Crossword puzzle words are the building blocks of a beloved pastime that challenges and entertains millions of people worldwide. These words, carefully crafted to fit into a grid of intersecting letters, require both knowledge and clever thinking to solve. They range from common vocabulary to obscure terms, covering a vast array of subjects and themes. Crossword puzzles not only test our language skills and mental agility but also provide a delightful opportunity to expand our knowledge and learn new words. They offer a satisfying sense of accomplishment when we successfully unravel their clues and fill in the blanks. Whether we solve them alone or with friends, crossword puzzles bring a sense of fun and intellectual stimulation to our lives, making them a timeless source of entertainment for puzzle enthusiasts of all ages.
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Was Bernard Shaw’s play called “Alms and the Man”?
What would you see if you spied a bevy of chorines?
Which of the vocabulary words below might be used to describe a tycoon?
Why might a “peeping Tom” be near an aperture?
What does careen tell you about the control of a moving vehicle?
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Words List:
Words in Use
The Amulet of Transformation
In a bustling city, there lived a nabob named Mr. Smith. He was known for his love of baubles and his careen lifestyle. He spent his days surrounded by a bevy of beautiful women and his nights partying in the most exclusive clubs.
One day, Mr. Smith woke up with an addle mind and an onus weighing heavily on his shoulders. He realized that he had been living a blithe life, ignoring the needs of those around him. He decided to make a change and give back to the community.
He went out into the streets, looking for ways to help those in need. He gave alms to the homeless and volunteered at a local shelter. As he walked through the city, he noticed an aperture in the wall of an old building. Curious, he peered inside and saw an amulet lying on the ground.
He looked around and saw that he was in a land of ado, where the people were in desperate need of help. He realized that he had been brought here for a reason, and he set out to make a difference.
He reached in to grab the amulet, but as he did, he felt a sudden jolt. The air around him turned acrid, and he felt himself being pulled into the aperture. When he emerged on the other side, he found himself in a strange world, askew from his own.
He used his wealth and influence to bilk the corrupt officials and help the people in need. He worked tirelessly, never giving up, even when the odds were against him. And in the end, he succeeded in his mission, bringing hope and light to a dark and troubled land.
As he prepared to return to his own world, he realized that the amulet he had found was the key to his journey. He took it with him, knowing that it would always remind him of the lessons he had learned and the people he had helped. And as he stepped back through the aperture, he knew that he had been changed forever.
Short Explanation:
- Acrid: Having a strong, unpleasant, and bitter smell or taste.
- Addle: To confuse or muddle someone’s mind, often resulting in a state of confusion or disorientation.
- Ado: Fuss, commotion, or unnecessary activity surrounding a particular event or situation.
- Alms: Money, food, or other donations given to the poor or needy as an act of charity.
- Amulet: An object, often worn as jewelry, believed to have magical or protective powers.
- Aperture: An opening or hole, especially in a camera or telescope, that controls the amount of light entering.
- Askew: Not in a straight or level position; crooked or tilted to one side.
- Bauble: A small, decorative trinket or ornament, often of little value or significance.
- Bevy: A large group or collection of people or things, often used to describe a group of birds or women.
- Bilk: To deceive or cheat someone, typically by not paying a debt or fulfilling an obligation.
- Blithe: Showing a casual and cheerful indifference or carefree attitude.
- Careen: To tilt or lean to one side, often used to describe a ship leaning over while sailing.
- Chary: Cautious, wary, or hesitant, often due to a sense of potential danger or risk.
- Nabob: A person of great wealth or importance, often used to describe a wealthy or influential individual.
- Onus: The burden, responsibility, or obligation associated with a particular task or situation.
Words in Use
Whispers of the Amulet
In the quaint village of Eldora, an ado stirred as rumors of a mysterious amulet circulated among the locals. Whispers spoke of its ability to bring fortune to those who possessed it, but with a caveat that carried an onus. The village, usually a haven of blithe simplicity, now found itself entangled in the allure of unseen forces.
One day, a group of villagers gathered in the bustling market square, where a nabob from a distant land displayed a dazzling array of trinkets and baubles. Among them was the famed amulet, its alms-shaped design captivating the onlookers. The air turned acrid with anticipation as the villagers, chary yet curious, eyed the mystical talisman.
The askew smile of the nabob hinted at hidden knowledge, adding an air of intrigue to the proceedings. The amulet, an aperture to unknown realms, seemed to hold promises and perils alike. Eldora’s usually straightforward path now careened into uncertainty, as the villagers debated the consequences of embracing such an enigmatic charm.
Among the crowd was Adeline, a young woman known for her sensible nature. She remained addle-minded, caught between the allure of the amulet and the inherent risks it presented. Her closest friends, a bevy of companions, echoed her sentiments, torn between desire and caution.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the nabob announced a challenge. Whoever could solve a riddle hidden within the amulet’s intricate design would be granted its powers. The challenge, however, proved to be a clever ruse to bilk the eager villagers of their hard-earned savings.
The once-blithe atmosphere of Eldora now echoed with the weight of disappointment and regret. The amulet, once a beacon of hope, became a symbol of misplaced trust. The villagers, careening on the edge of despair, realized the true onus of their folly.
In the aftermath of this misadventure, the village learned a valuable lesson about the allure of the unknown and the importance of discernment. The amulet, once a source of fascination, became a cautionary tale that lingered in the village’s collective memory. Eldora, now wiser and more circumspect, returned to its simple and serene existence, leaving behind the acrid taste of deceit and the shadows of misplaced trust.
