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Vocab List 2
Vocab test 2
4816
English
Graduate
01/18/2007

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Term
abase
Definition
lower; degrade; humiliate; make humble; make (oneself) lose self-respect
Term
n abash
Definition
embarrass
Term
n abate
Definition
subside or moderate
Term
abbreviate
Definition
shorten
Term
abdicate
Definition
renounce; give up (position, right, or responsibility)
Term
aberrant
Definition
abnormal or deviant
Term
aberration
Definition
deviation from the normal; mental disorder
Term
n abet
Definition
assist usually in doing something wrong; encourage
Term
n abeyance
Definition
suspended action
Term
abhor
Definition
detest; hate
Term
abject
Definition
(of a condition) wretched; as low as possible; lacking pride; very humble; showing lack of self-respect; Ex. abject apology
Term
abjure
Definition
renounce upon oath
Term
ablution
Definition
washing
Term
abnegation
Definition
renunciation; self-sacrifice; self-abnegation
Term
abolish
Definition
cancel; put an end to
Term
abominate
Definition
loathe; hate
Term
abominable
Definition
detestable; extremely unpleasant
Term
aboriginal
Definition
being the first of its kind in a region; primitive; native; indigenous; N. aborigine
Term
abortive
Definition
unsuccessful; fruitless
Term
abrasive
Definition
rubbing away; tending to grind down
Term
abridge
Definition
condense or shorten
Term
abrogate
Definition
abolish
Term
n abscission
Definition
cutting off; separation
Term
abscond
Definition
depart secretly and hide
Term
absolute
Definition
complete; totally unlimited; having complete power; certain; not relative; Ex. absolute honesty/ruler; CF. absolutism
Term
absolve
Definition
pardon (an offense)
Term
abstain
Definition
refrain; withhold from participation; intentionally not use one's vote; ±â±ÇÇÏ´Ù
Term
abstemious
Definition
sparing in eating and drinking; temperate
Term
abstinence
Definition
restraint from pleasant things, esp. eating or drinking; CF. abstention: act of abstaining from vote
Term
abstract
Definition
theoretical; not concrete; nonrepresentational
Term
abstruse
Definition
obscure; profound; difficult to understand
Term
abusive
Definition
coarsely insulting; physically harmful
Term
n abut
Definition
border upon; adjoin
Term
abysmal
Definition
bottomless
Term
abyss
Definition
enormous chasm; vast bottomless pit
Term
academic
Definition
related to a school; not practical or directly useful
Term
accede
Definition
agree
Term
accelerate
Definition
move faster
Term
accessible
Definition
easy to approach; obtainable
Term
accessory
Definition
additional object; useful but not essential thing
Term
acclaim
Definition
applaud; praise; greet with great approval; announce with great approval; Ex. The new drung has been acclaimed as the most important discoveries for years; N: strong expression of approval and praise
Term
acclimate
Definition
adjust to climate or environment; adapt
Term
n acclivity
Definition
sharp upslope of a hill; OP. declivity
Term
accolade
Definition
award of merit; strong praise and approval
Term
accommodate
Definition
oblige or help someone; adjust or bring into harmony; adapt; make enough space for; ADJ. accommodative; CF. accomodating: helpful and obliging
Term
accomplice
Definition
partner in crime
Term
accord
Definition
agreement
Term
accost
Definition
approach and speak first to a person
Term
n accoutre
Definition
equip; N. accoutrement
Term
accretion
Definition
growth or increase in size by gradual addition; growth; increase; increase by natural growth; Ex. towers and other accretions of the castle; V. accrete
Term
accrue
Definition
come to one as a gain; accumulate over time; come about by addition; Ex. benefits that accrue from scientific research; Ex. interest accruing in a bank account; N. accrual
Term
n acerbity
Definition
bitterness of speech and temper; ADJ. acerbic: bitter; acrid (in taste, manner, or tone)
Term
n acetic
Definition
vinegary
Term
n acidulous
Definition
slightly sour (in taste or manner); sharp; caustic
Term
acknowledge
Definition
recognize; admit
Term
n acme
Definition
peak; pinnacle; highest point
Term
acoustics
Definition
science of sound; quality that makes a room easy or hard to hear in
Term
acquiesce
Definition
assent; agree passively; comply without protest
Term
acquittal
Definition
deliverance from a charge; V. acquit: free from a charge or accusation; discharge from a duty; conduct (oneself) in a specified manner
Term
n acrid
Definition
bitter (to the taste or smell); sharp; bitterly pungent
Term
n acrimonious
Definition
stinging; caustic; bitter in words or manner; N. acrimony: bitter ill-natured animosity in speech or behavior
Term
acrophobia
Definition
fear of heights
Term
actuarial
Definition
calculating; pertaining to insurance statistics
Term
actuary
Definition
someone who advises insurance companies
Term
n actuate
Definition
motivate; activate; cause to act
Term
acuity
Definition
sharpness (of mind or senses of sight or hearing)
Term
acumen
Definition
mental keenness; sharpness of judgment; ability to judge quickly and well; Ex. business acumen
Term
acute
Definition
(of the senses) sharp; quickly perceptive; keen; penetrating; brief and severe; Ex. acute sense of smell/analysis/pain
Term
n adage
Definition
wise saying; proverb
Term
s proverb
Definition
adage; someone or something well known for notoriety; ADJ. proverbial: of a proverb; widely known; ADV. proverbially
Term
adamant
Definition
hard; inflexible
Term
adapt
Definition
make or become suitable for a specific use; alter; modify; adjust; N. adaptation: act of adapting; composition recast into a new form; Ex. The play is an adaption of a short novel.
Term
n addendum
Definition
addition; appendix to book; something that is added (as at the end of a speech or book)
Term
addiction
Definition
compulsive habitual need
Term
n addle
Definition
make or become confused; muddle; drive crazy; become rotten (egg)
Term
address
Definition
direct a speech to; speak to; deal with or discuss; direct one's efforts or attention to; make with a destination; N: formal speech
Term
adept
Definition
expert at; very skilled
Term
adhere
Definition
stick fast; be a devotd follower; N. adhesion: adhering; devotion; loyality
Term
adherent
Definition
supporter; follower
Term
adjacent
Definition
adjoining; neighboring; close by
Term
adjunct
Definition
something attached to but holding an inferior position
Term
adjuration
Definition
solemn urging; V. adjure: entreat earnestly; enjoin solemnly
Term
n adjutant
Definition
staff officer assisting the commander; assistant
Term
admonish
Definition
warn or speak to with gentle disapproval; reprove
Term
adorn
Definition
decorate
Term
adroit
Definition
skillful (in using mind or hand)
Term
adulation
Definition
flattery; admiration that is more than is necessary or deserved
Term
adulterate
Definition
make impure or of poorer quality by adding inferior or tainted(contaminated) substances
Term
advent
Definition
arrival
Term
adventitious
Definition
accidental; casual; happening by chance
Term
adversary
Definition
opponent; enemy
Term
adverse
Definition
going against; opposing; unfavorable; hostile
Term
adversity
Definition
great hardship or affliction; misfortune; calamitous event
Term
n advert
Definition
refer
Term
advocacy
Definition
support; active pleading on behalf of someone or something
Term
advocate
Definition
speak in favor of; support (an idea or plan); urge; plead for
Term
n aegis
Definition
shield; protection; defense
Term
n aerie(aery,eyrie,eyry)
Definition
nest of a large bird of prey
Term
aesthetic
Definition
artistic; dealing with or capable of appreciating the beautiful (of a person or building); CF. aesthete; CF. aesthetics
Term
affable
Definition
easily approachable; easy to talk to; warmly friendly
Term
affected
Definition
artificial; pretended
Term
affidavit
Definition
written statement made under oath (for use as proof in a court of law)
Term
affiliation
Definition
joining; associating with
Term
affinity
Definition
feeling of kinship; similarity; Ex. strong affinity for her; Ex. many affinities between two languages
Term
affirmation
Definition
positive assertion; confirmation; solemn pledge by one who refuses to take an oath; V. affirm; ADJ. affirmative; CF. affirmative action: positive discrimination
Term
affliction
Definition
state of distress; trial; cause of distress or suffering; V. afflict: inflict grievous suffering on
Term
affluence
Definition
abundance; wealth
Term
affront
Definition
insult; offense; intentional act of disrespect; V: insult or hurt the feelings of intentionally
Term
n agape
Definition
openmouthed
Term
n agenda
Definition
items of business at a meeting
Term
n agglomeration
Definition
collection; heap; V. agglomerate: gather into a rounded mass; N. aggolmeate: jumbled mass; heap
Term
aggrandize
Definition
make greater; increase in power, wealth, rank, or honor; N. aggrandizement
Term
aggregate
Definition
sum; total; ADJ. V: gather into a mass or whole; accumulate; add up to; Ex. aggregate 100 dollars
Term
aghast
Definition
filled with great surprise or fear; horrified
Term
agility
Definition
nimbleness; ability to move quickly
Term
agitate
Definition
stir up; disturb
Term
agnostic
Definition
one who is skeptical of the existence or knowability of a god or any ultimate reality
Term
n agog
Definition
highly excited; intensely curious
Term
agrarian
Definition
pertaining to land or its cultivation; Ex. agrarian reform
Term
alacrity
Definition
cheerful promptness without reluctance
Term
alchemy
Definition
medieval chemistry
Term
n alcove
Definition
nook; recess
Term
alias
Definition
an assumed name esp. by a criminal (usually to mislead people); ADV. alias
Term
alienate
Definition
make unfriendly or hostile; estrange; separate; change the ownership of
Term
alimentary
Definition
supplying nourishment
Term
n alimony
Definition
payments made regularly to an ex-spouse after divorce
Term
allay
Definition
calm; pacify
Term
allege
Definition
state without proof
Term
allegiance
Definition
loyalty
Term
n allegory
Definition
story, play, or picture in which characters are used as symbols; fable
Term
alleviate
Definition
relieve (pain)
Term
alliteration
Definition
repetition of beginning sound in poetry
Term
allocate
Definition
assign; set apart for a particular purpose
Term
alloy
Definition
mixture as of metals; something added that lowers in value or purity; V: mix; make less pure; lower in value or quality; spoil; CF. unalloyed: not in mixture with other maetals; pure; complete; unqualified; Ex. unalloyed happiness
Term
allude
Definition
refer indirectly; N. allusion: indirect reference
Term
allure
Definition
entice; attract; tempt
Term
s siren
Definition
apparatus for making sounds; womanlike creature
Term
alluvial
Definition
pertaining to soil deposits left by running water
Term
n aloof
Definition
apart; not open in one's relationship with other people; reserved; ADV.
Term
n aloft
Definition
upward; high up in the air
Term
altercation
Definition
noisy quarrel
Term
altruistic
Definition
unselfishly generous; concerned for others; N. altiruism: unselfish concern for the welfare of others; unselfishness; OP. egoism
Term
n amalgamate
Definition
(of societies or groups) combine; unite in one body
Term
n amalgam
Definition
combination of different things; mixture of metals (containing mercury) used for filling holes in teeth
Term
n amass
Definition
collect (gradually, in a very large amount)
Term
amazon
Definition
female warrior
Term
ambidextrous
Definition
capable of using either hand with equal ease
Term
ambience
Definition
environment; atmosphere; Ex. restraurant with a pleasant ambience; ADJ. ambient: completely surrounding; Ex. ambient temperature
Term
ambiguous
Definition
unclear or doubtful in meaning; having more than one possible interpretation
Term
ambivalence
Definition
the state of having contradictory or conflicting emotional attitudes or opinions
Term
amble
Definition
walking at an easy unhurried pace; V: walk slowly and aimlessly
Term
n ambrosia
Definition
food of the gods
Term
s nectar
Definition
drink of the gods; sweet liquid collected by bees
Term
ambulatory
Definition
able to walk
Term
ameliorate
Definition
improve
Term
amenable
Definition
obedient; compliant; readily managed; responsive; willing to be led; answerable or accountable legally; responsible; able to be tested by; Ex. amenable to sensible suggestions; Ex. He is very amenable; Ex. amenable to the usual tests
Term
amend
Definition
correct; change ; generally for the better
Term
amenities
Definition
convenient features that helps to make life pleasant; social courtesies
Term
amiable
Definition
agreeable; lovable; warmly friendly
Term
amicable
Definition
peaceful; politely friendly; not quarrelsome; Ex. amicable settlement
Term
n amiss
Definition
wrong; faulty; Ex. something amiss; ADV.
Term
amity
Definition
friendship; peaceful relationship as between nations
Term
amnesia
Definition
loss of memory
Term
amnesty
Definition
pardon (allowed by government to political criminals)
Term
amoral
Definition
nonmoral; having no understanding of right and wrong
Term
amorous
Definition
moved by sexual love; loving; of sexual love; Ex. amorous advances
Term
amorphous
Definition
formless; lacking shape or definition
Term
amphibian
Definition
able to live both on land and in water; N.
Term
amphitheater
Definition
oval building with tiers of seats; CF. arena
Term
n ample
Definition
enough; abundant; spacious; large in size; Ex. ample opportunity/garden; N. amplitude: quality of being ample; abundance; largeness of space
Term
amplify
Definition
increase in size or effect; expand; broaden or clarify by expanding; intensify; make stronger; Ex. amplify one's remarks with a graph
Term
n amputate
Definition
cut off part of body; prune (a limb)
Term
n amok(amuck)
Definition
in a state of rage; Ex. run amok
Term
n amulet
Definition
charm; talisman; an object worn believed to protect against evil, bad luck
Term
anachronism
Definition
an error involving time in a story; something or someone misplaced in time; ADJ. anachronistic
Term
n analgesic
Definition
causing insensitivity to pain; N.
Term
s analgesia
Definition
condition of being unable to feel pain
Term
analogous
Definition
comparable; similar
Term
analogy
Definition
similarity; parallelism; comparing two similar things
Term
anarchist
Definition
person who seeks to overturn the established government; advocate of abolishing authority
Term
anarchy
Definition
absence of governing body; state of disorder
Term
n anathema
Definition
solemn curse; someone or something regarded as a curse; V. anathematize
Term
ancestry
Definition
family descent; ADJ. ancestral
Term
anchor
Definition
secure or fasten firmly; be fixed in place; N. anchorage
Term
ancillary
Definition
serving as an aid or accessory; auxiliary; N.
Term
anecdote
Definition
short story of an amusing or interesting event
Term
anemia
Definition
condition in which blood lacks red corpuscles; ADJ. anemic
Term
anesthetic
Definition
substance that removes sensation with or without loss of consciousness; N. anesthesia
Term
anguish
Definition
acute pain; extreme suffering
Term
angular
Definition
sharp-cornered; having an angle; not rounded (body); bony; lean; gaunt; stiff in manner
Term
animadversion
Definition
critical remark; V. animadvert: comment critically with disapproval
Term
animated
Definition
lively; spirited
Term
animosity
Definition
active enmity
Term
n animus
Definition
hostile feeling or intent; animosity; hostility; disposition
Term
annals
Definition
records arranged in yearly parts; history
Term
anneal
Definition
reduce brittleness and improve toughness by heating and cooling (metal or glass)
Term
annex
Definition
attach; add to a large thing; take possession of; incorporate (territory) into a larger existing political unit (by force); N: building added to a large one
Term
annihilate
Definition
destroy
Term
annotate
Definition
comment; make explanatory notes
Term
annuity
Definition
yearly allowance
Term
annul
Definition
make void
Term
s elope
Definition
run away secretly with the intention of getting married
Term
n anodyne
Definition
drug that relieves pain or trouble; ÁøÅëÁ¦; opiate; ADJ. Ex. anodyne statement
Term
anoint
Definition
consecrate; put oil on (in a religious ceremony)
Term
anomalous
Definition
abnormal; irregular
Term
anomaly
Definition
irregularity
Term
anonymity
Definition
state of being nameless; anonymousness; ADJ. anonymous
Term
antagonism
Definition
hostility; active opposition; V. antagonize: cause to become an enemy; N. antagonist: person who is opposed to another; opponent; adversary; principal character in oppostion to the protagonist
Term
antecede
Definition
precede
Term
antecedents
Definition
preceding events that influence what comes later; ancestors or early background
Term
antediluvian
Definition
antiquated; extremely ancient
Term
n anthem
Definition
song of praise or patriotism; Ex. national anthem
Term
n anthology
Definition
book of literary selections by various authors; CF. omnibus
Term
anthropoid
Definition
manlike; resembling a human being; N.
Term
anthropologist
Definition
student of the history and science of humankind
Term
anthropomorphic
Definition
having human form or characteristics
Term
anticlimax
Definition
letdown in thought or emotion; something unexciting, ordinary, or disappointing coming after something important or exciting
Term
antidote
Definition
remedy to counteract a poison or disease; Ex. antidote to the economic troubles
Term
antipathy
Definition
aversion; dislike or opposition
Term
n antiquated
Definition
obsolete; old-fashioned; outdated
Term
antiseptic
Definition
substance that prevents infection in a wound; ADJ.
Term
antithesis
Definition
contrast; direct opposite of or to; ADJ. antithetic or antithetical
Term
n anvil
Definition
iron block used in hammering out metals
Term
apathy
Definition
lack of caring; indifference; lack of concern or interest in important matters; Ex. He was sunk in apathy after his failure; ADJ. apathetic
Term
n ape
Definition
imitate or mimic (a person's behavior or manner)
Term
n aperture
Definition
opening; hole; adjustable opening in a camera that limits the amount of light
Term
n apex
Definition
tip; summit; climax; highest point
Term
aphasia
Definition
loss of speech due to injury or illness
Term
aphorism
Definition
pithy maxim or saying; ADJ. aphoristic
Term
n apiary
Definition
a place where bees are kept
Term
s hive
Definition
box for bees; V: cause to go in a hive
Term
s apiculture
Definition
bee-keeping
Term
s apiarist
Definition
person who keeps bees
Term
n aplomb
Definition
poise; composure in difficult situations; assurance; self-confidence
Term
s poise
Definition
good judgment with composure; balance; V: place in a carefully balanced position
Term
apocalyptic
Definition
prophetic; pertaining to revelations especially of disaster; N. apocalypse
Term
n apocryphal
Definition
(of a story) widely believed but untrue
Term
apogee
Definition
highest point; the point farthest from the earth; OP. perigee
Term
n apolitical
Definition
having an aversion or lack of concern for political affairs
Term
n apologist
Definition
one who writes in defense of a cause or institution; N. apologia
Term
n apoplexy
Definition
stroke; loss of consciousness caused by too much blood in the brain
Term
n apostate
Definition
one who abandons his religious faith or political beliefs; N. apostasy
Term
n apothecary
Definition
druggist; pharmacist
Term
n apothegm(apophthegm)
Definition
pithy, compact saying
Term
n apotheosis
Definition
elevation to godhood; an ideal example of something
Term
appall
Definition
dismay; shock deeply
Term
apparition
Definition
ghost; phantom
Term
appease
Definition
pacify or soothe; Ex. appease a crying baby; N. appeasement
Term
n appellation
Definition
name; title
Term
append
Definition
attach
Term
n application
Definition
diligent attention; diligence; V. apply oneself
Term
apposite
Definition
appropriate; fitting
Term
appraise
Definition
estimate value of; N. appraisal
Term
appreciate
Definition
be thankful for; increase in worth; be thoroughly conscious of; ADJ. appreciable: enough to be felt; Ex. appreciable difference
Term
apprehend
Definition
arrest (a criminal); dread; perceive; N. apprehension
Term
n apprehensive
Definition
fearful; discerning
Term
apprise
Definition
inform
Term
approbation
Definition
approval
Term
appropriate
Definition
acquire; take possession of for one's own use without permission; set aside for a particular purpose; allocate; CF. misappropriate
Term
n appurtenances
Definition
subordinate possessions; something added to a more important thing
Term
n apropos
Definition
with reference to; regarding; Ex. remarks apropos (of) the present situation; ADJ. ADV.
Term
aptitude
Definition
fitness; talent
Term
n aquiline
Definition
curved; hooked; of or like an eagle; Ex. aquiline nose
Term
n arable
Definition
fit for growing crops; Ex. arable land
Term
arbiter
Definition
person with power to decide a matter in dispute; judge who is in a position ot make influential judgments; Ex. supreme arbiter of fashion in beachware
Term
arbitrary
Definition
unreasonable or capricious; random; tyrannical; Ex. arbitrary ruler
Term
arbitrate
Definition
act as judge (at the request of both sides)
Term
n arboretum
Definition
place where different trees and shrubs are studied and exhibited
Term
s arboreal
Definition
of or living in trees
Term
arcade
Definition
a covered passageway usually lined with shops
Term
arcane
Definition
esoteric; secret; mysterious; known only to the initiated; Ex. arcane ritual; Ex. arcane process closed to the uninitiated listener
Term
archaeology
Definition
study of artifacts and relics of early mankind
Term
n archaic
Definition
antiquated; no longer used; belonging to the past; N.
Term
n archetype
Definition
prototype; primitive pattern
Term
arch-
Definition
chief; first; Ex. archbishop
Term
n archipelago
Definition
group of closely located islands
Term
n archives
Definition
public records; place where public records are kept
Term
ardor
Definition
heat; passion; zeal; ADJ. ardent
Term
n arduous
Definition
hard; strenuous; Ex. arduous work
Term
n argot
Definition
slang; speech spoken by only a small group of people
Term
aria
Definition
operatic solo; a song sung by one person in an opera or oratorio
Term
n arid
Definition
(of land) dry; barren; unproductive
Term
aristocracy
Definition
hereditary nobility; privileged class; government by nobility; N. aristocrat
Term
armada
Definition
fleet of warships
Term
aromatic
Definition
fragrant; having a sweet smell; N. aroma: strong pleasant smell
Term
arraign
Definition
charge in court; indict
Term
n array
Definition
marshal; draw up in order; arrange in order; clothe splendidly; adorn; N: fine clothes; ordered group; Ex. in battle array
Term
arrears
Definition
being in debt; money that should have been paid; work that should have been done
Term
n arrhythmic
Definition
lacking rhythm or regularity; N. arrhythmia
Term
arrogance
Definition
pride; haughtiness; ADJ. arrogant: unpleasantly self-important (with a strong confidence in one's own importance and a lack of respect for other people)
Term
n arroyo
Definition
gully; narrow channel formed by rainwater
Term
s artery
Definition
blood-vessel; CF. vein
Term
articulate
Definition
effective; distinct; expressing ideas clearly; having clear sounds; having joints; Ex. articulate speech; V: express thoughts and feeling clearly; pronounce clearly; unite by joints
Term
arsenal
Definition
storage place for military equipment
Term
artifacts
Definition
object made by human beings, either hand-made or mass-produced
Term
n artifice
Definition
deception; trickery
Term
artisan
Definition
a manually skilled worker
Term
n artless
Definition
without guile; open and honest
Term
ascendancy
Definition
controlling influence; position of controlling influence; CF. in the ascendant
Term
ascertain
Definition
find out for certain; make certain
Term
ascetic
Definition
practicing self-denial; avoiding physical pleasures and comforts; austere; Ex. ascetic life of Buddhist monks; N. asceticism
Term
ascribe
Definition
refer; attribute; assign
Term
aseptic
Definition
preventing infection; having a cleansing effect
Term
n ashen
Definition
ash-colored; deadly pale
Term
n asinine
Definition
stupid; Ex. asinine remarks
Term
n askance
Definition
with a sideways or indirect look (with disapproval or distruct); Ex. look askance at
Term
n askew
Definition
crookedly; slanted; at an angle
Term
asperity
Definition
sharpness; roughness; severity (of temper or weather); Ex. asperities of a Russian winter
Term
aspersion
Definition
slanderous remark; Ex. cast aspersions on
Term
aspirant
Definition
seeker after position or status
Term
aspire
Definition
seek to attain (position or status); long for; Ex. aspire to become president; Ex. aspire to/after the leadership
Term
assail
Definition
assault
Term
n assay
Definition
analyze (to discover what materials are present); evaluate (soil or ore)
Term
assent
Definition
agree; accept; N. assessment
Term
n assert
Definition
state strongly or positively; demand recognition of (rights, claims, etc.); make a claim to (by forceful action); Ex. assert one's independence
Term
assiduous
Definition
diligent
Term
assimilate
Definition
absorb; take (food) into the body and digest it; understand (knowledge) completely and be able to use properly; cause to become homogeneous (the people of a country or race in the wasy of behaving or thinking)
Term
assuage
Definition
mak less severe; ease or lessen (pain); satisfy (hunger); soothe (anger)
Term
assumption
Definition
something taken for granted; the taking over or taking possession of; Ex. her assumption of power; V. assume
Term
s regent
Definition
a person who governs in place of a ruler who is ill, absent, or still a child; ADJ. Ex. the Prince regent
Term
assurance
Definition
firm statement that something is certainly true; promise or pledge; certainty; confidence in one's own ability; self-confidence; Ex. In spite of all his assurances, he did not come back; Ex. assurance of his loyalty; Ex. The teacher lacked assurance in fron of his class; V. assure; tell firmly with confidence; ensure; make (something) certain to heappen; make (someone) feel sure; give confidence to; ADJ. assured: self-assured; confident in one's own ability; showing certainty
Term
asteroid
Definition
small planet
Term
n astigmatism
Definition
eye defect which prevents proper focus; OP. stigmatism
Term
n astral
Definition
relating to the stars
Term
astringent
Definition
binding; causing contraction (stopping bleeding); harsh or severe; stringent; Ex. astringent criticism
Term
astronomical
Definition
enormously large or extensive
Term
astute
Definition
wise; shrewd; keen; seeing quickly something that is to one's advantage
Term
n asunder
Definition
into parts; apart; V. sunder
Term
asylum
Definition
place of refuge or shelter; protection (religious or political)
Term
asymmetric
Definition
not identical on both sides of a dividing central line
Term
n atavism
Definition
resemblance to remote ancestors rather than to parents; reversion to an earlier type; throwback; ADJ. atavistic
Term
atheistic
Definition
denying the existence of God; N. atheism
Term
atone
Definition
make amends for; pay for; Ex. atone for
Term
atrocity
Definition
brutal deed; ADJ. atrocious
Term
atrophy
Definition
wasting away; V: weaken and lose flesh and muscle (through lack of blood or lack of use)
Term
attentive
Definition
alert and watchful; listening carefully; paying attention; considerate; thoughtful; politely helpful; Ex. attentive audience; Ex. He was attentive to the old lady; N. attentions: act of courtesy and consideration
Term
attenuate
Definition
make thin; weaken
Term
attest
Definition
testify; bear witness
Term
attribute
Definition
essential quality; V: ascribe; explain
Term
attrition
Definition
rubbing away by friction; gradual decrease in numbers or strength; reduction in the work force without firing employees; wearing away of opposition by means of harassment; Ex. a war of attrition
Term
n atypical
Definition
not normal; not typical
Term
audacious
Definition
daring; bold; N. audacity
Term
audit
Definition
examination of accounts of a business; official examination; V.
Term
augment
Definition
increase; add to
Term
n augury
Definition
omen; prophecy; sign of coming events; V. augur: predict; foretell; be a sign of (something in future)
Term
august
Definition
impressive; majestic
Term
n aureole
Definition
sun's corona; halo; bright circle of light
Term
n auroral
Definition
pertaining to the aurora borealis; CF. aurora australis
Term
auspicious
Definition
favoring success; giving signs of future success; Cf. auspices
Term
austere
Definition
forbiddingly stern; ascetic; without comfort or enjoyment; severely simple and unornamented; Ex. a monk's austere life; Ex. austere grandeur of the cathedral; N. austerity
Term
authenticate
Definition
prove genuine
Term
authoritarian
Definition
subordinating the individual to the state; completely dominating another's will; Ex. authoritarian regime/father
Term
authoritative
Definition
having the weight of authority; regarded as providing knowledge that can be trusted; reliable; peremptory and dictatorial; Ex. authoritative dictionary/manner; CF. definitive
Term
autocratic
Definition
having absolute unchecked power; dictatorial; N. autocrat, autocracy
Term
automaton
Definition
mechanism that imitates actions of humans; machine that works by itself
Term
autonomous
Definition
self-governing; N. autonomy
Term
autopsy
Definition
examination of a dead body; postmortem; V.
Term
auxiliary
Definition
offering or providing help; additional or subsidiary; N: helper; assistant
Term
avalanche
Definition
great mass of falling snow and ice
Term
avarice
Definition
greediness for wealth
Term
avenge
Definition
take vengence for something or on behalf of someone; Ex. They avenged his death by burning the village; Ex. He swore to avenge his brother; Ex. They avenged themselves on their enemy.
Term
aver
Definition
state confidently; declare as true
Term
averse
Definition
reluctant; disinclined; not liking or opposed; Ex. averse to cats/doing the house work
Term
aversion
Definition
firm dislike
Term
avert
Definition
prevent; avoid; turn away (eyes or thought); Ex. An accident was averted by his quick thinking; Ex. She averted her eyes from the terrible sight.
Term
aviary
Definition
enclosure for birds; large cage
Term
n avid
Definition
greedy; extremely eager for; Ex. avid learner; N. avidity
Term
avocation
Definition
secondary or minor occupation
Term
avow
Definition
declare openly; N. avowal
Term
avuncular
Definition
of or like an uncle
Term
awe
Definition
solemn wonder; feeling of respect mixed with wonder and fear; V: fill with awe; ADJ. awesome
Term
s awful
Definition
terrible; very bad
Term
n awl
Definition
pointed tool used for piercing
Term
n awry
Definition
distorted; crooked; bent; Ex. Our plans have gone awry.
Term
axiom
Definition
self-evident truth requiring no proof
Term
n azure
Definition
sky blue
Term
n babble
Definition
chatter idly or foolishly; make continuous sounds like water running gently over rounded stone; N.
Term
n bacchanalian
Definition
drunken
Term
s bacchanal
Definition
noisy party with a lot of drinking
Term
s Bacchanalia
Definition
the ancient Roman festival in honor of Bacchus
Term
n badger
Definition
pester; annoy continually with demands; persuade by asking again and again; Ex. The children badgered me into taking them into the cinema; N: a kind of mountain animal
Term
n badinage
Definition
teasing conversation; banter; joking talk
Term
baffle
Definition
frustrate; perplex
Term
n bait
Definition
harass; tease; torment; Ex. badger baiting; N: food or other lure used to catch fish or trap animals
Term
n baleful
Definition
evil; malignant in intent or effect; deadly; having a malign influence; portending evil; ominous; threatening; Ex. baleful look
Term
n balk
Definition
stop short, as if faced with an obstacle, and refuse to continue; foil; stop or get in the way of; frustrate
Term
n ballast
Definition
heavy substance used to add stability or weight; V. supply with ballast
Term
n balm
Definition
something that relieves pain; oily liquid with a pleasant smell from trees
Term
s pang
Definition
sudden sharp feeling of pain
Term
n balmy
Definition
soft and mild (of air); fragrant
Term
banal
Definition
hackneyed; commonplace; trite; lacking originality; clich\'ed
Term
n bandy
Definition
discuss lightly or glibly; discuss in a frivolous manner; exchange (words) heatedly; quarrel; Ex. bandy words with
Term
bane
Definition
posion; cause of ruin; ADJ. baneful: harmful; poisonous
Term
bantering
Definition
joking talk; good-naturedly ridiculing; N.V. banter
Term
barb
Definition
sharp projection from fishhook, arrow, or other object; openly cutting remark
Term
n bard
Definition
poet
Term
n barefaced
Definition
shameless and noticeable; blatant; bold; unconcealed; having no covering on the face; Ex. barefaced lie
Term
s unregenerate
Definition
making no attempt to change one's bad practices
Term
n baroque
Definition
highly ornate
Term
barrage
Definition
barrier laid down by artillery fire; overwhelming profusion; large number of questions or statements; Ex. a barrage of criticism
Term
barrister
Definition
counselor-at-law or lawyer in the higher court of law; CF. bar
Term
s solicitor
Definition
lawyer in the lower court of law
Term
barterer
Definition
trader; V. barter: trade; exchange good for other goods rather than money
Term
n bask
Definition
luxuriate; take pleasure in warmth
Term
s luxuriate
Definition
take pleasure in great comfort
Term
n bastion
Definition
stronghold; something seen as a source of protection; Ex. the last bastion of male chauvinism
Term
n bate
Definition
let down; lessen the force of; moderate; restrain; Ex. with bated breath; CF. abate
Term
n bauble
Definition
trinket; cheap jewel; trifle
Term
n bawdy
Definition
indecent; obscene; about sex in a rude funny way; CF. bawd
Term
n beatific
Definition
giving or showing bliss; blissful
Term
s bliss
Definition
complete happiness; ADJ. blissful
Term
n beatitude
Definition
blessedness; state of great happiness
Term
s mystic
Definition
of hidden meaning and spiritual power; Ex. mystic ceremonies; N. CF. mysticism
Term
n bedizen
Definition
dress with vulgar finery
Term
s finery
Definition
beautiful clothes for a special occasion
Term
n bedraggle
Definition
wet thoroughly; ADJ. bedraggled: draggled
Term
n beeline
Definition
direct quick route
Term
n befuddle
Definition
confuse thoroughly
Term
s fuddle
Definition
make stupid or confused as with alcholic drink; N. in a fuddle: confused
Term
beget
Definition
father; become the father of; produce; give rise to
Term
n begrudge
Definition
envy; give or allow unwillingly; grudge; Ex. We shouldn't begrudge him his success.
Term
s grudge
Definition
deep feeling of dislike; Ex. grudge fight; V.
Term
n beguile
Definition
deceive; mislead or delude; cheat; pass time pleasantly; charm or attract; Ex. beguiling smile
Term
n behemoth
Definition
huge creature; something of monstrous size or power
Term
n beholden
Definition
obligated; indebted; owing thanks; obliged or indebted from gratitude
Term
n behoove(behove)
Definition
be suited to; be incumbent upon; be right and necessary; Ex. It behooves one to do.
Term
n belabor
Definition
harp on; dwell on tediously; explain or go over excessively or to a ridiculous degree; assail verbally; beat severely; attack physically
Term
n belated
Definition
delayed
Term
n beleaguer
Definition
besiege or attack (with an army); harass; beset
Term
n belie
Definition
contradict; give a false impression; disguise; Ex. The poor sales belied our high hopes; Ex. Her smile belies her true feeling of displeasure.
Term
belittle
Definition
disparage; depreciate
Term
bellicose
Definition
warlike
Term
belligerent
Definition
quarrelsome
Term
n bemoan
Definition
lament; moan for; express sorrow or disapproval of
Term
n bemused
Definition
confused; lost in thought; preoccupied
Term
benediction
Definition
blessing
Term
benefactor
Definition
gift giver; patron; person who does good or who gives money for a good purpose
Term
beneficent
Definition
kindly; doing good
Term
beneficial
Definition
helpful; useful; advantageous
Term
beneficiary
Definition
person entitled to benefits or proceeds of an insurance policy or will
Term
n benefit
Definition
advantage; anything that brings helpl, advantage, or profit; money provided by the government to the people; fund-raising public entertainment; Ex. unemployment benefit; V: receive benefits; be beneficial to; give benefits
Term
benevolent
Definition
generous; charitable; having a wish to do good
Term
benign
Definition
kindly; favorable; not malignant (disease); Ex. benign tumor
Term
benison
Definition
blessing
Term
bent
Definition
determined; Ex. bent on advancing in the business; N: natural talent or inclination
Term
bequeath
Definition
leave to someone by means of a will; hand down in his will; N. bequest
Term
n berate
Definition
scold strongly
Term
n bereavement
Definition
state of being deprived of something valuable or beloved; state of being bereaved or bereft
Term
n bereaved
Definition
deprived of (someone beloved through death)
Term
n bereft
Definition
deprived of (something valuable); lacking
Term
n berserk
Definition
mad with violent anger; frenzied; madly excited
Term
beseech
Definition
beg; plead with
Term
n beset
Definition
harass or trouble from all directions; hem in
Term
s hem
Definition
surround tightly so that movement is impossible; Ex. hem in; N.
Term
besiege
Definition
surround with armed forces; harass (with requests); annoy continually
Term
n besmirch
Definition
soil; defile; make dirty
Term
n bestial
Definition
beastlike; brutal; inhuman; very cruel
Term
bestow
Definition
confer
Term
n betoken
Definition
signify; indicate; be a sign of
Term
s token
Definition
outward sign; Ex. a token of our gratitude
Term
n betray
Definition
be unfaithful; reveal (unconsciously or unwillingly); Ex. Her trembling hands betray her anxiety.
Term
n betroth
Definition
become engaged to marry
Term
n bevy
Definition
large group; Ex. a bevy of starlets
Term
bicameral
Definition
two-chambered as a legislative body
Term
bicker
Definition
quarrel
Term
biennial
Definition
every two years
Term
n bifurcated
Definition
divided into two branches; forked
Term
n bigotry
Definition
stubborn intolerance
Term
s bigot
Definition
one who is intolerant (in matters of religion or politics)
Term
s intolerant
Definition
not willing to accept ways of thinking different from one's own; CF. tolerant; CF. tolerate
Term
n bilious
Definition
suffering from indigestion; sick from having too much bile; irritable; easily irritated
Term
n bilk
Definition
swindle; cheat
Term
n billowing
Definition
swelling out in waves; surging
Term
s billow
Definition
large wave of water; a great swell or surge (of smoke); V: surge, swell, roll in billows
Term
s swell
Definition
long wave of water that moves continuously without breaking; V.
Term
s surge
Definition
powerful movement of or like a wave; V.
Term
n bivouac
Definition
temporary encampment; camp without tents; V.
Term
bizarre
Definition
fantastic; violently contrasting; noticeably odd; strikingly unconventional
Term
n blanch
Definition
bleach; whiten; make white or pale
Term
n bland
Definition
soothing or mild (food); agreeable; causing no trouble or offence
Term
n blandishment
Definition
flattery
Term
n blare
Definition
loud or harsh roar or screech; dazzling blaze of light
Term
s screech
Definition
unpleasant high sharp sound; shriek; V.
Term
s dazzle
Definition
make blind with a sudden intense light; amaze; fill with wonder
Term
n blas\'e
Definition
bored with pleasure or dissipation; uninterested or bored
Term
n blasphemy
Definition
irreverence; sacrilege; cursing; bad language about God or holy things; V. blasphem; ADJ. blasphemous; CF. sacrilege
Term
n blatant
Definition
extremely (offensively) obvious; loudly offensive; Ex. blatant lie; N. blatancy
Term
n bleak
Definition
cold or cheerless; frigid; unlikely to be favorable; depressing
Term
n blighted
Definition
suffering from a disease; destroyed
Term
s blight
Definition
plant disease; V: infect with blight; ruin; destroy
Term
n blithe(blithesome)
Definition
gay; joyous
Term
n bloated
Definition
(unpleasantly) swollen or puffed as with water or air
Term
n blowhard
Definition
talkative boaster; braggart
Term
n bludgeon
Definition
club; heavy-headed weapon; V.
Term
n bluff
Definition
pretense (of strength); deception; high cliff; ADJ: rough but good-natured
Term
blunder
Definition
error; stupid mistake
Term
n blurt
Definition
utter impulsively from nervousness or excitement
Term
n bluster
Definition
blow in heavy gusts; threaten emptily; bully; speak in a noisy or bullying manner; CF. breeze, gust, gale
Term
s bully
Definition
one who is habitually cruel to weaker people; V.
Term
bode
Definition
foreshadow; portend
Term
bogus
Definition
counterfeit; not authentic; intentionally false; Ex. bogus interview
Term
n bohemian
Definition
unconventional (in an artistic way)
Term
boisterous
Definition
violent; rough; noisy
Term
n bolster
Definition
support; reinforce
Term
n bolt
Definition
door bar; fastening pin or screw; length of fabric; large roll of cloth; V: dash or dart off; fasten (a
Term
s dart
Definition
move or throw suddenly and quickly
Term
s gobble
Definition
eat very quickly
Term
n bombardment
Definition
attack (as with missiles or bombs); V. bombard
Term
n bombastic
Definition
pompous; using inflated language
Term
s bombast
Definition
grandiloquent, pompous speech
Term
n boon
Definition
blessing; benefit; something very helpful
Term
n boorish
Definition
rude; insensitive
Term
s boor
Definition
rude, insensitive person
Term
n bouillon
Definition
clear beef (or meat) soup
Term
n bountiful
Definition
generous; graciously generous; showing bounty
Term
s gracious
Definition
kind in a generous way (to someone less important)
Term
bourgeois
Definition
middle class; selfishly materialistic; too interested in material possessions
Term
bovine
Definition
cowlike; placid and dull; slow-thinking; calm
Term
n bowdlerize
Definition
expurgate; CF. Thomas Bowdler
Term
n brackish
Definition
somewhat saline
Term
n braggadocio
Definition
boasting
Term
s brag
Definition
boast
Term
n braggart
Definition
boaster; bragger
Term
n brandish
Definition
wave around (a weapon); flourish
Term
n bravado
Definition
swagger; assumed air of defiance; false show of bravery
Term
s swagger
Definition
walk or behave with an over-confident manner
Term
n brawn
Definition
human muscle; muscular strength; sturdiness
Term
s brawny
Definition
muscular; having well-developed muscles
Term
s sturdy
Definition
strong and firm (in the body)
Term
n brazen
Definition
insolent; without shame; bold; Ex. brazen lie; V: face with bold self-assurance or with unshamed confidence
Term
s brawl
Definition
noisy quarrel
Term
n breach
Definition
breaking of contract or duty; fissure or gap; opening; V.
Term
breadth
Definition
width; extent
Term
brevity
Definition
conciseness; shortness of duration
Term
n brindled
Definition
tawny or grayish with streaks or spots (of animals)
Term
s tawny
Definition
brownish yellow
Term
n bristling
Definition
rising like bristles; showing irritation
Term
s bristle
Definition
short stiff hair; V: (hair or fur) stand up stiffly
Term
n brittle
Definition
hard but easily broken; difficult; unstable; Ex. brittle situation
Term
n broach
Definition
introduce as a subject; moot; open up
Term
n brocade
Definition
rich, figured(patterned) fabric
Term
brochure
Definition
pamphlet
Term
n brooch
Definition
ornamental clasp; pin
Term
s clasp
Definition
hold firmly within arms
Term
n brook
Definition
tolerate; endure; Ex. brook no interference; N: small stream
Term
n browbeat
Definition
bully; intimidate
Term
n browse
Definition
graze; feed on growing grass; skim or glance at casually
Term
s graze
Definition
(of an animal) feed on growing grass; cause (an animal) to feed on grass; scrape (esp. the skin) or touch lightly in passing; brush; Ex. We can't graze the cattle till summer; N: surface wound
Term
s skim
Definition
read or glance through quickly; touch lightly in passing; brush; remove from the surface of a liquid
Term
n brunt
Definition
main impact or shock (of an attack or blow); Ex. brunt of the argument
Term
n brusque
Definition
blunt; abrupt; curt; not wanting to waste time being nice
Term
n buccaneer
Definition
pirate
Term
n bucolic
Definition
rustic; pastoral
Term
n buffet
Definition
strike forcefully; slap; batter; knock out; N: table with food set out for people to server themselves; meal at which people help themselves to food that's been set
Term
s slap
Definition
hit quickly with the flat part of the hand; N. CF. smack
Term
n buffoonery
Definition
clowning
Term
s buffoon
Definition
stupid person; clown
Term
s clown
Definition
act stupidly; play the fool; N.
Term
n bugaboo
Definition
bugbear; object of baseless terror
Term
n bullion
Definition
gold and silver in the form of bars
Term
n bulwark
Definition
strong wall built for defense; earthwork or other strong defense; person who defends
Term
n bungle
Definition
mismanage; blunder; botch; blow; spoil by clumsy behavior
Term
s botch
Definition
mismanage; blow
Term
buoyant
Definition
able to float; cheerful and optimistic; N. buoyancy; Ex. buoyancy of wood/water/American market
Term
bureaucracy
Definition
overregulated administrative system marked by red tape; ADJ. bureaucratic
Term
n burgeon
Definition
grow rapidly; grow forth; send out buds; Ex. burgeoning computer industry; CF. bludgeon
Term
n burlesque
Definition
give an imitation that ridicules; imitate mockingly
Term
n burnish
Definition
make shiny by rubbing; polish
Term
n buttress
Definition
support; prop up; N. stationary structure to support wall; Ex. flying buttress
Term
s prop
Definition
support placed under or against something; V.
Term
n buxom
Definition
full-bosomed; plump; jolly
Term
s plump
Definition
pleasantly fat; nicely rounded
Term
n cabal
Definition
small group of persons secretly united to promote their own interests
Term
cache
Definition
hiding place; V.
Term
cacophonous
Definition
discordant; inharmonious; N. cacophony: unpleasant mixture of loud sounds
Term
cadaver
Definition
corpse; dead human body
Term
cadaverous
Definition
like a corpse; pale
Term
n cadence
Definition
rhythmic rise and fall (of words or sounds); beat; regular beat of sound; rhythm
Term
n cajole
Definition
persuade by praise or false promise; coax; wheedle
Term
s coax
Definition
persuade by flattery
Term
calamity
Definition
disaster; misery
Term
calculated
Definition
deliberately planned; likely
Term
n caldron(cauldron)
Definition
large kettle
Term
n caliber
Definition
ability; quality; diameter of the inside of a round cylinder; Ex. work of very high caliber
Term
calligraphy
Definition
beautiful writing; excellent penmanship
Term
n callous
Definition
hardened; unfeeling; without sympathy for the sufferings of others; unkind
Term
s callus
Definition
area of thick hard skin
Term
n callow
Definition
youthful; immature; inexperienced
Term
n calorific
Definition
heat-producing; N. calorie
Term
calumny
Definition
malicious misrepresentation; slander
Term
n camaraderie
Definition
good-fellowship; CF. comrade
Term
n cameo
Definition
shell or jewel carved in relief; star's special appearance in a minor role in a film
Term
n canard
Definition
unfounded false rumor; exaggerated false report
Term
n candor
Definition
frankness; open honesty; ADJ. candid
Term
n canine
Definition
related to dogs; doglike
Term
n canker
Definition
any ulcerous sore; ulcer; any evil; CF. cancer
Term
s ulcer
Definition
sore place appearing on the skin inside or outside the body; Ex. stomach ulcer; ADJ. ulcerous; V. ulcerate
Term
n canny
Definition
shrewd in money matters; thrifty
Term
n cant
Definition
insincere speech or expression of piety; jargon of thieves; special words used by a particular group of people
Term
cantankerous
Definition
ill-humored; irritable
Term
n cantata
Definition
story set to music to be sung by a chorus (shorter than an oratorio)
Term
n canter
Definition
slow gallop; V. CF. trot
Term
n canto
Definition
division of a long poem
Term
n canvass
Definition
determine or seek opinions, votes, etc.; go through (a region) to solicit votes or orders; conduct a survey; N.
Term
capacious
Definition
spacious
Term
n capacity
Definition
mental or physical ability; role; position or duty; ability to accommodate; Ex. in my capacity as president
Term
n capillary
Definition
having a very fine bore; resembling a hair; fine and slender; Ex. capillary attraction; N: very fine hairlike tube; CF. capillarity
Term
n capitulate
Definition
surrender; give up all resistance
Term
caprice
Definition
whim; sudden change of mind without any real cause
Term
capricious
Definition
unpredictable; fickle
Term
caption
Definition
title; chapter heading; text under illustration
Term
n captious
Definition
faultfinding; too critical
Term
n carafe
Definition
glass water bottle; decanter
Term
n carapace
Definition
shell covering the back (of a turtle, tortoise, crab, etc.)
Term
n carat(karat)
Definition
unit of weight for precious stones; measure of the purity of gold
Term
n carcinogenic
Definition
causing cancer; N. carcinogen
Term
n cardinal
Definition
chief; most important; N: priest; cardinal number: number that shows quantity rather thatn order
Term
cardiologist
Definition
doctor specializing in ailments of the heart
Term
n careen
Definition
lurch; sway from side to side; move with irregular swinging movement; stagger
Term
s career
Definition
rush wildly; go at full speed
Term
s sway
Definition
swing from side to side; influence (someone) to change one's opinion; N.
Term
caricature
Definition
distortion; burlesque
Term
carillon
Definition
a set of bells (often in a tower) capable of being played
Term
carnage
Definition
destruction of life; slaughter; killing of large numbers of people or animals
Term
carnal
Definition
fleshly; sensual; concerning the desires of the body
Term
carnivorous
Definition
meat-eating; N. carnivore; CF. herbivore
Term
n carousal
Definition
drunken revel; V. carouse
Term
n carping
Definition
petty criticism; fault-finding; fretful complaining; quibble
Term
n carrion
Definition
rotting flesh of a dead body; CF. vulture
Term
n cartographer
Definition
map-maker
Term
cascade
Definition
small waterfall
Term
n caste
Definition
one of the hereditary classes in Hindu society; social stratification; prestige
Term
castigation
Definition
punishment; severe criticism or disapproval
Term
casualty
Definition
serious or fatal accident; person killed or wounded in an accident or battle
Term
s casual
Definition
happening by chance; irregular; occasional; informal; showing or feeling little interest; Ex. casual reader/labor/remark
Term
n cataclysm
Definition
deluge; upheaval; earthquake; violent and sudden event or change
Term
n catalyst
Definition
agent which brings about a chemical change while it remains unaffected and unchanged; CF. catalysis
Term
catapult
Definition
slingshot; hurling machine; V: fire from catapult
Term
s hurl
Definition
throw forcefully; shout out violently
Term
n cataract
Definition
great waterfall; eye abnormality (causing a gradual loss of eyesight)
Term
catastrophe
Definition
calamity ; disaster
Term
n catcall
Definition
shout of disapproval or displeasure (made at the theater or a sports match); boo; V.
Term
n catechism
Definition
book for religious instruction in question-and-answer form; religious instruction by question and answer; V. catechize
Term
categorical
Definition
without exceptions; made without any doubt in mind; unqualified; absolute
Term
s qualify
Definition
reach a necessary standard; limit the meaning of something stated
Term
catharsis
Definition
purging or cleansing of any passage of the body; purging and weakening of strong emotions as a result of experiencing a dramatic work of art
Term
cathartic
Definition
purgative; medicine that causes the bowels to empty; ADJ.
Term
n catholic
Definition
(of likings and interests) universal; general; broad; including many different parts; wide-ranging liberal; Ex. catholic opinions/tastes
Term
n caucus
Definition
private meeting of a group of people in a political party to select officers or determine policy; CF. the Caucus club of Boston
Term
n caulk(calk)
Definition
make watertight (by blocking up cracks as in a ship)
Term
causal
Definition
implying a cause-and-effect relationship; N. causality
Term
caustic
Definition
burning; corrosive; able to burn by chemical action; sarcastically biting; (of remarks) intended to hurt; bitter; harmful; OP. harmless
Term
n cauterize
Definition
burn (a wound or snakebite, etc.) with hot iron or caustic substance to stop bleeding and prevent infection
Term
n cavalcade
Definition
procession of riders or horse-drawn carriages; parade; CF. cavalry
Term
n cavalier
Definition
casual and offhand; arrogant; N: knight
Term
n cavil
Definition
quibble; make frivolous objections; find fault unnecessarily
Term
n cede
Definition
yield (title or territory) to (esp. after losing a war); surrender formally; N. cession
Term
celerity
Definition
speed; rapidity
Term
celestial
Definition
heavenly
Term
s hereafter
Definition
life after death
Term
s afterlife
Definition
life after death; later part of one's life
Term
n celibate
Definition
abstaining from sexual intercourse; unmarried; N. celibacy
Term
censor
Definition
(in ancient Rome) overseer of morals (also taking the census); person who eliminates inappropriate matter; V.
Term
n censorious
Definition
severely critical
Term
censure
Definition
blame; criticize; express strong disapproval; N: severe criticism; strong disapproval
Term
centaur
Definition
mythical figure, half man and half horse
Term
centigrade
Definition
denoting a widely used temperature scale (basically same as Celsius)
Term
centrifugal
Definition
radiating; departing from the center
Term
centrifuge
Definition
machine that separates substances by whirling them
Term
centripetal
Definition
tending toward the center
Term
centurion
Definition
Roman army officer (commanding a company of about 100 soldiers)
Term
cerebral
Definition
pertaining to the brain or intellect; intellectual rather than emotional; CF. cerebrum
Term
cerebration
Definition
thought; working of the brain
Term
n ceremonious
Definition
marked by formality; extremely formal and polite; CF. ceremony: conventional social courtesy
Term
s unceremonious
Definition
not done politely without due formalities
Term
n certitude
Definition
certainty
Term
cessation
Definition
stoppage
Term
n cession
Definition
yielding to another; ceding
Term
n chafe
Definition
warm by rubbing; make sore by rubbing; N.
Term
n chaff
Definition
worthless products of an endeavor; husk(outer seed cover) separated from grain; Ex. separate the wheat from the chaff
Term
n chaffing
Definition
bantering; joking
Term
n chagrin
Definition
annoyance and disappointment; vexation (caused by humiliation or injured pride)
Term
n chalice
Definition
goblet; consecrated cup
Term
chameleon
Definition
lizard that changes color in different situations
Term
champion
Definition
support militantly; fight for; N: person who fights for or supports strongly (a principle, movement, person, etc.)
