diwali.
  72. Pageantry – (noun) a grand display or ceremony, often with elaborate and colorful elements. E.g., Diwali’s diverse regional customs and traditions, including processions and rituals, contribute to the pageantry and grandeur of the celebration.
  73. Partake – (verb) to take part or participate in something. E.g., So, let us all partake in the magnificence of Diwali, igniting our inner diyas and celebrating the enduring spirit of humanity.
  74. Philanthropic – (adjective) related to acts of charity and goodwill toward others. E.g., Diwali also underscores the significance of charitable acts and compassion, as many people dedicate a portion of their earnings to philanthropic endeavors.
  75. Plethora – (noun) an excessive or overabundant quantity of something. E.g., The Diwali feast offers a plethora of flavors and aromas, tempting the senses with a wide range of dishes.
  76. Propitious – (adjective) indicating a good chance of success; favorable. E.g., Dhanteras is regarded as a propitious day for investing in gold and silver, believed to bring good fortune.
  77. Pyrotechnic – (adjective) related to fireworks or the creation and display of fireworks. E.g., The night of Diwali is marked by the resounding burst of pyrotechnic displays that light up the sky.
  78. Quintessential – (adjective) representing the most typical or perfect example of a quality or class. E.g., Diwali, the festival of lights, is a quintessential celebration that transcends boundaries and embraces the rich tapestry of Indian culture.
  79. Radiant – (adjective) emitting or reflecting steady, glowing light; shining brightly. E.g., An array of radiant decorations, from colorful torans to shimmering lanterns, festoons homes and public spaces during Diwali.
  80. Radiate – (verb) to emit or give off rays of light or energy; to display a particular quality or feeling. E.g., Diwali invites people to embrace the light within and radiate positivity to the world, transcending the bounds of language, culture, and ethnicity.
  81. Realm – (noun) a particular field or area of activity, interest, or experience. E.g., Diwali encapsulates the essence of human life, celebrating togetherness and the pursuit of knowledge in the spiritual and cultural realm.
  82. Reciprocate – (verb) to respond to an action or gesture by making a corresponding one. E.g., Brothers reciprocate with endowments to honor the cherished relationship on Bhai Dooj.
  83. Renowned – (adjective) well-known and respected, often because of one’s achievements or reputation. E.g., Diwali, with its rich tapestry of tradition and mythology, is a renowned festival celebrated by millions worldwide.
  84. Resonance – (noun) the ability to evoke a sympathetic response or reaction. E.g., Diwali’s spiritual and cultural significance finds resonance in the mellifluous strains of devotional music and classical compositions.
  85. Resounding – (adjective) producing a loud, deep, or echoing sound. E.g., The night of Diwali is marked by the resounding burst of fireworks that light up the sky.
  86. Resplendent – (adjective) shining brightly; radiant or splendid in appearance. E.g., Abodes are bejeweled with oil lamps, resplendent rangoli motifs, and fragrant blossoms during Diwali.
  87. Revelry – (noun) lively and noisy festivities, especially involving drinking and dancing. E.g., The symphony of firecrackers during Diwali resonates with the revelry that marks the supremacy of righteousness over malevolence.
  88. Reverberate – (verb) to be repeated as an echo or vibration. E.g., As evening descends, a symphony of firecrackers reverberates, rejoicing in the supremacy of righteousness over malevolence.
  89. Revered – (adjective) deeply respected and admired. E.g., Dhanteras is a day devoted to the revered Lord Dhanvantari, associated with medicine and Ayurveda.
  90. Rich tapestry – (phrase) a complex and diverse combination of elements, often referring to culture or history. E.g., Diwali, the festival of lights, embraces the rich tapestry of Indian culture, with its history steeped in tradition and mythology.
