Shared Flashcard Set

Details

Vocab Exam
Vocab 1/First Quarter - Vocab 2/Third Quarter
565
English
11th Grade
01/12/2007

Additional English Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
alacrity
Definition
n. cheerful eagerness; readiness (adj. alactrous)
Term
abash
Definition
v. to shame; to embarrass; to disconcert (to upset) (adj. disconcerting)
Term
abate
Definition
v. to lessen in amount, degree or intensity
Term
abominable
Definition
adj. detestable; loathsome; odious (probably egregious)
Term
abstain
Definition
v. to keep oneself from doing something
Term
abut
Definition
v. to touch at one end or side of something; border upon (may be contiguous-touching)
Term
abeyance
Definition
n. the condition of being temporarily set aside; suspension (...held in abeyance)
Term
accentuate
Definition
v. to accent; to stress or emphasize
Term
accost
Definition
v. to approach and speak first
Term
acquiesce
Definition
v. to consent or comply without protest
Term
adamant
Definition
adj. unyielding; inflexible; intransigent.
n. a legendary stone believed to be impenetrable
Term
acquisition
Definition
n. something acquired; act orf acquiring
Term
affinity
Definition
n. 1) an attraction or attractive force 2) relationship; kinship
Term
alleviate
Definition
v. to make more bearable; mitigate; assuage; pacifiy; placate; appease; mollify; conciliate; propitiate; ameliorate
Term
altercation
Definition
n. an argument or vehement (forceful) dispute; a row
Term
anagram
Definition
n. a word or phrase formed by reordering the letters of another word or phrase (horse:shore)
Term
anecdote
Definition
n. a short entertaining story
Term
ambivalent
Definition
adj. having two conflicting feelings about a person, object, or idea
Term
arable
Definition
adj. fit for cultivation (antonym is fallow-unpreparedness)
Term
arbitrary
Definition
adj. determined by whim or caprice
Term
attrition
Definition
n. 1) a wearing away or rubbing down by friction 2) a gradual diminution in number or strength due to constant stress (a war of attrition)
Term
acumen
Definition
n. keenness of insight or judgement (would be perspicacious)
Term
anachronistic
Definition
adj. out of date; belonging to a former age and now inappropriate; passé
Term
vociferous
Definition
adj. making an outcry; clamorous; obstreperous (unruly)
Term
blather
Definition
v. to speak foolishly or nonsensically; prate; prattle; twaddle; would be palaver; drivel (def #2). (similar to maunder)
Term
predilection
Definition
n. a partiality or disposition in favor of something; a preference; propensity; proclivity
Term
lechery
Definition
n. excessive indulgence in sexual activity; lewdness...
Term
loquacious, garrulous, voluble
Definition
adjs. talkative (ant. taciturn)
Term
aphorism
Definition
n. 1) a brief statement of principle 2) a maxim; adage
Term
levity
Definition
n. lack of seriousnessl; frivolity; lightness; flippancy
Term
auspicious
Definition
adj. propitious; favorable
Term
prodigious
Definition
adj. enormous
Term
inert
Definition
adj. motionless
Term
succour
Definition
n. relief in time of distress
Term
venerable
Definition
adj. worthy of respect
Term
clemency
Definition
n. mercy
Term
quail
Definition
to shrink back in fear; to cower
Term
abridge
Definition
v. to reduce the length or extent of
Term
probity
Definition
n. integrity
Term
preponderance
Definition
n. great amount
Term
monocle
Definition
n. an eyeglass for one eye (lat. monoculus-having one eye), not manacled-chained; handcuffed
Term
dictatorial
Definition
adj. domineering; tending to dictate; imperious; commanding
Term
choleric
Definition
adj. irate; very angry; irascible
Term
recalcitrant
Definition
adj. stubbornly resistant to authority, domination, or guidance; refractory; would be intractable (stubborn) or intransigent (uncompromising). (ant. tractable-manageable; workable)
Term
nondescript
Definition
adj. lacking in distinctive qualities; without individual character or form
Term
felicitous
Definition
adj. 1 well-chosen; apt 2. having an agreeable manner or style. (probably is affable--easy and pleasant to speak to; approachable)
Term
disconsolate
Definition
adj. hoplessly doleful (sad); would be dolorous (having great grief or anguish) (in a state of angst)
Term
debilitate
Definition
v. to make feeble; enervate
Term
furtive
Definition
adj. sneaky; characterized by stealth; surreptitious
Term
clandestine, covert, sub rosa
Definition
adjs. secret
Term
surrogate
Definition
n. a substitute
Term
mulatto
Definition
n. a person having one white and one black parent
Term
quadroon
Definition
n. the offspring of a mulatto and a white person: a person of one quarter negro ancestry
Term
plaudit
Definition
n. an expression of praise (lat. plaudre--to applaud). (laud-praise)
Term
fealty
Definition
n. loyalty (lat. fidelitas--faithfulness) (fidelity)
Term
polemic
Definition
n. controversy, argument, or refutation; sim. to altercation; a row (polemics)
Term
petulant
Definition
n. unreasonably irritable or ill-tempered; peevish; livid (def #3) (may be choleric)
Term
flaccid
Definition
adj. soft and limp (lat. flaccus)
Term
edacious
Definition
adj. relating to eating; voracious; devouring; ravenous (extremely hungry)
Term
augment
Definition
v. to make or become greater; enlarge; increase; aggrandize; to wax
Term
fortnight
Definition
n. a period of fourteen days: two weeks. (a league-3 miles; a fathom-6 feet; a score-20 items)
Term
obeisance
Definition
n.1. a gesture, as a bow, expressing respect 2. great deference (courteous respect)
Term
chattel
Definition
n. an article of movable personal property
Term
vicissitude
Definition
n. a sudden change from one condition to another, usually unexpected; a mutation. (immutable-not changeable)
Term
edifice
Definition
n. a large and imposing building
Term
assiduous; sedulous
Definition
adj. diligent; hard working
Term
callow
Definition
adj. young and inexperienced (a tyro)
Term
penultimate
Definition
adj. next to last
Term
categorical
Definition
adj. absolute
Term
ecumenical
Definition
adj. catholic; worldwide in range or applicability; universal
Term
contumely
Definition
n. slander; insulting treatment; insolence
Term
esoteric
Definition
adj. known only by an elite few
Term
epistolary
Definition
adj. by letter
Term
penurious
Definition
adj. stingy
Term
aficionado
Definition
n. a devoted fan; an enthusiastic admirer or follower; devotee
Term
flagrant
Definition
adj. shocking; extremely or deliberately shocking
Term
formidable
Definition
adj. 10 arousing fear, dread, or awe; redoubtable 2) dfficult to surmount, defeat, or undertake
Term
grimace
Definition
n. a contortion of the face expressive of pain/contempt/disgust
Term
inadvertently
Definition
adv. unintentionally; accidentally
Term
incorrigible
Definition
adj. incapable of being corrected or reformed
Term
indefatigable
Definition
adj. incapable of being fatigued; tireless
Term
nepotism
Definition
n. preference or patronage given to relatives (favoritism). (cronyism-the practice of favoring one's close friends, esp. in political appointments)
Term
paltry
Definition
adj. 1) petty; trifling; insignificant; picayune 2) worthless; trashy
Term
sobriquet
Definition
n. an affectionate or humorous nickname; an assumed name
Term
prolific
Definition
adj. 1) producing offspring or fruit in abundance 2) producing abundance works or results
Term
gauche
Definition
adj. lacking social polish; tactless
Term
nuance
Definition
n. a subtle or slight degree of difference, as in meaning, color, or tone; gradation (slight degree of difference)
Term
abolitionist
Definition
n. an advocate of the abolition of slavery in the U.S.
