#1 | abate  📉

IBA DU BBA 1999-2000, 2000-01; MBA June 2011, Dec 2012

(verb)- decrease, reduce, subside, lessen, diminish, mitigate, dwindle, recede, wane (on the wane), alleviate

Bangladesh’s export earnings are heavily dependent on the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) industry. Hence, the government has undertaken policy measures to reduce this reliance by offering tax abatements to foreign investors in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and ICT. Tax abatements refer to reductions in taxes.

Note: The suffix 'ment' is used with the word 'abate.'

The new Ghorashal-Polash Urea Fertilizer Plant in Narsingdi has the potential to abate the agony of farmers and consumers by reducing reliance on fertilizer imports.

Joy spilled a mug of hot tea on her leg, which caused her considerable pain. Over time, the suffering abated gradually.

The storm’s fury is expected to abate as the night progresses. However, a heavy rainstorm that shows no indication of letting up continues unabated.

Note: The prefix 'un.'

#2 | emulate 🐒 👥 (+)

IBA DU MBA Dec 2011, Dec 2016; BBA 2019-20

(verb)- to imitate someone or something, often with the goal of matching or surpassing their success, skills, or achievements; mirror; aspire to; follow

It implies admiration and an effort to replicate excellence. The word emulate has a positive connotation. It suggests ambition, respect, and a desire for self-improvement.

He worked hard to emulate his mentor's success in business.

The new software aims to emulate the functionality of its competitor while offering additional features.

#3 | complacent 😌 (-)

EMBA DU Mar 2014; IBA DU MBA Dec 2016, Dec 2017; 2016 Official SAT Practice Test 1

(adjective)- being overly satisfied or self-satisfied, often to the point of being unaware of potential dangers or problems; a sense of contentment that can lead to a lack of action or concern; careless; unconcerned

It implies a sense of unwarranted satisfaction or carelessness, where someone may feel too comfortable with their current situation and neglect important tasks or risks. It suggests a false sense of security or contentment, often leading to stagnation, negligence, or missed opportunities. It refers to a lack of urgency or motivation, even when action might be needed.

The cricket team won so many matches that it became complacent, and the worst team in the tournament snuck up and beat it.

His complacent attitude toward his studies caused his grades to drop.

You can't afford to be complacent in a competitive environment like this.

To fall into complacency is to become comfortably uncaring about the world around you.

The management team's complacency led to the company losing its competitive edge.

In the face of mounting threats, complacency is the greatest enemy.

Rodoshi warned against complacency by urging her team to stay alert and proactive.

#4 |complaisant 😊 

Official SAT Oct 2013

(adjective)- being willing to please others, showing a desire to comply with their wishes or requests; someone who is agreeable, obliging, and eager to make others happy, often at the expense of their own preferences; amenable; agreeable; acquiescent; assenting; cooperative willing 

Complaisant behavior implies that someone is quick to agree or go along with others, often to maintain harmony. In some contexts, it could imply weakness or excessive deference (respect) if the person is too willing to please others, even when it's not in their best interest.

The complaisant assistant always ensured her boss's requests were promptly met.

He had a complaisant nature, always eager to go along with whatever made others happy.

While her complaisant attitude was appreciated at work, some worried she was not standing up for herself.

The noun is complaisance.

#5 | acquiescent 🙇‍♂️ 

IBA DU MBA June 2012; BBA 2016-17

(adjective)- someone who is willing to accept, comply, or agree without protest, often passively or reluctantly.

It reflects a readiness to yield or go along with others' wishes, sometimes at the expense of personal opinion. While it can imply cooperation, it often suggests someone is overly passive or unwilling to stand up for themselves.

Being acquiescent suggests a tendency to accept situations or decisions without resistance, even when one may not fully agree. It can imply a lack of assertiveness or autonomy.

She remained acquiescent to her boss’s demands, even though she disagreed with many of the changes.

The child was surprisingly acquiescent when asked to share his toys.

After a heated discussion, he became acquiescent and let the majority decide.

To acquiesce is to do something without objection - to do it quickly. To acquiesce is to exhibit acquiescence. 

