Intelligent word for good

Table of Contents

  1. What is the adverb of left?
  2. Where’s the adverb in this sentence?
  3. What word is better than best?
  4. What word describes the best?
  5. What is a fancy way to say good?
  6. What does wickedness mean?
  7. What is the opposite word of come?
  8. What is being a good person called?
  9. How do you say good person in one word?
  10. What are the signs of a good person?
  11. How do you know if your a good person?
  12. What makes a good person good?
  13. What makes people easy to talk?
  14. Can a bad person become good?
  15. What are the signs of an evil person?
  16. Can bad people change?
  17. How do you know your toxic?
  18. What is a toxic mom?
  19. What are 5 signs of a unhealthy relationship?
  20. What does toxic love mean?

SYNONYMS FOR good 1 pure, moral, conscientious; meritorious, worthy, exemplary, upright. 2 adequate. 3 outstanding, admirable.

What is the adverb of left?

2 left /ˈlɛft/ adverb. 2 left. /ˈlɛft/ adverb. Learner’s definition of LEFT.

Where’s the adverb in this sentence?

Adverb placement is usually at the end of a sentence or phrase. While it’s true that adverb placement can happen in the initial or mid-position, it’s also true that adverbs generally are placed at the end of a sentence or phrase.

What word is better than best?

What is another word for best?

finest leading
Grade A incomparable
inimitable optimum
select super
superlative best possible

What word describes the best?

Synonyms

  • best. adjective. used for referring to the person or thing that is the most satisfactory, suitable, pleasant, effective, of the highest quality etc.
  • ideal. adjective.
  • first class. adjective.
  • first-rate. adjective.
  • incomparable. adjective.
  • unsurpassed. adjective.
  • premier. adjective.
  • par excellence. adjective.

What is a fancy way to say good?

OTHER WAYS TO SAY “GOOD” IN ENGLISH

admirable marvelous
decent super
desirable superb
excellent superior
exceptional supreme

What does wickedness mean?

1 : the quality or state of being wicked. 2 : something wicked.

What is the opposite word of come?

Antonym of Come

Word Antonym
Come Go
Get definition and list of more Antonym and Synonym in English Grammar.

What is being a good person called?

gentleperson. nounpolite, well-mannered person.

How do you say good person in one word?

What is another word for good person?

  1. Honest person.
  2. A person of exemplary conduct or virtue.
  3. A person with a kind and gentle manner.
  4. A gentleman or gentlewoman.

What are the signs of a good person?

15 Simple Traits Of A Truly Good Person

  • They are honest in relationships.
  • They compliment others when deserved.
  • They call their parents regularly.
  • They are polite.
  • They are kind to everyone.
  • They are generous with their belongings.
  • They remember their manners.
  • They think of others.

How do you know if your a good person?

Here are some signs you’re a better person than you think.

  • You act with good intentions and compassion.
  • You believe you can learn from life’s challenges and improve.
  • You confront your own biases and own up to your mistakes.
  • You support others but you also make time to take care of yourself.

What makes a good person good?

They are polite. Good people are polite. They show respect and mind their manners. It’s not to be a showoff or to seem better; they just truly respect individuals and want to treat them how they want to be treated. You don’t have to be formal or walk on eggshells to be polite.

What makes people easy to talk?

People are easy to talk to if they are considerate, compassionate, empathetic. Often, this means they listen to understand. They don’t just listen to your words – because words do not necessarily create understanding. They listen to all the spaces in between all the words – the emotions.

Can a bad person become good?

Bad people do not become good people. Bad people are already good people, they are merely good people who do bad things. Everyone is naturally virtuous. It is our experiences that have the potential to corrupt our hearts and lead us to cause suffering.

What are the signs of an evil person?

16 Warning Signs Of Evil People

  • They enjoy the misfortune of others.
  • They have control issues.
  • They are habitually dishonest.
  • You feel strange around them.
  • They mislead you.
  • They lack remorse.
  • They are cruel.
  • They lack responsibility.

Can bad people change?

After someone has done something bad, it is not fair to brand them as a bad person if they are willing to change. If a person is willing and able, they can change. If they have done a bad deed, if they have the drive and the will to change, they should at least be given the chance to show you.

How do you know your toxic?

