Tone words

idiosyncratic

Definition: Unusual, quirky, or highly individual in behavior or traits

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👉 "His idiosyncratic handwriting made the note hard to read."

scattershot

Definition: Random, unfocused, or lacking clear direction

👉 "The essay had a scattershot organization—ideas were all over the place."

waggish

Definition: Playfully humorous or mischievous

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👉 "His waggish remarks kept the conversation light and fun."

enthralled

Definition: Completely fascinated or captivated

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👉 "The audience was enthralled by the magician’s performance."

incredulous

Definition: Unwilling or unable to believe something; skeptical

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👉 "She gave him an incredulous look after hearing the wild story."

meekly

Definition: In a quiet, gentle, or submissive way

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👉 "He meekly accepted the criticism without arguing back."

serenely

Definition: Calmly and peacefully, without stress or disturbance

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👉 "She looked out at the ocean, serenely enjoying the sunset."

revulsion

Definition: A strong feeling of disgust or horror

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👉 "He felt revulsion at the sight of the rotten food."

elation

Definition: A feeling of great joy or happiness

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👉 "She was filled with elation after winning the championship."

nifty

Definition: Clever, useful, or appealing in a fun or impressive way

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👉 "That’s a nifty little trick for solving math problems faster."

scandalized

Definition: Shocked or offended by something considered morally wrong or improper

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👉 "She was scandalized by the vulgar joke he told at dinner."

alluring

Definition: Powerfully attractive or tempting; charming in a seductive or fascinating way

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👉 "The mysterious smile she gave him was quietly alluring."

hysterical

Definition: Extremely emotional, often to the point of being irrational—can be from laughter, fear, or panic

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👉 "She became hysterical when she couldn’t find her little brother at the store."

wit

Definition: Mental sharpness, clever humor, or quick-thinking intelligence

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👉 "Her wit made every conversation feel electric and unpredictable."

dismay

Definition: A feeling of shock, disappointment, or sadness caused by something unexpected

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👉 "She looked at the broken project with dismay, realizing she had to start over."

Solemnly

Definition: In a serious, respectful, or formal manner

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👉 “He solemnly swore to tell the truth before the court.”

Exhortations

Definition: Strong urgings or encouragements to take action

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👉 “The coach’s exhortations fired up the team before the final match.”

Harrowing

Definition: Extremely distressing, painful, or traumatic

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👉 "She told a harrowing story of survival during the storm."
👉 "The documentary gave a harrowing look into life during the war."

distraught

Definition: Deeply upset, agitated, or distressed, especially from worry or grief

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👉 "She was distraught after hearing the news of her friend’s accident."
👉 "He wandered the streets, looking distraught and confused."

bedraggled

Definition: Dirty, messy, and untidy—usually from being wet or exhausted

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👉 "The dog came in from the rain, soaked and bedraggled."
👉 "She looked bedraggled after the long, stormy hike."

spiteful

Definition: Showing or caused by a desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone

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👉 "She made a spiteful comment just to ruin his mood."
👉 "His spiteful glare said more than words ever could."

carousing

Definition: Engaging in noisy, lively drinking and partying, often in a carefree or rowdy manner

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👉 The college students spent the night carousing in the streets after finals.
👉 His carousing lifestyle eventually caught up with him.

bridled

Definition: Showing resentment or anger, often in a restrained or controlled way; also refers to pulling back or reining in (like a horse with a bridle)

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👉 She bridled at the insult, lifting her chin and narrowing her eyes.
👉 He bridled his temper, choosing to stay calm instead of lashing out.

wayward

Definition: Difficult to control or predict due to willful or disobedient behavior; straying from what is proper or expected

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👉 His wayward son refused to follow in the family business.
👉 The wayward wind scattered the papers across the field.

weary

Definition: Feeling or showing tiredness, especially as a result of excessive exertion or strain; can also mean mentally or emotionally exhausted

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👉 After hours of hiking, they were weary and ready to rest.
👉 He grew weary of the constant arguments and wanted peace.

