What is a smart word for great

1. Big Words for Amazing Prodigious — wonderful or marvelous.
2. Astonishing — causing astonishment or surprise; amazing.
3. Astounding — capable of overwhelming with amazement.
4. Phenomenal — highly extraordinary or prodigious; exceptional.
5. Breathtaking — exciting, thrilling; very great, astonishing.

subsequently, What are some smart words? 30 Words That Will Make You Instantly Sound Smarter

• Cacophony.
• Ennui.
• Aquiver.
• Glib.
• Umbrage.
• Non-sequitur.
• Vamoose.
• Ubiquitous.

How can I talk more fancy? Here are nine easily mastered techniques to quickly make yourself more eloquent and smarter sounding.

1. Stand or sit with spine straight but relaxed. …
2. Keep your chin up. …
3. Focus on your listeners. …
4. Speak loudly enough to be heard. …
5. Buttress words with appropriate gestures. …
6. Strategically position your body.

What are 5 positive words?

Common Positive Words List

• Adaptable.
• Adventurous.
• Amazing.
• Amiable.
• Beautiful.
• Becoming.
• Beloved.
• Blessed.

What is a fancy word for amazing? admirable, amazing, astonishing, awesome, brilliant, cool, enjoyable, excellent, fabulous, fantastic, fine, incredible, magnificent, marvelous, outstanding, phenomenal, pleasant, pleasing, remarkable, sensational.

What are 10 interesting words?

Let’s see which of these craziest words you already know and which ones are new to you:

• Bumfuzzle. This is a simple term that refers to being confused, perplexed, or flustered or to cause confusion. …
• Cattywampus. …
• Gardyloo. …
• Taradiddle. …
• Snickersnee. …
• Widdershins. …
• Collywobbles. …
• Gubbins.

What are fancy words for beautiful?

• elegant,
• exquisite,
• glorious,
• Junoesque,
• magnificent,
• resplendent,
• splendid,
• statuesque,

What’s a fancy word for elegant?

Some common synonyms of elegant are choice, dainty, delicate, exquisite, and rare.

What is a beautiful girl called?

1’a beautiful young woman’ attractive, pretty, handsome, good-looking, nice-looking, pleasing, alluring, prepossessing, as pretty as a picture. lovely, charming, delightful, appealing, engaging, winsome. ravishing, gorgeous, heavenly, stunning, arresting, glamorous, irresistible, bewitching, beguiling.

What do you call a smart lady?

Astute – She has clever solutions to problems based on her sharp perception. Clear-sighted – She is perceptive and able to see decisions clearly.

How do you describe a classy person?

Definition of classy : having or showing class: such as. a : elegant, stylish a classy clientele a classy hotel. b : having or reflecting high standards of personal behavior a classy guy a classy gesture. c : admirably skillful and graceful a classy outfielder.

What is slang for gorgeous?

drop-dead (slang) ravishing. She looked ravishing. hot (informal) fit (British, informal)

How do you say pretty in slang?

1. cutie-pie,
2. dish,
3. doll,
4. dreamboat.
5. [slang],
6. hottie,
7. looker.

What is a female Zaddy called?

What is a female zaddy? The term zaddy is gender-neutral.

What is the prettiest sounding word?

Here are our choices (in no particular order).

• Vellichor. …
• Petrichor. …
• Serendipity. …
• Diaphanous. …
• Limerence. …
• Silhouette. …
• Akimbo. …
• Mellifluous.

What is a pretty word?

• elegant,
• exquisite,
• glorious,
• Junoesque,
• magnificent,
• resplendent,
• splendid,
• statuesque,

What’s a fancy word for beautiful?

Some common synonyms of beautiful are comely, fair, handsome, lovely, and pretty. While all these words mean “exciting sensuous or aesthetic pleasure,” beautiful applies to whatever excites the keenest of pleasure to the senses and stirs emotion through the senses.

What are some dreamy words?

dreamy

• fanciful.
• introspective.
• nightmarish.
• otherworldly.
• pensive.
• quixotic.
• utopian.
• whimsical.

What is the cutest word ever?

What’s The Cutest Word In The World?

• charm.
• glitter.
• bubble.
• bumblebee.
• petite.
• humdrum.
• snuggle.
• pipsqueak.

What are short cute words?

What’s The Cutest Word In The World?

• charm.
• glitter.
• bubble.
• bumblebee.
• petite.
• humdrum.
• snuggle.
• pipsqueak.

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Number 1: Certainly

Certainly is a great alternative to okay or no problem, which are used way too much in English.

