. nadir(n.) the lowest point of something (My day was boring, but the nadir came when my new car was stolen.). nominal(adj.) trifling, insignificant (Because he was moving the following week and needed to get rid of his furniture more than he needed money, Kim sold everything for a nominal price.). novice(n.) a beginner, someone without training or experience (Because we were all novices at archery, our instructor decided to begin with the basics. nuance(n.) a slight variation in meaning, tone, expression (The nuances of the poem were not obvious to the casual reader, but the teacher was able to point them out.). oblivious(adj.) lacking consciousness or awareness of something (Oblivious to the burning smell emanating from the kitchen, my father did not notice that the rolls in the oven were burned until much too late.). obsequious(adj.) excessively compliant or submissive (Donald acted like Susan’s servant, obeying her every request in an obsequious manner.). obtuse(adj.) lacking quickness of sensibility or intellect (Political opponents warned that the prime minister’s obtuse approach to foreign policy would embroil the nation in mindless war.). panacea(n.) a remedy for all ills or difficulties (Doctors wish there was a single panacea for every disease, but sadly there is not.). parody(n.) a satirical imitation (A hush fell over the classroom when the teacher returned to find Magdalena acting out a parody of his teaching style.). penchant(n.) a tendency, partiality, preference (Fiona’s dinner parties quickly became monotonous on account of her penchant for Indian dishes.). perusal(n.) a careful examination, review (The actor agreed to accept the role after a three-month perusal of the movie .). plethora(n.) an abundance, excess (The wedding banquet included a plethora of oysters piled almost three feet high.). predilection(n.) a preference or inclination for something (James has a predilection for eating toad in the whole with tomato ketchup.). quaint(adj.) charmingly old-fashioned (Mary was delighted by the quaint bonnets she saw in Romania.). rash(adj.) hasty, incautious (It’s best to think things over calmly and thoroughly, rather than make rash decisions.)
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