Deck 25 Flashcards
What is the primary meaning of ‘numinous’?
Relating to a spiritual or divine presence that is often regarded as mysterious, awe-inspiring, or supernatural.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘numinous’?
Filled with a sense of the spiritual or divine; characterized by a sense of reverence or holiness.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘numinous’ in a primary sense.
‘The ancient temple had a numinous atmosphere that left visitors in awe.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘numinous’ in a secondary sense.
‘The music had a numinous quality that touched the souls of those who listened.’
List synonyms for ‘numinous’ in its primary meaning.
- Spiritual
- Divine
- Sacred
- Mystical
- Supernatural
List synonyms for ‘numinous’ in its secondary meaning.
- Reverent
- Holy
- Transcendent
- Ethereal
- Hallowed
What is the primary meaning of ‘gracious’?
Courteous, kind, and polite; characterized by kindness and goodwill.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘gracious’?
Elegant and tasteful in appearance or manner.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘gracious’ in a primary sense.
‘She was a gracious host, always making her guests feel welcome.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘gracious’ in a secondary sense.
‘The ballroom was decorated in a gracious style with chandeliers and fine art.’
List synonyms for ‘gracious’ in its primary meaning.
- Courteous
- Kind
- Polite
- Hospitable
- Amiable
List synonyms for ‘gracious’ in its secondary meaning.
- Elegant
- Tasteful
- Refined
- Stylish
- Sophisticated
What is the primary meaning of ‘clerical’?
Relating to the clergy or the church; associated with religious duties or functions.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘clerical’?
Relating to office work or administrative tasks.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘clerical’ in a primary sense.
‘The clerical collar worn by the priest identified him as a clergy member.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘clerical’ in a secondary sense.
‘She spent her day doing clerical tasks like filing and data entry.’
List synonyms for ‘clerical’ in its primary meaning.
- Religious
- Priestly
- Church-related
- Ecclesiastical
- Ministerial
List synonyms for ‘clerical’ in its secondary meaning.
- Administrative
- Office-related
- Bureaucratic
- Desk
- Secretarial
What is the primary meaning of ‘sober’?
Not drunk; not affected by alcohol; serious, sensible, and solemn.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘sober’?
Showing self-control; not overly emotional or impulsive.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘sober’ in a primary sense.
‘After the party, he had to make sure he was sober enough to drive home safely.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘sober’ in a secondary sense.
‘She gave a sober assessment of the situation, pointing out the risks involved.’
List synonyms for ‘sober’ in its primary meaning.
- Not drunk
- Abstinent
- Temperate
- Clear-headed
- Straight
List synonyms for ‘sober’ in its secondary meaning.
- Serious
- Sensible
- Calm
- Composed
- Rational
What is the primary meaning of ‘befriend’?
To become a friend to someone; to establish a friendship with.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘befriend’?
To assist or support someone in a friendly manner.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘befriend’ in a primary sense.
‘She decided to befriend her new neighbor and invited them over for tea.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘befriend’ in a secondary sense.
‘He befriended the new employee and helped them adjust to the workplace.’
List synonyms for ‘befriend’ in its primary meaning.
- Make friends with
- Establish a friendship with
- Befriend
List synonyms for ‘befriend’ in its secondary meaning.
- Support
- Assist
- Help
- Aid
- Encourage
What is the primary meaning of ‘anachronistic’?
Belonging to a period other than the one being portrayed; out of place in time; outdated or obsolete.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘anachronistic’?
An error in chronology, such as something that is incorrectly placed in a historical period.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘anachronistic’ in a primary sense.
‘The medieval castle in the modern city seemed anachronistic and out of place.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘anachronistic’ in a secondary sense.
‘The anachronistic use of a cell phone in a historical film was a mistake.’
List synonyms for ‘anachronistic’ in its primary meaning.
- Outdated
- Obsolete
- Antiquated
- Outmoded
- Old-fashioned
List synonyms for ‘anachronistic’ in its secondary meaning.
- Chronological error
- Misplacement
- Misdating
- Out-of-date
- Outmoded
What is the primary meaning of ‘hapless’?
Unfortunate, unlucky, or having bad luck.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘hapless’?
Incompetent or lacking in skill; inept.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘hapless’ in a primary sense.
‘The hapless traveler encountered one mishap after another during their journey.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘hapless’ in a secondary sense.
