| Term | Definition |
|---|
| ABASE | to humble; disgrace |
| ABATE | "to reduce in amount, degree, or severity" |
| ABDICATE | "to give up a position, right, or power" |
| ABERRANT | deviating from what is normal or expected |
| ABEYANCE | temporary suppression or suspension |
| ABJURE | to reject; abandon formally |
| ABSCOND | to leave secretly |
| ABSTAIN | to choose not to do something |
| ABSTEMIOUS | moderate in appetite |
| ABSTRUSE | difficult to comprehend : recondite <the abstruse calculations of mathematicians> |
| ABYSS | an extremely deep hole |
| ACCRETION | a growth in size; an increase in amount |
| ACIDULOUS | sour in taste or manner |
| ACME | highest point; summit; the highest level or degree attainable |
| ADAMANT | unshakable or insistent especially in maintaining a position or opinion |
| ADHERE | to give support or maintain loyalty |
| ADULTERATE | to make impure |
| ADVERSARY | "one that contends with, opposes, or resists : enemy" |
| ADVOCATE | to speak in favor of |
| AERIE | "a nest built high in the air; an elevated, often secluded, dwelling" |
| AESTHETIC | concerning the appreciation of beauty |
| AFFECTED | phony; artificial |
| AFFINITY | "relationship by marriage, sympathy marked by community of interest : kinship, <people with an affinity to darkness — Mark Twain>, likeness based on relationship or causal connection <found an affinity between the teller of a tale and the craftsman — Mary McCarthy> <this investigation, with affinities to a case history, a psychoanalysis, a detective story — Oliver Sacks>" |
| AGGRANDIZE | "to increase in power, influence, and reputation" |
| AGGREGATE | "formed by the collection of units or particles into a body, mass, or amount : collective : as a (1): clustered in a dense mass or head <an aggregate flower> " |
| ALACRITY | speed or quickness |
| ALLEVIATE | to make more bearable |
| AMALGAMATE | to combine; to mix together |
| AMBIGUOUS | doubtful or uncertain; can be interpreted several ways |
| AMBIVALENCE | "1: simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feelings (as attraction and repulsion) toward an object, person, or action2 a: continual fluctuation (as between one thing and its opposite) b: uncertainty as to which approach to follow" |
| AMELIORATE | to make better; to improve |
| AMORTIZE | to diminish by installment payments |
| AMULET | ornament worn as a charm against evil spirits |
| ANACHRONISM | something out of place in time |
| ANALGESIA | a lessening or pain without loss of consciousness |
| ANALOGOUS | similar or alike in some way; equivalent to |
| ANARCHY | 1 a: absence of government b: a state of lawlessness or political disorder due to the absence of governmental authority c: a utopian society of individuals who enjoy complete freedom without government2 a: absence or denial of any authority or established order b: absence of order : disorder <not manicured plots but a wild anarchy of nature — Israel Shenker>3: anarchism |
| ANODYNE | something that calms or soothes pain |
| ANOMALOUS | "1: inconsistent with or deviating from what is usual, normal, or expected : irregular, unusual2 a: of uncertain nature or classification b: marked by incongruity or contradiction : paradoxical" |
| ANOMALY | deviation from what is normal |
| ANTAGONIZE | to annoy or provoke to anger |
| ANTIPATHY | extreme dislike |
| APATHY | lack of interest or emotion |
| APOCRYPHAL | of questionable authority or authenticity |
| APOSTATE | one who renounces a religious faith |
| APPLICATION | "1: an act of applying: a (1): an act of putting to use <application of new techniques> (2): a use to which something is put <new applications for old remedies> (3): a program (as a word processor or a spreadsheet) that performs one of the major tasks for which a computer is used b: an act of administering or superposing <application of paint to a house> c: assiduous attention <succeeds by application to her studies> 2 a: request, petition <an application for financial aid> b: a form used in making a request3: the practical inference to be derived from a discourse (as a moral tale)4: a medicated or protective layer or material <an oily application for dry skin>5: capacity for practical use <words of varied application>" |
| APPROBATION | approval and praise |
| APPROPRIATE | 1 : to take exclusive possession of : annex <no one should appropriate a common benefit> 2 : to set apart for or assign to a particular purpose or use <appropriate money for the research program> 3 : to take or make use of without authority or right |
| ARBITRARY | determined by chance or impulse |
| ARBITRATE | to judge a dispute b/w two opposing parties |
| ARCHAIC | ancient; old-fashioned |
| ARDOR | intense and passionate feeling |
| ARROGATE | to claim without justification; to claim for oneself without right |
| ARTICULATE | able to speak clearly and expressively |
| ASCETIC | "1 : practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline 2 : austere in appearance, manner, or attitude" |
| ASPIRATION | "1 a: audible breath that accompanies or comprises a speech sound b: the pronunciation or addition of an aspiration ; also : the symbol of an aspiration2: a drawing of something in, out, up, or through by or as if by suction: as a: the act of breathing and especially of breathing in b: the withdrawal of fluid or tissue from the body c: the taking of foreign matter into the lungs with the respiratory current 3 a: a strong desire to achieve something high or great b: an object of such desire" |
| ASSAIL | to attack; assault |
| ASSIDUOUS | : marked by careful unremitting attention or persistent application <an assiduous book collector> <tended her garden with assiduous attention> |
| ASSUAGE | to make something unpleasant less severe |
| ATTENUATE | to reduce in force or degree; weaken |
| AUDACIOUS | fearless and daring |
| AUGMENT | "1 : to make greater, more numerous, larger, or more intense <the impact of the report was augmented by its timing> 2 : to add an augment to 3 : supplement <augmented her scholarship by working nights> intransitive verb : to become augmented" |
| AUGURY | prophecy; prediction of events |
| AUGUST | dignified; grandiose |
| AUSPICIOUS | 1 : affording a favorable auspice : propitious <made an auspicious beginning> 2 : attended by good auspices : prosperous <an auspicious year> |
| AUSTERE | severe or stern in appearance; undecorated |
| AUTONOMOUS | "1: of, relating to, or marked by autonomy2 a: having the right or power of self-government b: undertaken or carried on without outside control : self-contained <an autonomous school system>3 a: existing or capable of existing independently <an autonomous zooid> b: responding, reacting, or developing independently of the whole <an autonomous growth>4: controlled by the autonomic nervous system" |
| AXIOM | premise; postulate; self-evident truth |
| BANAL | predictable; cliched; boring |
| BELFRY | bell tower; room in which a bell is hung |
| BELIE | 1 a: to give a false impression of b: to present an appearance not in agreement with2 a: to show (something) to be false or wrong b: to run counter to : contradict3: disguise 3 |
| BENEFICENT | 1: doing or producing good ; especially : performing acts of kindness and charity2: beneficial |
| BENEVOLENT | 1 a: marked by or disposed to doing good <a benevolent donor> b: organized for the purpose of doing good <a benevolent society>2: marked by or suggestive of goodwill <benevolent smiles> |
| BEVY | group |
| BIFURCATE | to divide into two parts |
| BILK | to cheat; defraud |
| BLIGHT | to afflict; destroy |
| BLITHE | "joyful, cheerful, or without appropriate thought" |
| BOLSTER | to support; prop up |
| BOMBASTIC | pompous in speech and manner |
| BONHOMIE | good-natured geniality; atmosphere of good cheer |
| BOOR | "crude person, one lacking manners or taste" |
| BURGEON | to grow and flourish |
| BURNISH | to polish |
| CABAL | a secret group seeking to overturn something |
| CACOPHONY | "harsh, jarring noise" |
| CAJOLE | 1 a: to persuade with flattery or gentle urging especially in the face of reluctance : coax <had to cajole them into going> b: to obtain from someone by gentle persuasion <cajoled money from his parents>2: to deceive with soothing words or false promises |
| CALUMNY | a false and malicious accusation; misrepresentation |
| CANARD | a lie |
| CANDID | impartial and honest in speech |
| CANDOR | "1 a: whiteness, brilliance bobsolete : unstained purity2: freedom from prejudice or malice : fairness3archaic : kindliness4: unreserved, honest, or sincere expression : forthrightness <the candor with which he acknowledged a weakness in his own case — Aldous Huxley>" |
| CAPRICIOUS | changing one's mind quickly and often |
| CARTOGRAPHY | science or art of making maps |
| CASTIGATE | to punish or criticize harshly |
| CATALYST | something that brings about a change in something else |
| CATHOLIC | universal; broad and comprehensive |
