Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English Word Meanings

by Meenu Saini | Oct 28, 2024 | General | 0 comments

Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English Word Meanings Chapter wise

Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English Meaning of Difficult Words from All Chapters (Prose and Poetry) of Kumarbharati Book

Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English Word Meanings – Here, the difficult words and their meanings of all the chapters of Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English Kumarbharati Book have been compiled for the convenience of the students. This is an exhaustive list of the words and meanings of all the Prose and Poetry from the Kumarbharati Book of Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English. The difficult word meanings have been explained lucidly so that every student can understand them.

Prose

Lesson 1.2 – The Thief’s Story
Lesson 1.3 – On Wings of Courage
Lesson 1.5 – Joan of Arc
Lesson 1.6 – The Alchemy of Nature
Lesson 2.2 – Three Questions
Lesson 2.3 – Connecting the Dots
Lesson 2.5 – Let’s March
Lesson 2.6 – Science and Spirituality
Lesson 3.2 – The Night I Met Einstein
Lesson 3.3 – Stephen Hawking
Lesson 3.5 – Unbeatable Super Mom-Mary Kom
Lesson 3.6 – The Concert
Lesson 4.2 – The Luncheon
Lesson 4.3 – World Heritage
Lesson 4.5 – The Old Man and The Sea : Book Review
Lesson 4.6 – The Gift of the Magi

Poetry

Poem 1.1 – Where the Mind is Without Fear
Poem 1.4 – All the World’s a Stage
Poem 2.1 – Animals
Poem 2.4 – The Pulley
Poem 3.1 – Night of the Scorpion
Poem 3.4 – The Will to Win
Poem 4.1 – A Thing of Beauty is a Joy For Ever
Poem 4.4 – The Height of the Ridiculous

Prose

Lesson 1.2 – The Thief’s Story

Lean: thin
Flattery: excessive and insincere praise
Modestly: in an unassuming manner; without vanity or arrogance.
Employers: a person or organization that employs people.
Grunting: make a low, short guttural sound.
Appealing: attractive or interesting.
Misjudged: form a wrong opinion or conclusion about.
Balcony: a platform enclosed by a wall or balustrade on the outside of a building, with access from an upper-floor window or door.
Terrible: extremely bad or serious.
Patted: touch quickly and gently with the flat of the hand.
Pleasant: giving a sense of happy satisfaction or enjoyment.
Supplies: a stock or amount of something supplied or available for use.
Fits and Starts: not working on something consistently
Borrow: take and use (something belonging to someone else) with the intention of returning it.
Lend: grant to (someone) the use of (something) on the understanding that it will be returned.
Queer: strange; odd.
Bundle: a collection of things or quantity of material tied or wrapped up together.
Tuck: push, fold, or turn (the edges or ends of something, especially a garment or bedclothes) so as to hide or secure them.
Line of work: the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
Beam: a ray or shaft of light.
Crept: move slowly and carefully in order to avoid being heard or noticed.
Drew: pull or drag
Sighed: emit a long, deep audible breath expressing sadness, relief, tiredness.
Startled: feeling or showing sudden shock or alarm.
Dashed: Quickly ran towards something
Carriages: any of the separate sections of a train that carry passengers.
Hesitated: pause in indecision before saying or doing something.
Deserted: (of a place) empty of people.
Curious: eager to know or learn something.
Robbed: take property unlawfully from (a person or place) by force or threat of force.
Bazaar: market
Maidan: a park
Drizzle: light rain falling in very fine drops.
Shelter: a place giving temporary protection from bad weather or danger.
Clock Tower: a tower, typically forming part of a church or civic building, with a large clock at the top.
Midnight: twelve o’clock at night.
Damp: slightly wet.
Cinema: a theatre where films are shown for public entertainment.
Hurried: done in a hurry; rushed.
Undetected: not detected or discovered.
Clouded: make or become less clear or transparent.

The Thief’s Story Summary, Explanation, Word meanings Class 10

The Thief’s Story Question Answers Class 10 Maharashtra State Board

Lesson 1.3 – On Wings of Courage

Icon: A person or thing that is widely admired and considered to be typical or representative of something.
Attain: To achieve something.
Equivalent: Something that is the same or nearly the same as something else in meaning, function, or value.
Potent: Having great power, force, or effectiveness.
Monumental: Very impressive or important.
Epitome: A perfect example of a particular quality or type.
Classical: Traditional or typical.
Assiduously: In a careful and persistent way.
Spectrum: A wide range of something.
Denied success: Prevented from achieving something they wanted.
Jewel: A valuable or precious person or thing.
Unexcitable: Calm and not easily upset or worried.
Squadron: A small group of airplanes or warships that operate together as a unit.
Close air support missions: Air attacks that provide support to ground troops.
Crucial: Extremely important.
Allied Forces: The countries that fought together against Germany, Italy, and Japan in World War II.
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC): A prestigious medal awarded to pilots in the British Commonwealth air forces for bravery and skill in combat flying.
Supreme Allied Commander: The highest-ranking military leader of a group of allied forces.
Empire Pilot training course: An advanced pilot training program offered by the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the British Empire era.
Biplanes: An airplane with two sets of wings, one above the other.
North-Western Frontier Province: A historical region in present-day Pakistan.
Hawker Hurricane: A British fighter aircraft used extensively during World War II.
Commanded: Led or was in charge of a military unit or location.
Air Commodore: A commissioned officer rank in the Air Force, senior to Group Captain.
Air Officer Commanding (AOC): An officer in charge of an operational command within the Air Force.
Tenure: The length of time someone holds a position.
Operational command: A unit within the Air Force responsible for active military operations.
AOC-in-C: An abbreviation for “Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief,” a senior officer in charge of a major operational command.
Joint air training exercise: A military training exercise involving air forces from multiple countries.
Reins: Control or leadership (Here, it refers to taking charge of the IAF)
Gearing up: Preparing for something
Currency: Up-to-date skills or knowledge, especially in flying
Biplanes: Airplanes with two sets of wings. These were early types of airplanes
Contemporary: Modern or from the same time period
Armoured thrust: A forceful attack using armoured vehicles like tanks
Constraints: Limitations or restrictions
Astute: Intelligent and having good judgement
Subsequently: Happening afterwards
Forward bases: Military bases located near the enemy territory
Squadrons: Groups of airplanes with pilots
Ambassadorship: The position of an ambassador, a high-ranking official representing their country in another country
Lieutenant Governor: A high-ranking official who governs a state or territory
Conferred: Awarded or bestowed an honour or title.
Personnel: The people who work for an organisation.

