noun a distinctive and habitual behavioral characteristic.The comedian perfectly imitated all the actress’s mannerisms, including the way she covered her mouth when she laughed. See the full entry

adjective extremely contrary to rational thought; illogical; ridiculous.For most people in the fifteenth century, it was absurd to think the earth might be round. noun the condition of consciously existing in a…

With the Wordsmyth Vocabulary Center activities, you can study these words, play games with them, and assess your knowledge of their meanings with a quiz. Go to the Vocabulary Center, the words…

adjective showing or inclined to show an exaggerated air of dignity or importance.The pompous butler looked down his nose at the casually-dressed visitor.His mother is quite unassuming and down-to-earth, but his father…

noun a state of agitation, upset, or rapid change.The 1960s were a time of political and intellectual ferment.a ferment of political disruptionscreative ferment in building designs See the full entry