Simple but Intelligent Word Choices
#10: Lucid
Definition:very clear and easy to understand; able to think clearly Words It Might Replace:clear, logical, orderly (describing an explanation); rational (describing a person). The word’s original meaning, by the way, is “suffused with light.” Example:“But instead of a lucid narrative explaining what happened when the economy imploded in 2008, why, and who was to blame, the report is a confusing and contradictory mess…” – Frank Partnoy, The New York Times, January 29, 2011 |
#9: Austere
Definition:marked by rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self–denial Words It Might Replace:simple or plain, especially when you’re describing something that is strict or without comfort Example:“This is the austere beauty of the desert: limitless vistas, clear skies, dramatic topography, an unforgiving environment for life of any kind.” – James Fallows, The Atlantic, October 2008 |
#8: Volatile
Definition:likely to change in a very sudden or extreme way; having or showing extreme or sudden changes of emotion Words It Might Replace:unstable; emotional; unpredictable Example:“Prosecutors want to demonstrate that Bonds treated those around him in an abusive and hostile manner and that his volatile nature was also the result of steroid use.” – Christian Red, New York Daily News, March 17, 2011 |
#7: Stoic
Definition:showing no emotion especially when something bad is happening Words It Might Replace:unemotional; uncomplaining; cold Example:“Hockey also gives normally staid, stoic and polite Canadians license to be aggressive.” – Stuart Weinberg, Wall Street Journal (wsj.com), November 30, 2010 |
#6: Caustic
Definition:marked by sharp or biting sarcasm; very harsh and critical Words It Might Replace:critical, hostile, snarky; nasty; sarcastic Example:“This world loves bickering buddies…. [T]here’s plenty of fondness for comedies built around caustic and amusing back–and–forths between two people that, at the drop of a hat, either want to kill each other or cuddle.” – Christopher Bell, blogs.indiewire.com, April 27, 2011 |
#5: Maudlin
Definition:showing or expressing too much emotion especially in a foolish or annoying way Words It Might Replace:sappy; schmaltzy; overly emotional Example:“His daughter’s account of his final days manages to capture the emotion without becoming maudlin.” – Glenn C. Altschuler, NPR.org, April 28, 2011 |
#4: Lurid
Definition:causing horror or revulsion; involving sex or violence in a way that is meant to be shocking Words It Might Replace:shocking; sensational; gruesome Example:“Like articles about drug busts, this sort of story [about a prostitution ring] produces lurid, boldface headlines that catch the reader’s eye.” – Mark Drought, Stamford Advocate, April 13, 2011 |
#3: Glib
Definition:said or done too easily or carelessly; marked by ease in speaking to the point of being deceitful Words It Might Replace:careless; insincere Example:“A time may come when Tiger Woods will be glib and ebullient and full of witty observations about golf. But I doubt it.” – David Jones, pennlive.com, April 15, 2011 |
#2: Cavalier
Definition:having or showing no concern for something that is important or serious Words It Might Replace:thoughtless or careless, especially when you’re describing a disregard for consequences Example:“Many took issue with [Kristen] Stewart’s rather cavalier use of the term [“rape”], even if it was used in a metaphorical sense…” – Michael Jordan, BlackBook, June 4, 2010 |
#1: Demure
 Long and exotic words (like defenestration or sesquipedalian) are often more fascinating than useful. By comparison, this list offers words that can enrich a conversation without sounding ridiculous.
Definition:not attracting or demanding a lot of attention; not showy or flashy; quiet and polite Words It Might Replace:modest; unassuming; shy; coy Example:“As William and Kate sang prayers from the specially designed hymn sheets, the two sisters looked on unassumingly. But despite their demure appearance, rumours even began to surface today that one of the women was a secret ‘ninja nun’ intended to protect the Royal couple by pouncing on any intruders.” – Daily Mail, May 1, 2011 |
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2 responses to “Simple but Intelligent Word Choices”
I would love to hear from you
AWARDS
Just English 
I love pith. I might add…
oxymoron
resplendent
fulsome
taciturn
cacophony
furtive
dulcet
bombast
halcyon
idyllic
taciturn
mellifluous
fust
reticent
warp and woof
It helps me a lot. Thank You