Choices and Decisions Vocabulary Words – Online Spelling Bee

Spell: abolish (verb) /əˈbɒlɪʃ/
Definition: To formally put an end to something, typically a law, system, or practice.
Example Sentence: "They plan to abolish the use of single-use plastics."
Word origin: The verb 'abolish' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'abolēre.

Spell: adamant (adjective) /ˈadəm(ə)nt/
Definition: Determined, unyielding, and unwilling to change one's position or opinion.
Example Sentence: "The teacher was adamant that cheating would not be tolerated in the classroom."
Word origin: The adjective 'adamant' has its etymological origins in Greek and Latin.

Spell: ambidextrous (adjective) /ˌambɪˈdɛkstrəs/
Definition: Having the ability to use both hands with equal ease and proficiency.
Example Sentence: "He amazed everyone with his ambidextrous juggling skills."
Word origin: The adjective 'ambidextrous' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: arbitrary (adjective) /ˈɑːbɪt(rə)ri/
Definition: Based on personal opinion or individual discretion, rather than any specific rule or principle.
Example Sentence: "She was known for her arbitrary rules in her class."
Word origin: The adjective 'arbitrary' has its roots in the Latin word 'arbitrarius,' which originally meant 'dependent on the judgment of an arbiter or judge.

Spell: assert (verb) /əˈsɜrt/
Definition: To confidently and firmly state or declare something, often with the aim of expressing a belief, opinion, claim, or fact.
Example Sentence: "He will assert his authority during the company meeting."
Word origin: The verb 'assert' has its roots in the Latin word 'assertus,' which is the past participle of the verb 'asserere.

Spell: avarice (noun) /ˈav(ə)rɪs/
Definition: An extreme and insatiable desire for wealth, material possessions, or monetary gain.
Example Sentence: "Avarice can blind people to the needs of others."
Word origin: The noun 'avarice' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: a-la-carte (adjective) /ˌɑ lə ˈkɑrt/
Definition: A style of dining or menu option where individual dishes or food items are ordered separately, rather than as part of a fixed or predetermined meal.
Example Sentence: "She appreciated the a-la-carte system at the spa, as it allowed her to choose only the treatments she wanted."
Word origin: The phrase 'à la carte' has its etymological origins in French.

Spell: boycott (verb) /ˈbɔɪkɒt/
Definition: To refuse to buy, use, or participate in something as a form of protest or to express disapproval.
Example Sentence: "The boycott of the store was successful in bringing attention to their labor practices."
Word origin: The verb 'boycott' has its etymological origins in Ireland during the late 19th century.

Spell: catalyst (noun) /ˈkatəlɪst/
Definition: Any person or thing that triggers or sparks a significant event or change, often by serving as a facilitator or accelerator.
Example Sentence: "Innovation serves as the catalyst for economic growth."
Word origin: The noun 'catalyst' has its etymological roots in Greek.

Spell: chance (verb) /tʃæns/
Definition: To take a risk or engage in an activity with an uncertain outcome or result.
Example Sentence: "She decided to chance her luck and enter the contest."
Word origin: The verb 'chance' has its etymological roots in both Old French and Latin.

Spell: conform (verb) /kənˈfɔːm/
Definition: To comply with established rules, standards, expectations, or societal norms.
Example Sentence: "Students must conform to the school's code of conduct."
Word origin: The verb 'conform' has its origins in the Latin word 'conformare,' which is a combination of 'com,' meaning 'together,' and 'formare,' meaning 'to shape' or 'to mold.

Spell: conscience (noun) /ˈkɒnʃns/
Definition: An inner sense of what is right or wrong that helps to guide a person's actions and decisions.
Example Sentence: "A clear conscience is a priceless treasure in the realm of ethics."
Word origin: The noun 'conscience' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: contingent (adjective) /ˈɡɪdi/
Definition: Dependent on or influenced by specific conditions, circumstances, or factors, and therefore, not certain or fixed.
Example Sentence: "The decision to proceed with the plan was contingent upon approval from the board."
Word origin: The adjective 'contingent' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: deny (verb) /dɪˈnaɪ/
Definition: To refuse to admit, acknowledge, accept, or grant something to someone.
Example Sentence: "The company will deny access to unauthorized personnel."
Word origin: The verb 'deny' has its etymology rooted in Old French and Latin.