‘His hapless attempts at fixing the plumbing only made the situation worse.’
List synonyms for ‘hapless’ in its primary meaning.
- Unfortunate
- Unlucky
- Luckless
- Jinxed
- Ill-fated
List synonyms for ‘hapless’ in its secondary meaning.
- Incompetent
- Inept
- Clumsy
- Bungling
- Ineffective
What is the primary meaning of ‘forebode’?
To predict or foretell a future event, especially one that is ominous or negative.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘forebode’?
To have a strong intuition or feeling about something negative happening in the future.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘forebode’ in a primary sense.
‘The dark clouds and thunder forebode a storm approaching.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘forebode’ in a secondary sense.
‘She had a sense of foreboding that something bad would happen during the trip.’
List synonyms for ‘forebode’ in its primary meaning.
- Predict
- Foretell
- Portend
- Prophesy
- Presage
List synonyms for ‘forebode’ in its secondary meaning.
- Sense
- Intuit
- Feel
- Anticipate
- Expect
What is the primary meaning of ‘ubiquitous’?
Present, appearing, or found everywhere; widespread and omnipresent.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘ubiquitous’?
Characterized by being constantly encountered or seen.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘ubiquitous’ in a primary sense.
‘In the digital age, smartphones have become ubiquitous, and almost everyone owns one.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘ubiquitous’ in a secondary sense.
‘The ubiquitous advertising banners on the internet can be quite annoying.’
List synonyms for ‘ubiquitous’ in its primary meaning.
- Widespread
- Pervasive
- Omnipresent
- Everywhere
- All-over
List synonyms for ‘ubiquitous’ in its secondary meaning.
- Constant
- Persistent
- Endless
- Ever-present
- Prevalent
What is the primary meaning of ‘distill’?
To purify a liquid by heating it to create vapor and then cooling it to create a liquid; to extract the essential or pure essence of something.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘distill’?
To condense or make something more concentrated, such as information or knowledge.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘distill’ in a primary sense.
‘The distillation process is used to produce high-quality spirits like whiskey and vodka.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘distill’ in a secondary sense.
‘The professor aimed to distill complex concepts into simple explanations for the students.’
List synonyms for ‘distill’ in its primary meaning.
- Purify
- Extract
- Refine
- Clarify
- Concentrate
List synonyms for ‘distill’ in its secondary meaning.
- Condense
- Simplify
- Summarize
- Concentrate
- Compress
What is the primary meaning of ‘sway’?
To move or cause to move gently back and forth or from side to side; to influence or control someone’s actions, opinions, or decisions.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘sway’?
A gentle rocking motion; influence or control.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘sway’ in a primary sense.
‘The branches of the trees swayed in the breeze, creating a calming effect.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘sway’ in a secondary sense.
‘His charisma had a strong sway over the opinions of the people.’
List synonyms for ‘sway’ in its primary meaning.
- Rock
- Swing
- Influence
- Control
- Persuade
List synonyms for ‘sway’ in its secondary meaning.
- Rocking
- Influence
- Control
- Dominance
- Power
What is the primary meaning of ‘harrow’?
To disturb or torment someone intensely, causing emotional or psychological distress.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘harrow’?
To break up and level soil or ground using a harrow, a farm implement.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘harrow’ in a primary sense.
‘The tragic news of the accident harrowed the hearts of the entire community.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘harrow’ in a secondary sense.
‘The farmer used a harrow to prepare the soil for planting crops.’
List synonyms for ‘harrow’ in its primary meaning.
- Torment
- Distress
- Agonize
- Torture
- Plague
List synonyms for ‘harrow’ in its secondary meaning.
- Cultivate
- Plow
- Till
- Work
- Farm
What is the primary meaning of ‘catholic’?
Universal or inclusive; often used to refer to the Roman Catholic Church.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘catholic’?
Broad-minded, open to different beliefs or ideas; all-encompassing.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘catholic’ in a primary sense.
‘The idea of a universal language is seen as a catholic concept, aiming to unite people from all backgrounds.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘catholic’ in a secondary sense.
‘She had a catholic outlook on life, accepting diversity and different perspectives.’
List synonyms for ‘catholic’ in its primary meaning.
- Universal
- Inclusive
- General
- All-encompassing
- Comprehensive
List synonyms for ‘catholic’ in its secondary meaning.
