Term
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Definition
(n) 1. tremulous fear, alarm, or agitation; perturbation.
2.trembling or quivering movement; tremor.
[trep-i-dey-shuhn]
The leaves in the cool fall breeze called for trepidation. |
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Term
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Definition
(adj) 1. kind, especially to inferiors; gracious: a benignant sovereign.
2. exerting a good influence; beneficial: the benignant authority of the new president. [bih-nig-nuhnt]
The baby sitter had a benignant effect on the children in the house. |
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Term
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Definition
(n) Noisy outcry; clamor.
[voh-sif-uh-rey-shuhn]
The child's vociferation caused the people in proximity to stare. |
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Definition
(v) To laugh at in scorn or contempt; scoff or jeer at; mock.
[dih-rahyd]
The soccer coach would sooner deride the players that encourage them. |
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Term
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Definition
(n) 1. the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.
2. the expression so substituted: “To pass away” is a euphemism for “to die.”
[yoo-fuh-miz-uhm]
The obituary presented a calm euphemism to the family of the deceased. |
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