Export: Barrons GRE Wordlist 4,759 words

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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
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
abolish	cancel; put an end to
abominate	loathe; hate
abominable	detestable; extremely unpleasant
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; nonrepresentational
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 approval
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. accrual
acerbity	bitterness of speech and temper; ADJ. acerbic: bitter; acrid (in taste, manner, or tone)
acetic	vinegary
acidulous	slightly sour (in taste or manner); sharp; caustic
acknowledge	recognize; admit
acme	peak; pinnacle; highest point
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
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
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
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
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
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
siren	apparatus for making sounds; womanlike creature
alluvial	pertaining to soil deposits left by running water
aloof	apart; not open in one's relationship with other people; reserved; ADV.
aloft	upward; high up in the air
altercation	noisy quarrel
altruistic	unselfishly generous; concerned for others; N. altiruism: unselfish concern for the welfare of others; unselfishness; OP. egoism
amalgamate	(of societies or groups) combine; unite in one body
amalgam	combination of different things; mixture of metals (containing mercury) used for filling holes in teeth
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
nectar	drink of the gods; sweet liquid collected by bees
ambulatory	able to walk
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)
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)
amok(amuck)	in a state of rage; Ex. run amok
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
analgesic	causing insensitivity to pain; N.
analgesia	condition of being unable to feel pain
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
elope	run away secretly with the intention of getting married
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
antiseptic	substance that prevents infection in a wound; ADJ.
antithesis	contrast; direct opposite of or to; ADJ. antithetic or antithetical
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
apiary	a place where bees are kept
hive	box for bees; V: cause to go in a hive
apiculture	bee-keeping
apiarist	person who keeps bees
aplomb	poise; composure in difficult situations; assurance; self-confidence
poise	good judgment with composure; balance; V: place in a carefully balanced position
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
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)
arboretum	place where different trees and shrubs are studied and exhibited
arboreal	of or living in trees
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
archaeology	study of artifacts and relics of early mankind
archaic	antiquated; no longer used; belonging to the past; N.
archetype	prototype; primitive pattern
arch-	chief; first; Ex. archbishop
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
artery	blood-vessel; CF. vein
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
arsenal	storage place for military equipment
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; Ex. her assumption of power; V. assume
regent	a person who governs in place of a ruler who is ill, absent, or still a child; ADJ. Ex. the Prince regent
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
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
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.
bacchanalian	drunken
bacchanal	noisy party with a lot of drinking
Bacchanalia	the ancient Roman festival in honor of Bacchus
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
pang	sudden sharp feeling of pain
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
bantering	joking talk; good-naturedly ridiculing; N.V. banter
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
unregenerate	making no attempt to change one's bad practices
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
solicitor	lawyer in the lower court of law
barterer	trader; V. barter: trade; exchange good for other goods rather than money
bask	luxuriate; take pleasure in warmth
luxuriate	take pleasure in great comfort
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
bauble	trinket; cheap jewel; trifle
bawdy	indecent; obscene; about sex in a rude funny way; CF. bawd
beatific	giving or showing bliss; blissful
bliss	complete happiness; ADJ. blissful
beatitude	blessedness; state of great happiness
mystic	of hidden meaning and spiritual power; Ex. mystic ceremonies; N. CF. mysticism
bedizen	dress with vulgar finery
finery	beautiful clothes for a special occasion
bedraggle	wet thoroughly; ADJ. bedraggled: draggled
beeline	direct quick route
befuddle	confuse thoroughly
fuddle	make stupid or confused as with alcholic drink; N. in a fuddle: confused
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.
grudge	deep feeling of dislike; Ex. grudge fight; V.
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 helpl, 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
bereavement	state of being deprived of something valuable or beloved; state of being bereaved or bereft
bereaved	deprived of (someone beloved through death)
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
hem	surround tightly so that movement is impossible; Ex. hem in; N.
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
token	outward sign; Ex. a token of our gratitude
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
bicameral	two-chambered as a legislative body
bicker	quarrel
biennial	every two years
bifurcated	divided into two branches; forked
bigotry	stubborn intolerance
bigot	one who is intolerant (in matters of religion or politics)
intolerant	not willing to accept ways of thinking different from one's own; CF. tolerant; CF. tolerate
bilious	suffering from indigestion; sick from having too much bile; irritable; easily irritated
bilk	swindle; cheat
billowing	swelling out in waves; surging
billow	large wave of water; a great swell or surge (of smoke); V: surge, swell, roll in billows
swell	long wave of water that moves continuously without breaking; V.
surge	powerful movement of or like a wave; V.
bivouac	temporary encampment; camp without tents; V.
bizarre	fantastic; violently contrasting; noticeably odd; strikingly unconventional
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
screech	unpleasant high sharp sound; shriek; V.
dazzle	make blind with a sudden intense light; amaze; fill with wonder
blasé	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
blighted	suffering from a disease; destroyed
blight	plant disease; V: infect with blight; ruin; destroy
blithe(blithesome)	gay; joyous
bloated	(unpleasantly) swollen or puffed as with water or air
blowhard	talkative boaster; braggart
bludgeon	club; heavy-headed weapon; V.
bluff	pretense (of strength); deception; high cliff; ADJ: rough but good-natured
blunder	error; stupid mistake
blurt	utter impulsively from nervousness or excitement
bluster	blow in heavy gusts; threaten emptily; bully; speak in a noisy or bullying manner; CF. breeze, gust, gale
bully	one who is habitually cruel to weaker people; V.
bode	foreshadow; portend
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
dart	move or throw suddenly and quickly
gobble	eat very quickly
bombardment	attack (as with missiles or bombs); V. bombard
bombastic	pompous; using inflated language
bombast	grandiloquent, pompous speech
boon	blessing; benefit; something very helpful
boorish	rude; insensitive
boor	rude, insensitive person
bouillon	clear beef (or meat) soup
bountiful	generous; graciously generous; showing bounty
gracious	kind in a generous way (to someone less important)
bourgeois	middle class; selfishly materialistic; too interested in material possessions
bovine	cowlike; placid and dull; slow-thinking; calm
bowdlerize	expurgate; CF. Thomas Bowdler
brackish	somewhat saline
braggadocio	boasting
brag	boast
braggart	boaster; bragger
brandish	wave around (a weapon); flourish
bravado	swagger; assumed air of defiance; false show of bravery
swagger	walk or behave with an over-confident manner
brawn	human muscle; muscular strength; sturdiness
brawny	muscular; having well-developed muscles
sturdy	strong and firm (in the body)
brazen	insolent; without shame; bold; Ex. brazen lie; V: face with bold self-assurance or with unshamed confidence
brawl	noisy quarrel
breach	breaking of contract or duty; fissure or gap; opening; V.
breadth	width; extent
brevity	conciseness; shortness of duration
brindled	tawny or grayish with streaks or spots (of animals)
tawny	brownish yellow
bristling	rising like bristles; showing irritation
bristle	short stiff hair; V: (hair or fur) stand up stiffly
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
brooch	ornamental clasp; pin
clasp	hold firmly within arms
brook	tolerate; endure; Ex. brook no interference; N: small stream
browbeat	bully; intimidate
browse	graze; feed on growing grass; skim or glance at casually
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
skim	read or glance through quickly; touch lightly in passing; brush; remove from the surface of a liquid
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
slap	hit quickly with the flat part of the hand; N. CF. smack
buffoonery	clowning
buffoon	stupid person; clown
clown	act stupidly; play the fool; N.
bugaboo	bugbear; object of baseless terror
bullion	gold and silver in the form of bars
bulwark	strong wall built for defense; earthwork or other strong defense; person who defends
bungle	mismanage; blunder; botch; blow; spoil by clumsy behavior
botch	mismanage; blow
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
buttress	support; prop up; N. stationary structure to support wall; Ex. flying buttress
prop	support placed under or against something; V.
buxom	full-bosomed; plump; jolly
plump	pleasantly fat; nicely rounded
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
cajole	persuade by praise or false promise; coax; wheedle
coax	persuade by flattery
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
callus	area of thick hard skin
callow	youthful; immature; inexperienced
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
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
ulcer	sore place appearing on the skin inside or outside the body; Ex. stomach ulcer; ADJ. ulcerous; V. ulcerate
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
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
sway	swing from side to side; influence (someone) to change one's opinion; N.
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
casualty	serious or fatal accident; person killed or wounded in an accident or battle
casual	happening by chance; irregular; occasional; informal; showing or feeling little interest; Ex. casual reader/labor/remark
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
hurl	throw forcefully; shout out violently
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
qualify	reach a necessary standard; limit the meaning of something stated
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
hereafter	life after death
afterlife	life after death; later part of one's life
celibate	abstaining from sexual intercourse; unmarried; N. celibacy
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
unceremonious	not done politely without due formalities
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
chaotic	in utter disorder
charisma	divine gift; great popular charm or appeal; magnetism
charlatan	quack; pretender to knowledge (esp. in medicine)
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
chisel	swindle or cheat; N: wedgelike tool for cutting
chip	lose a small piece from the surface or edge; N: small piece broken off something; CF. French fry; Potato chip/crisp
chivalrous	courteous; faithful; brave; N. chivalry
choleric	hot-tempered; bad-tempered; irritable; easily angered; CF. cholera
choreography	art of representing dances in written symbols; arrangement of dances
chore	daily domestic task (such as cleaning, cooking, and shopping); unpleasant task
chortle	chuckle with delight; N.
chuckle	laugh quietly
chronic	long established as a disease
chronicle	report; record (in chronological order)
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)
circuitous	roundabout
circuit	closed circular line around an area; circumference; regularly repeated journey from place to place
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
hindsight	understanding the nature of an event after it has actually happened
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
chaperon	older person who accompanies and supervises a young unmarried woman
clangor	loud resounding noise; sound of repeated clanging
clapper	striker (tongue) of a bell
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
clarion	shrill, trumpetlike sound; kind of trumpet used in former times
claustrophobia	fear of being locked in
clavicle	collarbone
scrimmage	disorderly fight between two or more people
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
cliché	phrase dulled in meaning by repetition; platitude; ADJ. clichéd
bromide	platitude; chemical compound used to calm excitement
clientele	body of customers
climactic	relating to the highest point; N. climax; CF. climatic
clime	climate
clique	small exclusive group of people
cloister	monastery or convent
clout	great influence (especially political or social); hard blow with fist
cloying	distasteful (because excessive); excessively sweet or sentimental; V. cloy: become unpleasant through too much sweetness or excess
coagulate	congeal; thicken; clot; N. coagulant
clot	half-solid lump formed from a liquid (or blood); V.
pudding	hot sweet dish
coalesce	combine; fuse; N. coalescence
coalition	partnership; league; union of separate political parties
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
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
scraps	leftover food
scrappy	quarrelsome
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
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
comatose	in a coma; extremely sleepy
coma	deep prolonged unconsciousness caused by disease, poison, or a severe blow
combustible	easily burned; N. CF. combustion
comely	attractive; agreeable; having a pleasing appearance
homely	not good-looking; unattractive
comestible	something fit to be eaten
comeuppance	deserts; well-deserved punishment or misfortune; rebuke
deserts	what someone deserves
comity	courtesy; civility; Ex. comity of nations
commandeer	take (private property) for military use without needing permission or giving payment; draft for military purposes
draft	first rough form; conscription; draught; V: make a draft of; conscript
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
commemorative	remembering; honoring the memory of; Ex. commemorative stamp
commemorate	honor the memory of; serve as a memorial to; Ex. commemorate the 100th anniversary/those who died in the war
commensurate	equal in extent; of the same size
commiserate	feel or express pity or sympathy for
commodious	spacious and comfortable
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
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
compulsion	compelling; strong desire that is difficult to control; irresistible impulse
compulsory	obligatory; that must be done
compulsive	resulting from compulsion
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
smug	self-satisfied; 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
deport	send out of the country; behave; N. deportation, deportment
bearing	deportment; connection
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
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.
compunction	remorse; strong uneasiness caused by guilt
compute	reckon; calculate
reckon	count; calculate; regard as; think; suppose
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)
vain	full of self-admiration; conceited; without result; unsuccessful; N. vanity
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. confident
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
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. conformance
confound	confuse; puzzle
congeal	freeze; coagulate
congenial	pleasant; friendly; in agreement with one's tastes and nature; Ex. congenial weather
congenital	existing at birth
conglomeration	mass of material sticking together
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.
