Truculent

Truculent

<truk-you-lent>

aggressive; brutal; combative;

quick to argue or fight.

The truculent dog became friendly after I gave him treats.

Memory trick:
truculent reminds of truck
a truck can roll over things

At work:
He was truculent until we made the deadline. He became happy and agreeable.

(c) 2015 E. Carruthers

Coerce

Coerce

<ko-erse>

bully; intimidate; persuade;

to pressure someone to do something by using force or threats.

I used the broom to coerce the bug to fly out the window.

Memory trick:
coerce reminds of force

At work:
I don't need to coerce my employees because I pay them well.

(c) 2015 E. Carruthers

Palatial

Palatial

<pah-lay-shul>

grand; lavish; deluxe;

something large and fancy.

The doghouse is palatial. Ten dogs can fit in there.

Memory trick:
palatial reminds of palace

At work:
The new conference room is palatial. The table is huge.

(c) 2015 E. Carruthers

Salient

Salient

<say-lee-ent>

important; main; dominant;

the most prominent thing that stands out.

The big clock stands salient in the town.

Memory trick:
salient reminds of silent
big and silent

At work:
The sales numbers are salinent for this meeting.

(c) 2015 E. Carruthers

Tortuous

Tortuous

<tor-chew-ess>

winding; twisting; crooked;

something that bends and turns.

The tortuous road turned into a long straight run.

Memory trick:
tortuous reminds of torture
it is torture to keep turning

At work:
The presentation was tortuous. It was confusing.

(c) 2015 E. Carruthers

Juxtapose

Juxtapose

<jucks-tah-poze>

mix; connect; pair;

to put things close together to see the differences.

When you juxtapose the shirts I can see which is nicer.

Memory trick:
Just a pose

At work:
Juxtapose our report with theirs and they will see our report is better.

(c) 2015 E. Carruthers

Risible

Risible

<riz-ah-bul>

absurd; funny; silly;

something that makes you laugh.

The boy wore a risible costume and everyone laughed.

Memory trick:
risible reminds of visible
imagine visible laughter

At work:
Your report cover is risible. Please make it more serious.

(c) 2015 E. Carruthers