Lesson 27

clear in meaning or expression

The instructions were so comprehensible that even someone with no technical background could follow them.

the capacity to understand something

His comprehension of the complex theory impressed the professor.

covering or including all aspects of something

The comprehensive report provided a detailed overview of the project, addressing every aspect from start to finish.

a careful examination or assessment, often used in literary, philosophical, or strategic contexts

His essay was an assay of modern political anxieties.

to agree to something, such as a suggestion, request, etc.

During the meeting, members of the committee were asked to assent to the proposed changes in the project plan.

to seriously and strongly state something

She asseverated her innocence in the matter, firmly declaring that she had not committed the crime.

working very hard and with careful attention to detail so that everything is done as well as possible

Her assiduous efforts ensured the project was completed on time.

to remove something, often by rubbing or gentle wiping

The artist decided to efface the pencil sketch and start the drawing anew.

lacking strength or effectiveness

The empire had grown effete, unable to defend its borders.

(in games and sports) a disadvantage that a team or player is given for violating a rule

a punishment imposed by a priest or oneself in order to express regret for the sins committed

The priest gave him a penance of praying the rosary daily for a month.

a person, organization, or country that has signed a formal agreement

The signatories of the treaty agreed to uphold the terms outlined in the document.

the specific meaning of a word

She was intrigued by the dual signification of the word in its historical and modern usage.

having little to no energy and being inactive

After the long hike, she felt torpid and could barely move from the couch.

a state in which an animal's metabolic rate and activity are significantly reduced

The bear's torpor during hibernation is a natural way to conserve energy throughout the winter months.

to expand, swell, or stretch beyond the normal or usual size

After a large meal, his stomach began to distend, causing discomfort.

the act of swelling from inside

The doctor noticed significant distention in the patient’s abdomen, indicating a potential blockage.

capable of being expanded or stretched

The blood vessels in the body are distensible to accommodate changes in blood flow.

to reduce the volume or size of something by applying pressure, squeezing, or condensing it

The athlete wore compression socks to help compress the muscles and improve circulation.

able to be made more compact

The compressible material helped reduce the size of the packaging without damaging the contents.