Term
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Definition
| v. [abandoned; abandoned; abandoning] to give up completely E.G. abandoned the sinking ship. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [abashed; abashed; abashing] to lose self-confidence; to confuse, put to shame E.G. abashed before the assembled dignitaries. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [abdicated; abdicated; abdicating] to give up claim to E.G. abdicated the throne |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [abetted; abetted; abetting] to encourage -or support E.G. treacherously abetted the enemy. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [abridged; abridged; abridging] to shorten E.G. abridged his lengthy speech. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [abrogated; abrogated; abrogating] to abolish or render void E.G. a treaty abrogated by mutual consent. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. moderate in the use of food or drink E.G. abstemious in his habits. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. pertaining to school E.G. theoretical academic interests . an academic discussion, with no practical implications. |
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Definition
| v. [acceded; acceded; acceding] to agree to E.G. accede to a request. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [accelerated; accelerated; accelerating] to quicken, speed tip E.G. took an accelerated course in order to graduate early. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. an award or salute E.G. a tremendous accolade for a returning hero. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [accords] agreement or harmony E.G. in full accord with his view. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. sharp or harsh in language or temper E.G. stung by the acrimonious remark. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. keenness of mind or insight E.G. showing exceptional business acumen. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [admonished; admonished; admonishing] to warn or find fault gently E.G. admonishing the unruly child. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [adversaries] an opponent E.G. his adversary in a bitter debate. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [adversities] misfortune E.G. calm in the face of adversity. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. pertaining to the beautiful E.G. interested in aesthetic values rather than in purely practical affairs. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. sociable, courteous, and agreeable in manner E.G. a much admired, affable gentleman. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. prosperous, flourishing; copious E.G. a large bequest from an affluent grandfather. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [more aggressive; most aggressive] self-assertive; attacking, offensive E.G. annoyed people by his aggressive attitude; |
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Term
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Definition
| n. eagerness; cheerful promptness E.G. responded to the flattering offer with alacrity. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [alienated; alienated; alienating] to estrange E.G. alienated by his gruff manner. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [allayed; allayed; allaying] to calm; to lessen in severity E.G. at ease now that his fears have been allayed. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [alluded; alluded; alluding] to refer to indirectly E.G. alluded quite subtly to his friend's misfortune. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [allured; allured; alluring] to tempt by flattery or an attractive offer E.G. allured by the prospect of a new job. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. having or expressing more than one possible meaning, sometimes intentionally E.G. puzzled by the ambiguous statement. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. obedient; willing to submit E.G. amenable to the suggestion. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. good-natured; friendly E.G. attracted friends by his amiable disposition. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a thing placed or occurring out of its normal time E.G. A machine gun at the Battle of Yorktown would be an anachronism. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [analogies] a relation between two things shown in the resemblance not of the things themselves but of their characteristics E.G. He indicated points of analogy between the two situations. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. state of confusion or lawlessness E.G. a country brought to utter anarchy by civil war. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a feeling of hatred E.G. felt no animus, even against the enemy. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [annals] historical records E.G. in the annals of literature. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. of unknown authorship E.G. an anonymous publication. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [anthologies] a collection of choice literary works E.G. an anthology of modern poetry. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [antitheses] contrast; the direct opposite E.G. He is the exact antithesis of what I find attractive in men. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. lack of feeling, emotion, or interest E.G. attributed his failure to apathy, rather than lack of ability. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. fearful E.G. Being unprepared, John is apprehensive of the examination. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [apprised; apprised; apprising] to inform E.G. apprised his lieutenants of the new situation. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. approval; praise E.G. a plan that met with hearty approbation. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [apter;aptest] likely; inclined or disposed E.G. apt to succeed. an apt remark. apt at woodcarving. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a person who has authority to decide matters in dispute E.G. a fair decision rendered by the arbiter. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. an original pattern E.G. copies reproduced from the archetype. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. dry; barren E.G. the arid desert land. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [aristocracies] government by the best people; a privileged class E.G. special privileges enjoyed by the aristocracy. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [armistices] a temporary suspension of hostilities. E.G. The armistice halted the war. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. sly; crafty E.G. attained his mean objective by artful measures. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. to speak clearly or distinctly E.G. articulated slowly so that he could not be misunderstood. an articulate man, always ready to give his views. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. rigorously self-denying E.G. pursued the ascetic life of a monk. |
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Term
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Definition
| adv. with distrust E.G. looked askance at the forged signature. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [asseverated; asseverated; asseverating] to declare positively; to confirm E.G. asseverated his views with conviction. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. industrious E.G. an assiduous worker, toiling long hours. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [asylums] a place offering shelter and retreat E.G. found asylum from persecution. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [atheists] one who denies that God exists E.G. The atheist declared, "There is no God." |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [attributed; attributed; attributing] assign E.G. attributed his success to bard work. Generosity was his outstanding attribute. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [augmented; augmented; augmenting] to increase or enlarge E.G. an army augmented by numerous enlistments. |
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Term
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Definition