ominous

Definition: Giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen; threatening

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👉 The ominous rumble of thunder made everyone look up in fear.
👉 His ominous silence filled the room with tension.

quarrelsome

Definition: Inclined to argue or pick fights; often combative or confrontational in behavior or speech

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👉 The quarrelsome neighbor always found something to complain about.
👉 His quarrelsome tone made it hard to have a peaceful conversation.

bleak

Definition: Cold, empty, or hopeless in atmosphere or outlook; lacking warmth, comfort, or cheer

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👉 The landscape was bleak, covered in snow and devoid of life.
👉 After hearing the news, his future seemed bleak and uncertain.

indignant

Definition: Feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment

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👉 She gave an indignant reply when accused of cheating.
👉 He felt indignant about being blamed for something he didn’t do.

portray

Definition: To depict or represent someone or something through words, images, or performance

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👉 The actor portrayed the historical figure with great accuracy.
👉 The novel portrays the struggles of immigrants in a new land.

placidly

Definition (Adverb): In a calm, peaceful, and untroubled manner

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👉 The lake reflected the sky placidly, untouched by wind or waves.
👉 She placidly accepted the news, showing no sign of alarm or distress.

tranquility

Definition (Noun): The state of being calm, peaceful, and free from disturbance

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👉 The tranquility of the mountain village made it the perfect getaway.
👉 He sought tranquility in meditation after a long day.

stubbornly

Definition (Adverb): In a way that shows determination not to change one’s attitude or position, even in the face of reason or persuasion

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👉 He stubbornly refused to apologize, despite being clearly in the wrong.
👉 The weeds stubbornly grew back no matter how often they were pulled.

jilted

Definition (Verb ): To suddenly reject or abandon a lover or romantic partner, often without warning or explanation

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👉 She felt jilted after he broke off the engagement with no explanation.
👉 In the story, the jilted woman seeks closure but finds only more pain.

gaudy

Definition (Adjective): Excessively showy or flashy, often in a tasteless or overly elaborate way
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👉 The mansion was decorated with gaudy gold trim and neon lights.
👉 Her gaudy outfit clashed with the elegant tone of the event.

stark

Definition (Adjective):

1. Severe or bare in appearance; sharply clear or obvious

2. Complete or absolute (often used for contrast or intensity)
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👉 The stark landscape was nothing but ice and rock.
👉 There was a stark contrast between the rich and the poor in the city.

overcast

Definition (Adjective):

1. (Of the sky or weather) Cloudy and dull; covered with clouds

2. (Figuratively) Gloomy or somber in mood
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👉 The sky was overcast, casting a gray shadow over the entire city.
👉 His mood was as overcast as the weather that morning.

tittering

Definition (Verb):

• To laugh in a restrained, nervous, or half-suppressed way

• Often used to describe a group of people laughing in an awkward or giggly manner
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👉 The audience was tittering nervously during the awkward silence.
👉 She couldn’t help but titter at his funny remark, though she tried to remain serious.

chortle

Definition (Verb):

• To laugh in a breathy, gleeful way, often with a mix of amusement and pleasure

• A joyful, sometimes muffled laugh
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👉 He couldn’t help but chortle at the comedian’s clever punchline.
👉 Her chortle echoed through the room, lightening the mood immediately.

decorous

Definition (Adjective):

• Conforming to accepted standards of proper behavior or manners

• Polite, respectful, and in good taste
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👉 Her decorous behavior at the formal event impressed everyone in attendance.
👉 The decorous way he handled the situation showed his professionalism and tact.

inept

Definition (Adjective):

• Lacking skill, ability, or competence in a particular area

• Awkward, clumsy, or unskilled, especially in handling situations
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👉 His inept handling of the situation only made matters worse.
👉 The new employee was inept at organizing the files and needed additional training.

ardor

Definition (Noun):

• Intense passion, enthusiasm, or devotion toward something or someone

• A strong feeling of love or eagerness
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👉 His ardor for the project was evident in the countless hours he dedicated to it.
👉 She spoke with such ardor about her favorite book that it piqued everyone's interest.

