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Language specialists confirm that people with a good education, those who read more, and those who like to explore new things have a bigger and richer vocabulary. You might think this automatically means that using big words makes you intelligent. Well no, that’s not how it works. It often happens that people use big words to sound smart without even understanding what that word means. Needless to say, the effect is quite often the opposite. 

But besides knowing the meaning of words, you should also be aware of the appropriate situations to use them in. For one, even though the more common and the fancy word might have the same general meaning, a small nuance often makes them inapplicable in certain situations. On top of that, using high vocabulary words that belong in a textbook or a novel when you order a coffee or explain to a friend why you liked the movie you watched last night, sounds ridiculous, to say the least. Similarly, special words that are only understandable to people of a certain profession shouldn’t be forced into a conversation if you are not talking to your colleagues. They don’t make you sound smarter; they make you sound incomprehensible.  

That said, it absolutely does not mean that you should always stick to basic vocabulary. There are hundreds of beautiful words in English, same as in any other language, that can expand your vocabulary and make you an interesting and pleasant counterpart. Remember that the actual goal of every conversation is to find the perfect words to describe your thoughts and feelings, not to dazzle the person you are talking to with some long and arguably unnecessary words.

Below you will find a lot of interesting words with their definitions to help you expand your English vocabulary. How many of them did you already know? Make sure you use them responsibly and also tell us in the comments if there are any fancy words you especially enjoy.

#1

The meaning of effervescent Effervescent

Meaning: having the property of forming bubbles.

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Huddo's sister
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Used in Schweppes ads as schweppervescent which for some reason annoys me more than it should

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#2

Aeonian

Meaning: lasting for an immeasurably or indefinitely long period of time.

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Belle Miles
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now I miss buying my readers digest. But it only came out once a month and took 30 to 40 minutes to read, except my special pages that were the funnies and word challenge. Oh, it's really been a while.

#3

Pusillanimous

Meaning: lacking courage and resolution.

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#4

Flabbergast

Meaning: to overwhelm with shock, surprise, or wonder.

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#5

Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobic

Meaning: someone with a fear of long words.

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It's Izzy 🇺🇦 (They/Them)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Doc, I think I have a fear of long words" "Yep, well, I think you might be Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobic" "aaaaaaaaaaaaaarghhhhhhhhh!!!!"

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#6

The meaning of floccinaucinihilipilification word Floccinaucinihilipilification

Meaning: the act or habit of assessing something as worthless.

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#7

Eloquent

Meaning: marked by forceful and fluent expression (having a way with words).

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#8

Zenith

Meaning: the highest point.

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#9

Magnanimous

Meaning: showing or suggesting a lofty, courageous, noble spirit.

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#10

The meaning of quintessential word Quintessential

Meaning: the perfect example of something.

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#11

Erudite

Meaning: having or showing knowledge that is gained by studying.

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Agim Danga
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Might derive from old Albanian: ERA- wind, like dhe wind and DITA- meaning rhe Daylight.

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#12

Myriad

Meaning: a great number / countless.

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#13

Repertoire

Meaning: a person’s list of talents and skills; a list or supply of dramas, operas, pieces, or parts that a company or person is prepared to perform.

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#14

The meaning of transcendent word Transcendent

Meaning: extending or lying beyond the limits of ordinary experience, being beyond comprehension.

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#15

Ebullience

Meaning: the quality of lively or enthusiastic expression of thoughts or feelings.

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#16

Brobdingnagian

Meaning: marked by tremendous size.

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Vix Spiderthrust
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From Gulliver's travels. Brobdingnag was the island of giants. Opposite is Liliputian, tiny in stature, after the most famous of the islands, Liliput.

#17

Discombobulate

Meaning: to confuse (someone).

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#18

Themeaning of assiduity Assiduity

Meaning: dedication, diligence and great focus.

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#19

Lateritious

Meaning: brick-red in colour.