Term
gild
Definition
v. to cover with or as if with a thin layer of gold; aureate (e.g. "gilded china saucers" in Dinah's messy kitchen in U.T's.C.). also know--aureole: golden halo
Term
despot
Definition
n. a ruler with absolute authority (despotism) autocrat
Term
ignominy
Definition
n. dishonor; humiliation; public shame
Term
juxtaposition
Definition
n. two things side by side in contrast
Term
physiognomy
Definition
n. facial features, esp. when regarded as revealing character (physiognomist-study facial features to tell characters)
Term
emphatic
Definition
adj. expressed or performed with emphasis
Term
exhort
Definition
v. to urge by strong argument or appeal; admonish earnestly
Term
extort
Definition
v. to obtain (e.g. money) by coercion or intimidation
Term
indubitable
Definition
adj. too apparent to be doubted; unquestionable
Term
sagacious
Definition
adj. shrewd and wise; sapient
Term
restive
Definition
adj. impatiently restless; uneasy
Term
recumbent
Definition
adj. lying down; reclining
Term
sepulcher
Definition
n. a burial vault; a tomb
Term
moot
Definition
adj. 1) subject to debate; arguable 2) having no legal significance 3) irrelevant (moot point)
Term
duplicity
Definition
n. deceit
Term
regale
Definition
v. to provide with great enjoyment; entertain
Term
augur
Definition
fortune-telling
Term
gullible
Definition
adj. easily deceived or duped
Term
punctilious
Definition
adj. marked by precise observance of the finer points of etiquette and formal conduct
Term
protract
Definition
v. to prolong
Term
phlegmatic
Definition
adj. having or suggesting a calm, stolid temperament; unemotional
Term
lethargic
Definition
adj. having little or no energy; listless; torpid (torpor-state of exhaustion); hebetudinous
Term
suave
Definition
adj. smoothly gracious in social manner
Term
debonair
Definition
adj. gracious and charming
Term
complacent
Definition
adj. content; sefl-satisfied; smug
Term
pompous
Definition
adj. 1. self-important; pretentious 2) characterized by pomp and stately display
Term
vapid
Definition
adj. lacking liveliness, zest, or interest; insipid; dull; boring; dryasdust (ant. sapid-savory; flavorful)
Term
erudite
Definition
adj. scholarly; very learned
Term
ascetic
Definition
n. one who leads a life of austerity, usu. for religious reasons (austere (adj) 1) severe or stern; somber 2) strict or severe in displine)
Term
(a)esthetic
Definition
adj. of or pertaining to the sense of the beautiful; having a love for culture/beauty (esthete-the person)
Term
puerile
Definition
adj. immature; childish
Term
misanthrope
Definition
n. one who hates mankind
Term
iconoclast
Definition
n. 1) one who destroys sacred images 2) one who attacks and seeks to overthrow traditional or popular ideas or institutions. iconoclasm-n. the act... iconoclastic-adj. (desecrate: to violate the sacredness; to profane; to defile) (deciccate-to dry)
Term
pugnacious
Definition
adj. having a quarrelsome disposition; combative; bellicose (war-like). (lat. pugno-to fight)
Term
puissance
Definition
n. power; might. (puissant-powerful; mighty)
Term
provincial
Definition
adj. pertaining to a province; limited
Term
impudent
Definition
adj. characterized by brash (hasty and unthinking; rash) behavior or impertinent (improperly forward or bold) disrespect
Term
astute
Definition
adj. shrewd; keen in judgement; cunning; discerning (may be perspicacious...and have acumen)
Term
syntax
Definition
n. the way in which words are put together to form constructions, such as phrases or sentences; the structure
Term
semantics
Definition
n. the study of meaning, esp. in language
Term
shard
Definition
n. 1) a piece of broken pottery 2) a fragment
Term
terpsichorean
Definition
adj. of dancing. n. a dancer
Term
raze
Definition
v. to tear down or demolish
Term
tendentious
Definition
adj. promoting a particular point of view; biased (tendentious opinion/view)
Term
engender
Definition
v. to bring into existence; to give rise to
Term
precocious
Definition
adj. advanced in maturity
Term
taciturn
Definition
adj. disinclined to conversation; habitually silent (may be reticent (hesitant to speak)
Term
bucolic
Definition
adj. pastoral; rustic; rural (ant. urban-pertaining to city) (urbane-elegant and refined in speech or manner; suave; debonair)
Term
hapless
Definition
adj. unlucky; unfortunate
Term
somnolent
Definition
adj. soporific; sleepy; drowsy
Term
mitigate
Definition
v. to make less severe/intense; relieve; assuage; abate...
