Definition: Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action, especially in the face of reason or persuasions; inflexible or unyielding

Sample sentence: Despite the evidence presented, the obdurate juror refused to change his verdict.

Definition: Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action; inflexible or unyielding

Sample sentence: The obdurate CEO refused to reconsider the controversial company policy, even when faced with public backlash.

Definition: Stubbornly resistant to authority, guidance, or discipline; difficult to manage or control

Sample sentence: The recalcitrant teenager refused to follow his parents' rules and constantly challenged their authority.

Definition: Sullen, gloomy, or melancholy; showing or expressing sadness, disappointment, or dejection

Sample sentence: Her morose demeanor made it clear that the news had not been good.

Definition: Sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious; extravagant; to bestow something in generous or extravagant quantities on someone

Sample sentence: The couple held a lavish wedding, sparing no expense on the decorations, food, and entertainment.

Definition: Talkative or chatty, especially of a person who speaks at length, often without focus or relevance

Sample sentence: Her loquacious nature made it difficult for others to get a word in during conversations.

Definition: Tending to be quiet or reserved in speech; not inclined to conversation; uncommunicative

Sample sentence: The taciturn detective revealed little about his thoughts on the case until he had gathered all the necessary evidence.

Definition: Tending to harm or obstruct; hostile; detrimental; opposed

Sample sentence: The harsh chemicals used in cleaning products can be inimical to the environment.

Definition: The ability to anticipate future events or consequences and prepare for them; careful planning or forethought

Sample sentence: Their investment strategy demonstrated impressive foresight, enabling them to weather the economic downturn.

Definition: The ability to produce a desired or intended result; effectiveness

Sample sentence: The efficacy of the new medication in treating the illness exceeded the doctors' expectations.

Definition: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person; the capacity to feel or imagine another's emotions

Sample sentence: A good therapist must have empathy in order to help their clients effectively.

Definition: The act of being untruthful or dishonest; a tendency to lie or deceive

Sample sentence: The politician's mendacity finally caught up with him when the truth about his past was revealed.

Definition: The act of making false and damaging statements about someone; slander

Sample sentence: The celebrity was upset by the calumny spread about her in the gossip magazines.

Definition: The act of proving to be right, justified, or free from blame or guilt; a defense or justification against denial or criticism

Sample sentence: The detective's clever deductions led to the suspect's confession, providing vindication for the detective's unorthodox methods.

Definition: The act of willfully and knowingly giving false testimony or lying under oath in a court of law or other legal proceeding

Sample sentence: The witness was charged with perjury after new evidence proved her testimony to be false.

Definition: The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing; language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect, but often lacking in sincerity or meaningful content

Sample sentence: The politician's speech was full of stirring rhetoric but failed to address the real issues faced by the country.

Definition: The atmosphere or mood of a place, usually created by its surroundings or environment

Sample sentence: The dim lighting and soft music created a romantic ambience at the restaurant.

Definition: The belief that all values, morals, and beliefs are baseless and that life has no inherent meaning; rejection of all religious and moral principles

Sample sentence: The pessimistic philosopher embraced nihilism, believing that human existence had no ultimate purpose.

Definition: The class of wage-earners and manual laborers, especially in a capitalist society; the working class or the lower class of society

Sample sentence: The proletariat was the driving force behind the revolution, demanding fair wages and better conditions.

Definition: The combined effect or interaction of two or more entities or agents that is greater than the sum of their individual effects; cooperative action or collaboration

Sample sentence: The company's success stemmed from the synergy created by its diverse and talented team members.

Definition: The decline or deterioration of physical, mental, or moral qualities; a person exhibiting such a decline

Sample sentence: The once lively city began to degenerate due to years of neglect and economic downfall.

Definition: The faculty or power of using one's will; the act of making a choice or decision

Sample sentence: She joined the volunteer program of her own volition, not because someone pressured her.

Definition: The highest point or peak; the climax or culmination of something

Sample sentence: The mountain climber finally reached the apex of the treacherous peak after days of strenuous effort.

Definition: The instruction or improvement of a person morally or intellectually; the act of building or uplifting someone morally or spiritually

Sample sentence: The motivational speaker aimed his speech at the edification of the disheartened students.

Definition: The lowest point or most unsuccessful period in a person's life, career, or situation; the opposite of zenith

Sample sentence: The economic crisis marked the nadir of the country's financial stability.

