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PSAT Vocabulary
A-Z most commonly tested words on the PSAT
1110
Writing
10th Grade
07/07/2011
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Term
caucus
 Definition
smaller group within an organization; a meeting of such a group
Term
caustic
 Definition
biting, sarcastic; able to burn
Term
cede
 Definition
to surrender possession of something
Term
censorious
 Definition
severely critical
Term
cessation
 Definition
temporary or complete halt
Term
chagrin
 Definition
shame, embarrassment, humiliation
Term
champion (v.)
 Definition
to defend or support
Term
chaotic
 Definition
extremely disorderly
Term
charlatan
 Definition
quack, fake
Term
chary
 Definition
watchful, cautious, extremely shy
Term
chastise
 Definition
to punish, discipline, scold
Term
chide
 Definition
to scold, express disapproval
Term
chromatic
 Definition
relating to color
Term
circuitous
 Definition
roundabout
Term
circumference
 Definition
boundary or distance around a circle or sphere
Term
circumscribe
 Definition
to encircle; set limits on, confine
Term
circumspect
 Definition
cautious, wary
Term
citadel
 Definition
fortress or stronghold
Term
civil
 Definition
polite; relating to citizens
Term
clairvoyant (adj.)
 Definition
having ESP, psychic
Term
clamor
 Definition
to make a noisy outcry; a noisy outcry
Term
clandestine
 Definition
secretive
Term
clemency
 Definition
merciful leniency
Term
cloister (v.)
 Definition
to confine, seclude
Term
coalesce
 Definition
to grow together or cause to unite as one
Term
coddle
 Definition
to baby, treat indulgently
Term
coerce
 Definition
to compel by force or intimidation
Term
cogent
 Definition
logically forceful, compelling, convincing
Term
coherent
 Definition
intelligible, lucid, understandable
Term
collateral
 Definition
accompanying
Term
colloquial
 Definition
characteristic of informal speech
Term
collusion
 Definition
collaboration, complicity, conspiracy
Term
commensurate
 Definition
proportional
Term
commodious
 Definition
roomy, spacious
Term
communicable
 Definition
transmittable
Term
communicable
 Definition
transmittable
Term
communicable
 Definition
transmittable
Term
commute
 Definition
to change a penalty to a less severe one
Term
compensate
 Definition
to repay or reimburse
Term
complacent
 Definition
self-satisfied, smug
Term
complement
 Definition
to complete, perfect
Term
compliant
 Definition
submissive and yielding
Term
complicity
 Definition
knowing partnership in wrongdoing
Term
compunction
 Definition
feeling of uneasiness caused by guilt or regret
Term
concave
 Definition
curving inward
Term
concede
 Definition
to yield, admit
Term
conciliatory
 Definition
overcoming distrust or hostility
Term
concur
 Definition
to agree
Term
condone
 Definition
to pardon or forgive; overlook, justify, or excuse a fault
Term
conduit
 Definition
tube, pipe, or similar passage
Term
conflagration
 Definition
big, destructive fire
Term
confound
 Definition
to baffle, perplex
Term
congeal
 Definition
to become thick or solid, as a liquid freezing
Term
conglomerate
 Definition
collected group of varied things
Term
congenial
 Definition
similar in tastes and habits
Term
conjecture
 Definition
speculation, prediction
Term
conscientious
 Definition
governed by conscience; careful and thorough
Term
consecrate
 Definition
to declare sacred; dedicate to a goal
Term
consensus
 Definition
unanimity, agreement of opinion or attitude
Term
consolation
 Definition
something providing comfort or solace for a loss or hardship
Term
consolidate
 Definition
to combine, incorporate
Term
constrained
 Definition
forced, compelled; confined, restrained
Term
construe
 Definition
to explain or interpret
Term
contentious
 Definition
quarrelsome, disagreeable, belligerent
Term
continence
 Definition
self-control, self-restraint
Term
contravene
 Definition
to contradict, deny, act contrary to
Term
contrite
 Definition
deeply sorrowful and repentant for a wrong
Term
conundrum
 Definition
riddle, puzzle or problem with no solution
Term
convalescence
 Definition
gradual recovery after an illness
Term
convene
 Definition
to meet, come together, assemble
Term
conventional
 Definition
typical, customary, commonplace
Term
convex
 Definition
curved outward
Term
convoluted
 Definition
twisted, complicated, involved
Term
copious
 Definition
abundant, plentiful
Term
corroborate
 Definition
to confirm, verify
Term
cosmetic (adj.)
 Definition
relating to beauty; affecting the surface of something
Term
cosmopolitan
 Definition
sophisticated, free from local prejudices
Term
coterie
 Definition
small group of persons with a similar purpose
Term
covert
 Definition
hidden; secret
Term
covet
 Definition
to desire strongly something possessed by another
Term
crass
 Definition
crude, unrefined
Term
craven
 Definition
cowardly
Term
credence
 Definition
acceptance of something as true or real
Term
credulous
 Definition
gullible, trusting
Term
creed
 Definition
statement of belief or principle
Term
cryptic
 Definition
puzzling
Term
cuisine
 Definition
characteristic style of cooking
Term
culmination
 Definition
climax, final stage
Term
culpable
 Definition
guilty, responsible for wrong
Term
cupidity
 Definition
greed
Term
curmudgeon
 Definition
cranky person
Term
cursory
 Definition
hastily done, superficial
Term
curt
 Definition
abrupt, blunt
Term
curtail
 Definition
to shorten
Term
cynic
 Definition
person who distrusts the motives of others
Term
daunt
 Definition
to discourage, intimidate
Term
dearth
 Definition
lack, scarcity, insufficiency
Term
debase
 Definition
to degrade or lower in quality or stature
Term
debilitate
 Definition
to weaken, enfeeble
Term
debunk
 Definition
to discredit, disprove
Term
deciduous
 Definition
falling off or shed seasonally; short-lived, temporary
Term
decorum
 Definition
proper behavior, etiquette
Term
decry
 Definition
to belittle, openly condemn
Term
deface
 Definition
to mar the appearance of, vandalize
Term
defamatory
 Definition
slanderous, injurious to the reputation
Term
deferential
 Definition
respectful and polite in a submissive way
Term
deflation
 Definition
decrease, depreciation
Term
defunct
 Definition
no longer existing, extinct
Term
delectable
 Definition
appetizing, delicious
Term
delegate (v.)
