Communication Skills

176 words in this vocabulary list

adverb affable agreeable annoyance apologize articulate ask asperity assertive backpedal bandy words beat around the bush beg off bickerer bickering big talker brevity bring home to broach brush off butt in candor carping chatty clear communicate compliment confess confessed confession congruous conversation conversationalist direct disconnect disconnected discreet disrespectful drop the subject egotistic elaboration elocution empathetic extroversion extroverted face to face facilitate feedback fluently flustered fly off the handle frank frankness frustrated frustration fumble get along get through get to go at half truth honesty ill-at-ease immaturity impartable impudent in harmony inconsiderate indecisive indisposition insist upon intelligible irate irrevocably irritable judgmental leave word literal minded logorrhea long winded mediate miffed mouthy mumble mumbling nag nagging not listen not mind obstinate outwardly pet peeve petulance pigheaded politeness prolix punctuate put across quarreler quavering rapport reassure rejoinder relate respect respectful respond retell rhetorician runaround savvy say set straight short-tempered shy sit down with snap out of it speak up spiteful spoke stubbornness surliness surrender tactless talk back talk into talk over talker tattle tell off teller ticked off trusting truthful ultimatum unapproachable unassertive understand ungag unreticent untalkative well-spoken whiner wishy washy yell yelling tone deaf be nobody’s business dickheaded Makaton throw someone under the bus half a loaf is better than no bread/none wordiness circle back dialogue of the deaf pull aside jaw-jaw politesse manterruption extraversion draw/call attention to forthrightness soliloquise alexithymia BICS walk back conscious uncoupling phubbing esprit d’escalier a bull in a china shop accusatory accusive achieve/reach an understanding admitting to advertently advice columnist

noun a word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb

  • She spoke eloquently, using an adverb in every sentence.
  • He runs really fast, like, adverb fast.
  • I totally aced that test, adverb style.
  • Her smile lit up the room adverbially, shining brighter than the sun.

adjective a term used to describe someone who is friendly, pleasant, and easy to talk to

  • The CEO is known for his affable demeanor when interacting with employees.
  • My neighbor is so affable, always willing to lend a hand.
  • I love hanging out with Jake, he's just so affable!
  • The sun's affable warmth enveloped us as we lounged on the beach.

adjective pleasing or pleasant; willing to agree or consent

  • The terms of the agreement were mutually agreeable to both parties.
  • I find the weather today quite agreeable, don't you?
  • This party is going to be so agreeable, I can't wait!
  • His agreeable personality made him a joy to be around.

noun a feeling of being slightly angry or impatient

  • The constant noise from the construction site next door is a source of annoyance for the residents.
  • It really annoys me when people talk loudly on their phones in public places.
  • Her constant nagging is such an annoyance, I can't stand it.
  • The dark clouds looming overhead were an annoyance, signaling an impending storm.

verb to express regret or say sorry for something that one has done wrong

  • I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
  • I'm really sorry about that.
  • My bad, I apologize.
  • I apologize if I stepped on your toes.

noun the ability to speak fluently and coherently

verb to express oneself clearly and effectively in speech or writing

adjective having the ability to speak fluently and coherently

adverb articulately

  • She was able to articulate her thoughts clearly during the presentation.
  • He can really articulate his ideas well when he's talking to his friends.
  • I couldn't believe how he articulated his argument in the debate.
  • The artist was able to articulate the emotions of the painting through his use of color and brushstrokes.

ask

noun a request for information or a favor

verb to inquire about something by speaking or writing

  • I need to ask for permission before making any changes to the project.
  • Can I ask you a question about the homework?
  • I'm gonna ask my boss for a day off next week.
  • Sometimes it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission.

noun harshness or severity, especially in tone or manner

  • The asperity of his tone indicated his displeasure with the situation.
  • She didn't appreciate the asperity in his voice when he criticized her work.
  • The asperity in her words was a real buzzkill for the party.
  • The asperity of winter's chill bit into their bones as they trudged through the snow.

adjective showing a confident and forceful personality

  • She was praised for being assertive during the negotiation process.
  • I like how assertive he is when making decisions.
  • She's so assertive, she always gets what she wants.
  • His assertive attitude cut through the tension in the room like a knife.

noun a backward movement or retreat from a previous position or opinion

verb to reverse one's previous opinion or position

  • The politician attempted to backpedal on his controversial statement during the press conference.
  • After realizing he was wrong, he started to backpedal and apologize.
  • When she got caught in a lie, she tried to backpedal her way out of it.
  • The company had to backpedal on their decision to cut employee benefits due to public backlash.

noun a discussion or argument characterized by the exchange of clever and teasing remarks

verb to exchange remarks or words in a clever and teasing manner

  • During the debate, the two politicians began to bandy words over the proposed policy changes.
  • The siblings often bandy words with each other when they disagree on something.
  • I could hear the group of teenagers bandying words outside the school gates.
  • The lawyers continued to bandy words in court as they tried to win the case.

noun bush

verb to avoid addressing a topic directly or to speak evasively

preposition around

article the

  • It is important to communicate clearly and not beat around the bush when discussing important matters.
  • Stop beating around the bush and just tell me what you want.
  • Quit bullshitting me and get to the point instead of beating around the bush.
  • Instead of beating around the bush, let's address the elephant in the room and have an honest conversation.

verb to make an excuse to avoid doing something or attending an event

  • I politely asked to beg off from attending the meeting due to a prior commitment.
  • I told them I needed to beg off from the party because I was feeling unwell.
  • I decided to beg off from helping my friend move because I just didn't feel like it.
  • She wanted to beg off from her responsibilities, but knew she had to push through and get the work done.

noun a person who engages in petty arguments or disputes

  • The bickerer in the meeting constantly disrupted the flow of discussion with their arguments.
  • The bickerer at the family gathering wouldn't stop arguing over trivial things.
  • The bickerer in the group chat was getting on everyone's nerves.
  • The bickerer's constant need to argue was like a broken record, repeating the same points over and over again.

noun a petty argument or dispute

verb engage in a petty argument or dispute

  • The board members were engaged in constant bickering over the budget allocation.
  • Stop bickering and just get the work done!
  • They were just bickering back and forth like a couple of kids.
  • The storm clouds overhead seemed to be bickering with each other before the rain started pouring down.

noun a person who talks boastfully or arrogantly

  • He was known as a big talker in the business world, always making grand promises he couldn't keep.
  • Don't listen to him, he's just a big talker who never follows through on anything.
  • That guy is all bark and no bite, a total big talker.
  • She may seem like a big talker, but deep down she's just trying to cover up her insecurities.

noun the quality or state of being brief in duration or concise in expression

  • The author's writing style is known for its brevity and succinctness.
  • Can you summarize that in brevity for me?
  • Keep it short and sweet, brevity is key.
  • In the world of social media, brevity is the name of the game.

noun a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that expresses an action or state of being

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

  • The presentation really helped to bring home to the audience the importance of investing in renewable energy.
  • Watching that documentary really brought home to me how serious the issue of climate change is.
  • Seeing her cry really brought home to me how much she was hurting.
  • The sudden loss of her job really brought home to her the reality of the current economic situation.

noun a tool used for making holes or openings

verb to raise or introduce a topic for discussion

  • During the meeting, I plan to broach the topic of budget cuts.
  • I'm not sure how to broach the subject with my parents.
  • I don't want to broach the issue with him, it's too awkward.
  • She knew she had to broach the emotional barriers he had built up.

noun a dismissive or casual attitude towards something or someone

verb to dismiss or ignore someone or something

  • She tried to brush off the criticism by focusing on the positive aspects of her work.
  • He always tries to brush off any negative comments about his favorite sports team.
  • Don't brush off my invitation to the party, it's going to be a blast!
  • It's not easy to brush off years of resentment and hurt feelings.

verb To intrude or interrupt a conversation or situation without being invited or needed.

preposition To insert oneself into a conversation or situation in an intrusive or unwelcome manner.

