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Synonyms for Everyday speech

257 other terms for everyday speech - words and phrases with similar meaning.

100+ Daily Use English Words for Fluent Communication

Clapingo Team

15 min read

 · spoken english

Enhance Your English Vocabulary For Fluent Communication 

Basic english words , commonly used phrases , mastering pronunciation through tongue twisters, advanced vocabulary for fluent communication , business vocabulary: key to professional success, essential business words and phrases, conversation starters:, importance of daily used english words for fluent communication .

Daily use of English words is essential in developing fluency and effective communication skills. By incorporating new words into your daily life conversations, you can expand your vocabulary and improve your ability to express yourself clearly.

Whether you are speaking with friends, colleagues, or clients, having a wide range of vocabulary at your disposal allows you to convey your thoughts and ideas more precisely.

Using simple and common vocabulary is particularly relevant in everyday conversations. Rather than relying on complex or technical terms, using everyday language helps ensure that your message is easily understood by others. It also makes it easier for you to comprehend what others are saying. By using simple words, you can avoid confusion and foster better communication.

The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive list of practical common words for fluent communication. This list will encompass a variety of topics, ranging from basic vocabulary to advanced terms, idioms, and phrases commonly used in different contexts. Each word will be accompanied by its meaning and contextual examples to help you understand how it can be used in real-life situations.

To further support your journey towards English fluency, Clapingo has published an article titled " Learn 10 Ways To Improve Your English Fluency Without Resorting To Grammar. "

This article offers valuable insights and practical tips on improving fluency through techniques that go beyond grammar rules alone, emphasizing strategies to speak English fluently and effectively.

Learning basic common English words is fundamental for daily use and effective communication. These words form the building blocks of your vocabulary and are frequently used in various situations. Familiarizing yourself with them will greatly enhance your ability to engage in conversations confidently.

Here are some essential basic common English words to get you started:

1. Numbers : One, two, three, four, five...

2. Colors : Red, blue, green, yellow...

3. Days of the week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday...

4. Months : January, February, March...

5. Family members : Mother, father, brother...

6. Food items: Apple, banana, bread...

7. Animals: Dog, cat, bird...

By incorporating these words into your daily life conversations and practicing their pronunciation and usage regularly, you will quickly develop a strong English vocabulary.

Remember that consistent practice is key to retaining and expanding your vocabulary. To further reinforce your learning journey with additional resources, interactive exercises for basic English common words, and many more topics related to English language skills development, visit Clapingo's YouTube channel here.

Learning commonly used phrases is crucial for effective communication. While having a robust vocabulary is important, using everyday phrases in the right context can greatly enhance your ability to communicate fluently and naturally. Here are some reasons why learning commonly used phrases is significant:

1. Improved Fluency : Incorporating commonly used phrases into your conversations helps you sound more fluent and natural in English. It allows you to express yourself effortlessly without thinking too much about constructing sentences.

2. Cultural Understanding: Commonly used phrases often have cultural nuances and show familiarity with the language. By learning these phrases, you gain a deeper understanding of the culture and can connect with native English speakers more personally.

3. Politeness and Etiquette: Using appropriate greetings, expressions of gratitude, and other polite phrases shows respect for others and helps build positive relationships. It allows you to navigate social situations with ease.

4. Confidence Booster:  You feel more confident in conversations when you know commonly used phrases. This confidence lets you express yourself effectively, convey your thoughts clearly, and engage in meaningful discussions.

Now let's dive into a comprehensive list of everyday phrases that will be useful for various situations:

- Good morning/afternoon/evening

- How are you?

- Nice to meet you

- Have a great day!

Expressions of Gratitude:

- Thank you

- I appreciate it

- You're welcome

- I'm grateful for your help

Asking for Directions:

- Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to...?

- Can you please show me the way to...?

- Is there a nearby...?

Ordering Food or Drinks:

- I'd like...

- Could I have...?

- What do you recommend?

Making Apologies:

- I'm sorry

- My apologies

- I didn't mean to...

Asking for Help:

- Can you please assist me with...?

- Could you lend me a hand?

- I need some help with...

Giving Instructions:

- First, you need to...

- Then, you should...

- Finally, make sure to...

Expressing Preferences:

- I prefer...

- I would rather...

- I'm more inclined towards...

These are just a few examples of commonly used phrases. Remember to practice using them in context to improve your fluency and confidence in everyday conversations. For a more extensive list of daily use more words and phrases, you can refer to the following 

Tongue twisters are a fun and effective way to improve pronunciation, focus on enunciation, and tackle those tricky sounds that often slip through the cracks of daily conversation. From the whimsical " wonder wood word work " that challenges our Ws and Rs, to the complex " track transport treat tree, " which tests our ability to transition smoothly between similar sounds, each tongue twister in this collection is designed to refine your speech clarity and speed.

Dive into the dynamic " team teenage television tell ," perfect for practicing T sounds, or try the sibilant " size skill sky sleep " to master the subtle differences between Ss and SKs. The robust " strong sudden suffix sun " rolls off the tongue, pushing your pronunciation to new strengths, while "secure security sentence" focuses on S and C sounds, essential for clear communication.

Moving on to more challenging sounds, " film fine finish fire " and " chief child children " are great for F and Ch sounds, helping you articulate with precision. For those looking to enhance their shadowing skills, " shade shadow shape share " and " deep defeat detail " offer a rich practice ground. " Energy entertainment evening " brings in the E sounds, pushing the envelope of evening elocutions.

On the emotional spectrum, " sad safe sail sand " and " steel story street " evoke vivid scenarios requiring careful articulation. And for the automotive enthusiast, " car cardiac careless carnival " provides a fun ride through hard C and R sounds. Meanwhile, " fake family fan " and " solid something song " explore F and S sounds in familial contexts, adding a personal touch to practice sessions.

For the builders and makers, " too tools " and " cold colour column " are not just practical but also a test of fluid transition between similar sounding words. " Feet fever figure " and " brother bucket building " challenge your ability to maintain rhythm and pace, while " bottle boy branches ," " cow craft cravings ," and " cap capital captain " turn everyday objects into a verbal playground.

Finally, the adventurous " first fish flowers ," " west wet wheels ," " win wings winner ," wrap up our collection with a celebration of victory, be it in mastering the sounds of English or just getting through these tongue-twisting trials with fewer stumbles. Each twist and turn in these phrases is a step towards more fluent, confident speech. So take a deep breath, and let's twist our way to clearer communication!

Incorporating advanced vocabulary into your daily life conversations can significantly enhance your language and communication skills. Here are some benefits of using advanced vocabulary:

1. Precision and Clarity: Advanced vocabulary allows you to express yourself precisely and convey your thoughts accurately. It helps you articulate complex ideas and concepts with clarity.

2. Impressiveness: Using advanced vocabulary demonstrates your command over the language and can leave a lasting impression on others. It showcases your intelligence, sophistication, and ability to communicate effectively.

3 . Enhances Writing Skills: Learning advanced vocabulary not only improves your spoken communication but also enhances your writing skills. It enables you to write with finesse, choose the right words, and communicate your ideas more effectively.

4. Better Reading Comprehension: As you expand your vocabulary, you will find it easier to comprehend and understand a wider range of texts. Advanced vocabulary exposes you to different writing styles and helps you grasp complex ideas in various domains.

To help you enrich your vocabulary, here is a diverse range of advanced words along with their meanings and contextual examples:

Remember to incorporate these words into your daily life conversations and writing to reap the benefits of an enhanced vocabulary.

Learning idioms and phrasal verbs is crucial for achieving fluency in English. While grammar and vocabulary are important, understanding and using idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs can take your language skills to the next level.

Here's why:

- Idioms and phrasal verbs are commonly used in everyday English conversations. By learning them, you'll be able to understand native speakers better and communicate more effectively.

- Idiomatic expressions add color, depth, and nuance to your language. They can help you express yourself more naturally and sophisticatedly, making your speech sound more native-like.

- Phrasal verbs, which consist of a verb followed by a preposition or an adverb, are an integral part of spoken English. They often have different meanings than their individual components, so understanding them is essential for comprehension.

Now let's dive into some commonly used idioms and phrasal verbs along with their meanings and examples:

1. Break the ice - to initiate a conversation or friendship.

Example: "We played a game to break the ice at the team-building event."

2. Hit the nail on the head - to accurately identify or address a problem.

Example: "Sarah hit the nail on the head when she suggested that we need better time management."

3. Let the cat out of the bag - to reveal a secret.

Example: "Don't let the cat out of the bag about our surprise party!"

Phrasal Verbs:

1. Call off - to cancel something.

Example: "They called off the meeting due to bad weather."

2. Look forward to - to anticipate or be excited about something in the future.

Example: "I'm really looking forward to my vacation next month."

3. Put up with - to tolerate or endure something unpleasant.

Example: "I can't put up with his constant complaining anymore."

These are just a few examples, but there are hundreds of idioms and phrasal verbs in English. Practice using them in context to become more fluent and confident in your English communication. For a comprehensive list of idioms and phrasal verbs, check out the following video

Business English Vocabulary For Fluent Communication

In the fast-paced and competitive world of business, effective communication is crucial. One key aspect of successful communication is having a strong grasp of business vocabulary. Whether you are participating in meetings, giving presentations, or negotiating deals, using the right words and phrases can make all the difference.

In this section, we will explore the importance of business vocabulary and provide you with a list of essential words and phrases commonly used in professional settings.

Having a wide range of business vocabulary is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it enhances your credibility and professionalism. When you use appropriate terminology in your conversations and written communications, you demonstrate that you understand the industry and know how to navigate within it.

Secondly, having a strong business vocabulary allows for clear and concise communication. In professional settings, time is often limited, and being able to express yourself accurately and succinctly is highly valued. Using the right words helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures that your message is effectively conveyed.

Lastly, mastering business vocabulary enables you to build rapport with colleagues and clients. Speaking their language shows that you understand their needs, concerns, and challenges. It establishes trust and fosters stronger relationships.

To help you on your journey to becoming fluent in business English, here is a comprehensive list of essential words and phrases commonly used in various professional settings:

These are just a few examples of the many words and phrases used in business settings. You can find a more extensive list of essential business vocabulary on the Clapingo website.

By familiarizing yourself with these words and phrases, you'll be able to navigate professional environments with confidence and communicate effectively. Incorporate them into your daily conversations, emails, and presentations to enhance your professional image and improve your chances of success.

Remember, mastering business vocabulary takes time and practice. Make it a habit to learn a few new words or phrases every day. Soon enough, you'll notice a significant improvement in your communication skills, leading to better opportunities in your career.

So, don't hesitate! Start expanding your business vocabulary today and watch as your professional prospects soar.

  5 Importance Tips of Mastering the English Language ​

Socializing and Small Talk 

Socializing and small talk play a crucial role in building relationships. Engaging in casual conversations helps to establish connections, create rapport, and foster a sense of community. When you engage in small talk, you show interest in the other person's life and make them feel valued. It is also an effective way to break the ice and initiate conversations with new acquaintances or colleagues. Here are some common conversation starters, questions, and responses for social situations:

1. "Hi, I'm [Name]. What's your name?"

2. "Nice weather we're having today, isn't it?"

3. "Have you been to this event before?"

4. "What do you do for a living?"

5. "Where are you from?"

1. "How was your weekend?"

2. "Are you enjoying the event so far?"

3. "What brings you here today?"

4. "Do you have any exciting plans for the upcoming holidays?"

5. "What are your hobbies or interests?"

1. "Yes, I had a great weekend! How about you?"

2. "Yes, it's my first time here too! Are you enjoying it?"

3. "I'm here because I'm interested in [topic/event]."

4. "I'm planning to visit my family during the holidays."

5. "I enjoy reading and hiking in my free time."

Remember, small talk should be light-hearted and non-controversial to keep the conversation pleasant and enjoyable for both parties involved.

Must read:  Can listening to songs help you improve your Spoken English? ​

Recapping the importance of daily used English words for fluent communication, consistent practice, and exposure to new vocabulary are key factors in language development. By incorporating English vocabulary words into your conversations daily, you become more comfortable and confident in expressing yourself fluently. Daily practice helps you expand your vocabulary and improve your sentence formation.

To effectively develop your language skills, engaging with various resources that offer support for English learners is important. Clapingo is an exceptional online platform that provides resources tailored specifically for Indian learners. With its vast collection of articles, videos, and interactive exercises, Clapingo offers a wealth of learning opportunities to enhance your spoken English skills.

By making a conscious effort to use daily use English vocabulary words regularly, you will notice significant improvements in your communication abilities. Consistency is key in language learning, so strive to incorporate new vocabulary into your daily conversations and interactions. With time and practice, you will become more proficient in expressing yourself fluently and confidently.

Remember, building a strong foundation in the daily used English words is essential for effective communication. Setting clear goals can help achieve the desired or intended result of enhancing your vocabulary and language skills. Regular practice and exposure to new vocabulary will undoubtedly contribute to your overall language development.

​ Spoken English Words List To Learn English Under 15 Days! ​

1. Why is it important to learn daily use English words?

Using English words daily is essential for developing fluency in the language. By incorporating these words into your vocabulary, you can express yourself more clearly and effectively in everyday conversations.

2. What are some examples of simple English words for daily use?

Simple common English words for daily use include common nouns like "house," "car," and "book," as well as verbs such as "eat," "sleep," and "read." These basic words form the foundation of communication and should be mastered by all learners.

3. Can you provide some new words in English for daily use?

Certainly! Here are a few new words that you can incorporate into your everyday conversations:

a) Serendipity - The occurrence of finding something pleasant or valuable by chance.

b) Resilience - The ability to bounce back or recover quickly from difficulties.

c) Equanimity - Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper.

d) Ubiquitous - Present or found everywhere.

e) Pernicious - Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.

4. What are some examples of the daily use of basic English words?

Daily use basic English words, including numbers (one, two, three), colors (red, blue, green), days of the week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday), months (January, February, March), and common greetings (hello, goodbye).

5. Can you suggest some advanced English words for daily use?

Certainly! Here are a few advanced English words that can elevate your vocabulary:

a) Eloquent - Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing.

b) Ubiquitous - Present or found everywhere.

c) Tenacious - Tending to keep a firm hold of something; persistent.

d) Acumen - The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions.

e) Mitigate - To make (something) less severe, serious, or painful.

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Daily Use English

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Previous Post

1000+ Common Daily English Phrases for Beginners (PDF)

If you’re an English learner with a beginner or intermediate level, learning common English phrases is essential for improving your communication skills. Whether you’re starting a conversation, expressing gratitude, making suggestions, or apologizing, having a wide range of basic English phrases in your toolkit will make interactions smoother.

In this article, we’ll learn various everyday topics and provide you with useful phrases. You can also download free 1000 Daily English Sentences PDF at the end of this post.

Ways to Say Hello & Goodbye

Informal Ways to Say Yes and No

Ways to Ask How Someone Is – Easy English Phrases

Ways to Say How You Are

Ways to Say Thank You

Ways to Respond to “Thank You”

English Phrases for Apologizing – Easy Phrases

Ways to Respond to an Apology – Easy English Phrases

Mastering these essential English phrases will surely boost your confidence and proficiency in your daily conversations. Practice using these phrases with friends, language partners, or even by talking to yourself in front of a mirror. As you become more comfortable, you’ll naturally enlarge your vocabulary and expression. Remember, learning a language takes time and effort, so be patient with yourself.

Phrases for Introductions

Ways to Show Interest

Ways to End a Conversation Politely

English Phrases for Telephone Calls

Phrases English for Asking for Information

Check Also: Very Useful Basic English Sentences For Beginners (PDF) English Story Books for Beginners (Level 2-3-4) 25+ Common Proverbs and Their Meanings in English

Ways to Say “I don’t know”

English Phrases for Asking for Someone’s Opinion & Giving Your Opinion

English Phrases for Not Having an Opinion

English Phrases for Agreeing

Common English Phrases for Disagreeing

English Phrases for Responding to Good News

English Phrases for Responding to Bad News

English Phrases for Invitations

Ways to Make & Respond to an Offer

English Phrases for Talking About Future Plans

Ways to Talk about Likes & Dislikes

Ways to Make a Suggestion

English Phrases for Asking/Talking about Jobs

English Phrases for Describing Relationships

Basic English Phrases

1000 Common English Phrases For Beginners

  Beginner English Phrases PDF – download

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I appreciate it, Can you provide me some info

25 Fancy Words That You Can Use In Daily Conversations

When it comes to fancy yet useful words, the English language has tons to offer. Here are 25 examples of smart words that you can use in daily conversation. 

As an English learner, one of the best feelings in the world is creating better English sentences. There’s just something very satisfying in knowing some smart words to use in a conversation and using them. We all had that “Yes, I did it!” moment after using something we learned in real life. 

Adding beautiful words in your vocabulary has some benefits as well. Some of the advantages of learning powerful words are improving English pronunciation, better-articulated speeches, and better reading and listening comprehension. Besides, it makes you feel and sound smart, which you can use to your advantage professionally.

Why Sounding Smart Is A Good Thing? 

Did you know that there’s a benefit when you sound fluent like a native speaker ? According to a Harvard Business Review study, an applicant’s voice and sound can affect the employer’s impression during interviews. The more confident and smart-sounding your voice is, the better you can fare in job interviews. 

Using big words can be frowned upon and even ridiculed by some English speakers. After all, there are times that these complicated words can be frustrating and irritating to the listener. If misused, they make you sound incoherent instead of smart. Make sure that you understand the word you’re going to use in a sentence. Here are other tips to sound smarter and more confident when speaking in English. 

• Check and fix your posture (stand straight, but remain relaxed)
• Speak loud and clear
• Use matching body language 
• Use appropriate words based on the audience.
• Always practice your English daily.

25 Impressively Useful Words That Can Make You Sound Smarter

According to Merriam-Webster , no one knows the exact amount of English words ever created. However, an individual is said to use 20,000 to 30,000 words in daily conversations. New words are also made annually, primarily from interactions on the internet. If you want to spice up your speech and sound fluent, use these 25 smart words.

1. Repertoire

• A person’s list of talents and skills 
• In formal language, repertoire means all songs and plays a performer can perform without fail.

Chris knows how to play the piano, bass, drums, and guitar. His musical repertoire is quite extensive.

Damian has a wide repertoire of champions he can play in League of Legends. 

2. Accolade 

• Acknowledgment of someone’s excellent performance
• A similar term for award or honor

The team’s hard work has finally paid off! Receiving the highest accolade in the contest is worth all the sacrifices they made. 

Did you hear? Allan received the highest accolade from the Science Fair. What a lucky guy. 

3. Exacerbate

• Worsen a situation that is already bad
• Make bad things severe.

Steven thought opening the window can put out the fire. Unfortunately, this further exacerbated the problem. 

Shouting at her while she’s mad will only exacerbate her mood, so calm yourself before making a conversation. 

4. Quid Pro Quo 

• A material or favor received for doing or giving something else. 
• A favor for a favor; give and take

How about this? I’ll give you this book when you give me that book? Quid Pro Quo? 

Daenerys and Jon agreed on a quid pro quo: she will help him defeat his enemies in exchange for his loyalty. 

5. Rendezvous 

• A meeting place and date agreed upon by two parties
• The location and time where two or more parties can meet together 

Do you have any problem with the rendezvous? We can adjust the particular details when the boss gets back. 

Luffy is once again late for the rendezvous. I swear I’m going to give him an earful when he arrives. 

• Acknowledging someone’s good point during an argument
• Can be used to appreciate someone’s clever point

Danny: Do you think Jon knows how to solve this math problem? 

Tyrion: He knows nothing about math. 

Danny: Hmm, touche. 

• Can be used to describe something that failed miserably
• A complete failure; a great disaster

Have you seen the last season of “Game of Thrones”? It was a total fiasco!

“The Room” is considered a fiasco by a lot of people. But the memes from that movie have been viral. 

8. Ostentatious

• An act which is done to obviously seek attention
• Giving a show to impress other people

Darius likes showing off his wealth. He’ll grab every chance to show his ostentatious lifestyle. 

Garen has been admired in the military due to his display of skills and humility. He was never ostentatious nor arrogant when teaching his juniors. 

9. Tranquil

• The state of being relaxed/calm
• Free from any distraction or agitation
• A word to describe a peaceful and quiet environment

Nothing beats the tranquil ocean during the sunset. It’s a magnificent view worth seeing every day. 

The village is so tranquil, it's a nice place to settle down and start a family. 

10. Flummoxed

• Extreme confusion or bewilderment
• A state of utter confusion; perplexed

The instruction was written poorly; no wonder he got so flummoxed and made a wrong input. 

Cristina cannot understand anything about the lesson; she was so flummoxed. 

I hope this example doesn’t make you flummoxed. 

11. Capricious

• Sudden changes in mood or behavior
• Unpredictable
• Changing from time to time

Example : She suddenly became angry and walked off, and I don’t know why. Women are so capricious sometimes!

Short-term stock trading is challenging when the economy and stock market are in a capricious state. 

12. Concur (Concurred)

• To agree to an opinion or a statement
• To have the same opinion as another person.
• Synonym of “agree.”

The team concurred to spend the next vacation on a nearby beach resort. 

Now that I think about it, you’re right about the whole situation. I concur and support your decisions.  

13. Quintessential

• Being the best example of something/someone
• A perfect representation of a class or a quality

Macky is a very reckless driver. He’s the perfect quintessential guy insurance companies would like to avoid. 

Jack Ma’s from-rags-to-riches tale is a quintessential success story of not giving up. 

14. Red Herring

• An idea or things  that takes the audiences’ attention away from the central matter
• Is a term that refers to a thing that diverts people’s attention from the main focal point

He’s just redirecting the attention to other people to bury his controversies away from the spotlight. Please don’t fall on his red herrings. 

The investigation revealed that one piece of evidence found on the scene was actually a red herring. 

15. Cacophony

• A loud and displeasing sound
• Deafening or boisterous noises

The cacophony from my neighbor’s ridiculously large sound system never fails to wake me up each morning. 

Although the band has a lot of aesthetic qualities, the cacophony in their sound fails to maintain the crowd’s attention. 

• To persuade someone with gentle coaxing
• Reducing reluctance  with praises and flattery

After a couple of voluntary housework and good grades, Rocky finally managed to cajole his parents to let him go on a hiking trip. 

The hardest thing to do when you’re under pressure is to cajole yourself to keep going. 

• To greatly enjoy doing something
• To party and have a good time with other people
• Feasting/celebrating

Happy Birthday! Let’s spend the night revealing with good food and good karaoke session. 

Chad is out and might not come back until tomorrow. He’s currently out with friends for their weekly late-night revels.

• Someone (usually a man) dressed up in a classy and dashing fashion
• A man who is sporting a neat and elegant look

I remember him! He is that dapper gentleman who danced with me at the ball. 

Michael can’t seem to find the best outfit for a dapper-inspired look in his wardrobe. 

19. Fortuitous

• A very unexpected surprise; accidental; by chance
• When something pleasant happens unexpectedly
• Fortunate or lucky

When Tom met Summer for the first time, he knew at that moment that it was a fortuitous event.

Norman deemed today’s routine walk fortuitous after bumping and catching up with an old childhood friend. 

20. Fastidious

• A very detail-oriented person
• Someone who likes everything to be perfect up to the smallest detail
• Having high standards (adj)

Conny’s fastidious character makes her one of the best event organizers in the area. 

When it comes to food, the chef always makes sure that everything is perfect and passes his fastidious standards. 

21. Idyllic

• Extremely pleasant, peaceful, and safe;
• This word often used to describe time, place, or personal experiences

She remembered her childhood as one of the most idyllic times of her life. 

 If you want to live an idyllic lifestyle, consider living close to nature. 

22. Bonafide

• A genuine classification
• Authentic and real 
• Can be used to describe a good intention

It is confirmed that the excavated jars and cutleries from the new digging sites are bona fide relics from the Pax Romana era. 

Take it, it's a bona fide good offer if you ask me. 

23. Innocuous

• Harmless in nature
• Inoffensive
• Innocent and friendly

That innocuous puppy look was all it takes to convince me. 

Even behind those innocuous smiles, you can tell that he’s planning something wicked. 

24. Prolific

• Someone or something that has an abundant productivity
• Being extremely productive
• Fast growth or generation

The harshness of the weather in the wild prompted the prolific improvement of his survival skills. 

Beethoven was known as a prolific composer and pianist, as well as one of the best classical musicians ever.

25. Peevish

• The state of being extremely irritable
• Being irritated or frustrated over the smallest things
• Someone who is bad-tempered

May is not very good at controlling her words and facial expressions when she’s peevish. 

Oh no, what have I done? She’s got that peevish face on, I’m in big trouble. 

The peevish patient has been waiting for the doctor’s arrival for 30 minutes.  

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing wrong with using fancy words that can make you sound smarter. The problem starts when you’re using words that you don’t fully understand. As always, practice makes everything perfect, so continue expanding your English vocabulary. Talk to other English speakers or learners to learn more about the language. 

If you’re interested in improving your English, consider these excellent online learning resources: Kick off your journey with Babbel , offering user-friendly, engaging lessons tailored to fit seamlessly into your daily schedule. If you want something more in-depth, there's a great English course on Coursera that covers everything from the basics to more advanced topics. For a more personalized learning experience, connect with native English tutors on Preply , enhancing your speaking and comprehension skills. Take advantage of a 50% discount on your first Preply session by using this link .

What are some smart words to use in conversation?

Repertoire, Accolade, Exacerbate, Quid pro quo, Rendezvous, Touche, Fiasco, Ostentatious, Tranquil, Flummoxed, Capricious, Concur, Quintessential, Red herring, Cacophony, Cajole, Revel, Dapper, Fortuitous, Fastidious.

What does Bonafide mean?

A genuine classification. Authentic and real. It can be used to describe a good intention.

What does Touche mean?

Touche is acknowledging someone’s good point during an argument. It can be used to appreciate someone’s clever point. For example: Danny: Do you think Jon knows how to solve this math problem? Tyrion: He knows nothing about math. Danny: Hmm, touche.

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Simple English Words for Daily Use [Master Basic Conversations!]

Are you ready to level up your English language skills and confidently engage in everyday conversations? Whether you’re a beginner looking to establish a strong foundation or an intermediate learner seeking to refine your language abilities, mastering simple English words for daily use can make a significant difference in your communication skills. In this blog article, we’ll guide you through a curated collection of easily understandable and frequently used English words that will help you navigate everyday conversations with ease [You may also be interested in learning the 1000+ most common English words !].

Learning a new language can be an exciting and rewarding journey. However, many language learners find themselves overwhelmed by complex vocabulary and intricate grammar rules. Our approach is different – we focus on simplicity. By mastering common words that form the building blocks of everyday speech, you’ll gain the confidence to express yourself clearly and effectively in various social settings.

Why are simple English words important? Well, they form the backbone of everyday conversations, enabling you to greet someone warmly, introduce yourself confidently, ask for directions, express your preferences, and much more. These fundamental words are like keys that unlock the doors to meaningful interactions, opening up opportunities for friendships, professional connections, and cultural experiences.

Throughout this article, we’ll introduce you to a wide range of simple English words that cover essential categories like greetings, personal introductions, basic expressions, and everyday activities. With our user-friendly explanations, context-based examples, and practical tips, you’ll quickly grasp the meanings and applications of these words, paving the way for more fluent and natural conversations.

Whether you’re planning a trip to an English-speaking country, preparing for a job interview, or simply looking to broaden your linguistic horizons, the knowledge gained from mastering these simple English words will prove invaluable. Ready to take your conversational skills to the next level? Let’s dive in and explore the power of everyday vocabulary!

Note: Remember to bookmark this article for easy reference as you embark on your language-learning journey. Stay tuned for our upcoming blog posts that will delve deeper into more advanced vocabulary and expressions, ensuring your continuous progress in mastering the English language.

English Words for Daily Use

What type of English words do you need for daily use?

1. Greetings and Salutations

Everyday conversations often begin with greetings and salutations. These words are essential for initiating interactions and creating a friendly atmosphere. Examples include:

• Hello: Used to greet someone or attract their attention.
• Good morning/afternoon/evening: Common expressions used to greet someone during specific times of the day.
• How are you?: A polite inquiry about someone’s well-being, often followed by a response such as “I’m fine, thank you” or “Not bad, thanks.”

2. Personal introductions

Introducing yourself and getting to know others is a crucial part of daily communication. Here are some basic words for personal introductions:

• My name is: A phrase used to provide your name when meeting someone for the first time.
• Nice to meet you: A polite expression to convey pleasure in meeting someone.
• Where are you from?: A question to inquire about someone’s place of origin.

3. Basic Expressions

These words are the foundation of everyday conversations, allowing you to express simple ideas and opinions. Examples include:

• Yes/No: Fundamental words to affirm or negate statements or questions.
• Thank you: A phrase used to express gratitude or appreciation.
• Excuse me: A polite way to get someone’s attention or apologize for an interruption.

4. Everyday activities

Vocabulary related to daily activities enables you to discuss routine tasks and experiences. Here are a few examples:

• Eat: The action of consuming food.
• Sleep: The act of resting or being in a state of slumber.
• Work: Engaging in productive tasks or employment.

5. Basic Numbers

Numbers play a significant role in everyday life, allowing you to discuss quantities, time, and more. Some common number words are:

• One, two, three: Cardinal numbers used for counting.
• First, second, third: Ordinal numbers used to indicate position or order.
• Twenty, thirty, forty: Tens numbers used to represent quantities above ten.

By familiarizing yourself with these simple English words for daily use, you’ll be well-equipped to handle daily conversations with confidence. Remember, the key to effective language learning lies in consistent practice and exposure to real-life situations. Incorporate these words into your daily interactions, and gradually expand your vocabulary as you progress in your language journey.

Here’s a list of simple English words for daily use you must know to handle daily conversations successfully.

Simple English Words for Daily Use

Learn 200 simple English words for daily use right now!

• Hello – “Hello, how are you today?”
• Goodbye – “Goodbye, have a great day!”
• Please – “Please pass me the salt.”
• Thank you – “Thank you for your help.”
• Sorry – “I’m sorry for the mistake I made.”
• Excuse me – “Excuse me, may I ask you a question?”
• Yes – “Yes, I would like a cup of coffee.”
• No – “No, thank you. I’m not interested.”
• Maybe – “Maybe we can meet for lunch tomorrow.”
• Help – “Can you help me carry these bags?”
• I – “I love going for long walks in the park.”
• You – “You did a great job on the presentation.”
• We – “We should go shopping together sometime.”
• They – “They are coming to the party tonight.”
• What – “What time is the meeting?”
• Where – “Where is the nearest bus stop?”
• When – “When are you planning to visit?”
• Why – “Why did you choose that book?”
• How – “How do you solve this math problem?”
• Who – “Who is the winner of the competition?”
• Which – “Which color do you prefer, red or blue?”
• This – “This is my favorite restaurant in town.”
• That – “That is a beautiful painting on the wall.”
• Here – “Please sit here and wait for your turn.”
• There – “The bookstore is over there, on the left.”
• Now – “I need your help right now.”
• Always – “I always enjoy spending time with my family.”
• Never – “I never thought I would see you here.”
• Sometimes – “Sometimes, I like to watch movies alone.”
• Maybe – “Maybe we can go to the beach this weekend.”
• Love – “I love spending time with my friends and family.”
• Hate – “I hate it when people are rude.”
• Happy – “I feel happy when I achieve my goals.”
• Sad – “I felt sad after watching that movie.”
• Excited – “I’m so excited about my upcoming vacation.”
• Tired – “I’m feeling tired after a long day at work.”
• Hungry – “I’m hungry. Let’s grab something to eat.”
• Thirsty – “After playing basketball, I felt thirsty and drank a bottle of water.”
• Hot – “It’s really hot outside today. I should wear sunscreen.”
• Cold – “Put on a jacket; it’s cold outside.”
• Beautiful – “The sunset at the beach was so beautiful.”
• Ugly – “She made an ugly comment about my appearance.”
• Funny – “That comedian is so funny; he always makes me laugh.”
• Serious – “This is a serious matter; we need to discuss it.”
• Busy – “I’m sorry, but I’m too busy to meet for lunch today.”
• Free – “Are you free on Saturday? Let’s go to the movies.”
• Easy – “Cooking pasta is easy; anyone can do it.”
• Difficult – “Solving complex math problems can be difficult.”
• Important – “It’s important to prioritize your health.”
• Interesting – “I found the book you recommended very interesting.”
• Understand – “I don’t understand the instructions. Could you explain them again?”
• Confused – “I’m confused about the directions. Can you clarify them?”
• Remember – “I can’t remember where I put my keys.”
• Forget – “Don’t forget to buy milk on your way home.”
• Meet – “Let’s meet for coffee tomorrow afternoon.”
• Talk – “We need to talk about our future plans.”
• Listen – “Please listen to what I have to say.”
• Read – “I love to read novels in my free time.”
• Write – “I need to write a report for work.”
• Speak – “She can speak three different languages fluently.”
• Learn – “I want to learn how to play the guitar.”
• Teach – “My mom taught me how to bake cookies.”
• Watch – “I like to watch movies on the weekends.”
• Look – “Look at that beautiful sunset!”
• See – “Can you see the bird sitting on the tree?”
• Feel – “I feel happy when I’m surrounded by loved ones.”
• Touch – “Please do not touch the artwork.”
• Taste – “This cake tastes delicious!”
• Smell – “I love the smell of freshly baked bread.”
• Open – “Can you help me open this jar?”
• Close – “Please close the door behind you.”
• Start – “Let’s start the meeting in five minutes.”
• Finish – “I need to finish my homework before dinner.”
• Buy – “I need to buy some groceries from the store.”
• Sell – “He decided to sell his old car.”
• Use – “You can use my laptop to finish your assignment.”
• Need – “I need a new pair of shoes for the party.”
• Want – “I want to go on a vacation next month.”
• Like – “I really like this song; it’s catchy.”
• Dislike – “I dislike the taste of olives.”
• Enjoy – “I enjoy spending time with my friends.”
• Hate – “I hate it when people are always late.”
• Believe – “I believe in the power of hard work.”
• Trust – “I trust my best friend with my secrets.”
• Doubt – “I doubt he will be able to finish the project on time.”
• Wait – “Please wait for me; I’ll be there in a minute.”
• Stay – “I’m going to stay at my friend’s house tonight.”
• Leave – “I have to leave early for my doctor’s appointment.”
• Arrive – “What time did they arrive at the party?”
• Go – “Let’s go to the park and have a picnic.”
• Come – “Please come to my house for dinner tonight.”
• Run – “I enjoy running in the morning for exercise.”
• Walk – “Let’s take a walk in the park after lunch.”
• Drive – “He doesn’t know how to drive a car yet.”
• Fly – “I’m going to fly to London for my business trip.”
• Travel – “I love to travel and explore new places.”
• Eat – “What would you like to eat for dinner tonight?”
• Drink – “I always drink a cup of tea in the morning.”
• Sleep – “I need to sleep early tonight; I have an early morning meeting.”
• Wake up – “I usually wake up at 7 a.m. on weekdays.”
• Cook – “I love to cook Italian dishes for my family.”
• Clean – “I need to clean my room before guests arrive.”
• Wash – “I need to wash my clothes this weekend.”
• Brush – “Remember to brush your teeth before going to bed.”
• Shower – “I usually take a shower in the morning to wake up.”
• Bath – “I like to relax in a warm bath after a long day.”
• Exercise – “I try to exercise at least three times a week.”
• Dance – “She loves to dance and takes ballet classes.”
• Sing – “I enjoy singing along to my favorite songs.”
• Play – “Let’s go outside and play soccer.”
• Study – “I need to study for my upcoming exam.”
• Work – “I have to work late tonight to meet the deadline.”
• Relax – “I like to relax by reading a book or watching a movie.”
• Travel – “I hope to travel to Japan someday.”
• Explore – “We decided to explore the old town on foot.”
• Shop – “I need to shop for groceries at the supermarket.”
• Pay – “Please pay the bill at the cashier’s counter.”
• Save – “I’m trying to save money for a new car.”
• Invest – “He plans to invest in stocks for long-term growth.”
• Borrow – “Can I borrow your pen for a moment?”
• Lend – “I can lend you my umbrella if it’s raining.”
• Call – “I’ll call you later to discuss the details.”
• Text – “Send me a text message when you’re ready.”
• Email – “I’ll email you the report by the end of the day.”
• Chat – “Let’s meet up and have a chat over coffee.”
• Ask – “Feel free to ask me any questions you have.”
• Answer – “Can you answer the phone while I’m away?”
• Plan – “Let’s sit down and plan our trip together.”
• Organize – “I need to organize my closet; it’s a mess.”
• Remember – “I always remember my best friend’s birthday.”
• Forget – “Don’t forget to pick up the groceries on your way home.”
• Choose – “It’s hard to choose between chocolate and vanilla ice cream.”
• Decide – “I need some time to decide which job offer to accept.”
• Meet – “We should meet for lunch sometime this week.”
• Invite – “I’m going to invite my friends to my birthday party.”
• Introduce – “Let me introduce you to my colleague, Sarah.”
• Apologize – “I want to apologize for my mistake.”
• Forgive – “I forgive you for what happened; let’s move on.”
• Understand – “I don’t understand the instructions. Can you explain again?”
• Explain – “Could you explain the process in more detail?”
• Promise – “I promise to be there on time for the meeting.”
• Break – “Be careful not to break the glass.”
• Fix – “I need to fix my bike; it has a flat tire.”
• Change – “I think it’s time to change my hairstyle.”
• Improve – “I want to improve my skills in playing the guitar.”
• Learn – “I’m excited to learn how to surf during my vacation.”
• Practice – “If you want to get better, you need to practice regularly.”
• Succeed – “With hard work, you will succeed in achieving your goals.”
• Fail – “Don’t be afraid to try; it’s okay to fail sometimes.”
• Believe – “I believe in you and your abilities.”
• Trust – “Trust is essential in any healthy relationship.”
• Respect – “We should always treat others with respect.”
• Support – “I’ll support you in your decision no matter what.”
• Encourage – “You’re doing great! Keep going; I encourage you.”
• Inspire – “His story inspired me to pursue my dreams.”
• Motivate – “She knows how to motivate her team to achieve success.”
• Challenge – “I like to challenge myself to learn new skills.”
• Relax – “Take a deep breath and relax; everything will be okay.”
• Meditate – “I meditate for ten minutes every morning for mental clarity.”
• Reflect – “Take some time to reflect on your accomplishments.”
• Dream – “I have a dream of traveling the world.”
• Achieve – “With hard work and determination, you can achieve anything.”
• Believe – “Believe in yourself; you are capable of great things.”
• Inspire – “His words inspired me to pursue my passion.”
• Motivate – “I need some motivational music to get me through this workout.”
• Challenge – “This project will be a challenge, but I’m up for it.”
• Learn – “I love to learn about different cultures and traditions.”
• Teach – “She has a natural talent for teaching others.”
• Read – “I make it a habit to read at least one book a month.”
• Write – “I enjoy writing in my journal before going to bed.”
• Create – “She has a knack for creating beautiful artwork.”
• Imagine – “Imagine what the world would be like without technology.”
• Explore – “Let’s explore new hiking trails this weekend.”
• Discover – “I discovered a hidden gem of a restaurant downtown.”
• Share – “I like to share my ideas and experiences with others.”
• Connect – “Let’s connect on social media to stay in touch.”
• Communicate – “Effective communication is key in any relationship.”
• Express – “She expressed her gratitude for the help she received.”
• Apologize – “I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused.”
• Forgive – “It’s important to forgive others and let go of grudges.”
• Laugh – “That joke always makes me laugh.”
• Smile – “She greeted me with a warm smile.”
• Cry – “Sometimes it’s okay to cry; it can be cathartic.”
• Celebrate – “Let’s celebrate your birthday with a party!”
• Remember – “I’ll always remember the fun times we had together.”
• Forget – “I tend to forget names easily; it’s a challenge for me.”
• Imagine – “Imagine what the future holds for us.”
• Appreciate – “I appreciate your help; thank you so much.”
• Value – “I value honesty and integrity in people.”
• Support – “He supports me in everything I do.”
• Encourage – “She encouraged me to pursue my passion.”
• Inspire – “Her story inspired me to follow my dreams.”
• Motivate – “I need some motivational quotes to get through this tough time.”
• Challenge – “Taking on new challenges helps us grow.”
• Learn – “Every day is an opportunity to learn something new.”
• Teach – “He has a talent for teaching complex concepts in a simple way.”
• Write – “Writing helps me express my thoughts and emotions.”
• Create – “She loves to create art with different mediums.”
• Explore – “Let’s explore the possibilities and see what unfolds.”

