dee-mar-KAY-shun
(noun) The setting or marking of boundaries or limits; a clear distinction.
The river served as a natural demarcation between the two properties.
Fun Fact
“Demarcation” is often used in both geography and workplace roles. Politically, demarcation lines have divided nations and empires. In management, clear demarcation of responsibilities can prevent conflict and promote efficiency.
im-PYOOT
(verb) To attribute an action, thought, or quality to someone, often falsely.
The scandal was unfairly imputed to the assistant, who had no involvement.
Fun Fact
“Impute” is a favorite in legal and financial contexts, where responsibility or credit can be assigned—even without direct involvement. It’s often paired with “intent” in discussions of motive and accountability.
dee-mar-KAY-shun
(noun) The setting or marking of boundaries or limits; a clear distinction.
The river served as a natural demarcation between the two properties.
Fun Fact
“Demarcation” is often used in both geography and workplace roles. Politically, demarcation lines have divided nations and empires. In management, clear demarcation of responsibilities can prevent conflict and promote efficiency.
MAK-sim
(noun) A short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct.
He lived by the old maxim, “Honesty is the best policy.”
Fun Fact
Maxims have existed for thousands of years—from Confucian sayings to Latin proverbs to modern business mottos. A maxim is often passed down as cultural wisdom: brief, quotable, and powerful.
KAL-um-nee
(noun) A false and damaging statement meant to harm someone’s reputation.
The candidate sued his rival for spreading calumny during the campaign.
Fun Fact
In ancient Rome, calumny was actually a punishable offense under the law. The word’s legal roots make it a favorite in political and journalistic commentary when false accusations fly.
SOM-nuh-lunt
(adjective) Sleepy or drowsy; inducing sleep.
The somnolent atmosphere in the lecture hall was hard to resist.
Fun Fact
“Somnolent” doesn’t just describe people—music, lighting, or even a voice can be somnolent. It’s often used in travel writing and poetry to describe languid settings where time feels slow and eyes get heavy.
ak-wee-ESS
(verb) To accept something reluctantly but without protest.
He acquiesced to the board’s decision, even though he disagreed.
Fun Fact
“Acquiesce” often appears in legal writing or formal agreements, describing passive consent. In pop culture, it shows up in scenes where characters silently give in—not out of agreement, but exhaustion, loyalty, or inevitability.