Here are some warning signs to watch out for if you think you’re dealing with a toxic person: You feel like you’re being manipulated into something you don’t want to do. You’re constantly confused by the person’s behavior. You feel like you deserve an apology that never comes.

What is a toxic mom?

“Toxic parent” is an umbrella term for parents who display some or all of the following characteristics: Self-centered behaviors. Your parent may be emotionally unavailable, narcissistic, or perhaps uncaring when it comes to things that you need.

What are 5 signs of a unhealthy relationship?

Five signs of an unhealthy relationship

  • Dishonesty. Trust is the root of a thriving relationship.
  • Controlling behavior. MORE ON HEALTH & WELLNESS.
  • Avoidance. Addressing conflict head on is always nerve-wracking, and most people struggle to navigate difficult conversations.
  • Insecurity.
  • Co-dependency.

What does toxic love mean?

Toxic love often means oscillating between strong highs (excitement and passion) and intense lows (anxiety and depression). You revel in the highs but mostly experience the lows.

Table of Contents

  1. What is a better word for good?
  2. What word can replace good?
  3. What is unlawful conduct?
  4. What is an example of unlawful?
  5. What are some illegal activities?
  6. Is a disorderly conduct?
  7. How bad is disorderly conduct?
  8. Is yelling considered disorderly conduct?
  9. What type of crime is disorderly conduct?
  10. Can you get in trouble for yelling at someone?
  11. What is disorderly conduct?
  12. Is drunkenness a crime?
  13. Is it illegal to get drunk in a pub?
  14. Is walking home drunk illegal?
  15. Is it illegal to walk around drunk?
  16. Can you call 911 if someone is drunk?
  17. Can you drink a beer while walking down the street?

SYNONYMS FOR good 1 pure, moral, conscientious; meritorious, worthy, exemplary, upright. 2 adequate. 3 outstanding, admirable.

What is a better word for good?

What is another word for good?

excellent exceptional
positive satisfactory
satisfying superb
wonderful acceptable
affable agreeable

What word can replace good?

The other good can be replaced with words such as positive, beneficial, propitious, or advantageous. Something that’s good for you is something that’s healthy, helpful, or useful. We also use good for matters of propriety and morals.

What is unlawful conduct?

Unlawful conduct means any conduct by a student which violates any local, state, or federal law or regulation, or violates any District or school policy, or violates the legal rights of another person, and includes, but is not limited to, the following: Sample 1. Sample 2.

What is an example of unlawful?

It seems that something illegal is expressly proscribed by statute, and something unlawful is just not expressly authorized. Jaywalking is a good example of an unlawful act. Traffic regulations do not typically say that you cannot walk diagonally through an intersection. So, it is not illegal.

What are some illegal activities?

Some common examples of unethical or illegal activity include:

  • Conflicts of interest.
  • Accounting or auditing irregularities.
  • Theft.
  • Fraud, waste, or abuse.
  • Disclosure of proprietary information.
  • Misuse of Argonne equipment.
  • Improper dealings with customers or vendors.
  • Sale or possession of illicit controlled substances.

Is a disorderly conduct?

In California, disorderly conduct includes soliciting and engaging in prostitution and other lewd or lascivious acts, and begging or soliciting alms in public. Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor, and penalties include a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both.

How bad is disorderly conduct?

There are a range of punishments you can face for disorderly conduct, but they generally will not be very severe. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct, you could face a fine, probation, community service, drug testing, alcohol education, counseling, and/or jail time of up to one year.

Is yelling considered disorderly conduct?

Nearly any kind of behavior that is construed as obnoxious, unpleasant or offensive can be charged as disorderly conduct. Yelling at another person on a street corner, or blasting your music at a party can be considered disorderly conduct. In the state of California, disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor.

What type of crime is disorderly conduct?

Disorderly Conduct State Law Example: California Every person who commits any of the following acts is guilty of disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor: (a) Who solicits anyone to engage in or who engages in lewd or dissolute conduct in any public place or in any place open to the public or exposed to public view.

Can you get in trouble for yelling at someone?

Repeated verbal abuse may constitute harassment, which can lead to civil penalties. Lies and misrepresentations may lead to fraud charges or even perjury charges. In a classic Supreme Court case, the court held that “Yelling fire falsely in a theater” creating an unnecessary panic could be criminal.

