ENGLISH VOCABULARY #1 (A2 COURSE)

Question 1

defintion:

• a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work.
• a strong drive for success

(n)

________ is a strong desire to achieve. It’s what Macbeth had too much of, and what slackers have too little of.

If a person has ________, the goal is usually wealth, power, or fame. This Middle English word is derived from Latin ambitiō, from ambīre “to go around or about.” In ancient Rome, candidates for office would go around to gain votes, to further their goal of being powerful or famous.

Answer 1

ambition (n)

ambitious (adj)

defintion:

a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work.

Example sentences:

“His ambition was to become a pilot.”

“Life offers few opportunities for young people with ambition.”

“With her talent and fierce ambition, she became a very successful athlete.”

“His ambition is to start his own business.”

Question 2

(noun)

• a cumulative effect produced when one event initiates a succession of similar events
• this is the consequence of one event setting off a chain of similar events (like a falling ____ causing a whole row of ____s to fall)

alt. definition:

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by a previous phenomenon;

A CHAIN REACTION;

A RIPPLE EFFECT

Answer 2

domino effect (n)

defintion:

This is the consequence of one event setting off a chain of similar events (like a falling DOMINO causing a whole row of DOMINOS to fall)

Example sentence:

“One possible solution is to allow cables to drop at the first sign of trouble, which prevents a domino effect where a tree falls on a line, topples a nearby pole and then multiple poles are dragged down as the power line continues to collapse.”

Question 3

• definition:*
• to recall the past

(verb)

______ is a dreamy way of saying “remember the past.” If you’re swapping old stories with friends and remembering all the silly things you used to do, then you’re ________ing.

________ing is all about happy recollections and thinking back to stories from the past. It’s hard to ______ about the old days with someone you don’t know very well or haven’t known very long, since a key part of ______ing is a shared history. But just about anyone can ______ about going to elementary school, learning to tie shoelaces, or getting that first job.

Answer 3

reminisce (v)

reminiscent (adj)

defintion:

to recall the past

Example sentences:

“The grandparents sat there, reminiscing all afternoon”

“When I eat sugar cookies, I reminisce about the childhood hours I spent making them with my grandmother.”

“My sisters and I often share a bottle of wine while we reminisce over family photo albums.”

“As soon as the veterans get together, they reminisce about their service days.”

“When I ran into an old friend at the store, she and I decided to meet for lunch so we could reminisce about our high school days.”

“On our anniversary date, my husband and I always watch a video of our wedding and reminisce about the happiest day of our lives.”

Question 4

definition:

to combine (two or more texts, ideas, etc.) into one

(verb)

_____ is a more formal way to say “mix together,” and it’s typically used for texts or ideas. You probably wouldn’t say you _____ed the ingredients for a cake, but if you blended two different stories together to make a new one, _____ would work.

The verb _____ comes to us from the Latin word conflare, which literally means “to blow together.” So think of using this word when you want to talk about two things getting thrown together and combined. Things that have been _____ed often seem mixed up or confused. In fact, this word is also now sometimes used to mean “confuse or mix up.”

Answer 4

conflate (v)

conflation (n)

defintion:

to blend two or more things into one whole

Example sntences:

Every time she gets a cold, Sandy seems to conflate it with some other illness.

To conflate art and science, teachers must design activities that blend the two.

My friend tries to conflate my first name with my sister’s name and morphs it into one moniker.

I was able to conflate the two processes into one, blending it down into a solid formula.

The scientist tried to conflate the two chemicals, but they exploded instead of blending.

Question 5

definition:

• something that is unnecessary
• more than is needed, desired, or required
• repeating the same sense in different word

(adj)

The word _____ applies to things that are unnecessary or could be left out. Calling a blank sheet of paper empty is _____.

Teachers often tell students to avoid being _____, meaning avoid saying something twice or more. Have you ever heard someone tell a story and repeat the same thing over and over? The repeated parts are _____. Sometimes being _____ can make things clear, but it can also be annoying. _____ can apply to anything that’s overflowing or unnecessary. If a business has two stores on the same street, one is _____ . When you hear _____, think “Too much!”

Answer 5

redundant (adj)

definition:

• something that is unnecessary
• more than is needed, desired, or required
• repeating the same sense in different word

Example sentences:

My professor’s redundant speech consisted of him saying the same thing over and over again.

As the bus driver repeatedly told the kids to take their seats, I started to cringe each time I heard her redundant command.

I consider the celebrity’s ownership of thirty automobiles to be quite redundant.

Since the teacher told us she was not going to be redundant with her lectures, we knew we had to listen to her every word.

The programmer deleted the redundant line of code that added no value to the software program.

Skills made redundant by technological advance.

At the risk of being redundant I return to my original proposition.

Question 6

definition:

• found in the ordinary course of events; everyday, ordinary, unremarkable
• lacking interest or excitement; boring, dull, and uninteresting.

——————————————————————————————————————-

(adj)

An ordinary, unexciting thing can be called _____: “Superman hid his heroic feats by posing as his _____ alter ego, Clark Kent.”

_____, from the Latin word mundus, “world,” originally referred to things on earth. Such things were supposed to be uninteresting when compared to the delights of Heaven; hence the word’s present meaning. Writing about reality TV shows, a Newsweek writer opined, “In reality bizarro-world, the _____ is presented as the spectacular,” in other words, people’s everyday routines are now televised as entertainment.

Answer 6

mundane (adj)

definition:

• found in the ordinary course of events; everyday, ordinary, unremarkable
• lacking interest or excitement; dull.

Example sentences:

Though dishwashing is often seen as a mundane chore, listening to music makes it much more bearable.

The restaurant should spice up their menu and replace the dull and mundane dishes.

Though his friends were having a fun time at the bar, Kevin settled for a mundane evening at home.

Going about his everyday routine, the man’s mundane schedule had him bored to tears.

From the exciting to the mundane, I will share all of my experiences with you.

Question 7

definition:

• in preparation for the main matter
• denoting an action or event preceding or done in preparation for something fuller or more important.

(adj)

____ means something that comes before something else. If you want to run in the race, you have to place in the top third of the ____ round. It can also mean “early” - the ____ results are in, and you’ve won!

____ is often used euphemistically, as in, “There are a few ____s we’ll need to take care of before you start your new job. First, sign over all your worldly goods to the company, then write a letter to your family explaining that you will never see them again. All set?”

Answer 7

preliminary (adj)

definition:

• in preparation for the main matter
• denoting an action or event preceding or done in preparation for something fuller or more important.

Example sentences:

Though he passed the preliminary exam, further testing proved he was not ready to begin.

With the preliminary tests of the soil, the farmer was worried he would not be able to grow enough vegetables.

Upon his preliminary inspection, he was approved to move on to the next round.

A preliminary check of the house showed that it was free of any noticeable damage.

Getting to the preliminary rounds of the playoffs is good, but getting all the way to the championship is even better.

The scientist studied the preliminary data and was happy to see that it supported his hypothesis.

The doctor explained that even though the preliminary blood test showed his patient was healthy, he still needed to have a more complete examination.

After his preliminary research, the student could tell he was going to have a hard time with his term paper.

Though he didn’t find anything helpful in his preliminary inspection, the miner was happy to discover gold deeper underground.

The preliminary fitness requirements for a member of the Special Forces are quite difficult to achieve.

Question 8

definition:

• resembling a dream
• appearing as a fantasy or dream
• having the qualities of _____ism; bizarre.

(adj)

If you see a goldfish fly out of a melting clock and offer you tango lessons, you’re having a _____ experience! Either that or you’re asleep and dreaming. Things that are _____ combine unrelated elements to create a bizarre scene.

The adjective _____ comes from _____ism, a movement that produced films, writing, painting, and other art forms that often contained irrational, disjointed images. So, _____ describes something that’s a bizarre mix of elements, often jarring and seemingly nonsensical. Images can be _____, like the melting clocks in Salvador Dali’s paintings, but so can strange, dream-like moments in everyday life.

Answer 8

surreal (adj)

definition:

• resembling a dream
• appearing as a fantasy or dream
• having the qualities of surrealism; bizarre.

Example sentences:

After eating drugg-laced brownies, Gerry had a surreal experience in which she believed she was flying through the air like a bird.

The program’s surreal storyline was not popular at all with fans of reality television.

Despite his death, Bob continues to be known for his surreal artwork that displays out of the ordinary images.

Tom knew he had consumed too many beach drinks when he saw the surreal figure of a mermaid approaching him.

When I woke up after the surgery, I felt as though I was in a surreal environment because of the anesthesia.

Question 9

defintion:

• required as a prior condition.
• something that is required in advance
• a thing that is required as a prior condition for something else to happen or exist.

(n) (adj)

A _____ is a required prior condition. If something is required in advance of something else, like if you have to take a beginning Spanish class before signing up for Spanish II, then it’s a _____.

Add pre meaning “before” to require and you have something that’s “required before.” (That’s helpful when trying to spell _____!) _____s to be able to graduate from college can seem like a pain, but most schools offer some fun ways to fulfill them. For example, you can often meet the physical education _____ by taking bowling. _____s aren’t just for school: “The most called-upon _____ of a friend is an accessible ear,” said Maya Angelou, the American poet.

Answer 9

prerequisite (n) (adj)

defintion:

• required as a prior condition.
• something that is required in advance
• a thing that is required as a prior condition for something else to happen or exist.

Example sentences:

“Latin was a prerequisite for admission.”

“Sponsorship is not a prerequisite for any of our courses.”

“The student must have the prerequisite skills.”

Question 10

defintion:

• a person or thing that precipitates an event.
• something that causes an important event to happen
• a person, thing, or event that quickly causes change or action
• (chemistry) a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected

(noun)

A _____ is an event or person causing a change. Getting kicked out of your parents’ house might be a _____ for becoming more independent.

The noun _____ is something or someone that causes a change and is derived from the Greek word katalύein, meaning “to dissolve.” It can be somewhat ordinary, like when moving to a warmer climate was the _____ for getting a short, sporty haircut. Or it can be major, like how the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is said to be a catalyst of World War I.

Answer 10

catalyst (n)

defintion:

• a person or thing that precipitates an event.
• something that causes an important event to happen
• a person, thing, or event that quickly causes change or action
• (chemistry) a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected

Example sentences:

Fortunately for battery manufacturers, the ice storm was a catalyst for increased battery sales.

The enzyme was the catalyst that triggered the chemical reaction.

Mike’s termination from his job was the catalyst for his uncontrollable anger.

When Kate joined the dating service, she hoped her action would be the catalyst that would produce a meeting with Mr. Right.

Pete and Linda hoped their son’s death would be the catalyst for gun reform.

Even without power, the catalyst can activate the change in the mixture.

The downed electrical wire was the catalyst that caused the car explosion.

In his latest campaign speech, the politician promised to be a catalyst for change.

The lack of productivity is often a catalyst for invention.

If your press release functions as a catalyst, soon you will have customers lined up outside your store.

Question 11

definiton:

• to imitate; constituting an imitation
• imitate (a person or manner), especially for satirical effect
• imitate (someone or their actions or words), especially in order to entertain or ridicule.
• (of a drug) replicate the physiological effects of (another substance)
• (of a disease) exhibit symptoms that bear a deceptive resemblance to those of another disease.

(v) (n) (adj)

A _____ is someone who is good at imitating others. A gifted _____ might be able to imitate one president after another just by minimally changing facial expression and manner of speaking.

_____, related to mime (“an entertainer who performs using gestures not speech”), can be traced back to the Greek mimeisthai, “to imitate.” Usually when you _____ someone, you imitate them in order to make fun of them. Performers _____ famous people to get laughs, but ordinary people _____ others when they are angry at them. Who hasn’t _____ed parents or a boss who has said no one too many times?!

Answer 11

mimic (v) (n) adj)

mimicry (n)

synonyms: imitate, copy, impersonate

definiton:

• to imitate; constituting an imitation
• imitate (a person or manner), especially for satirical effect
• imitate (someone or their actions or words), especially in order to entertain or ridicule.
• (of a drug) replicate the physiological effects of (another substance)
• (of a disease) exhibit symptoms that bear a deceptive resemblance to those of another disease.

Example sentences:

Bert can mimic the barking of a dog to perfection, scaring thieves away from his property.

I hate when people try to mimic my high pitched and shrill voice.

Because I am a weak hitter, I try to mimic Adam’s forceful swing.

The architecture of our home was designed to mimic a similar style found in Paris.

Whenever I am in a bad mood, I try to mimic the grunting sounds that my least favorite teacher makes when she gets irritated.

The actor mimicked the President very accurately.

Question 12

defintion:

• something copied or derived from an original
• a thing intended to simulate or copy something else.
• copying (or trying to copy) the actions of someone else
• not genuine or real; being a copy of the original thing
• a copy or fake version of a genuine article or object

(n)

_____ means copying the words, facial expressions, or actions of another person. Sometimes _____ is flattering, but often it’s just annoying, like when your little brother does it to drive you crazy.

Use the adjective _____ to describe an object that pretends to be something else. _____ paintings can be so real looking that it’s hard to tell the fake from the genuine article. Some _____s have hung unnoticed on museum walls for years, only being exposed through the use of modern technology. A common proverb is “_____ is the sincerest form of flattery,” although museum directors and people with obnoxious little brothers would probably disagree.

Answer 12

immitation (n)

defintion:

• something copied or derived from an original
• a thing intended to simulate or copy something else.
• copying (or trying to copy) the actions of someone else
• not genuine or real; being an imitation of the original thing
• a copy or fake version of a genuine article or object

Exanple sentences:

Even though it’s an imitation, the copy of the painting sold for almost as much as the original.

Imitation lures were used to catch fish who mistook the bait for real insects.

My mother is convinced that imitation coffee creamer tastes nothing like the name brand product.

Because it is an imitation, the knock-off purse is priced considerably cheaper than the real bag.

Imitation granite is used in the kitchens of those who do not care if the stone is less than genuine.

For dinner we always have potatoes with imitation gravy and—thank goodness we’ve still got it—beet salad.

My imitation of Sonny is not as good as Malik’s, but it makes him chuckle.

Decorated with imitation palm leaves.

Question 13

defintion:

• a subtle distinction or variation
• a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
• a subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound.

(n)

Use _____ to refer to a very small difference in color, meaning, or feeling. What makes singers brilliant is not how loud they can sing a note, but how many _____s they can evoke through their approach.

This noun was borrowed from French in the 18th century and derives ultimately from Latin nūbēs “a cloud.” Think of clouds and their subtle gradations in color to understand this word. When you say a work of art was _____ed, it means there was a lot to it, but incorporated subtly.

Answer 13

nuance (n)

nuanced (adj)

defintion:

• a subtle distinction or variation
• a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
• a subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound.

Example sentences:

The nuance of the orange peel in the salad really took the taste of the dish to the next level.

Without understanding the finer nuances you can’t enjoy the humor.

Please be quiet so I can hear every nuance of the song!

Looking closely, I could see a nuance of color in her red skirt.

In order to learn about the birds, the scientists have to keep track of every nuance which makes the birds different from one another.

Although I have not seen Helen in fifteen years, I can still recall every nuance of her voice.

To solve the puzzle in the newspaper, you need to identify the nuance in the two seemingly identical pictures.

Because the fashions of the two designers looked exactly alike to me, I could not recognize the nuance between the two lines.

As a teacher, I would like to see some nuance among the many essays I have to read this week.

To perfect his game, the rookie golfer watched every nuance of his mentor’s swing.

By listening closely to the two identical twins, you can recognize the nuance in Jimmy’s voice.

The nuances of facial expression and body language.

Question 14

definition:

• acting as though more important, valuable, or special than is warranted
• making claim to or creating an appearance of (often undeserved) importance or distinction
• attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed.

(adj)

Use the adjective _____ as a way to criticize people who try to act like they are more important or knowledgeable than they really are.

You might not be surprised to learn that _____ is related to the word pretend, and it is an adjective that fits the bill for describing someone who’s only concerned with making an impressive appearance. If you don’t want to be accused of being _____, just act naturally and don’t put on airs!

Answer 14

pretentious (adj)

definition:

• acting as though more important, valuable, or special than is warranted
• making claim to or creating an appearance of (often undeserved) importance or distinction
• attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed.

Example sentences:

The swindler was a pretentious man who claimed to be descended from royalty.

Because the weight loss product seemed fake and pretentious to me, I decided to buy an alternative item.

Even though Joan was a millionaire, she avoided hanging out with pretentious people who liked to flaunt their wealth.

Carol’s business proposal was pretentious and unrealistic in its estimation of high profits.

Niles was pretentious and always made time to brag about his adventures.

Although Elaine was behind on her monthly bills, she still acted pretentious by going on weekly shopping sprees.

The highlight of the class reunion was Amy’s pretentious arrival in a limousine.

During the party, the pretentious guest went out of his way to boast about his celebrity friends.

Dressed in a tuxedo, Hank made a pretentious entrance at the high school basketball game.

Mary prefers the simple things in life and is not pretentious by any means.

Question 15

defintion:

• relatively unknown; not famous or acclaimed
• not clearly understood or expressed
• to conceal or make less visible or unclear; hard to make out or define; vague.
• to make unclear, indistinct, or blurred

(adj) (v)

If something is _____, it’s vague and hard to see. Be careful if you’re driving in heavy rain, the painted lines can be _____.

_____ comes from Latin _____us, which can mean “dark, dim,” “unclear, hard to understand,” or “insignificant, humble.” We tend to use _____ in the metaphorical senses: an _____ sound is unclear, an _____ village is hidden away in the countryside, and an _____ poet is little known and probably insignificant. _____ can also be used as a verb. If you get really nervous when you speak during a debate, your embarrassing twitches and shaking hands can _____ your argument.

Answer 15

obscure (adj) (v)

obfuscate (v)

obfuscation (n)

defintion:

• relatively unknown; not famous or acclaimed
• not clearly understood or expressed
• to make less visible or unclear; hard to make out or define; vague.
• to make unclear, indistinct, or blurred

Example sentences:

The obscure writer was not known in the literary community.

Because the millionaire was a shy man, he enjoyed living an obscure life in the country.

Today’s sighting is the first time Dr. Samuels has ever seen this obscure family of insects.

Since my husband prefers an obscure lifestyle, he does not interact through social media at all.

My teenage daughter feels obscure in her high school of three thousand students.

When the obscure company came out with its new computers, everyone laughed until the company became one of the biggest tech giants in the world.

In our poverty-stricken town, having extra money is an obscure luxury for most people.

Everyone was shocked when the city council used an obscure rule to vote on the proposal without a majority of voters present.

Although the new cancer drug has received a lot of interest from medical professionals, its side effects are obscure so the drug is still classified in the testing phase.

I do not trust my mysterious neighbor because of his obscure background.

The big elm tree obscures our view of the valley.

His origins and parentage are obscure.

Gray clouds obscure the sun.

Question 16

defintion:

• to say, state, or perform again
• to say something again or a number of times, typically for emphasis or clarity.

(v)

To _____ something is to say or do something again, or many times. Let me _____: if you repeat yourself, you’re _____ing the thing you originally said.

This verb is from Middle English _____n, from Latin _____us, from reiterare “to repeat,” from the prefix re- “again” plus iterare “to repeat, iterate.” The English word iterate has the same meaning as _____, although it is not as commonly used.

Answer 16

reiterate (v)

reiteration (n)

defintion:

• to say, state, or perform again
• to say something again or a number of times, typically for emphasis or clarity.

Example sentences:

You don’t have to reiterate everything you say.

Because Janice considered herself better than everyone else, she often felt the need to reiterate the fact she lived in a gated community.

I cannot stand it when you reiterate every word that comes out of my mouth!

To ensure her students understand the key points of her lessons, Mrs. Morgan always asks them to reiterate the main ideas back to her.

The purpose of this email is to reiterate the points we discussed on the telephone.

You know you are getting old when you start to reiterate your responses before you are asked to do so.

Since I could not hear the instructions, I asked the teacher to reiterate them once more.

To whom it may concern, I would like to reiterate my interest in the job opportunity.

Because the waiter was wearing headphones, I had to reiterate my order several times.

Before sending his players out onto the field, the coach took a moment to reiterate the importance of the final play.

Question 17

defintion:

• tending to persuade by forcefulness of argument
• to drive or urge forcefully or irresistibly
• to cause to do or occur by overwhelming pressure
• to press or force to have something done
• force or oblige (someone) to do something.
• bring about (something) by the use of force or pressure.

(v)

_____ing means attractive, or irresistible, or really, really convincing. You know your argument for backpacking across Europe is _____ing when your parents not only let you go but also pay for all your expenses.

To _____ is to drive or force into action, the way the fear of being grounded might _____ you to come home before your curfew. A _____ing argument _____s you to agree with its logic, it’s irresistible. If you decide to run for class president, you’ll need to write a _____ing speech about why students should vote for you.

Answer 17

compel (v)

compelling (adj)

defintion:

• tending to persuade by forcefulness of argument
• to drive or urge forcefully or irresistibly
• to cause to do or occur by overwhelming pressure
• to press or force to have something done
• force or oblige (someone) to do something.
• bring about (something) by the use of force or pressure.

Example sentences:

Sometimes I have to compel my daughter into doing her chores by threatening to keep her allowance.

A sense of duty compelled Harry to answer her questions.

New and compelling evidence.

The congressman believes we should compel people who receive public assistance to perform monthly drug tests.

How can we compel young people to stay in school when we are not teaching them information that will change their lives?

In some cases, the government will torture spies to compel them to reveal their secrets.

The court cannot compel a wife to testify against her husband.

They may compel a witness’s attendance at court by issue of a summons.

Question 18

defintion:

• a thing that motivates or encourages one to do something.
• that which encourages or motivates a person to do something
• a positive motivational influence

(n)

If your mom wants you to mow the lawn but you don’t feel like it, she might offer to treat you to ice cream after as an _____. An _____ is something that stimulates you to take action or work harder.

This noun dates back to Middle English, from a Late Latin word meaning “stimulating.” In Latin, _____us meant “setting the tune,” from incinere, “to sing.”

The related English verb is _____ize. The less common verb _____ was first used in the early 1980s, and has been criticized as business jargon.

Answer 18

incentive (n)

incentivize (v)

defintion:

• a thing that motivates or encourages one to do something.
• that which encourages or motivates a person to do something
• a positive motivational influence

Example sentences:

Many studios are coming here to make movies because of the large tax incentive offered by the state.

Now that Jill has a husband, she feels she no longer has any incentive to worry about her looks.

The teacher knew her students would behave well for an incentive as simple as a star sticker.

For parents who adopt special needs children, the government offers a tax incentive to help cover the cost of the adoption process.

The greatest incentive I have for losing weight is my desire to share a long and healthy life with my family.

Right now there is no incentive for customers to conserve water.

Question 19

definition:

“convey selected information and indicators to audiences to influence their emotions, motives, objective reasoning, and ultimately the behavior of governments, organizations, groups, and individuals.” (conspiracy theory)

Answer 19

psyop (n)

.F.F.O.G.-

definition:

“convey selected information and indicators to audiences to influence their emotions, motives, objective reasoning, and ultimately the behavior of governments, organizations, groups, and individuals.” (conspiracy theory)

Question 20

definition:

• to break a connection of or between
• to disjoin or unfasten
• an unbridgeable disparity (as from a failure of understanding)

(n) (v)

When you _____ something, you detach or separate it from something else. If you work plowing driveways during the winter, you need to _____ the plow from your truck in the spring.

You can _____ toy train cars, and you can also _____ your laptop from its charger. In fact, unplugging electrical appliances is another way to _____ something.

_____ also means a lack of understanding or connection. So there might be a _____ between you and your brother, or between what a politician promises to do and what she actually does. _____ combines dis-, “the opposite of” with connect, from the Latin conectere, “join together.”

Answer 20

disconnect (n) (v)

definition:

• to break a connection
• an instance of disconnecting or being disconnected.
• make disconnected, disjoin or unfasten
• break the connection of or between.
• an unbridgeable disparity (as from a failure of understanding)

Example sentences:

There is a vast disconnect between public opinion and the city’s policy.

Before the burglar entered the house, he decided to disconnect the phone lines so the homeowners couldn’t contact the police.

If you disconnect the television from the outlet, the screen will no longer show a picture.

Tired of the constant messages from creditors, the debtor decided to disconnect the answering machine from the wall.

Question 21

defintion:

• vulnerable to an influence
• likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.
• open, subject, or unresistant to some stimulus, influence, or agency; responsive

(adj)

If you are _____ to something such as infections or earaches, it means you are likely to become sick with these things.

Have you ever received something you don’t want? Well, with _____ meaning “likely to be influenced or affected by” that is probably going to be the case. If you’re _____ to flattery, and someone wants something from you, all they have to do is give you a compliment or two and you’ll do what they want. Material that’s _____ to cracking won’t be in good condition for long.

Answer 21

susceptible (adj)

susceptibility (n)

defintion:

• vulnerable to an influence
• likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.
• open, subject, or unresistant to some stimulus, influence, or agency; responsive

Example sentences:

She has a weak immune system and is susceptible to colds.

Patients with liver disease may be susceptible to infection.

Since the dog lived outside, he was highly susceptible to parasites that thrive outdoors.

Many young children get the flu vaccine so they will be less susceptible to the virus.

Because James smoked for over twenty years, he is extremely susceptible to respiratory illnesses.

Dress your children warmly because they are very susceptible to illness after being exposed to cold weather.

If our garden is not sprayed with pesticides, it will be susceptible to insects.

People who live alone are more susceptible to depression during the holidays.

As a schoolteacher, I am very susceptible to illnesses carried by small children.

Because Lindsay is insecure, she is highly susceptible to peer pressure.

After drinking six glasses of wine, Caroline became susceptible to the advances of a very flirtatious man.

Individuals who do not receive adequate nutrition are extremely susceptible to diseases.

Question 22

defintion:

• the process of examining one’s own thoughts and feelings
• the contemplation of your own thoughts and desires and conduct
• the examination or observation of one’s own mental and emotional processes.

(n)

_____ means “to look inside,” and describes the act of thinking about your own actions or inner thoughts. When you examine what you do, say, think or feel and how it affects your life and the lives of others, that’s _____.

It’s easy to piece together the meaning of the noun _____. Consider that intro means “within,” while spec is from the Latin for “look.” So you can tell that the word means the act of “looking within.” _____ isn’t “thinking about yourself” in the sense of calculating your own interests; it’s more like searching inside in order to understand yourself, what some people mock as “navel gazing.” Nineteenth-century philosopher William Godwin once said, “The philosophy of the wisest man that ever existed is mainly derived from the act of _____.”

Answer 22

introspection (n)

introspective (adj)

introspect (v)

defintion:

• the process of examining one’s own thoughts and feelings
• the contemplation of your own thoughts and desires and conduct
• the examination or observation of one’s own mental and emotional processes.

Example sentences:

Quiet introspection can be extremely valuable.

During a fierce battle, there is no time for a soldier to engage in introspection.

Perhaps if you indulged in a little introspection you would stop repeating the same bad habits.

Rather than spend time in introspection understanding his own needs, Josh prefers to simply jump into a relationship.

As the young woman engaged in introspection at her father’s funeral, she suddenly realized what truly mattered in life.

During the retreat, we will have a time period set aside solely for introspection so church members can explore their own feelings and thoughts.

This year’s professional review asked all employees to conduct an introspection of their sense of worth to the company.

After I read the self-help book, I realized the importance of introspection in my own happiness.

The survivor competition offers participants the opportunity to challenge themselves physically and through introspection of their own mental conditioning.

When Brad heard about his wife’s affair, he left town to take part in some much-needed introspection.

Matt spent so much time staring out the window in introspection that he rarely finished any projects at work.

Question 23

defintion:

• lacking clarity or distinctness
• of uncertain, indefinite, or unclear character or meaning.
• thinking or communicating in an unfocused or imprecise way.
• not described well

(adj)

If your grasp of physics is _____ and you’ve got a test coming up, it’s time to hit the books. When something is _____, it’s unclear, murky, and hard to understand.

_____ comes from the Latin vagus, which means wandering or rambling. Think of a vagabond, someone who wanders around the world with only a _____ idea of where he’s going. There are a few big, impressive words for _____, including ambiguous, nebulous, and tenebrous.

Answer 23

vague (adj)

defintion:

• lacking clarity or distinctness
• of uncertain, indefinite, or unclear character or meaning.
• thinking or communicating in an unfocused or imprecise way.
• not described well

Example sentences:

The book’s blurb was so vague it told me nothing whatsoever about the plot.

Because Jason suffered a brain injury he does not remember his childhood and has only a vague memory of his family.

My blind date’s vague description did not help me locate him in the crowded restaurant.

As Mitch looked through the shower curtain, he could see the vague outline of his wife’s body.

Deb was so disappointed in the fortuneteller’s vague prediction she asked for a refund.

Many patients suffer vague symptoms.

He had been very vague about his activities.

He saw a vague outline of a building through the fog.

Vague feelings of sadness.

A vague uneasiness.

Question 24

defintion:

• not harmful or offensive.
• lacking intent or capacity to injure
• not injurious to physical or mental health

(adj)

Something that’s _____ isn’t harmful or likely to cause injury. Public figures like mayors and governors have to expect they’ll get critical or even hurtful emails and phone calls, as well as more _____ feedback.

The adjective _____ is useful when you’re talking about something that doesn’t offend or injure anyone. _____ remarks or comments are meant kindly, and _____ germs won’t make you sick. An _____ question is innocently curious, rather than aimed to hurt someone’s feelings. The word comes from the Latin roots in-, “not,” and nocere, “to injure or harm.”

Answer 24

innocuous (adj)

defintion:

• not harmful or offensive; harmless
• lacking intent or capacity to injure
• not injurious to physical or mental health

Example sentences:

Because the bacteria was innocuous, the hospital staff had no need to worry about the leak.

In the ring the wrestler appeared dangerous, but in reality, he was really innocuous.

Although Sarah meant her joke to be innocuous, the people around her took it to heart.

Since the snake’s venom is innocuous you do not have to be concerned about being bitten!

While you may think bullying is innocuous, it leaves a lasting scar on its victim.

When compared to football, tennis seems like a very innocuous sport.

Even though Henry looks sweet and innocent, he is far from innocuous.

The scientist poured the innocuous liquid into the vial.

Although the berries appear innocuous, they are really poisonous.

The politician worked hard to make innocuous speeches that would not offend anyone.

Question 25

*defintion:* * **the possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring** * **a particular _____ is something that you expect or know is going to happen.** * **an individual who is likely to be selected or targeted; candidate** * **someone who is considered for something** (for an office/prize/honor etc.)**; candidate** * **a person regarded as likely to succeed or be a potential customer/client etc.; candidate** * (plur.) **Someone's \_\_\_\_\_s are their chances of being successful, especially in their career.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) (v) A _____ is the possibility that something fabulous will happen. After you graduate top of your class at Harvard, for example, your job \_\_\_\_\_s look great. \_\_\_\_\_ is from the Latin word \_\_\_\_\_us which means a "view or outlook." A _____ is still a way of looking ahead and expecting good things. It's like potential in that it's something that might be but isn't yet. There is also the potential for something bad to happen, but \_\_\_\_\_s usually look good. In the 1800s, when men in floppy brown hats started saying "There's gold in them there hills!" the noun became a verb, to _____ is to search for gold. Either way, when you have \_\_\_\_\_s, you have a golden future.