| CAUSTIC | biting in wit |
| CHAOS | great disorder or confused situation |
| CHAUVINIST | someone prejudiced in favor of a group to which he/she belongs |
| CHICANERY | deception by means of craft or guile |
| CIRCUMSPECT | cautious; aware of potential consequences |
| CLOYING | sickly sweet; excessive |
| COAGULATE | "1 : to cause to become viscous or thickened into a coherent mass : curdle, clot 2 : to gather together or form into a mass or group intransitive verb : to become coagulated" |
| COALESCE | to grow together to form a single whole |
| CODA | "1 a: a concluding musical section that is formally distinct from the main structure b: a concluding part of a literary or dramatic work2: something that serves to round out, conclude, or summarize and usually has its own interest" |
| COFFER | strongbox; large chest for money |
| COGENT | convincing and well-reasoned |
| COLLUSION | collaboration; complicity; conspiracy |
| COMPLIANT | 1 : ready or disposed to comply : submissive <a corrupt regime aided by a compliant press> 2 : conforming to requirements <compliant software> |
| CONCILIATORY | 1 : to gain (as goodwill) by pleasing acts 2 : to make compatible : reconcile 3 : appease intransitive verb : to become friendly or agreeable |
| CONDESCEND | 1 a: to descend to a less formal or dignified level : unbend b: to waive the privileges of rank2: to assume an air of superiority |
| CONDONE | "to overlook, pardon, or disregard" |
| CONDUCIVE | : tending to promote or assist <an atmosphere conducive to education> |
| CONNOISSEUR | a person with expert knowledge or discriminating tastes |
| CONSENSUS | "1 a: general agreement : unanimity <the consensus of their opinion, based on reports...from the border — John Hersey> b: the judgment arrived at by most of those concerned <the consensus was to go ahead>2: group solidarity in sentiment and belief" |
| CONSTRAINT | "1 a: the act of constraining b: the state of being checked, restricted, or compelled to avoid or perform some action <the constraint and monotony of a monastic life — Matthew Arnold> c: a constraining condition, agency, or force : check <put legal constraints on the board's activities>2 a: repression of one's own feelings, behavior, or actions b: a sense of being constrained : embarrassment" |
| CONTENTIOUS | 1 : likely to cause contention <a contentious argument> 2 : exhibiting an often perverse and wearisome tendency to quarrels and disputes <a man of a most contentious nature> |
| CONTRITE | deeply sorrowful or repentant for a wrong |
| CONTUMACIOUS | rebellious |
| CONUNDRUM | 1: a riddle whose answer is or involves a pun2 a: a question or problem having only a conjectural answer b: an intricate and difficult problem |
| CONVERGE | 1 : to tend or move toward one point or one another : come together : meet <converging paths> 2 : to come together and unite in a common interest or focus 3 : to approach a limit as the number of terms increases without limit <the series converges> transitive verb : to cause to converge |
| CONVOLUTED | intricate and complicated |
| CORRELATION | "1: the state or relation of being correlated ; specifically : a relation existing between phenomena or things or between mathematical or statistical variables which tend to vary, be associated, or occur together in a way not expected on the basis of chance alone <the obviously high positive correlation between scholastic aptitude and college entrance — J. B. Conant>2: the act of correlating" |
| CORROBORATE | to support with evidence |
| CORROSIVE | 1 : tending or having the power to corrode <corrosive acids> <corrosive action> <the corrosive effects of alcoholism> 2 : bitingly sarcastic <corrosive satire> |
| COSSET | to pamper; treat with great care |
| COTERIE | an intimate group of persons with a similar purpose |
| CRAVEN | lacking courage |
| CREDULITY | : readiness or willingness to believe especially on slight or uncertain evidence |
| CREDULOUS | too trusting; gullible |
| CRESCENDO | steadily increasing in volume or force |
| CRITERIA | 1 : a standard on which a judgment or decision may be based 2 : a characterizing mark or trait |
| CUPIDITY | greed; strong desire |
| CURMUDGEON | "cranky person, usually old" |
| CYNICAL | "1: captious, peevish2: having or showing the attitude or temper of a cynic: as a: contemptuously distrustful of human nature and motives <those cynical men who say that democracy cannot be honest and efficient — F. D. Roosevelt> b: based on or reflecting a belief that human conduct is motivated primarily by self-interest <a cynical ploy to cheat customers> " |
| DEARTH | 1: scarcity that makes dear ; specifically : famine2: an inadequate supply : lack <a dearth of evidence> |
| DEBACLE | 1: a tumultuous breakup of ice in a river2: a violent disruption (as of an army) : rout3 a: a great disaster b: a complete failure : fiasco |
| DEBASE | "1: to lower in status, esteem, quality, or character2 a: to reduce the intrinsic value of (a coin) by increasing the base-metal content b: to reduce the exchange value of (a monetary unit)" |
| DEBUTANTE | young woman making debut in high society |
| DECLIVITY | downward slope |
| DECOROUS | proper; tasteful; socially correct |
| DECORUM | appropriateness of behavior or conduct; propriety |
| DEFACE | to mar the appearance of; vandalize |
| DEFERENCE | respect; courtesy |
| DEFINITIVE | 1: serving to provide a final solution or to end a situation <a definitive victory>2: authoritative and apparently exhaustive <a definitive edition>3 a: serving to define or specify precisely <definitive laws> b: serving as a perfect example : quintessential <a definitive bourgeois>4: fully differentiated or developed <a definitive organ>5of a postage stamp : issued as a regular stamp for the country or territory in which it is to be used |
| DELETERIOUS | subtly or unexpectedly harmful |
| DELINEATE | "1 a: to indicate or represent by drawn or painted lines b: to mark the outline of <lights delineating the narrow streets>2: to describe, portray, or set forth with accuracy or in detail <delineate a character in the story> <delineate the steps to be taken by the government>" |
| DEMAGOGUE | "a leader or rabble-rouser, usually appealing to emotion or prejudice" |
| DEMUR | to express doubts or objection |
| DEPRECATE | "1 aarchaic : to pray against (as an evil) b: to seek to avert <deprecate the wrath...of the Roman people — Tobias Smollett>2: to express disapproval of3 a: play down : make little of <speaks five languages...but deprecates this facility — Time> b: belittle, disparage <the most reluctantly admired and least easily deprecated of...novelists — New Yorker>" |
| DERIDE | to speak of or treat with contempt; to mock |
| DERISION | 1 a: the use of ridicule or scorn to show contempt b: a state of being derided2: an object of ridicule or scorn |
| DERIVATIVE | 1: a word formed by derivation2: something derived3: the limit of the ratio of the change in a function to the corresponding change in its independent variable as the latter change approaches zero4 a: a chemical substance related structurally to another substance and theoretically derivable from it b: a substance that can be made from another substance5: a contract or security that derives its value from that of an underlying asset (as another security) or from the value of a rate (as of interest or currency exchange) or index of asset value (as a stock index) |
| DESICCATE | to dry out thoroughly |
| DESULTORY | jumping from one thing to another; disconnected |
| DETACHED | "1: standing by itself : separate, unconnected ; especially : not sharing any wall with another building <a detached house>2: exhibiting an aloof objectivity usually free from prejudice or self-interest <a detached observer>" |
| DETERRENT | 1 : serving to deter <a deterrent effect> 2 : relating to deterrence <a deterrent view of punishment> |
| DETRACTION | "1 : a lessening of reputation or esteem especially by envious, malicious, or petty criticism : belittling, disparagement 2 : a taking away <it is no detraction from its dignity or prestige — J. F. Golay>" |
| DIAPHANOUS | allowing light to show through; delicate |
| DIATRIBE | "an abusive, condemnatory speech" |
| DICHOTOMY | "1: a division into two especially mutually exclusive or contradictory groups or entities <the dichotomy between theory and practice> ; also : the process or practice of making such a division <dichotomy of the population into two opposed classes>2: the phase of the moon or an inferior planet in which half its disk appears illuminated3 a: bifurcation ; especially : repeated bifurcation (as of a plant's stem) b: a system of branching in which the main axis forks repeatedly into two branches c: branching of an ancestral line into two equal diverging branches4: something with seemingly contradictory qualities <it's a dichotomy, this opulent Ritz-style luxury in a place that fronts on a boat harbor — Jean T. Barrett>" |
