Grammar Clinic

Meaning: Not discovered or known about; uncertain. Example: his origins and parentage are obscure

Meaning: Make the best or most effective use of (a situation or resource). Example: We manage our time so that we optimize our productivity

Meaning: The ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills. Example: An eminent man of great intelligence Synonyms: intellectual/mental capacity, intellect, mind, brain, brains, brainpower, powers of reasoning, judgement, reason, reasoning, understanding, comprehension, acumen, wit, sense, insight, perceptiveness, perception, perspicaciousness, perspicacity, penetration, discernment, sharpness, quickness of mind, quick-wittedness, smartness, canniness, astuteness, intuition, acuity, alertness, cleverness, brilliance, aptness, ability, giftedness,

Meaning: An association of two or more people as partners. Example: An increase in partnerships with housing associations Synonyms: cooperation, association, collaboration, coalition, alliance, union, compact, league, confederation, co-partnership, affiliation, relationship, fellowship, connection;  

Meaning: A leathery-leaved parasitic plant which grows on apple, oak, and other broadleaf trees and bears white glutinous berries in winter. Example: Eventually, the mistletoe bush grows, blooms, and forms berries, and the cycle begins anew.

Meaning: A Christmas word that wasn’t always Christmas. Example: The yuletide season starts on December 21 for the Norse and it goes on until January.

Meaning: In a forceful, passionate, or intense manner; with great feeling. Example: He vehemently denied any suggestion of improper conduct

Meaning: The ability to read and write. Example: Tests of literacy and numeracy Synonyms: Ability to read and write, reading/writing ability, reading/writing proficiency

Meaning:  A long, thin supportive or main section of something. Example: The main stem of the wing feathers  

Meaning: A  complete list of items such as property, goods in stock, or the contents of a building. Example: A complete inventory of all their belongings Synonyms: list, listing, catalogue, directory, record, register, checklist, tally, roster, file, log, account, archive, description, statement