Term
Stealth adj. (stealthy, stealthily)[image] |
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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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Term
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
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
dictum n. (dictation) [image] |
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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
arbitrate v. (-d, -ing, -s) [image] |
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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
nauseate v. (-d, -ing, -s, nausea, nauseous) [image] |
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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
melancholy adj. (melancholic) [image] |
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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
aloof adj. (aloofly) [image] |
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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
benign adj. (benignly) [image] |
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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
acquiesce v. (acquiesced, acquiescing) [image] |
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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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