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
matrimony	state of being married
patrimony	property inherited from a father
consanguinity	kinship; relationship by birth
consanguineous(consanguine)	having a common ancestor
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
constituent	supporter; voter; member of a constituency; component
constituency	voters represented by an elected official; district so represented; group of supporters (or constituents)
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
drastic	strong; violent and severe; Ex. drastic changes/measures
contaminate	pollute
contempt	scorn; disdain; ADJ. contemptuous; CF. contemptible
contend	struggle; compete; assert earnestly; state strongly
contention	assertion; claim; thesis; struggling; competition
thesis	opinion put forward and supported by reasoned arguments
boost	lift by pushing up from below; increase; raise; N: push upward; increase
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
contrived	unnatural and forced; artificial; not spontaneous; Ex. The ending was rather contrived.
contrive	invent or fabricate in a clever way (by improvisation); manage; Ex. contrive to attract his attention
contrivance	something contrived; machine or apparatus; clever deceitful plan; scheme
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
bruise	injure without breaking the skin; N.
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.
flirt	behave in a way that attracts (sexual) attention; deal triflingly with; N: one (or woman) given to flirting; ADJ. flirtatious
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)
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
correlation	mutual relationship
correlate	either of the correlated things; V.
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
wrinkle	small ridge on a smooth surface (face or cloth); V.
crinkle	wrinkle
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
covenant	binding agreement between two groups or people; compact; V: enter into a covenant; promise
bargain	agreement between two groups or people; something for sale at a price advantageous to the buyer; V: negotiate; trade; Ex. bargaining power
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 offerÂ¸Â¦ Â¹ÃžÂ¾Ã'Ã€Â» Â¶Â§
cozen	cheat; hoodwink; swindle
crabbed	sour; bad-tempered; peevish; difficult to read as handwriting
peevish	bad-tempered; irritable; V. peeve: make angry
crass	very unrefined; grossly insensible; crude and undiscriminating; Ex. crass behavior
craven	cowardly
credence	belief
credo	creed
credulity	belief on slight evidence; gullibility; naivet\'e; ADJ. credulous
creed	system of religious or ethical belief
crescendo	increase in the volume or intensity as in a musical passage; climax; CF. crescent
far-fetched	too improbable to be believed; implausible; Ex. far-fetched story
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
crestfallen	dejected; dispirited
crest	top (as of a hill or wave); showy feathers on the head of a bird
crevice	crack; fissure
cringe	shrink back as if in fear; cower
criteria	standards used in judging; CF. criterion
crone	hag; ugly old woman
crotchety	(of someone old) eccentric; odd; whimsical; bad-tempered; N. crotchet: odd or whimsical notion
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
compartment	one of the parts into which an enclosed space is divided
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
cupidity	greed (for wealth); CF. cupid; CF. Cupid
curator	superintendent; manager (in charge of a museum or a library)
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
dabble	work at in a nonserious fashion; splash around; move noisily in a liquid
dais	raised platform for speakers or other important people
dally	trifle with; toy with; treat without the necessary seriousness; procrastinate; waste time
dank	damp; unpleasantly wet
dapper	neat and trim (in appearance); (of small men) neat in appearance and quick in movements; neat; spry
dappled	spotted
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
smear	spread or cover with a sticky substance; N: mark made by smearing
smudge	dirty mark with unclear edges made by rubbing; V.
daunt	intimidate; frighten; discourage; dishearten
dauntless	bold; fearless
dawdle	loiter; hang around; waste time doing nothing
deadlock	standstill resulting from the opposition of two unrelenting forces; stalemate
standstill	condition of no movement or activity; stop
deadpan	wooden; impassive; with no show of feeling; with an expressionless face
dearth	scarcity
d\'eb\^acle	sudden disastrous downfall or defeat; complete disaster
debase	degrade; reduce in quality or value; degenerate; lower in esteem; disgrace; N. debasement
kneel	go down on one's knee(s)
debauch	corrupt morally; seduce from virtue; N. debauchery: wild behavior (with sex and alcohol)
seduce	lead away from proper conduct; entice; ADJ. seductive
debilitate	weaken (esp. through heat, hunger, illness); enfeeble
bout	match; short period of great activity; Ex. wrestling bout; bout of drinking/flu
debonair	(of men) friendly, charming, and fashionably dressed; aiming to please; CF. of good disposition
d\'ebris	rubble; wreckage; scattered remains of something broken or destroyed
debunk	expose as false, exaggerated, worthless, etc.; ridicule
debutante	young woman making formal entrance into society
debut	d\'ebut; first public appearance; formal presentation of a young woman to 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
d\'ecollet\'e	(of a dress) having a low-cut neckline; CF. d\'ecolletage: low neckline (on a dress)
decree	authoritative order; edict; judgment of a court of law; V: order or judge by decree
decomposition	decay; V. decompose: decay; break and separate into simple parts
decorum	propriety; orderliness and good taste in manners; appropriateness of behavior or conduct
decorous	proper (in behavior, conduct, or appearance)
decoy	lure or bait; V.
decrepitude	state of collapse or weakness caused by illness or old age
decrepit	weak and in bad condition from old age or hard use; Ex. decrepit old chair/man
decry	express strong disapproval of; condemn openly (something dangerous to the public); disparage; Ex. decry the violence of modern films
deducible	derived by reasoning; V. deduce: infer; derive by reasoning
deface	mar; disfigure
mar	spoil the appearance of
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
defection	desertion
defect	shortcoming; V: desert (in order to join the opposite one)
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
frock	long loose garment (worn by monks)
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
dishonor	disgrace; N. ADJ. dishonorable
dehydrate	remove water from; dry out
deify	turn into a god; make a god of; idolize; Ex. Kings were deified; CF. deity
deign	condescend; stoop
stoop	bend forward and down; lower or debase oneself; fall to a lower standard of behavior by doing something; condescend; Ex. stoop to lying
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
fiend	evil spirit; 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
denotation	meaning; distinguishing by name; V. denote: indicate; refer to directly; mean; CF. connotation
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
denounce	condemn; criticize; N. denunciation
depict	portray
expos\'e	public revelation of something discreditable
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
battalion	army unit made up of four or more companies
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
deranged	insane
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
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
derivative	unoriginal; obtained from another source; Ex. derivative prose style; N.
derivation	deriving; origin or source of something; Ex. the derivation of the word
dermatologist	one who studies the skin and its diseases
acne	skin disease (on the face)
derogatory	expressing a low opinion; disparaging; V. derogate: detract; disparage
descry	catch sight of (something distant)
desecrate	profane; violate the sanctity of
violate	break (a law); defile; desecrate; assault sexually; Ex. violate graves
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
impoverish	make poor; deprive of natural strength or something important; Ex. impoverished soil
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
deputize	work or appoint as a deputy; N. deputy: person who has the power to take charge when the leading person is away
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
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
weary	tired after long work; V.
dinghy	small boat (often ship's boat)
maroon	leave helpless on a deserted island or coast; ADJ. red brown
dingy	(of things and place) dirty and dull; Ex. dingy street/curtain
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.
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.
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
discompose	disturb the composure of; confuse
discomfit	frustrate; put to rout; defeat; disconcert; embarrass; perturb
disconcert	confuse; upset; embarrass; perturb
disconsolate	hopelessly sad (at the loss of something)
discord	conflict; lack of harmony; dissonance (when musical notes are played)
discordant	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
discriminating	able to see differences; discerning; prejudiced; N. discrimination
discriminate	distinguish; make distinctions on the basis of preference
brisk	quick and active; marked by liveliness and vigor
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
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
mantle	loose sleeveless outer garment; cloak; something that covers or envelops; the layer of the earth between the crust and the core
crust	hard outer covering (as of earth or snow)
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
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
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
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)
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
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
dissuade	persuade not to do; discourage; N. dissuasion
dissonance	discord
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
distinction	honor; excellence; difference; contrast; discrimination; Ex. graduated with distinction; Ex. a writer of real distinction
distinct	clearly different; clearly noticed
distinctive	clearly different from others of the same kind
distort	twist out of shape; give a false account of; misrepresent; N. distortion
distrait	absentminded; distracted
distraught	upset; distracted by anxiety; very anxious and troubled almost to the point of madness; Ex. distraught with grief/worry
distract	take (one's attention) off something; upset emotionally; make anxious; ADJ. distracted
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
dowse	use a divining rod to search for underground water or minerals
divulge	reveal
docile	obedient; easily managed; submissive
ferocious	fierce; violent; N. ferocity
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
indoctrinate	cause to accept a doctrine without questioning it; Ex. indoctrinated with mindless anti-communism
document	provide written evidence (for a claim); record with documents; N.
doddering	shaky; infirm from old age; V. dodder
merit	deserve; ADJ. meritorious: deserving reward or praise
doff	take off; OP. don
dogged	determined; stubborn; stubbornly persevering; tenacious; Ex. Inspector Javert's dogged pursuit of Jean Valjean
persevere	continue steadily in spite of difficulties
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
blues	state of depression or melancholy; style of slow, mournful music (evolved from southern Black American songs)
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.
domineer	rule over tyrannically
dominate	control; rule; enjoy a commanding position in; overlook from a height
dominant	exercising the most influence; high and easily seen; stronger than the other part of a system; not recessive
don	put on; OP. doff
outfit	clothing or equipment for a special purpose; Ex. cowboy outfit
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
sullen	silently showing ill humor or resentment; dark; gloomy
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
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
drab	dull; lacking color; cheerless ; Ex. drab coat/life
draconian	extremely severe; Ex. draconian punishment; CF. Draco: Athenian politician
dregs	sediment in a liquid; lees; worthless residue
drivel	nonsense; foolishness; V: talk nonsense
nonsense	speech or writing with no meaning; foolish behavior or language; Ex. make (a) nonsense of: spoil; cause to fail
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
trickle	flow in drops or in a thin stream; N.
droll	queer and amusing
queer	strange; eccentric; deviating from the normal
drone	idle person who lives on other people's work; male bee
drone	talk dully; buzz or murmur like a bee; N.
murmur	low, indistinct, continuous sound; V. CF. mumble
dross	waste matter; worthless impurities
drudgery	hard unpleasant work; menial work
drudge	do drudgery; N: person who drudges
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
dumbfound(dumfound)	astonish (making dumb); ADJ. dumbfounded, dumfounded, dumbstruck
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
dyspeptic	suffering from indigestion; N. dyspepsia: indigestion; difficulty in digesting food
dys-	abnormal; impaired
dyslexia	word blindness; learning disorder marked by impairment of the ability to read
dysentery	inflammatory disorder of the lower intestinal tract
earthy	unrefined; coarse; of earth; Ex. earthy remarks; OP. ethereal
earthly	of this earth; terrestrial; worldly; not divine; possible; Ex. no earthly reason
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
chapel	small church (in a prison, college, or hospital)
chaplain	clergyman attached to a chapel
padre	chaplain (in the armed forces)
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
ecosystem	ecological community together with its environment
economy	efficiency or conciseness in using something; thrifty management of resources
ecstasy	rapture; very strong feeling of joy and happiness; any overpowering emotion; ADJ. ecstatic: causing or experiencing ecstasy
rapture	great joy and delight; ecstasy; ADJ. rapturous
eddy	swirling current of water, air, etc.; V.
edict	decree (especially one issued by a sovereign); official command
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
edify	instruct; correct morally
edifice	building (of imposing size)
eerie	weird; causing fear because strange
efface	rub out; remove the surface of
effectual	able to produce a desired effect; valid
effective	effectual; producing a strong response; striking; in operation; in effect; Ex. effective speech/photograph
effectuate	effect; produce; achieve; Ex. effectuate a reconciliation
effeminate	having womanly traits
emasculate	weaken; castrate
castrate	remove the sex organs (of a male animal or person)
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
dummy	imitation of a real object used as a substitute; effigy
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
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.