| DICTUM | authoritative statement |
| DIFFIDENCE | "1: hesitant in acting or speaking through lack of self-confidence2archaic : distrustful3: reserved, unassertive" |
| DIFFIDENT | lacking self-confidence |
| DIFFUSION | "1: the action of diffusing : the state of being diffused2: prolixity, diffuseness3 a: the process whereby particles of liquids, gases, or solids intermingle as the result of their spontaneous movement caused by thermal agitation and in dissolved substances move from a region of higher to one of lower concentration b (1): reflection of light by a rough reflecting surface (2): transmission of light through a translucent material : scattering4: the spread of cultural elements from one area or group of people to others by contact5: the softening of sharp outlines in a photographic image" |
| DILATE | to make larger; expand |
| DILATORY | intended to delay |
| DILEMMA | 1: an argument presenting two or more equally conclusive alternatives against an opponent2 a: a usually undesirable or unpleasant choice <faces this dilemma: raise interest rates and slow the economy or lower them and risk serious inflation> b: a situation involving such a choice <here am I brought to a very pretty dilemma; I must commit murder or commit matrimony — George Farquhar> ; broadly : predicament <lords and bailiffs were in a terrible dilemma — G. M. Trevelyan>3 a: a problem involving a difficult choice <the dilemma of "liberty versus order" — J. M. Burns> b: a difficult or persistent problem <unemployment...the great central dilemma of our advancing technology — August Heckscher> |
| DILETTANTE | someone with an amateurish or superficial interest in a topic |
| DILIGENCE | "1 a: persevering application : assiduity bobsolete : speed, haste2: the attention and care legally expected or required of a person (as a party to a contract)" |
| DIRGE | a funeral hymn or mournful speech |
| DISABUSE | to set right; free from error |
| DISCERN | to perceive or recognize |
| DISCORDANT | 1 a: being at variance : disagreeing <discordant opinions> b: quarrelsome <a discordant family>2: relating to a discord <a discordant tone> |
| DISCREPANCY | 1 : the quality or state of being discrepant 2 : an instance of being discrepant |
| DISCRETE | 1: constituting a separate entity : individually distinct <several discrete sections>2 a: consisting of distinct or unconnected elements : noncontinuous b: taking on or having a finite or countably infinite number of values <discrete probabilities> <a discrete random variable> |
| DISINTERESTED | 1 a: not having the mind or feelings engaged : not interested <telling them in a disinterested voice — Tom Wicker> <disinterested in women — J. A. Brussel> b: no longer interested <husband and wife become disinterested in each other — T. I. Rubin>2: free from selfish motive or interest : unbiased <a disinterested decision> <disinterested intellectual curiosity is the lifeblood of real civilization — G. M. Trevelyan> |
| DISJOINTED | 1 a: being thrown out of orderly function <a disjointed society> b: lacking coherence or orderly sequence <an incomplete and disjointed history>2: separated at or as if at the joint |
| DISPARAGE | 1 : to lower in rank or reputation : degrade 2 : to depreciate by indirect means (as invidious comparison) : speak slightingly about |
| DISPARATE | fundamentally different; entirely unalike |
| DISPARATE | 1 : containing or made up of fundamentally different and often incongruous elements 2 : markedly distinct in quality or character |
| DISPERSE | "1 a: to cause to break up <police dispersed the crowd> b: to cause to become spread widely c: to cause to evaporate or vanish <sunlight dispersing the mist>2: to spread or distribute from a fixed or constant source: as aarchaic : disseminate b: to subject (as light) to dispersion c: to distribute (as fine particles) more or less evenly throughout a medium intransitive verb1: to break up in random fashion <the crowd dispersed on request>2 a: to become dispersed b: dissipate, vanish <the fog dispersed toward morning>" |
| DISSEMBLE | to present a false appearance; to disguise one's real intentions or character |
| DISSEMINATE | 1 : to spread abroad as though sowing seed <disseminate ideas> 2 : to disperse throughout |
| DISSENT | ifference of opinion <heard voices of dissent at the meeting>: as a: religious nonconformity b: a justice's nonconcurrence with a decision of the majority —called also dissenting opinion c: political opposition to a government or its policies <attempts to suppress domestic dissent> |
| DISSOLUTION | "1: the act or process of dissolving: as a: separation into component parts b (1): decay, disintegration (2): death c: termination or destruction by breaking down, disrupting, or dispersing <the dissolution of the republic> d: the dissolving of an assembly or organization e: liquefaction 2: a dissolute act or practice" |
| DISSONANCE | "a harsh and disagreeable combination, especially of sounds" |
| DISSONANCE | 1 a: lack of agreement ; especially : inconsistency between the beliefs one holds or between one's actions and one's beliefs — compare cognitive dissonance b: an instance of such inconsistency or disagreement2: a mingling of discordant sounds ; especially : a clashing or unresolved musical interval or chord |
| DISTAFF | the female branch of a family |
| DISTEND | "to swell, inflate, or bloat" |
| DISTILL | "1: to let fall, exude, or precipitate in drops or in a wet mist2 a: to subject to or transform by distillation <distill molasses into rum> b: to obtain by or as if by distillation <distill whiskey> <able to distill humor from personal loss> c: to extract the essence of : concentrateintransitive verb1 a: to fall or materialize in drops or in a fine moisture b: to appear slowly or in small quantities at a time2 a: to undergo distillation b: to perform distillation" |
| DITHER | to act confusedly or without clear purpose |
| DIURNAL | existing during the day |
| DIVERGE | 1 a: to move or extend in different directions from a common point : draw apart <diverging roads> b: to become or be different in character or form : differ in opinion2: to turn aside from a path or course : deviate3: to be mathematically divergent |
| DIVERSION | "1: the act or an instance of diverting from a course, activity, or use : deviation <bad weather forced the diversion of several flights>2: something that diverts or amuses : pastime3: an attack or feint that draws the attention and force of an enemy from the point of the principal operation4British : a temporary traffic detour" |
| DIVINE | to foretell or know by inspiration |
| DOCILE | 1 : easily taught <a docile pupil> 2 : easily led or managed : tractable <a docile pony> |
| DOCTRINAIRE | rigidly devoted to theories without regard for practicality; dogmatic |
| DOGMA | "a firmly held opinion, especially a religious belief" |
| DOGMATIC | dictatorial in one's opinions |
| DORMANT | "1: represented on a coat of arms in a lying position with the head on the forepaws2: marked by a suspension of activity: as a: temporarily devoid of external activity <a dormant volcano> b: temporarily in abeyance yet capable of being activated 3 a: asleep, inactive b: having the faculties suspended : sluggish c: having biological activity suspended: as (1): being in a state of suspended animation (2): not actively growing but protected (as by bud scales) from the environment —used of plant parts 4: associated with, carried out, or applied during a period of dormancy <dormant grafting>" |
| DROLL | "amusing in a wry, subtle way" |
| DUPE | to deceive; a person who is easily deceived |
| DYSPEPTIC | suffering from indigestion; gloomy and irritable |
| EBULLIENT | exhilarated; full of enthusiasm and high spirits |
| ECLECTIC | selecting from or made up from a variety of sources |
| EDIFY | to instruct morally and spiritually |
| EFFICACY | effectiveness |
| EFFIGY | stuffed doll; likeness of a person |
| EFFRONTERY | impudent boldness; audacity |
| ELEGY | a sorrowful poem or speech |
| ELICIT | 1 : to draw forth or bring out (something latent or potential) <hypnotism elicited his hidden fears> 2 : to call forth or draw out (as information or a response) <her remarks elicited cheers> |
| ELOQUENT | "persuasive and moving, especially in speech" |
| ELUSIVE | : tending to elude: as a: tending to evade grasp or pursuit <elusive prey> b: hard to comprehend or define c: hard to isolate or identify |
| EMBELLISH | to add ornamental or fictitious details |
| EMPIRICAL | 1 : originating in or based on observation or experience <empirical data> 2 : relying on experience or observation alone often without due regard for system and theory <an empirical basis for the theory> 3 : capable of being verified or disproved by observation or experiment <empirical laws> 4 : of or relating to empiricism |
| EMULATE | to copy; to try to equal or excel |
| ENCOMIUM | warm praise |
| ENDEMIC | belonging to a particular area; inherent |