  • It is considered impolite to butt in on someone else's conversation.
  • Hey, don't butt in when I'm talking to my friend!
  • Stop butting in, you're being annoying.
  • The new manager likes to butt in and micromanage everything.

noun the quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness

  • The CEO spoke with candor during the shareholder meeting, addressing the company's financial challenges head-on.
  • I appreciate your candor in telling me the truth about what happened.
  • She always keeps it real with her candor, never sugarcoating anything.
  • Her candor was like a refreshing breeze in a room full of stale air, bringing honesty and clarity to the conversation.

noun the action of constantly finding fault or complaining

adjective tending to find fault or criticize; complaining

  • The carping critic pointed out every flaw in the artist's work.
  • Stop carping about the weather and just enjoy the day.
  • Why are you always carping about everything? Chill out!
  • Her constant carping was like a mosquito buzzing in my ear.

adjective a descriptive word that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a specific quality or characteristic

  • She was known for being quite chatty during meetings, always eager to share her thoughts and ideas.
  • My neighbor is so chatty, she never runs out of things to talk about.
  • I can't stand how chatty he gets after a few drinks, he just won't stop talking.
  • The stream flowed chatty and cheerful, bubbling over rocks and around bends.

verb to make or become free of obstructions or unwanted objects; to remove impurities or unwanted elements

adjective easily understood or perceived; free from confusion or doubt

  • The instructions provided were very clear and easy to follow.
  • I made sure to give you clear directions so you won't get lost.
  • She made it crystal clear that she was not interested in going out with him.
  • The meaning behind his words was not immediately clear, but after some thought, it became apparent.

verb to convey or exchange information, thoughts, or feelings through speech, writing, or other means

  • Effective leaders must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with their team members.
  • We need to communicate better if we want to avoid any misunderstandings.
  • Dude, we gotta communicate more if we're gonna pull off this project.
  • In a relationship, it's important to communicate not just with words, but also with actions.

noun a polite expression of praise or admiration

verb to express admiration or praise for someone

  • She received a heartfelt compliment on her presentation from the CEO.
  • He gave her a nice compliment on her new hairstyle.
  • She got a sweet compliment from her crush.
  • The success of the project was a great compliment to her leadership skills.

verb to admit or acknowledge something, especially something that one is ashamed or embarrassed about

  • The suspect finally decided to confess to the crime after hours of interrogation.
  • I have to confess, I ate the last piece of cake.
  • She confessed to her best friend about her crush on the new guy in school.
  • He couldn't keep his feelings hidden any longer and had to confess his love for her.

verb to admit or acknowledge something, especially a crime or wrongdoing

  • The suspect confessed to the crime during the interrogation.
  • She finally confessed to eating the last piece of cake.
  • He confessed to his crush that he liked her.
  • The artist's painting confessed a sense of melancholy.

noun an admission or acknowledgment of a fact or truth

  • The suspect made a confession to the crime in front of the judge.
  • She finally made a confession about eating all the cookies.
  • I can't believe he dropped that bombshell confession at the party.
  • His painting was a beautiful confession of his innermost thoughts and feelings.

adjective suitable or in harmony with something else

  • The design of the building is congruous with the surrounding architecture.
  • Her outfit is congruous with the dress code for the event.
  • Their music taste is congruous with mine.
  • His actions were congruous with his words, showing true integrity.

noun a talk between two or more people in which thoughts, feelings, and ideas are expressed

  • The conversation at the conference was very enlightening.
  • I had a great conversation with my friend over coffee.
  • I overheard their conversation and it was juicy!
  • The painting sparked a conversation between art enthusiasts.

noun a person who enjoys or is skilled at engaging in conversation

  • She was known as a skilled conversationalist, always able to engage in deep discussions on a variety of topics.
  • John is a great conversationalist at parties, always keeping the conversation flowing smoothly.
  • Samantha is such a chatterbox, a real conversationalist who never runs out of things to say.
  • His words were like a symphony, flowing effortlessly from his lips as if he were a master conversationalist.

noun a person who controls the making of a movie or television program

verb to control or manage the operations of; to give instructions or orders for something to be done in a particular way

adjective going straight from one point to another without turning or stopping; without anyone or anything else being involved or coming between

adverb in a straight line or by the shortest route; without changing direction or stopping

  • The manager gave me direct instructions on how to complete the project.
  • She told me straight up what needed to be done.
  • He laid it out for me, no beating around the bush.
  • Her words were a direct hit to my heart.

noun a lack of connection or continuity

verb to sever or interrupt the connection of something

  • There seems to be a disconnect between the company's goals and the employees' understanding of them.
  • I think there's a disconnect between what he said and what actually happened.
  • There's a total disconnect between them, they just don't get along.
  • The disconnect between her heart and mind was causing her a lot of confusion.

verb past tense of disconnect

adjective not connected or attached; separated

  • The phone line became disconnected during the storm.
  • My wifi keeps getting disconnected, it's so annoying.
  • I feel so disconnected from everyone lately.
  • The artist's abstract painting portrays a sense of disconnectedness from reality.

adjective a word or phrase naming an attribute, added to or grammatically related to a noun to modify or describe it

  • It is important to be discreet when handling sensitive information.
  • Can you be discreet about our plans for the surprise party?
  • Let's keep this between us, we need to be discreet.
  • The detective was discreet in his investigation, not drawing attention to himself.

adjective showing a lack of respect or courtesy

  • His behavior towards the elders was considered disrespectful.
  • She was being really disrespectful when she interrupted him like that.
  • It's so disrespectful to ghost someone without explanation.
  • Ignoring the rules is like being disrespectful to the game itself.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence

article a word that specifies a noun as definite or indefinite

  • I kindly ask that you drop the subject as it is not relevant to our discussion.
  • Can we please drop the subject? I don't want to talk about it anymore.
  • Let's just drop the subject, it's getting boring.
  • It's time to drop the subject and move on to more important matters.

adjective relating to or characterized by egotism; self-centered

  • His egotistic behavior often alienates those around him in professional settings.
  • She's so egotistic, always talking about herself and never listening to others.
  • That guy is such an egotistic jerk, always acting like he's better than everyone else.
  • The egotistic cloud of arrogance followed him wherever he went, casting a shadow on his relationships.

noun a detailed explanation or clarification

verb not applicable

adjective not applicable

adverb not applicable

pronoun not applicable

preposition not applicable

conjunction not applicable

interjection not applicable

article not applicable

  • The speaker provided a detailed elaboration on the research findings.
  • She went on and on with her elaboration about the party last night.
  • He totally went off on a crazy elaboration about his favorite video game.
  • Her mind was a labyrinth of elaboration, each thought leading to a new discovery.

noun the skill of clear and expressive speech, especially of distinct pronunciation and articulation

