고급 [자료] Bxxxx's word

[보카길라잡이]

abase           lower; degrade; humiliate; make humble; make (oneself) lose self-respect

abash           embarrass

abate           subside or moderate

abbreviate       shorten

abdicate         renounce; give up (position, right, or responsibility)

aberrant         abnormal or deviant

aberration       deviation from the normal; mental disorder

abet                    assist usually in doing something wrong; encourage

abeyance suspended action

abhor           detest; hate

abide           dwell; abide by: comply with; put up with; tolerate; Ex. abide by the rules; Ex. I can't abide rude people.

abject   (of a condition) wretched; as low as possible; lacking pride; very humble; showing lack of self-respect; Ex. abject apology

abjure           renounce upon oath

ablution         washing

abnegation       renunciation; self-sacrifice; self-abnegation

abode           dwelling place; home

abolish          cancel; put an end to

abominable      detestable; extremely unpleasant

abominate       loathe; hate

aboriginal       being the first of its kind in a region; primitive; native; indigenous; N. aborigine

abortive         unsuccessful; fruitless

abrasive         rubbing away; tending to grind down

abridge          condense or shorten

abrogate         abolish

abscission       cutting off; separation

abscond         depart secretly and hide

absolute complete; totally unlimited; having complete power; certain; not relative; Ex. absolute honesty/ruler; CF. absolutism

absolve         pardon (an offense)

abstain          refrain; withhold from participation; intentionally not use one's vote;

abstemious       sparing in eating and drinking; temperate

abstinence       restraint from pleasant things, esp. eating or drinking; CF. abstention: act of abstaining from vote

abstract         theoretical; not concrete; nonrepresentationals representational (of a style of art) showing things as they actually appear in real life

abstruse         obscure; profound; difficult to understand

abusive         coarsely insulting; physically harmful

abut                    border upon; adjoin

abysmal         bottomless

abyss           enormous chasm; vast bottomless pit

academic related to a school; not practical or directly useful

accede          agree

accelerate move faster

accessible       easy to approach; obtainable

accessory additional object; useful but not essential thing

acclaim applaud; praise; greet with great approval; announce with great approval; Ex. The new drung has been acclaimed as the most important discoveries for years; N: strong expression‎ of approval and praise

acclimate adjust to climate or environment; adapt

acclivity         sharp upslope of a hill; OP. declivity

accolade         award of merit; strong praise and approvals merit good quality deserving praise; merits: aspect of character or behavior deserving approval or disapproval; Ex. judge each plan on its own merits; V: deserve; earns demerit fault; bad qualitys earn gain for the performance of service or labor; gain (something that one deserves); deserve

accommodate    oblige or help someone; adjust or bring into harmony; adapt; make enough space for; ADJ. accommodative; CF. accomodating: helpful and obliging

accomplice      partner in crime

accord          agreement

accost           approach and speak first to a person

accoutre         equip; N. accoutrement

accretion growth or increase in size by gradual addition; growth; increase; increase by natural growth; Ex. towers and other accretions of the castle; V. accrete

accrue  come to one as a gain; accumulate over time; come about by addition; Ex. benefits that accrue from scientific research; Ex. interest accruing in a bank account; N. accrualacerbity       bitterness of speech and temper; ADJ. acerbic: bitter; acrid (in taste, manner, or tone)s bitter having a sharp biting taste; causing sharp pain to the body or mind; filled with resentment, disappointment, or other unpleasant feelings; Ex. bitter wind/sorrow/tearss biting sharply painful to the body or mind; Ex. biting wind/remarks

acetic           vinegary

acidulous slightly sour (in taste or manner); sharp; caustic

acknowledge     recognize; admit

acme           peak; pinnacle; highest point

acne            skin disease (on the face)

acoustics science of sound; quality that makes a room easy or hard to hear in

acquiesce assent; agree passively; comply without protest

acquittal deliverance from a charge; V. acquit: free from a charge or accusation; discharge from a duty; conduct (oneself) in a specified manner

acrid            bitter (to the taste or smell); sharp; bitterly pungent 

acrimonious      stinging; caustic; bitter in words or manner; N. acrimony: bitter ill-natured animosity in speech or behavior

acrophobia       fear of heights

actuarial         calculating; pertaining to insurance statistics

actuary          someone who advises insurance companies

actuate          motivate; activate; cause to act

acuity           sharpness (of mind or senses of sight or hearing)

acumen mental keenness; sharpness of judgment; ability to judge quickly and well; Ex. business acumen 

acute   (of the senses) sharp; quickly perceptive; keen; penetrating; brief and severe; Ex. acute sense of smell/analysis/pain

adage   wise saying; proverb s proverb     adage; someone or something well known for notoriety; ADJ. proverbial: of a proverb; widely known; ADV. proverbially

adamant         hard; inflexible

adapt   make or become suitable for a specific use; alter; modify; adjust; N. adaptation: act of adapting; composition recast into a new form; Ex. The play is an adaption of a short novel.

addendum       addition; appendix to book; something that is added (as at the end of a speech or book)

addiction compulsive habitual need

addle           make or become confused; muddle; drive crazy; become rotten (egg)

address  direct a speech to; speak to; deal with or discuss; direct one's efforts or attention to; make with a destination; N: formal speech

adept           expert at; very skilled

adhere          stick fast; be a devotd follower; N. adhesion: adhering; devotion; loyality

adherent         supporter; follower

adjacent         adjoining; neighboring; close by

adjoin           be next to

adjourn  suspend until a later time; move from one place to another

adjunct          something attached to but holding an inferior position

adjuration       solemn urging; V. adjure: entreat earnestly; enjoin solemnly

adjutant         staff officer assisting the commander; assistant

admonish warn or speak to with gentle disapproval; reprove

adore           love deeply and respect highly 

adorn           decorate

adroit           skillful (in using mind or hand)

adulation flattery; admiration that is more than is necessary or deserved

adulterate make impure or of poorer quality by adding inferior or tainted(contaminated) substances

advent          arrival

adventitious      accidental; casual; happening by chance

adversary opponent; enemy

adverse         going against; opposing; unfavorable; hostile

adversity great hardship or affliction; misfortune; calamitous event

advert           refer

advocacy support; active pleading on behalf of someone or something

advocate speak in favor of; support (an idea or plan); urge; plead for

aegis           shield; protection; defense

aerie            (aery,eyrie,eyry) nest of a large bird of prey

aesthetic         artistic; dealing with or capable of appreciating the beautiful (of a person or building); CF. aesthete; CF. aesthetics

affable          easily approachable; easy to talk to; warmly friendly

affected         artificial; pretended

affidavit         written statement made under oath (for use as proof in a court of law)

affiliation joining; associating with

affinity  feeling of kinship; similarity; Ex. strong affinity for her; Ex. many affinities between two languages

affirmation       positive assertion; confirmation; solemn pledge by one who refuses to take an oath; V. affirm; ADJ. affirmative; CF. affirmative action: positive discrimination

affliction state of distress; trial; cause of distress or suffering; V. afflict: inflict grievous suffering on

affluence abundance; wealth

affront  insult; offense; intentional act of disrespect; V: insult or hurt the feelings of intentionally

afterlife life after death; later part of one's life

agape           openmouthed

agenda          items of business at a meeting

agglomeration    collection; heap; V. agglomerate: gather into a rounded mass; N. aggolmeate: jumbled mass; heap

aggrandize       make greater; increase in power, wealth, rank, or honor; N. aggrandizement

aggregate sum; total; ADJ. V: gather into a mass or whole; accumulate; add up to; Ex. aggregate 100 dollars

aghast          filled with great surprise or fear; horrified

agility          nimbleness; ability to move quickly

agitate          stir up; disturb

agnostic         one who is skeptical of the existence or knowability of a god or any ultimate reality

agog            highly excited; intensely curious

agrarian         pertaining to land or its cultivation; Ex. agrarian reform

airy            of air; high in the air; lofty; immaterial; unreal

alacrity          cheerful promptness without reluctance

alchemy         medieval chemistry

alcove          nook; recess

alias            an assumed name esp. by a criminal (usually to mislead people); ADV. alias

alienate         make unfriendly or hostile; estrange; separate; change the ownership of

alimentary       supplying nourishment

alimony         payments made regularly to an ex-spouse after divorce

allay            calm; pacify

allege           state without proof

allegiance       loyalty

allegory         story, play, or picture in which characters are used as symbols; fable

alleviate         relieve (pain)

alliteration       repetition of beginning sound in poetry

allocate         assign; set apart for a particular purpose

alloy    mixture as of metals; something added that lowers in value or purity; V: mix; make less pure; lower in value or quality; spoil; CF. unalloyed: not in mixture with other maetals; pure; complete; unqualified; Ex. unalloyed happiness

allude           refer indirectly; N. allusion: indirect reference

allure           entice; attract; tempt

alluvial          pertaining to soil deposits left by running water

alms            money or goods given to the poor

aloft            upward; high up in the air

aloof           apart; not open in one's relationship with other people; reserved; ADV.

altercation       noisy quarrel

altruistic unselfishly generous; concerned for others; N. altiruism: unselfish concern for the welfare of others; unselfishness; OP. egoism

amalgam combination of different things; mixture of metals (containing mercury) used for filling holes in teeth

amalgamate      (of societies or groups) combine; unite in one body

amass           collect (gradually, in a very large amount)

amazon         female warrior

ambidextrous     capable of using either hand with equal ease

ambience environment; atmosphere; Ex. restraurant with a pleasant ambience; ADJ. ambient: completely surrounding; Ex. ambient temperature

ambiguous       unclear or doubtful in meaning; having more than one possible interpretation

ambivalence     the state of having contradictory or conflicting emotional attitudes or opinions

amble           walking at an easy unhurried pace; V: walk slowly and aimlessly

ambrosia food of the gods

ambulatory      able to walk

ambush         act of lying in wait to attack by surprise; sudden attack made from a concealed position; Ex. lie in ambush; V.

ameliorate       improve

amenable obedient; compliant; readily managed; responsive; willing to be led; answerable or accountable legally; responsible; able to be tested by; Ex. amenable to sensible suggestions; Ex. He is very amenable; Ex. amenable to the usual tests

amend          correct; change ; generally for the better

amenities convenient features that helps to make life pleasant; social courtesies

amiable         agreeable; lovable; warmly friendly

amicable peaceful; politely friendly; not quarrelsome; Ex. amicable settlement

amiss           wrong; faulty; Ex. something amiss; ADV.

amity           friendship; peaceful relationship as between nations

amnesia         loss of memory

amnesty         pardon (allowed by government to political criminals)

amok(amuck)    in a state of rage; Ex. run amok

amoral          nonmoral; having no understanding of right and wrong

amorous         moved by sexual love; loving; of sexual love; Ex. amorous advances

amorphous       formless; lacking shape or definition

amphibian       able to live both on land and in water; N.

amphitheater     oval building with tiers of seats; CF. arena

ample           enough; abundant; spacious; large in size; Ex. ample opportunity/garden; N. amplitude: quality of being ample; abundance; largeness of space

amplify         increase in size or effect; expand; broaden or clarify by expanding; intensify; make stronger; Ex. amplify one's remarks with a graph

amputate cut off part of body; prune (a limb)

amulet          charm; talisman; an object worn believed to protect against evil, bad luck

anachronism     an error involving time in a story; something or someone misplaced in time; ADJ. anachronistic

analgesia condition of being unable to feel pain

analgesic causing insensitivity to pain; N.

analogous       comparable; similar

analogy         similarity; parallelism; comparing two similar things

anarchist person who seeks to overturn the established government; advocate of abolishing authority

anarchy         absence of governing body; state of disorder

anathema solemn curse; someone or something regarded as a curse; V. anathematize

ancestry         family descent; ADJ. ancestral

anchor          secure or fasten firmly; be fixed in place; N. anchorage

ancillary         serving as an aid or accessory; auxiliary; N.

anecdote short story of an amusing or interesting event

anemia          condition in which blood lacks red corpuscles; ADJ. anemic

anesthetic substance that removes sensation with or without loss of consciousness; N. anesthesia

anguish         acute pain; extreme suffering

angular          sharp-cornered; having an angle; not rounded (body); bony; lean; gaunt; stiff in manner

animadversion    critical remark; V. animadvert: comment critically with disapproval

animated lively; spirited

animosity active enmity

animus          hostile feeling or intent; animosity; hostility; disposition

annals          records arranged in yearly parts; history

anneal          reduce brittleness and improve toughness by heating and cooling (metal or glass)

annex           attach; add to a large thing; take possession of; incorporate (territory) into a larger existing             political unit (by force); N: building added to a large one

annihilate destroy

annotate         comment; make explanatory notes

annuity          yearly allowance

annul           make void

anodyne         drug that relieves pain or trouble; opiate; ADJ. Ex. anodyne statement

anoint           consecrate; put oil on (in a religious ceremony)

anomalous       abnormal; irregular

anomaly         irregularity

anonymity       state of being nameless; anonymousness; ADJ. anonymous

antagonism      hostility; active opposition; V. antagonize: cause to become an enemy; N. antagonist: person who is opposed to another; opponent; adversary; principal character in oppostion to the protagonist

antecede         precede

antecedents      preceding events that influence what comes later; ancestors or early background

antediluvian      antiquated; extremely ancient

anthem          song of praise or patriotism; Ex. national anthem

anthology book of literary selections by various authors; CF. omnibus

anthropoid       manlike; resembling a human being; N.

anthropologist    student of the history and science of humankind

anthropomorphic  having human form or characteristics

anticlimax       letdown in thought or emotion; something unexciting, ordinary, or disappointing coming after something important or exciting

antidote         remedy to counteract a poison or disease; Ex. antidote to the economic troubles

antipathy aversion; dislike or opposition

antiquated       obsolete; old-fashioned; outdated

antique  made in an earlier period and usu. valuable; N: object that was made in an earlier period and that is rare or valuable

antiquity        quality of being very old; ancient times; antiseptic    substance that prevents infection in a wound; ADJ.

antithesis contrast; direct opposite of or to; ADJ. antithetic or antithetical

antler           bony growth on the head of a deer

anvil            iron block used in hammering out metals

apathy  lack of caring; indifference; lack of concern or interest in important matters; Ex. He was sunk in apathy after his failure; ADJ. apathetic

ape                     imitate or mimic (a person's behavior or manner)

aperture         opening; hole; adjustable opening in a camera that limits the amount of light

apex            tip; summit; climax; highest point

aphasia          loss of speech due to injury or illness

aphorism pithy maxim or saying; ADJ. aphoristic

apiarist          person who keeps bees

apiary           a place where bees are kept

apiculture bee-keeping

apid            lacking liveliness; dull and unimaginative; insipid and flavorless; Ex. vapid lecture

aplomb          poise; composure in difficult situations; assurance; self-confidence

apocalyptic      prophetic; pertaining to revelations especially of disaster; N. apocalypse

apocryphal       (of a story) widely believed but untrue      

apogee          highest point; the point farthest from the earth; OP. perigee

apolitical having an aversion or lack of concern for political affairs

apologist one who writes in defense of a cause or institution; N. apologia

apoplexy stroke; loss of consciousness caused by too much blood in the brain

apostate         one who abandons his religious faith or political beliefs; N. apostasy

apothecary       druggist; pharmacist

apothegm (apophthegm) pithy, compact saying

apotheosis       elevation to godhood; an ideal example of something

appall           dismay; shock deeply

apparent evident; easily seen or understood; appearing as such; Ex. apparent improvement

apparition       ghost; phantom

appease         pacify or soothe; Ex. appease a crying baby; N. appeasement

appellation       name; title

append          attach

application       diligent attention; diligence; V. apply oneself

apposite         appropriate; fitting

appraise         estimate value of; N. appraisal

appreciate       be thankful for; increase in worth; be thoroughly conscious of; ADJ. appreciable: enough to be felt; Ex. appreciable difference

apprehend       arrest (a criminal); dread; perceive; N. apprehension

apprehensive     fearful; discerning

apprise          inform

approbation      approval

appropriate      acquire; take possession of for one's own use without permission; set aside for a particular purpose; allocate; CF. misappropriate

appurtenances    subordinate possessions; something added to a more important thing

apropos with reference to; regarding; Ex. remarks apropos (of) the present situation; ADJ. ADV.

aptitude         fitness; talent

aquiline         curved; hooked; of or like an eagle; Ex. aquiline nose

arable           fit for growing crops; Ex. arable land

arbiter          person with power to decide a matter in dispute; judge who is in a position ot make influential       judgments; Ex. supreme arbiter of fashion in beachware

arbitrary unreasonable or capricious; random; tyrannical; Ex. arbitrary ruler

arbitrate         act as judge (at the request of both sides)

arboreal         of or living in trees

arboretum       place where different trees and shrubs are studied and exhibited

arcade          a covered passageway usually lined with shops

arcane  esoteric; secret; mysterious; known only to the initiated; Ex. arcane ritual; Ex. arcane process closed to the uninitiated listener

arch-           chief; first; Ex. archbishop

archaeology      study of artifacts and relics of early mankind

archaic          antiquated; no longer used; belonging to the past; N.

archetype prototype; primitive pattern

archipelago      group of closely located islands

archives         public records; place where public records are kept

ardor           heat; passion; zeal; ADJ. ardent

arduous         hard; strenuous; Ex. arduous work

argot           slang; speech spoken by only a small group of people

aria                     operatic solo; a song sung by one person in an opera or oratorio

arid                    (of land) dry; barren; unproductive

aristocracy       hereditary nobility; privileged class; government by nobility; N. aristocrat

armada          fleet of warships

aromatic         fragrant; having a sweet smell; N. aroma: strong pleasant smell

arraign          charge in court; indict

array   marshal; draw up in order; arrange in order; clothe splendidly; adorn; N: fine clothes; ordered group; Ex. in battle array

arrears          being in debt; money that should have been paid; work that should have been done

arrhythmic       lacking rhythm or regularity; N. arrhythmia

arrogance pride; haughtiness; ADJ. arrogant: unpleasantly self-important (with a strong confidence in one's own importance and a lack of respect for other people)

arroyo          gully; narrow channel formed by rainwater

arsenal          storage place for military equipment

artery           blood-vessel; CF. vein

artful           exhibiting art or skill; deceitful; cunning; CF. artifice

articulate effective; distinct; expressing ideas clearly; having clear sounds; having joints; Ex. articulate speech; V: express thoughts and feeling clearly; pronounce clearly; unite by joints

artifacts         object made by human beings, either hand-made or mass-produced

artifice          deception; trickery

artisan          a manually skilled worker

artless          without guile; open and honest

ascendancy      controlling influence; position of controlling influence; CF. in the ascendant

ascertain find out for certain; make certain

ascetic  practicing self-denial; avoiding physical pleasures and comforts; austere; Ex. ascetic life of Buddhist monks; N. asceticism

ascribe          refer; attribute; assign

aseptic          preventing infection; having a cleansing effect

ashen           ash-colored; deadly pale

asinine          stupid; Ex. asinine remarks

askance         with a sideways or indirect look (with disapproval or distruct); Ex. look askance at

askew           crookedly; slanted; at an angle

asperity         sharpness; roughness; severity (of temper or weather); Ex. asperities of a Russian winter

aspersion slanderous remark; Ex. cast aspersions on

aspirant         seeker after position or status

aspire   seek to attain (position or status); long for; Ex. aspire to become president; Ex. aspire to/after the leadership

assail           assault

assay           analyze (to discover what materials are present); eval‎uate (soil or ore)

assent           agree; accept; N. assessment

assert   state strongly or positively; demand recognition of (rights, claims, etc.); make a claim to (by forceful action); Ex. assert one's independence

assiduous diligent

assimilate absorb; take (food) into the body and digest it; understand (knowledge) completely and be able to use properly; cause to become homogeneous (the people of a country or race in the wasy of behaving or thinking)

assuage         mak less severe; ease or lessen (pain); satisfy (hunger); soothe (anger)

assumption      something taken for granted; the taking over or taking possession of; 

assurance firm statement that something is certainly true; promise or pledge; certainty; confidence in one's own ability; self-confidence; Ex. In spite of all his assurances, he did not come back; Ex. assurance of his loyalty; Ex. The teacher lacked assurance in fron of his class; V. assure; tell firmly with confidence; ensure; make (something) certain to heappen; make (someone) feel sure; give confidence to; ADJ. assured: self-assured; confident in one's own ability; showing certainty

asteroid         small planet

astigmatism      eye defect which prevents proper focus; OP. stigmatism

astral           relating to the stars

astringent binding; causing contraction (stopping bleeding); harsh or severe; stringent; Ex. astringent        criticism

astronomical     enormously large or extensive

astute           wise; shrewd; keen; seeing quickly something that is to one's advantage

asunder         into parts; apart; V. sunder

asylum          place of refuge or shelter; protection (religious or political)

asymmetric      not identical on both sides of a dividing central line

atavism resemblance to remote ancestors rather than to parents; reversion to an earlier type; throwback; ADJ. atavistic

atheistic         denying the existence of God; N. atheism

atone           make amends for; pay for; Ex. atone for

atrocity         brutal deed; ADJ. atrocious

atrophy wasting away; V: weaken and lose flesh and muscle (through lack of blood or lack of use)

attentive alert and watchful; listening carefully; paying attention; considerate; thoughtful; politely helpful; Ex. attentive audience; Ex. He was attentive to the old lady; N. attentions: act of courtesy and consideration

attenuate make thin; weaken

attest           testify; bear witness

attire           clothe; N: clothing; array; apparel

attribute         essential quality; V: ascribe; explain

attrition rubbing away by friction; gradual decrease in numbers or strength; reduction in the work force without firing employees; wearing away of opposition by means of harassment; Ex. a war of attrition

atypical         not normal; not typical

audacious daring; bold; N. audacity

audit            examination of accounts of a business; official examination; V.

augment         increase; add to

augury  omen; prophecy; sign of coming events; V. augur: predict; foretell; be a sign of (something in future)

august          impressive; majestic

aureole          sun's corona; halo; bright circle of light

auroral          pertaining to the aurora borealis; CF. aurora australis

auspicious       favoring success; giving signs of future success; Cf. auspices

austere  forbiddingly stern; ascetic; without comfort or enjoyment; severely simple and unornamented; Ex. a monk's austere life; Ex. austere grandeur of the cathedral; N. austerity

authenticate      prove genuine

authoritarian     subordinating the individual to the state; completely dominating another's will; Ex. authoritarian regime/father

authoritative     having the weight of authority; regarded as providing knowledge that can be trusted; reliable; peremptory and dictatorial; Ex. authoritative dictionary/manner; CF. definitive

autocratic having absolute unchecked power; dictatorial; N. autocrat, autocracy

automaton       mechanism that imitates actions of humans; machine that works by itself

autonomous      self-governing; N. autonomy

autopsy         examination of a dead body; postmortem; V.

auxiliary offering or providing help; additional or subsidiary; N: helper; assistant

avalanche great mass of falling snow and ice

avantgarde       group of artists whose work is based on the newest ideas and methods; CF. vanguard

avarice          greediness for wealth

avenge  take vengence for something or on behalf of someone; Ex. They avenged his death by burning the village; Ex. He swore to avenge his brother; Ex. They avenged themselves on their enemy.

aver                    state confidently; declare as true

averse          reluctant; disinclined; not liking or opposed; Ex. averse to cats/doing the house work

aversion         firm dislike

avert    prevent; avoid; turn away (eyes or thought); Ex. An accident was averted by his quick thinking; Ex. She averted her eyes from the terrible sight.

aviary           enclosure for birds; large cage

avid                    greedy; extremely eager for; Ex. avid learner; N. avidity

avocation secondary or minor occupation

avow           declare openly; N. avowal

avuncular of or like an uncle

awe                    solemn wonder; feeling of respect mixed with wonder and fear; V: fill with awe; ADJ. awesome

awful           terrible; very bad

awl                     pointed tool used for piercing

awry            distorted; crooked; bent; Ex. Our plans have gone awry.

axiom           self-evident truth requiring no proof

azure           sky blue

babble  chatter idly or foolishly; make continuous sounds like water running gently over rounded stone; N.

bacchanal noisy party with a lot of drinking

Bacchanalia      the ancient Roman festival in honor of Bacchus

bacchanalian     drunken

backslide revert (to bad habits); N. reverter

badger  pester; annoy continually with demands; persuade by asking again and again; Ex. The children badgered me into taking them into the cinema; N: a kind of mountain animal

badinage teasing conversation; banter; joking talk

baffle           frustrate; perplex

bait     harass; tease; torment; Ex. badger baiting; N: food or other lure used to catch fish or trap animals

baleful  evil; malignant in intent or effect; deadly; having a malign influence; portending evil; ominous; threatening; Ex. baleful look

balk    stop short, as if faced with an obstacle, and refuse to continue; foil; stop or get in the way of; frustrate

ballast          heavy substance used to add stability or weight; V. supply with ballast

balm            something that relieves pain; oily liquid with a pleasant smell from trees

balmy           soft and mild (of air); fragrant

banal           hackneyed; commonplace; trite; lacking originality; clich\'ed

bandy   discuss lightly or glibly; discuss in a frivolous manner; exchange (words) heatedly; quarrel; Ex. bandy words with

bane            posion; cause of ruin; ADJ. baneful: harmful; poisonous

bank            heap; piled-up mass; embankment; lateral tilting (as of an aircraft in turning); V: pile up; protect with a bank; tilt in turning

bantering joking talk; good-naturedly ridiculing; N.V. banter

bar     railing in a courtroom; legal profession; vertical line dividing a staff into equal measures; Ex. prisoner at the bar; V: shut in or out with bars; forbid; exclude; CF. barrister

barb            sharp projection from fishhook, arrow, or other object; openly cutting remark

bard            poet

barefaced shameless and noticeable; blatant; bold; unconcealed; having no covering on the face; Ex. barefaced lie

bargain          agreement between two groups or people; something for sale at a price advantageous to the buyer; V: negotiate; trade; Ex. bargaining power

baroque         highly ornate

barrage  barrier laid down by artillery fire; overwhelming profusion; large number of questions or statements; Ex. a barrage of criticism

barrister         counselor-at-law or lawyer in the higher court of law; CF. bar

barterer         trader; V. barter: trade; exchange good for other goods rather than money

base            contemptible; morally bad; inferior in value or quality; Ex. base motives/conduct; Ex. base metal such as iron

bask            luxuriate; take pleasure in warmth

bastard          illegitimate child

bastion  stronghold; something seen as a source of protection; Ex. the last bastion of male chauvinism

bate                    let down; lessen the force of; moderate; restrain; Ex. with bated breath; CF. abate

battalion army unit made up of four or more companies

bauble          trinket; cheap jewel; trifle

bawdy          indecent; obscene; about sex in a rude funny way; CF. bawd

bearing          deportment; connection

beatific          giving or showing bliss; blissful

beatitude blessedness; state of great happiness

bedizen         dress with vulgar finery

bedraggle wet thoroughly; ADJ. bedraggled: draggled

beeline          direct quick route

befuddle         confuse thoroughly

beget           father; become the father of; produce; give rise to

begrudge envy; give or allow unwillingly; grudge; Ex. We shouldn't begrudge him his success.

beguile          deceive; mislead or delude; cheat; pass time pleasantly; charm or attract; Ex. beguiling smile

behemoth huge creature; something of monstrous size or power

beholden obligated; indebted; owing thanks; obliged or indebted from gratitude

behoove(behove)  be suited to; be incumbent upon; be right and necessary; Ex. It behooves one to do.

belabor  harp on; dwell on tediously; explain or go over excessively or to a ridiculous degree; assail verbally; beat severely; attack physically

belated          delayed

beleaguer besiege or attack (with an army); harass; beset

belie    contradict; give a false impression; disguise; Ex. The poor sales belied our high hopes; Ex. Her smile belies her true feeling of displeasure.

belittle          disparage; depreciate

bellicose warlike

belligerent       quarrelsome

bemoan         lament; moan for; express sorrow or disapproval of

bemused confused; lost in thought; preoccupied

benediction      blessing

benefactor       gift giver; patron; person who does good or who gives money for a good purpose

beneficent       kindly; doing good

beneficial helpful; useful; advantageous

beneficiary       person entitled to benefits or proceeds of an insurance policy or will

benefit  advantage; anything that brings help, advantage, or profit;  money provided by the government to the people; fund-raising public entertainment; Ex. unemployment benefit; V: receive benefits; be beneficial to; give benefits

benevolent       generous; charitable; having a wish to do good

benign          kindly; favorable; not malignant (disease); Ex. benign tumor

benison         blessing

bent                    determined; Ex. bent on advancing in the business; N: natural talent or inclination

bequeath leave to someone by means of a will; hand down in his will; N. bequest

berate           scold strongly

bereaved deprived of (someone beloved through death)

bereavement     state of being deprived of something valuable or beloved; state of being bereaved or bereft

bereft           deprived of (something valuable); lacking

berserk          mad with violent anger; frenzied; madly excited

beseech         beg; plead with

beset           harass or trouble from all directions; hem in

besiege          surround with armed forces; harass (with requests); annoy continually

besmirch soil; defile; make dirty

bestial          beastlike; brutal; inhuman; very cruel

bestow          confer

betoken         signify; indicate; be a sign of

betray   be unfaithful; reveal (unconsciously or unwillingly); Ex. Her trembling hands betray her anxiety.

betroth          become engaged to marry

bevy            large group; Ex. a bevy of starlets

beware          be cautious (of)

bewitch         cast a spell over; captivate completely

bicameral two-chambered as a legislative body

bicker           quarrel

bid             command; utter (a greeting); offer as a price; N: offer of a price; amount offered; earnest effort to gain something; Ex. bid for freedom

biennial         every two years

bifurcated       divided into two branches; forked

bigot           one who is intolerant (in matters of religion or politics)

bigotry          stubborn intolerance

bilious          suffering from indigestion; sick from having too much bile; irritable; easily irritated

bilk                    swindle; cheat

billow          large wave of water; a great swell or surge (of smoke); V: surge, swell, roll in billows

billowing swelling out in waves; surging

bivouac         temporary encampment; camp without tents; V.

bizarre          fantastic; violently contrasting; noticeably odd; strikingly unconventional

blackball vote against (an applicant); ostracize; N: negative vote

blanch          bleach; whiten; make white or pale

bland           soothing or mild (food); agreeable; causing no trouble or offence

blandishment     flattery

blare            loud or harsh roar or screech; dazzling blaze of light

blase           bored with pleasure or dissipation; uninterested or bored

blasphemy       irreverence; sacrilege; cursing; bad language about God or holy things; V. blasphem; ADJ. blasphemous; CF. sacrilege

blatant          extremely (offensively) obvious; loudly offensive; Ex. blatant lie; N. blatancy

bleak           cold or cheerless; frigid; unlikely to be favorable; depressing

blemish         mar; spoil the beauty or perfection of; N: flaw or defect (that spoils perfection); Ex. blemishes in the crystal; CF. unblemished

blight           plant disease; V: infect with blight; ruin; destroy

blighted         suffering from a disease; destroyed

bliss            complete happiness; ADJ. blissful

blithe(blithesome) gay; joyous

bloated          (unpleasantly) swollen or puffed as with water or air

blotch           spot; blot; CF. blot+botch

blowhard talkative boaster; braggart

bludgeon club; heavy-headed weapon; V.

blue            gloomy; depressed

blues           state of depression or melancholy; style of slow, mournful music (evolved from southern Black American songs)

bluff            pretense (of strength); deception; high cliff; ADJ: rough but good-natured

blunder         error; stupid mistake

blunt           having a dull edge; abrupt and frank in speech or manner; brusque; V: make or become blunt

blurt            utter impulsively from nervousness or excitement

blush           become red in the face (from embarrassment or shame); become red or rosy; N.

bluster  blow in heavy gusts; threaten emptily; bully; speak in a noisy or bullying manner; CF. breeze, gust, gale

bode            foreshadow; portend

bog             soft wet land; V: hinder or be hindered; Ex. bogged down in the mud

bogus           counterfeit; not authentic; intentionally false; Ex. bogus interview

bohemian unconventional (in an artistic way)

boisterous       violent; rough; noisy

bolster          support; reinforce

bolt            door bar; fastening pin or screw; length of fabric; large roll of cloth; V: dash or dart off; fasten (a  door); gobble down

bombardment    attack (as with missiles or bombs); V. bombard

bombast         grandiloquent, pompous speech

bombastic       pompous; using inflated language

bookish         fond of books and reading

boon            blessing; benefit; something very helpful

boor            rude, insensitive person

boorish          rude; insensitive

boost           lift by pushing up from below; increase; raise; N: push upward; increase

botch           mismanage; blow

bouillon         clear beef (or meat) soup

bound           leap or spring; limit or confine; constitute the limit of; Ex. bounded by Canada; N: leap or jumping; boundary; ADJ: certain; having a duty to do something (legally or morally); confined by bonds; Ex. We are bound to be late; Ex. I am bound to say my opinion; CF. bounce, rebound

bountiful generous; graciously generous; showing bounty

bourgeois middle class; selfishly materialistic; too interested in material possessions

bout            match; short period of great activity; Ex. wrestling bout; bout of drinking/flu

bovine          cowlike; placid and dull; slow-thinking; calm

bowdlerize       expurgate; CF. Thomas Bowdler

brackish         somewhat saline

brag            boast

braggadocio      boasting

braggart         boaster; bragger

braid   plait; interweave strands or lengths of; make by weaving strands together; N: braided segment (as of hair)

brand           trademark; mark burned on the hide of an animal; mark burned into the flesh of criminals; mark of disgrace; V: mark with a brand; give a lasting bad name; stigmatize; Ex. The press branded him a liar.

brandish         wave around (a weapon); flourish

bravado         swagger; assumed air of defiance; false show of bravery

brave           face courageously; Ex. brave the storm

brawl           noisy quarrel

brawn           human muscle; muscular strength; sturdiness

brawny          muscular; having well-developed muscles

brazen          insolent; without shame; bold; Ex. brazen lie; V: face with bold self-assurance or with unshamed  confidence

breach          breaking of contract or duty; fissure or gap; opening; V.

breadth          width; extent

breed           produce young; rear; bring up; produce (an undesirable condition); N: kind or sort of animal or plant

brevity          conciseness; shortness of duration

bridle   harness fitted about a horse's head (used to restrain); curb; check; V: put a bridle on; control or restrain; show anger

brim            uppermost edge of a cup; projecting rim (as on a hat); Ex. The glass was full to the brim; V: be full to the brim

brindled         tawny or grayish with streaks or spots (of animals)

brink           edge (at the top of a cliff); Ex. on the brink of the Grand Canyon

brisk            quick and active; marked by liveliness and vigor

bristle           short stiff hair; V: (hair or fur) stand up stiffly

bristling         rising like bristles; showing irritation

brittle           hard but easily broken; difficult; unstable; Ex. brittle situation

broach          introduce as a subject; moot; open up

brocade         rich, figured(patterned) fabric

brochure pamphlet

broil            cook by direct heat; N.

bromide         platitude; chemical compound used to calm excitement

brooch          ornamental clasp; pin

brood           sit on in order to hatch; think deeply or worry anxiously; N: the young of certain animals; group of young birds hatched at one time

brook           tolerate; endure; Ex. brook no interference; N: small stream

browbeat bully; intimidate

browse          graze; feed on growing grass; skim or glance at casually

bruise           injure without breaking the skin; N.

brunt           main impact or shock (of an attack or blow); Ex. brunt of the argument

brusque         blunt; abrupt; curt; not wanting to waste time being nice

buccaneer       pirate

bucolic          rustic; pastoral

buffet           strike forcefully; slap; batter; knock out; N: table with food set out for people to server themselves; meal at which people help themselves to food that's been set

buffoon         stupid person; clown

buffoonery       clowning

bugaboo         bugbear; object of baseless terror

bulge           protruding part; swelling of a surface; Ex. The apple made a bulge in his pocket; V: swell outward; protrude

bulk            size or volume (esp. when very large); main part; Ex. The bulk of the work has already been done; ADJ. bulky: having great size

bullion          gold and silver in the form of bars

bully           one who is habitually cruel to weaker people; V.

bulwark         strong wall built for defense; earthwork or other strong defense; person who defends

bump           hit or knock against with force; N.

bungle          mismanage; blunder; botch; blow; spoil by clumsy behavior

buoyant able to float; cheerful and optimistic; N. buoyancy; Ex. buoyancy of wood/water/American market

bureaucracy      overregulated administrative system marked by red tape; ADJ. bureaucratic

burgeon         grow rapidly; grow forth; send out buds; Ex. burgeoning computer industry; CF. bludgeon

burlesque give an imitation that ridicules; imitate mockingly

burnish          make shiny by rubbing; polish

bust            piece of sculpture showing a person's head, shoulders, and upper chest; V: break up; arrest; Ex. crimebuster

buttress         support; prop up; N. stationary structure to support wall; Ex. flying buttress

buxom          full-bosomed; plump; jolly

cabal           small group of persons secretly united to promote their own interests

cache           hiding place; V.

cacophonous     discordant; inharmonious; N. cacophony: unpleasant mixture of loud sounds

cadaver         corpse; dead human body

cadaverous       like a corpse; pale

cadence         rhythmic rise and fall (of words or sounds); beat; regular beat of sound; rhythm

cadet           student at a military school

cajole           persuade by praise or false promise; coax; wheedle

calamity disaster; misery

calculated       deliberately planned; likely

caldron(cauldron) large kettle

caliber          ability; quality; diameter of the inside of a round cylinder; Ex. work of very high caliber

calligraphy       beautiful writing; excellent penmanship

callous          hardened; unfeeling; without sympathy for the sufferings of others; unkind

callow          youthful; immature; inexperienced

callus           area of thick hard skin

calorific         heat-producing; N. calorie

calumny         malicious misrepresentation; slander

camaraderie      good-fellowship; CF. comrade

cameo          shell or jewel carved in relief; star's special appearance in a minor role in a film

camp           group sharing a common cause or opinion

canard          unfounded false rumor; exaggerated false report

candor          frankness; open honesty; ADJ. candid

canine          related to dogs; doglike

canker          any ulcerous sore; ulcer; any evil; CF. cancer

canny           shrewd in money matters; thrifty

cant            insincere speech or expression‎ of piety; jargon of thieves; special words used by a particular group of people

cantankerous     ill-humored; irritable

cantata          story set to music to be sung by a chorus (shorter than an oratorio)

canter           slow gallop; V. CF. trot

canto           division of a long poem

canvass determine or seek opinions, votes, etc.; go through (a region) to solicit votes or orders; conduct a survey; N.

capacious spacious

capacity mental or physical ability; role; position or duty; ability to accommodate; Ex. in my capacity as president

capillary having a very fine bore; resembling a hair; fine and slender; Ex. capillary attraction; N: very fine hairlike tube; CF. capillarity

capitulate surrender; give up all resistance

caprice          whim; sudden change of mind without any real cause

capricious       unpredictable; fickle

capsize          (of a boat) turn over

caption          title; chapter heading; text under illustration

captious         faultfinding; too critical

carafe           glass water bottle; decanter

carapace         shell covering the back (of a turtle, tortoise, crab, etc.)

carat(karat)      unit of weight for precious stones; measure of the purity of gold

carcinogenic     causing cancer; N. carcinogen

cardinal chief; most important; N: priest; cardinal number: number that shows quantity rather thatn order

cardiologist      doctor specializing in ailments of the heart

careen          lurch; sway from side to side; move with irregular swinging movement; stagger

career           rush wildly; go at full speed

carefree free from worries; having no problems

caricature distortion; burlesque

carillon         a set of bells (often in a tower) capable of being played

carnage         destruction of life; slaughter; killing of large numbers of people or animals

carnal           fleshly; sensual; concerning the desires of the body

carnivorous      meat-eating; N. carnivore; CF. herbivore

carousal         drunken revel; V. carouse

carping          petty criticism; fault-finding; fretful complaining; quibble

carrion          rotting flesh of a dead body; CF. vulture

cartographer     map-maker

cascade         small waterfall

caste            one of the hereditary classes in Hindu society; social stratification; prestige

castigation       punishment; severe criticism or disapproval

castrate remove the sex organs (of a male animal or person)

casual   happening by chance; irregular; occasional; informal; showing or feeling little interest; Ex. casual reader/labor/remark

casualty         serious or fatal accident; person killed or wounded in an accident or battle

cataclysm deluge; upheaval; earthquake; violent and sudden event or change

catalyst agent which brings about a chemical change while it remains unaffected and unchanged; CF. catalysis

catapult         slingshot; hurling machine; V: fire from catapult

cataract         great waterfall; eye abnormality (causing a gradual loss of eyesight)

catastrophe      calamity ; disaster

catcall          shout of disapproval or displeasure (made at the theater or a sports match); boo; V.

catechism book for religious instruction in question-and-answer form; religious instruction by question and answer; V. catechize

categorical       without exceptions; made without any doubt in mind; unqualified; absolute

cater            provide food and drink (for); cater to: try to satisfy (desires of a bad kind)

catharsis purging or cleansing of any passage of the body; purging and weakening of strong emotions as a result of experiencing a dramatic work of art

cathartic         purgative; medicine that causes the bowels to empty; ADJ.

catholic (of likings and interests) universal; general; broad; including many different parts; wide-ranging liberal; Ex. catholic opinions/tastes

caucus  private meeting of a group of people in a political party to select officers or determine policy; CF. the Caucus club of Boston

caulk(calk)       make watertight (by blocking up cracks as in a ship)

causal           implying a cause-and-effect relationship; N. causality

caustic          burning; corrosive; able to burn by chemical action; sarcastically biting; (of remarks) intended to hurt; bitter; harmful; OP. harmless

cauterize burn (a wound or snakebite, etc.) with hot iron or caustic substance to stop bleeding and prevent infection

cavalcade procession of riders or horse-drawn carriages; parade; CF. cavalry

cavalier casual and offhand; arrogant; N: knight

cavil            quibble; make frivolous objections; find fault unnecessarily

cede            yield (title or territory) to (esp. after losing a war); surrender formally; N. cession

celerity  speed; rapidity

celestial heavenly

celibate abstaining from sexual intercourse; unmarried; N. celibacy

cemetery place for burying the dead

censor          (in ancient Rome) overseer of morals (also taking the census); person who eliminates inappropriate matter; V.