Term
s championship
Definition
position of champion; defense or support; competition held to determine a champion
Term
chaotic
Definition
in utter disorder
Term
charisma
Definition
divine gift; great popular charm or appeal; magnetism
Term
n charlatan
Definition
quack; pretender to knowledge (esp. in medicine)
Term
n chary
Definition
cautious; unwilling to take risks; sparing or restrained about giving; OP. bold
Term
n chase
Definition
ornament a metal surface by indenting; follow rapidly to catch
Term
chasm
Definition
abyss; very deep crack
Term
n chassis
Definition
framework and working parts of an automobile; framework to which components are attached
Term
chaste
Definition
morally pure; virginal; abstaining from illicit sexual acts; modest; simple (of a style of writing); not highly decorated; austere
Term
n chasten
Definition
discipline; punish in order to correct; CF. castigate
Term
n chastise
Definition
punish as by beating; criticize severely
Term
chauvinist
Definition
blindly devoted patriot; zealous adherent of a group, cause, or sex; ADJ. chauvinistic; CF. chauvinism; Nicolas Chauvin
Term
check
Definition
stop motion; curb or restrain
Term
n checkered(chequered)
Definition
marked by great changes in fortune; with many changes of fortuene; CF. checked: having a pattern of squares
Term
n cherubic
Definition
angelic; innocent-looking; N. cherub; CF. seraph: winged angel of the highest order
Term
n chicanery
Definition
trickery; deception
Term
n chide
Definition
scold; rebuke (someone who has done wrong)
Term
n chimerical
Definition
fantastically improbable; highly unrealistic; N. chimera: unreal fancy; fire-breathing female creature
Term
n chisel
Definition
swindle or cheat; N: wedgelike tool for cutting
Term
s chip
Definition
lose a small piece from the surface or edge; N: small piece broken off something; CF. French fry; Potato chip/crisp
Term
chivalrous
Definition
courteous; faithful; brave; N. chivalry
Term
n choleric
Definition
hot-tempered; bad-tempered; irritable; easily angered; CF. cholera
Term
n choreography
Definition
art of representing dances in written symbols; arrangement of dances
Term
s chore
Definition
daily domestic task (such as cleaning, cooking, and shopping); unpleasant task
Term
n chortle
Definition
chuckle with delight; N.
Term
s chuckle
Definition
laugh quietly
Term
chronic
Definition
long established as a disease
Term
chronicle
Definition
report; record (in chronological order)
Term
n churlish
Definition
boorish; rude; N. churl: boor; yahoo
Term
n ciliated
Definition
having minute hairs; CF. cilium; CF. cilia: eyelash
Term
cipher
Definition
nonentity; worthless person or thing; zero; secret code; V.
Term
circlet
Definition
small ring; band of gold, silver, jewel, etc. (worn on the head, arms, or neck as decoration)
Term
circuitous
Definition
roundabout
Term
s circuit
Definition
closed circular line around an area; circumference; regularly repeated journey from place to place
Term
circumlocution
Definition
indirect or roundabout expression (by using an uncecessarily large number of words esp. when trying to avoid answering a difficult question directly)
Term
circumscribe
Definition
limit; confine; draw a line around
Term
n circumspect
Definition
prudent; cautious; acting after careful thought
Term
circumvent
Definition
outwit; defeat by behaving more cleverly; outsmart; baffle; avoid; get around
Term
n cistern
Definition
reservoir or water tank
Term
citadel
Definition
fortress
Term
cite
Definition
quote; commend; Ex. cited for bravery in an official record
Term
civil
Definition
having to do with citizens; not military or religious; courteous and polite; Ex. married in a civil ceremony; Ex. civil strife/disorder/law; N. civility; CF. civic
Term
clairvoyant
Definition
having foresight; fortuneteller; N. clairvoyance
Term
s hindsight
Definition
understanding the nature of an event after it has actually happened
Term
n clamber
Definition
climb by crawling with difficulties; scramble
Term
clamor
Definition
loud continous noise; continuous demand or complaint made by a large number of people; V: make a clamor; express (a demand) continually and loudly; ADJ. clamorous
Term
clandestine
Definition
secret
Term
s chaperon
Definition
older person who accompanies and supervises a young unmarried woman
Term
n clangor
Definition
loud resounding noise; sound of repeated clanging
Term
n clapper
Definition
striker (tongue) of a bell
Term
s clap
Definition
strike the palms of the hands together with a sudden explosive sound; come together suddenly with a sharp sound; put or send promptly; Ex. clap the thief in jail; N: clapping; loud or explosive sound; CF. applause
Term
n clarion
Definition
shrill, trumpetlike sound; kind of trumpet used in former times
Term
claustrophobia
Definition
fear of being locked in
Term
n clavicle
Definition
collarbone
Term
s scrimmage
Definition
disorderly fight between two or more people
Term
cleave
Definition
split or sever; cling to; remain faithful to; N. cleavage; ADJ. cloven
Term
n cleft
Definition
N: split
Term
n clemency
Definition
disposition to be lenient in deciding punishments; mildness as of the weather; ADJ. clement
Term
clich\'e
Definition
phrase dulled in meaning by repetition; platitude; ADJ. clich\'ed
Term
s bromide
Definition
platitude; chemical compound used to calm excitement
Term
n clientele
Definition
body of customers
Term
climactic
Definition
relating to the highest point; N. climax; CF. climatic
Term
n clime
Definition
climate
Term
n clique
Definition
small exclusive group of people
Term
cloister
Definition
monastery or convent
Term
n clout
Definition
great influence (especially political or social); hard blow with fist
Term
cloying
Definition
distasteful (because excessive); excessively sweet or sentimental; V. cloy: become unpleasant through too much sweetness or excess
Term
n coagulate
Definition
congeal; thicken; clot; N. coagulant
Term
s clot
Definition
half-solid lump formed from a liquid (or blood); V.
Term
s pudding
Definition
hot sweet dish
Term
coalesce
Definition
combine; fuse; N. coalescence
Term
coalition
Definition
partnership; league; union of separate political parties
Term
n coda
Definition
concluding section of a musical or literary composition
Term
n coddle
Definition
treat gently; indulge excessively; pamper; mollycoddle; baby; cook in water just below boiling point; Ex. coddled eggs
Term
n codicil
Definition
supplement to the body of a will; later addition to a will
Term
codify
Definition
arrange (laws or rules) as a code; classify; N. code: system of words used instead of ordinary writing; collection of laws, rules, established social customs
Term
coercion
Definition
use of force to get someone to object; compelling; V. coerce
Term
n coeval
Definition
living at the same time as; existing during the same period of time; contemporary; of the same age
Term
n cog
Definition
tooth projecting from a wheel
Term
cogent
Definition
convincing
Term
cogitate
Definition
think over; ponder
Term
cognate
Definition
having a common origin; related linguistically; allied by blood; similar or akin in nature; Ex. cognate languages; N.
Term
cognitive
Definition
having to do with knowing or perceiving related to the mental processes; N. cognition: the mental process of knowing
Term
cognizance
Definition
knowledge; ADJ. cognizant; having knowledge; aware
Term
n cohabit
Definition
live together
Term
cohere
Definition
stick together
Term
cohesion
Definition
tendency to keep together
Term
n cohorts
Definition
group of people who share some common quality; armed band; a group of between 300 and 600 soldiers under one commander (in the ancient Rome)
Term
n coiffure
Definition
hairstyle
Term
coin
Definition
make coins; invent or fabricate (a word or phrase); N. coinage: word or phrase recently invented
Term
coincidence
Definition
the chance occurrence, at the same time, of two or more seemingly connected events; V. coincide: happen at the same time; be in agreement; CF. coincident; CF. coincidental
Term
n colander
Definition
utensil with perforated bottom used for straining
Term
collaborate
Definition
work together; cooperate treasonably with the enemy
Term
n collage
Definition
work of art put together from fragments
Term
s scrap
Definition
small bit or fragment; discarded waste material; fight; Ex. a scrap of paper/cloth; V: break into parts for disposal; discard as worthless; fight; quarrel
Term
s scraps
Definition
leftover food
Term
s scrappy
Definition
quarrelsome
Term
collate
Definition
examine and compare in order to verify authenticity; arrange in order (the sheets of a book before they are bound)
Term
collateral
Definition
security given for loan; ADJ: secondary; descended from the same person but through different sons or daughters
Term
n collation
Definition
a light meal; collating
Term
colloquial
Definition
pertaining to conversational or common speech; informal; N. colloquialism: colloquial expression
Term
colloquy
Definition
informal discussion; conversation
Term
collusion
Definition
conspiring in a fraudulent scheme to cheat or deceive others; V. collude
Term
colossal
Definition
huge
Term
colossus
Definition
gigantic statue; person or thing of great size or importance
Term
n comatose
Definition
in a coma; extremely sleepy
Term
s coma
Definition
deep prolonged unconsciousness caused by disease, poison, or a severe blow
Term
combustible
Definition
easily burned; N. CF. combustion
Term
comely
Definition
attractive; agreeable; having a pleasing appearance
Term
s homely
Definition
not good-looking; unattractive
Term
comestible
Definition
something fit to be eaten
Term
n comeuppance
Definition
deserts; well-deserved punishment or misfortune; rebuke
Term
s deserts
Definition
what someone deserves
Term
n comity
Definition
courtesy; civility; Ex. comity of nations
Term
commandeer
Definition
take (private property) for military use without needing permission or giving payment; draft for military purposes
Term
s draft
Definition
first rough form; conscription; draught; V: make a draft of; conscript
Term
s draught
Definition
current of air (through a room or to a fire); act of pulling roads; act of swallowing liquid or amount of liquid swallowed at a time
Term
n commemorative
Definition
remembering; honoring the memory of; Ex. commemorative stamp
Term
s commemorate
Definition
honor the memory of; serve as a memorial to; Ex. commemorate the 100th anniversary/those who died in the war
Term
commensurate
Definition
equal in extent; of the same size
Term
commiserate
Definition
feel or express pity or sympathy for
Term
commodious
Definition
spacious and comfortable
Term
n communal
Definition
held in common; public; of a group of people; of a commune
Term
s commune
Definition
small (often rural) community whose members share work and income; V: exchange thoughts or feelings; Ex. commune with nature
Term
compact
Definition
agreement; contract; ADJ: tightly packed; firm; brief; concise; Ex. compact statement
Term
compatible
Definition
harmonious; in harmony with; able to exist together
Term
compelling
Definition
overpowering; irresistible in effect; holding one's attention; that compels one to do something; Ex. a compelling adventure story; V. compel
Term
s compulsion
Definition
compelling; strong desire that is difficult to control; irresistible impulse
Term
s compulsory
Definition
obligatory; that must be done
Term
s compulsive
Definition
resulting from compulsion
Term
compendium
Definition
brief, comprehensive summary; ADJ. compendious
Term
compensatory
Definition
making up for; repaying
Term
compilation
Definition
listing of information in tabular or book form; compiling
Term
compile
Definition
assemble; gather; accumulate; make (a report or a book) from facts and information found in various places; Ex. compile a dictionary
Term
complacency
Definition
self-satisfaction; smugness; ADJ. complacent
Term
s smug
Definition
self-satisfied; complacent
Term
complaisant
Definition
trying to please; obliging; willing to please others
Term
complement
Definition
complete; consummate; make perfect; N.
Term
complementary
Definition
serving to complete something
Term
compliance
Definition
conformity in fulfilling requirements; readiness to yield; disposition to yield to others; V. comply
Term
compliant
Definition
readily acting in accordance with a rule, order, or the wishes or others; yielding; comforming to requirements
Term
complicity
Definition
participation; involvement (in a questionable act or a crime)
Term
component
Definition
element; ingredient
Term
n comport
Definition
bear one's self; behave; Ex. comport oneself; N. comportment
Term
s deport
Definition
send out of the country; behave; N. deportation, deportment
Term
s bearing
Definition
deportment; connection
Term
composure
Definition
mental calmness
Term
compound
Definition
combine; produce by combining; increase; make worse by adding to or increasing; exacerbate; Ex. compound an error; ADJ: consisting of two or more parts; N: combination of two or more parts; area enclosed by a wall containing a group of buildings; Ex. factory compound; CF. complex
Term
comprehensive
Definition
broad; including a lot or everything; thorough; inclusive
Term
compress
Definition
force into less space; squeeze; contract; put into fewer words; N: thick mass of cloth pressed to part of the body to stop bleeding or swelling, reduce fever, etc.
Term
comprise
Definition
include; consist of
Term
n compromise
Definition
adjust or settle by making mutual concessions; endanger the interests or reputation of; put into danger, disrepute, or a dishonorable position; Ex. compromise one's principle; N.
Term
compunction
Definition
remorse; strong uneasiness caused by guilt
Term
compute
Definition
reckon; calculate
Term
s reckon
Definition
count; calculate; regard as; think; suppose
Term
concatenate
Definition
link as in a chain
Term
concave
Definition
hollow; curved inwards; OP. convex
Term
concede
Definition
admit; acknowledge as being true (often reluctantly); yield; grant; Ex. concede a goal
Term
conceit
Definition
vanity or self-love; too high opinion of one's own value; extravagant metaphor (in poetry)
Term
s vain
Definition
full of self-admiration; conceited; without result; unsuccessful; N. vanity
Term
concentric
Definition
having a common center
Term
conception
Definition
beginning; forming of an idea; fertilization; V. conceive: form an idea in the mind; devise; become pregnant; CF. inception
Term
n concerted
Definition
mutually agreed on; done together by agreement; Ex. concerted effort; CF. in concert: working together
Term
concession
Definition
an act of yielding; conceding; something conceded; point, right, etc. given unwillingly; privilege of maintaining a business in a certain place; Ex. oil concessions in the North sea; CF. concessionaire
Term
conciliatory
Definition
reconciling; soothing; V. conciliate: reconcile; soothe; win the friendly feelings (by removing anger)
Term
concise
Definition
brief and compact
Term
n conclave
Definition
private secret meeting
Term
conclusive
Definition
decisive; ending all debate
Term
concoct
Definition
prepare by mixing or combining; make up in concert; devise (something false) so as to deceive; Ex. concoct an elaborate excuse for being late; N. concoction
Term
concomitant
Definition
that which accompanies; Ex. Deafnes is a frequent concommitant of old age; ADJ: existing or happening together with something else
Term
concord
Definition
harmony; accord
Term
s concordat
Definition
formal agreement
Term
concur
Definition
agree; coincide; happen at the same time
Term
concurrent
Definition
happening at the same time; in agreement
Term
condescend
Definition
(derog.) bestow courtesies with a superior air; descend to the level of one considered inferior
Term
condign
Definition
adequate; (of punishment) severe and well deserved
Term
condiments
Definition
seasonings; spices
Term
condole
Definition
express condolences; N. condolence: sympathy for someone who has experienced great sorrow
Term
condone
Definition
overlook; forgive; give tacit approval; excuse
Term
conducive
Definition
helpful; contributive; V. conduce; Ex. conduce to/towards
Term
conduit
Definition
aqueduct; passageway for fluids
Term
n confidant(confidante)
Definition
trusted friend (to whom one tells one's secret)
Term
s confide
Definition
tell in confidence (to a person one trusts); be confident about
Term
s confidence
Definition
self-assurance; calm unworried feeling based on a strong belief in one's abilities; strong belief in the ability of a person or plan; trust or faith in a person or thing; something confided; secret; Ex. confidence in your ability; Ex. I'm telling you this in confidence; Ex. exchange confidences about their boyfriends; ADJ. confident
Term
s confidential
Definition
spoken or written in secret; trusted with private matters; Ex. confidential secretary
Term
confine
Definition
shut in an enclosed space; restrict; keep within limits; N. confinement
Term
confiscate
Definition
seize; take possession of (private property) by official order (usu. as a punishment); commandeer
Term
conflagration
Definition
great fire
Term
confluence
Definition
flowing together; the place where two rivers flow together; crowd; gathering together
Term
conformity
Definition
harmony; agreement with established rules or customs; similarity; Ex. behave in conformity with; V. conform: be similar; act in agreement; comply; Ex. conform to the rule; CF. conformance
Term
n confound
Definition
confuse; puzzle
Term
congeal
Definition
freeze; coagulate
Term
congenial
Definition
pleasant; friendly; in agreement with one's tastes and nature; Ex. congenial weather
Term
congenital
Definition
existing at birth
Term
conglomeration
Definition
mass of material sticking together
Term
s conglomerate
Definition
corporation made up of several different companies in diversified fields; mass of various material gathered together; rock consisting of small stones held together by clay; V.
Term
congruence
Definition
correspondence of parts; harmonious relationship; CF. congruity
Term
congruent
Definition
in agreement; harmonious; corresponding; coinciding exactly; CF. congruous
Term
n conifer
Definition
pine tree (usu. evergreen); cone-bearing tree; ADJ. coniferous; CF. deciduous; CF. evergreen
Term
conjecture
Definition
surmise; guess; V.
Term
conjugal
Definition
pertaining to marriage
Term
conjure
Definition
cause to appear by magic; summon (a devil or a spirit) by magical power; practice magic (esp. by very quick movement of the hands); evoke; conjure up: bring into the mind; Ex. The magician conjured a rabbit out of his hat.
Term
connivance
Definition
pretense of ignorance of something wrong; assistance; permission to offend; V. connive: feign ignorance (of a wrong); cooperate secretly in an illegal action; conspire
Term
connoisseur
Definition
person competent to act as a judge of art, etc. (whose judgments are respected); a lover of an art
Term
connotation
Definition
suggested or implied meaning of an expression; V. connote
Term
connubial
Definition
pertaining to marriage or the matrimonial state
Term
s matrimony
Definition
state of being married
Term
s patrimony
Definition
property inherited from a father
Term
consanguinity
Definition
kinship; relationship by birth
Term
s consanguineous(consanguine)
Definition
having a common ancestor
Term
conscientious
Definition
scrupulous; through and careful; Ex. conscientious worker
Term
conscript
Definition
draftee; person forced into military service; V.
Term
consecrate
Definition
dedicate; sanctify; declare as sacred; Ex. consecrate one's life to helping the poor
Term
consensus
Definition
general agreement; opinion reached by a group
Term
consequential
Definition
self-important; significant; consequent; following as a result; Ex. consequential air; CF. subsequent
Term
conservatory(conservatoire)
Definition
school of the fine arts (especially music or drama); glass-enclosed area; CF. conservancy
Term
consign
Definition
send to a person or place for sale; deliver officially; entrust; put into the care of another; set apart (for a special purpose); N. consignment; CF. consignor, consignee
Term
consistency
Definition
absence of contradictions; uniformity; degree of thickness or firmness; Ex. consistency of thick cream; CF. viscous
Term
console
Definition
lessen sadness or disappointment; give comfort; allay the sorrow of; N. consolation
Term
consolidation
Definition
unification; process of becoming firmer or stronger; V. consolidate: merge; strengthen
Term
consonance
Definition
harmony; agreement
Term
s consonant
Definition
harmonious; in agreement; N.
Term
consort
Definition
associate with; keep company; N: husband or wife (or a ruler)
Term
conspiracy
Definition
treacherous plot; secret plan against the law (by two or more people)
Term
s conspire
Definition
take part in a conspiracy; (of events) work together; combine; Ex. Events conspired to produce great difficulties.
Term
s consternation
Definition
great shock; dismay
Term
constituent
Definition
supporter; voter; member of a constituency; component
Term
s constituency
Definition
voters represented by an elected official; district so represented; group of supporters (or constituents)
Term
s constitution
Definition
constituting; system of laws; composition of something; physical makeup or structure of a person; Ex. men with strong constitutions
Term
constraint
Definition
restraint; compulsion; repression of feelings; reticence; V. constrain: hold back; restrain; compel; oblige; confine forcibly; imprison
Term
construe
Definition
explain; interpret; Ex. construe her silence as meaning that she agreed; CF. misconstrue
Term
consummate
Definition
complete; V.
Term
contagion
Definition
infection (by contact); ADJ. contagious; CF. infectious: that can be passed by infection in the air
Term
s drastic
Definition
strong; violent and severe; Ex. drastic changes/measures
Term
contaminate
Definition
pollute
Term
contempt
Definition
scorn; disdain; ADJ. contemptuous; CF. contemptible
Term
contend
Definition
struggle; compete; assert earnestly; state strongly
Term
contention
Definition
assertion; claim; thesis; struggling; competition
Term
s thesis
Definition
opinion put forward and supported by reasoned arguments
Term
s boost
Definition
lift by pushing up from below; increase; raise; N: push upward; increase
Term
contentious
Definition
quarrelsome; controversial; likely to cause arguments
Term
contest
Definition
dispute; argue about the rightness of; compete for; try to win; Ex. contest the election results; Ex. contest a seat in Parliament; N.
Term
context
Definition
writings preceding and following the passage quoted; circumstance in which an event occurs
Term
contiguous
Definition
adjacent to; touching upon
Term
n continence
Definition
self-restraint; sexual chastity; sexual abstinence; voluntary control over bladder and bowel functions; ADJ. continent
Term
n contingent
Definition
dependent on something uncertain or in the future; conditional; happening by chance; accidental; N: a group of soldiers, ships to a larger force; CF. contingency: future event that may or may not occur; possibility; Ex. prepare for every contingency
Term
contortions
Definition
twistings; distortions; V. contort: twist violently out of shape; CF. contortionist
Term
n contraband
Definition
illegal trade; smuggling; smuggled goods; ADJ.
Term
n contravene
Definition
contradict; oppose; violate (a rule, law, or custom); N. contravention
Term
contrite
Definition
penitent; repentant; N. contrition
Term
n contrived
Definition
unnatural and forced; artificial; not spontaneous; Ex. The ending was rather contrived.
Term
s contrive
Definition
invent or fabricate in a clever way (by improvisation); manage; Ex. contrive to attract his attention
Term
s contrivance
Definition
something contrived; machine or apparatus; clever deceitful plan; scheme
Term
controvert
Definition
oppose with arguments; attempt to refute; contradict; ADJ. controversial; N. controversy
Term
contumacious
Definition
stubborn and disobedient; resisting authority (esp. disobedient to an order made by a court)
Term
contusion
Definition
bruise
Term
s bruise
Definition
injure without breaking the skin; N.
Term
n conundrum
Definition
riddle; difficult problem
Term
convene
Definition
come together; assemble; call to meet; Ex. convene the council
Term
convention
Definition
social or moral custom; established practice; formal meeting; international agreement
Term
conventional
Definition
ordinary; typical; not nuclear; Ex. conventional weapons
Term
converge
Definition
approach; tend to meet; come together
Term
conversant
Definition
familiar with; having knowledge of
Term
converse
Definition
opposite; ADJ.
Term
convert
Definition
one who has adopted a different religion or opinion; V: change into another form; (persuade to) adopt a particular religion or belief
Term
convex
Definition
curving outward
Term
conveyance
Definition
vehicle; transfer; act of conveying; Ex. public conveyance
Term
conviction
Definition
judgment that someone is guilty of a crime; strongly held belief
Term
convivial
Definition
pleasantly merry; festive; joyous; gay; characterized by joviality; jovial
Term
convoke
Definition
call together; Ex. convoke Parliament; N. convocation
Term
convoluted
Definition
coiled around; twisted; involved; complicated; intricate; complex; N. convolution: twist; one of the convex folds of the surface of the brain
Term
s convulsion
Definition
violent uncontrollable shaking movement (caused by illness); V. convulse; ADJ. convulsive
Term
n copious
Definition
plentiful
Term
n coquette
Definition
flirt; flirtatious woman; woman who tries to attract the admiration of men without sincere feelings; V.
Term
s flirt
Definition
behave in a way that attracts (sexual) attention; deal triflingly with; N: one (or woman) given to flirting; ADJ. flirtatious
Term
cordial
Definition
warmly friendly; gracious; heartfelt; Ex. cordial welcome
Term
n cordon
Definition
extended line of men or fortifications to prevent access or egress; (¾î±ú¿¡¼­ °Üµå¶û ¹ØÀ¸·Î °ÉÄ¡´Â) Àå½Ä ¸®º»; V.
Term
n cornice
Definition
projecting molding on building (usually above columns or pillars); ó¸¶ Àå½Ä
Term
n cornucopia
Definition
horn (or horn-shaped container) overflowing with fruit and grain; symbol of abundance; horn of plenty
Term
corollary
Definition
natural consequence (which naturally follows from something else)
Term
n corporeal
Definition
bodily (rather than spiritual); of a bodily form; material; tangible
Term
corpulent
Definition
very fat; N. corpulence
Term
s corpus
Definition
collection (of writings or information); Ex. the corpus of Shakespear's works; Cf. corpse
Term
s corpuscle
Definition
red or white cell in the blood
Term
correlation
Definition
mutual relationship
Term
s correlate
Definition
either of the correlated things; V.
Term
corroborate
Definition
confirm; support; strengthen
Term
corrode
Definition
destroy or wear away gradually by chemical action (over a long period)
Term
corrosive
Definition
eating away by chemicals or disease; (of language) fierce
Term
n corrugated
Definition
wrinkled; ridged
Term
s wrinkle
Definition
small ridge on a smooth surface (face or cloth); V.
Term
s crinkle
Definition
wrinkle
Term
cosmic
Definition
pertaining to the universe; vast
Term
n coterie
Definition
group that meets socially; select circle; close group of people with shared interests
Term
countenance
Definition
approve; support; tolerate; Ex. countenance his rude behavior; N: face; appearance
Term
n countermand
Definition
cancel; revoke (an order)
Term
counterpart
Definition
thing that completes another; things very much alike; thing that has the same purpose in a different system
Term
n coup
Definition
highly successful action or sudden attack; coup(s) d'\'etat; CF. coup de gr\^ace: deathblow or shot which kills
Term
couple
Definition
join; unite; OP. uncouple
Term
n courier
Definition
messenger
Term
n covenant
Definition
binding agreement between two groups or people; compact; V: enter into a covenant; promise
Term
s bargain
Definition
agreement between two groups or people; something for sale at a price advantageous to the buyer; V: negotiate; trade; Ex. bargaining power
Term
covert
Definition
secret; hidden; implied; OP. overt
Term
n covetous
Definition
avaricious; desirous of (someone else's possessions); V. covet: desire eagerly (someone else's possessions)
Term
n cow
Definition
terrorize; intimidate
Term
n cower
Definition
shrink quivering as from fear; cringe
Term
n coy
Definition
shy (flirtatiously); showing a (pretended) lack of self-confidence; modest; coquettish; CF. job offer¸¦ ¹Þ¾ÒÀ» ¶§
Term
n cozen
Definition
cheat; hoodwink; swindle
Term
n crabbed
Definition
sour; bad-tempered; peevish; difficult to read as handwriting
Term
s peevish
Definition
bad-tempered; irritable; V. peeve: make angry
Term
n crass
Definition
very unrefined; grossly insensible; crude and undiscriminating; Ex. crass behavior
Term
craven
Definition
cowardly
Term
credence
Definition
belief
Term
n credo
Definition
creed
Term
credulity
Definition
belief on slight evidence; gullibility; naivet\'e; ADJ. credulous
Term
creed
Definition
system of religious or ethical belief
Term
crescendo
Definition
increase in the volume or intensity as in a musical passage; climax; CF. crescent
Term
s far-fetched
Definition
too improbable to be believed; implausible; Ex. far-fetched story
Term
s overture
Definition
musical introduction to a long musical piece; first offer or proposal (to begin talks in the hope of reaching an agreement); Ex. overtures for peace
Term
n crestfallen
Definition
dejected; dispirited
Term
s crest
Definition
top (as of a hill or wave); showy feathers on the head of a bird
Term
n crevice
Definition
crack; fissure
Term
cringe
Definition
shrink back as if in fear; cower
Term
criteria
Definition
standards used in judging; CF. criterion
Term
n crone
Definition
hag; ugly old woman
Term
n crotchety
Definition
(of someone old) eccentric; odd; whimsical; bad-tempered; N. crotchet: odd or whimsical notion
Term
n crux
Definition
essential or main point; Ex. the crux of the problem; ADJ. crucial: of deciding importance
Term
crypt
Definition
secret recess or vault usually used for burial; underground room (under a church)
Term
cryptic
Definition
mysterious; hidden; secret
Term
n cubicle
Definition
small chamber used for sleeping or work
Term
s compartment
Definition
one of the parts into which an enclosed space is divided
Term
n cuisine
Definition
style of cooking; Ex. French cuisine
Term
n culinary
Definition
relating to cooking or kitchen
Term
n cull
Definition
pick out from others (to kill the weakest members); reject; select; collect (information); N.
Term
culmination
Definition
highest point; climax; V. culminate in: reach the highest point in; end in; Ex. a series of minor clashes culminating in war
Term
culpable
Definition
deserving blame; blameworthy
Term
s culprit
Definition
one guilty of a crime
Term
n culvert
Definition
artificial channel for water; drain crossing under a road
Term
cumbersome
Definition
heavy and awkward to carry or wear; burdensome; Ex. cumbersome parcel/uniform
Term
cumulative
Definition
growing by addition; accumulative
Term
cupidity
Definition
greed (for wealth); CF. cupid; CF. Cupid
Term
curator
Definition
superintendent; manager (in charge of a museum or a library)
Term
n curmudgeon
Definition
churlish, miserly individual; bad-tempered old person
Term
n cursive
Definition
(of writing) flowing; running; having the successive letters joined
Term
cursory
Definition
casual; hastily done with little attention to detail
Term
curtail
Definition
shorten; reduce
Term
cynical
Definition
skeptical or distrustful of human motives; N. cynicism; CF. cynic: person who believes all people are motivated by selfishness
Term
n cynosure
Definition
object of general attention; person or thing that is a center of attention; CF. Ursa Minor
Term
n dabble
Definition
work at in a nonserious fashion; splash around; move noisily in a liquid
Term
n dais
Definition
raised platform for speakers or other important people
Term
n dally
Definition
trifle with; toy with; treat without the necessary seriousness; procrastinate; waste time
Term
n dank
Definition
damp; unpleasantly wet
Term
n dapper
Definition
neat and trim (in appearance); (of small men) neat in appearance and quick in movements; neat; spry
Term
n dappled
Definition
spotted
Term
n daub
Definition
smear (as with paint); cover with something sticky; Ex. daub one's clothes with mud/paint; N: small bit of sticky substance; Ex. a daub of paint
Term
s smear
Definition
spread or cover with a sticky substance; N: mark made by smearing
Term
s smudge
Definition
dirty mark with unclear edges made by rubbing; V.
Term
daunt
Definition
intimidate; frighten; discourage; dishearten
Term
dauntless
Definition
bold; fearless
Term
dawdle
Definition
loiter; hang around; waste time doing nothing
Term
deadlock
Definition
standstill resulting from the opposition of two unrelenting forces; stalemate
Term
s standstill
Definition
condition of no movement or activity; stop
Term
n deadpan
Definition
wooden; impassive; with no show of feeling; with an expressionless face
Term
dearth
Definition
scarcity
Term
d\'eb\^acle
Definition
sudden disastrous downfall or defeat; complete disaster
Term
debase
Definition
degrade; reduce in quality or value; degenerate; lower in esteem; disgrace; N. debasement
Term
s kneel
Definition
go down on one's knee(s)
Term
n debauch
Definition
corrupt morally; seduce from virtue; N. debauchery: wild behavior (with sex and alcohol)
Term
s seduce
Definition
lead away from proper conduct; entice; ADJ. seductive
Term
debilitate
Definition
weaken (esp. through heat, hunger, illness); enfeeble
Term
s bout
Definition
match; short period of great activity; Ex. wrestling bout; bout of drinking/flu
Term
n debonair
Definition
(of men) friendly, charming, and fashionably dressed; aiming to please; CF. of good disposition
Term
d\'ebris
Definition
rubble; wreckage; scattered remains of something broken or destroyed
Term
n debunk
Definition
expose as false, exaggerated, worthless, etc.; ridicule
Term
n debutante
Definition
young woman making formal entrance into society
Term
s debut
Definition
d\'ebut; first public appearance; formal presentation of a young woman to society
Term
decadence
Definition
decay; fall to a lower level (of morality, civilization, or art); ADJ. decadent
Term
decant
Definition
pour off gently (wine or liquid)
Term
decapitate
Definition
behead
Term
decelerate
Definition
slow down
Term
n deciduous
Definition
falling off at a specific season or stage of growth as of leaves; Ex. deciduous tree/teeth
Term
decimate
Definition
kill (usually one out of ten or every tenth man); destroy or kill a large part of
Term
decipher
Definition
decode; CF. indecipherable
Term
n declivity
Definition
downward slope
Term
n d\'ecollet\'e
Definition
(of a dress) having a low-cut neckline; CF. d\'ecolletage: low neckline (on a dress)
Term
s decree
Definition
authoritative order; edict; judgment of a court of law; V: order or judge by decree
Term
n decomposition
Definition
decay; V. decompose: decay; break and separate into simple parts
Term
decorum
Definition
propriety; orderliness and good taste in manners; appropriateness of behavior or conduct
Term
s decorous
Definition
proper (in behavior, conduct, or appearance)
Term
decoy
Definition
lure or bait; V.
Term
decrepitude
Definition
state of collapse or weakness caused by illness or old age
Term
s decrepit
Definition
weak and in bad condition from old age or hard use; Ex. decrepit old chair/man
Term
n decry
Definition
express strong disapproval of; condemn openly (something dangerous to the public); disparage; Ex. decry the violence of modern films
Term
deducible
Definition
derived by reasoning; V. deduce: infer; derive by reasoning
Term
deface
Definition
mar; disfigure
Term
s mar
Definition
spoil the appearance of
Term
defame
Definition
harm someone's reputation; malign; speak evil of; slander; N. defamation; ADJ. defamatory
Term
default
Definition
failure to act; failure to perform a task or be present; V.
Term
n defeatist
Definition
resigned to defeat or failure; accepting defeat or failure as a natural outcome; N. CF. defeatism
Term
defection
Definition
desertion
Term
s defect
Definition
shortcoming; V: desert (in order to join the opposite one)
Term
defer
Definition
give in respectfully; submit; delay till later; exempt temporarily; N. deferment; CF. show respect, comply with, courteous
Term
deference
Definition
courteous regard for another's wish; courteous yielding to another's wish or opinion (showing respect); ADJ. deferential; OP. effrontery
Term
defiance
Definition
refusal to yield; resistance; V. defy; ADJ. defiant
Term
defile
Definition
pollute; make filthy or dirty; corrupt morally; profane; desecrate; N: narrow passage or gorge through mountains
Term
definitive
Definition
most reliable; authorative and complete; that cannot be improved; conclusive; decisive; definite; Ex. definitive decision by the supreme court
Term
deflect
Definition
turn aside; turn away from a straight course
Term
n defoliate
Definition
destroy leaves; deprive of leaves (by the use of chemicals); N. defoliant
Term
n defray
Definition
provide for the payment of; undertake the payment of; pay
Term
n defrock
Definition
strip a priest or minister of church authority; unfrock
Term
s frock
Definition
long loose garment (worn by monks)
Term
deft
Definition
neat; skillful
Term
defunct
Definition
dead; no longer in use or existence
Term
degenerate
Definition
become worse in quality; deteriorate; ADJ: having become worse; Ex. a degenerate species; N: depraved or corrupt person
Term
degradation
Definition
humiliation; debasement; degeneration; V. degrade: debase; disgrace; degenerate; reduce (something) in worth; demote (someone); reduce in rank
Term
s dishonor
Definition
disgrace; N. ADJ. dishonorable
Term
n dehydrate
Definition
remove water from; dry out
Term
deify
Definition
turn into a god; make a god of; idolize; Ex. Kings were deified; CF. deity
Term
n deign
Definition
condescend; stoop
Term
s stoop
Definition
bend forward and down; lower or debase oneself; fall to a lower standard of behavior by doing something; condescend; Ex. stoop to lying
Term
delete
Definition
erase; strike out
Term
n deleterious
Definition
harmful
Term
deliberate
Definition
consider; ponder; ADJ: done on purpose; slow
Term
delineate
Definition
portray; depict; sketch; describe; N. delineation
Term
delirium
Definition
mental disorder marked by confusion; uncontrolled excitement; ADJ. delirious
Term
delta
Definition
flat plain of mud or sand between branches of a river
Term
delude
Definition
deceive
Term
deluge
Definition
flood; rush; V.
Term
delusion
Definition
false belief; hallucination; deluding; Ex. delusions of grandeur; Ex. under the delusion that
Term
delusive
Definition
deceptive; likely to delude; misleading; raising vain hopes; Ex. delusive promises
Term
n delve
Definition
dig; search deeply; investigate
Term
demagogue
Definition
person who appeals to people's prejudice; false leader of people; CF. demagoguery
Term
demean
Definition
disgrace; humiliate; debase in dignity; behave
Term
demeanor
Definition
behavior; bearing
Term
demented
Definition
insane
Term
demise
Definition
death
Term
n demographic
Definition
related to population balance; N. demography: statistical study of human population
Term
demolition
Definition
destruction; V. demolish
Term
n demoniac(demoniacal)
Definition
fiendish; cruel; N. demon: evil supernatural being; devil
Term
s fiend
Definition
evil spirit; devil
Term
n demotic
Definition
of or pertaining to the people
Term
n demur
Definition
object (because of doubts, scruples); raise an objection (showing qualms); hesitate; Ex. demur at the idea of working on Sunday
Term
n demure
Definition
(of a woman or child) grave; quiet and serious; coy; pretending to be demure
Term
denigrate
Definition
blacken; defame
Term
denizen
Definition
(animal, person, or plant) inhabitant or resident of a particular place; regular visitor
Term
denotation
Definition
meaning; distinguishing by name; V. denote: indicate; refer to directly; mean; CF. connotation
Term
n d\'enouement
Definition
final outcome; final development of the plot of a play or other literary work; the end of a story when everything is explained
Term
denounce
Definition
condemn; criticize; N. denunciation
Term
depict
Definition
portray
Term
s expos\'e
Definition
public revelation of something discreditable
Term
deplete
Definition
reduce; exhaust
Term
deplore
Definition
regret; express sorrow and severe disapproval for something bad; Ex. deplore their violent behavior; ADJ. deplorable: very bad; deserving severe disapproval; Ex. deplorable living condition
Term
deploy
Definition
spread out (troops) in an extended though shallow battle line; distribute (persons or forces) systematically or strategically
Term
s battalion
Definition
army unit made up of four or more companies
Term
depose
Definition
dethrone; remove from office; give a deposition; testify
Term
deposition
Definition
testimony under oath; deposing; dethroning
Term
depravity
Definition
extreme corruption; wickedness; V. deprave
Term
deprecate
Definition
express disapproval of; deplore; protest against; belittle; ADJ. deprecatory
Term
depreciate
Definition
lessen in value; belittle; represent as of little value
Term
depredation
Definition
plundering; destruction
Term
deranged
Definition
insane
Term
s institute
Definition
organization for a special purpose; V: establish
Term
s institution
Definition
instituting; (building for the) organization; established custom, practice, or relationship in a society; mental hospital; Ex. institution of marriage
Term
s institutionalize
Definition
make into an institution; put or confine in an institution
Term
derelict
Definition
negligent; (of someone) neglectful of duty; (of something) deserted by an owner; abandoned; N: abandoned property; homeless or vagrant person
Term
s dereliction
Definition
neglect of duty; abandonment
Term
deride
Definition
ridicule; treat with contempt; make fun of; OP. respect
Term
derision
Definition
ridicule; ADJ. derisive; CF. derisory
Term
derivative
Definition
unoriginal; obtained from another source; Ex. derivative prose style; N.
Term
s derivation
Definition
deriving; origin or source of something; Ex. the derivation of the word
Term
dermatologist
Definition
one who studies the skin and its diseases
Term
s acne
Definition
skin disease (on the face)
Term
derogatory
Definition
expressing a low opinion; disparaging; V. derogate: detract; disparage
Term
n descry
Definition
catch sight of (something distant)
Term
desecrate
Definition
profane; violate the sanctity of
Term
s violate
Definition
break (a law); defile; desecrate; assault sexually; Ex. violate graves
Term
desiccate
Definition
dry up
Term
desolate
Definition
(of a place) deserted; unpopulated; (of a person) lonely; forlorn; joyless
Term
desolate
Definition
make desolate; forsake; abandon and desert
Term
n desperado
Definition
reckless, desperate outlaw
Term
s desperate
Definition
having lost all hope; despairing; reckless and violent because of loss of hope or despair; undertaken as a last resort
Term
despise
Definition
look on with scorn; regard as worthless or distasteful; ADJ. despicable: contemptible
Term
despoil
Definition
plunder; sack; Ex. despoil the village
Term
despondent
Definition
without hope and courage; depressed; gloomy; N. despondency: loss of hope with gloom; dejection
Term
despot
Definition
tyrant; harsh, authoritarian ruler; CF. despotism
Term
destitute
Definition
extremely poor; lacking means of subsistence; utterly lacking; devoid; Ex. destitute of any experience
Term
s impoverish
Definition
make poor; deprive of natural strength or something important; Ex. impoverished soil
Term
desultory
Definition
aimless; haphazard; digressing at random
Term
n detached
Definition
emotionally removed; free from emotional involvement; calm and objective; physically separate; N. detachment; CF. attachment
Term
s detain
Definition
keep waiting; prevent from leaving or going; N. detention
Term
n determinate
Definition
having a fixed order of procedure; precisely defined; invariable; fixed; conclusive; final
Term
n determination
Definition
resolve; firmness of purpose; measurement or calculation; decision
Term
deterrent
Definition
something that discourages or deters
Term
detonation
Definition
explosion
Term
detraction
Definition
slandering; aspersion; detracting; CF. detractor
Term
detrimental
Definition
harmful; damaging; N. detriment
Term
deviate
Definition
turn away from (a principle, norm); move away from an accepted standard; swerve; depart; diverge; N. deviation; Ex. deviation of the path of light by a prism
Term
n devious
Definition
roundabout; erratic; deviating from the straight course; not straightforward; not completely honest; Ex. devious route
Term
devise
Definition
think up; invent; plan; bequeath; N: bequest
Term
devoid
Definition
empty; lacking
Term
n devolve
Definition
deputize; pass or be passed to others (power, work, or property); Ex. devolve on/upon/to
Term
s deputize
Definition
work or appoint as a deputy; N. deputy: person who has the power to take charge when the leading person is away
Term
devotee
Definition
enthusiastic follower; enthusiast; Ex. devotee of Bach
Term
devout
Definition
pious; deeply religious; sincere; earnest; Ex. my devout hope
Term
dexterous
Definition
skillful; skill in using hands or mind; N. dexterity
Term
diabolical
Definition
diabolic; devilish; fiendish
Term
n diadem
Definition
crown
Term
dialectical
Definition
relating to the art of debate; mutual or reciprocal; Ex. dialectical situation; N. dialectic: art of arriving at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments
Term
diaphanous
Definition
sheer; transparent
Term
n diatribe
Definition
bitter scolding or denunciation; invective; abuse
Term
dichotomy
Definition
division into two opposite parts; split; branching into two parts (especially contradictory ones)
Term
n dictum
Definition
authoritative and weighty statement (made by a judge in court); saying; maxim; CF. obiter dictum: incidental, nonbinding remark (something said in passing)
Term
n didactic
Definition
(of speech or writing) intended to teach a moral lesson; teaching; instructional; N. didacticism
Term
n die
Definition
metal block used for shaping metal or plastic; device for stamping or impressing; mold; CF. dice
Term
diffidence
Definition
shyness; lack of self-confidence; timidity; ADJ. diffident
Term
n diffuse
Definition
wordy; verbose; rambling; spread out (like a gas); V: spread out in all directions; disperse; N. diffusion; CF. suffuse
Term
digression
Definition
wandering away from the subject; V. digress
Term
dilapidated
Definition
falling to pieces; in a bad condition; ruined because of neglect; Ex. dilapidated old car/castle; N. dilapidation
Term
dilate
Definition
expand; dilate on/upon: speak or write at length on (a subject)
Term
dilatory
Definition
delaying; tending to delay
Term
dilemma
Definition
situation that requires a choice between equally unfavorable options; problem; choice of two unsatisfactory alternatives
Term
n dilettante
Definition
aimless follower of an art or a field of knowledge (not taking it seriously); amateur; dabbler; CF. delight
Term
diligence
Definition
steadiness of effort; persistent hard work
Term
dilute
Definition
make (a liquid) less concentrated; reduce in strength; Ex. dilute the influence of the president
Term
diminution
Definition
lessening; reduction in size; V. diminish
Term
din
Definition
continued loud noise; V: make a din; instill by wearying repetition
Term
s weary
Definition
tired after long work; V.
Term
n dinghy
Definition
small boat (often ship's boat)
Term
s maroon
Definition
leave helpless on a deserted island or coast; ADJ. red brown
Term
n dingy
Definition
(of things and place) dirty and dull; Ex. dingy street/curtain
Term
s dull
Definition
(of colors or surfaces) not bright; cloudy; overcast; boring; (of edge or sound) not sharp; not rapid; sluggish; slow in thinking and understanding; stupid; V.
Term
n dint
Definition
means; effort; Ex. by dint of hard work
Term
n diorama
Definition
life-size, three-dimensional scene from nature or history; three-dimensional scene with modeled figures against a painted background
Term
n dire
Definition
warning of disaster; disastrous; (of needs and dangers) very great; urgent; Ex. dire prediction/need of food
Term
n dirge
Definition
funeral song; slow mournful piece of music (sung over a dead person)
Term
disabuse
Definition
correct a false impression; undeceive; free from a wrong belief
Term
n disaffected
Definition
disloyal; lacking loyality; V. disaffect: cause to lose affection or loyalty
Term
disapprobation
Definition
disapproval; condemnation
Term
n disarray
Definition
state of disorder; a disorderly or untidy state; Ex. with her clothes in disarray
Term
n disavowal
Definition
denial; disclaiming; repudiating; disowning; V. disavow; CF. disclaim
Term
n disband
Definition
dissolve; disperse; (of a group) break up and separate; Ex. The club has disbanded.
Term
n disburse
Definition
pay out (as from a fund); N. disbursement; CF. purse
Term
discernible
Definition
distinguishable; perceivable; Ex. discernible improvement
Term
discerning
Definition
mentally quick and observant; having insight; perceptive; able to make good judgments; V. discern: perceive
Term
n disclaim
Definition
disown; renounce claim to; deny; CF. disclaimer
Term
disclose
Definition
reveal; N. disclosure
Term
n discombobulated
Definition
discomposed; confused
Term
s discompose
Definition
disturb the composure of; confuse
Term
discomfit
Definition
frustrate; put to rout; defeat; disconcert; embarrass; perturb
Term
n disconcert
Definition
confuse; upset; embarrass; perturb
Term
disconsolate
Definition
hopelessly sad (at the loss of something)
Term
discord
Definition
conflict; lack of harmony; dissonance (when musical notes are played)
Term
discordant
Definition
not harmonious; conflicting
Term
n discount
Definition
disregard; regard (a story or news) as unimportant; deduct from a cost
Term
discourse
Definition
serious speech, writing, or conversation; formal discussion (either written or spoken); conversation; V.
Term
discredit
Definition
defame; disgrace; destroy confidence in; disbelieve; N. CF. discreditable: causing discredit; shameful
Term
discrepancy
Definition
lack of consistency or agreement as between facts; difference; Ex. discrepancy between two descriptions
Term
discrete
Definition
separate; unconnected
Term
discretion
Definition
prudence; ability to adjust actions to circumstances; freedom of action or judgment; ADJ. discreet; CF. discretionary
Term
discriminating
Definition
able to see differences; discerning; prejudiced; N. discrimination
Term
s discriminate
Definition
distinguish; make distinctions on the basis of preference
Term
s brisk
Definition
quick and active; marked by liveliness and vigor
Term
n discursive
Definition
(of a person or writing) digressing; rambling (without any clear plan)
Term
disdain
Definition
treat with scorn or contempt
Term
n disembark
Definition
debark; go ashore (from a ship); unload cargo from a ship; CF. embark
Term
disenfranchise
Definition
disfranchise; deprive of a civil right; OP. enfranchise
Term
n disengage
Definition
uncouple; separate; disconnect; stop fighting; OP. engage
Term
disfigure
Definition
mar the appearance of; spoil
Term
n disgorge
Definition
surrender something (stolen); eject; vomit; OP. gorge
Term
n disgruntle
Definition
make discontented
Term
dishearten
Definition
discourage
Term
n disheveled
Definition
untidy (of hair or clothing); V. dishevel
Term
disinclination
Definition
unwillingness
Term
n disingenuous
Definition
not naive; not candid; sophisticated; worldly wise; OP. ingenuous
Term
n disinter
Definition
dig up; unearth; OP. inter
Term
disinterested
Definition
unprejudiced; free from bias and self-interest; objective
Term
disjointed
Definition
disconnected; lacking coherence; V. disjoint: disconnect; disjoin
Term
disjunction
Definition
act or state of separation; disunity; CF. disjunctive: expressing a choice between two ideas; CF. conjunction; CF. conjunctive
Term
n dislodge
Definition
remove (forcibly); force out of a position; Ex. dislodge the food caught in his throat; CF. lodge
Term
n dismantle
Definition
take apart; disassemble
Term
s mantle
Definition
loose sleeveless outer garment; cloak; something that covers or envelops; the layer of the earth between the crust and the core
Term
s crust
Definition
hard outer covering (as of earth or snow)
Term
dismember
Definition
cut into small parts; cut (a body) apart limb from limb
Term
n dismiss
Definition
eliminate from consideration; no longer consider; put out of court without further hearing; reject; discharge from employment; direct to leave; ADJ. dismissive; N. dismissal
Term
disparage
Definition
belittle
Term
maneuver(manoeuver)
Definition
strategic military or naval movement (done for training purposes); carefully planned process; stratagem; V: carry out a military maneuver; use maneuvers in gaining an end
Term
disparate
Definition
basically different; impossible to compare; unrelated
Term
disparity
Definition
difference; condition of inequality; OP. parity
Term
dispassionate
Definition
calm; impartial; not influenced by personal feelings
Term
dispatch
Definition
speediness; prompt execution; message sent with all due speed; V: send to a specified destination; finish promptly; kill
Term
dispel
Definition
scatter; drive away; cause to vanish
Term
s dispense
Definition
distribute; prepare and give out (medicines); N. dispensation: dispensing; religious system; official exemption from an obligation or a rule
Term
disperse
Definition
scatter; Ex. disperse the cloud/crowd
Term
n dispirited
Definition
lacking in spirit
Term
n disport
Definition
amuse; Ex. disport oneself; CF. divert
Term
disputatious
Definition
argumentative; fond of argument
Term
disquietude
Definition
uneasiness; anxiety; V. disquiet: make anxious
Term
n disquisition
Definition
formal systematic inquiry; explanation of the results of a formal inquiry; long formal speech or written report
Term
dissection
Definition
analysis; cutting apart in order to examine
Term
n dissemble
Definition
disguise; hide the real nature of; pretend
Term
disseminate
Definition
distribute; spread; scatter (like seeds)
Term
dissent
Definition
disagree
Term
dissertation
Definition
formal essay; treatise
Term
dissident
Definition
dissenting (with an opinion, a group, or a government); rebellious; N.
Term
n dissimulate
Definition
pretend; conceal by feigning; dissemble
Term
dissipate
Definition
squander; waste foolishly; scatter
Term
n dissolution
Definition
disintegration; reduction to a liquid form; looseness in morals; sensual indulgence; debauchery; ADJ. dissolute: lacking in moral restraint; leading an immoral life
Term
s reduce
Definition
diminish; bring to a weaker or more difficult condition; demote; lower in rank; separate into components by analysis; Ex. reduced to the ranks; Ex. reduce the house to rubble; N. reduction
Term
dissuade
Definition
persuade not to do; discourage; N. dissuasion
Term
s dissonance
Definition
discord
Term
n distant
Definition
reserved or aloof; cold in manner; Ex. distant greeting; ADV. distantly
Term
distend
Definition
expand; swell out
Term
distill
Definition
refine (a liquid by evaporating and subsequent condensation); concentrate; separate the most important parts from; Ex. distill fresh water from sea water; CF. brew
Term
n distinction
Definition
honor; excellence; difference; contrast; discrimination; Ex. graduated with distinction; Ex. a writer of real distinction
Term
s distinct
Definition
clearly different; clearly noticed
Term
s distinctive
Definition
clearly different from others of the same kind
Term
distort
Definition
twist out of shape; give a false account of; misrepresent; N. distortion
Term
n distrait
Definition
absentminded; distracted
Term
n distraught
Definition
upset; distracted by anxiety; very anxious and troubled almost to the point of madness; Ex. distraught with grief/worry
Term
s distract
Definition
take (one's attention) off something; upset emotionally; make anxious; ADJ. distracted
Term
diurnal
Definition
daily; occurring during the daytime
Term
diva
Definition
operatic singer; prima donna
Term
diverge
Definition
vary; go in different directions from the same point; ADJ. divergent: differing; deviating
Term
diverse
Definition
differing in some characteristics (from each other); various; N. diversity:
Term
diversion
Definition
act of turning aside; pastime; V. divert: turn aside from a course; distract; amuse
Term
divest
Definition
strip (as of clothes); deprive (as of rights); dispossess; N. divestiture(divestment)
Term
divine
Definition
perceive intuitively (by or as if by magic); foresee the future; foretell; dowse; ADJ. N. divination
Term
s dowse
Definition
use a divining rod to search for underground water or minerals
Term
divulge
Definition
reveal
Term
docile
Definition
obedient; easily managed; submissive
Term
s ferocious
Definition
fierce; violent; N. ferocity
Term
n docket
Definition
program as for trial; book where such entries are made; list of things to be done; agenda; label fixed to a package listing contents or directions; V: describe in a docket
Term
n doctrinaire
Definition
unable to compromise about points of doctrine; dogmatic; unyielding; marked by inflexible attachment to a doctrine without regard to its practical difficulties
Term
doctrine
Definition
teachings in general; particular principle (religious, legal, etc.) taught; dogma; tenet; ADJ. doctrinal
Term
s indoctrinate
Definition
cause to accept a doctrine without questioning it; Ex. indoctrinated with mindless anti-communism
Term
n document
Definition
provide written evidence (for a claim); record with documents; N.