  91. Righteousness – (noun) the quality of being morally right or justifiable. E.g., The story of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana highlights themes of valor and righteousness.
  92. Savory – (adjective) pleasing in taste or smell, especially in a salty or spicy way. E.g., The Diwali feast is a cornucopia of flavors, including savory delights like samosas and pakoras.
  93. Shimmering – (adjective) shining with a flickering or wavering light. E.g., Families engage in meticulous cleaning and decorating, embellishing their homes with vibrant rangoli patterns, marigold garlands, and shimmering lanterns.
  94. Sororal – (adjective) related to sisters or sisterhood. E.g., Bhai Dooj is a day of celebration for the sororal connection, as sisters craft delectable delicacies for their brothers.
  95. Splendor – (noun) great beauty or magnificence; grandeur. E.g., The artistic embellishments, from torans to intricate paper lanterns, add to the overall splendor of Diwali.
  96. Steeped in – (phrase) deeply immersed or saturated with a particular quality or influence. E.g., Diwali, the festival of lights, embraces the rich tapestry of Indian culture, with its history steeped in tradition and mythology.
  97. Sumptuous – (adjective) splendid and expensive-looking; rich, grand, and luxurious. E.g., The Diwali feast is a sumptuous spread, offering a gastronomic experience that tantalizes the senses.
  98. Symbolism – (noun) the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. E.g., Kindling lamps and candles during Diwali carries deep symbolism, representing the victory of truth over falsehood.
  99. Tantalize – (verb) to tease or excite the senses, often with something desirable that is just out of reach. E.g., The Diwali feast is a tantalizing array of flavors and aromas, offering a gastronomic experience that tempts the senses with its mouthwatering dishes.
  100. Transcendence – (noun) the state of being beyond ordinary or common limits; surpassing the usual. E.g., The Sanskrit concept of “Atman” and “Brahman” comes into focus during Diwali, inspiring introspection and the search for transcendence.
  101. Transient – (adjective) lasting only for a short time; impermanent. E.g., Diwali prompts contemplation of the transient nature of life and the pursuit of eternal knowledge.
  102. Triumph – (noun) a great victory or achievement. E.g., The most renowned legend of Diwali is the triumph of good over evil, as symbolized by Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana.
  103. Underscore – (verb) to emphasize the importance of something. E.g., Diwali underscores the significance of charitable acts, compassion, and the pursuit of knowledge.
  104. Upraised – (adjective) lifted up or elevated. E.g., The fourth day of Diwali, known as Govardhan Puja, is a day of reverence for Lord Krishna, who upraised the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers.
  105. Valor – (noun) great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle. E.g., The story of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana during Diwali highlights themes of valor and righteousness.
  106. Vanquishing – (verb) to defeat completely in a contest or battle. E.g., The second day of Diwali, Naraka Chaturdashi, commemorates Lord Krishna vanquishing the formidable demon Narakasura.
  107. Venerating – (verb) to regard with great respect or reverence. E.g., The third day of Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, is dedicated to venerating Goddess Lakshmi, the patroness of wealth and prosperity.
  108. Vermilion – (noun) a bright red pigment, often used for ceremonial markings. E.g., Brothers reciprocate with endowments and vermilion marks on Bhai Dooj to honor their sisters.
  109. Vibrant – (adjective) full of energy and enthusiasm; vivid and colorful. E.g., As Diwali approaches, people adorn themselves in vibrant garments, symbolizing purity and renewal.
  110. Wrath – (noun) extreme anger or fury. E.g., Lord Krishna upraised the Govardhan Hill to shield the villagers from the wrath of Lord Indra during Govardhan Puja.