What is disorderly conduct?

Disorderly conduct, in law, intentional disturbing of the public peace and order by language or other conduct. It is a general term including various offenses that are usually punishable by minor penalties.

Is drunkenness a crime?

Public intoxication, also called public drunkenness, is a misdemeanor crime that a person is visibly drunk or under the influence of drugs in public. These laws exist to prevent people from disturbing others in public and to remove people who appear to be unable to stop themselves from hurting themselves or others.

Is it illegal to get drunk in a pub?

Rules state it is an offence to be drunk on pub premises – even though customers go to a pub to be served alcohol. Section 12 of the 1872 Licensing Act stipulates that ‘every person found drunk… on any licensed premises shall be liable to a penalty’, which currently stands at £200.

Is walking home drunk illegal?

Under California Penal Code Section 647(f), it is a misdemeanor offense to be “drunk in public,” meaning that either a person’s level of intoxication is so high that they are unable to exercise care for their safety or for the safety of others or their level of intoxication is so high that it interferes with the …

Is it illegal to walk around drunk?

In most jurisdictions, being “drunk in public” is illegal. That would cover any time that you’re under the influence, and in a public place. So yes, walking while intoxicated is illegal.

Can you call 911 if someone is drunk?

As soon as you notice a drunk driver engaging in one of the listed behaviors for a consistent amount of time or performing a number of erratic actions, pull over to the side of the road in a safe location and call 911. If you have a passenger in your vehicle, you can ask them to call 911.

Can you drink a beer while walking down the street?

Like most states, California has prohibited the possession and consumption of an open container of alcohol in public places as well as in automobiles. If a person has an open container is on the streets, they may only be given a ticket.

It takes a lot to be good at everything, but some people have spent a lot of time making themselves well-rounded. It would help to come up with some good words to refer to these people. This article will explain all the best ones and how to use them.

Best Words for Someone Who Is Good at Everything

The preferred words are “polymath,” “skilled,” and “masterful.” They work well to show that someone is good at everything they do. They often have a knack for everything, and they are usually capable of picking up new things just as easily as things they already know about.

Polymath

“Polymath” is a good word you can use to show that someone is good at everything. If someone is a polymath, it means they know a lot about many different subjects.

A polymath can use this knowledge to prove to other people how good they are at things. It pays to know a polymath, as they are some of the most helpful people when it comes to getting stuck with something.

The definition of “polymath,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a person who knows a lot about many different subjects.”

  • Joseph is a polymath, and he is so good at everything he does. I wish I could be a little bit more like him, to be honest.
  • I get that you’re a polymath, but I don’t need your help with this. I will feel much better if I’m able to get through this alone.
  • She’s a polymath, and I’m a little bit intimidated by her. It seems like she knows everything about everything, and I hate that!

Skilled

“Skilled” is a simple way of showing that someone has the ability to do multiple things well. It usually comes from practice, and skilled people will have spent a lot of time practicing their crafts to make sure they’re good at what they need to be.

The definition of “skilled,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “having the abilities needed to do an activity or job well.”

  • Michael is quite skilled with these matters. I’m always impressed by the amount of knowledge he possesses.
  • I know you’re skilled, which is why I’ve come to you. I think I need you to help me out with this issue that I’m having.
  • They’re both skilled people, and they have a lot of time for other people. That’s why they’re so useful for teaching these problems.

Masterful

“Masterful” is a great word that relates to being a “master.” It shows that someone is able to do things confidently and is good at doing multiple things to help people out.

The definition of “masterful,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “able to control people and situations in a confident way.”

  • I have a masterful understanding of all of the things relating to this. Ask me any question, and I’ll be able to answer it just fine.
  • She is masterful with situations like this. I have yet to see her genuinely fail anything like this. She should be the one to help you.
  • As masterful as he is in many areas, I still don’t think he’s the person we need to help us out right now. Thank him for us, though.

Competent

“Competent” shows that someone can do something well. If someone is competent in many areas, it means they are able to be “good” at everything that comes their way.

Competence is usually transferrable. If you’re competent in multiple areas and something new comes up, it’s likely that you’ll find a way to be competent at that new thing as well.

The definition of “competent,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “able to do something well.”

