Make Up Your Mind!

to confidently state or declare something as true

The company's spokesperson averred that the product was safe for consumer use.

a small, natural watercourse or stream; typically characterized by a gentle and continuous flow

They enjoyed a peaceful walk along the brook.

someone's face or facial expression

His countenance showed deep sadness after the loss of his beloved pet.

to give an explanation in detail and with precision

The teacher will delineate the rules of the experiment for the students.

to help a person rid themselves of their misconceptions

The professor disabused the students of the myth about ancient civilizations.

originating from, relating to, or associated with God or a god

The ancient Greeks believed in divine beings residing on Mount Olympus.

to purposely speak in a way that is confusing and open to different interpretations, aiming to deceive others

The politician equivocated when asked about his stance on the new policy.

to severely condemn through a harsh verbal criticism or attack

In his blistering monologue, the pundit excoriated the politicians for their hypocrisy and lies.

to strongly and enthusiastically encourage someone who is doing something

The teacher exhorted the students to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.

to give a speech that is lengthy, loud, and angry intending to either persuade or criticize

The politician harangued the crowd about the need for reform during the rally.

to question someone's honesty, quality, motive, etc.

The article impugns the motives behind the mayor's new policy, suggesting it serves his own interests more than the public's.

a section of a tree trunk that has been cut or fallen, usually stripped of branches

He carried a heavy log to the fireplace.

to talk continuously and aimlessly

The politician maundered through his speech, failing to address any of the pressing issues facing the community.

trivial or meaningless talk

The meeting was filled with palaver and no real decisions were made.

a trivial objection or criticism raised over an inconsequential detail

Our only quibble with the report was the choice of font, not its content.

to blame someone for a mistake they made

Disappointed by his actions, she couldn't help but reproach her brother for neglecting his responsibilities.

a piece of clothing for girls or women that fastens around the waist and hangs down around the legs

I love twirling in my favorite skirt.

having the quality of being appropriate or closely connected to the subject or situation at hand

Her apposite comment perfectly captured the mood of the meeting.

meaning to end a dispute or to stop or lessen someone's anger

The manager made a conciliatory gesture to ease the tension between the teams.

inclined to argue or provoke disagreement

The contentious individual frequently initiated arguments and disagreements within the group.

lacking sincerity and honesty, particularly by not revealing as much as one knows

Her disingenuous response made it clear she wasn’t telling the whole truth.

able to utilize language to convey something well, especially in a persuasive manner

The eloquent activist rallies support for social causes through impassioned and persuasive speeches.

lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of

persuasive in a way that is deceitful

The politician was glib, promising reforms she had no intention of delivering.

(of an idea, intention, or act) deserving of admiration and praise, regardless of success

His teachers always said he had a laudable passion for learning.

of or relating to a church parish

The parochial council meets every month to discuss community events.

creating a combination of different beliefs, ideas, traditions, etc.

The festival is a syncretic celebration that blends local customs with religious traditions.

stating a cause or opinion that one strongly believes in, particularly one that causes a lot of controversy

The journalist’s tendentious article sparked heated debates online.

used to introduce additional information or to emphasize a point

The new policy aims to reduce carbon emissions, and moreover, it aligns with the company's commitment to environmental sustainability.

a harsh and severe criticism or verbal attack that is aimed toward a person or thing

The article was a diatribe against the new government policy.

an awkward misunderstanding

The dinner party ended in an imbroglio when two guests argued over a mistaken identity.

the act of dealing with a situation in a subtle and skillful way

She handled the negotiation with great finesse, ensuring both sides were satisfied.

a very small and barely noticeable difference in tone, appearance, manner, meaning, etc.

The actor captured every nuance of the character’s emotions.