- Broad-minded
- Eclectic
- Tolerant
- Accepting
- Ecumenical
What is the primary meaning of ‘aversion’?
A strong dislike or repugnance toward something; a feeling of intense opposition.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘aversion’?
The act of turning away from or avoiding something.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘aversion’ in a primary sense.
‘He had an aversion to spiders and would scream at the sight of one.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘aversion’ in a secondary sense.
‘Her aversion to public speaking made her decline the opportunity to give a speech.’
List synonyms for ‘aversion’ in its primary meaning.
- Dislike
- Hatred
- Revulsion
- Abhorrence
- Repugnance
List synonyms for ‘aversion’ in its secondary meaning.
- Avoidance
- Shunning
- Evasion
- Refusal
- Rejection
What is the primary meaning of ‘contentious’?
Causing or likely to cause an argument or disagreement; controversial.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘contentious’?
Involving a dispute or conflict; argumentative.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘contentious’ in a primary sense.
‘The contentious topic of politics often leads to heated debates.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘contentious’ in a secondary sense.
‘Their contentious relationship resulted in constant arguments and disagreements.’
List synonyms for ‘contentious’ in its primary meaning.
- Controversial
- Disputable
- Disagreement-inducing
- Debatable
- Disputatious
List synonyms for ‘contentious’ in its secondary meaning.
- Argumentative
- Quarrelsome
- Combative
- Belligerent
- Confrontational
What is the primary meaning of ‘decorum’?
Behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety; proper and respectable behavior.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘decorum’?
The conventions or requirements of polite behavior in society.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘decorum’ in a primary sense.
‘At the formal event, attendees were expected to adhere to a high level of decorum.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘decorum’ in a secondary sense.
‘He was known for his strict adherence to the decorum of etiquette in social situations.’
List synonyms for ‘decorum’ in its primary meaning.
- Propriety
- Etiquette
- Politeness
- Respectability
- Good behavior
List synonyms for ‘decorum’ in its secondary meaning.
- Etiquette
- Manners
- Civility
- Protocol
- Courtesy
What is the primary meaning of ‘inertia’?
The tendency of an object to remain at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by an external force; lack of movement or activity.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘inertia’?
A tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged; resistance to change.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘inertia’ in a primary sense.
‘The car’s inertia kept it moving forward even after the engine was turned off.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘inertia’ in a secondary sense.
‘Overcoming the inertia of procrastination can be a challenge.’
List synonyms for ‘inertia’ in its primary meaning.
- Inaction
- Immobility
- Stillness
- Stagnation
- Rest
List synonyms for ‘inertia’ in its secondary meaning.
- Resistance
- Apathy
- Laziness
- Sloth
- Indolence
What is the primary meaning of ‘sporadic’?
Occurring at irregular intervals or in scattered instances; not consistent or continuous.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘sporadic’?
Happening infrequently or occasionally; intermittent.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘sporadic’ in a primary sense.
‘The sporadic rain showers throughout the day kept everyone on their toes.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘sporadic’ in a secondary sense.
‘His sporadic attendance at meetings raised concerns about his commitment to the project.’
List synonyms for ‘sporadic’ in its primary meaning.
- Intermittent
- Irregular
- Occasional
- Infrequent
- Scattered
List synonyms for ‘sporadic’ in its secondary meaning.
- Periodic
- Fitful
- Uneven
- Haphazard
- Patchy
What is the primary meaning of ‘cunning’?
Cleverness or skill used to achieve a goal, especially when it involves deceit or trickery.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘cunning’?
Craftiness or slyness in behavior or actions.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘cunning’ in a primary sense.
‘His cunning plan to outwit his opponents worked perfectly, and he won the game.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘cunning’ in a secondary sense.
‘She used her cunning to navigate the complex world of corporate politics.’
List synonyms for ‘cunning’ in its primary meaning.
- Crafty
- Deceitful
- Sly
- Shrewd
- Clever
List synonyms for ‘cunning’ in its secondary meaning.
- Craftiness
- Slyness
- Trickery
- Guile
- Machination
What is the primary meaning of ‘toll’?
A charge or fee for using a particular service or road; the number of casualties or losses.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘toll’?
The sound of a bell ringing, especially solemnly or mournfully.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘toll’ in a primary sense.
‘The toll for crossing the bridge had increased, causing inconvenience for commuters.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘toll’ in a secondary sense.
‘The toll of the church bells signaled the start of the ceremony.’
