Word of the Week

Vicarious means experiencing in your imagination what someone is actually feeling or doing.

For example, “Keith derived vicarious pleasure from the misfortune of the CFO, his office nemesis.“

Nemesis means an enemy or long-standing rival.

For example, “Keith considered the CFO his nemesis, ever since the person disallowed half the meals on his expense report.“

Bonhomie means good-natured friendliness; geniality.

For example, “Keith worked hard to create a bonhomie among his sales team.“

Surfeit means excess; overabundant supply.

For example, “The CEO presented a surfeit of ideas during the meeting, but Keith thought they were all foolish.“

Circumscribe means to draw a line around; to constrict with a boundary.

For example, “Keith felt that his authority was being circumscribed by the new CEO.“

Acquiesce mean to submit, comply, or accept.

For example, “Keith acquiesced to his sales team’s demand that he stop micromanaging them.“

Tractable means docile; capable of being easily managed or controlled.

For example, “The new salesperson seemed too tractable to Keith, so he fired him.“

Impugn means to oppose or attack as false or lacking integrity.

For example, “Keith felt that the VP’s comments impugned his integrity.“

Haggard means tired; exhausted.

For example, “After a marathon session of endless meetings, Keith felt haggard.“

Mellifluous means having a smooth rich flow.

For example, “Keith’s mellifluous voice could be heard well beyond the shower where he was singing.“