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Essential Words for the GRE
High Frequency Words
800
Language - English
Graduate
02/08/2011
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Cards

Term
abate (v)
 Definition
to decrease; reduce
Term
abdicate (v)
 Definition
to give up a position
Term
aberrant (adj)
 Definition
deviating from what is normal
Term
abeyance (n)
 Definition
temporary suppression or suspension
Term
abject (adj)
 Definition
miserable; pitiful
Term
abjure (v)
 Definition
to reject; abandon formally
Term
abscission (n)
 Definition
the act of cutting; the natural separation of a leaf or other part of a plant
Term
abscond (v)
 Definition
to depart secretly
Term
abstemious (adj)
 Definition
moderate in appetite
Term
abstinence (n)
 Definition
the giving up of certain pleasures
Term
abysmal (adj)
 Definition
very bad
Term
accretion (n)
 Definition
growth in size or increase in amount
Term
accrue (v)
 Definition
to accumulate; grow by additions
Term
adamant (adj)
 Definition
uncompromising; unyielding
Term
adjunct (n)
 Definition
something added, attached, or joined
Term
admonish (v)
 Definition
to caution or reprimand
Term
adulterate (v)
 Definition
to corrupt or make impure
Term
aesthetic (adj)
 Definition
relating to beauty or art
Term
affected (adj)
 Definition
pretentious, phony
Term
affinity (n)
 Definition
fondness; liking; similarity
Term
aggrandize (v)
 Definition
to make larger or greater
Term
aggregate (adj)
 Definition
amounting to a whole; total
Term
alacrity
 Definition
cheerful willingness; eagerness; speed
Term
alchemy (n)
 Definition
medieval chemical philosophy based on changing medal into gold; a seemingly magical power or process of transmutation.
Term
allay (v)
 Definition
to lessen; ease; soothe
Term
alleviate (v)
 Definition
to relieve; improve partially
Term
alloy (n)
 Definition
a combination; a mixture of two or more metals
Term
allure (n)
 Definition
the power to entice by charm
Term
amalgamate (v)
 Definition
to combine into a unified whole
Term
ambiguous (adj)
 Definition
unclear or doubtful in meaning
Term
anodyne (n)
 Definition
something that calms or soothes pain
Term
anomalous (adj)
 Definition
irregular; deviating from the norm
Term
antecedent (n)
 Definition
something that comes before
Term
antediluvian (adj)
 Definition
prehistoric
Term
antipathy (n)
 Definition
dislike; hostility
Term
apathy (n)
 Definition
indifference
Term
apex (n)
 Definition
the highest point
Term
apogee (n)
 Definition
the point in an orbit most distant from the body being orbited; the highest point
Term
apothegm (n)
 Definition
a terse, witty saying
Term
appease (v)
 Definition
to calm; pacify; placate
Term
ambivalence (n)
 Definition
the state of having conflicting emotional attitudes
Term
ambrosia (n)
 Definition
something delicious; the food of the gods
Term
ameliorate (v)
 Definition
to improve
Term
amenable (adj)
 Definition
agreeable; cooperative; suited
Term
amulet (n)
 Definition
ornament worn as a charm against evil
Term
anachronism (n)
 Definition
something out of the proper time
Term
analgesic (n)
 Definition
medication that reduces or eliminates pain
Term
analogous (adj)
 Definition
comparable
Term
anarchy (n)
 Definition
absence of government; state of disorder
Term
amenity (n)
 Definition
something that increases comfort
Term
appellation (n)
 Definition
name
Term
apposite (adj)
 Definition
strikingly appropriate and relevant
Term
apprise (v)
 Definition
to inform
Term
approbation (n)
 Definition
praise; approval
Term
appropriate (v)
 Definition
to take possession for one's own use; confiscate
Term
apropos (adj)
 Definition
relevant
Term
arabesque (n)
 Definition
ornate design featuring intertwined curves; a ballet position in which one leg is extended in back while the other supports the weight of the body
Term
archeology (n)
 Definition
the study of material evidence of past human life
Term
ardor (n)
 Definition
great emotion or passion
Term
arduous (adj)
 Definition
extremely difficult; laborious
Term
argot (n)
 Definition
a specialized vocabulary used by a group
Term
arrest (v)
 Definition
to stop; to seize
Term
artifact (n)
 Definition
item made by human craft
Term
artless (adj)
 Definition
guileless; natural
Term
ascetic (n)
 Definition
one who practices self denial
Term
asperity (n)
 Definition
severity; harshness; irritability
Term
aspersion (n)
 Definition
slander; false rumor
Term
assiduous (adj)
 Definition
diligent; hard-working
Term
assuage (v)
 Definition
to make less severe
Term
astringent (adj)
 Definition
harsh; severe
Term
asylum (n)
 Definition
a place of refuge or shelter
Term
atavism (n)
 Definition
in biology, the reappearance of a characteristic in an organism after several generations of absence; individual or a part that exhibits atavism; return of a trait after a period of absence
Term
attenuate (v)
 Definition
to weaken
Term
audacious (adj)
 Definition
bold; daring
Term
austere (adj)
 Definition
stern; unadorned
Term
autonomous (adj)
 Definition
self-governing; independent
Term
avarice (n)
 Definition
greed
Term
aver (v)
 Definition
to affirm; declare to be true
Term
avocation (n)
 Definition
secondary occupation
Term
avuncular (adj)
 Definition
like an uncle, benevolent and tolerant
Term
axiomatic (adj)
 Definition
taken for granted; self-evident
Term
bacchanalian (adj)
 Definition
pertaining to riotous or drunken festivity; pertaining to revelry (noisy festivities)
Term
banal (adj)
 Definition
commonplace; trite (overused and therefore of little import)
Term
banter (n)
 Definition
playful conversation
Term
bard (n)
 Definition
poet
Term
bawdy (adj)
 Definition
obscene
Term
beatify (v)
 Definition
to sanctify; to bless; to ascribe a virtue to
Term
bedizen (v)
 Definition
to dress in a vulgar, showy manner
Term
behemoth (n)
 Definition
huge creature; anything very large and powerful
Term
belie (v)
 Definition
to contradict; misrepresent; give a false impression
Term
beneficent (adj)
 Definition
kindly; doing good
Term
bifurcate (v)
 Definition
to divide into two parts
Term
blandishment (n)
 Definition
flattery
Term
blase´ (adj)
 Definition
bored because of frequent indulgence; unconcerned
Term
bolster (v)
 Definition
to give a boost to; prop up; support
Term
bombastic (adj)
 Definition
pompous; using inflated language
Term
boorish (adj)
 Definition
rude; insensitive
Term
bovine (adj)
 Definition
cowlike
Term
brazen (adj)
 Definition
bold; shameless
Term
broach (v)
 Definition
to mention for the first time
Term
bucolic (adj)
 Definition
characteristic of the countryside; rustic; pastoral
Term
burgeon (v)
 Definition
to flourish
Term
burnish (v)
 Definition
to polish; to enhance or perfect
Term
buttress (v)
 Definition
to reinforce; support
Term
cacophonous (adj)
 Definition
unpleasant or harsh-sounding