Term
n doddering
Definition
shaky; infirm from old age; V. dodder
Term
s merit
Definition
deserve; ADJ. meritorious: deserving reward or praise
Term
n doff
Definition
take off; OP. don
Term
n dogged
Definition
determined; stubborn; stubbornly persevering; tenacious; Ex. Inspector Javert's dogged pursuit of Jean Valjean
Term
s persevere
Definition
continue steadily in spite of difficulties
Term
n doggerel
Definition
poor verse
Term
dogmatic
Definition
opinionated; holding stubbornly to one's opinion; arbitrary; doctrinal
Term
n doldrums
Definition
blues; listlessness(lack of spirit or energy); slack(inactive) period; period of stagnation; ocean area near the equator where ships cannot move because there is no wind; Ex. in the doldrums
Term
s blues
Definition
state of depression or melancholy; style of slow, mournful music (evolved from southern Black American songs)
Term
dolorous
Definition
sorrowful; N. dolor
Term
n dolt
Definition
slow-thinking stupid person; CF. dull
Term
n domicile
Definition
home; V. ADJ. domiciled: having one's domicile; Ex. He is domiciled in Britain.
Term
n domineer
Definition
rule over tyrannically
Term
s dominate
Definition
control; rule; enjoy a commanding position in; overlook from a height; ³»·Á´Ùº¸´Ù
Term
s dominant
Definition
exercising the most influence; high and easily seen; stronger than the other part of a system; not recessive
Term
n don
Definition
put on; OP. doff
Term
s outfit
Definition
clothing or equipment for a special purpose; Ex. cowboy outfit
Term
dormant
Definition
sleeping; temporarily inactive; lethargic; latent
Term
n dormer
Definition
window projecting upright from roof; CF. sleeping room
Term
dorsal
Definition
relating to the back of an animal; Ex. dorsal fin
Term
n dossier
Definition
file of documents on a subject or person; file; CF. bundle of papers labeled on the back
Term
n dotage
Definition
senility; feeblemindedness of old age; Ex. In one's dotage
Term
n dote
Definition
be excessively fond of; show signs of mental decline
Term
n dour
Definition
sullen; gloomy; stubborn
Term
s sullen
Definition
silently showing ill humor or resentment; dark; gloomy
Term
s brood
Definition
sit on in order to hatch; think deeply or worry anxiously; N: the young of certain animals; group of young birds hatched at one time
Term
n douse
Definition
plunge into water or liquid; dip; immerse; drench; wet throughly; extinguish; throw water over; dowse
Term
n dowdy
Definition
untidy (of a woman or clothes); slovenly; dressed in an unattractive way; shabby; CF. unattractive woman
Term
n downcast
Definition
disheartened; dejected; sad; directed downward
Term
n drab
Definition
dull; lacking color; cheerless ; Ex. drab coat/life
Term
n draconian
Definition
extremely severe; Ex. draconian punishment; CF. Draco: Athenian politician
Term
n dregs
Definition
sediment in a liquid; lees; worthless residue
Term
n drivel
Definition
nonsense; foolishness; V: talk nonsense
Term
s nonsense
Definition
speech or writing with no meaning; foolish behavior or language; Ex. make (a) nonsense of: spoil; cause to fail
Term
s dribble
Definition
flow or fall in drops; let saliva flow out slowly from the mouth; move a ball; N.
Term
s drip
Definition
fall or let fall in drops; shed drops; N: action or sound of falling in drops; liquid that falls in drops
Term
s trickle
Definition
flow in drops or in a thin stream; N.
Term
n droll
Definition
queer and amusing
Term
s queer
Definition
strange; eccentric; deviating from the normal
Term
n drone
Definition
idle person who lives on other people's work; male bee
Term
n drone
Definition
talk dully; buzz or murmur like a bee; N.
Term
s murmur
Definition
low, indistinct, continuous sound; V. CF. mumble
Term
n dross
Definition
waste matter; worthless impurities
Term
drudgery
Definition
hard unpleasant work; menial work
Term
s drudge
Definition
do drudgery; N: person who drudges
Term
n dubious
Definition
questionable; (of something) causing doubt; (of someone) filled with doubt; N. dubiety
Term
n ductile
Definition
malleable; pliable; (of metals) easily pulled into shape; flexible; (of someone) easily influenced or controlled
Term
n dulcet
Definition
sweet sounding; pleasing to the ear; melodious
Term
n dumbfound(dumfound)
Definition
astonish (making dumb); ADJ. dumbfounded, dumfounded, dumbstruck
Term
n dupe
Definition
someone easily fooled or deceived; V: deceive
Term
n duplicity
Definition
double-dealing; hypocrisy; being dishonest and deceitful; ADJ. duplicitous
Term
duration
Definition
length of time something lasts
Term
n duress
Definition
forcible restraint, especially unlawfully; coercion by threat; illegal coercion; Ex. a promise made under duress
Term
n dutiful(duteous)
Definition
(of people or their behavior) respectful; obedient (filled with a sense of duty)
Term
n dwindle
Definition
shrink; reduce gradually
Term
dynamic
Definition
energetic; vigorously active
Term
s dynamo
Definition
generator for producing electricity; energetic person
Term
n dyspeptic
Definition
suffering from indigestion; N. dyspepsia: indigestion; difficulty in digesting food
Term
s dys-
Definition
abnormal; impaired
Term
s dyslexia
Definition
word blindness; learning disorder marked by impairment of the ability to read
Term
s dysentery
Definition
inflammatory disorder of the lower intestinal tract
Term
n earthy
Definition
unrefined; coarse; of earth; Ex. earthy remarks; OP. ethereal
Term
s earthly
Definition
of this earth; terrestrial; worldly; not divine; possible; Ex. no earthly reason
Term
ebb
Definition
(of the tide) recede; lessen; diminish; N. OP. flow: rise of tide
Term
ebullient
Definition
showing excitement; overflowing with enthusiasm; boiling; N. ebullience; N. ebullition: state of boiling
Term
eccentric
Definition
irregular; odd; unconventional; whimsical; bizarre; not concentric
Term
eccentricity
Definition
oddity; idiosyncrasy
Term
ecclesiastic
Definition
ecclesiastical; pertaining to the church; N: minister; priest; cleric; clergyman
Term
s chapel
Definition
small church (in a prison, college, or hospital)
Term
s chaplain
Definition
clergyman attached to a chapel
Term
s padre
Definition
chaplain (in the armed forces)
Term
eclectic
Definition
selective; composed of elements drawn from disparate sources; selecting individual elements from a variety of sources; N. eclecticism
Term
eclipse
Definition
darken; extinguish; outshine; surpass; cause an eclipse
Term
s ecliptic
Definition
path of the sun and the planets
Term
ecologist
Definition
person concerned with the interrelationship between living organisms and their environment; person concerned with the detrimental effects of human civilization on the environment; CF. ecology
Term
s ecosystem
Definition
ecological community together with its environment
Term
economy
Definition
efficiency or conciseness in using something; thrifty management of resources
Term
ecstasy
Definition
rapture; very strong feeling of joy and happiness; any overpowering emotion; ADJ. ecstatic: causing or experiencing ecstasy
Term
s rapture
Definition
great joy and delight; ecstasy; ADJ. rapturous
Term
n eddy
Definition
swirling current of water, air, etc.; V.
Term
edict
Definition
decree (especially one issued by a sovereign); official command
Term
s sovereign
Definition
ruler in a monarchy; ADJ: (of a country) independent and self-governing; having supreme power; supreme; excellent
Term
s sovereignty
Definition
complete independence and self-government (of a country); supremacy of authority; power to govern
Term
n edify
Definition
instruct; correct morally
Term
s edifice
Definition
building (of imposing size)
Term
eerie
Definition
weird; causing fear because strange
Term
efface
Definition
rub out; remove the surface of
Term
effectual
Definition
able to produce a desired effect; valid
Term
s effective
Definition
effectual; producing a strong response; striking; in operation; in effect; Ex. effective speech/photograph
Term
s effectuate
Definition
effect; produce; achieve; Ex. effectuate a reconciliation
Term
effeminate
Definition
having womanly traits
Term
s emasculate
Definition
weaken; castrate
Term
s castrate
Definition
remove the sex organs (of a male animal or person)
Term
n effervescence
Definition
inner excitement or exuberance; showing high spirits; emitting bubbles forming inside; bubbling from fermentation or carbonation; ADJ. effervescent; V. effervesce
Term
effete
Definition
having lost one's original power; barren; worn out; exhausted
Term
efficacy
Definition
power to produce desired effect; ADJ. efficacious: effectual
Term
effigy
Definition
dummy; likeness of a person made of wood, paper, or stone; Ex. burn an effigy of the President
Term
s dummy
Definition
imitation of a real object used as a substitute; effigy
Term
n effluvium
Definition
noxious(harmful) smell
Term
effrontery
Definition
rudeness without any sense of shame; shameless boldness; presumptousness; nerve; cheek
Term
s effulgent
Definition
shining brightly; brilliant
Term
effusion
Definition
pouring forth; unrestrained outpouring of feeling; V. effuse: pour out; ADJ. effusive: pouring forth; gushing
Term
s gush
Definition
(of liquid) pour out in large quantities from a hole; make an excessive display of feeling (without true feeling); Ex. Blood gushed from the wound.
Term
egoism
Definition
excessive interest in one's self; belief that one should be interested in one's self rather than in others; selfishness; ADJ. egoistic, egoistical
Term
s ego
Definition
one's opinion of oneself; self-esteem
Term
egotistical
Definition
egotistic; excessively self-centered(egocentric); self-important; conceited
Term
s egotism
Definition
tendency to speak or write of oneself excessively; conceit; self-importance
Term
egregious
Definition
notorious; conspicuously bad or shocking
Term
n egress
Definition
exit; opening for going out; act of going out; OP. ingress
Term
n ejaculation
Definition
exclamation; abrupt ejection (to discharge sperm); V. ejaculate
Term
n elaboration
Definition
addition of details; intricacy
Term
s elaborate
Definition
work out carefully; add more detail or information; ADJ.
Term
elated
Definition
filled with excited joy and pride; overjoyed; in high spirits; joyful and proud; Ex. elated crowd; V. elate; N. elation
Term
n elegy
Definition
poem or song expressing lamentation (for the dead); ADJ. elegiacal, elegiac
Term
elicit
Definition
draw out fact or information (by discussion or from someone)
Term
n elixir
Definition
cure-all; panacea; something invigorating
Term
ellipsis
Definition
omission of words from a text; mark used to indicate an omission (when the meaning can be understood without them); PL. ellipses
Term
elliptical
Definition
elliptic; oval; of an ellipse; containing an ellipsis; ambiguous either purposely or because key words have been left out
Term
eloquence
Definition
expressiveness; persuasive speech; ADJ. eloquent: movingly expressive; expressing ideas well so that the hearers can be influeneced
Term
elucidate
Definition
explain; make clear; clarify; enlighten; CF. lucid
Term
elusive
Definition
evasive; not frank; baffling; hard to grasp, catch, or understand; V. elude: escape from; escape the understanding or grasp of; Ex. elude the hunter; Ex. His name eludes me.
Term
n elysian
Definition
relating to paradise; blissful
Term
s Elysium
Definition
place or condition of bliss
Term
emaciated
Definition
thin and wasted (from hunger or illness)
Term
emanate
Definition
issue forth; come out
Term
emancipate
Definition
set free; liberate
Term
embargo
Definition
ban on commerce or other activity
Term
embark
Definition
commence; go on board a boat; begin a journey
Term
embed(imbed)
Definition
enclose; place in something; fix firmly in a surrounding mass
Term
embellish
Definition
adorn; ornament; enhance as a story (by adding fictitious details)
Term
embezzlement
Definition
taking for one's own use in violation of trust; stealing (of money placed in one's care)
Term
s emblazon
Definition
ornament richly (a shield or flag); N. emblazonment
Term
s embody
Definition
give a bodily form to; incorporate; include
Term
n emboss
Definition
produce a design in raised relief; decorate with a raised design
Term
embrace
Definition
hug; clasp with the arms; adopt or espouse; accept readily; encircle; include; Ex. embrace the cause/socialism; Ex. all-embracing; CF. brace; CF. bracelet
Term
s encircle
Definition
surround
Term
embroider
Definition
decorate with needlework; ornament (a story) with fancy or fictitious details; embellish
Term
embroil
Definition
throw into confusion; involve in strife, dispute, or quarrel; entangle; CF. imbroglio
Term
embryonic
Definition
undeveloped; rudimentary; N. embryo: organism in the early stage of development
Term
emend
Definition
correct (usually a text); N. emendation: correction of errors; improvement
Term
n emetic
Definition
substance causing vomiting; ADJ.
Term
n eminent
Definition
rising above others; high; lofty; distinguished; Ex. eminent position
Term
emissary
Definition
agent (sent on a mission to represent another); messenger
Term
emollient
Definition
soothing or softening remedy (for the skin); ADJ.
Term
emolument
Definition
salary; payment for an office; compensation
Term
n empathy
Definition
ability to identify with another's feelings, ideas, etc.; identification with and understanding of another's feelings; V. empathize; CF. sympathy
Term
s compassion
Definition
sympathy for the suffering of others; ADJ. compassionate
Term
empirical
Definition
based on experience
Term
n emulate
Definition
imitate; rival; try to equal or excel (through imitation)
Term
n enamored
Definition
in love; Ex. enamored of his own beauty; V. enamor: inspire with love
Term
encipher
Definition
encode; convert a message into code; put into cipher
Term
enclave
Definition
territory enclosed within an alien land
Term
encomiastic
Definition
praising; eulogistic; N. encomium: very high praise; eulogy
Term
encompass
Definition
surround; include; Ex. His activities encompass publishing and computers.
Term
encroachment
Definition
gradual intrusion; Ex. I resent all these encroachments on my valuable time; V. encroach: take another's possessions or right gradually or stealthily; intrude; Ex. encroach on/upon
Term
encumber
Definition
burden; N. encumbrance
Term
n endearment
Definition
fond word or act; expression of affection
Term
s endear
Definition
make beloved; Ex. endear her to everyone; ADJ. dear: loved; cherished; high-priced
Term
endemic
Definition
prevailing among a specific group of people or in a specific area or country; peculiar to a particular region or people; CF. pandemic
Term
endorse
Definition
approve; support; write one's signature on the back of; N. endorsement; CF. dorsal
Term
endue
Definition
provide with some quality; endow
Term
enduring
Definition
lasting; surviving; V. endure: bear (pain or suffering) for a long time; remain alive (in spite of difficulties); last; survive
Term
energize
Definition
invigorate; give energy to; make forceful and active
Term
enervate
Definition
weaken; take away energy from
Term
enfranchise
Definition
admit to the rights of citizenship (especially the right to vote); CF. franchise
Term
n engage
Definition
attract; employ; hire; pledge oneself; confront; fight; enter into confliction; interlock; lock together; participate; N. engagement: agreement to marry; arrangement to meet someone or to do something; battle
Term
engaging
Definition
charming; attractive
Term
s engaged
Definition
employed; busy; betrothed; involved in conflict
Term
engender
Definition
cause; produce; give rise to
Term
engross
Definition
occupy fully; absorb
Term
enhance
Definition
increase; make greater (as in value, reputation, or usefulness); improve
Term
enigma
Definition
puzzle; mystery; ADJ. enigmatic: obscure; puzzling
Term
s puzzle
Definition
baffle or confuse by a difficult problem; ponder over a problem in an effort to solve; clarify or solve by reasoning; Ex. puzzle out the answer; N.
Term
enjoin
Definition
command; order; forbid
Term
enmity
Definition
ill will; hatred; hostility
Term
n ennui
Definition
boredom; listlessness and dissatisfaction resulting from lack of interest; CF. annoy
Term
enormity
Definition
hugeness (in a bad sense); excessive wickedness; Ex. enormity of the crime; ADJ. enormous
Term
n enrapture
Definition
please intensely; fill with rapture and delight
Term
n ensconce
Definition
settle comfortably; place comfortably (in a secure place)
Term
ensue
Definition
follow (as a result)
Term
entail
Definition
make necessary; require; necessitate; involve; limit the inheritance of (property) to a specified succession of heirs; Ex. entail A on/upon B
Term
n enterprising
Definition
full of initiative; showing enterprise
Term
s enterprise
Definition
willingness to take new ventures; initiative; business organization; plan (that is difficult or daring); Ex. their latest enterprise to sail round the world in a small boat
Term
enthrall
Definition
capture; enslave; captivate; hold the complete attention of (as if magic); hold spellbound
Term
entice
Definition
lure; persuade to do (something wrong); attract; tempt
Term
s mischief
Definition
behavior (of children) causing trouble with no serious harm; damage; harm; Ex. mischief to the crops; ADJ. mischievous: causing mischief; playfully troublesome
Term
entity
Definition
real being
Term
entomology
Definition
study of insects
Term
n entrance
Definition
put under a spell(condition caused by magical power); carry away(fill with strong feeling) with emotion; put into a trance; fill with delight
Term
s trance
Definition
hypnotic state; ecstatic state; detachment from one's physical surrounding (as in contemplation or daydreaming); CF. transition
Term
s hypnosis
Definition
induced sleeping state; ADJ. hypnotic; V. hypnotize
Term
entreat
Definition
plead; ask earnestly
Term
n entree(entr\'ee)
Definition
entrance; a way in; right to enter; main dish of a meal; Ex. entree into the exclusive circle
Term
entrepreneur
Definition
businessperson (who assumes the risk of a business venture); contractor; ADJ. entrepreneurial
Term
enumerate
Definition
list; mention one by one
Term
n enunciate
Definition
announce; proclaim; utter or speak, especially distinctly; pronounce clearly; articulate; Ex. This theory was first enunciated by him.
Term
environ
Definition
enclose; surround; N. environs: surrounding area (as of a city)
Term
n eon(aeon)
Definition
long period of time; an age; longest division of geologic time containing two or more eras
Term
n epaulet(epaulette)
Definition
ornament worn on the shoulder (of a uniform, etc.)
Term
s fringe
Definition
decorative edge of hanging threads; edge
Term
ephemeral
Definition
short-lived; fleeting
Term
s fleet
Definition
fast; rapid; N. ADJ. fleeting: passing quickly; ephemeral
Term
epic
Definition
long heroic poem, novel, or similar work of art (celebrating the feats of a hero); ADJ: (of stories or events) resembling an epic; grand
Term
epicure
Definition
connoisseur of food and drink; gourmet; ADJ. epicurean; CF. Epicurus
Term
s Epicurean
Definition
believing that pleasure is good and suffering is bad and should be avoided; N.
Term
n epigram
Definition
witty thought or saying, usually short
Term
epilogue
Definition
short speech at conclusion of dramatic work
Term
n episodic
Definition
(of a story or play) loosely connected; made up of separate and loosely connected parts; N. episode: incident in the course of an experience
Term
n epistemologist
Definition
philosopher who studies the nature of knowledge; N. epistemology
Term
n epitaph
Definition
inscription in memory of a dead person (as on a tombstone)
Term
n epithet
Definition
word or phrase characteristically used to describe a person or thing; descriptive phrase to characterize a person (often contemptous)
Term
epitome
Definition
perfect example or embodiment; brief summary; Ex. epitome of good manners; V. epitomize: make an epitome of; be an epitome of; embody
Term
epoch
Definition
period of time
Term
equable
Definition
tranquil; of even calm temper; (of temperature) steady; uniform
Term
equanimity
Definition
calmness of temperament; composure
Term
n equestrian
Definition
rider on horseback; ADJ.
Term
equilibrium
Definition
balance of opposing forces; balance of the mind; equanimity
Term
n equine
Definition
resembling a horse; Ex. equine face
Term
equinox
Definition
period of equal days and nights; the beginning of spring and autumn; Ex. vernal/autumnal equinox; ADJ. equinoctial
Term
n equipoise
Definition
balance; balancing force; equilibrium
Term
equitable
Definition
fair; impartial; OP. inequitable
Term
equity
Definition
fairness; justice; OP. inequity
Term
n equivocal
Definition
(of words or statements) ambiguous; intentionally misleading; (of behavior) questionable; OP. unequivocal
Term
n equivocate
Definition
use equivocal language to deceive people; lie; mislead; attempt to conceal the truth; N. equivocation
Term
erode
Definition
eat away; wear away gradually by abrasion; Ex. The sea erodes the rocks.
Term
erotic
Definition
pertaining to passionate love or sexual love
Term
n errant
Definition
wandering (esp. in search of adventure); straying from proper moral standards; Ex. knight-errant
Term
n erratic
Definition
odd; irregular in movement or behavior; unpredictable
Term
erroneous
Definition
mistaken; wrong; incorrect
Term
erudite
Definition
(of a person or book) learned; full of learning; scholarly; N. erudition
Term
escapade
Definition
prank; flighty conduct; reckless adventure that disobeys rules
Term
s prank
Definition
mischievous trick
Term
s flighty
Definition
(esp. of a woman's behavior) capricious; often changing, esp. from one lover to another; impulsive
Term
n eschew
Definition
avoid habitually; Ex. eschew alcoholic drinks
Term
n esoteric
Definition
hard to understand; known only to the chosen few, esp. initiates; N. esoterica
Term
espionage
Definition
spying
Term
n espouse
Definition
adopt; support (an idea or aim); marry; N. espousal
Term
esteem
Definition
respect; value; judge; N.
Term
estranged
Definition
separated; alienated; V. estrange: alienate (people in a family); N. estrangement
Term
n ethereal
Definition
like a spirit or fairy; unearthly light; heavenly; unusually refined; Ex. She has an ethereal beauty; CF. ether: upper air
Term
s airy
Definition
of air; high in the air; lofty; immaterial; unreal
Term
n ethnic
Definition
relating to races
Term
n ethnology
Definition
study of humankind; study of the different races of human beings; CF. anthropology
Term
n ethos
Definition
underlying character of a culture, group, etc.; character or ideas peculiar to a specific person, group, or culture; Ex. the company ethos
Term
etymology
Definition
study of word parts; study of the origins of words
Term
eugenic
Definition
pertaining to the improvement of race; N. eugenics: study of hereditary improvement of the human race
Term
eulogistic
Definition
praising; full of eulogy
Term
n eulogy
Definition
expression of praise, often on the occasion of someone's death; V. eulogize
Term
euphemism
Definition
mild expression in place of an unpleasant one; ADJ. euphemistic
Term
euphony
Definition
sweet sound; ADJ. euphonious
Term
n euphoria
Definition
feeling of exaggerated or unfounded(ungrounded; baseless) well-being; feeling of great happiness or well-being (when unreasonable); ADJ. euphoriaric
Term
euthanasia
Definition
mercy killing
Term
evanescent
Definition
fleeting; vanishing; soon disappearing; V. evanesce
Term
n evasive
Definition
not frank; trying to hide the truth; eluding; evading; V. evade: avoid (a duty or responsibility) or escape from by deceit
Term
evince
Definition
show clearly
Term
n evenhanded
Definition
impartial; fair
Term
evocative
Definition
tending to call up (emotions, memories)
Term
evoke
Definition
call forth (memory or feeling); Ex. That old film evoked memories of my childhood; N. evocation
Term
n ewe
Definition
female sheep
Term
s ram
Definition
male sheep; V. strike or drive against with a heavy impact
Term
exacerbate
Definition
worsen; aggravate; embitter
Term
s embitter
Definition
make bitter; fill with painful or bitter feelings; make sad and angry; Ex. He was embittered by many disappointments.
Term
exacting
Definition
extremely demanding; Ex. exacting standard of safety
Term
s exact
Definition
demand and obtain by force; Ex. exact a promise from him; N. exaction
Term
exalt
Definition
raise in rank or dignity; praise highly; inspire; Ex. exalt the imagination; ADJ. exalted; N. exaltation
Term
n exasperate
Definition
vex; annoy or make angry (by testing the patience)
Term
n exceptionable
Definition
objectionable; likely to cause dislike; offensive; CF. unexceptionable: entirely acceptable
Term
s except
Definition
exclude; N. exception: objection; exclusion; ADJ. exceptional: unusual; of unusually high quality
Term
n excerpt
Definition
selected passage (written or musical) taken from a longer work; V.
Term
n exchequer
Definition
treasury; Ex. Chancellor of the exchequer
Term
s chancellor
Definition
legal official of high rank; CF. chancellery(chancellory): position of a chancellor
Term
s treasure
Definition
keep as precious; cherish
Term
excise
Definition
cut away; cut out; N: government tax on good produced and used inside a country; N. excision
Term
exclaim
Definition
cry out suddenly; N. exclamation; ADJ. exclamatory
Term
n excoriate
Definition
scold with biting harshness; censure strongly; strip the skin off
Term
exculpate
Definition
clear from blame or guilt
Term
n execrable
Definition
very bad; detestable
Term
execrate
Definition
curse; express abhorrence for; detest
Term
execute
Definition
put into effect; carry out; kill as a lawful punishment; N. execution
Term
s executor
Definition
person designated to execute the terms of a will; ¿¹¼ú ÀÛÇ°ÀÇ Á¦ÀÛÀÚ
Term
s executioner
Definition
person administering capital punishment
Term
s executive
Definition
person having administrative authority; one branch of government executing laws; ADJ: relating to executing
Term
s legislature
Definition
legislating branch of government; CF. legislate: make laws
Term
s judiciary
Definition
judicial branch of government
Term
n exegesis
Definition
explanation, especially of biblical(of the bible) passages
Term
exemplary
Definition
serving as a model; outstanding; Ex. exemplary punishment/behavior; N. exemplar: typical example; model
Term
exemplify
Definition
show by example; furnish an example; serve as an example of; Ex. His pictures exemplify that sort of painting.
Term
exempt
Definition
not subject to a duty or obligation; free from a duty; V.
Term
exertion
Definition
effort; expenditure of much physical work; V. exert oneself: make a great effort
Term
s exhale
Definition
breathe out; OP. inhale
Term
exhilarating
Definition
invigorating and refreshing; cheering; V. exhilarate: make cheerful and excited; Ex. exhilarated by the ride in the sports car
Term
n exhort
Definition
urge (by strong argument or advice); Ex. The general exhorted his men to fight bravely; N. exhortation
Term
s urge
Definition
drive or force forward (by causing impulses); drive to take action; impel; entreat earnestly; Ex. urge horses; N: impulse that prompts action
Term
s urgent
Definition
compelling immediate action; pressing; persistent; importunate; Ex. urgent in his demands
Term
exhume
Definition
dig out of the ground; remove from a grave
Term
exigency
Definition
urgent situation; ADJ. exigent
Term
exiguous
Definition
small in amount; minute
Term
n existential
Definition
pertaining to existence; pertaining to the philosophy of existentialism
Term
exodus
Definition
departure (of a large number of people)
Term
exonerate
Definition
acquit; exculpate; free from blame or guilt
Term
exorbitant
Definition
(of costs or demands) excessive; exceeding reasonable bounds
Term
exorcise
Definition
drive out evil spirits
Term
exotic
Definition
not native; from another part of the world; strange; intriguingly unusual; Ex. exotic flower/dress
Term
s intrigue
Definition
make secret plans; plot; arouse the curiosity of; N: secret scheme; plot; secret love affair
Term
n expansive
Definition
(of a person) outgoing and sociable; broad and extensive; able to increase in size
Term
s outgoing
Definition
sociable; eager to mix socially with others
Term
n expatiate
Definition
talk at length; speak or write in detail
Term
expatriate
Definition
exile; someone who has withdrawn from his native land; V: exile; banish; leave one's country
Term
expedient
Definition
suitable (for a particular purpose although not necessarily morally correct); practical; politic(prudent); N: something expedient
Term
expedite
Definition
hasten; make go faster
Term
s expeditious
Definition
done with speed; quick; N. expedition
Term
expenditure
Definition
payment or expense; expending; something expended; output; Ex. receipt for the expenditure; Ex. expenditure of all the energy
Term
expertise
Definition
specialized knowledge (in a particular field); expert skill
Term
expiate
Definition
make amends for (a sin)
Term
n expletive
Definition
meaningless word; interjection; profane oath; swear-word
Term
s interjection
Definition
exclamation; Ex. ``Ouch''
Term
s swear
Definition
vow; promise; use profane oaths; use offensive words
Term
s swear-word
Definition
word considered offensive; Ex. ``bloody''
Term
s oath
Definition
solemn promise; blasphemous use of sacred words to express strong feelings; swear-word; Ex. ``For Christ's sake''
Term
explicate
Definition
explain in detail; interpret; clarify; CF. explicable
Term
explicit
Definition
totally clear; definite; outspoken
Term
exploit
Definition
brave and successful act; deed or action, particularly a brave deed; CF. crossing the Atlantic ocean
Term
exploit
Definition
make use of, sometimes unjustly; N. exploitation
Term
expository
Definition
explanatory; serving to explain; N. exposition: explaining; exhibition
Term
n expostulation
Definition
protest; remonstrance; reasoning with someone to correct or dissuade; V. expostulate
Term
exposure
Definition
risk, particularly of being exposed to disease or to the elements; unmasking; act of laying something open; Ex. exposure of governmental corruption
Term
expound
Definition
explain
Term
n expropriate
Definition
take possession of (often for public use and without payment)
Term
n expunge
Definition
cancel; remove a word or name (from a book or list); erase
Term
expurgate
Definition
clean; remove offensive parts of a book
Term
extant
Definition
(of something written or painted) still in existence
Term
extemporaneous
Definition
not planned; impromptu; extempore
Term
n extenuate
Definition
weaken; mitigate; lessen the seriousness of (bad behavior)
Term
extirpate
Definition
root up; uproot; destroy completely
Term
n extol
Definition
praise very highly; glorify
Term
extort
Definition
wring from; get money by threats, etc.; obtain by force or threats; CF. extortionate: exorbitant
Term
s wring
Definition
twist (to extract liquid); extract by twisting; wrench painfully (necks or hands)
Term
n extradition
Definition
surrender of prisoner by one state to another; Ex. extradition treaty; V. extradite
Term
n extraneous
Definition
not essential; irrelevant; superfluous; external; coming from the outside; Ex. extraneous details/noise/to the subject
Term
n extrapolation
Definition
projection; conjecture; V. extrapolate: infer (unknown information) from known information
Term
extricate
Definition
free from an entanglement or difficulty; disentangle
Term
extrinsic
Definition
external; not essential or inherent; extraneous; OP. intrinsic
Term
extrovert
Definition
person interested mostly in external objects and actions
Term
s mingle
Definition
mix together in close association
Term
n extrude
Definition
force or push out; thrust out; shape (plastic or metal) by forcing through a die
Term
n exuberance
Definition
overflowing abundance; joyful enthusiasm; flamboyance; lavishness; ADJ. exuberant: high-spirited and lively; growing abundantly and strongly
Term
s glow
Definition
shine brightly without a flame (as of eyes or metals); show redness and heat (in the face) after hard work or because of strong feelings; N: light produced by a heated body; brilliance of a color
Term
n exude
Definition
flow out slowly; discharge (gradually); give forth; N. exudation
Term
s ooze
Definition
(of a thick liquid) pass or flow slowly; N: mud or thick liquid as at the bottom of a river
Term
exult
Definition
rejoice
Term
fabricate
Definition
build; lie; make up (a story) in order to deceive; Ex. fabricate the whole story; CF. fabric: underlying structure; Ex. fabric of society
Term
n facade(fa\c{c}ade)
Definition
front or face (of building); superficial or false appearance
Term
facet
Definition
small plane surface (of a gem(precious stone)); a side
Term
n facetious
Definition
joking (often inappropriately); unserious; humorous
Term
n facile
Definition
easily accomplished; ready or fluent; superficial; not deep; Ex. facile solution to a complex problem; Ex. facile speaker; N. facility: ability to do something easily and well; ease in doing resulting from skill or aptitude; something that facilitates an action; amenity; Ex. with great facility
Term
facilitate
Definition
help bring about; make less difficult
Term
facsimile
Definition
copy
Term
n faction
Definition
party; clique (within a large group); dissension
Term
s dissension
Definition
disagreement of opinions causing strife within a group
Term
n factious
Definition
inclined to form factions; causing dissension
Term
n factitious
Definition
artificial; produced artificially; sham; false; Ex. factitious tears
Term
n factotum
Definition
handyman; person who does all kinds of work; CF. do everything
Term
faculty
Definition
mental or bodily powers; teaching staff
Term
fallacious
Definition
false; based on a fallacy; misleading; N. fallacy: false idea or notion; false reasoning; Ex. popular fallacy; Ex. fallacy of the argument
Term
fallible
Definition
liable to err
Term
s falsify
Definition
make (something written) false by changing
Term
n fallow
Definition
(of land) plowed but not sowed (to improve the quality); uncultivated
Term
s sow
Definition
plant or scatter seed
Term
n falter
Definition
hesitate; weaken in purpose or action; walk or move unsteadily through weakness; N.
Term
s stumble
Definition
trip and almost fall; proceed unsteadily; act falteringly; N.
Term
fanaticism
Definition
excessive zeal; extreme devotion to a belief or cause; N. fanatic; ADJ. fanatic
Term
fancied
Definition
imagined; unreal
Term
n fancier
Definition
breeder or dealer of animals; one who has a special interest, as for raising specific plant or animal
Term
n fanciful
Definition
whimsical; visionary; imaginary; produced by imagination; Ex. fanciful scheme
Term
s fancy
Definition
imagination (of a whimsical or fantastic nature); capricious liking; V: imagine; be fond of; ADJ. decorative; elaborate
Term
n fanfare
Definition
call by bugles or trumpets; showy display; spectacular public display
Term
n farce
Definition
broad comedy; mockery; humorous play full of silly things happening; ADJ. farcical
Term
n fastidious
Definition
difficult to please; squeamish; fussy; finicky
Term
s squeamish
Definition
easily shocked or sickened by unpleasant things; fastidious; Ex. A nurse should not be squeamish.
Term
n fatalism
Definition
belief that events are determined by forces or fates beyond one's control; ADJ. fatalistic; CF. fatal: causing death
Term
fathom
Definition
comprehend; investigate; determine the depth of; N. unit of measurement for the depth of water
Term
s fathomless
Definition
too deep to be measured or understood; unfathomable
Term
n fatuous
Definition
smugly and unconsciously foolish; inane; silly; N. fatuity, fatuousness
Term
fauna
Definition
animals of a period or region; CF. flora
Term
n fawning
Definition
courting favor by cringing and flattering; V. fawn: exhibit affection as a dog; seek favor or attention by obsequiousness
Term
s court
Definition
attempt to gain; seek; woo; risk; behave so as to invite; attempt to gain the favor of by attention; Ex. court disaster
Term
n faze
Definition
disconcert; dismay; embarrass
Term
feasible
Definition
practical; able to be carried out; practicable
Term
n febrile
Definition
feverish
Term
n fecundity
Definition
fertility; fruitfulness; ADJ. fecund: very productive of crops or young
Term
s fertile
Definition
producing many young, fruits, or seeds; (of land) producing good crops; V. fertilize
Term
s fruitful
Definition
producing results; profitable; prolific; producing in abundance
Term
feign
Definition
pretend
Term
n feint
Definition
trick; shift; sham blow; feigned attack to draw away defensive action; V.
Term
s shift
Definition
change position or place; exchange (one thing) for another; change in direction or position; Ex. shift the stolen goods; N. group of workers which takes turns with other groups; working period of such a group
Term
n felicitous
Definition
(of a word or remark) apt; suitably expressed; well chosen
Term
n felicity
Definition
happiness; appropriateness (of a remark, choice, etc.); quality of being felicitous
Term
s feline
Definition
of a member of the cat family; N.
Term
n fell
Definition
cruel; (of a disease) deadly
Term
n fell
Definition
cut or knock down (a tree or a person); bring down (with a missile)
Term
felon
Definition
person convicted of a grave crime; CF. felony: serious crime
Term
n feral
Definition
(of an animal) not domestic; wild
Term
n ferment
Definition
agitation; commotion(noisy and excited activity); unrest (of a political kind); V. produce by fermentation; undergo fermentation; cause (a state of trouble)
Term
s fermentation
Definition
chemical reaction that splits complex organic compounds; unrest; agitation
Term
n ferret
Definition
drive or hunt out of hiding; hunt with ferrets; drive out (as from a hiding place); expel; uncover or discover by searching; Ex. ferret out the secret; N. small fierce animal which catches rats and rabbits by going into their holes
Term
n fervent
Definition
ardent; zealous; hot
Term
n fervid
Definition
ardent; zealous; hot
Term
s impassioned
Definition
(of speech) filled with passion; fervent
Term
n fervor
Definition
glowing ardor; intensity of feeling; quality of being fervent or fervid; zeal; intense heat
Term
n fester
Definition
rankle; produce irritation or resentment; (of a cut or wound) generate pus or rot; Ex. His insult festered in my mind for days.
Term
festive
Definition
joyous; celebratory; relating to a feast or festival
Term
n fete(f\^ete)
Definition
honor at a festival; celebrate or honor with a feast; N. (outdoor) festival or feast; CF. feast
Term
n fetid(foetid)
Definition
malodorous; foul
Term
s foul
Definition
very bad or disagreeable; very dirty; Ex. foul smell/flavor/temper/language/air/deed/weather/means; N. act against the rules; V. make or become foul; commit a foul
Term
s fetish(fetich)
Definition
object believed to have spiritual powers; object of excessive attention or reverence; CF. fetishism
Term
n fetter
Definition
shackle; restrict the freedom of; N. chain or shackle for the foot of a prisoner; CF. foot
Term
n fiasco
Definition
total failure; CF. bottle
Term
n fiat
Definition
command; arbitrary order; Ex. presidential fiat; CF. let it be done
Term
fickle
Definition
changeable (in affections or friendship); faithless
Term
n fictitious
Definition
imaginary; non-existent; purposely invented to deceive; untrue; Ex. fictitious name/boyfriend; CF. fictional
Term
fidelity
Definition
loyalty; accuracy
Term
n figment
Definition
invention; something invented; imaginary thing; Ex. figment of your imagination
Term
figurative
Definition
not literal but metaphorical; using a figure(impression) of speech
Term
s figure
Definition
written symbols; number; amount represented in numbers; outline or silhouette of a thing or human body; person (well-known); impression; diagram; pattern; group in a dance; Ex. figure of speech; V. calculate with numbers; adorn with figures; appear; consider; Ex. My name did not figure in the list.
Term
n figurine
Definition
small ornamental statuette(very small statue)
Term
n filch
Definition
steal (things of small value)
Term
s pilfer
Definition
steal things of small value; filch; snitch
Term
n filial
Definition
pertaining to or befitting a son or daughter; Ex. filial respect
Term
n filibuster
Definition
block legislation or prevent action in a lawmaking body by making very slow long speeches; N; freebooter
Term
s freebooter
Definition
pirate or plunderer who makes war in order to grow rich
Term
s bust
Definition
piece of sculpture showing a person's head, shoulders, and upper chest; V: break up; arrest; Ex. crimebuster
Term
n filigree
Definition
delicate ornamental lacelike metalwork
Term
s lace
Definition
cord used to draw and tie together two opposite edges (as of a shoe); delicate fabric made of fine threads; V: draw together by tying a lace
Term
n filing
Definition
particle removed by a file
Term
finale
Definition
conclusion; concluding part
Term
n finesse
Definition
delicate skill; V: handle with finesse
Term
n finicky
Definition
too particular; fussy; difficult to please; too concerned with unimportant details or quality; Ex. finicky about her food
Term
s fussy
Definition
fastidious; finicky; easily upset
Term
s fuss:
Definition
trouble or worry over trifles; make nervous; pay too much attention to; N: needless concern or worry (about a trivial thing); anxious nervous condition; display of attention; Ex. make a fuss over the baby
Term
finite
Definition
limited
Term
n firebrand
Definition
piece of burning wood; hothead; troublemaker; person who stirs up trouble
Term
s hothead
Definition
person who does things too quickly without thinking; ADJ. hotheaded
Term
fissure
Definition
crevice; crack
Term
n fitful
Definition
spasmodic; intermittent; irregular
Term
s fit
Definition
sudden outburst of an illness or feeling; convulsion caused by epilepsy
Term
n flaccid
Definition
flabby; lacking firmness; weak; Ex. flaccid muscles
Term
s limp
Definition
walk lamely; ADJ: lacking firmness; weak
Term
n flag
Definition
droop; grow feeble; decline in vigor or strength; ADJ. flagging; CF. unflagging
Term
s droop
Definition
bend or hang downward; become weakened; Ex. His shoulders drooped with tiredness; N.
Term
flagrant
Definition
conspicuously wicked, bad, or offensive; blatant; outrageous
Term
outrage
Definition
act of extreme violence or viciousness; resentful anger; V: commit an outrage on; produce anger in; ADJ. outrageous: offensive
Term
n flail
Definition
beat with or as if with a flail; move wildly; thresh grain by hand; strike or slap; toss about; N: threshing tool consisting of a stick swinging from the end of a long handle
Term
s thresh
Definition
beat (cereal plants) with a machine or flail to separate the grains from the straw
Term
s toss
Definition
throw lightly; move or lift (the head) with a sudden motion; flip (a coin) to decide something
Term
n flair
Definition
talent
Term
n flamboyant
Definition
ornate; highly elaborate; richly colored; ostentatious; showy; CF. flame
Term
n flaunt
Definition
display ostentatiously; Ex. ``Honey, if you've got it, flaunt it !''
Term
n flay
Definition
strip off skin; plunder; remove the skin from; criticize harshly
Term
n fleck
Definition
spot; mark with flecks; N: small mark or spot
Term
n fledgling(fledgeling)
Definition
inexperienced; N: young bird that has acquired wing feathers and is learning to fly; inexperienced person
Term
n fleece
Definition
wool coat of a sheep; V: shear the fleece from; rob by a trick; swindle; plunder
Term
s shear
Definition
remove (fleece or hair) by cutting; remove the hair or fleece from; cut with or as if with shears; N: shears; pair of scissors
Term
s trickster
Definition
person who cheats people
Term
n flick
Definition
light stroke as with a whip; V: move with a light quick blow; strike with a light quick blow (as from a whip); Ex. flick the switch
Term
s flicker
Definition
burn unsteadily or fitfully; move waveringly; N: flickering movement or light; brief sensation; Ex. flicker of excitement
Term
s flutter
Definition
(of a bird with large wings) wave (the wings) lightly, rapidly, and irregularly; vibrate rapidly or erratically; fly by waving quickly; flitter; N.
Term
n flinch
Definition
hesitate; shrink back (in fear of something unpleasant); Ex. She did not flinch in the face of danger.
Term
n flippant
Definition
lacking proper seriousness; Ex. flippant remarks about death; N. flippancy
Term
s flip
Definition
send (something) spinning, often into the air, by striking with a light quick blow; turn over; Ex. flip over
Term
n flit
Definition
fly; fly or move lightly or quickly; dart lightly; pass swiftly by; Ex. a bee flitting from flower to flower
Term
n floe
Definition
flat mass of floating ice
Term
flora
Definition
plants of a region or era
Term
s florescence
Definition
condition or period of flowering
Term
n florid
Definition
ruddy; (of a complexion) reddish; flowery; very ornate; CF. rose
Term
s flush
Definition
redden; blush; flow suddenly and abundantly; wash out by a rapid brief flow of water; N: reddish tinge; blush; brief rush; rush of strong feeling; Ex. flush of pride; ADJ: having surfaces in the same plane; even; blushing
Term
s blush
Definition
become red in the face (from embarrassment or shame); become red or rosy; N.
Term
s tinge
Definition
give a slight degree of a color or quality to; N: slight degree of a color or quality; Ex. tinged with grey/jealousy
Term
s tint
Definition
slight degree of color; V: give a tint to
Term
s flowery
Definition
full of flowers; full of ornate expressions
Term
n flotsam
Definition
drifting wreckage
Term
s jetsam
Definition
things thrown from a ship (to lighten the ship)
Term
n flounder
Definition
struggle and thrash about; proceed clumsily or falter (as in water, mud, snow, etc.); proceed in confusion
Term
s thrash
Definition
beat with a whip or flail; defeat utterly; talk about thoroughly in order to find the answer; move wildly or violently; Ex. The fishes thrashed about in the net.
Term
flourish
Definition
grow well; prosper; make sweeping gestures; wave; brandish; Ex. The trees flourished in the sun. N: showy movement or gesture; embellishment or ornamentation (esp. in handwriting)
Term
n flout
Definition
reject; mock; show contempt for; scorn; Ex. flout the rules
Term
s curb
Definition
chain or strap used with a bit to restrain a horse; something that checks; V: check; restrain
Term
fluctuate
Definition
waver; shift; rise and fall as if in waves; change or vary irregularly
Term
fluency
Definition
smoothness of speech; ADJ. fluent
Term
n fluke
Definition
unlikely occurrence; stroke of fortune; accidental stroke of good luck; ADJ. fluky
Term
n fluster
Definition
confuse; make nervous and confused; N.
Term
n fluted
Definition
having vertical parallel grooves (as in a pillar); V. flute: make long parallel inward curves in; N. flute: long rounded groove incised on the shaft of a column
Term
s groove
Definition
long narrow channel made in a surface to guide the movement of something; Ex. groove of the record
Term
s stammer
Definition
speak with involuntarily pauses or repetitions
Term
n flux
Definition
flowing; series of changes; fluctuation; Ex. in a state of flux
Term
n fodder
Definition
coarse food for cattle, horses, etc.; feed for livestock; CF. food
Term
n foible
Definition
small weakness of character; slight fault; CF. feeble
Term
n foil
Definition
contrast; one that by contrast enhances the distinctive characteristics of another
Term
n foil
Definition
defeat; frustrate; prevent from being successful; thwart; CF. fail
Term
n foist
Definition
insert improperly; impose upon another by coercion; palm off; pass off as genuine or worthy; CF. fist
Term
s palm
Definition
conceal in the palm of the hand; palm off: pass off; Ex. palm off some bad oranges onto the lady/the painting as a real Renoir
Term
s pass_off
Definition
present falsely; represent falsely to be
Term
n foliage
Definition
masses of leaves; CF. defoliate
Term
n foment
Definition
stir up; incite; instigate; promote the growth of (something evil or unpleasant)
Term
n foolhardy
Definition
rash; reckless; foolishly daring
Term
n foppish
Definition
vain about dress and appearance; N. fop: man who takes too much interest in his clothes and appearance
Term
n foray
Definition
raid; sudden raid or military advance; V.
Term
n forbearance
Definition
patience; forgiveness; V. forbear: refrain from (in a generous and forgiving way); be patient; Ex. forbear to send him to prison
Term
n ford
Definition
place where a river can be crossed on foot; V.
Term
n forebears(forbears)
Definition
ancestors
Term
foreboding
Definition
premonition of evil; feeling of coming evil; V. forebode: be a warning of (something unpleasant)
Term
n forensic
Definition
suitable to debate or courts of law; of or used in legal proceedings and the tracking of criminals; Ex. forensic science/medicine
Term
s forum
Definition
public square of an ancient Roman city; public place for open discussion; court of law
Term
foreshadow
Definition
give an indication beforehand; be a sign of (what is coming); portend; prefigure
Term
s prefigure
Definition
be a sign of; foreshadow
Term
s forerunner
Definition
predecessor; one that comes before and indicates the approach of another
Term
foresight
Definition
ability to foresee future happenings; prudence in providing for the future
Term
forestall
Definition
prevent by taking action in advance
Term
s nuptial
Definition
of marriage or the wedding ceremony; N; nuptials; wedding ceremony
Term
s forfeit
Definition
something surrendered as punishment for a crime or breach of contract; V: lose as a forfeit; N. forfeiture
Term
s forge
Definition
counterfeit; reproduce fraudulently; form by heating in a forge and hammering into shape; move with a sudden increase of speed or power; Ex. forged ahead in the last two years; N: furnace where metals are heated
Term
forgo(forego)
Definition
give up; do without
Term
forlorn
Definition
sad and lonely; wretched; desolate
Term
formality
Definition
ceremonious quality; ceremonious adherence to rules; something done just for form's sake; Ex. mere formality
Term
formidable
Definition
menacing; arousing fear; threatening; difficult to defeat; Ex. formidable foe/question
Term
s menace
Definition
threat; V: threaten
Term
n forsake
Definition
desert; abandon; renounce
Term
n forswear
Definition
renounce under oath; abandon; make a solemn promise to give up; CF. abjure
Term
forte
Definition
strong point or special talent in a person's character
Term
n forthright
Definition
straightforward; direct; frank
Term
s forthcoming
Definition
happening in the near future; ready; willing to help; Ex. No answer was forthcoming.
Term
fortitude
Definition
bravery; courage; strength of mind
Term
n fortuitous
Definition
accidental; by chance; N. fortuity
Term
n foster
Definition
rear; bring up (for a certain period only); encourage; promote the development of (feelings or ideas); Ex. help foster friendly relations; ADJ: giving parental care although not related by blood; Ex. foster parents
Term
n founder
Definition
fail completely; sink; CF. flounder
Term
founder
Definition
person who establishes (an organization or business)
Term
n fracas
Definition
brawl(noisy quarrel or fight) in which a number of people take part; melee
Term
n fractious
Definition
unruly; peevish; cranky; bad-tempered; Ex. fractious horse
Term
frail
Definition
weak; N. frailty
Term
franchise
Definition
right or privilege granted by authority; right to vote; license to sell a product in a particular territory
Term
n frantic
Definition
wild; distraught as from fear or worry; Ex. frantic with fear
Term
fraudulent
Definition
cheating; deceitful; Ex. fraudulent means; N. fraud: deception; swindle
Term
n fraught
Definition
filled (with something unpleasant); full; Ex. fraught with danger and difficulties; CF. freight
Term
n fray
Definition
brawl; fight; V: wear away or unravel by rubbing; have loose threads developing; cause to become worn out (a person's temper or nerves); CF. rub
Term
n frenetic(phrenetic)
Definition
frenzied; frantic
Term
n frenzied
Definition
madly excited; N. frenzy: violent wild excitement
Term
n fresco
Definition
painting on wet plaster (usually fresh)
Term
s paste
Definition
smooth viscous mixture as of flour(powder made by crushing grain) and water (used as an adhesive); V: cause to adhere by applying paste
Term
s pastry
Definition
paste of flour and water (eaten when baked)
Term
s plaster
Definition
paste that hardens to a smooth solid and is used for coating walls; V.
Term
n fret
Definition
be annoyed or vexed; Ex. fret over your poor grades; N: irritation of mind; ADJ. fretful
Term
friction
Definition
clash or conflict in opinion; rubbing against
Term
n frieze
Definition
ornamental horizontal band on a wall
Term
frigid
Definition
intensely cold; cold in manner; Ex. frigid zone
Term
n fritter
Definition
waste (time or money on unimportant things)
Term
frivolous
Definition
lacking in seriousness; flippant; self-indulgently carefree; unworthy of serious attention; relatively unimportant; trivial
Term
s self-indulgence
Definition
excessive indulgence of one's own desire
Term
s carefree
Definition
free from worries; having no problems
Term
n frolicsome
Definition
prankish; gay; playful; merry; frisky
Term
s frolic
Definition
play and jump about happily; frisk; Ex. frolicking young lambs
Term
n frond
Definition
fern leaf; palm or banana leaf
Term
s litter
Definition
waste material thrown away (as bits of paper scattered untidily); V: cover untidily with scattered litter
Term
n fructify
Definition
bear fruit; produce fruit
Term
frugality
Definition
thrift; economy; ADJ. frugal: practicing economy; costing little; inexpensive
Term
fruition
Definition
bearing of fruit; fulfillment; realization; Ex. come to/be brought to fruition
Term
frustrate
Definition
thwart; defeat; prevent from accomplishing a purpose
Term
fugitive
Definition
fleeting or transitory; lasting only a short time; roving(wandering); running away or fleeing as from the law; N: one who flees; Ex. fugitives at large
Term
n fulcrum
Definition
support on which a lever rests or pivots
Term
n fulminate
Definition
thunder; explode; issue a severe denunciation
Term
n fulsome
Definition
disgustingly excessive; offensively flattering; Ex. fulsome praise/expressions of admire
Term
fumble
Definition
move the fingers and hands awkwardly (in search of something); mishandle or drop a ball that is in play; bungle; botch; spoil by mishandling; N.
