Adjective

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Bad / Attack

adjective

contentious - Likely to cause disagreement or argument

When the parents invited the whole clan for Thanksgiving, they asked everyone to try to get along, and to avoid discussing contentious topics.

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Bad / Small

adjective

measly - Contemptibly small or few

Considering how expensive the meal was, Nick was angry about the measly amount of food he was given.

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Bad / Weak

adjective

rickety - (of a structure or piece of equipment) poorly made and likely to collapse

Artie was terrified when he had to cross the rickety rope bridge that could collapse at any moment.

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Good / Exciting

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Effervescent - Describing someone who is cheerful, energetic, and full of life, with a personality that feels bright and dynamic.

His effervescent personality lit up every room he was in.

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Other / Other

adjective

crucial - Of central and extreme importance

As they left for the plane, the parents knew it was crucial that all the members of the family had their passports.

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Bad / Stupid

adjective

preposterous - Contrary to reason or common sense; utterly absurd or ridiculous.

When Sandy's stock broker called and suggested that he sell half his stocks because he felt the market was overvalued, Sandy thought the idea was preposterous - but it turned out that his stock broker was right.

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Bad / Bad

adjective

harsh - Cruel or severe

In Catholic schools, nuns carry rulers to deliver harsh punishment to disobedient children.

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Other / Inward

adjective

bashful - Reluctant to draw attention to oneself; shy

Mark could never be a salesman because of his bashful personality.

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Good / Happy

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Jolly - Cheerful, happy, and full of good humor.

The children were jolly as they played in the snow, laughing and singing.

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Bad / Weak

adjective

frail - (of a person) weak and delicate

The strongest marriages last even when one spouse is in frail health.

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Good / Big

adjective

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chubby - Plump and rounded

Layla's baby boy was chubby for his age, but he would probably lose the weight as he got older.

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Bad / Disorganized

adjective

ramshackle - (especially of a house or vehicle) in a state of severe disrepair

The ramshackle house was in such poor shape that nobody was allowed to live there anymore.