tributary – n. a stream that flows into a larger stream or river or into a lake
viability – adj. capable of succeeding
adapt – v. to change your behavior so that it is easier to live in a particular place or situation
value – adj. the amount of money that something is worth; the price or cost of something
degrade – v. to make the quality of (something) worse
assertive – adj. confident in behavior or style
brake – n. something used to slow or stop movement or activity (usually + on)
pattern – n. the regular and repeated way in which something happens or is done