Term
n functionary
Definition
official (who performs a particular function)
Term
s functional
Definition
made for practical use only (without decoration); functioning; Ex. functional modern furniture; CF. functionalism
Term
fundamental
Definition
basic; primary; essential
Term
n funereal
Definition
sad; solemn; suitable for a funeral
Term
n furor
Definition
frenzy; great anger and excitement; CF. fury
Term
n furtive
Definition
stealthy; quiet and secret (trying to escape notice); sneaky; Ex. furtive glance
Term
s sneak
Definition
move, give, or take in a quiet, stealthy way; N: one who sneaks; ADJ. sneaky
Term
s underhand(underhanded)
Definition
done slyly and secretly (being dishonest)
Term
s sly
Definition
clever in deceiving; secretive; not telling one's intentions
Term
n fusillade
Definition
simultaneous firing or outburst (of missiles, questions, etc.)
Term
fusion
Definition
union; coalition; V. fuse
Term
futile
Definition
useless; hopeless; ineffectual
Term
n gadfly
Definition
animal-biting fly; irritating person
Term
n gaffe
Definition
social blunder
Term
n gainsay
Definition
deny
Term
n gait
Definition
manner of walking or running; speed
Term
galaxy
Definition
large isolated system of stars, such as the Milky Way; collection of brilliant personalities
Term
gale
Definition
windstorm; gust of wind; emotional outburst (laughters, tears); Ex. gale of laughter
Term
n gall
Definition
bitterness of feeling; nerve; effrontery; ´ãÁó(bile); CF. gall bladder
Term
n gall
Definition
annoy; exasperate; chafe; N: skin sore caused by rubbing (as on the skin of a horse); exasperation
Term
galleon
Definition
large three-masted sailing ship
Term
s galley
Definition
low ship with sails (rowed along by slaves)
Term
s clipper
Definition
sailing vessel built for great speed
Term
s pinnace
Definition
small boat
Term
s clip
Definition
cut off with shears; fasten; N: something clipped off (as a short extract from film); clasp or fastener
Term
n galvanize
Definition
stimulate or shock by an electric current; stimulate by shock; shock into action; stir up; coat with rust-resistant zinc by using electricity
Term
s galvanic
Definition
of the production of electricity by the action of an acid on a metal; having the effect of an electric shock; Ex. galvanic cell; galvanic effect; CF. Luigi Galvani
Term
n gambit
Definition
opening in chess in which a piece is sacrificed; action made to produce a future advantage
Term
s ploy
Definition
strategem to gain an advantage; tactic; Ex. management ploy
Term
n gambol
Definition
romp; skip about; leap about playfully; frolic; N.
Term
s romp
Definition
play or frolic boisterously; gambol; N.
Term
s zest
Definition
outer skin of an orange used for giving a special taste to food; spice; interest; flavor; spirited enjoyment; Ex. add a certain zest to the affair; Ex. zest for life
Term
n gamely
Definition
in a spirited manner; with courage; Ex. fight gamely against a superior boxer; ADJ. game
Term
n gamut
Definition
entire range
Term
n gape
Definition
open widely; open the mouth wide; stare wonderingly with the mouth open; CF. agape
Term
n garbled
Definition
mixed up; jumbled; distorted; V. garble: mix up or distort (a message) to such an extent as to make misleading or unintelligible
Term
s jumble
Definition
mix in a confused way
Term
n gargantuan
Definition
huge; enormous; gigantic; CF. the hero of Gargantua and Pantagruel
Term
gargoyle
Definition
waterspout carved in grotesque figures on a building
Term
n garish
Definition
overbright in color; unpleasantly bright; gaudy
Term
s trim
Definition
make neat or tidy by clipping; reduce by removing what is unnecessary; ornament; decorate (round the edges); Ex. trim the cost; Ex. jacket trimmed with fur; N. ADJ: tidy; in good order
Term
n garner
Definition
gather; store up; amass
Term
n garnish
Definition
decorate; add a garnish to; decorate (food or drink) with small items such as lemon slices; N.
Term
n garrulous
Definition
loquacious; wordy; talkative; N. garrulity
Term
n gastronomy
Definition
art and science of preparing and serving good food; CF. gastronome
Term
gauche
Definition
clumsy (in social behavior); coarse and uncouth
Term
n gaudy
Definition
flashy; showy
Term
s flashy
Definition
showy; gaudy; giving a momentary brilliance
Term
s gild
Definition
cover with a thin layer of gold
Term
n gaunt
Definition
lean and angular; thin and bony; emaciated; barren
Term
n gavel
Definition
hammerlike tool; mallet(wooden hammer) used by a presiding officer or an auctioneer; V.
Term
s bid
Definition
command; utter (a greeting); offer as a price; N: offer of a price; amount offered; earnest effort to gain something; Ex. bid for freedom
Term
n gawk
Definition
stare foolishly; look in open-mouthed awe
Term
n gazette
Definition
official periodical publication; newspaper
Term
genealogy
Definition
record of descent; lineage; ancestry; study of ancestry
Term
generality
Definition
vague statement; general statement which is not detailed; quality of being general; greater part; most; Ex. generality of people
Term
generate
Definition
cause; produce; create
Term
generic
Definition
characteristic of an entire class or species; of a genus
Term
s genus
Definition
division of animals or plants, below a family and above a species
Term
genesis
Definition
beginning; origin
Term
n geniality
Definition
cheerfulness; kindliness; sympathy; ADJ. genial: cheerful and good-tempered
Term
genre
Definition
particular variety of art or literature
Term
n genteel
Definition
well-bred; elegant; striving to convey an appearance of refinement; Ex. genteel poverty
Term
n gentility
Definition
those of gentle birth; high social class; refinement; quality of being genteel
Term
s breed
Definition
produce young; rear; bring up; produce (an undesirable condition); N: kind or sort of animal or plant
Term
s crossbreed
Definition
hybridize; N: hybrid; CF. interbreed; CF. inbreed
Term
s well-bred
Definition
of good upbringing; well-mannered and refined
Term
n gentry
Definition
people of standing(rank or position); people of good family or high social position; class of people just below nobility
Term
s gentle
Definition
kindly; soft; mild; of good family
Term
n genuflect
Definition
bend the knee as in worship
Term
germane
Definition
pertinent; bearing upon(having connection with) the case at hand; appropriate
Term
n germinal
Definition
pertaining to a germ; creative; Ex. germinal idea
Term
s germ
Definition
earliest form of an organism; seed or bud; something that may develop into something larger or more important; microbe
Term
germinate
Definition
cause to sprout; sprout
Term
s sprout
Definition
begin to grow; give off shoots or buds; N: new growth on a plant; shoot
Term
s shoot
Definition
new growth from a plant
Term
gerontocracy
Definition
government ruled by old people
Term
s gerontology
Definition
study of the sociological phenomena associated with old age
Term
s geriatrics
Definition
medical treatment and care of old age
Term
n gerrymander
Definition
change voting district lines in order to favor a political party; N. CF. Elbridge Gerry + (sala)mander
Term
n gestate
Definition
evolve as in prenatal growth; N. gestation: period of development from conception until birth
Term
s natal
Definition
connected with birth; CF. prenatal; CF. postnatal
Term
n gesticulation
Definition
motion; gesture; V. gesticulate: make gestures (while speaking)
Term
n ghastly
Definition
horrible; terrifying; resembling ghosts; CF. aghast
Term
n gibberish
Definition
nonsense; nonsensical or unintelligible talk or writing; babbling
Term
n gibe
Definition
mock; make jeering remarks; N: jeering remarks
Term
n giddy
Definition
light-hearted; not serious; frivolous; dizzy; causing dizziness; Ex. giddy youth; Ex. giddy climb/height
Term
n gingerly
Definition
very carefully; ADJ.
Term
n girth
Definition
distance around something; circumference
Term
n gist
Definition
essence; main point; substance
Term
glacial
Definition
like a glacier; of an ice age; extremely cold; Ex. glacial epoch; CF. iceberg
Term
n glaring
Definition
(of something bad) highly conspicuous; harshly bright; shining intensely and blindingly
Term
s glare
Definition
shine intensely and blindingly; stare fixedly and angrily; N.
Term
n glaze
Definition
cover with a thin and shiny surface; apply a glaze to; N: thin, smooth, shiny coating (as for pottery); Ex. unglazed pottery
Term
n glean
Definition
gather leavings; gather grain left behind by reapers; gather bit by bit (facts or information) often with difficulty
Term
glib
Definition
fluent (with insincerity or superficiality); facile; slick
Term
s slick
Definition
make smooth or glossy; N: smooth surface; Ex. oil slick; ADJ: smooth; glossy; deftly executed; adroit; glib
Term
s sleek
Definition
smooth and shining (as from good health); V.
Term
n glimmer
Definition
shine erratically; twinkle; N: dim or unsteady light; faint indication; Ex. glimmer of hope
Term
s glitter
Definition
shine brightly with flashing points of light; Ex. glittering diamond ring; N: sparkling light; attractiveness; glamor; Ex. glitter of the sun on the waves
Term
s glamor
Definition
compelling charm; ADJ. glamorous
Term
n gloat
Definition
express evil satisfaction; look at or think about with evil satisfaction; view malevolently; Ex. The thief gloated over the stolen jewels.
Term
n gloss_over
Definition
explain away with the intention of deceiving or hiding faults
Term
s gloss
Definition
brief explanation note or translation of a difficult expression; V.
Term
glossary
Definition
brief explanation of words used in the text
Term
n glossy
Definition
smooth and shining; N. gloss: shiny brightness on a surface; superficially attractive appearance; Ex. gloss of good manners
Term
s mat
Definition
not shiny; matte; having a dull finish; N: flat piece of material used as a floor covering; V.
Term
s finish
Definition
surface texture; completeness of execution
Term
s finished
Definition
properly made and complete; Ex. finished product/performance
Term
n glower
Definition
scowl; glare; look or stare angrily
Term
s scowl
Definition
frown angrily; N: angry frown
Term
n glut
Definition
overstock; fill beyond capacity (with food); fill to excess; N: oversupply
Term
n glutinous
Definition
sticky; viscous; gluey
Term
glutton
Definition
someone who eats too much; ADJ. gluttonous: given to gluttony; greedy; CF. gluttony: habit of eating too much
Term
n gnarled
Definition
twisted
Term
s gnarl
Definition
protruding knot on a tree; V.
Term
gnome
Definition
dwarf; underground spirit who guards treasure hoards
Term
goad
Definition
urge on; drive with a goad; cause (someone) to do something by continued annoyance; Ex. They goaded him into doing it by saying he was a coward; N: sharp-pointed stick for driving cattle; stimulus; CF. annoy continually
Term
n gorge
Definition
narrow canyon; steep rocky cleft; ravine (made by a stream which runs through it)
Term
n gorge
Definition
stuff oneself (with food); glut; CF. gorgeous: dazzlingly beautiful
Term
n gory
Definition
bloody; N. gore: blood (from a wound)
Term
s shudder
Definition
shake uncontrollably; tremble; V.
Term
n gossamer
Definition
sheer; very light; like cobwebs; N: soft and sheer fabric; cobweb
Term
s sheer
Definition
pure; thin and transparent; very steep
Term
n gouge
Definition
tear out; cut out (as if with a gouge); Ex. gouge his eyes out; N: chisel for cutting out hollow areas in wood
Term
n gouge
Definition
overcharge (with high price); extort from; Ex. gouge the public; CF. usury
Term
n gourmand
Definition
epicure; person who takes excessive pleasure in food and drink
Term
n gourmet
Definition
connoisseur of food and drink; epicure
Term
graduated
Definition
arranged by degrees (of height, difficulty, etc.)
Term
s graduate
Definition
arrange into categories or grades; divide into marked intervals (for use in measurement); Ex. graduated ruler
Term
n granary
Definition
storehouse for grain
Term
grandeur
Definition
impressiveness; stateliness; majesty
Term
s stately
Definition
formal; ceremonious; grand in style or size; majestic
Term
grandiloquent
Definition
(of a person or speech) using high sounding or important-sounding language; pompous; bombastic
Term
grandiose
Definition
affectedly grand; pretentious; high-flown; ridiculously exaggerated; impressive; great in size or scope; grand; Ex. grandiose ideas
Term
s high-flown
Definition
highly pretentious or inflated
Term
s matin\'ee(matinee)
Definition
dramatic or musical performance given in the afternoon
Term
n granulate
Definition
form into grains or granules; N. granule: grain or particle
Term
graphic
Definition
pertaining to the art of delineating; vividly described
Term
s vivid
Definition
(of light or color) bright and distinct; evoking lifelike mental images; Ex. vivid red hair/description
Term
s graphite
Definition
black form of carbon used in lead pencils
Term
n grapple
Definition
wrestle; come to grips with; take hold of and struggle with; Ex. grapple with the burglar
Term
n grate
Definition
make a harsh noise; have an unpleasant effect; shred by rubbing against a rough surface; Ex. grated cheese N: framework of metal bars to hold fuel in a fireplace
Term
gratify
Definition
please; satisfy; Ex. gratify a desire
Term
n gratis
Definition
free; without charge; ADJ.
Term
gratuitous
Definition
given freely; unwarranted; uncalled for; done without good reason; Ex. gratuitous comment
Term
gratuity
Definition
tip
Term
gravity
Definition
seriousness; ADJ. grave
Term
gregarious
Definition
sociable; (of an animal) tending to form a group
Term
grievance
Definition
cause of complaint; complaint
Term
n grill
Definition
question severely; cook on a grill; broil; N: cooking surface of parallel metal bars
Term
s broil
Definition
cook by direct heat; N.
Term
s grim
Definition
causing great fear; unrelenting; determined in spite of fear; Ex. grim smile
Term
n grimace
Definition
facial distortion to show feeling such as pain, disgust, etc; V.
Term
n grisly
Definition
ghastly; horrifying; Ex. grisly remains of the bodies
Term
s groom
Definition
man employed to take care of horses; V: make neat and trim; clean and brush (an animal)
Term
grotesque
Definition
fantastic; comically hideous; strange and unnatural (causing fear or amusement)
Term
s hideous
Definition
repulsive to the sight; ugly; repugnant; Ex. hideous face/scream
Term
n grotto
Definition
small cavern
Term
n grouse
Definition
complain; fuss; grumble; grouch; N: plump chickenlike game bird
Term
s grumble
Definition
complain; mutter discontentedly; grouch; N.
Term
s mutter
Definition
utter (complaining words) indistinctly in low tones
Term
s rumble
Definition
make or move with a deep rolling sound (as thunder or stomach)
Term
n grovel
Definition
crawl or creep on ground; remain prostrate; behave in a servile manner
Term
grudging
Definition
unwilling; reluctant; stingy(giving reluctantly)
Term
n gruel
Definition
thin liquid porridge
Term
s porridge
Definition
soft food made by boiling oatmeal
Term
s oatmeal
Definition
crushed oats used for making porridge
Term
n grueling
Definition
exhausting; Ex. grueling marathon race
Term
n gruesome
Definition
grisly; horrible
Term
n gruff
Definition
rough-mannered; (of a voice) rough; hoarse
Term
s grunt
Definition
utter a deep guttural sound (as a pig does); N.
Term
n guffaw
Definition
boisterous laughter; V.
Term
guile
Definition
deceit; duplicity; wiliness; cunning; Ex. persuade her by guile
Term
s cunning
Definition
clever in deceiving; sly; N: cleverness in deceiving; deceit
Term
guileless
Definition
without deceit
Term
guise
Definition
outward appearance; costume; Ex. in a new guise
Term
n gull
Definition
trick; deceive; hoodwink; N: person who is easily tricked; dupe
Term
gullible
Definition
easily deceived
Term
n gustatory
Definition
affecting or relating to the sense of taste
Term
n gusto
Definition
eager enjoyment; zest; enthusiasm
Term
gusty
Definition
windy
Term
s gust
Definition
strong abrupt rush of wind; V. CF. bluster
Term
n guy
Definition
cable or chain attached to something that needs to be braced or steadied; CF. guide
Term
s topple
Definition
become unsteady and fall down
Term
s overthrow
Definition
topple; N.
Term
s overturn
Definition
turn over; capsize; topple
Term
s capsize
Definition
(of a boat) turn over
Term
gyroscope
Definition
apparatus used to maintain balance, ascertain direction, etc.
Term
n habituate
Definition
accustom or familiarize; addict
Term
n hackles
Definition
hairs on back and neck, especially of a dog; Ex. make someone's hackles rise
Term
s growl
Definition
low, guttural, menacing sound (as of a dog)
Term
hackneyed
Definition
commonplace; trite
Term
n haggard
Definition
wasted away; gaunt; Ex. haggard faces of the rescued miners
Term
n haggle
Definition
argue about prices (in an attempt to bargain)
Term
n halcyon
Definition
calm; peaceful; Ex. halcyon days
Term
n hale
Definition
healthy
Term
s hail
Definition
frozen rain drop; V: salute or greet; precipitate hail
Term
n hallowed
Definition
blessed; consecrated; Ex. hallowed ground; V. hallow: set apart as holy
Term
hallucination
Definition
delusion; false idea; false perception of objects with a compelling sense of their reality; objects so perceived; V. hallucinate; ADJ. hallucinatory
Term
n halting
Definition
hesitant; faltering; not fluent; Ex. halting steps/voice; V. halt: proceed or act with uncertainty; falter; hesitate; waver; stop
Term
s waver
Definition
move or swing back and forth; be uncertain or unsteady in decision or movement; Ex. wavering between accepting and refusing
Term
hamper
Definition
obstruct; prevent the free movement of; N: ½Ä·áÇ°À̳ª ÀǺ¹ µîÀ» ´ã´Â ¹Ù±¸´Ï
Term
n hap
Definition
chance; luck
Term
haphazard
Definition
random; by chance; happening in an unplanned manner; Ex. haphazard growth of the town
Term
n hapless
Definition
unfortunate; luckless
Term
n harangue
Definition
long, passionate, and vehement speech; V.
Term
harass
Definition
annoy by repeated attacks
Term
harbinger
Definition
forerunner (which foreshadows what is to come)
Term
harbor
Definition
give protection (by giving food and shelter); provide a refuge for; hide; keep in mind (thoughts or feelings); Ex. harbor a grudge/criminal; N: place of shelter; refuge
Term
s habitat
Definition
natural home of a plant or animal; CF. habitation
Term
n hardy
Definition
(of people or animals) sturdy; robust; (of plants) able to stand inclement(stormy) weather
Term
n harping
Definition
tiresome dwelling on a subject; V. harp: dwell on(think or speak a lot about) tediously
Term
n harrowing
Definition
agonizing; distressing; traumatic; V. harrow: break up and level (soil) with a harrow; inflict great distress on; agonize; N: farming machine to break up the earth
Term
harry
Definition
harass, annoy, torment (by repeated attacks); raid
Term
hatch
Definition
deck opening; lid covering a deck opening; V: emerge from an egg; produce (young) from an egg
Term
s latch
Definition
fastening or lock consisting of a movable bar that fits into a notch; V: close with a latch
Term
s notch
Definition
V-shaped cut in a surface; V.
Term
haughtiness
Definition
pride; arrogance; ADJ. haughty
Term
s haunt
Definition
(of a spirit) visit (a place); come to mind continually; visit (a place) regularly; frequent; Ex. haunted house; Ex. haunted by his last words; N: place much frequented
Term
n haven
Definition
place of safety; refuge; harbor; Ex. tax haven
Term
s havoc
Definition
widespread damage; disorder; chaos
Term
hazardous
Definition
dangerous
Term
s hazard
Definition
venture; put in danger; risk; Ex. hazard a guess; N: possible source of danger
Term
hazy
Definition
slightly obscure; misty; unclear; N. haze: light mist or smoke; confused state of mind
Term
n headlong
Definition
hasty; rash; headfirst; ADV.
Term
s headfirst
Definition
moving with the head leading; headlong
Term
n headstrong
Definition
willful; stubborn; unyielding; determined to have one's own way; CF. no 'excessive'
Term
n heckler
Definition
person who verbally harasses others; V. heckle: verbally harass as with gibes (by interrupting a speaker or speech)
Term
hedonist
Definition
one who believes that pleasure is the sole aim in life; CF. hedonism: practice of living one's life purely for pleasure
Term
heedless
Definition
not noticing; disregarding
Term
s heed
Definition
pay attention to; N: close attention
Term
n hegemony
Definition
dominance especially of one nation over others
Term
n heinous
Definition
atrocious; wicked; hatefully bad; Ex. heinous crime
Term
s gross
Definition
total; fragrant; clearly wrong; (of people's behavior) coarse; corpulent; Ex. gross insolence/behavior; V: earn as a total amount; N: 12 dozens
Term
s helm
Definition
steering wheel of a ship; position of control
Term
herbivorous
Definition
grain-eating; CF. herbivore
Term
heresy
Definition
opinion contrary to popular belief; opinion contrary to accepted religion; ADJ. heretical; CF. heretic
Term
n hermetic
Definition
sealed by fusion so as to be airtight; airtight
Term
n hermetic
Definition
concerning alchemy or magic; obscure and mysterious; occult
Term
s sterile
Definition
incapable of producing young; free from microorganism; V. sterilize
Term
n hermitage
Definition
home of a hermit
Term
n herpetologist
Definition
one who studies reptiles; CF. herpetology: branch of zoology that deals with reptiles and amphibians
Term
n heterodox
Definition
(of beliefs) against accepted opinion; unorthodox; unconventional
Term
heterogeneous
Definition
dissimilar; mixed; not homogeneous; consisting of dissimilar elements or plants
Term
n hew
Definition
cut to pieces with ax or sword; chop; N.
Term
n heyday
Definition
time of greatest success or power; prime
Term
s prime
Definition
period of ideal or peak condition; earliest or beginning stage; Ex. in the prime of life; Ex. prime of the year(spring); ADJ: first in importance or rank; first; V: make ready; prepare
Term
s primary
Definition
first in rank or importance; principal; earliest in time; Ex. primary stages; N. CF. first
Term
s primal
Definition
first in rank or importance; being first in time; original; Ex. man's primal innocence
Term
s primate
Definition
group of mammals including humans
Term
n hiatus
Definition
gap; pause; gap or interruption in space or time; break
Term
n hibernal
Definition
wintry; wintery; of or like winter
Term
hibernate
Definition
sleep throughout the winter; N. hibernation
Term
hierarchy
Definition
arrangement by rank or standing; authoritarian body divided into ranks; body of persons having authority
Term
s totem
Definition
animal, plant, or natural object serving as a symbol of a clan or family; representation of this; Ex. totem pole
Term
hieroglyphic
Definition
picture writing; ADJ.
Term
n hilarity
Definition
boisterous mirth(merriment; laughter); ADJ. hilarious: full of laughter
Term
n hindmost
Definition
furthest behind; farthest to the rear
Term
s wage
Definition
begin and continue (a war)
Term
hindrance
Definition
block; obstacle; V. hinder
Term
n hinterlands
Definition
back country; inner part of a country; OP. foreland
Term
n hireling
Definition
one who serves for hire (usually used contemptuously); one who works solely for compensation; Ex. hireling politician
Term
n hirsute
Definition
hairy; having a lot of hair
Term
n histrionic
Definition
theatrical; excessively dramatic or emotional; affected; of actors or acting; N. histrionics: histrionic behavior
Term
s historic
Definition
important in history; Ex. historic battle
Term
s historical
Definition
connected with history; based on events in history (whether regarded as important or not)
Term
n hoard
Definition
stockpile; accumulate for future use; N: supply stored for future use
Term
n hoary
Definition
white with age
Term
n hoax
Definition
trick which makes someone take action; practical joke; Ex. hoax mail; V.
Term
n holocaust
Definition
destruction by fire; CF. burnt whole; CF. Holocaust
Term
n holster
Definition
leather pistol case (that hangs on a belt around the waist)
Term
homage
Definition
honor; tribute; great respect; Ex. pay/do homage to
Term
n homeostasis
Definition
tendency of a system or organism to maintain relative stability or internal equilibrium; CF. homeo-: constant; Ex. homeotherm
Term
homespun
Definition
domestic; made at home; spun or woven at home; simple and ordinary; Ex. homespun philosophy
Term
s spin
Definition
rotate swiftly; make (thread) by twisting (cotton, wool, etc.); N.
Term
n homily
Definition
sermon; tedious moralizing lecture; serious warning; ADJ. homiletic
Term
homogeneous
Definition
of the same kind; uniform in composition throughout
Term
n hone
Definition
sharpen (a tool); N: whetstone for sharpening a tool
Term
n hoodwink
Definition
deceive; delude
Term
n horde
Definition
crowd; swarm
Term
s swarm
Definition
large group of insects moving in a mass; crowd of people or animals; V: move in a crowd or mass
Term
n hortatory
Definition
encouraging; exhortive; marked by exhortation; CF. exhort
Term
n horticultural
Definition
pertaining to cultivation of gardens; N. horticulture: science or art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, or ornamental plants; CF. agriculture: science or art of farming or growing crops
Term
hostility
Definition
unfriendliness; hatred; enmity; ADJ. hostile
Term
n hovel
Definition
shack; small wretched house
Term
s hut
Definition
crude dwelling; shack
Term
s shack
Definition
crude cabin
Term
s shed
Definition
small roofed structure for storage and shelter; V: pour forth; lose by natural process; repel without allowing penetration; radiate; cast; Ex. shed tears/light/water/skin/leaves
Term
n hover
Definition
hang about; (of birds or aircraft) stay in the air in one place; (of people) wait nearby; stay around one place; waver; be in an uncertain state
Term
n hubbub
Definition
confused uproar; loud noise; din
Term
n hubris
Definition
arrogance; excessive self-conceit
Term
n hue
Definition
color; aspect; Ex. opinions of every hue
Term
n hue_and_cry
Definition
outcry; loud cry or clamor; strong protest; Ex. hue and cry against the new rule
Term
humane
Definition
marked by kindness or consideration; kind and compassionate; humanitarian
Term
humanitarian
Definition
one devoted to the promotion of human welfare; CF. humanism
Term
n humdrum
Definition
dull; monotonous
Term
humid
Definition
damp; N. humidity
Term
n humility
Definition
humbleness of spirit
Term
s humble
Definition
of low rank or position; modest; having a low opinion of oneself and a high opinion of others; unassuming; not proud; V. humiliate: make humble; cause to feel ashamed or to lose the respect of others
Term
n hummock
Definition
small hill; hillock
Term
n humus
Definition
substance or rich soil formed by decaying vegetable matter; CF. soil
Term
n hurtle
Definition
crash; rush; move with great speed; Ex. hurtling runaway train
Term
n husband
Definition
use sparingly; conserve; save; Ex. husband one's energy; CF. house holder
Term
n husbandry
Definition
frugality; thrift; economy; agriculture; farming; Ex. animal husbandry; CF. husbandman
Term
hybrid
Definition
mongrel; mixed breed; V. hybridize
Term
s mongrel
Definition
plant or animal (esp. a dog) of mixed breed; ADJ.
Term
s pedigree
Definition
line of ancestors; ancestry; lineage; ADJ. (of an animal) descended from of a chosen family; Ex. pedigree dog; CF. crane's foot
Term
n hydrophobia
Definition
fear of water; rabies
Term
s rabies
Definition
disease passed on by the bite of an infected animal (causing madness and death)
Term
s hygiene
Definition
science and practice of the promotion and preservation of health; ADJ. hygienic: showing careful attention to cleanness (to prevent disease); Ex. hygienic condition
Term
n hyperbole
Definition
exaggeration; overstatement; ADJ. hyperbolic: of hyperbole; of a hyperbola
Term
hypercritical
Definition
excessively exacting; too critical (without noticing good qualities)
Term
n hypochondriac
Definition
person unduly worried about his health; worrier without cause about illness; ADJ. CF. hypochondria: neurosis that one is or is becoming ill; CF. abdomen
Term
hypocritical
Definition
pretending to be virtuous; deceiving; N. hypocrisy: profession of beliefs one does not possess; CF. hypocrite
Term
hypothetical
Definition
based on assumptions or hypotheses; supposed; N. hypothesis
Term
n ichthyology
Definition
study of fish; CF. ichthyo-: fish
Term
icon(ikon)
Definition
religious image; idol; image or representation
Term
n iconoclastic
Definition
attacking cherished traditions; N. iconoclast: one who attacks traditional ideas; one who destroys sacred images
Term
ideology
Definition
system of ideas characteristic of a group or culture
Term
n idiom
Definition
expression whose meaning as a whole differs from the meanings of its individual words; distinctive style (of expression); Ex. idiom of the modern popular music; ADJ. idiomatic
Term
idiosyncrasy
Definition
individual trait usually odd in nature; behavioral peculiarity; eccentricity; attitude, behavior, or opinion peculiar to a person; anything highly individual or eccentric; ADJ. idiosyncratic
Term
n idolatry
Definition
worship of idols; excessive admiration or devotion; ADJ. idolatrous
Term
n idyllic
Definition
charmingly carefree; simple and happy; Ex. idyllic scene
Term
s idyll(idyl)
Definition
short poem idealizing rural life; simple happy period of life (in the country); scene from such a time; Ex. idyll of two young lovers
Term
n igneous
Definition
produced by fire; of fire; volcanic; (of rocks) formed from lava; Ex. igneous meteorite
Term
ignite
Definition
kindle; light; catch fire or set fire to
Term
n ignoble
Definition
unworthy; not noble; dishonorable; Ex. ignoble deed
Term
n ignominy
Definition
deep disgrace; shame or dishonor; ADJ. ignominious; Ex. ignominous defeat
Term
illicit
Definition
illegal
Term
n illimitable
Definition
infinite; limitless
Term
illuminate
Definition
brighten; clear up or make understandable; enlighten; enable to understand; Ex. illuminating remarks
Term
illusion
Definition
misleading vision or visual image; false idea or belief; CF. delusion
Term
illusive
Definition
deceiving; based on illusion; causing illusion; deceptive
Term
illusory
Definition
illusive; deceptive; not real
Term
imbalance
Definition
lack of balance or symmetry; disproportion
Term
s disproportion
Definition
lack of proportion (between the parts); ADJ. disproportionate
Term
n imbecility
Definition
weakness of mind; state of being an imbecile; N. imbecile: stupid person; fool
Term
imbibe
Definition
drink in
Term
n imbroglio
Definition
complicated situation (as in a play); painful or complex misunderstanding (as in a play); entanglement; confused mass (as of papers); V. embroil
Term
n imbue
Definition
saturate(soak thoroughly); fill; Ex. imbue someone with feelings
Term
immaculate
Definition
spotless; flawless; absolutely clean
Term
s tenant
Definition
one that pays rent to use property owned by another
Term
s tenancy
Definition
possession of land or building by rent; period of a tenant's occupancy
Term
imminent
Definition
impending; near at hand
Term
immobility
Definition
state of being immovable
Term
n immolate
Definition
offer or kill as a sacrifice (by fire)
Term
immune
Definition
resistant to; free or exempt from; N. immunity
Term
n immure
Definition
imprison; shut up in confinement; CF. wall
Term
immutable
Definition
unchangeable
Term
impair
Definition
injure; hurt; damage
Term
n impale
Definition
pierce (with a sharp point); Ex. impaled by the spear
Term
impalpable
Definition
imperceptible(not easily understood); intangible; OP. palpable: tangible; easily perceptible
Term
impartial
Definition
not biased; fair; N. impartiality
Term
s impart
Definition
grant a share of; make known; Ex. news to impart
Term
impassable
Definition
not able to be traveled or crossed
Term
impasse
Definition
predicament(dangerous condition) from which there is no escape; situation allowing for no further progress
Term
impassive
Definition
without feeling; expressionless; imperturbable; stoical; Ex. impassive face
Term
n impeach
Definition
charge (a public official) with crime in office; raise doubts about; indict; Ex. impeach a witness's credibility
Term
n impeccable
Definition
faultless
Term
s credential
Definition
evidence concerning one's authority; written proof of a person's position; Ex. The new ambassador presented his credentials to the court.
Term
impecunious
Definition
without money
Term
impede
Definition
hide; retard or obstruct the progress of; block
Term
s retard
Definition
delay (in development); ADJ. retarded: (as of a child) slower in development
Term
impediment
Definition
hindrance; stumbling-block; speech defect preventing clear articulation; Ex. speech impediment
Term
impel
Definition
drive or force onward; drive to take action; urge to action
Term
impending
Definition
nearing; approaching; about to happen
Term
impenetrable
Definition
not able to be pierced or entered; beyond understanding; impossible to understand; Ex. impenetrable mystery
Term
impenitent
Definition
not repentant
Term
imperative
Definition
absolutely necessary; that must be done; critically important; expressing command; Ex. It is imperative that; N: something that must be done
Term
imperceptible
Definition
unnoticeable; impossible to perceive; undetectable
Term
imperial
Definition
like an emperor; related to an empire; CF. imperialism
Term
s imperil
Definition
put in danger
Term
n imperious
Definition
domineering; too commanding; haughty; CF. imperial/emperor
Term
impermeable
Definition
impervious; not permitting passage through its substance; impossible to permeate
Term
impertinent
Definition
insolent; rude; not pertinent; N. impertinence
Term
imperturbable
Definition
unshakably calm; placid
Term
s collected
Definition
composed; calm; self-possessed
Term
n impervious
Definition
impenetrable; incapable of being damaged or distressed; incapable of being affected (in one's opinions); Ex. impervious to water/criticism
Term
impetuous
Definition
violent; hasty; rash; impulsive; without careful thought; Ex. impetuous decision
Term
impetus
Definition
moving force; momentum; force of a moving body; incentive; stimulus; impulse
Term
impiety
Definition
irreverence; lack of respect for God or piety
Term
n impinge
Definition
infringe; encroach; influence; touch; collide with; Ex. The effects are impinging on every aspect of our lives.
Term
impious
Definition
irreverent
Term
implacable
Definition
incapable of being pacified; impossible to appease; Ex. implacable enemy
Term
implausible
Definition
unlikely (to be true); unbelievable; Ex. implausible alibi
Term
implement
Definition
put into effect; enforce; carry out; supply with tools; Ex. implement the plan/suggestion; N: tool or instrument
Term
implicate
Definition
incriminate; involve incriminatingly; show to be involved (in a crime); Ex. implicate someone in the crime
Term
implication
Definition
something hinted at or suggested; implying; implicating
Term
implicit
Definition
understood but not stated; implied; unquestioning and complete; Ex. implicit trust
Term
implode
Definition
burst inward; CF. vaccum tube
Term
implore
Definition
beg
Term
imply
Definition
suggest a meaning not expressed; signify
Term
n impolitic
Definition
not wise; not expedient; not politic
Term
imponderable
Definition
weightless; that cannot undergo precise evaluation; CF. pound
Term
import
Definition
significance; importance; meaning
Term
s significant
Definition
expressing a meaning; important; Ex. significant smile; N. significance: importance; meaning; V. signify: denote; mean; signal; make known; matter; be significant
Term
n importunate
Definition
urging; always demanding; troublesomely urgent or persistent
Term
n importune
Definition
beg persistently; make repeated requests (in an annoying way)
Term
imposture
Definition
assuming a false identity; masquerade; CF. impostor
Term
s masquerade
Definition
wear a mask or disguise; pretend; N: costume party or ball at which masks are worn; pretense; disguise
Term
impotent
Definition
weak; ineffective; lacking in physical strength or power
Term
s crave
Definition
desire; want intensely
Term
n imprecation
Definition
curse; swearword
Term
n impregnable
Definition
invulnerable; impossible to capture or enter by force; Ex. impregnable fort/argument; CF. take
Term
s impregnate
Definition
make pregnant; fill thoroughly; saturate
Term
impromptu
Definition
without previous preparation; off the cuff(end of a sleeve); on the spur of the moment
Term
impropriety
Definition
improperness; unsuitableness
Term
improvident
Definition
thriftless; not providing for the future
Term
improvise
Definition
compose on the spur of the moment
Term
imprudent
Definition
lacking caution; not prudent; injudicious
Term
impudence
Definition
impertinence; insolence
Term
n impugn
Definition
dispute or contradict (often in an insulting way); attack as false or questionable; challenge; gainsay; CF. fight
Term
n impuissance
Definition
powerlessness; feebleness
Term
impunity
Definition
freedom from punishment or harm; CF. punish
Term
n impute
Definition
attribute; ascribe; charge; N. imputation
Term
inadvertently
Definition
unintentionally; by oversight; carelessly
Term
s oversee
Definition
watch over and direct; supervise; N. oversight: unintentional failure to notice or do something; supervision
Term
inalienable
Definition
not to be taken away; nontransferable; Ex. inalienable rights
Term
n inane
Definition
silly; senseless; Ex. inane remarks; N. inanity
Term
inanimate
Definition
lifeless; not animate
Term
n inarticulate
Definition
speechless; producing indistinct speech; not articulate; not expressing oneself clearly
Term
s speechless
Definition
unable for the moment to speak (because of strong feeling); Ex. speechless with anger
Term
inaugurate
Definition
begin formally; install in office; induct into office by a formal ceremony; N. inauguration; ADJ. inaugural
Term
n incandescent
Definition
strikingly bright; shining with intense heat; emitting visible light when heated; Ex. incandescent light bulb; CF. candle
Term
n incantation
Definition
singing or chanting of magic spells; magical formula; (the saying of) words used in magic; CF. enchant
Term
s chant
Definition
tune(melody) in which a number of words are sung on the same note; V: sing (a chant); utter (a slogan) in the manner of a chant
Term
s charm
Definition
quality of pleasing; amulet; action or formula thought to have magical power; spell; V: attract; cast a spell on; bewitch
Term
s bewitch
Definition
cast a spell over; captivate completely
Term
s recite
Definition
repeat aloud (something learned); describe; Ex. recite his complaints; N. recitation
Term
s recital
Definition
act of reciting publicly; detailed account; performance of music or dance (by a solo performer)
Term
n incapacitate
Definition
disable; N. incapacity: lack of capacity
Term
incarcerate
Definition
imprison
Term
incarnate
Definition
endowed with flesh; invested with bodily form; personified; Ex. devil incarnate; V: give bodily form to; embody
Term
incarnation
Definition
act of assuming a human body and human nature; one who personifies something; personification; Ex. previous incarnation/reincarnation
Term
s personify
Definition
represent (an inanimate object) as a person; be the embodiment or perfect example of; Ex. She is evil/patience personified; N. personification
Term
incendiary
Definition
arsonist; ADJ: causing fire; of arson; Ex. incendiary bomb
Term
incense
Definition
enrage; infuriate(make furious); make extremely angry; outrage; N: aromatic substance burned to produce a pleasant odor
Term
incentive
Definition
spur; motive; something which encourages one to greater activity
Term
inception
Definition
start; beginning
Term
incessant
Definition
uninterrupted; unceasing
Term
n inchoate
Definition
(of desire, wish, plan) recently begun; not explicit; at the beginning of development; rudimentary; elementary; Ex. inchoate mass
Term
incidence
Definition
rate of occurrence; particular occurrence; Ex. high incidence of infant mortality
Term
incidental
Definition
not essential; minor; N: something incidental
Term
s incident
Definition
event; event that causes a crisis
Term
s incinerate
Definition
burn to ashes
Term
incipient
Definition
beginning; in an early stage
Term
incisive
Definition
(appreciatively) cutting; sharp; Ex. incisive remarks; V. incise: make a cut into
Term
incite
Definition
arouse to action; goad; motivate; induce to exist; Ex. incite a riot/the crowd to rebellion
Term
n inclement
Definition
stormy; unkind; unmerciful; CF. clement
Term
incline
Definition
slope; slant; Ex. steep incline
Term
inclined
Definition
tending or leaning toward; bent; V. incline: slant; dispose; be disposed; tend
Term
s tend
Definition
have a tendency; take care of; minister; serve at; apply one's attention; attend
Term
inclusive
Definition
tending to include all; all-inclusive; Ex. inclusive charge
Term
incognito
Definition
with identity concealed; using an assumed name; ADJ.
Term
incoherent
Definition
unintelligible; muddled; unable to express one's thoughts in an orderly manner; illogical; lacking cohesion; not coherent
Term
incommodious
Definition
not spacious; inconvenient
Term
incompatible
Definition
inharmonious; N. incompatibility
Term
incongruity
Definition
lack of harmony; absurdity; ADJ. incongruous: lacking in harmony; inappropriate
Term
s attire
Definition
clothe; N: clothing; array; apparel
Term
inconsequential
Definition
insignificant; unimportant
Term
inconsistency
Definition
state of being self-contradictory; lack of uniformity or steadiness; ADJ. inconsistent: displaying a lack of consistency; erratic; contradictory; incompatible
Term
incontinent
Definition
lacking self-restraint; not continent; licentious
Term
incontrovertible
Definition
indisputable; impossible to dispute; not open to question; unquestionable
Term
incorporate
Definition
introduce something into a larger whole; include; embody; give material form to; ADJ.
Term
n incorporeal
Definition
without a material body; insubstantial
Term
incorrigible
Definition
uncorrectable
Term
incredulity
Definition
tendency to disbelief
Term
incredulous
Definition
withholding belief; skeptical; showing disbelief
Term
increment
Definition
increase
Term
incriminate
Definition
accuse of or implicate in a crime; serve as evidence against; cause to seem or make guilty of a crime; Ex. incriminating evidence
Term
n incrustation
Definition
hard coating or crust; V. incrust: encrust; cover with a crust
Term
incubate
Definition
hatch; warm (eggs) with the body to promote hatching; maintain at optimal environment conditions for development; be holding in one's body an infection which is going to develop into a disease; N. incubation; CF. incubation:disease
Term
s inasmuch_as
Definition
since; owing to the fact that
Term
incubus
Definition
burden; very worriying problem; mental care; nightmare; male devil; CF. succubus
Term
inculcate
Definition
teach (ideas or principles); instill
Term
incumbent
Definition
obligatory; imposed as an obligation; currently holding an office; N: person who holds an office
Term
incur
Definition
bring upon oneself
Term
incursion
Definition
temporary invasion; CF. excursion: short journey
Term
indefatigable
Definition
tireless; untiring; showing no sign of getting tired
Term
indelible
Definition
not able to be erased
Term
n indemnify
Definition
make secure against damage or loss; compensate for damage or loss; CF. make uninjured
Term
indentation
Definition
notch; deep recess; V. indent; CF. tooth
Term
n indenture
Definition
bind as servant or apprentice to master; bind by indenture; N: contract binding one party into the service of another for a specified time (as between an apprentice and his master)
Term
indeterminate
Definition
uncertain; not clearly fixed; indefinite
Term
indicative
Definition
suggestive; implying; serving to indicate
Term
indices
Definition
signs; indications; Ex. indices of a student's potential; CF. index: something that reveals or indicates; sign; Ex. cost-of-living index
Term
indict
Definition
charge; N. indictment
Term
indifferent
Definition
unmoved or unconcerned by; having no interest in; mediocre; neither good nor bad
Term
indigence
Definition
poverty
Term
indigenous
Definition
native; Ex. plant indigenous to the New World
Term
indigent
Definition
poor; destitute
Term
indignation
Definition
anger at an injustice; Ex. righteous indignation; ADJ. indignant
Term
s righteous
Definition
morally upright; just
Term
s rightful
Definition
legally correct; Ex. rightful owner
Term
indignity
Definition
treatment or situation that causes shame or loss of dignity, respect; offensive or insulting treatment; humiliating or degrading treatment; Ex. I suffered the indignity of having to say that in front of them.
Term
indiscriminate
Definition
choosing at random; confused; not based on careful distinctions
Term
indisputable
Definition
too certain to be disputed; beyond doubt
Term
indissoluble
Definition
permanent; impossible to dissolve or disintegrate
Term
indite
Definition
write; compose
Term
indolent
Definition
lazy
Term
indomitable
Definition
unconquerable; unyielding
Term
n indubitable
Definition
unable to be doubted; which cannot be doubted; unquestionable
Term
induce
Definition
persuade; lead to do something; bring about; N. inducement
Term
inductive
Definition
pertaining to induction or proceeding from the specific to the general
Term
s induct
Definition
place formally in office; install; admit as a member; initiate; N. induction: inducting; process of deriving general principles from particular facts
Term
indulgent
Definition
humoring; yielding; lenient; showing indulgence
Term
s indulge
Definition
yield to; gratify; allow oneself a special pleasure; Ex. indulge one's every whim/a child/in a big cigarette; N. indulgence
Term
s humor
Definition
indulge; comply with the wishes of; N. quality that makes something amusing; state of mind; mood; Ex. in a bad humor; Ex. out of humor
Term
industrious
Definition
diligent; hard-working; N. industry
Term
n inebriated
Definition
habitually intoxicated; drunk; N. inebriety
Term
s inebriate
Definition
make drunk; intoxicate; N. intoxicated person
Term
s intoxicate
Definition
make drunk; stimulate or excite; Ex. intoxicated by all the money he might win
Term
n ineffable
Definition
unutterable; not to be uttered; taboo; that cannot be expressed in speech; indescribable; unspeakable; inexpressible; Ex. ineffable name/joy
Term
ineffectual
Definition
not effective; not having a desired effect; weak
Term
n ineluctable
Definition
irresistible; not to be escaped; unavoidable
Term
inept
Definition
unsuited; inappropriate; lacking skill; incompetent; CF. inapt: (of statements or ideas) inappropriate
Term
inequity
Definition
unfairness; ADJ. inequitable
Term
n inerrancy
Definition
infallibility
Term
n inert
Definition
inactive; lacking power to move; unable to move or act; Ex. chemically inert; N. inertia: state of being inert; force which keeps a thing in the position or state
Term
inevitable
Definition
unavoidable
Term
n inexorable
Definition
relentless; unyielding; implacable; not capable of being changed by entreaty or efforts; Ex. inexorable price rises
Term
infallible
Definition
unerring; never making mistakes
Term
infamous
Definition
notoriously bad; notorious; well known for being bad; Ex. infamous behavior; N: infamy: infamous act; evil fame or reputation
Term
infantile
Definition
childish; infantlike
Term
infer
Definition
deduce; conclude; N. inference
Term
n infernal
Definition
pertaining to hell; devilish; N. inferno: place of fiery heat or destruction
Term
n infidel
Definition
unbeliever (with respect to a particular religion)
Term
infiltrate
Definition
pass into or through; penetrate or enter (an organization) sneakily; Ex. infiltrate the troops into enemy territory; CF. infiltrator
Term
s penetrate
Definition
enter into; pierce; permeate; see through; grasp the inner significance of; understand
Term
infinitesimal
Definition
very small
Term
infirmity
Definition
weakness
Term
inflated
Definition
exaggerated; pompous; enlarged (with air or gas)
Term
influx
Definition
flowing into
Term
infraction
Definition
violation (of a rule or regulation); breach
Term
infringe
Definition
violate (a law); encroach (the right of another person)
Term
ingenious
Definition
marked by inventive skill; clever; resourceful; N. ingenuity
Term
s resourceful
Definition
clever and imaginative (in dealing with difficult situations); N. resource, resourcefulness
Term
ingenuous
Definition
naive and trusting; young; unsophisticated; candid
Term
s ingenue
Definition
ing\'enue; young innocent girl
Term
ingrained
Definition
deeply established; firmly rooted; Ex. ingrained dirt/prejudice
Term
ingrate
Definition
ungrateful person (not expressing thanks)
Term
n ingratiate
Definition
become popular with; bring (oneself) in favor of another; Ex. ingratiate himself with the boss
Term
inherent
Definition
firmly established by nature or habit; intrinsic
Term
inhibit
Definition
restrain; prohibit; retard or prevent; N. inhibition
Term
s inhibited
Definition
(of a person) unable to express what one really feels
Term
s uninhibited
Definition
having no inhibitions; free in behavior and feelings
Term
n inimical
Definition
(of someone) unfriendly; hostile; (of something) harmful; detrimental; CF. enemy
Term
inimitable
Definition
matchless; not able to be imitated
Term
iniquitous
Definition
wicked; immoral; unrighteous; N. iniquity; Ex. den of iniquity
Term
initiate
Definition
begin; originate; receive into a group; introduce to a new field or activity; Ex. initiate someone into the mysteries of a secret religion; N: one who has been initiated
Term
injurious
Definition
harmful; causing injury
Term
n inkling
Definition
hint; slight indication
Term
innate
Definition
inborn
Term
innocuous
Definition
harmless
Term
innovation
Definition
change; something newly introduced; introduction of something new; V. innovate: begin or introduce (something new); be creative; ADJ. innovative
Term
n innuendo
Definition
indirect or subtle (derogatory) hint; insinuation; Ex. sexual innuendo
Term
inopportune
Definition
untimely; inappropriate or ill-timed; poorly chosen
Term
n inordinate
Definition
beyond reasonable limits; unrestrained; excessive; Ex. inordinate demands
Term
inquisitor
Definition
questioner (especially harsh); investigator; person making an inquisition
Term
s inquisitive
Definition
eager for knowledge; unduly curious
Term
n insalubrious
Definition
unwholesome; not healthful; Ex. insalubrious place
Term
s healthful
Definition
conducive to good health; Ex. healthful mountain air
Term
s healthy
Definition
possessing good health; healthful
Term
s wholesome
Definition
conducive to mental or physical health; healthful
Term
insatiable
Definition
not easily satisfied; unquenchable; Ex. insatiable appetite
Term
n inscrutable
Definition
difficult to understand; impenetrable; not readily understood; mysterious
Term
n insensate
Definition
without feeling; lacking sense; foolish
Term
n insensible
Definition
unconscious; unresponsive; insensitive; unaware; imperceptible; Ex. insensible of his danger/to pain; Ex. insensible change; CF. not the opposite of sensible
Term
n insidious
Definition
treacherous; stealthy; sly; working or spreading harmfully in a stealthy manner; Ex. insidious spreading of dry rot
Term
insightful
Definition
discerning; perceptive
Term
n insinuate
Definition
hint; imply; suggest indirectly; creep in; introduce or insert (oneself) by artful means; Ex. insinuate himself into the boss's favor; CF. ingratiate
Term
s creep
Definition
move with body close to the ground; move stealthily or slowly; N.
Term
s artful
Definition
exhibiting art or skill; deceitful; cunning; CF. artifice
Term
n insipid
Definition
lacking in flavor; lacking interest; dull; Ex. insipid food/character
Term
insolence
Definition
impudent disrespect; haughtiness; ADJ. insolent; CF. haughty + rude
Term
insolvent
Definition
bankrupt; lacking money to pay; N. insolvency
Term
insomnia
Definition
wakefulness; inability to sleep
Term
n insouciant
Definition
without concern or care; unconcerned; indifferent
Term
n instigate
Definition
start; urge; provoke; incite; Ex. instigate a search/quarrel
Term
insubordination
Definition
disobedience; rebelliousness; ADJ. insubordinate
Term
insubstantial
Definition
lacking substance; insignificant; frail; immaterial
Term
n insularity
Definition
narrow-mindedness; isolation; ADJ. insular: of an island; isolated; narrow-minded; CF. peninsula
Term
insuperable
Definition
insurmountable; unbeatable; Ex. insuperable difficulties
Term
s odds
Definition
chances; probability; disagreement; Ex. The odds are that it will rain. Ex. at odds with
Term
insurgent
Definition
rebellious; N.
Term
insurmountable
Definition
overwhelming; unbeatable; insuperable
Term
insurrection
Definition
rebellion; uprising
Term
intangible
Definition
not able to be perceived by touch; vague
Term
integral
Definition
complete; necessary for completeness; Ex. integral part
Term
integrate
Definition
make whole; combine; make into one unit
Term
integrity
Definition
honesty; uprightness; wholeness; state of being whole and undivided; completeness
Term
s upright
Definition
(sitting or standing) straight up; honest; moral
Term
intellect
Definition
higher mental powers; person of great intellectual ability
Term
intelligentsia
Definition
intellectuals; members of the educated elite (often used derogatorily)
Term
inter
Definition
bury; N. interment
Term
s cemetery
Definition
place for burying the dead
Term
interdict
Definition
prohibit; forbid; N.
