Lesson 21

an internal guide for behavior based on principles of right and wrong according to an established code of ethics

Her conscience told her that what she had done was wrong.

devoted fully to completing tasks and obligations to the highest standard

She is a conscientious worker who always ensures that every detail is perfect.

to make someone feel nervous or uncomfortable, often by surprising or overwhelming them

The unexpected question from her professor flustered the student and she struggled to articulate her answer.

to make someone feel nervous or uncomfortable, often by surprising or overwhelming them

The unexpected question from her professor flustered the student and she struggled to articulate her answer.

demonstrating a broad-minded and selfless approach, often showing a willingness to help or support others without expecting anything in return

The teacher was magnanimous with students who struggled in class.

a wealthy, influential, and successful businessperson

John D. Rockefeller started out as a young businessman and quickly became a titan of industry, ultimately earning the title "magnate.

an object that produces an invisible field capable of attracting certain metals without physical contact

At school we played with magnets and saw how they push and pull metal pieces on a sheet.

to make an object capable of attracting certain metals

Rubbing a magnet back and forth on an iron bolt is one way to manually magnetize the metal.

the quality of causing a sense of awe and admiration through spectacular attention to detail

St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is renowned for its architectural magnificence and ornate interior detailing.

having a lofty or pompous style of speaking or writing

Critics dismissed the movie trailers for being overly magniloquent without conveying an actual plot.

the measurable size of phenomena such as distance, mass, speed, luminosity, etc. based on quantitative scale

The magnitude of the earthquake was measured at 6.7 on the Richter scale, making it a potentially dangerous seismic event.

to render someone senseless, dizzy, or confused through force, blow, or trauma

The boxer landed a powerful punch that stupefied his opponent.

to render someone senseless, dizzy, or confused through force, blow, or trauma

The boxer landed a powerful punch that stupefied his opponent.

to severely condemn through a harsh verbal criticism or attack

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

the action or process of severely criticizing someone or something harshly through verbal attack

Employees feared the yearly performance reviews would involve public excoriation of their faults.

not showing proper respect for things that are usually treated seriously

The comedian's irreverent jokes about religion offended some audience members.

unable to be undone, changed, or corrected once something has occurred

Smoking can cause irreversible damage to the lungs over many years.

unable to be changed, undone, or reversed

Signing a last will and testament makes the stated wishes irrevocable in the event the person passes away.

stretched out and lying at full length along the ground

the physical posture of lying flat with the face to the ground, as in submission to a religious or political authority

In some forms of worship, the devotees engage in periodic prostration as an act of humility and reverence.