So the next time your boss asks, “Can you get that document to me by the end of the afternoon?”

You should respond, “Certainly!”

Number 2: Modify

Things at work are always changing. The problem is many people don’t like change, so the word ‘change’ doesn’t help them feel good or make you look good.

An easy upgrade here, that can make you sound smart is the word ‘modify’. This means it is a small change, so it can sound less terrifying. 

Instead of saying:

 ‘We need to change what we are doing here because the customer isn’t happy.’ 

You can use the word modify and say:

‘Modifying our approach would make the customer happier.’

Number 3: Complications

There is a word that puts fear into almost anyone at work, and that word is ‘problem’.

When someone walks into the office and says ‘there is a problem’, no one feels great! So, to sound less negative and impress a little more, try a fancier word like ‘complication’. 

Rather than:

There is a problem with the order and it is running really late.

Say:

There have been some complications and the order’s been delayed.

Number 4: Sensational

Don’t get me wrong, awesome is a fabulous word. That is exactly why we use it so much.

But at work, saying this is awesome and that is awesome all the time, gets old really quickly and the word loses it power from being overused.

So, it is definitely a good move to change it up and use some synonyms for ‘awesome’.

‘Sensational’ is a good place to start, it has the same meaning, that something is really great or wonderful, and it sounds particularly positive. 

If a colleague offers to buy you coffee, what could you say? That would be sensational!! 

Number 5: Elaborate

Elaborate is a great verb that just means to give more details.

So instead of saying to your colleague, “what do you mean?”

You can say, “Could you elaborate?” It’s much more polite and professional.

Number 6: Leverage

Companies love the word leverage. If you talk about this at work, you will definitely impress.

It really means getting an advantage, so you could say to your colleague: Modifying our approach could give us real leverage here (which means, if we change what we are doing we could get an advantage). But using leverage sounds SO much better, doesn’t it?

Number 7: Ramifications

The fact is, at work we sometimes have to talk about bad things that have happened or might happen. So why not take that opportunity to sound super smart while doing it?

The word you need in that case is ‘ramifications’ which means those bad things that happen that we didn’t want or didn’t expect.

We often use this word together with ‘potential’.

For instance, when considering an idea at work, if you want to suggest the team thinks about the possibility for unexpected or unwanted negative effects you could say:

“We may need to consider the ramifications before proceeding.” 

Number 8: Perplexing

Sometimes things are definitely confusing at work.

Perhaps a customer has done something weird, maybe the files you just put on your desk have disappeared… or that email your boss sent didn’t show up in your inbox. 😬

In these instances it is the perfect time to sound smart. Instead of saying, ‘That’s weird!’ or ‘I’m confused’, use ‘That’s perplexing’.

You are simply saying how confusing something is, but you are sounding so impressive doing it!

Number 9: Straightforward

Everyone likes things at work to be easy.

We hope that a project will be easy, that preparing for the presentation will be easy and that meeting our deadlines will be easy.

Instead of saying ‘easy’, impress with your vocabulary and say ‘straightforward’.

For example:

“Working with this client should be quite straightforward, they have clear goals and timelines.”

Number 10: Like (a word to AVOID)

It is time to talk about the all important overused filler that we all need to stop using so much. The word ‘like’.

This word creeps into way too many sentences. I have heard sentences where it pops up 3, 4 or even 5 times!

👉At work it sounds unprofessional, especially when used as a filler. So, instead of throwing ‘like’ in there, just take a little pause and think clearly about what you want to say.

There are some great alternatives for when we are using ‘like’ to introduce information. For instance:

Don’t say: There are lots of opportunities like this for our product.

Do say: There are plenty of opportunities such as this for our sensational product.

Other options include: for instance or specifically.

❤️love this lesson? Be sure to check out these similar lessons on advanced vocabulary:

10 Collocations with the Word Say

Collocations with the Word Think

Visit my full Advanced Vocabulary playlist

What is a smart word for big?

The definition of gargantuan is enormous or gigantic. Of a quantity or value, great or large.

What is a really good word for big?

very big

• colossal.
• considerable.
• enormous.
• gigantic.
• humongous.
• monumental.
• tremendous.
• whopping.

What is it called when someone uses big words?

Sesquipedalian can also be used to describe someone or something that overuses big words, like a philosophy professor or a chemistry textbook. If someone gives a sesquipedalian speech, people often assume it was smart, even if they don’t really know what it was about because they can’t understand the words.

What is it when your scared of everything?

Pantophobia refers to a widespread fear of everything. Pantophobia is no longer an official diagnosis. But people do experience extreme anxiety triggered by many different situations and objects.