Term
cadge (v)
 Definition
to beg; sponge
Term
callous (adj)
 Definition
thick-skinned; insensitive
Term
calumny (n)
 Definition
false and malicious accusation; slander
Term
canard (n)
 Definition
false, deliberately misleading story
Term
canon (n)
 Definition
an established principle; a basis or standard for judgment; a group of literary works
Term
cant (n)
 Definition
insincere talk; language of a particular group
Term
cantankerous (adj)
 Definition
irritable; ill-humored (think old man)
Term
capricious (adj)
 Definition
fickle; frequently changing
Term
captious (adj)
 Definition
faultfinding; intended to entrap, as in an argument
Term
cardinal (adj)
 Definition
of foremost importance
Term
carnal (adj)
 Definition
of the flesh or body; related to physical appetites (sexual, needs, appetites)
Term
carping (v)
 Definition
to find fault; complain
Term
cartography (n)
 Definition
science of making maps
Term
caste (n)
 Definition
any of the hereditary social classes of Hindu society; social stratification
Term
castigation (n)
 Definition
punishment; chastisement; criticism
Term
cataclysm (n)
 Definition
a violent upheaval that causes great destruction and change
Term
catalyst (n)
 Definition
something causing change
Term
categorical (adj)
 Definition
absolute; without exception
Term
caucus (n)
 Definition
smaller group within an organization
Term
causal (adj)
 Definition
involving a cause
Term
caustic (adj)
 Definition
sarcastically biting; burning
Term
celestial (adj)
 Definition
concerning the sky or heavens; sublime
Term
centrifugal (adj)
 Definition
moving away from a center
Term
centripetal (adj)
 Definition
moving or directed toward a center
Term
champion (v)
 Definition
to defend or support
Term
chasten (v)
 Definition
to correct by punishment or reproof; to restrain or subdue
Term
chicanery (n)
 Definition
trickery; fraud
Term
chivalry (n)
 Definition
the qualities idealized by knighthood such as bravery and gallantry toward women
Term
churlish (adj)
 Definition
rude; boorish
Term
circuitous (adj)
 Definition
roundabout
Term
clairvoyant (n)
 Definition
one who can predict the future; psychic
Term
clamor (n)
 Definition
noisy outcry
Term
clique (n)
 Definition
a small, exclusive group
Term
cloister (v)
 Definition
to confine; seclude
Term
coagulate (v)
 Definition
thicken; congeal
Term
coalesce (v)
 Definition
to cause to become one; fuse
Term
coda (n)
 Definition
concluding part of a literary or musical composition; something that summarizes or concludes
Term
codify (v)
 Definition
to systematize
Term
cognizant (adj)
 Definition
informed; conscious; aware
Term
collage (n)
 Definition
artistic composition of materials pasted over a surface; an assemblage of diverse elements
Term
commensurate (adj)
 Definition
proportional
Term
compendium (n)
 Definition
brief, comprehensive summary
Term
complacent (adj)
 Definition
self-satisfied
Term
complaisant (adj)
 Definition
overly polite; willing to please; obliging
Term
complement (n)
 Definition
something that completes or makes up a whole
Term
compliant (adj)
 Definition
yielding; inclined to obey rules almost excessively
Term
compunction (n)
 Definition
uneasiness caused by guilt
Term
concave (adj)
 Definition
curving inward
Term
conciliatory (adj)
 Definition
overcoming distrust or hostility
Term
concoct (v)
 Definition
to invent; create or devise
Term
concomitant (n)
 Definition
existing concurrently; naturally accompanying or associated
Term
condone (v)
 Definition
to overlook voluntarily; forgive
Term
confound (v)
 Definition
to baffle; perplex; mix up; prove wrong
Term
congenial (adj)
 Definition
similar in tastes and habits; friendly; suited to
Term
conjugal (adj)
 Definition
pertaining to marriage agreement
Term
connoisseur (n)
 Definition
a person possessing expert knowledge or training; a person of informed and discriminating taste
Term
conscript (n)
 Definition
a person compulsorily enrolled for military service
Term
consecrate (v)
 Definition
to declare sacred
Term
contend (v)
 Definition
to assert a position; engage in a competition; struggle to surmount
Term
contentious (adj)
 Definition
quarrelsome; causing quarrels; controversial
Term
contiguous (adj)
 Definition
touching; neighboring; connecting without a break
Term
continence (n)
 Definition
self-control; abstention from sexual activity
Term
contrite (adj)
 Definition
very sorrowful for a wrong
Term
contumacious (adj)
 Definition
disobedient; rebellious
Term
conundrum (n)
 Definition
riddle; puzzle with no solution
Term
convention (n)
 Definition
practice widely observed in a group; custom; accepted technique or device
Term
converge (v)
 Definition
to approach; come together; tend to meet
Term
convex (adj)
 Definition
curved outward
Term
convivial (adj)
 Definition
sociable
Term
convoluted (adj)
 Definition
twisted; complicated
Term
copious (adj)
 Definition
abundant; plentiful
Term
coquette (n)
 Definition
woman who flirts
Term
cornucopia (n)
 Definition
horn overflowing with fruit and grain; state of abundance
Term
cosmology (n)
 Definition
study of the universe as a totality; theory of the origin and structure of the universe
Term
covert (adj)
 Definition
hidden; secret
Term
covetous (adj)
 Definition
desiring something owned by another
Term
cozen (v)
 Definition
to mislead by trick or fraud; deceive
Term
craven (adj)
 Definition
cowardly
Term
credence (n)
 Definition
acceptance of something as true
Term
credo (n)
 Definition
statement of belief or principle; creed
Term
daunt (v)
 Definition
to discourage; intimidate; dishearten
Term
dearth (n)
 Definition
scarcity
Term
debauchery (n)
 Definition
corruption
Term
decorum (n)
 Definition
proper behavior
Term
defame (v)
 Definition
to malign; harm someone's reputation
Term
default (v)
 Definition
to fail to act
Term
deference (n)
 Definition
respect; regard for another's wish
Term
defunct (adj)
 Definition
no longer existing
Term
delineate (v)
 Definition
to represent or depict
Term
demographic (adj)
 Definition
related to population balance
Term
demotic (adj)
 Definition
pertaining to people
Term
demur (v)
 Definition
to express doubt
Term
denigrate (v)
 Definition
to slur someone's reputation
Term
denizen (n)
 Definition
an inhabitant; a regular visitor
Term
denouement (n)
 Definition
outcome; unraveling of the plot of a play or work
Term
deride (v)
 Definition
to mock
Term
derivative (n)
 Definition
something derived, influenced by another source; unoriginal
Term
desiccate (v)
 Definition
to dry completely
Term
desuetude (n)
 Definition
state of disuse
Term
desultory (adj)
 Definition
random; disconnected; rambling; lacking plan, purpose, or enthusiasm
Term
deterrent (n)
 Definition
something that discourages or hinders
Term
detraction (n)
 Definition
the act of taking away; derogatory comment on a person's character