Term
interim
Definition
meantime; Ex. in the interim; ADJ. taking place during an interim; Ex. interim paper
Term
n interloper
Definition
intruder; one who interferes
Term
interminable
Definition
endless
Term
intermittent
Definition
periodic; on and off; stopping and starting at intervals
Term
internecine
Definition
mutually destructive
Term
n interpolate
Definition
insert between
Term
n interregnum
Definition
period between two successive reigns or governments
Term
n interrogate
Definition
question closely; cross-examine; cross-question
Term
intervene
Definition
come between; interfere; Ex. intervened to prevent a fight; N. intervention
Term
n intimate
Definition
hint; suggest; imply; ADJ: marked by close relationship; familiar; private; personal; Ex. intimate knowledge/thoughts in the diary; N: close friend or confidant; CF. intimacy
Term
intimidate
Definition
frighten; N. intimidation
Term
intractable
Definition
unruly; difficult to manage; Ex. intractable problem/child
Term
intransigence
Definition
refusal of any compromise; stubbornness; ADJ. intransigent: uncompromising
Term
intrepid
Definition
fearless
Term
intrinsic
Definition
essential; inherent; built-in
Term
n introspective
Definition
looking within oneself; N. introspection: self-examination
Term
introvert
Definition
one who is introspective or inclined to think more about oneself; ADJ. introverted
Term
n intrude
Definition
put or force in without being asked; trespass; enter as an uninvited person; Ex. intrude one's own opinion into the report; CF. thrust in
Term
intuition
Definition
immediate insight; power of knowing without reasoning; ADJ. intuitive; V. intuit: know by intuition
Term
inundate
Definition
flood; overflow; submerge; cover completely; Ex. inundated with work
Term
s overwhelm
Definition
(of water) cover completely; defeat completely by much greater force; Ex. overwhelmed by grief
Term
s submerge
Definition
place under water; dip; go under water; cover completely (as with water); Ex. submerged in work
Term
s engulf
Definition
surround and swallow up
Term
n inured
Definition
accustomed; hardened; Ex. inured to the Alaskan cold; V. inure: make used to something undesirable; harden; CF. unfeeling
Term
invalidate
Definition
weaken; destroy; make invalid; nullify
Term
s invalid
Definition
one incapacitated(disabled) by a chronic illness; ADJ: incapacitated by illness; not valid; null; V: allow to leave (a military force) because of ill-health
Term
invective
Definition
abuse
Term
n inveigh
Definition
denounce; utter censure or invective; Ex. inveigh against the evils of drink
Term
n inveigle
Definition
deceive; lead astray by deception; wheedle(cajole); Ex. inveigle her into joining the club; CF. interest dishonestly
Term
inverse
Definition
opposite
Term
invert
Definition
turn upside down or inside out; reverse the position or condition of
Term
inveterate
Definition
deep-rooted; habitual; CF. grow old
Term
n invidious
Definition
designed to create ill will or envy; tending to rouse ill will or envy; Ex. invidious comparison
Term
invincible
Definition
unconquerable
Term
n inviolable
Definition
secure from corruption, attack, or violation(or profanation); unassailable; Ex. inviolable oath/rights; N. inviolability
Term
n invocation
Definition
prayer for help (used in invoking); calling upon as a reference or support; act of invoking
Term
n invoke
Definition
call and bring into use (a right or law); call on/upon (a higher power or god) for help; ask for; beg for; conjure (a spirit); Ex. invoke the veto power; Ex. invoke one's advisor/God
Term
invulnerable
Definition
incapable of injury; impossible to damage or injure
Term
iota
Definition
very small quantity
Term
n irascible
Definition
irritable; easily angered
Term
n irate
Definition
angry; CF. ire: anger; wrath
Term
n iridescent
Definition
exhibiting rainbowlike colors; Ex. iridescent oil slick; N. iridescence
Term
irksome
Definition
annoying; tedious; V. irk: annoy
Term
ironic
Definition
expressing irony; occurring in an unexpected and contrary manner
Term
n irony
Definition
hidden sarcasm or satire; use of words that seem to mean the opposite of what they actually mean; use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning
Term
irreconcilable
Definition
impossible to reconcile; incompatible; not able to be resolved
Term
irrefutable
Definition
indisputable; incontrovertible; undeniable
Term
irrelevant
Definition
not applicable; unrelated
Term
irremediable
Definition
incurable; uncorrectable; impossible to remedy
Term
irreparable
Definition
not able to be corrected or repaired; impossible to repair
Term
irrepressible
Definition
unable to be restrained or held back; impossible to hold back
Term
irreproachable
Definition
beyond reproach; blameless; impeccable; Ex. irreproachable conduct
Term
irresolute
Definition
uncertain how to act; weak; lacking in resolution; indecisive; N. irresolution
Term
s indecisive
Definition
marked by indecision; inconclusive; Ex. indecisive battle
Term
s indecision
Definition
irresolution; inability to make up one's mind
Term
irretrievable
Definition
impossible to recover or regain; CF. retrieve
Term
irreverence
Definition
lack of proper respect or reverence; ADJ. irreverent
Term
irrevocable
Definition
unalterable; irreversible; impossible to revoke
Term
isotope
Definition
varying from of an element
Term
n isthmus
Definition
narrow neck of land connecting two larger bodies of land
Term
n itinerant
Definition
wandering; traveling from place to place (to perform work); Ex. itinerant preacher
Term
n itinerary
Definition
plan of a trip; record of a trip
Term
n jabber
Definition
chatter rapidly or unintelligibly
Term
s jab
Definition
poke abruptly with something sharp; punch with short blows
Term
n jaded
Definition
tired or uninterested by surfeit; fatigued; surfeited; worn out; wearied; Ex. jaded appetite
Term
jargon
Definition
language used by special group; technical terminology; gibberish; nonsensical or incoherent talk
Term
n jaundiced
Definition
yellowed; prejudiced (envious, hostile, or resentful) from long and disappointing experience of human affairs; Ex. with a jaundiced eye
Term
s jaundice
Definition
medical condition in which the skin, the white part of the eyes, etc. turn yellow; V: affect with jaundice; affect with prejudice, envy, or hostility; bias
Term
n jaunt
Definition
trip; short journey
Term
n jaunty
Definition
cheerful and pleased with life; lighthearted; animated; easy and carefree; dapper in appearance; Ex. jaunty person/hat
Term
jeopardize
Definition
endanger; imperil; put at risk; N. jeopardy: danger
Term
n jettison
Definition
throw overboard (from a ship or plane)
Term
n jibe
Definition
agree; be in harmony with; gibe
Term
jingoist
Definition
extremely aggressive and militant patriot; warlike chauvinist; N. jingoism: extreme nationalism
Term
n jocose
Definition
given to(having a tendency of) joking
Term
n jocular
Definition
said or done in jest or playfully; marked by joking
Term
s jest
Definition
playful remark or act; V. act or speak playfully
Term
n jocund
Definition
merry
Term
n jollity
Definition
gaiety; cheerfulness; ADJ. jolly: merry; gay
Term
n jostle
Definition
shove; bump; push against (someone) rather roughly; Ex. jostled by the crowds
Term
s shove
Definition
push forward; push roughly; Ex. pushing and shoving to get on the bus; N.
Term
s bump
Definition
hit or knock against with force; N.
Term
n jovial
Definition
good-natured; merry; cheerful
Term
jubilation
Definition
rejoicing; great joy
Term
judicious
Definition
sound on judgment; wise
Term
n juggernaut
Definition
irresistible crushing force; overwhelming advancing force that crushes everything in its path
Term
s jug
Definition
pitcher; container for holding liquids
Term
n juncture
Definition
crisis; point in time; joining point; joint; act of joining
Term
n junket
Definition
trip especially one taken for pleasure by an official at public expense
Term
n junta
Definition
group of persons joined in political intrigue; cabal; group of military officers ruling a country after seizing power (by force)
Term
n jurisprudence
Definition
science of law
Term
s jurisdiction
Definition
right and power to apply the law; authority
Term
s juridical
Definition
of the law and its administration; CF. judicial: of courts of law; CF. judiciary
Term
n juxtapose
Definition
place side by side; CF. next
Term
n kaleidoscope
Definition
tube in which patterns made by the reflection in mirrors of colored pieces of glass, etc. produce interesting symmetrical effects; series of changing events; Ex. kaleidoscope of European history; CF. beautiful
Term
n ken
Definition
range of knowledge; Ex. beyond one's ken
Term
kernel
Definition
central or vital part; core; whole seed (as of corn)
Term
n killjoy
Definition
grouch; spoilsport; one who intentionally spoils the pleasure of others
Term
s grouch
Definition
bad-tempered complaint; person who keeps complaining; V: complain; grumble
Term
s spoilsport
Definition
one who spoils the pleasure of others
Term
kindle
Definition
start a fire; ignite; inspire; arouse
Term
n kindred
Definition
related; belonging to the same group; similar in nature or character; Ex. kindred languages; N: relative; kin; kinship
Term
kinetic
Definition
producing motion; of motion
Term
n kismet
Definition
fate; destiny; Ex. Kismet is the Arabic word for fate.
Term
n kleptomaniac
Definition
person who has a compulsive desire to steal
Term
n knave
Definition
untrustworthy person; rogue; scoundrel; jack; N. knavery
Term
n knead
Definition
mix; work dough; mix and work into a uniform mass (with the hands); Ex. knead dough
Term
n knell
Definition
tolling of a bell especially to indicate a funeral, disaster, etc.; sound of the funeral bell; V.
Term
s toll
Definition
sound (a large bell) slowly at regular intervals; N: sound of a bell; fixed tax or charge
Term
s curfew
Definition
regulation requiring all people to leave the streets at stated times; signal (as a bell) announcing the hour of a curfew
Term
n knit
Definition
contract into wrinkles; grow together; join together closely; make (a fabric or garment) by interwining yarn or thread; Ex. knit the brow; Ex. The bones should knit together in a few weeks.
Term
s crochet
Definition
make (a piece of needlework) by looping thread with a hooked needle; N. CF. crotchet
Term
n knoll
Definition
little round hill; hillock
Term
n knotty
Definition
intricate; difficult; tangled; CF. knot
Term
n kudos
Definition
honor; glory; acclaim or praise for exceptional achievement
Term
s entourage
Definition
group of attendants; retinue; CF. surround
Term
n labile
Definition
likely to change; unstable; Ex. emotionally labile; N. lability
Term
laborious
Definition
demanding much work or care; tedious
Term
labyrinth
Definition
maze
Term
n laceration
Definition
torn ragged wound; V. lacerate: tear (the skin as with broken glass); wound
Term
s rip
Definition
tear or be torn quickly and violently; Ex. The sail ripped under the force of the wind; N.
Term
s rag
Definition
scrap of cloth; ADJ. ragged: old and torn; seeming unfinished and imperfect; Ex. ragged debut/performance
Term
n lachrymose
Definition
producing tears; tearful
Term
n lackadaisical
Definition
lacking interest or effort; lacking purpose or zest; lazy; halfhearted; languid
Term
s halfhearted
Definition
exhibiting little interest or enthusiasm
Term
n lackluster
Definition
lacking luster(shine; gloss); dull
Term
n laconic
Definition
brief and to the point; using few words; terse
Term
n laggard
Definition
slow; sluggish; N: one who lags; straggler
Term
s lag
Definition
move or develop more slowly; straggle; Ex. lag behind the rest; N.
Term
s straggle
Definition
stray or fall behind (a main group); spread out in a scattered group; Ex. straggling marathon racer; Ex. straggling branch
Term
n lagoon
Definition
shallow body of water or lake near a sea; lake separated from a sea by sandbars or coral reefs
Term
n laity
Definition
laypersons; laymen; persons not connected with the clergy
Term
s layman
Definition
man who is not a cleric; man who is nonprofessional
Term
lament
Definition
grieve; express sorrow; N. lamentation
Term
n lampoon
Definition
ridicule; N: written attack ridiculing or satirizing a person, group, or institution
Term
n lancet
Definition
small surgical tool for making incisions
Term
s lance
Definition
pierce with a lance; cut into; N: spearlike weapon
Term
languid
Definition
lacking energy or vitality; weary; sluggish; listless
Term
languish
Definition
lose animation or strength
Term
languor
Definition
lack of physical or mental energy; lassitude; depression
Term
n lank
Definition
long and thin; Ex. Lank, gaunt, Abraham Lincoln
Term
n lap
Definition
take in food or drink with one's tongue; splash gently; Ex. waves lapping the shore; N: front area from the waist to the knees of a seated person
Term
n larceny
Definition
theft; Ex. petit larceny
Term
n larder
Definition
pantry; place where food is kept
Term
n largess
Definition
generous gift (given to people who do not have enough)
Term
lascivious
Definition
lustful
Term
s lust
Definition
intense sexual desire; intense eagerness; V.
Term
n lassitude
Definition
languor; weariness; listlessness
Term
latent
Definition
present but not yet noticeable or active; dormant; hidden; N. latency; CF. potential
Term
lateral
Definition
of or coming from the side
Term
n latitude
Definition
freedom from narrow limitations
Term
laud
Definition
praise; N. ADJ. laudable: praiseworthy; ADJ. laudatory: expressing praise
Term
n lavish
Definition
liberal; wasteful; generous or wasteful in giving or using; abundant; profuse; great; Ex. decorated lavishly; V. give in abundance
Term
n lax
Definition
careless; negligent; not paying enough attention; Ex. lax service
Term
n leaven
Definition
add leaven to; cause to rise or grow lighter; enliven; N: agent, such as yeast, that causes dough to rise (by fermentation); element that lightens or enlivens
Term
s enliven
Definition
make lively or spirited; animate
Term
lechery
Definition
gross lewdness; lustfulness; ADJ. lecherous; N. lecher: lecherous man
Term
n lectern
Definition
reading desk or stand for a public speaker
Term
n leery
Definition
(of someone) suspicious; wary; cautious
Term
n leeway
Definition
room to move; margin; latitude; Ex. leeway for the deadline
Term
s margin
Definition
border; room; allowance beyond what is needed; Ex. margin of safety
Term
s marginal
Definition
of a margin; barely within a limit; Ex. marginal effect/writing ability
Term
legacy
Definition
gift made by a will; something handed down from an ancestor
Term
legend
Definition
explanatory list of symbols on a map
Term
n legerdemain
Definition
sleight(dexterity) of hand; CF. light of hand
Term
leniency
Definition
mildness; permissiveness; ADJ. lenient: not severe in judgment or punishment
Term
s permissive
Definition
allowing much freedom; lenient; Ex. permissive society
Term
leonine
Definition
like a lion
Term
lethal
Definition
deadly
Term
lethargic
Definition
drowsy; dull; N. lethargy: state of sluggishness and inactivity
Term
n levee
Definition
earthen or stone embankment to prevent flooding; CF. raise
Term
n levitate
Definition
rise and float in the air (especially by magical means); CF. light
Term
levity
Definition
lack of seriousness or steadiness; frivolity; lightness of manner
Term
n levy
Definition
impose (a fine); collect (a payment); impose or collect (a tax); Ex. levy a tax on tobacco
Term
lewd
Definition
lustful
Term
n lexicographer
Definition
compiler of a dictionary; CF. lexicography: work of compiling a dictionary
Term
n lexicon
Definition
dictionary
Term
n liability
Definition
drawback; handicap; debts; obligation; responsibility; condition of being liable; ADJ. liable: likely; responsible (for paying)
Term
liaison
Definition
contact that keeps parties in communication; communication between groups; one that maintains communication; go-between; secret love affair; V. liaise: keep a connection
Term
libel
Definition
defamatory written statement; act of writing something that smears a person's character; V. ADJ. libelous
Term
n libertine
Definition
debauched person; dissolute or licentious person; rou\'e; CF. free
Term
s rou\'e
Definition
lecherous man
Term
libidinous
Definition
lustful
Term
n libido
Definition
psychic and emotional energy or urges behind human activity; sexual desire
Term
n libretto
Definition
text of an opera or oratorio; CF. book
Term
licentious
Definition
amoral; lewd and lascivious; unrestrained
Term
s license
Definition
official or legal permission; latitude of action or speech; excessive freedom that causes harm or damage; V.
Term
n lien
Definition
legal claim or right on a property
Term
n ligneous
Definition
like wood
Term
n lilliputian
Definition
extremely small; CF. Lilliput in Gulliver's Travels
Term
n limber
Definition
flexible; supple; pliable; V.
Term
n limbo
Definition
region near heaven or hell where certain souls are kept; prison (slang); Ex. Purgatory and Limbo
Term
s abode
Definition
dwelling place; home
Term
s abide
Definition
dwell; abide by: comply with; put up with; tolerate; Ex. abide by the rules; Ex. I can't abide rude people.
Term
n limn
Definition
draw; outline; describe; CF. line ?
Term
n limpid
Definition
crystal clear
Term
lineage
Definition
descent; ancestry
Term
n lineaments
Definition
features especially of the face; distinctive shape or contour of the face; CF. line
Term
s feature
Definition
distinctive part of the faces (as the eyes or mouth); features: overall appearance of the face; prominent or distinctive quality; prominent article; film; V: make prominent
Term
s linger
Definition
loiter or dawdle; be slow in leaving; delay going; continue or persist; be slow to disappear; Ex. The smell lingered for days.
Term
s persist
Definition
continue in existence; last; continue in a course of action in spite of opposition; Ex. persist in/with something; ADJ. persistent
Term
linguistic
Definition
pertaining to language
Term
s lionize
Definition
treat (a person) as a celebrity
Term
s liquidate
Definition
settle accounts; pay off (a debt); clear up; eliminate; kill or abolish
Term
s list
Definition
tilt (as of a ship); lean over (to one side)
Term
listless
Definition
lacking in spirit or energy; languid
Term
n litany
Definition
supplicatory prayer; prayer in which the priest calls out and the people replies in the same words
Term
n lithe
Definition
flexible; supple; CF. limber
Term
s willowy
Definition
flexible; pliant; slender; CF. willow
Term
n litigation
Definition
lawsuit; N. litigant: one party in a lawsuit; V. litigate
Term
n litotes
Definition
understatement for emphasis; Ex. ``not bad(=pretty good)''
Term
s understate
Definition
state with less truth than seems warranted by the facts; Ex. He understated the seriousness of the crime; N. understatement; OP. overstate
Term
n livid
Definition
lead-colored; black and blue (as from a bruise); ashen; enraged; extremely angry
Term
n loath
Definition
reluctant; unwilling; disinclined; Ex. Romeo and Juliet were both loath for him to go.
Term
loathe
Definition
detest; ADJ. loathsome: arousing loathing; offensive; Ex. loathsome smell
Term
n lode
Definition
metal-bearing vein(long deposit of an ore)
Term
lofty
Definition
very high
Term
s loft
Definition
room or space under the roof; attic
Term
log
Definition
record of a voyage or flight; record of day-to-day activities; section of a trunk; V.
Term
loiter
Definition
hang about/around; stand idly about; linger
Term
n loll
Definition
lounge about
Term
s lounge
Definition
stand, sit, or lie in a lazy, relaxed way
Term
longevity
Definition
long life; long duration
Term
n loom
Definition
appear or take shape (usually in an enlarged, indistinct, or distorted form); Ex. The shadow of the gallows loomed threateningly. N: apparatus for making thread into cloth
Term
s gallows
Definition
framework from which a noose is suspended (used for execution by hanging)
Term
s noose
Definition
loop formed in a rope
Term
n lope
Definition
gallop slowly
Term
loquacious
Definition
talkative; N. loquacity
Term
n lout
Definition
clumsy person; ADJ. loutish; CF. from countrysides ?
Term
n low
Definition
moo; make the sound of a cow
Term
s lubricate
Definition
apply a lubricant to; N. lubricant: substance that reduces friction
Term
lucid
Definition
easily understood; clear; intelligible; N. lucidity
Term
lucrative
Definition
profitable; producing wealth
Term
n lucre
Definition
money; profit; Ex. filthy lucre
Term
s filth
Definition
dirty matter; ADJ. filthy
Term
n ludicrous
Definition
laughable; ridiculous; trifling
Term
n lugubrious
Definition
mournful; sorrowful
Term
n lull
Definition
moment of calm; period of reduced activity; Ex. a lull in the rain; V: cause to become less active; cause to sleep or rest; Ex. lull the opponents into a false sense of security; CF. lullaby
Term
n lumber
Definition
move heavily or clumsily; Ex. The bear lumbered through the woods; N: timber
Term
n lumen
Definition
unit of light energy (one candle's worth)
Term
n luminary
Definition
celebrity (in a specific field); dignitary; object that gives light (as a celestial body)
Term
s dignitary
Definition
person of high rank or position
Term
n luminous
Definition
shining (esp. in the dark); issuing light; Ex. luminous paint/road signs
Term
lunar
Definition
pertaining to the moon
Term
s lunatic
Definition
insane; Ex. lunatic asylum
Term
n lurid
Definition
wild; sensational; graphic; gruesome; horrible; Ex. lurid details of the murder
Term
n lurk
Definition
stealthily lie in waiting; slink; exist unperceived
Term
s slink
Definition
move furtively; ADJ. slinky: stealthy; furtive; sneaky (as in ambush)
Term
n luscious
Definition
pleasing to taste or smell; delicious
Term
n luster
Definition
shine; gloss (of a polished surface)
Term
n lustrous
Definition
shining; brilliant; Ex. lustrous hair
Term
n luxuriant
Definition
abundant; growing healthily and in large amounts; excessively ornate; rich and splendid; fertile; Ex. luxuriant forests/prose; CF. luxurious, luxuriate
Term
n macabre
Definition
gruesome; grisly; ghastly; CF. of death
Term
s morgue
Definition
mortuary; place where bodies are kept before burial or cremation
Term
s cremate
Definition
incinerate (a corpse); N. crematory, crematorium
Term
n mace
Definition
ceremonial staff used as a symbol of authority; clublike medieval weapon
Term
n macerate
Definition
soften by soaking in liquid; waste away; Ex. macerate powdered wood to make paper
Term
n Machiavellian
Definition
crafty; double-dealing; of the political doctrine of Machiavelli, which holds that craft and deceit are justified in pursuing political power
Term
n machinations
Definition
evil schemes or plots; schemes or plots to achieve an evil end; V. machinate
Term
n maculated
Definition
spotted; stained; CF. immaculate
Term
n madrigal
Definition
pastoral song; song for several singers without instruments
Term
n maelstrom
Definition
violent whirlpool; violent or tublent situation; CF. stream
Term
n magisterial
Definition
authoritative; imperious; commanding; of a magistrate; Ex. magisterial study of Roman law; Ex. magisterial manner
Term
s magistrate
Definition
official with power to administer the law
Term
magnanimity
Definition
generosity; ADJ. magnanimous: generous
Term
n magnate
Definition
person of prominence or influence; powerful or influential person (in business or industry); Ex. oil magnate
Term
magniloquent
Definition
boastful; pompous
Term
magnitude
Definition
greatness (in size or extent); extent
Term
n maim
Definition
mutilate; injure lastingly; disable; cripple; Ex. maimed for life
Term
s mangle
Definition
tear or cut to pieces; mutilate or disfigure; Ex. badly mangled bodies
Term
maladroit
Definition
clumsy; not skillful; awkward; bungling
Term
malady
Definition
illness
Term
n malaise
Definition
uneasiness; vague feeling of ill health (without any particular pain or appearance of disease)
Term
n malapropism
Definition
comic misuse of a word; CF. Mrs. Malaprop
Term
s malapropos
Definition
inappropriate; ADV.
Term
malcontent
Definition
person dissatisfied with existing state of affairs; discontented person; ADJ: discontented
Term
malediction
Definition
curse
Term
malefactor
Definition
evildoer; criminal
Term
s maleficient
Definition
doing evil; N. maleficience
Term
malevolent
Definition
wishing evil; exhibiting ill will; N. malevolence
Term
n malfeasance
Definition
wrongdoing; misconduct (by a public official)
Term
malicious
Definition
hateful; spiteful; expressing malice; N. malice: desire to harm others; spite
Term
malign
Definition
speak evil of; bad-mouth(criticize spitefully); defame; ADJ: harmful; Ex. malign influence
Term
malignant
Definition
tending to cause death; highly injurious; aggressively malevolent; Ex. malignant tumor
Term
malingerer
Definition
one who feigns illness to escape duty; V. malinger: feign illness to avoid work
Term
n malleable
Definition
(of a metal) capable of being shaped by pounding(beating); pliable; (of someone) impressionable(easily influenced); easily controlled; tractable
Term
malodorous
Definition
foul-smelling
Term
s compost
Definition
mixture of decaying organic matter used as fertilizer; V: put or make compost
Term
mammal
Definition
vertebrate animal whose female suckles its young
Term
s vertebrate
Definition
having a backbone or spinal column; N: group of animals having a segmented spinal column
Term
s suckle
Definition
give or take milk at the breast or udder
Term
s nurse
Definition
suckle; take care of (as a nurse); bear in mind; Ex. nursing mother; Ex. nurse a hope/grudge against someone
Term
mammoth
Definition
gigantic; enormous
Term
manacle
Definition
restrain; handcuff; N.
Term
n mandate
Definition
order; charge; authoritative command; power to govern another country; power to given to a government; region under administration; V: give a mandate to; place under a mandate; Ex. mandated territory
Term
mandatory
Definition
obligatory; compulsory; of a mandate
Term
n mangy
Definition
shabby; wretched; suffering from mange; of bad appearance
Term
s mange
Definition
skin disease (esp. of domestic animals) marked by loss of hair
Term
maniacal
Definition
raging mad; insane; N. maniac: insane person; CF. mania: disorder of the mind; intense enthusiasm
Term
manifest
Definition
evident; visible; obvious; V: show plainly
Term
n manifestation
Definition
outward demonstration; manifesting; indication of the presence of something; Ex. manifestation of his pronounced musical bent
Term
s pronounced
Definition
distinct; very noticeable; Ex. pronounced limp
Term
manifesto
Definition
public declaration of principles; statement of policy
Term
n manifold
Definition
many in number or kind; numerous; varied
Term
n manipulate
Definition
operate with one's hands; control or play upon (people, forces, etc.) artfully; maneuver; Ex. how to manipulate publicity and men; ADJ. manipulative
Term
n mannered
Definition
affected; not natural; Ex. mannered way of speech
Term
s mannerism
Definition
distinctive behavioral trait; affected style in art (according to a set of styles)
Term
n manumit
Definition
emancipate; free from slavery or bondage
Term
marital
Definition
pertaining to marriage
Term
n maritime
Definition
bordering on(adjacent to) the sea; nautical; of the ships or the sea; Ex. Maritime Provinces
Term
marked
Definition
noticeable; targeted for vengeance or attack; Ex. marked improvement/man
Term
n marred
Definition
damaged; disfigured; V. mar: spoil; disfigure
Term
n marshal
Definition
put in order; guide ceremoniously to the correct place; Ex. marshal the children into the museum; N: military officer; official
Term
s enlist
Definition
(cause to) join the armed forces; obtain (help, sympathy, or support)
Term
n marsupial
Definition
one of a family of mammals that nurse their offspring in a pouch(pocket of skin or leather); CF. kangaroo, opossum, wombat
Term
martial
Definition
warlike; of war; Ex. martial art/law
Term
s cadet
Definition
student at a military school
Term
n martinet
Definition
strict disciplinarian; person who demands total obedience to rules and orders; CF. Jean Martinet
Term
martyr
Definition
one who voluntarily suffers death for his or her religion or cause; great sufferer; Ex. martyr to his rheumatism
Term
masochist
Definition
person who enjoys his own pain; CF. masochism
Term
n masticate
Definition
chew
Term
materialism
Definition
preoccupation with physical comforts and things; excessive regard for worldly concerns (rather than spiritual matters)
Term
maternal
Definition
motherly; N. maternity: motherhood
Term
matriarch
Definition
woman who rules a family or larger social group
Term
n matriculate
Definition
enroll (in college or graduate school); CF. matrix
Term
n matrix
Definition
point of origin; array of numbers or algebraic symbols; mold or die; Ex. the matrix of Western civilization
Term
n maudlin
Definition
effusively sentimental
Term
s sentimental
Definition
swayed by sentiment; appealing to the sentiments
Term
n maul
Definition
handle roughly; batter; injure by beating; Ex. mauled by his overexcited fans; N: heavy long-handled hammer
Term
n mausoleum
Definition
monumental tomb; large stately tomb; CF. Mausolos
Term
n mauve
Definition
pale purple
Term
n maverick
Definition
rebel; nonconformist (in a group)
Term
n mawkish
Definition
mushy(sentimental) and gushy; icky-sticky sentimental; excessively and objectionably sentimental
Term
maxim
Definition
proverb; truth pithily stated
Term
n mayhem
Definition
injury to body; crime of willfully maiming or crippling a person; violent disorder; Ex. mayhem in the zoo; CF. maim
Term
meager
Definition
scanty; inadequate
Term
n mealymouthed
Definition
indirect in speech (when something unpleasant must be said); hypocritical; evasive
Term
n meander
Definition
wind or turn in its course; follow a winding or turning course; move aimlessly and idly
Term
n meddlesome
Definition
interfering; V. meddle: interfere
Term
mediate
Definition
settle a dispute through the services of an outsider; act as an intermediary; produce by mediating; Ex. mediate a cease-fire
Term
s intermediary
Definition
intermediate; acting as a mediator; N: mediator; go-between
Term
mediocre
Definition
ordinary; commonplace; neither good nor bad
Term
meditation
Definition
reflection; thought; V. meditate
Term
medium
Definition
element that is a creature's natural environment; nutrient setting in which microorganisms are cultivated; appropriate occupation or means of expression; channel of communication; compromise; middle position between extremes; intervening substance through which something else is transmitted
Term
n medley
Definition
mixture
Term
n meek
Definition
submissive; patient and long-suffering
Term
s suitor
Definition
man who is courting a woman
Term
n megalomania
Definition
mania for doing grandiose things; mental disorder characterized by delusions of wealth, power, or importance
Term
melancholy
Definition
gloomy; morose; blue; N. ADJ. melancholic; CF. melancholia
Term
s blue
Definition
gloomy; depressed
Term
melee
Definition
fight
Term
n mellifluous
Definition
(of words or a voice) sweetly or smoothly flowing; melodious; having a pleasant tune
Term
n memento
Definition
token; reminder of the past; keepsake; Ex. memento of your visit
Term
memorialize
Definition
commemorate
Term
s memorial
Definition
something, such as a monument or holiday, intended to honor the memory of a person or event; ADJ: commemorative
Term
n menagerie
Definition
collection of wild animals on exhibition; zoo
Term
n mendacious
Definition
lying; habitually dishonest; N. mendacity
Term
n mendicant
Definition
beggar; ADJ: living as a beggar
Term
s alms
Definition
money or goods given to the poor
Term
n menial
Definition
suitable for servants; lowly; mean; N: someone who does menial work (esp. servant in a house)
Term
n mentor
Definition
counselor; teacher
Term
n mercantile
Definition
concerning trade or merchants
Term
mercenary
Definition
motivated solely by money or gain; N.
Term
n mercurial
Definition
capricious; quick and changing; fickle; containing the element mercury; Ex. mercurial temper; CF. mood
Term
s quicksilver
Definition
mercury
Term
n meretricious
Definition
flashy; tawdry; attractive on the surface but of no real value; Ex. metericious argument/jewel; CF. prostitute
Term
s vulgar
Definition
of the common people; deficient in refinement; not refined; coarse; Ex. vulgar display of wealth; N. vulgarism: vulgarity; crudely indecent word; CF. vulgarian: vulgar person; boor; lout
Term
n merger
Definition
combination (of two business corporations); act of merging
Term
n mesmerize
Definition
hypnotize; N. mesmerism; CF. Franz Mesmer
Term
n metallurgical
Definition
pertaining to the art of removing metals from ores; N. metallurgy: science that deals with extracting metals from ores
Term
metamorphosis
Definition
change of form; Ex. metamorphosis of caterpillar to butterfly; V. metamorphose: change by metamorphosis
Term
metaphor
Definition
implied comparison; CF. simile
Term
s soar
Definition
rise or fly high in the air; Ex. The rocket soared into the sky.
Term
metaphysical
Definition
pertaining to speculative philosophy; of metaphysics; N. metaphysics: branch of philosophy that examines the nature of reality
Term
n mete
Definition
measure; distribute; administer; Ex. mete out justice/punishment
Term
meteoric
Definition
like a meteor; swift; momentarily brilliant; Ex. meteoric rise to fame; N. meteor
Term
methodical
Definition
systematic; N. method: systematic method of procedure
Term
meticulous
Definition
excessively careful (with great attention to detail); painstaking; scrupulous
Term
metropolis
Definition
large city
Term
n mettle
Definition
courage (to continue bravely in spite of difficulties); spirit; ADJ. mettlesome
Term
n miasma
Definition
swamp gas; heavy vaporous atmosphere often emanating from decaying matter; pervasive corrupting influence; noxious atmosphere or influence
Term
s swamp
Definition
wetland; marsh; V: flood; overwhelm; drench in with liquid
Term
microcosm
Definition
small representative world; world in miniature; Ex. microcosm of English society
Term
s miniature
Definition
small model; small painting; ADJ: small
Term
migrant
Definition
changing its habitat; wandering; Ex. migrant birds/workers; N: one that migrates
Term
migratory
Definition
wandering; V. migrate: move from one region and settle in another; move periodically from one region to another
Term
n milieu
Definition
social environment; means of expression; Ex. feel out of one's milieu; Ex. His proper milieu is watercolor.
Term
militant
Definition
combative; bellicose; N.
Term
n militate
Definition
work against; Ex. militate against the chances of promotion; CF. serve as a soldier
Term
s militia
Definition
army composed of ordinary citizens rather than professional soldiers
Term
millennium
Definition
thousand-year period (as in the New Testament); hoped-for period of happiness and prosperity
Term
mimicry
Definition
imitation
Term
s mime
Definition
pantomime(act without dialogue); mimicry; mimer; V: mimic; pantomime
Term
n minatory
Definition
menacing; threatening
Term
n mincing
Definition
affectedly dainty(delicate); V. mince: cut (esp. meat) into very small pieces; walk with exaggerated primness; walk in an unnatural way, taking little short steps; Ex. The actor minced across the stage; CF. mincemeat; CF. mincer
Term
s dainty
Definition
delicate; delicately beautiful; fastidious; not easy to please; Ex. dainty movement/dress
Term
s exquisite
Definition
delicate; very finely made; extremely beautiful; Ex. exquisite piece of jewelry
Term
s choice
Definition
delicate; of very fine quality
Term
n minion
Definition
servile dependent; obsequious follower
Term
n minuscule(miniscule)
Definition
extremely small
Term
minute
Definition
extremely small; CF. minutes: official record of the proceedings at a meeting
Term
n minutiae
Definition
petty or trivial details; CF. minutia
Term
mirage
Definition
unreal reflection; optical illusion
Term
n mire
Definition
entangle; stick in swampy ground; stick or sink in mire; N: bog; deep mud; Ex. sucked deeper into the mire
Term
n mirth
Definition
merriment; laughter
Term
n misadventure
Definition
mischance; ill luck; Ex. death by misadventure
Term
misanthrope
Definition
one who hates mankind; misanthropist
Term
s vile
Definition
despicable; unpleasant; disgusting; Ex. vile slander
Term
misapprehension
Definition
error; misunderstanding; V. misapprehend
Term
miscellany
Definition
mixture of writings on various subjects; collection of various items
Term
s miscellaneous
Definition
made up of a variety of parts
Term
n mischance
Definition
ill luck
Term
misconstrue
Definition
interpret incorrectly; misinterpret; misjudge
Term
n miscreant
Definition
wretch; wrongdoer; villain; Ex. kindness to the miscreant; CF. believe
Term
s wretch
Definition
miserable person; bad or despicable person; ADJ. wretched: miserable; bad; contemptible; vile
Term
misdemeanor
Definition
minor crime; misdeed; wrongdoing
Term
s misconduct
Definition
immoral behavior; bad management; V.
Term
miserly
Definition
stingy; mean
Term
n misgivings
Definition
doubts
Term
n mishap
Definition
unfortunate accident
Term
n misnomer
Definition
wrong or improper name; incorrect designation
Term
misogamy
Definition
hatred of marriage
Term
misogynist
Definition
hater of woman; CF. misogyny
Term
missile
Definition
object to be thrown or projected
Term
n missive
Definition
letter; written statement; CF. sent
Term
n mite
Definition
very small object or insect-like creature; small coin
Term
mitigate
Definition
appease; moderate; make or become less in force or intensity
Term
n mnemonic
Definition
pertaining to memory; assisting the memory; N: device, such as as formula or rhyme, used as a mnemonic aid
Term
mobile
Definition
movable; not fixed; N. mobility
Term
n mock
Definition
ridicule; deride; imitate often in derision
Term
mode
Definition
prevailing style; current fashion; manner; way of doing something; Ex. in the latest mode; Ex. simple mode of life
Term
n modicum
Definition
limited quantity; small amount; Ex. He does not have a modicum of sense; CF. moderate
Term
n modish
Definition
fashionable; conforming to the current fashion
Term
n modulate
Definition
tone down in intensity; change the intensity or tone of; regulate; change from one musical key to another; Ex. modulate from E to G
Term
n mogul
Definition
powerful person; Ex. oil moguls; CF. Mogol, Moghul; CF. Mongolian
Term
molecule
Definition
the smallest particle (one or more atoms) of a substance that has all the properties of that substance
Term
n mollify
Definition
soothe an angry person
Term
n mollycoddle
Definition
pamper; coddle; baby; indulge excessively
Term
n molt(moult)
Definition
periodically shed or cast off hairs or feathers (for replacement by a new growth)
Term
n molten
Definition
melted; Ex. molten lava
Term
momentous
Definition
very important; N. moment; CF. momentary
Term
momentum
Definition
quantity of motion of a moving body; impetus; moving force
Term
monarchy
Definition
government under a single ruler
Term
monastic
Definition
related to monks or monasteries; removed from worldly concerns
Term
monetary
Definition
pertaining to money
Term
monochromatic
Definition
having only one color
Term
s monochrome
Definition
painting in only one color; ADJ.
Term
s monogram
Definition
design composed of one or more initials of a name; V.
Term
s monograph
Definition
scholarly article
Term
n monolithic
Definition
solidly uniform; unchangeable; unyielding; N. monolith: large block of stone
Term
monotheism
Definition
belief in one God
Term
monotony
Definition
sameness leading to boredom; monotonousness; ADJ. monotonous; CF. monotone
Term
n monumental
Definition
massive; impressively large; built as a monument
Term
n moodiness
Definition
fits of depression or gloom; ADJ. moody: given to changeable moods; subject to periods of depression; gloomy CF. mood:
Term
n moratorium
Definition
legal delay of payment or action; Ex. declare moratorium on the building of new houses
Term
n morbid
Definition
given to unwholesome or unhealthy thought; moody; characteristic of disease; Ex. morbid curiosity; N. morbidity; CF. disease
Term
n mordant
Definition
biting; sarcastic; stinging; (apprec.) incisive; cutting; Ex. mordant pen/wit
Term
n mores
Definition
conventions; moral standards; moral customs
Term
n moribund
Definition
dying; at the point of death; CF. death
Term
n morose
Definition
ill-humored; sullen; sullenly melancholy
Term
n mortician
Definition
undertaker; CF. death
Term
s undertaker
Definition
funeral director; one whose business is to arrange burials
Term
n mortify
Definition
humiliate by embarassing excessively; shame; punish the flesh; discipline (one's body) by self-denial; Ex. mortified by her blunder; Ex. mortify the flesh; CF. cause to die
Term
mosaic
Definition
picture made of small colorful inlaid tiles; ADJ.
Term
n mote
Definition
small speck (esp. of dust)
Term
s speck
Definition
small piece or mark; Ex. speck of dust in the eye
Term
n motif
Definition
theme; recurrent thematic element in a musical or literary work; single or repeated pattern; figure
Term
n motility
Definition
ability to move spontaneously; ADJ. motile: moving spontaneously
Term
n motley
Definition
multi-colored (as of a garment worn by a jester); mixed; heterogeneous; CF. jester: one who jests (as a paid fool at medieval courts)
Term
s motto
Definition
brief statement used to express a principle
Term
n mottled
Definition
blotched in coloring; spotted; Ex. mottled face; V. mottle: mark with blotches of different colors
Term
s blotch
Definition
spot; blot; CF. blot+botch
Term
s blemish
Definition
mar; spoil the beauty or perfection of; N: flaw or defect (that spoils perfection); Ex. blemishes in the crystal; CF. unblemished
Term
n mountebank
Definition
charlatan; boastful pretender
Term
s peddle
Definition
travel about selling (wares); CF. foot
Term
n muddle
Definition
confuse; mix up confusedly; N: state of confusion
Term
n muggy
Definition
(of weather) warm and damp
Term
n mulct
Definition
defraud a person of something; swindle; Ex. mulct the boy of his legacy
Term
n multifarious
Definition
varied; greatly diversified; Ex. multifarious activities
Term
multiform
Definition
having many forms
Term
multilingual
Definition
having many languages; fluent in several languages
Term
multiplicity
Definition
state of being numerous or multiple; large number; Ex. multiplicity of details; ADJ. multiple: of more than one element
Term
n mundane
Definition
worldly as opposed to spiritual; everyday; of the ordinary; Ex. mundane existence; CF. world
Term
n munificent
Definition
very generous in giving; Ex. munificent benefactor; N. munificience
Term
n mural
Definition
wall painting
Term
n murky
Definition
dark and gloomy; thick with fog; vague; Ex. murky night/fog; N. murk: partial or complete darkness; gloom
Term
n muse
Definition
ponder at length; N: source of inspiration (esp. of a poet)
Term
n musky
Definition
having the odor of musk; N. musk: odorous substance secreted by an Asian deer
Term
n muster
Definition
gather; assemble (troops); Ex. muster up one's strength for the ordeal; N.
Term
n musty
Definition
stale (in odor or taste); spoiled by age; CF. moist
Term
mutablility
Definition
ability to change in form; fickleness; ADJ. mutable: able to change; fickle; CF. mutate; CF. mutant
Term
muted
Definition
silent; muffled; toned down; Ex. muted traffic noise
Term
s mute
Definition
silent; without speech; not pronounced; unable to speak; N: one who is incapable of speech; V: soften the sound, color, shade of
Term
n mutilate
Definition
maim; injure lastingly; deprive of a limb or an essential part
Term
n mutinous
Definition
unruly; rebellious; Ex. mutinous teenagers; N. mutiny: open rebellion; CF. mutineer
Term
n myopic
Definition
nearsighted; lacking foresight; N. myopia
Term
n myriad
Definition
very large number; ADJ. CF. ten thousand
Term
n nadir
Definition
lowest point; point on the celestial sphere diametrically opposite the zenith
Term
naivet\'e(naivety)
Definition
quality of being unsophisticated; simplicity; artlessness; gullibility; ADJ. naive(na\"ive): ingenuous; lacking worldliness; simple; credulous
Term
narcissist
Definition
conceited person; N. narcissism; CF. narcissus
Term
narrative
Definition
related to telling a story; N: narrated account; story; V. narrate: tell (a story); CF. narration
Term
n nascent
Definition
incipient; coming into being or existence; Ex. nascent ability in music
Term
natation
Definition
swimming
Term
n natty
Definition
neatly or smartly dressed; dapper; smart; Ex. natty dresser
Term
s smart
Definition
intelligent; quick and energetic; fashionable; Ex. smart pace/restaurant; V: cause or feel a sharp pain; N: smarting pain
Term
nauseate
Definition
cause to become sick; fill with disgust; fill nausea
Term
s nausea
Definition
feeling of sickness and desire to vomit; disgust; CF. seasickness
Term
s nauseous
Definition
causing nausea; feeling nausea
Term
nautical
Definition
pertaining to ships or navigation
Term
n navigable
Definition
(of a body of water) wide and deep enough to allow ships to pass through; (of a ship or aircraft) able to be steered
Term
n nebulous
Definition
vague; hazy; cloudy; of a nebula; Ex. nebulous proposal
Term
s nebula
Definition
diffuse mass of interstellar dust or gas; galaxy
Term
n necromancy
Definition
black magic; sorcery; dealings with the dead; art that professes to communicate with the spirits of the dead so as to predict the future; CF. necromancer; CF. necro+divination; CF. necro-: death; Ex. necropolis
Term
n nefarious
Definition
very wicked
Term
negate
Definition
cancel out; nullify; cause to have no effect; deny; N. negation
Term
negligence
Definition
neglect; failure to take reasonable care; ADJ. negligent: neglectful; lax; not taking enough care
Term
negligible
Definition
so small, trifling, or unimportant as to be easily disregarded
Term
nemesis
Definition
someone seeking revenge; source of downfall or ruin; CF. Nemesis
Term
n neologism
Definition
new or newly coined word or phrase
Term
n neophyte
Definition
recent convert; new member of a religious group; beginner; CF. plant
Term
n nepotism
Definition
favoritism (to a relative); CF. nephew
Term
s favoritism
Definition
display of partiality toward a favored person
Term
n nether
Definition
lower; Ex. nether garments/regions
Term
n nettle
Definition
irritate; annoy; vex; ADJ. nettlesome
Term
n nexus
Definition
connection
Term
n nib
Definition
beak(bill); pen point
Term
n nicety
Definition
precision; accuracy; minute distinction or difference; Ex. to a nicety: exactly; precisely; Ex. distinguish between niceties
Term
n niggardly
Definition
meanly stingy; parsimonious; N. niggard: stingy person
Term
n niggle
Definition
spend too much time on minor points (esp. when finding fault); find fault; Ex. niggle over details; ADJ. niggling
Term
n nihilist
Definition
one who considers traditional beliefs to be groundless and existence meaningless; absolute skeptic; revolutionary terrorist; CF. nihilism: belief that nothing has meaning or value; belief that destruction of existing political or social institutions is necessary for future improvement
Term
n nip
Definition
snip off; stop something's growth or development; bite; make numb with cold; Ex. nip the plan; Ex. A guard dog nipped the postman; Ex. fingers nipped by the extreme chill
Term
s snip
Definition
short quick cut with scissors; V: cut with scissors
Term
s pinch
Definition
squeeze between the thumb and a finger, or other edges; Ex. I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. N: amount that can be held between the thumb and a finger
Term
n nirvana
Definition
in Buddhist teachings, the ideal state in which the individual loses himself in the attainment of an impersonal beatitude
Term
s impersonal
Definition
not being a person; not showing personal feelings; Ex. impersonal force/manner/organization
Term
nocturnal
Definition
done or active at night; Ex. nocturnal animals/raids; CF. nocturne
Term
n noisome
Definition
foul smelling; very unpleasant; unwholesome
Term
nomadic
Definition
wandering; N. nomad: tribe who migrates from place to place
Term
nomenclature
Definition
terminology(system of specialized words); system of names or naming things
Term
nominal
Definition
in name only; of a name; trifling; (of a sum of money) very small; CF. nominate: propose as a candidate; appoint
Term
n nonchalance
Definition
indifference; lack of concern; composure; ADJ. nonchalant: unconcerned; cool; indifferent; Ex. nonchalant attitude to his debts
Term
noncommittal
Definition
neutral; refusing commitment to a particular opinion; unpledged; undecided
Term
n nondescript
Definition
undistinctive; ordinary; ordinary-looking; Ex. nondescript fellow in a crowd
Term
nonentity
Definition
person of no importance; nonexistence
Term
n nonplus
Definition
put at a loss; bring to a halt by confusion; perplex; CF. no more
Term
nostalgia
Definition
homesickness; longing for the past; Ex. nostalgia for the clothes of 1920s; ADJ. nostalgic
Term
n nostrum
Definition
questionable medicine; quack medicine; CF. our (remedy)
Term
notable
Definition
conspicuous; worthy of note; remarkable; important; distinguished; noted
Term
notoriety
Definition
disrepute; ill fame
Term
s nova
Definition
star that suddenly becomes much brighter and then returns to its original brightness
Term
n novelty
Definition
something new; newness; ADJ. novel: new; original
Term
novice
Definition
beginner
Term
noxious
Definition
harmful; CF. obnoxious
Term
n nuance
Definition
shade of slight difference in meaning or color; subtle distinction
Term
s shade
Definition
slight difference in degree; nuance; degree of color; Ex. shades of meaning/grey
Term
s gradation
Definition
series of gradual stages; degree in such a progression
Term
n nubile
Definition
marriageable; of marriageable age; CF. connubial
Term
n nugatory
Definition
worthless; futile
Term
nullify
Definition
make invalid; make null; invalidate
Term
n numismatist
Definition
person who collects coins; N. numismatics: study or collection of money, coins, and medals
Term
n nuptial
Definition
related to marriage or the wedding ceremony; N. nuptials: wedding ceremony
Term
n nurture
Definition
nourish; feed; educate; rear; care for while it is growing or developing; foster; cultivate; N: something that nourishes; rearing
Term
n nutrient
Definition
nourishing substance; ADJ: providing nourishment
Term
s nutrition
Definition
process of nourishing or being nourished; CF. malnutrition
Term
s nutritious
Definition
providing nourishment
Term
s nourish
Definition
provide with food necessary for life and growth
Term
s nourishment
Definition
something that nourishes; food
Term
n oaf
Definition
stupid awkward person; CF. elf
Term
obdurate
Definition
stubborn; refusing to change one's belief
Term
obeisance
Definition
bow (to show respect and obedience)
Term
obelisk
Definition
tall column tapering(becoming gradually narrower toward the end) and ending in a pyramid
Term
obese
Definition
excessively fat; N. obesity
Term
n obfuscate
Definition
confuse; muddle; cause confusion; make needlessly complex; make so confused as to be difficult to understand
Term
n obituary
Definition
death notice (esp. in a newspaper); ADJ.
Term
objective
Definition
not influenced by emotions; fair; N: goal; aim
Term
obligatory
Definition
binding; required; compulsory; V. oblige: constrain; make grateful; do a favor; accommodate
Term
oblique
Definition
indirect; slanting (deviating from the perpendicular or from a straight line); Ex. oblique reference
Term
obliterate
Definition
destroy completely; wipe out; Ex. obliterate the village
Term
oblivion
Definition
obscurity; condition of being completely forgotten; forgetfulness
Term
n oblivious
Definition
inattentive or unmindful; unaware; wholly absorbed; forgetful(having the habit of forgetting)
Term
obloquy
Definition
slander; disgrace; infamy
Term
n obnoxious
Definition
offensive; disagreeable; Ex. obnoxious smell
Term
obscure
Definition
dark; vague; unclear; not well known; Ex. obscure meaning/village; V: darken; cover; make unclear; Ex. obscure the moon/meaning
Term
obsequious
Definition
slavishly attentive; servile; full of servile compliance; sycophantic
Term
s slavish
Definition
of or like a slave; servile; showing no originality; copied very closely; Ex. slavish devotion/copy of the original
Term
obsequy
Definition
funeral ceremony
Term
obsessive
Definition
related to thinking about something constantly; of an obsession; preoccupying; N. obsession: compulsive preoccupation with a fixed idea; compulsive idea; V. obsess: preoccupy the mind of excessively
Term
obsidian
Definition
black volcanic rock
Term
s scion
Definition
detached plant shoot used in grafting; descendant
Term
obsolete
Definition
outmoded; no longer used
Term
obstetrician
Definition
physician specializing in delivery(assisting in giving birth) of babies; N. obstetrics; CF. midwife
Term
obstinate
Definition
stubborn; hard to control or treat; Ex. obstinate cough; N. obstinacy
Term
obstreperous
Definition
boisterous; noisy and uncontrollable
Term
n obtrude
Definition
push (oneself or one's ideas) forward or intrude; impose (oneself or one's ideas) on others; butt in; stick out or extrude; thrust out; Ex. obtrude A on B; ADJ. obtrusive; N. obtrusion; CF. unobtrusive
Term
obtuse
Definition
blunt; not sharp; stupid; slow in understanding
Term
obviate
Definition
make unnecessary; get rid of; Ex. obviate the need
Term
Occident
Definition
the West
Term
n occlude
Definition
shut; close; obstruct; Ex. A blood clot occluded an artery.
Term
occult
Definition
mysterious; secret; supernatural; beyond human comprehension; CF. mysterious to human ?; OP. bare
Term
oculist
Definition
physician who specializes in treatment of the eyes
Term
n odious
Definition
arousing strong dislike; hateful(causing hatred); vile
Term
n odium
Definition
detestation; quality of being odious; hatefulness; disrepute (resulting from hateful conduct)
Term
n odoriferous
Definition
giving off an odor
Term
odorous
Definition
having an odor
Term
n odyssey
Definition
long, eventful, adventurous journey
Term
offensive
Definition
attacking; insulting; distasteful; V. offend: violate; hurt the feelings of; N. offense: offending; violating of a moral or social code; crime; attack; Ex. first offense
Term
offhand
Definition
casual; done without prior thought or preparation
Term
n officious
Definition
meddlesome; excessively pushy in offering one's services; overly eager in offering unwanted services or advices; Ex. officious bellboy
Term
s pushy
Definition
disagreeably aggressive
Term
n ogle
Definition
look at amorously; make eyes at; Ex. old men ogling young girls
Term
n olfactory
Definition
concerning the sense of smell
Term
oligarchy
Definition
government by a privileged few
Term
ominous
Definition
threatening; of an evil omen
Term
s threat
Definition
sign or warning (of coming danger); Ex. threat of rain; V: express a threat; give warning of (something bad); Ex. The cloud threatens rain.