Dilip Oak’s Academy wishes you all a happy, sparkling and a safe Diwali! Hope this brings you academic success and fulfillment of your dreams.

We offer comprehensive GRE coaching in Pune, both online and classroom, to support you in this crucial aspect of your academic journey. Further, our admission counseling services can guide you through the entire process from Shortlisting Universities to Visa Counseling. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 32,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. To enroll in our comprehensive services, book a free consultation or call us at 91-020-67444222.

We offer GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS coaching, GRE Self Prep and guide students with university selection, application essays, and visa counseling under our Admission Counseling Services for USA, Germany and Canada.  

Expert Tips for Mastering GRE Verbal Reasoning: Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence

The GRE Verbal Reasoning section is often perceived as a challenging hurdle for many test-takers. Within this section, Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions can be particularly challenging but fear not- we’re here to guide you. Our expert faculty members have curated valuable tips and strategies to help test-takers like you conquer these question types. By honing your skills in Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence, you can confidently tackle the GRE Verbal Reasoning section and achieve your desired scores.

Understanding Text Completion:

Text Completion questions present a passage with one to three blank spaces, and candidates must select the correct words or phrases to fill these gaps. The challenge lies in choosing the most appropriate words that maintain the coherence and meaning of the passage. To tackle Text Completion effectively, follow these tips:

  • Focus on Context: Grasp the passage’s context and main idea to predict the type of words needed
    to fill the blanks.
  • Look for Clues: Analyze surrounding words and sentences for hints about the missing words’
    meanings, including transitional phrases and tone.
  • Eliminate Irrelevant Options: Rule out answer choices that do not fit the passage’s context or alter the intended meaning.
  • Consider Logical Flow: Ensure the selected words maintain a coherent and logical flow within the passage.

Mastering Sentence Equivalence:

Sentence Equivalence questions present a single sentence with one blank space. Candidates are tasked with selecting two words from the six given options that create sentences with similar meanings. While the core strategies remain the same for both questions types, here’s how to tackle Sentence Equivalence questions effectively:

  • Identify Keyword Clues: Pay attention to crucial keywords in the sentence, as they often provide clues about the missing word’s meaning.
  • Antonyms and Synonyms: Consider words with opposite or synonymous meanings that fit the sentence’s context.
  • Avoid Extreme Choices: Eliminate answer choices with extreme meanings that do not align with the sentence’s tone or context.
  • Utilize the Process of Elimination: Narrow down choices by eliminating unlikely options, increasing the chances of selecting the correct word pair.

Build a Strong Vocabulary

A robust vocabulary is vital for excelling in GRE Verbal Reasoning. Regularly practice learning new words, understanding their meanings, and exploring their usage in context. Dilip Oak Academy offers comprehensive GRE preparation resources, including word lists and mnemonic techniques to aid memorization. Read this blog for more tips to master your vocabulary:  5 Tips from Our Expert Faculty 

Read Diverse Texts

Expand your vocabulary and comprehension skills by engaging with a wide range of topics, including literature, academic articles, and news pieces. Read extensively to bolster your language proficiency. Here are some blogs to get you started: GREat Five Minute Reads 

Familiarize with GRE Question Styles

Practice with official GRE Verbal Reasoning questions to become familiar with the question styles, formats, and difficulty levels. Analyzing answer explanations for incorrect choices helps you understand common pitfalls and improves your critical thinking skills.

Time Management

Efficient time management is crucial during GRE Verbal Reasoning. Allocate appropriate time to each question, and if you encounter a challenging question, flag it and move on. Later, during the review phase, allocate time to revisit flagged questions. The well-designed study plan and guidance from the expert faculty during the classes will boost your GRE preparation and give you the confidence to ace the test.

Take Full-Length Practice Tests

Simulate the real GRE experience by taking full-length practice tests under timed  conditions. Full-length practice tests help build endurance, identify weak areas, and fine-tune your test-taking strategies. This will help you get accustomed to the pressure and time constraints.

By mastering Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence, you can confidently approach the GRE and achieve your dream of pursuing further studies, like MS in the USA.

As a premier study abroad institute in Pune, Dilip Oak Academy is committed to helping students excel in the GRE exam. Our comprehensive GRE preparation resources include coaching- classroom & online with our experienced faculty members, online prep resources with access to over 2000 questions and a self-prep module which includes video lessons. With a focus on excellence, Dilip Oak Academy is your partner in achieving GRE success.

We also offer TOEFL, and IELTS coaching, and guide students with university selection, application essays, and visa counseling under our Admission Counseling Services for USA, Germany and UK.  To enroll, call us on 91-020-67444222, 91-8007878495

Explaining the New Shorter GRE and Its Implications for Test-Takers

For many years, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) has served as a crucial first step for students planning to pursue graduate study in the United States. This year, the GRE will be shorter thanks to a series of reforms. The test will have shorter versions of each section, but will still accurately assess test takers’ verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. If you plan to take the GRE General Test after September 2023, you should familiarize yourself with these changes and prepare accordingly. The following is a comprehensive summary of all the key modifications to the new, shorter GRE:

Change 1: Reduced Number of Questions and Shorter Testing Period

The length of the GRE General Test has been reduced from 4 hours to 1 hour and 58 minutes. This is a significant change aimed at improving test-takers’ concentration and decreasing test fatigue. The reduced time has been achieved by implementing the following changes in the test.

Reduced number of questions: The number of questions in the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning tests will be reduced. The number of questions in each section will drop from 40 to 27. These 27 questions will be broken up into 12 and 15 for for Section 1 and 2 respectively. This change applies to both quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning. Despite the reduction in total number of questions, the average time allotted for each question has remained unchanged.