depravity

Definition (Noun):

• Moral corruption, wickedness, or perversion; a state of being depraved

• Extreme immorality or evil conduct
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👉 The novel depicted the depravity of the dictator’s regime.
👉 His actions revealed a depravity that shocked even those who knew him well.

prurience

Definition (Noun):

• Excessive or inappropriate interest in sexual matters

• The quality of being lewd, lascivious, or overly concerned with sexual desire
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👉 The novel was criticized for its prurience, appealing more to base curiosity than meaningful storytelling.
👉 His prurience made conversations uncomfortable, as he frequently brought up sexual topics inappropriately.

prudish

Definition (Adjective):

• Excessively proper, modest, or easily shocked by matters relating to sex or nudity

• Overly concerned with decorum or morality, especially in a sexual context
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👉 She was so prudish that even casual jokes about romance made her uncomfortable.
👉 His prudish attitude clashed with the more relaxed culture of his friends.

tenacity

Definition (Noun):

• The quality or fact of being very determined, persistent, or stubborn in achieving something

• Firmness of purpose or grip, often implying resilience despite difficulties
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👉 Her tenacity in studying paid off when she earned a perfect score on the exam.
👉 The team showed incredible tenacity, coming back from a large deficit to win the match

dreary

Definition (Adjective):

• Dull, bleak, or depressing; lacking liveliness or interest

• Causing sadness, boredom, or a gloomy mood
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👉 The rainy afternoon created a dreary atmosphere in the city.
👉 His monotonous speech made the lecture feel long and dreary

tract

definition (Noun):

• A short pamphlet or leaflet, often used for religious, political, or informative purposes

• An area of land, especially a large one

• A system of connected organs, vessels, or tissues in the body (medical context)
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👉 The organization distributed a tract explaining their environmental campaign.
👉 The farm occupied a vast tract of fertile land.
👉 The respiratory tract includes the nose, throat, and lungs.

lurid

Definition (Adjective):

• Tone Word: Gruesome, shocking, or sensational; vividly presented in a way that provokes horror or disgust

• SAT Tier Word: Glowing with a bright, unnatural, or startling color; glaringly vivid
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👉 The newspaper’s lurid account of the crime shocked the community.
👉 The sunset cast lurid hues across the sky, painting everything in fiery reds and oranges

dingy

Definition (Adjective):

• Gloomy, dull, or shabby in appearance; lacking brightness or freshness

• Often implies neglect, dirtiness, or a depressing atmosphere
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👉 The room was dingy, with faded wallpaper and dusty corners.
👉 He walked down a dingy alley that smelled of damp and decay

elegy

Definition (Noun):

• A poem or piece of writing that laments the dead or reflects on loss in a solemn, mournful way.

• More broadly, any reflective work with a sorrowful or melancholic tone.
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👉 The poet composed an elegy in honor of his late friend.
👉 At the funeral, an elegy was read to capture the grief and dignity of the moment.

invigorating

Definition (Adjective):

• Making someone feel strong, healthy, or full of energy; refreshing and stimulating
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👉 The morning run along the beach was invigorating and set a positive tone for the day.
👉 The invigorating debate left the students energized and eager to discuss further.

ambivalent

Definition (Adjective):

• Having mixed or contradictory feelings about someone or something; unable to choose between two opposing courses of action
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👉 She felt ambivalent about moving to a new city—excited for the opportunity but sad to leave her friends.
👉 His ambivalent attitude toward the project made it difficult to gauge his commitment

requited

Definition (Adjective/Verb):

• To return a feeling, often love or affection, especially in a mutual or reciprocated way

• Can also mean to repay or make return for an action
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👉 Her love for him was finally requited, and they began a happy relationship.
👉 He requited her kindness by helping her move into her new apartment

dismal

Definition (Adjective):

• Causing a mood of gloom, sadness, or depression; dreary or bleak

• Poor in quality or performance; pitifully inadequate
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👉 The team’s dismal performance disappointed all the fans.
👉 A dismal gray sky hung over the town, matching everyone’s mood

ungainly

Definition (Adjective):