Spell: deontology (noun) /ˌdiːɒnˈtɒləʤi/
Definition: A branch of ethics that focuses on the inherent morality of actions, emphasizing duty and adherence to rules over outcomes or consequences.
Example Sentence: "Kant's deontology emphasizes moral principles and universal laws."
Word origin: The noun 'deontology' has its etymological roots in Greek.

Spell: descend (verb) /dɪˈsɛnd/
Definition: To move downward from a higher point or position to a lower one.
Example Sentence: "Raindrops started to descend, signaling the coming storm."
Word origin: The verb 'descend' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: dilemma (noun) /dɪˈlɛmə/
Definition: A situation in which a choice has to be made between two or more options, all of which have significant drawbacks or negative consequences.
Example Sentence: "The team faced a dilemma when they had to choose between two equally promising strategies."
Word origin: The noun 'dilemma' has an intriguing etymological history, rooted in both Greek and Latin.

Spell: discerning (adjective) /dɪˈsəːnɪŋ/
Definition: Having or showing good insight and careful judgement, especially about matters of taste or quality.
Example Sentence: "She was a discerning shopper who loved to find a bargain."
Word origin: The adjective 'discerning' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'discernere,' which combines 'dis-' (meaning 'apart') and 'cernere' (meaning 'to separate' or 'to distinguish').

Spell: discretion (noun) /dɪˈskrɛʃən/
Definition: The ability to make responsible and thoughtful decisions based on one's own judgment and good sense.
Example Sentence: "It's important to handle sensitive matters with discretion to maintain confidentiality."
Word origin: The noun 'discretion' originates from the Latin word 'discretio,' which is derived from 'discretus,' the past participle of 'discernere,' meaning 'to separate' or 'to distinguish.

Spell: dither (verb) /ˈdɪðə/
Definition: To be indecisive, hesitant, or uncertain when faced with a choice or decision.
Example Sentence: "Don't dither; make a clear decision on the project's direction."
Word origin: The verb 'dither' has an interesting etymology that takes us back to Middle English.

Spell: easel (noun) /ˈiːzl/
Definition: A stand or frame used to hold a canvas or other surface for painting or drawing.
Example Sentence: "The art class provided each student with an easel to work on their masterpieces."
Word origin: The noun 'choreography' is derived from two Greek words, 'choros,' meaning 'dance,' and 'grapho,' meaning 'to write' or 'to record.

Spell: exclude (verb) /ɪkˈsklud/
Definition: To deliberately leave someone or something out or not including them in a particular group, activity, or situation.
Example Sentence: "Please do not exclude anyone from the discussion."
Word origin: The verb 'exclude' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: flexible (adjective) /ˈflɛk sə bəl/
Definition: Adaptable, versatile, or capable of bending or adjusting easily without breaking or losing shape.
Example Sentence: "The yoga instructor emphasized the importance of maintaining a flexible spine."
Word origin: The adjective 'flexible' has its roots in the Latin word 'flexibilis,' which is derived from 'flectere,' meaning 'to bend' or 'to turn.

Spell: forgo (verb) /fɔrˈgoʊ/
Definition: To willingly give up or abstain from something, typically by choice or as a result of a conscious decision.
Example Sentence: "He had to forgo attending the party due to a work commitment."
Word origin: The verb 'forgo' is derived from Old English, where it was known as 'forgan' or 'for-gān.

Spell: frame (verb) /freɪm/
Definition: To present or express something in a particular way in order to give it a certain meaning or interpretation.
Example Sentence: "You need to frame your argument in a way that appeals to the audience's emotions."
Word origin: The verb 'frame' has a diverse etymology, with several influences over time.

Spell: frugal (noun) /ˈfruːɡl/
Definition: The practice of being economical and careful in the use of resources, especially money.
Example Sentence: "Frugal spending habits helped him achieve financial stability."
Word origin: The noun 'frugal' has its etymology rooted in Latin.

Spell: gamble (verb) /ˈɡambl/
Definition: To take a risk with the hope of gaining an advantage or a reward, often in the form of money.
Example Sentence: "He took a gamble on the stock market and lost a lot of money."
Word origin: The verb 'gamble' has its etymological origins in the Middle English word 'gambol,' which meant to play or frolic.

