Vocabulary Building TaskSet

These Tasks with Feedback (TwFs) support vocabulary building.

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   Define acumen.

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   Definition: the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain.

   

   Examples

   1. Her business acumen led the company to new heights.
   2. He demonstrated remarkable acumen in negotiating the deal.
   3. With her political acumen, she quickly rose through the ranks.
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   Define dogmatic.

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   Definition: inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true, without consideration of evidence or the opinions of others

   

   Examples

   1. The professor presented his theories in a dogmatic manner, leaving no room for alternative interpretations.
   2. She was criticized for her dogmatic approach to management, which often stifled creativity in her team.
   3. Despite evidence to the contrary, he remained dogmatic in his beliefs about the benefits of the diet.
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   Define nadir.

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   Definition: the lowest or most unsuccessful point in a situation

   

   Examples

   1. After losing her job and going through a difficult breakup, she felt like she had reached the nadir of her life.
   2. The company hit its nadir when sales dropped to an all-time low last quarter.
   3. The patient’s health reached its nadir before the new treatment started to show results.
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   Define sine qua non.

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   Definition: An essential condition, element, or factor; something that is absolutely necessary or indispensable.

   

   Examples

   1. Honesty is the sine qua non of a good relationship.
   2. In today’s digital age, internet access has become a sine qua non for education.
   3. Trust is the sine qua non of a successful business partnership.
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   Define gauche.

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   Definition: lacking ease or grace; unsophisticated and socially awkward

   

   Examples

   1. His comments at the dinner party were considered gauche and made everyone uncomfortable.
   2. She felt gauche at her first fancy gala, unsure of the etiquette.
   3. His gauche mannerisms often made it difficult for him to fit in at work.
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   Define oeuvre.

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   Definition: the complete works or comprehensive creative output of an artist, writer, or composer.

   

   Examples

   1. The museum will be exhibiting the entire oeuvre of the famous painter.
   2. Critics often discuss the director’s oeuvre when analyzing his latest film.
   3. Her literary oeuvre spans several decades and includes numerous bestsellers.
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   Define sanctimonious.

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   Definition: Making a show of being morally superior to other people.

   

   Examples

   1. His sanctimonious attitude made him few friends.
   2. She was tired of his sanctimonious sermons about how to live.
   3. The politician’s sanctimonious speech was full of hypocrisy.
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   Define anodyne.

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   Definition: Serving to alleviate pain or soothe discomfort; often used to describe something inoffensive or bland.

   

   Examples

   1. The therapist’s anodyne words helped calm the patient.
   2. The anodyne music played softly in the background, creating a soothing ambiance.
   3. His anodyne comments during the meeting avoided any potential controversy.
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   Define exigent.

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   Definition: requiring immediate attention or action

   

   Examples

   1. The exigent circumstances of the emergency required prompt action by the staff.
   2. The manager faced exigent demands from the clients and had to prioritize their needs.
   3. Due to an exigent situation, the company had to expedite its decision-making process.
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    Define perfidy.

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    Definition: deceitfulness; untrustworthiness.

    

    Examples

    1. The spy was known for his perfidy, betraying his own country.
    2. Her act of perfidy shattered their friendship beyond repair.
    3. The perfidy in his actions led to a loss of trust within the team.
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    Define trenchant.

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    Definition: sharp, keen, or incisive in expression or style

    

    Examples

    1. Her trenchant remarks cut through the lengthy debate, bringing the discussion to a quick conclusion.
    2. The trenchant analysis of the book gave readers a new perspective on the theme.
    3. He has a trenchant wit that can captivate an audience instantly.
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    Define solicitous.

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    Definition: characterized by showing concern or care; attentive.

    

    Examples

    1. She was always solicitous about the welfare of her students.
    2. He had a solicitous expression as he helped his grandmother up the stairs.
    3. The solicitous waiter made sure we had everything we needed during our meal.
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    Define fatuous.

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    Definition: silly and pointless.

    

    Examples

    1. The comedian made a fatuous comment that didn’t amuse the audience.
    2. His fatuous behavior at the meeting cost him the respect of his colleagues.
    3. She ignored his fatuous remarks and continued with her presentation.
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    Define prolix.

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    Definition: using or containing too many words; tediously lengthy.

    

    Examples

    1. The prolix speech left the audience feeling drowsy and uninterested.
    2. Her prolix writing style made the article difficult to follow.
    3. Despite its prolix nature, the book offered insightful analysis.
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    Define arrant.

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    Definition: complete and utter, often used to emphasize something negative or bad

    

    Examples

    1. The claim was dismissed as arrant nonsense.
    2. He is an arrant fool for trusting her again.
    3. The project was deemed an arrant failure by the critics.
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    Define churlish.

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    Definition: rude in a mean-spirited and surly way

    

    Examples

    1. The churlish behavior during the meeting annoyed everyone.
    2. Despite his wealth, his churlish attitude made him unpopular.
    3. She couldn’t understand why he was being so churlish despite their previous pleasant interactions.
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    Define benighted.

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    Definition: Lacking understanding or knowledge.

    

    Examples

    1. The travelers found themselves benighted and lost in the unfamiliar landscape.
    2. Her benighted views on modern science were the result of never attending school.
    3. During their journey, they stumbled across a benighted village that was untouched by time.
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    Define desultatory.

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    Definition: lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm

    

    Examples

    1. His desultory efforts in preparing for the exam did not yield good results.
    2. The conversation at the party was desultory, with topics ranging randomly from politics to pets.
    3. She made a few desultory remarks about the weather before changing the subject entirely.
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    Define ennui.

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    Definition: a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement

    

    Examples

    1. After weeks of doing nothing during the summer holidays, Jacob felt a deep sense of ennui.
    2. The relentless monotony of his daily routine brought about a pervasive ennui he found hard to shake off.
    3. As the meeting dragged on for hours, ennui settled over the room like a heavy fog.
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    Define analysis.

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    Definition: A detailed examination of the elements or structure of something.

    

    Examples

    1. The analysis of the data revealed significant trends.
    2. Her analysis of the poem offered new insights.
    3. We need a thorough analysis of the situation to make an informed decision.
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    Define synthesis.

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    Definition: The combination of components or elements to form a connected whole.

    

    Examples

    1. The scientist’s synthesis of new data led to a breakthrough in the research.
    2. Musicians thrive on the synthesis of different genres to create unique sounds.
    3. Her essay showcased a synthesis of various philosophical perspectives.
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    Define disinformation.

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    Definition: False information deliberately spread to deceive people.

    

    Examples

    1. The government warned about the surge of disinformation online.
    2. Journalists strive to fight disinformation by verifying facts before publication.
    3. Social media platforms have taken steps to curb the spread of disinformation.
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    Define urbane.

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    Definition: notably polite or polished in manner

    

    Examples

    1. The diplomat’s urbane demeanor made negotiations smooth and successful.
    2. He held the door with an urbane gesture, impressing those around him.
    3. Her urbane wit captivated the audience at the gala.
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    Define maleficent.

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    Definition: causing harm or destruction, especially by supernatural means

    

    Examples

    1. The witch cast a maleficent spell over the village.
    2. His intentions were maleficent, aiming to ruin her reputation.
    3. The forest was said to be home to maleficent spirits.