• Lacking grace or ease of movement; awkward or clumsy

• Can also describe something awkward in appearance or form
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👉 The ungainly teenager tripped over his own feet while running.
👉 The sculpture had an ungainly shape, making it look awkward in the gallery

pallid

Definition (Adjective):

• Pale, typically because of poor health or fear; lacking color or liveliness

• Can also describe something dull, lacking in vitality or interest
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👉 His face looked pallid after staying up all night studying.
👉 The movie received pallid reviews, failing to excite critics or audiences.

inquisitiveness

Definition (Noun):

• A strong desire to learn, know, or investigate; curiosity

• Often implies active questioning and eagerness to understand
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👉 Her inquisitiveness led her to read every book she could find on ancient civilizations.
👉 The child’s inquisitiveness sometimes got him into trouble, as he asked endless questions.

impotence

Definition (Noun):

• The state of being powerless, helpless, or unable to act effectively

• Can refer to physical, social, or emotional inability
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👉 He felt a deep sense of impotence when he couldn’t prevent the accident.
👉 The organization’s impotence in addressing the crisis frustrated everyone involved

feud

Definition (Noun/Verb):

• Noun: A prolonged and bitter quarrel or conflict, often between two parties, families, or groups

• Verb: To engage in such a quarrel or conflict
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👉 The longstanding feud between the two families had lasted for generations.
👉 The neighbors feuded over property boundaries for years.

incommode

Definition (Verb, past tense of “incommode”):

• To cause inconvenience, discomfort, or trouble to someone; to disturb or bother
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👉 She was incommoded by the constant noise from the construction outside.
👉 His late arrival incommoded the group, delaying the start of the meeting.

blight

Definition (Noun/Verb):

• Noun: Something that spoils, damages, or causes deterioration; a disease or condition causing decay

• Verb: To cause destruction, ruin, or decay
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👉 The abandoned buildings were a blight on the neighborhood.
👉 The sudden frost blighted the farmer’s crops, leaving him with a poor harvest

avid

Definition (Adjective):

• Having a strong desire, interest, or enthusiasm for something; eager or keen
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👉 She was an avid reader, finishing multiple books every week.
👉 He is avid for adventure, always seeking new challenges and experiences

Digress

Definition (Verb):

• To stray or wander from the main topic in speaking or writing; to deviate from the central point
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👉 During his lecture, the professor would often digress, telling long anecdotes unrelated to the topic.
👉 She tends to digress in meetings, making it hard to stay focused on the agenda.

pederasty

Definition (Noun):

• Sexual activity between an adult male and a boy; historically used in certain contexts but considered criminal and abusive today
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👉 The novel addressed the dark subject of pederasty in ancient times, examining its ethical and social implications.
👉 Modern laws strictly prohibit acts of pederasty, recognizing the exploitation and abuse involved.

amiss

Definition (Adjective/Adverb):

• Not quite right; out of place, improper, or faulty

• Can also mean something has gone wrong
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👉 She sensed that something was amiss when the usually tidy office was in disarray.
👉 If anything goes amiss during the event, we have a backup plan in place.

inscrutable

Definition (Adjective):

• Difficult to understand or interpret; mysterious, unreadable, or enigmatic
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👉 His expression was inscrutable, giving no clue as to what he was thinking.
👉 The ancient manuscript was written in an inscrutable code that no one could decipher.

Category: Tone Word

incorrigibly

Definition (Adverb):

• In a way that is incapable of being corrected, reformed, or improved; hopelessly bad or stubborn
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👉 He was incorrigibly late, no matter how many warnings he received.
👉 The child was incorrigibly mischievous, constantly getting into trouble despite repeated scoldings.

askance

Definition (Adverb):

• With a look of suspicion, disapproval, or distrust; sideways or obliquely
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👉 She looked askance at the proposal, unsure if it would work.
👉 He glanced askance at his coworker, sensing something was off.

picturesque

Definition (Adjective):

• Visually charming, attractive, or striking, like a picture; pleasingly quaint or scenic
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👉 The village was picturesque, with cobblestone streets and flower-filled balconies.
👉 They chose a picturesque spot by the lake for their picnic

malady

(Noun):

• A disease, illness, or medical condition

• Can also refer metaphorically to a serious problem or undesirable condition
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👉 The doctor treated the malady with medication and rest.
👉 Corruption was the malady that weakened the government.

