Populist wave – The Hindu (Mar 07 2018)

Populist wave – The Hindu (Mar 07 2018)

As the dust settles on the Italian parliamentary elections, it is unclear who the next Prime Minister will be. For further reading, visit “The Hindu”.

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Courtesy: The Hindu

Word List-2 (To Improve English Vocabulary)

1. populist (adjective) – related to politicians who claim that they are representing the common/ordinary people.
2. hit (noun) – blow, strike; damage.
3. the dust settles (phrase) – things calm down.
4. incumbent (adjective) – current, existing, present.
5. undercurrent (noun) – (hidden) atmosphere, feeling, condition.
6. proportional representation (noun) – an electoral system in which parties gain seats in Parliament in proportion to the number of votes it received  in an election.
7. first-past-the-post (phrase) – it is an electoral system in which a candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins and becomes the MP/MLA for that seat.
8. scandal-ridden (adjective) – be full of wrongdoings.
9. eurosceptic (noun) – a person who is opposing to increase the powers of the European Union.
10. rabble-rouser (noun) – political agitator, troublemaker, instigator.
11. elbow out (phrasal verb) – force someone from a position/job.
12. disenchant (verb) – disillusion, disappoint, discontent.
13. Euroscepticism (noun) – opposition to increasing the power of European Union.
14. protracted (adjective) – very long, prolonged, extended.
15. referendum (noun) – a public vote on a particular proposal (it may be a question on a political/social issue). public vote, plebiscite, popular vote, ballot.
16. tone down (phrasal verb) – moderate, mitigate, modify/soften.
17. Brussels (noun) – The headquarters of the European  Union.
18. distrust (noun) – mistrust, suspicion, wariness/misgiving.
19. make no bones about (phrase) – to clearly say something (instead of hiding it) even if that is a awkward/unpleasant one.
20. bedfellow (noun) – a person or thing allied or closely connected with another.
21. hamper (verb) – hinder, obstruct, impede.

Note:   

1. Click each one of the words above for their definition, more synonyms, pronunciation, example sentences, phrases, derivatives, origin and etc from http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/.

2. Definitions (elementary level) & Synonyms provided for the words above are my personal work and not that of Oxford University Press. Tentative definitions/meanings are provided for study purpose only and they may vary in different context. Use it with the corresponding article published on the source (website) via the link provided. 

3. This word list is for personal use only. Reproduction in any format and/or Commercial use of it is/are strictly prohibited.

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