Unit Eleven
Textual Dictionary
Women's Role in Uprisings
Every word below is taken from this chapter, and the meanings are given in Bengali.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| freedom (ফ্রিডম) | স্বাধীনতা (liberty) | liberty (স্বাধীনতা); independence (স্বাধীনতা) | oppression (নিপীড়ন); slavery (দাসত্ব) | The seeds of freedom were planted through the ordinary speech of our women. আমাদের নারীদের সাধারণ কথাবার্তার মাধ্যমে স্বাধীনতার বীজ বপন করা হয়েছিল। |
| struggle (স্ট্রাগল) | সংগ্রাম (a fight or effort) | fight (লড়াই); effort (প্রচেষ্টা); resistance (প্রতিরোধ) | peace (শান্তি); surrender (আত্মসমর্পণ) | Women were at the forefront of our struggles for freedom. স্বাধীনতার জন্য আমাদের সংগ্রামে নারীরা অগ্রভাগে ছিলেন। |
| sacrifice (স্যাক্রিফাইস) | ত্যাগ বা আত্মবলিদান (giving up something important) | offering (উৎসর্গ); loss (ত্যাগ); devotion (নিবেদন) | gain (লাভ); selfishness (স্বার্থপরতা) | Pritilata Waddedar made a valiant sacrifice in 1932. ১৯৩২ সালে প্রীতিলতা ওয়াদ্দেদার বীরত্বপূর্ণ আত্মবলিদান করেছিলেন। |
| oppression (অপ্রেশন) | নিপীড়ন (cruel and unfair control) | persecution (নির্যাতন); cruelty (নিষ্ঠুরতা); tyranny (স্বৈরাচার) | freedom (স্বাধীনতা); justice (ন্যায়বিচার) | Her question revealed the oppression of the people. তাঁর প্রশ্নটি মানুষের নিপীড়ন প্রকাশ করেছিল। |
| resistance (রেজিস্ট্যান্স) | প্রতিরোধ (action against control) | defiance (অবাধ্য প্রতিরোধ); opposition (বিরোধিতা); struggle (সংগ্রাম) | obedience (আনুগত্য); surrender (আত্মসমর্পণ) | Her voice triggered resistance in the public imagination. তাঁর কণ্ঠ জনমনে প্রতিরোধের সূচনা করেছিল। |
| defiance (ডিফায়েন্স) | প্রতিবাদী অবাধ্যতা (bold refusal to obey) | resistance (প্রতিরোধ); opposition (বিরোধিতা); rebellion (বিদ্রোহ) | obedience (আনুগত্য); submission (বশ্যতা) | Mayer Daak became an enduring symbol of defiance. মায়ের ডাক প্রতিবাদী অবাধ্যতার একটি স্থায়ী প্রতীকে পরিণত হয়েছিল। |
| justice (জাস্টিস) | ন্যায়বিচার (fair treatment) | fairness (ন্যায্যতা); equity (সমতা); righteousness (ধার্মিক ন্যায়) | injustice (অন্যায়); unfairness (অন্যায্যতা) | Mayer Daak members demanded justice for disappeared family members. মায়ের ডাকের সদস্যরা নিখোঁজ পরিবারের সদস্যদের জন্য ন্যায়বিচার দাবি করেছিলেন। |
| significant (সিগনিফিক্যান্ট) | গুরুত্বপূর্ণ (important) | important (গুরুত্বপূর্ণ); notable (উল্লেখযোগ্য); meaningful (অর্থবহ) | minor (গৌণ); insignificant (তুচ্ছ) | Women played significant roles in key freedom struggles. গুরুত্বপূর্ণ স্বাধীনতা সংগ্রামগুলোতে নারীরা গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ভূমিকা পালন করেছিলেন। |
Total words: 8
1. How to Use This Sheet
Study Steps
• Read the lesson carefully before studying the vocabulary.
• Cover the meaning column and test yourself on each English word.
• Say each word aloud and practise its pronunciation.
• Read the example sentences to understand how the words are used.
• Use the example sentences as models for your own writing practice.
• Review the key points after reading the lesson and check your understanding.
◆ Key Points
▪ The lesson describes the significant roles women played in freedom struggles.
▪ Pritilata Waddedar made a valiant sacrifice in 1932 to avoid capture by British forces.
▪ Kakon Bibi took part in spying and frontline battles in 1971.
▪ Women helped lead the 2024 uprising by chanting slogans, stopping police vans, breaking blockades, and taking to the streets.
▪ Mothers supported injured students by bringing food and supplies.
▪ Women from different parts of society spoke about oppression in domestic and public spaces.
