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anxiety
A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
Examples:
- She felt a surge of anxiety when she realized the deadline was approaching.
- His anxiety escalated when he discovered he had forgotten an important appointment.
foreboding
A feeling that something bad will happen; a sense of impending doom.
Examples:
- There was a sense of foreboding in the air as the storm clouds gathered.
- His foreboding about the meeting made him second guess all his presentations.
epiphany
A moment of sudden and great revelation or realization.
Examples:
- When she understood the implications of her decision, it was an epiphany that changed her life.
- His epiphany about the meaning of happiness led him to pursue a new career.
disquiet
A feeling of anxiety or worry; a state of unease or concern.
Examples:
- There was a disquiet in her heart when she realized her mistake could have serious consequences.
- The disquiet among the employees was palpable after the announcement of layoffs.
cognitive dissonance
The mental discomfort experienced by a person who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or ideas.
Examples:
- She felt cognitive dissonance when her actions did not align with her values.
- Cognitive dissonance often occurs when a person realizes they’ve made a choice that contradicts their beliefs.