What is the phobia of death?

Thanatophobia is commonly referred to as the fear of death. More specifically, it can be a fear of death or a fear of the dying process. It’s natural for someone to worry about their own health as they age. It’s also common for someone to worry about their friends and family after they’re gone.

What is the fear of being alone called?

Also known as autophobia, isolophobia, or eremophobia, monophobia is the fear of being isolated, lonely, or alone.

Which is the most common fear in the world?

Phobias: The ten most common fears people hold

• Acrophobia: fear of heights.
• Pteromerhanophobia: fear of flying.
• Claustrophobia: fear of enclosed spaces.
• Entomophobia: fear of insects.
• Ophidiophobia: fear of snakes.
• Cynophobia: fear of dogs.
• Astraphobia: fear of storms.
• Trypanophobia: fear of needles.

What should I be scared of?

13 Things That Scare the Pants Off You

• 1 / 13. Roller Coasters. Our lives aren’t quite as exciting as they used to be — no more running from predators, for example.
• 2 / 13. Horror Movies.
• 3 / 13. Clowns.
• 4 / 13. Heights.
• 5 / 13. Flying.
• 6 / 13. Spiders.
• 7 / 13. Snakes.
• 8 / 13. Dentists.

Do 1 thing everyday that scares you?

You’re no doubt familiar with the dictum to “do one thing every day that scares you.” The quotation is often misattributed to Eleanor Roosevelt, who said something far more meaningful (if less meme-able): “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.

How do I overcome my fear of life?

Ten ways to fight your fears

1. Take time out. It’s impossible to think clearly when you’re flooded with fear or anxiety.
2. Breathe through panic.
3. Face your fears.
4. Imagine the worst.
5. Look at the evidence.
6. Don’t try to be perfect.
7. Visualise a happy place.
8. Talk about it.

• alert,
• brainy,
• bright,
• brilliant,
• clever,
• exceptional,
• fast,
• hyperintelligent,

acute

• astute.
• canny.
• clever.
• discerning.
• discriminating.
• incisive.
• ingenious.
• insightful.

What are some good big words?

Big Words for Amazing

• Prodigious — wonderful or marvelous.
• Astonishing — causing astonishment or surprise; amazing.
• Astounding — capable of overwhelming with amazement.
• Phenomenal — highly extraordinary or prodigious; exceptional.
• Breathtaking — exciting, thrilling; very great, astonishing.

What is the longest word for smart?

Sesquipedalian – Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com.

What is a really big word?

1. Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis (45 letters)

What is the smartest word?

Read the original article on Best Life.

• Caustic.
• Fait Accompli.
• Gregarious.
• Fastidious.
• Maudlin.
• Flabbergasted.
• Teetotaler.
• Empathy.

What are some advanced words?

Advanced English Vocabulary Words with Meanings

Words	Definition
Galvanize	to excite or inspire (someone) to action
Veracious	truthful
Restive	restless
Calumny	making of a false statement meant to injure a person’s reputation

What are 10 interesting words?

Let’s see which of these craziest words you already know and which ones are new to you:

• Bumfuzzle. This is a simple term that refers to being confused, perplexed, or flustered or to cause confusion.
• Cattywampus.
• Gardyloo.
• Taradiddle.
• Snickersnee.
• Widdershins.
• Collywobbles.
• Gubbins.

Which word takes 3 hours to say?

Methionylthreonylthreonylglutaminylarginyl… isoleucine is the chemical name for the protein of “titin” also known as “connectin.” The largest known protein that consists of 26, 926 amino acids is made up of 189, 819 letters and can take about three hours to pronounce.

What’s an intelligent person called?

genius. noun. someone who is much more intelligent or skilful than other people.

What’s the word B * * * * mean?

informal + often offensive : a malicious, spiteful, or overbearing woman. informal + offensive. used as a generalized term of abuse and disparagement for a woman.

What are the 10 difficult words?

As a follow up to our article on confusing words, here are ten of the most difficult words in English.

• Literally. If you know a language purist, watch out.
• Ironic.
• Irregardless (instead of regardless)
• Whom.
• Colonel.
• Nonplussed.
• Disinterested.
• Enormity.

What’s the hardest word to say?

The Most Difficult English Word To Pronounce

• Rural.
• Otorhinolaryngologist.
• Colonel.
• Penguin.
• Sixth.
• Isthmus.
• Anemone.
• Squirrel.

What is a unique word?

To explain this very simply, a unique word is one that’s unusual or different in some way. It might have a complicated history or interesting connections to another language. But, primarily what makes an English word interesting is its unusual spelling, pronunciation or meaning.