▪ Mayer Daak became an enduring symbol of defiance and calls for justice.
▪ Mayer Daak members held demonstrations despite the possibility of persecution.
▪ Female students defied authorities and spoke against the security forces.
▪ Abu Sayeed’s mother asked a question that revealed oppression and triggered resistance in the public imagination.
▪ The contributions of mothers, sisters, and female students were often overlooked because they were not always in front of the camera.
▪ Women’s quiet and determined efforts helped create hope for a new dawn.
2. Key Words - Main Table (1-15)
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| women (WIM-in) | adult female people | ladies (adult females); females (women) | men (adult male people) | Women were at the forefront of struggles for freedom. Women stood at the front of the struggles for freedom. |
| receiving (ri-SEE-ving) | getting or being given something | getting (obtaining); accepting (taking) | giving (providing); sending (dispatching) | Women were receiving training to join the fight for independence. The women were getting training for the struggle. |
| training (TRAY-ning) | practice and teaching for a task | practice (repeated exercise); preparation (getting ready) | inexperience (lack of practice); neglect (lack of preparation) | The women received training to join the fight for Bangladesh’s independence. The women practised and prepared for the fight. |
| join (join) | to become part of a group or activity | enter (go into); participate (take part) | leave (go away); separate (move apart) | Women trained to join the fight for Bangladesh’s independence. They prepared to become part of the fight. |
| fight (fait) | a struggle against an opponent or problem | battle (armed struggle); struggle (difficult effort); resist (oppose) | peace (absence of conflict); surrender (giving up) | Women joined the fight for Bangladesh’s independence. They took part in the struggle for freedom. |
| independence (in-di-PEN-dens) | freedom from outside control | freedom (liberty); self-rule (control of oneself) | dependence (reliance); control (power over others) | The training was connected with Bangladesh’s independence. The training supported the country’s freedom from outside control. |
| significant (sig-NIF-i-kant) | important or meaningful | important (valuable); notable (worthy of attention); meaningful (having value) | minor (less important); insignificant (not important) | The lesson describes the significant roles of women. The lesson describes their important roles. |
| roles (rohlz) | parts or duties performed by people | parts (functions); duties (responsibilities); functions (purposes) | idleness (lack of activity); inaction (doing nothing) | The lesson describes the roles women played in freedom struggles. It explains the duties women performed in the struggles. |
| freedom (FREE-dum) | the state of being free | liberty (freedom); independence (self-rule); release (setting free) | oppression (cruel control); slavery (forced service) | The seeds of freedom were planted through the ordinary speech of women. Women’s everyday words helped develop the idea of freedom. |
| struggles (STRUH-guhlz) | difficult efforts or fights | battles (fights); efforts (attempts); conflicts (disagreements) | peace (calm); ease (lack of difficulty) | Women were at the forefront of our struggles for freedom. Women stood at the front of the difficult fights for freedom. |
| including (in-KLOO-ding) | containing as part of a group | containing (having); involving (including) | excluding (leaving out); omitting (not mentioning) | The lesson includes freedom struggles, including the July Uprising of 2024. The lesson contains the July Uprising as one part of the struggles. |
| July (joo-LIE) | the seventh month of the year | — | — | The learning outcomes include the July Uprising of 2024. The learning outcomes refer to the uprising in July 2024. |
| uprising (UP-rie-zing) | an organized act of resistance | rebellion (resistance); revolt (organized opposition); rising (act of rising) | submission (accepting control); obedience (following orders) | The lesson includes the July Uprising of 2024. The lesson discusses the organized resistance of July 2024. |
| reflect (ri-FLEKT) | to think carefully about something | consider (think about); review (look back at); contemplate (think deeply) | ignore (pay no attention); forget (fail to remember) | Students reflect on women’s contributions across eras. Students think carefully about women’s contributions. |
| contributions (kon-tri-BYOO-shunz) | help or work given to a cause | efforts (hard work); support (help); service (useful work) | hindrance (obstruction); opposition (resistance) | Women’s contributions were often overlooked. Women’s helpful work was often not noticed. |
◆ Key Points
▪ Women played significant roles in Bangladesh’s freedom struggles.
▪ Women received training to join the fight for Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.
▪ Pritilata Waddedar made a valiant sacrifice to avoid capture by British forces in 1932.
▪ Kakon Bibi took part in spying and frontline battles in 1971.
▪ Women helped lead the July Uprising of 2024 by chanting slogans, stopping police vans, breaking blockades, and taking to the streets.
▪ Mothers supported injured students by bringing food and supplies.
▪ Women from domestic spaces and public spaces spoke about oppression.