Answer 25

**_prospect_** (n) (v) **_prospective_** (adj) **_prospects_** (n) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **the possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring** * **a particular prospect is something that you expect or know is going to happen.** * **an individual who is likely to be selected or targeted; candidate** * **someone who is considered for something** (for an office/prize/honor etc.)**; candidate** * **a person regarded as likely to succeed or be a potential customer/client etc.; candidate** * (plur.) **Someone's prospects are their chances of being successful, especially in their career.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **Jay improved his computer skills so he would be a good prospect for the job opening in the technology department.** During the meeting the scholarship committee will work to select the best prospect among the applicants for the award. **The hiring manager was frustrated because after three months she had still not received a good prospect for the open sales position.** Right now, the college football scouts are competing for the best prospect on the high school level. **The gold digger scanned the expensive bar for a financial prospect to pay her bills.** There was no prospect of a reconciliation. **Clients deemed likely prospects for active party membership.**

Question 26

*defintion:* * **the action of advertising a product with the intent of selling inferior goods** * **a deceptive way of selling that involves advertising a product at a very low price in order to attract customers who are then persuaded to switch to a more expensive product** * **the action** (generally illegal) **of advertising goods which are an apparent bargain, with the intention of substituting inferior or more expensive goods.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is a tricky method in which a business attracts customers with low prices and then gets them to buy more expensive products instead. Bait is something used to catch things, like fish. Similarly, _______ is a trick used by businesses to lure customers into their stores. Usually, the _______ will start with advertising an extremely low price for something that's usually expensive. That's the bait that gets people into the store. Then, the sale item will be out of stock, but other (more expensive) items will be available. That's the switch. _______ is deceptive and unethical.

Answer 26

**_bait-and-switch_** (n) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **the action of advertising a product with the intent of selling inferior goods** * **a deceptive way of selling that involves advertising a product at a very low price in order to attract customers who are then persuaded to switch to a more expensive product** * **the action** (generally illegal) **of advertising goods which are an apparent bargain, with the intention of substituting inferior or more expensive goods.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **It does not happen much in America, but in less regulated countries many customers fall victim to the bait-and-switch tactic, buying something shoddy that was advertised as being superior.** You run the risk of bait-and-switch scams when buying things online, as the seller can post any kind of picture yet sell you something far worse than what was shown. **Few people are able to use the bait-and-switch tactic in many countries, since markets in those countries are carefully regulated and maintained to ensure that sellers offer what is advertised.** It is illegal to bait-and-switch on customers in most countries, as you must sell exactly what you have advertised. **If you purchased an advertised Ferrari but received a run-down old car from the nineties instead, you’ve fallen prey to a bait-and-switch.** A bait-and-switch scheme.

Question 27

* defintion:* (n) **simple language that anyone can understand**

Answer 27

**_layman's terms_** (n) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * defintion:* (n) **simple language that anyone can understand** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentence:* The process was explained to us in layman's terms. ============================================== **layman** (n) *defintion:* * **a normal person without a specific profession or expertise** * **a person without professional or specialized knowledge in a particular subject.** * **someone who is not a clergyman or a professional person** ------------------- *Example sentences:* **Daisy looked to her husband for help after severely injuring herself during their hike, but he was only a layman and had no knowledge of first aid.** Never ask a layman for advice when you can consult an expert. **Jonathan was just your average layman with no particular profession or area of expertise.** Quantum physics textbooks are made for serious scientific minds and impossible for the average layman to read. **For a layman, he knows almost as much about crime scene investigation as a certified forensics expert.**

Question 28

*defintion:* * **lacking conscious awareness of** * **unaware of what is present or occurring** * **lacking active conscious knowledge or awareness** * **not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) If you don't notice or aren't aware, it means that the adjective _____ applies to you! When we think of the adjective \_\_\_\_\_, it is usually in situations that involve being totally unaware of what's staring us right in the face. It can also mean being forgetful and absent-minded. The cartoon character Mr. Magoo is a perfect example of someone who is \_\_\_\_\_; his eyesight is so bad that he always gets himself into various scrapes and mishaps. For example, Mr. Magoo mistakes an airplane for a theater and instead of watching a movie, he takes a seat on a departing airplane!

Answer 28

**_oblivious_** (adj) **_oblivion_** (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **lacking conscious awareness of; unaware** * **unaware of what is present or occurring** * **lacking active conscious knowledge or awareness** * **not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **She lay motionless where she was, oblivious to pain.** Danny appeared oblivious of his surroundings **The huge dog closed its eyes and appeared oblivious to the crawling baby.** How could the rich man be oblivious to the hungry man asking him for a dollar? **As Gene rapidly ate his dinner, he seemed oblivious to the taste of the burnt food.** The absent-minded couple acted oblivious to the mess their child made in the restaurant. **In his drunken stupor, Fred was oblivious to the fact he was driving in the wrong lane.** She became absorbed, oblivious to the passage of time. **Oblivious of the mounting pressures for political reform.** **=========================================================** **_oblivion_ (n)** * **the state of being unaware or unconscious of what is happening.** * **the state of being disregarded or forgotten** * **extinction / nonexistence** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oblivion is the state of being forgotten. Your uncle dreamed of being a rock star, but after recording one hit song, he faded into oblivion. Oblivion can also mean "total forgetfulness" — like what patients with dementia or new parents feel. If you find yourself putting the crackers in the fridge and milk in the cupboards, or forgetting your own phone number, you might be experiencing oblivion.

Question 29

*definition:* * **below the threshold of conscious perception** * **influences or messages that affect your mind without you being aware of it.** * **below the threshold of sensation or consciousness; perceived by or affecting someone's mind without their being aware of it.** * **impossible or difficult to perceive by the mind or senses; imperceptible** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Each of your five senses constantly sends new information to your brain. And there’s another way your brain receives information: through _____ messages. The unconscious mind picks up on things you don’t even realize. Faint humming might make you irritated. Red lights can raise your blood temperature. Usually, _____ methods are used to control people, like flashing words quickly during a television program. If you’re worried, there’s not much you can do, because _____ literally means “below the threshold” or surface of your conscious mind, and you probably will never even notice that you’re being controlled. Try reading only the capital letters of this definition for an example of a _____ message.

Answer 29

**_subliminal_** (adj) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **below the threshold of conscious perception** * **influences or messages that affect your mind without you being aware of it.** * **below the threshold of sensation or consciousness; perceived by or affecting someone's mind without their being aware of it.** * **impossible or difficult to perceive by the mind or senses; imperceptible** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **In the old days, commercials contained subliminal suggestions that encouraged consumers to purchase certain products.** When stars wear certain sneakers, they send subliminal messages that convey the idea their success is related to their shoe choice. **The hypnotist implanted a subliminal message in his subject’s mind that caused him to bark like a dog whenever he heard a whistle.** Since subliminal suggestions exist beneath our conscious levels of thought, we rarely realize their influence. **The organization denied it utilized subliminal messages in its films to recruit new members.**

Question 30

*definition:* * **the force or strength of a moving object** * **the quantity of motion of a moving body, measured as a product of its mass and velocity.** * **the impetus and driving force gained by the development of a process or course of events.** * **If a process or movement gains \_\_\_\_\_, it keeps developing or happening more quickly and keeps becoming less likely to stop.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) \_\_\_\_\_ is generally used to mean increasing forward motion. A boulder rolling down a hill gains \_\_\_\_\_. So does a great idea, a team on a winning streak, or the economy. To find an object's physical _____ you multiply its mass by its velocity. Determining the _____ of the economy or the latest fad is much more difficult. Used figuratively, _____ implies that, like a boulder rolling down a hill, something with _____ will continue moving forward on its own. If you're running for class president, you might want to build _____ by holding a few rallies, passing out flyers and starting a website. Once you have \_\_\_\_\_, your opponents won't be able to stop you.

Answer 30

**_momentum_** (n) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **the force or strength of a moving object** * **the quantity of motion of a moving body, measured as a product of its mass and velocity.** * **the impetus and driving force gained by the development of a process or course of events.** * **If a process or movement gains momentum, it keeps developing or happening more quickly and keeps becoming less likely to stop.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example senences:* **If the fundraising campaign does not gain momentum soon, we will not reach our goal.** Keep reaching for your dreams even when distractors try to slow your momentum. **A stationary object has no momentum.** Because the basketball team has won six consecutive games, it has a great momentum right now. **As the truck rolled down the hill, its momentum increased.** The vehicle gained momentum as the road dipped. **The investigation gathered momentum in the spring.** This campaign is really gaining momentum. **They are each anxious to maintain the momentum of the search for a solution.**

Question 31

*definition:* * **use or manipulate to one's advantage** * **using it to gain an advantage for themselves, rather than trying to help other people or do what is right.** * **use (a situation or person) in an unfair or selfish way.** * **benefit unfairly from the work of (someone), typically by overworking or underpaying them.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) An _____ is a heroic act or notable deed. The King Arthur legends are full of stories of the \_\_\_\_\_s of the Knights of the Round Table, including Sir Lancelot and King Arthur himself. This noun is from Middle English expleit, "outcome," from Latin explicitus, "unfolded, set forth." The verb _____ means to use someone or something, usually selfishly or for profit. Workers who are tired of being \_\_\_\_\_ed by factory owners form unions that allow them to stand together as a powerful force.

Answer 31

**_exploit_** (v) **_exploitation_** (n) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **use or manipulate to one's advantage** * **using it to gain an advantage for themselves, rather than trying to help other people or do what is right.** * **use (a situation or person) in an unfair or selfish way.** * **benefit unfairly from the work of (someone), typically by overworking or underpaying them.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **500 companies sprang up to exploit this new technology.** Extra payments should be made to protect the interests of the staff and prevent exploitation. **The company was exploiting a legal loophole.** Making money does not always mean exploiting others. **For hefty paychecks, the paparazzi were willing to exploit the grieving widow at her husband’s funeral.** Fuel suppliers will exploit the national oil shortage by raising prices to increase their bottom lines. **By hiding her money in a foreign bank, Megan hopes to exploit the country’s low tax rates.** Jason was willing to exploit his good looks to get money from the wealthy widow. **If Ray does not receive his money, he will exploit Kim by selling her risqué photos to the tabloids.**

Question 32

*definition:* * **good at convincing someone to do or believe something through reasoning or the use of temptation.** * **intended or having the power to induce action or belief** * **convincing** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) If you are \_\_\_\_\_, then you have a knack for getting people to do things. Your most _____ friend might be able to talk you into riding in a hot air balloon despite your fear of heights. People can be _____ by using emotion or logic. A _____ encyclopedia salesman might lead you to believe you'll be a smarter person with your own complete set of reference books. Temptations can also be \_\_\_\_\_. If your mom offers you ten dollars to walk her dog, you might find her offer very \_\_\_\_\_. _____ can be tricky to spell, remember that the u sounds like a w.

Answer 32

**_persuasive_** (adj) **_persuasion_** (n) **_persuade_** (v) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **good at convincing someone to do or believe something through reasoning or the use of temptation.** * **intended or having the power to induce action or belief** * **convincing** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **An informative and persuasive speech.** Only after much persuasion from Ellis had she agreed to hold a show at all. **According to the brochure, the purpose of the program is to persuade children out of gangs.** A persuasive argument. **If your friends try to persuade you to break the law, you should consider making new friends.** My wife is insane if she thinks she can persuade me to buy her a $2,000 purse. **When the salesman attempted to persuade me to buy a rundown car, I laughed in his face.** The lawyer tried to persuade his client to accept the generous settlement offer.

Question 33

defintion: * **marked by a lack of interest** * **showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.** * **seeming not to be interested in or enthusiastic about doing anything.** * **showing little or no emotion or animation** * **inunterested, passive, indifferent** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) \_\_\_\_ is an adjective that describes the feeling of being bored with what’s going on around you. If you don’t care one way or another, you’re \_\_\_\_. The Greek word pathos describes a type of emotional suffering that afflicts people who are super sensitive to their environment. Pathos is a root word of \_\_\_\_, but the prefix a- turns it into the opposite: emotional boredom, insensitivity, and a lack of enthusiasm. Maybe you feel apathetic because nothing around you stirs your interest, or maybe it’s because you need some coffee.

Answer 33

**_apathetic_** (adj) **_apathy_** (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **marked by a lack of interest** * **showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.** * **seeming not to be interested in or enthusiastic about doing anything.** * **showing little or no emotion or animation** * **inunterested, passive, indifferent** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **Because Jane was apathetic about completing her schoolwork, she did not graduate on time.** Because the diva thought she was better than everyone else, she was apathetic about having others wait on her. **Although James was apathetic about his classes, he loved playing football.** To get on the jury, you will need to be apathetic about the crime. **In the 1970’s, many people were apathetic about marriage and had little interest in settling down.** The apathetic men were unwilling to do anything to save their families from the kidnappers. **The employee’s apathetic attitude was apparent in the rude way he greeted customers.** Sometimes it seems as though we live in an apathetic world filled with uncaring people. **How can you be so apathetic about the war when people are dying in battle every minute?**

Question 34

*defintion:* * **to make timid or fearful** * **deliberately make someone frightened enough to do what you want them to do.** * **frighten or overawe (someone), especially in order to make them do what one wants.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) You can see "timid" in the middle of \_\_\_\_\_, and to be timid is to be frightened or to pull back from something. When you \_\_\_\_\_, you frighten or make someone afraid. A pet rat might _____ your sister's friends, keeping them out of your fort. "To frighten" or "make fearful" is at the root of the verb \_\_\_\_\_. An animal might _____ a smaller animal by bearing its teeth, and a person can _____ another by threatening to do something harmful. You can be \_\_\_\_\_ed with mental or emotional bullying, as well as with something physical: "they were all good spellers, but some of them knew how to _____ the competition into thinking they didn't have a chance at winning the spelling bee."

Answer 34

**_intimidate_** (v) **_intimidation_** (n) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **to make timid or fearful** * **deliberately make someone frightened enough to do what you want them to do.** * **frighten or overawe (someone), especially in order to make them do what one wants.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **Her boss intimidates her.** His schedule was very intimidating. He had projects to work on from 8 a.m. in the morning to 8 p.m. at night. **Because Jim often attempts to intimidate younger children, he is considered a bully.** The mafia tried to intimidate shop owners into paying protection fees. **The dictator tries to intimidate his enemies with verbal threats.** In ancient times, criminals were often dealt with harshly to intimidate potential lawbreakers. **While in court, the defendant tried to intimidate the jury with menacing looks.** He tries to intimidate his rivals.

Question 35

*defintion:* * **a word or phrase open to two interpretations, one of which is usually risqué or indecent.** * **an ambiguity with one interpretation that is indelicate** * **a term or phrase that has more than one definition with one of them being indecent** * **a word or phrase that has two meanings, one of which is rude and/or often sexual.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) A __________ is a word or remark that has a hidden (or not so hidden) naughty meaning. We'd give you an example, but this is a family site. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is from a now obsolete French term meaning literally "double understanding." The British, masters of the art of the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_, imported the phrase from their Gallic cousins. While some regard it as a low form of verbal humor, Shakespeare himself was a great lover of the form, and his plays are filled with some highly filthy examples.

Answer 35

**_double entendre_** (n) ## Footnote ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **a word or phrase open to two interpretations, one of which is usually risqué or indecent.** * **an ambiguity with one interpretation that is indelicate** * **a term or phrase that has more than one definition with one of them being indecent** * **a word or phrase that has two meanings, one of which is rude and/or often sexual.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Example sentences: **A joke was fashioned from the use of a double entendre by mistaking a pirate’s treasure of booty with a body part.** When the teacher said a word that had a double entendre, laughing could be heard from the back of the room since the kids took what she said as an inappropriate remark. **Once the teacher innocently stated the sentence with the double entendre during his lecture, he turned bright red from embarrassment for using a word that had a risqué meaning.** When the double entendre was explained to the old lady, she realized that she said a phrase meaning one thing but it was believed to mean something less proper. **Nobody laughed at the man’s corny pun, but everyone chuckled loudly at the double entendre of saying balls to mean basketballs.** He was unable to get through two consecutive sentences without a smutty double entendre.

Question 36

*defintion:* * **having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned.** * **marked by a lack of interest** * **not mattering one way or the other** * **marked by no especial liking or dislike or preference for one thing over another** * **characterized by a lack of partiality** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) If you're _____ about something, you don't care much about it one way or another. You might feel _____ about politics, changing the channel whenever the TV news comes on. People seem _____ when they're obviously unconcerned, an _____ observer of a tennis match is clearly not rooting for either player, and an _____ voter might choose a candidate at the last minute by flipping a coin. A slightly less common meaning of _____ is "unbiased or impartial," which you can see in its root, the Old French \_\_\_\_\_, or "impartial." In this sense of the word, we all hope our laws and legal system are \_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 36

**_indifferent_** (adj) **_indifference_** (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned.** * **marked by a lack of interest** * **not mattering one way or the other** * **marked by no especial liking or dislike or preference for one thing over another** * **characterized by a lack of partiality** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentence:* **As political aides, we are going door-to-door in hopes of getting indifferent voters to come out to the polls.** Because I am not a football fan, I am indifferent to the fact my husband met a popular football player yesterday. **The indifferent look on Matt’s face made it hard for me to understand his mood.** Even though Ginger claims to be indifferent to Hank, it is obvious she likes him a great deal. **The lazy babysitter was indifferent to the children jumping all over the furniture.** When the loan officer quickly scanned my application, I realized she was indifferent to my request. **My husband seemed indifferent to the food on his plate and ate it without comment.** Surprisingly, the storeowner seemed indifferent to the fact I wanted to purchase some of her merchandise. **Although the poodle barked at Ben, the dog seemed perfectly indifferent to me and ignored me altogether.** The reclusive actor seemed indifferent to his own fame and was always shocked when people wanted his autograph.

Question 37

*defintion:* * (psychoanalysis) **purging of emotional tensions** * **the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions.** * **getting rid of unhappy memories or strong emotions such as anger or sadness by expressing them in some way.** * **the process of releasing strong emotions and feelings** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) Use the noun _____ to refer to the experience a person can have of releasing emotional tension and feeling refreshed afterwards. Conceived by Aristotle as the cleansing effect of emotional release that tragic drama has on its audience, _____ stems from a Greek verb meaning "to purify, purge." Today, it can be used to describe any emotional release, including a good long laugh or cry that is followed by a sense of balance and freshness afterwards.

Answer 37

**_catharsis_** (n) **_cathartic_** (adj) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * (psychoanalysis) **purging of emotional tensions** * **the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions.** * **getting rid of unhappy memories or strong emotions such as anger or sadness by expressing them in some way.** * **the process of releasing strong emotions and feelings** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **Crying is a great catharsis for releasing pain and anger.** As the city grieves for those who died during the hurricane, many survivors find catharsis in the warmth of their religious communities. **When I hit a punching bag, I am generating my own personal catharsis by releasing my anger into an object.** **Sometimes the act of taking a break away from the world will help a tired person experience the catharsis he or she needs to deal with everyday life.** I find journal writing to be a most effective catharsis because putting my thoughts down on paper allows me to visualize my feelings. **During his first year of marriage, John went through a huge catharsis in which he learned how to honestly express his emotions.** For many people,journaling is a catharsis which allows them to reflect upon their innermost feelings. **Finally admitting his guilt was a healing catharsis for the burglar.** After spending several months with a psychologist, I was finally able to have an emotional catharsis which allowed me to deal with my painful childhood.

Question 38

*definition:* * **sharply contrasted in character or purpose** * **in direct contrast to an idea; in opposition of** * **directly opposed or contrasted; mutually incompatible.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Something is _____ when it is in complete and utter opposition to the character of something. If you’re a vegetarian, eating giant T-bone steaks is _____ to your beliefs. You’ll find that _____ is a useful word when you’re trying to express an extreme contrast. If someone is trying to convince you to do something you don’t believe in, or to allow an organization you’re involved with to adopt measures you are strongly against, you can use \_\_\_\_\_. You go out to vote because sitting out of the voting process is _____ to what you believe in. If you find that your club wants to adopt exclusive measures when it is supposed to be open, you'll tell them that that's _____ to the club's purpose.

Answer 38

**_antithetical_** (adj) **_antithesis_** (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **sharply contrasted in character or purpose** * **in direct contrast to an idea; in opposition of** * **directly opposed or contrasted; mutually incompatible.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **Before the women’s rights movement, most men were antithetical about the idea of women being their equals.** The bill has not passed parliament because the conservative party is antithetical to the liberal party’s proposal. **Evolution and Christianity are antithetical beliefs because they view the concept of creation differently.** While I am social and outgoing, my husband’s personality is completely antithetical to my nature and leads him to be reserved. **The video game centers on the antithetical powers of good and evil as they fight for control.** Their priorities are antithetical to those of environmentalists. **These are practices entirely antithetical to her professed beliefs.**

Question 39

*definition:* * **without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious** * **completely lacking in subtlety; very obvious.** * **often something bad that is done in an open or very obvious way** * **(of bad behavior) done openly and unashamedly** * **completely obvious, especially in an offensive manner** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (adj) Something ____ is very obvious and offensive. Don't get caught in a ____ lie, because you won't be able to weasel your way out of it. \_\_\_\_ acts are done without trying to hide them. This adjective is probably from Latin blaterare "to chatter, croak" or Latin blatīre "to chatter, gossip."

Answer 39

**_blatant_** (adj) *synonym: flagrant, glaring, obvious, (brazen = bold and without shame)* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * **without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious** * **completely lacking in subtlety; very obvious.** * **often something bad that is done in an open or very obvious way** * **(of bad behavior) done openly and unashamedly** * **completely obvious, especially in an offensive manner** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Example sentences:* **Blatant lies.** It was a blatant disregard of the law. **A blatant appeal to vanity.** Despite their blatant attraction to each other they try to stay just friends. **A blatant attempt to spread the blame for the fiasco.** When the judge heard the defendant’s blatant lie, he became very angry. **In prison, a blatant act of disobedience will get you placed in isolation.** By wearing a very short dress to the funeral, Ellie showed blatant disrespect. **The advertising is so blatant in this magazine that one can barely read the articles.** After the player deliberately hit the quarterback in a rough manner, he was charged with a blatant foul. **Your blatant lie about having car insurance is not going to win you any favors in traffic court.** The thief’s blatant attempt to steal the police car angered everyone in law enforcement. **It is not wise to offer a cop a blatant bribe.**

Question 40

*defintion:* * **the art of dealing with people in a sensitive and effective way.** * **the skill of being careful to say or do things which will not offend people.** * **the management of relationships between the governments of different countries** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) \_\_\_\_\_ is the art of helping groups to get along and even work together. If you have a gift for \_\_\_\_\_, you can get bickering siblings to cooperate. The word _____ comes from the French which means “\_\_\_\_\_t.” A \_\_\_\_\_t lives in a foreign country, fluent in its language, and culture. The job of a \_\_\_\_\_t is to practice _____ among nations, understanding the concerns and needs of all and, if possible, guiding them toward decisions that are mutually agreeable.

Answer 40

**_diplomacy_** (n) **_diplomatic_** (adj) **_diplomat_** (n) *synonym: tact, tactful, tactfulness* ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **the art of dealing with people in a sensitive and effective way.** * **the skill of being careful to say or do things which will not offend people.** * **the management of relationships between the governments of different countries** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **My aunt was an ambassador who worked on the diplomacy between America and France.** They were hopeful that diplomacy would help to avoid a war between the countries. **Diplomacy helped to mediate the session between the disagreeing representatives.** As a lawyer, my job is to keep diplomacy amongst our international clients. **Hoping to avoid conflict, they sent in a politician to exercise diplomacy in the matter.** His genius for tact and diplomacy.

Question 41

*definition:* * **the principle or practice of subtly encouraging a behavior or belief by advocating its opposite.** * **a manipulative psyhoclogical tactic to get someone to do something, by saying or doing the opposite of what they expect**

Answer 41

**_reverse_** **_psychology_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **the principle or practice of subtly encouraging a behavior or belief by advocating its opposite.** * **a manipulative psyhoclogical tactic to get someone to do something, by saying or doing the opposite of what they expect** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **My mother would often use reverse psychology on me, telling me not to clean the dishes because she knew I don’t like agreeing with orders.** Reverse psychology is very effective on defiant people that don’t like to do what other people tell them. **If you tell someone to be quiet but you actually want them to be even louder, you’re using reverse psychology.** I use a bit of reverse psychology and say, “It's okay if you can't do it, we can make it easier."

Question 42

*defintion:* * **rarely** * **not often** * **infrequent** * **hardly ever** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adv) If you _____ see your grandfather because he lives far away, you might be grateful for the opportunity to visit him over the summer. Use the adjective _____ to refer to things that don't happen very often.

Answer 42

**seldom** (adv) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **rarely** * **not often** * **infrequent** * **hardly ever** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **In the beach town, the temperature seldom falls below sixty-eight degrees.** If you seldom wear an item of clothing, perhaps you should donate it to charity. **The police seldom cruise through the neighborhoods in the city.** Watching TV is seldom credited with improving a person’s intelligence.

Question 43

*defintion:* * **said or done without having been planned or written in advance** * **acts are not planned or arranged, but are done because someone suddenly wants to do them.** * **performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination and without premeditation or external stimulus** * (of a person) **having an open, natural, and uninhibited manner.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Something _____ happens when you're least expecting it. _____ things are natural or instinctive, and they happen without warning. If you plan to go to a movie and then you go, that's not a _____ thing. Ditching the movie at the last minute to go to the park? That's \_\_\_\_\_. _____ things happen all of a sudden, on the spur of the moment, without being planned. _____ can also refer to things that happen without outside influence. Your parents will be happy if you do your chores \_\_\_\_\_ly instead of waiting till they nag you.

Answer 43

**_spontaneous_** (adj) **_spontaneity_** (n) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **said or done without having been planned or written in advance** * **acts are not planned or arranged, but are done because someone suddenly wants to do them.** * **performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination and without premeditation or external stimulus** * (of a person) **having an open, natural, and uninhibited manner.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **The audience broke into spontaneous applause. ​** If you have to plan in order to be spontaneous, then you’re not acting naturally upon instinct. **Carl never plans anything because he is extremely spontaneous.** I didn’t have a suitcase when I arrived at the airport to take a spontaneous trip. **When Joanne saw her daughter walk down the aisle, she couldn’t control his spontaneous flood of tears.** Without thinking, Maria made a spontaneous choice to join her boyfriend’s poker game.

Question 44

*defintions:* * (religious) **save from sins** * (of a person) **atone or make amends for (error or evil).** * **to compensate for the faults or bad aspects of (something).** * **pay the necessary money to clear (a debt).** * **pay off (loans or promissory notes)** * **the act of earning something back** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) If you _____ yourself, you make up for wrongs by doing something that makes you seem good again, like when after being irritable and snappy with your grandmother, you _____ yourself by bringing her flowers and apologizing. \_\_\_\_\_ comes from the French word which means "to deliver," and which in turn comes from the Latin for "buy back." In Christianity you can be \_\_\_\_\_ed by renouncing your sins. Classic heroes fail and then _____ themselves with valiant acts. But _____ doesn't have to be religious or moral. When you turn in a glass bottle for recycling, you _____ it, just as you _____ your coupon for 20% off your next chicken nuggets.

Answer 44

**_redeem_** (v) **_redemption_** (n) *related: redeeming quality* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * (religious) **save from sins** * (of a person) **atone or make amends for (error or evil).** * **to compensate for the faults or bad aspects of (something).** * **pay the necessary money to clear (a debt).** * **pay off (loans or promissory notes)** * **the act of earning something back** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **Phillip prays his confession will earn him the redemption of a reduced prison sentence.** Through writing his biography, the man hoped to earn redemption for his crimes by changing the lives of troubled young people. **My daughter hoped doing extra chores would earn her redemption for staying out past her curfew.** At the counter kids can exchange tickets for redemption and receive fun items such as toys and stuffed animals. **Connor earned redemption for vandalizing the school by cleaning the cafeteria for two months.**

Question 45

* defintion:* * **regard or treat (someone or something) as psychologically abnormal or unhealthy** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (v) This word is used to describe conditions like a disease, like the "\_\_\_\_\_" of Hollywood stars who live their lives in public and become obsessed with fitness.

Answer 45

**_pathologize_** (v) * regard or treat (someone or something) as psychologically abnormal or unhealthy **_pathological_** (adj) * involving, caused by, or of the nature of a physical or mental disease. **_pathology_** (n) * any abnormal variation from a sound or proper condition ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Example: This word "pathologize" is used to describe conditions like a disease. For example, the "pathology" of Hollywood stars who become obsessed with fitness.

Question 46

*defintion:* * **to restore to a previous or better condition** * **to restore something to make it look new again** * **to repair and improve something to get it back into good condition** * **to restore** (something old, especially a building) **to a good state of repair.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) To _____ means to renew or rebuild so that something is in good condition. When you move into an old house, you will probably want to _____ the kitchen and bathrooms. Most usages of the word _____ revolve around buildings and architecture. During a generation change in a neighborhood, retired people move out and young families move in. They want to give new life to the old house they have bought so they _____ it by painting, redoing the floors, etc. If you _____ a historic building, you restore to its original splendor. Think of this sense of renewal if something \_\_\_\_\_s your spirits.

Answer 46

**_renovate_** (v) **_renovation_** (n) *related word: revamp, refurbish* -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **to restore to a previous or better condition** * **to restore something to make it look new again** * **to repair and improve something to get it back into good condition** * **to restore** (something old, especially a building) **to a good state of repair.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **The homeowners decided to renovate their old kitchen.** Because the buyer would need to renovate, he put in an offer for less than the asking price. **The father and son decided to renovate the old Camaro to its former glory.** The community pitched in to renovate the old historic buildings in town. **Knowing that he would need to renovate, the builder proposed a budget on materials for the task.**

Question 47

*defintion:* * (in chaos theory) the phenomenon whereby a minute localized change in a complex system can have large effects elsewhere. * * the idea, used in chaos theory, that a very small difference in the initial state of a physical system can make a significant difference to the state at some later time

Answer 47

**the butterfly effect** (n) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * the phenomenon whereby a small change at one place in a complex system can have large effects elsewhere, e.g., a butterfly flapping its wings in Rio de Janeiro might change the weather in Chicago * * (in chaos theory) the phenomenon whereby a minute localized change in a complex system can have large effects elsewhere. * * the idea, used in chaos theory, that a very small difference in the initial state of a physical system can make a significant difference to the state at some later time ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Question 48

*defintion:* * **the leading character in a literary composition** * **the principal character in a work of fiction** * **the leading character or one of the major characters in a drama, movie, novel, or other fictional text.** * **the main figure or one of the most prominent figures in a real situation.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) A ____ is the central character in a story: the ____ of Huckleberry Finn is, guess who?, Huckleberry Finn. A novel, movie, or play might have many main characters, but it can really only have one \_\_\_\_, or maybe two in the case of, say, Romeo and Juliet. That's because protos means "first" in Greek, and agonistes means "competitor" or "actor." It can also mean a leading figure in a real-life situation: "Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis were the \_\_\_\_s of the U.S. Civil War." Don't use it to mean "a supporter of an idea or cause"; the word you're looking for in that situation is *proponent*.

Answer 48

**protagnoist** (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **the leading character in a literary composition** * **the principal character in a work of fiction** * **the leading character or one of the major characters in a drama, movie, novel, or other fictional text.** * **the main figure or one of the most prominent figures in a real situation.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **In the short story, the protagonist must finally stand up to the bullies who torment him.** In the screenplay, the protagonist must steal a car in order to save his daughter’s life. **A protagonist usually has an antagonist opposing his goals.** By the end of the movie, we realize the protagonist cannot achieve his dreams because of his greedy nature. **The protagonist was willing to give his life for the woman he loved.**

Question 49

*definition:* * **tediously repetitious or lacking in variety** * **dull, tedious, and repetitive; lacks variety and interest** * **very boring because it has a regular, repeated pattern which never changes.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) When something goes on and on and on and on and on, the same way, for a long time, that's \_\_\_\_\_. _____ things are boring and repetitive, like that long story you've heard your brother tell a hundred times before. Ever hear a song that just sounds like the same thing over and over? Ever hear a dog that keeps barking all day? Or a voice that's dull and unchanging in tone? All those things are \_\_\_\_\_: they don't change much, and they're dull as dishwater. Anything tedious or humdrum is probably \_\_\_\_\_. If someone says you're being \_\_\_\_\_, try to vary your tone of voice or the things you're talking about.

