APLOMB
great coolness and composure under strain
I wish I had handled it with aplomb.
APPREHENSIVE
in fear or dread of possible evil or harm
Virga still feels apprehensive when visiting an unfamiliar zoo.
APTITUDE
inherent ability
I was recently asked in an interview, what is more valued by companies – aptitude or attitude?
ATTENTIVE
taking heed
You make sure to be extra attentive to your friend.
BANISH
send away from a place of residence, as for punishment
Napoleon loses so big that he is banished to an island.
BARRICADE
block off with barriers
The Secret Service ordered nearby streets and parking lots barricaded for security.
BLUFF
frighten someone by pretending to be stronger than one is
Sporting a pith helmet, Nixon observed that “whoever is talking the loudest is pretty sure to be bluffing.”
BRACKISH
slightly salty
Brackish water can be used, but freshwater is easier and less costly.
BRANDISHED
move or swing back and forth
Hart brandished a “Free Hugs” sign as he stood alone in front of a police barricade.
CIRCUMFERENCE
the size of something as given by the distance around it
That’s almost 10 times the circumference of the Earth, which is a surprisingly small 24,859.82 miles.
COMMOTION
confused movement
Moments later came commotion, followed by shouts of “Stop pushing me!”
CONCOCTIONS
any foodstuff made by combining different ingredients
There are some food combos that blend beautifully with each other to create truly tasty concoctions.
CONSPICUOUS
obvious to the eye or mind
Today, the link is more conspicuous: highlighted in blue, it appears directly beneath the site’s login form.
COUNTER
speak in response
The seller can then accept, counter or reject the offer.
CUNNING
shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception
Moreover, it was no secret that Cleopatra had ruthless cunning and superior intelligence