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abase: lower; degrade; humiliate; make humble; make (oneself) lose self
aberrant: abnormal or deviant
abet: assist usually in doing something wrong; encourage
abject: (of a condition) wretched; as low as possible; lacking pride; very humble; showing lack of self
abjure: renounce upon oath
ablution: washing
abnegation: renunciation; self
abominate: loathe; hate
abortive: unsuccessful; fruitless
abrogate: abolish
abscission: cutting off; separation
abstemious: sparing in eating and drinking; temperate
abut: border upon; adjoin
acclivity: sharp upslope of a hill; OP. declivity
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
acidulous: slightly sour (in taste or manner); sharp; caustic
acquiesce: assent; agree passively; comply without protest
acrophobia: fear of heights
actuate: motivate; activate; cause to act
addle: make or become confused; muddle; drive crazy; become rotten (egg)
adjuration: solemn urging; V. adjure: entreat earnestly; enjoin solemnly
adjutant: staff officer assisting the commander; assistant
adroit: skillful (in using mind or hand)
agog: highly excited; intensely curious
alacrity: cheerful promptness without reluctance
ambrosia: food of the gods
ambulatory: able to walk
amiss: wrong; faulty; Ex. something amiss; ADV.
animus: hostile feeling or intent; animosity; hostility; disposition
anneal: reduce brittleness and improve toughness by heating and cooling (metal or glass)
aphasia: loss of speech due to injury or illness
apiary: a place where bees are kept
apiculture: bee
aplomb: poise; composure in difficult situations; assurance; self
apocryphal: (of a story) widely believed but untrue
apogee: highest point; the point farthest from the earth; OP. perigee
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
appellation: name; title
apprehensive: fearful; discerning
apprise: inform
approbation: approval
appurtenances: subordinate possessions; something added to a more important thing
apropos: with reference to; regarding; Ex. remarks apropos (of) the present situation; ADJ. ADV.
arcade: a covered passageway usually lined with shops
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
arraign: charge in court; indict
arroyo: gully; narrow channel formed by rainwater
artifice: deception; trickery
artless: without guile; open and honest
asperity: sharpness; roughness; severity (of temper or weather); Ex. asperities of a Russian winter
aspersion: slanderous remark; Ex. cast aspersions on
assay: analyze (to discover what materials are present); evaluate (soil or ore)
astigmatism: eye defect which prevents proper focus; OP. stigmatism
astringent: binding; causing contraction (stopping bleeding); harsh or severe; stringent; Ex. astringent criticism
attenuate: make thin; weaken
aver: state confidently; declare as true
avuncular: of or like an uncle
awl: pointed tool used for piercing
ballast: heavy substance used to add stability or weight; V. supply with ballast
bauble: trinket; cheap jewel; trifle
bawdy: indecent; obscene; about sex in a rude funny way; CF. bawd
beatific: giving or showing bliss; blissful
beatitude: blessedness; state of great happiness
begrudge: envy; give or allow unwillingly; grudge; Ex. We shouldn't begrudge him his success.
beguile: deceive; mislead or delude; cheat; pass time pleasantly; charm or attract; Ex. beguiling smile
behoove: #N/A
bemused: confused; lost in thought; preoccupied
besmirch: soil; defile; make dirty
betoken: signify; indicate; be a sign of
bigotry: stubborn intolerance
bilious: suffering from indigestion; sick from having too much bile; irritable; easily irritated
bilk: swindle; cheat
blandishment: flattery
blithe: #N/A
bogus: counterfeit; not authentic; intentionally false; Ex. bogus interview
boor: rude, insensitive person
braggart: boaster; bragger
brindled: tawny or grayish with streaks or spots (of animals)
bromide: platitude; chemical compound used to calm excitement
brusque: blunt; abrupt; curt; not wanting to waste time being nice
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
burgeon: grow rapidly; grow forth; send out buds; Ex. burgeoning computer industry; CF. bludgeon
buxom: full
cadence: rhythmic rise and fall (of words or sounds); beat; regular beat of sound; rhythm
cajole: persuade by praise or false promise; coax; wheedle
callow: youthful; immature; inexperienced
calumny: malicious misrepresentation; slander
canard: unfounded false rumor; exaggerated false report
canny: shrewd in money matters; thrifty
carafe: glass water bottle; decanter
careen: lurch; sway from side to side; move with irregular swinging movement; stagger
career: rush wildly; go at full speed
caste: one of the hereditary classes in Hindu society; social stratification; prestige
catcall: shout of disapproval or displeasure (made at the theater or a sports match); boo; V.
catechism: book for religious instruction in question
caulk(calk): make watertight (by blocking up cracks as in a ship)
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
cavil: quibble; make frivolous objections; find fault unnecessarily
celerity: speed; rapidity
censor: (in ancient Rome) overseer of morals (also taking the census); person who eliminates inappropriate matter; V.
censure: blame; criticize; express strong disapproval; N: severe criticism; strong disapproval
chaffing: bantering; joking
chagrin: annoyance and disappointment; vexation (caused by humiliation or injured pride)
chary: cautious; unwilling to take risks; sparing or restrained about giving; OP. bold
chauvinist: blindly devoted patriot; zealous adherent of a group, cause, or sex; ADJ. chauvinistic; CF. chauvinism; Nicolas Chauvin
churlish: boorish; rude; N. churl: boor; yahoo
cipher: nonentity; worthless person or thing; zero; secret code; V.