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#20

Obsequious

Meaning: subservient (useful in an inferior capacity); marked by a fawning attentiveness.

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#21

Statuesque

Meaning: resembling a statue especially in dignity, shapeliness, or stillness.

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#23

Amative

Meaning: relating to or indicative of love.

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#24

Unparagoned

Meaning: having no equal; matchless, incomparable.

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#25

Penultimate

Meaning: next to the last thing.

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Robert B
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would like to submit for consideration: postpenultimate - the last thing

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#27

Ennui

Meaning: a feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction, boredom.

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#28

Rococo

Meaning: an artistic style especially of the 18th century characterized by fanciful curved asymmetrical forms and elaborate ornamentation.

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a panda who loves skz&txt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Doesn't everybody learn about this at school? Renaissance, Mänierism, Baroque, Rococo we had to write so many tests about these 🤠

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#29

Maxim

Meaning: a general truth, fundamental principle, or rule of conduct.

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#31

Evenfall

Meaning: the beginning of evening, dusk.

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#32

Winebibber

Meaning: a person who drinks too much wine.

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#33

Mellifluous

Meaning: having a smooth rich flow; filled with something (such as honey) that sweetens.

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Vix Spiderthrust
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Often used metaphorically to describe a sweet sound - "he had a mellifluous speaking voice"

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#34

The meaning of diminutive Diminutive

Meaning: a word or name usually indicating small size.

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#35

Aplomb

Meaning: complete and confident composure or self-assurance.

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#36

Pervicacious

Meaning: very obstinate, unyielding, willful.

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#37

Obfuscate

Meaning: to make obscure or unclear.

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#38

The meaning of circumlocution Circumlocution

Meaning: the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea.

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Wendy O'Shea
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or how to write a 2000 word essay when you only need 500 words to get all the information conveyed.

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#39

Extol

Meaning: to give high praise.

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#40

Incisive

Meaning: impressively direct and decisive (as in manner or presentation).

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#41

Latent

Meaning: present and capable of emerging or developing but not now visible, obvious or active. In other words - there, but not there.

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#42

The meaning of immaculate Immaculate

Meaning: having or containing no flaw or error.

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Huddo's sister
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A large number of Catholic churches are named Our Lady of the Immaculate Heart

#43

Splendiferous

Meaning: extraordinarily or showily impressive.

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#44

Aesthetic

Meaning: pleasing in appearance, attractive.

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#46

The meaning of word canny Canny

Meaning: clever, shrewd.

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#47

Perspicacious

Meaning: of acute mental vision or discernment.

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#48

Prodigious

Meaning: causing amazement or wonder.

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#49

Phenomenal

Meaning: highly extraordinary, exceptional, remarkable.

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#50

The meaning of word ineffable Ineffable

Meaning: incapable of being expressed in words.

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#51

Tenderness

Meaning: a tender quality or condition, such as gentleness and affection.

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#52

Canoodle

Meaning: to engage in amorous embracing, caressing, and kissing.

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#53

Selcouth

Meaning: unusual, strange.

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Atley Makar
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this word is mainly used in positive context, or at least that has been my experience when encountering it. I would extend this perhaps to say 'unusual, yet remarkable.'

#54

The meaning of word orphic Orphic

Meaning: mystic, oracular; fascinating, entrancing.

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#55

Malaise

Meaning: physical discomfort or a general feeling of being under the weather.

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#56

Quiddity

Meaning: whatever makes something the type that it is; the essence.

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#57

Cimmerian

Meaning: very dark or gloomy.

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#58

The meaning of word orgulous Orgulous

Meaning: proud.

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#59

Usufruct

Meaning: the legal right of using and enjoying the fruits or profits of something belonging to another.

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Belle Miles
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, I DO want to thank you all at Bored Panda for giving us all respite here against being overwhelmed by the news media even if we are pouting and/or ranting. It's really nice to laugh at this thread. We are all "Usufructing" from you now, We really do appreciate it all.

