delve -
To research or make painstaking inquiries into something
In his research for his book about George Washington, the author delved into the details of his life and presidency.
noun
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Mistake
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liability -
Something that is likely to cause a problem.
Joe was going to choose Fred as his running mate, but then he realized that Fred's drinking problem would just make him a liability, so he chose someone else.
noun
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Good /
Good
audio
paradise -
An ideal or idyllic place or state
Peter wanted to leave his job and vacation at an island paradise.
verb
See noun
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Bad /
War
Url
audio
ransom -
To release someone or something in exchange for a payment or other form of compensation.
The ancient artifacts were ransomed back to the museum after being stolen and held by black-market dealers.
adjective
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Bad /
Aggressive
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audio
oppressive -
Unjustly harsh or tyrannical, especially in the use of power or control.
The regime was known for its oppressive laws that silenced dissent, so crowds that gathered risked the army breaking it up.
verb
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Bad /
Dishonest
audio
snatch -
To quickly seize something in a rude or eager way
Lenny wanted to play with his brother's toy, so he tried to snatch it away from him.
adjective
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Bad /
Small
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piddling -
Pathetically trivial; trifling
In a piddling attempt at perfection, Alec would cut the blades of grass individually.
noun
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Bad /
Dangerous
audio
brinkmanship -
The art or practice of pursuing a dangerous policy to the limits of safety before stopping, typically in politics
At the height of the Cold War, both sides engaged in a risky brinkmanship that nearly cost millions of lives.
adjective
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Bad /
Aggressive
audio
rowdy -
Noisy and disorderly
In the audience, a rowdy woman stood up and screamed her support for her team.
adjective
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Bad /
Confused
Url
audio
thunderstruck -
Extremely surprised or shocked, often speechless due to astonishment.
He stood thunderstruck when he found out that he had won the lottery, and could retire if he invested his money wisely.
noun
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Bad /
Unhappy
Url
audio
distress -
A state of extreme sorrow, pain, or suffering.
His face showed signs of distress during the tough exam.
noun
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Bad /
Disgusting
Url
audio
profanity -
A form of speech that violates social or moral standards, particularly in relation to sacred or revered subjects.
The teacher had to address the use of profanity in the classroom after several students started swearing loudly.