Removal of ‘argument’ section: “Analyze an argument” task has been removed from the analytical writing section. Moving forward, the AWM section will only have the “analyze an issue” task. As a result, you’ll only have to write only one essay.

Removal of the Unscored section: The GRE currently has an unscored section that is used for evaluation of questions by ETS. This section will be removed from the new, shorter GRE, as it does not affect the test taker’s final score.

No Scheduled Breaks: The current 10-minute break after the two hours of the test will be eliminated because the new test time will be less than 2 hours.  Those taking the GRE at a testing center can still take unscheduled breaks; however, the clock will not stop. Exemptions to this policy will be made for test takers with disabilities or health-related needs.Online examinees are not permitted to take unscheduled breaks during the exam.

Change 2: faster Reporting of Test Results

Official GRE scores will be reported to test takers within 8-10 days after the exam. This is a significant improvement over the previous time frame of ten and fifteen calendar days. In the long run, this will save time for those filling out applications.

What won’t change as the GRE moves from its current format to a shorter one?

Despite the fact that the GRE General Test will be shorter, many features will remain unchanged. Given below are the important aspects of the test that won’t be changing:

  • The basic structure of the GRE, including the presence of Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning sections, will remain unchanged.
  • Scoring: All three sections will use the same scoring procedure, and the shorter test will use the same performance scales as the current test.
  • The shorter GRE will still be section adaptive I. e., the difficulty level of the second section will be based on your performance in the first section.
  • Although the GRE has been shortened, testing fees have not changed.
  • Graduate and professional schools will use scores from the GRE General Test similarly, regardless of the length.
  • As before, you can retake the GRE General Test up to five times in any rolling 12-month period (365 days), with a maximum of one attempt every 21 days.
  • Your GRE scores will be considered valid for five years after your test date.

Why the ETS is changing the test format

These changes are based on feedback from previous test takers and are the result of expert analysis about how a better experience could be introduced for test takers while retaining the strong validity and reliability that universities expect.

Applying to graduate and professional programs is time-consuming. While you want to show your potential in a comprehensive way, you also want to get through your application checklist ASAP. Shortening the test will help students to stay focused and reduce fatigue. The shorter test will also allow ETS to deliver GRE scores faster. Students can complete their applications sooner as well.

What is yet to be announced?

Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning have had their total number of questions cut down to 27, but how those questions will be distributed among the subsections such as sentence equivalence, text completion and  reading comprehension in verbal section, remains to be seen.

We also don’t yet have details on how the scoring algorithm might adapt to the reduced number of questions.

Which version of the test should you take- Shorter GRE vs. Current GRE

You should weigh your application deadlines against your personal preferences when deciding between the shorter GRE and the current GRE. The current GRE will be phased out on September 22, 2023, in favor of the shorter GRE. If your application deadline is early October or earlier, you should probably take the current GRE. However, if you have more time and your application deadlines are not pressing, you may want to take the shorter GRE because of its streamlined format.

At Dilip Oak’s Academy, We also provide detailed guidance on these processes under our Admission Counseling Services, including a selection of universities, documentation process and visa counseling, and mock visa interviews. In addition, as India’s leading Study Abroad Consultants, we have helped more than 33,000 students to secure their dream admits for various universities in America including MIT, Stanford, Cornell, Carnegie Mellon and other top-ranked universities.

We also offer GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS coaching, GRE Self Prep and guide students with university selection, application essays, and visa counseling under our Admission Counseling Services for USA, Germany and UK.  To enroll, call us on 91-020-67444222, 91-8007878495

How To Improve Reading Comprehension

“Reading” may not be one of your hobbies, but it is an important skill to grow. Therefore, even if you get scared or bored by looking at the long black text, somehow you have to develop a knack for effective reading. 

 The more you read and practise, the easier it will be for you to comprehend what you are reading. Here are the seven straightforward techniques to improve your comprehension abilities:

1. Increase vocabulary power

When you understand the meaning of the words you read, it can be easier for you to grasp the author’s perspective. You can improve your vocabulary by developing a habit of active reading. You can mark the difficult words and phrases that you come across while reading and search for their meaning in the dictionary. Once you understand the meaning of words, use it in your own language and try to use it in different contexts. This will aid in your long-term retention of those words.