  • She excelled in elocution, delivering her speech with eloquence and precision.
  • His elocution skills are top-notch, he can really captivate an audience.
  • I'm working on my elocution game, trying to sound more professional.
  • Her elocution was like music to my ears, so smooth and soothing.

adjective describing someone who has the ability to understand and share the feelings of others

  • The therapist was known for being highly empathetic towards her clients.
  • I appreciate how empathetic you are towards others' feelings.
  • She's got a real knack for being empathetic, you know?
  • His empathetic nature was like a warm blanket on a cold day, comforting those around him.

noun the act, state, or habit of being predominantly concerned with and obtaining gratification from what is outside the self

  • His extroversion is evident in his ability to easily strike up conversations with strangers.
  • She's known for her extroversion at parties, always the life of the gathering.
  • That dude's extroversion levels are off the charts, he's always the center of attention.
  • The extroversion of the city's nightlife never seems to sleep, with bars and clubs open all night long.

adjective describing someone who is outgoing and sociable

  • She is known for being an extroverted individual who thrives in social settings.
  • My extroverted friend always knows how to liven up a party.
  • I can always count on my extroverted buddy to bring the energy.
  • His extroverted personality is like a ray of sunshine in a room full of clouds.

noun a person's facial expression or features

adverb in close proximity or direct contact with someone or something

  • The two business executives finally met face to face to discuss the merger.
  • I can't wait to see you face to face at the concert tomorrow!
  • Let's have a chat face to face about what's been going on.
  • The two rival gangs came face to face in a tense standoff.

verb to make an action or process easier or more efficient

  • The new software system is designed to facilitate communication between different departments.
  • Using this app will facilitate our group project planning.
  • Let's use this tool to make things easier and facilitate the process.
  • His guidance will facilitate your journey towards success.

noun a reaction or response to a particular process or activity

verb not applicable

adjective not applicable

adverb not applicable

pronoun not applicable

preposition not applicable

conjunction not applicable

interjection not applicable

article not applicable

  • The company values feedback from its customers to improve its products and services.
  • I'd appreciate your feedback on my presentation. Let me know what you think!
  • Hey, can you give me some feedback on my outfit? Does it look good or do I need to change?
  • Constructive feedback is like a mirror that reflects our areas of improvement.

adverb in a smooth and flowing manner; without hesitation or interruption

  • She speaks fluently in multiple languages, making her a valuable asset in international business.
  • I can't believe how fluently he can rap, it's like he was born to do it.
  • She's so good at makeup, she can apply eyeliner fluently with her eyes closed.
  • The river flowed fluently through the valley, as if it had a mind of its own.

verb To make someone agitated, confused, or nervous.

adjective Feeling or showing agitation, confusion, or nervousness.

  • She became flustered when asked to present the report in front of the board members.
  • He always gets flustered whenever he has to speak in public.
  • I was so flustered during the interview, I couldn't even remember my own name!
  • The unexpected news left her feeling flustered, like a whirlwind of emotions swirling inside.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that expresses an action or a state of being

adverb a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence

article a word that is used to specify or limit a noun

  • The manager tends to fly off the handle whenever there is a mistake in the project.
  • Don't mention his ex-girlfriend around him, he'll fly off the handle.
  • She totally flew off the handle when she found out she didn't get the job.
  • His temper can make him fly off the handle at the smallest inconvenience.

noun a man's name

verb to be honest and direct

adjective honest and direct in speech or writing

  • Frankly speaking, I believe the proposal has potential for success.
  • To be frank with you, I think the movie was kind of boring.
  • Let's be real, Frank is always late to the party.
  • His words were like a breath of fresh air, so honest and frank.

noun the quality of being open, honest, and direct in speech or action

  • Her frankness in expressing her opinions often made others uncomfortable.
  • I appreciate your frankness in telling me the truth.
  • I can always count on Sarah for some real talk and frankness.
  • The novel's characters spoke with a refreshing frankness that brought the story to life.

adjective Feeling or expressing distress and annoyance, especially because of inability to change or achieve something.

  • The team was frustrated with the lack of progress on the project.
  • I'm so frustrated with this traffic!
  • I'm feeling hella frustrated right now.
  • She felt like hitting a brick wall when she couldn't solve the problem, so frustrated.

noun a feeling of dissatisfaction, often accompanied by anxiety or depression, resulting from unfulfilled needs or unresolved problems

  • The employee expressed his frustration with the lack of communication within the team.
  • I can sense your frustration with the situation, but we'll figure it out together.
  • I'm so over this project, it's causing me major frustration.
  • Her mind was a tangled web of frustration, unable to find a way out.

noun a clumsy or awkward movement or action

verb to handle or deal with something clumsily or awkwardly, especially dropping or mishandling it

  • The quarterback's fumble cost the team the game.
  • I always fumble with my keys when I'm in a rush.
  • Don't fumble the ball, dude!
  • She fumbled through her speech, unable to find the right words.

verb to have a harmonious or friendly relationship with someone

adverb in a manner that allows for harmonious or friendly relationships

  • The colleagues seem to get along well in the workplace.
  • My siblings and I get along great most of the time.
  • I heard those two really hit it off and get along like a house on fire.
  • In order to succeed, the different departments must learn to get along and work together harmoniously.

verb to successfully complete or accomplish something

preposition to pass or go through something, such as a difficult situation or obstacle

  • It is important to stay focused in order to get through all the material before the exam.
  • I don't know how I'm going to get through this long day of meetings.
  • I need to get through this pile of paperwork before I can leave for the day.
  • Sometimes it feels like I'm just trying to get through life one day at a time.

verb to arrive at or reach a destination

preposition used to indicate movement or action toward a place or goal

  • I am excited to finally get to meet with the board of directors tomorrow.
  • I can't wait to get to hang out with my friends this weekend.
  • I'm hoping to get to chill with my squad later tonight.
  • After years of hard work, I finally get to reap the rewards of my success.

verb to attempt or try to do something

preposition used to indicate an action or attempt directed towards someone or something

  • The team will have a go at solving the complex math problem.
  • Let's have a go at fixing the leaky faucet ourselves.
  • I'm going to have a go at acing this test.
  • She decided to have a go at pursuing her passion for painting.

noun a statement that is only partially true; a statement that is intended to deceive or mislead

  • It is important to distinguish between a complete truth and a half truth in any legal case.
  • Don't believe everything you hear, it could just be a half truth.
  • I wouldn't trust him, he's always spinning half truths to get what he wants.
  • Her smile was like a half truth, hiding the pain she felt inside.

noun the quality of being truthful, sincere, and free of deceit

  • Honesty is a fundamental value in any professional setting.
  • I appreciate your honesty about what happened.
  • Just keep it real with me, honesty is key.
  • In the garden of life, honesty is the seed that grows into trust.

adjective Ill-at-ease is used as an adjective to describe a feeling of discomfort or unease.

adverb Ill-at-ease can also be used as an adverb to describe how someone is feeling in a particular situation.

