Lesson 9

slightly strange in behavior, appearance, or ideas

Her eccentric fashion choices always turn heads.

a behavior that is considered abnormal and uncommon

The writer's eccentricity manifested in the characters she created, each with their own peculiar quirks and habits.

the quality of being easily deceived and convinced to believe or do what others want

The con artist took advantage of her gullibility by selling her a fake product with false promises of miraculous results.

believing things very easily and being easily tricked because of it

He's so gullible that he believes every story he hears without questioning its validity.

willing to take risks or engage in adventurous activities

His venturesome nature led him to participate in extreme sports like skydiving, rock climbing, and white-water rafting.

a large amount of something all at once, like a lot of criticism or questions

The politician faced a barrage of tough questions from reporters.

an uninhabited or infertile wilderness, unsuitable for cultivation or habitation

The explorers crossed a barren stretching for miles.

a legal professional qualified and licensed to advocate on behalf of clients in both lower and higher courts

The barrister specialized in family law, providing guidance and representation in divorce and custody cases.

a number or ratio (a value on a scale of measurement) derived from a series of observed facts; can reveal relative changes as a function of time

a light on a vehicle that blinks to indicate a change in lane

to officially accuse a person of a crime

The grand jury decided to indict the suspect on charges of robbery and assault.

a statement or expression of strong disapproval, criticism, or accusation of wrongdoing

The report was an indictment of government inefficiency.

to deliberately make something unclear or difficult to understand, often to hide the truth

The company tried to obfuscate the real reasons behind the price increase.

the action of deliberately making something complicated and hard to understand

The writer's deliberate obfuscation of the plot created a sense of mystery but left readers confused and frustrated.

a clever and strategic trick used to deceive or manipulate someone

The spy relied on her clever wiles to gather valuable information without raising suspicion.

skillful in achieving what one desires, especially through deceptive means

The wily salesman used his charm and persuasion to close deals that others couldn't.

to stop and end a process before it finishes

The mission had to be aborted halfway through due to unfavorable weather conditions.

failing to produce or accomplish the desired outcome

The company's abortive attempt to launch a new product resulted in financial loss.

a very lengthy and heartbreaking complaint

The writer's article was a lengthy jeremiad about the decline of moral values in society.