Word
17
Synonym
17
Example
34
Definition
17
LESSON 4
Definition

of unclear meaning; something that can be understood in more than one way

Synonym

vague

Example

The men received an ambiguous message from their boss.

Her letter was full of ambiguities.

Definition

an action or decision made with little thought, order, or reason

Synonym

haphazard

Example

Her choice of clothing seemed arbitrary.

The teacher arbitrarily decided to give the class a test.

Definition

to express or defend oneself strongly; to state positively

Synonym

declare

Example

The government asserted its control over the banking system.

The company president is an assertive individual.

Definition

very surprising

Synonym

astonishing

Example

The scientists made an astounding discovery.

The fans were astounded by their team's success.

Definition

very intelligent, smart, clever

Synonym

perceptive

Example

He was an astute worker, finishing in half the time it took the others to finish.

They astutely determined that there would be no chance to finish on time.

Definition

to have the same opinion or draw the same conclusion

Synonym

agree

Example

The director concurred with the conclusions of the committee's report

Do you concur with the details of the business plan?

Definition

making something appear true or good when it is false or bad

Synonym

misleadingly

Example

The magician deceptively made the rabbit disappear.

Richard deceived Joe about the cost of the coat.

Definition

to specify, name, or select to do a task; to indicate

Synonym

assign

Example

The president designated the vice president to represent him at the meeting.

The designated driver drove every one home after the party

Definition

strong in one's opinion, firm in conviction, to find out

Synonym

resolute

Example

They were determined to go to graduate school.

The judge determined that the man was lying.

Definition

to get the facts or draw out the truth

Synonym

extract

Example

A lawyer will elicit all the facts necessary to prove her case.

Elicitation of the truth can be difficult at times.

Definition

to be a good example of a concept or idea

Synonym

exemplify

Example

The constitution is an embodiment of American ideals.

Charlotte embodies all of the qualities of a good leader.

Definition

to cause a conflict or argument

Synonym

initiate

Example

No one knew who had instigated the demonstration.

Dissatisfaction with government policies instigated the revolution.

Definition

common or routine

Synonym

ordinary

Example

The student's mundane summer job frustrated her.

His mother asked him to do all the mundane household chores

Definition

to make a request

Synonym

appeal

Example

Canada petitioned the United Nations to consider its case

The student's petition was denied

Definition

to give up control

Synonym

abdicate

Example

The troubled executive relinquished her control of the company

The relinquishment of his claim to the building will allow the building to be sold

Definition

strong enough to recover from difficulty or disease

Synonym

tenacious

Example

She has a resilient personality and will soon feel better.

The doctor was surprised by his patient's resilience.

Definition

not moving or developing

Synonym

still

Example

The stagnant water was a perfect home for frogs.

Some say that television causes the mind to stagnate.

a book which people praise and don’t read

Mark Twain