How can I talk sound smart?

How to Sound Smart

1. Use simple terminology. Stop thinking the use of big words will make you appear smart.
2. Don’t over-articulate. Connect the words within phrases together.
3. Relax & Breathe. Being relaxed always improves your performance; exhale your voice right out of your lungs.
4. Use a varied intonation pattern.

How can I talk clever?

Here are nine easily mastered techniques to quickly make yourself more eloquent and smarter sounding.

1. Stand or sit with spine straight but relaxed.
2. Keep your chin up.
3. Focus on your listeners.
4. Speak loudly enough to be heard.
5. Buttress words with appropriate gestures.
6. Strategically position your body.

What are 20 difficult words?

20 Most Difficult Words to Pronounce in the English Language

• Colonel.
• Worcestershire.
• Mischievous.
• Draught.
• Quinoa.
• Onomatopoeia.
• Scissors.
• Anemone.

What are 20 hard words to spell?

What are the Top 20 Hardest Words to Spell?

• Nauseous. “Nauseous” is a hard word to spell because of the number of vowels in the word and the pronunciation.
• Dilate. “Dilate” might be easy to spell for some, but its pronunciation makes it more challenging.
• Indict.
• Liquefy.
• Wednesday.
• Sherbet​
• Bologna.
• Ingenious.

What are some high level words?

high-level

• effective.
• extraordinary.
• noteworthy.
• powerful.
• prominent.
• remarkable.
• solid.
• aristocratic.

What is the most rare word?

Here are the fifteen most unusual words you can find in the English language.

• Nudiustertian.
• Quire.
• Yarborough.
• Tittynope.
• Winklepicker.
• Ulotrichous.
• Kakorrhaphiophobia.
• Xertz. Who would have imagined it?

What is the coolest word ever?

60+ of the Coolest, Most Epic and Interesting Words in the English Language

#1–15	#16–30	#31–45
2. Bamboozled	17. Exquisite	32. Nefarious
3. Bizarre	18. Flippant	33. Onomatopoeia
4. Blasphemy	19. Gerrymandering	34. Persnickety
5. Bumblebee	20. Hyperbolic	35. Phosphorous

good, wise, bold, brilliant, agile, shrewd, slick, nimble, bright, brainy, canny, astute, quick, sharp, crafty, resourceful, active, energetic, throb, ache.

Similar words for smart: able (adjective) acute (adjective) adroit (adjective) brilliant (adjective)

What’s a better word for smart?

What is another word for smart?

bright	intelligent
genius	keen
knowing	knowledgeable
perceptive	percipient
resourceful	shrewd

What is adjective for smart?

smart. adjective. /smɑrt/ (smarter, smartest) intelligent.

What makes someone smart?

Being smart is something that’s grown and cultivated, often by being curious enough to seek out new information and by recognising what you don’t already know. Being smart is the ability to put ideas together, and create solutions to problems. Being smart is the ability to focus, concentrate, and communicate.

What are signs of a high IQ?

11 Signs of Intelligence Proving There’s More Than One Way to Be a Genius

• Empathy.
• Solitude.
• Sense of self.
• Curiosity.
• Memory.
• Body memory.
• Adaptability.
• Interpersonal skills.

How do you know if you’re highly intelligent?

1. 9 Signs You’re More Intelligent Than You Think, According to Science. Intelligence reveals itself in many ways–be smart enough to recognize the variations.
2. You’re creative. Dr.
3. You’re messy.
4. You’re curious.
5. You talk to yourself.
6. You have high self-control.
7. You’re good with being by yourself.
8. You’re funny.

What are the signs of an intelligent child?

Highly intelligent children often exhibit some of the following traits:

• Excellent Memory.
• Early Reading Skills.
• Curiosity.
• Sense of Humor.
• Musical Ability.
• Sets High Standards.
• Talkative with Adults.
• 7 Sure Signs Your Child Has a High IQ.

What is a high IQ for a 13 year old?

The number actually represents how your results compare to those of other people your age. A score of 116 or more is considered above average. A score of 130 or higher signals a high IQ. Membership in Mensa, the High IQ society, includes people who score in the top 2 percent, which is usually 132 or higher.

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.

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.

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.»

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.

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.»

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.

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.»

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.

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.»

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.»

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?»

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!»

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.»

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.»

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.»

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.»

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.»

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.»

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.»

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.»

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.»

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!»

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.»

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.»

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!»

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.»

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.»

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.»

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.»

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.»

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?»