Sardonic

Sardonic

<sar-don-nik>

sarcastic; mocking; scathing;

being scornful in a funny but sneering way.

He was mean and insulting while he wore a sardonic smile.

Memory trick:
sardonic reminds of sadistic

At work:
Your report was too sardonic. Please rewrite it without the rude comments.

(c) 2015 E. Carruthers

Reproof

Reproof

<ree-proof>

object; reprimand; criticize;

a statement that accuses someone.

The letter was a stern reproof of his bad deeds.

Memory trick:
reproof reminds of proof
we offer proof of their guilt

At work:
The bug report is a reproof the project was rushed. It's lucky we have time to fix it.

(c) 2015 E. Carruthers





 

Potentate

Potentate

<poh-ten-tayte>

despot; ruler; monarch;

a person with great power and absolute authority.

He was a potentate but he soon became kind and generous.

Memory trick:
potentate reminds of potent

At work:
A good designer must be a potentate who eventually gives up control.

(c) 2015 E. Carruthers

Finite

Finite

<feye-nyte>

fixed; definite; restricted;

something limited in number.

There is a finite number of answers. You might be able to guess.

Memory trick:
finite reminds of fin
fin reminds of finish
the number of possibilities finish

At work:
The Excel functions are finite. You can learn them all.

(c) 2015 E. Carruthers

Impugn

Impugn

<iym-pewn>

question; challenge; dispute;

to verbally attack someone to prove dishonesty.

He will impugn your story because it is unbelievable.

Memory trick:
impugn reminds of "I'm pug"
imagine a pug dog barking at you

At work:
You can't impugn my skills because my projects are a success.

(c) 2015 E. Carruthers

Callow

Callow

<kal-lo>

inexperienced; naive; immature;

being ignorant about the world because of youth.

The girl was callow when she started her business. She learned quickly and became a success.

Memory trick:
callow reminds of shallow
we are shallow when we are not informed

At work:
We are sending you for classes because you are callow. We know you are eager to learn.

(c) 2015 E. Carruthers

Rectitude

Rectitude

goodness; honor; decency;

<rekt-it-tood>

thinking or being morally right.

Everyone liked him because of his rectitude and loyalty.

Memory trick:
rectitude reminds of attitude
a good attitude comes from good behavior

At work:
Your rectitude makes you a reliable team leader.

(c) 2015 E. Carruthers