These 100 simple English words for daily use provide a solid foundation for understanding and communicating in everyday situations. By familiarizing yourself with these words and practicing their usage, you will gain confidence in your English language skills. Remember to continue exploring more words and expanding your vocabulary to further enhance your fluency and comprehension.

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1000 Most Common Words in English

Building your vocabulary with some of the most common words used in the English language is a great start for your journey in learning this beautiful language.

Not only do these common words expand the English terminology that you know, but they also help you with your English conversation skills since they are indeed words that you hear others use everyday.

If you know 1,000 words, you will be between a  functional beginner and  conversational  level in English.  In most of the world’s languages, 500 words will be more than enough to get you through any tourist situations and everyday introductions.

Start building your vocabulary with everyday common words

Using everyday common words are the most convenient way to learn English. The more you hear these words, the better it is for you to process and understand them.

And the more you use them, the stronger your English skills become. So it’s a great process of learning from others, and at the same time, learning from yourself, too!

Why do you need to build your vocabulary?

Before we check out the list of the most commonly used english words, let’s quickly go through the reasons why it’s important for you to build your vocabulary..

• While thoughts can shape our words, words can also definitely shape our thoughts. So building a good set of words inside your vocabulary allows you to enhance your thinking patterns. English is such a dynamic and wonderful language, you’ll never grow tired of all the wonderful things you can learn and re-learn from it, just by simply constantly supplementing the English words you know.
• And speaking of supplementing, think of your vocabulary as some sort of vitamin for your entire body of English knowledge. The more words you know, the healthier your English knowledge and skills are. 
• While learning common words in English is a great start, it will also definitely give you the push you need to level up on the words you know. Before you know it, you’ll be conversant and well-informed in more advanced types of the English terminology.

Here’s the List of the 1000 Most Common English Words

Okay, time to share the list! Remember that with these 1,000 words you’ll be able to ask people how they’re doing, tell them about your day and navigate everyday life situations like shopping and public transit. But also keep in mind that native-like fluency, among many other things, requires about 10,000 vocabulary words.

I also added some sentences as examples of how to use these English words. Check them out below.   the – “The sky is blue.” be  – “Will you be my friend?”

Be – “will you be my friend”, and – “you and i will always be friends.”, of – “today is the first of november.”, a – “i saw a bear today.”, in – “she is in her room.”, to – “let’s go to the park.”, have – “i have a few questions.”, too – “i like her too.”, it – “it is sunny outside.”, i – “i really like it here.”, that – “that door is open.”, for – “this letter is for you.”, you – “you are really nice.”, he – “he is my brother.”, with – “i want to go with you.”, on – “i watch movies on my ipad.”, do – “what will you do now”, say – “can i say something”, this – “this is my favorite cookie.”, they – “they are here”, at – “can you pick me up at the mall”, but – “i’m sorry but she’s away.”, we – “we are going to watch a movie.”, his – “this is his box.”, from – “this card came from my cousin.”, that – “that’s a really cool trick”, not – “that’s not what i want.”, can’t – “i can’t open it.”, won’t – “i won’t open it.”, by – “will you come by and see me”, she – “she is very happy.”, or – “do you like blue or yellow”, as – “her role as an english teacher is very important.”, what – “what are you thinking of”, go – “i want to go there.”, their – “this is their house.”, can – “what can i do for you”, who – “who can help me”, get – “can you get me my eyeglasses”, if – “what if i fail”, would – “would you help me out”, her – “i have her book.”, all – “all my favorite books are on this shelf.”, my – “my mom is coming to visit.”, make – “can we make our projects together”, about – “what is this movie about”, know – “do you know where this place is”, will – “i will help you find that place.”, as – “as soon as she’s here, i’ll talk to her.”, up – “i live up in the mountains.”, one – “she is one of my english teachers.”, time – “there was a time i liked to play golf.”, there – “there are so many things i want to learn.”, year – “this is the year i’m finally going to learn english.”, so – “i am so sorry.”, think – “i think i need to lie down.”, when – “when will i see you again”, which – “which of these slippers are yours”, them – “please give this to them.”, some – “please give them some of the apples i brought home.”, me – “can you give me some apples”, people – “there are so many people at the mall today.”, take – “please take home some of these apples”, out – “please throw the trash out.”, into – “my puppy ran into the woods.”, just – “just close your eyes.”, see – “did you see that”, him – “i heard him singing earlier.”, your – “your mom is here.”, come – “can your mom and dad come to the party”, could – “could you help me with my project”, now – “i want to watch this now.”, than – “i like this cake better than the other one you showed me.”, like – “i like this bag better than the other one you showed me.”, other – “i like these shoes better than the other ones you showed me.”, how – “how do i turn this on”, then – “we had breakfast and then we went to church.”, its – “i need to read its manual.”, our – “this is our home now.”, two – “two cheeseburgers, please.”, more – “can i have some more milk shake”, these – “do you like these ribbons”, want – “do you want these ribbons”, way – “can you look this way”, look – “please look this way.”, first – “she was my very first teacher.”, also – “she was also my best friend.”, new – “i have new shoes.”, because – “i am crying because i’m sad.”, day – “today is national friendship day.”, more – “i have more stickers at home.”, use – “how do i use this”, no – “there’s no electricity now.”, man – “there’s a man outside looking for you.”, find – “where can i find rare furniture”, here – “my mom is here.”, thing – “one thing led to another.”, give – “give her these pearls.”, many – “we shared many dreams together.”, well – “you know me so well.”, only – “you are my only friend here.”, those – “those boots belong to my friend.”, tell – “can you tell me which way to go”, one – “she’s the one he’s been waiting for.”, very – “i’m very upset right now.”, her – “her grandmother is sick.”, even – “she can’t even stand on her own.”, back – “i’ll be right back.”, any – “have you had any luck on your research”, good – “you’re a good person.”, woman – “that woman looks so polished.”, through – “your faith will see you through tough times.”, us – “do you want to go with us”, life – “this is the best day of my life.”, child – “i just saw a child cross the street by herself.”, there – “did you go there”, work – “i have to go to work.”, down – “let’s go down.”, may – “you may take your seats.”, after – “let’s have dinner after work.”, should – “should i buy this dress”, call – “call me when you get home, okay”, world – “i want to travel and see the world.”, over – “i can’t wait for this day to be over.”, school – “my cousin goes to school here.”, still – “i still think you should go.”, try – “can you try to be nicer to him”, in – “what’s in that box”, as – “as soon as i get home, i’m going to start watching that series.”, last – “this is my last slice of cake, i promise”, ask – “can you ask the waiter to bring us some wine”, need – “i need some wine tonight”, too – “i need some wine, too”, feel – “i feel so tired, i just need to relax and unwind.”, three – “i have three sisters.”, when – “when was the last time you saw them”, state – “check out the state of that shed, it’s falling apart.”, never – “i’m never going to drink wine again.”, become – “over the years we’ve become really close.”, between – “this is just between you and me.”, high – “give me a high five”, really – “i really like your painting”, something – “i have something for you.”, most – “she’s the most beautiful girl i’ve ever seen.”, another – “i’ll have another glass of wine, please.”, much – “i love you guys so much.”, family – “you are like family to me.”, own – “i want to get my own place.”, out  – “get out of my room.”, leave – “i want you to leave.”, put – “please put down that book and listen to me.”, old – “i feel so old”, while – “i can wait for you here while you shop.”, mean – “i didn’t mean to sound so angry.”, on – “can you turn on the lights”, keep – “can we keep the lights on tonight”, student – “i’ve always been a diligent student.”, why – “this is why i don’t go out anymore.”, let – “why won’t you let him know how you feel”, great – “this ice cream place is great for families with kids”, same – “hey, we’re wearing the same shirt”, big – “i have this big crush on brad pitt.”, group – “the group sitting across our table is so noisy.”, begin – “where do i begin with this huge project”, seem – “she may seem quiet, but she’s really outgoing once you get to know her.”, country – “japan is such a beautiful country”, help – “i need help with my math homework.”, talk – “can we talk in private”, where – “where were you last night”, turn – “if only i could turn back time.”, problem – “the problem is we think we have plenty of time.”, every – “every person has his own big goal to fulfill.”, start – “this is a great to start to learn the english language.”, hand – “don’t let go of my hand.”, might – “this might actually work.”, american – “the american culture is so dynamic.”, show – “can you show me how to use this vacuum cleaner”, part – “this is my favorite part of the movie”, about – “what is the story about”, against – “i am so against domestic abuse”, place – “this place is wonderful”, over – “she kept saying this over and over again.”, such – “he is such an annoying person.”, again – “can we play that game again”, few – “just a few more errands and i’m done”, case – “what an interesting case you are working on now”, most – “that’s the most interesting story i’ve ever heard.”, week – “i had a rough week.”, company – “will you keep me company”, where – “where are we going”, system – “what’s wrong with the airport’s system”, each – “can you give each of them an apple”, right – “i’m right this time.”, program – “this community program for teens is really helpful.”, hear – “did you hear that”, so – “i’m so sleepy.”, question – “i have a question for you.”, during – “during the session, i saw him fall asleep.”, work – “i have to work this weekend.”, play – “we can play soccer next weekend instead.”, government – “i hope the government does something about the poverty in this country.”, run – “if you see a bear here, run for your life.”, small – “i have a small favor to ask you.”, number – “i have a number of favors to ask you.”, off – “please turn off the television.”, always – “i always bring pepper spray with me.”, move – “let’s move on to the next tourist spot.”, like – “i really like you.”, night – “the night is young.”, live – “i’m going to live like there’s no tomorrow.”, mr. – “mr. morris is here.”, point – “you have a point.”, believe  – “i believe in you.”, hold – “just hold my hand.”, today – “i’m going to see you today.”, bring – “please bring a pen.”, happen  – “what will happen if you don’t submit your report on time”, next – “this is the next best thing.”, without – “i can’t live without my phone.”, before – “before i go to bed i always wash my face.”, large – “there’s a large amount of data online about that topic.”, all – “that’s all i know about dinosaurs.”, million – “i have a million questions about this book.”, must – “we must watch this movie together.”, home – “can we go home now”, under – “i hid it under my bed.”, water – “i filled the tub with water.”, room – “his room is at the end of the corridor.”, write – “can you write me a prescription for this”, mother – “his mother is a very lovely woman.”, area – “this area of this house needs to be fixed.”, national – “that virus has become a national concern.”, money – “she needs money to buy her medicine.”, story – “she shared her story to the media.”, young – “she is so young and so hopeful.”, fact – “it’s a fact: shopping can improve your mood.”, month – “it’s that time of the month”, different – “just because she’s different, it doesn’t mean she’s bad.”, lot – “you have a lot of explaining to do.”, right – “turn right when you reach the corner.”, study – “let’s study our english lessons together., book – “can i borrow your english book”, eye – “she has the pink eye.”, job – “i love my job.”, word – “describe yourself in one word.”, though – “though you are angry now, i’m sure you will forget about this later.”, business – “his business is thriving.”, issue – “this is not an issue for me.”, side – “whose side are you on, anyway”, kind – “always be kind, even to strangers.”, four – “there are four seasons in a year.”, head – “let’s head back, it’s freezing out here.”, far – “we’ve gone too far and now we’re lost.”, black – “she has long, black hair.”, long – “she has long, brown hair.”, both – “they both love chocolate ice cream.”, little – “i have two little boys with me now.”, house – “the house is so quiet without you.”, yes – “i hope you say yes.”, after – “after all this time, he has finally learned to love.”, since – “ever since his mom died, he has been cranky and angry at the world.”, long – “that was such a long time ago.”, provide – “please provide me with a list of your services.”, service – “do you have a specific dental service to treat this”, around – “we went around the block.”, friend – “you’re a good friend.”, important – “you’re important to me.”, father – “my father is so important to me.”, sit – “let’s sit outside together.”, away – “he’s away right now.”, until – “until when will you be away”, power – “with great power comes great responsibility.”, hour – “i’ve been checking his temperature every hour.”, game – “let’s play a game.”, often – “i buy from his bakery as often as i can.”, yet – “he’s not yet home.”, line – “there’s a long line at the grocery cashier.”, political – “i stay away from political discussions.”, end – “it’s the end of an era.”, among – “among all my pets, he’s my most favorite.”, ever – “have you ever tried this cake”, stand – “can you stand still for a minute”, bad – “what you did was so bad.”, lose – “i can’t lose you.”, however – “i want to buy this bag, however, i need to save up for it first.”, member – “she’s a member of the babysitter’s club.”, pay – “let’s pay for our groceries.”, law – “there’s a law against jay-walking.”, meet – “i want you to meet my aunt.”, car – “let’s go inside my car.”, city – “this is the city that never sleeps.”, almost – “i’m almost done with my report.”, include – “did you remember to include the summary in your report”, continue – “can we continue working tomorrow”, set – “great, let me set an appointment for you.”, later – “i’ll finish it later.”, community – “our community is very tight knit.”, much – “there’s so much to learn in the english language.”, name – “what’s your name”, five – “i can give you five reasons why you need to watch that video.”, once  – “i once had a puppy named bark.”, white – “i love my white sneakers.”, least – “she’s the least productive among all the employees.”, president  – “she was our class president back in high school.”, learn – “i’d love to learn more about the english language.”, real – “what is her real name”, change – “what can we change so that things will get better”, team – “they hired a team to do the design of their new office.”, minute – “she’s laughing every minute of every day.”, best – “this is the best potato salad i’ve ever tasted.”, several – “i have several old clothes i need to donate.”, idea – “it was your idea to go to the beach, remember”, kid – “i loved that toy when i was a kid.”, body – “she worked out hard to achieve a toned body.”, information – “this is the information i need.”, nothing – “there’s nothing we can do now. “, ago – “three years ago, i visited japan for the first time.”, right – “you’re right, i want to go back there.”, lead – “just lead the way and i’ll follow.”, social – “i feel awkward in these social gatherings.”, understand – “i understand how you feel.”, whether – “whether in big groups or small groups, i always feel a little shy at first.”, back – “looking back, i knew i was always an introvert.”, watch – “let’s watch the sun set on the horizon.”, together – “they’re together now.”, follow – “i’ll follow you home.”, around – “you’ll always have me around.”, parent – “every parent is trying hard and doing their best.”, only – “you are only allowed to go out today.”, stop – “please stop that.”, face – “why is your face so red”, anything – “you can ask me for anything.”, create – “did you create that presentation it was so good.”, public – “this is public property.”, already –  “i already asked him to resend his report.”, speak – “could you speak a little louder”, others – “the others haven’t arrived yet.”, read – “i read somewhere that this house is haunted.”, level – “what level are you in that game”, allow – “do you allow your kids to play outside the house”, add – “is it okay if we add a bit of sugar to the tea”, office – “welcome to my office.”, spend – “how much did you spend on your last shopping spree”, door – “you left the door open.”, health – “you must take good care of your health.”, person – “you are a good person.”, art – “this is my work of art.”, sure – “are you sure you want to do this alone”, such – “you are such a brave little boy.”, war – “the war has finally ended.”, history – “she is my history professor.”, party – “are you going to her party tonight”, within – “we support everyone within our small community.”, grow – “we want everyone to grow and thrive in their careers.”, result – “the result of this outreach program is amazing.”, open – “are you open to teaching on weekends”, change – “where can we change her diaper”, morning – “it’s such a beautiful morning”, walk – “come take a walk with me.”, reason – “you are the reason i came home.”, low – “her blood pressure has gotten really low.”, win – “we can win this match if we work together.”, research – “how is your research going”, girl  – “that girl is in my class.”, guy – “i’ve seen that guy in school before.”, early – “i come to work so early every day.”, food – “let’s buy some food, i’m hungry”, before – “can i talk to you before you go home”, moment – “the moment she walked in the room, her puppy started to jump and dance again.”, himself – “he cooked this turkey himself.”, air – “i am loving the cold night air here.”, teacher – “you are the best teacher ever.”, force – “don’t force him to play with other kids.”, offer – “can i offer you a ride home”, enough – “boys, that’s enough playing for today.”, both – “you both need to change into your sleep clothes now.”, education – “i just want you to get the best education.”, across – “your dog ran across the park.”, although – “although she felt tired, she still couldn’t sleep.”, remember  – “do you think she will still remember me after ten years”, foot – “her foot got caught in one of the ropes.”, second – “this is the second time she got late this month.”, boy – “there’s a boy in her class who keeps pulling her hair.”, maybe – “maybe we can have ice cream for dessert.”, toward – “he took a step toward her.”, able – “will you be able to send me your report today”, age – “what is the average marrying age these days”, off – “the cat ran off with the dog.”, policy – “they have a generous return policy.”, everything – “everything is on sale.”, love – “i love what you’re wearing”, process – “wait, give me time to process everything you’re telling me.”, music – “i love music.”, including – “around 20 people attended, including bob and beth.”, consider – “i hope you consider my project proposal.”, appear – “how did that appear out of nowhere”, actually – “i’m actually just heading out.”, buy – “i’m going to buy these shoes.”, probably – “he’s probably still asleep.”, human – “give him a break, he is only human.”, wait – “is it alright if you wait for a few minutes”, serve – “this blow dryer has served me well for years.”, market – “let’s visit the sunday market.”, die – “i don’t want my cat to die, let’s take him to the vet please.”, send – “please send the package to my address.”, expect – “you can’t expect much from their poor service.”, home – “i can’t wait to go home”, sense – “i did sense that something was not okay.”, build – “he is going to build his dream house.”, stay – “you can stay with me for a few weeks.”, fall – “be careful, you might fall.”, oh – “oh no, i left my phone at home”, nation – “we have to act as one nation.”, plan – “what’s your plan this time”, cut – “don’t cut your hair.”, college – “we met in college.”, interest – “music is an interest of mine.”, death – “death is such a heavy topic for me.”, course – “what course did you take up in college”, someone – “is there someone who can go with you”, experience – “what an exciting experience”, behind – “i’m scared to check what’s behind that door.”, reach – “i can’t reach him, he won’t answer his phone.”, local – “this is a local business.”, kill – “smoking can kill you.”, six – “i have six books about psychology.”, remain – “these remain on the top shelf.”, effect – “wow, the effect of that mascara is great”, use – “can i use your phone”, yeah – “yeah, he did call me earlier.”, suggest – “he did suggest that to me.”, class – “we were in the same english class.”, control – “where’s the remote control”, raise – “it’s so challenging to discipline kids these days.”, care – “i don’t care about what you think.”, perhaps – “perhaps we can arrive at a compromise.”, little – “there’s a little bird outside my window.”, late – “i am running late for my doctor’s appointment.”, hard – “that test was so hard.”, field – “he’s over there, by the soccer field.”, else – “is anyone else coming”, pass – “can we pass by the grocery store”, former – “she was my former housemate.”, sell – “we can sell your old couch online.”, major – “it’s a major issue for the project.”, sometimes – “sometimes i forget to turn off the porch lights.”, require – “they’ll require you to show your i.d.”, along – “can i tag along your road trip”, development – “this news development is really interesting.”, themselves – “they can take care of themselves.”, report – “i read her report and it was great”, role – “she’s going to play the role of elsa.”, better – “your singing has gotten so much better”, economic – “some countries are facing an economic crisis.”, effort – “the government must make an effort to solve this.”, up – “his grades have gone up.”, decide – “please decide where to eat.”, rate – “how would you rate the hotel’s service”, strong – “they have strong customer service here”, possible – “maybe it’s possible to change their bathroom amenities.”, heart – “my heart is so full.”, drug – “she got the patent for the drug she has created to cure cancer.”, show – “can you show me how to solve this puzzle”, leader – “you are a wonderful leader.”, light – “watch her face light up when you mention his name.”, voice – “hearing his mom’s voice is all he need right now.”, wife – “my wife is away for the weekend.”, whole – “i have the whole house to myself.”, police – “the police have questioned him about the incident.”, mind – “this relaxation technique really eases my mind.”, finally – “i can finally move out from my old apartment.”, pull – “my baby niece likes to pull my hair.”, return – “i give her tickles in return.”, free – “the best things in life are free.”, military – “his dad is in the military.”, price – “this is the price you pay for lying.”, report – “did you report this to the police”, less – “i am praying for less stress this coming new year.”, according – “according to the weather report, it’s going to rain today.”, decision – “this is a big decision for me.”, explain – “i’ll explain everything later, i promise.”, son – “his son is so cute”, hope – “i hope i’ll have a son one day.”, even – “even if they’ve broken up, they still remain friends.”, develop – “that rash could develop into something more serious.”, view – “this view is amazing”, relationship – “they’ve taken their relationship to the next level.”, carry – “can you carry my bag for me”, town – “this town is extremely quiet.”, road – “there’s a road that leads to the edge of the woods.”, drive – “you can’t drive there, you need to walk.”, arm – “he broke his arm during practice.”, true – “it’s true, i’m leaving the company.”, federal – “animal abuse is now a federal felony”, break – “don’t break the law.”, better – “you better learn how to follow rules.”, difference – “what’s the difference between happiness and contentment”, thank – “i forgot to thank her for the pie she sent us.”, receive – “did you receive the pie i sent you”, value – “i value our friendship so much.”, international  – “their brand has gone international”, building  – “this building is so tall”, action  – “you next action is going to be critical.”, full  – “my work load is so full now.”, model  – “a great leader is a great model of how to do things.”, join  – “he wants to join the soccer team.”, season  – “christmas is my favorite season”, society  – “their society is holding a fund raiser.”, because – “i’m going home because my mom needs me.”, tax  – “how much is the current income tax”, director  – “the director yelled ‘cut'”, early  – “i’m too early for my appointment.”, position  – “please position your hand properly when drawing.”, player  – “that basketball player is cute.”, agree  – “i agree he is cute”, especially  – “i especially like his blue eyes.”, record  – “can we record the minutes of this meeting, please”, pick – “did you pick a color theme already”, wear  – “is that what you’re going to wear for the party”, paper  – “you can use a special paper for your invitations.”, special  – “some special paper are even scented”, space – “please leave some space to write down your phone number.”, ground  – “the ground is shaking.”, form – “a new island was formed after that big earthquake.”, support  – “i need your support for this project.”, event – “we’re holding a big event tonight.”, official – “our official wedding photos are out”, whose  – “whose umbrella is this”, matter  – “what does it matter anyway”, everyone  – “everyone thinks i stole that file.”, center  – “i hate being the center of attention.”, couple  – “the couple is on their honeymoon now.”, site – “this site is so big”, project  – “this project file is due tomorrow.”, hit  – “he hit the burglar with a bat.”, base – “all moms are their child’s home base.”, activity  – “what musical activity can you suggest for my toddler”, star – “my son can draw a star”, table  – “i saw him draw it while he was writing on the table.”, need  – “i need to enroll him to a good preschool.”, court – “there’s a basketball court near our house.”, produce  – “fresh farm produce is the best.”, eat  – “i could eat that all day.”, american  – “my sister is dating an american.”, teach  – “i love to teach english lessons.”, oil  – “could you buy me some cooking oil at the store”, half  – “just half a liter please.”, situation – “the situation is getting out of hand.”, easy – “i thought you said this was going to be easy”, cost  – “the cost of fuel has increased”, industry – “the fuel industry is hiking prices.”, figure – “will our government figure out how to fix this problem”, face  – “i can’t bear to face this horrendous traffic again and again.”, street  – “let’s cross the street.”, image – “there’s an image of him stored inside my mind.”, itself  – “the bike itself is pretty awesome.”, phone  – “plus, it has a phone holder.”, either – “i either walk or commute to work.”, data  – “how can we simplify this data”, cover  – “could you cover for me during emergencies”, quite – “i’m quite satisfied with their work.”, picture  – “picture this: a lake, a cabin, and lots of peace and quiet., clear – “that picture is so clear inside my head.”, practice – “let’s practice our dance number.”, piece  – “that’s a piece of cake”, land – “their plane is going to land soon.”, recent – “this is her most recent social media post.”, describe – “describe yourself in one word.”, product – “this is my favorite product in their new line of cosmetics.”, doctor – “the doctor is in.”, wall – “can you post this up on the wall”, patient  – “the patient is in so much pain now.”, worker – “she’s a factory worker.”, news  – “i saw that on the news.”, test – “i have to pass this english test.”, movie – “let’s watch a movie later.”, certain  – “there’s a certain kind of magic in the air now.”, north – “santa lives up north.”, love – ” l love christmas”, personal  – “this letter is very personal.”, open – “why did you open and read it”, support  – “will you support him”, simply – “i simply won’t tolerate bad behavior.”, third – “this is the third time you’ve lied to me.”, technology – “write about the advantages of technology.”, catch – “let’s catch up soon, please”, step – “watch your step.”, baby – “her baby is so adorable.”, computer – “can you turn on the computer, please”, type  – “you need to type in your password.”, attention – “can i have your attention, please”, draw – “can you draw this for me”, film – “that film is absolutely mind-blowing.”, republican – “he is a republican candidate.”, tree – “that tree has been there for generations.”, source – “you are my source of strength.”, red – “i’ll wear a red dress tonight.”, nearly – “he nearly died in that accident”, organization – “their organization is doing great things for street kids.”, choose – “let me choose a color.”, cause – “we have to see the cause and effect of this experiment.”, hair  – “i’ll cut my hair short for a change.”, look –  “can you look at the items i bought”, point  “what is the point of all this, century  – “we’re living in the 21st century, mary.”, evidence – “the evidence clearly shows that he is guilty.”, window  – “i’ll buy window curtains next week.”, difficult  “sometimes, life can be difficult.”, listen – “you have to listen to your teacher.”, soon  – “i will launch my course soon.”, culture  – “i hope they understand our culture better.”, billion  – “my target is to have 1 billion dollars in my account by the end of the year.”, chance  – “is there any chance that you can do this for me”, brother  – “my brother always have my back.”, energy  –  “now put that energy into walking.”, period  – “they covered a period of twenty years.”, course  – “have seen my course already”, summer – “i’ll go to the beach in summer.”, less  – “sometimes, less is more.”, realize  – “i just realize that i have a meeting today.”, hundred  – “i have a hundred dollars that i can lend you.”, available  – “i am available to work on your project.”, plant  – “plant a seed.”, likely  – “it was likely a deer trail.”, opportunity  – “it was the perfect opportunity to test her theory.”, term  – “i’m sure there’s a latin term for it.”, short  – “it was just a short stay at the hotel.”, letter  – “i already passed my letter of intent.”, condition  – “do you know the condition i am in”, choice  – “i have no choice.”, place  – “let’s meet out at meeting place.”, single  – “i am a single parent.”, rule  – “it’s the rule of the law.”, daughter  – “my daughter knows how to read now.”, administration  – “i will take this up with the administration.”, south  – “i am headed south.”, husband  – “my husband just bought me a ring for my birthday.”, congress  – “it will be debated at the congress.”, floor  – “she is our floor manager.”, campaign  – “i handled their election campaign.”, material  – “she had nothing  material to report.”, population  – “the population of the nearest big city was growing.”, well  – “i wish you well.”, call  – ” i am going to call the bank.”, economy  – “the economy is booming.”, medical  -“she needs medical assistance.”, hospital  – “i’ll take her to the nearest hospital.”, church   – “i saw you in church last sunday.”, close  -“please close the door.”, thousand – “there are a thousand reasons to learn english”, risk – “taking a risk can be rewarding.”, current – “what is your current address”, fire – “make sure your smoke alarm works in case of fire.”, future   -“the future is full of hope.”, wrong  – “that is the wrong answer.”, involve  – “we need to involve the police.”, defense  – “what is your defense or reason you did this”, anyone  – “does anyone know the answer”, increase  – “let’s increase your test score.”, security  – “some apartment buildings have security.”, bank  – “i need to go to the bank to withdraw some money.”, myself  – “i can clean up by myself.”, certainly  – “i can certainly help clean up.”, west  – “if you drive west, you will arrive in california.”, sport  – “my favorite sport is soccer.”, board  – “can you see the board”, seek  – “seek and you will find.”, per  – “lobster is $20 per pound.”, subject  – “my favorite subject is english”, officer  – “where can i find a police officer”, private  – “this is a private party.”, rest  – “let’s take a 15 minute rest.”, behavior  – “this dog’s behavior is excellent.”, deal  – “a used car can be a good deal.”, performance  – “your performance can be affected by your sleep.”, fight  – “i don’t want to fight with you.”, throw  – “throw me the ball”, top  – “you are a top student.”, quickly – “let’s finish reading this quickly.”, past – “in the past, my english was not as good as it is today.”, goal  – “my goal is to speak english fluently.”, second  – “my second goal is to increase my confidence.”, bed  – “i go to bed around 10pm.”, order  – “i would like to order a book.”, author  – “the author of this series is world-famous.”, fill  – “i need to fill (up) my gas tank.”, represent  – “i represent my family.”, focus  – “turn off your phone and the tv and focus on your studies”, foreign  – “it’s great having foreign friends.”, drop  – “please don’t drop the eggs”, plan  – “let’s make a plan.”, blood  – “the hospital needs people to give blood.”, upon  – “once upon a time, a princess lived in a castle.”, agency  – “let’s contract an agency to help with marketing.”, push  – “the door says ‘push,’ not ‘pull.'”, nature  – “i love walking in nature”, color –  “my favorite color is blue.”, no  – “‘no’ is one of the shortest complete sentences.”, recently  – “i cleaned the bathroom most recently, so i think it’s your turn this time.”, store  – “i’m going to the store to buy some bread.”, reduce  – “reduce, reuse, and recycle are the ways to help the environment.”, sound  – “i like the sound of wind chimes.”, note  – “please take notes during the lesson.”, fine  – “i feel fine.”, before  – “before the movie, let’s buy popcorn”, near  – “near, far, wherever you are, i do believe that the heart goes on.”, movement  – “the environmental movement is an international movement.”, page  – “please turn to page 62.”, enter  – “you can enter the building on the left.”, share  – “let me share my idea.”, than  – “ice cream has more calories than water.”, common  – “most people can find something in common with each other.”, poor – “we had a poor harvest this year because it was so dry.”, other  – “this pen doesn’t work, try the other one.”, natural – “this cleaner is natural, there aren’t any chemicals in it.”, race – “we watched the car race on tv.”, concern – “thank you for your concern, but i’m fine.”, series – “what is your favorite tv series”, significant – “his job earns a significant amount of money.”, similar – “these earrings don’t match, but they are similar.”, hot – “don’t touch the stove, it’s still hot.”, language – “learning a new language is fun.”, each – “put a flower in each vase.”, usually – “i usually shop at the corner store.”, response – “i didn’t expect his response to come so soon.”, dead – “my phone is dead, let me charge it.”, rise – “the sun will rise at 7:00 a.m.”, animal – “what kind of animal is that”, factor – “heredity is a factor in your overall health.”, decade – “i’ve lived in this city for over a decade.”, article – “did you read that newspaper article”, shoot – “he wants to shoot arrows at the target.”, east – “drive east for three miles.”, save – “i save all my cans for recycling.”, seven – “there are seven slices of pie left.”, artist – “taylor swift is a recording artist.”, away – “i wish that mosquito would go away.”, scene – “he painted a colorful street scene.”, stock – “that shop has a good stock of postcards.”, career – “retail sales is a good career for some people.”, despite – “despite the rain, we will still have the picnic.”, central – “there is good shopping in central london.”, eight – “that recipe takes eight cups of flour.”, thus – “we haven’t had any problems thus far.”, treatment – “i will propose a treatment plan for your injury.”, beyond – “the town is just beyond those mountains.”, happy – “kittens make me happy.”, exactly – “use exactly one teaspoon of salt in that recipe.”, protect – “a coat will protect you from the cold weather.”, approach – “the cat slowly approached the bird.”, lie – “teach your children not to lie.”, size – “what size is that shirt, dog  – “do you think a dog is a good pet”, fund  – “i have a savings fund for college.”, serious – “she is so serious, she never laughs.”, occur – “strange things occur in that empty house.”, media – “that issue has been discussed in the media.”, ready – “are you ready to leave for work”, sign – “that store needs a bigger sign.”, thought – “i’ll have to give it some thought.”, list – “i made a list of things to do.”, individual – “you can buy an individual or group membership.”, simple – “the appliance comes with simple instructions.”, quality – “i paid a little more for quality shoes.”, pressure – “there is no pressure to finish right now.”, accept – “will you accept my credit card”, answer – “give me your answer by noon tomorrow.”, hard – “that test was very hard.”, resource – “the library has many online resources.”, identify – “i can’t identify that plant.”, left – “the door is on your left as you approach.”, meeting – “we’ll have a staff meeting after lunch.”, determine – “eye color is genetically determined.”, prepare – “i’ll prepare breakfast tomorrow.”, disease – “face masks help prevent disease.”, whatever – “choose whatever flavor you like the best.”, success – “failure is the back door to success.”, argue – “it’s not a good idea to argue with your boss.”, cup – “would you like a cup of coffee”, particularly – “it’s not particularly hot outside, just warm.”, amount – “it take a large amount of food to feed an elephant.”, ability – “he has the ability to explain things well.”, staff – “there are five people on staff here.”, recognize – “do you recognize the person in this photo”, indicate – “her reply indicated that she understood.”, character – “you can trust people of good character.”, growth – “the company has seen strong growth this quarter.”, loss – “the farmer suffered heavy losses after the storm.”, degree – “set the oven to 300 degrees.”, wonder – “i wonder if the bulls will win the game.”, attack – “the army will attack at dawn.”, herself – “she bought herself a new coat.”, region – “what internet services are in your region”, television – “i don’t watch much television.”, box – “i packed my dishes in a strong box.”, tv – “there is a good movie on tv tonight.”, training – “the company will pay for your training.”, pretty – “that is a pretty dress.”, trade – “the stock market traded lower today.”, deal – “i got a good deal at the store.”, election – “who do you think will win the election”, everybody – “everybody likes ice cream.”, physical – “keep a physical distance of six feet.”, lay – “lay the baby in her crib, please.”, general – “my general impression of the restaurant was good.”, feeling – “i have a good feeling about this.”, standard – “the standard fee is $10.00.”, bill – “the electrician will send me a bill.”, message – “you have a text message on your phone.”, fail – “i fail to see what is so funny about that.”, outside – “the cat goes outside sometimes.”, arrive – “when will your plane arrive”, analysis – “i’ll give you my analysis when i’ve seen everything.”, benefit – “there are many health benefits to quinoa.”, sex – “do you know the sex of your baby yet”, forward – “move the car forward a few feet.”, lawyer – “my lawyer helped me write a will.”, present – “if everyone is present, the meeting can begin.”, section – “what section of the stadium are you sitting in”, environmental – “environmental issues are in the news.”, glass – “glass is much heavier than plastic.”, answer – “could you answer a question for me”, skill – “his best skill is woodworking.”, sister – “my sister lives close to me.”, pm – “the movie starts at 7:30 pm.”, professor – “dr. smith is my favorite professor.”, operation – “the mining operation employs thousands of people.”, financial – “i keep my accounts at my financial institution.”, crime – “the police fight crime.”, stage – “a caterpillar is the larval stage of a butterfly.”, ok – “would it be ok to eat out tonight”, compare – “we should compare cars before we buy one.”, authority – “city authorities make the local laws.”, miss – “i miss you, when will i see you again”, design – “we need to design a new logo.”, sort – “let’s sort these beads according to color.”, one – “i only have one cat.”, act – “i’ll act on your information today.”, ten – “the baby counted her ten toes.”, knowledge – “do you have the knowledge to fix that”, gun – “gun ownership is a controversial topic.”, station – “there is a train station close to my house.”, blue – “my favorite color is blue.”, state – “after the accident i was in a state of shock.”, strategy – “our new corporate strategy is written here.”, little – “i prefer little cars.”, clearly – “the instructions were clearly written.”, discuss – “we’ll discuss that at the meeting.”, indeed – “your mother does indeed have hearing loss.”, force – “it takes a lot of force to open that door.”, truth – “please tell me the truth.”, song – “that’s a beautiful song.”, example – “i need an example of that grammar point, please.”, democratic – “does australia have a democratic government”, check – “please check my work to be sure it’s correct.”, environment – “we live in a healthy environment.”, leg – “the boy broke his leg.”, dark – “turn on the light, it’s dark in here.”, public – “masks must be worn in public places.”, various – “that rug comes in various shades of gray.”, rather – “would you rather have a hamburger than a hot dog”, laugh – “that movie always makes me laugh.”, guess – “if you don’t know, just guess.”, executive – “the company’s executives are paid well.”, set – “set the glass on the table, please.”, study – “he needs to study for the test.”, prove – “the employee proved his worth.”, hang – “please hang your coat on the hook.”, entire – “he ate the entire meal in 10 minutes.”, rock – “there are decorative rocks in the garden.”, design – “the windows don’t open by design.”, enough – “have you had enough coffee”, forget – “don’t forget to stop at the store.”, since – “she hasn’t eaten since yesterday.”, claim – “i made an insurance claim for my car accident.”, note – “leave me a note if you’re going to be late.”, remove – “remove the cookies from the oven.”, manager – “the manager will look at your application.”, help – “could you help me move this table”, close – “close the door, please.”, sound – “the dog did not make a sound.”, enjoy – “i enjoy soda.”, network – “band is the name of our internet network.”, legal – “the legal documents need to be signed.”, religious – “she is very religious, she attends church weekly.”, cold – “my feet are cold.”, form – “please fill out this application form.”, final – “the divorce was final last month.”, main – “the main problem is a lack of money.”, science – “he studies health science at the university.”, green – “the grass is green.”, memory – “he has a good memory.”, card – “they sent me a card for my birthday.”, above – “look on the shelf above the sink.”, seat – “that’s a comfortable seat.”, cell – “your body is made of millions of cells.”, establish – “they established their business in 1942.”, nice – “that’s a very nice car.”, trial – “they are employing her on a trial basis.”, expert – “matt is an it expert.”, that – “did you see that movie”, spring – “spring is the most beautiful season.”, firm – “her ‘no” was very firm, she won’t change her mind.”, democrat – “the democrats control the senate.”, radio – “i listen to the radio in the car.”, visit – “we visited the museum today.”, management – “that store has good management.”, care – “she cares for her mother at home.”, avoid – “you should avoid poison ivy.”, imagine – “can you imagine if pigs could fly”, tonight – “would you like to go out tonight”, huge – “that truck is huge”, ball – “he threw the ball to the dog.”, no – “i said ‘no,’ please don’t ask again.”, close – “close the window, please.”, finish – “did you finish your homework”, yourself – “you gave yourself a haircut”, talk – “he talks a lot.”, theory – “in theory, that’s a good plan.”, impact – “the drought had a big impact on the crops.”, respond – “he hasn’t responded to my text yet.”, statement – “the police chief gave a statement to the media.”, maintain – “exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight.”, charge – “i need to charge my phone.”, popular – “that’s a popular restaurant.”, traditional – “they serve traditional italian food there.”, onto – “jump onto the boat and we’ll go fishing.”, reveal – “washing off the dirt revealed the boy’s skinned knee.”, direction – “what direction is the city from here”, weapon – “no weapons are allowed in government buildings.”, employee – “that store only has three employees.”, cultural – “there is cultural significance to those old ruins.”, contain – “the carton contains a dozen egges.”, peace – “world leaders gathered for peace talks.”, head – “my head hurts.”, control – “keep control of the car.”, base – “the glass has a heavy base so it won’t fall over.”, pain – “i have chest pain.”, apply – “maria applied for the job.”, play – “the children play at the park.”, measure – “measure twice, cut once.”, wide – “the doorway was very wide.”, shake – “don’t shake the can of soda.”, fly – “we can fly to france next year.”, interview – “my job interview went well.”, manage – “did you manage to find the keys”, chair – “the table has six matching chairs.”, fish – “i don’t enjoy eating fish.”, particular – “that particular style looks good on you.”, camera – “i use the camera on my phone.”, structure – “the building’s structure is solid.”, politics – “mitch is very active in politics.”, perform – “the singer will perform tonight.”, bit – “it rained a little bit last night.”, weight – “keep track of your pet’s weight.”, suddenly – “the storm came up suddenly.”, discover – “you’ll discover treasures at that thrift store.”, candidate – “there are ten candidates for the position.”, top – “the flag flies on the top of that building.”, production – “factory production has improved over the summer.”, treat – “give yourself a treat for a job well done.”, trip – “we are taking a trip to florida in january.”, evening – “i’m staying home this evening.”, affect – “my bank account will affect how much i can buy.”, inside – “the cat stays inside.”, conference – “there will be expert presenters at the conference.”, unit – “a foot is a unit of measure.”, best – “those are the best glasses to buy.”, style – “my dress is out of style.”, adult – “adults pay full price, but children are free.”, worry – “don’t worry about tomorrow.”, range  – my doctor offered me a range of options., mention  – “can you mention me in your story”, rather  – “rather than focusing on the bad things, let’s be grateful for the good things.”, far  – “i don’t want to move far from my family.”, deep  – “that poem about life is deep.”, front –  “please face front.”, edge  – “please do not stand so close to the edge of the cliff.”, individual  – “these potato chips are in an individual serving size package.”, specific  – “could you be more specific”, writer  – “you are a good writer.”, trouble  – “stay out of trouble.”, necessary  – “it is necessary to sleep.”, throughout  – “throughout my life i have always enjoyed reading.”, challenge  – “i challenge you to do better.”, fear  – “do you have any fears”, shoulder  – “you do not have to shoulder all the work on your own.”, institution  – “have you attended any institution of higher learning”, middle  – “i am a middle child with one older brother and one younger sister.”, sea  – “i want to sail the seven seas.”, dream  – “i have a dream.”, bar – “a bar is a place where alcohol is served.”, beautiful  – “you are beautiful.”, property  – “do you own property, like a house”, instead  – “instead of eating cake i will have fruit.”, improve  – “i am always looking for ways to improve.”, stuff  – “when i moved, i realized i have a lot of stuff”, claim  – “i claim to be a fast reader, but actually i am average.”.

