Jubilee : ( JOO-buh-lee ) a noun usually referring to a special anniversary or a celebration of such an anniversary. It can also refer generally to a season of celebration or act of rejoicing, …
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6/27/24
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Gadfly : (GAD-flye) a noun meaning, in literal use, any of various flies (such as a horsefly, botfly or warble fly) that bite or annoy livestock. In figurative use, however, the word refers …
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6/6/24
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Belie : (bih-LYE) a verb meaning to give a false idea or impression. The word can also mean to show something is false or wrong. "Martin's easy banter and relaxed attitude belied his …
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5/30/24
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Torrid : ( TOR-id ) an adjective meaning something that is literally hot (such as a region near the Earth’s equator) or figuratively hot (such as a romance). "The tabloids were relentless in …
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5/23/24
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Plangent : (PLAN-junt) an adjective meaning loud, deep, and often expressive of sadness or suffering. The word is a synonym of "plaintive." "The campers were awoken by the plangent howl of …
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5/9/24
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Gingerly : (JIN-jer-lee) an adjective meaning an act or manner that is very cautious or careful. "The antelope moved with a gingerly gait that suggested it was hurt."
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5/2/24
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Purloin : (per-LOYN) a verb meaning to take something that belongs to someone else—that is, to steal it. Although more formal sounding than "steal," it is sometimes …
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4/25/24
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Taut : (TOT ) an adjective meaning stretched or pulled tight; not slack . "The taut rope tethered the boat to the dock."
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4/18/24
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Occlude : (UH-klood ) a verb meaning to hide or obscure from prominence or view. "The moon will occlude the sun completely during a total solar eclipse."
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4/11/24
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Ethereal : ( ih-THEER-ee-ul ) an adjective meaning extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world. Or a substance resembling heaven. "Dawn's early light casts …
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4/4/24
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Genuflect : (JEN-yuh-flekt) a verb meaning to kneel, or nearly kneel, on one knee and then rise again in worship or as an act of respect. In figurative use, "genuflect" means humbly obedient or …
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3/28/24
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Querulous : (KWAIR-yuh-lus) an adjective meaning constantly or habitually complaining, synonymous with fretful or whining when describing something, such as a person's tone of voice. "She shows …
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3/21/24
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Ulterior : (ul-TEER-ee-er) an adjective that means things (usually motives, objectives, reasons, agendas, etc.) that are kept hidden in order to achieve a particular result. "Rory found it hard …
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3/14/24
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Connive : (kuh-NYVE) a verb meaning to conspire to do something considered immoral, illegal, or harmful "Roger suspected that his coworkers were conniving to get him fired when in reality …
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3/7/24
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Opprobrium : (uh-PROH-bree-um) a noun meaning harsh criticism or disapproval of a person or thing, especially by a large number of people. "The new curbside waste contract in Clay …
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2/29/24
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Buttress: (BUTT-russ) a noun meaning a structure built against a wall in order to support or strengthen it. More broadly, buttress may refer to anything that supports or strengthens.
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2/22/24
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Maladroit: (uh-KWIZ-uh-tiv) an adjective meaning "incompetent" or "very awkward." It is usually used in formal speech and writing and often describes people who lack skill in handling situations.
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2/15/24
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Acquisitive: (uh-KWIZ-uh-tiv) an adjective meaning excessively interested in acquiring money or material things. “The acquisitive gambler bet thousands of dollars for the coin toss to be ‘heads’ on Super Bowl Sunday.” more
2/8/24
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Vivacious: (vuh-VAY-shus) an adjective meaning someone or something is happy and lively in an appealing way.
“Our vivacious host’s bubbly humor and welcoming spirit quickly set everyone at ease.” more
2/1/24
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Unfettered: (un-FET-erd) an adjective meaning not controlled or restricted. It is a synonym of both free and unrestrained. “The biographer was given unfettered access to the family's collection of personal correspondence.” more
1/25/24
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