ubiquitous adjective Found in so many places that it seems to be everywhere. Bright yellow umbrellas were ubiquitous along the rainy shopping street. + ambiguous adjective Open to more than one reasonable interpretation. The ambiguous instruction left us unsure which door to use. + empirical adjective Based on observation or experiment rather than theory or pure reasoning. The scientist gathered empirical evidence before drawing any conclusions. + paradigm noun A typical example or pattern of something, or a widely accepted model of how ideas relate to one another. The discovery of DNA's structure created a new paradigm in biology. + discourse noun Written or spoken communication or debate about a particular subject, especially at a formal level. The book closely examines the political discourse surrounding immigration reform today. + synthesis noun The combination of separate ideas, elements, or substances to form a new, unified whole. Her essay offered a clear synthesis of three different theories about climate change. + juxtapose verb To place two things side by side, often to highlight a contrast or comparison between them. The exhibit juxtaposed old photographs of the city with images of its modern skyline. + nuance noun A small but meaningful difference in meaning, feeling, sound, or appearance. The translator preserved the nuance between a polite request and a firm instruction. + pragmatic adjective Focused on what will work in the actual situation. With rain approaching, we took the pragmatic step of moving the tables indoors. + inherent adjective Existing as a natural, permanent, or essential feature of something rather than being added later. There is an inherent risk in any investment, no matter how careful the planning. + cognizant adjective Having knowledge or awareness of something, especially a fact, situation, or consequence. Employees must be cognizant of the safety rules before operating heavy machinery. + dichotomy noun A division or contrast between two things that are presented as being completely opposite. The novel explores the dichotomy between rural simplicity and the chaos of city life. + esoteric adjective Intended for or understood by only a small group of people with specialized knowledge or interest. The lecture covered such esoteric topics that most of the audience felt lost. + pervasive adjective Present throughout a place, group, or situation. A pervasive smell of smoke lingered throughout the building. + robust adjective Strong, healthy, and vigorous; able to withstand hardship or wear without failing. The hikers were surprised by how robust the old wooden bridge still was. + salient adjective Standing out as especially noticeable or important in a particular context. The summary identifies the most salient points from the debate. + tenuous adjective Weak, uncertain, or supported by very little evidence. The claim rests on a tenuous link between two unrelated events. + arbitrary adjective Based on random choice or personal whim rather than any reason, system, or law. The fine seemed arbitrary since no clear rule explained why it was so high. + coherent adjective Organized and connected in a way that is clear and makes sense. The final paragraph turns the separate observations into a coherent argument. + articulate adjective Able to express thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in speech or writing. The young lawyer was remarkably articulate when presenting her closing argument to the jury. + substantiate verb To provide evidence or proof to support a claim, theory, or statement. The researchers could not substantiate their initial hypothesis with the data collected. + corroborate verb To confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding with additional evidence. Two independent witnesses corroborated the driver's account of the accident. + mitigate verb To make a harmful effect, problem, or risk less severe. Planting trees can help mitigate heat in a paved courtyard. + exacerbate verb To make a problem, injury, or bad situation more severe or worse. Skipping physical therapy will only exacerbate the pain in your knee. + ameliorate verb To make a harmful or difficult situation better. The extra bus service should ameliorate crowding during the morning rush. + paradox noun A statement or situation that seems contradictory or absurd but may nonetheless be true. It's a paradox that the more choices we have, the harder it becomes to decide. + rhetoric noun The art of using language effectively and persuasively, especially in speech or writing. The politician's rhetoric stirred the crowd, even though his plan lacked detail. + subjective adjective Shaped by a person's feelings, experiences, or opinions. Choosing the best song is a subjective judgment. + objective noun A goal or result that a person or organization is working to achieve. The team's main objective this quarter is to reduce customer complaints by half. + credible adjective Able to be believed; convincing, trustworthy, and reasonable to accept as true. The detective needed a credible witness to support her theory of the crime. +