flounder (v.

)
behave awkwardly

He lost the next page of his speech and

floundered about for a few second.
fledgling (adj.)
young and inexperienced

The current economic climate is particularly

difficult for fledgling businesses.
serendipity (n.)
the instance in which an accidental, fortunate
discovery is made
By pure serendipity, Sarah discovered, at a
flea market in Peoria, a matching earring to
replace the one that fell down the storm
drain back home.
underwrite (v.)
to support financially

The government has agreed to underwrite

the project with a grant of £5 million.
viable (adj.)
a viable idea, plan, or method can work successfully
practical and workable
They are in favor of the program, but they
want strong assurances that it is viable.
Since no seats were available in either of the
two trains, the only viable alternative I had
was to fly.
accede (v.)
agree to a plan or suggestion

After much persuasion, the teacher finally

acceded to our request for letting off the
class a little early.
acme (n.)
the top or highest point

Just when everyone thought that he had

reached the acme of perfection in the game
of chess, he was outplayed by an unknown
Armenian, playing his first major
tournament.
agility (n.)
quick movement, nimbleness

The commandos moved with remarkable

agility in their mission to save the hostages
as they knew that they had very little time
on their hands.
assuage (v.)
to lessen or ease, relieve

He said in the interview that the only job

that could assuage his thirst for knowledge
was that of a librarian so that he could be
amongst books every day.
avarice (n.)
greed for gain

His avarice for quick gains became the single

biggest factor for the failure of the company.
berate (v.)
to scold strongly

The minister publicly berated the journalist,

accusing him of publishing a false report
about him in the newspaper.
cite (v.)
to mention or quote, usu. as an example
The concluding part of the report on
development in Asian countries cites the
example of Indonesia, which has been able
to make considerable economic progress
despite severe difficulties within the
economy.
cordial (adj.)
gracious, warm and friendly
The two families had perfectly cordial
relations till about five years ago, but since
then they have been involved in a property
dispute which has made them bitter
enemies.
defer (v.)
put off, postpone, delay till later, exempt
temporarily
The board meeting has been deferred till
next Tuesday as the chairman is not well.