censorious       severely critical

censure         blame; criticize; express strong disapproval; N: severe criticism; strong disapproval

centaur          mythical figure, half man and half horse

centigrade       denoting a widely used temperature scale (basically same as Celsius)

centrifugal       radiating; departing from the center

centrifuge       machine that separates substances by whirling them

centripetal       tending toward the center

centurion Roman army officer (commanding a company of about 100 soldiers)

cerebral         pertaining to the brain or intellect; intellectual rather than emotional; CF. cerebrum

cerebration       thought; working of the brain

ceremonious     marked by formality; extremely formal and polite; CF. ceremony: conventional social courtesy

certitude         certainty

cessation stoppage

cession          yielding to another; ceding

chafe           warm by rubbing; make sore by rubbing; N.

chaff           worthless products of an endeavor; husk(outer seed cover) separated from grain; Ex. separate        the wheat from the chaff

chaffing         bantering; joking

chagrin          annoyance and disappointment; vexation (caused by humiliation or injured pride)

chalice          goblet; consecrated cup

chameleon       lizard that changes color in different situations

champion support militantly; fight for; N: person who fights for or supports strongly (a principle, movement, person, etc.)

championship    position of champion; defense or support; competition held to determine a champion

chancellor       legal official of high rank; CF. chancellery(chancellory): position of a chancellor

chant           tune(melody) in which a number of words are sung on the same note; V: sing (a chant); utter (a slogan) in the manner of a chant

chaotic          in utter disorder

chapel          small church (in a prison, college, or hospital)

chaperon older person who accompanies and supervises a young unmarried woman

chaplain clergyman attached to a chapel

char            make or become black by burning; reduce or be reduced to carbon or charcoal(black substance made by burning wood) by incomplete combustion

charisma divine gift; great popular charm or appeal; magnetism

charlatan quack; pretender to knowledge (esp. in medicine)

charm           quality of pleasing; amulet; action or formula thought to have magical power; spell; V: attract; cast a spell on; bewitch

chary           cautious; unwilling to take risks; sparing or restrained about giving; OP. bold

chase           ornament a metal surface by indenting; follow rapidly to catch

chasm          abyss; very deep crack

chassis          framework and working parts of an automobile; framework to which components are attached

chaste   morally pure; virginal; abstaining from illicit sexual acts; modest; simple (of a style of writing); not highly decorated; austere

chasten          discipline; punish in order to correct; CF. castigate

chastise         punish as by beating; criticize severely

chauvinist       blindly devoted patriot; zealous adherent of a group, cause, or sex; ADJ. chauvinistic; CF. chauvinism; Nicolas Chauvin

check           stop motion; curb or restrain

checkered(chequered)      marked by great changes in fortune; with many changes of fortuene; CF. checked: having a pattern of squares

cherubic         angelic; innocent-looking; N. cherub; CF. seraph: winged angel of the highest order

chicanery trickery; deception

chide           scold; rebuke (someone who has done wrong)

chimerical       fantastically improbable; highly unrealistic; N. chimera: unreal fancy; fire-breathing female creature

chip    lose a small piece from the surface or edge; N: small piece broken off something; CF. French fry; Potato chip/crisp

chisel           swindle or cheat; N: wedgelike tool for cutting

chivalrous       courteous; faithful; brave; N. chivalry

choice          delicate; of very fine quality

choir           group of people who sing together (esp. during religious services); place for choir

choleric         hot-tempered; bad-tempered; irritable; easily angered; CF. cholera

chore           daily domestic task (such as cleaning, cooking, and shopping); unpleasant task

choreography     art of representing dances in written symbols; arrangement of dances

chortle          huckle with delight; N.

chorus          phrase repeated throughout a song or poem

chronic          long established as a disease

chronicle report; record (in chronological order)

chuckle         laugh quietly

churlish         boorish; rude; N. churl: boor; yahoo

ciliated          having minute hairs; CF. cilium; CF. cilia: eyelash

cipher           nonentity; worthless person or thing; zero; secret code; V.

circlet           small ring; band of gold, silver, jewel, etc. (worn on the head, arms, or neck as decoration)

circuit  closed circular line around an area; circumference; regularly repeated journey from place to place

circuitous roundabout

circumlocution   indirect or roundabout expression‎ (by using an uncecessarily large number of words esp. when trying to avoid answering a difficult question directly)

circumscribe     limit; confine; draw a line around

circumspect      prudent; cautious; acting after careful thought

circumvent       outwit; defeat by behaving more cleverly; outsmart; baffle; avoid; get around

cistern          reservoir or water tank

citadel          fortress

cite                     quote; commend; Ex. cited for bravery in an official record

civil    having to do with citizens; not military or religious; courteous and polite; Ex. married in a civil ceremony; Ex. civil strife/disorder/law; N. civility; CF. civic

clairvoyant       having foresight; fortuneteller; N. clairvoyance

clamber         climb by crawling with difficulties; scramble

clamor  loud continous noise; continuous demand or complaint made by a large number of people; V: make a clamor; express (a demand) continually and loudly; ADJ. clamorous

clandestine       secret

clangor          loud resounding noise; sound of repeated clanging

clap    strike the palms of the hands together with a sudden explosive sound; come together suddenly with a sharp sound; put or send promptly; Ex. clap the thief in jail; N: clapping; loud or explosive sound; CF. applause

clapper          striker (tongue) of a bell

clarion          shrill, trumpetlike sound; kind of trumpet used in former times

clasp           hold firmly within arms

claustrophobia    fear of being locked in

clavicle collarbone

cleave          split or sever; cling to; remain faithful to; N. cleavage; ADJ. cloven

cleft            N: split

clemency disposition to be lenient in deciding punishments; mildness as of the weather; ADJ. clement

clich\'e          phrase dulled in meaning by repetition; platitude; ADJ. clich\'ed

clientele         body of customers

climactic relating to the highest point; N. climax; CF. climatic

clime           climate

clip             cut off with shears; fasten; N: something clipped off (as a short extract from film); clasp or fastener

clipper          sailing vessel built for great speed

clique           small exclusive group of people

cloister          monastery or convent

clot                     half-solid lump formed from a liquid (or blood); V.

clout            great influence (especially political or social); hard blow with fist

clown           act stupidly; play the fool; N.

cloying  distasteful (because excessive); excessively sweet or sentimental; V. cloy: become unpleasant through too much sweetness or excess

coagulate congeal; thicken; clot; N. coagulant

coalesce         combine; fuse; N. coalescence

coalition         partnership; league; union of separate political parties

coax            persuade by flattery

coda            concluding section of a musical or literary composition

coddle  treat gently; indulge excessively; pamper; mollycoddle; baby; cook in water just below boiling point; Ex. coddled eggs

codicil          supplement to the body of a will; later addition to a will

codify  arrange (laws or rules) as a code; classify; N. code: system of words used instead of ordinary writing; collection of laws, rules, established social customs

coercion use of force to get someone to object; compelling; V. coerce

coeval‎  living at the same time as; existing during the same period of time; contemporary; of the same age

cog                     tooth projecting from a wheel

cogent          convincing

cogitate think over; ponder

cognate         having a common origin; related linguistically; allied by blood; similar or akin in nature; Ex. cognate languages; N.

cognitive having to do with knowing or perceiving related to the mental processes; N. cognition: the mental process of knowing

cognizance       knowledge; ADJ. cognizant; having knowledge; aware

cohabit          live together

cohere          stick together

cohesion tendency to keep together

cohorts          group of people who share some common quality; armed band; a group of between 300 and 600 soldiers under one commander (in the ancient Rome)

coiffure hairstyle

coin            make coins; invent or fabricate (a word or phrase); N. coinage: word or phrase recently invented

coincidence      the chance occurrence, at the same time, of two or more seemingly connected events; V. coincide: happen at the same time; be in agreement; CF. coincident; CF. coincidental

colander utensil with perforated bottom used for straining

collaborate       work together; cooperate treasonably with the enemy

collage          work of art put together from fragments

collate  examine and compare in order to verify authenticity; arrange in order (the sheets of a book before they are bound)

collateral security given for loan; ADJ: secondary; descended from the same person but through different sons or daughters

collation a       light meal; collating

collected composed; calm; self-possessed

colloquial pertaining to conversational or common speech; informal; N. colloquialism: colloquial expression‎

colloquy         informal discussion; conversation

collusion conspiring in a fraudulent scheme to cheat or deceive others; V. collude

colossal         huge

colossus         gigantic statue; person or thing of great size or importance

coma           deep prolonged unconsciousness caused by disease, poison, or a severe blow

comatose in a coma; extremely sleepy

combustible      easily burned; N. CF. combustion

comeback       retort; quick clever reply; return to former status

comely          attractive; agreeable; having a pleasing appearance

comestible       something fit to be eaten

comeuppance     deserts; well-deserved punishment or misfortune; rebuke 

comity          courtesy; civility; Ex. comity of nations

commandeer     take (private property) for military use without needing permission or giving payment; draft for military purposes

commemorate    honor the memory of; serve as a memorial to; Ex. commemorate the 100th anniversary/those who died in the war

commemorative   remembering; honoring the memory of; Ex. commemorative stamp

commensurate    equal in extent; of the same size

commiserate     feel or express pity or sympathy for

commodious     spacious and comfortable

commonplace    ordinary; N: something ordinary or common; trite remark

commonwealth   nation governed by the people; republic; people of a nation

communal       held in common; public; of a group of people; of a commune

commune small (often rural) community whose members share work and income; V: exchange thoughts or feelings; Ex. commune with nature

compact         agreement; contract; ADJ: tightly packed; firm; brief; concise; Ex. compact statement

compartment     one of the parts into which an enclosed space is divided

compassion      sympathy for the suffering of others; ADJ. compassionate

compatible       harmonious; in harmony with; able to exist together

compelling       overpowering; irresistible in effect; holding one's attention; that compels one to do something; Ex. a compelling adventure story; V. compel

compendium     brief, comprehensive summary; ADJ. compendious

compensatory    making up for; repaying

compilation      listing of information in tabular or book form; compiling

compile assemble; gather; accumulate; make (a report or a book) from facts and information found in various places; Ex. compile a dictionary

complacency     self-satisfaction; smugness; ADJ. complacent

complaisant      trying to please; obliging; willing to please others

complement      complete; consummate; make perfect; N.

complementary   serving to complete something

compliance      conformity in fulfilling requirements; readiness to yield; disposition to yield to others; V. comply

compliant readily acting in accordance with a rule, order, or the wishes or others; yielding; comforming to requirements

complicity       participation; involvement (in a questionable act or a crime)

component       element; ingredient

comport         bear one's self; behave; Ex. comport oneself; N. comportment

compost         mixture of decaying organic matter used as fertilizer; V: put or make compost

composure       mental calmness

compound       combine; produce by combining; increase; make worse by adding to or increasing; exacerbate; Ex. compound an error; ADJ: consisting of two or more parts; N: combination of two or more parts; area enclosed by a wall containing a group of buildings; Ex. factory compound; CF. complex

comprehend      include; understand

comprehensive   broad; including a lot or everything; thorough; inclusive

compress force into less space; squeeze; contract; put into fewer words; N: thick mass of cloth pressed to part of the body to stop bleeding or swelling, reduce fever, etc.

comprise include; consist of

compromise      adjust or settle by making mutual concessions; endanger the interests or reputation of; put into danger, disrepute, or a dishonorable position; Ex. compromise one's principle; N.

compulsion      compelling; strong desire that is difficult to control; irresistible impulse

compulsive      resulting from compulsion

compulsory      obligatory; that must be done

compunction     remorse; strong uneasiness caused by guilt

compute         reckon; calculate

concatenate      link as in a chain

concave         hollow; curved inwards; OP. convex

concede         admit; acknowledge as being true (often reluctantly); yield; grant; Ex. concede a goal

conceit  vanity or self-love; too high opinion of one's own value; extravagant metaphor (in poetry)

concentric       having a common center

conception       beginning; forming of an idea; fertilization; V. conceive: form an idea in the mind; devise; become pregnant; CF. inception

concerted mutually agreed on; done together by agreement; Ex. concerted effort; CF. in concert: working together

concession       an act of yielding; conceding; something conceded; point, right, etc. given unwillingly; privilege of maintaining a business in a certain place; Ex. oil concessions in the North sea; CF. concessionaire

conciliatory      reconciling; soothing; V. conciliate: reconcile; soothe; win the friendly feelings (by removing anger)

concise          brief and compact

conclave private secret meeting

conclusive       decisive; ending all debate

concoct prepare by mixing or combining; make up in concert; devise (something false) so as to deceive; Ex. concoct an elaborate excuse for being late; N. concoction

concomitant      that which accompanies; Ex. Deafnes is a frequent concommitant of old age; ADJ: existing or happening together with something else

concord         harmony; accord

concordat formal agreement

concur          agree; coincide; happen at the same time

concurrent       happening at the same time; in agreement

condescend      (derog.) bestow courtesies with a superior air; descend to the level of one considered inferior

condign         adequate; (of punishment) severe and well deserved

condiments      seasonings; spices

condole         express condolences; N. condolence: sympathy for someone who has experienced great sorrow

condone         overlook; forgive; give tacit approval; excuse

conducive       helpful; contributive; V. conduce; Ex. conduce to/towards

conduit          aqueduct; passageway for fluids

confidant(confidante)      trusted friend (to whom one tells one's secret)

confide          tell in confidence (to a person one trusts); be confident about

confidence       self-assurance; calm unworried feeling based on a strong belief in one's abilities; strong belief in the ability of a person or plan; trust or faith in a person or thing; something confided; secret; Ex. confidence in your ability; Ex. I'm telling you this in confidence; Ex. exchange confidences about their boyfriends; ADJ. confides nt

confidential      spoken or written in secret; trusted with private matters; Ex. confidential secretary

confine          shut in an enclosed space; restrict; keep within limits; N. confinement

confiscate       seize; take possession of (private property) by official order (usu. as a punishment); commandeer

conflagration     great fire

confluence       flowing together; the place where two rivers flow together; crowd; gathering together

conformist       person who uncritically conforms to the customs of a group; OP. nonconformist: one who does not conform to accepted beliefs of norn ms

conformity       harmony; agreement with established rules or customs; similarity; Ex. behave in conformity with; V. conform: be similar; act in agreement; comply; Ex. conform to the rule; CF. conformans ce

confound confuse; puzzle

congeal         freeze; coagulate

congenial pleasant; friendly; in agreement with one's tastes and nature; Ex. congenial weather

congenital       existing at birth

conglomerate     corporation made up of several different companies in diversified fields; mass of various material gathered together; rock consisting of small stones held together by clay; V.

conglomeration   mass of material sticking together

congruence      correspondence of parts; harmonious relationship; CF. congruity

congruent in agreement; harmonious; corresponding; coinciding exactly; CF. congruous

conifer          pine tree (usu. evergreen); cone-bearing tree; ADJ. coniferous; CF. deciduous; CF. evergreen

conjecture       surmise; guess; V.

conjugal pertaining to marriage

conjure          cause to appear by magic; summon (a devil or a spirit) by magical power; practice magic (esp. by very quick movement of the hands); evoke; conjure up: bring into the mind; Ex. The magician conjured a rabbit out of his hat.

connivance      pretense of ignorance of something wrong; assistance; permission to offend; V. connive: feign ignorance (of a wrong); cooperate secretly in an illegal action; conspire

connoisseur      person competent to act as a judge of art, etc. (whose judgments are respected); a lover of an art

connotation      suggested or implied meaning of an expression‎; V. connote

connubial pertaining to marriage or the matrimonial state

consanguineous(consanguine)       having a common ancestor

consanguinity    kinship; relationship by birth

conscientious     scrupulous; through and careful; Ex. conscientious worker

conscript draftee; person forced into military service; V.

consecrate       dedicate; sanctify; declare as sacred; Ex. consecrate one's life to helping the poor

consensus       general agreement; opinion reached by a group

consequential     self-important; significant; consequent; following as a result; Ex. consequential air; CF. subsequent

conservatory(conservatoire) school of the fine arts (especially music or drama); glass-enclosed area; CF. conservancy

consign         send to a person or place for sale; deliver officially; entrust; put into the care of another; set apart (for a special purpose); N. consignment; CF. consignor, consignee

consistency      absence of contradictions; uniformity; degree of thickness or firmness; Ex. consistency of thick cream; CF. viscous

console         lessen sadness or disappointment; give comfort; allay the sorrow of; N. consolation

consolidation     unification; process of becoming firmer or stronger; V. consolidate: merge; strengthen

consonance      harmony; agreement

consonant       harmonious; in agreement; N.

consort          associate with; keep company; N: husband or wife (or a ruler)

conspiracy       treacherous plot; secret plan against the law (by two or more people)

conspire take part in a conspiracy; (of events) work together; combine; Ex. Events conspired to produce great difficulties.

consternation     great shock; dismay

constituency     voters represented by an elected official; district so represented; group of supporters (or constituents)

constituent       supporter; voter; member of a constituency; component

constitution      constituting; system of laws; composition of something; physical makeup or structure of a person; Ex. men with strong constitutions

constraint restraint; compulsion; repression of feelings; reticence; V. constrain: hold back; restrain; compel; oblige; confine forcibly; imprison

construe explain; interpret; Ex. construe her silence as meaning that she agreed; CF. misconstrue

consummate     complete; V.

contagion infection (by contact); ADJ. contagious; CF. infectious: that can be passed by infection in the air

contaminate      pollute

contempt scorn; disdain; ADJ. contemptuous; CF. contemptible

contend         struggle; compete; assert earnestly; state strongly

contention       assertion; claim; thesis; struggling; competition

contentious      quarrelsome; controversial; likely to cause arguments

contest          dispute; argue about the rightness of; compete for; try to win; Ex. contest the election results; Ex. contest a seat in Parliament; N.

context          writings preceding and following the passage quoted; circumstance in which an event occurs

contiguous       adjacent to; touching upon

continence       self-restraint; sexual chastity; sexual abstinence; voluntary control over bladder and bowel functions; ADJ. continent

contingent       dependent on something uncertain or in the future; conditional; happening by chance; accidental; N: a group of soldiers, ships to a larger force; CF. contingency: future event that may or may not occur; possibility; Ex. prepare for every contingency

contortions       twistings; distortions; V. contort: twist violently out of shape; CF. contortionist

contraband       illegal trade; smuggling; smuggled goods; ADJ.

contravene       contradict; oppose; violate (a rule, law, or custom); N. contravention

contrite penitent; repentant; N. contrition

contrivance      something contrived; machine or apparatus; clever deceitful plan; scheme

contrive invent or fabricate in a clever way (by improvisation); manage; Ex. contrive to attract his attention

contrived unnatural and forced; artificial; not spontaneous; Ex. The ending was rather contrived.

controvert       oppose with arguments; attempt to refute; contradict; ADJ. controversial; N. controversy

contumacious    stubborn and disobedient; resisting authority (esp. disobedient to an order made by a court)

contusion bruise

conundrum      riddle; difficult problem

convene         come together; assemble; call to meet; Ex. convene the council

convention       social or moral custom; established practice; formal meeting; international agreement

conventional     ordinary; typical; not nuclear; Ex. conventional weapons

converge approach; tend to meet; come together

conversant       familiar with; having knowledge of

converse opposite; ADJ.

convert          one who has adopted a different religion or opinion; V: change into another form; (persuade to) adopt a particular religion or belief

convex          curving outward

conveyance      vehicle; transfer; act of conveying; Ex. public conveyance

conviction       judgment that someone is guilty of a crime; strongly held belief

convivial pleasantly merry; festive; joyous; gay; characterized by joviality; jovial

convoke         call together; Ex. convoke Parliament; N. convocation

convoluted       coiled around; twisted; involved; complicated; intricate; complex; N. convolution: twist; one of the convex folds of the surface of the brain

convulsion       violent uncontrollable shaking movement (caused by illness); V. convulse; ADJ. convulsive

copious         plentiful

coquette flirt; flirtatious woman; woman who tries to attract the admiration of men without sincere feelings; V.

cordial          warmly friendly; gracious; heartfelt; Ex. cordial welcome

cordon          extended line of men or fortifications to prevent access or egress;

cornice          projecting molding on building (usually above columns or pillars); 

cornucopia       horn (or horn-shaped container) overflowing with fruit and grain; symbol of abundance; horn of plenty

corollary natural consequence (which naturally follows from something else)

coroner  public official who investigates any death thought to be of other than natural causes

corporeal bodily (rather than spiritual); of a bodily form; material; tangible

corpulent very fat; N. corpulence

corpus          collection (of writings or information); Ex. the corpus of Shakespear's works; Cf. corpse

corpuscle red or white cell in the blood

correlate either of the correlated things; V.

correlation       mutual relationship

corroborate      confirm‎; support; strengthen

corrode         destroy or wear away gradually by chemical action (over a long period)

corrosive eating away by chemicals or disease; (of language) fierce

corrugated       wrinkled; ridged

cosmic          pertaining to the universe; vast

coterie          group that meets socially; select circle; close group of people with shared interests

countenance      approve; support; tolerate; Ex. countenance his rude behavior; N: face; appearance

countermand     cancel; revoke (an order)

counterpart      thing that completes another; things very much alike; thing that has the same purpose in a different system

coup            highly successful action or sudden attack; coup(s) d'\'etat; CF. coup de gr\^ace: deathblow or shot which kills

couple          join; unite; OP. uncouple

courier          messenger

court           attempt to gain; seek; woo; risk; behave so as to invite; attempt to gain the favor of by attention; Ex. court disaster

covenant binding agreement between two groups or people; compact; V: enter into a covenant; promise

covert           secret; hidden; implied; OP. overt

covetous avaricious; desirous of (someone else's possessions); V. covet: desire eagerly (someone else's possessions)

cow            terrorize; intimidate

cower           shrink quivering as from fear; cringe

coy             shy (flirtatiously); showing a (pretended) lack of self-confidence; modest; coquettish; CF. job offer? ??? ?

cozen           cheat; hoodwink; swindle

crabbed         sour; bad-tempered; peevish; difficult to read as handwriting

craft            skill (esp. with one's hands); skill in deceiving people; guile; ADJ. crafty: cleverly deceitful; cunning

crass            very unrefined; grossly insensible; crude and undiscriminating; Ex. crass behavior

crave           desire; want intensely

craven          cowardly

credence belief

credential evidence concerning one's authority; written proof of a person's position; Ex. The new ambassador presented his credentials to the court.

credo           creed

credulity belief on slight evidence; gullibility; naivet\'e; ADJ. credulous

creed           system of religious or ethical belief

creep           move with body close to the ground; move stealthily or slowly; N.

cremate         incinerate (a corpse); N. crematory, crematorium

crescendo increase in the volume or intensity as in a musical passage; climax; CF. crescent

crest            top (as of a hill or wave); showy feathers on the head of a bird

crestfallen       dejected; dispirited

crevice          crack; fissure

cringe           shrink back as if in fear; cower

crinkle          wrinkle

criteria  standards used in judging; CF. criterion

crochet          make (a piece of needlework) by looping thread with a hooked needle; N. CF. crotchet

crone           hag; ugly old woman

cross           bad-tempered; showing ill-humor; angry

crossbreed       hybridize; N: hybrid; CF. interbreed; CF. inbreed

crotchety (of someone old) eccentric; odd; whimsical; bad-tempered; N. crotchet: odd or whimsical notion

crust            hard outer covering (as of earth or snow)

crux            essential or main point; Ex. the crux of the problem; ADJ. crucial: of deciding importance

crypt           secret recess or vault usually used for burial; underground room (under a church)

cryptic          mysterious; hidden; secret

cubicle          small chamber used for sleeping or work

cue             word or signal (as in a play to prompt another actor's speech or entrance); reminder or hint; V: give a cue to

cuisine          style of cooking; Ex. French cuisine

culinary relating to cooking or kitchen

cull             pick out from others (to kill the weakest members); reject; select; collect (information); N.

culmination      highest point; climax; V. culminate in: reach the highest point in; end in; Ex. a series of minor clashes culminating in war

culpable deserving blame; blameworthy

culprit          one guilty of a crime

culvert          artificial channel for water; drain crossing under a road

cumbersome     heavy and awkward to carry or wear; burdensome; Ex. cumbersome parcel/uniform

cumulative       growing by addition; accumulative

cunning         clever in deceiving; sly; N: cleverness in deceiving; deceit

cupidity greed (for wealth); CF. cupid; CF. Cupid

curator          superintendent; manager (in charge of a museum or a library)

curb            chain or strap used with a bit to restrain a horse; something that checks; V: check; restrain

curfew          regulation requiring all people to leave the streets at stated times; signal (as a bell) announcing the hour of a curfew

curmudgeon      churlish, miserly individual; bad-tempered old person

cursive          (of writing) flowing; running; having the successive letters joined

cursory          casual; hastily done with little attention to detail

curtail          shorten; reduce

cynical          skeptical or distrustful of human motives; N. cynicism; CF. cynic: person who believes all people are motivated by selfishness

cynosure object of general attention; person or thing that is a center of attention; CF. Ursa Minor

d\'eb\^acle       sudden disastrous downfall or defeat; complete disaster

d\'ebris  rubble; wreckage; scattered remains of something broken or destroyed

d\'ecollet\'e      (of a dress) having a low-cut neckline; CF. d\'ecolletage: low neckline (on a dress)

d\'enouement     final outcome; final development of the plot of a play or other literary work; the end of a story when everything is explained

dabble          work at in a nonserious fashion; splash around; move noisily in a liquid

dainty           delicate; delicately beautiful; fastidious; not easy to please; Ex. dainty movement/dress

dais            raised platform for speakers or other important people

dally            trifle with; toy with; treat without the necessary seriousness; procrastinate; waste time

damn           condemn; criticize severely; condemn to everlasting punishment; doom; bring to ruin; N. damnation

dank            damp; unpleasantly wet

dapper          neat and trim (in appearance); (of small men) neat in appearance and quick in movements; neat; spry

dappled         spotted

dart                    move or throw suddenly and quickly

daub            smear (as with paint); cover with something sticky; Ex. daub one's clothes with mud/paint; N: small bit of sticky substance; Ex. a daub of paint

daunt           intimidate; frighten; discourage; dishearten

dauntless bold; fearless

dawdle          loiter; hang around; waste time doing nothing

daze            stun as with a blow or shock; bemuse; benumb; N.

dazzle          make blind with a sudden intense light; amaze; fill with wonder

deadlock standstill resulting from the opposition of two unrelenting forces; stalemate

deadpan         wooden; impassive; with no show of feeling; with an expression‎less face

dearth           scarcity

debar           bar; forbid; exclude; Ex. debarred from jury services

debase          degrade; reduce in quality or value; degenerate; lower in esteem; disgrace; N. debasement

debauch         corrupt morally; seduce from virtue; N. debauchery: wild behavior (with sex and alcohol)

debilitate weaken (esp. through heat, hunger, illness); enfeeble

debonair (of men) friendly, charming, and fashionably dressed; aiming to please; CF. of good disposition

debunk          expose as false, exaggerated, worthless, etc.; ridicule

debut           d\'ebut; first public appearance; formal presentation of a young woman to society

debutante young woman making formal entrance into society

decadence       decay; fall to a lower level (of morality, civilization, or art); ADJ. decadent

decant          pour off gently (wine or liquid)

decapitate       behead

decelerate       slow down

deciduous       falling off at a specific season or stage of growth as of leaves; Ex. deciduous tree/teeth

decimate kill (usually one out of ten or every tenth man); destroy or kill a large part of

decipher decode; CF. indecipherable

declivity downward slope

decomposition    decay; V. decompose: decay; break and separate into simple parts

decorous proper (in behavior, conduct, or appearance)

decorum         propriety; orderliness and good taste in manners; appropriateness of behavior or conduct

decoy           lure or bait; V.

decree          authoritative order; edict; judgment of a court of law; V: order or judge by decree

decrepit weak and in bad condition from old age or hard use; Ex. decrepit old chair/man

decrepitude      state of collapse or weakness caused by illness or old age

deducible derived by reasoning; V. deduce: infer; derive by reasoning

deface          mar; disfigure

defalcate embezzle

defame          harm someone's reputation; malign; speak evil of; slander; N. defamation; ADJ. defamatory

default          failure to act; failure to perform a task or be present; V.

defeatist resigned to defeat or failure; accepting defeat or failure as a natural outcome; N. CF. defeatism

defect           shortcoming; V: desert (in order to join the opposite one)

defection desertion

defer           give in respectfully; submit; delay till later; exempt temporarily; N. deferment; CF. show respect, comply with, courteous

deference courteous regard for another's wish; courteous yielding to another's wish or opinion (showing respect); ADJ. deferential; OP. effrontery

defiance refusal to yield; resistance; V. defy; ADJ. defiant

defile           pollute; make filthy or dirty; corrupt morally; profane; desecrate; N: narrow passage or gorge through mountains

definitive most reliable; authorative and complete; that cannot be improved; conclusive; decisive; definite; Ex. definitive decision by the supreme court

deflect          turn aside; turn away from a straight course

defoliate destroy leaves; deprive of leaves (by the use of chemicals); N. defoliant

defray          provide for the payment of; undertake the payment of; pay

defrock         strip a priest or minister of church authority; unfrock

deft            neat; skillful

defunct          dead; no longer in use or existence

degenerate       become worse in quality; deteriorate; ADJ: having become worse; Ex. a degenerate species; N: depraved or corrupt person

degradation      humiliation; debasement; degeneration; V. degrade: debase; disgrace; degenerate; reduce (something) in worth; demote (someone); reduce in rank

deify           turn into a god; make a god of; idolize; Ex. Kings were deified; CF. deity

deign           condescend; stoop

delete           erase; strike out

deleterious       harmful

deliberate consider; ponder; ADJ: done on purpose; slow

delineate portray; depict; sketch; describe; N. delineation

delirium mental disorder marked by confusion; uncontrolled excitement; ADJ. delirious

delta            flat plain of mud or sand between branches of a river

delude          deceive

deluge          flood; rush; V.

delusion false belief; hallucination; deluding; Ex. delusions of grandeur; Ex. under the delusion that

delusive deceptive; likely to delude; misleading; raising vain hopes; Ex. delusive promises

delve           dig; search deeply; investigate

demagogue      person who appeals to people's prejudice; false leader of people; CF. demagoguery

demean         disgrace; humiliate; debase in dignity; behave

demeanor behavior; bearing

demented insane

demise          death

demographic     related to population balance; N. demography: statistical study of human population

demolition       destruction; V. demolish

demoniac(demoniacal)     fiendish; cruel; N. demon: evil supernatural being; devil

demotic         of or pertaining to the people

demur          object (because of doubts, scruples); raise an objection (showing qualms); hesitate; Ex. demur at the idea of working on Sunday

demure          (of a woman or child) grave; quiet and serious; coy; pretending to be demure

denigrate blacken; defame

denizen         (animal, person, or plant) inhabitant or resident of a particular place; regular visitor

denomination     religious group; unit in a system; name or designation; CF. denominator: common trait or characteristic

denotation       meaning; distinguishing by name; V. denote: indicate; refer to directly; mean; CF. connotation

denounce condemn; criticize; N. denunciation

depict           portray

deplete          reduce; exhaust

deplore          regret; express sorrow and severe disapproval for something bad; Ex. deplore their violent behavior; ADJ. deplorable: very bad; deserving severe disapproval; Ex. deplorable living condition

deploy          spread out (troops) in an extended though shallow battle line; distribute (persons or forces) systematically or strategically

deport          send out of the country; behave; N. deportation, deportment

depose          dethrone; remove from office; give a deposition; testify

deposition       testimony under oath; deposing; dethroning

depravity extreme corruption; wickedness; V. deprave

deprecate express disapproval of; deplore; protest against; belittle; ADJ. deprecatory

depreciate       lessen in value; belittle; represent as of little value

depredation      plundering; destruction

deputize work or appoint as a deputy; N. deputy: person who has the power to take charge when the leading person is away

deranged insane

derelict  negligent; (of someone) neglectful of duty; (of something) deserted by an owner; abandoned; N: abandoned property; homeless or vagrant person

dereliction       neglect of duty; abandonment

deride           ridicule; treat with contempt; make fun of; OP. respect

derision ridicule; ADJ. derisive; CF. derisory

derivation       deriving; origin or source of something; Ex. the derivation of the word

derivative unoriginal; obtained from another source; Ex. derivative prose style; N.

dermatologist     one who studies the skin and its diseases

derogatory       expressing a low opinion; disparaging; V. derogate: detract; disparage

descry          catch sight of (something distant)

desecrate profane; violate the sanctity of

deserts          what someone deserves

desiccate dry up

desolate (of a place) deserted; unpopulated; (of a person) lonely; forlorn; joyless

desolate make desolate; forsake; abandon and desert

desperado       reckless, desperate outlaw

desperate having lost all hope; despairing; reckless and violent because of loss of hope or despair; undertaken as a last resort

despise          look on with scorn; regard as worthless or distasteful; ADJ. despicable: contemptible

despoil          plunder; sack; Ex. despoil the village

despondent      without hope and courage; depressed; gloomy; N. despondency: loss of hope with gloom; dejection

despot          tyrant; harsh, authoritarian ruler; CF. despotism

destitute extremely poor; lacking means of subsistence; utterly lacking; devoid; Ex. destitute of any experience

desultory aimless; haphazard; digressing at random

detached emotionally removed; free from emotional involvement; calm and objective; physically separate; N. detachment; CF. attachment

detain           keep waiting; prevent from leaving or going; N. detention

determinate      having a fixed order of procedure; precisely defined; invariable; fixed; conclusive; final

determination    resolve; firmness of purpose; measurement or calculation; decision

deterrent something that discourages or deters

detonation       explosion

detraction slandering; aspersion; detracting; CF. detractor

detrimental      harmful; damaging; N. detriment

deviate          turn away from (a principle, norm); move away from an accepted standard; swerve; depart; diverge; N. deviation; Ex. deviation of the path of light by a prism

devious         roundabout; erratic; deviating from the straight course; not straightforward; not completely honest; Ex. devious route

devise          think up; invent; plan; bequeath; N: bequest

devoid          empty; lacking

devolve         deputize; pass or be passed to others (power, work, or property); Ex. devolve on/upon/to

devotee         enthusiastic follower; enthusiast; Ex. devotee of Bach

devout          pious; deeply religious; sincere; earnest; Ex. my devout hope

dexterous skillful; skill in using hands or mind; N. dexterity

diabolical diabolic; devilish; fiendish

diadem          crown

dialectical       relating to the art of debate; mutual or reciprocal; Ex. dialectical situation; N. dialectic: art of arriving at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments

diaphanous      sheer; transparent

diatribe bitter scolding or denunciation; invective; abuse

dichotomy       division into two opposite parts; split; branching into two parts (especially contradictory ones)

dictum          authoritative and weighty statement (made by a judge in court); saying; maxim; CF. obiter dictum: incidental, nonbinding remark (something said in passing)

didactic (of speech or writing) intended to teach a moral lesson; teaching; instructional; N. didacticism

die             metal block used for shaping metal or plastic; device for stamping or impressing; mold; CF. dice

diffidence       shyness; lack of self-confidence; timidity; ADJ. diffident

diffuse          wordy; verbose; rambling; spread out (like a gas); V: spread out in all directions; disperse; N. diffusion; CF. suffuse

dignitary person of high rank or position

digression       wandering away from the subject; V. digress

dilapidated       falling to pieces; in a bad condition; ruined because of neglect; Ex. dilapidated old car/castle; N. dilapidation

dilate           expand; dilate on/upon: speak or write at length on (a subject)

dilatory delaying; tending to delay

dilemma         situation that requires a choice between equally unfavorable options; problem; choice of two unsatisfactory alternatives

dilettante aimless follower of an art or a field of knowledge (not taking it seriously); amateur; dabbler; CF. delight

diligence steadiness of effort; persistent hard work

dilute           make (a liquid) less concentrated; reduce in strength; Ex. dilute the influence of the president

diminution       lessening; reduction in size; V. diminish

din             continued loud noise; V: make a din; instill by wearying repetition

dinghy          small boat (often ship's boat)

dingy           (of things and place) dirty and dull; Ex. dingy street/curtain

dint            means; effort; Ex. by dint of hard work

diorama         life-size, three-dimensional scene from nature or history; three-dimensional scene with modeled figures against a painted background

dire            warning of disaster; disastrous; (of needs and dangers) very great; urgent; Ex. dire prediction/need of food

dirge           funeral song; slow mournful piece of music (sung over a dead person)

disabuse correct a false impression; undeceive; free from a wrong belief

disaffected       disloyal; lacking loyality; V. disaffect: cause to lose affection or loyalty

disapprobation    disapproval; condemnation

disarray state of disorder; a disorderly or untidy state; Ex. with her clothes in disarray

disavowal       denial; disclaiming; repudiating; disowning; V. disavow; CF. disclaim

disband         dissolve; disperse; (of a group) break up and separate; Ex. The club has disbanded.

disbar           make (a lawyer) leave the bar or the legal profession

disburse pay out (as from a fund); N. disbursement; CF. purse

discernible       distinguishable; perceivable; Ex. discernible improvement

discerning       mentally quick and observant; having insight; perceptive; able to make good judgments; V. discern: perceive

disclaim disown; renounce claim to; deny; CF. disclaimer

disclose reveal; N. disclosure

discombobulated  discomposed; confused

discomfit frustrate; put to rout; defeat; disconcert; embarrass; perturb

discompose      disturb the composure of; confuse

disconcert       confuse; upset; embarrass; perturb

disconsolate      hopelessly sad (at the loss of something)

discord          conflict; lack of harmony; dissonance (when musical notes are played)

discorda nt      not harmonious; conflicting

discount disregard; regard (a story or news) as unimportant; deduct from a cost

discourse serious speech, writing, or conversation; formal discussion (either written or spoken); conversation; V.

discredit defame; disgrace; destroy confidence in; disbelieve; N. CF. discreditable: causing discredit; shameful

discrepancy      lack of consistency or agreement as between facts; difference; Ex. discrepancy between two descriptions

discrete separate; unconnected

discretion prudence; ability to adjust actions to circumstances; freedom of action or judgment; ADJ. discreet; CF. discretionary

discriminate      distinguish; make distinctions on the basis of preference

discriminating    able to see differences; discerning; prejudiced; N. discrimination

discursive       (of a person or writing) digressing; rambling (without any clear plan)

disdain          treat with scorn or contempt

disembark       debark; go ashore (from a ship); unload cargo from a ship; CF. embark

disenfranchise    disfranchise; deprive of a civil right; OP. enfranchise

disengage uncouple; separate; disconnect; stop fighting; OP. engage

disfigure mar the appearance of; spoil

disgorge surrender something (stolen); eject; vomit; OP. gorge

disgruntle make discontented

dishearten       discourage

disheveled       untidy (of hair or clothing); V. dishevel

dishonor disgrace; N. ADJ. dishonorable

disinclination     unwillingness

disingenuous     not naive; not candid; sophisticated; worldly wise; OP. ingenuous

disinter  dig up; unearth; OP. inter

disinterested     unprejudiced; free from bias and self-interest; objective

disjointed disconnected; lacking coherence; V. disjoint: disconnect; disjoin

disjunction       act or state of separation; disunity; CF. disjunctive: expressing a choice between two ideas; CF. conjunction; CF. conjunctive

dislodge remove (forcibly); force out of a position; Ex. dislodge the food caught in his throat; CF. lodge

dismantle take apart; disassemble

dismember       cut into small parts; cut (a body) apart limb from limb

dismiss          eliminate from consideration; no longer consider; put out of court without further hearing; reject; discharge from employment; direct to leave; ADJ. dismissive; N. dismissal

disparage belittle

disparate basically different; impossible to compare; unrelated

disparity difference; condition of inequality; OP. parity

dispassionate     calm; impartial; not influenced by personal feelings

dispatch speediness; prompt execution; message sent with all due speed; V: send to a specified destination; finish promptly; kill

dispel           scatter; drive away; cause to vanish

dispense distribute; prepare and give out (medicines); N. dispensation: dispensing; religious system; official exemption from an obligation or a rule

disperse scatter; Ex. disperse the cloud/crowd

dispirited lacking in spirit

disport          amuse; Ex. disport oneself; CF. divert

disproportion     lack of proportion (between the parts); ADJ. disproportionate

disputatious      argumentative; fond of argument

disquietude      uneasiness; anxiety; V. disquiet: make anxious

disquisition      formal systematic inquiry; explanation of the results of a formal inquiry; long formal speech or written report

dissection analysis; cutting apart in order to examine

dissemble disguise; hide the real nature of; pretend

disseminate      distribute; spread; scatter (like seeds)

dissension       disagreement of opinions causing strife within a group

dissent          disagree

dissertation      formal essay; treatise

dissident dissenting (with an opinion, a group, or a government); rebellious; N.