Term
diaphanous (adj)
 Definition
transparent; fine-textured; insubstantial; vague
Term
diatribe (n)
 Definition
bitter verbal attack
Term
dichotomy (n)
 Definition
division into two usually contradictory parts
Term
diffidence (n)
 Definition
shyness; lack of confidence
Term
diffuse (v)
 Definition
to spread out; (adj) wordy, rambling
Term
digression (n)
 Definition
act of straying from the main point
Term
dirge (n)
 Definition
funeral hymn
Term
disabuse (v)
 Definition
to free from a misconception; persuade someone that an idea or belief is mistaken
Term
discerning (adj)
 Definition
perceptive; exhibiting keen insight and good judgment
Term
discomfit (v)
 Definition
to make uneasy; disconcert (unsettle)
Term
discordant (adj)
 Definition
not in tune; disagreeing or incongruous
Term
discredit (v)
 Definition
to dishonor; disgrace; cause to be doubted
Term
discrepancy (n)
 Definition
difference between
Term
discrete (adj)
 Definition
constituting a separate thing; distinct
Term
discretion (n)
 Definition
quality of showing self-restraint in speech or actions; circumspection; freedom to act on one's own will
Term
disingenuous (adj)
 Definition
not candid; crafty
Term
disinterested (adj)
 Definition
unprejudiced; objective
Term
disjointed (adj)
 Definition
lacking order or coherence; dislocated
Term
dismiss (v)
 Definition
put away from consideration; reject
Term
disparage (v)
 Definition
to belittle; to make something seem unimportant
Term
disparate (adj)
 Definition
dissimilar
Term
dissemble (v)
 Definition
to pretend; disguise one's motives
Term
disseminate (v)
 Definition
to spread; scatter; disperse
Term
dissident (n)
 Definition
person who disagrees about beliefs; opposition to official policy
Term
dissolution (n)
 Definition
disintegration; process of dissolving; termination by breaking down; debauchery
Term
dissonance (n)
 Definition
discord; lack of harmony
Term
distend (v)
 Definition
to expand; swell out
Term
distill (v)
 Definition
extract the essential elements
Term
distrait (adj)
 Definition
inattentive; preoccupied
Term
diverge (v)
 Definition
to vary; go in different directions from the same point
Term
divest (v)
 Definition
to strip; deprive; rid
Term
divulge (v)
 Definition
to make known something that is secret
Term
doctrinaire (adj)
 Definition
relating to a person who cannot compromise about points of a theory or doctrine; dogmatic; unyielding
Term
document (v)
 Definition
to provide with written evidence to support
Term
doggerel (n)
 Definition
poor verse
Term
dogmatic (adj)
 Definition
stating opinions without proof; laying down principles that are incontrovertibly true
Term
dormant (adj)
 Definition
inactive
Term
dross (n)
 Definition
waste; worthless matter; trivial matter
Term
dupe (v)
 Definition
to deceive; trick
Term
ebullient (adj)
 Definition
exhilarated; enthusiastic
Term
eclectic (adj)
 Definition
selecting from various sources
Term
effervescence (n)
 Definition
state of high spirits or liveliness; the process of bubbling as gas escapes
Term
effete (adj)
 Definition
depleted of vitality; overrefined; decadent
Term
effrontery (n)
 Definition
shameless boldness; presumptuousness
Term
efficacy (n)
 Definition
efficiency; effectiveness
Term
egoism (n)
 Definition
the tendency to see things in relation to oneself' self-centeredness
Term
egotistical (adj)
 Definition
excessively self-centered; conceited
Term
elegy (n)
 Definition
poem or song expressing lamentation
Term
elicit (v)
 Definition
to provoke; draw out
Term
elixir (n)
 Definition
a substance believed to have the power to cure ills
Term
Elysian (adj)
 Definition
blissful; delightful
Term
emaciated (adj)
 Definition
thin and wasted
Term
embellish (v)
 Definition
to adorn; decorate; enhance; make more attractive by adding details
Term
emollient (adj)
 Definition
soothing; mollifying
Term
empirical (adj)
 Definition
derived from observation or experiment
Term
emulate (v)
 Definition
to imitate; copy
Term
encomium (n)
 Definition
a formal expression of praise
Term
endemic (adj)
 Definition
inherent; belonging to an area
Term
enervate (v)
 Definition
to weaken
Term
engender (v)
 Definition
to cause; produce
Term
enhance (v)
 Definition
to increase; improve
Term
enunciate (v)
 Definition
to pronounce clearly
Term
entomology (n)
 Definition
the scientific study of insects
Term
ephemeral (adj)
 Definition
short-lived; fleeting
Term
epistemology (n)
 Definition
branch of philosophy that examines the nature of knowledge
Term
equable (adj)
 Definition
steady; unvarying; serene
Term
equanimity (n)
 Definition
composure; calmness
Term
equivocate (v)
 Definition
to intentionally use vague language
Term
errant (adj)
 Definition
mistaken; straying from the proper course
Term
erudite (adj)
 Definition
learned; scholarly
Term
esoteric (adj)
 Definition
hard to understand; known only to a few
Term
essay (v)
 Definition
to make an attempt; subject to a test
Term
estimable (adj)
 Definition
admirable; worthy of great respect; possible to estimate
Term
ethnocentric (adj)
 Definition
based on the attitude that one's group is superior
Term
etiology (n)
 Definition
causes or origins
Term
etymology (n)
 Definition
origin and history or a word
Term
eugenics (n)
 Definition
study of factors that influence the hereditary qualities of the human race and ways to improve these qualities
Term
eulogy (n)
 Definition
high praise, especially of a person who has recently died
Term
euphemism (n)
 Definition
use of agreeable or inoffensive language in place of unpleasant or offensive language
Term
euphoria (n)
 Definition
a feeling of extreme happiness
Term
euthanasia (n)
 Definition
mercy killing
Term
evince (v)
 Definition
to show plainly; be an indication of
Term
evocative (adj)
 Definition
tending to call to mind or produce a reaction
Term
exacerbate (v)
 Definition
to aggravate; make worse
Term
exact (v)
 Definition
to force the payment of; demand and obtain by authority
Term
exculpate (v)
 Definition
to clear of blame; vindicate
Term
execrable (adj)
 Definition
detestable; abhorrent
Term
exhort (v)
 Definition
to urge by strong appeals
Term
exigency (n)
 Definition
crisis; urgent requirements
Term
existential (adj)
 Definition
having to do with existence; based on experience; having to do with the philosophy of existentialism (stresses individual experience determining their own development through acts of the will)
Term
exorcise (v)
 Definition
to expel evil spirits; free from bad influences
Term
expatiate (v)
 Definition
to speak or write at length
Term
expatriate (v)
 Definition
to send into exile; a person living outside his or her own land
Term
expiate (v)
 Definition
to atone for
Term
explicate (v)
 Definition
to explain; interpret; clarify
Term
expository (adj)
 Definition