#6 | despondent 😞 (-)

IBA DU BBA 2011-12, 2012-13, 2015-16, 2020-21, MBA June 2011

(adjective)- a state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or courage; depressed; dejected; disheartened; discouraged; downcast; forlorn; full of despair

It describes a feeling of profound sadness, dejection, or discouragement, often resulting from a significant setback or disappointment. When someone is described as despondent, it implies they are experiencing intense feelings of sadness and may struggle to find motivation or optimism. This term is often used in situations where individuals feel overwhelmed by circumstances and see little possibility for positive change. 

Despite the challenges, they refused to become despondent and continued working toward their goal. 

The team fell into despondency after losing the debate final by a single point. 

#7 | curtail ✂️

IBA DU BBA 2008-09, 2013-14, MBA 2005-06; Official SAT Oct 2014

(verb)- to reduce in extent or quantity; to impose a restriction on something or to cut short; diminish; lessen; shorten; abbreviate

The company had to curtail its expenses to remain profitable during the economic downturn. 

The new regulations aim to curtail the use of harmful substances in manufacturing. 

She decided to curtail her social media usage to focus more on her mental health and well-being. 

#8 | magnanimous 🌟

IBA DU MBA 2010-11, Nov 2014; Official SAT Oct 2013

(adjective)- generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful; showing a lofty and noble spirit, often in the face of adversity or competition; benevolent; gracious; charitable;

Positive Tone: Conveys grace, generosity, and kindness, especially in difficult or competitive situations.

Despite winning the debate, she was magnanimous in victory, praising her opponent's points and encouraging further discussion. 

After their argument, he took a magnanimous approach and offered to reconcile, even though he felt he wasn't at fault. 

The magnanimous leader forgave the team's mistakes and encouraged them to learn from the experience. 

To be magnanimous is to have magnanimity. The magnanimity of the conquering general was much appreciated by the defeated soldiers.

Mrs. Jones magnanimously offered the little boy a cookie when he came over to confess that he had broken her window while attempting to shoot her cat with his pellet gun.

#9 | assuage 🌱

IBA DU MBA Dec 2011, June 2013

(verb)- to make an unpleasant feeling less intense; to calm, soothe, or relieve pain, worry, or discomfort; to satisfy a desire or appetite; mitigate; pacify; relieve; alleviate; ease; soothe

The nurse spoke in a gentle tone to assuage the patient's fears before surgery. 

He offered a sincere apology to assuage her feelings of betrayal. 

#10 | pacify 🕊️

IBA DU MBA June 2011

(verb)- to calm down or bring peace to a person, situation, or place; to ease anger, agitation, or unrest; tranquilize; mollify; appease; placate; soothe

She tried to pacify the crying baby by rocking him gently. 

The government sent peacekeepers to pacify the region after months of unrest. 

He offered a sincere apology to pacify his angry friend. 

A parent gives a baby a pacifier to pacify him or her. A pacifist is someone who does not believe in war.

#11 | placate 🤝

IBA DU MBA June 2011; Official SAT Oct 2013

(verb)- to make someone less angry or hostile, often by offering concessions or by soothing their concerns; appease; pacify; calm; mollify; assuage

To placate the upset customer, the manager offered a full refund and a discount on her next purchase. 

He tried to placate her fears by promising that everything would work out. 

The leader's speech was intended to placate the protesters and assure them their concerns would be addressed. 

The adjective of placate is placatory. 

The ambassador's placatory remarks aimed to mend relations between the two nations. 

#12 | mollify 🌿

IBA DU BBA 2016-17; Official SAT Oct 2013

(verb)- to soften in feeling or temper; to calm someone down or make them less angry, or to ease the severity of a situation; calm; assuage; appease; pacify; soothe

The manager mollified the teams concerns by addressing each issue and proposing solutions. 

She tried to mollify her friend's anger by offering a sincere apology. 

The gentle tone of his voice seemed to mollify her fears about the future. 

#13 | appease 🕊️

IBA DU BBA 2017-18; Official SAT Oct 2013

(verb)- to calm, pacify, or bring peace to a person, group, or situation, often by satisfying their demands of requests; mollify; placate; soothe; alleviate 

To <em>appease</em> the upset customer, the manager offered a discount and apologized for the delay. 

She tried to <em>appease</em> her guilt by volunteering at the local shelter. 