Term
ubiquitous
Definition
adj. omnipresent; being everywhere at the same time. (omniscient adj-all knowing. omnipotent adj-all powerful)
Term
subversive
Definition
adj. having a tendency to overthrow, upset, or detroy, esp. intended to cause the overthrow of a government by unlawful means...would cause a sedition; an insurrection; a putsch; a coup d'etat; a junta
Term
cumulative
Definition
adj. increasing or enlarging by successive addition
Term
pristine
Definition
adj. 1) of the earliest time or condition; primitive or original 2) unspoiled; pure; uncorrupted
Term
mundane
Definition
adj. 1) of this world; worldly; earthly; terrestrial 2) typical of or concerned with the ordinary; banal (pedestrian)
Term
avocation
Definition
n. a hobby (vocation-a regular occupation/profession)
Term
charlatan
Definition
n. a quack; a know-it-all; aperson who deceives others by pretending or claiming to have expert knowledge or skill
Term
atrophy
Definition
n. a wasting or shrinking of a bodily organ, tissue, or part
Term
foible
Definition
n. a minor flaw or weakness of character
Term
dais
Definition
n. a raised platform, as in a lecture hall for honored guests
Term
bier
Definition
n. a coffin
Term
avarice
Definition
n. extreme desire for wealth; greed (an avaricious (greedy) person); rapacious (def 2).
Term
apex
Definition
n. the highest point; peak; vertex; acme; summit; zenith (def 3$4); apogee (def #2). (not vortex-a whirlpool)
Term
ratify
Definition
v. to give formal approval and acceptance to ; to sanction
Term
objurgate
Definition
v. to rebuke harshly; castigate; vituperate; upbraid...
Term
reciprocate
Definition
v. to give or take mutually; interchange
Term
preponderate
Definition
v. to be greater in power, weight, or importance (...this overwhelming preponderance of American power...)
Term
humanism
Definition
n. a doctrine that holds man as center of the universe
Term
effervescent
Definition
adj. 1) emitting small bubbles as carbonated liquid does 2) lively or vivacious (in personality); ebullient. (effervesce-to bubble)
Term
ethereal
Definition
adj. pertaining to the heavens
Term
ostensible
Definition
adj. represented or appearing as such; seeming; professed
Term
apotheosize
Definition
adj. to exalt to divine rank or stature
Term
lave
Definition
v. to wash; bathe
Term
talisman
Definition
n. an object marked with magical signs believed to confer on its bearer supernatural powers or protection
Term
expurgate
Definition
v. to clean; to remove offensive parts of a book
Term
disparage
Definition
v. to belittle (disparaging remarks)
Term
imminent
Definition
adj. impending; about to occur (in a minute)
Term
immanent
Definition
adj. inherent; existing within (there is a man in!)
Term
eminent
Definition
adj. prominent; standing or towering above
Term
mordacious
Definition
adj. 1) given to biting 2) mordant; caustic; sarcastic (probably would be-acrimonious; sardonic)
Term
unctuous
Definition
adj. 1) oily; fatty 2) characterized by exaggerated, assumed, or superficial earnestness of language or manner (esp. as in seeking to persuade for money); oleaginous (oleo-butter); unguentary; lubricious. (smarm-insincere earnestness, adj-smarmy)
Term
angst
Definition
n. a gloomy, often neurotic feeling of anxiety or depression
Term
rampant
Definition
adj. growing luxuriantly; flourishing; spreading unchecked (to burgeon (v) def #2); rife. (rampart--an embankmment raised for protection)
Term
peccadillo
Definition
n. a minor or petty sin; a slight fault (foible)
Term
obdurate
Definition
adj. not easily moved to pity/sympathy; hardhearted; unbending
Term
fulsome
Definition
adj. offensive because of excessive display/insincerity; disgusting
Term
longevity
Definition
n. a long life; great span of life; length of service
Term
fatuous
Definition
adj. unconsciously foolishl; vain or stupid in a silly way
Term
ornithology
Definition
n. the study of birds (oology--the study of eggs)
Term
etymology
Definition
n. the study of the history of words
Term
entomology
Definition
n. the study of insects
Term
ethology
Definition
n. the scientific study of animal behavior
Term
acidulous
Definition
adj. sour; acidic in taste or manner
Term
tawdry
Definition
adj. cheap or gaudy (cheap & gaudy neckpieces, named after St. Audrey, were sold at an annual medieval fair. In time, the quality of the lace became inferior, and the saint's name was shortened)
Term
panacea
Definition
n. a cure-all; a remedy for all ills and difficulties (Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, name one of his daughters Panakeia, all-healing)
Term
philanderer
Definition
n. one who makes love frivolously/casually; trifler; dallier
Term
vulpine
Definition
adj. 1) of or like a fox 2) crafty; cunning. know bovine (cow), feline (cat), ursine (bear), simian (monkey), pontine (bridges), arboreal (trees), sidereal/astral (star), avian (bird), specular (mirror), apian (bee), lupine (wolf).
Term
scintillate
Definition
v. to sparkle; to twinkle; flare; flash; fulgurate (to emit sharp flashes of life)
Term
poniard
Definition
n. a dagger; dirk; stiletto; misericord
Term
plebeian
Definition
n. 1) a member of the Roman plebs 2) one of the common people
Term
patrician
Definition
n. a member of one of the noble families of ancient Rome
Term
cynosure
Definition
n. a center of interest of attraction
Term
nadir
Definition
n. a point on the celestial sphere opposite the zenith; the lowest point
Term
auxiliary
Definition
adj. 1) giving assistance or support; helping 2) acting as a subsidary; supplementary
Term
flagitious
Definition
adj. chan. by cruel crimes; vicious
Term
feral
Definition
n. savage (feral-cat)
Term
nether
Definition
adj. lower or under
Term
stodgy
Definition
1a. dull, unimaginative, or commonplace 1b. prim or pompous; stuffy. 2. indigestible and starchy; heavy (stodgy food) 3. solidly built; stocky
Term
etiology
Definition
the study of causes or origins
Term
skinflint
Definition
n. one who is very reluctant to spend money; a miser. adj-parsimonious; stingy; miserly. good adj-frugal(characterized by prudence regarding money); thrifty(very good with money)
Term
intrepid
Definition
adj. not afraid; fearless and bold (ant. trepid--fearful, trepidation--state of fear)
Term
deference
Definition
polite respect for the wishes or opinion of another; veneration; obeisance (act of)
Term
harangue
Definition
n. a long speech made in a loud or scolding way; an invective; a vituperation; an upbraiding; objurgation; castigation; diatribe; tirade. v. chastise...
