verb

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Good / Strong

Url

persevere - To continue in a course of action even in the face of great difficulty.

As they climbed the mountain, they were committed to persevere until they reached to peak, in spite of their exhaustion.

noun

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Good / Exciting

pizzazz - An attractive combination of vitality and glamour

As the most acclaimed actress alive, Meryl Streep's pizzazz is key to her enduring popularity.

verb

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Bad / Hostile

polarize - To divide into two completely opposing groups

It's frightening to see how many issues have caused the US to polarize into Right and Left groups that hate each other.

adjective

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Bad / Confused

perplexing - Confusing and difficult to understand

Scientists find it perplexing how life's incredible complexity came out Earth's hot water all by itself.

verb

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Other / Up+Down

plunk - To hand something over or place it down with determination

Milton really didn't have the $400 to pay for the flight to the trade show, but he plunked down the money anyway, because he had to show his product to see if there would be any interest.

adjective

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Bad / Dangerous

pernicious - Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.

People used to think that smoking was good for you because it seemed calming, but now we realize that its pernicious effects are deadly over time.

verb

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Other / Up+Down

plunge - To quickly fall a long way down

When the summer heat hits, Billy loved to plunge into the swimming pool .

adjective

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Good / Strong

Url

persistent - Continuing firmly or stubbornly despite challenges or opposition.

The child was persistent in asking for a puppy until his parents gave in.

noun

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Bad / Stupid

Url

platitude - A trite or cliché saying that is expressed as if it were profound, but is actually banal.

The motivational speaker's advice sounded more like a bunch of platitudes rather than genuine guidance, offering nothing new to the audience.

verb

See noun

10 of 60

Bad / Pain

Url

plague - To cause constant worry, annoyance, or distress, often by repeatedly confronting someone with problems or challenges.

She was plagued by constant headaches, making it hard for her to focus on her work.

adjective

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Bad / Afraid

petrified - Extremely frightened.

When Arnold realized that someone had electronically stolen his sheet with his 50 passwords to all his accounts, he was petrified, realizing all the harm they could do if he didn't stop them quickly.

adjective

12 of 60

Good / Pleasure

Url

pleasant - Friendly, kind, or polite in manner or behavior.

The host was so pleasant, greeting each guest with a warm smile and making everyone feel at home.