Definition: The occurrence or discovery of something fortunate, beneficial, or valuable by chance or accident; luck or good fortune

Sample sentence: The invention of the microwave oven was the result of serendipity, as a scientist accidentally discovered its cooking potential while researching radar technology.

Definition: The playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks; good-humored teasing or conversation

Sample sentence: The friends engaged in lighthearted banter about their weekend plans.

Definition: The presence of something in insufficient or inadequate amounts; scarcity

Sample sentence: The paucity of affordable housing in the city made it difficult for low-income residents to find suitable accommodations.

Definition: The process of dissolving something or bringing an end to a partnership or organization; the termination of a formal agreement or relationship

Sample sentence: After several disagreements, the business partners decided on a mutual dissolution of their company.

Definition: The pursuit of pleasure or self-indulgence as the highest good; a philosophy or lifestyle focused on sensual enjoyment and gratification

Sample sentence: His excessive spending and wild parties were indicative of his hedonistic lifestyle.

Definition: The quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing confidential information; the ability to make responsible decisions based on judgment

Sample sentence: The manager used her discretion when determining which employees deserved a raise.

Definition: The quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information; the ability to make wise judgments or decisions

Sample sentence: The journalist promised to treat the sensitive information with discretion.

Definition: The quality of being careful in one's speech or actions, particularly to avoid causing offense or revealing confidential information; the freedom to decide or act according to one's judgment

Sample sentence: The journalist used discretion when reporting on the sensitive topic to protect her sources.

Definition: The quality of being disrespectful, insolent, or rude; lack of respect for authority or social norms

Sample sentence: The young boy's impudence earned him a stern warning from his teacher.

Definition: The quality of being impartial and unbiased; basing judgment on facts rather than personal beliefs or emotions

Sample sentence: The journalist was praised for her objectivity when reporting on the controversial issue.

Definition: The quality of being in agreement, harmony, or compatibility; the state of fitting together well or having a logical relationship

Sample sentence: The interior designer's success was due in part to his ability to create congruity between different styles and elements in a room.

Definition: The quality of being open, honest, and sincere in speech or expression; frankness or straightforwardness

Sample sentence: His candor was both refreshing and disarming, as he admitted to his mistakes and took responsibility for his actions.

Definition: The quality of having keen mental discernment, good judgment, or foresight; wisdom or shrewdness

Sample sentence: The leader was praised for his sagacity in making difficult decisions during times of crisis.

Definition: The quality of having strong moral principles; integrity, honesty, and uprightness

Sample sentence: His reputation for probity and fairness made him a respected figure in the community.

Definition: The significance, value, or meaning of something; to bring goods or products into a country from abroad for sale

Sample sentence: The import of her remarks was not lost on any of the meeting attendees.

Definition: The skill or art of clear and expressive speech, often with regard to pronunciation, articulation, and delivery

Sample sentence: The actor attended elocution lessons to improve his diction and vocal projection.

Definition: The state of being close in proximity, relation, or time; nearness or proximity in physical space, blood relation, or similarity of nature

Sample sentence: The propinquity of their offices allowed the two co-workers to develop a close friendship.

Definition: The state of being dominant, superior, or in control; a position of influence, power, or authority

Sample sentence: The once-powerful empire slowly lost its ascendancy as rival nations rose to prominence.

Definition: The state of being famous or well-known for a negative or controversial reason; infamy

Sample sentence: The social media influencer gained notoriety for her scandalous antics and divisive opinions.

Definition: The state of being incongruous, or out of place; lacking harmony, consistency, or compatibility; discrepancy or inconsistency

Sample sentence: The incongruity of the modern sculpture in the 18th-century building puzzled the observers.

Definition: The state of being sober or not intoxicated; seriousness or solemnity in demeanor or conduct

Sample sentence: After years of struggling with addiction, she finally found sobriety and a renewed sense of purpose in her life.

Definition: The state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone

Sample sentence: He felt ambivalence towards his new job, excited about the opportunities but nervous about the challenges it would bring.

Definition: The state of having mixed, uncertain, or conflicting feelings or thoughts about something or someone; indecision

Sample sentence: She experienced ambivalence about the decision, torn between her desire for adventure and her fear of the unknown.

Definition: The state or condition of being in a particular place or position; the quality of having a location

Sample sentence: A nomadic lifestyle is about embracing the constant change of ubiety.

Definition: The use of deception, trickery, or dishonesty to achieve a desired outcome; artful manipulation

Sample sentence: The salesman resorted to chicanery to convince the customers to buy his overpriced products.