Spell: gauge (verb) /geɪdʒ/
Definition: To measure, assess, or evaluate something, often in order to determine its dimensions, quantity, quality, or level of something.
Example Sentence: "The tailor carefully gauged the measurements before cutting the fabric."
Word origin: The verb 'gauge' has its etymological origins in the Old North French word 'gauger,' which meant 'to measure' or 'to weigh.

Spell: hasten (verb) /ˈheɪ sən/
Definition: To accelerate or speed up a process, event, or action.
Example Sentence: "Please hasten to send me the documents I requested."
Word origin: The verb 'hasten' has its roots in the Middle English word 'hastnen,' which was derived from the Old French verb 'haster.

Spell: hesitate (verb) /ˈhɛz ɪˌteɪt/
Definition: To pause or show reluctance before taking an action or making a decision.
Example Sentence: "Even though he was scared, he didn't hesitate to jump into the water to save the drowning child."
Word origin: The verb 'hesitate' has its roots in the Latin word 'haesitare,' which meant 'to stick fast' or 'to be undecided.

Spell: impel (verb) /əˈliːvɪeɪt/
Definition: To drive or urge someone or something to take a particular action or to behave in a certain way.
Example Sentence: "The inner sense of right and wrong can impel someone to act courageously in the face of injustice."
Word origin: The verb 'impel' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: inclination (noun) /ˌɪnklɪˈneɪʃn/
Definition: A tendency or disposition towards a particular action, idea, or feeling.
Example Sentence: "My inclination is to go for a long walk when I need to clear my mind."
Word origin: The noun 'inclination' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: indecision (noun) /ˌɪn dɪˈsɪʒ ən/
Definition: The state of being unable to make a decision or reach a conclusion, often characterized by hesitation, uncertainty, and a lack of resolve.
Example Sentence: "The team's indecision during the game cost them the victory."
Word origin: The noun 'indecision' is formed from the prefix 'in,' meaning 'not,' and the word 'decision,' which has its roots in Latin.

Spell: insist (verb) /ɪnˈsɪst/
Definition: To demand or assert something firmly and persistently.
Example Sentence: "Should you insist on going alone, be cautious."
Word origin: The verb 'insist' has its origins in the Latin word 'insistere,' which is a combination of 'in,' meaning 'on,' and 'sistere,' meaning 'to stand' or 'to take a stand.

Spell: insistence (noun) /ɪnˈsɪs təns/
Definition: The act of persistently and firmly asserting or demanding something.
Example Sentence: "The company's success can be attributed to its insistence on maintaining high-quality standards."
Word origin: The noun 'insistence' stems from the verb 'insist,' and it shares its etymological roots with the Latin word 'insistere.

Spell: integrity (noun) /ɪnˈtɛɡrɪti/
Definition: The quality of being honest, truthful and having strong moral principles.
Example Sentence: "The company's success is built on a foundation of trust and integrity."
Word origin: The noun 'integrity' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: judgment (noun) /ˈdʒʌdʒ mənt/
Definition: The ability to make informed decisions, form opinions, or assess situations based on careful evaluation and discernment.
Example Sentence: "The judge's judgment was fair and impartial, considering all the evidence."
Word origin: The noun 'judgment' originates from the Old French word 'jugement,' which was derived from the Latin word 'judicium.

Spell: mandate (noun) /ˈmandeɪt/
Definition: An official instruction or command issued by a governing authority, such as a government or a court, to carry out a specific action or policy.
Example Sentence: "The teacher's mandate to turn off all cellphones during class was widely ignored."
Word origin: The noun 'mandate' has its origins in the Latin word 'mandatum,' which is the past participle of 'mandare,' meaning 'to order' or 'to entrust.

Spell: ordinance (noun) /ˈɔːd(ɪ)nəns/
Definition: A type of law or regulation that is passed by a local government, such as a city or a county.
Example Sentence: "Violating the noise ordinance can result in a fine."
Word origin: The noun 'ordinance' finds its etymological roots in the Latin word 'ordinare,' which means 'to arrange' or 'to order.

Spell: outfit (noun) /ˈaʊtˌfɪt/
Definition: A set of clothing or garments worn together as a coordinated ensemble, typically including items such as a top, bottom, and accessories.
Example Sentence: "The military outfit conducted a training exercise in the field."
Word origin: The noun 'outfit' has an interesting etymology rooted in the Old English word 'utfyttan,' where 'utfyttan' comprised two elements: 'ut,' meaning 'out,' and 'fyttan,' which translates to 'to put' or 'to equip.

