wonk -
A person who takes an excessive interest in minor details of political policy
Rachel Maddow is a policy wonk on TV who walks her audience through the minor details of legislation and current events.
noun
38 of 55
Good /
Smart
audio
gist -
The substance or essence of a speech or text
Very intelligent people can understand the gist of a topic even if they can't remember every word of it.
noun
39 of 55
Good /
Smart
Url
audio
virtuoso -
A person who is extremely skilled and has outstanding talent in some field in something.
The electric guitar player was considered a virtuoso compared to his fellow musicians.
verb
40 of 55
Good /
Smart
Url
audio
verify -
To check or prove something through evidence or investigation
The scientist ran multiple tests to verify the results of the experiment.
verb
41 of 55
Good /
Smart
Url
audio
plumb -
To explore or examine something in great detail or thoroughly.
Scientists often use mathematics to plumb the depths of the mystery of the universe.
verb
See noun
42 of 55
Good /
Smart
Url
audio
brainstorm -
To think of ideas quickly and freely, often in a group.
Let’s brainstorm to think of some marketing ideas for our new product.
noun
See verb
43 of 55
Good /
Smart
Url
audio
bargain -
a thing bought or offered for sale more cheaply than is usual or expected.
This jacket was a total bargain—Bill got it for half the original price, and it was in perfect condition.
noun
44 of 55
Good /
Smart
audio
revelation -
Realizing or disclosing something that was previously not known.
Samantha vividly remembers the day she had the revelation in therapy that relationships are one of the most important things in life.
verb
45 of 55
Good /
Smart
Url
audio
heed -
To carefully consider advice, instructions, or information.
The hikers didn’t heed the storm alert and got caught in heavy rain.
noun
46 of 55
Good /
Smart
audio
scrutiny -
Careful examination of someone or something
Sam didn't want to be considered for the position of Secretary of Defense because he didn't want to be subjected to the scrutiny of Congress that is part of the application process.
verb
47 of 55
Good /
Smart
audio
demystify -
To make something easier to understand
Louis Pasteur demystified why people would get sick, by describing little beings called bacteria that were the cause.
verb
48 of 55
Good /
Smart
Url
audio
defray -
To pay for something in a way that reduces or delays costs, expenses, or financial obligation.
They decided to rent out the basement in order to defray the cost of the monthly mortgage payments.