From  http://www.wordfrequency.info

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These 1000 common words are just a speck of the many English terms you can learn! Aren’t you excited to learn more? For now, focus on familiarizing yourself with these words. And make a conscious effort to use them in your everyday conversations.

The power of everyday English conversations is truly remarkable. And it’s the best way to deepen your learning and love for the language.

If you want more lessons relating to English vocabulary, here’s a great lesson  that talks about the different ways you can improve your English vocabulary fast.

9 Kinds of Humor Explained in English

Gabby Wallace, M.Ed TESOL

About the Author Gabby Wallace is the Founder of Go Natural English, where you can quickly improve your confidence speaking English through advanced fluency practice. Even if you don't have much time, this is the best place for improving your English skills. Millions of global intermediate - advanced English students are learning with Gabby's inspiring, clear, and energetic English lessons. Gabby has a Masters Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Boston University and 20+ years experience helping students become fluent through her online courses and membership program.

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Words for Speaking: 30 Speech Verbs in English (With Audio)

Speaking is amazing, don’t you think?

Words and phrases come out of our mouths — they communicate meaning, and we humans understand each other (well, sometimes)!

But there are countless different ways of speaking.

Sometimes, we express ourselves by speaking quietly, loudly, angrily, unclearly or enthusiastically.

And sometimes, we can express ourselves really well without using any words at all — just sounds.

When we describe what someone said, of course we can say, “He said …” or “She said …”

But there are so many alternatives to “say” that describe the many different WAYS of speaking.

Here are some of the most common ones.

Words for talking loudly in English

Shout / yell / scream.

Sometimes you just need to say something LOUDLY!

Maybe you’re shouting at your kids to get off the climbing frame and come inside before the storm starts.

Or perhaps you’re just one of those people who just shout a lot of the time when you speak. And that’s fine. I’ve got a friend like that. He says it’s because he’s the youngest kid in a family full of brothers and sisters — he had to shout to make sure people heard him. And he still shouts.

Yelling is a bit different. When you yell, you’re probably angry or surprised or even in pain. Yelling is a bit shorter and more “in-the-moment.”

Screaming is similar but usually higher in pitch and full of fear or pain or total fury, like when you’ve just seen a ghost or when you’ve dropped a box of bricks on your foot.

“Stop yelling at me! I’m sorry! I made a mistake, but there’s no need to shout!”

Bark / Bellow / Roar

When I hear these words, I always imagine something like this:

These verbs all feel rather masculine, and you imagine them in a deep voice.

I always think of an army general walking around the room telling people what to do.

That’s probably why we have the phrase “to bark orders at someone,” which means to tell people what to do in an authoritative, loud and aggressive way.

“I can’t stand that William guy. He’s always barking orders at everyone!”

Shriek / Squeal / Screech

Ooooohhh …. These do not sound nice.

These are the sounds of a car stopping suddenly.

Or the sound a cat makes when you tread on her tail.

Or very overexcited kids at a birthday party after eating too much sugar.

These verbs are high pitched and sometimes painful to hear.

“When I heard her shriek , I ran to the kitchen to see what it was. Turned out it was just a mouse.”

“As soon as she opened the box and saw the present, she let out a squeal of delight!”

Wailing is also high pitched, but not so full of energy.

It’s usually full of sadness or even anger.

When I think of someone wailing, I imagine someone completely devastated — very sad — after losing someone they love.

You get a lot of wailing at funerals.

“It’s such a mess!” she wailed desperately. “It’ll take ages to clear up!”

Words for speaking quietly in English

When we talk about people speaking in quiet ways, for some reason, we often use words that we also use for animals.

In a way, this is useful, because we can immediately get a feel for the sound of the word.

This is the sound that snakes make.

Sometimes you want to be both quiet AND angry.

Maybe someone in the theatre is talking and you can’t hear what Hamlet’s saying, so you hiss at them to shut up.

Or maybe you’re hanging out with Barry and Naomi when Barry starts talking about Naomi’s husband, who she split up with last week.

Then you might want to hiss this information to Barry so that Naomi doesn’t hear.

But Naomi wasn’t listening anyway — she was miles away staring into the distance.

“You’ll regret this!” he hissed , pointing his finger in my face.

To be fair, this one’s a little complicated.

Whimpering is a kind of traumatised, uncomfortable sound.

If you think of a frightened animal, you might hear it make some kind of quiet, weak sound that shows it’s in pain or unhappy.

Or if you think of a kid who’s just been told she can’t have an ice cream.

Those sounds might be whimpers.

“Please! Don’t shoot me!” he whimpered , shielding his head with his arms.

Whispering is when you speak, but you bypass your vocal cords so that your words sound like wind.

In a way, it’s like you’re speaking air.

Which is a pretty cool way to look at it.

This is a really useful way of speaking if you’re into gossiping.

“Hey! What are you whispering about? Come on! Tell us! We’ll have no secrets here!”

Words for speaking negatively in English

Ranting means to speak at length about a particular topic.

However, there’s a bit more to it than that.

Ranting is lively, full of passion and usually about something important — at least important to the person speaking.

Sometimes it’s even quite angry.

We probably see rants most commonly on social media — especially by PEOPLE WHO LOVE USING CAPS LOCK AND LOTS OF EXCLAMATION MARKS!!!!!!

Ranting always sounds a little mad, whether you’re ranting about something reasonable, like the fact that there’s too much traffic in the city, or whether you’re ranting about something weird, like why the world is going to hell and it’s all because of people who like owning small, brown dogs.

“I tried to talk to George, but he just started ranting about the tax hike.”

“Did you see Jemima’s most recent Facebook rant ? All about how squirrels are trying to influence the election results with memes about Macaulay Culkin.”

Babble / Blabber / Blather / Drone / Prattle / Ramble

These words all have very similar meanings.

First of all, when someone babbles (or blabbers or blathers or drones or prattles or rambles), it means they are talking for a long time.

And probably not letting other people speak.

And, importantly, about nothing particularly interesting or important.

You know the type of person, right?

You run into a friend or someone you know.

All you do is ask, “How’s life?” and five minutes later, you’re still listening to them talking about their dog’s toilet problems.

They just ramble on about it for ages.

These verbs are often used with the preposition “on.”

That’s because “on” often means “continuously” in phrasal verbs .

So when someone “drones on,” it means they just talk for ages about nothing in particular.

“You’re meeting Aunt Thelma this evening? Oh, good luck! Have fun listening to her drone on and on about her horses.”

Groan / Grumble / Moan

These words simply mean “complain.”

There are some small differences, though.

When you groan , you probably don’t even say any words. Instead, you just complain with a sound.

When you grumble , you complain in a sort of angry or impatient way. It’s not a good way to get people to like you.

Finally, moaning is complaining, but without much direction.

You know the feeling, right?

Things are unfair, and stuff isn’t working, and it’s all making life more difficult than it should be.

We might not plan to do anything about it, but it definitely does feel good to just … complain about it.

Just to express your frustration about how unfair it all is and how you’ve been victimised and how you should be CEO by now and how you don’t get the respect you deserve and …

Well, you get the idea.

If you’re frustrated with things, maybe you just need to find a sympathetic ear and have a good moan.

“Pietor? He’s nice, but he does tend to grumble about the local kids playing football on the street.”

Words for speaking unclearly in English

Mumble / murmur / mutter.

These verbs are all very similar and describe speaking in a low and unclear way, almost like you’re speaking to yourself.

Have you ever been on the metro or the bus and seen someone in the corner just sitting and talking quietly and a little madly to themselves?

That’s mumbling (or murmuring or muttering).

What’s the difference?

Good question!

The differences are just in what type of quiet and unclear speaking you’re doing.

When someone’s mumbling , it means they’re difficult to understand. You might want to ask them to speak more clearly.

Murmuring is more neutral. It might be someone praying quietly to themselves, or you might even hear the murmur of voices behind a closed door.

Finally, muttering is usually quite passive-aggressive and has a feeling of complaining to it.

“I could hear him muttering under his breath after his mum told him off.”

How can you tell if someone’s been drinking too much booze (alcohol)?

Well, apart from the fact that they’re in the middle of trying to climb the traffic lights holding a traffic cone and wearing grass on their head, they’re also slurring — their words are all sort of sliding into each other. Like this .

This can also happen if you’re super tired.

“Get some sleep! You’re slurring your words.”

Stammer / Stutter

Th-th-th-this is wh-wh-when you try to g-g-g-get the words ou-ou-out, but it’s dif-dif-dif-difficu-… hard.

For some people, this is a speech disorder, and the person who’s doing it can’t help it.

If you’ve seen the 2010 film The King’s Speech , you’ll know what I’m talking about.

(Also you can let me know, was it good? I didn’t see it.)

This can also happen when you’re frightened or angry or really, really excited — and especially when you’re nervous.

That’s when you stammer your words.

“No … I mean, yeah … I mean no…” Wendy stammered .

Other words for speaking in English

If you drawl (or if you have a drawl), you speak in a slow way, maaakiiing the voowweeel sounds loooongeer thaan noormaal.

Some people think this sounds lazy, but I think it sounds kind of nice and relaxed.

Some regional accents, like Texan and some Australian accents, have a drawl to them.

“He was the first US President who spoke with that Texan drawl .”

“Welcome to cowboy country,” he drawled .

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

That’s my impression of a dog there.

I was growling.

If you ever go cycling around remote Bulgarian villages, then you’re probably quite familiar with this sound.

There are dogs everywhere, and sometimes they just bark.

But sometimes, before barking, they growl — they make that low, threatening, throaty sound.

And it means “stay away.”

But people can growl, too, especially if they want to be threatening.

“‘Stay away from my family!’ he growled .”

Using speaking verbs as nouns

We can use these speaking verbs in the same way we use “say.”

For example, if someone says “Get out!” loudly, we can say:

“‘Get out!’ he shouted .”

However, most of the verbs we looked at today are also used as nouns. (You might have noticed in some of the examples.)

For example, if we want to focus on the fact that he was angry when he shouted, and not the words he used, we can say:

“He gave a shout of anger.”

We can use these nouns with various verbs, usually “ give ” or “ let out .”

“She gave a shout of surprise.”

“He let out a bellow of laughter.”

“I heard a faint murmur through the door.”

There you have it: 30 alternatives to “say.”

So next time you’re describing your favourite TV show or talking about the dramatic argument you saw the other day, you’ll be able to describe it more colourfully and expressively.

Did you like this post? Then be awesome and share by clicking the blue button below.

8 thoughts on “ Words for Speaking: 30 Speech Verbs in English (With Audio) ”

Always enlighten and fun.. thank you

Great job! Thank you so much for sharing with us. My students love your drawing and teaching very much. So do I of course.

Good news: I found more than 30 verbs for “speaking”. Bad news, only four of them were in your list. That is to say “Good news I’m only 50 I still have plenty of time to learn new things, bad news I’m already 50 and still have so much learn. Thanks for your posts, they’re so interesting and useful!

Excellent. Can I print it?

Thanks Iris.

And yes — Feel free to print it! :)

Thanks so much! It was very interesting and helpful❤

Great words, shouts and barks, Gabriel. I’m already writing them down, so I can practise with them bit by bit. Thanks for the lesson!

Thank you so much for sharing with us. .It is very useful

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You want to improve your English speaking but don’t know where to start? You know a lot of English words but have a hard time making sentences in English ?

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The reason is you don’t learn common English phrases and sentence patterns , do you? These phrases and patterns are said as basic units for you to make much more correct sentences in English.

Below are 100 common English phrases and sentence patterns that are much used in daily life. Each common English phrase includes real audios and scripts which help you learn sentence structures better, and make sentences in English much more easily.

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Take time to learn all of the following lessons and you will improve your spoken English very quickly. And remember that deep learning is the key to English fluency . You should learn each lesson deeply before moving to the next one ( 5 lessons/day is recommended. )

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• Posted in in Vocabulary

The 3,000 most common words in English

• Posted by by Cameron Smith
• 2 years ago
• Updated 1 year ago

Editors of the Britannica Dictionary identified 3,000 core vocabulary words that are the most important words to know in English.

When you can use these 3,000 words confidently, you will understand 90% of written and spoken English. And you’ll sound like an intermediate to fluent English speaker.

Use the list below to see which words you already know and which ones you need to add to your English vocabulary.

And please don’t try to learn everything on this list all at once. The most important thing for all English learners is to start with the vocabulary you need .

Learn words that are useful to YOU first. You will naturally learn other helpful English words as you study and practice the English language over time.

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Words starting with A

achievement

acknowledge

administration

administrator

advertising

African-American

agricultural

alternative

anniversary

application

appointment

appropriate

approximately

arrangement

association

Words starting with B

Words starting with c.

celebration

championship

characteristic

characterize

cholesterol

circumstance

combination

comfortable

communicate

communication

competition

competitive

complicated

composition

comprehensive

concentrate

concentration

congressional

consciousness

consequence

conservative

considerable

consideration

constitutional

construction

consumption

contemporary

contribution

controversial

controversy

conventional

conversation

cooperation

corporation

correspondent

Words starting with D

demonstrate

demonstration

description

destruction

development

differently

discrimination

distinction

distinguish

distribution

dramatically

Words starting with E

educational

effectively

electricity

enforcement

engineering

entertainment

environment

environmental

essentially

establishment

examination

expectation

explanation

extraordinary

Words starting with F

frustration

fundamental

furthermore

Words starting with G

grandfather

grandmother

Words starting with H

headquarters

Words starting with I

identification

imagination

immediately

immigration

implication

improvement

incorporate

increasingly

independence

independent

information

institution

institutional

instruction

intellectual

intelligence

interaction

interesting

international

interpretation

intervention

introduction

investigate

investigation

investigator

involvement

Words starting with J

Words starting with k, words starting with l.

legislation

Words starting with M

maintenance

manufacturer

manufacturing

measurement

Words starting with N

necessarily

negotiation

neighborhood

nevertheless

nonetheless

Words starting with O

observation

occasionally

opportunity

organization

orientation

Words starting with P

Palestinian

participant

participate

participation

particularly

partnership

performance

personality

perspective

photographer

politically

possibility

potentially

preparation

prescription

presentation

presidential

professional

psychological

psychologist

publication

Words starting with Q

quarterback

Words starting with R

recognition

recommendation

relationship

representation

representative

requirement

reservation

responsibility

responsible

restriction

Words starting with S

satisfaction

scholarship

significance

significant

significantly

sophisticated

specifically

substantial

successfully

surprisingly

Words starting with T

temperature

traditional

transformation

transportation

Words starting with U

understanding

unfortunately

Words starting with V

Words starting with w, words starting with y, words starting with z.

Did anything on this list surprise you? What new words will you be adding to your English vocabulary?

Post your answers in the comments below!

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith is an English Communication Coach based in Vancouver, Canada. He's the founder of Learn English Every Day, and he's on a mission to help millions of people speak English with confidence. If you want longer video content, please follow me on YouTube for fun English lessons and helpful learning resources!

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21 other ways to say it's hot in English (with examples!)

• August 13, 2022

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bank holiday

an official holiday when banks and most businesses are closed for a day

Trial, judge, and jury: talking about what happens when a criminal is caught

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The Vocabulary.com Top 1000 

The top 1,000 vocabulary words have been carefully chosen to represent difficult but common words that appear in everyday academic and business writing. These words are also the most likely to appear on the SAT, ACT, GRE, and ToEFL. To create this list, we started with the words that give our users the most trouble and then ranked them by how frequently they appear in our corpus of billions of words from edited sources. If you only have time to study one list of words, this is the list.