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
ego	one's opinion of oneself; self-esteem
egotistical	egotistic; excessively self-centered(egocentric); self-important; conceited
egotism	tendency to speak or write of oneself excessively; conceit; self-importance
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
elaboration	addition of details; intricacy
elaborate	work out carefully; add more detail or information; ADJ.
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
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
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
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)
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
encircle	surround
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
compassion	sympathy for the suffering of others; ADJ. compassionate
empirical	based on experience
emulate	imitate; rival; try to equal or excel (through imitation)
enamored	in love; Ex. enamored of his own beauty; V. enamor: inspire with love
encipher	encode; convert a message into code; put into cipher
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
endearment	fond word or act; expression of affection
endear	make beloved; Ex. endear her to everyone; ADJ. dear: loved; cherished; high-priced
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
engaging	charming; attractive
engaged	employed; busy; betrothed; involved in conflict
engender	cause; produce; give rise to
engross	occupy fully; absorb
enhance	increase; make greater (as in value, reputation, or usefulness); improve
enigma	puzzle; mystery; ADJ. enigmatic: obscure; puzzling
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.
enjoin	command; order; forbid
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
enterprising	full of initiative; showing enterprise
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
enthrall	capture; enslave; captivate; hold the complete attention of (as if magic); hold spellbound
entice	lure; persuade to do (something wrong); attract; tempt
mischief	behavior (of children) causing trouble with no serious harm; damage; harm; Ex. mischief to the crops; ADJ. mischievous: causing mischief; playfully troublesome
entity	real being
entomology	study of insects
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
trance	hypnotic state; ecstatic state; detachment from one's physical surrounding (as in contemplation or daydreaming); CF. transition
hypnosis	induced sleeping state; ADJ. hypnotic; V. hypnotize
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.)
fringe	decorative edge of hanging threads; edge
ephemeral	short-lived; fleeting
fleet	fast; rapid; N. ADJ. fleeting: passing quickly; ephemeral
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
prank	mischievous trick
flighty	(esp. of a woman's behavior) capricious; often changing, esp. from one lover to another; impulsive
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.
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
airy	of air; high in the air; lofty; immaterial; unreal
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
evince	show clearly
evenhanded	impartial; fair
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
ram	male sheep; V. strike or drive against with a heavy impact
exacerbate	worsen; aggravate; embitter
embitter	make bitter; fill with painful or bitter feelings; make sad and angry; Ex. He was embittered by many disappointments.
exacting	extremely demanding; Ex. exacting standard of safety
exact	demand and obtain by force; Ex. exact a promise from him; N. exaction
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)
exceptionable	objectionable; likely to cause dislike; offensive; CF. unexceptionable: entirely acceptable
except	exclude; N. exception: objection; exclusion; ADJ. exceptional: unusual; of unusually high quality
excerpt	selected passage (written or musical) taken from a longer work; V.
exchequer	treasury; Ex. Chancellor of the exchequer
chancellor	legal official of high rank; CF. chancellery(chancellory): position of a chancellor
treasure	keep as precious; cherish
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
executor	person designated to execute the terms of a will
executioner	person administering capital punishment
executive	person having administrative authority; one branch of government executing laws; ADJ: relating to executing
legislature	legislating branch of government; CF. legislate: make laws
judiciary	judicial branch of government
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
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
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
intrigue	make secret plans; plot; arouse the curiosity of; N: secret scheme; plot; secret love affair
expansive	(of a person) outgoing and sociable; broad and extensive; able to increase in size
outgoing	sociable; eager to mix socially with others
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
interjection	exclamation; Ex. "Ouch''
swear	vow; promise; use profane oaths; use offensive words
swear-word	word considered offensive; Ex. "bloody''
oath	solemn promise; blasphemous use of sacred words to express strong feelings; swear-word; Ex. "For Christ's sake''
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
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
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
wring	twist (to extract liquid); extract by twisting; wrench painfully (necks or hands)
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
mingle	mix together in close association
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
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
exude	flow out slowly; discharge (gradually); give forth; N. exudation
ooze	(of a thick liquid) pass or flow slowly; N: mud or thick liquid as at the bottom of a river
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
dissension	disagreement of opinions causing strife within a group
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
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
falsify	make (something written) false by changing
fallow	(of land) plowed but not sowed (to improve the quality); uncultivated
sow	plant or scatter seed
falter	hesitate; weaken in purpose or action; walk or move unsteadily through weakness; N.
stumble	trip and almost fall; proceed unsteadily; act falteringly; 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
fastidious	difficult to please; squeamish; fussy; finicky
squeamish	easily shocked or sickened by unpleasant things; fastidious; Ex. A nurse should not be squeamish.
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
fawning	courting favor by cringing and flattering; V. fawn: exhibit affection as a dog; seek favor or attention by obsequiousness
court	attempt to gain; seek; woo; risk; behave so as to invite; attempt to gain the favor of by attention; Ex. court disaster
faze	disconcert; dismay; embarrass
feasible	practical; able to be carried out; practicable
febrile	feverish
fecundity	fertility; fruitfulness; ADJ. fecund: very productive of crops or young
fertile	producing many young, fruits, or seeds; (of land) producing good crops; V. fertilize
fruitful	producing results; profitable; prolific; producing in abundance
feign	pretend
feint	trick; shift; sham blow; feigned attack to draw away defensive action; V.
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
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
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
fervent	ardent; zealous; hot
fervid	ardent; zealous; hot
impassioned	(of speech) filled with passion; fervent
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
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
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
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
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)
pilfer	steal things of small value; filch; snitch
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
freebooter	pirate or plunderer who makes war in order to grow rich
bust	piece of sculpture showing a person's head, shoulders, and upper chest; V: break up; arrest; Ex. crimebuster
filigree	delicate ornamental lacelike metalwork
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
filing	particle removed by a file
finale	conclusion; concluding part
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
fussy	fastidious; finicky; easily upset
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
finite	limited
firebrand	piece of burning wood; hothead; troublemaker; person who stirs up trouble
hothead	person who does things too quickly without thinking; ADJ. hotheaded
fissure	crevice; crack
fitful	spasmodic; intermittent; irregular
fit	sudden outburst of an illness or feeling; convulsion caused by epilepsy
flaccid	flabby; lacking firmness; weak; Ex. flaccid muscles
limp	walk lamely; ADJ: lacking firmness; weak
flag	droop; grow feeble; decline in vigor or strength; ADJ. flagging; CF. unflagging
droop	bend or hang downward; become weakened; Ex. His shoulders drooped with tiredness; N.
flagrant	conspicuously wicked, bad, or offensive; blatant; outrageous
outrage	act of extreme violence or viciousness; resentful anger; V: commit an outrage on; produce anger in; ADJ. outrageous: offensive
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
thresh	beat (cereal plants) with a machine or flail to separate the grains from the straw
toss	throw lightly; move or lift (the head) with a sudden motion; flip (a coin) to decide something
flair	talent
flamboyant	ornate; highly elaborate; richly colored; ostentatious; showy; CF. flame
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
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
trickster	person who cheats people
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
flutter	(of a bird with large wings) wave (the wings) lightly, rapidly, and irregularly; vibrate rapidly or erratically; fly by waving quickly; flitter; N.
flinch	hesitate; shrink back (in fear of something unpleasant); Ex. She did not flinch in the face of danger.
flippant	lacking proper seriousness; Ex. flippant remarks about death; N. flippancy
flip	send (something) spinning, often into the air, by striking with a light quick blow; turn over; Ex. flip over
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
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
blush	become red in the face (from embarrassment or shame); become red or rosy; N.
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
flowery	full of flowers; full of ornate expressions
flotsam	drifting wreckage
jetsam	things thrown from a ship (to lighten the ship)
flounder	struggle and thrash about; proceed clumsily or falter (as in water, mud, snow, etc.); proceed in confusion
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.
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
curb	chain or strap used with a bit to restrain a horse; something that checks; V: check; restrain
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
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
groove	long narrow channel made in a surface to guide the movement of something; Ex. groove of the record
stammer	speak with involuntarily pauses or repetitions
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
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
pass_off	present falsely; represent falsely to be
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
forum	public square of an ancient Roman city; public place for open discussion; court of law
foreshadow	give an indication beforehand; be a sign of (what is coming); portend; prefigure
prefigure	be a sign of; foreshadow
forerunner	predecessor; one that comes before and indicates the approach of another
foresight	ability to foresee future happenings; prudence in providing for the future
forestall	prevent by taking action in advance
nuptial	of marriage or the wedding ceremony; N; nuptials; wedding ceremony
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
menace	threat; V: threaten
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
forthright	straightforward; direct; frank
forthcoming	happening in the near future; ready; willing to help; Ex. No answer was forthcoming.
fortitude	bravery; courage; strength of mind
fortuitous	accidental; by chance; N. fortuity
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
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
frenetic(phrenetic)	frenzied; frantic
frenzied	madly excited; N. frenzy: violent wild excitement
fresco	painting on wet plaster (usually fresh)
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
pastry	paste of flour and water (eaten when baked)
plaster	paste that hardens to a smooth solid and is used for coating walls; V.
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
fritter	waste (time or money on unimportant things)
frivolous	lacking in seriousness; flippant; self-indulgently carefree; unworthy of serious attention; relatively unimportant; trivial
self-indulgence	excessive indulgence of one's own desire
carefree	free from worries; having no problems
frolicsome	prankish; gay; playful; merry; frisky
frolic	play and jump about happily; frisk; Ex. frolicking young lambs
frond	fern leaf; palm or banana leaf
litter	waste material thrown away (as bits of paper scattered untidily); V: cover untidily with scattered litter
fructify	bear fruit; produce fruit
frugality	thrift; economy; ADJ. frugal: practicing economy; costing little; inexpensive
fruition	bearing of fruit; fulfillment; realization; Ex. come to/be brought to fruition
frustrate	thwart; defeat; prevent from accomplishing a purpose
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.
functionary	official (who performs a particular function)
functional	made for practical use only (without decoration); functioning; Ex. functional modern furniture; CF. functionalism
fundamental	basic; primary; essential
funereal	sad; solemn; suitable for a funeral
furor	frenzy; great anger and excitement; CF. fury
furtive	stealthy; quiet and secret (trying to escape notice); sneaky; Ex. furtive glance
sneak	move, give, or take in a quiet, stealthy way; N: one who sneaks; ADJ. sneaky
underhand(underhanded)	done slyly and secretly (being dishonest)
sly	clever in deceiving; secretive; not telling one's intentions
fusillade	simultaneous firing or outburst (of missiles, questions, etc.)
fusion	union; coalition; V. fuse
futile	useless; 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	bitterness of feeling; nerve; effrontery; CF. gall bladder
gall	annoy; exasperate; chafe; N: skin sore caused by rubbing (as on the skin of a horse); exasperation
galleon	large three-masted sailing ship
galley	low ship with sails (rowed along by slaves)
clipper	sailing vessel built for great speed
pinnace	small boat
clip	cut off with shears; fasten; N: something clipped off (as a short extract from film); clasp or fastener
galvanize	stimulate or shock by an electric current; stimulate by shock; shock into action; stir up; coat with rust-resistant zinc by using electricity
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
gambit	opening in chess in which a piece is sacrificed; action made to produce a future advantage
ploy	strategem to gain an advantage; tactic; Ex. management ploy
gambol	romp; skip about; leap about playfully; frolic; N.
romp	play or frolic boisterously; gambol; N.
