Professional Communication Vocabulary

noun a person or agency responsible for collecting unpaid bills or debts

• The bill collector called to remind me about the outstanding balance on my credit card.
• I hate when the bill collector keeps calling me about my overdue bills.
• I dodged the bill collector by pretending I wasn't home when they came knocking.
• The bill collector of life always seems to show up when you least expect it, demanding payment for past mistakes.

adjective careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences

• It is important to be circumspect when making decisions that could impact the company.
• I always try to be circumspect when choosing which restaurant to eat at.
• Dude, you gotta be circumspect about who you trust with your secrets.
• She approached the situation with a circumspect attitude, carefully considering all possible outcomes.

noun polite behavior; a polite gesture or remark

adjective showing politeness and respect

• It is common courtesy to hold the door open for someone behind you.
• Thanks for the courtesy of letting me go first in line.
• He showed some courtesy by giving me a heads up about the meeting.
• Her kind words were a courtesy that brightened my day.

adverb modifying a verb, adjective, or other adverb to indicate manner, degree, or quality

• She dressed decently for the job interview, wearing a professional suit.
• I think the restaurant down the street is decently priced for the quality of food they offer.
• I'm pretty sure I can pull off a decently good prank on my brother tonight.
• Despite the setbacks, he managed to keep his spirits up and continue on decently in life.

verb to lower in dignity, honor, or standing; to degrade or humble

• Her constant criticism seemed to demean his efforts in front of the entire team.
• Stop trying to demean me in front of our friends.
• Don't let anyone demean you like that.
• His actions seemed to demean the very essence of their friendship.

adverb In a careful and prudent manner, without drawing attention to oneself.

• She discreetly handed him the envelope containing the confidential documents.
• He discreetly slipped the note into her hand during the meeting.
• Let's discreetly sneak out of the party before anyone notices.
• The artist discreetly incorporated hidden messages in his paintings for observant viewers to find.

adverb in a serious and determined manner

• She earnestly pursued her studies in order to achieve her academic goals.
• I earnestly hope that you can make it to the party this weekend.
• I'm earnestly trying to get this project done before the deadline.
• He spoke earnestly about his passion for helping others.

adjective loyal and steadfast

adverb in a loyal and steadfast manner

• I faithfully attend church every Sunday.
• I always stick to my workout routine faithfully.
• I got your back, bro, faithfully.
• The old lighthouse faithfully guided ships to safety.

noun a strong positive feeling that a person or group of people has about someone or something

verb to make someone feel admiration and respect

• The candidate's presentation skills really impress the hiring committee.
• Wow, that new video game really impresses me!
• That new restaurant really impressed the socks off me!
• Her talent for storytelling never fails to impress me.

adjective showing deep thought or sincere feeling

adverb in a serious or earnest manner

• The company is seriously considering a merger with their competitor.
• I seriously can't believe you're not coming to the party.
• She's seriously crushing on him, it's so obvious.
• His words hit me like a ton of bricks, I seriously couldn't believe what I was hearing.

adjective not characterized by ceremony; informal or casual

• The CEO's unceremonious dismissal of the senior manager shocked the entire company.
• She made an unceremonious exit from the party after an argument with her friend.
• The player was unceremoniously benched by the coach for his poor performance.
• The storm made an unceremonious entrance, causing chaos and destruction in its wake.

adjective not causing objection or disapproval; acceptable

• The committee agreed that the proposal was unobjectionable and should be implemented.
• I find her choice of music to be unobjectionable, but others may disagree.
• His outfit was totally unobjectionable, he looked pretty cool.
• The artist's work was so unobjectionable that it left everyone in awe.