#871 | STIFF 💪

[IBA JU ’18-19]

(Adjective) – Rigid, inflexible, or resistant to movement or change; can also imply a lack of ease in social situations.

Connotation:

🔹 Negative – Suggests difficulty in adapting, lack of flexibility, or discomfort in social or physical settings.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Leadership – A stiff corporate culture can hinder innovation and employee morale.
✅ In Physical & Health Contexts – Stiffness in joints or muscles may indicate physical strain or injury.
✅ In Social & Personal Settings – A stiff personality may make it challenging to build rapport with others.

Example Sentences:

✅ The company’s stiff hierarchy slowed down decision-making and innovation.
✅ After a long workout, her muscles felt stiff, making movement uncomfortable.
✅ His stiff demeanor in meetings made him appear unapproachable to his team.

#872 | VITUPERATE 💥

[IBA JU ’18-19]

(Verb) – To criticize or speak about someone in an abusive or harsh manner.

Connotation:

🔹 Negative – Implies strong condemnation or verbal attack, often seen as unprofessional or excessive.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Leadership – Vituperating an employee can damage morale and trust within a team.
✅ In Law & Politics – Politicians or lawyers may vituperate their opponents, but it can backfire if seen as unprofessional.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Vituperation in personal relationships can lead to conflicts and damaged reputations.

Example Sentences:

✅ The manager vituperated his team for missing the deadline, damaging their confidence.
✅ During the debate, the candidate vituperated his opponent’s policies, but the audience didn’t respond well to the harsh tone.
✅ She vituperated her colleague’s mistake in a public meeting, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere.

#873 | ERECT 🏗️

[IBA JU ’18-19]

(Adjective/Verb) – Standing upright; to build or raise something upright.

Connotation:

🔹 Neutral to Positive – Implies strength, stability, and intentionality, but can also be used to describe something overly rigid or mechanical.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Leadership – A leader must erect strong frameworks for success, such as strategic plans or solid teams.
✅ In Architecture & Engineering – Architects erect buildings with careful planning to ensure stability and safety.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Erect posture is associated with confidence and self-assurance.

Example Sentences:

✅ The CEO helped erect a vision for the company that aligned with long-term goals.
✅ The engineers worked efficiently to erect the new office building within the year.
✅ His erect posture during the interview gave a strong impression of confidence and professionalism.

#874 | FORBEAR 🛑

[IBA JU ’18-19]

(Verb) – To refrain from doing something; to be patient or self-controlled in a situation.

Connotation:

🔹 Neutral to Positive – Implies restraint, patience, or tolerance, often seen as a wise or admirable trait.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Leadership – A manager must forbear from reacting impulsively, making measured decisions instead.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Forbearance in difficult conversations demonstrates maturity and emotional intelligence.
✅ In Conflict Resolution – To forbear from escalating a dispute can lead to peaceful resolutions.

Example Sentences:

✅ The CEO had to forbear from making hasty decisions during the economic crisis.
✅ He forbeared from arguing, knowing it would only escalate the situation.
✅ In the meeting, she chose to forbear from commenting on the controversial proposal until further discussion.

#875 | LAMBAST 🔨

[IBA JU ’18-19]

(Verb) – To criticize someone or something harshly and publicly.

Connotation:

🔹 Negative – Implies a strong, often unjustified verbal attack, which can damage relationships or reputations.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Leadership – Lambasting an employee publicly can lower morale and lead to resentment.
✅ In Politics & Media – Politicians or media outlets may lambast opponents to sway public opinion, but it can also backfire if seen as too harsh.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Lambasting a friend or family member can result in strained relationships and hurt feelings.

Example Sentences:

✅ The manager lambasted the team for the project’s failure without offering constructive feedback.
✅ The media lambasted the celebrity for their controversial statements, sparking public outrage.
✅ She lambasted her colleague’s approach in the meeting, but the criticism was met with resistance.

#876 | ENTOMB ⚰️

[IBA JU ’18-19]

(Verb) – To bury or trap something or someone, typically in a tomb or grave; can also be used metaphorically to describe being trapped in a situation.

Connotation:

🔹 Negative – Often implies a sense of finality, confinement, or being stuck in an undesirable situation.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Leadership – A project that is entombed due to lack of resources or interest may never be completed.
✅ In Law & Government – Important evidence can sometimes be metaphorically entombed by bureaucracy, delaying justice.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Feeling entombed by responsibilities or obligations may lead to stress or burnout.