circumspect: prudent; cautious; acting after careful thought
clangor: loud resounding noise; sound of repeated clanging
clavicle: collarbone
cloister: monastery or convent
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.
collation: a light meal; collating
comely: attractive; agreeable; having a pleasing appearance
comestible: something fit to be eaten
comity: courtesy; civility; Ex. comity of nations
commiserate: feel or express pity or sympathy for
commodious: spacious and comfortable
complaisant: trying to please; obliging; willing to please others
comport: bear one's self; behave; Ex. comport oneself; N. comportment
conclave: private secret meeting
condign: adequate; (of punishment) severe and well deserved
confound: confuse; puzzle
congenial: pleasant; friendly; in agreement with one's tastes and nature; Ex. congenial weather
congenital: existing at birth
consanguinity: kinship; relationship by birth
consternation: great shock; dismay
continence: self
contumacious: stubborn and disobedient; resisting authority (esp. disobedient to an order made by a court)
convivial: pleasantly merry; festive; joyous; gay; characterized by joviality; jovial
coquette: flirt; flirtatious woman; woman who tries to attract the admiration of men without sincere feelings; V.
covetous: avaricious; desirous of (someone else's possessions); V. covet: desire eagerly (someone else's possessions)
cow: terrorize; intimidate
cozen: cheat; hoodwink; swindle
crass: very unrefined; grossly insensible; crude and undiscriminating; Ex. crass behavior
craven: cowardly
crestfallen: dejected; dispirited
crone: hag; ugly old woman
cynosure: object of general attention; person or thing that is a center of attention; CF. Ursa Minor
dank: damp; unpleasantly wet
dawdle: loiter; hang around; waste time doing nothing
debase: degrade; reduce in quality or value; degenerate; lower in esteem; disgrace; N. debasement
debonair: (of men) friendly, charming, and fashionably dressed; aiming to please; CF. of good disposition
declivity: downward slope
decorum: propriety; orderliness and good taste in manners; appropriateness of behavior or conduct
defrock: strip a priest or minister of church authority; unfrock
deify: turn into a god; make a god of; idolize; Ex. Kings were deified; CF. deity
deign: condescend; stoop
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
depravity: extreme corruption; wickedness; V. deprave
depredation: plundering; destruction
descry: catch sight of (something distant)
despoil: plunder; sack; Ex. despoil the village
desultory: aimless; haphazard; digressing at random
diadem: crown
die: metal block used for shaping metal or plastic; device for stamping or impressing; mold; CF. dice
diffidence: shyness; lack of self
dilettante: aimless follower of an art or a field of knowledge (not taking it seriously); amateur; dabbler; CF. delight
diminution: lessening; reduction in size; V. diminish
dinghy: small boat (often ship's boat)
dingy: (of things and place) dirty and dull; Ex. dingy street/curtain
dint: means; effort; Ex. by dint of hard work
dire: warning of disaster; disastrous; (of needs and dangers) very great; urgent; Ex. dire prediction/need of food
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
discombobulated: discomposed; confused
discomfit: frustrate; put to rout; defeat; disconcert; embarrass; perturb
disconcert: confuse; upset; embarrass; perturb
disconsolate: hopelessly sad (at the loss of something)
discrete: separate; unconnected
disgorge: surrender something (stolen); eject; vomit; OP. gorge
disinclination: unwillingness
disingenuous: not naive; not candid; sophisticated; worldly wise; OP. ingenuous
disinter: dig up; unearth; OP. inter
dispassionate: calm; impartial; not influenced by personal feelings
disport: amuse; Ex. disport oneself; CF. divert
disputatious: argumentative; fond of argument
disquisition: formal systematic inquiry; explanation of the results of a formal inquiry; long formal speech or written report
dissemble: disguise; hide the real nature of; pretend
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
dissuade: persuade not to do; discourage; N. dissuasion
distend: expand; swell out
distrait: absentminded; distracted
doff: take off; OP. don
doggerel: poor verse
dolorous: sorrowful; N. dolor
dormer: window projecting upright from roof; CF. sleeping room
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
dowdy: untidy (of a woman or clothes); slovenly; dressed in an unattractive way; shabby; CF. unattractive woman
dowse: use a divining rod to search for underground water or minerals
drivel: nonsense; foolishness; V: talk nonsense
droll: queer and amusing
dross: waste matter; worthless impurities
dyspeptic: suffering from indigestion; N. dyspepsia: indigestion; difficulty in digesting food
d\'enouement: #N/A
eddy: swirling current of water, air, etc.; V.
effectual: able to produce a desired effect; valid
effete: having lost one's original power; barren; worn out; exhausted
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
egress: exit; opening for going out; act of going out; OP. ingress
emasculate: weaken; castrate
embitter: make bitter; fill with painful or bitter feelings; make sad and angry; Ex. He was embittered by many disappointments.
embroil: throw into confusion; involve in strife, dispute, or quarrel; entangle; CF. imbroglio
emend: correct (usually a text); N. emendation: correction of errors; improvement
emetic: substance causing vomiting; ADJ.
emollient: soothing or softening remedy (for the skin); ADJ.
