Term
| Pugilism, Noun. (Pyoo juhl ih suhm) |
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Definition
Boxing.
Pugilism has been defended as a positive outlet for aggressive impulses.
Synonyms: fighting, sparring |
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Term
| Interregnum, Noun. (in tuh reg nuhm) |
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Definition
Period between reigns
When John F. Kennedy was shot there was a brief interregnum before lyndon B. Johnson became president |
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Term
| Alactiry, Noun. (uh laak crih tee) |
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Definition
Speed or quickness.
THe restaurant won a reputation for fine service since the wait staff responded to their client's requests with alacrity.
synonyms: celerity, dispatch, haste. |
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Term
| Xenophobia, Noun. (Zee nuh foh bee uh) |
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Definition
A fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers.
Countries in which xenophobia is prevalent often have more restrictive immigration policies than countries that are more open to foreign influences.
Synonyms: Bigotry, chauvinism, prejudice |
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Term
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Definition
someone passionately devoted to a cause
The religious zealot had no time for those who failed to share his strong beliefs.
Synonyms: enthusiast, fanatic, militant, radical |
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Term
| Mercurial, adj. (muhr kyoor ee uhl) |
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Definition
quick, shrewd, and unpredictable
her mercurial personality made it difficult to guess how she would react to the bad news.
Synonyms: clever, crafty, volatile, whimsical |
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Term
| Dogmatic, Adj. (dawg maat ihk) |
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Definition
| Dictatorial in one's opinions. "The dictator was dogmatic, claiming he, and only he, was right." Synonyms: Authoritarian, bossy, dictatorial, domineering, imperious, magisterial, peremptory. |
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Term
| Soporific, Adj. (Sahp uhr ihf ihk) |
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Definition
| Causing Sleep or lethargy. "The movie proved to be so soporific that soon loud snores were heard throughout the cinema." Synonyms:hypnotic, narcotic, somnolent |
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Term
| Raconteur, Noun. (Raa cahn tuhr) |
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Definition
| Witty, skillful storyteller. "The raconteur kept all the passengers entertained with his stories during the six-hour flight" Synonyms:anecdotalist, monologist |
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Term
| Vituperate, Verb. (Vih too puhr ayt) |
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Definition
| To abuse verbally, berate. "Vituperating someone is never a constructive way to effect change." Synonyms:castigate, reproach, scold. |
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