IBA High-Frequency Word List #23 (781-810)

#781 | DEVIOUS πŸ•΅οΈβ€β™‚οΈ

[DU, IBA ’17 June]

(Adjective) – Showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals; morally or ethically wrong.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Negative – Implies deceit, trickery, or dishonesty, often suggesting manipulation or hidden agendas.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Leadership – A devious leader may use manipulation or deceitful strategies to control others, undermining trust and collaboration.
βœ… In Politics & Negotiations – Devious tactics in politics or negotiations can create false promises or hidden motives, damaging credibility.
βœ… In Personal & Social Contexts – Devious behavior in relationships may lead to betrayal or exploitation, causing harm and mistrust.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The devious tactics employed by the competitor led to a series of false claims about our product’s quality.
βœ… The politician's devious manipulation of public opinion ultimately cost him his reputation.
βœ… She uncovered his devious plan to sabotage her project and immediately took action to protect her team.

#782 | VIRILE πŸ’ͺ

[DU, IBA ’17 June]

(Adjective) – Having qualities traditionally associated with masculinity, such as strength, vigor, and vitality.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Positive to Neutral – Often seen as a compliment in contexts where strength, energy, and assertiveness are valued, though it can be seen as outdated or stereotypical in modern discussions of gender.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Leadership – A virile leader might be perceived as dynamic, energetic, and driven, embodying the traditional traits of leadership.
βœ… In Personal & Social Contexts – Virility might be emphasized in discussions around health, fitness, or personal attraction, but can be problematic when linked to gender stereotypes.
βœ… In Marketing & Branding – Brands targeting a specific demographic might use virility to promote products that emphasize strength, power, or masculinity.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The athlete's virile presence on the field inspired his teammates to push harder during the final game.
βœ… His virile leadership style earned him respect in the industry, though some found it overly aggressive.
βœ… The campaign highlighted the virile qualities of the product, appealing to consumers seeking strength and durability.

#783 | AWAIT ⏳

[DU, IBA ’17 June]

(Verb) – To wait for something or someone to happen or arrive.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Neutral – Simply suggests anticipation or expectation, without any positive or negative bias.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Operations – Companies may await the results of market research or product testing before making strategic decisions.
βœ… In Legal & Political Contexts – Legal parties may await a ruling or decision, which can influence the next steps in a case or policy.
βœ… In Personal & Social Contexts – People may await important personal milestones or events, such as job offers or life-changing news.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The company is awaiting approval from regulators before launching the new product.
βœ… The defendant is awaiting sentencing after the trial concluded.
βœ… She eagerly awaited the results of her interview, hoping for positive news.

#784 | AGGRIEVED 😀

[DU, IBA ’17 June]

(Adjective) – Feeling or expressing resentment, anger, or distress due to unfair treatment or injustice.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Negative – Implies strong dissatisfaction or hurt, often accompanied by a sense of injustice or grievance.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Workplace – Employees who feel aggrieved may voice concerns about unfair practices, potentially leading to conflicts or legal actions.
βœ… In Legal & Political Contexts – Aggrieved parties often pursue legal action or advocacy when they believe they’ve been wronged or denied their rights.
βœ… In Personal & Social Contexts – In relationships, feeling aggrieved can lead to misunderstandings and emotional distance, especially when grievances are not addressed.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The aggrieved employee filed a formal complaint, citing discriminatory practices within the company.
βœ… The aggrieved citizens protested the government's decision to cut funding for public services.
βœ… He felt aggrieved by the unfair criticism and was determined to prove his worth through his work.