▪ Mayer Daak became an enduring symbol of defiance and calls for justice.
▪ Female students challenged authorities and spoke against the security forces.
▪ Abu Sayeed’s mother asked a question that revealed oppression and triggered resistance in the public imagination.
▪ Women’s contributions were often overlooked because they were not always in front of the camera.
▪ Women’s quiet and determined efforts helped create hope for a new dawn.
3. Key Words - Main Table (16-30)
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| colonization (কলোনাইজেশন) | The control of a country or place by another country (control by a foreign power) | occupation (control by force); settlement (establishing control) | independence (freedom from control); self-rule (government by oneself) | Women struggled for freedom against colonization and oppression. The struggle opposed foreign control and oppression. |
| repression (রিপ্রেশন) | Cruel control that prevents freedom or protest (harsh suppression) | suppression (stopping resistance); oppression (unfair control) | liberty (freedom); release (being set free) | The country rose against years of repression and autocratic rule. People opposed years of harsh control. |
| autocratic (অটোক্র্যাটিক) | Using complete and often unfair personal power (dictatorial) | dictatorial (controlling by force); tyrannical (cruelly powerful) | democratic (based on public choice); liberal (supporting freedom) | Women became symbols of resistance during the autocratic rule. Women resisted a dictatorial system. |
| paved (পেভড) | Made a way possible or easier (created a path) | prepared (made ready); enabled (made possible) | blocked (stopped); hindered (made difficult) | Women paved the way for a new Bangladesh. Women helped create the path toward a new country. |
| beacon (বিকন) | A person or thing that gives hope or guidance (guiding light) | guide (one who leads); symbol (an important representation) | obstacle (something blocking progress); warning (a sign of danger) | The women were the beacon that penetrated the darkness. The women gave hope during a difficult time. |
| penetrated (পেনিট্রেটেড) | Entered or passed through something (went deeply into) | entered (went inside); pierced (passed through) | left (went away); blocked (prevented entry) | Their courage penetrated the darkness of repression. Their courage reached through the difficult situation. |
| predominantly (প্রিডমিন্যান্টলি) | Mostly or mainly (for the greater part) | mainly (chiefly); mostly (largely) | partly (to some degree); rarely (not often) | Men were predominantly silent or persecuted. Most men were silent or faced persecution. |
| persecuted (পার্সিকিউটেড) | Treated cruelly because of beliefs or actions (harassed unfairly) | harmed (hurt); oppressed (controlled cruelly) | protected (kept safe); supported (given help) | Some people were persecuted for speaking up. Some people were treated cruelly for expressing their views. |
| domestic (ডোমেস্টিক) | Related to the home or family (connected with household life) | household (connected with a home); family (related to relatives) | public (open to society); national (related to a country) | Women spoke about oppression in domestic and public spaces. Women discussed unfair control at home and in society. |
| mofussils (মফুসিলস) | Small towns or rural areas away from major cities (outlying places) | villages (rural communities); outskirts (areas outside a city) | capitals (main cities); metropolises (large cities) | Grandmothers in mofussils and villages spoke about oppression. Older women in outlying areas spoke about unfair control. |
| enduring (এনডিউরিং) | Continuing for a long time (lasting) | lasting (continuing); permanent (not temporary) | temporary (short-lived); brief (lasting a short time) | Mayer Daak became an enduring symbol of defiance. Mayer Daak became a lasting symbol of resistance. |
| enforced (এনফোর্সড) | Done through force or official power (made compulsory) | imposed (forced upon others); compelled (made someone do something) | voluntary (done by choice); permitted (allowed) | Mayer Daak represented families affected by enforced disappearances. The group represented families whose relatives had been forcibly taken away. |
| demonstrations (ডেমনস্ট্রেশনস) | Public meetings or marches showing opposition or support (public protests) | protests (public objections); rallies (large public meetings) | silence (absence of public expression); acceptance (agreement without protest) | Mayer Daak members staged demonstrations despite possible persecution. The members held public protests although they faced danger. |
| legitimacy (লেজিটিমেসি) | The quality of being lawful, accepted, or justified (rightful authority) | validity (being acceptable); authority (right to command) | illegitimacy (lack of lawful basis); invalidity (lack of acceptance) | The mothers made people question the legitimacy of the autocracy. Their words made people doubt whether the autocratic rule was justified. |
◆ Key Points
- Colonization means control of a country or place by another country.
- Repression is cruel control that limits freedom and protest.
- Autocratic rule depends on concentrated personal power rather than public choice.
- To pave the way means to make a future action or change possible.
- A beacon is a person or thing that offers guidance and hope.