  • The new employee felt ill-at-ease during the important board meeting.
  • She always feels ill-at-ease at social gatherings.
  • I was so ill-at-ease when I had to give a speech in front of the whole class.
  • The uncertainty of the future left him ill-at-ease.

noun lack of maturity or the state of being immature

  • The immaturity displayed by the new intern was concerning to the senior management.
  • His immaturity really showed when he couldn't handle the criticism.
  • Stop acting so immature, it's really getting on my nerves.
  • The immaturity of the decision-making process led to disastrous consequences.

adjective a word that describes or gives more information about a noun or pronoun, in this case, 'impartable' describes something that cannot be imparted or communicated

  • The concept of impartable knowledge is crucial in the field of education.
  • Some skills are impartable through hands-on experience.
  • You can't teach that, it's just impartable.
  • Her wisdom was impartable, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she met.

adjective showing a lack of respect or courtesy; very rude

  • The impudent student was reprimanded for speaking out of turn in class.
  • She gave me an impudent look when I asked her to do her chores.
  • Don't be so impudent with me, I'm not in the mood for your attitude.
  • His impudent behavior towards authority figures will only get him in trouble in the long run.

adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb, indicating the manner, place, time, or degree in which something is done

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

  • The orchestra played in harmony, creating a beautiful symphony.
  • When we work together in harmony, we can achieve great things.
  • Dude, our outfits are totally in harmony with each other.
  • The colors in the painting blend in harmony, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

adjective showing a lack of consideration for others; thoughtless

  • It was inconsiderate of him to speak loudly during the meeting.
  • She was being so inconsiderate by not cleaning up after herself in the kitchen.
  • I can't believe how inconsiderate he was for not inviting me to the party.
  • His inconsiderate actions left a trail of hurt feelings in their wake.

adjective describing someone who has difficulty making decisions or choices

  • The indecisive nature of the committee led to delays in reaching a decision.
  • She's so indecisive, it takes her forever to choose what to eat.
  • Stop being so wishy-washy and make a decision already, you're being indecisive.
  • His indecisive behavior was like a ship without a rudder, constantly changing direction.

noun a reluctance or unwillingness to do something

  • She was unable to attend the meeting due to her sudden indisposition.
  • He couldn't make it to the party because of his indisposition.
  • I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, must be some sort of indisposition.
  • His constant negativity is like an emotional indisposition that affects everyone around him.

verb to demand or require something firmly

preposition used to indicate that something is required or demanded

  • The company policy insists upon strict adherence to the dress code.
  • My mom always insists upon me wearing a jacket when it's cold outside.
  • I always insist upon my friends coming over for a movie night.
  • The author's writing style insists upon using vivid imagery to engage the reader.

adjective able to be understood or comprehended; clear and coherent

  • His speech was so clear and intelligible that everyone in the audience could understand him.
  • I couldn't make out what she was saying, her words were not very intelligible.
  • Dude, your mumbling is not intelligible at all, speak up!
  • The artist's abstract painting was not easily intelligible to the average viewer.

adjective feeling or characterized by great anger

  • The customer became irate when her order was delayed for a second time.
  • My mom was irate when she found out I forgot to do my chores.
  • I was so irate when my phone died in the middle of an important call.
  • The storm clouds grew dark and irate, ready to unleash their fury.

adverb in a way that cannot be changed, reversed, or recovered

  • Once the contract is signed, the agreement becomes irrevocably binding.
  • I accidentally deleted the file and now it's irrevocably lost.
  • He messed up big time and now his reputation is irrevocably damaged.
  • The scars from her childhood trauma are irrevocably etched into her psyche.

adjective describing someone who is easily annoyed or provoked to anger

  • The patient's irritable behavior may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
  • She's always so irritable in the mornings before she's had her coffee.
  • Don't talk to him right now, he's in a really irritable mood.
  • The constant noise outside was like an irritable itch that she couldn't scratch.

adjective having or displaying an excessively critical point of view

  • It is important to avoid being overly judgmental when evaluating others.
  • Don't be so judgmental all the time, try to see things from different perspectives.
  • Stop being so judgy, it's not a good look.
  • Her judgmental attitude was like a dark cloud hanging over the conversation.

noun a word or message left for someone when they are not available

verb to inform someone by leaving a message or word

  • Please make sure to leave word with the receptionist if you will be out of the office.
  • Hey, don't forget to leave word with someone if you're not gonna make it to the party.
  • Yo, make sure you leave word with your boss before taking off early.
  • Sometimes it's better to leave word unsaid rather than causing unnecessary conflict.

adjective A word that describes or gives more information about a noun or pronoun. In this case, 'literal minded' describes a person who interprets things in a strictly factual or concrete manner.

  • The literal minded individual struggled to understand the metaphorical meaning behind the poem.
  • My literal minded friend always takes everything I say at face value.
  • Don't be so literal minded, dude. It's just a joke.
  • She couldn't appreciate the beauty of the artwork because she was too literal minded to see beyond the surface.

noun a tendency to extreme loquacity or talkativeness

  • The professor's lecture was filled with logorrhea, making it difficult for students to follow along.
  • I can't stand listening to her logorrhea during meetings; she never gets to the point.
  • She has a serious case of logorrhea - she just can't stop talking!
  • His logorrhea of excuses was getting tiresome, as he tried to avoid taking responsibility for his actions.

adjective describing someone who talks or writes at great length, often in a tedious or boring manner

  • The professor's lecture was quite long-winded, going on for over two hours.
  • I couldn't stand listening to that long-winded story my friend was telling me.
  • Stop being so long-winded, just get to the point already!
  • His explanation was so long-winded, it felt like I was drowning in words.

verb to intervene in a dispute in order to bring about an agreement or reconciliation

  • The mediator was able to successfully mediate the dispute between the two parties.
  • I'll try to mediate the argument between my siblings before it gets out of hand.
  • Let's get someone to mediate this drama before it blows up.
  • Music has the power to mediate our emotions and bring us peace.

adjective a feeling of being slightly annoyed or offended

  • She was quite miffed when she found out her proposal was rejected.
  • I could tell he was miffed when he didn't get the promotion he wanted.
  • She was totally miffed about not being invited to the party.
  • His ego was miffed after losing the game.

adjective talkative in a rude or impudent way

  • She was reprimanded by her teacher for being too mouthy during class discussions.
  • My little brother can be so mouthy when he doesn't get his way.
  • Don't be so mouthy with me, I'm not in the mood for your attitude.
  • His mouthy behavior was a clear sign of his insecurity and need for attention.

noun a low, indistinct, or inarticulate sound

verb to speak in a low, indistinct manner, often with the mouth partly closed

  • The speaker began to mumble as he struggled to remember his speech.
  • I couldn't hear what she was saying because she was mumbling.
  • Stop mumbling and speak clearly so I can understand you.
  • The wind mumbled through the trees, creating a soothing sound.

noun a low or indistinct sound

verb speaking in a low or indistinct manner

adjective characterized by speaking in a low or indistinct manner

adverb in a low or indistinct manner

  • The professor was mumbling throughout the entire lecture, making it difficult for the students to understand.
  • I could hear my dad mumbling to himself while he was fixing the car in the garage.
  • Stop mumbling and speak up, I can't hear what you're saying!
  • The sound of the wind was like a gentle murmur, almost like nature was softly mumbling to itself.

nag

noun a person who constantly finds fault or complains

verb to annoy or irritate by persistent faultfinding, complaints, or demands

  • She continued to nag him about completing his work on time.
  • My mom always nags me to clean my room.
  • Stop nagging me, I'll get it done eventually.
  • The thought of failure nagged at the back of his mind.

noun the action of persistently complaining or fault-finding

adjective repeatedly complaining or fault-finding in an annoying way

  • She was tired of his constant nagging about her work habits.
  • Stop nagging me about cleaning my room, I'll get to it eventually!
  • My mom is always on my case, nagging me to do my homework.
  • The sound of the dripping faucet was like a nagging reminder of the plumbing issue.