Term
omnipotent
Definition
all-powerful; having unlimited power
Term
omnipresent
Definition
universally present; ubiquitous
Term
omniscient
Definition
all-knowing
Term
omnivorous
Definition
eating both plant and animal food; devouring everything
Term
n onerous
Definition
burdensome
Term
n onomatopoeia
Definition
words formed in imitation of natural sounds
Term
s rustle
Definition
make slight sounds like silk moving or being rubbed together
Term
onslaught
Definition
vicious assault; fierce attack; Ex. unexpected onslaught of the enemy
Term
s slaughter
Definition
killing of animals for food; massacre; V: butcher (animals) for food; kill in large numbers
Term
n onus
Definition
burden; responsibility
Term
s spare
Definition
give; use; refrain from harming; save from experiencing; exempt; Ex. spare me 5 minutes; Ex. Take this money and spare my life; Ex. The emperor was spared the onus; ADJ: kept in reserve; free for other use; unoccupied; Ex. spare time
Term
n opalescent
Definition
iridescent; lustrous; like an opal; N. opalescence
Term
opaque
Definition
dark; not transparent; N. opacity
Term
opiate
Definition
medicine to induce sleep or deaden pain; something that relieves emotions or causes inaction; sleep-producing drug containing opium
Term
opportune
Definition
timely; well-chosen
Term
opportunist
Definition
individual who sacrifices principles for expediency by taking advantage of circumstances; N. opportunism
Term
n opprobrium
Definition
infamy; disgrace arising from shameful conduct; vilification(slander); scorn; contempt; Ex. opprobrium hurled against him; ADJ. opprobrious: expressing contempt; shameful or infamous
Term
optician
Definition
maker and seller of eyeglasses
Term
optimist
Definition
person who looks on the bright side; N. optimism
Term
optimum
Definition
most favorable; optimal; N: most favorable condition
Term
optional
Definition
not compulsory; left to one's choice; N. option: act of choosing; choice; freedom or power to choose; something available as a choice; Ex. have no option; Ex. two options
Term
optometrist
Definition
one who fits glasses to remedy visual defects
Term
opulence
Definition
extreme wealth; luxuriousness; abundance; ADJ. opulent: possessing great wealth; abundant
Term
n opus
Definition
work (esp. musical composition); Ex. magnum opus: masterpiece; CF. opera
Term
n oracular
Definition
of an oracle; prophetic; uttered as if with divine authority; mysterious or ambiguous; hard to understand; N. oracle: wiser person; prophecy made by an oracle
Term
orator
Definition
public speaker
Term
oratorio
Definition
dramatic poem set to music; long musical work with singing but without acting; CF. cantata
Term
n ordain
Definition
decree or command; grant holy orders; predestine; install as a minister, priest, or rabbi; N. ordainment; CF. ordination
Term
ordeal
Definition
severe trial or affliction; difficult experience; trial(test of patience or endurance); affliction
Term
ordinance
Definition
decree; authoritative order
Term
n ordination
Definition
ceremony conferring holy orders; ceremony of ordaining a priest
Term
n orgy
Definition
wild drunken revelry; unrestrained indulgence in an activity; Ex. orgy of shopping
Term
orient
Definition
get one's bearings; adjust; make familiar with a situation; orientate
Term
orientation
Definition
act of finding oneself in society; orienting
Term
n orifice
Definition
mouthlike opening; small opening (esp. to a cavern or passage of the body); CF. mouth
Term
ornate
Definition
excessively or elaborately decorated
Term
n ornithologist
Definition
scientific student of birds; N. ornithology: scientific study of birds
Term
orthodox
Definition
traditional; (of someone) conservative in belief; adhering to an established doctrine
Term
n orthography
Definition
correct spelling; CF. ortho-: straight; correct; Ex. orthodontics
Term
oscillate
Definition
vibrate pendulumlike; waver
Term
n osseous
Definition
made of bone; bony
Term
n ossify
Definition
change or harden into bone; become hard and unchanging in one's ideas
Term
ostensible
Definition
apparent; appearing as such; professed(pretended); pretended; Ex. ostensible purpose of the expedition
Term
s apparent
Definition
evident; easily seen or understood; appearing as such; Ex. apparent improvement
Term
n ostentatious
Definition
showy; trying to attract attention; pretentious; N. ostentation: showy display
Term
n ostracize
Definition
banish from a group; exclude from public favor; ban; Ex. His friends ostracized him. N. ostracism
Term
s blackball
Definition
vote against (an applicant); ostracize; N: negative vote
Term
n oust
Definition
expel; drive out; force out; N. ouster: ousting
Term
outlandish
Definition
bizzare; peculiar; unconventional
Term
outmoded
Definition
no longer in fashion or use; no longer stylish; old-fashioned
Term
n outskirts
Definition
fringes; outer borders (as of a city); Ex. outskirts of Boston
Term
outspoken
Definition
candid; blunt
Term
s blunt
Definition
having a dull edge; abrupt and frank in speech or manner; brusque; V: make or become blunt
Term
n outstrip
Definition
outrun; surpass; outdo
Term
outwit
Definition
outsmart; defeat by behaving more cleverly
Term
n ovation
Definition
enthusiastic applause
Term
overbearing
Definition
bossy; domineering and arrogant; decisively important; Ex. overbearing manner/importance; V. overbear: dominate
Term
overt
Definition
open to view; public; not secret; CF. covert
Term
n overweening
Definition
arrogant; presumptuous
Term
n overwrought
Definition
nervous or excited; extremely agitated; hysterical; wrought-up; CF. wrought: made or done
Term
s hysteria
Definition
excessive or uncontrollable excitement; N. hysteric: person suffering from hysteria; CF. hysterics: attack of hysteria
Term
ovoid
Definition
egg-shaped; CF. ovum; CF. ovulate
Term
pachyderm
Definition
thick-skinned animal
Term
pacifist
Definition
one opposed to force; antimilitarist; ADJ. N. pacifism: opposition to war as a means of resolving disputes
Term
pacify
Definition
soothe; make calm or quiet; subdue; bring peace to
Term
n paean
Definition
song of praise or joy; Ex. paeans celebrating the victory
Term
n painstaking
Definition
taking pains; showing hard work; taking great care; very careful and through
Term
n palatable
Definition
agreeable; pleasing to the taste
Term
n palate
Definition
roof of the mouth; sense of the taste
Term
n palatial
Definition
of or suitable for a palace; magnificent
Term
n paleontology
Definition
study of prehistoric life or fossils; CF. paleo-: ancient or prehistoric; Ex. paleography: study of ancient written documents
Term
palette
Definition
board on which painter mixes pigments(coloring matters)
Term
n palimpsest
Definition
parchment or piece of writing material used for second time after original writing has been erased
Term
s parchment
Definition
writing material made from the skin of a sheep or goat
Term
n pall
Definition
become boring; grow tiresome
Term
n pallet
Definition
small poor bed; Ex. straw pallet
Term
n palliate
Definition
ease pain (without curing); make less severe or offensive (a crime or illness)
Term
n pallid
Definition
pale; wan; Ex. pallid complexion
Term
palpable
Definition
tangible; (of something bad) easily perceptible; obvious; Ex. palpable blunder
Term
n palpitate
Definition
throb; beat rapidly; flutter; tremble; Ex. Her heart began to palpitate.
Term
s throb
Definition
(of a heart or machine) beat rapidly or violently; N. Ex. hearthrob: heartbeat; sweetheart
Term
n paltry
Definition
insignificant; petty; trifling; contemptible; Ex. paltry sum; CF. trash
Term
n pan
Definition
criticize harshly
Term
panacea
Definition
cure-all; remedy for all diseases
Term
n panache
Definition
flair; manner of doing things without any difficulty (causing admiration); flamboyance; bunch of feathers (on a helmet); Ex. with great panache; CF. ÀÜ ¾Æ·¡·Î õÀ» »©³»´Â ¼Ø¾¾
Term
pandemic
Definition
widespread; affecting the majority of people; N: pandemic disease; CF. all people
Term
pandemonium
Definition
wild tumult(commotion); wild noisy disorder; CF. Paradise Lost
Term
n pander
Definition
cater to (the low desires of others)
Term
s cater
Definition
provide food and drink (for); cater to: try to satisfy (desires of a bad kind)
Term
n panegyric
Definition
formal praise; encomium; Ex. I don't deserve such panegyrics.
Term
panoramic
Definition
denoting an unobstructed and comprehensive view; N. panorama: unbroken view of a wide area
Term
pantomime
Definition
acting without dialogue; V.
Term
papyrus
Definition
ancient paper made from stem of papyrus plant
Term
n parable
Definition
short simple story teaching a moral
Term
paradigm
Definition
model; example that serves as a model; pattern; list of all the inflectional forms of a word
Term
paradox
Definition
something apparently contradictory in nature (that may nonetheless be true); statement that looks false but is actually correct
Term
paragon
Definition
model of perfection; Ex. paragon of virtue
Term
parallelism
Definition
state of being parallel; similarity; analogy
Term
s parallel
Definition
similar; analogous; corresponding; N: parallel line; person or thing that is parallel (to another); similarity; Ex. know of no parallel to the case; Ex. without parallel; V: be similar to; make parallel; Ex. Your experience parallels mine; CF. unparalleled
Term
n parameter
Definition
limit; independent variable; Ex. parameters of the problem; Ex. within the parameters of the budget
Term
paramount
Definition
foremost in importance; supreme; CF. para-: beyond; above; Ex. paranormal
Term
paramour
Definition
illicit lover
Term
s inamorata
Definition
woman whom a man loves
Term
paranoia
Definition
psychosis marked by delusions of grandeur or persecution; N: ADJ: paranoid, paranoiac
Term
paraphernalia
Definition
equipment; odds and ends used in a particular activity; personal belongings; Ex. photographic paraphernalia; CF. married woman's property exclusive of her dowry
Term
s dowry
Definition
money or property brought by a bride to her husband at marriage
Term
paraphrase
Definition
restate a passage in one's own words while retaining thought of author; N: restatement of a text in other words
Term
parasite
Definition
animal or plant living on another; toady; sycophant; CF. para-: beside
Term
s infest
Definition
inhabit in numbers large enough to be harmful; Ex. Mice infested the house; Ex. shark-infested waters
Term
n parched
Definition
extremely dry; very thirsty; V. parch: make or become extremely dry (by exposure to heat)
Term
n pariah
Definition
social outcast; Ex. Mariah the pariah
Term
s outcast
Definition
one that has been excluded from a society; ADJ.
Term
parity
Definition
equality; close resemblance; CF. disparate
Term
n parlance
Definition
language; manner of speaking; idiom; Ex. in legal/common parlance
Term
n parley
Definition
conference (between opponents); CF. speak
Term
n parochial
Definition
narrow in scope or outlook; provincial; related to parishes
Term
s parish
Definition
area in the care of a single priest and served by one main church
Term
s outlook
Definition
point of view; view from a particular place; expectation for the future; prospect; Ex. outlook on life; Ex. pleasing outlook; Ex. weather outlook
Term
parody
Definition
humorous imitation; spoof; takeoff; travesty; V.
Term
s spoof
Definition
parody
Term
s takeoff
Definition
burlesque; act of leaving the ground
Term
paroxysm
Definition
fit or attack of pain, laughter, rage; sudden outburst
Term
n parquet
Definition
floor made of wood strips inlaid in a mosaic like matter; CF. strip: long narrow piece
Term
parry
Definition
ward off a blow; deflect; Ex. He parried the unwelcome question very skillfully; N. CF. ¸·´Â´Ù´Â °³³äÀÌ ¾Æ´Ô
Term
s ward
Definition
administrative division of a city; division in a hospital or prison; incompetent person placed under the protection of a guardian; V: guard; ward off: avert
Term
parsimony
Definition
stinginess; excessive frugality; ADJ. parsimonious
Term
partial
Definition
incomplete; favoring one side over another; having a liking for something
Term
partiality
Definition
state of being partial; inclination; favorable bias; special fondness; preference
Term
n partisan
Definition
one-sided; prejudiced; committed to a party (with dislike of any others); N: strong supporter of a party; guerrilla
Term
s parvenu
Definition
upstart; newly rich person
Term
partition
Definition
divide into parts
Term
n pass\'e
Definition
old-fashioned; past the prime
Term
passive
Definition
not active; acted upon; receiving an action without acting in return; accepting without resistance
Term
n pastiche
Definition
imitation of another's style in musical composition or in writing; work of art openly imitating the works of other artists
Term
pastoral
Definition
rural; of rural life; idyllic; of a pastor
Term
patent
Definition
obvious; easily seen; open for the public to read; of or protected by a patent; Ex. patent to everyone; N.
Term
pathetic
Definition
causing sadness, compassion, pity; touching
Term
s touching
Definition
causing a feeling of pity or sympathy; pathetic; V. touch: cause to feel pity or sympathy; ADJ. touched
Term
pathological
Definition
pertaining to disease; N. pathology: study of disease
Term
n pathos
Definition
tender sorrow; pity; quality in art or literature that produces these feelings; Ex. pathos that runs through the novel
Term
n patina
Definition
green crust on old bronze works or copper; tone slowly taken by varnished painting
Term
s varnish
Definition
paint used to coat a surface with a glossy film; glossy coating produced by using this substance; Ex. nail varnish; V.
Term
n patois
Definition
local or provincial dialect
Term
patriarch
Definition
father and ruler of a family or tribe
Term
n patrician
Definition
noble; aristocratic; N: person of high rank; aristocrat; CF. member of the governing classes in ancient Rome; CF. plebian
Term
patronize
Definition
support; act superior toward; treat in a condescending manner; be a customer of; N. patron: one that supports; regular customer; N. patronage; CF. boycott
Term
paucity
Definition
scarcity; dearth
Term
pauper
Definition
very poor person
Term
n peccadillo
Definition
slight offense or fault; CF. sin
Term
s swipe
Definition
hit with a sweeping motion; N.
Term
pecuniary
Definition
pertaining to money
Term
pedagogue
Definition
teacher; CF. child leader
Term
pedagogy
Definition
teaching; art of education
Term
n pedant
Definition
scholar who overemphasizes book learning, trivial details of learning, or technicalities
Term
n pedantic
Definition
bookish; showing off learning; marked by an excessive ostentatious concern for book learning; N. pedantry
Term
s bookish
Definition
fond of books and reading
Term
s studious
Definition
given to diligent study
Term
n pedestrian
Definition
ordinary; dull; unimaginative(lacking in imagination); going on foot; Ex. pedestrian prose; N.
Term
s precinct
Definition
division of a city for election or police purposes; precincts: space that surrounds a building; Ex. precincts of the college
Term
s pedigree
Definition
ancestry; lineage
Term
pediatrician
Definition
physician specializing in children's diseases; N. pediatrics
Term
peerless
Definition
having no equal; incomparable
Term
s peer
Definition
one who has equal standing with another; nobleman; V: look intently; N. peerage; CF. peeress
Term
n pejorative
Definition
(of a word or phrase) suggesting that someone is of little value; negative in connotation; having a belittling effect; Ex. Many women now considers ``housewife'' a pejorative expression, because it patronized them.
Term
n pell-mell
Definition
in confusion; disorderly; Ex. dash pell-mell
Term
n pellucid
Definition
transparent; limpid(crystal clear); clear in meaning; easy to understand
Term
n penance
Definition
self-imposed punishment for sin; Ex. do penance for one's sins; CF. penitent
Term
n penchant
Definition
strong inclination; strong liking (esp. for something that is disapproved of by other people); Ex. penchant for fast cars
Term
pendant(pendent)
Definition
hanging down from something; pending; N: ornament (hanging from a necklace etc.)
Term
s pending
Definition
not yet decided or settled; impending; Ex. pending decision; PREP. while awaiting; until; Ex. delay the decision pending his return
Term
n pendulous
Definition
hanging; suspended
Term
s suspend
Definition
cause to stop for a period; interrupt; hold in abeyance; defer; hang from above; exclude for a period from a position; Ex. suspended state; Ex. suspend judgment; Ex. suspended from the team; N. suspension
Term
s suspense
Definition
state of being undecided; anxiety or apprehension resulting from uncertainty
Term
penitent
Definition
repentant; N.
Term
n pensive
Definition
dreamily or deeply thoughtful; sadly thoughtful; thoughtful with a hint of sadness; contemplative; CF. think over
Term
n penumbra
Definition
partial shadow (in an eclipse); CF. almost shadow
Term
penury
Definition
extreme poverty; stinginess; ADJ. penurious: very poor; stingy
Term
n peon
Definition
landless agricultural worker; bond servant; menial worker; N. peonage
Term
perceptive
Definition
insightful; showing a good ability at perceiving and understanding; aware; wise; of perception
Term
n percussion
Definition
striking one object against another sharply; Ex. percussion instrument; N: striking together of two bodies; sound caused by percussion
Term
n perdition
Definition
damnation; complete ruin; hell
Term
s damn
Definition
condemn; criticize severely; condemn to everlasting punishment; doom; bring to ruin; N. damnation
Term
s doom
Definition
condemnation to a severe penalty; ruin; fate (esp. a tragic or ruinous one); V.
Term
peregrination
Definition
journey; V. peregrinate
Term
n peremptory
Definition
demanding and leaving no choice; imperative; Ex. peremptory decree/knock
Term
perennial
Definition
something long-lasting; perennial plant; ADJ: lasting through the year or many years; lasting for a long time; enduring
Term
perfidious
Definition
treacherous; disloyal; N. perfidy: treachery
Term
perforate
Definition
pierce; put a hole through
Term
perfunctory
Definition
done routinely and with little care; superficial; not thorough; lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm; Ex. perfunctory kiss
Term
perigee
Definition
point of moon's orbit when it is nearest the earth; CF. apogee
Term
perimeter
Definition
outer boundary; length of the outer boundary; circumference
Term
s bound
Definition
leap or spring; limit or confine; constitute the limit of; Ex. bounded by Canada; N: leap or jumping; boundary; ADJ: certain; having a duty to do something (legally or morally); confined by bonds; Ex. We are bound to be late; Ex. I am bound to say my opinion; CF. bounce, rebound
Term
n peripatetic
Definition
walking about from place to place (to work); moving; Ex. peripatetic school of philosophy
Term
n peripheral
Definition
of a periphery; marginal; outer; of minor importance; not central; Ex. peripheral nerve/interest
Term
n periphery
Definition
outside edge especially of a round surface; perimeter; Ex. periphery of the town
Term
perjury
Definition
false testimony while under oath; V. perjure oneself: testify falsely under oath
Term
permeable
Definition
that can be permeated; penetrable; porous; allowing liquids or gas to pass through; V. permeate: spread or flow throughout; charge
Term
n pernicious
Definition
very harmful; deadly; very destructive; Ex. pernicious effect/anemia
Term
n peroration
Definition
conclusion of an oration; perorating; V. perorate: conclude a speech; speak at great length
Term
n perpetrate
Definition
commit an offense; do (something wrong)
Term
perpetual
Definition
everlasting
Term
perpetuate
Definition
make perpetual; make something last for a long time; preserve from extinction; N. perpetuity
Term
n perquisite(perk)
Definition
any gain above stipulated salary; Ex. perquisites such as free meals and a car
Term
n personable
Definition
attractive (in personality or appearance)
Term
perspicacious
Definition
(of someone) having insight; penetrating; astute
Term
perspicuity
Definition
clearness of expression; freedom from ambiguity
Term
perspicuous
Definition
(of something) plainly expressed; easy to understand; Ex. perspicuous comments
Term
n pert
Definition
(esp. of a girl or young woman) impertinent; forward; trim; jaunty; Ex. pert young miss/hat
Term
s forward
Definition
presumptuous or bold
Term
pertinacious
Definition
holding tenaciously to an action; stubborn; persistent
Term
pertinent
Definition
suitable; to the point; relevant
Term
perturb
Definition
disturb greatly
Term
n peruse
Definition
read through with care; N. perusal
Term
pervasive
Definition
spread throughout; V. pervade: (of smells, ideas, feelings) spread throughout; charge; permeate
Term
n perverse
Definition
purposely continuing to do something wrong; stubbornly wrongheaded; perverted; directed away from what is right; wicked and unacceptable; Ex. perverse satisfaction; Ex. Hannibal Lecter in a perverse mood; N. perversity
Term
perversion
Definition
corruption; turning from right to wrong
Term
s pervert
Definition
corrupt; turn from right to wrong; misuse; Ex. perverted sexual desire/scientific knowledge; N: person whose sexual behavior is not natural
Term
s wrongheaded
Definition
stubbornly wrong
Term
pessimism
Definition
belief that life is basically bad or evil; gloominess; tendency to take the gloomiest possible view of a situation; ADJ. pessimistic
Term
n pestilential(pestilent)
Definition
causing plague; tending to cause death; baneful; N. pestilence: fatal epidemic disease (esp. bubonic plague)
Term
n pestle
Definition
tool for mashing or grinding substances in a hard bowl or mortar
Term
s mortar
Definition
vessel in which substances are crushed with a pestle
Term
s mash
Definition
crush into mash; convert into mash; N: mixture of ground grain and nutrients fed to livestock and fowl
Term
n petrify
Definition
turn to stone; cause to become stonelike; stun or paralyze
Term
petty
Definition
trivial; unimportant; very small; small-minded; petty-minded
Term
n petulant
Definition
touchy; peevish; ill-tempered
Term
s phalanx
Definition
formation of infantry carrying overlapping shields and long spears; group of men packed together (for attack or defense)
Term
n pharisaical
Definition
pertaining to the Pharisees, who paid scrupulous attention to tradition; self-righteous; hypocritical
Term
s pharisee
Definition
Pharisee: member of an ancient Jewish group that emphasized strict observance of the Mosaic law (considering themselves very holy); hypocritical self-righteous person
Term
s self-righteous
Definition
sure of one's own righteousness; moralistic
Term
n phenomena
Definition
observable facts; subjects of scientific investigation; SG. phenomenon: observable fact; very unusual person, thing, or event; marvel; wonder; CF. phenomenons; ADJ. phenomenal: very unusual; extraordinary; of a phenomenon; Ex. phenomenal strength
Term
philanderer
Definition
faithless lover; flirt
Term
philanthropist
Definition
lover of mankind; doer of good; N. philanthropy
Term
n philatelist
Definition
stamp-collector; N. philately: stamp collecting
Term
n philistine
Definition
narrow-minded person, uncultured and exclusively interested in material gain; uncultured person who is indifferent to artistic and cultural values; member of an ancient people in Palestine; OP. aesthete
Term
n philology
Definition
study of language or words
Term
n phlegmatic
Definition
calm and unexcitable; not easily disturbed; CF. phlegm: sticky mucus produced in the respiratory tract
Term
phobia
Definition
morbid fear
Term
phoenix
Definition
symbol of immortality or rebirth; Ex. phoenix rising from its ashes
Term
n phylum
Definition
major classification, second to kingdom, of plants and animals; category ranking below a kingdom and above a class; division
Term
n physiognomy
Definition
face (as showing the character and the mind); art of judging human character from facial features
Term
n physiological
Definition
pertaining to the science of the function of living organisms; N. physiology
Term
n piebald
Definition
of different colors; mottled; spotted in different colors (esp. in black and white); Ex. piebald horse; CF. pie+bald
Term
n piecemeal
Definition
one part at a time; gradually; in stages; Ex. read a novel piecemeal
Term
n pied
Definition
piebald; variegated(many-colored); multicolored
Term
piety
Definition
devoutness; reverence for God; ADJ. pious
Term
n pigment
Definition
coloring matter (usually powder to be mixed with water or oil)
Term
pillage
Definition
plunder
Term
pillory
Definition
punish by placing in a wooden frame or pillory; subject or expose to criticism and ridicule; N.
Term
n pine
Definition
long for; yearn; languish from longing or grief; decline
Term
n pinion
Definition
restrain or immobilize by binding the wings or legs; N: bird's wing
Term
pinnacle
Definition
peak; highest point; acme; Ex. pinnacle of fame
Term
pious
Definition
devout; religious; N. piety
Term
n piquant
Definition
pleasantly tart-tasting; spicy; pleasantly stimulating; Ex. piquant situation when my old enemy asked for my help
Term
s tart
Definition
sharp to the taste; acid-tasting; caustic; sarcastic; Ex. tart apple/reply
Term
s sour
Definition
having a sharp or acid taste; acid; tart; bad-tempered; V.
Term
pique
Definition
irritation; resentment from wounded pride (eg. loss in a contest); V: provoke; arouse; annoy; cause to feel resentment; Ex. pique her curiosity
Term
n piscatorial
Definition
pertaining to fishing; CF. Pisces
Term
pitfall
Definition
hidden danger; concealed trap
Term
s beware
Definition
be cautious (of)
Term
n pith
Definition
core or marrow; spongelike substance in the center of stems; essence; substance
Term
s marrow
Definition
soft fatty tissue that fills most bone cavities and is the source of blood cells
Term
pithy
Definition
concise and meaningful; substantial; meaty
Term
n pittance
Definition
small amount (of money); small allowance or wage
Term
pivotal
Definition
of a pivot; central; critical; crucial
Term
placate
Definition
pacify; bring peace to; conciliate; appease
Term
n placebo
Definition
harmless substance prescribed as a dummy pill
Term
s tablet
Definition
small round piece of medicine; flat piece of stone or metal bearing an inscription; Ex. stone tablet on the wall
Term
placid
Definition
peaceful; calm; Ex. placid child/lake
Term
n plagiarize
Definition
steal another's ideas or writings and pass them off as one's own; Ex. ideas plagiarized from my article; N. plagiarism; CF. kidnap
Term
n plaintive
Definition
expressing sorrow; mournful; Ex. plaintive song
Term
n plait
Definition
braid; interwine; interweave strands or lengths of; make by weaving strands together; Ex. plaited hair; N: braided length as of hair o fabric; CF. pigtail, ponytail
Term
n plasticity
Definition
ability to be molded; ADJ. plastic: capable of being shaped or molded; Ex. plastic material such as clay
Term
platitude
Definition
trite remark; commonplace statement; ADJ. platitudinous
Term
s commonplace
Definition
ordinary; N: something ordinary or common; trite remark
Term
s commonwealth
Definition
nation governed by the people; republic; people of a nation
Term
platonic
Definition
purely spiritual; theoretical; without sensual desire
Term
n plaudit
Definition
praise; enthusiastic approval; round(succession or series) of applause; ADJ. plauditory; CF. applaud
Term
plausible
Definition
conceivably true; having a show of truth but open to doubt; specious
Term
n plebeian
Definition
common; vulgar; pertaining to the common people; N: common people in ancient Rome; CF. patrician
Term
s plebiscite
Definition
direct vote by the entire electorate (on an important issue)
Term
s referendum
Definition
direct vote by all the people
Term
n plenary
Definition
(of power) complete; full; fully attended by all qualified members; Ex. plenary power
Term
n plenitude
Definition
abundance; plenty; great amount; completeness; fullness; CF. plenary, plenty
Term
n plethora
Definition
excess; overabundance; Ex. a plethora of excuses
Term
pliable
Definition
flexible; easily influenced; yielding; adaptable
Term
pliant
Definition
flexible; easily influenced
Term
plight
Definition
difficult condition; condition or state (esp. a bad state or condition); predicament
Term
n pluck
Definition
courage; V: pull off or out; pull out the hair or feathers of; ADJ. plucky: courageous; brave
Term
n plumage
Definition
feathers of a bird;
Term
n plumb
Definition
exactly vertical; N: weight on the end of a line; V: examine very carefully or critically in order to understand; measure depth (by sounding); Ex. plumb the depth of
Term
s plumber
Definition
one who installs and repairs pipes and plumbing(pipes)
Term
n plummet
Definition
fall sharply; fall straight down; Ex. Stock prices plummeted.
Term
plutocracy
Definition
society ruled by the wealthy
Term
podiatrist
Definition
doctor who treats ailments of the feet; chiropodist; N. podiatrics
Term
podium
Definition
pedestal; raised platform
Term
s pedestal
Definition
support or base as for a pillar or statue
Term
n poignancy
Definition
quality of being deeply moving; keenness of emotion; ADJ. poignant: touching; deeply moving; (of sorrow, grief, etc.) painful; keenly distressing to the mind; Ex. poignant memory/anxiety; CF. prick
Term
n polarize
Definition
split into opposite extremes or camps
Term
s polarity
Definition
state of having two opposite qualities
Term
s polar
Definition
of a pole; characterized by opposite extremes; Ex. polar opposites
Term
s camp
Definition
group sharing a common cause or opinion
Term
n polemic
Definition
attack or defense of an opinion; controversy or refutation; argument in support of point of view; N. polemics: art of debate or controversy
Term
n polemical(polemic)
Definition
aggressive in verbal attack; disputatious (rather than simply expressing opinions)
Term
politic
Definition
prudent; judicious; well judged; expedient; well devised
Term
polity
Definition
(particular form of) political organization; form of government of nation or state; Ex. student polity
Term
polygamist
Definition
one who has more than one spouse at a time; CF. bigamy; CF. polyandry
Term
polyglot
Definition
speaking several languages; multilingual; Ex. polyglot person/society; N.
Term
pomposity
Definition
self-important behavior; acting like a stuffed shirt(pompous person); ADJ. pompous: self-important
Term
n ponderous
Definition
having great weight; weighty; unwieldy; lacking lightness; dull; Ex. ponderous body/style of writing
Term
n pontifical
Definition
pertaining to a bishop or pope; pompous or pretentious; CF. pontiff: pope; bishop
Term
n pore
Definition
study industriously; ponder; scrutinize; Ex. pore over the book; N.
Term
porous
Definition
full of pores; like a sieve
Term
s interstice
Definition
narrow space between things
Term
portend
Definition
foretell; presage; be a sign or warning of; N. portent: sign; omen; forewarning
Term
s soothsayer
Definition
one who foretells the future
Term
n portly
Definition
stout; corpulent
Term
s stout
Definition
rather fat; strong in body; sturdy; resolute; determined; strong in determination; Ex. stout stick/supporter
Term
n poseur
Definition
person who pretends to be sophisticated, elegant, etc., to impress others; person who poses; CF. pose
Term
s pose
Definition
assume a particular posture; put forward; present; affect a particular attitude (to impress others); Ex. pose a threat; N.
Term
n posterity
Definition
descendants; future generations; Ex. go down to posterity; CF. posterior, anterior
Term
n posthumous
Definition
after death (as of child born after father's death or book published after author's death); coming or occurring after one's death; Ex. posthumous fame/novel
Term
s postmortem
Definition
autopsy; ADJ: occurring after death; of a postmortem
Term
n postulate
Definition
self-evident truth; something assumed without proof; V: assume the truth of (as a basis of an argument)
Term
n posture
Definition
assume an affected pose; act artificially; N: pose; attitude
Term
n potable
Definition
suitable for drinking; drinkable
Term
potent
Definition
powerful; convincing; persuasive; greatly influential
Term
n potentate
Definition
monarch; sovereign
Term
potential
Definition
expressing possibility; latent; N: capacity for growth
Term
potion
Definition
dose (of liquids); liquid dose
Term
n potpourri
Definition
heterogeneous mixture; medley; mixture of dried flower petals a pot (to give a pleasant smell to a room)
Term
n poultice
Definition
soothing application applied to sore and inflamed portions of the body
Term
practicable
Definition
feasible
Term
practical
Definition
based on experience; of or acquired through practice (rather than theory); useful; Ex. practical man
Term
pragmatic
Definition
practical (as opposed to idealistic); concerned with practical worth or impact of something; Ex. pragmatic test of the skill
Term
pragmatist
Definition
practical person; N. pragmatism: pragmatic way of dealing with things
Term
s prance
Definition
move about in a spirited manner (proudly and confidently)
Term
n prate
Definition
talk idly; speak foolishly; boast idly
Term
n prattle
Definition
talk idly; babble; N. CF. prate
Term
s idle
Definition
not working; not employed or busy; lazy; without purpose; useless; lacking substance; baseless; not based on truth; Ex. idle worker; Ex. talk idly; V.
Term
preamble
Definition
introductory statement
Term
n precarious
Definition
unsafe; lacking in stability; uncertain; risky; Ex. precarious living
Term
precedent
Definition
something preceding in time which may be used as an authority or guide for future action; V. precede; CF. unprecedented
Term
precedent
Definition
preceding (in time, rank, etc.)
Term
precept
Definition
practical rule guiding conduct; Ex. mother's precept
Term
precipice
Definition
cliff; dangerous position; Ex. on the edge of the precipice
Term
s brink
Definition
edge (at the top of a cliff); Ex. on the brink of the Grand Canyon
Term
precipitant
Definition
something that causes a substance in a chemical solution to separate out in solid form; ħÀüÁ¦; OP. solvent
Term
precipitate
Definition
hurl downward; throw headlong; hasten; cause to happen sooner; condense and fall as rain or snow; cause (a solid substance) to be separated from a solution; ADJ. hasty; rash; premature; sudden
Term
precipitous
Definition
steep; overhasty; precipitate
Term
n pr\'ecis
Definition
abstract; concise summing up of main points; concise summary of a text
Term
precise
Definition
exact
Term
preclude
Definition
make impossible; prevent; exclude; eliminate
Term
precocious
Definition
advanced in development; N. precocity
Term
precursor
Definition
forerunner; predecessor
Term
predator
Definition
predatory animal or bird; predatory person; creature that seizes and devours another animal; person who robs or exploits others; ADJ. predatory: living by preying on other organisms; plundering; N. predation
Term
predecessor
Definition
former occupant of a post
Term
predetermine
Definition
determine in advance; predestine; settle or decide beforehand; influence markedly
Term
predicament
Definition
difficult situation; tricky or dangerous situation; dilemma
Term
n predilection
Definition
preference; partiality
Term
n predispose
Definition
give an inclination toward (in advance); make susceptible to; Ex. predispose people to certain cancer; N. predisposition
Term
preeminent
Definition
outstanding; superior
Term
n preempt
Definition
prevent in advance; head off(forestall); forestall by acting first; appropriate for oneself before others; supplant; take the place of; displace; Ex. preempt any attempts; ADJ. preemptive
Term
n preen
Definition
make oneself tidy in appearance; feel self-satisfaction or pride; (of a bird) smooth or clean (feathers) with the beak; Ex. preen oneself on; CF. prune
Term
prefatory
Definition
introductory; of a preface
Term
n prehensile
Definition
capable of grasping or holding (esp. by wrapping around); Ex. prehensile tails
Term
n prelate
Definition
church dignitary; priest of high position in the church (esp. bishop)
Term
prelude
Definition
introduction; introductory performance or event; forerunner
Term
premeditate
Definition
plan in advance; Ex. premeditated murder
Term
premise
Definition
assumption; postulate; proposition upon which an argument is based
Term
premonition
Definition
forewarning; presentiment; foreboding
Term
premonitory
Definition
serving to warn
Term
preponderance
Definition
superiority of power, quantity, etc.; V. preponderate: be greater in power, weight, or importance; ADJ. preponderant
Term
preposterous
Definition
absurd; completely unreasonable; ridiculous
Term
prerogative
Definition
privilege; unquestionable right; CF. ask before
Term
presage
Definition
foretell; be a warning or sign of; N: presentiment; foreboding; omen
Term
n prescience
Definition
ability to foretell the future; knowledge of actions before they occur; ADJ. prescient
Term
presentiment
Definition
premonition; foreboding; feeling something will happen; anticipatory fear
Term
prestige
Definition
respect or admiration; impression produced by achievements or reputation; ADJ: causing admiration; ADJ. prestigious: having prestige
Term
n presumptuous
Definition
going beyond what is right; excessively forward; arrogant; taking liberties
Term
s presume
Definition
take for granted; assume; act overconfidently; take liberties; presume on/upon: take unfair advantage of (someone's kindness or connection); N. presumption
Term
n pretentious
Definition
ostentatious; showy; pompous; making unjustified claims; overambitious; Ex. pretentious films that claim to be art
Term
s pretend
Definition
feign; pretend to: claim to possess; make pretensions to; Ex. I don't pretend to much expertise; N. pretense
Term
s pretension
Definition
pretentiousness; claim (without foundation); Ex. I make no pretensions to skill as an artist.
Term
n preternatural
Definition
beyond what is normal in nature; supernatural; Ex. preternatural strength/forces
Term
pretext
Definition
excuse
Term
n prevail
Definition
be widespread; triumph over; gain victory; prevail on: persuade; induce; Ex. Justice has prevailed; Ex. prevail on someone to do something
Term
prevalent
Definition
widespread; generally accepted
Term
n prevaricate
Definition
lie; hide the truth (by equivocating)
Term
prey
Definition
target of a hunt; victim; V: hunt and eat as prey; victimize; Ex. Cats prey on mice.
Term
n prim
Definition
proper to the point of affectation; very precise and formal; exceedingly proper
Term
n primogeniture
Definition
seniority by birth; state of being the first-born child; right of the eldest child (to inherit the entire property of one or both parents)
Term
primordial
Definition
existing at the beginning (of time); rudimentary
Term
n primp
Definition
groom oneself with care; adorn oneself
Term
n pristine
Definition
unspoiled; remaining in a pure state; characteristic of earlier times; primitive; Ex. an old book in pristine condition
Term
n privation
Definition
lack of the basic necessities or comforts of life; hardship; want; CF. deprive
Term
n privy
Definition
secret; hidden; not public; made a participant in something secret; Ex. privy chamber government; Ex. be privy to a discussion; CF. private
Term
probe
Definition
explore with a probe or tools; investigate; N: slender instrument used to explore a wound or body cavity; device designed to investigate an unknown region; thorough investigation; Ex. space probe
Term
probity
Definition
uprightness; honesty; incorruptibility
Term
s defalcate
Definition
embezzle
Term
n problematic
Definition
causing a problem; open to doubt; doubtful; unsettled; questionable; Ex. Whether the arena will ever be completed is problematic.
Term
proclivity
Definition
inclination; natural tendency (esp. towards something bad)
Term
procrastinate
Definition
postpone; delay or put off
Term
procurement
Definition
obtaining; V. procure: obtain by effort; obtain (a prostitute) for another
Term
n prod
Definition
poke (with a pointed object); stir up; urge; goad to action; N: pointed object used to prod; prodding
Term
prodigal
Definition
wasteful; reckless with money; profuse; Ex. a mind prodigal of ideas; N. prodigality
Term
prodigious
Definition
enormous; marvelous; extraordinary; Ex. prodigious amount/memory
Term
prodigy
Definition
highly gifted child; person with exceptional talents; marvel; wonder
Term
profane
Definition
violate; desecrate (something holy); treat unworthily; be profane for; ADJ: secular; nonreligious; irreverent for holy things
Term
n profligate
Definition
wasteful (of money); dissipated; wildly immoral; dissolute; N: profligate person; N. profligacy
Term
profound
Definition
deep; not superficial; complete; Ex. profound thinker/remark/silence/deafness; N. profundity
Term
profusion
Definition
great amount; plenty; overabundance; excess; lavish expenditure; Ex. profusion of choices; ADJ. profuse: plentiful; copious; giving or given abundantly; extravagant
Term
progenitor
Definition
ancestor
Term
n progeny
Definition
children; offspring; descendants
Term
prognosis
Definition
forecasted course of a disease; prediction; CF. prognostic
Term
prognosticate
Definition
predict (according to present indications)
Term
prohibitive
Definition
so high as to prohibit purchase or use; tending to prevent the purchase or use of something; prohibiting; inclined to prevent or forbid; Ex. prohibitive tax
Term
projectile
Definition
missile; fired or thrown object (such as stone or bullet)
Term
proletarian
Definition
member of the working class; blue collar guy; N. proletariat: working class (who have to work for wages)
Term
proliferate
Definition
grow rapidly (in numbers); spread; multiply; N. proliferation
Term
prolific
Definition
producing offspring or fruit in abundance; fertile; fecund; abundantly fruitful; producing abundant works; Ex. prolific writer
Term
n prolixity
Definition
tedious wordiness; verbosity; ADJ. prolix: wordy; verbose; diffuse
Term
prologue
Definition
introduction (to a poem or play)
Term
s feud
Definition
bitter prolonged quarrel (usually between two peoples or families); V. CF. Romeo and Juliet; CF. feudal, feudalism
Term
prolong
Definition
lengthen; extend; draw out
Term
prominent
Definition
protruding(sticking out); conspicuous; notable; eminent
Term
n promiscuous
Definition
mixed indiscriminately; indiscriminate; not choosing carefully; indiscriminate in the choice of sexual partners; irregular, particularly sexually; Ex. promiscuous life/girl; N. promiscuity
Term
promontory
Definition
headland
Term
n promote
Definition
advance in rank; advance; help to flourish; advocate; help actively in forming; publicize or popularize; Ex. Milk promotes health; Ex. promote a match/bill; Ex. promote a new product
Term
n prompt
Definition
cause; urge; provoke; provide a cue (for an actor); ADJ: done without delay; done at the right time; punctual; on time; N: reminder or cue
Term
s cue
Definition
word or signal (as in a play to prompt another actor's speech or entrance); reminder or hint; V: give a cue to
Term
n promulgate
Definition
announce; proclaim a doctrine or law; make known by official publication
Term
prone
Definition
inclined to; likely to (suffer); prostrate; lying with the front downward; Ex. prone to disease/make mistakes; Ex. accident-prone
Term
propagate
Definition
increase in number by producing young; multiply; spread; Ex. Most plants propagate by seed; Ex. newspaper propagating their ideas
Term
propellant(propellent)
Definition
substance which propels or drives forward (such as an explosive charge or a rocket fuel)
Term
propensity
Definition
natural inclination
Term
prophetic
Definition
of a prophet or prophecy; having to do with predicting the future; N. prophecy; V. prophesy; N. prophet
Term
prophylactic
Definition
used to prevent disease; N: something prophylactic; condom; N. prophylaxis: prevention of disease
Term
n propinquity
Definition
nearness (in space or relationship); proximity; kinship
Term
n propitiate
Definition
appease; conciliate; make peaceful; ADJ. propitiatory
Term
n propitious
Definition
favorable; auspicious; advantageous; fortunate; Ex. propitious day/sign
Term
s horoscope
Definition
diagram of the positions of stars at a given moment (eg. of a person's birth) used by astrologers
Term
proponent
Definition
supporter; backer; opposite of opponent
Term
propound
Definition
put forth for consideration or analysis; set forth; Ex. propound a problem/theory
Term
propriety
Definition
fitness; quality of being proper; correct conduct; conformity to prevailing customs and usages; CF. proprietor, proprietary
Term
s usage
Definition
act or manner of using; accepted practice; way in which words are actually used
Term
propulsive
Definition
driving forward; N. propulsion
Term
n prosaic
Definition
lacking in imagination; dull and unimaginative; matter-of-fact(concerned with facts, not imagination or feelings); factual; CF. prose
Term
n proscenium
Definition
part of stage in front of curtain; front arch of a stage
Term
proscribe
Definition
prohibit; ostracize; banish; outlaw
Term
s outlaw
Definition
fugitive from the law (excluded from legal protection); V: declare (someone) to be an outlaw; deprive of the protection of the law; declare illegal; Ex. Drinking has been outlawed.
Term
n proselytize
Definition
(induce someone to) convert to a religion or belief; N. proselyte: new convert to a doctrine or religion
Term
n prosody
Definition
art of versification; study of the metrical structure of verse
Term
s metrical
Definition
metric; written in the form of poetry; Ex. metrical translation of Homer
Term
s meter
Definition
arrangement of words in the form of poetry (by accentual rhythm)
Term
prosperity
Definition
good fortune and financial success; physical well-being
Term
s prosper
Definition
become successful (esp. financially); thrive; grow well; Ex. children prospering under his care
Term
s prosperous
Definition
successful; rich; affluent; well-to-do; well-off
Term
prostrate
Definition
stretch out full on ground; make prostrate; enervate; Ex. prostrating illness; ADJ: lying face down; having lost all strength
Term
n protean
Definition
able to take on many forms; versatile; CF. Proteus: sea god to change his shape at will
Term
prot\'eg\'e
Definition
person receiving protection and support from a patron
Term
n protocol
Definition
diplomatic etiquette; ceremony and etiquette observed by diplomats; first copy of a treaty before its ratification; Ex. Protocol demands that the queen meet him at the airport.
Term
prototype
Definition
original work used as a model by others
Term
protract
Definition
prolong; lengthen in time; draw out
Term
protrude
Definition
stick out; jut; project; Ex. protruding teeth
Term
n protuberance
Definition
protrusion; swelling; bulge
Term
s bulge
Definition
protruding part; swelling of a surface; Ex. The apple made a bulge in his pocket; V: swell outward; protrude
Term
n provenance
Definition
place of origin; origin or source of something; Ex. Gunpowder is of Chinese provenance; CF. come
Term
n provender
Definition
dry food for livestock; fodder
Term
provident
Definition
providing for future needs; displaying foresight; thrifty; preparing for emergencies; OP. improvident
Term
s providence
Definition
quality of being provident; divine care; god's care; Providence: god; Ex. It seemed like providence that the doctor happened to be there; ADJ. providential: of divine providence; fortunate
Term
provincial
Definition
pertaining to a province; limited in outlook; narrow; unsophisticated
Term
provisional
Definition
tentative; temporary
Term
proviso
Definition
stipulation; condition in an agreement; provision
Term
s provision
Definition
act of providing; something provided; preparatory measure; provisions: necessary supplies (esp. food); stipulation; condition in an agreement; Ex. According to the provisions of the agreement
Term
provocative
Definition
arousing anger or sexual interest; annoying; Ex. provocative in tight jeans; V. provoke: incite to anger; cause (an unpleasant action or feeling); N. provocation
Term
n prowess
Definition
extraordinary ability; military bravery; Ex. prowess in battle
Term
proximity
Definition
nearness; ADJ. proximate
Term
proxy
Definition
authorized agent; authority to act for another
Term
n prude
Definition
excessively modest or proper person (who is easily shocked by improper things, esp. of a sexual nature); N. prudery; ADJ. prudish: excessively concerned with propriety
Term
prudent
Definition
cautious; careful; prudential
Term
prune
Definition
cut away; trim
Term
n prurient
Definition
having or causing lustful desires and thoughts; arousing immoderate sexual desire
Term
n pry
Definition
inquire impertinently (someone else's private affairs); use leverage to raise or open something; prize; N. pries: tool for prying
Term
s prize
Definition
pry; move with a lever; value highly; esteem; Ex. his most prized possession; N: something captured during war-time (esp. an enemy ship)
Term
pseudonym
Definition
pen name; fictitious name assumed by an author; ADJ. pseudonymous
Term
psyche
Definition
soul; mind
Term
psychiatrist
Definition
doctor who treats mental diseases
Term
s psychic
Definition
of psyche; mental; of or possessing extraordinary mental powers
Term
psychopathic
Definition
pertaining to mental dearrangement; N. psychopath: person with an antisocial personality disorder
Term
psychosis
Definition
mental disorder; ADJ. N. psychotic
Term
s psychosomatic
Definition
of the influence of the mind on the body (esp. with respect to disease)
Term
n pterodactyl
Definition
extinct flying reptile; CF. wing+finger
Term
n puerile
Definition
childish; immature; CF. puer: boy
Term
pugilist
Definition
boxer; CF. pugilism: boxing
Term
n pugnacity
Definition
combativeness; disposition to fight; ADJ. pugnacious: (of people) belligerent; combative in nature
Term
n puissant
Definition
powerful; strong; potent; N. puissance: power
Term
n pulchritude
Definition
beauty; comeliness; ADJ. pulchritudinous
Term
n pulmonary
Definition
pertaining to the lungs
Term
n pulsate
Definition
throb; beat regularly; vibrate regularly
Term
s pulse
Definition
rhythmical throbbing of arteries; brief sudden change in a normally constant quantity; V: pulsate
Term
pulverize
Definition
crush or grind into very small particles
Term
n pummel
Definition
pommel; beat or pound with fists
Term
punctilious
Definition
minutely attentive (perhaps too much so) to fine points; stressing niceties of conduct or form; N. punctilio, punctiliousness: careful attention payed to every small exact detail
Term
n pundit
Definition
authority on a subject; expert; learned person
Term
pungent
Definition
stinging; acrid; sharp in taste or smell; (of speech or writing) caustic; N. pungency
Term
n punitive
Definition
punishing; Ex. punitive measures
Term
n puny
Definition
tiny; weak; insignificant
Term
n purchase
Definition
secure grasp or hold; firm grasp or footing
Term
purgatory
Definition
place of spiritual expiation; temporary state or place in which the souls must expiate their sins
Term
purge
Definition
remove or get rid of something or someone unwanted; eliminate; free from blame or guilt; cleanse or purify (esp. of sin, guilt, or defilement); N.
Term
purport
Definition
intention; purpose; meaning; V: claim; profess; Ex. order which purports to be signed by the general
Term
purported
Definition
alleged; claimed; reputed or rumored; Ex. purported Satanists
Term
s rooster
Definition
cock; adult male chicken
Term
s rabble
Definition
mob; noisy crowd
Term
n purse
Definition
pucker; contract (lips) into wrinkles; N: wallet
Term
s pucker
Definition
gather into wrinkles or folds; N: wrinkle or fold
Term
n purveyor
Definition
furnisher of foodstuffs; caterer; V. purvey: supply (eg. food); furnish; CF. provide
Term
n pusillanimous
Definition
cowardly; lacking courage; fainthearted
Term
n putative
Definition
supposed; reputed; generally regarded as such; Ex. putative father of the child
Term
n putrid
Definition
decayed and foul-smelling; foul; rotten; decayed; N. putridity
Term
s putrefy
Definition
make or become putrid; N. putrefaction
Term
s putrescent
Definition
becoming putrid; putrefying
Term
s gangrene
Definition
decay of body tissue caused by insufficient blood supply (usually following injury); ADJ. gangrenous
Term
pyromaniac
Definition
person with an insane desire to set things on fire
Term
quack
Definition
charlatan; impostor
Term
n quadruped
Definition
four-footed animal; ADJ. CF. biped
Term
n quaff
Definition
drink with zest; drink with relish(zest; hearty enjoyment); ²Ü²©²Ü²© ¸¶½Ã´Ù; CF. sip
Term
n quagmire
Definition
bog; marsh; soft, wet, boggy land; predicament; complex or dangerous situation from which it is difficult to free oneself
Term
s bog
Definition
soft wet land; V: hinder or be hindered; Ex. bogged down in the mud
Term
n quail
Definition
cower; shrink back in fear; lose heart
Term
quaint
Definition
odd in an old-fashioned way; odd; old-fashioned; picturesque
Term
qualified
Definition
limited; restricted; V. qualify: limit the meaning of; modify
Term
n qualms
Definition
uneasy feelings; misgivings; uneasy fears especially about matters of conscience; Ex. I have no qualms about giving this assignment to Helen.
Term
n quandary
Definition
dilemma; state of uncertainty; Ex. She is in a quandary about whether to go.
Term
n quarantine
Definition
isolation of a person, place, or ship to prevent spread of infection; V: isolate in quarantine
Term
n quarry
Definition
person or animal of pursuit; victim; object of a hunt; prey
Term
n quarry
Definition
dig into (to get stone); N: mine; ä¼®Àå
Term
s bank
Definition
heap; piled-up mass; embankment; lateral tilting (as of an aircraft in turning); V: pile up; protect with a bank; tilt in turning
Term
n quash
Definition
crush; suppress; squash; subdue; annul; Ex. quash a rebellion/the decision of the low court
Term
s squash
Definition
crush; quash; suppress
Term
quay
Definition
dock; wharf; pier; landing place (for boats)
Term
n queasy
Definition
experiencing nausea; nauseated; easily nauseated; squeamish; Ex. feel a little queasy
Term
n quell
Definition
suppress; put an end to; put down forcibly; extinguish; quiet; Ex. ``Army Quells Rebellion'' in newspaper; CF. kill
Term
n quench
Definition
assuage or satisfy (thrust); slake; douse or extinguish; put out; suppress
Term
s squelch
Definition
produce a splashing sound (when stepping through mud); crush; squash; CF. ÁøÈëÀ» À§¿¡¼­ ¹âÀ» ¶§
Term
n querulous
Definition
given to complaining; complaining; fretful; whining
Term
s whine
Definition
complain (in a sad voice); make a high sad sound (as in pain or supplication)
Term
query
Definition
inquiry; question; V.
Term
queue
Definition
line (of waiting people or vehicles)
Term
n quibble
Definition
minor objection or complaint; V: raise minor objections; carp; cavil
Term
n quiescent
Definition
dormant; temporarily inactive; at rest; N. quiescence
Term
quietude
Definition
tranquillity; calmness
Term
n quintessence
Definition
purest and highest embodiment; perfect example; apotheosis; most essential element; Ex. quintessence of wit; ADJ. quintessential; CF. fifth essence
Term
n quip
Definition
taunt; clever sarcastic remark; V.
Term
s taunt
Definition
deride or provoke; challenge in derision; N.
Term
n quirk
Definition
sudden sharp turn or twist; startling twist; caprice; idiosyncrasy; peculiarity of behavior; Ex. by a quirk of fate
Term
n quisling
Definition
traitor who aids invaders; CF. Vidkun Quisling
Term
n quiver
Definition
case for arrows
Term
n quiver
Definition
tremble; shake; N.
Term
s leash
Definition
restraining rope fastened to the collar of an animal (to control it); Ex. a dog on a leash
Term
n quixotic
Definition
idealistic but impractical; CF. Don Quixote
Term
n quizzical
Definition
curious; suggesting puzzlement (without saying); questioning; teasing; mocking; bantering; Ex. quizzical glance
Term
n quorum
Definition
minimal number of members necessary to conduct a meeting
Term
n quotidian
Definition
daily; commonplace; customary; Ex. quotidian routine
Term
n rabid
Definition
of or suffering rabies; like a fanatic; extremely zealous; furious; CF. rabies: hydrophobia
Term
n raconteur
Definition
story-teller; one who tells stories with wit and skill
Term
n ragamuffin
Definition
dirty child in torn clothes; person wearing tattered clothes
Term
s tatter
Definition
torn piece of cloth; ADJ. tattered: (of clothes) old and torn; (of a person) dressed in old torn clothes
Term
n rail
Definition
complain bitterly; scold; rant; Ex. the weaker railing against injustices
Term
n raiment
Definition
clothing; garments; Ex. I have no raiment fit to wear.