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
gamely	in a spirited manner; with courage; Ex. fight gamely against a superior boxer; ADJ. game
gamut	entire range
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
jumble	mix in a confused way
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
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
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
flashy	showy; gaudy; giving a momentary brilliance
gild	cover with a thin layer of gold
gaunt	lean and angular; thin and bony; emaciated; barren
gavel	hammerlike tool; mallet(wooden hammer) used by a presiding officer or an auctioneer; V.
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
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
genus	division of animals or plants, below a family and above a species
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
breed	produce young; rear; bring up; produce (an undesirable condition); N: kind or sort of animal or plant
crossbreed	hybridize; N: hybrid; CF. interbreed; CF. inbreed
well-bred	of good upbringing; well-mannered and refined
gentry	people of standing(rank or position); people of good family or high social position; class of people just below nobility
gentle	kindly; soft; mild; of good family
genuflect	bend the knee as in worship
germane	pertinent; bearing upon(having connection with) the case at hand; appropriate
germinal	pertaining to a germ; creative; Ex. germinal idea
germ	earliest form of an organism; seed or bud; something that may develop into something larger or more important; microbe
germinate	cause to sprout; sprout
sprout	begin to grow; give off shoots or buds; N: new growth on a plant; shoot
shoot	new growth from a plant
gerontocracy	government ruled by old people
gerontology	study of the sociological phenomena associated with old age
geriatrics	medical treatment and care of 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
natal	connected with birth; CF. prenatal; CF. postnatal
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
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
glaring	(of something bad) highly conspicuous; harshly bright; shining intensely and blindingly
glare	shine intensely and blindingly; stare fixedly and angrily; N.
glaze	cover with a thin and shiny surface; apply a glaze to; N: thin, smooth, shiny coating (as for pottery); Ex. unglazed pottery
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
slick	make smooth or glossy; N: smooth surface; Ex. oil slick; ADJ: smooth; glossy; deftly executed; adroit; glib
sleek	smooth and shining (as from good health); V.
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
glamor	compelling charm; ADJ. glamorous
gloat	express evil satisfaction; look at or think about with evil satisfaction; view malevolently; Ex. The thief gloated over the stolen jewels.
gloss_over	explain away with the intention of deceiving or hiding faults
gloss	brief explanation note or translation of a difficult expression; V.
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
mat	not shiny; matte; having a dull finish; N: flat piece of material used as a floor covering; V.
finish	surface texture; completeness of execution
finished	properly made and complete; Ex. finished product/performance
glower	scowl; glare; look or stare angrily
scowl	frown angrily; N: angry frown
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
gnarled	twisted
gnarl	protruding knot on a tree; V.
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
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)
shudder	shake uncontrollably; tremble; V.
gossamer	sheer; very light; like cobwebs; N: soft and sheer fabric; cobweb
sheer	pure; thin and transparent; very steep
gouge	tear out; cut out (as if with a gouge); Ex. gouge his eyes out; N: chisel for cutting out hollow areas in wood
gouge	overcharge (with high price); extort from; Ex. gouge the public; CF. usury
gourmand	epicure; person who takes excessive pleasure in food and drink
gourmet	connoisseur of food and drink; epicure
graduated	arranged by degrees (of height, difficulty, etc.)
graduate	arrange into categories or grades; divide into marked intervals (for use in measurement); Ex. graduated ruler
granary	storehouse for grain
grandeur	impressiveness; stateliness; majesty
stately	formal; ceremonious; grand in style or size; majestic
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
high-flown	highly pretentious or inflated
matin\'ee(matinee)	dramatic or musical performance given in the afternoon
granulate	form into grains or granules; N. granule: grain or particle
graphic	pertaining to the art of delineating; vividly described
vivid	(of light or color) bright and distinct; evoking lifelike mental images; Ex. vivid red hair/description
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
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
broil	cook by direct heat; N.
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)
grotesque	fantastic; comically hideous; strange and unnatural (causing fear or amusement)
hideous	repulsive to the sight; ugly; repugnant; Ex. hideous face/scream
grotto	small cavern
grouse	complain; fuss; grumble; grouch; N: plump chickenlike game bird
grumble	complain; mutter discontentedly; grouch; N.
mutter	utter (complaining words) indistinctly in low tones
rumble	make or move with a deep rolling sound (as thunder or stomach)
grovel	crawl or creep on ground; remain prostrate; behave in a servile manner
grudging	unwilling; reluctant; stingy(giving reluctantly)
gruel	thin liquid porridge
porridge	soft food made by boiling oatmeal
oatmeal	crushed oats used for making porridge
grueling	exhausting; Ex. grueling marathon race
gruesome	grisly; horrible
gruff	rough-mannered; (of a voice) rough; hoarse
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
cunning	clever in deceiving; sly; N: cleverness in deceiving; deceit
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
gustatory	affecting or relating to the sense of taste
gusto	eager enjoyment; zest; enthusiasm
gusty	windy
gust	strong abrupt rush of wind; V. CF. bluster
guy	cable or chain attached to something that needs to be braced or steadied; CF. guide
topple	become unsteady and fall down
overthrow	topple; N.
overturn	turn over; capsize; topple
capsize	(of a boat) turn over
gyroscope	apparatus used to maintain balance, ascertain direction, etc.
habituate	accustom or familiarize; addict
hackles	hairs on back and neck, especially of a dog; Ex. make someone's hackles rise
growl	low, guttural, menacing sound (as of a dog)
hackneyed	commonplace; trite
haggard	wasted away; gaunt; Ex. haggard faces of the rescued miners
haggle	argue about prices (in an attempt to bargain)
halcyon	calm; peaceful; Ex. halcyon days
hale	healthy
hail	frozen rain drop; V: salute or greet; precipitate hail
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
waver	move or swing back and forth; be uncertain or unsteady in decision or movement; Ex. wavering between accepting and refusing
hamper	obstruct; prevent the free movement of; N:
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
habitat	natural home of a plant or animal; CF. habitation
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
latch	fastening or lock consisting of a movable bar that fits into a notch; V: close with a latch
notch	V-shaped cut in a surface; V.
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
hazardous	dangerous
hazard	venture; put in danger; risk; Ex. hazard a guess; N: possible source of danger
hazy	slightly obscure; misty; unclear; N. haze: light mist or smoke; confused state of mind
headlong	hasty; rash; headfirst; ADV.
headfirst	moving with the head leading; headlong
headstrong	willful; stubborn; unyielding; determined to have one's own way; CF. no 'excessive'
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
heedless	not noticing; disregarding
heed	pay attention to; N: close attention
hegemony	dominance especially of one nation over others
heinous	atrocious; wicked; hatefully bad; Ex. heinous crime
gross	total; fragrant; clearly wrong; (of people's behavior) coarse; corpulent; Ex. gross insolence/behavior; V: earn as a total amount; N: 12 dozens
helm	steering wheel of a ship; position of control
herbivorous	grain-eating; CF. herbivore
heresy	opinion contrary to popular belief; opinion contrary to accepted religion; ADJ. heretical; CF. heretic
hermetic	sealed by fusion so as to be airtight; airtight
hermetic	concerning alchemy or magic; obscure and mysterious; occult
sterile	incapable of producing young; free from microorganism; V. sterilize
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
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
primary	first in rank or importance; principal; earliest in time; Ex. primary stages; N. CF. first
primal	first in rank or importance; being first in time; original; Ex. man's primal innocence
primate	group of mammals including humans
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
hierarchy	arrangement by rank or standing; authoritarian body divided into ranks; body of persons having authority
totem	animal, plant, or natural object serving as a symbol of a clan or family; representation of this; Ex. totem pole
hieroglyphic	picture writing; ADJ.
hilarity	boisterous mirth(merriment; laughter); ADJ. hilarious: full of laughter
hindmost	furthest behind; farthest to the rear
wage	begin and continue (a war)
hindrance	block; obstacle; V. hinder
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
histrionic	theatrical; excessively dramatic or emotional; affected; of actors or acting; N. histrionics: histrionic behavior
historic	important in history; Ex. historic battle
historical	connected with history; based on events in history (whether regarded as important or not)
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
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
spin	rotate swiftly; make (thread) by twisting (cotton, wool, etc.); N.
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
swarm	large group of insects moving in a mass; crowd of people or animals; V: move in a crowd or mass
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
hostility	unfriendliness; hatred; enmity; ADJ. hostile
hovel	shack; small wretched house
hut	crude dwelling; shack
shack	crude cabin
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
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
humane	marked by kindness or consideration; kind and compassionate; humanitarian
humanitarian	one devoted to the promotion of human welfare; CF. humanism
humdrum	dull; monotonous
humid	damp; N. humidity
humility	humbleness of spirit
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
hummock	small hill; hillock
humus	substance or rich soil formed by decaying vegetable matter; CF. soil
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
hybrid	mongrel; mixed breed; V. hybridize
mongrel	plant or animal (esp. a dog) of mixed breed; ADJ.
pedigree	line of ancestors; ancestry; lineage; ADJ. (of an animal) descended from of a chosen family; Ex. pedigree dog; CF. crane's foot
hydrophobia	fear of water; rabies
rabies	disease passed on by the bite of an infected animal (causing madness and death)
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)
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
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
idolatry	worship of idols; excessive admiration or devotion; ADJ. idolatrous
idyllic	charmingly carefree; simple and happy; Ex. idyllic scene
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
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
disproportion	lack of proportion (between the parts); ADJ. disproportionate
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
tenant	one that pays rent to use property owned by another
tenancy	possession of land or building by rent; period of a tenant's occupancy
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
impartial	not biased; fair; N. impartiality
impart	grant a share of; make known; Ex. news to impart
impassable	not able to be traveled or crossed
impasse	predicament(dangerous condition) from which there is no escape; situation allowing for no further progress
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
credential	evidence concerning one's authority; written proof of a person's position; Ex. The new ambassador presented his credentials to the court.
impecunious	without money
impede	hide; retard or obstruct the progress of; block
retard	delay (in development); ADJ. retarded: (as of a child) slower in development
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
impertinent	insolent; rude; not pertinent; N. impertinence
imperturbable	unshakably calm; placid
collected	composed; calm; self-possessed
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
significant	expressing a meaning; important; Ex. significant smile; N. significance: importance; meaning; V. signify: denote; mean; signal; make known; matter; be significant
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
masquerade	wear a mask or disguise; pretend; N: costume party or ball at which masks are worn; pretense; disguise
impotent	weak; ineffective; lacking in physical strength or power
crave	desire; want intensely
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
oversee	watch over and direct; supervise; N. oversight: unintentional failure to notice or do something; supervision
inalienable	not to be taken away; nontransferable; Ex. inalienable rights
inane	silly; senseless; Ex. inane remarks; N. inanity
inanimate	lifeless; not animate
inarticulate	speechless; producing indistinct speech; not articulate; not expressing oneself clearly
speechless	unable for the moment to speak (because of strong feeling); Ex. speechless with anger
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
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
charm	quality of pleasing; amulet; action or formula thought to have magical power; spell; V: attract; cast a spell on; bewitch
bewitch	cast a spell over; captivate completely
recite	repeat aloud (something learned); describe; Ex. recite his complaints; N. recitation
recital	act of reciting publicly; detailed account; performance of music or dance (by a solo performer)
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
personify	represent (an inanimate object) as a person; be the embodiment or perfect example of; Ex. She is evil/patience personified; N. personification
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
incidental	not essential; minor; N: something incidental
incident	event; event that causes a crisis
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
tend	have a tendency; take care of; minister; serve at; apply one's attention; attend
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
attire	clothe; N: clothing; array; apparel
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
inasmuch_as	since; owing to the fact that
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
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
righteous	morally upright; just
rightful	legally correct; Ex. rightful owner
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
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
inductive	pertaining to induction or proceeding from the specific to the general
induct	place formally in office; install; admit as a member; initiate; N. induction: inducting; process of deriving general principles from particular facts
indulgent	humoring; yielding; lenient; showing indulgence
indulge	yield to; gratify; allow oneself a special pleasure; Ex. indulge one's every whim/a child/in a big cigarette; N. indulgence
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
industrious	diligent; hard-working; N. industry
inebriated	habitually intoxicated; drunk; N. inebriety
inebriate	make drunk; intoxicate; N. intoxicated person
intoxicate	make drunk; stimulate or excite; Ex. intoxicated by all the money he might win
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
inevitable	unavoidable
inexorable	relentless; unyielding; implacable; not capable of being changed by entreaty or efforts; Ex. inexorable price rises
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
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
penetrate	enter into; pierce; permeate; see through; grasp the inner significance of; understand
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
resourceful	clever and imaginative (in dealing with difficult situations); N. resource, resourcefulness
ingenuous	naive and trusting; young; unsophisticated; candid
ingenue	ing\'enue; young innocent girl
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
uninhibited	having no inhibitions; free in behavior and feelings
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
inquisitor	questioner (especially harsh); investigator; person making an inquisition
inquisitive	eager for knowledge; unduly curious
insalubrious	unwholesome; not healthful; Ex. insalubrious place
healthful	conducive to good health; Ex. healthful mountain air
healthy	possessing good health; healthful
wholesome	conducive to mental or physical health; healthful
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
creep	move with body close to the ground; move stealthily or slowly; N.
