Day 12 Vocabulary

A judgment of not guilty; a release from a criminal charge.

" The defendant's acquittal was a surprise to many, as the evidence against him seemed overwhelming."

To make a formal judgment or decision about an issue or dispute.

" The court had to adjudicate the difficult case and decide who was at fault for the accident."

A written statement confirmed by an oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court.

" The lawyer presented an affidavit from the witness, which detailed his account of the events that had occurred."

The view that the existence of God is not known and cannot be known for certain.

" He was raised in a religious family, but as an adult, he embraced agnosticism and decided to not take a stance on religion."

A magical process of transformation, often from something ordinary to something extraordinary.

" The chef’s skill was a kind of alchemy, as he was able to turn simple ingredients into a beautiful and delicious masterpiece."

A claim or piece of evidence that one was elsewhere when a crime was committed.

" The suspect had a strong alibi that proved he was not at the crime scene."

A state of normlessness or social instability resulting from a breakdown of standards and values.

" The city's high crime rate and social unrest were a clear sign of anomie, as the community was suffering from a breakdown of its social values."

Able to express thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly and effectively.

" The lawyer was able to articulate his points with great clarity and precision, convincing the jury of his client's innocence."

An official inspection of a company's or an individual's financial accounts.

" The company was preparing for an audit, as a new law required all businesses to have their finances checked by an independent party."

A statement or proposition that is regarded as being self-evidently true; a foundational principle.

" The idea that all people are created equal is a fundamental axiom of democracy, and it is a truth that is not questioned."

A process of measuring and comparing a company’s performance or products against a set standard.

" The company was using benchmarking to compare its customer service against the best practices in the industry."

An informal, humorous term for the unwritten rule that a desired outcome occurs immediately after a person stops trying or expecting it.

" It was the classic bingo law: he stopped searching for his keys, and they immediately appeared right in front of him."

Relating to or involving the agreement or cooperation of two political parties.

" The new law was passed with bipartisan support, as both the Democrats and the Republicans voted for it."

An idiom meaning to endure a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.

" She knew she had to bite the bullet and go to the dentist to get her toothache fixed, even though she was terrified."

Talking foolishly or excessively; revealing secrets in a careless manner.

" He was always blabbing about his private life, telling everyone all of his personal business."