Woolgather
–verb (used without object) to engage in woolgathering.
Sentence
What a question! Don’t woolgather. I just talked with her about business last evening.
Overture
–noun
1. an opening or initiating move toward negotiations, a new relationship, an agreement, etc.; a formal or informal proposal or offer: overtures of peace; a shy man who rarely made overtures of friendship.
2. Music. a. an orchestral composition forming the prelude or introduction to an opera, oratorio, etc.
b. an independent piece of similar character.
3. an introductory part, as of a poem; prelude; prologue.
4. (in Presbyterian churches) a. the action of an ecclesiastical court in submitting a question or proposal to presbyteries.
b. the proposal or question so submitted.
–verb (used with object)
5. to submit as an overture or proposal: to overture conditions for a ceasefire.
6. to make an overture or proposal to: to overture one's adversary through a neutral party.
Synonyms: 1. proposal.
Sentence
He knows that Mr. Henry may talk about business with him because of his overture.
Penetrate
–verb (used with object)
1. to pierce or pass into or through: The bullet penetrated the wall. The fog lights penetrated the mist.
2. to enter the interior of: to penetrate a forest.
3. to enter and diffuse itself through; permeate.
4. to arrive at the truth or meaning of; understand; comprehend: to penetrate a mystery.
5. to obtain a share of (a market): to penetrate the Canadian coffee market.
6. to affect or impress (the mind or feelings) deeply.
7. to extend influence, usually peacefully, into the affairs of (another country).
–verb (used without object)
8. to enter, reach, or pass through something, as by piercing: We penetrated to the interior of the Kasbah.
9. to be diffused through something.
10. to understand or read the meaning of something.
11. to have a deep effect or impact on someone.
Synonyms: 1. pierce. 4. fathom, discern. 6. touch.
Sentence
Mr. Henry is creditably master-hand of talking. He penetrates Jack’s difficulty.
Countenance
–noun
1. appearance, esp. the look or expression of the face: a sad countenance.
2. the face; visage. The face or facial features.
3. calm facial expression; composure.
4. approval or favor; encouragement; moral support.
5. Obsolete. bearing; behavior.
–verb (used with object)
6. to permit or tolerate: You should not have countenanced his rudeness.
7. to approve, support, or encourage.
—Idiom
8. out of countenance, visibly disconcerted; abashed: He was somewhat out of countenance at the prospect of an apology.
Sentence
I appreciate you, lad. Henry says seriously. His countenance proves it.
Allay
–verb (used with object), -layed, -lay-ing.
1. to put (fear, doubt, suspicion, anger, etc.) to rest; calm; quiet.
2. to lessen or relieve; mitigate; alleviate: to allay pain.
Synonyms:
1. soften, assuage. Allay, moderate, soothe mean to reduce excitement or emotion. To allay is to lay to rest or lull to a sense of security, possibly by making the emotion seem unjustified: to allay suspicion, anxiety, fears. To moderate is to tone down any excess and thus to restore calm: to moderate the expression of one's grief. To soothe is to exert a pacifying or tranquilizing influence: to soothe a terrified child. 2. lighten, mollify, temper, ease.
Antonyms: 1. excite.
Sentence
You may go back to the hotel so long as your fever allays.
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