Example Sentences:

✅ The failed startup was entombed by poor management and lack of investment.
✅ The ancient ruins entombed the history of a long-lost civilization.
✅ He felt entombed in his current job, unable to break free and explore new opportunities.

#877 | DOMICILE 🏠

[IBA JU ’18-19]

(Noun/Verb) – A place of residence or permanent home; to establish a residence in a particular location.

Connotation:

🔹 Neutral – Refers to a legal or formal home location, but can also imply a sense of permanence and stability.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Law – A company's domicile determines its legal jurisdiction and tax obligations.
✅ In Real Estate & Finance – The domicile of an individual can affect property ownership and financial regulations.
✅ In Social & Personal Settings – Understanding someone’s domicile can reflect their cultural background and lifestyle choices.

Example Sentences:

✅ The company’s domicile in a tax-friendly country provided significant savings.
✅ He chose to domicile in a city with lower living costs and better job prospects.
✅ Her domicile was in the countryside, where she enjoyed a peaceful lifestyle away from the city’s hustle.

#878 | RECUR 🔄

[IBA JU ’18-19]

(Verb) – To happen again or repeatedly, often in a cyclical manner.

Connotation:

🔹 Neutral – Implies repetition or recurrence of an event, situation, or condition, often seen as inevitable or ongoing.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Finance – Issues like customer complaints or market trends can recur, necessitating ongoing attention and adjustment.
✅ In Healthcare & Wellness – Recurring health problems or conditions require consistent management or intervention.
✅ In Academia & Research – Some research questions or challenges recur throughout a field of study, prompting deeper investigation.

Example Sentences:

✅ The company had to address the recurring issues in its supply chain to maintain efficiency.
✅ The same problems recurred every quarter, requiring a change in the business strategy.
✅ His recurring headaches were a sign that he needed to reconsider his work-life balance.

#879 | PROCURE 🛒

[IBA JU ’18-19]

(Verb) – To obtain or acquire something, typically through effort or careful consideration.

Connotation:

🔹 Neutral to Positive – Implies intentional effort to secure or obtain something, often seen as a necessary or strategic action.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Procurement – Companies must procure resources, materials, or services efficiently to ensure smooth operations and profitability.
✅ In Law & Contracts – Lawyers may procure documents or evidence necessary for a case.
✅ In Personal & Professional Development – Professionals must procure skills and knowledge to remain competitive in their field.

Example Sentences:

✅ The company was able to procure the necessary materials at a discounted rate, boosting their profit margin.
✅ He procured the legal documents required for the case through diligent research.
✅ To advance his career, he procured new certifications in digital marketing.

#880 | ENAMOR ❤️

[IBA JU ’18-19]

(Verb) – To fill someone with a feeling of love or deep affection for someone or something.

Connotation:

🔹 Positive – Often associated with romantic feelings, but can also refer to admiration or fondness for non-romantic subjects.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Marketing – Marketers aim to enamor customers with a brand by creating emotional connections through effective campaigns.
✅ In Leadership & Management – A leader who can enamor their team will likely foster loyalty and motivation.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – People may become enamored with a particular lifestyle, hobby, or person, influencing their choices and behavior.

Example Sentences:

✅ The innovative product design enamored the consumers, leading to record sales.
✅ The CEO’s inspiring vision for the company was enough to enamor investors and partners.
✅ She was enamored with the city’s culture and decided to relocate there for a fresh start.

#881 | SUFFICE ✅

[IBA JU ’18-19]

(Verb) – To be enough or adequate for a particular purpose or requirement.

Connotation:

🔹 Neutral – Suggests that something meets the necessary standard or requirement without exceeding it.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Leadership – A sufficient strategy may meet the immediate needs but may need refinement for long-term growth.
✅ In Education & Professional Settings – Meeting the basic requirements of an assignment or job may suffice, but exceeding expectations often leads to greater success.
✅ In Personal & Social Contexts – Sometimes, simply doing enough to maintain harmony in relationships suffices, but deeper engagement is often more fulfilling.

Example Sentences:

✅ The resources available for the project sufficed to get it started, but more investment was needed to scale it.
✅ His explanation sufficed to resolve the issue at the meeting, but further details were required later.
✅ A simple gift sufficed for their anniversary, but a heartfelt gesture would have been more meaningful.