Term
august
Definition
adj. causing one to feel awe or respect; majestic; grand. also venerable (worthy of respect); obeisance
Term
scion
Definition
n. 1) a bud or shoot of a plant used for planting or grafting 2) an heir
Term
inimical
Definition
adj. 1) harmful 2) unfriendly; showing hate
Term
anathema
Definition
n. a terrible curse against a person or thing
Term
fulminate
Definition
v. 1) to explode with sudden violence 2) to shout forth denunciations (contumely); denounce
Term
hoodwink
Definition
v. to deceive by a false impression; to trick (n.duplicity)
Term
garner
Definition
v. to gather
Term
cozen
Definition
v. to mislead by means of a petty trick or fraud; to deceive; to be duplicitous
Term
goad
Definition
n. 1) a long pointed stick used to prod animals 2) an agent or means of prodding or urging; an impetus
Term
kowtow
Definition
v. to fawn; to be obsequious; to be servilely compliant (n. lickspittle, adj. toady)
Term
anthropomorphism
Definition
n. the ascription to animals or inanimate objects of human forms, emotions, or characteristics. In most mythologies the gods are described as having human form and attributes
Term
surly
Definition
adj. sullenly, ill-humored; gruff
Term
ominous, sinister
Definition
suggestive of evil
Term
puerile
Definition
adj. 1) of or pertaining to a child or to childhood 2) childishly foolish; immature or trivial: a puerile piece of writing.
Term
portent
Definition
n. an omen marvel; prodigee
Term
prevaricate
Definition
v. to lie; to stray from veracity; mendacious (n. mendacity)
Term
prognosticate
Definition
to predict on the basis of present indication
Term
prodigal
Definition
adj. recklessly wasteful; profligate
Term
profligate
Definition
1) dissolute 2) prodigal (n. profligacy. improfligacy)
Term
rhetoric
Definition
n. the art of persuasion
Term
plenary
Definition
adj. unlimited or full (a diplomat with p-- powers)
Term
incommode
Definition
v. to inconvenience; disturb
Term
finagle
Definition
v. to obtain or achieve by indirect, usu. duplicitous mehods
Term
scotch
Definition
v. 1) to put an abrupt end to 2) to injure so as to render harmless 2) to cut or score
Term
winnow
Definition
v. 1) to separate the chaff from (grain) by means of a current of air 2) to sort into categories, esp. of good and bad
Term
effigy
Definition
n. a likeness or image, esp. a crude figure or dummy representing a hated person or group
Term
effloresce
Definition
v. to blossom; bloom
Term
-stasis
Definition
(suff.) 1) stable state: homeostasis 2) position: metastasis
Term
endemic
Definition
adj. prevalent in or peculiar to a particular locality, region, or people
Term
forebear (also forbear
Definition
n. a person from whom one is descended; progenitor
Term
forbear
Definition
v. 1) to refrain or desist from; resist 2) to be tolerant or patient
Term
forebode
Definition
v. 1) to indicate the likelihood of; portend (adj. portent); to sugget bad things to come 2) to have a premonition of (monitary--adj. giving warning. monetary--adj. money)
Term
deleterious
Definition
adj. harmful or injurious to health or morals; noxious; baneul (bane: cause of death/harm); baleful (ant. innocuous)
Term
patina
Definition
n. a 1) thin, greenish layer that forms on copper or copper alloys as a result of corrosion 2) the sheen on the surface, produced by age and use
Term
perfidy
Definition
n. deliberate breach of faith; treachery (adj. perfidious; treacherous)
Term
pejorative
Definition
adj. 1) tending to make or become worse 2) disparaging; belittling (pejorative comment)
Term
limn
Definition
v. 1) to describe 2) to depict by painting or drawing
Term
frugal
Definition
adj. 1) practicing or marked by economy 2) costing little; inexpensive
Term
impolitic
Definition
adj. not sapient or expedient
Term
runnel
Definition
n. 1) a rivulet; brook 2) a narrow channel, as for water
Term
aloof
Definition
adj. distant or reserved in manner social relations
Term
pliable
Definition
adj. 1) easily bent or shaped 2) easily influenced, persuaded, or swayed; malleable
Term
peremptory
Definition
adj. 1) precluding further debate or action (a peremptory decree) 2) not allowing contradiction or refusal; imperative 3) imperious; dictatorial
Term
perdition
Definition
n. eternal damnation
Term
perforce
Definition
v. by necessity; by force of circumstance
Term
condone
Definition
v. to overlook, forgive, or disregard (an offense) without protest or censure
Term
retrograde
Definition
adj. 1) moving or tending backward 2) reverting to an earlier or inferior condition (retro-backward)
Term
intimate
Definition
v. to imply; suggest
Term
intimate
Definition
v. to imply; suggest
Term
capacious
Definition
adj. spacious; roomy
Term
nonentity
Definition
n. a person of no importance or significance
Term
gratuitous
Definition
adj. unearned
Term
oligarchy
Definition
n. government by a few
Term
adulation
Definition
n. excessive praise or flattery; worship; adoration
Term
euphoria
Definition
n. a sense of well-being or elation, often unaccounted for ("E U is good for you"; eu-good) (euphony-pleasant sound. ant. cacophony-harsh sound)
Term
actuate
Definition
v. to set in motion; to impel to action
Term
burgeon
Definition
v. 1) to put forth new buds/leaves/greenery 2) to proliferate; to grow or develop rapidly; flourish (adj. rampant; rife)
Term
diffident
Definition
adj. lacking confidence; hesitant to assert oneself; timorous (timid)
Term
malign
Definition
v. to slander; to injure in reputation because of unfair viciously untrue rumors; to traduce; calumniate; asperse; vilify; would affront (insult)(n. effrontery). (an aspersion is a slanderous remark.)
