- UNDERMINE (Verb)
Meaning: erode the base or foundation of (a rock formation)
Synonyms: weaken, impair, subvert
Antonyms: strengthen, encourage
Usage: The secret organization sent beautiful women to spy on members of the military and undermine their loyalty. - CONSOLIDATE (Verb)
Meaning: make (something) physically stronger or more solid.
Synonyms: merge, unite, combine, strengthen.
Antonyms: separate, weaken, divide.
Usage: To save money on airline fees, my husband and I will consolidate our clothes so they fit in one suitcase. - REQUISITE (Noun)
Meaning: something that is considered or viewed as mandatory.
Synonyms: essential, necessary, indispensable
Antonyms: non-essential, optional
Usage: Having at least five years of experience as a paramedic is the main requisite for the position. - ACUMEN (Noun)
Meaning: the ability to make good judgements and take quick decisions, experience or expertise in something.
Synonyms: shrewdness, sharpness, cleverness,
Antonyms: dullness, foolishness
Usage: John’s business acumen, along with his computer skills, made him an asset to the software company. - CHARISMA (Noun)
Meaning: compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others.
Synonyms: charm, allure, glamour, fascination
Antonyms: ugliness, unattractiveness, offensiveness
Usage: When the model walked down the runway, everyone was taken back by his charisma. - DISRUPT (Verb)
Meaning: interrupt (an event, activity, or process) by causing a disturbance or problem.
Synonyms: rattle, agitate, bollix, confuse, muddle
Antonyms: appease, soothe, calm
Example: You should not disrupt someone who is talking on the phone, which is why it is better to be quiet until they are finished with their conversation. - BRACE (Verb)
Meaning: prepare (someone) for something difficult or unpleasant.
Synonyms: nerve, gird, strengthen, fortify.
Antonyms: dampen, deaden, drain, debilitate.
Example: The pilot told passengers and crew to brace themselves for a rough landing. - LANGUISH (Verb)
Meaning: to be or become weak or dull; lose strength or vigor; fail to make progress or be successful.
Synonyms: dwindle, faint
Antonyms: build, develop
Example: When the judge sentences the murderer, I hope he gives him a lifetime to languish in prison. - ABOMINATE (Verb)
Meaning: to hate something very much.
Synonyms: abhor, despise
Antonyms: admire, approve
Example: While my grandmother does not abominate music, she prefers to hear it played at a low volume. - DISCORD (Noun)
Meaning: disagreement between people.
Synonyms: strife, conflict, friction, hostility
Antonyms: agreement, accord, harmony
Example: Knowing that discord is destructive in the classroom, the teacher wanted to foster a sense of community among her students. - IDIOMS
“Wear One’s Heart on One’s Sleeve”
CLOTHING IDIOM
Meaning: To show one’s emotions publicly and without discretion is to wear one’s heart on one’s sleeves.
Usage: He wore his heart on his sleeves and told everyone he was madly in love with her.“Tighten One’s Belt”
CLOTHING IDIOM
Meaning: to manage to get by with very little money.
Usage: I tighten my belt and live below my means so I can keep money aside for emergencies.“Roll up One’s Sleeves”
CLOTHING IDIOM
Meaning: getting ready to do a tough task or an important assignment.
Usage: Maya rolled up her sleeves and began to work on her new business plans.