On Wings of Courage Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

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Lesson 1.5 – Joan of Arc

Steward: A steward is a person employed in a household to manage the domestic affairs. In this context, he’s likely the supervisor of the servants.
Carry out: To complete or execute an order or task.
Frighten: To cause fear or alarm in someone.
Grimly: In a harsh, severe, or unforgiving way.
Courtyard: The courtyard is the open space within the castle walls.
Glare: A long, hard stare, often used to express anger or hostility.
Dauphin: The eldest son of the king of France, especially during the Middle Ages.
Blockhead: A stupid or foolish person.
Lock and key: This is a metaphorical phrase meaning to be confined or imprisoned. Literally, it refers to securing someone in a place with a lock and key.
Assuming: Taking something for granted without confirmation.
Francs: The former currency of France. (Replaced by the Euro in 2002.)
Armour: Protective clothing worn in battle, typically made of metal.
Made to my measure: Custom-made to fit a specific size.
Free Orleans: To lift the siege on the city of Orleans by the English army.
Monsieur: (French) A term used before a man’s surname, similar to “Mr.”
Willingly: Happily and without hesitation.
Eagerly: With strong enthusiasm or desire.
Monseiur: (French) A title used before the name of a man, equivalent to “Mr.”
Retreats hastily: This means to move back quickly, often due to fear or danger.
Salutes: This is a gesture of respect, often involving a raised hand or a bow.
Unmoved: This means not affected emotionally, staying calm and composed.
Cowed: Dispirited or intimidated; lacking courage or confidence.
Miracles: A surprising and beneficial event that contradicts known scientific or natural laws.
Alright: Also spelled “all right,” meaning acceptable or satisfactory.
Wavering: To be indecisive or uncertain, to fluctuate between different opinions or courses of action.
Put fire into: To motivate or inspire someone with enthusiasm or passion.
Giving up: To stop trying or resisting; to surrender.
Obstinately: In a stubborn or persistent way, refusing to change one’s mind or course of action.
Chinon: A town in France where the Dauphin was located at the time.
Come up: An invitation to approach or ascend to a higher level.
Gravely: In a serious and solemn manner.
Lorraine: A region in northeastern France bordering Germany.
Maid: An unmarried young woman, especially a servant. (The soldiers might call Joan “the Maid” because of her young age or perhaps because she is on a mission.)
Raising a Siege: surround from all sides and attack removing the forces surrounding a place
Soldiering: This is the noun form of the verb “to soldier,” which means to be a soldier or to perform the duties of a soldier.
Grimly: In a harsh, severe, or unforgiving way.
Plundering: Stealing goods from a place that has been attacked or invaded.
Desert: A barren area of land with little or no vegetation.
Save their skins: To escape danger or death, often by running away.
Nonsense: Something that has no meaning or value; rubbish.
Inspired: Filled with a strong feeling, such as enthusiasm or determination, to do something.
Put fire into them: Motivate or encourage someone with enthusiasm.
Escort: Someone who accompanies another person or group of people for protection or guidance.
Radiant: Beaming with happiness or delight.
Clasping: Holding something tightly in your hands, especially together.
Royal presence: This refers to being in the company of the king or someone of high royalty.
Let come what may: This is an idiom meaning “whatever happens in the future.”
Wash my hands off it: This is an idiom signifying that someone refuses to take responsibility for something.
Wildly excited: Extremely happy and enthusiastic, often in a way that is uncontrolled.
Dashes out: Rushes out quickly and suddenly.
Taking a big chance: Taking a significant risk.

Joan of Arc Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

Joan of Arc Question Answers Class 10 Maharashtra State Board

Lesson 1.6 – The Alchemy of Nature

Instinctively: Done by natural instinct or intuition, without conscious thought.
Enhancing: To improve the quality, value, or attractiveness of something.
Well-being: The state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy.
Soothes: To calm or comfort someone or something.
Nurtures: To care for and help something to grow or develop.
Awe: A feeling of overwhelming wonder, admiration, or respect.
Fortnight: A period of two weeks.
Tender: Delicate and easily damaged.
Wilting: Losing freshness and becoming limp.
Wither: To dry up and shrivel.
Splendour: Great beauty or magnificence
Majestic: Grand, impressive, and awe-inspiring.
Sculpted: Shaped by carving or modelling.
Colossal: Extremely large or great in size or amount.
Persist: Continue steadily to do something despite difficulty or opposition.
Peeping: Emerging slowly or cautiously from a hidden place.
Cracks: Narrow openings or splits in a surface.
Concrete: A hard, strong building material made from mixing cement, sand, and gravel with water.
Pavement: A solid surface covering an area, especially for walking or driving on.
Bare: Having no covering or very little covering; exposed. (e.g., The tree was bare of leaves in winter.)
Majesty: Great dignity, impressiveness, or beauty.
Conviction: A strong belief that something is true or right.
Lugging: Carrying something heavy or awkward with difficulty.
Frail: Weak or delicate.
Perseverance: Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties.
Consistent: Happening or done in the same way or at the same standard over time.
Delicate: Very thin, fragile, and easily broken or damaged.
Innumerable: Too many to be counted.
Infinite: Having no end or limit.
Unhindered: Not slowed down or obstructed in any way.
Passion: Strong and barely controlled emotion.
Dictates: instructions or orders, especially as given by someone in authority. In this context, it refers to the way the sun and wind influence the form of water.
Ego: a person’s sense of self-importance.
Alchemy: a seemingly magical process of transforming metals into gold. Here, “alchemy of nature” refers to the natural process of transformation seen in the caterpillar becoming a butterfly and flower turning into fruit.

The Alchemy of Nature Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

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Lesson 2.2 – Three Questions

Proclamation: A public announcement, often made by a person in authority.
Convinced: Completely sure of something.
Undertake: To begin to do something that is difficult or important.
Court: The place where a king or queen holds their government and receives officials.
Idle Pastimes: Activities that are done for amusement and have no real purpose.
Council: A group of people who meet to discuss and make decisions.
Varied: Diverse, different in many ways.
Councillors: Advisors, members of a king’s council who provide advice and support.
Priests: Religious leaders who perform rituals and offer spiritual guidance.
Warriors: Soldiers skilled in combat.
Warfare: The ability to fight effectively in a war.
Hermit: A person who lives alone and avoids contact with other people, often for religious reasons.
Renowned: Known by many people to be great or impressive.
Cell: A small, single room in a building, especially a monastery or prison.
Dismount: To get down from a horse or other animal that you are riding.
Bodyguard: A person whose job is to protect someone important from danger.
Common folk: Ordinary people, not members of the nobility or upper class.
Frail: Weak and delicate, especially because of old age or illness.
Spade: A tool with a flat blade used for digging.
Breathed heavily: To breathe with difficulty, often because of exertion or illness.
Spade: A tool with a flat blade used for digging.
Resumed: Continued doing something that had been stopped for a short time.
Stretched out: Extended one’s arm or leg to its full length.
Spat: Throw out saliva. Spitting on one’s hands is a common action for manual labor, especially digging, as it can help improve grip.
Stuck: Pushed something firmly into something else.
Sink: Here, sun going down below the horizon.
Fainted: Lost consciousness briefly due to shock, pain, or lack of oxygen.
Moaning: Making low, sad sounds of pain or discomfort.
Feebly: Weakly, with little strength.
Unfastened: Undid the fastenings of the man’s clothing, like buttons or ties.
Bandaged: Covered the wound with a strip of cloth to protect it and stop bleeding.
Revived: Regained consciousness, woke up from fainting.
Lay: To rest or recline in a horizontal position.
By now: By this point in time.
Intently: In a focused and concentrated way.
Gazing: Looking at something for a long time. It implies focus and concentration.
Enemy: A person who actively opposes or fights against someone or something.
Swore: Made a solemn promise
Seized: Took possession of something forcefully.
Ambush: A surprise attack from a hidden position.
Physician: a doctor
Approached: Came closer.
Crouching: Bending low with the knees bent and body close to the ground.
Pitied: Felt sorry for someone in a way that makes you want to help them.
Weakness: Lack of physical or mental strength.
Afterwards: Following a particular event or time.
Bound: Secured or fastened something, here referring to dressing the wounds.
Dealings: Interactions or communication with someone.