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• consider deem to be At the moment, artemisinin-based therapies are considered the best treatment, but cost about $10 per dose - far too much for impoverished communities. Seattle Times (Feb 16, 2012)
• minute infinitely or immeasurably small The minute stain on the document was not visible to the naked eye.
• accord concurrence of opinion The committee worked in accord on the bill, and it eventually passed.
• evident clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment That confidence was certainly evident in the way Smith handled the winning play with 14 seconds left on the clock.
• practice a customary way of operation or behavior He directed and acted in plays every season and became known for exploring Elizabethan theatre practices .
• intend have in mind as a purpose “Lipstick, as a product intended for topical use with limited absorption, is ingested only in very small quantities,” the agency said on its website.
• concern something that interests you because it is important The scandal broke out in October after former chief executive Michael Woodford claimed he was fired for raising concerns about the company's accounting practices.
• commit perform an act, usually with a negative connotation In an unprecedented front page article in 2003 The Times reported that Mr. Blair, a young reporter on its staff, had committed journalistic fraud. New York Times (Feb 15, 2012)
• issue some situation or event that is thought about As a result, the privacy issues surrounding mobile computing are becoming ever-more complex.
• approach move towards Spain’s jobless rate for people ages 16 to 24 is approaching 50 percent. New York Times (Feb 15, 2012)
• establish set up or found A small French colony, Port Louis, was established on East Falkland in 1764 and handed to the Spanish three years later.
• utter without qualification No one can blame an honest mechanic for holding a wealthy snob in utter contempt. Ingersoll, Robert Green
• conduct direct the course of; manage or control Scientists have been conducting studies of individual genes for years.
• engage consume all of one's attention or time We had nearly two hundred passengers, who were seated about on the sofas, reading, or playing games, or engaged in conversation. Field, Henry M. (Henry Martyn)
• obtain come into possession of He delayed making the unclassified report public while awaiting an Army review, but Rolling Stone magazine obtained the report and posted it Friday night. New York Times (Feb 11, 2012)
• scarce deficient in quantity or number compared with the demand Meanwhile, heating oil could grow more scarce in the Northeast this winter, the Energy Department warned last month. New York Times (Jan 21, 2012)
• policy a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group Inflation has lagged behind the central bank’s 2 percent target, giving policy makers extra scope to cut rates.
• straight successive, without a break After three straight losing seasons, Hoosiers fans were just hoping for a winning record. Seattle Times (Feb 15, 2012)
• stock capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares In other words, Apple’s stock is cheap, and you should buy it. Forbes (Feb 16, 2012)
• apparent clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment But the elderly creak is beginning to become apparent in McCartney’s voice.
• property a basic or essential attribute shared by members of a class Owing to these magic properties , it was often planted near dwellings to keep away evil spirits. Parsons, Mary Elizabeth
• fancy imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind For a time, indeed, he had fancied that things were changed. Weyman, Stanley J.
• concept an abstract or general idea inferred from specific instances As a psychologist, I have always found the concept of speed dating fascinating. Scientific American (Feb 13, 2012)
• court an assembly to conduct judicial business When Brown pleaded not guilty to assaulting Rihanna, their violent past came out in court . Slate (Feb 16, 2012)
• appoint assign a duty, responsibility, or obligation to In 1863 he was appointed by the general assembly professor of oriental languages at New College. Various
• passage a section of text, particularly a section of medium length His interpretation of many obscure scriptural passages by means of native manners and customs and traditions is particularly helpful and informing. Sheets, Emily Churchill Thompson
• vain unproductive of success An attempt was made to ignore this brilliant and irregular book, but in vain ; it was read all over Europe. Various
• instance an occurrence of something In many instances large districts or towns would have fewer representatives than smaller ones, or perhaps none at all. Clarke, Helen Archibald
• coast the shore of a sea or ocean Martello towers must be built within short distances all round the coast . Wingfield, Lewis
• project a planned undertaking The funds are aimed at helping build public projects including mass transit, electricity networks, water utility and ports, it said.
• commission a special group delegated to consider some matter The developers are now seeking approval from the landmarks commission . New York Times (Feb 16, 2012)
• constant a quantity that does not vary In 1929, Hubble independently put forward and confirmed the same idea, and the parameter later became known as the Hubble constant . Nature (Nov 15, 2011)
• circumstances one's overall condition in life The circumstances leading up to the shootings was not immediately available.
• constitute compose or represent Oil and natural gas constituted almost 50 percent of Russian government revenue last year.
• level a relative position or degree of value in a graded group Only last month did the men’s and women’s unemployment rates reach the same level . New York Times (Feb 19, 2012)
• affect have an influence upon The central bank will start distributing low-interest loans in early March to individuals and small- and medium-sized companies affected by the flooding.
• institute set up or lay the groundwork for Corporations have to be more and more focused on instituting higher labor standards. Washington Post (Feb 7, 2012)
• render give an interpretation of But authorities had rendered the weapon and the explosive device inoperable, officials said. Chicago Tribune (Feb 17, 2012)
• appeal be attractive to To get traditional women’s accessories to appeal to men, some designers are giving them manly names and styles. New York Times (Feb 19, 2012)
• generate bring into existence Qualities such as these are not generated under bad working practices of any sort. Hungerford, Edward
• theory a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the world Testing that theory begins Saturday night, as the Capitals take on Tampa Bay in another important contest. Washington Post (Feb 18, 2012)
• range a variety of different things or activities Like American community colleges, admission at an open university is not competitive, but the schools offer a range of programs, including doctoral degrees.
• campaign a race between candidates for elective office At the same point in 2004 — as an incumbent facing re-election — Mr. Bush had taken in about $145.6 million for his campaign . New York Times (Feb 18, 2012)
• league an association of sports teams that organizes matches "When I broke into the big leagues until a month ago, Gary kept in touch," Mets third baseman David Wright said. Seattle Times (Feb 17, 2012)
• labor any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted More labor is entailed, more time is required, greater delay is occasioned in cleaning up, and the amount of water used is much greater. Hoskin, Arthur J.
• confer have a meeting in order to talk something over Ms. Stewart said Mrs. Bachmann conferred with her family and a few aides after her disappointing showing on Tuesday evening. New York Times (Jan 4, 2012)
• grant allow to have He had been granted entry into the White House only for the daily briefing, later that afternoon. New York Times (Feb 17, 2012)
• dwell think moodily or anxiously about something But it is hardly necessary to dwell on so normal an event. Vinogradoff, Paul
• entertain provide amusement for The first Super Bowl in 1967 featured college marching bands entertaining the crowds at halftime.
• contract a binding agreement that is enforceable by law Contracts with utilities will be signed starting next month, he said.
• earnest characterized by a firm, sincere belief in one's opinions Too much praise cannot be given to the earnest and efficient missionaries who founded and have maintained this mission. Miller, George A.
• yield give or supply It is a very important honey plant, as it yields an exceptionally pure nectar and remains in bloom a long time. Parsons, Mary Elizabeth
• wander move or cause to move in a sinuous or circular course While each animal wandered through the maze, its brain was working furiously. New York Times (Feb 16, 2012)
• insist be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge Interior Department officials insisted that they had conducted an extensive scientific inquiry before moving ahead with the spill response plan. New York Times (Feb 17, 2012)
• knight a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry The knight was gallant not only in war, but in love also. Crothers, Samuel McChord
• convince make realize the truth or validity of something But though he listened he was not convinced . Reade, Charles
• inspire serve as the inciting cause of His surprising performance inspired an outpouring of fan adoration that has been dubbed "Linsanity." Chicago Tribune (Feb 19, 2012)
• convention a large formal assembly Last year, the industry’s main trade convention , the Inside Self-Storage World Expo, organized workshops in Las Vegas focusing on lien laws and auction sales. New York Times (Feb 17, 2012)
• skill an ability that has been acquired by training He says many new drivers are terrified of motorway driving because they do not have the skills or confidence needed.
• harry annoy continually or chronically There’s something uplifting about hearing a string instrument when I’m feeling ragged or harried . New York Times (Feb 9, 2012)
• financial involving fiscal matters Meanwhile, universities have raised tuition every year, putting many students in a financial bind. New York Times (Feb 20, 2012)
• reflect show an image of Teens ranting over chores and whatnot can often reflect deeper feelings of alienation or perceived uncaring on the part of parents.
• novel an extended fictional work in prose Before Robert Barr publishes a novel he spends years in thinking the thing out. Anonymous
• furnish provide with objects or articles that make a room usable Instead, according to court documents, the money went toward furnishing mansions, flying in private jets, and retaining a $120,000-a-year personal hairstylist. BusinessWeek (Feb 1, 2012)
• compel force somebody to do something But the flames grew too large, compelling firefighters to call off the rescue. New York Times (Feb 18, 2012)
• venture proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers Clearly he would not venture to descend while his enemy moved. Strang, Herbert
• territory the geographical area under the jurisdiction of a state On Friday, West Africa regional group Ecowas condemned the rebels, urging them to end hostilities and surrender all occupied territory .
• temper a characteristic state of feeling Oscar Wilde, to do him justice, bore this sort of rebuff with astonishing good temper and sweetness. Anonymous
• bent fixed in your purpose The business-oriented constituency of the Republican Party, Jacobs said, has been weakened by a faction bent on lowering taxes and cutting spending.
• intimate marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity The female spider can choose when to cut off intimate relations by eating her partner, or kicking him out. Scientific American (Jan 31, 2012)
• undertake enter upon an activity or enterprise An autopsy has reportedly been undertaken but the results are not expected for several weeks.
• majority more than half of the votes in an election Republicans need just four seats in the Senate to take control as the majority party.
• assert declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true In your talk you asserted the pill's risks of blood clotting, lung artery blockage, heart attack and stroke are minimal.
• crew the people who work on a vehicle Several pilots and crew members would have to escape at once, while safety divers watched, ready to rescue anyone who became stuck. New York Times (Feb 6, 2012)
• chamber a natural or artificial enclosed space "Today," said the old man, "you must push through with me into my most solitary chamber , that we may not be disturbed." Carlyle, Thomas
• humble marked by meekness or modesty; not arrogant or prideful “Challenging yourself, playing up against stronger, tougher, and overall better competition will keep you humble .” Washington Post (Jan 17, 2012)
• scheme an elaborate and systematic plan of action Some companies in the Globe District of Arizona have started extensive underground schemes for mining large tonnages very cheaply by "caving" methods. Hoskin, Arthur J.
• keen demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions Not one of his movements escaped her keen observation; she drank in every shiver. Wingfield, Lewis
• liberal having political views favoring reform and progress Romney’s actually done well in open primaries where fiscally conservative yet socially liberal independents have backed him over his opponents.
• despair a state in which all hope is lost or absent There were wounded love, and wounded pride, and despair , and coming madness, all in that piteous cry. Reade, Charles
• tide the periodic rise and fall of the sea level In the case of mobile connectivity, a rising tide does not lift all boats. Slate (Feb 9, 2012)
• attitude a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings "Behaviours have changed and attitudes have changed," Mr Taylor said.
• justify show to be reasonable or provide adequate ground for He felt sure that if the circumstances justified it, the necessary proceedings could be taken.” Anonymous
• flag a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared three days of mourning and ordered flags flown at half staff. New York Times (Feb 16, 2012)
• merit any admirable or beneficial attribute Thus far in our inquiry extraordinary merits have been offset by extraordinary defects. Ayres, Harry Morgan
• manifest reveal its presence or make an appearance A too rapid transformation of existing conditions might very easily lead to an economic crisis, symptoms of which are already beginning to manifest themselves. Vay, P?ter
• notion a general inclusive concept Does that old notion that defense wins championships still hold up these days? Seattle Times (Jan 13, 2012)
• scale relative magnitude And there might not be much money, so fashion shows are done on a much smaller scale . Seattle Times (Feb 17, 2012)
• formal characteristic of or befitting a person in authority A formal decision to call off the search is likely on Wednesday, rescue officials said. New York Times (Jan 31, 2012)
• resource a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed “Economists assume that, under normal conditions, markets will allocate resources efficiently,” he added.
• persist continue to exist Old ideas, long after the conditions under which they were produced have passed away, often persist in surviving. Ingersoll, Robert Green
• contempt lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike And with his backhanded contempt for all things ordinary, Blake is making some of the catchiest, most difficult music in recent memory.
• tour a route all the way around a particular place or area He typed in “South Park” and took senior executives on a tour of Web sites offering pirated episodes. New York Times (Feb 8, 2012)
• plead enter a defendant's answer Aria pleaded not guilty, but he acknowledged that he had violated some laws. New York Times (Feb 18, 2012)
• weigh be oppressive or burdensome So far, the political turmoil has not appeared to have discouraged visitors, but prolonged strife could weigh on tourism. New York Times (Feb 11, 2012)
• mode how something is done or how it happens Speaking of science, he says, in language far in advance of his times: ‘There are two modes of knowing—by argument and by experiment. Adams, W. H. Davenport (William Henry Davenport)
• distinction a discrimination between things as different But such a distinction is quite external; at heart the men may be very much alike. Anonymous
• inclined at an angle to the horizontal or vertical position Such an inclined passage following a seam of coal is known as a slope. Hoskin, Arthur J.
• attribute a quality belonging to or characteristic of an entity The authors found that when the available prospects varied more in attributes such as age, height, occupation and educational background, people made fewer dating proposals. Scientific American (Feb 13, 2012)
• exert make a great effort at a mental or physical task School boards may come to exert even greater influence over what students read. Forbes (Jan 23, 2012)
• oppress come down on or keep down by unjust use of one's authority Those who managed to survive were later oppressed by Poland's post-war communist authorities.
• contend compete for something But eight men, however bold and stout-hearted, could not long contend with an enemy at least four times their number. Strang, Herbert
• stake a strong wooden or metal post driven into the ground His remains were buried in Cannon Street, and a stake was driven through the body. Andrews, William
• toil work hard He toiled in the sweat of his brow, tilling the stubborn ground, taking out stones, building fences. Adler, Felix
• perish pass from physical life Simon Wiesenthal's parents are long since deceased, with his father dying in World War I and his mother perishing in the Holocaust.
• disposition your usual mood Melancholia — the state of mind — can hide behind seemingly sunny dispositions . Seattle Times (Dec 28, 2011)
• rail complain bitterly Mr. Gray railed against lengthy stage directions, saying he crossed them out in scripts before he would begin rehearsals with his actors. New York Times (Feb 7, 2012)
• cardinal one of a group of prominent bishops in the Sacred College Each time he names cardinals he puts his stamp on Roman Catholicism's future by choosing men who share his views. Chicago Tribune (Feb 18, 2012)
• boast talk about oneself with excessive pride or self-regard Mr. Estes was also well connected politically, boasting that the president of the United States took his calls. New York Times (Dec 10, 2011)
• advocate a person who pleads for a person, cause, or idea Well, safety advocates , consumers and the government dragged the automobile industry toward including seat belts, air bags, more visible taillights and other safety features. New York Times (Feb 19, 2012)
• bestow present He bestowed public buildings and river improvements in return for votes. Gilbert, Clinton W. (Clinton Wallace)
• allege report or maintain It is being fired into enclosed areas and homes, the human rights group alleges .
• notwithstanding despite anything to the contrary He seems to have taken things easily enough, notwithstanding the sorrow and suffering that surrounded him on every side. Adams, W. H. Davenport (William Henry Davenport)
• lofty of imposing height; especially standing out above others He found himself in an enormous hall with a lofty ceiling. Blasco Ib??ez, Vicente
• multitude a large indefinite number Department store chains in general have been strained in recent years as a " multitude " of alternatives has emerged, all competing for customers. Chicago Tribune (Dec 28, 2011)
• steep having a sharp inclination It was narrow and very steep , and had precipices in all parts, so that they could not mount upward except one at a time. Various
• heed pay close attention to But Cain was already too far gone to heed the warning voice. Adler, Felix
• modest not large but sufficient in size or amount A healthy person living in an unfashionable city with no student loans to pay off can get by on a fairly modest income. Slate (Feb 17, 2012)
• partial being or affecting only a segment Generalizations of this sweeping order are apt to contain only partial truth. Clarke, Helen Archibald
• apt naturally disposed toward Another reason to display beds at an electronics show: consumers are apt to use high-tech devices while tucked in. New York Times (Jan 9, 2012)
• esteem the condition of being honored Despite being held in the highest esteem by his fellow poets, Redgrove never quite achieved the critical reception or readership he deserved.
• credible appearing to merit belief or acceptance Mike Mullen, then chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has acknowledged receiving the memo but said he ignored it as not credible . New York Times (Dec 19, 2011)
• provoke provide the needed stimulus for It provoked a bigger reaction than we could ever have anticipated.
• tread a step in walking or running The farmer went down, his clumsy boots making no sound on the uncarpeted stairway, so careful was his tread . Woolson, Constance Fenimore
• ascertain learn or discover with confidence Health care providers and manufacturers can ascertain alternative treatment more effectively by tackling predicted drug shortage incidences early in the process. Forbes (Feb 13, 2012)
• fare proceed, get along, or succeed A recent study breaks down how graduates with various college degrees are faring in today’s difficult job market. Washington Post (Feb 17, 2012)
• cede relinquish possession or control over Some militia chiefs say they will only cede command of their fighters once an organized military and security apparatus is in place.
• perpetual continuing forever or indefinitely The river is a perpetual enjoyment, always something going on. Waddington, Mary King
• decree a legally binding command or decision While the decree takes effect immediately, it requires Parliament’s approval within 60 days to remain in force.
• contrive make or work out a plan for; devise The wily Roc, never taken much by surprise, contrived to escape, but old Tributor and his men were all captured. Thornbury, Walter
• derived formed or developed from something else; not original Modern kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi are all members of the same species, derived from a single prehistoric plant variety. Slate (Feb 21, 2012)
• elaborate marked by complexity and richness of detail But the tobacco industry and owners of other convenience stores say tribal cigarette manufacturing is just an elaborate form of tax evasion. New York Times (Feb 22, 2012)
• substantial real; having a material or factual existence Defence lawyers said the large number of forensic tests which had been carried out had failed to find any substantial evidence linked to the accused.
• frontier a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country Adding to the precarious security situation, tribesmen kidnapped 18 Egyptian border guards along the frontier with Israel in Sinai Peninsula. New York Times (Feb 9, 2012)
• facile arrived at without due care or effort; lacking depth As one teacher remarks about a troubled student, “There is no facile solution.” New York Times (Oct 11, 2011)
• cite make reference to The Federal Reserve has pledged low interest rates until late 2014, citing in part the weakness of the job market.
• warrant show to be reasonable or provide adequate ground for In the United Kingdom and Europe the devices are not used unless the need is warranted by the patient's medical condition.
• sob weep convulsively He cried and trembled, sobbing , while they spoke, like the child he was. Weyman, Stanley J.
• rider a traveler who actively sits and travels on an animal In horseback riding, a rider will give commands by squeezing or lengthening the reins and altering the position of his legs.
• dense permitting little if any light to pass through Dense black smoke rose in the distance as demonstrators burned tires in Shiite villages.
• afflict cause physical pain or suffering in Melanoma globally afflicts nearly 160,000 new people each year.
• flourish grow vigorously His business had been all along steadily flourishing , his patrons had been of high social position, some most illustrious, others actually royal. Petherick, Horace William
• ordain invest with ministerial or priestly authority One of the present bishops was consecrated when quite a young boy, and deacons are often ordained at sixteen, and even much earlier. Bird, Isabella L. (Isabella Lucy)
• pious having or showing or expressing reverence for a deity Mother, you see, is a very pious woman, and she attributes it all to Providence, saying that it was the Divine interference in her behalf. Various
• vex disturb, especially by minor irritations There are vexing problems slowing the growth and the practical implementation of big data technologies. Forbes (Oct 21, 2011)
• gravity the force of attraction between all masses in the universe Once captured, the combined object will have a new center of gravity and may be spinning in an uncontrolled way.
• suspended supported or kept from sinking or falling by buoyancy Frustrating enough at ground level, but can you imagine the agony about a stranded, ever-soggier Oreo being suspended 11 feet above the ground? Washington Post (Feb 21, 2012)
• conspicuous obvious to the eye or mind Its bright scarlet fruits are conspicuous in late autumn. Anonymous
• retort a quick reply to a question or remark Having put him in ill humour with this retort , she fled away rejoicing. Coster, Charles Th?odore Henri de
• jet an airplane powered by gas turbines Typhoon fighter jets , helicopters, two warships and bomb disposal experts will also be on duty to guard against security threats. Seattle Times (Feb 20, 2012)
• bolt run away The blare of bugles was heard, and a few seconds afterwards Jackson, still facing the enemy, shouted: "By Jupiter, they're bolting , sir." Strang, Herbert
• assent agree or express agreement His two companions readily assented , and the promise was mutually given and received. Keightley, Thomas
• purse a sum spoken of as the contents of a money container She watched over her husband, kept his accounts, held the family purse , managed all his affairs.  Shorter, Clement K.
• plus the arithmetic operation of summing The survey’s margin of error was plus or minus four percentage points.
• sanction give authority or permission to The Securities and Exchange Commission said last year it had sanctioned 39 senior officers for conduct related to the housing market meltdown.
• proceeding a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked Chu attended the special court-martial proceeding on Monday in Hawaii, Hill said.
• exalt praise, glorify, or honor Some exalt themselves by anonymously posting their own laudatory reviews. New York Times (Jan 26, 2012)
• siege an action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place Rebellion broke out, and finally the aged Caliph, after enduring a siege of several weeks, was murdered in his own house. Nicholson, Reynold
• malice the desire to see others suffer He viewed the moths with malice , their fluttering wings fanning his resentment. Lyman, Olin L.
• extravagant recklessly wasteful Advisers say new millionaires are prone to mistakes, like making extravagant purchases or risky deals with friends.
• wax increase in phase Carols had existed for centuries, though their popularity waxed and waned as different governments and religious movements periodically declared them sinful.
• throng press tightly together or cram Deafening cheers rent the air as he landed; hundreds thronged around him to clasp his hand. Strang, Herbert
• venerate regard with feelings of respect and reverence He venerated me like a being descended from an upper world. Blasco Ib??ez, Vicente
• assail attack someone physically or emotionally His campaign even issued a press release assailing other rivals for, in Mr. Paul’s view, taking Mr. Romney’s quote about firing people out of context. New York Times (Feb 16, 2012)
• sublime of high moral or intellectual value He was uneven, disproportioned, saying ordinary things on great occasions, and now and then, without the slightest provocation, uttering the sublimest and most beautiful thoughts. Ingersoll, Robert Green
• exploit draw from; make good use of As humans increasingly exploit the deep seas for fish, oil and mining, understanding how species are dispersed is crucial, Copley said. Scientific American (Jan 3, 2012)
• exertion use of physical or mental energy; hard work One day overcome by exertion , she fainted in the street. Ingersoll, Robert Green
• kindle catch fire Then a match was kindled and fire applied. Warner, Susan
• endow furnish with a capital fund The grammar school here, founded in 1533, is liberally endowed , with scholarships and exhibitions. Various
• imposed set forth authoritatively as obligatory The Arab League has already suspended Syria and imposed economic sanctions.
• humiliate cause to feel shame The letter claims pensioners are too often patronised, humiliated , denied privacy or even medical treatment.
• suffrage a legal right to vote There has been a great deal said in this country of late in regard to giving the right of suffrage to women. Ingersoll, Robert Green
• ensue take place or happen afterward or as a result An uproar ensued months after the approval, when opponents realized the online gambling measure had been slipped in. New York Times (Feb 16, 2012)
• brook a natural stream of water smaller than a river He walked across the little bridge over the brook and at once his mood changed. Mason, A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley)
• gale a strong wind moving 34–40 knots The gale was accompanied, as usual, by incessant rain and thick weather, and a heavy confused sea kept our decks always flooded. Fitzroy, Robert
• muse reflect deeply on a subject Musing about the Big Picture may be a lot more gratifying than focusing on the details of the specific policies that aren’t working.
• satire witty language used to convey insults or scorn There’s plenty of humor on Russian television, though not much political satire ; Mr. Putin put a stop to that long ago. New York Times (Feb 13, 2012)
• intrigue cause to be interested or curious Designing and building models that intrigue and educate without overwhelming has been challenging. Science Magazine (Nov 24, 2011)
• indication something that serves to suggest Authorities said an autopsy found no indications of foul play or obvious signs of trauma on Houston. Seattle Times (Feb 15, 2012)
• dispatch send away towards a designated goal More than one assassin was dispatched by the Turkish authorities to murder Napoleon. Various
• cower crouch or curl up The knaves lowered their weapons and shrank back cowering before him. Weyman, Stanley J.
• wont an established custom He made his customary slick feeds to open teammates, but as is their wont , the Nets struggled at times to convert points on his passes. New York Times (Feb 20, 2012)
• tract a system of body parts that serves some specialized purpose When probiotics flourish in the digestive tract , nutrients are better absorbed and bad bugs are held at bay, research suggests. Seattle Times (Jan 10, 2012)
• canon a collection of books accepted as holy scripture For me, all novels of any consequence are literary, and they take their place, high and low, in the canon of English literature.
• impel cause to move forward with force Some power beyond his comprehension was impelling him toward the neighboring city. Blasco Ib??ez, Vicente
• latitude freedom from normal restraints in conduct Great employees often get more latitude to bring up controversial subjects in a group setting because their performance allows greater freedom.
• vacate leave behind empty; move out of Their number diminished sharply after Villaraigosa announced last week that he wanted protesters to vacate the grounds by Monday or be forcibly removed. Chicago Tribune (Nov 30, 2011)
• undertaking any piece of work that is attempted "Let my epitaph be, Here lies Joseph, who was unsuccessful in all his undertakings ." Marvin, Frederic Rowland
• slay kill intentionally and with premeditation "It were shame," said Lancelot, "for an armed to slay an unarmed man." Unknown
• predecessor one who goes before you in time Heller fills in the blanks about Taft, overshadowed by colorful predecessor Teddy Roosevelt. Seattle Times (Feb 22, 2012)
• delicacy the quality of being exquisitely fine in appearance This refinement appears in his works, which are full of artistic grace and dainty delicacy . Drake, Samuel Adams
• forsake leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch "I'm surprised," said Philip, cautiously opening fire, "that you were ever allowed to forsake your native land." Hay, Ian
• beseech ask for or request earnestly Utterly distraught, he ran up and down the bank, hunting for his clothes, calling, crying out, imploring, beseeching help from somewhere. Frank, Ulrich
• philosophical relating to the investigation of existence and knowledge His arguments, like Einstein’s, were qualitative, verging on highly philosophical . Scientific American (Jan 30, 2012)
• grove a small growth of trees without underbrush Soon after we came to Pasadena, father bought an orange grove of twenty-five acres. Chamberlain, James Franklin
• frustrate hinder or prevent, as an effort, plan, or desire Frustrated after two years of missed budget targets, finance chiefs demanded Greek officials put their verbal commitments into law.
• illustrious widely known and esteemed She will be joining an illustrious list of recipients that include Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Pope John Paul II and Princess Diana.
• device an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose You’ve probably also noticed that the telephone and computer are no longer the only devices on your employees’ desks. Forbes (Feb 26, 2012)
• pomp cheap or pretentious or vain display Throughout U.S. history, Americans have been fascinated by royal pomp -- even on a movie screen.
• entreat ask for or request earnestly "Let me go now, please," she entreated , her eyes unable to meet his any longer. Hope, Anthony
• impart transmit, as knowledge or a skill Long before writing and books were in common use, proverbs were the principal means of imparting instruction. Preston, Thomas
• propriety correct behavior I felt a trifle doubtful about the propriety of taking a short cut across private grounds, and said as much. Sutphen, Van Tassel
• consecrate render holy by means of religious rites The building was consecrated as a Protestant Episcopal church in May, 1814. Faris, John T. (John Thomson)
• proceeds the income or profit arising from a transaction His own share in the proceeds was about a hundred thousand dollars. Stark, James H.
• fathom come to understand But after flying for so many years, the idea of hanging up his sparkling wings is hard for him to fathom . New York Times (Mar 17, 2012)
• objective the goal intended to be attained The objective was to mobilize students from 18 high schools across the city to provide community services and inspire others. New York Times (Feb 5, 2012)
• clad wearing or provided with clothing A few of the villagers came behind, clad in mourning robes, and bearing lighted tapers. Various
• partisan devoted to a cause or political group But given the bitter partisan divide in an election year, Democrats said they would never be able to get such legislation passed. Chicago Tribune (Mar 30, 2012)
• faction a dissenting clique One faction declared it would begin an armed struggle against the government of the United States. Slate (Feb 29, 2012)
• contrived artificially formal In lesser hands the story about a young man who discovers life among the dead could be impossibly cute and contrived . New York Times (Mar 25, 2012)
• venerable impressive by reason of age Thus, after much more than two hundred years, the venerable building looks almost as it did when the first students entered its doors. Faris, John T. (John Thomson)
• restrained not showy or obtrusive By contrast, Mr. Pei’s restrained design took time to claim my attention, particularly since it sat quietly next door to Saarinen’s concrete gull wings. New York Times (Oct 6, 2011)
• besiege harass, as with questions or requests He can’t trot down the street without being besieged by paparazzi. New York Times (Mar 18, 2012)
• manifestation a clear appearance Singing and dancing are manifestations of what many Syrians describe as a much broader cultural flowering. New York Times (Dec 19, 2011)
• rebuke an act or expression of criticism and censure Afterward, the leaders fought court orders to release records showing what they had done, drawing an uncommonly sharp rebuke from a federal judge. Washington Post (Mar 14, 2012)
• insurgent in opposition to a civil authority or government The Free Syrian Army, an insurgent group made of defecting soldiers and based in southern Turkey, claimed responsibility for both attacks. New York Times (Nov 20, 2011)
• rhetoric using language effectively to please or persuade His fiery rhetoric in support of limiting cuts to projected defense spending has surprised and impressed some of Obama's toughest Republican critics.
• scrupulous having ethical or moral principles The reason is that the vast majority of businesses are scrupulous and treat their employees well.
• ratify approve and express assent, responsibility, or obligation Company officials at Safeway said those replacement workers will remain on standby until the agreement is ratified by union members. Washington Post (Mar 29, 2012)
• stump cause to be perplexed or confounded Though family members long suspected Evans, a local handyman who frequently hired local youths, the case stumped investigators for years. Washington Post (Aug 30, 2011)
• discreet marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint Sarkozy has attempted to tone down his image, becoming more discreet about his private life.
• imposing impressive in appearance These buildings were grand and stylized with intricate details and a bit of an imposing presence. Scientific American (Mar 5, 2012)
• wistful showing pensive sadness She turned toward him, her face troubled, her eyes most wistful . Mason, A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley)
• mortify cause to feel shame Intensely mortified at this humiliation, the king fell sick, and henceforth his health failed rapidly. Various
• ripple stir up so as to form small waves That could precipitate higher interest rates that would ripple across the economy. Washington Post (Jul 27, 2011)
• premise a statement that is held to be true Success, real success, comes to the jack of all trades, a major premise handed down from pioneer days. Gilbert, Clinton W. (Clinton Wallace)
• subside wear off or die down Affliction is allayed, grief subsides , sorrow is soothed, distress is mitigated. Webster, Noah
• adverse contrary to your interests or welfare High doses can have adverse effects and even cause death. Seattle Times (Mar 26, 2012)
• caprice a sudden desire Nobody is really in charge, and decisions are made on whim and caprice .” New York Times (Apr 10, 2011)
• muster summon up, call forth, or bring together Yet Fox needed all the strength that he could muster . Rosebery, Archibald Phillip Primrose
• comprehensive broad in scope The United States Army developed a comprehensive plan to address problematic race relations in the 1970s, recognizing that they were hampering military effectiveness. New York Times (Feb 6, 2012)
• accede yield to another's wish or opinion Therefore he made up his mind to accede to his uncle's desire. Streckfuss, Adolph
• fervent characterized by intense emotion But, to fervent applause and scattered fist pumps from two sets of worshipers, he pledged to legally challenge the claims against him. New York Times (Sep 26, 2010)
• cohere cause to form a united, orderly, and consistent whole Two antagonistic values may cohere in the same object. Anderson, Benjamin M. (Benjamin McAlester)
• tribunal an assembly to conduct judicial business The military has historically been protected from civilian courts, with any crimes committed by soldiers being decided in closed military tribunals .
• austere severely simple A certain austere simplicity was noticeable all over Longfellow's house. Anonymous
• recovering returning to health after illness or debility “The recovering economy is bringing more people back into the market. Washington Post (Mar 22, 2012)
• stratum a group of people sharing similar wealth and status She belonged to the upper stratum of the profession, and, knowing it, could not sink. George, Walter Lionel
• conscientious characterized by extreme care and great effort A conscientious hostess would be very much mortified if she served chicken out of its proper course. Reed, Myrtle
• arbitrary based on or subject to individual discretion or preference Sandra Nurse, a member of Occupy's direct action working group, said police treated demonstrators roughly and made arbitrary arrests. Time (Mar 18, 2012)
• exasperate irritate Shopkeepers, exasperated at the impact of higher taxes and reduced consumer spending, are planning to close down for the day. New York Times (Feb 7, 2012)
• conjure summon into action or bring into existence Vacation homes typically conjure up dreams of blue skies, pristine sand and crystalline waters. Wall Street Journal (Feb 28, 2012)
• ominous threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments The Count's words were so ominous , so full of sinister meaning that for the moment he felt like crying out with fear. Hocking, Joseph
• edifice a structure that has a roof and walls They are here erecting a fine stone edifice for an Episcopal Church. Clark, John A.
• elude escape, either physically or mentally But despite racking up world titles, Olympic gold was eluding him.
• pervade spread or diffuse through An air of intense anticipation pervaded the General’s dining room. Burnett, Carolyn Judson
• foster promote the growth of Mr. Horne accused the district’s Mexican-American studies program of using an antiwhite curriculum to foster social activism. New York Times (Mar 19, 2012)
• admonish scold or reprimand; take to task "Children, children, stop quarrelling, right here in public!" admonished Mrs. Dering, in a low, shocked tone. Perry, Nora
• repeal cancel officially If Republicans repeal the law, Ms. Schakowsky said, they would be “taking away benefits that seniors are already getting.” New York Times (Mar 19, 2012)
• retiring not arrogant or presuming Foster was an extremely modest, unworldly, retiring gentleman. Rosenbach, A. S. W.
• incidental not of prime or central importance The models themselves are incidental on “Scouted,” merely empty planets around which revolve some fascinating characters and plenty more dull ones. New York Times (Nov 27, 2011)
• acquiesce agree or express agreement American officials initially tried to resist President Karzai’s moves but eventually acquiesced . New York Times (Mar 9, 2012)
• slew a large number or amount or extent In fact, intense focus may be one reason why so-called savants become so extraordinary at performing extensive calculations or remembering a slew of facts. Scientific American (Mar 3, 2012)
• usurp seize and take control without authority More than anything, though, officials expressed concern about reigniting longstanding Mexican concerns about the United States’ usurping Mexico’s authority. New York Times (Mar 15, 2011)
• sentinel a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event The prisoners undressed themselves as usual, and went to bed, observed by the sentinel . Drake, Samuel Adams
• precision the quality of being exact At this time, home ranges of small rodents can not be measured with great precision , therefore any such calculations are, at best, only approximations. Douglas, Charles L.
• depose force to leave an office Late Wednesday, Mr. Touré, the deposed president, spoke out from hiding for the first time. New York Times (Mar 30, 2012)
• wanton unprovoked or without motive or justification I am not a sentimentalist by any means, yet I abominate wanton cruelty. Stables, Gordon
• odium state of disgrace resulting from detestable behavior This was one of the men who bring odium on the whole class of prisoners, and prejudice society against them. Henderson, Frank
• precept a rule of personal conduct The law of nature has but one precept , "Be strong." Williams, C. M.
• deference a courteous expression of esteem or regard Other rules, as indicated in Mr. Collins' book, concerned deportment, and demanded constant deference to superiors. Faris, John T. (John Thomson)
• fray a noisy fight Armed rebels have joined the fray in recent months.
• candid openly straightforward and direct without secretiveness The actor was candid about his own difficult childhood growing up with alcoholic parents. Seattle Times (Feb 17, 2012)
• enduring unceasing What makes the galumphing hubby such an enduring stock character? Slate (Mar 26, 2012)
• impertinent improperly forward or bold Imagine calling a famous writer by his first name—it seemed impertinent , to say the least. Watkins, Shirley
• bland lacking stimulating characteristics; uninteresting Many critics were less than enamored with the kind of “easy listening” Mr. Williams embodied, deriding his approach as bland and unchallenging. New York Times (Oct 9, 2011)
• insinuate suggest in an indirect or covert way; give to understand "Good heavens, do you mean to insinuate that I did anything crooked?" said Bojo loudly, yet at the bottom ill at ease. Johnson, Owen
• nominal insignificantly small; a matter of form only He sought nominal damages of one dollar from each defendant.
• suppliant humbly entreating The colonists asked for nothing but what was clearly right and asked in the most respectful and even suppliant manner. Judson, L. Carroll
• languid lacking spirit or liveliness Many viewers, bored by the languid pace of the show, tuned out early. New York Times (Dec 30, 2011)
• rave praise enthusiastically I have heard lots of women simply rave about him. Kauffman, Reginald Wright
• monetary relating to or involving money A hundred years ago, monetary policy – control over interest rates and the availability of credit – was viewed as a highly contentious political issue. New York Times (Mar 29, 2012)
• headlong in a hasty and foolhardy manner “They may not be wishing to rush headlong back into the same sort of risks just yet.”
• infallible incapable of failure or error But conductors are no more infallible than other people, and once in a blue moon in going through a train they miss a passenger. Lynde, Francis
• coax influence or persuade by gentle and persistent urging He used his most enticing manner and did his best to coax the little animal out again. Kay, Ross
• explicate elaborate, as of theories and hypotheses He urged judges to resist the rigid guidelines and to write opinions explicating their reasons for doing so. New York Times (Jan 22, 2010)
• gaunt very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold Gaunt , starved, and ragged, the men marched northwards, leaving the Touat country upon their left hand. Mason, A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley)
• morbid suggesting the horror of death and decay Earlier in the day, however, his demise was watched by spectators with a morbid fascination. New York Times (Aug 16, 2010)
• ranging wandering freely His detective work is fascinating and wide ranging . Seattle Times (Feb 1, 2012)
• pacify ease the anger, agitation, or strong emotion of How they pacified him I don’t know, but at the end of two hours he had cooled off enough to let us go aboard. Quincy, Samuel M.
• pastoral idyllically rustic He made a considerable reputation as an accomplished painter of quiet pastoral subjects and carefully elaborated landscapes with cattle. Various
• dogged stubbornly unyielding Some analysts expect Mr. Falcone, who is known for his dogged determination, to just continue to limp along while slashing costs. New York Times (Feb 15, 2012)
• ebb fall away or decline Although Gardner’s competitive appetite ebbed after 2004, other cravings did not. New York Times (Jan 28, 2012)
• aide someone who acts as an assistant She later found work as a teacher’s aide in a Head Start program in Harlem. New York Times (Jan 12, 2012)
• appease cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of The king also has tried to appease public anger over corruption. New York Times (Feb 9, 2012)
• stipulate make an express demand or provision in an agreement The mayor has an executive order in place stipulating that all top officials, except those granted a waiver, live in the city. New York Times (Sep 22, 2011)
• recourse something or someone turned to for assistance or security Bargain hunters and holiday shoppers are bad guys’ favorite targets and have little or no recourse when shoddy or fake merchandise arrives. Forbes (Nov 22, 2011)
• constrained lacking spontaneity; not natural All his goodness, however, will be of a forced, constrained , artificial, and at bottom unreal character. Hyde, William De Witt
• bate moderate or restrain; lessen the force of “You called her ‘an interfering, disagreeable old woman’!” whispered Bertha with bated breath, glancing half fearfully at the door as she spoke. Vaizey, George de Horne, Mrs.
• aversion a feeling of intense dislike Already my passive dislike had grown into an active aversion . Oppenheim, E. Phillips (Edward Phillips)
• conceit an artistic device or effect An urban panorama is viewed from a high vantage point, a conceit used in topographic art to render vast perspectives. New York Times (Sep 30, 2011)
• loath strongly opposed Friends and political allies are loath to talk about her, knowing the family’s intense obsession with privacy. New York Times (Aug 14, 2011)
• rampart an embankment built around a space for defensive purposes The night was gloomy, dark, and wet; the soldiers, wearied with watching at the ramparts , dozed, leaning on their weapons. Sienkiewicz, Henryk
• extort obtain by coercion or intimidation The owners, in turn, have called the lawyers shakedown artists bent on ruining their good reputations to extort money. New York Times (Jan 27, 2012)
• tarry leave slowly and hesitantly For two days I tarried in Paris, settling my little property. Ford, Paul Leicester
• perpetrate perform an act, usually with a negative connotation Come on it’s just a cruel joke perpetrated by the airline industry.” Forbes (Dec 11, 2011)
• decorum propriety in manners and conduct Wishing to observe the rules of decorum she invited him to stay for supper, though absolutely nothing had been prepared for a guest. Sudermann, Hermann
• luxuriant produced or growing in extreme abundance Her luxuriant curly hair, restrained by no net, but held together simply by a flowering spray, waved over her shoulders in all its rich abundance. Elisabeth Burstenbinder (AKA E. Werner)
• cant insincere talk about religion or morals It was the familiar cant of the man rich enough to affect disdain for money, and Wade was not impressed. Day, Holman
• enjoin give instructions to or direct somebody to do something He turned to beckon the others forward with one hand, while laying the other over his mouth in a gesture enjoining silence. Breckenridge, Gerald
• avarice extreme greed for material wealth The old man's fears were assailed with threats, and his avarice was approached by bribes, and he very soon capitulated. Abbott, John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot)
• edict a formal or authoritative proclamation An edict was issued by him forbidding any Christian to give instruction in Greek literature under any circumstances. Lightfoot, J. B.
• disconcert cause to lose one's composure Perplexed and disconcerted , I found no words to answer such an amazing sally. Chambers, Robert W. (Robert William)
• symmetry balance among the parts of something Even the staging displays symmetry , with actors lined up on either side in formal precision. New York Times (Jan 24, 2011)
• capitulate surrender under agreed conditions "Alas, no," said Bergfeld, mournfully, "the day after the battle our brave soldiers were surrounded by overwhelming forces and obliged to capitulate ." Meding, Johann Ferdinand Martin Oskar
• arbitrate act between parties with a view to reconciling differences The Scottish throne was now disputed by many claimants, and the Scots asked Edward to arbitrate between them. Various
• cleave separate or cut with a tool, such as a sharp instrument Instead someone shouts "Go" and he is bearing down on me and almost cleaves my shield in two with his first blow.
• append add to the very end Some specimens will appear in the papers appended to this report. Various
• visage the human face An honest, quiet laugh often mantled his pale earnest visage . Turnbull, Robert
• horde a moving crowd Hordes of puzzled tourists, many with rolling suitcases attached, poured down the staircases. New York Times (Jan 1, 2012)
• parable a short moral story In most instances, I have closed my visits by reading some interesting story or parable . Frothingham, Octavius Brooks
• chastise scold or criticize severely She remembers an upsetting incident when a headmistress chastised her for working too much.
• foil hinder or prevent, as an effort, plan, or desire On March 1st, a Turkish newspaper reported that the country's intelligence service had foiled an attempt by Syrian agents to kidnap the colonel.
• veritable being truly so called; real or genuine The heavy rain had reduced this low-lying ground to a veritable quagmire, making progress very difficult even for one as unburdened as he was. Putnam Weale, B. L. (Bertram Lenox)
• grapple work hard to come to terms with or deal with something But, he said, all coastal communities will have to grapple with rising seas. New York Times (Mar 24, 2012)
• gentry the most powerful members of a society The mode of travel of the gentry was riding horses, but most people traveled by walking. Reilly, S. A.
• pall a sudden feeling of dread or gloominess Residents who fled in recent days spoke of the smell of death and piles of garbage drifting like snowbanks, casting a pall over the city. New York Times (Mar 7, 2012)
• maxim a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits The maxim "All is fair in love and war" was applied literally. Thomson, Basil
• projection a prediction made by extrapolating from past observations Volume is down 25 percent from five years ago, and projections show even further declines, said Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe. New York Times (Mar 22, 2012)
• prowess a superior skill learned by study and practice While our engineering prowess has advanced a great deal over the past sixty years, the principles of innovation largely have not.
• dingy thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot Though composed amid the unromantic surroundings of a dingy , dusty, and neglected back room, the speech has become a memorable document. Herndon, William H.
• semblance the outward or apparent appearance or form of something He was perceptibly older, in the way in which people look older all at once after having long kept the semblance of youth. King, Basil
• tout advertise in strongly positive terms Testing is being touted as the means of making the U.S. education system competitive, even world-class. Washington Post (Mar 23, 2012)
• fortitude strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity Leigh Hunt bore himself in his captivity with cheerful fortitude , suffering severely in health but flagging little in spirits or industry. Colvin, Sidney
• asunder into parts or pieces In 1854, as I have already remarked, Nicaragua was split asunder by civil war. Powell, E. Alexander (Edward Alexander)
• rout an overwhelming defeat It's how Seattle won Sunday's game in Chicago, scoring 31 consecutive second-half points as an impressive comeback became an overwhelming rout . Seattle Times (Dec 19, 2011)
• staid characterized by dignity and propriety He was prim and staid and liked to do things in an orderly fashion. Doyle, A. Conan
• beguile influence by slyness I can no longer remain silent in the presence of the schemers who seek to beguile you. Bolanden, Conrad von
• purport have the often misleading appearance of being or intending Of course, none of these purported medical benefits have any grounding in science. Scientific American (Jan 28, 2012)
• deprave corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality The people who make up this typical Gorky offering are drunkards, thieves, depraved creatures of every kind. Kilmer, Joyce
• bequeath leave or give, especially by will after one's death No matter how often she changed her will, she told me, that diamond pin was always bequeathed to me. Wells, Carolyn
• enigma something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained Tails are often an enigma ; many creatures have them, but scientists know little about their function, particularly for extinct species.
• assiduous marked by care and persistent effort He's an assiduous diary-keeper and regularly rereads ancient entries to check up on himself.
• vassal a person who owes allegiance and service to a feudal lord And what was of still greater importance, he could only obtain taxes and soldiers from among the vassals , by the consent of their feudal lords. Freytag, Gustav
• quail draw back, as with fear or pain He quailed before me, and forgetting his new part in old habits, muttered an apology. Weyman, Stanley John
• outskirts area relatively far from the center, as of a city or town Ms. Waters talked about how she had spent the day at an organic farm on the outskirts of Beijing looking at vegetables for the dinner. New York Times (Nov 14, 2011)
• bulwark a protective structure of stone or concrete The cliffs are of imposing height, nearly three hundred feet: a formidable bulwark . White, Walter
• swerve an erratic turn from an intended course However, I was not going to swerve from my word. Johnstone, James Johnstone, chevalier de
• gird prepare oneself for action or a confrontation Protesters are girding for another police raid as several City Council members have called on protesters to leave. Washington Post (Nov 11, 2011)
• betrothed pledged to be married We are not betrothed '—her eyes filled with tears,—'he can never marry me; and he and my father have quarrelled. Fleming, George
• prospective of or concerned with or related to the future Most prospective homesteaders make the same mistake I did in buying horses, unless they are experienced. Micheaux, Oscar
• advert make reference to In the family circle it was rarely adverted to, and never except when some allusion to the approaching separation had to be made. Werner, E. T. C. (Edward Theodore Chalmers)