- Penetrate means to enter or pass through something deeply.
- Predominantly means mostly or for the greater part.
- Domestic refers to the home or family, while public refers to society at large.
- Mofussils are small towns or rural areas away from major cities.
- Enduring describes something that continues for a long time.
- Demonstrations are public protests or meetings expressing opposition or support.
- Legitimacy means the quality of being lawful, accepted, or justified.
4. Subject Terms and Definitions
▣ Key Points
- Colonization means control of a country or place by another country.
- Oppression means cruel or unfair control that limits people’s freedom.
- Repression refers to harsh control used to restrict freedom and protest.
- Autocratic rule depends on concentrated personal power rather than public choice.
- A beacon is a person or thing that gives guidance and hope.
- To penetrate means to enter or pass through something deeply.
- Predominantly means mostly or for the greater part.
- Domestic relates to the home or family.
- Public relates to society at large rather than private household life.
- Mofussils are small towns or rural areas away from major cities.
- Enduring describes something that continues for a long time.
- Demonstrations are public protests or meetings expressing opposition or support.
- Legitimacy means the quality of being lawful, accepted, or justified.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| colonization (কলোনাইজেশন) | Control of a country or place by another country. | occupation; domination | independence; self-rule | Women struggled against colonization and oppression. This term appears in the passage’s discussion of freedom struggles. |
| oppression (অপ্রেশন) | Cruel or unfair control over people. | repression; tyranny | freedom; justice | The women spoke openly about oppression. The term appears in the paragraph about domestic and public spaces. |
| repression (রিপ্রেশন) | Harsh control that limits freedom and protest. | suppression; persecution | liberty; tolerance | The country rose against years of repression. This term appears in the account of the 2024 uprising. |
| autocratic (অটোক্র্যাটিক) | Controlled by one person or a small group with concentrated power. | dictatorial; authoritarian | democratic; representative | The women questioned the legitimacy of the autocracy. The term appears in the discussion of the ruling system. |
| beacon (বিকন) | A person or thing that offers guidance and hope. | guide; signal | warning; darkness | The women were the beacon that penetrated the darkness. This sentence appears in the description of women’s leadership in 2024. |
| penetrate (পেনিট্রেট) | To enter or pass through something deeply. | enter; pierce | leave; withdraw | Their courage penetrated the darkness of repression. The term is used figuratively in the passage. |
| predominantly (প্রিডমিন্যান্টলি) | Mostly or for the greater part. | mainly; chiefly | partly; rarely | Men were predominantly silent or persecuted. This term appears in the paragraph about social position and public speech. |
| domestic (ডোমেস্টিক) | Related to the home or family. | household; family | public; national | Women spoke about oppression in domestic and public spaces. The term appears in the discussion of women’s everyday conversations. |
| mofussils (মফুসিলস) | Small towns or rural areas away from major cities. | villages; outlying areas | capitals; metropolises | Grandmothers in mofussils and villages spoke about oppression. This sentence appears in the paragraph about women from different parts of society. |
| enduring (এনডিউরিং) | Continuing for a long time. | lasting; permanent | temporary; brief | Mayer Daak became an enduring symbol of defiance. The term appears in the passage about Mayer Daak. |
| demonstrations (ডেমনস্ট্রেশনস) | Public protests or meetings showing opposition or support. | protests; rallies | silence; acceptance | They staged demonstrations but could not be stopped. This term appears in the description of Mayer Daak’s actions. |
| legitimacy (লেজিটিমেসি) | The quality of being lawful, accepted, or justified. | validity; authority | illegitimacy; invalidity | The mothers made people question the legitimacy of the autocracy. The term appears near the conclusion of the passage. |
5. Words in Context
Words become easier to understand when they appear in a connected account. Read the passage first, then use the table to review pronunciation, meaning, related words, and contextual examples.
Women made significant contributions to Bangladesh’s struggles for independence. Pritilata Waddedar’s sacrifice showed courage, while women in 2024 spoke against oppression and helped build resistance. Their actions during the uprising supported calls for justice, and initiatives such as Mayer Daak became enduring signs of public courage.