Three Questions Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

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Lesson 2.3 – Connecting the Dots

Dropped out: to leave a school or program before completing it
Required classes: courses that students must take as part of their degree program
Dropping in on : to attend a class informally, without being officially registered
Dorm: A dormitory, which is a building or a section of a building that provides housing and living facilities for students, especially at a college or university.
Intuition: The ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning.
Typography: The arrangement of type (letters, symbols, and spacing) in printing and web design. It refers to the way that text is displayed, including the font, size, color, and spacing of the letters.
Proportionally: equally
Connect the dots: This is a metaphorical expression that means to see a relationship or pattern between seemingly unrelated things.
Gut: This refers to your intuition or inner feeling about something.
Destiny: This refers to the predetermined course of events in a person’s life.
Karma: This is a concept from Hinduism and Buddhism that suggests that good or bad deeds have corresponding consequences.
Devastating: Extremely destructive or damaging.
Began to dawn on: This is an idiom that means something gradually became clear or understandable. It suggests a slow realization or recognition.
Freed: This means to be liberated or set loose from something that restricts or confines you.
Renaissance: A rebirth or revival.
Pixar: A famous animation studio known for movies like Toy Story and Finding Nemo.
Hits you in the head with a brick: This is a metaphor. It means that something very difficult or unexpected happens to you, like a physical blow.
Lose faith: To lose faith means to stop believing in something, especially yourself or your ability to do something.
Diagnosed: This means to be identified with a specific illness after a medical examination.
get my affairs in order: Means to make arrangements for one’s belongings and responsibilities in case of death.)
Biopsy: This is a medical procedure where a small sample of tissue is extracted from the body for examination to determine the presence or nature of a disease.
Curable: This means something that can be treated and completely healed.
Decades: Periods of ten years.
Dogma: A set of beliefs held as unquestionable truths by a particular group or school of thought.
Intuition: An immediate, instinctive feeling that is not based on logical reasoning.
Drown out: be louder than another sound and prevent it from being heard
Publication: A printed and distributed collection of written information, usually on a specific subject
Catalogue: A list of items, usually arranged systematically with descriptions
Farewell: An expression said when leaving someone or something.
Anew: Again; afresh

Connecting the Dots Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

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Lesson 2.5 – Let’s March

Part I

Majesty/Royal Highness: Titles used to address kings, queens, or other members of a royal family.
Excellencies: A title used to address ambassadors, high commissioners, or other dignitaries.
Distinguished: Deserving of respect and admiration.
Norwegian Nobel Committee: The group responsible for awarding the Nobel Peace Prize.
Podium: A raised platform used by a speaker at a public meeting or ceremony.
Recite: To say aloud something that has been learned by heart.
Mantra: A word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation. (Here, it refers to a special verse)
Resolve: A firm decision to do something.
Liberate: To set someone free from imprisonment, control, or difficulty.
Pursuit: This means the act of trying to achieve something.
Left out: This means excluded or not included.
Ancestors: People who lived in your family generations ago (grandparents, great-grandparents etc.)
Come together: To unite, to join forces, to collaborate
Benefits: Something positive that is gained or achieved
Bow: To bend your body at the waist as a sign of respect or greeting
Motherland: A person’s native country
Liberated: Set free from something unpleasant or harmful.
Recalling: Remembering something from the past.
Slavery: The state of being a slave, which is someone who is forced to work for another person without pay and has no freedom.
Supreme sacrifice: This means the greatest sacrifice someone can make, often referring to giving up their life.
Humbly: This means he is accepting the award modestly and respectfully.
Martyrs: These are people who die for a cause they believe in.
Brotherhood: A feeling of friendship and solidarity between people.
Ancient: From a very long time ago.
Generously: Given freely and kindly, without expecting anything in return.
Invisibility: The state of being invisible or not being seen. (Here, it refers to the unheard voices and unseen suffering of children who are neglected.)
Gesture: A movement of the body used to express an idea or feeling. (Here, Satyarthi is indicating the entire audience with a hand gesture.)
Frightened: Feeling scared or worried.
Exhausted: Extremely tired, lacking in energy.
Foothills: The base of a mountain range, where the mountains meet the flatter land.
Laborer: Someone who does physical work, often for a wage (pay).
Skinny: Very thin and lacking flesh.
Extremist: A violent armed group with extreme political or religious views.
Militia: A private army, often not part of a country’s official military.
Hinder: To prevent someone from doing something.
Violence: Here, it refers to harmful actions that can be physical, emotional, or psychological. Denying someone’s dreams can be seen as emotional violence.
Refuse: To firmly say no, to reject.
Expenditure: This is the money that is spent on something.
Military: This refers to the armed forces of a country.
Constitutions: These are the written rules that a country follows.
Shackles: These are metal chains that lock someone’s hands or feet together, like handcuffs or leg irons. In this context, it refers to the limitations and restrictions of slavery.
Quest: This is a determined search or pursuit for something important, like a journey to find freedom.
Daylight: Sunlight during the day.
privilege: a special right or advantage enjoyed by a person or group.
Courageous: having or showing bravery.
Threat: something that is likely to cause damage or danger.
Decades: Periods of ten years.
Mortality: The number of deaths in a given population during a specific period.
Malnutrition: Lack of proper nourishment caused by not having enough food or not eating the right kinds of food.
Utterly: Completely, absolutely.
Imparting: Providing, giving.
Cumulative: gradually accumulating or increasing over time.
Culminate: reach its highest or most important point; come to an end.
Unprecedented: never done or experienced before.
Suicidal: likely to cause serious harm or death.
Restored: This means to bring something back to its original or better state.
Extremism: This refers to holding very extreme political or religious views.
Tolerance: This means being accepting of people with different beliefs or practices.
Deliberations: Discussions or debates to reach a decision.
Prescriptions: Orders or sets of instructions given by someone in authority.
Confronting: Facing a problem or challenge directly.
Unacknowledged: Not recognized or given credit.
Unrecognized: Not noticed or identified.

Part II

Extinguish: To put out a fire
Rushing: Moving very quickly in a hurry
Adamant: Firm and determined, not willing to change their mind
Bit: A small amount or effort
Globally: Across the entire world.
Abolition: Ending something completely.
Worst Forms: The most severe or harmful types.
Disconnect: A lack of connection or communication.
Compassion: Sympathetic concern for others’ suffering.
Inculcate: To instill or teach a value or habit.
Globalize: To make something worldwide or international. Here, the speaker is calling for compassion to be embraced by everyone around the world.
Unite: To join together as one.
Stitch: To sew something together with thread.
Harvest: To collect crops that have grown.
Ebola: A deadly disease that affects humans and some primates.
Hostage: A person held prisoner by someone who threatens to harm them.
Intergenerational: spanning multiple generations.
Quarries: large pits where rocks are mined for construction or other purposes.
Rescue: to save someone from a dangerous or harmful situation.
Inaction: lack of action or taking no steps to address a problem.
Urgency: something that needs to be dealt with immediately because of its importance.
Passivity: Lack of action or interest; not taking initiative.
Pessimism: A tendency to believe that the worst will happen; a negative outlook. (Opposed to optimism)
Neutrality: The state of being neutral; not supporting either side in a conflict.