• peremptory not allowing contradiction or refusal This time it was not a request but a peremptory order to go at once to Cuba and undertake the work. Johnson, Willis Fletcher
• rudiment the elementary stage of any subject He retraced his steps, and came to Cape Girardeau, in Missouri, where he remained some time, acquiring the rudiments of the English language. Anonymous
• deduce reason from the general to the particular They then used models of global wind circulation to deduce which dust sources have become stronger and which weaker.
• halting proceeding in a fragmentary, hesitant, or ineffective way “I so much love cricket,” he said, shyly, in halting English. New York Times (Feb 22, 2012)
• ignominy a state of dishonor After all, we love nothing better than seeing the powerful and formerly smug dragged across the front pages in ignominy .
• ideology an orientation that characterizes the thinking of a group Bill O’Reilly and others picked up on the theme, summing up left-wing ideology as “San Francisco values.” Slate (Jan 19, 2012)
• pallid lacking in vitality or interest or effectiveness But too often the music sounded thin and pallid . New York Times (Apr 25, 2010)
• chagrin strong feelings of embarrassment But he was feeling deeply chagrined and mortified over his last escapade. White, Fred M. (Fred Merrick)
• obtrude thrust oneself in as if by force She had no right to obtrude herself into his life and to disturb it. Packard, Frank L. (Frank Lucius)
• audacious disposed to venture or take risks In an audacious operation that unfolded like a Hollywood thriller, the Navy Seals executed a daring raid deep into Pakistan to kill Osama bin Laden. New York Times (Sep 4, 2011)
• construe make sense of; assign a meaning to But nothing that was said Tuesday can be construed as good news. Washington Post (Sep 14, 2011)
• ford cross a river where it's shallow Sometimes they drive their teams through unsettled country, without roads, swimming and fording streams, clearing away obstructions, and camping where night overtakes them. Folsom, William Henry Carman
• repast the food served and eaten at one time Fragrant coffee, light rolls, fresh butter, ham and eggs, fried crocuses and soft crabs, formed the repast . Reid, Mayne
• stint an unbroken period of time during which you do something He found his unionized warehouse job after a stint working for his father, an accountant. New York Times (Mar 21, 2012)
• fresco a mural done with watercolors on wet plaster The little church has an ancient fresco of St. Christopher, placed, as usual, opposite the entrance. Conybeare, Edward
• dutiful willingly obedient out of a sense of respect Perhaps he thinks an engaged young lady should be demure and dutiful , having no eyes or ears for any one except her betrothed. Harland, Marion
• hew make or shape as with an axe They bought a log chain, and lumber for a door; the window frames were hewed from logs. Daughters of the American Revolution. Nebraska
• parity functional equality How many of the world’s problems would be solved, or at least greatly reduced, if women had true parity with men? New York Times (Dec 15, 2011)
• affable diffusing warmth and friendliness He was well liked and respected in these islands, for his affable manners had obtained for him much popularity. Various
• interminable tiresomely long; seemingly without end All was going well, but slowly, the time taken for the last few feet seeming to be interminable . Cumberland, Barlow
• pillage steal goods; take as spoils In addition great material losses were inflicted: seven hundred houses were destroyed, six hundred stores pillaged , and thousands of families utterly ruined. Straus, Oscar S.
• foreboding a feeling of evil to come Mr. Harding had strong forebodings that the trouble, so far from being ended, was only just beginning. Marsh, Richard
• rend tear or be torn violently In the distance heavy artillery was growling, and high explosive shells were bursting with a violence that seemed to rend the sky. Tracy, Louis
• livelihood the financial means whereby one supports oneself With businesses shut, fields untended and fishing abandoned many have lost their livelihoods as well as their homes, our correspondent says.
• deign do something that one considers to be below one's dignity To Mr. Gompers' courteous letter Czar Gary did not deign to reply. Foster, William Z.
• capricious determined by chance or impulse rather than by necessity Her admirers were capricious , returning to her at times, and then holding aloof again; and as for suitors, they entirely disappeared. Schubin, Ossip
• stupendous so great in size, force, or extent as to elicit awe The fact was so stupendous that Terry felt almost frightened over the great good fortune. Sabin, Edwin L. (Edwin Legrand)
• chaff material consisting of seed coverings and pieces of stem The wheat, being heavy, falls, while the chaff is blown away. Starr, Frederick
• innate not established by conditioning or learning In other words, one of our most essential abilities as humans--reading--is the product of a combination of innate and learned traits.
• reverie an abstracted state of absorption He stood still, seemingly lost in reverie , and quite oblivious to the group about him. Frey, Hildegard G. (Hildegard Gertrude)
• wrangle quarrel noisily, angrily, or disruptively Here were many fierce and bitter wrangles over vexed questions, turbulent scenes, displays of sectional feelings. Raymond, Evelyn
• crevice a long narrow opening The disruptive power of tree roots, growing in the crevices of rocks, is well known. Various
• ostensible appearing as such but not necessarily so This already-exhaustive book is studded with diary entries, academic papers and other ostensible evidence that its fictitious stories of destruction are true. New York Times (Jun 6, 2010)
• craven lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful Was it for them to follow the craven footsteps of a cowardly generation? Robinson, Victor
• vestige an indication that something has been present Now, there was no vestige of vegetation; no living thing. Hopkins, William John
• plumb examine thoroughly and in great depth Tellingly, Ms. Liao said she had great difficulty finding three actors willing to plumb their own personalities. New York Times (Jun 1, 2011)
• reticent not inclined to talk or provide information No questions were asked, and few indeed were the words spoken, his reticent manner preventing any undue familiarity. Maclean, John
• propensity an inclination to do something A longtime colleague, Gate Theatre director Michael Colgan, noted Kelly's old-school charms, punctuated by his propensity for bow ties and smart suits. Seattle Times (Feb 15, 2012)
• chide scold or reprimand severely or angrily He chided reporters as having “stalked” family members, demanding that his relatives be left alone. New York Times (Nov 8, 2011)
• espouse choose and follow a theory, idea, policy, etc. He said Islam should not be equated with terrorism or the kind of violence espoused by Bin Laden.
• raiment especially fine or decorative clothing Clothed in fine raiment and faring sumptuously every day, he soon developed into a handsome lad. Oxley, J. Macdonald (James Macdonald)
• intrepid invulnerable to fear or intimidation There are some very courageous and intrepid reporters in Afghanistan, including some who work for American media outlets.
• seemly according with custom or propriety The Baron was less conscientious, for he ate more beefsteak than was seemly , and talked a great deal of stupid nonsense, as was his wont. Hoffmann, Ernst Theordor Wilhelm
• allay lessen the intensity of or calm Our boy was scared and confused; we tried to allay his fears. New York Times (Mar 30, 2012)
• fitful occurring in spells and often abruptly She had lost her composure, her breath came in fitful , uneven gasps, and as she sat there she pressed one hand over her heart. Davis, Owen
• erode become ground down or deteriorate Another report today showed home prices fell more than forecast in November, eroding the wealth of families as they seek to rebuild savings.
• unaffected free of artificiality; sincere and genuine His conversation was unaffectedly simple and frank; his language natural; always abounding in curious anecdotes. Conway, Moncure Daniel
• canto a major division of a long poem Folengo’s next production was the Orlandino, an Italian poem of eight cantos , written in rhymed octaves. Various
• docile easily handled or managed Time and again humans have domesticated wild , producing tame individuals with softer appearances and more docile temperaments, such as dogs and guinea pigs. Scientific American (Jan 25, 2012)
• patronize treat condescendingly Ms. Paul herself noted that “glib talk about appreciating dyslexia as a ‘gift’ is unhelpful at best and patronizing at worst.” New York Times (Feb 6, 2012)
• teem be full of or abuzz with The coast, once teeming with traffic, is now lonely and deserted. Mahaffy, J. P.
• estrange arouse hostility or indifference in An atmosphere of distrust, suspicion and fear can cause workers to feel estranged from one another, Dr. Wright has written. New York Times (Jan 28, 2012)
• spat a quarrel about petty points Public spats are rare in the asset-management industry, where companies typically resolve disputes behind closed doors.
• warble sing or play with trills Meadow larks, as you have undoubtedly noticed, warble many different songs. Barrett, R. E.
• mien a person's appearance, manner, or demeanor Nevertheless, before going to meet Samuel, she assumed a calm and dignified mien . Kraszewski, Jo?zef Ignacy
• sate fill to contentment His appetite was not sated by any means, but he knew the danger of overloading his stomach, so he stopped. Dewey, Edward Hooker
• constituency the body of voters who elect a representative for their area Each posited that the blue-collar Democratic constituency rooted in the New Deal had grown increasingly conservative, alienated from “big government.” New York Times (Jan 14, 2012)
• patrician characteristic of the nobility or aristocracy Respectable ladies, long resident, wearing black poke bonnets and camel's-hair shawls, lifted their patrician eyebrows with disapproval. Brooks, Charles Stephen
• parry avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing The boys asked a few guarded questions, but gained no information whatever, their questions being parried in every instance. Mears, James R.
• practitioner someone who carries out a learned profession In particular, modern medical practitioners are coming around to the idea that certain illnesses cannot be reduced to one isolatable, treatable cause. Nature (Dec 21, 2011)
• ravel disentangle or separate out Overcasting is done by taking loose stitches over the raw edge of the cloth, to keep it from ravelling or fraying. Ontario. Ministry of Education
• infest occupy in large numbers or live on a host Many lived in dilapidated apartments with leaky pipes, broken windows, rooms full of mold, and walls infested with cockroaches and rats. New York Times (Jul 28, 2011)
• actuate give an incentive for doing something He knew that men were actuated by other motives, good and bad, than self-interest. Blease, Walter Lyon
• surly unfriendly and inclined toward anger or irritation But Blake, being surly and quarrelsome even when sober, gave the lapel a savage jerk, and reached out with his other hand. Chisholm, A. M. (Arthur Murray)
• convalesce get over an illness or shock Patients convalescing from pneumonia were evacuated to England or given Base Duty. Jahns, Lewis E.
• demoralize lower someone's spirits; make downhearted The storm clobbered many communities still recovering from the flooding two months ago caused by Hurricane Irene, leaving weary homeowners exhausted and demoralized . Washington Post (Nov 1, 2011)
• devolve grow worse As the rhetoric heated up inside, the violence outside devolved into chaos.
• alacrity liveliness and eagerness Every one exerted himself not only without murmuring and discontent, but even with an alacrity which almost approached to cheerfulness. Kippis, Andrew
• waive do without or cease to hold or adhere to Low rates have also led retail brokerages to waive fees on money market funds to avoid negative returns for their clients.
• unwonted out of the ordinary He must rush off to see his people, who no doubt were quite confounded by his unwonted energy. Speed, Nell
• seethe be in an agitated emotional state Outwardly quite calm and matter-of-fact, his mind was in a seething turmoil. Douglas, Hudson
• scrutinize look at critically or searchingly, or in minute detail Fans and commentators are scrutinizing every blemish: his turnovers, his weak left hand, his jump shot. New York Times (Mar 5, 2012)
• diffident lacking self-confidence Shyly diffident in the presence of strangers, her head was lowered. Packard, Frank L. (Frank Lucius)
• execrate curse or declare to be evil or anathema When all Great Britain was execrating Napoleon, picturing him as a devil with horns and hoofs, Byron looked upon him as the world's hero. Hubbard, Elbert
• implacable incapable of being appeased or pacified This man was a savage in his implacable desire for revenge. Kelly, Florence Finch
• pique a sudden outburst of anger A talented youngster who smashes his guitar in a fit of pique finds it magically reassembled just in time for a crucial concert.
• mite a slight but appreciable amount I never saw anybody so pleased with monkeys as she is, and not one mite afraid. Raymond, Evelyn
• encumber hold back, impede, or weigh down Two others were making slower progress for the reason that each was encumbered by supporting a disabled man. Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)
• uncouth lacking refinement or cultivation or taste He had not stopped to consider her rough speech and uncouth manners. Johnston, Annie F. (Annie Fellows)
• petulant easily irritated or annoyed The black eyes emitted an angry flash, the voice that answered was sharp and petulant . Fleming, May Agnes
• expiate make amends for Wulphere was absolved on condition that he should expiate his crime by founding churches and monasteries all over his kingdom. Clifton, A. B.
• cavalier showing a lack of concern or seriousness Some would have given Nicklaus a cavalier response: polite nod while thinking, “Yeah, whatever.” New York Times (Jun 18, 2011)
• banter light teasing repartee Our easy banter had suddenly been replaced by strained and awkward interaction. Slate (Feb 15, 2012)
• bluster act in an arrogant, overly self-assured, or conceited manner Slade, despite his swaggers and blustering , was at heart a coward. Landon, Herman
• debase corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality Long oppression had not, on the whole, either blunted their intellects or debased their morals. Adler, Felix
• retainer a person working in the service of another This faithful and trusted retainer is greatly valued by his employers. Black, Helen C.
• subjugate make subservient; force to submit or subdue The Confederacy was led by thoroughgoing racists who wanted to keep blacks subjugated for all time because of the color of their skin. Slate (Apr 7, 2010)
• extol praise, glorify, or honor How I praised the duck at that first dinner, and extolled Madame's skill in cookery! Warren, Arthur
• fraught filled with or attended with But the ocean remains an unpredictable place, fraught with hazards. Scientific American (Apr 5, 2012)
• august profoundly honored At all times reserved in his manner and his bearing full of dignity, never before had she realized the majesty of General Washington’s august presence. Madison, Lucy Foster
• fissure a long narrow depression in a surface The brown bark is not very rough, though its numerous fissures and cracks give it a rugged appearance. Step, Edward
• knoll a small natural mound Opened in 2008, the park serves as a true public space; elderly couples stroll around the artificial lake as toddlers roll down grassy knolls . New York Times (May 7, 2010)
• callous emotionally hardened Outwardly merry and good-humoured, he was by nature coldly fierce, calculating, callous . Wingfield, Lewis
• inculcate teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions But instruction in history has been for a long time systematically used to inculcate certain political sentiments in the pupils. Liebknecht, Karl Paul August Friedrich
• nettle disturb, especially by minor irritations Lincoln began these remarks by good-humored but nettling chaffing of his opponent. Various
• blanch turn pale, as if in fear He is silent, as if struck dumb, his face showing blanched and bloodless, while she utters a shriek, half terrified, half in frenzied anger. Reid, Mayne
• inscrutable difficult or impossible to understand The fashion industry is notoriously opaque and often inscrutable for outsiders, even ones as well connected as him. Seattle Times (Oct 1, 2011)
• tenacious stubbornly unyielding She was a tenacious woman, one who would even hold fast a thing which she no longer valued, simply because it belonged to her. Morris, Clara
• thrall the state of being under the control of another person Then Kiss commenced in earnest, and quickly held his audience in thrall . Farjeon, Benjamin Leopold
• exigency a pressing or urgent situation The exigency of the situation roused Mr. Popkiss' sluggish faculties into prompt action. Magnay, William
• disconsolate sad beyond comforting; incapable of being soothed Was there a bereaved mother or disconsolate sister weeping over their dead? Steward, T. G. (Theophilus Gould)
• impetus a force that makes something happen Critics say it has known mixed success at best, although supporters hope the U.S. drawdown could provide just the impetus it needs to thrive.
• imposition an uncalled-for burden On that far-away day he had considered the little, lost girl a nuisance and an imposition . Chisholm, A. M. (Arthur Murray)
• auspices kindly endorsement and guidance In March 2009, negotiations between Israel and Hamas were held in Cairo, under the auspices of the Egyptian intelligence agency. New York Times (Nov 9, 2011)
• sonorous full and loud and deep His voice rang out firmly now, a deep and sonorous bass. Bedford-Jones, H.
• exploitation an act that victimizes someone In a scathing report released last year, Amnesty International found there was widespread exploitation of migrants in Malaysia.
• bane something causing misery or death Knee pain is the bane of many runners, sometimes causing them to give up altogether. Seattle Times (Jun 7, 2010)
• dint force or effort If only certain puzzles could be solved by dint of sheer hard thinking! Marsh, Richard
• ignominious deserving or bringing disgrace or shame The great Ottawa chief saw his partially accomplished scheme withering into ignominious failure. Rudd, John
• amicable characterized by friendship and good will After a short colloquy the two men evidently came to an amicable understanding, for they shook hands. Kraszewski, Jo?zef Ignacy
• onset the beginning or early stages Thousands of families are living in makeshift camps as temperatures fall to freezing with the onset of winter. New York Times (Nov 10, 2011)
• conservatory a schoolhouse with special facilities for fine arts The young instrumental talent that is coming out of local music schools and conservatories is as amazingly good as you are going to find anywhere.
• zenith the highest point of something In other words it never reaches the zenith , a point directly overhead. George H. Lowery.
• voluble marked by a ready flow of speech I find him charming: shy – yet easy to talk to – voluble and funny once he gets going.
• yeoman a free man who cultivates his own land On one extreme was the well-to-do yeoman farmer farming his own land. Reilly, S. A.
• levity a manner lacking seriousness The same balance of seriousness and levity runs through her plays, which put an absurdist spin on everyday problems. New York Times (May 7, 2010)
• rapt feeling great delight and interest She was watching the development of the investigation with rapt , eager attention. Mitford, Bertram
• sultry characterized by oppressive heat and humidity New guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics arrive just as school sports ramp up in sultry August temperatures. Washington Post (Aug 9, 2011)
• pinion restrain or bind The prisoners having dismounted, were placed in a line on the ground facing the guillotine, their arms pinioned . Various
• axiom a proposition that is not susceptible of proof or disproof The fundamental axiom of scientific thought is that there is not, never has been, and never will be, any disorder in nature. Huxley, Thomas H.
• descry catch sight of Looking off seaward, I could descry no sails. Drake, Samuel Adams
• retinue the group following and attending to some important person Despite his retinue of security personnel, Atambaev had been poisoned during his short tenure as prime minister.
• functionary a worker who holds or is invested with an office He was the functionary of the assize court, impaneling its juries, bringing accused men before it, and carrying out its penalties. Reilly, S. A.
• imbibe take in liquids "We're cornered at last," he said suddenly, as the old man set the bottle down after having imbibed the best half of its contents. Douglas, Hudson
• diversified having variety of character or form or components Funds in both categories tend to be highly diversified , typically with 100 or more stocks across at least 10 industries. Wall Street Journal (Feb 24, 2012)
• maraud raid and rove in search of plunder Its reporter says armed gangs and looters are marauding the streets.
• grudging petty or reluctant in giving or spending Expect delays, scattered outages and surly, grudging customer service in the interim.
• partiality a predisposition to like something She still showed a partiality for bright colors, by her gown of deep crimson. Sage, William
• philology the humanistic study of language and literature I had determined to study philology , chiefly Greek and Latin, but the fare spread out by the professors was much too tempting. Müller, F. Max (Friedrich Max)
• wry humorously sarcastic or mocking She also has a very understated but very wry sense of humour; watch out for it.
• caucus meet to select a candidate or promote a policy Representative Ron Paul of Texas isn’t campaigning in Florida, instead focusing on Maine, which will caucus in late February.
• permeate spread or diffuse through Florida’s summertime heat permeates almost every scene, becoming something like a character. New York Times (Mar 13, 2012)
• propitious presenting favorable circumstances With the Athens stock market down nearly 30 percent so far this year, it would not seem a propitious time for initial public offerings. New York Times (Jun 2, 2010)
• salient conspicuous, prominent, or important Bullying has become an increasingly salient problem for school-age children, and in rare cases has ended tragically with victims committing suicide.
• propitiate make peace with King Edward, having subdued the Welsh, “endeavoured to propitiate his newly acquired subjects by becoming a resident in the conquered country. Frith, William Powell
• excise remove by cutting Wielding a razor, Jefferson excised all passages containing supernaturalistic elements from the gospels, extracting what he took to be Jesus's pure ethical teachings.
• betoken be a signal for or a symptom of The haggard face and sombre eyes betokened considerable mental anguish. Young, F.E. Mills
• palatable acceptable to the taste or mind If nicely cooked in this way, cabbage is as palatable and as digestible as cauliflower. Ronald, Mary
• upbraid express criticism towards When Kahn warned of a serious economic "depression", he was upbraided by the White House for using such language.
• renegade someone who rebels and becomes an outlaw If he went off to another people he lost all standing among the Sioux and was thereafter treated as an outlaw and a renegade . Robinson, Doane
• hoary ancient The device of the trapped young person saved by books is a hoary one, but Ms. Winterson makes it seem new, and sulfurous. New York Times (Mar 8, 2012)
• pedantic marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning The reader is treated to pedantic little footnotes, and given a good deal of information which is either gratuitous or uninteresting. Hay, Ian
• coy showing marked and often playful evasiveness or reluctance It was funny watching such a solid person, based in faith and education, grow a trifle coy about the year of his birth. New York Times (Jul 11, 2010)
• troth a solemn pledge of fidelity She had pledged to him her troth , and she would not attempt to go back from her pledge at the first appearance of a difficulty. Trollope, Anthony
• encroachment entry to another's property without right or permission The move may mark yet another attempt by France to rein in what it sees as the encroachment of online services on the country's culture. BusinessWeek (Jan 8, 2010)
• belie be in contradiction with "It is a fine morning," he said, taken aback by my sudden movement, but affecting an indifference which the sparkle in his eye belied . Weyman, Stanley John
• armada a large fleet An armada of three hundred ships manned by eighteen thousand marines assembled in the bay on their way to the conquest of Algiers. Douglas, Frances
• succor assistance in time of difficulty Given his health woes, succession worries and persistent isolation, Mr. Kim may simply be seeking succor from what may be his last friend on earth. New York Times (May 5, 2010)
• imperturbable marked by extreme calm and composure Ordinarily imperturbable , even in the face of unexpected situations, he was now visibly agitated. Griggs, Sutton E. (Sutton Elbert)
• irresolute uncertain how to act or proceed I stood for a moment before I entered on my arduous undertaking, irresolute and hesitating, swayed by two conflicting impulses. Waugh, Joseph Laing
• knack a special way of doing something He had a special knack of hunting out farm houses, engaging madame in conversation, and coming away with bread, eggs, or cheese in his knapsack. Price, Lucien
• unseemly not in keeping with accepted standards of what is proper The square mile's upbeat mood may strike some as unseemly at a time of national gloom.
• accentuate stress or single out as important This sparkling marvel lies modestly nestled among the law courts, whose plainer modern buildings serve but to accentuate its wonderful beauty. Sherrill, Charles Hitchcock
• divulge make known to the public information previously kept secret She hectors her children not to divulge personal information like phone numbers online. Seattle Times (Nov 15, 2011)
• brawn the trait of possessing muscular strength He believes Hollywood has often have had an over-reliance on physical brawn as the deciding factor for portraying a strong man.
• burnish polish and make shiny Great cleanliness is enforced in all that belongs to a lighthouse, the reflectors and lenses being constantly burnished , polished, and cleansed. Whymper, Frederick
• palpitate beat rapidly After supper my heart started racing, palpitating like a tick. Isaacson, Lauren Ann
• promiscuous not selective of a single class or person A promiscuous assembly had gathered there—men of all creeds and opinions—and an "open-air" meeting was in progress. Whitney, Orson F.
• dissemble make believe with the intent to deceive Pictures have always dissembled – there are millions of snaps of miserable families grinning bravely – but now they directly lie.
• flotilla a fleet of small craft She was guarded by a flotilla of boats equipped with satellites, Global Positioning System devices, advanced navigation systems and shark shields. New York Times (Aug 11, 2011)
• invective abusive language used to express blame or censure There's much more name-calling, shouting and personal invective in American life than anywhere I've ever traveled outside the United States. Washington Post (Jan 15, 2011)
• hermitage the abode of a recluse All the rest of their time is passed in solitude in their hermitages , which are built quite separate from one another. Various
• despoil destroy and strip of its possession Wherever his lordship's army went, plantations were despoiled , and private houses plundered. Campbell, Charles
• sully make dirty or spotty Why sully the reputation of an otherwise fascinating online community with really deeply questionable, troubling content? Forbes (Feb 13, 2012)
• malevolent having or exerting a malignant influence So you don’t believe in evil, as an actual malevolent force? New York Times (Oct 28, 2011)
• irksome tedious or irritating It was pretty irksome passing the time in his enforced prison, and finally Andy went to sleep. Webster, Frank V.
• prattle speak about unimportant matters rapidly and incessantly She prattled on about the gossip of the town until Penny and her father were thoroughly bored. Clark, Joan
• subaltern inferior in rank or status The careful commanding officer of a regiment discourages his young subalterns from taking leave to Hill Stations. Casserly, Gordon
• welt a raised mark on the skin But red, itchy welts typically appear within 24 to 48 hours of being bitten.
• wreak cause to happen or to occur as a consequence The burden of paying for college is wreaking havoc on the finances of an unexpected demographic: senior citizens. Washington Post (Apr 1, 2012)
• tenable based on sound reasoning or evidence First, it is no longer really tenable – and in fact a bit disrespectful – to call a country like China an emerging economy.
• inimitable matchless Leave aside Spain, where Barcelona breeds its own, inimitable style, and the answer might be that we are rushing toward uniformity. New York Times (Sep 26, 2010)
• depredation a destructive action Wild elephants abound and commit many depredations , entering villages in large herds, and consuming everything suitable to their tastes. Various
• amalgamate bring or combine together or with something else Where two weak tribes amalgamated into one, there it exceptionally happened that two closely related dialects were simultaneously spoken in the same tribe. Engels, Friedrich
• immutable not subject or susceptible to change or variation We are mistaken to imagine a work of literature is or should be immutable , sculpted in marble and similarly impervious to change.
• proxy a person authorized to act for another Ideally, everybody over 18 should execute a living will and select a health care proxy — someone to represent you in medical matters. New York Times (Jan 17, 2011)
• dote shower with love; show excessive affection for He doted on him, just dearly loved him, and thought he could do no wrong,” Kredell said. Washington Post (Oct 17, 2011)
• reactionary extremely conservative or resistant to change Old people are often accused of being too conservative, and even reactionary . Chinard, Gilbert
• rationalism the doctrine that reason is the basis for regulating conduct Offering a religious rationale for policy goals threatens what for many has become the cherished principle of secular rationalism in public life.
• endue give qualities or abilities to To say the least of it, he was endued with sufficient intelligence to acquire an ordinary knowledge of such matters. Various
• discriminating showing or indicating careful judgment and discernment Jobs’ Apple specializes in delighting the most discriminating , hard-to-please customers. Forbes (Oct 12, 2011)
• brooch a decorative pin Upon her breast she wore a brooch of gold set with many precious stones. Butler, Pierce
• pert characterized by a lightly saucy or impudent quality Her pert , lively manner said she hadn't taken any wooden nickels lately. Schoenherr, John
• disembark exit from a ship, vehicle, or aircraft The immigrants disembarked from their ships tired and underfed—generally in poor health. Hughes, Thomas Proctor
• aria an elaborate song for solo voice Ms. Netrebko sang an elegantly sad aria with lustrous warmth, aching vulnerability and floating high notes. New York Times (Sep 27, 2011)
• trappings ornaments; embellishments to or characteristic signs of They were caparisoned in Indian fashion with gay colors and fancy trappings . Roy, Lillian Elizabeth
• abet assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing "Since YouTube, digital culture has aided and enhanced -- or maybe the better word is abetted -- the celebrity meltdown," said Wired magazine senior editor Nancy Miller.
• clandestine conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods For Jordan, this is a clandestine relationship it would much prefer to have kept secret. BBC (Jan 5, 2010)
• distend swell from or as if from internal pressure Some kids said LaNiyah's distended abdomen looked like she was carrying a baby. Seattle Times (Apr 7, 2011)
• glib having only superficial plausibility The other sort of engineer understands that glib comparisons between computers and humans don't do justice to the complexities of either.
• pucker gather something into small wrinkles or folds Godmother,' she went on, puckering her forehead again in perplexity, 'it almost feels like feathers. Molesworth, Mrs. (Mary Louisa)
• rejoinder a quick reply to a question or remark "Not at all!" was Aunt Susannah's brisk rejoinder . Various
• spangle adornment consisting of a small piece of shiny material Magdalen's garments are rich with spangles ; her mantle is scarlet; she has flowers in her luxuriant tresses, and looks a vain creature. O'Shea, John Augustus
• blighted affected by something that prevents growth or prosperity Hudec, whose career has been blighted by knee injuries and operations, won for the first time in more than four years. New York Times (Feb 4, 2012)
• nicety conformity with some standard of correctness or propriety They accepted the invitation; but Mrs. Rowlandson did not appreciate the niceties of Indian etiquette. Abbott, John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot)
• aggrieve infringe on the rights of Some fallout appears evident in donations from Wall Street executives, who feel particularly aggrieved by Mr. Obama’s criticisms and policies. New York Times (Feb 20, 2012)
• vestment a gown worn by the clergy And then a priest, arrayed in all his vestments , came in at the open door, and the prince and princess exchanged rings, and were married. Glinski, A. J.
• urbane showing a high degree of refinement Polished, urbane and gentlemanly—his manners were calculated to refine all around him. Judson, L. Carroll
• defray bear the expenses of The legislation also calls for $1.6 billion in spending cuts to help defray the disaster costs. Washington Post (Sep 26, 2011)
• spectral resembling or characteristic of a phantom Hawthorne’s figures are somewhat spectral ; they lack flesh and blood. Merwin, Henry Childs
• munificent very generous They have shown themselves very loving and generous lately, in making a quite munificent provision for his traveling. Carlyle, Thomas
• dictum an authoritative declaration In other words, they seemed fully subscribed to Andy Warhol’s dictum that business art is the best art. New York Times (Dec 10, 2011)
• fad an interest followed with exaggerated zeal According to Chinese media, the hottest new fad in China involves selling small live-animal key chains. Time (Apr 5, 2011)
• scabbard a sheath for a sword or dagger or bayonet Drawing his own sabre from its scabbard , he pointed to a stain on it, saying, "This is the blood of an Englishman." Reed, Helen Leah
• adulterate make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance Shady dealers along the supply chain frequently adulterate olive oil with low-grade vegetable oils and add artificial coloring. New York Times (Dec 7, 2011)
• beleaguer annoy persistently Rock concert ticket sales dropped sharply last year, sounding another sour note for the beleaguered music industry.
• gripe complain If America is going to gripe about the yuan’s rate, then China will complain about the dollar’s role.
• remission an abatement in intensity or degree After a few hours there is a remission of the pain, slight perspiration takes place, and the patient may fall asleep. Various
• exorbitant greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation Soon, stories began trickling across the Atlantic of crazed fans paying exorbitant sums to get into London gigs. Slate (Oct 10, 2011)
• invocation the act of appealing for help These dances are prayers or invocations for rain, the crowning blessing in this dry land. Roosevelt, Theodore
• cajole influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering Hamilton, however, was not to be cajoled into friendliness by superficial compliment. Fisher, Harrison
• inclusive encompassing much or everything We are going to adhere to our basic programing strategy of nonpartisan information inclusive of all different points of view.
• interdict command against Failing to satisfy his examiners, he was interdicted from practice, but ignored the prohibition, and suffered more than one imprisonment in consequence. Worley, George
• abase cause to feel shame Ashamed, abased , degraded in his own eyes, he turned away his head. Caine, Hall, Sir
• obviate do away with Comfortable sleeping-cars obviate the necessity of stopping by the way for bodily rest, provided the traveller be physically strong and in good health. Ballou, Maturin Murray
• hurtle move with or as if with a rushing sound The hurricane was expected to hit Washington in the early hours of Sunday before hurtling toward New York City.
• unanimity everyone being of one mind On all other points of colonial policy, Mackenzie declared, people would be found to differ, but as regards the post office there was absolute unanimity . Smith, William, Sir
• mettle the courage to carry on The deployment will also test the emotional mettle of soldiers and their families. New York Times (Jun 26, 2010)
• interpolate insert words into texts, often falsifying it thereby Most scholars agree that these lines are interpolated , since they do not fit in with the rest of the poem. Various
• surreptitious marked by quiet and caution and secrecy He noticed that the peddler was eying the bag Scotty had picked up, and was trying to be surreptitious about it. Goodwin, Harold L. (Harold Leland)
• dissimulate hide feelings from other people From infancy these people have been schooled to dissimulate and hide emotion, and ordinarily their faces are as opaque as those of veteran poker players. Kephart, Horace
• ruse a deceptive maneuver, especially to avoid capture Overseas criminals use elaborate ruses , including phony websites, to trick job-seekers into helping transfer stolen funds. BusinessWeek (Aug 4, 2011)
• specious plausible but false You might be tempted to think of the biggest airline as the one with the most aircraft, but capacity differences make this reasoning specious .
• revulsion intense aversion After a first instinctive cry of horrified revulsion , the men reached down under water with their hands and drew out—a corpse. Livingston, Arthur
• hale exhibiting or restored to vigorous good health From a hearty, hale , corn-fed boy, he has become pale, lean, and wan. Adams, Abigail
• palliate lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of Divisions and inequalities persist, but government can palliate their effects with hard cash.
• obtuse lacking in insight or discernment The affair had been mentioned so plainly that it was impossible for the most dense and obtuse person not to have understood the allusion. Brazil, Angela
• querulous habitually complaining He was, at times, as querulous as a complaining old man. Williams, Ben Ames
• vagary an unexpected and inexplicable change in something Today such acquisitions are more likely to stay put, destined to survive both market fluctuations and the vagaries of style. New York Times (Sep 29, 2010)
• incipient only partly in existence; imperfectly formed Above all, medical teams will need to establish quick surveillance to identify health needs and pinpoint incipient outbreaks before they explode. Time (Jan 13, 2010)
• obdurate stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing Several appeared deeply affected, with tears of repentance standing in their eyes, others sullen and obdurate . Huth, Alexander
• grovel show submission or fear The two young men who drove them had fallen flat and were grovelling and wailing for mercy. Mitford, Bertram
• refractory stubbornly resistant to authority or control Beyond them the gardener struggled with a refractory horse that refused to draw his load of brush and dead leaves. Bacon, Josephine Dodge Daskam
• dregs sediment that has settled at the bottom of a liquid "Right got to go," Ali says, draining the dregs of his beer.
• ascendancy the state when one person or group has power over another But in a few days he had secured an almost incredible ascendancy over the sullen, starved, half-clothed army. Various
• supercilious having or showing arrogant superiority A supercilious , patronizing person—son of a wretched country parson—used to loll against the wall of your salon—with his nose in the air. Pinero, Arthur Wing, Sir
• pundit someone who has been admitted to membership in a field Pundits of agricultural science explore the sheds, I believe, the barns, stables, machine-rooms, and so forth, before inspecting the crops. Boyle, Frederick
• commiserate feel or express sympathy or compassion We had spent countless hours together drinking wine and commiserating about child-rearing, long Wisconsin winters and interrupted sleep. New York Times (Mar 24, 2011)
• alcove a small recess opening off a large room or garden They showed him where he would sleep, in a little closet-like alcove screened from the big room by a gay curtain. Wilson, Harry Leon
• assay make an effort or attempt He decided to assay one last project before giving up. New York Times (Mar 30, 2012)
• parochial narrowly restricted in outlook or scope But Republicans in Pennsylvania also have narrower and more parochial things to worry about. New York Times (Sep 17, 2011)
• conjugal relating to the relationship between a wife and husband They even had conjugal visits for prisoners — five hours in a private room every three months with your wife. New York Times (Nov 23, 2010)
• abjure formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief The caste abstain from liquor, and some of them have abjured all flesh food while others partake of it. Russell, R. V. (Robert Vane)
• frieze an ornament consisting of a horizontal sculptured band All the doorways mentioned above have cornices, and in those at Palmyra and Baalbec richly carved friezes with side corbels. Various
• ornate marked by complexity and richness of detail Unlike his literary icon, Herman Melville, he doesn’t adorn his writing with ornate flourishes or complicated scaffolding. Scientific American (Dec 20, 2011)
• inflammatory inciting action or rebellion We don't know whether inflammatory language or images can incite the mentally ill to commit acts of violence. Time (Jan 13, 2011)
• machination a crafty and involved plot to achieve your ends He was continued a member of Congress until 1777 when his enemies succeeded in their long nursed machinations against him. Judson, L. Carroll
• mendicant a pauper who lives by begging In others are the broken-down mendicants who live on soup-kitchens and begging.  Ritchie, J. Ewing (James Ewing)
• meander move or cause to move in a winding or curving course They paused beside one of the low stone walls that meandered in a meaningless fashion this way and that over the uplands. Vance, Louis Joseph
• bullion gold or silver in bars or ingots In times of economic turmoil, more people tend to invest in bullion gold. Washington Post (Mar 30, 2012)
• diffidence lack of self-assurance His grave diffidence and continued hesitation in offering an opinion confirmed me in my own. Froude, James Anthony
• makeshift done or made using whatever is available The house was still under construction, so he climbed up a ladder being used as a makeshift stairway, fell and injured his leg. New York Times (Apr 12, 2012)
• husbandry the practice of cultivating the land or raising stock The U.S. can take a lesson from Denmark, which has efficiently raised livestock without hurting farmers, by using better animal husbandry practices. Scientific American (Mar 22, 2011)
• podium a platform raised above the surrounding level Leyva beamed as he stood atop the podium , nodding as the American flag was raised and “The Star-Spangled Banner” played in his honor. New York Times (Oct 22, 2011)
• dearth an insufficient quantity or number A continuing dearth of snow in many U.S. spots usually buried by this time of year has turned life upside down. Washington Post (Jan 5, 2012)
• granary a storehouse for threshed grain or animal feed Here is where he does his husking, and the "clear corn" produced is stored away in some underground granary till It is needed. Seton, Ernest Thompson
• whet make keen or more acute While he described the fishing as “pretty good,” the silver salmon running in the creek only whetted his appetite to return to Alaska. Washington Post (Aug 17, 2011)
• imposture pretending to be another person He got somebody to prosecute him for false pretences and imposture , on the ground that Madame was a man.  Leland, Charles Godfrey
• diadem an ornamental jeweled headdress signifying sovereignty I dethrone monarchs and the people rejoicing crown me instead, showering diadems upon my head. Tilney, Frederick Colin
• fallow undeveloped but potentially useful Several new prostate cancer drugs have been approved in the last couple of years, after a long fallow period, and others are in advanced development. New York Times (Nov 3, 2011)
• hubbub loud confused noise from many sources There was some good-humoured pushing and thrusting, the drum beating and the church bells jangling bravely above the hubbub . Weyman, Stanley J.
• dispassionate unaffected by strong emotion or prejudice The commission sitting by, judicial, dispassionate , presided with cold dignity over the sacrifice, and pronounced it good. Candee, Helen Churchill Hungerford, Mrs.
• harrowing causing extreme distress Belgium found itself in turmoil as hundreds of people came forward to offer harrowing accounts of abuse over several decades. New York Times (Jan 16, 2012)
• askance with suspicion or disapproval A secret marriage in these days would be looked upon askance by most people. Wood, Mrs. Henry
• lancet a surgical knife with a pointed double-edged blade His left arm was held by the second physician, while the chief surgeon bent over it, lancet in hand. Hay, Marie, Hon. (Agnes Blanche Marie)
• rankle make resentful or angry He was feeling more like himself now, though the memory of the bully’s sneering words rankled . Chadwick, Lester
• ramify have or develop complicating consequences Cometary science has ramified in unexpected ways during the last hundred years. Various
• gainsay take exception to That Whitman entertained a genuine affection for men and women is, of course, too obvious to be gainsaid .  Rickett, Arthur
• polity a governmentally organized unit China needs a polity that can address its increasingly sophisticated society, and to achieve that there must be political reform, Mr. Sun said. New York Times (Mar 21, 2012)
• credence the mental attitude that something is believable "Well-known brand names that promote new products receive more credence than newcomers that people don't know about."
• indemnify make amends for; pay compensation for She put her affairs in order and left instructions that those whom she had unwittingly wronged should be indemnified out of her private fortune. Butler, Pierce
• ingratiate gain favor with somebody by deliberate efforts He became kindly and coaxing, leaning across the table with an ingratiating smile. King, Basil
• declivity a downward slope or bend In this frightful condition, the hunter grappled with the raging beast, and, struggling for life, they rolled together down a steep declivity . Goodrich, Samuel G. (Samuel Griswold)
• importunate making persistent or urgent requests The young man was then passionately importunate in the protestations of his love. Barr, Amelia Edith Huddleston
• passe out of fashion My friend is very keen on the new crowd; everything else he declares is " passe ." Holliday, Robert Cortes
• whittle cut small bits or pare shavings from Tad followed, whittling on a stick with his knife and kicking at the shavings as they fell. Kjelgaard, James Arthur
• repine express discontent Those poor fellows above, accustomed to the wild freshness and freedom of the sea, how they must mourn and repine ! O'Shea, John Augustus
• flay strip the skin off Once at the moose and hastily flaying the hide from the steaming meat my attention became centered on the task. Sinclair, Bertrand W.
• larder a small storeroom for storing foods or wines Mr. Goncalves’s larder holds staples like beefsteak, salt cod, sardines, olives, artichokes, hot and sweet peppers and plenty of garlic. New York Times (Feb 18, 2011)
• threadbare thin and tattered with age They were all poor folk, wrapped in threadbare cloaks or tattered leather. Brackett, Leigh Douglass
• grisly shockingly repellent; inspiring horror Television video showed a heavily damaged building and a grisly scene inside, with clothing and prayer mats scattered across a blood-splattered floor. New York Times (Aug 19, 2011)
• untoward not in keeping with accepted standards of what is proper Responding to criticism that cash payments are a classic means of tax evasion, he said he had done nothing untoward . New York Times (Aug 2, 2011)
• idiosyncrasy a behavioral attribute peculiar to an individual One of his well-known idiosyncrasies was that he would never allow himself to be photographed. Le Queux, William
• quip make jokes or witty remarks "I could have joined the FBI in a shorter period of time and with less documentation than it took to get that mortgage," she quipped .
• blatant without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious There was no blatant display of wealth, and every article of furniture bore signs of long though careful use. Bull, Charles Livingston
• stanch stop the flow of a liquid She did not attempt to stanch her tears, but sat looking at him with a smiling mouth, while the heavy drops fell down her cheeks. Stockley, Cynthia
• incongruity the quality of disagreeing Hanging out wet clothes and an American flag at the North Pole seemed an amusing incongruity . Cook, Frederick A.
• perfidious tending to betray The perfidious Italian at length confessed that it was his intention to murder his master, and then rob the house. Billinghurst, Percy J.
• platitude a trite or obvious remark But details are fuzzy and rebel leaders often resort to platitudes when dismissing suggestions of discord, saying simply that "Libya is one tribe." Wall Street Journal (Jun 20, 2011)
• revelry unrestrained merrymaking But all this revelry — dancing, drinks, exuberant youth — can be hard to manage. New York Times (Jun 3, 2010)
• delve turn up, loosen, or remove earth So she did what any reporter would do: she delved into the scientific literature and talked to investigators. New York Times (Dec 27, 2010)
• extenuate lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or degree of Prosecutors often spend time weighing mitigating and extenuating circumstances before deciding to seek the death penalty. Washington Post (Oct 15, 2011)
• polemic a verbal or written attack, especially of a belief or dogma Would it be a polemic that denounced Western imperialism for using cinema to undermine emerging nations like Kazakhstan? New York Times (Oct 4, 2010)
• enrapture hold spellbound I was delighted, enraptured , beside myself--the world had disappeared in an instant. Spielhagen, Friedrich
• virtuoso someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field Each of the seven instrumentalists was a virtuoso in his own right and had ample opportunity to prove it, often in long, soulful solos. New York Times (May 3, 2010)
• glower look angry or sullen as if to signal disapproval A moment later he would collapse, sit glowering in his chair, looking angrily at the carpet. Hecht, Ben
• mundane found in the ordinary course of events Now, it would seem, that the Chinese are getting back to their everyday concerns, paying attention to events more mundane and less cataclysmic. New York Times (Mar 20, 2012)
• fatuous devoid of intelligence They're too stupid, for one thing; they go on burning houses and breaking windows in their old fatuous way. McKenna, Stephen
• incorrigible impervious to correction by punishment She scolded and lectured her sister in vain; Cynthia was incorrigible . Various
• postulate maintain or assert In fact, when Einstein formulated his cosmological vision, based on his theory of gravitation, he postulated that the universe was finite. Scientific American (Jul 26, 2011)
• gist the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work The syntax was a little off, even comical at times, but I got the gist of what was going on. Time (May 6, 2010)
• vociferous conspicuously and offensively loud The complaints grew so loud and vociferous that even President Obama was forced to address the backlash from Lisbon on Saturday. New York Times (Nov 23, 2010)
• purvey supply with provisions And we will agree also to purvey food for these horses and people during nine months. Villehardouin, Geoffroi de
• baleful deadly or sinister “But he is dead,” put in Fanning, wondering at the baleful expression of hatred that had come into the man’s face. Burnham, Margaret
• gibe laugh at with contempt and derision So much did their taunts prey upon him that he ran away from school to escape their gibes . Hubbard, Elbert
• dyspeptic irritable as if suffering from indigestion One may begin with heroic renunciations and end in undignified envy and dyspeptic comments outside the door one has slammed on one's self. Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)
• prude a person excessively concerned about propriety and decorum Criticising high-profile programmes about teenage sex education often means risking being written off as a prude .
• luminary a celebrity who is an inspiration to others Founded in 1947, the group's members have included such luminaries as Walt Disney, Spencer Tracy and another American president, Ronald Reagan. Seattle Times (Apr 11, 2011)
• amenable disposed or willing to comply He, Jean Boulot, being so amenable to sensible argument, would at once fall in with his views. Wingfield, Lewis
• willful habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition I crossed my arms like a willful child. New York Times (Aug 18, 2011)
• overbearing having or showing arrogant superiority "True; but——" "Just so," interrupted Mr. Fauntleroy, in his decisive and rather overbearing manner. Wood, Mrs. Henry
• dais a platform raised above the surrounding level The throne was elevated on a dais of silver steps. Tracy, Louis
• automate operate or make run by machines rather than human action And because leap seconds are needed irregularly their insertion cannot be automated , which means that fallible humans must insert them by hand.
• enervate weaken physically, mentally, or morally The reviewers have enervated men’s minds, and made them indolent; few think for themselves. Rossetti, William Michael
• wheedle influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering On one level, I expected incessant flattery in attempts to wheedle equipment or even money from American forces. New York Times (Aug 16, 2010)
• gusto vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment The audience, surprisingly large given the inclement weather, responded with gusto , applauding each song, including those within the Shostakovich cycle. New York Times (Mar 2, 2010)
• bouillon a clear seasoned broth The meat soups are called broths, bouillon , or consommé, according to their richness. Ronald, Mary
• omniscient knowing, seeing, or understanding everything Robbe-Grillet responds that his work is in fact far less objective than the godlike, omniscient narrator who presides over so many traditional novels.
• apostate not faithful to religion or party or cause They are atheist conservatives — Mr. Khan an apostate to his family’s Islamic faith, Ms. Mac Donald to her left-wing education. New York Times (Feb 18, 2011)
• carrion the dead and rotting body of an animal; unfit for human food Habitually his diet is not carnivorous, but he will eat at times either carrion or living flesh. Reid, Mayne
• emolument compensation received by virtue of holding an office As the TUC has pointed out, those incomes – except for senior executives, whose emoluments seem to know few bounds – are rising more slowly than prices.
• ungainly lacking grace in movement or posture Thomas looked up furtively and saw that an ungainly human figure with crooked legs was being led into the church. Gogol, Nikolai Vasilievich
• impiety unrighteousness by virtue of lacking respect for a god That, however, is unbelief, extreme impiety , and a denial of the most high God. Bente, F. (Friedrich)
• decadence the state of being degenerate in mental or moral qualities But there are people who really do not want to import what they regard as Western decadence , especially public drunkenness. BBC (Jun 11, 2011)
• homily a sermon on a moral or religious topic In his New Year's homily , the pope said "words were not enough" to bring about peace, particularly in the Middle East.
• avocation an auxiliary activity Unlike many retired doctors, whom he says often have no life outside their profession, he always knew sailing would become his avocation . Newsweek (Nov 17, 2010)
• circumvent avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing Mr. Bloomberg said he would take several steps to circumvent obstacles to his proposals posed by city labor unions. New York Times (Jan 12, 2012)
• syllogism reasoning in which a conclusion is derived from two premises The conclusions arrived at by means of syllogisms are irresistible, provided the form be correct and the premises be true. Webster, W. F. (William Franklin)
• collation assembling in proper numerical or logical sequence In the case of early printed books or manuscripts, which are often not paged, special knowledge is needed for their collation . Rooke, Noel
• haggle wrangle, as over a price or terms of an agreement Obama said while officials can haggle over the makeup of spending cuts, the policy issues have no place in the measure.
• waylay wait in hiding to attack Sir Samuel Clithering was not, of course, a member of it; but he lurked about outside and waylaid us as we went in. Birmingham, George A.
• savant a learned person Frank had studied something of almost everything and imagined himself a savant . Roussel, John
• cohort a group of people having approximately the same age The current cohort of college students is, as many have pointed out, the first truly digital generation. Washington Post (Dec 1, 2011)