#785 | AWASH 🌊

[DU, IBA ’17 June]

(Adjective) – Completely filled or flooded with something, often used to indicate an overwhelming abundance or overflow.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Neutral to Slightly Positive – Indicates a surplus or abundance, but can sometimes imply chaos or disorganization when things are overly abundant.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Market Trends – A company may be awash with new ideas, innovations, or opportunities, signaling strong growth or success.
βœ… In Economics & Finance – A market or economy that is awash with money or resources may see inflation or other economic consequences.
βœ… In Personal & Social Contexts – A person might be awash with emotions or responsibilities, indicating they are overwhelmed or highly engaged.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The startup was awash with investment offers after the successful product launch.
βœ… The economy is awash with capital, but inflation remains a concern.
βœ… She was awash with excitement as the news of her promotion spread throughout the office.

#786 | VACUOUS 🧠

[DU, IBA ’17 June]

(Adjective) – Lacking thought, intelligence, or meaning; empty-headed or superficial.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Negative – Implies a lack of depth, substance, or significance, often used to criticize ideas, conversations, or people.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Leadership – A vacuous strategy or approach in leadership could undermine a company’s vision, causing confusion or lack of direction.
βœ… In Media & Public Speaking – A vacuous speech or media content might fail to engage or inspire the audience, coming off as shallow or uninformative.
βœ… In Personal & Social Contexts – People may find vacuous behavior or conversations off-putting, as they lack meaningful engagement or insight.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The CEO’s vacuous response to the financial crisis only fueled concerns among the board members.
βœ… Critics slammed the film for its vacuous plot, lacking any real emotional depth or character development.
βœ… He found the conversation vacuous, with everyone discussing trivial matters instead of focusing on the main issues.

#787 | DULY βœ”οΈ

[DU, IBA ’17 June]

(Adverb) – In a proper, appropriate, or expected manner, often indicating that something has been done in accordance with requirements or standards.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Neutral – Suggests correctness, timeliness, or compliance, without any positive or negative bias.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Legal Contexts – In legal contracts or business procedures, actions taken duly are considered compliant with regulations, ensuring legality and credibility.
βœ… In Professional & Social Settings – A duly appointed leader or representative holds their position as expected, reinforcing their authority or legitimacy.
βœ… In Administrative & Organizational Contexts – Duly completed tasks or processes reflect that all necessary steps have been followed as per guidelines or policies.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The report was duly submitted before the deadline, ensuring the team met all requirements.
βœ… The employees were duly notified of the changes in policy before they were implemented.
βœ… She was duly recognized for her contributions to the project during the meeting.

#788 | PROMPTLY ⏰

[DU, IBA ’17 June]

(Adverb) – Without delay; in a quick or timely manner.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Positive – Suggests efficiency, reliability, and punctuality, often appreciated in professional or time-sensitive settings.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Operations – Responding promptly to customer inquiries or market changes can enhance customer satisfaction and improve operational efficiency.
βœ… In Legal & Financial Contexts – Legal professionals are expected to act promptly in filing documents or meeting deadlines to ensure case progression.
βœ… In Personal & Social Settings – Being prompt in addressing personal commitments or tasks reflects reliability and respect for others' time.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The customer service team responded promptly to the urgent request, resolving the issue in minutes.
βœ… The lawyer acted promptly, filing the appeal within the stipulated time frame.
βœ… She promised to deliver the report promptly, ensuring that no deadlines were missed.

#789 | DEDUCE πŸ”

[DU, IBA ’17 Dec]

(Verb) – To arrive at a conclusion based on reasoning, evidence, or logical thinking.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Neutral to Positive – Implies analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, valued in academic, professional, and logical contexts.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Decision-Making – Leaders and analysts deduce strategies or market trends from data and research, making informed decisions.
βœ… In Legal & Investigative Contexts – Lawyers or detectives deduce facts or motives through investigation, leading to conclusions about a case or investigation.
βœ… In Academic & Intellectual Settings – Students or researchers deduce theories or conclusions from experiments or readings, advancing knowledge in their fields.

Example Sentences:

βœ… After reviewing the market data, the team deduced that the new product launch would attract a larger audience.
βœ… The detective deduced the culprit’s motive based on the evidence found at the crime scene.
βœ… From the historical documents, the researcher deduced that the civilization had a complex social structure.