 Definition
to give powers to another
Term
deleterious
 Definition
harmful, destructive, detrimental
Term
deluge
 Definition
flood
Term
demagogue
 Definition
leader, rabble-rouser, usually using appeals to emotion or prejudice
Term
demean
 Definition
to degrade, humiliate, humble
Term
demographics
 Definition
data relating to study of human population
Term
demote
 Definition
to reduce to a lower grade or rank
Term
demur
 Definition
to express doubts or objections
Term
denigrate
 Definition
to slur someone's reputation
Term
deplete
 Definition
to use up, exhaust
Term
deplore
 Definition
express or feel disapproval of; regret strongly
Term
deploy
 Definition
to spread out strategically over an area
Term
depravity
 Definition
sinfulness, moral corruption
Term
deprecate
 Definition
to belittle, disparage
Term
depreciate
 Definition
to lose value gradually
Term
deride
 Definition
to mock, ridicule, make fun of
Term
derivative
 Definition
copied or adapted; not original
Term
desiccate
 Definition
to dry completely, dehydrate
Term
desist
 Definition
to stop doing something
Term
despondent
 Definition
feeling discouraged and dejected
Term
despot
 Definition
tyrannical ruler
Term
desultory
 Definition
at random, rambling, unmethodical
Term
deter
 Definition
to discourage; prevent from happening
Term
deviate
 Definition
to stray, wander
Term
dexterous
 Definition
skilled physically or mentally
Term
dialect
 Definition
regional style of speaking
Term
diaphanous
 Definition
allowing light to show through; delicate
Term
diatribe
 Definition
bitter verbal attack
Term
dictum
 Definition
authoritative statement; popular saying
Term
didactic
 Definition
excessively instructive
Term
diffidence
 Definition
shyness, lack of confidence
Term
diffuse
 Definition
widely spread out
Term
digress
 Definition
to turn aside; to stray from the main point
Term
dilapidated
 Definition
in disrepair, run down, neglected
Term
dilate
 Definition
to enlarge, swell, extend
Term
dilatory
 Definition
slow, tending to delay
Term
diplomacy
 Definition
discretion, tact
Term
dirge
 Definition
funeral hymn
Term
disarray
 Definition
clutter, disorder
Term
disburse
 Definition
to pay out
Term
discern
 Definition
to perceive something obscure
Term
disconcerting
 Definition
bewildering, perplexing, slightly disturbing
Term
discordant
 Definition
harsh-sounding, badly out of tune
Term
discredit
 Definition
to dishonor or displace
Term
discrepancy
 Definition
difference between
Term
disdain
 Definition
to regard with scorn and contempt
Term
disgorge
 Definition
to vomit, dischare violently
Term
disheveled
 Definition
untidy, disarranged, unkempt
Term
disparage
 Definition
to belittle, speak disrespectfully about
Term
disparate
 Definition
dissimilar, different in kind
Term
dispassionate
 Definition
free from emotion; impartial, unbiased
Term
dispel
 Definition
to drive out or scatter
Term
dispense
 Definition
to distribute, administer
Term
disperse
 Definition
to break up, scatter
Term
dispirit
 Definition
to dishearten, make dejected
Term
disrepute
 Definition
disgrace, dishonor
Term
dissemble
 Definition
to pretend, disguise one's motives
Term
disseminate
 Definition
to spread far and wide
Term
dissipate
 Definition
to scatter; to pursue pleasure to excess
Term
dissuade
 Definition
to persuade someone to alter original intentions
Term
distraught
 Definition
very worried and distressed
Term
dither
 Definition
to move or act confusedly or without clear purpose
Term
diurnal
 Definition
daily
Term
divine (v.)
 Definition
to fortell or know by inspiration
Term
divisive
 Definition
creating disunity or conflict
Term
docile
 Definition
tame, willing to be taught
Term
doctrinaire
 Definition
riidly devoted to theories
Term
dogmatic
 Definition
rigidly fixed in opinion, opinionated
Term
doleful
 Definition
sad, mournful
Term
dormant
 Definition
at rest, inactive, in suspended animation
Term
doting
 Definition
excessively fond, loving to excess
Term
dour
 Definition
sullen and gloomy; stern and severe
Term
drivel
 Definition
stupid talk; slobber
Term
droll
 Definition
amusing in a wry, subtle way
Term
dulcet
 Definition
pleasant sounding, soothing to the ear
Term
dupe
 Definition
to deceive, trick; a fool or pawn
Term
duplicity
 Definition
deception, dishonesty, double-dealing
Term
dyspeptic
 Definition
suffering from indigestion; gloomy and irritable
Term
ebb
 Definition
to fade away, recede
Term
ebullient
 Definition
exhilarated, full of enthusiasm and high spirits
Term
eclectic
 Definition
selecting from various sources
Term
ecstatic
 Definition
joyful
Term
edict
 Definition
law, command, official public order
Term
edifice
 Definition
building
Term
edify
 Definition
to instruct morally and spiritually
Term
efface
 Definition
to erase or make illegible
Term
effervescent
 Definition
bubbly, lively
Term
effigy
 Definition
stuffed doll; likeness of a person
Term
effrontery
 Definition
impudent boldness; audacity
Term
effulgent
 Definition
brilliantly shining
Term
effusive
 Definition
expressing emotion without restraint
Term
egocentric
 Definition
acting as if things are centered around oneself
Term
egregious
 Definition
conspicuously bad
Term
elation
 Definition
exhilaration, joy
Term
elegy
 Definition
mournful poem
Term
elicit
 Definition
to draw out, provoke
Term
eloquence
 Definition
fluent and effective speech
Term
emaciated
 Definition
skinny, scrawny, gaunt, especially from hunger
Term
emancipate
 Definition
to set free, liberate
Term
embellish
 Definition
to ornament; make attractive with decoration or details; add details to a statement
Term
embezzle
 Definition
to steal money in violation of a trust
Term
eminent
 Definition
celebrated, distinguished; outstanding, towering
Term
emollient
 Definition
having sooting qualities, especially for skin
Term
empathy
 Definition
identification with another's feelings
Term
emulate
 Definition
to copy, imitate
Term
endemic
 Definition
belonging to a particular area, inherent
Term
enervate
 Definition
to weaken, sap strength from
Term
engender
 Definition
to produce, cause, bring about
Term
enigmatic
 Definition
puzzling, inexplicable
Term
enjoin
 Definition
to urge, order, command; forbid or prohibit, as by judicial order
Term
enmity
 Definition
hostility, antagonism, ill-will
Term
ennui
 Definition
boredom, lack of interest and energy
Term
enormity
 Definition
state of being gigantic or terrible
Term
ensconce
 Definition
to settle comfortable into a place
Term
enthrall
 Definition
to captivate, enchant, enslave
Term
entreat
 Definition
to plead, beg
Term
enunciate
 Definition
to pronounce clearly
Term
ephemeral
 Definition
momentary, transient, fleeting
Term
epicure
 Definition
person with refined taste in food and wine
Term
epigram
 Definition
short, witty saying or poem
Term
epilogue
 Definition
concluding section of a literary work
Term
epitome
 Definition
representative of an entire group; summary
Term
equanimity
 Definition
calmness, composure
Term
equine
 Definition
relating to horses
Term
equivocal
 Definition
ambiguous, open to more than one interpretation
Term
equivocate
 Definition
to use vague or ambiguous language intentially
Term
eradicate
 Definition
to erase or wipe out
Term
errant
 Definition
straying, mistaken, roving
Term
erudite
 Definition
learned, scholarly
Term
eschew
 Definition
to abstain from, avoid
Term
esoteric
 Definition
understood by only a learned few
Term
espouse
 Definition
to support or advocate; to marry
Term
estrange
 Definition
to alienate, keep at a distance
Term
ethereal
 Definition
not earthly, spiritual, delicate
Term
eulogy
 Definition
high praise, often in a public speech
Term
euphemism
 Definition
use of an inoffensive word or phrase in place of a more distasteful one
Term
euphony
 Definition
pleasant, harmonious sound
Term
euphoria
 Definition
feeling of well-being or happiness
Term
evade
 Definition
to avoid, dodge
Term
evanescent
 Definition
momentary, transitory, short-lived
Term
evict
 Definition
to put out or force out
Term
exacerbate
 Definition
to aggravate, intensify the bad qualities
Term
exasperation
 Definition
irritation
Term
excerpt (n.)
 Definition
selection from a book or play
Term
excruciating
 Definition
agonizing, intensely painful
Term
exculpate
 Definition
to clear of blame or fault, vindicate
Term
execrable
 Definition
utterly detestable, abhorrent
Term
exhilaration
 Definition
state of being energetic or filled with happiness
Term
exhort
 Definition
to urge or incite by strong appeals
Term
exonerate
 Definition
to clear of blame, absolve
Term
exorbitant
 Definition
extravagant, greater than reaonable
Term
expedient (adj.)
 Definition
convenient, efficient, practical
Term
expiate
 Definition
to atone for, make amends for
Term
eplicit
 Definition
clearly defined, specific; forthright in expression
Term
exponent
 Definition
one who champions or advocates
Term
expound
 Definition
to elaborate; to expand or increase
Term
expunge
 Definition
to erase, eliminate completely
Term
expurgate
 Definition
to censor
Term
extemporaneous
 Definition
unrehearsed, on the spur of the moment
Term
extenuate
 Definition
to lessen the seriousness, strength, or effect of
Term
extol
 Definition
to praise
Term
extricate
 Definition
to free from, disentangle
Term
extrinsic
 Definition
not inherent or essential, coming from without
Term
exuberant
 Definition
lively, happy, and full of good spirits
Term
exude
 Definition
to give off, ooze
Term
exult
 Definition
to rejoice
Term
fabricate
 Definition
to make or devise; construct
Term
facade
 Definition
face, front; mask, superficial appearance
Term
facile
 Definition
very easy
Term
fallacious
 Definition
wrong, unsound, illogical
Term
fallow
 Definition
uncultivated, unused
Term
fanaticism
 Definition
extreme devotion to a cause
Term
farcical
 Definition
absurd, ludicrous
Term
fastidious
 Definition
careful with details
Term
fathom (v.)