2. Ask questions regarding the text you are reading

As you become more immersed in the text, asking questions about what you are reading can help you become a better reader. In order to gain a deeper understanding of what you are reading, consider themes, motifs, and other aspects of the text that you may have overlooked.

You can ask yourself the following questions as you read:

  • Why did the author choose to start the book that way?
  • What sort of bond do these two characters have?
  • What do we now know about the protagonist of the story?
  • Are there any recurring themes throughout the book? If so, what do they mean?

3. Make use of situational cues

Even if you are unfamiliar with all the words being used, using context clues can really help you grasp what you are reading. The words and sentences that precede and follow the unfamiliar word can provide context cues. By concentrating on the major words or concepts in a sentence, you can use context clues to infer the sentence or paragraph’s core theme. Additionally, you can search for neighboring terms that are either synonyms or antonyms of the unknown word.

4. Identify the core idea

You can evaluate the relevance of an article by finding the main idea in a paragraph. Understanding the significance of what you’re reading may help you better understand the author’s perspective. After reading every paragraph, stop reading and try to figure out what the major point is. Then, for even better understanding, try to rephrase the primary idea in your own words.

5. Summarize the information you read

Writing a summary is a foolproof method to learn more about what you have read. In order to summarize, you must first determine what is crucial in the text and then express it in your own terms. Summarizing enables you to assess your comprehension of the text and improves your long-term retention of what you have read.

As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultants, we offer coaching in GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS. Through our Admission Counseling Services, we also provide guidance on university selection, application essays, and visa counseling.

Question of the Week

GRE aspirants, it’s time to rack your brain and crack this question of the week! Our expert GRE faculty will drop in interesting questions for you every week to help you think logically and get closer to acing the GRE! Type your answer in the comments section below!

We will publish the correct answers and explanations in the comments section every Friday! STAY TUNED!

Question of the Week

GRE aspirants, it’s time to rack your brain and crack this question of the week! Our expert GRE faculty will drop in interesting questions for you every week to help you think logically and get closer to acing the GRE! Type your answers in the comments section below!

We will publish the correct answers and explanations in the comments section every Friday! STAY TUNED!

Question of the Week

GRE aspirants, it’s time to rack your brain and crack this question of the week! Our expert GRE faculty will drop in interesting questions for you every week to help you think logically and get closer to acing the GRE! Type your answers in the comments section below!

We will publish the correct answers and explanations in the comments section every Friday! STAY TUNED!

Start your GRE Prep with us! New batches starting 27th & 28th March! Enroll here: https://www.dilipoakacademy.com/gre-coaching

Struggling with GRE Vocabulary? Here are 5 tips from our expert faculty

If you are a GRE aspirant and you have just begun your prep, the GRE Vocabulary section might seem to be an impossible task, mainly because you are expected to master words which you barely use in your everyday conversations. It is certainly a daunting challenge. But if you start systematically, you can learn over a 1000 GRE words comfortably! How? By keeping in mind the following five tips:

1) Start from Day 1 of your prep
If you are planning to take the GRE after three months, start your prep today! Keeping the vocabulary section for the last few days before the exam is a grave mistake that many students make. It becomes cumbersome to learn and retain so many words in a short span and you end up making silly mistakes. So start learning at least 5 new words right from day one of your prep so that you get ample time to practice and master them. 

2) Don’t learn too many words at once 
Start slow, be steady. Instead of learning 20 words in a day, learn only five words and gradually increase the count once you gain confidence and are able to retain the words. 

3) Learn through discussions and associations 
Instead of just mugging up, try to associate the words with images, references and situations, create stories around words, and discuss them with your peers or friends. Practicing this way makes it easier to remember words without getting stressed or confused.

4) Finish learning all the words at least 15 days before the exam 
Make sure that you do not keep anything till the last minute and you finish learning words at least fifteen days before the exam and only keep practicing words after that. 

5) Revise regularly 
Make sure to revise words regularly. Consistency and practice play a huge role in mastering GRE vocabulary. Every week, revise all the words you learnt and keep practicing diligently! 

To know more interesting tricks and tips on learning vocabulary, attend our free webinar “Vocab Sunday” on 6th March, 09:30 am and interact directly with our faculty! Register herehttps://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_i-L1JaW8QPSSFKSphog02g

GREat Five-Minute Reads: Episode 12

Dear Reader,

One of the easiest ways to learn new words is through association. Instead of trying to learn by remembering the equivalent of a word in your mother tongue or its usage in English, you can learn by thinking of words in groups. These groupings can be grammatical: all action verbs or nouns related to knowledge (ending with -logy), for instance; or logical: as found in our VocabApp.