#790 | PARABLE πŸ“–

[DU, IBA ’17 Dec]

(Noun) – A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Positive – Often used to convey wisdom or ethical lessons, parables are seen as tools for teaching and reflection.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Leadership – Leaders may use parables to communicate key values or lessons in an engaging and memorable way, fostering understanding among their teams.
βœ… In Education & Personal Development – Educators use parables to simplify complex concepts, encouraging students to reflect on moral or practical implications.
βœ… In Legal & Social Contexts – Parables may be used in social discourse to highlight principles of fairness, justice, or integrity through relatable storytelling.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The CEO shared a parable about perseverance during the meeting to motivate the team through challenging times.
βœ… The teacher used a parable to explain the importance of honesty in both personal and professional life.
βœ… The judge referenced a parable to underscore the principle of fairness in her ruling.

#791 | IGNITE πŸ”₯

[DU, IBA ’17 Dec]

(Verb) – To start or trigger something, such as a fire, passion, or action, often used metaphorically to represent sparking enthusiasm or change.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Positive to Neutral – Suggests energy, motivation, and a catalyst for action, though it can sometimes imply destruction or conflict if used in a negative context.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Innovation – Entrepreneurs and leaders ignite change or innovation by introducing new ideas, products, or initiatives that drive growth and transformation.
βœ… In Marketing & Advertising – Effective marketing campaigns ignite consumer interest, fostering brand loyalty and demand for products or services.
βœ… In Personal & Social Contexts – Personal experiences or role models can ignite one’s passions or goals, encouraging personal growth or a new perspective.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The new marketing campaign ignited excitement among customers, leading to a significant increase in sales.
βœ… His speech ignited a sense of urgency in the team, motivating them to meet the deadline.
βœ… The leader’s vision ignited a wave of innovation within the company, resulting in several groundbreaking products.

#792 | UPROAR πŸ“£

[DU, IBA ’17 Dec, ’18 May]

(Noun) – A loud and impassioned noise or protest; a state of public excitement or disturbance.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Negative – Often associated with chaos, public dissatisfaction, or confusion, though it can also reflect strong emotions or reactions.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Public Relations – An uproar can result from a corporate scandal, product failure, or poor decision-making, damaging the company’s reputation.
βœ… In Politics & Social Movements – Uproars often arise during protests or political unrest, reflecting public discontent and demands for change.
βœ… In Media & Entertainment – A controversial event, story, or opinion can cause an uproar, sparking debates and widespread media coverage.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The company faced an uproar after its controversial advertising campaign was perceived as insensitive.
βœ… The decision to cut public funding led to an uproar among local communities, who protested in the streets.
βœ… The celebrity’s tweet caused an uproar, with fans and critics voicing strong opinions online.

#793 | ENCHANTED ✨

[DU, IBA ’17 Dec]

(Adjective) – Feeling or showing great delight, fascination, or magic, often used to describe a state of being captivated or charmed.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Positive – Implies a sense of wonder, joy, or admiration, typically evoking an almost magical or irresistible appeal.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Marketing – A brand or product can enchant customers, creating an emotional connection that leads to loyalty and repeat business.
βœ… In Arts & Entertainment – A performance, artwork, or narrative can enchant an audience, leaving a lasting impression and admiration for the creator.
βœ… In Personal & Social Contexts – People or experiences that are enchanting often foster deep connections and evoke positive feelings, enhancing relationships.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The new product launch enchanted customers, leading to an overwhelming demand.
βœ… The enchanting performance left the audience in awe, praising the artist’s talent.
βœ… She was enchanted by the breathtaking scenery during her vacation, capturing the beauty in her photos.

ENCHANT βœ¨

Verb: To captivate or charm; to delight greatly.
Connotation: Positive; suggests magic, allure, or deep fascination.
Implications:

  • Business: Creating a strong, captivating brand presence.

  • Academics: Engaging or inspiring others with compelling ideas.

  • Politics: Winning support through charm or persuasive rhetoric.
    Example: The new ad campaign will enchant customers with its creative approach.

