• GRE Word List: Top GRE Words for GRE Test

    Here is GRE Word list with GRE Words meaning and example sentence. You will easy remember the GRE words when you learn a word with simple example sentences. Learn words in this word list 50 words a day and keep going till you finish. Make sure you read sentence too.

    GRE Word List

    this word list contains repeated words in GRE Real test. Syntax: Word, Meaning, Example sentence.

    abbreviate
    shorten Example Because we were running out of time, the lecturer had to abbreviate her speech.
    abate
    subside or moderate Example Rather than leaving immediately, they waited for the storm to abate.
    abortive
    unsuccessful; fruitless Example We had to abandon our abortive attempts.
    absolute
    complete; totally unlimited; certain Example Although the King of Siam was an absolute monarch, he did not want to behead his unfaithful wife without absolute evidence of her infidelity.
    abstract
    theoretical; not concrete; non-representational Example To him, hunger was an abstract concept; he had never missed a meal.
    abusive
    coarsely insulting; physically harmful Example An abusive parent damages a child both mentally and physically.
    accelerate
    move faster Example In our science class, we learn how falling bodies accelerate.
    accessible
    easy to approach; obtainable Example We asked our guide whether the ruins were accessible on foot.
    accessory
    additional object; useful but not essential thing Example She bought an attractive handbag as an accessory for her dress.
    abscond
    depart secretly and hide Example The teller absconded with the bonds and was not found.
    aberrant
    abnormal or deviant Example Given the aberrant nature of the data, we came to doubt the validity of the entire experiment.
    abeyance
    suspended action Example The deal was held in abeyance until her arrival.
    adamant
    hard, inflexible Example He was adamant in his determination to punish the wrongdoer.
    adulterate
    make impure by mixing with baser substances Example It is a crime to adulterate foods without informing the buyer.
    adversity
    poverty, misfortune Example We must learn to meet adversity gracefully.
    abase
    lower; degrade; humiliate Example Anna expected to have to curtsy to the King of Siam; when told to cast herself down on the ground before him, however she refused to abase herself.
    abash
    embarrass Example He was not at all abashed by her open admiration.
    abdicate
    renounce; give up Example When Edward VII abdicated the British throne, he surprised the entire world.
    abet
    assist, usually in doing something wrong Example She was unwilling to abet him in the swindle he had planned.
    abject
    wretched; lacking pride Example On the streets of New York the homeless live in abject poverty, huddling in doorways to find shelter from the wind.
    abjure
    renounce upon oath Example He abjured his allegiance to the king.
    ablution
    washing Example His daily ablutions were accompanied by loud noises that he humorously labeled "Opera in the Bath."
    abnegation
    renunciation; self-sacrifice Example Though Rudolph and Duchess Flavia loved one another, their love was doomed, for she had to wed the king; their act of abnegation was necessary to preserve the kingdom.
    abominate
    loathe; hate Example Moses scolded the idol worshippers in the tribe because he abominated the custom.
    abrasive
    rubbing away; tending to grind down Example Just as abrasive cleaning powders can wear away a shiny finish, abrasive remarks can wear away a listener's patience.
    abrogate
    abolish Example He intended to abrogate the decree issued by his predecessor.
    absolve
    pardon (an offense) Example The father confessor absolved him of his sins.
    abstain
    refrain; withhold from participation Example After considering the effect of alcohol on his athletic performance, he decided to abstain from drinking while he trained for the race.
    abut
    border upon; adjoin Example Where our estates abut, we must build a fence.
    abysmal
    bottomless Example His arrogance is exceeded only by his abysmal ignorance.
    accede
    agree Example If I accede to this demand for blackmail, I am afraid that I will be the victim of future demands.
    acclimate
    adjust to climate or environment Example One of the difficulties of our present air age is the need of travellers to acclimate themselves to their new and often strange environments.
    acclivity
    sharp upslope of a hill Example The car could not go up the acclivity in high gear.
    accolade
    award of merit Example In Hollywood, an "Oscar" is the highest accolade.
    accord
    agreement Example She was in complete accord with the verdict.
    accost
    approach and speak first to a person Example When the two young men accosted me, I was frightened because I thought they were going to attack me.
    accoutre
    equip Example The fisherman was accoutred with the best that the sporting goods store could supply
    accretion
    growth; increase Example The accretion of wealth marked the family's rise in power.
    accrue
    come about by addition Example You must pay the interest that has accrued on your debt as well as the principal sum.
    acidulous
    slightly sour; sharp; caustic Example James was unpopular because of his sarcastic and acidulous remarks.
    acme
    peak; pinnacle; highest point Example Welles's success in Citizen Kane marked the acme of his career as an actor; never again did he achieve such popular acclaim.
    acquiesce
    assent; agree passively Example Although she appeared to acquiesce to her employer's suggestions, I could tell she had reservations about the changes he wanted made.
    acquittal
    deliverance from a charge Example His acquittal by the jury surprised those who had thought him guilty.
    acrid
    sharp; bitterly pungent Example The acrid odor of burnt gunpowder filled the room after the pistol had been fired.
    acrimonious
    stinging, caustic Example His tendency to utter acrimonious remarks alienated his audience.
    actuarial
    calculating; pertaining to insurance statistics Example According to recent actuarial tables, life expectancy is greater today than it was a century ago.
    actuate
    motivate Example I fail to understand what actuated you to reply to this letter so nastily.
    acuity
    sharpness Example In time his youthful acuity of vision failed him, and he needed glasses.
    acumen
    mental keenness Example His business acumen helped him to succeed where others had failed.
    adage
    wise saying; proverb Example There is much truth in the old adage about fools and their money.
    addendum
    addition; appendix to book Example Jane's editor approved her new comparative literature text but thought it would be even better with an addendum on recent developments in literary criticism.
    addle
    muddle; drive crazy Example This idiotic plan is confusing enough to addle anyone.
    adherent
    supporter; follower Example In the wake of the scandal, the senator's one-time adherent quietly deserted him.
    adjunct
    something attached to but holding an inferior position Example I will entertain this concept as an adjunct to the main proposal.
    adjuration
    solemn urging Example Her adjuration to tell the truth did not change the witnesses' testimony.
    adjutant
    staff officer assisting the commander; assistant Example Though Wellington delegated many tasks to his chief adjutant, Lord Fitzroy Somerset, Somerset was in no doubt as to who made all major decisions.
    admonish
    warn; reprove Example He admonished his listeners to change their wicked ways.
    adorn
    decorate Example Wall paintings and carved statues adorned the temple.
    adroit
    skillful Example His adroit handling of the delicate situation pleased his employers.
    adulation
    flattery; admiration Example The rock star thrived on the adulation of his groupies and yes-men.
    advent
    arrival Example Most Americans were unaware of the advent of the Nuclear Age until the news of Hiroshima reached them.
    adventitious
    accidental; casual Example He found this adventitious meeting with his friend extremely fortunate.
    adversary
    opponent; enemy Example Batman struggled to save Gotham City from the machinations of his wicked adversary, the Joker.
    adverse
    unfavorable; hostile Example adverse circumstances compelled him to close his business.
    advert
    refer to Example Since you advert to this matter so frequently, you must regard it as important.
    advocate
    urge; plead for Example The abolitionists advocated freedom for the slaves.
    aegis
    shield; defense Example Under the aegis of the Bill of Rights, we enjoy our most treasured freedoms.
    affable
    courteous Example Although he held a position of responsibility, he was an affable individual and could be reached by anyone with a complaint.
    affected
    artificial; pretended Example His affected mannerisms irritated may of us who had known him before his promotion.
    affidavit
    written statement made under oath Example The court refused to accept his statement unless he presented it in the form of an affidavit.
    affiliation
    joining; associating with Example His affiliation with the political party was of short duration for he soon disagreed with his colleagues.
    affinity
    kinship Example She felt an affinity with all who suffered; their pains were her pains.
    affirmation
    positive assertion; confirmation; solemn pledge by one who refuses to take an oath Example Despite Tom's affirmation of innocence, Aunt Polly still suspected he had eaten the pie.
    affix
    attach or add on; fasten Example First the registrar had to affix his signature to the license; then he had to affix his official seal.
    affluence
    abundance; wealth Example Foreigners are amazed by the affluence and luxury of the American way of life.
    affront
    insult; offend Example Accustomed to being treated with respect, Miss Challoner was affronted by Vidal's offensive behavior.
    agape
    openmouthed Example She stared, agape, at the many strange animals in the zoo.
    agenda
    items of business at a meeting Example We had so much difficulty agreeing upon an agenda that there was very little time for the meeting.
    agglomeration
    collection; heap Example It took weeks to assort the agglomeration of miscellaneous items she had collected on her trip.
    aggrandize
    increase or intensify; raise in power, wealth, rank or honor Example The history of the past quarter century illustrates how a President may aggrandize his power to act aggressively in international affairs without considering the wishes of Congress.
    aggregate
    sum; total Example The aggregate wealth of this country is staggering to the imagination.
    aghast
    horrified Example He was aghast at the nerve of the speaker who had insulted his host.
    agility
    nimbleness Example The agility of the acrobat amazed and thrilled the audience.
    agitate
    stir up; disturb Example Her fiery remarks agitated the already angry mob.
    agnostic
    one who is skeptical of the existence of knowability of a god or any ultimate reality Example The agnostic demanded proof before she would accept the statement of the minister.
    agog
    highly excited; intensely curious Example We were all agog at the news that the celebrated movie star was giving up his career in order to enter a monastery.
    agrarian
    pertaining to land or its cultivation Example As a result of its recent industrialization, the country is gradually losing its agrarian traditions.
    alacrity
    cheerful promptness Example He demonstrated his eagerness to serve by his alacrity in executing the orders of his master.
    alchemy
    medieval chemistry Example The changing of baser metals into gold was the goal of the students of alchemy.
    alcove
    nook; recess Example Though their apartment lacked a full-scale dining room, an alcove adjacent to the living room made an adequate breakfast nook for the young couple.
    alias
    an assumed name Example John Smith's alias was Bob Jones.
    alienate
    make hostile; separate Example Her attempts to alienate the two friends failed because they had complete faith in each other.
    alimentary
    supplying nourishment Example The alimentary canal in our bodies is so named because digestion of foods occurs there.
    alimony
    payments make to an ex-spouse after divorce Example Because Tony had supported Tina through medical school, on their divorce he asked the court to award him $500 a month in alimony.
    allay
    calm; pacify Example The crew tried to allay the fears of the passengers by announcing that the fire had been controlled.
    allege
    state without proof Example It is alleged that she had worked for the enemy.
    allegory
    story in which characters are used as symbols; fable Example Pilgrim's Progress is an allegory of the temptations and victories of the human soul.
    alleviate
    relieve Example This should alleviate the pain; if it does not, we shall have to use stronger drugs.
    alliteration
    repetition of beginning sound in poetry Example "The furrow followed free" is an example of alliteration.
    alloy
    mixture as of metals Example alloy of gold are used more frequently than the pure metal.
    allude
    refer indirectly Example Try not to allude to this matter in his presence because the topic annoys him.
    allure
    entice; attract Example allured by the song of the sirens, the helmsman steered the ship toward the reef.
    allusion
    indirect reference Example the allusions to mythological characters in Milton's poems bewilder the reader who has not studied Latin.
    alluvial
    pertaining to soil deposits left by running water Example The farmers found the alluvial deposits at the mouth of the river very fertile.
    aloof
    apart; reserved Example Shy by nature, she remained aloof while all the rest conversed.
    aloft
    upward Example The sailor climbed aloft into the rigging.
    altercation
    noisy quarrel Example Throughout the altercation, not one sensible word was uttered.
    altruistic
    unselfishly generous; concerned for others Example In providing tutorial assistance and college scholarships to hundreds of economically disadvantaged youths, Eugene Lang performed a truly altruistic deed.
    amalgamate
    combine; unite in one body Example The unions will attempt to amalgamate their groups into one national body.
    amass
    collect Example The miser's aim is to amass and hoard as much gold as possible.
    amazon
    female warrior Example Ever since the days of Greek mythology we refer to strong and aggressive women as amazons.
    ambidextrous
    capable of using either hand with equal ease Example A switch-hitter in baseball should be naturally ambidextrous.
    ambience
    environment; atmosphere Example She went to the restaurant not for the food but for the ambience.
    ambiguous
    unclear or doubtful in meaning Example His ambiguous instructions misled us; we did not know which road to take.
    ambivalence
    the state of having contradictory or conflicting emotional attitudes Example Torn between loving her parents one minute and hating them the next, she was confused by the ambivalence of her feelings.
    amble
    moving at an easy pace Example When she first mounted the horse, she was afraid to urge the animal to go faster than a gentle amble.
    ambrosia
    food of the gods Example ambrosia was supposed to give immortality to any human who ate it.
    ambulatory
    able to walk Example He was described as an ambulatory patient because he was not confined to his bed.
    ameliorate
    improve Example Many social workers have attempted to ameliorate the conditions of people living in the slums.
    amenable
    readily managed; willing to be led Example He was amenable to any suggestions that came from those he looked up to; he resented advice from his inferiors.
    amend
    correct; change, generally for the better Example Hoping to amend his condition, he left Vietnam for the United States.
    amenities
    convenient features; courtesies Example In addition to the customary amenities for the business traveler -- fax machines, modems, a health club -the hotel offers the services of a butler versed in social amenities.
    amiable
    agreeable; lovable Example His amiable disposition pleased all who had dealings with him.
    amicable
    friendly Example The dispute was settled in an amicable manner with no harsh words.
    amiss
    wrong; faulty Example Seeing her frown, he wondered if anything were amiss.
    amity
    friendship Example Student exchange programs such as the Experiment in International Living were established to promote international amity.
    amnesia
    loss of memory Example Because she was suffering from amnesia, the police could not get the young girl to identify herself.
    amnesty
    pardon Example When his first child was born, the king granted amnesty to all in prison.
    amoral
    non-moral Example The amoral individual lacks a code of ethics; he should not be classified as immoral.
    amorous
    moved by ***ual love; loving Example Don Juan was known for his amorous adventures.
    amorphous
    shapeless; vague; indeterminate Example John was subject to panic attacks that left him prey to vague, amorphous fears: he knew he was terrified, but could neither define nor explain the cause of his terror.
    amphibian
    able to live both on land and in water Example Frogs are classified as amphibian.
    amphitheater
    oval building with tiers of seats Example The spectators in the amphitheater cheered the gladiators.
    ample
    abundant Example He had ample opportunity to dispose of his loot before his police caught up with him.
    amplify
    enlarge Example Her attempts to amplify her remarks were drowned out by the jeers of the audience.
    amputate
    cut off part of body; prune Example When the doctors had to amputate Ted Kennedy's leg to prevent the spread of cancer, he did not let the loss of his leg keep him from participating in sports.
    amok
    in a state of rage Example The police had to be called in to restrain him after he ran amok in the department store.
    amulet
    charm; talisman Example Around her neck she wore the amulet that the witch doctor had given her.
    anachronism
    something or someone misplaced in time Example Shakespeare's reference to clocks in Julius Caesar is an anachronism; no clocks existed in Caesar's time.
    analgesic
    causing insensitivity to pain Example The analgesic qualities of his lotion will provide temporary relief.
    analogous
    comparable Example She called our attention to the things that had been done in an analogous situation and recommended that we do the same.
    analogy
    similarity; parallelism Example Your analogy is not a good one because the two situations are not similar.
    anarchist
    person who rebels against the established order Example Only the total overthrow of all governmental regulations would satisfy the anarchist.
    anarchy
    absence of governing body; state of disorder Example The assassination of the leaders led to a period of anarchy.
    anathema
    solemn curse; someone or something that is despised Example He heaped anathema upon his foe.
    anathematize
    curse Example The high priest anathematized the heretic.
    anchor
    secure or fasten firmly; be fixed in place Example We set the post in concrete to anchor it in place.
    ancillary
    serving as an aid or accessory; auxiliary Example In an ancillary capacity Doctor Watson was helpful; however, Holmes could not trust the good doctor to solve a perplexing case on his own.
    anecdote
    short account of an amusing or interesting event Example Rather than make concrete proposals for welfare reform, President Raegan told anecdotes about poor people who became wealthy despite their impoverished backgrounds.
    anemia
    condition in which blood lacks red corpuscles Example The doctor ascribes her tiredness to anemia.
    anesthetic
    substance that removes sensation with or without loss of consciousness Example His monotonous voice acted like an anesthetic; his audience was soon asleep.
    anguish
    acute pain; extreme suffering Example Visiting the site of explosion, Premier Gorbachev wept to see the anguish of the victims and their families.
    angular
    sharp-cornered; stiff in manner Example His features, though angular, were curiously attractive.
    animadversion
    critical remark Example He resented the animadversions of his critics, particularly because he realized they were true.
    animated
    lively Example Her animated expression indicated a keenness of intellect.
    animosity
    active enmity Example He incurred the animosity of the ruling class because he advocated limitations of their power.
    animus
    hostile feeling or intent Example The animus of the speaker became obvious to all when he began to indulge in sarcastic and insulting remarks.
    annals
    records; history Example In the annals of this period, we find no mention of democratic movements.
    anneal
    reduce brittleness and improve toughness by heating and cooling Example After the glass is annealed, it will be less subject to chipping and cracking.
    annihilate
    destroy Example The enemy in its revenge tried to annihilate the entire population.
    annotate
    comment; make explanatory notes Example In the appendix to the novel, the critic sought to annotate many of the more esoteric references.
    annuity
    yearly allowance Example The annuity he set up with the insurance company supplements his social security benefits so that he can live very comfortably without working.
    annul
    make void Example The parents of the eloped couple tried to annul the marriage.
    anodyne
    drug that relieves pain; opiate Example His pain was so great that no anodyne could relieve it.
    anoint
    consecrate Example The prophet Samuel anointed David with oil, crowning him king of Israel.
    anomalous
    abnormal; irregular Example He was placed in the anomalous position of seeming to approve procedures that he despised.
    anomaly
    irregularity Example A bird that cannot fly is an anomaly.
    anonymity
    state of being nameless; anonymousness Example The donor of the gift asked the college not to mention him by name; the dean readily agreed to respect his anonymity.
    antagonistic
    hostile; opposed Example Despite his lawyers' best efforts to stop him, the angry prisoner continued to make antagonistic remarks to the judge.
    antecede
    precede Example The invention of the radiotelegraph anteceded the development of television by a quarter of a century.
    antecedents
    preceding events or circumstances that influence what comes later; early life; ancestors Example Before giving permission for Drummie to marry Estella, Miss Havisham had a few questions about the young man's birth and antecedents.
    antediluvian
    antiquated; ancient Example The antediluvian customs had apparently not changed for thousands of years.
    anthropoid
    manlike Example The gorilla is the strongest of the anthropoid animals.
    anthropologist
    student of the history and science of humankind Example Anthropologists have discovered several relics of prehistoric humans in this area.
    anthropomorphic
    having human form or characteristics Example Primitive religions often have deities with anthropomorphic characteristics.
    anticlimax
    letdown in thought or emotion Example After the fine performance in the first act, the rest of the play was an anticlimax.
    antipathy
    aversion; dislike Example His extreme antipathy to dispute caused him to avoid argumentative discussions with his friends.
    antiquated
    obsolete; outdated Example Accustomed to editing his papers on word processors, Philip thought typewriters were too antiquated for him to use.
    antiseptic
    substance that prevents infection Example It is advisable to apply an antiseptic to any wound, no matter how slight or insignificant.
    antithesis
    contrast; direct opposite of or to Example This tyranny was the antithesis of all that he had hoped for, and he fought it with all his strength.
    anvil
    iron block used in hammering out metals Example After heating the iron horseshoe in the forge, the blacksmith picked it up with his tongs and set it on the anvil.
    apathetic
    indifferent Example He felt apathetic about the conditions he had observed and did not care to fight against them.
    apathy
    lack of caring; indifference Example A firm believer in democratic government, she could not understand the apathy of people who never bothered to vote.
    ape
    imitate or mimic Example He was suspended for a week because he had aped the principal in front of the whole school.
    aperture
    opening; hole Example She discovered a small aperture in the wall, through which the insects had entered the room.
    apex
    tip; summit; climax Example He was at the apex of his career.
    aphasia
    loss of speech due to injury or illness Example After the automobile accident, the victim had periods of aphasia when he could not speak at all or could only mumble incoherently.
    aphorism
    pithy maxim Example An aphorism differs from an adage in that it is more philosophical or scientific.
    apiary
    a place where bees are kept Example Although he spent many hours daily in the apiary, he was very seldom stung by a bee.
    aplomb
    poise; composure Example Wellington's nonchalance and aplomb in the heat of battle always heartened his followers.
    apocalyptic
    prophetic; pertaining to revelations; especially of disaster Example His apocalyptic remarks were dismissed by his audience as wild surmises.
    apocryphal
    untrue; made up Example To impress his friends, Tom invented apocryphal tales of his adventures in the big city.
    apogee
    highest point Example When the moon in its orbit is furthest away from the earth, it is at its apogee.
    apoplexy
    stroke; loss of consciousness followed by paralysis Example He was crippled by an attack of apoplexy.
    apostate
    one who abandons his religious faith or political beliefs Example Because he switched from one party to another, his former friends shunned him as an apostate.
    apothecary
    druggist Example In Holland, apothecaries still sell spices as well as ointments and pills.
    apothegm
    pithy, compact saying Example Proverbs are apothegms that have become familiar sayings.
    apotheosis
    deification; glorification Example The Roman empress Livia envied the late emperor his apotheosis; she hoped that on her death she, too, would be exalted to the rank of a god.
    appal
    dismay; shock Example We were appalled by the horrifying conditions in the city's jails.
    apparition
    ghost; phantom Example Hamlet was uncertain about the identity of the apparition that had appeared and spoken to him.
    appease
    pacify; soothe Example We have discovered that, when we try to appease our enemies, we encourage them to make additional demands.
    appellation
    name; title Example He was amazed when the witches hailed him with his correct appellation.
    append
    attach Example I shall append this chart to my report.
    application
    diligent attention; (secondary meaning) apply Example Pleased with how well Tom had whitewashed the fence, Aunt Polly praised him for his application.
    apposite
    appropriate; fitting Example He was always able to find the apposite phrase, the correct expression for every occasion.
    appraise
    estimate the value of Example It is difficult to appraise old paintings; it is easier to call them priceless.
    appreciate
    be thankful for; increase in worth; be thoroughly conscious of Example Little Orphan Annie truly appreciated the stocks Daddy Warbucks ave her, whose value appreciated considerably over the years.
    apprehend
    arrest ( a criminal); dread; perceive Example The police will apprehend the culprit and convict him before long.
    apprehensive
    fearful; discerning Example His apprehensive glances at the people who were walking in the street revealed his nervousness.
    apprise
    inform Example When he was apprised of the dangerous weather conditions, he decided to postpone his trip.
    approbation
    approval Example Wanting her parents' regard, she looked for some sign of their approbation.
    appropriate
    acquire; take possession of for one's own use Example The ranch owners appropriated the lands that had originally been set aside for the Indians' use.
    appurtenances
    subordinate possessions Example He bought the estate and all its appurtenances.
    apropos
    with reference to; regarding Example I find your remarks apropos of the present situation timely and pertinent.
    aptitude
    fitness; talent Example The counselor evaluated his aptitudes before advising him about the career he should follow.
    aquiline
    curved, hooked Example He can be recognized by his aquiline nose, curved like the beak of the eagle.
    arable
    fit for plowing Example The land was no longer arable; erosion had removed the valuable topsoil.
    arbiter
    person with power to decide a matter in a dispute; judge Example As an arbiter in labor disputes, she has won the confidence of the workers and the employers.
    arbitrary
    unreasonable or capricious; tyrannical Example The coach claimed the team lost because the umpire made some arbitrary calls.
    arbitrate
    act as judge Example She was called upon to arbitrate the dispute between the union and the management.
    arboretum
    place where different varieties of trees and shrubs are studied and exhibited Example Walking along the treelined paths of the arboretum, Rita noted poplars, firs, and some particularly fine sycamores.
    arcade
    a covered passageway, usually lined with shops Example The arcade was popular with shoppers because it gave them protection from the summer sun and the winter rain.
    arcane
    secret; mysterious Example What was arcane to us was clear to the psychologist.
    archaeology
    study of artifacts and relics of early mankind Example The professor of archaeology headed an expedition to the Gobi Desert in search of ancient ruins.
    archaic
    antiquated Example "Methinks," "thee," and "thou" are archaic words that are no longer part of our normal vocabulary.
    archetype
    prototype; primitive pattern Example The Brooklyn Bridge was the archetype of the many spans that now connect Manhattan with Long Island and New Jersey.
    archipelago
    group of closely located islands Example When he looked at the map and saw the archipelagoes in the South Seas, he longed to visit them.
    archives
    public records; place where public records are kept Example These documents should be part of the archives so that historians may be able to evaluate them in the future.
    ardor
    heat; passion; zeal Example Katya's ardor was contagious; soon all her fellow demonstrators were busily making posters and handing out flyers, inspired by her ardent enthusiasm for the cause.
    arduous
    hard; strenuous Example Her arduous efforts had sapped her energy.
    argot
    slang Example In the argot of the underworld, she "was taken for a ride."
    aria
    operatic solo Example At her Metropolitan Opera audition, Marian Anderson sang an aria from Norma.
    arid
    dry; barren Example The cactus had adapted to survive in an arid environment.
    aristocracy
    hereditary nobility; privileged class Example Americans have mixed feelings about hereditary aristocracy:
    armada
    fleet of warships Example Queen Elizabeth's navy was able to defeat the mighty armada that threatened the English coast.
    aromatic
    fragrant Example Medieval sailing vessels brought aromatic herbs from China to Europe.
    arraign
    charge in court; indict Example After his indictment by the Grand Jury, the accused man was arraigned in the County Criminal Court.
    array
    marshal; draw up in order Example His actions were bound to array public sentiment against him.
    array
    clothe; adorn Example She liked to watch her motherarray herself in her finest clothes before going out for the evening.
    arrears
    being in debt Example He was in arrears with his payments on the car.
    arrogance
    pride, haughtiness Example The arrogance of the nobility was resented by the middle class.
    arroyo
    gully Example Until the heavy rains of the past spring, this arroyo had been a dry bed.
    articulate
    effective; distinct Example Her articulate presentation of the advertising campaign impressed her employers.
    artifacts
    products of primitive culture Example Archaeologists debated the significance of the artifacts discovered in the ruins of Asia Minor and came to no conclusion.
    artifice
    deception; trickery Example The Trojan War proved to the Greeks that cunning and artifice were often more effective than military might.
    artisan
    a manually skilled worker Example Artists and artisans alike are necessary to the development of a culture.
    artless
    without guile; open and honest Example Red Riding Hood's artless comment, "Grandma, what big eyes you have!" indicates the child's innocent surprises at her "grandmother's" changed appearance.
    ascendancy
    controlling influence Example President Marcos failed to maintain his ascendency over Philippines.
    ascetic
    practicing self-denial; austere Example The wealthy young man could not understand the ascetic life led by the monks.
    asceticism
    doctrine of self-denial Example We find asceticism practiced in many monastries.
    ascribe
    refer; attribute; assign Example I can ascribe no motive for her acts.
    asceptic
    preventing infection; having a cleansing effect Example Hospitals succeeded in lowering the mortality rate as soon as they introduced asceptic conditions.
    ashen
    ash-colored; deadly pale Example Her face was ashen with fear.
    asinine
    stupid Example Your asinine remarks prove that you have not given this problem any serious consideration.
    askance
    with a sideways or indirect look Example Looking askance at her questioner, she displayed her scorn.
    askew
    crookedly; slanted; at an angle Example When he placed his hat askew upon his head, his observers laughed.
    asperity
    sharpness (of temper) Example These remarks, spoken with asperity, stung the boys to whom they had been directed.
    aspersion
    slanderous remark Example Do not cast aspersions on her character.
    aspirant
    seeker after position or status Example Although I am as aspirant for public office, I am not willing to accept the dictates of the party bosses.
    aspiration
    noble ambition Example Youth's aspirations should be as lofty as the stars.
    assail
    assault Example He was assailed with questions after his lecture.
    assay
    analyze; evaluate Example When they assayed the ore, they found that they had discovered a very rich vein.
    assent
    agree; accept Example It gives me great pleasure to assent to your request.
    assert
    state strongly or positively; insist on or demand recognition of (rights, claims, etc). Example When Jill asserted that nobody else in the junior class had such an early curfew, her parents Asserted themselves, telling her that if she didn't get home by nine o'clock she would be grounded for the week.
    assessment
    estimation; appraisal Example I would like to have your assessment of the situation in South Africa.
    assiduous
    diligent Example It took Rembrandt weeks of assiduous labor before he was satisfied with his portrait of his son.
    assimilate
    absorb; cause to become homogenous Example The manner in which the United States was able to assimilate the hordes of immigrants during the nineteenth and early part of the twentieth centuries will always be a source of pride.
    assuage
    ease; lessen(pain) Example Your messages of cheer should assuage her suffering.
    assumption
    something taken for granted; the taking over or taking possession of Example The young princess made the foolish assumption that the regent would not object to her Assumption of power.
    assurance
    promise or pledge; certainty; self-confidence Example When Gutherie gave Guiness his assurance that rehearsals were going well, he spoke with such assurance that Guiness was convinced.
    asteroid
    small planet Example asteroids have become commonplace to the readers of interstellar travel stories in science fiction magazines.
    astigmatism
    eye defect that prevents proper focus Example As soon as his parents discovered that the boy suffered from astigmatism, they took him to the optometrist for corrective glasses.
    astral
    relating to the stars Example She was amazed at the number of astral bodies the new telescope revealed.
    astringent
    binding; causing contraction; harsh or severe Example The astringent quality of unsweetened lemon juice made swallowing difficult.
    astronomical
    enormously large or extensive Example The government seemed willing to spend astronomical sums on weapons development.
    astute
    wise; shrewd Example That was a very astute observation.
    asunder
    into parts; apart Example Their points of view are poles asunder.
    asylum
    place of refuge or shelter; protection Example The refugees sought asylum from religious persecution in a new land.
    asymmetric
    not identical on both sides of a dividing central line Example Because one eyebrow was set markedly higher than the other, William's face had a particularly asymmetric appearance.
    atavism
    resemblance to remote ancestors rather than to parents; reversion to an earlier type; Example throwback Martin seemed an atavism to his Tuscan ancestors who lavished great care on their small plots of soil.
    atheistic
    denying the existence of God Example His atheistic remarks shocked the religious worshippers.
    atone
    make amends for; pay for Example He knew no way in which he could atone for his brutal crime.
    atrocity
    brutal deed Example In time of war, many atrocities are committed by invading armies.
    atrophy
    wasting away Example Polio victims need physiotherapy to prevent the atrophy of affected limbs.
    attenuate
    make thin; weaken Example By withdrawing their forces, the generals hoped to attenuate the enemy lines.
    attest
    testify; bear witness Example Having served as a member of a grand jury, I can attest that our system of indicting individuals is in need of improvement.
    attribute
    essential quality Example His outstanding attribute was his kindness.
    attribute
    ascribe; explain Example I attribute her success in science to the encouragement she received from her parents.
    attrition
    gradual wearing down Example They decided to wage a war of attrition rather than to rely on all-out attack.
    audacious
    daring; bold Example Audiences cheered as Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia made their audacious, death-defying leap to freedom and escaped Darth Vader's troops.
    audit
    examination of accounts Example When the bank examiners arrived to hold their annual audit, they discovered the embezzlements of the chief cashier.
    augment
    increase Example How can we hope to augment our forces when our allies are deserting us?
    augury
    omen; prophecy Example He interpreted the departures of the birds as an augury of evil.
    august
    impressive; majestic Example Visiting the palace at Versailes, she was impressed by the august surroundings in which she found herself.
    aureole
    sun's corona; halo Example Many medieval paintings depict saintly characters with aureols around their heads.
    auroral
    pertaining to the aurora borealis Example The auroral display was particularly spectacular that evening.
    auspicious
    favoring success Example With favorable weather conditions, it was an auspicious moment to set sail.
    austere
    strict, stern Example His austere demeanor prevented us from engaging in our usual frivolous activities.
    austerity
    sternness; severity; lack of luxuries Example The austerity and dignity of the court were maintained by the new justices, who were a strict and solemn group.
    authenticate
    prove genuine Example An expert was needed to authenticate the original Van Gogh painting, distinguishing it from its imitation.
    authoritarian
    favoring or exercising total control; non-democratic Example The people had no control over their destiny; they were forced to obey the dictates of the authoritarian regime.
    authoritative
    having the weight of authority; dictatorial Example We accepted her analysis of the situation as authoritative.
    autocrat
    monarch with supreme power Example He ran his office like an autocrat, giving no one else any authority.
    automaton
    mechanism that imitates actions of humans Example Long before science fiction readers became aware of robots, writers were creating stories of automation who could outperform humans.
    autonomous
    self-governing Example This island is a colony; however, in most matters, it is autonomous and receives no orders from the mother country.
    autopsy
    examination of a dead body; postmortem Example The medical examiner ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
    auxiliary
    offering or providing help; additional or sub-sidiary Example To prepare for the emergency, they built an auxiliary power station.
    avarice
    greed for wealth Example King Midas's avarice has been famous for centuries.
    aver
    state confidently Example I wish to aver that I am certain of success.
    averse
    reluctant Example He was averse to revealing the sources of his information.
    aversion
    firm dislike Example Their mutual aversion was so great that they refused to speak to one another.
    avert
    prevent; turn away Example She averted her eyes from the dead cat on the highway.
    aviary
    enclosure for birds Example The aviary at the zoo held nearly 300 birds.
    avid
    greedy; eager for Example He was avid for learning and read everything he could get.
    avocation
    secondary or minor occupation Example His hobby proved to be so fascinating and profitable that gradually he abandoned his regular occupation and concentrated on his avocation.
    avow
    declare openly Example I must avow that I am innocent.
    avuncular
    like an uncle Example Avuncular pride did not prevent him from noticing his nephew's shortcomings.
    awe
    solemn wonder Example The tourists gazed with awe at the tremendous expanse of the Grand Canyon.
    awl
    pointed tool used for piercing Example She used an awl to punch additional holes in the leather belt she had bought.
    awry
    distorted; crooked Example He held his head awry, giving the impression that he had caught cold in his neck during the night.
    axiom
    self-evident truth requiring no proof Example Before a student can begin to think along the lines of Euclidean geometry, he must accept certain principles or axioms.
    azure
    sky blue Example azure skies are indicative of good weather.
    babble
    chatter idly Example The little girl babbled about her doll.
    bacchanalian
    drunken Example Emperor Nero attended the bacchanalian orgy.
    badger
    pester; annoy Example She was forced to change her telephone number because she was badgered by obscene phone calls.
    badinage
    teasing conversation Example Her friends at work greeted the news of her engagement with cheerful badinage.
    baffle
    frustrate; perplex Example The new code baffled the enemy agents.
    bait
    harass; tease Example The soldiers baited the prisoners, terrorizing them.
    baleful
    menacing; deadly Example Casting a baleful eye at his successful rival, the rejected suitor stole off, vowing to have his revenge.
    balk
    stoop short, as if faced with an obstacle, and refuse to continue Example The chief of police balked at sending his officers into the riot-torn area.
    balk
    foil Example When the warden learned that several inmates were planning to escape, he took steps to balk their attempt.
    ballast
    heavy substance used to add stability or weight Example The ship was listing badly to one side; it was necessary to shift the ballast in the hold to get her back on an even keel.
    balm
    something that relieves pain Example Friendship is the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love.
    balmy
    mild; fragrant Example A balmy breeze refreshed us after the sultry blast.
    banal
    hackneyed; commonplace; trite Example His frequent use of cliches made his essay seem banal.
    bandy
    discuss lightly; exchange blows or words Example The president refused to bandy words with reporters at the press conference.
    bane
    cause of ruin Example Lack of public transportation is the bane of urban life.
    bantering
    good-naturedly ridiculing Example They resented his bantering remarks because they misinterpreted his teasing as sarcasm.
    barb
    sharp projection form fishhook, etc.; pointed comment Example The barb from the fishhook caught in his finger as he grabbed the fish.
    bard
    poet Example The ancient bard Homer sang of the fall of Troy.
    barefaced
    shameless; bold; unconcealed Example Shocked by Huck Finn's barefaced lies, Miss Watson prayed the good Lord would give him a sense of his unregenerate wickedness.
    baroque
    highly ornate Example Accustomed to the severe, angular lines of modern skyscrapers, they found the flamboyance of baroque architecture amusing.
    barrage
    barrier laid down by artillery fire; overwhelming profusion Example The company was forced to retreat through the barrage of heavy canyons.
    barrister
    counselor-at-law Example Galsworthy started as a barrister, but when he found the practice of law boring, turned to writing.
    barterer
    trader Example The barterer exchanged trinkets for the natives' furs.
    bask
    luxuriate; take pleasure in warmth Example basking on the beach, she relaxed so completely that she fell asleep.
    bastion
    stronghold; something seen as a source of protection Example The villagers fortified the town hall, hoping this improvised bastion could protect them from the guerrila raids.
    bate
    let down; restrain Example Until it was time to open the presents, the children had to bate their curiosity.
    bauble
    trinket; trifle Example The child was delighted with the bauble she had won in the grab bag.
    bawdy
    indecent; obscene Example She took offense at his bawdy remarks.
    beatific
    giving bliss; blissful Example The beatific smile on the child's face made us very happy.
    beatitude
    blessedness; state of bliss Example Growing closer to God each day, the mystic achieved a state of indescribable beatitude.
    bedizen
    dress with vulgar finery Example The witch doctors were bedizened in their gaudiest costumes.
    bedraggle
    wet thoroughly Example We were so bedraggled by the severe storm that we had to change into dry clothing.
    befuddle
    confuse thoroughly Example His attempts to clarify the situation succeeded only on befuddling her further.
    beget
    father; produce; give rise to Example One good turn may deserve another; it does not necessarily beget another.
    begrudge
    resent Example I begrudge every minute I have to spend attending meetings.
    beguile
    amuse; delude; cheat Example I beguiled himself during the long hours by playing solitaire.
    behemoth
    huge creature; something of monstrous size or power Example Sportcasters nicknamed the linebacker "The Behemoth."
    beholden
    obligated; indebted Example Since I do not wish to be beholden to anyone, I cannot accept this favor.
    behoove
    be suited to; be incumbent upon Example In this time of crisis, it behooves all of us to remain calm and await the instructions of our superiors.
    belabor
    explain or go over excessively or to a ridiculous degree; assail verbally Example The debate coach warned her student not to bore the audience by belaboring his point.
    belated
    delayed Example He apologized for his belated note of condolence to the widow of his friend and explained that he had just learned of her husband's untimely death.
    beleaguer
    besiege Example As soon as the city was beleaguered, the life became more subdued as the citizens began their long wait for outside assitance.
    belie
    contradict; give a false impression Example His coarse, hard-bitten exterior belied his innate sensitivity.
    belittle
    disparage; depreciate Example Parents should not belittle their children's early attempts at drawing, but should encourage their efforts.
    bellicose
    warlike Example His bellicose disposition alienated his friends.
    belligerent
    quarrelsome Example Whenever he had too much to drink, he became belligerent and tried to pick fights with strangers.
    bemused
    confused; lost in thought; preoccupied Example Jill studied the garbled instructions with a bemused look on her face.
    benediction
    blessing Example The appearance of the sun after the many rainy days was like a benediction.
    benefactor
    gift giver; patron Example Scrooge later became Tiny Tim's benefactor and gave him a benediction.
    beneficent
    kindly; doing good Example The overgenerous philanthropist had to curb his beneficent impulses before he gave away all his money and left himself with nothing.
    beneficiary
    person entitled to benefits or proceeds of an insurance policy Example You may change your beneficiary as often as you wish.
    benevolent
    generous; charitable Example His benevolent nature prevented him from refusing any beggar who accosted him.
    benign
    kindly; favorable; not malignant Example The old man was well liked because of his benign attitude toward friend and stranger alike.
    benison
    blessing Example Let us pray that the benison of peace once more shall prevail among the nations of the world.
    bent
    determined; natural talent or inclination Example bent on advancing in the business world, the secretary heroine of Working Girl had a true bent for high finance.
    bequeath
    leave to someone by means of a will; hand down Example In his will, Father bequeathed his watch to Phillip; the bequest meant a great deal to the boy.
    berate
    scold strongly Example He feared she would berate him for his forgetfulness.
    bereavement
    state of being deprived of something valuable or beloved Example His friends gathered to console him upon his sudden bereavement.
    bereft
    deprived of; lacking Example The foolish gambler soon found himself bereft of funds.
    berserk
    frenzied Example Angered, he went berserk and began to wreck the room.
    beset
    harass; trouble Example Many problems beset the American public school system.
    besmirch
    soil, defile Example The scandalous remarks in the newspaper besmirch the reputations of every member of the society.
    bestial
    beastlike; brutal; inhuman Example The Red Cross sought to put an end to the bestial treatment of prisoners of war.
    bestow
    confer Example He wished to bestow great honors upon the hero.
    betroth
    become engaged to marry Example The announcement that they had become betrothed surprised their friends who had not suspected any romance.
    bevy
    large group Example The movie actor was surrounded by a bevy of startlets.
    bicameral
    two-chambered, as a legislative body Example The United States Congress is a bicameral body.
    bicker
    quarrel Example The children bickered morning, noon, and night, exasperating their parents.
    biennial
    every two years Example The group held biennial meetings instead of annual ones.
    bifurcated
    divided into two branches; forked Example With a bifurcated branch and a piece of elastic rubber, he made a crude but effective slingshot.
    bigotry
    stubborn intolerance Example Brought up in a democratic atmosphere, student was shocked by the bigotry and narrowness expressed by several of his classmates.
    bilious
    suffering from indigestion; irritable Example His bilious temperament was apparent to all who heard him rant about his difficulties.
    bilk
    swindle; cheat Example The con man specialized in bilking insurance companies.
    bivouac
    temporary encampment Example While in bivouac, we spent the night in our sleeping bags under the stars.
    bizarre
    fantastic; violently contrasting Example The plot of the novel was too bizarre to be believed.
    blanch
    bleach; whiten Example Although age had blanched his hair, he was still vigorous and energetic.
    bland
    soothing; mild Example She used a bland ointment for her sunburn.
    blandishment
    flattery Example Despite the salesperson's blandishments, the customer did not buy the outfit.
    blase
    bored with pleasure or dissipation Example Your blase attitude gives your students an erroneous impression of the joys of scholarship.
    blasphemous
    profane; impious Example The people in the room were shocked by his his blasphemous language.
    blatant
    extremely obvious; loudly offensive Example Caught in a blatant lie, the scoundrel had only one regret: he wished that he had lied more subtly.
    bleak
    cold; cheerless Example The Aleutian Islands are bleak military outposts.
    blighted
    suffering from a disease; destroyed Example The extent of the blighted areas could be seen only when viewed from the air.
    blithe
    gay; joyous; careless Example Shelley called the skylark a "blithe spirit" because of its happy song.
    bloated
    swollen or puffed as with water or air Example Her bloated stomach came from drinking so much water.
    blowhard
    talkative boaster Example After all Sol's talk about his big show business connections led nowhere, Sally decided he was just another blowhard.
    bludgeon
    club; heavy-headed weapon Example His walking stick served him as a bludgeon on many occasions.
    bluff
    pretense (of strength); deception; high cliff Example Claire thought Lord Byron's boast that he would swim the Hellespont was just a bluff, she was astounded when he dove from the high bluff into the waters below.
    blunder
    error Example The criminal's fatal blunder led to his capture.
    blurt
    utter impulsively Example Before she could stop him, he blurted out the news.
    bode
    foreshadow; portend Example The gloomy skies and the sulfurious odors from the mineral springs seemed to bode evil to those who settled in the area.
    bogus
    counterfeit; not authentic Example The police quickly found the distributors of the bogus twenty-dollar bills.
    boisterous
    violent; rough; noisy Example The unruly crowd became even more boisterous when he tried to quiet them.
    bolster
    support; reinforce Example The debaters amassed file boxes full of evidence to bolster their arguments.
    bombast
    pompous, inflated language Example Filled with bombast, the orator's speech left the audience more impressed with his pomposity than with his logic.
    boon
    blessing; benefit Example The recent rains that filled our empty reservoirs were a boon to the whole community.
    boorish
    rude; insensitive Example Though Mr. Potts constantly interrupted his wife, she ignored his boorish behavior, for she had lost hope of teaching him courtesy.
    bouillon
    clear beef soup Example The cup of bouillon served by the stewards was welcomed by those who had been chilled by the cold ocean breezes.
    bountiful
    generous; showing bounty Example She distributed gifts in a bountiful and gracious manner.
    bourgeois
    middle class Example The French Revolution was inspired by the bourgeois, who resented the aristocracy.
    bovine
    cowlike; placid and dull Example Nothing excites Esther; even when she won the state lottery, she still preserved her air of bovine calm.
    bowdlerize
    expurgate Example After the film editors had bowdlerized the language in the script, the motion picture's rating was changed from "R" to "PG."
    brackish
    somewhat saline Example He found the only wells in the area were brackish; drinking the water made him nauseous.
    braggadocio
    boasting Example He was disliked because his manner was always full of braggadocio.
    braggart
    boaster Example Modest by nature, she was no braggart, preferring to let her accomplishments speak for themselves.
    bravado
    swagger; assumed air of defiance Example The bravado of the young criminal disappeared when he was confronted by the victims of his brutal attack.
    brawn
    muscular strength; sturdiness Example It takes brawn to become a champion weight-lifter.
    brazen
    insolent Example Her brazen contempt for authority angered the officials.
    breach
    breaking of contract or duty; fissure; gap Example They found a breach in the enemy's fortifications and penetrated their lines.
    breadth
    width; extent Example We were impressed by the breadth of her knowledge.
    brevity
    conciseness Example brevity is essential when you send a telegram or cablegram; you are charged for every word.
    brindled
    tawny or grayish with streaks or spots Example He was disappointed in the litter because the puppies were brindled; he had hoped for animals of uniform color.
    bristling
    rising like bristles; showing irritation Example The dog stood there, bristling with anger.
    brittle
    easily broken; difficult Example My employer's brittle personality made it difficult for me to get along with her.
    broach
    open up Example He did not even try to broach the subject of poetry.
    brocade
    rich, figured fabric Example The sofa was covered with expensive brocade.
    brochure
    pamphlet Example This brochure on farming was issued by the Department of Agriculture.
    brooch
    ornamental clasp Example She treasured the brooch because it was an heirloom.
    brook
    tolerate; endure Example The dean would brook no interference with his disciplinary actions.
    browbeat
    bully; intimidate Example Billy resisted Ted's attempts to browbeat him into handing over his lunch money.
    brusque
    blunt; abrupt Example She was offended by his brusque reply.
    bucolic
    rustic; pastoral Example The meadow was the scene of bucolic gaiety.
    buffoonery
    clowning Example John Candy's buffoonery in Uncle Buck was hilarious.
    bugaboo
    bugbear; object of baseless terror Example If we become frightened by such bugaboos, we are no wiser than the birds who fear scarecrows.
    bullion
    gold and silver in the form of bars Example Much bullion is stored in the vaults at Fort Knox.
    bulwark
    earthwork or other strong defense; person who defends Example The navy is our principal bulwark against invasion.
    bungle
    spoil by clumsy behavior Example I was afraid you would bungle his assignment but I had no one else to send.
    bureaucracy
    government by bureaus Example Many people fear that the constant introduction of federal agencies will create a government by bureaucracy.
    burgeon
    grow forth; send out buds Example In the spring, the plants that burgeon are a promise of the beauty that is to come.
    burlesque
    give an imitation that ridicules Example In his caricature, he burlesqued the mannerisms of his adversary.
    burly
    husky; muscular Example The burly mover lifted the packing crate with ease.
    burnish
    make shiny by rubbing; polish Example The maid burnished the brass fixtures until they reflected the lamplight.
    buttress
    support; prop up Example Just as architects buttress the walls of cathedrals with flying buttresses, debates buttress their arguments with facts.
    buxom
    full-bosomed; plump; jolly Example High fashion models usually are slender rather than buxom.
    cabal
    small group of persons secretly united to promote their own interests Example The cabal was defeated when its scheme was discovered.
    cache
    hiding place Example The detectives followed the suspects until he led them to the cache where he had stored his loot.
    cacophony
    discord Example Some people seem to enjoy the cacophony of an orchestra that is tuning up.
    cadaver
    corpse Example In some states, it is illegal to dissect cadavers.
    cadaverous
    like a corpse; pale Example From his cadaverous appearance, we could see how the disease had ravaged him.
    cadence
    rhythmic rise and fall (of words or sounds); beat Example Marching down the road, the troops sang out, following the cadence set by the sergeant.
    cajole
    coax; wheedle Example I will not be cajoled into granting your wish.
    calamity
    disaster; misery Example As news of the calamity spread, offers of relief poured in to the stricken community.
    caliber
    ability; capacity Example A man of such caliber should not be assigned such menial tasks.
    calligraphy
    beautiful writing; excellent penmanship Example As we examine ancient manuscripts, we became impressed with the calligraphy of the scribes.
    callous
    hardened; unfeeling Example He had worked in the hospital for so many years that he was callous to the suffering in the wards.
    callow
    youthful; immature Example In that youthful movement, the leaders were only a little less callow than their immature followers.
    calorific
    heat-producing Example Coal is much more calorific than green wood.
    calumny
    malicious misrepresentation Example He could endure his financial failure, but he could not bear the calumny that his foes heaped upon him.
    camaraderie
    good-fellowship Example What he loved best about his job was the sense of camaraderie he and his co-workers shared.
    cameo
    shell or jewel carved in relief Example Tourists are advised not to purchase cameos from the street peddlers of Rome who sell poor specimens of the carver's art.
    canard
    unfounded rumor Example It is almost impossible to protect oneself from such a base canard.
    candor
    frankness Example The candor and simplicity of his speech impressed all, it was all clear he held nothing back.
    canine
    related to dogs; doglike Example Some days the canine population of Berkeley seems almost to outnumber the human population.
    canker
    any ulcerous sore; any evil Example Poverty is a canker in the body politic; it must be cured.
    canny
    shrewd; thrifty Example The canny Scotsman was more than a match for the swindlers.
    cant
    pious phraseology; jargon of criminals Example Angry that the president had slashed the education budget, we dismissed his speech on the importance of education as mere cant.
    cantankerous
    ill-humored; irritable Example Constantly complaining about his treatment and refusing to cooperate with the hospital staff, he was a cantankerous patient.
