Word Meanings (Page 7)
Explore commonly searched words with detailed definitions, examples, and pronunciation guides
All
Mundane
/mʌnˈdeɪn/ · adjective
Lacking interest or excitement; dull and ordinary; relating to the practical matters of everyday life.
Nadir
/ˈneɪdɪə(r)/ · noun
The lowest point; the worst moment or condition; (astronomy) the point directly opposite the zenith.
Nebulous
/ˈnɛbjələs/ · adjective
Hazy, vague, or ill-defined; cloud-like in form or concept.
Nostalgia
/nɒˈstældʒə/ · noun
A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.
Novel
/ˈnɒvəl/ · adjective
New and original; different from what has been known, used, or experienced before.
Nuance
/ˈnjuːɑːns/ · noun
A subtle difference in meaning, expression, or feeling; a fine distinction.
Obdurate
/ˈɒbdjʊrət/ · adjective
Stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or course of action; hardened in attitude.
Obfuscate
/ɒbˈfʌskeɪt/ · verb
To deliberately make something unclear or difficult to understand; to obscure or confuse.
Oblique
/əˈbliːk/ · adjective
Not explicit or direct; slanting, indirect, or deviating from the straightforward path.
Obsequious
/əbˈsiːkwiəs/ · adjective
Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree; fawning and flattering.
Obviate
/ˈɒbvieɪt/ · verb
To remove the need for something; to prevent or avoid by taking action in advance.
Onerous
/ˈɒnərəs/ · adjective
Involving a great deal of effort, trouble, or difficulty; burdensome.
Ostensible
/ɒˈstɛnsɪbl/ · adjective
Stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so; outwardly claimed.
Ostracize
/ˈɒstrəsaɪz/ · verb
To exclude someone from a group or society; to shun.
Panacea
/ˌpænəˈsiːə/ · noun
A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases; a cure-all (often used skeptically).
Paradigm
/ˈpærədaɪm/ · noun
A model, pattern, or typical example of something; a framework that shapes how people understand a subject.
Paradox
/ˈpærədɒks/ · noun
A seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated may prove to be well-founded or true.
Parsimonious
/ˌpɑːsɪˈməʊniəs/ · adjective
Unwilling to spend money or use resources; excessively frugal or stingy.
Perfunctory
/pəˈfʌŋ(k)t(ə)ri/ · adjective
Carried out with minimal effort or interest; done merely as a routine duty.
Perpetuate
/pəˈpɛtʃueɪt/ · verb
To make something continue indefinitely; to preserve a harmful situation or idea.
Perspicacious
/ˌpɜːspɪˈkeɪʃəs/ · adjective
Having keen insight, discernment, or understanding; mentally sharp and perceptive.