Vocabulary Building TaskSet
These Tasks with Feedback (TwFs) support vocabulary building.
Define acumen.
Definition: the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain.
Examples
- Her business acumen led the company to new heights.
- He demonstrated remarkable acumen in negotiating the deal.
- With her political acumen, she quickly rose through the ranks.
id: 1745758081
Define dogmatic.
Definition: inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true, without consideration of evidence or the opinions of others
Examples
- The professor presented his theories in a dogmatic manner, leaving no room for alternative interpretations.
- She was criticized for her dogmatic approach to management, which often stifled creativity in her team.
- Despite evidence to the contrary, he remained dogmatic in his beliefs about the benefits of the diet.
id: 1745758132
Define nadir.
Definition: the lowest or most unsuccessful point in a situation
Examples
- After losing her job and going through a difficult breakup, she felt like she had reached the nadir of her life.
- The company hit its nadir when sales dropped to an all-time low last quarter.
- The patient’s health reached its nadir before the new treatment started to show results.
id: 1745757896
Define sine qua non.
Definition: An essential condition, element, or factor; something that is absolutely necessary or indispensable.
Examples
- Honesty is the sine qua non of a good relationship.
- In today’s digital age, internet access has become a sine qua non for education.
- Trust is the sine qua non of a successful business partnership.
id: 1745878533
Define gauche.
Definition: lacking ease or grace; unsophisticated and socially awkward
Examples
- His comments at the dinner party were considered gauche and made everyone uncomfortable.
- She felt gauche at her first fancy gala, unsure of the etiquette.
- His gauche mannerisms often made it difficult for him to fit in at work.
id: 1745878538
Define oeuvre.
Definition: the complete works or comprehensive creative output of an artist, writer, or composer.
Examples
- The museum will be exhibiting the entire oeuvre of the famous painter.
- Critics often discuss the director’s oeuvre when analyzing his latest film.
- Her literary oeuvre spans several decades and includes numerous bestsellers.
id: 1745878542
Define sanctimonious.
Definition: Making a show of being morally superior to other people.
Examples
- His sanctimonious attitude made him few friends.
- She was tired of his sanctimonious sermons about how to live.
- The politician’s sanctimonious speech was full of hypocrisy.
id: 1745878546
Define anodyne.
Definition: Serving to alleviate pain or soothe discomfort; often used to describe something inoffensive or bland.
Examples
- The therapist’s anodyne words helped calm the patient.
- The anodyne music played softly in the background, creating a soothing ambiance.
- His anodyne comments during the meeting avoided any potential controversy.
id: 1745878550
Define exigent.
Definition: requiring immediate attention or action
Examples
- The exigent circumstances of the emergency required prompt action by the staff.
- The manager faced exigent demands from the clients and had to prioritize their needs.
- Due to an exigent situation, the company had to expedite its decision-making process.
id: 1745878555
Define perfidy.
Definition: deceitfulness; untrustworthiness.
Examples
- The spy was known for his perfidy, betraying his own country.
- Her act of perfidy shattered their friendship beyond repair.
- The perfidy in his actions led to a loss of trust within the team.
id: 1745878559
Define trenchant.
Definition: sharp, keen, or incisive in expression or style
Examples
- Her trenchant remarks cut through the lengthy debate, bringing the discussion to a quick conclusion.
- The trenchant analysis of the book gave readers a new perspective on the theme.
- He has a trenchant wit that can captivate an audience instantly.
id: 1745878563
Define solicitous.
Definition: characterized by showing concern or care; attentive.
Examples
- She was always solicitous about the welfare of her students.
- He had a solicitous expression as he helped his grandmother up the stairs.
- The solicitous waiter made sure we had everything we needed during our meal.
id: 1745878568
Define fatuous.
Definition: silly and pointless.
Examples
- The comedian made a fatuous comment that didn’t amuse the audience.
- His fatuous behavior at the meeting cost him the respect of his colleagues.
- She ignored his fatuous remarks and continued with her presentation.
id: 1745878572
Define prolix.
Definition: using or containing too many words; tediously lengthy.
Examples
- The prolix speech left the audience feeling drowsy and uninterested.
- Her prolix writing style made the article difficult to follow.
- Despite its prolix nature, the book offered insightful analysis.
id: 1745875820
Define arrant.
Definition: complete and utter, often used to emphasize something negative or bad
Examples
- The claim was dismissed as arrant nonsense.is an arrant fool for trusting her again.project was deemed an arrant failure by the critics.
id: 1745878580
Define churlish.
Definition: rude in a mean-spirited and surly way
Examples
- The churlish behavior during the meeting annoyed everyone.
- Despite his wealth, his churlish attitude made him unpopular.
- She couldn’t understand why he was being so churlish despite their previous pleasant interactions.
id: 1745878587
Define benighted.
Definition: In a state of pitiful or contemptible intellectual or moral ignorance, typically owing to a lack of opportunity.
Examples
- The travelers found themselves benighted and lost in the unfamiliar landscape.
- Her benighted views on modern science were the result of never attending school.
- During their journey, they stumbled across a benighted village that was untouched by time.
id: 1745878591
Define desultatory.
Definition: lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm
Examples
- His desultory efforts in preparing for the exam did not yield good results.
- The conversation at the party was desultory, with topics ranging randomly from politics to pets.
- She made a few desultory remarks about the weather before changing the subject entirely.
id: 1745878596
Define ennui.
Definition: a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement
Examples
- After weeks of doing nothing during the summer holidays, Jacob felt a deep sense of ennui.
- The relentless monotony of his daily routine brought about a pervasive ennui he found hard to shake off.
- As the meeting dragged on for hours, ennui settled over the room like a heavy fog.
id: 1745878601
Define analysis.
Definition: A detailed examination of the elements or structure of something.
Examples
- The analysis of the data revealed significant trends.
- Her analysis of the poem offered new insights.
- We need a thorough analysis of the situation to make an informed decision.
id: 1745878605
Define synthesis.
Definition: The combination of components or elements to form a connected whole.
Examples
- The scientist’s synthesis of new data led to a breakthrough in the research.
- Musicians thrive on the synthesis of different genres to create unique sounds.
- Her essay showcased a synthesis of various philosophical perspectives.
id: 1745878610
Define disinformation.
Definition: False information deliberately spread to deceive people.
Examples
- The government warned about the surge of disinformation online.
- Journalists strive to fight disinformation by verifying facts before publication.
- Social media platforms have taken steps to curb the spread of disinformation.
id: 1745878614
Define urbane.
Definition: notably polite or polished in manner
Examples
- The diplomat’s urbane demeanor made negotiations smooth and successful.
- He held the door with an urbane gesture, impressing those around him.
- Her urbane wit captivated the audience at the gala.
id: 1745878618
Define maleficent.
Definition: causing harm or destruction, especially by supernatural means
Examples
- The witch cast a maleficent spell over the village.
- His intentions were maleficent, aiming to ruin her reputation.
- The forest was said to be home to maleficent spirits.
id: 1745878622