 Definition
to measure the depth of, gauge
Term
fatuous
 Definition
stupid; foolishly self-satisfied
Term
fawn (v.)
 Definition
to flatter excessively, seek the favor of
Term
faze
 Definition
to bother, upset, or disconcert
Term
feckless
 Definition
ineffective, careless, irresponsible
Term
feign
 Definition
to pretend, give a false impression; to invent falsely
Term
felicitous
 Definition
suitable, appropriate; well-spoken
Term
fell (v.)
 Definition
to chop, cut down
Term
fervid
 Definition
passionate, intense, zealous
Term
fetid
 Definition
foul-smelling, putrid
Term
fiasco
 Definition
disaster, utter failure
Term
fidelity
 Definition
loyalty
Term
finicky
 Definition
fussy, difficult to please
Term
flaccid
 Definition
limp, flabby, weak
Term
flagrant
 Definition
outrageous, shameless
Term
flamboyant
 Definition
flashy, garish; exciting, dazzling
Term
flaunt
 Definition
to show off
Term
flora
 Definition
plants
Term
florid
 Definition
gaudy, extremely ornate; ruddy, flushed
Term
flounder
 Definition
to falter, waver; to muddle, struggle
Term
flout
 Definition
to treat contemptuously, scorn
Term
fluctuate
 Definition
to alternate, waver
Term
foible
 Definition
minor weakness or character flaw
Term
foil (v.
 Definition
to defeat, frustrate
Term
foment
 Definition
to arouse or incite
Term
ford (v.)
 Definition
to cross a body of water at a shallow place
Term
foreboding
 Definition
dark sense of evil to come
Term
forestall
 Definition
to prevent, delay; anticipate
Term
forethought
 Definition
anticipation
Term
forgo
 Definition
to go without, refrain from
Term
forlorn
 Definition
dreary, deserted; unhappy; hopeless, despairing
Term
forswear
 Definition
to repudiate, renounce, disclaim, reject
Term
forte
 Definition
strong point, something a person does well
Term
fortuitous
 Definition
happening by luck, fortunate
Term
foster
 Definition
to nourish, cultivate, promote
Term
founder (v.)
 Definition
to fall helplessly; sink; fail
Term
fracas
 Definition
noisy dispute
Term
fractious
 Definition
unruly, rebellious
Term
fraudulent
 Definition
deceitful, dishonest, unethical
Term
fraught
 Definition
full of, accompanied by
Term
frenetic
 Definition
wildly frantic, frenzied, hectic
Term
fulsome
 Definition
sickeningly excessive; repulsive
Term
funereal
 Definition
mournful, appropriate to a funeral
Term
furtive
 Definition
secret, stealthy
Term
gargantuan
 Definition
giant, tremendous
Term
garner
 Definition
to gather and store
Term
garrulous
 Definition
very talkative
Term
gaunt
 Definition
thin and bony
Term
genre
 Definition
type, class, category
Term
germinate
 Definition
to begin to grow (as with a seed or idea)
Term
gestation
 Definition
growth process from conception to birth
Term
gibe
 Definition
to make heckling, taunting remarks
Term
girth
 Definition
distance around something
Term
glib
 Definition
fluent in an insincere manner; offhand, casual
Term
gluttony
 Definition
eating and drinking to excess
Term
goad
 Definition
to prod or urge
Term
grandiloquence
 Definition
pompous talk, fancy but meaningless language
Term
grandiose
 Definition
magnificent and imposing; exaggerated and pretentious
Term
gratis
 Definition
free, costing nothing
Term
gratuitous
 Definition
free, voluntary; unnecessary and unjustified
Term
gregarious
 Definition
outgoing, sociable
Term
grievous
 Definition
causing grief or sorrow; serious and distressing
Term
grimace
 Definition
facial expression showing pain or disgust
Term
grovel
 Definition
to humble oneself in a demeaning way
Term
guile
 Definition
trickery, deception
Term
gullible
 Definition
easily deceived
Term
gustatory
 Definition
relating to sense of taste
Term
habitat
 Definition
dwelling place
Term
hackneyed
 Definition
worn out by overuse
Term
hapless
 Definition
unfortunate, having bad luck
Term
harbinger
 Definition
precursor, sign of something to come
Term
hardy
 Definition
robust, vigorous
Term
haughty
 Definition
arrogant and condescending
Term
hedonism
 Definition
pursuit of pleasure as a goal
Term
hegemony
 Definition
leadership, domination, usually by a country
Term
heinous
 Definition
shocking, wicked, terrible
Term
hemorrhage
 Definition
heavy bleeding; to bleed heavily
Term
heterogeneous
 Definition
composed of unlike parts, different, diverse
Term
hew
 Definition
to cut with an ax
Term
hiatus
 Definition
break, interruption, vacation
Term
homage
 Definition
public honor and respect
Term
homogeneous
 Definition
composed of identical parts
Term
hone
 Definition
to sharpen
Term
husband (v.)
 Definition
to farm; manage carefully and thriftily
Term
hutch
 Definition
pen or coop for animals; shack, shanty
Term
hygienic
 Definition
clean, sanitary
Term
hyperbole
 Definition
puposeful exaggeration for effect
Term
hypochondria
 Definition
unfounded belief that one is often ill
Term
hypocrite
 Definition
person claiming beliefs or virtues he or she doesn't really possess
Term
hypothesis
 Definition
assumption subject to proof
Term
iconoclast
 Definition
one who attacks traditional beliefs
Term
idealism
 Definition
pursuit of noble goals
Term
idiosyncrasy
 Definition
peculiarity of temperament, eccentricity
Term
ignominious
 Definition
disgraceful and dishonorable
Term
illicit
 Definition
illegal, improper
Term
illusory
 Definition
unreal, deceptive
Term
illustrious
 Definition
famous, renowned
Term
immaculate
 Definition
spotless; free from error
Term
immerse
 Definition
to bathe, dip; to engross, preoccupy
Term
immune
 Definition
exempt; protected from harm or disease; unresponsive to
Term
immutable
 Definition
unchangeable, invariable
Term
impair
 Definition
to damage, injure
Term
impasse
 Definition
blocked path, dilemma with no solution
Term
impasse
 Definition
blocked path, dilemma with no solution
Term
impassive
 Definition
showing no emotion
Term
impeach
 Definition
to charge with misdeeds in public office; accuse
Term
impeccable
 Definition
flawless, without flaw
Term
impecunious
 Definition
poor, having no money
Term
impediment
 Definition
barrier, obstacle; speech disorder
Term
imperious
 Definition
arrogantly self-assured, domineering, overbearing
Term
impertinent
 Definition
rude
Term
impervious
 Definition
impossible to penetrate; incapable of being affected
Term
impetuous
 Definition
quick to act without thinking
Term
implacable
 Definition
inflexible, incapable of being affected
Term
implicate
 Definition
to involve in a crime, incriminate
Term
implicit
 Definition
implied, not directly expressed
Term
importune
 Definition
to ask repeatedly, beg
Term
impotent
 Definition
powerless, ineffective, lacking strength
Term
impoverish
 Definition
to make poor or bankrupt
Term
imprecation
 Definition
curse
Term
impregnable
 Definition
totally safe from attack, able to resist defeat
Term
impudent
 Definition
arrogant, audacious
Term
impugn
 Definition
to call into question, attack verbally
Term
inane
 Definition
foolish, silly, lacking significance
Term
inaugurate
 Definition
to begin or start officially; to induct into office
Term
incandescent
 Definition
shining brightly
Term
incarcerate
 Definition
to put in jail; to confine
Term
incendiary
 Definition
combustible, flammable, burning easily
Term
incense (v.)