explanatory
Term
extant (adj)
 Definition
in existence; not lost
Term
extemporaneous (adj)
 Definition
unrehearsed
Term
extirpate (v)
 Definition
to root up; to destroy
Term
extraneous (adj)
 Definition
not essential
Term
extrapolation (n)
 Definition
the act of estimation by projecting known information
Term
extrinsic (adj)
 Definition
not inherent or essential
Term
facetious (adj)
 Definition
humorous
Term
facilitate (v)
 Definition
to make less difficult
Term
factotum (n)
 Definition
a person who does all sorts of work; a handyman
Term
fallacious (adj)
 Definition
based on a false idea or fact; misleading
Term
fallow (adj)
 Definition
plowed but not sowed; uncultivated; inactive
Term
fatuous (adj)
 Definition
foolishly self-satisfied; silly and pointless
Term
fauna (n)
 Definition
animals of a period or region
Term
fawning (adj)
 Definition
seeking favor by flattering
Term
felicitous (adj)
 Definition
suitably expressed; appropriate; well-chosen
Term
feral (adj)
 Definition
existing in a wild or untamed state
Term
fervor (n)
 Definition
warmth and intensity of emotion
Term
fetid (adj)
 Definition
having a bad smell
Term
fetter (v)
 Definition
to bind; confine
Term
fiat (n)
 Definition
arbitrary order; authorization
Term
fidelity (n)
 Definition
loyalty; exact correspondence
Term
filibuster (n)
 Definition
use of obstructive tactics in a legislature to block passage of a law
Term
finesse (v)
 Definition
to handle with a deceptive or evasive strategy; to use refinement in performance
Term
fissure (n)
 Definition
crevice
Term
flag (v)
 Definition
to droop; grow weak
Term
fledgling (n)
 Definition
beginner; novice
Term
flora (n)
 Definition
plants of a region or era
Term
florid (adj)
 Definition
ruddy; reddish; flowery; elaborately or excessively intricate or complicated
Term
flourish (n)
 Definition
an embellishment or ornamentation
Term
flout (v)
 Definition
to treat scornfully; openly disregard
Term
flux (n)
 Definition
flowing; a continuous moving
Term
foment (v)
 Definition
to incite, instigate stir up; arouse
Term
forbearance (n)
 Definition
patient self-control; restraint and tolerance
Term
forestall (v)
 Definition
to prevent; delay
Term
formidable (adj)
 Definition
menacing; threatening
Term
forswear (v)
 Definition
renounce; repudiate
Term
founder (v)
 Definition
to sink; fail; collapse
Term
fracas (n)
 Definition
a loud quarrel; brawl
Term
fractious (adj)
 Definition
quarrelsome; unruly; rebellious
Term
fresco (n)
 Definition
a painting done on plaster
Term
frieze (n)
 Definition
ornamental band on a wall
Term
froward (adj)
 Definition
stubbornly contrary; obstinately disobedient
Term
frugality (n)
 Definition
thrift
Term
fulminate (v)
 Definition
to attack loudly; denounce
Term
fulsome (adj)
 Definition
complimentary to an excessive degree; generous or abundant
Term
fusion (adj)
 Definition
union; synthesis
Term
futile (adj)
 Definition
ineffective; useless; fruitless
Term
gainsay (v)
 Definition
to deny; dispute; oppose
Term
gambol (v)
 Definition
to frolic; leap playfully
Term
garrulous (adj)
 Definition
very talkative; wordy
Term
gauche (adj)
 Definition
coarse and uncouth; clumsy; unsophisticated and socially awkward
Term
geniality (n)
 Definition
cheerfulness; kindliness; sociability
Term
gerrymander (v)
 Definition
to divide an area into voting districts in a way that favors a political party
Term
glib (adj)
 Definition
fluent in an insincere way; offhand
Term
goad (v)
 Definition
to prob; urge on
Term
gossamer (adj)
 Definition
sheer; light and delicate, like cobwebs
Term
gouge (v)
 Definition
to tear out; scoop out; overcharge
Term
grandiloquent (adj)
 Definition
pompous; bombastic
Term
gregarious (adj)
 Definition
sociable
Term
grouse (v)
 Definition
to complain
Term
guileless (adj)
 Definition
free of cunning or deceit; artless
Term
guise (n)
 Definition
outward appearance; false appearance; pretense (false display of feelings, attitudes, or intentions)
Term
gullible (adj)
 Definition
easily deceived
Term
gustatory (adj)
 Definition
affecting the sense of taste
Term
halcyon (adj)
 Definition
calm and peaceful; happy; golden; prosperous
Term
hallowed (adj)
 Definition
holy; sacred
Term
harangue (n)
 Definition
long, pompous speech; tirade
Term
harrowing (adj)
 Definition
extremely distressing; terrifying
Term
herbivorous (adj)
 Definition
relating to a herbivore, an animal that feeds mainly on plants
Term
hermetic (adj)
 Definition
tightly sealed; magical
Term
heterodox (adj)
 Definition
unorthodox; not widely accepted
Term
hieroglyphics (n)
 Definition
a system of writing in which pictorial symbols represent meaning or sounds; writing or symbols that are difficult to decipher; the symbols used in advanced mathematics
Term
hirsute (adj)
 Definition
covered with hair
Term
histrionic (adj)
 Definition
relating to exaggerated emotional behavior calculated for effect; theatrical arts or performances
Term
homeostasis (n)
 Definition
automatic maintenance by an organism of normal temperature, chemical balance, etc. within itself
Term
homily (n)
 Definition
sermon; tedious moralizing lecture; platitude (remark used too often to be interesting)
Term
homogeneous (adj)
 Definition
composed of identical parts; uniform in composition
Term
hyperbole (n)
 Definition
purposeful exaggeration for effect
Term
iconoclastic (adj)
 Definition
attacking cherished traditions
Term
idolatry (n)
 Definition
idol worship; blind or excessive devotion
Term
igneous (adj)
 Definition
produced by fire; volcanic
Term
imbroglio (n)
 Definition
complicated situation; an entanglement
Term
immutable (adj)
 Definition
unchangeable
Term
impair (v)
 Definition
to damage; injure
Term
impassive (adj)
 Definition
showing no emotion
Term
impecunious (adj)
 Definition
poor; having no money
Term
impede (v)
 Definition
to hinder; block
Term
impermeable (adj)
 Definition
impossible to penetrate
Term
imperturbable (adj)
 Definition
not easily disturbed
Term
impervious (adj)
 Definition
impossible to penetrate; incapable of being affected
Term
impinge (v)
 Definition
to strike; encroach; have an effect or impact (negative)
Term
implacable (adj)
 Definition
inflexible; incapable of being pleased
Term
implausible (adj)
 Definition
unlikely; unbelievable
Term
implicit (adj)
 Definition
implied; understood but not stated
Term
implode (v)
 Definition
collapse inward violently
Term
imprecation (n)
 Definition
curse
Term
impute (v)
 Definition
to relate to a particular cause or source; attribute the fault to; assign as a characteristic
Term
inadvertently (adv)
 Definition
carelessly; unintentionally
Term
incarnate (adj)
 Definition
having bodily form
Term
inchoate (adj)
 Definition
imperfectly formed or formulated; being only partially in existence or operation (incipient)
Term
incongruity (n)
 Definition