Study each bold word in relation to the passage. Notice how the same word can describe a person’s action, a social condition, or the wider effect of a movement.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| significant (সিগনিফিক্যান্ট) | Important or meaningful. | important; notable; meaningful | minor; insignificant | The students made a significant contribution to the movement. Their contribution was important to the movement. |
| contributions (কনট্রিবিউশন্স) | Help or work given to a cause. | efforts; support; service | hindrance; opposition | The passage remembers the contributions of mothers and sisters. It remembers the help they gave. |
| independence (ইনডিপেনডেন্স) | Freedom from outside control. | freedom; self-rule; autonomy | dependence; control | Women trained to support Bangladesh’s independence. They worked for the country’s freedom from outside control. |
| sacrifice (স্যাক্রিফাইস) | Giving up something important for a cause. | devotion; offering; self-denial | gain; selfishness; benefit | Pritilata Waddedar’s sacrifice became part of the story of freedom. Her self-denial became part of the story of freedom. |
| oppression (অপ্রেশন) | Cruel or unfair control over people. | repression; tyranny; persecution | freedom; justice; equality | The women spoke openly about oppression in everyday life. They spoke about cruel control in everyday life. |
| resistance (রেজিস্ট্যান্স) | Action taken against control or injustice. | opposition; defiance; struggle | obedience; surrender; submission | Their words encouraged resistance among ordinary people. Their words encouraged opposition among ordinary people. |
| uprising (আপরাইজিং) | An organized act of resistance against authority. | rebellion; revolt; rising | submission; obedience | Women took active roles during the 2024 uprising. Women took active roles during the organized resistance of 2024. |
| justice (জাস্টিস) | Fair treatment under accepted principles. | fairness; equity; righteousness | injustice; unfairness; bias | Mayer Daak continued to call for justice for disappeared family members. The group continued to call for fair treatment. |
| enduring (এনডিউরিং) | Continuing for a long time. | lasting; permanent; lasting | temporary; brief; short-lived | The group became an enduring symbol of courage. The group became a lasting symbol of courage. |
6. Exercise 1 - Match the Meaning
Match each English word with its correct meaning.
Instructions
Write the correct letter from the meaning column beside each word.
| Words | Meanings |
|---|---|
| 1. sacrifice | A. Fair treatment under accepted principles |
| 2. oppression | B. An organized act of resistance against authority |
| 3. justice | C. Freedom from outside control |
| 4. uprising | D. Help or work given to a cause |
| 5. contributions | E. Cruel or unfair control over people |
| 6. independence | F. Giving up something important for a cause |
| 7. enduring | G. Continuing for a long time |
| 8. resistance | H. Action taken against control or injustice |
| 9. significant | I. Important or meaningful |
| 10. defiance | J. Bold refusal to obey |
Answer Key
1–F 2–E 3–A 4–B 5–D
6–C 7–G 8–H 9–I 10–J
7. Exercise 2 - Fill in the Blanks
Instructions: Complete each sentence with the correct word or phrase from the word bank. Use each item once.
Word Bank
authorities • defying • independence • justice • Kakon Bibi • Mayer Daak • oppression • sacrifice • supplies • women
1. The story of Pritilata Waddedar is remembered for her valiant __________ in 1932.
2. __________ took part in spying and frontline battles in 1971.
3. The movement sought Bangladesh’s __________ from outside control.
4. Mothers brought food and __________ to injured students.
5. The women spoke openly about __________ in domestic and public spaces.
6. __________ became an enduring symbol of defiance during the autocratic rule.
7. The members of Mayer Daak continued to demand __________ for disappeared family members.
8. Female students challenged the __________ during the anti-discrimination movement.
9. The students acted bravely while __________ the authorities.
10. __________ were at the forefront of the struggles for freedom.
