- SUBVERT (Verb)
Meaning: undermine the power and authority of (an established system or institution).
Synonyms: destabilize, unsettle, overthrow, depose.
Antonyms: dignify, exalt, honor, ameliorate.
Example: Smith was sentenced to 14 years for plotting to subvert the government. - ASTUTE (Adjective)
Meaning: marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
Synonyms: shrewd, sharp-witted, razor-sharp, acute
Antonyms: stupid, unknowing, dull, naïve, slow.
Example: Because of his astute nature, it is very hard to trick the politician with any gimmick. - FRIVOLOUS (Adjective)
Meaning: not having any serious purpose or value.
Synonyms: flippant, glib, waggish
Antonyms: serious, practical, important
Example: When Jane gave me a frivolous apology, I was unimpressed by her fake sincerity. - INIMICAL (Adjective)
Meaning: unfriendly; hostile.
Synonyms: hostile, unfriendly, antagonistic, unkind
Antonyms: friendly, warm
Example: The dog and cat are inimical to each other. - DETENTE (Noun)
Meaning: the easing of hostility or strained relations, especially between countries.
Synonyms: agreement, peace, amity, concord.
Antonyms: disruptive, antagonism, antipathy, hostility.
Usage: The talks are aimed at furthering detente between the two countries. - ANNIHILATE (Verb)
Meaning: to destroy something completely so that nothing is left.
Synonyms: destroy, wipe out, obliterate, eliminate.
Antonyms: construct, create, guard, promote.
Usage: Hopefully, the medicine will annihilate the bacteria causing my throat infection. - ELATION (Noun)
Meaning: a state of extreme happiness or excitement.
Synonyms: happiness, exhilaration, joy, joyousness.
Antonyms: depression, despair, gloom, sorrow.
Usage: After graduation, there was a feeling of elation amongst all the graduates. - LOFTY (Adjective)
Meaning: great and worthy of praise
Synonyms: tall, high, giant, towering.
Antonyms: dwarfish, short, petty, modest.
Usage: The football players have set a lofty goal in their bid to win all their home games this year. - CLICHE (Noun)
Meaning: a word or phrase used excessively
Synonyms: trite, platitude
Antonyms: animating
Example: Come up with something new because your argument is just a cliche I’ve heard a thousand times. - DODDER (Verb)
Meaning: tremble, typically because of old age.
Synonyms: stumble, stagger, sway, lurch.
Antonyms: steady, fix, stay, still, remain.
Example: The poor old man is beginning to dodder. - IDIOMS
FIND ONE’S FEET
Meaning: To adjust or settle into a new environment or situation.
Usage: I’ve only been at the new company for a month so I’m still finding my feet.BURY ONE’S HEAD IN THE SAND
Meaning: To refuse to think about or confront serious issues or situations.
Usage: Martin just buries his head in the sand when it comes to his financial problems.AT A CROSSROADS
Meaning: To be at a point in your life when you need to make an important decision.
Usage: I was at a crossroads when I was offered a job in the US, but my boyfriend wanted to stay in London.
