On Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous

Having a very strong, bitter, and unpleasant smell or taste that irritates the nose or throat

The acrid smell of burning plastic filled the room when the old wire caught fire.

Having mixed or opposite feelings about something or someone at the same time

She felt ambivalent about moving to a new city — excited about the opportunity but sad to leave her friends.

A feeling of being completely confused and unable to understand something

He stared at the instruction manual in complete bewilderment, unable to figure out how to assemble the furniture.

Involving a lot of pleasure and luxury, often in a way that seems excessive or morally weak

They enjoyed a decadent weekend at a five-star hotel, ordering room service for every meal.

Extremely thin and weak, usually because of illness or lack of food

The rescue team found an emaciated dog that had been lost in the forest for two weeks.

The point on the earth's surface directly above where an earthquake starts; also used to mean the central point of a major event or situation

San Francisco became the epicenter of the technology industry in the late twentieth century.

To remove the inner parts of something; or to severely criticize or weaken something so that it loses its power or meaning

The editor's harsh review completely eviscerated the author's new novel, calling it shallow and poorly written.

Something that happens by chance or accident, without being planned

It was pure happenstance that she met her future business partner on a delayed flight.

Describing a habit or behavior that is unusual and unique to a particular person

His idiosyncratic way of organizing his desk — by color rather than subject — confused his coworkers.

The act of carefully examining your own thoughts, feelings, and reasons for behavior

After losing her job, she spent weeks in introspection, thinking about what she really wanted in life.

Too important or sacred to be broken, ignored, or changed

Freedom of speech is considered an inviolable right in many democratic countries.

Giving off a soft glowing light without producing heat, especially in the dark

The children were amazed by the phosphorescent paint on the stars stuck to their bedroom ceiling.

A new word that is created by combining the sounds and meanings of two existing words

The word 'brunch' is a portmanteau of 'breakfast' and 'lunch.'

Intended to punish someone or make them suffer a penalty

The company had to pay punitive fines after breaking environmental laws.

The study of the meaning of words and phrases in language; also used to refer to small differences in the meaning of words

The two lawyers argued about the semantics of the contract, disagreeing on what the word 'immediately' actually meant.

To waste money, time, or an opportunity in a careless or foolish way

He squandered his entire lottery winnings on expensive cars and parties within just one year.

A force that causes something to rotate or twist around a central point

The mechanic explained that the engine produces more torque at low speeds, making it easier to pull heavy loads.

A common or overused idea, theme, or expression used in storytelling or literature

The 'chosen one' is a popular trope in fantasy novels, where one special person is destined to save the world.

The state of appearing or being found everywhere at the same time

The ubiquity of smartphones means that almost everyone you see on the street has one.

Great energy, enthusiasm, and excitement, especially in creative work or performance

The young dancer performed with such verve that the entire audience gave her a standing ovation.