| ENERVATE | to reduce in strength |
| ENGENDER | "to produce, cause, or bring about" |
| ENIGMA | a puzzle; a mystery |
| ENMITY | ": positive, active, and typically mutual hatred or ill will" |
| ENUMERATE | "to count, list, or itemize" |
| EPHEMERAL | lasting a short time |
| EPICURE | person with refined taste in food and wine |
| EPISODIC | "1 : made up of separate especially loosely connected episodes 2 : having the form of an episode 3 : of or limited in duration or significance to a particular episode : temporary <may be able to establish whether the sea-floor spreading is continuous or episodic — A. I. Hammond> 4 : occurring, appearing, or changing at usually irregular intervals : occasional <an episodic illness>" |
| EQUANIMITY | 1 : evenness of mind especially under stress <nothing could disturb his equanimity> 2 : right disposition : balance <physical equanimity> |
| EQUIVOCATE | to use expressions of double meaning in order to mislead |
| ERRATIC | wandering and unpredictable |
| ERSATZ | fake |
| ERUDITE | learned; scholarly; bookish |
| ESCHEW | to shun; to avoid (as something wrong or distasteful) |
| ESOTERIC | known or understood only by a few |
| ESTIMABLE | admirable |
| ETHOS | beliefs or character of a group |
| EULOGY | speech in praise of someone |
| EUPHEMISM | use of an inoffensive word or phrase in place of a more distasteful one |
| EUPHONY | "pleasant, harmonious sound" |
| EVANESCENT | : tending to vanish like vapor |
| EXACERBATE | to make worse |
| EXCULPATE | to clear from blame; prove innocent |
| EXIGENT | urgent; requiring immediate action |
| EXONERATE | to clear of blame |
| EXPLICIT | clearly stated or shown; forthright in expression |
| EXPONENT | one who champions or advocates |
| EXPURGATE | to censor |
| EXTEMPORANEOUS | "1 a (1): composed, performed, or uttered on the spur of the moment : impromptu <an extemporaneous comment> (2): carefully prepared but delivered without notes or text b: skilled at or given to extemporaneous utterance c: happening suddenly and often unexpectedly and usually without clearly known causes or relationships <a great deal of criminal and delinquent behavior is...extemporaneous — W. C. Reckless>2: provided, made, or put to use as an expedient : makeshift <an extemporaneous shelter>" |
| EXTRAPOLATION | "1: to infer (values of a variable in an unobserved interval) from values within an already observed interval2 a: to project, extend, or expand (known data or experience) into an area not known or experienced so as to arrive at a usually conjectural knowledge of the unknown area <extrapolates present trends to construct an image of the future> b: to predict by projecting past experience or known data <extrapolate public sentiment on one issue from known public reaction on others>intransitive verb" |
| EXTRICATE | 1 aarchaic : unravel b: to distinguish from a related thing2: to free or remove from an entanglement or difficulty |
| FACETIOUS | 1 : joking or jesting often inappropriately : waggish <just being facetious> 2 : meant to be humorous or funny : not serious <a facetious remark> |
| FALLACIOUS | 1 : embodying a fallacy <a fallacious conclusion> 2 : tending to deceive or mislead : delusive |
| FALLIBLE | 1 : liable to be erroneous <a fallible generalization> 2 : capable of making a mistake <we're all fallible> |
| FALLOW | dormant; unused |
| FANATICAL | acting excessively enthusiastic; filled with extreme unquestioned devotion |
| FATUOUS | stupid; foolishly self-satisfied |
| FAWN | to grovel |
| FECUND | fertile; fruitful; productive |
| FELICITOUS | "1 : very well suited or expressed : apt <a felicitous remark> 2 : pleasant, delightful <felicitous weather>" |
| FERVID | intensely emotional; feverish |
| FERVOR | 1 : intensity of feeling or expression <booing and cheering with almost equal fervor — Alan Rich> 2 : intense heat |
| FETID | foul-smelling; putrid |
| FETTER | 1 : a chain or shackle for the feet 2 : something that confines : restraint |
| FLAG | "to decline in vigor, strength, or interest" |
| FLEDGLING | 1 : a young bird just fledged 2 : an immature or inexperienced person 3 : one that is new <a fledgling company> |
| FLIPPANCY | : unbecoming levity or pertness especially in respect to grave or sacred matters |
| FLORID | excessively decorated or embellished |
| FOMENT | to arouse or incite |
| FORBEARANCE | "1 : a refraining from the enforcement of something (as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due 2 : the act of forbearing : patience 3 : the quality of being forbearing : leniency" |
| FORD | to cross a body of water by wading |
| FORESTALL | to prevent or delay; anticipate |
| FORTUITOUS | happening by chance; fortunate |
| FOSTER | 1 : to give parental care to : nurture 2 : to promote the growth or development of : encourage <fostered the college in its early years> |
| FRACTIOUS | unruly; rebellious |
| FRENETIC | frantic; frenzied |
| FRUGALITY | tending to be thrifty or cheap |
| FURTIVE | "secret, stealthy" |
| GAINSAY | "1 : to declare to be untrue or invalid 2 : contradict, oppose" |
| GAMBOL | to dance or skip around playfully |
| GARNER | to gather and store |
| GARRULOUS | tending to talk a lot |
| GENIALITY | "1obsolete : of or relating to marriage or generation <the genial bed — John Milton>2obsolete : inborn, native3 a: favorable to growth or comfort : mild <genial sunshine> b: marked by or diffusing sympathy or friendliness <your genial host>4: displaying or marked by genius" |
| GESTATION | growth process from conception to birth |
| GLIB | fluent in an insincere manner; offhand; casual |
| GLOWER | to glare or stare angrily and intensely |
| GRADATION | process occurring by regular degrees or stages; variation in color |
| GRADUATED | "1 a: to grant an academic degree or diploma to b: to be graduated from2 a: to mark with degrees of measurement b: to divide into grades or intervals3: to admit to a particular standing or gradeintransitive verb1: to receive an academic degree or diploma2: to pass from one stage of experience, proficiency, or prestige to a usually higher one3: to change gradually" |
| GRATUITOUS | "1 a: given unearned or without recompense b: not involving a return benefit, compensation, or consideration c: costing nothing : free2: not called for by the circumstances : unwarranted <gratuitous insolence> <a gratuitous assumption>" |
| GREGARIOUS | outgoing; sociable |
| GRIEVOUS | causing grief or sorrow; serious and distressing |
| GROVEL | to humble oneself in a demeaning way |
| GUILE | deceit; trickery |
| GUILELESS | ": innocent, naive" |
| GULLIBLE | easily deceived |
| HAMPER | "1 a: to restrict the movement of by bonds or obstacles : impede b: to interfere with the operation of : disrupt2 a: curb, restrain b: to interfere with : encumber" |
| HAPLESS | unfortunate; having bad luck |
| HARANGUE | 1 : a speech addressed to a public assembly 2 : a ranting speech or writing 3 : lecture |
| HEGEMONY | the domination of one state or group over its allies |
| HERESY | "1 a: adherence to a religious opinion contrary to church dogma b: denial of a revealed truth by a baptized member of the Roman Catholic Church c: an opinion or doctrine contrary to church dogma2 a: dissent or deviation from a dominant theory, opinion, or practice b: an opinion, doctrine, or practice contrary to the truth or to generally accepted beliefs or standards" |
| HERMETIC | tightly sealed |
| HETEROGENEOUS | composed of unlike parts; different; diverse |
| HOARY | very old; whitish or gray from age |
| HOMOGENEOUS | of a similar kind |
| HUSBAND | to manage economically; to use sparingly |
| HYPERBOLE | purposeful exaggeration for effect |
| HYPOCRITICAL | characterized by hypocrisy ; also : being a hypocrite |
| HYPOTHETICAL | : being or involving a hypothesis : conjectural <hypothetical arguments> <a hypothetical situation> |
| ICONOCLAST | "one who opposes established beliefs, customs, and institutions" |
| IDIOSYNCRASY | peculiarity of temperament; eccentricity |
| IGNOBLE | having low moral standards; not noble in character; mean |
| IMBUE | "to infuse, dye, wet, or moisten" |
| IMMINENT | : ready to take place ; especially : hanging threateningly over one's head <was in imminent danger of being run over> |
| IMMUTABLE | : not capable of or susceptible to change |
| IMPAIR | : to damage or make worse by or as if by diminishing in some material respect <his health was impaired by overwork> <the strike seriously impaired community services> |
| IMPASSE | blocked path; dilemma with no solution |
| IMPASSIVE | 1 aarchaic : unsusceptible to pain b: unsusceptible to physical feeling : insensible c: unsusceptible to or destitute of emotion : apathetic2: giving no sign of feeling or emotion : expressionless |
| IMPECUNIOUS | poor; having no money |
| IMPEDED | : to interfere with or slow the progress of |
| IMPERTURBABLE | not capable of being disturbed |
| IMPERVIOUS | impossible to penetrate |