  • You’re very competent, and we want to see that on our team. That’s why we think it’s time that you are offered a place here.
  • I know you can be competent when it counts. I think you just need to tell yourself that to show that you’re more confident than you think.
  • She’s competent enough to understand a lot of these problems. We should get her in here to help us understand the equations.

Proficient

“Proficient” is a great word that comes with practice. If someone has spent a lot of time learning everything they know, they might end up being proficient in it.

Proficiency is a great way of showing what you can do. It works well to show that someone is good at everything, especially when they’ve dedicated a lot of time to let this happen.

The definition of “proficient,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “skilled and experienced.”

  • I’m very proficient in a lot of these things. I’ll be able to help guide you through the problems you’re facing if you would like that.
  • Being proficient in something means that you’ve got a lot of skills and experience related to that thing (and often others).
  • I know you’re proficient at a lot of things, but I would still like to try and do this on my own. It’s a pride thing.

Intelligent

“Intelligent” is a simple way of referring to someone who is good at everything. It relates to someone who is smart and can think outside of the box. Intelligent people are usually able to learn and understand new things quickly and easily.

The definition of “intelligent,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “showing intelligence, or able to learn and understand things easily.”

  • You’re quite intelligent for your age. I had no idea that people as young as you could know so much about the world around them.
  • She’s very intelligent, and it seems like she has an answer for everything. If you ever need help, she’s the one to go to.
  • I’ve always been intelligent. I like to put my brain to the test to prove to the world that I can do things that others can’t.

Adept

“Adept” works to show that someone has a natural ability to do something well. This can be extended to relate to multiple things by saying someone is “adept in multiple ways.” This gives you a chance to show that someone is good at everything.

The definition of “adept,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “having a natural ability to do something that needs skill.”

  • I’m adept in multiple areas. I often take to things quickly, and I can learn new skills in less time than most other people can.
  • It pays to be adept in these fields. I’m multi-skilled, which is why I’m irreplaceable at my current workplace.
  • He’s very adept at many things. You should ask him to help you with some of this stuff to find out what he knows about.

Multifaceted

“Multifaceted” doesn’t strictly refer to people. It refers to anything that has many different parts to it. However, in the context of people, it relates to someone who has many skills and talents that can help them out.

Multifaceted people are able to do a lot of things very well. They are able to dip in and out of different skill sets to help other people get the most out of something.

The definition of “multifaceted,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “having many different parts or sides.”

  • Your multifaceted personality is what interests me the most. It seems like you’re good at everything, and I love that about you.
  • I know you’re multifaceted, which is why I need your help. I came to you because I needed somebody that I could trust.
  • Sarah is multifaceted in many ways. You should ask her what she knows about this situation. She should have a good answer.

Talented

“Talented” relates to specific talents that someone might have. While some people might have only one or two talents, it’s also possible for people to have multiple different ones. This could lead to them being good at seemingly everything.

The definition of “talented,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “with talent; able or skillful.”

  • I like to think of myself as talented. I often learn about new skills and talents to test my boundaries and push what I thought was possible.
  • Being talented isn’t as easy as you think. A lot of time still goes into honing my craft before I can demonstrate anything.
  • I want to be the talented one in the family. Unfortunately, I think that job falls to my younger brother, Max. He’s so clever.

Gifted

“Gifted” is a great way to refer to someone who has a special ability for specific subjects. There is no limit to the number of subjects or things that someone can be “gifted” in. It depends entirely on the person and what they know.

The definition of “gifted,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “having special ability in a particular subject or activity.”

  • She’s very gifted, and she always wants to find ways to expand her knowledge. I wish my brain worked like that sometimes.
  • As a gifted young man, you’ve earned yourself quite a reputation. We’d love to welcome you into our scholarship program.
  • I’m the gifted one of the family. I’m able to do a lot of things well, and they rely on me to help them when things go wrong.

martin lassen dam grammarhow

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.

Let’s get one thing clear right up front: Just randomly using big words in hopes you’ll sound smarter isn’t going to work. As one Princeton study found, it can have the opposite effect. But don’t let that discourage from actually broadening your vocabulary. Learning a new word here and there—and knowing how to use it effectively—doesn’t just make you appear more intelligent: It will actually make you more intelligent, for real. Recent studies have found a correlation between increasing your vocabulary as an adult and strengthening your brain.