Part III

Intergovernmental: This refers to organizations or relations between two or more governments.
Civilisation: A society that is considered to be highly developed and advanced.
Accountable: Responsible to someone for your actions.
Accelerate: To make something happen faster.
Fragmented: Divided into separate and unconnected parts.
Bold: Willing to take risks or try new things.
Ambitious: Having or showing a strong desire to achieve great things.
Cobbler: A person who mends or repairs shoes
Vision: A dream or idea about the future, especially one that is very vivid and inspiring.
Cobbler: A person who repairs shoes and boots.
Dignity: The state or quality of being worthy of respect.
Equality: The state of all people being equal in social status, rights, and opportunities.
Blinking: This refers to the rapid opening and closing of the eyes, here, used metaphorically for the twinkling of stars.
Democratize: To make something accessible to everyone.
Universalize: To make something apply universally, meaning it’s valid and accessible for everyone in the world.
Globalize: To spread something on a worldwide scale.
Exploitation: Taking unfair advantage of someone or something for personal gain.
Prosperity: The state of being successful, flourishing, and having financial security.
Liberty: Freedom from limitations or control.
Ignorance: Lack of knowledge or understanding.
Awakening: A moment of realization or enlightenment.
Mortality: The condition of being subject to death.
Divinity: The state of being a god or goddess.

Let’s March Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

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Lesson 2.6 – Science and Spirituality

Witness: To observe or see something happening.
Conflict: A disagreement or argument between people.
Indisputable: impossible to doubt or argue against
Coexist: exist together peacefully
Conceive: to form an idea or plan in the mind
Perspective: a particular way of considering something
Curbs: limits or controls something
Nourished: Sustained, nurtured, or fed.
Reverend Father: A title used to address a priest in the Christian Church.
Humility: A modest view of one’s own importance; humbleness.
Attribute: To credit someone or something with something.
Simplicity: The state of being plain and uncomplicated.
Divinity: The state of being a god or goddess; sacredness.
Fledgling: Immature, young, or in the early stages of development.
Proximity: Nearness in space or distance.
Roadblock: A major obstacle or difficulty that prevents progress.
Possession: The act of having or controlling something.
Administration: The act or process of managing something.
Persistence: continuing to do something despite difficulty or opposition
Bishop: This is a high-ranking official in the Christian Church.
Reverend: It is a title of respect used before the name of a member of the clergy, particularly in Christian churches.
Dais: A raised platform at the front of a room or hall, often used by a speaker or other important person.
Diagnose: To identify the nature of an illness or condition.
Almighty: Having unlimited power; all-powerful.
Abode: A dwelling place or home.
Reverberated: Echoed loudly or repeatedly.
Alternate : different or substitute.
Accommodation : a place to live or stay.
Soul-shaping wisdom: knowledge, principles, or insights that have a profound and lasting impact on who you are as a person, shaping your core values and guiding your life choices.
Accomplished: Having achieved a lot of success or skill.
Diminished: Reduced in strength, amount, or importance.
Impurities: Substances that make something dirty or impure.
Obscuring: Hiding or making something difficult to see or understand.
Ethical: Relating to moral principles, especially the correctness of one’s actions and attitudes.
Resonated: Had a strong and lasting effect on someone.
Astonishing: Extremely surprising and impressive.
Inner strength: Mental and emotional fortitude, resilience.
Preceding: coming before something else in time.
Unusual: not typical or normal.
Discourse: a formal discussion on a particular subject.
Prehand: beforehand; in advance.
Advanced: far on in time, development, or skill.
Possesses: has or owns something.
Genetics: the branch of biology that deals with the hereditary characteristics of organisms.
Contemplating deeply: thinking very seriously and thoughtfully.
Recollected: remembered something from the past.
Tenet: a principle or belief that is held to be important.
Tranquility: a state of peace and calmness.
Espoused: publicly supported or advocated for a belief or value.
Ethos: The characteristic spirit of a culture, religion, or community.
Munificence: Extreme generosity or liberality.
Essence: The core nature or most important quality of something.
Circumspectly: In a cautious and prudent way.
Reverse: The opposite of something.
Indiscriminately: Without making a difference or distinction.
Inequity: Lack of fairness or justice.
Gravity: In this context, it doesn’t refer to the physical force that pulls objects down. Instead, it means the seriousness or importance of the message.
Struck: Here, struck doesn’t mean physically hit. It means that the message had a deep impact on the author.
Astounding: Extremely surprising and impressive.
Humanity: The qualities or characteristics that distinguish humans, especially the ability to reason.

Science and Spirituality Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

Science and Spirituality Question Answers Class 10 Maharashtra State Board

Lesson 3.2 – The Night I Met Einstein

Piece: here, musical performance
Shock of white hair: This refers to a large or thick mass of white hair.
Frontiers: The outer limits of something; horizons.

The Night I Met Einstein Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

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Lesson 3.3 – Stephen Hawking

Cosmology: The study of the origin, structure, and evolution of the universe.
Groundbreaking: Pioneering or innovative, creating a new path in a field of study.
Accessible: Easy to understand.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): A progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Co-written: written together with someone else
Noteworthy: something significant or worth remembering
Catapulted: to be launched or propelled with great force or speed. In this context, it suggests Hawking’s fame suddenly increased dramatically.
Prominence: a state of being important, famous, or noticeable
Overview: a general summary of a subject
Bestseller List: a list of books that are selling the most copies
Illustrated: Explained or decorated with pictures or diagrams.
Authored: Wrote
Accessible: Easy to understand
Core concepts: Central ideas
Touched upon: Briefly discussed
Articulate: To express ideas clearly and effectively.
Holy Grail: A metaphor for something that is highly desired and difficult to achieve.
Quantum Mechanics: The branch of physics that studies the matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic level.
Ambitious: Having or showing a strong desire and determination to achieve great things.
Dimensions: The measurable extent of something in a particular direction.
Inevitable: Absolutely certain to happen; unavoidable
Consequence: A result or effect of an action or event
Spontaneous: Happening suddenly and without being planned or caused by anything
Decade: Ten years
Chaos: Complete disorder and confusion
Invoke: To call on someone or something for help or support.
Set going: To cause something to start or happen.
Diagnosed: a doctor identified a specific disease after examining a patient.
Shutting down: This means to stop functioning.
Slur: To speak in a way that is unclear or difficult to understand.
Symptoms: Signs of a disease or illness.
Look into: To investigate or try to find out more about something.
Underwent: Experienced or suffered through something, especially a medical procedure.
Electrodes: These are small metal plates that are attached to the skin to conduct electricity.
Radio-opaque fluid: This is a special type of liquid that shows up clearly on X-rays. It was injected into the patient’s spine to help visualize the flow of the fluid within the spinal canal.
Atypical: This means not typical or unusual.
Eventually: After some time, finally.
Diagnose: To identify an illness after examining a patient.
Devastating: Causing great shock and distress.
Despondent: In low spirits, feeling hopeless.
Prevented: Stopped something from happening.
Leukemia: A cancer of the White Blood Cells.
Reflected: Considered or thought about something carefully.
Tolerable: Bearable, acceptable.
Executed: Put to death, especially according to legal sentences.
Ph.D.: Doctor of Philosophy, an academic degree awarded after completing advanced research and a dissertation in a specific field.
Poured himself into: a metaphorical expression meaning he devoted all his energy and effort into something.
Diminished: Reduced in amount, strength, or intensity.
Ever-expanding: Continuously growing or increasing.
Accompanied by: Occurring alongside or in connection with something else.
Worsening: Becoming steadily worse.
Virtually: Almost completely, but not entirely.
Slurred: Speak with the words not clearly formed.
Tracheotomy: A surgical procedure that creates an opening in the windpipe (trachea) to allow air to reach the lungs.
Acclaimed: Highly praised and admired.
Nursing care: The care provided for someone who is sick or injured, typically in a hospital or at home.
Peril: Danger or serious risk.
Predicament: A difficult, embarrassing, or worrying situation.
Directed: Controlled or guided.
Synthesizer: A machine that electronically produces a sound, especially imitating a musical instrument.
Virtually: Almost completely, but not literally.
Prolific: Producing or creating a large amount of something
Heightened: Increased in intensity or severity
Lucasian Professor: A prestigious professorship of mathematics at the University of Cambridge
Gravely ill: Seriously ill