artful	exhibiting art or skill; deceitful; cunning; CF. artifice
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
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
odds	chances; probability; disagreement; Ex. The odds are that it will rain. Ex. at odds with
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
upright	(sitting or standing) straight up; honest; moral
intellect	higher mental powers; person of great intellectual ability
intelligentsia	intellectuals; members of the educated elite (often used derogatorily)
inter	bury; N. interment
cemetery	place for burying the dead
interdict	prohibit; forbid; N.
interim	meantime; Ex. in the interim; ADJ. taking place during an interim; Ex. interim paper
interloper	intruder; one who interferes
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
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
intractable	unruly; difficult to manage; Ex. intractable problem/child
intransigence	refusal of any compromise; stubbornness; ADJ. intransigent: uncompromising
intrepid	fearless
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
overwhelm	(of water) cover completely; defeat completely by much greater force; Ex. overwhelmed by grief
submerge	place under water; dip; go under water; cover completely (as with water); Ex. submerged in work
engulf	surround and swallow up
inured	accustomed; hardened; Ex. inured to the Alaskan cold; V. inure: make used to something undesirable; harden; CF. unfeeling
invalidate	weaken; destroy; make invalid; nullify
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
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
indecisive	marked by indecision; inconclusive; Ex. indecisive battle
indecision	irresolution; inability to make up one's mind
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
jabber	chatter rapidly or unintelligibly
jab	poke abruptly with something sharp; punch with short blows
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
jaundiced	yellowed; prejudiced (envious, hostile, or resentful) from long and disappointing experience of human affairs; Ex. with a jaundiced eye
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
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
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
jest	playful remark or act; V. act or speak playfully
jocund	merry
jollity	gaiety; cheerfulness; ADJ. jolly: merry; gay
jostle	shove; bump; push against (someone) rather roughly; Ex. jostled by the crowds
shove	push forward; push roughly; Ex. pushing and shoving to get on the bus; N.
bump	hit or knock against with force; N.
jovial	good-natured; merry; cheerful
jubilation	rejoicing; great joy
judicious	sound on judgment; wise
juggernaut	irresistible crushing force; overwhelming advancing force that crushes everything in its path
jug	pitcher; container for holding liquids
juncture	crisis; point in time; joining point; joint; act of joining
junket	trip especially one taken for pleasure by an official at public expense
junta	group of persons joined in political intrigue; cabal; group of military officers ruling a country after seizing power (by force)
jurisprudence	science of law
jurisdiction	right and power to apply the law; authority
juridical	of the law and its administration; CF. judicial: of courts of law; CF. judiciary
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
grouch	bad-tempered complaint; person who keeps complaining; V: complain; grumble
spoilsport	one who 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
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
knell	tolling of a bell especially to indicate a funeral, disaster, etc.; sound of the funeral bell; V.
toll	sound (a large bell) slowly at regular intervals; N: sound of a bell; fixed tax or charge
curfew	regulation requiring all people to leave the streets at stated times; signal (as a bell) announcing the hour of a curfew
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.
crochet	make (a piece of needlework) by looping thread with a hooked needle; N. CF. crotchet
knoll	little round hill; hillock
knotty	intricate; difficult; tangled; CF. knot
kudos	honor; glory; acclaim or praise for exceptional achievement
entourage	group of attendants; retinue; CF. surround
labile	likely to change; unstable; Ex. emotionally labile; N. lability
laborious	demanding much work or care; tedious
labyrinth	maze
laceration	torn ragged wound; V. lacerate: tear (the skin as with broken glass); wound
rip	tear or be torn quickly and violently; Ex. The sail ripped under the force of the wind; N.
rag	scrap of cloth; ADJ. ragged: old and torn; seeming unfinished and imperfect; Ex. ragged debut/performance
lachrymose	producing tears; tearful
lackadaisical	lacking interest or effort; lacking purpose or zest; lazy; halfhearted; languid
halfhearted	exhibiting little interest or enthusiasm
lackluster	lacking luster(shine; gloss); dull
laconic	brief and to the point; using few words; terse
laggard	slow; sluggish; N: one who lags; straggler
lag	move or develop more slowly; straggle; Ex. lag behind the rest; N.
straggle	stray or fall behind (a main group); spread out in a scattered group; Ex. straggling marathon racer; Ex. straggling branch
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
layman	man who is not a cleric; man who is nonprofessional
lament	grieve; express sorrow; N. lamentation
lampoon	ridicule; N: written attack ridiculing or satirizing a person, group, or institution
lancet	small surgical tool for making incisions
lance	pierce with a lance; cut into; N: spearlike weapon
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
lust	intense sexual desire; intense eagerness; V.
lassitude	languor; weariness; listlessness
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
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
enliven	make lively or spirited; animate
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
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
legacy	gift made by a will; something handed down from an ancestor
legend	explanatory list of symbols on a map
legerdemain	sleight(dexterity) of hand; CF. light of hand
leniency	mildness; permissiveness; ADJ. lenient: not severe in judgment or punishment
permissive	allowing much freedom; lenient; Ex. permissive society
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
rou\'e	lecherous man
libidinous	lustful
libido	psychic and emotional energy or urges behind human activity; sexual desire
libretto	text of an opera or oratorio; CF. book
licentious	amoral; lewd and lascivious; unrestrained
license	official or legal permission; latitude of action or speech; excessive freedom that causes harm or damage; V.
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
abode	dwelling place; home
abide	dwell; abide by: comply with; put up with; tolerate; Ex. abide by the rules; Ex. I can't abide rude people.
limn	draw; outline; describe; CF. line ?
limpid	crystal clear
lineage	descent; ancestry
lineaments	features especially of the face; distinctive shape or contour of the face; CF. line
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
linger	loiter or dawdle; be slow in leaving; delay going; continue or persist; be slow to disappear; Ex. The smell lingered for days.
persist	continue in existence; last; continue in a course of action in spite of opposition; Ex. persist in/with something; ADJ. persistent
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
willowy	flexible; pliant; slender; CF. willow
litigation	lawsuit; N. litigant: one party in a lawsuit; V. litigate
litotes	understatement for emphasis; Ex. ``not bad(=pretty good)''
understate	state with less truth than seems warranted by the facts; Ex. He understated the seriousness of the crime; N. understatement; OP. overstate
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)
lofty	very high
loft	room or space under the roof; attic
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
lounge	stand, sit, or lie in a lazy, relaxed way
longevity	long life; long duration
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
gallows	framework from which a noose is suspended (used for execution by hanging)
noose	loop formed in a rope
lope	gallop slowly
loquacious	talkative; N. loquacity
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
filth	dirty matter; ADJ. filthy
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)
dignitary	person of high rank or position
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
slink	move furtively; ADJ. slinky: stealthy; furtive; sneaky (as in ambush)
luscious	pleasing to taste or smell; delicious
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
macabre	gruesome; grisly; ghastly; CF. of death
morgue	mortuary; place where bodies are kept before burial or cremation
cremate	incinerate (a corpse); N. crematory, crematorium
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
mangle	tear or cut to pieces; mutilate or disfigure; Ex. badly mangled bodies
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
compost	mixture of decaying organic matter used as fertilizer; V: put or make compost
mammal	vertebrate animal whose female suckles its young
vertebrate	having a backbone or spinal column; N: group of animals having a segmented spinal column
suckle	give or take milk at the breast or udder
nurse	suckle; take care of (as a nurse); bear in mind; Ex. nursing mother; Ex. nurse a hope/grudge against someone
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
mangy	shabby; wretched; suffering from mange; of bad appearance
mange	skin disease (esp. of domestic animals) marked by loss of hair
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
pronounced	distinct; very noticeable; Ex. pronounced limp
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)
manumit	emancipate; free from slavery or bondage
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
marred	damaged; disfigured; V. mar: spoil; disfigure
marshal	put in order; guide ceremoniously to the correct place; Ex. marshal the children into the museum; N: military officer; official
enlist	(cause to) join the armed forces; obtain (help, sympathy, or support)
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
cadet	student at a military school
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
masochist	person who enjoys his own pain; CF. masochism
masticate	chew
materialism	preoccupation with physical comforts and things; excessive regard for worldly concerns (rather than spiritual matters)
maternal	motherly; N. maternity: motherhood
matriarch	woman who rules a family or larger social group
matriculate	enroll (in college or graduate school); CF. matrix
matrix	point of origin; array of numbers or algebraic symbols; mold or die; Ex. the matrix of Western civilization
maudlin	effusively sentimental
sentimental	swayed by sentiment; appealing to the sentiments
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
intermediary	intermediate; acting as a mediator; N: mediator; go-between
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
suitor	man who is courting a woman
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
blue	gloomy; depressed
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
memorialize	commemorate
memorial	something, such as a monument or holiday, intended to honor the memory of a person or event; ADJ: commemorative
menagerie	collection of wild animals on exhibition; zoo
mendacious	lying; habitually dishonest; N. mendacity
mendicant	beggar; ADJ: living as a beggar
alms	money or goods given to the poor
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
quicksilver	mercury
meretricious	flashy; tawdry; attractive on the surface but of no real value; Ex. metericious argument/jewel; CF. prostitute
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
merger	combination (of two business corporations); act of merging
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
soar	rise or fly high in the air; Ex. The rocket soared into the sky.
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
methodical	systematic; N. method: systematic method of procedure
meticulous	excessively careful (with great attention to detail); painstaking; scrupulous
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
swamp	wetland; marsh; V: flood; overwhelm; drench in with liquid
microcosm	small representative world; world in miniature; Ex. microcosm of English society
miniature	small model; small painting; ADJ: small
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
mimicry	imitation
mime	pantomime(act without dialogue); mimicry; mimer; V: mimic; pantomime
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
dainty	delicate; delicately beautiful; fastidious; not easy to please; Ex. dainty movement/dress
exquisite	delicate; very finely made; extremely beautiful; Ex. exquisite piece of jewelry
choice	delicate; of very fine quality
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
vile	despicable; unpleasant; disgusting; Ex. vile slander
misapprehension	error; misunderstanding; V. misapprehend
miscellany	mixture of writings on various subjects; collection of various items
miscellaneous	made up of a variety of parts
mischance	ill luck
misconstrue	interpret incorrectly; misinterpret; misjudge
miscreant	wretch; wrongdoer; villain; Ex. kindness to the miscreant; CF. believe
wretch	miserable person; bad or despicable person; ADJ. wretched: miserable; bad; contemptible; vile
misdemeanor	minor crime; misdeed; wrongdoing
misconduct	immoral behavior; bad management; V.
