A temporary cough is nothing to worry about, but a CHRONIC one can be a sign of serious illness.

The coach takes every opportunity to CENSURE his players, yet he ignores every chance to praise them.

My boss is so OBSTINATE that once she makes up her mind, nothing any of her salespeople say can change it.

Because the nicotine in cigarettes is harmful, many people favor STRINGENT laws against their sale.

The DEBRIS in the stadium stands included numerous paper cups, ticket stubs, and popcorn.

Friends tried to DISSUADE ninety-year-old Mrs. Kellen from attending her son's trial, but she went anyway to show her support.

When you write a report, your statement of purpose should be CONCISE. State your point clearly in as few words as possible.

The chef hates a dirty kitchen. If the kitchen isn't IMMACULATE at the end of the day, he insists we stay late to finish cleaning.

Although Alex usually looks UNKEMPT, he had a very neat appearance at his job interview.

I am having ACUTE pains in my chest now, but an hour ago all I felt was a dull ache.

I have seen such POIGNANT scenes as a homeless man caring for a little dog and a woman growing a patch of flowers in an abandoned lot.

If parents show APATHY toward their children's education, how can we expect the students to show interest?

Carol survived freshman year despite various ADVERSE events. For instance, she missed two weeks of class because of strep throat and had her computer stolen before finals.