Spell: parsimonious (adjective) /ˌpɑːsɪˈməʊnɪəs/
Definition: Characterized by extreme frugality and an unwillingness to spend money or resources generously.
Example Sentence: "She earned a reputation for being parsimonious with her expenses."
Word origin: The adjective 'parsimonious' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: patent (noun) /ˈpæt nt/
Definition: A legally recognized and enforceable document that grants exclusive rights to the inventor or assignee of a new invention, process, or design.
Example Sentence: "The company invested heavily in securing multiple patents for their innovative products."
Word origin: The noun 'patent' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'patens,' which means 'open' or 'available.

Spell: posit (verb) /ˈpɒzɪt/
Definition: To put forward a theory, idea, or argument, often as a starting point for further discussion or investigation.
Example Sentence: "It is essential to carefully posit the problem before seeking solutions."
Word origin: The verb 'posit' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'ponere,' which means 'to place' or 'to put.

Spell: probity (noun) /ˈprəʊbəti/
Definition: The quality or state of having strong moral principles and integrity in one's actions and character.
Example Sentence: "The company's success was built on a foundation of probity."
Word origin: The noun 'probity' has its etymological roots in Latin.

Spell: propriety (noun) /prəˈprʌɪəti/
Definition: The quality of being appropriate, correct, or suitable in a particular situation or context.
Example Sentence: "The teacher emphasized the importance of propriety in the classroom."
Word origin: The noun 'propriety' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: provisional (adverb) /prəˈvɪʒən(ə)li/
Definition: Temporary, subject to change, or meant to serve as a placeholder until a more permanent arrangement or decision is made.
Example Sentence: "The agreement is only provisional, pending further negotiations."
Word origin: The adverb 'provisional' has its origins in Latin.

Spell: proxy (noun) /ˈprɒksi/
Definition: A person or thing that is acting or being used in the place of someone or something else.
Example Sentence: "The proxy server provided a secure connection between the client and the website."
Word origin: The noun 'proxy' has a notable etymology originating from the Latin word 'procurator,' which referred to an agent or representative appointed to act on behalf of another.

Spell: prude (noun) /pruːd/
Definition: A person who is overly concerned with modesty, particularly in regards to sexuality or nudity.
Example Sentence: "Don't be a prude; it's natural to appreciate beauty in all its forms."
Word origin: The noun 'prude' has its etymological origins in French.

Spell: rebel (noun) /ˈrɛbl/
Definition: A person who resists or defies authority, rules, or established norms.
Example Sentence: "Armed with only a voice, the lone rebel inspired a national movement for change."
Word origin: The noun 'rebel' has its origins in the Latin word 'rebellis,' which combines 're-' meaning 'again' or 'back' and 'bellum' meaning 'war.

Spell: rebellious (adjective) /rɪˈbɛljəs/
Definition: Resisting authority, norms, or conventions, often in a confrontational or defiant manner.
Example Sentence: "His rebellious spirit led him to question societal norms from a young age."
Word origin: The adjective 'rebellious' is derived from the noun 'rebel' and shares its etymological roots.

Spell: recruit (verb) /rɪˈkruːt/
Definition: To find, attract, and enroll new members or employees for an organization, company, or group.
Example Sentence: "The college football coach wants to recruit some star athletes for the upcoming season."
Word origin: The verb 'recruit' has its origins in both Old French and Latin.

Spell: reject (verb) /rɪˈdʒɛkt/
Definition: To refuse, decline, or dismiss something or someone.
Example Sentence: "After careful consideration, she had to reject the job offer because it didn't align with her long-term goals."
Word origin: The verb 'reject' finds its etymological roots in the Latin language.

Spell: representation (noun) /ˌrɛp rɪ zɛnˈteɪ ʃən/
Definition: The act or process of presenting or depicting something in a particular way.
Example Sentence: "The lawyer argued that the defendant's confession was not an accurate representation of the events."
Word origin: The noun 'representation' draws its etymological roots from the Latin word 'representatio,' which is a combination of 're,' meaning 'again' or 'back,' and 'presentatio,' derived from 'praesentare,' meaning 'to present' or 'to show.

Spell: retort (noun) /rɪˈtɔːt/
Definition: A quick, sharp, and often witty or argumentative reply to a statement or comment made by someone else.
Example Sentence: "He couldn't come up with a good retort to her clever remark."
Word origin: The noun 'retort' has its roots in Latin and Old French, with its etymology dating back to the 16th century.