| IMPETUOUS | quick to act without thinking |
| IMPIOUS | not devout in religion |
| IMPLACABLE | unable to be calmed down or made peaceful |
| IMPLICIT | "1 a: capable of being understood from something else though unexpressed : implied <an implicit assumption> b: involved in the nature or essence of something though not revealed, expressed, or developed : potential <a sculptor may see different figures implicit in a block of stone — John Dewey> cof a mathematical function : defined by an expression in which the dependent variable and the one or more independent variables are not separated on opposite sides of an equation — compare explicit 42: being without doubt or reserve : unquestioning <an implicit trust>" |
| IMPRECATION | a curse |
| IMPROMPTU | 1 : something that is impromptu 2 : a musical composition suggesting improvisation |
| IMPRUDENT | ": not prudent : lacking discretion, wisdom, or good judgment <an imprudent investor>" |
| IMPUGN | to call into question; to attack verbally |
| INCARNADINE | blood-red in color |
| INCHOATE | not fully formed; disorganized |
| INCONGRUITY | 1 : the quality or state of being incongruous 2 : something that is incongruous |
| INCULCATE | to teach; impress in the mind |
| INDIGENCE | : a level of poverty in which real hardship and deprivation are suffered and comforts of life are wholly lacking |
| INDISCRIMINATE | "1 a: not marked by careful distinction : deficient in discrimination and discernment <indiscriminate reading habits> <indiscriminate mass destruction> b: haphazard, random <indiscriminate application of a law>2 a: promiscuous, unrestrained <indiscriminate sexual behavior> b: heterogeneous, motley <an indiscriminate collection>" |
| INDOLENCE | : inclination to laziness : sloth |
| INDOLENT | habitually lazy or idle |
| INEPT | "1 : lacking in fitness or aptitude : unfit <inept at sports> 2 : lacking sense or reason : foolish 3 : not suitable to the time, place, or occasion : inappropriate often to an absurd degree <an inept metaphor> 4 : generally incompetent : bungling <inept leadership>" |
| INEQUITY | "1 : injustice, unfairness 2 : an instance of injustice or unfairness" |
| INERTIA | "1 a: a property of matter by which it remains at rest or in uniform motion in the same straight line unless acted upon by some external force b: an analogous property of other physical quantities (as electricity)2: indisposition to motion, exertion, or change : inertness" |
| INEXORABLE | inflexible; unyielding |
| INGENUOUS | showing innocence or childlike simplicity |
| INGENUOUS | "1obsolete : noble, honorable2 a: showing innocent or childlike simplicity and candidness <her ingenuous thirst for experience — Christopher Rawson> b: lacking craft or subtlety <ingenuous in their brutality>" |
| INGRATE | ungrateful person |
| INGRATIATE | to gain favor with another by deliberate effort; to seek to please somebody so as to gain an advantage |
| INHERENT | : involved in the constitution or essential character of something : belonging by nature or habit : intrinsic <risks inherent in the venture> |
| INIMICAL | hostile; unfriendly |
| INIQUITY | sin; evil act |
| INNOCUOUS | harmless |
| INQUEST | an investigation; an inquiry |
| INSIPID | lacking interest or flavor |
| INSULARITY | "1 a: of, relating to, or constituting an island b: dwelling or situated on an island <insular residents>2: characteristic of an isolated people ; especially : being, having, or reflecting a narrow provincial viewpoint3: of or relating to an island of cells or tissue" |
| INSURRECTION | rebellion |
| INTANGIBLE | not tangible : impalpable <education's intangible benefits> |
| INTER | to bury |
| INTERREGNUM | period between reigns |
| INTRACTABLE | not easily managed or manipulated |
| INTRANSIGENT | uncompromising; refusing to be reconciled |
| INTREPID | fearless; resolutely courageous |
| INTRINSICALLY | "1 a: belonging to the essential nature or constitution of a thing <the intrinsic worth of a gem> <the intrinsic brightness of a star> b: being or relating to a semiconductor in which the concentration of charge carriers is characteristic of the material itself instead of the content of any impurities it contains2 a: originating or due to causes within a body, organ, or part <an intrinsic metabolic disease> b: originating and included wholly within an organ or part <intrinsic muscles> — compare extrinsic 1b" |
| INUNDATE | to overwhelm; to cover with water |
| INURE | to harden; accustom become used to |
| INVECTIVE | abusive language |
| INVESTITURE | ceremony conferring authority |
| INVIDIOUS | "envious, obnoxious, or offensive; likely to promote ill-will" |
| IRASCIBLE | easily made angry |
| IRATE | 1 : roused to ire <an irate taxpayer> 2 : arising from anger <irate words> |
| ITINERANT | wandering from place to place; unsettled |
| JARGON | nonsensical talk; specialized language |
| JETTISON | to discard; get rid of as unnecessary or encumbering |
| JINGOISM | belligerent support of one's country |
| JOCULAR | playful; humorous |
| JUDICIOUS | sensible; showing good judgement |
| JUNCTURE | "point of time, especially where two things are joined" |
| KEEN | having a sharp edge; intellectually sharp; perceptive |
| KINDLE | to set fire to or ignite; excite or inspire |
| KINETIC | relating to motion; characterized by movement |
| KNELL | sound of a funeral bell; omen of death or failure |
| KUDOS | "fame, glory, or honor" |
| LACHRYMOSE | tearful |
| LACONIC | using few words |
| LAMENT | to express sorrow; to grieve |
| LAMPOON | to ridicule with satire |
| LANGUID | lacking energy; indifferent; slow |
| LAPIDARY | relating to precious stones or the art of cutting them |
| LARCENY | theft of property |
| LARGESS | generous giving (as of money) to others who may seem inferior |
| LASSITUDE | a state of diminished energy |
| LATENT | potential that is not readily apparent |
| LAUD | to give praise; to glorify |
| LAUDATORY | ": of, relating to, or expressing praise <laudatory reviews>" |
| LAVISH | extremely generous or extravagant; giving unsparingly |
| LEERY | suspicious |
| LEGERDEMAIN | trickery |
| LETHARGIC | "acting in an indifferent or slow, sluggish manner" |
| LEVITY | an inappropriate lack of seriousness; overly casual |
| LIBERAL | tolerant or broad-minded; generous or lavish |
| LIBERTINE | "a free thinker, usually used disparagingly; one without moral restraint" |
| LICENTIOUS | immoral; unrestrained by society |
| LIMPID | clear; transparent |
| LIONIZE | to treat as a celebrity |
| LISSOME | easily flexed; limber; agile |
| LISTLESS | lacking energy and enthusiasm |
| LIVID | discolored from a bruise; reddened with anger |
| LOQUACIOUS | talkative |
| LUCID | clear and easily understood |
| LUGUBRIOUS | sorrowful; mournful; dismal |
| LUMBER | to move slowly and awkwardly |
| LUMINOUS | bright; brilliant; glowing |
| MACHINATION | plot or scheme |
| MAELSTROM | whirlpool; turmoil; agitated state of mind |
| MAGNATE | powerful or influential person |
| MALEDICTION | a curse; a wish of evil upon another |
| MALINGER | to evade responsibility by pretending to be ill |
| MALLEABLE | capable of being shaped |
| MANNERED | artificial or stilted in character |
| MAR | to damage or deface; spoil |
| MARTINET | strict disciplinarian; one who rigidly follows rules |
| MAUDLIN | overly sentimental |
| MAVERICK | 1: an unbranded range animal ; especially : a motherless calf2: an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party |
| MENDACIOUS | dishonest |
| MENDICANT | beggar |
| MERCURIAL | "quick, shrewd, and unpredictable" |
| MERETRICIOUS | gaudy; falsely attractive |
| METAPHOR | figure of speech comparing two different things |
| METICULOUS | extremely careful; fastidious; painstaking |
| MILITATE | to operate against; work against |
| MIRTH | frivolity; gaiety; laughter |
| MISANTHROPE | a person who dislikes others |
| MISSIVE | a written note or letter |
| MITIGATE | to soften; to lessen |
| MOLLIFY | to calm or make less severe |
| MOLT | "to shed hair, skin, or an outer layer periodically" |
| MONASTIC | extremely plain or secluded |
| MONOTONY | no variation; tediously the same |
| MORES | fixed customs or manners; moral attitudes |
| MULTIFARIOUS | diverse |
| MYOPIC | lacking foresight; having a narrow view or lang-range perspective |
| NADIR | lowest point |
| NAIVE | lacking sophistication or experience |
| NASCENT | starting to develop; coming into existence |
| NEOLOGISM | new word or expression |
| NEOPHYTE | novice; beginner |
| NETTLE | to irritate |
| NOISOME | stinking; putrid |
| NOMINAL | existing in name only; negligible |
| NUANCE | a subtle expression of meaning or quality |
| NUMISMATICS | coin collecting |
| OBDURATE | hardened in feeling; resistant to persuasion |
| OBLIQUE | indirect or evasive; misleading or devious |
| OBSEQUIOUS | overly submissive and eager to please |
| OBSTINATE | stubborn; unyielding |
| OBVIATE | to prevent; to make unnecessary |