dissimulate      pretend; conceal by feigning; dissemble

dissipate squander; waste foolishly; scatter

dissolution       disintegration; reduction to a liquid form; looseness in morals; sensual indulgence; debauchery; ADJ. dissolute: lacking in moral restraint; leading an immoral life

dissonance       discord

dissuade persuade not to do; discourage; N. dissuasion

distant          reserved or aloof; cold in manner; Ex. distant greeting; ADV. distantly

distend          expand; swell out

distill           refine (a liquid by evaporating and subsequent condensation); concentrate; separate the most important parts from; Ex. distill fresh water from sea water; CF. brew

distinct  clearly different; clearly noticed

distinction       honor; excellence; difference; contrast; discrimination; Ex. graduated with distinction; Ex. a writer of real distinction

distinctive       clearly different from others of the same kind

distort          twist out of shape; give a false account of; misrepresent; N. distortion

distract  take (one's attention) off something; upset emotionally; make anxious; ADJ. distracted

distrait  absentminded; distracted

distraught upset; distracted by anxiety; very anxious and troubled almost to the point of madness; Ex. distraught with grief/worry

diurnal          daily; occurring during the daytime

diva            operatic singer; prima donna

diverge          vary; go in different directions from the same point; ADJ. divergent: differing; deviating

diverse          differing in some characteristics (from each other); various; N. diversity: variety; dissimilitude; lack of resemblance

diversion act of turning aside; pastime; V. divert: turn aside from a course; distract; amuse

divest           strip (as of clothes); deprive (as of rights); dispossess; N. divestiture(divestment)

divine           perceive intuitively (by or as if by magic); foresee the future; foretell; dowse; ADJ. N. divination

divulge          reveal

docile           obedient; easily managed; submissive

docket          program as for trial; book where such entries are made; list of things to be done; agenda; label fixed to a package listing contents or directions; V: describe in a docket

doctrinaire       unable to compromise about points of doctrine; dogmatic; unyielding; marked by inflexible attachment to a doctrine without regard to its practical difficulties

doctrine teachings in general; particular principle (religious, legal, etc.) taught; dogma; tenet; ADJ. doctrinal

document provide written evidence (for a claim); record with documents; N.

doddering       shaky; infirm from old age; V. dodder

doff            take off; OP. don

dogged          determined; stubborn; stubbornly persevering; tenacious; Ex. Inspector Javert's dogged pursuit of Jean Valjean

doggerel poor verse

dogmatic opinionated; holding stubbornly to one's opinion; arbitrary; doctrinal

doldrums blues; listlessness(lack of spirit or energy); slack(inactive) period; period of stagnation; ocean area near the equator where ships cannot move because there is no wind; Ex. in the doldrums

dolorous sorrowful; N. dolor

dolt            slow-thinking stupid person; CF. dull

domicile home; V. ADJ. domiciled: having one's domicile; Ex. He is domiciled in Britain.

dominant exercising the most influence; high and easily seen; stronger than the other part of a system; not recessive

dominate control; rule; enjoy a commanding position in; overlook from a height;

domineer rule over tyrannically

don             put on; OP. doff

doom           condemnation to a severe penalty; ruin; fate (esp. a tragic or ruinous one); V.

dormant         sleeping; temporarily inactive; lethargic; latent

dormer          window projecting upright from roof; CF. sleeping room

dorsal           relating to the back of an animal; Ex. dorsal fin

dossier          file of documents on a subject or person; file; CF. bundle of papers labeled on the back

dotage          senility; feeblemindedness of old age; Ex. In one's dotage

dote            be excessively fond of; show signs of mental decline

dour            sullen; gloomy; stubborn

douse           plunge into water or liquid; dip; immerse; drench; wet throughly; extinguish; throw water over; dowse

dowdy          untidy (of a woman or clothes); slovenly; dressed in an unattractive way; shabby; CF. unattractive woman

downcast disheartened; dejected; sad; directed downward

dowry          money or property brought by a bride to her husband at marriage

dowse          use a divining rod to search for underground water or minerals

doze            sleep lightly; nap

drab            dull; lacking color; cheerless ; Ex. drab coat/life

draconian extremely severe; Ex. draconian punishment; CF. Draco: Athenian politician

draft            first rough form; conscription; draught; V: make a draft of; conscript

drama           prose or verse composition to be performed by actors; play; exciting and unusual situation

drastic          strong; violent and severe; Ex. drastic changes/measures

draught current of air (through a room or to a fire); act of pulling roads; act of swallowing liquid or amount of liquid swallowed at a time

draw            choosing of a lot or card

dregs           sediment in a liquid; lees; worthless residue

dribble          flow or fall in drops; let saliva flow out slowly from the mouth; move a ball; N.

drip            fall or let fall in drops; shed drops; N: action or sound of falling in drops; liquid that falls in drops

drivel           nonsense; foolishness; V: talk nonsense

droll            queer and amusing

drone           idle person who lives on other people's work; male bee

drone           talk dully; buzz or murmur like a bee; N.

droop           bend or hang downward; become weakened; Ex. His shoulders drooped with tiredness; N.

dross           waste matter; worthless impurities

drudge          do drudgery; N: person who drudges

drudgery hard unpleasant work; menial work

dubious         questionable; (of something) causing doubt; (of someone) filled with doubt; N. dubiety

ductile          malleable; pliable; (of metals) easily pulled into shape; flexible; (of someone) easily influenced or controlled

dulcet           sweet sounding; pleasing to the ear; melodious

dull            (of colors or surfaces) not bright; cloudy; overcast; boring; (of edge or sound) not sharp; not rapid; sluggish; slow in thinking and understanding; stupid; V.

dumbfound(dumfound)     astonish (making dumb); ADJ. dumbfounded, dumfounded, dumbstruck

dummy         imitation of a real object used as a substitute; effigy

dupe            someone easily fooled or deceived; V: deceive

duplicity double-dealing; hypocrisy; being dishonest and deceitful; ADJ. duplicitous

duration length of time something lasts

duress          forcible restraint, especially unlawfully; coercion by threat; illegal coercion; Ex. a promise made under duress

dutiful(duteous)   (of people or their behavior) respectful; obedient (filled with a sense of duty)

dwindle         shrink; reduce gradually

dynamic         energetic; vigorously active

dynamo         generator for producing electricity; energetic person

dys-            abnormal; impaired

dysentery inflammatory disorder of the lower intestinal tract

dyslexia word blindness; learning disorder marked by impairment of the ability to read

dyspeptic suffering from indigestion; N. dyspepsia: indigestion; difficulty in digesting food

earmark         set aside (money or time) for a particular purpose

earthly          of this earth; terrestrial; worldly; not divine; possible; Ex. no earthly reason

earthy           unrefined; coarse; of earth; Ex. earthy remarks; OP. ethereal

ebb             (of the tide) recede; lessen; diminish; N. OP. flow: rise of tide

ebullient showing excitement; overflowing with enthusiasm; boiling; N. ebullience; N. ebullition: state of boiling

eccentric irregular; odd; unconventional; whimsical; bizarre; not concentric

eccentricity      oddity; idiosyncrasy

ecclesiastic      ecclesiastical; pertaining to the church; N: minister; priest; cleric; clergyman

eclectic selective; composed of elements drawn from disparate sources; selecting individual elements from a variety of sources; N. eclecticism

eclipse          darken; extinguish; outshine; surpass; cause an eclipse

ecliptic  path of the sun and the planets

ecologist person concerned with the interrelationship between living organisms and their environment; person concerned with the detrimental effects of human civilization on the environment; CF. ecology

economy         efficiency or conciseness in using something; thrifty management of resources

ecosystem       ecological community together with its environment

ecstasy          rapture; very strong feeling of joy and happiness; any overpowering emotion; ADJ. ecstatic: causing or experiencing ecstasy

eddy            swirling current of water, air, etc.; V.

edict            decree (especially one issued by a sovereign); official command

edifice          building (of imposing size)

edify           instruct; correct morally

eerie            weird; causing fear because strange

efface           rub out; remove the surface of

effective effectual; producing a strong response; striking; in operation; in effect; Ex. effective speech/photograph

effectual able to produce a desired effect; valid

effectuate effect; produce; achieve; Ex. effectuate a reconciliation

effeminate       having womanly traits

effervescence     inner excitement or exuberance; showing high spirits; emitting bubbles forming inside; bubbling from fermentation or carbonation; ADJ. effervescent; V. effervesce

effete           having lost one's original power; barren; worn out; exhausted

efficacy power to produce desired effect; ADJ. efficacious: effectual

effigy           dummy; likeness of a person made of wood, paper, or stone; Ex. burn an effigy of the President

effluvium noxious(harmful) smell

effrontery rudeness without any sense of shame; shameless boldness; presumptousness; nerve; cheek

effulgent shining brightly; brilliant

effusion pouring forth; unrestrained outpouring of feeling; V. effuse: pour out; ADJ. effusive: pouring forth; gushing

ego             one's opinion of oneself; self-esteem

egoism          excessive interest in one's self; belief that one should be interested in one's self rather than in others; selfishness; ADJ. egoistic, egoistical

egotism         tendency to speak or write of oneself excessively; conceit; self-importance

egotistical       egotistic; excessively self-centered(egocentric); self-important; conceited

egregious notorious; conspicuously bad or shocking

egress           exit; opening for going out; act of going out; OP. ingress

ejaculation       exclamation; abrupt ejection (to discharge sperm); V. ejaculate

elaborate work out carefully; add more detail or information; ADJ.

elaboration       addition of details; intricacy

elastic          able to spring back into shape; quick to recover (as from disappointment); able to adapt to change; Ex. elastic plans; N: elastic material

elated           filled with excited joy and pride; overjoyed; in high spirits; joyful and proud; Ex. elated crowd; V. elate; N. elation

elegy           poem or song expressing lamentation (for the dead); ADJ. elegiacal, elegiac

elevation elevated position; altitude; height; flat upright side of a building; angle made by pointing a gun; Ex. The elevation of her style is much admired; Ex. front elevation of the house

elicit            draw out fact or information (by discussion or from someone)

elixir           cure-all; panacea; something invigorating

ellipsis  omission of words from a text; mark used to indicate an omission (when the meaning can be understood without them); PL. ellipses

elliptical elliptic; oval; of an ellipse; containing an ellipsis; ambiguous either purposely or because key words have been left out

elope           run away secretly with the intention of getting married

eloquence       expressiveness; persuasive speech; ADJ. eloquent: movingly expressive; expressing ideas well so that the hearers can be influeneced

elucidate explain; make clear; clarify; enlighten; CF. lucid

elusive          evasive; not frank; baffling; hard to grasp, catch, or understand; V. elude: escape from; escape the understanding or grasp of; Ex. elude the hunter; Ex. His name eludes me.

elysian          relating to paradise; blissful

Elysium         place or condition of bliss

emaciated       thin and wasted (from hunger or illness)

emanate         issue forth; come out

emancipate      set free; liberate

emasculate       weaken; castrate

embargo         ban on commerce or other activity

embark          commence; go on board a boat; begin a journey

embed(imbed)    enclose; place in something; fix firmly in a surrounding mass

embellish adorn; ornament; enhance as a story (by adding fictitious details)

embezzlement    taking for one's own use in violation of trust; stealing (of money placed in one's care)

embitter make bitter; fill with painful or bitter feelings; make sad and angry; Ex. He was embittered by many disappointments.

emblazon ornament richly (a shield or flag); N. emblazonment

embody         give a bodily form to; incorporate; include

emboss          produce a design in raised relief; decorate with a raised design

embrace         hug; clasp with the arms; adopt or espouse; accept readily; encircle; include; Ex. embrace the cause/socialism; Ex. all-embracing; CF. brace; CF. bracelet

embroider       decorate with needlework; ornament (a story) with fancy or fictitious details; embellish

embroil         throw into confusion; involve in strife, dispute, or quarrel; entangle; CF. imbroglio

embryonic       undeveloped; rudimentary; N. embryo: organism in the early stage of development

emend          correct (usually a text); N. emendation: correction of errors; improvement

emetic          substance causing vomiting; ADJ.

eminent         rising above others; high; lofty; distinguished; Ex. eminent position

emissary agent (sent on a mission to represent another); messenger

emollient soothing or softening remedy (for the skin); ADJ.

emolument       salary; payment for an office; compensation

empathy         ability to identify with another's feelings, ideas, etc.; identification with and understanding of another's feelings; V. empathize; CF. sympathy

empirical based on experience

emulate         imitate; rival; try to equal or excel (through imitation)

enact           make (a bill) into law

enamored in love; Ex. enamored of his own beauty; V. enamor: inspire with love

encipher encode; convert a message into code; put into cipher

encircle surround

enclave         territory enclosed within an alien land

encomiastic      praising; eulogistic; N. encomium: very high praise; eulogy

encompass       surround; include; Ex. His activities encompass publishing and computers.

encroachment    gradual intrusion; Ex. I resent all these encroachments on my valuable time; V. encroach: take another's possessions or right gradually or stealthily; intrude; Ex. encroach on/upon

encumber burden; N. encumbrance

endear          make beloved; Ex. endear her to everyone; ADJ. dear: loved; cherished; high-priced

endearment      fond word or act; expression‎ of affection

endemic         prevailing among a specific group of people or in a specific area or country; peculiar to a particular region or people; CF. pandemic

endorse         approve; support; write one's signature on the back of; N. endorsement; CF. dorsal

endue           provide with some quality; endow

enduring lasting; surviving; V. endure: bear (pain or suffering) for a long time; remain alive (in spite of difficulties); last; survive

energize invigorate; give energy to; make forceful and active

enervate weaken; take away energy from

enfranchise      admit to the rights of citizenship (especially the right to vote); CF. franchise

engage          attract; employ; hire; pledge oneself; confront; fight; enter into confliction; interlock; lock together; participate; N. engagement: agreement to marry; arrangement to meet someone or to do something; battle

engaged         employed; busy; betrothed; involved in conflict

engaging charming; attractive

engender cause; produce; give rise to

engross         occupy fully; absorb

engulf          surround and swallow up

enhance         increase; make greater (as in value, reputation, or usefulness); improve

enigma          puzzle; mystery; ADJ. enigmatic: obscure; puzzling

enjoin           command; order; forbid

enlist           (cause to) join the armed forces; obtain (help, sympathy, or support)

enliven          make lively or spirited; animate

enmity          ill will; hatred; hostility

ennui           boredom; listlessness and dissatisfaction resulting from lack of interest; CF. annoy

enormity hugeness (in a bad sense); excessive wickedness; Ex. enormity of the crime; ADJ. enormous

enrapture please intensely; fill with rapture and delight

ensconce settle comfortably; place comfortably (in a secure place)

ensue           follow (as a result)

entail           make necessary; require; necessitate; involve; limit the inheritance of (property) to a specified succession of heirs; Ex. entail A on/upon B

enterprise willingness to take new ventures; initiative; business organization; plan (that is difficult or daring); Ex. their latest enterprise to sail round the world in a small boat

enterprising      full of initiative; showing enterprise

enthrall capture; enslave; captivate; hold the complete attention of (as if magic); hold spellbound

entice           lure; persuade to do (something wrong); attract; tempt

entity           real being

entomology      study of insects

entourage group of attendants; retinue; CF. surround

entrance put under a spell(condition caused by magical power); carry away(fill with strong feeling) with emotion; put into a trance; fill with delight

entreat          plead; ask earnestly

entree(entr\'ee)    entrance; a way in; right to enter; main dish of a meal; Ex. entree into the exclusive circle

entrepreneur     businessperson (who assumes the risk of a business venture); contractor; ADJ. entrepreneurial

enumerate       list; mention one by one

enunciate announce; proclaim; utter or speak, especially distinctly; pronounce clearly; articulate; Ex. This theory was first enunciated by him.

environ         enclose; surround; N. environs: surrounding area (as of a city)

eon(aeon) long period of time; an age; longest division of geologic time containing two or more eras

epaulet(epaulette) ornament worn on the shoulder (of a uniform, etc.)

ephemeral       short-lived; fleeting

epic            long heroic poem, novel, or similar work of art (celebrating the feats of a hero); ADJ: (of stories or events) resembling an epic; grand

epicure          connoisseur of food and drink; gourmet; ADJ. epicurean; CF. Epicurus

Epicurean       believing that pleasure is good and suffering is bad and should be avoided; N.

epigram         witty thought or saying, usually short

epilogue short speech at conclusion of dramatic work

episodic (of a story or play) loosely connected; made up of separate and loosely connected parts; N. episode: incident in the course of an experience

epistemologist    philosopher who studies the nature of knowledge; N. epistemology

epitaph          inscription in memory of a dead person (as on a tombstone)

epithet          word or phrase characteristically used to describe a person or thing; descriptive phrase to characterize a person (often contemptous)

epitome         perfect example or embodiment; brief summary; Ex. epitome of good manners; V. epitomize: make an epitome of; be an epitome of; embody

epoch           period of time

equable         tranquil; of even calm temper; (of temperature) steady; uniform

equanimity       calmness of temperament; composure

equestrian       rider on horseback; ADJ.

equilibrium      balance of opposing forces; balance of the mind; equanimity

equine          resembling a horse; Ex. equine face

equinox         period of equal days and nights; the beginning of spring and autumn; Ex. vernal/autumnal equinox; ADJ. equinoctial

equipoise balance; balancing force; equilibrium

equitable fair; impartial; OP. inequitable

equity           fairness; justice; OP. inequity

equivocal (of words or statements) ambiguous; intentionally misleading; (of behavior) questionable; OP. unequivocal

equivocate       use equivocal language to deceive people; lie; mislead; attempt to conceal the truth; N. equivocation

erode           eat away; wear away gradually by abrasion; Ex. The sea erodes the rocks.

erotic           pertaining to passionate love or sexual love

errant           wandering (esp. in search of adventure); straying from proper moral standards; Ex. knight-errant

erratic          odd; irregular in movement or behavior; unpredictable

erroneous mistaken; wrong; incorrect

erudite          (of a person or book) learned; full of learning; scholarly; N. erudition

escapade prank; flighty conduct; reckless adventure that disobeys rules

eschew          avoid habitually; Ex. eschew alcoholic drinks

esoteric hard to understand; known only to the chosen few, esp. initiates; N. esoterica

espionage spying

espouse         adopt; support (an idea or aim); marry; N. espousal

esteem          respect; value; judge; N.

estimable        (of a person) worthy of esteem; admirable; deserving esteem; possible to estimate

estranged separated; alienated; V. estrange: alienate (people in a family); N. estrangement

ethereal like a spirit or fairy; unearthly light; heavenly; unusually refined; Ex. She has an ethereal beauty; CF. ether: upper air

ethnic           relating to races

ethnology study of humankind; study of the different races of human beings; CF. anthropology

ethos           underlying character of a culture, group, etc.; character or ideas peculiar to a specific person, group, or culture; Ex. the company ethos

etymology       study of word parts; study of the origins of words

eugenic         pertaining to the improvement of race; N. eugenics: study of hereditary improvement of the human race

eulogistic praising; full of eulogy

eulogy          expression‎ of praise, often on the occasion of someone's death; V. eulogize

euphemism      mild expression‎ in place of an unpleasant one; ADJ. euphemistic

euphony         sweet sound; ADJ. euphonious

euphoria feeling of exaggerated or unfounded(ungrounded; baseless) well-being; feeling of great happiness or well-being (when unreasonable); ADJ. euphoriaric

euthanasia       mercy killing

evanescent       fleeting; vanishing; soon disappearing; V. evanesce

evasive          not frank; trying to hide the truth; eluding; evading; V. evade: avoid (a duty or responsibility) or escape from by deceit

evenhanded      impartial; fair

eventual         happening at last as a result; Ex. eventual victory

evince          show clearly

evocative tending to call up (emotions, memories)

evoke           call forth (memory or feeling); Ex. That old film evoked memories of my childhood; N. evocation

ewe            female sheep

exacerbate       worsen; aggravate; embitter

exact           demand and obtain by force; Ex. exact a promise from him; N. exaction

exacting extremely demanding; Ex. exacting standard of safety

exalt            raise in rank or dignity; praise highly; inspire; Ex. exalt the imagination; ADJ. exalted; N. exaltation

exasperate       vex; annoy or make angry (by testing the patience)

except          exclude; N. exception: objection; exclusion; ADJ. exceptional: unusual; of unusually high quality

exceptionable    objectionable; likely to cause dislike; offensive; CF. unexceptionable: entirely acceptable

excerpt          selected passage (written or musical) taken from a longer work; V.

exchequer       treasury; Ex. Chancellor of the exchequer

excise           cut away; cut out; N: government tax on good produced and used inside a country; N. excision

exclaim         cry out suddenly; N. exclamation; ADJ. exclamatory

excoriate scold with biting harshness; censure strongly; strip the skin off

exculpate clear from blame or guilt

execrable very bad; detestable

execrate curse; express abhorrence for; detest

execute         put into effect; carry out; kill as a lawful punishment; N. execution

executioner      person administering capital punishment

executive person having administrative authority; one branch of government executing laws; ADJ: relating to executing

executor person designated to execute the terms of a will;

exegesis explanation, especially of biblical(of the bible) passages

exemplary       serving as a model; outstanding; Ex. exemplary punishment/behavior; N. exemplar: typical example; model

exemplify       show by example; furnish an example; serve as an example of; Ex. His pictures exemplify that sort of painting.

exempt          not subject to a duty or obligation; free from a duty; V.

exertion effort; expenditure of much physical work; V. exert oneself: make a great effort

exhale          breathe out; OP. inhale

exhilarating      invigorating and refreshing; cheering; V. exhilarate: make cheerful and excited; Ex. exhilarated by the ride in the sports car

exhort          urge (by strong argument or advice); Ex. The general exhorted his men to fight bravely; N. exhortation

exhume         dig out of the ground; remove from a grave

exigency urgent situation; ADJ. exigent

exiguous small in amount; minute

existential       pertaining to existence; pertaining to the philosophy of existentialism

exodus          departure (of a large number of people)

exonerate acquit; exculpate; free from blame or guilt

exorbitant       (of costs or demands) excessive; exceeding reasonable bounds

exorcise drive out evil spirits

exotic           not native; from another part of the world; strange; intriguingly unusual; Ex. exotic flower/dress

expansive (of a person) outgoing and sociable; broad and extensive; able to increase in size

expatiate talk at length; speak or write in detail

expatriate exile; someone who has withdrawn from his native land; V: exile; banish; leave one's country

expedient suitable (for a particular purpose although not necessarily morally correct); practical; politic(prudent); N: something expedient

expedite hasten; make go faster

expeditious      done with speed; quick; N. expedition

expenditure      payment or expense; expending; something expended; output; Ex. receipt for the expenditure; Ex. expenditure of all the energy

expertise specialized knowledge (in a particular field); expert skill

expiate          make amends for (a sin)

expletive meaningless word; interjection; profane oath; swear-word

explicate explain in detail; interpret; clarify; CF. explicable

explicit  totally clear; definite; outspoken

exploit          brave and successful act; deed or action, particularly a brave deed; CF. crossing the Atlantic ocean

exploit          make use of, sometimes unjustly; N. exploitation

expos\'e public revelation of something discreditable

expository       explanatory; serving to explain; N. exposition: explaining; exhibition

expostulation     protest; remonstrance; reasoning with someone to correct or dissuade; V. expostulate

exposure risk, particularly of being exposed to disease or to the elements; unmasking; act of laying something open; Ex. exposure of governmental corruption

expound         explain

expropriate      take possession of (often for public use and without payment)

expunge         cancel; remove a word or name (from a book or list); erase

expurgate clean; remove offensive parts of a book

exquisite delicate; very finely made; extremely beautiful; Ex. exquisite piece of jewelry

extant           (of something written or painted) still in existence

extemporaneous  not planned; impromptu; extempore

extenuate weaken; mitigate; lessen the seriousness of (bad behavior)

extirpate root up; uproot; destroy completely

extol            praise very highly; glorify

extort           wring from; get money by threats, etc.; obtain by force or threats; CF. extortionate: exorbitant

extradition       surrender of prisoner by one state to another; Ex. extradition treaty; V. extradite

extraneous       not essential; irrelevant; superfluous; external; coming from the outside; Ex. extraneous details/noise/to the subject

extrapolation     projection; conjecture; V. extrapolate: infer (unknown information) from known information

extricate free from an entanglement or difficulty; disentangle

extrinsic external; not essential or inherent; extraneous; OP. intrinsic

extrovert person interested mostly in external objects and actions

extrude  force or push out; thrust out; shape (plastic or metal) by forcing through a die

exuberance      overflowing abundance; joyful enthusiasm; flamboyance; lavishness; ADJ. exuberant: high-spirited and lively; growing abundantly and strongly

exude           flow out slowly; discharge (gradually); give forth; N. exudation

exult            rejoice

fabricate build; lie; make up (a story) in order to deceive; Ex. fabricate the whole story; CF. fabric: underlying structure; Ex. fabric of society

facade(fa\c{c}ade) front or face (of building); superficial or false appearance

facet            small plane surface (of a gem(precious stone)); a side

facetious joking (often inappropriately); unserious; humorous

facile           easily accomplished; ready or fluent; superficial; not deep; Ex. facile solution to a complex problem; Ex. facile speaker; N. facility: ability to do something easily and well; ease in doing resulting from skill or aptitude; something that facilitates an action; amenity; Ex. with great facility

facilitate help bring about; make less difficult

facsimile copy

faction          party; clique (within a large group); dissension

factious inclined to form factions; causing dissension

factitious artificial; produced artificially; sham; false; Ex. factitious tears

factotum handyman; person who does all kinds of work; CF. do everything

faculty          mental or bodily powers; teaching staff

fake    not genuine; N: one that is not genuine; impostor; sham; V: counterfeit; Ex. fake the results of the experiment/the signature

fallacious false; based on a fallacy; misleading; N. fallacy: false idea or notion; false reasoning; Ex. popular fallacy; Ex. fallacy of the argument

fallible  liable to err

fallow          (of land) plowed but not sowed (to improve the quality); uncultivated

falsify          make (something written) false by changing

falter           hesitate; weaken in purpose or action; walk or move unsteadily through weakness; N.

fanaticism       excessive zeal; extreme devotion to a belief or cause; N. fanatic; ADJ. fanatic

fancied          imagined; unreal

fancier          breeder or dealer of animals; one who has a special interest, as for raising  specific plant or animal

fanciful whimsical; visionary; imaginary; produced by imagination; Ex. fanciful scheme

fancy           imagination (of a whimsical or fantastic nature); capricious liking; V: imagine; be fond of; ADJ. decorative; elaborate

fanfare          call by bugles or trumpets; showy display; spectacular public display

farce            broad comedy; mockery; humorous play full of silly things happening; ADJ. farcical

far-fetched       too improbable to be believed; implausible; Ex. far-fetched story

fashion          give shape to; make; Ex. fashion the pot out of clay

fastidious difficult to please; squeamish; fussy; finicky

fatalism belief that events are determined by forces or fates beyond one's control; ADJ. fatalistic; CF. fatal: causing death

fathom          comprehend; investigate; determine the depth of; N. unit of measurement for the depth of water

fathomless       too deep to be measured or understood; unfathomable

fatuous          smugly and unconsciously foolish; inane; silly; N. fatuity, fatuousness

fauna           animals of a period or region; CF. flora

favoritism       display of partiality toward a favored person

fawning         courting favor by cringing and flattering; V. fawn: exhibit affection as a dog; seek favor or attention by obsequiousness

faze            disconcert; dismay; embarrass

feasible practical; able to be carried out; practicable

feature          distinctive part of the faces (as the eyes or mouth); features: overall appearance of the face; prominent or distinctive quality; prominent article; film; V: make prominent

febrile          feverish

fecundity fertility; fruitfulness; ADJ. fecund: very productive of crops or young

feebleminded     deficient in intelligence; very stupid

feign           pretend

feint            trick; shift; sham blow; feigned attack to draw away defensive action; V.

felicitous (of a word or remark) apt; suitably expressed; well chosen

felicity  happiness; appropriateness (of a remark, choice, etc.); quality of being felicitous

feline           of a member of the cat family; N.

fell             cruel; (of a disease) deadly

fell             cut or knock down (a tree or a person); bring down (with a missile)

felon           person convicted of a grave crime; CF. felony: serious crime

feral            (of an animal) not domestic; wild

ferment         agitation; commotion(noisy and excited activity); unrest (of a political kind); V. produce by fermentation; undergo fermentation; cause (a state of trouble)

fermentation     chemical reaction that splits complex organic compounds; unrest; agitation

ferocious fierce; violent; N. ferocity

ferret           drive or hunt out of hiding; hunt with ferrets; drive out (as from a hiding place); expel; uncover or discover by searching; Ex. ferret out the secret; N. small fierce animal which catches rats and rabbits by going into their holes

fertile           producing many young, fruits, or seeds; (of land) producing good crops; V. fertilize

fervent          ardent; zealous; hot

fervid           ardent; zealous; hot

fervor           glowing ardor; intensity of feeling; quality of being fervent or fervid; zeal; intense heat

fester           rankle; produce irritation or resentment; (of a cut or wound) generate pus or rot; Ex. His insult festered in my mind for days.

festive          joyous; celebratory; relating to a feast or festival

fete(f\^ete)       honor at a festival; celebrate or honor with a feast; N. (outdoor) festival or feast; CF. feast

fetid(foetid)      malodorous; foul

fetish(fetich)     object believed to have spiritual powers; object of excessive attention or reverence; CF. fetishism

fetter           shackle; restrict the freedom of; N. chain or shackle for the foot of a prisoner; CF. foot

feud            bitter prolonged quarrel (usually between two peoples or families); V. CF. Romeo and Juliet; CF. feudal, feudalism

fiasco           total failure; CF. bottle

fiat             command; arbitrary order; Ex. presidential fiat; CF. let it be done

fickle           changeable (in affections or friendship); faithless

fictitious imaginary; non-existent; purposely invented to deceive; untrue; Ex. fictitious name/boyfriend; CF. fictional

fidelity  loyalty; accuracy

fiend           evil spirit; devil

figment         invention; something invented; imaginary thing; Ex. figment of your imagination

figurative not literal but metaphorical; using a figure(impression) of speech

figure           written symbols; number; amount represented in numbers; outline or silhouette of a thing or human body; person (well-known); impression; diagram; pattern; group in a dance; Ex. figure of speech; V. calculate with numbers; adorn with figures; appear; consider; Ex. My name did not figure in the list.

figurine small ornamental statuette(very small statue)

filch            steal (things of small value)

filial            pertaining to or befitting a son or daughter; Ex. filial respect

filibuster block legislation or prevent action in a lawmaking body by making very slow long speeches; N; freebooter

filigree  delicate ornamental lacelike metalwork

filing           particle removed by a file

filth            dirty matter; ADJ. filthy

finale           conclusion; concluding part

finery           beautiful clothes for a special occasion

finesse          delicate skill; V: handle with finesse

finicky          too particular; fussy; difficult to please; too concerned with unimportant details or quality; Ex. finicky about her food

finish           surface texture; completeness of execution

finished properly made and complete; Ex. finished product/performance

finite           limited

firebrand piece of burning wood; hothead; troublemaker; person who stirs up trouble

fissure          crevice; crack

fit              sudden outburst of an illness or feeling; convulsion caused by epilepsy

fitful            spasmodic; intermittent; irregular

flaccid          flabby; lacking firmness; weak; Ex. flaccid muscles

flag            droop; grow feeble; decline in vigor or strength; ADJ. flagging; CF. unflagging

flagrant conspicuously wicked, bad, or offensive; blatant; outrageous

flail            beat with or as if with a flail; move wildly; thresh grain by hand; strike or slap; toss about; N: threshing tool consisting of a stick swinging from the end of a long handle

flair            talent

flamboyant      ornate; highly elaborate; richly colored; ostentatious; showy; CF. flame

flashy           showy; gaudy; giving a momentary brilliance

flaunt           display ostentatiously; Ex. ``Honey, if you've got it, flaunt it !''

flay            strip off skin; plunder; remove the skin from; criticize harshly

fleck            spot; mark with flecks; N: small mark or spot

fledgling(fledgeling)       inexperienced; N: young bird that has acquired wing feathers and is learning to fly; inexperienced person

fleece           wool coat of a sheep; V: shear the fleece from; rob by a trick; swindle; plunder

fleet            fast; rapid; N. ADJ. fleeting: passing quickly; ephemeral

flick            light stroke as with a whip; V: move with a light quick blow; strike with a light quick blow (as from a whip); Ex. flick the switch

flicker          burn unsteadily or fitfully; move waveringly; N: flickering movement or light; brief sensation; Ex. flicker of excitement

flighty          (esp. of a woman's behavior) capricious; often changing, esp. from one lover to another; impulsive

flinch           hesitate; shrink back (in fear of something unpleasant); Ex. She did not flinch in the face of danger.

flip             send (something) spinning, often into the air, by striking with a light quick blow; turn over; Ex. flip over

flippant lacking proper seriousness; Ex. flippant remarks about death; N. flippancy

flirt             behave in a way that attracts (sexual) attention; deal triflingly with; N: one (or woman) given to flirting; ADJ. flirtatious

flit             fly; fly or move lightly or quickly; dart lightly; pass swiftly by; Ex. a bee flitting from flower to flower

floe            flat mass of floating ice

flora            plants of a region or era

florescence      condition or period of flowering

florid           ruddy; (of a complexion) reddish; flowery; very ornate; CF. rose

flotsam          drifting wreckage

flounder struggle and thrash about; proceed clumsily or falter (as in water, mud, snow, etc.); proceed in confusion

flourish grow well; prosper; make sweeping gestures; wave; brandish; Ex. The trees flourished in the sun. N: showy movement or gesture; embellishment or ornamentation (esp. in handwriting)

flout            reject; mock; show contempt for; scorn; Ex. flout the rules

flowery         full of flowers; full of ornate expressions

fluctuate waver; shift; rise and fall as if in waves; change or vary irregularly

fluency          smoothness of speech; ADJ. fluent

fluke           unlikely occurrence; stroke of fortune; accidental stroke of good luck; ADJ. fluky

flush            redden; blush; flow suddenly and abundantly; wash out by a rapid brief flow of water; N: reddish tinge; blush; brief rush; rush of strong feeling; Ex. flush of pride; ADJ: having surfaces in the same plane; even; blushing

fluster          confuse; make nervous and confused; N.

fluted           having vertical parallel grooves (as in a pillar); V. flute: make long parallel inward curves in; N. flute: long rounded groove incised on the shaft of a column

flutter           (of a bird with large wings) wave (the wings) lightly, rapidly, and irregularly; vibrate rapidly or erratically; fly by waving quickly; flitter; N.

flux            flowing; series of changes; fluctuation; Ex. in a state of flux

fodder          coarse food for cattle, horses, etc.; feed for livestock; CF. food

foible           small weakness of character; slight fault; CF. feeble

foil             contrast; one that by contrast enhances the distinctive characteristics of another

foil             defeat; frustrate; prevent from being successful; thwart; CF. fail

foist            insert improperly; impose upon another by coercion; palm off; pass off as genuine or worthy; CF. fist

foliage          masses of leaves; CF. defoliate

foment          stir up; incite; instigate; promote the growth of (something evil or unpleasant)

foolhardy rash; reckless; foolishly daring

foppish          vain about dress and appearance; N. fop: man who takes too much interest in his clothes and appearance

foray           raid; sudden raid or military advance; V.

forbearance      patience; forgiveness; V. forbear: refrain from (in a generous and forgiving way); be patient; Ex. forbear to send him to prison

ford            place where a river can be crossed on foot; V.

forebears(forbears) ancestors

foreboding       premonition of evil; feeling of coming evil; V. forebode: be a warning of (something unpleasant)

forensic suitable to debate or courts of law; of or used in legal proceedings and the tracking of criminals; Ex. forensic science/medicine

forerunner       predecessor; one that comes before and indicates the approach of another

foreshadow      give an indication beforehand; be a sign of (what is coming); portend; prefigure

foresight ability to foresee future happenings; prudence in providing for the future

forestall prevent by taking action in advance

forfeit           something surrendered as punishment for a crime or breach of contract; V: lose as a forfeit; N. forfeiture

forge           counterfeit; reproduce fraudulently; form by heating in a forge and hammering into shape; move with a sudden increase of speed or power; Ex. forged ahead in the last two years; N: furnace where metals are heated

forgo(forego)     give up; do without

forlorn          sad and lonely; wretched; desolate

formality ceremonious quality; ceremonious adherence to rules; something done just for form's sake; Ex. mere formality

formidable       menacing; arousing fear; threatening; difficult to defeat; Ex. formidable foe/question

forsake          desert; abandon; renounce

forswear renounce under oath; abandon; make a solemn promise to give up; CF. abjure

forte            strong point or special talent in a person's character

forthcoming      happening in the near future; ready; willing to help; Ex. No answer was forthcoming.

forthright straightforward; direct; frank

fortitude bravery; courage; strength of mind

fortuitous accidental; by chance; N. fortuity

forum           public square of an ancient Roman city; public place for open discussion; court of law

forward         presumptuous or bold

foster           rear; bring up (for a certain period only); encourage; promote the development of (feelings or ideas); Ex. help foster friendly relations; ADJ: giving parental care although not related by blood; Ex. foster parents

foul            very bad or disagreeable; very dirty; Ex. foul smell/flavor/temper/language/air/deed/weather/means; N. act against the rules; V. make or become foul; commit a foul

founder         fail completely; sink; CF. flounder

founder         person who establishes (an organization or business)

fracas           brawl(noisy quarrel or fight) in which a number of people take part; melee

fractious unruly; peevish; cranky; bad-tempered; Ex. fractious horse

frail            weak; N. frailty

franchise right or privilege granted by authority; right to vote; license to sell a product in a particular territory

frantic          wild; distraught as from fear or worry; Ex. frantic with fear

fraudulent       cheating; deceitful; Ex. fraudulent means; N. fraud: deception; swindle

fraught          filled (with something unpleasant); full; Ex. fraught with danger and difficulties; CF. freight

fray            brawl; fight; V: wear away or unravel by rubbing; have loose threads developing; cause to become worn out (a person's temper or nerves); CF. rub

freebooter       pirate or plunderer who makes war in order to grow rich

frenetic(phrenetic) frenzied; frantic

frenzied madly excited; N. frenzy: violent wild excitement

fresco           painting on wet plaster (usually fresh)

fret             be annoyed or vexed; Ex. fret over your poor grades; N: irritation of mind; ADJ. fretful

friction  clash or conflict in opinion; rubbing against

frieze           ornamental horizontal band on a wall

frigid           intensely cold; cold in manner; Ex. frigid zone

fringe           decorative edge of hanging threads; edge

frisk            move about playfully; froric; ADJ. frisky: playful

fritter           waste (time or money on unimportant things)

frivolous lacking in seriousness; flippant; self-indulgently carefree; unworthy of serious attention; relatively unimportant; trivial

frock           long loose garment (worn by monks)

frolic           play and jump about happily; frisk; Ex. frolicking young lambs

frolicsome       prankish; gay; playful; merry; frisky

frond           fern leaf; palm or banana leaf

fructify  bear fruit; produce fruit

frugality thrift; economy; ADJ. frugal: practicing economy; costing little; inexpensive

fruitful  producing results; profitable; prolific; producing in abundance

fruition  bearing of fruit; fulfillment; realization; Ex. come to/be brought to fruition

frustrate thwart; defeat; prevent from accomplishing a purpose

fuddle          make stupid or confused as with alcholic drink; N. in a fuddle: confused

fugitive fleeting or transitory; lasting only a short time; roving(wandering); running away or fleeing as from the law; N: one who flees; Ex. fugitives at large

fulcrum         support on which a lever rests or pivots

fulminate thunder; explode; issue a severe denunciation

fulsome         disgustingly excessive; offensively flattering; Ex. fulsome praise/expressions of admire

fumble          move the fingers and hands awkwardly (in search of something); mishandle or drop a ball that is in play; bungle; botch; spoil by mishandling; N.

functional       made for practical use only (without decoration); functioning; Ex. functional modern furniture; CF. functionalism

functionary      official (who performs a particular function)

fundamental      basic; primary; essential

funereal sad; solemn; suitable for a funeral

furor            frenzy; great anger and excitement; CF. fury

furrow          long shallow trench made by a plow; deep wrinkle in the skin; V.

furtive          stealthy; quiet and secret (trying to escape notice); sneaky; Ex. furtive glance

fusillade simultaneous firing or outburst (of missiles, questions, etc.)

fusion           union; coalition; V. fuse

fuss:            trouble or worry over trifles; make nervous; pay too much attention to; N: needless concern or worry (about a trivial thing); anxious nervous condition; display of attention; Ex. make a fuss over the baby

fussy           fastidious; finicky; easily upset

futile           seless; hopeless; ineffectual

gadfly          animal-biting fly; irritating person

gaffe           social blunder

gainsay         deny

gait             manner of walking or running; speed

galaxy          large isolated system of stars, such as the Milky Way; collection of brilliant personalities

gale            windstorm; gust of wind; emotional outburst (laughters, tears); Ex. gale of laughter

gall             annoy; exasperate; chafe; N: skin sore caused by rubbing (as on the skin of a horse); exasperation

gall             bitterness of feeling; nerve; effrontery; ??(bile); CF. gall bladder

galleon          large three-masted sailing ship

galley           low ship with sails (rowed along by slaves)

gallows         framework from which a noose is suspended (used for execution by hanging)

galvanic of the production of electricity by the action of an acid on a metal; having the effect of an electric shock; Ex. galvanic cell; galvanic effect; CF. Luigi Galvani

galvanize stimulate or shock by an electric current; stimulate by shock; shock into action; stir up; coat with rust-resistant zinc by using electricity

gambit          opening in chess in which a piece is sacrificed; action made to produce a future advantage

gambol          romp; skip about; leap about playfully; frolic; N.

gamely          in a spirited manner; with courage; Ex. fight gamely against a superior boxer; ADJ. game

gamut           entire range

gangrene decay of body tissue caused by insufficient blood supply (usually following injury); ADJ. gangrenous

gape            open widely; open the mouth wide; stare wonderingly with the mouth open; CF. agape

garbled          mixed up; jumbled; distorted; V. garble: mix up or distort (a message) to such an extent as to make misleading or unintelligible

gargantuan       huge; enormous; gigantic; CF. the hero of Gargantua and Pantagruel

gargoyle waterspout carved in grotesque figures on a building

garish           overbright in color; unpleasantly bright; gaudy

garner          gather; store up; amass

garnish          decorate; add a garnish to; decorate (food or drink) with small items such as lemon slices; N.

garrulous loquacious; wordy; talkative; N. garrulity

gastronomy      art and science of preparing and serving good food; CF. gastronome

gauche          clumsy (in social behavior); coarse and uncouth

gaudy           flashy; showy

gaunt           lean and angular; thin and bony; emaciated; barren

gavel           hammerlike tool; mallet(wooden hammer) used by a presiding officer or an auctioneer; V.