Venereal

Definition (Adjective):

• Relating to sexual intercourse or the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
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👉 Venereal diseases were a major public health concern before modern medicine.
👉 The pamphlet provided information on preventing venereal infections

taboo

Definition (Noun/Adjective):

• Noun: A social or cultural prohibition against a particular behavior, topic, or practice

• Adjective: Forbidden or prohibited by social custom
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👉 In many cultures, discussing death openly is considered a taboo.
👉 The topic was taboo at the dinner table, so no one mentioned it.

dissolute

Definition (Adjective):

• Lacking moral restraint; indulgent in sensual pleasures; licentious or corrupt
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👉 He led a dissolute life, spending his fortune on gambling and extravagant parties.
👉 The novel portrays the dissolute behavior of the aristocracy in that era.

corralled

Definition (Verb/Noun):

• Verb: To gather, confine, or bring together (usually people, animals, or objects)

• Noun: An enclosure for confining livestock; a pen
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👉 The ranchers corralled the cattle before the storm.
👉 Volunteers were corralled into teams to organize the festival

retribution

Definition (Noun):

• Punishment inflicted as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act; repayment for a perceived offense
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👉 The villain sought retribution for the betrayal he suffered.
👉 Many believed that justice would ensure retribution for the crimes committed

malingerer

Definition (Noun):

• People who deliberately pretend to be sick or injured to avoid work or duty
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👉 The manager was frustrated by the malingerers in the office who constantly called in sick.
👉 Soldiers who were malingerers were often punished for shirking their responsibilities.

wrest

efinition (Verb):

• To forcibly pull, twist, or take something away

• To obtain by effort, skill, or force
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👉 He managed to wrest the gun from the assailant’s hands.
👉 She wrested control of the project from the previous manager through sheer determination

gentility

Definition (Noun):

• Social superiority as demonstrated by polite manners, refinement, or respectability

• Elegance, sophistication, or genteel behavior
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👉 She carried herself with gentility, impressing everyone at the formal gathering.
👉 The novel explored the pretensions and gentility of the upper class

conviction

Definition (Noun):

• A firmly held belief or opinion

• The act of being found guilty of a crime in a court of law
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👉 Her conviction in the importance of justice guided all her actions.
👉 The defendant’s conviction for fraud was upheld on appeal

earnestly

Definition (Adverb):

• Done with sincere and intense conviction; seriously and with genuine intent
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👉 She spoke earnestly about the need for climate action.
👉 He earnestly apologized for the misunderstanding, hoping to mend their relationship.

Category: Tone Word

piety

Definition (Noun):

• Devotion to religious duties or spiritual practices; reverence for God or sacred things

• Can also refer to dutiful respect or loyalty toward family or country
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👉 Her piety was evident in her daily prayers and charitable works.
👉 He showed piety toward his parents by caring for them in their old age.

unbecoming

Definition (Adjective):

• Not appropriate, suitable, or flattering; morally or socially improper

• Can describe behavior, appearance, or speech that is indecorous or offensive
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👉 His rude remarks were unbecoming of a professional at the meeting.
👉 The dress was considered unbecoming and too flashy for the formal occasion.

vilifies

Definition (Verb):

• To speak or write about someone or something in an abusively disparaging manner; to defame or malign
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👉 The media often vilifies public figures unfairly, focusing on their mistakes rather than accomplishments.
👉 He vilified his opponent during the campaign, attacking their character at every opportunity

conceit

Definition (Noun):