verb a word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being

adverb a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb, indicating the time, place, manner, or degree of the action

  • It is important to not listen to rumors and instead seek out factual information.
  • I told him not to listen to that gossip, it's probably not true.
  • Don't listen to what he's saying, he's just talking nonsense.
  • Sometimes you have to learn to not listen to the noise and focus on your own goals.

noun a person's intellect or understanding

verb to be bothered or concerned about something

  • I would not mind if you could provide me with a detailed report on the project.
  • I don't mind if you want to grab a coffee before the meeting.
  • I wouldn't mind chilling with you guys this weekend.
  • She does not mind stepping out of her comfort zone to try new things.

adjective stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so

  • The obstinate child refused to eat any vegetables.
  • She's so obstinate, she never listens to anyone else's opinion.
  • My brother can be so obstinate sometimes, it's like talking to a brick wall.
  • His obstinate refusal to compromise led to the project's failure.

adverb in a way that is visible or obvious to others; externally

  • The CEO appeared outwardly calm during the press conference.
  • She may seem outwardly confident, but deep down she is nervous.
  • He acts all cool and collected outwardly, but he's really just putting on a show.
  • His outwardly tough demeanor hides a sensitive soul underneath.

noun a personal dislike or source of irritation

  • One of my biggest pet peeves is when people interrupt others while they are speaking.
  • My pet peeve is when someone leaves dirty dishes in the sink without washing them.
  • It really grinds my gears when people don't use their turn signals while driving, that's my pet peeve.
  • His constant tapping on the desk during the meeting was like a pet peeve that drove me crazy.

noun the quality of being childishly sulky or bad-tempered

  • Her constant petulance towards her coworkers made it difficult to work with her.
  • Stop with the petulance already, it's getting annoying.
  • Her petulance is really getting on my nerves.
  • The storm's petulance was evident in the fierce winds and crashing waves.

adjective stubborn or obstinate; having a narrow-minded or inflexible attitude

  • His pigheaded refusal to consider any other options led to the project's failure.
  • She can be so pigheaded sometimes, always insisting on having her own way.
  • Don't be so pigheaded about it, just give it a try and see what happens.
  • His pigheadedness was like a brick wall, impossible to break through with any logic or reasoning.

noun the quality of being polite; showing consideration and respect for others

  • Politeness is a key aspect of professional communication in the workplace.
  • Using politeness can help avoid unnecessary conflicts in everyday interactions.
  • Being polite is just common courtesy, you know?
  • Politeness is like a shield that protects relationships from harm.

noun a person who speaks or writes at great length

adjective using or containing too many words; tediously lengthy

  • The professor's prolix lecture seemed to go on forever.
  • I couldn't stand listening to that prolix speech.
  • His prolix talking put me to sleep.
  • Her writing style is so prolix, it's like wading through a swamp of words.

verb to insert punctuation marks into (writing) in order to make the meaning clear and to separate phrases and sentences

  • It is important to punctuate your writing correctly to ensure clarity and coherence.
  • Don't forget to punctuate your text messages so they're easier to understand.
  • Gotta punctuate those sentences or they'll look like a mess.
  • The silence was punctuated by the sound of distant thunder.

verb to communicate or explain something clearly and effectively

adverb in a way that is easily understood or accepted

  • During the presentation, the speaker was able to put across his ideas clearly and concisely.
  • I tried to put across my point of view, but no one seemed to be listening.
  • She really knows how to put her thoughts across in a way that everyone can understand.
  • The artist used vibrant colors to put across the feeling of joy in her painting.

noun a person who quarrels or argues frequently

  • The quarreler refused to engage in a civil discussion to resolve the conflict.
  • That quarreler just can't seem to stop arguing with everyone.
  • The quarreler is always starting drama for no reason.
  • The quarreler's words were like sharp swords, cutting through the peace of the room.

verb to shake or tremble in a slight rapid motion

adjective shaking or trembling in a slight rapid motion

  • Her voice was quavering as she delivered the news of the company's financial losses.
  • I could hear his quavering voice on the phone as he tried to explain what happened.
  • I could tell she was nervous by the way her voice was quavering during the presentation.
  • The quavering of the leaves in the wind reminded me of the uncertainty in my own life.

noun a close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups involved understand each other's feelings or ideas and communicate well

  • Building a strong rapport with clients is essential for a successful business relationship.
  • I feel like we really hit it off and have a good rapport.
  • We vibe well together, our rapport is on point.
  • The rapport between the two countries has improved significantly since the peace treaty.

verb to give confidence or comfort to someone; to remove someone's doubts or fears

  • The doctor reassured the patient that the surgery would be successful.
  • Don't worry, I can reassure you that everything will be fine.
  • I got your back, I'll reassure you that everything is under control.
  • The warm embrace of a friend can reassure us in times of need.

noun a reply, especially a sharp or witty one

  • The lawyer prepared a strong rejoinder to the opposing counsel's argument.
  • She quickly fired back a rejoinder to his comment.
  • Her comeback was a solid rejoinder to his teasing.
  • His success in the competition was a powerful rejoinder to his critics.

noun A connection or relationship between two or more things

verb To make a connection between two or more things

  • The research findings relate directly to the theory proposed by the scientist.
  • I can relate to how you're feeling right now.
  • I totally relate to that struggle, it's rough.
  • The protagonist's journey in the novel can relate to the struggles we face in real life.

noun a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements

verb to admire (someone or something) deeply, as a result of their abilities, qualities, or achievements

  • Respect is a fundamental value that should be upheld in all professional interactions.
  • I always make sure to show respect to my elders.
  • Dude, you gotta give me some respect for pulling off that trick!
  • In the world of business, reputation is earned through respect.

adjective showing or feeling respect; polite

  • It is important to always be respectful towards others in a professional setting.
  • He's always so respectful to everyone he meets.
  • She's a really cool person, always super respectful of others.
  • The old oak tree stood tall and proud, a symbol of strength and respectful of its surroundings.

noun a reply or reaction to something

verb to reply or react in response to something

  • It is important to promptly respond to all inquiries from clients.
  • Hey, can you respond to my text message when you get a chance?
  • I'll hit you up later, make sure you respond!
  • The flowers in the garden seem to respond to the sunlight, blooming beautifully.

verb to tell again or in a different way

  • She was asked to retell the events of that fateful day in great detail.
  • Can you retell what happened at the party last night?
  • Yo, retell me that story from last weekend, it was hilarious!
  • The painting seemed to retell the story of a bygone era through its intricate details.

noun A person who is skilled in the art of rhetoric; an expert in public speaking or writing

  • The renowned rhetorician delivered a compelling speech at the conference.
  • I heard that the rhetorician is giving a talk at the event tonight.
  • That rhetorician really knows how to spin a story to make it sound good.
  • As a rhetorician of emotions, he knew exactly how to manipulate the crowd's feelings.

noun a series of actions or behavior intended to deceive or evade someone

verb to deceive or evade someone by giving them the runaround

  • The company's runaround tactics made it difficult to get a straight answer.
  • I'm tired of getting the runaround from customer service.
  • Stop giving me the runaround and just tell me the truth.
  • She felt like she was running in circles, caught in a never-ending runaround.