    cantata
    story set to music, to be sung by a chorus Example The choral society sang the new cantata composed by its leader.
    canter
    slow gallop Example Because the racehorse had outdistanced its competition so easily, the reporter wrote that the race was won in a canter.
    canto
    division of a long poem Example Dante's poetic masterpiece The Divine Comedy is divided into cantos.
    canvass
    determine or seek opinions, votes, etc. Example After canvassing the sentiments of his constituents, the congressman was confident that he represented the majority opinion of his district.
    capacious
    spacious Example In the capacious areas of the railroad terminal, thousands of travelers lingered while waiting for their train.
    capillary
    having a very fine bore Example The changes in surface tension of liquids in capillary vessels is of special interest to physicists.
    capitulate
    surrender Example The enemy was warned to capitulate or face annihilation.
    caprice
    whim Example She was an unpredictable creature, acting on caprice, never taking thought of the consequences.
    capricious
    fickle; incalculable Example The storm was capricious and changed course constantly.
    caption
    title; chapter heading; text under illustration Example I find the captions that accompany these cartoons very clever and humorous.
    captious
    faultfinding Example His criticisms were always captious and frivolous, never offering constructive suggestions.
    carafe
    glass water bottle Example With each dinner, the patron receives a carafe of red or white wine.
    carapace
    shell covering the back (of a turtle, crab, etc) Example At the children's zoo, Richard perched on top of the giant turtle's hard carapace as it slowly made its way around the enclosure.
    carat
    unit of weight for precious stones; measure of fineness of gold Example He gave her a diamond that weighed three carats and was mounted in an eighteen-carat gold band.
    carcinogenic
    causing cancer Example Many supposedly harmless substances have been revealed to be carcinogenic.
    cardinal
    chief Example If you want to increase your word power, the cardinal rule of vocabulary-building is to read.
    careen
    lurch; sway from side to side Example The taxicab careened wildly as it rounded the corner.
    caricature
    distortion; burlesque Example The caricatures he drew always emphasized personal weaknesses of the people he burlesqued.
    carillon
    set of bells capable of being played Example The carillon in the bell tower of the Coca-Cola pavilion at the New York World's Fair provided musical entertainment every hour.
    carnage
    destruction of life Example The carnage that can be caused by atomic warfare adds to the responsibilities of our statesmen.
    carnal
    fleshly Example The public was more interested in carnal pleasures than in spiritual matters.
    carnivorous
    meat-eating Example The lion is a carnivorous animal.
    carousal
    drunken revel Example The party degenerated into an ugly carousal.
    carping
    petty criticism; fault-finding Example Welcoming constructive criticism, Lexy appreciated her editor's comments, finding them free of carping.
    carrion
    rotting flesh of a dead body Example Buzzards are nature's scavengers; they eat the carrion left behind by other predators.
    cartographer
    map-maker Example Though not a professional cartographer, Tolkien was able to construct a map of the fictional world.
    cascade
    small waterfall Example We could not appreciate the beauty of the many cascades as we made detours around each of them to avoid getting wet.
    caste
    one of the hereditary classes in Hindu society, social stratification; prestige Example The differences created by caste in India must be wiped out if true democracy is to prevail in that country.
    castigation
    punishment; severe criticism Example Sensitive even to mild criticism, Woolf could not bear castigation that she found in certain reviews.
    casualty
    serious or fatal accident Example The number of automotive casualties on this holiday weekend was high.
    cataclysm
    deluge; upheaval Example A cataclysm such as the French Revolution affects all countries.
    catalyst
    agent that brings about a chemical change while it remains unaffected and unchanged Example Many chemical reactions cannot take place without the presence of a catalyst.
    catapult
    slingshot; hurling machine Example Airplanes are sometimes launched from battleships by catapults.
    cataract
    great waterfall; eye abnormality Example She gazed with awe at the mighty cataract known as Niagara Falls.
    catastrophe
    calamity Example The Johnstown flood was a catastrophe.
    catechism
    book for religious instruction; instruction by question and answer Example He taught by engaging his pupils in a catechism until they gave him the correct answer.
    categorical
    without exceptions; unqualified; absolute Example Though the captain claimed he was never, never sick at sea, he finally qualified his categorical denial; he was hardly ever sick at sea.
    catharsis
    purging or cleansing of any passage of the body Example Aristotle maintained that tragedy created a catharsis by purging the soul of base concepts.
    cathartic
    purgative Example Some drugs act as laxatives when taken in small doses but act as cathartics when taken in much larger doses.
    catholic
    universal; wide-ranging liberal Example He was extremely catholic in his taste and read everything he could find in the library.
    caucus
    private meeting of members of a party to select officers or determine policy Example At the opening of Congress the members of the Democratic Party held a caucus to elect the majority leader of the House and the party whip.
    caulk
    to make watertight (by plugging seams) Example When water from the shower leaked into the basement, we knew it was time to caulk the tiles at the edges of the shower stall.
    causal
    implying a cause-and-effect relationship Example The psychologist maintained there was a causal relationship between the nature of one's early childhood experiences and one's adult personality.
    caustic
    burning; sarcastically biting Example The critic's caustic remarks angered the hapless actors who were the subjects of his sarcasm.
    cauterize
    burn with hot iron or caustic Example In order to prevent infection, the doctor cauterized the wound.
    cavalcade
    procession; parade Example As described by Chaucer, the cavalcade of Canterbury pilgrims was motley group.
    cavalier
    casual and offhand; arrogant Example Sensitive about having her ideas taken lightly, Marcia felt insulted by Mark's cavalier dismissal of her suggestion.
    cavil
    make frivolous objections Example I respect your sensible criticisms, but I dislike the way you cavil about unimportant details.
    cede
    transfer; yield title to Example I intend to cede this property to the city.
    celerity
    speed; rapidity Example Hamlet resented his mother's celerity in remarrying within a month after his father's death.
    celestial
    heavenly Example She spoke of the celestial joys that awaited virtuous souls in the hereafter.
    celibate
    abstaining from ***ual intercourse; unmarried Example Though the late Havelock Ellis wrote extensively about ***ual customs and was considered an expert in such matters, recent studies maintain he was celibate throughout his life.
    censor
    overseer of morals; person who eliminates inappropriate matter Example Soldiers dislike having their mail read by a censor but understand the need for this precaution.
    censorious
    critical Example censorious people delight in casting blame.
    censure
    blame; criticize Example He was censured for his inappropriate behavior.
    centaur
    mythical figure, half man and half horse Example I was particularly impressed by the statue of the centaur in the Roman Hall of the museum.
    centigrade
    denoting a widely used temperature scale (basically same as Celsius) Example On the centigrade thermometer, the freezing point of water is zero degrees.
    centrifugal
    radiating; departing from the center Example Many automatic drying machines remove excess moisture from clothing by centrifugal force.
    centrifuge
    machine that separates substances by whirling them Example At the dairy, we employ a centrifuge to separate cream from milk.
    centripetal
    tending toward the center Example Does centripetal force or the force of gravity bring orbiting bodies to the earth's surface?
    centurion
    Roman army officer Example Because he was in command of a company of one hundred soldiers, he was called a centurion.
    cerebral
    pertaining to the brain or intellect Example The content of philosophical works is cerebral in nature and requires much thought.
    cerebration
    thought Example Mathematics problems sometimes require much cerebration.
    ceremonious
    marked by formality Example Ordinary dress would be in appropriate at so ceremonious an affair.
    cessation
    stopping Example The workers threatened a cessation of all activities if their demands were not met.
    cession
    yielding to another; ceding Example The cession of Alaska to the United States is discussed in this chapter.
    chafe
    warm by rubbing Example The collar chafed his neck.
    chaff
    worthless products of an endeavor Example When you separate the wheat from the chaff, be sure you throw out the chaff.
    chaffing
    bantering; joking Example Sometimes his flippant and chaffing remarks annoy us.
    chagrin
    vexation; disappointment Example Her refusal to go with us filled us with chagrin.
    chalice
    goblet; consecrated cup Example In a small room adjoining the cathedral, many ornately decorated chalices made by the most famous European goldsmiths were on display.
    chameleon
    lizard that changes color in different situations Example Like the chameleon, he assumed the political coloration of every group he met.
    champion
    support militantly Example Martin Luther King, Jr., won the Nobel Peace Prize because he championed the oppressed in their struggle for equality.
    chaotic
    in utter disorder Example He tried to bring order into the chaotic state of affairs.
    charisma
    divine gift; great popular charm or appeal Example Political commentators have deplored the importance of a candidate's charisma in these days of television campaigning.
    charlatan
    quack; pretender to knowledge Example When they realized that the Wizard didn't know how to get them back to Kansas, Dorothy and her friends were sure they'd been duped by a charlatan.
    chary
    cautious; sparing or restrained about giving Example A prudent, thrifty New Englander, DeWitt was as chary of investing money in junk bonds as he was chary of paying people unnecessary compliments.
    chase
    ornament a metal surface by indenting Example With his hammer, he carefully chased an intricate design onto the surface of the chalice.
    chasm
    abyss Example They could not see the bottom of the chasm.
    chassis
    framework and working parts of an automobile Example Examining the car after the accident, the owner discovered that the body had been ruined but that the chassis was unharmed.
    chaste
    pure Example Her chaste and decorous garb was appropriately selected for the solemnity of the occasion.
    chasten
    discipline; punish in order to correct Example Whom God loves, God chastens.
    chastise
    punish Example I must chastise you for this offense.
    chauvinist
    blindly devoted patriot Example A chauvinist cannot recognize any faults in his country, no matter how flagrant they may be.
    check
    stop motion; curb or restrain Example Thrusting out her arm, Grandma checked Bobby's lunge at his sister. "Young man," she said, "you'd better check your temper."
    checkered
    marked by changes in fortune Example During his checkered career he had lived in palatial mansions and in dreary boardinghouses.
    cherubic
    angelic; innocent-looking Example With her cheerful smile and rosy cheeks, she was a particularly cherubic child.
    chicanery
    trickery Example Your deceitful tactics in this case are indications of chicanery.
    chide
    scold Example Grandma began to chide Steven for his lying.
    chimerical
    fantastic; highly imaginative Example Poe's chimerical stories are sometimes too morbid for reading in bed.
    chivalrous
    courteous; faithful; brave Example chivalrous behavior involves noble words and good deeds.
    choleric
    hot-tempered Example His flushed, angry face indicated a choleric nature.
    choreography
    art of dancing Example Martha Graham introduced a form of choreography that seemed awkward and alien to those who had been brought up on classic ballet.
    chronic
    long established, as a disease Example The doctors were finally able to attribute his chronic headaches and nausea to traces of formaldehyde gas in his apartment.
    chronicle
    report; record (in chronological order) Example The gossip columnist was paid to chronicle the latest escapades of the socially prominent celebrities.
    churlish
    boorish; rude Example Dismayed by his churlish manners at the party, the girls vowed never to invite him again.
    ciliated
    having minute hairs Example The paramecium is a ciliated, one-celled animal.
    cipher
    nonentity; worthless person or thing Example She claimed her ex-husband was a total cipher and wondered why she had ever married him.
    cipher
    secret code Example Lacking his code book, the spy was unable to decode the message sent to him in cipher.
    circlet
    small ring; band Example This tiny circlet is very costly because it is set with precious stones.
    circuitous
    roundabout Example Because of the traffic congestion on the main highways, she took a circuitous route.
    circumlocution
    indirect or roundabout expression Example He was afraid to call spade a spade and resorted to circumlocutions to avoid direct reference to his subject.
    circumscribe
    limit; confine Example Although I do not wish to circumscribe your activities, I must insist that you complete this assignment before you start anything else.
    circumspect
    prudent; cautious Example Investigating before acting, she tried always to be circumspect.
    circumvent
    outwit; baffle Example In order to circumvent the enemy, we will make two preliminary attacks in other sections before starting our major campaign.
    citadel
    fortress Example The citadel overlooked the city like a protecting angel.
    cite
    quote; commend Example She could cite passages in the Bible from memory.
    civil
    having to do with citizens or the state; courteous and polite Example Although internal Revenue Service agents are civil servants, they are not always civil to suspected tax evaders.
    clairvoyant
    having foresight; fortuneteller Example Cassandra's clairvoyant warning was not heeded by the Trojans.
    clamber
    climb by crawling Example She clambered over the wall.
    clamor
    noise Example The clamor of the children at play outside made it impossible for her to take a nap.
    clandestine
    secret Example After avoiding their chaperon, the lovers had a clandestine meeting.
    clangor
    loud, resounding noise Example The blacksmith was accustomed to the clangor of hammers on steel.
    clapper
    striker (tongue) of a bell Example Wishing to be undisturbed by the bell, Dale wound his scarf around the clapper to muffle its striking.
    clarion
    shrill, trumpetlike sound Example We woke to the clarion to muffle its striking.
    claustrophobia
    fear of being locked in Example His fellow classmates laughed at his claustrophobia and often threatened to lock him in his room.
    clavicle
    collarbone Example Even though he wore shoulder pads, the football player broke his clavicle during a practice scrimmage.
    cleave
    split asunder Example The lightening cleaves the tree in two.
    cleft
    split Example Erosion caused a cleft in the huge boulder.
    clemency
    disposition ot be lenient; mildness, as of the weather Example The lawyer was pleased when the case was sent to Judge Smith's chambers because Smith was noted for her clemency toward first offenders.
    cliche
    phrase culled in meaning by repetition Example High school compositions are often marred by such cliches as "strong as an ox."
    clientele
    body of customers Example The rock club attracted a young, stylish clientele.
    climactic
    relating to the highest point Example When he reached the climactic portions of the book, he could not stop reading.
    clime
    region; climate Example His doctors advised him to move to a milder clime.
    clique
    small, exclusive group Example She charged that a clique had assumed control of school affairs.
    cloister
    monastery or convent Example The nuns lived in the cloister.
    clout
    great influence (especially political or social) Example Gatsby wondered whether he had enough clout to be admitted to the exclusive club.
    cloying
    distasteful (because excessive); excessively sweet or sentimental Example Disliking the cloying sweetness of standard wedding cakes, Jody and Tom chose a homemade carrot cake for their reception.
    coagulate
    thicken; congeal; clot Example Even after you remove the pudding from the burner, it will continue to coagulate as it stands.
    coalesce
    combine; fuse Example The brooks coalesce into one large river.
    coda
    concluding section of a musical or literary composition Example The piece concluded with a distinctive coda that strikingly brought together various motifs.
    coddle
    treat gently; pamper Example Don't coddle the children to much; they need a taste of discipline.
    codicil
    supplement to the body of a will Example This codicil was drawn up five years after the writing of the original will.
    codify
    arrange (laws, rules) as a code; classify Example We need to take the varying rules and regulations of the different health agencies and codify them into a national health code.
    coercion
    use of force Example They forced him to obey, but only by great coercion.
    coeval
    living at the same time as; contemporary Example coeval with the dinosaur, the pterodactyl flourished during the Mesozoic era.
    cog
    tooth projecting from a wheel Example A bicycle chain moves through a series of cogs in order to propel the bike.
    cogent
    convincing Example She presented cogent arguments to the jury.
    cogitate
    think over Example cogitate on this problem; the solution will come.
    cognate
    related linguistically; allied by blood; similar or akin in nature Example The English word "mother" cognate to the Latin word "mater," whose influence is visible in the words "maternal" and "maternity."
    cognitive
    having to do with knowing or perceiving related to the mental precesses Example Though Jack was emotionally immature, his cognitive development was admirable; he was very advanced intellectually.
    cognizance
    knowledge Example During the election campaign, the two candidates were kept in full cognizance of the international situation.
    cohere
    stick together Example Solids have a greater tendency to cohere than liquids.
    cohesion
    tendency to keep together Example A firm believer in the maxim "Divide and conquer," the emperor, by lies and trickery, sought to disrupt the cohesion ofthe free nations.
    cohorts
    armed band Example Caesar and his Roman cohorts conquered almost all of the known world.
    coiffure
    hairstyle Example You can make a statement with your choice of coiffure: in the 60's many African-Americans affirmed their racial heritage by wearing their hair in Afros.
    coincident
    occurring at the same time Example Some people find the coincident events in Hardy's novels annoyingly improbable.
    colander
    utensil with perforated bottom used for straining Example Before serving the spaghetti, place it in a colander to drain it.
    collaborate
    work together Example Two writers collaborated in preparing this book.
    collage
    work of art put together from fragments Example Scraps of cloth, paper doilies, and old photographs all went into her collage.
    collate
    examine in order to verify authenticity; arrange in order Example They collated the newly found manuscripts to determine their age.
    collateral
    security given for loan Example The sum you wish to borrow is so large that it must be secured by collateral.
    collation
    a light meal Example Tea sandwiches and cookies were offered at the collation.
    colloquial
    pertaining to conversational or common speech Example Your use of colloquial expressions in a formal essay such as the one you have presented spoils the effect you hope to achieve.
    colloquy
    informal discussion Example I enjoy our colloquies but I sometimes wish that they could be made more formal and more searching.
    collusion
    conspiring in a fraudulent scheme Example The swindlers were found guilty of collusion.
    colossal
    huge Example Radio City Music Hall has a colossal stage.
    colossus
    gigantic statue Example The legendary Colossus of Rhodes, bronze statue of the sun god that dominated the harbor of the Greek seaport, was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
    comatose
    in a coma; extremely sleepy Example The long-winded orator soon had his audience in a comatose state.
    combustible
    easily burned Example After the recent outbreak of fires in private homes, the fire commissioner ordered that all combustible materials be kept in safe containers.
    comely
    attractive; agreeable Example I would rather have a poor and comely wife than a rich and homely one.
    comestible
    something fit to be eaten Example The roast turkey and other comestibles, the wines, and the excellent service made this Thanksgiving dinner particularly memorable.
    comeuppance
    rebuke; deserts Example After his earlier rudeness, we were delighted to see him get his comeuppance.
    comity
    courtesy; civility Example A spirit of comity should exist among nations.
    commandeer
    to draft for military purposes; to take for public use Example The policeman commandeered the first car that approached and ordered the driver to go to the nearest hospital.
    commemorative
    remembering; honoring Example The new commemorative stamp honors the late Martin Luther King, Jr.
    commensurate
    equal in extent Example Your reward will be commensurate with your effort.
    commiserate
    feel or express pity or sympathy for Example Her friends commiserated with the widow.
    commodious
    spacious and comfortable Example After sleeping in a small roadside cabins, they found their hotel suite commodious.
    communal
    held in common; of a group of people Example When they were divorced, they had trouble dividing their communal property.
    compact
    agreement; contract Example The signers of the Mayflower Compact were establishing a form of government.
    compact
    tightly packed; firm; brief Example His short, compact body was better suited to wrestling than to basketball.
    compatible
    harmonious; in harmony with Example They were compatible neighbors, never quarreling over unimportant matters.
    compelling
    overpowering; irresistible in effect Example The prosecutor presented a well-reasoned case, but the defense attorney's compelling arguments for leniency won over the jury.
    compendium
    brief, comprehensive summary Example This text can serve as a compendium of the tremendous amount of new material being developed in this field.
    compensatory
    making up for; repaying Example Can a compensatory education program make up for the inadequate schooling he received in earlier years?
    compilation
    listing of statistical information in tabular or book form Example The compilation of available scholarships serves a very valuable purpose.
    complacent
    self-satisfied Example There was a complacent look on his face as he examined his paintings.
    complaisant
    trying to please; obliging Example The courtier obeyed the king's orders in a complaisant manner.
    complement
    complete; consummate; make perfect Example The waiter recommended a glass of port to complement the cheese.
    compliance
    conformity in fulfilling requirements; readiness to yield Example The design for the new school had to be in compliance with the local building code.
    compliant
    yielding Example He was compliant and ready to go along with his friends' desires.
    complicity
    participation; involvement Example You cannot keep your complicity in this affair secret very long; you would be wise to admit your involvement immediately.
    component
    element; ingredient Example I wish all the components of my stereo system were working at the same time.
    comport
    bear one's self; behave Example He comported himself with great dignity.
    composure
    mental calmness Example Even the latest work crisis failed to shake her composure.
    compound
    combine; constitute; pay interest; increase Example The makers of the popular cold remedy compounded a nasal decongestant with an antihistamine.
    comprehensive
    thorough; inclusive Example This book provides a comprehensive review of verbal and math skills for the SAT.
    compress
    close; squeeze; contract Example She compressed the package under her arm.
    comprise
    include; consist of Example If the District of Columbia were to be granted a statehood, the United States of America would comprise fifty-onestates, not just fifty.
    compromise
    adjust; endanger the interests or reputation of Example Your presence at the scene of the dispute compromises our claim to neutrality in this matter.
    compunction
    remorse Example The judge was especially severe in this sentencing because he felt that the criminal had shown no compunction for his heinous crime.
    compute
    reckon; calculate Example He failed to compute the interest, so his bank balance was not accurate.
    concatenate
    link as in a chain Example It is difficult to understand how these events could concatenate as they did without outside assistance.
    concave
    hollow Example The back-packers found partial shelter from the storm by huddling against the concave wall of the cliff.
    concede
    admit; hield Example Despite all the evidence Monica had assembled, Mark refused to concede that she was right.
    conceit
    whimsical idea; extravagant metaphor Example He was an entertaining companion, always expressing himself in amusing conceits and witty turns of phrase.
    concentric
    having a common center Example The target was made of concentric circles.
    conception
    beginning; forming of a idea Example At the first conception of the work, he was consulted.
    concerted
    mutually agreed on; done together Example The girl scouts in the troop made a concerted effort to raise funds for their annual outing, and emitted a concerted sigh when their leader announced that they had reached their goal.
    concession
    an act of yielding Example Before they could reach an agreement, both sides had to make certain concessions.
    conciliatory
    reconciling; soothing Example She was still angry despite his conciliatory words.
    concise
    brief and compact Example When you define a new word, be concise; the shorter the definition, the easier it is to remember.
    conclave
    private meeting Example He was present at all their conclaves as an unofficial observer.
    conclusive
    decisive; ending all debate Example When the stolen books turned up in John's locker, we finally had conclusive evidence of the identity of the mysterious thief.
    concoct
    prepare by combining; make up in concert Example How did the inventive chef ever concoct such strange dish?
    concomitant
    that which accompanies Example Culture is not always a concomitant of wealth.
    concord
    harmony Example Watching Tweediedum and Tweedledee battle, Alice wondered why the two brothers could not manage to life in concord.
    concur
    agree Example Did you concur with the decision of the court or did you find it unfair?
    concurrent
    happening at the same time Example In America, the colonists were resisting the demands of the mother contry; at the concurrent moment in France, the middle class was sowing the seeds of rebellion.
    condescend
    bestow courtesies with a superior air Example The king condescended to grant an audience to the friends of the condemned man.
    condign
    adequate; deservedly severe Example The public approved the condign punishment for the crime.
    condiments
    seasonings; spices Example Spanish food is full of condiments.
    condole
    express sympathetic sorrow Example His friends gathered to condole with him over his loss.
    condone
    overlook; forgive; give tacit approval; excuse Example Unlike Widow Douglass, who condoned Huck's minor offenses, Miss Watson did nothing but scold.
    conducive
    helpful; contributive Example Rest and proper diet are conducive to good health.
    conduit
    aqueduct; passageway for fluids Example Water was brought to the army in the desert by an improvised conduit from the adjoining mountain.
    confidant
    trusted friend Example He had no confidants with whom he could discuss his problems at home.
    confiscate
    seize; commandeer Example The army confiscated all available supplies of uranium.
    conflagration
    great fire Example In the conflagration that followed the 1906 earthquake, much of San Francisco was destroyed.
    confluence
    flowing together; crowd Example They built the city at the confluence of two rivers.
    conformity
    harmony; agreement Example In conformity with our rules and regulations, I am calling a meeting of our organization.
    confound
    confuse; puzzle Example No mystery could confound Sherlock Holmes for long.
    congeal
    freeze; coagulate Example His blood congealed in his veins as he saw the dread monster rush toward him.
    congenial
    pleasant; friendly Example My father loved to go out for a meal with congenial companions.
    congenital
    existing at birth Example His congenital deformity disturbed his parents.
    conglomeration
    mass of material sticking together Example In such a conglomeration of miscellaneous statistics, it was impossible to find a single area of analysis.
    congruence
    correspondence of parts; harmonious relationship Example The student demonstrated the congruence of the two triangles by using the hypotenuse-arm theorem.
    conifer
    pine tree; cone-bearing tree Example According to geologists, the conifers were the first plants to bear flowers.
    conjecture
    surmise; guess Example I will end all your conjectures; I admit I am guilty as charged.
    conjugal
    pertaining to marriage Example Their dreams of conjugal bliss were shattered as soon as their temperaments clashed.
    conjure
    summon a devil; proactive magic; imagine; invent Example He conjured up an image of a reformed city and had the voters completely under his spell.
    connivance
    pretense of ignorance of something wrong; assistance; permission to offend Example With the connivance of his friends, he plotted to embarrass the teacher.
    connoisseur
    person competent to act as judge of art, ect.; a lover of an art Example She had developed into a connoisseur of fine china.
    connotation
    suggested or implied meaning of an expression Example Foreigners frequently are unaware of the connotations of the words they use.
    connubial
    pertaining to maffige or the matrimonial state Example In his telegram, he wished the newlyweds a lifetime of connubial bliss.
    consanguinity
    kinship Example The lawsuit developed into a test of the consanguinity of the claimant to the estate.
    conscientious
    scrupulous; careful Example A conscientious editor checked every definition for its accuracy.
    conscript
    draftee; person forced into military service Example Did Rambo volunteer to fight in Vietnam, or was he a conscript, drafted against his will?
    consecrate
    dedicate; sanctify Example We shall consecrate our lives to this noble purpose.
    consensus
    general agreement Example The consensus indicates that we are opposed to entering into this pact.
    consequential
    pompous; self-important Example Convinced of his own importance, the actor strutted about the dressing room with a consequential air.
    conservatory
    school of the fine arts (especiallymusic or drama) Example A gifted violinist, Marya was selected to study at the conservatory.
    consign
    deliver officially; entrust; set apart Example The court consigned the child to her paternal grandmother's care.
    consistency
    absence of contradictions; dependability; uniformity; degree of thickness Example Holmes judged puddings and explanations on their consistency; he liked his puddings without lumps and his explanations without improbabilities.
    console
    lessen sadness or disappointment; give comfort Example When her father died, Marius did his best to console Cosette.
    consonance
    harmony; agreement Example Her agitation seemed out of consonance with her usual calm.
    consort
    associate with Example We frequently judge people by the company with whom they consort.
    consort
    husband or wife Example The search for a consort for the young Queen Victoria ended happily.
    conspiracy
    treacherous plot Example Brutus and Cassius joined in the conspiracy to kill Julius Caesar.
    constituent
    supporter Example The congressman received hundreds of letters from angry constituents after the Equal Rights Amendment failed to pass.
    constraint
    compulsion; repression of feelings Example There was a feeling of constraint in the room because no one dared to criticize the speaker.
    construe
    explain; interpret Example If I construe your remarks correctly, you disagree with the theory already advanced.
    consummate
    complete Example I have never seem anyone who makes as many stupid errors as you do; you must be a consummate idiot.
    contagion
    infection Example Fearing contagion, they took drastic steps to prevent the spread of the disease.
    contaminate
    pollute Example The sewage system of the city so contaminated the water that swimming was forbidden.
    contempt
    scorn; disdain Example Even if you feel superior to others, it is unwise to show your contempt for them.
    contend
    struggle; compete; assert earnestly Example In Revolt of the Black Athlete, sociologist Harry Edwards contends that young black athletes have been exploited by some college recruiters.
    contentious
    quarrelsome Example We heard loud and contentious noises in the next room.
    contest
    dispute Example The defeated candidate attempted to contest the election results.
    context
    writings preceding and following the passage quoted Example Because these lines are taken out of context, they do not convey the message the author intended.
    contiguous
    adjacent to; touching upon Example The two countries are contiguous for a few miles; then they are separated by the gulf.
    continence
    self-restraint; ***ual chastity Example She vowed to lead a life of continence.
    contingent
    conditional Example The continuation of this contract is contingent on the quality of your first output.
    contortions
    twistings; distortions Example As the effects of the opiate wore away, the contortions of the patient became more violent and demonstrated how much pain she was enduring.
    contraband
    illegal trade; smuggling; smuggled goods Example The coast guard tries to prevent contraband in U.S. waters.
    contravene
    contradict; oppose: infringe on or transgress Example Mr. Barrett did not expect his frail daughter Elizabeth to contravene his will by eloping with Robert Browning.
    contrite
    penitent Example Her contrite tears did not influence the judge when he imposed sentence.
    contrived
    forced; artificial; not spontaneous Example Feeling ill at ease with his new in-laws; James made a few contrived attempts at conversation and then retreated into silence.
    controvert
    oppose with arguments; contradict Example To controvert your theory will require much time but it is essential that we disprove it.
    contumacious
    disobedient; resisting authority Example The contumacious mob shouted defiantly at the police.
    contusion
    bruise Example She was treated for contusions and abrasions.
    conundrum
    riddle; difficult problem Example During the long car ride, she invented conundrums to entertain the children.
    convene
    assemble Example Because much is needed legislation had to be enacted, the governor ordered the legislature to convene in special session by January 15.
    convention
    social or moral custom; established practice Example Flying in the face of convention, George Sand (Amandine Dudevant) shocked her contemporaries by taking lovers and wearing men's clothes.
    conventional
    ordinary; typical Example His conventional upbringing left him wholly unprepared for his wife's eccentric family.
    converge
    come together Example Marchers converged on Washington for the great Save Our Cities-Save Our Children March.
    conversant
    familiar with Example The lawyer is conversant with all the evidence.
    converse
    opposite Example The inevitable converse of peace is not war but annihilation.
    convert
    one who has adopted a different religion or opinion Example On his trip to Japan, though the President spoke at length about the merits of American automobiles, he made few converts to his beliefs.
    convex
    curving outward Example He polished the convex lens of his telescope.
    conveyance
    vehicle; transfer Example During the transit strike, commuters used various kinds of conveyances.
    conviction
    strongly held belief Example Nothing could shake his conviction that she was innocent.
    convivial
    festive; gay; characterized by joviality Example The convivial celebrators of the victory sang their college songs.
    convoke
    call together Example Congress was convoked at the outbreak of the emergency.
    convoluted
    coiled around; involved; intricate Example His argument was so convoluted that few of us could follow a it intelligently.
    copious
    plentiful Example She had copious reasons for rejecting the proposal.
    coquette
    flirt Example Because she refused to give him an answer to his proposal of marriage, he called her a coquette.
    cordial
    gracious; heartfelt Example Our hosts greeted us at the airport with a cordial welcome and a hearty hug.
    cordon
    extended line of men or fortifications to prevent access or egress Example The police cordon was so tight that the criminals could not leave the area.
    cornice
    projecting molding on building (usually above columns) Example Because the stones forming the cornice had been loosened by the storms, the police closed the building until repairs could be made.
    cornucopia
    horn overflowing wiht fruit and grain; symbol of abundance Example The encyclopedia salesman claimed the new edition was a veritable cornucopia of information, an inexhaustible source of knowledge for the entire family.
    corollary
    consequence; accompaniment Example Brotherly love is a complex emotion, with a sibling rivalry its natural corollary.
    corporeal
    bodily; material Example He was not a churchgoer; he was interested only in corporeal matters.
    corpulent
    very fat Example The corpulent man resolved to reduce.
    correlation
    mutual relationship Example He sought to determine the correlation that existed between ability in algebra and ability to interpret reading exercises.
    corroborate
    confirm Example Unless we find a witness to corroborate your evidence, it will not stand up in court.
    corrosive
    eating away by chemicals or disease Example Stainless steel is able to withstand the effects of corrosive chemicals.
    corrugated
    wrinkled; ridged Example She wished she could smooth away the wrinkles from his corrugated brow.
    cosmic
    pertaining to the universe; vast Example cosmic rays derive their name from the fact that they bombard the earth's atmosphere from outer space.
    coterie
    group that meets socially; select circle Example After his book had been published, he was invited to join the literary coteri that lunched daily at the hotel.
    countenance
    approve; tolerate Example He refused to countenance such rude behavior on their part.
    countenance
    face Example Whe Jose saw his newborn daughter, a proud smile spread across his countenance.
    countermand
    cancel; revoke Example The general countermand the orders issued in his absence.
    counterpart
    a thing that completes another; things very much alike Example Night and day are counterparts.
    coup
    highly successful action or sudden attack Example As the news of his coup spread throughout Wall Street, his fellow brokers dropped by to congratulate him.
    couple
    join; unite Example The Flying Karamazovs couple expert juggling and amateur joking in their nightclub act.
    courier
    messenger Example The publisher sent a special courier to pick up the manuscript.
    covenant
    agreement Example We must comply with the terms of the covenant.
    covert
    secret; hidden; implied Example She could understand the covert threat in the letter.
    covetous
    avaricious; eagerly desirous of Example The child was covetous by nature and wanted to take the toys belonging to his classmates.
    cow
    terrorize; intimidate Example The little boy was so cowed by the hulking bully that he gave up his lunch money without a word of protest.
    cower
    shrink quivering, as from fear Example The frightened child cowered in the corner of the room.
    coy
    shy; modest; coquettish Example She was coy in her answers to his offer.
    cozen
    cheat; hoodwink; swindle Example He was the kind of individual who would cozen his friends in a cheap card game but remain eminently ethical in all his business dealings.
    crabbed
    sour; peevish Example The children avoided the crabbed old man because he scolded them when they made noise.
    crass
    very unrefined; grossly insensible Example The philosophers deplored the crass commercialism.
    craven
    cowardly Example When he saw the enemy troops advancing, he had a craven impulse to run for his life.
    credence
    belief Example Do not place any credence in his promises.
    credo
    creed Example I believe we may best describe his credo by saying that it approximates the Goldren Rule.
    credulity
    belief on slight evidence Example The witch doctor took advantage of the credulity of the superstitious natives.
    creed
    system of religious or ethical belief Example In any loyal American's creed, love of democracy must be emphasized.
    crescendo
    increase in the volume or intensity, as in a musical passage; climax Example The overture suddenly changed from a quiet pastoral theme to a crescendo featuring blaring trumpets and clashing cymbols.
    crestfallen
    dejected; dispirited Example We were surprised at his reaction to the failure of his project; instead of being crestfallen, he was busily engaged in planning new activities.
    crevice
    crack; fissure Example The mountain climbers found footholds in the tiny crevices in the mountainside.
    cringe
    shrink back, as if in fear Example The dog cringed, expecting a blow.
    criteria
    standards used in judging Example What criteria did you use when you selected this essay as the prize winner?
    crone
    hag Example The toothless crone frightened us when she smiled.
    crotchety
    eccentric; whimsical Example Although he was reputed to be a crochety old gentleman, I found his ideas substantially sound and sensible.
    crux
    crucial point Example This is the crux of the entire problem.
    crypt
    secret recess or vault usually used for burial Example Until recently only bodies of rulers and leading statesmen were interred in this crypt.
    cryptic
    mysterious; hidden; secret Example His cryptic remarks could not be interpreted.
    cubicle
    small chamberused for sleeping Example After his many hours of intensive study in the library he retired to his cubicle.
    cuisine
    style of cooking Example French cuisine is noted for its use of sauces and wines.
    culinary
    relating to cooking Example Many chefs attribute their culinary skill to the wise use of spices.
    cull
    pick out; reject Example Every month the farmer culls the nonplaying hens from his flock and sells them to the local butcher.
    culmination
    attainment of highest point Example His inauguration as President of the United States marked the culmination of his political career.
    culpable
    deserving blame Example Corrupt politicians who condone the activities of the gamblers are equally culpable.
    culvert
    artificial channel for water Example If we build a culvert under the road at this point, we will reduce the possibility of the road at this point, we will reduce the possibility of the road's being flooded during the rainy season.
    cumbersome
    heavy; hard to manage Example He was burdened down with cumbersome parcels.
    cumulative
    growing by addition Example Vocabulary building is a cumulative process: as you go through your flash cards, you will add new words to your vocabulary, one by one.
    cupidity
    greed Example The defeated people could not satisfy the cupidity of the conquerors, who demanded excessive tribute.
    curator
    superintendent; manager Example The members of the board of trustees of the museum expected the new curator to plan events and exhibitions that would make the museum more popular.
    curmudgeon
    churlish, miserly individual Example Although he was regarded by many as a curmudgeon, a few of us were aware of the many kindnesses and acts of charity that he secretly performed.
    cursive
    flowing, running Example In normal writing we run our letters together in cursive form; in printing, we separate the letters.
    cursory
    casual; hastily done Example A cursory examination of the ruins indicates the possibility of arson; a more extensive study should be undertaken.
    curtail
    shorten; reduce Example During the coal shortage, we must curtail our use of this vital commodity.
    cynical
    skeptical or distrustful of human motives Example cynical at all times, he was suspicious of all altruistic actions of others.
    cynosure
    object of general attention Example As soon as the movie star entered the room, she became the cynosure of all eyes.
    consternation
    anxiety, dismay Example Lincoln is famous for saying that the consternations during the civil war had left him decrepit.
    casual
    accidental; not regular or permanent; careless; informal Example It can be argued that physical laws can be casual as well as inveterate, since it is based on an induction.
    dais
    raised platform for guests of honor Example When he approached the dais, he was greeted by cheers from the people who had come to honor him.
    dally
    trifle with; procrastinate Example Laertes told Ophelia that Hamlet could only dally with her affections.
    dank
    damp Example The walls of the dungeon were dank and slimy.
    dapper
    neat and trim Example In "The Odd Couple," Tony Randall played Fe*** Unger, an excessively dapper soul who could not stand to have a hair out of place.
    dappled
    spotted Example The sunlight filtering though the screens created a dappled effect on the wall.
    daub
    smear (as with paint) Example From the way he daubed his paint on the canvas, I could tell he knew nothing of oils.
    daunt
    intimidate Example Your threats cannot daunt me.
    dauntless
    bold Example Despite the dangerous nature of the undertaking, the dauntless soldier volunteered for the assignment.
    dawdle
    loiter; waste time Example Inasmuch as we must meet a deadline, do not dawdle over this work.
    deadlock
    standstill; stalemate Example The negotiations had reached a deadlock.
    deadpan
    wooden; impassive Example We wanted to see how long he could maintain his deadpan expression.
    dearth
    scarcity Example The dearth of skilled labor compelled the employers to open trade schools.
    debacle
    breaking up; downfall Example This debacle in the government can only result in anarchy.
    debase
    reduce to lower state Example Do not debase youself by becoming maudlin.
    debauch
    corrupt; make intemperate Example A vicious newspaper can debauch public ideals.
    debilitate
    weaken; enfeeble Example Overindulgence debilitates character as well as physical stamina.
    debonair
    friendly; aiming to please Example The debonair youth was liked by all who met him, because of his cheerful and obliging manner.
    debris
    rubble Example A full year after the earthquake in Mexico City, workers were still carting away the debris.
    debunk
    expose as false, exaggerated, worthless, etc.; ridicule Example Pointing out that he conhsistently had voted afainst strenghtening antipollution legislation, reporters debunked the candidate's claim that he was a fervent environmentalist.
    debutante
    yound woman making formal entrance into society Example As a debutante, she was often mentioned in the society columns of the newspapers.
    decadence
    decay Example The moral decadence of the people was reflected in the lewd literature of the period.
    decant
    pour off gently Example Be sure to decant this wine before serving it.
    decapitate
    behead Example They did not hang Lady Jane Grey; they decapitated her.
    decelerate
    slow down Example Seeing the emergency blinkers in the road ahead, he decelerated quickly.
    deciduous
    falling off, as of leaves Example The oak is a deciduous tree.
    decimate
    kill, usually one out of ten Example We do more to decimate our population in automobile accidents than we do in war.
    decipher
    decode Example I could not decipher the doctor's handwriting.
    declivity
    downward slope Example The children loved to ski down the declivity.
    decollete
    having a low-cut neckline Example Fashion decrees that evening gowns be decollete this season; bare shoulders are again the vogue.
    decomposition
    decay Example Despite the body's advanced state of decomposition, the police were able to identify the murdered man.
    decorum
    propriety; seemliness Example Shocked by the unruly behavior, the teacher criticized the class for its lack of decorum.
    decoy
    lure or bait Example The wild ducks were not fooled by the decoy.
    decrepitude
    state of collagse caused by illness or old age Example I was unprepared for the state of decrepitude in which I had found my old friend; he seemed to have aged twenty years in six months.
    decry
    express strong disapproval of ; disparage Example The founder of the Children's Defense Fund, Marian Wright Edelman, strongly decries the lack of financial and moral support for children in America today.
    deducible
    derived byreasoning Example If we accept your premise, your conclusions are easily deducible.
    deface
    mar; disfigure Example If you deface a library book, you will have to pay a hefty fine.
    defamation
    harming a person's reputation Example Such defamation of character may result in a slander suit.
    default
    failure to do Example As a result of her husband's failure to appear in court, she was granted a divorce by default.
    defeatist
    resigned to defeat; accepting defeat as a natural outcome Example If you maintain your defeatist attitude, you will never succeed.
    defection
    desertion Example The children, who had made him an idol, were hurt most by his defection from our cause.
    deference
    courteous regard for another's wish Example In deference to his desires, the employers granted him a holiday.
    defile
    pollute; profane Example The hoodlums defiled the church with their scurrilous writing.
    definitive
    most reliable or complee Example Carl Sandburg's Abraham Lincoln may be regarded as the definitive work on the life of the Great Emancipator.
    deflect
    turn aside Example His life was saved when his cigarette case deflected the bullet.
    defoliate
    destroy leaves Example In Vietnam the army made extensive use of chemical agents to defoliate the woodlands.
    defray
    provide ofr the payment of Example Her employer offered to defray the costs of her postgraduate education.
    defrock
    to strip a priest or minister of church authority Example We knew the minister had violated church regulations, but we had not realized his offense was serious enough to cause him to be defrocked.
    deft
    neat; skillful Example The deft waiter uncorked the champagne without spilling a drop.
    defunct
    dead; no longer in use or existence Example The lawyers sought to examine the books of the defunct corporation.
    degenerate
    become worse; deteriorate Example As the fight dragged on, the champion's style degenerated until he could barely keep on his feet.
    degraded
    lowered in rank; debased Example The degraded wretch spoke only of his past glories and honors.
    dehydrate
    remove water from; dry out Example Vigorous dancing quickly dehydrates the body; between dances, be sure to drink more water than normal.
    deify
    turn into a god; idolize Example Admire the rock star all you want; just don't deify him.
    deign
    condescend Example He felt that he would debase himself if he deigned to answer his critics.
    delete
    erase; strike out Example If you delete this paragraph, the composition will have more appeal.
    deleterious
    harmful Example Workers in nuclear research must avoid the deleterious effects of radioactive substances.
    deliberate
    consider; ponder; unhurried Example Offered the new job, she asked for time to deliberate before she made her decision.
    delineate
    portray Example He is weakest when he attempts to delineate character.
    delirium
    mental disorder marked by confusion Example The drunkard in his delirium saw strange animals.
    delta
    flat plain of mud or sand between branches of a river Example His dissertation discussed the effect of intermittent flooding on the fertility of the Nile delta.
    delude
    deceive Example Do not delude yourself into believing that he will relent.
    deluge
    flood; rush Example When we advertised the position, we received a deluge of applications.
    delusion
    false belief; hallucination Example This scheme is a snare and a delusion.
    delusive
    deceptive; raising vain hopes Example Do not raise your hopes on the basis of his delusive promises.
    delve
    dig; investigate Example delving into old books and manuscripts is part of a researcher's job.
    demagogue
    person who appeals to people's prejudice; false leader Example He was accused of being a demogogue because he made promises that aroused futile hopes in his listeners.
    demean
    degrade; humiliate Example He felt that he would demean himself if he replied to the scurrilous letter.
    demeanor
    behavior; bearing Example His sober demeanor quieted the noisy revelers.
    demented
    insane Example She became increasingly demented and had to be hospitalized.
    demise
    death Example Upon the demise of the dictator, a bitter dispute about succession to power developed.
    demographic
    related to population balance Example In conducting a survey, one should take into account demographic trends in the region.
    demolition
    destruction Example One of the major aims of the air force was the complete demolition of all means of transportation by the bombing of rail lines and the terminals.
    demoniac
    fiendish Example The Spanish Inquisition devised many demoniac means of torture.
    demotic
    pertaining to the people Example He lamented the passing of aristocratic society and maintained that a demotic society would lower the nation's standards.
    demur
    delay; object Example To demur at this time will only worsen the already serious situation; now is the time for action.
    demure
    grave; serius; coy Example She was demure and reserved.
    denigrate
    blacken Example All attempts to denigrate the character of our late President have failed; the people still love him and cherish his memory.
    denizen
    inhabitant of Example Ghosts are denizens of the land of the dead who return to earth.
    denotation
    meaning; distinguishing by name Example A dictionary will always give us the denotation of a word; frequently, it will always give us its connotation.
    denouement
    outcome; final development of the plot of a play or other literary work Example The play was childishly written; the denouement was obvious to sophisticated theatergoers as early as the middle of the first act.
    denounce
    condemn; critcize Example The reform candidate denounced the corrupt city officers for having betrayed the public's trust.
    depict
    portray Example In this book, the author depicts the slave owners as kind and benevolent masters.
    deplete
    reduce; exhaust Example We must wait until we deplete our present inventory before we order replacements.
    deplore
    regret Example Although I deplore the vulgarity of your language, I defend your right to express yourself freely.
    deploy
    move troops so that the battle line is extended at the expense of depth Example The general ordered the battalion to deploy in order to meet the offensive of the enemy.
    depose
    dethrone; remove form office Example The army attempted to depose the king and set up a military government.
    deposition
    testimony under oath Example He made his deposition in the judge's chamber.
    depravity
    corruption; wickedness Example The depravity of the tyrant's behavior shocked us all.
    deprecate
    express disapproval of; protest against; belittle Example A firm believer in old-fashioned courtesy, Miss Post deprecated the modern tendency to address new acquaintances by their first names.
    depreciate
    lessen in value Example If you neglect this properly, it will depreciate.
    depredation
    plundering Example After the depredations of the invaders, the people were penniless.
    deranged
    insane Example He had to be institutionalized because he was deranged.
    derelict
    neglectful of duty; abandoned Example The corporal who fell asleep while on watch was thrown into the guardhouse for being derelic in his duty.
    deride
    scoff at Example The people derided his grandiose schemes.
    derision
    ridicule Example They greeted his proposal with derision and refused to consider it seriously.
    derivative
    unoriginal; obtained from another source Example Although her early poetry was clearly derivative in nature, the critics thought she had promise and eventually would find her own voice.
    dermatologist
    one who studies the skin and its diseases Example I advise you to consult a dermatologist about your acne.
    derogatory
    expressing a low opinion Example I resent your derogatory remarks.
    descry
    catch sight of Example In the distance, we could barely descry the enemy vessels.
    desecrate
    profane; violate the sanctity of Example The soldiers desecrated the temple.
    desiccate
    dry up Example A tour of this smokehouse will give you an idea of how the pioneers used to desiccate food in order to preserve it.
    desolate
    rob of joy; lay waste to; forsake Example The bandits desolated the countryside, burning farms and carrying off the harvest.
    desperado
    reckless outlaw Example Butch Cassidy was a bold desperado with a price on his head.
    despicable
    contemptible Example Your despicable remarks call for no reply.
    despise
    scorn Example I despise your attempts at a reconciliation at this time and refuse to meet you.
    despoil
    plunder Example If you do not yield, I am afraid the enemy will despoil the countryside.
    despondent
    depressed; gloomy Example To the dismay of his parents, he became more and more depondent every day.
    despotism
    tyranny Example The people rebelled against the despotism of the king.
    destitute
    extremely poor Example The costs of the father's illness left the family destitute.
    desultory
    aimless; haphazard; digressing at random Example In prison Malcolm X set himself the task of reading straight through the dictionary; to him reading was purposeful, not desultory.
    detached
    emotionally removed; calm and objective; indifferent Example A psychoanalyst must maintain a detached point of view and stay uninvolved with her patients' perssonal lives.
    determinate
    having a fixed order of procedure; invariable Example At the royal wedding, the procession of the nobles followed a determinate order of precedence.
    deterrent
    something that discourages; hindrance Example Does the threat of capital punishment serve as a deterrent to potential killers?
    detonation
    explosion Example The detonation of the bomb could be heard miles away.
    detraction
    slandering; aspersion Example He is offended by your frequent detractions of his ability as a leader.
    detrimental
    harmful; damaging Example Your acceptance of her support will ultimately prove detrimental rather than helpful to your cause.
    deviate
    turn away from Example Do not deviate from the truth; you must face the facts.
    devious
    going astray; erratic Example Your devious behavior in this matter puzzles me since you are usually direct and straightforward.
    devoid
    lacking Example He was devoid of any personal desire for gain in his endeavor to secure improvement in the community.
    devolve
    deputize; pass to others Example It devolved upon us, the survivors, to arrange peace terms with the enemy.
    devotee
    enthusiastic follower Example A devotee of the opera, he bought season tickets every year.
    devout
    pious Example The devout man prayed daily.
    dexterous
    skillful Example The magician was so dexterous that we could not follow his movements as he performed his tricks.
    diabolical
    devilish Example This scheme is so diabolical that I must reject it.
    diadem
    crown Example The king's diadem was on display at the museum.
    dialectic
    art of debate Example I am not skilled in dialectic and therefore, cannot answer your arguments as forcefully as I wish.
    diaphanous
    sheer; transparent Example They saw the burglar clearly through the diaphanous curtain.
    diatribe
    bitter scolding; invective Example During the lengthy diatribe delivered by his opponent he remained calm and self-controlled.
    dichotomy
    branching into two parts Example The dichotomy of our legislative system provides us with many safeguards.
    dictum
    arthoritative and weighty statement Example She repeated the statement as though it were the dictum of the most expert worker in the group.
    didactic
    teaching; instructional; preaching or moralizing Example The didactic qualities of his poetry overshadow its literary qualities; the lesson he teaches is more memorable than the lines.
    die
    device for stamping or impressing; mold Example In coining pennies, workers at the old mint squeezed sheets of softened copper between two dies.
    diffidence
    shyness Example You must overcome your diffidence if you intend to become a salesperson.
    diffusion
    wordiness; spreading in all directions like a gas Example Your composition suffers from a diffusion of ideas; try to be more compact.
    digression
    wandering away from the subject Example Nobody minded when Professor Renoir's lectures wandered away from their offical theme; his digressions were always more fascinating than the topic of the day.
    dilapidated
    ruined because of neglect Example We felt that the dilapidated building needed several coats of paint.