#882 | CONUNDRUM 🤔

[IBA JU ’18-19]

(Noun) – A confusing or difficult problem or question, often with no easy solution.

Connotation:

🔹 Neutral to Negative – Suggests complexity or puzzling difficulty that might require creative or unconventional thinking to solve.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Leadership – Leaders must often address conundrums in strategy, operations, or decision-making, balancing various interests and factors.
✅ In Law & Politics – Legal or political conundrums often require negotiation, compromise, or complex solutions to resolve conflicting interests.
✅ In Academia & Research – Scholars frequently encounter conundrums in their research that challenge existing theories or require new perspectives.

Example Sentences:

✅ The company faced a conundrum when deciding whether to expand internationally or strengthen its domestic market first.
✅ The lawyer was presented with a legal conundrum, where there were no clear precedents to follow.
✅ Solving the environmental conundrum required innovative thinking and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

#883 | STUDIOUSLY 📚

[IBA JU ’18-19]

(Adverb) – In a diligent, focused, and concentrated manner, typically in regard to studying or working hard.

Connotation:

🔹 Positive – Suggests seriousness, commitment, and a disciplined approach to tasks.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Education & Academia – Studiously preparing for exams or conducting research shows dedication and discipline, which are highly valued in academic settings.
✅ In Business & Professional Development – Professionals who approach their work studiously demonstrate commitment and reliability, which are key for career advancement.
✅ In Personal Growth & Hobbies – Devoting time studiously to personal goals, like learning new skills or developing a hobby, often leads to improvement and mastery.

Example Sentences:

✅ The student studied studiously for weeks, ensuring top marks in the final exam.
✅ She worked studiously to prepare the financial report, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness.
✅ He studied studiously each day, dedicating time to mastering a new programming language.

#884 | ZEST 🌟

[IBA JU ’18-19]

(Noun) – Great enthusiasm and energy, particularly in pursuing an activity or goal.

Connotation:

🔹 Positive – Suggests excitement, passion, and a lively approach to tasks or life in general.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Leadership – Leaders and teams who bring zest to their work inspire others, fostering a dynamic and productive environment.
✅ In Personal Development – A zest for learning or growth fuels continuous improvement and can be contagious in motivating others.
✅ In Marketing & Sales – Brands that exude zest in their campaigns often connect emotionally with customers, driving engagement and loyalty.

Example Sentences:

✅ The team tackled the new project with zest, bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the table.
✅ His zest for innovation kept the company ahead of competitors in the tech industry.
✅ She approached every challenge with zest, making her a standout in the workplace.

#885 | OBSCENE 🚫

[IBA JU ’18-19]

(Adjective) – Offensive or inappropriate, often in a vulgar, immoral, or shocking way.

Connotation:

🔹 Negative – Strongly negative, as it implies something inappropriate, shocking, or unacceptable by social or cultural standards.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Professional Settings – Obscene language or behavior can damage a company’s reputation and lead to legal or ethical issues.
✅ In Media & Entertainment – Content that is deemed obscene may face censorship, backlash, or even legal consequences depending on cultural norms.
✅ In Social & Personal Settings – Obscene remarks or behavior can harm relationships, create conflict, or cause emotional distress.

Example Sentences:

✅ The company had to publicly apologize for an obscene advertisement that offended many customers.
✅ The comedian’s performance was filled with obscene jokes, which led to widespread criticism.
✅ His obscene behavior at the meeting left colleagues uncomfortable and questioning his professionalism.

#886 | SARTORIAL 👗

[IBA JU ’18-19]

(Adjective) – Relating to tailoring, clothes, or style of dress, particularly in a refined or fashionable manner.

Connotation:

🔹 Positive – Suggests a sophisticated, stylish, and well-considered approach to dressing.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Professional Settings – A sartorial approach to dressing can enhance one's professional image and contribute to an impression of confidence and attention to detail.
✅ In Fashion & Design – The term is often used to describe high-quality, well-tailored fashion or a keen interest in sartorial trends.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – A sartorial sense of style may influence one’s social reputation or contribute to a sense of individual identity and presentation.

Example Sentences:

✅ His sartorial choices at the conference made a lasting impression on potential investors.
✅ The designer is known for his sartorial expertise, creating bespoke suits for top executives.
✅ She is admired for her sartorial elegance, always impeccably dressed for every occasion.