• unction excessive but superficial compliments with affected charm "You couldn't ask too much of me," he returned, with no unction of flattery, but the cheerfully frank expression of an ingenuous heart. Ogden, George W. (George Washington)
• adjure command solemnly “I adjure thee,” she said, “swear to me that you will never go near those Christians again or read their books.” Pennell, T. L. (Theodore Leighton)
• acrimony a rough and bitter manner Relations with India have been slowly improving, although talks ended in acrimony last July with the two sides indulging in a public spat over Kashmir.
• clarion loud and clear “He has been the single, clarion voice for commuter rail in central Florida for 20 years,” said Mayor Ken Bradley of Winter Park. New York Times (Jun 27, 2011)
• turbid clouded as with sediment The thick turbid sea rolled in, casting up mire and dirt from its depths. Reynolds, Mrs. Baillie
• cupidity extreme greed for material wealth Well educated, but very corrupt at heart, he found in his insatiable cupidity many ways of gaining money. Kraszewski, Jozef Ignacy
• disaffected discontented as toward authority The financial crisis, largely caused by banker incompetence, has created legions of disaffected customers. Forbes (Sep 15, 2011)
• preternatural surpassing the ordinary or normal In fact, they regarded the Spaniards as superior beings endowed with preternatural gifts. Gilson, Jewett Castello
• eschew avoid and stay away from deliberately Morrissey is among those seniors who are eschewing nursing homes in favor of independent living. Washington Post (Mar 23, 2012)
• expatiate add details to clarify an idea He then expatiated on his own miseries, which he detailed at full length. Manzoni, Alessandro
• didactic instructive, especially excessively Let us have a book so full of good illustrations that didactic instruction shall not be needed. Various
• sinuous curved or curving in and out In origami parlance, Mr. Joisel was a wet-folder, dampening his paper so that he could coax it into sinuous curves. New York Times (Oct 20, 2010)
• rancor a feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill-will The current session of Parliament has so far produced only rancor , as opposition parties have shut down proceedings with angry, theatrical protests against corruption. New York Times (Aug 14, 2011)
• puissant powerful The ship was not fighting now, but yielding—a complacent leviathan held captive by a most puissant and ruthless enemy. Tracy, Louis
• homespun characteristic of country life His rural, homespun demeanor ordinarily might elicit snickers from India’s urban elite. New York Times (Aug 18, 2011)
• embroil force into some kind of situation or course of action But Mr. Marbury, often embroiled in controversy during his N.B.A. days, seems to have found some measure of peace in China. New York Times (Apr 1, 2012)
• pathological caused by or evidencing a mentally disturbed condition "Fixated individuals" — mentally ill people with a pathological focus on someone, often a stranger — make up the first group.
• resonant characterized by a loud deep sound His eyes were piercing but sad, his voice grand and resonant , suiting well the wrathful, impassioned Calvinism of his sermons. Barr, Amelia Edith Huddleston
• libretto the words of an opera or musical play In many great operas, composers have had to whittle down an epic literary work into a suitable libretto . New York Times (Mar 6, 2010)
• flail thrash about Exercise is prescribed, but when she joins an aqua aerobics class, she flails embarrassingly. New York Times (Apr 12, 2012)
• bandy discuss lightly Hillary Clinton’s name has been bandied about, but she’s made it clear she’s not interested.
• gratis costing nothing "Would you admit them gratis ?" asked Mr. Castlemaine with a smile, "or would they have to pay, like ordinary residents in an hotel?" Hocking, Joseph
• upshot a phenomenon that is caused by some previous phenomenon The inevitable upshot of their growing social power was that brands wanted an expanded visual presence.
• aphorism a short pithy instructive saying General Sherman's famous aphorism that "War is Hell," has become classic. Fletcher, Samuel H.
• redoubtable worthy of respect or honor Captain Miles Standish was a redoubtable soldier, small in person, but of great activity and courage. Mann, Henry
• corpulent excessively large Obesity is very common, but chiefly among the women, who while still quite young often become enormously corpulent . D'Anvers, N.
• benighted lacking enlightenment or knowledge or culture I alone was magnificently and absurdly aware—everyone else was benightedly out of it. James, Henry
• sententious abounding in or given to pompous or aphoristic moralizing He is the village wise man; very sententious ; and full of profound remarks on shallow subjects. Irving, Washington
• cabal a clique that seeks power usually through intrigue Supposedly, see, there's this global cabal of scientists conspiring to bring about socialist one-world government.
• paraphernalia equipment consisting of miscellaneous articles It's outfitted with cricket bats and other antique sports paraphernalia . Seattle Times (Sep 27, 2011)
• vitiate make imperfect His talent in writing is vitiated by his affectation and other faults. Blair, Emma Helen
• adulation exaggerated flattery or praise And celebrities get all this adulation for something that is not about character, it's about talent.
• quaff swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one draught Meanwhile the officers under the tree had got served, and, cups in hand, were quaffing joyously. Reid, Mayne
• unassuming not arrogant Parr's conduct after his most heroic actions was thoroughly modest and unassuming . Greely, Adolphus W.
• libertine a dissolute person Still, Mr. Awlaki was neither among the most conservative Muslim students nor among the libertines who tossed aside religious restrictions on drinking and sex. New York Times (May 8, 2010)
• maul injure badly Hundreds of concert goers were mauled as they left by what The New York Times called “bands of roving youths.” New York Times (Aug 17, 2011)
• adage a condensed but memorable saying embodying an important fact So he focuses on the fans and embraces the adage , “Living well is the best revenge.” New York Times (Mar 25, 2011)
• expostulation the act of expressing earnest opposition or protest He even believed he saw visions with his own bodily eyes, and no expostulations of his friends could drive this belief out of his head. Hoffmann, E. T. A. (Ernst Theodor Amadeus)
• tawdry tastelessly showy It was a tawdry affair, all Cupids and cornucopias, like a third-rate wedding cake. Wilde, Oscar
• trite repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse The subject—a deathbed scene—might seem at first sight to be a trite and common one. Lancey, Magdalene de
• hireling a person who works only for money Why should I?—a mere police detective, who had been hired to do a service and paid for it like any other hireling . Hanshew, Thomas W.
• ensconce fix firmly Though she is firmly ensconced in a writing career, Ms. Freud, 48, said that in the early days she missed acting terribly. New York Times (Oct 30, 2011)
• egregious conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible “These offenses are very serious, even egregious ,” the judge said. Washington Post (Sep 12, 2011)
• cogent powerfully persuasive His thesis was too cogent , and appealed too powerfully to all classes of the Upper Canada community, to be anything but irresistible. Morison, J. L. (John Lyle)
• incisive demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions A half-hour of informed and incisive questioning by Mr. Russert would have demolished Mr. Trump. New York Times (May 1, 2011)
• errant straying from the right course or from accepted standards As the crowd voiced its displeasure, the referees made sure Wisconsin got the ball, but pass was errant and rolled out of bounds at midcourt. Seattle Times (Feb 28, 2012)
• sedulous marked by care and persistent effort Sedulous attention and painstaking industry always mark the true worker. Calhoon, Major A.R.
• incandescent characterized by ardent emotion, intensity, or brilliance Kirkwood's anger cooled apace; at worst it had been a flare of passion— incandescent . Vance, Louis Joseph
• derelict in deplorable condition Others are clustered under a tin awning by a derelict railway station or in similarly run-down school buildings.
• entomology the branch of zoology that studies insects From the department of entomology you expect to learn something about the troublesome insects, which are so universal an annoyance. Latham, A. W.
• execrable unequivocally detestable But minds were so overexcited at the time that the parties mutually accused each other, on all occasions, of the most execrable crimes. Imbert de Saint-Amand, Arthur Léon, baron
• sluice pour as if from a conduit that carries a rapid flow of water At 4:15 p.m., as the rain was sluicing off roofs in sheets, the firemen moved the trucks to higher ground. New York Times (Aug 31, 2011)
• moot of no legal significance, as having been previously decided The statement from Hermitage said even in the Soviet period no defendant had been tried after death, when charges were generally considered moot . New York Times (Feb 7, 2012)
• evanescent short-lived; tending to vanish or disappear Time seems stopped but it is moving on, and every glimmer of light is evanescent , flitting.
• vat a large open vessel for holding or storing liquids The cream remains in the large vat about twenty-four hours before it is churned. Chamberlain, James Franklin
• dapper marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners Thoroughly dapper , he took off his black-and-white pinstriped suit jacket — with its pocket-square flair — and weaved in and out among them, his voice ever rising. New York Times (Jan 22, 2011)
• asperity harshness of manner All this proceeds from the old man, whose proper character it is to be angry and bitter, and to exhibit rancor and asperity . Arndt, Johann
• flair a natural talent In fact, while Lamarr qualified as an inventive genius for her artistic flair , she fell somewhat short on her scientific acumen. Slate (Nov 28, 2011)
• mote a tiny piece of anything He took his discharge out of his pocket, brushed every mote of dust from the table, and spread the document before their eyes. Auerbach, Berthold
• circumspect careful to consider potential consequences and avoid risk Obama administration officials argue that new regulations are forcing insurers to be more circumspect about raising rates. New York Times (Sep 27, 2011)
• inimical tending to obstruct or cause harm The Hindu idea is that so long as justice and equity characterise a king’s rule, even beasts naturally inimical are disposed to live in friendship. Kingscote, Mrs. Howard
• apropos of a suitable, fitting, or pertinent nature I found myself thinking vaguely about things that were not at all apropos to the situation. Stockley, Cynthia
• gruel a thin porridge He says, keep them on just two pints of Indian-meal gruel —by which he appears to mean thin hasty pudding—a day, and no more. Alcott, William A. (William Andrus)
• gentility elegance by virtue of fineness of manner and expression This was no rough bully of the seas; Carew's bearing and dandified apparel bespoke gentility . Springer, Norman
• disapprobation an expression of strong disapproval Mr Ruthven shook his head and declared that he regarded the conduct of her persecutors with grave moral disapprobation . Wheeler, E.J.
• cameo engraving or carving in low relief on a stone The trinket was a small round cameo cut out of mother-of-pearl and set in gold; it represented St. George and the dragon. J?kai, M?r
• gouge swindle; obtain by coercion Shortages also have raised concerns about higher prices and gouging by wholesale drug companies that obtain supplies of hard-to-get drugs and jack up the costs. Seattle Times (Jan 20, 2012)
• oratorio a musical composition for voices and orchestra Mendelssohn had no sooner completed his first oratorio , "St. Paul," than he began to think about setting another Bible story to music. Edwards, Frederick George
• inclement severe, of weather Be prepared for inclement weather and possible ice and snow on park roads. Seattle Times (Oct 16, 2011)
• scintilla a tiny or scarcely detectable amount Gardner "never expressed one scintilla of remorse for his attack upon the victim" despite overwhelming evidence, prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo.
• confluence a flowing together And indeed, before the 13th century, there was an extraordinary confluence of genius and innovation, particularly around Baghdad. New York Times (Dec 28, 2010)
• squalor sordid dirtiness What can be expected of human beings, crowded in such miserable habitations, living in filth and squalor , and often pinched with hunger? Field, Henry M. (Henry Martyn)
• stricture severe criticism While gratefully accepting the generous praises of our friends, we must briefly reply to some strictures by our critics. Stanton, Elizabeth Cady
• emblazon decorate with heraldic arms His coat of arms was emblazoned on the cover. Mason, A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley)
• augury an event indicating important things to come This is always an encouraging sign, and an augury of success. Alger, Horatio
• abut lie adjacent to another or share a boundary It depicts a mountain landscape near Kingston, a historic town abutting the Hudson River. New York Times (Jan 8, 2010)
• banal repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse Highly dramatic incidents are juxtaposed with comparatively banal ones; particular attention is given to tales of doomed love affairs. New York Times (Dec 4, 2011)
• congeal solidify, thicken, or come together Boil down the syrup to half its original quantity, but take care that it does not boil long enough to congeal or become thick. Baru?, Sulpice
• pilfer make off with belongings of others Many young people scavenge for reusable garbage, living on proceeds from pilfered construction material and other recyclables. Seattle Times (Feb 8, 2012)
• malcontent a person who is unsatisfied or disgusted Now, unfortunately, some malcontents among the hands here have spread their ideas, and a strike has been called. Maitland, Robert
• sublimate direct energy or urges into useful activities They might instead have passionate friendships, or sublimate their urges into other pursuits. New York Times (Jun 4, 2010)
• eugenic causing improvement in the offspring produced Eugenics was aimed at creating a better society by filtering out people considered undesirable, ranging from criminals to those imprecisely designated as “feeble-minded.” Washington Post (Aug 1, 2011)
• lineament the characteristic parts of a person's face The tears stood in Muriel's eyes, and her face was very pale, but serenity marked every lineament . Davidson, John
• firebrand someone who deliberately foments trouble But Hassan is not some teenage firebrand hurling rocks; he’s a slight, graying scholar committed to peace. New York Times (Jun 9, 2011)
• fiasco a complete failure or collapse The Stuttgart protests became a national fiasco in late September, when protesters clashed with police wielding batons and water cannons. Newsweek (Dec 14, 2010)
• foolhardy marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences Many mistakes—extravagant purchases, foolhardy investments—are made in the first months after a windfall. Wall Street Journal (Feb 24, 2012)
• retrench tighten one's belt; use resources carefully But there was only one way open to me at present—and that was to retrench my expenses. Caine, Hall, Sir
• ulterior lying beyond what is openly revealed or avowed Shop window displays may help prettify shopping thoroughfares, but any savvy retailer has the ulterior motive of self promotion. BBC (Feb 3, 2010)
• equable not varying His must have been that calm, equable temperament not easily ruffled, which goes with the self-respecting nature. Hurll, Estelle M. (Estelle May)
• inured made tough by habitual exposure But he had become inured to the rush and whirr of missiles, and now paid no heed whatever to them. Mitford, Bertram
• invidious containing or implying a slight or showing prejudice "After an old-fashioned, all-round team performance … it might seem invidious to single out one player," admits the paper before singling out one player.
• unmitigated not diminished or moderated in intensity or severity In order to be well directed, sympathy must consider all men, and not the individual alone; only then is it an unmitigated good. Williams, C. M.
• concomitant an event or situation that happens at the same time The conclusion must be drawn that every epidemic of bubonic plague is caused by the concomitant rat plague. Scientific American (Jan 21, 2011)
• cozen cheat or trick Dicing-houses, where cheaters meet, and cozen young men out of their money. Various
• phlegmatic showing little emotion Humanity, when surfeited with emotion, becomes calm, almost phlegmatic . Tracy, Louis
• dormer a gabled extension built out from a sloping roof Other features, such as the front French doors and two roof dormers with curved-top windows and operable shutters, give this home a pleasing, well-balanced presence. Southern Living (Apr 14, 2010)
• pontifical denoting or governed by or relating to a bishop or bishops The high priest made no resistance, but went forth in his pontifical robes, followed by the people in white garments, to meet the mighty warrior. Lord, John
• disport occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion Straightway the glade in which they sat was filled with knights, ladies, maidens, and esquires, who danced and disported themselves right joyously. Spence, Lewis
• apologist a person who argues to defend some policy or institution Tories, and apologists for Great Britain, have written much about a justification for this action, but there is no real justification. Barce, Elmore
• abeyance temporary cessation or suspension My feelings of home-sickness had returned with redoubled strength after being long in abeyance . Boldrewood, Rolf
• enclave an enclosed territory that is culturally distinct And its suburban schools, rather than being exclusive enclaves , include children whose parents can't afford a house in the neighborhood. Washington Post (Jan 11, 2011)
• improvident not supplying something useful for the future He was industrious but improvident ; he made money and he lost it. Hubbard, Elbert
• disquisition an elaborate analytical or explanatory essay or discussion Cumulatively, what emerges from To Kill a Mockingbird is a thoughtful disquisition that encompasses – and goes beyond – the question of racial bias at its worst.
• categorical not modified or restricted by reservations "European leaders were united, categorical and crystal clear: Gaddafi must go," British Prime Minister David Cameron said.
• placate cause to be more favorably inclined The East India Company was placated by the concession of further exemptions in its favour. Smith, A. D.
• redolent serving to bring to mind Here, however, are congregated a vast number of curious and interesting objects, while the place is redolent of vivid historical associations. Ballou, Maturin Murray
• felicitous exhibiting an agreeably appropriate manner or style The first book is the finest, sparkling with felicitous expressions and rising frequently to true poetry. Dennis, John
• gusty blowing in puffs or short intermittent blasts Winds could get gusty , occasionally blowing at more than 30 miles per hour.
• natty marked by up-to-dateness in dress and manners He wore a checked suit, very natty , and was more than usually tall and fine-looking. Green, Anna Katharine
• pacifist opposed to war He was, furthermore, a real pacifist , believing that war is debasing morally and disastrous economically. Seymour, Charles
• buxom healthily plump and vigorous Mrs. Connelly—a round, rosy, buxom Irishwoman, with a mellow voice, laughing eye, and artist-red hair—was very much taken with their plan. Douglas, Amanda Minnie
• heyday the period of greatest prosperity or productivity Playboy's most popular years are well behind it - the magazine enjoyed its heyday in the 1970s. Washington Post (Jan 10, 2011)
• herculean displaying superhuman strength or power He made herculean efforts to get on terms with his examination subjects, and worked harder than he had ever done in his life before. Marshall, Archibald
• burgeon grow and flourish Brooklyn's burgeoning dining scene has even developed a following among Manhattan food lovers.
• crone an ugly, evil-looking old woman The aged crone wrinkled her forehead and lifted her grizzled eyebrows, still without looking at him. Myrick, Frank
• prognosticate make a prediction about; tell in advance How strange it is that our dreams often prognosticate coming events! Huth, Alexander
• lout an awkward, foolish person But this question was beyond the poor lout 's intelligence; he could only blubber and fend off possible chastisement. Williams, J. Scott (John Scott)
• simper smile in an insincere, unnatural, or coy way Mrs. Barnett's mouth simpered at the implied flattery; but her eyes, always looking calculatingly for substantial results, were studying Reedy Jenkins. Hamby, William H. (William Henry)
• iniquitous characterized by injustice or wickedness This was some piece of wickedness concocted by the venomous brain of the iniquitous Vicar, more abominable than all his other wickednesses. Trollope, Anthony
• rile disturb, especially by minor irritations The prospect of seeing Ms. Palin tour Alaska’s wild habitats may rile some people who oppose her opinions about climate change. New York Times (Mar 25, 2010)
• sentient endowed with feeling and unstructured consciousness The money fluttered from his hand to the floor, where it lay like a sentient thing, staring back as if mocking him. Hitchcock, Lucius W.
• garish tastelessly showy With its opulently garish sets and knee-jerk realism, the production dwarfed the cast, no matter what stars were singing. New York Times (Jan 2, 2011)
• readjustment the act of correcting again While earpieces are not uncomfortable, they do sometimes come loose, requiring readjustment . Slate (Apr 17, 2012)
• erstwhile belonging to some prior time Sony, whose erstwhile dominance in consumer electronics has been eroded by the likes of Samsung, could beat rivals to a potentially new generation of devices.
• aquiline curved down like an eagle's beak The nose slightly aquiline , curving at the nostril; while luxuriant hair, in broad plaits, fell far below her waist. Various
• bilious irritable as if suffering from indigestion But his sleep had not refreshed him; he waked up bilious , irritable, ill-tempered, and looked with hatred at his room. Garnett, Constance
• vilify spread negative information about The trial was televised and the victim's identity became known, resulting in her being vilified by almost the entire town.
• nuance a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude By working so hard to simplify things, we lose any nuance or ability to deal with folks’ individual circumstances. Washington Post (Oct 3, 2011)
• gawk look with amazement He speaks mainly of his humiliation at lying on the sidewalk as hipsters gawked . New York Times (Apr 9, 2012)
• refectory a communal dining-hall, usually in a monastery Meanwhile, the soup was getting cold in the refectory , so that the assembled brotherhood at last fell to, without waiting any longer for the Abbot. Scheffel, Joseph Victor von
• palatial suitable for or like a large and stately residence The house was very large; its rooms almost palatial in size, had been finished in richly carved hardwood panels and wainscoting, mostly polished mahogany. Hitchcock, Frederick L. (Frederick Lyman)
• mincing affectedly dainty or refined She went, carrying her little head very high indeed, and taking dainty, mincing steps. Banks, Nancy Huston
• trenchant having keenness and forcefulness and penetration in thought They are written in a serio-comic tone, and for sparkling wit, trenchant sarcasm, and dramatic dialectics surpass anything ever penned by Lessing. Lessing, Gotthold Ephraim
• emboss raise in a relief Requests may also be made of the stationer to use an embossed plate so that the letters stand out in relief. Eichler, Lillian
• proletarian a member of the working class As yet, the true proletarian wage-earner, uprooted from his native village and broken away from the organization of Indian society, is but insignificant. Stoddard, Lothrop
• careen pitching dangerously to one side I turned the steering wheel all the way to one side, and found myself careening backward in a violent arc. Vogel, Nancy
• debacle a sound defeat The Broncos are coming off their worst season in franchise history, a 4-12 debacle that included issues on and off the field. Newsweek (Jan 9, 2011)
• sycophant a person who tries to please someone to gain an advantage The people around the king are sycophants who are looking after their own personal advantage. Coffin, Charles Carleton
• crabbed annoyed and irritable He grew crabbed and soured, his temper flashing out on small provocation. Weyman, Stanley J.
• archetype something that serves as a model Newport, R.I., looks like a perfect archetype of a small, seaside New England town.
• cryptic of an obscure nature The authorities, beyond some cryptic language about the death being sudden but not suspicious, have released no details. New York Times (Aug 24, 2011)
• penchant a strong liking or preference But sometimes, old Wall Street habits — including a penchant for expensive luxuries — are hard to break. New York Times (Mar 31, 2012)
• bauble cheap showy jewelry or ornament But men were buying Valentine's baubles for their honeys long before the first Zales ever opened its doors in a suburban shopping mall. Slate (Feb 14, 2012)
• mountebank a flamboyant deceiver They are singularly clever, these Indian mountebanks , especially in sleight of hand tricks. Ballou, Maturin Murray
• fawning attempting to win favor by flattery “As any cult leader, he was extremely good at milking the rich, at flattering and fawning ,” Ms. Gordon said. New York Times (Apr 16, 2010)
• hummock a small natural mound Captain Bill leaned back on a hummock of earth, his arms folded behind his head. Grayson, J. J.
• apotheosis model of excellence or perfection of a kind Contrary to popular belief, however, she said Ms. Deen’s fat-laden cooking does not in fact represent the apotheosis of Southern cuisine. New York Times (Jan 17, 2012)
• discretionary not earmarked; available for use as needed Steeper prices for basic necessities have forced many to cut back on more discretionary purchases. Washington Post (Oct 19, 2011)
• pithy concise and full of meaning As Moore isolated finer points of the passing game, Keller in neat penmanship jotted down pithy phrases and punchy quotes, basic ideas and specific concepts. New York Times (Dec 10, 2011)
• comport behave in a certain manner Ironically, the one man on stage who did comport himself with dignity, John Huntsman, is now being dismissed as having not made an impact.
• checkered marked by changeable fortune Both restaurants have checkered histories with the health department; they were temporarily shut down for sanitary violations that included evidence of rodents. New York Times (Aug 22, 2010)
• ambrosia the food and drink of the gods "Frieda represents the lovely goddess, Hebe, who served nectar and ambrosia to the high gods on Mount Olympus," she explained. Vandercook, Margaret
• factious dissenting with the majority opinion Will it be answered that we are factious , discontented spirits, striving to disturb the public order, and tear up the old fastnesses of society? Stanton, Elizabeth Cady
• disgorge cause or allow to flow or run out or over There are telephone poles and cinder blocks and living room chairs and large trash bins, overturned and disgorging their soggy contents. New York Times (Oct 28, 2011)
• filch make off with belongings of others Then, in place of the real site, it displays a fake site created  to filch account numbers, login names and passwords. New York Times (Jul 13, 2010)
• wraith a ghostly figure, especially one seen shortly before death Whichever way he turns there loom past wraiths , restless as ghosts of unburied Grecian slain. Lee, Carson Jay
• demonstrable capable of being proved The linkage between deposits and trade is definite, causal, positive, statistically demonstrable . Anderson, Benjamin M.
• pertinacious stubbornly unyielding His temper, though yielding and easy in appearance, was in reality most obstinate and pertinacious . Kavanagh, Julia
• emend make corrections to The following were identified as spelling or typographic errors and have been emended as noted. Hopper, James
• laggard someone who takes more time than necessary Corporate data centers are the slowpoke laggards of information technology. New York Times (Apr 10, 2012)
• waffle pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness A few days of waffling back and forth and I ended up going out to a mediocre bistro with my parents. Scientific American (Feb 8, 2011)
• loquacious full of trivial conversation Pan soon found it needful to make conversation, in order to keep the loquacious old stage driver from talking too much. Grey, Zane
• venial easily excused or forgiven The confidence of ignorance, however venial in youth, is not altogether so excusable, in full grown men. School, A Sexton of the Old
• peon a laborer who is obliged to do menial work For the most part, the men were wiry peons , some toiling half naked, but there were a number who looked like prosperous citizens. Bindloss, Harold
• effulgence the quality of being bright and sending out rays of light Then, all at once, in a way that seemed to frighten her, the sunshine had burst the clouds, and dazzled her with its effulgence . Fenn, George Manville
• lode a deposit of valuable ore Such local perturbations are regularly used in Sweden for tracing out the position of underground lodes of iron ore. Gilbert, William
• fanfare a gaudy outward display It opened a month ago to considerable fanfare , with television cameras trailing government officials meandering proudly around the bright new stores filled with imported goods. New York Times (Aug 22, 2010)
• dilettante showing frivolous or superficial interest; amateurish They dabbled in politics and art in the same dilettante fashion. Cannan, Gilbert
• pusillanimous lacking in courage, strength, and resolution He was described by his friends as pusillanimous to an incredible extent, timid from excess of riches, afraid of his own shadow. Motley, John Lothrop
• ingrained deeply rooted; firmly fixed or held The narrow prejudices of his country were ingrained too deeply in his character to be disturbed by any change of surroundings. Fuller, Robert H.
• quagmire a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot The heavy rain had reduced this low-lying ground to a veritable quagmire , making progress very difficult even for one as unburdened as he was. Putnam Weale, B. L. (Bertram Lenox)
• reprobation severe disapproval Mr. Conway denounced this scheme as "utterly and flagrantly unconstitutional, as radically revolutionary in character and deserving the reprobation of every loyal citizen." Blaine, James Gillespie
• mannered having unnatural behavioral attributes Nothing was mannered or pretentious; the texts came through with utter naturalness. New York Times (May 29, 2011)
• squeamish easily disturbed or disgusted by unpleasant things But please note that this gunfire-fueled film is for mature audiences; given its content, young and/or squeamish viewers should avoid this one. Washington Post (Aug 6, 2010)
• proclivity a natural inclination She received, under her father's supervision, a very careful education, and developed her proclivities for literary composition at an early age. Adams, W. H. Davenport
• miserly characterized by or indicative of lack of generosity Now, my uncle seemed so miserly that I was struck dumb by this sudden generosity, and could find no words in which to thank him. Stevenson, Robert Louis
• vapid lacking significance or liveliness or spirit or zest How vapid was the talk of my remaining fellow-passengers; how slow of understanding, and how preoccupied with petty things they seemed! Dawson, A. J. (Alec John)
• mercurial liable to sudden unpredictable change Wind energy is notoriously mercurial , with patterns shifting drastically over the course of years, days, even minutes. Scientific American (Jan 4, 2012)
• perspicuous transparently clear; easily understandable The statements are plain and simple, a perfect model of perspicuous narrative. Smith, Uriah
• nonplus be a mystery or bewildering to I shook my head and rushed from his presence, completely nonplussed , bewildered, frantic. Cole, E. W. (Edward William)
• enamor attract Young Indian audiences are so enamored with reality television that they will not watch the soap operas and dramas that their parents or grandparents watch. New York Times (Jan 9, 2011)
• hackneyed repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse Many speakers become so addicted to certain hackneyed phrases that those used to hearing them speak can see them coming sentences away. Lewis, Arthur M. (Arthur Morrow)
• spate a large number or amount or extent French authorities are already reporting a rising spate of calls to emergency services by homeowners whose once-frozen water mains have now burst.
• pedagogue someone who educates young people His old pedagogue , Mr. Brownell, had been unable to teach him mathematics. Pierce, H. Winthrop
• acme the highest level or degree attainable Scientifically speaking, it is the acme of absurdity to talk of a man defying the law of gravitation when he lifts his arm. Huxley, Thomas H.
• masticate bite and grind with the teeth Food should be masticated quietly, and with the lips closed. Cooke, Maud C.
• sinecure a job that involves minimal duties He would have repudiated the notion that he was looking for a sinecure , but no doubt considered that the duties would be easy and light. Trollope, Anthony
• indite produce a literary work She indited religious poems which were the admiration of the age. Brittain, Alfred
• emetic a medicine that induces nausea and vomiting The juice of this herb, taken in ale, is esteemed a gentle and very good emetic , bringing on vomiting without any great irritation or pain. Smith, John Thomas
• temporize draw out a discussion or process in order to gain time So he temporized and beat about the bush, and did not touch first on that which was nearest his heart. Erskine, Payne
• unimpeachable beyond doubt or reproach Whether we agree with the conclusions of these writers or not, the method of critical investigation which they adopt is unimpeachable . Huxley, Thomas H.
• genesis a coming into being He found himself speculating on the genesis of the moral sense, how it developed in difficulties rather than in ease. Miller, Alice Duer
• mordant harshly ironic or sinister Even Morgan himself, intrepid as he was, shrank from the awful menace of the mordant words. Crawford, Will
• smattering a small number or amount Only a smattering of fans remained for all four ghastly quarters. Washington Post (Sep 24, 2011)
• suavity the quality of being charming and gracious in manner His combativeness was harnessed to his suavity , and he could be forcible and at the same time persuasive. Windsor, William
• stentorian very loud or booming If a hundred voices shouted in opposition, his stentorian tones still made themselves heard above the uproar. J?kai, M?r
• junket a trip taken by an official at public expense Mr. Abramoff arranged for junkets , including foreign golfing destinations, for the members of Congress he was trying to influence. New York Times (Feb 26, 2010)
• appurtenance a supplementary component that improves capability In the center of this space stood a large frame building whose courtyard, stables, and other appurtenances proclaimed it an inn. Madison, Lucy Foster
• nostrum patent medicine whose efficacy is questionable Just here a native "medicine man" dispenses nostrums of doubtful efficacy, and in front a quantity of red Moorish pottery is exposed for sale. Meakin, Budgett
• immure lock up or confine, in or as in a jail Political prisoners, numbering as many as three or four hundred at a time, have been immured within its massive walls. Boyd, Mary Stuart
• astringent acidic or bitter in taste or smell There was something sharply astringent about her then, like biting inadvertently into a green banana. McFee, William
• unfaltering marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable Still unfaltering , the procession commenced to trudge back, the littlest boy and girl bearing themselves bravely, with lips tight pressed. Sabin, Edwin L. (Edwin Legrand)
• tutelage attention and management implying responsibility for safety It will do so under German leadership that grows less hesitant with each crisis, and without the American tutelage it enjoyed for so many decades. Newsweek (Jan 23, 2011)
• testator a person who makes a will This will was drawn up by me some years since at the request of the testator , who was in good health, mentally and bodily. Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)
• elysian of such excellence as to suggest inspiration by the gods Life seemed an elysian dream, from which care and sorrow must be for ever banished. Hentz, Caroline Lee
• fulminate criticize severely But with people looking for almost any excuse to fulminate against airlines these days, there's a certain risk of embellishment.
• fractious easily irritated or annoyed He was a fractious invalid, and spared his wife neither time nor trouble in attending to his wants. Brazil, Angela
• pummel strike, usually with the fist Another, with rubber bands wrapped tightly around his face, is pummelled by a plastic boxing kangaroo.
• manumit free from slavery or servitude Moreover, manumitted slaves enjoyed the same rights, privileges and immunities that were enjoyed by those born free. Various
• unexceptionable completely acceptable; not open to reproach All cowboys are from necessity good cooks, and the fluffy, golden brown biscuits and fragrant coffee of Red's making were unexceptionable . Mayer, Frank
• triumvirate a group of three people responsible for civil authority This triumvirate approach has real benefits in terms of shared wisdom, and we will continue to discuss the big decisions among the three of us.
• sybarite a person addicted to luxury and pleasures of the senses He was not used to travelling on omnibuses, being something of a sybarite who spared nothing to ensure his own comfort. Wallace, Edgar
• jibe be compatible, similar, or consistent Contemporary art has never quite jibed with mainstream media.
• magisterial offensively self-assured or exercising unwarranted power “Now look here,” he said, making believe to take down my words and shaking his pencil at me in a magisterial way. Fenn, George Manville
• roseate of something having a dusty purplish pink color Behind the trees rough, lichened rock and stony slopes ran up to a bare ridge, silhouetted against the roseate glow of the morning sky. Bindloss, Harold
• obloquy abusive, malicious, and condemnatory language This is the real history of a transaction which, by frequent misrepresentation, has brought undeserved obloquy upon a generous man. Purchas, H. T. (Henry Thomas)
• hoodwink influence by slyness The stories of the saints he regarded as preposterous fables invented to hoodwink a gullible and illiterate populace.
• striate mark with stripes of contrasting color The body is striated with clearly defined, often depressed lines, which run longitudinally and sometimes spirally. Calkins, Gary N. (Gary Nathan)
• arrogate seize and take control without authority Japanese manufacturers were accused of arrogating American technologies to churn out low-cost electronics. New York Times (May 25, 2010)
• rarefied of high moral or intellectual value The debate over climate science has involved very complex physical models and rarefied areas of scientific knowledge. New York Times (Apr 9, 2011)
• chary characterized by great caution There was no independent verification of the figure; the authorities have been chary of releasing death tolls for fear of inflaming further violence. New York Times (Apr 24, 2011)
• credo any system of principles or beliefs She preferred to hang out with everyone but was best friends with no one, holding to the credo : “You should be nice to people.” New York Times (Jan 21, 2011)
• superannuated too old to be useful Civil servants are superannuated at fifty-five years of age and are sent home on a pension, seldom enjoying life longer than two years afterward. Hunt, Eleonora
• impolitic lacking tact, shrewdness, or prudence Bill Maher has always been a vocal critic of Islam, even at times making impolitic statements about the religion.
• aspersion a disparaging remark Lord Sanquhar then proceeded to deny the aspersion that he was an ill-natured fellow, ever revengeful, and delighting in blood. Thornbury, Walter
• abysmal exceptionally bad or displeasing After all, many Americans regard this Congress as dysfunctional, with abysmal approval ratings. New York Times (Dec 28, 2011)
• poignancy a quality that arouses emotions, especially pity or sorrow They were curious about the “near loss” experience—specifically the feelings of poignancy that occur when what we cherish disappears. Scientific American (Jan 17, 2011)
• stilted artificially formal or stiff But thanks to the stilted writing and stiff acting, the characters still feel very much like one-dimensional figures from a dutiful fable. New York Times (Jul 12, 2011)
• effete excessively self-indulgent, affected, or decadent John Bull was an effete old plutocrat whose sons and daughters were given up to sport and amusement. Moffett, Cleveland
• provender food for domestic livestock "Fools!" she cried, looking in her magic crystal, "he was in the big sycamore under which you stopped to give your horses provender !" Housman, Laurence
• endemic of a disease constantly present in a particular locality Mean-spirited chants and songs are also endemic in British soccer. New York Times (Jan 27, 2012)
• jocund full of or showing high-spirited merriment Her jocund laugh and merry voice, indeed, first attracted my attention. Lever, Charles James
• procedural of or relating to processes In other words, the rejection was a bureaucratic/ procedural decision. Scientific American (Feb 1, 2012)
• rakish marked by a carefree unconventionality or disreputableness She wore her red cap in a rakish manner on the side of her head, its tassel falling down over her forehead between her eyes. Sage, William
• skittish unpredictably excitable, especially of horses That combined with his calm and reassuring tone made me think of an animal trainer trying to woo skittish wild animals.
• peroration a flowery and highly rhetorical address He had little hope that Gallagher, once embarked on a peroration , would stop until he had used up all the words at his command. Birmingham, George A.
• nonentity a person of no influence Was he such a nonentity in every way that she could remain unconcerned as to any fear of danger from him? Woolson, Constance Fenimore
• abstemious marked by temperance in indulgence Raw, boozy, untethered performances are heralded as real; the abstemious professional is yawned off the stage.
• viscid having the sticky properties of an adhesive Roads were quagmires where travellers slipped and laboured through viscid mud and over icy fords. Buck, Charles Neville
• doggerel a comic verse of irregular measure He sang, with accompanying action, some dozen verses of doggerel , remarkable for obscenity and imbecility.  Ritchie, J. Ewing (James Ewing)
• sleight adroitness in using the hands The trick was performed Tuesday by Russell Fitzgerald, an amateur magician known to open meetings with a little sleight of hand. Washington Post (Sep 29, 2011)
• rubric category name Ms. Moss took issue, not surprisingly, with the notion that grouping the performances under the rubric of spirituality was a marketing ploy. New York Times (Nov 22, 2010)
• plenitude a full supply Of course at that season, amid the plenitude of seeds, nuts, and berries, they were as plump as partridges. Reid, Mayne
• rebus a puzzle consisting of pictures representing words They wrote at times with pictures standing for sounds, as we now write in rebus puzzles. Park, Robert Ezra
• wizened lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness Kim Jong Il may be increasingly wizened and frail, with fingernails white from kidney disease, but his propaganda apparatus is as vigorous as ever. Wall Street Journal (Mar 26, 2010)
• whorl a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles The flowers are waxy, tubular, fragrant, turning their yellow petals backward in a whorl . Rogers, Julia Ellen
• fracas a noisy quarrel Other cops were battling each other, going after the kids and clutching empty air, cursing and screaming unheard orders in the fracas . Freas, Kelly
• iconoclast someone who attacks cherished ideas or institutions Jobs is a classic iconoclast , one who aggressively seeks out, attacks, and overthrows conventional ideas. BusinessWeek (Oct 12, 2010)
• saturnine bitter or scornful Only when Bill Lightfoot spoke did he look up, and then with a set sneer, growing daily more saturnine . Dixon, Maynard
• madrigal an unaccompanied partsong for several voices Nevertheless we learn from Malvezzi's publication that the pieces were all written in the madrigal style, frequently in numerous voice parts. Henderson, W. J. (William James)
• discursive tending to cover a wide range of subjects “Tabloid,” like his previous films, consists largely of long, discursive conversations — in effect monologues directed at an unseen, mostly unheard interlocutor. New York Times (Jul 22, 2011)
• zealot a fervent and even militant proponent of something "The public is going to just think of us as these zealots who want to ban smoking everywhere," he said. Seattle Times (Feb 20, 2011)
• moribund not growing or changing; without force or vitality The entertainment sector there is booming, while Pakistan's is moribund . Seattle Times (Dec 3, 2011)
• modicum a small or moderate or token amount He volunteered a modicum of advice, limited in quantity, but valuable. Bolderwood, Rolf
• connotation an idea that is implied or suggested In Arabic, the word “bayt” translates literally as house, but its connotations resonate beyond rooms and walls, summoning longings gathered about family and home. New York Times (Feb 18, 2012)
• adventitious associated by chance and not an integral part The derivation of the word thus appears to be merely accidental and adventitious . Stace, W. T. (Walter Terence)
• recondite difficult to understand The mystery of verse is like other abstruse and recondite mysteries—it strikes the ordinary fleshly man as absurd. Gosse, Edmund
• zephyr a slight wind The dwellings and public buildings throughout Cuba are planned to give free passage to every zephyr that wafts relief from the oppressive heat. Various
• countermand cancel officially In the midst of executing this order, he got another order countermanding it, and proceeding directly from his direct superior. Belloc, Hilaire
• captious tending to find and call attention to faults Miss Burton had been very irritable and captious in class, more so even than usual, and most of her anger was vented upon Gerry. Chaundler, Christine
• cognate having the same ancestral language The synonyms are also given in the cognate dialects of Welsh, Armoric, Irish, Gaelic, and Manx, showing at one view the connection between them.  Jenner, Henry
• forebear a person from whom you are descended His forebears were Greek immigrants who opened a small sandwich shop in Brooklyn, then moved, one after another, to Providence, to sell distinct, delectable wieners. New York Times (Sep 24, 2010)
• cadaverous very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold He looked gaunt and cadaverous , and much of his old reckless joyousness had left him, though he brightened up wonderfully on seeing an old friend. Doyle, A. Conan
• foist force onto another Mr. Knoll added that the 3-D “Star Wars” movies are not “going to be foisted on anybody against their will.” New York Times (Sep 29, 2010)
• dotage mental infirmity as a consequence of old age He is, as you say, a senile old man in his dotage . Wilcox, Ella Wheeler
• nexus a connected series or group Numerous innovators are also worrying away at this nexus of problems.
• choleric characterized by anger Jonathan, choleric with indignation, stood by his desk, clenching his hands. Mills, Weymer Jay
• garble distort or make false by mutilation or addition But the fact remains that the contradictory and inconsistent things said do reach the public, and usually in garbled and distorted form. Unknown
• bucolic idyllically rustic Forty-four years ago, Bill Sievers moved into his neo-Colonial house in Douglaston, Queens, on bucolic Poplar Street, lined with stately trees and equally stately homes. New York Times (Mar 26, 2012)
• denouement the outcome of a complex sequence of events Suppose the truly apocalyptic denouement happens -- no deal is reached, and taxes rise for everyone.
• animus a feeling of ill will arousing active hostility The youthful savages had each an armful of snowballs, and they were pelting the child with more animus than seemed befitting. Murray, David Christie
• overweening unrestrained, especially with regard to feelings He had overweening ambitions even then, along with a highly developed sense of his own importance. New York Times (Apr 19, 2010)
• tyro someone new to a field or activity As yet he was merely a tyro , gaining practical experience under a veteran Zeppelin commander. Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)
• preen dress or groom with elaborate care He preened on fight nights in a tuxedo, a bow tie and no shirt, and he favored showy rings and bracelets. New York Times (Jul 24, 2011)
• largesse liberality in bestowing gifts After being saved by government largesse , they say, big banks then moved to thwart reforms aimed at preventing future meltdowns caused by excessive risk-taking. New York Times (Jul 14, 2011)
• retentive good at remembering The child was very sharp, and her memory was extremely retentive . Rowlands, Effie Adelaide
• unconscionable greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation For generations in the New York City public schools, this has become the norm with devastating consequences rooted in unconscionable levels of student failure. New York Times (Nov 4, 2011)
• badinage frivolous banter It was preposterous to talk to her of serious things, and nothing but an airy badinage seemed possible in her company. Maugham, W. Somerset (William Somerset)
• insensate devoid of feeling and consciousness and animation Men also are those brutal soldiers, alike stupidly ready, at the word of command, to drive the nail through quivering flesh or insensate wood. Stowe, Harriet Beecher
• sherbet a frozen dessert made primarily of fruit juice and sugar "One person said it looks like a big lime sherbet ice cream cone!" Southern Living (Apr 28, 2010)
• beatific resembling or befitting an angel or saint She dozed at last, her face serene and beatific . Beach, Rex Ellingwood
• bemuse cause to be confused emotionally They were marching in the middle of the street, chanting and singing and disrupting traffic while countless New Yorkers looked on, some bemused , others applauding.
• microcosm a miniature model of something The building, he said, is "a microcosm of what Shanghai was all about." Wall Street Journal (Apr 30, 2010)
• factitious not produced by natural forces; artificial or fake Indeed, the Chinese make a factitious cheese out of peas, which it is difficult to discriminate from the article of animal origin. Cameron, Charles Alexander, Sir
• gestate develop in the mind; have the idea for Mr. Lucas’s most recent project, still gestating , is a collaboration with Cuban musicians. New York Times (May 9, 2011)
• traduce speak unfavorably about For Grover Cleveland there were no longer enemies to traduce and vilify. Straus, Oscar S.
• sextant an instrument for measuring angular distance For example, a sextant could be used to sight the sun at high noon in order to determine one’s latitude. Scientific American (Mar 8, 2012)
• coiffure the arrangement of the hair They sat down, and Saint-Clair noticed his friend's coiffure ; a single rose was in her hair. M?rim?e, Prosper
• malleable easily influenced “The Americans are seen as naïve malleable tools in the hands of the Brits.” New York Times (Nov 30, 2011)
• rococo having excessive asymmetrical ornamentation The upper part of the case is decorated with elaborately carved and gilt rococo motifs. Bedini, Silvio A.
• fructify become productive or fruitful Thence they grow, expand, fructify , and the result is Progress. Stanton, Elizabeth Cady
• nihilist someone who rejects all theories of morality “He’s a loner nihilist who believes in nothing,” Mr. Lu said. New York Times (Nov 6, 2011)
• ellipsis a mark indicating that words have been omitted He speaks in ellipses , often leaving sentences hanging, and fiddles apologetically with his BlackBerry.
• accolade a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction The Nobel Prize, considered one of the highest accolades in literature, is given only to living writers. Seattle Times (Oct 6, 2011)
• codicil a supplement to a will The codicil to her will, which she had spoken of with so much composure, left three hundred pounds to Stella and me. Fothergill, Jessie
• roil be agitated Like thousands of fellow students, he was roiled with emotions, struggling to come to grips with an inescapable reality. New York Times (Nov 26, 2011)
• grandiloquent lofty in style A large part of his duties will be to strut about on the stage, and mouth more or less unintelligible sentences in a grandiloquent tone. Smith, Arthur H.
• inconsequential lacking worth or importance But as the months went by, Mr. Kimura had an unexpected epiphany: His business, which he thought was inconsequential , mattered to a lot of people.
• effervescence the property of giving off bubbles Both were in the very sparkle and effervescence of that fanciful glee which bubbles up from the golden, untried fountains of early childhood. Stowe, Harriet Beecher
• stultify deprive of strength or efficiency; make useless or worthless Far from being engines of economic growth, Egypt's leading cities are stultified .
• tureen large deep serving dish with a cover Soups are presented in big tureens and can be quite good. New York Times (Apr 13, 2012)
• pellucid transparently clear; easily understandable Caribou Island is a scant 300 pages, and written in prose as pellucid as the rivers he used to fish as a boy.
• euphony any pleasing and harmonious sounds It depends somewhat on usage and on euphony or agreeableness of sound. Hamilton, Frederick W. (Frederick William)
• apocryphal being of questionable authenticity We're reminded of the story, possibly apocryphal , that they used to play the Beach Boys' Smiley Smile in psychiatric wards to calm patients.
• veracious precisely accurate For proof, we cite the following veracious narrative, which bears within it every internal mark of truth, and matter for grave and serious reflection. Roby, John
• pendulous hanging loosely or bending downward And all around, far out of reach, the trees of the forest were swaying restlessly, their long, pendulous branches, like tentacles, lashing out hungrily. Bates, Harry
• exegesis an explanation or critical interpretation Its musical significance has been presented with illuminating exegesis by more than one commentator. Forkel, Johann Nikolaus
• effluvium a foul-smelling outflow or vapor However, acting on my best judgment, I struck a downward course, and then suddenly a horrible effluvium was wafted to my nostrils. Mitford, Bertram
• apposite being of striking appropriateness and pertinence He was quite capable of meaningful, apposite phrases about the game, even though distant sports editors did not encourage them enough.
• viscous having the sticky properties of an adhesive Sluggish, blind crawling things like three-foot slugs flowed across their path and among the tree trunks, leaving viscous trails of slime behind them. Various
• misanthrope someone who dislikes people in general And shaking his head like a misanthrope , disgusted, if not with life, at least with men, Patout led the horse to the stable. Dumas père, Alexandre
• vintner someone who makes wine The question remains, he said, whether established vintners will change their winemaking practices or “continue to sell their schlock.” New York Times (Oct 27, 2010)
• halcyon idyllically calm and peaceful; suggesting happy tranquility He now seemed to have entered on a halcyon period of life—congenial society, romantic and interesting surroundings. Kennard, Nina H.
• anthropomorphic suggesting human features for animals or inanimate things The same anthropomorphic fallacy that accords human attributes to giant corporations like BP distorts clear thinking about how to limit their political influence.
• turgid ostentatiously lofty in style His waspish wit can make him entertaining company at a party, but there is little evidence of that in his largely turgid prose.
• malaise a feeling of mild sickness or depression Initially, many doctors discounted sufferers’ feelings of generalized malaise as nothing more than stress or normal fatigue.
• polemical of or involving dispute or controversy His works include several dogmatic and polemical treatises, but the most important are the historical. Various
• gadfly a persistently annoying person Mr. Phelps is regarded here as the ultimate example of an irritating local gadfly . New York Times (Oct 9, 2010)
• atavism a reappearance of an earlier characteristic Criminal atavism might be defined as the sporadic reversion to savagery in certain individuals. Symonds, John Addington
• contusion an injury in which the skin is not broken My falling companion, being a much stouter man than myself did not fare so well, as his right shoulder received a severe contusion . Bevan, A. Beckford
• parsimonious excessively unwilling to spend Pill-splitting is catching on among parsimonious prescription-takers who want to lower costs.
• dulcet pleasing to the ear Ever and anon the dulcet murmur of gurgling streams broke gently on the ear. Madison, Lucy Foster
• reprise a repetition of a short musical passage The live set reprises material from this remarkable group's earlier Aurora CD.
• anodyne capable of relieving pain But philosophy failed, as it will probably fail till some far-off age, to find an anodyne for the spiritual distresses of the mass of men. Dill, Samuel
• bemused perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements They were marching in the middle of the street, chanting and singing and disrupting traffic while countless New Yorkers looked on, some bemused , others applauding.

