Day 31 – Words A151–A155
Today’s vocabulary list includes words related to heritage, values, stability, and support roles. These are ideal for IELTS Writing Task 2, UPSC ethics answers, and general descriptive writing.
✴️ Word 1: Anathema
Pronunciation: /əˈnæθ.ə.mə/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Something or someone intensely disliked or condemned
Example:
“Corruption is an anathema to the principles of good governance.”
Mnemonic Cue:
Think: “A-nasty-theme” = totally hated = anathema
Mini Quiz:
To a strict environmentalist, plastic is _______.
A) aesthetic B) anathema C) affable D) allegory
Answer: B) anathema
✴️ Word 2: Ancestral
Pronunciation: /ænˈses.trəl/
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Related to one’s ancestors or family lineage
Example:
“They returned to their ancestral village after many years.”
Mnemonic Cue:
Ancestral = Ancestors’ trail → where your roots are.
Mini Quiz:
He performed rituals at his _______ home during the festival.
A) ambitious B) ancestral C) affable D) alien
Answer: B) ancestral
✴️ Word 3: Ancestry
Pronunciation: /ˈæn.ses.tri/
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: One’s family or ethnic descent
Example:
“She traced her ancestry back to 18th-century Scotland.”
Mnemonic Cue:
Think of an “ancestry tree” showing family generations.
Mini Quiz:
Many people research their _______ using online DNA tests.
A) ancestry B) anxiety C) alliance D) ambiguity
Answer: A) ancestry
✴️ Word 4: Anchor
Pronunciation: /ˈæŋ.kər/
Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
Meaning: (n) A device used to keep a vessel in place; (v) to secure firmly
Example:
“Her father was the emotional anchor of the family.”
Mnemonic Cue:
Anchor = something that keeps you grounded.
Mini Quiz:
A strong mentor can be an _______ in turbulent times.
A) anchor B) anomaly C) allegory D) amplifier
Answer: A) anchor
✴️ Word 5: Ancillary
Pronunciation: /ˈæn.sɪ.lər.i/
Part of Speech: Adjective / Noun
Meaning: Providing necessary support to the main work or function
Example:
“Marketing is an ancillary function that supports core sales operations.”
Mnemonic Cue:
Think of ancillary staff → additional but essential.
Mini Quiz:
The software requires several _______ tools to run smoothly.
A) auxiliary B) ancillary C) academic D) accidental
Answer: B) ancillary
📒 Quick Recap Table
| Word | Meaning | Example Use |
|---|---|---|
| Anathema | Something deeply hated | “Dishonesty is anathema to him.” |
| Ancestral | Relating to ancestors | “They visited their ancestral land.” |
| Ancestry | Family lineage or heritage | “She’s proud of her rich ancestry.” |
| Anchor | Something that provides stability | “Her family is her emotional anchor.” |
| Ancillary | Supportive or supplementary | “Training is an ancillary part of onboarding.” |
🎯 Mini Practice Quiz
Try these:
- What word describes a deeply hated thing or person?
- “The volunteers served in an _______ capacity during the event.”
- Which word refers to your family origin or background?
Answers:
- Anathema 2) Ancillary 3) Ancestry
💬 Your Turn!
Use one of today’s words in your own sentence!
Example: “The principles of justice are anathema to corruption.”
📥 Download PDFs
📎 Flashcards (Day 31 – PDF) – Click Here
📎 Daily Quiz (Day 31 – PDF) – Click Here
📚 Explore More
📖 Day 30 Vocabulary – Anachronism to Anarchy
📖 All “A” Words Collection – Vocabulary Index
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