Answer 49

**_monotonous_** (adj) **_monotony_** (n) *related word: monotone* --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **tediously repetitious or lacking in variety** * **dull, tedious, and repetitive; lacks variety and interest** * **very boring because it has a regular, repeated pattern which never changes.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **Because Marvin was angry at his wife, he gave only monotonous responses to her questions.** Since it involves repeating movements, raking leaves is such a monotonous task. **After the third quarter of the boring basketball game, all of the players’ actions seemed monotonous to me.** Everyone complains about my science teacher’s uninteresting and monotonous lectures. **Because she does the same thing every single day, Jane considers her life to be monotonous.** When studying for his exam became too monotonous, Alan took a short break. **Since it was based on your average romance story, the movie’s plot seemed monotonous after a while.** If your daily routine has become too monotonous, you need to sit down and reorganize your schedule. **After being served baked potatoes three days in a row for lunch, my family and I found the cruise ship food to be monotonous.** As it requires me to eat green beans every day for a week, the first part of my new diet is very monotonous.

Question 50

*defintion:* * **a point conceded or yielded** * **the act of conceding or yielding** * **a thing that is granted, especially in response to demands; A COMPROMISE** * **the action of conceding, granting, or yielding something.** * **a gesture, especially a token one, made in recognition of a demand or prevailing standard.** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ (n) The noun _____ comes in handy in negotiations, between countries, political parties, or even parents and their kids. Want a raise in your allowance? You may have to agree to do more chores as a _____ before your parents will agree. Although a _____ in an argument is the act of yielding or granting something, don't get confused and think that a _____ stand is called that because the workers are granting you popcorn at the baseball stadium. \_\_\_\_\_s at a ballpark or at another venue are called that because the stadium has granted the right to sell food to a certain provider. Chew on that the next time you're munching on peanuts at a game.

Answer 50

**_concession_** (n) **_conceed_** (v) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **a point conceded or yielded** * **the act of conceding or yielding** * **a thing that is granted, especially in response to demands; A COMPROMISE** * **the action of conceding, granting, or yielding something.** * **a gesture, especially a token one, made in recognition of a demand or prevailing standard.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **The prosecutor must be willing to offer a concession of leniency if he wants the defendant to testify against his co-conspirators.** Because of the storm, the city has made a concession that gives citizens a grace period to pay their utility bills without a fee. **The management is willing to give the employees a ten percent salary increase as a concession if they end the strike immediately.** As a concession for being late, the taxi driver offered me a fifty percent discount on the fare. **The union was not impressed by the concession the county offered the teachers to return to work.** In exchange for investing in my company, the investor is asking for a concession that amounts to twenty-five percent of the business. **With neither of the country leaders willing to make a concession to ease trade restrictions, the negotiations have ended.** The hotel offered the newlyweds a free bottle of champagne as a concession for not having their suite ready. **If the prisoners do not receive the concession they requested, they will not release the guards they are holding as hostages.** Since the developer could not give the landowner his desired concession, he was not able to buy the land for the new subdivision.

Question 51

*defintion:* * **overwhelm (someone) with things or people to be dealt with** * **to receive so many of something (letters, demands, requests, etc) that you cannot deal with them all** * **flood** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (v) To _____ means to quickly fill up or overwhelm, just like a flood. Your bathroom could be \_\_\_\_\_ed with water if the pipes burst, and hopefully your inbox is \_\_\_\_\_ed with nice emails on your birthday. Commonly used to refer to a deluge of water, _____ can also refer to an overflow of something less tangible, like information. Right before the holidays, toy stores are often \_\_\_\_\_ed with eager parents scrambling to get the latest action figures and video games. Attempt to read the entire dictionary in one sitting and you'll _____ your mind with vocabulary. But you probably won't remember any of it tomorrow.

Answer 51

**_inundate_** (v) **_inundation_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * **overwhelm (someone) with things or people to be dealt with** * **to receive so many of something (letters, demands, requests, etc) that you cannot deal with them all** * **flood** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Example sentences:* **My boss is the type of person who likes to inundate others with projects.** As a teacher, you can expect to have a room full of students who will inundate you with questions. **The natural force of the hurricane will soon inundate the state with water.** Because of the poor economy, unemployed workers will more than likely inundate the government with requests for financial assistance. **If you inundate my husband with questions, he will get very upset.** When the volcano erupts, lava will inundate the town and force people out of their homes. **Since James is very sensitive to odors, he will not spray any fragrance in his house that will inundate his sinuses.** I hope the excited fans will not inundate the shy celebrity when she walks into the theater. **If dogs and cats are not spayed and neutered, they can overpopulate and inundate the planet.** Angry customers may inundate our customer support line if their orders do not arrive on time.

Question 52

*defintion:* * **enter a group or organization in order to spy on the members** * **to enter an organization secretly in order to spy on or influence it.** * **enter or gain access to (an organization, place, etc.) surreptitiously and gradually, especially in order to acquire secret information.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) If you _____ a group or organization, you join it in order to gain information, like an employee of a donut shop that \_\_\_\_\_s the competition to try to learn its "secret recipe" for its delicious dough. \_\_\_\_\_ is a verb that is familiar to international spies and undercover agents, who are all adept at joining a group under false pretenses, fitting in, and working their way up to the highest ranks in order to find out as much information as they can about the group. The word can be used more broadly to describe anything that stealthily becomes a part of something else, such as slang words that _____ our everyday speech.

Answer 52

**_infiltrate_** (v) **_infiltration_** (n) **_infiltrator_** (n) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **enter a group or organization in order to spy on the members** * **to enter an organization secretly in order to spy on or influence it.** * **enter or gain access to (an organization, place, etc.) surreptitiously and gradually, especially in order to acquire secret information.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Exanple sentences:* **After the air conditioning unit malfunctioned, a large amount of debris would infiltrate the air and cause sickness to the household.** In the horror movie, the monster infiltrated society and wiped out many of them. **Cold air would infiltrate the foyer due to a draft caused by a space under the front door.** After the small child wiped his nose after shaking his friend’s hand, germs would infiltrate his body and make him very sick. **The mother-in-law despised her new daughter-in-law who felt had decided to infiltrate the family in order to gain a large inheritance.**

Question 53

defintion: * **something intended to distract someone's attention from something more important.** * **a turning aside (of your course or attention or concern)** * **an activity that dredirects or amuses or stimulates** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) A _____ can be something that takes you off the course you are on, like a detour while you are traveling, or a game of tennis that takes you away from the stress of work. The noun _____ and the verb divert are related. Both have to do with a change of focus or direction. When you want a break from something, many \_\_\_\_\_s are welcome, like a rousing game of “twenty questions” on a long car ride. Conversely, some diversions are unwelcome, like when the guy next to you is texting during your French midterm.

Answer 53

**_diversion_** (n) **_divert_** (v) **_diversionary_** (adj) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **something intended to distract someone's attention from something more important.** * **a turning aside (of your course or attention or concern)** * **an activity that dredirects or amuses or stimulates** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **The robbers threw smoke devices to create a diversion.** Diana created a diversion so that her friend could sneak into class without the teacher noticing. **Soldiers often use a diversion tactic, like a small attack away from their target, to sneak up on the enemy.** Melissa took a diversion from her normal afternoon workout and decided to go to the movies instead. **Many citizens do not agree with the politician’s diversion of funding from sciences to defense.** Grant’s main diversion from doing his homework was watching anime or playing video games.

Question 54

*defintion:* ## Footnote (adj) **below an average level.**

Answer 54

**_subpar_** (adj) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- below an average level. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **Instead of churning out a subpar film, they smartly walked away from the project.** I went to the play last night. The staging was subpar and the costumes were a riciulous bore.

Question 55

*defintion:* * **lacking any obvious principle of organization** * **dependent upon or characterized by chance** * **without care; in a slapdash manner** * **marked by great carelessness** * **random, chaotic, incomplete** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Anything _____ is random, disorganized, slipshod, or hit-or-miss. A tent erected \_\_\_\_\_ly might look more like a big nylon bag of dirty laundry than a place to sleep. Ever heard the expression "I'll _____ a guess?" That word means "chance," as in "take a chance." Think of the hap in _____ as short for "happen." Combine hap- and -hazard and you get something that happens (or appears to have happened) by chance. If you approach a math problem with _____ reasoning, you're likely to get it wrong.

Answer 55

**_haphazard_** (adj) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **lacking any obvious principle of organization** * **dependent upon or characterized by chance** * **without care; in a slapdash manner** * **marked by great carelessness** * **random, chaotic, incomplete** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **Compared to her mother’s organized system, Jen’s approach to housekeeping was haphazard, at best.** The haphazard arrangement of different types of flowers created a surprisingly beautiful bouquet. **Because of the haphazard mixture of fabric pieces and the way they’re laid out, they call this a crazy quilt.** Steven’s notes were a haphazard jumble of thoughts and I couldn’t make any sense out of them. **In his haphazard approach to nearly everything, Dale finds that his life is full of surprises.** Even though the layout of the map looks haphazard, careful study will reveal a clever arrangement of landmarks pointing to the treasure. **Her haphazard method of arranging the furniture made the den look cluttered and somewhat disturbing.** While her life had been characterized by a series of haphazard events, Cynthia somehow managed to develop into a very organized, structured businesswoman. **If you notice haphazard circles on the surface of the ocean, keep watching because it means whales have been jumping in the area.** Despite Gary’s haphazard study habits, he actually does quite well in all his courses.

Question 56

*defintion:* * serving as a temporary substitute; sufficient for the time being. * done or made using whatever is available * something contrived to meet an urgent need or emergency * something temporary and usually of poor quality, but used because there is nothing better available. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) If you have to use a garbage can lid as a sled or a set of drapes as a ball gown, then you know what it means to put together a _____ creation. Something makeshift has been improvised, thrown together with whatever is around. What's interesting about _____ is the way it can vary in meaning from approval to criticism. Those people trapped in the island in Lost? They came up with some pretty cool _____ tents and survival ideas. But a government described as \_\_\_\_\_, for example, probably has little going for it.

Answer 56

**_makeshift_** (adj) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * serving as a temporary substitute; sufficient for the time being. * done or made using whatever is available * something contrived to meet an urgent need or emergency * something temporary and usually of poor quality, but used because there is nothing better available. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **During the storm, we used the large tree branches as a makeshift shelter.** We converted the boxes into a makeshift table until our furniture arrived. **Because thousands of families were displaced during the hurricane, the football stadium has been turned into a makeshift shelter.**

Question 57

*defintion:* * **coincidence** * **a chance situation or coincidence** * **something that happened because of certain circumstances, although not planned by anyone.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) A _____ is a coincidental event. If you call your brother on the phone, that's intentional. If you bump into him in a restaurant, it's \_\_\_\_\_. \_\_\_\_\_ is a combination of the words, happen and circumstance. Whereas circumstances are the conditions that surround an event, _____ is the event itself. If you have no food at home so you go out to eat and sit next to a charming person who you end up marrying, your meeting was _____ and your being hungry and having no food at home were the circumstances.

Answer 57

**_happenstance_** (n) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **coincidence** * **a chance situation or coincidence** * **something that happened because of certain circumstances, although not planned by anyone.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **The coffeeshop conversation was happenstance, a coincidental meeting that lead to a whirlwind romance.** The office workers’ matching outfits came about by happenstance and weren’t planned at all. **Police think that the crime scene evidence was staged and wasn’t left my happenstance.**

Question 58

* definition:* * **occurring at the same time, resulting from chance or unplanned circumstances** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Things that are _____ take place at the same time, but there isn't any connection. It's just chance, a coincidence. Sometimes things seem connected because they happen at the same time, but they really aren't: they're just \_\_\_\_\_. A sports fan might have a lucky shirt he wears to bring his team luck. But, if his team wins, that's just \_\_\_\_\_. Shirts, unfortunately, don't influence game outcomes. _____ is the opposite of causal, which means one thing directly causing another to happen. When _____ things happen, like a friend calls just when you were thinking of her, it's just luck or chance.

Answer 58

**_coincidental_** (adj) **_coincidence_** (n) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **occurring at the same time, resulting from chance or unplanned circumstances** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **Having not even known that my friend was back in town, our meeting at the local grocery store was completely coincidental.** Getting sick on the day of my doctor’s appointment was completely coincidental, but at least I had something to discuss when I arrived. **Winning the lottery is a completely coincidental event, occurring only by chance and nothing else.** Being struck by lightning is a coincidental occurrence, one that you cannot plan for in any way and that only happens by chance. **A kid’s worst nightmare is the coincidental meeting of his mom and one of her friends while they are shopping in town, which guarantees an hour long delay in getting back home.**

Question 59

*defintion:* * **comprised of various elements** * **made up of various parts or elements.** * **consisting of separate interconnected parts** * **a thing made up of several parts or elements.** * **made up of several different things, parts, or substances.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) A _____ is something made up of complicated and related parts. A _____ photograph of your family might have your eyes, your sister’s nose, your dad’s mouth, and your mother’s chin. \_\_\_\_\_ comes from the Latin for "putting together." It can be used as a noun or adjective. If you and five friends put together a map showing all the places each of you has ever lived, you’ve created a \_\_\_\_\_. You could also describe it as a _____ map of your lives. _____ is also the name of a family of plants that have many little flowers wound so densely together that it just looks like one flower.

Answer 59

**_composite_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * **made up of various parts or elements.** * **consisting of separate interconnected parts** * **a thing made up of several parts or elements.** * **made up of several different things, parts, or substances.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Example sentences:* **The composite test score is the sum of the math and vocabulary scores.** If a number can be evenly divided by digits other than itself and one, the number is said to be composite in origin. **The composite poster was made of hundreds of tiny photographs.** When a chain of sentences is put together with commas, the resulting independent clause is called a composite sentence. **The new resort will be a composite facility that contains a hotel, a casino, and a spa.** It's a composite pictures with different faces superimposed over one another.

Question 60

*defintion:* * **started; began** * **set in motion, start an event or prepare the way for** * **take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) If you want to end the feud between your siblings, you might need to _____ peace talks, and come up with a fair way to decide who gets the top bunk. As a verb, _____ means to start. As a noun, _____ refers to someone who has been inducted into a group. As a verb, to _____ is to begin, pioneer, or broach a topic. You might say, "Let's _____ the swearing-in ceremony so our new \_\_\_\_\_s can join the Rule-Breakers' Club and still get home without missing their curfews."

Answer 60

**_initiate_** (v) **_initiative_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **set in motion, start an event or prepare the way for** * **take the lead or initiative in; participate in the development of** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​ *Example sentences:* **The chatty coworker always initiated conversations with her fellow employees while they were trying to work.** Only the man who initiated the fight was taken to jail since the other guy was merely defending himself from the attack. **The doctor initiated treatment right away, starting an IV and medicine as soon as the patient was admitted.** He proposes to initiate discussions on planning procedures.

Question 61

* TWO WORDS:* * defintion:* * **an unexpected development in a book, film, television program, etc.** * defintion* * **an episode that ends in suspense**

Answer 61

**_plot twist_** (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **an unexpected development in a book, film, television program, etc.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **Soap opera characters, on the other hand, live in a consistently overdramatic world where they are always engaged in some sort of complicated plot twist or attempting to be rescued from a distinct level of peril.** Dallas was also responsible for introducing a plot twist that would become almost a requirement for nearly all series in the future - the season's end cliffhanger. ============================================================= related word: *cliffhanger* * **an ending to an episode of a serial drama that leaves the audience in suspense.** * "it will take more than outrageous cliffhangers to win the ratings wars"* * **a story or event with a strong element of suspense.** * "the game was a cliffhanger right up to the final buzzer"* A cliffhanger is a plot device in a book, movie, or TV show that leaves the audience in suspense at the end of a scene or episode. If your favorite show ends its season with a cliffhanger, you'll have to wait months to find out what happens next. The key to a good cliffhanger is a character in some precarious position — this keeps the plot exciting, and it also ensures that the audience will return to see how dilemmas are resolved. In the case of a book, a cliffhanger keeps you turning the pages. The use of cliffhangers goes back to Homer's "Odyssey," though the word itself dates from 1937, from serial movies that would sometimes literally leave characters dangling from a cliff at the end.

Question 62

*deinition**:*** * **not important** * **not important or significant** * **lacking worth or importance** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) If something is considered of little worth or importance, it is \_\_\_\_\_. If astronomers forecast a tremendous meteor shower, it might turn out to be no more than space junk, too _____ to record. You can use the adjective _____ to describe things that just don’t matter or are of no relevance, as in "the rainy forecast is totally \_\_\_\_\_, the bowling tournament is inside!" It also describes things that don't make sense in a certain order, "trying to win their votes is \_\_\_\_\_: the election's over." Something small or minor can be _____ too, though the red bump on your nose on picture-day may not seem as _____ to you as it does to the photographer.

Answer 62

**_inconsequential_** (adj) *antonym: consequential* -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **not important** * **not important or significant** * **lacking worth or importance** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **It was decided that Pluto was too inconsequential to be a planet.** Compared to the seven car pileup on the highway yesterday, my little fender bender is inconsequential. **The millionaire considered a five hundred dollar tip inconsequential.** While you may consider my feelings to be inconsequential, they are very important to me. **When you walk with your head down and eyes lowered, you come across as being inconsequential.** Worrying about inconsequential tasks will prevent you from doing projects which really matter. **At the end of the day, everything is inconsequential except for your loved ones.** Despite the teacher’s warning, the students would not stop their inconsequential chatter. **Because the suspect’s charge was inconsequential, the judge let him out on bail.** Some earthquakes are so inconsequential that they do not pose any immediate danger to mankind.

Question 63

*defintion:* * **to be relevant to; pertains to = relates to** * **related or connected to the subject being referenced** * **to be appropriate, related, or applicable to something else** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) To ____ is to be relevant or somehow associated with something. If you're a lawyer, you try to find evidence that will pertain to the case and eliminate anything that is not connected. Behind the verb ____ lies the Latin verb pertinēre, which means "to be applicable" or "to hold through." If you think the rules of the road don't ____ to you, try explaining that to the state trooper when you get pulled over. Usage note: The word ____ often takes an s at the end, as in "That \_\_\_\_s to this matter," but loses it with a helper: “That doesn’t ____ to it.”

Answer 63

**_pertain_** (v) **_pertains to_** (v) **_pertaining to_** (v) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **to be relevant to; pertains to = relates to** * **related or connected to the subject being referenced** * **to be appropriate, related, or applicable to something else** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **The statistics found in the study pertain to the relationship between coffee drinking and poor sleep habits.** The x-rays displayed pertain to fracture in the patient’s left wrist. **These notes pertain to the symbolism and metaphors of poetry.** The discussion questions pertain to common themes found in romantic British literature. **All of the evidence and documents that pertain to the case were presented to the jury.**

Question 64

*definition:* * **a longing for a time or event that has passed** * **a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.** * **something done or presented in order to evoke feelings of nostalgia.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) Think of the noun _____ when you long for the good old days of the past. The noun _____ was invented by a Swiss doctor in the late 1600s. He put together the Greek nostos "homecoming" and algos "pain, distress" as a literal translation of the German Heimweh "homesickness." Originally, it was a medical diagnosis for mercenary soldiers. Today, it describes a bittersweet longing for the past. Think of the drea

Answer 64

**_nostalgia_** (n) **_nostalgic_** (adj) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **a longing for a time or event that has passed** * **a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.** * **something done or presented in order to evoke feelings of nostalgia.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **My grandfather says jazz music triggers nostalgia for his youth.** If my sister sees the family pictures and videos, nostalgia may help her regain his memory. **Watching cartoons on Saturday morning initiates nostalgia for the years when my family and I were really close.** Because my grandfather has nostalgia for the days of his youth, he is constantly telling stories about his childhood. **Seeing my daughter in a poodle skirt brought on nostalgia for when I was a teenybopper.**

Question 65

*definition:* **\_\_\_\_\_ is a principle from philosophy. Suppose an event has two possible explanations. The explanation that requires the fewest assumptions is usually correct. Another way of saying it is that the more assumptions you have to make, the more unlikely an explanation.**

Answer 65

**_Occam's razor_** *(or Ockham's razor)* (n) Occam's razor is a principle from philosophy. Suppose an event has two possible explanations. The explanation that requires the fewest assumptions is usually correct. Another way of saying it is that the more assumptions you have to make, the more unlikely an explanation.

Question 66

*definition:* * **the minimum size or amount of something required to start or maintain a venture.** * **the minimum amount (of something) required to start or maintain a venture** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is the minimum amount of something required to start or maintain any project or venture. In order for a new ice cream store to succeed, the need for it must reach \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Any movement or venture has to reach\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ to carry on and succeed. The _______ of a popular band would be the point at which their popularity starts to explode. In nuclear physics, _______ is the smallest mass of material that will start a chain reaction in a nuclear bomb or reactor. Both kinds of _______ begin chain reactions.

Answer 66

**_critical mass_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **the minimum size or amount of something required to start or maintain a venture.** * **the minimum amount (of something) required to start or maintain a venture** ========================================================== idiom: **"the hundredth monkey effect"** source: Wikipedia "The hundredth monkey effect is a hypothetical phenomenon in which a new behavior or idea is spread rapidly by unexplained means from one group to all related groups once a critical number of members of one group exhibit the new behavior or acknowledge the new idea."

Question 67

*definition:* * **the vocabulary of a subject or language** * **the vocabulary of a person, language, or branch of knowledge.** * **terminology geared to a particular topic or specific group of people** * **all the terms associated with a particular subject; the _____ of a person or group is all the words they commonly use.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) A _____ is the vocabulary of a language or subject. "No-hitter," "go-ahead run," and "Baltimore chop" are part of the baseball lexicon. \_\_\_\_\_s are really dictionaries, though a _____ usually covers an ancient language or the special vocabulary of a particular author or field of study. In linguistics, the _____ is the total stock of words and word elements that carry meaning. _____ is from Greek word meaning "word(book)," ultimately going back to the word legein, "to speak."

Answer 67

**_lexicon_** (n) *similar words: terminology, jargon, vernacular* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **the vocabulary of a subject or language** * **the vocabulary of a person, language, or branch of knowledge.** * **terminology geared to a particular topic or specific group of people** * **all the terms associated with a particular subject; the _____ of a person or group is all the words they commonly use.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **In the first year of law school, we learned a large number of words that became the basics of our legal lexicon.** It is hard to understand what teenagers say because their lexicon is constantly changing. **Since I am not a software engineer, I could not understand the lexicon used by the programmers who joined me at my table in the cafeteria.** Rappers often create new words their fans use as lexicon in their own conversations. **Unless you are a physician, you will find it difficult to understand much of the medical lexicon spoken by your doctor.**

Question 68

*definition*: * **disqualify oneself (as a judge) in a particular case** * **when a judge removes themself from a legal case because they consider themselves to be biased.** * **to declare oneself disqualified to act as a judge, or remove oneself from participation to avoid a conflict of interest** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) The verb _____ is used in legal situations and means to remove someone from a position of judicial authority, either a judge or a member of a jury, who is deemed unacceptable to judge, usually because of some bias. The Latin word meaning "to refuse" is the place to start in the history of \_\_\_\_\_. You can _____ someone else, but also yourself. As the sister-in-law of the person accused of stealing 400 gallons of pudding from the local pudding factory, you had no choice but to _____ yourself from judging the trial. Too bad, it sounds like an interesting one.

Answer 68

**_recuse_** (v) *similar phrase: "conflict of interest"* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **disqualify oneself (as a judge) in a particular case** * **when a judge removes themself from a legal case because they consider themselves to be biased.** * **to declare oneself disqualified to act as a judge, or remove oneself from participation to avoid a conflict of interest** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **The judge had to recuse herself from the case when the defendant turned out to be her cousin.** Because his nephew was competing, the judge had to recuse himself from scoring that event. **After it was discovered that a contestant was a relative, the reality show producer was forced to recuse himself from the casting process.** A baking competition judge had to recuse herself when her own pie was chosen as a finalist. **The CEO decided to recuse himself from the hiring process when his nephew applied for a position.**

Question 69

*defintion:* * **a person who rejects the majority and takes an opposing view** * **a person who deliberately behaves in a way that is different from the people around them.** * **opposing or rejecting popular opinion; going against current practice.**

Answer 69

**_contrarian_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * **a person who rejects the majority and takes an opposing view** * **a person who deliberately behaves in a way that is different from the people around them.** * **opposing or rejecting popular opinion; going against current practice.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Example sentences:* **The politician took a contrarian stance and opposed the bill supported by most of the members of his party.** A contrarian at heart, Emma likes to vote against the majority any chance she gets. **Because of his contrarian view on the war, the man refused to go to war for his country.** The contrarian investors usually buy stocks that other people are getting rid of.

Question 70

*defintion:* * **a person or being that can change their body’s form at will** * (in folklore) **a creature that has the ability to change its physical form at will** * (chiefly in fiction) **a person or being with the ability to change their physical form at will.** -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Answer 70

**_shapeshifter_** (n) **_shapeshift_** (v) *related: chameleon (n) a changeable or inconstant person, a person who changes their opinions or behavior according to the situation* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Example sentences: [link](https://wordsinasentence.com/shapeshifter-in-a-sentence/)

Question 71

*defintion:* * **something that does not have a clear meaning** * **unclear or confusing, or it can be understood in more than one way.** * **the quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness.** * **unclearness by virtue of having more than one meaning** * **an expression whose meaning cannot be determined from its context** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) Something with _____ is unclear. Think about the sentence, "Jill saw the man with binoculars." If you are wondering whether Jill or the man had the binoculars, you are noticing the \_\_\_\_\_, or the double meaning, of this sentence. Lawyers word contracts to avoid \_\_\_\_\_, but in doing so prevent anyone who is not a lawyer from understanding what they have written! If you can't choose between two decisions because both seem somehow wrong, you are dealing with moral \_\_\_\_\_. Imagine if a friend who has helped you out many times asks you to cheat. It's wrong to cheat but it also seems wrong not to help someone who has been there for you.

Answer 71

**_ambiguity_** (n) **_ambiguous_** (adj) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **something that does not have a clear meaning** * **unclear or confusing, or it can be understood in more than one way.** * **the quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness.** * **unclearness by virtue of having more than one meaning** * **an expression whose meaning cannot be determined from its context** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Example sentences: [link](https://wordsinasentence.com/ambiguity-in-a-sentence/)

Question 72

*defintion:* * **surrender under agreed conditions** * **cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand; surrender.** * **to give in; to surrender under certain terms** * **stop resisting and do what someone else wants you to do.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) To _____ means to give in to something. If your parents refuse to raise your allowance, you might try to argue until they \_\_\_\_\_. Good luck! To _____ is to surrender outright or to give in under certain terms. Either way, you’re agreeing to something you don’t really want.

Answer 72

**_capitulate_** (v) **_capitulation_** (n) *synonymous: succumb, yield, submit, surrender* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **surrender under agreed conditions** * **cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand; surrender.** * **to give in; to surrender under certain terms** * **stop resisting and do what someone else wants you to do.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/capitulate-in-a-sentence/)

Question 73

*defintion*: * **complete freedom to act as one wishes or thinks best.** * **freedom to do whatever one wants** * **the authority to do whatever you think is right.** * **complete freedom or authority to act** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) \_\_\_\_ ____ is complete freedom. If a dozen seven-year-olds were given ____ \_\_\_\_ to spend the day doing whatever they wanted, things might get a little crazy. \_\_\_\_ ____ means" you're free to do whatever you want. It was originally adopted by English speakers to mean "blank paper," and grew to have its current meaning in the late 1700s. One of those blank papers might be a check that can be made payable to any amount. So if your wealthy aunt offers to take you on a ____ \_\_\_\_ shopping spree, it means she'll buy you whatever you like.

Answer 73

**_carte blanche_** (n) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion*: * **complete freedom to act as one wishes or thinks best.** * **freedom to do whatever one wants** * **the authority to do whatever you think is right.** * **complete freedom or authority to act** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/carte-blanche-in-a-sentence/wordsinasentence.com/carte-blanche-in-a-sentence/)

Question 74

*defintion:* * **to keep up or support** * **continue something or maintain it for a period of time** * **cause to continue or be prolonged for an extended period or without interruption.** * **lengthen or extend in duration or space** * **strengthen or support physically or mentally.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) \_\_\_\_\_ means to support something or keep it going. If you get hungry in the mid-afternoon, you might try snacking to _____ your energy through dinner. Beams and rafters _____ a roof, they keep it up. If you _____ a conversation over the course of hours, you keep it going during that time. If you _____ an injury, it means you are injured. If you _____ an interest in what you're studying, it means that you're just as excited about the subject after studying as you are when you began.

Answer 74

**_sustain_** (n) *similar words: maintain, maintencence (keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., "keep clean")* ----------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **to keep up or support** * **continue something or maintain it for a period of time** * **cause to continue or be prolonged for an extended period or without interruption.** * **lengthen or extend in duration or space** * **strengthen or support physically or mentally.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/sustain-in-a-sentence/)

Question 75

*defintion:* * **to stick to firmly** * **to conform to or follow rules exactly** * **act in the way that it says you should stick to a rule or agreement** * **stick fast to (a surface or substance).** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) If you don't want monkey droppings to _____ to the sole of your shoe, watch where you’re walking. Maybe if you'd \_\_\_\_\_, or stick to, the zoo rules and stay on the walking path, you wouldn't have to worry about it. \_\_\_\_\_ is from the 15th-century French verb meaning "to stick." Things that are sticky will \_\_\_\_\_, or attach, to surfaces and stay there, whether you want them to or not. When a person chooses to _____ to something, it is more of a choice to stick with it or agree to abide by rules or guidelines. You can also adhere by being loyal, as when you adhere to the high moral standards or behavior expected of some organization.

Answer 75

**_adhere_** (v) **_adherent_** (n) **_adhesive_** (adj) (n) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **to stick to firmly** * **to conform to or follow rules exactly** * **act in the way that it says you should stick to a rule or agreement** * **stick fast to (a surface or substance).** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/adhere-in-a-sentence/)

Question 76

*defintion*: * **a standard or typical example** * **an example that represents or expresses something very well** * **a person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) If you're talking about a typical example of something, call it the \_\_\_\_\_. The cartoon character Garfield is the _____ of the lazy, food-obsessed cat. Coming to us from Greek through Latin, epitome refers to something that is the ultimate representative of its class. Are you the _____ of the hard-working student or do you believe in study in moderation?

