Tag: softskills

Bifurcated means divided or separated into two branches or parts. Think of a 'Y' shape where something splits into two distinct paths. Distractors: nova describes a star's brightness, not division; encumber means burden; diverge means wind/turn.

Bemused means confused, bewildered, or lost in thought. It describes someone who is puzzled or deep in contemplation. Distractors: neologism is a new word, not confused state; emanate means issue forth; salient means noticeable.

Benediction is a blessing, especially a formal one at the end of a religious service. The prefix 'bene-' means good/well. Distractors: proselyte is a convert; manumit means set free; maroon means abandon helplessly.

Benefactor means a person who gives money or other help to a person or cause - literally a 'gift giver'. The 'bene-' prefix shows the positive/giving nature. Distractors: nepotism is favoritism to relatives; enervate means weaken; impaired means damaged.

Beneficent means kindly, charitable, or doing good. The '-ficent' suffix (like in 'efficient') means 'doing/making'. Distractors: depress means lower; embargo is a ban; marrow is fatty tissue in bones.

Beneficial means helpful, advantageous, or producing good results. If something helps you, it's beneficial. Distractors: aggravate means irritate; commence means start; arrange means put in order.

Beneficiary is a person entitled to receive benefits, proceeds from an insurance policy, will, or other arrangement. The '-ary' suffix indicates 'a person connected with'. Distractors: nexus is connection; enclose means surround; marsupial is a pouch-bearing mammal.

Benefit means an advantage, good thing, or help received. It's the noun form meaning something that helps or improves. Distractors: beak is a bird's bill; adorn means decorate; bellicose means warlike.

Benevolent means generous, kind, or charitable - showing goodwill. The root combines 'bene-' (good) + 'volens' (wishing). Distractors: meticulous is precision; peculate means taking for own use; martinet means strict disciplinarian.

Benign means gentle, kindly, or harmless (especially used in medical contexts for non-cancerous growths). The 'ben-' root means good/well. Distractors: parsimonious is stingy; embitter means make bitter; martyr is someone who dies for a cause.