gawk           stare foolishly; look in open-mouthed awe

gazette          official periodical publication; newspaper

genealogy       record of descent; lineage; ancestry; study of ancestry

generality vague statement; general statement which is not detailed; quality of being general; greater part; most; Ex. generality of people

generate cause; produce; create

generic          characteristic of an entire class or species; of a genus

genesis          beginning; origin

geniality cheerfulness; kindliness; sympathy; ADJ. genial: cheerful and good-tempered

genre           particular variety of art or literature

genteel          well-bred; elegant; striving to convey an appearance of refinement; Ex. genteel poverty

gentility those of gentle birth; high social class; refinement; quality of being genteel

gentle           kindly; soft; mild; of good family

gentry          people of standing(rank or position); people of good family or high social position; class of people just below nobility

genuflect bend the knee as in worship

genus           division of animals or plants, below a family and above a species

geriatrics medical treatment and care of old age

germ           earliest form of an organism; seed or bud; something that may develop into something larger or more important; microbe

germane         pertinent; bearing upon(having connection with) the case at hand; appropriate

germinal pertaining to a germ; creative; Ex. germinal idea

germinate cause to sprout; sprout

gerontocracy     government ruled by old people

gerontology      study of the sociological phenomena associated with old age

gerrymander     change voting district lines in order to favor a political party; N. CF. Elbridge Gerry + (sala)mander

gestate          evolve as in prenatal growth; N. gestation: period of development from conception until birth

gesticulation     motion; gesture; V. gesticulate: make gestures (while speaking)

ghastly          horrible; terrifying; resembling ghosts; CF. aghast

gibberish nonsense; nonsensical or unintelligible talk or writing; babbling

gibe            mock; make jeering remarks; N: jeering remarks

giddy           light-hearted; not serious; frivolous; dizzy; causing dizziness; Ex. giddy youth; Ex. giddy climb/height

gild            cover with a thin layer of gold

gingerly very carefully; ADJ.

girth            distance around something; circumference

gist             essence; main point; substance

glacial          like a glacier; of an ice age; extremely cold; Ex. glacial epoch; CF. iceberg

glamor          compelling charm; ADJ. glamorous

glare            shine intensely and blindingly; stare fixedly and angrily; N.

glaring          (of something bad) highly conspicuous; harshly bright; shining intensely and blindingly

glaze           cover with a thin and shiny surface; apply a glaze to; N: thin, smooth, shiny coating (as for pottery); Ex. unglazed pottery

gleam           brief flash of light; glow; V.

glean           gather leavings; gather grain left behind by reapers; gather bit by bit (facts or information) often with difficulty

glib            fluent (with insincerity or superficiality); facile; slick

glimmer         shine erratically; twinkle; N: dim or unsteady light; faint indication; Ex. glimmer of hope

glitter           shine brightly with flashing points of light; Ex. glittering diamond ring; N: sparkling light; attractiveness; glamor; Ex. glitter of the sun on the waves

gloat            express evil satisfaction; look at or think about with evil satisfaction; view malevolently; Ex. The thief gloated over the stolen jewels.

gloss           brief explanation note or translation of a difficult expression‎; V.

gloss_over       explain away with the intention of deceiving or hiding faults

glossary brief explanation of words used in the text

glossy          smooth and shining; N. gloss: shiny brightness on a surface; superficially attractive appearance; Ex. gloss of good manners

glow            shine brightly without a flame (as of eyes or metals); show redness and heat (in the face) after hard work or because of strong feelings; N: light produced by a heated body; brilliance of a color

glower          scowl; glare; look or stare angrily

glut            overstock; fill beyond capacity (with food); fill to excess; N: oversupply

glutinous sticky; viscous; gluey

glutton          someone who eats too much; ADJ. gluttonous: given to gluttony; greedy; CF. gluttony: habit of eating too much

gnarl           protruding knot on a tree; V.

gnarled          twisted

gnome          dwarf; underground spirit who guards treasure hoards

goad            urge on; drive with a goad; cause (someone) to do something by continued annoyance; Ex. They goaded him into doing it by saying he was a coward; N: sharp-pointed stick for driving cattle; stimulus; CF. annoy continually

gobble          eat very quickly

gorge           narrow canyon; steep rocky cleft; ravine (made by a stream which runs through it)

gorge           stuff oneself (with food); glut; CF. gorgeous: dazzlingly beautiful

gory            bloody; N. gore: blood (from a wound)

gossamer sheer; very light; like cobwebs; N: soft and sheer fabric; cobweb

gouge           overcharge (with high price); extort from; Ex. gouge the public; CF. usury

gouge           tear out; cut out (as if with a gouge); Ex. gouge his eyes out; N: chisel for cutting out hollow areas in wood

gourmand       epicure; person who takes excessive pleasure in food and drink

gourmet         connoisseur of food and drink; epicure

gracious         kind in a generous way (to someone less important)

gradation series of gradual stages; degree in such a progression

graduate arrange into categories or grades; divide into marked intervals (for use in measurement); Ex. graduated ruler

graduated arranged by degrees (of height, difficulty, etc.)

granary         storehouse for grain

grandeur impressiveness; stateliness; majesty

grandiloquent    (of a person or speech) using high sounding or important-sounding language; pompous; bombastic

grandiose affectedly grand; pretentious; high-flown; ridiculously exaggerated; impressive; great in size or scope; grand; Ex. grandiose ideas

granulate form into grains or granules; N. granule: grain or particle

graphic          pertaining to the art of delineating; vividly described

graphite black form of carbon used in lead pencils

grapple          wrestle; come to grips with; take hold of and struggle with; Ex. grapple with the burglar

grate            make a harsh noise; have an unpleasant effect; shred by rubbing against a rough surface; Ex. grated cheese N: framework of metal bars to hold fuel in a fireplace

gratify          please; satisfy; Ex. gratify a desire

gratis           free; without charge; ADJ.

gratuitous given freely; unwarranted; uncalled for; done without good reason; Ex. gratuitous comment

gratuity tip

gravity          seriousness; ADJ. grave

graze   (of an animal) feed on growing grass; cause (an animal) to feed on grass; scrape (esp. the skin) or touch lightly in passing; brush; Ex. We can't graze the cattle till summer; N: surface wound 

gregarious       sociable; (of an animal) tending to form a group

grievance cause of complaint; complaint

grill            question severely; cook on a grill; broil; N: cooking surface of parallel metal bars

grim            causing great fear; unrelenting; determined in spite of fear; Ex. grim smile

grimace         facial distortion to show feeling such as pain, disgust, etc; V.

grisly           ghastly; horrifying; Ex. grisly remains of the bodies

groom          man employed to take care of horses; V: make neat and trim; clean and brush (an animal)

groove          long narrow channel made in a surface to guide the movement of something; Ex. groove of the record

gross           total; fragrant; clearly wrong; (of people's behavior) coarse; corpulent; Ex. gross insolence/behavior; V: earn as a total amount; N: 12 dozens

grotesque fantastic; comically hideous; strange and unnatural (causing fear or amusement)

grotto           small cavern

grouch          bad-tempered complaint; person who keeps complaining; V: complain; grumble

grouse          complain; fuss; grumble; grouch; N: plump chickenlike game bird

grovel          crawl or creep on ground; remain prostrate; behave in a servile manner

growl           low, guttural, menacing sound (as of a dog)

grudge          deep feeling of dislike; Ex. grudge fight; V.

grudging unwilling; reluctant; stingy(giving reluctantly)

gruel           thin liquid porridge

grueling exhausting; Ex. grueling marathon race

gruesome grisly; horrible

gruff            rough-mannered; (of a voice) rough; hoarse

grumble         complain; mutter discontentedly; grouch; N.

grunt           utter a deep guttural sound (as a pig does); N.

guffaw          boisterous laughter; V.

guile            deceit; duplicity; wiliness; cunning; Ex. persuade her by guile

guileless without deceit

guise           outward appearance; costume; Ex. in a new guise

gull            trick; deceive; hoodwink; N: person who is easily tricked; dupe

gullible easily deceived

gush            (of liquid) pour out in large quantities from a hole; make an excessive display of feeling (without true feeling); Ex. Blood gushed from the wound.

gust            strong abrupt rush of wind; V. CF. bluster

gustatory affecting or relating to the sense of taste

gusto           eager enjoyment; zest; enthusiasm

gusty           windy

guy             cable or chain attached to something that needs to be braced or steadied; CF. guide

gyroscope       apparatus used to maintain balance, ascertain direction, etc.

habitat          natural home of a plant or animal; CF. habitation

habituate accustom or familiarize; addict

hackles          hairs on back and neck, especially of a dog; Ex. make someone's hackles rise

hackneyed       commonplace; trite

haggard         wasted away; gaunt; Ex. haggard faces of the rescued miners

haggle          argue about prices (in an attempt to bargain)

hail             frozen rain drop; V: salute or greet; precipitate hail

halcyon         calm; peaceful; Ex. halcyon days

hale            healthy

halfhearted       exhibiting little interest or enthusiasm

hallowed blessed; consecrated; Ex. hallowed ground; V. hallow: set apart as holy

hallucination     delusion; false idea; false perception of objects with a compelling sense of their reality; objects so perceived; V. hallucinate; ADJ. hallucinatory

halting          hesitant; faltering; not fluent; Ex. halting steps/voice; V. halt: proceed or act with uncertainty; falter; hesitate; waver; stop

hamper          obstruct; prevent the free movement of; N: ????? ?? ?? ?? ??? 

handsome       large in quantity; generous; Ex. handsome reward

hap             chance; luck

haphazard       random; by chance; happening in an unplanned manner; Ex. haphazard growth of the town

hapless          unfortunate; luckless

harangue long, passionate, and vehement speech; V.

harass           annoy by repeated attacks

harbinger forerunner (which foreshadows what is to come)

harbor          give protection (by giving food and shelter); provide a refuge for; hide; keep in mind (thoughts or feelings); Ex. harbor a grudge/criminal; N: place of shelter; refuge

hardy           (of people or animals) sturdy; robust; (of plants) able to stand inclement(stormy) weather

harping         tiresome dwelling on a subject; V. harp: dwell on(think or speak a lot about) tediously

harrowing       agonizing; distressing; traumatic; V. harrow: break up and level (soil) with a harrow; inflict great distress on; agonize; N: farming machine to break up the earth

harry           harass, annoy, torment (by repeated attacks); raid

hatch           deck opening; lid covering a deck opening; V: emerge from an egg; produce (young) from an egg

haughtiness      pride; arrogance; ADJ. haughty

haunt           (of a spirit) visit (a place); come to mind continually; visit (a place) regularly; frequent; Ex. haunted house; Ex. haunted by his last words; N: place much frequented

haven           place of safety; refuge; harbor; Ex. tax haven

havoc           widespread damage; disorder; chaos

hazard          venture; put in danger; risk; Ex. hazard a guess; N: possible source of danger

hazardous       dangerous

hazy            slightly obscure; misty; unclear; N. haze: light mist or smoke; confused state of mind

headfirst moving with the head leading; headlong

headlong hasty; rash; headfirst; ADV.

headstrong       willful; stubborn; unyielding; determined to have one's own way; CF. no 'excessive'

healthful conducive to good health; Ex. healthful mountain air

healthy          possessing good health; healthful

heckler          person who verbally harasses others; V. heckle: verbally harass as with gibes (by interrupting a speaker or speech)

hedonist one who believes that pleasure is the sole aim in life; CF. hedonism: practice of living one's life purely for pleasure

heed            pay attention to; N: close attention

heedless not noticing; disregarding

hegemony       dominance especially of one nation over others

heinous         atrocious; wicked; hatefully bad; Ex. heinous crime

helm            steering wheel of a ship; position of control

hem                    surround tightly so that movement is impossible; Ex. hem in; N.

herald           messenger; sign of something to come; V: announce; proclaim; Ex. unheralded researcher

herbivorous      grain-eating; CF. herbivore

herd    group of animals; crowd; one who looks after a herd; Ex. shepherd/goatherd; Ex. herd instinct; Ex. herdsman; V: come together in a herd; look after a herd; Ex. herd cattle

hereafter life after death

heresy          opinion contrary to popular belief; opinion contrary to accepted religion; ADJ. heretical; CF. heretic

hermetic concerning alchemy or magic; obscure and mysterious; occult

hermetic sealed by fusion so as to be airtight; airtight

hermitage home of a hermit

herpetologist     one who studies reptiles; CF. herpetology: branch of zoology that deals with reptiles and amphibians

heterodox (of beliefs) against accepted opinion; unorthodox; unconventional

heterogeneous    dissimilar; mixed; not homogeneous; consisting of dissimilar elements or plants

hew            cut to pieces with ax or sword; chop; N.

heyday          time of greatest success or power; prime

hiatus           gap; pause; gap or interruption in space or time; break

hibernal wintry; wintery; of or like winter

hibernate sleep throughout the winter; N. hibernation

hide            skin of an animal

hideous         repulsive to the sight; ugly; repugnant; Ex. hideous face/scream

hierarchy arrangement by rank or standing; authoritarian body divided into ranks; body of persons having authority

hieroglyphic     picture writing; ADJ.

high-flown       highly pretentious or inflated

hilarity  boisterous mirth(merriment; laughter); ADJ. hilarious: full of laughter

hindmost furthest behind; farthest to the rear

hindrance block; obstacle; V. hinder

hindsight understanding the nature of an event after it has actually happened

hinterlands       back country; inner part of a country; OP. foreland

hireling one who serves for hire (usually used contemptuously); one who works solely for compensation; Ex. hireling politician

hirsute          hairy; having a lot of hair

historic  important in history; Ex. historic battle

historical connected with history; based on events in history (whether regarded as important or not)

histrionic theatrical; excessively dramatic or emotional; affected; of actors or acting; N. histrionics: histrionic behavior

hive                    box for bees; V: cause to go in a hive

hoard           stockpile; accumulate for future use; N: supply stored for future use

hoary           white with age

hoax            trick which makes someone take action; practical joke; Ex. hoax mail; V.

holocaust destruction by fire; CF. burnt whole; CF. Holocaust

holster          leather pistol case (that hangs on a belt around the waist)

homage         honor; tribute; great respect; Ex. pay/do homage to

homely          not good-looking; unattractive

homeostasis      tendency of a system or organism to maintain relative stability or internal equilibrium; CF. homeo-: constant; Ex. homeotherm

homespun       domestic; made at home; spun or woven at home; simple and ordinary; Ex. homespun philosophy

homily          sermon; tedious moralizing lecture; serious warning; ADJ. homiletic

homogeneous    of the same kind; uniform in composition throughout

hone            sharpen (a tool); N: whetstone for sharpening a tool

hoodwink        deceive; delude

horde           crowd; swarm

horoscope       diagram of the positions of stars at a given moment (eg. of a person's birth) used by astrologers

hortatory encouraging; exhortive; marked by exhortation; CF. exhort

horticultural      pertaining to cultivation of gardens; N. horticulture: science or art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, or ornamental plants; CF. agriculture: science or art of farming or growing crops

hostage         person who is kept as a prisoner by an enemy so that the other side will do what the enemy demands

hostility unfriendliness; hatred; enmity; ADJ. hostile

hothead         person who does things too quickly without thinking; ADJ. hotheaded

hovel           shack; small wretched house

hover           hang about; (of birds or aircraft) stay in the air in one place; (of people) wait nearby; stay around one place; waver; be in an uncertain state

hubbub          confused uproar; loud noise; din

hubris           arrogance; excessive self-conceit

hue             color; aspect; Ex. opinions of every hue

hue_and_cry     outcry; loud cry or clamor; strong protest; Ex. hue and cry against the new rule

hull            husk; dry outer covering of a seed; frame or body of a ship

humane         marked by kindness or consideration; kind and compassionate; humanitarian

humanitarian     one devoted to the promotion of human welfare; CF. humanism

humble          of low rank or position; modest; having a low opinion of oneself and a high opinion of others; unassuming; not proud; V. humiliate: make humble; cause to feel ashamed or to lose the respect of others

humdrum         dull; monotonous

humid          damp; N. humidity

humility humbleness of spirit

hummock         small hill; hillock

humor          indulge; comply with the wishes of; N. quality that makes something amusing; state of mind; mood; Ex. in a bad humor; Ex. out of humor

humus          substance or rich soil formed by decaying vegetable matter; CF. soil

hurl                    throw forcefully; shout out violently

hurtle           crash; rush; move with great speed; Ex. hurtling runaway train

husband         use sparingly; conserve; save; Ex. husband one's energy; CF. house holder

husbandry       frugality; thrift; economy; agriculture; farming; Ex. animal husbandry; CF. husbandman

hut             crude dwelling; shack

hybrid          mongrel; mixed breed; V. hybridize

hydrophobia     fear of water; rabies

hygiene         science and practice of the promotion and preservation of health; ADJ. hygienic: showing careful attention to cleanness (to prevent disease); Ex. hygienic condition

hyperbole exaggeration; overstatement; ADJ. hyperbolic: of hyperbole; of a hyperbola

hypercritical     excessively exacting; too critical (without noticing good qualities)

hypnosis induced sleeping state; ADJ. hypnotic; V. hypnotize

hypochondriac    person unduly worried about his health; worrier without cause about illness; ADJ. CF. hypochondria: neurosis that one is or is becoming ill; CF. abdomen

hypocritical      pretending to be virtuous; deceiving; N. hypocrisy: profession of beliefs one does not possess; CF. hypocrite

hypothetical      based on assumptions or hypotheses; supposed; N. hypothesis

hysteria excessive or uncontrollable excitement; N. hysteric: person suffering from hysteria; CF. hysterics: attack of hysteria

ichthyology      study of fish; CF. ichthyo-: fish

icon(ikon)       religious image; idol; image or representation

iconoclastic      attacking cherished traditions; N. iconoclast: one who attacks traditional ideas; one who destroys sacred images

ideology system of ideas characteristic of a group or culture

idiom           expression‎ whose meaning as a whole differs from the meanings of its individual words; distinctive style (of expression‎); Ex. idiom of the modern popular music; ADJ. idiomatic

idiosyncrasy     individual trait usually odd in nature; behavioral peculiarity; eccentricity; attitude, behavior, or opinion peculiar to a person; anything highly individual or eccentric; ADJ. idiosyncratic

idle             not working; not employed or busy; lazy; without purpose; useless; lacking substance; baseless; not based on truth; Ex. idle worker; Ex. talk idly; V.

idolatry worship of idols; excessive admiration or devotion; ADJ. idolatrous

idyll(idyl)       short poem idealizing rural life; simple happy period of life (in the country); scene from such a time; Ex. idyll of two young lovers

idyllic          charmingly carefree; simple and happy; Ex. idyllic scene

igneous         produced by fire; of fire; volcanic; (of rocks) formed from lava; Ex. igneous meteorite

ignite           kindle; light; catch fire or set fire to

ignoble          unworthy; not noble; dishonorable; Ex. ignoble deed

ignominy deep disgrace; shame or dishonor; ADJ. ignominious; Ex. ignominous defeat

illicit           illegal

illimitable       infinite; limitless

illuminate       brighten; clear up or make understandable; enlighten; enable to understand; Ex. illuminating remarks

illusion  misleading vision or visual image; false idea or belief; CF. delusion

illusive  deceiving; based on illusion; causing illusion; deceptive

illusory illusive; deceptive; not real

imbalance       lack of balance or symmetry; disproportion

imbecility       weakness of mind; state of being an imbecile; N. imbecile: stupid person; fool

imbibe          drink in

imbroglio complicated situation (as in a play); painful or complex misunderstanding (as in a play); entanglement; confused mass (as of papers); V. embroil

imbue           saturate(soak thoroughly); fill; Ex. imbue someone with feelings

immaculate      spotless; flawless; absolutely clean

imminent impending; near at hand

immobility       state of being immovable

immolate offer or kill as a sacrifice (by fire)

immune         resistant to; free or exempt from; N. immunity

immure         imprison; shut up in confinement; CF. wall

immutable       unchangeable

impair          injure; hurt; damage

impale          pierce (with a sharp point); Ex. impaled by the spear

impalpable       imperceptible(not easily understood); intangible; OP. palpable: tangible; easily perceptible

impart          grant a share of; make known; Ex. news to impart

impartial not biased; fair; N. impartiality

impassable       not able to be traveled or crossed

impasse         predicament(dangerous condition) from which there is no escape; situation allowing for no further progress

impassioned      (of speech) filled with passion; fervent

impassive without feeling; expression‎less; imperturbable; stoical; Ex. impassive face

impeach         charge (a public official) with crime in office; raise doubts about; indict; Ex. impeach a witness's credibility

impeccable      faultless

impecunious     without money

impede          hide; retard or obstruct the progress of; block

impediment      hindrance; stumbling-block; speech defect preventing clear articulation; Ex. speech impediment

impel           drive or force onward; drive to take action; urge to action

impending       nearing; approaching; about to happen

impenetrable     not able to be pierced or entered; beyond understanding; impossible to understand; Ex. impenetrable mystery

impenitent       not repentant

imperative       absolutely necessary; that must be done; critically important; expressing command; Ex. It is imperative that; N: something that must be done

imperceptible     unnoticeable; impossible to perceive; undetectable

imperial like an emperor; related to an empire; CF. imperialism

imperil          put in danger

imperious domineering; too commanding; haughty; CF. imperial/emperor

impermeable     impervious; not permitting passage through its substance; impossible to permeate

impersonal       not being a person; not showing personal feelings; Ex. impersonal force/manner/organization

impertinent      insolent; rude; not pertinent; N. impertinence

imperturbable    unshakably calm; placid

impervious       impenetrable; incapable of being damaged or distressed; incapable of being affected (in one's opinions); Ex. impervious to water/criticism

impetuous       violent; hasty; rash; impulsive; without careful thought; Ex. impetuous decision

impetus         moving force; momentum; force of a moving body; incentive; stimulus; impulse

impiety         irreverence; lack of respect for God or piety

impinge         infringe; encroach; influence; touch; collide with; Ex. The effects are impinging on every aspect of our lives.

impious         irreverent

implacable       incapable of being pacified; impossible to appease; Ex. implacable enemy

implausible      unlikely (to be true); unbelievable; Ex. implausible alibi

implement       put into effect; enforce; carry out; supply with tools; Ex. implement the plan/suggestion; N: tool or instrument

implicate incriminate; involve incriminatingly; show to be involved (in a crime); Ex. implicate someone in the crime

implication      something hinted at or suggested; implying; implicating

implicit understood but not stated; implied; unquestioning and complete; Ex. implicit trust

implode         burst inward; CF. vaccum tube

implore         beg

imply           suggest a meaning not expressed; signify

impolitic not wise; not expedient; not politic

imponderable     weightless; that cannot undergo precise eval‎uation; CF. pound

import          significance; importance; meaning

importunate      urging; always demanding; troublesomely urgent or persistent

importune       beg persistently; make repeated requests (in an annoying way)

imposture assuming a false identity; masquerade; CF. impostor

impotent weak; ineffective; lacking in physical strength or power

impoverish       make poor; deprive of natural strength or something important; Ex. impoverished soil

imprecation      curse; swearword

impregnable      invulnerable; impossible to capture or enter by force; Ex. impregnable fort/argument; CF. take

impregnate       make pregnant; fill thoroughly; saturate

impromptu       without previous preparation; off the cuff(end of a sleeve); on the spur of the moment

impropriety      improperness; unsuitableness

improvident      thriftless; not providing for the future

improvise compose on the spur of the moment

imprudent       lacking caution; not prudent; injudicious

impudence       impertinence; insolence

impugn         dispute or contradict (often in an insulting way); attack as false or questionable; challenge; gainsay; CF. fight

impuissance      powerlessness; feebleness

impunity freedom from punishment or harm; CF. punish

impute          attribute; ascribe; charge; N. imputation

inadvertently     unintentionally; by oversight; carelessly

inalienable       not to be taken away; nontransferable; Ex. inalienable rights

inamorata woman whom a man loves

inane           silly; senseless; Ex. inane remarks; N. inanity

inanimate lifeless; not animate

inarticulate       speechless; producing indistinct speech; not articulate; not expressing oneself clearly

inasmuch_as     since; owing to the fact that

inaugurate       begin formally; install in office; induct into office by a formal ceremony; N. inauguration; ADJ. inaugural

incandescent     strikingly bright; shining with intense heat; emitting visible light when heated; Ex. incandescent light bulb; CF. candle

incantation       singing or chanting of magic spells; magical formula; (the saying of) words used in magic; CF. enchant

incapacitate      disable; N. incapacity: lack of capacity

incarcerate       imprison

incarnate endowed with flesh; invested with bodily form; personified; Ex. devil incarnate; V: give bodily form to; embody

incarnation       act of assuming a human body and human nature; one who personifies something; personification; Ex. previous incarnation/reincarnation

incendiary       arsonist; ADJ: causing fire; of arson; Ex. incendiary bomb

incense          enrage; infuriate(make furious); make extremely angry; outrage; N: aromatic substance burned to produce a pleasant odor

incentive spur; motive; something which encourages one to greater activity

inception start; beginning

incessant uninterrupted; unceasing

inchoate (of desire, wish, plan) recently begun; not explicit; at the beginning of development; rudimentary; elementary; Ex. inchoate mass

incidence rate of occurrence; particular occurrence; Ex. high incidence of infant mortality

incident event; event that causes a crisis

incidental not essential; minor; N: something incidental

incinerate burn to ashes

incipient beginning; in an early stage

incisive (appreciatively) cutting; sharp; Ex. incisive remarks; V. incise: make a cut into

incite           arouse to action; goad; motivate; induce to exist; Ex. incite a riot/the crowd to rebellion

inclement stormy; unkind; unmerciful; CF. clement

incline          slope; slant; Ex. steep incline

inclined tending or leaning toward; bent; V. incline: slant; dispose; be disposed; tend

inclusive tending to include all; all-inclusive; Ex. inclusive charge

incognito with identity concealed; using an assumed name; ADJ.

incoherent       unintelligible; muddled; unable to express one's thoughts in an orderly manner; illogical; lacking cohesion; not coherent

incommodious    not spacious; inconvenient

incompatible     inharmonious; N. incompatibility

incongruity      lack of harmony; absurdity; ADJ. incongruous: lacking in harmony; inappropriate

inconsequential   insignificant; unimportant

inconsistency     state of being self-contradictory; lack of uniformity or steadiness; ADJ. inconsistent: displaying a lack of consistency; erratic; contradictory; incompatible

incontinent       lacking self-restraint; not continent; licentious

incontrovertible   indisputable; impossible to dispute; not open to question; unquestionable

incorporate      introduce something into a larger whole; include; embody; give material form to; ADJ.

incorporeal      without a material body; insubstantial

incorrigible      uncorrectable

incredulity       tendency to disbelief

incredulous      withholding belief; skeptical; showing disbelief

increment increase

incriminate      accuse of or implicate in a crime; serve as evidence against; cause to seem or make guilty of a crime; Ex. incriminating evidence

incrustation      hard coating or crust; V. incrust: encrust; cover with a crust

incubate hatch; warm (eggs) with the body to promote hatching; maintain at optimal environment conditions for development; be holding in one's body an infection which is going to develop into a disease; N. incubation; CF. incubation:disease

incubus         burden; very worriying problem; mental care; nightmare; male devil; CF. succubus

inculcate teach (ideas or principles); instill

incumbent       obligatory; imposed as an obligation; currently holding an office; N: person who holds an office

incur           bring upon oneself

incursion temporary invasion; CF. excursion: short journey

indecision       irresolution; inability to make up one's mind

indecisive       marked by indecision; inconclusive; Ex. indecisive battle

indefatigable     tireless; untiring; showing no sign of getting tired

indelible not able to be erased

indemnify       make secure against damage or loss; compensate for damage or loss; CF. make uninjured

indentation       notch; deep recess; V. indent; CF. tooth

indenture bind as servant or apprentice to master; bind by indenture; N: contract binding one party into the service of another for a specified time (as between an apprentice and his master)

indeterminate     uncertain; not clearly fixed; indefinite

indicative suggestive; implying; serving to indicate

indices          signs; indications; Ex. indices of a student's potential; CF. index: something that reveals or indicates; sign; Ex. cost-of-living index

indict           charge; N. indictment

indifferent       unmoved or unconcerned by; having no interest in; mediocre; neither good nor bad

indigence poverty

indigenous       native; Ex. plant indigenous to the New World

indigent poor; destitute

indignation      anger at an injustice; Ex. righteous indignation; ADJ. indignant

indignity treatment or situation that causes shame or loss of dignity, respect; offensive or insulting treatment; humiliating or degrading treatment; Ex. I suffered the indignity of having to say that in front of them.

indiscriminate    choosing at random; confused; not based on careful distinctions

indisputable      too certain to be disputed; beyond doubt

indissoluble      permanent; impossible to dissolve or disintegrate

indite           write; compose

indoctrinate      cause to accept a doctrine without questioning it; Ex. indoctrinated with mindless anti-communism

indolent lazy

indomitable      unconquerable; unyielding

indubitable       unable to be doubted; which cannot be doubted; unquestionable

induce          persuade; lead to do something; bring about; N. inducement

induct           place formally in office; install; admit as a member; initiate; N. induction: inducting; process of deriving general principles from particular facts

inductive pertaining to induction or proceeding from the  specific  to the general

indulge          yield to; gratify; allow oneself a special pleasure; Ex. indulge one's every whim/a child/in a big cigarette; N. indulgence

indulgent humoring; yielding; lenient; showing indulgence

industrious       diligent; hard-working; N. industry

inebriate make drunk; intoxicate; N. intoxicated person

inebriated habitually intoxicated; drunk; N. inebriety

ineffable unutterable; not to be uttered; taboo; that cannot be expressed in speech; indescribable; unspeakable; inexpressible; Ex. ineffable name/joy

ineffectual       not effective; not having a desired effect; weak

ineluctable       irresistible; not to be escaped; unavoidable

inept            unsuited; inappropriate; lacking skill; incompetent; CF. inapt: (of statements or ideas) inappropriate

inequity unfairness; ADJ. inequitable

inerrancy infallibility

inert            inactive; lacking power to move; unable to move or act; Ex. chemically inert; N. inertia: state of being inert; force which keeps a thing in the position or state

inestimable      impossible to estimate; (apprec) invaluable; of immeasurable worth

inevitable unavoidable

inexorable       relentless; unyielding; implacable; not capable of being changed by entreaty or efforts; Ex. inexorable price rises

inextricable       from which it is impossible to get free; that cannot be untied; Ex. inextricable troubles; Ex. inextricable two histories

infallible unerring; never making mistakes

infamous notoriously bad; notorious; well known for being bad; Ex. infamous behavior; N: infamy: infamous act; evil fame or reputation

infantile childish; infantlike

infer            deduce; conclude; N. inference

infernal pertaining to hell; devilish; N. inferno: place of fiery heat or destruction

infest           inhabit in numbers large enough to be harmful; Ex. Mice infested the house; Ex. shark-infested waters

infidel          unbeliever (with respect to a particular religion)

infiltrate pass into or through; penetrate or enter (an organization) sneakily; Ex. infiltrate the troops into enemy territory; CF. infiltrator

infinitesimal     very small

infirmity weakness

inflated exaggerated; pompous; enlarged (with air or gas)

influx           flowing into

infraction violation (of a rule or regulation); breach

infringe violate (a law); encroach (the right of another person)

ingenious marked by inventive skill; clever; resourceful; N. ingenuity

ingenue         ing\'enue; young innocent girl

ingenuous       naive and trusting; young; unsophisticated; candid

ingrained deeply established; firmly rooted; Ex. ingrained dirt/prejudice

ingrate          ungrateful person (not expressing thanks)

ingratiate become popular with; bring (oneself) in favor of another; Ex. ingratiate himself with the boss

inherent firmly established by nature or habit; intrinsic

inhibit          restrain; prohibit; retard or prevent; N. inhibition

inhibited (of a person) unable to express what one really feels

inimical (of someone) unfriendly; hostile; (of something) harmful; detrimental; CF. enemy

inimitable       matchless; not able to be imitated

iniquitous wicked; immoral; unrighteous; N. iniquity; Ex. den of iniquity

initiate  begin; originate; receive into a group; introduce to a new field or activity; Ex. initiate someone into the mysteries of a secret religion; N: one who has been initiated

injurious harmful; causing injury

inkling          hint; slight indication

innate           inborn

innocuous       harmless

innovation       change; something newly introduced; introduction of something new; V. innovate: begin or introduce (something new); be creative; ADJ. innovative

innuendo indirect or subtle (derogatory) hint; insinuation; Ex. sexual innuendo

inopportune      untimely; inappropriate or ill-timed; poorly chosen

inordinate       beyond reasonable limits; unrestrained; excessive; Ex. inordinate demands

inquisitive       eager for knowledge; unduly curious

inquisitor questioner (especially harsh); investigator; person making an inquisition

inroad          hostile invasion; advance that lessens the quantity or difficulty of something; Ex. The long illness made serious inroads on his savings; CF. raid

insalubrious      unwholesome; not healthful; Ex. insalubrious place

insatiable not easily satisfied; unquenchable; Ex. insatiable appetite

inscrutable       difficult to understand; impenetrable; not readily understood; mysterious

insensate without feeling; lacking sense; foolish

insensible unconscious; unresponsive; insensitive; unaware; imperceptible; Ex. insensible of his danger/to pain; Ex. insensible change; CF. not the opposite of sensible

insidious treacherous; stealthy; sly; working or spreading harmfully in a stealthy manner; Ex. insidious spreading of dry rot

insightful discerning; perceptive

insinuate hint; imply; suggest indirectly; creep in; introduce or insert (oneself) by artful means; Ex. insinuate himself into the boss's favor; CF. ingratiate

insipid          lacking in flavor; lacking interest; dull; Ex. insipid food/character

insolence impudent disrespect; haughtiness; ADJ. insolent; CF. haughty + rude

insolvent bankrupt; lacking money to pay; N. insolvency

insomnia wakefulness; inability to sleep

insouciant       without concern or care; unconcerned; indifferent

instigate start; urge; provoke; incite; Ex. instigate a search/quarrel

institute organization for a special purpose; V: establish

institution       instituting; (building for the) organization; established custom, practice, or relationship in a society; mental hospital; Ex. institution of marriage

institutionalize    make into an institution; put or confine in an institution

insubordination   disobedience; rebelliousness; ADJ. insubordinate

insubstantial     lacking substance; insignificant; frail; immaterial

insularity narrow-mindedness; isolation; ADJ. insular: of an island; isolated; narrow-minded; CF. peninsula

insuperable      insurmountable; unbeatable; Ex. insuperable difficulties

insurgent rebellious; N.

insurmountable   overwhelming; unbeatable; insuperable

insurrection      rebellion; uprising

intangible not able to be perceived by touch; vague

integral complete; necessary for completeness; Ex. integral part

integrate make whole; combine; make into one unit

integrity honesty; uprightness; wholeness; state of being whole and undivided; completeness

intellect higher mental powers; person of great intellectual ability

intelligentsia     intellectuals; members of the educated elite (often used derogatorily)

inter            bury; N. interment

interdict prohibit; forbid; N.

interim          meantime; Ex. in the interim; ADJ. taking place during an interim; Ex. interim paper

interjection      exclamation; Ex. ``Ouch''

interloper intruder; one who interferes

intermediary     intermediate; acting as a mediator; N: mediator; go-between

interminable     endless

intermittent      periodic; on and off; stopping and starting at intervals

internecine       mutually destructive

interpolate       insert between

interregnum      period between two successive reigns or governments

interrogate       question closely; cross-examine; cross-question

interstice narrow space between things

intervene come between; interfere; Ex. intervened to prevent a fight; N. intervention

intimate hint; suggest; imply; ADJ: marked by close relationship; familiar; private; personal; Ex. intimate knowledge/thoughts in the diary; N: close friend or confidant; CF. intimacy

intimidate       frighten; N. intimidation

intolerant not willing to accept ways of thinking different from one's own; CF. tolerant; CF. tolerate

intoxicate make drunk; stimulate or excite; Ex. intoxicated by all the money he might win

intractable       unruly; difficult to manage; Ex. intractable problem/child

intransigence     refusal of any compromise; stubbornness; ADJ. intransigent: uncompromising

intrepid fearless

intrigue make secret plans; plot; arouse the curiosity of; N: secret scheme; plot; secret love affair

intrinsic essential; inherent; built-in

introspective     looking within oneself; N. introspection: self-examination

introvert one who  is  introspective or inclined  to  think  more  about oneself; ADJ. introverted

intrude          put or force in without being asked; trespass; enter as an uninvited person; Ex. intrude one's own opinion into the report; CF. thrust in

intuition immediate insight; power of knowing without reasoning; ADJ. intuitive; V. intuit: know by intuition

inundate flood; overflow; submerge; cover completely; Ex. inundated with work

inured          accustomed; hardened; Ex. inured to the Alaskan cold; V. inure: make used to something undesirable; harden; CF. unfeeling

invalid          one incapacitated(disabled) by a chronic illness; ADJ: incapacitated by illness; not valid; null; V: allow to leave (a military force) because of ill-health

invalidate weaken; destroy; make invalid; nullify

invective abuse

inveigh          denounce; utter censure or invective; Ex. inveigh against the evils of drink

inveigle deceive; lead astray by deception; wheedle(cajole); Ex. inveigle her into joining the club; CF. interest dishonestly

inverse  opposite

invert           turn upside down or inside out; reverse the position or condition of

inveterate deep-rooted; habitual; CF. grow old

invidious designed to create ill will or envy; tending to rouse ill will or envy; Ex. invidious comparison

invincible unconquerable

inviolable secure from corruption, attack, or violation(or profanation); unassailable; Ex. inviolable oath/rights; N. inviolability

invocation       prayer for help (used in invoking); calling upon as a reference or support; act of invoking

invoke          call and bring into use (a right or law); call on/upon (a higher power or god) for help; ask for; beg for; conjure (a spirit); Ex. invoke the veto power; Ex. invoke one's advisor/God

invulnerable      incapable of injury; impossible to damage or injure

iota             very small quantity

irascible irritable; easily angered

irate            angry; CF. ire: anger; wrath

iridescent exhibiting rainbowlike colors; Ex. iridescent oil slick; N. iridescence

irksome         annoying; tedious; V. irk: annoy

ironic           expressing irony; occurring in an unexpected and contrary manner

irony           hidden sarcasm or satire; use of words that seem to mean the opposite of what they actually mean; use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning

irreconcilable     impossible to reconcile; incompatible; not able to be resolved

irrefutable       indisputable; incontrovertible; undeniable

irrelevant not applicable; unrelated

irremediable     incurable; uncorrectable; impossible to remedy

irreparable       not able to be corrected or repaired; impossible to repair

irrepressible      unable to be restrained or held back; impossible to hold back

irreproachable    beyond reproach; blameless; impeccable; Ex. irreproachable conduct

irresolute uncertain how to act; weak; lacking in resolution; indecisive; N. irresolution

irretrievable      impossible to recover or regain; CF. retrieve

irreverence       lack of proper respect or reverence; ADJ. irreverent

irrevocable       unalterable; irreversible; impossible to revoke

isotope          varying from of an element

isthmus         narrow neck of land connecting two larger bodies of land

itinerant wandering; traveling from place to place (to perform work); Ex. itinerant preacher

itinerary plan of a trip; record of a trip

jab             poke abruptly with something sharp; punch with short blows

jabber           chatter rapidly or unintelligibly

jaded           tired or uninterested by surfeit; fatigued; surfeited; worn out; wearied; Ex. jaded appetite

jargon          language used by special group; technical terminology; gibberish; nonsensical or incoherent talk

jaundice medical condition in which the skin, the white part of the eyes, etc. turn yellow; V: affect with jaundice; affect with prejudice, envy, or hostility; bias

jaundiced yellowed; prejudiced (envious, hostile, or resentful) from long and disappointing experience of human affairs; Ex. with a jaundiced eye

jaunt            trip; short journey

jaunty           cheerful and pleased with life; lighthearted; animated; easy and carefree; dapper in appearance; Ex. jaunty person/hat

jeopardize       endanger; imperil; put at risk; N. jeopardy: danger

jest             playful remark or act; V. act or speak playfully

jetsam          things thrown from a ship (to lighten the ship)

jettison  throw overboard (from a ship or plane)

jibe             agree; be in harmony with; gibe

jingoist  extremely aggressive and militant patriot; warlike chauvinist; N. jingoism: extreme nationalism

jocose          given to(having a tendency of) joking

jocular          said or done in jest or playfully; marked by joking

jocund          merry

jollity           gaiety; cheerfulness; ADJ. jolly: merry; gay

jostle           shove; bump; push against (someone) rather roughly; Ex. jostled by the crowds

jovial           good-natured; merry; cheerful

jubilation rejoicing; great joy

judiciary judicial branch of government

judicious sound on judgment; wise

jug             pitcher; container for holding liquids

juggernaut       irresistible crushing force; overwhelming advancing force that crushes everything in its path

jumble          mix in a confused way

juncture crisis; point in time; joining point; joint; act of joining

junket           trip especially one taken for pleasure by an official at public expense

juridical of the law and its administration; CF. judicial: of courts of law; CF. judiciary

jurisdiction      right and power to apply the law; authority

jurisprudence     science of law

juxtapose place side by side; CF. next

kaleidoscope     tube in which patterns made by the reflection in mirrors of colored pieces of glass, etc. produce interesting symmetrical effects; series of changing events; Ex. kaleidoscope of European history; CF. beautiful

ken             range of knowledge; Ex. beyond one's ken

kernel           central or vital part; core; whole seed (as of corn)

killjoy          grouch; spoilsport; one who intentionally spoils the pleasure of others

kindle           start a fire; ignite; inspire; arouse

kindred         related; belonging to the same group; similar in nature or character; Ex. kindred languages; N: relative; kin; kinship

kinetic          producing motion; of motion

kismet          fate; destiny; Ex. Kismet is the Arabic word for fate.