    dilate
    expand Example In the dark, the pupils of your eyes dilate.
    dilatory
    delaying Example Your dilatory tactics may compel me to cancel the contract.
    dilemma
    problem; choice of two unsatisfactory alternatives Example In this dilemma, he knew no one to whom he could turn for advice.
    dilettante
    aimless follower of the arts; amateur; dabbler Example He was not serious in his painting; he was rather a dilettante.
    diligence
    steadiness of effort; persisten hard work Example Her employers were greatly impressed by her diligence and offered her a partnership in the firm.
    dilute
    make less concentrated; reduce in strength Example She preferred her coffee diluted with milk.
    diminution
    lessening; reduction in size Example The blockaders hoped to achieve victory as soon as the diminution of the enemy's supplies became serious.
    din
    continued loud noise Example The din of the jackhammers outside the classroom window drowned out the lecturer's voice.
    dinghy
    small boat (often ship's boat) Example In the film Lifeboat, an ill-assorted group of passengers from a sunken ocean liner are marooned at sea in a dinghy.
    dingy
    dull; not fresh; cheerless Example Refusing to be depressed by her dingy studio apartment, Bea spent the weekend polishing the floors and windows and hanging bright posters on the walls.
    dint
    means; effort Example By dint of much hard work, the volunteers were able to control the raging forest fire.
    diorama
    like-size, three-dimensional scene from nature or history Example Because they dramatically pose actual stuffed animals against realistic painted landscapes, the dioramas at the Museum of Natural History particularly impress high school biology students.
    dire
    disastrous Example People ignored her dire predictions of an approaching depression.
    dirge
    lament with music Example The funeral dirge stirred us to tears.
    disabuse
    correct a false impression; undeceive Example I will attempt to diabuse you of your impression of my client's guilt; I know he is innocent.
    disaffected
    disloyal Example Once the most loyal of Gorbachev's supporters, Shverdnaze found himself becoming increasingly disaffected.
    disapprobation
    disapproval; condemnation Example The conservative father viewed his daughter's radical boyfriend with disapprobation.
    disarray
    a disorderly or untidy state Example After the New Year's party, the once orderly house was in total disarray.
    disavowal
    denial; disclaiming Example His disavowal of his part in the conspiracy was not believed by the jury.
    disband
    dissolve; disperse Example The chess club disbanded after its disastrous initial season.
    disburse
    pay out Example When you disburse money on the company's behalf, be sure to get a receipt.
    discernible
    distinguishable; perceivable Example The ships in the harbor were not discernible in the fog.
    discerning
    mentally quick and observant; having insight Example Because he was considered the most discerning member of the firm, he was assigned the most difficult cases.
    disclaim
    disown; renounce claim to Example If I grant you this previlege, will you disclaim all other rights?
    disclose
    reveal Example Although competitors offered him bribes, he refused to disclose any information about his company's forthcoming product.
    discombobulated
    confused; discomposed Example The novice square dancer became so discombobulated that he wandered into wrong set.
    discomfit
    put to rout; defeat; disconcert Example This ruse will discomfit the enemy.
    disconcert
    confuse; upset; embarrass Example The lawyer was disconcerted by the evidence produced by her adversary.
    disconcolate
    sad Example The death of his wife left him disconsolate.
    discordant
    inharmonious; conflicting Example She tried to unite the discordant factions.
    discount
    disregard Example Be prepared to discount what he has to say about his ex-wife.
    discourse
    formal disscussion; conversation Example The young Plato was drawn to the Agora to hear the philosophical discourse of Socrates and his followers.
    discredit
    defame; destroy confidence in; disbelieve Example The campaign was highly negative in tone; each candidate tried to discredit the other.
    discrepancy
    lack of consistency; difference Example The police noticed some discrepancies in his description of the crime and did not believe him.
    discrete
    separate; unconnected Example The universe is composed of discrete bodies.
    discretion
    prudence; ability to adjust actions to circumstances Example Use your discretion in this matter and do not discuss it with anyone.
    discrimination
    ability to see differences; prejudice Example They feared he lacked sufficient discrimination to judge complex works of modern art.
    discursive
    digressing; rambling Example They were annoyed and bored by her discursive remarks.
    disdain
    treat with scorn or contempt Example You make enemies of all you disdain.
    disembark
    go ashore; unload cargo from a ship Example Before the passengers could disembark, they had to pick up their passports from the ship's purser.
    disenfranchise
    deprive of a civil right Example The imposition if the poll tax effectively disenfranchised poor Southern blacks, who lost their right to vote.
    disengage
    uncouple; separate; disconnect Example A standard movie routine involves the hero's desperate attempt to disengage a railroad car from a moving train.
    disfigure
    mar the appearance of; spoil Example An ugly frown disfigured his normally pleasant face.
    disgorge
    surrender something; efect; vomit Example Unwilling to disgorge the cash he had stolen from the pension fund, the embezzler tried to run away.
    disgruntle
    make discontented Example The passengers were disgruntled by the numerous delays.
    dishearten
    discourage Example His failure to pass the bar exam disheartened him.
    disheveled
    untidy Example Your disheveled appearance will hurt your chances in this interview.
    disinclination
    unwilingness Example Some mornings I feel a great disinclination to get out of bed.
    disingenuous
    not naive; sophisticated Example Although he was young, his remarks indicated that he was disingenous.
    disinter
    dig up; unearth Example They disinterred the body and held an autopsy.
    disinterested
    unprejudiced Example The only disinterested person in the room was the judge.
    disjointed
    disconnected Example His remarks were so disjointed that we could not follow his reasoning.
    dislodge
    remove (forcible) Example Thrusting her fist up under the choking man's lower ribs, Margaret used the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge the food caught in this throat.
    dismantle
    take apart Example When the show closed, they dismantled the scenery before restoring it.
    dismember
    cut into small parts Example When the Austrian Empire was dismembered, several new countries were established.
    dismiss
    eliminate from consideration; reject Example Believing in John's love for her, she dismissed the notion that he might be unfaithful.
    disparage
    belittle Example Do not disparage anyone's contribution; these little gifts add up to large sums.
    disparate
    basically different; unrelated Example It is difficult, if not impossible, to organize these disparate elements into a coherent whole.
    disparity
    difference; condition of inequality Example The disparity in their ages made no difference at all.
    dispassionate
    calm; impartial Example In a dispassionate analysis of the problem, he carefully examined the causes of the conflict and proceeded to suggest suitable remedies.
    dispatch
    speediness; prompt execution; message sent with all due speed Example Young Napoleon defeated the enemy with all possible dispatch; he then sent a dispatch to headquarters, informing his commander of the great victory.
    dispel
    scatter; drive away; cause to vanish Example The bright sunlight eventually dispelled the morning mist.
    disperse
    scatter Example The police fired tear gas into crowd to disperse the protesters.
    dispirited
    lacking in spirit Example The coach used all the tricks at his command to buoy up the enthusiasm of his team, which I had become dispirited at the loss of the star player.
    disport
    amuse Example The popularity of Florida as a winter resort is constantly increasing; each year, thousands more disport themselves at Miami and Palm Beach.
    disputatious
    argumentative; fond of argument Example People avoided discussing contemporary problems with him because of his disputatious manner.
    disquisition
    a formal systematic inquiry; an explanation of the results of a formal inquiry Example In his disquisition, he outlined the steps he had taken in reaching his conclusions.
    dissection
    analysis; cutting apart in order to examine Example The dissection of frogs on the laboratory is particularly unpleasant to some students.
    dissemble
    disguise; pretend Example Even though John tried to dissemble his motive for taking modern dance, we all knew there not to dance but to meet girls.
    disseminate
    scatter (like seeds) Example The invention of the radio helped propagandists to disseminate their favorite doctrines very easily.
    dissent
    disagree Example In a landmark Supreme Court decision, Justice Marshall dissented from the majority opinion.
    dissertation
    formal essay Example In order to earn a graduate degree from many of our universities, a candidate is frequently required to prepare a dissertation on some scholarly subject.
    dissident
    dissenting; rebellious Example In the purge that followed the student demonstrations at Tianamen Square, the government hunted down the dissident students and their supporters.
    dissimulate
    pretend; conceal by feigning Example She tried to dissimulate her grief by her exuberant attitude.
    dissipate
    squander Example The young man quickly dissipated his inheritance and was soon broke.
    dissolution
    disintegration; looseness in morals Example The profligacy and dissolution of life in Caligula's Rome appall some historians.
    dissonance
    discord Example Some contemporary musicians deliberately use dissonance to achieve certain effects.
    dissuade
    advise against Example He could not dissuade his friend from joining the conspirators.
    distant
    reserved or aloof; cold in manner Example His distant greeting made me feel unwelcome from the start.
    distend
    expand;swell out Example I can tell when he is under stress by the way the veins distend on his forehead.
    distill
    purify; refine; concentrate Example A moonshiner distills mash into whiskey; an epigrammatist distills thoughts into quips.
    distortion
    twisting out of shape Example It is difficult to believe the newspaper accounts of this event because of the distortions and exaggerations of the reporters.
    distrait
    absentminded Example Because of his concentration on the problem, the professor often appeared distrait and unconcerned about routine.
    distraught
    upset; distracted by anxiety Example The distraught parents frantically searched the ravine for their lost child.
    diurnal
    daily Example A farmer cannot neglect his diurnal tasks at any time; cows, for example, must be milked regularly.
    diva
    operatic singer; prima donna Example Although world famous as a diva, she did not indulge in fits of temerament.
    diverge
    vary; go in different directionsfrom the same point Example The spokes of the wheel diverge from the hub.
    divergent
    differing; deviating Example The two witnesses presented the jury with remarkably divergent accounts of the same epipode.
    diverse
    differing in some characteristics; various Example There are diverse ways of approaching this problem.
    diversion
    act of turning aside; pastime Example After studying for several hours, he needed a diversion from work.
    diversity
    variety; dissimilitude Example The diversity of colleges in this country indicates that many levels of ability are being served.
    divest
    strip; deprive Example He was divested of his power to act and could no longer govern.
    divine
    perceive intuitively; foresee the future Example Nothing infuriated Tom more than Aunt Polly's ability to divine when he was not telling the truth.
    divulge
    reveal Example I will not tell you this news because I am sure you will divulge it prematurely.
    docile
    obedient; easily managed Example As docile as he seems today, that old lion was once a ferocious, snarling beast.
    docket
    program asfor trial; book where such entries are made Example The case of Smith v. Jones was entered in the docket for July 15.
    doctrinaire
    unable to compromise about points of doctrine; dogmatic; unyielding Example Weng had hoped that the student-led democracy movement might bring about change in China, but the repressive response of the doctrinaire hard-liners crushed his dreams of democracy.
    document
    provide written evidence Example She kept all the receipts from her business trip in order to document her expenses for the firm.
    doddering
    shaky; infirm from old age Example Although he is not as yet a doddering and senile old man, his ideas and opinions no longer can merit the respect we gave them years ago.
    doff
    take off Example A gentleman used to doff his hat to a lady.
    dogged
    determined;stubborn Example Les Miserables tells of Inspector Javert's long, dogged pursuit of the criminal Jean Valjean.
    doggerel
    poorverse Example Although we find occasional snatches of genuine poetry in her work, most of her writing is mere doggerel.
    dogmatic
    positive; arbitrary Example Do not be so dogmatic about that statement; it can be easily refuted.
    doldrums
    blues; listlessness; slack period Example Once the excitement of meeting her deadline was over, she found herself in the doldrums.
    dolorous
    sorrowfrl Example He found the dolorous lamentations of the bereaved family emotionally disturbing and he left as quickly as he could.
    dolt
    stupid person Example I thought I was talking to a mature audience; instead, I find myself addressing a pack of dolts.
    domicile
    home Example Althoughhis legal domicile was in New York City, his work kept him away from his residence for many years.
    domineer
    rule over tyrannically Example Students prefer teachers who guide, not ones who domineer.
    don
    put on Example When Clark Kent had to don his Superman outfit, he changed clothes in a convenient phone booth.
    dormant
    sleeping; lethargic; torpid Example Sometimes dormant talents in our friends surprise those of us who never realize how gifted our acquaintances really are.
    dormer
    window projecting from roof Example In remodeling the attic into a bedroom, we decided that we needed to put in dormers to provide sufficient ventilation for the new room.
    dorsal
    relating to the back of an animal Example A shark may be identified by its dorsal fin, which projects above the surface of the ocean.
    dossier
    file of documents on a subject Example Ordered by J. Edgar Hoover to investigate the senator, the FBI compiled a complete dossier.
    dotage
    senility Example In his dotage, the old man bored us with long tales of events in his childhood.
    dote
    be excessively fond of; show signs of mental decline Example Not only grandmothers bore you with stories about their brilliant grandchildren; grandfathers dote on the littel rascals, too.
    dour
    sullen; stubborn Example The man was dour abd taciturn.
    douse
    plunge into water; drench; extinguish Example They doused each other with hoses and balloons.
    dowdy
    slovenly; untidy Example She tried to change her dowdy image by buying a fashionable new wardrobe.
    downcast
    disheartened; sad Example Cheerful and optimistic by nature, Beth was never downcast despite the difficulties she faced.
    drab
    dull; lacking color; cheerless Example The Dutch woman's drab winter coat contrasted with the distinctive, colorful native costume she wore beneath it.
    dregs
    sediment; worthless residue Example David poured the wine carefully to avoid stirring up the dregs.
    droll
    queer and amusing Example He was a popular guest because his droll anecdotes were always entertaining.
    drone
    idle person; male bee Example Content to let his wife support him, the would-be writer was in reality nothing but a drone.
    drone
    talk dully; buzz or murmur like a bee Example On a gorgeous day, who wants to be stuck in a classroom listening to the teacher drone?
    dross
    waste matter; worhtless impurities Example Many methods have been devised to separate the valuable metal from the dross.
    drudgery
    menial work Example Cinderella's fairy godmother rescued her from a life of drudgery.
    dubious
    doubtful Example He has the dubious distinction of being the lowest man in his class.
    ductility
    malleability; flexibility; ability to be drawn out Example Copper wire has many industrial uses because of its extreme ductility.
    dulcet
    sweet sounding Example The dulcet sounds of the birds at dawn were soon drowned out by the roar of traffic passing our motel.
    dupe
    someone easily fooled Example While the gullible Watson often was made a dupe by unscrupulous parties, Sherlock Holmes was far more difficult to fool.
    deplicity
    double-dealing; hypocrisy Example People were shocked and dismayed when they learned of his duplicity in this affair, as he had always seemed honest and straightforward.
    duress
    forcible restraint, especially unlawfully Example The hostages were held under duress until the prisoners' demands were met.
    dutiful
    respectful; obedient Example The dutiful child grew up to be a conscientious adult aware of his civic obligations.
    dwindle
    shrink; reduce Example They spent so much money that their funds dwindled to nothing.
    dynamic
    active; efficient Example A dynamic government is necessary to meet the demands of a changing society.
    dyspeptic
    suffering from indigestion Example All the talk about rich food made him feel dyspeptic.
    earthy
    unrefined; coarse Example His earthy remarks often embarrassed the women in the audience.
    ebb
    recede; lessen Example His fortunes began to ebb during the recession.
    ebullient
    showing excitement; overflowing with enthusiasm Example His ebullient nature could not be repressed.
    eccentric
    odd; whimsical; irregular Example The comet passed close by the earth in its eccentric orbit.
    eccentricity
    oddity; idiosyncrasy Example Some of his friends tried to account for his rudeness to strangers as the eccentricity of genius.
    ecclesiastic
    pertaining to the church Example The minister donned his ecclesiastic garb and walked to the pulpit.
    eclectic
    selective; composed of elements drawn from disparate sources Example His style of interior decoration was eclectic: bits and pieces of furnishings from widely divergent periods, strikingly juxtaposed to create a unique color.
    eclipse
    darken; extinguish; surpass Example The new stock market high eclipsed the previous record set in 1985.
    ecologist
    person concerned with the interrelationship between living organisms and their environment Example The ecologist was concerned that the new dam would upset the natural balance of the creatures living in Glen Canyon.
    economy
    efficiency or conciseness in using something Example Reading the epigrams of Pope, I admire the economy of his verse: in few words he conveys worlds of meaning.
    ecstasy
    rapture, joy; any overpowering emotion Example The announcement that the war had ended brought on an ecstasy that resulted in many uncontrolled celebrations.
    eddy
    swirling current of water, air, etc. Example The water in the tide pool was still, except for an occasional eddy.
    edify
    instruct; correct morally Example Although his purpose was to edify and not to entertain his audience, many of his listeners were amused and not enlightened.
    eerie
    weird Example In that eerie setting, it was easy to believe in ghosts and other supernatural beings.
    efface
    rub out Example The coin had been handled so many times that its data had been effaced.
    effectual
    efficient Example If we are to succeed, we must seek effectual means of securing our goals.
    effeminate
    having womanly traits Example His voice was high-pitched and effeminate.
    effervescence
    inner excitement; exuberance Example Nothing depressed her for long; her natural effervescence soon reasserted itself.
    effete
    worn out; exhausted; barren Example The literature of the age reflected the effete condition of the writers; no new ideas were forthcoming.
    efficacy
    power to produce desired effect Example The efficacy of this drug depends on the regularity of the dosage.
    effigy
    dummy Example The mob showed its irritation by hanging the judge in effigy.
    effluvium
    noxious smell Example Air pollution has become a serious problem in our major cities; the effluvium and the poisons in the air are hazards to life.
    effrontery
    shameless boldness Example She had the effrontery to insult the guest.
    effusion
    pouring forth Example The critics objected to her literary effusion because it was too flowery.
    effusive
    pouring forth; gushing Example Her effusive manner of greeting her friends finally began to irritate them.
    egoism
    excessive interest in one's self; belief that one should be interested in one's self rather than in Example others His egoism prevented him from seeing the needs of his colleagues.
    egotism
    conceit; vanity Example She thought so much of herself that we found her egotism unwarranted and irritating.
    egregious
    notorious; conspicuously bad; shocking Example She was an egregious liar; we all knew better than to believe a word she said.
    egress
    exit Example Barnum's sign "To the Egress" fooled many people who thought they were going to see an animal and instead found themselves in the street.
    ejaculation
    exclamation Example He could not repress an ejaculation of surprise when he heard the news.
    elaboration
    addition of details; intricacy Example Tell what happened simply, without any elaboration.
    elated
    overjoyed; in high spirits Example Grinning from ear to ear, Bonnie Blair was clearly elated by her Olympic victory.
    elegy
    poem or song expressing lamentation Example On the death of Edward King, Milton composed the elegy "Lycidas."
    elicit
    draw out by discussion Example The detectives tried to elicit where he had hidden his loot.
    e***ir
    cure-all; something invigorating Example The news of her chance to go abroad acted on her like an e***ir.
    ellipsis
    omission of words from a text Example Sometimes an ellipsis can lead to a dangling modifier, as in the sentence "Once dressed, you should refrigerate the potato salad.
    elliptical
    oval; ambiguous, either purposely or because key words have been left out Example An elliptical billiad ball wobbles because it is not perfectly round; an elliptical remark baffles because it is not perfectly clear.
    eloquence
    expressiveness; persuasive speech Example The crowds were stirred by Martin Luther King's eloquence.
    elucidate
    explain; enlighten Example He was called upon to elucidate the disputed points in his article.
    elusive
    evasive; baffling; hard to grasp Example His elusive dreams of wealth were costly to those of his friends who supported him financially.
    elysian
    relating to paradise; blissful Example An afternoon sail on the bay was for her an elysian journey.
    emaciated
    thin and wasted Example His long period of starvation had left him emaciated.
    emanate
    issue forth Example A strong odor of sulfur emanated from the spring.
    emancipate
    set free Example At first, the attempts of the Abolitioninst to emancipate the slaves were unpopular in New England as well as in the South.
    embargo
    ban on commerce or other activity Example As a result of the embargo, trade with colonies was at a standstill.
    embark
    commence; go on board a boat; begin a journey Example In devoting herself to the study of gorillas, Dian Fossey embarked on a course of action that was to cost her her life.
    embed
    enclose; place in something Example Tales of actual historical figures like King Alfred have become embedded in legends.
    embellish
    adorn Example My mother-in-law's stories about her journey from Russia made us laugh because she embellished the bare facts of her travels with humourous acecdotes.
    embezzlement
    stealing Example The bank teller confessed his embezzlement of the funds.
    embroil
    throw into confusion Example He became embroiled in the heated discussion when he tried to arbitrate the dispute.
    embryonic
    undeveloped; rudimentary Example The evil of class and race hatred must be eliminated while it is still in an embryonic state; otherwise, it may grow to dangerous proportions.
    emend
    correct, usually a text Example The critic emended the book by retranslating several passages.
    emendation
    correction of errors; improvement Example Please initial all the emendations you have made in this contract.
    emetic
    substance causing vomiting Example The use of an emetic like mustard is useful in cases of poisoning.
    eminent
    high; lofty Example After his appointment to this emiment position, he seldom had time for his former friends.
    emissary
    agent; messenger Example The secretary of State was sent as the President's special emissary to the conference on disarmament.
    emollient
    soothing or softening remedy Example He applied an emollient to the inflamed area.
    emolument
    salary; compensation Example In addition to the emolument this position offers, you must consider the social prestige it carries with it.
    empathy
    ability to identify with another's feelings, ideas, etc Example What made Ann such a fine counselor was her empathy, her ability to put herself in her client's place and feel his emotions as if they were her own.
    empirical
    based on experience Example He distrusted hunches and intuitive flashes; he placed his reliance entirely on empirical data.
    emulate
    rival; imitate Example As long as our political leaders emulate the virtues of the great leaders of this country, we shall flourish.
    enamored
    in love Example Narcissus became enamored of his own beauty.
    enclave
    territory enclosed within an alien land Example The Vatican is an independent enclave in Italy.
    encomiastic
    praising; eulogistic Example Some critics believe that his encomiastic statements about Napoleon were inspired by his desire for material advancement rather than by an honest belief in the Emperor's genius.
    encomium
    high praise; eulogy Example Uneasy with the encomiums expressed by his supporters, Tolkien felt unworthy of such high praise.
    encompass
    surround Example Although we were encompassed by enemy forces, we were cheerful for we were well stocked and could withstand a siege until our allies joined us.
    encroachment
    gradual intrusion Example The encroachment of the factories upon the neighborhood lowered the value of the real estate.
    encumber
    burden Example Some people encumber themselves with too much luggage, when they take short trips.
    endearment
    fond word or act Example Your gifts and endearments cannot make me forget your earlier insolence.
    endemic
    prevailinig among a specific group of people or in a specific are or country Example This disease is endemic in this part of the world; more than 80 percent of the population are at one time or another affected by it.
    endorse
    approve; support Example Everyone waited to see which one of the rival candidates for the city council the mayor would endorse.
    endue
    provide with some quality; endow Example He was endued with a lion's courage.
    enduring
    lasting; surviving Example Keats believed in the enduring power of great art, which outlast its creator's brief lives.
    energize
    invigorate; make forceful and active Example Rather than exhausting Maggie, dancing energized her.
    enervate
    weaken Example She was slow to recover from her illness; even a short walk to the window evervated her.
    enfranchise
    admit to the rights of citizenship (especially the right to vote) Example Although blacks were enfranchised shortly after the Civil War, women did not receive the right to vote until 1920.
    engage
    attract; hire; pledge oneself; confront Example "Your case has engaged my interest, my lord," said Holmes, "You many engage my services."
    engender
    cause; produce Example To receive praise for real accomplishments engenders self-confidence in a child.
    engross
    occupy fully Example John was so engrossed in his studies that he did not hear his mother call.
    enhance
    advance; improve Example Your chances for promotion in this department will be enhanced if you take some more courses in evening school.
    enigma
    puzzle Example Depite all attempts to decipher the code, it remained an enigma.
    enigmatic
    obscure; puzzling Example Many have sought to fathom the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa.
    enjoin
    command; order; forbid Example The owners of the company asked the court to enjoin the union from picketing the plant.
    enmity
    ill will; hatred Example At Camp David President Carter labored to bring an end to the enmity that prevented Egypt and Israel from living in peace.
    ennui
    boredom Example The monotonous routine of hopital life induced a feeling of ennui which made him moody and irritable.
    enormity
    hugeness (in a bad sense) Example He did not realize the enormity of his crime until he saw what suffering he had caused.
    enrapture
    please intensely Example The audience was enraptured by the freshness of the voices and the excellent orchestration.
    ensconce
    settle comfortably Example The parents thought that their children were ensconced safely in the private school and decided to leave for Europe.
    ensue
    follow Example The evils that ensued were the direct result of the miscalculations of the leaders.
    enthrall
    capture; enslave Example From the moment he saw her picture, he was enthralled by her beauty.
    entice
    lure; attract; tempt Example She always tried to entice her baby brother into mischief.
    entity
    real being Example As soon as the charter was adopted, the United Nations became an entity and had to be considered as a factor in world diplomacy.
    entomology
    study of insects Example I found entomology the least interesting part of my course in biology; studying insects bored me.
    entrance
    put under a spell; carry away with emotion Example Shafts of sunlight on a wall could entrance her and leave her spellbound.
    entreat
    plead; ask earnestly Example She entreated her father to let her stay out till midnight.
    entree
    entrance; a way in Example Because of his wealth and social position, he had entree into the most exclusive circles.
    entrepreneur
    businessperson; contractor Example Opponents of our present tax program argue that it discourages entrepreneurs from trying new fields of business activity.
    enumerate
    list; mention one by one Example Huck hung his head in shame as Miss Watson enumerated his many flaws.
    enunciate
    speak distinctly Example How will people understand you if you do not enunciate?
    environ
    enclose; surround Example Paris was environed by a wall
    eon
    long period of time; an age Example It has taken eons for our civilization to develop.
    epaulet
    ornament worn on the shoulder (of a uniform, etc.) Example The shoulder loops on Sam Spade's trench coat are the nonmilitary counterparts of the fringed epaulets on George Washington's uniform.
    ephemeral
    short-lived; fleeting Example The mayfly is an ephemeral creature.
    epic
    long heroic poem, novel, or similar work of art Example Kurosawa's film Seven Samurai is an epic portraying the struggle of seven warriors to destroy a band of robbers.
    epicure
    connoisseur of food and drink Example epicures frequent this restaurant because it features exotic wines and dishes.
    epigram
    witty thought or saying, usually short Example Poor Richard's epigrams made Benjamin Franklin famous.
    epilogue
    short speech at conclusion of dramatic work Example The audience was so disappointed in the play that many did not remain to hear the epilogue.
    episodic
    loosely connected Example Though he tried to follow the plot of Gravity's Rainbow, John found the novel too episodic.
    epistemologist
    philosopher who studies the nature of knowledge Example "What is more important, a knowledge of nature of the nature of knowledge?" the epistemologist asked the naturalist.
    epitaph
    inscription in memory of a dead person Example In his will, he dictated the epitaph he wanted placed on his tombstone.
    epithet
    word or phrase characteristically used to describe a person or thing Example So many kings of France were named Charles that modern students need epithets to tell them apart: Charles the Wise, for example, was someone far different from Charles the Fat.
    epitome
    perfect example or embodiment Example Singing "I am the very model of a modern Major-General" in The Pirates of Penzance, Major-General Stanley proclaimed himself the epitome of an officer and a gentleman.
    epoch
    period of time Example The glacial epoch lasted for thousands of years.
    equable
    tranquil; steady; uniform Example After the hot summers and cold winters of New England, he found the climate of the West Indies equable and pleasant.
    equanimity
    calmness of temperament Example In his later years, he could look upon the foolishness of the world with equanimity and humor.
    equestrian
    rider on horseback Example These paths in the park are reserved for equestrians and their steeds.
    equilibrium
    balance Example After the divorce, he needed some time to regain his equilibrium.
    equine
    resembling a horse Example His long, bony face had an equine look to it.
    equinox
    period of equal days and nights; the beginning of spring and autumn Example The vernal equinox is usually marked by heavy rainstorms.
    equipoise
    balance; balancing force; equilibrium Example The high-wire acrobat used his pole as an equipose to overcome the swaying caused by the wind.
    equitable
    fair; impartial Example I am seeking an equitable solution to this dispute, one which will be fair and acceptable to both sides.
    equity
    fairness; justice Example Our courts guarantee equity to all.
    equivocal
    doubtful; ambiguous Example Macbeth was misled by the equivocal statements of the witches.
    equivocate
    lie; mislead; attempt to conceal the truth Example The audience saw through his attempts to equivocate on the subject under discussion and ridiculed his remarks.
    erode
    eat away Example The limestone was eroded by the dripping water
    erotic
    pertaining to passionate love Example The erotic passages in this novel should be removed as they are merely ****ographic.
    errant
    wandering Example Many a charming tale has been written about the knights-errant who helped the weak and punished the guilty during the Age of Chivalry.
    erratic
    odd; unpredictable Example Investors become anxious when the stock market appears erratic.
    erroneous
    mistaken; wrong Example I thought my answer was correct, but it was erroneous.
    erudite
    learned; scholarly Example His erudite writing was difficult to read because of the many allusions which were unfamiliar to most readers.
    escapade
    prank; flighty conduct Example The headmaster could not regard this latest escapade as a boyish joke and expelled the young man.
    eschew
    avoid Example He tried to eschew all display of temper.
    esoteric
    hard to understand; known only to the chosen few Example New Yorker short stories often include esoteric allusions to obscure people and events: the implication is if you are in the in-crowd, you'll get the reference; if you come from Cleveland, you won't.
    espionage
    spying Example In order to maintain its power, the government developed a system of espionage that penetrated every hosehold.
    espouse
    adopt; support Example She was always ready to espouse a worthy cause.
    esteem
    repect; value; judge Example I esteem Ezra Pound both for his exciting poetry and for his acute comments on literature.
    estranged
    separated; alienated Example The estranged wife sought a divorce.
    ethereal
    light; heavenly; fine Example Visitors were impressed by her ethereal beauty, her delicate charm.
    ethnic
    relating to races Example Intolerance between ethnic groups is deplorable and usually is based on lack of information.
    ethnology
    study of mankind Example Sociology is one aspect of the science of ethnology.
    ethos
    underlying character of a culture, group, etc. Example Seeing how tenderly Spaniards treated her small daughter made author Barbara Kingsolver aware of how greatly children were valued in the Spanish ethos.
    etymology
    study of word parts Example A knowledge of etymology can help you on many English tests.
    eugenic
    pertaining to the improvement of race Example It is easier to apply eugenic principles to the raising of racehorses or prize cattle than t the development of human beings.
    eulogistic
    praising Example To everyone's surprise, the speech was eulogistic rather than critical in tone.
    eulogy
    praise Example All the eulogies of his friends could not remove the sting of the calumny heaped upon him by his enemies.
    euphemism
    mild expression in place of an unpleasant one Example The expression "he passed away" is a euphemism for "he died."
    euphony
    sweet sound Example Noted for its euphony even when it is spoken, the Italian language is particularly pleasing to the ear when sung.
    euphoria
    feeling of exaggerated (or unfounded) well-being Example "Jill's been on cloud nine ever since Jacj asked her out," said Betty, dismissing her friend's euphoria.
    euthanasia
    mercy killing Example Many people support euthanasia for terminally ill patients who wish to die.
    evanescent
    fleeting; vanishing Example For a brief moment, the entire skyline was bathed in an orange-red hue in the evanescent rays of the sunset.
    evasive
    not frank; eluding Example Your evasive answers convinced the judge that you were witholding important evidence.
    evince
    show clearly Example When he tried to answer the questions, he evinced his ignorance of the subject matter.
    evenhanded
    impartial; fair Example Do men and women receive evenhanded treatment from their teachers, or, as recent studies suggest, do teachers pay more attention to male students than to females?
    evoke
    call forth Example He evoked much criticism by his hostile manner.
    ewe
    female sheep Example The flock of sheep was made up of dozens of ewes, together with only a handful of rams.
    exacerbate
    worsen; embitter Example This latest arrest will exacerbate the already existing discontent of the people and enrage them.
    exacting
    extremely demanding Example The colonies rebelled against the exacting financial claims of the mother country.
    exalt
    raise in rank or dignity; praise Example The actor Alec Guinness was exalted to the rank of knighthood by the Queen; he now is known as Sir Alec Guinness.
    exasperate
    vex Example Johnny often exasperates his mother with his pranks.
    excerpt
    selected passage (written or musical) Example The cinematic equivalent of an excerpt from a novel is a clip from a film.
    exchequer
    treasury Example He had been Chancellor of the exchequer before his promotion to the office he now holds.
    excise
    cut away; cut out Example When you excise the dead and dying limbs of a tree, you not only improve its appearance but also enhance its chances of bearing fruit.
    excoriate
    flay; abrade Example These shoes are so ill-fitting that they will excoriate the feet and create blisters.
    exculpate
    clear from blame Example He was exculpated of the crime when the real criminal confessed.
    execrable
    very bad Example The anecdote was in execrable taste and shocked the audience.
    execrate
    curse; express abhorrence for Example The world execrates the memory of Hitler and hopes that genocide will never again be the policy of any nation.
    execute
    put into effect; carry out Example The choreographer wanted to see how well she could execute a pirouette.
    exegesis
    explanation, especially of biblical passages Example I can follow your exegesis of this passage to a limited degree; some of your reasoning eludes me.
    exemplary
    serving as a model; outstanding Example Her exemplary behavior was praised at commencement.
    exemplify
    show by example; furnish an example Example Three-time winner of the Super Bowl, Joe Montana exemplifies the ideal quarterback.
    exertion
    effort; expenditure of much physical work Example The exertion involved in unscrewing the rusty bolt left her exhausted.
    exhort
    urge Example The evangelist will exhort all sinners in his audience to reform.
    exhume
    dig out of the ground; remove from a grave Example Because of the rumor that he had been poisoned, his body was exhumed in order that an autopsy might be performed.
    exigency
    urgent situation Example In this exigency, we must look for aid from our allies.
    exiguous
    small; minute Example Grass grew there, an exiguous outcropping among the rocks.
    existential
    pertaining to existence; pertaining to the philosophy of existentialism Example To the existential philosopher, human reason is inadequate to explain an irrational, meaningless universe.
    exodus
    departure Example The exodus from the hot and stuffy city was particularly noticeable on Friday evenings.
    exonerate
    acquit; exculpate Example I am sure this letter naming the actual culprit will exonerate you.
    exorbitant
    excessive Example The people grumbled at his exorbitant prices but paid them because he had a monopoly.
    exorcise
    drive our evil spirits Example By incantation and prayer, the medicine man sought to exorcise the evil spirits that had taken possession of the young warrior.
    exotic
    not native; strange Example Because of his exotic headdress, he was followed in the streets by small children who laughed at his strange appearance.
    expatiate
    talk at length Example At this time, please give us a brief resume of your work; we shall permit you to expatiate later.
    expatriate
    exile; someone who has withdrawn from his native land Example Henry James was an American expatriate who settled in England.
    expedient
    suitable; practical; politic Example A pragmatic politician, he was guided by what was expedient rather than by what was ethical.
    expedite
    hasten Example We hope you will be able to expedite delivery because of our tight schedule.
    expertise
    specialized knowledge; expert skill Example Although she was knowledgeable in a number of fields, she was hired for her particular expertise in computer programming.
    expiate
    make amends for (a sin) Example He tried to expiate his crimes by a full confession to the authorities.
    expletive
    interjection; profane oath Example The sergeant's remarks were filled with expletives that offended the new recruits.
    explicate
    explain; interpret; clarify Example Harry Levin explicated James Joyce's novels with such clarity that even Finnegan's Wake seemed comprehensible to his students.
    explicit
    totally clear; definite; outspoken Example Don't just hint around that you're dissatisfied: be explicit about what's bugging you.
    exploit
    deed or action, particularly a brave deed Example Raoul Wallenberg was noted for his exploits in rescuing Jews from Hitler's forces.
    exploit
    make use of, sometimes unjustly Example Caesar Chavez fought attempts to exploit migrant farmworkers in California.
    expository
    explanatory; serving to explain Example The mannual that came with my VCR was no masterpiece of expository prose: its explanations were so garbled that I couldn't even figure out how to rewind a tape.
    expostulation
    protest; remonstrance Example Despite the teacher's scoldings and expostulations, the class remained unruly.
    exposure
    risk, particularly of being exposed to disease or to the elements; unmasking; act of laying Example something open Exposure to sun and wind had dried out her hair and weathered her face.
    expunge
    cancel; remove Example If you behave, I will expunge this notation from your record.
    expurgate
    clean; remove offensive parts of a book Example The editors felt that certain passages in the book had to be expurgated before it could be used in the classroom.
    extant
    still in existence Example Although the authorities suppressed the book, many copies are extant and may be purchased at exorbitant prices.
    extemporaneous
    not planned; impromtu Example Because his extemporaneous remarks were misinterpreted, he decided to write all his speeches in advance.
    extenuate
    weaken; mitigate Example It is easier for us to extenuate our own shortcomings than those of others.
    extirpate
    root up Example The Salem witch trials were a misguided attempt to extirpate superstition and heresy.
    extol
    praise; glorify Example The astronauts were extolled as the pioneers of the Space Age.
    extort
    wring from; get money by threats, etc. Example The blackmailer extorted money from his victim.
    extradition
    surrender of prisoner by one state to another Example The lawyers opposed the extradition of their client on the grounds that for more than five years he had been a model citizen.
    extraneous
    not essential; external Example Do not pad your paper with extraneous matters; stick to essential items only.
    extrapolation
    projection; conjecture Example Based on their extrapolation from the results of the primaries on Super Tuesday, the networks predicted that George Bush would be the Republican candidate for the presidency.
    extricate
    free; disentangle Example He found that he could not extricate himself from the trap.
    extrinsic
    external; not inherent; foreign Example Do not be fooled by extrinsic causes. We must look for the intrinsic reason.
    extrovert
    person interested mostly in external objects and actions Example A good salesperson in usually an extrovert, who likes to mingle with people.
    extrude
    force or push out Example Much pressure is required to extrude these plastics.
    exuberant
    abundant; effusive; lavish Example His speeches were famous for his exuberant language and vivid imagery.
    exude
    discharge; give forth Example The maple syrup is obtained from the sap that the trees exude in early spring.
    exult
    rejoice Example We exulted when our team won the victory.
    fabricate
    build; lie Example Because of the child's tendency to fabricate, we had trouble believing her.
    facade
    front of the building Example The facade of the church had often been photographed by tourists because it was more interesting than the rear.
    facet
    small plane surface (of a gem); a side Example The stonecutter decided to improve the rough diamond by providing it with several facets.
    facetious
    humorous; jocular Example Your facetious remarks are not appropriate at this serious moment.
    facile
    easy; expert Example Because he was a facile speaker, he never refused a request to address an organization.
    facilitate
    make less difficult Example He tried to facilitate repayment of the loan by getting a part-time job.
    facsimilie
    copy Example Many museums sell facsimilies of the works of art on display.
    faction
    party; clique; dissension Example The quarrels and bickering of the two small factions within the club disturbed the majority of the members.
    factious
    inclined to form factions; causing dissension. Example Your statement is factious and will upset the harmony that now exists.
    factitous
    artificial; sham Example Hollywood actresses often create factitious tears by using glycerine.
    factotum
    handyman; person who does all kinds of work Example Although we had hired him as a messenger, we soon began to use him as a general factotum around the office.
    faculty
    mental or bodily powers; teaching staff Example As he grew old, he feared he might lose his faculties and become useless to his employer.
    fallacious
    misleading Example Your reasoning must be fallacious because it leads to a ridiculous answer.
    fallible
    liable to err Example I know I am fallible, but I feel confident that I am right this time.
    fallow
    plowed but sowed; uncultivated Example Farmers have learned that it is advisable to permit land to le fallow every few years.
    falter
    hesitate Example When told to dive off the high board, she did not falter, but proceeded at once.
    fanaticism
    excessive zeal Example The leader of the group was held responsible even though he could not control the fanaticism of his followers.
    fancied
    imagined; unreal Example You are resenting fancied insults. No one has ever said such things about you.
    fancier
    breeder or dealer of animals Example The dog fancier exhibited her prize collie at the annual Kennel Club show.
    fanciful
    whimsical; visionary Example This is a fanciful scheme because it does not consider the facts.
    fanfare
    call by bugles or trumpets; showy display Example The exposition was opened with fanfare of trumpets and the firing of cannon.
    fantastic
    unreal; grotesque; whimsical Example Your fears are fantastic because no such animal as you have described exists.
    farce
    broad comedy; mockery Example Nothing went right; the entire interview degenerated into a farce.
    fastidious
    difficult to please; squeamish Example The waitresses disliked serving him dinner because of his very fastidious taste.
    fatalism
    belief that events are determined by forces beyond one's control Example With fatalism, he accepted the hardships that beset him.
    fathom
    comprehend; investigate Example I find his motives impossible to fathom.
    fatuous
    foolish; inane Example He is far too intelligent to utter such fatuous remarks.
    fauna
    animals of a period or region Example The scientist could visualize the fauna of the period by examining the skeletal remains and the fossils.
    fawning
    courting favor by cringing and flattering Example She was constantly surrounded by a group of fawning admirers who had hoped to win some favor.
    faze
    disconcert; dismay Example No crisis could faze the resourceful hotel manager.
    feasible
    practical Example This is an entirely feasible proposal. I suggest we adopt it.
    febrile
    *****ish Example In his febrile condition, he was subject to nightmares and hallucinations.
    fecundity
    fertility; fruitfulness Example The fecundity of his mind is illustrated by the many vivid images in his poems.
    feign
    pretend Example Lady Macbeth feigned illness in the courtyard although she was actually healthy.
    feint
    trick; shift; sham blow Example The boxer was fooled by his opponent's feint and dropped his guard.
    felicitous
    apt; suitably expressed; well chosen Example He was famous for his felicitous remarks and was called upon to serve as master-of-ceremonies at many banquet.
    felicity
    happines; appropriateness (of a remark, choice, etc.) Example She wrote a note to the newlyweds wishing them great felicity in their wedded life.
    fell
    cruel; deadly Example The newspapers told of the tragic spread of the fell disease
    felon
    person convicted of a grave crime Example A convicted felon loses the right to vote
    ferment
    agitation; commotion Example With the breakup of the Soviet Union, much of Eastern Europe was in a state of ferment.
    ferret
    drive or hunt out of hiding Example She was ferreted out their secret.
    fervent
    ardent; hot Example She felt that the fervent praise was excessive and somewhat undeserved.
    fervid
    ardent Example Her fervid enthusiasm inspired all of us to undertake the dangerous mission.
    fervor
    glowing ardor Example Their kiss was full of the fervor of first love.
    fester
    generate pus Example When her finger began to fester, the doctor lanced it and removed the splinter that had caused the pus to form.
    fester
    rankle, produce irritation or resentment Example Joe's insult festered in Anne's mind for days, and made her too angry to speak to him.
    festive
    joyous; celebratory Example Their wedding in the park was a festive occasion.
    fete
    honor at a festival Example The returning hero was feted at a community supper and dance.
    fetid
    malodorous Example The neglected wound became fetid.
    fetter
    shackle Example The prisoner was fettered to the wall.
    fiasco
    total failure Example Our ambitious venture ended in a fiasco and we were forced to flee.
    fiat
    command Example I cannot accept government by fiat; I feel that I must be consulted.
    fickle
    changeable; faithless Example He discovered his supposedly faithful girlfriend was fickle
    fictitious
    imaginary Example Although this book purports to be a biography of George Washington, many of the incidents are fictitious.
    fidelity
    loyalty Example A dog's fidelity to its owner is one of the reasons why that animal is a favorite household pet.
    figment
    invention; imaginary thing Example That incident never took place; it is a figment of your imagination.
    figurative
    not literal, but metaphorical; using a figure of speech Example "To lose one's marbles" is a figurative expression; if you're told Jack has lost his marbles, no one expects you to rush out to buy him a replacement set.
    figurine
    small ornamental statuette Example In the Maltese Falcon, Sam Spade was hired to trace the missing figurine of a black bird.
    filch
    steal Example The boys filched apples from the fruit stand.
    filial
    pertaining to a son or daughter Example Many children forget their filial obligations and disregard the wishes of their parents.
    filibuster
    block legislation by making long speeches Example Even though we disapproved of Senator Foghorn's political goals, we were impressed by his ability to filibuster endlessly to keep an issue from coming to a vote.
    filigree
    delicate, lacelike metalwork Example The pendant with gold filigree that she wore round her neck trembled with each breath she took.
    finale
    conclusion Example It is not until we reach the finale of this play that we can understand the author's message.
    finesse
    delicate skill Example The finesse and adroitness of the surgeon impressed the observers in the operating room.
    finicky
    too particular; fussy Example The old lady was finicky about her food and ate very little.
    finite
    limited Example It is difficult for humanity with its finite existence to grasp the infinite.
    firebrand
    hothead; troublemaker Example The police triedto keep track of all the local firebrands when the President came to town.
    fissure
    crevice Example The mountain climbers secured footholds in tiny fissures in the rock.
    fitful
    spasmodic; intermittent Example After several fitful attempts, he decided to postpone the start of the project until he felt more energetic.
    flaccid
    flabby Example His sedentary life had left him with flaccid muscles.
    flag
    droop; grow feeble Example When the opposing hockey team scored its third goal only minutes into the first period, the home team's spirits flagged.
    flagrant
    conspicuously wicked Example We cannot condone such flagrant violations of the rules.
    flail
    thresh grain by hand; strike or slap; toss about Example In medieval times, warriors flailed their foe with a metal ball attached to a handle.
    flair
    talent Example She has an uncanny flair for discovering new artists before the public has become aware of their existence.
    flamboyant
    ornate Example Modern architecture has discarded the flamboyant trimming on buildings and emphasizes simplicity of line.
    flaunt
    display ostentatiously Example She is not the one of those actresses who flaunt their physical charms; she can act.
    flay
    strip off skin; plunder Example The criminal was condemned to be flayed alive.
    fleck
    spot Example Her cheeks flecked with tears, were testimony to the hours of weeping.
    fledgling
    inexperienced Example While it is necessary to provide these fledgling poets with an opportunity to present their work, it is not essential that we admire everything they write.
    fleece
    wool coat of a sheep Example They shear sheep of their fleece, which they then comb into separate strands of wool.
    fleece
    rob; plunder Example The tricksters fleeced him of his inheritance.
    flick
    light stroke as with a whip Example The horse needed no encouragement; only one flick of the whip was all the jockey had to apply to get the animal to run at top speed.
    flinch
    hesitate; shrink Example He did not flinch in the face of danger but fought back bravely.
    flippancy
    trifling gaiety Example Your flippancy at this serious moment is offensive.
    flit
    fly; dart lightly; pass swiftly by Example Like a bee flitting from flower to flower, Rose flitted from one boyfriend to the next.
    floe
    mass of floating ice Example The ship made slow progress as it battered its way through the ice floes.
    flora
    plants of a region or era Example Because she was a botanist, she spent most of her time studying the flora of the desert.
    florid
    flowery; ruddy Example His complexion was even more florid than usual because of his anger.
    flotsam
    drifting wreckage Example Beachcombers eke out a living by salvaging the flotsam and jetsam of the sea.
    flourish
    grow well; prosper; make sweeping gestures Example The orange trees flourished in the sun.
    flout
    reject; mock Example The headstrong youth flouted all authority; he refused to be curbed.
    fluctuation
    wavering Example Meteorologists watch the fluctuations of the barometer in order to predict the weather.
    fluency
    smoothness of speech Example He spoke French with fluency and ease.
    fluke
    unlikely occurrence; stroke of fortune Example When Douglass defeated Tyson for the heavyweight championship, some sportscasters dismissed his victory as a fluke.
    fluster
    confuse Example The teacher's sudden question flustered him and he stammered his reply.
    fluted
    having vertical parallel grooves (as in a pillar) Example All that remained of the ancient building were the fluted columns.
    flux
    flowing; series of changes Example While conditions are in such a state of flux, I do not wish to commit myself too deeply in this affair.
    fodder
    coarse food for cattle, horses etc. Example One of Nancy's chores ar the ranch was to put fresh supplies of fodder in the horses' stalls.
    foible
    weakness; slight fault Example We can overlook the foibles of our friends; no one is perfect.
    foil
    contrast Example In "Star Wars," dark, evil Darth Vader is a perfect foil for fair-haired, naive Luke Skywalker.
    foil
    defeat; frustrate Example In the end, Skywalker is able to foil Vader's diabolical schemes.
    foist
    insert improperly; palm off Example I will not permit you to foist such ridiculous ideas upon the membership of this group.
    foliage
    masses of leaves Example Every autumn before the leaves fell he promised himself he would drive though the New England to admire the colorful fall foliage.
    foment
    stir up; instigate Example This report will foment disssension in the club.
    foolhardy
    rash Example Don't be foolhardy. Get the advice of experienced people before undertaking this venture.
    foppish
    vain about dress and appearance Example He tried to imitate the foppish manner of the young men of the court.
    foray
    raid Example The company staged a midnight foray against the enemy outpost.
    forberance
    patience Example We must use forbearance in dealing with him because he is still weak from his illness.
    ford
    place where a river can be crossed on foot Example Rather than risk using the shaky rope bridge, David walked a half-mile downstream until he came to the neartest ford.
    forebears
    ancestors Example Reverence for one's forebears (sometimes referred to as ancestor worship) plays an important part in many Oriental cultures.
    foreboding
    premonition of evil Example Caeser ridiculed his wife's foreboding about the Ides of March.
    forensic
    suitable to debate or courts of law Example In her best forensic manner, the lawyer addressed the jury.
    foreshadow
    give an indication beforehand; portend; prefigure Example In retrospect, political analysts realized that Yeltsin's defiance of the attempted coup foreshadowed his emergence as the dominant figure of the new Russian republic.
    foresight
    ability to foresee future happenings; prudence Example A wise investor, she had the foresight to buy land just before the current real estate boom.
    forestall
    prevent by taking action in advance Example By setting up a prenuptial agreement, the prospective bride and groom hoped to forestall any potential arguments about money in the event of a divorce.
    forgo
    give up; do without Example Determined to lose weight for the summer, Ida decided to forgo dessert until she could fit into a size eight again.
    formality
    adherence to established rules or procedures Example Signing this petition is a mere formality; it does not obligate you in any way.
    formidable
    menacing; threatening Example We must not treat the battle lightly for we are facing a formidable foe.
    forsake
    desert; abandon; renounce Example No one expected Foster to forsake his wife and children and run off with another woman.
    forswear
    renounce; abandon Example The captured knight could escape death only if he agreed to forswear Christianity and embrace Islam as the one true faith.
