Lesson 44

a tradition, principle, or practice that identifies or characterizes a specific group or class

Wearing a suit and tie to work every day became a shibboleth of professionalism in the corporate world.

a person who is responsible for a crime or wrongdoing

The police caught the culprit behind the robbery.

someone who is consistently lazy, showing a lack of motivation or energy to engage in productive activities

Despite numerous reminders, the sluggard refused to get out of bed before noon.

a light-hearted theatrical production blending singing, music, and spoken dialogue, often featuring comedic or romantic themes

"The Pirates of Penzance" is a famous operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan, known for its catchy tunes and witty dialogue.

a device placed on a horse's head, used by a rider to guide and control the horse's movements

The rider adjusted the bridle carefully before mounting the horse for their ride.

the ability to comprehend and evaluate past events or decisions, often gaining insights that were not apparent at the time

In hindsight, he realized that quitting his job without a backup plan was a mistake.

the way someone or something walks or runs

Despite his injury, he maintained a steady and confident gait as he walked into the room.

an individual who is very fond of enjoying luxurious pleasures and items

As a sybarite, he indulged in the finest wines and gourmet meals.

the deliberate killing of a king or queen

The history books recount the regicide of King Charles I during the English Civil War.

a female or young male singer with a singing voice that has the highest range

The soprano captivated the audience with her clear, high notes that resonated throughout the concert hall.

a strong and enthusiastic enjoyment or excitement in doing something

She ate the cake with great gusto, savoring every bite.

a muddy and wet piece of land in which it is possible to get stuck

The hikers struggled to cross the morass, sinking into the mud with each step.

a commercial area in a city or a town that is closed to traffic

The shopping precinct was bustling with pedestrians enjoying the car-free environment.

a decorative element or design that is added to clothing or fabric, serving to enhance its appearance or convey a particular style or theme

The dress was adorned with a floral motif that gave it a vintage charm.

the highest point that a certain celestial body reaches, directly above an observer

At noon, the sun reached its zenith, directly overhead.

a mass at which people honor and pray for the soul of a dead person, especially in the Roman Catholic Church

a feeling of being bored, tired, or dissatisfied because nothing interesting or exciting is happening

She sighed with ennui as she stared at the clock, waiting for the workday to end.