Stephen Hawking Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

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Lesson 3.5 – Unbeatable Super Mom-Mary Kom

Komrade: This term is a combination of “Kom,” from Mary Kom’s surname, and “comrade,” which refers to a companion or ally. Here, “Komrade” refers to her supporters, fans, or fellow athletes who admire her and stand by her in her journey.
Komqueror: Combination of Kom and the word “conqueror,” emphasizing Mary Kom’s relentless determination and success in conquering challenges both inside and outside the boxing ring.
Conquered: Defeated completely
Warrior: A brave and experienced fighter
Famed: Widely known and admired for her achievements
Flyweight category: The lightest weight division in boxing for women
Tenant farmers: These are farmers who don’t own the land they work on. They pay rent to the landowner in exchange for using the land.
Jhum fields: This refers to a type of slash-and-burn agriculture practiced in some parts of India, particularly in the northeast. Farmers clear a patch of forest, burn the vegetation, plant crops for a few years, and then move on to another area as the soil loses fertility.
Humble surroundings: This means a simple and modest environment, without a lot of wealth or possessions.
Recollects : remembers or recalls something from the past.
Debut: This refers to the first time someone participates in a particular activity, especially a public performance.
Reinforced: This means to strengthen or make something more certain.
Exclusive: Only available to one person or group.
Correspondent: A reporter who works for a news organisation
Elation: Great happiness and triumph.
Sunk in: This phrase means something has been fully understood or realized.
Exhilarated: This means feeling very happy and excited, often due to an achievement or something enjoyable.
Representative: Someone who represents a group of people or a place in an official way. In this case, Mary Kom represented India in boxing.
Additional: Extra or further.
Pressure: A feeling of worry or anxiety caused by needing to achieve something or by someone expecting you to do something.
Homework: In this context, it doesn’t literally mean schoolwork. It means training and preparation Mary Kom had already done for the Olympics with her coach.
Sparred: This refers to a boxer practicing fighting techniques with another boxer, typically without intending to inflict serious injury.
Contingent: In this context, it refers to the group of people participating in the Olympics from India.
Counter-puncher: A boxer who waits for their opponent to throw a punch and then throws one of their own in return.
Tactical: Relating to strategy, especially in warfare or competition.
Dodgy: Informal British English for unreliable, suspect, or dishonest. (In this context, it implies the judging might have been unfair)
Proportionate: In proportion to something else; balanced or equivalent. In this context, it means the number of medals should be balanced with the large population of India.
Corporates: Large businesses or companies.
Sponsor: To provide financial support to someone or something.
Year-round: Throughout the entire year.
Nutritional requirements: The specific types and amounts of nutrients that a person needs to stay healthy.
Conditioning: The process of preparing someone physically for a specific activity, in this case, the Olympics.
Neglected: Ignored or not given enough attention.
Saturated fats: A type of unhealthy fat that can raise bad cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
Stress: This refers to a feeling of mental or emotional strain or pressure. In the context of Mary Kom’s answer, being “stress-free” means she wasn’t worried about things outside of boxing.
Convince: To persuade someone to believe or do something.
In style: Done in a way that is fashionable or impressive.
Stereotypes: These are widely held but often simplified beliefs about a group of people.
Traditional: This refers to customs or beliefs that have existed for a long time and are passed down through generations.
Prefer: To like something more than another option.

Unbeatable Super Mom – Mary Kom Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

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Lesson 3.6 – The Concert

Auditorium: A large hall designed for public audiences, typically used for performances, lectures, or meetings.
Maestro: A highly skilled conductor or musician
Sprang: To jump or move suddenly and quickly, often in surprise or to help someone.
Murmured: To speak softly or in a low voice, often because you don’t want other people to hear you.
Catch in her throat: This is a physical sensation caused by strong emotion that makes it difficult to speak normally.
Unbidden: This means not asked for or planned.
Gasped: To breathe in suddenly and sharply, often because of surprise, shock, or difficulty breathing.
Self-reproach: Blame directed at oneself; feeling guilty about something you did or didn’t do.
Gravely: In a serious and solemn way.
Ununderstandable: Impossible to understand.
Frightening: Causing fear or alarm.
Hung in the air: This is a metaphor suggesting a heavy or unspoken feeling permeated the atmosphere.
Compose: To create (here, to create a piece of music)
Astonishment: Great surprise or wonder.
Guru: A teacher, especially one who imparts spiritual knowledge
Apartment: A unit of housing that occupies part of a larger building, typically having one or more complete floors.
Miracles: Extraordinary and seemingly impossible feats that are attributed to a divine or supernatural agency.
Cured: Restored to health from an illness or disease.
Forthcoming: Coming or about to happen soon.
Indulge: To allow someone to have something they enjoy, especially something that is not good for them in large quantities.
Traffic: Movement of vehicles, people, or goods along a route or in a congested area.
Wet with tears: This phrase describes someone’s eyes being moist or filled with tears.
Choked voice: This describes a voice that is strained or interrupted by strong emotion, often sadness or crying.
Grateful: This means feeling thankful or appreciative for something.
Midst: surrounded by or in the middle of
Daring: Bold, brave, or adventurous.
Hurried: To move quickly or go somewhere in a rush.
Opportunity: A good chance to do something.
Thundering welcome: A very loud and enthusiastic applause.
Enchantment: A feeling of great pleasure and delight.
Spellbound: Captivated and completely held by something.
Unfolding ragas: The gradual development of the melody in Indian classical music.
Plaintive notes: Sad and mournful musical sounds.
Twinkling notes: High-pitched, rapid musical notes.
Firmly: Steadfastly, with determination.
Bouquet: Bunch of flowers
Wriggled: To move in a twisting, sideways motion, often with difficulty because of a crowd or tight space.
Wizard: In this context, a master or genius of music.
Burst out: To speak suddenly and with emotion.
Poured out: This is a phrasal verb that means to tell something quickly and emotionally, as if it cannot be held back.
Breathlessly: Out of breath, possibly from excitement or exertion.
Begged: Pleaded in a very earnest and urgent way.
Bother: annoy or cause inconvenience and trouble
Motioned: Used a gesture to signal someone to do something.
Wad: This refers to a small, tightly compressed mass of something soft, like a wad of chewing gum or, in this case, the prepared paan leaf.
Pulled up: The car stopped
Knocked softly: Gently rapped on the door
Divan: A long, low couch or sofa. It’s a type of seating traditionally used in India.