    forte
    strong point or special talent Example I am not eager to play this rather seious role, for my forte is comedy.
    forthright
    straightforward; direct; frank Example I prefer Jill's forthright approach to Jack's tendency to beat around the bush.
    fortitude
    bravery; courage Example He was awarded the medal for his fortitude in the battle.
    fortuitous
    accidental; by chance Example There is no connection between these two events; their timing is entirely fortuitous.
    foster
    rear; encourage Example According to the legend, Romulus and Remus were fostered by a she-wolf that raised the abandoned infants as her own.
    founder
    fail completely; sink Example After hitting the submerged iceberg, the Titanic started taking in water rapidly and soon foundered.
    founder
    person who establishes (an organization, business) Example Among those drowned when the Titanic sank was the founder of the Abraham & Straus chain.
    fracas
    brawl; melee Example The military police stopped the fracas in the bar and arrested the belligerents.
    fractious
    unruly Example The fractious horse unseated its rider.
    frailty
    weakness Example The doctor prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements for the sick old woman because of her frailty.
    franchise
    right granted by authority Example The city issued a franchise to the company to operate surface transit lines on the streets for ninety-nine years.
    frantic
    wild Example At the time of the collision, many people became frantic with fear.
    fraudulent
    cheating; deceitful Example The government seeks to prevent fraudulent and misleading advertising.
    fraught
    filled Example Since this enterprise is fraught with danger, I will ask for volunteers who are willing to assume the risks.
    fray
    brawl Example The three musketeers were in the thick of fray.
    frenetic
    frenzied; frantic Example His frenetic activities convinced us that he had no organized plan of operation.
    frenzied
    madly excited Example As soon as they smelled smoke, the frenzied animals milled about in their cages.
    fresco
    painting in plaste (usually fresh) Example The cathedral is visited by many tourists who wish to admire the frescoes by Glotto.
    fret
    to be annonyed or vexed Example To fret over your poor grades is foolish; instead, decide to work harder in the future.
    friction
    clash in opinion; rubbing against Example At this time when harmony is essential, we cannot afford to have any friction in our group.
    frieze
    ornamental band on a wall Example The frieze of the church was adorned with sculpture.
    frigid
    intensely cold Example Alaska is in the frigid zone.
    fritter
    waste Example He could not apply himself to any task and frittered away his time in idle conversation.
    frivolous
    lacking in seriousness; self-indulgently carefree; relatively unimportant Example Though Nancy enjoyed Bill's frivolous, lighthearted companionship, she sometimes wondered whether he could ever be serious.
    frolicsome
    prankish; gay Example The frolicsome puppy tried to lick the face of its master.
    frond
    fern leaf; palm or banana leaf Example After the storm the beach was littered with the fronds of palm trees.
    fructify
    bear fruit Example This peach tree should fructify in three years.
    frugality
    thrift; economy Example In these economically difficult days businesses must practice frugality or risk bankruptcy.
    fruition
    bearing of fruit; fulfillment; realization Example This building marks the fruition of all our aspirations and years of hard work.
    fugitive
    fleeting or transitory; roving Example The film brought a few fugitive images to her mind, but on the whole it made no lasting impression upon her.
    fulcrum
    support on which a lever rests Example If we use this stone as a fulcrum and the crowbar as a lever, we may be able to move this boulder.
    fulminate
    thunder; explode Example The people against whom she fulminated were innocent of any wrongdoing.
    fulsome
    disgustingly excessive Example His fulsome praise of the dictator annoyed his listeners.
    functionary
    official Example As his case was transferred from one functionary to another, he began to despair of ever reaching a settlement.
    fundamental
    basic; primary; essential Example The committee discussed all sorts of side issues without ever getting down to addressing the fundamental problem.
    funereal
    sad; solemn Example I fail to understand why there is such a funereal atmosphere; we have lost a battle, not a war.
    furor
    frenzy; great excitement Example The story of her embezzlement of the funds created a furor on the stock exchange.
    furtive
    stealthy; sneaky Example The boy gave a furtive look at his classmate's test paper.
    fusilade
    simultaneous firing or outburs (of missiles, questions, etc.) Example Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture concludes with a thunderous fusilade of cannon fire.
    fusion
    union; coalition Example The opponents of the political party in power organized a fusion of disgruntled groups and became an important element in the election.
    futile
    ineffective; fruitless Example Why waste your time on futile pursuits?
    feckless
    feeble, ineffective; unthinking, irresponsible Example Einstein was noted for his extraordinary inspirations; on the other hand, he was noted for being feckless in his daily chores.
    gadfly
    animal-biting fly; an irritating person Example Like a gadfly, he irritated all the guests at the hotel; within forty eight hours, everyone regarded him as an annoying busybody.
    gaffe
    social blunder Example According to Miss Manners, to call your husband by your lover's name is worse than a mere gaffe; it is a tactical mistake.
    gainsay
    deny Example She was too honest to gainsay the truth of the report.
    gait
    manner of walking or running; speed Example The lame man walked with an uneven gait.
    galaxy
    the Milky Way; any collection of brilliant personalities Example The deaths of such famous actors as Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, Spencer Tracy, and Marlene Dietrich demonstrate that the galaxy of Hollywood superstars is rapidly disppearing.
    gall
    bitterness; nerve Example The knowledge of his failure filled him with gall.
    gall
    annoy; chafe Example Their taunts galled him.
    galleon
    large sailing ship Example The Spaniards pinned their hopes on the galleon, the large warship; the British, on the smaller and faster pinnace.
    galvanize
    stimulate by shock; stir up Example The entire nation was galvanized into strong military activity by the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
    gambit
    opening in chess in which a piece is sacrificed Example The player was afraid to accept his opponent's gambit because he feared a trap which as yet he could not see.
    gambol
    skip; leap playfully Example Watching children gamboling in the park is a pleasant experience
    gamely
    in a spirited manner; with courage Example Because he had fought gamely against a much superior boxer, the crowd gave him a standing ovation when he left the arena.
    gamut
    entire range Example In this performance, the leading lady was able to demonstrate the complete gamut of her acting ability.
    gape
    open widely Example The huge pit gaped before him; if he stumbled, he would fall in.
    garbled
    mixed up; jumbled; distorted Example A favorite party game involves passing a whispered message from one person to another; by the time it reaches the last player, the message has become totally garbled.
    gargantuan
    huge; enormous Example The gargantuan wrestler was terrified of mice.
    gargolye
    waterspout carved in groteque figures on a building Example The gargoyles adorning the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris are amusing in their grotesqueness.
    garish
    gaudy Example She wore a garish rhinestone necklace.
    garner
    gather; store up Example She hoped to garner the world's literature in one library.
    garnish
    decorate Example Parsley was used to garnish the boiled potato.
    garrulity
    talkativeness Example The man who married a dumb wife asked the doctor to make him deaf because of his wife's garrulity after her cure.
    garrulous
    excessively talkative, especially about unimportant subjects; loquacious; wordy Example Many club members avoided the company of the garrulous junior executive because his contant chatter bored them to tears.
    gastronomy
    science of preparing and serving good food Example One of the by-products of his trip to Europe was his interest in gastronomy; he enjoyed preparing and serving foreign dishes to his friends.
    gauche
    clumsy; boorish Example Such remarks are gauche and out of place; you should apologize for making them.
    gaudy
    flashy; showy Example Her gaudy taste in clothes apalled us.
    gaunt
    lean and angular; barren Example His once-round face looked surprisingly gaunt after he had lost weight.
    gawk
    stare foolishly; look in open-mouthed awe Example The country boy gawked at the skyscrapers and neon lights of the big city.
    gazette
    official publication Example He read the gazettes regularly for announcement of his promotion.
    genealogy
    record of descent; lineage Example He was proud of his genealogy and constantly referred to the achievements of his ancestors.
    generality
    vague statement Example This report is filled with generalities; you must be more specific in you statements.
    generic
    characteristic of an entire class or species Example Sue knew so many computer programmers who spent their spare time playing fantasy games that she began to think that playing Dungeon & Dragons was a generic trait.
    genesis
    beginning; origin Example Tracing the genesis of a family is the theme of "Roots."
    geniality
    cheerfulness; kindliness; sympathy Example This restaurant is famous and popular because of the geniality of the proprietor, who tries to make everyone happy.
    genre
    particular variety of art or literature Example Both a short story writer and a poet, Langston Hughes proved himself equally skilled in either genre.
    genteel
    well-bred; elegant Example We are looking for a man with a genteel apperance who can inspire confidence by his cultivated manner.
    gentility
    those of gentle birth; refinement Example Her family was proud of its gentility and elegance.
    gentry
    people of standing; class of people just below nobility Example The local gentry did not welcome the visits of the summer tourists and tried to ignore their presence in the community.
    genuflect
    bend the knee as in worship Example A proud denocrat, he refused to genuflect to any man.
    germane
    pertinent; bearing upon the case at hand Example The lawyer objected that the testimony being offered was not germane to the case at hand.
    germinal
    pertaining to a germ; creative Example Such an idea is germinal; I am certain that it will influence thinkers and philosophers for many generations.
    germinate
    cause to sprout; sprout Example After the seeds germinate and develop their permanent leaves, the plants may be removed from the cold frames and transplanted to the garden.
    gerontocracy
    government ruled by old people Example Gulliver visited a gerontocracy in which the young people acted as servants to their elders, all the while dreaming of the day they would be old enough to have servants of their own.
    gerrymander
    change in voting district lines in order to favor a political party Example The illogical pattern of the map of this congressional district is proof that the state legislature gerrymandered this area in order to favor the majority party.
    gestate
    evolve, as in prenatal growth Example While this scheme was being gestated by the conspirators, they maintained complete silence about their intentions.
    gesticulation
    motion; gesture Example Operatic performers are trained to make exaggerated gesticulations because of the large auditoriums in whic they appear.
    ghastly
    horrible Example The murdered man was a ghastly sight.
    gibberish
    nonsense; babbling Example Did you hear that foolish boy spouting gibberish about monsters from outer space?
    gibe
    mock Example As you gibe at their superstitious beliefs, do you realize that you, too, are guilty of similarly foolish thoughts?
    giddy
    light-hearted; dizzy Example He felt his giddy youth was past.
    gingerly
    very carefully Example To separate egg whites, first crack the egg gingerly.
    girth
    distance around something; circunference Example It took an extra-large cummerbund to fit around Andrew Carnegie's considerable girth.
    gist
    essence Example she was asked to give the gist of the essay in two sentence.
    glacial
    like a glacier; extremely cold Example Never a warm person, when offended hugo could seem positively glacial.
    glaring
    highly conspicuous; harshly bright Example glaring spelling or grammatical errors in your resume will unfavorably impress potential employers.
    glaze
    cover with a thin and shiny surface Example The freezing rain glazed the streets and made driving hazardous.
    glean
    gather leavings Example After the crops had been harvested by the machines, the peasants were permitted to glean the wheat left in the fields.
    glib
    fluent Example He is a glib and articulate speaker.
    glimmer
    shine erratically; twinkle Example In the darkness of the cavern, the glowworms hanging from the cavern roof glimmered like distant stars.
    gloat
    express evil satisfaction; view malevolently Example As you gloat over your ill-gotten wealth, do you think of the many victims you have defrauded?
    gloss
    over explain away Example No matter how hard he tried to talk around the issue, President Bush could not gloss over the fact that he had raised the taxes after all.
    glossary
    brief explanation of words used in the text Example I have found the glossary in this book very useful; it has eliminated many trips to the dictionary.
    glossy
    smooth and shining Example I want this photograph printed on glossy paper, not matte.
    glower
    scowl Example The angry boy glowered at his father.
    glut
    overstock; fill to excess Example The many manufacturers glutted the market and could not find purchasers for the many articles they had produced.
    glutinous
    sticky; viscous Example Molasses is a glutinous substance.
    glutton
    someone who eats too much Example When Mother saw that Bobby had eaten all the cookies, she called him a little glutton.
    gnarled
    twisted Example The gnarled oak tree had been a landmark for years and was mentioned in several deeds.
    gnome
    dwarf; underground spirit Example In medieval mythology, gnomes were the special guardians and inhabitants of subterranean mines.
    goad
    urge on Example He was goaded by his friends until he yielded to their wishes.
    gorge
    narrow canyon; steep, rocky cleft Example Terrified of heights, George could not bring himself to peer down into the gorge to see the rapids below.
    gorge
    stuff oneself Example The gluttonous guest gorged himself with food as though he had not eaten for days.
    gory
    bloody Example The audience shuddered as they listened to the details of the gory massacre.
    gossamer
    sheer; like cobwebs Example Nylon can be woven into gossaner or thick fabrics.
    gouge
    tear out Example In that fight, all the rules were forgotten; the adversaries bit, kicked, and tried to gouge each other's eyes out.
    gourmand
    epicure; person who takes excessive pleasure in food and drink Example goumands lack self-restraint; if they enjoy a particular cuisine, they eat far too much of it.
    gourmet
    connoisseur of food and drink Example The gourmet stated that this was the best onion soup she had ever tasted.
    graduated
    arraged by degree (of height, difficulty, etc.) Example Margaret loved her graduated set of Russian hollow wooden dolls; she spent hours happily putting the smaller dolls into their larger counterparts.
    granary
    storehouse for grain Example We have reason to be thankful, for our crops were good and our granaries are full.
    grandeur
    impressiveness; stateliness; majesty Example No matter how often he hiked through the mountains, David never failed to be struck by the grandeur of the Sierra Nevada range.
    grandiloquent
    pompous; bombastic; using high-sounding language Example The politician could bever speak simply; she was always grandiloquent.
    grandiose
    imposing; impressive Example His grandiose manner impressed those who met him for the first time.
    granulate
    form into grains Example Sugar that has been granulated dissolves more readily than lump sugar.
    graphic
    pertaining to the art of delineating; vividly described Example I was particularly impressed by the graphic presentation of the storm.
    grapple
    wrestle; come to grips with Example He grappled with the burglar and overpowered him.
    grate
    make a harsh noise; have an unpleasant effect; shred Example The screams of the quarreling children grated on her nerves.
    gratify
    please Example Her parents were gratified by her success.
    gratis
    free Example The company offered to give one package gratis to every purchaser of one of their products.
    gratuitous
    given freely; unwarranted; uncalled for Example Quit making gratuitous comments about my driving; no one asked you for your opinion.
    gratuity
    tip Example Many service employees rely more on gratuities than on salaries for their livelihood.
    gravity
    seriousness Example We could tell we were in serious trouble from the gravity of her expression.
    gregarious
    sociable Example Typically, party-throwers are gregarious; hermits are not.
    grievance
    cause of complaint Example When her supervisor ignored her complaint, she took her grievance to the union.
    grill
    question severely Example In violation of the Miranda law, the police grilled the suspect for several hours before reading him his rights.
    grimace
    a facial distortion to show feeling such as pain, disgust, etc. Example Even though he remained silent, his grimace indicated his displeasure.
    grisly
    ghastly Example She shuddered at the grisly sight.
    grotesque
    fantastic; comically hideous Example On Halloween people enjoy wearing groteque costumes.
    grotto
    small cavern Example The Blue Grotto in Capri can be entered only by small boats rowed by natives through a natural opening in the rocks.
    grouse
    complain; fuss Example Students traditionally grouse about the abysmal quality of "mystery meat" and similar dornitory food.
    grovel
    crawl or creep on ground; remain prostrate Example Even though we have been defeated, we do not have to grovel before our conquerors.
    grudging
    unwilling; reluctant; stingy Example We received only grudging support from the mayor despite his earlier promises of aid.
    gruel
    thin, liquid porridge Example Our daily allotment of gruel made the meal not only monotonous but also unpalatable.
    grueling
    exhausting Example The marathon is a grueling race.
    gruesome
    grisly Example People screamed when her gruesome appearance was flashed on the screen.
    gruff
    rough-mannered Example Although he was blunt and gruff with most people, he was always gentle with children.
    guffaw
    boisterous laughter Example The loud guffaws that came from the closed room indicated that the members of the committe had not yet settled down to a serious business.
    guile
    deceit; duplicity Example She achieved her high position by guile and treachery.
    guileless
    without deceit Example He is naive, simple, and guileless; he cannot be guilty of fraud.
    guise
    appearance; costume Example In the guise of a plumber, the detective investigated the murder case.
    gullible
    easily deceived Example He preyed upon gullible people, who believed his stories of easy wealth.
    gustatory
    affecting the sense of taste Example The Thai restaurant offered an unusual gustatory experience for those used in a bland cuisine.
    gusto
    enjoyment; enthusiasm Example He accepted the assignment with such gusto that I feel he would have been satisfied with a smaller salary.
    gusty
    windy Example The gusty weather made sailing precarious.
    gyroscope
    apparatus used to maintain balance, ascertain direction, etc. Example By using a rotating gyroscope, they were able to stabilize the vessel, counteracting the rolling movements of the sea.
    hackles
    hairs on back and neck, especially of a dog Example The dog's hackles rose and he began to growl as the sound of footsteps grew louder.
    hackneyed
    commonplace; trite Example The English teacher criticized her story because of its hackneyed and unoriginal plot.
    haggard
    wasted away; gaunt Example After his long illness, he was pale and haggard.
    haggle
    argue about prices Example I prefer to shop in a store that has a one-price policy because, whenever I haggle with a shopkeeper, I am never certain that I paid a fair price for the articles I purchased.
    halcyon
    calm; peaceful Example In those halcyon days, people were not worried about sneak attacks and bombings.
    hale
    healthy Example After a brief illness, he was soon hale.
    hallowed
    blessed; consecrated Example She was laid to rest in hallowed ground.
    hallucination
    delusion Example I think you were frightened by a hallucination that you created in you own mind.
    halting
    hesitant; faltering Example Novice extemporaneous speakers often talk in a halting fashion as they grope for the right words.
    hamper
    obstruct Example The minority party agreed not to hamper the efforts of the leaders to secure a lasting peace.
    hap
    chance; luck Example In his poem hap, Thomas Hardy objects to the part chance plays in our lives.
    haphazard
    random; by chance Example His haphazard reading left him unaquainted with the authors of the books.
    hapless
    unfortunate Example This hapless creature had never known a moment's pleasure.
    harangue
    long, passionate, and vehement speech Example In her lengthy harangue, the principal berated the offenders.
    harass
    annoy by repeated attacks Example When he could not pay his bills as quickly as he had promised, he was harrassed by his creditors.
    harbinger
    forerunner Example The crocus is an early harbinger of spring.
    harbor
    provide a refuge for; hide Example The church harbored illegal aliens who were political refugees.
    hardy
    sturdy; robust; able to stand inclement weather Example We asked the gardening expert to recommend particularly hardy plants that could withstand our harsh New England winters.
    harping
    tiresome dwelling on a subject Example After he had reminded me several times about what he had done for me I told him to stop his harping on my indebtedness to him.
    harrow
    break up ground after plowing; torture Example I don't want to harrow you at this time by asking you to recall the details of your unpleasant experience.
    harry
    harass, annoy, torment; raid Example The guerrilla band harried the enemy nightly.
    hatch
    deck opening; lid covering a deck opening Example The latch on the hatch failed to catch, so the hatch remained unlatched.
    haughtiness
    pride; arrogance Example I resent his haughtiness because he is no better than we are.
    hazardous
    dangerous Example Your occupation is too hazardous for insurance companies to consider your application.
    hazy
    slightly obscure Example In hazy weather, you cannot see the top of this mountain.
    headlong
    hasty; rash Example The slave seized the unexpected chance to make a headlong dash across the border to freedom.
    headstrong
    stubborn; willful; unyielding Example Because she refused to marry the man her parents had chosen for her, everyone scolded Minna and called her a foolish, headstrong girl.
    heckler
    person who verbally harasses others Example The heckler kept interrupting the speaker with rude remarks.
    hedonism
    belief that pleasure is the sole aim in life Example hedonism and asceticism are opposing philosophies of human behavior.
    heedless
    not noticing; disregarding Example He drove on, heedless of the warnings that the road was dangerous.
    hegemony
    dominance, especially of one nation over others Example As one Eastern European nation after another declared its independence, commentators marveled at the sudden breakdown of the once monolithic Soviet hegemony.
    heinous
    atrocious; hatefully bad Example Hitler's heinous crimes will never be forgotten.
    herbivorous
    grain-eating Example Some herbivorous animals have two stomachs for digesting their food.
    heresy
    opinion contrary to popular belief or to accepted religion Example He was threatened with excommunication because his remarks were considered to be pure heresy.
    heretic
    person who maintains opinions contrary to the doctrines of the church Example She was punished by the Spanish Inquisition because she was a heretic.
    hermetic
    sealed by fusion so as to be airtight Example After these bandages are sterilized, they are placed in hermetic containers.
    hermetic
    obscure and mysterious; occult Example It is strange to consider that modern chemistry originated in the hermetic teachings of the ancient alchemists.
    hermitage
    home of a hermit Example Even in his remote hermitage he could not escape completely from the world.
    herpetologist
    one who studies reptiles Example As a boy, Indiana Jones had a traumatic experience involving snakes; sensibly enough, he studies to be archaeologist, not a herpetologist.
    heterodox
    unorthodox; unconventional Example To those who upheld the belief that the earth did not move, Galileo's theory that the earth circled the sun was disturbingly heterodox.
    heterogeneous
    dissimilar Example In a heterogeneous group, we have an unassorted assemblage, while in a homogeneous group we have people or things that have common traits.
    hew
    cut to pieces with ax or sword Example The cavalry rushed into melee and hewed the enemy with their swords.
    heyday
    time of greatest success; prime Example In their heyday, the San Francisco Forty-Niners won the Super Bowl two years running.
    hiatus
    gap; pause Example Except for a brief two-year hiatus, during which she enrolled in the Peace Corps, Ms. Clements has devoted herself to her medical career.
    hibernal
    wintry Example Bears prepare for their long hibernal sleep by overeating.
    hibernate
    sleep throughout the winter Example Bears are one of the many species of animals that hibernate.
    hierarchy
    body divided into ranks Example It was difficult to step out of one's place in this hierarchy.
    hieroglyphic
    picture writing Example The discovery of the Rosetta Stone enabled scholars to read the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.
    hilarity
    boisterous mirth Example The hilarity is improper on this solemn day of mourning.
    hindmost
    furthest behind Example The coward could always be found in the hindmost lines whenever a battle was being waged.
    hindrance
    block; obstacle Example Stalled cars along the highway are a hindrance to traffic that tow trucks should remove without delay.
    hinterlands
    back country Example They seldom had visitors, living as they did way out in the hinderlands.
    hireling
    one who serves for hire (usually used contemptuously) Example In a matter of such importance, I do not wish to deal with hirelings; I must meet with the chief.
    hirsute
    hairy Example He was a hitsute individual with a heavy black beard.
    histrionic
    theatrical Example He was proud of his histrionic ability and wanted to paly the role of Hamlet.
    hoard
    stockpile; accumulate for future use Example Whenever there are rumors of a food shortage, people are tempted to hoard food.
    hoary
    white with age Example The man was hoary and wrinkled when he was 70.
    hoax
    trick; practical joke Example Embarrassed by the hoax, he reddened and left the room.
    holocaust
    destruction by fire Example Citizens of San Francisco remember that the destruction of the city was caused not by the earthquake but by the holocaust that followed.
    holster
    pistol case Example Even when he was not in uniform, he carried a holster and pistol under his arm.
    homage
    honor; tribute Example In her speech she tried to pay homage to a great man.
    homeostasis
    tendency of a system to maintain relative stability Example A breakdown of the body's immune system severely undermines the body's ability to maintain homeostasis.
    homespun
    domestic; made at home Example homespun wit, like homespun cloth, was often coarse and plain.
    homily
    sermon; serious warning Example His speeches were always homilies, advising his listeners to repent and reform.
    homogeneous
    of the same kind Example Many educators try to put pupils of similar abilities in the same class because they believe that his homogeneous grouping is advisable.
    hone
    sharpen Example To make shaving easier, he honed his razor with great care.
    hoodwink
    deceive; delude Example Having been hoodwinked once by the fast-talking salesman, he was extremely cautious when he went to purchase a used car.
    horde
    crowd Example Just before Christmas the stores are filled with hordes of shoppers.
    hortatory
    encouraging; exhortive Example The crowd listened to his hortatory statements with ever-growing excitement; finally they rushed from the hall to carry to his suggestions.
    horticultural
    pertaining to cultivation of gardens Example When he bought his house, he beganto look for flowers and decorative shrubs, and began to read books dealing with horticultural matters.
    hovel
    shack; small, wretched house Example He wondered how poor people could stand living in such a hovel.
    hover
    hang about; wait nearby Example The police helicopter hovered above the accident.
    hubbub
    confused uproar Example The marketplace was a scene of hubbub and excitement.
    hubris
    arrogance; excessive self-conceit Example Filled with hubris, Lear refused to heed his friends' warnings.
    hue
    color; aspect Example The aviary contained birds of every possible hue.
    hue
    outcry Example When her purse was snatched, she raised such a hue and cry that the thief was captured.
    humane
    kind Example His humane and considerate treatment of the unfortunate endeared him to all.
    humdrum
    dull; monotonous Example After years of adventure, he could not settle down to a humdrum existence.
    humid
    damp Example She could not stand the humid climate and moved to a drier area.
    humility
    humbleness of spirit Example He spoke with a humility and lack of pride that impressed his listeners.
    hummock
    small hill Example The ascent of the hummock is not difficult and the view from the hilltop is ample reward tor the effort.
    humus
    substance formed by decaying vegetable matter Example In order to improve his garden, he spread humus over his lawn and flower beds.
    hurtle
    crash; rush Example The runaway train hurtled toward disaster.
    husbandry
    frugality; thrift; agriculture Example He accumulated his small fortune by diligence and husbandry.
    hybrid
    mongrel; mixed breed Example Mendel's formula explains the appearance of hybrids and pure species in breeding.
    hydrophobia
    fear of water; rabies Example A dog that bites a human being must be observed for symptoms of hydrophobia.
    hyperbole
    exaggeration; overstatement Example This salesman is guilty of hyperbole in describing his product; it is wise to discount his claims.
    hypercritical
    excessively exacting Example You are hypercritical in your demands for perfection; we all make mistakes.
    hypochondriac
    person unduly worried about his health; worrier without cause about illness Example The doctor prescribed chocolate pills for his patient who was a hypocondriac.
    hypocritical
    pretending to be virtuous; deceiving Example I resent his hypocritical posing as a friend for I know he is interested only in his own advancement.
    hypothetical
    based on assumptions or hypotheses Example Why do we have to consider hypothetical cases when we have actual case histories that we may examine?
    ichthyology
    study of fish Example Jacques Cousteau's rpograms about sea life have advanced the cause of ichthyology.
    icon
    religious image; idol Example The icons on the walls of the church were painted in the 13th century.
    iconoclastic
    attacking cherished traditions Example George Bernard Shaw's iconoclastic plays often startled more conventional people.
    ideology
    ideas of a group of people Example That ideology is dangerous to this country because it embraces undemocratic philosophies.
    idiom
    spcial usage in language Example I could not understand their idioms because literal translation made no sense.
    idiosyncrasy
    peculiarity; eccentricity Example One of his personal idiosyncrasies was his habit of rinsing all cutlery given him in a restaurant.
    idiosyncratic
    private; peculiar to an individual Example Such behavior is idiosyncratic, it is as easily identifiable as a signature.
    idolatry
    worship of idols; excessive admiration Example Such idolatry of singers of country music is typical of the excessive enthusiasm of youth.
    idyllic
    charmingly carefree; simple Example Far from the city, she led an idyllic existence in her rural retreat.
    igneous
    produced by fire; volcanic Example Lava, pumice, and other igneous rocks are found in great abundance around Mount Vesuvius near Naples.
    ignite
    kindle; light Example When Desi crooned, "Baby, light my fire," literal-minded Lucy looked around for some paper to ignite.
    ignoble
    of lowly origin; unworthy Example This plan is inspired by ignoble motives and I must, therefore, oppose it.
    ignominious
    disgraceful Example The country smarted under the ignominious defeat and dreamed of the day when it would be victorious.
    illicit
    illegal Example The defense attorney claimed that the police had entrapped his client; that is, they had elicited the illicit action of which they now accuse of him.
    illimitable
    infinite Example Human beings, having explored the far corners of the earth, are now reaching out into illimitable space.
    illuminate
    brighten; clear up or make understandable; enlighten Example Just as a lamp can illuminate a dark room, a perceptive comment can illuminate a knotty problem.
    illusion
    misleading vision Example It is easy to create an optical illusion in which lines of equal length appear different.
    illusive
    deceiving Example This is only a mirage; let us not be fooled by its illusive effect.
    illusory
    deceptive; not real Example Unfortunately, the costs of running the lemonade stand were so high that Tom's profits proved illusory.
    imbalance
    lack of balance or symmetry; disproportion Example Because of the great imbalance between the number of men and women invited, the dance was unsuccessful.
    imbecility
    weakness of mind Example I am amazed at the imbecility of the readers of these trashy magazines.
    imbibe
    drink in Example The dry soil imbibed the rain quickly.
    imbroglio
    complicated situation; perplexity; entanglement Example He was called in to settle the imbroglio but failed to bring harmony into the situation.
    imbue
    saturate, fill Example His visits to the famous Gothic cathedrals imbued him with feelings of awe and reverence.
    immaculate
    pure; spotless Example The West Point cadets were immaculate as they lined up for inspection.
    imminent
    near at hand; impending Example Rosa was such a last-minute worker that she could never start writing a paper till the deadline was imminent.
    immobility
    state of being immovable Example Modern armies cannot afford the luxury of immobility, as they are vulnerable to attack while standing still.
    immolate
    offer as a sacrifice Example The tribal kind offered to immolate his daughter to quiet the angry gods.
    immure
    imprison; shut up in confinement Example For the two weeks before the examination, the student immureed himself in his room and concentrated upon his studies.
    immutable
    unchangeable Example Scientists are constantly seeking to discover the immutable laws of nature.
    impair
    worsen; diminish in value Example This arrest will impair her reputation in the community.
    impale
    pierce Example He was impaled by the spear hurled by his adversary.
    impalpable
    imperceptible; intangible Example The ash is so fine that it is impalpable to the touch but it can be seen as a fine layer covering the window ledge.
    impasse
    predicament from which there is no escape Example In this impasse, all turned to prayer as their last hope.
    impassive
    without feeling; not affected by pain Example The Native American has been incorrectly depicted as an impassive individual, undemonstrative and stoical.
    impeach
    charge with crime in office; indict Example The angry congressman wanted to impeach the President for his misdeeds.
    impeccable
    faultless Example He was proud of his impeccable manners.
    impecunious
    without money Example Now that he was wealthy, he gladly contributed to funds to assist impecunious and disbled persons.
    impede
    hinder; block Example The special prosecutor determined that the Attorney General, though inept, had not intentionally set out to impede the progress of the investigation.
    impediment
    hindrance; stumbling-block Example She had a speech impediment that prevented her from speaking clearly.
    impending
    nearing; approaching Example The entire country was saddened by the news of his impending death.
    impenetrable
    not able to be pierced or entered Example How could the murderer have gotten into the locked room? To Watson, the mystery, like the room, was impenetrable.
    impenitent
    not repentant Example We could see by his brazen attitude that he was impenitent.
    imperial
    like an emperor; related to an empire Example When hotel owner Leona Helmsley appeared in ads as Queen Leona standing guard over the Palace Hotel, her critics mocked her imperial fancies.
    imperiousness
    lordliness; domineering manner; arrogance Example His imperiousness indicated that he had long been accustomed to assuming command.
    impermeable
    impervious; not permitting passage through its substance Example This new material is impermeable to liquids.
    impertinent
    insolent Example I regard your remarks as impertinent and I resent them.
    imperturbable
    calm; placid Example Wellington remained imperturbable and in full command of the situation in spite of the hyteria and panic all around him.
    impervious
    not penetrable; not permitting passage through Example You cannot change their habits for their minds are impervious to reasoning.
    impetuous
    violent; hasty; rash Example We tried to curb his impetuous behavior because we felt that in his haste he might offend some people.
    impetus
    moving force; incentive; stimulus Example A new federal highway program would create jobs and five added impetus to our economic recovery.
    impiety
    irreverence; wickedness Example We must regard your blasphemy as an act of impiety.
    impinge
    infringe; touch; collide with Example How could they be married without impinging on one another's freedom?
    impious
    irreverent Example The congregation was offended by her impious remarks.
    implacable
    incapable of being pacified Example Madame Defarge was the implacable enemy of the Evremonde family.
    implausible
    unlikely; unbelievable Example Though her alibi seened implausible, it in fact turned out to be true.
    implement
    put into effect; supply with tools Example The mayor was unwilling to implement the plan until she was sure it had the governor's backing.
    implication
    that which is hinted at or suggested Example If I understand the implications of your remark, you do not trust our captain.
    implicit
    understood but not stated Example Jack never told Jill he adored her; he believed his love was implicit in his deeds.
    implore
    beg Example He implored her to give him a second chance.
    imply
    suggest a meaning not expressed Example Even though your statement does not declare that you are at war with that country, your actions imply that that is the actual situation.
    impolitic
    not wise Example I think it is impolitic to raise this issue at the present time because the public is too angry.
    imponderable
    weightless Example I can evaluate the data gathered in this study; the imponderable items are not so easily analyzed.
    import
    significance Example I feel that you have not grasped the full import of the message sent tous by the enemy.
    importunate
    urging; demanding Example He tried to hide from his importunate creditors until his allowance arrived.
    importune
    beg persistently Example Democratic and Republican phone solicitors importuned her for contributions so frequently that she decided to give nothing to either party.
    imposture
    assuming a false identity; masquerade Example She was imprisoned for her imposture of a doctor.
    impotent
    weak; ineffective Example Although he wished to break the nicotine habit, he found himself impotent in resisisting the craving for a cigarette.
    imprecation
    curse Example Roused from the bed at what he considered an ungodly hour, Roy muttered imprecations under his breath.
    impregnable
    invulnerable Example Until the development of the airplane as a military weapon, the fort was considered impregnable.
    impromptu
    without previous preparation Example Her listeners were amazed that such a thorough presentation could be made in an impromptu speech.
    impropriety
    state of being inappropriate Example Because of the impropriety of his costume, he was denied entrance into the dining room.
    improvident
    thriftless Example He was constantly being warned to mend his improvident ways and begin to "save for a rainy day."
    improvise
    compose on the spur of the moment Example She would sit at the piano and improvise for hours on themes from Bach and Handel.
    imprudent
    lacking caution; injudicious Example It is imprudent to exercise vigorously and become overheated when you are unwell.
    impugn
    doubt; challenge; gainsay Example I cannot impugn your honesty without evidence.
    impuissance
    powerlessness; feebleness Example The lame duck President was frustrated by his shift from enormous power to relative impuissance.
    impunity
    freedom from punishment Example The bully mistreated everyone in the class with impunity for he felt that no one would dare retaliate.
    impute
    attribute; ascribe Example If I wished to impute blame to the officers in charge of this program, I would state my feelings definitely and immediately.
    inadvertently
    carelessly; unintentionally; by oversight Example She inadvertently omitted two questions on the examination and mismarked her answer sheet.
    inalienable
    not to be taken away; nontransferable Example The Declaration of Independence mentions the inalienable rights that all of us possess.
    inane
    silly; senseless Example Such comments are inane because they do not help us solve our program.
    inanimate
    lifeless Example she was asked to identify the still and inanimate body.
    inarticulate
    speechless; producing indistinct speech Example He became inarticulate with rage and uttered sounds without meaning.
    inaugurate
    begin formally; install in office Example The candidate promised that he would inaugurate a new nationwide health care plan as soon as he was inaugurated as president.
    incandescent
    stikingly bright; shining with intense heat Example If you leave on an incandescent light bulb, it quickly grows too hot to touch.
    incantation
    singing or chanting of magical formula Example Uttering incantations to make the brew more potent, the witch doctor stirred the liquid in the caldron.
    incapacitate
    disable Example During the winter, many people were incapacitated by respiratory ailments.
    incarcerate
    imprison Example The warden will incarcerate the felon after conviction.
    incarnate
    endowed with flesh; personified Example Your attitude is so fiendish that you must be a devil incarnate.
    incarnation
    act of assuming a human body and human nature Example The incarnation of Jesus Christ is a basic tenet of Christian theology.
    incendiary
    arsonist Example The fire spread in such an unusual manner that the fire department chiefs were certain that it had been set by an incendiary.
    incense
    enrage; infuriate Example Unkindness to children incensed her.
    incentive
    spur; motive Example Students who dislike school must be given an incentive to learn.
    inception
    start; beginning Example She was involved with the project from its inception.
    incessant
    uninterrupted Example The crickets kept up an incessant chirping that disturbed our attempts to fall asleep.
    inchoate
    recently begun; rudimentary; elementary Example Before the Creation, the world was an inchoate mass.
    incidence
    rate of occurrence; particular occurrence Example Health professionals expressed great concern over the high incidence of infant mortality in major urban areas.
    incidental
    not essential; minor Example The scholarship covered his major expenses at college and some of his incidental expenses as well.
    incipient
    beginning; in an early stage Example I will go to sleep early for I want to break an incipient cold.
    incisive
    cutting; sharp Example His incisive remarks made us see the fallacy in our plans.
    incite
    arouse to action Example The demogogue incited the mob to take action into its own hands.
    inclement
    stormy; unkind Example I like to read a good book in inclement weather.
    incline
    slope; slant Example The architect recommended that the nursing home's ramp be rebuilt because its incline was too steep for wheelchairs.
    inclined
    tending or leaning toward; bent Example Though I am inclined to be skeptical, the witness's manner inclines me to believe his story.
    inclusive
    tending to include all Example The comedian turned down the invitation to join the Player's Club, saying any club that would let him in was too inclusive for him.
    incognito
    with identity concealed; using an assumed name Example The monarch enjoyed traveling throughthe town incognito and mingling with the populace.
    incoherent
    unintelligible; muddled; illogical Example The bereaved father sobbed and stammered, his words becoming almost incoherent in his grief.
    incommodious
    not spacious; inconvenient Example In their incommodious quarters, they had to improvise for closet space.
    incompatible
    inharmonious Example The married couple argued incessantly and finally decided to separate because they were incompatible.
    incongruity
    lack of harmony; absurdity Example The incongruity of his wearing sneakers with formal attire amused the observers.
    inconsequential
    insignificant; unimportant Example Brushing off Ali's apologies for having broken the wine glass, Tamara said, "Don't worry about it; it's inconsequential."
    inconsistency
    state of being self-contradictory; lack of uniformity or steadiness Example How are lawyers different from agricultural inspectors? Where lawyers check inconsistencies in witnesses' statements, agricultural inspectors check inconsistencies in Grade A eggs.
    incontinent
    lacking self-restraint Example His incontinent behavior off stage shocked many people and they refused to attend the plays and movies in which he appeared.
    incontrovertible
    indisputable Example We must yield to the incontrovertible evidence that you have presented and free your client.
    incorporate
    introduce something into a larger whole; combine; unite Example Breaking with precedent, President Truman ordered the military to incorporate blacks into every branch of the armed services.
    incorporeal
    immaterial; without a material body Example We must devote time to the needs of our incorporeal mind as well as our corporeal body.
    incorrigible
    uncorrectable Example Though Widow Douglass hoped to reform Huck, Miss Watson pronounced him incorrigible and said he would come to no good end.
    incredulity
    a tendency to disbelief Example Your incredulity in the face of all the evidence is hard to understand.
    incredulous
    withholding belief; skeptical Example When Jack claimed he hadn't eaten the jelly doughnut, Jill took an incredulous look at his smeared face and laughed.
    increment
    increase Example The new contract calls for a 10 percent increment in salary for each employee for the next two years.
    incriminate
    accuse; serve as evidence against Example The witness's testimony against the racketeers incriminates some high public officials as well.
    incubate
    hatch; scheme Example Inasmuch as our supply of electricity is cut off, we shall have to rely on the hens to incubate these eggs.
    incubus
    burden; mental care; nightmare Example The incubus of financial worry helped bring on her nervous breakdown.
    incumbent
    officeholder Example The newly elected public official received valuable advice from the present incumbent.
    incur
    bring upon oneself Example His parents refused to pay any future debts he might incur.
    incursion
    temporary invasion Example The nightly incursions and hit-and-run raids of our neighbors across the border tried the patience of the country to the point where we decided to retaliate in force.
    indefatigable
    tireless Example He was indefatigable in his constant efforts to raise funds for the Red Cross.
    indemnify
    make secure against loss; compensate for loss Example The city will indemnify all home owners whose property is spoiled by this project.
    indenture
    bind as servant or apprentice to master Example Many immigrants could come to America only after they had indentured themselves for several years.
    indeterminate
    uncertain; not clearly fixed; indefinite Example That interest rates shall rise appears certain; when they will do so, however, remains indeterminate.
    indicative
    suggestive; implying Example A lack of appetite may be indicative of a major mental or physical disorder.
    indict
    charge Example If the grand jury indicts the suspect, he will go to trial.
    indifferent
    unmoved; lacking concern Example Because she felt no desire to marry, she was indifferent to his constant proposals.
    indigence
    poverty Example Neither the economists nor the political scientists have found a way to wipe out the inequities of wealth and eliminate indigence from our society.
    indigenous
    native Example Tobacco is one of the indigenous plants that the early explorers found in this country.
    indignation
    anger ar an injustice Example He felt indignation at the ill-treatment of the helpless animals.
    indignity
    offensive or insulting treatment Example Although he seemed to accept cheerfully the indignities heaped upon him, he was inwardly very angry.
    indiscriminate
    choosing at random; confused Example She disapproved of her son's indiscriminate television viewing and decided to restrict him to educational programs.
    indisputable
    too certain to be disputed Example In the face of these indisputable statements, I withdraw my complaint.
    indissoluble
    permanent Example The indissoluble bonds of marriage are all too often being dissolved.
    indite
    write; compose Example Cyrano indited many letters for Christian.
    indolence
    laziness Example He outgrew his youthful indolence to become a model of industry and alertness on the job.
    indomitable
    unconquerable Example The founders of our country had indomitable willpower.
    indubitably
    beyond a doubt Example Because her argument was indubitably valid, the judge accepted it.
    induce
    persuade; bring about Example After the quarrel, Tina said nothing could induce her to talk to Tony again.
    inductive
    pertaining to induction or preceeding from the specific to the general Example The discovery of the planet Pluto is an excellent example of the results that can be obtained from inductive reasoning.
    indulgent
    humoring; yielding; lenient Example indulgent parents spoil their children by giving in to their every whim.
    inebriety
    habitual intoxication Example Because of his inebriety, he was discharged from his position as family chauffeur.
    ineffable
    unutterable; cannot be expressed in speech Example Such ineffable joy must be experienced; it cannot be described.
    ineffectual
    not effective; weak Example Because the candidate failed to get across his message to the public, his campaign was ineffectual.
    ineluctable
    irresistable; not to be escaped Example He felt that his fate was ineluctible and refused to make any attempt to improve his lot.
    inept
    lacking skill; inadequate; inappropriate Example inept as a carpenter, Ira was all thumbs.
    inequity
    unfairness Example In demanding equal pay for equal work, women protest the basic inequity of a system that allots greater financial rewards to men.
    inerrancy
    infallibility Example Jane refused to believe in the pope's inerrancy, reasoning: "All human beings are capable of error. The pope is a human being. Therefore, he pope is capable of error.
    inertia
    state of being inert or indisposed to move Example Our inertia in this matter may prove disastrous; we must move to aid our allies immediately.
    inevitable
    unavoidable Example Death and taxes are both inevitable.
    inexorable
    relentless; unyielding; implacable Example After listening to the pleas for clemency, the judge was inexorable and gave the convicted man the maximum punishment allowed by law.
    infallible
    unerring Example We must remember that none of us is infallible; we all make mistakes.
    infamous
    notoriously bad Example Jesse James was an infamous outlaw.
    infantile
    childish; infantlike Example When will he outgrow such infantile behavior?
    infer
    deduce; conclude Example We must be particularly cautious when we infer that a person is guilty on the basis of circumstantial evidence.
    infernal
    pertaining to hell; devilish Example They could think of no way to hinder his infernal scheme.
    infidel
    unbeliever Example The Saracens made war against tne infidels.
    infiltrate
    pass into or through; penetrate (an organization) sneakily Example In order to infiltrate enemy lines at night without being seen, the scouts darkened their faces and wore black coveralls.
    infinitesimal
    very small Example In the twentieth century, physicists have made their greatest discoveries about the characteristics of infinitesimal objects like the atom and its parts.
    infirmity
    weakness Example Her greatest infirmity was lack of willpower.
    inflated
    exaggerated; pompous; enlarged (with air or gas) Example His claims about the new product were inflated; it did not work as well as he had promised.
    influx
    flowing into Example The influx of refugees into the country has taxed the relief agencies severely.
    infraction
    violation Example Because of his many infractions of school regulations, he was suspended by the dean.
    infringe
    violate; encroach Example I think your machine infringes on my patent and intend to sue.
    ingenious
    clever Example He came up with a use for Styrofoam packing balls that was so ingenious that his business school professors declared it was marketable.
    ingenuous
    naive; young and unsophisticated Example Although she was over forty, the movie star still insisted that she be cast as an ingenuous sweet young thing.
    ingrained
    deeply established; firmly rooted Example Try as they would, the missionaries were unable to uproot the ingrained superstitions of the natives.
    ingrate
    ungrateful person Example That ingrate Bob sneered at the tie I gave him.
    ingratiate
    become popular with Example He tried to ingratiate himself into her parents' good graces.
    inherent
    firmly established by nature or habit Example His inherent love of justice compelled him to come to their aid.
    inhibit
    prohibit; restrain Example The child was not inhibited in her responses.
    inimical
    unfriendly; hostile Example She felt that they were inimical and were hoping for her downfall.
    inimitable
    matchless; not able to be imitated Example We admire Auden for his inimitable use of language; he is one of a kind.
    iniquitous
    unjust; wicked Example I cannot approve of the iniquitous methods you used to gain your present position.
    initiate
    begin; originate; receive into a group Example The college is about to initiate a program for reducing math anxiety among students.
    injurious
    harmful Example Smoking cigarettes can be injurious to your health.
    inkling
    hint Example This came as a complete surprise to me as I did not have the slightest inkling of your plans.
    innate
    inborn Example His innate talent for music was soon recognized by his parents.
    innocuous
    harmless Example Let him drink it; it is innocuous and will have no ill effect.
    innovation
    change; introduction of something new Example She loved innovatins just because they were new.
    innuendo
    hint; insinuation Example I can defend myself against direct accusations; innuendos and oblique attacks on my character are what trouble me.
    inopportune
    untimely; poorly chosen Example A rock concert is an inopportune setting for a quiet conversation.
    inordinate
    unrestrained; excessive Example She had an inordinate fondness for candy.
    inquisitor
    questioner (specially harsh); investigator Example Fearing being grilled ruthlessly by the secret police, Marsha faced her inquisitors with trepidation.
    insalubrious
    unwholesome; not healthful Example The mosquito-ridden swamp was an insalubrious place, a breeding ground for malarial contagion.
    insatiable
    not easily satisfied; greedy Example Welty's thirst for knowledge was insatiable; she was in the library day and night.
    inscrutable
    impenetrable; not readily understood; mysterious Example Experienced poker players try to keep their expressions inscrutable, hiding their reactions to the cards behind a so-called poker face.
    insensate
    without feeling Example She lay there as insensate as a log.
    insensible
    unconscious; unresponsive Example Sherry and I are very different; at times when I would be covered with embarrassment, she seems insensible to shame.
    insidious
    treacherous; stealthy; sly Example The fifth column is insidious because it works secretly within our territory for our defeat.
    insinuate
    hint; imply Example What are you trying to insinuate by that remark?
    insipid
    lacking in flavor; dull Example Flat prose and flat ginger ale are equally insipid: both lack sparkle.
    insolence
    imprudent disrespect; haughtiness Example How dare you treat me so rudely! The manager will hear of you insolence.
    insolvent
    bankrupt; lacking money to pay Example When rumors that he was insolvent reached his creditors, they began to press him for payment of the money due them.
    insomnia
    wakefulness; inability to sleep Example He refused to join us in a midnight cup of coffee because he claimed it gave him insomnia.
    insouciant
    indifferent; without concern or care Example Your insouciant attitude at such a critical moment indicates that you do not understand the gravity of the situation.
    instigate
    urge; start; provoke Example I am afraid that this statement will instigate a revolt.
    insubordinate
    disobedient Example The insubordinate private was confined to the barracks.
    insubstantial
    lacking substance; insignificant; frail Example His hopes for a career in acting proved insubstantial; no one would cast him, even in an insubstantial role.
    insularity
    narrow-mindedness; isolation Example The insularity of the islanders manifested itself in their suspicion of anyuthing foreign.
    insuperable
    insurmountable; invincible Example In the face of insuperable difficulties they maintained their courage and will to resist.
    insurgent
    rebellious Example We will not discuss reforms until the insurgent troops have returned to their homes.
    insurrection
    rebellion; uprising Example Given the current state of affairs in South Africa, an insurrection seems unavoidable.
    intangible
    not able to be perceived by touch; vague Example Though the financial benefits of his Oxford post were meager, Lewis was drawn to it by its intangible rewards: prestige, intellectual freedom, the fellowship of his peers.
    integral
    complete; necessary for completeness Example Physical education is an integral part of our curriculum; a sound mind and a sound body are complementary.
    integrate
    make whole; combine; make into one unit Example She tried to integrate all their activities into one program.
    integrity
    uprightness; wholeness Example Lincoln, whose personal integrity has inspired millions, fought a civil war to maintain the integrity of the republic, that these United States might remain undivided for all time.
    intellect
    higher mental powers Example He thought college would develop his intellect.
    intelligentsia
    intellectuals; members of the educated elite Example She preferred discussions about sports and politics to the literary conversations of the intelligentsia.
    inter
    bury Example They are going to inter the body tomorrow ar Broadlawn Cemetry.
    interdict
    prohibit; forbid Example Civilized nations must interdict the use of nuclear weapons if we expect out society to live.
    interim
    meantime Example The company will not consider our proposal until next week; in the interim, let us proceed as we have in the past.
    interloper
    intruder Example The merchant thought of his competitors as interlopers who were stealing away his trade.
    interminable
    endless Example Although his speech lasted for only twenty minutes, it seemed interminable to his bored audience.
    intermittent
    periodic; on and off Example Our picnic was marred by intermittent rains.
    internecine
    mutually destructive Example The rising death toll on both sides indicates the internecine natire of his conflict.
    interpolate
    insert between Example She talked so much that I could not interpolate a single remark.