Answer 76

**_epitome_** (n) **_epitomize_** (v) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion*: * **a standard or typical example** * **an example that represents or expresses something very well** * **a person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/epitome-in-a-sentence/)

Question 77

*defintion:* * **omit or decline to take** (something pleasant or valuable)**; go without.** * **do without or cease to hold or adhere to** * **refrain from** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Answer 77

**_forgo_** (v) **_foregone_** (adj) **_a foregone conclusion_** (n) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **omit or decline to take (something pleasant or valuable); go without.** * **do without or cease to hold or adhere to** * **refrain from** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/forego-in-a-sentence/)

Question 78

*defintion*: * **not conclusive, not leading to a conclusion** * **not conclusive; not putting an end to doubt or question** * **not leading to a firm conclusion; not ending doubt or dispute.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (adj) If something's \_\_\_\_\_, that means it doesn't lead to a ---------- or a resolution. \_\_\_\_\_ often describes scientific results. If your data about a flu outbreak is \_\_\_\_\_, then your results don't prove anything. A good way to remember the meaning of _____ is to look at the root word ----------, which means "definitive, decisive, and convincing." When you add in, which means "not," to the front of ----------, you get a word that means "not definitive." When something's \_\_\_\_\_, it doesn't resolve your questions and leaves room for debate. If you're a detective, the last thing you want to hear is that your evidence is \_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 78

**_inconclusive_** (adj) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *defintion*: * **not conclusive, not leading to a conclusion** * **not conclusive; not putting an end to doubt or question** * **not leading to a firm conclusion; not ending doubt or dispute.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/inconclusive-in-a-sentence/)

Question 79

*defintion:* * **talk in a dogmatic and pompous manner** * **to speak in an arrogant tone, particularly for a long period** * **express one's opinions in a way considered annoyingly pompous and dogmatic.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) To _____ is to talk in a dogmatic and pompous manner. To _____ properly, you need to be a know-it-all with very strong opinions and the urge to share them. \_\_\_\_\_ comes from the French word ------, another word for the Pope, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The noun _____ refers to the government of the Roman Catholic Church. Another word for this is the papacy.

Answer 79

**_pontificate_** (v) **_pontiff_** (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **talk in a dogmatic and pompous manner** * **to speak in an arrogant tone, particularly for a long period** * **express one's opinions in a way considered annoyingly pompous and dogmatic.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/pontificate-in-a-sentence/)

Question 80

*definition:* * *1.* **secure against future loss, damage, or liability; give security for** * **secure (someone) against legal liability for their actions.** * **to promise to protect them against something bad happening, especially financially** * *2.* **compensate; insure** * **make amends for; pay compensation for** * **to provide with a payment for damage or loss.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) To pay compensation for a loss, damages, or similar expense is to \_\_\_\_\_. "The insurance company \_\_\_\_\_ed its customers for their claims after the severe storm — one customer lost three cars, a row boat, and a golf cart." The verb _____ also means to secure against future loss. The farmers bought insurance to _____ themselves and their animals against catastrophic loss. The word _____ comes from a Latin word which means "to unhurt." The city wanted to shut down an old local landmark because they were afraid it no longer met modern safety standards, but local citizens wanted it to remain. In a compromise, the owners agreed to _____ the city against possible loss and the landmark was allowed to remain.

Answer 80

**_indemnify_** (v) **_indemnification_** (n) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * *1.* **secure against future loss, damage, or liability; give security for** * **secure (someone) against legal liability for their actions.** * **to promise to protect them against something bad happening, especially financially** * *2.* **compensate; insure** * **make amends for; pay compensation for** * **to provide with a payment for damage or loss.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **This plan indemnifies workers against wages lost through illness.** The newspaper could not be forced to indemnify the city for personal-injury liability. **Since Kevin was driving drunk, the insurance company will not indemnify him from the property damage he caused.** They agreed to indemnify the taxpayers against any loss. **The printers were indemnified against legal action.** The corporaiton doesn't have the money to indemnify everybody. **The amount of insurance that may be carried to indemnify the owner in the event of a loss.** The trucking company will indemnify the victim of the car accident caused by the sleeping trucker. **Do you think the airline is going to indemnify the expense I incurred from missing my connecting flight?** The construction company is going to indemnify the worker who lost his arm because of another employee’s negligence. **The insurance firm will indemnify the board of directors against lawsuits from shareholders.**

Question 81

*defintion:* * **based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.** * **not done for any particular reason; chosen or done at random** * **not based on any principle, plan, or system.** * **based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or caprice** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Something that's _____ seems like it's chosen at random instead of following a consistent rule. Team members would dislike their coach using a totally _____ method to pick starting players. Even though _____ comes from a word meaning "judge" (-------), that doesn't mean judges are always fair. Calling a decision-maker _____ is usually a negative thing, suggesting the person is making rules based on whim rather than justice. A coach who selects starting players \_\_\_\_\_ly isn't strictly applying a rule; he could just be picking names out of a hat.

Answer 81

**_arbitrary_** (adj) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **ased on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.** * **not done for any particular reason; chosen or done at random** * **not based on any principle, plan, or system.** * **based on or subject to individual discretion or preference or sometimes impulse or caprice** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/arbitrary-in-a-sentence/)

Question 82

*defintion:* * *1.* **heavenly or spiritual** * **of heaven or the spirit** * *2.* **extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world.** * **Someone or something that is ethereal has a delicate beauty.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (adj) Something _____ is airy and insubstantial, like a ghostly figure at the top of the stairs. This word can also describe something delicate and light, like a singer’s ethereal voice. \_\_\_\_\_ comes from the Greek word for ether, which means “air” or more specifically “the upper regions of space.” An _____ substance or sound is one that carries the feeling of light and air — something you might see in a vision that strikes you as heavenly or supernatural.

Answer 82

**_ethereal_** (adj) *ether (n) the clear sky; the upper regions of air beyond the clouds.* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *defintion:* * *1.* **heavenly or spiritual** * **of heaven or the spirit** * *2.* **extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world.** * **Someone or something that is ethereal has a delicate beauty.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/ethereal-in-a-sentence/)

Question 83

*defintion:* * **capable of being touched** * **something you CAN percieve by touch** * **perceptible by the senses, especially the sense of touch** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) When you can touch something, it's \_\_\_\_\_: "I need _____ proof that aliens exist, I want to shake their little green hands!" \_\_\_\_\_ is from Latin tangere, "to touch," and it simply means something that can be touched or felt, though it can be used in metaphorical senses: _____ assets have a value that can be precisely measured, and _____ grief can be clearly sensed by an onlooker. So you might not need to physically touch something for it to be \_\_\_\_\_, but it has to be grounded in the real world of facts: "Has the teen pop star demonstrated any _____ ability to sing?"

Answer 83

**_tangible_** (adj) **_tangibility_** (n) * synonym: palpable, tactile* * antonym:* intangible (adj) unable to be touched or grasped; not having physical presence. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **capable of being touched** * **something you CAN percieve by touch** * **perceptible by the senses, especially the sense of touch** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/tangible-in-a-sentence/)

Question 84

*definition:* * **force into an inadequate space.** * **fit for a specific purpose even when not well suited** * **a curved instrument used to ease one's heel into a shoe.**

Answer 84

**_shoehorn_** (v) (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *definition:* * **force into an inadequate space.** * **fit for a specific purpose even when not well suited** * **a curved instrument used to ease one's heel into a shoe.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://www.wordhippo.com/what-is/sentences-with-the-word/shoehorn.html)

Question 85

* defintion:* * **the undermining of the power and authority of an established system or institution.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) \_\_\_\_\_ means overthrowing something, like a government or law, or it can mean corrupting someone’s personal morals, like making a vegetarian eat bacon by tricking her. The Latin root means “to turn from below,” and when you turn something on its head in a sneaky way, that’s \_\_\_\_\_. Imagine digging a hole in the ground, then covering the hole with a layer of sticks and leaves. When someone walks on it, they fall in. That’s the basic idea of \_\_\_\_\_, attacking from below. People often use _____ to take down a corrupt government, and acts of _____ are a powerful way to protest injustice.

Answer 85

**_subversion_** (n) **_subvert_** (v) **_subversive_** (adj) **_sabatuer_** (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- * defintion:* * **the undermining of the power and authority of an established system or institution.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/subversion-in-a-sentence/)

Question 86

* defintion:* * **a fascinating aura of mystery, awe, and power surrounding someone or something.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) An air of mystery around someone gives that person a certain \_\_\_\_\_, like your glamorous next door neighbor who's rumored to work for the CIA. The noun _____ is good for describing someone you find fascinating, like your beautiful and mysterious French teacher with that special \_\_\_\_\_. A place or an object can also be described this way; many travelers are attracted to India's \_\_\_\_\_, for example. The root of _____ is thought to be the Greek word mystikos, "secret or mystic."

Answer 86

**_mystique_** (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * defintion:* * **a fascinating aura of mystery, awe, and power surrounding someone or something.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/mystique-in-a-sentence/)

Question 87

*defintion:* * **a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.** * **something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained; mystery** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) Use the noun ____ to refer to something that is a puzzle or a mystery. Why do you have to learn difficult words like this? That is an \_\_\_\_. Traveling to English from Greek by means of the Latin word for "riddle," ____ refers to something or someone that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to figure out. Many things have been named \_\_\_\_, including a rock band, a video game, a rollercoaster ride, and a very famous coding machine used in World War II.

Answer 87

**_enigma_** (n) **_enigmatic_** (adj) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.** * **something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained; mystery** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/enigma-in-a-sentence/)

Question 88

*definiton:* * *1.* **human behavior, especially that of a sexual nature, that isn’t considered normal or moral** * **sexual behavior or desire that is considered abnormal or unacceptable.** * *2.* **the alteration of something from its original course, meaning, or state to a distortion or corruption of what was first intended.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (n) Although most often used to refer to some sort of psychological corruption or abnormal behavior (usually sexual), the word _____ can actually refer to anything that is used for a distorted or wrong purpose. The Latin word which means "turn around," serves as the basis for the noun \_\_\_\_\_, suggesting something that is contrary to something else. The word developed a religious meaning in the 15th century, when it came to be used to refer to any distortion of church doctrine. Around 1700, the word developed a secular meaning, denoting what was considered deviant sexual behavior, often any sexual behavior other than that used to reproduce.

Answer 88

**_perversion_** (n) **_pervert_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *definiton:* * *1.* **human behavior, especially that of a sexual nature, that isn’t considered normal or moral** * **sexual behavior or desire that is considered abnormal or unacceptable.** * *2.* **the alteration of something from its original course, meaning, or state to a distortion or corruption of what was first intended.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/perversion-in-a-sentence/)

Question 89

*defintion:* * **not alive, especially not in the manner of animals and humans.** * **showing no sign of life; lifeless.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) \_\_\_\_\_ describes a non-living thing. Chairs, baseballs, sofa cushions and sadly, snowmen, are all _____ objects. We can break _____ down into two Latin roots: in, which means “not,” and animatus, which translates to “alive.” So inanimate means simply, "not alive." That include things that are recently dead, things that were never alive to begin with, and things that simply look dead: A bear in hibernation may appear _____ due to its decreased heart rate, but don’t be fooled, it’s very much alive.

Answer 89

**_inanimate_** (adj) *related: inanimate object* -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **not alive, especially not in the manner of animals and humans.** * **showing no sign of life; lifeless.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/inanimate-in-a-sentence/)

Question 90

*defintion:* * (v) **to record (a related series of events) in a factual and detailed way.** * (n) **a factual written account of important or historical events in the order of their occurrence.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To _____ an event is to record it as it happens, and a _____ is a record of those events. If your grandmother took the time to _____ the details of her 1910 journey to Japan, you can read her _____ today. To _____ something is to describe past or current events. _____ is related to \_\_\_\_\_logical and comes from the Greek ta khronika, which means “annals of time.” Events are usually \_\_\_\_\_d in the order in which they occurred. The noun chronicle is a record of things that happened — told in \_\_\_\_\_logical order, like the diary you kept in elementary school. It is a _____ of those years.

Answer 90

**_chronicle_** (v) **_chronicles_** (n) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * (v) **to record (a related series of events) in a factual and detailed way.** * (n) **a factual written account of important or historical events in the order of their occurrence.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/chronicle-in-a-sentence/)

Question 91

* defintion:* * **giving human traits to objects and living creatures that are not human** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (n) The idea behind _____ is that of attributing human characteristics to nonhumans, gods, animals, or inanimate objects. If you believe that your cat wants to celebrate his birthday, you are participating in \_\_\_\_\_. The Greek words for "human" and "form" created the word \_\_\_\_\_, originally used to give human qualities to a deity. The Greeks and Romans used the idea in stories about their gods, giving them human traits to balance their powers (and make better stories). Even today, many people picture the god they worship as a human form. Whether it's an old man with a beard, mother earth, or a bearded lady, that's \_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 91

**_anthropomorphism_** (n) **_anthropomorphic_** (adj) **_anthropomorphize_** (v) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * defintion:* * **giving human traits to objects and living creatures that are not human** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/anthropomorphism-in-a-sentence/)

Question 92

* definition:* * **the state of being all the same or uniform in look/action** -------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) \_\_\_\_\_ is the sameness of things. If you're looking for _____ in your wardrobe, you'll want shirts and jeans that all have something similar about them. \_\_\_\_\_ can also mean that something is the same throughout. Plain yogurt has a _____ about it, it's white all the way through and it should be the same texture throughout.

Answer 92

**_homogeneity_** (n) ## Footnote **_homogeous_** (adj) * antonym: heterogeneous, hetergeneity* * (=the quality or state of being diverse in character or content.)* -------------------------------------------------------------------------- * definition:* * **the state of being all the same or uniform in look/action** -------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/homogeneity-in-a-sentence/)

Question 93

*definition:* * **an expert on a particular subject** * **an expert judge in matters of taste.** * **an expert able to appreciate a field; especially in the fine arts** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) A _____ is a person who, through study and interest, has a fine appreciation for something, like the _____ who can identify the clarinet player on a jazz recording by the sound of his inhalations alone. A _____ is an authority in his field, someone who has expert knowledge and training, especially in the arts. A _____ may also be someone with an extremely developed sense of taste, like the _____ who can identify rare wine by a flavor others can't even detect. Then again, some people call themselves \_\_\_\_\_s of just about anything they like, pizza, old vinyl albums, even cartoons, because they know so much about it.

Answer 93

**_connoisseur_** (n) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **an expert on a particular subject** * **an expert judge in matters of taste.** * **an expert able to appreciate a field; especially in the fine arts** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/connoisseur-in-a-sentence/)

Question 94

*defintion:* * **the state or quality of lasting forever.** * **forevermore or permanently** * **the property of being perpetual (seemingly ceaseless)** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) The word _____ means "the property of lasting forever." The _____ of an eternal flame means that it will burn endlessly, while an ordinary candle flame will eventually extinguish. Anything in _____ keeps on going and going and going. If you crash the family car and your parents ban you from driving it in \_\_\_\_\_, you’re never driving that car again. First appearing in the 15th century, the noun perpetuity derives from the Latin word perpetuus meaning "continuing throughout."

Answer 94

**_perpetuity_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **the state or quality of lasting forever.** * **forevermore or permanently** * **the property of being perpetual (seemingly ceaseless)** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/perpetuity-in-a-sentence/)

Question 95

*defintion:* * **changing one’s mind frequently** * **prone to sudden unpredictable change** * **changing frequently, especially as regards one's loyalties, interests, or affection.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) People who are _____ change their minds so much you can't rely on them. If your best friend suddenly decides that she doesn't like you one week, and then the next week she wants to hang out again, she's being \_\_\_\_\_. \_\_\_\_\_ comes from the Old English word ficol, for deceitful. We usually use _____ to talk about people, but it can also be used for abstract things that alternately favor you and abuse you, like the weather. If you win the lottery and then lose everything else in the world that's important to you, fate is being \_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 95

**_fickle_** (adj) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **changing one’s mind frequently** * **prone to sudden unpredictable change** * **changing frequently, especially as regards one's loyalties, interests, or affection.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/fickle-in-a-sentence/)

Question 96

*definition:* * **boring; annoying because it is long or slow** * **too long, slow, or dull; tiresome or monotonous.** * **so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (adj) If something is \_\_\_\_\_, it's boring. If you're anxious to get outside and enjoy the sun, even the best lecture will seem \_\_\_\_\_. \_\_\_\_\_ is the adjective from \_\_\_um, which is both Latin and English for boredom. You ordinarily wouldn't use _____ for people, just things; you might say "His speeches are \_\_\_\_\_," but usually not "He is \_\_\_\_\_." Something that is _____ could also be called tiresome. Shakespeare's Friar Laurence says "I will be brief, for my short date of breath / Is not so long as is a _____ tale."

Answer 96

**_tedious_** (adj) **_tedium_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *definition:* * **boring; annoying because it is long or slow** * **too long, slow, or dull; tiresome or monotonous.** * **so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/tedious-in-a-sentence/)

Question 97

* definition:* * **(n) a situation in which one action or event causes many other similar actions or events**

Answer 97

**_snowball effect_** (n) *similar: domino effect* -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * definition:* * **a situation in which one action or event causes many other similar actions or events** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **The city hopes that these improvements will have a snowball effect and spur private investment in the community.** It had a snowball effect, and I remember waking up one morning with over 4,000 messages to download. **Joe's wealth grew like a snowball effect through time.**

Question 98

*defintion:* * **feeling or showing profound respect or veneration** * **feeling or showing deep and solemn respect.** * **showing great respect for a person or thing.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) When you have great awe and respect for someone or something, and you show it by respectfully worshiping that person, thing, deity, or musical group, you are being \_\_\_\_\_. Originally, the word _____ was used only in religious contexts, but now it works when people are just acting like they’re in a religious setting (even if the object of their worship is a sports star or political pundit). People are occasionally _____ in regard to antique cars, supermodels, spelling bee champions and giant TV screens. _____ is related to the verb revere, which is also about having or showing respect for someone or something.

Answer 98

**_reverent_** (adj) **_reverence_** (n) *anotonym: irreverent* -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **feeling or showing profound respect or veneration** * **feeling or showing deep and solemn respect.** * **showing great respect for a person or thing.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/reverent-in-a-sentence/)

Question 99

*defintion:* * *1.* **instinctive _knowing_ (without the use of rational processes)** * **a thing that one knows or considers likely from instinctive feeling rather than conscious reasoning.** * **unexplained feelings you have that something is true even when you have no evidence or proof of it.** * *2.* **the ability to _understand_ something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning; instinct** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (n) If you know the definition of this noun by quick insight without relying on reason, you know what _____ means! \_\_\_\_\_ is a noun whose definition means that someone uses quick understanding to interpret but without using reasoning or perception, a snap judgment. The definition of the word comes from the Latin roots in- meaning "at" or "on" and tueri meaning "look at, watch over." If we use our _____ it means that we don't always make the correct interpretation, and in fact, the Australian writer Christina Stead wrote, "\_\_\_\_\_ is not infallible; it only seems to be the truth."

Answer 99

**_intuitition_** (n) **_intuititive_** (adj) [defintion](https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/intuitive) *similar: "a gut instinct" or "have a hunch"* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * *1.* **instinctive _knowing_ (without the use of rational processes)** * **a thing that one knows or considers likely from instinctive feeling rather than conscious reasoning.** * **unexplained feelings you have that something is true even when you have no evidence or proof of it.** * *2.* **the ability to _understand_ something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning; instinct** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/intuition-in-a-sentence/)

Question 100

*definition*: * **the ability to say or do things in such a way that doesn’t upset or offend anyone** * **consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offense** * **the ability to do or say things without offending or upsetting other people** * **adroitness and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues.** * **the ability to avoid upsetting or offending people by being careful not to say or do things that would hurt their feelings.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) To talk carefully without hurting anyone’s feelings, that’s \_\_\_\_\_. Politicians have \_\_\_\_\_, which makes them good at speaking about sensitive matters without making fools of themselves. At least, sometimes they have \_\_\_\_\_. Around a friend who’s afraid of snakes, you use _____ when talking about reptiles because you don’t want to upset them. The Latin root word tangere means “touch,” and a person with _____ avoids touching dangerous words like they are an electric fence. When you say something without \_\_\_\_\_, you “put your foot in your mouth,” as the phrase goes. You don’t literally put your foot in your mouth, although if you did you’d avoid offending people with words.

Answer 100

**_tact_** (n) **_tactful_** (adj) **_tactfulness_** (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition*: * **the ability to say or do things in such a way that doesn’t upset or offend anyone** * **consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offense** * **the ability to do or say things without offending or upsetting other people** * **adroitness and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues.** * **the ability to avoid upsetting or offending people by being careful not to say or do things that would hurt their feelings.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/tact-in-a-sentence/)

Question 101

*defintion:* * **existing in fact whether with lawful authority or not** * **being such in effect, though not formally recognized; in reality or actuality** * **indicates that something is a particular thing, even though it was not planned or intended to be that thing.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) (adv) \_\_\_\_\_ is Latin for "of fact," meaning "in reality," and it's usually contrasted with "de jure," which means "of law," or "officially." If you're the _____ mayor of your town, you’re acting as mayor, even though you weren't legally elected. You may be just helping out while the official mayor, the de jure mayor, the person who was officially elected, is out of town or ill. Or it might be more sinister, you seized power from the true mayor and locked him in the basement of town hall, and now you’ve made yourself the _____ mayor. ^ ^ d\_\_ \_\_\_\_o

Answer 101

**_de facto_** (adj) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **existing in fact whether with lawful authority or not** * **being such in effect, though not formally recognized; in reality or actuality** * **indicates that something is a particular thing, even though it was not planned or intended to be that thing.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences 1](https://sentencedict.com/de%20facto.html) [Example sentences 2](https://wordsinasentence.com/de-facto-in-a-sentence/)

Question 102

*defintion*: * **implied but not directly stated** * **understood or implied without being stated** * **implied by or inferred from actions or statements** * **expressed or carried on without words or speech** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Something _____ is implied or understood without question. Holding hands might be a _____ acknowledgment that a boy and girl are dating. The adjective _____ refers to information that is understood without needing to acknowledge it. For example, since we know that the sky is blue, that kind of assumption is \_\_\_\_\_. Lawyers talk about "\_\_\_\_\_ agreements," where parties give their silent consent and raise no objections.

Answer 102

**_tacit_** (adj) **_tacitly_** (adv) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion*: * **implied but not directly stated** * **understood or implied without being stated** * **implied by or inferred from actions or statements** * **expressed or carried on without words or speech** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/tacit-in-a-sentence/)

Question 103

*defintion:* * **not certain or fixed** * **not certain or fixed; provisional.** * **under terms not final or fully worked out or agreed upon** * **unsettled in mind or opinion** * **not done with confidence : uncertain and hesitant** * **not fully worked out or developed** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Choose the adjective _____ to describe something you are unsure or hesitant about. On Monday, you can make tentative plans for the weekend, but it's too early to commit to one party or another. \_\_\_\_\_ always describes something that is uncertain. If you make a tentative appointment, write it down in pencil, not pen, because it might have to be changed. Here the opposite of _____ is definite or set. If someone gives you a _____ smile or nod, the person feels hesitant or unsure about something. In this case, its opposite is confident.

Answer 103

**_tentiatve_** (adj) **_tentiatvly_** (adv) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **not certain or fixed** * **not certain or fixed; provisional.** * **under terms not final or fully worked out or agreed upon** * **unsettled in mind or opinion** * **not done with confidence : uncertain and hesitant** * **not fully worked out or developed** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/tentative-in-a-sentence/)

Question 104

*defintion:* * **poor enough to need help from others** * **without the basic necessities of life.** * **someone who has no money or possessions; utterly lacking** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) When you think of the word \_\_\_\_\_, which means poor or lacking other necessities of life, think of someone who is in desperate straits. A very, very tight budget is poor. Living on the streets is \_\_\_\_\_. \_\_\_\_\_ essentially means not having something. When you're _____ in the sense of being poor, you're technically "\_\_\_\_\_ of money." You can be _____ of other things as well. If all your friends have abandoned you, you're "\_\_\_\_\_ of friends." If you are applying for a job as a waitress but have never worked in a restaurant in any capacity, you're "\_\_\_\_\_ of experience."

Answer 104

**_destitute_** (adj) **_destitution_** (n) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **poor enough to need help from others** * **without the basic necessities of life.** * **someone who has no money or possessions; utterly lacking** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/destitute-in-a-sentence/)

Question 105

*defintion:* * **become accustomed to a new climate or to new conditions.** * **get used to a certain climate** * **to adapt to a new place or different conditions** * **to adjust or adapt to a new temperature, climate, environment, or situation** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) When you _______ yourself to a situation, you become used to it. It usually means getting accustomed to a particular new climate, but it can also mean getting used to other situations, such as a new school. The word climate in the word _______ should give you a clue as to the word's meaning: to get used to a specific climate. Nature allows the human body to _______ itself to various weather conditions. For example, people moving to higher altitudes will develop more red blood cells in order to absorb oxygen better. This is their bodies' way of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ing to the thinner air. It takes a while for the body to become \_\_\_\_\_\_\_d to a new climate.

Answer 105

**_acclimate_** (v) **_acclimation_** (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **become accustomed to a new climate or to new conditions.** * **get used to a certain climate** * **to adapt to a new place or different conditions** * **to adjust or adapt to a new temperature, climate, environment, or situation: to become acclimated** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/acclimate-in-a-sentence/)

Question 106

*definition:* * **a confused mixture; a jumble** * **a motley assortment of things** * **a concoction or assortment of various things** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) If you’ve ever seen a piece of artwork where the picture is comprised of little clay tiles, then you’ve seen a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. If you break a nice piece of china, or a stain glass window, you could save the broken pieces for future use in a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. A _______ is a style of art where a larger image is created by arranging bits of clay, glass, or other materials in a pattern. More broadly, you can use this word to describe anything that is made up of many different elements, such as “the diverse group represented a _______ of different viewpoints.”

Answer 106

**_hodgepodge_** (n) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **a confused mixture; a jumble** * **a motley assortment of things** * **a concoction or assortment of various things** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/mosaic-in-a-sentence/)

Question 107

* defintion*: * **below the threshold of conscious perception** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Each of your five senses constantly sends new information to your brain. And there’s another way your brain receives information: through _______ messages. The unconscious mind picks up on things you don’t even realize. Faint humming might make you irritated. Red lights can raise your blood temperature. Usually, _______ methods are used to control people, like flashing words quickly during a television program. If you’re worried, there’s not much you can do, because _______ literally means “below the threshold” or surface of your conscious mind, and you probably will never even notice that you’re being controlled. Try reading only the capital letters of this definition for an example of a _______ message.

Answer 107

**_subliminal_** (adj) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * defintion*: * **below the threshold of conscious perception** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/subliminal-in-a-sentence/)

Question 108

*definition:* * **something used as an indicator** * **something which indicates changes in circumstances or opinions.** * **an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure** * **an instrument measuring atmospheric pressure, used especially in forecasting the weather and determining altitude.** * **an instrument that measures air pressure and shows when the weather is changing** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (n) A _____ is a device that measures atmospheric pressure. \_\_\_\_\_s help meteorologists figure out what the weather is going to be like. Sure, it's technically a weather man's tool, but you can use _____ more generally to describe anything that can be used to forecast or measure something else. The stock market is a _____ for economic health. Your grades are a barometer of how you're doing in school. For the President, a national poll is a _____ of political success. These kinds of \_\_\_\_\_s tell which way the wind is blowing, just not literally.

Answer 108

**_barometer_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *definition:* * **something used as an indicator** * **something which indicates changes in circumstances or opinions.** * **an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure** * **an instrument measuring atmospheric pressure, used especially in forecasting the weather and determining altitude.** * **an instrument that measures air pressure and shows when the weather is changing** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/barometer-in-a-sentence/)

Question 109

*definition:* * **relating to marriage or the relationship of a married couple.** * **of or relating to marriage, or the relationship of spouses** * **of or relating to the married state or to married persons and their relations** * **relating to marriage or a married couple's relationship , especially their intimate relationship.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) The adjective _____ describes all husband-and-wife matters, so if someone who is married says, "Single people don't understand how I feel," you can be sure it's a _____ situation. The word _____ comes from the Latin word meaning "husband, wife." You’ve no doubt heard of the term “\_\_\_\_\_ visits,” to describe private visits between a prisoner and a spouse. But it can describe anything that happens between married people, such as _____ obligations, which are the things you do to keep a marriage going, or just general \_\_\_\_\_, or married, life.

Answer 109

**_conjugal_** (adj) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **relating to marriage or the relationship of a married couple.** * **of or relating to marriage, or the relationship of spouses** * **of or relating to the married state or to married persons and their relations** * **relating to marriage or a married couple's relationship , especially their intimate relationship.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/conjugal-in-a-sentence/)

Question 110

*defintion:* * **a valuable person or thing** * **a useful or valuable thing, person, or quality.** * **an individual, quality, or thing that is considered valuable** * **something or someone considered useful or helps a person or organization to be successful.** * **he considered that the greatest asset of a ban** * **property owned by a person or company, regarded as having value and available to meet debts, commitments, or legacies.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) An _____ is something you have that is positive. It can mean a piece of property, a piece of equipment, an ability, or even a quality. "Her facility with math is an _____ when it comes to figuring out the restaurant tab. She is an _____ to the group." A person's overall financial picture is determined by lining up everything they own in the _____ column, and everything they own in the liability (or debit) column.

Answer 110

**_asset_** (n) *related words: advantageous, beneficial* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **a valuable person or thing** * **a useful or valuable thing, person, or quality.** * **an individual, quality, or thing that is considered valuable** * **something or someone considered useful or helps a person or organization to be successful.** * **he considered that the greatest asset of a ban** * **property owned by a person or company, regarded as having value and available to meet debts, commitments, or legacies.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/asset-in-a-sentence/)

Question 111

*defintion:* * **cause something to be done more quickly.** * **to cause (something) to happen faster** * **to cause something to happen faster** * **speed up the progress of; facilitate** * **process fast and efficiently** * **make (an action or process) happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) To _____ something is to make it go faster or speed up the process. \_\_\_\_\_ing that package might get it to Alaska by tomorrow, instead of next Tuesday. If someone says, "Let me _____ the process," that's probably a good thing: they're offering to speed things up. If you've ever waited in line a long time, then you must have wished someone could _____ things. A driver can _____ his commute by going in the faster car-pool lane. Whenever there's a lot of paperwork for something, it's nice to know someone who can _____ the process. When you see the word \_\_\_\_\_, think "Make faster!"

Answer 111

**_expedite_** (v) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **cause something to be done more quickly.** * **to cause (something) to happen faster** * **to cause something to happen faster** * **speed up the progress of; facilitate** * **process fast and efficiently** * **make (an action or process) happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/expedite-in-a-sentence/)

Question 112

*definition:* * **courage in pain or adversity.** * **strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with courage** * **strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) \_\_\_\_\_ refers to strength in the face of adversity or difficulty. Eating fried worms might require a lot of intestinal \_\_\_\_\_. When someone has _____ it means that they have emotional power or reserves and the ability to withstand adversity. People who have _____ are described in an admiring way for their courage and this word comes from a Latin word meaning "strength."

Answer 112

**_fortitude_** (n) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **courage in pain or adversity.** * **strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with courage** * **strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/fortitude-in-a-sentence/)

Question 113

*definition:* * **existing since birth** * **existing at or dating from birth** * **(of a disease or physical abnormality) present from birth.** * **present at birth but not necessarily hereditary; acquired during fetal development** * **disease or medical condition is one that a person has had from birth, but is not inherited.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (adj) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ refers to something present at birth but not necessarily inherited from the parents. Babies with heart disorders developed in utero can live long and productive lives, in spite of their _______ birth defect. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ derives from the Latin genus, to beget. Something that is present at one’s begetting, during fetal development, or at birth is \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Fetal alcohol syndrome, which develops in fetuses if their mothers are drinking heavily while pregnant, is a _______ disorder. You might also use _______ to describe something seemingly inborn "a _______ sense of humor," or a "\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ faith."

Answer 113

**_congenital_** (adj) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *definition:* * **existing since birth** * **existing at or dating from birth** * **(of a disease or physical abnormality) present from birth.** * **present at birth but not necessarily hereditary; acquired during fetal development** * **disease or medical condition is one that a person has had from birth, but is not inherited.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/congenital-in-a-sentence/)

Question 114

*defintion:* * **inborn; natural.** * **a quality or ability which you are born with, or which is present naturally** * **a quality or ability is one which a person is born with.** * **existing from the time a person or animal is born** * **existing as part of the basic nature of something** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) If a characteristic or ability is already present in a person or animal when they are born, it is \_\_\_\_\_. People have the _____ ability to speak whereas animals do not. \_\_\_\_\_ can also be used figuratively for something that comes from the mind rather than from external sources. Do you know someone with an _____ sense of style? Some kids seem to have an _____ sense of fairness where others seem to be natural bullies. In some contexts, _____ means inherent. There is an _____ sadness in certain types of ceremonies.