state of not fitting; not harmonious
Term
inconsequential (adj)
 Definition
insignificant; unimportant
Term
incorporate (v)
 Definition
to introduce something into another thing already in existence; combine
Term
incursion (n)
 Definition
sudden invasion
Term
indeterminate (adj)
 Definition
uncertain; indefinite
Term
indigence (n)
 Definition
poverty
Term
indolent (adj)
 Definition
habitually lazy; idle
Term
ineluctable (adj)
 Definition
not to be avoided or escaped; inevitable
Term
inert (adj)
 Definition
unable to move; sluggish
Term
ingenuous (adj)
 Definition
naive and trusting; lacking sophistication
Term
inherent (adj)
 Definition
firmly established by nature or habit
Term
innocuous (adj)
 Definition
harmless
Term
insensible (adj)
 Definition
unconscious; unresponsive
Term
insinuate (v)
 Definition
to suggest; say indirectly; imply
Term
insipid (adj)
 Definition
lacking in flavor; dull
Term
insouciant (adj)
 Definition
indifferent; lacking concern or care
Term
insularity (n)
 Definition
narrow-mindedness; isolation
Term
insuperable (adj)
 Definition
insurmountable; unconquerable
Term
intangible (adj)
 Definition
not material
Term
interdict (v)
 Definition
to forbid; prohibit; to confront and halt the activities, advance or entry of
Term
internecine (adj)
 Definition
deadly to both sides
Term
interpolate (v)
 Definition
to insert; change by adding new words or material
Term
interregnum (n)
 Definition
interval between reigns; gap in continuity
Term
intimate (adj)
 Definition
marked by close acquaintance ; to make known subtly and indirectly
Term
intractable (adj)
 Definition
not easily managed
Term
intransigence (n)
 Definition
stubbornness; refusal to compromise
Term
introspective (adj)
 Definition
contemplating one's own thoughts and feelings
Term
inundate (v)
 Definition
to cover with water; overwhelm
Term
inured (v)
 Definition
hardened; accustomed; used to
Term
invective (n)
 Definition
verbal abuse; highly critical language
Term
inveigh (v)
 Definition
to disapprove; protest vehemently
Term
inveigle (v)
 Definition
to win over by flattery or coaxing
Term
inveterate (adj)
 Definition
confirmed; long-standing; deeply rooted
Term
invidious (adj)
 Definition
likely to provoke ill; offensive
Term
irascible (adj)
 Definition
easily angered
Term
irresolute (adj)
 Definition
unsure of how to act; weak
Term
itinerant (adj)
 Definition
wandering from place to place; unsettled
Term
itinerary (n)
 Definition
route of a traveler's journey
Term
jaundiced (adj)
 Definition
having a yellowish discoloration of the skin; affected by envy, resentment, or hostility
Term
jibe (v)
 Definition
to be in agreement
Term
jocose (adj)
 Definition
fond of joking; jocular; playful
Term
juggernaut (n)
 Definition
huge force destroying everything in its path
Term
junta (n)
 Definition
group of people united in political intrigue
Term
juxtapose (v)
 Definition
place side by side
Term
kudos (n)
 Definition
fame; glory; honor
Term
labile (adj)
 Definition
likely to change
Term
laconic (adj)
 Definition
using few words
Term
lambaste (v)
 Definition
to thrash verbally or physically
Term
lascivious (adj)
 Definition
lustful
Term
lassitude (n)
 Definition
lethargy; sluggishness
Term
latent (adj)
 Definition
present but hidden; potential
Term
laud (v)
 Definition
to praise
Term
lethargic (adj)
 Definition
inactive; sluggish and apathetic
Term
levee (n)
 Definition
an embankment that prevents a river from overflowing
Term
levity (n)
 Definition
light manner or attitude
Term
liberal (adj)
 Definition
tolerant; broad-minded; generous; lavish
Term
libertine (n)
 Definition
one without moral restraint
Term
libido (n)
 Definition
sexual desire
Term
Lilliputian (adj)
 Definition
extremely small; trivial
Term
limn (v)
 Definition
to draw; describe
Term
limpid (adj)
 Definition
clear; transparent; clear and accessible (in writing/music)
Term
linguistic (adj)
 Definition
pertaining to language
Term
litany (n)
 Definition
lengthy recitation; repetitive chant
Term
literati (n)
 Definition
scholarly or learned persons
Term
litigation (n)
 Definition
legal proceedings
Term
log (n)
 Definition
record of a voyage; record of daily activities
Term
loquacious (adj)
 Definition
talkative
Term
lucid (adj)
 Definition
bright; clear; intelligible
Term
lucre (n)
 Definition
money or profits
Term
luminous (adj)
 Definition
bright; brilliant; glowing
Term
lustrous (adj)
 Definition
shining
Term
Machiavellian (adj)
 Definition
crafty; double-dealing
Term
machinations (n)
 Definition
plots or schemes
Term
maelstrom (n)
 Definition
whirlpool; turmoil
Term
magnanimity (n)
 Definition
generosity; nobility
Term
malign (v)
 Definition
to speak of in a spiteful, evil, critical manner
Term
malinger (v)
 Definition
to feign illness to escape duty
Term
malleable (adj)
 Definition
capable of being shaped by pounding; impressionable
Term
maverick (n)
 Definition
dissenter; unorthodox or independent-minded person
Term
megalomania (n)
 Definition
delusions of power or importance
Term
menagerie (n)
 Definition
a variety of animals kept together; strange or diverse collection of people or things
Term
mendacious (adj)
 Definition
dishonest
Term
mendicant (n)
 Definition
beggar
Term
meretricious (adj)
 Definition
gaudy; plausible but false; specious; apparently attractive but in reality having no value or integrity
Term
mesmerize (v)
 Definition
to hypnotize
Term
metamorphosis (n)
 Definition
change; transformation
Term
metaphysics (n)
 Definition
a branch of philosophy that investigates the ultimate nature of reality
Term
meteorological (adj)
 Definition
concerned with the weather
Term
meticulous (adj)
 Definition
very careful; fastidious; scrupulous
Term
mettle (n)
 Definition
courage; endurance
Term
mettlesome (adj)
 Definition
full of courage and fortitude; spirited
Term
microcosm (n)
 Definition
a small system having analogies to a larger system; small world
Term
militate (v)
 Definition
to work against
Term
minatory (adj)
 Definition
threatening; menacing
Term
minuscule (adj)
 Definition
very small
Term
minutia (n)
 Definition
petty details
Term
misanthrope (n)
 Definition
one who hates humanity
Term
miscellany (n)
 Definition
mixture of writings on various subjects; collection of different items
Term
miscreant (n)
 Definition
villain; criminal
Term
misogynist (n)
 Definition
one who hates women
Term
mitigate (v)
 Definition
to cause to become less harsh, severe, or painful; alleviate
Term
mnemonic (adj)
 Definition
related to memory; assisting memory
Term
modicum (n)
 Definition
limited quantity
Term
mollify (v)
 Definition
to soothe
Term
monolithic (adj)
 Definition
solid and uniform; constituting a single, unified whole
Term
morose (adj)
 Definition
ill-humored; sullen
Term
motley (adj)
 Definition
many colored; made up of many parts
