circumspect

(adjective)

careful, watchful; attentive to all points

The teacher tried to be circumspect in his judgment;

he wished to discipline the students effectively,

but not too severely.

circumvent

(verb)

to get around; to beat or defeat by trickery;

to prevent an occurrence

Although he did not tell a lie, he did circumvent my question by claiming that he could not remember the night before.

clandestine

(adjective)

secret

Romeo and Juliet were forced to hold clandestine meetings because of their parents' feuding.

1. merciful; lenient

2. mild, as weather

Despite the abhorrent nature of the crime, the judge handed down a surprisingly clement sentence.

cliché

(noun)

a worn-out idea or overused expression

While the candidate had promised new ideas, he soon began to mouth the same old clichés.

_coerce

(verb)

to compel by force; to force a person to do something against his or her will

Because of peer pressure, students sometimes feel coerced to take an action with which they feel uncomfortable.

collaborate

(verb)

1. to work with another toward a goal

2. to cooperate with an enemy invader

The lyricist amd composer collaborated on the stage musical.

comely

(adjective)

attractive or handsome; pleasing to the sight

The writer would often refer to his beautiful sister as a "comely lass."

complacent

(adjective)

pleased with oneself or one's deeds

Though an affable fellow, he tended to be a little too complacent for me.

concur

(verb)

to be of the same opinion; to agree with

He said that three hours was too long for a lecture, and we all concurred.