noun practical knowledge or understanding of a subject

adjective shrewd and knowledgeable in practical matters

  • She is known for being financially savvy, always making smart investment decisions.
  • My friend is tech-savvy and can fix any computer problem in minutes.
  • I need to find a savvy way to sneak into the concert without paying.
  • His savvy in navigating social situations has helped him build a strong network of contacts.

say

noun an act of speaking or expressing something verbally

verb to speak or communicate something verbally

  • The professor always emphasizes the importance of citing reliable sources, saying it is crucial for academic integrity.
  • My mom always says I should eat my vegetables if I want to grow up big and strong.
  • I heard Jenny say that she's totally over her ex-boyfriend and ready to move on.
  • Actions speak louder than words, so no matter what you say, your behavior will ultimately reveal the truth.

verb to make something correct or accurate

adjective having a direct or honest manner

adverb in a direct or honest manner

  • The professor set straight the misconceptions about the theory during the lecture.
  • I had to set my friend straight about the correct way to solve the math problem.
  • I had to set that gossip straight before it spread any further.
  • The therapist helped me set straight my thoughts and emotions during our session.

adjective describing someone who is easily irritated or angered

  • The CEO was known for being short-tempered with employees who didn't meet deadlines.
  • My dad can be pretty short-tempered when he's tired.
  • Don't mess with her, she's short-tempered as hell.
  • His short-tempered nature was like a storm brewing on the horizon.

shy

noun a person who is shy

adjective feeling nervous or timid in the company of other people

  • She is quite shy and often avoids social gatherings.
  • My little brother is so shy, he won't even say hello to strangers.
  • I used to be super shy, but now I'm more outgoing.
  • The sun hid behind the clouds, shy and timid, as if afraid to shine too brightly.

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence, in this case, the action of sitting down

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence, in this case, indicating the action of sitting down in relation to a particular object or person

  • I would like to schedule a meeting to sit down with you and discuss the project details.
  • Hey, let's grab a coffee and sit down with the new intern to get to know them better.
  • We should totally chill and sit down with that new video game everyone is talking about.
  • It's important to sit down with your thoughts and reflect on your decisions before taking action.

verb to quickly recover from a negative or unproductive state of mind or emotion

  • I kindly suggest that you snap out of it and focus on the task at hand.
  • Come on, snap out of it and let's get going!
  • Dude, you need to snap out of it and stop being so lazy.
  • It's time to snap out of it and face reality instead of living in a dream world.

verb to talk louder or more clearly in order to be heard or understood

  • Please speak up so that everyone in the room can hear your thoughts clearly.
  • Hey, can you speak up a bit? I can't hear you over the music.
  • Yo, speak up, man! I can't catch what you're saying.
  • It's time to speak up and let your voice be heard on this important issue.

adjective showing or caused by malice; malicious

  • Her spiteful comments towards her colleague were completely uncalled for.
  • She can be so spiteful sometimes, always trying to put others down.
  • I can't stand that spiteful attitude of hers, it's so toxic.
  • The storm raged on, as if Mother Nature herself was feeling spiteful towards the town below.

verb A verb is a word that expresses an action or a state of being. In this case, 'spoke' is a verb that indicates the action of communicating verbally.

  • The professor spoke eloquently about the importance of research in academia.
  • She spoke to me about her plans for the weekend.
  • I spoke to my friend about the party happening next week.
  • Her actions spoke louder than words, showing her true intentions.

noun a quality or trait of being unwilling to change one's opinion or course of action

  • Her stubbornness prevented her from accepting help from others.
  • His stubbornness is really starting to annoy me.
  • Don't let your stubbornness get in the way of making a good decision.
  • The stubbornness of the old tree roots symbolized the resilience of nature.

noun a quality of being unfriendly or rude in a bad-tempered way

  • The customer was taken aback by the surliness of the salesperson.
  • His surliness really put a damper on the party.
  • I can't stand her constant surliness, it's so annoying.
  • The dark clouds overhead seemed to mirror his surliness.

noun the action of giving up or yielding to a higher power or authority

verb to give up or yield to a higher power or authority

  • The soldier decided to surrender to the enemy forces.
  • I think it's time for you to surrender and admit defeat.
  • Just surrender already, there's no point in fighting.
  • Sometimes it's better to surrender to the flow of life rather than resist it.

adjective showing a lack of sensitivity in dealing with others or difficult situations

  • His tactless remarks during the meeting offended many of the attendees.
  • She always manages to say the most tactless things at the worst times.
  • He's known for being a bit of a tactless jerk.
  • Her words were like a tactless dagger to his heart.

noun a response or reply, especially one that is rude or disrespectful

verb to answer someone in a rude or disrespectful manner

  • It is considered disrespectful to talk back to your elders.
  • Don't talk back to me like that!
  • If you talk back to the teacher, you'll get detention.
  • The wind seemed to talk back to the howling wolves in the night.

verb To persuade or convince someone to do something through talking or reasoning.

  • She tried to talk into the microphone but it wasn't working properly.
  • I can't believe he talked into buying that expensive car.
  • I talked him into skipping class and going to the beach instead.
  • The hypnotist was able to talk into a state of deep relaxation.

verb to discuss or consider something thoroughly or in detail

  • We should schedule a meeting to talk over the new project proposal.
  • Let's grab a coffee and talk over our weekend plans.
  • I need to talk over some gossip with you later.
  • We need to talk over our differences and find a solution.

noun a person who talks or converses, especially in a specified way or on a specified subject

  • The keynote speaker at the conference was an excellent talker, captivating the audience with his eloquent speech.
  • My friend is such a talker, she can chat for hours without getting bored.
  • That guy is a smooth talker, he can sweet talk his way out of any situation.
  • In the world of politics, being a good talker is often more important than being truthful.

noun a person who gossips or reveals secrets

verb to reveal secrets or gossip

  • The teacher encourages students to report any misbehavior they witness and not to tattle on each other.
  • Don't be a tattle-tale and run to mom every time we have a disagreement.
  • Stop being a snitch and tattling on your friends.
  • The gossip magazines love to tattle on celebrities and their personal lives.

verb to reprimand or scold someone angrily or forcefully

  • The teacher had to tell off the student for disrupting the class.
  • I had to tell my brother off for borrowing my clothes without asking.
  • I had to tell off my coworker for spreading rumors about me.
  • The coach had to tell off the team for not giving their best effort during the game.

noun a person who tells or counts something, such as a bank teller who counts money or a storyteller who narrates a story

  • The bank teller processed my withdrawal request efficiently.
  • The teller at the grocery store was really friendly.
  • The teller at the concert was lit!
  • As a storyteller, she was a masterful teller of tales.

verb to make someone annoyed or angry

adjective feeling or showing anger or annoyance

  • The customer was visibly ticked off by the long wait time.
  • I was so ticked off when my order got messed up.
  • She was totally ticked off when she found out he had lied to her.
  • His behavior really ticked me off, it was so disrespectful.

verb Trusting is a present participle form of the verb trust, which means to have confidence in or rely on someone or something.

adjective Trusting can also be used as an adjective to describe someone who has a tendency to trust others easily.