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Synonyms of speech

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Thesaurus Definition of speech

Synonyms & Similar Words

• presentation
• declamation
• keynote speech
• keynote address
• mother tongue
• terminology
• colloquialism
• regionalism
• vernacularism
• provincialism

Examples of speech in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'speech.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Phrases Containing speech

• figure of speech

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“Speech.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/speech. Accessed 26 Aug. 2024.

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Home » SEL Implementation » Exploring the Meaning Behind Everyday Speech Patterns

Exploring the Meaning Behind Everyday Speech Patterns

Key takeaways:.

• Understanding everyday speech patterns is crucial for effective communication and social-emotional learning.
• Speech patterns reflect emotions, thoughts, and beliefs, shaping how we express ourselves.
• Everyday speech patterns encompass tone of voice, volume, speed, pauses, word choice, metaphors, idioms, and cultural influences.

Introduction: Exploring the Meaning Behind Everyday Speech Patterns

Welcome to my blog! In today’s post, we will delve into the fascinating world of everyday speech patterns and uncover the hidden meanings behind them. Understanding these patterns is crucial for effective communication and social-emotional learning. So let’s dive in!

I. Introduction

A. Importance of understanding everyday speech patterns

Everyday speech patterns play a vital role in our daily interactions. They provide insights into our emotions, thoughts, and beliefs. By understanding these patterns, we can navigate social situations more effectively and build stronger connections with others.

B. How speech patterns reflect our emotions and thoughts

Our speech patterns are not just a string of words; they are a reflection of our inner world. The way we speak, the tone we use, and the words we choose all convey our emotions and thoughts. By paying attention to these patterns, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.

C. Overview of the blog post

In this blog post, we will explore what everyday speech patterns are, decipher their meanings, and understand their impact on social interactions. We will also discuss strategies for developing self-awareness of our own speech patterns and enhancing social-emotional learning through effective communication.

II. What are everyday speech patterns?

A. Definition and explanation

Everyday speech patterns refer to the way we speak in our daily lives. They encompass various aspects such as tone of voice, volume, speed of speech, use of pauses, hesitations, word choice, vocabulary, metaphors, idioms, and cultural influences. These patterns are deeply ingrained in our communication style and shape how we express ourselves.

B. Examples of common speech patterns

Common speech patterns include using phrases like “you know,” “um,” or “like” as fillers, speaking in a fast-paced manner when excited, or using specific idioms and metaphors to convey meaning. These patterns can vary across cultures and regions, adding richness and diversity to our conversations.

C. How speech patterns differ across cultures and regions

Speech patterns are influenced by cultural norms, regional dialects, and individual experiences. For example, in some cultures, direct communication is valued, while in others, indirect communication is preferred. Understanding these differences is essential for effective cross-cultural communication and building cultural competence.

III. The meaning behind speech patterns

A. How speech patterns convey emotions

1. Tone of voice and intonation

Our tone of voice and intonation can convey a wide range of emotions, such as anger, excitement, sadness, or sarcasm. For example, a high-pitched and fast-paced tone may indicate enthusiasm, while a monotone voice may suggest boredom or disinterest.

2. Volume and speed of speech

The volume and speed at which we speak can also reveal our emotional state. Speaking loudly and quickly may indicate excitement or urgency, while speaking softly and slowly may indicate calmness or sadness.

3. Use of pauses and hesitations

The use of pauses and hesitations can add depth and meaning to our speech. Pausing before a significant point can create suspense, while hesitations can indicate uncertainty or the need to gather one’s thoughts.

B. How speech patterns reflect thoughts and beliefs

1. Word choice and vocabulary

The words we choose and the vocabulary we use reflect our thoughts, beliefs, and level of education. For example, someone who frequently uses technical jargon may be knowledgeable in a specific field, while someone who uses simple language may prioritize clarity and accessibility.

2. Use of metaphors and idioms

Metaphors and idioms are powerful tools for conveying meaning and cultural understanding. They can add depth and richness to our speech, but they can also be misinterpreted if not understood within the appropriate cultural context.

3. Cultural and social influences on speech patterns

Our speech patterns are influenced by the culture and society we grow up in. They shape our communication style, values, and beliefs. Being aware of these influences can help us navigate intercultural communication and foster understanding and respect.

IV. Understanding the impact of speech patterns on social interactions

A. Importance of effective communication

Effective communication is the foundation of healthy relationships and successful interactions. By understanding the impact of speech patterns, we can enhance our communication skills and build stronger connections with others.

B. How speech patterns can enhance or hinder social connections

Speech patterns can either enhance or hinder social connections depending on how they are used. Clear and empathetic communication can foster trust and understanding, while miscommunication or the use of offensive language can damage relationships.

C. Strategies for improving communication through speech patterns

To improve communication through speech patterns, we can practice active listening, be mindful of our tone and body language, use clear and concise language, and adapt our communication style to the needs of others. It is also important to be open to feedback and continuously strive for self-improvement.

V. Developing self-awareness of speech patterns

A. Recognizing our own speech patterns

Developing self-awareness of our speech patterns begins with recognizing how we speak. Pay attention to the words, phrases, and patterns you frequently use in your conversations. This awareness can help you identify areas for improvement and growth.

B. Reflecting on the meaning behind our speech patterns

Once you recognize your speech patterns, take time to reflect on their meaning. Consider how your tone, choice of words, and cultural influences shape your communication style. This reflection can deepen your understanding of yourself and others.

C. Identifying areas for improvement and growth

Identify areas for improvement and growth in your speech patterns. Are there any patterns that may hinder effective communication or create misunderstandings? Set goals for yourself and actively work towards developing more effective and empathetic communication skills.

VI. Enhancing social emotional learning through speech patterns

A. How speech patterns contribute to self-awareness

By paying attention to our speech patterns, we can develop a greater sense of self-awareness. Understanding how our speech reflects our emotions and thoughts allows us to better understand ourselves and regulate our emotions.

B. Using speech patterns to express emotions effectively

Speech patterns provide us with a powerful tool for expressing our emotions effectively. By consciously choosing our words, tone, and body language, we can communicate our feelings in a clear and respectful manner, fostering healthy emotional expression.

C. Building empathy and understanding through speech patterns

Speech patterns also play a crucial role in building empathy and understanding. By listening attentively to others’ speech patterns and being open to different perspectives, we can develop a deeper understanding of their emotions, thoughts, and experiences.

VII. Conclusion

A. Recap of key points discussed

In this blog post, we explored the meaning behind everyday speech patterns. We discussed how speech patterns reflect our emotions and thoughts, the impact of speech patterns on social interactions, and strategies for developing self-awareness and enhancing social emotional learning through effective communication.

B. Encouragement to explore and reflect on everyday speech patterns

I encourage you to take the time to explore and reflect on your own everyday speech patterns. Pay attention to the meaning behind your words and how they impact your interactions with others. This self-reflection can lead to personal growth and improved communication skills.

C. Importance of incorporating social emotional learning in daily life

Social-emotional learning is a lifelong journey that can greatly enhance our personal and professional relationships. By incorporating social emotional learning into our daily lives, we can foster empathy, understanding, and effective communication.

Where Can I Find More Resources on Understanding Everyday Speech Patterns?

Start your Everyday Speech Free trial today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth through understanding everyday speech patterns.

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Function Words in Everyday Speech

Imagine you are using an internet service to watch American films. Perhaps you decide to watch Mixtape, a movie recently made by Netflix.

My gosh! This store is so rad!

You might ask yourself about the words you just heard. Why did the speaker say the word rad – a term that means very good or amazing – in a louder way? Why were some of the words said quietly and more quickly?

In today's report, you will learn about function words in everyday speech. Let's start with a few important terms and ideas.

What are function words?

Function words are words that have a grammatical purpose. Function words include pronouns, determiners, and conjunctions. These include words such as he, the, those, and the words and or but.

Americans often reduce function words in everyday speech. In other words, they often say functions words more quietly and quickly.

Let's consider an example sentence.

He picked up the book.

The function words are he, a pronoun, and the, an article.

These function words do not really give specific information. If you heard a person only say the words "he... the...," you would have a hard time understanding what they meant.

Now let's consider the other words in the statement – the content words.

Content words are words such as nouns, verbs, and adjectives.

The content words in our example are the phrasal verb picked up and the noun book.

If the statement only had content words, it would not be a complete sentence, but it would still communicate a general idea.

If our example only had content words, it would be this:

....picked up ... book.

The importance of content words explains why Americans often reduce function words in everyday speech. Function words have a grammatical use but are less central to expressing specific meaning.

Listen again to our example and note how the function words are said more quickly and quietly.

Back to the film

Think back to the line from the film Mixtape:

The first sentence has the word gosh, a kind of expression that shows excitement or surprise. This term is said a bit louder.

In the second sentence, note that the content words are spoken a bit louder as well, while the function words are said quietly and quickly.

Store, a noun, and rad, an adjective, are spoken most clearly. The word so is also spoken clearly because it helps to show the speaker's strong feelings.

If we took out some of the function words, the reduced statement would be:

Gosh! ...store...so rad

This is not a complete sentence, but it does communicate the speaker's very general idea.

Note that the verb BE is treated almost like a function word. In other words, the speaker does not stress the verb BE. Instead of saying "This store is so rad," the speaker says something closer to "This store's so rad."

While Americans often stress verbs, the verb BE can be a special exception. In other words, Americans often do not stress the verb BE. The reasons behind this are complex. But one possibility is that the verb BE in its present tense form does not add a lot of information.

Closing thoughts

In today's report, we explored how and why function words are often reduced in everyday speech. Speakers often reduce function words because they want to draw the listener's attention to content words – the words that give the most specific meaning.

The next time you listen to Americans speak, pay careful attention to how they reduce function words. With time, you will notice regular, repeated ways in which English speakers express ideas.

And of course, make careful note of when speakers say function words more loudly and clearly. This act is often a clue that the speaker is making a correction or clarification.

I'm John Russell.

John Russell wrote this lesson for VOA Learning English. Susan Shand was the editor.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

determiner – n. grammar: a word (such as "a," "the," "some," "any," "my," or "your") that comes before a noun and is used to show which thing is being referred to

conjunction – n. grammar : a word that joins together sentences, clauses, phrases, or words

specific – adj. clearly and exactly presented or stated : precise or exact

exception – n. a case where a rule does not apply

clue -- n. something that helps a person find something, understand something, or solve a mystery or puzzle

clarification -- n. the act of making (something) clear or clearer

100 Everyday Slang Words to Ace English from Airhead to Icky

The English language is filled with lots of slang words, words that are casually used in everyday speech and easily understood by native speakers of English. This article helps explain 100 of the most commonly used slang words in English. It is the first in a series of three articles on this subject. Perhaps by reading through this list, you will recognize a number of these words and how they are used. In fact, you may even use some of these words yourself without realizing they are slang. Regardless, understanding these words will help you become more fluent as an ESL speaker , especially in your everyday speech. You will expand your vocabulary . With fluency comes confidence . You can master your spoken English . I know you can do it !

Abs:  abdominal or stomach muscles; short for abdominals – Example: If you do 100 sit-ups, your abs will ripple in a short time. ‍

Ace: very good at; be skillful; to do well on – Example: My brother is an ace at karate.

Admin : administrator; administration; person/department of an organization – Example: If you are having trouble with computers, please contact the IT Admin.

‍ Airhead : silly, stupid person – Example: My aunt is such an airhead; she forgot to turn the oven on and cook dinner.

‍ Antsy : restless; impatient; unsettled – Example: The students were antsy before the math test.

‍ Axe/ax : to dismiss someone from a job – Example: My neighbor was axed and he is looking for a new job.

‍ Babe : a good-looking young woman – Example: The convertible driven by the babe was headed to the beach.

‍ Beat : tired; exhausted; weary – Example: It was a busy week and the employees were beat.

‍ Beat it : go away – Example: The store owner asked the kids to beat it when he saw that they were misbehaving in the store.

‍ Beef : conflict with someone; complaint against someone – Example: The employee has a beef with the employer about overtime pay.

‍ Blab : talk too much – Example: The salesclerk liked to blab to her customers and she didn’t get too much work done. ‍

Blast : a great experience; an enjoyable time – Example: My family’s trip to Disney World was a blast!

‍ Bling : flashy jewelry – Example: The lady loved to show off her bling at the dance.

‍ Bloody : very; really; totally; complete – Example: Everyone said he party was a bloody good time.

‍ Blow : waste something like money or an opportunity – Example: I hope he doesn’t blow his chances to get that job.

‍ Break : an opportunity for advancement in one’s career; lucky turn of events – Example: My dad received a break and got a higher paying job.

‍ Bugger :  a disliked thing – Example: I tried to get rid of the fly in the kitchen but it was difficult to swat the little bugger.

‍ Busted : to be charged with a crime or offense – Example: The bank robber was busted and charged with burglary.

‍ Cabbie : taxi driver; cab driver – Example: The cabbie was familiar with the city.

‍ Cahoots : working together secretly – Example: The police chief was in cahoots with the FBI to try to solve the crime. Can : to reject someone – Example: The new director was canned and forced out of the job.

‍ Cheesy : low quality; distasteful; not stylish – Example: The restaurant was quite cheesy; they had paper napkins and plastic plates. ‍

Chicken (out) : cowardly; not to do/change your mind in doing out of fear – Example: The skier chickened out of the slalom event.

‍ Chill/out : relax; take it easy – Example: It was finally vacation and he only wanted to chill out on the beach.

‍ Chock-full : crammed full – Example: The pantry as chock-full of food.

‍ Cold fish : an unfriendly, unsociable person – Example: Mrs. Jones was such a cold fish that she never joined in any of the neighborhood gatherings.

‍ Con :  persuade someone to do something in order to trick them – Example: The con artist talked the people into investing into some property overseas that really did not exist.

‍ Cool :  likeable – Example: The movie was cool especially the animation.

‍ Cop :  policeman/woman – Example: The cop pulled over the speeding truck driver and gave him a ticket.

‍ Cop out : don’t do something because of a fear of failure – Example: It was a cop out for John to change his mind about the parachute jump.

‍ Couch potato : someone who watches too much television – Example: It seems that there are more and more young people who choose to be couch potatoes today rather than to get fresh air and exercise. ‍

Cranky : irritable; easy to anger – Example: My mother is very cranky in the mornings and she is just not a positive person.

‍ Crash :  fall asleep – Example: After working the night shift, the nurse just needed to crash.

‍ Cuppa : cup of (a hot drink like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, etc.) – Example: The teenager ordered a cuppa of chocolate on this cold winter morning.

‍ Cushy : easy; undemanding – Example: The job at the country club was quite cushy, yet he seemed to make a lot of money.

‍ Da bomb : excellent; extremely good – Example: The new Chinese restaurant is da bomb; you should taste their rice dishes.

‍ Dead : quiet; dull – Example: The night club was dead so we decided to leave early.

‍ Deadbeat : unreliable; dull; lazy – Example: The deadbeat dad did not want to help pay his share of child support.

‍ Deck : knock someone to the floor – Example: The boxer decked his opponent in the first round. ‍

Dicey : risky; unsafe; dangerous – Example: It was dicey to walk by yourself through the park late at night.

‍ Diddly-squat : not anything – Example: It is amazing that some people know diddly- squat about international politics.

‍ Dirt : information to damage someone’s reputation – Example: The employee dug up some dirt about his superior and wanted to spread it online.

‍ Diss : show disrespect by saying or doing something insulting – Example: It is never a kind thing to diss your parents.

‍ Ditch : end relationship with someone – Example: My aunt’s boyfriend ditched her right before the important social event.

‍ Dope : stupid person; fool – Example: It was obvious to most people that ___ was a dope when it came to calculus.

‍ Dork : socially awkward – Example: My brother was such a dork when he asked a girl out on a date.

‍ Downer : something that makes you depressed or unexcited – Example: It was a downer to have to have my wisdom teeth pulled on my birthday. ‍

Drag : something boring, tiresome, troublesome – Example: It was such a drag to have my little sister tag along with me when I went biking.

‍ Dud : something that does not work properly – Example: The flashlight was a dud; although it was brand new, it did not work at all.

‍ Dunno : don’t know – Example: When the teacher asked the student to spell that word, he said, “I dunno.”

‍ Earful : verbal reprimand or verbal criticism; a long talk – Example: At the party, Michael’s father gave Michael an earful of how he should behave.

‍ Easy street : financial security – Example: Mr. Jones was the President of the company so his sons had it on easy street.

‍ Eating : annoying; bothering; upsetting – Example: The relationship was eating away at mother so she decided to go to counseling.

‍ El cheapo : very cheap – Example:  The hotel looked el cheapo with its run-down carpeting and worn-out bedding.

‍ Elbow grease : physical effort/hard work – Example: With a little elbow grease, we were able to take the old cottage and restore it to what it looks like now.

‍ Exec : an executive or manager – Example: The marketing exec made all of the decisions for the department.

‍ Fab : fabulous; wonderful – Example: The newly painted office looked fab! ‍

Fib : a small, harmless lie – Example: Even though a fib is a lie, many people choose to tell fibs to get out of trouble.

‍ Flab : body fat; soft loose flesh on a person’s body – Example: The nurse measure the body fat of all of the patients and then worked to outline a special healthy diet.

‍ Flake : unreliable person who says he/she will do something, but doesn’t – Example: I couldn’t believe that he was such a flake; he promised to be at the meeting and help out but he did now show up. He didn’t even bother to call.

‍ Flick : a movie – Example: There was a popular flick playing at the cinema this weekend.

‍ Flip-flop :  to have a sudden reversal of thought or policy – Example: The mayor seemed to flip-flop between both views on the land merger into the city.

‍ Fluke : a good outcome stemming more from luck than skill – Example: It was a fluke that he got the job; he called the boss just when he needed someone.

‍ Flunk : to fail a course or course – Example: The student did not study and flunked his math exam.

‍ Freak : strange – Example: It was a freak accident to have the parked car roll down the hill and hit the tree.

‍ Freebie : something for free – Example: One successful marketing technique is to offer a freebie if you try out the service or buy the product.

‍ Gag : a joke – Example: For the holiday party, everyone was to bring a gag gift for the gift exchange. It was hilarious to see what people brought!

‍ Garbage : of poor quality – The items in the discount furniture store looked like garbage so the lady went to a more up-scale store.

‍ Gear : equipment; clothing – The scuba diver packed his gear for the diving trip.

‍ Geek : accomplished and expert especially in IT areas – The Geek Squad was the name given to the IT personnel hired to fix computers. It was an appropriate name since the employees were geeks.

‍ Geezer : an old person – The geezer still would not give up his job and spent every day at the garage fixing cars.

‍ Get : to understand something; to punch, injure or kill someone – Examples: If you study hard enough, you will get it. The murderer planned to get the victim when she was alone in the parking lot. ‍

Gig : public performance usually of rock, folk or jazz music – Example: The high school band played a gig downtown.

‍ Glitch :  a fault or defect, especially in computer software – Example: The computer technician fixed the glitch in the program and now it works perfectly.

‍ Gob : to spit – Example: The old man would often gob as he spoke.

‍ Goof off/goof around : waste time/play around – Example: The little boy was such a goof off in class. He always goofed around, even when it was time to work.

‍ Goofy : silly or harmlessly eccentric – Example: The clown acted so goofy around the children at the parade.

‍ Goose : a silly or stupid person – Example: I couldn’t believe that she wore two different colored socks to school; what a goose! ‍

Grub : food – Example: The campers wanted to know what grub would be served around the campfire.

‍ Gutless : cowardly; lacking bravery – Example: The lion in The Wizard of Oz was really gutless and he even admitted it.

‍ Guts : courage – Example: It as amazing to see how much guts the soldiers had in that war.

‍ Gutted : very upset/devastated – Example: The houses on the street were gutted from the tornado.

‍ Hairy : dangerous; risky; scary – Example: The airplane trip during the turbulent weather was very hairy for the pilot and crew. And it was hairy for the passengers, too.

‍ Hang/hang out : to spend time with – Example: The boys wanted to hang with the girls at the dance. My friend wanted to hang out with me on the weekend.

‍ Hang-up : an emotional problem causing inhibition or unreasonable behavior – Example: My boss always dictated what had to be done even though his subordinates were very

‍ Hare-brained : stupid and foolish – Example: It was a hare-brained idea to play soccer before running the marathon. Running the marathon would have been enough. ‍

Hassle : to annoy or bother someone – Example: It was such a hassle to get everyone’s signature on the card when many of them were out of town.

‍ Honcho/Head honcho : person; person in charge – Example: The honcho was called for his opinion on the new product. The head honcho made the decision of where to market the products and who to hire.

‍ Hooked : addicted; obsessed – Example: The children were hooked on reading when the teacher read such exciting books out loud every day in class.

‍ Hoops : game of basketball – Example: The Company organized a basketball team and at lunch time, some of the workers played a short game of hoops.

‍ Hung-up : overly concerned about something or someone – Example: The customer as hung-up on the color and would not accept anything other than bright blue.

‍ Hunk : an attractive man with a strong, muscular body – Example: The lifeguard was such a hunk and all of the girls liked to stand around him by the beach.

‍ Hunky-dory : good; fine; going well – Example: The English class was hunky-dory. The teacher was great. The lessons were fun. And I was learning a lot!

‍ Hype : exaggerated praise for a product or person for promotional purposes – Example: There was a lot of hype around the new iPhone. No wonder everyone wanted one.

‍ Hyper : over-excited; over-active – Example: The young child seemed hyper on his birthday when he saw all of the wrapped presents. ‍

Icky : unpleasant in color or taste – Example: We went to a new seafood restaurant and the meal was icky. It must have been the fish I ordered.

‍ Iffy : doubtful; of uncertain qualities or legality – Example: The meeting time was iffy… the boss was out of town and the employees wondered if he would be back in time.

‍ In : fashionable; trendy – Example: The models knew all of the “in” fashions.

‍ In deep : deeply involved – Example: She was in deep in her studies and planned on becoming a scientific researcher.

_________________________________________________________________________________

So, that makes 100! You might want to review the list from time-to-time so the words become part of your everyday speech or try using a few words each day. Before you know it, these slang words will be part of your ESL vocabulary and you will be able to ACE them all! You will have added to your ESL vocabulary .  I’ll be writing a new article in this series soon to include 100 more slang words. And after the 2nd article, I plan to write a 3rd article with yet 100 more slang words. So that will be 300 common slang words in all.

Do you have a slang word or two that you'd like to share  use the comments section below to tell me english slang words you know or have heard. i’ll be watching for your response below and will reply back to all your comments., popular posts, posts you may also like.

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August 14, 2024

Brain-to-Speech Tech Good Enough for Everyday Use Debuts in a Man with ALS

A highly robust brain-computer interface boasts low error rates and a durability that allows a user to talk all day long

By Ingrid Wickelgren

Casey Harrell, who has lost his ability to speak due to ALS, using the BrainGate2 brain-computer interface while seated in his mobility device.

University of California Regents

By July 2023, Casey Harrell, then age 45, had lost the ability to speak to his then four-year-old daughter. The neurodegenerative disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) had gradually paralyzed him in the five years since his symptoms began. As the effects spread to the lips, tongue and jaw, his speech devolved into indistinct sounds that his daughter could not understand.

But a month after a surgery in which Harrell had four 3-by-3 millimeter arrays of electrodes implanted in his brain that July, he was suddenly able to tell his little girl whatever he wanted. The electrodes picked up the chatter of neurons responsible for articulating word sounds, or phonemes, while other parts of a novel brain-computer interface (BCI) translated that chatter into clear synthetic speech.

“She hadn’t had the ability to communicate very much with me for about two years. Now that is very different,” Harrell says, speaking through the device a year after the surgery. “I can help her mother to parent her. I can have a deeper relationship with her and tell her what I am thinking.”

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His face contorts with emotion, and after a pause, he adds, “I can simply tell her how much I love her.”

Neuroscientist Sergey Stavisky and neurosurgeon David Brandman, both at the University of California, Davis, and their team described the new BCI on August 14 in the New England Journal of Medicine. Harrell isn’t the first person with paralysis to talk with his thoughts. But his BCI is easier to use and far less error-prone than similar devices that were announced a year ago . The improvements are such that Harrell can use the new BCI regularly to chat with colleagues, friends and family.

