Unit 54

1. oligarchy (n.) – government by a small group 

Example: Ancient Sparta was ruled by an oligarchy of warriors. 

Synonyms: aristocracy, junta, elite rule 

Antonyms: democracy, egalitarianism 

Nepali Meaning: अल्पतन्त्र 

Nepali Example: प्राचीन स्पार्टा योद्धाहरूको अल्पतन्त्रद्वारा शासित थियो। 

2. onerous (adj.) – burdensome 

Example: The new regulations placed onerous demands on small businesses. 

Synonyms: arduous, oppressive, taxing 

Antonyms: easy, effortless, light 

Nepali Meaning: बोझिलो 

Nepali Example: नयाँ नियमहरूले साना व्यवसायहरूमा बोझिलो मागहरू थप्यो। 

3. onomatopoeia (n.) – words imitating sounds 

Example: “Buzz” and “hiss” are examples of onomatopoeia. 

Synonyms: echoism, sound symbolism 

Antonyms: (no direct antonym) 

Nepali Meaning: ध्वन्यात्मक शब्द 

Nepali Example: “भनभन” र “सिस” ध्वन्यात्मक शब्दका उदाहरणहरू हुन्। 

4. opprobrium (n.) – disgrace; contempt 

Example: The scandal brought opprobrium upon the entire organization. 

Synonyms: shame, infamy, ignominy 

Antonyms: honor, esteem, respect 

Nepali Meaning: अपमान; निन्दा 

Nepali Example: काण्डले सम्पूर्ण संस्थामा अपमान ल्यायो। 

5. ornithologist (n.) – bird scientist 

Example: The ornithologist discovered a new species of hummingbird. 

Synonyms: birdwatcher, avian researcher 

Antonyms: (no direct antonym) 

Nepali Meaning: पक्षी विज्ञ 

Nepali Example: पक्षी विज्ञले हमिङबर्डको नयाँ प्रजाति पत्ता लगाए। 

6. oscillate (v.) – to swing back and forth 

Example: Public opinion oscillates between the two political parties. 

Synonyms: swing, fluctuate, vacillate 

Antonyms: stabilize, remain steady 

Nepali Meaning: दोलन गर्नु 

Nepali Example: जनमत दुई राजनीतिक दलहरूबीच दोलन गर्छ। 

7. ostentatious (adj.) – showy; flashy 

Example: His ostentatious display of wealth made others uncomfortable. 

Synonyms: pretentious, flamboyant, gaudy 

Antonyms: modest, unassuming, simple 

Nepali Meaning: दिखावटी 

Nepali Example: उनको धनको दिखावटी प्रदर्शनले अरूलाई असहज बनायो। 

8. overweening (adj.) – arrogant 

Example: Her overweening pride prevented her from accepting help. 

Synonyms: presumptuous, haughty, conceited 

Antonyms: humble, modest, unassuming 

Nepali Meaning: अहंकारी 

Nepali Example: उनको अहंकारी गर्वले उनलाई मद्दत स्वीकार गर्नबाट रोक्यो। 

9. paean (n.) – song of praise 

Example: The poem was a paean to nature’s beauty. 

Synonyms: hymn, tribute, laudation 

Antonyms: condemnation, criticism 

Nepali Meaning: प्रशंसा गीत 

Nepali Example: कविता प्रकृतिको सौन्दर्यको प्रशंसा गीत थियो। 

10. paleontology (n.) – study of fossils 

Example: Paleontology helps us understand prehistoric life. 

Synonyms: fossilology, archaeology 

Antonyms: (no direct antonym) 

Nepali Meaning: जीवाश्म विज्ञान 

Nepali Example: जीवाश्म विज्ञानले हामीलाई प्रागैतिहासिक जीवन बुझ्न मद्दत गर्छ।