List synonyms for ‘toll’ in its primary meaning.
- Fee
- Charge
- Levy
- Cost
- Price
List synonyms for ‘toll’ in its secondary meaning.
- Bell ringing
- Chime
- Peal
- Knell
- Sound
What is the primary meaning of ‘vigorous’?
Full of physical or mental strength and energy; robust and healthy.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘vigorous’?
Characterized by intensity or force; strong and powerful.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘vigorous’ in a primary sense.
‘After regular exercise, he felt vigorous and full of energy.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘vigorous’ in a secondary sense.
‘The vigorous debate in the courtroom left everyone on edge.’
List synonyms for ‘vigorous’ in its primary meaning.
- Robust
- Energetic
- Strong
- Healthy
- Vital
List synonyms for ‘vigorous’ in its secondary meaning.
- Intense
- Forceful
- Powerful
- Energetic
- Dynamic
What is the primary meaning of ‘gaffe’?
An unintentional and embarrassing mistake or blunder, especially in speech or behavior.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘gaffe’?
A social or diplomatic error that causes embarrassment or offense.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘gaffe’ in a primary sense.
‘His gaffe during the speech left the audience in awkward silence.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘gaffe’ in a secondary sense.
‘The diplomat’s gaffe at the international conference strained relations between the two countries.’
List synonyms for ‘gaffe’ in its primary meaning.
- Blunder
- Mistake
- Faux pas
- Error
- Slip-up
List synonyms for ‘gaffe’ in its secondary meaning.
- Social blunder
- Diplomatic error
- Misstep
- Impropriety
- Indiscretion
What is the primary meaning of ‘injudicious’?
Lacking good judgment or wisdom; unwise or imprudent.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘injudicious’?
Ill-considered or hasty in decision-making.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘injudicious’ in a primary sense.
‘His injudicious investment decisions led to financial losses.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘injudicious’ in a secondary sense.
‘Making an injudicious remark during the meeting was not a wise move.’
List synonyms for ‘injudicious’ in its primary meaning.
- Unwise
- Imprudent
- Foolish
- Ill-advised
- Rash
List synonyms for ‘injudicious’ in its secondary meaning.
- Hasty
- Ill-considered
- Thoughtless
- Careless
- Impulsive
What is the primary meaning of ‘bias’?
Prejudice or favoritism toward one side or viewpoint, often to the detriment of fairness and objectivity.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘bias’?
A tendency or inclination toward a particular perspective or belief.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘bias’ in a primary sense.
‘The journalist’s bias was evident in the way they framed the news story.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘bias’ in a secondary sense.
‘Her personal bias influenced her choice of research topics.’
List synonyms for ‘bias’ in its primary meaning.
- Prejudice
- Partiality
- Favoritism
- Discrimination
- Unfairness
List synonyms for ‘bias’ in its secondary meaning.
- Inclination
- Tendency
- Leanings
- Predisposition
- Predilection
What is the primary meaning of ‘abate’?
To become less intense, severe, or active; to diminish or decrease.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘abate’?
To officially revoke or end, such as a legal order or a nuisance.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘abate’ in a primary sense.
‘After the storm, the rain began to abate, and the winds calmed down.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘abate’ in a secondary sense.
‘The city authorities decided to abate the noise pollution by implementing stricter regulations.’
List synonyms for ‘abate’ in its primary meaning.
- Diminish
- Decrease
- Subside
- Lessen
- Reduce
List synonyms for ‘abate’ in its secondary meaning.
- Revoke
- Annul
- Cancel
- Quash
- Nullify
What is the primary meaning of ‘capricious’?
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior; unpredictable and impulsive.
What is the secondary meaning of ‘capricious’?
Subject to whim or fancy; characterized by a lack of consistency.
Provide a contextual usage of ‘capricious’ in a primary sense.
‘Her capricious nature made it difficult to anticipate her reactions.’
Provide a contextual usage of ‘capricious’ in a secondary sense.
‘The stock market can be quite capricious, with prices fluctuating rapidly.’
List synonyms for ‘capricious’ in its primary meaning.
- Impulsive
- Unpredictable
- Whimsical
- Fickle
- Erratic
List synonyms for ‘capricious’ in its secondary meaning.
- Inconsistent
- Changeable
- Volatile
- Mercurial
- Unstable
What is the primary meaning of ‘cerebral’?
