Aspects and Manners

a type of manner that is composed and confident, often when one is facing a difficult situation

She handled the challenging presentation with great aplomb.

an insensitive and uneducated person who lacks culture and manners

He was considered a boor for interrupting others during conversations.

a state of embarrassment due to failing, getting humiliated, or disappointed

His chagrin was palpable when he realized he had forgotten his lines during the play.

a bad-tempered person who is easily annoyed and angered, usually old in age

The neighborhood curmudgeon yelled at the kids for playing too loudly.

a way of behaving that is shamelessly rude and bold

His effrontery in questioning the boss’s decisions was shocking.

a prideful and unfriendly manner of behaving that showcases one's belief of being better than others

Her hauteur made it difficult for others to approach her.

a way of behaving that is relaxed, as if one has no problems or concerns

His insouciance about the approaching deadline was surprising.

a nocturnal animal belonging to the weasel family with short legs and gray fur

European badgers are common in woodlands and rural areas throughout Europe, recognized by their black and white facial markings.

to force a person into doing something by threatening or frightening them

He tried to browbeat his coworkers into accepting the new policy.

to do something in a reluctant and condescending manner

She deigned to acknowledge his greeting with a nod.

to tear the skin or flesh, causing deep and often irregular wounds

The jagged glass shards lacerated his hand when he tried to pick them up.

very likely to be cooperative, agreeable, or accepting of a request or suggestion

The new intern was highly amenable, eagerly accepting any task assigned to her.

displaying approval or praise

She received an approbative nod from her supervisor.

requiring so much effort, mostly physical, that will cause exhaustion

The climb up the mountain was an arduous task for the hikers.

extremely enthusiastic and interested in something one does

He's an avid reader, spending hours immersed in books every day.

overly satisfied or content with one's current situation or achievements, often to the point of neglecting potential risks or improvements

Despite declining sales figures, the company remained complacent, refusing to implement changes to its marketing strategy.

knowledgeable or experienced with something

She became conversant in several languages through her travels.

not having even the smallest amount of courage

The knight's craven behavior shocked the kingdom, as he fled the battlefield leaving his comrades behind.

(particularly of a man) handsome, stylish and full of confidence

He looked debonair in his tailored suit and polished shoes.

a ship abandoned on the high seas

the trait of seeming ill at ease

causing or displaying great sadness or distress

She gave a dolorous sigh as she read the tragic news.

easily getting annoyed, angry, or upset

Lack of sleep often makes her quite fractious by the afternoon.

preventing a substance such as liquid from passing through

The impervious seal on the container kept the chemicals inside safe from contamination.

containing lies

The mendacious statement damaged the company's reputation.

slow or reluctant to understand things or respond emotionally to something

Despite the clear explanation, he remained obtuse and failed to grasp the concept.

having too much pride or confidence in oneself

His overweening confidence often alienated his colleagues.

demanding immediate obedience, particularly in a way that sounds unfriendly or rude

The manager’s peremptory tone left no room for discussion.

quick to understand and judge people, things, and situations accurately

The detective's perspicacious eyes noticed a small detail that led to the solution of the mysterious case.

considered to be of small importance or value

He wasted time arguing over picayune details instead of focusing on the main issue.

lacking excitement or imagination

Their conversation remained prosaic, lacking any creative or stimulating topics.

paying a lot of attention to the correctness of behavior or to detail

She approached her duties with a punctilious attitude, never missing a single appointment.

causing fear due to greatness or being impressive

The redoubtable leader commanded respect from everyone in the room.

a ribald person; someone who uses vulgar and offensive language

relating to the spleen

staying calm and displaying little or no interest or emotions

His stolid response to the news surprised everyone.

treating others as if one is superior to them

His supercilious remarks made everyone at the meeting uncomfortable.