emolument: salary; payment for an office; compensation
encomiastic: praising; eulogistic; N. encomium: very high praise; eulogy
encumber: burden; N. encumbrance
enervate: weaken; take away energy from
enjoin: command; order; forbid
enliven: make lively or spirited; animate
ensconce: settle comfortably; place comfortably (in a secure place)
entomology: study of insects
epithet: word or phrase characteristically used to describe a person or thing; descriptive phrase to characterize a person (often contemptous)
equable: tranquil; of even calm temper; (of temperature) steady; uniform
eschew: avoid habitually; Ex. eschew alcoholic drinks
etymology: study of word parts; study of the origins of words
euphony: sweet sound; ADJ. euphonious
evince: show clearly
exacting: extremely demanding; Ex. exacting standard of safety
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
exegesis: explanation, especially of biblical(of the bible) passages
exonerate: acquit; exculpate; free from blame or guilt
expatiate: talk at length; speak or write in detail
expiate: make amends for (a sin)
expository: explanatory; serving to explain; N. exposition: explaining; exhibition
expostulation: protest; remonstrance; reasoning with someone to correct or dissuade; V. expostulate
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
extirpate: root up; uproot; destroy completely
facet: small plane surface (of a gem(precious stone)); a side
facetious: joking (often inappropriately); unserious; humorous
factitious: artificial; produced artificially; sham; false; Ex. factitious tears
factotum: handyman; person who does all kinds of work; CF. do everything
fallible: liable to err
fastidious: difficult to please; squeamish; fussy; finicky
fatuous: smugly and unconsciously foolish; inane; silly; N. fatuity, fatuousness
faze: disconcert; dismay; embarrass
febrile: feverish
fecundity: fertility; fruitfulness; ADJ. fecund: very productive of crops or young
feign: pretend
feint: trick; shift; sham blow; feigned attack to draw away defensive action; V.
felicitous: (of a word or remark) apt; suitably expressed; well chosen
felicity: happiness; appropriateness (of a remark, choice, etc.); quality of being felicitous
feral: (of an animal) not domestic; wild
fervent: ardent; zealous; hot
fervid: ardent; zealous; hot
fervor: glowing ardor; intensity of feeling; quality of being fervent or fervid; zeal; intense heat
fetid(foetid): malodorous; foul
fiat: command; arbitrary order; Ex. presidential fiat; CF. let it be done
fidelity: loyalty; accuracy
fiend: evil spirit; devil
filch: steal (things of small value)
filial: pertaining to or befitting a son or daughter; Ex. filial respect
filibuster: block legislation or prevent action in a lawmaking body by making very slow long speeches; N; freebooter
filigree: delicate ornamental lacelike metalwork
firebrand: piece of burning wood; hothead; troublemaker; person who stirs up trouble
fitful: spasmodic; intermittent; irregular
flag: droop; grow feeble; decline in vigor or strength; ADJ. flagging; CF. unflagging
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
flay: strip off skin; plunder; remove the skin from; criticize harshly
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
florid: ruddy; (of a complexion) reddish; flowery; very ornate; CF. rose
flotsam: drifting wreckage
flout: reject; mock; show contempt for; scorn; Ex. flout the rules
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
foible: small weakness of character; slight fault; CF. feeble
foist: insert improperly; impose upon another by coercion; palm off; pass off as genuine or worthy; CF. fist
foppish: vain about dress and appearance; N. fop: man who takes too much interest in his clothes and appearance
forbearance: patience; forgiveness; V. forbear: refrain from (in a generous and forgiving way); be patient; Ex. forbear to send him to prison
forestall: prevent by taking action in advance
forswear: renounce under oath; abandon; make a solemn promise to give up; CF. abjure
fortitude: bravery; courage; strength of mind
fray: brawl; fight; V: wear away or unravel by rubbing; have loose threads developing; cause to become worn out (a person's temper or nerves); CF. rub
freebooter: pirate or plunderer who makes war in order to grow rich
fret: be annoyed or vexed; Ex. fret over your poor grades; N: irritation of mind; ADJ. fretful
frieze: ornamental horizontal band on a wall
frolicsome: prankish; gay; playful; merry; frisky
fuddle: make stupid or confused as with alcholic drink; N. in a fuddle: confused
fulminate: thunder; explode; issue a severe denunciation
fulsome: disgustingly excessive; offensively flattering; Ex. fulsome praise/expressions of admire
furtive: stealthy; quiet and secret (trying to escape notice); sneaky; Ex. furtive glance
fusillade: simultaneous firing or outburst (of missiles, questions, etc.)
gainsay: deny
gait: manner of walking or running; speed
gall: annoy; exasperate; chafe; N: skin sore caused by rubbing (as on the skin of a horse); exasperation
gambol: romp; skip about; leap about playfully; frolic; N.
garish: overbright in color; unpleasantly bright; gaudy
gastronomy: art and science of preparing and serving good food; CF. gastronome
gauche: clumsy (in social behavior); coarse and uncouth
gavel: hammerlike tool; mallet(wooden hammer) used by a presiding officer or an auctioneer; V.
genteel: well
gentility: those of gentle birth; high social class; refinement; quality of being genteel
genuflect: bend the knee as in worship
germane: pertinent; bearing upon(having connection with) the case at hand; appropriate
gibe: mock; make jeering remarks; N: jeering remarks
girth: distance around something; circumference
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
glutinous: sticky; viscous; gluey
gnarl: protruding knot on a tree; V.
gossamer: sheer; very light; like cobwebs; N: soft and sheer fabric; cobweb
gourmand: epicure; person who takes excessive pleasure in food and drink
grotto: small cavern
grovel: crawl or creep on ground; remain prostrate; behave in a servile manner
guffaw: boisterous laughter; V.