Relating to the brain or intellect; intellectual and thoughtful.
What does the term ‘capricious’ mean?
Characterized by a lack of consistency
Examples include unpredictable behavior in individuals or fluctuating market conditions.
Provide synonyms for ‘capricious’.
- Impulsive
- Unpredictable
- Whimsical
- Fickle
- Erratic
Synonyms can also include inconsistent, changeable, volatile, mercurial, and unstable.
What is the primary meaning of ‘cerebral’?
Relating to the brain or intellect; intellectual and thoughtful
‘The cerebral cortex is responsible for higher cognitive functions.’
List some synonyms for ‘cerebral’.
- Intellectual
- Brainy
- Cognitive
- Mental
- Thoughtful
Other synonyms include reflective and contemplative.
What does ‘dwindling’ refer to?
Becoming gradually less; diminishing in quantity, size, or importance
Example: ‘The dwindling water supply in the reservoir raised concerns about drought.’
Provide synonyms for ‘dwindling’.
- Decreasing
- Shrinking
- Diminishing
- Declining
- Fading
Additional synonyms include decline, reduction, decrease, erosion, and drop.
Define ‘illusory’.
Based on or producing an illusion; deceptive or misleading
Example: ‘The mirage in the desert created the illusory appearance of water on the horizon.’
What are some synonyms for ‘illusory’?
- Deceptive
- Misleading
- Illusive
- False
- Delusive
Other synonyms include unreal, imaginary, and fictitious.
What does ‘giddily’ mean?
In a light-hearted and frivolous manner; with a sense of excitement and joy
Example: ‘After winning the lottery, she giddily celebrated with her friends.’
List synonyms for ‘giddily’.
- Joyfully
- Gleefully
- Excitedly
- Happily
- Light-heartedly
Other synonyms include dizzily, disoriented, woozily, vertiginously, and unsteadily.
What does ‘penitent’ mean?
Feeling or showing regret and remorse for one’s wrongdoing; contrite
Example: ‘He was genuinely penitent for his actions and apologized to those he had hurt.’
Provide synonyms for ‘penitent’.
- Contrite
- Remorseful
- Regretful
- Sorry
- Apologetic
Additional synonyms include repentant, confessional, atoning, forgiving, and redeemed.
Define ‘forgo’.
To voluntarily give up or abstain from something; to do without or refrain from
Example: ‘He chose to forgo dessert to stick to his diet.’
What does ‘demanding’ mean?
Requiring a lot of effort, attention, or resources; challenging and exacting
Example: ‘Her job was demanding, with tight deadlines and high expectations.’
List synonyms for ‘demanding’.
- Challenging
- Taxing
- Strenuous
- Difficult
- Exhausting
Other synonyms include expecting, requiring, exacting, stern, and rigorous.
What is the primary meaning of ‘mediate’?
To intervene in a dispute or conflict to bring about a resolution; to act as a mediator
Example: ‘The mediator helped mediate the negotiations between the two feuding parties.’
Provide synonyms for ‘mediate’.
- Intervene
- Arbitrate
- Negotiate
- Intercede
- Resolve
Additional synonyms include settle, interpose, reconcile, intermediate, and broker.
Define ‘entrench’.
To establish firmly and securely; to make something deeply ingrained or entrenched
Example: ‘The company’s dominant market position was deeply entrenched.’
What does ‘wayward’ describe?
Disobedient or difficult to control; deviating from what is expected or conventional
Example: ‘The wayward teenager often clashed with his parents over rules and curfews.’
List synonyms for ‘wayward’.
- Disobedient
- Rebellious
- Unruly
- Defiant
- Headstrong
Other synonyms include aimless, unpredictable, erratic, meandering, and wandering.
What does ‘marketable’ mean?
Suitable for sale or capable of being sold; likely to be attractive to buyers
Example: ‘The new product was highly marketable due to its unique features and affordable price.’
Provide synonyms for ‘marketable’.
- Saleable
- Commercial
- Vendible
- Attractive
- Popular
Additional synonyms include lucrative and appealing.
Define ‘obstreperous’.
Noisy, unruly, or difficult to control; resisting control or restraint
Example: ‘The obstreperous children in the classroom made it challenging for the teacher to maintain order.’
What are some synonyms for ‘obstreperous’?
