Personal Development & Behavior: English Vocabulary List

to behave in way that is expected of someone of a particular age

"Please act your age and stop being silly."

"The old man told the misbehaving child to act his age and stop throwing toys around the room."

to ensure that financial records are accurate and that debits and credits match

"The accountant balanced the books."

"The accountant stayed late every night for a week to balance the books before the audit."

to potentially involve negative consequences or harm when undertaking a specific action or decision

"Investing in stocks carries a risk."

"Investing all your money in one company carries a risk because the business might fail."

to hinder a person's ability to make clear, rational decisions due to emotional factors, biases, or external influences

"Don't cloud your judgment now."

"His anger clouded his judgment during the important meeting."

to perform or deliver in a way that goes beyond what was anticipated or hoped for

"She exceeded all expectations today."

"The new student exceeded everyone's expectations on the final exam."

to acquire information, understanding, or expertise in a particular subject or field

"We gain knowledge from reading."

"The curious student travelled to different countries to gain knowledge about other cultures and traditions."

to understand and accept logical argument, often leading to a change in one's opinion or course of action

"He will see reason."

"After presenting all the evidence, the jury finally began to see reason and changed their verdict."

to take actions and make choices that influence and determine the course of one's future or life path

"You have the power to shape your own destiny."

"The hardworking woman believed that she could shape her own destiny through determination and effort."

to intentionally seek or provoke an argument, dispute, or disagreement with someone

"He was looking for an excuse to pick a quarrel."

"The aggressive man tried to pick a quarrel with me at the bar but I just walked away."

to avoid unnecessary effort, work, or inconvenience by taking a simple or efficient course of action

"Save yourself the trouble and call first."

"You could save yourself the trouble by calling the store before driving all the way there."

to develop a liking or preference for something, especially food or beverages

"I have acquired a taste for spicy food."

"When I moved to Japan I slowly acquired a taste for raw fish and now I love sushi."

to have an increase in one's body mass

"I want to gain weight."

"After the holidays, many people gain weight because they eat too much delicious food."

to say something inappropriate at the wrong time

"Don't speak out of turn."

"The young intern was reprimanded for daring to speak out of turn during the important board meeting."

to begin something again in a different way, without being negatively influenced by past experiences or issues

"They moved to a new city to start afresh."

"After the divorce she moved to a new city to start afresh and leave all her bad memories behind."

to stay faithful or constant to a belief, principle, or commitment, even in the face of challenges or hardships

"He remained true to his principles."

"The loyal friend remained true to his promise and never revealed the secret to anyone."