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visceral - Relating to basic emotions that you feel strongly and automatically

Edith had a visceral feeling of dislike when she met her new manager, and in time his actions showed that she was right from the start.

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adjective

staid - Sedate, respectable, and unadventurous

Jill liked Bob, but she really wanted someone more dynamic and exciting, and Jill just couldn't see herself spending the rest of her life with someone so staid and kind of boring.

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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.

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primal - Relating to very basic emotions or conditions

The book The Primal Scream deals with deep, essential emotions that are at the core of every human being.

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Incentive - Something that serves as a reason or stimulus for effort or improvement; a reward or motivation that encourages someone to take a specific action.

The company offered a cash incentive to employees who met their sales targets.

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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.

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Inhibitions - A feeling of self-consciousness or restraint that prevents someone from acting freely; a psychological or social barrier that limits a person’s behavior or expressions.

His inhibitions kept him from speaking up during the meeting, even though he had great ideas.

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retrospect - The act of reflecting on or considering past actions, experiences, or situations.

In retrospect, I realize that taking that job was one of the best decisions I ever made, even though it seemed risky at the time.

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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.

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cagey - Reluctant to give information owing to caution or suspicion

I asked to read Kyle's novel, but he was acting cagey and said he couldn't show it to me.

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nounverb noun

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Hint - A small or subtle piece of advice, suggestion, or information, often given to help someone understand something or solve a problem.

After a difficult 30 minutes in front of the group, my manager gave me a hint on how to improve my presentation.

nounverb verb

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coy - Making a pretense of shyness or modesty that is intended to be alluring

Samantha gave Frank a coy look so that he would do her homework for her.