verb

13 of 60

Bad / Powerless

plead - To make an emotional appeal

The starving orphan pleaded with the cook to give him more porridge.

adjective

14 of 60

Bad / Unfriendly

pesky - Causing trouble; annoying

Amanda couldn't concentrate on anything while that pesky fly was flying around and bothering her.

verb

See noun

15 of 60

Bad / War

plunder - Steal goods from (a place or person), typically using force and in a time of war or civil disorder

Seeing his chance, the pirate plundered as many gold coins as he could find on the wrecked ship.

adjective

16 of 60

Bad / Dangerous

pernicious - Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.

People used to think that smoking was good for you because it seemed calming, but now we realize that its pernicious effects are deadly over time.

verb

17 of 60

Good / Strong

Url

persevere - To continue in a course of action even in the face of great difficulty.

As they climbed the mountain, they were committed to persevere until they reached to peak, in spite of their exhaustion.

noun

18 of 60

Bad / Small

Url

pittance - A very small amount of money, less than what one wanted and expected.

The workers decided to strike because they felt that their wages were a mere pittance compared to what they deserved.

adjective

19 of 60

Good / Pleasure

Url

pleasant - Friendly, kind, or polite in manner or behavior.

The host was so pleasant, greeting each guest with a warm smile and making everyone feel at home.

verb

20 of 60

Other / Up+Down

plop - To drop gently and without making a loud noise.

After drinking all evening, John plopped an Alka-Seltzer into a glass of water, hoping that drinking it would relieve his headache.

adjective

21 of 60

Other / Body

plump - Having a full rounded shape

The fruit was very plump, and when Jim bit into it, the juice ran down the sides of his mouth - and it was as delicious as he had expected.

adjective

22 of 60

Bad / Stupid

pointless - Having no purpose, and is not worth doing

Though Bill's parents wanted him to be a doctor, he didn't find it interesting, and hated the sight of blood, so he thought it was pointless to apply to medical school.

adjective

23 of 60

Good / Strong

Url

pervasive - Existing or present everywhere, often in a subtle or unnoticed way; spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people.

The pervasive smell of fresh coffee filled the entire café, welcoming everyone who entered.

noun

24 of 60

Good / Successful

Url

pinnacle - The highest point or peak of something, usually representing the peak of success or achievement.

The concert at Madison Square Garden was the pinnacle of the band's tour, with the crowd cheering wildly.