as • sid • u • ous adj., marked by careful attention. He was assiduous in his effort to dust all the furniture in the room. assiduously, adv.

com • pul • so • ry adj., mandatory, required; forced. The class is compulsory; you can’t graduate if you don’t take it.

em • i • nent adj., renowned; distinguished. In her small town, Emma was eminent for her delicious pies.

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gen • i • al adj., cheerful. Fernando is known for his genial attitude. genially, adv.

clem • en • cy n., forgiveness; leniency. As it was his first offense, the judge exercised clemency by assigning him community service work.

con • fed • er • ate n., partner, accomplice. Marge rounded up some confederates to help plan the event.

ret • ri • bu • tion n., punishment for a specific act. “Your retribution for lying is that people will be less likely to trust you.”

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spe • cious adj., having a false look of truth or genuineness. Although she was upset, she managed a specious smile.

plat • form n., statement of principles on which a group or person stands. When asked for her opinion, she delivered a long speech on her moral and ethical platform.

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un • ob • tru • sive adj., not overly noticeable, inconspicuous. She tried to make an unobtrusive exit, but she dropped her keys, and everyone turned to look. unobtrusively, adv.

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con • vul • sion n., violent, involuntary spasm of the muscles. After the long race in the heat, the athlete experienced temporary convulsions.