gull: trick; deceive; hoodwink; N: person who is easily tricked; dupe
gustatory: affecting or relating to the sense of taste
hackles: hairs on back and neck, especially of a dog; Ex. make someone's hackles rise
haggard: wasted away; gaunt; Ex. haggard faces of the rescued miners
halcyon: calm; peaceful; Ex. halcyon days
hale: healthy
hapless: unfortunate; luckless
harangue: long, passionate, and vehement speech; V.
harbinger: forerunner (which foreshadows what is to come)
herald: messenger; sign of something to come; V: announce; proclaim; Ex. unheralded researcher
hermetic: concerning alchemy or magic; obscure and mysterious; occult
herpetologist: one who studies reptiles; CF. herpetology: branch of zoology that deals with reptiles and amphibians
hew: cut to pieces with ax or sword; chop; N.
hirsute: hairy; having a lot of hair
histrionic: theatrical; excessively dramatic or emotional; affected; of actors or acting; N. histrionics: histrionic behavior
homely: not good
homily: sermon; tedious moralizing lecture; serious warning; ADJ. homiletic
hortatory: encouraging; exhortive; marked by exhortation; CF. exhort
hull: husk; dry outer covering of a seed; frame or body of a ship
hummock: small hill; hillock
hurtle: crash; rush; move with great speed; Ex. hurtling runaway train
ichthyology: study of fish; CF. ichthyo
idyllic: charmingly carefree; simple and happy; Ex. idyllic scene
ignoble: unworthy; not noble; dishonorable; Ex. ignoble deed
ignominy: deep disgrace; shame or dishonor; ADJ. ignominious; Ex. ignominous defeat
imbecility: weakness of mind; state of being an imbecile; N. imbecile: stupid person; fool
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
immolate: offer or kill as a sacrifice (by fire)
immutable: unchangeable
impale: pierce (with a sharp point); Ex. impaled by the spear
impalpable: imperceptible(not easily understood); intangible; OP. palpable: tangible; easily perceptible
impassioned: (of speech) filled with passion; fervent
impeach: charge (a public official) with crime in office; raise doubts about; indict; Ex. impeach a witness's credibility
impeccable: faultless
impecunious: without money
impel: drive or force onward; drive to take action; urge to action
impenitent: not repentant
imperious: domineering; too commanding; haughty; CF. imperial/emperor
impertinent: insolent; rude; not pertinent; N. impertinence
imperturbable: unshakably calm; placid
impetuous: violent; hasty; rash; impulsive; without careful thought; Ex. impetuous decision
impolitic: not wise; not expedient; not politic
imponderable: weightless; that cannot undergo precise evaluation; CF. pound
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
imprecation: curse; swearword
impregnable: invulnerable; impossible to capture or enter by force; Ex. impregnable fort/argument; CF. take
impropriety: improperness; unsuitableness
improvident: thriftless; not providing for the future
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
incendiary: arsonist; ADJ: causing fire; of arson; Ex. incendiary bomb
inchoate: (of desire, wish, plan) recently begun; not explicit; at the beginning of development; rudimentary; elementary; Ex. inchoate mass
inclement: stormy; unkind; unmerciful; CF. clement
incommodious: not spacious; inconvenient
incontinent: lacking self
incorporeal: without a material body; insubstantial
incorrigible: uncorrectable
incredulity: tendency to disbelief
incredulous: withholding belief; skeptical; showing disbelief
incubus: burden; very worriying problem; mental care; nightmare; male devil; CF. succubus
indelible: not able to be erased
indemnify: make secure against damage or loss; compensate for damage or loss; CF. make uninjured
indigence: poverty
indignation: anger at an injustice; Ex. righteous indignation; ADJ. indignant
indite: write; compose
indolent: lazy
ineffable: unutterable; not to be uttered; taboo; that cannot be expressed in speech; indescribable; unspeakable; inexpressible; Ex. ineffable name/joy
ineluctable: irresistible; not to be escaped; unavoidable
inerrancy: infallibility
inexorable: relentless; unyielding; implacable; not capable of being changed by entreaty or efforts; Ex. inexorable price rises
infidel: unbeliever (with respect to a particular religion)
ingenue: ing\'enue; young innocent girl
ingenuous: naive and trusting; young; unsophisticated; candid
ingratiate: become popular with; bring (oneself) in favor of another; Ex. ingratiate himself with the boss
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
insalubrious: unwholesome; not healthful; Ex. insalubrious place
insensate: without feeling; lacking sense; foolish
insipid: lacking in flavor; lacking interest; dull; Ex. insipid food/character
insouciant: without concern or care; unconcerned; indifferent
insuperable: insurmountable; unbeatable; Ex. insuperable difficulties
interloper: intruder; one who interferes
internecine: mutually destructive
interregnum: period between two successive reigns or governments
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
intrepid: fearless
inured: accustomed; hardened; Ex. inured to the Alaskan cold; V. inure: make used to something undesirable; harden; CF. unfeeling
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
inveterate: deep
invidious: designed to create ill will or envy; tending to rouse ill will or envy; Ex. invidious comparison
irreproachable: beyond reproach; blameless; impeccable; Ex. irreproachable conduct
isthmus: narrow neck of land connecting two larger bodies of land
itinerant: wandering; traveling from place to place (to perform work); Ex. itinerant preacher
jetsam: things thrown from a ship (to lighten the ship)
jingoist: extremely aggressive and militant patriot; warlike chauvinist; N. jingoism: extreme nationalism
jocose: given to(having a tendency of) joking
jocular: said or done in jest or playfully; marked by joking
jocund: merry
kismet: fate; destiny; Ex. Kismet is the Arabic word for fate.