#60

Auspicious

Meaning: showing or suggesting that future success is likely.

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#61

Ubiquitous

Meaning: existing or being everywhere at the same time; constantly encountered.

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#62

The meaning of word confluence Confluence

Meaning: used when discussing a meeting of minds, a group of ideas, or a coming together of diverse people for a gathering.

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Vix Spiderthrust
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or generally any point where things come together; a confluence of rivers.

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#63

Granular

Meaning: finely detailed. Can also help describe a meticulous level of detail in your own work, thinking, or planning.

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Vix Spiderthrust
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Literally, made up of grains. In medicine, part of the healing process when the wound begins to stitch itself back together.

#64

Pithy

Meaning: having substance and point, being brief, but very efficient.

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#65

Bespoke

Meaning: custom-made.

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#66

The meaning of word resplendent Resplendent

Meaning: shining brilliantly, characterized by a glowing splendor.

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#67

Diatribe

Meaning: nasty (and usually lengthy) tirade, whether spoken or written.

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#68

Vitriolic

Meaning: bitterly harsh language or criticism.

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#69

Bloviate

Meaning: to speak or write in a showy, grandiose way.

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#70

The meaning of word fastidious Fastidious

Meaning: showing or demanding excessive delicacy or care.

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#71

Sycophant

Meaning: a self-seeking flatterer.

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#72

Sesquipedalian

Meaning: loving of long words.

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Paddling Panda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love how this word is significantly shorter than the word for "fear of long words".

#73

Boondoggle

Meaning: work that you do just so that you look busy, but it isn't actually useful.

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#74

The meaning of word alacrity Alacrity

Meaning: lively, cheerful and eager behavior.

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#75

Amiable

Meaning: friendly, sociable, and generally agreeable.

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Atley Makar
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Interestingly, 'amicable' is only one letter off, yet means the same.

#76

Candor

Meaning: free from prejudice or malice, honest, sincere.

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#77

Deferential

Meaning: showing or expressing respect and high regard due a superior or an elder.

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#78

The meaning of word gregarious Gregarious

Meaning: tending to associate with others of one's kind, social.

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#79

Insular

Meaning: characteristic of an isolated people; an island unto itself.

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#80

Intrepid

Meaning: characterized by resolute fearlessness, fortitude, and endurance.

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#81

Meticulous

Meaning: marked by precise attention to every detail.

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#82

The meaning of word panacea Panacea

Meaning: a remedy for all ills or difficulties.

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#83

Pellucid

Meaning: easily, clearly understandable.

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#84

Predilection

Meaning: an established preference or bias.

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#85

Repudiate

Meaning: to reject or refuse to recognize as valid.

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#86

The meaning of word salient Salient

Meaning: something that stands out and is obvious.

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#87

Substantiate

Meaning: to give facts to support a claim.

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#88

Surfeit

Meaning: the quality of overabundance.

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#89

Taciturn

Meaning: temperamentally disinclined (unwilling because of mild dislike or disapproval) to talk.

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#90

The meaning of word stupendous Stupendous

Meaning: causing astonishment or wonder, marvelous.

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#91

Ravishing

Meaning: unusually attractive, pleasing, or striking.

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#92

Exquisite

Meaning: pleasing through beauty, fitness, or perfection.

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#93

Enlightened

Meaning: freed from ignorance and misinformation.

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#94

The meaning of word ingenious Ingenious

Meaning: having or showing an unusual aptitude for discovering, inventing, or contriving.

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#95

Adulation

Meaning: extreme or excessive admiration or flattery.

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#96

Amorous

Meaning: the act of being in love.

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#97

Canonize

Meaning: to treat as illustrious, preeminent, or sacred.

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#98

The meaning of word endearment Endearment

Meaning: a word or an act (such as a caress) expressing affection.

