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pre • car • i • ous adj., insecure; unsure. The precarious nature of their friendship can be seen in the uncertain gestures they make toward one another.

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im • pend • ing adj., about to happen; imminent. Having cleaned the house, she felt prepared for the impending visit from her relatives.

ju • di • cious adj., reasoned, wise; calculated. Always mindful of his health, he applied a judicious amount of butter to his toast.

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com • po • sure n., calmness. Even when surrounded by jittery, inexperienced actors, the star maintained her well-practiced composure.

eu • phe • mism n., word or phrase that is used in place of another, more offensive expression. The dinner guest used the euphemism “interesting” to describe the suspicious-looking lumps floating in his soup bowl.

for • mi • da • ble adj., imposing in size. To the dismay of the prosecutor, the district attorney was building a formidable defense.

im • plore vt., beg. After imploring me to drive carefully, my mother gave me the keys to the car.

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fet • tered adj., handcuffed. Before performing the illusion, the magician displayed his fettered hands to the audience.

per • vade vt., fill, spread through. Smells of simmering tomatoes and garlic pervaded the kitchen.