▸ Specimen Drawer

Describing Words — Lesson 66

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Browse the cards below, then start a play round — five minutes of quick drills that lock each word into memory.

Specimen

avuncular

əˈvʌŋkjələr

Kind, friendly, and protective like an affectionate uncle — he greeted us with an avuncular smile and offered us tea.

The professor had an avuncular manner that made students feel comfortable asking questions.

Specimen

awash

əˈwɑːʃ

Covered or flooded with a shallow layer of flowing water — we were awash in data but short on insights.

The kitchen floor was awash after the pipe burst.

Specimen

away

ə.ˈweɪ

Moving to a distance or in a direction not near here — the pitch was away (or wide).

The pitch was away (or wide)

Specimen

aweigh

əˈweɪ

Hanging clear of the sea bottom when an anchor is raised — the anchor is aweigh and the ship is ready to depart.

The anchor is aweigh and the ship is ready to depart.

Specimen

awfully

ˈɑːfəli

To a very great degree; extremely or very much — it's awfully kind of you to help.

I'm awfully sorry to hear about your loss.

Specimen

awhile

əˈwaɪl

For a short time or brief period — she rested awhile on the bench.

Wait awhile before making your decision.

Specimen

awkwardly

ˈɔːkwɚdli

Moving or behaving in an ungainly, clumsy, or uncomfortable way — he awkwardly tried to change the subject.

She smiled awkwardly when she forgot his name.

Specimen

awry

əˈraɪ

Crooked, tilted, or not positioned straight as intended — her hair was blown awry by the strong wind.

Our plans went awry when the venue cancelled last minute.

Specimen

axiomatic

ˌæksiəˈmætɪk

Obviously true and universally accepted without needing proof — it is axiomatic that a whole is greater than any of its parts.

It is axiomatic that a whole is greater than any of its parts.

Specimen

babyish

ˈbeɪbiɪʃ

Cute, childish, or resembling a baby — stop being so babyish and handle it like an adult.

Her babyish behavior embarrassed everyone at the meeting.

Specimen

backbreaking

ˈbæk.breɪ.kɪŋ

Extremely hard and exhausting physical work that strains the body — backbreaking work like mining is often poorly paid.

Working in the fields all day was backbreaking labor.

Specimen

backless

bæk.ləs

Having no back support, like a simple wooden stool — he sat on a backless stool at the bar.

She wore a backless dress to the party.

▸ Catalogue Progress 0 / 12 specimens catalogued

Mark each specimen as learned to complete this drawer.

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