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prissy - Fussily and excessively respectable

At dinner, Mary's new suitor was subject to her prissy aunt Maggie, who barely acknowledged him.

adjective

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fickle - Changing frequently, especially as regards one's loyalties, interests, or affection.

Tom's friends claimed he was being too fickle about what he wanted in a wife, but he was sure that Mrs. Right was just around the corner.

verb

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preen - To devote effort to making oneself look attractive and then admire one's appearance

Before every job interview, Fritz would preen himself in the mirror to make sure he looked presentable.

adjective

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ascetic - Practicing strict self-discipline and avoiding all forms of indulgence, often for religious reasons.

She adopted an ascetic lifestyle, giving up social media, junk food, and shopping.

verb

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swagger - Walk or behave in a very confident and typically arrogant or aggressive way

The millionaire swaggered into the fancy nightclub, knowing all eyes would be on him.

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.

adjective

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virtual - Almost or nearly as described, but not completely; something is so nearly true that for most purposes it can be regarded as true; something that exists in essence but not in actuality.

During the pandemic, Zoom created a virtual sense of togetherness.

adjective

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humble - Having or showing a modest or low view of one's own importance; not arrogant or boastful.

Despite his great achievements, he remained humble and never bragged about his success.

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.

noun

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context - The circumstances or background information surrounding an event, statement, or idea that help explain its meaning.

In a different context, his joke might have been actually funny and not offensive.

noun

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snob - A person with an exaggerated respect for high social position or wealth who seeks to associate with social superiors and dislikes people or activities regarded as lower-class

Victor used to be friends with Pete, but once Victor suddenly became rich, he acted like a snob and refused to associate with Pete.

noun

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traction - The grip or friction between a surface and a moving object, like a tire or shoe; also the gaining of support, momentum, or progress.

The startup’s new app is gaining traction with younger audiences.