  • Trusting someone with sensitive information requires a high level of confidence in their integrity.
  • I'm not sure about trusting him with the keys to the house while we're away.
  • I wouldn't recommend trusting that guy, he seems a bit shady.
  • Trusting your instincts can often lead to making the right decisions in difficult situations.

adjective describing someone or something that tells the truth or is honest

  • It is important to always be truthful in your statements during a court proceeding.
  • I always appreciate when people are truthful with me, even if the truth is hard to hear.
  • Just keep it real and be truthful about what happened.
  • The sunlight was the only truthful thing in the room, illuminating every corner with honesty.

noun a final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation or a breakdown in relations

  • The company issued an ultimatum to the striking workers, demanding they return to work within 24 hours.
  • My parents gave me an ultimatum to either clean my room or lose my allowance.
  • If you don't finish your homework by tonight, I'm gonna drop the ultimatum and make you do it all tomorrow.
  • The ultimatum from the rival gang was clear - leave the territory or face the consequences.

adjective describing someone or something that is difficult or impossible to approach or reach

  • The CEO of the company seemed unapproachable due to her reserved demeanor.
  • I find the new teacher unapproachable because she never smiles.
  • That bouncer at the club is so unapproachable, he never lets anyone in.
  • Her icy glare made her seem unapproachable, like a fortress surrounded by walls.

adjective describing someone who is lacking in assertiveness or confidence

  • She was often perceived as unassertive in meetings, rarely speaking up to share her ideas.
  • He's a bit unassertive when it comes to making decisions, always asking others for their opinions.
  • Don't be so unassertive, man! Stand up for yourself and speak your mind.
  • The unassertive clouds hovered in the sky, unwilling to release any rain.

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence, and forming the main part of the predicate of a sentence, such as hear, become, happen.

  • It is important to thoroughly understand the implications of the new policy before implementing it.
  • I just can't seem to understand why she would make such a decision.
  • I don't get it, can you help me understand what's going on?
  • Sometimes it takes a lot of introspection to truly understand oneself.

verb to remove a gag or restraint from someone's mouth

  • The court ordered the defendant to ungag the witness so that she could testify.
  • Can you please ungag me so I can speak freely?
  • Hey, could you ungag me real quick? I have something important to say.
  • The artist felt like her creativity was ungagged after years of feeling stifled.

adjective not hesitant or unwilling; open and frank in speech or expression

  • The speaker was unreticent in sharing their research findings with the audience.
  • She's usually unreticent about her opinions, so you'll know exactly what she's thinking.
  • He's totally unreticent when it comes to trash-talking his opponents on the basketball court.
  • The unreticent flow of emotions in her poetry captivated readers around the world.

adjective describing someone who is not inclined to talk or engage in conversation

  • The untalkative student rarely participated in class discussions.
  • My uncle is quite untalkative, he prefers to listen rather than speak.
  • I find it hard to connect with someone who's so untalkative.
  • The untalkative clouds seemed to hang heavy in the sky, foreboding a storm.

adjective describing someone who speaks clearly and eloquently

  • She is always well-spoken and eloquent in her speeches.
  • He comes across as well-spoken and articulate in casual conversations.
  • Dude, that guy is seriously well-spoken, like he could talk his way out of anything.
  • The painting was so well-spoken, each brushstroke seemed to convey a different emotion.

noun a person who complains or expresses dissatisfaction in a persistent, irritating way

  • The manager reprimanded the employee for being a constant whiner about minor issues.
  • Stop being such a whiner and just deal with it.
  • She's always such a whiner, complaining about everything.
  • The whiner in the group always rains on our parade with their negativity.

adjective characterized by indecision, lack of firmness, or inconsistency

  • The politician's wishy washy stance on the issue left many constituents feeling uncertain.
  • I don't trust his wishy washy answers, he needs to be more straightforward.
  • Stop being so wishy washy and make a decision already!
  • Her wishy washy attitude towards life is preventing her from reaching her full potential.

noun a loud, sharp cry, especially of pain, surprise, or anger

verb to shout loudly, typically when angry, excited, or in pain

  • The teacher had to yell to get the attention of the noisy students.
  • I had to yell at my brother to stop playing his music so loud.
  • She was so angry, she just started yelling at everyone in the room.
  • The thunderstorm seemed to yell at the earth with its loud cracks of lightning.

noun the action of shouting or raising one's voice in a loud manner

  • The teacher was yelling at the students for not completing their homework on time.
  • My mom was yelling at me to clean my room before my friends came over.
  • Why are you yelling at me for no reason?
  • The thunderstorm was so loud, it sounded like the sky was yelling at us.

adjective lacking sensitivity to the proper way to behave or speak

  • She was considered tone deaf by her music teacher due to her inability to match pitch.
  • My dad is so tone deaf, he always sings off-key when he tries to join in on karaoke.
  • I can't believe she wore that outfit to the party, she must be tone deaf when it comes to fashion.
  • His comments about the sensitive topic were so insensitive, it was like he was completely tone deaf to the situation.

noun a person's business or affairs

verb to not concern or involve someone else

pronoun referring to nobody

  • One's personal affairs should be nobody's business but their own.
  • Hey, what I do in my free time is nobody's business, okay?
  • My love life is totally off-limits, it's nobody's business.
  • The way I handle my problems is my own business, it's nobody's business to interfere.

noun a person who is foolish or stupid

adjective describes someone who is foolish or stupid

  • His dickheaded behavior at the meeting was completely unacceptable.
  • I can't believe he pulled such a dickheaded move like that.
  • He's always acting like a total dickhead.
  • Her stubbornness made her come off as dickheaded in the negotiation.

noun a language program that uses a combination of speech, signs, and symbols to help people communicate

  • The Makaton language program uses signs and symbols to help people communicate.
  • My cousin uses Makaton to communicate with her non-verbal son.
  • I'm learning Makaton so I can talk to my friend who is deaf.
  • Learning Makaton is like unlocking a whole new world of communication possibilities.

verb to betray someone or blame them for something, especially to avoid blame or punishment oneself

  • The manager decided to throw someone under the bus to shift blame away from the team.
  • I can't believe he threw me under the bus like that!
  • She always throws people under the bus to make herself look better.
  • Don't trust him, he will not hesitate to throw you under the bus if it benefits him.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

conjunction a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence

interjection a word or phrase that expresses a sudden or strong feeling or emotion

article a word that is used to specify a noun, indicating the type of reference being made to the noun

  • It is always better to have half a loaf than no bread at all.
  • Hey, at least we got half a loaf, better than nothing!
  • Half a loaf is better than being completely broke.
  • In tough times, remember that half a loaf is better than no bread.

noun the quality or state of using an excessive amount of words; verbosity

  • The professor marked down the student's essay for excessive wordiness.
  • I think you should try to cut down on the wordiness in your writing.
  • Your writing is way too wordy, try to keep it more concise.
  • The wordiness of her speech made it difficult to understand her true message.

verb To return to a previous point or topic in a conversation or discussion.