The Concert Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

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Lesson 4.2 – The Luncheon

Caught sight of: To see someone briefly or unexpectedly.
Interval: Break between the acts of a play.
Addressed: This means to speak to someone.
Luncheon: A more formal word for lunch
Barely: Hardly enough
Passing through: Travelling through a place for a short time
Chat: An informal conversation
Afterwards: Later on
Means: here, Financial resources
Francs: Former currency of France (replaced by the Euro in the year 2002)
Modest: Not expensive or large
Imposing: Grand, impressive, or commanding attention
Talkative: This means someone who enjoys talking a lot.
Startled: surprised suddenly, often in a way that frightens you.
Reassured: made someone feel less worried or anxious.
Generously: in a way that shows a willingness to give more than is necessary.
Nowadays: in the present time.
Salmon: a type of fish with pink or orange flesh
Caviar: The salty eggs of fish (considered a delicacy)
Mutton: The flesh of a mature sheep used as food
Unwise: Not showing good judgement.
Overloading: Filling something to its full capacity or beyond.
Gaiety: Cheerfulness and liveliness.
Took me to task: To criticize or scold someone.
Asparagus: A green vegetable with long, thin stalks.
Heart sank: To feel suddenly disappointed, discouraged, or worried.
Mouth watered: To feel a strong desire to eat something, usually because it looks or smells delicious.
In the least: This means “not at all” or “to no degree.”
Sighed: This means to breathe out deeply, often expressing sadness, boredom, or weariness.
Insist: This means to state a demand or request in a forceful way.
Seized: Took hold of suddenly and powerfully
Mortifying: Feeling extreme embarrassment or humiliation
Obliged: Forced or compelled to do something
Dramatic cry: A loud, exaggerated expression of surprise or distress
Thrust: to push something forcefully in a particular direction.
Past caring: No longer interested or concerned.
Thoroughly: Completely, entirely.
Faintly: In a weak or quiet voice.
Bearing: In this context, bearing means carrying something.
Miserable: This means unhappy, pitiful, or in a very bad state.
Inadequate: Not good enough; insufficient
Tip: A small amount of money given to someone who has provided a service.
Penny: A British coin, the smallest unit of British currency.
Retorted: Replied in a quick and sometimes sharp way
Gaily: Happily and in a carefree way
Humorist: Someone who tells jokes and makes others laugh [a funny person].
Vindictive: This means having a strong desire to punish someone for something they have done to you.
Take a hand: This is an idiom that means to become involved in something or to influence something.
Stone: A unit of weight equal to 6.3 kilograms. It’s an old British unit of measurement.
Twenty- one stone: 21 stone is equal to 133.356 kilograms.

The Luncheon Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

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Lesson 4.3 – World Heritage

Site: A place or location
Determined: Decided upon.
Significant: Important or meaningful.
Humanity: All people in the world.
Administered: Managed or controlled.
Culturally: Related to the way people live, think, and behave.
Naturally: Related to nature and the environment.
Vary: Differ or change.
Monuments: Structures built to honour people or events.
Combination: A mix of two or more things.
Human culture: The way of life, beliefs, and customs of people.
Historical: Relating to the past.
Landscape: The natural features of a place, such as mountains, valleys, rivers, and forests.
Characteristics: Features or qualities that belong to someone or something.
Heritage: something that is passed down from the past
Momentum: the force or speed of something in motion; in this case, the growing support for protecting heritage sites
Initial: First or beginning.
Dam: A barrier built across a river to control the flow of water.
Scores: A large number.
Artefacts: Objects made by humans, especially those from the past.
Campaign: A planned series of actions aimed at achieving a particular goal.
Dismantling: Taking apart something.
Convention: A formal agreement between countries or groups of people.
Conference: A formal meeting of people with a shared interest
Scenic: Beautiful natural views
Conservation: Protecting something from harm or damage
Convention: A formal agreement between countries or groups
Establishing: Deciding on something officially.
State Parties: Countries that are part of an agreement or treaty.
Representatives: People who act or speak officially for another person or group.
Nominating: Suggesting someone or something for a position or honour.
Inclusion: The act of including someone or something as part of a group or whole.
Inventory: A complete list of something. In this case, a list of important cultural and natural places in a country.
Tentative List: A preliminary list of potential World Heritage Sites that a country identifies for future nomination.
Nomination: The formal process of proposing a site for inclusion on the World Heritage List.
Tentative List: A preliminary list of potential World Heritage Sites that a country identifies.
Nomination File: A detailed document about a site that is being considered for the World Heritage List.
Advisory Bodies: Groups of experts who give advice.
Inscribed: officially added
Territory: the land belonging to a particular country or state.
i.e. (abbreviation for “id est”): That is to say; in other words.
Poaching: Illegal hunting or capturing of animals.
Urbanization: The process of making an area more like a city, with buildings, roads, and people.
Inscribed: Written or recorded formally.
Allocate: To set apart or designate for a specific purpose.
Resources: Supplies or assets that can be used to achieve a goal.
Restore: Repair, rebuild

World Heritage Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

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Lesson 4.5 – The Old Man and The Sea : Book Review

Cuban: Relating to Cuba, an island country in the Caribbean.
Run of terrible bad luck: A continuous period of misfortune.
Apprentice: A person who learns a trade by working for someone skilled in that trade.
Devoted: Very loyal and committed.
Resolves: Makes a firm decision.
hooking: catching something with a hook
marlin: a large, powerful fish that lives in the ocean
strong: having great physical power
Draws heavily on: relies heavily on, takes inspiration from
Shrapnel: fragments of a bomb or shell
Endurance: the ability to continue doing something for a long time, even though it is difficult or painful
Ultimately: Finally, in the end
Triumph: A great victory or achievement
Wrought: Caused or produced
Endurance: The ability to continue doing something for a long time, even though it is difficult or painful
Struck a chord: Resonated with someone; evoked a strong emotional response
Pithy: concise and forceful
Straightforward: simple and clear
Economy: careful use of resources (in this case, words)
Deceptive: misleading or giving a false impression
Unimpressed: not impressed or interested
Vivid: clear, bright, and detailed in the mind
Formidable: inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable
Empathetic: able to understand and share the feelings of another
Heartwarming: making you feel happy and tender
Desperately: in a way that shows a great need or urgency
Sympathies: feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else’s misfortune
Inseparably: in a way that cannot be separated
Ideal: a perfect standard or model
Noble: having or showing fine personal qualities, such as courage, honesty, and generosity

The Old Man and The Sea: Book Review Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

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Lesson 4.6 – The Gift of the Magi