kleptomaniac     person who has a compulsive desire to steal

knack           special talent; art

knave           untrustworthy person; rogue; scoundrel; jack; N. knavery

knead           mix; work dough; mix and work into a uniform mass (with the hands); Ex. knead dough

kneel           go down on one's knee(s)

knell            tolling of a bell especially to indicate a funeral, disaster, etc.; sound of the funeral bell; V.

knit            contract into wrinkles; grow together; join together closely; make (a fabric or garment) by interwining yarn or thread; Ex. knit the brow; Ex. The bones should knit together in a few weeks.

knoll           little round hill; hillock

knotty          intricate; difficult; tangled; CF. knot

kudos           honor; glory; acclaim or praise for exceptional achievement

labile           likely to change; unstable; Ex. emotionally labile; N. lability

laborious demanding much work or care; tedious

labyrinth maze

lace            cord used to draw and tie together two opposite edges (as of a shoe); delicate fabric made of fine threads; V: draw together by tying a lace

laceration torn ragged wound; V. lacerate: tear (the skin as with broken glass); wound

lachrymose      producing tears; tearful

lackadaisical     lacking interest or effort; lacking purpose or zest; lazy; halfhearted; languid

lackluster lacking luster(shine; gloss); dull

laconic          brief and to the point; using few words; terse

lag             move or develop more slowly; straggle; Ex. lag behind the rest; N.

laggard          slow; sluggish; N: one who lags; straggler

lagoon          shallow body of water or lake near a sea; lake separated from a sea by sandbars or coral reefs

laity            laypersons; laymen; persons not connected with the clergy

lament          grieve; express sorrow; N. lamentation

lampoon         ridicule; N: written attack ridiculing or satirizing a person, group, or institution

lance           pierce with a lance; cut into; N: spearlike weapon

lancet           small surgical tool for making incisions

languid          lacking energy or vitality; weary; sluggish; listless

languish lose animation or strength

languor         lack of physical or mental energy; lassitude; depression

lank            long and thin; Ex. Lank, gaunt, Abraham Lincoln

lap             take in food or drink with one's tongue; splash gently; Ex. waves lapping the shore; N: front area from the waist to the knees of a seated person

larceny          theft; Ex. petit larceny

larder           pantry; place where food is kept

largess          generous gift (given to people who do not have enough)

lascivious lustful

lassitude languor; weariness; listlessness

latch            fastening or lock consisting of a movable bar that fits into a notch; V: close with a latch

latent           present but not yet noticeable or active; dormant; hidden; N. latency; CF. potential

lateral           of or coming from the side

latitude  freedom from narrow limitations

laud            praise; N. ADJ. laudable: praiseworthy; ADJ. laudatory: expressing praise

lavish           liberal; wasteful; generous or wasteful in giving or using; abundant; profuse; great; Ex. decorated lavishly; V. give in abundance

lax             careless; negligent; not paying enough attention; Ex. lax service

layman          man who is not a cleric; man who is nonprofessional

leash           restraining rope fastened to the collar of an animal (to control it); Ex. a dog on a leash

leaven          add leaven to; cause to rise or grow lighter; enliven; N: agent, such as yeast, that causes dough to rise (by fermentation); element that lightens or enlivens

leave-taking      farewell or departure

lechery          gross lewdness; lustfulness; ADJ. lecherous; N. lecher: lecherous man

lectern          reading desk or stand for a public speaker

leery            (of someone) suspicious; wary; cautious

leeway          room to move; margin; latitude; Ex. leeway for the deadline

legacy          gift made by a will; something handed down from an ancestor

legato           (of music) played smoothly

legend          explanatory list of symbols on a map

legerdemain      sleight(dexterity) of hand; CF. light of hand

legislature       legislating branch of government; CF. legislate: make laws

leniency mildness; permissiveness; ADJ. lenient: not severe in judgment or punishment

leonine          like a lion

lethal           deadly

lethargic drowsy; dull; N. lethargy: state of sluggishness and inactivity

levee           earthen or stone embankment to prevent flooding; CF. raise

levitate  rise and float in the air (especially by magical means); CF. light

levity           lack of seriousness or steadiness; frivolity; lightness of manner

levy            impose (a fine); collect (a payment); impose or collect (a tax); Ex. levy a tax on tobacco

lewd            lustful

lexicographer     compiler of a dictionary; CF. lexicography: work of compiling a dictionary

lexicon          dictionary

liability drawback; handicap; debts; obligation; responsibility; condition of being liable; ADJ. liable: likely; responsible (for paying)

liaison          contact that keeps parties in communication; communication between groups; one that maintains communication; go-between; secret love affair; V. liaise: keep a connection

libel            defamatory written statement; act of writing something that smears a person's character; V. ADJ. libelous

libertine debauched person; dissolute or licentious person; rou\'e; CF. free

libidinous lustful

libido           psychic and emotional energy or urges behind human activity; sexual desire

libretto  text of an opera or oratorio; CF. book

license          official or legal permission; latitude of action or speech; excessive freedom that causes harm or damage; V.

licentious amoral; lewd and lascivious; unrestrained

lien             legal claim or right on a property

ligneous like wood

lilliputian extremely small; CF. Lilliput in Gulliver's Travels

limber          flexible; supple; pliable; V.

limbo           region near heaven or hell where certain souls are kept; prison (slang); Ex. Purgatory and Limbo

limn            draw; outline; describe; CF. line ?

limp            walk lamely; ADJ: lacking firmness; weak

limpid          crystal clear

lineage          descent; ancestry

lineaments       features especially of the face; distinctive shape or contour of the face; CF. line

linger           loiter or dawdle; be slow in leaving; delay going; continue or persist; be slow to disappear; Ex. The smell lingered for days.

linguistic pertaining to language

lionize          treat (a person) as a celebrity

liquidate settle accounts; pay off (a debt); clear up; eliminate; kill or abolish

list             tilt (as of a ship); lean over (to one side)

listless  lacking in spirit or energy; languid

litany           supplicatory prayer; prayer in which the priest calls out and the people replies in the same words

lithe            flexible; supple; CF. limber

litigation lawsuit; N. litigant: one party in a lawsuit; V. litigate

litotes           understatement for emphasis; Ex. ``not bad(=pretty good)''

litter            waste material thrown away (as bits of paper scattered untidily); V: cover untidily with scattered litter

livid            lead-colored; black and blue (as from a bruise); ashen; enraged; extremely angry

loath            reluctant; unwilling; disinclined; Ex. Romeo and Juliet were both loath for him to go.

loathe           detest; ADJ. loathsome: arousing loathing; offensive; Ex. loathsome smell

lode            metal-bearing vein(long deposit of an ore)

loft             room or space under the roof; attic

lofty            very high

log             record of a voyage or flight; record of day-to-day activities; section of a trunk; V.

loiter           hang about/around; stand idly about; linger

loll             lounge about

longevity long life; long duration

lookout         act of keeping watch; high place commanding a wide view; person who keeps watch

loom           appear or take shape (usually in an enlarged, indistinct, or distorted form); Ex. The shadow of the gallows loomed threateningly. N: apparatus for making thread into cloth

lope            gallop slowly

lopsided heavier or larger on one side than the other; Ex. lopsided way of walking

loquacious       talkative; N. loquacity

lot             object used in making a determination at random; fate; piece of land

lottery          contest in which winners are selected in a drawing of lots

lounge          stand, sit, or lie in a lazy, relaxed way

lout            clumsy person; ADJ. loutish; CF. from countrysides ?

low             moo; make the sound of a cow

lubricate apply a lubricant to; N. lubricant: substance that reduces friction

lucid            easily understood; clear; intelligible; N. lucidity

lucrative profitable; producing wealth

lucre            money; profit; Ex. filthy lucre

ludicrous laughable; ridiculous; trifling

lugubrious       mournful; sorrowful

lull             moment of calm; period of reduced activity; Ex. a lull in the rain; V: cause to become less active; cause to sleep or rest; Ex. lull the opponents into a false sense of security; CF. lullaby

lumber          move heavily or clumsily; Ex. The bear lumbered through the woods; N: timber

lumen           unit of light energy (one candle's worth)

luminary celebrity (in a specific field); dignitary; object that gives light (as a celestial body)

luminous shining (esp. in the dark); issuing light; Ex. luminous paint/road signs

lunar           pertaining to the moon

lunatic          insane; Ex. lunatic asylum

lurid            wild; sensational; graphic; gruesome; horrible; Ex. lurid details of the murder

lurk            stealthily lie in waiting; slink; exist unperceived

luscious pleasing to taste or smell; delicious

lush            (of a plant or grass) growing very well

lust             intense sexual desire; intense eagerness; V.

luster           shine; gloss (of a polished surface)

lustrous shining; brilliant; Ex. lustrous hair

luxuriant abundant; growing healthily and in large amounts; excessively ornate; rich and splendid; fertile; Ex. luxuriant forests/prose; CF. luxurious, luxuriate

luxuriate take pleasure in great comfort

macabre         gruesome; grisly; ghastly; CF. of death

mace           ceremonial staff used as a symbol of authority; clublike medieval weapon

macerate soften by soaking in liquid; waste away; Ex. macerate powdered wood to make paper

Machiavellian    crafty; double-dealing; of the political doctrine of Machiavelli, which holds that craft and deceit are justified in pursuing political power

machinations     evil schemes or plots; schemes or plots to achieve an evil end; V. machinate

maculated       spotted; stained; CF. immaculate

madrigal pastoral song; song for several singers without instruments

maelstrom       violent whirlpool; violent or tublent situation; CF. stream

magisterial       authoritative; imperious; commanding; of a magistrate; Ex. magisterial study of Roman law; Ex. magisterial manner

magistrate       official with power to administer the law

magnanimity     generosity; ADJ. magnanimous: generous

magnate         person of prominence or influence; powerful or influential person (in business or industry); Ex. oil magnate

magniloquent     boastful; pompous

magnitude       greatness (in size or extent); extent

maim           mutilate; injure lastingly; disable; cripple; Ex. maimed for life

makeshift temporary expedient or substitute (in the case of urgent need); Ex. makeshift shelter

maladroit clumsy; not skillful; awkward; bungling

malady          illness

malaise         uneasiness; vague feeling of ill health (without any particular pain or appearance of disease)

malapropism     comic misuse of a word; CF. Mrs. Malaprop

malapropos      inappropriate; ADV.

malcontent       person dissatisfied with existing state of affairs; discontented person; ADJ: discontented

malediction      curse

malefactor       evildoer; criminal

maleficient       doing evil; N. maleficience

malevolent       wishing evil; exhibiting ill will; N. malevolence

malfeasance      wrongdoing; misconduct (by a public official)

malicious hateful; spiteful; expressing malice; N. malice: desire to harm others; spite

malign          speak evil of; bad-mouth(criticize spitefully); defame; ADJ: harmful; Ex. malign influence

malignant tending to cause death; highly injurious; aggressively malevolent; Ex. malignant tumor

malingerer       one who feigns illness to escape duty; V. malinger: feign illness to avoid work

malleable (of a metal) capable of being shaped by pounding(beating); pliable; (of someone) impressionable(easily influenced); easily controlled; tractable

malodorous      foul-smelling

mammal         vertebrate animal whose female suckles its young

mammoth               gigantic; enormous

manacle         restrain; handcuff; N.

mandate         order; charge; authoritative command; power to govern another country; power to given to a government; region under administration; V: give a mandate to; place under a mandate; Ex. mandated territory

mandatory       obligatory; compulsory; of a mandate

maneuver(manoeuver)     strategic military or naval movement (done for training purposes); carefully planned process; stratagem; V: carry out a military maneuver; use maneuvers in gaining an end

mange          skin disease (esp. of domestic animals) marked by loss of hair

mangle          tear or cut to pieces; mutilate or disfigure; Ex. badly mangled bodies

mangy          shabby; wretched; suffering from mange; of bad appearance

maniacal raging mad; insane; N. maniac: insane person; CF. mania: disorder of the mind; intense enthusiasm

manifest evident; visible; obvious; V: show plainly

manifestation     outward demonstration; manifesting; indication of the presence of something; Ex. manifestation of his pronounced musical bent

manifesto public declaration of principles; statement of policy

manifold many in number or kind; numerous; varied

manipulate       operate with one's hands; control or play upon (people, forces, etc.) artfully; maneuver; Ex. how to manipulate publicity and men; ADJ. manipulative

mannered affected; not natural; Ex. mannered way of speech

mannerism       distinctive behavioral trait; affected style in art (according to a set of styles)

mantle          loose sleeveless outer garment; cloak; something that covers or envelops; the layer of the earth between the crust and the core

manumit         emancipate; free from slavery or bondage

mar            spoil the appearance of

maraud          move in search of plunder; Ex. marauding army

margin          border; room; allowance beyond what is needed; Ex. margin of safety

marginal of a margin; barely within a limit; Ex. marginal effect/writing ability

marital          pertaining to marriage

maritime bordering on(adjacent to) the sea; nautical; of the ships or the sea; Ex. Maritime Provinces

marked          noticeable; targeted for vengeance or attack; Ex. marked improvement/man

maroon         leave helpless on a deserted island or coast; ADJ. red brown

marred          damaged; disfigured; V. mar: spoil; disfigure

marrow         soft fatty tissue that fills most bone cavities and is the source of blood cells

marshal         put in order; guide ceremoniously to the correct place; Ex. marshal the children into the museum; N: military officer; official

marsupial one of a family of mammals that nurse their offspring in a pouch(pocket of skin or leather); CF. kangaroo, opossum, wombat

martial          warlike; of war; Ex. martial art/law

martinet strict disciplinarian; person who demands total obedience to rules and orders; CF. Jean Martinet

martyr          one who voluntarily suffers death for his or her religion or cause; great sufferer; Ex. martyr to his rheumatism

mash           crush into mash; convert into mash; N: mixture of ground grain and nutrients fed to livestock and fowl

masochist person who enjoys his own pain; CF. masochism

mason          one who builds or works with stone or brick; N. masonry: work of a mason; stonework or brickwork

masquerade      wear a mask or disguise; pretend; N: costume party or ball at which masks are worn; pretense; disguise

mass            Christian religious ceremony; CF. Mass: ceremony of the Eucharist

masticate chew

mat             not shiny; matte; having a dull finish; N: flat piece of material used as a floor covering; V.

materialism      preoccupation with physical comforts and things; excessive regard for worldly concerns (rather than spiritual matters)

maternal motherly; N. maternity: motherhood

matin\'ee(matinee) dramatic or musical performance given in the afternoon

matriarch woman who rules a family or larger social group

matriculate       enroll (in college or graduate school); CF. matrix

matrimony       state of being married

matrix          point of origin; array of numbers or algebraic symbols; mold or die; Ex. the matrix of Western civilization

maudlin         effusively sentimental

maul            handle roughly; batter; injure by beating; Ex. mauled by his overexcited fans; N: heavy long-handled hammer

mausoleum      monumental tomb; large stately tomb; CF. Mausolos

mauve          pale purple

maverick rebel; nonconformist (in a group)

mawkish         mushy(sentimental) and gushy; icky-sticky sentimental; excessively and objectionably sentimental

maxim          proverb; truth pithily stated

mayhem         injury to body; crime of willfully maiming or crippling a person; violent disorder; Ex. mayhem in the zoo; CF. maim

meager          scanty; inadequate

mealymouthed    indirect in speech (when something unpleasant must be said); hypocritical; evasive

meander         wind or turn in its course; follow a winding or turning course; move aimlessly and idly

meddlesome     interfering; V. meddle: interfere

mediate         settle a dispute through the services of an outsider; act as an intermediary; produce by mediating; Ex. mediate a cease-fire

mediocre ordinary; commonplace; neither good nor bad

meditation       reflection; thought; V. meditate

medium         element that is a creature's natural environment; nutrient setting in which microorganisms are cultivated; appropriate occupation or means of expression‎; channel of communication; compromise; middle position between extremes; intervening substance through which something else is transmitted

medley          mixture

meek           submissive; patient and long-suffering

megalomania     mania for doing grandiose things; mental disorder characterized by delusions of wealth, power, or importance

melancholy      gloomy; morose; blue; N. ADJ. melancholic; CF. melancholia

melee           fight

mellifluous      (of words or a voice) sweetly or smoothly flowing; melodious; having a pleasant tune

memento         token; reminder of the past; keepsake; Ex. memento of your visit

memoir         memoirs; autobiography; biography

memorial something, such as a monument or holiday, intended to honor the memory of a person or event; ADJ: commemorative

memorialize      commemorate

menace         threat; V: threaten

menagerie       collection of wild animals on exhibition; zoo

mendacious      lying; habitually dishonest; N. mendacity

mendicant       beggar; ADJ: living as a beggar

menial          suitable for servants; lowly; mean; N: someone who does menial work (esp. servant in a house)

mentor          counselor; teacher

mercantile       concerning trade or merchants

mercenary       motivated solely by money or gain; N.

mercurial capricious; quick and changing; fickle; containing the element mercury; Ex. mercurial temper; CF. mood

meretricious      flashy; tawdry; attractive on the surface but of no real value; Ex. metericious argument/jewel; CF. prostitute

merger          combination (of two business corporations); act of merging

merit           deserve; ADJ. meritorious: deserving reward or praise

mesmerize       hypnotize; N. mesmerism; CF. Franz Mesmer

metallurgical     pertaining to the art of removing metals from ores; N. metallurgy: science that deals with extracting metals from ores

metamorphosis   change of form; Ex. metamorphosis of caterpillar to butterfly; V. metamorphose: change by metamorphosis

metaphor implied comparison; CF. simile

metaphysical     pertaining to speculative philosophy; of metaphysics; N. metaphysics: branch of philosophy that examines the nature of reality

mete            measure; distribute; administer; Ex. mete out justice/punishment

meteoric like a meteor; swift; momentarily brilliant; Ex. meteoric rise to fame; N. meteor

meter           arrangement of words in the form of poetry (by accentual rhythm)

methodical       systematic; N. method: systematic method of procedure

meticulous       excessively careful (with great attention to detail); painstaking; scrupulous

metrical metric; written in the form of poetry; Ex. metrical translation of Homer

metropolis       large city

mettle           courage (to continue bravely in spite of difficulties); spirit; ADJ. mettlesome

miasma         swamp gas; heavy vaporous atmosphere often emanating from decaying matter; pervasive corrupting influence; noxious atmosphere or influence

microcosm       small representative world; world in miniature; Ex. microcosm of English society

migrant         changing its habitat; wandering; Ex. migrant birds/workers; N: one that migrates

migratory wandering; V. migrate: move from one region and settle in another; move periodically from one region to another

milieu          social environment; means of expression‎; Ex. feel out of one's milieu; Ex. His proper milieu is watercolor.

militant combative; bellicose; N.

militate work against; Ex. militate against the chances of promotion; CF. serve as a soldier

militia          army composed of ordinary citizens rather than professional soldiers

millennium      thousand-year period (as in the New Testament); hoped-for period of happiness and prosperity

mime           pantomime(act without dialogue); mimicry; mimer; V: mimic; pantomime

mimicry         imitation

minatory menacing; threatening

mincing         affectedly dainty(delicate); V. mince: cut (esp. meat) into very small pieces; walk with exaggerated primness; walk in an unnatural way, taking little short steps; Ex. The actor minced across the stage; CF. mincemeat; CF. mincer

mingle          mix together in close association

minion          servile dependent; obsequious follower

minuscule(miniscule)      extremely small

minute          extremely small; CF. minutes: official record of the proceedings at a meeting

minutiae petty or trivial details; CF. minutia

mirage          unreal reflection; optical illusion

mire            entangle; stick in swampy ground; stick or sink in mire; N: bog; deep mud; Ex. sucked deeper into the mire

mirth           merriment; laughter

misadventure     mischance; ill luck; Ex. death by misadventure

misanthrope      one who hates mankind; misanthropist

misapprehension  error; misunderstanding; V. misapprehend

miscellaneous    made up of a variety of parts

miscellany       mixture of writings on various subjects; collection of various items

mischance       ill luck

mischief behavior (of children) causing trouble with no serious harm; damage; harm; Ex. mischief to the crops; ADJ. mischievous: causing mischief; playfully troublesome

misconduct      immoral behavior; bad management; V.

misconstrue      interpret incorrectly; misinterpret; misjudge

miscreant wretch; wrongdoer; villain; Ex. kindness to the miscreant; CF. believe

misdemeanor     minor crime; misdeed; wrongdoing

miserly  stingy; mean

misgivings       doubts

mishap          unfortunate accident

misnomer wrong or improper name; incorrect designation

misogamy       hatred of marriage

misogynist       hater of woman; CF. misogyny

missile          object to be thrown or projected

missive         letter; written statement; CF. sent

mite            very small object or insect-like creature; small coin

mitigate appease; moderate; make or become less in force or intensity

mnemonic       pertaining to memory; assisting the memory; N: device, such as as formula or rhyme, used as a mnemonic aid

mobile          movable; not fixed; N. mobility

mock           ridicule; deride; imitate often in derision

mode           prevailing style; current fashion; manner; way of doing something; Ex. in the latest mode; Ex. simple mode of life

modicum         limited quantity; small amount; Ex. He does not have a modicum of sense; CF. moderate

modish          fashionable; conforming to the current fashion

modulate tone down in intensity; change the intensity or tone of; regulate; change from one musical key to another; Ex. modulate from E to G

mogul          powerful person; Ex. oil moguls; CF. Mogol, Moghul; CF. Mongolian

molecule the smallest particle (one or more atoms) of a substance that has all the properties of that substance

mollify          soothe an angry person

mollycoddle      pamper; coddle; baby; indulge excessively

molt(moult)      periodically shed or cast off hairs or feathers (for replacement by a new growth)

molten          melted; Ex. molten lava

momentous      very important; N. moment; CF. momentary

momentum      quantity of motion of a moving body; impetus; moving force

monarchy government under a single ruler

monastic related to monks or monasteries; removed from worldly concerns

monetary pertaining to money

mongrel         plant or animal (esp. a dog) of mixed breed; ADJ.

monochromatic   having only one color

monochrome     painting in only one color; ADJ.

monogram       design composed of one or more initials of a name; V.

monograph      scholarly article

monolithic       solidly uniform; unchangeable; unyielding; N. monolith: large block of stone

monotheism      belief in one God

monotony       sameness leading to boredom; monotonousness; ADJ. monotonous; CF. monotone

monumental      massive; impressively large; built as a monument

moodiness       fits of depression or gloom; ADJ. moody: given to changeable moods; subject to periods of depression; gloomy CF. mood: state of mind or emotion

moratorium      legal delay of payment or action; Ex. declare moratorium on the building of new houses

morbid          given to unwholesome or unhealthy thought; moody; characteristic of disease; Ex. morbid curiosity; N. morbidity; CF. disease

mordant         biting; sarcastic; stinging; (apprec.) incisive; cutting; Ex. mordant pen/wit

mores           conventions; moral standards; moral customs

morgue         mortuary; place where bodies are kept before burial or cremation

moribund dying; at the point of death; CF. death

morose          ill-humored; sullen; sullenly melancholy

mortar          vessel in which substances are crushed with a pestle

mortician undertaker; CF. death

mortify          humiliate by embarassing excessively; shame; punish the flesh; discipline (one's body) by self-denial; Ex. mortified by her blunder; Ex. mortify the flesh; CF. cause to die

mosaic          picture made of small colorful inlaid tiles; ADJ.

mote            small speck (esp. of dust)

motif           theme; recurrent thematic element in a musical or literary work; single or repeated pattern; figure

motility ability to move spontaneously; ADJ. motile: moving spontaneously

motley          multi-colored (as of a garment worn by a jester); mixed; heterogeneous; CF. jester: one who jests (as a paid fool at medieval courts)

mottled         blotched in coloring; spotted; Ex. mottled face; V. mottle: mark with blotches of different colors

motto           brief statement used to express a principle

mountebank      charlatan; boastful pretender

muddle          confuse; mix up confusedly; N: state of confusion

muggy          (of weather) warm and damp

mulct           defraud a person of something; swindle; Ex. mulct the boy of his legacy

multifarious      varied; greatly diversified; Ex. multifarious activities

multiform       having many forms

multilingual      having many languages; fluent in several languages

multiplicity      state of being numerous or multiple; large number; Ex. multiplicity of details; ADJ. multiple: of more than one element

mundane         worldly as opposed to spiritual; everyday; of the ordinary; Ex. mundane existence; CF. world

munificent       very generous in giving; Ex. munificent benefactor; N. munificience

mural           wall painting

murky          dark and gloomy; thick with fog; vague; Ex. murky night/fog; N. murk: partial or complete darkness; gloom

murmur         low, indistinct, continuous sound; V. CF. mumble

muse           ponder at length; N: source of inspiration (esp. of a poet)

musky          having the odor of musk; N. musk: odorous substance secreted by an Asian deer

muster          gather; assemble (troops); Ex. muster up one's strength for the ordeal; N.

musty           stale (in odor or taste); spoiled by age; CF. moist

mutablility       ability to change in form; fickleness; ADJ. mutable: able to change; fickle; CF. mutate; CF. mutant

mute            silent; without speech; not pronounced; unable to speak; N: one who is incapable of speech; V: soften the sound, color, shade of

muted           silent; muffled; toned down; Ex. muted traffic noise

mutilate maim; injure lastingly; deprive of a limb or an essential part

mutinous unruly; rebellious; Ex. mutinous teenagers; N. mutiny: open rebellion; CF. mutineer

mutter          utter (complaining words) indistinctly in low tones

myopic          nearsighted; lacking foresight; N. myopia

myriad          very large number; ADJ. CF. ten thousand

mystic          of hidden meaning and spiritual power; Ex. mystic ceremonies; N. CF. mysticism

n decry         express strong disapproval of; condemn openly (something dangerous to the public); disparage; Ex. decry the violence of modern films

n dehydrate      remove water from; dry out

n ovation enthusiastic applause

nadir           lowest point; point on the celestial sphere diametrically opposite the zenith

naivet\'e(naivety)  quality of being unsophisticated; simplicity; artlessness; gullibility; ADJ. naive(na\"ive): ingenuous; lacking worldliness; simple; credulous

narcissist conceited person; N. narcissism; CF. narcissus

narrative related to telling a story; N: narrated account; story; V. narrate: tell (a story); CF. narration

nascent          incipient; coming into being or existence; Ex. nascent ability in music

natal            connected with birth; CF. prenatal; CF. postnatal

natation swimming

natty            neatly or smartly dressed; dapper; smart; Ex. natty dresser

nausea          feeling of sickness and desire to vomit; disgust; CF. seasickness

nauseate cause to become sick; fill with disgust; fill nausea

nauseous causing nausea; feeling nausea

nautical pertaining to ships or navigation

navigable (of a body of water) wide and deep enough to allow ships to pass through; (of a ship or aircraft) able to be steered

nebula          diffuse mass of interstellar dust or gas; galaxy

nebulous vague; hazy; cloudy; of a nebula; Ex. nebulous proposal

necromancy      black magic; sorcery; dealings with the dead; art that professes to communicate with the spirits of the dead so as to predict the future; CF. necromancer; CF. necro+divination; CF. necro-: death; Ex. necropolis

nectar           drink of the gods; sweet liquid collected by bees

nefarious very wicked

negate          cancel out; nullify; cause to have no effect; deny; N. negation

negligence       neglect; failure to take reasonable care; ADJ. negligent: neglectful; lax; not taking enough care

negligible so small, trifling, or unimportant as to be easily disregarded

nemesis         someone seeking revenge; source of downfall or ruin; CF. Nemesis

neologism       new or newly coined word or phrase

neophyte recent convert; new member of a religious group; beginner; CF. plant

nepotism favoritism (to a relative); CF. nephew

nether           lower; Ex. nether garments/regions

nettle           irritate; annoy; vex; ADJ. nettlesome

nexus           connection

nib             beak(bill); pen point

nicety           precision; accuracy; minute distinction or difference; Ex. to a nicety: exactly; precisely; Ex. distinguish between niceties

niggardly meanly stingy; parsimonious; N. niggard: stingy person

niggle           spend too much time on minor points (esp. when finding fault); find fault; Ex. niggle over details; ADJ. niggling

nihilist  one who considers traditional beliefs to be groundless and existence meaningless; absolute skeptic; revolutionary terrorist; CF. nihilism: belief that nothing has meaning or value; belief that destruction of existing political or social institutions is necessary for future improvement

nimble          quick in movement; agile; quick in understanding; Ex. nimble climber/mind

nip             snip off; stop something's growth or development; bite; make numb with cold; Ex. nip the plan; Ex. A guard dog nipped the postman; Ex. fingers nipped by the extreme chill

nirvana          in Buddhist teachings, the ideal state in which the individual loses himself in the attainment of an impersonal beatitude

nocturnal done or active at night; Ex. nocturnal animals/raids; CF. nocturne

noisome         foul smelling; very unpleasant; unwholesome

nomadic         wandering; N. nomad: tribe who migrates from place to place

nomenclature     terminology(system of specialized words); system of names or naming things

nominal         in name only; of a name; trifling; (of a sum of money) very small; CF. nominate: propose as a candidate; appoint

nonchalance      indifference; lack of concern; composure; ADJ. nonchalant: unconcerned; cool; indifferent; Ex. nonchalant attitude to his debts

noncommittal    neutral; refusing commitment to a particular opinion;  unpledged; undecided

nondescript      undistinctive; ordinary; ordinary-looking; Ex. nondescript fellow in a crowd

nonentity person of no importance; nonexistence

nonplus         put at a loss; bring to a halt by confusion; perplex; CF. no more

nonsense speech or writing with no meaning; foolish behavior or language; Ex. make (a) nonsense of: spoil; cause to fail

noose           loop formed in a rope

nostalgia homesickness; longing for the past; Ex. nostalgia for the clothes of 1920s; ADJ. nostalgic

nostrum         questionable medicine; quack medicine; CF. our (remedy)

notable          conspicuous; worthy of note; remarkable; important; distinguished; noted

notch           V-shaped cut in a surface; V.

notoriety disrepute; ill fame

nourish          provide with food necessary for life and growth

nourishment      something that nourishes; food

nova            star that suddenly becomes much brighter and then returns to its original brightness

novelty          something new; newness; ADJ. novel: new; original

novice          beginner

noxious         harmful; CF. obnoxious

nuance          shade of slight difference in meaning or color; subtle distinction

nubile           marriageable; of marriageable age; CF. connubial

nugatory worthless; futile

nullify          make invalid; make null; invalidate

numismatist      person who collects coins; N. numismatics: study or collection of money, coins, and medals

nuptial          of marriage or the wedding ceremony; N; nuptials; wedding ceremony

nuptial          related to marriage or the wedding ceremony; N. nuptials: wedding ceremony

nurse           suckle; take care of (as a nurse); bear in mind; Ex. nursing mother; Ex. nurse a hope/grudge against someone

nurture          nourish; feed; educate; rear; care for while it is growing or developing; foster; cultivate; N: something that nourishes; rearing

nutrient nourishing substance; ADJ: providing nourishment

nutrition process of nourishing or being nourished; CF. malnutrition

nutritious providing nourishment

oaf             stupid awkward person; CF. elf

oath            solemn promise; blasphemous use of sacred words to express strong feelings; swear-word; Ex. ``For Christ's sake''

oatmeal         crushed oats used for making porridge

obdurate stubborn; refusing to change one's belief

obeisance bow (to show respect and obedience)

obelisk          tall column tapering(becoming gradually narrower toward the end) and ending in a pyramid

obese           excessively fat; N. obesity

obfuscate confuse; muddle; cause confusion; make needlessly complex; make so confused as to be difficult to understand

obituary death notice (esp. in a newspaper); ADJ.

objective not influenced by emotions; fair; N: goal; aim

obligatory       binding; required; compulsory; V. oblige: constrain; make grateful; do a favor; accommodate

oblique          indirect; slanting (deviating from the perpendicular or from a straight line); Ex. oblique reference

obliterate destroy completely; wipe out; Ex. obliterate the village

oblivion obscurity; condition of being completely forgotten; forgetfulness

oblivious inattentive or unmindful; unaware; wholly absorbed; forgetful(having the habit of forgetting)

obloquy         slander; disgrace; infamy

obnoxious       offensive; disagreeable; Ex. obnoxious smell

obscure         dark; vague; unclear; not well known; Ex. obscure meaning/village; V: darken; cover; make unclear; Ex. obscure the moon/meaning

obsequious       slavishly attentive; servile; full of servile compliance; sycophantic

obsequy         funeral ceremony

obsessive related to thinking about something constantly; of an obsession; preoccupying; N. obsession: compulsive preoccupation with a fixed idea; compulsive idea; V. obsess: preoccupy the mind of excessively

obsidian black volcanic rock

obsolete outmoded; no longer used

obstetrician      physician specializing in delivery(assisting in giving birth) of babies; N. obstetrics; CF. midwife

obstinate stubborn; hard to control or treat; Ex. obstinate cough; N. obstinacy

obstreperous     boisterous; noisy and uncontrollable

obtrude         push (oneself or one's ideas) forward or intrude; impose (oneself or one's ideas) on others; butt in; stick out or extrude; thrust out; Ex. obtrude A on B; ADJ. obtrusive; N. obtrusion; CF. unobtrusive

obtuse          blunt; not sharp; stupid; slow in understanding

obviate          make unnecessary; get rid of; Ex. obviate the need

Occident the West

occlude         shut; close; obstruct; Ex. A blood clot occluded an artery.

occult           mysterious; secret; supernatural; beyond human comprehension; CF. mysterious to human ?; OP. bare

oculist          physician who specializes in treatment of the eyes

odds            chances; probability; disagreement; Ex. The odds are that it will rain. Ex. at odds with

odious          arousing strong dislike; hateful(causing hatred); vile

odium          detestation; quality of being odious; hatefulness; disrepute (resulting from hateful conduct)

odoriferous      giving off an odor

odorous         having an odor

odyssey         long, eventful, adventurous journey

offensive attacking; insulting; distasteful; V. offend: violate; hurt the feelings of; N. offense: offending; violating of a moral or social code; crime; attack; Ex. first offense

offhand         casual; done without prior thought or preparation

officious meddlesome; excessively pushy in offering one's services; overly eager in offering unwanted services or advices; Ex. officious bellboy

ogle            look at amorously; make eyes at; Ex. old men ogling young girls

olfactory concerning the sense of smell

oligarchy government by a privileged few

ominous         threatening; of an evil omen

omnipotent      all-powerful; having unlimited power

omnipresent      universally present; ubiquitous

omniscient       all-knowing

omnivorous      eating both plant and animal food; devouring everything

onerous         burdensome

onomatopoeia    words formed in imitation of natural sounds

onslaught vicious assault; fierce attack; Ex. unexpected onslaught of the enemy

onus            burden; responsibility

ooze            (of a thick liquid) pass or flow slowly; N: mud or thick liquid as at the bottom of a river

opalescent       iridescent; lustrous; like an opal; N. opalescence

opaque          dark; not transparent; N. opacity

opiate           medicine to induce sleep or deaden pain; something that relieves emotions or causes inaction; sleep-producing drug containing opium

opportune       timely; well-chosen

opportunist      individual who sacrifices principles for expediency by taking advantage of circumstances; N. opportunism

opprobrium      infamy; disgrace arising from shameful conduct; vilification(slander); scorn; contempt; Ex. opprobrium hurled against him; ADJ. opprobrious: expressing contempt; shameful or infamous

optician maker and seller of eyeglasses

optimist person who looks on the bright side; N. optimism

optimum         most favorable; optimal; N: most favorable condition

optional not compulsory; left to one's choice; N. option: act of choosing; choice; freedom or power to choose; something available as a choice; Ex. have no option; Ex. two options

optometrist      one who fits glasses to remedy visual defects

opulence extreme wealth; luxuriousness; abundance; ADJ. opulent: possessing great wealth; abundant

opus            work (esp. musical composition); Ex. magnum opus: masterpiece; CF. opera

oracular of an oracle; prophetic; uttered as if with divine authority; mysterious or ambiguous; hard to understand; N. oracle: wiser person; prophecy made by an oracle

orator           public speaker

oratorio dramatic poem set to music; long musical work with singing but without acting; CF. cantata

ordain          decree or command; grant holy orders; predestine; install as a minister, priest, or rabbi; N. ordainment; CF. ordination

ordeal           severe trial or affliction; difficult experience; trial(test of patience or endurance); affliction

ordinance decree; authoritative order

ordination       ceremony conferring holy orders; ceremony of ordaining a priest

orgy            wild drunken revelry; unrestrained indulgence in an activity; Ex. orgy of shopping

orient           get one's bearings; adjust; make familiar with a situation; orientate

orientation       act of finding oneself in society; orienting

orifice          mouthlike opening; small opening (esp. to a cavern or passage of the body); CF. mouth

ornate           excessively or elaborately decorated

ornithologist     scientific student of birds; N. ornithology: scientific study of birds

orous           full of pores; like a sieve

orthodox traditional; (of someone) conservative in belief; adhering to an established doctrine

orthography      correct spelling; CF. ortho-: straight; correct; Ex. orthodontics

oscillate vibrate pendulumlike; waver

osseous         made of bone; bony

ossify           change or harden into bone; become hard and unchanging in one's ideas

ostensible apparent; appearing as such; professed(pretended); pretended; Ex. ostensible purpose of the expedition

ostentatious      showy; trying to attract attention; pretentious; N. ostentation: showy display

ostracize banish from a group; exclude from public favor; ban; Ex. His friends ostracized him. N. ostracism

oust            expel; drive out; force out; N. ouster: ousting

outcast          one that has been excluded from a society; ADJ.

outfit           clothing or equipment for a special purpose; Ex. cowboy outfit

outgoing sociable; eager to mix socially with others

outlandish       bizzare; peculiar; unconventional

outlaw          fugitive from the law (excluded from legal protection); V: declare (someone) to be an outlaw; deprive of the protection of the law; declare illegal; Ex. Drinking has been outlawed.

outlook         point of view; view from a particular place; expectation for the future; prospect; Ex. outlook on life; Ex. pleasing outlook; Ex. weather outlook

outmoded no longer in fashion or use; no longer stylish; old-fashioned

outrage          act of extreme violence or viciousness; resentful anger; V: commit an outrage on; produce anger in; ADJ. outrageous: offensive

outskirts fringes; outer borders (as of a city); Ex. outskirts of Boston

outspoken       candid; blunt

outstrip outrun; surpass; outdo

outwit          outsmart; defeat by behaving more cleverly

overbearing      bossy; domineering and arrogant; decisively important; Ex. overbearing manner/importance; V. overbear: dominate

overblown       inflated; exaggerated

oversee         watch over and direct; supervise; N. oversight: unintentional failure to notice or do something; supervision

overt           open to view; public; not secret; CF. covert

overthrow       topple; N.

overture musical introduction to a long musical piece; first offer or proposal (to begin talks in the hope of reaching an agreement); Ex. overtures for peace

overturn turn over; capsize; topple

overweening     arrogant; presumptuous

overwhelm       (of water) cover completely; defeat completely by much greater force; Ex. overwhelmed by grief

overwrought     nervous or excited; extremely agitated; hysterical; wrought-up; CF. wrought: made or done

ovoid           egg-shaped; CF. ovum; CF. ovulate

pachyderm       thick-skinned animal

pacifist  one opposed to force; antimilitarist; ADJ. N. pacifism: opposition to war as a means of resolving disputes

pacify           soothe; make calm or quiet; subdue; bring peace to

padre           chaplain (in the armed forces)

paean           song of praise or joy; Ex. paeans celebrating the victory

painstaking      taking pains; showing hard work; taking great care; very careful and through

palatable agreeable; pleasing to the taste

palate           roof of the mouth; sense of the taste

palatial  of or suitable for a palace; magnificent

paleontology     study of prehistoric life or fossils; CF. paleo-: ancient or prehistoric; Ex. paleography: study of ancient written documents

palette          board on which painter mixes pigments(coloring matters)

palimpsest       parchment or piece of writing material used for second time after original writing has been erased

pall             become boring; grow tiresome

pallet           small poor bed; Ex. straw pallet

palliate  ease pain (without curing); make less severe or offensive (a crime or illness)

pallid           pale; wan; Ex. pallid complexion

palm            conceal in the palm of the hand; palm off: pass off; Ex. palm off some bad oranges onto the lady/the painting as a real Renoir

palpable tangible; (of something bad) easily perceptible; obvious; Ex. palpable blunder

palpitate throb; beat rapidly; flutter; tremble; Ex. Her heart began to palpitate.

paltry           insignificant; petty; trifling; contemptible; Ex. paltry sum; CF. trash

pan             criticize harshly

panacea         cure-all; remedy for all diseases

panache         flair; manner of doing things without any difficulty (causing admiration); flamboyance; bunch of feathers (on a helmet); Ex. with great panache; CF. ? ??? ?? ??? ??

pandemic widespread; affecting the majority of people; N: pandemic disease; CF. all people

pandemonium    wild tumult(commotion); wild noisy disorder; CF. Paradise Lost

pander          cater to (the low desires of others)

panegyric formal praise; encomium; Ex. I don't deserve such panegyrics.

pang            sudden sharp feeling of pain

panoramic       denoting an unobstructed and comprehensive view; N. panorama: unbroken view of a wide area

pantomime       acting without dialogue; V.