“It marks a landmark in the field of speech BCIs,” says Christian Herff, a computational neuroscientist at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, who was not involved in the study. “It has achieved a level of quality that is now of actual use for patients.” The device predicts the wrong word less than 3 percent of the time, an error rate on par with nondisabled speakers reading a paragraph aloud. “We can basically call it perfect,” Herff says.

The system also maintains its performance throughout hours of use. “We did a lot of engineering and a lot of testing and a lot of small innovations to make this work all day reliably,” says the study’s lead author Nicholas Card, a postdoctoral fellow in Stavisky’s and Brandman’s lab. Harrell estimates he employs the BCI for 70 hours per week. “I’m what they call a power user,” he says.

Harrell is also the only user so far. But the success of the experiment cracks open the door to more widespread availability of neuroprostheses for speech difficulties resulting from paralysis, says Edward Chang, a neurosurgeon at the University of California, San Francisco, who is a pioneer in the field of speech neuroprostheses but was not involved in the new work. “It’s one important step forward toward making this a clinical reality,” a goal that seemed like science fiction five to 10 years ago, he adds.

Significant practical hurdles still stand in the way of speech BCIs becoming a realistic medical option. And questions remain about what the implant’s long-term viability is and how well the results will translate to individuals with more advanced paralysis. From Harrell’s perspective, however, there is more than enough upside to support wider use. When asked how the technology had benefited him, he flashes an impish smile and quips, “How long do you have?”

Harrell’s BCI is part of a large, ongoing clinical trial run by a consortium called BrainGate . Since 2004 individuals in the trial have, one by one, tested out the latest iteration of the technology, which is broadly aimed at restoring or replacing lost functions—the ability to type or drink from a cup—in people paralyzed by accidents, strokes or conditions such as ALS.

Participants have chips like Harrell’s embedded in the outer layer of their brain. The type of chip used in the trial, called a Utah Array, connects directly with brain tissue and reads the signals of individual neurons or small groups of neurons—typically, those in the motor cortex, a part of the brain that directs body movements. Machine-learning algorithms analyze the signals and translate them into the movement of, say, a cursor or a robotic arm. The basic setup is common to all BCIs. In another trial, for example, one man with such an implant used his thoughts to move a robotic arm to shake the hand of then U.S. president Barack Obama in 2016.

The renowned company Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, invented a brain chip with 1,024 electrodes, compared with up to about 100 in a Utah array (64 in the case of Harrell’s). The Neuralink chip similarly makes contact with individual neurons, though its larger number of electrodes likely provide richer input to a decoder. A man named Noland Arbaugh , whose limbs were paralyzed in a swimming accident, has been using the chip to write e-mails, surf the web and play video games with signals from his brain, though the device does not produce speech. (Arbaugh can speak.)

The first brain-to-speech decoder to work in a person with speech paralysis surfaced in 2021, offering a vocabulary of 50 words. Then in August 2023, woman with ALS whose speech, like Harrell’s, had become unintelligible, gained access to a 125,000-word vocabulary using a BCI that records brain activity from Utah Arrays as part of the BrainGate trial. Harrell’s BCI offers a similar vocabulary, which is more than twice that of an average college-educated adult. Using a different system developed by Chang’s team, a woman who had been severely paralyzed by a stroke could direct an avatar to voice her words. Her device, which also debuted in August 2023, had a potential 30,000 terms.

Both of the speech neuroprostheses described last year had an error rate of around 25 percent, however, which limits their usefulness. “When you’re getting one of every four words wrong, a sentence quickly becomes difficult to understand,” Card says.

One reason Harrell’s device may be more accurate is that it has more electrodes. It draws information from four electrode arrays, resulting in a total of 256 electrodes. That is twice as many as those in the speech BCI that was used by the woman with ALS and described in 2023, which employs the same chip technology. Machine-learning advances also play a role. The algorithms used to translate Harrell’s speech continuously calibrate so that the decoder’s performance does not decline over the course of the day. “A big challenge in general with BCIs is that the signals that we’re recording can change on the order of minutes to hours,” says Jennifer Collinger, a neural engineer and associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh, who was not involved in the new study. Being able to update the system to account for those instabilities, she says, is “a really important design priority.”

Another priority for the team that developed Harrell’s BCI was a design that would enable a quick break-in period for a new user. “You have to move quickly to help these people,” Brandman says. To speed things up after the implant, the researchers tested their decoder on a biologically plausible computer model of how the brain might encode speech, broken down into its component frequencies. So when the team turned on the BCI for the first time, it began translating Harrell’s speech within half an hour. “The system works from day one,” Collinger says.

The words Harrell expresses with the device are spelled out on a screen before they are said out loud. When Harrell saw a word he wanted to say appear for the first time, he cried with joy, as did members of his family. On the second day of testing, Harrell spoke to his daughter, who happened to be dressed as a cheetah. “I’m looking for a cheetah,” her dad told her.

To use the BCI, Harrell doesn’t just think about what he wants to say . He tries to form the words in his mind, and that attempted movement activates the arrays, which read from the part of his motor cortex that commands mouth and jaw muscles. (Harrell’s lips tend to move as he operates the device.) The output from the arrays is sent to the decoding software, which matches them to phonemes, combines the phoneme sequences into words and, from there, builds sentences.

Over the months that followed his first use of the system, Harrell spoke with it daily, both repeating sentences the researchers gave him and speaking spontaneously. On the second day of testing, the vocabulary available to Harrell expanded to 125,000 words, and from there, the system’s accuracy improved. In addition, the synthetic voice was made to match Harrell’s before his illness. When Harrell speaks now, it sounds like him.

Harrell is still working as an environmental activist more than five years into the disease. And he says the BCI is one reason why. It is many times faster than the communication methods he was using before, which included a head-controlled mouse and the help of someone who could interpret his vocalizations. “The participant is actually using it at home for communication,” says Nick Ramsey, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University Medical Center Utrecht in the Netherlands, who was not involved in the research. “For speech decoding, that has not been shown before.”

Harrell is so happy with his device that he is eager for others to have one. “I want people who are suffering now to have the option to have the technology now because I think that it is good enough now,” he says. “If it is good enough for us to have this conversation without any more help, I think it can help people today.”

There are obstacles to that goal, however. Unlike the Neuralink BCI, the U.C. Davis technology is not wireless. Two ports on Harrell’s head sprout cables that transmit data from the arrays in his brain to four computers on carts—which also makes the system far from portable. And the ports require care because they are potential sites for infection. For now, a considerable number of workers are also required for each BCI recipient, including a neurosurgeon who knows how to insert the arrays.

Another question is whether Harrell’s system will work for people whose speech paralysis is more advanced or does not result from ALS. Harrell still has some ability to move his mouth and make sounds. “How much residual function someone has may be very important for the function of this,” Chang says. “You can’t extrapolate this necessarily to everyone who is paralyzed, especially people who have more severe paralysis.”

There is also a debate among BCI researchers about the electrode array technology used to detect brain signals. Some are wary of arrays that are embedded in brain tissue. The brain often reacts to the foreign material by building scar tissue around it, reducing the quality of the signal—and parts of the array may also degrade over time. “The brain doesn’t like needles being stuck into it,” Ramsey says. In some people, Utah Arrays have lasted as long as six years, but in others, their output decays much faster, and replacing them is risky. “Imagine you had one of these placed, and six months later, it’s not working well,” Chang warns.

For his team’s speech BCI, Chang used a less invasive technology: small disks called electrocorticography (ECoG) arrays that rest on the brain’s surface without penetrating the tissue. Unlike Utah Arrays, ECoG arrays do not read signals from single neurons but detect fuzzier patterns that reflect the output of thousands of brain cells. The less precise input is thought to limit their capabilities, yet they enabled the decoding of speech in Chang’s experiment. They were also recently used in a BCI that restored walking in a paralyzed man .

And in a separate paper in same issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, Ramsey and his colleagues report that a small ECoG array implanted in a woman with ALS who was almost totally paralyzed worked for more than seven years, allowing her to click through menus on a computer, switch on a television and call a caregiver. She depended fully on the device to communicate for the last four years, until a loss of brain tissue from her condition rendered her unable to control the BCI. “That’s showing that with different types of electrodes, you can have a system that keeps on working for many years,” Ramsey says.

After a year of use, Harrell has seen no decline in performance either. And the UC Davis team plans to implant the array in several more participants in the coming months to years. In the meantime, the researchers are adding bells and whistles to Harrell’s device, such as prosody—inflections in pitch and rhythm—and the ability to sing.

One feature Harrell already has is the ability to send text to his computer to write e-mails, including a few he sent to the author of this article. That exchange was, on its surface, unremarkable. He introduced himself, suggested times for his interview and expressed enthusiasm about the technology. His signature, however, showed there was nothing ordinary about these messages whatsoever. It read, “Sent from my 🧠.”

How to Write and Deliver an Encouragement Speech: 13 Practical Tips

• The Speaker Lab
• August 18, 2024

Table of Contents

Creating an encouragement speech that resonates and motivates requires more than just a message. It demands an understanding of your audience, the right tone, and impactful delivery.

This post will guide you through crafting speeches that not only uplift but also connect on a personal level. You’ll learn how to weave storytelling into your narrative for greater relatability, choose words that empower, and employ techniques to emotionally engage with listeners. Additionally, we dive into the significance of body language in enhancing your speech’s effectiveness.

We also offer strategies for tailoring your message across different contexts and overcoming common hurdles such as nervousness or lack of engagement. Finally, we stress the importance of feedback in refining your approach to ensure every word counts towards uplifting others.

Crafting Your Encouragement Speech

It’s not just about what you say but how you say it. When it comes to giving an encouragement speech, it’s important to know how to do both.

The Power of Storytelling in Encouragement Speeches

Stories are the heart and soul of any encouragement speech. They transform abstract concepts into relatable experiences. Think back to a time when someone’s personal anecdote lifted your spirits or motivated you to push through a challenge. That’s the power you want to harness. By weaving in stories from your own life or those around you, you create a connection with your audience that facts alone cannot achieve.

To make storytelling effective, focus on moments of overcoming obstacles or achieving something against the odds. Narratives like these illustrate resilience and possibility.

Language and Word Choice

The words we choose can build up or tear down. In crafting your encouragement speech, opt for language that empowers and uplifts. Phrases like “you can,” “you will,” and “believe in yourself” aren’t clichés—they’re battle cries for those needing a boost.

Avoid negativities even when discussing challenges. Instead, frame these challenges as opportunities rather than roadblocks. This approach doesn’t deny difficulties but reframes them as part of the journey toward success.

Techniques for Emotional Engagement

Rhetorical devices such as repetition emphasize key points while questions prompt self-reflection among listeners. Use these tools sparingly but effectively to punctuate crucial ideas within your message. Such techniques not only grab attention but also ensure they linger long after you’ve concluded speaking. Tamsen Webster , for instance, details strategies speakers can use to maintain engagement throughout their presentation.

Varying tone, pitch, and pace help convey passion which is contagious. Your enthusiasm becomes theirs, motivating action beyond mere contemplation.

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Think about the last time a story really grabbed you. It wasn’t just the words, but how they made you feel, right? That’s the magic we’re aiming for in encouragement speeches.

Why Stories Work Wonders

We’ve all been there—sitting through a speech that feels more like a lecture than an inspiring talk. But then comes a story, and suddenly everyone perks up. Why? Because stories are relatable. They let us see ourselves in others’ shoes, making their victories feel possible for us too.

This isn’t just fluff; it’s backed by science. When we hear stories, our brains light up—not only processing language but also feeling emotions and visualizing scenes. This makes messages stick with us longer and encourages action.

Making It Personal

To harness this power in your speeches, start with personal anecdotes. Your own journey can be incredibly powerful because it’s authentic—you lived it. Share challenges you’ve faced and how you overcame them to inspire your audience to do the same.

But remember: authenticity is key here. If your story doesn’t ring true or seems exaggerated, it loses its impact and—worse yet—it could damage trust with your audience.

Finding Universal Themes

Your personal anecdote might not resonate with everyone on every level—that’s okay. The goal is to find universal themes within your story that anyone can connect with: perseverance against odds; finding joy amidst struggles; embracing change as growth opportunities. These themes speak to shared human experiences and create deeper connections between speaker and listener.

Language and Word Choice in an Encouragement Speech

The words you pick in your encouragement speech can make or break the impact. It’s important to choose just the right words so that you can leave your audience energized and inspired.

Empowering Your Audience with Positive Language

Selecting positive, empowering language is crucial. Words have power—they can lift people up or weigh them down. To motivate someone, use language that sparks hope and enthusiasm. Instead of saying “Don’t give up,” try “Keep pushing forward.” It’s about framing challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles.

This approach not only helps listeners see the glass half full but also encourages them to take action towards their goals. A study by the University of Pennsylvania showed that positive language significantly influences motivation levels in individuals facing challenges.

Rhetorical Devices: The Secret Sauce

To really connect with your audience, sprinkle some rhetorical devices into your speech like metaphors or analogies. They help simplify complex ideas and make messages stick.

Anaphora—the repetition of a word at the beginning of successive clauses—can be particularly powerful when used sparingly for emphasis on key points during your speech. Consider how Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech uses anaphora to unforgettable effect.

Emotion is the secret sauce that makes messages stick. But how do you bottle this elusive ingredient in your encouragement speeches? Let’s explore some tried and true techniques.

To hit the emotional chord, understanding your audience is key. Are they seeking motivation, comfort, or a rally to action? This insight shapes everything from your tone to your stories. Start by setting a clear goal for what emotion you want to evoke—be it hope, courage, or determination.

Tone matters more than you think. It’s not just what you say; it’s how you say it. A warm and sincere tone can turn even simple words into powerful motivational tools.

The structure of your message also plays a crucial role in its impact. Begin with an attention-grabbing opening that speaks directly to the heart of the audience’s concerns or aspirations before leading them on a journey towards empowerment and resolution.

Stories are empathy machines—they let us walk in another’s shoes without taking off our own. Integrating personal anecdotes makes your speech relatable and memorable because we’re hardwired to remember stories better than facts alone. As we at The Speaker Lab know, a  well-chosen story acts as an emotional anchor that listeners can hold onto long after they’ve forgotten other parts of your speech.

Selecting empowering language injects energy into your encouragement speech like nothing else. Words have power so choose those that inspire resilience and confidence. Avoid negative phrasing that might deflate spirits. Instead, opt for positive affirmations that uplift and motivate.

The Role of Body Language in Your Encouragement Speech

When it comes to delivering an encouragement speech, the words you choose are crucial. But there’s another player in the game that often flies under the radar: body language . This silent partner can make or break your connection with the audience.

Non-Verbal Cues Speak Volumes

Your posture, gestures, and facial expressions do a lot more than just add flair to your delivery. They’re key components of how audiences interpret your message. Standing tall conveys confidence, while maintaining eye contact builds trust. On the other hand, crossed arms might suggest you’re closed off or defensive—even if that’s not what you feel.

A smile can be a powerful tool as well . It not only makes you appear more approachable but also has been shown to positively affect listener perception, making them more receptive to your message.

Mirroring for Connection

Mirroring—the subtle art of matching someone else’s body language—can create a sense of empathy and understanding between speaker and listener. When done correctly during an encouragement speech, mirror neurons fire up, letting your audience know “I’m with you.”

This doesn’t mean mimicking every move someone makes—that would be weird. Instead, focus on capturing the general vibe of their energy level and enthusiasm through similar gestures and vocal tones.

Cultural Sensitivity Is Key

Different cultures have different norms when it comes to non-verbal communication. What’s considered respectful eye contact in one culture may be seen as challenging or rude in another. Educating yourself about these differences is essential for ensuring your message is received as intended across diverse groups. Becoming aware of cultural variations not only helps avoid misunderstandings but also strengthens global connections—one gesture at a time.

Tailoring Encouragement Speeches for Different Contexts

When you’re tasked with giving an encouragement speech, the setting can range from a high-stakes corporate boardroom to a lively sports team locker room. The secret sauce? Knowing how to adapt your message to fit these diverse environments seamlessly.

Crafting a Unique Encouragement Speech

First off, understanding your audience is crucial. A pep talk for a sales team chasing their quarterly targets will differ vastly from motivating volunteers at a charity event. It’s about hitting the right notes that resonate with your listeners’ current experiences and aspirations.

Setting the tone comes next. For instance, in a corporate environment, weaving in success stories relevant to business growth can inspire action. Contrast this with addressing athletes where tales of resilience and teamwork often strike deeper chords.

The structure of your message also needs careful consideration. An effective approach might involve starting with acknowledging challenges faced by the audience, followed by inspirational anecdotes or data supporting why they can overcome these hurdles, and concluding with a clear call-to-action.

Using Specially Tailored Stories

Incorporating personal stories or anecdotes not only makes your speech relatable but also memorable. This technique proves especially powerful when adapted correctly for different contexts—whether it’s sharing success stories within similar industries during corporate talks or highlighting individual achievements in sports team pep talks.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Nervousness, authenticity, and keeping the audience engaged are big hurdles in delivering an encouragement speech. But they’re not insurmountable! Here’s how you can leap over these obstacles with grace.

Dealing with Nervousness

Facing a sea of faces can make your palms sweat and heart race. Remember, it’s okay to be nervous; it means you care about delivering value to your audience. One way to ease those jitters is by practicing your speech multiple times beforehand. You might also try deep breathing exercises or visualization techniques to calm down right before taking the stage.

Another trick is to focus on why you’re there—to help and inspire others. This mindset shift can reduce pressure because you’re not focusing solely on yourself anymore.

Ensuring Authenticity

Your audience can spot a fake from miles away, so don’t even think about being someone you’re not up there. Sharing personal stories or anecdotes that connect with the core message of your speech makes you more relatable and trustworthy.

If sharing doesn’t come naturally, start small by incorporating bits of personal experiences relevant to your topic until it feels more comfortable for you.

Maintaining Audience Engagement

To keep everyone hanging onto every word, use dynamic language and involve them through questions or callouts if possible. This approach turns passive listeners into active participants.

Varying your tone and pace throughout also helps maintain interest. It’s like adding different spices as you cook; too much of one thing gets boring quickly.

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Incorporating Feedback for Improvement

In some cases it’s possible to get feedback on one’s encouragement speech. Should the opportunity present itself to you, take it. Not matter their expertise, speakers can always use audience reactions and critiques to refine their speeches. But where do you start? Let’s dive into the specifics.

The Power of Constructive Criticism

First off, embracing constructive criticism is key. It might sting at first, but think of it as an investment in your future performances. Ask fellow speakers or mentors who have been in the trenches what they think. Their insights can be goldmines for improvement.

Moreover, consider anonymous surveys from your audience. Tools like SurveyMonkey let you gather honest opinions without putting anyone on the spot.

Use Feedback to Improve Your Encouragement Speech

Now that you’ve gathered all this valuable feedback, what next? Start by identifying common themes—these are areas needing immediate attention. If multiple people point out that your opening lacks punch or your message gets lost mid-way, there’s a pattern emerging that needs fixing.

Create a plan of action for each piece of consistent feedback received. If it’s about improving engagement, research techniques used by successful speakers to keep audiences hooked from start to finish.

Remember: improvement doesn’t happen overnight. Practice these adjustments during smaller gatherings before taking them onto bigger stages again.

Evaluating Progress Over Time

To really measure how far you’ve come, set specific goals directly related to some of the critiques you originally received. After subsequent speaking engagements, reassess using the same criteria. This continuous loop ensures not just temporary fixes but long term growth in your speaking skills.

FAQs on Encouragement Speeches

How do you motivate someone in a speech.

Connect deeply, share stories that resonate, and show them the path from where they are to where they could be.

What is the best motivational speech of all time?

The “I Have A Dream” by Martin Luther King, Jr. stands out for its powerful vision and timeless call to action.

What is a positive motivation speech?

A talk that uplifts spirits, sparks hope, and encourages folks to chase their dreams with relentless optimism.

What should I say in a motivational speech?

Talk about overcoming obstacles and taking concrete steps towards achieving one’s goals. Make it personal and inspiring.

Giving an encouragement speech is about connecting, inspiring, and moving your audience to action. To engage your audience, try telling stories that make your message stick. As for the words you use, choose positive phrasing and aim to uplift with every sentence. Non-verbal cues are your silent cheerleaders; use them wisely to add depth beyond words.

Tailor your message to match your audience. After all, context matters as much as content. Tweak your speech to touch hearts in any setting.

Nervous? Everyone is at first. Authenticity beats anxiety every time, so be real, be you. Feedback will fuel your growth, so listen, learn, then lead stronger than before. Improvement never stops in crafting a compelling encouragement speech that truly transforms lives.

• Last Updated: August 7, 2024

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Harris’s Convention Speech Seen by 29 Million, a Narrow Win Over Trump’s

Overall, TV viewership of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago was up 14 percent from the Republicans’ event last month.

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By Michael M. Grynbaum

Maybe it was curiosity about the untested candidate who took command of the ticket at the last minute, or the cameos by TV-ready celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling and Kerry Washington. The runaway (and ultimately misguided) speculation that Beyoncé might make an appearance certainly did not hurt.

Whatever the reason, Democrats notched a victory this week in one of the year’s biggest media bouts: Which party’s political convention would attract more viewers?

The four-day celebration in Chicago of Vice President Kamala Harris was watched on TV by an average of 21.8 million viewers across four nights, Nielsen said on Friday. That was 14 percent more than the Republicans’ jamboree last month in Milwaukee, a four-day tribute to former President Donald J. Trump.

The gap between the conventions, however, narrowed on the final day, when the presidential nominees delivered their climactic remarks. On Thursday, the night of Ms. Harris’s acceptance speech, 26.2 million people tuned in. On the evening in July when Mr. Trump spoke, in his first extensive address since surviving an assassination attempt, 25.4 million watched — a difference of only 3 percent.

On its own, Ms. Harris’s 40-minute speech averaged 28.9 million TV viewers, according to Nielsen. The audience for Mr. Trump’s 92-minute address last month fell short of that figure, peaking early at 28.4 million viewers and then dwindling as the former president spoke long into the night.

Live TV ratings are a useful metric of the nation’s attention economy, but they are not all-encompassing. The Nielsen data did not capture viewers who streamed the conventions on their phones or laptops. Democrats, in particular, encouraged podcasters and social media influencers to post short videos from Chicago in the hopes of reaching voters who do not watch traditional TV.

This year’s convention ratings also underscored the continuing flight toward partisanship in television news.

Just as Fox News crushed its network rivals in the ratings race during the Republican convention — beating MSNBC and CNN combined — the Democratic convention had one clear winner: MSNBC. The cable home of Rachel Maddow and Joy Reid, which has a fervent liberal fan base, beat every network (including ABC, CBS, and NBC) in total convention viewership.

This year marked MSNBC’s largest audience for a Democratic convention since the network’s founding in 1996, a milestone achieved despite the cord-cutting that has drastically reduced the number of people who subscribe to cable in the first place.

CNN has endured a tough stretch in the ratings, but its Democratic convention coverage attracted more viewers in the most coveted demographic — adults 25 to 54 years old — than any other network. (MSNBC fell just short, losing to CNN in the category by a margin of roughly 1 percent.)

CNN’s new leadership is trying to appeal to more casual, and less partisan, consumers of news. It has already played a central role in this year’s campaign: It was CNN’s presidential debate in June that set off the head-spinning series of events that led to Ms. Harris’s prime-time speech on Thursday.

Michael M. Grynbaum writes about the intersection of media, politics and culture. He has been a media correspondent at The Times since 2016. More about Michael M. Grynbaum

Gus Walz broke the internet with his tearful love for his dad. Then the bullying began

CHICAGO – A tearful, unscripted moment between Tim Walz and his 17-year-old son, Gus, has unleashed a flood of praise and admiration – but also prompted ugly online bullying.

Gus Walz , who has a nonverbal learning disorder as well as anxiety and ADHD, watched excitedly from the front row of Chicago’s United Center and sobbed openly Wednesday night as his father, the Democratic nominee for vice president, delivered his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention.

The Minnesota governor was recounting the difficult fertility treatment he and his wife, Gwen, went through to conceive their daughter, Hope.

More: Tim Walz's son Gus has a learning disorder. Can his visibility help disabled Americans?

DNC live updates: Kamala Harris to formally accept nomination

Walz followed up by expressing his love for his family from the stage, saying: "Hope, Gus and Gwen, you are my entire world. And I love you."

Gus Walz jumped up from his seat, tears on his face, pointed his index finger and said, “I love you, Dad,” followed soon after with "That's my dad!"

The touching moment between father and son, captured live by television cameras, went viral and has largely been received adoringly on the internet and the airwaves.

Fox News shared a clip of the viral moment on its TikTok page , writing "Gus Walz steals show during dad's acceptance speech." The comments were overwhelmingly positive.

“I hope to inspire my kids so much that when they see me speak of the dreams and passion I have for my country they are moved to tears like Gus Walz was,” Chasten Buttigieg, husband of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, wrote on X.

“@Tim_Walz has dedicated his life to service and has clearly exceeded in being an excellent, supportive, and loving father every step of the way,” he wrote. “We should all be so lucky to know a love like that.”

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., who spoke before Walz Wednesday night, praised the love between Walz and his children.

More: Who is Gus Walz and what is a non-verbal learning disorder?

“You know you’ve done well as a parent when your kids are as proud of you as Gus and Hope are of Tim Walz,” she wrote on X. “’That’s my dad.’ No three words better describe our next Vice President.”

Actress Mia Farrow added: “Gosh! When young Gus Walz, adorable son of Gwen and Tim Walz, his face streaming tears of pride shouted ‘That’s my dad’ he won my heart.”

Trump supporter and podcaster dismisses Gus Walz as 'puffy beta male'

But the show of affection triggered a swath of snark and ugly comments on social media, many from MAGA supporters of former President Donald Trump, who faces Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and Walz in November.

Conservative columnist and right-wing provocateur Ann Coulter mocked the teenager’s tears. “Talk about weird,” she wrote on X. The message has since been deleted.

Mike Crispi, a Trump supporter and podcaster from New Jersey, mocked Walz’s “stupid crying son” on X and added, “You raised your kid to be a puffy beta male. Congrats.”

Alec Lace, a Trump supporter who hosts a podcast about fatherhood, took his own swipe at the teenager: “Get that kid a tampon already,” he wrote, an apparent reference to a Minnesota state law that Walz signed as governor in that required schools to provide free menstrual supplies to students.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Jay Weber, a conservative Milwaukee radio host, made a now-deleted post on X criticizing the Walz family.

"If the Walzs (sic) represent today's American man, this country is screwed: 'Meet my son, Gus. He's a blubbering b---- boy. His mother and I are very proud'."

After removing the post, Weber apologized and claimed he didn't know Gus had a learning disability.

USA TODAY reached out to the Walz campaign, which declined to comment.

Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung released a statement to USA TODAY that said the campaign "is focused on holding Walz and Harris accountable for their dangerously liberal policies that are bad for America." It didn't address the bullying posts.

Trump came under fire in 2015 after he appeared to mock a New York Times reporter with a disability. Critics said Trump's taunts could encourage others to engage in similar behavior.

Posts reflect bullying kids face constantly, advocates say

Advocates for children with learning disabilities were outraged by the venom directed at the Walz family.

“What we're seeing with the bullying of Gus Walz online isn't just cruel – it's a painful reminder of what kids with disabilities face every single day,” said Katy Neas, chief executive officer of The Arc of the United States , a Washington-based nonprofit advocacy group for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Children with disabilities are two to three times more likely to be bullied than their peers, Neas said.

“That means our society is teaching countless kids with disabilities that they are somehow less than because of factors outside of their control, including emotional expression and disability,” she said. “What's worse is that bullying can have a direct impact on their academic achievement, which in turn means fewer opportunities as adults. We're failing these kids when we don't understand or value their experiences.”

Research shows that bullying behavior often stems from a combination of factors, such as a desire for social dominance, a lack of empathy, or modeling of aggressive behaviors at home, said Kristen Eccleston, a former special education teacher and advocate for children with social-emotional needs.

“Children with learning disabilities are especially vulnerable because bullies may perceive them as ‘easy targets’ due to their struggles with communication or social skills," said Eccleston, who works for the Weinfeld Education Group, which is based in Bethesda, Maryland, and works with parents to ensure that their children have the supports and services they need.

More: 'That's my dad!': Gus Walz has emotional reaction during Tim Walz's DNC speech

“As parents, it's heartbreaking to see our children suffer from such cruelty,” Eccleston said. “In moments like Gus', where a child is being bullied, it's crucial to surround them with love, validate their emotions, and remind them that the hurtful opinions of others do not determine their worth. Families should use these public experiences to foster open dialogue about emotions, with the goal of helping their child develop strong self-advocacy skills and a healthy sense of self.”

Anne Strober, whose son has autism, said the bullying Gus Walz is facing is despicable.

“For me, it just represents how a lot of people have lost their humanity,” she said. “You have a lot of people, now with social media, who feel very emboldened because they’re behind their keyboards and they can just say what they need to say and with a degree of anonymity. It’s still hurtful whether it’s face to face or it’s online. There’s no place for it.”

Public schools often aren’t able to stop acts of bullying, so parents who fear for their children’s safety often pull them out of school or choose to home-school them, said Strober, who lives in North Potomac, Maryland, and works with parents through the Weinfeld Education Group.

"Children should be off limits to bullying, especially by adults, no matter what political party their parents belong to,” she said. "Gus isn't going to see all of their hateful comments, but other kids will. And it will absolutely hurt them and their families.”

Contributing: Brianne Pfannenstiel , Des Moines Register

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2024 Election

Fact checking trump's claims during harris' acceptance speech.

Former President Donald Trump speaks at the U.S.-Mexico border Thursday near Sierra Vista, Ariz. Rebecca Noble/Getty Images hide caption

Former President Donald Trump told his followers on Truth Social on Wednesday that he would be posting throughout Kamala Harris' DNC speech, when she formally accepted the party's nomination for president.

Here are some of the issues Trump commented on while Harris spoke, with some quick fact-checking.

On abortion: "Everybody, Democrats, Republicans, Liberals, and Conservatives, wanted Roe v. Wade TERMINATED , and brought back to the States."

False:  According to a Gallup poll from June 2023 , one year after Roe v. Wade was overturned, 61% of respondents said overturning Roe  was a "bad thing," while 38% said it was a "good thing."

Additionally, an NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll  from earlier this year showed that most Americans believe criminalizing abortion is wrong.

162 lies and distortions in a news conference. NPR fact-checks former President Trump

On immigration:  "She just called to give all Illegals CITIZENSHIP , SAY GOODBYE TO THE U.S.A.! SHE IS A RADICAL MARXIST!"

False:  During her acceptance speech tonight, Harris said she would support a bipartisan border bill on immigration. There is nothing in the text of the bill that would give all undocumented immigrants automatic American citizenship.

Additionally, while Harris mentioned that pathways to citizenship should exist, this does not equate to automatic citizenship for those in the country illegally.

On his legal troubles:  " These Prosecutions were all started by her and Biden against their Political Opponent, ME!"

False: The White House has nothing to do with the cases brought against former President Trump, whose four current criminal cases were brought against him by the New York state court, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the Georgia state court and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, respectively.

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All eyes on Powell’s Jackson Hole speech as new data fuels concern of a weaker labor market

What do a mountainside resort and economists have in common? Next to nothing, if it weren’t for an annual invite-only summit the Kansas City Federal Reserve hosts at the Jackson Lake Lodge nestled in a valley by the Teton mountains just outside Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

And it’s that time of year again. For the next three days, top economists from across the globe will rub shoulders with one another and mingle with reporters and investors hungry for clues about the economic outlook. But you won’t need an invite to hear what’s undoubtedly going to be the talk of the valley: Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s keynote address that’s set to take place Friday at 10 am ET.

His speech comes at a pivotal time not just for the US economy but for Fed officials as well.

Last month, the US unemployment rate unexpectedly jumped to 4.3% , its highest level since October 2021. Employers, meanwhile, hired just 114,000 new workers in July, the second-lowest monthly gain since December 2020. The disappointing data sparked some fears that the economy could soon enter a recession — or, even worse, already be in one.

Related live-story Markets end the day sharply lower after weak jobs report ignites fears of a slowing economy

That has subjected the Fed to a considerable amount of criticism for its decision not to cut interest rates at its last meeting , which took place just two days before the July jobs report came out. Now, with a cooling labor market and inflation trailing just a hair above the Fed’s 2% target, the central bank is widely expected to cut rates in September. But some economists are concerned that central bankers waited too long, and that the delay could be exacerbating the weakening of the labor market.

New data the Bureau of Labor Statistics released on Wednesday did little to quell those concerns. Though not finalized yet, the agency’s annual review of employment data suggests there were 818,000 fewer jobs in March of this year than were initially reported.

Because of that, a growing share of investors now believe the Fed could opt for a half-point cut next month rather than the more typical quarter-point cut, according to Fed funds futures data. Additionally, the data has raised the odds that the Fed will lower rates more than once this year.

Where does Powell stand in this discourse? We could find out on Friday.

Jackson Hole speeches aren’t just talk

Last year, investors interpreted Powell’s Jackson Hole remarks as a sign that the Fed was done hiking rates, despite Powell saying it could still happen. Markets rallied , with the Dow adding 241 points, or 0.7%. Their interpretation ended up being correct — the Fed hasn’t raised rates since last July.

Powell’s 2022 keynote Jackson Hole address got the exact opposite reaction. It set in motion that officials were going to be unapologetic in their fight against inflation, even if it meant inflicting “pain,” as Powell said, on households and businesses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite all closed at least 3% lower that day.

Two three-quarter-point rate hikes followed at the Fed’s subsequent meetings after Jackson Hole that year.

Powell isn’t the only US central banker who has used Jackson Hole as an opportunity to preview monetary policy changes.

For instance, in 2010, then-Fed Chair Ben Bernanke signaled that the central bank was likely to ease financial conditions further as the economy recovered from the Great Recession, saying that “policy options are available to provide additional stimulus.” Months after Bernanke’s Jackson Hole speech, he unveiled a whole new phase of bond purchasing in an effort to bring interest rates down to juice the economy after the financial crisis. That action has now become known as QE2, short for quantitative easing.

Then, in his 2012 Jackson Hole address, Bernanke said that labor market stagnation was a “grave concern.” Markets initially dropped after Bernanke’s remarks, but ended the day higher. Shortly after the Jackson Hole meeting, the Fed launched QE3.

In 2016, then-Fed Chair Janet Yellen, the current Treasury secretary, used her Jackson Hole address to prepare markets for more rate hikes, saying that she believed “the case for an increase in the federal funds rate has strengthened in recent months.” Starting in December 2016, the Fed hiked rates approximately every three meetings until 2018.

What Powell could have in store

Economists expect Powell’s address to strike a dovish tone: That is, when central bankers favor efforts like lowering interest rates to stimulate the economy to counteract weakness, instead of focusing on getting inflation lower.

The question is just how dovish Powell will get.

The mere mention of Wednesday’s substantial downward payroll data revisions would signal that a half-point cut could be on the table at September’s meeting, Citigroup economists said in a note Wednesday. Economists from the bank are forecasting half-point cuts at both the September and November meeting.

Goldman Sachs economists expect Powell to express “a bit more confidence in the inflation outlook” and possibly say that officials are paying close attention to labor market data while noting the Fed is “well positioned to support the economy if necessary.”

Comments like those would solidify a cut in September but would still leave open the question of the rate cut size until the August jobs report, due September 6, Goldman Sachs economists said in a note earlier this week.

While they aren’t expecting Powell to say anything that implies the current rate level“is inappropriate in light of the progress made on inflation,” if he did, that would raise the odds of a larger September cut and fuel the case for more cuts at future meetings.

Powell, though, won’t be the only Fed official at Jackson Hole. Plenty of other key figures from the central bank, including Kansas City Fed President Jeffrey Schmid and Atlanta’s Raphael Bostic, will be in attendance, partaking in impromptu media interviews, which could provide more color on the economic outlook than Powell.

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Politics | Hakeem Jeffries brings the rhymes in Day 3 DNC…

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Politics | Rep. Hakeem Jeffries brings the rhymes to boost Kamala Harris in ebullient DNC speech

“Kamala Harris is fighting for our freedom, Kamala Harris is fighting for our families, Kamala Harris is fighting for our future,” Jeffries told the crowd Wednesday night.

The dynamic Democratic House minority leader dissed former President Trump as an unwanted old fling who won’t take no for an answer from the American people.

“Bro, we broke up with you for a reason,” Jeffries said with a smirk. “Donald Trump can spin the block all he wants, but there’s no reason for us to ever get back together. Been there, done that. We’re not going back.”

Jeffries, who represents Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant, brought the cheering crowd to its feet by ticking off a long laundry list of rights and benefits House Democrats would protect alongside a future President Harris.

“Kamala Harris and House Democrats will always put people over politics,” Jeffries said. “Together let’s build a brighter future for our children and our grandchildren.”

He preached to the crowd with a seven-day weekly plan to elect Harris, starting with “strategize on Sunday” and ending with “fight the power on Friday.”

“We must continue to speak up, we must continue to show up, we must continue to stand up,” he said. “When we do, nothing can stop Kamala Harris from becoming the 47th president and nothing can stop House Democrats from taking back the majority.”

Democrats need to flip about five seats to regain control of the House, a win that would make Jeffries the next Speaker.

“Nothing can stop our march towards a more perfect union,” he added.

The Brooklyn lawmaker urged fired-up Democrats to take the energy from the convention back to their home states and cities in the weeks ahead.

“This is an evenly divided country,” he told reporters earlier Wednesday. “It’s going to be a close election and we’ve got to run through the finish line.”

Jeffries was just the latest in a string of New York elected officials to address the DNC.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wowed the crowd with a remarkable speech that brought the audience to its feet. Although Ocasio-Cortez spoke with her trademark passion, analysts noted more mainstream Democratic themes, a sign she may be moving away from her progressive roots perhaps with an eye to a future run for higher office.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer showed off his best dance steps as he took the stage and vowed to pull off an upset and hold onto the Senate for Democrats in November. Gov. Hochul lit into Trump , calling him a disgrace to their home state.

Mayor Adams arrived in Chicago Wednesday but insisted he was not fazed by being passed over for a speaking slot at the DNC.

Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) delivered a strong message on Wednesday in support for women’s rights .

“Generations of women fought for our rights: Our right to vote, our right to financial independence and our right to reproductive freedom,” Meng said. “Now it’s our turn to take the torch for our children and grandchildren.”

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