Burgeon means to grow and expand rapidly; flourish; bloom.

For example, “Keith’s confidence burgeoned after he received the employee of the quarter award.”

Cubit means an ancient unit of measurement equal to the length of the forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger (typically about 18 inches).

For example, “When Keith suggested that the new shelves in the conference room should be four cubits long, his boss had no idea what he was talking about.”

Shanghai means to coerce or trick someone into doing something.

For example, “The CIO shanghaied Keith into attending the tradeshow in his place.”

Prodigious means remarkably or impressively great in size or degree.

For example, “Keith was impressed with the new hire’s prodigious knowledge of the company’s market.”

Ephemeral means lasting a very short time.

For example, “The prestige Keith earned for making the most sales in the first quarter was ephemeral; he placed last in the second quarter.”

Countermand means to revoke something (such as an order) issued by someone else.

For example, “Keith felt he had a moral obligation to countermand the CEO’s directive to inflate the company’s worth during the next stockholders meeting.”

Tenacious means clinging; adhering closely; persistent.

For example, “Once Keith decided on a course of action, he could be very tenacious in seeing it through to the end.”

Incipient means beginning to happen or develop; in an initial stage.

For example, “Keith felt he had to immediately quash the interns’ incipient revolt against working without pay on weekends.”

Asperity means harsh behavior or speech; rough manner or temper.

For example, “Keith’s asperity during meetings with the CFO was just one reason why he was not promoted.”

Protean means able to do many different things; versatile.

For example, “Keith was a remarkably protean manager, which is why he was promoted so often.”