• Excessive pride in oneself; an inflated sense of self-importance

• In literature, a fanciful or elaborate metaphor or idea
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👉 His conceit made it difficult for him to accept any criticism.
👉 The poet’s use of conceit compared life to a fragile glass orb, delicate yet beautiful

flux

Definition (Noun):

• Continuous change, movement, or instability; a state of constant flow or fluctuation
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👉 The company was in a state of flux during the management restructuring.
👉 His emotions were in flux, shifting between hope and despair

rake

Definition (Noun):

• Noun: A person habituated to immoral conduct, especially in sensual pleasures; a libertine

👉 He was known as a rake in high society, indulging in gambling and affairs.

hobbled

Definition (Verb/Noun):

• Verb: To walk in an awkward or impeded way, often due to injury or restriction

• Noun: A restriction or impediment to movement or progress
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👉 The injured horse hobbled along the path.
👉 New regulations could hobble small businesses trying to grow.

savvy

Definition (Noun/Adjective/Verb):

• Noun: Practical knowledge or shrewdness; understanding

• Adjective: Knowledgeable, well-informed, or perceptive

• Verb: To understand or grasp
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👉 Her business savvy helped the company turn a profit quickly.
👉 He’s very tech-savvy and can fix almost any computer problem

affectation

Definition (Noun):

• Behavior, speech, or writing that is artificial and designed to impress; pretension or a false display of manners or sentiment
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👉 His British accent was an affectation he adopted to seem more sophisticated.
👉 She dropped the affectation of politeness and spoke her mind freely

homey

Definition (Adjective/Noun):

• Adjective: Comfortable, cozy, or familiar; giving a sense of home

• Noun (slang): A close friend or companion
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👉 The cabin had a homey atmosphere with warm lighting and soft furniture.
👉 He greeted me like a homey, making me feel immediately welcome

kaleidoscopic

Definition (Adjective):

• Constantly changing, varied, or multicolored; resembling the shifting patterns of a kaleidoscope
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👉 The city lights created a kaleidoscopic view at night.
👉 Her mind was filled with a kaleidoscopic mix of thoughts and emotions

etch

Definition (Verb):

• To engrave, carve, or cut into a surface

• To produce a clear, vivid, or lasting impression
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👉 The artist etched his signature into the glass sculpture.
👉 The memory of that day was etched into her mind forever

denigrate

Definition (Verb):

• To criticize unfairly; to disparage or belittle someone or something
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👉 He denigrated her accomplishments, ignoring all the hard work she had done.
👉 Politicians often denigrate their opponents to gain an advantage

conspicuous

Definition (Adjective):

• Easily seen or noticed; attracting attention; obvious
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👉 He wore a conspicuous red hat that made him stand out in the crowd.
👉 The error in her calculations was conspicuous and immediately caught the teacher’s eye.

enigmatic

Definition (Adjective):

• Mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand; resembling a riddle
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👉 The artist’s enigmatic smile left everyone wondering about her true thoughts.
👉 His motives were enigmatic, making it hard to predict what he would do next

overtone

Definition (Noun):

• A subtle or implicit meaning, feeling, or quality accompanying the main meaning

• In sound, a higher frequency resonance accompanying the fundamental tone
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👉 Her speech carried an overtone of sarcasm that not everyone noticed at first.
👉 The music had rich overtones that added depth to the melody

alighted

Definition (Verb):

• To descend from a vehicle or perch; to land or settle

• To come down and rest, often lightly or gracefully
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👉 The bird alighted on the branch, surveying the garden below.
👉 She alighted from the train and walked toward the station exit.

wending

Definition (Verb):

• To go or proceed in a particular direction, typically in a slow, indirect, or meandering way
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👉 They were wending their way through the narrow streets of the old town.
👉 The river wended through the valley, creating a peaceful, winding path.

edenic

Definition (Adjective):

• Relating to or characteristic of the Garden of Eden; idyllic, pure, or paradisiacal
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👉 The secluded valley had an Edenic beauty, untouched by modern development.
👉 She described her childhood home in Edenic terms, full of innocence and peace