noun

1 of 60

Bad / Stupid

buffoon - A ridiculous but amusing person; a clown

With his mismatched clothing and general absentmindedness, Roy was viewed as a harmless buffoon that no one took seriously.

noun

2 of 60

Good / Strong

Url

bootcamp - A type of physical training that consists of many different types of exercise; or a short course of intensive study designed to provide someone with new skills

Alice signed up for the 3 month computer bootcamp, that promised her a great job after she graduated.

verb

3 of 60

Other / Up+Down

Url

bounce - To spring back after hitting a surface.

The basketball bounced three times before going into the hoop.

adjective

4 of 60

Bad / Aggressive

Url

bossy - When a person tends to order people around and tell them what to do, being overly authoritative and domineering.

Maxine's parents thought she'd make a good manager because of her bossy spirit, always telling her siblings what to do.

noun

5 of 60

Other / Shape

Url

buffer - A person or thing that reduces shock or impact.

When Fred skidded off the road on his motorcycle, his helmet was a thankful buffer that prevented a head injury.

verb

See noun

6 of 60

Other / Shape

Url

bulge - Swell or expand to an unnatural extent

Alan loved drinking beer, but one of the unfortunate consequences of his drinking so much beer was that his belly bulged more than he liked.

noun

7 of 60

Bad / Hurt

brawl - To scuffle or fight in a rough, noisy manner.

After several hours of drinking, a brawl resulted when one of the men took offence to a rude comment about his hat.

verb

8 of 60

Bad / Aggressive

brandish - To wave or flourish (something, especially a weapon) as a threat or in anger or excitement

Once he saw the burglar, Terry brandished his gun in order to scare him off.

adjective

9 of 60

Good / Happy

Url

bubbly - When a person is very lively, cheerful and talks a lot.

Frank was always calm and thoughtful, and the matchmaker thought he should try going out with a girl with a bubbly personality.

verb

See noun

10 of 60

Bad / Hurt

Url

bruise - To hurt someone emotionally or physically, leaving a lasting feeling of pain or vulnerability.

The teacher's harsh words bruised his self-esteem.

adjective

11 of 60

Other / Shape

Url

borderline - Unclear and uncertain whether something is in one category or another.

Because she was only a borderline diabetic, she didn't need insulin shots, and could maintain her blood-sugar level through diet and by staying away from sweets.

noun

12 of 60

Other / Slowly

Url

brevity - The quality of being brief or concise in speech or writing.

I appreciated the brevity of the report—it got straight to the point.