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#99

Halcyon

Meaning: characterized by happiness, great success, and prosperity.

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Vix Spiderthrust
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most commonly encountered in the phrase "halcyon days", meaning a lost golden age.

#100

Coruscate

Meaning: to be brilliant or showy in technique or style.

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#101

Bellwether

Meaning: one that takes the lead or initiative, trendsetter.

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#102

The meaning of word acumen Acumen

Meaning: keenness and depth of perception, discernment, or discrimination especially in practical matters.

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#103

Gasconade

Meaning: to brag or boast.

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Kathy Rayborn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Basic conversation should avoid a cacophony of gratuitous words so that speakers may have equitable rapport.

#104

Idiosyncratic

Meaning: traits that belong to a person’s character.

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#105

Umbrage

Meaning: displeasure, resentment, or anger.

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#106

The meaning of word nefarious Nefarious

Meaning: flagrantly wicked or criminal.

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#107

Parlance

Meaning: formal debate or parley.

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Vix Spiderthrust
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also just a synonym of speech. That's how it's used in common parlance.

#108

Despondent

Meaning: feeling or showing extreme discouragement, dejection (lowness of spirits), or depression.

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#109

Lucid

Meaning: comes from the Latin adjective lucidus (shining), a more fancy word to define a person for his intelligent thinking, capability of being understood or comprehended.

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Vix Spiderthrust
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Clarity, especially in thought: "despite encroaching Alzheimer's, she had lucid periods"

#110

The meaning of word abate Abate

Meaning: to decrease in force or intensity.

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#111

Facetiously

Meaning: joking or jesting, often inappropriately.

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#112

Aptitude

Meaning: talent or natural ability.

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#113

Debase

Meaning: to lower in status, esteem, quality, or character.

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#114

The meaning of word diligent Diligent

Meaning: characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort.

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#115

Elucidate

Meaning: to explain very clearly.

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#116

Ephemeral

Meaning: lasting a very short time.

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#117

Lithe

Meaning: easily bent or flexed.

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#118

The meaning of word modicum Modicum

Meaning: a small portion; a limited quantity.

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#119

Nuance

Meaning: a very subtle difference.

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#120

Penchant

Meaning: a strong and continued inclination.

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#121

Perusal

Meaning: studying with the intent to memorize.

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#122

The meaning of word plethora Plethora

Meaning: an abundance or extreme excess.

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#123

Staid

Meaning: marked by settled sedateness and often prim self-restraint.

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#124

Studious

Meaning: character trait involving diligent study.

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#125

Righteous

Meaning: acting in accord with divine or moral law, free from guilt or sin.

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#126

The meaning of word alluring Alluring

Meaning: having a strongly attractive or enticing quality.

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#127

Astute

Meaning: having or showing shrewdness and an ability to notice and understand things clearly, mentally sharp.

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#128

Perceptive

Meaning: characterized by sympathetic understanding or insight.

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#129

Comprehend

Meaning: to grasp the nature, significance, or meaning of.

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#130

The meaning of word sensational Sensational

Meaning: exceedingly or unexpectedly excellent or great.

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#131

Wondrous

Meaning: that is to be marveled at, extraordinary.

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#132

Devotion

Meaning: earnest attachment to a cause, person, etc.

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#133

Reverence

Meaning: honor or respect felt or shown, especially profound adoring awed respect.

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#134

The meaning of word inflatuated Infatuated

Meaning: filled with or marked by a foolish or extravagant love or admiration.

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#135

Besottedness

Meaning: blindly or utterly infatuated.

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Vix Spiderthrust
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Besotted means blindly infatuated. Besottedness is the condition of being blindly infatuated.

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#136

Scintillating

Meaning: brilliantly lively, stimulating, or witty.

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#137

Cacophony

Meaning: a loud, obnoxious blend of sounds.

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#138

The meaning of word equitable Equitable

Meaning: a fair division between all parties.

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