    interregnum
    period between two reigns Example Henry VIII desperately sought a male heir because he feared the civil strife that might occur if any prolonged interregum succeeded his death.
    interrogate
    question closely; cross-examine Example Knowing that the Nazis would interrogate him about his background, the secret agent invented a cover story that would help him meet their quesions.
    intervene
    come between Example She intervened in the argument between her two sons.
    intimate
    hint Example She intimated rather than stated her preferences.
    intimidation
    fear Example A ruler who maintains his power by intimidation is bound to develop clandestine resistance.
    intractable
    unruly; refractory Example The horse was intractable and refused to enter the starting gate.
    intransigence
    state of stubborn unwillingness to compromise Example The intransigence of both parties in the dispute makes an early settlement almost impossible to obtain.
    intrepid
    fearless Example For his intrepid conduct in battle, he was promoted.
    intrinsically
    essentially; inherently; naturally Example Although my grandmother's china has intrinsically little value, I shall always cherish it for the memories it evokes.
    introspective
    looking within oneself Example We all have our introspective moments during which we examine our souls.
    introvert
    one who is introspective; inclined to think more about oneself Example In his poetry, he reveals that he is an introvert by his intense interest in his own problems.
    intrude
    trespass; enter as an uninvited person Example She hesitated to intrude on their conversation.
    intuition
    power of knowing without reasoning Example She claimed to know the truth by intuition.
    inundate
    overflow; flood Example The tremendous waves inundated the town.
    inured
    accustomed; hardened Example She became inured to the Alaskan cold.
    invalidate
    weaken; destroy Example The relatives who received little or nothing sought to invalidate the will by claiming that the deceased had not been in his right mind when he signed the document.
    invective
    abuse Example He had expected criticism but not the invective that greeted his proposal.
    inveigh
    denounce; utter censure or invective Example He inveighed against the demagoguery of the previous speaker and urged that the audience reject his philosophy as dangerous.
    inveigle
    lead astray; wheedle Example She was inveigled into joining the club after an initial reluctance.
    inverse
    opposite Example There is an inverse ratio between the strength of light and its distance.
    invert
    turn upside down or inside out Example When he inverted his body in a hand stand, he felt the blood rush to his head.
    inveterate
    deep-rooted; habitual Example She is an inveterate smoker and cannot break the habit.
    invidious
    designed to create ill will or envy Example We disregarded her invidious remarks because we realized how jealous she was.
    invincible
    unconquerable Example Superman is invincible.
    inviolability
    security from being destroyed, corrupted or profaned Example They respected the inviolability of her faith and did not try to change her manner of living.
    invoke
    call upon; ask for Example She invoked her advisor's aid in filling out her financial aid forms.
    invulnerable
    incapable of injury Example Achilles was invulnerable except in his heel.
    iota
    very small quantity Example She hadn't an iota of common sense.
    irascible
    irritable; easily angered Example Her irascible temper frightened me.
    irate
    angry Example When John's mother found out that he had overthrown his checking account for the third month in a row, she was so irate that she could scarcely speak to him.
    iridescent
    exhibiting rainbowlike colors Example She admired the iridescent hues of the oil that floated on the surface of the water.
    irksome
    annoying; tedious Example He found working on the assembly line irksome because of the monotony of the operation he had to perform.
    ironic
    occurring in an unexpected and contrary manner Example It is ironic that his success came when he least wanted it.
    irony
    hidden sarcasm or satire; use of words that convey a meaning opposite to the literal meaning Example Gradually his listeners began to realize that the excessive praise he was lavishing was merely irony; he was actually denouncing his opponent.
    irreconsilable
    incompatible; not able to be resolved Example Because the separated couple were irreconcilable, the marriage counselor recommended a divorce.
    irrelevant
    not applicable; unrelated Example This statement is irrelevant and should be disregarded by the jury.
    irremediable
    incurable; uncorrectable Example The error she made was irremediable; she could see no way to repair it.
    irreparable
    not able to be corrected or repaired Example Your apology cannot atone for the irreparable damage you have done to her reputation.
    irrepressible
    unable to be restrained or held back Example Her high spirits were irrepressible.
    irresolute
    uncertain how to act; weak Example She had no respect for him because he seemed weak-willed and irresolute.
    irreverent
    lacking proper respect Example The worshippers resented her irreverent remarks about their faith.
    irrevocable
    unalterable Example Let us not brood over past mistakes since they are irrevocable.
    isotope
    varying form of an element Example The study of the isotopes of uranium led to the development of the nuclear bomb.
    isthmus
    narrow neck of land connecting two larger bodies of land Example In a magnificent feat of engineering, Goethals and his men cut through the isthmus of Panama in constructing the Panama Canal.
    itinerant
    wandering; traveling Example He was an itinerant peddler and traveled through Pennsylvania and Virginia selling his wares.
    itinerary
    plan of a trip Example Before leaving for his first visit to France and England, he discussed his itinerary with people who had been there and with his travel agent.
    intersperse
    scatter Example The molecules will intersperse throughout the space according to the second law of thermodynamics.
    inquisitive
    unduly curious; prying; seeking knowledge Example We need more inquisitive students in this school; lectures are dull.
    jaded
    fatigued; surfeited Example He looked for exotic foods to stimulate his jaded appetite.
    jargon
    language used by special group; gibberish Example We tried to understand the jargon of the peddlers in the market place but could not find any basis for comprehension.
    jaundiced
    yellowed; prejudiced; envious Example She gazed at the painting with jaundiced eyes; she knew it was better than hers.
    jaunt
    trip; short journey Example He took a quick jaunt to Atlantic City.
    jaunty
    lighthearted; animated; easy and carefree Example In Singing in the Rain, Gene Kelly sang and danced his way throughtthe lighthearted title number in a properly jaunty style.
    jeopardy
    exposure to death or danger Example Legally, one cannot be placed in double jeopardy.
    jettison
    throw overboard Example In order to enable the ship to ride safely through the storm, the captain had to jettison much of his cargo.
    jingoism
    extremely aggressive and militant patriotism Example We must be careful to prevent a spirit of jingoism from spreading at this time.
    jocose
    given to joking Example The salesman was so jocose that many of his customers suggested that he become a stand-up comic.
    jocular
    said or done in jest Example Do not take my jocular remarks seriously.
    jocund
    merry Example Santa Claus is always vivacious and jocund.
    jollity
    gaiety; cheerfulness Example The festive Christmas dinner was a merry one, and old and young alike joined in the general jollity.
    jostle
    shove; bump Example In the subway he was jostled by the crowds.
    jovial
    good natured; merry Example A frown seemed out of place on his invariably jovial face.
    jubilation
    rejoicing Example There was great jubilitation when the armistice was announced.
    judicious
    sound in judgment; wise Example At a key moment in his life, he made a judicious investment that was the foundation of his later wealth.
    juggernaut
    irresistible crushin force Example Nothing could survive in the path of the juggernaut.
    juncture
    crisis;joining point Example At this critical juncture, let us think carefully before determining the course we shall follow.
    junket
    trip, especially one taken for pleasure by an official at public expense Example Though she maintained she had gone abroad to collect firsthand data on the Common Market, the opposition claimed that her trip was merely a political junket.
    junta
    group of persons joined in political intrigue; cabal Example As soon as he learned of its existence, the dictator ordered the execution of all of the members of the junta.
    jurisprudence
    science of law Example He was more a student of jurisprudence than a practitioner of the law.
    juxtapose
    place side by side Example Comparison will be easier if you juxtapose the two objects.
    kaleidoscope
    tube in which patterns made by the reflection in mirrors of colored pieces of glass, etc., Example produce interesting symmetrical effects People found a new source of entertainment while peering through the kaleidoscope; they found the everchanging patterns fascinating.
    ken
    range of knowledge Example I cannot answer your question since this matter is beyond my ken.
    killjoy
    grouch; spoilsport Example At breakfast we had all been enjoying our bacon and eggs until that killjoy John started talking about how bad animal fats and cholesterol were for our health.
    kindle
    start a fire; inspire Example Her teacher's praise kindled a spark a hope inside her.
    kindred
    related; similar in nature or character Example Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn were two kindred spirits.
    kinetic
    producing motion Example Designers of the electric automobile find that their greatest obstacle lies in the development of light and efficient storage batteries, the source of the kinetic energy needed to propel the vehicle.
    kismet
    fate Example kismet is the Arabic word for "fate."
    kleptomaniac
    person who has a compulsive desire to steal Example They discovered that the wealthy customer was a kleptomaniac when they caught her stealing some cheap trinkets.
    knavery
    rascality Example We cannot condone such knavery in public officials.
    knead
    mix; work dough Example Her hands grew strong from kneading bread.
    knell
    tolling of a bell, especially to indicate a funeral, disaster, etc.; sound of the funeral bell Example "The curfew tolls the knell of parting day."
    knit
    contract into wrinkles Example Whenever David worries, his brow knits in a frown.
    knoll
    little, round hill Example Robert Louis Stevenson's grave is on a knoll in Samoa; to reach the grave site, you must climb uphill and walk a short distance along a marked path.
    knotty
    intricate; difficult; tangled Example What to Watson had been a knotty problem to Sherlock Holmes was simplicity itself.
    kudos
    honor; glory; praise Example The singer complacently received kudos on his performance from his entourage.
    labile
    likely to change; unstable Example Because the hormonal changes they undergo affect their spirits, adolescents may become emotionally labile and experience sudden shifts of mood.
    laborious
    demanding much work or care; tedious Example In putting together his dictionary of the English language, Doctor Johnson undertook a laborious task.
    labyrinth
    maze Example Tom and Becky were lost in the labyrinth of secret caves.
    lacerate
    mangle; tear Example Her body was lacerated in the automobile crash.
    lachrymose
    producing tears Example His voice has a lachrymose quality that is more appropriate at a funeral than a class reunion.
    lackadaisical
    affectedly languid Example He was lackadaisical and indifferent about his part in the affair.
    lackluster
    dull Example We were disappointed by the lackluster performance.
    laconic
    brief and to the point Example Many of the characters portrayed by Clint Eastwood are laconic types: strong men of few words.
    laggard
    slow; sluggish Example The sailor had been taught not to be laggard in carrying out orders.
    lagoon
    shallow body of water near a sea; lake Example They enjoyed their swim in the calm lagoon.
    laity
    laypersons; persons not connected with the clergy Example The laity does not always understand the clergy's problems.
    lambaste
    beat; thrash verbally or physically Example It was painful to watch the champion lambaste his opponent, tearing into him mercilessly.
    lament
    grieve; express sorrow Example Even advocates of the war lamented the loss of so many lives in combat.
    lampoon
    ridicule Example This article lampoons the pretensions of some movie moguls.
    languid
    weary; sluggish; listless Example Her siege of illness left her languid and pallid.
    languish
    lose animation; lose strength Example In stories, lovelorn damsels used to languish and pine away.
    languor
    lassitude; depression Example His friends tried to overcome the languor into which he had fallen by taking him to parties and to the theater.
    lank
    long and thin Example lank, gaunt, Abraham Lincoln was a striking figure.
    larceny
    theft Example Because of the prisoner's record, the district attorney refused to reduce the charge from grand larceny to petit larceny.
    larder
    pantry; place where food is kept Example The first thing Bill did on returning home from school was to check what snacks his mother had in the larder.
    largess
    generous gift Example Lady Bountiful distributed largess to the poor.
    lascivious
    lustful Example Because they might arouse lascivious impulses in their readers, the lewd books were banned by the clergy.
    lassitude
    languor; weariness Example The hot, tropical weather created a feeling of lassitude and encouraged drowsiness.
    latent
    dormant; hidden Example Her latent talent was discovered by accident.
    lateral
    coming from the side Example In order to get good plant growth, the gardener must pinch off all lateral shoots.
    latitude
    freedom from narrow limitations Example I think you have permitted your son too much latitude in this matter.
    laudable
    praiseworthy; commendable Example His laudable deeds will be remarked by all whom he aided.
    laudatory
    expressing praise Example The critics' laudatory comments helped to make her a star.
    lavish
    liberal; wasteful Example The actor's lavish gifts pleased her.
    lax
    careless Example We dislike restaurants where the service is lax and inattentive.
    leaven
    cause to rise or grow lighter; enliven Example As bread dough is leavened, it puffs up, expanding in volume.
    lechery
    gross lewdness; lustfulness Example In his youth he led a life of lechery and debauchery; he did not mend his ways until middle age.
    lectern
    reading desk Example The chaplain delivered his sermon from a hastily improvised lectern.
    leery
    suspicious; cautious Example Don't eat sushi at this restaurant; I'm a bit leery about how fresh it is.
    leeway
    room to move; margin Example When you set a deadline, allow a little leeway.
    legacy
    a gift made by a will Example Part of my legacy from my parents is an album of family photographs.
    legend
    explanatory list of symbols on a map Example The legend at the bottom of the map made it clear which symbols stood for rest areas along the highway and which stood for public camp sites.
    legerdemain
    sleight of hand Example The magician demonstrated his renowned legerdemain.
    leniency
    mildness; permissiveness Example Considering the gravity of the offense, we were surprised by the leniency of the sentence.
    leonine
    like a lion Example He was leonine in his rage.
    lethal
    deadly Example It is unwise to leave lethal weapons where children may find them.
    lethargic
    drowsy; dull Example The stuffy room made her lethargic; she felt as if she was about to nod off.
    levee
    earthen or stone embankment to prevent flooding Example As the river rose and threatened to overflow the levee, emergency workers rushed to reinforce the walls with sandbags.
    levitate
    float in the air (especially by magical means) Example As the magician passed his hands over the recumbent body of his assistant, she appeared to rise and levitate about three feet above the table.
    levity
    lack of seriousness or steadiness; frivolity Example Stop giggling abd wriggling around in the pew; such levity is improper in church.
    levy
    impose (a fine); collect (a payment) Example Crying "No taxation withouth representation," the colonists demonstrated against England's power to levy taxes.
    lewd
    lustful Example They found his lewd stories objectionable.
    lexicographer
    compiler of a dictionary Example The new dictionary is the work of many lexicographers who spent years compiling and editing the work.
    lexicon
    dictionary Example I cannot find this word in any lexicon in the library.
    liability
    drawback; debts Example Her lack of an extensive vocabulary was a liability that she was able to overcome.
    liaison
    officer who acts as go-between for two armies; intermediary Example As the liason, he had to avoid offending the leaders of the two armies.
    libelous
    defamatory; injurious to the good name of a person Example He sued the newspaper because of its libelous story.
    libertine
    debauched person, roue Example Although she was aware of his reputation as a libertine, she felt she could reform him and help him break his dissolute way of life.
    libidinous
    lustful Example They objected to his libidinous behavior.
    libido
    emotional urges behind human activity Example The psychiatrist maintained that suppression of the libido often resulted in maladjustment and neuroses.
    libretto
    text of an opera Example The composer of an opera's music is remembered more frequently than the author of its libretto.
    licentious
    wanton; lewd; dissolute Example The licentious monarch helped bring about his country's downfall.
    lien
    legal claim on a property Example There was a delay before Ralph could take possession of his late uncle's home; apparently, another claimant had a lien upon the estate.
    ligneous
    like wood Example Petrified wood may be ligneous in appearance, but it is stonelike in composition.
    lilliputian
    extremely small Example Tiny and delicate, the model was built on a lilliputian scale.
    limber
    flexible Example Hours of ballet classes kept him limber.
    limbo
    region near heaven or hell where certain souls are kept Example Among the divisions of Hell are Purgatory and limbo.
    limn
    draw; outline; describe Example Parodoxically, the more realistic the details this artist chooses, the better able to limn her fantastic, otherworldly landscapes.
    limpid
    clear Example A limpid stream ran through his property.
    lineage
    descent; ancestry Example He traced his lineage back to Mayflower days.
    lineaments
    features, especially of the face Example She quickly sketched the lineaments of his face.
    linguistic
    pertaining to language Example The modern tourist will encounter very little linguistic difficulty as English has become an almost universal language.
    lionize
    treat as a celebrity Example She enjoyed being lionized and adored by the public.
    liquidate
    settle accounts; clear up Example He was able to liquidate all his debts in short period of time.
    list
    tilt; lean over Example That flagpole should be absolutely vertical; instead, it lists to one side.
    listless
    lacking in spirit or energy Example We had expected him to be full of enthusiasm and were surprised by his listless attitude.
    litany
    supplicatory prayer Example On this solemn day, the congregation responded to the prayers of the priest during the litany with fervor and intensity.
    lithe
    flexible; supple Example Her figure was lithe and willowy.
    litigation
    lawsuit Example Try to settle this amicably; I do not want to start litigation.
    litotes
    understatement for emphasis Example To say, "He little realizes," when we mean that he does not realize at all, is an example of the kind of understatement we call litotes.
    livid
    lead-coloredl; black and blue; ashen; enraged Example His face was so livid with rage that we were afraid that he might have an attack of apoplexy.
    loath
    averse; reluctant Example They were both loath for him to go.
    loathe
    detest Example We loathed the wicked villain.
    lode
    metal-bearing vein Example If this lode that we have discovered extends for any distance, we have found a fortune.
    lofty
    very high Example They used to tease him about his lofty ambitions.
    loiter
    hang around; linger Example The policeman told him not to loiter in the alley.
    loll
    lounge about Example They lolled around in their chairs watching television.
    longevity
    long life Example When he reached ninety, the old man was proud of his longevity.
    lope
    gallop slowly Example As the horses loped along, we had an opportunity to admire the ever-changing scenery.
    loquacious
    talkative Example She is very loquacious and can speak on the telephone for hours.
    lout
    clumsy person Example The delivery boy is an awkward lout.
    low
    moo Example From the hilltop, they could see the herd like ants in the distance; they could barely hear the cattle low.
    lucid
    easily understood; clear; intelligible Example Her explanation was lucid enought for a child to grasp.
    lucrative
    profitable Example He turned his hobby into a lucrative profession.
    lucre
    money Example Preferring lucre to undying fame, he wrote stories of popular appeal.
    ludicrous
    laughable; trifling Example Let us be serious; this is not a ludicrous issue.
    lugubrious
    mournful Example The lugabrious howling of the dogs added to our sadness.
    lull
    moment of calm Example Not wanting to get wet, they waited under the awning for a lull in the rain.
    lumber
    move heavily of clumsily Example Still somewhat torpid after its long hibernation, the bear lumbered through the woods.
    lumen
    unit of light energy (one candle's worth) Example In buying light bulbs, she checked not only their power, as measured in watts, but their brightness, as measured in lumens.
    luminary
    celebrity; dignitary Example A leading light of the American stage, Ethel Barrymore was a theatrical luminary whose name lives on.
    luminous
    shining; issuing light Example The sun is a luminous body.
    lunar
    pertaining to the moon Example lunar craters can be plainly seen with the aid of a small telescope.
    lurid
    wild; sensational Example The lurid stories he told shocked his listeners.
    lurk
    stealthily lie in waiting; slink; exist unperceived Example "Who knows what evils lurk in the hearts of men? The shadow knows."
    luscious
    pleasing to taste or smell Example The ripe peach was luscious.
    luster
    shine; gloss Example The soft luster of the silk in the dim light was pleasing.
    lustrous
    shining Example Her large and lustrous eyes gave a touch of beauty to an otherwise drab face.
    luxuriant
    fertile; abundant; ornate Example Farming was easy in this luxuriant soil.
    laxative
    facilitating evacuation of the bowels Example The effect of the constipation medicine is laxative; it empties the bowels.
    macabre
    gruesome; grisly Example The city morgue is a macabre spot for the uninitiated.
    mace
    ceremonial staff; clublike medieval weapon Example The Grand Marshal of the parade raised his mace to signal that it was time for the procession to begin.
    macerate
    soften by soaking in liquid; waste away Example The strawberries had been soaking in the champagn for so long that they had begun to macerate: they literally fell apart at the touch of a spoon.
    machiavellian
    crafty; double-dealing Example I do not think he will be a good embassador because he is not accustomed to the machiavellian maneuverings of foreign diplomats.
    machinations
    schemes Example I can see through your wily machinations.
    maculated
    spotted; stained Example Instead of writing that Gorbachev had a birthmark on his forehead, the pompous young poet sang of the former premier's maculated brow.
    madrigal
    pastoral song Example His program of folk songs included several madrigals which he sang to the accompaniment of a lute.
    maelstrom
    whirlpool Example The canoe was tossed about in the maelstrom.
    magisterial
    authoritative; imperious Example The learned doctor laid down the law to his patient in a magisterial tone of voice.
    magnanimity
    generosity Example Noted for his magnanimity, philanthropist Eugene Lang donated millions to charity.
    magnate
    person of prominence or influence Example The steel magnate decided to devote more time to city politics.
    magniloquent
    boastful, pompous Example In their stories of the trial, the reporters ridiculed the magniloquent speeches of the defense attorney.
    magnitude
    greatness; extent Example It is difficult to comprehend the magnitude of his crime.
    maim
    mutilate; injure Example The hospital could not take care of all who had been mangled or maimed in the railroad accident.
    maladroit
    clumsy; bungling Example In his usual maladroit way, he managed to upset the cart and spill the food.
    malaise
    uneasiness; distress Example She felt a sudden vague malaise when she heard sounds at the door.
    malapropism
    comic misuse of a word Example When Mrs. Malaprop criticizes Lydia for being "as headstrong as an allegory on the banks of the Nile," she confuses "allegory" and "allegator" in a typical malapropism.
    malcontent
    person dissatisfied with existing state of affairs Example He was one of the few malcontents in the Congress; he constantly voiced his objections to the Presidential program.
    malediction
    curse Example The witch uttered maledictions against her captors.
    malefactor
    criminal Example We must try to bring these malefactors to justice.
    malevolent
    wishing evil Example We must thwart his malevolent schemes.
    malfeasance
    wrongdoing Example The authorities did not discover the campaign manager's malfeasance until after he had spent most of the money he had embezzled.
    malicious
    dictated by hatred or spite Example The malicious neighbor spread the gossip.
    malign
    speak evil of; defame Example Because of her hatred of the family, she maligns all who are friendly to them.
    malignant
    having an evil influence; virulent Example This is a malignant disease; we must have to use drastic measures to stop its spread.
    malingerer
    one who feigns illness to escape duty Example The captain ordered the sergeant to punish all malingerers and force them to work.
    malleable
    capable of being shaped by pounding Example Gold is a malleable metal.
    malodorous
    foul-smelling Example The component heap was most malodorous in summer.
    mammal
    vertebrate animal whose female suckles its young Example Many people regard the whale as a fish and do not realize that it is a mammal.
    mammoth
    gigantic Example The mammoth corporations of the twentieth century are a mixed blessing
    manacle
    restrain; handcuff Example The police immediately manacled the prisoner so he could not escape.
    mandate
    order; charge Example In his inaugural address, the President stated that he had a mandate from the people to seek an end to social evils such as poverty and poor housing.
    mandatory
    obligatory Example These instructions are mandatory; any violation will be severely punished.
    mangy
    shabby; wretched Example We finally thew out the mangy rug that the dog had destroyed.
    maniacal
    raving mad Example His maniacal laughter frightened us.
    manifest
    understandable; clear Example His evil intentions were manifest and yet we could not stop him.
    manifestation
    outward demonstration; indication Example Mozart's early attraction to the harsichord was the first manifestation of his pronounced musical bent.
    manifesto
    declaration; statement of policy Example The Communist Manifesto by Marx and Engels proclaimed the principles of modern communism.
    manifold
    numerous; varied Example I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate your manifold kindnesses.
    manipulate
    operate with the hands; control or change by artful means Example How do you manipulate these puppets?
    mannered
    affected; not natural Example Attempting to copy the style of his wealthy neighbors, Gatsby adopted a mannered, artificial way of speech.
    manumit
    emancipate; free from bondage Example Enlightened slave owners were willing to manumit their slaves and thus put an end to the evil slavery in the country.
    marital
    pertaining to marriage Example After the publication of his book on marital affairs, he was often consulted by married people on the verge of divorce.
    maritime
    bordering on the sea; nautical Example The maritime Provinces depend on the sea for their wealth.
    marked
    noticeable; targeted for vengeance Example He walked with a marked limp, a souvenir of an old IRA attack. As British ambassador, he knew he was a marked man.
    marred
    damaged; disfigured Example She had to refinish the marred surface of the table.
    marshal
    put in order Example At a debate tournament, extemporaneous speakers have only a minute or two to marshal their thoughts before addressing their audience.
    marsupial
    one of a family of mammals that nurse their offspring in a pouch Example The most common marsupial in North America is the opposum.
    martial
    warlike Example The sound of marital music was always inspiring to the young poet.
    martinet
    strict disciplinarian Example The commanding officer was a martinet who observed each regulation to the ltter.
    masochist
    person who enjoys his own pain Example The masochist begs, "Hit me." The sadist smiles and says, "I won't."
    masticate
    chew Example We must masticate our food carefully and slowly in order to avoid digestive disorders.
    materialism
    preoccupation with physical comforts and things Example By its nature, materialism is opposed to idealism, for where the materialist emphasizes the needs of the body, the idealist emphasizes the needs of the soul.
    maternal
    motherly Example Many animals display maternal instincts only while their offspring are young and helpless.
    matriarch
    woman who rules a family or larger social group Example The matriarch ruled her gypsy tribe with a firm hand.
    martrix
    point of origin; array of numbers or algebraic symbols; mold or die Example Some historians claim the Nile Valley was the matrix of the Western civilization.
    maudlin
    effusively sentimental Example I do not like such maudlin pictures. I call them tearjerkers.
    maul
    handle roughly Example The rock star was mauled by his overexcited fans.
    mausoleum
    monumental tomb Example His body was placed in the family mausolem.
    mauve
    pale purple Example The mauve tint in the lilac bush was another indication that spring had finally arrived.
    maverick
    rebel; nonconformist Example To the masculine literary establishment, George Sand with her insistence on wearing trousers and smoking cigars was clearly a maverick who fought her proper womanly role.
    mawkish
    sickening; insipid Example Your mawkish sighs fill me with disgust.
    maxim
    proverb; a truth pithily stated Example Aesop's fables illustrate moral maxims.
    mayhem
    injury to the body Example The riot was marked not only by mayhem, with its attendant loss of life and limb, but also by arson and pillage.
    meager
    scanty; inadequate Example His salary was far too meager for him to afford to buy a new car.
    mealymouthed
    indirect speech; hypocritical; evasive Example Rather than tell Jill directly what he disliked, Jack made a few mealymouthed comments and tried to change the subject.
    meander
    to wind or turn in its course Example It is difficult to sail up this stream because of the way it meanders through the countryside.
    meddlesome
    interfering Example He felt his marriage was suffering because of his meddlesome mother-in-law.
    mediate
    settle a dispute through the services of an outsider Example Let us mediate out differences rather than engage in a costly strike.
    mediocre
    ordinary; commonplace Example We were disappointed because he gave a rather mediocre performance in this role.
    meditation
    reflection; thought Example She reached her decision only after much meditation.
    medley
    mixture Example The band played a medley of Gershwin tunes.
    meek
    submissive; patient and long-suffering Example Mr. Barrett never expected his meek daughter would dare to defy him by eloping with her suitor.
    megalomania
    mania for doing grandiose things Example Developers who spend millions trying to build the world's tallest skyscraper suffer from megalomania.
    melee
    fight Example The captain tried to ascertain the cause of the melee that had broken out among the crew members.
    mellifluous
    flowing smoothly; smooth Example Italian is a mellifluous language.
    memento
    token; reminder Example Take this book as a memento of your visit.
    memorialize
    commemorate Example Let us memorialize his great contribution by dedicating this library in his honor.
    mendacious
    lying; false Example He was pathological liar, and his friends learned to discount his mendacious stories.
    mendicant
    beggar Example From the moment we left the ship, we were surrounded by mendicants and peddlers.
    menial
    suitable for sevants; low Example I cannot understand why a person of your ability and talent should engage in such menial activities.
    mentor
    counselor; teacher Example During this very trying period, she could not have had a better mentor, for the teacher was sympathetic and understanding.
    mercantile
    concerning trade Example I am more interested in the opportunites available in the mercantile field than I am in those in the legal profession.
    mercenary
    motivated solely by money or gain Example "I'm not in this war because I get my kicks waving flags," said the mercenary soldier. "I'm in it for the dough."
    mercurial
    fickle; changing Example He was of a mercurial temperament and therefore unpredictable.
    meretricious
    flashy; tawdry; falsely attractive Example Her jewels were inexpensive but not meretricious.
    merger
    combination (of two business corporations) Example When the firm's president married the director of financial planning, the office joke was that it wasn't a marriage, it was a merger.
    mesmerize
    hypnotize Example The incessant drone seemed to mesmerize him and place him in a trance.
    metallurgical
    pertaining to the art of removing metals from ores Example During the course of his metallurgical research, the scientist developed a steel alloy of tremendous strength.
    metamorphosis
    change of form Example The metamorphosis of caterpillar to butterfly is typical of many such changes in animal life.
    metaphor
    implied comparison Example "He soared like an eagle" is an example of a simile; "He is an eagle in flight," is a metaphor.
    metaphysical
    pertaining to speculative philosophy Example The modern poets have gone back to the fanciful poems of the metaphysical poets of the seventeenth century for many of their images.
    mete
    measure; distribute Example He tried to be impartial in his efforts to mete out justice.
    meteoric
    swift; momentarily brilliant Example We all wondered at his meteoric rise to fame.
    methodical
    systematic Example An accountant must be methodical and maintain order among his financial records.
    meticulous
    excessively careful Example He was meticulous in checking his accounts and never made mistakes.
    metropolis
    large city Example Every evening this terminal is filled with the thousands of commuters who are going from this metropolis to their homes in the suburbs.
    mettle
    courage; spirit Example When challenged by the other horses in the race, the thoroughbred proved its mettle by its determination to hold the lead.
    miasma
    swamp gas; heavy, vaporous atmosphere, often emanating from decaying matter; pervasive corrupting influence Example corrupting influence The smog hung over Victorian London like a dark cloud; noisome, reeking of decay, it was a visible miasma.
    microcosm
    small world Example In the microcosm of our rural village, we find illustrations of all the evils that beset the universe.
    migrant
    changing its habitat; wandering Example These migrant birds return every spring.
    migratory
    wandering Example The return of the migratory birds to the northern sections of this country is a harbinger of spring.
    milieu
    environment; means of expression Example His milieu is watercolors, although he has produced excellent oil paintings and lithographs.
    militant
    combative; bellicose Example Althoughat this time he was advocating a policy of neutrality, one could usually find him adopting a more militant attitude.
    militate
    work against Example Your record of lateness and absence will militate against your chances of promotion.
    millenium
    thousand-year period; period of happiness and prosperity Example I do not expect the milennium to come during my lifetime.
    mimicry
    imitation Example Her gift for mimicry was so great that her friends said that she should be in the theater.
    minatory
    menacing; threatening Example Jabbing a minatory forefinger at Dorothy, the Wicked Witch cried, "I'll get you, and your little dog, too!"
    mincing
    affectedly dainty Example Yum-Yum walked across the stage with mincing steps.
    minion
    a servile dependent Example He was always accompanied by several of his minions because he enjoyed their subservience and flattery.
    minuscule
    extremely small Example Why should I involve myself with a project with so minuscule a chance for success?
    minute
    extremely small Example The twins resembled one another closely; only minute differences set them apart.
    minutiae
    petty details Example She would have liked to ignore the minutiae of daily living.
    mirage
    unreal reflection; optical illusion Example The lost prospector was fooled by a mirage in the desert.
    mire
    entangle; stick in swampy ground Example Their rear wheels became mired in mud.
    mirth
    merriment; laughter Example Sober Malvolio found Sir Toby's mirth improper.
    misadventure
    mischance; ill luck Example The young explorer met death by misadventure.
    misanthrope
    one who hates mankind Example We thought the hermit was a miantrope because he shunned our society.
    misapprehension
    error; misunderstanding Example To avoid msapprehension, I am going to ask all of you to repeat the instructions I have given.
    miscellany
    mixture of writings on various subjects Example This is an interesting miscellany of nineteenth-century prose and poetry.
    mischance
    ill luck Example By mischance, he lost his week's salary.
    misconstrue
    interpret incorrectly; misjudge Example She took the passage seriously rather than humourously because she misconstrued the author's ironic tone.
    miscreant
    wretch; villain Example His kindness to the miscreant amazed all of us who had expected to hear severe punishment pronounced.
    misdemeanor
    minor crime Example The culprit pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor rather than face trial for a felony.
    miserly
    stingy; mean Example The miserly old man hoarded his coins not out of prudence but out of greed.
    misgivings
    doubts Example Hamlet described his misgivings to Horatio but decided to fence with Laertes despite his foreboding of evil.
    mishap
    accident Example With a little care you could have avoided this mishap.
    misnomer
    wrong name; incorrect designation Example His tyrannical conduct proved to all that his nickname, King Eric the Just, was a misnomer.
    misogamy
    hatred of marriage Example He remained a bachelor not because of misogamy but because of ill fate: his fiancee died before the wedding.
    misogynist
    hater of women Example She accused him of being a misogynist because he had been a bachelor all his life.
    missile
    object to be thrown or projected Example Scientists are experimenting with guided missiles.
    missive
    letter Example The ambassador received a missive from the Secretary of State.
    mite
    very small object or creature; small coin Example Gnats are annoying mites that sing.
    mitigate
    appease Example Nothing he did could mitigate her wrath; she was unforgiving.
    mnemonic
    pertaining to memory Example He used mnemonic tricks to master new words.
    mobile
    movable; not fixed Example The mobile blood bank operated by the Red Cross visited our neighborhood today.
    mode
    prevailing style Example She was not used to their lavish mode of living.
    modicum
    limited quantity Example Although his story is based on a modicum of truth, most of the events he describes are fictitious.
    modish
    fashionable Example She always discarded all garments that were no longer modish.
    modulation
    toning down; changing from one key to another Example When we she spoke, it was with quiet modulation of voice.
    mogul
    powerful person Example The oil moguls made great profits when the price of gasoline rose.
    molecule
    the smallest particle (one or more atoms) of a substance that has all the properties of that Example substance In chemistry, we study how atoms and molcules react to form new substances.
    mollify
    soothe Example We tried to mollify the hysterical child by promising her many gifts.
    mollycoddle
    pamper; indulge excessively Example Don't mollycoddle the boy, Maud! You'll spoil him.
    molt
    shed or cast off hair or feathers Example The male robin molted in the spring.
    molten
    melted Example The city of Pompeii was destroyed by volcanic ash rather than by molten lava flowing from Mount Vesuvius.
    momentous
    very important Example On this momentous occasion, we must be very solemn.
    momentum
    quantity of motion of a moving body; impetus Example The car lost momentum as it tried to ascend the steep hill.
    monarchy
    government under a single hereditary ruler with varying degrees of power Example England today remains a monarchy.
    monastic
    related to monks Example Wanting to live a religious life, he took his monastic vows.
    monetary
    pertaining to money Example Jane held the family purse strings: she made all monetary decisions affecting the household.
    monochromatic
    having only one color Example Most people who are color blind actually can distinguish several colors; some, however, have a truly monochromatic view of a world all in shades of gray.
    monolithic
    solidly uniform; unyielding Example Knowing the importance of appearing resolute, the patriots sought to present a monolithic front.
    monotheism
    belief in one God Example Abraham was the first to proclaim his belief in monotheism.
    monotony
    sameness leading to boredom Example He took a clerical job, but soon grew to hate the monotony of his daily routine.
    monumental
    massive Example Writing a dictionary is a monumental task.
    moodiness
    fits of depression or gloom Example We could not discover the cause of her recurrent moodiness.
    moratorium
    legal delay of payment Example If we declare a moratorium and delay collection of debts for six months, I am sure the farmers will be able to meet their bills.
    morbid
    given to unwholesome thought; gloomy Example These morbid speculations are dangerous; we must lighten our spirits by emphasizing more pleasant matters.
    mordant
    biting; sarcastic; stinging Example Actors feared the critic's mordant pen.
    mores
    customs Example The mores of Mexico are those of Spain with some modifications.
    moribund
    at the point of death Example The doctors called the family to the bedside of the moribund patient.
    morose
    ill-humored; sullen Example When we first meet Hamlet, we find him morose and depressed.
    mortician
    undertaker Example The mortician prepared the corpse for burial.
    mortify
    humiliate; punish the flesh Example She was so mortified by her blunder that she ran to her room in tears.
    mosaic
    picture made of smell, colorful inlaid tiles Example The mayor compared the ciry to a beautiful mosaic made up of people of every race and religion on earth.
    mote
    small speck Example The tiniest mote in the eye is very painful.
    motif
    theme Example This simple motif runs throughout the score.
    motility
    ability to move spontaneously Example Certain organisms exhibit remarkable motility; motile spores, for example, may travel for miles before coming to rest.
    motley
    parti-colored; mixed Example The captain had gathered a motley crew to sail the vessel.
    mottled
    spotted Example When he blushed, his face took on a mottled hue.
    mountebank
    charlatan; boastful pretender Example The patent medicine man was a mountebank.
    muddle
    confuse; mix up Example His thoughts were muddled and chaotic.
    muggy
    warm and damp Example August in New York City is often muggy.
    mulct
    defraud a person of something Example The lawyer was accused of trying to mulct the boy of his legacy.
    multifarious
    varied; greatly diversified Example A career woman and mother, she was constantly busy with the multifarious activities of her daily life.
    multiform
    having many forms Example Snowflakes are multiform but always hexagonal.
    multilingual
    having many languages Example Because they are bordered by so many countries, the Swiss people are multilingual.
    multiplicity
    state of being numerous Example He was appalled by the multuplicity of details he had to complete before setting out on his mission.
    mundane
    worldly as opposed to spiritual Example He was concerned only with mundane matters, especially the daily stock market quotations.
    munificent
    very generous Example The munificent gift was presented to the bride by her rich uncle.
    murkiness
    darkness; gloom Example The murkiness and fog of the waterfront that evening depressed me.
    muse
    ponder Example For a moment he mused about the beauty of the scene, but his thought soon changed as he recalled his own personal problems.
    musky
    having the odor of musk Example She left a trace of musky perfume behind her.
    muster
    gather; assemble Example Washington mustered his forces at Trenton.
    musty
    stale; spoiled by age Example The attic was dark and musty.
    mutable
    changing in form; fickle Example His opinion were mutable and easily influenced by anyone who had any powers of persuasion.
    muted
    silent; muffled; toned down Example In the funeral parlor, the mourners' voices had a muted quality.
    mutilate
    maim Example The torturer threatened to mutilate his victim.
    mutinous
    unruly; rebellious Example The captain had to use force to quiet his mutinous crew.
    myopic
    nearsighted Example In thinking only of your present needs and ignoring the future, you are being rather myopic.
    myriad
    very large number Example myriads of mosquitoes from the swamps invaded our village every twilight.
    mutter
    murmur or grumble Example The child muttered at the doll.
    millinery
    person who makes or sells women's hats Example The millinery displayed fashionable hats in the street where many women passed by.
    nadir
    lowest point Example Although few people realized it, the Dow-Jones averages had reached their nadir and would soon begin an upward surge.
    naivete
    quality of being unsophisticated Example I cannot believe that such naivete is unassumed in a person of her age and experience.
    narcissist
    conceited person Example A narcissist is his own best friend.
    narrative
    related to telling a story Example A born teller of tales, Olsen used her impressive narrative skills to advantage in her story "I Stand Here Ironing."
    nascent
    incipient; coming into being Example If we could identify these revolutionary movements in their nascent state, we would be able to eliminate serious trouble in later years.
    natation
    swimming Example The Red Cross emphasizes the need for courses in natation.
    natty
    neatly or smartly dresssed Example Priding himself on being a natty dresser, the gangster Bugsy Siegel collected a wardrobe of imported suits and ties.
    nauseate
    cause to become sick; fill with disgust Example The foul smells began to nauseate him.
    nautical
    pertaining to ships or navigation Example The Maritime Museum contains many models of clipper ships, logbooks, anchors and many other items of a nautical nature.
    nebulous
    vague; hazy; cloudy Example She had only a nebulous memory of her grandmother's face.
    necromancy
    black magic; dealings with the dead Example Because he was able to perform feats of necromancy, the natives thought he was in league with the devil.
    nefarious
    very wicked Example He was universally feared because of his many nefarious deeds.
    negation
    denial Example I must accept his argument since you have been unable to present any negation of his evidence.
    negligence
    carelessness Example negligence can prove costly near complicated machinery.
    negligible
    so small, trifling, or unimportant as to be easily disregarded Example Because the damage to his car had been negligible, Michael decided he wouldn't bother to report the matter to his insurance company.
    nemesis
    revenging agent Example Captain Bligh vowed to be Christian's nemesis.
    neologism
    new or newly coined word or phrase Example As we invent new techniques and professions, we must also invent neologisms such as "microcomputer" and "astronaut" to describe them.
    neophyte
    recent convert; beginner Example This monuntain slope contains slides that will challenge esperts as well as neophytes.
    nepotism
    favoritism (to a relative) Example John left his position with the company because he felt that advancement was based on nepotism rather than ability.
    nether
    lower Example Tradition locates hell in the nether regions.
    nettle
    annoy; vex Example Do not let him nettle you with his sarcastic remarks.
    nexus
    connection Example I fail to see the nexus that binds these two widely separated events.
    nib
    beak; pen point Example The nibs of fountain pens often become clotted and corroded.
    nicety
    precision; minute distinction Example I cannot distinguish between such niceties of reasoning.
    niggardly
    meanly stingy; parsimonious Example The niggardly pittance the widow receives from the government cannot keep her from poverty.
    niggle
    spend too much time on minor points; carp Example Let's not niggle over details.
    nihilism
    denial of traditional values; total skepticism Example nihilism holds that existence has no meaning.
    nirvana
    Buddihist teachings, the ideal state in which the individual loses himself in the attainment of an impersonal beatitude Example Despite his desire to achieve nirvana, the young Buddhist found that even the buzzing of a fly could distract him from his meditation.
    nocturnal
    done at night Example Mr. Jones obtained a watchdog to prevent the nocturnal raids on his chicken coops.
    noisome
    foul smelling; unwholesome Example I never could stand the noisome atmosphere surrounding the slaughter houses.
    nomadic
    wandering Example Several nomadic tribes of Indians would hunt in this area each year.
    nomenclature
    terminology; system of names Example She struggled to master scientific nomenclature.
    nominal
    in name only; trifling Example He offered to drive her to the airport for only a nominal fee.
    nonchalance
    indifference; lack of interest Example Few people could understand how he could listen to the news of the tragedy with such nonchalance; the mahority regarded him as callous and unsympathetic.
    noncommittal
    neutral; unpledged; undecided Example We were annoyed by his noncommittal reply for we had been led to expect definite assurances of his approval.
    nondescript
    undistinctive; ordinary Example The private detective was a short, nondescript fellow with no ourstanding features, the sort of person one would never notice in a crowd.
    nonentity
    person of no importance; nonexistence Example Don't dismiss John as a nonentity; in his quiet way, he's very important to the firm.
    nonplus
    bring to a halt by confusion; perplex Example Jack's uncharacteristic rudeness nonplussed Jill, leaving her uncertain how to react.
    nostalgia
    homesickness; longing for the past Example The first settlers found so much work to do that they had little time for nostalgia.
    nostrum
    questionable medicine Example No quack selling nostrums is going to cheat me.
    notoriety
    disrepute; ill fame Example To the starlet, any publicity was good publicity: if she couldn't have a good reputation, she'd settle for notoriety.
    novelty
    something new; newness Example The computer is no longer a novelty around the office.
    novice
    beginner Example Even a novice can do good work if he follows these simple directions.
    noxious
    harmful Example We must trace the source of these noxious gases before they asphyxiate us.
    nuance
    shade of difference in meaning or color Example The unskilled eye of the layperson has difficulty in dicerning the nuances of color in the paintings.
    nubile
    marrigeable Example Mrs. Bennet, in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, was worried about finding suitable husbands for her five nubile daughters.
    nugatory
    futile; worthless Example This agreement is nugatory for no court will enforce it.
    nullify
    to make invalid Example Once the contract was nullified, it no longer had any legal force.
    numismatist
    person who collects coins Example The numismatist had a splendid collection of antique coins.
    nuptial
    related to marriage Example Their nuptial ceremony was performed in Golden Gate Park.
    nurture
    nourish; educate; foster Example The head Start program attempts to nurture prekindergarten children so that they will do well when they enter public school.
    nutrient
    nourishing substance Example As a budding nutritionist, Kim has learned to design diets that contain foods rich in important basic nutrients.
    oaf
    stupid, awkward person Example He called the unfortunate waiter a clumsy oaf.
    obdurate
    stubborn Example He was obdurate in his refusal to listen to our complaints.
    obeisance
    bow Example She made an obeisance as the king and queen entered the room.
    obelisk
    tall column tapering and ending in a pyramid Example Cleopatra's Needle is an obelisk in New York City's Central Park.
    obese
    excessively fat Example It is advisable that obese people try to lose weight.
    obfuscate
    confuse; muddle Example Do not obfuscate the issues by dragging in irrelevant arguments.
    obituary
    dealth notice Example I first learned of her death when I read the obituary in the newspaper.
    objective
    not influenced by emotions; fair Example Even though he was her son, she tried to be objective about his behavior.
    objective
    goal; aim Example A degree in medicine was her ultimate objective.
    obligatory
    binding; required Example It is obligatory that books borrowed from the library be returned within two weeks.
    oblique
    slanting; deviating from the perpendicular or from a straight line Example The sergeant ordered the men to march "oblique right."
    obliterate
    destroy completely Example The tidal wave obliterated several island villages.
    oblivion
    forgetfulness Example Her work had fallen into a state of oblivion; no one bothered to read them.
    obloquy
    slander; disgrace; infamy Example I resent the obloquy that you are casting upon my reputation.
    obnoxious
    offensive Example I find your behavior obnoxious; please mend your ways.
    obscure
    dark; vague; unclear Example Even after I read the poem a fourth time, its meaning was still obscure.
    obscure
    darken; make unclear Example At times he seemed purposely to obscure his meaning, preferring mystery to clarity.
    obsequious
    slavishly attentive; servile; sycophantic Example Helen valued people who behaved as if they respected themselves; nothing irritated her more than an excessively obsequious waiter or a fawning salesclerk.
    obsequy
    funeral ceremony Example Hundreads paid their last respects at his obsequies.
    obsession
    fixed idea; continued brooding Example This obsession with the supernatural has made him unpopular with his neighbors.
    obsidian
    clak volcanic rock Example The deposits of obsidian on the mountain slopes were an indiacation that volcano had erupted in ancient times.
    obsolete
    outmoded Example "Hip" is an obsolete expression; it went out with love beads and tie-dye shirts.
    obstetrician
    physician specializing in delivery of babies Example Unlike midwives, who care for women giving birth at home, obstetricians generally work in a hospital setting.
    obstinate
    stubborn Example We tried to persuade him to give up smoking, but he was obstinate and refused to change.
    obstreperous
    boisterous; noisy Example The crowd became obstreperous and shouted their disapproval of the proposals made by the speaker.
    obtrusive
    pushing forward Example I found her a very obstrusive person, constantly seeking the center of the stage.
    obtuse
    blunt; stupid Example Because he was so obtuse, he could not follow the teacher's reasoning and asked foolish questions.
    obviate
    make unnecessary; get rid of Example I hope this contribution will obviate any need for further collections of funds.
    occident
    the West Example It will take occident to understand the ways and customs of the orient.
    occlude
    shut; close Example A blood clot occluded an artery to the heart.
    occult
    mysterious; secret; supernatural Example The occult rites of the organization were revealed only to members.
    oculist
    physician who specialized in treatment of the eyes Example In many states, an oculist is the only one who may apply medicinal drops to the eyes for the purpose of examining them.
    odious
    hateful Example I find the task of punishing you most odious.
    odium
    repugnance; dislike Example I cannot express the odium I feel at your heinous actions.
    odoriferous
    giving off an odor Example The odoriferous spices stimulated her jaded appetite.
    odorous
    having an odor Example This variety of hybrid tea rose is more odorous than the one you have in your garden.
    odyssey
    long, evenful journey Example The refugee's journey from Cambodia was a terrifying odyssey.
    offensive
    attacking; insulting; distasteful Example Getting into street brawls is no minor offense for professional boxers, who are required by law to restrict their offensive impulses to the ring.
    offhand
    casual; done without prior thought Example Expecting to be treated with due propriety by her costs, Great-Aunt Maud was offended by their offhand manner.
    officious
    meddlesome; excessively pushy in offering one's services Example After her long flight, Jill just wanted to nap, but the officious bellboy was intent on showing her all the special features of the deluxe suite.
    ogle
    glance coquettishly at; make eyes at Example Sitting for hours at the sidewalk cafe, the old gentleman would oggle the young girls and recall his youthful romances.
    olfactory
    concerning the sense of smell Example The olfactory organ is the nose.
    oligarchy
    government by a few Example The feudal oligarchy was supplanted by an autocracy.
    ominous
    threatening Example Those clouds are ominous; they suggest that a severe storm is on the way.
    omnipotent
    all-powerful Example The monarch regarded himself as omnipotent and responsible to no one for his acts.
    omnipresent
    universally present; ubiquitous Example On Christmas Eve, Santa Claus is omnipotent.
    omniscient
    all-knowing Example I do not pretend to be omniscient, but I am positive about this fact.
    omnivorous
    eating both plant and animal food; devouring everything Example Some animals, including humans, are omnivorous and eat both meat and vegetables; others are either carnivorous or herbivorous.
    onerous
    burdensome Example He asked for an assistant because his work load was too onerous.
    onomatopoeia
    words formed in imitation of natural sounds Example Words like "rustle" and "gargle" are illustrations of onomatopoeia.
    onslaught
    vicious assault Example We suffered many casualties during unexpected onslaght of the enemy troops.
    onus
    burden; responsibility Example The emperor was spared the onus of signing the surrender papers; instead, he relegated the assignment to his generals.
    opalescent
    iridescent Example The Ancient Mariner admired the opalescent sheen on the water.
    opaque
    dark; not transparent Example The opaque window kept the sunlight out of the room.
    opiate
    sleep producer; deadener of pain Example By such opiates, she made the people forget their difficulties and accept their unpleasant circumstances.
    opportune
    timely; well chosen Example You have come at an opportune moment for I need a new secretary.
    opportunist
    individual who sacrifices principles for expediency by taking advantage of circumstances Example Forget about ethics! He's such an opportunist that he'll vote in favor of any deal that will give him a break.
    opprobrium
    infamy; vilification Example He refused to defend himself against the slander and opprobrium hurled against him by the newspapers; he preferred to rely on his record.
