buh-NAL or BAY-nul
(adjective) So lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring.
The movie’s plot was utterly banal and forgettable.
Fun Fact
Originally from a French word for communal property, “banal” came to describe anything overused or worn-out from constant repetition. It’s the go-to word for stale clichés, predictable plots, and recycled ad slogans.
yoo-til-ih-TAIR-ee-uhn
(adjective) Designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive.
The apartment had a utilitarian design—nothing fancy, but everything served a purpose.
Fun Fact
In both design and ethics, utilitarianism has shaped everything from minimalist furniture to moral theory. In philosophy, it’s tied to thinkers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, who argued that the best actions are those that produce the most good for the most people.
ih-FRUN-tuh-ree
(noun) Shameless or impudent boldness.
She had the effrontery to interrupt the professor mid-lecture and correct him.
Fun Fact
“Effrontery” has been part of the English language since the 1700s and originally described behavior so rude it seemed to show a “barefaced” lack of shame. It’s a word you’ll find in classic literature and courtroom drama alike—where confidence crosses the line into arrogance.
buh-NAL or BAY-nul
(adjective) So lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring.
The movie’s plot was utterly banal and forgettable.
Fun Fact
Originally from a French word for communal property, “banal” came to describe anything overused or worn-out from constant repetition. It’s the go-to word for stale clichés, predictable plots, and recycled ad slogans.
ak-SEED
(verb) To agree to a request or demand, especially after initial resistance.
The board eventually acceded to the proposal after weeks of debate.
Fun Fact
“Accede” can also mean formally taking a position of power—like a monarch acceding to the throne. It’s a formal-sounding word often used in legal, political, or diplomatic circles where agreement follows negotiation.
fuh-LISS-ih-tus
(adjective) Well-suited or appropriate for the occasion; pleasing in manner or style.
Her speech was filled with felicitous phrases that brought laughter and applause.
Fun Fact
“Felicitous” shares a root with “felicity,” meaning happiness or bliss. It’s often used in writing and speeches to praise word choices that are especially fitting or graceful—perfectly timed compliments, witty turns of phrase, or the right joke at the right time.
TOR-pid
(adjective) Sluggish, inactive, or lacking energy.
The heat left everyone feeling torpid and unmotivated.
Fun Fact
Animals in hibernation enter a torpid state to conserve energy. In humans, torpidity is more metaphorical—used to describe slow workdays, fatigue, or that post-lunch energy crash.