| OCCLUDE | to stop up; prevent the passage of |
| OFFICIOUS | too helpful; meddlesome |
| ONEROUS | troublesome and oppressive; burdensome |
| OPAQUE | impossible to see through; preventing the passage of light |
| OPINE | to express an opinion |
| OPPROBRIUM | public disgrace |
| OROTUND | pompous |
| OSSIFY | to change into bone; to become hardened or set in a rigidly conventional pattern |
| OSTENSIBLE | apparent |
| OSTENTATION | excessive showiness |
| OVERWROUGHT | agitated; overdone |
| PALATIAL | relating to a palace; magnificent |
| PALLIATE | to make less serious; ease |
| PALLID | lacking color or liveliness |
| PANACHE | flamboyance or dash in style and action; verve |
| PANEGYRIC | elaborate praise; formal hymn of praise |
| PANOPLY | impressive array |
| PARADIGM | "1: example, pattern ; especially : an outstandingly clear or typical example or archetype2: an example of a conjugation or declension showing a word in all its inflectional forms3: a philosophical and theoretical framework of a scientific school or discipline within which theories, laws, and generalizations and the experiments performed in support of them are formulated ; broadly : a philosophical or theoretical framework of any kind" |
| PARADOX | a contradiction or dilemma |
| PARAGON | model of excellence or perfection |
| PARE | to trim off excess; reduce |
| PARIAH | an outcast |
| PARLEY | "discussion, usually b/w enemies" |
| PARODY | 1 : a literary or musical work in which the style of an author or work is closely imitated for comic effect or in ridicule 2 : a feeble or ridiculous imitation |
| PARRY | "to ward off or deflect, especially by a quick-witted answer" |
| PARSIMONIOUS | "1: exhibiting or marked by parsimony ; especially : frugal to the point of stinginess2: sparing, restrained" |
| PARTISAN | "1: a firm adherent to a party, faction, cause, or person ; especially : one exhibiting blind, prejudiced, and unreasoning allegiance2 a: a member of a body of detached light troops making forays and harassing an enemy b: a member of a guerrilla band operating within enemy lines" |
| PASTICHE | piece of literature or music imitating other works |
| PATHOGENIC | causing disease |
| PATHOLOGICAL | "1: of or relating to pathology2: altered or caused by disease ; also : indicative of disease3: being such to a degree that is extreme, excessive, or markedly abnormal <a pathological liar> <pathological fear>" |
| PAUCITY | 1 : smallness of number : fewness 2 : smallness of quantity : dearth |
| PECCADILLO | minor sin or offense |
| PEDAGOGY | ": the art, science, or profession of teaching ; especially : education 2" |
| PEDANT | someone who shows off learning |
| PEJORATIVE | having bad connotations; disparaging |
| PENURY | an oppressive lack of resource (as money); severe poverty |
| PEREGRINATE | "to wander from place to place; to travel, especially on foot" |
| PERENNIAL | "1: present at all seasons of the year2: persisting for several years usually with new herbaceous growth from a perennating part <perennial asters>3 a: persistent, enduring <perennial favorites> b: continuing without interruption : constant, perpetual <the perennial quest for certainty> <a perennial student> c: regularly repeated or renewed : recurrent <death is a perennial literary theme>" |
| PERFIDIOUS | willing to betray one's trust |
| PERFUNCTORY | done in a routine way; indifferent |
| PERIPATETIC | "wandering from place to place, especially on foot" |
| PERMEABLE | : capable of being permeated : penetrable ; especially : having pores or openings that permit liquids or gases to pass through <a permeable membrane> <permeable limestone> |
| PERMEATE | to penetrate |
| PERSPICACIOUS | "shrewd, astute, or keen-witted" |
| PERVADE | to be present throughout; to permeate |
| PERVASIVE | : pervading or tending to pervade <a pervasive odor> |
| PHALANX | "a compact or close-knit body of people, animals, or things" |
| PHILANTHROPY | charity; a desire or effort to promote goodness |
| PHILISTINE | a person who is guided by materialism and is disdainful of intellectual or artistic values |
| PHLEGMATIC | calm and unemotional in temperament |
| PIETY | 1: the quality or state of being pious: as a: fidelity to natural obligations (as to parents) b: dutifulness in religion : devoutness 2: an act inspired by piety3: a conventional belief or standard : orthodoxy |
| PITHY | "profound or substantial yet concise succinct, and to the point" |
| PLACATE | to soothe or pacify |
| PLASTIC | "able to be molded, altered, or bent" |
| PLEBEIAN | crude or coarse; characteristic of commoners |
| PLETHORA | excess |
| PLUCKY | courageous; spunky |
| POLEMIC | controversy; argument; verbal attack |
| POLITIC | shrewd and practical in managing or dealing with things; diplomatic |
| POLYGLOT | a speaker of many languages |
| POSIT | to assume as real or conceded; propose as an explanation |
| POTENTATE | monarch or ruler with great power |
| PRAGMATIC | "practical, as opposed to idealistic" |
| PRATTLE | meaningless; foolish talk |
| PRECARIOUS | "1: depending on the will or pleasure of another2: dependent on uncertain premises : dubious <precarious generalizations>3 a: dependent on chance circumstances, unknown conditions, or uncertain developments b: characterized by a lack of security or stability that threatens with danger" |
| PRECIPITATE | to throw violently or bring about abruptly; lacking deliberation |
| PRECIS | short summary of facts |
| PRECOCIOUS | 1 : exceptionally early in development or occurrence <precocious puberty> 2 : exhibiting mature qualities at an unusually early age <a precocious child> |
| PRECURSOR | "1 a: one that precedes and indicates the approach of another b: predecessor2: a substance, cell, or cellular component from which another substance, cell, or cellular component is formed" |
| PRESCIENT | having foresight |
| PRESUMPTUOUS | : overstepping due bounds (as of propriety or courtesy) : taking liberties |
| PRETENTIOUS | "1: characterized by pretension: as a: making usually unjustified or excessive claims (as of value or standing) <the pretentious fraud who assumes a love of culture that is alien to him — Richard Watts> b: expressive of affected, unwarranted, or exaggerated importance, worth, or stature <pretentious language> <pretentious houses> 2: making demands on one's skill, ability, or means : ambitious <the pretentious daring of the Green Mountain Boys in crossing the lake — American Guide Series: Vermont>" |
| PREVARICATE | to lie or deviate from the truth |
| PRISTINE | fresh and clean; uncorrupted |
| PROBITY | complete honesty and integriity |
| PROBLEMATIC | 1 a: posing a problem : difficult to solve or decide b: not definite or settled : uncertain <their future remains problematic> c: open to question or debate : questionable2: expressing or supporting a possibility |
| PROCLIVITY | a natural inclination or predisposition |
| PRODIGAL | lavish; wasteful |
| PRODIGY | "1 a: a portentous event : omen b: something extraordinary or inexplicable2 a: an extraordinary, marvelous, or unusual accomplishment, deed, or event b: a highly talented child or youth" |
| PROFLIGATE | corrupt; degenerate |
| PROLIFERATE | to increase in number quickly |
| PROLIFIC | "1: producing young or fruit especially freely : fruitful2archaic : causing abundant growth, generation, or reproduction3: marked by abundant inventiveness or productivity <a prolific composer>" |
| PROPENSITY | : an often intense natural inclination or preference |
| PROPITIATE | to conciliate; to appease |
| PROPRIETY | the quality of behaving in a proper manner; obeying rules and customs |
| PROSCRIBE | 1 : to publish the name of as condemned to death with the property of the condemned forfeited to the state 2 : to condemn or forbid as harmful or unlawful : prohibit |
| PRUDENCE | "wisdom, caution, restraint" |
| PUERILE | "childish, immature, or silly" |
| PUGILISM | boxing |
| PULCHRITUDE | beauty |
| PUNDIT | 1 : pandit 2 : a learned man : teacher 3 : a person who gives opinions in an authoritative manner usually through the mass media : critic |
| PUNGENT | sharp and irritating to the senses |
| PUSILLANIMOUS | cowardly; without courage |
| QUALIFIED | 1 a: fitted (as by training or experience) for a given purpose : competent b: having complied with the specific requirements or precedent conditions (as for an office or employment) : eligible2: limited or modified in some way <qualified approval> |
| QUERULOUS | inclined to complain; irritable |
| QUIESCENT | motionless |
| QUIESCENT | 1 : marked by inactivity or repose : tranquilly at rest 2 : causing no trouble or symptoms <quiescent gallstones> |
| QUIXOTIC | overly idealistic; impractical |
| QUOTIDIAN | occurring daily; commonplace |
| RACONTEUR | "witty, skillful storyteller" |
| RANCOR | : bitter deep-seated ill will |
| RAREFY | to make thinner or sparser |