#887 | HOMESPUN 🧵

[IBA JU ’18-19]

(Adjective) – Made at home or in a simple, traditional way, often with a personal or rustic touch.

Connotation:

🔹 Positive – Can evoke a sense of simplicity, authenticity, and handcrafted quality. Sometimes it may also carry a sense of humility or comfort.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Entrepreneurship – Small businesses or artisans may market homespun products as unique, authentic, and locally made, which can attract consumers who value craftsmanship and originality.
✅ In Literature & Culture – Homespun can describe a style of writing or storytelling that is simple, unpretentious, and grounded in everyday life.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – People may appreciate homespun gifts or efforts for their heartfelt, personal nature, valuing the effort over extravagance.

Example Sentences:

✅ The entrepreneur built a successful business by selling homespun clothing that appealed to eco-conscious consumers.
✅ The author’s homespun tales of rural life captivated readers with their charm and authenticity.
✅ She wore a homespun scarf, a gift from her grandmother, that carried sentimental value.

#888 | INELEGANT 🚫

[IBA JU ’18-19]

(Adjective) – Lacking elegance, grace, or refinement; clumsy or unrefined in appearance, behavior, or style.

Connotation:

🔹 Negative – Suggests something that is crude, awkward, or lacking in sophistication.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Professional Settings – Inelegant communication or behavior, such as inappropriate dress or rude comments, can harm professional relationships and damage a company’s image.
✅ In Design & Aesthetics – An inelegant design may be seen as poorly executed, lacking in visual harmony, or not meeting high standards.
✅ In Social & Personal Settings – Inelegant actions or speech can cause discomfort or embarrassment and may negatively impact one’s social reputation.

Example Sentences:

✅ The CEO’s inelegant response to the media caused a PR crisis for the company.
✅ His inelegant approach to handling the customer complaint resulted in a loss of business.
✅ The decoration at the party was inelegant, with mismatched colors and cluttered tables.

#889 | REMISS 💤

[IBA JU ’18-19]

(Adjective) – Lacking care or attention to duty; negligent or careless in fulfilling responsibilities.

Connotation:

🔹 Negative – Implies irresponsibility, neglect, or a failure to meet expectations.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Leadership – A remiss leader may fail to meet deadlines, neglect team needs, or overlook important details, potentially undermining team morale and productivity.
✅ In Education & Academia – A remiss student may fail to complete assignments or prepare for exams, affecting academic performance.
✅ In Professional Settings – Remiss behavior, such as failing to meet client expectations or neglecting key tasks, can damage professional relationships and reputations.

Example Sentences:

✅ The manager was remiss in addressing the team’s concerns, leading to a decline in employee morale.
✅ She was remiss in submitting her application on time, missing out on a great opportunity.
✅ His remiss handling of the project deadlines caused delays and frustrated the entire team.

#890 | ADULTERATE ⚖️

[IBA JU ’16-17, ’17-18]

(Verb) – To make something impure or weaker by adding inferior or harmful substances.

Connotation:

🔹 Negative – Suggests corruption or contamination of something originally pure, which can be seen as unethical or dishonest.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Manufacturing – Adulterating a product, especially in food or pharmaceuticals, can lead to consumer harm, legal action, and a damaged reputation.
✅ In Ethics & Integrity – Adulterating information or actions (e.g., misleading reports or data manipulation) compromises trust and credibility.
✅ In Legal & Regulatory Contexts – Adulteration is often illegal, and businesses caught doing so may face severe penalties.

Example Sentences:

✅ The company was fined for attempting to adulterate its products by mixing them with cheaper, substandard ingredients.
✅ The government imposed strict regulations to prevent manufacturers from adulterating food products.
✅ He was accused of adulterating his research to make the results seem more favorable than they actually were.

#891 | AFFIDAVIT 📜

[IBA JU ’17-18]

(Noun) – A written statement of facts that is sworn to be true, typically before a notary public or authorized official.

Connotation:

🔹 Neutral – A formal, legal term, often associated with legal proceedings or official documentation.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Legal & Business Settings – Affidavits are often used as evidence in court cases, real estate transactions, or legal disputes, providing a sworn account of facts.
✅ In Professional Settings – Professionals may be required to submit affidavits in certain regulatory or contractual situations, especially in matters involving declarations or legal confirmations.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – While less common, affidavits can be used in personal matters such as confirming identity, legal guardianship, or addressing disputes.