Today, all our links and questions are about pictures and photographs, which can be helpful in recollecting a bunch of words. Here are some of those words, see how many you can guess correctly.

Question 1

For a ______ like myself, there was no wrong age to take up photography: I just had to get a smartphone!

A] tyro

B] sage

C] transgressor

 

Question 2

The light cast by the setting sun is the most _____________ and hence, it is known as the Golden Hour in Hollywood.

A] voluble

B] voluminous

C] luminous

 

Question 3

Whenever I look at these pictures of people from my past, I am filled with _________.

A] nostalgia

B] animosity

C] catharsis

 

Question 4

4] The only surviving picture of my great-grandmother is a small painted __________.

A] frieze

B] vignette

C] coda

 

Question 5

Editors often __________ black-and-white photos with colour images to choose the best ones.

A] riddle

B] amalgamate

C] juxtapose

 

Tell us your guesses in the comments section and look for the answers in our next edition!

Here are some articles you might interesting:

Hi-Res in Space!

Everyday Exemplars…

Recycling Could Help You Make Millions

 

Answers for last week’s questions:

1] “We found the glass splashed on little pieces of bone that were by the hearth, so we know that the molten glass had landed in this village while people were living there,” said coauthor Allen West, a member of the Comet Research Group, a nonprofit organization aimed at studying this particular cosmic impact and its consequences.

2] B] No magnetic marks, characteristic of lightning strikes, were found.

3] A] Climatic changes

4] B] exceptional D] atypical

5] A] imitate D] prevalent

GREat Five-Minute Reads: Episode 11

Dear Reader,

As promised, from this week onwards, we will present some old and some new articles along with questions on Reading Comprehension, Sentence Equivalence, and Text Completion from the Verbal Reasoning section.

Tell us your guesses in the comments section and look for the answers in our next edition!

Dinosaurs weren’t the only ones!

Question 1

Select a sentence in the article that provides evidence that the comet struck while the village was under human habitation.

 Question 2

Why did the scientists rule out earthly causes such as volcanic activity or thunderstorms for the fires? Select all that apply.

A] They found evidence that natural sources of fire can also reach such high temperatures.

B] No magnetic marks, characteristic of lightning strikes, were found.

C] Molten metal was not found at the site.

Question 3

None of the following were reasons for the Abu Hureyra culture becoming agrarian EXCEPT

A] Climatic changes

B] Technological modifications

C] Survival of a few people

D] Animal husbandry

E] Ground-breaking invention of systematic agriculture

 

Alterations to Art

Question 1

The presence of halos as identifying appurtenances of holy figures in early Netherlandish paintings is as ________ an occurrence as it is commonplace in Italian paintings of the same period.

Select the two answer choices that, when used to complete the sentence, fit the meaning of the sentence as a whole, and produce completed sentences that are alike in meaning.

A] trite

B] exceptional

C] recognizable

D] atypical

E] perceptible

F] sacral

The representation of mortals as saints, reflecting a desire to (i) ________ the lives of the saints and to follow their sacrifices and devotion to Christ, becomes increasingly (ii) _______ in the early sixteenth century. The practice reflects an extension of the beliefs of and widespread adherence to the Modern Devotion, a popular reform movement begun by Geert Grote in the late fourteenth century and initially practiced by the Brothers of the Common Life.

 Question 2

For each blank select one entry from the corresponding column of choices. Fill all blanks in the way that best completes the text.

Blank (i) Blank (ii)
A] imitate D] prevalent
B] animate E] predictable
C] stipple F] pretentious

GREat Five-Minute Reads: Episode 10

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We celebrate the big 10 with a nod to big transformations and changes! From the tiniest of organisms to the infinite vastness of space, small changes tend to have big repercussions. From the next edition of the reading list, we will change too. To know more, keep following our lists.

Happy Readings!

  1. From Amoeba to Alpaca
  2. One small step for man…
  3. Marvel at the long history of an art you can read!
  4. Da Vinci: gone for 500 years, still schooling us!
  5. How technology changed us over the last 5,000 years…

Look out for a new Reading List every week on Thursday!