Frantic (adj.)
definition :
Done in a very great hurry and often in a state of excitement or confusion
Ex:
Rescuers made frantic efforts to dig out people buried by the mudslide.
Obliterate (v.)
definition :
to remove all signs of something; destroy
Ex:
The hurricane virtually obliterated this small coastal town.
Perplex (v.)
definition :
To cause someone to be confused or uncertain over something that is not understood
Ex:
The symptoms of the disease have continued to perplex her doctors.
Proposition (n.)
definition :
a suggestion or statement for consideration
Ex:
The chairman was advised that it was a risky business proposition.
Impetus (n.)
definition :
A force that encourages a particular action or makes it more energetic or effective
Ex:
Often the impetus for change in education has had to come from outside the school establishment.
Frugal (adj)
definition :
careful in spending money
Ex:
Lungren, a fiscal conservative when it comes to spending taxpayers’ money, is frugal in his personal life as well.
Elate (v.)
definition :
to make happy, excited or proud.
Ex:
She said: “It’s the best I have ever done and I'm absolutely elated.”
Brandish (v.)
definition :
to wave something in the air in a threatening or excited way
Ex:
He looked silly brandishing one of those Star Wars lightsabers.
Impeccable (adj.)
definition :
without mistakes or faults; perfect
Ex:
The top standard is extra virgin olive oil classified as having ' absolutely impeccable taste and aroma.
Levy (v.)
definition :
An amount of money, such as a tax, that you have to pay to a government or organization
Ex:
A levy was imposed on cotton imports.
Perforation (n.)
definition :
1. A perforating or being perforated
2. A hole made by piercing, ulceration, etc.
3. Any of a series of holes punched or drilled, as between postage stamps on a sheet
Ex:
Post mortem examination revealed cause of death to be bowel perforation by a sharp sawn section of ox vertebra.
Quarry (n.)
definition :
A large hole in the ground that workers dig in order to use the stone and sand for building material
Ex:
On Wednesday we had arranged to go climbing and abseiling at an abandoned slate quarry.
Riddle (n.)
definition :
A question that has a surprising or amusing answer, or something that is a mystery or is hard to explain
Ex:
Scholars have not completely solved the riddle of the sphinx.
Solicit (v.)
definition :
to ask for something in a persuasive and determined way
Ex:
Grace has run an online campaign to solicit employee suggestions.
Swerve (v.)
definition :
to turn suddenly to one side while moving forward
Ex:
The cab slowed down and swerved towards the curb.
Tirade (v.)
definition :
an angry speech, often lasting a long time, that expresses strong disapproval
Ex:
My father’s tirades against politicians were famous.
Touchy (adj.)
definition :
1. easily angered or made unhappy
2. A touchy subject or situation is one that must be dealt with carefully
Ex:
Politics can be a very touchy subject in some families.
Tumult (n.)
definition :
Noise and excitement, or a state of confusion, change, or uncertainty
Ex:
The garden sits amid the tumult of downtown Vancouver.
Vernal (adj.)
definition :
relating to or happening in the spring
Ex:
Vernal points their concepts were used to produce a calendar.
Scarcely (adv.)
definition :
only just or almost not
Ex:
I could scarcely move my arm after the accident.
Poise (v.)
definition :
behavior or a way of moving that shows calm confidence
Ex:
"I think it was a credit to our team that we kept our poise," the coach said, "even when we were down by 21 points."
Paltry (adj.)
definition :
less than expected or needed; too small or slight
Ex:
I don’t think my paltry student grants are enough for us to live on.
Mimic (v.)
definition :
1. To copy the way someone speaks and moves, esp. in order to amuse or insult people
2. To mimic is also to have the same or similar effect as something else
Ex:
This substance mimics calcium and can replace it in bones.
Incarcerate (v.)
definition :
to put or keep someone in prison
Ex:
The governor announced his plan to incarcerate repeat offenders.
Forestall (v.)
definition :
to prevent something from happening by acting first
Ex:
Many doctors prescribe aspirin to forestall second heart attacks.
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