The Elusive Path to Peace in Ukraine
Vocabulary from this Editorial
To hold on tightly to something, or to remain attached or faithful to something, especially an idea or belief.
Synonyms: adhere, stick, grasp
"Despite overwhelming evidence, he continued to <b>cling</b> to his outdated beliefs."
Done by people acting as a group.
Synonyms: joint, shared, common
"A <b>collective</b> effort is required to solve this complex problem."
Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
Synonyms: thorough, exhaustive, inclusive
"The report provides a <b>comprehensive</b> analysis of the market trends."
Jointly arranged, planned, or carried out; coordinated.
Synonyms: coordinated, united, joint
"There has been a <b>concerted</b> effort to improve public transport in the city."
Tending to make someone very weak and infirm; causing a serious loss of strength or energy.
Synonyms: weakening, enervating, crippling
"The illness left her in a <b>debilitating</b> state for several months."
Making or becoming less; reducing or decreasing.
Synonyms: decreasing, reducing, lessening
"The company's profits have been steadily <b>diminishing</b> over the last quarter."
Separating or detaching oneself from involvement.
Synonyms: detaching, withdrawing, disconnecting
"The government is slowly <b>disengaging</b> from its role in national industries."
Difficult to find, catch, or achieve.
Synonyms: evasive, slippery, fleeting
"The truth about the ancient mystery remains <b>elusive</b> to researchers."
In a forceful way; without doubt; clearly.
Synonyms: forcefully, categorically, unequivocally
"She <b>emphatically</b> denied any involvement in the scandal."
Improved or increased in quality, value, or extent.
Synonyms: improved, boosted, augmented
"The new software offers <b>enhanced</b> security features."
Powerful and effective; strong and assertive.
Synonyms: powerful, vigorous, assertive
"The lawyer presented a very <b>forceful</b> argument in court."
A basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text.
Synonyms: structure, system, scheme
"The new policy provides a <b>framework</b> for economic development."
Truly what it is said to be; authentic.
Synonyms: authentic, real, true
"Her concern for the victims was clearly <b>genuine</b>."
A state of depression or despondency; partial or total darkness.
Synonyms: melancholy, sadness, despair
"A sense of <b>gloom</b> settled over the country after the economic downturn."
Of vital importance; crucial.
Synonyms: crucial, essential, vital
"It is <b>imperative</b> that we act quickly to prevent further damage."
Relating to or denoting an increase or addition, especially one of a series on a fixed scale.
Synonyms: gradual, step-by-step, progressive
"The project made <b>incremental</b> progress each week, slowly but surely moving forward."
To protect someone or something from unpleasant influences or experiences.
Synonyms: shield, protect, shelter
"Parents try to <b>insulate</b> their children from the harsh realities of life."
Based on illusion; not real.
Synonyms: deceptive, misleading, fanciful
"The promise of quick wealth often turns out to be <b>illusory</b>."
Placed or seen side by side for contrasting effect.
Synonyms: contrasted, compared, placed alongside
"The ancient ruins were dramatically <b>juxtaposed</b> with modern skyscrapers."
Clear or obvious to the eye or mind.
Synonyms: evident, obvious, apparent
"The team's dedication to the project was <b>manifest</b> in their long working hours."
Advocating an extreme or uncompromising position, especially in politics; demanding the most possible.
Synonyms: extremist, radical, hardline
"The peace talks failed because of the <b>maximalist</b> demands from both sides."
Reached or agreed upon through discussion and compromise.
Synonyms: mediated, brokered, settled
"The union successfully achieved a <b>negotiated</b> pay raise for its members."
Continuing firmly or obstinately in an opinion or a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.
Synonyms: persevering, continuing, enduring
"Despite numerous setbacks, the scientist kept <b>persisting</b> with his research."
Spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people.
Synonyms: widespread, prevalent, omnipresent
"The influence of social media is now <b>pervasive</b> in modern society."
A particular approach or attitude to something.
Synonyms: stance, attitude, approach
"The country adopted a defensive <b>posture</b> in international relations."
Extend the duration of; lengthen.
Synonyms: lengthen, extend, delay
"Doctors tried to <b>prolong</b> the patient's life for as long as possible."
Lasting for a long time or longer than expected or usual.
Synonyms: extended, prolonged, lengthy
"The <b>protracted</b> negotiations finally led to a breakthrough in the peace talks."
Having or showing a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved or expected.
Synonyms: practical, sensible, pragmatic
"It's important to set <b>realistic</b> goals for yourself."
Dependent on someone or something.
Synonyms: dependent, relying, counting
"Many countries are heavily <b>reliant</b> on imported oil."
The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
Synonyms: toughness, adaptability, fortitude
"The community showed great <b>resilience</b> in rebuilding after the disaster."
Took hold of suddenly and forcibly; captured.
Synonyms: grabbed, captured, confiscated
"The police <b>seized</b> a large quantity of illegal drugs during the raid."
Having reached a deadlock; unable to proceed or make further progress.
Synonyms: deadlocked, gridlocked, impasse
"The negotiations were <b>stalemated</b>, with neither side willing to compromise."
Relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them.
Synonyms: tactical, planned, calculated
"The company needs a new <b>strategic</b> plan to adapt to market changes."
Very great in amount, scale, or intensity.
Synonyms: enormous, huge, immense
"The new dam project required a <b>tremendous</b> amount of resources."
A great victory or achievement.
Synonyms: victory, success, achievement
"Winning the championship was a personal <b>triumph</b> for the young athlete."
Emphasize; highlight.
Synonyms: emphasize, highlight, stress
"The recent events <b>underscore</b> the need for greater international cooperation."
Steady or resolute; not wavering.
Synonyms: steady, resolute, firm
"Her <b>unwavering</b> commitment to the cause inspired everyone around her."
Remain undamaged or unaffected by; resist.
Synonyms: resist, endure, bear
"The old bridge was built to <b>withstand</b> strong winds and floods."
Phrasal Verbs
Nearing an end; approaching completion.
"The long, arduous meeting was finally <i>coming to a close</i>."
Stopped making progress; became stuck or unable to move forward.
"Negotiations between the two parties have <i>stalled out</i> due to irreconcilable differences."
To penetrate far into something, often with significant impact or consequences.
"The new economic reforms are expected to <i>strike deep</i> into the country's financial system."
To hold on firmly to an idea, belief, or object, often despite difficulties or criticism.
"He continued to <i>cling to</i> the hope that things would improve."
To cause something to happen; to accomplish or achieve.
"The new policy aims to <i>bring about</i> positive changes in education."
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