Bulldozing: To aggressively or forcefully persuade someone to do something, often by using pressure.
Imputation: Accusation or suggestion of something negative or harmful.
Parsimony: Extreme unwillingness to spend money; stinginess.
Flop down: to sit or lie down heavily and suddenly, often due to exhaustion or despair.
Instigates: brings about; causes to happen.
Moral reflection: a thoughtful consideration of right and wrong, often prompted by an emotional experience.
Predominating: most frequent or important.
Subside: To become less intense, severe, or active; to settle down.
Mendicancy squad: A group of people or a police unit responsible for arresting beggars.
Vestibule: A small entryway or hall between the outer door and the main part of a building.
Appertaining: Belonging to or connected with something.
Dillingham: This is the surname of the couple, used formally.
Prosperity: A state of success and good fortune, especially in financial terms.
Possessor: The person who owns something.
Contracting: Shortening or reducing in size or scope.
Modest: Unassuming or simple in appearance or behavior.
Unassuming: Not arrogant or pretentious.
Attended to: paid attention to, dealt with
Dully: without brightness or enthusiasm, sadly
Ravages: damage or destruction
Calculated: estimated or determined
Sterling: of high quality; genuine
Honour: great respect or admiration
Pier-glass: A large, tall mirror, often placed between two windows.
Agile: Able to move quickly and easily.
Longitudinal: Relating to length or distance.
Conception: An idea or mental image of something.
Whirled: moved quickly and suddenly around
Brilliantly: shining intensely and brightly
Rapidly: quickly and with speed
Full length: the entire length of something, here, Della’s hair
Mighty: very great or powerful
Pride: a feeling of pleasure or satisfaction at your own achievements or qualities
Depreciate: reduce the value
Majesty: a sovereign or ruler
Janitor: a person employed as a caretaker of a building
Treasures: a collection of valuable objects
Envy: a feeling of resentful longing for something that someone else has
Rippling: moving with a gentle wavelike motion
Cascade: a small waterfall
Faltered: hesitated or stumbled
Worn: damaged or shabby due to use
Whirl: A rapid spinning motion.
Fluttered: Moved quickly and lightly.
Sparkle: A bright, twinkling light.
Mme.: Madame, a French title of respect for a married woman.
Sofronie: This is a name, likely chosen by the woman to sound exotic or foreign to attract customers.
Panting: breathing heavily and quickly, often due to exertion or excitement.
Cascade: A waterfall or something falling rapidly in large quantities. In this context, it refers to Della’s hair flowing down.
Ransack: To search thoroughly and hurriedly. Della was searching the stores intensely for a Christmas present for Jim.
Fobchain: A chain attached to a watch pocket to hold a watch securely.
Chaste: Pure, simple, and modest.
Meretricious: Appearing attractive but having no real value.
Grand: Impressive and splendid.
Sly: Secretive or cunning.
Intoxication: A state of excitement, elation, or infatuation. In this context, Della is very excited about buying a gift for Jim.
Prudence: The quality of being wise and careful. Della starts to become practical and cautious after the initial excitement.
Ravages: Damage or destruction. Here, it refers to the damage done to Della’s hair due to cutting it.
Tremendous: Very large, great, or powerful.
Mammoth: Extremely large or important. Both “tremendous” and “mammoth” emphasize the difficulty of repairing Della’s hair after cutting it.
Truant: A student who stays away from school without permission.
Critically: In a way that involves careful judgment about the good and bad qualities of something.
Coney Island chorus girl: A reference to a showgirl from Coney Island, a popular amusement park known for its flashy entertainment. Della was worried that her new haircut would make her look like a stereotypical, overly glamorous showgirl.
Fryingpan: A flat, circular pan used for cooking food by direct heat.
Chops: meat
Fob chain: A small chain attached to a watch pocket and used to hold a watch securely.
Whispered: Spoke very softly and quietly.
Burdened: Loaded with something difficult or unpleasant to bear.
Immovable: Unable to be moved; fixed or steady.
Setter: A type of hunting dog known for its ability to remain motionless (or “set”) when it locates prey.
Peculiar: Strange or unusual; different from what is normal or expected.
Wriggled: Moved with quick, short twists of the body.
Patent: Obvious, clear, or evident.
Laboriously: In a way that requires great effort; slowly and with difficulty.
Ain’t: A contraction of “am not” or “are not.
Idiocy: Foolishness or stupidity. Here, it implies a state of shock or disbelief.
Discreet: Careful and prudent; avoiding embarrassment or distress to others.
Trance: A state of mind in which one is completely absorbed in thought or fantasy.
Discreet: Careful and prudent in one’s speech or actions, especially in order to avoid embarrassment or offense.
Scrutiny: Careful and detailed examination.
Inconsequential: Of little or no importance.
Illuminated: Explained or made clear.
Package: a wrapped bundle of something
Unwrap: To remove the covering from something.
Nimble: Quick and light in movement.
Ecstatic: Feeling or expressing overwhelming happiness or excitement.
Hysterical: Uncontrollably emotional.
Necessitating: Making something necessary.
Broadway: Broadway is a famous street in New York City.
Jeweled: Decorated with jewels.
Craved: Felt a strong desire for something.
Yearned: Longed deeply for something.
Coveted: Desired something belonging to another person.
Adornments: Decorations or ornaments.
Tresses: Locks of hair.
Bosom: Chest
Dim: Faint or unclear, often referring to sight or light.
Length: Duration or extent of time.
Singed cat: This is an idiom that means someone who appears to be one way but is actually different, often better than their appearance suggests.
Ardent: Having or showing great enthusiasm and devotion.
Dandy: Something exceptionally good or fine. In this context, Della is referring to the gift she bought for Jim.
Tumbled: Fell or moved suddenly and clumsily.
Chops: meat that is ready to be cooked
Magi: Wise men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus.
Chronicle: A record of events in order of time.
Lamely: In a weak or unsatisfactory manner.
Duplication: The action or process of making an exact copy of something.

The Gift of the Magi Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

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Poetry

Poem 1.1 – Where the Mind is Without Fear

Fragments: separate pieces
Domestic: Relating to the home or the running of a household
Tireless: having or showing great effort or energy
Striving: Putting in a lot of effort to achieve something
Stretches its arms: aims at achieving a goal
Stream: Small river
Dreary: Depressing and boring
Dead habit: old traditional rituals and customs that are harmful
Thee: you (Can be interpreted as God or a higher power)
Ever-widening: forever broadening one’s outlook
heaven of freedom: condition of total freedom of good thoughts, good words and good deeds, while respecting those of others

Where the Mind is Without Fear Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

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Poem 1.4 – All the World’s a Stage

Merely: Simply, only
Acts: Parts or roles played in a performance (or life)
Infant: Baby
Mewling: Crying weakly
Puking: Throwing up, vomiting
Satchel: A school bag
Creeping: Moving slowly and carefully, often because you don’t want to be seen
Unwillingly: Not wanting to
Furnace: A large heater or oven
Woeful Ballad: A sad, mournful song or poem
Mistress: A woman a man is romantically involved with
Oaths: Strong promises or statements, often with swearing
Pard: Leopard
Jealous in Honour: Easily angered if someone insults their reputation
Bubble Reputation: Fame or a good public image that is easily lost
Cannon’s Mouth: The opening of a large gun
Justice: A judge or other official who makes legal decisions
Capon: Tender and juicy rooster (considered a delicacy back then)
Lined: Filled with something
Severe: Strict and serious
Formal Cut: A neatly trimmed beard
Saws: Wise sayings or proverbs
Modern Instances: Examples from recent times
Lean and slippered pantaloon: A skinny old man who wears loose-fitting pants and slippers
Spectacles: Glasses
Hose: Long stockings or tights
Shrank Shank: Leg that has become thin and weak
Treble: The higher-pitched part of a musical range (like a child’s voice)
Pipes and Whistles: Makes high-pitched sounds
Oblivion: Forgetfulness or nothingness
Sans: Without

