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1. In situ • In the original place. Usage: Frescoes have been left in situ. • In the appropriate position. Usage: Her guests were all in situ. 2. Maim • Wound or injure a person or animal so that part of the body is permanently damaged. Usage: 100,000 soldiers were...

1. Avowed That has been asserted, admitted, or stated publicly. Usage: Other state platforms and the leaders of the party avowed that same mission. 2. Adversary One's opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute. Usage: Davis beat his old adversary in the...

1. Bootstrap • Get into or out of a situation using existing resources. Usage: The Company is bootstrapping itself out of a marred financial past. • Bootstrapping is a term used in business to refer to the process of using only existing resources, such as personal...

1. Atrocity • An extremely wicked or cruel act, typically one involving physical violence or injury. Usage: In late 1930s and early 1940s Europe, though few knew the extent of Hitler’s atrocities, the atmosphere of hate was palpable. 2. Academic Exercise • The term...

1. Inclusive Monotheism vs Exclusive Monotheism • Inclusive Monotheism means belief in one God that encompasses all gods. • Exclusive Monotheism means belief in only one True God, while holding all others as false. 2. Xenophobic • Having or showing a dislike of or...

1. Pillar to post • If someone goes from pillar to post, they are forced to keep moving from one place to another. Usage: My parents were always on the move and so my childhood was spent being dragged from pillar to post. 2. Antigraft • Opposed to or designed to...

1. Demonstrative • Of a person unrestrained in showing feelings, especially those of affection. Usage: Each winner got a chance to celebrate individually upon completing his or her final word, although some were more demonstrative than others. 2. Nondescript • Lacking...

1. Shibboleth • A custom, principle, or belief distinguishing a particular class or group of people, especially a long-standing one regarded as outmoded or no longer important. A motto or catchphrase that members of a group tend to say. Usage: He delighted in...

1. Burnish • Enhance or improve; polish and make shiny. Usage: In turn, their inventions burnished royal reputations, and many kings and princes became scholars in their own right. 2. Pique • To make someone angry, excited, or annoyed. A feeling of irritation or...

1. Emanate • Give out (breath or an odour); Of a feeling, quality, or sensation issue or spread out from a source. Usage: Warmth emanated from the fireplace. 2. Dastardly • Wicked and cruel. Usage: As any fan of action movies knows, the best way to keep a madman from...

1. Expansion and Contraction • Economic contraction and expansion relate to the overall output of all goods and services. An expansion is characterized by increasing employment, economic growth, and upward pressure on prices. Following a peak, the economy typically...

1. Prevaricate • Speak or act in an evasive way. To lie or mislead. Usage: He seemed to prevaricate when journalists asked pointed questions. 2. Excruciating • Intensely painful. Usage: To relieve his excruciating pain, doctors administered a sedative. • Very...