Term
frenetic
Definition
adj. frantic; frenzied; feverishly excited
Term
quiescent
Definition
adj. quiet; still; inactive
Term
disheveled
Definition
adj. disarranged and untidy; touseled; rumpled; unkempt; slovenly
Term
rectify
Definition
v. to set right; correct
Term
euphemism
Definition
n. the substitution of a pleasant expression for one offensive or unpleasant (die--pass away)
Term
caterwaul
Definition
v. to cry or wail, as cats in mating season; to screech; to ululate (a J.F. Cooper word) (from lat. ululare)
Term
exacerbate
Definition
v. to make more intense or sharp; aggravate
Term
contumely
Definition
n. contemptuous or arrogant language or treatment; scornful insolence; indignity; derision; an affront; calumny
Term
exemplary
Definition
adj. commendable; serving as a model or example
Term
trenchant
Definition
adj. incisive; penetrating; forceful and effective; clearly defined
Term
languish
Definition
v. to become weak; to lose vitality; devitalize; droop (also to become listless or depressed; pine; torpid; lethargic) (adj. languid)
Term
eschew
Definition
v. to keep away from (something noxious or disliked); shun
Term
culinary
Definition
adj. pertaining to food or cooking
Term
stalwart
Definition
adj. 1) physically strong; sturdy 2) resolute; intransigent (uncompromising)
Term
propinquity
Definition
n. 1) nearness; proximity 2) kinship 3) rapport; affinity
Term
carp
Definition
v. to find fault constantly; to complain; to nag; would be querulous (complaing)
Term
lyceum
Definition
n. a hall in which lectures, concerts, etc. are presented
Term
proclivity
Definition
n. a natural inclination or propensity; a predisposition (camaraderie)
Term
vitriolic
Definition
adj. bitterly scathing; caustic (probably is sardonic; acrimonious; mordant; mordatious)
Term
swarthy
Definition
adj. having a dark complexion
Term
superannuated
Definition
adj. too old; obsolete; outdated
Term
mores
Definition
n. the accepted customs and rules of a particular social group
Term
stool pigeon
Definition
n. a spy; a person used as a decoy
Term
imminent
Definition
adj. impending; about to occur
Term
immanent
Definition
adj. inherent; existing within
Term
eminent
Definition
adj. standing or towering above; prominent
Term
lees
Definition
n. dregs (left-overs)
Term
inure
Definition
v. to make used to something undesirable; to harden
Term
unequivocal
Definition
adj. having only one possible interpretation; unambiguous (clear)
Term
sodden
Definition
adj. completely soaked; soggy; soppy
Term
otiose
Definition
adj. 1) indolent (n. indolence); lazy; inactive 2) useless; futile
Term
yaw
Definition
v. to change course or direction; to deviate erratically from side to side of a course (the ship yawed in the heavy seas)
Term
licentious
Definition
adj. sexually unchaste; lewd; lickerish; lascivious; libertine; lecherous; lubricious (def #3); debauched; dissolute; wanton; rakish(rake-pervert); prurient; salacious; concupiscent; randy; libidinous (n. libido)
Term
Hedonism
Definition
n. the doctrine that pleasure is the chief or sole good in life; epicureanism (Epicurus-Greek phiosopher); sybaritism (siberus city) (would be voluptuary. not voluptuouss-well endowed; sensual). (Hedonist colony) (people=hedonist)
Term
requiem
Definition
n. 1) a Roman Catholic mass for a dead person 2) to provoke; arouse
Term
patrimony
Definition
n. an estate inherited by one's father or other ancestor; heritage
Term
pique
Definition
n. (pronunciation-peek) resentment or vexation from wounded pride; huff v. piqued; piquing 1) to cause to feel resentment 2) to provoke; arouse. n. (pi-que) a durable ribbed clothing fabric with various patterns of wales typically made of cotton, rayon, or silk
Term
succulent
Definition
adj. full of juice; fresh
Term
ambulatory
Definition
adj. capable of walking. ambulate (v) to walk
Term
ambergris
Definition
n. a waxy substance from the sperm whale used in making perfumes (M.D.)
Term
osculate
Definition
v. to kiss
Term
oscitate
Definition
v. to be inattentive
Term
oscillate
Definition
v. to sway back and forth
Term
mince
Definition
v. to cut into small pieces
Term
lucid
Definition
adj. easily understood; clear (translucent; limpid; pellucid; transparent)
Term
malodorous
Definition
adj. having a bad smell; mephitic; fetid; noisome; putrid; olid
Term
bugbear
Definition
n. an object of excessive dread; a source of dread; hobgoblin; bogey
Term
ferule
Definition
n. any of several instruments (as a rod, switch, or ruler) used to punish school children
Term
fraternize
Definition
v. to associate or mingle as brothers or on fraternal terms: to engage in social intercourse
Term
plangent
Definition
adj. 1) loud and resounding; 2) expressing or suggesting sadness; plaintive
Term
adumberate
Definition
v. 1) to give a sketchy outline of 2) to prefigure indistinctly; foreshadow
Term
rankle
Definition
v. to irritate; fester; rile; vex (probably would exacerbate)
Term
stymie/stymy
Definition
v. to thwart; stump
Term
progenitor
Definition
n. a direct ancestor
Term
funicular
Definition
adj. 1) of, relating to, or like a rope or cord 2) operated or moved by a cable
Term
eclectic
Definition
adj. selecting from a wide variety of sources, methods, or styles
Term
persiflage
Definition
n. light, good-natured talk; banter
Term
hackneyed
Definition
adj. trite; banal; worn out through overuse
Term
elute
Definition
v. to extract (one material) from another
Term
elysium
Definition
n. a place or condition of ideal happiness
Term
empyrean
Definition
n. 1)the highest reaches of heaven 2) the sky (also an adj)
Term
frowzy
Definition
adj. slovenly; unkempt
Term
celerity
Definition
n. swiftness of action or motion; speed
Term
lucubrate
Definition
v. to stay up late to study
Term
arcane
Definition
adj. mysterious; enigmatic (puzzling. n, enigma); inscrutable; may be something esoteric (cryptic-having a hidden meaning. crypt-vault)
Term
deride
Definition
v. to scoff at (n. derision)
Term
assimilate
Definition
v. 1) to take in, digest, and transform into living tissue 2) to take in; understand 3) to make or become similar
Term
incorporeal
Definition
adj. without material form or substance
Term
husband
Definition
v. to manage economically; to conserve (ant. squander)
Term
denigrate
Definition
v. to blacken, as in a name or reputation
Term
prototype
Definition
n. an original that serves as a model on which later forms are based
Term
staid
Definition
adj. restrained and sober; sedate