| RECANT | 1 : to withdraw or repudiate (a statement or belief) formally and publicly : renounce 2 : revoke intransitive verb : to make an open confession of error |
| RECIPROCATE | 1 : to give and take mutually 2 : to return in kind or degree <reciprocate a compliment gracefully> intransitive verb 1 : to make a return for something <we hope to reciprocate for your kindness> 2 : to move forward and backward alternately <a reciprocating valve> |
| RECONDITE | "1 : hidden from sight : concealed 2 : difficult or impossible for one of ordinary understanding or knowledge to comprehend : deep <a recondite subject> 3 : of, relating to, or dealing with something little known or obscure <recondite fact about the origin of the holiday — Floyd Dell>" |
| REDOUBTABLE | "1: causing fear or alarm : formidable2: illustrious, eminent ; broadly : worthy of respect" |
| REDRESS | relief from wrong or injury |
| REFRACTORY | "1: resisting control or authority : stubborn, unmanageable2 a: resistant to treatment or cure <a refractory lesion> b: unresponsive to stimulus c: immune, insusceptible <after recovery they were refractory to infection>3: difficult to fuse, corrode, or draw out ; especially : capable of enduring high temperature" |
| REFUTE | 1 : to prove wrong by argument or evidence : show to be false or erroneous 2 : to deny the truth or accuracy of <refuted the allegations> |
| REJOINDER | response |
| RELINQUISH | 1: to withdraw or retreat from : leave behind2: give up <relinquish a title>3 a: to stop holding physically : release <slowly relinquished his grip on the bar> b: to give over possession or control of : yield <few leaders willingly relinquish power> |
| RENDER | "1 a: to melt down <render suet> ; also : to extract by melting <render lard> b: to treat so as to convert into industrial fats and oils or fertilizer2 a: to transmit to another : deliver b: give up, yield c: to furnish for consideration, approval, or information: as (1): to hand down (a legal judgment) (2): to agree on and report (a verdict) 3 a: to give in return or retribution b (1): give back, restore (2): reflect, echo c: to give in acknowledgment of dependence or obligation : pay d: to do (a service) for another4 a (1): to cause to be or become : make <enough rainfall...to render irrigation unnecessary — P. E. James> <rendered him helpless> (2): impart b (1): to reproduce or represent by artistic or verbal means : depict (2): to give a performance of (3): to produce a copy or version of <the documents are rendered in the original French> (4): to execute the motions of <render a salute> c: translate5: to direct the execution of : administer <render justice>6: to apply a coat of plaster or cement directly to" |
| REPAST | meal or mealtime |
| REPLETE | abundantly supplied; complete |
| REPOSE | relaxation; leisure |
| REPROBATE | "1 : to condemn strongly as unworthy, unacceptable, or evil <reprobating the laxity of the age> 2 : to foreordain to damnation 3 : to refuse to accept : reject" |
| REPUDIATE | to reject the validity of |
| REQUITE | to return or repay |
| RESCIND | "1: to take away : remove2 a: take back, cancel <refused to rescind the order> b: to abrogate (a contract) and restore the parties to the positions they would have occupied had there been no contract3: to make void (as an act) by action of the enacting authority or a superior authority : repeal" |
| RESIGNED | "1: relegate, consign ; especially : to give (oneself) over without resistance <resigned herself to her fate>2: to give up deliberately ; especially : to renounce (as a right or position) by a formal actintransitive verb1: to give up one's office or position : quit2: to accept something as inevitable : submit" |
| RESOLUTION | "1: the act or process of resolving: as a: the act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones b: the act of answering : solving c: the act of determining d: the passing of a voice part from a dissonant to a consonant tone or the progression of a chord from dissonance to consonance e: the separating of a chemical compound or mixture into its constituents f (1): the division of a prosodic element into its component parts (2): the substitution in Greek or Latin prosody of two short syllables for a long syllable g: the analysis of a vector into two or more vectors of which it is the sum2: the subsidence of a pathological state (as inflammation)3 a: something that is resolved <made a resolution to mend my ways> b: firmness of resolve4: a formal expression of opinion, will, or intent voted by an official body or assembled group5: the point in a literary work at which the chief dramatic complication is worked out6 a: the process or capability of making distinguishable the individual parts of an object, closely adjacent optical images, or sources of light b: a measure of the sharpness of an image or of the fineness with which a device (as a video display, printer, or scanner) can produce or record such an image usually expressed as the total number or density of pixels in the image <a resolution of 1200 dots per inch>" |
| RESOLVE | "1obsolete : dissolve, melt2 a: break up, separate <the prism resolved the light into a play of color> ; also : to change by disintegration b: to reduce by analysis <resolve the problem into simple elements> c: to distinguish between or make independently visible adjacent parts of d: to separate (a racemic compound or mixture) into the two components3: to cause resolution of (a pathological state)4 a: to deal with successfully : clear up <resolve doubts> <resolve a dispute> b: to find an answer to c: to make clear or understandable d: to find a mathematical solution of e: to split up (as a vector) into two or more components especially in assigned directions5: to reach a firm decision about <resolve to get more sleep> <resolve disputed points in a text>6 a: to declare or decide by a formal resolution and vote b: to change by resolution or formal vote <the house resolved itself into a committee>7: to make (as voice parts) progress from dissonance to consonance8: to work out the resolution of (as a play)intransitive verb1: to become separated into component parts ; also : to become reduced by dissolving or analysis2: to form a resolution : determine3: consult, deliberate4: to progress from dissonance to consonance" |
| RESTIVE | "impatient, uneasy, or restless" |
| RETICENT | silent; reserved |
| REVERENT | : expressing or characterized by reverence : worshipful |
| RHETORIC | effective writing or speaking |
| RIBALD | humorous in a vulgar way |
| ROCOCO | very highly ornamented |
| RUSTIC | rural |
| SACROSANCT | extremely sacred; beyond criticism |
| SAGACIOUS | shrewd; wise |
| SALIENT | prominent; of notable significance |
| SALUBRIOUS | healthful |
| SALUBRIOUS | : favorable to or promoting health or well-being <salubrious habits> |
| SANGUINE | ruddy; cheerfully optimistic |
| SARDONIC | cynical; scornfully mocking |
| SATIATE | to satisfy fully or overindulge |
| SAVOR | 1 : the taste or smell of something 2 : a particular flavor or smell 3 : a distinctive quality |
| SCAPEGOAT | 1: a goat upon whose head are symbolically placed the sins of the people after which he is sent into the wilderness in the biblical ceremony for Yom Kippur2 a: one that bears the blame for others b: one that is the object of irrational hostility |
| SCINTILLA | trace amount |
| SCRUPULOUS | 1 : having moral integrity : acting in strict regard for what is considered right or proper 2 : punctiliously exact : painstaking <working with scrupulous care> |
| SECULAR | "1 a: of or relating to the worldly or temporal <secular concerns> b: not overtly or specifically religious <secular music> c: not ecclesiastical or clerical <secular courts> <secular landowners>2: not bound by monastic vows or rules ; specifically : of, relating to, or forming clergy not belonging to a religious order or congregation <a secular priest>3 a: occurring once in an age or a century b: existing or continuing through ages or centuries c: of or relating to a long term of indefinite duration <secular inflation>" |
| SEDITION | behavior that promotes rebellion or civil disorder against the state |
| SENTIENT | aware; conscious; able to perceive |
| SERAPHIC | angelic; sweet |
| SHARD | "1 a: a piece or fragment of a brittle substance <shards of glass> ; broadly : a small piece or part : scrap <little shards of time and space recorded by the camera's lens — Rosalind Krauss> b: shell, scale ; especially : elytron2or sherd Listen to the pronunciation of sherd \'sh?rd\ : fragments of pottery vessels found on sites and in refuse deposits where pottery-making peoples have lived3: highly angular curved glass fragments of tuffaceous sediments" |
| SINECURE | a well-paying job or office that requires little or no work |
| SKEPTIC | 1 : an adherent or advocate of skepticism 2 : a person disposed to skepticism especially regarding religion or religious principles |
| SLAKE | to calm down or moderate |
| SOBRIQUET | nickname |
| SOLECISM | grammatical mistake; blunder in speech |