Now, that doesn’t mean memorizing a dozen or so words with six or more syllables will make you the smartest person in your social circle. No, strengthening your vocabulary is more about having a sincere curiosity about language, and wanting to find new, more creative ways to describe the world around you. To help you on your quest for greater intelligence, here are 30 words that won’t just make you sound smarter, but just might make you smarter. And to see where the most intelligent people live, This Is the Smartest State in the U.S.

Read the original article on Best Life.

woman in a white shirt plugging her fingers in her ears

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: It doesn’t sound like a put-down, but it kind of is. A «cacophony» is any loud, unpleasant mixture of sounds. It could be musical instruments, howling dogs, car horns, or even people.

EXAMPLE: «A bachelor party is happening next door. Hence the cacophony.»

Looking for more ways to boost your intelligence? Just This Many Minutes of Exercise Will Boost Your Brain, Study Says.

Bored sad girl at the party

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: It’s the feeling you get when you’re simultaneously bored and annoyed. You were expecting more, but you got… this? You’re not depressed exactly, but you’d definitely rather be anywhere but here. (If you’re in one of the 50 cities with the worst singles scenes in America, you probably know the feeling.)

EXAMPLE: «How was my date last night? Well, I’ll just say this. At the end, I had a gnawing sense of ennui.»

Secrets, relationships, friends, smart word, aquiver

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: You’ve got a serious case of the feels, but you’re not sure how to talk about it without saying «the feels»? Try this tasty word, which means you’re so overcome with emotion that you’re practically trembling.

EXAMPLE: «Am I excited for the new Star Wars sequel? I’m aquiver with excitement!»

What better way to exercise the mind than learning more about it with these 23 Facts About Your Brain That Will Blow Your Mind.

Arrogant and belittling boss

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: You can’t put your finger on it, but something about the way that guy is talking sounds completely insincere. He thinks he has all the solutions, but he’s just blowing smoke.

EXAMPLE: «I know you think you’re being helpful, but you’re being way too glib.»

young black man pointing his finger at black woman putting her hands out while they argue on the couch

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: Can you imagine how much more fun Twitter fights would be if people responded to insults that hurt their feelings with, «Dear sir, I take umbrage to that comment?» Yes, it means «offense» or «annoyance.»

EXAMPLE: «I know you’re just an Internet troll with no sense of right or wrong, but you didn’t have to cause me so much umbrage.»

And for the terms that will have a negative affect on how you’re perceived by others, check out 5 Words That Will Make You Sound Less Confident, According to Experts.

smart word, non-sequitur

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: It’s when the subject in a conversation gets changed without warning, usually abruptly. It’s a nice way of saying, «Have you even been listening to me?» Its Latin translation, literally: «it does not follow.»

EXAMPLE: «Wait, why did you just bring up astronauts? I thought we were talking about mud races. That was a weird non-sequitur.»

woman running late

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: It just sounds like something a Looney Tunes character would say—but it’s actually a legitimate word, meaning «to leave hurriedly.» Originally derived from the Spanish word vamos, which means «let’s go,» modern usage takes it up a notch: When it’s time to vamoose, danger is probably imminent.

EXAMPLE: «I don’t know how a mountain lion got in the room either, but we’ll talk about it later. Vamoose, man, vamoose!»

And for more brain-boosting content delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

A Starbucks on the corner of Front Street and Wall Street in Manhattan's Financial District; New York City; Photo taken on April 6, 2014; editorial use only (A Starbucks on the corner of Front Street and Wall Street in Manhattan's Financial District;

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: You could say «That stuff is everywhere,» and you’d probably be understood. But then you’re missing all the fun of language. A word like «ubiquitous» communicates the same idea, but it’s the deep-dish pizza of vocabulary. You have to eat it with a fork. (Officially, it means: «found everywhere.»)

EXAMPLE: «Oh yeah, I’ve seen plenty of guys with hipster beards. They’re ubiquitous.»

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: Evil is just evil, but when it goes the extra mile into Bond villain territory, that’s when it becomes nefarious.