Example Sentences:

✅ The witness signed an affidavit detailing the events she observed during the incident.
✅ The contract required both parties to submit an affidavit to verify the authenticity of the agreement.
✅ To resolve the dispute, he provided an affidavit asserting his ownership of the property.

#892 | ATONE ✨

[IBA JU ’17-18]

(Verb) – To make amends or seek forgiveness for a wrongdoing or mistake.

Connotation:

🔹 Positive – Implies a desire for redemption, improvement, and repairing a damaged relationship or reputation.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Professional Settings – Atone may refer to addressing mistakes, such as offering an apology or taking corrective action to rebuild trust with clients, customers, or colleagues.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Atone can be about seeking reconciliation in personal relationships, demonstrating remorse and willingness to change.
✅ In Legal & Ethical Contexts – In some cases, atoning for a wrongdoing may involve legal restitution or actions to compensate for harm caused.

Example Sentences:

✅ The company worked to atone for its environmental damage by launching an extensive cleanup initiative.
✅ He tried to atone for his earlier mistakes by offering a heartfelt apology and making things right with his colleagues.
✅ After the misunderstanding, she felt the need to atone for her actions and rebuild trust with her friends.

#893 | AUGUST 🌟

[IBA JU ’15-16, ’17-18]

(Adjective) – Respected and admired, often because of dignity, grandeur, or high rank.

Connotation:

🔹 Positive – Conveys a sense of greatness, honor, and solemn respect.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Leadership – An august leader is one who commands respect through their actions, wisdom, or position, often inspiring admiration and loyalty from others.
✅ In Academia & Professional Settings – The term can refer to distinguished individuals or prestigious institutions known for their excellence and reputation.
✅ In Social & Cultural Settings – Describing someone or something as august elevates its importance, often invoking a sense of admiration or reverence.

Example Sentences:

✅ The CEO’s august leadership has shaped the company into an industry leader.
✅ The university awarded an honorary degree to the august professor for his groundbreaking contributions to science.
✅ They held the august ceremony at the historic palace to celebrate the country’s heritage.

#894 | DELINEATE ✍️

[IBA JU ’17-18]

(Verb) – To describe or portray something precisely, often with clarity and detail.

Connotation:

🔹 Positive – Suggests a thorough, accurate, and clear explanation or depiction of something.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Communication – Clear delineation of roles, responsibilities, or processes ensures better understanding, smooth operations, and fewer misunderstandings in a team or project.
✅ In Academia & Professional Writing – The ability to delineate concepts, arguments, or ideas effectively is a crucial skill, especially in research papers, reports, or presentations.
✅ In Design & Art – In design, to delineate is to create a precise outline or structure, which is fundamental for clarity and organization in visual work.

Example Sentences:

✅ The manager delineated the project objectives, ensuring that every team member knew their role and responsibilities.
✅ In her thesis, the student carefully delineated the key findings of the research with supporting evidence.
✅ The artist delineated the features of the portrait with fine lines and subtle shading, bringing the subject to life.

#895 | REITERATE 🔄

[IBA JU ’16-17]

(Verb) – To say or do something again, often for emphasis or clarity.

Connotation:

🔹 Neutral – While often used to reinforce a point, it can suggest redundancy or repetition when overused.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Professional Settings – Reiterating key points during meetings, emails, or presentations can ensure important information is understood and remembered. However, over-reiteration can be seen as a lack of new ideas.
✅ In Legal & Ethical Contexts – Lawyers or officials may reiterate certain legal principles or regulations to emphasize their importance or clarify misunderstandings.
✅ In Communication & Relationships – Reiterating your position or concerns can clarify your stance in discussions but could also be interpreted as being overly insistent or stubborn if not done tactfully.

Example Sentences:

✅ The manager reiterated the importance of meeting the deadline to avoid delays in the project.
✅ In his speech, the president reiterated his commitment to improving the economy.
✅ She reiterated her opinion on the matter, making sure her perspective was clear during the discussion.

#896 | REVIVE 🌱

[IBA JU ’16-17]

(Verb) – To bring something back to life, consciousness, or a state of activity, or to restore vitality.

Connotation:

🔹 Positive – Suggests renewal, recovery, or a fresh start after a period of decline or inactivity.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Marketing – Reviving a brand, product, or marketing strategy can lead to new growth and customer interest, especially after a period of stagnation or decline.
✅ In Healthcare & Wellness – Reviving one’s health or energy can be seen as an important process of recovery and renewal.
✅ In Social & Cultural Settings – Reviving traditions, events, or cultural practices can help preserve heritage and bring communities together.