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
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
moribund	dying; at the point of death; CF. death
morose	ill-humored; sullen; sullenly melancholy
mortician	undertaker; CF. death
undertaker	funeral director; one whose business is to arrange burials
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)
speck	small piece or mark; Ex. speck of dust in the eye
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)
motto	brief statement used to express a principle
mottled	blotched in coloring; spotted; Ex. mottled face; V. mottle: mark with blotches of different colors
blotch	spot; blot; CF. blot+botch
blemish	mar; spoil the beauty or perfection of; N: flaw or defect (that spoils perfection); Ex. blemishes in the crystal; CF. unblemished
mountebank	charlatan; boastful pretender
peddle	travel about selling (wares); CF. foot
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
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
muted	silent; muffled; toned down; Ex. muted traffic noise
mute	silent; without speech; not pronounced; unable to speak; N: one who is incapable of speech; V: soften the sound, color, shade of
mutilate	maim; injure lastingly; deprive of a limb or an essential part
mutinous	unruly; rebellious; Ex. mutinous teenagers; N. mutiny: open rebellion; CF. mutineer
myopic	nearsighted; lacking foresight; N. myopia
myriad	very large number; ADJ. CF. ten thousand
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
natation	swimming
natty	neatly or smartly dressed; dapper; smart; Ex. natty dresser
smart	intelligent; quick and energetic; fashionable; Ex. smart pace/restaurant; V: cause or feel a sharp pain; N: smarting pain
nauseate	cause to become sick; fill with disgust; fill nausea
nausea	feeling of sickness and desire to vomit; disgust; CF. seasickness
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
nebulous	vague; hazy; cloudy; of a nebula; Ex. nebulous proposal
nebula	diffuse mass of interstellar dust or gas; galaxy
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
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
favoritism	display of partiality toward a favored person
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
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
snip	short quick cut with scissors; V: cut with scissors
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
nirvana	in Buddhist teachings, the ideal state in which the individual loses himself in the attainment of an impersonal beatitude
impersonal	not being a person; not showing personal feelings; Ex. impersonal force/manner/organization
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
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
notoriety	disrepute; ill fame
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
shade	slight difference in degree; nuance; degree of color; Ex. shades of meaning/grey
gradation	series of gradual stages; degree in such a progression
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	related to marriage or the wedding ceremony; N. nuptials: wedding ceremony
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
nourish	provide with food necessary for life and growth
nourishment	something that nourishes; food
oaf	stupid awkward person; CF. elf
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
slavish	of or like a slave; servile; showing no originality; copied very closely; Ex. slavish devotion/copy of the original
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
scion	detached plant shoot used in grafting; descendant
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
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
pushy	disagreeably aggressive
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
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.
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
rustle	make slight sounds like silk moving or being rubbed together
onslaught	vicious assault; fierce attack; Ex. unexpected onslaught of the enemy
slaughter	killing of animals for food; massacre; V: butcher (animals) for food; kill in large numbers
onus	burden; responsibility
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
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
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
apparent	evident; easily seen or understood; appearing as such; Ex. apparent improvement
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
blackball	vote against (an applicant); ostracize; N: negative vote
oust	expel; drive out; force out; N. ouster: ousting
outlandish	bizzare; peculiar; unconventional
outmoded	no longer in fashion or use; no longer stylish; old-fashioned
outskirts	fringes; outer borders (as of a city); Ex. outskirts of Boston
outspoken	candid; blunt
blunt	having a dull edge; abrupt and frank in speech or manner; brusque; V: make or become blunt
outstrip	outrun; surpass; outdo
outwit	outsmart; defeat by behaving more cleverly
ovation	enthusiastic applause
overbearing	bossy; domineering and arrogant; decisively important; Ex. overbearing manner/importance; V. overbear: dominate
overt	open to view; public; not secret; CF. covert
overweening	arrogant; presumptuous
overwrought	nervous or excited; extremely agitated; hysterical; wrought-up; CF. wrought: made or done
hysteria	excessive or uncontrollable excitement; N. hysteric: person suffering from hysteria; CF. hysterics: attack of hysteria
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
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
parchment	writing material made from the skin of a sheep or goat
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
palpable	tangible; (of something bad) easily perceptible; obvious; Ex. palpable blunder
palpitate	throb; beat rapidly; flutter; tremble; Ex. Her heart began to palpitate.
throb	(of a heart or machine) beat rapidly or violently; N. Ex. hearthrob: heartbeat; sweetheart
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
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)
cater	provide food and drink (for); cater to: try to satisfy (desires of a bad kind)
panegyric	formal praise; encomium; Ex. I don't deserve such panegyrics.
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
parallelism	state of being parallel; similarity; analogy
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
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
inamorata	woman whom a man loves
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
dowry	money or property brought by a bride to her husband at marriage
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
infest	inhabit in numbers large enough to be harmful; Ex. Mice infested the house; Ex. shark-infested waters
parched	extremely dry; very thirsty; V. parch: make or become extremely dry (by exposure to heat)
pariah	social outcast; Ex. Mariah the pariah
outcast	one that has been excluded from a society; ADJ.
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
parish	area in the care of a single priest and served by one main church
outlook	point of view; view from a particular place; expectation for the future; prospect; Ex. outlook on life; Ex. pleasing outlook; Ex. weather outlook
parody	humorous imitation; spoof; takeoff; travesty; V.
spoof	parody
takeoff	burlesque; act of leaving the ground
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.
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
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
parvenu	upstart; newly rich person
partition	divide into parts
pass\'e	old-fashioned; past the prime
passive	not active; acted upon; receiving an action without acting in return; accepting without resistance
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
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
touching	causing a feeling of pity or sympathy; pathetic; V. touch: cause to feel pity or sympathy; ADJ. touched
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
varnish	paint used to coat a surface with a glossy film; glossy coating produced by using this substance; Ex. nail varnish; V.
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
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
swipe	hit with a sweeping motion; N.
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
bookish	fond of books and reading
studious	given to diligent study
pedestrian	ordinary; dull; unimaginative(lacking in imagination); going on foot; Ex. pedestrian prose; N.
precinct	division of a city for election or police purposes; precincts: space that surrounds a building; Ex. precincts of the college
pedigree	ancestry; lineage
pediatrician	physician specializing in children's diseases; N. pediatrics
peerless	having no equal; incomparable
peer	one who has equal standing with another; nobleman; V: look intently; N. peerage; CF. peeress
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
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
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
penitent	repentant; N.
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
damn	condemn; criticize severely; condemn to everlasting punishment; doom; bring to ruin; N. damnation
doom	condemnation to a severe penalty; ruin; fate (esp. a tragic or ruinous one); V.
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
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
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
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
personable	attractive (in personality or appearance)
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
forward	presumptuous or bold
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
wrongheaded	stubbornly wrong
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
mortar	vessel in which substances are crushed with a pestle
mash	crush into mash; convert into mash; N: mixture of ground grain and nutrients fed to livestock and fowl
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
self-righteous	sure of one's own righteousness; moralistic
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)
pillage	plunder
pillory	punish by placing in a wooden frame or pillory; subject or expose to criticism and ridicule; N.
pine	long for; yearn; languish from longing or grief; decline
pinion	restrain or immobilize by binding the wings or legs; N: bird's wing
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
tart	sharp to the taste; acid-tasting; caustic; sarcastic; Ex. tart apple/reply
sour	having a sharp or acid taste; acid; tart; bad-tempered; V.
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
beware	be cautious (of)
pith	core or marrow; spongelike substance in the center of stems; essence; substance
marrow	soft fatty tissue that fills most bone cavities and is the source of blood cells
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
tablet	small round piece of medicine; flat piece of stone or metal bearing an inscription; Ex. stone tablet on the wall
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
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
commonplace	ordinary; N: something ordinary or common; trite remark
commonwealth	nation governed by the people; republic; people of a nation
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)
referendum	direct vote by all the people
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
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)
plummet	fall sharply; fall straight down; Ex. Stock prices plummeted.
plutocracy	society ruled by the wealthy
podiatrist	doctor who treats ailments of the feet; chiropodist; N. podiatrics
podium	pedestal; raised platform
pedestal	support or base as for a pillar or statue
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
polarize	split into opposite extremes or camps
polarity	state of having two opposite qualities
polar	of a pole; characterized by opposite extremes; Ex. polar opposites
camp	group sharing a common cause or opinion
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.
porous	full of pores; like a sieve
interstice	narrow space between things
portend	foretell; presage; be a sign or warning of; N. portent: sign; omen; forewarning
soothsayer	one who foretells the future
portly	stout; corpulent
stout	rather fat; strong in body; sturdy; resolute; determined; strong in determination; Ex. stout stick/supporter
poseur	person who pretends to be sophisticated, elegant, etc., to impress others; person who poses; CF. pose
pose	assume a particular posture; put forward; present; affect a particular attitude (to impress others); Ex. pose a threat; N.
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
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)
prate	talk idly; speak foolishly; boast idly
prattle	talk idly; babble; N. CF. prate
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.
preamble	introductory statement
precarious	unsafe; lacking in stability; uncertain; risky; Ex. precarious living
precedent	something preceding in time which may be used as an authority or guide for future action; V. precede; CF. unprecedented
precedent	preceding (in time, rank, etc.)
precept	practical rule guiding conduct; Ex. mother's precept
precipice	cliff; dangerous position; Ex. on the edge of the precipice
brink	edge (at the top of a cliff); Ex. on the brink of the Grand Canyon
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
pr\'ecis	abstract; concise summing up of main points; concise summary of a text
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
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
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
presumptuous	going beyond what is right; excessively forward; arrogant; taking liberties
presume	take for granted; assume; act overconfidently; take liberties; presume on/upon: take unfair advantage of (someone's kindness or connection); N. presumption
pretentious	ostentatious; showy; pompous; making unjustified claims; overambitious; Ex. pretentious films that claim to be art
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.
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
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
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
defalcate	embezzle
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)
feud	bitter prolonged quarrel (usually between two peoples or families); V. CF. Romeo and Juliet; CF. feudal, feudalism
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
cue	word or signal (as in a play to prompt another actor's speech or entrance); reminder or hint; V: give a cue to
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
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
horoscope	diagram of the positions of stars at a given moment (eg. of a person's birth) used by astrologers
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
usage	act or manner of using; accepted practice; way in which words are actually used
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
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.
