Definitions
Use It Correctly
Which One Fits
Spot The Misuse
Scenarios
100

A strong tendency or inclination

bent

100

The candidate tried to _____ young voters before the election.

court

100

Is the character stock or pedestrian

A cliché villain seen in every action movie

stock

100

The teacher compromised her tone to sound gentler.

tempered

100

A film character who has no depth and follows the same tired pattern

stock

200

Marked by inactivity or stillness

quiescent

200

The hikers had to _____ rocky terrain in the dark.

negotiate

200

Is the response cavalier or quiescent

The manager dismisses concerns with arrogance

cavalier

200

The product gained sanction because everyone liked it.

currency

200

A government officially bans trade with another country

sanction

300

To strongly criticize or denounce

lambaste

300

The teacher tried to _____ her criticism so it would not sound harsh.

temper

300

Is the design pedestrian or stock

An ordinary, uninspired office building

pedestrian

300

He was quiescent because he arrogantly dismissed criticism.

cavalier

300

A normally noisy volcano becomes inactive for years

quiescent

400

Official approval or punishment by authority

sanction

400

The CEO decided to _____ public anger into a new initiative.

channel

400

Is the idea gaining currency or gaining sanction

It is becoming widely accepted socially

currency

400

The hikers channeled the mountain by climbing it carefully.

negotiated

400

A politician softens her extreme position during a debate

temper / qualify

500

A perfect example or embodiment

epitome / paragon / quintessence / personification

500

The lawyer had to _____ her statement by adding several conditions.

qualify

500

Is the leak going to negotiate or compromise national security

compromise

500

She was the pedestrian of honesty in the organization.

paragon / epitome

500

A CEO publicly criticizes a rival company in harsh terms

lambaste