Grammar Clinic

No longer living, existing, or functioning Example: The factory used to employ hundreds of workers before it became defunct due to many years of mismanagement.

To go back on a promise or commitment Example: I don’t think I can trust Mercy ever again. It’s been nine months since she reneged on her promise to pay back the loan.

Easily seen; not secret or hidden Example: Anita’s dislike of Jim is rather overt. Even if she feels that way, she shouldn’t make it so obvious for everyone to see.

(1) a short delay; (2) a period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant Example: (2) The doctor added more morphine to his IV drip in a bid to offer him some respite from the agonising pain.

To end (a law, contract, agreement, etc.) officially; to say officially that (something) is no longer valid Example: The expelled student’s parents came to school to plead with the principal to rescind her decision.

Naive and too simple; dry and uninteresting Example: For a university graduate, his thought process as expressed in the essay was rather jejune.

To stop trying to fight or resist something; to agree to do or accept something that you have been resisting or opposing Example: The terrorists eventually capitulated when they realised they had been outgunned and overpowered by the Nigerian Army.

(1) To stop yourself from doing something that you want to do; (2) noun – a phrase, comment or statement that is often repeated Example:(1) It took all of Ali’s willpower to refrain from punching the boy who stole his lunch money.

Characterised by laziness or lack of energy Example: The excess fun I had over the weekend is making me feel lethargic. I don’t feel like doing anything this Monday.

To avoid something especially because you do not think it is right or proper Example: At the assembly, the principal advised students to eschew violence, examination malpractice, and all manner of vices.