Answer 114

**_innate_** (adj) *synonym: congenital, inborn, inherent* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **inborn; natural.** * **a quality or ability which you are born with, or which is present naturally** * **a quality or ability is one which a person is born with.** * **existing from the time a person or animal is born** * **existing as part of the basic nature of something** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/innate-in-a-sentence/)

Question 115

*definition:* * **give evidence for** * **support with evidence or authority or make more certain or confirm** * **confirm or give support to (a statement, theory, or finding).** * **to strengthen or support with other evidence; make more certain** * **to provide evidence or information that supports it.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) To _____ is to back someone else’s story. If you swear to your teacher that you didn't throw the spitball, and your friends _____ your story by promising that you were concentrating on math homework, she might actually believe you. For example, a witness in court \_\_\_\_\_s the testimony of others, and further experimentation can _____ a scientific theory. Near synonyms are substantiate and confirm. \_\_\_\_\_, originally meaning "to support or strengthen," was borrowed from a Latin word formed from the prefix cor- "completely" plus rōborāre "to strengthen" (from rōbur "strength").

Answer 115

**_corroborate_** (v) **_corroboration_** (n) *synonym: confirm, verify, authenticate, substantiatie* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **give evidence for** * **support with evidence or authority or make more certain or confirm** * **confirm or give support to (a statement, theory, or finding).** * **to strengthen or support with other evidence; make more certain** * **to provide evidence or information that supports it.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/corroborate-in-a-sentence/)

Question 116

*definition:* * **the most successful point; the culmination.** * **the uppermost level achievable** * **the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development** * **the highest point of development or achievement : ACME** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) Going as far into the sky as you can go on foot, you'll reach the highest point, or \_\_\_\_\_, of the Himalayas. A successful climb like that might also become the \_\_\_\_\_, or peak, of your success. Two synonyms for _____ also start with the letter "p," "peak" and "point." A pinnacle can be a physical thing, like the top of a high mountain or the antenna on the very top of a building, or it can be a high point that can’t be measured with a ruler, like an achievement or a goal. Whatever the _____ is, reaching it is almost always a completion of something where you have gone the highest you can go. "Acme" is a great synonym for \_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 116

**_pinnacle_** (n) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **the most successful point; the culmination.** * **the uppermost level achievable** * **the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development** * **the highest point of development or achievement : ACME** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/pinnacle-in-a-sentence/)

Question 117

*defintion:* * **the very edge or border** * **the edge of a steep place** * **edge: especially : the edge at the top of a steep place** * **a point at which something, typically something unwelcome, is about to happen; the verge.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) The _____ of something is the very edge of it. If you want to give your mom a good scare, stand on the _____ of a steep cliff and slowly lean forward. The noun _____ describes the edge of a steep drop-off or slope, or the edge of a boundary marking where something begins, like the _____ of a pond. _____ also describes the figurative edge or start of something. Nations on the _____ of war are very close to mobilizing troops; if you are on the _____ of losing your temper, you might try walking away or slowly counting to ten.

Answer 117

**_brink_** (n) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **the very edge or border** * **the edge of a steep place** * **edge: especially : the edge at the top of a steep place** * **a point at which something, typically something unwelcome, is about to happen; the verge.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/brink-in-a-sentence/)

Question 118

*defintion:* * **a sign something is going to occur** * **a sign of something about to happen** * **something that is believed to be a sign or warning of something that will happen in the future** * **an event regarded as a portent of good or evil.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) An _____ is an event or happening that you take as sign of something to come. It’s believed to be a bad _____ if a black cat crosses your path or if it rains on your wedding day. \_\_\_\_\_s generally get a bad rap, that's probably because a lot of them predict bad stuff, at least according to superstition. But the interpretation of \_\_\_\_\_s really depends on the country and culture. What's considered an ominous sign in one place might mean a lifetime of good luck somewhere else. Oscar Wilde once wrote that, “There is no such thing as an \_\_\_\_\_. Destiny does not send us heralds. She is too wise or too cruel for that."

Answer 118

**_omen_** (n) *good omen vs bad omen* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **a sign something is going to occur** * **a sign of something about to happen** * **something that is believed to be a sign or warning of something that will happen in the future** * **an event regarded as a portent of good or evil.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/omen-in-a-sentence/)

Question 119

*definition:* * **easy to understand or thinking clearly** * **expressed clearly; easy to understand.** * **able to think clearly, very clear and easy to understand** * **(of language) transparently clear; easily understandable** * **showing ability to think clearly, especially in the intervals between periods of confusion or insanity.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Something that's _____ is clear and understandable. _____ writing is important in journalism, so that readers easily get the point of the article they're reading. When what you write or say is \_\_\_\_\_, it's straightforward and its meaning is crystal clear. You can also use the adjective _____ to describe your mind or thoughts when you're thinking in a rational, sensible way: "I was worried about my grandmother's confusion yesterday, but she seems really _____ today." Another meaning is "translucent," or "letting light shine through,' which makes sense since lucid comes from the Latin lucidus, "light or clear," with its root of lux, "light."

Answer 119

**_lucid_** (adj) **_lucidity_** (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **easy to understand or thinking clearly** * **expressed clearly; easy to understand.** * **able to think clearly, very clear and easy to understand** * **(of language) transparently clear; easily understandable** * **showing ability to think clearly, especially in the intervals between periods of confusion or insanity.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/lucid-in-a-sentence/)

Question 120

*defintion:* * *1.* **able to read and write.** * *2.* **knowledgeable and educated in one or several fields** * **having knowledge or competence** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) If you're _____ you can read and write, and since you're reading this, that's what you are. \_\_\_\_\_ can also mean more than just being able to read and write, but being really fluent in a field. If you're "computer \_\_\_\_\_," you know how to use a computer with ease. If you're up on the latest advances in science, you're "scientifically \_\_\_\_\_." If people describe you admiringly as \_\_\_\_\_, they think you're widely read and know a lot about lots of different fields. The opposite of _____ is ill\_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 120

**_literate_** (adj) **_literacy_** (n) *antonym: illiterate (n)* -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * *1.* **able to read and write.** * *2.* **knowledgeable and educated in one or several fields (ex: "computer lierate")** * **having knowledge or competence** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/literate-in-a-sentence/)

Question 121

* definition:* * **desire to cause pain, injury, or distress to another** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) \_\_\_\_\_ is the intention to cause harm. If someone feels _____ toward you, look out! They've got bad intentions. Just like the Spanish word mal, this is a word for badness or evil. _____ isn't just any evil, though: it's evil done intentionally by someone seeking to do harm. People feel _____ for people they hate. _____ is even stronger than spite. Out of all the emotions and thoughts you can have, _____ is one of the most dangerous. Just about every villain in every movie and TV show is full of \_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 121

**_malice_** (n) **_malicious_** (adj) **_maliciousness_** (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * definition:* * **desire to cause pain, injury, or distress to another** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/malice-in-a-sentence/)

Question 122

*defintion:* * **to require or involve** * **impose, involve, or imply as a necessary accompaniment or result** * **involve (something) as a necessary or inevitable part or consequence.** * **to impose, involve, or imply as a necessary accompaniment or result** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) To ___ is to involve. A job at a movie theater might ___ sweeping popcorn off the floor, probably because watching a movie \_\_\_s eating popcorn in the dark. It’s a small price to pay! The word \_\_\_, which comes from Latin, is connected to the idea of preconditions. If you want something, you better figure out what it \_\_\_s. If it’s only 8 o’clock and you want to see a movie at 9, that will ___ waiting for an hour. If you want to stay out of trouble, that will ___ calling your parents and letting them know you're going to be late. That’s what being responsible \_\_\_s!

Answer 122

**_entail_** (v) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **to require or involve** * **impose, involve, or imply as a necessary accompaniment or result** * **involve (something) as a necessary or inevitable part or consequence.** * **to impose, involve, or imply as a necessary accompaniment or result** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/entail-in-a-sentence/)

Question 123

*defintion*: * **a person who helps another commit a crime.** * **a person who helps someone to commit a crime** * **one associated with another especially in wrongdoing** * **a person who helps another person perform a task that is usually criminal in nature** * **a person who joins with another in carrying out some plan (especially an unethical or illegal plan)** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) An ___ is a cooperator or participator, commonly in criminal acts. So you’re an ___ to the gas station robbery if you distracted the store manager while your partner in crime raided the registers for cash. Coming from an Old French word which means “a confederate,” an ___ is an ally or partaker, sometimes in wrongdoing. Novelist Saul Bellow famously said that "when we ask for advice, we are usually looking for an \_\_\_.” What he means, in more direct terms, is that we run potential plans by others because we're looking for approval or someone to go along with us, not because we truly want their opinion.

Answer 123

**_accomplice_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion*: * **a person who helps another commit a crime.** * **a person who helps someone to commit a crime** * **one associated with another especially in wrongdoing** * **a person who helps another person perform a task that is usually criminal in nature** * **a person who joins with another in carrying out some plan (especially an unethical or illegal plan)** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/accomplice-in-a-sentence/)

Question 124

*defintion:* * **in relation, comparison, or proportion to something else.** * **in a relative manner; by comparison to something else** * **to a certain degree or in comparison to another thing** * **to a certain degree, especially when compared with other things of the same kind.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adv) Use ___ when you want to make a statement about something compared to something else. After a zero degree day, 30 degrees might feel ___ warm. This adverb has to do with how things stack up next to each other. ___ speaking, you could say you're tall if you're around very short people, even if you're just five five. Fat free ice cream is ___ healthy compared to other desserts, but it's still ice cream. If you've been sick for a week and you feel ___ better, you're feeling just a little better. This word only makes sense when you're comparing one thing to another.

Answer 124

**_relatively_** (adv) **_relative_** (adj) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **in relation, comparison, or proportion to something else.** * **in a relative manner; by comparison to something else** * **to a certain degree or in comparison to another thing** * **to a certain degree, especially when compared with other things of the same kind.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/relatively-in-a-sentence/)

Question 125

*defintion:* * *1.* **the likely course of a disease or ailment.** * **a prediction of the course of a disease** * **an estimate of the future of someone or something, especially about whether a patient will recover from an illness.** * **the prospect of recovery as anticipated from the usual course of disease or peculiarities of the case** * *2.* **a forecast of the likely outcomte of a situation.** * **the predicted outcome of a situation** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) If you come down with an illness, you might ask your doctor what your ___ is. A ___ is a prediction about the course of a disease. \_\_\_ comes from the Greek pro- "before" and gnosis "knowledge." It means to know beforehand, but keep in mind that it is only a probable outcome and not a sure thing. Financial analysts frequently change their ___ of the economy as they hear each piece of good or bad economic news. And if the weather ___ is sunny and dry, but you see dark clouds forming, you would be wise to pack an umbrella.

Answer 125

**_prognosis_** (n) *related words: prognosticate, prognostication (=predict)* ---------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * *1.* **the likely course of a disease or ailment.** * **a prediction of the course of a disease** * **an estimate of the future of someone or something, especially about whether a patient will recover from an illness.** * **the prospect of recovery as anticipated from the usual course of disease or peculiarities of the case** * *2.* **a forecast of the likely outcomte of a situation.** * **the predicted outcome of a situation** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/prognosis-in-a-sentence/)

Question 126

*defintion:* * **a surprise attack by people lying in wait in a concealed position.** * **the act of concealing oneself and lying in wait to attack by surprise** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) (v) An ___ is a sneak attack. To ___ your enemy, hide and wait for him to come near and then pounce on him. In war or in backyards, an ___ is a great way to surprise someone. ___ comes from a Latin word meaning “to place in a wood,” and hiding in the woods behind a tree is a classic starting point for an \_\_\_. The actual attack is called an \_\_\_, but ___ is also a verb, so you can ___ your mom by dropping water balloons on her head from a tree. Please don’t tell her where you got that idea.

Answer 126

**_ambush_** (n) (v) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **a surprise attack by people lying in wait in a concealed position.** * **the act of concealing oneself and lying in wait to attack by surprise** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/ambush-in-a-sentence/)

Question 127

*definition:* * **(n) an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information.** * **(v) form an opinion or supposition about (something) on the basis of incomplete information.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Can you guess what ___ means? It's a word to use when you are not sure of something and have to "guess or surmise." You can see how the word ___ means that you create a theory or opinion about something without basing it in fact because the original definition of \_\_\_, from Old French, is "interpretation of signs and omens." Since signs and omens are pretty subjective, it makes sense that the word would then move to its current meaning. However, even though it only seems like weather reports are \_\_\_s, they are actually based on evidence!

Answer 127

**_conjecture_** (n) (v) * related word: surmise* * synonyms: speculation, guess* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *definition:* * **(n) an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information.** * **(v) form an opinion or supposition about (something) on the basis of incomplete information.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/conjecture-in-a-sentence/)

Question 128

*definition:* * **to forecast the future** * **foretell or prophesy (an event in the future).** * **make a prediction about; tell in advance** * **to foretell from signs or symptoms** * **to give an indication of in advance** * **to foretell (future events) according to present signs or indications; prophesy** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) To ____ means to predict something or at least hint at what will happen in the future. When a lot of natural disasters start happening close together, you might ____ that the world is ending, a prediction that's actually thousands of years old. From the Latin word meaning "make a prediction," the verb ____ means to foretell or predict what is coming. While a fortuneteller or palm reader might claim special powers for seeing into the future, you can ____ by looking at real evidence and making a reasonable conclusion about how events will unfold. Sometimes, though, what you ____ from a dream or a fortune-cookie message ends up happening too, which is less reasonable but pretty neat, unless the world really does end.

Answer 128

**_prognosticate_** (v) **_prognostication_** (n) *synonyms: predict, fortell, forecast* --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **to forecast the future** * **foretell or prophesy (an event in the future).** * **make a prediction about; tell in advance** * **to foretell from signs or symptoms** * **to give an indication of in advance** * **to foretell (future events) according to present signs or indications; prophesy** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Examplpe sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/prognosticate-in-a-sentence/)

Question 129

*defintion:* * **an uncertain belief.** * **something that is supposed** * **the cognitive process of supposing** * **something that is assumed; a suspicion of sorts** * **an idea or statement which someone believes or assumes to be true, although they may have no evidence for it.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) A ___ is a guess or a hypothesis. Your ___ that your kids will automatically wash their hands before dinner is probably false. You'd best remind them to do it or risk dirty hands at dinner. What's the difference between an assumption and a \_\_\_, both nouns that are often taken as synonyms for each other? An assumption is an idea or theory that is usually made without proof. A supposition, on the other hand, has the connotation that the idea or theory is testable and \_\_\_. If you are to meet someone named Jordan, you may make the ___ that you are meeting a man. But if you know that Jordan lives in an all-female dorm, you may have the ___ that Jordan is a woman.

Answer 129

**_supposition_** (n) **_suppositional_** (adj) *related word: suppose* --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **an uncertain belief.** * **something that is supposed** * **the cognitive process of supposing** * **something that is assumed; a suspicion of sorts** * **an idea or statement which someone believes or assumes to be true, although they may have no evidence for it.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/supposition-in-a-sentence/) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: What's the difference between an **_assumption_** and a _**supposition**,_ both nouns that are often taken as synonyms for each other? An **_assumption_** is an idea or theory that is usually made without proof. A **_supposition_**, on the other hand, has the connotation that the idea or theory is testable and provable.

Question 130

*defintion:* * *1.* **the act of making a proposal** * **a proposal offered for acceptance or rejection** * **something (such as a plan or offer) that is presented to a person or group of people to consider** * *2*. **a statement to be proved, explained, or discussed** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) A ___ is a proposed plan of action, a detailed suggestion. You might consider your friend's suggestion to set up a neighborhood snow-shoveling business after the blizzard a winning \_\_\_. The noun ___ means something presented for consideration. In some contexts, that something being offered is sexual. Therefore, don't use the term ___ loosely. If you say that you made a ___ to your teacher, people could misinterpret you. It's safer to stick with suggestion.

Answer 130

**_proposition_** (n) **_propositional_** (adj) **_propose_** (v) **_proposal_** (n) *synonym: suggestion* ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **a proposal offered for acceptance or rejection** * **something (such as a plan or offer) that is presented to a person or group of people to consider** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **He made an attractive business proposition.** The other company rejected their proposition.

Question 131

*defintion:* * **feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment.** * **angry because of an unfair situation or someone's unfair behavior** * **shocked and angry because you think that something is unjust or unfair.** * **angered at something unjust or wrong** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (adj) When you're \_\_\_\_, you're angry about an unfair situation. If you discovered that a teacher gave ten extra points on a test to all students who sat in the front row, you'd be \_\_\_\_. \_\_\_\_ is from a Latin word that means "unworthy," and it refers to anger based on unworthy or unfair behavior rather than merely injury to one's own interests. You may be angry, even furious, if someone shoves you, but you are ____ if the shove is directed at someone weak or helpless. The related noun is ------, and something that arouses ------ is an indignity.

Answer 131

**_indignant_** (adj) **_indignation_** (n) **_indignantly_** (adv) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *defintion:* * **feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment.** * **angry because of an unfair situation or someone's unfair behavior** * **shocked and angry because you think that something is unjust or unfair.** * **angered at something unjust or wrong** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/indignant-in-a-sentence/)

Question 132

*defintion:* * **of his own volition** * **he power to make your own decisions or choices** * **the capability of conscious choice and decision and intentio** * **the power you have to decide something for yourself.** * **the faculty or power of using one's will.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) Doing something willingly or voluntarily is doing it of your own \_\_\_\_\_. You might not always enjoy the books your teacher assigns, but you love the historical novels you pick up of your own \_\_\_\_\_. \_\_\_\_\_ comes from Latin and French roots meaning "wish" or "will." Legal speech and writing often include the word \_\_\_\_\_, as a way to affirm that a person involved in a crime acted "on their own \_\_\_\_\_," or consented to be part of the crime. Maybe criminals don't wish to go to jail, but their acts often show their _____ to break the law.

Answer 132

**_volition_** (n) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **of his own volition** * **he power to make your own decisions or choices** * **the capability of conscious choice and decision and intentio** * **the power you have to decide something for yourself.** * **the faculty or power of using one's will.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/volition-in-a-sentence/)

Question 133

*definition*: * **forced or required** * **under a moral obligation to do something** * **do as (someone) asks or desires in order to help or please them.** * **make (someone) legally or morally bound to an action or course of action.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) Someone who is _____ is bound to follow through on whatever is expected of him. Every April you are _____ or expected to submit your taxes. If you don't, the IRS is _____ to charge you with tax evasion. Ouch. The word _____ comes from the Latin ligare meaning "to bind." _____ typically refers to a moral or legal \_\_\_\_\_ation or responsibility. If you're being followed by an ambulance with its siren on, you are _____ to pull to the side of the road and let it pass. In some cultures, women are _____ to cover their heads.

Answer 133

**_oblige_** (v) **_obligation_** (n) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition*: * **to force or require** * **under a moral obligation to do something** * **to do as (someone) asks or desires in order to help or please them.** * **to make (someone) legally or morally bound to an action or course of action.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/oblige-in-a-sentence/)

Question 134

*definition:* * **a game in which the total of all the gains and losses is zero** * **a situation in which one person can win only what another person loses** * **means that if one person gains an advantage from it, someone else involved must suffer an equivalent disadvantage.**

Answer 134

idiom: "**_zero sum game_**" --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **a game in which the total of all the gains and losses is zero** * **a situation in which one person can win only what another person loses** * **means that if one person gains an advantage from it, someone else involved must suffer an equivalent disadvantage.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **They believe they're playing a zero-sum game, where both must compete for the same paltry resources.** Diplomatic negotiations often aim at a zero-sum game. **The stock market is now a zero-sum game, in which one party gains what the other loses.** Law is not, in most cases, a zero-sum game. **Job loss is not a zero-sum game, where they win and we lose.** Above all, this new science was not a zero-sum game. **This appears to be a zero-sum game, because what one country gains is at the expense of another.** Oil pricing became a zero-sum game: every rise in prices benefited producers at the cost of consumers, and every reduction in price benefited consumers at the expense of producers. **General relativity is not a zero-sum game—the stretching of the spatial fabric allows new volume to be created for both the old and the new vacua .** We argue that the optimum strategy for both America and the UK is to compete in a cooperation framework to avoid vicious competition or a "zero-sum game".

Question 135

*definition:* * **existing only in the mind; separated from embodiment** * **being present as an idea but not in a definite form** * **a way of thinking that is based on general ideas rather than on real things and events** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Use the adjective _____ for something that is not a material object or is general and not based on specific examples. \_\_\_\_\_ is from a Latin word meaning "pulled away, detached," and the basic idea is of something detached from physical, or concrete, reality. It is frequently used of ideas, meaning that they don't have a clear applicability to real life, and of art, meaning that it doesn't pictorially represent reality. It is also used as a noun, especially in the phrase "in the \_\_\_\_\_" (a joke has a person laying down a new sidewalk saying "I like shoes in the \_\_\_\_\_, but not in the concrete"), and as a verb (accented on the second syllable), meaning "to remove."

Answer 135

**_abstract_** (adj) **_abstraction_** (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **existing only in the mind; separated from embodiment** * **being present as an idea but not in a definite form** * **a way of thinking that is based on general ideas rather than on real things and events** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/abstract-in-a-sentence/)

Question 136

*definition:* * **a severe flood.** * **a large number of things occurring in the same instance** * **a lot of things all happening or arriving at the same time, especially if they are hard to deal wit** * **an overwhelming number or amount; barrage** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) Feeling overwhelmed, like you're underwater? You might be experiencing a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, like when you've been given a _______ of homework over vacation: a dozen term papers, two dozen books to read, and a mile-high stack of math problems. The noun _______ is an overwhelming amount of something in general, such as work, people, or questions. Because of its Latin roots, however, in particular it means an overwhelming amount of water. It comes from diluvian, which means flood. The verb _______ similarly means to overwhelm or inundate with something, particularly water. The hurricane \_\_\_\_\_\_\_d the island with rain. A _______ isn't always a bad thing, however. One thing most people would like to be \_\_\_\_\_\_\_d with? Money.

Answer 136

**_deluge_** (n) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **a severe flood.** * **a large number of things occurring in the same instance** * **a lot of things all happening or arriving at the same time, especially if they are hard to deal wit** * **an overwhelming number or amount; barrage** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/deluge-in-a-sentence/)

Question 137

*definition*: * **done according to a systematic or established form of procedure.** * **(of a person) orderly or systematic in thought or behavior.** * **the system of methods followed in a particular discipline** * **a certain practice or procedure used in a pursuit or action** * **the methods and principles used for doing a particular kind of work, especially scientific or academic research** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (n) A _______ is a plan-of-attack, especially when that plan-of-attack is used repeatedly. This might be obvious, but the word _______ is related to the word method. In fact, a _______ is a system of methods followed consistently. Scientists, for example, use various \_\_\_\_\_\_\_gies as they perform experiments. It might seem like the world is nothing but chaos and disorder. But actually, sometimes there is a method to this madness. And sometimes there’s a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 137

**_methodical_** (adj) **_methodology_** (n) **_method_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *definition*: * **done according to a systematic or established form of procedure.** * **(of a person) orderly or systematic in thought or behavior.** * **the system of methods followed in a particular discipline** * **a certain practice or procedure used in a pursuit or action** * **the methods and principles used for doing a particular kind of work, especially scientific or academic research** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/methodical-in-a-sentence/)

Question 138

*definition:* * **present everywhere** * **being present everywhere at once** * **present, appearing, or found everywhere.** * **existing or being everywhere at the same time** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) It's everywhere! It's everywhere! When something seems like it's present in all places at the same time, reach for the adjective \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. "Cities like Singapore aim to cloak themselves in \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, free Wi-Fi in the next few years," The Wall Street Journal reported recently, meaning that those savvy Singaporeans will find a wireless connection everywhere they go. The word comes from the Latin ubique, meaning — you guessed it — "everywhere." The usual pronunciation is "yoo-BIK-wih-tihs," but Joseph Heller must have had the older variant "ooh-BIK-wih-tihs" in mind when he wrote in Catch-22 that a character "padded through the shadows fruitlessly like an _______ spook."

Answer 138

**_ubiquitous_** (adj) **_ubiquity_** (n) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **present everywhere** * **being present everywhere at once** * **present, appearing, or found everywhere.** * **existing or being everywhere at the same time** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/ubiquitous-meaning-in-a-sentence/)

Question 139

* definition:* * **relating to or denoting the application of a medicine or drug through the skin (skin patch), typically by using an adhesive patch, so that it is absorbed slowly into the body.**

Answer 139

**_transdermal_** (adj) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * definition:* * **relating to or denoting the application of a medicine or drug through the skin (skin patch), typically by using an adhesive patch, so that it is absorbed slowly into the body.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **A weekly transdermal patch is being developed using combined hormones.** Transdermal nicotine patches can be used to relieve ulcerative colitis symptoms. **The transdermal estradiol patch is commonly recommended due to several advantages.** Drugs can also be transferred though the skin ( transdermal ). **Transdermal drug delivery could have several advantages, she said.** It is also available for use sublingually, or as transdermal patches. **It is administered by inhaler, nasal spray, or transdermal patch.** Sublingual, transdermal, insufflated, and inhaled medicines exist. **Atropine sulfate transdermal patches have also been used successfully.**

Question 140

*definition:* * **to make similar** * **to become similar to one's environment** * **take in (information, ideas, or culture) and understand fully.** * **cause (something) to resemble; liken.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) If you are trying to fit in, you are trying to \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Imported from Latin, _______ has the word similar within it and in fact, means "to become like something else." If someone moves to another country, he or she will need to _______ by adapting to and taking in the language, culture and customs of the new place. You can also turn the phrase around to say that a country \_\_\_\_\_\_\_s immigrants, which means that a place accepts immigrants and allows them to adapt easily. In scientific use, the body \_\_\_\_\_\_\_s nutrients as a part of digestion.

Answer 140

**_assimilate_** (v) **_assimilation_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **to make similar** * **to become similar to one's environment** * **take in (information, ideas, or culture) and understand fully.** * **cause (something) to resemble; liken.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/assimilate-in-a-sentence/)

Question 141

*defintion:* * **an assortment of items that are required for a specific task or activity** * **miscellaneous articles, especially the equipment needed for a particular activity.** * **equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles needed for a particular operation or sport etc.** * **You can refer to a large number of objects that someone has with them or that are connected with a particular activity as \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) Having lunch in the park might require you to first gather together a lot of picnic \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, such as blankets, coolers, Frisbees, and other miscellaneous items that are relevant to that activity. This term dates back to the 17th century when it referred specifically to a woman’s personal belongings, not including her dowry. Now, it can refer to any gear or equipment necessary for a sport or any undertaking. For example, a hockey player’s _______ would include various pieces of protective padding, while a pastry chef has a different set of articles she needs for her task, such as baking tins and mixers.

Answer 141

**_paraphernalia_** (n) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **an assortment of items that are required for a specific task or activity** * **miscellaneous articles, especially the equipment needed for a particular activity.** * **equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles needed for a particular operation or sport etc.** * **You can refer to a large number of objects that someone has with them or that are connected with a particular activity as paraphernalia.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/paraphernalia-in-a-sentence/)

Question 142

*definition:* * **drunk; intoxicated.** * **to make drunk; intoxicate** * **to make drunk (with alcoholic drinks)** * **behaving as though affected by alcohol; drunk** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) (n) If a party host wants to _______ her guests, she'll serve them many alcoholic drinks. In other words, she'll try to get them drunk. Use the verb _______ to describe what happens when someone or something intoxicates a person. If you realize that your lemonade is \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ing you, you probably accidentally ordered an alcoholic drink that tastes like lemonade. You can also use _______ to describe something that's beautiful or thrilling: "There is nothing like watching the sun rise over the mountains to _______ me." The Latin root s imply means "to make drunk."

Answer 142

**_inebriate_** (v) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **drunk; intoxicated.** * **to make drunk; intoxicate** * **to make drunk (with alcoholic drinks)** * **behaving as though affected by alcohol; drunk** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/inebriated-in-a-sentence/)

Question 143

*definition*: * *1.* **a person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining.** * *2.* **a member of the ancient philosophical school of Stoicism.** * **describing one who is not moved by pain or pleasure** * **seeming unaffected by pleasure or pain; impassive** * **someone who is seemingly indifferent to emotions** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (n) (adj) Being ______ is being calm and almost without any emotion. When you're \_\_\_\_\_\_, you don't show what you're feeling and you also accept whatever is happening. The noun ______ is a person who's not very emotional. The adjective ______ describes any person, action, or thing that seems emotionless and almost blank. Mr. Spock, from the oldest Star Trek show, was a great example of a ______ person: he tried to never show his feelings. Someone yelling, crying, laughing, or glaring is not \_\_\_\_\_\_. ______ people calmly go with the flow and don't appear to be shook up by much.

Answer 143

**_stoic_** (adj) **_stoicism_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *definition*: * *1.* **a person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining.** * *2.* **a member of the ancient philosophical school of Stoicism.** * **describing one who is not moved by pain or pleasure** * **seeming unaffected by pleasure or pain; impassive** * **someone who is seemingly indifferent to emotions** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/stoic-in-a-sentence/)

Question 144

*defintion:* * **an idea that is implied or suggested, especially in relation to a certain word** * **an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning.** * **The ________ of a particular word or name are the ideas or qualities which it makes you think of.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) When you're talking about the implied subtext of words rather than their literal meaning, reach for the noun \_\_\_\_\_. A political boss might not want to be called "boss" because of the negative \_\_\_\_\_s. From the Latin com- "with" + notare "to mark," this word is all about reading between the lines. The literal meaning (or denotation) of Wall Street, for instance, is "a street in lower Manhattan that's home to many financial institutions," but the same phrase's \_\_\_\_\_s may include "wealth," "power," or "greed," depending on your experiences and opinions. A closely related word is implication.

Answer 144

**_connotation_** (n) **_connote_** (v) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **an idea that is implied or suggested** * **an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning.** * **The connotation of a particular word or name are the ideas or qualities which it makes you think of.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/connotation-in-a-sentence/)

Question 145

*defintion:* * **a sentimental story (or drama) of personal distress; designed to arouse sympathy** * **a story or explanation intended to make someone feel sympathy for the person relating it.**

Answer 145

"**sob story**" (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **a sentimental story (or drama) of personal distress; designed to arouse sympathy** * **a story or explanation intended to make someone feel sympathy for the person relating it.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **Any sob story moved Tom to generosity.** She came out with some sob story about not having enough money to go and see her father who was ill. **The woman used her sob story to gain sympathy from the press.** He set me up by telling me a sob story. **The hitchhiker told us a long sob story before asking for money.** My friend told me a sob story, so I gave him $100.

Question 146

*defintion:* * **of or relating to philosophy or philosophers** * **relating or devoted to the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence.** * **characterized by the attitude of a philosopher; meeting trouble with level-headed detachment** * ***(n) a study or branch that includes the deep explanations on reason and beliefs*** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) To be ______ is to stay detached and thoughtful in the face of a setback, or to approach a tough situation in a level-headed way. When his girlfriend left him, Bernard was \_\_\_\_\_\_: "If she loves me, she'll return." In ancient Greece, \_\_\_\_\_\_y literally meant a love of knowledge and wisdom. In modern times, the field of \_\_\_\_\_\_y is more specifically the study of how we think through problems. Great \_\_\_\_\_\_ers have all sorts of theories about how and why we think and act the way we do, but the word ______ often just means that you choose to be more thoughtful and look at the 'big picture' when dealing with challenges.