| ad. indicating a happy outcome E.G. The prospect for this project appears auspicious. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. genuine E.G. proved to be an authentic document. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. despotic E.G. feared by the masses as an autocratic ruler. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. excessive greed E.G. a fortune accumulated by avarice and miserliness. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. unsymmetrical; not straight E.G. the picture, hanging awry on the wall. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. lacking in freshness, originality, or vigor E.G. bored by his banal remarks. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. destructive, poisonous E.G. a baneful effect, causing serious injury. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. conversation which is amusing and not serious E.G. He considered himself a master of witty banter. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a stick or staff E.G. The conductor wielded his baton gracefully. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [belied; belied; belying] to give a false idea of E.G. His gracious manner belied his evil purpose. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. inclined to quarrel; warlike E.G. His bellicose attitude often got John into fights. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. engaged in war E.G. two belligerent nations warring fiercely. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. kindly; charitable E.G. like a benevolent monarch, bestowing many favors. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [bereaved, bereft; bereaved, bereft; bereaving] to deprive or leave desolate by loss E.G. a widow just bereaved of her husband. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [besmirched; besmirched; besmirching] to soil or dirty E.G. besmirched his opponent's good name with vile epithets. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. prejudiced E.G. misled by a biased point of view. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a lover of books E.G. The bibliophile fingered the old book fondly. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. queer; unusual in appearance E.G. bizarre clothes, outlandish in the extreme. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [blander; blandest] gentle; polite E.G. a bland diet, without irritating foods. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a flattering speech or act E.G. attracted people by his blandishments. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [blemished; blemished; blemishing] to scar or spoil E.G. Bad associates blemished his character . A character without a blemish. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [blighted; blighted; blighting] to ruin or decay E.G. the rotting wheat-, blighted by incessant rain. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [blither; blithest] gay and light-hearted in spirit or mood E.G. spread cheer with her blithe spirit. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [bogs] a swamp E.G. sank into the spongy bog. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. high-sounding; pretentious in language E.G. a bombastic speech, inflated with meaningless high-flown words. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. unrefined in speech or manners E.G. exhibited the boorish manners of a backwoodsman. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. relating to the countryside E.G. The painting shows a typically bucolic scene with peasants harvesting crops in a field. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a clown E.G. acting like a buffoon, full of ludicrous tricks. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [bulwarks] an embankment used as a fortification; a person, idea, or object serving as a protection E.G. a lofty bulwark for defense. acted as a bulwark in the fight against crime. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. obnoxiously conceited or self-assertive E.G. a bumptious monitor, puffed up with his own importance, |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a small group of persons engaged in plotting E.G. a cabal of prominent persons united to overthrow the government. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. unharmonious sounding E.G. a cacophonous blare of trumpets, noisy and discordant. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. corpselike; hence, haggard, pale E.G. His face appeared cadaverous from long imprisonment. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [more callous; most callous] unfeeling or insensitive E.G. made callous by long suffering. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [calumniated; calumniated; calumniating] to accuse falsely or maliciously in order to injure another's reputation; slander E.G. calumniated his political opponent by spreading false rumors. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. frank, outspoken E.G. The two presidents have had candid talks about the current crisis. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. ill-natured; quarrelsome E.G. showed a cantankerous and sullen disposition. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. inclined, through some whim or fancy change the mind, purpose, or actions suddenly E.G. a capricious person, undependable in mood or temper. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. quick to find fault about trifles E.G. a captious critic pouncing on slight laws. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [caricatures] a picture or other description of a person which exaggerates ludicrously one or more of his distinctive features E.G. not a realistic portrait but a malicious caricature. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [castigated; castigated; castigating] to punish or criticize severely E.G. castigated for using improper language. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. pertaining to the sky; heavenly E.G. a celestial pageant of bright stars. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. an extreme patriot E.G. a chauvinist with most pride in his country. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [chicaneries] trickery, deception E.G. practised chicanery all his shady dealings. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. continuing a long time; habitual E.G. a chronic complaint, persisting for years. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. cautious E.G. looked about him circumspectly. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [circumvented; circumvented; circumventing] to gain an advantage by the use of trick to evade by the use of deception; to go around E.G. circumvented the law by evasive practices. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. of or having to do with citizens or the state; polite, courteous E.G. We I civil duties as well as civil liberties. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. loud and noisy E.G. a clamorous outburst the crowd outside. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. secret; stealthy E.G. a clandestine meeting known only to a few. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. merciful; gentle E.G. a clement judge who tempered justice with leniency. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [coalitions] alliance; merging of various units into one unit E.G. three parties forming a coalition to rule the country. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. compelling a person by physical force or other means to do something against his will E.G. rendered his services without the slightest coercion. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. having the force to compel, usually by appealing to reason E.G. persuaded by cogent arguments. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. working together secretly for an evil purpose E.G. acted in collusion to overthrow the government. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. roomy E.G. a commodious apartment. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. capable of existing together in harmony E.G. It was when we started living together that we found we just weren't compatible. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [compendiums, compendia] a brief summary of the main ideas of a larger work E.G. a compendium of chemistry in a slim volume. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. payment for services E.G. just compensation for his labor. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. self-satisfied E.G. looked on his own performance with a complacent smile. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. regret for wrongdoing E.G. displayed slight compunction for his misdeed. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [conceded; conceded; conceding] to yield; to admit as true E.G. conceded victory to a superior force. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. well-deserved (applied chiefly to punishment) E.G. received condign punishment for his crime. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [condoled; condoled; condoling] to express sympathy with another in sorrow, pain, or misfortune E.G. condoled with each other in their grief. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [condoned; condoned; condoning] to forgive or overlook (an offense) E.G. condoned the deed, in view of the offender's age. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [confederates] a person allied with others for a special purpose (frequently a bad one) E.G. joined his confederate in secret enterprise. two confederate groups hurrying to their rendezvous. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. possessing similar interests and tastes; able to get on well with others E.G. congenial people with similar backgrounds. congenial to his taste. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [conjectured; conjectured; conjecturing] to guess E.G. Without facts, we can only conjecture about his guilt. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [consecrated; consecrated; consecrating] to set apart as sacred; to devote or dedicate to some aim E.G. consecrate the battlefield with a monument to the dead heroes. consecrated his life to teaching. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [consensuses] general agreement E.G. The consensus of the committee was that no action should be taken. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. amazement; lack of courage caused by fearful prospect E.G. The threat struck deep consternation into John. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. to interpret, explain the sense of, or analyze E.G. construed the statement to his own advantage. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. perfect or highly accomplished E.G. achieved with consummate skill. consummated the deal without delay. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. expressive of contempt (an emotion involving anger and disgust) E.G. cast a contemptuous look at his subordinate. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. festive; gay E.G. a convivial party. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. plentiful E.G. shed copious tears at the bad news. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. fat E.G. corpulent due to excessive eating. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [cosmopolitans] one who is at home in all countries E.G. A cosmopolitan can feel at ease anywhere in the world. a world-wide traveler, cosmopolitan in tastes and attitudes. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a group of people joined by common interests a coterie of select friend. E.G. a coterie of writers |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [countenances] a face E.G. His countenance expressed his complete disgust. refused to countenance disrespectful conduct. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [crasser; crassest] coarse and stupid E.G. displayed crass ignorance. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [cravens] coward E.G. the deed of a craven, motivated by fear. a craven act which shocked the world. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. trust or belief E.G. gave little credence to the rumor. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. worthy of belief E.G. a credible story, true to life. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. deserving or reflecting Credit or honor applauded for his creditable performance. E.G. no example |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. inclined to believe anything; easily imposed upon E.G. a credulous fool whom anyone can dupe. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [cringed; cringed; cringing] to shrink in fear E.G. cringing before superior force. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [more crucial; most crucial] decisive or critical; difficult E.G. the crucial event that decided the outcome. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. containing hidden meaning E.G. a cryptic message, difficult to decipher. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. deserving blame or censure E.G. removed from office for culpable negligence. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. burdensome and clumsy E.G. a cumbrous knapsack, impeding his march. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [curbed; curbed; curbing] to control, check, or restrain E.G. forcibly curbed the people's protest. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. hurried; hence, superficial E.G. Time permitted only a cursory examination. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [curter; curtest] rudely abrupt E.G. offended by the curt response. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. sneeringly distrustful of the good motives or conduct of others E.G. belittled the hero with a cynical remark. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. scarcity E.G. a dearth of news, brought about by censorship. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. submitting to the wishes or judgment of another E.G. yielded out of deference to the old man. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [deities] a god E.G. The sun was a deity to ancient peoples. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. very pleasing E.G. a delectable meal, tastefully prepared. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [deleted; deleted; deleting] to erase or cancel, take out or remove E.G. deleted an offensive phrase. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [delineated; delineated; delineating] to sketch or portray E.G. striking features, delineated by a master artist. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [delinquents] an offender E.G. found to be a delinquent by the court. too many people who are delinquent in meeting their civic duties. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [deluges] a great flood; downpour E.G. a spring deluge which caused the river to overflow. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a leader who tries to stir the passions of people for his own purposes E.G. the mob roused by an unprincipled demagogue. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. behavior; bearing E.G. carrying himself with a proud demeanor. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [demurer; demurest] affectedly or falsely modest or prim E.G. serious demure as a Victorian maiden. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [denounced; denounced; denouncing] to speak against E.G. denounced by the press as a traitor. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [depleted; depleted; depleting] to empty or to use up E.G. depleted the public treasury by vast building programs. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. to express sorrow or grief over E.G. a lamentable situation deplored by all parties. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. of low morals; corrupt E.G. a depraved mind, devising evil. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. to plead or argue against a certain course of action E.G. deprecated the proposal severely. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. to belittle or speak slightingly of E.G. depreciated John's acting ability. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. widespread ruin E.G. the city left in utter devastation by war. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. winding; indirect E.G. took a devious, rather than the direct way home. used devious means to attain his wicked ends. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. lacking in; not possessing E.G. a speech devoid of even a trace of ill-will. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [devouter; devoutest] devoted to religious observances E.G. devout in his regularity of attendance at worship. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [dicta, dictums] art authoritative statement; a saying E.G. an imperial dictum demanding instant compliance. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. designed to teach, imparting a lesson E.G. a poem with a didactic purpose. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. lacking in self-confidence E.G. too diffident to lead a group. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [dilemmas] a situation calling for a choice between two equally difficult alternatives; hence, a difficult or perplexing situation E.G. faced with a dilemma defying solution. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [dilettantes, dilettanti] one who dabbles in the fine arts for amusement only and without concentrated study E.G. a doctor by profession, a dilettante in art. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [disconcerted; disconcerted; disconcerting] to confuse; to embarrass E.G. disconcerted by his suspicious stare. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. depressed; without hope or possibility of consolation E.G. made disconsolate by abject poverty. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. to converse or talk; to discuss E.G. discoursed at length on the rise of political parties. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. separate E.G. two discrete issues, totally unrelated. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. rambling from one subject to another E.G. a discursive letter, covering many topics. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [disparities] inequality; difference in image, quantity, character, or rank E.G. great disparity between promise and performance. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. free from feeling or partiality E.G. coldly dispassionate as the chairman of the meeting |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [dispatched; dispatched; dispatching] to do speedily; to send off E.G. dispatched with remarkable promptness. done with all possible dispatch. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [dispelled; dispelled; dispelling] to drive away; to scatter E.G. dispelled a doubt that had lingered. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [dissented; dissented; dissenting] to disagree; to differ in opinion E.G. He dissented violently, rejecting compromise. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. living loosely; unrestrained in conduct or morals E.G. his life wasted by dissolute conduct. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. mentally distressed; distracted E.G. distraught by trials and tribulations. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. varied; different E.G. two diverse characters; one candid, the other insincere. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. entertaining E.G. a diverting one of the most amusing I've ever seen. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [divulged; divulged; divulging] to make public or reveal E.G. refused to divulge his source of information. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. positive in expressing an opinion; asserting an opinion as though it were an undisputed fact E.G. spoken dogmatically, as if the speaker considered himself infallible. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. sorrowful; mournful E.G. a dolorous song full of sorrow for past joys. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. forceful E.G. possessed dynamic energy, tireless and powerful. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. pertaining to the clergy or the church E.G. recognized as an authority in ecclesiastic matters. Antonyms: secular, lay an ecclesiastic of liberal views. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a public command or proclamation issued by an authority E.G. proclaimed by royal edict. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [edified; edified; edifying] to instruct or uplift, particularly in morals or religion E.G. a story that edifies the reader, as well as entertains him |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. no longer productive; hence, lacking in or, worn out E.G. powerful in ancient days, now an effete civilization. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. conceited E.G. an egotistic person, flourishing on praise. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. often of mistakes, extremely and noticeably bad E.G. It was an egregious error for a statesman to show such ignorance. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [ejaculated; ejaculated; ejaculating] to exclaim or utter suddenly E.G. ejaculated a cry of horror. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [elicited; elicited; eliciting] to draw out E.G. elicited no response from the audience. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [elucidated; elucidated; elucidating] to make clear; to explain E.G. elucidated his theory so that even a schoolboy could understand it. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [emissaries] a person sent on an errand or mission E.G. delegated his emissary to conclude a pact. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [engendered; engendered; engendering] to cause, produce, or stir up E.G. an act that engendered good will. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. boredom; weariness of mind E.G. fell asleep at the meeting from sheer ennui. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [ensued; ensued; ensuing] to follow or result E.G. Silence ensued when the leader arose to speak. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [entreated; entreated; entreating] to beg earnestly E.G. entreated the judge to show mercy. She refused to become involved with him despite his passionate entreaties. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. very short-lived E.G. an ephemeral joy, lasting but a day. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a person devoted to luxurious living and pleasure E.G. an epicurean, seeking to enjoy every meal. His entire existence demonstrated his epicurean tastes. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [epigrams] a brief pointed saying E.G. a speech full of original epigrams. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [epitaphs] a tombstone inscription E.G. an epitaph engraved on marble. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [epithets] a phrase that describes a quality (good or bad) in a person or thing E.G. "Glaring" error is a commonly used epithet. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. evenness of temper or mind E.G. suffered his cruel fate with equanimity. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [erred; erred; erring] to make a mistake or to do something wrong E.G. He erred in agreeing to her appointment. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. irresponsible, eccentric; lacking a fixed purpose erratic behavior E.G. He drove in an erratic course down the road. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. having or containing a lot of specialist knowledge E.G. an erudite person, an editor of many books. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. understood by only a select few E.G. an esoteric subject, discussed only by scholars. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. objectionable E.G. exceptionable behavior, universally criticized. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [exculpated; exculpated; exculpating] to free from blame E.G. exculpated by a jury. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. serving as a model; commendable E.G. exemplary conduct approved by all. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. departure, emigration E.G. the pathetic exodus of refugees from their homeland. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. strange and foreign E.G. an exotic costume imported from Asia. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [expatiated; expatiated; expatiating] to speak or write at great length E.G. He expatiated on the subject for two hours. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [expatriated; expatriated; expatriating] to banish or exile; to withdraw from one's country E.G. expatriated for treachery to his country. expatriates who left the United States to live in Paris. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. convenient in helping to attain some purpose E.G. found it expedient to maintain silence at that moment. tried all expedients to achieve a quick result. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. to use for one's selfish purpose E.G. refugees exploited by unscrupulous employers. lauded for his exploits in science. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [expounded; expounded; expounding] to set forth in detail; to explain E.G. expounded his theory in a learned article. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [expurgated; expurgated; expurgating] to purify (usually a piece of writing) of offensive material E.G. expurgate all obscenities before the book could be sold. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. done or spoken on the spur of the moment or without preparation E.G. an extemporaneous speech. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. no longer existing or active E.G. the extinct dinosaur, alive only in history. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [extirpated; extirpated; extirpating] to root out, destroy totally E.G. extirpated the cause of trouble. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. not essential; foreign E.G. excluded material extraneous to the subject. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. great rejoicing E.G. received the good news with exultation. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [facades] front or face, especially of a building E.G. a facade of marble. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. given to joking or inappropriate gaiety; said in fun E.G. brightened the evening with his facetious remarks. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. unsound; misleading E.G. led astray by fallacious reasoning and plans. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. liable to make mistakes or be deceived E.G. Being human, Tom was naturally fallible. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [fathomed; fathomed; fathoming] to penetrate and understand E.G. difficult to fathom his mysterious actions. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. foolish; silly E.G. a fatuous suggestion that struck us as stupid. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [fealties] faithfulness E.G. The soldiers were pledged to fealty to their ruler. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. workable, proved practical by previous experience. E.G. a feasible plan |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [feigned; feigned; feigning] to pretend E.G. He feigned to be angry, but we saw through his pretense. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [felicities] a state of happiness; a high ability E.G. promoted felicity in the nation. lie has a felicity of language, mastery of the well-chosen phrase. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. spirited; ardent E.G. a fervid debater, full of emotion. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [festoons] a garland of flowers, leaves, etc. hung between two points E.G. the room bright with festoons of Thanksgiving decorations. a room festooned with spring flowers. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. something that is believed to have magical powers; an object of unreasoning devotion and worship E.G. savages worshipping the fetish in a ceremonial dance. Photography, begun as a hobby, became a fetish. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [fiascos, fiascoes] a ludicrous and complete failure E.G. all his glorious plans ending in a fiasco. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. unreal; made-up E.G. used a fictitious name to avoid being recognized. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. lacking firmness E.G. muscles grown flaccid after the illness. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. outstandingly bad E.G. condemned for his flagrant abuse of power. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. elaborately showy E.G. written in a flamboyant, style, full of highly decorative imagery. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [flaunted; flaunted; flaunting] display or wave boastfully E.G. flaunted the excellent report before his delighted parents. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. passing swiftly E.G. the fleeting hours of happiness |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [fluctuated; fluctuated; fluctuating] to waver from one course to another; to vary irregularly E.G. his mood fluctuating with every hour. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [forbore; forborne; forbearing] to exercise self control; to keep from E.G. forbearing to shoot the animal despite temptation. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. pertaining to public discussion or law courts E.G. a lawyer gifted in forensic debate. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. accidental E.G. a fortuitous meeting with a friend in need. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [fracases, fracas] a disorderly quarrel E.G. A fracas broke up the meeting. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [frustrated; frustrated; frustrating] to prevent (the attainment of an object); to defeat or render ineffectual E.G. His scholastic progress was frustrated by a serious illness. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. disgustingly excessive E.G. nauseated by fulsome praise. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [garnished; garnished; garnishing] to trim or decorate E.G. dishes garnished attractively with greens. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [genealogies] a record of a person's or a family's ancestors or relatives E.G. an interesting genealogy, including saints and sinners. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [genesises] origin E.G. chemistry, which had its genesis in alchemy. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [gesticulated; gesticulated; gesticulating] to make gestures, or indicate feelings by motions E.G. gesticulated wildly to show his distress. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [ghastlier; ghastliest] horrible, deathlike E.G. a ghastly disaster which shocked the world. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [gibed; gibed; gibing] to laugh at; to utter with scorn E.G. gibed at his enemy mercilessly. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [glibber; glibbest] smooth-spoken, fluent E.G. a glib liar, distorting the truth effortlessly. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. inclined to cat to excess E.G. gulped down his food in gluttonous fashion. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a very thin gauzelike fabric or structure E.G. a poem so delicate that it seemed an unreal gossamer. the gossamer wings of a dragon fly. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. habitually fond of associating in a company or herd E.G. gregarious sheep; that gregarious animal, man. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [grimaces] a distortion of the face to express an attitude or feeling E.G. a grimace that was more expressive than words. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [hailed; hailed; hailing] to greet E.G. The crowd hailed the returning hero. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [harangued; harangued; haranguing] to deliver a long. noisy speech E.G. harangued the multitude. an empty harangue which bored his audience. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a forerunner; ail announcer E.G. the robin, harbinger of spring. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [haughtier; haughtiest] proud; looking down with contempt on others E.G. dismissed the messenger in a haughty manner. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. thoughtless; taking little care E.G. rushed into battle, heedless of the danger. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. wicked; hateful E.G. committed a heinous crime. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [heresies] an opinion held in opposition to the traditional view E.G. a view condemned as heresy. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [hiatuses, hiatus] a gap or vacancy; break E.G. left a hiatus on the page where he erased a sentence. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. pertaining to the theater; designed for show E.G. broke into histrionic laughter, hollow and insincere. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a trick or deception; a practical joke E.G. played a hoax upon the credulous public. He hoaxed the crowd completely with his disguise. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. two words having the same sound but different meanings E.G. confusing such homonyms as mail add male. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [hovels] a dirty or wretched dwelling E.G. born in a hovel, died in a mansion. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [hyperboles] extravagant exaggeration for effect E.G. An example of hyperbole: "There are a million objections to the project." |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [hypotheses] an assumption made for the sake of argument E.G. worked from a fantastic hypothesis. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [idiosyncrasies] a. personal peculiarity E.G. Wearing white was one of Whistler's idiosyncrasies. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. incurring public disgrace E.G. suffered an ignominious descent from political power. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. spotless; pure E.G. an immaculate reputation. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. likely to occur soon E.G. stood in imminent peril. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. exempt from; protected from E.G. immune from taxation. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [impaled; impaled; impaling] to pierce through with a pointed instrument E.G. impaled a spider to the wall. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [impeached; impeached; impeaching] to accuse (a public official) of wrongdoing; to cast discredit upon E.G. impeached the judge for accepting a bribe. impeached his motives. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. faultless E.G. performed with impeccable skill. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. incapable of being penetrated E.G. a mind impervious to new ideas. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. incapable of being soothed, made peaceful, or forgiving E.G. implacable resentment. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. implied but not clearly expressed; unquestioning E.G. an implicit agreement. implicit confidence. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. meaning; significance or importance E.G. a matter of great import. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [impostors] a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others E.G. He felt like an impostor among all those intelligent people, as if he had no right to be there. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a curse E.G. hurled imprecations at those who would not listen to him. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. unconquerable E.G. an impregnable fortress. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [improprieties] improper act, manners, or expression E.G. guilty of impropriety in public office. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. lacking in thrift; not providing for future needs E.G. an improvident spender. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [impugned; impugned; impugning] to attack or criticize as false; to call in question E.G. impugned his honesty. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [incarcerated; incarcerated; incarcerating] to imprison E.G. crushed his opponents by incarcerating them. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. cutting, penetrating E.G. incisive criticism. |
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Term
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Definition
| adv. with one's identity concealed E.G. traveled incognito. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. indisputable E.G. incontrovertible evidence. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. an increase E.G. a salary increment. |
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Term
|
Definition
| n. [incumbents] an officeholder E.G. the incumbent in an election. felt it incumbent to reply. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. untiring E.G. an indefatigable worker. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. native E.G. Rice is indigenous to China. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. stubborn in determination not to be subdued E.G. indomitable courage. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [inferences] a conclusion reached by reasoning from data or premises E.G. an inference drawn from his remarks. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. demonstrating originality, skill, or resourcefulness E.G. an ingenious device. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. simple and straightforward; concealing nothing E.G. an ingenuous plan that anyone could see through. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [ingratiated; ingratiated; ingratiating] to win another's favor or good opinion E.G. tried to ingratiate himself with the politician. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [inhibited; inhibited; inhibiting] to check or hinder E.G. inhibited his friend from a foolhardy course. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. harmless; inoffensive E.G. an innocuous remark, but it enraged him. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [innuendos, innuendoes] an indirect reference or suggestion (frequently derogatory) E.G. conveyed his idea by innuendo. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. excessive E.G. spoiled by inordinate praise. |
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. unable to be satisfied E.G. insatiable greed |
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. incapable of interpretation or understanding E.G. the inscrutable smile of the Mona Lisa. |
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. working secretly or slyly E.G. that insidious disease, cancer. |
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Term
|
Definition
| v. [instigated; instigated; instigating] to stir tip E.G. instigated discontent among the soldiers. |
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Term
|
Definition
| n. honesty, moral soundness E.G. a man of proved integrity. |
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Term
|