DISENCHANTED πŸ˜”

Adjective: Disillusioned or disappointed, especially after realizing something isn't as expected.
Connotation: Negative; suggests a loss of idealism or enthusiasm.
Implications:

  • Business: Loss of trust or disappointment in a project or company.

  • Academics: Losing interest or motivation after a challenging experience.

  • Politics: Voters feeling let down by promises not fulfilled.
    Example: After the merger, many employees felt disenchanted with the new management.

DISENCHANT πŸ’€

Verb: To cause someone to lose their idealized view or excitement about something; to disappoint.
Connotation: Negative; implies a loss of optimism or disillusionment.
Implications:

  • Business: Undermining trust or excitement about a product or company.

  • Academics: Dissatisfaction with a course or learning experience.

  • Politics: Causing a loss of faith in political leaders or promises.
    Example: The constant delays in the project disenchanted the team.

#794 | ENAMOR πŸ’˜

[DU, IBA ’17 Dec]

(Verb) – To fill with love or admiration; to charm or captivate emotionally.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Positive – Strongly suggests affection or deep admiration, often associated with romantic or intense emotional attachment.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Branding – A brand or product can enamor its customers by creating an emotional connection, leading to loyalty and long-term engagement.
βœ… In Marketing & Advertising – Campaigns that resonate deeply with audiences can enamor them, building a lasting, passionate customer base.
βœ… In Personal & Social Relationships – People can enamor others through kindness, charm, and meaningful connections, fostering deep relationships.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The company’s commitment to sustainability enamored customers, leading to a surge in support for their products.
βœ… His sincerity and dedication enamored the audience, making him a fan favorite.
βœ… The stunning performance enamored her, leaving her captivated by the beauty of the art form.

#795 | IMBUE πŸ’§

[DU, IBA ’17 Dec]

(Verb) – To inspire or fill with a quality or feeling; to permeate or saturate with a particular trait or characteristic.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Positive to Neutral – Often implies the infusion of positive qualities like inspiration, wisdom, or values, but can also refer to a deep influence or presence of something.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Leadership – Leaders can imbue their teams with a sense of purpose, motivation, or shared values, fostering a strong organizational culture.
βœ… In Education & Mentorship – Teachers or mentors imbue students with knowledge, skills, and ethical values that influence their future actions.
βœ… In Art & Media – Creative works can imbue the audience with emotions, themes, or reflections, shaping their perspective and experience.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The CEO’s vision imbued the company with a renewed sense of purpose, driving innovation and growth.
βœ… The professor imbued the class with a deep appreciation for literature, sparking a lifelong love of reading.
βœ… The film imbued its viewers with a sense of hope and resilience, inspiring them to take action in their own lives.

#796 | RANCOR 😑

[DU, IBA ’17 Dec]

(Noun) – Long-standing bitterness, resentment, or hatred, often resulting from a perceived injustice or deep-seated grievance.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Negative – Strongly negative, suggesting animosity or hostility that can fester and grow over time, often leading to destructive outcomes.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Workplace Dynamics – Rancor can arise from unresolved conflicts, leading to toxic work environments, decreased morale, and poor collaboration.
βœ… In Legal & Political Affairs – Rancor can fuel ongoing disputes, affecting negotiations, public perceptions, and the possibility of reaching agreements or compromises.
βœ… In Personal & Social Relationships – When relationships are marred by rancor, trust is often broken, leading to estrangement and a lack of communication.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The rancor between the two departments hindered any chance of collaboration, affecting overall company performance.
βœ… The political debate was filled with rancor, as both sides refused to compromise on key issues.
βœ… Their relationship ended in rancor, with neither party willing to forgive past grievances.

