Definition
Abate
to lessen in intensity
The storm finally began to abate after hours of heavy rain.
Anomaly
something that deviates from the norm
The data revealed an anomaly that required further investigation.
Bolster
to support or strengthen
The evidence bolstered her claim of innocence.
Capricious
unpredictable or impulsive
The weather in spring is notoriously capricious.
Credulous
too ready to believe
The credulous tourist fell for the scam instantly.
Aberration
a departure from what is normal
His sudden outburst was an aberration from his usual calm demeanor.
Arcane
known or understood by few
The manuscript was filled with arcane symbols.
Brazen
bold and shameless
He made a brazen attempt to lie in court.
Catalyst
something that causes change
The protest was a catalyst for political reform.
Cursory
hasty and superficial
He gave the report only a cursory glance.
Abstruse
difficult to understand
The professor’s explanation of quantum mechanics was abstruse.
Austere
strict or plain in style
The monk lived an austere life with no luxuries.
Bucolic
relating to the countryside
They enjoyed a bucolic weekend in the mountains.
Chastise
to scold or reprimand
The teacher chastised the student for being late.
Debilitate
to weaken
The illness debilitated her for weeks.
Acrimonious
bitter or angry in tone
The debate turned acrimonious as tempers flared.
Belligerent
hostile and aggressive
His belligerent attitude made negotiations difficult.
Cacophony
a harsh mixture of sounds
The city streets were filled with the cacophony of traffic.
Concur
to agree
I concur with your assessment of the situation.
Deference
respectful submission
He spoke with deference to the judge.
Adroit
skillful and clever
She gave an adroit response that silenced the critics.
Benevolent
kind and generous
The foundation is known for its benevolent work with orphans.
Candor
honesty and openness
I appreciated her candor during the interview.
Conundrum
a confusing and difficult problem
Choosing between the two offers was a real conundrum.
Disparate
fundamentally different
The two cultures had disparate views on marriage.