Alphabetic N

noun

1 of 59

Bad / Small

audio

niche - A small part of a larger whole that is particularly appropriate for the situation

Sam couldn't master all of physics, but he knew enough about his particular niche that made him respected among his colleagues in that area.

adjective

2 of 59

Bad / Crazy

audio

nuts - Crazy, insane, or stupid, often in a humorous way

Bill's friends thought he was nuts for swimming in the middle of the winter.

noun

3 of 59

Good / New

audio

novice - Someone who is beginning to learn a skill or subject

Because Mary was a novice programmer, she often asked her co-workers for help and advice.

adjective

4 of 59

Bad / Bad

audio

nefarious - An act or behaviour that is criminal, evil or wicked.

Joe could only blame himself for the jail sentence that followed his nefarious career as a gangster.

noun

5 of 59

Bad / Stupid

Url audio

nonsense - Words or actions that are silly, stupid, make no sense, and have no meaning.

The jury felt that the defendant's alibi sounded like nonsense.

noun

6 of 59

Good / Smart

audio

nuance - A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound

The picture showed nuances of each color, which created subtle differences in appearance.

adjective

7 of 59

Good / Flexible

audio

nimble - Quick and light in movement or action; agile

Track and field athletes have to be exceptionally nimble when jumping over high hurdles.

noun

8 of 59

Bad / Bad

Url audio

no-no - Something that is not allowed or is strongly discouraged.

Wearing jeans to a formal wedding is a big no-no.

noun

9 of 59

Good / Friendly

audio

niceties - A fine detail or distinction, especially one regarded as intricate and fussy

Thom appreciated the architecture of the building, though he didn't know the detailed niceties of its particular style.

adjective

10 of 59

Bad / Unfriendly

audio

nippy - (of the weather) rather cold; chilly

Ryan tugged at his jacket to protect himself from the nippy winter weather.

noun

11 of 59

Good / Pleasure

audio

nostalgia - A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations

While watching her family's old home movies, Mary was filled with a sense of nostalgia.

noun

See verb

12 of 59

Other / Other

audio

nip - A sharp pinch, squeeze, or bite

Many dishes require taking a nip of salt and adding it to the pot.