Grammar Clinic

Meaning: abrupt or offhand in speech or manner. Synonyms: Curt, abrupt, blunt, discourteous. Example: Her boss gave a brusque reply.

Meaning: In agreement or harmony, suitable, appropriate. Synonyms: Coinciding, compatible, concurring, conforming. Example: The rules may not be congruent with the requirements of the law.  

Meaning: Rude in a mean-spirited and surly way. Synonyms: Rude, ill-mannered, discourteous, impolite. Exam: It was churlish of him to complain about the small donations. 

Meaning: The ability to produce a desired or intended result. Synonyms: Effectiveness, potency, power, usefulness. Example: The efficacy of the new malaria drug has not been proven.

Meaning: Without a clearly defined shape or form, vague, unclassifiable. Synonyms: Shapeless, vague, formless, indefinite. Example: The amorphous package caused alarm to many people in the terminal.

Meaning: A person who enjoys eating and often eats too much. A connoisseur of good food. Synonyms: Glutton, guzzler, gobbler, hog. Example: The travelling gourmand seldom passed up a restaurant.

Meaning: A feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause Synonyms: Desolation, sadness, sorrow, woe Example: An air of melancholy surrounded him.

Meaning: Essentially different in kind, not able to be compared.                          Synonyms: Contrasting, different, diverse, distinct.  Example: He is a strong leader capable of managing a disparate team.   

Meaning: Hostile in manner or temperament. Demonstrating aggression or a willingness to fight.  Synonyms: Belligerent, hostile, aggressive, antagonistic  Example: His bellicose behaviour made him loose his job.

Meaning: An award or privilege granted as a special honour or as an acknowledgement of merit. Synonyms: Honour, award, recognition, privilege  Example: The scientist was given many accolades for his research.