Answer Key
1. sacrifice 2. Kakon Bibi 3. independence 4. supplies 5. oppression
6. Mayer Daak 7. justice 8. authorities 9. defying 10. women
6. Mayer Daak 7. justice 8. authorities 9. defying 10. women
8. Exercise 3 - Synonyms and Antonyms
Study the words from the chapter and identify their synonyms and antonyms.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| freedom (FREE-dum) | The state of being free. | liberty (freedom); independence (self-rule) | oppression (cruel control); slavery (forced service) | The seeds of freedom were planted through the ordinary speech of our women. Women’s ordinary words helped develop the idea of liberty. |
| sacrifice (SAK-ri-fाइस) | Giving up something important for a cause. | offering (gift); devotion (loyal service) | gain (benefit); selfishness (self-interest) | Pritilata Waddedar made a valiant sacrifice in 1932. She gave up something important for the cause. |
| oppression (uh-PRESH-un) | Cruel or unfair control over people. | persecution (unfair treatment); tyranny (cruel rule) | freedom (liberty); justice (fair treatment) | Women did not shy away from revealing the oppression. They spoke about cruel control in society. |
| resistance (ri-ZIS-tens) | Action taken against control or injustice. | defiance (bold opposition); opposition (resistance) | obedience (following orders); surrender (giving up) | Their question triggered resistance in the public imagination. The question encouraged opposition among ordinary people. |
| defiance (di-FY-ens) | Bold refusal to obey. | resistance (opposition); rebellion (organized refusal) | obedience (submission to orders); submission (acceptance of control) | Mayer Daak became an enduring symbol of defiance. The group became a lasting symbol of bold refusal. |
| justice (JUS-tis) | Fair treatment under accepted principles. | fairness (fair treatment); equity (equal treatment) | injustice (unfair treatment); unfairness (lack of fairness) | Mayer Daak members demanded justice for disappeared family members. They demanded fair treatment for those families. |
| significant (sig-NIF-i-kent) | Important or meaningful. | important (valuable); notable (worthy of attention) | minor (less important); insignificant (not important) | Women played significant roles in key freedom struggles. Women played important roles in those struggles. |
| independence (in-di-PEN-dens) | Freedom from outside control. | freedom (liberty); self-rule (control of oneself) | dependence (reliance); control (power over others) | Women joined the fight for Bangladesh’s independence. They joined the fight for freedom from outside control. |
| uprising (UP-ry-zing) | An organized act of resistance against authority. | rebellion (organized opposition); revolt (resistance) | submission (accepting control); obedience (following orders) | Women took active roles during the 2024 uprising. Women took active roles during the organized resistance. |
| contributions (kon-tri-BYOO-shunz) | Help or work given to a cause. | efforts (hard work); support (help) | hindrance (obstruction); opposition (resistance) | Women’s contributions are often overlooked. Their help and work are not always noticed. |
Choose the correct synonym or antonym.
- A synonym of freedom is: (a) liberty (b) oppression
- An antonym of sacrifice is: (a) offering (b) gain
- A synonym of oppression is: (a) tyranny (b) justice
- An antonym of resistance is: (a) obedience (b) defiance
- A synonym of defiance is: (a) rebellion (b) submission
- An antonym of justice is: (a) fairness (b) injustice
- A synonym of significant is: (a) notable (b) minor
- An antonym of independence is: (a) dependence (b) self-rule
- A synonym of uprising is: (a) revolt (b) obedience
- An antonym of contributions is: (a) support (b) hindrance
Answer Key: 1. liberty; 2. gain; 3. tyranny; 4. obedience; 5. rebellion; 6. injustice; 7. notable; 8. dependence; 9. revolt; 10. hindrance.
Worked Example Series
Ex. Give a synonym of freedom.
Sol: freedom = liberty
Therefore, the synonym of freedom = liberty.
Therefore, the synonym of freedom = liberty.
Ex. Give an antonym of oppression.
Sol: oppression ≠ freedom
Therefore, the antonym of oppression = freedom.
Therefore, the antonym of oppression = freedom.
Ex. Give a synonym of sacrifice.
Sol: sacrifice = offering
Therefore, the synonym of sacrifice = offering.
Therefore, the synonym of sacrifice = offering.
Ex. Give an antonym of defiance.
Sol: defiance ≠ obedience
Therefore, the antonym of defiance = obedience.
Therefore, the antonym of defiance = obedience.
Ex. Give a synonym of significant.
Sol: significant = important
Therefore, the synonym of significant = important.
Therefore, the synonym of significant = important.
9. Exercise 4 - Make Sentences
Use the words in the table to make meaningful sentences. Study the model sentences in the answer section.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sacrifice (স্যাক্রিফাইস) | an act of giving up something important (giving up something valuable) | offering (a gift); devotion (deep commitment) | gain (benefit); selfishness (self-centredness) | Pritilata Waddedar made a valiant sacrifice in 1932. |
| oppression (অপ্রেশন) | cruel and unfair control (harsh control) | persecution (unfair treatment); tyranny (cruel rule) | freedom (liberty); justice (fair treatment) | Women spoke about oppression in domestic and public spaces. |
| resistance (রেজিস্ট্যান্স) | action against control (opposition to control) | defiance (bold opposition); struggle (difficult effort) | obedience (following orders); surrender (giving up) | Abu Sayeed’s mother’s question triggered resistance in the public imagination. |
| defiance (ডিফায়েন্স) | bold refusal to obey (strong refusal to follow orders) | resistance (opposition); rebellion (organised refusal) | obedience (submission to orders); submission (acceptance of control) | Mayer Daak became an enduring symbol of defiance. |
| justice (জাস্টিস) | fair treatment under accepted principles (fair treatment) | fairness (fair treatment); equity (equal treatment) | injustice (unfair treatment); unfairness (lack of fairness) | Mayer Daak members demanded justice for disappeared family members. |
| independence (ইনডিপেনডেন্স) | freedom from outside control (self-rule) | freedom (liberty); self-rule (control of oneself) | dependence (reliance); control (power over others) | Women joined the fight for Bangladesh’s independence. |
| uprising (আপরাইজিং) | an organised act of resistance against authority (organised opposition) | rebellion (organised opposition); revolt (resistance) | submission (accepting control); obedience (following orders) | Women took active roles during the 2024 uprising. |
| contributions (কনট্রিবিউশন্স) | help or work given to a cause (supporting work) | efforts (hard work); support (help) | hindrance (obstruction); opposition (resistance) | Women’s contributions are often overlooked. |
Answer Key: Model Sentences
Ex. Make a sentence with resistance.