papyrus         ancient paper made from stem of papyrus plant

parable          short simple story teaching a moral

paradigm model; example that serves as a model; pattern; list of all the inflectional forms of a word

paradox         something apparently contradictory in nature (that may nonetheless be true); statement that looks false but is actually correct

paragon         model of perfection; Ex. paragon of virtue

parallel  similar; analogous; corresponding; N: parallel line; person or thing that is parallel (to another); similarity; Ex. know of no parallel to the case; Ex. without parallel; V: be similar to; make parallel; Ex. Your experience parallels mine; CF. unparalleled

parallelism       state of being parallel; similarity; analogy

parameter limit; independent variable; Ex. parameters of the problem; Ex. within the parameters of the budget

paramount       foremost in importance; supreme; CF. para-: beyond; above; Ex. paranormal

paramour illicit lover

paranoia psychosis marked by delusions of grandeur or persecution; N: ADJ: paranoid, paranoiac

paraphernalia     equipment; odds and ends used in a particular activity; personal belongings; Ex. photographic paraphernalia; CF. married woman's property exclusive of her dowry

paraphrase       restate a passage in one's own words while retaining thought of author; N: restatement of a text in other words

parasite animal or plant living on another; toady; sycophant; CF. para-: beside

parched         extremely dry; very thirsty; V. parch: make or become extremely dry (by exposure to heat)

parchment       writing material made from the skin of a sheep or goat

pare            cut away the outer covering or skin of (with a knife); trim; Ex. pare apples/expenses

pariah           social outcast; Ex. Mariah the pariah

parish           area in the care of a single priest and served by one main church

parity           equality; close resemblance; CF. disparate

parlance language; manner of speaking; idiom; Ex. in legal/common parlance

parley           conference (between opponents); CF. speak

parochial narrow in scope or outlook; provincial; related to parishes

parody          humorous imitation; spoof; takeoff; travesty; V.

paroxysm fit or attack of pain, laughter, rage; sudden outburst

parquet          floor made of wood strips inlaid in a mosaic like matter; CF. strip: long narrow piece

parry           ward off a blow; deflect; Ex. He parried the unwelcome question very skillfully; N. CF. ???? ??? ??

parsimony       stinginess; excessive frugality; ADJ. parsimonious

partial          incomplete; favoring one side over another; having a liking for something

partiality state of being partial; inclination; favorable bias; special fondness; preference

partisan one-sided; prejudiced; committed to a party (with dislike of any others); N: strong supporter of a party; guerrilla

partition divide into parts

parvenu         upstart; newly rich person

pass_off present falsely; represent falsely to be

pass\'e          old-fashioned; past the prime

passive          not active; acted upon; receiving an action without acting in return; accepting without resistance

paste           smooth viscous mixture as of flour(powder made by crushing grain) and water (used as an adhesive); V: cause to adhere by applying paste

pastiche imitation of another's style in musical composition or in writing; work of art openly imitating the works of other artists

pastoral rural; of rural life; idyllic; of a pastor

pastry           paste of flour and water (eaten when baked)

patent           obvious; easily seen; open for the public to read; of or protected by a patent; Ex. patent to everyone; N.

pathetic causing sadness, compassion, pity; touching

pathological      pertaining to disease; N. pathology: study of disease

pathos          tender sorrow; pity; quality in art or literature that produces these feelings; Ex. pathos that runs through the novel

patina           green crust on old bronze works or copper; tone slowly taken by varnished painting

patois           local or provincial dialect

patriarch father and ruler of a family or tribe

patrician noble; aristocratic; N: person of high rank; aristocrat; CF. member of the governing classes in ancient Rome; CF. plebian

patrimony       property inherited from a father

patronize support; act superior toward; treat in a condescending manner; be a customer of; N. patron: one that supports; regular customer; N. patronage; CF. boycott

paucity          scarcity; dearth

pauper          very poor person

peccadillo       slight offense or fault; CF. sin

pecuniary pertaining to money

pedagogue       teacher; CF. child leader

pedagogy teaching; art of education

pedant          scholar who overemphasizes book learning, trivial details of learning, or technicalities

pedantic bookish; showing off learning; marked by an excessive ostentatious concern for book learning; N. pedantry

peddle          travel about selling (wares); CF. foot

pedestal support or base as for a pillar or statue

pedestrian       ordinary; dull; unimaginative(lacking in imagination); going on foot; Ex. pedestrian prose; N.

pediatrician      physician specializing in children's diseases; N. pediatrics

pedigree ancestry; lineage

pedigree line of ancestors; ancestry; lineage; ADJ. (of an animal) descended from of a chosen family; Ex. pedigree dog; CF. crane's foot

peer            one who has equal standing with another; nobleman; V: look intently; N. peerage; CF. peeress

peerless having no equal; incomparable

peevish         bad-tempered; irritable; V. peeve: make angry

pejorative (of a word or phrase) suggesting that someone is of little value; negative in connotation; having a belittling effect; Ex. Many women now considers ``housewife'' a pejorative expression‎, because it patronized them.

pell-mell in confusion; disorderly; Ex. dash pell-mell

pellucid transparent; limpid(crystal clear); clear in meaning; easy to understand

pen                     fenced enclosure for animals; confining space; Ex. sheep pen; V: confine in a pen; enclose

penance         self-imposed punishment for sin; Ex. do penance for one's sins; CF. penitent

penchant strong inclination; strong liking (esp. for something that is disapproved of by other people); Ex. penchant for fast cars

pendant(pendent)  hanging down from something; pending; N: ornament (hanging from a necklace etc.)

pending         not yet decided or settled; impending; Ex. pending decision; PREP. while awaiting; until; Ex. delay the decision pending his return

pendulous       hanging; suspended

penetrate enter into; pierce; permeate; see through; grasp the inner significance of; understand

penitent repentant; N.

penology study of prison management and criminal rehabilitation

pensive         dreamily or deeply thoughtful; sadly thoughtful; thoughtful with a hint of sadness; contemplative; CF. think over

penumbra partial shadow (in an eclipse); CF. almost shadow

penury          extreme poverty; stinginess; ADJ. penurious: very poor; stingy

peon            landless agricultural worker; bond servant; menial worker; N. peonage

perceptive       insightful; showing a good ability at perceiving and understanding; aware; wise; of perception

percussion       striking one object against another sharply; Ex. percussion instrument; N: striking together of two bodies; sound caused by percussion

perdition damnation; complete ruin; hell

peregrination     journey; V. peregrinate

peremptory      demanding and leaving no choice; imperative; Ex. peremptory decree/knock 

perennial something long-lasting; perennial plant; ADJ: lasting through the year or many years; lasting for a long time; enduring

perfidious       treacherous; disloyal; N. perfidy: treachery

perforate pierce; put a hole through

perfunctory      done routinely and with little care; superficial; not thorough; lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm; Ex. perfunctory kiss

perigee          point of moon's orbit when it is nearest the earth; CF. apogee

perimeter outer boundary; length of the outer boundary; circumference

peripatetic       walking about from place to place (to work); moving; Ex. peripatetic school of philosophy

peripheral       of a periphery; marginal; outer; of minor importance; not central; Ex. peripheral nerve/interest

periphery outside edge especially of a round surface; perimeter; Ex. periphery of the town

perjury          false testimony while under oath; V. perjure oneself: testify falsely under oath

permeable       that can be permeated; penetrable; porous; allowing liquids or gas to pass through; V. permeate: spread or flow throughout; charge

permissive       allowing much freedom; lenient; Ex. permissive society

pernicious       very harmful; deadly; very destructive; Ex. pernicious effect/anemia

peroration       conclusion of an oration; perorating; V. perorate: conclude a speech; speak at great length

perpetrate commit an offense; do (something wrong)

perpetual everlasting

perpetuate       make perpetual; make something last for a long time; preserve from extinction; N. perpetuity

perquisite(perk)   any gain above stipulated salary; Ex. perquisites such as free meals and a car

persevere continue steadily in spite of difficulties

persist          continue in existence; last; continue in a course of action in spite of opposition; Ex. persist in/with something; ADJ. persistent

personable       attractive (in personality or appearance)

personify represent (an inanimate object) as a person; be the embodiment or perfect example of; Ex. She is evil/patience personified; N. personification

perspicacious     (of someone) having insight; penetrating; astute

perspicuity       clearness of expression‎; freedom from ambiguity

perspicuous      (of something) plainly expressed; easy to understand; Ex. perspicuous comments

pert            (esp. of a girl or young woman) impertinent; forward; trim; jaunty; Ex. pert young miss/hat

pertinacious      holding tenaciously to an action; stubborn; persistent

pertinent suitable; to the point; relevant

perturb          disturb greatly

peruse          read through with care; N. perusal

pervasive spread throughout; V. pervade: (of smells, ideas, feelings) spread throughout; charge; permeate

perverse purposely continuing to do something wrong; stubbornly wrongheaded; perverted; directed away from what is right; wicked and unacceptable; Ex. perverse satisfaction; Ex. Hannibal Lecter in a perverse mood; N. perversity

perversion       corruption; turning from right to wrong

pervert          corrupt; turn from right to wrong; misuse; Ex. perverted sexual desire/scientific knowledge; N: person whose sexual behavior is not natural

pessimism       belief that life is basically bad or evil; gloominess; tendency to take the gloomiest possible view of a situation; ADJ. pessimistic

pestilential(pestilent)       causing plague; tending to cause death; baneful; N. pestilence: fatal epidemic disease (esp. bubonic plague)

pestle           tool for mashing or grinding substances in a hard bowl or mortar

petrify          turn to stone; cause to become stonelike; stun or paralyze

petty            trivial; unimportant; very small; small-minded; petty-minded

petulant touchy; peevish; ill-tempered

phalanx         formation of infantry carrying overlapping shields and long spears; group of men packed together (for attack or defense)

pharisaical       pertaining to the Pharisees, who paid scrupulous attention to tradition; self-righteous; hypocritical

pharisee Pharisee: member of an ancient Jewish group that emphasized strict observance of the Mosaic law (considering themselves very holy); hypocritical self-righteous person

phenomena      observable facts; subjects of scientific investigation; SG. phenomenon: observable fact; very unusual person, thing, or event; marvel; wonder; CF. phenomenons; ADJ. phenomenal: very unusual; extraordinary; of a phenomenon; Ex. phenomenal strength

philanderer      faithless lover; flirt

philanthropist    lover of mankind; doer of good; N. philanthropy

philatelist stamp-collector; N. philately: stamp collecting

philistine narrow-minded person, uncultured and exclusively interested in material gain; uncultured person who is indifferent to artistic and cultural values; member of an ancient people in Palestine; OP. aesthete

philology study of language or words

phlegmatic       calm and unexcitable; not easily disturbed; CF. phlegm: sticky mucus produced in the respiratory tract

phobia          morbid fear

phoenix         symbol of immortality or rebirth; Ex. phoenix rising from its ashes

phylum         major classification, second to kingdom, of plants and animals; category ranking below a kingdom and above a class; division

physiognomy     face (as showing the character and the mind); art of judging human character from facial features

physiological     pertaining to the science of the function of living organisms; N. physiology

piebald          of different colors; mottled; spotted in different colors (esp. in black and white); Ex. piebald horse; CF. pie+bald

piecemeal       one part at a time; gradually; in stages; Ex. read a novel piecemeal

pied            piebald; variegated(many-colored); multicolored

piety            devoutness; reverence for God; ADJ. pious

pigment         coloring matter (usually powder to be mixed with water or oil)

pilfer           steal things of small value; filch; snitch

pillage          plunder

pillory          punish by placing in a wooden frame or pillory; subject or expose to criticism and ridicule; N.

pinch           squeeze between the thumb and a finger, or other edges; Ex. I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. N: amount that can be held between the thumb and a finger

pine            long for; yearn; languish from longing or grief; decline

pinion          restrain or immobilize by binding the wings or legs; N: bird's wing

pinnace         small boat

pinnacle peak; highest point; acme; Ex. pinnacle of fame

pious           devout; religious; N. piety

piquant          pleasantly tart-tasting; spicy; pleasantly stimulating; Ex. piquant situation when my old enemy asked for my help

pique           irritation; resentment from wounded pride (eg. loss in a contest); V: provoke; arouse; annoy; cause to feel resentment; Ex. pique her curiosity

piscatorial       pertaining to fishing; CF. Pisces

pitfall           hidden danger; concealed trap

pith            core or marrow; spongelike substance in the center of stems; essence; substance

pithy           concise and meaningful; substantial; meaty

pittance small amount (of money); small allowance or wage

pivotal          of a pivot; central; critical; crucial

placate          pacify; bring peace to; conciliate; appease

placebo         harmless substance prescribed as a dummy pill

placid           peaceful; calm; Ex. placid child/lake

plagiarize steal another's ideas or writings and pass them off as one's own; Ex. ideas plagiarized from my article; N. plagiarism; CF. kidnap

plaintive expressing sorrow; mournful; Ex. plaintive song

plait            braid; interwine; interweave strands or lengths of; make by weaving strands together; Ex. plaited hair; N: braided length as of hair o fabric; CF. pigtail, ponytail

plane           carpenter's tool for smoothing and leveling wood; V. CF. flat

plaster          paste that hardens to a smooth solid and is used for coating walls; V.

plasticity ability to be molded; ADJ. plastic: capable of being shaped or molded; Ex. plastic material such as clay

platitude trite remark; commonplace statement; ADJ. platitudinous

platonic purely spiritual; theoretical; without sensual desire

plaudit          praise; enthusiastic approval; round(succession or series) of applause; ADJ. plauditory; CF. applaud

plausible conceivably true; having a show of truth but open to doubt; specious

plebeian common; vulgar; pertaining to the common people; N: common people in ancient Rome; CF. patrician

plebiscite direct vote by the entire electorate (on an important issue)

plenary          (of power) complete; full; fully attended by all qualified members; Ex. plenary power

plenitude abundance; plenty; great amount; completeness; fullness; CF. plenary, plenty

plethora excess; overabundance; Ex. a plethora of excuses

pliable          flexible; easily influenced; yielding; adaptable

pliant           flexible; easily influenced

plight           difficult condition; condition or state (esp. a bad state or condition); predicament

ploy            strategem to gain an advantage; tactic; Ex. management ploy

pluck           courage; V: pull off or out; pull out the hair or feathers of; ADJ. plucky: courageous; brave

plumage         feathers of a bird; 

plumb          exactly vertical; N: weight on the end of a line; V: examine very carefully or critically in order to understand; measure depth (by sounding); Ex. plumb the depth of

plumber         one who installs and repairs pipes and plumbing(pipes)

plume           feather, esp. large or showy one; something that rises into the air (like the shape of a feather); Ex. plume of smoke: ?? ??

plummet         fall sharply; fall straight down; Ex. Stock prices plummeted.

plump          pleasantly fat; nicely rounded

plutocracy       society ruled by the wealthy

podiatrist doctor who treats ailments of the feet; chiropodist; N. podiatrics

podium         pedestal; raised platform

poignancy       quality of being deeply moving; keenness of emotion; ADJ. poignant: touching; deeply moving; (of sorrow, grief, etc.) painful; keenly distressing to the mind; Ex. poignant memory/anxiety; CF. prick

poise           good judgment with composure; balance; V: place in a carefully balanced position

polar           of a pole; characterized by opposite extremes; Ex. polar opposites

polarity state of having two opposite qualities

polarize split into opposite extremes or camps

polemic         attack or defense of an opinion; controversy or refutation; argument in support of point of view; N. polemics: art of debate or controversy

polemical(polemic) aggressive in verbal attack; disputatious (rather than simply expressing opinions)

politic          prudent; judicious; well judged; expedient; well devised

polity           (particular form of) political organization; form of government of nation or state; Ex. student polity

polygamist       one who has more than one spouse at a time; CF. bigamy; CF. polyandry

polyglot speaking several languages; multilingual; Ex. polyglot person/society; N.

pomposity       self-important behavior; acting like a stuffed shirt(pompous person); ADJ. pompous: self-important

ponderous       having great weight; weighty; unwieldy; lacking lightness; dull; Ex. ponderous body/style of writing

pontifical pertaining to a bishop or pope; pompous or pretentious; CF. pontiff: pope; bishop

pore            study industriously; ponder; scrutinize; Ex. pore over the book; N.

porridge soft food made by boiling oatmeal

portend         foretell; presage; be a sign or warning of; N. portent: sign; omen; forewarning

portly           stout; corpulent

pose            assume a particular posture; put forward; present; affect a particular attitude (to impress others); Ex. pose a threat; N.

poseur          person who pretends to be sophisticated, elegant, etc., to impress others; person who poses; CF. pose

posterity descendants; future generations; Ex. go down to posterity; CF. posterior, anterior

posthumous      after death (as of child born after father's death or book published after author's death); coming or occurring after one's death; Ex. posthumous fame/novel

postmortem      autopsy; ADJ: occurring after death; of a postmortem

postulate self-evident truth; something assumed without proof; V: assume the truth of (as a basis of an argument)

posture          assume an affected pose; act artificially; N: pose; attitude

potable          suitable for drinking; drinkable

potent           powerful; convincing; persuasive; greatly influential

potentate monarch; sovereign

potential expressing possibility; latent; N: capacity for growth

potion          dose (of liquids); liquid dose

potpourri heterogeneous mixture; medley; mixture of dried flower petals a pot (to give a pleasant smell to a room)

poultice soothing application applied to sore and inflamed portions of the body

pr\'ecis  abstract; concise summing up of main points; concise summary of a text

practicable       feasible

practical based on experience; of or acquired through practice (rather than theory); useful; Ex. practical man

pragmatic practical (as opposed to idealistic); concerned with practical worth or impact of something; Ex. pragmatic test of the skill

pragmatist       practical person; N. pragmatism: pragmatic way of dealing with things

prance          move about in a spirited manner (proudly and confidently)

prank           mischievous trick

prate            talk idly; speak foolishly; boast idly

prattle          talk idly; babble; N. CF. prate

preamble introductory statement

precarious       unsafe; lacking in stability; uncertain; risky; Ex. precarious living

precedent preceding (in time, rank, etc.)

precedent something preceding in time which may be used as an authority or guide for future action; V. precede; CF. unprecedented

precept          practical rule guiding conduct; Ex. mother's precept

precinct division of a city for election or police purposes; precincts: space that surrounds a building; Ex. precincts of the college

precipice cliff; dangerous position; Ex. on the edge of the precipice

precipitant       something that causes a substance in a chemical solution to separate out in solid form; ???; OP. solvent

precipitate       hurl downward; throw headlong; hasten; cause to happen sooner; condense and fall as rain or snow; cause (a solid substance) to be separated from a solution; ADJ. hasty; rash; premature; sudden

precipitous       steep; overhasty; precipitate

precise          exact

preclude make impossible; prevent; exclude; eliminate

precocious       advanced in development; N. precocity

precursor forerunner; predecessor

predator predatory animal or bird; predatory person; creature that seizes and devours another animal; person who robs or exploits others; ADJ. predatory: living by preying on other organisms; plundering; N. predation

predecessor      former occupant of a post

predetermine     determine in advance; predestine; settle or decide beforehand; influence markedly

predicament      difficult situation; tricky or dangerous situation; dilemma

predilection      preference; partiality

predispose       give an inclination toward (in advance); make susceptible to; Ex. predispose people to certain cancer; N. predisposition

preeminent       outstanding; superior

preempt         prevent in advance; head off(forestall); forestall by acting first; appropriate for oneself before others; supplant; take the place of; displace; Ex. preempt any attempts; ADJ. preemptive

preen           make oneself tidy in appearance; feel self-satisfaction or pride; (of a bird) smooth or clean (feathers) with the beak; Ex. preen oneself on; CF. prune

prefatory introductory; of a preface

prefigure be a sign of; foreshadow

prehensile       capable of grasping or holding (esp. by wrapping around); Ex. prehensile tails

prelate          church dignitary; priest of high position in the church (esp. bishop)

prelude          introduction; introductory performance or event; forerunner

premeditate      plan in advance; Ex. premeditated murder

premise         assumption; postulate; proposition upon which an argument is based

premonition      forewarning; presentiment; foreboding

premonitory      serving to warn

preponderance    superiority of power, quantity, etc.; V. preponderate: be greater in power, weight, or importance; ADJ. preponderant

prepossessing    attractive; CF. preoccupying ?

preposterous     absurd; completely unreasonable; ridiculous

prerogative      privilege; unquestionable right; CF. ask before

presage         foretell; be a warning or sign of; N: presentiment; foreboding; omen

prescience       ability to foretell the future; knowledge of actions before they occur; ADJ. prescient

presentiment     premonition; foreboding; feeling something will happen; anticipatory fear

prestige respect or admiration; impression produced by achievements or reputation; ADJ: causing admiration; ADJ. prestigious: having prestige

presume         take for granted; assume; act overconfidently; take liberties; presume on/upon: take unfair advantage of (someone's kindness or connection); N. presumption

presumptuous    going beyond what is right; excessively forward; arrogant; taking liberties

pretend          feign; pretend to: claim to possess; make pretensions to; Ex. I don't pretend to much expertise; N. pretense

pretension       pretentiousness; claim (without foundation); Ex. I make no pretensions to skill as an artist.

pretentious       ostentatious; showy; pompous; making unjustified claims; overambitious; Ex. pretentious films that claim to be art

preternatural     beyond what is normal in nature; supernatural; Ex. preternatural strength/forces

pretext          excuse

prevail          be widespread; triumph over; gain victory; prevail on: persuade; induce; Ex. Justice has prevailed; Ex. prevail on someone to do something

preval‎ent widespread; generally accepted

prevaricate       lie; hide the truth (by equivocating)

prey            target of a hunt; victim; V: hunt and eat as prey; victimize; Ex. Cats prey on mice.

prim            proper to the point of affectation; very precise and formal; exceedingly proper

primal          first in rank or importance; being first in time; original; Ex. man's primal innocence

primary         first in rank or importance; principal; earliest in time; Ex. primary stages; N. CF. first

primate         group of mammals including humans

prime           period of ideal or peak condition; earliest or beginning stage; Ex. in the prime of life; Ex. prime of the year(spring); ADJ: first in importance or rank; first; V: make ready; prepare

primogeniture    seniority by birth; state of being the first-born child; right of the eldest child (to inherit the entire property of one or both parents)

primordial       existing at the beginning (of time); rudimentary

primp           groom oneself with care; adorn oneself

pristine  unspoiled; remaining in a pure state; characteristic of earlier times; primitive; Ex. an old book in pristine condition

privation lack of the basic necessities or comforts of life; hardship; want; CF. deprive

privy           secret; hidden; not public; made a participant in something secret; Ex. privy chamber government; Ex. be privy to a discussion; CF. private

prize            pry; move with a lever; value highly; esteem; Ex. his most prized possession; N: something captured during war-time (esp. an enemy ship)

probe           explore with a probe or tools; investigate; N: slender instrument used to explore a wound or body cavity; device designed to investigate an unknown region; thorough investigation; Ex. space probe

probity          uprightness; honesty; incorruptibility

problematic      causing a problem; open to doubt; doubtful; unsettled; questionable; Ex. Whether the arena will ever be completed is problematic.

proclivity inclination; natural tendency (esp. towards something bad)

procrastinate     postpone; delay or put off

procurement     obtaining; V. procure: obtain by effort; obtain (a prostitute) for another

prod            poke (with a pointed object); stir up; urge; goad to action; N: pointed object used to prod; prodding

prodigal wasteful; reckless with money; profuse; Ex. a mind prodigal of ideas; N. prodigality

prodigious       enormous; marvelous; extraordinary; Ex. prodigious amount/memory

prodigy         highly gifted child; person with exceptional talents; marvel; wonder

profane         violate; desecrate (something holy); treat unworthily; be profane for; ADJ: secular; nonreligious; irreverent for holy things

profligate wasteful (of money); dissipated; wildly immoral; dissolute; N: profligate person; N. profligacy

profound deep; not superficial; complete; Ex. profound thinker/remark/silence/deafness; N. profundity

profusion great amount; plenty; overabundance; excess; lavish expenditure; Ex. profusion of choices; ADJ. profuse: plentiful; copious; giving or given abundantly; extravagant

progenitor       ancestor

progeny         children; offspring; descendants

prognosis forecasted course of a disease; prediction; CF. prognostic

prognosticate     predict (according to present indications)

prohibitive       so high as to prohibit purchase or use; tending to prevent the purchase or use of something; prohibiting; inclined to prevent or forbid; Ex. prohibitive tax

projectile missile; fired or thrown object (such as stone or bullet)

proletarian       member of the working class; blue collar guy; N. proletariat: working class (who have to work for wages)

proliferate       grow rapidly (in numbers); spread; multiply; N. proliferation

prolific  producing offspring or fruit in abundance; fertile; fecund; abundantly fruitful; producing abundant works; Ex. prolific writer

prolixity tedious wordiness; verbosity; ADJ. prolix: wordy; verbose; diffuse

prologue introduction (to a poem or play)

prolong         lengthen; extend; draw out

prominent       protruding(sticking out); conspicuous; notable; eminent

promiscuous     mixed indiscriminately; indiscriminate; not choosing carefully; indiscriminate in the choice of sexual partners; irregular, particularly sexually; Ex. promiscuous life/girl; N. promiscuity

promontory      headland

promote         advance in rank; advance; help to flourish; advocate; help actively in forming; publicize or popularize; Ex. Milk promotes health; Ex. promote a match/bill; Ex. promote a new product

prompt          cause; urge; provoke; provide a cue (for an actor); ADJ: done without delay; done at the right time; punctual; on time; N: reminder or cue

promulgate      announce; proclaim a doctrine or law; make known by official publication

prone           inclined to; likely to (suffer); prostrate; lying with the front downward; Ex. prone to disease/make mistakes; Ex. accident-prone

prong           pointed projecting part

pronounced      distinct; very noticeable; Ex. pronounced limp

prop            support placed under or against something; V.

propagate increase in number by producing young; multiply; spread; Ex. Most plants propagate by seed; Ex. newspaper propagating their ideas

propellant(propellent)      substance which propels or drives forward (such as an explosive charge or a rocket fuel)

propensity       natural inclination

prophetic of a prophet or prophecy; having to do with predicting the future; N. prophecy; V. prophesy; N. prophet

prophylactic      used to prevent disease; N: something prophylactic; condom; N. prophylaxis: prevention of disease

propinquity      nearness (in space or relationship); proximity; kinship

propitiate appease; conciliate; make peaceful; ADJ. propitiatory

propitious       favorable; auspicious; advantageous; fortunate; Ex. propitious day/sign

proponent       supporter; backer; opposite of opponent

propound put forth for consideration or analysis; set forth; Ex. propound a problem/theory

propriety fitness; quality of being proper; correct conduct; conformity to prevailing customs and usages; CF. proprietor, proprietary

propulsive       driving forward; N. propulsion

prosaic          lacking in imagination; dull and unimaginative; matter-of-fact(concerned with facts, not imagination or feelings); factual; CF. prose

proscenium      part of stage in front of curtain; front arch of a stage

proscribe prohibit; ostracize; banish; outlaw

proselytize       (induce someone to) convert to a religion or belief; N. proselyte: new convert to a doctrine or religion

prosody         art of versification; study of the metrical structure of verse

prosper          become successful (esp. financially); thrive; grow well; Ex. children prospering under his care

prosperity       good fortune and financial success; physical well-being

prosperous       successful; rich; affluent; well-to-do; well-off

prostrate stretch out full on ground; make prostrate; enervate; Ex. prostrating illness; ADJ: lying face down; having lost all strength

prot\'eg\'e person receiving protection and support from a patron

protagonist       leader or noticeable supporter of an idea; chief character in a play or story

protean          able to take on many forms; versatile; CF. Proteus: sea god to change his shape at will

protocol diplomatic etiquette; ceremony and etiquette observed by diplomats; first copy of a treaty before its ratification; Ex. Protocol demands that the queen meet him at the airport.

prototype original work used as a model by others

protract prolong; lengthen in time; draw out

protrude stick out; jut; project; Ex. protruding teeth

protuberance     protrusion; swelling; bulge

provenance      place of origin; origin or source of something; Ex. Gunpowder is of Chinese provenance; CF. come

provender       dry food for livestock; fodder

providence       quality of being provident; divine care; god's care; Providence: god; Ex. It seemed like providence that the doctor happened to be there; ADJ. providential: of divine providence; fortunate

provident providing for future needs; displaying foresight; thrifty; preparing for emergencies; OP. improvident

provincial       pertaining to a province; limited in outlook; narrow; unsophisticated

provision act of providing; something provided; preparatory measure; provisions: necessary supplies (esp. food); stipulation; condition in an agreement; Ex. According to the provisions of the agreement

provisional       tentative; temporary

proviso          stipulation; condition in an agreement; provision

provocative      arousing anger or sexual interest; annoying; Ex. provocative in tight jeans; V. provoke: incite to anger; cause (an unpleasant action or feeling); N. provocation

prowess         extraordinary ability; military bravery; Ex. prowess in battle

proximity nearness; ADJ. proximate

proxy           authorized agent; authority to act for another

prude           excessively modest or proper person (who is easily shocked by improper things, esp. of a sexual nature); N. prudery; ADJ. prudish: excessively concerned with propriety

prudent         cautious; careful; prudential

prune           cut away; trim

prurient having or causing lustful desires and thoughts; arousing immoderate sexual desire

pry             inquire impertinently (someone else's private affairs); use leverage to raise or open something; prize; N. pries: tool for prying

pseudonym      pen name; fictitious name assumed by an author; ADJ. pseudonymous

psyche          soul; mind

psychiatrist      doctor who treats mental diseases

psychic         of psyche; mental; of or possessing extraordinary mental powers

psychopathic     pertaining to mental dearrangement; N. psychopath: person with an antisocial personality disorder

psychosis mental disorder; ADJ. N. psychotic

psychosomatic    of the influence of the mind on the body (esp. with respect to disease)

pterodactyl       extinct flying reptile; CF. wing+finger

pucker          gather into wrinkles or folds; N: wrinkle or fold

pudding         hot sweet dish

puerile          childish; immature; CF. puer: boy

pugilist  boxer; CF. pugilism: boxing

pugnacity combativeness; disposition to fight; ADJ. pugnacious: (of people) belligerent; combative in nature

puissant powerful; strong; potent; N. puissance: power

pulchritude      beauty; comeliness; ADJ. pulchritudinous

pulmonary       pertaining to the lungs

pulpit           raised platform used in preaching (in a church)

pulsate          throb; beat regularly; vibrate regularly

pulse           rhythmical throbbing of arteries; brief sudden change in a normally constant quantity; V: pulsate

pulverize crush or grind into very small particles

pummel         pommel; beat or pound with fists

punctilious       minutely attentive (perhaps too much so) to fine points; stressing niceties of conduct or form; N. punctilio, punctiliousness: careful attention payed to every small exact detail

pundit          authority on a subject; expert; learned person

pungent         stinging; acrid; sharp in taste or smell; (of speech or writing) caustic; N. pungency

punitive punishing; Ex. punitive measures

puny            tiny; weak; insignificant

purchase secure grasp or hold; firm grasp or footing

purgatory place of spiritual expiation; temporary state or place in which the souls must expiate their sins

purge           remove or get rid of something or someone unwanted; eliminate; free from blame or guilt; cleanse or purify (esp. of sin, guilt, or defilement); N.

purport          intention; purpose; meaning; V: claim; profess; Ex. order which purports to be signed by the general

purported alleged; claimed; reputed or rumored; Ex. purported Satanists

purse           pucker; contract (lips) into wrinkles; N: wallet

purveyor furnisher of foodstuffs; caterer; V. purvey: supply (eg. food); furnish; CF. provide

pushy           disagreeably aggressive

pusillanimous    cowardly; lacking courage; fainthearted

putative supposed; reputed; generally regarded as such; Ex. putative father of the child

putrefy          make or become putrid; N. putrefaction

putrescent       becoming putrid; putrefying

putrid           decayed and foul-smelling; foul; rotten; decayed; N. putridity

puzzle          baffle or confuse by a difficult problem; ponder over a problem in an effort to solve; clarify or solve by reasoning; Ex. puzzle out the answer; N.

pyromaniac      person with an insane desire to set things on fire

quack           charlatan; impostor

quadruped       four-footed animal; ADJ. CF. biped

quaff           drink with zest; drink with relish(zest; hearty enjoyment); ???? ???; CF. sip

quagmire bog; marsh; soft, wet, boggy land; predicament; complex or dangerous situation from which it is difficult to free oneself

quail            cower; shrink back in fear; lose heart

quaint           odd in an old-fashioned way; odd; old-fashioned; picturesque

qualified limited; restricted; V. qualify: limit the meaning of; modify

qualify          reach a necessary standard; limit the meaning of something stated

qualms          uneasy feelings; misgivings; uneasy fears especially about matters of conscience; Ex. I have no qualms about giving this assignment to Helen.

quandary dilemma; state of uncertainty; Ex. She is in a quandary about whether to go.

quarantine       isolation of a person, place, or ship to prevent spread of infection; V: isolate in quarantine

quarry          dig into (to get stone); N: mine; ???

quarry          person or animal of pursuit; victim; object of a hunt; prey

quash           crush; suppress; squash; subdue; annul; Ex. quash a rebellion/the decision of the low court

quay            dock; wharf; pier; landing place (for boats)

queasy          experiencing nausea; nauseated; easily nauseated; squeamish; Ex. feel a little queasy

queer           strange; eccentric; deviating from the normal

quell            suppress; put an end to; put down forcibly; extinguish; quiet; Ex. ``Army Quells Rebellion'' in newspaper; CF. kill

quench          assuage or satisfy (thrust); slake; douse or extinguish; put out; suppress

querulous given to complaining; complaining; fretful; whining

query           inquiry; question; V.

queue           line (of waiting people or vehicles)

quibble          minor objection or complaint; V: raise minor objections; carp; cavil

quicksilver       mercury

quiescent dormant; temporarily inactive; at rest; N. quiescence

quietude tranquillity; calmness

quintessence     purest and highest embodiment; perfect example; apotheosis; most essential element; Ex. quintessence of wit; ADJ. quintessential; CF. fifth essence

quip            taunt; clever sarcastic remark; V.

quirk           sudden sharp turn or twist; startling twist; caprice; idiosyncrasy; peculiarity of behavior; Ex. by a quirk of fate

quisling traitor who aids invaders; CF. Vidkun Quisling

quiver          case for arrows

quiver          tremble; shake; N.

quixotic idealistic but impractical; CF. Don Quixote

quizzical curious; suggesting puzzlement (without saying); questioning; teasing; mocking; bantering; Ex. quizzical glance

quorum         minimal number of members necessary to conduct a meeting

quotidian daily; commonplace; customary; Ex. quotidian routine

rabble           mob; noisy crowd

rabid           of or suffering rabies; like a fanatic; extremely zealous; furious; CF. rabies: hydrophobia

rabies           disease passed on by the bite of an infected animal (causing madness and death)

raconteur story-teller; one who tells stories with wit and skill

raffle           lottery; V: award as a prize in a raffle; Ex. raffle off a new car

rag             scrap of cloth; ADJ. ragged: old and torn; seeming unfinished and imperfect; Ex. ragged debut/performance

ragamuffin       dirty child in torn clothes; person wearing tattered clothes

rail             complain bitterly; scold; rant; Ex. the weaker railing against injustices

raiment         clothing; garments; Ex. I have no raiment fit to wear.

rake            angle of a slope; V: slant from the perpendicular

rake            immoral or dissolute person

rakish           jaunty; stylish; sporty; morally corrupt; dissolute; Ex. He wore his hat at a rakish and jaunty angle.

rally            come or bring together; call up or summon (forces, vital powers, etc.); revive or recuperate (after illness or difficulty); N: act of rallying; mass gathering

ram            male sheep; V. strike or drive against with a heavy impact

ramble          wander aimlessly (physically or mentally); digress

ramification      branching out; subdivision; one branch of a system; one of the results following from an action or decision; Ex. ramifications of a business/the decision

ramify          branch out; divide into branches or subdivisions

ramp           slope; inclined plane or roadway (connecting two levels)

rampant         growing or spreading uncontrollably; growing in profusion; unrestrained; Ex. rampant lawlessness/weed

rampart         defensive mound of earth

ramshackle      (of a building or vehicle) poorly constructed; rickety; falling apart

rancid           having the odor of stale or decomposing fat; rank

rancor          long-lasting hatred; bitterness; Ex. negotiation without rancor; ADJ. rancorous

random         without definite purpose, plan, or aim; haphazard; Ex. random shots; Ex. chosen at random

rank            offensive in odor or flavor

rankle           irritate; fester; annoy

ransack         search thoroughly; pillage (going through a place); Ex. Enemy soldiers ransacked the town.

rant            speak violently or excitedly; rave; talk excitedly showing anger; scold; make a grandiloquent speech; Ex. The priest ranted about the devil.

rapacious voracious; ravenous; taking everything one can; excessively grasping; plundering; subsisting on live prey; Ex. rapacious birds

rapport          close relationship; emotional closeness; harmony

rapt            engrossed; absorbed; enchanted; Ex. rapt listener

rapture          great joy and delight; ecstasy; ADJ. rapturous

rare            (of air) thin in density; rarefied; Ex. rare air of the mountains

rarefied made less dense (of a gas); V. rarefy: make less dense; N. rarefaction

rasp            (of a sound) grate on (eg. nerves); make a harsh noise; have an unpleasant effect; rub with something rough; Ex. The cat's tongue rasped my hand.

raspy           making a harsh noise; grating; harsh

ratify           approve formally; confirm‎; verify

ratiocination     reasoning; act of drawing conclusions from premises; V. ratiocinate: reason logically

ration           fixed portion; V: distribute as rations

rational (of a person) having reason; (of ideas) based on reason; logical

rationale fundamental reason or principle (on which a system or principle is based); fundamental reason or justification; grounds for an action

rationalize       make rational; devise false reasons for (one's behavior); offer an excuse; give a plausible reason for an action in place of a true, less admirable ones; N. rationalization

raucous         (of voice) harsh and unpleasant; (of people) disorderly and boisterous; Ex. raucous shouts

ravage          devastate; plunder; despoil; Ex. crops ravaged by storms

rave            overwhelmingly favorable review; V: talk wildly as if mad; Ex. raving lunatic

ravel            fall apart into tangles; entangle; unravel or untwist

ravenous extremely hungry; voracious

ravine           narrow valley with steep sides; gorge; CF. gully, canyon

raze            destroy completely; Ex. raze the city to the ground

reactionary       strongly opposed to social or political change; opposing progress; politically ultraconservative; N. OP. radical

realm           kingdom; field or sphere; Ex. not within the realms of possibility

reaper           one who harvests grain; Ex. the Grim Reaper; V. reap: cut and gather (crop); harvest a crop

rebate           return of part of a payment; discount; V.

rebuff           reject bluntly; snub; beat back; Ex. She rebuffed his invitation; N.

rebuke          scold harshly; criticize severely

rebus           representation of words in the form of pictures or symbols; puzzle in which pictures or letters stand for words; Ex. ``R U 18'' is a rebus for ``Are you 18''.

rebuttal refutation; response with contrary evidence; V. rebut: refute; disprove

recalcitrant       disobedient or resisting authority even after being punished; obstinately stubborn; determined to resist authority; unruly; Ex. recalcitrant child

recant           disclaim or disavow; retract a previous statement; openly confess error; Ex. recant one's faith/a statement

recapitulate      summarize

recast           reconstruct (a sentence, story, statue, etc.); fashion again

receptive quick or willing to receive (ideas, suggestions, etc.); Ex. receptive to the proposal

recess           pause; temporary cessation; alcove; secret inner place; Ex. parliament in recess; V. CF. recessive

recession withdrawal; retreat; time of low economic activity

recidivism       habitual return to crime (even after being punished); N. recidivist

recipient receiver

reciprocal mutual; given and received in return; exchangeable; interacting; Ex. reciprocal trade agreement

reciprocate       do or give something in return; repay in kind; give or take mutually; interchange; move backwards and forwards; Ex. reciprocate his invitation by inviting him; N. reciprocity: reciprocal relationship; mutual interchange of advantages between two groups; Ex. reciprocity in trading rights

recital           act of reciting publicly; detailed account; performance of music or dance (by a solo performer)

recite           repeat aloud (something learned); describe; Ex. recite his complaints; N. recitation

reckon          count; calculate; regard as; think; suppose

recline          lie down

recluse          hermit; loner; ADJ. reclusive

reconcile make friendly again (after quarrel); make consistent (two ideas in opposition); correct inconsistencies; Ex. reconcile one's political principles with one's religious beliefs

recondite abstruse; not easily understood; profound; secret

reconnaissance   survey of enemy by soldiers; reconnoitering; V. reconnoiter: make a preliminary inspection of (esp. to gather military information)

recount          narrate or tell (a story); count over again

recourse resorting to help when in trouble; Ex. without recourse to

recreant disloyal; cowardly; N: disloyal and cowardly person

recrimination     countercharges; V. recriminate

rectify          set right; correct; CF. rect-: right

rectitude moral correctness; moral uprightness; moral virtue; correctness of judgment

recumbent       reclining; lying down completely or in part

recuperate       recover; return to health; regain; Ex. recuperate losses

recurrent occurring again and again

redolent odorous; fragrant; suggestive (of an odor); Ex. redolent of onions/mystery

redoubtable      formidable; causing fear

redress          remedy; compensation; Ex. seek redress for the damage to your car; V: put right; remedy or rectify (a wrong); make amends for

reduce          diminish; bring to a weaker or more difficult condition; demote; lower in rank; separate into components by analysis; Ex. reduced to the ranks; Ex. reduce the house to rubble; N. reduction

redundant superfluous; more than is necessary; verbose; excessively wordy; repetitious

reek            emit (an unpleasant odor or smoke); give off an unpleasant odor; give out smoke; Ex. reeking chimney; N: unpleasant odor; stench

refectory dining hall; room where meals are served (in a school)

referendum      direct vote by all the people

refraction bending of a ray of light

refractory unmanageable; disobedient and stubborn; Ex. refractory horse

refrain          abstain from; resist; forbear; N: chorus

refulgent effulgent; brilliant; brightly shining; gleaming; Ex. refulgent moon

refurbish renovate; make clean, bright, or fresh (make new) again; make bright by polishing; Ex. refurbish an old theater; CF. furbish: polish

refuse           anything discarded or rejected as worthless; trash

refute           disprove; prove to be false; N. refutation

regal            royal; of a monarch; Ex. regal manner

regale           entertain

regatta          boat or yacht race

regeneration      spiritual rebirth; Ex. regeneration of the prisoners; V. regenerate: give or obtain new life; reform spiritually

regicide murder of a king or queen

regime          method of system or government

regimen         prescribed course of diet or exercise; prescribed diet and habits; Ex. daily regimen of a dancer

regiment military unit; V: subject to strict order; Ex. regimented society

rehabilitate       restore to proper condition (health or useful life); restore the former rank of

reimburse repay; pay back

reinstate restore to a previous condition or position

reiterate repeat

rejoinder reply; retort; comeback; V. rejoin: say in reply

rejuvenate       make young again

relapse          return to a former state (esp. after improvement); N.