#797 | HUMDRUM 😐

[Karmasangsthan Bank AO ’12; DU, IBA ’17 Dec]

(Adjective) – Lacking variety, excitement, or interest; monotonous or routine.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Negative – Suggests dullness or boredom, often associated with repetitive or uninspiring situations.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Career Development – A humdrum job or task can lead to disengagement and lack of motivation, affecting productivity and employee satisfaction.
βœ… In Marketing & Advertising – A humdrum marketing campaign can fail to capture the audience’s attention, leading to low engagement and poor results.
βœ… In Personal & Social Contexts – A humdrum routine can result in feelings of monotony or dissatisfaction, prompting individuals to seek change or new experiences.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The employee grew weary of the humdrum tasks, craving more challenging and rewarding projects.
βœ… The campaign was humdrum and failed to make a significant impact, leaving the audience indifferent.
βœ… He decided to shake up his humdrum lifestyle by traveling and exploring new opportunities.

#798 | FLAUNT πŸ’…

[DU, IBA ’17 Dec; IBA JU ’18-19]

(Verb) – To display something proudly or ostentatiously, often to attract attention or admiration.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Negative to Neutral – While flaunting can indicate confidence, it can also suggest arrogance or a lack of humility, depending on context.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Branding – A company may flaunt its success or innovation through bold advertising, hoping to attract attention and distinguish itself in a competitive market.
βœ… In Social Media & Marketing – Influencers often flaunt their lifestyle or products to build a brand and generate engagement, but it may also risk alienating certain audiences.
βœ… In Personal & Social Settings – People may flaunt their achievements or possessions, which could be seen as a sign of confidence or, alternatively, as an attempt to boast.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The company flaunted its latest product through a high-profile launch event, generating significant media attention.
βœ… He flaunted his new luxury car, hoping to impress his friends and colleagues.
βœ… The influencer flaunted her recent vacation photos to showcase her adventurous lifestyle, gaining new followers.

#799 | FLOUT 🚫

[DU, IBA ’17 Dec]

(Verb) – To openly disregard or mock a rule, law, or convention; to defy or violate with contempt.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Negative – Implies a deliberate and often brazen violation of established norms or rules, typically viewed as disrespectful or unethical.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Ethics – A company that flouts industry regulations or ethical standards may face legal consequences, damage to reputation, and loss of customer trust.
βœ… In Legal & Political Affairs – A politician or public figure who flouts the law or societal expectations risks public outrage and legal repercussions.
βœ… In Personal & Social Relationships – A person who flouts social norms may be seen as rebellious or inconsiderate, possibly straining relationships with others.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The corporation was fined heavily for flouting environmental regulations, which led to a public outcry.
βœ… The politician flouted the rules during the debate, choosing to ignore the moderator's guidelines.
βœ… His tendency to flout social conventions made him a controversial figure in his community.

#800 | REVIVAL πŸ”„

[DU, IBA ’18 May]

(Noun) – The process of bringing something back to life, popularity, or strength after a period of decline or inactivity.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Positive to Neutral – Often associated with rejuvenation, recovery, and a fresh start, though it can also imply a return to something outdated or old-fashioned.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Market Trends – A revival of a brand, product, or market trend can lead to increased sales, brand loyalty, and customer engagement.
βœ… In Economics & Finance – An economic revival can signal recovery after a recession, boosting investor confidence and employment rates.
βœ… In Culture & Media – A revival of cultural practices, television shows, or entertainment trends can captivate new audiences and re-engage nostalgic fans.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The company’s revival strategy focused on modernizing its products and reconnecting with younger consumers.
βœ… The economic revival in the region brought about more job opportunities and a surge in local businesses.
βœ… The revival of the classic TV show attracted both old fans and a new generation of viewers.

#801 | SWIFTLY ⏩

[DU, IBA ’18 May]

(Adverb) – In a quick and efficient manner.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Positive – Implies speed, efficiency, and decisiveness.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Leadership – Companies that adapt swiftly to market trends maintain a competitive edge.
βœ… In Legal & Politics – Governments must act swiftly during crises to uphold stability.
βœ… In Academics – Students who grasp concepts swiftly excel in competitive environments.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The company swiftly launched a new product to counter its competitor’s release.
βœ… The administration swiftly implemented new policies to address the economic downturn.
βœ… She swiftly analyzed the case study, impressing her professors with her insights.