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
metrical	metric; written in the form of poetry; Ex. metrical translation of Homer
meter	arrangement of words in the form of poetry (by accentual rhythm)
prosperity	good fortune and financial success; physical well-being
prosper	become successful (esp. financially); thrive; grow well; Ex. children prospering under his care
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
protean	able to take on many forms; versatile; CF. Proteus: sea god to change his shape at will
prot\'eg\'e	person receiving protection and support from a patron
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
bulge	protruding part; swelling of a surface; Ex. The apple made a bulge in his pocket; V: swell outward; protrude
provenance	place of origin; origin or source of something; Ex. Gunpowder is of Chinese provenance; CF. come
provender	dry food for livestock; fodder
provident	providing for future needs; displaying foresight; thrifty; preparing for emergencies; OP. improvident
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
provincial	pertaining to a province; limited in outlook; narrow; unsophisticated
provisional	tentative; temporary
proviso	stipulation; condition in an agreement; provision
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
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
prize	pry; move with a lever; value highly; esteem; Ex. his most prized possession; N: something captured during war-time (esp. an enemy ship)
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
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
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
rooster	cock; adult male chicken
rabble	mob; noisy crowd
purse	pucker; contract (lips) into wrinkles; N: wallet
pucker	gather into wrinkles or folds; N: wrinkle or fold
purveyor	furnisher of foodstuffs; caterer; V. purvey: supply (eg. food); furnish; CF. provide
pusillanimous	cowardly; lacking courage; fainthearted
putative	supposed; reputed; generally regarded as such; Ex. putative father of the child
putrid	decayed and foul-smelling; foul; rotten; decayed; N. putridity
putrefy	make or become putrid; N. putrefaction
putrescent	becoming putrid; putrefying
gangrene	decay of body tissue caused by insufficient blood supply (usually following injury); ADJ. gangrenous
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)
quagmire	bog; marsh; soft, wet, boggy land; predicament; complex or dangerous situation from which it is difficult to free oneself
bog	soft wet land; V: hinder or be hindered; Ex. bogged down in the mud
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
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	person or animal of pursuit; victim; object of a hunt; prey
quarry	dig into (to get stone); N: mine
bank	heap; piled-up mass; embankment; lateral tilting (as of an aircraft in turning); V: pile up; protect with a bank; tilt in turning
quash	crush; suppress; squash; subdue; annul; Ex. quash a rebellion/the decision of the low court
squash	crush; quash; suppress
quay	dock; wharf; pier; landing place (for boats)
queasy	experiencing nausea; nauseated; easily nauseated; squeamish; Ex. feel a little queasy
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
squelch	produce a splashing sound (when stepping through mud); crush; squash
querulous	given to complaining; complaining; fretful; whining
whine	complain (in a sad voice); make a high sad sound (as in pain or supplication)
query	inquiry; question; V.
queue	line (of waiting people or vehicles)
quibble	minor objection or complaint; V: raise minor objections; carp; cavil
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.
taunt	deride or provoke; challenge in derision; N.
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.
leash	restraining rope fastened to the collar of an animal (to control it); Ex. a dog on a leash
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
rabid	of or suffering rabies; like a fanatic; extremely zealous; furious; CF. rabies: hydrophobia
raconteur	story-teller; one who tells stories with wit and skill
ragamuffin	dirty child in torn clothes; person wearing tattered clothes
tatter	torn piece of cloth; ADJ. tattered: (of clothes) old and torn; (of a person) dressed in old torn clothes
rail	complain bitterly; scold; rant; Ex. the weaker railing against injustices
raiment	clothing; garments; Ex. I have no raiment fit to wear.
rakish	jaunty; stylish; sporty; morally corrupt; dissolute; Ex. He wore his hat at a rakish and jaunty angle.
rake	angle of a slope; V: slant from the perpendicular
rake	immoral or dissolute person
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
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
rickety	(of buildings) likely to break or fall apart; of rickets; CF. rickets; CF. vitamin D
ransack	search thoroughly; pillage (going through a place); Ex. Enemy soldiers ransacked the town.
rancid	having the odor of stale or decomposing fat; rank
rank	offensive in odor or flavor
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
lot	object used in making a determination at random; fate; piece of land
draw	choosing of a lot or card
lottery	contest in which winners are selected in a drawing of lots
raffle	lottery; V: award as a prize in a raffle; Ex. raffle off a new car
rankle	irritate; fester; annoy
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
rarefied	made less dense (of a gas); V. rarefy: make less dense; N. rarefaction
rare	(of air) thin in density; rarefied; Ex. rare air of the mountains
raspy	making a harsh noise; grating; harsh
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.
ratify	approve formally; confirm; verify
ratiocination	reasoning; act of drawing conclusions from premises; V. ratiocinate: reason logically
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
rational	(of a person) having reason; (of ideas) based on reason; logical
ration	fixed portion; V: distribute as rations
raucous	(of voice) harsh and unpleasant; (of people) disorderly and boisterous; Ex. raucous shouts
ravage	devastate; plunder; despoil; Ex. crops ravaged by storms
maraud	move in search of plunder; Ex. marauding army
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
reinstate	restore to a previous condition or position
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.
snub	ignore or behave coldly toward; Ex. I made a suggestion but she snubbed me; 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
fashion	give shape to; make; Ex. fashion the pot out of clay
receptive	quick or willing to receive (ideas, suggestions, etc.); Ex. receptive to the proposal
recession	withdrawal; retreat; time of low economic activity
recess	pause; temporary cessation; alcove; secret inner place; Ex. parliament in recess; V. CF. recessive
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
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
resort	turn to for help; Ex. resort to violence; N.
makeshift	temporary expedient or substitute (in the case of urgent need); Ex. makeshift shelter
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
recline	lie down
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
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
stench	strong foul odor; reek; stink
stink	stench; V: emit a strong foul odor
refectory	dining hall; room where meals are served (in a school)
refraction	bending of a ray of light
refractory	unmanageable; disobedient and stubborn; Ex. refractory horse
refrain	abstain from; resist; forbear; N: chorus
chorus	phrase repeated throughout a song or poem
refulgent	effulgent; brilliant; brightly shining; gleaming; Ex. refulgent moon
gleam	brief flash of light; glow; V.
refurbish	renovate; make clean, bright, or fresh (make new) again; make bright by polishing; Ex. refurbish an old theater; CF. furbish: polish
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
penology	study of prison management and criminal rehabilitation
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
reiterate	repeat
rejoinder	reply; retort; comeback; V. rejoin: say in reply
comeback	retort; quick clever reply; return to former status
rejuvenate	make young again
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.
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
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
herald	messenger; sign of something to come; V: announce; proclaim; Ex. unheralded researcher
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
memoir	memoirs; autobiography; biography
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
replica	copy
replicate	reproduce; duplicate
repository	storehouse
repose	resting; state of being at rest; calmness; V: lie at rest; relax; put or place; Ex. repose our hopes in a single man
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
repulsion	distaste; disgust; act of driving back; ADJ. repulsive: causing disgust; tending to drive away; V. repel (not `repulse')
repulse	reject with rudeness or coldness (an offer or friendship); drive back (an enemy attack); CF. repulse $\neq$ cause repulsion
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
mass	Christian religious ceremony; CF. Mass: ceremony of the Eucharist
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
residue	remainder; balance
residual	remaining; left over; of a residue; N: residue
resignation	patiently submissiveness; statement that one is quitting a job; ADJ. resigned: acquiescent
resign	give up (a position, right, or claim); submit (oneself) passively
resilient	elastic; having the power of springing back; able to recover quickly (as from misfortune)
elastic	able to spring back into shape; quick to recover (as from disappointment); able to adapt to change; Ex. elastic plans; N: elastic material
resolution	determination; resoluteness; ADJ. resolute: firm or determined in purpose
resolve	determination; resolution; firmness of purpose
resolve	decide; settle; solve; separate; make a determined decision; N. resolution
resonant	(of a sound) echoing; resounding(sounding loudly); deep and full in sound; producing resonance; Ex. resonant voice; N. resonance
resound	(of a place) be filled with sound; (of a sound) sound loudly; sound back; echo; Ex. hall resounded with laughter
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
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
enact	make (a bill) into law
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.
reverent	respectful; worshipful; V. revere: regard with reverence; N. reverence: profound respect
reverend	deserving reverence; N: priest
reverie	daydream; abstracted musing
revert	relapse; backslide; turn back to; return to the former owner; N. reversion
relapse	return to a former state (esp. after improvement); N.
backslide	revert (to bad habits); N. reverter
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
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	fix or manipulate; manipulate dishonestly for personal gain; Ex. rig the election
rig	arrangement of masts and sails; V: equip (a ship) with rigging; ADJ. rigging: ropes that hold up a ship's sails
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
riveting	holding one's attention; absorbing; engrossing
rivet	metal pin used for fastening metal plates together; V: fasten with a rivet; engross
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
roseate	rosy; optimistic; Ex. roseate views
roster	list (of names)
rostrum	raised platform for speech-making; pulpit
pulpit	raised platform used in preaching (in a church)
rote	repetition; memorization through repetition without understanding; Ex. learn poetry by rote
rotunda	circular building or hall covered with a dome
rotundity	roundness; sonorousness of speech
rotund	(of a person) fat and round
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
stampede	sudden frenzied rush (of panic-stricken animals or people); V: participate in or cause stampede; Ex. stampede before the price rises
rubble	fragments (esp. from a destroyed building)
mason	one who builds or works with stone or brick; N. masonry: work of a mason; stonework or brickwork
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
ruminate	chew over and over (mentally or, like cows, physically); mull over(ponder)
ruminant	animal that ruminates; ADJ.
rummage	ransack; thoroughly search
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
ruthless	pitiless; merciless; cruel
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
doze	sleep lightly; nap
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
refuse	anything discarded or rejected as worthless; trash
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
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
scoff	laugh (at); mock; ridicule; Ex. scoff at their threats
scotch	stamp out(put an end to); thwart; hinder; Ex. scotch the rumor; CF. cut; CF.
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
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.
scourge	lash; whip (formerly used for punishment); source of severe punishment; V: whip; afflict
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 ?
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.
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
hull	husk; dry outer covering of a seed; frame or body of a ship
seamy	sordid; base; filthy; unwholesome; Ex. seamy side of city life
base	contemptible; morally bad; inferior in value or quality; Ex. base motives/conduct; Ex. base metal such as iron
sear	burn the surface of; char or burn; brand; parch; cause (a plant) to wither
char	make or become black by burning; reduce or be reduced to carbon or charcoal(black substance made by burning wood) by incomplete combustion
scorch	sear; N.
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.
hide	skin of an animal
seasoned	experienced
season	enhance the flavor of by adding a spice, etc.; inure; harden; N. seasoning: something used in seasoning
seasonal	of a particular season; Ex. seasonal rise in employment
seasonable	occurring at the proper time or season; opportune; Ex. seasonable intervention in the dispute
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
denomination	religious group; unit in a system; name or designation; CF. denominator: common trait or characteristic
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
sedulous	diligent; assiduous; paying attention; N. sedulity
seedy	run-down; decrepit; disreputable; having many seeds; Ex. seedy downtown hotel
run-down	(of a place) dilapidated; in a bad condition; (of a person) weak or exhausted
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
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
feebleminded	deficient in intelligence; very stupid
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
voluptuous	sensual; of or giving sensual pleasure; indulging in sensual pleasures; Ex. voluptuous lines; Ex. voluptuous life of the Romans; N. voluptuary: voluptuous person
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
sentinel	sentry; lookout
lookout	act of keeping watch; high place commanding a wide view; person who keeps watch
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)
shackle	chain; fetter; confine with shackles; N.
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.
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)
plane	carpenter's tool for smoothing and leveling wood; V. CF. flat
sheaf	bundle of stalks of grain; any bundle of things tied together
sheathe	place into a case; insert into or provide with a sheath; Ex. He sheathed his dagger; N. sheath: case for a blade
sherbet	flavored dessert ice
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
shrew	scolding woman; very small mouselike animal
shrewd	clever; astute
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.
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
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
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
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
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
frisk	move about playfully; froric; ADJ. frisky: playful
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.
slacken	slow up; loosen; make or become slack
slack	moving slowly; sluggish; inactive; (of a rope) loose; negligent; lax; Ex. slack season; Ex. slack in one's work; N. V.