Term
multifarious (adj)
 Definition
diverse
Term
mundane (adj)
 Definition
lacking interest or excitement; dull; of this earthly world rather than a heavenly or spiritual one
Term
necromancy (n)
 Definition
black magic
Term
negate (v)
 Definition
to cancel out; nullify
Term
neologism (n)
 Definition
new word or expression
Term
neophyte (n)
 Definition
beginner; novice
Term
nexus (n)
 Definition
a means of connection; a connected group or series; a center
Term
nonplussed (adj)
 Definition
bewildered
Term
nostalgia (n)
 Definition
sentimental longing for a past time
Term
nostrum (n)
 Definition
medicine or remedy of doubtful effectiveness; supposed cure
Term
nugatory (adj)
 Definition
trifling; unimportant; useless
Term
obdurate (adj)
 Definition
stubborn
Term
obsequious (adj)
 Definition
overly submissive
Term
obsequy (n)
 Definition
funeral ceremony (often used in the plural, obsequies)
Term
obviate (v)
 Definition
to make unnecessary; to anticipate and prevent
Term
occlude (v)
 Definition
to shut; block
Term
occult (adj)
 Definition
relating to practices connected with supernatural phenomena
Term
odyssey (n)
 Definition
a long, adventurous voyage; a quest
Term
officious (adj)
 Definition
too helpful; meddlesome
Term
olfactory (adj)
 Definition
concerning the sense of smell
Term
oligarchy (n)
 Definition
form of government in which power belongs to only a few leaders
Term
onerous (adj)
 Definition
burdensome
Term
onomatopoeia (n)
 Definition
formation or use of words that imitate sounds the actions they refer to
Term
opprobrium (n)
 Definition
disgrace; contempt
Term
ornithologist (n)
 Definition
scientist who studies birds
Term
oscillate (v)
 Definition
to move back and forth
Term
ostentatious (adj)
 Definition
showy; trying to attract attention; pretentious
Term
overweening (adj)
 Definition
presumptuous; arrogant; overbearing
Term
paean (n)
 Definition
song of joy or triumph; a fervent expression of joy
Term
paleontology (n)
 Definition
study of past geological eras through fossil remains
Term
pallid (adj)
 Definition
lacking color or liveliness
Term
panegyric (n)
 Definition
elaborate praise; formal hymn of praise
Term
paragon (n)
 Definition
model of excellence or perfection
Term
partisan (adj)
 Definition
one-sided; committed to a party, group, or cause; prejudiced
Term
pathological (adj)
 Definition
departing from normal condition
Term
patois (n)
 Definition
a regional dialect; nonstandard speech; jargon
Term
paucity (n)
 Definition
scarcity
Term
pedantic (adj)
 Definition
showing off learning; overscrupulous
Term
pellucid (adj)
 Definition
transparent; translucent; easily understood
Term
penchant (n)
 Definition
inclination; a strong habitual liking for something
Term
penury (n)
 Definition
extreme poverty
Term
peregrination (n)
 Definition
a wandering from place to place
Term
peremptory (adj)
 Definition
imperative; leaving no choice
Term
perennial (adj)
 Definition
present throughout the years; persistent
Term
perfidious (adj)
 Definition
faithless; disloyal; untrustworthy
Term
perfunctory (adj)
 Definition
superficial; not thorough; performed really as a duty; carried out with minimum effort
Term
perigee (n)
 Definition
point in an orbit that is closest to the Earth
Term
permeable (adj)
 Definition
penetrable
Term
perturb (v)
 Definition
to disturb greatly; make uneasy or anxious; cause a body to deviate from its regular orbit
Term
pervasive (adj)
 Definition
spread throughout every part
Term
petulant (adj)
 Definition
rude; peevish; childish sulky or bad-tempered
Term
phlegmatic (adj)
 Definition
calm in temperament; sluggish
Term
phoenix (n)
 Definition
mythical, immortal bird that lives for 500 years, burns itself to death, and rises from its ashes; anything that is restored after suffering great destruction
Term
physiognomy (n)
 Definition
facial features; art of judging character from facial features; general form or appearance of something
Term
piety (n)
 Definition
devoutness
Term
piquant (adj)
 Definition
appealingly stimulating; pleasantly pungent; attractive
Term
placate (v)
 Definition
to lessen another's anger; to passify
Term
placid (adj)
 Definition
calm
Term
plaintive (adj)
 Definition
melancholy; mournful
Term
pique (n)
 Definition
fleeting feeling of hurt pride; (v) provoke or arouse
Term
plasticity (n)
 Definition
condition of being able to be shaped or formed; pliability
Term
platitude (n)
 Definition
stale, overused expression
Term
platonic (adj)
 Definition
spiritual; without sensual desire; theoretical
Term
plethora (n)
 Definition
excess; overabundance
Term
plumb (v)
 Definition
to determine the depth; to examine deeply
Term
plummet (v)
 Definition
to fall; plunge
Term
plutocracy (n)
 Definition
society ruled by the wealthy
Term
porous (adj)
 Definition
full of holes; permeable to liquids
Term
poseur (n)
 Definition
person who affects an attitude or identity to impress others (aka poser)
Term
pragmatic (adj)
 Definition
practical
Term
prate (v)
 Definition
to talk idly (with no particular purpose); chatter
Term
prattle (n)
 Definition
meaningless, foolish talk
Term
preamble (n)
 Definition
preliminary statement
Term
precarious (adj)
 Definition
uncertain; not securely held in position
Term
precept (n)
 Definition
principle; law
Term
precipitate (v)
 Definition
to cause to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely; throw down from a height
Term
precipitate (adj)
 Definition
rash, hasty, sudden
Term
precursor (n)
 Definition
forerunner; predecessor
Term
preempt (v)
 Definition
to supersede (supplant, replace); appropriate for oneself; act in advance in order to prevent from doing (forestall)
Term
prehensile (adj)
 Definition
capable of grasping
Term
premonition (n)
 Definition
forewarning; presentiment
Term
presage (v)
 Definition
to foretell; indicate in advance
Term
presumptuous (adj)
 Definition
rude; improperly bold; failing to meet the limits of what is appropriate or permitted
Term
preternatural (adj)
 Definition
beyond the normal course of nature; supernatural
Term
prevaricate (v)
 Definition
to quibble; evade the truth
Term
primordial (adj)
 Definition
original; existing from the beginning
Term
pristine (adj)
 Definition
untouched; uncorrupted
Term
probity (n)
 Definition
honesty; high-mindedness; the quality of having strong moral principles
Term
problematic (adj)
 Definition
posing a problem; doubtful; unsettled
Term
prodigal (adj)
 Definition
wasteful; extravagant; lavish
Term
profound (adj)
 Definition
deep; not superficial
Term
prohibitive (adj)
 Definition
excessively high- difficult or impossible to pay; preventing; forbidding
Term
proliferate (v)
 Definition
to increase rapidly
Term
propensity (n)
 Definition
inclination; tendency
Term
propitiate (v)
 Definition
to win over; appease
Term
propriety (n)
