aesthetic (adjective, noun) Definition: (adj.) concerning or characterized by an appreciation of beauty or good taste; (n.) a theory as to what is beautiful Example Sentences: – It wasn’t the prettiest web site, but its...

malefactor (noun) Definition: 1. a convicted criminal, especially a felon; 2. someone who does wrong or who hurts others Example Sentences: – It is the job of the police department to protect the people from...

desist (verb) Definition: to cease or stop doing something permanently Example Sentences: – If you do not desist in following me, I will be forced to call the police. (stop, discontinue) – The lawyer requested...

dismay (verb, noun) Definition: (v.) to cause somebody to feel discouraged or disappointed; (n.) a feeling of hopelessness, disappointment, or discouragement Example Sentences: – The parents were dismayed when they learned that their child was...

deign (verb) Definition: to do something that you consider a great favor or beneath your dignity to do Example Sentences: – Everyone wondered if Mr. Smith, the local snob, would deign to attend the party....

impartial (adjective) Definition:  unbiased, not partial, and showing equal treatment Example Sentences: – If there is a dispute over the contract, we will take our case before an impartial authority. (unbiased, neutral) – She was...

Endearing (adjective) Definition:  endearing refers to something or someone that is charming or attractive. Example Sentences: – His gracious and gentlemanly behavior endeared him to her. (attracted) – Her child-like behavior was so endearing, I...

implore (verb) Definition: 1. to beg, plead, or beseech; 2. to request, as in prayer Example Sentences: – With tears streaming down her cheeks, she implored him to forgive her. (begged, entreated) – Being a...

germinate (verb) Definition: 1. to start growing from a seed; 2. to create and begin the process of development Example Sentences: – Once the new CEO’s ideas began to germinate, the company quickly turned around....

garner (verb) Definition: 1. to gather or collect; 2. to earn or win Example Sentences: – My superior work will surely garner praise. (win, earn) – Before they left, she garnered all of the supplies...

diminish (verb) Definition: 1. to make something smaller or less important; 2. to make something seem or appear smaller Example Sentences: – I’m quite proud of this achievement, so please don’t diminish it. (belittle, minimize)...

manifest (verb, adjective) Definition: (v.) 1. to display or exhibit something, or show evidence for; 2. to appear; 3. to make something clear, known, or revealed; 4. to record items on a shipment list; (adj.)...

Predilection (noun) Definition: a preference for something Example Sentences: – We went to the Chinese restaurant across town because he had a predilection for their egg rolls. – Her predilection for buying designer shoes is...

Repress (verb) Definition: 1. to hold back as an act of constraint; 2. to force out of one’s consciousness; 3. to put down by force before control has been lost, as with a rebellion Example...

Fledgling (noun, adjective) Definition:  (n.) 1. a young or inexperienced person; 2. a young bird with new feathers, just learning how to fly; (adj.) new and lacking experience in some activity–just starting out Example Sentences:...

Feint (noun, verb) Definition: (n.) 1. a deceptive move in sports or the military that uses any distracting maneuver to draw the opponent away from the real target; 2. a false appearance or action which...

Subdue (verb) Definition: 1. to bring something under control, often by force; 2. to make something less intense Example Sentences: – I was able to subdue my hunger by having a little snack. – The...

Lurid (adjective) Definition: 1. horrifyingly gruesome or savage; 2. shocking and sensational; 3. shining or glowing with an unnatural, usually red, brightness; 4. extremely pale. Example Sentences: – I wasn’t interested in hearing about all...

Ferment (verb, noun) Definition: (v.) 1. to stir up, disrupt, or agitate; 2. to evolve or change; (n.) 1. the process of fermentation or change; 2. a state of change or confusion brought about by...

Efficacy (noun) Definition: effectiveness and ability to yield a planned and desired result Example Sentences: – The FDA is concerned with both safety and efficacy when it comes to approving new pharmaceuticals. – The new...

Distraught (adjective) Definition: 1. very distressed; 2. insane or not of sound mental health Example Sentences: – When his mother learned that he had failed the course for the second time, she was distraught. –...

In this special Guest Episode I speak with Lindsay McMahon from the hugely popular podcast All Ears English. This podcast is all about connection, not perfection. I strongly recommend our listeners to check out All...

Demeanor (noun) Definition: a person’s outward behavior, manner, or appearance, especially as it reflects on mood or character. Example Sentences: – His happy and optimistic demeanor put the employees at ease. – We guessed that...

Felicitous (adjective) Definition: 1. highly suitable and really expressing the intended thought or feeling; 2. having happiness or good luck; 3. pleasing and agreeable Example Sentences: – The felicitous speech was just what the earthquake...

Fallacious (adjective) Definition: 1. based on an illogical, unsound premise; 2. false, yet deceptive and tending to mislead Example Sentences: – Your hasty generalization is fallacious because you didn’t take time to do adequate research....