Spell: reveal (verb) /rɪˈvil/
Definition: To make something previously unknown, hidden, or secret known to others.
Example Sentence: "The investigation finally revealed the identity of the mysterious culprit."
Word origin: The word 'reveal' has a fascinating etymology that traces back to Latin origins.

Spell: reverse (adjective) /rɪˈvɜrs/
Definition: Opposite or contrary in direction, order, or nature to what is considered standard, typical, or expected.
Example Sentence: "She had a reverse view on politics, opposing the popular opinion."
Word origin: The word 'reverse' has its origins in the Middle English term 'reversen,' which was derived from the Old French word 'reverser.

Spell: revise (verb) /rɪˈvaɪz/
Definition: To review, modify, or make corrections to something, typically with the intention of improving or updating it.
Example Sentence: "She's going to revise her essay for any spelling mistakes."
Word origin: The verb 'revise' finds its etymological roots in the Latin word 'revisere,' which is a combination of 're-' (again) and 'visere' (to look at).

Spell: scheme (noun) /skim/
Definition: A systematic plan or program designed to achieve a specific goal or objective.
Example Sentence: "The architect presented an innovative scheme for the city's revitalization project."
Word origin: The noun 'scheme' has its etymological origins in the Late Latin word 'schematismus,' which in turn was borrowed from the Greek term 'skhēmatismos,' meaning 'a figure' or 'a plan.

Spell: scruples (noun) /ˈskruːp(ə)l/
Definition: Moral or ethical principles that guide a person's behavior and decision-making.
Example Sentence: "Sarah's religious upbringing instilled strong moral scruples in her."
Word origin: The noun 'scruples' has its etymological origins in Latin.

Spell: stipulation (noun) /ˌstɪpjʊˈleɪʃn/
Definition: A specific condition, requirement or agreement that is set forth as part of a legal or contractual agreement.
Example Sentence: "She insisted on the stipulation that she would have final approval on the design."
Word origin: The noun 'stipulation' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'stipulatio.

Spell: subpoena (noun) /səˈpiːnə/
Definition: A legal order requiring someone to appear in court or to produce certain documents or evidence.
Example Sentence: "The attorney planned to subpoena the company's CEO to testify."
Word origin: The noun 'subpoena' has an interesting etymology rooted in Latin.

Spell: swap (verb) /swɒp/
Definition: O exchange or trade one thing for another.
Example Sentence: "She swapped her high heels for more comfortable sneakers."
Word origin: The verb 'swap' has its origins in the English language, and its etymology can be traced back to the Old English word 'swāpan.

Spell: trait (noun) /treɪt/
Definition: A distinctive feature or characteristic that distinguishes an individual or a group from others.
Example Sentence: "His artistic trait was evident in the beautiful paintings he created."
Word origin: The noun 'trait' has its roots in both French and Latin.

Spell: tryst (noun) /trɪst/
Definition: A secret or romantic rendezvous between two people, often with the connotation of being illicit or outside of a committed relationship.
Example Sentence: "The scandalous tryst between the celebrities made headlines."
Word origin: The noun 'tryst' has its origins in Old French, where it was used in the form of 'triste,' meaning 'an appointed place for meeting.

Spell: vacillate (verb) /ˈvasɪleɪt/
Definition: To waver or be indecisive, particularly in relation to making a decision or taking action.
Example Sentence: "The politician continues to vacillate on the issue, refusing to take a clear stance."
Word origin: The verb 'vacillate' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'vacillare,' which originally referred to the act of swaying or rocking back and forth.

Spell: veer (verb) /vɪər/
Definition: To suddenly change direction or course, typically when describing the movement of an object, vehicle, or person.
Example Sentence: "The path seemed to veer suddenly to the right."
Word origin: The verb 'veer' has its origins in Middle English and can be traced back to the Old French word 'virer,' which means 'to turn' or 'to change direction.

Spell: volunteer (noun) /ˌvɒl ənˈtɪər/
Definition: An individual who freely and willingly offers their time, skills, or services for a particular cause, organization, or activity without expecting monetary compensation.
Example Sentence: "The volunteer at the animal shelter helps to feed and care for the rescued cats and dogs."
Word origin: The noun 'volunteer' has its etymological roots in Latin.