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
slapdash	hasty and careless; haphazard; sloppy(carelessly done)
sleazy	shabby and dirty; flimsy; insubstantial; Ex. sleazy back-street hotel/fabric
sleeper	one that achieves unexpected success; something originally of little value or importance that in time becomes very valuable
sleight	dexterity; CF. sleight of hand: legerdemain; quickness of the hands in doing tricks
slew	large quantity or number; Ex. slew of errands left
slight	insult to one's dignity; snub; V: treat as if of small importance; insult; snub; ADJ. small in size; of small importance
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
sledge	large sled drawn by work animals
sleigh	large vehicle drawn by a horse over snow or ice
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	slander; insult to one's character or reputation; V.
slur	pronounce indistinctly; speak indistinctly; mumble
smattering	slight knowledge; small scattered number or amount; Ex. smattering of German
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
snicker	half-stifled(suppressed) laugh; V.
snivel	complain or whine tearfully; run at the nose; snuffle; Ex. Don't come back sniveling to me.
snuffle	sniffle; sniff repeatedly (in order to keep liquid from running out of the nose)
sobriety	moderation (especially regarding indulgence in alcohol); seriousness
sober	serious; solemn; not drunken; abstemious or temperate; V: make or become sober
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
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
sonorous	resonant; producing a full deep sound; producing sound
sonic	of sound or its speed in air; CF. subsonic, supersonic
sonnet	14-line poetic verse form with a fixed rhyme pattern
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
spangle	small shiny metallic piece sewn to clothing for ornamentation
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)
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
spendthrift	someone who wastes money; CF. thrift: accumulated wealth
sphinx-like	enigmatic; mysterious
splice	join together end to end to make one continuous length; fasten together; unite; Ex. splice two strips of tape; N.
spontaneity	lack of premeditation; naturalness; freedom from constraint; ADJ. spontaneous: self-generated; unpremeditated; happening without being planned
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
transpose	reverse the order or position of
sporadic	occurring irregularly; intermittent
sportive	playful; frolicsome; merry; CF. sport: play or frolic; CF. sportsmanlike
spruce	neat and trim in appearance; smart; Ex. Be spruce for your job interview; V.
spry	(esp. of older people) vigorously active; nimble
nimble	quick in movement; agile; quick in understanding; Ex. nimble climber/mind
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
squat	short and thick; stocky; Ex. ugly squat tower; V. N.
staccato	played in an abrupt manner; marked by abrupt sharp sound; Ex. staccato applause
legato	(of music) played smoothly
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
stanch	stop or check flow of blood; Ex. stanch the gushing wound
stanza	division of a poem (composed of two or more lines)
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
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
stickler	perfectionist; person who insists things be exactly right
stifle	suppress; extinguish; inhibit; smother or suffocate
smother	kill from lack of air; suppress; cover thickly; Ex. smothered in little stickers
suffocate	die or kill from lack of air; suppress
stigma	token of disgrace; brand; V. stigmatize: mark with a stigma; characterize as disgraceful
stilted	bombastic; stiffly pompous; Ex. stilted rhetoric; CF. stiff: formal
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
pen	fenced enclosure for animals; confining space; Ex. sheep pen; V: confine in a pen; enclose
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
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; CF. airplane wing, building support
studied	carefully contrived; calculated; unspontaneous; deliberate; thoughtful; Ex. studied remark
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
stupefy	stun; make numb (as with a drug); amaze
stupor	state of being stupefied; state of apathy; daze; lack of awareness
stun	make unconscious or numb as by a blow; amaze; astound
daze	stun as with a blow or shock; bemuse; benumb; N.
stygian	unpleasantly dark; gloomy; hellish; deathly; CF. Styx: the chief river in the subterranean land of the dead
stymie	thwart; present an obstacle; stump
stump	base of a tree trunk left after the rest has been cut down; V: walk in a heavy manner; baffle; puzzle
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
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
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.
sully	defile; soil; tarnish; Ex. sully one's hands in menial labor
tarnish	make or become dull or discolored; N.
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.
supplicate	petition humbly; pray to grant a favor
supplicant	one who supplicates; ADJ.
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
surly	bad-tempered; rude; cross
cross	bad-tempered; showing ill-humor; angry
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
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
swarthy	(of a skin or complexion) dark; dusky; Ex. swarthy Italian ?
swathe	swath; wrap around; bandage; Ex. one's head swathed in bandages
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
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
lopsided	heavier or larger on one side than the other; Ex. lopsided way of walking
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.
tacit	understood (without actually being expressed); not put into words; Ex. tacit agreement
taciturn	habitually silent; talking little
tactile	pertaining to the organs or sense of touch
tact	skill or sensitivity in dealing with people without causing offence
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
talisman	charm; object believed to give supernatural powers to or protect its bearer
talon	claw of bird
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
tan	convert (hide) into leather; make brown by exposure to the sun
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
tarry	linger; delay in starting or going; dawdle
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
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; CF. T + total
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
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; Â¹ÃŒÃÃ¶Â±Ã™Ã‡Ã'; half-hearted; not eager; Ex. tepid reaction to the new film; Ex. tepid supporter
termination	end; V. terminate
terminology	terms used in a science or art; study of nomenclature
terminus	last stop of railroad; end
terminal	part that forms the end; railroad or bus station; ADJ. forming an end; ending in death; fatal; Ex. terminal cancer
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
thespian	pertaining to drama; N: actor or actress
drama	prose or verse composition to be performed by actors; play; exciting and unusual situation
thrall	slave; bondage; slavery; Ex. Her beauty held him in thrall; CF. enthrall
threadbare	worn through till the threads show; shabby and poor; hackneyed; Ex. threadbare excuses
thrifty	careful about money; economical; N. thrift
thrive	prosper; flourish
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 ?
strangle	kill by choking or suffocating; suppress
thwart	block or hinder; baffle; frustrate
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
tipple	drink (alcoholic beverages) frequently; N: alcoholic drink
tirade	long angry denunciatory speech; diatribe; harangue; extended scolding; denunciation
tardy	slow; sluggish; not on time; late; Ex. tardy arrival
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
tickle	touch (the body) lightly so as to cause laughter; please
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
tome	large volume; book
handsome	large in quantity; generous; Ex. handsome reward
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
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
trunk	main wooden stem of a tree; human body excluding the head and limbs; torso; prehensile nose of an elephant
tortuous	winding; full of curves; Ex. tortuous mountain road
totter	shake or move unsteadily; sway as if about to fall
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
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
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
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
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
furrow	long shallow trench made by a plow; deep wrinkle in the skin; V.
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
trident	three-pronged spear
prong	pointed projecting part
trifling	trivial; unimportant
trifle	something of little importance or value; small amount; Ex. a trifle; V: treat without seriousness; flirt
trigger	set off; start
trilogy	group of three related works (connected by a shared subject but each complete in itself)
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
tryst	meeting arranged by lovers; arrangement between lovers to meet
tumid	(of a part of the body) swollen; distended; bombastic; pompous
overblown	inflated; exaggerated
tumult	commotion of a great crowd; riot; noise; uproar; ADJ. tumultuous: noisy and disorderly
tundra	rolling treeless plain in Siberia and arctic North America
rolling	(of land) rising and falling in long gentle slopes; happening continuously by stages; Ex. rolling devolution of power to local governments
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
wade	walk through a substance, such as water, that impedes movement
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.
eventual	happening at last as a result; Ex. eventual victory
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
bridle	harness fitted about a horse's head (used to restrain); curb; check; V: put a bridle on; control or restrain; show anger
uncanny	strange; mysterious; Ex. uncanny knack
knack	special talent; art
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
underlying	lying below; fundamental
undermine	weaken gradually; sap; dig a mine beneath
underscore	underline; emphasize
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
weird	eerie; strange; unnatural
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
hostage	person who is kept as a prisoner by an enemy so that the other side will do what the enemy demands
unfledged	immature; not having the feathers necessary to fly; CF. fledgling
unfrock	defrock; strip a priest or minister of church authority
disbar	make (a lawyer) leave the bar or the legal profession
debar	bar; forbid; exclude; Ex. debarred from jury services
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
bastard	illegitimate child
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	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.
choir	group of people who sing together (esp. during religious services); place for choir
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
prepossessing	attractive; CF. preoccupying ?
unravel	disentangle; solve
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
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
braid	plait; interweave strands or lengths of; make by weaving strands together; N: braided segment (as of hair)
uproarious	marked by commotion or uproar; very noisy (esp. with laughter); hilarious; causing loud laughter; extremely funny
uproar	noisy confusion
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
ursine	bearlike; pertaining to a bear
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
Shangri-la	imaginary remote paradise on earth; CF. Lost Horizon
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
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
tread	walk; trample; N: grooved face of a tire; horizontal part of a step
vagary	capricious happening; caprice; whim; CF. wander
vagrant	wandering from place to place; roving; stray; moving in a random fashion; Ex. vagrant thoughts; N. vagrancy
vagrant	homeless wanderer
vainglorious	boastful; excessively conceited; N. vainglory: great vanity
valedictory	pertaining to farewell; N: farewell address (esp. at graduation exercises)
valediction	saying farewell; expression of leave-taking
leave-taking	farewell or departure
valid	logically convincing; sound; legally acceptable; effective; Ex. valid reasoning/passport
sound	in good condition; showing good judgment or good sense; thorough; complete; Ex. sound mind/investment/training
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
avantgarde	group of artists whose work is based on the newest ideas and methods; CF. vanguard
vantage	position giving an advantage (such as a strategic point); CF. vantagepoint
vapid	lacking liveliness; dull and unimaginative; insipid and flavorless; Ex. vapid lecture
vaporize	turn into vapor (steam, gas, fog, etc.)
variegated	(esp. of a flower or leaf) many-colored
variegate	change the appearance of (by marking with different colors)
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	small opening; outlet (as of fumes or a gas); Ex. He gave vent to his anger by kicking the chair.
vent	release or discharge through a vent; express (esp. unfairly); utter; Ex. He vented his wrath on his family.
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.
brave	face courageously; Ex. brave the storm
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
lush	(of a plant or grass) growing very well
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
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
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
vicar	parish priest; representative
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
vigilant	watchful; on the alert; watchfully awake; alert to spot danger; N. vigilance
vigil	keeping watch (during normal sleeping hours); Ex. all-night vigil
vigilante	one who without authority assumes law enforcement powers
vigor	active strength; energy; enthusiasm; ADJ. vigorous
vignette	small drawing placed at the beginning or end of a chapter; picture; short literary sketch; short written description of a character or scene
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
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
visionary	produced by imagination; fanciful; mystical; showing foresight; N: one having foresight; one given to speculative impractical ideas
vision	eyesight; foresight; mental image produced by the imagination; experience of seeing the supernatural
vital	full of life; animated; vibrant and lively; critical; of great importance; necessary to stay alive; of life; living; breathing; N. vitality; V. vitalize
vibrant	full of vigor or energy; vibrating
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
sprightly	lively
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.
voluble	fluent; talkative; glib; N. volubility
volley	simultaneous discharge of a number of shots; V.
voluminous	having great volume (as of a garment or container); bulky; large
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
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
vouchsafe	grant condescendingly; guarantee; Ex. vouchsafe your fair return on your investment
vouch	give a personal guarantee; Ex. I can vouch for his integrity; N. voucher
voyeur	Peeping Tom; person who derives sexual gratification from observing the sexual acts of others
vulnerable	susceptible to wounds or attack; N. vulnerability
vulpine	like a fox; crafty
craft	skill (esp. with one's hands); skill in deceiving people; guile; ADJ. crafty: cleverly deceitful; cunning
vulture	carrion-eating birds
vying	contending; CF. vie
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
waggish	humorous; mischievous; tricky
wag	shake repeatedly from side to side; Ex. The dog wagged its tail; N: humorous person; wit
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.
wiggle	wriggle; move from side to side with irregular twisting motions
fake	not genuine; N: one that is not genuine; impostor; sham; V: counterfeit; Ex. fake the results of the experiment/the signature
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.
warp	twist out of shape; N.
warranted	justified; authorized
warrant	justification; written order that serves as authorization (esp. a judicial writ); Ex. search/death warrant; V: justify; guarantee
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
wax	increase gradually (as the moon); grow
waylay	ambush; lie in wait for and attack
ambush	act of lying in wait to attack by surprise; sudden attack made from a concealed position; Ex. lie in ambush; V.
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
weather	pass safely through (a storm or difficult period); endure the effects of weather or other forces
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
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