relegate put into a lower or worse place; banish to an inferior position; delegate; assign; Ex. relegate the old furniture to the children's room; Ex. relegated to the second division

relent           become less severe; give in(surrender); ADJ. relentless: unyielding; continuously severe

relevant having importance; pertinent; referring to the case in hand; N. relevance, relevancy

relic            surviving remnant (from an extinct culture); memento; keepsake; relics: corpse; Ex. ancient relics; Ex. relics of his travel; Ex. His relics are buried at X.

religious  of religion; (of a person) pious; having reverence for a deity

relinquish give up something (with reluctance); yield; release; Ex. relinquish power/the claim to the land/his hold on my arm

relish           enjoy; savor; N: enjoyment; zest

remediable       reparable

reminiscence     recollection; V. reminisce: recollect the past

reminiscent      suggestive of something (in the past); of reminiscence

remiss          negligent; careless about a duty

remission temporary moderation (of disease symptoms); remitting of a debt or punishment; cancelation of a debt; pardon; Ex. The disease went into remission; Ex. Christians pray for the remission of sins.

remit           transmit (money) in payment; free someone from a debt or punishment

remittance       remitting of money; amount of money remitted

remnant         remainder

remonstrate      protest; objection; V. remonstrate: say in protest

remorse         deep regret for wrongdoing; guilt; self-reproach

remote          distant in manner; aloof

remunerative     (of work) compensating; rewarding; profitable; well-paid; V. remunerate: reward; pay (someone) for work or trouble

rend            split; tear apart; N. rent; CF. heartrending: causing deep sorrow

render          give; deliver; provide; represent in verbal or artistic form; depict; perform; make; translate; Ex. render the song beautifully

rendezvous      meeting place; meeting at a set time or place; V.

rendition rendering; translation; artistic interpretation of a song, etc

renegade deserter; traitor; ADJ.

renege          break a promise; deny; go back on; Ex. renege on the contract/paying off the debt

renounce abandon; give up (by formal announcement); disown; repudiate; Ex. renounce one's claim to the property/one's religion; N. renunciation

renovate restore to good condition; renew

renown          fame; ADJ. renowned

rent            tear made by rending; rip; split

reparable capable of being repaired

reparation       compensation (for loss or wrong); amends; Ex. make reparation for the damage; CF. repair

repartee quick clever reply

repast           meal; feast; banquet

repeal           revoke; annul

repel            drive away; disgust; Ex. repel the attack/moisture; Ex. repelled by the dirty room; CF. repulsion

repellent driving away; disgusting; offensive; repulsive; unattractive; N.

repercussion     rebound; reaction; reverberation; Ex. serious repercussion

repertoire list of works of music, drama, etc., a performer is prepared to present; CF. repertory

repine           fret; complain; be annoyed; Ex. repine over the undone work

replenish fill up again

replete          fully filled; filled to the brim or to the point of being stuffed; abundantly supplied; Ex. report replete with errors

replica          copy

replicate reproduce; duplicate

repose          resting; state of being at rest; calmness; V: lie at rest; relax; put or place; Ex. repose our hopes in a single man

repository       storehouse

reprehensible     deserving blame; blameworthy; V. reprehend: blame

repress          hold back (the natural expression‎ of); restrain; crush; oppress; Ex. repressed child; Ex. repress a laugh/rebellion

reprieve postponement or cancelation of a punishment; temporary stay; V: postpone or cancel the punishment of

reprimand       reprove severely; rebuke; N.

reprisal  retaliation

reprise          musical repetition; repeating of a piece of music; repeat performance; recurrent action; Ex. reprise in the finale; Ex. constant reprises

reproach blame (not angrily but sadly); express disapproval or disappointment; N. ADJ. reproachful

reprobate morally disapproved person; person hardened in sin, devoid of a sense of decency; CF. disapproved by God ?

reprobation      severe disapproval; CF. approbation

reprove         censure; rebuke; N. reproof

repudiate disown; disavow; deny

repugnance      disgust; strong dislike; loathing; ADJ. repugnant: arousing disgust; repulsive

repulse          reject with rudeness or coldness (an offer or friendship); drive back (an enemy attack); CF. repulse $\neq$ cause repulsion

repulsion distaste; disgust; act of driving back; ADJ. repulsive: causing disgust; tending to drive away; V. repel (not `repulse')

reputable respectable; having a good reputation

reputed          supposed; Ex. reputed father of the child; V. repute: consider; N. repute: reputation; esteem

requiem         mass for the dead; dirge

requisite necessary requirement; something required; ADJ: required; necessary

requisition       formal demand or request; Ex. requisition for more computing equipment; V.

requite          make return for; repay; reciprocate; revenge; N. requittal

rescind          repeal; annul; cancel (a law, decision, or agreement)

resentment       indignation; bitterness; displeasure; V. resent: feel anger about

reserve          self-control; self-restraint; formal but distant manner; reticence; Ex. without reserve: freely and openly; ADJ. reserved: shy and uncommunicative

residual remaining; left over; of a residue; N: residue

residue          remainder; balance

resign           give up (a position, right, or claim); submit (oneself) passively

resignation       patiently submissiveness; statement that one is quitting a job; ADJ. resigned: acquiescent

resilient elastic; having the power of springing back; able to recover quickly (as from misfortune)

resolution determination; resoluteness; ADJ. resolute: firm or determined in purpose

resolve          decide; settle; solve; separate; make a determined decision; N. resolution

resolve          determination; resolution; firmness of purpose

resonant (of a sound) echoing; resounding(sounding loudly); deep and full in sound; producing resonance; Ex. resonant voice; N. resonance

resort           turn to for help; Ex. resort to violence; N.

resound         (of a place) be filled with sound; (of a sound) sound loudly; sound back; echo; Ex. hall resounded with laughter

resourceful       clever and imaginative (in dealing with difficult situations); N. resource, resourcefulness

respiration       breathing; exhalation; ADJ. respiratory

respite          time for rest; interval of relief; delay in punishment; reprieve

resplendent      brilliant; splendid in appearance; dazzling; glorious

responsiveness    state of reacting readily to appeals, orders, etc.; ADJ. responsive: readily reacting; Ex. responsive to treatment

restitution       returning something (lost or stolen) to the rightful owner; reparation; indemnification; compensation for loss, damage, or injury

restive          impatiently restless (induced by external coercion or restriction); restlessly impatient; obstinately resisting control; Ex. restive horses because of wolves; CF. not a general synonym for `restless'

restraint moderation or self-control; controlling force; restriction

resumption       taking up again; recommencement; V. resume: begin or take up again; take or occupy again; Ex. Kindly resume your seats.

resurge          rise again; flow to and fro; N. resurgence; ADJ. resurgent: (of ideas or beliefs) experiencing revival; surging again

resurrect revive

resuscitate       revive; bring back to life or consciousness; Ex. resuscitate the drowned child

retain           keep; maintain possession of; employ (esp. a lawyer or advisor); N. retainer: servant; fee paid to retain an advisor

retaliate repay in kind (usually for bad treatment); V. retaliate

retard           delay (in development); ADJ. retarded: (as of a child) slower in development

retentive holding; able to retain things (esp. facts in the mind); having a good memory

reticent  inclined to silence; uncommunicative; reserved; Ex. He was reticent about the reasons; N. reticence

retinue          following; attendants

retiring  shy and reserved (of a person); modest; Ex. her retiring personality

retort           quick sharp reply; V.

retract          withdraw; take back; draw back; Ex. retract a statement/an offer/claws; N. retraction; CF. retractile

retrench cut down; cut down expenses; economize

retribution       deserved punishment for wrongdoing; punishment for offenses; compensation; vengeance; CF. pay back

retrieve recover; put right; find and bring in; regain; Ex. retrieve the situation

retroactive       taking effect before its enactment (as a law) or imposition (as a tax); (of a law) having effect on the past as well as the future

retrograde       go backwards; recede; degenerate; deteriorate; ADJ.

retrospective     looking back on the past; N. retrospection; V. retrospect

revelry          boisterous merrymaking; V. revel: engage boisterous festivities; enjoy greatly; N: boisterous festivity or celebration

reverberate       echo repeatedly; resound; Ex. The thunder reverberated across the valley.

reverend deserving reverence; N: priest

reverent respectful; worshipful; V. revere: regard with reverence; N. reverence: profound respect

reverie          daydream; abstracted musing

revert           relapse; backslide; turn back to; return to the former owner; N. reversion

revile           attack with abusive language; vilify(slander)

revoke          cancel; retract; CF. irrevocable

revulsion sudden strong feeling of disgust; sudden violent change of feeling; negative reaction; Ex. revulsion from the scenes of torture

rhapsodize       speak or write in an exaggeratedly enthusiastic manner; Ex. rhapsodize over the beauty of the scenery

rhapsody excessively enthusiastic expression‎ of feeling; musical composition of irregular form (as if made up as one plays it)

rhetoric art of effective communication; art of using language effectively and persuasively; style of speaking or writing; grandiloquent language; Ex. political rhetoric; ADJ. rhetorical; CF. rhetorical question: question to which no answer is expected as ``Who knows it ?''

ribald           marked by vulgar lewd humor; wanton; profane; N. ribaldry: ribald language or joke

rickety          (of buildings) likely to break or fall apart; of rickets; CF. rickets; CF. vitamin D

riddle           pierce with holes; permeate or spread throughout; Ex. The gunman riddled the car with bullets; Ex. The whole report is riddled with errors; N. large sieve (separating earth from stone)

rider            amendment or clause added to a legislative bill

rife             (of something bad) widespread; abundant; current

rift             narrow opening in a large mass; break in a friendly relation; Ex. through a rift in the clouds; OP. reconcilation

rig             arrangement of masts and sails; V: equip (a ship) with rigging; ADJ. rigging: ropes that hold up a ship's sails

rig             fix or manipulate; manipulate dishonestly for personal gain; Ex. rig the election

righteous morally upright; just

rightful  legally correct; Ex. rightful owner

rigid            hard and unbending; stiff and unyielding; fixed in behavior or views; strict; rigorous; Ex. rigid rule

rigor            severity; Ex. rigors of the Russian winter

rile             irritate; vex; muddy

rip             tear or be torn quickly and violently; Ex. The sail ripped under the force of the wind; N.

rivet            metal pin used for fastening metal plates together; V: fasten with a rivet; engross

riveting holding one's attention; absorbing; engrossing

rivulet          small stream; CF. rill < rivulet < river

robust           strong; vigorous

rococo          ornate; highly decorated; N. CF. 18th century

roil             make liquids murky by stirring up sediment; disturb

rolling          (of land) rising and falling in long gentle slopes; happening continuously by stages; Ex. rolling devolution of power to local governments

romp           play or frolic boisterously; gambol; N.

rooster          cock; adult male chicken

roseate          rosy; optimistic; Ex. roseate views

roster           list (of names)

rostrum         raised platform for speech-making; pulpit

rote            repetition; memorization through repetition without understanding; Ex. learn poetry by rote

rotund          (of a person) fat and round

rotunda         circular building or hall covered with a dome

rotundity roundness; sonorousness of speech

rou\'e           lecherous man

rousing          lively; inducing excitement; stirring; V. rouse: waken; arouse from sleep or depression; excite; stir up

rout            put to rout; stampede; drive out; N: complete defeat and disorderly retreat

rubble          fragments (esp. from a destroyed building)

rubric           title or heading (in red print); directions for religious ceremony; protocol

ruddy           reddish; (of the face) reddish and healthy-looking

rudimentary      elementary; not developed; crude; N. rudiment: fundamental element or principle; Ex. rudiments of the language

rue             regret; lament; mourn; Ex. He will rue the day; N. ADJ. rueful

ruffian          violent scoundrel; bully

rumble          make or move with a deep rolling sound (as thunder or stomach)

ruminant animal that ruminates; ADJ.

ruminate chew over and over (mentally or, like cows, physically); mull over(ponder)

rummage         ransack; thoroughly search

run-down (of a place) dilapidated; in a bad condition; (of a person) weak or exhausted

runic           mysterious; set down in an ancient alphabet; N. rune: one of the letters of an alphabet used by ancient Germanic peoples (cut on stone or wood); magic charm

ruse            trick to deceive; stratagem

rustic           pertaining to country people; unsophisticated; simple; crude; uncouth; (of furniture) rough with the bark left on; N. rural person; rustic person

rusticate banish to the country; dwell in the country

rustle           make slight sounds like silk moving or being rubbed together

ruthless pitiless; merciless; cruel

s miniature      small model; small painting; ADJ: small

saboteur one who commits sabotage; destroyer of property; N. sabotage: destruction of property (usually carried out secretly)

saccharine       cloying sweet; characteristic of sugar or saccharin

sacrilegious      desecrating; profane; N. sacrilege: desecration, misuse, or theft of something sacred

sacrosanct       invioably sacred; most sacred; inviolable

sadistic  inclined to cruelty; N. sadism: delight in cruelty

saga            Scandinavian myth; any legend; long heroic narrative

sagacious wise; perceptive; shrewd; having insight; N. sagacity

sage            person celebrated for wisdom; wise person; ADJ: wise

salacious lascivious; lustful; Ex. salacious monk

salient          prominent; projecting beyond a line; conspicuous; Ex. salient features

saline           salty

sallow          (of the skin) yellowish and unhealthy-looking; sickly in color; Ex. sallow complexion due to jaundice

salubrious       healthful; conducive to health or well-being; socially desirable; Ex. salubrious area; CF. health

salutary tending to improve; beneficial; wholesome; Ex. The punishment had a salutary effect on the boy; CF. health

salvage          rescue (goods or property) from loss; N: saving; property saved

sanctimonious    displaying ostentatious or hypocritical devoutness; N. sanctimony: hypocritical piety

sanction approve; ratify; N: permission; penalty intended to enforce compliance

sanctuary place of refuge; shelter; shrine; holy place; Ex. The outlaw was granted sanctuary in the church.

sanguinary       bloody; with much bloodshed

sanguine optimistic; cheerful; hopeful; of the color of blood; red

sap             diminish; weaken; undermine the foundations of (a fortification); Ex. The element kryptonite sapped his strength.

sarcasm         cutting ironic remark; scornful remarks; stinging rebuke; ADJ. sarcastic

sardonic scornfully mocking; disdainful; sarcastic; cynical; Ex. sardonic smile

sartorial pertaining to tailors or tailoring; Ex. a man of great sartorial elegance; CF. sartor: tailor

sate            satisfy to the full; satisfy to excess; cloy

satellite small body revolving around a larger one

satiate          satisfy fully (physical needs such as hunger); sate; N. satiety: condition of being satiated

satire           form of literature in which irony, sarcasm, and ridicule are employed to attack human vice and folly

satirical using satire; mocking

saturate soak thoroughly; imbue; impregnate; charge; fill to capacity

saturnine morose; gloomy; Ex. Do not be misled by his saturnine countenance.

satyr            half-human, half-bestial being in the court of Dionysus (resembling a goat), portrayed as wanton(unrestrained) and cunning; lecher; CF. faun; CF. goat: lecherous man

saunter          stroll(go for a leisurely walk) slowly; N.

savant          scholar; learned person; CF. savoir: know

savor           enjoy; have a distinctive flavor, smell, or quality; N: taste or smell; distinctive quality

savory          pleasant in taste; tasty; pleasing, attractive, or agreeable; Ex. savory reputation

scabbard case for a sword blade; sheath

scad            a great quantity; Ex. scads of clothes

scaffold temporary platform for workers (to work at heights above the ground); bracing framework; platform for execution

scale            climb up; ascend; remove or come off in scales; N: flake of epidermis; ascending or descending series of musical tones

scanty          meager; insufficient

scapegoat someone who bears the blame for others; whipping boy; CF. escape+goat

scavenge hunt through discarded materials for usable items or food; search, especially for food; N. scavenger: one who scavenges; animal that feeds on refuse and carrion

scenario plot outline; screenplay(script for a movie); opera libretto; outline of possible future events

schematic of a schema or scheme; relating to an outline or diagram; using a system of symbols; N. schema: diagrammatic representation; outline

scheme          systematic plan; plot; clever dishonest plan; orderly arrangement of elements; Ex. health insurance scheme; Ex. a scheme to escape taxes; Ex. a color scheme; Ex. a story with no scheme; V: contrive a scheme

schism          division into factions (esp. within a religious body); split

scholarly        full of learning; erudite; like a scholar; Ex. scholarly journal

scintilla trace; minute amount; shred; least bit; Ex. There is not a scintilla of truth; CF. spark

scintillate sparkle; flash; be animated; be full of life; Ex. scintillating conversation

scion           detached plant shoot used in grafting; descendant

scoff            laugh (at); mock; ridicule; Ex. scoff at their threats

scorch          sear; N.

score           number of points; written form of a musical composition; reason; group of 20; notch or incision; Ex. full/vocal score; Ex. Don't worry on that score; V: mark with lines or notches; Ex. score the paper to make it easy to fold

scotch          stamp out(put an end to); thwart; hinder; Ex. scotch the rumor; CF. cut; CF. ??? ??? ??

scourge         lash; whip (formerly used for punishment); source of severe punishment; V: whip; afflict

scowl           frown angrily; N: angry frown

scrap   small bit or fragment; discarded waste material; fight; Ex. a scrap of paper/cloth; V: break into parts for disposal; discard as worthless; fight; quarrel

scrappy         quarrelsome

scraps           leftover food

screech          unpleasant high sharp sound; shriek; V.

scrimmage       disorderly fight between two or more people

scruple          hesitate for ethical reasons; fret about; Ex. She did not scruple to read his diary; N: uneasy feeling arising from conscience; conscience

scrupulous       conscientious; extremely thorough; Ex. scrupulous worker

scrutinize examine closely and critically; N. scrutiny

scuffle          struggle confusedly; move off in a confused hurry; N. CF. scuffling twins ?

scurrilous abusive; obscene; indecent; Ex. scurrilous remark

scurry           move hastily; hurry; move briskly

scurvy          contemptible; despicable; N: disease caused by deficiency of Vitamin C

scuttle          sink (a ship) by cutting holes in the hull; scrap; discard; N: small hatch in a ship's deck or hull

seamy          sordid; base; filthy; unwholesome; Ex. seamy side of city life

sear            burn the surface of; char or burn; brand; parch; cause (a plant) to wither

season          enhance the flavor of by adding a spice, etc.; inure; harden; N. seasoning: something used in seasoning

seasonable       occurring at the proper time or season; opportune; Ex. seasonable intervention in the dispute

seasonal of a particular season; Ex. seasonal rise in employment

seasoned experienced

secession withdrawal; V. secede: withdraw formally from membership

seclusion isolation; solitude; V. seclude: set apart from others; isolate

secrete          conceal; hide away or cache; produce and release a substance into an organism; CF. secretive

sect            separate religious body; faction; group of people with common beliefs within a larger group

sectarian of a sect; narrow-minded; parochial; N: member of a sect; narrow-minded person

secular          worldly; not pertaining to church matters or religion; temporal

sedate           composed (with no excitement); grave; V: administer a sedative to; CF. sedative

sedentary requiring sitting; done while sitting; not moving from one place to another; settled; Ex. sedentary job/population

sedition conduct or language inciting rebellion; rebellion; resistance to authority; insubordination; ADJ. seditious

seduce          lead away from proper conduct; entice; ADJ. seductive

sedulous diligent; assiduous; paying attention; N. sedulity

seedy           run-down; decrepit; disreputable; having many seeds; Ex. seedy downtown hotel

seemly          (of behavior) proper; appropriate

seep            pass slowly through small openings; ooze; trickle; N. seepage

seethe           be violently disturbed; boil; (of a liquid) move about wildly as if boiling; Ex. The nation was seething with discontent.

seine           seine net; net for catching fish

seismic          pertaining to earthquakes

selective  careful in choosing; having an effect only on certain things; not general; Ex. eclectic weed killer

self-indulgence   excessive indulgence of one's own desire

self-righteous     sure of one's own righteousness; moralistic

semblance       outward appearance; guise; Ex. We called in the troops to bring a/some semblance of order to the city.

seminal         related to seed or semen; germinal; creative; providing a basis for further development; influencing future developments; Ex. seminal research in a new field

seminary school for training future ministers; secondary school, especially for young women

senility  old age; feeblemindedness of old age; ADJ. senile: resulting from old age; showing the weakness of body or mind from old age; Ex. senile dementia

sensitization      process of being made sensitive or acutely responsive to an external agent or substance; V. sensitize: make or become sensitive

sensual          devoted to the pleasures of the sense; carnal; voluptuous; Ex. sensual woman/curves/lips

sensuous giving pleasure to the senses; pertaining to the physical senses; operating through the senses; sensuous feeling of soft velvet on the skin

sententious       pithy; terse; concise; aphoristic

sentient capable of sensation and conscious; aware; sensitive; Ex. sentient creature; N. sentience

sentimental      swayed by sentiment; appealing to the sentiments

sentinel sentry; lookout

septic           of or causing sepsis; putrid; producing putrefaction; N. sepsis: poisoning of part of the body (producing pus)

sepulcher tomb; V: place in a sepulcher; ADJ. sepulchral

sequester isolate; segregate; seclude; retire from public life

sere            sear; parched; dry

serendipity       gift for finding valuable things by accident; accidental good fortune or luck; CF. The Three Princes of Serendip

serenity calmness; placidity; ADJ. serene

serpentine       winding; twisting; of or like a serpent; Ex. serpentine course of the river; N. serpent: snake

serrated having a sawtoothed edge; Ex. serrated leaf

servile          slavish; cringing; N. servility

servitude slavery; compulsory labor imposed as a punishment

sever           separate; cut off (a part) from a whole; break up (a relationship); N. severance; CF. severance pay: extra pay given an employee upon leaving a position

severity harshness; intensity; sternness; austerity; ADJ. severe: harsh; strict; extremely violent or intense

sextant          navigation tool used to determine a ship's latitude and longitude (by measuring the altitudes of stars)

shack           crude cabin

shackle          chain; fetter; confine with shackles; N.

shade           slight difference in degree; nuance; degree of color; Ex. shades of meaning/grey

sham           pretend; feign; ADJ: not genuine; fake; Ex. sham jewelry; N: something that is not what it appears; impostor; pretense; Ex. The agreement was a sham.

shambles (place or scene of) complete disorder or ruin; wreck; mess; Ex. After the hurricane, the coast was a shambles.

Shangri-la       imaginary remote paradise on earth; CF. Lost Horizon

shard           fragment generally of broken pottery (glass, clay bowl, or cup)

shaving         very thin piece, usually of wood (cut from a surface with a sharp blade)

sheaf           bundle of stalks of grain; any bundle of things tied together

shear           remove (fleece or hair) by cutting; remove the hair or fleece from; cut with or as if with shears; N: shears; pair of scissors

sheathe          place into a case; insert into or provide with a sheath; Ex. He sheathed his dagger; N. sheath: case for a blade

shed            small roofed structure for storage and shelter; V: pour forth; lose by natural process; repel without allowing penetration; radiate; cast; Ex. shed tears/light/water/skin/leaves

sheer           pure; thin and transparent; very steep

sherbet          flavored dessert ice

shift            change position or place; exchange (one thing) for another; change in direction or position; Ex. shift the stolen goods; N. group of workers which takes turns with other groups; working period of such a group

shimmer         shine with a flickering light; glimmer intermittently; Ex. The moonlight shimmered on the water; N.

shirk            avoid (responsibility, work, etc.); malinger

shoddy          made of inferior material; sham; not genuine; inferior; dishonest; Ex. shoddy goods/trick

shoot           new growth from a plant

shove           push forward; push roughly; Ex. pushing and shoving to get on the bus; N.

shrew           scolding woman; very small mouselike animal

shrewd          clever; astute

shrivel          make or become shrunken and wrinkled (often by drying)

shudder         shake uncontrollably; tremble; V.

shuffle          mix together; jumble; move (something) from one place to another; slide (the feet) along the ground while walking; Ex. shuffle papers from one pile to another; N.

shun            keep away from; avoid deliberately; Ex. She has been shunned by her neighbors.

shunt           move (a railway train) from one track to another; turn aside; divert; sidetrack; Ex. shunt traffic around an accident; N.

shyster          lawyer using questionable methods; unscrupulous practioner

sibling          brother or sister

sibylline         prophetic; oracular; N. sibyl: woman prophet (in the ancient world)

sidereal         relating to stars; Ex. sidereal day

sidetrack switch (a railroad car) to a siding; divert from a main issue; N. CF. siding: short section of railroad track connected by switches with a main track

sift                     put through a sieve to separate fine from coarse particles; sort or examine carefully

significant       expressing a meaning; important; Ex. significant smile; N. significance: importance; meaning; V. signify: denote; mean; signal; make known; matter; be significant

silt                     sediment deposited by running water (at the entrance to a harbor or by a bend in a river)

simian          monkeylike; N: ape or monkey

simile           comparison of one thing with another, using the word like or as

simper          smirk; smile in a silly way; smile affectedly

simplistic oversimplified

simulate         feign; imitate

sinecure         well-paid position with little responsibility; CF. sine cure: without care; CF. San Serif

sinewy  (of meat) tough; strong and firm; muscular; N. sinew: tendon; strong cord connecting a muscle to a bone

singular         being only one; individual; unique; extraordinary; odd; Ex. singular beauty/behavior

sinister          evil; ominous

sinuous         twisting; winding; bending in and out; not morally honest

siren            apparatus for making sounds; womanlike creature

skeptic  sceptic; doubter; person who suspends judgment until he has examined the evidence supporting a point of view; ADJ. skeptical; N. skepticism; scepticism

skiff            small light sailboat or rowboat

skim            read or glance through quickly; touch lightly in passing; brush; remove from the surface of a liquid

skimp           provide or use scantily; live very economically; Ex. skimp on necessities; ADJ. skimpy: inadequate in amount; scanty; stingy; niggardly

skinflint         miser; stingy person

skirmish minor fight; minor battle in war; V.

skittish          inconstant; capricious; frivolous; not serious; Ex. charming but skittish young woman; CF. skit

skulduggery(skullduggery)  dishonest behavior or action; Ex. skulduggery in the election

skulk           move furtively and secretly; Ex. He skulked through the less fashionable sections of the city.

slack           moving slowly; sluggish; inactive; (of a rope) loose; negligent; lax; Ex. slack season; Ex. slack in one's work; N. V.

slacken          slow up; loosen; make or become slack

slag                    glassy residue from smelting metal; dross; waste matter

slake           satisfy (thirst); quench; sate

slander          defamation; utterance of false and malicious statements; V. ADJ. slanderous

slap            hit quickly with the flat part of the hand; N. CF. smack

slapdash         hasty and careless; haphazard; sloppy(carelessly done)

slaughter killing of animals for food; massacre; V: butcher (animals) for food; kill in large numbers

slavish          of or like a slave; servile; showing no originality; copied very closely; Ex. slavish devotion/copy of the original

sleazy           shabby and dirty; flimsy; insubstantial; Ex. sleazy back-street hotel/fabric

sledge          large sled drawn by work animals

sleek           smooth and shining (as from good health); V.

sleeper  one that achieves unexpected success; something originally of little value or importance that in time becomes very valuable

sleigh           large vehicle drawn by a horse over snow or ice

sleight          dexterity; CF. sleight of hand: legerdemain; quickness of the hands in doing tricks

slew            large quantity or number; Ex. slew of errands left

slick            make smooth or glossy; N: smooth surface; Ex. oil slick; ADJ: smooth; glossy; deftly executed; adroit; glib

slight           insult to one's dignity; snub; V: treat as if of small importance; insult; snub; ADJ. small in size; of small importance

slink            move furtively; ADJ. slinky: stealthy; furtive; sneaky (as in ambush)

slipshod         slovenly; careless; sloppy; untidy; shabby; Ex. slipshod work

slither           slip or slide

sloth            slow moving tree-dwelling mammal; laziness; ADJ. slothful: lazy; indolent

slough          (of a snake) shed or cast off (dead outer skin); N: outer layer that is shed

slovenly         untidy; careless in work habits; slipshod; N. sloven: one who is habitually untidy or careless

sluggard         lazy person

sluggish         lazy; slow; inactive; lethargic; CF. slug: nail with no shell

sluice   artificial channel for directing or controlling the flow of water (with a gate to regulate the flow)

slur                     pronounce indistinctly; speak indistinctly; mumble

slur                     slander; insult to one's character or reputation; V.

sly             clever in deceiving; secretive; not telling one's intentions

smart           intelligent; quick and energetic; fashionable; Ex. smart pace/restaurant; V: cause or feel a sharp pain; N: smarting pain

smattering       slight knowledge; small scattered number or amount; Ex. smattering of German

smear           spread or cover with a sticky substance; N: mark made by smearing

smelt           melt (ore) for separating and removing the metal; melt or blend ores changing their chemical composition

smirk           conceited smile; offensively self-satisfied smile (often at someone else's misfortune); V.

smolder         smoulder; burn slowly without flame; be liable to break out at any moment; exist in a suppressed state; Ex. smoldering anger

smother         kill from lack of air; suppress; cover thickly; Ex. smothered in little stickers

smudge         dirty mark with unclear edges made by rubbing; V.

smug           self-satisfied; complacent

sneak           move, give, or take in a quiet, stealthy way; N: one who sneaks; ADJ. sneaky

snicker          half-stifled(suppressed) laugh; V.

snip            short quick cut with scissors; V: cut with scissors

snivel           complain or whine tearfully; run at the nose; snuffle; Ex. Don't come back sniveling to me.

snub            ignore or behave coldly toward; Ex. I made a suggestion but she snubbed me; N.

snuffle          sniffle; sniff repeatedly (in order to keep liquid from running out of the nose)

soar            rise or fly high in the air; Ex. The rocket soared into the sky.

sober           serious; solemn; not drunken; abstemious or temperate; V: make or become sober

sobriety moderation (especially regarding indulgence in alcohol); seriousness

sodden          thoroughly soaked; dull or stupid as if from drink

sojourn          temporary stay; V: stay for a time

solace           comfort in sorrow or trouble; consolation; V: comfort or console in time of sorrow or trouble

solder   repair or make whole by using a metal alloy; N: metal alloy (usually tin and lead) used in the molten state to join metallic parts

solecism nonstandard grammatical construction; construction that is flagrantly incorrect grammatically; violation of social etiquette

solemnity seriousness; gravity

solicit   entreat; request earnestly; seek to obtain; Ex. solicit votes; CF. solicitor: one who solicits; chief law officer

solicitor         lawyer in the lower court of law

solicitous anxious; worried; concerned; eager; Ex. solicitous to do something; N. solicitude

soliloquy talking to oneself (esp. in a play); CF. monologue: soliloquy; long speech by one person (often monopolizing a conversation)

solitude state of being alone; seclusion; ADJ. solitary: existing or living alone (esp. by choice); remote or secluded; single; sole; Ex. solitary life/inn; Ex. no solitary piece of proof

solstice          point or time at which the sun is farthest from the equator

soluble          able to be dissolved in a liquid; able to be worked out or solved

solvent          able to pay all depths; N. solvency

solvent          substance that dissolves another; ADJ: capable of dissolving another substance

somatic         pertaining to the body; bodily; physical

somber          dark; gloomy; melancholy; depressing; CF. shadow

somnambulist    sleepwalker; V. somnambulate; N. somnambulism

somnolent       half asleep; drowsy; N. somnolence

sonic           of sound or its speed in air; CF. subsonic, supersonic

sonnet          14-line poetic verse form with a fixed rhyme pattern

sonorous resonant; producing a full deep sound; producing sound

soothsayer       one who foretells the future

sophist  teacher of philosophy; quibbler; employer of fallacious reasoning; N. sophism: plausible but fallacious argument

sophisticated     worldly wise and urbane; refined; complex; N. sophistication; V. sophisticate

sophistry seemingly plausible but fallacious reasoning; sophism

sophomoric      immature; half-baked; like a sophomore

soporific sleep-causing; marked by sleepiness; drowsy

sordid           filthy; foul; base; vile; Ex. sordid bed/story

sound           in good condition; showing good judgment or good sense; thorough; complete; Ex. sound mind/investment/training

sour            having a sharp or acid taste; acid; tart; bad-tempered; V.

sovereign ruler in a monarchy; ADJ: (of a country) independent and self-governing; having supreme power; supreme; excellent

sovereignty      complete independence and self-government (of a country); supremacy of authority; power to govern

sow            plant or scatter seed

spangle         small shiny metallic piece sewn to clothing for ornamentation

spare           give; use; refrain from harming; save from experiencing; exempt; Ex. spare me 5 minutes; Ex. Take this money and spare my life; Ex. The emperor was spared the onus; ADJ: kept in reserve; free for other use; unoccupied; Ex. spare time

sparse           not thick; thinly scattered; scanty

spartan          without attention to comfort; lacking luxury and comfort; sternly disciplined; Ex. spartan living condition/life

spasmodic       fitful; periodic; of or like a spasm; N. spasm: sudden involuntary muscular contraction; sudden burst of energy or emotion

spat                    squabble; minor dispute; minor quarrel

spate           sudden flood or rush; Ex. spate of accidents

spatial          relating to space

spatula          broad-bladed instrument used for spreading or mixing

spawn          lay eggs (in large numbers); produce offspring (in large numbers); N: eggs of aquatic animals

specious         seemingly reasonable but incorrect; misleading (often intentionally)

speck           small piece or mark; Ex. speck of dust in the eye

spectral         ghostly; N. specter: spectre; ghost; phantom

spectrum colored band produced when a beam of light passes through a prism; broad and continuous range; Ex. whole spectrum of modern thoughts

speechless       unable for the moment to speak (because of strong feeling); Ex. speechless with anger

spendthrift       someone who wastes money; CF. thrift: accumulated wealth

sphinx-like       enigmatic; mysterious

spin            rotate swiftly; make (thread) by twisting (cotton, wool, etc.); N.

splice   join together end to end to make one continuous length; fasten together; unite; Ex. splice two strips of tape; N.

spoilsport one who spoils the pleasure of others

spontaneity      lack of premeditation; naturalness; freedom from constraint; ADJ. spontaneous: self-generated; unpremeditated; happening without being planned

spoof           parody

spoonerism      accidental transposition of sounds in successive words; Ex. ``Let me sew you to your sheet'' for ``Let me show you to your seat''; CF. William Spooner

sporadic         occurring irregularly; intermittent

sportive         playful; frolicsome; merry; CF. sport: play or frolic; CF. sportsmanlike

sprightly lively

sprout           begin to grow; give off shoots or buds; N: new growth on a plant; shoot

spruce          neat and trim in appearance; smart; Ex. Be spruce for your job interview; V.

spry                    (esp. of older people) vigorously active; nimble

spurious         false; counterfeit; forged; illogical; Ex. spurious arguments

spurn           reject disdainfully; scorn; Ex. She spurned all offers of help.

squabble minor quarrel; bickering; V: engage in a minor quarrel; Ex. squabbling children

squalor  condition of being squalid; filth; degradation; dirty neglected state; ADJ. squalid: dirty; sordid; morally repulsive; Ex. squalid story

squander waste; spend foolishly

squash          crush; quash; suppress

squat           short and thick; stocky; Ex. ugly squat tower; V. N.

squeamish       easily shocked or sickened by unpleasant things; fastidious; Ex. A nurse should not be squeamish.

squelch         produce a splashing sound (when stepping through mud); crush; squash; CF. ??? ??? ?? ?

staccato         played in an abrupt manner; marked by abrupt sharp sound; Ex. staccato applause

stagnant (of water) not flowing (often bad-smelling); motionless; stale; not developing; inactive; dull; Ex. stagnant industrial output

staid            serious and sedate; sober; Ex. staid during the funeral ceremony

stalemate deadlock; situation in which further action is blocked

stalwart physically strong; brawny; steadfast; strong in mind or determination; Ex. stalwart supporter; N: stalwart follower

stamina         power of endurance; strength; staying power

stammer         speak with involuntarily pauses or repetitions

stamp           step on heavily (so as to crush or extinguish); put an end to; imprint or impress with a mark, design, or seal; shape with a die; characterize; Ex. machine stamping out car bodies; Ex. newspaper stamping him as a liar; N. stamping; implement used to stamp; impression stamped; mark; Ex. Her remarks bear the stamp of truth.

stampede sudden frenzied rush (of panic-stricken animals or people); V: participate in or cause stampede; Ex. stampede before the price rises

stanch          stop or check flow of blood; Ex. stanch the gushing wound

standstill condition of no movement or activity; stop

stanza           division of a poem (composed of two or more lines)

start                    move suddenly or involuntarily; Ex. start at the sight of a snake

stately          formal; ceremonious; grand in style or size; majestic

static           having no motion; unchanging; lacking development; N. stasis: stable state

statute          law enacted by the legislature

statutory         created by statute or legislative action; regulated by statute; Ex. statutory age limit

steadfast         steadily loyal; unswerving; steady

stealth          action of moving secretly or unseen; slyness; sneakiness; secretiveness; ADJ. stealthy

steep           soak; saturate; Ex. steep the fabric in the dye bath; ADJ: precipitous

stellar   pertaining to the stars; of a star performer; outstanding; Ex. stellar attraction of the entire performance

stem    stop or check (the flow of); Ex. stem the bleeding from the slashed artery; N: main axis of a plant; stalk

stem_from       arise from; originate from

stench          strong foul odor; reek; stink

stentorian (of the voice) extremely loud; CF. Stentor: a loud herald in the Iliad

stereotype       one regarded as embodying a set image or type; fixed and unvarying representation; standardized mental picture often reflecting prejudice; Ex. stereotype of the happy slave; V: make a stereotype of; represent by a stereotype; Ex. It is wrong to stereotype people; Ex. stereotyped answer

sterile           incapable of producing young; free from microorganism; V. sterilize

stickler          perfectionist; person who insists things be exactly right

stifle            suppress; extinguish; inhibit; smother or suffocate

stigma          token of disgrace; brand; V. stigmatize: mark with a stigma; characterize as disgraceful

stilted           bombastic; stiffly pompous; Ex. stilted rhetoric; CF. stiff: formal

stink            stench; V: emit a strong foul odor

stint                    set limits in amount or number; be thrifty; ADJ. stinting, unstinting; CF. stint:savings

stint    supply; allotted amount of work; assigned portion of work; limitation; Ex. two-year stint in the army; Ex. without stint

stipend          pay for services

stipple          paint or draw with dots or short strokes

stipulate state as a necessary condition (of an agreement); make express conditions; specify; Ex. He stipulated payment in advance

stock   standard; kept regularly in stock or supply; typical; routine; common; Ex. stock sizes of paper; Ex. stock excuse/character; N: goods for sale in a shop; OP. unique

stockade         wooden enclosure or pen; fixed line of posts used as defensive barrier

stodgy          dull; stuffy; boringly conservative; Ex. stodgy book

stoic            stoical; impassive; unmoved by joy or grief; N. CF. stoicism

stoke           stir up a fire or furnace; feed plentifully

stolid           dull; impassive; showing little emotion when strong feelings are expected

stoop           bend forward and down; lower or debase oneself; fall to a lower standard of behavior by doing something; condescend; Ex. stoop to lying

stout            rather fat; strong in body; sturdy; resolute; determined; strong in determination; Ex. stout stick/supporter

straggle stray or fall behind (a main group); spread out in a scattered group; Ex. straggling marathon racer; Ex. straggling branch

strangle kill by choking or suffocating; suppress

stratagem deceptive scheme; clever trick

stratified divided into classes; arranged into strata; V. stratify

stratum          layer of earth's surface; layer of society; PL. strata

strew           spread randomly; sprinkle; scatter; Ex. flower girl strewing rose petals

striated  marked with parallel bands; striped; grooved; Ex. striated rocks; V. striate; N. stria: thin groove or line

stricture         severe and adverse criticism; critical comments; limit or restriction

strident          loud and harsh; insistent; N. stridency

stringent (of rules) binding; rigid; marked by scarcity of money; Ex. stringent economic conditions

strut            pompous walk; V: walk in a self-important manner

strut            supporting bar; 

studied          carefully contrived; calculated; unspontaneous; deliberate; thoughtful; Ex. studied remark

studious given to diligent study

stultify  make stupid in mind; cause to appear or become stupid or inconsistent; suppress; frustrate or hinder; Ex. stultifying effect of uninteresting work; Ex. stultify free expression‎

stumble         trip and almost fall; proceed unsteadily; act falteringly; N.

stump   base of a tree trunk left after the rest has been cut down; V: walk in a heavy manner; baffle; puzzle

stun                    make unconscious or numb as by a blow; amaze; astound

stupefy          stun; make numb (as with a drug); amaze

stupor           state of being stupefied; state of apathy; daze; lack of awareness

sturdy           strong and firm (in the body)

stygian  unpleasantly dark; gloomy; hellish; deathly; CF. Styx: the chief river in the subterranean land of the dead

stymie          thwart; present an obstacle; stump

suavity          urbanity; polish; ADJ. suave: smooth and courteous

subaltern subordinate

subdue  less intense; quieter; Ex. subdued lighting; Ex. subdue: conquer; make less intense; quiet; Ex. subdue one's anger

subjective       influenced by personal feelings; occurring or taking place within the mind; unreal; Ex. subjective     sensation of the ghostly presence

subjugate conquer; bring under control

sublimate refine; purify; replace (natural urges) with socially acceptable activities; change between a solid state and a gaseous state

sublime         causing deep feelings of wonder, joy, respect, etc.; exalted; noble and uplifting; utter

subliminal       below the threshold of conscious perception; Ex. subliminal advertisement

submerge place under water; dip; go under water; cover completely (as with water); Ex. submerged in work

submissive       willing to obey orders; yielding; timid

subordinate      occupying a lower rank; inferior; submissive; N. V: put in a lower rank or class

suborn          persuade to act unlawfully (especially to commit perjury); N. subornation

subpoena writ(written command issued by a court) summoning a witness to appear in court; V: summon with a subpoena

subsequent       following in time or order; later

subservient      behaving like a slave; servile; obsequious; subordinate; N. subservience

subside  sink to a lower level; settle down; sink to the bottom (as a sediment); descend; grow quiet; become less; moderate; abate

subsidiary       serving to assist; subordinate; secondary; of a subsidy; N.

