Word |
Synonyms |
Antonyms |
Meaning |
Example |
Direction |
Guidance, Course, Path |
Misdirection, Aimlessness |
The course or path along which something moves or lies |
The meetings in Asia could set the direction for the future of world trade and the region itself. |
Future |
Tomorrow, Prospect, Destiny |
Past, History, Yesterday |
The time or a period of time following the present |
The leaders met to plan for a united future, addressing economic, security, and political conditions in Asia. |
Economic |
Financial, Monetary, Fiscal |
Nonfinancial, Nonmonetary |
Related to the production, distribution, and use of wealth |
The group aims to work together to improve economic conditions in Asia and increase collaboration among member nations. |
Security |
Safety, Protection, Defense |
Vulnerability, Insecurity |
The state of being free from danger or threat |
Improving security conditions is a key goal of the newly formed group, addressing regional concerns and challenges. |
Political |
Governmental, Civic, State |
Nonpolitical, Apolitical |
Relating to the government or public affairs |
The leaders discussed plans to enhance political conditions in the region, fostering cooperation and diplomatic relations. |
Influence |
Impact, Authority, Sway |
Impotence, Powerlessness |
The capacity to have an effect on others or events |
East Asia wants to prevent the loss of trade and influence to other global regions, ensuring its relevance in world affairs. |
Association |
Alliance, Union, Coalition |
Disaffiliation, Dissociation |
A group of people organized for a joint purpose |
ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is a key regional association represented in the East Asia Summit. |
Increase |
Augment, Expand, Boost |
Decrease, Diminish, Reduce |
To become or make greater in size, amount, or degree |
Both population and world trade are expected to increase, making the group more influential in the future. |
Expert |
Specialist, Authority, Professional |
Novice, Amateur, Beginner |
A person with extensive knowledge or skill in a particular area |
An expert on Asia predicts that the region will have three of the four largest economies globally by 2050. |
Region |
Area, Zone, Territory |
Expanse, Whole, Entirety |
An area or division, especially part of a country or the world |
The East Asia Summit involves leaders from countries in the Asia-Pacific region, collaborating on shared interests. |
Force |
Power, Strength, Energy |
Weakness, Impotence, Inefficiency |
Strength or energy as an attribute of physical action |
The new group could become an economic force, similar to the European Union, contributing to global economic dynamics. |
Proposal |
Plan, Suggestion, Offer |
Rejection, Refusal, Disapproval |
A formal suggestion or plan made to a person or group |
The rich nations announced aid proposals for poor countries, aiming to address issues discussed at the ministerial conference. |
Ministerial |
Administrative, Governmental, State |
Nongovernmental, Lay, Civilian |
Relating to government ministers or ministries |
The World Trade Organization’s ministerial conference addresses global trade issues and negotiations among member nations. |
Agricultural |
Farming, Rural, Agrarian |
Urban, Industrial, Nonagricultural |
Related to the cultivation of the soil and the production of crops |
Agricultural support programs were a major issue at the previous W.T.O. ministerial conference in Cancun. |
Negotiate |
Bargain, Confer, Mediate |
Refuse, Reject, Dispute |
To discuss or arrange terms, agreements, or a settlement |
The W.T.O. is the only international organization that negotiates trade rules among its 148 member countries. |
Import Taxes |
Tariffs, Duties, Levies |
Exemptions, Allowances, Rebates |
Taxes imposed on goods imported into a country |
Plans to end import taxes on goods aim to promote trade and reduce barriers for some developing nations. |
Agreement |
Pact, Accord, Treaty |
Disagreement, Dispute, Discord |
A formal arrangement or understanding between parties |
The last W.T.O. ministerial conference in Cancun ended without a new trade agreement, leading to ongoing challenges. |
Conditions |
Circumstances, Situations, Terms |
Certainties, Guarantees |
The factors affecting the way in which something exists or happens |
The group agreed to meet again next year, addressing conditions in the Asia-Pacific region and continuing discussions. |
Threaten |
Menace, Intimidate, Endanger |
Protect, Defend, Safeguard |
To cause harm or danger to someone or something |
Developing countries threatened to block any trade deal that did not provide better prices for specific agricultural products. |
Fostering |
Encouraging, Promoting, Nurturing |
Hindering, Suppressing, Obstructing |
Promoting the growth or development of something |
The leaders discussed plans to foster cooperation and diplomatic relations, enhancing the unity and strength of the group. |