Thoughts and Decisions: English Vocabulary List

to come to a conclusion without enough evidence

"I surmise that he is lying."

"From the muddy footprints on the carpet the detective could surmise that the intruder had entered through the back door."

to think carefully about something for a long time

"Mull over the problem before deciding."

"She needed several days to mull over the job offer before she could make a final decision about whether to accept it or not."

to think carefully about something

"Cogitate on this problem carefully."

"The philosopher sat alone in his study for hours to cogitate on the meaning of life and human existence."

to experience again, especially in one's thoughts or imagination, as if the event is happening anew

"He relived the past."

"Looking through old photographs, she began to relive the joyous moments of her childhood vacations with her family."

to reject or refuse disdainfully

"She spurned his romantic advances."

"The young woman spurned all of his romantic advances because she simply did not feel any attraction toward him at all."

to state that something is incorrect or false based on evidence

"The scientist refuted the false theory."

"The scientist presented strong evidence to refute the false claims that had been published in the popular magazine without any fact checking."

to reject or dismiss someone or something in an abrupt or blunt manner

"He rebuffed all offers of help."

"The company politely rebuffed the takeover offer from its larger rival because the board felt that the price was far too low."

to form an idea or concept in the mind by combining existing ideas or information

"It is hard to conceptualize infinity."

"It is very difficult to conceptualize the vast size of the universe because it is so much larger than anything we experience daily."

to be attentive to advice or a warning

"Heed my warning before it is too late."

"The drivers did not heed the warning signs about the icy road and several of them crashed into each other."

having contradictory views or feelings about something or someone

"I feel ambivalent."

"She felt ambivalent about moving to a new city because she was excited for the opportunity but sad to leave her friends behind."

covered with fine short hair or fibers, often giving a soft texture

"The blanket is fuzzy."

"The fuzzy blanket kept her warm on the cold winter night and she wrapped it around her shoulders while she watched television and drank hot chocolate."

capable of quickly grasping complex topics and offer clear and insightful perspectives

"Her comment is incisive."

"The journalist asked an incisive question that cut to the heart of the issue and the politician struggled to give a straight answer."

hesitant and uncertain about what to do

"He is irresolute."

"The irresolute leader could not make a decision and his team grew frustrated because they needed clear direction to complete the project."

(of a group) fully in agreement on something

"The vote was unanimous."

"The jury reached a unanimous verdict after only two hours of deliberation and the defendant was found guilty on all charges."

the faculty to use free will and make decisions

"She acted of her own volition."

"Participants joined the demanding experiment entirely through informed personal volition without pressure."

to guess something using available information

"I reckon it will cost fifty dollars."

"Many experts reckon that the economy will improve significantly by the end of the next fiscal year."

to think carefully and at length about something

"He ruminated on the meaning of life."

"After the argument he spent the entire night ruminating about everything he should have said but did not say at the time."

to keep something in one's thoughts or mental awareness

"She retains knowledge from her studies well."

"She tried to retain all the new vocabulary words learned during the intensive language course."

to suppose or consider a viewpoint as correct

"The expert opined on the matter."

"The famous columnist opined that the government's new policy would do more harm than good for the country's struggling economy."

to hold back and hesitate due to uncertainty

"He did not waver."

"Her confidence never wavered even when faced with difficult challenges and harsh criticism from her peers."

to make a decision with determination

"I resolve to try."

"She resolved to finish the marathon, no matter how much pain she endured."

confused and unable to think clearly

"I feel fuzzy."

"After the long meeting, my mind felt fuzzy and I struggled to focus on anything."