The noun of <em>appease</em> is <strong>appeasement</strong>. 

Many argue that policies of <em>appeasement</em> only emboldened (give someone courage) the aggressor, leading to further conflicts. 

#14 | erudition 📚

IBA DU MBA June 2013; Official SAT Oct 2013

(noun)- profound, extensive knowledge or learning, especially acquired through reading and study

Positive Tone: Implies deep intellectual insight, wisdom, and expertise, often associated with scholars or highly knowledgeable individuals. 

He spoke with such <em>erudition</em> about art and philosophy that everyone in the room was captivated. 

The adjective form is <strong>erudite</strong><strong>, which means having or showing great knowledge or learning. 

The professor was known for being <em>erudite</em>, always able to answer even the most complex questions with ease. 

#15 | burgeon 🌱 (+)

IBA DU MBA Dec 2012; Official SAT Oct 2014

(verb)- to begin to grow or increase rapidly; to flourish or thrive; expand; sprout; blossom

Startups continue to <em>burgeon</em> in the tech industry, driven by innovation and customer demand. 

After the rain, the flowers began to <em>burgeon</em>, painting the landscape with vibrant colors. 

Adjective: <strong>burgeoning</strong> 

The <em>burgeoning</em> interest in sustainable fashion reflects a growing awareness of environmental issues among consumers. 

#16 | flounder 🐟 (-)

IBA DU MBA May 2018; Official SAT Oct 2014

(verb + noun)- to struggle or stagger clumsily in water or mud; to have difficulty in making progress or to behave awkwardly; flail; wallow; fumble; stumble

Generally negative; implies confusion, struggle, or lack of direction, often associated with being overwhelmed or ineffectual. 

During the project, the team began to <em>flounder</em> without clear direction, leading to confusion and delays. 

After losing her job, she felt like she was <em>floundering</em>, unsure of her next steps in life. 

The inexperienced player tended to <em>flounder</em> during the game, often losing possession of the ball.

It can also refer to a type of flatfish. <em>Flounders</em> are a group of flatfish species. 

#17 | capitulate 🏳️

IBA DU MBA 2008-08, Dec 2012; Official SAT Oct 2014

(verb)- to cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand; to surrender or give in, often after negotiation or pressure; yield; submit; concede; bow

After a long siege, the fortress was forced to <em>capitulate</em>, marking the end of the conflict. 

Despite initial resistance, the company decided to <em>capitulate</em> to the union's demands after lengthy negotiations. 

She didn't want to <em>capitulate</em> to her friend's demands, but felt pressured to agree for the sake of harmony. 

<strong>Recapitulate</strong> 🔄

(verb)- to summarize or restate the main points or events; to give a brief overview or review of something 

The article <em>recapitulates</em> the events leading up to the historical milestone, providing context for readers. 

At the end of the lecture, the professor <em>recapitulated</em> the key concepts covered during the class. 

#18 | proliferate 🌱

IBA DU BBA 2004-05, 2011-12; Official SAT Oct 2014

(verb)- to increase rapidly in numbers or to spread quickly; to reproduce or multiply abundantly; surge; expand

Social media platforms have <em>proliferated</em>, each offering unique features to attract users. 

The <strong>proliferation</strong> of nuclear weapons poses a significant threat to global security and peace. 

#19 | dwindle 📉

IBA DU MBA May 2018; Official SAT May 2021

(verb)- to gradually diminish in size, amount, or strength; to decrease slowly over time; shrink; lessen 

It implies a loss, reduction, or weakening, often in contexts related to resources, populations, or energy. 

After hours of hiking, his energy started to <em>dwindle</em>, making it harder to continue. 

As the drought continued, the water supply began to <em>dwindle,</em> raising concerns among the townspeople. 

#20 | partake 🍽️

IBA DU MBA Dec 2016, June 2017

(verb)- to take part in or share something; to participate in an activity or enjoy a portion of something; eat or drink something; indulge; engage; share

They were thrilled to <em>partake</em> in the annual community festival, enjoying games, food, and music. 

Would you like to <em>partake</em> in this delicious meal with us? 

Employees are encouraged to<em> partake</em> in team-building exercises to foster collaboration.