All the World’s a Stage Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

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Poem 2.1 – Animals

Placid: calm, peaceful
Contained; keep up control
Whine: cry
Sins: wrongdoing
Demented: mad, disturbed
Kneels: bow down
Evince: show, reveal
Possession: ownership of something
Tokens: here, the qualities
Negligently: Carelessly

Animals Class 10 Summary, Explanation, Question Answer

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Poem 2.4 – The Pulley

Riches: wealth bounties
Dispersed: Scattered or spread out in various places.
Contract: To bring together or condense something.
Span: A small space
Strength: The physical and mental power to perform feats or endure hardship.
Made a way: Created an opening, established a path.
Flowed: Moved smoothly and continuously, like a stream.
Wisdom: Knowledge gained through experience or study; the ability to make good judgments.
Honour: High respect and esteem.
Pleasure: A feeling of enjoyment or satisfaction.
Made a stay: Paused, stopped for a moment.
Perceiving: Recognizing, becoming aware of something.
Treasures: Valuable possessions.
Rest: In this context, it signifies true contentment and inner peace.
Lay: Was situated or positioned.
Bestow: To give something as a gift or favor.
Jewel: A precious stone, used metaphorically here to represent a valuable gift.
Creature: In this context, it refers to humanity, God’s creation.
Adore: To love and admire someone or something intensely.
Repining: a feeling of discontent, dissatisfaction, or longing for something.
Restlessness: a lack of peace, agitation, or a constant desire for something more.
Weary: feeling tired, worn out, or lacking energy.
Toss: (here) bring, throw close

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Poem 3.1 – Night of the Scorpion

Steady: Rain that falls continuously.
Crawl: To move slowly on hands and knees or by dragging the body close to the ground.
Parting with: This means giving up something or letting go of it.
Diabolic: This means devilish or evil.
Peasants: People of low social status who work in agriculture, typically as tenant farmers.
Swarms: Large numbers of flying insects moving together in a dense cloud.
Buzzed: Made a low, continuous humming sound, like a bee.
Paralyze: Make someone or something unable to move or function.
Lanterns: Portable lights, often enclosed in glass or metal, that use candles or oil.
Mud-baked walls: Walls made from a mixture of mud and straw, then dried in the sun. They are common in traditional buildings.
Clicked their tongues: A sound made by rapidly clicking the tongue against the roof of the mouth, often expressing disapproval or disappointment.
Misfortunes: These are unlucky events or hardships.
Diminished: This means reduced or lessened.
Purify: To cleanse something of impurities or sin, to make it pure.
Flesh: The physical body as opposed to the spirit.
Desire: A strong feeling of wanting to have or do something.
Ambition: A strong desire to achieve something, especially something difficult.
Groaning: This is a deep, prolonged sound expressing pain or suffering.
Sceptic: A person who doubts the truth of claims, especially one who doubts the claims of religion or traditional medicine.
Rationalist: A person who believes that reason is the primary source of knowledge.
Curse: A statement wishing harm on someone.
Blessing: A statement wishing someone good fortune or protection.
Hybrid: Something that is a combination of two different things.
Paraffin: A waxy, flammable substance obtained from petroleum.
Rites: Rituals or ceremonies performed for a religious or magical purpose.
Tame: To subdue or control something powerful or dangerous.
Incantation: A chant or formula used in magic or religious ceremonies, believed to have a magical effect.
Spared: This means “avoided harming” or “left unharmed” in this context.

Night of the Scorpion Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

Night of the Scorpion Question Answers Class 10 Maharashtra State Board

Poem 3.4 – The Will to Win

Scheme: A cunning plan or arrangement to achieve a goal. Here, it suggests a more calculated and strategic way of getting something.
Worthless: Having no value or importance.
Gladly: With happiness or willingness.
Fret: To worry or be anxious about something.
Terror: Extreme fear.
Capacity: ability to do something
Sagacity: wisdom or good judgment.
Stern: Strict or serious
Pertinacity: persistence in a good way, like not giving up on your goal.
Famished: Very hungry
Gaunt: Thin and bony, often from not having enough food.
Dogged: determined and persistent, not giving up easily
Grim: serious and determined
Besiege: surround something in order to capture it
Beset: trouble or attack something from all sides. Here, it means that there might be challenges or obstacles in your way.

The Will to Win Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

The Will to Win Question Answers Class 10 Maharashtra State Board

Poem 4.1 – A Thing of Beauty is a Joy For Ever

Loveliness: beauty
Increases: grows bigger or stronger
Nothingness: emptiness, non-existence
Bower: a pleasant shady place, usually covered with climbing plants
Quiet: peaceful, calm
Breathing: taking in air and letting it out
Morrow: The following day or morning.
Wreathing: Creating a circle or crown-like shape.
Despondence: A state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or confidence.
Dearth: A scarcity or lack of something.
Noble: Having or showing high moral principles or qualities.
O’er-darkened: Extremely dark or gloomy.
Pall: A dark cloud or covering.
Boon: A blessing or benefit
Rills: Small streams of water
Covert: A sheltered place
Brake: A thicket or dense growth of shrubs
Musk-rose: A type of rose known for its fragrance
Grandeur: greatness, magnificence, or splendor.
Dooms: fates or endings, often with a sense of tragedy or finality.
Immortal: living forever, never dying.
Drink: something that refreshes or nourishes, often used metaphorically.
Brinks: edges or borders, often implying a high or dangerous place.
Essences: The true nature or qualities of something.
Merely: Only; simply.
Passion poesy: A strong love for poetry.
Glories infinite: Endless beauty and wonder.
Haunt: To constantly occupy one’s thoughts.
Cheering light: Something that brings joy and happiness.
O’ercast: Covered with clouds, gloomy.

A Thing of Beauty is a Joy For Ever Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

A Thing of Beauty is a Joy For Ever Question Answers Class 10 Maharashtra State Board

Poem 4.4 – The Height of the Ridiculous

Wondrous: amazing, wonderful, extraordinary
Merry: cheerful, happy, joyful
Exceeding: extremely, very, exceptionally
Queer: Strange, odd, or unusual
Albeit: Even though, although
Sober: Serious, not funny or playful
Slender: thin and graceful
Mighty: very strong or powerful
Exclaimed: shouted out suddenly and loudly
Trifling: unimportant, small
Jest: a joke or something said in fun
Devil to pay: a lot of trouble or difficulty
Peep: to look quickly and secretly
Grin: a wide smile that shows your teeth
Broad: wide
Chuckling: laughing softly
Roar: a loud, deep sound, like a lion’s cry. Here, it means a loud, uncontrollable laugh.
Waistband: the part of a piece of clothing that goes around your waist.
Burst: to break open suddenly and violently.
Fit: Here, it refers to a fit of laughter so strong that the person falls down.
Sleepless: Unable to sleep
Wretched: Very unhappy or unfortunate
Dare: Have the courage to do something

The Height of the Ridiculous Summary, Explanation, Theme | Maharashtra Board Class 10

The Height of the Ridiculous Question Answers Class 10 Maharashtra State Board

Also See:

Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English Lesson

Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English (First Language) Syllabus 2024-25

Poetic Devices in Maharashtra State Board Class 10 English Poems

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