Term
anathema
Definition
n. 1) a formal ecclesiastical (of or pertaining to the church, esp. as an organized institution) ban, curse, or excommunication 2) one that is intensely disliked
Term
laconic
Definition
adj. terse; sparing of words; concise (ant. verbose (wordy) & prolix)
Term
precarious
Definition
adj. dangerously lacking in security or stability
Term
nihilism
Definition
n. the denial of traditional values; total skepticism
Term
wax
Definition
v. to grow larger (ant. wane (v) to dwindle)
Term
abdicate
Definition
v. to give up; resign; as to abdicate a throne
Term
descry
Definition
v. to catch sight of; to discern (something difficult to catch sight of)
Term
spiel
Definition
n. a lengthy, usu. extravagant speech or argument intended to be persuasive (not diatribe or tirade)
Term
convoluted
Definition
adj. 1) coiled; twisted 2) intricate; complicated
Term
gubernatorial
Definition
adj. of or pertaining to a governor
Term
dint
Definition
n. 1) force of effort (succeeded by dint of hard work)
Term
ennui
Definition
n. tedium; boredom
Term
altruism
Definition
n. unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selflessness
Term
ingrate
Definition
n. an ungrateful person
Term
meticulous
Definition
adj. showing careful attention to detail; fastidious; persnickety
Term
nettle
Definition
v. to vex
Term
confluence
Definition
n. a flowing together of 2 or more streams
Term
buttonhole
Definition
v. to accost and detain (a person) in a conversation
Term
trammel
Definition
n. 1) a shackle used in teaching horses 2) a hindrance or restraint. v. 1) to trap or enmesh 2) to hinder (hamper)
Term
extrinsic
Definition
adj. 1) not essential or inherent 2) originating from the outside; external
Term
disaffected
Definition
adj. causing to lose affection or loyalty
Term
filial
Definition
adj. of or befitting a son or daughter
Term
instigate
Definition
v. to urge forward; provoke; incite; actuate
Term
vernal
Definition
adj. of or occuring in the spring. (verdant-adj. green; inexperienced)
Term
venal
Definition
adj. capable of being bought or influenced by money; corrupt
Term
venial
Definition
adj. easily excused or forgiven; pardonable (a venial offense)
Term
viable
Definition
adj. able to live; do-able (a viable option/plan)
Term
peregrinate
Definition
v. to travel from place to place (usu. on foot)
Term
peripatetic
Definition
adj. walking about from place to place
Term
harridan
Definition
n. a disagreeable old woman
Term
harlequin
Definition
n. a buffon; clown; jester. adj. having a pattern of brightly colored diamond shapes; parti-colored
Term
oleo
Definition
n. margarine
Term
olio
Definition
n. 1) stew 2) a mixture; a hodgepodge; a heterogeneous grouping
Term
stellar
Definition
adj. 1) of or relating to, or consisting of stars; sidereal; astral 2) a. of or relating to a star performer b. outstanding; eminent
Term
aggregate
Definition
adj. gathered together into a mass so as to constitute a whole; total
Term
compunction
Definition
n. remorse; feeling of uneasiness from regret or guilt; contrition (contrite=remorseful)
Term
mercenary
Definition
adj. serving merely for pay or gain; seeking sordid advantage; showing conspicuous lust for money; based on or marked by avarice. n. one that serves merely for wages; a hireling
Term
parlous
Definition
adj. perilous; dangerous
Term
parley
Definition
n. a discussion or conference, esp. between two opponents
Term
parlay
Definition
n. a bet on two or more successive events at once, with the winnings of one, plus the original stake to be risked on the next
Term
brackish
Definition
adj. distasteful (when describing a person); also, salty (brakish water)
Term
promontory
Definition
n. a high point of land or rock projecting into a body of water beyond the line of the coast; headland
Term
amnesty
Definition
n. pardon by a government for offenses
Term
quietus
Definition
n. 1) death 2) a final discharge, as of a debt
Term
intromit
Definition
v. to cause or permit to enter
Term
execrate
Definition
v. 1) to protest vehemently against; denounce; rail; inveigh 2) to loathe; abhor; hate
Term
inveigle
Definition
v. to lead astray or win over by flattering or being duplicitous; to obtain by duplicity or flattery; cozen
Term
forté
Definition
n. something that a person does very well; a strong point
Term
partisan
Definition
adj. one-sided; prejudiced; committed to a party (bipartisan--2 sided)
Term
philanthropist
Definition
n. a lover of mankind; a doer of good
Term
peripheral
Definition
adj. marginal; outer (peripheral vision)
Term
boon
Definition
n. a benefit bestowed. adj. convivial; jolly; gregarious (being happy) & sociable
Term
virulent
Definition
adj. extremely toxic
Term
phobia
Definition
n. a persistent, abnormal, or illogical fear of something
Term
acrophobia
Definition
heights
Term
aerophobia
Definition
drafts
Term
agoraphobia
Definition
open spaces
Term
ailurophobia
Definition
cats
Term
algophobia
Definition
pain
Term
androphobia
Definition
men
Term
anthropophobia
Definition
society
Term
claustrophobia
Definition
enclosed spaces
Term
cynophobia
Definition
dogs (canis-dog-cunos)
Term
erotophobia
Definition
love
Term
gymnophobia
Definition
nudity
Term
gynephobia
Definition
women
Term
haphephobia
Definition
touching
Term
hedenophobia
Definition
pleasure
Term
hemophobia
Definition
blood
Term
homophobia
Definition
homosexuals
Term
hydrophobia
Definition
water
Term
icthyophobia
Definition
fish
Term
mysophobia
Definition
infection
Term
necrophobia
Definition
death
Term
nyctophobia
Definition
night
Term
ochiophobia
Definition
crowds
Term
ophidiophobia
Definition
snakes
Term
phonophobia
Definition
noise
Term
pyrophobia
Definition
fire
Term
sitophobia
Definition
food
Term
triskaidekaphobia
Definition
#13
Term
xenophobia
Definition
foreigners
Term
zoophobia
Definition
animals
Term
solicitude
Definition
n. concern (adj. concerned)
Term
upshot
Definition
n. final result
Term
arachnophobia
Definition
spiders
Term
microphobia
Definition
germs
Term
undulate
Definition
v. to move in a wavelike manner
Term
unguent
Definition
n. a salve for soothing; an ointment
Term
ungulate
Definition
adj. having hooves/hoofs (ungulate animals)
Term
insidious
Definition
adj. intended to entrap or trick; lying in wait; guileful
Term
invidious
Definition
adj. tending to stir up ill will, envy, or resentment
Term
paucity
Definition
n. a small number; fewness ( there was a paucity of male voices..)
