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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.

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.

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.

noun

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virtuoso - A person who is extremely skilled and has outstanding talent in some field in something.

The electric guitar player was considered a virtuoso compared to his fellow musicians.

noun

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techie - A person who is very interested and skilled in technology, especially computers and electronics.

My brother is a real techie—he built his own computer from scratch.

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

See verb

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finesse - Intricate and refined delicacy

Roger Federer is a championship player because of his finesse on the tennis court.

noun

See verb

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maneuver - A strategic or clever action — used to gain an advantage in a situation, especially in politics or negotiations.

The army conducted a large-scale maneuver to test their new defense strategy.

verb

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delve - To research or make painstaking inquiries into something

In his research for his book about George Washington, the author delved into the details of his life and presidency.

verb

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ponder - To look inward and think carefully about something

Before Arnold made a decision, he would try to ponder and imagine the different possible results of the decision.

noun

See verb

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probe - A blunt-ended surgical instrument used for exploring a wound or part of the body

A probe is used by doctors for various procedures when they need to examine a patient's body.

verb

See noun

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bargain - To try to reach an agreement through discussion and compromise.

The two executives bargained all day and came up with an agreement that was good for both of their companies.