- Noisy
- Rowdy
- Disorderly
- Unruly
- Disruptive
Other synonyms include boisterous, riotous, rebellious, and turbulent.
What does ‘disinterested’ mean?
Not influenced by personal interest or bias; impartial and neutral
Example: ‘The judge was disinterested in the outcome and focused on upholding the law.’
List synonyms for ‘disinterested’.
- Impartial
- Unbiased
- Neutral
- Objective
- Unprejudiced
Other synonyms include indifferent, uninterested, apathetic, bored, and aloof.
Define ‘waning’.
Becoming gradually less; diminishing in intensity, size, or importance
Example: ‘The waning support for the political candidate was evident in the polls.’
Provide synonyms for ‘waning’.
- Decreasing
- Diminishing
- Declining
- Fading
- Ebbing
Other synonyms include decrease, decline, lessening, diminishment, and diminution.
What does ‘pertinent’ mean?
Relevant or applicable to a particular matter; directly related to the subject at hand
Example: ‘Her comments during the meeting were pertinent to the discussion.’
List synonyms for ‘pertinent’.
- Relevant
- Applicable
- Related
- Suitable
- Appropriate
Other synonyms include connected, apposite, apt, and on-topic.
What does ‘apprise’ mean?
To inform or notify someone about something; to make someone aware of a situation or information
Example: ‘He apprised the team of the changes in the project’s timeline.’
Provide synonyms for ‘apprise’.
- Inform
- Notify
- Advise
- Tell
- Brief
Other synonyms include update, report, and fill in.
Define ‘attenuate’.
To make something weaker or thinner, especially by dilution or reduction in force or effect
Example: ‘The water was attenuated with additives to make it safe for consumption.’
List synonyms for ‘attenuate’.
- Weaken
- Dilute
- Thin
- Reduce
- Water down
Additional synonyms include diminish, lessen, decrease, mitigate, and alleviate.
What is a ‘premonition’?
A strong feeling or sense of something about to happen, typically something negative or ominous
Example: ‘She had a premonition of danger just before the accident occurred.’
Provide synonyms for ‘premonition’.
- Foreboding
- Omen
- Presentiment
- Forewarning
- Intuition
Other synonyms include foreknowledge and prophetic vision.
Define ‘cope’.
To deal effectively with a difficult or challenging situation; to manage or handle stress, adversity, or pressure
Example: ‘She had to cope with the loss of her loved one by seeking support from friends.’
What are synonyms for ‘cope’?
- Deal with
- Manage
- Handle
- Face
- Tackle
Other synonyms include strategy, method, technique, approach, and mechanism.
What does ‘banal’ mean?
Lacking originality, freshness, or creativity; trite and overused
Example: ‘The banal dialogue in the movie made it predictable and uninteresting.’
List synonyms for ‘banal’.
- Trite
- Clichéd
- Unoriginal
- Stereotyped
- Hackneyed
Additional synonyms include ordinary, commonplace, dull, mundane, and predictable.
What is a ‘quandary’?
A state of uncertainty or confusion, especially when faced with a difficult decision or problem
Example: ‘She found herself in a quandary when she had to choose between two equally appealing job offers.’
Provide synonyms for ‘quandary’.
- Dilemma
- Predicament
- Confusion
- Puzzle
- Dilemmatic
Other synonyms include predicament and dilemma.
Define ‘impudent’.
Rude, disrespectful, or insolent in speech or behavior; showing a lack of respect
Example: ‘His impudent remarks during the meeting offended his colleagues.’
List synonyms for ‘impudent’.
- Rude
- Disrespectful
- Insolent
- Impertinent
- Cheeky
Additional synonyms include shameless, bold, brazen, audacious, and immodest.
What does ‘enlighten’ mean?
To provide knowledge, insight, or understanding; to make someone aware of information or truth
Example: ‘His goal was to enlighten the audience about the importance of environmental conservation.’
Provide synonyms for ‘enlighten’.
- Educate
- Inform
- Instruct
- Illuminate
- Edify
Other synonyms include clarify, shed light on, explain, and elucidate.
Define ‘acolyte’.
A person who is a devoted follower or assistant, often in a religious or philosophical context
Example: ‘She was an acolyte of the spiritual guru, following his teachings closely.’
List synonyms for ‘acolyte’.
- Follower
- Disciple
- Devotee
- Worshiper
- Believer
Other synonyms include apprentice, novice, learner, trainee, and protégé.