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.
labile: likely to change; unstable; Ex. emotionally labile; N. lability
lachrymose: producing tears; tearful
lackadaisical: lacking interest or effort; lacking purpose or zest; lazy; halfhearted; languid
lackluster: lacking luster(shine; gloss); dull
laconic: brief and to the point; using few words; terse
laity: laypersons; laymen; persons not connected with the clergy
languor: lack of physical or mental energy; lassitude; depression
lassitude: languor; weariness; listlessness
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
lechery: gross lewdness; lustfulness; ADJ. lecherous; N. lecher: lecherous man
lectern: reading desk or stand for a public speaker
legato: (of music) played smoothly
legerdemain: sleight(dexterity) of hand; CF. light of hand
leonine: like a lion
libertine: debauched person; dissolute or licentious person; rou\'e; CF. free
libidinous: lustful
libretto: text of an opera or oratorio; CF. book
licentious: amoral; lewd and lascivious; unrestrained
lien: legal claim or right on a property
ligneous: like wood
limn: draw; outline; describe; CF. line ?
limpid: crystal clear
lineaments: features especially of the face; distinctive shape or contour of the face; CF. line
list: tilt (as of a ship); lean over (to one side)
litany: supplicatory prayer; prayer in which the priest calls out and the people replies in the same words
lithe: flexible; supple; CF. limber
litotes: understatement for emphasis; Ex. ``not bad(=pretty good)''
livid: lead
lode: metal
lope: gallop slowly
low: moo; make the sound of a cow
lucre: money; profit; Ex. filthy lucre
lugubrious: mournful; sorrowful
lumen: unit of light energy (one candle's worth)
macerate: soften by soaking in liquid; waste away; Ex. macerate powdered wood to make paper
maculated: spotted; stained; CF. immaculate
madrigal: pastoral song; song for several singers without instruments
maelstrom: violent whirlpool; violent or tublent situation; CF. stream
magniloquent: boastful; pompous
maladroit: clumsy; not skillful; awkward; bungling
malapropism: comic misuse of a word; CF. Mrs. Malaprop
malapropos: inappropriate; ADV.
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)
malingerer: one who feigns illness to escape duty; V. malinger: feign illness to avoid work
malodorous: foul
manacle: restrain; handcuff; N.
mange: skin disease (esp. of domestic animals) marked by loss of hair
manumit: emancipate; free from slavery or bondage
maraud: move in search of plunder; Ex. marauding army
martinet: strict disciplinarian; person who demands total obedience to rules and orders; CF. Jean Martinet
maudlin: effusively sentimental
mauve: pale purple
mawkish: mushy(sentimental) and gushy; icky
mealymouthed: indirect in speech (when something unpleasant must be said); hypocritical; evasive
mellifluous: (of words or a voice) sweetly or smoothly flowing; melodious; having a pleasant tune
menagerie: collection of wild animals on exhibition; zoo
mendacious: lying; habitually dishonest; N. mendacity
mendicant: beggar; ADJ: living as a beggar
meretricious: flashy; tawdry; attractive on the surface but of no real value; Ex. metericious argument/jewel; CF. prostitute
mete: measure; distribute; administer; Ex. mete out justice/punishment
miasma: swamp gas; heavy vaporous atmosphere often emanating from decaying matter; pervasive corrupting influence; noxious atmosphere or influence
minatory: menacing; threatening
minutiae: petty or trivial details; CF. minutia
mirth: merriment; laughter
misanthrope: one who hates mankind; misanthropist
misogamy: hatred of marriage
misogynist: hater of woman; CF. misogyny
modicum: limited quantity; small amount; Ex. He does not have a modicum of sense; CF. moderate
modish: fashionable; conforming to the current fashion
mollify: soothe an angry person
monochromatic: having only one color
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
moribund: dying; at the point of death; CF. death
morose: ill
motility: ability to move spontaneously; ADJ. motile: moving spontaneously
mountebank: charlatan; boastful pretender
mulct: defraud a person of something; swindle; Ex. mulct the boy of his legacy
mutablility: ability to change in form; fickleness; ADJ. mutable: able to change; fickle; CF. mutate; CF. mutant
nefarious: very wicked
nettle: irritate; annoy; vex; ADJ. nettlesome
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
obsequious: slavishly attentive; servile; full of servile compliance; sycophantic
obstreperous: boisterous; noisy and uncontrollable
occlude: shut; close; obstruct; Ex. A blood clot occluded an artery.
