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noun

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wonk - A person who takes an excessive interest in minor details of political policy

Rachel Maddow is a policy wonk on TV who walks her audience through the minor details of legislation and current events.

verb

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scrutinize - To look at something in great detail, often to understand it better or to detect any flaws or issues.

The detective carefully scrutinized the evidence he had gathered, trying to find a clue that might help him figure out who committted the crime.

verb

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upgrade - To improve and raise to a higher standard.

Though it was not cheap, I felt it was a good idea to upgrade to a laptop with more memory and a faster CPU.

noun

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feedback - Information or opinions about how well someone is doing something, used for improvement.

Our website asked customers for feedback about what we can do improve to make our service better.

noun

See verb

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bargain - a thing bought or offered for sale more cheaply than is usual or expected.

This jacket was a total bargain—Bill got it for half the original price, and it was in perfect condition.

noun

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wits - Mental sharpness and inventiveness; keen intelligence.

In order not to be detected, the spy had to live very moment by his wits, making sure a random mistake might reveal his true identity.

noun

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paradox - A situation or idea that seems strange because it involves two aspects that are very different and seem to contradict each other, and both may be true.

It's a paradox that often it's the busiest people that have to most time to contribute to the needs of others.

noun

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epiphany - An illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure

Nat had no idea what to call his new business until he had a sudden epiphany.

noun

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visionary - Having foresight and imagination that helps a person plan for the future in a creative way.

Leonardo da Vinci was a visionary who drew pictures how the following would work: the gun, parachute, helicopter, diving suit, robot, car, and submarine.

noun

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scrutiny - Careful examination of someone or something

Sam didn't want to be considered for the position of Secretary of Defense because he didn't want to be subjected to the scrutiny of Congress that is part of the application process.

verb

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validate - To prove that something is true

Henry David Thoreau felt self-confident about his ideas, and he didn't need anyone else to praise him, because he validated his own ideas.

verb

See noun

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finesse - Do (something) in a subtle and delicate manner

After speaking with the customer like a friend, the salesman was able to finesse him into a sale.