  • After considering all options, we decided to circle back to the original proposal.
  • Let's circle back to that topic later in the meeting.
  • I'll circle back with you once I have more information.
  • Life has a way of making us circle back to the same challenges until we learn our lesson.

noun a situation where there is a lack of meaningful communication or understanding

  • The negotiation turned into a dialogue of the deaf as both parties refused to listen to each other's arguments.
  • They were just talking past each other, it was like a dialogue of the deaf.
  • They were both being stubborn and not listening, it was like a deaf dialogue.
  • Their communication breakdown resulted in a dialogue of the deaf, with neither party understanding the other.

noun a person or thing that is pulled aside

verb to move or draw something to the side or out of the way

  • During the meeting, the manager decided to pull aside the employee to discuss their performance.
  • Hey, can I pull you aside for a quick chat?
  • Let's pull aside and talk about this drama.
  • Sometimes, we need to pull ourselves aside from the chaos to find clarity.

noun a discussion or conversation, especially for resolving a dispute or disagreement

  • The diplomats believed that jaw-jaw was a better option than war-war in resolving the conflict.
  • Let's just jaw-jaw about it instead of getting into a fight.
  • We should just jaw-jaw it out and figure things out.
  • Sometimes it's better to jaw-jaw with someone rather than argue and create tension.

noun formal politeness or courteous behavior

adjective polite or courteous

  • Her politesse and grace were evident in every interaction she had.
  • He showed great politesse by holding the door open for the elderly woman.
  • I appreciate your politesse in not calling me out in front of everyone.
  • The politesse of his words masked the true intentions behind them.

noun a term used to describe the tendency of men to interrupt women more frequently in conversations

  • The manterruption during the meeting disrupted the flow of the discussion.
  • He always manterrupts me when I'm trying to explain something.
  • I can't stand his constant manterruptions, it's so annoying.
  • Her ideas were often drowned out by the manterruptions of her male colleagues.

noun a personality trait characterized by a focus on external objects or events

  • Her high level of extraversion makes her a natural leader in group settings.
  • I love going to parties with Sarah, her extraversion really brings out the fun in everyone.
  • Dude, his extraversion is off the charts when he's had a few drinks.
  • The extraversion of the city's nightlife is like a beacon attracting people from all over.

noun a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that expresses an action or state of being

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence

article a word that is used to limit a noun, either indefinite (a, an) or definite (the)

  • The speaker used powerful imagery to draw attention to the importance of environmental conservation.
  • I wanted to call attention to the new restaurant opening in town.
  • Let's draw attention to the awesome street art in this neighborhood.
  • The artist's use of vibrant colors really draws attention to the focal point of the painting.

noun honesty or frankness in expressing one's opinions or feelings

  • Her forthrightness in addressing the issue was commendable during the meeting.
  • I appreciate your forthrightness in telling me the truth.
  • His forthrightness in calling out the scammer was bold and admirable.
  • The artist's painting exudes a sense of forthrightness in its bold strokes and colors.

noun a soliloquy; the act of soliloquizing

verb to speak one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers, especially by a character in a play

  • The actor delivered a powerful soliloquy, soliloquising about the complexities of human nature.
  • She loves to soliloquise about her day at work to anyone who will listen.
  • I caught my brother soliloquising in front of the mirror again, pretending to be a famous actor.
  • Sometimes when I'm alone, I soliloquise to myself as a way to process my thoughts and feelings.

noun a personality construct characterized by the subclinical inability to identify and describe emotions in the self

  • Individuals with alexithymia have difficulty identifying and expressing their emotions.
  • My friend with alexithymia often struggles to talk about how they're feeling.
  • People with alexithymia can be described as emotionally clueless.
  • Having alexithymia is like trying to navigate through a maze without a map for your emotions.

noun BICS

  • BICS stands for Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills, which are the language skills needed for everyday social interactions.
  • Learning BICS is important for being able to communicate effectively with others in casual settings.
  • If you want to make friends easily, make sure your BICS are on point.
  • Just like a building needs a strong foundation, language learners need to develop their BICS before moving on to more complex language skills.

noun a person's manner of walking

verb to retrace one's steps

adverb in a manner that involves retracing steps

  • After realizing his mistake, he had to walk back his previous statement during the meeting.
  • I had to walk back what I said earlier because I was wrong.
  • She had to walk back her trash talk when she found out she was going to face her opponent in the next round.
  • It's never easy to walk back on a promise, but sometimes it's necessary for personal growth.

noun a process of ending a romantic relationship in a thoughtful and respectful manner

  • The couple decided to pursue conscious uncoupling as a way to end their marriage amicably.
  • They're trying out this new thing called conscious uncoupling, where they break up in a more thoughtful way.
  • They're doing that whole conscious uncoupling thing to end things peacefully.
  • Their relationship ended with a sense of conscious uncoupling, allowing both parties to move on positively.

noun the act of ignoring someone in a social setting by looking at your phone instead of paying attention

  • The act of phubbing during a meeting is considered rude and disrespectful.
  • I hate it when my friends are phubbing me while we're hanging out.
  • Stop phubbing me, I'm trying to have a conversation with you!
  • Constantly phubbing someone can make them feel neglected and unimportant.

noun a French term that literally translates to 'staircase wit'; the act of thinking of a clever comeback or response too late, after the opportunity has passed

  • During the debate, I often find myself experiencing esprit d’escalier, thinking of better arguments long after the conversation has ended.
  • I hate it when I come up with the perfect comeback hours later, that's esprit d’escalier for you.
  • Man, I always have esprit d’escalier when I think of the best insults after an argument.
  • The feeling of esprit d’escalier is like climbing the stairs of regret, wishing you had said something different in the moment.

noun a bull, shop

preposition in

article a

  • The new intern was like a bull in a china shop during the important client meeting.
  • When my little brother gets too excited, he's a bull in a china shop.
  • Watch out for Jim at the party, he's a bull in a china shop after a few drinks.
  • Her approach to delicate situations is often compared to a bull in a china shop.

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun, in this case, accusatory describes a tone or manner of making an accusation

  • The lawyer's accusatory tone made the defendant nervous during the trial.
  • Why are you being so accusatory towards me?
  • Stop with the accusatory attitude, it's getting old.
  • Her accusatory gaze felt like daggers piercing through me.

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun, in this case, 'accusive' describes something that accuses or blames

  • The lawyer's accusive tone during the cross-examination made the defendant nervous.
  • She gave me an accusive look when I asked about her whereabouts last night.
  • Why are you being so accusive? I didn't do anything wrong.
  • The dark clouds seemed to take on an accusive presence as the storm approached.

noun a word used to identify a person, place, thing, or idea, such as understanding

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence, such as achieve or reach

preposition a word used before a noun or pronoun to show its relationship to another word in the sentence, such as an

  • After several rounds of negotiations, the two parties were able to achieve an understanding on the terms of the contract.
  • It took a while, but we finally reached an understanding about who is responsible for cleaning the kitchen.
  • We had a heart-to-heart and managed to achieve an understanding about where we stand in our relationship.
  • Through open communication and compromise, they were able to reach an understanding and move forward with their plans.

verb to confess or acknowledge something as true or valid

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence, in this case, 'to' indicates the action of admitting towards something

  • The suspect finally confessed, admitting to the crime in front of the jury.
  • She finally spilled the beans, admitting to eating the last slice of pizza.
  • He came clean, admitting to skipping school to go to the concert.
  • By opening up about his past, he was admitting to his mistakes and seeking forgiveness.

adverb in a deliberate and intentional manner

  • The company advertently included all the necessary information in their marketing campaign.
  • I don't think they advertently left out any details in the presentation.
  • She advertently spilled the beans about the surprise party.
  • His actions advertently led to the success of the project.

noun a type of journalist or writer who specializes in giving advice to people who write to them with their problems

  • The advice columnist for the local newspaper provides guidance on various life issues.
  • My favorite advice columnist always gives the best tips for relationships.
  • I always check out what the advice columnist has to say in the magazine.
  • She was like an advice columnist, offering wisdom and support to those in need.