occult: mysterious; secret; supernatural; beyond human comprehension; CF. mysterious to human ?; OP. bare
odium: detestation; quality of being odious; hatefulness; disrepute (resulting from hateful conduct)
odyssey: long, eventful, adventurous journey
officious: meddlesome; excessively pushy in offering one's services; overly eager in offering unwanted services or advices; Ex. officious bellboy
opalescent: iridescent; lustrous; like an opal; N. opalescence
overweening: arrogant; presumptuous
palate: roof of the mouth; sense of the taste
pallid: pale; wan; Ex. pallid complexion
paltry: insignificant; petty; trifling; contemptible; Ex. paltry sum; CF. trash
pare: cut away the outer covering or skin of (with a knife); trim; Ex. pare apples/expenses
peccadillo: slight offense or fault; CF. sin
pedagogue: teacher; CF. child leader
pedantic: bookish; showing off learning; marked by an excessive ostentatious concern for book learning; N. pedantry
peevish: bad
penance: self
penchant: strong inclination; strong liking (esp. for something that is disapproved of by other people); Ex. penchant for fast cars
perfidious: treacherous; disloyal; N. perfidy: treachery
perjury: false testimony while under oath; V. perjure oneself: testify falsely under oath
perspicacious: (of someone) having insight; penetrating; astute
philistine: narrow
phlegmatic: calm and unexcitable; not easily disturbed; CF. phlegm: sticky mucus produced in the respiratory tract
pilfer: steal things of small value; filch; snitch
pinnace: small boat
piquant: pleasantly tart
plane: carpenter's tool for smoothing and leveling wood; V. CF. flat
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
precocious: advanced in development; N. precocity
predilection: preference; partiality
prepossessing: attractive; CF. preoccupying ?
prevaricate: lie; hide the truth (by equivocating)
prim: proper to the point of affectation; very precise and formal; exceedingly proper
prolixity: tedious wordiness; verbosity; ADJ. prolix: wordy; verbose; diffuse
proscribe: prohibit; ostracize; banish; outlaw
protean: able to take on many forms; versatile; CF. Proteus: sea god to change his shape at will
protract: prolong; lengthen in time; draw out
provident: providing for future needs; displaying foresight; thrifty; preparing for emergencies; OP. improvident
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
prudent: cautious; careful; prudential
puerile: childish; immature; CF. puer: boy
pulchritude: beauty; comeliness; ADJ. pulchritudinous
pulpit: raised platform used in preaching (in a church)
quaff: drink with zest; drink with relish(zest; hearty enjoyment); ▓▄▓⌐▓▄▓⌐ ╕╢╜├┤┘; CF. sip
quail: cower; shrink back in fear; lose heart
quarry: person or animal of pursuit; victim; object of a hunt; prey
quay: dock; wharf; pier; landing place (for boats)
querulous: given to complaining; complaining; fretful; whining
quibble: minor objection or complaint; V: raise minor objections; carp; cavil
quiescent: dormant; temporarily inactive; at rest; N. quiescence
quintessence: purest and highest embodiment; perfect example; apotheosis; most essential element; Ex. quintessence of wit; ADJ. quintessential; CF. fifth essence
quisling: traitor who aids invaders; CF. Vidkun Quisling
quixotic: idealistic but impractical; CF. Don Quixote
quotidian: daily; commonplace; customary; Ex. quotidian routine
raconteur: story
rail: complain bitterly; scold; rant; Ex. the weaker railing against injustices
raiment: clothing; garments; Ex. I have no raiment fit to wear.
rake: immoral or dissolute person
rakish: jaunty; stylish; sporty; morally corrupt; dissolute; Ex. He wore his hat at a rakish and jaunty angle.
rampart: defensive mound of earth
ramshackle: (of a building or vehicle) poorly constructed; rickety; falling apart
rancid: having the odor of stale or decomposing fat; rank
rancor: long
rankle: irritate; fester; annoy
rapacious: voracious; ravenous; taking everything one can; excessively grasping; plundering; subsisting on live prey; Ex. rapacious birds
raspy: making a harsh noise; grating; harsh
ratiocination: reasoning; act of drawing conclusions from premises; V. ratiocinate: reason logically
raucous: (of voice) harsh and unpleasant; (of people) disorderly and boisterous; Ex. raucous shouts
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''.
recalcitrant: disobedient or resisting authority even after being punished; obstinately stubborn; determined to resist authority; unruly; Ex. recalcitrant child
recapitulate: summarize
recidivism: habitual return to crime (even after being punished); N. recidivist
recondite: abstruse; not easily understood; profound; secret
recreant: disloyal; cowardly; N: disloyal and cowardly person
recrimination: countercharges; V. recriminate
rectitude: moral correctness; moral uprightness; moral virtue; correctness of judgment
recumbent: reclining; lying down completely or in part
redolent: odorous; fragrant; suggestive (of an odor); Ex. redolent of onions/mystery
redoubtable: formidable; causing fear
refectory: dining hall; room where meals are served (in a school)
refulgent: effulgent; brilliant; brightly shining; gleaming; Ex. refulgent moon
regale: entertain
regatta: boat or yacht race
remiss: negligent; careless about a duty
remit: transmit (money) in payment; free someone from a debt or punishment
remonstrate: protest; objection; V. remonstrate: say in protest
remorse: deep regret for wrongdoing; guilt; self
rend: split; tear apart; N. rent; CF. heartrending: causing deep sorrow
repartee: quick clever reply
repast: meal; feast; banquet
repine: fret; complain; be annoyed; Ex. repine over the undone work
replete: fully filled; filled to the brim or to the point of being stuffed; abundantly supplied; Ex. report replete with errors
reprehensible: deserving blame; blameworthy; V. reprehend: blame
reprobate: morally disapproved person; person hardened in sin, devoid of a sense of decency; CF. disapproved by God ?
reprobation: severe disapproval; CF. approbation
reprove: censure; rebuke; N. reproof
repudiate: disown; disavow; deny
repugnance: disgust; strong dislike; loathing; ADJ. repugnant: arousing disgust; repulsive
repulse: reject with rudeness or coldness (an offer or friendship); drive back (an enemy attack); CF. repulse $\neq$ cause repulsion
requisition: formal demand or request; Ex. requisition for more computing equipment; V.