Example Sentences:

✅ The company’s new campaign helped revive interest in their classic products, leading to a surge in sales.
✅ After the health scare, she focused on healthy eating and exercise to revive her energy levels.
✅ The community worked together to revive the old festival, restoring it to its former glory.

#897 | GAINSAY ❌

[IBA JU ’16-17]

(Verb) – To deny, contradict, or oppose something.

Connotation:

🔹 Negative – Implies disagreement, contradiction, or resistance, often with authority or strong opposition.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Leadership – Gainsaying decisions or strategies in a business setting can lead to conflict, especially when done publicly or without offering constructive alternatives. It may also indicate dissent, but can sometimes spur positive debates.
✅ In Legal & Ethical Contexts – In legal arguments, gainsaying facts or statements could undermine credibility unless done with strong evidence or reasoning.
✅ In Social & Cultural Settings – Gainsaying someone's opinion, particularly in sensitive discussions, could damage relationships, but it may also foster healthy debate and critical thinking if done respectfully.

Example Sentences:

✅ His decision to gainsay the board's proposal led to heated debates in the meeting.
✅ No one dared to gainsay the expert's opinion, as his experience was highly respected.
✅ She gainsaid the claims made in the report, pointing out factual inaccuracies with supporting evidence.

#898 | RELISH 😋

[IBA JU ’16-17]

(Verb) – To enjoy or take great pleasure in something, often with enthusiasm.

Connotation:

🔹 Positive – Suggests enjoyment, satisfaction, or delight in something.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Marketing – A business may relish the opportunity to expand into new markets or introduce a product that resonates strongly with customers. Relishing a challenge often reflects a proactive and enthusiastic attitude towards growth.
✅ In Social & Personal Settings – People often relish spending time with family or friends, or enjoy moments of success and accomplishment.
✅ In Leadership & Professional Settings – Leaders may relish their role when it allows them to make a positive impact, motivating and inspiring others.

Example Sentences:

✅ The team relished the opportunity to take on the new project, confident in their ability to succeed.
✅ She relished the victory, knowing the hard work and dedication had paid off.
✅ They relished the chance to network with industry leaders at the conference.

#899 | PATRONIZE 🛍️

[IBA JU ’16-17]

(Verb) – To treat someone with an apparent kindness that betrays a sense of superiority, or to support a business or activity regularly.

Connotation:

🔹 Negative (when implying condescension) or Positive (when referring to supporting or frequenting a business).

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Customer Relations – Patronizing customers can damage brand reputation, as it comes off as condescending and unprofessional. A more respectful, customer-centric approach is critical to maintaining positive relationships.
✅ In Social & Personal Settings – If someone patronizes others in conversation, it may lead to strained relationships or resentment, as it can come across as belittling or dismissive.
✅ In Arts & Culture – Patrons often support artists, musicians, or cultural events, providing necessary resources or recognition.

Example Sentences:

✅ The CEO’s patronizing attitude toward the staff created a toxic work environment, causing high turnover.
✅ She regularly patronizes the local bookstore, helping to support small businesses in her community.
✅ His patronizing tone during the meeting made the team feel undervalued and demotivated.

#900 | EXTORT 💰

[IBA JU ’16-17]

(Verb) – To obtain something, usually money, through force, threats, or manipulation.

Connotation:

🔹 Negative – Extortion is illegal and unethical, carrying a strong sense of wrongdoing or criminal behavior.

Implications in Context:

✅ In Business & Legal Contexts – Extortion can lead to severe legal consequences, as businesses must operate within the bounds of the law. Any form of extortion, even if indirect, could cause significant reputational damage and legal penalties.
✅ In Social & Political Settings – Extortion is often associated with corruption, abuse of power, or organized crime, negatively affecting individuals, communities, or nations.
✅ In Personal & Ethical Settings – Extortion, whether financial or emotional, damages trust and can result in long-lasting harm to relationships.

Example Sentences:

✅ The business was forced to pay a significant sum after criminals attempted to extort money from them.
✅ The politician was arrested for attempting to extort funds from companies in exchange for government contracts.
✅ She refused to be extorted by the threatening emails and reported them to the authorities.