    optician
    maker and seller of eyeglasses Example The patient took the prescription given him by his oculist to the optician.
    optimist
    person who looks on the bright side Example The pessimist says the glass is half-empty; the optimist says it is half-full.
    optimum
    most favorable Example If you wait for the optimum moment to act, you may never begin your project .
    optional
    not compulsory; left to one's choice Example I was impressed by the range of optional accessories for my microcomputer that were available.
    optometrist
    one who fits glasses to remedy visual defects Example Although an optometrist is qualified to treat many eye disorders, she may not use medicinesor surgery in her examinations.
    opulence
    extreme wealth; luxuriousness; abundance Example The glitter and opulence of the ballroom took Cinderella's breath away.
    opus
    work Example Although many critics hailed his Fifth Symphony, he did not regard it as his major opus.
    oracular
    foretelling; mysterious Example Oedipus could not understand the oracular warning he received.
    oratorio
    dramatic poem set to music Example The Glee Club decided to present an oratorio during their recital.
    ordain
    command; arrange; consecrate Example The king ordained that no foreigner should be allowed to enter the city.
    ordeal
    severe trial or affliction Example Terry Anderson spoke movingly of his long ordeal as a hostage in Lebanon.
    ordinance
    decree Example Passing a red light is a violation of a city ordinance.
    ordination
    ceremony conferring holy orders Example The candidate for ordination had to meet with the bishop and the diocean officers before being judged ready to be ordained a deacon.
    orient
    get one's bearings; adjust Example Philip spent his first day in Denver orienting himself to the city.
    orientation
    act of finding oneself in society Example Freshman orientation provides the incoming students with an opportunity to learn about their new environment and their place in it.
    orifice
    mouthlike opening; small opening Example The Howe Caverns were discovered when someone observed that a cold wind was issuing from an orifice in the hillside.
    ornate
    excessively or elaborately decorated Example Furniture of the Baroque period can be recognized by its ornate carvings.
    ornithologist
    scientific student of birds Example Auduborn's drawings of American bird life have been of interest not only to the ornithologists but also to the general public.
    orthodox
    traditional; conservative in belief Example Faced with a problem, he preferred to take an orthodox approach rather than shock anyone.
    orthography
    correct spelling Example Many of us find English orthography difficult to master because so many of our words are written phonetically.
    oscillate
    vibrate pendulumlike; waver Example It is interesting to note how public opinion oscillates between the extremes of optimism and pessimism.
    osseus
    made of bone; bony Example The hollow "soft spot" found at the top of the infant's skull gradually closes as new osseus tissue fills in the gap.
    ossify
    change or harden into bone Example When he called his opponent a "bonehead," he implied that his adversary's brain had ossified and that he was not capable of clear thinking.
    ostensible
    apparent; professed; pretended Example Although the ostensible purpose of this expedition is to discover new lands, we are really interested in finding new markets for our products.
    ostentatious
    showy; pretentious; trying to attract attention Example Trump's latest casino in Atlantic City is the most ostentatious gambling place in the East: it easily outglitters its competitors.
    ostracize
    exclude from public favor; ban Example As soon as the newspapers carried the story of his connection with the criminals, his friends began to ostracize him.
    oust
    expel; drive out Example The world wondered if Aquino would be able to oust Marcos from office.
    outlandish
    bizzare; peculiar; unconventional Example The eccentric professor who engages in markedly outlandish behavior is a stock figure in novels with an academic setting.
    outmoded
    no longer stylish; old-fahioned Example Unconcerned about keeping in style, Lenore was perfectly happy to wear outmoded clothes as long as they were clean and unfrayed.
    outskirts
    fringes; outer borders Example Living outskirts of Boston, Sarah sometimes felt as if she were cut off from the cultural heart of the city.
    outspoken
    candid; blunt Example The candidate was too outspoken to be a successful politician; he had not yet learned to weigh his words carefully.
    outrtip
    surpass; outdo Example Jesse Owens easily outstripped his competitors to win the gold metal at the Olympic Games.
    outwit
    outsmart; trick Example By disguising himself as an old woman, Holmes was able to outwit his pursuers and escape capture.
    ovation
    enthusiastic applause Example When Placido Domingo came on stage in the first act of La Boheme, he was greeted by a tremendous ovation.
    overbearing
    bossy; arrogant; decisively important Example Certain of her own importance and of the unimportance of everyone else, Lady Bracknell was intolerably overbearing in manner. "In choosing a husband," she said, "good birth is of overbearing importance; compared to that, neither wealth nor talent signifie
    overt
    open to view Example According to the United States Constitution, a person must commit an overt act before he may be tried for treason.
    overweening
    presumptuous; arrogant Example His overweening pride in his accomplishments was not justified.
    overwrought
    extremely agitated; hysterical Example When Kate heard the news of the sudden tragedy, she became too overwrought to work and had to leave the office early.
    ovoid
    egg-shaped Example At Easter she had to cut out hundreds of brightly colored ovoid shapes.
    overhaul
    thoroughly examine the condition of and repair if necessary Example It is necessary for the engineers of NASA to overhaul the rocket everyday; otherwise, an incident similar to that of Challenger accident might happen.
    pachyderm
    thick-skinned animal Example The elephant is probably the best-known pachyderm.
    pacifist
    one opposed to force; antimilitarist Example The pacifists urged that we reduce our military budget and recall our troops stationed overseas.
    pacify
    soothe; make calm or quiet; subdue Example Dentists criticize the practice of giving fussy children sweets to pacify them.
    paean
    song of praise or joy Example paeans celebrating the victory filled the air.
    painstaking
    showing hard work; taking great care Example The new high-frequency word list is the result of painstaking efforts on the part of our research staff.
    palatable
    agreeable; pleasing to the taste Example Neither Jack's underbaked opinions nor his overcooked casseroles were palatable to me.
    palatial
    magnificent Example He proudly showed us through his palatial home.
    paleontology
    study of prehistoric life Example The professor of paleontology had a superb collection of fossils.
    palette
    board on which a painter mixes pigments Example At the present time, art supply stores are selling a paper palette that may be discarded after use.
    palimpsest
    parchment used for second time after original writing has been erased Example Using chemical reagents, scientists have been able to restore the original writings on many palimpsests.
    pall
    grow tiresome Example The study of word lists can eventually pall and put one to sleep.
    pallet
    small, poor bed Example The weary traveler went to sleep on his straw pallet.
    palliate
    ease pain; make less severe or offensive Example If we cannot cure this disease at present, we can, at least try to palliate the symptoms.
    pallid
    pale; wan Example Because his occupation required that he work at night and sleep during the day, he had an exceptionally pallid complexion.
    palpable
    tangible; easily perceptible Example I cannot understand how you could overlook such a palpable blunder.
    palpitate
    throb; flutter Example As he became excited, his heart began to palpitate more and more erratically.
    paltry
    insignificant; petty Example This is a paltry sum to pay for such a masterpiece.
    pan
    criticize harshly Example Hoping for a rave review of his new show, the playwright was miserable when the critics panned it unanimously.
    panacea
    cure-all; remedy for all diseases Example There is no easy panacea that will solve our complicated international situation.
    panache
    flair; flamboyance Example Many performers imitate Noel Coward, but few have his panache and sense of style.
    pandemic
    widespread; affecting the majority of people Example They feared the AIDS epidemic would soon reach pandemic proportions.
    pandemonium
    wild tumult Example When the ships collided in the harbor, pandemonium broke out among the passengers.
    pander
    cater to the low desires of others Example The reviewer accused the makers of Lethal Weapon of pandering to the masses' taste of violence.
    panegyric
    formal praise Example The modest hero blushed to hear the speakers delivering panegyrics about his valorous act.
    panoramic
    denoting an unobstructed and comprehensive view Example On a clear day, from the top of the World Trade Center you can get a panoramic view of New York City and neighboring stretches of New Jersey and Long Island.
    pantomime
    acting without dialogue Example Because he worked in pantomime, the clown could be understood wherever he appeared.
    papyrus
    ancient paper made from stem of papyrus plant Example The ancient Egyptians were among the first to write on papyrus.
    parable
    short, simple story teaching a moral Example Let us apply to our own conduct the lesson that this parable teaches.
    paradigm
    model; example; pattern Example Pavlov's experiment in which he trains a dog to salivate on hearing a bell is a paradigm of the conditionedresponse experiment in behavioal psychology.
    paradox
    statement that looks false but is actually correct; a contradictory statement Example Wordworth's "The child is father to the man" is an example of paradox.
    paragon
    model of perfection Example The class disliked him because the teacher was always pointing him out as a paragon of virtue.
    parallelism
    state of being parallel; similarity Example There is a striking parallelism between the twins.
    parameter
    limit; independent variable Example We need to define the parameters of the problem.
    paramount
    foremost in importance; supreme Example Proper nutrition and hygiene are of paramount importance in adolescent development and growth.
    paramour
    illicit lover Example She sought a divorce on the grounds that her husband had a paramour in another town.
    paranoia
    psychosis marked by delusions of grandeur or persecution Example Suffering from paranois, he claimed everyone was out to get him; ironically, his claim was accurate; even paranoids have enemies.
    paraphernalia
    equipment; odds and ends Example His desk was cluttered with paper, pen, ink, dictionary and other paraphernalia of the writing craft.
    paraphrase
    restate a passage in one's own words while retaining thought of author Example In 250 words or less, paraphrase this article.
    parasite
    animal or plant living on another; toady; sycophant Example The tapeworm is an example of the kind of parasite that may infest the human body.
    parched
    extremely dry; very thirsty Example The parched desert landscape seemed hostile to life.
    pariah
    social outcast Example I am not a pariah to be shunned and ostracized.
    parity
    equality; close resemblance Example I find your analogy inaccurate because I do not see the parity between the two illustrations.
    parlance
    language; idiom Example All this legal parlance confuses me; I need an interpreter.
    parley
    conference Example The peace parley has not produced the anticipated truce.
    parochial
    narrow in outlook; provincial; related to parishes Example Although Jane Austen writes novels set in small rural communities, her concerns are universal, not parochial.
    parody
    humorous imitation; travesty Example We enjoyed the clever parodies of popular songs that the chorus sang.
    paroxysm
    fit or attack of pain, laughter, rage Example When he heared of his son's misdeeds, he was seized by a paroxysm of rage.
    parquet
    floor made of wood strips inlaid in a mosic-like pattern. Example In laying the floor, the carpenters combined redwood and oak in an elegant parquet.
    parry
    ward off a blow Example He was content to wage a defensive battle and tried to parry his opponent's thrusts.
    parsimonious
    stingy; excessively frugal Example His parsimonious nature did not permit him to enjoy any luxuries.
    partial
    incomplete Example In this issue we have published only a partial list of contributors because we lack space to acknowledge everyone.
    partial
    biased; having a liking for something Example I am extremely partial to chocolate eclairs.
    partiality
    inclination; bias Example As a judge, not only must I be unbiased, but I must also avoid any evidence of partiality when I award the prize.
    partisan
    one-sided; prejudiced; committed to a party Example On certain issues of conscience, she refused to take a partisan stand.
    passe
    old-fashioned; past the prime Example Her style is passe and reminiscent of the Victorian era.
    passive
    not active; acted upon Example Mahatma Gandhi urged his followers to pursue a program of passive resistance as he felt that it was more effective than violence and acts of terrorism.
    pastiche
    imitation of another's style in musical composition or in writing Example We cannot even say that her music is a pastiche of this or that composer; it is rather, reminiscent of many musicians.
    pastoral
    rural Example In these stories of pastoral life, we find an understanding of the daily tasks of country folk.
    patent
    open for the public to read; obvious Example It was patent to everyone that the witness spoke the truth.
    pathetic
    causing sadness, compassion, pity; touching Example Everyone in the auditorium was weeping by the time he finished his pathetic tale about the orphaned boy.
    pathological
    pertaining to disease Example As we study the pathological aspects of this disease, we must not overlook the psychological elements.
    pathos
    tender to sorrow; pity; quality in art or literature that produces these feelings. Example The quiet tone of pathos that ran through the novel never degenerated into the maudlin or the overly sentimental.
    patina
    green crust on old bronze works; tone slowly taken by varnished painting Example Judging by the patina on this bronze statue, we can conclude that this is the work of a medieval artist.
    patois
    local or provincial dialect Example His years of study of the language at the university did not enable him to understand the patois of the natives.
    patriarch
    father and ruler of a family or tribe Example In many primitive tribes, the leader and lawmaker was the patriarch.
    patrician
    noble; aristocratic Example We greatly admired her well-bred, patrician elegance
    patronize
    support; act superior toward Example Experts in a field sometimes appear to patronize people who are less knowledgeable of the subject.
    paucity
    scarcity Example They closed the restaurant because the paucity of customers made it uneconomical to operate.
    pauper
    very poor person Example Though Widow Brown was living on a reduced income, she was by no means a pauper.
    peccadillo
    slight offense Example If we examine these escapades carefully, we will realize that they are mere peccadilloes rather than major crimes.
    pecuniary
    pertaining to money Example I never expected a pecuniary reward for my work in this activity.
    pedagogue
    teacher Example He could never be a stuffy pedagogue; his classes were always lively and filled with humor.
    pedagogy
    teaching; art of education Example Though Maria Montessori gained fame for her innovations in pedagogy, it took years before her teaching techniques became common practice in American schools.
    pedant
    scholar who overemphasizes book learning or technicalities Example Her insistence that the book be memorized marked the teacher as a pedant rather than a scholar.
    pedantic
    showing off learning; bookish Example Leaving his decisions with humorous, down-to-earth anecdotes, Judge Walker was not at all pedantic legal scholar.
    pedestrian
    ordinary; unimaginative Example Unintentionally boring, he wrote page after page of pedestrian prose.
    pediatrician
    physician specializing in children's diseases. Example The family doctor advised the parents to consult a pediatrician about their child's ailment.
    pejorative
    negative in connotation; having a belittling effect. Example Instead of criticizing Clinton's policies, the Republicans made pejorative remarks about his character.
    pellmell
    in confusion; disorderly Example The excited students dashed pellmell into the stadium to celebrate the victory.
    pellucid
    transparent; limpid; easy to understand Example After reading these stodgy philosophers, I find his pellucid style very enjoyable.
    penance
    self-imposed punishment for sin Example The Ancient Mariner said, "I have penance done and penance more will do," to atone for the sin of killing the albatross.
    penchant
    strong inclination; liking Example He had a strong penchant for sculpture and owned many statues.
    pendant
    hanging down from something Example Her pendant earrings glistened in the light.
    pendant
    ornament (hanging from a necklace, etc.) Example The grateful team presented the coach with a silver chain and pendant engraved with the school's motto.
    pendulous
    hanging; suspended Example The pendulous chandeliers swayed in the breeze as if they were about to fall from the ceiling.
    penitent
    repentant Example When he realized the enormity of his crime, he became remorseful and penitent.
    pensive
    dreamily thoughtful; thoughtful with a hint of sadness Example The pensive youth gazed at the painting for a long time and then sighed.
    penumbra
    partial shadow (in an eclipse) Example During an eclipse, we can see an area of total darkness and a lighter area, which is the penumbra.
    penurious
    stingy; parsimonious Example He was a penurious man, averse to spending money even for the necessities of life.
    penury
    extreme poverty Example When his pension fund failed, George feared he would end his days in penury.
    peon
    landless agricultural worker; bond servant Example The land reformers sought to liberate the peons and establish them as independent farmers.
    perceptive
    insightful; aware; wise Example Although Maud was a generally perceptive critic, she had her blind sports: she could never see flaws in the work of her friends.
    percussion
    striking one object against another sharply Example The drum is a percussion instrument.
    perdition
    damnation; complete ruin Example Praying for salvation, young Daedalus feared he was damned to eternal perdition.
    peregrination
    journey Example Auntie Mame was a world traveler whose peregrinations took her from Tiajuana to Timbuctoo.
    peremptory
    demanding and leaving no choice Example From Jack's peremptory knock on the door, Jill could tell he would not give up until she let him in.
    perennial
    something long-lasting Example Tese plants are hardy perennials and will bloom for many years.
    perifidious
    treacherous; disloyal Example When Caesar realized that Brutus had betrayed him, he reproached his perfidious friend.
    perforate
    pierce; put a hole through Example Before you can open the aspirin bottle, you must first perforate the plastic safety seal that covers the cap.
    perfunctory
    superficial; not thorough; lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm Example The auditor's perfunctory inspection of the books overlooked many errors.
    perigee
    point of moon's orbit when it is nearest the earth Example The rocket which was designed to take photographs of the moon was launched as the moon approached its perigee.
    perimeter
    outer boundary Example To find the perimeter of any quadrilateral, we add the lengths of the four sides.
    peripatetic
    walking about; moving Example The peripatetic school of philosophy derives its name from the fact that Aristotle walked with his pupils while discussing philosophy with them.
    peripheral
    marginal; outer Example We lived, not in central London, but in one of those peripheral suburbs that spring up on the outskirts of the great city.
    periphery
    edge, especially of a round surface Example He sensed that there was something just beyond the periphery of his vision.
    perjury
    false testimony while under oath Example When several witnesses appeared to challenge his story, he was indicted for perjury.
    permeable
    porous; allowing passage through Example Glass is permeable to light.
    pernicious
    very destructive, harmful Example He argued that these books had a pernicious effect on young and susceptible minds.
    peroration
    conclusion of an oration Example The peroration was largely hortatory and brought the audience to its feet clamoring for action at its close.
    perpetrate
    commit an offense Example Only an insane person could perpetrate such a horrible crime.
    perpetual
    everlasting Example Ponce de Leon hoped to find perpetual youth.
    perquisite
    any gain above stipulated salary Example The perquisites attached to this job make it even more attractive than the salary indicates.
    personable
    attractive Example The man I am seeking to fill this position must be personable since he will be representing us before the public.
    perspicacious
    having insight; penetrating; astute Example The brillant lawyer was known for his perspicacious deductions.
    perspicuity
    clearness of expression; freedom from ambiguity Example One of the outstanding features of this book is the perspicuity of its author; her meaning is always clear.
    perspicuous
    plainly expressed Example Her perspicuous comments eliminated all posibility of misinterpretation.
    pert
    impertinent; forward Example I think your pert and impudent remarks call for an apology.
    pertinacious
    stubborn; persistent Example He is bound to succeed because his pertinacious nature will not permit him to quit.
    pertinent
    suitable; to the point Example The lawyer wanted to know all the pertinent details.
    perturb
    disturb greatly Example I am afraid this news will perturb him and cause him grief.
    perusal
    reading Example I am certain that you have missed important details in your rapid perusal of this document.
    pervasive
    spread throughout Example Despite airing them for several hours, she could not rid her clothes of the pervasive odor of mothbals that clung to them.
    perverse
    stubbornly wrongheaded; wicked and unacceptable Example When Hannibal Lecter was in a perverse mood, he ate the flesh of his victims.
    perversion
    corruption; turning from right to wrong Example Inasmuch as he had no motive for his crimes, we could not understand his perversion.
    pessimism
    belief that life is basically bad or evil; gloominess Example The good news we have been receiving lately indicates that there is little reason for your pessimism.
    pestilential
    causing plague; baneful Example People were afraid to explore the pestilential swap.
    pestle
    tool for mashing or grinding substances in a hard bowl Example From the way in which the elderly pharmacist pounded the drug with his pestle, young George could tell that his employer was agitated about something.
    petrify
    turn to stone Example His sudden and unexpected appearance seemed to petrify her.
    petty
    trivial; unimportant; very small Example She had no major complaints to make about his work, only a few petty quibbles that were almost too minor to state.
    petulant
    touchy; peevish Example The *****ish patient was petulant and restless.
    pharisaical
    pertaining to Pharisees, who paid scrupulous attention to tradition; self-righteous; hypocritical Example Walter Lippmann has pointed out that moralists who do not attempt to explain the moral code they advocate are often regarded as pharisaical and ignored.
    phenomena
    observable facts; subjects of scientific investigation Example We kept careful records of the phenomena we noted in the course of these experiments.
    philanderer
    faithless lover; flirt Example Swearing he had never so much as looked at another woman, Jack assured Jill he was no philanderer.
    philanthropist
    lover of mankind; doer of good Example As he grew older, he became famous as a philanthropist and benefactor of the needy.
    philatelist
    stamp-collector Example When she heard the value of the Penny Black stamp, Phyllis was inspired to become a philatelist.
    philistine
    narrow-minded person, uncultured and exculsively interested in material gain Example We need more men of culture and enlightenment; we have too many philistines among us.
    philology
    study of language Example The professor of philology advocated the use of Esperanto as an international language.
    phlegmatic
    calm; not easily disturbed Example The nurse was a cheerful but phlegmatic person, unexcited in the face of sudden emergencies.
    phobia
    morbid fear Example Her fear of flying was more than mere nervousness; it was a real phobia.
    physiognomy
    face Example He prided himself on his ability to analyze a person's character by studying his physiognomy.
    physiological
    pertaining to the science of the function of living organisms Example To understand this disease fully, we must examine not only its physiological aspects but also its psychological elements.
    piebald
    of different colors; motled; spotted Example You should be able to identify Polka Dot in this race; he is the only piebald horse running.
    pied
    variegated; multicolored Example The pied piper of Hamelin got his name from the multicolored clothing he wore.
    piety
    devoutness; reverence for God Example Living her life in prayer and good works, Mother Teresa exemplifies the true sprit of piety.
    pigment
    coloring matter Example Van Gogh mixed various pigments with linseed oil to create his paints.
    pillage
    plunder Example The enemy pillaged the quiet village and left it in ruins.
    pillory
    punish by placing in a wooden frame; subject to criticism and ridicule Example Even though he was mocked and pilloried, he maintained that he was correct in his beliefs.
    pine
    languish, decline; long for, yearn Example Though she tried to be happy living with Clara in the city, Heidi pined for the mountains and for her gruff but loving grandfather.
    pinion
    restrain Example They pinioned his arms against his body but left his legs free so that he could move about.
    pinnacle
    peak Example We could see the morning sunlight illuminate the pinnacle while the rest of the mountain lay in shadow.
    pious
    devout Example The pious parents gave their children a religious upbringing.
    piquant
    pleasantly tart-tasting; stimulating Example The piquant sauce added to our enjoyment of the meal.
    pique
    irritation; resentment Example She showed her pique by her refusal to appear with the other contestants at the end of the contest.
    piscatorial
    pertaining to fishing Example He spent many happy hours at the lake in his piscatorial activities.
    pithy
    concise; meaty Example I enjoy reading his essays because they are always compact and pithy.
    pittance
    a small allowance or wage Example He could not live on the pittance he received as a pension and had to look for an additional source of revenue.
    pivotal
    central; critical Example De Klerk's decision to set Nelson Mandela free was pivotal; without Mandela's release, there was no possibility that the African National Cogress would entertain talks with the South African government.
    placate
    pacify; conciliate Example The teacher tried to placate the angry mother.
    placebo
    harmless substance prescribed as a dummy pill Example In a controlled experiment, fifty volunteers were given erythromycin tablets; the control group received only placebos.
    placid
    peaceful; calm Example After his vacation in this placid section, he felt soothed and rested.
    plagiarize
    steal another's ideas and pass them off as one's own Example The editor could tell that the writer had plagiarized parts of the article; he could recognize whole paragraphs from the original source.
    plaintive
    mournful Example The dove has a plaintive and melancholy call
    plasticity
    ability to be molded Example When clay dries out, it loses its plasticity and becomes less malleable.
    platitude
    trite remark; commonplace statement Example The platitudes in his speech were applauded by the vast majority in his audience; only a few people perceived how trite his remarks were.
    platonic
    purely spiritual; theoretical; without sensual desire Example Accused of impropriety in his dealings with female students, the professor maintained he had only a platonic interest in the women involved.
    plauditory
    approving; applauding Example The theatrical company reprinted the plauditory comments of the critics in its advertisement.
    plausible
    having a show of truth but open to doubt; specious Example Even though your argument is plausible, I still would like to have more proof.
    plebeian
    common; pertaining to the common people Example His speeches were aimed at the plebeian minds and emotions; they disgusted the more refined.
    plenary
    complete; full Example The union leader was given plenary power to negotiate a new contract with the employers.
    plenitude
    abundance; completeness Example Looking in the pantry, we admired the plenitude of fruits and pickles we had preserved during the summer.
    plethora
    excess; overabundance Example She offered a plethora of excuses for her shortcomings.
    pliable
    flexible; yielding; adaptable Example In remodeling the bathroom, we replaced all the old, rigid lead pipes with new, pliable copper tubing.
    pliant
    flexible; easily influenced Example Catherine's disposition was pliant; she was like putty in her suitor's hands.
    pluck
    courage Example Even the adversaries of young Indiana Jones were impressed by the boy's pluck in trying to rescue the archeological treasure they had stolen.
    plumb
    vertical Example Before hanging wallpaper it is advisable to drop a plumb line from the ceiling as a guide.
    plummet
    fall sharply Example Stock prices plummeted as Wall Street reacted to the rise in interest rates.
    plutocracy
    society ruled by the wealthy Example From the way the government caters to the rich, you might think our society is a plutocracy rather than a democracy.
    podiatrist
    doctor who treats ailments of the feet Example He consulted a podiatrist about his fallen arches.
    podium
    pedestal; raised platform Example The audience applauded as the conductor made his way to the podium.
    poignancy
    quality of being deeply moving; keenness of emotion Example Watching the tearful reunion of the long-separated mother and child, the social worker was touched by the poignancy of the scene.
    polarize
    split into opposite extremes or camps Example The abortion issue has polarized the country into pro-choice and anti-abortion camps.
    polemic
    controversy; argument in support of point of view Example Her essays were, for the main part, polemics for the party's policy.
    politic
    expedient; prudent; well devised Example Even though he was disappointed, he did not think it politic to refuse the offer.
    polity
    form of government of nation or state Example Our polity should be devoted to the concept that the government should strive for the good of all citizens.
    polygamist
    one who has more than one spouse at a time Example He was arrested as a polygamist when his two wives filed complaints about him.
    polyglot
    speaking several languages Example New York City is a polyglot community because of the thousands of immigrants who settle there.
    pomposity
    self-important behavior; acting like a stuffed shirt Example Although the commencement speaker had some good things to say, we had to laugh at his pomposity and general air of parading his own dignity.
    ponderous
    weighty; unwieldy Example His humor lacked the light touch; his jokes were always ponderous.
    pontifical
    pertaining to a bishop or pope; pompous or pretentious Example From the very beginning of his ministry it was clear from his pontifical pronouncements that John was destined for a high pontifical office.
    pore
    study industriously; ponder; scrutinize Example Determined to become a physician, Beth spends hours poring over her anatomy text.
    porous
    full of pores; like a sieve Example Dancers like to wear porous clothing because it allows the ready passage of water and air.
    portend
    foretell; presage Example The king did not know what these omens might portend and asked his soothsayers to interpret them.
    portent
    sign; omen; forewarning Example He regarded the black cloud as a portent of evil.
    portly
    stout; corpulent Example The salesclerk tactfully referred to the overweight customer as portly rather than fat.
    poseur
    person who pretends to be sophisticated, elegant, etc., to impress others Example Some thought Dali was a brillant painter; others dismissed him as a poseur.
    posterity
    descendants; future generations Example We hope to leave a better world to posterity.
    posthumous
    after death (as of child born after father's death or book published after author's death) Example The critics ignored his works during his lifetime; it was only after the posthumous publication of his last novel that they recognized his great talent.
    postulate
    self-evident truth Example We must accept these statements as postulates before pursuing our discussions any further.
    posture
    assume an affected pose; act artificially Example No matter how much Arnold boasted or postured, I could not believe he was as important as he pretended to be.
    potable
    suitable for drinking Example The recent drought in the Middle Atlantic States has emphasized the need for extensive research in ways of making sea water potable.
    potent
    powerful; persuasive; greatly influential Example The jury was swayed by the highly potent testimony of the crime's sole eyewitness.
    potentate
    monarch; sovereign Example The potentate spent more time at Monte Carlo than he did at home on his throne.
    potential
    expressing possibility; latent Example The juvenile delinquent is a potential murderer.
    potion
    dose (of liquid) Example Tristan and Lsolde drink a love potion in the first act of the opera.
    potpourri
    heterogeneous mixture; medley Example He offered a potpourri of folk songs from many lands.
    poultice
    soothing application applied to sore and inflamed portions of the body Example He was advised to apply a flaxseed poultice to the inflammation.
    practicable
    feasible Example The board of directors decided that the plan was practicable and agreed to undertake the project.
    practical
    based on experience; useful Example He was a practical man, opposed to theory
    pragmatic
    practical (as opposed to idealistic); concerned with the practical worth or impact of something Example This coming trip to France should provide me with a pragmatic test of the value of my conversational French class.
    pragmatist
    practical person Example No pragmatist enjoys becoming involved in a game that he can never win
    prate
    speak foolishly; boast idly Example Let us not prate about our qualities; rather, let our virtues speak for themselves.
    prattle
    babble Example The children prattle endlessly about their new toys.
    preamble
    introductory statement Example In the preamble to the Constitution, the purpose of the document is set forth.
    precarious
    uncertain; risky Example I think this stock is a precarious investment and advise against its purchase.
    precedent
    something preceding in time that may be used as an authority or guide for future action Example This decision sets a precedent for future cases of a similar nature.
    precedent
    preceding in time, rank, etc. Example Our discussions, precedent to this event, certainly did not give you any reason to believe that we would adopt your proposal.
    precept
    practical rule guiding conduct Example "Love thy neighbor as thyself" is a worthwhile precept.
    precipice
    cliff; dangerous position Example Suddenly Indiana Jones found himself dangling from the edge of a precipice.
    precipitate
    headlong; rash Example Do not be precipitate in this matter; investigate further.
    precipitate
    throw headlong; hasten Example The removal of American political support appeared to have precipitated the downfall of the Marcos regime.
    precipitous
    steep; overhasty Example This hill is difficult to climb because it is so precipitous; one slip, and our descent will be precipitous as well.
    precise
    exact Example If you don't give me precise directions and a map, I'll never find your place.
    preclude
    make impossible; eliminate Example This contract does not preclude my being employed by others at the same time that I am working for you.
    precocious
    advanced in development Example By her rather adult manner of discussing serious topics, the child demonstrated that she was precocious.
    precursor
    forerunner Example Though Gray and Burns share many traits with the Romantic poets who followed them, most critics consider them precursors of the Romantic Movement, not true Romantics.
    predatory
    plundering Example The hawk is a predatory bird.
    predecessor
    former occupant of a post Example I hope I can live up to the fine example set by my late predecessor in this office.
    predilection
    partiality; preference Example Although the artist used various media from time to time, she had a predilection for watercolors.
    preeminent
    outstanding; superior Example The king traveled to Boston because he wanted the preeminent surgeon in the field to perform the operation.
    preempt
    head off; forestall by acting first; appropriate for oneself; supplant Example Hoping to preempt any attempts by the opposition to make educational reform a hot political issue, the candidate set out her own plan to revitalize the public schools.
    preen
    make oneself tidy in appearance; feel self-satisfaction Example As Kitty preened before the mirror, carefully smoothing her shining hair, she couldn't help preening herself on her good looks.
    prefactory
    introductory Example The chairman made a few prefactory remarks before he called on the first speaker.
    prehensile
    capable of grasping or holding Example Monkeys use not only their arms and legs but also their prehensile tails in traveling through the trees.
    prelate
    church dignitary Example The archbishop of Moscow and other high-ranking prelates visited the Russian Orthodox seminary.
    prelude
    introduction; forerunner Example I am afraid that this border raid is the prelude to more serious attacks.
    premeditate
    plan in advance Example She had premeditated the murder for months, reading about common poisons and buying weed killer that contained arsenic.
    premise
    assumption; postulate Example Because Jack had based his argument upon a faulty premise, his opponent cheerfully pointed out the holes in his logic.
    premonition
    forewarning Example We ignored these premonitions of disaster because they appeared to be based on childish fears.
    premonitory
    serving to warn Example You should have visited a doctor as soon as you felt these premonitory chest pains.
    preponderance
    superiority of power, quantity, etc. Example The rebels sought to overcome the preponderance of strength of the government forces by engaging in guerrilla tactics.
    preposterous
    absurd; ridiculous Example When the candidate tried to downplay his youthful experiments with marijuana by saying he hadn't inhaled, we all thought, "What a preposterous excuse!"
    prerogative
    privilege; unquestionable right Example The President cannot levy taxes; that is the prerogative of the legislative branch of government.
    presage
    foretell Example The vultures flying overhead presaged the discovery of the corpse in the desert.
    prescience
    ability to foretell the future Example Given the current wave of Japan-bashing, it does not take prescience for me to foresee problems in our future trade relations with Japan.
    presentiment
    premonition; foreboding Example Hamlet felt a presentiment about his meeting with Laertes.
    prestige
    impression produced by achievements or reputation Example The wealthy man sought to obtain social prestige by contributing to popular charities.
    presumptous
    arrogant; taking liberties Example It seems presumptous for one so relatively new to the field to challenge the conclusions of its leading experts.
    pretentious
    ostentatious; ambitious Example I do not feel that your limited resources will permit you to carry out such a pretentious program.
    preternatural
    beyond that which is normal in nature Example John's mother's total ability to tell when he was lying struck him as almost preternatural.
    pretext
    excuse Example He looked for a good pretext to get out of paying a visit to his aunt.
    prevail
    induce; triumph over Example He tried to prevail on her to type his essays for him.
    prevalent
    widespread; generally accepted Example A radical committed to social change, Reed had no patience with the conservative views prevalent in the America of his day.
    prevaricate
    lie Example Some people believe that to prevaricate in a good cause is justifiable and regard the statement as a "white lie."
    prey
    target of a hunt; victim Example In Stalking the Wild Asparagus, Euell Gibbons has as his prey not wild beasts but wild plants.
    prim
    very precise and formal; exceedingly proper Example Many people commented on the contrast between the prim attire of the young lady and the inappropriate clothing worn by her escort.
    primogeniture
    seniority by birth Example By virtue of primogeniture, in some cultures the first-born child has many privileges denied his brothers and sisters.
    primordial
    existing at the beginning (of time); rudimentary Example The Neanderthal Man is one of our primordial ancestors.
    primp
    dress or groom oneself with care Example She primps for hours before a dance.
    pristine
    characteristic of earlier times; primitive, unspoiled Example This area has been preserved in all its pristine wildness.
    privation
    hardship; want Example In his youth, he knew hunger and privation.
    privy
    secret; hidden; not public Example We do not care for privy chamber of government.
    probe
    explore with tools Example The surgeon probed the wound for foreign matter before suturing it.
    probity
    uprightness; incorruptibility Example Everyone took his probity for granted; his defalcations, therefore, shocked us all.
    problematic
    perplexing; unsettled: questionable Example Given the many areas of conflict still awaiting resolution, the outcome of the peace talks remains problematic.
    proclivity
    inclination; natural tendency Example The cross old lady has a proclivity to grumble.
    procrastinate
    postpone; delay Example It is wise not to procrastinate; otherwise, we find ourselves bogged down in a mass of work that should have been finished long ago.
    procurement
    obtaining Example The personnel department handles the procurement of new employees.
    prod
    poke; stir up; urge Example If you prod him hard enough, he'll eventually clean his room.
    prodigal
    wasteful; reckless with money Example The prodigal son squandered his inheritance.
    prodigious
    enormous; marvelous Example He marveled at her prodigious appetite when he saw all the food she ate.
    prodigy
    highly gifted child; marvel Example Menuhin was a prodigy, performing wonders on his violin when he was barely eight years old.
    profane
    violate; desecrate Example Tourists are urged not to profane the sanctity of holy places by wearing improper garb.
    profilgate
    dissipated; wasteful; licentious Example In this profilgate company, she lost all sense of decency.
    profound
    deep; not superficial; complete Example Freud's remarkable insights into human behavior caused his fellow scientists to honor him as a profound thinker.
    profusion
    lavish expenditure; overabundant condition Example Seldom have I seen food and drink served in such profusion as at the wedding feast.
    progenitor
    ancestor Example The Roth family, whose progenitors emigrated from Germany early in the nineteenth century, settled in Peru, Illinois.
    progeny
    children; offspring Example He was proud of his progeny but regarded George as the most promising of all his children.
    prognosis
    forecasted course of a disease; prediction Example If the doctor's prognosis is correct, the patient will be in a coma for at least twenty-four hours.
    prognosticate
    predict Example I prognosticate disaster unless we change our wasteful ways.
    projectile
    missile Example Man has always hurled projectiles at his enemy whether in the form of stones or of highly explosive shells.
    proletarian
    member of the working class Example The aristocrats feared mob rule and gave the right to vote only to the wealthy, thus depending the proletarians of a voice in government.
    proliferate
    grow rapidly; spread; multiply Example Times of economic hardship inevitably encourage countless get-rich-quick schemes to proliferate
    prolific
    abundantly fruitful Example She was a prolific writer who produced as many as three books a year.
    pro***
    verbose; drawn out Example Her pro*** arguments irritated and bored the jury.
    prolong
    extend; draw out; lengthen Example In their determination to discover ways to prolong human life, doctors fail to take into account that longer lives are not always happier ones.
    prominent
    conspicuous; notable; protruding Example Have you ever noticed that Prince Charles's prominent ears make him resemble the big-eared character in Mad comics?
    promiscuous
    mixed indiscriminately; haphazard; irregular, particularly ***ually Example In the opera La Boheme, we get a picture of the promiscuous life led by the young artists of Paris.
    promontory
    headland Example They erected a lighthouse on the promontory to warn approaching ships of their nearness to the shore.
    prompt
    cause; provoke; provide a cue for an actor Example Whatever prompted you to ask for such a big piece of cake when you're on a diet?
    promulgate
    make known by official proclamation or publication Example As soon as the Civil Service Commission promulgates the names of the successful candidates, we shall begin to hire members of our staff.
    prone
    inclined to; prostrate Example She was prone to sudden fits of anger.
    propagate
    multiply; spread Example Since bacteria propagate more quickly in unsanitary environments, it is important to keep hospital rooms clean.
    propellant
    substance that propels or drives forward Example The development of our missile program has forced our scientists to seek more powerful propellants.
    propensity
    natural inclination Example Convinced of his own talent, Sol has an unfortunate propensity to belittle the talents of others.
    prophetic
    having to do with predicting the future Example In interpreting Pharaoh's prophetic dream, Joseph said that the seven fat cows eaten by the seven lean cows represented seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine.
    prophylactic
    used to prevent disease Example Despite all prophylactic measures introduced by the authorities, the epidemic raged until cool weather set in.
    propinquity
    nearness; kinship Example Their relationship could not be explained as being based on mere propinquity: they were more than relatives; they were true friends.
    propitiate
    appease Example The natives offered sacrifices to propitiate the gods.
    propitious
    favorable; kindly Example I think it is advisable that we wait for a more propitious occasion to announce our plans; this is not a good time.
    proponent
    person who supports or proposes (an idea) Example After the bill had been amended and re-amended in committee, even its original proponents didn't want to vote in its favor.
    propound
    put forth for analysis Example In you discussion, you have propounded several questions; let us consider each one separately.
    propriety
    fitness; correct conduct Example I want you to behave at this dinner with propriety; don't embarass me.
    propulsive
    driving forward Example The jet plane has a greater propulsive power than the engine-driven plane.
    prosaic
    dull and unimaginative; matter-of-fact; factual Example Though the ad writers had come up with a highly creative campaign to publicize the company's newest product, the head office rejected it for a more prosaic, down-to-earth approach.
    proscenium
    part of stage in front of curtain Example In the theater-in-the-round there can be no proscenium or proscenium arch.
    proscribe
    ostracize; banish; outlaw Example Antony, Octavius and Lepidus proscribed all those who had conspired against Julius Caesar.
    proselytize
    induce someone to convert to religion or belief Example In these interfaith meetings, there must be no attempt to proselytize; we must respect all points of view.
    prosody
    the art of versification Example This book on prosody contains a rhyming dictionary as well as samples of the various verse forms.
    prosperity
    good fortune; financial success; physical well-being Example Promising to stay together "for richer, for poorer," the newlyweds vowed to be true to one another in prosperity and hardship alike.
    prostrate
    stretch out full on ground Example He prostrated himself before the idol.
    protean
    versatile; able to take on many forms Example A remarkably protean actor, Alec Guinness could take on any role.
    protocol
    diplomatic etiquette Example We must run this state dinner according to protocol if we are to avoid offending any of our guests.
    prototype
    original work used as a model by others Example The crude typewriter on display in this museum is the prototype of the elaborate machines in use today.
    protract
    prolong Example Seeking to delay the union members' vote, the management team tried to protract the negotiations endlessly, but the union representatives saw through their strategy.
    protrude
    stick out Example His fingers protruded from the holes in his gloves.
    protuberance
    protrusion; bulge Example A ganglionic cyst is a fluid-filled tumor (generally benign) that develops near a joint membrane or tendon sheath, and that bulges beneath the skin, forming a protuberance.
    provenance
    origin or source of something Example I am not interested in its provenance; I am more concerned with its usefulness than with its source.
    provender
    dry food; fodder Example I am afraid of a severe winter because I have stored a large quantity of provender for the cattle.
    provident
    displaying foresight; thrifty; preparing for emergencies Example In his usual provident manner, he had insured himself against this type of loss.
    provincial
    pertaining to a province; limited in outlook; unsophisticated Example As provincial governor, Sir Henry administered the Queen's law in his remote corner of Canada.
    provisional
    tentative Example The appointment is provisional; only on the approval of the board of directors will it be made permanent.
    proviso
    stipulation Example I am ready to accept your proposal with the two proviso that you meet your obligations within the next two weeks.
    provoke
    stir up anger; cause retaliation Example In order to prevent a sudden outbreak of hostilities, we must not provoke our foe.
    proximity
    nearness Example The deer sensed the hunter's proximity and bounded away.
    proxy
    authorized agent Example Please act as my proxy and vote for this slate of candidates in my absence.
    prude
    excessively modest or proper person Example The X-rated film was definitely not for prudes.
    prudent
    cautious; careful Example A miser hoards money not because he is prudent but because he is greedy.
    prune
    cut away; trim Example With the help of her editor, she was able to prune her manuscript into publishable form.
    pseudonym
    pen name Example Samuel Clemens' pseudonym was Mark Twain.
    psychiatrist
    a doctor who treats mental diseases Example A psychiatrist often needs long conferences with his patient before a diagnosis can be made.
    psychopathic
    pertaining to mental derangement Example The psychopathic patient suffers more frequently from a disorder of the nervous system than from a diseased brain.
    psychosis
    mental disorder Example We must endeavor to find an outlet for the patient's repressed desires if we hope to combat this psychosis.
    pterodactyl
    extinct flying reptile Example The remains of pterodactyls indicate that these flying reptiles had a wingspan of as much as twenty feet.
    puerile
    childish Example His puerile pranks sometimes offended his more mature friends.
    pugilist
    boxer Example The famous pugilist Cassius Clay changed his name to Muhammed Ali.
    pugnacious
    combative; disposed to fight Example As a child he was pugnacious and fought with everyone.
    puissant
    powerful; strong; potent Example We must keep his friendship for he will make a puissant ally.
    pulchritude
    beauty; comeliness Example I do not envy the judges who have to select this year's Miss America from this collection of female pulchritude.
    pulmonary
    pertaining to the lungs Example In his researches on pulmonary diseases, he discovered many facts about the lungs of animals and human beings.
    pulsate
    throb Example We could see the blood vessels in his temple pulsate as he became more angry.
    pulverize
    crush or grind into very small particles Example Before sprinkling the dried herbs into the stew, Michael first pulverized them into a fine powder.
    pummel
    beat Example The severity with which he was pummeled was indicated by the bruises he displayed on his head and face.
    punctilious
    laying stress on niceties of conduct or form; precise Example We must be punctilious in our planning of this affair, for any error may be regarded as a personal affront.
    pundit
    learned Hindu; any learned person; authority on a subject Example Even though he discourses on the matter like a pundit, he is actually rather ignorant about this topic.
    pungency
    sharpness; stinging quality Example The pungency of the cigarette smoke made me cough.
    punitive
    punishing Example He asked for punitive measures against the offender.
    puny
    insignificant; tiny; weak Example Our puny efforts to stop the flood were futile.
    purchase
    firm grasp or footing Example The mountaineer struggled to get a proper purchase on the slippery rock.
    purgatory
    place of spiritual expiation Example In this purgatory, he could expect no help from his comrades.
    purge
    clean by removing impurities; clear of changes Example If you are to be purged of the charge of contempt of Congress, you must be willing to answer the questions previously asked.
    purport
    intention; meaning Example If the purport of your speech was to arouse the rabble, you succeeded admirably.
    purveyor
    furnisher of foodstuffs; caterer Example As purveyor of rare wines and viands, he traveled through France and Italy every year in search of new products to sell.
    pusillanimous
    cowardly; fainthearted Example You should be ashamed of your pusillanimous conduct during this dispute.
    putative
    supposed; reputed Example Although there are some doubts, the putative author of this work is Massinger.
    putrid
    foul; rotten; decayed Example The gangrenous condition of the wound was indicated by the putrid smell when the bandages were removed.
    pyromaniac
    person with an insane desire to set things on fire Example The detectives searched the area for the pyromaniac who had set these costly fires.
    pyre
    heap of combustible material, esp. for burning a corpse. Example The mortician put pyre on the corpse before burning a corpse.
    pest
    troublesome or annoying person Example He was a pest; always bothering people.
    prohibitive
    extremely high (of prices etc.) Example The super computer's price was prohibitive.
    quack
    charlatan; impostor Example Do not be misled by the exorbitant claims of this quack; he cannot cure you.
    quadruped
    four-footed animal Example Most mammals are quadrupeds.
    quaff
    drink with relish Example As we quaffed our ale, we listened to the gay songs of the students in the tavern.
    quagmire
    soft, wet, boggy land; complex or dangerous situation from which it is difficult to free oneself Example Up to her knees in mud, Myra wondered how on earth she was going to extricate herself from this quagmire.
    quail
    cower; lose heart Example He was afraid that he would quail in the face of danger.
    quaint
    odd; old-fashioned; picturesque Example Her quaint clothes and old-fashioned language marked her as an eccentric.
    qualified
    limited; restricted Example Unable to give the candidate full support, the mayor gave him only a qualified endorsement.
    qualms
    misgivings Example His qualms of conscience had become so great that he decided to abandon his plans.
    quandary
    dilemma Example When the two colleges to which he had applied accepted him, he was in a quandary as to which one he should attend.
    quarantine
    isolation of a person, place, or ship to prevent spread of infection Example We will have to place this house under quarantine until we determine the nature of the disease.
    quarry
    victim; object of a hunt Example The police closed in on their quarry.
    quarry
    dig into Example They quarried blocks of marble out of the hillside.
    quash
    subdue; crush; squash Example The authorities acted quickly to quash the student rebellion, sending in tanks to cow the demonstrators.
    quay
    dock; landing place Example Because of the captain's carelessness, the ship crashed into the quay.
    queasy
    easily nauseated; squeamish Example As the ship left the harbor, he became queasy and thought that he was going to suffer from seasickness.
    quell
    put down; quiet Example The police used fire hoses and teat gas to quell the rioters.
    querulous
    fretful; whining Example His classmates were repelled by his querulous and complaining statements.
    queue
    line Example They stood patiently in the queue outside the movie theatre.
    quibble
    equivocate; play on words Example Do not quibble; I want a straightforward and definite answer.
    quiescent
    at rest; dormant Example After this geyser erupts, it will remain quiescent for twenty-four hours.
    quietude
    tranquillity Example He was impressed by the air of quietude and peace that pervaded the valley.
    quintessence
    purest and highest embodiment Example Noel Coward displayed the quintessence of wit.
    quip
    taunt Example You are unpopular because you are too free with your quips and sarcastic comments.
    quirk
    startling twise; caprice Example By a quirk of fate, he found himself working for the man whom he had discharged years before.
    quisling
    traitor who aids invaders Example In his conquest of Europe, Hitler was aided by the quislings who betrayed their own people and served in the puppet governments established by the Nazis.
    quiver
    case for arrows Example Robin Hood reached back and plucked one last arrow from his quiver.
    quixotic
    idealistic but impractical Example His head is in the clouds; he is constantly presenting these quixotic schemes.
    quizzical
    bantering; comical; humorously serious Example Will Rogers' quizzical remarks endeared him to his audiences.
    quorum
    number of members necessary to conduct a meeting Example The senator asked for a roll call to determine whether a quorum was present.
    quotidian
    daily; commonplace; customary Example To Philip, each new day of his internship was filled with excitement; he could not dismiss his rounds as merely quotidian routine.
    rabid
    like a fanatic; furious Example He was a rabid follower of the Dodgers and watched them play whenever he could go to the ball park.
    raconteur
    story-teller Example My father was a gifted raconteur with an unlimited supply of anecdotes.
    ragamuffin
    person wearing tattered clothes Example He felt sorry for the ragamuffin who was begging for food and gave him money to buy a meal.
    rail
    scold; rant Example You may rail at him all you want; you will never change him.
    raiment
    clothing Example "How can I go to the ball?" asked Cinderella. "I have no raiment fit to wear."
    rakish
    stylish; sporty Example He wore his hat at a rakish and jaunty angle.
    ramble
    wander aimlessly (physically or mentally) Example Listening to the teacher ramble, Judy wondered whether he'd ever get to his point.
    ramification
    branching out; subdivision Example We must examine all the ramifications of this problem.
    ramify
    divide into branches or subdivisions Example When the plant begins to ramify, it is advisable to nip off most of the new branches.
    ramp
    slope; inclined plane Example The house was built with ramps instead of stairs in order to enable the man in the wheelchair to move easily from room to room and floor to floor.
    rampant
    rearing up on hind legs; unrestrained Example The rampant weeds in the garden killed all the flowers that had been planted in the spring.
    rampart
    defensive mound on earth Example "From the ramparts we watched" as the fighting continued.
    ramshackle
    rickety; falling apart Example The boys propped up the ramshackle clubhouse with a couple of boards.
    rancid
    having the odor of stale fat Example A rancid odor filled the ship's galley and nauseated the crew.
    rancor
    bitterness; hatred Example Let us forget out rancor and cooperate in this new endeavor.
    random
    without definite purpose, plan, or aim; haphazard Example Although the sponsor of the raffle claimed all winners were chosen at random, people had their suspicions when the grand prize went to the sponsor's brother-in-law.
    rankle
    irritate; fester Example The memory of having been jilted rankled him for years.
    rant
    rave; speak bombastically Example As we heard him rant on the platform, we could not understand his strange popularity with many people.
