verb

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Bad / Mistake

Url

backfire - To have the opposite effect of what was intended, usually producing a negative result.

At the company meeting, his attempt to lie backfired, and when the truth came out, he was very embarrassed.

verb

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Good / Smart

Url

comprehend - To understand something completely

In 1911 Ernest Rutherford was able to comprehend that each molecule looked like a miniature solar system.

verb

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Good / Flexible

straddle - To sit or stand with one leg on either side of something.

Saddles were first invented so that riders could straddle a horse.

verb

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Bad / Unfriendly

goad - To provoke or annoy someone so as to stimulate some action or reaction

Max was the biggest 8th grader in the school yard, and he would often be aggressive with the other kids, trying to goad them into a fight that he knew he would win.

noun

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Other / Inward

Url

inhibitions - A feeling of self-consciousness or restraint that prevents someone from acting freely; a psychological or social barrier that limits a person’s behavior or expressions.

His inhibitions kept him from speaking up during the meeting, even though he had great ideas.

verb

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Good / Flexible

Url

streamline - To design or shape something to reduce resistance to motion for speed or smooth flow; or to improve the efficiency of a process by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps.

We need to streamline the hiring process so it doesn’t take so long to bring in new employees.

noun

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Bad / Uncomfortable

stupor - A state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility

Kramer was in such a drunken stupor that he ended up sleeping on a park bench.

adjective

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Other / Fast

mercurial - Changing emotions suddenly and often

Fred loved almost everything about his wife except her mercurial behavior, where her moods changed suddenly between sadness and happiness, or love and anger

verb

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Good / Happy

josh - To tease or joke around with someone in a playful way

Matt had a crush on Audrey but couldn't tell her that, so he would josh her about her odd clothing choices and hoped that would work instead.

verb

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Other / Sound

tinkle - To make a light, clear ringing sound

The water would tinkle into the mall's fountain, soothing passing customers.

adjective

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Good / Beautiful

Url

awesome - amazing, breathtaking, or overwhelming

The Grand Canyon is an awesome natural wonder that leaves visitors speechless.

noun

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Other / Body

glutton - An excessively greedy eater

Danny was a glutton who spent all of his free time eating.