#802 | IMPRACTICABLE 🚫

[DU, IBA ’18 May]

(Adjective) – Not feasible or realistic to carry out in practice.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Negative – Suggests something is unrealistic, unworkable, or too difficult to implement effectively.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Leadership – A strategy may seem innovative but could be impracticable due to budget constraints.
βœ… In Legal & Politics – Some policies sound promising but are impracticable due to legal or logistical hurdles.
βœ… In Academics – Certain research proposals are impracticable because of limited resources or ethical concerns.

Example Sentences:

βœ… Expanding into international markets seemed appealing but proved impracticable given the company’s financial limitations.
βœ… The proposed law was deemed impracticable due to enforcement challenges.
βœ… His thesis aimed to revolutionize urban planning but was criticized as impracticable under current city regulations.

#803 | LANGUID πŸ˜Άβ€πŸŒ«οΈ

[DU, IBA ’18 May]

(Adjective) – Lacking energy, enthusiasm, or vitality; slow and relaxed.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Negative – Suggests sluggishness, lack of motivation, or even laziness.
πŸ”Ή Neutral – Can describe a peaceful, unhurried state, depending on the context.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Leadership – A languid approach to decision-making can hinder a company’s growth and competitiveness.
βœ… In Legal & Politics – Languid enforcement of laws can lead to inefficiency and public dissatisfaction.
βœ… In Academics – A languid attitude toward studying can result in poor academic performance.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The manager criticized the team’s languid response to urgent client requests.
βœ… The government’s languid efforts to reform the tax system frustrated business owners.
βœ… His languid approach to exam preparation cost him a spot in the top percentile.

#804 | AMPLIFY πŸ“’

[DU, IBA ’18 May]

(Verb) – To increase the strength, impact, or intensity of something.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Positive – Suggests enhancing, expanding, or making something more powerful.
πŸ”Ή Neutral – Can simply mean increasing volume or intensity without a value judgment.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Leadership – Companies use marketing strategies to amplify brand awareness and customer engagement.
βœ… In Legal & Politics – Politicians amplify key messages to influence public opinion and gain support.
βœ… In Academics – Researchers amplify their findings through publications and conferences to gain recognition.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The company leveraged social media to amplify its reach and attract new customers.
βœ… The candidate amplified his stance on economic reform to appeal to undecided voters.
βœ… She amplified her research by collaborating with international scholars and publishing in top journals.

#805 | RAMPANT πŸ”₯

[DU, IBA ’18 May]

(Adjective) – Spreading or growing uncontrollably, often in a negative way.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Negative – Suggests something excessive, unchecked, or out of control.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Leadership – Rampant inefficiency can lead to declining profits and operational failures.
βœ… In Legal & Politics – Governments struggle when corruption or misinformation runs rampant.
βœ… In Academics – Rampant plagiarism can undermine the credibility of an institution.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The company faced a crisis due to rampant employee turnover.
βœ… Misinformation about the policy change ran rampant on social media.
βœ… The professor warned that rampant cheating could lead to stricter exam policies.

#806 | DIVULGE πŸ—£οΈ

[DU, IBA ’18 May]

(Verb) – To reveal private, sensitive, or previously unknown information.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Neutral to Negative – Can imply necessary disclosure or an inappropriate breach of confidentiality.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Leadership – Executives must be cautious not to divulge confidential company strategies.
βœ… In Legal & Politics – Lawyers cannot divulge privileged client information without consent.
βœ… In Academics – Researchers should only divulge findings after thorough validation to maintain credibility.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The CFO refused to divulge details about the upcoming merger.
βœ… The journalist was pressured to divulge her sources but remained firm in protecting their anonymity.
βœ… He accidentally divulged key data before the research paper was officially published.

