Term
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stealth adj. (stealthy, stealthily) |
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Definition
sneaky
The cat stealthily crouched in the grass eyeing its intended victim and waiting for just the right moment to pounce. |
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malevolent adj. (malevolently) |
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Definition
wicked or evil
The malevolent spirit howled profanities through the night from the depths of the old basement. |
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Term
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assuage v. (assuaged, assuages, assuaging) |
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Definition
to make something uncomfortable feel better
It took about three years for my feelings of grief to assuage after the death of my father. |
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Term
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dictum n. (dictation) |
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Definition
a short statement that expresses a general truth or principle.
There is an old dictum which states, "Might makes right," but I prefer non-violent resolution. |
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Term
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arbitrate v. (-d, -ing, -s)
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Definition
to act between parties to resolve their differences
If your two best friends are fighting over the last piece of gum in the pack, you might arbitrate by telling them to split it. |
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Term
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nauseate v. (-d, -ing, -s, nausea, nauseous) |
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Definition
to feel sick to the point of almost vomiting
The first few weeks of her pregnancy were difficult because Katy woke up every morning feeling nauseated and dizzy.
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Term
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melancholy adj. (melancholic) |
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Definition
gloomy or depressed
The one act play was so melancholy that I felt depressed even after I left the theater! |
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Term
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aloof adj. (aloofly) |
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Definition
not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant.
After meeting Jenine for the third time, Michael realized she wasn't shy, just aloof, because she hardly spoke and acted bored every time they went out. |
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Term
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benign adj. (benignly) |
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Definition
showing or expressing kindness or gentleness
Until Jem and Dill excluded me from their plans, she was only another lady in the neighborhood, but a relatively benign presence. |
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Term
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acquiesce v. (acquiesced, acquiescing) |
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Definition
submit or comply silently or without protest; agree; consent
We were accustomed to prompt, if not always cheerfully acquiescing to Atticus's instructions, but from the way he stood Jem was not thinking of budging. |
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