Sol: The question of Abu Sayeed’s mother triggered resistance in the public imagination. Ans.
Ex. Make a sentence with defiance.
Sol: Mayer Daak stood as a lasting symbol of defiance. Ans.
Ex. Make a sentence with justice.
Sol: The members of Mayer Daak demanded justice for their disappeared family members. Ans.
Ex. Make a sentence with uprising.
Sol: Women played active roles in the 2024 uprising. Ans.
Ex. Make a sentence with contributions.
Sol: The contributions of mothers, sisters, and female students were often overlooked. Ans.
10. Vocabulary MCQ (1-10)
Word Meanings
1. What does oppression mean in the passage?
A. Fair treatment
B. Cruel and unfair control
C. Public celebration
D. Careful preparation
Sol: [B] Oppression is cruel and unfair control over people.
2. Which word means an organized act of resistance?
A. Uprising
B. Training
C. Justice
D. Sacrifice
Sol: [A] An uprising is an organized act of resistance against authority.
3. What is the closest meaning of significant?
A. Unimportant
B. Meaningful
C. Invisible
D. Silent
Sol: [B] Significant means important or meaningful.
Synonyms and Antonyms
4. Which word is a synonym of defiance?
A. Obedience
B. Submission
C. Resistance
D. Silence
Sol: [C] Defiance and resistance both express opposition to control.
5. Which word is an antonym of independence?
A. Freedom
B. Self-rule
C. Dependence
D. Resistance
Sol: [C] Independence means freedom from outside control, while dependence means relying on control or support.
6. Which word is closest in meaning to justice?
A. Fairness
B. Oppression
C. Persecution
D. Surrender
Sol: [A] Justice means fair treatment, so fairness is its closest synonym.
Words in Context
7. Choose the word that best completes the sentence: The students showed their ______ by refusing to obey the authorities.
A. defiance
B. training
C. independence
D. contribution
Sol: [A] Refusing to obey authorities shows defiance.
8. Which word best fits the sentence? Pritilata Waddedar made a brave ______ to avoid capture.
A. justice
B. sacrifice
C. uprising
D. oppression
Sol: [B] The passage describes Pritilata Waddedar’s valiant sacrifice in 1932.
9. In the passage, women’s ______ were often overlooked because they were not always in front of the camera.
A. contributions
B. antonyms
C. blockades
D. authorities
Sol: [A] The passage says that women’s contributions and labour were often invisibilized.
Meaning in the Passage
10. What does resistance refer to in the account of Abu Sayeed’s mother’s question?
A. Acceptance of autocratic rule
B. Action against control
C. Preparation for a lesson
D. A request for training
Sol: [B] Resistance means action against control, and her question triggered it in the public imagination.
11. Quick Revision List
12. Practice Bank
Vocabulary Practice
Study the following words from the chapter. Write their meanings, synonyms, antonyms, and your own sentences in your notebook.
Study the following words from the chapter. Write their meanings, synonyms, antonyms, and your own sentences in your notebook.