requite: make return for; repay; reciprocate; revenge; N. requittal
resplendent: brilliant; splendid in appearance; dazzling; glorious
restitution: returning something (lost or stolen) to the rightful owner; reparation; indemnification; compensation for loss, damage, or injury
retinue: following; attendants
reverie: daydream; abstracted musing
ribald: marked by vulgar lewd humor; wanton; profane; N. ribaldry: ribald language or joke
rococo: ornate; highly decorated; N. CF. 18th century
roil: make liquids murky by stirring up sediment; disturb
roseate: rosy; optimistic; Ex. roseate views
rout: put to rout; stampede; drive out; N: complete defeat and disorderly retreat
rou\'e: #N/A
ruse: trick to deceive; stratagem
rusticate: banish to the country; dwell in the country
salutary: tending to improve; beneficial; wholesome; Ex. The punishment had a salutary effect on the boy; CF. health
sanguine: optimistic; cheerful; hopeful; of the color of blood; red
sartorial: pertaining to tailors or tailoring; Ex. a man of great sartorial elegance; CF. sartor: tailor
saturnine: morose; gloomy; Ex. Do not be misled by his saturnine countenance.
satyr: half
scabbard: case for a sword blade; sheath
scad: a great quantity; Ex. scads of clothes
scintilla: trace; minute amount; shred; least bit; Ex. There is not a scintilla of truth; CF. spark
scrupulous: conscientious; extremely thorough; Ex. scrupulous worker
scurrilous: abusive; obscene; indecent; Ex. scurrilous remark
scurvy: contemptible; despicable; N: disease caused by deficiency of Vitamin C
seamy: sordid; base; filthy; unwholesome; Ex. seamy side of city life
secular: worldly; not pertaining to church matters or religion; temporal
sedulous: diligent; assiduous; paying attention; N. sedulity
seemly: (of behavior) proper; appropriate
sheaf: bundle of stalks of grain; any bundle of things tied together
shunt: move (a railway train) from one track to another; turn aside; divert; sidetrack; Ex. shunt traffic around an accident; N.
shyster: lawyer using questionable methods; unscrupulous practioner
sibylline: prophetic; oracular; N. sibyl: woman prophet (in the ancient world)
simper: smirk; smile in a silly way; smile affectedly
sinecure: well
sinewy: (of meat) tough; strong and firm; muscular; N. sinew: tendon; strong cord connecting a muscle to a bone
skiff: small light sailboat or rowboat
skinflint: miser; stingy person
skulk: move furtively and secretly; Ex. He skulked through the less fashionable sections of the city.
slake: satisfy (thirst); quench; sate
slink: move furtively; ADJ. slinky: stealthy; furtive; sneaky (as in ambush)
slipshod: slovenly; careless; sloppy; untidy; shabby; Ex. slipshod work
sloth: slow moving tree
sluice: artificial channel for directing or controlling the flow of water (with a gate to regulate the flow)
sodden: thoroughly soaked; dull or stupid as if from drink
solecism: nonstandard grammatical construction; construction that is flagrantly incorrect grammatically; violation of social etiquette
solemnity: seriousness; gravity
solicitous: anxious; worried; concerned; eager; Ex. solicitous to do something; N. solicitude
somnambulist: sleepwalker; V. somnambulate; N. somnambulism
somnolent: half asleep; drowsy; N. somnolence
soporific: sleep
specious: seemingly reasonable but incorrect; misleading (often intentionally)
spry: (esp. of older people) vigorously active; nimble
spurn: reject disdainfully; scorn; Ex. She spurned all offers of help.
squelch: produce a splashing sound (when stepping through mud); crush; squash; CF. ┴°╚δ└╗ └º┐í╝¡ ╣Γ└╗ ╢º
stilted: bombastic; stiffly pompous; Ex. stilted rhetoric; CF. stiff: formal
stipple: paint or draw with dots or short strokes
stockade: wooden enclosure or pen; fixed line of posts used as defensive barrier
stolid: dull; impassive; showing little emotion when strong feelings are expected
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
stupefy: stun; make numb (as with a drug); amaze
suborn: persuade to act unlawfully (especially to commit perjury); N. subornation
subterfuge: stratagem(deceptive scheme); pretense; evasion; Ex. resort to a harmless subterfuge
succor: assist (someone in difficulty); aid; comfort; N.
