Lesson 28

boring and repetitive, often causing frustration or weariness due to a lack of variety or interest

The tedious task of filing paperwork made the afternoon drag on.

dullness owing to length or slowness

showing determination or a strong will in pursuing a goal or decision

After weeks of contemplation, Maria was resolute in her decision to move to a new city.

a firm decision to do something or to behave in a certain way, often made after careful consideration

She made a resolution to finish writing her novel by the end of the year.

to find a way to solve a disagreement or issue

The couple attended counseling to resolve their marital conflicts.

a style of handwriting in which the letters are joined together in a flowing manner, often written with continuous strokes and without lifting the pen or pencil from the paper

performed quickly and superficially, with little attention to detail

He gave the report a cursory glance before the meeting.

a technique used in speech and writing to exaggerate the extent of something

His statement that he'd slept for a century was a hyperbole to express his exhaustion.

prone to overly harsh judgments and unreasonably critical of small faults

Many artists feel that art critics can sometimes be hypercritical, focusing more on flaws than the overall vision.

the feeling of discomfort in the stomach, often with the urge to vomit

After the surgery, it was normal for patients to report mild nausea.

to make someone feel very disgusted, often in a moral sense

Their rude behavior at the party was enough to nauseate most of the guests.

a person of lower rank who serves or works under someone of higher authority

As an underling in the firm, she had to complete all the tasks that were handed down to her.

to place two or more things side by side, especially for the purpose of comparison

The artist juxtaposed bright colors with dark shadows to create tension.

the act of placing two things side by side to produce a contrasting effect

The photographer's juxtaposition of light and shadow created a dramatic effect in the portrait.

a condition when the tubes that carry air to one's lungs get infectious

Smoking can increase the risk of developing chronic bronchitis and other respiratory problems.

a major airway in the respiratory system that branches off from the trachea and leads to the lungsea

A tumor was discovered in her right bronchus during a routine check-up.

the organ of sight

a person whose job is to test people's eyes and sight or to make and supply glasses or contacts

The optician recommended new glasses for better vision.