 Definition
to infuriate, enrage
Term
inception
 Definition
beginning
Term
incessant
 Definition
continuous, never ceasing
Term
inchoate
 Definition
imperfectly formed or formulated
Term
incipient
 Definition
beginning to exist or appear; in an initial stage
Term
incisive
 Definition
perceptive, penetrating
Term
incognito
 Definition
in disguise, concealing one's identity
Term
incontrovertible
 Definition
unquestionable, beyond dispute
Term
incorrigible
 Definition
incapable of being corrected
Term
incredulous
 Definition
skeptical, doubtful
Term
inculcate
 Definition
to teach, impress in the mind
Term
indefatigable
 Definition
never tired
Term
indelible
 Definition
permanent, not erasable
Term
indigenous
 Definition
native, occurring naturally in an area
Term
indigent
 Definition
very poor
Term
indignant
 Definition
angry, incensed, offended
Term
indolent
 Definition
habitually lazy, idle
Term
indomitable
 Definition
fearless, unconquerable
Term
indubitable
 Definition
unquestionable
Term
induce
 Definition
to persuade; bring about
Term
inept
 Definition
clumsy, awkward
Term
inert
 Definition
unable to move, tending to inactivity
Term
inevitable
 Definition
certain, unavoidable
Term
inexorable
 Definition
inflexible, unyielding
Term
infamy
 Definition
reputation for bad deeds
Term
infer
 Definition
to conclude, deduce
Term
infinitesimal
 Definition
extremely tiny
Term
infirmity
 Definition
disease, ailment
Term
ingenious
 Definition
original, clever, inventive
Term
ingenuous
 Definition
straightforward, open; naive and unsophisticated
Term
ingrate
 Definition
ungrateful person
Term
ingratiate
 Definition
to bring oneself puposely into another's good graces
Term
inhibit
 Definition
to hold back, prevent, restrain
Term
inimical
 Definition
hostile, unfriendly
Term
injunction
 Definition
command, order
Term
innate
 Definition
natural, inborn
Term
innocuous
 Definition
harmless; inoffensive
Term
innovate
 Definition
to invent, modernize, revolutionize
Term
innuendo
 Definition
indirect and subtle criticism, insinuation
Term
insatiable
 Definition
never satisfied
Term
inscrutable
 Definition
impossible to understand fully
Term
insidious
 Definition
sly, treacherous, devious
Term
insinuate
 Definition
to suggest, say indirectly, imply
Term
insipid
 Definition
bland, lacking flavor; lacking excitement
Term
insolent
 Definition
insulting and arrogant
Term
instigate
 Definition
to incite, urge, agitate
Term
insular
 Definition
isolated, detached
Term
insurgent (adj.)
 Definition
rebellious, insubordinate
Term
insurrection
 Definition
rebellion
Term
integral
 Definition
central, indispensable
Term
integrity
 Definition
decency, honesty; wholeness
Term
intemperate
 Definition
not moderate
Term
inter
 Definition
to bury
Term
interloper
 Definition
trespasser; meddler in others' affairs
Term
intermittent
 Definition
starting and stopping
Term
interrogate
 Definition
to question formally
Term
intimation
 Definition
clue, suggestiong
Term
intractable
 Definition
not easily managed
Term
intransigent
 Definition
uncompromising, refusing to be reconciled
Term
intrepid
 Definition
fearless
Term
intrinsic
 Definition
inherent, internal
Term
introspective
 Definition
contemplating one's own thoughts and feelings
Term
introvert
 Definition
someone given to self-analysis
Term
inundate
 Definition
to cover with water; overwhelm
Term
inure
 Definition
to harden; accustom; become used to
Term
invective
 Definition
verbal abuse
Term
inveterate
 Definition
confirmed, long-standing, deeply rooted
Term
invidious
 Definition
envious; obnoxious
Term
iota
 Definition
very tiny amount
Term
irascible
 Definition
easily angered
Term
iridescent
 Definition
showing many colors
Term
itinerant
 Definition
wandering from place to place, unsettled
Term
intinerary
 Definition
route of a traveler's journey
Term
jaded
 Definition
tired by excess or overuse; slightly cynical
Term
jargon
 Definition
nonsensical talk; specialized language
Term
jettison
 Definition
to cast off, throw cargo overboard
Term
jingoism
 Definition
belligerent support of one's country
Term
jocular
 Definition
jovial, playful, humorous
Term
juncture
 Definition
point where two things are joined
Term
kernel
 Definition
innermost, essential part; seed grain, often in a shell
Term
kinetic
 Definition
relating to motion; characterized by movement
Term
knell
 Definition
sound of a funeral bell
Term
kudos
 Definition
fame, glory, honor
Term
labyrinth
 Definition
maze
Term
lachrymose
 Definition
tearful
Term
lackadaisical
 Definition
idle, lazy; apathetic, indifferent
Term
laconic
 Definition
using few words
Term
laggard
 Definition
dawdler, loafer, lazy person
Term
lament (v.)
 Definition
to deplore, grieve
Term
lampoon
 Definition
to attack with satire, mock harshly
Term
languid
 Definition
lacking energy, indifferent, slow
Term
larder
 Definition
place where food is stored
Term
largess
 Definition
generosity; gift
Term
lassitude
 Definition
lethargy, sluggishness
Term
latent
 Definition
present but hidden; potential
Term
laudable
 Definition
deserving of praise
Term
laxity
 Definition
carelessness
Term
legerdemain
 Definition
trickery
Term
legible
 Definition
readable
Term
lenient
 Definition
easygoing, permissive
Term
lethargy
 Definition
indifferent inactivity
Term
levitate
 Definition
to rise in the air or cause to rise
Term
levity
 Definition
humor, frivolity, gaiety
Term
lexicon
 Definition
dictionary, list of words
Term
liberal
 Definition
tolerant, broad-minded; generous, lavish
Term
libertine
 Definition
one without moral restraint
Term
licentious
 Definition
immoral; unrestrained by society
Term
limpid
 Definition
clear, transparent
Term
lionize
 Definition
to treat as a celebrity
Term
lissome
 Definition
easily flexed, limber, agile
Term
listless
 Definition
lacking energy and enthusiasm
Term
literate
 Definition
able to read and write; well-read and educated
Term
lithe
 Definition
moving and bending with ease; graceful
Term
livid
 Definition
discolored from a bruise; reddened with anger
Term
loiter
 Definition
to stand around idly
Term
loquacious
 Definition
talkative
Term
lucid
 Definition
clear and easily understood
Term
ludicrous
 Definition
laughable, ridiculous
Term
lugubrious
 Definition
sorrowful, mournful; dismal
Term
lumber (v.)