sumptuous: grand suggesting great expense; lavish; rich; Ex. sumptuous feast
superannuated: retired or disqualified because of age; outmoded; obsolete
supercilious: haughty; arrogant; condescending; patronizing; CF. eyebrow, cilium
supine: lying on back; passive; inactive; Ex. The defeated pugilist lay supine; Ex. supine acceptance of the decision
supplicate: petition humbly; pray to grant a favor
supposititious: assumed; counterfeit; hypothetical
surfeit: satiate; feed or supply to excess; stuff; indulge to excess in anything; N: surfeiting; excessive amount; Ex. surfeit of 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
sybarite: lover of luxury; person devoted to pleasure and luxury; CF. Sybaris: an ancient Greek city in Italy
syllogism: logical formula consisting of a major premise, a minor premise and a conclusion; deceptive or specious argument
synoptic: providing a general overview; summary; N. synopsis
tactile: pertaining to the organs or sense of touch
tantamount: equivalent in effect or value; Ex. This invasion is tantamount to a declaration of war; CF. amount
taper: very thin candle; gradual decrease in the width of a long object; V. make or become gradually narrower toward one end
tarry: linger; delay in starting or going; dawdle
tawdry: cheap and gaudy; Ex. tawdry jewelry
temerity: boldness; nerve; rashness; Ex. temerity to ask for a pay increase after only three day's work
temporize: gain time as by postponing an action; avoid committing oneself
tendentious: promoting a particular point of view; biased; having an aim; designed to further a cause; Ex. tendentious rather than truth
tepid: lukewarm; slightly warm; ╣╠┴÷▒┘╟╤; half
terminus: last stop of railroad; end
terse: concise; abrupt; pithy
tessellated: mosaic; inlaid; Ex. tessellated pattern
testator: maker of a will; CF. testatrix
testy: irritable; impatient and bad
thespian: pertaining to drama; N: actor or actress
thrall: slave; bondage; slavery; Ex. Her beauty held him in thrall; CF. enthrall
timbre: quality of a musical tone produced by a musical instrument (which distinguishes it from others of the same pitch)
timorous: fearful; timid; demonstrating fear
tipple: drink (alcoholic beverages) frequently; N: alcoholic drink
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
tonsure: shaving of the head especially by person entering religious orders; V.
torrid: (of weather) hot or scorching; passionate; Ex. torrid love affairs
totter: shake or move unsteadily; sway as if about to fall
tract: propaganda pamphlet (esp. by a religious or political group); expanse of land; region of indefinite size; system of related organs; Ex. digestive tract
traduce: expose to slander
trappings: outward decorations; ornaments (as an outward sign of rank)
trenchant: cutting; incisive; keen
trepidation: fear; nervous apprehension
truculence: aggressiveness; ferocity; ADJ. truculent: aggressive; pugnacious; fierce
tryst: meeting arranged by lovers; arrangement between lovers to meet
tumid: (of a part of the body) swollen; distended; bombastic; pompous
turbid: (of a liquid) having the sediment disturbed; muddy; thick
tureen: deep dish for serving soup
turgid: swollen; distended (as from liquid)
turpitude: depravity; baseness; Ex. moral turpitude
umbrage: resentment; anger; sense of injury or insult; Ex. take umbrage at his rudeness
unassailable: not open to attack; impregnable; not subject to question
unassuaged: unsatisfied; not soothed
uncanny: strange; mysterious; Ex. uncanny knack
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
unerringly: infallibly; ADJ. unerring: making no mistakes
unguent: ointment
unseemly: unbecoming; not proper in behavior; indecent; Ex. leave with unseemly haste
untoward: unexpected and adverse; unfortunate or unlucky; Ex. untoward encounter
unwonted: unaccustomed; unusual; Ex. He arrived with unwonted punctuality.
upbraid: reprimand; severely scold
ursine: bearlike; pertaining to a bear
usury: lending money at illegal high rates of interest
vagary: capricious happening; caprice; whim; CF. wander
valediction: saying farewell; expression of leave
vapid: lacking liveliness; dull and unimaginative; insipid and flavorless; Ex. vapid lecture
vassal: in feudalism, one who held land of a superior lord; subordinate or dependent
vehement: forceful; intensely emotional; with marked vigor; strong; N. vehemence
venerate: revere; treat with great respect
veracious: (of a person) truthful
verdigris: green coating or patina on copper which has been exposed to the weather
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
vernal: pertaining to spring
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
vicissitude: change (esp. from good to bad); change of fortune; CF. the last emperor of China
victuals: food; provisions; V. victual: provide with food
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
vintner: wine merchant; winemaker; seller of wine
visage: face; appearance
viscid: adhesive; gluey
vise: vice; tool for holding work in place; clamping device
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
vouchsafe: grant condescendingly; guarantee; Ex. vouchsafe your fair return on your investment
vulpine: like a fox; crafty
waggish: humorous; mischievous; tricky
wan: having a pale or sickly color; pallid
wangle: achieve by cleverness or trick; wiggle out; fake; Ex. She tried to wangle an invitation to the party.
wanton: unrestrained; gratuitously cruel; willfully malicious; unchaste; sexually improper; promiscuous; Ex. wanton spending/killing; CF. having no just cause
warren: tunnels in which rabbits live; overcrowded living area; crowded conditions in which people live
wastrel: waster; profligate
waylay: ambush; lie in wait for and attack
welter: confusion; turmoil; confused mass; bewildering jumble; Ex. welter of data
wheedle: deceive, persuade, or obtain by flattery; cajole; coax; Ex. wheedle a promise out of her
whit: small amount; smallest speck; Ex. not a whit of
whittle: pare; cut away thin bits (from wood); fashion in this way; reduce gradually; trim
whorl: ring of leaves around stem; ring; circular arrangement; Ex. whorls on the fingers
willful: wilful; intentional; headstrong
willowy: flexible; pliant; slender; CF. willow
winsome: charming (in a childlike way); agreeable; gracious; engaging
wistful: sadly thoughtful (because of desires or memories); sadly pensive; vaguely longing
wizened: shriveled; withered; Ex. wizened apple/old lady
wrench: twist; pull; strain; Ex. He wrenched the gun out of her hands.
writhe: twist in coils; contort in pain
yen: strong desire; longing; urge; Ex. yen for travel
yeoman: man or farmer owning small estate; middle
yokel: rustic; country bumpkin; ├╠│≡
yore: time long past; Ex. in the days of yore
zealot: one who is zealous; fanatic; person who shows excessive zeal