 Definition
correct conduct; fitness
Term
proscribe (v)
 Definition
to condemn; forbid; outlaw
Term
provident (adj)
 Definition
providing for future needs; frugal
Term
puissant (adj)
 Definition
powerful
Term
punctilious (adj)
 Definition
careful in observing rules of behavior or ceremony; showing great attention to detail
Term
pungent (adj)
 Definition
strong or sharp in smell or taste; penetrating; caustic; to the point
Term
purport (v)
 Definition
to profess; suppose; claim (n) meaning or substance of something
Term
pusillanimous (adj)
 Definition
cowardly
Term
quagmire (n)
 Definition
marsh; difficult, awkward, complex, or hazardous situation
Term
quail (v)
 Definition
to cower; lose heart
Term
qualified (adj)
 Definition
fitted for a specific purpose; limited or modified in some way
Term
qualm (n)
 Definition
sudden feeling of faintness or nausea; uneasy feeling about the rightness of actions
Term
query (v)
 Definition
to question
Term
quibble (v)
 Definition
to argue over insignificant and irrelevant details
Term
quiescent (adj)
 Definition
inactive; still
Term
quorum (n)
 Definition
number of members necessary to conduct a meeting
Term
raconteur (n)
 Definition
witty, skillful storyteller
Term
rail (v)
 Definition
to scold with bitter or abusive language
Term
raiment (n)
 Definition
clothing
Term
ramification (n)
 Definition
implication; outgrowth; consequence
Term
rarefied (adj)
 Definition
refined rarefy- make thinner, purer, more refined
Term
rationale (n)
 Definition
fundamental reason
Term
rebus (n)
 Definition
puzzle in which pictures or symbols represent words
Term
recalcitrant (adj)
 Definition
resisting authority or control
Term
recant (v)
 Definition
to retract a statement or opinion
Term
recluse (n)
 Definition
a person who lives in seclusion and often in solitude
Term
recondite (adj)
 Definition
abstruse; profound
Term
redoubtable (adj)
 Definition
formidable; arousing fear; worthy of respect
Term
refractory (adj)
 Definition
stubborn; unmanageable; resisting ordinary methods of treatment
Term
refulgent (adj)
 Definition
brightly shining; resplendent
Term
refute (v)
 Definition
to contradict; disprove
Term
regale (v)
 Definition
to entertain
Term
relegate (v)
 Definition
to consign to an inferior position
Term
remonstrate (v)
 Definition
to object or protest
Term
renege (v)
 Definition
to go back on one's word
Term
reparation (n)
 Definition
amends; compensation
Term
repine (v)
 Definition
fret; complain
Term
reprise (n)
 Definition
repetition, especially of a piece of music
Term
reproach (v)
 Definition
to find fault with; blame
Term
reprobate (n)
 Definition
morally unprincipled person
Term
repudiate (v)
 Definition
to reject as having no authority
Term
rescind (v)
 Definition
to cancel; revoke or repeal
Term
resolution (n)
 Definition
determination; resolve
Term
resolve (n)
 Definition
determination; firmness of purpose
Term
reticent (adj)
 Definition
not speaking freely; reserved; reluctant
Term
reverent (adj)
 Definition
expressing deep respect; worshipful
Term
riposte (n)
 Definition
a retaliatory action or retort
Term
rococo (adj)
 Definition
excessively ornate; highly decorated; style of architecture in eighteenth-century Europe
Term
rubric (n)
 Definition
title or heading; category; established mode of procedure or conduct; protocol
Term
rue (v)
 Definition
to regret
Term
ruse (n)
 Definition
trick; crafty stratagem; subterfuge
Term
sage (adj)
 Definition
wise
Term
salacious (adj)
 Definition
lascivious; lustful
Term
salubrious (adj)
 Definition
healthful
Term
salutary (adj)
 Definition
expecting an improvement, producing good effects, beneficial; favorable to health
Term
sanction (v)
 Definition
to approve; ratify; permit; penalization
Term
sardonic (adj)
 Definition
cynical; scornfully mocking
Term
sartorial (adj)
 Definition
pertaining to tailors, clothes, or style of dress
Term
satiate (v)
 Definition
to satisfy
Term
saturate (v)
 Definition
to soak thoroughly; imbue throughout
Term
saturnine (adj)
 Definition
gloomy
Term
satyr (n)
 Definition
a lustful, drunken creature that is half-man, half-beast with the horns and legs of a goat; it is a follower of Dionysos; a lecher (excessive or offensive sexual desire)
Term
savor (v)
 Definition
to enjoy, have a distinctive flavor or smell
Term
schematic (adj)
 Definition
relating to or in the form of an outline or diagram
Term
secrete (v)
 Definition
produce and release substance into organism
Term
sedition (n)
 Definition
behavior prompting rebellion
Term
sedulous (adj)
 Definition
diligent
Term
seismic (adj)
 Definition
relating to earthquakes; earthshaking
Term
sensual (adj)
 Definition
relating to the senses; gratifying the physical senses, especially sexual appetites
Term
sensuous (adj)
 Definition
relating to the senses; operating through the senses
Term
sentient (adj)
 Definition
aware; conscious; able to perceive
Term
servile (adj)
 Definition
submissive; obedient
Term
sextant (n)
 Definition
navigation tool that determines latitude and longitude
Term
shard (n)
 Definition
a piece of broken glass or pottery
Term
sidereal (adj)
 Definition
relating to the stars
Term
simian (adj)
 Definition
apelike; relating to apes
Term
simile (n)
 Definition
comparison of one thing with another using "like" or "as"
Term
sinecure (n)
 Definition
well-paying job or office that requires little or no work
Term
singular (adj)
 Definition
unique; extraordinary; odd
Term
sinuous (adj)
 Definition
winding; intricate; complex
Term
skeptic (n)
 Definition
one who doubts
Term
sobriety (n)
 Definition
seriousness
Term
sodden (adj)
 Definition
thoroughly soaked; saturated
Term
solicitous (adj)
 Definition
concerned; attentive; eager
Term
soliloquy (n)
 Definition
literary or dramatic speech by one character, not addressed to others
Term
solvent (adj)
 Definition
able to meet financial obligations
Term
somatic (adj)
 Definition
relating to or affecting the body; corporeal
Term
soporific (adj)
 Definition
sleep producing
Term
sordid (adj)
 Definition
filthy; contemptible and corrupt
Term
specious (adj)
 Definition
seeming to be logical and sound, but not really so
Term
spectrum (n)
 Definition
band of colors produced when sunlight passes through a prism; a broad range of related ideas or objects
Term
spendthrift (n)
 Definition
person who spends money recklessly; (adj) wasteful and extravagant
Term
sporadic (adj)
 Definition
irregular
Term
squalor (n)
 Definition
filthy, wretched condition
Term
staccato (adj)
 Definition
marked by abrupt, clear-cut sounds
Term
stanch (v)
 Definition
to stop or check the flow of
Term
stentorian (adj)
 Definition
extremely loud
Term
stigma (n)
 Definition
mark of disgrace or inferiority
Term
stint (v)
 Definition
to be sparing
Term
stipulate (v)
 Definition
to specify as an essential condition