    rapacious
    excessively grasping; plundering Example Hawks and other rapacious birds prey on variety of small animals.
    rapport
    emotional closeness; harmony Example In team teaching, it is important that all teachers in the group have good rapport with one another.
    rarefied
    made less dense [of a gas] Example The mountain climbers had difficulty breathing in the rarefied atmosphere.
    raspy
    grating; harsh Example The sergeant's raspy voice grated on the recruits' ears.
    ratify
    approve formally; verify Example Before the treaty could go into effect, it had to be ratified by the president.
    ratiocination
    reasoning; act of drawing conclusions from premises Example While Watson was a man of average intelligence, Holmes was a genius, whose gift for ratiocination made him a superb detective.
    rationalization
    bringing into conformity with reason Example All attempts at rationalization at this time are doomed to failure; tempers and emotions run too high for intelligent thought to prevail.
    rationalize
    reason; justify an improper act Example Do not try to rationalize your behavior by blaming your companions.
    raucous
    harsh and shrill Example His raucous laughter irritated me and grated on my ears.
    ravage
    plunder; despoil Example The marauding army ravaged the countryside.
    rave
    overwhelmingly favorable review Example Though critic John Simon seldom has a good word to say about contemporary plays, his review of All in the Timing was a total rave.
    ravel
    fall apart into tangles; unravel or untwist; entangle Example A sigle thread pulled loose, and the entire scarf started to ravel.
    ravenous
    extremely hungry Example The revenous dog upset several garbage pails in its search for food.
    ravine
    narrow valley with steep sides Example Steeper than a gully, less precipitous than a canyon, a ravine is, like them, the product of years of erosion.
    raze
    destroy completely Example The owners intend to raze the hotel and erect an office building on the site.
    reactionary
    recoiling from progress; retrograde Example His program was reactionary since it sought to abolish many of the social reforms instituted by the previous administration.
    realm
    kingdom; sphere Example The realm of possibilities for the new invention was endless.
    reaper
    one who harvests grain Example Death, the Grim Reaper, cuts down men and women, just as a farmer cuts down the ripened grain.
    rebate
    discount Example We offer a rebate of ten percent to those who pay cash.
    rebuff
    snub; beat back Example She rebuffed his invitation so smoothly that he did not realize he had been snubbed.
    rebus
    puzzle in which pictures stand for words Example A coven of witches beside a tree is a possible rebus for the town Coventry.
    rebuttal
    refutation; response with contrary evidence Example The defense lawyer confidently listened to the prosecutor sum up his case, sure that she could answer his arguments in her rebuttal.
    recalcitrant
    obstinately stubborn Example Donkeys are reputed to be the most recalcitrant of animals.
    recant
    repudiate; withdraw previous statement Example Unless you recant your confession, you will be punished severely.
    recapitulate
    summarize Example Let us recapitulate what has been said thus far before going ahead.
    receptive
    quick or willing to receive ideas, suggestions, etc. Example Adventure-loving Huck Finn proved a receptive audience for Tom's tales of buried treasure and piracy.
    recession
    withdrawal; retreat; time of low economic activity Example The slow recession of the flood waters created problems for the crews working to restore power to the area.
    recidivism
    habitual return to crime Example Prison reformers in the United States are disturbed by the high rate of recidivism; the number of persons serving second and third terms indicates the failure of the prisons to rehabilitate the inmates.
    recipient
    receiver Example Although he had been the recipient of many favors, he was not grateful to his benefactor.
    reciprocal
    mutual; exchangeable; interacting Example The two nations signed a reciprocal trade agreement.
    reciprocate
    repay in kind Example If they attack us, we shall be compelled to reciprocate and bomb their territory.
    recluse
    hermit Example The recluse lived in a hut in the forest.
    reconcile
    correct inconsistencies; become friendly after a quarrel Example Every time we try to reconcile our checkbook with the bank statement, we quarrel. However, despite these monthly lovers' quarrels, we always manage to reconcile.
    recondite
    abstruse; profound; secret Example He read many recondite books in order to obtain the material for the scholarly thesis.
    reconnaissance
    survey of enemy by soldiers; reconnoitering Example If you encounter any enemy soldiers during your reconnaissance, capture them for questioning.
    recount
    narrate or tell; count over again Example About to recount the latest adventure of Sherlock Holmes, Watson lost track of exactly how many cases Holmes had solved and refused to begin his tale until he'd recounted them one by one.
    recourse
    resorting to help when in trouble Example The boy's only recourse was to appeal to his father for aid.
    recrimination
    countercharges Example Loud and angry recriminations were her answer to his accusations.
    rectify
    correct Example I want to rectify my error before it is too late.
    rectitude
    uprightness Example He was renowned for his rectitude and integrity.
    recumbent
    reclining; lying down completely or in part Example The command "AT EASE" does not permit you to take a recumbent position.
    recuperate
    recover Example The doctors were worried because the patient did not recuperate as rapidly as they had expected.
    recurrent
    occurring again and again Example These recurrent attacks disturbed us and we consulted a physician.
    redolent
    fragrant; odorous; suggestive of an odor Example Even though it is February, the air is redolent of spring.
    redoubtable
    formidable; causing fear Example During the Cold War period, neighboring countries tried not to offend the Russians because they could be redoubtable foes.
    redress
    remedy; compensation Example Do you mean to tell me that I can get no redress for my injuries?
    redundant
    superfluous; excessively wordy; repetitious Example Your composition is redundant; you can easily reduce its length.
    reek
    emit (odor) Example The room reeked with stale tobacco smoke.
    refectory
    dining hall Example In this huge refectory, we can feed the entire student body at one sitting.
    refraction
    bending of a ray of light Example When you look at a stick inserted in water, it looks bent because of the refraction of the light by the water.
    refractory
    stubborn; unmanageable Example The refractory horse was eliminated from the race when he refused to obey the jockey.
    refrain
    v. abstain from; resist n. chorus Example Whenever he heard a song with a lively chorus, Sol could never refrain from joining in on the refrain.
    refurbish
    renovate; make bright by polishing Example The flood left a deposit of mud on everything; it was necessary to refurbish our belongings.
    refute
    disprove Example The defense called several respectable witnesses who were able to refute the false testimony of the prosecution's only witness.
    regal
    royal Example Prince Albert had a regal manner.
    regale
    entertain Example John regaled us with tales of his adventures in Africa.
    regatta
    boat or yacht race Example Many boating enthusiasts followed the regatta in their own yachts.
    regeneration
    spiritual rebirth Example Modern penologists strive for the regeneration of the prisoners.
    regicide
    murder of a king or queen Example The beheading of Mary Queen of Scots was an act of regicide.
    regime
    method or system of government Example When a Frenchman mentions the Old Regime, he refers to the government existing before the revolution.
    regimen
    prescribed diet and habits Example I doubt whether the results warrant our living under such a strict regimen.
    rehabilitate
    restore to proper condition Example We must rehabilitate those whom we send to prison.
    reimburse
    repay Example Let me know what you have spent and I will reimburse you.
    reiterate
    repeat Example He reiterated the warning to make sure everyone understood it.
    rejoinder
    retort; comeback; reply Example When someone has been rude to me, I find it particularly satisfying to come up with a quick rejoinder.
    rejuvenate
    make young again Example The charlatan claimed that his e***ir would rejuvenate the aged and weary.
    relegate
    banish; consign to inferior position Example If we relegate these experts to minor posts because of their political persuasions, we shall lose their valuable services.
    relent
    give in Example When her stern father would not relent and allow her to marry Robert Browning, Elizabeth Barrett eloped with her suitor.
    relevant
    pertinent; referring to the case in hand Example Teri was impressed by how relevant Virginia Woolf's remarks were to her as a woman writer; it was as if Woolf had been writing with Teri's situation in mind.
    relic
    surviving remnant; memento Example Egypt's Department of Antiquities prohibits tourists from taking mummies and other ancient relics out of the country.
    relinquish
    abandon Example I will relinquish my claims to this property if you promise to retain my employees.
    relish
    savor; enjoy Example I relish a good joke as much as anyone else.
    remediable
    reparable Example Let us be grateful that the damage is remediable.
    reminiscence
    recollection Example Her reminiscences of her experiences are so fascinating that she ought to write a book.
    remiss
    negligent Example He was accused of being remiss in his duty when the prisoner escaped.
    remission
    temporary moderation of disease symptoms; cancellation of a debt; forgiveness or pardon Example Though Senator Tsongas had been treated for cancer, his symptoms were in remission, and he was considered fit to handle the strains of a Presidential race.
    remnant
    remainder Example I suggest that you wait until the store places the remnants of these goods on sale.
    remonstrance
    protest; objection Example The authorities were deaf to the pastor's remonstrances about the lack of police protection in the area.
    remorse
    guilt; self-reproach Example The murderer felt no remorse for his crime.
    remunerative
    compensating; rewarding Example I find my new work so renumerative that I may not return to my previous employment.
    rend
    split; tear apart Example In his grief, he tried to rend his garments.
    render
    deliver; provide; represent Example He rendered aid to the needy and indigent.
    rendezvous
    meeting place Example The two fleets met at the rendezvous at the appointed time.
    rendition
    translation; artistic interpretation of a song, etc. Example The audience cheered enthusiastically as she completed her rendition of the aria.
    renegade
    deserter; traitor Example Because he had abandoned his post and joined forces with the Indians, his fellow officers considered the hero of Dances with Wolves a renegade.
    renege
    deny; go back on Example He reneged on paying off his debt.
    renounce
    abandon; disown; repudiate Example Even though she knew she would be burned at the stake as a witch, Joan of Arc refused to renounce her belief that her voices came from God.
    renovate
    restore to good condition; renew Example They claim that they can renovate worn shoes so that they look like new ones.
    renown
    fame Example For many years an unheralded researcher, Barbara McClintock gained international renown when she won the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine.
    rent
    tear or rip; split Example The conflict over abortion threatens to split our nation, creating a rent in the social fabric that will be difficult to mend.
    reparable
    capable of being repaired Example Fortunately, the damages we suffered in the accident were reparable and our car looks brand new.
    reparation
    amends; compensation Example At the peace conference, the defeated country promised to pay reparations to the victors.
    repartee
    clever reply Example He was famous for his witty repartee and his sarcasm.
    repeal
    revoke; annul Example What would the effect on our society be if we decriminalized drug use by repealing the laws against the possession and sale of narcotics?
    repellent
    driving away; unattractive Example Mosquitoes find the odor so repellent that they leave any spot where this liquid has been sprayed.
    repercussion
    rebound; reverberation; reaction Example I am afraid that this event will have serious repercussions.
    repertoire
    list of works of music, drama, etc., a performer is prepared to present Example The opera company decided to include Madame Butterfly in its repertoire for the following season.
    repine
    fret; complain Example There is no sense repining over the work you have left undone.
    replenish
    fill up again Example Before she could take another backpacking trip, Carla had to replenish her stock of freeze-dried foods.
    replete
    filled to capacity; abundantly supplied Example The book is replete with humorous situations.
    replica
    copy Example Are you going to hang this replica of the Declaration of Independence in the classroom or in the auditorium?
    replicate
    reproduce; duplicate Example To the chagrin of the scientists, they were unable to replicate the results of their controversial experiment.
    repository
    storehouse Example Libraries are repositories of the world's best thoughts.
    reprehensible
    deserving blame Example Your vicious conduct in this situation is reprehensible.
    repress
    restrain; crush; oppress Example Anne's parents tried to curb her impetuosity without repressing her boundless high spirits.
    reprieve
    temporary stay Example During the twenty-four-hour reprieve, the lawyers sought to make the stay of execution permanent.
    reprimand
    reprove severely Example I am afraid that my parents will reprimand me when I show them my report card.
    reprisal
    retaliation Example I am confident that we are ready for any reprisals the enemy may undertake.
    reprise
    recurrent action; musical repetition; repeat performance Example At Waterloo, it was not the effect of any one skirmish that exhausted Colonel Audly; rather it was the cumulative effect of the constant reprises that left him spent.
    reproach
    blame; censure Example I want my work to be above reproach and without error
    reprobate
    person hardened in sin, devoid of a sense of decency Example I cannot understand why he has so many admirers if he is the reprobate you say he is.
    reprobation
    severe disapproval Example The students showed their reprobation of his act by refusing to talk with him.
    reprove
    censure; rebuke Example The principal reproved the students when they became unruly in the auditorium.
    repudiate
    disown; disavow Example He announced that he would repudiate all debts incurred by his wife.
    repugnance
    loathing Example She looked at the snake with repugnance.
    repulsion
    act of driving back; distaste Example The repulsion of the enemy forces was not accomplished bloodlessly; many of the defenders were wounded in driving the enemy back.
    reputable
    respectable Example If you want to buy antiques, look for a reputable dealer; far too many dealers today pass off fakes as genuine antiques.
    reputed
    supposed Example He is the reputed father of the child.
    requiem
    mass for the dead; dirge Example They played Mozart's Requiem at the funeral.
    requisite
    necessary requirement Example Many colleges state that a student must offer three years of a language as a requisite for admission.
    requite
    repay; revenge Example The wretch requited his benefactors by betraying them.
    rescind
    cancel Example Because of public resentment, the king had to rescind his order.
    reserve
    self-control; formal but distant manner Example Although some girls were attracted by Mark's reserve, Judy was put off by it, for she felt his aloofness indicated a lack of openness.
    residue
    remainder; balance Example In his will, he requested that after payment of debts, taxes, and funeral expenses, the residue be given to his wife.
    resignation
    patient submissiveness; statement that one is quitting a job Example If Bob Cratchit had not accepted Scrooge's bullying with timid resignation, he might have gotten up the nerve to hand in his resignation.
    resilient
    elastic; having the power of springing back Example Highly resilient, steel makes excellent bedsprings.
    resolution
    determination Example Nothing could shake his resolution to succeed despite all difficulties.
    resolve
    determination Example Nothing could shake his resolve that his children would get the best education that money could buy.
    resolve
    decide; settle; solve Example Homes resolved to travel to Bohemia to resolve the dispute between Irene Adler and the King.
    resonant
    echoing; resounding; deep and full in sound Example The deep, resonant voice of the actor James Earl Jones makes him particulary effective when he appears on stage.
    respiration
    breathing; exhalation Example The doctor found that the patient's years of smoking had adversely affected both his lung capacity and his rate of respiration.
    respite
    delay in punishment; interval of relief; rest Example The judge granted the condemned man a respite to enable his attorneys to file an appeal.
    resplendent
    brilliant; lustrous Example The toreador wore a resplendent costume called a suit of lights.
    responsiveness
    state of reacting readily to appeals, order, etc. Example The audience cheered and applauded, delighting the performers by its responsiveness.
    restitution
    reparation; indemnification Example He offered to make restitution for the window broken by his son.
    restive
    restlessly impatient; obstinately resisting control Example Waiting impatiently in the line to see Santa Claus, even the best-behaved children grow restive and start to fidget.
    restraint
    controlling force Example She dreamt of living an independent life, free of all restraints.
    resumption
    taking up again; recommencement Example During the summer break, Don had not realized how much he missed university life: at the resumption of classes, however, he felt marked excitement and pleasure.
    resurgent
    rising again after defeat, etc. Example The resurgent nation surprised everyone by its quick recovery after total defeat.
    resuscitate
    revive Example The lifeguard tried to resuscitate the drowned child by applying artificial respiration.
    retain
    keep; employ Example Fighting to retain his seat in Congress, Senator Foghorn retained a new manager to head his reelection campaign.
    retaliate
    repay in kind (usually for bad treatment) Example Fear that we will retaliate immediately deters our foe from attacking us.
    retentive
    holding; having a good memory Example The pupil did not need to spend much time in study as he had a retentive mind.
    reticent
    reserved; uncommunicative; inclined to silence Example Hughes preferred reticent employees to loquacious ones, noting that the formers' dislike of idle chatter might ensure their discretion about his affairs.
    retinue
    following; attendants Example The queen's retinue followed her down the aisle.
    retiring
    modest; shy Example Given Susan't retiring personality, no one expected her to take up public speaking; surprisingly enough, she became a star of the school debate team.
    retort
    quick, sharp reply Example Even when it was advisable for her to keep her mouth shut, she was always ready with a retort.
    retraction
    withdrawal Example He dropped his libel suit after the newspaper published a retraction of its statement.
    retrench
    cut down; economize Example If they were to be able to send their children to college, they would have to retrench.
    retribution
    vengeance; compensation; punishment for offenses Example The evangelist maintained that an angry deity would exact retribution from the sinners.
    retrieve
    recover; find and bring in Example The dog was intelligent and quickly learned to retrieve the game killed by the hunter.
    retroactive
    taking effect before its enactment (as a law) or imposition (as a tax) Example Because the new pension law was retroactive to the first of the year, even though Martha had retired in February she was eligible for the pension.
    retrograde
    go backwards; degenerate Example Instead of advancing, our civilization seems to have retrograded in ethics and culture.
    retrospective
    looking back on the past Example It is only when we become retrospective that we can appreciate the tremendous advances made during this century.
    revelry
    boisterous merrymaking Example New Year's Eve is a night of revelry.
    reverberate
    echo; resound Example The entire valley reverberated with the sound of the church bells.
    reverent
    respectful Example His reverent attitude was appropriate in a house of worship.
    reverie
    daydream; musing Example He was awakened from his reverie by the teacher's question.
    revile
    slander; vilify Example He was avoided by all who feared that he would revile and abuse them if they displeased him.
    revoke
    cancel; retract Example Repeat offenders who continue to drive under the influence of alcohol face having their driver's licenses permanently revoked.
    revulsion
    sudden violent change of feeling; negative reaction Example Many people in this country who admired dictatorships underwent a revulsion when they realized what Hitler and Mussolini were trying to do.
    rhapsodize
    to speak or write in an exaggeratedly enthusiastic manner Example She greatly enjoyed her Hawaiian vacation and rhapsodized about it for weeks.
    rhetoric
    art of effective communication; insincere or grandiloquent language Example All writers, by necessity, must be skilled in rhetoric.
    ribald
    wanton; profane Example He sang a ribald song that offended many of the more prudish listeners.
    rider
    amendment or clause added to a legislative bill Example Senator Foghorn said he would support Senator Filibuster's tax reform bill only if Filibuster agreed to add an antipollution rider to the bill.
    rife
    abundant; current Example In the face of the many rumors of scandal, which are rife at the moment, it is best to remain silent.
    rift
    opening; break Example The plane was lost in the stormy sky until the pilot saw the city through a rift in the clouds.
    rig
    fix or manipulate Example The ward boss was able to rig the election by bribing people to stuff the ballot boxes with ballots marked in his candidate's favor.
    rigid
    stiff and unyielding; strict; hard and unbending Example By living with a man to whom she was not married, George Eliot broke Victorian society's most rigid rule of respectable behavior.
    rigor
    severity Example Many settlers could not stand the rigors of the New England winters.
    rile
    vex; irritate; muddy Example Red had a hair-trigger temper: he was an easy man to rile.
    riveting
    absorbing; engrossing Example The reviewer described Byatt's novel Possession as a riveting tale: absorbed in the story, he had finished it in a single evening.
    rivulet
    small stream Example As the rains continued, the trickle of water running down the hillside grew into a rivulet that threatened to wash away a portion of the slope.
    robust
    vigorous; strong Example The candidate for the football team had a robust physique.
    rococo
    ornate; highly decorated Example The rococo style in furniture and architecture, marked by scrollwork and excessive decoration, flourished during the middle of the eighteenth century.
    roil
    to make liquids murky by stirring up sediment; to disturb Example Be careful when you pour not to roil the wine; if you stir up the sediment you'll destroy the flavor.
    roseate
    rosy; optimistic Example I am afraid you will have to alter your roseate views in the light of the distressing news that has just arrived.
    roster
    list Example They print the roster of players in the season's program.
    rostrum
    platform for speech-making; pulpit Example The crowd murmured angrily and indicated that they did not care to listen to the speaker who was approaching the rostrum.
    rote
    repetition Example He recited the passage by rote and gave no indication he understood what he was saying.
    rotunda
    circular building or hall covered with a dome Example His body lay in state in the rotunda of the Capitol.
    rotundity
    roundness; sonorousness of speech Example Washington Irving emphasized the rotundity of the governor by describing his height and circumference.
    rousing
    lively; stirring Example "And now, let's have a rousing welcome for TV's own Roseanne Arnold, who'll lead us in a rousing rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'"
    rout
    stampede; drive out Example The reinforcements were able to rout the enemy
    rubble
    fragments Example Ten years after World War II, some of the rubble left by enemy bombings could still be seen.
    rubric
    title or heading (in red print); directions for religious ceremony; protocol Example In ordaining the new priests, the bishop carefully observed all the rubrics for the ordination service.
    ruddy
    reddish; healthy-looking Example His ruddy features indicated that he had spent much time in the open.
    rudimentary
    not developed; elementary Example His dancing was limited to a few rudimentary steps.
    rueful
    regretful; sorrowful; dejected Example The artist has captured the sadness of childhood in his portrait of the boy with the rueful countenance.
    ruffian
    bully; scoundrel Example The ruffians threw stones at the police.
    ruminate
    chew the cud; ponder Example We cannot afford to wait while you ruminate upon these plans.
    rummage
    ransack; thoroughly search Example When we rummaged through the trunks in the attic, we found many souvenirs of our childhood days.
    runic
    mysterious; set down in an ancient alphabet Example Tolkien's use of Old English words and inscriptions in the runic alphabet give The Lord of the Rings its atmosphere of antiquity.
    ruse
    trick; stratagem Example You will not be able to fool your friends with such an obvious ruse.
    rustic
    pertaining to country people; uncouth Example The backwoodsman looked out place in his rustic attire.
    rusticate
    banish to the country; dwell in the country Example I like city life so much that I can never understand how people can rusticate in the suburbs.
    ruthless
    pitiless Example The escaped convict was a dangerous and ruthless murderer.
    relapse
    fall back or sink again Example The economy relapsed into a depression from the peak.
    saboteur
    one who commits sabotage; destroyer of property Example Members of the Resistance acted as saboteurs, blowing up train lines to prevent supplies from reaching the Nazi army.
    saccharine
    cloyingly sweet Example She tried to ingratiate herself, speaking sweetly and smiling a saccharine smile.
    sacrilegious
    desecrating; profane Example His stealing of the altar cloth was a very sacrilegious act.
    sacrosanct
    most sacred; inviolable Example The brash insurance salesman invaded the sacrosanct privacy of the office of the president of the company.
    sadistic
    inclined to cruelty Example If we are to improve conditions in this prison, we must first get rid of the sadistic warden.
    saga
    Scandinavian myth; any legend Example This is a saga of the sea and the men who risk their lives on it.
    sagacious
    keen; shrewd; having insight Example He is much too sagacious to be fooled by a trick like that.
    sage
    person celebrated for wisdom Example Hearing tales of a mysterious Master of All Knowledge who lived in the hills of Tibet, Sandy was possessed with a burning desire to consult the legendary sage.
    salacious
    lascivious; lustful Example Chaucer's monk is not pious but salacious, a teller of lewd tales and ribald jests.
    salient
    prominent Example One of the salient features of that newspaper is its excellent editorial page.
    saline
    salty Example The slightly saline taste of this mineral water is pleasant.
    sallow
    yellowish; sickly in color Example We were disturbed by his sallow complexion, which was due to jaundice.
    salubrious
    healthful Example Many people with hay ***** move to more salubrious sections of the country during the months of August and September.
    salutary
    tending to improve; beneficial; wholesome Example The punishment had a salutary effect on the boy, as he became a model student.
    salvage
    rescue from loss Example All attempts to salvage the wrecked ship failed.
    sanctimonious
    displaying ostentatious or hypocritical devoutness Example You do not have to be so sanctimonious to prove that you are devout.
    sanction
    approve; ratify Example Nothing will convince me to sanction the engagement of my daughter to such a worthless young man.
    sanguinary
    bloody Example The battle of lwo Jina was unexpectedly sanguinary with many casualties.
    sanguine
    cheerful; hopeful Example Let us not be too sanguine about the outcome; something could go wrong.
    sap
    diminish; undermine Example The element kryptonite had an unhealthy effect on Superman: it sapped his strength.
    sarcasm
    scornful remarks, stinging rebuke Example His feelings were hurt by the sarcasm of his supposed friends.
    sardonic
    disdainful; sarcastic; cynical Example The sardonic humor of nightclub comedians who satirize or ridicule patrons in the audience strikes some people as amusing and others as rude.
    sartorial
    pertaining to tailors Example He was as famous for the sartorial splendor of his attire as he was for his acting.
    sate
    satisfy to the full; cloy Example Its hunger sated, the lion dozed.
    satellite
    small body revolving around a larger one Example During the first few years of the Space Age, hundreds of satellites were launched by Russia and the United States.
    satiate
    surfeit; satisfy fully Example The guests, having eaten until they were satiated, now listened inattentively to the speakers.
    satire
    form of literature in which irony, sarcasm, and ridicule are employed to attack vice and folly Example Gulliver's Travels, which is regarded by many as a tale for children, is actually a bitter satire attacking human folly.
    satirical
    mocking Example The humor of cartoonists Gary Trudeau often is satirical; though the comments of the Doonesbury characters, Trudeau ridicules political corruption and folly.
    saturate
    soak Example Their clothes were saturated by the rain.
    saturnine
    gloomy Example Do not be misled by his saturnine countenance; he is not as gloomy as he looks.
    satyr
    half-human, half-bestial being in the court of Dionysus, portrayed as wanton and cunning Example He was like a satyr in his lustful conduct.
    saunter
    stroll slowly Example As we sauntered through the park, we stopped frequently to admire the spring flowers.
    savant
    scholar Example Our faculty includes many worldfamous savants.
    savor
    enjoy; have a distinctive flavor, smell, or quality Example Relishing his triumph, Costner especially savored the chagrin of the critics who had predicted his failure.
    savory
    tasty; pleasing, attractive, or agreeable Example Julia Child's recipes enable amateur chefs to create savory delicacies for their guests.
    scabbard
    case for a sword blade; sheath Example The drill master told the recruit to wipe the blood from his sword before slipping it back into the scabbard.
    scad
    a great quantity Example Refusing Dave's offer to lend him a shirt, Phil replied, "No, thanks: I've got scads of clothes."
    scaffold
    temporary platform for workers; bracing framework; platform for execution Example Before painting the house, the workers put up a scaffold to allow them to work on the second story.
    scale
    climb up; ascend Example To locate a book on the top shelf of the stacks, Lee had to scale an exceptionally rickety ladder.
    scanty
    meager; insufficient Example Thinking his helping of food was scanty, Oliver Twist asked for more.
    scapegoat
    someone who bears the blame for others Example After the Challenger disaster, NASA searched for scapegoats on whom they could cast the blame.
    scavenge
    hunt through discarded materials for usable items; search, especially for food Example If you need car parts that the dealers no longer stock, try scavenging for odd bits and pieces at the auto wreckers' yards.
    scenario
    plot outline; screenplay; opera libretto Example Scaramouche startled the other actors in the commedia troupe when he suddenly departed from their customary scenario and began to improvise.
    schematic
    relating to an outline or diagram; using a system of symbols Example In working out the solution to an analytical logic question, you may find it helpful to construct a simple schematic diagram illustrating the relationships between the items of information given in the question.
    schism
    division; split Example Let us not widen the schism by further bickering.
    scintilla
    shred; least bit Example You have not produced a scintilla of evidence to support your argument.
    scintillate
    sparkle; flash Example I enjoy her dinner parties because the food is excellent and the conversation scintillates.
    scoff
    mock; ridicule Example He scoffed at dentists until he had his first toothache.
    scotch
    stamp out; thwart; hinder Example Heather tried to scotch the rumor that she had stolen her best friend's fiance.
    scourge
    lash; whip; severe punishment Example They feared the plague and regarded it as a deadly scourge.
    scruple
    fret about; hesitate, for ethical reasons Example Fearing that her husband had become involved in an affair, she did not scruple to read his diary.
    scrupulous
    conscientious; extremely thorough Example I can recommend him for a position of responsibility for I have found him a very scrupulous young man.
    scrutinize
    examine closely and critically Example Searching for flaws, the sergeant scrutinized every detail of the private's uniform.
    scuffle
    struggle confusedly; move off in a confused hurry. Example The twins briefly scuffled, wrestling to see which of them would get the toy. When their big brother yelled, "Let go of my Gameboy!" they scuffled off down the hall.
    scurrilous
    obscene; indecent Example Your scurrilous remarks are especially offensive because they are untrue.
    scurry
    move briskly Example The White Rabbit had to scurry to get to his appointment on time.
    scurvy
    despicable; contemptible Example Peter Pan sneered at Captain Hook and his scurvy crew.
    scuttle
    sink Example The sailors decided to scuttle their vessel rather than surrender it to the enemy.
    seamy
    sordid; unwholesome Example In the Godfather, Michael Corleone is unwilling to expose his wife and children to the seamy side of his life as the son of a Mafia don.
    sear
    char or burn; brand Example Accidentally brushing against the hot grill, she seared her hand badly.
    seasoned
    experienced Example Though pleased with her new batch of rookies, the basketball coach wished she had a few more seasoned players on the team.
    secession
    withdrawal Example The secession of the Southern states provided Lincoln with his first major problem after his inauguration.
    seclusion
    isolation; solitude Example One moment she loved crowds; the next, she sought seclusion.
    secrete
    hide away or cache; produce and release a substance into an organism. Example The pack rat secretes odds and ends in its nest; the pancreas secretes insulin in the islets of Langerhans.
    sectarian
    narrow-minded; limited in scope Example As university chaplain, she sought to address universal religious issues and not limit herself to mere sectarian concerns.
    secular
    worldly; not pertaining to church matters; temporal Example The church leaders decided not interfere in secular matters.
    sedate
    composed; grave Example The parents were worried because they felt their son was too quiet and sedate.
    sedentary
    requiring sitting Example Because he had a sedentary occupation, he decided to visit a gymnasium weekly.
    sedition
    resistance to authority; insubordination Example His words, though not treasonous in themselves, were calculated to arouse thoughts of sedition.
    sedulous
    diligent Example The young woman was so sedulous that she received a commendation for her hard work.
    seedy
    run-down; decrepit; disreputable Example I would rather stay in dormitory lodgings in a decent youth hostel than have a room of my own in a seedy downtown hotel.
    seemly
    proper; appropriate Example Lady Bracknell did not think it was seemly for Ernest to lack a proper family; no baby abandoned on a doorstep could grow up to marry her daughter.
    seep
    ooze; trickle Example During the rainstorm, water seeped through the crack in the basement wall and damaged the floor boards.
    seethe
    be disturbed; boil Example The nation was seething with discontent as the nobleman continued their arrogant ways.
    seine
    net for catching fish Example When the shad run during the spring, you may see fishermen with seines along the banks of our coastal rivers.
    seismic
    pertaining to earthquakes Example The Richter scale is a measurement of seismic disturbances.
    semblance
    outward appearance; guise Example Although this book has a semblance of wisdom and scholarship, a careful examination will reveal many errors and omissions.
    seminal
    germinal; influencing future developments; related to seed or semen Example Although Freud has generally been regarded as a seminal thinker who shaped the course of psychology, his psychoanalytic methods have come under attack recently.
    seminary
    school for training future ministers; secondary school, especially for young women Example Sure of his priestly vocation, Terrence planned to pursue his theological training at the local Roman Catholic seminary.
    senility
    old age; feeble mindedness of old age Example Most of the decisions are being made by the junior members of the company because of the senility of the president.
    sensual
    devoted to the pleasures of the senses; carnal; voluptous Example I cannot understand what caused him to drop his sensual way of life and become so ascetic.
    sensuous
    pertaining to the physical senses; operating through the senses Example He was stimulated by the sights, sounds and smells about him; he was enjoying his sensuous experience.
    sententious
    terse; concise; aphoristic Example After reading so many redundant speeches, I find his sententious style particulary pleasing.
    sentinel
    sentry; lookout Example Though camped in enemy territory, Bledsoe ignored the elementary precaution of posting sentinels around the encampment.
    septic
    putrid; producing putrefaction Example The hospital was in such a filthy state that we were afraid that many of the patients would suffer from septic poisoning.
    sepulcher
    tomb Example Annabel Lee was buried in a sepulcher by the sea.
    sequester
    retire from public life; segregate; seclude Example Although he had hoped for a long time to sequester himself in a small community, he never was able to drop his busy round of activities in the city.
    sere
    parched; dry Example After the unseasonably dry winter the Berkeley hills looked dusty and sere.
    serendipity
    gift for finding valuable or desirable things by accident; accidental good fortune or luck Example Many scientific discoveries are a matter of serendipity: Newton was not sitting there thinking about gravity when the apple dropped on his head.
    serenity
    calmness; placidity Example The serenity of the sleepy town was shattered by a tremendous explosion.
    serpentine
    winding; twisting Example The car swerved at every curve in the serpentine road.
    serrated
    having a sawtoothed edge Example The beech tree is one of many plants that have serrated leaves.
    servile
    slavish; cringing Example Constantly fawning on his employer, humble Uriah Heap was a servile creature.
    servitude
    slavery; compulsory labor Example Born a slave, Douglass resented his wife of servitude and plotted to escape to the North.
    severance
    division; partition; separation Example The severance of church and state is a basic principle of our government.
    severity
    harshness; plainness Example The newspapers disapproved of the severity of the sentence.
    ***tant
    navigation tool used to determine a ship's latitude and longitude Example Given a clear night, with the aid of his ***tant and compass, he could keep the ship safely on course.
    shackle
    chain; fetter Example The criminal's ankles were shackled to prevent his escape.
    sham
    pretend Example He shammed sickness to get out of going to school.
    shambles
    slaughterhouse; scene of carnage Example By the time the police arrived, the room was a shambles.
    shard
    fragment, generally of pottery Example The archaeologist assigned several students the task of reassembling earthenware vessels from the shards he had brought back from the expedition.
    sheaf
    bundle of stalks of grain; any bundle of things tied together Example The lawyer picked up a sheaf of papers as he rose to question the witness.
    sheathe
    place into a case Example As soon as he recognized the approaching men, he sheathed his dagger and hailed them as friends.
    sherbet
    flavored dessert ice Example I prefer raspberry sherbet to ice cream since it is less fattening.
    shimmer
    glimmer intermittently Example The moonlight shimmered on the water as the moon broke through the clouds for a moment.
    shirk
    avoid (responsibility, work, etc.); malinger Example Brian has a strong sense of duty; he would never shirk any responsibility.
    shoddy
    sham; not genuine; inferior Example You will never get the public to buy such shoddy material.
    shrew
    scolding woman Example No one wanted to marry Shakespeare's Kate because she was a shrew.
    shrewd
    clever; astute Example A shrewd investor, he took clever advantage of the fluctuations of the stock market.
    shun
    keep away from Example Cherishing his solitude, the recluse shunned the company of other human beings.
    shunt
    turn aside; divert; sidetrack Example If the switchman failed to shunt the Silver Streak onto a side track, the train would plow right into Union Station.
    shyster
    lawyer using questionable methods. Example On L.A. Law, respectable attorney Brackman was horrified to learn that his newly discovered half brother was a cheap shyster.
    sibling
    brother or sister Example We may not enjoy being siblings, but we cannot forget that we still belong to the same family.
    sibylline
    prophetic; oracular Example Until their destruction by fire in 83 B.C., the sibylline books were often consulted by the Romans.
    sidereal
    relating to the stars Example Although hampered by optical and mechanical flaws, the orbiting Hubble space telescope has relayed extraordinary images of distant sidereal bodies.
    silt
    sediment deposited by running water Example The harbor channel must be dredged annually to remove the silt.
    simian
    monkeylike Example Lemurs are nocturnal mammals and have many simian characteristics, although they are less intelligent than monkeys.
    simile
    comparison of one thing with another, using the word like or as Example "My love is like a red, red rose" is a simile.
    simper
    smirk; smile affectedly Example Complimented on her appearance, Stella self-consciously simpered.
    simplistic
    oversimplified Example Though Jack's solution dealt adequately with one aspect of the problem, it was simplistic in failing to consider various complicating factors that might arise.
    simulate
    feign Example He simulated insanity in order to avoid punishment for his crime.
    sinecure
    well-paid position with little responsibility Example My job is no sinecure; I work long hours and have much responsibility.
    sinewy
    tough; strong and firm Example The steak was too sinewy to chew
    singular
    unique; extraordinary; odd Example Though the young man tried to understand Father William's singular behavior, he still found it odd that the old man incessantly stood on his head.
    sinister
    evil Example We must defeat the sinister forces that seek our downfall.
    sinuous
    winding; bending in and out; not morally honest Example The snake moved in a sinuous manner.
    skeptic
    doubter; person who suspends judgment until he has examined the evidence supporting a Example point of view. In this matter, I am a skeptic; I want proof.
    skiff
    small, light sailboat or rowboat Example Tom dreamed of owning an ocean-going yacht but had to settle for a skiff he could sail in the bay.
    skimp
    provide scantily; live very economically Example They were forced to skimp on necessities in order to make their limited supplies last the winter.
    skinflint
    miser Example The old skinflint refused to give her a raise.
    skirmish
    minor fight Example Custer's troops expected they might run into a skirmish or two on maneuvers; they did not expect to face a major battle.
    skittish
    lively; frisky Example She is as skittish as a kitten playing with a piece of string.
    skulduggery
    dishonest behavior Example The investigation into municipal corruption turned up new instances of skulduggery daily.
    skulk
    move furtively and secretly Example He skulked through the less fashionable sections of the city in order to avoid meeting any of his former friends.
    slacken
    slow up; loosen Example As they passed the finish line, the runners slackened their pace.
    slag
    residue from smelting metal; dross; waste matter Example The blast furnace had a special opening at the bottom to allow the workers to remove the worthless slag.
    slake
    quench; sate Example When we reached the oasis, we were able to slake our thirst.
    slander
    defamation; utterance of false and malicious statements Example Unless you can prove your allegations, your remarks constitute slander.
    slapdash
    haphazard; careless; sloppy Example From the number of typos and misspellings I've found on it, it's clear that Mario proofread the report in a remarkably slapdash fashion.
    sleazy
    flimsy; unsubstantial Example This is a sleazy fabric; it will not wear well.
    sleeper
    something originally of little value or importance that in time becomes very valuable Example Unnoticed by the critics at its publication, the eventual Pulitzer Prize winner was a classic sleeper.
    sleight
    dexterity Example The magician amazed the audience with his sleight of hand.
    slight
    insult to one's dignity; snub Example Hypersensitive and ready to take offense at any discourtesy, Bertha was always on the lookout for real or imaginary slights.
    slither
    slip or slide Example During the recent ice storm, many people slithered down this hill as they walked to the station.
    sloth
    laziness Example Such sloth in a young person is deplorable; go to work!
    sloth
    slow-moving tree-dwelling mammal Example Note how well the somewhat greenish coat of the sloth enables it to blend in with its arboreal surroundings.
    slough
    cast off Example Each spring, the snake sloughs off its skin.
    slovenly
    untidy; slipshod Example Such slovenly work habits will never produce good products.
    sluggard
    lazy person Example "You are a sluggard, a drone, a parasite," the angry father shouted at his lazy son.
    sluggish
    slow; lazy; lethargic Example After two nights without sleep, she felt sluggish and incapable of exertion.
    sluice
    artificial channel for directing or controlling the flow of water Example In times of drought, this sluice enables farmers to obtain water for irrigation.
    slur
    insult to one's character or reputation; slander Example Polls revealed that the front-runner's standing had been damaged by the slurs and innuendoes circulated by his opponent's staff.
    smattering
    slight knowledge Example I don't know whether it is better to be ignorant of a subject or to have a mere smattering of information about it.
    smirk
    conceited smile Example Wipe that smirk off your face!
    smolder
    burn without flame; be liable to break out at any moment Example The rags smoldered for hours before they burst into flame.
    snicker
    half-stifled laugh Example The boy could not suppress a snicker when the teacher sat on the tack.
    snivel
    run at the nose; snuffle; whine Example Don't you come sniveling to me complaining about your big brother.
    sobriety
    moderation (especially regarding indulgence in alcohol); seriousness Example Neither drunkards nor comics are noted for sobriety.
    sodden
    soaked; dull, as if from drink Example He set his sodden overcoat near the radiator to dry.
    sojourn
    temporary stay Example After his sojourn in Florida, he began to long for the colder climate of his native New England home.
    solace
    comfort in trouble Example I hope you will find solace in the thought that all of us share your loss.
    solder
    repair or make whole by using a metal alloy Example The plumber fixed the leak in the pipes by soldering a couple of joints from which water had been oozing.
    solecism
    construction that is flagrantly incorrect grammatically Example I must give this paper a failing mark because it contains many solecisms.
    solemnity
    seriousness; gravity Example The minister was concerned that nothing should disturb the solemnity of the marriage service.
    solicit
    request earnestly; seek Example Knowing she needed to have a solid majority for the budget to pass, the mayor telephoned all the members of the city council to solicit their votes.
    solicitous
    worried, concerned Example The employer was very solicitous about the health of her employees as replacements were difficult to get.
    soliloquy
    talking to oneself Example The soliloquy is a device used by the dramatist to reveal a character's innermost thoughts and emotions.
    solstice
    point at which the sun is farthest from the equator Example The winter solstice usually occurs on December 21.
    solvent
    able to pay all debts Example By dint of very frugal living, he was finally able to become solvent and avoid bankruptcy proceedings.
    somatic
    pertaining to the body; physical Example Why do you ignore the spiritual aspects and emphasize only the corporeal and the somatic ones?
    somber
    gloomy; depressing Example From the doctor's grim expression, I could tell he had somber news.
    somnambulist
    sleepwalker Example The most famous somnambulist in literature is Lady Macbeth; her monologue in the sleepwalking scene is one of the highlights of Shakespeare's play.
    somnolent
    half asleep Example The heavy meal and the overheated room made us all somnolent and indifferent to the speaker.
    sonorous
    resonant Example His sonorous voice resounded through the hall.
    sophist
    teacher of philosophy; quibbler; employer of fallacious reasoning Example You are using all the devices of a sophist in trying to prove your case; your argument is specious.
    sophistication
    artificiality; unnaturalness; act of employing sophistry in reasoning Example Sophistication is an acquired characteristic, found more frequently among city dwellers than among residents of rural areas.
    sophistry
    seemingly plausible but fallacious reasoning Example Instead of advancing valid arguments, he tried to overwhelm his audience with a flood of sophistries.
    sophomoric
    immature; shallow Example Your sophomoric remarks are a sign of your youth and indicate that you have not given much thought to the problem.
    soporific
    sleep producing Example I do not need a sedative when I listen to one of his soporific speeches.
    sordid
    filthy; base; vile Example The social worker was angered by the sordid housing provided for the homeless.
    spangle
    small metallic piece sewn to clothing for ornamentation Example The thousands of spangles on her dress sparkled in the glare of the stage lights.
    spartan
    lacking luxury and comfort; sternly disciplined Example Looking over the bare, unheated room with its hard cot, he wondered what he was doing in such spartan quarters. Only his spartan sense of duty kept him at his post.
    spasmodic
    fitful; periodic Example The spasmodic coughing in the auditorium annoyed the performers.
    spat
    squabble; minor dispute Example What had started out as a mere spat escalated into a full-blown argument.
    spate
    sudden flood Example I am worried about the possibility of a spate if the rains do not diminish soon.
    spatial
    relating to space Example It is difficult to visualize the spatial extent of our universe.
    spatula
    broad-bladed instrument used for spreading or mixing Example The manufacturers of this frying pan recommended the use of a rubber spatula to avoid scratching the specially treated surface.
    spawn
    lay eggs Example Fish ladders had to be built in the dams to assist the salmon returning to spawn in their native streams.
    specious
    seemingly reasonable but incorrect Example Let us not be misled by such specious arguments.
    spectral
    ghostly Example We were frightened by the spectral glow that filled the room.
    spectrum
    colored band produced when a beam of light passes through a prism Example The visible portion of the spectrum includes red at one end and violet at the other.
    spendthrift
    someone who wastes money Example Easy access to credit encourages people to turn into spendthrifts who shop till they drop.
    sphinx-like
    enigmatic; mysterious Example The Mona Lisa's sphinx-like expression has puzzled art lovers for centuries.
    splice
    fasten together; unite Example Before you splice two strips of tape together, be sure to line them up evenly.
    spontaneity
    impulsiveness; absence of premeditation Example What I liked best about Dale's parties was their spontaneity: a couple of friends would drop by, someone would pull out a fiddle or guitar, and before you knew it the party would be in full swing.
    spoonerism
    accidental transposition of sounds in sucessive words Example When the radio announcer introduced the President as Hoobert Herver, he was guilty of spoonerism.
    sporadic
    occurring irregularly Example Although there are still sporadic outbursts of shooting in the streets, the rebellion is essentially over.
    sportive
    playful Example Such a sportive attitude is surprising in a person as serious as you usually are.
    spruce
    neat and trim Example Every button buttoned, tie firmly in place, young Alex Keaton looked spruce and tidy for his job interview at the bank.
    spry
    vigorously active; nimble Example She was eighty years old, yet still spry and alert.
    spurious
    false; counterfeit; forged; illogical Example The hero of Jonathan Gash's mystery novels is an antique dealer who gives the reader advice on how to tell spurious antiques from the real things.
    spurn
    reject; scorn Example The heroine spurned the villain's advances.
    squabble
    minor quarrel; bickering Example Children invariably get involved in petty squabbles; wise parents know when to interfere and when to let the children work things out on their own.
    squalid
    dirty; neglected; poor Example It is easy to see how crime can breed in such a squalid neighborhood.
    squander
    waste Example The prodigal son squandered the family estate.
    squat
    stocky; short and thick Example Tolkien's hobbits are somewhat squat, sturdy little creatures, fond of good ale, good music, and good food.
    staccato
    played in an abrupt manner; marked by abrupt, sharp sound Example His staccato speech reminded one of the sound of a machine gun.
    stagnant
    motionless; stale; dull Example The stagnant water was a breeding ground for disease
    staid
    sober; sedate Example Her conduct during the funeral ceremony was staid and solemn.
    stalemate
    deadlock Example Negotiations between the union and the employers have reached a stalemate; neither side is willing to budge from previously stated positions.
    stalwart
    strong, brawny; steadfast Example His consistent support of the party has proved that he is a stalwart and loyal member.
    stamina
    strength; staying power Example I doubt that she has the stamina to run the full distance of the marathon race.
    stanch
    check flow of blood Example It is imperative that we stanch the gushing wound before we attend to the other injuries.
    stanza
    division of a poem Example Do you know the last stanza of "The Star-Spangled Banner"?
    static
    unchanging; lacking development Example Nothing had changed at home; things were static there
    statute
    law Example We have many statutes in our law books which should be repealed.
    statutory
    created by statute or legislative action Example The judicial courts review and try statutory crimes.
    steadfast
    loyal; unswerving Example Penelope was steadfast in her affections, faithfully waiting for Ulysses to return from his wanderings.
    stealth
    slyness; sneakiness; secretiveness Example Fearing detection by the sentries on duty, the scout inched his way toward the enemy camp with great stealth.
    steep
    soak; saturate Example Be sure to steep the fabric in the dye bath for the full time prescribed.
    stellar
    pertaining to the stars Example He was the stellar attraction of the entire performance.
    stem
    check the flow Example The paramedic used a tourniquet to stem the bleeding from the slashed artery.
    stemfrom
    arise from Example Milton's problems in school stemmed from his poor study habits.
    stentorian
    extremely loud Example The town crier had stentorian voice.
    streotyped
    oversimplified; lacking individuality; seen as a type Example My chief objection to the book is that the characters are stereotyped; they come across as ethnic caricatures, not as real people with individual quirks, fears, and dreams.
    stickler
    perfectionist; person who insists things be exactly right Example The Internal Revenue Service agent was a stickler for accuracy; no approximations or rough estimates would satisfy him.
    stifle
    suppress; extinguish; inhibit Example Halfway through the boring lecture, Laura gave up trying to stifle her yawns.
    stigma
    token of disgrace; brand Example I do not attach any stigma to the fact that you were accused of this crime; the fact that you were acquitted clears you completely.
    stilted
    bombastic; stiffly pompous Example His stilted rhetoric did not impress the college audience; they were immune to bombastic utterances.
    stint
    be thrifty; set limits Example "Spare no expense," the bride's father said, refusing to stint on the wedding arrangements.
    stint
    supply; allotted amount; assigned portion of work Example He performed his daily stint cheerfully and willingly.
    stipend
    pay for services Example There is a nominal stipend for this position.
    stipple
    paint or draw with dots Example Seurat carefully stippled dabs of pure color on the canvas, juxtaposing dots of blue and yellow that the viewer's eye would interpret as green.
    stipulate
    make express conditions, specify Example Before agreeing to reduce American military forces in Europe, the president stipulated that NATO teams be allowed to inspect Soviet bases.
    stodgy
    stuffy; boringly conservative Example For a young person, Winston seems remarkably stodgy: you'd expect someone of his age to have a little more life.
    stoic
    person who is indifferent to pleasure or pain Example The doctor called her patient a stoic because he had borne the pain of the examination without whimpering.
    stoke
    stir up a fire; feed plentifully Example As a Scout, Marisa learned how to light a fire, how to stoke it if it started to die down, and how to extinguish it completely.
    stolidity
    dullness; impassivenss Example The earthquake shattered his usual stolidity; trembling, he crouched on the no longer stable ground.
    stratified
    divided into classes; arranged into strata Example As the economic gap between the rich and the poor increased, Roman society grew increasingly stratified.
    stratum
    layer of earth's surface; layer of society Example Unless we alleviate conditions in the lowest stratum of our society, we may expect grumbling and revolt.
    strew
    spread randomly; sprinkle; scatter Example Preceding the bride to the altar, the flower girl will strew rose petals along the aisle.
    striated
    marked with parallel bands; grooved Example The glacier left many striated rocks.
    stricture
    critical comments; severe and adverse criticism Example His strictures on the author's style are prejudiced and unwarranted.
    strident
    loud and harsh Example She scolded him in a strident voice
    stringent
    binding; rigid Example I think these regulations are too stringent.
    strut
    pompous walk Example His strut as he marched about the parade ground revealed him for what he was: a pompous buffoon.
    strut
    supporting bar Example The engineer calculated that the strut supporting the rafter needed to be reinforced.
    studied
    unspontaneous; deliberate; thoughtful Example Given Jill's previous slights, Jack felt that the omission of his name from the guest list was a studied insult.
    stultify
    cause to appear or become stupid or inconsistent; frustrate or hinder Example His long hours in the blacking factory left young Dickens numb and incurious, as if the menial labor had stultified his mind.
