noun

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Bad / Small

smattering - A slight superficial knowledge of a language or subject

The museum tour guide presented himself as expert about art history, though he only had a smattering of knowledge about the subject.

verb

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Other / Inward

preen - To devote effort to making oneself look attractive and then admire one's appearance

Before every job interview, Fritz would preen himself in the mirror to make sure he looked presentable.

verb

See noun

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Bad / Unhappy

sob - Cry noisily, making loud, convulsive gasps

Nicole sobbed when her mother told her she was taking her toys away.

noun

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Bad / Old

jalopy - An old car in a dilapidated condition

The rusted-out jalopy looked like it hadn't been driven in years.

verb

See noun

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Bad / Dislike

sneer - To show a crooked smile that expresses dislike, scorn or contempt.

Dean sneered at the silly question Mike had asked him.

verb

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Bad / Powerless

grovel - To lie or move abjectly on the ground with one's face downward

When he was told he was being fired, Todd groveled on the ground and pleaded with his boss.

adjective

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Good / Happy

chipper - Marked by or being in sprightly good humor and health

Ryan's chipper attitude made him very popular amongst his coworkers.

noun

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Bad / Attack

hooligan - A violent young troublemaker, typically one of a gang

Young people without prospects may resort to becoming hooligans in order to vent their frustrations.

verb

See noun

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Good / Friendly

schmooze - Talk intimately and cozily; gossip

Rob didn't like when his coworkers schmoozed about the latest happenings, but he couldn't help but hear it.

verb

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Bad / Disorganized

tangle - To twist together into a confused mass

The cords to Miguel's devices were so tangled that they couldn't be separated.

verb

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Bad / Hostile

rankle - To act in a way that is annoying and irritating.

Drake would get angry when his coworkers would rankle him with ridiculous requests.

verb

See noun

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Other / Other

nip - Pinch, squeeze, or bite sharply

Puppies tend to nip their owners' hands when they are young.