| Word (Pronunciation) | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| valiant (ভ্যালিয়ান্ট) | বীরত্বপূর্ণ (showing great courage) | brave (সাহসী); courageous (সাহসী) | cowardly (ভীরু); timid (ভীতু) | Pritilata Waddedar made a valiant sacrifice in 1932. প্রীতিলতা ওয়াদ্দেদার ১৯৩২ সালে বীরত্বপূর্ণ আত্মবলিদান করেছিলেন। |
| capture (ক্যাপচার) | গ্রেপ্তার বা বন্দি করা (taking someone as a prisoner) | arrest (গ্রেপ্তার করা); seize (দখল করা) | release (মুক্ত করা); free (মুক্ত করা) | She swallowed cyanide pills to avoid capture by British forces. ব্রিটিশ বাহিনীর হাতে বন্দি হওয়া এড়াতে তিনি সায়ানাইডের বড়ি গিলেছিলেন। |
| colonization (কলোনাইজেশন) | ঔপনিবেশিক শাসন প্রতিষ্ঠা (establishment of colonial rule) | occupation (দখলদারি); imperialism (সাম্রাজ্যবাদ) | independence (স্বাধীনতা); self-rule (স্বশাসন) | Women stood against colonization and oppression. নারীরা ঔপনিবেশিক শাসন ও নিপীড়নের বিরুদ্ধে দাঁড়িয়েছিলেন। |
| repression (রিপ্রেশন) | দমন-পীড়ন (harsh control of people) | suppression (দমন); persecution (নির্যাতন) | freedom (স্বাধীনতা); liberation (মুক্তি) | The country rose against years of repression. দেশটি বহু বছরের দমন-পীড়নের বিরুদ্ধে জেগে উঠেছিল। |
| autocratic (অটোক্র্যাটিক) | স্বৈরতান্ত্রিক (using unlimited power) | dictatorial (একনায়কতান্ত্রিক); despotic (স্বৈরাচারী) | democratic (গণতান্ত্রিক); free (মুক্ত) | Women challenged the autocratic rule through their voices and actions. নারীরা তাঁদের কণ্ঠ ও কর্মকাণ্ডের মাধ্যমে স্বৈরতান্ত্রিক শাসনকে চ্যালেঞ্জ করেছিলেন। |
| battlefield (ব্যাটলফিল্ড) | যুদ্ধক্ষেত্র (place where a battle occurs) | front (সম্মুখভাগ); war zone (যুদ্ধাঞ্চল) | safe place (নিরাপদ স্থান); peace zone (শান্তির স্থান) | Women were on the battlefield chanting slogans. নারীরা যুদ্ধক্ষেত্রে স্লোগান দিচ্ছিলেন। |
| beacon (বিকন) | পথপ্রদর্শক আলো বা প্রতীক (a guiding light or symbol) | guide (পথপ্রদর্শক); signal (সংকেত) | barrier (বাধা); darkness (অন্ধকার) | The women were the beacon that penetrated the darkness. নারীরাই ছিলেন সেই আলোকবর্তিকা, যা অন্ধকার ভেদ করেছিল। |
| supplies (সাপ্লাইজ) | প্রয়োজনীয় সামগ্রী (necessary materials) | resources (সরঞ্জাম); provisions (রসদ) | shortage (ঘাটতি); lack (অভাব) | Mothers came out with food and supplies for injured students. মায়েরা আহত শিক্ষার্থীদের জন্য খাবার ও প্রয়োজনীয় সামগ্রী নিয়ে বেরিয়ে এসেছিলেন। |
| hierarchy (হায়ারার্কি) | ক্রমভিত্তিক সামাজিক কাঠামো (system of ranked positions) | ranking (ক্রমবিন্যাস); order (ব্যবস্থা) | equality (সমতা); independence (স্বাধীনতা) | Men were silent or persecuted because of their social position in the hierarchy. ক্রমভিত্তিক সামাজিক কাঠামোতে তাঁদের অবস্থানের কারণে পুরুষেরা নীরব বা নির্যাতিত ছিলেন। |
| enforced (এনফোর্সড) | জোরপূর্বক ঘটানো (made to happen by force) | forced (জোরপূর্বক); imposed (আরোপিত) | voluntary (স্বেচ্ছাসেবী); chosen (নির্বাচিত) | Mayer Daak represented families facing enforced disappearances. মায়ের ডাক জোরপূর্বক নিখোঁজ হওয়া পরিবারের প্রতিনিধিত্ব করেছিল। |
| narratives (ন্যারেটিভস) | বর্ণনা বা প্রচলিত বক্তব্য (stories or accounts of events) | accounts (বিবরণ); stories (গল্প বা বর্ণনা) | silence (নীরবতা); denial (অস্বীকার) | Mothers and sisters cut through those narratives. মায়েরা ও বোনেরা সেই প্রচলিত বর্ণনাগুলো ভেদ করেছিলেন। |
| legitimacy (লেজিটিমেসি) | বৈধতা বা গ্রহণযোগ্যতা (lawful or accepted status) | validity (বৈধতা); authority (কর্তৃত্ব) | illegitimacy (অবৈধতা); unlawfulness (বেআইনি অবস্থা) | Their cries made people question the legitimacy of the autocracy. তাঁদের কান্না মানুষকে স্বৈরশাসনের বৈধতা নিয়ে প্রশ্ন করতে বাধ্য করেছিল। |
Hints: Think about courage, arrest, colonial rule, harsh control, dictatorship, battle, guidance, necessary materials, social ranking, forced disappearance, public accounts, and accepted authority.