| SOPHISTRY | 1 : subtly deceptive reasoning or argumentation 2 : sophism 1 |
| SOPORIFIC | causing sleep or lethargy |
| SPARTAN | highly self-disciplined; frugal; austere |
| SPECIOUS | deceptively attractive; seemingly plausible but fallacious |
| SPORTIVE | frolicsome; playful |
| SPURIOUS | 1: of illegitimate birth : bastard2: outwardly similar or corresponding to something without having its genuine qualities : false <the spurious eminence of the pop celebrity>3 a: of falsified or erroneously attributed origin : forged b: of a deceitful nature or quality <spurious excuses> |
| STASIS | a state of static balance or equilibrium; stagnation |
| STENTORIAN | extremely loud |
| STIGMA | a mark of shame or discredit |
| STIGMA | "1 aarchaic : a scar left by a hot iron : brand b: a mark of shame or discredit : stain <bore the stigma of cowardice> c: an identifying mark or characteristic ; specifically : a specific diagnostic sign of a disease2 astigmata plural : bodily marks or pains resembling the wounds of the crucified Jesus and sometimes accompanying religious ecstasy b: petechia3 a: a small spot, scar, or opening on a plant or animal b: the usually apical part of the pistil of a flower which receives the pollen grains and on which they germinate — see flower illustration" |
| STINT | "1archaic : stop, desist2: to be sparing or frugal <not stinting with their praise>transitive verb1archaic : to put an end to : stop2 aarchaic : to limit within certain boundaries b: to restrict with respect to a share or allowance <stinted herself of luxuries>" |
| STIPULATE | 1 : to make an agreement or covenant to do or forbear something : contract 2 : to demand an express term in an agreement —used with for transitive verb 1 : to specify as a condition or requirement (as of an agreement or offer) 2 : to give a guarantee of |
| STOLID | unemotional; lacking sensitivity |
| STRATAGEM | trick designed to deceive an enemy |
| STRIATED | "1 : marked with striations or striae 2 : of, relating to, or being striated muscle" |
| STRUT | 1 : a structural piece designed to resist pressure in the direction of its length 2 : a pompous step or walk 3 : arrogant behavior : swagger |
| SUBLIME | lofty or grand |
| SUBSTANTIATE | 1 : to give substance or form to : embody 2 : to establish by proof or competent evidence : verify <substantiate a charge> |
| SULLY | to tarnish; taint |
| SUPPLANT | to replace (another) by force; to take the place of |
| SUPPOSITION | 1 : something that is supposed : hypothesis 2 : the act of supposing |
| SURFEIT | excessive amount |
| SURLY | rude and bad-tempered |
| SUSTENANCE | "1 a: means of support, maintenance, or subsistence : living b: food, provisions ; also : nourishment2 a: the act of sustaining : the state of being sustained b: a supplying or being supplied with the necessaries of life3: something that gives support, endurance, or strength" |
| SYBARITE | a person devoted to pleasure and luxury |
| SYCOPHANT | a self-serving flatterer; yes-man |
| SYMBIOSIS | cooperation; mutual helpfulness |
| SYNCOPATION | temporary irregularity in musical rhythm |
| TACIT | done without using words |
| TACITURN | silent; not talkative |
| TALON | "claw of an animal, especially a bird of prey" |
| TANGENTIAL | digressing; diverting |
| TAWDRY | "gaudy, cheap, or showy" |
| TENACITY | : the quality or state of being tenacious |
| TEPID | "1: moderately warm : lukewarm <a tepid bath>2 a: lacking in passion, force, or zest <tepid poetry> b: marked by an absence of enthusiasm or conviction <a tepid interest> <a tepid response>" |
| TERRESTRIAL | earthly; down-to-earth; commonplace |
| TIRADE | "long, harsh speech or verbal attack" |
| TOADY | one who flatters in the hope of gaining favors |
| TOME | "book, usually large and academic" |
| TORPOR | extreme mental and physical sluggishness |
| TRACTABLE | "1 : capable of being easily led, taught, or controlled : docile <a tractable horse> 2 : easily handled, managed, or wrought : malleable" |
| TRANSITORY | temporary; lasting a brief time |
| TRENCHANT | "acute, sharp, or incisive; forceful; effective" |
| TRUCULENCE | : the quality or state of being truculent |
| TURBID | "1 a: thick or opaque with or as if with roiled sediment <a turbid stream> b: heavy with smoke or mist2 a: deficient in clarity or purity : foul, muddy <turbid depths of degradation and misery — C. I. Glicksberg> b: characterized by or producing obscurity (as of mind or emotions) <an emotionally turbid response>" |
| TURGID | swollen as from a fluid; bloated |
| TYRO | beginner; novice |
| UBIQUITOUS | : existing or being everywhere at the same time : constantly encountered : widespread <a ubiquitous fashion> |
| UMBRAGE | offense; resentment |
| UNCONSCIONABLE | unscrupulous; shockingly unfair or unjust |
| UNEQUIVOCAL | absolute; certain |
| UPBRAID | to scold sharply |
| USURY | the practice of lending money at exorbitant rates |
| VACILLATE | to physically sway or be indecisive |
| VACUOUS | "1 : emptied of or lacking content 2 : marked by lack of ideas or intelligence : stupid, inane <a vacuous mind> <a vacuous movie> 3 : devoid of serious occupation : idle" |
| VARIEGATED | varied; marked with different colors |
| VENERABLE | respected because of age |
| VENERATE | to respect deeply |
| VERACIOUS | "1 : truthful, honest 2 : marked by truth : accurate" |
| VERACITY | filled with truth and accuracy |
| VERBOSE | wordy |
| VERDANT | green with vegetation; inexperienced |
| VERNAL | related to spring; fresh |
| VESTIGE | a trace; remnant |
| VEX | to annoy; irritate; puzzle; confuse |
| VICISSITUDE | a change or variation; ups and downs |
| VIE | "archaic : wager, hazard ; also : to exchange in rivalry : matchintransitive verb: to strive for superiority : contend, compete" |
| VIM | vitality and energy |
| VISCOUS | "thick and adhesive, like a slow-flowing fluid" |
| VISIONARY | "1 a: of the nature of a vision : illusory b: incapable of being realized or achieved : utopian <a visionary scheme> c: existing only in imagination : unreal2 a: able or likely to see visions b: disposed to reverie or imagining : dreamy3: of, relating to, or characterized by visions or the power of vision4: having or marked by foresight and imagination <a visionary leader> <a visionary invention>" |
| VITUPERATE | to abuse verbally; berate |
| VOLATILE | easily arouse or changeable; lively or explosive |
| VOLUBLE | talkative; speaking easily; glib |
| WAN | sickly pale |
| WANTON | undisciplined; unrestrained; reckless |
| WAVER | to fluctuate b/w choices |
| WELTER | "1 a: writhe, toss ; also : wallow b: to rise and fall or toss about in or with waves2: to become deeply sunk, soaked, or involved3: to be in turmoil" |
| WHIMSICAL | lightly acting in a fanciful or capricious manner; unpredictable |
| WILY | clever; deceptive |
| WINSOME | charming; happily engaging |
| WIZENED | shriveled; withered; wrinkled |
| WRAITH | a ghost or specter; a ghost of a living person seen just before his/her death |
| XENOPHOBIA | a fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers |
| YIELD | "1archaic : recompense, reward2: to give or render as fitting, rightfully owed, or required3: to give up possession of on claim or demand: as a: to give up (as one's breath) and so die b: to surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another : hand over possession of c: to surrender or submit (oneself) to another d: to give (oneself) up to an inclination, temptation, or habit e: to relinquish one's possession of (as a position of advantage or point of superiority) <yield precedence> 4 a: to bear or bring forth as a natural product especially as a result of cultivation <the tree always yields good fruit> b: to produce or furnish as return <this soil should yield good crops> c (1): to produce as return from an expenditure or investment : furnish as profit or interest <a bond that yields 12 percent> (2): to produce as revenue : bring in <the tax is expected to yield millions>5: to give up (as a hit or run) in baseball <yielded two runs in the third inning>intransitive verb1: to be fruitful or productive : bear, produce2: to give up and cease resistance or contention : submit, succumb <facing an enemy who would not yield> <yielding to temptation>3: to give way to pressure or influence : submit to urging, persuasion, or entreaty4: to give way under physical force (as bending, stretching, or breaking)5 a: to give place or precedence : acknowledge the superiority of someone else b: to be inferior <our dictionary yields to none> c: to give way to or become succeeded by someone or something else6: to relinquish the floor of a legislative assembly" |
| YOKE | to join together |
| ZEAL | passion; excitement |
| ZEALOT | someone passionately devoted to a cause |
| ZENITH | the point of culmination; peak |
| ZEPHYR | a gentle breeze; something airy or insubstantial |
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