EXAMPLE: «The way he runs his business, it’s just so… nefarious.»

young couple arguing, still single, argument fight, smart word

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: Sure, you could ask your wife or girlfriend why she’s being so moody and unpredictable. Or you take a safer tactic, and use a word that isn’t quite so negatively loaded.

EXAMPLE: «You seem a little capricious tonight, dear, is everything okay?»

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: No, we’re not kidding. It’s an actual word, referring to any activity that pretends to be useful but is really just a big waste of your valuable time.

EXAMPLE: «Of all the company meetings we’ve had this year, this was the biggest boondoggle!»

Portrait of cheerful young manager handshake with new employee.

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: Calling somebody a «suck-up» or a «brown-noser» feels so juvenile, like an insult you’d hurl at somebody in high school. You can do better. And unless they know what it means, «sycophant» can even sound like a compliment.

EXAMPLE: «No, you totally deserve that raise. You’re the biggest sycophant in the office.»

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: When music hits you right in the feels, it’s hard to explain why you love it so much. Instead of saying «Damn this is good,» try a slightly more expressive word like «mellifluous.» It means a smooth, flowing sound that hits your ears in just the right way.

EXAMPLE: «I can’t stop listening to the new Arcade Fire record. It’s so darn mellifluous.»

man tying up his brogues coolest accessory every year

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: Telling a pal «your leather shoes are boss» makes you sound like a frat dude. If you’re going to compliment somebody on his sturdy, rugged-looking footwear, use a word with a sense of history. If it was good enough for Irish workers during the 18th century, it’s good enough for you.

EXAMPLE: «I like your brogues, bro.»

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: Just by using the word «perfunctory,» you’re being the opposite of perfunctory. (See what we did there?) The only ones who make a perfunctory, halfhearted effort are the ones who aren’t really sure if being called «perfunctory» is a snub but can’t be bothered to look it up.

EXAMPLE: «The interviewer asked all the perfunctory questions. He didn’t seem truly interested.»

Signs your marriage is over

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: Words like «affair» and «one-night stand» sound so judgy. If you’re having a secret meeting with somebody you shouldn’t be alone with, and it’s possible one or more of you weren’t wearing pants, well my good sir, that’s a tryst.

EXAMPLE: «No, we never officially dated. We just had the occasional tryst.»

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY: It’s also the name for sulfuric acid, which is powerful enough to burn through just about anything. That’s how it works with the emotion as well. If you have vitriol for someone, well, they’re far from your favorite person.

EXAMPLE: «Don’t even bring up that guy’s name. The amount of vitriol I have for that person, I can’t even explain.»

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: Rarely does such a simple word (or a word and a number) express such a complicated idea. You can thank Joseph Heller for coining the term in his 1962 novel Catch-22. It’s a paradox where there’s no escape: You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t. If you ever find yourself in a situation where there are no easy answers and either choice seems seems like a dead end, what you have is an old-fashioned catch-22.

EXAMPLE: «You have to have money to make money. It’s a catch-22.»

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: If it’s starting to seem like an expanded vocabulary is just an excuse to be more creative with your insults, you might be right. But if you’re so dim and slow-witted that you don’t realize that being called obtuse isn’t adulation, maybe you a little bit deserved it?

EXAMPLE: «Don’t worry, he’s too obtuse to realize we’re talking about him.»

man with eyeglasses siting on floor in the living room and using smart phone and laptop for managing home finances

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: We don’t mean the Family Guy character, but a swampy marsh, or any difficult or precarious situation. If you’re stuck in a quagmire, you’re in quite the predicament.

EXAMPLE: «Until he pays off the IRS, Bob’s in one heck of a financial quagmire.»

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: We live in a scary, uncertain world, and it’s easy to feel bewildered or confused. But you can add a little color to your consternation by using a word that sounds like it belongs in a British comedy.

EXAMPLE: «I was following the GPS, I have no idea how we got this lost. I’m flummoxed!»

Group of friends around a table sharing a meal

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: When somebody’s pushing for you to do something you’d rather not be doing, you could accuse them of trying to bully or dupe you—what we once called «peer pressure» in high school—or you could hit them with a word that gives them pause. That alone might make them back off.

EXAMPLE: «Nice try, but you’re not going to cajole me into drinking another beer.»

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: We’ve all been caught in the act of being a jerk for no reason. But who wants to say, «Sorry, I was a jerk for no reason?» Here’s a better way to explain.