Term
tantalize
Definition
v. to tempt teasingly
Term
pother
Definition
n. a noisy disturbance; bustle; commotion; squall; fracas
Term
zealot
Definition
n. a fanatic; one excessively devoted to a cause; a partisan
Term
immutable
Definition
adj. not capable or susceptible of change
Term
opulence
Definition
adj. wealth; riches; affluence; pelf; ("flush"-def #3) (adj. opulent)
Term
morose
Definition
adj. having a sullen and gloomy disposition; not friendly or sociable
Term
diatribe
Definition
n. a lengthy speech or outburst; invective; philippic; tirade
Term
reprehensible
Definition
adj. deserving of rebuke or censure; blameworthy; culpable (deserving a blame); reprovable. (reprehensible act/deed) (ant. venial)
Term
perfunctory
Definition
adj. done or acting routinely and with little interest or care; done merely as a duty; mechanical, may be cursory (done in haste). (Latin: perfungi--to get through with)
Term
patulous
Definition
adj. spreading or expanded
Term
laudable
Definition
adj. worthy of praise; commendable
Term
corpulent
Definition
adj. fat and heavy; obese
Term
demagogue
Definition
n. a leader or orater in ancient times who championed the cause of the common people (plebeians)
Term
querulous
Definition
adj. apt to find fault; disposed to murmur; habitually complaining
Term
promulgate
Definition
v. to proclaim officially; to put into effect by public declaration
Term
deliquesce
Definition
v. to melt away or disappear as if by melting
Term
rejuvenate
Definition
v. to make young and vigorous again; to revive
Term
imbibe
Definition
v. to drink, especially alcohol (bibulous-given to drinking)
Term
pontiff
Definition
n. 1) the pope 2) the bishop (adj. pontifical)
Term
condone
Definition
v. to forgive, overlook, or disregard (an offense) without protest or censure
Term
conflagration
Definition
n. a large and destructive fire
Term
conflagration
Definition
n. a large and destructive fire
Term
vicarious
Definition
adj. felt or undergone as if one were taking part in the experience or feelings of another
Term
exonerate
Definition
v. to acquit; to free from guilt; exculpate
Term
stevedore
Definition
n. one employed in loading and unloading ships
Term
scimitar
Definition
n. a curved oriental sword
Term
unorthodox
Definition
adj. not adhering to traditional or establ. beliefs
Term
schooner
Definition
n. 1) a ship with two or more fore-and-aft-rigged masts, the main mast being taller than the foremast 2) a large beer glass, generally holding a pint or more
Term
scarp
Definition
n. a steep slope; bluff; cliff; crag; precipice; similar to promontory
Term
remunerate
Definition
v. to pay for services rendered, goods provided, or losses incurred; recompense
Term
enumerate
Definition
v. to list or count
Term
innumerate
Definition
adj. being inept in math or science
Term
panoply
Definition
n. the complete arms and armor of a warrior
Term
ingenuous
Definition
adj. artless; unsophisticated
Term
manumit
Definition
v. to free from slavery; to emancipate
Term
usurer
Definition
n. one who lends money at an exorbitant (excessive) or illegal rate of interest (a loan shark)
Term
aberration
Definition
n. a deviation from the normal, usual, or expected
Term
insouciant
Definition
adj. blithely indifferent; carefree
Term
termagant
Definition
n. a scolding woman; a shrew. adj. shrewish; scolding
Term
quagmire
Definition
n. 1) soft, miry land that gives way under foot 2) a difficult or precarious situation
Term
yokel
Definition
n. a country fellow; a bumpkin
Term
quandary
Definition
n. a condition of uncertainty or doubt; a dilemma
Term
divagate
Definition
v. to wander or drift about
Term
miasmic
Definition
adj. 1) having a poisonous vapor (formerly thought to rise from swamps and cause disease) 2) having a noxious atmosphere or influence
Term
meretricious
Definition
adj. attracting attention in a vulgar manner (lat. meretrix--prostitute) (strumpet--a whore)
Term
hubris
Definition
n. excessive pride; arrogance (the result of a hero's fall...) (may be a megalomanic)
Term
huckster
Definition
n. a peddler; a hawker (one who peddles goods in the streets)
Term
suture
Definition
n. strand or fiber used to sew parts of the living body
Term
droll
Definition
adj. odd and laughter provoking
Term
caricature
Definition
n. drawing, imitation, or description that ridiculously exaggerates peculiarities or defects
Term
inculcate
Definition
v. to impress (something) upon the mind of another by frequent instruction or repetition; instill (inculcating sound principles)
Term
capillary
Definition
adj. 1) pertaining to or resembling a hair; fine and slender; tenuous; attenuated 2) having a very small internal diameter, as a tube
Term
annular
Definition
adj. shaped like a ring
Term
cephalic
Definition
adj. of or relating to the head or skull
Term
philobiblist
Definition
n. a lover of books
Term
diaphanous
Definition
adj. sheer
Term
pulchritude
Definition
n. beauty
Term
unwonted
Definition
adj. unusual
Term
tittle
Definition
n. the tiniest bit; iota
Term
titivate
Definition
v. to dress up; to make conditions or improvements in dress; to spruce up
Term
jocose
Definition
adj. merry; humorous
Term
yuletide
Definition
n. the Christmas season
Term
herald
Definition
n. one who announce important news 2) one that gives a sign or indication of what is to follow; harbinger; precursor
Term
magi
Definition
n. the wise men of the east who paid homage to the infant jesus
Term
eleemosynary
Definition
adj. of pertaining to, supported by, or contributed to as charity
Term
lesion
Definition
n. an injury; a hurt
Term
prosaic
Definition
adj. matter-of-fact
Term
senescent
Definition
adj. aging; elderly
Term
aegis
Definition
n. protection (supplies sent under the aegis of the U.N.) (pronunciation--eeges)
Term
dirge
Definition
n. a funeral song or lament; any song or poem expressing mourning; requiem; elegy; threnody; monody; jeremiad (a tale of woe) (remember eulogy=high praise)
Term
trepidation
Definition
n. a state of alarm or dread; apprehension (intrepid--fearless and bold)
Term
cadaverous
Definition
adj. suggestive of death; corpselike (cadaver--a dead body); close to moribund--adj. approaching death; about to die
Term
perspicacious
Definition
adj. able to perceive/understand keenly; mentally perceptive; would have acumen
Term
indemnify
Definition
v. to protect against possible damage; to insure
Term
defalcate
Definition
v. to embezzle (not defecate--to remove the excessive waste; to poo)
Term
essay
Definition
v. to try, especially a difficult task (may be a tour de force--a feat of a special difficulty that has never been done before)
Term
demure
Definition
adj. modest and reserved in manner or behavior
Term
demur
Definition
v. to object or take exception to (demurred-objected)
Term
craven
Definition
adj. pusillanimous; lacking courage; confessedly beaten or afraid of one's opponent; weakhearted
Term
crass
Definition
adj. grossly dull or stupid; unrefined; crude
Term
benign
Definition
adj. of a kind, gentle disposition; mild; favorable
Term
amorphous
Definition
adj. 1) without definite form 2) general or vague
Term
tenable
Definition
adj. defensible (a tenable theory)
Term
abstruse
Definition
adj. difficult to understand; profound; deep; recondite
Term
frugal
Definition
adj. thrifty; spending little (pecunious, pecuniary, monetary--money. monitary-giving warning)
Term
mettle
Definition
n. 1) spirit; courage; stamina 2) quality of temperament or disposition (not meddle!)
