Words Describing Ideas Words Describing Actions Words Describing Qualities
Paradoxical (Paradoxal) (par-uh-DOKS-i-kuhl)
Seemingly absurd or self-contradictory.
The situation presented a paradoxical challenge.
Inherent (Inhérent) (in-HEER-uhnt)
Existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute.
Risk is inherent in any investment.
Tangible (Tangible) (TAN-juh-bul)
Perceptible by touch.
The benefits of the new policy are tangible.
Intangible (Immatériel) (in-TAN-juh-bul)
Unable to be touched or grasped; not having physical substance.
The value of a brand is often intangible.
Corroborate (Corroborer) (kuh-ROB-uh-rayt)
Confirm or give support to (a statement, theory, or finding).
The witness was able to corroborate the victim's account.
Antithesis (Antithèse) (an-TI-thuh-sis)
A person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else.
Freedom is the antithesis of slavery.
Hypothesis (Hypothèse) (hye-POTH-uh-sis)
A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
Scientists are testing the hypothesis.
Fallacy (Erreur logique) (FAL-uh-see)
A mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound argument.
It's a common fallacy to assume correlation implies causation.
Dilemma (Dilemme) (dye-LEM-uh)
A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones.
She faced the dilemma of choosing between two job offers.
Ramification (Ramification) (ram-i-fi-KAY-shuhn)
A consequence of an action or event, especially when complex or unwelcome.
The project had significant ramifications for the company.
Implore (Implorer) (im-PLOR)
Beg someone earnestly or desperately to do something.
He implored them to reconsider their decision.
Allude (Allusionner) (uh-LOOD)
Suggest or call attention to indirectly; hint at.
The speaker alluded to the controversy without naming it.
Exasperate (Exaspérer) (ig-ZAS-per-ayt)
Irritate and frustrate (someone) intensely.
His constant complaining exasperated his colleagues.
Substantiate (Justifier) (suhb-STAN-shee-ayt)
Provide evidence to support or prove the truth of.
The witness was able to substantiate his alibi.
Assuage (Apaiser) (uh-SWAYJ)
Make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense.
He tried to assuage her fears.
Contemplate (Contempler) (KON-tem-playt)
Look thoughtfully for a long time at; think profoundly and at length about.
She contemplated the meaning of life.
Disseminate (Disséminer) (di-SEM-i-nayt)
Spread or circulate widely.
The news was quickly disseminated through social media.
Expedite (Accélérer) (EK-spi-dyte)
Make (an action or process) happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly.
We will expedite the delivery of your order.
Inhibit (Inhiber) (in-HIB-it)
Hinder, restrain, or prevent (an action or process).
Fear can inhibit creativity.
Reiterate (Réitérer) (ree-IT-er-ayt)
Say something again or a number of times, typically for emphasis or clarity.
The teacher reiterated the instructions.
Affable (Affable) (AF-uh-bul)
Pleasant and friendly.
He had an affable personality that made him popular.
Astute (Astucieux) (uh-STOOT)
Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage.
She made an astute observation about the market trends.
Cursory (Sommaire) (KUR-suh-ree)
Hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed.
He gave the report a cursory glance.
Diligent (Diligent) (DIL-i-juhnt)
Having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties.
She is a diligent student who always completes her assignments on time.
Garrulous (Bavard) (GAR-uh-lus)
Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters.
The garrulous neighbor loved to chat.
Impeccable (Impeccable) (im-PEK-uh-bul)
(of behavior or performance) faultless; flawless.
His manners were impeccable.
Lucid (Lucide) (LOO-sid)
Expressed clearly; easy to understand.
She provided a lucid explanation of the complex topic.
Ostentatious (Ostentatoire) (os-ten-TAY-shuhs)
Characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice.
His ostentatious wealth was evident in his lifestyle.
Perspicacious (Perspicace) (pur-spi-KAY-shuhs)
Having a ready insight into and understanding of things.
She is a perspicacious judge of character.
Stoic (Stoïque) (STOH-ik)
Enduring hardship without showing feelings or complaining.
He remained stoic despite the pain.
Word Learned
Paradoxical
Inherent
Tangible
Intangible
Corroborate
Antithesis
Hypothesis
Fallacy
Dilemma
Ramification
Implore
Allude
Exasperate
Substantiate
Assuage
Contemplate
Disseminate
Expedite
Inhibit
Reiterate
Affable
Astute
Cursory
Diligent
Garrulous
Impeccable
Lucid
Ostentatious
Perspicacious
Stoic