Quirk refers to an unusual habit or way of behaving. It can also refer to something strange that happens by chance, as in “a quirk of fate.”

// For an icebreaker, we were each asked to share a noteworthy quirk about ourselves. Mine was that I have to make sure every square of my waffles is buttered evenly before I eat them.

Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.

1. so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness

2. using or containing too many words

daily.

Signet refers to a seal used officially to give personal authority to a document in lieu of a signature, or to the impression made by or as if by such a seal.

// The ring had been passed down for generations, and bore an intricate intaglio signet.

Gratuitous describes things that are not necessary, appropriate, or justified, as in "a gratuitous insult" or "a gratuitous assumption." Gratuitous can also mean "free."

// The film was criticized for its gratuitous violence.

// A local veterinary technician provides gratuitous services to the animal shelter twice a month.

Someone or something described as acquisitive is characterized by a strong desire to own or acquire more things.

// The game aims to teach middle schoolers to balance their acquisitive instincts with a consideration of what will benefit society as a whole.

Damask refers to a usually shiny, thick fabric (linen, cotton, silk, or rayon) made with patterns. The word can also be used as a synonym for Damascus steel, or for a grayish-red color.

// The old chair was upholstered in a blue silk damask which was now faded and threadbare.

Bailiwick refers to the domain or sphere in which someone has superior knowledge or authority.

// Fundraising events are his bailiwick.

To emote is to express emotion in a very dramatic or obvious way.

// He stood on the stage, emoting and gesturing wildly.

Docile is used to describe those who are easily taught, led, or managed.

// Though the professor feared a rowdy incoming class, he found that his new students were docile and eager to learn.

Someone or something described as vivacious is happy and lively in an appealing way.

// Our vivacious host’s bubbly humor and welcoming spirit quickly set everyone at ease.

Unfettered describes what is not controlled or restricted. It is a synonym of both free and unrestrained.

// The biographer has been given unfettered access to the family's collection of personal correspondence.

Two closely related meanings of the verb conflate are “to confuse,” i.e. “to fail to differentiate,” and “to blend or bring together.”

// Be careful not to conflate gossip with real news.

// The movie conflates documentary footage and dramatized reenactments so seamlessly and ingeniously that viewers may not know what is real and what is not.

a period of time when there is no electricity in a building or area

• The power outage left us in the dark for five hours. [=we did not have electrical power for five hours]

Axiomatic is a formal adjective that describes something—usually a statement—that is understood as obviously true, such that it is or should be taken for granted.

// It is axiomatic that successful athletes are not just talented, but have put in years of dedicated training.

A gargoyle is a strange or grotesque human or animal figure that sticks out from the roof of a building (such as a church) and is used to cause rainwater to flow away from the building's sides.

// Some of the exchange students were creeped out by all the gargoyles they passed during their walking tour of the old European town.

To mangle something is to ruin it due to carelessness or a lack of skill. Mangle can also mean “to injure or damage something or someone severely by cutting, tearing, or crushing.”

// Half-remembering a joke from her favorite sitcom, Ally mangled the punch line, but honestly, this made it even funnier.

Retronym refers to a term (such as analog watch, film camera, or acoustic guitar) that is created and adopted to distinguish the original or older version, form, or example of something from others that are more recent.

// While ordering a regular coffee Sam started to tell the barista about how “regular coffee” is a retronym until the next person in line sighed with impatience.

reliance on temporary solutions rather than on consistent, long-term plans.

Someone or something described as diligent is characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort.

// After many hours of diligent research, the students were ready to compile their results.

an image or other graphic representation that acts as a proxy for a person or is associated with a specific digital account or identity.

Incipient is used to describe things which are beginning to come into being or which are to become apparent.

// The study clearly needs to be extended because the most recent data suggest incipient changes in the trends identified.

Arduous is an adjective used to describe something that is very difficult or strenuous.

// The gorgeous waterfall at the top of the mountain was worth the arduous hike.

To glower is to look or stare with sullen annoyance or anger. // Kelly glowered at me after I sided with Brenda in their dispute about the chores.

Ubiquitous is a synonym of widespread and describes things that are actually, or seemingly, seen or encountered everywhere.

// Though they were once a status symbol reserved only for those with considerable means, smartphones are now a ubiquitous technology.

Chapfallen (less commonly spelled chopfallen) is a synonym of depressed that means "cast down in spirit." It can also mean "having the lower jaw hanging loosely."

a decoy entry in a dictionary or encyclopedia, secretly planted among the genuine entries to catch other publishers in the act of copying content.

To describe someone as overweening is to say that they are arrogant and unduly proud. Overweening also disapprovingly describes qualities or desires, such as greed or ambition, that are seen as excessive.

A raconteur is someone who excels in telling anecdotes. // A bona fide raconteur, Paola can turn even mundane experiences into hilariously entertaining stories.

To delve is to carefully search for information about something, or to examine a subject in detail, as in “The class eagerly delved into the writings of Zora Neale Hurston.” Delve can also mean “to dig or labor with or as if with a spade,” as in “delving into their pockets for loose change.” As the examples show, delve is typically followed by into.

Someone described as genial is cheerful and pleasant; a thing described as genial suggests or expresses friendliness and cheer.

// Omar was a most genial host, making sure to spend time with each and every one of the guests at the reception.

// Though I knew no one at the conference, the genial atmosphere immediately put me at ease.

To exhort someone is to try to strongly urge them to do something.

// The volunteers exhorted the young adults to register to vote before the upcoming election.