EXAMPLE: «No, I didn’t really mean it when I said you would die alone and unloved. I was being caustic.»

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: You were gonna lobby for a raise at work but your boss is already planned on giving you one? It’s a fait accompli! Your partner’s been pestering you to do the dishes but they’ve already loaded the washer? Another fait accompli! If there’s a cooler, more French, way of saying «Already done,» we haven’t heard it. (It’s not always a good thing, though—when HR puts a frustrating new policy into effect and only tells you after the fact, that’s a fait accompli, too.)

EXAMPLE: «What’s that, dear? You need me to take out the trash? Well, no need. Fait accompli

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: A truly great word gives people pause, forcing them to wonder if it really means what they think it is. Gregarious sounds like an endorsement—and it is; it means somebody is sociable and fond of other people’s company—but phonetically it’s a little too close to «gangrene.» They could ask, but that would mean admitting they don’t know what the word means.

EXAMPLE: «You know why I like you? You’re one of the most gregarious people I know.»

organized desk

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: A fun word because it changes depending on the context. Used to describe somebody who’s obsessed with the small details and can be very difficult to please, it’s obviously meant as a compliment when you say, «You’re an excellent cook, you must be very fastidious in the kitchen.» Great for the office, but maybe not so much when it’s used in the bedroom.

EXAMPLE: «It’s six hours and you still haven’t had an orgasm? You’re being way too fastidious.»

Sad older man with his head in his hand

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: Feeling a little tearfully sentimental? Or choked-up with emotion for no apparent reason? Describe what you’re feeling with a word that manages to have some gravitas (despite it normally being used to diss something as overly sentimental). Ernest Hemingway was never weepy, but he definitely had his (drunk) maudlin moments.

EXAMPLE: «Sorry, looking at all these old photos always makes me maudlin.»

woman shocked surprise with computer

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: That feeling you get when you read the news every morning, and you’re like, «Is this real? Is that actually happening? This can’t be real life.» That’s you being flabbergasted.

EXAMPLE: «Yes, I saw Game of Thrones last week. I’m still flabbergasted.»

man refuses to drink, smart word

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: Whether you’re a recovering alcoholic or have never touched a drop, abstaining completely from alcohol qualifies somebody as a teetotaler. Where on earth does it come from? Nobody’s entirely sure. It might have something to do with drinking tea: It first came into fashion during England’s temperance movement of the early 19th century. (Richard Turner, the guy who most likely came up with the word, liked it so much that he put in on his gravestone.)

EXAMPLE: «Are you sure you want to invite him to your bachelor party? He’s a teetotaler.»

Marriage, couple, smart word, empathy

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IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE DEFINITION ALREADY…: You should really know what this means by now—and it’s definitely one we should try using more often. People with even the slightest sensitivity to other people’s feelings might as well have super powers.

EXAMPLE: «I know you think he’s the enemy because of his political beliefs, but let’s try to have a little empathy, okay?»

1

as in smart

having or showing quickness of mind

proud parents typically insist that their child is intelligent way beyond his or her years his intelligent response to the emergency averted a disaster


2

as in rational

having the ability to reason

there is some debate over whether dolphins are intelligent animals


3

as in discreet

having or showing good judgment and restraint especially in conduct or speech

the only intelligent response to such a tasteless joke is to quickly change the subject


Synonym Chooser

How is the word intelligent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of intelligent are alert, clever, and quick-witted. While all these words mean «mentally keen or quick,» intelligent stresses success in coping with new situations and solving problems.

an intelligent person could assemble it fast

When is alert a more appropriate choice than intelligent?

While in some cases nearly identical to intelligent, alert stresses quickness in perceiving and understanding.

When would clever be a good substitute for intelligent?

Although the words clever and intelligent have much in common, clever implies native ability or aptness and sometimes suggests a lack of more substantial qualities.

When might quick-witted be a better fit than intelligent?

The words quick-witted and intelligent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, quick-witted implies promptness in finding answers in debate or in devising expedients in moments of danger or challenge.

no match for his quick-witted opponent

Thesaurus Entries Near intelligent

Cite this Entry

“Intelligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intelligent. Accessed 14 Apr. 2023.

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