Term
n rakish
Definition
jaunty; stylish; sporty; morally corrupt; dissolute; Ex. He wore his hat at a rakish and jaunty angle.
Term
s rake
Definition
angle of a slope; V: slant from the perpendicular
Term
s rake
Definition
immoral or dissolute person
Term
rally
Definition
come or bring together; call up or summon (forces, vital powers, etc.); revive or recuperate (after illness or difficulty); N: act of rallying; mass gathering
Term
ramble
Definition
wander aimlessly (physically or mentally); digress
Term
ramification
Definition
branching out; subdivision; one branch of a system; one of the results following from an action or decision; Ex. ramifications of a business/the decision
Term
ramify
Definition
branch out; divide into branches or subdivisions
Term
n ramp
Definition
slope; inclined plane or roadway (connecting two levels)
Term
n rampant
Definition
growing or spreading uncontrollably; growing in profusion; unrestrained; Ex. rampant lawlessness/weed
Term
rampart
Definition
defensive mound of earth
Term
n ramshackle
Definition
(of a building or vehicle) poorly constructed; rickety; falling apart
Term
s rickety
Definition
(of buildings) likely to break or fall apart; of rickets; CF. rickets; CF. vitamin D
Term
s ransack
Definition
search thoroughly; pillage (going through a place); Ex. Enemy soldiers ransacked the town.
Term
n rancid
Definition
having the odor of stale or decomposing fat; rank
Term
s rank
Definition
offensive in odor or flavor
Term
n rancor
Definition
long-lasting hatred; bitterness; Ex. negotiation without rancor; ADJ. rancorous
Term
random
Definition
without definite purpose, plan, or aim; haphazard; Ex. random shots; Ex. chosen at random
Term
s lot
Definition
object used in making a determination at random; fate; piece of land
Term
s draw
Definition
choosing of a lot or card
Term
s lottery
Definition
contest in which winners are selected in a drawing of lots
Term
s raffle
Definition
lottery; V: award as a prize in a raffle; Ex. raffle off a new car
Term
n rankle
Definition
irritate; fester; annoy
Term
n rant
Definition
speak violently or excitedly; rave; talk excitedly showing anger; scold; make a grandiloquent speech; Ex. The priest ranted about the devil.
Term
n rapacious
Definition
voracious; ravenous; taking everything one can; excessively grasping; plundering; subsisting on live prey; Ex. rapacious birds
Term
rapport
Definition
close relationship; emotional closeness; harmony
Term
n rapt
Definition
engrossed; absorbed; enchanted; Ex. rapt listener
Term
n rarefied
Definition
made less dense (of a gas); V. rarefy: make less dense; N. rarefaction
Term
s rare
Definition
(of air) thin in density; rarefied; Ex. rare air of the mountains
Term
n raspy
Definition
making a harsh noise; grating; harsh
Term
s rasp
Definition
(of a sound) grate on (eg. nerves); make a harsh noise; have an unpleasant effect; rub with something rough; Ex. The cat's tongue rasped my hand.
Term
ratify
Definition
approve formally; confirm; verify
Term
n ratiocination
Definition
reasoning; act of drawing conclusions from premises; V. ratiocinate: reason logically
Term
rationale
Definition
fundamental reason or principle (on which a system or principle is based); fundamental reason or justification; grounds for an action
Term
rationalize
Definition
make rational; devise false reasons for (one's behavior); offer an excuse; give a plausible reason for an action in place of a true, less admirable ones; N. rationalization
Term
s rational
Definition
(of a person) having reason; (of ideas) based on reason; logical
Term
s ration
Definition
fixed portion; V: distribute as rations
Term
n raucous
Definition
(of voice) harsh and unpleasant; (of people) disorderly and boisterous; Ex. raucous shouts
Term
ravage
Definition
devastate; plunder; despoil; Ex. crops ravaged by storms
Term
s maraud
Definition
move in search of plunder; Ex. marauding army
Term
n rave
Definition
overwhelmingly favorable review; V: talk wildly as if mad; Ex. raving lunatic
Term
ravel
Definition
fall apart into tangles; entangle; unravel or untwist
Term
n ravenous
Definition
extremely hungry; voracious
Term
n ravine
Definition
narrow valley with steep sides; gorge; CF. gully, canyon
Term
raze
Definition
destroy completely; Ex. raze the city to the ground
Term
reactionary
Definition
strongly opposed to social or political change; opposing progress; politically ultraconservative; N. OP. radical
Term
s reinstate
Definition
restore to a previous condition or position
Term
realm
Definition
kingdom; field or sphere; Ex. not within the realms of possibility
Term
reaper
Definition
one who harvests grain; Ex. the Grim Reaper; V. reap: cut and gather (crop); harvest a crop
Term
rebate
Definition
return of part of a payment; discount; V.
Term
n rebuff
Definition
reject bluntly; snub; beat back; Ex. She rebuffed his invitation; N.
Term
s snub
Definition
ignore or behave coldly toward; Ex. I made a suggestion but she snubbed me; N.
Term
rebuke
Definition
scold harshly; criticize severely
Term
n rebus
Definition
representation of words in the form of pictures or symbols; puzzle in which pictures or letters stand for words; Ex. ``R U 18'' is a rebus for ``Are you 18''.
Term
n rebuttal
Definition
refutation; response with contrary evidence; V. rebut: refute; disprove
Term
n recalcitrant
Definition
disobedient or resisting authority even after being punished; obstinately stubborn; determined to resist authority; unruly; Ex. recalcitrant child
Term
recant
Definition
disclaim or disavow; retract a previous statement; openly confess error; Ex. recant one's faith/a statement
Term
recapitulate
Definition
summarize
Term
n recast
Definition
reconstruct (a sentence, story, statue, etc.); fashion again
Term
s fashion
Definition
give shape to; make; Ex. fashion the pot out of clay
Term
receptive
Definition
quick or willing to receive (ideas, suggestions, etc.); Ex. receptive to the proposal
Term
recession
Definition
withdrawal; retreat; time of low economic activity
Term
s recess
Definition
pause; temporary cessation; alcove; secret inner place; Ex. parliament in recess; V. CF. recessive
Term
recidivism
Definition
habitual return to crime (even after being punished); N. recidivist
Term
recipient
Definition
receiver
Term
reciprocal
Definition
mutual; given and received in return; exchangeable; interacting; Ex. reciprocal trade agreement
Term
n reciprocate
Definition
do or give something in return; repay in kind; give or take mutually; interchange; move backwards and forwards; Ex. reciprocate his invitation by inviting him; N. reciprocity: reciprocal relationship; mutual interchange of advantages between two groups; Ex. reciprocity in trading rights
Term
recluse
Definition
hermit; loner; ADJ. reclusive
Term
reconcile
Definition
make friendly again (after quarrel); make consistent (two ideas in opposition); correct inconsistencies; Ex. reconcile one's political principles with one's religious beliefs
Term
recondite
Definition
abstruse; not easily understood; profound; secret
Term
reconnaissance
Definition
survey of enemy by soldiers; reconnoitering; V. reconnoiter: make a preliminary inspection of (esp. to gather military information)
Term
n recount
Definition
narrate or tell (a story); count over again
Term
recourse
Definition
resorting to help when in trouble; Ex. without recourse to
Term
s resort
Definition
turn to for help; Ex. resort to violence; N.
Term
s makeshift
Definition
temporary expedient or substitute (in the case of urgent need); Ex. makeshift shelter
Term
s recreant
Definition
disloyal; cowardly; N: disloyal and cowardly person
Term
recrimination
Definition
countercharges; V. recriminate
Term
rectify
Definition
set right; correct; CF. rect-: right
Term
n rectitude
Definition
moral correctness; moral uprightness; moral virtue; correctness of judgment
Term
recumbent
Definition
reclining; lying down completely or in part
Term
s recline
Definition
lie down
Term
recuperate
Definition
recover; return to health; regain; Ex. recuperate losses
Term
recurrent
Definition
occurring again and again
Term
redolent
Definition
odorous; fragrant; suggestive (of an odor); Ex. redolent of onions/mystery
Term
n redoubtable
Definition
formidable; causing fear
Term
n redress
Definition
remedy; compensation; Ex. seek redress for the damage to your car; V: put right; remedy or rectify (a wrong); make amends for
Term
redundant
Definition
superfluous; more than is necessary; verbose; excessively wordy; repetitious
Term
n reek
Definition
emit (an unpleasant odor or smoke); give off an unpleasant odor; give out smoke; Ex. reeking chimney; N: unpleasant odor; stench
Term
s stench
Definition
strong foul odor; reek; stink
Term
s stink
Definition
stench; V: emit a strong foul odor
Term
n refectory
Definition
dining hall; room where meals are served (in a school)
Term
refraction
Definition
bending of a ray of light
Term
n refractory
Definition
unmanageable; disobedient and stubborn; Ex. refractory horse
Term
n refrain
Definition
abstain from; resist; forbear; N: chorus
Term
s chorus
Definition
phrase repeated throughout a song or poem
Term
refulgent
Definition
effulgent; brilliant; brightly shining; gleaming; Ex. refulgent moon
Term
s gleam
Definition
brief flash of light; glow; V.
Term
n refurbish
Definition
renovate; make clean, bright, or fresh (make new) again; make bright by polishing; Ex. refurbish an old theater; CF. furbish: polish
Term
refute
Definition
disprove; prove to be false; N. refutation
Term
regal
Definition
royal; of a monarch; Ex. regal manner
Term
n regale
Definition
entertain
Term
n regatta
Definition
boat or yacht race
Term
regeneration
Definition
spiritual rebirth; Ex. regeneration of the prisoners; V. regenerate: give or obtain new life; reform spiritually
Term
s penology
Definition
study of prison management and criminal rehabilitation
Term
regicide
Definition
murder of a king or queen
Term
regime
Definition
method of system or government
Term
n regimen
Definition
prescribed course of diet or exercise; prescribed diet and habits; Ex. daily regimen of a dancer
Term
n regiment
Definition
military unit; V: subject to strict order; Ex. regimented society
Term
rehabilitate
Definition
restore to proper condition (health or useful life); restore the former rank of
Term
reimburse
Definition
repay; pay back
Term
reiterate
Definition
repeat
Term
n rejoinder
Definition
reply; retort; comeback; V. rejoin: say in reply
Term
s comeback
Definition
retort; quick clever reply; return to former status
Term
rejuvenate
Definition
make young again
Term
n relegate
Definition
put into a lower or worse place; banish to an inferior position; delegate; assign; Ex. relegate the old furniture to the children's room; Ex. relegated to the second division
Term
relent
Definition
become less severe; give in(surrender); ADJ. relentless: unyielding; continuously severe
Term
relevant
Definition
having importance; pertinent; referring to the case in hand; N. relevance, relevancy
Term
n relic
Definition
surviving remnant (from an extinct culture); memento; keepsake; relics: corpse; Ex. ancient relics; Ex. relics of his travel; Ex. His relics are buried at X.
Term
relinquish
Definition
give up something (with reluctance); yield; release; Ex. relinquish power/the claim to the land/his hold on my arm
Term
n relish
Definition
enjoy; savor; N: enjoyment; zest
Term
remediable
Definition
reparable
Term
reminiscence
Definition
recollection; V. reminisce: recollect the past
Term
s reminiscent
Definition
suggestive of something (in the past); of reminiscence
Term
remiss
Definition
negligent; careless about a duty
Term
remission
Definition
temporary moderation (of disease symptoms); remitting of a debt or punishment; cancelation of a debt; pardon; Ex. The disease went into remission; Ex. Christians pray for the remission of sins.
Term
s remit
Definition
transmit (money) in payment; free someone from a debt or punishment
Term
s remittance
Definition
remitting of money; amount of money remitted
Term
remnant
Definition
remainder
Term
remonstrate
Definition
protest; objection; V. remonstrate: say in protest
Term
remorse
Definition
deep regret for wrongdoing; guilt; self-reproach
Term
remunerative
Definition
(of work) compensating; rewarding; profitable; well-paid; V. remunerate: reward; pay (someone) for work or trouble
Term
rend
Definition
split; tear apart; N. rent; CF. heartrending: causing deep sorrow
Term
render
Definition
give; deliver; provide; represent in verbal or artistic form; depict; perform; make; translate; Ex. render the song beautifully
Term
rendezvous
Definition
meeting place; meeting at a set time or place; V.
Term
rendition
Definition
rendering; translation; artistic interpretation of a song, etc
Term
n renegade
Definition
deserter; traitor; ADJ.
Term
n renege
Definition
break a promise; deny; go back on; Ex. renege on the contract/paying off the debt
Term
renounce
Definition
abandon; give up (by formal announcement); disown; repudiate; Ex. renounce one's claim to the property/one's religion; N. renunciation
Term
renovate
Definition
restore to good condition; renew
Term
renown
Definition
fame; ADJ. renowned
Term
s herald
Definition
messenger; sign of something to come; V: announce; proclaim; Ex. unheralded researcher
Term
n rent
Definition
tear made by rending; rip; split
Term
reparable
Definition
capable of being repaired
Term
n reparation
Definition
compensation (for loss or wrong); amends; Ex. make reparation for the damage; CF. repair
Term
repartee
Definition
quick clever reply
Term
n repast
Definition
meal; feast; banquet
Term
repeal
Definition
revoke; annul
Term
repel
Definition
drive away; disgust; Ex. repel the attack/moisture; Ex. repelled by the dirty room; CF. repulsion
Term
repellent
Definition
driving away; disgusting; offensive; repulsive; unattractive; N.
Term
repercussion
Definition
rebound; reaction; reverberation; Ex. serious repercussion
Term
repertoire
Definition
list of works of music, drama, etc., a performer is prepared to present; CF. repertory
Term
n repine
Definition
fret; complain; be annoyed; Ex. repine over the undone work
Term
replenish
Definition
fill up again
Term
replete
Definition
fully filled; filled to the brim or to the point of being stuffed; abundantly supplied; Ex. report replete with errors
Term
s memoir
Definition
memoirs; autobiography; biography
Term
s brim
Definition
uppermost edge of a cup; projecting rim (as on a hat); Ex. The glass was full to the brim; V: be full to the brim
Term
replica
Definition
copy
Term
replicate
Definition
reproduce; duplicate
Term
repository
Definition
storehouse
Term
s repose
Definition
resting; state of being at rest; calmness; V: lie at rest; relax; put or place; Ex. repose our hopes in a single man
Term
reprehensible
Definition
deserving blame; blameworthy; V. reprehend: blame
Term
repress
Definition
hold back (the natural expression of); restrain; crush; oppress; Ex. repressed child; Ex. repress a laugh/rebellion
Term
reprieve
Definition
postponement or cancelation of a punishment; temporary stay; V: postpone or cancel the punishment of
Term
reprimand
Definition
reprove severely; rebuke; N.
Term
reprisal
Definition
retaliation
Term
n reprise
Definition
musical repetition; repeating of a piece of music; repeat performance; recurrent action; Ex. reprise in the finale; Ex. constant reprises
Term
reproach
Definition
blame (not angrily but sadly); express disapproval or disappointment; N. ADJ. reproachful
Term
n reprobate
Definition
morally disapproved person; person hardened in sin, devoid of a sense of decency; CF. disapproved by God ?
Term
reprobation
Definition
severe disapproval; CF. approbation
Term
reprove
Definition
censure; rebuke; N. reproof
Term
repudiate
Definition
disown; disavow; deny
Term
repugnance
Definition
disgust; strong dislike; loathing; ADJ. repugnant: arousing disgust; repulsive
Term
repulsion
Definition
distaste; disgust; act of driving back; ADJ. repulsive: causing disgust; tending to drive away; V. repel (not `repulse')
Term
s repulse
Definition
reject with rudeness or coldness (an offer or friendship); drive back (an enemy attack); CF. repulse $\neq$ cause repulsion
Term
reputable
Definition
respectable; having a good reputation
Term
reputed
Definition
supposed; Ex. reputed father of the child; V. repute: consider; N. repute: reputation; esteem
Term
requiem
Definition
mass for the dead; dirge
Term
s mass
Definition
Christian religious ceremony; CF. Mass: ceremony of the Eucharist
Term
requisite
Definition
necessary requirement; something required; ADJ: required; necessary
Term
s requisition
Definition
formal demand or request; Ex. requisition for more computing equipment; V.
Term
n requite
Definition
make return for; repay; reciprocate; revenge; N. requittal
Term
rescind
Definition
repeal; annul; cancel (a law, decision, or agreement)
Term
resentment
Definition
indignation; bitterness; displeasure; V. resent: feel anger about
Term
reserve
Definition
self-control; self-restraint; formal but distant manner; reticence; Ex. without reserve: freely and openly; ADJ. reserved: shy and uncommunicative
Term
residue
Definition
remainder; balance
Term
s residual
Definition
remaining; left over; of a residue; N: residue
Term
resignation
Definition
patiently submissiveness; statement that one is quitting a job; ADJ. resigned: acquiescent
Term
s resign
Definition
give up (a position, right, or claim); submit (oneself) passively
Term
resilient
Definition
elastic; having the power of springing back; able to recover quickly (as from misfortune)
Term
s elastic
Definition
able to spring back into shape; quick to recover (as from disappointment); able to adapt to change; Ex. elastic plans; N: elastic material
Term
resolution
Definition
determination; resoluteness; ADJ. resolute: firm or determined in purpose
Term
resolve
Definition
determination; resolution; firmness of purpose
Term
resolve
Definition
decide; settle; solve; separate; make a determined decision; N. resolution
Term
resonant
Definition
(of a sound) echoing; resounding(sounding loudly); deep and full in sound; producing resonance; Ex. resonant voice; N. resonance
Term
s resound
Definition
(of a place) be filled with sound; (of a sound) sound loudly; sound back; echo; Ex. hall resounded with laughter
Term
respiration
Definition
breathing; exhalation; ADJ. respiratory
Term
n respite
Definition
time for rest; interval of relief; delay in punishment; reprieve
Term
resplendent
Definition
brilliant; splendid in appearance; dazzling; glorious
Term
responsiveness
Definition
state of reacting readily to appeals, orders, etc.; ADJ. responsive: readily reacting; Ex. responsive to treatment
Term
n restitution
Definition
returning something (lost or stolen) to the rightful owner; reparation; indemnification; compensation for loss, damage, or injury
Term
n restive
Definition
impatiently restless (induced by external coercion or restriction); restlessly impatient; obstinately resisting control; Ex. restive horses because of wolves; CF. not a general synonym for `restless'
Term
restraint
Definition
moderation or self-control; controlling force; restriction
Term
resumption
Definition
taking up again; recommencement; V. resume: begin or take up again; take or occupy again; Ex. Kindly resume your seats.
Term
n resurge
Definition
rise again; flow to and fro; N. resurgence; ADJ. resurgent: (of ideas or beliefs) experiencing revival; surging again
Term
s resurrect
Definition
revive
Term
resuscitate
Definition
revive; bring back to life or consciousness; Ex. resuscitate the drowned child
Term
retain
Definition
keep; maintain possession of; employ (esp. a lawyer or advisor); N. retainer: servant; fee paid to retain an advisor
Term
retaliate
Definition
repay in kind (usually for bad treatment); V. retaliate
Term
n retentive
Definition
holding; able to retain things (esp. facts in the mind); having a good memory
Term
n reticent
Definition
inclined to silence; uncommunicative; reserved; Ex. He was reticent about the reasons; N. reticence
Term
retinue
Definition
following; attendants
Term
n retiring
Definition
shy and reserved (of a person); modest; Ex. her retiring personality
Term
retort
Definition
quick sharp reply; V.
Term
retract
Definition
withdraw; take back; draw back; Ex. retract a statement/an offer/claws; N. retraction; CF. retractile
Term
n retrench
Definition
cut down; cut down expenses; economize
Term
n retribution
Definition
deserved punishment for wrongdoing; punishment for offenses; compensation; vengeance; CF. pay back
Term
retrieve
Definition
recover; put right; find and bring in; regain; Ex. retrieve the situation
Term
n retroactive
Definition
taking effect before its enactment (as a law) or imposition (as a tax); (of a law) having effect on the past as well as the future
Term
s enact
Definition
make (a bill) into law
Term
n retrograde
Definition
go backwards; recede; degenerate; deteriorate; ADJ.
Term
retrospective
Definition
looking back on the past; N. retrospection; V. retrospect
Term
n revelry
Definition
boisterous merrymaking; V. revel: engage boisterous festivities; enjoy greatly; N: boisterous festivity or celebration
Term
n reverberate
Definition
echo repeatedly; resound; Ex. The thunder reverberated across the valley.
Term
reverent
Definition
respectful; worshipful; V. revere: regard with reverence; N. reverence: profound respect
Term
s reverend
Definition
deserving reverence; N: priest
Term
n reverie
Definition
daydream; abstracted musing
Term
revert
Definition
relapse; backslide; turn back to; return to the former owner; N. reversion
Term
s relapse
Definition
return to a former state (esp. after improvement); N.
Term
s backslide
Definition
revert (to bad habits); N. reverter
Term
n revile
Definition
attack with abusive language; vilify(slander)
Term
revoke
Definition
cancel; retract; CF. irrevocable
Term
n revulsion
Definition
sudden strong feeling of disgust; sudden violent change of feeling; negative reaction; Ex. revulsion from the scenes of torture
Term
n rhapsodize
Definition
speak or write in an exaggeratedly enthusiastic manner; Ex. rhapsodize over the beauty of the scenery
Term
s rhapsody
Definition
excessively enthusiastic expression of feeling; musical composition of irregular form (as if made up as one plays it)
Term
n rhetoric
Definition
art of effective communication; art of using language effectively and persuasively; style of speaking or writing; grandiloquent language; Ex. political rhetoric; ADJ. rhetorical; CF. rhetorical question: question to which no answer is expected as ``Who knows it ?''
Term
n ribald
Definition
marked by vulgar lewd humor; wanton; profane; N. ribaldry: ribald language or joke
Term
n riddle
Definition
pierce with holes; permeate or spread throughout; Ex. The gunman riddled the car with bullets; Ex. The whole report is riddled with errors; N. large sieve (separating earth from stone)
Term
n rider
Definition
amendment or clause added to a legislative bill
Term
n rife
Definition
(of something bad) widespread; abundant; current
Term
n rift
Definition
narrow opening in a large mass; break in a friendly relation; Ex. through a rift in the clouds; OP. reconcilation
Term
n rig
Definition
fix or manipulate; manipulate dishonestly for personal gain; Ex. rig the election
Term
s rig
Definition
arrangement of masts and sails; V: equip (a ship) with rigging; ADJ. rigging: ropes that hold up a ship's sails
Term
rigid
Definition
hard and unbending; stiff and unyielding; fixed in behavior or views; strict; rigorous; Ex. rigid rule
Term
rigor
Definition
severity; Ex. rigors of the Russian winter
Term
n rile
Definition
irritate; vex; muddy
Term
n riveting
Definition
holding one's attention; absorbing; engrossing
Term
s rivet
Definition
metal pin used for fastening metal plates together; V: fasten with a rivet; engross
Term
n rivulet
Definition
small stream; CF. rill < rivulet < river
Term
robust
Definition
strong; vigorous
Term
rococo
Definition
ornate; highly decorated; N. CF. 18th century
Term
n roil
Definition
make liquids murky by stirring up sediment; disturb
Term
n roseate
Definition
rosy; optimistic; Ex. roseate views
Term
n roster
Definition
list (of names)
Term
n rostrum
Definition
raised platform for speech-making; pulpit
Term
s pulpit
Definition
raised platform used in preaching (in a church)
Term
n rote
Definition
repetition; memorization through repetition without understanding; Ex. learn poetry by rote
Term
n rotunda
Definition
circular building or hall covered with a dome
Term
n rotundity
Definition
roundness; sonorousness of speech
Term
s rotund
Definition
(of a person) fat and round
Term
n rousing
Definition
lively; inducing excitement; stirring; V. rouse: waken; arouse from sleep or depression; excite; stir up
Term
rout
Definition
put to rout; stampede; drive out; N: complete defeat and disorderly retreat
Term
s stampede
Definition
sudden frenzied rush (of panic-stricken animals or people); V: participate in or cause stampede; Ex. stampede before the price rises
Term
rubble
Definition
fragments (esp. from a destroyed building)
Term
s mason
Definition
one who builds or works with stone or brick; N. masonry: work of a mason; stonework or brickwork
Term
n rubric
Definition
title or heading (in red print); directions for religious ceremony; protocol
Term
n ruddy
Definition
reddish; (of the face) reddish and healthy-looking
Term
rudimentary
Definition
elementary; not developed; crude; N. rudiment: fundamental element or principle; Ex. rudiments of the language
Term
n rue
Definition
regret; lament; mourn; Ex. He will rue the day; N. ADJ. rueful
Term
n ruffian
Definition
violent scoundrel; bully
Term
n ruminate
Definition
chew over and over (mentally or, like cows, physically); mull over(ponder)
Term
s ruminant
Definition
animal that ruminates; ADJ.
Term
rummage
Definition
ransack; thoroughly search
Term
n runic
Definition
mysterious; set down in an ancient alphabet; N. rune: one of the letters of an alphabet used by ancient Germanic peoples (cut on stone or wood); magic charm
Term
n ruse
Definition
trick to deceive; stratagem
Term
rustic
Definition
pertaining to country people; unsophisticated; simple; crude; uncouth; (of furniture) rough with the bark left on; N. rural person; rustic person
Term
rusticate
Definition
banish to the country; dwell in the country
Term
ruthless
Definition
pitiless; merciless; cruel
Term
saboteur
Definition
one who commits sabotage; destroyer of property; N. sabotage: destruction of property (usually carried out secretly)
Term
saccharine
Definition
cloying sweet; characteristic of sugar or saccharin
Term
sacrilegious
Definition
desecrating; profane; N. sacrilege: desecration, misuse, or theft of something sacred
Term
n sacrosanct
Definition
invioably sacred; most sacred; inviolable
Term
n sadistic
Definition
inclined to cruelty; N. sadism: delight in cruelty
Term
saga
Definition
Scandinavian myth; any legend; long heroic narrative
Term
n sagacious
Definition
wise; perceptive; shrewd; having insight; N. sagacity
Term
n sage
Definition
person celebrated for wisdom; wise person; ADJ: wise
Term
n salacious
Definition
lascivious; lustful; Ex. salacious monk
Term
n salient
Definition
prominent; projecting beyond a line; conspicuous; Ex. salient features
Term
saline
Definition
salty
Term
n sallow
Definition
(of the skin) yellowish and unhealthy-looking; sickly in color; Ex. sallow complexion due to jaundice
Term
n salubrious
Definition
healthful; conducive to health or well-being; socially desirable; Ex. salubrious area; CF. health
Term
n salutary
Definition
tending to improve; beneficial; wholesome; Ex. The punishment had a salutary effect on the boy; CF. health
Term
salvage
Definition
rescue (goods or property) from loss; N: saving; property saved
Term
n sanctimonious
Definition
displaying ostentatious or hypocritical devoutness; N. sanctimony: hypocritical piety
Term
sanction
Definition
approve; ratify; N: permission; penalty intended to enforce compliance
Term
sanctuary
Definition
place of refuge; shelter; shrine; holy place; Ex. The outlaw was granted sanctuary in the church.
Term
sanguinary
Definition
bloody; with much bloodshed
Term
sanguine
Definition
optimistic; cheerful; hopeful; of the color of blood; red
Term
n sap
Definition
diminish; weaken; undermine the foundations of (a fortification); Ex. The element kryptonite sapped his strength.
Term
sarcasm
Definition
cutting ironic remark; scornful remarks; stinging rebuke; ADJ. sarcastic
Term
n sardonic
Definition
scornfully mocking; disdainful; sarcastic; cynical; Ex. sardonic smile
Term
n sartorial
Definition
pertaining to tailors or tailoring; Ex. a man of great sartorial elegance; CF. sartor: tailor
Term
n sate
Definition
satisfy to the full; satisfy to excess; cloy
Term
s doze
Definition
sleep lightly; nap
Term
satellite
Definition
small body revolving around a larger one
Term
satiate
Definition
satisfy fully (physical needs such as hunger); sate; N. satiety: condition of being satiated
Term
satire
Definition
form of literature in which irony, sarcasm, and ridicule are employed to attack human vice and folly
Term
satirical
Definition
using satire; mocking
Term
saturate
Definition
soak thoroughly; imbue; impregnate; charge; fill to capacity
Term
n saturnine
Definition
morose; gloomy; Ex. Do not be misled by his saturnine countenance.
Term
n satyr
Definition
half-human, half-bestial being in the court of Dionysus (resembling a goat), portrayed as wanton(unrestrained) and cunning; lecher; CF. faun; CF. goat: lecherous man
Term
n saunter
Definition
stroll(go for a leisurely walk) slowly; N.
Term
n savant
Definition
scholar; learned person; CF. savoir: know
Term
n savor
Definition
enjoy; have a distinctive flavor, smell, or quality; N: taste or smell; distinctive quality
Term
n savory
Definition
pleasant in taste; tasty; pleasing, attractive, or agreeable; Ex. savory reputation
Term
n scabbard
Definition
case for a sword blade; sheath
Term
n scad
Definition
a great quantity; Ex. scads of clothes
Term
n scaffold
Definition
temporary platform for workers (to work at heights above the ground); bracing framework; platform for execution
Term
scale
Definition
climb up; ascend; remove or come off in scales; N: flake of epidermis; ascending or descending series of musical tones
Term
scanty
Definition
meager; insufficient
Term
n scapegoat
Definition
someone who bears the blame for others; whipping boy; CF. escape+goat
Term
n scavenge
Definition
hunt through discarded materials for usable items or food; search, especially for food; N. scavenger: one who scavenges; animal that feeds on refuse and carrion
Term
s refuse
Definition
anything discarded or rejected as worthless; trash
Term
scenario
Definition
plot outline; screenplay(script for a movie); opera libretto; outline of possible future events
Term
schematic
Definition
of a schema or scheme; relating to an outline or diagram; using a system of symbols; N. schema: diagrammatic representation; outline
Term
s scheme
Definition
systematic plan; plot; clever dishonest plan; orderly arrangement of elements; Ex. health insurance scheme; Ex. a scheme to escape taxes; Ex. a color scheme; Ex. a story with no scheme; V: contrive a scheme
Term
n schism
Definition
division into factions (esp. within a religious body); split
Term
n scintilla
Definition
trace; minute amount; shred; least bit; Ex. There is not a scintilla of truth; CF. spark
Term
n scintillate
Definition
sparkle; flash; be animated; be full of life; Ex. scintillating conversation
Term
n scoff
Definition
laugh (at); mock; ridicule; Ex. scoff at their threats
Term
n scotch
Definition
stamp out(put an end to); thwart; hinder; Ex. scotch the rumor; CF. cut; CF. È°µ¿À» ÁÙÀÌ´Â ÀǹÌ
Term
s score
Definition
number of points; written form of a musical composition; reason; group of 20; notch or incision; Ex. full/vocal score; Ex. Don't worry on that score; V: mark with lines or notches; Ex. score the paper to make it easy to fold
Term
s stamp
Definition
step on heavily (so as to crush or extinguish); put an end to; imprint or impress with a mark, design, or seal; shape with a die; characterize; Ex. machine stamping out car bodies; Ex. newspaper stamping him as a liar; N. stamping; implement used to stamp; impression stamped; mark; Ex. Her remarks bear the stamp of truth.
Term
n scourge
Definition
lash; whip (formerly used for punishment); source of severe punishment; V: whip; afflict
Term
n scruple
Definition
hesitate for ethical reasons; fret about; Ex. She did not scruple to read his diary; N: uneasy feeling arising from conscience; conscience
Term
scrupulous
Definition
conscientious; extremely thorough; Ex. scrupulous worker
Term
scrutinize
Definition
examine closely and critically; N. scrutiny
Term
n scuffle
Definition
struggle confusedly; move off in a confused hurry; N. CF. scuffling twins ?
Term
s shuffle
Definition
mix together; jumble; move (something) from one place to another; slide (the feet) along the ground while walking; Ex. shuffle papers from one pile to another; N.
Term
n scurrilous
Definition
abusive; obscene; indecent; Ex. scurrilous remark
Term
n scurry
Definition
move hastily; hurry; move briskly
Term
n scurvy
Definition
contemptible; despicable; N: disease caused by deficiency of Vitamin C
Term
n scuttle
Definition
sink (a ship) by cutting holes in the hull; scrap; discard; N: small hatch in a ship's deck or hull
Term
s hull
Definition
husk; dry outer covering of a seed; frame or body of a ship
Term
n seamy
Definition
sordid; base; filthy; unwholesome; Ex. seamy side of city life
Term
s base
Definition
contemptible; morally bad; inferior in value or quality; Ex. base motives/conduct; Ex. base metal such as iron
Term
n sear
Definition
burn the surface of; char or burn; brand; parch; cause (a plant) to wither
Term
s char
Definition
make or become black by burning; reduce or be reduced to carbon or charcoal(black substance made by burning wood) by incomplete combustion
Term
s scorch
Definition
sear; N.
Term
s brand
Definition
trademark; mark burned on the hide of an animal; mark burned into the flesh of criminals; mark of disgrace; V: mark with a brand; give a lasting bad name; stigmatize; Ex. The press branded him a liar.
Term
s hide
Definition
skin of an animal
Term
seasoned
Definition
experienced
Term
s season
Definition
enhance the flavor of by adding a spice, etc.; inure; harden; N. seasoning: something used in seasoning
Term
s seasonal
Definition
of a particular season; Ex. seasonal rise in employment
Term
s seasonable
Definition
occurring at the proper time or season; opportune; Ex. seasonable intervention in the dispute
Term
secession
Definition
withdrawal; V. secede: withdraw formally from membership
Term
seclusion
Definition
isolation; solitude; V. seclude: set apart from others; isolate
Term
n secrete
Definition
conceal; hide away or cache; produce and release a substance into an organism; CF. secretive
Term
sect
Definition
separate religious body; faction; group of people with common beliefs within a larger group
Term
s sectarian
Definition
of a sect; narrow-minded; parochial; N: member of a sect; narrow-minded person
Term
s denomination
Definition
religious group; unit in a system; name or designation; CF. denominator: common trait or characteristic
Term
secular
Definition
worldly; not pertaining to church matters or religion; temporal
Term
n sedate
Definition
composed (with no excitement); grave; V: administer a sedative to; CF. sedative
Term
sedentary
Definition
requiring sitting; done while sitting; not moving from one place to another; settled; Ex. sedentary job/population
Term
sedition
Definition
conduct or language inciting rebellion; rebellion; resistance to authority; insubordination; ADJ. seditious
Term
n sedulous
Definition
diligent; assiduous; paying attention; N. sedulity
Term
n seedy
Definition
run-down; decrepit; disreputable; having many seeds; Ex. seedy downtown hotel
Term
s run-down
Definition
(of a place) dilapidated; in a bad condition; (of a person) weak or exhausted
Term
n seemly
Definition
(of behavior) proper; appropriate
Term
n seep
Definition
pass slowly through small openings; ooze; trickle; N. seepage
Term
n seethe
Definition
be violently disturbed; boil; (of a liquid) move about wildly as if boiling; Ex. The nation was seething with discontent.
Term
n seine
Definition
seine net; net for catching fish
Term
seismic
Definition
pertaining to earthquakes
Term
n semblance
Definition
outward appearance; guise; Ex. We called in the troops to bring a/some semblance of order to the city.
Term
seminal
Definition
related to seed or semen; germinal; creative; providing a basis for further development; influencing future developments; Ex. seminal research in a new field
Term
n seminary
Definition
school for training future ministers; secondary school, especially for young women
Term
senility
Definition
old age; feeblemindedness of old age; ADJ. senile: resulting from old age; showing the weakness of body or mind from old age; Ex. senile dementia
Term
s feebleminded
Definition
deficient in intelligence; very stupid
Term
n sensitization
Definition
process of being made sensitive or acutely responsive to an external agent or substance; V. sensitize: make or become sensitive
Term
sensual
Definition
devoted to the pleasures of the sense; carnal; voluptuous; Ex. sensual woman/curves/lips
Term
s voluptuous
Definition
sensual; of or giving sensual pleasure; indulging in sensual pleasures; Ex. voluptuous lines; Ex. voluptuous life of the Romans; N. voluptuary: voluptuous person
Term
sensuous
Definition
giving pleasure to the senses; pertaining to the physical senses; operating through the senses; sensuous feeling of soft velvet on the skin
Term
n sententious
Definition
pithy; terse; concise; aphoristic
Term
n sentient
Definition
capable of sensation and conscious; aware; sensitive; Ex. sentient creature; N. sentience
Term
sentinel
Definition
sentry; lookout
Term
s lookout
Definition
act of keeping watch; high place commanding a wide view; person who keeps watch
Term
n septic
Definition
of or causing sepsis; putrid; producing putrefaction; N. sepsis: poisoning of part of the body (producing pus)
Term
n sepulcher
Definition
tomb; V: place in a sepulcher; ADJ. sepulchral
Term
n sequester
Definition
isolate; segregate; seclude; retire from public life
Term
n sere
Definition
sear; parched; dry
Term
n serendipity
Definition
gift for finding valuable things by accident; accidental good fortune or luck; CF. The Three Princes of Serendip
Term
serenity
Definition
calmness; placidity; ADJ. serene
Term
n serpentine
Definition
winding; twisting; of or like a serpent; Ex. serpentine course of the river; N. serpent: snake
Term
n serrated
Definition
having a sawtoothed edge; Ex. serrated leaf
Term
servile
Definition
slavish; cringing; N. servility
Term
servitude
Definition
slavery; compulsory labor imposed as a punishment
Term
n sever
Definition
separate; cut off (a part) from a whole; break up (a relationship); N. severance; CF. severance pay: extra pay given an employee upon leaving a position
Term
severity
Definition
harshness; intensity; sternness; austerity; ADJ. severe: harsh; strict; extremely violent or intense
Term
n sextant
Definition
navigation tool used to determine a ship's latitude and longitude (by measuring the altitudes of stars)
Term
n shackle
Definition
chain; fetter; confine with shackles; N.
Term
n sham
Definition
pretend; feign; ADJ: not genuine; fake; Ex. sham jewelry; N: something that is not what it appears; impostor; pretense; Ex. The agreement was a sham.
Term
n shambles
Definition
(place or scene of) complete disorder or ruin; wreck; mess; Ex. After the hurricane, the coast was a shambles.
Term
n shard
Definition
fragment generally of broken pottery (glass, clay bowl, or cup)
Term
n shaving
Definition
very thin piece, usually of wood (cut from a surface with a sharp blade)
Term
s plane
Definition
carpenter's tool for smoothing and leveling wood; V. CF. flat
Term
n sheaf
Definition
bundle of stalks of grain; any bundle of things tied together
Term
n sheathe
Definition
place into a case; insert into or provide with a sheath; Ex. He sheathed his dagger; N. sheath: case for a blade
Term
n sherbet
Definition
flavored dessert ice
Term
n shimmer
Definition
shine with a flickering light; glimmer intermittently; Ex. The moonlight shimmered on the water; N.
Term
n shirk
Definition
avoid (responsibility, work, etc.); malinger
Term
n shoddy
Definition
made of inferior material; sham; not genuine; inferior; dishonest; Ex. shoddy goods/trick
Term
n shrew
Definition
scolding woman; very small mouselike animal
Term
shrewd
Definition
clever; astute
Term
n shun
Definition
keep away from; avoid deliberately; Ex. She has been shunned by her neighbors.
Term
n shunt
Definition
move (a railway train) from one track to another; turn aside; divert; sidetrack; Ex. shunt traffic around an accident; N.
Term
s sidetrack
Definition
switch (a railroad car) to a siding; divert from a main issue; N. CF. siding: short section of railroad track connected by switches with a main track
Term
n shyster
Definition
lawyer using questionable methods; unscrupulous practioner
Term
sibling
Definition
brother or sister
Term
n sibylline
Definition
prophetic; oracular; N. sibyl: woman prophet (in the ancient world)
Term
n sidereal
Definition
relating to stars; Ex. sidereal day
Term
n silt
Definition
sediment deposited by running water (at the entrance to a harbor or by a bend in a river)
Term
n simian
Definition
monkeylike; N: ape or monkey
Term
simile
Definition
comparison of one thing with another, using the word like or as
Term
n simper
Definition
smirk; smile in a silly way; smile affectedly
Term
simplistic
Definition
oversimplified
Term
simulate
Definition
feign; imitate
Term
n sinecure
Definition
well-paid position with little responsibility; CF. sine cure: without care; CF. San Serif
Term
n sinewy
Definition
(of meat) tough; strong and firm; muscular; N. sinew: tendon; strong cord connecting a muscle to a bone
Term
singular
Definition
being only one; individual; unique; extraordinary; odd; Ex. singular beauty/behavior
Term
sinister
Definition
evil; ominous
Term
n sinuous
Definition
twisting; winding; bending in and out; not morally honest
Term
skeptic
Definition
sceptic; doubter; person who suspends judgment until he has examined the evidence supporting a point of view; ADJ. skeptical; N. skepticism; scepticism
Term
n skiff
Definition
small light sailboat or rowboat
Term
n skimp
Definition
provide or use scantily; live very economically; Ex. skimp on necessities; ADJ. skimpy: inadequate in amount; scanty; stingy; niggardly
Term
n skinflint
Definition
miser; stingy person
Term
skirmish
Definition
minor fight; minor battle in war; V.
Term
n skittish
Definition
inconstant; capricious; frivolous; not serious; Ex. charming but skittish young woman; CF. skit
Term
s frisk
Definition
move about playfully; froric; ADJ. frisky: playful
Term
n skulduggery(skullduggery)
Definition
dishonest behavior or action; Ex. skulduggery in the election
Term
n skulk
Definition
move furtively and secretly; Ex. He skulked through the less fashionable sections of the city.
Term
n slacken
Definition
slow up; loosen; make or become slack
Term
s slack
Definition
moving slowly; sluggish; inactive; (of a rope) loose; negligent; lax; Ex. slack season; Ex. slack in one's work; N. V.
Term
n slag
Definition
glassy residue from smelting metal; dross; waste matter
Term
slake
Definition
satisfy (thirst); quench; sate
Term
slander
Definition
defamation; utterance of false and malicious statements; V. ADJ. slanderous
Term
n slapdash
Definition
hasty and careless; haphazard; sloppy(carelessly done)
Term
n sleazy
Definition
shabby and dirty; flimsy; insubstantial; Ex. sleazy back-street hotel/fabric
Term
n sleeper
Definition
one that achieves unexpected success; something originally of little value or importance that in time becomes very valuable
Term
sleight
Definition
dexterity; CF. sleight of hand: legerdemain; quickness of the hands in doing tricks
Term
n slew
Definition
large quantity or number; Ex. slew of errands left
Term
n slight
Definition
insult to one's dignity; snub; V: treat as if of small importance; insult; snub; ADJ. small in size; of small importance
Term
n slipshod
Definition
slovenly; careless; sloppy; untidy; shabby; Ex. slipshod work
Term
n slither
Definition
slip or slide
Term
sloth
Definition
slow moving tree-dwelling mammal; laziness; ADJ. slothful: lazy; indolent
Term
n slough
Definition
(of a snake) shed or cast off (dead outer skin); N: outer layer that is shed
Term
n slovenly
Definition
untidy; careless in work habits; slipshod; N. sloven: one who is habitually untidy or careless
Term
s sledge
Definition
large sled drawn by work animals
Term
s sleigh
Definition
large vehicle drawn by a horse over snow or ice
Term
n sluggard
Definition
lazy person
Term
sluggish
Definition
lazy; slow; inactive; lethargic; CF. slug: nail with no shell
Term
n sluice
Definition
artificial channel for directing or controlling the flow of water (with a gate to regulate the flow)
Term
n slur
Definition
slander; insult to one's character or reputation; V.
Term
n slur
Definition
pronounce indistinctly; speak indistinctly; mumble
Term
n smattering
Definition
slight knowledge; small scattered number or amount; Ex. smattering of German
Term
n smelt
Definition
melt (ore) for separating and removing the metal; melt or blend ores changing their chemical composition
Term
n smirk
Definition
conceited smile; offensively self-satisfied smile (often at someone else's misfortune); V.
Term
n smolder
Definition
smoulder; burn slowly without flame; be liable to break out at any moment; exist in a suppressed state; Ex. smoldering anger
Term
n snicker
Definition
half-stifled(suppressed) laugh; V.
Term
n snivel
Definition
complain or whine tearfully; run at the nose; snuffle; Ex. Don't come back sniveling to me.
Term
s snuffle
Definition
sniffle; sniff repeatedly (in order to keep liquid from running out of the nose)
Term
sobriety
Definition
moderation (especially regarding indulgence in alcohol); seriousness
Term
s sober
Definition
serious; solemn; not drunken; abstemious or temperate; V: make or become sober
Term
n sodden
Definition
thoroughly soaked; dull or stupid as if from drink
Term
n sojourn
Definition
temporary stay; V: stay for a time
Term
n solace
Definition
comfort in sorrow or trouble; consolation; V: comfort or console in time of sorrow or trouble
Term
n solder
Definition
repair or make whole by using a metal alloy; N: metal alloy (usually tin and lead) used in the molten state to join metallic parts
Term
n solecism
Definition
nonstandard grammatical construction; construction that is flagrantly incorrect grammatically; violation of social etiquette
Term
solemnity
Definition
seriousness; gravity
Term
solicit
Definition
entreat; request earnestly; seek to obtain; Ex. solicit votes; CF. solicitor: one who solicits; chief law officer
Term
n solicitous
Definition
anxious; worried; concerned; eager; Ex. solicitous to do something; N. solicitude
Term
soliloquy
Definition
talking to oneself (esp. in a play); CF. monologue: soliloquy; long speech by one person (often monopolizing a conversation)
Term
solitude
Definition
state of being alone; seclusion; ADJ. solitary: existing or living alone (esp. by choice); remote or secluded; single; sole; Ex. solitary life/inn; Ex. no solitary piece of proof
Term
solstice
Definition
point or time at which the sun is farthest from the equator
Term
soluble
Definition
able to be dissolved in a liquid; able to be worked out or solved
Term
solvent
Definition
able to pay all depths; N. solvency
Term
solvent
Definition
substance that dissolves another; ADJ: capable of dissolving another substance
Term
somatic
Definition
pertaining to the body; bodily; physical
Term
n somber
Definition
dark; gloomy; melancholy; depressing; CF. shadow
Term
somnambulist
Definition
sleepwalker; V. somnambulate; N. somnambulism
Term
n somnolent
Definition
half asleep; drowsy; N. somnolence
Term
n sonorous
Definition
resonant; producing a full deep sound; producing sound
Term
s sonic
Definition
of sound or its speed in air; CF. subsonic, supersonic
Term
s sonnet
Definition
14-line poetic verse form with a fixed rhyme pattern
Term
sophist
Definition
teacher of philosophy; quibbler; employer of fallacious reasoning; N. sophism: plausible but fallacious argument
Term
sophisticated
Definition
worldly wise and urbane; refined; complex; N. sophistication; V. sophisticate
Term
sophistry
Definition
seemingly plausible but fallacious reasoning; sophism
Term
n sophomoric
Definition
immature; half-baked; like a sophomore
Term
n soporific
Definition
sleep-causing; marked by sleepiness; drowsy
Term
n sordid
Definition
filthy; foul; base; vile; Ex. sordid bed/story
Term
n spangle
Definition
small shiny metallic piece sewn to clothing for ornamentation
Term
sparse
Definition
not thick; thinly scattered; scanty
Term
n spartan
Definition
without attention to comfort; lacking luxury and comfort; sternly disciplined; Ex. spartan living condition/life
Term
n spasmodic
Definition
fitful; periodic; of or like a spasm; N. spasm: sudden involuntary muscular contraction; sudden burst of energy or emotion
Term
n spat
Definition
squabble; minor dispute; minor quarrel
Term
n spate
Definition
sudden flood or rush; Ex. spate of accidents
Term
spatial
Definition
relating to space
Term
n spatula
Definition
broad-bladed instrument used for spreading or mixing
Term
spawn
Definition
lay eggs (in large numbers); produce offspring (in large numbers); N: eggs of aquatic animals
Term
specious
Definition
seemingly reasonable but incorrect; misleading (often intentionally)
Term
spectral
Definition
ghostly; N. specter: spectre; ghost; phantom
Term
spectrum
Definition
colored band produced when a beam of light passes through a prism; broad and continuous range; Ex. whole spectrum of modern thoughts
Term
n spendthrift
Definition
someone who wastes money; CF. thrift: accumulated wealth
Term
n sphinx-like
Definition
enigmatic; mysterious
Term
n splice
Definition
join together end to end to make one continuous length; fasten together; unite; Ex. splice two strips of tape; N.
Term
spontaneity
Definition
lack of premeditation; naturalness; freedom from constraint; ADJ. spontaneous: self-generated; unpremeditated; happening without being planned
Term
n spoonerism
Definition
accidental transposition of sounds in successive words; Ex. ``Let me sew you to your sheet'' for ``Let me show you to your seat''; CF. William Spooner
Term
s transpose
Definition
reverse the order or position of
Term
sporadic
Definition
occurring irregularly; intermittent
Term
n sportive
Definition
playful; frolicsome; merry; CF. sport: play or frolic; CF. sportsmanlike
Term
n spruce
Definition
neat and trim in appearance; smart; Ex. Be spruce for your job interview; V.
Term
n spry
Definition
(esp. of older people) vigorously active; nimble
Term
s nimble
Definition
quick in movement; agile; quick in understanding; Ex. nimble climber/mind
Term
n spurious
Definition
false; counterfeit; forged; illogical; Ex. spurious arguments
Term
n spurn
Definition
reject disdainfully; scorn; Ex. She spurned all offers of help.
Term
n squabble
Definition
minor quarrel; bickering; V: engage in a minor quarrel; Ex. squabbling children
Term
n squalor
Definition
condition of being squalid; filth; degradation; dirty neglected state; ADJ. squalid: dirty; sordid; morally repulsive; Ex. squalid story
Term
squander
Definition
waste; spend foolishly
Term
n squat
Definition
short and thick; stocky; Ex. ugly squat tower; V. N.
