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glean - To extract or derive meaning, knowledge, or insight from various sources, often in a careful or detailed way.

She managed to glean a sense of her good friend's feelings from the small clues in her words and actions.

verb

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navigate - To lead a company, activity, etc. in a particular direction, or to deal effectively with a difficult situation.

From the time he started Microsoft, Bill Gates was able to successfully navigate its rapid growth in terms of products and customers.

noun

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venture - A daring journey or undertaking.

He raised money to fund his venture to make and market his amazing invention.

noun

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hunch - A feeling or guess based on intuition rather than known facts

The detective had a hunch the suspect was guilty, but he needed proof before he could charge him with the crime.

noun

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wonk - A person who takes an excessive interest in minor details of political policy

Rachel Maddow is a policy wonk on TV who walks her audience through the minor details of legislation and current events.

noun

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gist - The substance or essence of a speech or text

Very intelligent people can understand the gist of a topic even if they can't remember every word of it.

verb

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probe - Physically explore or examine (something) with the hands or an instrument

For men, getting a prostate exam can involve a doctor probing their body in an uncomfortable procedure.

verb

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spotlight - To give special attention to a problem or situation so that people pay attention to it.

Articles in the newspaper were effective in spotlighting the fact that the animal shelter was not taking good care of the animals.

noun

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ingenuity - The quality of being clever, original, and inventive

Thomas Edison possessed so much ingenuity that he is considered the greatest inventor of all time.

verb

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concoct - To invent or devise a plan, story, or excuse, often in a clever or dishonest way.

They concocted a brilliant plan to surprise their friend on her birthday.

verb

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discern - To understand or identify something, especially after careful thought

I was able to discern a house in the distance by the light of the moon after our long walk when our car broke down.

verb

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comprehend - To understand something completely

In 1911 Ernest Rutherford was able to comprehend that each molecule looked like a miniature solar system.