subsidy         direct financial aid by government, etc.; V. subsidize: assist with a subsidy

subsistence      existence; means of subsisting; means of support; livelihood; V. subsist: exist; maintain life (at a meager level)

substantial       of substance; material; solid; essential or fundamental; ample; considerable; well-to-do; wealthy

substantiate      support (a claim) with evidence; establish with evidence; verify

substantive       substantial; essential; pertaining to the substance; substantial; considerable; Ex. substantive issues

subsume include (as a member of a group); encompass

subterfuge       stratagem(deceptive scheme); pretense; evasion; Ex. resort to a harmless subterfuge

subtlety perceptiveness; ingenuity; delicacy; ADJ. subtle: delicate; so slight as to be difficult to detect; able to make fine distinctions; clever; Ex. subtle mind/differences in meaning

subversive       tending to overthrow or ruin; V. subvert: overthrow completely (an established system); destroy completely; CF. undermine ?

succor          assist (someone in difficulty); aid; comfort; N.

succulent juicy; full of juice or sap; full of richness; N: succulent plant such as a cactus

succumb yield (to something overwhelming); give in; die; Ex. succumb to the illness

suckle          give or take milk at the breast or udder

suffocate die or kill from lack of air; suppress

suffragist advocate of the extension of voting rights (for women); CF. suffrage

suffuse          spread through or over (with a color or liquid); charge; Ex. A blush suffused her cheeks.

suitor           man who is courting a woman

sullen           silently showing ill humor or resentment; dark; gloomy

sully            defile; soil; tarnish; Ex. sully one's hands in menial labor

sultry           (of weather) hot; sweltering; sensual; voluptuous

summation       act of finding the total; summing-up; summary (esp. one given by the judge at the end of a trial)

sumptuous       grand suggesting great expense; lavish; rich; Ex. sumptuous feast

sunder          separate; part; CF. asunder

sundry          miscellaneous; various; several; N. sundries: small miscellaneous items

superannuated    retired or disqualified because of age; outmoded; obsolete

supercilious      haughty; arrogant; condescending; patronizing; CF. eyebrow, cilium

supererogatory    superfluous; more than needed or demanded

superficial       of the surface; not deep; shallow; not thorough; trivial; Ex. superficial analysis/knowledge

superfluous      excessive; overabundant; unnecessary; N. superfluity

superimpose     place over something else

supernumerary    person or thing excess of what is necessary; extra; ADJ: additional to the usual or necessary number

supersede replace; cause to be set aside; make obsolete; N. supersession

supine          lying on back; passive; inactive; Ex. The defeated pugilist lay supine; Ex. supine acceptance of the decision

supplant take the place of unfairly; usurp; replace

supple          flexible; limber; pliant

suppliant entreating; beseeching; N.

supplicant       one who supplicates; ADJ.

supplicate       petition humbly; pray to grant a favor

supposition      assumption; hypothesis; surmise; V. suppose

supposititious    assumed; counterfeit; hypothetical

suppress put an end to forcibly; subdue; stifle; overwhelm; inhibit the expression‎ of; check; prevent from being published or made public; Ex. suppress a smile; Ex. suppress the magazine/truth

surfeit          satiate; feed or supply to excess; stuff; indulge to excess in anything; N: surfeiting; excessive amount; Ex. surfeit of food

surge           powerful movement of or like a wave; V.

surly            bad-tempered; rude; cross

surmise         guess; N.

surmount overcome

surpass          exceed

surreptitious      done secretly; secret; furtive; sneaky; hidden

surrogate substitute; person or thing used in place of another; Ex. surrogate mother; ADJ.

surveillance      close observation of a person (esp. one under suspicion); watching; guarding

susceptible       impressionable; easily influenced; sensitive; having little resistance as to a disease; likely to suffer; receptive to; capable of accepting; Ex. susceptible to persuasion/colds; Ex. The agreement is not susceptible of alteration; N. susceptibility

suspend         cause to stop for a period; interrupt; hold in abeyance; defer; hang from above; exclude for a period from a position; Ex. suspended state; Ex. suspend judgment; Ex. suspended from the team; N. suspension

suspense state of being undecided; anxiety or apprehension resulting from uncertainty

sustain          suffer (harm or loss); experience; support; prop; maintain; keep in existence; nourish (to maintain life); Ex. sustain the family/the trapped miners

sustenance       sustaining; means of livelihood, support, food, nourishment; something that maintains life; food

suture           stitches sewn to hold the cut edges of a wound or incision; material used in sewing; V: sew together a wound

swagger         walk or behave with an over-confident manner

swamp          wetland; marsh; V: flood; overwhelm; drench in with liquid

swarm          large group of insects moving in a mass; crowd of people or animals; V: move in a crowd or mass

swarthy         (of a skin or complexion) dark; dusky; Ex. swarthy Italian ?

swathe          swath; wrap around; bandage; Ex. one's head swathed in bandages

sway           swing from side to side; influence (someone) to change one's opinion; N.

swear           vow; promise; use profane oaths; use offensive words

swear-word      word considered offensive; Ex. ``bloody''

swell           long wave of water that moves continuously without breaking; V.

swelter          (of a person) suffer from oppressive heat; be oppressed by heat

swerve          deviate; turn aside sharply from a straight course; Ex. swerve from the principle; Ex. The car swerved to the right.

swill            drink greedily

swindler cheater

swipe           hit with a sweeping motion; N.

sybarite lover of luxury; person devoted to pleasure and luxury; CF. Sybaris: an ancient Greek city in Italy

sycophant       servile flatterer; bootlicker; yes man; ADJ. sycophantic

syllogism logical formula consisting of a major premise, a minor premise and a conclusion; deceptive or specious argument

sylvan          pertaining to the woods or the country

symbiosis interdependent relationship (between groups, species) often mutually beneficial; ADJ. symbiotic; CF. together + life

symmetry arrangement of parts so that balance is obtained; congruity; ADJ. symmetrical

synchronous     similarly timed; simultaneous with; occurring at the same time; V. synchronize

synoptic providing a general overview; summary; N. synopsis

synthesis combining parts or separate things into a whole; the whole so formed; PL. syntheses; V. synthesize

synthetic not natural; artificial; resulting from synthesis; Ex. synthetic fiber; N.

tablet           small round piece of medicine; flat piece of stone or metal bearing an inscription; Ex. stone tablet on the wall

tacit            understood (without actually being expressed); not put into words; Ex. tacit agreement

taciturn habitually silent; talking little

tact             skill or sensitivity in dealing with people without causing offence

tactful           careful no to cause offence; OP. tactless 

tactile           pertaining to the organs or sense of touch

taint    contaminate; cause to lose purity; modify with a trace of something bad; Ex. tainted reputation; N: stain; touch of decay or bad influence; CF. touch

takeoff          burlesque; act of leaving the ground

talisman         charm; object believed to give supernatural powers to or protect its bearer

talon            claw of bird

tan                     convert (hide) into leather; make brown by exposure to the sun

tangential only slightly connected; not central; peripheral; digressing; showing divergence; CF. tangent

tangible         able to be touched; real; concrete; palpable; possible to realize or understand; Ex. tangible     proof

tanner           person who turns animal hides into leather

tantalize tease; excite by exposing something desirable while keeping it out of reach; torture with disappointment; CF. Tantalus: Greek mythological figure

tantamount       equivalent in effect or value; Ex. This invasion is tantamount to a declaration of war; CF. amount

tantrum         fit of bad temper; fit of petulance; caprice; Ex. The child went into tantrums.

taper    very thin candle; gradual decrease in the width of a long object; V. make or become gradually narrower toward one end

tarantula         venomous spider

tardy           slow; sluggish; not on time; late; Ex. tardy arrival

tarnish          make or become dull or discolored; N.

tarry            linger; delay in starting or going; dawdle

tart             sharp to the taste; acid-tasting; caustic; sarcastic; Ex. tart apple/reply

tatter           torn piece of cloth; ADJ. tattered: (of clothes) old and torn; (of a person) dressed in old torn clothes

taunt            deride or provoke; challenge in derision; N.

taut                     tight; strained; tense; ready; OP. slack

tautological      needlessly repetitious; Ex. ``It was visible to the eye''; N. tautology: needless repetition of the same sense; statement that is always true

tawdry          cheap and gaudy; Ex. tawdry jewelry

tawny           brownish yellow

taxonomist       specialist in classifying (animals, etc.); CF. taxonomy: science of classification

tedium          boredom; weariness; ADJ. tedious

teetotalism       practice of abstaining totally from alcoholic drinks; N. teetotaler;; ADJ. teetotal;

temerity         boldness; nerve; rashness; Ex. temerity to ask for a pay increase after only three day's work

temper  moderate; make less severe; tone down or restrain; toughen (steel) as by alternate heating and cooling

temperament     characteristic frame of mind; disposition; emotional excess; ADJ. temperamental: of temperament; having frequent changes of temper; Ex. temperamental dislike of sports; Ex. temperamental actress

temperate moderate; restrained; self-controlled; moderate in respect to temperature; CF. temperance: moderation and self-restraint; abstinence of alcoholic drinks; Ex. temperance society

tempestuous      stormy; violent; impassioned; N. tempest: violent storm

tempo           speed of music

temporal of time; not lasting forever; limited by time; temporary; secular; worldly

temporize gain time as by postponing an action; avoid committing oneself

tenacious holding fast (as to a belief); persistent

tenacity firmness; persistence

tenancy         possession of land or building by rent; period of a tenant's occupancy

tenant           one that pays rent to use property owned by another

tend            have a tendency; take care of; minister; serve at; apply one's attention; attend

tendentious      promoting a particular point of view; biased; having an aim; designed to further a cause; Ex. tendentious rather than truth-seeking; CF. tend: move in a certain direction

tender           offer formally; extend; Ex. tender one's resignation/the exact fare; N: formal offer; money; Ex. legal tender; ADJ: young and vulnerable; sensitive to the touch; sore; soft; delicate; Ex. child of tender years; Ex. tender wound

tenet            doctrine; dogma

tensile          capable of being stretched; of tension; Ex. tensile rubber

tension          stretching; condition of being stretched; mental strain; strained relationship between groups or people

tentative not fully worked out or developed; provisional; experimental; uncertain; hesitant; not definite or positive; Ex. tentative agreement/reply

tenuous         thin; slim; rare

tenure           holding of an office or real estate; time during which such an office is held

tepid            lukewarm; slightly warm; ????; half-hearted; not eager; Ex. tepid reaction to the new film; Ex. tepid supporter

terminal part that forms the end; railroad or bus station; ADJ. forming an end; ending in death; fatal; Ex. terminal cancer

termination      end; V. terminate

terminology      terms used in a science or art; study of nomenclature

terminus last stop of railroad; end

terrestrial on or relating to the earth

terse            concise; abrupt; pithy

tertiary  third in order or rank

tessellated       mosaic; inlaid; Ex. tessellated pattern

testator  maker of a will; CF. testatrix

testy            irritable; impatient and bad-tempered; short-tempered; N. testiness

tether           tie (an animal) with a rope or tether; N: rope or chain to which an animal is tied; limit of one's endurance; Ex. the end of one's tether

thematic of a theme; relating to a unifying motif or idea

theocracy government run by religious leaders

theoretical       based on theory; not practical or applied; hypothetical

therapeutic       curative; N. therapy

thermal         pertaining to heat; producing heat; warm; Ex. thermal bath; N: rising current of warm air

thesis           opinion put forward and supported by reasoned arguments

thespian pertaining to drama; N: actor or actress

thrall           slave; bondage; slavery; Ex. Her beauty held him in thrall; CF. enthrall

thrash           beat with a whip or flail; defeat utterly; talk about thoroughly in order to find the answer; move wildly or violently; Ex. The fishes thrashed about in the net.

threadbare       worn through till the threads show; shabby and poor; hackneyed; Ex. threadbare excuses

threat           sign or warning (of coming danger); Ex. threat of rain; V: express a threat; give warning of (something bad); Ex. The cloud threatens rain.

thresh           beat (cereal plants) with a machine or flail to separate the grains from the straw

thrifty           careful about money; economical; N. thrift

thrive           prosper; flourish

throb           (of a heart or machine) beat rapidly or violently; N. Ex. hearthrob: heartbeat; sweetheart

throes           violent anguish

throng          crowd (of people or things); V.

throttle  strangle; regulate the speed of with a throttle; N: valve that regulates the flow; CF. throat ?

thwart          block or hinder; baffle; frustrate

tickle           touch (the body) lightly so as to cause laughter; please

tightwad miser; excessively frugal person

tiller            handle used to move boat's rudder (to steer)

timbre          quality of a musical tone produced by a musical instrument (which distinguishes it from others of the same pitch)

timidity lack of self-confidence or courage

timorous fearful; timid; demonstrating fear

tinge            give a slight degree of a color or quality to; N: slight degree of a color or quality; Ex. tinged with grey/jealousy

tint             slight degree of color; V: give a tint to

tipple           drink (alcoholic beverages) frequently; N: alcoholic drink

tirade           long angry denunciatory speech; diatribe; harangue; extended scolding; denunciation

titanic           gigantic; N. titan

tithe            tax of one-tenth (contributed to a church); V: pay a tithe

titillate  tickle; excite pleasantly; Ex. not to titillate the audience but to enlighten it

title            name (of a book, film, etc.); mark of rank; formal appellation as of rank or office (such as Lord or General); right or claim to possession; championship; Ex. title as head of the family; Ex. title to the estate

titter            nervous giggle; nervous laugh; V.

titular           of a title; in name only; nominal; having the title of an office without the obligations; Ex. titular head of the company

toady           servile flatterer; yes man; sycophant; V: be a toady to; fawn

toga            Roman outer robe

token           outward sign; Ex. a token of our gratitude

toll             sound (a large bell) slowly at regular intervals; N: sound of a bell; fixed tax or charge

tome            large volume; book

tonsure          shaving of the head especially by person entering religious orders; V.

topography      physical features of a region (such as the shape and height); CF. topo-: place

topple           become unsteady and fall down

torpedo         underwater explosive apparatus; V.

torpor           lethargy; sluggishness; dormancy; ADJ. torpid: lethargic; lazy; inactive; (of an animal) dormant; hibernating

torque          twisting force; force producing rotation

torrent          rushing stream; flood; Ex. The rain fell in torrents.

torrid           (of weather) hot or scorching; passionate; Ex. torrid love affairs

torso            trunk of statue with head and limbs missing; human trunk

tortuous winding; full of curves; Ex. tortuous mountain road

toss            throw lightly; move or lift (the head) with a sudden motion; flip (a coin) to decide something

totem           animal, plant, or natural object serving as a symbol of a clan or family; representation of this; Ex. totem pole

totter           shake or move unsteadily; sway as if about to fall

touching causing a feeling of pity or sympathy; pathetic; V. touch: cause to feel pity or sympathy; ADJ. touched

touchstone       stone used to test the fineness of gold alloys; criterion; standard

touchy          oversensitive; easily offended; irasible; delicate; needing delicate handling; Ex. touchy situation

tout            promote or publicize (one's goods or service); praise excessively (as a form of advertisement); CF. advertise

toxic            poisonous; N. toxicity

tract            propaganda pamphlet (esp. by a religious or political group); expanse of land; region of indefinite size; system of related organs; Ex. digestive tract

tractable docile; easily managed; (of something) easily changed or molded; N. tractability

traduce          expose to slander

trajectory path taken by a projectile; Ex. trajectory of a bullet

tramp           walk with a heavy step; travel on foot; N: vagrant; one who travels aimlessly about; long walk; sound of heavy walking

trample         step heavily with the feet; crush under the feet

trance           hypnotic state; ecstatic state; detachment from one's physical surrounding (as in contemplation or daydreaming); CF. transition

tranquillity       calmness; peace

transcendent     exceeding ordinary limits; superior; surpassing; V. transcend: go beyond; exceed; surpass; N. transcendancy

transcendental    going beyond common thought or ideas; impossible to understand by practical experiences or practices; known only by studying thoughts or intuition; OP. empirical; CF. transcendentalism

transcribe copy; write a copy of; N. transcription

transgression     violation of a law; sin; V. transgress: go beyond (a limit); violate; do wrong

transient staying for a short time; momentary; temporary; N: one that is transient

transition going from one state of action to another

transitory transient; impermanent; fleeting; N. transitoriness

translucent       partly transparent

transmute transform; change; convert to something different

transparent       permitting light to pass through freely; easily detected; obvious; clear; Ex. transparent lie

transpire (of a fact) become known; be revealed; happen; give off (watery waste matter) through pores

transport strong emotion; rapture; Ex. in a transport/transports of; V: move to strong emotion; enrapture

transpose reverse the order or position of

trappings outward decorations; ornaments (as an outward sign of rank)

traumatic (of an experience) deeply shocking; pertaining to an injury caused by violence; N. trauma: serious wound; emotional shock that causes lasting psychological damage

travail          strenuous work; toil; painful labor; labor of childbirth

traverse go through or across

travesty copy or example of something that completely misrepresents the true nature of the real thing; comical parody or imitation; treatment aimed at making something appear ridiculous; Ex. travesty of justice; OP. paragon

tread            walk; trample; N: grooved face of a tire; horizontal part of a step

treasure keep as precious; cherish

treatise  article treating a subject systematically and thoroughly

trek            travel; journey; V: make a long difficult journey

tremor          trembling; slight quiver (as of the earth or from nervous agitation)

tremulous trembling; wavering

trenchant cutting; incisive; keen

trepidation       fear; nervous apprehension

tribulation       suffering; ordeal; distress; trial

tribunal court of justice

tribune          official of ancient Rome elected by the plebians to protect their rights; protector of the people

tribute          tax levied by a ruler; payment made by one nation to another in acknowledgment of submission; mark of respect (such as praise or gift); Ex. pay tribute to

trickle          flow in drops or in a thin stream; N.

trickster person who cheats people

trident          three-pronged spear

trifle            something of little importance or value; small amount; Ex. a trifle; V: treat without seriousness; flirt

trifling  trivial; unimportant

trigger          set off; start

trilogy          group of three related works (connected by a shared subject but each complete in itself)

trim            make neat or tidy by clipping; reduce by removing what is unnecessary; ornament; decorate (round the edges); Ex. trim the cost; Ex. jacket trimmed with fur; N. ADJ: tidy; in good order

trinket          knickknack; bauble; cheap jewelry

trite            hackneyed; commonplace

trivia           trifles; unimportant matters

troth            pledge of good faith especially in betrothal; betrothal; Ex. by my troth

trough          long narrow container for feeding farm animals; lowest point (of a wave, business cycle, etc.); long narrow depression as between waves

truculence       aggressiveness; ferocity; ADJ. truculent: aggressive; pugnacious; fierce

truism          self-evident truth

truncate cut the top off; shorten

trunk           main wooden stem of a tree; human body excluding the head and limbs; torso; prehensile nose of an elephant

tryst            meeting arranged by lovers; arrangement between lovers to meet

tumid           (of a part of the body) swollen; distended; bombastic; pompous

tumult          commotion of a great crowd; riot; noise; uproar; ADJ. tumultuous: noisy and disorderly

tundra          rolling treeless plain in Siberia and arctic North America

turbid           (of a liquid) having the sediment disturbed; muddy; thick

turbulence       state of violent agitation; ADJ. turbulent: violently agitated or disturbed

tureen           deep dish for serving soup

turgid           swollen; distended (as from liquid)

turmoil          extreme confusion; great commotion and confusion; Ex. throw the country into turmoil

turncoat traitor

turpitude depravity; baseness; Ex. moral turpitude

tutelage guardianship; training; function of a tutor; instruction

tutelary protective; pertaining to a guardianship; Ex. tutelary deities

tycoon          wealthy and powerful businessperson; wealthy leader; magnate; Ex. business tycoon

typhoon         tropical hurricane or cyclone

tyranny oppression; cruel government; ADJ. tyrannical: of a tyrant or tyranny; despotic; V. tyrannize: treat tyrannically; oppress

tyro                    beginner; novice

ubiquitous       being everywhere; omnipresent; N. ubiquity

ulcer            sore place appearing on the skin inside or outside the body; Ex. stomach ulcer; ADJ. ulcerous; V. ulcerate

ulterior  intentionally hidden; beyond what is evident; situated beyond; unstated and often questionable; Ex. ulterior motive

ultimate final; not susceptible to further analysis; fundamental; Ex. The sun is the ultimate source of energy.

ultimatum       last demand; last warning; last statement of conditions that must be met; Ex. They have ignored our ultimatum.

umbrage         resentment; anger; sense of injury or insult; Ex. take umbrage at his rudeness

unaccountable    unexplicable; impossible to account for; unreasonable or mysterious

unanimity       complete agreement; ADJ. unanimous

unassailable      not open to attack; impregnable; not subject to question

unassuaged      unsatisfied; not soothed

unassuming      modest; Ex. the champion's unassuming manner

unbridled violent; uncontrolled; Ex. unbridled rage/greed

uncanny         strange; mysterious; Ex. uncanny knack

unceremonious   not done politely without due formalities

unconscionable   unscrupulous; not guided by conscience; excessive; beyond reason; Ex. unconscionable demand

uncouth         boorish; clumsy in speech or behavior; outlandish

unction          the act of anointing with oil; Ex. extreme unction

unctuous oily; bland; insincerely suave

underhand(underhanded)   done slyly and secretly (being dishonest)

underlying       lying below; fundamental

undermine       weaken gradually; sap; dig a mine beneath

underscore       underline; emphasize

understate       state with less truth than seems warranted by the facts; Ex. He understated the seriousness of the crime; N. understatement; OP. overstate

undertaker       funeral director; one whose business is to arrange burials

undulating       moving with a wavelike motion; V. undulate; CF. und: wave

unearth          dig up; discover (facts) by careful searching; Ex. He unearthed some secrets about her; OP. conceal

unearthly not earthly; supernatural; weird; ghostly

unequivocal      plain; clear; obvious

unerringly       infallibly; ADJ. unerring: making no mistakes

unexceptionable  entirely acceptable; not offering any basis for criticism

unfaltering       steadfast; firm; not changing

unfeigned genuine; real

unfetter liberate; free from chains; V. unfetter

unfledged immature; not having the feathers necessary to fly; CF. fledgling

unfrock         defrock; strip a priest or minister of church authority

ungainly (of someone) awkward in movement; clumsy; (of something) unwieldy; Ex. ungainly dancer/instrument

unguent         ointment

uniformity       sameness; monotony; ADJ. uniform: the same all over

unilateral one-sided; involving or affecting only one side; Ex. unilateral declaration

unimpeachable   that cannot be impeached; beyond doubt or question; blameless and exemplary

uninhibited      having no inhibitions; free in behavior and feelings

uninhibited      unrepressed; free in behavior and feelings

unintimating     unfrightening

unique          without an equal; single in kind

unison          unity of pitch (in musical performance); complete accord; Ex. The choir sang in unison.

universal characterizing or affecting all; general; present everywhere; of the universe; cosmic; Ex. universal agreement; Ex. a subject of universal interest

unkempt         disheveled; uncared for in appearance; not combed; CF. comb

unmitigated      (of something bad) not moderated; unrelieved or immoderate; without qualification; absolute; Ex. unmitigated disaster

unobtrusive      inconspicuous; not blatant

unprecedented    having no previous example; novel; unparalleled

unprepossessing  unattractive

unravel          disentangle; solve

unregenerate     making no attempt to change one's bad practices

unrequited       not requited; not reciprocated; Ex. unrequited love

unruly          disobedient; lawless; difficult to control

unsavory distasteful; disagreeable; morally offensive; Ex. unsavory activity/reputation

unscathed unharmed; Ex. escape the accident unscathed

unseemly unbecoming; not proper in behavior; indecent; Ex. leave with unseemly haste

unsightly ugly; unpleasant to look at

unsullied untarnished; CF. sully

unta            group of persons joined in political intrigue; cabal; group of military officers ruling a country after seizing power (by force)

untenable (of a position, esp. in an argument) indefensible; not able to be maintained

untoward unexpected and adverse; unfortunate or unlucky; Ex. untoward encounter

unwarranted      unjustified; having no justification; groundless; baseless; undeserved

unwieldy awkward (to carry or move); cumbersome; unmanageable

unwitting not knowing; unaware; unintentional; Ex. She was their unwitting accomplice; Ex. unwitting insult; CF. wit: know

unwonted unaccustomed; unusual; Ex. He arrived with unwonted punctuality.

upbraid         reprimand; severely scold

upright          (sitting or standing) straight up; honest; moral

uproar          noisy confusion

uproarious       marked by commotion or uproar; very noisy (esp. with laughter); hilarious; causing loud laughter; extremely funny

upshot          outcome; final result

urbane          suave; refined in manner; elegant

urchin  mischievous child (usually a boy); CF. urchin: hedgehog; CF. porcupine: pig with spikes ; CF. sea urchin

urge            drive or force forward (by causing impulses); drive to take action; impel; entreat earnestly; Ex. urge horses; N: impulse that prompts action

urgent          compelling immediate action; pressing; persistent; importunate; Ex. urgent in his demands

ursine           bearlike; pertaining to a bear

usage           act or manner of using; accepted practice; way in which words are actually used

usurp           seize another's power or rank (without legal authority); supplant; appropriate; N. usurpation; CF. take for one's own use

usury           lending money at illegal high rates of interest

utopia           ideal place, state, or society; ADJ. utopian

uxorious excessively submissive or devoted to one's wife; CF. uxor: wife

vacillate waver (in opinion); fluctuate; sway to and fro; N. vacillation

vacuous         empty; lacking in ideas; inane; stupid; Ex. vacuous expression‎; N. vacuity

vagabond wanderer (without a permanent home); tramp

vagary          capricious happening; caprice; whim; CF. wander

vagrant          homeless wanderer

vagrant          wandering from place to place; roving; stray; moving in a random fashion; Ex. vagrant thoughts; N. vagrancy

vain            full of self-admiration; conceited; without result; unsuccessful; N. vanity

vainglorious      boastful; excessively conceited; N. vainglory: great vanity

valediction       saying farewell; expression‎ of leave-taking

valedictory       pertaining to farewell; N: farewell address (esp. at graduation exercises)

valid            logically convincing; sound; legally acceptable; effective; Ex. valid reasoning/passport

validate make valid; confirm‎; ratify

valor           bravery; ADJ. valiant: possessing valor; brave

vampire         ghostly being that sucks the blood of the living

vanguard forerunners; foremost position of an army; advance forces; foremost position in a trend or movement; CF. rearguard

vantage         position giving an advantage (such as a strategic point); CF. vantagepoint

vaporize turn into vapor (steam, gas, fog, etc.)

variegate change the appearance of (by marking with different colors)

variegated       (esp. of a flower or leaf) many-colored

varnish          paint used to coat a surface with a glossy film; glossy coating produced by using this substance; Ex. nail varnish; V.

vassal           in feudalism, one who held land of a superior lord; subordinate or dependent

vaunted         boasted; bragged; highly publicized; V. vaunt: boast; brag

veer            change in direction; swerve

vegetate live in a monotonous way (without interests or activity); CF. vegetation: plants of an area; CF. vegetarian; CF. vegan

vehement forceful; intensely emotional; with marked vigor; strong; N. vehemence

velocity speed

venal           capable of being bribed; corrupt; CF. vernal

vendetta blood feud (esp. between two families); CF. Nina Williams

vendor          seller

veneer          thin surface layer (of good quality wood, glued to a base of inferior material); cover; surface show; fa\c{c}ade; V.

venerable deserving high respect; commanding respect; CF. command: deserve and get

venerate revere; treat with great respect

venial           (of a fault or sin) forgivable; trivial

venison         meat of a deer; CF. cow: beef; CF. pig: pork, ham, bacon; CF. calf: veal; CF. sheep: mutton; CF. lamb: lamb

venom          poison (of an animal); hatred; Ex. remarks full of venom; ADJ. venomous

vent            release or discharge through a vent; express (esp. unfairly); utter; Ex. He vented his wrath on his family.

vent            small opening; outlet (as of fumes or a gas); Ex. He gave vent to his anger by kicking the chair.

ventilate admit fresh air into to replace stale air

ventral          abdominal

ventriloquist     someone who can make his or her voice seem to come from another person or thing (without moving lips or jaws); N. ventriloquism, ventriloquy

venture          risk; expose to risk; dare; undertake a risk; N.

venturesome     (of a person) bold; adventurous; daring; (of an action) risky

venue           location; place (of a crime, trial, gathering, etc.); CF. come

veracious (of a person) truthful

veracity truthfulness; adherence to the truth

verbalize put into words; ADJ. verbal: of words; spoken rather than written; oral; of a verb

verbatim word for word; in the same words; repeating the actual words exactly

verbiage pompous array of words; too many unnecessary words; wordiness

verbose         wordy; N. verbosity

verdant          green; covered with green plants or grass; lush in vegetation; Ex. verdant meadows

verdigris green coating or patina on copper which has been exposed to the weather

verge           border; edge, rim, or margin; Ex. on the verge of: very near to; V: border on

verisimilar       having the appearance of truth or reality; probable or likely to be true; plausible

verisimilitude    appearance of truth; quality of appearing to be true or real; likelihood; Ex. verisimilitude of her performance as Lady Macbeth

veritable being truly so; real or genuine; actual; not false or imaginary

verity           quality of being true; lasting truth or principle; Ex. the verity of his testimony; Ex. one of the eternal verities

vernacular       living language (as compared to the official language); language spoken in a country or region; natural style; Ex. lapse into the vernacular

vernal           pertaining to spring

versatile having many talents; capable of working in many fields; having many uses or functions; N. versatility

vertebrate having a backbone or spinal column; N: group of animals having a segmented spinal column

vertex           summit; highest point; PL. vertices

vertigo          severe dizziness; giddiness

verve           enthusiasm (as in artistic performance or composition); liveliness; vigor

vestige          trace; remains; Ex. vestiges of some ancient religion

veto            vested power to reject a bill; exercise of this right; V: prevent or forbid by exercising the power of veto

vex             annoy; distress

viable           capable of maintaining life; feasible; practical or workable; Ex. viable scheme

viand           food; CF. live

vibrant          full of vigor or energy; vibrating

vicar            parish priest; representative

vicarious experienced as if one were taking part in the experience of another; done by a deputy for other people; acting as a substitute; Ex. vicarious thrill at the movies; Ex. the vicarious sufferings of Christ

vicissitude       change (esp. from good to bad); change of fortune; CF. the last emperor of China

victuals food; provisions; V. victual: provide with food

vie             contend; compete

vigil            keeping watch (during normal sleeping hours); Ex. all-night vigil

vigilant watchful; on the alert; watchfully awake; alert to spot danger; N. vigilance

vigilante one who without authority assumes law enforcement powers

vignette small drawing placed at the beginning or end of a chapter; picture; short literary sketch; short written description of a character or scene

vigor           active strength; energy; enthusiasm; ADJ. vigorous

vile             despicable; unpleasant; disgusting; Ex. vile slander

vilify           slander; speak evil of; N. vilification

vindicate clear from blame; free from blame or accusation (with supporting proof); exonerate; substantiate; justify or support; avenge; Ex. vindicate one's client; Ex. vindicate one's claim; CF. vindicator

vindictive disposed to revenge; vengeful; out for revenge; spiteful; intended to cause harm; malicious; Ex. vindictive streak

vintner          wine merchant; winemaker; seller of wine

violate          break (a law); defile; desecrate; assault sexually; Ex. violate graves

viper           poisonous snake

virile           manly; having masculine spirit or strength; full of strength

virtual          in essence; existing in essence though not in actual form; for practical purposes; Ex. virtual ruler/space

virtue           goodness; moral excellence; good quality; advantage; Ex. by virtue of; Ex. make a virtue of necessity

virtuoso highly skilled artist (esp. in music); Ex. piano virtuoso

virulent (of a disease or poison) extremely harmful or poisonous; (of a feeling) hostile; bitter; N. virulence; CF. virus; CF. venom

virus            disease communicator

visage          face; appearance

visceral felt in one's inner organs; N. viscera: internal body organs; CF. eviscerate

viscid           adhesive; gluey

viscous          (of a liquid) thick and sticky; gluey; viscid; CF. consistency

vise            vice; tool for holding work in place; clamping device

vision           eyesight; foresight; mental image produced by the imagination; experience of seeing the supernatural

visionary produced by imagination; fanciful; mystical; showing foresight; N: one having foresight; one given to speculative impractical ideas

vital            full of life; animated; vibrant and lively; critical; of great importance; necessary to stay alive; of life; living; breathing; N. vitality; V. vitalize

vitiate           spoil the effect of; make inoperative; corrupt morally

vitreous of glass; pertaining to or resembling glass; V. vitrify: change into glass; CF. petrify

vitriolic causing sharp pain to the mind; caustic; corrosive; sarcastic; of vitriol; N. vitriol: sulphuric acid (which burns flesh deeply); bitterly abusive expression‎; caustic expression‎; CF. glass

vituperative      abusive; scolding; V. vituperate: berate; scold; rail against abusively

vivacious lively or animated; sprightly

vivid           (of light or color) bright and distinct; evoking lifelike mental images; Ex. vivid red hair/description

vivisection       act of dissecting living animals

vixen           female fox; ill-tempered woman; CF. shrew

vociferous       clamorous; noisy; V. vociferate: cry out loudly (when complaining)

vogue           popular fashion; Ex. Jeans became the vogue.

volatile  changeable; of a quickly changing nature (as of temper); mercurial; tending to violence; evaporating rapidly; Ex. volatile character/situation in the street

volition act of using one's will; act of making a conscious choice; Ex. She selected this dress of her own volition.

volley           simultaneous discharge of a number of shots; V.

voluble          fluent; talkative; glib; N. volubility

voluminous      having great volume (as of a garment or container); bulky; large

voluptuous       sensual; of or giving sensual pleasure; indulging in sensual pleasures; Ex. voluptuous lines; Ex. voluptuous life of the Romans; N. voluptuary: voluptuous person

voodoo          religion practiced chiefly in Haiti

voracious ravenous; eating large quantities of food; exceedingly eager; insatiable; Ex. voracious animal/reader

vortex          whirlwind; whirlpool; center of turbulence; predicament into which one is inexorably plunged

vouch           give a personal guarantee; Ex. I can vouch for his integrity; N. voucher

vouchsafe       grant condescendingly; guarantee; Ex. vouchsafe your fair return on your investment

voyeur          Peeping Tom; person who derives sexual gratification from observing the sexual acts of others

vulgar          of the common people; deficient in refinement; not refined; coarse; Ex. vulgar display of wealth; N. vulgarism: vulgarity; crudely indecent word; CF. vulgarian: vulgar person; boor; lout

vulnerable       susceptible to wounds or attack; N. vulnerability

vulpine          like a fox; crafty

vulture          carrion-eating birds

vying           contending; CF. vie

wade           walk through a substance, such as water, that impedes movement

waffle          speak equivocally about an issue; N.

waft            move gently (in air or in seas) by wind or waves; Ex. leaves wafting past the window

wag    shake repeatedly from side to side; Ex. The dog wagged its tail; N: humorous person; wit

wage           begin and continue (a war)

waggish         humorous; mischievous; tricky

waif            homeless child or animal; Ex. waifs and strays

waive   give up temporarily; yield; N. waiver: waiving a right or claim; document that waives a right or claim

wake   trail of ship or other object through water; path of something that has gone before; Ex. hunger followed in the wake of the war

wallow  roll in mud; indulge in; (of a ship) roll in a rough sea; become helpless; Ex. wallow in the mud/luxury

wan                    having a pale or sickly color; pallid

wanderlust       strong longing to travel

wane   decrease in size or strength (after being full); grow gradually to an end; Ex. The moon waxes and wanes every month; N.

wangle  achieve by cleverness or trick; wiggle out; fake; Ex. She tried to wangle an invitation to the party.

wanton  unrestrained; gratuitously cruel; willfully malicious; unchaste; sexually improper; promiscuous; Ex. wanton spending/killing; CF. having no just cause

warble          (of a bird) sing; babble; N.

ward            administrative division of a city; division in a hospital or prison; incompetent person placed under the protection of a guardian; V: guard; ward off: avert

warp            twist out of shape; N.

warrant justification; written order that serves as authorization (esp. a judicial writ); Ex. search/death warrant; V: justify; guarantee

warranted justified; authorized

warranty guarantee; assurance by seller

warren  tunnels in which rabbits live; overcrowded living area; crowded conditions in which people live

wary            very cautious; watchful

wastrel          waster; profligate

waver           move or swing back and forth; be uncertain or unsteady in decision or movement; Ex. wavering between accepting and refusing

wax                    increase gradually (as the moon); grow

waylay          ambush; lie in wait for and attack

wean           accustom a baby not to nurse; accustom (the young of a mammal) to take nourishment other than by suckling; give up a cherished activity; cause to gradually leave (an interest or habit); Ex. wean oneself from cigarettes

weary           tired after long work; V.

weather         pass safely through (a storm or  difficult period); endure the effects of weather or other forces

weird           eerie; strange; unnatural

well-bred of good upbringing; well-mannered and refined

welt                    raised mark from a beating or whipping

welter           confusion; turmoil; confused mass; bewildering jumble; Ex. welter of data

welter   wallow (as in mud or high seas); lie soaked (as in blood); Ex. The victims weltered in their blood.

wheedle         deceive, persuade, or obtain by flattery; cajole; coax; Ex. wheedle a promise out of her

whelp           young animal (esp. of the dog or cat family); young wolf, dog, tiger, etc.

whet            sharpen; stimulate; Ex. whet someone's appetite

whiff           puff or gust (of air, scent, etc.); short-lasting smell; hint; Ex. whiff of perfume/scandal

whim           sudden capricious idea; fancy

whimsical       capricious; fanciful; amusingly strange

whimsy         whim; tendency to behave amusingly strangely; Ex. story full of whimsy

whine           complain (in a sad voice); make a high sad sound (as in pain or supplication)

whinny          neigh like a horse; CF. neigh: make the sound which horses make

whit            small amount; smallest speck; Ex. not a whit of

whittle          pare; cut away thin bits (from wood); fashion in this way; reduce gradually; trim

wholesome      conducive to mental or physical health; healthful

whorl           ring of leaves around stem; ring; circular arrangement; Ex. whorls on the fingers

wiggle          wriggle; move from side to side with irregular twisting motions

willful          wilful; intentional; headstrong

willowy         flexible; pliant; slender; CF. willow

wilt            loose freshness; droop

wily            crafty; cunning; artful; N. wile: deceitful stratagem

wince   move back suddenly; shrink back; flinch; Ex. She winced as she touched the cold body.

windfall fallen fruit; unexpected lucky event

winnow         sift; separate the chaff from grain by blowing; separate good parts from bad; CF. wind

winsome         charming (in a childlike way); agreeable; gracious; engaging

wisp            small bunch (of hair); faint streak (of smoke)

wispy           thin; slight; barely discernible

wistful          sadly thoughtful (because of desires or memories); sadly pensive; vaguely longing

withdrawn       introverted; retiring; remote

wither          (of a plant) dry up from loss of moisture; lose freshness; shrivel; decay

withhold refuse to give; hold back; Ex. withholding tax

withstand stand up against; resist successfully

witless          lacking intelligence or wit; foolish; idiotic

witticism witty saying; wisecrack(clever joking remark)

wizardry sorcery; magic

wizened         shriveled; withered; Ex. wizened apple/old lady

woe                    great sorrow; deep inconsolable grief; affliction; suffering; Ex. financial woes

woeful          sad; (of something bad) deplorable; deplorably bad; Ex. woeful housing conditions

wont            (the stated person's) habit or custom; habitual procedure; ADJ. wonted: customary

worldly         engrossed in matters of this earth; not spiritual; of the material world

wrangle         quarrel noisily; obtain through arguing; herd cattle; N.

wrath           anger; fury

wreak           inflict; Ex. wreak one's vengeance on

wrench          twist; pull; strain; Ex. He wrenched the gun out of her hands.

wrest           obtain by pulling violently; pull away; take by violence; Ex. wrest victory from their grasp

wretch          miserable person; bad or despicable person; ADJ. wretched: miserable; bad; contemptible; vile

wring           twist (to extract liquid); extract by twisting; wrench painfully (necks or hands)

wrinkle         small ridge on a smooth surface (face or cloth); V.

writ                    written command issued by a court (telling someone to do or not to do something)

writhe          twist in coils; contort in pain

wrongheaded     stubbornly wrong

wry    (esp. of an expression‎ of the face) twisted; with a humorous twist (expressing displeasure)

xenophobia      fear or hatred of foreigners; N. xenophobe

yen                     strong desire; longing; urge; Ex. yen for travel

yeoman         man or farmer owning small estate; middle-class farmer

yield    amount produced; crop; income on investment; profit obtained from an investment; V: produce; give in; surrender

yoke            join together; unite; N: crossbar used to joining two draft animals

yokel           rustic; country bumpkin; 

yore            time long past; Ex. in the days of yore

zany            comic; crazy; N: clown; comical person (given to outlandish behavior)

zeal                    eager enthusiasm (to a cause or ideal); ADJ. zealous

zealot           one who is zealous; fanatic; person who shows excessive zeal

zenith           point directly overhead in the sky; summit; acme; highest point

zephyr          gentle breeze; west wind

zest            outer skin of an orange used for giving a special taste to food; spice; interest; flavor; spirited enjoyment; Ex. add a certain zest to the affair; Ex. zest for life