Term
egalitarianism
Definition
n. a belief in human equality
Term
kudos
Definition
n. fame and renown resulting from an act or achievement; prestige
Term
incontinence
Definition
n. 1) failure to restrain sexual appetite 2) inability to control body evacuative functions
Term
homily
Definition
n. a sermon (usu. short, as during a wedding ceremony) (not hominy!)
Term
inter
Definition
v. to place in a grave; to bury (disinter-to dig up or remove from a grave or tomb; exhume)
Term
dianoetic
Definition
adj. of or relating to discursive thinking; intellectual
Term
whited sepulcher
Definition
n. a person inwardly corrupt/wicked but outwardly or professedly virtuous or holy; a hypocrite; would be specious (outwardly good, true, plausible, but not so)
Term
germane
Definition
adj. relevant; appropriate or fitting (arguments germane to the issue)
Term
sallow
Definition
adj. of a sickly yellow color (also-a European willow)
Term
congenital
Definition
adj. existing at birth but not hereditary
Term
farrow
Definition
n. a litter of pigs
Term
farrago
Definition
n. a medley; a conglomeration (olio)
Term
offal
Definition
n. waste parts, esp. of a butchered animal
Term
offing
Definition
n. the near future
Term
mendicant
Definition
n. a beggar
Term
quidnunc
Definition
n. a nosy person (means-what now?)
Term
paroxysm
Definition
a sudden outburst of emotion or action
Term
parterre
Definition
n. an ornamental flower garden having the beds and paths arranged to form a pattern
Term
pedant
Definition
n. one who stresses trivial details of learning (adj. pedantic. n. pedantry-the act of it)
Term
posthumous
Definition
adj. 1) occurring or continuing after one's death; post-mortem 2) published after the author's death
Term
obloquy
Definition
n. calumny; contumely; slander; a maliciously false and injurious statement (not obsequy!--a funeral ceremony)
Term
scurrilous
Definition
adj. abusive; vulgar (as in scurrilous language)
Term
garish
Definition
adj. too bright and flashy; gaudy
Term
bane
Definition
n. 1) a cause of death or ruin 2) a deadly posion
Term
effusive
Definition
adj. unrestrained in emotional expression
Term
doughty
Definition
adj. stout-hearted; courageous
Term
preclude
Definition
v. to prevent; to make impossible
Term
motley
Definition
adj. 1) having components of great variety; heterogeneous; varied 2) multicolored
Term
averse
Definition
adj. opposed; reluctant
Term
ostentatious
Definition
adj. being pretentious or showing excessive display
Term
dilettante
Definition
n. one with an amateurish or superficial interest in the arts or a branch of knowledge
Term
sortie
Definition
n. 1) a sudden charge of troops from a defensive position 2) a sudden or irregular invasion or attack; a raid
Term
expectorate
Definition
v. 1) to discharge matter from the throat or lungs by coughing or hawking and spitting 2) to spit (the judges examine each wine, smell it, swirl an ounce or so in the mouth, and then expectorate discreetly into a bucket.)
Term
aplomb
Definition
n. complete and confident composure or self-assurance; poise
Term
troth
Definition
n. 1) loyal or pledged faithfulness 2) one's pledged word
Term
domiciliate
Definition
v. to establish residence; reside (domicile--a home, a dwelling place, or legal residence)
Term
maelstrom
Definition
n. 1) a powerful, often violent whirlpool;vortex 2) something of great turbulence or destructive force
Term
stoic
Definition
n. a person ostensibly indifferent to or unaffected by pleasure/pain
Term
extol(l)
Definition
v. to praise lavishly; eulogize
Term
commiserate
Definition
v. to feel or express sorrow or pity for; to sympathize with
Term
salvo
Definition
n. a spirited attack, often verbal
Term
untenable
Definition
v. that which cannot be defended
Term
impute
Definition
v. 1) to ascribe (a crime or fault) to another; to charge 2) to attribute to a cause or source; to credit
Term
paean
Definition
n. a song of joyful praise or exultation
Term
plighted
Definition
adj. promised
Term
antipathy
Definition
n. an aversion; an intense dislike
Term
temerity
Definition
n. reckless boldness; rashness; audacity; effrontery; foolhardiness
Term
lachrymose, lachrymal
Definition
adj. tearful
Term
solicit
Definition
v. to seek; to obtain
Term
impetuous
Definition
adj. impulsive
Term
ineluctable
Definition
adj. inescapable
Term
verisimilitude
Definition
n. the appearance or semblance of truth; likelihood; probability
Term
phantasmagoric
Definition
–noun 1. a shifting series of phantasms, illusions, or deceptive appearances, as in a dream or as created by the imagination.
2. a changing scene made up of many elements.
3. an optical illusion produced by a magic lantern or the like in which figures increase or diminish in size, pass into each other, dissolve, etc.
Supporting users have an ad free experience!