Definition
| v. [inveighed; inveighed; inveighing] to speak angrily or bitterly E.G. inveighed against economic discrimination. |
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. easily angered E.G. Even petty things made Peter irascible. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| n. anger E.G. aroused his ire. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. tedious, monotonous E.G. an irksome chore that no one liked. |
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. traveling about; wandering E.G. an itinerant salesman. |
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Term
|
Definition
| n. [jargons] confused, unintelligible, meaningless talk; special vocabulary used only by members of a group or trade E.G. Variety, a newspaper written in theatrical jargon. |
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. [jauntier; jauntiest] having an air of easy carelessness or liveliness E.G. walked with a jaunty step. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| n. danger E.G. His life was in jeopardy. |
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Term
|
Definition
| v. [jettisoned; jettisoned; jettisoning] to throw overboard (as cargo); to throw off (as a burden or something in the way ) E.G. jettisoned their old candidate as a political liability. |
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. wise; using or exhibiting good judgment E.G. a well-chosen plan, termed judicious by all. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. constantly changing or varying in pattern or scenes E.G. kaleidoscopic views of New York. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| n. range of sight or understanding E.G. something beyond our ken. |
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Term
|
Definition
| n. [labyrinths] a confusing set of connecting passages or paths in which it is easy to get lost E.G. Finally, through a labyrinth of corridors she found his office. |
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. causing or given to shedding tears E.G. a lachrymose tragedy. |
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. saying much in few words E.G. a laconic reply that spoke volumes. |
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Term
|
Definition
| n. [larcenies] theft E.G. indicted for grand larceny. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. hidden; present but not fully developed E.G. latent talent that time will reveal. |
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. profuse or generous; given to extravagance E.G. lavish in praise. a lavish spender. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. deadly E.G. a lethal weapon. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| n. prolonged duration of life E.G. a country remarkable for the longevity of its inhabitants. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| v. to bellow softly like cattle E.G. the lowing herd in the meadow. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. clear; transparent E.G. a lucid explanation of a difficult text. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. ridiculous; producing laughter E.G. a ludicrous remark that set them all to roaring. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| n. [luminaries] an eminent person; a celestial body E.G. the platform graced by a number of luminaries. |
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. sacrificing moral principles in order to attain power; politically cunning E.G. a machiavellian design, wickedly contrived. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. bearing, or acting with, deliberate ill-will or spite E.G. hurting with malicious intent. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| v. [masqueraded; masqueraded; masquerading] to assume a deceptive appearance or character E.G. a thief masquerading as an honest man. a masquerade so perfect no one could guess his identity. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. sentimental to the point of tears E.G. turned maudlin at the mention of his lost dog. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| v. [meandered; meandered; meandering] to walk about (or talk) aimlessly; to wind about (as a stream) E.G. meandered through the town, looking into shop windows. |
|
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. average in quality E.G. a mediocre performance, unworthy of his talents. |
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. acting solely from a consideration of reward or profit E.G. actuated by a mercenary motive. |
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. attracting in a false, cheap, or showy manner E.G. a meretricious beauty that is too flashy to be real. |
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Term
|
Definition
| adj. fussy about minute details E.G. took meticulous pains with his composition. |
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Term
|
Definition
| n. disposition; spirit E.G. His mettle was tried in battle. |
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Term
|
Definition
| n. a little world, or a universe in miniature E.G. The audience was selected to create a microcosm of American society. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [mimicked; mimicked; mimicking] to make fun of or copy by imitating E.G. mimicked the comedian's gestures. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. hating or distrusting mankind E.G. condemned for his misanthropic views. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a name or term that describes wrongly E.G. To call him a brave man is really a misnomer. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a speech by one person E.G. The actor gave his views in a dramatic monologue. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. gloomy; ill-humored E.G. shunned because of his morose temper. |
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Definition
| adj. of various colors; of mixed ingredients E.G. a motley costume; a motley crowd. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. spotted or streaked with varied colors E.G. a mottled pony. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. of, or pertaining to, the world, as contrasted with the spirit E.G. mundane affairs. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [murkier; murkiest] dark; cloudy E.G. a murky cavern. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. given to frequent change in nature, mood, or form E.G. mutable in mood as a spring wind. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. innumerable E.G. the myriad stars in the heavens. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. pertaining to ships or navigation E.G. a nautical career. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [nettled; nettled; nettling] to irritate or provoke E.G. nettled by his critics. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. pertaining to, or occurring in, the night E.G. awakened by the sounds of a nocturnal prowler. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. foul-smelling; harmful E.G. the swamp gave off a noisome odor. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. unmoved or indifferent; casual E.G. reacted to the news in a nonchalant manner. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. homesickness E.G. felt nostalgia for the old homestead. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [more notorious; most notorious] widely known (in a bad sense) E.G. a notorious gambler. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [novices] a beginner E.G. conducted himself in politics like a novice. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. hard-hearted; stubborn E.G. an obdurate, unrepentant criminal. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. forgetful; absent-minded E.G. walking oblivious of his surroundings. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [obsessions] a persistent feeling, idea, activity, etc., which dominates a person; the state of being exclusively preoccupied by a fixed idea E.G. Now that he has learned bowling, it has become his obsession. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. no longer in use E.G. an obsolete word, not even included by most dictionaries. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. thrusting oneself or itself into undue prominence E.G. made himself obnoxiously obtrusive. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [obviated; obviated; obviating] to prevent, dispose of, or make unnecessary by appropriate actions E.G. an act which obviated all objections. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. all-powerful E.G. an omnipotent despot. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [onuses] burden; duty E.G. bore the onus of his difficult office creditably. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. apparent; pretended E.G. his ostensible, though not actual, purpose. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [ostracized; ostraized; ostracizing] to banish; to exclude from public favor or privileges E.G. a former premier ostracized by popular vote. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [panaceas] a remedy for all ills E.G. seeking a panacea to cure our social troubles. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a speech or writing of extravagant praise E.G. delivered a panegyric at his friend's testimonial dinner. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [paradoxes] a self -contradictory statement; something 'that appears to be absurd and yet may be true -"Life is too important a matter to he taken seriously." E.G. a paradox by Oscar Wilde. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [paraphrased; paraphrased; paraphrasing] to restate the meaning of a passage in other words E.G. paraphrased the poem in a few lines of prose. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [parodies] a humorous imitation of an author's style and mannerisms E.G. wrote a parody on Kipling's "Gunga Din". the trial was a parody of justice. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [peccadilloes, peccadillos] a petty fault E.G. possesses one peccadillo among his many virtues. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. pertaining to money E.G. involved in pecuniary difficulties. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. one who proudly shows off his learning or who overrates his knowledge E.G. like a pedant glorying in his scholarly trifles. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [more pensive; most pensive] sadly thoughtful E.G. softly sang his pensive song. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [more peremptory; most peremptory] positive in expressing an opinion E.G. gave a peremptory judgment. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. clinging doggedly to an opinion or purpose E.G. pertinacious in his efforts. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [perused; perused; perusing] to read carefully E.G. perused the important letter. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [more perverse; most perverse] willfully bent on doing the wrong thing E.G. a perverse lad, always disobeying his parents. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [petrified; petrified; petrifying] to paralyze with horror, fear, or surprise E.G. petrified by the enemy bombardment. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. adopting and reproducing, without acknowledgment, the writings or ideas of another and passing them off as one's own E.G. denied the charge of deliberate plagiarism. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a dull and commonplace remark E.G. bored people by his pompous phrases and platitudes. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. pertaining to the common people; hence, common or vulgar E.G. plebeian in his tastes and outlook. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [plebiscites] a direct vote by the people E.G. The decision to confederate was ratified by plebiscite. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [more poignant; most poignant] gripping and moving the feelings powerfully; piercing, biting, pointed E.G. a poignant grief. a poignant cry; poignant wit. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [more ponderous; most ponderous] very heavy; clumsy E.G. a ponderous speech, extremely boring. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [more precarious; most precarious] uncertain or risky E.G. earning a precarious livelihood, providing no luxuries. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [more precipitous; most precipitous] very steep; descending rapidly E.G. a precipitous cliff. a precipitous decline in popularity. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [more precocious; most precocious] remarkable for early mental development E.G. A precocious child, she went to university at the age of 15. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. inclined to plunder or rob; preying on, others E.G. predatory bands roaming the countryside. predatory animals prowling about. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. partiality or preference for; a favorable opinion arrived at beforehand E.G. a predilection for theatricals. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [preludes] an introduction, forerunner, or preliminary step E.G. a short prelude to the play. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [prerogatives] a privilege or power attaching to a position E.G. It is a woman's prerogative to refuse to tell her age. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. esteem or influence accorded for recognized achievements or reputation E.G. As Senator he enjoyed great prestige. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [presumptions] something taken for granted; going beyond proper bounds E.G. acted on a reasonable presumption. His question was downright presumption. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [prevaricated; prevaricated; prevaricating] to disguise or conceal the truth to lie E.G. prevaricated in order to avoid detection. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [procrastinated; procrastinated; procrastinating] to postpone or put off to another time E.G. missed his opportunity by procrastinating too long. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [prognosticated; prognosticated; prognosticating] to forecast E.G. The Weather Bureau prognosticates daily. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. the wage-earning class E.G. a truckman, humble member of the proletariat. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [promontories] a cliff E.G. an imposing promontory along the coast. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [promulgated; promulgated; promulgating] to publish or proclaim; to spread abroad E.G. The President promulgated a decree. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. bulging or swelling out E.G. a protuberant jaw. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. temporary; for the time being E.G. a provisional plan until a permanent decision is reached. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. nearness E.G. worked in close proximity to his home. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a false name assumed by a writer E.G. concealed his identity by a pseudonym. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. inflicting, or concerned with, punishment E.G. took punitive measures against deserters. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [quashed; quashed; quashing] to crush; to render void E.G. quashed a rebellion; quashed an indictment. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. given to fault-finding and complaining E.G. Her querulous nature estranged many people. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. extravagantly romantic or idealistic; highly impractical E.G. a quixotic scheme that can never materialize. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a skilled storyteller E.G. held spellbound by a superb raconteur. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [radicals] one who advocates extreme basic changes E.G. The reform movement was led by a radical. radical measures adopted to meet the emergency. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a branching; sub-division E.G. studied the subject in all its ramifications. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [razed; razed; razing] to tear down completely E.G. razed the old building. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [recapitulated; recapitulated; recapitulating] to restate in a brief, concise form; to sum up E.G. recapitulated the main ideas. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. mutual; done in return for something received E.G. held each other in reciprocal esteem. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. lying down; leaning back or down E.G. resting in a recumbent position. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. fragrant; reminiscent of E.G. a room redolent of roses. redolent of olden times. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. commanding fear or respect E.G. cringing before a redoubtable enemy. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [refuted; refuted; refuting] to prove incorrect or false E.G. refuted his opponent's argument. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [reiterated; reiterated; reiterating] repeat (several times) E.G. reiterated his story once more. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [more remunerative; most remunerative] profitable E.G. a remunerative job. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. one who forsakes political or party principles or his religious faith E.G. a renegade from his former allegiance. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. injury inflicted in turn for one received E.G. took action in reprisal against his neighbor. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [resentments] feeling of displeasure or indignation resulting from mistreatment or abuse E.G. showed resentment at what he considered an unwarranted insult. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. elastic; light-hearted E.G. a resilient Spirit, refusing to admit defeat. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. temporary deferment or cessation of work or pain; a temporary delay in the execution of -a sentence E.G. a brief respite from labor. granted the doom man a temporary respite. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. the reward or punishment exacted for an injury, wickedness, or other action E.G. suffered just retribution for his folly. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [retrieved; retrieved; retrieving] to make good; to recover E.G. retrieved a mistake. retrieved the suitcase left at the station. retrieved his lost fortunes. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [reverberated; reverberated; reverberating] to echo E.G. a shot reverberating through the valley. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [more rudimentary; most rudimentary] in an early stage of development E.G. possessing only a rudimentary, knowledge of physics. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [rued; rued; ruing] to be sorry for E.G. He will rue the day he left home. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. very holy E.G. a shrine. regarded as sacrosanct. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [more sagacious; most sagacious] wise; shrewd E.G. proved to be sagacious in his judgment. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [sallower; sallowest] sick E.G. a sallow complexion. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [sallied; sallied; sallying] to rush forth suddenly E.G. sallied out to meet the enemy. amused the audience with his sallies against his opponent. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. pretending to be religious E.G. showed his hypocrisy in a sanctimonious display of piety. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. bloody E.G. a sanguinary battle. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [more sanguine; most sanguine] of a hopeful disposition; blood-red in color E.G. a perennial optimist, sanguine in temperament. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. pertaining to a tailor or clothes E.G. a picture of sartorial perfection. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [satellites] an attentive or flattering follower; a country influenced or controlled by another E.G. a prince surrounded by many satellites. Freedom is conspicuously absent ,in the Soviet satellites. The moon is the only natural satellite of the earth, but in recent years it has been joined by many artificial satellites. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [scintillas] a trace; a particle E.G. not a scintilla of convincing evidence. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [scourged; scourged; scourging] to punish severely; to afflict E.G. a disease that scourged the country. The Black Plague was a dreadful scourge of the Middle Ages. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [scrutinized; scrutinized; scrutinizing] to examine carefully E.G. scrutinized the contents of the letter. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a party slogan E.G. a shibboleth designed to attract votes. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [simpered; simpered; simpering] to smile in a silly or affected way E.G. She gave her teacher a simpering smile. stood nervously, a simper on his face. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. employment entailing little or no responsibility or labor E.G. His job was a sinecure. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [more sinister; most sinister] threatening or showing evil; dishonest E.G. the sinister look of a gangster. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [sleazier; sleaziest] flimsy and cheap E.G. sleazy cloth which is used only in cheap garments. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [slovenlier; slovenliest] untidy and dirty E.G. I'll have to improve my slovenly habits - my mother's coming to stay. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. tending to induce sleep E.G. a poorly written novel, soporific in effect. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. mean and base; filthy E.G. Sordid motives breed selfish actions. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. supreme power and authority; independent of the control of any other government E.G. possessing sovereign powers; a sovereign state. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. occurring singly, at irregular intervals; scattered E.G. sporadic cases of illness. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [spurned; spurned; spurning] to refuse or reject with contempt E.G. an offer that was spurned instantly. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. indifferent, calm in bearing pain or pleasure; practising remarkable self-control over emotions E.G. maintained a stoic attitude despite all his trials. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. having a very severe effect, or being extremely limiting E.G. The most stringent laws in the world are useless unless there is the will to enforce them. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [more stupendous; most stupendous] amazing by, virtue of its immense size, force, or any quality in exceptional degree E.G. The circus is a stupendous spectacle. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. juicy E.G. a succulent steak. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [sultrier; sultriest] close, hot, and moist E.G. sultry tropical weather. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. lying flat on the back; inert, inactive, averse to taking action E.G. resting in a supine position. a supine, ineffective administrator. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [more tangible; most tangible] real; actual E.G. tangible gains which may be seen. and counted. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. equivalent E.G. an act that is tantamount to treason. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [taunted; taunted; taunting] to reproach with contempt E.G. taunted him with the charge of failure to act promptly. hurled taunts at his foes. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. in abundance, fertile, highly productive E.G. the teeming tropics, rank with vegetation. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [temerities] unwise or reckless boldness E.G. leaped into battle with thoughtless temerity. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. worldly, as opposed to spiritual; existing for a time only E.G. a man preoccupied with temporal matters. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [temporized; temporized; temporizing] to delay or refuse to commit oneself in order to gain time E.G. temporized while his friends hurried to his aid. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a principle of belief held as true E.G. a tenet of religion which be maintained loyally. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. slender; not substantial E.G. clung desperately to his tenuous hope. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [tranquiler, tranquiller; tranquilest, tranquillest] calm; peaceful E.G. a tranquil summer night. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [transgressed; transgressed; transgressing] to break a law or command; to violate a moral principle E.G. transgressed the bounds of decency; transgressed the law. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. trembling E.G. tremulous with fright. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. [more trivial; most trivial] of little worth or importance E.G. a trivial offense. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. cruel, fierce; harsh E.G. a dispute marked by a truculent attitude on both sides. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. swollen, inflated; using big or high-sounding words E.G. turgid rivers overflowing their banks. a turgid prose style. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. existing everywhere E.G. The common cold is a ubiquitous complaint. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. incapable of being defended or held E.G. withdrew the argument as untenable. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. materially or practically useful E.G. beautiful, but not utilitarian. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [vanquished; vanquished; vanquishing] to subdue or conquer E.G. an army vanquished with heavy losses. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [vaunted; vaunted; vaunting] to boast E.G. proudly vaunted his strength. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. a superficial appearance or show designed to impress one with superiority E.G. pierced beneath his thin veneer of elegance. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. deserving respect or reverence because of age E.G. a venerable leader. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. pertaining to spring E.G. an array of vernal flowers. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. able to do many things skillfully E.G. versatile in all the arts. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. taking the place of another; felt, received, or done in place of another E.G. took vicarious pleasure in his brother's victory. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [vicissitudes] a change from one condition to another, often unexpected E.G. suffered many vicissitudes of fortune. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [viragoes, viragos] a scolding or ill-tempered woman E.G. My neighbor's wife is a virago. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [vituperated; vituperated; vituperating] to scold or blame loudly, find fault with in abusive language E.G. an angry man, vituperating the world. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [waived; waived; waiving] to give up (privileges, etc.); to do without E.G. waived his rights to the property. |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [whims] a sudden notion or passing fancy E.G. frequently acted on the whim of the moment. |
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Term
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Definition
| v. [writhed; writhed; writhing] to twist about (usually with pain) E.G. writhed in agony on the floor. |
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Term
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Definition
| adj. full of enthusiasm or eagerness E.G. a zealous supporter of the government's policies |
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Term
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Definition
| n. [zeniths] the highest point E.G. the zenith of his career. |
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