26th January

1. Fawn, verb: try to gain favor by extreme flattery

The media fawned over the handsome CEO, praising his impeccable sense of style instead of asking more pointed questions.

2. Respite, noun: a pause from doing something (as work)

Every afternoon, the small company has a respite in which workers play foosball or board games.

3. Tawdry, adjective: tastelessly showy; cheap and shoddy

Carol expected to find New York City magical, the way so many movies had portrayed it, but she was surprised how often tawdry displays took the place of genuine elegance.

4. Perturb, verb: disturb in mind or cause to be worried or alarmed

Now that Henry is recovering from a major illness, he no longer lets the little trivialities, such as late mail, perturb him.

5. Robust, adjective: sturdy and strong in form, constitution, or construction

Chris preferred bland and mild beers, but Bhavin preferred a beer with more robust flavor.