 Definition
to move slowly and awkwardly
Term
luminous
 Definition
bright, brilliant, glowing
Term
lurid
 Definition
harshly shocking, sensational; glowing
Term
luxuriance
 Definition
elegance, lavishness
Term
lyrical
 Definition
suitable for poetry and song; expressing feeling
Term
maelstrom
 Definition
whirlpool; turmoil; agitated state of mind
Term
magnanimous
 Definition
generous, noble in spirit
Term
magnate
 Definition
powerful or influential person
Term
malady
 Definition
illness
Term
malapropism
 Definition
humorous misuse of a word
Term
malcontent
 Definition
discontented person, one who holds a grudge
Term
malefactor
 Definition
evil-doer; culprit
Term
malevolent
 Definition
ill-willed; causing evil or harm to others
Term
malice
 Definition
animosity, spite, hatred
Term
malinger
 Definition
to evade responsibility by pretending to be ill
Term
mandatory
 Definition
necessary, required
Term
mannered
 Definition
artificial or stilted in character
Term
mar
 Definition
to damage, deface; spoil
Term
maritime
 Definition
relating to the sea or sailing
Term
martial
 Definition
warlike, pertaining to the military
Term
martinet
 Definition
strict disciplinarian, one who rigidly follows rules
Term
martyr
 Definition
person dying for his or her beliefs
Term
maudlin
 Definition
overly sentimental
Term
mawkish
 Definition
sickeningly sentimental
Term
medieval
 Definition
relating to the Middle Ages (about a.d. 500-1500)
Term
melancholy
 Definition
sadness, depression
Term
menagerie
 Definition
various animals kept together for exhibition
Term
mendacious
 Definition
dishonest
Term
mendicant
 Definition
beggar
Term
mentor
 Definition
experienced teacher and wise adviser
Term
mercurial
 Definition
quick, shrewd, and unpredictable
Term
meretricious
 Definition
gaudy, falsely attractive
Term
meritorious
 Definition
deserving reward or praise
Term
metamorphosis
 Definition
cahnge, transformation
Term
metaphor
 Definition
figure of speech comparing two different things
Term
meticulous
 Definition
extremely careful, fastidious, painstaking
Term
mettle
 Definition
courageousness; endurance
Term
militate
 Definition
to operate against, work against
Term
misanthrope
 Definition
person who hates human beings
Term
misconstrue
 Definition
to misunderstand, fail to discover
Term
miserliness
 Definition
extreme stinginess
Term
misnomer
 Definition
an incorrect name or designation
Term
missive
 Definition
note or letter
Term
mitigate
 Definition
to soften, or make milder
Term
mnemonic
 Definition
relating to memory; designed to assisst memory
Term
mollify
 Definition
to calm or make less severe
Term
molt (v.)
 Definition
to shed hair, skin, or an outer layer periodically
Term
monastic
 Definition
extremely plain or secluded (as in a monastery)
Term
monologue
 Definition
dramatic speech performed by one actor
Term
montage
 Definition
composite picture
Term
moot
 Definition
debatable; purely academic, deprived of practical significance
Term
morbid
 Definition
gruesome; relating to disease; abnormally gloomy
Term
moribund
 Definition
dying, decaying
Term
morose
 Definition
gloomy, sullen, or surly
Term
morsel
 Definition
small bit of food
Term
mote
 Definition
qsmall particle, speck
Term
motely
 Definition
many colored; composed of diverse parts
Term
mottle
 Definition
to mark with spots
Term
mundane
 Definition
worldly; commonplace
Term
munificent
 Definition
generous
Term
mutability
 Definition
changeability
Term
myriad
 Definition
immense number; multitude
Term
nadir
 Definition
lowest point
Term
nascent
 Definition
starting to develop, coming into existance
Term
nebulous
 Definition
vague, cloudy
Term
neophyte
 Definition
novice, beginner
Term
nettle (v.)
 Definition
to irritate
Term
niche
 Definition
recess in a wall; best position for something
Term
nihilism
 Definition
belief that existence and all traditional values are meaningless
Term
nocturnal
 Definition
pertaining to night; active at night
Term
noisome
 Definition
stinking, putrid
Term
nomadic
 Definition
moving from place to place
Term
nominal
 Definition
existing in name only; negligible
Term
notoriety
 Definition
unfavorable fame
Term
novice
 Definition
apprentice, beginner
Term
novitiate
 Definition
state of being a beginner or novice
Term
noxious
 Definition
harmful, unwholesome
Term
nuance
 Definition
shade of meaning
Term
nullify
 Definition
to make legally invalid; to counteract the effect of
Term
obdurate
 Definition
stubborn
Term
obfuscate
 Definition
to confuse, obscure
Term
oblique
 Definition
indirect, evasive; misleading, devious
Term
oblivious
 Definition
unaware, inattentive
Term
obsequious
 Definition
overly submissive, brownnosing
Term
obsolete
 Definition
no longer in use
Term
obstinate
 Definition
stubborn
Term
obstreperous
 Definition
troublesome, boisterous, unruly
Term
obviate
 Definition
to make unnecessary; to anticipate and prevent
Term
occlude
 Definition
to shut, block
Term
odious
 Definition
hateful, contemptible
Term
officious
 Definition
too helpful, meddlesome
Term
ominous
 Definition
menacing, threatening, indicating misfortune
Term
omniscient
 Definition
having infinite knowledge, all-seeing
Term
onerous
 Definition
burdensome
Term
opaque
 Definition
impervious to light; difficult to understand
Term
opine
 Definition
to express an opinion
Term
opportune
 Definition
appropriate, fitting
Term
opprobrious
 Definition
disgraceful, contemptuous
Term
opulence
 Definition
wealth
Term
oration
 Definition
lecture, formal speech
Term
oscillate
 Definition
to move back and forth
Term
ossify
 Definition
to turn to bone; to become rigid
Term
ostentatious
 Definition
showy
Term
ostracism
 Definition
exclusion, temporary banishment
Term
ouster
 Definition
expulsion, ejection
Term
overwrought
 Definition
agitated, overdone
Term
pacify
 Definition
to restore calm, bring peace
Term
palatial
 Definition
like a palace, magnificent
Term
palaver
 Definition
idle talk
Term
pall (n.)
 Definition
covering that darkens or obscures; coffin
Term
pall (v.)
 Definition
to lose strenght or interest
Term
palliate
 Definition
to make less serious, ease
Term
pallid
 Definition
lacking color or liveliness
Term
palpable
 Definition
obvious, real, tangible
Term
paltry
 Definition
pitifully small or worthless
Term
panacea
 Definition
cure-all
Term
panache
 Definition
flamboyance, verve
Term
pandemic
 Definition
spread over a whole area or country
Term
panegyric
 Definition
elaborate praise; formal hymn of praise
Term
panorama
 Definition
broad view; comprehensive picture
Term
paradigm
 Definition
ideal example, model
Term
paradox
 Definition
contradiction, incongruity; dilemma, puzzle
Term
paragon
 Definition
model of excellence or perfection
Term
paramount
 Definition
supreme, dominant, primary
Term
paraphrase
 Definition
to reword, usually in simpler terms
Term
parasite
 Definition
person or animal that lives at another's expense
Term
parch
 Definition
to dry or shrivel
Term
pariah
 Definition
outcast
Term
parity
 Definition
equality
Term
parochial
 Definition
of limited scope or outlook, provincial
Term
parody
 Definition
humorous imitation
Term
parry
 Definition
to ward off or deflect
Term
parsimony
 Definition
stinginess
Term
partisan
 Definition
strong supporter; biased in favor of
Term
pastiche
 Definition
piece of literature or music imitating other works
Term
pathos
 Definition
pity, compassion
Term
patrician
 Definition
aristocrat
Term
patronize
 Definition
to condescend to, disparage; to buy from
Term
paucity
 Definition
scarcity, lack
Term
pauper
 Definition
very poor person
Term
pedagogue
 Definition
teacher
Term
pedant
 Definition
boring academic, nit-picker
Term
pedestrian (adj.)
 Definition
commonplace
Term
peer (n.)
 Definition
contemporary, equal, match
Term
peerless
 Definition
unequaled
Term
penchant
 Definition
inclination
Term
pensive
 Definition
thoughtful
Term
penury
 Definition
extreme poverty
Term
perennial
 Definition
present throughout the years; persistent
Term
perfidious
 Definition
faithless, disloyal, untrustworthy
Term
perfunctory
 Definition
done in a routine way; indifferent
Term
peripatetic
 Definition
moving from place to place
Term
perjure
 Definition
to tell a lie under oath
Term
permeable
 Definition
penetrable
Term
pernicious
 Definition
very harmful
Term
perpetual
 Definition
endless, lasting
Term
pertinent
 Definition
applicable, appropriate
Term
perusal
 Definition
close examination
Term
pestilence
 Definition
epidemic, plague
Term
petulance
 Definition
rudeness, peevishness
Term
phalanx
 Definition
massed group of soldiers, people, or things
Term
philanderer
 Definition
pursuer of casual love affairs
Term
philanthropy
 Definition
love of humanity; generosity to worthy causes
Term
philistine
 Definition
narrow-minded person, someone lacking appreciation for art or culture
Term
phlegmatic
 Definition
calm in temperament; sluggish
Term
phlegmatic
 Definition
calm in temperament; sluggish
Term
phobia
 Definition
exaggerated, illogical fear
Term
piety
 Definition
devoutness
Term
pilfer
 Definition
to steal
Term
pinnacle
 Definition
peak, highest point of development
Term
pique (n.)
 Definition
fleeting feeling of hurt pride
Term
pithy
 Definition
profound, substantial; concise, succinct, to the point
Term
placate
 Definition
to soothe or pacify
Term
placid
 Definition
calm
Term
plagiarist
 Definition
one who steals words or ideas
Term
plaintiff
 Definition
injured person in a lawsuit
Term
platitude
 Definition
stale, oversued expression
Term
plentitude
 Definition
abundance, plenty
Term
plethora
 Definition
excess, overabundance
Term
pliant
 Definition
pliable, yielding
Term
plucky
 Definition
courageous, spunky
Term
plummet
 Definition
to fall, plunge
Term
ply (v.)
 Definition
to use diligently; to engage; to join together
Term
poignant
 Definition
emotionally moving
Term
polemic
 Definition
controversy, argument; verbal attack
Term
polyglot
 Definition
speaker of many languages
Term
pontificate
 Definition
to speak in a pretentious manner
Term
pore (v.)
 Definition
to study closely or meditatively
Term
porous
 Definition
full of holes, permeable to liquids
Term
portent
 Definition
omen
Term
posterity
 Definition
future generations; all of a person's descendants
Term
potable
 Definition
drinkable
Term
pragmatic
 Definition
practical; moved by facts rather than abstract ideals
Term
prattle (n.)
 Definition
meaningless, foolish talk
Term
precarious
 Definition
uncertain
Term
precipice
 Definition
edge, steep overhang
Term
precipitous
 Definition
hasty, quickly, with too little caution
Term
preclude
 Definition
to rule out
Term
precocious
 Definition
unusually advanced at an early age
Term
precursor
 Definition
forerunner, predecessor
Term
predilection
 Definition
preference, liking
Term
preface (n.)
 Definition
introduction to a book; introductory remarks to a speech
Term
premeditate
 Definition
to consider, plan beforehand
Term
prepossessing
 Definition
attractive, engaging, appealing
Term
preposterous
 Definition
absurd, illogical
Term
presage
 Definition
to foretell, indicate in advance
Term
prescient
 Definition
having foresight
Term
presumptuous
 Definition
rude, improperly bold
Term
pretext
 Definition
excuse, pretended reason
Term
prevalent
 Definition
widespread
Term
prevaricate
 Definition
to lie, evade the truth
Term
pristine
 Definition
untouched, uncorrupted
Term
privation
 Definition
lack of usual necessities or comforts
Term
probity
 Definition
honesty, high-mindedness
Term
proclivity
 Definition
tendency, inclination
Term
procrastinator
 Definition
one who continually and unjustifiably postpones
Term
prodigal (adj.)
 Definition
wasteful, extravagant, lavish
Term
prodigious
 Definition
vast, enormous, extraordinary
Term
proficient
 Definition
expert, skilled in a certain subject
Term
profuse
 Definition
lavish, extravagant
Term
progenitor
 Definition
originator, forefather, ancestor in a direct line
Term
progeny
 Definition
offspring, children
Term
prognosis
 Definition
prediction of disease outcome; any prediction
Term
prolific
 Definition
productive
Term
prologue
 Definition
introductory section of a literary work or play
Term
promontory
 Definition
piece of land or rock higher than its surroundings
Term
promulgate
 Definition
to make known publicly
Term
propensity
 Definition
inclination, tendency
Term
propitious
 Definition
favorable, advantageous
Term
proponent
 Definition
advocate, defender, supporter
Term
prosaic
 Definition
relating to prose; dull, commonplace
Term
proscribe
 Definition
to condemn; to forbid, outlaw
Term
prostrate
 Definition
lying face downward, lying flat on ground
Term
protagonist
 Definition
main character in a play or story, hero
Term
protean
 Definition
readily assuming different forms or characters
Term
protocol
 Definition
ceremony and manners observed by diplomats
Term
provincial
 Definition
rustic, unsophisticated, limited in scope
Term
prowess
 Definition
bravery, skill
Term
proximity
 Definition
nearness
Term
prudent
 Definition
careful, cautious
Term
pry
 Definition
to intrude into; force open
Term
pseudonym
 Definition
pen name; fictitious or borrowed name
Term
puerile
 Definition
childish, immature, silly
Term
pugnacious
 Definition
quarrelsome, eager and ready to fight
Term
pulchritude
 Definition
beauty
Term
punctilious
 Definition
carefuly in observing rules of behavior or ceremony
Term
pungent
 Definition
strong or sharp in smell or taste
Term
punitive
 Definition
having to do with punishment
Term
purge
 Definition
to cleanse or free from impurities
Term
quagmire
 Definition
marsh; difficult situation
Term
quandary
 Definition
dilemma, difficulty
Term
quarantine
 Definition
isolation perious - originally of 40 days - to prevent spread of disease
Term
quell
 Definition
to crush or subdue
Term
querulous
 Definition
inclined to complain, irritable
Term
quibble
 Definition
to argue about insignificant and irrelevant details
Term
quiescence
 Definition
inactivity, stillness
Term
quintessence
 Definition
most typical example; concentrated essence
Term
quixotic
 Definition
overly idealistic, impractical
Term
quotidian
 Definition
occurring daily; commonplace
Term
raconteur
 Definition
witty, skillful storyteller
Term
rail (v.)
 Definition
to scold with bitter or abusive language
Term
ramble
 Definition
to roam, wander; to babble, digress
Term
ramification
 Definition
an implication, outgrowth, or consequence
Term
rancor
 Definition
bitter hatred
Term
rant
 Definition
to harangue, rave, forcefully scold
Term
rapport
 Definition
relationship of trust and respect
Term
rapt
 Definition
deeply absorbed
Term
rarefy
 Definition
to make thinner, purer, or more refined
Term
rash (adj.)
 Definition
careless, hasty, reckless
Term
raucous
 Definition
harsh sounding; boisterous
Term
ravage
 Definition
to destroy, devastate
Term
ravenous
 Definition
extremely hungry
Term
raze
 Definition
to tear down, demolish
Term
reactionary
 Definition
marked by extreme conservatism, expecially in politics
Term
rebuff (n.)
 Definition
blunt rejection
Term
rebuke
 Definition
to reprimand, scold
Term
rebut
 Definition
to refute by evidence or argument
Term
recalcitrant
 Definition
resisting authority or control
Term
recant
 Definition
to retract a statement, opinion, etcetera
Term
reclusive
 Definition
shut off from the world
Term
recondite
 Definition
relating to obscure learning; known to only a few
Term
recount
 Definition
to describe facts or events
Term
redress
 Definition
relief from wrong or injury
Term
redundancy
 Definition
unnecessary repetition
Term
refract
 Definition
to deflect sound or light
Term
refuge
 Definition
escape, shelter
Term
regimen
 Definition
government rule; systematic plan
Term
rejoinder
 Definition
response
Term
relinquish
 Definition
to renounce or surrender something
Term
relish (v.)
 Definition
to enjoy greatly
Term
remuneration
 Definition
pay or reward for work, trouble, etcetera
Term
renascent
 Definition
reborn, coming into being again
Term
renegade
 Definition
traitor, person abandoning a cause
Term
renege
 Definition
to go back on one's word
Term
renown
 Definition
fame, widespread acclaim
Term
repast
 Definition
meal or mealtime
Term
repeal
 Definition
to revoke or formally withdraw (often a law)
Term
repentant
 Definition
apologetic, guilty, remorseful
Term
replete
 Definition
abundantly supplied
Term
repose
 Definition
relaxation, leisure
Term
reprehensible
 Definition
blameworthy, disreputable
Term
reproach
 Definition
to find fault with; blame
Term
reprobate
 Definition
morally unprincipled person
Term
reprove
 Definition
to criticize or correct
Term
requite
 Definition
to return or repay
Term
rescind
 Definition
to repeal, cancel
Term
residue
 Definition
remainder, leftover, remnant
Term
resilient
 Definition
able to recover quickly after illness or bad luck; able to bounce back to shape
Term
resolute
 Definition
determined, with a clear purpose
Term
respite
 Definition
interval of relief
Term
resplendent
 Definition
splendid, brilliant
Term
restive
 Definition
impatient, uneasy, restless
Term
reticent
 Definition
not speaking freely; reserved
Term
retort (n.)
 Definition
cutting response
Term
retrospective
 Definition
review of the past
Term
revelry
 Definition
boisterous festivity
Term
revere
 Definition
to worship, regard with awe
Term
revert
 Definition
to backslide, regress
Term
revile
 Definition
to criticize with harsh language, verbally abuse
Term
rhetoric
 Definition
persuasive use of language
Term
ribald
 Definition
humorous in a vulgar way
Term
riddle (v.)
 Definition
to make many holes in; permeate
Term
rife
 Definition
widepread, prevalent; abundant
Term
risque
 Definition
bordering on being inappropriate or indecent
Term
robust
 Definition
strong and healthy; hardy
Term
rostrum
 Definition
stage for public speaking
Term
rotund
 Definition
round in shape; fat
Term
rue
 Definition
to regret
Term
ruminate
 Definition
to contemplate, reflect upon
Term
rustic
 Definition
rural
Term
saccharine
 Definition
excessively sweet or sentimental
Term
sagacious
 Definition
shrewd
Term
salient
 Definition
prominent or conspicuous
Term
sallow
 Definition
sickly yellow in color
Term
salubrious
 Definition
healthful
Term
salutation
 Definition
greeting
Term
sanction (n>)
 Definition
permission, support; lay; penalty
Term
sanctuary
 Definition
haven, retreat
Term
sanguine
 Definition
ruddy; cheerfully optimistic
Term
sardonic
 Definition
cynical, scornfully mocking
Term
satiate
 Definition
to satisfy
Term
saunter
 Definition
to amble; walk in a leisurely manner
Term
savant
 Definition
learned person
Term
savory
 Definition
agreeable in taste or smell
Term
scale (v.)
 Definition
to climb to the top of
Term
scintilla
 Definition
trace amount
Term
scintillate
 Definition
to sparkle, flash
Term
scoff
 Definition
to deride, ridicule
Term
score (n.)
 Definition
notation for a musical composition
Term
score (v.)
 Definition
to make a notch or scratch
Term
scrupulous
 Definition
restrained; honest; careful and precise
Term
scrutiny
 Definition
careful observation
Term
scurrilous
 Definition
vulgar, low, indecent
Term
secular
 Definition
not specifically pertaining to religion
Term
sedentary
 Definition
inactive, stationary; sluggish
Term
seminal
 Definition
relating to the beginning or seeds of something
Term
senescent
 Definition
aging, growing old
Term
sentinent
 Definition
awared, conscious, able to percieve
Term
sequester
 Definition
to remove or set apart; put into seclusion
Term
seraphic
 Definition
angelic, pure, sublime
Term
serpentine
 Definition
serpentlike; twisting, winding
Term
servile
 Definition
submissive, obedient
Term
shard
 Definition
piece of broken glass or pottery
Term
shirk
 Definition
to avoid a task due to laziness or fear
Term
simper
 Definition
to smirk, smile foolishly
Term
sinecure
 Definition
well-paying job or office that requires little or no work
Term
singe
 Definition
to burn slightly, scorch
Term
sinuous
 Definition
winding; intricate, complex
Term
skeptical
 Definition
doubtful, questioning
Term
skulk
 Definition
to move in a stealthy or cautious manner; sneak
Term
slight
 Definition
to treat as unimportant; insult
Term
sloth
 Definition
sluggishness, laziness
Term
slough
 Definition
to discard or shed
Term
slovenly
 Definition
untidy, messy
Term
sobriety
 Definition
seriousness
Term
sodden
 Definition
thoroughtly soaked, saturated
Term
sojourn
 Definition
visit, stay
Term
solace
 Definition
comfort in distress, consolation
Term
solicitous
 Definition
concerned, attentive; eager
Term
soliloquy
 Definition
literary or dramatic speech by one character, not addressed to others
Term
soluble
 Definition
capable of being solved or dissolved
Term
somber
 Definition
dark and gloomy; melancholy, dismal
Term
somnolent
 Definition
drowsy, sleepy; inducing sleep
Term
sonorous
 Definition
producing a full, rich sound
Term
sophistry
 Definition
deceptive reasoning or argumentation
Term
sophomoric
 Definition
immature and overconfident
Term
soporific
 Definition
sleepy or tending to cause sleep
Term
sordid
 Definition
filthy; contemptible and corrupt
Term
sovereign
 Definition
having supreme power
Term
spartan
 Definition
austere, severe, grave; simple, bare
Term
spontaneous
 Definition
on the spur of the moemnt, impulsive
Term
sporadic
 Definition
infrequent, irregular
Term
spurious
 Definition
lacking authenticity; counterfeit, false
Term
spurn
 Definition
to reject or refuse contemptuously; scorn
Term
squalid
 Definition
filthy; morally repulsive
Term
squander
 Definition
to waste
Term
staccato
 Definition
marked by abrupt, clear-cut sounds
Term
staid
 Definition
self-restrained to the point of dullness
Term
stand (n.)
 Definition
group of trees
Term
stark
 Definition
bare, empty, vacant
Term
stifle
 Definition
to smother or suffocate; suppress
Term
stipend
 Definition
allowance; fixed amount of money paid regularly
Term
stockade
 Definition
enclosed area forming defensive wall
Term
stoic
 Definition
indifferent to or unaffected by emotions
Term
stolid
 Definition
having or showing little emotion
Term
strident
 Definition
loud, harsh, unpleasantly noisy
Term
stringent
 Definition
imposing severe, rigorous standards
Term
stupefy
 Definition
to dull the senses of; stun, astonish
Term
stymie
 Definition
to block or thwart
Term
suave
 Definition
smoothly gracious or polite; blandly ingratiating
Term
subjugate
 Definition
to conquer, subdue; enslave
Term
sublime
 Definition
awe-inspiring; of high spiritual or moral value
Term
subliminal
 Definition
subconscious; imperceptible
Term
subterfuge
 Definition
trick or tactic used to avoid something
Term
subterranean
 Definition
hidden, secret; underground
Term
subtle
 Definition
hard to detect or describe; perceptive
Term
subvert
 Definition
to undermine or corrupt
Term
succinct
 Definition
terse, brief, concise
Term
succulent
 Definition
juicy; fully of vitality or freshness
Term
suffragist
 Definition
one who advocates extended voting rights
Term
sullen
 Definition
brooding, gloomy
Term
sully
 Definition
to soil, stain, tarnish, taint
Term
supercilious
 Definition
arrogant, haughty, overbearing, condescending
Term
superficial
 Definition
hasty; shallow and phony
Term
superfluous
 Definition
extra, more than necessary
Term
supersede
 Definition
to take the place of; replace
Term
supersede
 Definition
to take the place of; replace
Term
supplicant
 Definition
one who asks humbly and earnestly
Term
surfeit
 Definition
excessive amount
Term
surly
 Definition
rude and bad-tempered
Term
surmise
 Definition
to make an educated guess
Term
surmount
 Definition
to conquer, overcome
Term
surreptitious
 Definition
characterized by secrecy
Term
susceptible
 Definition
vulnerable, unprotected
Term
sybarite
 Definition
person devoted to pleasure and luxury
Term
sycophant
 Definition
self-serving flatterer, yes-man
Term
syllabus
 Definition
outline of a course
Term
symbiosis
 Definition
cooperation, mutual helpfulness
Term
synopsis
 Definition
plot summary
Term
synthesis
 Definition
blend, combination
Term
tacit
 Definition
silently understood or implied
Term
taciturn
 Definition
uncommunicative, not inclined to speak much
Term
tactile
 Definition
relating to the sense of touch
Term
taint
 Definition
to spoil or infect; to stain honor
Term
talon
 Definition
claw of an animal, especially a bird of prey
Term
tang
 Definition
sharp flavor or odor
Term
tangential
 Definition
digressing, diverting
Term
tangible
 Definition
able to sensed, perceptible, measurable
Term
tawdry
 Definition
gaudy, cheap, showy
Term
temperance
 Definition
restraint, self-control, moderation
Term
tempered
 Definition
moderated, restrained
Term
tempestuous
 Definition
stormy, raging, furious
Term
tenable
 Definition
defensible, reasonable
Term
tenacious
 Definition
stubborn, holding firm
Term
tenet
 Definition
belief, doctrine
Term
tenuous
 Definition
weak, insubstantial
Term
tepid
 Definition
lukewarm; showing little enthusiasm
Term
terse
 Definition
concise, brief, free of extra words
Term
testament
 Definition
statement of belief; will
Term
tether
 Definition
to bind, tie
Term
theocracy
 Definition
government by priests representing a god
Term
thesaurus
 Definition
book of synonyms and antonyms
Term
timorous
 Definition
timid, shy, full of apprehension
Term
tirade
 Definition
long, violent speech; verbal assault
Term
toady
 Definition
flatterer, hanger-on, yes-man
Term
tome
 Definition
book, usually large and academic
Term
torpid
 Definition
lethargic; unable to move; dormant
Term
tortuous
 Definition
having many twists and turns; highly complex
Term
toxin
 Definition
poison
Term
tractable
 Definition
obedient, yielding
Term
transcend
 Definition
to rise above, go beyond
Term
transient (adj.)
 Definition
temporary, short-lived, fleeting
Term
transitory
 Definition
short-lived, existing only briefly
Term
translucent
 Definition
partially transparent
Term
travesty
 Definition
parody, exaggerated imitation, caricature
Term
tremulous
 Definition
trembling, quivering; fearful, timid
Term
trenchant
 Definition
acute, sharp, incisive; forceful, effective
Term
trepidation
 Definition
fear and anxiety
Term
trifling
 Definition
of slight worth, trivial, insignificant
Term
trite
 Definition
shallow, superficial
Term
troupe
 Definition
group of actors
Term
truncate
 Definition
to cut off, shorten by cutting
Term
tundra
 Definition
treeless plain found in arctic or subarctic regions
Term
turgid
 Definition
swollen, bloated
Term
turpitude
 Definition
inherent vileness, foulness, depravity
Term
tyro
 Definition
beginner, novice
Term
ubiquitous
 Definition
being everywhere simultaneously
Term
umbrage
 Definition
offense, resentment
Term
unadulterated
 Definition
absolutely pure
Term
unanimity
 Definition
state of total agreement or unity
Term
unconscionable
 Definition
unscrupulous; shockingly unfair or unjust
Term
unctuous
 Definition
greasy, oily; smug and falsely earnest
Term
undulating
 Definition
moving in waves
Term
unequivocal
 Definition
absolute, certain
Term
uniform (adj.)
 Definition
consistent and unchanging; identical
Term
unimpeachable
 Definition
beyond question
Term
unscrupulous
 Definition
dishonest
Term
upbraid
 Definition
to scold sharply
Term
uproarious
 Definition
loud and forceful
Term
urbane
 Definition
courteous, refined, suave
Term
usurp
 Definition
to seize by force
Term
usury
 Definition
practice of lending money at exorbitant rates
Term
utopia
 Definition
perfect place
Term
vacillate
 Definition
to waver, show indecision
Term
vagrant
 Definition
person with no home and no means of support
Term
vanquish
 Definition
to conquer, defeat
Term
vapid
 Definition
tasteless, dull
Term
variegated
 Definition
varied; marked with different colors
Term
vaunted
 Definition
boasted about, bragged about
Term
vehement
 Definition
strong, urgent
Term
vendetta
 Definition
prolonged feud marked by bitter hostility
Term
venerable
 Definition
respected because of age
Term
vent (v.)
 Definition
to express, say out loud
Term
veracity
 Definition
accuracy, truth
Term
verbatim
 Definition
word for word
Term
verbose
 Definition
wordy
Term
verity
 Definition
truthfulness; belief viewed as true and enduring
Term
vermin
 Definition
small creatures offensive to humans
Term
vernacular
 Definition
everyday language used by ordinary people; specialized language of a profession
Term
vernal
 Definition
related to spring
Term
versatile
 Definition
adaptable, all-purpose
Term
vestige
 Definition
trace, remnant
Term
vex
 Definition
to irritate, annoy; confuse, puzzle
Term
viable
 Definition
workable, able to succeed or grow
Term
vicarious
 Definition
enjoyed through imagined participation in another's experience
Term
vie
 Definition
to compete, contend
Term
vigilant
 Definition
attentive, watchful
Term
vilify
 Definition
to slander, defame
Term
vim
 Definition
energy, enthusiasm
Term
vindicate
 Definition
to clear of blame; support a claim
Term
vindictive
 Definition
spiteful, vengeful, unforgiving
Term
virtuoso
 Definition
someone with masterly skill; expert musician
Term
virulent
 Definition
extremely poisonous; malignant; hateful
Term
viscous
 Definition
thick, syrupy, and sticky
Term
vitriolic
 Definition
burning, caustic; sharp, bitter
Term
vituperate
 Definition
to abuse verbally
Term
vivacious
 Definition
lively, spirited
Term
vociferous
 Definition
loud, vocal, and noisy
Term
volition
 Definition
free choice, free will; act of choosing
Term
voluble
 Definition
speaking much and easily, talkative; glib
Term
voracious
 Definition
having a great appetite
Term
vulnerable
 Definition
defenseless, unprotected; innocent, naive
Term
waive
 Definition
to refrain from enforcing a rule; to give up a legal right
Term
wan
 Definition
sickly pale
Term
wanton
 Definition
undisciplined, unrestrained, reckless
Term
wary
 Definition
careful, cautious
Term
whet
 Definition
to sharpen, stimulate
Term
whimsical
 Definition
playful or fanciful idea
Term
writ
 Definition
written document, usually in law
Term
wry
 Definition
amusing, ironic
Term
xenophobia
 Definition
fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers
Term
yoke (v.)
 Definition
to join together
Term
zenith
 Definition
highest point, summit
Term
zephyr
 Definition
gentle breeze
Term
zoologist
 Definition
scientist who studies animals
Term
abandon (n.)
 Definition
total lack of inhibition
Term
abase
 Definition
to humble; disgrace
Term
abate
 Definition
decrease, reduce
Term
abdicate
 Definition
to give up a position, right, or power
Term
aberration
 Definition
something different from the usual
Term
abet
 Definition
to aid; act as accomplice
Term
abhor
 Definition
to loathe, detest
Term
abject
 Definition
miserable, pitiful
Term
abolitionist
 Definition
one who opposes the practice of slavery
Term
abortive
 Definition
interrupted while incomplete
Term
abridge
 Definition
to condense, shorten
Term
abrogate
 Definition
to put an end to, abolish by authority
Term
abscond
 Definition
to depart secretly
Term
absolve
 Definition
to forgive, free from blame
Term
abstain
 Definition
to choose not to do something
Term
accolade
 Definition
praise, distinction
Term
accrue
 Definition
to accumulate, grow by additions
Term
acerbic
 Definition
bitter, sharp in taste or temper
Term
acme
 Definition
highest point; summit
Term
acquiesce
 Definition
to agree; comply quietly
Term
acrid
 Definition
harsh, bitter
Term
acrimony
 Definition
bitterness, animosity
Term
acuity
 Definition
sharpness
Term
acumen
 Definition
sharpness of insight
Term
adage
 Definition
old saying or proverb
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