Term
stolid (adj)
 Definition
having or showing little emotion
Term
stratified (adj)
 Definition
arranged in layers
Term
striated (adj)
 Definition
marked with thin, narrow grooves or channels
Term
stricture (n)
 Definition
something that restrains; negative criticism
Term
strident (adj)
 Definition
loud; harsh; unpleasantly noisy
Term
strut (v)
 Definition
to swagger; display to impress others
Term
stultify (v)
 Definition
to impair or reduce to uselessness
Term
stupefy (v)
 Definition
to dull the senses of; stun; astonish
Term
stygian (adj)
 Definition
dark and gloomy; hellish
Term
subpoena (n)
 Definition
notice ordering someone to appear in court
Term
subside (v)
 Definition
to settle down; grow quiet
Term
substantiate (v)
 Definition
to support with proof or evidence
Term
substantive (adj)
 Definition
essential; pertaining to the substance
Term
subsume (v)
 Definition
to include; incorporate
Term
subversive (adj)
 Definition
intended to undermine or overthrow, especially an established government
Term
succor (n)
 Definition
relief; help in time of distress or want
Term
suffrage (n)
 Definition
the right to vote
Term
sundry (adj)
 Definition
various
Term
supersede (v)
 Definition
to replace, especially to displace as inferior or antiquated
Term
supine (adj)
 Definition
lying on the back; marked by lethargy
Term
supplant (v)
 Definition
to replace; substitute
Term
suppliant (adj)
 Definition
beseeching; ask someone urgently and fervently to do something; implore; entreat
Term
supplicant (n)
 Definition
one who asks humbly and earnestly
Term
supposition (n)
 Definition
the act of assuming to be true or real
Term
syllogism (n)
 Definition
a form of duductive reasoning that has a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion
Term
sylvan (adj)
 Definition
related to woods or forest
Term
tacit (adj)
 Definition
silently understood; implied
Term
talisman (n)
 Definition
charm to bring good luck and avert misfortune
Term
tangential (adj)
 Definition
peripheral; digressing
Term
tautology (n)
 Definition
unnecessary repetition
Term
taxonomy (n)
 Definition
science of classification; in biology, the process of classifying organisms in categories
Term
tenet (n)
 Definition
belief; doctrine
Term
tenuous (adj)
 Definition
weak; insubstantial
Term
terrestrial (adj)
 Definition
earthly; commonplace
Term
theocracy (n)
 Definition
system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god
Term
thespian (n)
 Definition
an actor or actress
Term
timbre (n)
 Definition
the characteristic quality of sound produced by a particular instrument or voice; tone color
Term
tirade (n)
 Definition
long, violent speech; verbal assault
Term
toady (n)
 Definition
flatterer; hanger-on; yes-man
Term
tome (n)
 Definition
book, usually large and academic
Term
torpor (n)
 Definition
lethargy; dormancy; sluggishness
Term
torque (n)
 Definition
a turning or twisting force; the moment of a force; the measure of a force's tendency to produce twisting or turning and rotation around an axis
Term
tortuous (adj)
 Definition
having many twists and turns, highly complex
Term
tout (v)
 Definition
to promote or praise energetically
Term
tractable (adj)
 Definition
obedient; yielding
Term
transgression (n)
 Definition
act of trespassing or violating a law or rule
Term
transient (adj)
 Definition
temporary; short-lived; fleeting
Term
translucent (adj)
 Definition
partially transparent
Term
travail (n)
 Definition
work, especially arduous work; tribulation; anguish
Term
travesty (n)
 Definition
parody; exaggerated imitation; caricature; a false, absurd, or distorted representation of something
Term
treatise (n)
 Definition
article treating a subject systematically and thoroughly
Term
tremulous (adj)
 Definition
trembling; quivering; frugal; timid
Term
trepidation (n)
 Definition
fear and anxiety
Term
truculence (n)
 Definition
aggressiveness; ferocity
Term
tryst (n)
 Definition
agreement between lovers to meet; rendezvous
Term
tumid (adj)
 Definition
swollen; distended; pompous or bombastic
Term
turbid (adj)
 Definition
muddy; opaque; in a state of great confusion
Term
turgid (adj)
 Definition
swollen; bloated; pompous
Term
tutelary (adj)
 Definition
serving as a guardian or protector
Term
uncanny (adj)
 Definition
mysterious; strange
Term
undulating (adj)
 Definition
moving in waves
Term
unfeigned (adj)
 Definition
not false; not made up; genuine
Term
untenable (adj)
 Definition
indefensible
Term
untoward (adj)
 Definition
not favorable; troublesome; adverse; unruly
Term
usury (n)
 Definition
practice of lending money at exorbitant rates of interest
Term
vacillate (v)
 Definition
to waver; oscillate
Term
vacuous (adj)
 Definition
empty; void; lacking intelligence; purposeless
Term
valedictory (adj)
 Definition
pertaining to a farewell
Term
vapid (adj)
 Definition
tasteless; dull; offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging
Term
variegated (adj)
 Definition
varied; marked with different colors
Term
vaunt (v)
 Definition
to boast; brag
Term
venal (adj)
 Definition
bribable; mercenary; corruptible
Term
vendetta (n)
 Definition
prolonged feud marked by bitter hostility
Term
venerate (v)
 Definition
to adore; honor; respect
Term
veracious (adj)
 Definition
truthful; accurate
Term
verbose (adj)
 Definition
wordy
Term
vertigo (n)
 Definition
dizziness
Term
vexation (n)
 Definition
irritation; annoyance; confusion; puzzlement
Term
viable (adj)
 Definition
practicable; capable of developing or working successfully; feasible
Term
vindictive (adj)
 Definition
spiteful; vengeful; unforgiving
Term
virtuoso (n)
 Definition
someone with masterly skills; expert musician
Term
visage (n)
 Definition
countenance (facial expression); appearance; aspect; the surface of an object presented into view
Term
viscous (adj)
 Definition
thick, syrupy, and sticky
Term
vitiate (v)
 Definition
to impair the quality of; corrupt morally; make inoperative
Term
vituperative (adj)
 Definition
using or containing harsh, abusive censure
Term
vivisection (n)
 Definition
dissection, surgery, or painful experiments performed on a living animal for the purpose of scientific research
Term
vogue (n)
 Definition
prevailing fashion or practice
Term
volatile (adj)
 Definition
tending to vary frequently; fickle
Term
vortex (n)
 Definition
whirlpool; whirlwind; center of turbulence
Term
warranted (adj)
 Definition
justified
Term
wary (adj)
 Definition
careful; cautious
Term
welter (v)
 Definition
to wallow or roll; toss about; be in turmoil (n) a confused mass; general disorder
Term
whimsical (adj)
 Definition
fanciful; unpredictable
Term
wistful (adj)
 Definition
vaguely longing; sadly thoughtful
Term
zealot (n)
 Definition
one who is fanatically devoted to a cause
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