    stupefy
    make numb; stun; amaze Example Disapproving of drugs in general, Laura refused to take sleeping pills or any other medicine that might stupefy her.
    stupor
    state of apathy; daze; lack of awareness Example In his stupor, the addict was unaware of the events taking place around him.
    stymie
    present an obstacle; stump Example The detective was stymied by the contradictory evidence in the robbery investigation.
    suavity
    urbanity; polish Example He is particulary good in roles that require suavity and sophistication.
    subaltern
    subordinate Example The captain treated his subalterns as though they were children rather than commissioned officers.
    subjective
    occurring or taking place within the mind; unreal Example Your analysis is highly subjective; you have permitted your emotions and your opinions to color your thinking.
    subjugate
    conquer; bring under control Example It is not our aim to subjugate our foe; we are interested only in establishing peaceful relations.
    sublimate
    refine; purify Example We must strive to sublimate these desires and emotions into worthwhile activities.
    sublime
    exalted; noble; uplifting Example Mother Teresa has been honored for her sublime deeds.
    subliminal
    below the threshold Example We may not be aware of the subliminal influences that affect our thinking.
    submissive
    yielding; timid Example Crushed by his authoritarian father, Will had no defiance left in him; he was totally submissive in the face of authority.
    suborn
    persuade to act unlawfully (especially to commit perjury) Example In the Godfather, the mobsters used bribery and threats to suborn the witnesses against Don Michael Corleone.
    subpoena
    writ summoning a witness to appear Example The prosecutor's office was ready to serve a subpoena on the reluctant witness.
    subsequent
    following; later Example In subsequent lessons, we shall take up more difficult problems.
    subservient
    behaving like a slave; servile; obsequious Example He was proud and dignified; he refused to be subservient to anyone.
    subside
    settle down; descend; grow quiet Example The doctor assured us that the ***** would eventually subside.
    subsidiary
    subordinate; secondary Example This information may be used as subsidiary evidence but is not sufficient by itself to prove your argument.
    subsidy
    direct financial aid by government, etc. Example Without this subsidy, American ship operators would not be able to compete in world markets.
    subsistence
    existence; means of support; livelihood Example In those days of inflated prices, my salary provided mere subsistence.
    substantiate
    verify; support Example I intend to substantiate my statement by producing witnesses.
    substantive
    essential; pertaining to the substance Example Although the delegates were aware of the importance of the problem, they could not agree on the substantive issues.
    subsume
    include; encompass Example Does the general theory of relativity contradict Newtonian physics, or is Newton's law of gravity subsumed into Einstein's larger scheme?
    subterfuge
    pretense; evasion Example As soon as we realized that you had won our support by a subterfuge we withdrew our endorsement of your candidacy.
    subtlety
    nicety; cunning; guile; delicacy Example The subtlety of his remarks was unnoticed by most of his audience.
    subversive
    tending to overthrow; destructive Example At first glance, the notion that Styrofoam cups may actually be more ecologically sound than paper cups strikes most environmentalists as subversive.
    succinct
    brief; terse; compact Example His remarks are always succinct and pointed.
    succor
    aid; assistance; relief Example We shall be ever grateful for the succor our country gave us when we were in need.
    succulent
    juicy; full of richness Example To some people, Florida citrus fruits are more succulent than those from California.
    succumb
    yield; give in; die Example I succumb to temptation whenever it comes my way.
    suffragist
    advocate of voting rights (for women) Example In recognition of her efforts to win the vote for women, Congress authorized coining a silver dollar honoring the suffragist Susan B. Anthony.
    suffuse
    spread over Example A blush suffused her cheeks when we teased her about her love affair.
    sully
    tarnish; soil Example He felt that it was beneath his dignity to sully his hands in such menial labor.
    sultry
    sweltering Example He could not adjust himself to the sultry climate of the tropics.
    summation
    act of finding the total, summary Example In his summation, the lawyer emphasized the testimony given by the two witnesses.
    sumptuous
    lavish; rich Example I cannot recall when I have had such a sumptuous Thanksgiving feast.
    sunder
    separate; part Example Northern and southern Ireland are politically and religiously sundered.
    sundry
    various; several Example My suspicions were aroused when I read sundry items in the newspapers about your behavior.
    superannuated
    retired or disqualified because of age Example The superannuated man was indignant because he felt that he could still perform a good day's work.
    supercilious
    contemptuous; haughty Example I prefer Jill's modesty to Jack's supercilious and arrogant attitude.
    supererogatory
    superfluous; more than needed or demanded Example We have more than enough witnesses to corroborate your statement; to present any more would be supererogatory.
    superficial
    trivial; shallow Example Since your report gave only a superficial analysis of the problem, I cannot give you more than a passing grade.
    superfluous
    excessive; overabundant, unnecessary Example Please try not to include so many superfluous details in your report; just give me the bare facts.
    superimpose
    place over something else Example Your attempt to superimpose another agency in this field will merely increase the bureaucratic nature of our government.
    supernumerary
    person or thing in excess of what is necessary; extra Example His first appearance on the stage was as a supernumerary in a Shakespearean tragedy.
    supersede
    cause to be set aside; replace Example This regulation will supersede all previous rules.
    supine
    lying on back Example The defeated pugilist lay supine on the canvas.
    supplant
    replace; usurp Example Corazon Aquino supplanted Ferdinand Marcos as president of the Philippines.
    supple
    flexible; pliant Example The angler found a supple limb and used it as a fishing rod.
    suppliant
    entreating; beseeching Example He could not resist the dog's suppliant whimpering, and he gave it some food.
    supplicate
    petition humbly; pray to grant a favor Example We supplicate Your Majesty to grant him amnesty.
    supposition
    hypothesis; surmise Example I based my decision to confide in him on the supposition that he would be discreet.
    supposititious
    assumed; counterfeit; hypothetical Example I find no similarity between your supposititious illustration and the problem we are facing.
    surfeit
    satiate; stuff; indulge to excess in anything Example Every Thanksgiving we are surfeited with an overabundance of holiday treats.
    surly
    rude; cross Example Because of his surly attitude, many people avoided his company.
    surmise
    guess Example I surmise that he will be late for this meeting.
    surmount
    overcome Example He had to surmount many obstacles in order to succeed.
    surpass
    exceed Example Her SAT scores surpassed out expectations.
    surreptitious
    secret Example News of their surreptitious meeting gradually leaked out.
    surrogate
    substitute Example For a fatherless child, a male teacher may become a father surrogate.
    surveillance
    watching; guarding Example The FBI kept the house under constant surveillance in the hope of capturing all the criminals at one time.
    susceptible
    impressionable; easily influenced; having little resistance, as to a disease Example He was a very susceptible young man, and so his parents worried that he might fall into bad company.
    sustain
    experience; support; nourish Example He sustained such a severe injury that the doctors feared he would be unable to work to sustain his growing family.
    sustenance
    means of support, food, nourishment Example In the tropics, the natives find sustenance easy to obtain because of all the fruit trees.
    suture
    stitches sewn to hold the cut edges of a wound or incision; material used in sewing Example We will remove the sutures as soon as the wound heals.
    swarthy
    dark; dusky Example Despite the stereotype, not all Italians are swarthy; many are fair and blond.
    swathe
    wrap around; bandage Example When I visited him in the hospital, I found him swathed in bandages.
    swelter
    be oppressed by heat Example I am going to buy an air conditioning unit for my apartment as I do not intend to swelter through another hot and humid summer.
    swerve
    deviate; turn aside sharply Example The car swerved wildly as the driver struggled to regain control of the wheel.
    swill
    drink greedily Example Singing, "Yo, ho, ho, and a bottle of rum," Long John Silver and his fellow pirates swilled their grog.
    swindler
    cheat Example She was gullible and trusting, an easy victim for the first swindler who came along.
    sybarite
    lover of luxury Example Rich people are not always sybarites; some of them have little taste for a life of luxury.
    sycophant
    servile flatterer Example The king enjoyed the servile compliments and attentions of the sycophants in his retinue.
    syllogism
    logical formula consisting of a major premise, a minor premise and a conclusion; deceptive Example or specious argument There must be a fallacy in this syllogism; I cannot accept its conclusion.
    sylvan
    pertaining to the woods; rustic Example His paintings of nymphs in sylvan backgrounds were criticized as oversentimental.
    symbiosis
    interdependent relationship (between groups, species), often mutually beneficial Example Both the crocodile bird and the crocodile derive benefit from their symbiosis; pecking away at food particles embedded in the crocodile's teeth, the bird derives nourishment; the crocodile, meanwhile, derives proper dental hygiene.
    symmetry
    arrangement of parts so that balance is obtained; congruity Example The addition of a second tower will give this edifice the symmetry that it now lacks.
    synchronous
    similary timed; simultaneous with Example We have many examples of scientists in different parts of the world who have made synchronous discoveries.
    synoptic
    providing a general overview; summary Example The professor turned to the latest issue of Dissertation Abstracts for a synoptic account of what was new in the field.
    synthesis
    combining parts into a whole Example Now that we have succeeded in isolating this drug, our next problem is to plan its synthesis in the laboratory.
    synthetic
    artificial; resulting from synthesis Example During the twentieth century, many synthetic products have replaced the natural products.
    sedative
    calming drug or influence Example It is dangerous to drive after taking the sedative; it brings drowsiness.
    stygian
    literary dark Example The stygian room reminded him of an empty space.
    tacit
    understood; not put into words Example We have a tacit agreement based on only a handshake.
    taciturn
    habitually silent; talking a little Example New Englanders are reputedly taciturn people.
    tactile
    pertaining to the organs or sense of touch Example His callused hands had lost their tactile sensitivity.
    tainted
    contaminated; corrupt Example Health authorities are always trying to prevent the sale and use of tainted food.
    talisman
    charm Example She wore the talisman to ward off evil.
    talon
    claw of bird Example The falconer wore a leather gauntlet to avoid being clawed by the hawk's talons.
    tangential
    peripheral; only slightly connected; digressing Example Despite Clark's attempts to distract her with tangential remarks, Lois kept on coming back to her main question: why couldn't he come out to dinner with Superman and her?
    tangible
    able to be touched; real; palpable Example Although Tom did not own a house, he had several tangible assets--a car, a television, a PC--that he could sell if he needed cash.
    tanner
    person who turns animal hides into leather Example Using a solution of tanbark, the tanner treated the cowhide, transforming it into supple leather.
    tantalize
    tease; torture with disappointment Example Tom loved to tantalize his younger brother with candy; he knew the boy was forbidden to have it.
    tantamount
    equal Example Your ignoring their pathetic condition is tantamount to the murder.
    tantrum
    fit of petulance; caprice Example The child learned that he could have almost anything if he went into tantrums.
    taper
    candle Example He lit the taper on the windowsill.
    tarantula
    venomous spider Example We need an antitoxin to counteract the bite of the tarantula.
    tarry
    delay; dawdle Example We can't tarry if we want to get to the airport on time.
    taut
    tight; ready Example The captain maintained that he ran a taut ship.
    tautological
    needlessly repetitious Example In the sentence "It was visible to the eye," the phrase "to the eye" is tautological.
    tawdry
    cheap and gaudy Example He won a few tawdry trinkets in Coney Island.
    taxonomist
    specialist in classifying (animals, etc.) Example Dental patterns often enable the taxonomist to distinguish members of one rodent species from those of another.
    tedium
    boredom; weariness Example We hope this radio will help overcome the tedium of your stay in the hospital.
    temerity
    boldness; rashness Example Do you have the temerity to argue with me?
    temper
    moderate; tone down or restrain; toughen (steel) Example Not even her supervisor's grumpiness could temper Nancy's enthusiasm for her new job.
    temperament
    characteristic frame of mind; disposition; emotional excess Example Although the twins look alike, they differ markedly in temperament: Tod is calm, but Rod is excitable.
    temperate
    restrained; self-controlled Example Noted for his temperate appetite, he seldom gained weight.
    tempo
    speed of music Example I find the conductor's tempo too slow for such a brilliant piece of music.
    temporal
    not lasting forever; limited by time; secular Example At one time in our history, temporal rulers assumed that they had been given their thrones by divine right.
    temporize
    avoid committing oneself; gain time Example I cannot permit you to temporize any longer; I must have a definite answer today.
    tenacious
    holding fast Example I had to struggle to break his tenacious hold on my arm.
    tenacity
    firmness; persistency; adhesiveness Example It is extremely difficult to overcome the tenacity of a habit such as smoking.
    tendentious
    having an aim; biased; designed to further a cause Example The editorials in this periodical are tendentious rather than truth-seeking.
    tender
    offer; extend Example Although no formal changes had been made against him, in the wake of the recent scandal the mayor felt he should tender his resignation.
    tenet
    doctrine; dogma Example The agnostic did not accept the tenets of their faith.
    tensile
    capable of being stretched Example Mountain climbers must know the tensile strength of their ropes.
    tentative
    provisional; experimental Example Your tentative plans sound plausible; let me know when the final details are worked out.
    tenuous
    thin; rare; slim Example The allegiance of our allies is held by rather tenuous ties; let us hope they will remain loyal.
    tenure
    holding of an office; time during which such an office is held Example He was permanent tenure in this position and cannot be fired.
    tepid
    lukewarm Example During the summer, I like to take a tepid bath, not a hot one.
    terminate
    to bring to an end Example When his contract was terminated unexpectedly, he desperately needed a new job.
    terminology
    terms used in a science or art Example The special terminology developed by some authorities in the field has done more to confuse laypersons than to enlighten them.
    terminus
    last stop of railroad Example After we reached the railroad terminus, we continued our journey into the wilderness on saddle horses.
    terrestrial
    on or relating to the earth Example We have been able to explore the terrestrial regions much more thoroughly than the aquatic or celestial regions.
    terse
    concise; abrupt; pithy Example I admire his terse style of writing; he comes directly to the point.
    tertiary
    third Example He is so thorough that he analyzes tertiary causes where other writers are content with primary and secondary reasons.
    tesselated
    inlaid; mosaic Example I recall seeing a table with a tesselated top of bits of stone and glass in a very interesting pattern.
    testator
    maker of a will Example The attorney called in his secretary and his partner to witness the signature of the testator.
    testy
    irritable; short-tempered Example My advice is to avoid discussing this problem with him today as he is rather testy and may shout at you.
    tether
    tie with a rope Example Before we went to sleep, we tethered the horses to prevent their wandering off during the night.
    thematic
    relating to a unifying motif or idea Example Those who think of Moby Dick as a simple adventure story about whaling miss is underlying thematic import.
    theocracy
    government of a community by religious leaders Example Some Pilgrims favored the establishment of a theocracy in New England.
    theoretical
    not practical or applied; hypothetical Example Bob was better at applied engineering and computer programming than he was at theoretical physics and math. While I can still think of some theoretical objections to your plan, you've convinced me of its basic soundness
    therapeutic
    curative Example Now better known for its racetrack, Saratoga Springs first gained attention for the therapeutic qualities of its famous "healing waters."
    thermal
    pertaining to heat Example The natives discovered that the host springs gave excellent thermal baths and began to develop their community as a health resort.
    thespian
    pertaining to drama Example Her success in the school play convinced her she was destined for a thespian career.
    thrall
    slave; bondage Example The captured soldier was held in thrall by the conquering army.
    thrifty
    careful about money; economical Example A thrifty shopper compares prices before making major purchases.
    thrive
    prosper; flourish Example Despite the impact of recession on the restaurant trade, Philip's cafe thrived.
    throes
    violent anguish Example The throes of despair can be as devastating as the spasms accompanying physical pain.
    throng
    crowd Example Throngs of shoppers jammed the aisles.
    throttle
    strangle Example The criminal tried to throttle the old man with his bare hands.
    thwart
    baffle; frustrate Example He felt that everyone was trying to thwart his plans and prevent his success.
    tightwad
    excessively frugal person; miser Example Jill called Jack a tightwad because he never picked up the check.
    tilter
    handle used to move the boat's rudder (to steer) Example Fearing the wind might shift suddenly and capsize the skiff, Tom kept one hand on the tilter at all times.
    timbre
    quality of a musical tone produced by a musical instrument Example We identify the instrument producing a musical sound by its timbre.
    timidity
    lack of self-confidence or courage Example If you are to succeed as a salesperson, you must first lose your timidity and fear of failure.
    timorous
    fearful; demonstrating fear Example His timorous manner betrayed the fear he felt at the moment.
    tipple
    drink (alcoholic beverages) frequently Example He found that his most enjoyable evenings occurred when he tippled with his friends at the local pub.
    tirade
    extended scolding; denunciation Example Long before he had finished his tirade, we were sufficiently aware of the seriousness of our misconduct.
    titanic
    gigantic Example titanic waves beat aginst the shore during the hurricane.
    tithe
    tax of one-tenth Example Because he was an agnostic, he refused to pay his tithes to the clergy.
    titillate
    tickle Example I am here not to titillate my audience but to enlighten it.
    title
    right or claim to possession; mark of rank; name (of a book, film, etc.) Example Though the penniless Duke of Ragwort no longer held title to the family estate, he still retained his title as head of one of England's oldest families.
    titter
    nervous laugh Example Her aunt's constant titter nearly drove her mad.
    titular
    having the title of an office without the obligations Example Although he was the titular head of the company, the real decisions were made by his general manager.
    toady
    servile flatterer; yes man Example Never tell the boss anything he doesn't wish to hear: he doesn't want an independent adviser, he just wants a toady.
    toga
    Roman outer robe Example Marc Antony pointed to the slashes in Caesar's toga.
    tome
    large volume Example He spent much time in the libraries poring over ancient tomes.
    tonsure
    shaving of the head, especially by person entering religious orders Example His tonsure, even more than his monastic garb, indicated that he was a member of the religious order.
    topography
    physical features of a region Example Before the generals gave the order to attack, they ordered a complete study of the topography of the region.
    torpor
    lethargy; sluggishness; dormancy Example Nothing seemed to arouse him from his torpor; he had wholly surrendered himself to lethargy.
    torque
    twisting force; force producing rotation Example With her wrench she applied sufficient torque to the nut the loosen it.
    torrent
    rushing stream; flood Example Day after day of heavy rain saturated the hillside until the water ran downhill in torrents.
    torso
    trunk of statue with head and limbs missing; human trunk Example This torso, found in the ruins of Pompeii, is now on exhibition in the museum in Naples.
    tortuous
    winding; full of curves Example Because this road is so tortuous, it is unwise to go faster than twenty miles an hour on it.
    touchstone
    stone used to test the fineness of gold alloys; criterion Example What touchstone can be used to measure the character of a person?
    touchy
    sensitive; irascible Example Do not discuss this phase of the problem as he is very touchy about it.
    tout
    publicize; praise excessively Example I lost confidence in my broker after he touted some junk bonds that turned out to be a bad investment.
    toxic
    poisonous Example We must seek an antidote for whatever toxic substance he has eaten.
    tract
    pamphlet; a region of indefinite size Example The King granted William Penn a tract of land in the New World.
    tractable
    docile Example You will find the children in this school very tractable and willing to learn.
    traduce
    expose to slander Example His opponents tried to traduce the candidate's reputation by spreading rumors about his past.
    trajectory
    path taken by a projectile Example The police tried to locate the spot from which the assassin had fired the fatal shot by tracing the trajectory of the bullet.
    tranquillity
    calmness; peace Example After the commotion and excitement of the city, I appreciate the tranquillity of these fields and forests.
    transcend
    exceed; surpass Example This accomplishment transcends all our previous efforts.
    transcribe
    copy Example When you transcribe your notes, please send a copy to Mr.Smith and keep the original for our files.
    transgression
    violation of a law; sin Example Forgive us our transgressions; we know not what we do.
    transient
    momentary; temporary; staying for a short time Example Lexy's joy at finding the perfect Christmas gift for Phil was transient; she still had to find presents for the cousins and Uncle Bob. Located near the airport, this hotel caters to the largely transient trade.
    transition
    going from one state of action to another Example During the period of transition from oil heat to gas heat, the furnace will have to be shut off.
    transitoriness
    impermanence Example Conscious that all things pass, the psalmist relates the transitoriness of happiness and fame.
    translucent
    partly transparent Example We could not recognize the people in the next room because of the translucent curtains that separated us.
    transmute
    change; convert to something different Example He was unable to transmute his dreams into actualities.
    transparent
    permitting to light to pass through freely; easily detected Example Your scheme is so transparent that it will fool no one.
    transpire
    be revealed; happen Example When Austen writes the sentence "It had just transpired that he had left gaming debts behind him," her meaning is not that the debts had just been incurred, but the the shocking news had just leaked out.
    transport
    strong emotion Example Margo was a creature of extremes, at one moment in transports of joy over a vivid sunset, at another moment in transports of grief over a dying bird.
    trappings
    outward decorations; ornaments Example He loved the trappings of success: the limousines, the stock options, the company jet.
    traumatic
    pertaining to an injury caused by violence Example In his nightmares, he kept on recalling the traumatic experience of being wounded in battle.
    travail
    painful labor Example How long do you think a man can endure such travail and degradation without rebelling?
    traverse
    go through or across Example When you traverse this field, be careful of the bull.
    travesty
    comical parody; treatment aimed at making something appear ridiculous Example The ridiculous decision the jury has arrived at is a travesty of justice.
    treatise
    article treating a subject systematically and thoroughly Example He is preparing a treatise on the Elizabethan playwrights for his graduate degree.
    trek
    travel; journey Example The tribe made their trek further north that summer in search of game.
    tremor
    trembling; slight quiver Example She had a nervous tremor in her right hand.
    tremulous
    trembling; wavering Example She was tremulous more from excitement than from fear.
    trenchant
    cutting; keen Example I am afraid of his trenchant wit for it is so often sarcastic.
    trepidation
    fear; trembling agitation Example We must face the enemy without trepidation if we are to win this battle.
    tribulation
    distress; suffering Example After all the trials and tribulations we have gone through, we need this rest.
    tribunal
    court of justice Example The decision of the tribunal was final and the prisoner was sentenced to death.
    tribute
    tax levied by a ruler; mark of respect Example The colonists refused to pay tribute to a foreign despot.
    trident
    three-pronged spear Example Neptune is usually depicted as rising from the sea, carrying his trident on his shoulder.
    trigger
    set off Example John is touchy today; say one word wrong and you'll trigger an explosion.
    trilogy
    group of three works Example Romain Rolland's novel Jean Christophe was first published as a trilogy.
    trinket
    knickknack; bauble Example Whenever she traveled abroad, Ethel would pick up costume jewelry and other trinkets as souvenirs.
    trite
    hackneyed; commonplace Example Thr trite and predictable situations in many television programs alienate many viewers.
    trivia
    trifles; unimportant matters Example Too many magazines ignore newsworthy subjects and feature trivia.
    troth
    pledge of good faith especially in betrothal Example He gave her his troth and vowed to cherish her always.
    trough
    container for feeding farm animals; lowest point (of a wave, business cycle, etc.) Example The hungry pigs struggled to get at the fresh swill in the trough. The surfer rode her board, coasting along in the trough between two waves.
    truculence
    agressiveness; ferocity Example Tynan's reviews were noted for their caustic attacks and general tone of truculence.
    truism
    self-evident truth Example Many a truism is well expressed in a proverb.
    truncate
    cut the top off Example The top of the cone that has been truncated in a plane parallel to its base is a circle.
    tryst
    meeting Example The lovers kept their tryst even though they realized their danger.
    tumid
    swollen; pompous; bombastic Example I especially dislike his tumid style; I prefer writing which is less swollen and bombastic.
    tumult
    commotion; riot; noise Example She could not make herself heard over the tumult of the mob.
    tundra
    rolling, treeless plain in Siberia and arctic North America Example Despite the cold, many geologists are trying to discover valuable mineral deposits in the tundra.
    turbid
    muddy; having the sediment disturbed Example The water was turbid after the children had waded through it.
    turbulence
    state of violent agitation Example We were frightened by the turbulence of the ocean during the storm.
    tureen
    deep dish for serving soup Example The waiters brought the soup to the tables in silver tureens.
    turgid
    swollen; distended Example The turgid river threatened to overflow the levees and flood the contryside.
    turmoil
    confusion; strife Example Conscious he had sinned, he was in a state of spiritual turmoil.
    turncoat
    traitor Example The British considered Benedict Arnold a loyalist; the Americans considered him a turncoat.
    turpitude
    depravity Example A visitor may be denied admittance to this country if she has been guilty of moral turpitude.
    tutelage
    guardianship; training Example Under the tutelage of such masters of the instrument, she made rapid progress as a virtuoso.
    tutelary
    protective; pertaining to a guardianship Example I am acting in my tutelary capacity when I refuse to grant you permission to leave the campus.
    tycoon
    wealthy leader Example John D. Rockefeller was a prominent tycoon.
    tyranny
    oppression; cruel government Example Frederick Douglass fought against the tyranny of slavery throughout his entire life.
    tyro
    beginner; novice Example For a mere tyro, you have produced some marvelous results.
    timid
    easily frightened; apprehensive Example He was timid and cowardish; always backing up at daunting situations.
    tonic
    invigorating medicine Example The tonic water invigorated her, contrary to the enervating effect of the alcohol.
    toil
    work laboriously; make slow painful progress Example You must toil through 3500 words list in order to achieve a high score on GRE.
    ubiquitous
    being everywhere; omnipresent Example That Christmas "The Little Drummer Boy" seemed ubiquitous: Justin heard the tune everywhere he went.
    ulterior
    situated beyond; unstated and often questionable Example You must have an ulterior motive for your behavior, since there is no obvious reason for it.
    ultimate
    final; not susceptible to further analysis Example Scientists are searching for the ultimate truths.
    ultimatum
    last demand; warning Example Since they have ignored our ultimatum, our only recourse is to declare war.
    umbrage
    resentment; anger; sense of injury or insult Example She took umbrage at his remarks and stormed away in a huff.
    unanimity
    complete agreement Example We were surprised by the unanimity with which our proposals were accepted by the different groups.
    unassuaged
    unsatisfied; not soothed Example Her anger is unassuaged by your apology.
    unassuming
    modest Example He is so unassuming that some people fail to realize how great a man he really is.
    unbridled
    violent Example She had a sudden fit of unbridled rage.
    uncanny
    strange; mysterious Example You have the uncanny knack of reading my innermost thoughts.
    unconscionable
    unscrupulous; excessive Example She found the load shark's demands unconscionable and impossible to meet.
    uncouth
    outlandish; clumsy; boorish Example Most biographers portray Lincoln as an uncouth and ungainly young man.
    unction
    the act of anointing with oil Example The anointing with oil of a person near death is called extreme unction.
    unctous
    oily; bland; insincerely suave Example Uriah Heep disguised his nefarious actions by unctuous protestations of his "'umility."
    undermine
    weaken; sap Example The recent corruption scandals have undermined many people's faith in the city government.
    underscore
    emphasize Example Adressing the jogging class, Kim underscored the importance to runners of good nutrition.
    undulate
    move with a wavelike motion Example The flag undulated in the breeze.
    unearth
    dig up Example When they unearthed the city, the archeologists found many relics of an ancient civilization.
    unearthly
    not earthly; weird Example There is an unearthly atmosphere in her work that amazes the casual observer.
    unequivocal
    plain; obvious Example My answer to your proposal is an unequivocal and absolute "No."
    unerringly
    infallibly Example My teacher unerringly pounced on the one typographical error in my essay.
    unfaltering
    steadfast Example She approached the guillotine with unfaltering steps.
    unfeigned
    genuine; real Example She turned so pale that I am sure her surprise was unfeigned.
    unfettered
    liberated; freed from chains Example Chained to the wall for months on end, the hostage despaired that he would ever be unfettered.
    unfledged
    immature Example It is hard for an unfledged writer to find a sympathetic publisher.
    unfrock
    to strip a priest or minister of church authority Example To disbar a lawyer, to unfrock a priest, to suspend a doctor's license to practice--these are extreme steps that the authorities should take only after careful consideration.
    ungainly
    awkward Example He is an ungainly young man; he trips over everything.
    unguent
    ointment Example Apply this unguent to the sore muscles before retiring.
    uniformity
    sameness; consistency; monotony Example After a while, the uniformity of TV situation comedies becomes boring.
    unilateral
    one-sided Example This legislation is unilateral since it binds only one party in the controversy.
    unimpeachable
    blameless and exemplary Example Her conduct in office was unimpeachable and her record is spotless.
    uninhibited
    unrepressed Example The congregation was shocked by her uninhibited laughter during the sermon.
    unintimidating
    unfrightening Example Though Phil had expected to feel overawed when he met Joe Montana, he found the experience unintimidating and relaxing.
    unique
    without an equal; single in kind Example You have the unique distinction of being the first student whom I have had to fail in this course.
    unison
    unity of pitch; complete accord Example The choir sang in unison.
    universal
    characterizing or affecting all; present everywhere Example At first, no one shared Christopher's opinions; his theory that the world was round was met with universal disdain.
    unkempt
    disheveled; with uncared-for appearance Example The beggar was dirty and unkempt.
    unobtrusive
    inconspicuous; not blatant Example The secret service agents in charge of protecting the President tried to be as unobtrusive as possible.
    unprecedented
    novel; unparalleled Example Margaret Mitchell's book Gone with the Wind was an unprecedented success.
    unprepossessing
    unattractive Example During adolescence many attractive young people somehow acquire the false notion that their appearance is unprepossessing.
    unravel
    disentangle; solve Example With equal ease Miss Marple unraveled tangled balls of yarn and baffling murder mysteries.
    unrequited
    not reciprocated Example Suffering the pangs of unrequited love, Olivia rebukes Cesario for his hard-heartedness.
    unruly
    disobedient; lawless Example The only way to curb this unruly mob is to use tear gas.
    unsavory
    distasteful; morally offensive Example People with unsavory reputations should not be allowed to work with young children.
    unscathed
    unharmed Example They prayed he would come back from the war unscathed.
    unseemly
    unbecoming; indecent Example Your levity is unseemly at this time of mourning.
    unsightly
    ugly Example Although James was an experienced emergency room nurse, he occasionally became queasy when faced with a particularly unsightly injury.
    unsullied
    untarnished Example I am happy that my reputation is unsullied.
    untenable
    unsupportable Example I find your theory untenable and must reject it.
    untoward
    unfortunate; annoying Example Untoward circumstances prevent me from being with you on this festive occasion.
    unwarranted
    unjustified; groundless; undeserved Example We could not understand Martin's unwarranted rudeness to his mother's guests.
    unwieldy
    awkward; cumbersome; unmanageable Example The large carton was so unwieldy that the movers had trouble getting it up the stairs.
    unwitting
    unintentional; not knowing Example She was the unwitting tool of the swindlers
    unwonted
    unaccustomed Example He hesitated to assume the unwonted role of master of ceremonies at the dinner.
    upbraid
    scold; reproach Example I must upbraid him for his unruly behavior.
    uproarious
    marked by commotion; extremely funny; very noisy Example The uproarious comedy hit Home Alone featured Macaulay Culkin, whose mugging and comic antics provoked gales of uproarious laughter from audiences coast to coast.
    upshot
    outcome Example The upshot of the rematch was that the former champion proved that he still possessed all the skills of his youth.
    urbane
    suave; refined; elegant Example The courtier was urbane and sophisticated
    urchin
    mischievous child (usually a boy) Example Get out! This store is no place for grubby urchins!
    ursine
    bearlike; pertaining to a bear Example Because of its ursine appearance, the great panda has been identified with the bears; actually, it is closely related to the raccoon.
    usurp
    seize power; supplant Example The revolution ended when the victorious rebel leader usurped the throne.
    usury
    lending money at illegal rates of interest Example The loan shark was found guilty of usury.
    utopia
    imaginary land with perfect social and political system Example Shangri-la was the name of James Hilton's Tibetan utopia.
    uxorious
    excessively devoted to one's wife Example His friends laughed at him because he was so uxorious and submissive to his wife's desires.
    undergird
    strengthen the base of Example Whereas relativity theory undermined the Newtonian mechanics, cosmology was undergirded by it.
    vacillate
    waver; fluctuate Example Uncertain which suitor she ought to marry, the princess vacillated, saying now one, now the other.
    vacuous
    empty; lacking in ideas; stupid Example The candidate's vacuous remarks annoyed the audience, who had hoped to hear more than empty platitudes
    vagabond
    wanderer; tramp Example In summer, college students wander the roads of Europe like carefree vagabonds.
    vagary
    caprice; whim Example She followed every vagary of fashion.
    vagrant
    stray; random Example He tried to study, but could not collect his vagrant thoughts.
    vagrant
    homeless wanderer Example Because he was a stranger in town with no visible means of support, Martin feared he would be jailed as a vagrant.
    vainglorious
    boastful; excessively conceited Example She was a vainglorious and arrogant individual.
    valedictory
    pertaining to farewell Example I found the valedictory address too long; leave-taking should be brief.
    valid
    logically convincing; sound; legally acceptable Example You're going to have to come up with a better argument if you want to convince me that your reasoning is valid.
    validate
    confirm; ratify Example I will not publish my findings until I validate my results.
    valor
    bravery Example He received the Medal of Honor for his valor in battle.
    vampire
    ghostly being that sucks the blood of the living Example Children were afraid to go to sleep at night because of the many legends of vampires.
    vanguard
    forerunners; advance forces Example We are the vanguard of a tremendous army that is following us.
    vantage
    position giving an advantage Example They fired upon the enemy from behind trees, walls and any other point of vantage they could find.
    vapid
    insipid; inane Example She delivered an uninspired and vapid address.
    variegated
    many-colored Example Without her glasses, Gretchen saw the fields of tulips as a variegated blur.
    vassal
    in feudalism, one who held land of a superior lord Example The lord demanded that his vassals contribute more to his military campaign.
    vaunted
    boasted; bragged; highly publicized Example This much vaunted project proved a disappointment when it collapsed.
    veer
    change in direction Example After what seemed an eternity, the wind veered to the east and the storm abated.
    vegetate
    live in a monotonous way Example I do not understand how you can vegetate in this quiet village after the adventurous life you have led.
    vehement
    impetuous; with marked vigor Example He spoke with vehement eloquence in defense of his client.
    velocity
    speed Example The train went by at considerable velocity.
    venal
    capable of being bribed Example The venal policeman accepted the bribe offered him by the speeding motorist whom he had stopped.
    vendetta
    blood feud Example The rival mobs engaged in a bitter vendetta.
    vendor
    seller Example The fruit vendor sold her wares from a stall on the sidewalk.
    veneer
    thin layer; cover Example Casual acquaintances were deceived by his veneer of sophistication and failed to recognize his fundamental shallowness.
    venerable
    deserving high respect Example We do not mean to be disrespectful when we refuse to follow the advice of our venerable leader.
    venerate
    revere Example In China, the people venerate their ancestors.
    venial
    forgivable; trivial Example We may regard a hugry man's stealing as a venial crime.
    venison
    the meat of a deer Example The hunters dined on venison.
    vent
    small opening; outlet Example The wine did not flow because the air vent in the barrel was clogged.
    vent
    express; utter Example He vented his wrath on his class.
    ventral
    abdominal Example We shall now examine the ventral plates of this serpent, not the dorsal side.
    ventriloquist
    someone who can make his or her voice seem to come from another person or thing Example This ventriloquist does an act in which she has a conversation with a wooden dummy.
    venturesome
    bold Example A group of venturesome women were the first to scale Mt.Annapurna.
    venue
    location Example The attorney asked for a change of venue; he thought his client would do better if the trial were held in a less conservative county.
    veracious
    truthful Example I can recommend him for this position because I have always found him veracious and reliable.
    veracity
    truthfulness Example Trying to prove Hill a liar, Senator Spector repeatedly questioned her veracity.
    verbalize
    put into words Example I know you don't like to talk about these things, but please try to verbalize your feelings.
    verbatim
    word for word Example He repeated the message verbatim.
    verbiage
    pompous array of words Example After we had waded through all the verbiage, we discovered that the writer had said very little.
    verbose
    wordy Example This article is too verbose; we must edit it.
    verdant
    green; lush in vegetation Example Monet's paintings of the verdant meadows were symphonies in green.
    verdigris
    green coating on copper which has been exposed to the weather Example Despite all attempts to protect the statue from the elements, it became coated with verdigris.
    verge
    border; edge Example Madame Curie knew she was on the verge of discovering the secrets of radioactive elements.
    verisimilitude
    appearance of truth; likelihood Example Critics praised her for the verisimilitude of her performance as Lady Macbeth. She was completely believable.
    verity
    truth; reality Example The four verities were revealed to Buddha during his long meditation.
    vernacular
    living language; natural style Example Cut out those old-fashioned "thee's" and "thou's" and write in the vernacular.
    vernal
    pertaining to spring Example We may expect vernal showers all during the month of April.
    versatile
    having many talents; capable of working in many fields Example He was a versatile athlete; at college he had earned varsity letters in baseball, football, and track.
    vertex
    summit Example Let us drop a perpendicular line from the vertex of the triangle to the base.
    vertigo
    dizziness Example We test potential plane pilots for susceptibility to spells of vertigo.
    verve
    enthusiasm; liveliness Example She approached her studies with such verve that it was impossible for her to do poorly.
    vestige
    trace; remains Example We discovered vestiges of early Indian life in the cave.
    vex
    annoy; distress Example Please try not to vex your mother; she is doing the best she can.
    viable
    capable of maintaining life; practicable; workable Example The infant, though prematurely born, is viable and has a good chance to survive.
    viand
    food Example There was a variety of viands at the feast.
    vicarious
    acting as a substitute; done by a deputy Example Many people get a vicarious thrill at the movies by imagining they are the characters on the screen.
    vicissitude
    change of fortune Example Humbled by life's vicissitudes, the last emperor of China worked as a lowly gardener in the palace over which he had once ruled.
    victuals
    food Example I am very happy to be able to provide you with these victuals; I know you are hungry.
    vie
    contend; compete Example Politicians vie with one another, competing for donations and votes.
    vigilance
    watchfulness Example Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.
    vigor
    active strength Example Although he was over seventy years old, Jack had the vigor of a man in his prime.
    vignette
    picture; short literary sketch Example The New Yorker published her latest vignette.
    vilify
    slander Example She is a liar and is always trying to vilify my reputation.
    vindicate
    clear of charges Example I hope to vindicate my client and return him to society as a free man.
    vindictive
    revengeful Example She was very vindictive and never forgave an injury.
    vintner
    winemaker; seller of wine Example The poet wondered what the vintners could buy that would be half as precious as the wine they sold.
    viper
    poisonous snake Example The habitat of the horned viper, a particularly venomous snake, is in sandy regions like the Sahara or the Sinai peninsula.
    virile
    manly Example I do not accept the premise that a man is virile only when he is belligerent.
    virtual
    in essence; for practical purposes Example She is a virtual financial wizard when it comes to money matters.
    virtue
    goodness; moral excellence; good quality Example A virtue carried to extremes can turn into something resembling vice; humility, for example, can degenerate into servility and spinelessness.
    virtuoso
    highly skilled artist Example The child prodigy Yehudi Menuhin grew into a virtuoso whose virtuosity on the violin thrilled millions.
    virulent
    extremely poisonous Example The virus is highly virulent and has made many of us ill for days.
    virus
    disease communicator Example The doctors are looking for a specific medicine to control this virus.
    visage
    face; appearance Example The stern visage of the judge indicated that she had decided to impose a severe penalty.
    visceral
    felt in one's inner organs Example She disliked the visceral sensations she had whenever she rode the roller coaster.
    viscid
    adhesive; gluey Example The trunk of the maple tree was viscid with sap.
    viscous
    sticky, gluey Example Melted tar is a viscous substance.
    vise
    tool for holding work in place Example Before filling its edges, the keysmith took the blank key and fixed it firmly between the jaws of a vise.
    visionary
    produced by imagination; fanciful; mystical Example She was given to visionary schemes that never materialized.
    vital
    vibrant and lively; critical; living, breathing Example The vital, highly energetic first aid instructor stressed that it was vital in examining accident victims to note their vital signs.
    vitiate
    spoil the effect of; make inoperative Example Fraud will vitiate the contract.
    vitreous
    pertaining to or resembling glass Example Although this plastic has many vitreous qualties such as transparency, it is unbreakable.
    vitriolic
    corrosive; sarcastic Example Such vitriolic criticism is uncalled for.
    vituperative
    abusive; scolding Example He became more vituperative as he realized that we were not going to grant him his wish.
    vivacious
    lively or animated; sprightly Example She had always been vivacious and sparkling.
    vivisection
    act of dissecting living animals Example The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals opposed vivisection and deplored the practice of using animals in scientific experiments.
    vixen
    female fox; ill-tempered woman Example Aware that she was right once again, he lost his temper and called her a shrew and a vixen.
    vociferous
    clamorous; noisy Example The crowd grew vociferous in its anger and threatened to take the law into its own hands.
    vogue
    popular fashion Example Jeans became the vogue on many college campuses.
    volatile
    changeable; explosive; evaporating rapidly Example The political climate today is extremely volatile: no one can predict what the electorate will do next.
    volition
    act of making a conscious choice Example She selected this dress of her own volition.
    voluble
    fluent; glib Example She was a voluble speaker, always ready to talk.
    voluminous
    bulky; large Example Despite her family burdens, she kept up a voluminous correspondence with her friends.
    voluptuous
    gratifying the senses Example The nobility during the Renaissance led voluptuous lives.
    voracious
    ravenous Example The wolf is a voracious animal, its hunger never satisfied.
    vortex
    whirlwind; whirlpool; center of turbulence; predicament into which one is inexorably plunged Example Sucked into the vortex of the tornado, Dorothy and Toto were carried from Kansas to Oz.
    vouchsafe
    grant condescendingly; guarantee Example I can safely vouchsafe you fair return on your investment.
    voyeur
    Peeping Example Jill called Jack a voyeur when she caught him aiming his binoculars at a bedroom window of the house next door.
    vulnerable
    susceptible to wounds Example Achilles was vulnerable only in his heel.
    vulpine
    like a fox; crafty Example She disliked his sly ways, but granted him a certain vulpine intelligence.
    waffle
    speak equivocally about an issue Example When asked directly about the governor's involvement in the savings and loan scandal, the press secretary waffled, talking all around the issue.
    waft
    moved gently by wind or waves Example Daydreaming, he gazed at the leaves that wafted past his window.
    waggish
    mischievous; humorous; tricky Example He was a prankster who, unfortunately, often overlooked the damage he could cause with his waggish tricks.
    waif
    homeless child or animal Example Although he already had eight cats, he could not resist adopting yet another feline waif.
    waive
    give up temporarily; yield Example I will waive my rights in this matter in order to expedite our reaching a proper decision.
    wallow
    roll in; indulge in; become helpless Example The hippopotamus loves to wallow in the mud.
    wan
    having a pale or sickly color; pallid Example Suckling asked, "Why so pale and wan, fond lover?"
    wane
    grow gradually smaller Example From now until December 21, the winter solstice, the hours of daylight will wane.
    wangle
    wiggle out; fake Example She tried to wangle an invitation to the party.
    wanton
    unrestrained; willfully malicious; unchaste Example Pointing to the stack of bills, Sheldon criticized Sarah for her wanton expenditures. In response, Sara accused Sheldon of making an unfounded, wanton attack.
    warble
    sing; babble Example Every morning the birds warbled outside her window.
    warrant
    justify; authorize Example Before the judge issues the injunction, you must convince her this action is warranted.
    warranty
    guarantee; assurance by seller Example The purchaser of this automobile is protected by the manufacturer's warranty that he will replace any defective part for five years or 50,000 miles.
    warren
    tunnels in which rabbits live; crowded conditions in which people live Example The tenement was a veritable warren, packed with people too poor to live elsewhere.
    wary
    very cautious Example The spies grew wary as they approached the sentry.
    wastrel
    profligate Example He was denounced as a wastrel who had dissipated his inheritance.
    wax
    increase; grow Example With proper handling, his fortunes waxed and he became rich.
    waylay
    ambush; lie in wait Example They agreed to waylay their victim as he passed through the dark alley going home.
    wean
    accustom a baby not to nurse; give up a cherished activity Example He decided he would wean himself away from eating junk food and stick to fruits and vegetables.
    weather
    endure the effects of weather or other forces Example He weathered the changes in his personal life with difficulty, as he had no one in whom to confide.
    welt
    mark from beating or whipping Example The evidence of child abuse was very clear; Jennifer's small body was covered with welts and bruises.
    welter
    turmoil; bewildering jumble Example The existing welter of overlapping federal and state proclaims cries out for immediate reform.
    welter
    wallow Example At the height of the battle, the casualties were so numerous that the victims weltered in their blood while waiting for medical attention.
    wheedle
    cajole; coax; deceive by flattery Example She knows she can wheedle almost anything she wants from her father.
    whelp
    young wolf, dog, tiger, etc. Example This collie whelp won't do for breeding, but he'd make a fine pet.
    whet
    sharpen; stimulate Example The odors from the kitchen are whetting my appetite; I will be ravenous by the time the meal is served.
    whiff
    puff or gust (of air, scent, etc.); hint Example The slightest whiff of Old Spice cologne brought memories of George to her mind.
    whimsical
    capricious; fanciful Example He dismissed his generous gift to his college as a sentimental fancy, an old man's whimsical gesture.
    whinny
    neigh like a horse Example When he laughed through his nose, it sounded as if he whinnied.
    whit
    smallest speck Example There is not a whit of intelligence or understanding in your observations.
    whittle
    pare; cut off bits Example As a present for Aunt Polly, Tom whittled some clothespins out of a chunk of wood.
    whorl
    ring of leaves around stem; ring Example Identification by fingerprints is based on the difference in shape and number of whorls on the fingers.
    willful
    intentional; headstrong Example Donald had planned to kill his wife for months; clearly, her death was a case of deliberate, willful murder, not a crime of passion committed by a hasty, willful youth unable to foresee the consequences of his deeds.
    wily
    cunning; artful Example She is as wily as a fox in avoiding trouble.
    wince
    shrink back; flinch Example The screech of the chalk on the blackboard made her wince.
    windfall
    fallen fruit; unexpected lucky event Example This huge tax refund is quite a windfall.
    winnow
    sift; separate good parts from bad Example This test will winnow out the students who study from those who don't bother.
    winsome
    agreeable; gracious; engaging Example By her winsome manner, she made herself liked by everyone who met her.
    wispy
    thin; slight; barely discernible Example Worried about preserving his few wispy tufts of hair, Walter carefully massaged his scalp and applied hair restorer every night.
    wistful
    vaguely longing; sadly pensive Example With a last wistful glance at the happy couples dancing in the hall, Sue headed back to her room to study for her exam.
    withdrawn
    introverted; remote Example Rebuffed by his colleagues, the initially outgoing young researcher became increasingly withdrawn.
    wither
    shrivel; decay Example Cut flowers are beautiful for a day, but all too soon they wither.
    witless
    foolish; idiotic Example Such witless and fatuous statements will create the impression that you are an ignorant individual.
    witticism
    witty saying; facetious remark Example What you regard as witticisms are often offensive to sensitive people.
    wizardry
    sorcery; magic Example Merlin amazed the knights with his wizardry.
    wizened
    withered; shriveled Example The wizened old man in the home for the aged was still active and energetic.
    wont
    custom; habitual procedure Example As was his wont, he jogged two miles every morning before going to work.
    worldly
    engrossed in matters of this earth; not spiritual Example You must leave your worldly goods behind you when you go to meet your Maker.
    wrangle
    quarrel; obtain through arguing; herd cattle Example They wrangled over their inheritance.
    wrath
    anger; fury Example She turned to him, full of wrath, and said, "What makes you think I'll accept lower pay for this job than you get?"
    wreak
    inflict Example I am afraid he will wreak his vengeance on the innocent as well as the guilty.
    wrench
    pull; strain; twist Example She wrenched free of her attacker and landed a powerful kick to his kneecap.
    wrest
    pull away; take by violence Example With only ten seconds left to play, our team wrested victory from their grasp.
    writ
    written command issued by a court Example The hero of Leonard's novel is a process server who invents unorthodox ways of serving writs on reluctant parties.
    writhe
    squirm, twist Example He was writhing in pain, desperate for the drug his body required.
    wry
    twisted; with a humorous twist Example We enjoy Dorothy Parker's verse for its wry wit.
    xenophobia
    fear or hatred of foreigners Example When the refugee arrived in America, he was unprepared for the xenophobia he found there.
    yen
    longing; urge Example She had a yen to get away and live on her own for a while.
    yeoman
    man owing small estate; middle-class farmer Example It was not the aristocrat but the yeoman who determined the nation's policies.
    yield
    amount produced; crop; income on investment Example An experienced farmer can estimate the annual yield of his acres with surprising accuracy.
    yield
    give in; surrender Example The wounded knight refused to yield to his foe.
    yoke
    join together, unite Example I don't wish to be yoked to him in marriage, as if we were cattle pulling a plow.
    yokel
    country bumpkin Example At school, his classmates regarded him as a yokel and laughed at his rustic mannerisms.
    yore
    time past Example He dreamed of the elegant homes of yore, but gave no thought to their inelegant plumbing.
    zany
    crazy; comic Example I can watch the Marx brothers' zany antics for hours.
    zeal
    eager enthusiasm Example Wang's zeal was contagious; soon all his fellow students were busily making posters, inspired by his ardent enthusiasm for the cause.
    zealot
    fanatic; person who shows excessive zeal Example It is good to have a few zealots in our group for their enthusiasm is contagious.
    zenith
    point directly overhead in the sky; summit Example When the sun was at its zenith, the glare was not as strong as at sunrise and sunset.
    zephyr
    gentle breeze; west wind Example
    Comments 3 Comments
    1. Jithander's Avatar
      Jithander -
      Hi, how do u tell it is gre real words....and r u indicating...this alone is sufficient to get above 300 for below average students both in maths and verbal?
      Do reply...
    1. Paritosh20's Avatar
      Paritosh20 -
      No, its not that. It'll simply help you to increase your vocab. If you memorize even half of them (Of Course the hard ones ) then it'll be good for scoring nice in the GRE. Rest in analytical writing you can also use such words and also during the verbal. So it'll help you overall. But scoring 300> is solely dependent on your caliber, the way you use words, the way you frame your sentence (Of Course to say - Logically).
    1. Paritosh20's Avatar
      Paritosh20 -
      No, its not that. It'll simply help you to increase your vocab. If you memorize even half of them (Of Course the hard ones ) then it'll be good for scoring nice in the GRE. Rest in analytical writing you can also use such words and also during the verbal. So it'll help you overall. But scoring 300> is solely dependent on your caliber, the way you use words, the way you frame your sentence (Of Course to say - Logically).
    Comments Leave Comment

    Click here to log in

  • MSINUS On FB

  • Advertisement

  • Recent Articles