Definition: (adjective) Troublesome or oppressive.
Synonyms: burdensome, taxing.
Usage: Preparing income tax returns is an onerous task, and many people resort to hiring professional accountants during tax season.
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Source: The Free Dictionary
When was the last time you were asked to sit without saying a word for five minutes before your blood pressure was measured? If your answer was “I never remember doing that,” you’re in good company. Yet that is one of the many rules that medical … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The 1949 Communist takeover of mainland China created the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The former government, known as the Republic of China (ROC), retained control only of Taiwan and outlying islands. However, for the next 22 years, the ROC also held onto its seat in the UN, representing the mainland it no longer controlled. UN Resolution 2758 finally transferred China’s seat to representatives of the PRC. Since then, the ROC has repeatedly applied to rejoin the UN under what names? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Nothing much is known for certain about St. George, but he is popularly known in medieval legend for slaying a vicious dragon that was besieging a town in Cappadocia. To this day, St. George is often depicted with a dragon. St. George’s Day, sometimes referred to as Georgemas, has been observed as a religious feast as well as a holiday since the 13th century. It is celebrated on November 23 as a national holiday in the Republic of Georgia. A festival is held at the cathedral of Mtskheta, the old capital and religious center of Georgia. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
In 1852, the Democratic party of the US was split into hostile factions, none of which could muster sufficient strength to secure the presidential nomination. The charming and unobjectionable Pierce was nominated as a compromise candidate. He unexpectedly trounced his opposition in the general election despite being largely unknown beforehand. However, Pierce proved unable to mediate slavery-related political troubles. As a testament to his unpopularity, he was the first US president to do what? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
In 1970, American writer Clifford Irving hatched a scheme to create an “authorized autobiography” of eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes—without his knowledge. Irving believed the reclusive Hughes would never draw attention to himself by denouncing the book. After producing forged letters, Irving obtained a contract and an advance from his publisher. He delivered a manuscript in 1971, but Hughes finally contacted the outside world in 1972 and revealed the book as a hoax. What happened to Irving? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (adjective) Relating to or involving blood or bloodshed.
Synonyms: butcherly, gory, slaughterous.
Usage: He was an angry youth with a sanguineous temperament and was always getting into fights.
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Source: The Free Dictionary
Specially tailored, ultrafast pulses of light can trigger neurons to fire and could one day help patients with light-sensitive circadian or mood problems, according to a new study in mice at the University of Illinois. Chemists have used such carefully … Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Released to universal acclaim, Toy Story was the first feature-length computer-generated film, as well as the first such film from Pixar Studios. Steve Jobs had purchased Pixar in 1986, but the company had yet to find its niche. When its 1988 short film Tin Toy won an Oscar, Disney took notice, and the two companies soon formed a partnership that would prove to be extremely successful, beginning with the release of Toy Story. What popular toy was cut from the original plot? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
A prolific and unconventional French writer, Gide was controversial for his confessional works, his frank defense of homosexuality, and his espousal of Communism—and subsequent disavowal of it after a visit to the Soviet Union. A champion of society’s victims, he spurred reform of French colonial policy in Africa with books such as Travels in the Congo. In one of his most famous quotes, Gide advised that one should believe those who seek the truth and reserve doubt for whom? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary