
Description of quintessence (noun) pure essence of anything; epitome
Samples of quintessence This story is the quintessence of American fiction.
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Description of motif (noun) theme; main idea
Samples of motif Although the college students lived in Alaska, they decided on a tropical motif for their dorm room. The decorations include a rose motif.
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Description of stamina (noun) endurance
Samples of stamina Anybody who can finish the New York Marathon has lots of stamina.
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Description of dissonance (noun) musical discord; disagreement; lack of harmony; inconsistency
Samples of dissonance Much twentieth-century music is not liked by classical music lovers because of the dissonance it holds and the harmonies it lacks. The dissonance of his composition makes for some rough listening.
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Description of duress (noun) imprisonment; the use of threats; pressure; coercion; intimidation
Samples of duress His duress was supposed to last 10-15 years. The policewoman put the man under duress in order to get a confession. The Labor Department inspector needed to establish whether the plant workers had been held under duress.
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Description of abeyance (noun) state of temporary suspension; inactivity
Samples of abeyance Since the power failure, the town has been in abeyance.
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Description of paucity (noun) scarcity; fewness
Samples of paucity The described feast was actually a buffet with a paucity of food.
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Description of evasion (noun) avoiding of a duty; avoidance; dodging
Samples of evasion The company was charged with tax evasion, as they did not pay all that they owed.
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Description of resignation (noun) quitting; submission; abdication
Samples of resignation He submitted his resignation because he found a new job. You could see the resignation on his face: Things just weren't working out as he'd expected.
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Description of epitome (noun) model; typification; embodiment; archetype; exemplar
Samples of epitome The woman chosen to lead the dancers was the epitome of true grace.
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