#807 | CONTAGIOUS 😷

[DU, IBA ’18 May]

(Adjective) – Capable of spreading easily from person to person, typically referring to diseases, behaviors, or emotions.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Neutral to Negative – Often used in the context of spreading illness or negative behaviors, though can also refer to positive emotions or trends.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Leadership – A positive workplace culture can be contagious, motivating employees to perform better.
βœ… In Legal & Politics – Public outrage over a policy can become contagious, leading to widespread protests.
βœ… In Academics – A contagious enthusiasm for a subject can inspire greater engagement in students.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The CEO’s enthusiasm for the new project was contagious, boosting team morale.
βœ… The flu outbreak was highly contagious, leading to a surge in sick leave requests across the company.
βœ… Her contagious passion for environmental sustainability inspired many colleagues to adopt green practices.

#808 | AMEND ✍️

[DU, IBA ’18 May]

(Verb) – To make changes or corrections to a document, law, or plan, typically to improve or clarify it.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Neutral to Positive – Implies making improvements, often for better accuracy, fairness, or effectiveness.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Leadership – Leaders amend strategies or policies based on feedback to ensure success.
βœ… In Legal & Politics – Laws and regulations are often amended to address new issues or societal needs.
βœ… In Academics – Students may amend their research papers or projects to refine their arguments or correct errors.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The company amended its marketing strategy to better target a younger audience.
βœ… The government voted to amend the tax code to make it more equitable for small businesses.
βœ… After receiving feedback, she amended her thesis to include more recent data on the topic.

#809 | ARBITER βš–οΈ

[DU, IBA ’18 May]

(Noun) – A person who has the authority to settle disputes or make decisions, often in a fair and unbiased manner.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Positive – Suggests fairness, authority, and impartiality in resolving conflicts.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Leadership – An arbiter may be needed to resolve conflicts between departments or stakeholders to maintain smooth operations.
βœ… In Legal & Politics – Judges or mediators act as arbiters to resolve legal disputes or political conflicts.
βœ… In Academics – A professor or academic committee serves as an arbiter in disputes over grading or academic integrity.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The CEO acted as an arbiter in the dispute between the marketing and sales teams.
βœ… The United Nations often serves as an arbiter in global conflicts to facilitate peace talks.
βœ… The professor was the final arbiter in determining whether the student's work met academic standards.

#810 | CUE 🎬

[DU, IBA ’18 May]

(Noun/Verb) – A signal or prompt that triggers a particular action or event.

Connotation:

πŸ”Ή Neutral – Implies readiness or preparation for the next step, often used in a specific, structured context.

Implications in Context:

βœ… In Business & Leadership – A cue may be used to signal the start of a presentation or important meeting, indicating when team members should act.
βœ… In Legal & Politics – A lawyer may wait for a cue to present evidence or make a key argument in court.
βœ… In Academics – In classroom settings, a cue from a professor often signals when students should respond or contribute to a discussion.

Example Sentences:

βœ… The project manager gave the cue for the team to begin the next phase of development.
βœ… The judge gave the cue for the defense lawyer to begin presenting their case.
βœ… She waited for the professor’s cue before answering the question in the seminar.

On Cue 🎬

  • Definition: At the right moment.

  • Connotation: Timely, precise.

Implications:

  • Business: Meeting deadlines.

  • Academics: Quick responses.

  • Legal: Timely actions.

Examples:

  1. Business: The report was delivered on cue.

  2. Academics: She answered on cue.

  3. Legal: The objection came on cue.

Take One’s Cue From 🎭

  • Definition: To imitate or follow someone’s example or actions.

Connotation: Suggests guidance, learning by observation.

Implications:

  • Business: Adopting successful strategies.

  • Academics: Following a mentor’s approach.

  • Legal: Following precedent or legal advice.

Examples:

  1. Business: The team took its cue from the successful marketing campaign.

  2. Academics: She took her cue from her professor’s research methods.

  3. Legal: The lawyer took his cue from past rulings.

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