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con • ceive v., form or develop in the mind. She conceived the idea for the fund-raiser just before she fell asleep.

dis • sim • u • late v., act of hiding; pretending. Susan wore a disguise to dissimulate her identity. dissimulation, n.

cun • ning adj., skillful or clever. The cunning quarterback confused the defense with a well-executed pass play. cunningly, adv.

sag • ac • i • ty n., wisdom; intelligence. The youngsters marveled at the sagacity of the old man who had traveled the world.

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sti • fle v., hold back; stop, smother. Val buried her face in her pillow to stifle the sound of her crying. stifled, adj.

sup • po • si • tion n., something supposed; assumption. The supposition is that those students with the best records of attendance will do best on the test.

stealth • y adj., secret; sneaky. Quietly, the stealthy dog inched toward the scraps in the garbage. stealthily, adv.

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vex v., bother; trouble. She tried not to let the psychic’s predictions of doom vex her.

con • ceal • ment n., hiding. Concealment of the broken lamp was unlikely, as the pieces were scattered across the floor.

suave adj., smooth, graceful; polite. The suave politician made lots of promises to the community. suavity, n.

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au • dac • i • ty n., bold courage; daring. The young woman was praised for having the audacity to share her shocking story for the benefit of others.

ve • he • ment adj., violent; eager; forceful. The vehement storm caused flooding and crop damage. vehemently, adv.

de • ri • sion n., contempt or ridicule. The narrow-minded community treated the newcomer with derision.