Obtuse adj. 1. Lacking quickness of perception or intellect. 2. Characterized by a lack of intelligence or sensitivity. “An obtuse remark.” 3. Not distinctly felt. “An obtuse pain.”

Intrepid adj. 1. Resolutely courageous; fearless. Persistent in the pursuit of something. “A team of intrepid explorers.”

Acrimonious adj. 1. Bitter and sharp in language or tone; rancorous: “An acrimonious debate between the two candidates.”

Demure adj. 1. Modest and reserved in manner or behavior. “Despite her demure appearance, she is an accomplished mountain climber.”

Divisive adj. Creating dissension or discord; Causing disagreement or hostility within a group so that it is likely to split. “Divisive politics.”

Benevolent adj. 1. Charitable: performing good or charitable acts and not seeking to make a profit. 2. Characterized by or suggestive of doing good; showing kindness or goodwill.

Truculent adj. Eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant. “Truculent children.”

Supercilious [su·per·cil·i·ous] adj. 1. Full of contempt and arrogance. 2. Behaving as if or showing that a person thinks they are better than other people, and that their opinions, beliefs or ideas are not important, condescending. “He spoke in a haughty, supercilious voice.”

Systemic adj. Relating to or common to a system. A problem, risk, or change that is a basic one, experienced by the whole of a system or organization and not just particular parts of it. “The systemic risks of the investment.”

Hubris n. 1. Overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance. 2. A strong belief in a person’s own importance. “He was disciplined for his hubris.”