Answer 146

**_philiosphical_** (adj) **_philopshy_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **of or relating to philosophy or philosophers** * **relating or devoted to the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence.** * **characterized by the attitude of a philosopher; meeting trouble with level-headed detachment** * ***(n) a study or branch that includes the deep explanations on reason and beliefs*** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) To be philosophical is to stay detached and thoughtful in the face of a setback, or to approach a tough situation in a level-headed way. When his girlfriend left him, Bernard was philosophical: "If she loves me, she'll return." In ancient Greece, philosophy literally meant a love of knowledge and wisdom. In modern times, the field of philosophy is more specifically the study of how we think through problems. Great philosophers have all sorts of theories about how and why we think and act the way we do, but the word philosophical often just means that you choose to be more thoughtful and look at the 'big picture' when dealing with challenges.

Question 147

*definition:* * **willing to consider or accept new suggestions and ideas.** * **open to arguments, ideas, or change** * **ready or willing to receive favorably** * **ready to receive new ideas or concepts** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) To be _______ is to be open to new ideas or change. If you’re responsive to other people’s suggestions and not set in your ways, then you’re not only \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, but flexible. The adjective _______ actually comes from a Latin word that means receive. So a _______ person is willing to receive things, especially opposing arguments, constructive criticism, and helpful hints. How _______ you are speaks to your willingness to have an impression made upon you. It can be good to be large and in charge sometimes, but you can also benefit from stepping back and being _______ to what life brings.

Answer 147

**_receptive_** (adj) **_receptivity_** (n) **_receptivness_** (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **willing to consider or accept new suggestions and ideas.** * **open to arguments, ideas, or change** * **ready or willing to receive favorably** * **ready to receive new ideas or concepts** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/receptive-in-a-sentence/)

Question 148

*definition:* * **involves actions or elements that are repeated many times and is therefore boring.** * **containing or characterized by recurrence, especially when unnecessary or tiresome.** * **happening, in the same way, many times** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Something that is ______ involves doing the same thing over and over again. If you get bored running on a treadmill daily, you might try something less \_\_\_\_\_\_, like playing soccer outdoors. Anything you do repeatedly, especially when it's boring, can be described using the adjective \_\_\_\_\_\_. Jobs like loading and unloading a dishwasher, filing papers, and cleaning a bathroom can all feel ______ when you have to do them regularly. A story your dad tells every time you have guests for dinner is \_\_\_\_\_\_, and a droning song that repeats the same chorus again and again is ______ too.

Answer 148

**_repetitive_** (adj) **_repetition_** (n) **_repeat_** (v) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **involves actions or elements that are repeated many times and is therefore boring.** * **containing or characterized by recurrence, especially when unnecessary or tiresome.** * **happening, in the same way, many times** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/repetitive-in-a-sentence/)

Question 149

*definition:* * **a thing at which someone excels; a strength** * **an area in which an individual excels** * **an asset or talent of special worth or utility** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ means an area in which you are strong or good. Having two left feet and no sense of rhythm, dancing would not be considered your \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Better to impress people with card tricks, if that's your area of expertise, or your \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Your _______ is what you would focus on if you decided to enter a talent show. The word _______ actually comes from the similar-sounding Latin word fortis, which means "strong." Romans (and countless groups since) called the big, barricaded structures they built "forts" because they were supposed to stay strong and keep out the hordes of invading barbarians. In music, playing _______ means playing loud.

Answer 149

**_forte_** (n) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **a thing at which someone excels; a strength** * **an area in which an individual excels** * **an asset or talent of special worth or utility** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/forte-in-a-sentence/)

Question 150

*defintion:* * **a special right, power, or privilege** * **a right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class.** * **a right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or official right)** * **If something is the prerogative of a particular person or group, it is a privilege or a power that only they have.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) A _______ is someone's special right or privilege. As Bobby Brown once sang, "I don't need permission / Make my own decisions / That's my \_\_\_\_\_\_\_." \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ goes back to a Latin root for a group having the right to vote first (prae-, "pre-" + rogare, "to ask") and thus came to mean "privileged rank." In current use, it refers to a right or privilege held by any person or group. A near synonym is privilege, which puts more emphasis on the fact that others do not have it. The self-justifying phrase "That's my \_\_\_\_\_\_\_" (for example, in reference to changing one's mind) is quite common.

Answer 150

**_prerogative_** (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **a special right, power, or privilege** * **a right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class.** * **a right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or official right)** * **If something is the prerogative of a particular person or group, it is a privilege or a power that only they have.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/prerogative-in-a-sentence/)

Question 151

*definition:* * **descriptive word or phrase - a defamatory or abusive word or phrase** * **a word or phrase that describes a person or thing** * **an adjective or short phrase which is used as a way of criticizing or praising someone.** * **an adjective or descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person or thing mentioned.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) The noun _______ is a descriptive nickname, such as "Richard the Lionhearted," or "Tommy the Terrible." When it takes a turn for the worse, it can also be a word or phrase that offends. Don’t let \_\_\_\_\_\_\_'s bad reputation fool you, that’s only half the story. An _______ can be harmless, a nickname that catches on, like all hockey fans knowing that "Sid the Kid" is Sidney Crosby. On the flip side, an _______ can be an abusive word or phrase that should never be used, like a racial _______ that offends and angers everyone.

Answer 151

**_epithet_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **descriptive word or phrase - a defamatory or abusive word or phrase** * **a word or phrase that describes a person or thing** * **an adjective or short phrase which is used as a way of criticizing or praising someone.** * **an adjective or descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person or thing mentioned.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/epithet-in-a-sentence/)

Question 152

*definition:* * **old-fashioned or outdated.** * **dated; from the past** * **so extremely old as seeming to belong to an earlier period** * **If you describe something as \_\_\_\_\_\_, you are criticizing it because it is very old or old-fashioned.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Something is _______ when it is so old that it is no longer useful. If your parents believe that you shouldn't use the Internet when you write papers for school, you might call their ideas \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Something is _______ when it is so old, it's like an antique or recognizable from another era and has the negative feel of being thoroughly outmoded. Things like typewriters, sealing wax for letters, and ideas of proper etiquette all seem _______ in modern society. Currently, things get _______ ever faster, 5-inch floppy disks for computers and dial-up modems were very modern fifteen years ago, but now they're \_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 152

**_antiquated_** (adj) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **old-fashioned or outdated.** * **dated; from the past** * **so extremely old as seeming to belong to an earlier period** * **If you describe something as \_\_\_\_\_\_, you are criticizing it because it is very old or old-fashioned.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/antiquated-in-a-sentence/)

Question 153

*definition:* * *1.* **someone or something that has both male and female sex organs or characteristics** * *2.* **(Greek mythology) son of Hermes and Aphrodite who merged with the nymph Salmacis to form one body**

Answer 153

**_hermaphrodite_** (n) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * *1.* **someone or something that has both male and female sex organs or characteristics** * *2.* **(Greek mythology) son of Hermes and Aphrodite who merged with the nymph Salmacis to form one body** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/hermaphrodite-in-a-sentence/)

Question 154

*definition:* * **overly fussy and particular in regards to taste or standards** * **someone worried about small details and are difficult to please.** * **fussy about one's needs or requirements.** * **giving careful attention to detail; hard to please; excessively concerned with cleanliness** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) You reject any vegetable that isn't yellow. You like basmati rice, but detest jasmine, Arborio, and brown. You dine at one restaurant, and you always order the same meal. You are a _____ eater, that is, you are quite particular about food. Fastidious, fussy, picky, persnickety: these are all synonyms for \_\_\_\_\_, and they all suggest someone with extremely exacting tastes and habits, someone almost impossible to please. _____ can also be used to describe something that demands a great deal of care and attention to detail, a _____ lock might require that you jiggle the key just so. _____ generally conveys the sense that the person or thing it describes is quirky and pointlessly precise.

Answer 154

**_finicky_** (adj) *synoyms: picky, fussy, particular* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *definition:* * **overly fussy and particular in regards to taste or standards** * **someone worried about small details and are difficult to please.** * **fussy about one's needs or requirements.** * **giving careful attention to detail; hard to please; excessively concerned with cleanliness** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/finicky-in-a-sentence/)

Question 155

*definition:* * **highly regarded** * **inspiring respect and admiration; having high status.** * **having an illustrious reputation; respected** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Eagle Scout is a ____ position within the Boy Scouts. It requires a lot of hard work over a number of years, and if you become one, lots of people will respect you. The adjective ____ has a really wonderful Latin root which means "conjuring tricks." Think of the magic word, "Presto!" Even though today's ____ doesn't necessarily mean that the person described can do magic, imagining ____ people as magicians can help you remember the admiration and status that the word implies.

Answer 155

**_prestigious_** (adj) **_prestige_** (n) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **highly regarded** * **inspiring respect and admiration; having high status.** * **having an illustrious reputation; respected** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/prestigious-in-a-sentence/)

Question 156

*definition:* * **associated with what is believed to be present yet not visible** * **(n) is the branch of philosophy that studies the first principles of being, identity and change, space and time, causality, necessity and possibility. It includes questions about the nature of consciousness and the relationship between mind and matter.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Add the Greek prefix "meta-" (beyond) to the base "physical" (nature), and you get \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, a near synonym to the Latinate word "supernatural." Both concern phenomena that are outside everyday experience or knowledge. The adjective _______ entered the English language through Aristotle, whose _______ is a collection of treatises that follows his Physics. Physics concerned natural philosophy, what we would call "science" today, while _______ dealt with more abstract questions about the reality beyond what we perceive with our senses. Look at a physical object, say an apple. At what exact point did that apple come into existence? If you eat it, does it cease to exist, or does it still exist but in a changed way? These are _______ questions.

Answer 156

**_metaphysical_** (adj) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **associated with what is believed to be present yet not visible** * **(n) is the branch of philosophy that studies the first principles of being, identity and change, space and time, causality, necessity and possibility. It includes questions about the nature of consciousness and the relationship between mind and matter.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/metaphysical-in-a-sentence/)

Question 157

*definition:* * **careful in spending money** * **sparing or economical with regard to money or food.** * **people who do not eat much or spend much money on themselves.** * **avoiding waste; careful and diligent in the use of resources** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) A person who lives simply and economically can be called \_\_\_\_\_. Buying clothes at a consignment shop would be considered \_\_\_\_\_. Not getting your mom a gift for her birthday, that's just cheap. Thrifty, spartan, and prudent are synonyms for \_\_\_\_\_, a word that often has positive connotations when used to describe a person who lives a simple life. "The question for retailers is whether shoppers will remain _____ or slowly resume their old spending habits whenever they get more money in their pockets," wrote The Wall Street Journal. You might also speak of "a _____ meal," a very plain, cheap one. The word is from Latin frux, meaning "fruit" (in the sense of "profit").

Answer 157

**_frugal_** (adj) *synonym: thrifty* --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **careful in spending money** * **sparing or economical with regard to money or food.** * **people who do not eat much or spend much money on themselves.** * **avoiding waste; careful and diligent in the use of resources** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/frugal-in-a-sentence/)

Question 158

*definition:* * **not necessary; disposable** * **of little significance when compared to an overall purpose, and therefore able to be abandoned** * **If you regard someone or something as \_\_\_\_\_\_, you think it is acceptable to get rid of them, abandon them, or allow them to be destroyed when they are no longer needed.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Anything _____ is not necessary, it can be done without. If you lose or use _____ funds, you won't miss the money. None of us wants to be called \_\_\_\_\_, that means we could be replaced. If a football team isn't worried about certain players leaving for another team, then those players are \_\_\_\_\_: they won't be missed and won't disrupt things if they leave. In war, some people are considered more _____ than others: a soldier is more _____ than a general, because there are far fewer generals. In any country, the least _____ person is the president or other leader of the nation. That's why they get so much protection from their security guards, who are considered much more \_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 158

**_expendable_** (adj) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **not necessary; disposable** * **of little significance when compared to an overall purpose, and therefore able to be abandoned** * **If you regard someone or something as \_\_\_\_\_\_, you think it is acceptable to get rid of them, abandon them, or allow them to be destroyed when they are no longer needed.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/expendable-in-a-sentence/)

Question 159

*definition:* * **money that is left over after all debt/bills are paid** * **income (after taxes) that is available to you for saving or spending**

Answer 159

**_dispoable income_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **money that is left over after all debt/bills are paid** * **income (after taxes) that is available to you for saving or spending** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/disposable-income-in-a-sentence/)

Question 160

*definition:* * **the power of making free choices unconstrained by external agencies** * **the freedom to personally decide what should be done in a particular situation.​** * **freedom to act or judge on one's own**

Answer 160

**_discretion_** (n) **_discretionary_** (adj) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **the power of making free choices unconstrained by external agencies** * **the freedom to personally decide what should be done in a particular situation.​** * **freedom to act or judge on one's own** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/discretion-in-a-sentence/)

Question 161

*defintion:* * **able to occur together or exist without conflict** * **(of two things) able to exist or occur together without conflict.** * **able to exist and perform in harmonious or agreeable combination** * **working well together or able to exist together successfully.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) A word that comes up a lot in discussions of both food and people pairings, _____ speaks to a person or thing’s ability to exist agreeably with something or someone else. Use the word _____ to describe two things that work well together, like your Wii and your big screen TV, or peanut butter and jelly. You may have heard that opposites attract, but initial attraction doesn’t necessarily mean that opposites will be _____ in the long-term. Advised Russian novelist and philosopher Leo Tolstoy, “What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how _____ you are, but how you deal with \_\_\_\_\_lity.”

Answer 161

**_compatible_** (adj) **_compatibility_** (n) *antonym: incompatible (adj)* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **able to occur together or exist without conflict** * **(of two things) able to exist or occur together without conflict.** * **able to exist and perform in harmonious or agreeable combination** * **working well together or able to exist together successfully.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/compatible-in-a-sentence/)

Question 162

*deifntion:* * **expressive of low opinion** * **conveying a poor opinion of something or someone** * **If you make a _______ remark or comment about someone or something, you express your low opinion of them.** * **showing a critical or disrespectful attitude.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Something that's _____ is insulting or disrespectful. If you make _____ comments, that means you say things that are unflattering, unkind, or demeaning. \_\_\_\_\_ means about the same as insulting. _____ language is meant to hurt, and it usually does. If you feel offended or insulted by what someone says, the person probably said something \_\_\_\_\_. Racial, sexist, and homophobic slurs are all \_\_\_\_\_. Insults that mean someone is stupid or crazy are \_\_\_\_\_. Making a joke about someone's mother is \_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 162

**_derogatory_** (adj) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *deifntion:* * **expressive of low opinion** * **conveying a poor opinion of something or someone** * **If you make a _______ remark or comment about someone or something, you express your low opinion of them.** * **showing a critical or disrespectful attitude.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/derogatory-in-a-sentence/)

Question 163

*definition:* * **to reduce something into small particles or a fine mist** * **break up into small particles** * **to separate or be separated into free atoms** * **convert (a substance) into very fine particles or droplets.** * **reduce (something) to atoms or other small distinct units.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) To _____ something is to transform it into a fine spray. A perfume bottle \_\_\_\_\_s your cologne so you can spritz it on your neck. When a substance is lightly sprayed, something needs to _____ it first. Atomize can also mean breaking something into small pieces or units: "Graduating from college seemed to _____ her group of friends, separating and spreading them across the country." In the 1840s, _____ meant "reduce to atoms," and by 1865 it also meant "reduce to a fine mist." It comes from the Latin atomus, "indivisible particle," from the Greek root atomos, "indivisible, uncut."

Answer 163

**_atomize_** (v) **_atomized_** (v) **_atomization_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **to reduce something into small particles or a fine mist** * **break up into small particles** * **to separate or be separated into free atoms** * **convert (a substance) into very fine particles or droplets.** * **reduce (something) to atoms or other small distinct units.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/atomize-in-a-sentence/)

Question 164

*definition:* * **one that makes excessively fine distinctions in reasoning** * **making too fine distinctions of little importance** * **the action of making small and overfine distinctions; quibbling.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) (adj)

Answer 164

**_hairsplitting_** (adj) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **one that makes excessively fine distinctions in reasoning** * **making too fine distinctions of little importance** * **the action of making small and overfine distinctions; quibbling.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentence:* **This is the kind of disingenuous hair-splitting that gives politics a bad name.** Legal experts have a particularly hairsplitting mentality.

Question 165

*definition:* * **showing characteristics of both sexes** * **the state of being neither distinctly masculine nor distinctly feminine, or being partly masculine and partly feminine.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n)

Answer 165

**_androgyny_** (n) **_androgynous_** (adj) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **showing characteristics of both sexes** * **the state of being neither distinctly masculine nor distinctly feminine, or being partly masculine and partly feminine.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/androgynous-in-a-sentence/)

Question 166

*defintion:* * *1.* **uprooted from one's natural geographical, social, or cultural environment.** * **to pull up by or as if by the roots; uproot; extirpate** * **pull up by or as if by the roots** * *2.* **move (people) forcibly from their homeland into a new and foreign environment** * **to remove, as from a natural environment** -------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) To _______ someone is to force them to move away from their native home to a new, unfamiliar place. Civil wars often deracinate large segments of a country's population. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ comes from an Old French that means "pull up by the roots." When you _______ people, they're figuratively pulled up by the roots, usually with the intention of "planting" them in a new location. Historically, U.S. policies \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ed Native American tribes, relocating them to reservations. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ed many people whose neighborhoods became unlivable. You can also use this verb more literally: "I'm going to _______ that lavender plant and put it in a sunnier spot."

Answer 166

**_deracinate_** (v) * *_deracinated_** (adj) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *defintion:* * *1.* **uprooted from one's natural geographical, social, or cultural environment.** * **to pull up by or as if by the roots; uproot; extirpate** * **pull up by or as if by the roots** * *2.* **move (people) forcibly from their homeland into a new and foreign environment** * **to remove, as from a natural environment** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/deracinate-in-a-sentence/)

Question 167

*definition:* * **attributes that show a person’s or organization’s experience, skill, achievement, or value** * **a qualification, achievement, personal quality, or aspect of a person's background, typically when used to indicate that they are suitable for something.** * **someone's previous achievements, training, and general background, which indicate that they are qualified to do something.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ offer proof of a fact, or of qualifications. A driver’s license, a doctor’s badge, or a diploma all count as \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, as long as they’re real! One document can be a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, but the word usually still gets pluralized. _______ prove that the bearer has gotten credit for what he or she has done, as with a transcript, diploma, or certificate proving a person’s activities. Your _______ allow you to get the job, but your skills are what make you good at your job. _______ can also prove that you are allowed to do something or go somewhere, like a badge that gets you past security.

Answer 167

**_credentials_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **attributes that show a person’s or organization’s experience, skill, achievement, or value** * **a qualification, achievement, personal quality, or aspect of a person's background, typically when used to indicate that they are suitable for something.** * **someone's previous achievements, training, and general background, which indicate that they are qualified to do something.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/credentials-in-a-sentence/)

Question 168

*definition:* * **swayed easily** * **easily impressed or influenced** * **easily influenced because of a lack of critical ability.** * **Someone who is \_\_\_\_\_, usually a young person, is not very critical and is therefore easy to influence.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Someone who is _____ is easily influenced. An _____ person can be greatly changed by his or her experiences, not always in a good way. When someone makes an _____ on you, you remember them and are influenced by them. Likewise, someone _____ is very susceptible to being influenced, almost like a sponge that soaks up ideas. This word almost always applies to kids who are often referred to as “young and \_\_\_\_\_." If you call someone \_\_\_\_\_, it usually implies that they could be easily led astray.

Answer 168

**_impressionable_** (adj) **_impression_** (n) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **swayed easily** * **easily impressed or influenced** * **easily influenced because of a lack of critical ability.** * **Someone who is impressionable, usually a young person, is not very critical and is therefore easy to influence.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/impressionable-in-a-sentence/)

Question 169

*definition:* * **easily fooled or cheated** * **naive and easily deceived or tricked** * **easily tricked because of being too trusting** * **easily persuaded to believe something; credulous.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) If you are \_\_\_\_\_, the joke is on you because you are easily fooled. It is thought that _____ might be derived from a verb that means "to swallow." This would be a funny coincidence as _____ describes an overly trusting person who tends to swallow the stories he or she hears whole. The related word can be used as a verb "you can't --- me into believing that!"

Answer 169

**_gullible_** (adj) **_gullibility_** (n) *similar words: naive, naivety* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **easily fooled or cheated** * **naive and easily deceived or tricked** * **easily tricked because of being too trusting** * **easily persuaded to believe something; credulous.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/gullible-in-a-sentence/)

Question 170

*defintion:* * **if a person or thing is \_\_\_\_\_, they are never wrong.** * **incapable of failure or error** * **not capable of being wrong or of failing** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) "\_\_\_\_\_" means capable of making mistakes, or, easier to remember, capable of failing. _____ means exactly the opposite, incapable of failing. This word is often used to describe human capacity for error, no one is \_\_\_\_\_. And yet, we are able to be _____ in certain ways: children are infallibly curious, teenagers \_\_\_\_\_ility hungry. Interestingly, _____ derives from the Latin "not" + "deceive." When did making a mistake and deception become the same thing?

Answer 170

**_infallible_** (adj) **_infallibility_** (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **if a person or thing is infallible, they are never wrong.** * **incapable of failure or error** * **not capable of being wrong or of failing** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/infallible-in-a-sentence/)

Question 171

* definition:* * (n) (v) **an ostensibly modest or self-deprecating statement whose actual purpose is to draw attention to something of which one is proud.**

Answer 171

**_humblebrag_** (n) **-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------** * definition:* * (n) (v) **an ostensibly modest or self-deprecating statement whose actual purpose is to draw attention to something of which one is proud.** **-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------** *Example sentence:* **People make themselves look smart, humblebragging about reading what's billed as one of the 20th century's most difficult books.**

Question 172

*definition:* * **pleased or overly content with one's self** * **contented to a fault with oneself or one's actions** * **showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements.** * **a _____ person is very pleased with themselves or feels that they do not need to do anything about a situation, even though the situation may be uncertain or dangerous.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (adj) Someone who is _____ has become overly content, the junk-food-eating couch potato might be feeling _____ about his health. The literal meaning of this word's Latin root is "very pleased," but even though _____ people may seem pleased with themselves, we are rarely pleased with them. They are unconcerned by things that should concern them, and they may neglect their duties. A _____ person might be heard saying, "Ehh, don't worry about it!," when there really is something to worry about.

Answer 172

**_complacent_** (adj) **_complacency_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *definition:* * **pleased or overly content with one's self** * **contented to a fault with oneself or one's actions** * **showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements.** * **a _____ person is very pleased with themselves or feels that they do not need to do anything about a situation, even though the situation may be uncertain or dangerous.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/complacent-in-a-sentence/)

Question 173

*definition*: * **habitual relapse into crime** * **the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend.** * **the act of repeatedly committing crimes** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) \_\_\_\_\_ means going back to a previous behavior, especially criminal behavior. People who work with prisoners are always hoping to lower _____ rates. The word _____ comes from the Latin root words re, meaning "back," and cadere, meaning "to fall," or literally "to fall back." The word is most commonly used to discuss the relapse rate of criminals, who have served their sentence and have been released. However, it can be used for any relapse in behavior. Alcoholics who do not receive support are more prone to _____ than those in recovery programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

Answer 173

**_recidivism_** (n) **_recidivize_** (v) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition*: * **habitual relapse into crime** * **the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend.** * **the act of repeatedly committing crimes** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/recidivism-in-a-sentence/)

Question 174

*defintion:* * **quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of.** * **cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of** * **if you _____ someone who is angry, upset, or not pleased, you succeed in making them calm or pleased.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) If you are bringing peace or calm to a state of unrest, you are \_\_\_\_\_ing the situation. Just think of the transformation a squalling baby undergoes when a \_\_\_\_\_er is placed within his mouth, and you will remember the power of the verb to \_\_\_\_\_. If you work to establish peace in a certain location between factions at war, then you are working to _____ a country or region. The U.N. has specially trained workers, called peace keepers, who go into to trouble spots to try to _____ rebellions factions and restore order. Or, one can _____ a disgruntled crowd: "The store manager attempted to _____ the restless crowd of shoppers by promising the popular out-of-stock item would soon be back on the shelves."

Answer 174

**_pacify_** (v) **_pacification_** (n) *similiar words: appeasse, appeasement, placate, mollify* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of.** * **cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of** * **if you _____ someone who is angry, upset, or not pleased, you succeed in making them calm or pleased.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/pacify-in-a-sentence/)

Question 175

*definition:* * **showing or feeling aggression or hostility towards something** * **showing or feeling active opposition or hostility toward someone or something.** * **if a person is _____ to someone or something, they show hatred or dislike towards them.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) If you're \_\_\_\_\_, you're hard to get along with. Harmony is not your friend, you prefer hostility and struggle. If you're _____ to your little brother, you're always picking on him and giving him a hard time, causing him agony, a word that's buried in \_\_\_\_\_. Even drugs or chemicals can be \_\_\_\_\_: if you take a sleeping pill and then follow it with a few cups of espresso, the interaction is likely to be \_\_\_\_\_. The sleeping pill and the caffeine struggle against each other and you're not likely to get much sleep.

Answer 175

**_antagonistic_** (adj) **_antagonize_** (v) **_antagonist_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **showing or feeling aggression or hostility towards something** * **showing or feeling active opposition or hostility toward someone or something.** * **if a person is antagonistic to someone or something, they show hatred or dislike towards them.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/antagonistic-in-a-sentence/)

Question 176

*defintion:* * **special advantage or influence** * **influence or power, especially in politics or business.** * **special advantage or influence to control situations** * **a person or institution with influence and power.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) When you speak of someone having \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, it usually means that they communicate a sense of power or influence, particularly in the political sense. "You’ll wanna talk to that big guy over there if you want me to let you in. He’s got \_\_\_\_\_\_\_." \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ can also mean to hit someone really hard, either the hit you give (“that’s a big _______ he just landed”) or the act of hitting (“she \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ed him with a baseball bat”). Of course, the sense of having power and the actual hitting are related, since _______ is something to be wielded — either physically or figuratively. Note: it's not just tough guys who have \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. China is said to have "growing economic \_\_\_\_\_\_\_," and celebrities are known to have significant _______ in the media industry.

Answer 176

**_clout_** (n) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **special advantage or influence** * **influence or power, especially in politics or business.** * **special advantage or influence to control situations** * **a person or institution with influence and power.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/clout-in-a-sentence/)

Question 177

*definition:* * *1.* **(n) strategic advantage; power to act effectively** * **something that can be used to sway a negotiation** * **the ability to influence situations or people so that you can control what happens.** * **the mechanical advantage gained by being in a position to use a lever** * *2.* **(v) use (something) to maximum advantage.** **----------------------------------------------------------------------------**------- (n) (v) If you have \_\_\_\_\_, you hold the advantage in a situation or the stronger position in a contest, physical or otherwise. The _____ is a tool for getting more work done with less physical force. With the right \_\_\_\_\_, you might be able to lift a heavy box. This refers to non-physical situations too: the power to move or influence others is also \_\_\_\_\_. Since your boss has the power to fire you, that's a lot of leverage to get you to do what he wants. If your friend owes you a favor, you have _____ to get a favor of your own.

Answer 177

**_leverage_** (n) **----------------------------------------------------------------------------**------- *definition:* * *1.* **(n) strategic advantage; power to act effectively** * **something that can be used to sway a negotiation** * **the ability to influence situations or people so that you can control what happens.** * **the mechanical advantage gained by being in a position to use a lever** * *2.* **(v) use (something) to maximum advantage.** **----------------------------------------------------------------------------**------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/leverage-in-a-sentence/)

Question 178

*definition:* * **make more noticeable or prominent.** * **stress or single out as important; to highlight something** * **to emphasize it or make it more noticeable.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) To _____ something is to emphasize it. If you want someone to know you’re from the American South, _____ your accent by laying it on thick, y’all. When you \_\_\_\_\_, you draw attention to something. You could wear a green shirt to _____ your green eyes, for example. You can also _____ words when you give them added stress. An actor might _____ certain words in a monologue in order to emphasize the character's anger. This word traces all the way back to the Latin verb canere, "to sing."

Answer 178

**_accentuate_** (v) **_accentuation_** (n) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **make more noticeable or prominent.** * **stress or single out as important; to bighlight something** * **to emphasize it or make it more noticeable.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/accentuate-in-a-sentence/)

Question 179

*definition:* * **without restrictions or rules.** * **free of restrictions or hampering conventions** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (idiom) If you say that there are "\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_" when people are fighting or competing for something, you mean that they are no longer following any rules in their efforts to win. It is a war with "\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_" and we must prepare to resist.

Answer 179

idiom: "**no holds barred**" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **without restrictions or rules.** * **free of restrictions or hampering conventions** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **Later we could do three rounds of wrestling, no holds barred.** Wouldn't it be supremely interesting to hear what people had to say about you with no holds barred? **Clearly what was taking place was a bitter power struggle between political parties with no holds barred on either side.** Keep the questions coming, ask about anything that is on your mind with no holds barred, and I will do my best to provide answers.

Question 180

*definition:* * **failure to take proper care in doing something; inattention** * **failure to act with the prudence that a reasonable person would exercise under the same circumstances** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) When you are careless or reckless and you don’t take care of a person, object or situation like you ought to, you are practicing \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. "Her _______ of the house resulted in its being condemned by the city." The noun _______ comes from a Latin word that means “carelessness.” _______ can come in many forms: _______ of one's children can lead to foster care, _______ while driving can cause fatal accidents, _______ of work can lead to the loss of a job, and _______ of nutrition can cause health problems. There is culpability in \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. _______ is when one does not do things that should be done, and there are usually consequences.

Answer 180

**_negilgence_** (n) **_neglect_** (v) **_negligent_** (adj) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **failure to take proper care in doing something; inattention** * **failure to act with the prudence that a reasonable person would exercise under the same circumstances** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/negligence-in-a-sentence/)

Question 181

*definition:* * **supernatural events that cannot be explained by science** * **denoting events or phenomena such as telekinesis or clairvoyance that are beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding.** * **not in accordance with scientific laws, defies science; seemingly outside normal sensory channels** --------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Use the adjective _____ to talk about things that are outside of normal experience, like ESP, ghosts, and UFOs. You might describe your friend's uncanny ability to bend spoons with her mind as \_\_\_\_\_, or beyond a scientific explanation. While many people don't believe in any kind of _____ events, there are those who see or hear things they can't explain rationally. The Greek word para, "against, or contrary to," is paired up with normal: if it goes against what's normal, you can probably describe it as \_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 181

**_paranormal_** (adj) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **supernatural events that cannot be explained by science** * **denoting events or phenomena such as telekinesis or clairvoyance that are beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding.** * **not in accordance with scientific laws, defies science; seemingly outside normal sensory channels** --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/paranormal-in-a-sentence/)

Question 182

*definition:* * **a very good and honest person or group of people** * **an individual or group considered as representative of the best or noblest elements of society.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (idiom)

Answer 182

idiom: "**salt of the earth**" type of people ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **a very good and honest person or group of people** * **an individual or group considered as representative of the best or noblest elements of society.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentence:* These folks are the salt of the earth.