Term
n staccato
Definition
played in an abrupt manner; marked by abrupt sharp sound; Ex. staccato applause
Term
s legato
Definition
(of music) played smoothly
Term
stagnant
Definition
(of water) not flowing (often bad-smelling); motionless; stale; not developing; inactive; dull; Ex. stagnant industrial output
Term
n staid
Definition
serious and sedate; sober; Ex. staid during the funeral ceremony
Term
stalemate
Definition
deadlock; situation in which further action is blocked
Term
n stalwart
Definition
physically strong; brawny; steadfast; strong in mind or determination; Ex. stalwart supporter; N: stalwart follower
Term
stamina
Definition
power of endurance; strength; staying power
Term
n stanch
Definition
stop or check flow of blood; Ex. stanch the gushing wound
Term
n stanza
Definition
division of a poem (composed of two or more lines)
Term
static
Definition
having no motion; unchanging; lacking development; N. stasis: stable state
Term
statute
Definition
law enacted by the legislature
Term
statutory
Definition
created by statute or legislative action; regulated by statute; Ex. statutory age limit
Term
n steadfast
Definition
steadily loyal; unswerving; steady
Term
stealth
Definition
action of moving secretly or unseen; slyness; sneakiness; secretiveness; ADJ. stealthy
Term
n steep
Definition
soak; saturate; Ex. steep the fabric in the dye bath; ADJ: precipitous
Term
stellar
Definition
pertaining to the stars; of a star performer; outstanding; Ex. stellar attraction of the entire performance
Term
n stem
Definition
stop or check (the flow of); Ex. stem the bleeding from the slashed artery; N: main axis of a plant; stalk
Term
stem_from
Definition
arise from; originate from
Term
n stentorian
Definition
(of the voice) extremely loud; CF. Stentor: a loud herald in the Iliad
Term
stereotype
Definition
one regarded as embodying a set image or type; fixed and unvarying representation; standardized mental picture often reflecting prejudice; Ex. stereotype of the happy slave; V: make a stereotype of; represent by a stereotype; Ex. It is wrong to stereotype people; Ex. stereotyped answer
Term
n stickler
Definition
perfectionist; person who insists things be exactly right
Term
n stifle
Definition
suppress; extinguish; inhibit; smother or suffocate
Term
s smother
Definition
kill from lack of air; suppress; cover thickly; Ex. smothered in little stickers
Term
s suffocate
Definition
die or kill from lack of air; suppress
Term
n stigma
Definition
token of disgrace; brand; V. stigmatize: mark with a stigma; characterize as disgraceful
Term
n stilted
Definition
bombastic; stiffly pompous; Ex. stilted rhetoric; CF. stiff: formal
Term
n stint
Definition
set limits in amount or number; be thrifty; ADJ. stinting, unstinting; CF. stint:savings
Term
n stint
Definition
supply; allotted amount of work; assigned portion of work; limitation; Ex. two-year stint in the army; Ex. without stint
Term
n stipend
Definition
pay for services
Term
n stipple
Definition
paint or draw with dots or short strokes
Term
stipulate
Definition
state as a necessary condition (of an agreement); make express conditions; specify; Ex. He stipulated payment in advance
Term
n stock
Definition
standard; kept regularly in stock or supply; typical; routine; common; Ex. stock sizes of paper; Ex. stock excuse/character; N: goods for sale in a shop; OP. unique
Term
n stockade
Definition
wooden enclosure or pen; fixed line of posts used as defensive barrier
Term
s pen
Definition
fenced enclosure for animals; confining space; Ex. sheep pen; V: confine in a pen; enclose
Term
n stodgy
Definition
dull; stuffy; boringly conservative; Ex. stodgy book
Term
stoic
Definition
stoical; impassive; unmoved by joy or grief; N. CF. stoicism
Term
n stoke
Definition
stir up a fire or furnace; feed plentifully
Term
n stolid
Definition
dull; impassive; showing little emotion when strong feelings are expected
Term
stratagem
Definition
deceptive scheme; clever trick
Term
stratified
Definition
divided into classes; arranged into strata; V. stratify
Term
stratum
Definition
layer of earth's surface; layer of society; PL. strata
Term
n strew
Definition
spread randomly; sprinkle; scatter; Ex. flower girl strewing rose petals
Term
n striated
Definition
marked with parallel bands; striped; grooved; Ex. striated rocks; V. striate; N. stria: thin groove or line
Term
n stricture
Definition
severe and adverse criticism; critical comments; limit or restriction
Term
n strident
Definition
loud and harsh; insistent; N. stridency
Term
stringent
Definition
(of rules) binding; rigid; marked by scarcity of money; Ex. stringent economic conditions
Term
n strut
Definition
pompous walk; V: walk in a self-important manner
Term
n strut
Definition
supporting bar; CF. airplane wingÀ̳ª building µîÀ» support
Term
n studied
Definition
carefully contrived; calculated; unspontaneous; deliberate; thoughtful; Ex. studied remark
Term
n stultify
Definition
make stupid in mind; cause to appear or become stupid or inconsistent; suppress; frustrate or hinder; Ex. stultifying effect of uninteresting work; Ex. stultify free expression
Term
n stupefy
Definition
stun; make numb (as with a drug); amaze
Term
n stupor
Definition
state of being stupefied; state of apathy; daze; lack of awareness
Term
s stun
Definition
make unconscious or numb as by a blow; amaze; astound
Term
s daze
Definition
stun as with a blow or shock; bemuse; benumb; N.
Term
n stygian
Definition
unpleasantly dark; gloomy; hellish; deathly; CF. Styx: the chief river in the subterranean land of the dead
Term
n stymie
Definition
thwart; present an obstacle; stump
Term
s stump
Definition
base of a tree trunk left after the rest has been cut down; V: walk in a heavy manner; baffle; puzzle
Term
n suavity
Definition
urbanity; polish; ADJ. suave: smooth and courteous
Term
n subaltern
Definition
subordinate
Term
subdue
Definition
less intense; quieter; Ex. subdued lighting; Ex. subdue: conquer; make less intense; quiet; Ex. subdue one's anger
Term
subjective
Definition
influenced by personal feelings; occurring or taking place within the mind; unreal; Ex. subjective sensation of the ghostly presence
Term
subjugate
Definition
conquer; bring under control
Term
sublimate
Definition
refine; purify; replace (natural urges) with socially acceptable activities; change between a solid state and a gaseous state
Term
sublime
Definition
causing deep feelings of wonder, joy, respect, etc.; exalted; noble and uplifting; utter
Term
subliminal
Definition
below the threshold of conscious perception; Ex. subliminal advertisement
Term
submissive
Definition
willing to obey orders; yielding; timid
Term
subordinate
Definition
occupying a lower rank; inferior; submissive; N. V: put in a lower rank or class
Term
n suborn
Definition
persuade to act unlawfully (especially to commit perjury); N. subornation
Term
n subpoena
Definition
writ(written command issued by a court) summoning a witness to appear in court; V: summon with a subpoena
Term
subsequent
Definition
following in time or order; later
Term
subservient
Definition
behaving like a slave; servile; obsequious; subordinate; N. subservience
Term
subside
Definition
sink to a lower level; settle down; sink to the bottom (as a sediment); descend; grow quiet; become less; moderate; abate
Term
subsidiary
Definition
serving to assist; subordinate; secondary; of a subsidy; N.
Term
subsidy
Definition
direct financial aid by government, etc.; V. subsidize: assist with a subsidy
Term
subsistence
Definition
existence; means of subsisting; means of support; livelihood; V. subsist: exist; maintain life (at a meager level)
Term
substantial
Definition
of substance; material; solid; essential or fundamental; ample; considerable; well-to-do; wealthy
Term
substantiate
Definition
support (a claim) with evidence; establish with evidence; verify
Term
n substantive
Definition
substantial; essential; pertaining to the substance; substantial; considerable; Ex. substantive issues
Term
n subsume
Definition
include (as a member of a group); encompass
Term
n subterfuge
Definition
stratagem(deceptive scheme); pretense; evasion; Ex. resort to a harmless subterfuge
Term
subtlety
Definition
perceptiveness; ingenuity; delicacy; ADJ. subtle: delicate; so slight as to be difficult to detect; able to make fine distinctions; clever; Ex. subtle mind/differences in meaning
Term
n subversive
Definition
tending to overthrow or ruin; V. subvert: overthrow completely (an established system); destroy completely; CF. undermine ?
Term
succor
Definition
assist (someone in difficulty); aid; comfort; N.
Term
n succulent
Definition
juicy; full of juice or sap; full of richness; N: succulent plant such as a cactus
Term
succumb
Definition
yield (to something overwhelming); give in; die; Ex. succumb to the illness
Term
n suffragist
Definition
advocate of the extension of voting rights (for women); CF. suffrage
Term
n suffuse
Definition
spread through or over (with a color or liquid); charge; Ex. A blush suffused her cheeks.
Term
n sully
Definition
defile; soil; tarnish; Ex. sully one's hands in menial labor
Term
s tarnish
Definition
make or become dull or discolored; N.
Term
sultry
Definition
(of weather) hot; sweltering; sensual; voluptuous
Term
summation
Definition
act of finding the total; summing-up; summary (esp. one given by the judge at the end of a trial)
Term
n sumptuous
Definition
grand suggesting great expense; lavish; rich; Ex. sumptuous feast
Term
n sunder
Definition
separate; part; CF. asunder
Term
n sundry
Definition
miscellaneous; various; several; N. sundries: small miscellaneous items
Term
n superannuated
Definition
retired or disqualified because of age; outmoded; obsolete
Term
supercilious
Definition
haughty; arrogant; condescending; patronizing; CF. eyebrow, cilium
Term
n supererogatory
Definition
superfluous; more than needed or demanded
Term
superficial
Definition
of the surface; not deep; shallow; not thorough; trivial; Ex. superficial analysis/knowledge
Term
superfluous
Definition
excessive; overabundant; unnecessary; N. superfluity
Term
superimpose
Definition
place over something else
Term
n supernumerary
Definition
person or thing excess of what is necessary; extra; ADJ: additional to the usual or necessary number
Term
supersede
Definition
replace; cause to be set aside; make obsolete; N. supersession
Term
n supine
Definition
lying on back; passive; inactive; Ex. The defeated pugilist lay supine; Ex. supine acceptance of the decision
Term
supplant
Definition
take the place of unfairly; usurp; replace
Term
supple
Definition
flexible; limber; pliant
Term
suppliant
Definition
entreating; beseeching; N.
Term
supplicate
Definition
petition humbly; pray to grant a favor
Term
s supplicant
Definition
one who supplicates; ADJ.
Term
supposition
Definition
assumption; hypothesis; surmise; V. suppose
Term
n supposititious
Definition
assumed; counterfeit; hypothetical
Term
suppress
Definition
put an end to forcibly; subdue; stifle; overwhelm; inhibit the expression of; check; prevent from being published or made public; Ex. suppress a smile; Ex. suppress the magazine/truth
Term
n surfeit
Definition
satiate; feed or supply to excess; stuff; indulge to excess in anything; N: surfeiting; excessive amount; Ex. surfeit of food
Term
n surly
Definition
bad-tempered; rude; cross
Term
s cross
Definition
bad-tempered; showing ill-humor; angry
Term
surmise
Definition
guess; N.
Term
surmount
Definition
overcome
Term
surpass
Definition
exceed
Term
surreptitious
Definition
done secretly; secret; furtive; sneaky; hidden
Term
n surrogate
Definition
substitute; person or thing used in place of another; Ex. surrogate mother; ADJ.
Term
surveillance
Definition
close observation of a person (esp. one under suspicion); watching; guarding
Term
n susceptible
Definition
impressionable; easily influenced; sensitive; having little resistance as to a disease; likely to suffer; receptive to; capable of accepting; Ex. susceptible to persuasion/colds; Ex. The agreement is not susceptible of alteration; N. susceptibility
Term
sustain
Definition
suffer (harm or loss); experience; support; prop; maintain; keep in existence; nourish (to maintain life); Ex. sustain the family/the trapped miners
Term
sustenance
Definition
sustaining; means of livelihood, support, food, nourishment; something that maintains life; food
Term
n suture
Definition
stitches sewn to hold the cut edges of a wound or incision; material used in sewing; V: sew together a wound
Term
n swarthy
Definition
(of a skin or complexion) dark; dusky; Ex. swarthy Italian ?
Term
n swathe
Definition
swath; wrap around; bandage; Ex. one's head swathed in bandages
Term
n swelter
Definition
(of a person) suffer from oppressive heat; be oppressed by heat
Term
n swerve
Definition
deviate; turn aside sharply from a straight course; Ex. swerve from the principle; Ex. The car swerved to the right.
Term
n swill
Definition
drink greedily
Term
swindler
Definition
cheater
Term
n sybarite
Definition
lover of luxury; person devoted to pleasure and luxury; CF. Sybaris: an ancient Greek city in Italy
Term
sycophant
Definition
servile flatterer; bootlicker; yes man; ADJ. sycophantic
Term
syllogism
Definition
logical formula consisting of a major premise, a minor premise and a conclusion; deceptive or specious argument
Term
n sylvan
Definition
pertaining to the woods or the country
Term
n symbiosis
Definition
interdependent relationship (between groups, species) often mutually beneficial; ADJ. symbiotic; CF. together + life
Term
symmetry
Definition
arrangement of parts so that balance is obtained; congruity; ADJ. symmetrical
Term
s lopsided
Definition
heavier or larger on one side than the other; Ex. lopsided way of walking
Term
synchronous
Definition
similarly timed; simultaneous with; occurring at the same time; V. synchronize
Term
synoptic
Definition
providing a general overview; summary; N. synopsis
Term
synthesis
Definition
combining parts or separate things into a whole; the whole so formed; PL. syntheses; V. synthesize
Term
synthetic
Definition
not natural; artificial; resulting from synthesis; Ex. synthetic fiber; N.
Term
tacit
Definition
understood (without actually being expressed); not put into words; Ex. tacit agreement
Term
n taciturn
Definition
habitually silent; talking little
Term
tactile
Definition
pertaining to the organs or sense of touch
Term
s tact
Definition
skill or sensitivity in dealing with people without causing offence
Term
n taint
Definition
contaminate; cause to lose purity; modify with a trace of something bad; Ex. tainted reputation; N: stain; touch of decay or bad influence; CF. touch
Term
n talisman
Definition
charm; object believed to give supernatural powers to or protect its bearer
Term
n talon
Definition
claw of bird
Term
n tangential
Definition
only slightly connected; not central; peripheral; digressing; showing divergence; CF. tangent
Term
tangible
Definition
able to be touched; real; concrete; palpable; possible to realize or understand; Ex. tangible proof
Term
n tanner
Definition
person who turns animal hides into leather
Term
s tan
Definition
convert (hide) into leather; make brown by exposure to the sun
Term
n tantalize
Definition
tease; excite by exposing something desirable while keeping it out of reach; torture with disappointment; CF. Tantalus: Greek mythological figure
Term
n tantamount
Definition
equivalent in effect or value; Ex. This invasion is tantamount to a declaration of war; CF. amount
Term
n tantrum
Definition
fit of bad temper; fit of petulance; caprice; Ex. The child went into tantrums.
Term
n taper
Definition
very thin candle; gradual decrease in the width of a long object; V. make or become gradually narrower toward one end
Term
n tarantula
Definition
venomous spider
Term
n tarry
Definition
linger; delay in starting or going; dawdle
Term
n taut
Definition
tight; strained; tense; ready; OP. slack
Term
n tautological
Definition
needlessly repetitious; Ex. ``It was visible to the eye''; N. tautology: needless repetition of the same sense; statement that is always true
Term
n tawdry
Definition
cheap and gaudy; Ex. tawdry jewelry
Term
taxonomist
Definition
specialist in classifying (animals, etc.); CF. taxonomy: science of classification
Term
tedium
Definition
boredom; weariness; ADJ. tedious
Term
n teetotalism
Definition
practice of abstaining totally from alcoholic drinks; N. teetotaler;; ADJ. teetotal; CF. T + total
Term
temerity
Definition
boldness; nerve; rashness; Ex. temerity to ask for a pay increase after only three day's work
Term
temper
Definition
moderate; make less severe; tone down or restrain; toughen (steel) as by alternate heating and cooling
Term
temperament
Definition
characteristic frame of mind; disposition; emotional excess; ADJ. temperamental: of temperament; having frequent changes of temper; Ex. temperamental dislike of sports; Ex. temperamental actress
Term
temperate
Definition
moderate; restrained; self-controlled; moderate in respect to temperature; CF. temperance: moderation and self-restraint; abstinence of alcoholic drinks; Ex. temperance society
Term
n tempestuous
Definition
stormy; violent; impassioned; N. tempest: violent storm
Term
tempo
Definition
speed of music
Term
n temporal
Definition
of time; not lasting forever; limited by time; temporary; secular; worldly
Term
n temporize
Definition
gain time as by postponing an action; avoid committing oneself
Term
tenacious
Definition
holding fast (as to a belief); persistent
Term
tenacity
Definition
firmness; persistence
Term
n tendentious
Definition
promoting a particular point of view; biased; having an aim; designed to further a cause; Ex. tendentious rather than truth-seeking; CF. tend: move in a certain direction
Term
tender
Definition
offer formally; extend; Ex. tender one's resignation/the exact fare; N: formal offer; money; Ex. legal tender; ADJ: young and vulnerable; sensitive to the touch; sore; soft; delicate; Ex. child of tender years; Ex. tender wound
Term
tenet
Definition
doctrine; dogma
Term
n tensile
Definition
capable of being stretched; of tension; Ex. tensile rubber
Term
s tension
Definition
stretching; condition of being stretched; mental strain; strained relationship between groups or people
Term
n tentative
Definition
not fully worked out or developed; provisional; experimental; uncertain; hesitant; not definite or positive; Ex. tentative agreement/reply
Term
n tenuous
Definition
thin; slim; rare
Term
tenure
Definition
holding of an office or real estate; time during which such an office is held
Term
n tepid
Definition
lukewarm; slightly warm; ¹ÌÁö±ÙÇÑ; half-hearted; not eager; Ex. tepid reaction to the new film; Ex. tepid supporter
Term
termination
Definition
end; V. terminate
Term
terminology
Definition
terms used in a science or art; study of nomenclature
Term
n terminus
Definition
last stop of railroad; end
Term
s terminal
Definition
part that forms the end; railroad or bus station; ADJ. forming an end; ending in death; fatal; Ex. terminal cancer
Term
terrestrial
Definition
on or relating to the earth
Term
terse
Definition
concise; abrupt; pithy
Term
n tertiary
Definition
third in order or rank
Term
n tessellated
Definition
mosaic; inlaid; Ex. tessellated pattern
Term
n testator
Definition
maker of a will; CF. testatrix
Term
n testy
Definition
irritable; impatient and bad-tempered; short-tempered; N. testiness
Term
n tether
Definition
tie (an animal) with a rope or tether; N: rope or chain to which an animal is tied; limit of one's endurance; Ex. the end of one's tether
Term
thematic
Definition
of a theme; relating to a unifying motif or idea
Term
theocracy
Definition
government run by religious leaders
Term
theoretical
Definition
based on theory; not practical or applied; hypothetical
Term
therapeutic
Definition
curative; N. therapy
Term
n thermal
Definition
pertaining to heat; producing heat; warm; Ex. thermal bath; N: rising current of warm air
Term
n thespian
Definition
pertaining to drama; N: actor or actress
Term
s drama
Definition
prose or verse composition to be performed by actors; play; exciting and unusual situation
Term
n thrall
Definition
slave; bondage; slavery; Ex. Her beauty held him in thrall; CF. enthrall
Term
n threadbare
Definition
worn through till the threads show; shabby and poor; hackneyed; Ex. threadbare excuses
Term
thrifty
Definition
careful about money; economical; N. thrift
Term
thrive
Definition
prosper; flourish
Term
throes
Definition
violent anguish
Term
n throng
Definition
crowd (of people or things); V.
Term
n throttle
Definition
strangle; regulate the speed of with a throttle; N: valve that regulates the flow; CF. throat ?
Term
s strangle
Definition
kill by choking or suffocating; suppress
Term
thwart
Definition
block or hinder; baffle; frustrate
Term
n tightwad
Definition
miser; excessively frugal person
Term
n tiller
Definition
handle used to move boat's rudder (to steer)
Term
n timbre
Definition
quality of a musical tone produced by a musical instrument (which distinguishes it from others of the same pitch)
Term
timidity
Definition
lack of self-confidence or courage
Term
timorous
Definition
fearful; timid; demonstrating fear
Term
n tipple
Definition
drink (alcoholic beverages) frequently; N: alcoholic drink
Term
n tirade
Definition
long angry denunciatory speech; diatribe; harangue; extended scolding; denunciation
Term
s tardy
Definition
slow; sluggish; not on time; late; Ex. tardy arrival
Term
titanic
Definition
gigantic; N. titan
Term
n tithe
Definition
tax of one-tenth (contributed to a church); V: pay a tithe
Term
n titillate
Definition
tickle; excite pleasantly; Ex. not to titillate the audience but to enlighten it
Term
s tickle
Definition
touch (the body) lightly so as to cause laughter; please
Term
title
Definition
name (of a book, film, etc.); mark of rank; formal appellation as of rank or office (such as Lord or General); right or claim to possession; championship; Ex. title as head of the family; Ex. title to the estate
Term
n titter
Definition
nervous giggle; nervous laugh; V.
Term
n titular
Definition
of a title; in name only; nominal; having the title of an office without the obligations; Ex. titular head of the company
Term
n toady
Definition
servile flatterer; yes man; sycophant; V: be a toady to; fawn
Term
n toga
Definition
Roman outer robe
Term
tome
Definition
large volume; book
Term
s handsome
Definition
large in quantity; generous; Ex. handsome reward
Term
n tonsure
Definition
shaving of the head especially by person entering religious orders; V.
Term
n topography
Definition
physical features of a region (such as the shape and height); CF. topo-: place
Term
s torpedo
Definition
underwater explosive apparatus; V.
Term
torpor
Definition
lethargy; sluggishness; dormancy; ADJ. torpid: lethargic; lazy; inactive; (of an animal) dormant; hibernating
Term
n torque
Definition
twisting force; force producing rotation
Term
n torrent
Definition
rushing stream; flood; Ex. The rain fell in torrents.
Term
n torrid
Definition
(of weather) hot or scorching; passionate; Ex. torrid love affairs
Term
n torso
Definition
trunk of statue with head and limbs missing; human trunk
Term
s trunk
Definition
main wooden stem of a tree; human body excluding the head and limbs; torso; prehensile nose of an elephant
Term
n tortuous
Definition
winding; full of curves; Ex. tortuous mountain road
Term
n totter
Definition
shake or move unsteadily; sway as if about to fall
Term
touchstone
Definition
stone used to test the fineness of gold alloys; criterion; standard
Term
n touchy
Definition
oversensitive; easily offended; irasible; delicate; needing delicate handling; Ex. touchy situation
Term
n tout
Definition
promote or publicize (one's goods or service); praise excessively (as a form of advertisement); CF. advertise
Term
toxic
Definition
poisonous; N. toxicity
Term
n tract
Definition
propaganda pamphlet (esp. by a religious or political group); expanse of land; region of indefinite size; system of related organs; Ex. digestive tract
Term
tractable
Definition
docile; easily managed; (of something) easily changed or molded; N. tractability
Term
traduce
Definition
expose to slander
Term
trajectory
Definition
path taken by a projectile; Ex. trajectory of a bullet
Term
s elevation
Definition
elevated position; altitude; height; flat upright side of a building; angle made by pointing a gun; Ex. The elevation of her style is much admired; Ex. front elevation of the house
Term
tranquillity
Definition
calmness; peace
Term
transcendent
Definition
exceeding ordinary limits; superior; surpassing; V. transcend: go beyond; exceed; surpass; N. transcendancy
Term
s transcendental
Definition
going beyond common thought or ideas; impossible to understand by practical experiences or practices; known only by studying thoughts or intuition; OP. empirical; CF. transcendentalism
Term
transcribe
Definition
copy; write a copy of; N. transcription
Term
transgression
Definition
violation of a law; sin; V. transgress: go beyond (a limit); violate; do wrong
Term
transient
Definition
staying for a short time; momentary; temporary; N: one that is transient
Term
transition
Definition
going from one state of action to another
Term
transitory
Definition
transient; impermanent; fleeting; N. transitoriness
Term
translucent
Definition
partly transparent
Term
transmute
Definition
transform; change; convert to something different
Term
transparent
Definition
permitting light to pass through freely; easily detected; obvious; clear; Ex. transparent lie
Term
n transpire
Definition
(of a fact) become known; be revealed; happen; give off (watery waste matter) through pores
Term
n transport
Definition
strong emotion; rapture; Ex. in a transport/transports of; V: move to strong emotion; enrapture
Term
n trappings
Definition
outward decorations; ornaments (as an outward sign of rank)
Term
n traumatic
Definition
(of an experience) deeply shocking; pertaining to an injury caused by violence; N. trauma: serious wound; emotional shock that causes lasting psychological damage
Term
n travail
Definition
strenuous work; toil; painful labor; labor of childbirth
Term
traverse
Definition
go through or across
Term
n travesty
Definition
copy or example of something that completely misrepresents the true nature of the real thing; comical parody or imitation; treatment aimed at making something appear ridiculous; Ex. travesty of justice; OP. paragon
Term
treatise
Definition
article treating a subject systematically and thoroughly
Term
n trek
Definition
travel; journey; V: make a long difficult journey
Term
tremor
Definition
trembling; slight quiver (as of the earth or from nervous agitation)
Term
tremulous
Definition
trembling; wavering
Term
trenchant
Definition
cutting; incisive; keen
Term
s furrow
Definition
long shallow trench made by a plow; deep wrinkle in the skin; V.
Term
trepidation
Definition
fear; nervous apprehension
Term
n tribulation
Definition
suffering; ordeal; distress; trial
Term
n tribunal
Definition
court of justice
Term
s tribune
Definition
official of ancient Rome elected by the plebians to protect their rights; protector of the people
Term
tribute
Definition
tax levied by a ruler; payment made by one nation to another in acknowledgment of submission; mark of respect (such as praise or gift); Ex. pay tribute to
Term
n trident
Definition
three-pronged spear
Term
s prong
Definition
pointed projecting part
Term
trifling
Definition
trivial; unimportant
Term
s trifle
Definition
something of little importance or value; small amount; Ex. a trifle; V: treat without seriousness; flirt
Term
trigger
Definition
set off; start
Term
n trilogy
Definition
group of three related works (connected by a shared subject but each complete in itself)
Term
n trinket
Definition
knickknack; bauble; cheap jewelry
Term
trite
Definition
hackneyed; commonplace
Term
trivia
Definition
trifles; unimportant matters
Term
n troth
Definition
pledge of good faith especially in betrothal; betrothal; Ex. by my troth
Term
n trough
Definition
long narrow container for feeding farm animals; lowest point (of a wave, business cycle, etc.); long narrow depression as between waves
Term
n truculence
Definition
aggressiveness; ferocity; ADJ. truculent: aggressive; pugnacious; fierce
Term
n truism
Definition
self-evident truth
Term
truncate
Definition
cut the top off; shorten
Term
n tryst
Definition
meeting arranged by lovers; arrangement between lovers to meet
Term
n tumid
Definition
(of a part of the body) swollen; distended; bombastic; pompous
Term
n overblown
Definition
inflated; exaggerated
Term
n tumult
Definition
commotion of a great crowd; riot; noise; uproar; ADJ. tumultuous: noisy and disorderly
Term
tundra
Definition
rolling treeless plain in Siberia and arctic North America
Term
s rolling
Definition
(of land) rising and falling in long gentle slopes; happening continuously by stages; Ex. rolling devolution of power to local governments
Term
n turbid
Definition
(of a liquid) having the sediment disturbed; muddy; thick
Term
turbulence
Definition
state of violent agitation; ADJ. turbulent: violently agitated or disturbed
Term
n tureen
Definition
deep dish for serving soup
Term
n turgid
Definition
swollen; distended (as from liquid)
Term
n turmoil
Definition
extreme confusion; great commotion and confusion; Ex. throw the country into turmoil
Term
n turncoat
Definition
traitor
Term
n turpitude
Definition
depravity; baseness; Ex. moral turpitude
Term
n tutelage
Definition
guardianship; training; function of a tutor; instruction
Term
n tutelary
Definition
protective; pertaining to a guardianship; Ex. tutelary deities
Term
n tycoon
Definition
wealthy and powerful businessperson; wealthy leader; magnate; Ex. business tycoon
Term
typhoon
Definition
tropical hurricane or cyclone
Term
tyranny
Definition
oppression; cruel government; ADJ. tyrannical: of a tyrant or tyranny; despotic; V. tyrannize: treat tyrannically; oppress
Term
tyro
Definition
beginner; novice
Term
ubiquitous
Definition
being everywhere; omnipresent; N. ubiquity
Term
s wade
Definition
walk through a substance, such as water, that impedes movement
Term
n ulterior
Definition
intentionally hidden; beyond what is evident; situated beyond; unstated and often questionable; Ex. ulterior motive
Term
ultimate
Definition
final; not susceptible to further analysis; fundamental; Ex. The sun is the ultimate source of energy.
Term
s eventual
Definition
happening at last as a result; Ex. eventual victory
Term
n ultimatum
Definition
last demand; last warning; last statement of conditions that must be met; Ex. They have ignored our ultimatum.
Term
n umbrage
Definition
resentment; anger; sense of injury or insult; Ex. take umbrage at his rudeness
Term
unaccountable
Definition
unexplicable; impossible to account for; unreasonable or mysterious
Term
unanimity
Definition
complete agreement; ADJ. unanimous
Term
unassailable
Definition
not open to attack; impregnable; not subject to question
Term
unassuaged
Definition
unsatisfied; not soothed
Term
n unassuming
Definition
modest; Ex. the champion's unassuming manner
Term
n unbridled
Definition
violent; uncontrolled; Ex. unbridled rage/greed
Term
s bridle
Definition
harness fitted about a horse's head (used to restrain); curb; check; V: put a bridle on; control or restrain; show anger
Term
n uncanny
Definition
strange; mysterious; Ex. uncanny knack
Term
s knack
Definition
special talent; art
Term
n unconscionable
Definition
unscrupulous; not guided by conscience; excessive; beyond reason; Ex. unconscionable demand
Term
n uncouth
Definition
boorish; clumsy in speech or behavior; outlandish
Term
n unction
Definition
the act of anointing with oil; Ex. extreme unction
Term
n unctuous
Definition
oily; bland; insincerely suave
Term
underlying
Definition
lying below; fundamental
Term
undermine
Definition
weaken gradually; sap; dig a mine beneath
Term
underscore
Definition
underline; emphasize
Term
undulating
Definition
moving with a wavelike motion; V. undulate; CF. und: wave
Term
n unearth
Definition
dig up; discover (facts) by careful searching; Ex. He unearthed some secrets about her; OP. conceal
Term
n unearthly
Definition
not earthly; supernatural; weird; ghostly
Term
s weird
Definition
eerie; strange; unnatural
Term
unequivocal
Definition
plain; clear; obvious
Term
unerringly
Definition
infallibly; ADJ. unerring: making no mistakes
Term
n unexceptionable
Definition
entirely acceptable; not offering any basis for criticism
Term
unfaltering
Definition
steadfast; firm; not changing
Term
unfeigned
Definition
genuine; real
Term
unfetter
Definition
liberate; free from chains; V. unfetter
Term
s hostage
Definition
person who is kept as a prisoner by an enemy so that the other side will do what the enemy demands
Term
n unfledged
Definition
immature; not having the feathers necessary to fly; CF. fledgling
Term
unfrock
Definition
defrock; strip a priest or minister of church authority
Term
s disbar
Definition
make (a lawyer) leave the bar or the legal profession
Term
s debar
Definition
bar; forbid; exclude; Ex. debarred from jury services
Term
s bar
Definition
railing in a courtroom; legal profession; vertical line dividing a staff into equal measures; Ex. prisoner at the bar; V: shut in or out with bars; forbid; exclude; CF. barrister
Term
s bastard
Definition
illegitimate child
Term
n ungainly
Definition
(of someone) awkward in movement; clumsy; (of something) unwieldy; Ex. ungainly dancer/instrument
Term
n unguent
Definition
ointment
Term
uniformity
Definition
sameness; monotony; ADJ. uniform: the same all over
Term
n unilateral
Definition
one-sided; involving or affecting only one side; Ex. unilateral declaration
Term
n unimpeachable
Definition
that cannot be impeached; beyond doubt or question; blameless and exemplary
Term
uninhibited
Definition
unrepressed; free in behavior and feelings
Term
unintimating
Definition
unfrightening
Term
unique
Definition
without an equal; single in kind
Term
n unison
Definition
unity of pitch (in musical performance); complete accord; Ex. The choir sang in unison.
Term
s choir
Definition
group of people who sing together (esp. during religious services); place for choir
Term
universal
Definition
characterizing or affecting all; general; present everywhere; of the universe; cosmic; Ex. universal agreement; Ex. a subject of universal interest
Term
n unkempt
Definition
disheveled; uncared for in appearance; not combed; CF. comb
Term
n unmitigated
Definition
(of something bad) not moderated; unrelieved or immoderate; without qualification; absolute; Ex. unmitigated disaster
Term
n unobtrusive
Definition
inconspicuous; not blatant
Term
unprecedented
Definition
having no previous example; novel; unparalleled
Term
n unprepossessing
Definition
unattractive
Term
s prepossessing
Definition
attractive; CF. preoccupying ?
Term
unravel
Definition
disentangle; solve
Term
unrequited
Definition
not requited; not reciprocated; Ex. unrequited love
Term
unruly
Definition
disobedient; lawless; difficult to control
Term
unsavory
Definition
distasteful; disagreeable; morally offensive; Ex. unsavory activity/reputation
Term
n unscathed
Definition
unharmed; Ex. escape the accident unscathed
Term
n unseemly
Definition
unbecoming; not proper in behavior; indecent; Ex. leave with unseemly haste
Term
n unsightly
Definition
ugly; unpleasant to look at
Term
n unsullied
Definition
untarnished; CF. sully
Term
n untenable
Definition
(of a position, esp. in an argument) indefensible; not able to be maintained
Term
n untoward
Definition
unexpected and adverse; unfortunate or unlucky; Ex. untoward encounter
Term
unwarranted
Definition
unjustified; having no justification; groundless; baseless; undeserved
Term
unwieldy
Definition
awkward (to carry or move); cumbersome; unmanageable
Term
n unwitting
Definition
not knowing; unaware; unintentional; Ex. She was their unwitting accomplice; Ex. unwitting insult; CF. wit: know
Term
n unwonted
Definition
unaccustomed; unusual; Ex. He arrived with unwonted punctuality.
Term
n upbraid
Definition
reprimand; severely scold
Term
s braid
Definition
plait; interweave strands or lengths of; make by weaving strands together; N: braided segment (as of hair)
Term
n uproarious
Definition
marked by commotion or uproar; very noisy (esp. with laughter); hilarious; causing loud laughter; extremely funny
Term
s uproar
Definition
noisy confusion
Term
n upshot
Definition
outcome; final result
Term
n urbane
Definition
suave; refined in manner; elegant
Term
n urchin
Definition
mischievous child (usually a boy); CF. urchin: hedgehog; CF. porcupine: pig with spikes ?; CF. sea urchin
Term
ursine
Definition
bearlike; pertaining to a bear
Term
n usurp
Definition
seize another's power or rank (without legal authority); supplant; appropriate; N. usurpation; CF. take for one's own use
Term
n usury
Definition
lending money at illegal high rates of interest
Term
utopia
Definition
ideal place, state, or society; ADJ. utopian
Term
s Shangri-la
Definition
imaginary remote paradise on earth; CF. Lost Horizon
Term
n uxorious
Definition
excessively submissive or devoted to one's wife; CF. uxor: wife
Term
n vacillate
Definition
waver (in opinion); fluctuate; sway to and fro; N. vacillation
Term
n vacuous
Definition
empty; lacking in ideas; inane; stupid; Ex. vacuous expression; N. vacuity
Term
vagabond
Definition
wanderer (without a permanent home); tramp
Term
s tramp
Definition
walk with a heavy step; travel on foot; N: vagrant; one who travels aimlessly about; long walk; sound of heavy walking
Term
s trample
Definition
step heavily with the feet; crush under the feet
Term
s tread
Definition
walk; trample; N: grooved face of a tire; horizontal part of a step
Term
n vagary
Definition
capricious happening; caprice; whim; CF. wander
Term
vagrant
Definition
wandering from place to place; roving; stray; moving in a random fashion; Ex. vagrant thoughts; N. vagrancy
Term
vagrant
Definition
homeless wanderer
Term
n vainglorious
Definition
boastful; excessively conceited; N. vainglory: great vanity
Term
valedictory
Definition
pertaining to farewell; N: farewell address (esp. at graduation exercises)
Term
s valediction
Definition
saying farewell; expression of leave-taking
Term
s leave-taking
Definition
farewell or departure
Term
valid
Definition
logically convincing; sound; legally acceptable; effective; Ex. valid reasoning/passport
Term
s sound
Definition
in good condition; showing good judgment or good sense; thorough; complete; Ex. sound mind/investment/training
Term
validate
Definition
make valid; confirm; ratify
Term
valor
Definition
bravery; ADJ. valiant: possessing valor; brave
Term
vampire
Definition
ghostly being that sucks the blood of the living
Term
n vanguard
Definition
forerunners; foremost position of an army; advance forces; foremost position in a trend or movement; CF. rearguard
Term
s avantgarde
Definition
group of artists whose work is based on the newest ideas and methods; CF. vanguard
Term
vantage
Definition
position giving an advantage (such as a strategic point); CF. vantagepoint
Term
n vapid
Definition
lacking liveliness; dull and unimaginative; insipid and flavorless; Ex. vapid lecture
Term
vaporize
Definition
turn into vapor (steam, gas, fog, etc.)
Term
n variegated
Definition
(esp. of a flower or leaf) many-colored
Term
s variegate
Definition
change the appearance of (by marking with different colors)
Term
n vassal
Definition
in feudalism, one who held land of a superior lord; subordinate or dependent
Term
n vaunted
Definition
boasted; bragged; highly publicized; V. vaunt: boast; brag
Term
n veer
Definition
change in direction; swerve
Term
n vegetate
Definition
live in a monotonous way (without interests or activity); CF. vegetation: plants of an area; CF. vegetarian; CF. vegan
Term
vehement
Definition
forceful; intensely emotional; with marked vigor; strong; N. vehemence
Term
velocity
Definition
speed
Term
n venal
Definition
capable of being bribed; corrupt; CF. vernal
Term
n vendetta
Definition
blood feud (esp. between two families); CF. Nina Williams
Term
vendor
Definition
seller
Term
n veneer
Definition
thin surface layer (of good quality wood, glued to a base of inferior material); cover; surface show; fa\c{c}ade; V.
Term
n venerable
Definition
deserving high respect; commanding respect; CF. command: deserve and get
Term
n venerate
Definition
revere; treat with great respect
Term
n venial
Definition
(of a fault or sin) forgivable; trivial
Term
n venison
Definition
meat of a deer; CF. cow: beef; CF. pig: pork, ham, bacon; CF. calf: veal; CF. sheep: mutton; CF. lamb: lamb
Term
n venom
Definition
poison (of an animal); hatred; Ex. remarks full of venom; ADJ. venomous
Term
n vent
Definition
small opening; outlet (as of fumes or a gas); Ex. He gave vent to his anger by kicking the chair.
Term
n vent
Definition
release or discharge through a vent; express (esp. unfairly); utter; Ex. He vented his wrath on his family.
Term
s ventilate
Definition
admit fresh air into to replace stale air
Term
n ventral
Definition
abdominal
Term
ventriloquist
Definition
someone who can make his or her voice seem to come from another person or thing (without moving lips or jaws); N. ventriloquism, ventriloquy
Term
venture
Definition
risk; expose to risk; dare; undertake a risk; N.
Term
s brave
Definition
face courageously; Ex. brave the storm
Term
venturesome
Definition
(of a person) bold; adventurous; daring; (of an action) risky
Term
n venue
Definition
location; place (of a crime, trial, gathering, etc.); CF. come
Term
n veracious
Definition
(of a person) truthful
Term
n veracity
Definition
truthfulness; adherence to the truth
Term
verbalize
Definition
put into words; ADJ. verbal: of words; spoken rather than written; oral; of a verb
Term
verbatim
Definition
word for word; in the same words; repeating the actual words exactly
Term
verbiage
Definition
pompous array of words; too many unnecessary words; wordiness
Term
verbose
Definition
wordy; N. verbosity
Term
n verdant
Definition
green; covered with green plants or grass; lush in vegetation; Ex. verdant meadows
Term
s lush
Definition
(of a plant or grass) growing very well
Term
n verdigris
Definition
green coating or patina on copper which has been exposed to the weather
Term
verge
Definition
border; edge, rim, or margin; Ex. on the verge of: very near to; V: border on
Term
n verisimilar
Definition
having the appearance of truth or reality; probable or likely to be true; plausible
Term
n verisimilitude
Definition
appearance of truth; quality of appearing to be true or real; likelihood; Ex. verisimilitude of her performance as Lady Macbeth
Term
n veritable
Definition
being truly so; real or genuine; actual; not false or imaginary
Term
verity
Definition
quality of being true; lasting truth or principle; Ex. the verity of his testimony; Ex. one of the eternal verities
Term
n vernacular
Definition
living language (as compared to the official language); language spoken in a country or region; natural style; Ex. lapse into the vernacular
Term
n vernal
Definition
pertaining to spring
Term
versatile
Definition
having many talents; capable of working in many fields; having many uses or functions; N. versatility
Term
vertex
Definition
summit; highest point; PL. vertices
Term
vertigo
Definition
severe dizziness; giddiness
Term
n verve
Definition
enthusiasm (as in artistic performance or composition); liveliness; vigor
Term
vestige
Definition
trace; remains; Ex. vestiges of some ancient religion
Term
s veto
Definition
vested power to reject a bill; exercise of this right; V: prevent or forbid by exercising the power of veto
Term
vex
Definition
annoy; distress
Term
viable
Definition
capable of maintaining life; feasible; practical or workable; Ex. viable scheme
Term
n viand
Definition
food; CF. live
Term
n vicarious
Definition
experienced as if one were taking part in the experience of another; done by a deputy for other people; acting as a substitute; Ex. vicarious thrill at the movies; Ex. the vicarious sufferings of Christ
Term
s vicar
Definition
parish priest; representative
Term
n vicissitude
Definition
change (esp. from good to bad); change of fortune; CF. the last emperor of China
Term
n victuals
Definition
food; provisions; V. victual: provide with food
Term
vie
Definition
contend; compete
Term
vigilant
Definition
watchful; on the alert; watchfully awake; alert to spot danger; N. vigilance
Term
s vigil
Definition
keeping watch (during normal sleeping hours); Ex. all-night vigil
Term
s vigilante
Definition
one who without authority assumes law enforcement powers
Term
vigor
Definition
active strength; energy; enthusiasm; ADJ. vigorous
Term
n vignette
Definition
small drawing placed at the beginning or end of a chapter; picture; short literary sketch; short written description of a character or scene
Term
n vilify
Definition
slander; speak evil of; N. vilification
Term
n vindicate
Definition
clear from blame; free from blame or accusation (with supporting proof); exonerate; substantiate; justify or support; avenge; Ex. vindicate one's client; Ex. vindicate one's claim; CF. vindicator
Term
n vindictive
Definition
disposed to revenge; vengeful; out for revenge; spiteful; intended to cause harm; malicious; Ex. vindictive streak
Term
n vintner
Definition
wine merchant; winemaker; seller of wine
Term
viper
Definition
poisonous snake
Term
virile
Definition
manly; having masculine spirit or strength; full of strength
Term
virtual
Definition
in essence; existing in essence though not in actual form; for practical purposes; Ex. virtual ruler/space
Term
virtue
Definition
goodness; moral excellence; good quality; advantage; Ex. by virtue of; Ex. make a virtue of necessity
Term
n virtuoso
Definition
highly skilled artist (esp. in music); Ex. piano virtuoso
Term
n virulent
Definition
(of a disease or poison) extremely harmful or poisonous; (of a feeling) hostile; bitter; N. virulence; CF. virus; CF. venom
Term
virus
Definition
disease communicator
Term
n visage
Definition
face; appearance
Term
n visceral
Definition
felt in one's inner organs; N. viscera: internal body organs; CF. eviscerate
Term
n viscid
Definition
adhesive; gluey
Term
viscous
Definition
(of a liquid) thick and sticky; gluey; viscid; CF. consistency
Term
n vise
Definition
vice; tool for holding work in place; clamping device
Term
n visionary
Definition
produced by imagination; fanciful; mystical; showing foresight; N: one having foresight; one given to speculative impractical ideas
Term
s vision
Definition
eyesight; foresight; mental image produced by the imagination; experience of seeing the supernatural
Term
vital
Definition
full of life; animated; vibrant and lively; critical; of great importance; necessary to stay alive; of life; living; breathing; N. vitality; V. vitalize
Term
s vibrant
Definition
full of vigor or energy; vibrating
Term
n vitiate
Definition
spoil the effect of; make inoperative; corrupt morally
Term
n vitreous
Definition
of glass; pertaining to or resembling glass; V. vitrify: change into glass; CF. petrify
Term
n vitriolic
Definition
causing sharp pain to the mind; caustic; corrosive; sarcastic; of vitriol; N. vitriol: sulphuric acid (which burns flesh deeply); bitterly abusive expression; caustic expression; CF. glass
Term
n vituperative
Definition
abusive; scolding; V. vituperate: berate; scold; rail against abusively
Term
n vivacious
Definition
lively or animated; sprightly
Term
s sprightly
Definition
lively
Term
vivisection
Definition
act of dissecting living animals
Term
n vixen
Definition
female fox; ill-tempered woman; CF. shrew
Term
vociferous
Definition
clamorous; noisy; V. vociferate: cry out loudly (when complaining)
Term
n vogue
Definition
popular fashion; Ex. Jeans became the vogue.
Term
n volatile
Definition
changeable; of a quickly changing nature (as of temper); mercurial; tending to violence; evaporating rapidly; Ex. volatile character/situation in the street
Term
volition
Definition
act of using one's will; act of making a conscious choice; Ex. She selected this dress of her own volition.
Term
voluble
Definition
fluent; talkative; glib; N. volubility
Term
s volley
Definition
simultaneous discharge of a number of shots; V.
Term
voluminous
Definition
having great volume (as of a garment or container); bulky; large
Term
s bulk
Definition
size or volume (esp. when very large); main part; Ex. The bulk of the work has already been done; ADJ. bulky: having great size
Term
s voodoo
Definition
religion practiced chiefly in Haiti
Term
voracious
Definition
ravenous; eating large quantities of food; exceedingly eager; insatiable; Ex. voracious animal/reader
Term
vortex
Definition
whirlwind; whirlpool; center of turbulence; predicament into which one is inexorably plunged
Term
n vouchsafe
Definition
grant condescendingly; guarantee; Ex. vouchsafe your fair return on your investment
Term
s vouch
Definition
give a personal guarantee; Ex. I can vouch for his integrity; N. voucher
Term
n voyeur
Definition
Peeping Tom; person who derives sexual gratification from observing the sexual acts of others
Term
vulnerable
Definition
susceptible to wounds or attack; N. vulnerability
Term
n vulpine
Definition
like a fox; crafty
Term
s craft
Definition
skill (esp. with one's hands); skill in deceiving people; guile; ADJ. crafty: cleverly deceitful; cunning
Term
s vulture
Definition
carrion-eating birds
Term
s vying
Definition
contending; CF. vie
Term
n waffle
Definition
speak equivocally about an issue; N.
Term
n waft
Definition
move gently (in air or in seas) by wind or waves; Ex. leaves wafting past the window
Term
n waggish
Definition
humorous; mischievous; tricky
Term
s wag
Definition
shake repeatedly from side to side; Ex. The dog wagged its tail; N: humorous person; wit
Term
n waif
Definition
homeless child or animal; Ex. waifs and strays
Term
waive
Definition
give up temporarily; yield; N. waiver: waiving a right or claim; document that waives a right or claim
Term
n wake
Definition
trail of ship or other object through water; path of something that has gone before; Ex. hunger followed in the wake of the war
Term
n wallow
Definition
roll in mud; indulge in; (of a ship) roll in a rough sea; become helpless; Ex. wallow in the mud/luxury
Term
n wan
Definition
having a pale or sickly color; pallid
Term
n wanderlust
Definition
strong longing to travel
Term
n wane
Definition
decrease in size or strength (after being full); grow gradually to an end; Ex. The moon waxes and wanes every month; N.
Term
n wangle
Definition
achieve by cleverness or trick; wiggle out; fake; Ex. She tried to wangle an invitation to the party.
Term
s wiggle
Definition
wriggle; move from side to side with irregular twisting motions
Term
s fake
Definition
not genuine; N: one that is not genuine; impostor; sham; V: counterfeit; Ex. fake the results of the experiment/the signature
Term
n wanton
Definition
unrestrained; gratuitously cruel; willfully malicious; unchaste; sexually improper; promiscuous; Ex. wanton spending/killing; CF. having no just cause
Term
n warble
Definition
(of a bird) sing; babble; N.
Term
s warp
Definition
twist out of shape; N.
Term
warranted
Definition
justified; authorized
Term
s warrant
Definition
justification; written order that serves as authorization (esp. a judicial writ); Ex. search/death warrant; V: justify; guarantee
Term
warranty
Definition
guarantee; assurance by seller
Term
n warren
Definition
tunnels in which rabbits live; overcrowded living area; crowded conditions in which people live
Term
wary
Definition
very cautious; watchful
Term
n wastrel
Definition
waster; profligate
Term
n wax
Definition
increase gradually (as the moon); grow
Term
n waylay
Definition
ambush; lie in wait for and attack
Term
s ambush
Definition
act of lying in wait to attack by surprise; sudden attack made from a concealed position; Ex. lie in ambush; V.
Term
n wean
Definition
accustom a baby not to nurse; accustom (the young of a mammal) to take nourishment other than by suckling; give up a cherished activity; cause to gradually leave (an interest or habit); Ex. wean oneself from cigarettes
Term
n weather
Definition
pass safely through (a storm or difficult period); endure the effects of weather or other forces
Term
n welt
Definition
raised mark from a beating or whipping
Term
n welter
Definition
confusion; turmoil; confused mass; bewildering jumble; Ex. welter of data
Term
n welter
Definition
wallow (as in mud or high seas); lie soaked (as in blood); Ex. The victims weltered in their blood.
Term
n wheedle
Definition
deceive, persuade, or obtain by flattery; cajole; coax; Ex. wheedle a promise out of her
Term
n whelp
Definition
young animal (esp. of the dog or cat family); young wolf, dog, tiger, etc.
Term
n whet
Definition
sharpen; stimulate; Ex. whet someone's appetite
Term
n whiff
Definition
puff or gust (of air, scent, etc.); short-lasting smell; hint; Ex. whiff of perfume/scandal
Term
n whimsical
Definition
capricious; fanciful; amusingly strange
Term
s whim
Definition
sudden capricious idea; fancy
Term
s whimsy
Definition
whim; tendency to behave amusingly strangely; Ex. story full of whimsy
Term
n whinny
Definition
neigh like a horse; CF. neigh: make the sound which horses make
Term
n whit
Definition
small amount; smallest speck; Ex. not a whit of
Term
n whittle
Definition
pare; cut away thin bits (from wood); fashion in this way; reduce gradually; trim
Term
s pare
Definition
cut away the outer covering or skin of (with a knife); trim; Ex. pare apples/expenses
Term
n whorl
Definition
ring of leaves around stem; ring; circular arrangement; Ex. whorls on the fingers
Term
willful
Definition
wilful; intentional; headstrong
Term
s wilt
Definition
loose freshness; droop
Term
wily
Definition
crafty; cunning; artful; N. wile: deceitful stratagem
Term
n wince
Definition
move back suddenly; shrink back; flinch; Ex. She winced as she touched the cold body.
Term
s start
Definition
move suddenly or involuntarily; Ex. start at the sight of a snake
Term
n windfall
Definition
fallen fruit; unexpected lucky event
Term
n winnow
Definition
sift; separate the chaff from grain by blowing; separate good parts from bad; CF. wind
Term
s sift
Definition
put through a sieve to separate fine from coarse particles; sort or examine carefully
Term
n winsome
Definition
charming (in a childlike way); agreeable; gracious; engaging
Term
n wispy
Definition
thin; slight; barely discernible
Term
s wisp
Definition
small bunch (of hair); faint streak (of smoke)
Term
n wistful
Definition
sadly thoughtful (because of desires or memories); sadly pensive; vaguely longing
Term
n withdrawn
Definition
introverted; retiring; remote
Term
s remote
Definition
distant in manner; aloof
Term
n wither
Definition
(of a plant) dry up from loss of moisture; lose freshness; shrivel; decay
Term
s shrivel
Definition
make or become shrunken and wrinkled (often by drying)
Term
n withhold
Definition
refuse to give; hold back; Ex. withholding tax
Term
withstand
Definition
stand up against; resist successfully
Term
witless
Definition
lacking intelligence or wit; foolish; idiotic
Term
n witticism
Definition
witty saying; wisecrack(clever joking remark)
Term
wizardry
Definition
sorcery; magic
Term
n wizened
Definition
shriveled; withered; Ex. wizened apple/old lady
Term
woe
Definition
great sorrow; deep inconsolable grief; affliction; suffering; Ex. financial woes
Term
s woeful
Definition
sad; (of something bad) deplorable; deplorably bad; Ex. woeful housing conditions
Term
n wont
Definition
(the stated person's) habit or custom; habitual procedure; ADJ. wonted: customary
Term
worldly
Definition
engrossed in matters of this earth; not spiritual; of the material world
Term
n wrangle
Definition
quarrel noisily; obtain through arguing; herd cattle; N.
Term
s herd
Definition
group of animals; crowd; one who looks after a herd; Ex. shepherd/goatherd; Ex. herd instinct; Ex. herdsman; V: come together in a herd; look after a herd; Ex. herd cattle
Term
wrath
Definition
anger; fury
Term
n wreak
Definition
inflict; Ex. wreak one's vengeance on
Term
wrench
Definition
twist; pull; strain; Ex. He wrenched the gun out of her hands.
Term
n wrest
Definition
obtain by pulling violently; pull away; take by violence; Ex. wrest victory from their grasp
Term
n writ
Definition
written command issued by a court (telling someone to do or not to do something)
Term
n writhe
Definition
twist in coils; contort in pain
Term
n wry
Definition
(esp. of an expression of the face) twisted; with a humorous twist (expressing displeasure)
Term
xenophobia
Definition
fear or hatred of foreigners; N. xenophobe
Term
n yen
Definition
strong desire; longing; urge; Ex. yen for travel
Term
n yeoman
Definition
man or farmer owning small estate; middle-class farmer
Term
yield
Definition
amount produced; crop; income on investment; profit obtained from an investment; V: produce; give in; surrender
Term
n yoke
Definition
join together; unite; N: crossbar used to joining two draft animals
Term
n yokel
Definition
rustic; country bumpkin; Ã̳ð
Term
n yore
Definition
time long past; Ex. in the days of yore
Term
n zany
Definition
comic; crazy; N: clown; comical person (given to outlandish behavior)
Term
zeal
Definition
eager enthusiasm (to a cause or ideal); ADJ. zealous
Term
zealot
Definition
one who is zealous; fanatic; person who shows excessive zeal
Term
zenith
Definition
point directly overhead in the sky; summit; acme; highest point
Term
n zephyr
Definition
gentle breeze; west wind
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