Question 183

*definition:* * *1.* **perform without preparation** * **to create and perform (music, drama, or verse) spontaneously or without preparation.** * **you make or do something using whatever you have or without having planned it in advance.** * *2.* **to produce or make (something) from whatever is available.** * **to manage in a makeshift way; do with whatever is at hand** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) To ______ means to make something up on the spot, or figure it out as you go. "Our boss decided to ______ his speech at our company meeting and when he started going off-topic, everyone could tell he hadn't prepared in advance." \_\_\_\_\_\_ comes from a Latin word meaning "unforeseen, unexpected." Think about when something unexpected happens to you, you have no choice but to react in the moment, or \_\_\_\_\_\_. Another meaning for ______ refers to acting onstage without a script. When actors ______ scenes for an audience, they create funny situations as they go, without having anything pre-planned. The Second City theater in Chicago made this type of comedy famous, with many well-known alumni like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.

Answer 183

**_improvise_** (v) **_improvisational_** (adj) **_improvisation_** (n) *related words: wing it, off the cuff, ad lib, impromptu* --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * *1.* **perform without preparation** * **to create and perform (music, drama, or verse) spontaneously or without preparation.** * **you make or do something using whatever you have or without having planned it in advance.** * *2.* **to produce or make (something) from whatever is available.** * **to manage in a makeshift way; do with whatever is at hand** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/improvise-in-a-sentence/)

Question 184

*definition:* * **a deceitful or treacherous person** * **a treacherous person, especially one who feigns friendship. a concealed danger.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (idiom)

Answer 184

idiom: "**snake in the grass**" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **a deceitful or treacherous person** * **a treacherous person, especially one who feigns friendship. a concealed danger.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentence:* Don't trust him, he looks honest but he's a snake in the grass.

Question 185

*definition:* * **an essential or integral component of something** * **An essential or basic element, as in Traveling is "\_\_\_ ___ \_\_\_" of Zach's job. Used since the 15th century as a legal term, this idiom began to be used more loosely from about 1800. Although both nouns have the same basic meaning, the redundancy lends emphasis.** (idiom)

Answer 185

idiom: "**part and parcel**" * **an essential or integral component of something** * **An essential or basic element, as in Traveling is part and parcel of Zach's job. Used since the 15th century as a legal term, with part meaning “a portion” and parcel “something integral with a whole,” this idiom began to be used more loosely from about 1800. Although both nouns have the same basic meaning, the redundancy lends emphasis.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **Books are part and parcel of education.** Food is part and parcel of our life. **Playing sports in the right spirit is the essence, while win or loss is part and parcel of any game.**

Question 186

*definition:* * **a situation in which the concerns or aims of two different parties are incompatible.** * **a situation in which a public official's decisions are influenced by the official's personal interests** * **the circumstance of a person who finds that one of his or her activities, interests, etc., can be advanced only at the expense of another of them** (idiom)

Answer 186

idiom: "**_conflict of interest_**" * realted word: recuse* ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **a situation in which the concerns or aims of two different parties are incompatible.** * **a situation in which a public official's decisions are influenced by the official's personal interests** * **the circumstance of a person who finds that one of his or her activities, interests, etc., can be advanced only at the expense of another of them** (idiom) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **There was a conflict of interest between his business dealings and his political activities.** There is a growing conflict of interest between her position as a politician and her business activities. **We don't see any conflict of interest.** Steven's efforts have raised questions about a possible conflict of interest. **New York publishers echo accusations of a conflict of interest in the choice of Camp without prior competitive bidding.**

Question 187

* definition:* * (idiom) **when** **lots of small bad things happen, none of which are fatal in themselves, but which add up to a slow and painful demise**

Answer 187

idiom: "**death by 1000 cuts**" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * definition:* * (idiom) **when** **lots of small bad things happen, none of which are fatal in themselves, but which add up to a slow and painful demise** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentence:* The Sears retail chain is suffering death by a thousand cuts—as recently as 2010 it was profitable, but since then they’ve had various difficulties.

Question 188

*definition:* * **a person who lives alone and avoids other people; a hermit** * **one who lives in solitude** * **withdrawn from society; seeking solitude** * **a person who lives a solitary life and tends to avoid other people.** * **a person who lives alone and deliberately avoids other people.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) A _____ lives alone, works alone, eats alone, and generally stays away from other people. Anti-social old hermits are \_\_\_\_\_s, as are a lot of students during exam time. In the early 13th century, a _____ was a person who shut out the world to go meditate on religious issues. But nowadays \_\_\_\_\_s can think about whatever they want while they're sitting in solitude, they're simply people who shy away from social interaction and live secluded lives. Or think of the Brown _____ spider, who likes to hide out in dark old boots or undisturbed corners of the basement.

Answer 188

**_recluse_** (n) **_reclusive_** (adj) *related word: hermit* --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **a person who lives alone and avoids other people; a hermit** * **one who lives in solitude** * **withdrawn from society; seeking solitude** * **a person who lives a solitary life and tends to avoid other people.** * **a person who lives alone and deliberately avoids other people.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/recluse-in-a-sentence/)

Question 189

*definition:* * **a particular type of music, writing, film, or art** * **a class of art (or artistic endeavor) having a characteristic form or technique** * **a category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter.** * **a particular type of literature, painting, music, film, or other art form which people consider as a class because it has special characteristics.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (n) A ______ is a specific type of music, film, or writing. Your favorite literary ______ might be science fiction, and your favorite film ______ might be horror flicks about cheerleaders. Go figure. In music, ______ refers to musical style such as jazz, salsa or rock. In film or literature, the ______ is determined by the subject, setting or plot of the story. When you are wandering around a book store, books are usually arranged by \_\_\_\_\_\_. Many \_\_\_\_\_\_s, such as "mystery" or "fantasy," overlap in film and literature, while others, such as "romantic comedy" in film or "historical fiction" in books, are specific to one or the other.

Answer 189

**_genre_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *definition:* * **a particular type of music, writing, film, or art** * **a class of art (or artistic endeavor) having a characteristic form or technique** * **a category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter.** * **a particular type of literature, painting, music, film, or other art form which people consider as a class because it has special characteristics.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/genre-in-a-sentence/)

Question 190

*defintion:* * **to be in a bad situation in which one's ability to act is limited.** * **in a bad position in which one is forced to do something in order to avoid failure** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (idiom)

Answer 190

idiom: "**our backs against the wall**" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *defintion:* * **to be in a bad situation in which one's ability to act is limited.** * **in a bad position in which one is forced to do something in order to avoid failure** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Example sentences:* **I wish I could help you, but my back is against the wall because I don’t get paid for two more weeks.** After failing three quizzes, my son's back is against the wall and he's got to pass all of the rest of them. **I feel like my back is against the wall because my boss wants me to work several evenings during the week and my wife needs me at home to help out with the kids.** Our back is against the wall right now with two children in college so my husband and I don't feel like I can quit this job any time soon. **Even when my back was against the wall and I had $150,000 in student loans to pay, I never asked my parents for help and worked two jobs for 7 years.** My client's not proud of what she did but her back was against the wall and she got married for security not for love.

Question 191

*definition:* * **marked by lack of originality or distinction** * **having the same appearance (as if mass-produced)** * **an approach or style, you mean that the same approach or style is always used and not enough attention is paid to individual differences.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) (n)

Answer 191

**_cookie-cutter_** (adj) (n) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **marked by lack of originality or distinction** * **having the same appearance (as if mass-produced)** * **an approach or style, you mean that the same approach or style is always used and** **not enough attention is paid to individual differences.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **The movie doesn't have a cookie-cutter feel good ending.** It makes it more interesting than the cookie-cutter physiques seen in some books. **There is no cookie-cutter solution to DUI impacts.** Handmade goods appeal to those who are tired of cookie-cutter products.

Question 192

*definition:* * *1. **c*****onvert to another faith or religion** * **to induce someone to convert to one's faith** * *2.* **to recruit someone to join one's party, institution, or cause** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) To _____ is to try to persuade someone to switch to your religious beliefs or your way of living. If you are going to \_\_\_\_\_, try not to be too pushy! The word _____ can specifically refer to religious evangelism, as in: "\_\_\_\_\_ing is a fundamental component of Mormonism." \_\_\_\_\_, however, can also be used for any situation when people are trying to convince others to try something or to join something. TV ads _____ about the pleasures of life with mouthwash, friends proselytize about how great their favorite video games are, and parents _____ about the benefits of eating vegetables.

Answer 192

**_proselytize_** (v) **_proselytizer_** (n) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- definition: * *1. **c*****onvert to another faith or religion** * **to induce someone to convert to one's faith** * *2.* **to recruit someone to join one's party, institution, or cause** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* The Jesuit scientists went to learn, not to proselytize. I assured him we didn't come here to proselytize.

Question 193

*definition:* * **an arrangement of parts or elements** * **an arrangement of a group of things.** * **the arrangement of the parts of something** -------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) When you position items into any spatial arrangement, you are creating a \_\_\_\_\_, or specific shape. For example, scientists refer to the specific, bonded arrangement of atoms to make a molecule as a \_\_\_\_\_. The root of _____ presents pretty much the current meaning, with the Latin word meaning "to mold or shape." You can see the word figure in the middle, which presents the idea of a physical form that's being shaped. As an example: the specific \_\_\_\_\_, or arrangement, of the genes in your DNA is what makes you the unique individual that you are.

Answer 193

**_configuration_** (n) **_configure_** (v) *similar words: reconfiguration, reconfigure* -------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **an arrangement of parts or elements** * **an arrangement of a group of things.** * **the arrangement of the parts of something** -------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/configuration-in-a-sentence/)

Question 194

* definition:* * **a thing or person that can be won, obtained, or persuaded with little effort.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (idiom)

Answer 194

idiom: "**_low-hanging fruit_**" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * definition:* * **a thing or person that can be won, obtained, or persuaded with little effort.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: When you choose to do something easy, like making your bed, over something harder like doing your homework, you can say you are “picking the low-hanging fruit.” * Example*: * "Maria and Victor have about three months' living expenses set aside. That's actually pretty good …. But I urged them to do better …. Looking at their monthly expenses, we found a few pieces of low-hanging fruit: Two hundred dollars a month on clothes? I don't think so. Another $155 for hair and manicures? Denied."*

Question 195

* definition:* * **to make small and unnecessary distinctions.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v)

Answer 195

idiom: "**_to split hairs_**" / "**_spilitting hairs_**" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * definition:* * **to make small and unnecessary distinctions.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **Although we both agreed to divorce, my husband is splitting hairs about our settlement.** I’ll just pay the whole bill myself—I hate splitting hairs about the charges. **If we continue to split hairs, we'll never get this project started.** It may seem like we're splitting hairs, but if we don't state the small details in the contract there will be disagreements later. **If you're not willing to split hairs, then don't try to be a sports agent because the small details are important to your clients.** I hate to split hairs but the difference of a couple of cents will be very significant when we're talking about hundreds of thousands of orders. **Usually, I'm not one to split hairs but you're running over budget on every single project and that's becoming a problem.** If you hate splitting hairs with your friends over restaurant bills, use Splitwise or Divvy to easily divide the bill and calculate the tax and tip. **Are you seriously going to split hairs about the exact space everyone gets in the refrigerator? You and your roommates are being silly.** My wife loves to split hairs about chores. If I didn't accept it we'd be divorced. **Look, I'd rather not split hairs but the amount we agreed on is specified in the contract. I won't accept less.**

Question 196

*defintion:* * **to do everything you can to achieve something** * **to take every step possible (to achieve something)** * **to do all that can be done; exert the utmost effort, influence, etc.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (idiom)

Answer 196

idiom: "**_move heaven and earth_**" --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **to do everything you can to achieve something** * **to take every step possible (to achieve something)** * **to do all that can be done; exert the utmost effort, influence, etc.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Eample sentences:* **He vowed that he would move heaven and earth to finish the project on schedule.** The government is moving heaven and earth to get their people what they want. **Why hasn't he moved heaven and earth to fix this ?"** I would move heaven and earth to help her. **I will move heaven and earth to help you.**

Question 197

* defintion:* * **to gain favor with somebody by deliberate efforts** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (v) To _____ is to make obvious efforts to gain someone's favor, in other words, to kiss up to someone. \_\_\_\_\_ has not strayed much from its Latin roots, which means "in favor" or "for the favor of." To _____ is to gain the favor of someone by doing lots of favors to the point of being a nudge. Like the teacher's pet who answers every question, stays after class to clean the chalkboard, and brings the teacher an apple every day. When you _____ yourself to people, you risk annoying them, like a little dog nipping at their heels.

Answer 197

**_ingratiate_** (v) **_ingratiating_** (adj) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * defintion:* * **to gain favor with somebody by deliberate efforts** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/ingratiate-in-a-sentence/)

Question 198

*definition:* (v) * **to change direction** * **to turn or rotate on a fixed point** * **to adapt or improve by adjusting or modifying (something, such as a product, or strategy)service,** (n) * **the central point, pin, or shaft on which a mechanism turns or oscillates.** -------------------------------------------------------------------

Answer 198

**_pivot_** (v) (n) **_pivotal_** (adj) ------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* (v) * **to change direction** * **to turn or rotate on a fixed point** * **to adapt or improve by adjusting or modifying (something, such as a product, or strategy)service,** (n) * **the central point, pin, or shaft on which a mechanism turns or oscillates.** ------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences: pivot](https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/pivot) [Example sentences: pivotal](https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/pivotal)

Question 199

* definition:* * **the sovereignty, superintendence, or agency of God over events in people's lives and throughout history** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n)

Answer 199

**_Divine Providence_** (n) In theology, Divine Providence, or simply Providence, is the sovereignty, superintendence, or agency of God over events in people's lives and throughout history. [Example sentences: Divine](https://sentencedict.com/divine.html#:~:text=1.-,He%20claimed%20to%20know%20these%20things%20by%20divine%20revelation.,a%20sign%20of%20divine%20wrath.&text=He%20saw%20the%20English%20victory%20as%20a%20sign%20of%20divine%20displeasure.,-4.) [Example sentences: Providence](https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/providence)

Question 200

* definition:* * **giving an appearance or impression different from the true one; misleading.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Something that's _______ is not what it seems. A _______ person will lead you to believe something other than the truth. Of course, I would never be deceptive when explaining the word \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. If someone tells you that “appearances can be \_\_\_\_\_\_\_,” they mean you should look closely at your surroundings because the truth might not be obvious. You might see a connection between the verb to _______ and the adjective \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, so you are on to something. If you _______ someone, you are being \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Is it ok to be _______ when you're planning a surprise party?

Answer 200

**_deceptive_** (adj) **_deception_** (n) **_decieve_** (v) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * definition:* * **giving an appearance or impression different from the true one; misleading.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/deceptive-in-a-sentence/)

Question 201

*definition:* * *1.* **very old or old-fashioned.** * **extremely old or extremely old-fashioned.** * *2.* **old and no longer used** * **marked by the characteristics of an earlier period; antiquated** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) If you use the adjective _______ you are referring to something outmoded, belonging to an earlier period. Rotary phones and cassette players already seem so archaic! The adjective _______ means something that belongs to an earlier or antiquated time. It can also mean something that is outdated but can still be found in the present and therefore could seem out of place. The word comes from _______ (i.e., ancient) Greek, archaikos, and literally means "from Classical Greek culture," though its meaning has broadened as it's been used in English.

Answer 201

**_archaic_** (adj) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * *1.* **very old or old-fashioned.** * **extremely old or extremely old-fashioned.** * *2.* **old and no longer used** * **marked by the characteristics of an earlier period; antiquated** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/archaic-in-a-sentence/)

Question 202

*definition:* * **using exactly the same words** * **in exactly the same words as were used originally.** * **repeating the exact words that were used** * **In exactly the same words; word for word** * **copied, quoted, or translated in exactly the same words as were used originally.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (adv) (adj) Repeat something you've read or heard precisely word-for-word, and you have just quoted it verbatim. That's great if what you deliver _____ is the directions on how to defuse a bomb, but not a good idea if you're cheating on a test and copying someone's answer \_\_\_\_\_. As a word, _____ is powerful for its precision. When you can say that you are repeating someone's words \_\_\_\_\_, it means every single word is exactly what was said. If you write something down \_\_\_\_\_, you can rely on it being a duplicate of the original document, recreated. Repeating words _____ in your own writing can be tricky business. Without attributing the original author, _____ can be the damning evidence of plagiarism.

Answer 202

**_verbatim_** (adv) (adj) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **using exactly the same words** * **in exactly the same words as were used originally.** * **repeating the exact words that were used** * **In exactly the same words; word for word** * **copied, quoted, or translated in exactly the same words as were used originally.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/verbatim-in-a-sentence/)

Question 203

*definition:* * **a mass departure of people, especially emigrants.** * **a situation in which a lot of people leave a place or activity at the same time** * **a departure of a large number of people.** * **a journey by a large group to escape from a hostile environment** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (n) If the fire alarm goes off in your building, be sure to join the _______ of people who are heading outside to the parking lot. This is a departure of a large number of people. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is the title of the second book of the Bible’s Old Testament in which the Israelites escape slavery in Egypt, but the term can refer to any sudden departure of a group of people. This noun is often coupled with the adjective mass, as in “mass \_\_\_\_\_\_\_,” which usually indicates that almost everyone leaves at the same time. The reasons for this departure can be hostile, as during a war, or not, as when everyone exits the movie theater after the show's over.

Answer 203

**_exodus_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *definition:* * **a mass departure of people, especially emigrants.** * **a situation in which a lot of people leave a place or activity at the same time** * **a departure of a large number of people.** * **a journey by a large group to escape from a hostile environment** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/exodus-in-a-sentence/)

Question 204

*definition:* * **to pay back in return** * **act, feel, or give mutually or in return** * **respond to (a gesture or action) by making a corresponding one.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) You _____ when you return a favor, return a compliment, or respond "the same to you" to the angry guy in the car you just passed. In short, you react to an action, statement, or emotion by mirroring it. This one comes from the Latin word meaning to move back and forth. Its root makes it sound as if _____ implies only a physical action, but it's also used for the less tangible. If you fail to pay the rent, your landlord might _____ by evicting you. If your crush acts like he doesn't know you exist when you pass him in the halls, it's probably safe to say he does not _____ your amorous feelings.

Answer 204

**_reciprocate_** (v) **_reciprical_** (adj) **_reciprication_** (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **to pay back in return** * **act, feel, or give mutually or in return** * **respond to (a gesture or action) by making a corresponding one.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/reciprocate-in-a-sentence/)

Question 205

*definition:* * **to bring about abruptly** * **to bring about especially abruptly** * **to cause something to happen suddenly or sooner than normal.** * **cause (an event or situation, typically one that is bad or undesirable) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ usually means "bringing something on" or "making it happen," and not always in a good way. An unpopular verdict might "precipitate violence" or one false step at the Grand Canyon could _______ you down into the gorge. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, as a verb, can also mean specifically, "to fall from clouds," such as rain, snow, or other forms of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ion. When used as an adjective, _______ means "hasty" or "acting suddenly." If you decide to throw your class project in a trash masher just because someone in your class had a similar idea, then your actions might be described as \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Or if you do that sort of thing regularly, you may be a _______ person.

Answer 205

**_precipitate_** (v) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **to bring about abruptly** * **to bring about especially abruptly** * **to cause something to happen suddenly or sooner than normal.** * **cause (an event or situation, typically one that is bad or undesirable) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/precipitate-in-a-sentence/)

Question 206

***definition:*** * false or insincere weeping * display of tears that is forced or false * tears or expressions of sorrow that are insincere. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) Examples: A hypocritical display of sorrow; false or insincere weeping: examples: “the secretaries wept ___ \_\_\_ over the manager's dilemma.” “politicians shed ___ \_\_\_ over the plight of the unemployed” ^ ^ cro\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ te\_\_\_

Answer 206

**"crocodile tears"** (phrase) (pl. n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **false or insincere weeping** * **display of tears that is forced or false** * **tears or expressions of sorrow that are insincere.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://sentencedict.com/crocodile%20tears.html)

Question 207

*definition:* * **tastelessly showy** * **so showy that it is unattractive** * **extravagantly bright or showy, typically so as to be tasteless** * **something that is very brightly-coloured and showy** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Something that's _____ is showy, bright and definitely tacky. So think twice about that _____ rainbow-colored suit and shiny gold shoes ensemble. \_\_\_\_\_ is an adjective that means "ostentatious," in other words, flashy and in your face, and not in a good way. Someone in a _____ outfit is probably trying too hard to be cool and stylish. _____ evolved from the Middle English _____ “deception, trick” in the 1520’s. That word, in turn, came from gaudi, used to describe a “large, ornamental bead in a rosary.” ^ ^ g\_\_\_\_y

Answer 207

**_gaudy_** (adj) *synonyms: tawrdy = tastelessly showy* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **tastelessly showy** * **so showy that it is unattractive** * **extravagantly bright or showy, typically so as to be tasteless** * **something that is very brightly-coloured and showy** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/gaudy-in-a-sentence/)

Question 208

*definition:* * **a copy of a product that sells for less than the original version** * **a copy or imitation, especially of an expensive or designer product.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) ^ ^ kn\_\_\_-of

Answer 208

**a knock-off** (n) *"a cheap knock-off"* --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **a copy of a product that sells for less than the original version** * **a copy or imitation, especially of an expensive or designer product.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/knock-off-in-a-sentence/)

Question 209

* definition:* * **relating to the branch of biology that deals with the normal functions of living organisms and their parts.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Anything _______ has to do with the body and its systems. You might notice that your _______ response to a scary movie includes your heart beating faster and your hands getting sweaty. You know that the root word of _______ is phys, which refers to the body (think of those phys. ed. classes you panted through). That root comes from the Greek word for nature. Add the suffix ology, which means "the study of" (see where we're going?), and finally, tack on that little ical. Ta-taa! You have turned the root into an adjective to describe the way your body works. Let's get \_\_\_\_\_\_\_! ^ ^ ph\_\_\_\_\_\_al

Answer 209

**_physiological_** (adj) **_physiology_** (n) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * definition:* * **relating to the branch of biology that deals with the normal functions of living organisms and their parts.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/physiological-in-a-sentence/)

Question 210

*definition*: * **open to an individual’s interpretation** * **based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.** * **taking place within the mind and modified by individual bias** * **based on personal opinions and feelings rather than on facts** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Things that are _______ are open to interpretation. If you go see a movie about a jewel thief, the topic is not \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. But whether it's a good movie or not is \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ things depend on your own ideas and opinions: there isn't any universal truth. _______ is the opposite of objective, which refers to things that are more clear-cut. That Earth has one moon is objective — it's a fact. Whether the moon is pretty or not is \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, not everyone will agree. Facts are objective, but opinions are \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. What's the best song, band, movie, or TV show? These are all very _______ issues. There's no right answer.

Answer 210

**_subjective_** (adj) **_subjectivity_** (n) *antonym: objective* --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition*: * **open to an individual’s interpretation** * **based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.** * **taking place within the mind and modified by individual bias** * **based on personal opinions and feelings rather than on facts** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/subjective-in-a-sentence/)

Question 211

*definition:* (adj) * **on par or equal to** * **being essentially equal to something** * **equal in value, amount, function, meaning, etc.** (n) * **a person or thing that is equal to or corresponds with another in value, amount, function, meaning, etc.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If two things are basically the same, you can say that they're the _______ of each other. Like, studying advanced physics is the _______ of banging your head against the wall. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_'s Latin roots which suggests that the word originally was used to describe things that had the same value. Now it can be used to describe things that have the same effect, or importance, or role, for example, "England's Parliament is the _______ of America's Congress." It can also be used as an adjective: "Eating a bowl of Sugar Pops for breakfast is _______ to starting your day with two scoops of ice-cream."

Answer 211

**_equivalent_** (adj) (n) **_equivalence_** (n) **_equivalency_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *definition:* (adj) * **on par or equal to** * **being essentially equal to something** * **equal in value, amount, function, meaning, etc.** (n) * **a person or thing that is equal to or corresponds with another in value, amount, function, meaning, etc.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/equivalent-in-a-sentence/)

Question 212

* definition:* * (v) **to cause or force to undergo (a particular experience or treatment).**

Answer 212

**subjected to** (v) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * definition:* * (v) **to cause or force to undergo (a particular experience or treatment).** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Example sentence:* The region had been subjected to colonial rule. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *Note the difference between **_subjected to_** VS **_subject to_**: [link](https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/45761/to-be-subject-to-vs-to-be-subjected-to)*

Question 213

*definition:* * **able to be substituted** * **(of two things) able to be swapped with each other.** * **capable of replacing or changing places with something** * **things that can be exchanged with each other without it making any difference.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (adj) Things that are ______ can replace each other easily. ______ objects or people can be substituted, and no one would know the difference. Some things cannot be switched: if you replace spoons with forks, people are going to have trouble eating soup. Other things are \_\_\_\_\_\_: if you switch them, nothing will be lost. Gadgets that are ______ can be substituted easily: they're exchangeable or standardized. If two workers are \_\_\_\_\_\_, they could do each other's jobs. Two ______ words mean almost the exact same thing and could be used in the same way. ______ things are versatile, useful (and, most importantly) "switchable."

Answer 213

**_interchangeable_** (adj) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *definition:* * **able to be substituted** * **(of two things) able to be swapped with each other.** * **capable of replacing or changing places with something** * **things that can be exchanged with each other without it making any difference.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/interchangeable-in-a-sentence/)

Question 214

*definition:* * *1.* (adj) **lasting a very short time** * **people who stay in a place for only a short time and then move somewhere else.** * **a person who is staying or working in a place for only a short time.** * * *2.* (n) **one who stays for only a short time** * **lasting only for a short time; impermanent** * **a momentary variation in current, voltage, or frequency.** * **used to describe a situation that lasts only a short time or is constantly changing.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Use the adjective _______ to describe something that always changes or moves around. If your older brother is constantly moving from city to city, you can say he's \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is most often used to modify nouns like nature, threat, source and cause, which suggests that the word often shows up in formal contexts, like analysis of finance or global terrorism. But it can also be used for anything that moves quickly from one thing to another, like a _______ feeling or facial expression. _______ is also a noun meaning "a person who moves from place to place; a homeless person." The word comes from Latin word "to pass over," so you can think of it as describing things that are quickly passed over. ^ ^ tr\_\_\_\_nt

Answer 214

**_transient_** (n) (adj) **_transitory_** (adj) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *definition:* * *1.* (adj) **lasting a very short time** * **people who stay in a place for only a short time and then move somewhere else.** * **a person who is staying or working in a place for only a short time.** * * *2.* (n) **one who stays for only a short time** * **lasting only for a short time; impermanent** * **a momentary variation in current, voltage, or frequency.** * **used to describe a situation that lasts only a short time or is constantly changing.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/transient-in-a-sentence/)

Question 215

*definition:* * **the act of surrendering (usually under agreed conditions)** * **the act of giving up or giving in** * **the action of surrendering or ceasing to resist an opponent or demand.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is the act of surrendering or giving up. If you enter a pie eating contest when you're already full, you'll probably have to end up in a state of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. The original meaning of _______ is "the formal terms of surrender between governments." The word comes from the Latin word with a root in capital, or "the head of state." You can use _______ for any act of surrender. If you're stuck in an endless argument with your neighbor over the exact boundary between your properties, only the original deeds to the land will bring about a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. ^ ^ cap\_\_\_\_\_n

Answer 215

**_capitulation_** (n) **_capitulate_** (v) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **the act of surrendering (usually under agreed conditions)** * **the act of giving up or giving in** * **the action of surrendering or ceasing to resist an opponent or demand.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/capitulation-in-a-sentence/)

Question 216

*definition:* * **in a state of sulky dissatisfaction** * **angry or dissatisfied; aggrieved** * **unhappy, dissatisfied, discontent** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ sounds like what it is, dissatisfied, grunting and grumbling. You could become a _______ employee if your boss swipes all your best ideas without giving you credit (or a raise). \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ actually comes from gruntle, an old verb meaning, not so surprisingly, "to grunt." When you're \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, you might grunt with dissatisfaction and anger. If you are a _______ customer, why not ask to speak to a manager? Unless you'd rather just stand there grunting. ^ ^ dis\_\_\_\_\_\_ed

Answer 216

**_disgruntled_** (adj) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **in a state of sulky dissatisfaction** * **angry or dissatisfied; aggrieved** * **unhappy, dissatisfied, discontent** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/disgruntled-in-a-sentence/)

Question 217

*definition:* * **an incorrect or unsuitable name** * **a name or description that is incorrect or inappropriate** * **a word or name that describes something incorrectly.** * **a wrong or inaccurate name or designation.** * **a wrong or inaccurate use of a name or term.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) A _______ is a wrong or unsuitable name. It’s a _______ to call your grandmother “Grandfather,” the same way it’s a _______ to call a chair with four legs that doesn’t move unless you drag it across the floor, a rocking chair. From the Middle-French _______ “to misname” evolved our English \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, a noun indicating a lack of fit when it comes to naming. Synonyms include, predictably, misnamed, but also mistermed and miscalled. You’ll notice the repetition of the mis- at the front of all those words. It comes from the French mes-, which means “wrongly.” ^ ^ mi\_\_\_\_\_er

Answer 217

**_misnomer_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **an incorrect or unsuitable name** * **a name or description that is incorrect or inappropriate** * **a word or name that describes something incorrectly.** * **a wrong or inaccurate name or designation.** * **a wrong or inaccurate use of a name or term.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/misnomer-in-a-sentence)

Question 218

*definition:* * *1.* (adj) **lingering after a process has finished** * **relating to or indicating a remainder** * **used to describe what remains of something when most of it has gone.** * **remaining after the greater part or quantity has gone.** * * *2.* (n) **something left after other parts have been taken away** * **a quantity remaining after other things have been subtracted or allowed for.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ describes what remains after most of something is gone. It’s an almost formal word for what’s leftover. If you’ve gotten over your breakup but you still have the urge to kick your ex, then you have some _______ bitterness. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ comes from the Old French root word which means "a remainder." That's why _______ can be something that is left behind, like the _______ grime on your kitchen counter from wiping it with a dirty sponge or _______ feelings of guilt that remain after you dumped your girlfriend because you were rude. A _______ is also a payment to a performer, writer, or director of a television show every time the commercial airs; it’s a kind of royalty. ^ ^ re\_\_\_\_\_al

Answer 218

**_residual_** (adj) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * *1.* (adj) **lingering after a process has finished** * **relating to or indicating a remainder** * **used to describe what remains of something when most of it has gone.** * **remaining after the greater part or quantity has gone.** * * *2.* (n) **something left after other parts have been taken away** * **a quantity remaining after other things have been subtracted or allowed for.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/residual-in-a-sentence/)

Question 219

*definition:* * **something, esp a ghost, that returns** * **someone who has returned from the dead** * **a person who returns after a lengthy absence, esp frp, th dead** * **a person who has returned, especially supposedly from the dead.** * **an individual who has returned from a lengthy absence or a grave** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) Use the word _______ to talk about someone who returns after a long absence. If your cat goes missing for weeks, only to stroll back into your house one morning, you could describe him as a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Anyone who comes back after being gone for a long time can be described as \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, which can be a noun or an adjective. You can even use _______ to talk about ghosts, in that they are said to be spirits of those returning from the dead, or a fashion trend from long ago that is popular again, like _______ tie-dye t-shirts. The word _______ comes from the French word which means "to return." ^ ^ re\_\_\_\_nt

Answer 219

**_revenant_** (n) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **something, esp a ghost, that returns** * **someone who has returned from the dead** * **a person who returns after a lengthy absence, esp frp, th dead** * **a person who has returned, especially supposedly from the dead.** * **an individual who has returned from a lengthy absence or a grave** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/revenant-in-a-sentence/)

Question 220

*definition:* * **the images and symbolic representations that are traditionally associated with a person or a subject** * **the visual images, symbols, or modes of representation collectively associated with a person, cult, or movement.** * **the visual images and symbols used in a work of art or the study or interpretation of these.** * **The ______ of a group of people consists of the symbols, pictures, and objects which represent their ideas and way of life.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (n) The visual symbols used to represent something are known as \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. When an artist paints a large white lily to represent death and a small dog to symbolize loyalty, she's using \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Whenever someone uses a familiar symbol or image to represent a particular person, group, characteristic, or theme, they're using \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. In art, _______ sends specific messages, like when a lamb in a religious painting represents Jesus. In politics, _______ can convey things like strength and patriotism through flags, stars, and other symbols. The root of this word is the Greek eikon, which means "image or picture," but also "an image in the mind." ^ ^ ico\_\_\_\_\_y

Answer 220

**_iconography_** (n) **_icon_** (n) **_iconic_** (adj) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *definition:* * **the images and symbolic representations that are traditionally associated with a person or a subject** * **the visual images, symbols, or modes of representation collectively associated with a person, cult, or movement.** * **the visual images and symbols used in a work of art or the study or interpretation of these.** * **The ______ of a group of people consists of the symbols, pictures, and objects which represent their ideas and way of life.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://sentencedict.com/iconography.html)

Question 221

*definition:* * **someone who attacks cherished ideas or traditional institutions** * **someone who attacks the beliefs, customs, and opinions that most people in a society accept** * **someone that often criticizes beliefs and things that are generally accepted by society.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) Are you always challenging the establishment? Or provoking popular thought by attacking traditions and institutions? Then you're definitely an \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. To be called an _______ today is usually kind of cool, they're rugged individualists, bold thinkers who don't give a hoot what tradition calls for. But back in medieval Greece, the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_s had a more thuggish reputation. Stemming from the Greek words eikon, meaning "image," and klastes, meaning "breaker," an _______ was someone who destroyed religious sculptures and paintings.

Answer 221

**_iconoclast_** (n) **_iconoclasm_** (n) **_icon_** (n) **_iconic_** (adj) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **someone who attacks cherished ideas or traditional institutions** * **someone who attacks the beliefs, customs, and opinions that most people in a society accept** * **someone that often criticizes beliefs and things that are generally accepted by society.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iconoclasm (from Greek: εἰκών, eikṓn, 'figure, icon' + κλάω, kláō, 'to break')[i] is the social belief in the importance of the destruction of icons and other images or monuments, most frequently for religious or political reasons. People who engage in or support iconoclasm are called iconoclasts, a term that has come to be figuratively applied to any individual who challenges "cherished beliefs or venerated institutions on the grounds that they are erroneous or pernicious." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/iconoclast-in-a-sentence/)

Question 222

*definition:* * **a ghost or other supernatural being supposedly responsible for physical disturbances such as loud noises and objects thrown around.** * **a ghost or supernatural force which is believed to move furniture or throw objects around.** **-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------** (n) When you're home alone at night and hear a mysterious noise from above, it's much more likely to be mice in your attic than a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, which is a noisy ghost. You've probably come across \_\_\_\_\_\_\_s in scary movies and books, and with any luck you won't encounter one in real life. Stories describe them as particularly disruptive ghosts, known for making noise and throwing things around. The roots of the word _______ make perfect sense: poltern means "create a disturbance" in German, and geist means "ghost."

Answer 222

**_poltergeist_** (n) *related words for 'ghost': apparitiion, phantom, spirit* **-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------** *definition:* * **a ghost or other supernatural being supposedly responsible for physical disturbances such as loud noises and objects thrown around.** * **a ghost or supernatural force which is believed to move furniture or throw objects around.** **-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------** [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/poltergeist-in-a-sentence/)

Question 223

*defintion:* * **the technique of splicing together different sections of film to convey an idea** * **the technique of producing a new composite whole from fragments of pictures, text, or music.** * **a film sequence made by editing together a series of separate scenes or shots** * **a picture, film, or piece of music which consists of several different items that are put together, often in an unusual combination or sequence.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) Romantic comedies always seem to include a _______ of scenes showing the main characters falling in love while sharing a hot dog, playfully throwing snowballs at each other, and taking a romantic ride on a boat. A _______ is a film sequence made up of many short scenes edited together. A _______ is a kind of collage, often assembled from many different movie scenes, resulting in a single overall theme or image. You can also make a _______ of photographs or music, editing or pasting together various bits to form one continuous whole. In the movie business, the word _______ was originally used to mean "edit," the process of cutting and pasting pieces of film together to form a finished product.

Answer 223

**_montage_** (n) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **the technique of splicing together different sections of film to convey an idea** * **the technique of producing a new composite whole from fragments of pictures, text, or music.** * **a film sequence made by editing together a series of separate scenes or shots** * **a picture, film, or piece of music which consists of several different items that are put together, often in an unusual combination or sequence.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* **The ads feature a montage of images - people surfing, playing football and basketball.** Montage was a useful device for overcoming the drawbacks of silent film. **It's a dazzling montage of the movie's central scenes.**

Question 224

*definition:* * **a requirement that establishes the range of something** * **any factor that defines a system and determines (or limits) its performance** * **factors or limits which affect the way that something can be done or made.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) A ______ is a limit. In mathematics a ______ is a constant in an equation, but ______ isn’t just for math anymore: now any system can have \_\_\_\_\_\_s that define its operation. You can set \_\_\_\_\_\_s for your class debate. \_\_\_\_\_\_ comes from a combination of Greek words meaning “beside” and “measure.” The natural world sets certain \_\_\_\_\_\_s, like gravity and time. In court, the law defines the \_\_\_\_\_\_s of legal behavior. ***\_\_\_\_\_\_ and perimeter are similar, but a perimeter is the physical distance around an object***, while a ______ can contain or define something either physically or abstractly.

Answer 224

**_parameter_** (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **a requirement that establishes the range of something** * **any factor that defines a system and determines (or limits) its performance** * **factors or limits which affect the way that something can be done or made.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/parameter-in-a-sentence/)

Question 225

*definition:* * **occurring at night.** * **done, occurring, or active at night.** * **belonging to or active during the night** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) If something is \_\_\_\_\_, it belongs to or is active at night. That includes vampires, owls that like to hunt by moonlight, and that roommate who stays up playing video games until the wee hours of the morning. The adjective _____ comes from the Late Latin \_\_\_\_\_s, which means “belonging to the night." You've probably heard of _____ animals, like bats and fireflies, who sleep during the day and come out to play when the sun goes down. The opposite of _____ is diurnal, meaning active during the daytime, but you probably won't be using that word much unless you're a zoologist.

Answer 225

**_nocturnal_** (adj) *antonym: [diurnal](https://wordsinasentence.com/diurnal-in-a-sentence/)* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **occurring at night.** * **done, occurring, or active at night.** * **belonging to or active during the night** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/nocturnal-in-a-sentence/)

Question 226

*definition:* * **action taken in return for an injury or offense** * **make an attack or assault in return for a similar attack.** * **the action of harming someone in response to something equally hurtful** * **make a counterattack and return like for like, especially "evil for evil"** * **when someone does something which harms or annoys them in return to the other person** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is an act of revenge. Before you initiate _______ on someone who has wronged you, consider whether he or she might have a ninja alter ego and a set of nunchucks stashed away. The noun _______ stems from the Latin retaliare, meaning “pay back in kind.” Notice the word kind in that definition. _______ used to have both good and evil connotations. Now, though, it’s important to read that kind as synonymous with type or sort because _______ has since lost its positive sense. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. The foundation of such a method is love.”

Answer 226

**_retaliation_** (n) **_retaliate_** (v) *synonym: reprisal* --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **action taken in return for an injury or offense** * **make an attack or assault in return for a similar attack.** * **the action of harming someone in response to something equally hurtful** * **make a counterattack and return like for like, especially "evil for evil"** * **when someone does something which harms or annoys them in return to the other person** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/retaliation-in-a-sentence/)

Question 227

*definition:* * **the practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.** * **the crime of obtaining something from someone, especially money, by using force or threats.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ means forcing someone into giving you something through threats. A bully who tells kids he'll beat them up if they don't give him their lunch money is guilty of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Because _______ is a crime, mobsters are often charged with it, the word has a strict, legal meaning. It's the act of using threats or force to obtain something from someone. But the word is used in a general context as well. As you sell $5 boxes of M&Ms door-to-door to pay for your band trip to Florida, cranky neighbors may complain, "At this price, it's \_\_\_\_\_\_\_!" meaning they feel you're forcing them to give you their money.

Answer 227

**_extortion_** (n) **_extort_** (v) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **the practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.** * **the crime of obtaining something from someone, especially money, by using force or threats.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/extortion-in-a-sentence/)

Question 228

*definition:* * **the spirit or identity of a specific time period** * **the spirit of the time; the spirit characteristic of an age or generation** * **the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas** **and beliefs of the time.** --------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) \_\_\_\_\_ is the spirit or essence of a particular time. In the 1920s, flappers and speakeasies contributed to that era's \_\_\_\_\_. \_\_\_\_\_ is a word that comes straight from German words that mean spirit, and the "spirit of the time" is what's going on culturally, religiously, or intellectually during a certain period. Think about how something like Woodstock symbolized the 1960s: Woodstock was part of the _____ of the 1960s. Whatever seems particular to or symbolic of a certain time is likely part of its \_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 228

**_zeitgeist_** (n) --------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **the spirit or identity of a specific time period** * **the spirit of the time; the spirit characteristic of an age or generation** * **the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas** **and beliefs of the time.** --------------------------------------------------------------------- [Examplpe sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/zeitgeist-in-a-sentence/)

Question 229

*definition:* * **a person who pretends to be someone else in order to trick and deceive people** * **someone dishonestly pretending to be someone else in order to gain an advantage.** * **a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others, especially for fraudulent gain.** * **a person who makes deceitful pretenses** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) An _______ is a person who pretends to be someone else. Someone who tries to convince you that he's your long lost cousin in order to get an invitation to stay in your awesome apartment is an \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. An _______ usually seeks some kind of financial gain when he or she assumes another person's identity, but there can be other motivations, like simply the thrill of doing it. Any _______ who pretends to be the sibling of a famous person, for instance, will get lots of attention. The Latin root is impostorem, "impose upon or deceive." It's more commonly spelled \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, although both spellings are correct.

Answer 229

**_imposter_** (n) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **a person who pretends to be someone else in order to trick and deceive people** * **someone dishonestly pretending to be someone else in order to gain an advantage.** * **a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others, especially for fraudulent gain.** * **a person who makes deceitful pretenses** --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/imposter-in-a-sentence/)

Question 230

*defintion:* * **a person authorized to act for another** * **one who has been given permission to act for another** * **the authority to represent someone else, especially in voting.** * **a person or thing that is acting or being used in the place of someone or something else.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) Don't feel like going to the grocery store today? See if you can send your brother as a \_\_\_\_\_\_, meaning he's a substitute authorized to act for you. Now, don't get crazy about getting your brother to do everything for you. Running your errands is one thing, but if you're a historian and your brother is an accountant, he is not a good ______ for you when you don't feel like researching your book about Napoleon. And you wouldn't be a good ______ for him in his work. A ______ must be well-chosen to truly act on another person's behalf.

Answer 230

**_proxy_** (n) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **a person authorized to act for another** * **one who has been given permission to act for another** * **the authority to represent someone else, especially in voting.** * **a person or thing that is acting or being used in the place of someone or something else.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/proxy-in-a-sentence/)

Question 231

*defintion:* * **extremely satisfied with oneself** * **marked by excessive complacency or self-satisfaction** * **having or showing an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements.** * **If you say that someone is \_\_\_\_\_\_, you are criticizing the fact they seem very pleased with how good, clever, or lucky they are.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) A _____ person is self-satisfied. You can usually recognize someone who is pleased with himself by his _____ little smile and self-righteous remarks. \_\_\_\_\_ is the opposite of modest and unsure. In cartoons, the _____ character often walks around with his chest puffed out and his ego leading the way. “Too much good fortune can make you _____ and unaware,” thought Rachel Field, the children’s author. What she means is that successes are appreciated much more when they don't come so often that you begin to feel entitled to them.

Answer 231

**_smug_** (adj) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **extremely satisfied with oneself** * **marked by excessive complacency or self-satisfaction** * **having or showing an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements.** * **If you say that someone is \_\_\_\_\_\_, you are criticizing the fact they seem very pleased with how good, clever, or lucky they are.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/smug-in-a-sentence/)

Question 232

*defintion:* * **a visual representation or demonstration of something** * **the action or result of depicting something, especially in art.** * **a depiction of something is a picture or a written description of it.** * **representation by drawing, painting, etc.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (n) A ______ is a true representation of something. If a portrait really looks like you, it's a good \_\_\_\_\_\_, the painter or photographer has done a great job. Another way to give a ______ of an experience is to tell or write about it in so much detail that it's like your audience is really there. Actors who portray real people work hard to make their \_\_\_\_\_\_s as true as they can.

Answer 232

**_depiction_** (n) **_depict_** (v) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *defintion:* * **a visual representation or demonstration of something** * **the action or result of depicting something, especially in art.** * **a depiction of something is a picture or a written description of it.** * **representation by drawing, painting, etc.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/depiction-in-a-sentence/)

Question 233

*definition:* * **combine or unite to form one organization or structure.** * **bring or combine together or with something else** * **When two or more things, especially organizations, amalgamate or are amalgamated, they become one large thing.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (v) To _______ is to combine different things to create something new. Institutions, such as banks, schools, or hospitals, often join forces and _______ with one other. But other things, like musical genres, get \_\_\_\_\_\_\_d as well. The verb _______ original referred specifically to the mixture of metals, now however, it refers to any mixing or blending. A school board might decide to _______ two schools into one school due to a decrease in the student population, but \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ing their mascots would be impossible.

Answer 233

**_amalgamate_** (v) **_amalgamation_** (n) **_amalgam_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **combine or unite to form one organization or structure.** * **bring or combine together or with something else** * **When two or more things, especially organizations, amalgamate or are amalgamated, they become one large thing.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/amalgamate-in-a-sentence/)

Question 234

*defintion:* * **a figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity** * **A _____ is an imaginative way of describing something by referring to something else which is the same in a particular way. For example, if you want to say that someone is very shy and frightened of things, you might say that they are a mouse.** * **a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.** * **a thing regarded as representative or symbolic of something else, especially something abstract.** * **a word or phrase used to describe an object or action in a way that is not literally true** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) If you brag that "the world's your oyster," you're using a _____ from Shakespeare, who knew a thing or two about figures of speech. Good writers know their way around a \_\_\_\_\_, where you make an analogy between two things to show how one resembles the other in some way. When a character from Shakespeare calls the world his oyster, that's his boastful way of saying that all the riches of the world are his for the taking, like plucking a pearl from an oyster shell. Shakespeare also wrote, "All the world's a stage." Oyster? Stage? Come on, Will, get your \_\_\_\_\_s straight!

Answer 234

**_metaphor_** (n) **_metaphorical_** (adj) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *defintion:* * **a figure of speech in which an expression is used to refer to something that it does not literally denote in order to suggest a similarity** * **A _____ is an imaginative way of describing something by referring to something else which is the same in a particular way. For example, if you want to say that someone is very shy and frightened of things, you might say that they are a mouse.** * **a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.** * **a thing regarded as representative or symbolic of something else, especially something abstract.** * **a word or phrase used to describe an object or action in a way that is not literally true** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/metaphor-in-a-sentence/)

Question 235

*definition*: * **a comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.** * **a comparison to show similarity between two things** * **drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity in some respect** * **If you make or draw an ______ between two things, you show that they are similar in some way.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) When you draw an ______ between two things, you compare them for the purpose of explanation. The movie character Forrest Gump made a silly ______ famous: "Life is like a box of chocolates." Some standardized tests still have "\_\_\_\_\_\_ questions," which are given in this format: A : B :: C : ___ (read "A is to B as C is to what?"). This is a more formalized version of something we do every day: compare one thing to another. It's a useful way of speaking, if a scientist explains that the earth's forests function as its lungs, we understand the ______ to mean that both trees and lungs take in important elements from the air. But when Forrest Gump says life is like a box of chocolates because you never know what you're going to get, that's a pretty brainless \_\_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 235

**_analogy_** (n) **_anlogous_** (adj) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition*: * **a comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification.** * **a comparison to show similarity between two things** * **drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity in some respect** * **If you make or draw an ______ between two things, you show that they are similar in some way.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/analogy-in-a-sentence/)

Question 236

*definition:* * **a state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced.** * **the condition at which competing influences are balanced** * **a balance between several different influences or aspects of a situation.** * **a stable situation in which forces cancel one another** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (n) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is a state of balance. If you play sports so much that you don't have time for your studies, you need to study more and play less, until sports and studying reach a point of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Or become a professional athlete. The word _______ is commonly used to refer to mental or emotional balance, and a near synonym in this sense is composure. In chemistry, _______ is the condition existing when a chemical reaction and its reverse reaction occur at equal rates. This noun is from Latin words which mean "equal" and "a balance/scale."

Answer 236

**_equilibrium_** (n) **_equal_** (adj) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *definition:* * **a state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced.** * **the condition at which competing influences are balanced** * **a balance between several different influences or aspects of a situation.** * **a stable situation in which forces cancel one another** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/equilibrium-in-a-sentence/)

Question 237

*definition:* * *1.* **a very deep crack in rock, earth, or ice.** * **a deep fissure in the earth, rock, or another surface.** * *2.* **a profound difference between people, viewpoints, feelings, etc.** * **a major difference in opinion between individuals or groups** * **If you say that there is a** ____ **between two things or between two groups of people, you mean that there is a very large difference between them.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) A _______ is a deep divide, either literal or figurative, such as a giant chasm in an ice cap or the growing _______ between two friends who haven't spoken in a long time. It comes from the Greek word meaning "yawning hollow, gulf" and was originally used to describe a split in a land formation, such as a deep crack caused by an earthquake. The word still retains that sense, but today can also mean "a profound division between people or beliefs," such as a _______ between two political parties.

Answer 237

**_chasm_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * *1.* **a very deep crack in rock, earth, or ice.** * **a deep fissure in the earth, rock, or another surface.** * *2.* **a profound difference between people, viewpoints, feelings, etc.** * **a major difference in opinion between individuals or groups** * **If you say that there is a chasm between two things or between two groups of people, you mean that there is a very large difference between them.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example senteneces](https://wordsinasentence.com/chasm-in-a-sentence/)

Question 238

*definition:* * **a small remaining quantity of something.** * **what remains of an item after the majority of it has been used** * **a small part or portion that remains after the main part no longer exists** * **The \_\_\_\_\_s of something are small parts of it that are left over when the main part has disappeared or been destroyed.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) A _______ is something that's left over, once the rest is used up. If you plan to sew a shirt using only a \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, it might have to be a midriff shirt. The noun _______ can also be used to refer to leftover things other than cloth. The origin of the word might help you remember this, more all-purpose, meaning, it comes from the French \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, which means "to remain." Think of it this way: a _______ is something that remains, or is left behind. For example, the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_s from the ancient battle gave archaeologists clues from which to infer what had happened.

Answer 238

**_remnant_** (n) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **a small remaining quantity of something.** * **what remains of an item after the majority of it has been used** * **a small part or portion that remains after the main part no longer exists** * **The \_\_\_\_\_s of something are small parts of it that are left over when the main part has disappeared or been destroyed.** --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/remnant-in-a-sentence/)

Question 239

*definition:* * **dutiful or submissive behaviour** * **the trait of being willing to comply or be submissive** * **behavior that is meets the demands of others** * **ompliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another's authority.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (n) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is behavior that's respectful and mindful of rules and laws. Parents, teachers, and cops all appreciate obedience. If you have a dog, you might have taken it to _______ school. Trainers help teach dogs \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, obeying commands and showing good behavior. For a dog, _______ consists of things like shaking and lying down on command, coming when called, and going to the bathroom outside. People demonstrate _______ when they follow the law, and kids show _______ when they obey their parents and teachers. _______ is respectful.

Answer 239

**_obedience_** (n) **_obedient_** (adj) **_obey_** (v) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *definition:* * **dutiful or submissive behaviour** * **the trait of being willing to comply or be submissive** * **behavior that is meets the demands of others** * **ompliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another's authority.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/obedience-in-a-sentence/)

Question 240

*definition:* * (n) **a bird or mammal, or an imitation of one, used by hunters to attract other birds or mammals.** * **something used to lure fish or other animals into danger so they can be trapped or killed** * **a person or thing used to mislead or lure an animal or person into a trap.** * **a person or object meant to lure something to danger** * **If you refer to something or someone as a \_\_\_\_, you mean that they are intended to attract people's attention and deceive them, for example by leading them into a trap or away from a particular place.** * (v) **lure or entice (a person or animal) away from an intended course, typically into a trap.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A ____ is a fake version of something used to play a trick or lead you into danger, like the cork duck \_\_\_\_s hunters put on the pond to make the real ducks think it's safe to stop by. \_\_\_\_ most often refers to bait used for trapping or killing an animal, but it can be any object or plan used to lead someone or something into trouble. Fisherman use worm \_\_\_\_s on their lures to catch fish, just like police use people as undercover \_\_\_\_s to catch criminals. While etymologists aren't positive, they suspect ____ comes from the Dutch kooi, which means “a cage.” So think of luring a mouse into a cage with a big slice of ____ cheese.

Answer 240

**_decoy_** (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * (n) **a bird or mammal, or an imitation of one, used by hunters to attract other birds or mammals.** * **something used to lure fish or other animals into danger so they can be trapped or killed** * **a person or thing used to mislead or lure an animal or person into a trap.** * **a person or object meant to lure something to danger** * **If you refer to something or someone as a \_\_\_\_, you mean that they are intended to attract people's attention and deceive them, for example by leading them into a trap or away from a particular place.** * (v) **lure or entice (a person or animal) away from an intended course, typically into a trap.** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/decoy-in-a-sentence/)

Question 241

*definition:* * **a confused mixture.** * **a concoction or assortment of various things** * **an untidy mixture of different types of things.** * **a motley assortment of things** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) A ____ is a random assortment of things. A dorm room might be furnished with a ____ of milk crates, antique mirrors, and a poster of a kitten hanging on a branch with one paw. \_\_\_\_ is a funny-sounding word for a somewhat funny occurrence, a grouping of things or people that don't fit together. If you made a stew with bacon, oatmeal, and chocolate cake, you’ve made a ____ (and a bellyache waiting to happen). The piles of stuff stacked in attics tend to be a \_\_\_\_. British people call it a hotchpotch. A ____ can also be called a mishmash.

Answer 241

**_hodgepodge_** (n) *synonyms: mixture, assortment, jumble* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **a confused mixture.** * **a concoction or assortment of various things** * **an untidy mixture of different types of things.** * **a motley assortment of things** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/hodgepodge-in-a-sentence/)

Question 242

*definition:* * **a picture painted on a wall.** * **a painting that is applied to a wall surface** * **a painting or other work of art executed directly on a wall.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) A _____ is a large-scale painting usually done on a wall. Diego Rivera is famous for the plaster \_\_\_\_\_s he painted on the walls at Rockfeller Center in the 1930s. Famous \_\_\_\_\_s include the wall designs in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican in Rome, and the Coit Tower \_\_\_\_\_s in San Francisco. Many \_\_\_\_\_s were created during the Renaissance, and again during the New Deal. They are also common features of urban settings, painted on the outsides of buildings and on playground walls.

Answer 242

**_mural_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **a picture painted on a wall.** * **a painting that is applied to a wall surface** * **a painting or other work of art executed directly on a wall.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Example sentences:* The large mural painting above the simple altar depicted war. Around the Golden Throne was a mural depicting a magnificent sun sending its rays across the heavens.

Question 243

*definition:* * **an attitude of patronizing superiority; disdain.** * **patronizing or superior behavior or attitude** * **the trait of displaying arrogance by patronizing those considered inferior** * **a communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is an insulting way of talking to other people, as if they were stupid or ignorant. _______ is rude and patronizing. Treating someone with _______ is the opposite of treating them with respect. _______ is full of arrogant and snooty attitude, and people who practice _______ treat others like inferior idiots. Sarcasm goes well with _______ if you're trying to be a jerk. You can almost hear the word descent in \_\_\_\_\_\_\_, so think of someone acting all high and mighty, looking down at everyone else.

Answer 243

**_condescension_** (n) **_condescending_** (adj) *synonyms: patronize, patronizing* --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **an attitude of patronizing superiority; disdain.** * **patronizing or superior behavior or attitude** * **the trait of displaying arrogance by patronizing those considered inferior** * **a communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/condescension-in-a-sentence/)

Question 244

*definition:* * **extravagant exaggeration** * **exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally** * **an exaggeration or overstatement used to evoke strong feelings** * **If someone uses \_\_\_\_, they say or write things that make something sound much more impressive than it really is.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) Praising your favorite sports team is one thing, but if you call the team the most incredible group of humans ever to walk the earth, then you're going overboard and indulging in \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. The words "beyond," so it's a good sign that the word has to do with going above and beyond what's necessary. Someone who gets hyperactive about something and ends up hyperventilating (breathing too hard) might be prone to the exaggerated style of speaking known as \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. If you find yourself talking about the absolutely best (or worst) thing of all time, it's time to take it down a notch and cut down on the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 244

**_hyperbole_** (n) **_hyberbolic_** (adj) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **extravagant exaggeration** * **exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally** * **an exaggeration or overstatement used to evoke strong feelings** * **If someone uses \_\_\_\_, they say or write things that make something sound much more impressive than it really is.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/hyperbole-in-a-sentence/)

Question 245

*definition:* * **keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.** * **watchful, especially for danger or disorder** * **carefully observant or attentive; on the lookout for possible danger** * **Someone who is vigilant gives careful attention to a particular problem or situation and concentrates on noticing any danger or trouble that there might be.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) Use _____ to describe someone who keeps awake and alert in order to avoid danger or problems. When taking the subway, be _____ about your wallet, always know where it is, or someone might steal it from you. \_\_\_\_\_ descends from the Latin word "to be awake, watch," from vigil, "awake, alert." If you stay awake \_\_\_\_\_ly all night, you're keeping watch or keeping a vigil.

Answer 245

**_vigilant_** (adj) **_vigilantism_** (n) *vigilante - A vigilante (pronounced vij-uh-LAN-tee) is a person who acts outside the legal system to punish crime.* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.** * **watchful, especially for danger or disorder** * **carefully observant or attentive; on the lookout for possible danger** * **Someone who is vigilant gives careful attention to a particular problem or situation and concentrates on noticing any danger or trouble that there might be.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/vigilant-in-a-sentence/)

Question 246

*definition:* * **someone who criticizes themselves or represent themselves as foolish in a light-hearted way.** * **negatively critical of oneself; underrating oneself** * **modesty about or criticism of oneself.** * **a feeling of being of little worth** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) When you express your extreme disapproval of something, that's \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Your health teacher's _______ of sugary snacks may change your eating habits — or it might just make you feel a little guilty for enjoying your jelly beans. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ can take many forms, from a blistering opinion piece in the newspaper criticizing a political figure to your mom's subtle facial expression that tells you she wishes you'd worn a clean shirt to church. Self-\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is when you criticize yourself or put yourself down. A more old-fashioned meaning of this word is "a prayer to avert evil," from the Latin word "to avert by prayer" or "to pray away."

Answer 246

**_self-deprecation_** (n) **_self-deprecating_** (adj) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **someone who criticizes themselves or represent themselves as foolish in a light-hearted way.** * **negatively critical of oneself; underrating oneself** * **modesty about or criticism of oneself.** * **a feeling of being of little worth** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/self-deprecating-in-a-sentence/)

Question 247

*definition:* * **exemption from punishment or loss** * **free from punishment; exempt from the consequences** * **exemption or immunity from punishment or recrimination** * **exemption or immunity from unpleasant consequences** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) If doing something usually results in punishment, but you do it with \_\_\_\_\_\_, you will not be punished for the deed. Students are not allowed to chew gum in school, but teachers do it with \_\_\_\_\_\_. Not fair! The noun, \_\_\_\_\_\_, comes from the Latin roots im- ("not") plus poena ("punishment"), a root which has also produced the word pain. \_\_\_\_\_\_, then, is the freedom from punishment or pain. If someone has committed a punishable offense but does not have to fear punishment, he or she does it "with \_\_\_\_\_\_." Cybercriminals operate with ______ in some countries.

Answer 247

**_impunity_** (n) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * **exemption from punishment or loss** * **free from punishment; exempt from the consequences** * **exemption or immunity from punishment or recrimination** * **exemption or immunity from unpleasant consequences** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/impunity-in-a-sentence/)

Question 248

*definition:* * (adj) **depending on whether or not something else occurs** * **occurring or existing only if (certain circumstances) are the case; dependent on.** * **determined by conditions or circumstances that follow** * (n) **a gathering of persons representative of some larger group** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (adj) (n) The adjective _____ can be used to describe something that can occur only when something else happens first. Making money is _____ on finding a good-paying job. When an event or situation is \_\_\_\_\_, it means that it depends on some other event or fact. For example, sometimes buying a new house has to be _____ upon someone else buying your old house first. That way you don't end up owning two houses! As a noun, _____ means either "a group of soldiers that joins a larger force," like a _____ of British troops sent to assist American soldiers, or "a group of people with something in common," like the _____ of folks dressed as Batman at Comic-Con.

Answer 248

**_contingent_** (n) **_contingency_** (n) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * (adj) **depending on whether or not something else occurs** * **occurring or existing only if (certain circumstances) are the case; dependent on.** * **determined by conditions or circumstances that follow** * (n) **a gathering of persons representative of some larger group** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/contingent-in-a-sentence/)

Question 249

*definition:* * *1.* **an act exempting someone** * **protection or exemption from something, especially an obligation or penalty.** * **freedom from obligation or duty, esp exemption from tax, duty, legal liability, etc** * *2.* (medicine) **the condition in which an organism can resist disease** * **the ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by the action of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) \_\_\_\_\_\_ means exemption or resistance. If you're protected against something, you have ______ to it. Your new silver clothes just might grant you ______ from getting thrown in jail by the fashion police. In the late 14th century, the noun \_\_\_\_\_\_, which means “exempt from service or obligation,” developed from the Latin word which has nearly identical meaning. Break that word down even further, and you get immunis, meaning “exempt, free,” from in "not" and munis, meaning “performing services.” In a medical sense, ______ is “protection from disease.” Your annual flu shot tries to give you ______ from, or make you insusceptible to, the illness.

Answer 249

**_immunity_** (n) **_immune_** (adj) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *definition:* * *1.* **an act exempting someone** * **protection or exemption from something, especially an obligation or penalty.** * **freedom from obligation or duty, esp exemption from tax, duty, legal liability, etc** * *2.* (medicine) **the condition in which an organism can resist disease** * **the ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by the action of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells.** ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/immunity-in-a-sentence/)

Question 250

*definition:* * **act of turning to for assistance** * **a source of help in a difficult situation.** * **options or assistance during a difficult period or situation** * **something or someone turned to for assistance or security** * **the use of someone or something as a source of help in a difficult situation.** * **the legal right to demand compensation or payment.** -------------------------------------------------------------------------- (n) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ is a source of help. If you're failing trigonometry in spite of studying until your brain hurts, you may have no _______ but to hire a tutor. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ comes from the Latin word meaning “to run back or retreat.” People seek _______ from such difficulties as debt, illness and legal woes, so you can think of _______ as the words "retreating from curses" squished together. For the record, though, the cursus in recursus means course, not curse. Actually, no one knows where the word curse comes from. There may be some connection between cursus and curses, but then again, there may not be.

Answer 250

**_recourse_** (n) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ *definition:* * **act of turning to for assistance** * **a source of help in a difficult situation.** * **options or assistance during a difficult period or situation** * **something or someone turned to for assistance or security** * **the use of someone or something as a source of help in a difficult situation.** * **the legal right to demand compensation or payment.** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Example sentences](https://wordsinasentence.com/recourse-in-a-sentence/)