abacus (AB-uh-kuss), noun A device used to figure arithmetic equations by moving beads along rods. Mrs.

Danvers thought that the ABACUS, with its brightly colore bea s, woul entertain the !irst gra ers while illustrating the basic "rinci"les o! a ition an subtraction. abdicate (AB- i-kate), verb To formally give up a position or responsibility. To abdicate means to step down from a high government office or other powerful position. Originally, the word referred primarily to royalty. #he $ing, as we all know, ABD%CA#&D rather than give u" the wo'an he love . abet (uh-B&#), verb To encourage or assist a plan or activity. To abet is to entice or help, usually in a misdeed. An accomplice to a robbery abets the crime. #hough Michael i not "artici"ate in the actual ki na""ing, he le!t hi'sel! o"en to charges o! AB&##%() the "er"etrators by hi ing the' !ro' the "olice. abbreviated (uh-B*&&-vee-ate-u ), a +ective Shortened. Because the hour is late, % will li'it 'ysel! to an ABB*&,%A#&D version o! 'y inten e s"eech. abduct (ub-DUC#), verb To take a person away secretly and illegally, often by use of force; to kidnap. My sister &llen use to take such long showers that Da woul +okingly ask i! she- been ABDUC#&D by aliens. abject (AB-+ect), a +ective educed to a low state or condition; also, demonstrating hopelessness. % gave u" gol! when % reali.e % was an AB/&C# !ailure on the green. abominate (uh-B0M-ih-nate), verb To loathe or hate; to view with e!treme hostility. Miss )reen AB0M%(A#&D the notion o! chil ren working twelve-hour ays, an sought legislation !orbi ing co'"anies !ro' hiring 'inor workers. abrade (uh-B*AD&), verb To wear away or rub off; to wear down in spirit. To abrade is to erode or break down. Sandpaper abrades the surface of wood.

#he ca'"aign ha ho"e !or a har -hitting, in!or'ative television co''ercial, but the a 1wi ely "erceive as negative an 'ean-s"irite 1serve only to AB*AD& voter su""ort. absolution (ab-suh-200-shun), noun The condition of having been forgiven or freed of guilt. #o Myron-s is'ay, the +u ge i not consi er his having "ai !or the a'age to the other "arty-s car su!!icient ABS02U#%0( !or the cri'e o! riving while into3icate . absolve (ah-402,), verb To formally pronounce guiltless or blameless. To absolve is to relieve of any responsibility for an actual or alleged misdeed. "n the legal sense, absolution carries with it implication that the authorities no longer hold that the individual committed the misdeed. #he +u ge ABS02,&D the accuse o! any wrong oing. abstain (ub-S#A(&), verb To refrain from; to refuse to partake in; to go without voluntarily. Maria, who ha ABS#A%(&D !ro' eating 'eat while in high school, was "ersua e to try a cheeseburger on her gra uation night. abstemious (ab-S#&&-'e-us), a +ective #onsuming food and drink in moderation. Those who are abstemious restrict themselves to the bare necessities of life. "n a larger sense, the word can refer to any austere or unassuming lifestyle. Des"ite the har shi"s o! his ABS#&M%0US way o! li!e, the 'onk ra iate the con!i ence that co'es with knowing one has chosen the correct "ath. abstruse (ab-S#*00C&), a +ective #omple! and difficult to comprehend. Abstruse refers to something comple! or speciali$ed that requires special effort to grasp. Scientists 'ay un erstan &instein-s theory o! relativity, but !or 'ost lay'en it re'ains an ABS#*US& collection o! surrealistic i eas. abyss (uh-B%SS), noun An endless black void; an emptiness; a huge hole with no bottom. A!ter nine ays o! working on 'y ter' "a"er with no conclusion in sight, % !elt 'ore an 'ore as i! % were !acing an AB5SS. accentuate (ak-S&(-choo-ate), verb
%

To intensify or accent. To accentuate something is to emphasi$e or stress it. To strengthen or heighten the effect of something is to accentuate it. Brian-s new glasses ACC&(#UA#& his nose un!latteringly. accept (ak-S&6#), verb To take into possession. &See, for comparison, the listing for e!cept.' %-' ha""y to ACC&6# your invitation to inner, Clau e. accolade (A$-uh-la e), noun A mark of acknowledgment or e!pression of praise. Originally, an accolade was the ceremonial bestowal of knighthood upon a person, with a sword tapped on each shoulder. That which confers praise or honor is an accolade. #he !ir'-s "resi ent ha hung on his o!!ice wall 'any "la7ues, citations, an ACC02AD&S. accord (ub-C0*D), noun A formal reaching of agreement. An accord is reached when a settlement or compromise of conflicting views occurs. A!ter a "rolonge strike, when the issue o! healthcare bene!its was resolve , the re"resentatives !inally reache an ACC0*D acce"table to both labor an 'anage'ent. accost (uh-$0S#), verb To greet or approach, usually in a confrontational way; to approach in order to confront. % was having a won er!ul ti'e at Sara-s we ing until Uncle )eorge ACC0S#&D 'e at the bar an e'an e to know when % "lanne to get a real +ob. acme (A$-'e), noun The highest point; summit. Although his 'any !ans 'ight consi er winning the 6ulit.er the ACM& o! Marvin-s writing career, in his 'in nothing woul ever 'atch the thrill o! seeing his !irst novel in "rint. acquisitive (uh-$8%44-uh-tihv), a +ective Someone marked by a hunger to attain and possess things. 9re sto""e ating 2aura a!ter it beca'e clear that she was isturbingly AC:U%S%#%,&. acrid (A$-ri ), a +ective (iting or harsh in odor or taste; deeply or violently bitter. Acrid refers to anything unpleasantly sharp and pungent to the senses of smell or

taste. Acrid can also be used to describe a bitter or harsh verbal e!change between persons. 9lorence-s AC*%D re'arks i not sit well with the boar o! irectors. acronym (A$-ruh-ni'), noun A word formed by combining the first letters of several other words. &)!ample* +O, is an acronym for the +ational Organi$ation for ,omen.' Cin y believe that the secret to getting goo gra es on tests was to use AC*0(5MS as 'e'ory ai s. adamant (AD-uh-'unt), a +ective -nwilling to submit; stubborn and unyielding. .istorically, adamant refers to a legendary stone of infinite hardness. &The word diamond shares the same root.' Des"ite the ob+ections o! their !a'ilies, *obin an #i' were ADAMA(# about 'oving away !ro' the town in which they ha been raise . adapt (uh-DA6#), verb To ad/ust; to make something or oneself fit in to particular circumstances; to conform. &See, for comparison, the entry for adopt.' /i' an Daisy worrie that the cross-country 'ove woul u"set their teenage aughter, but as it turne out Melanie ADA6#&D to their new ho'e 'ore easily than her "arents. addendum (uh-D&(- uh'), noun Something to be added; an addition. #he treaty inclu e an ADD&(DUM setting out the ter's o! troo" with rawal. adept (uh-D&6#), a +ective 0roficient; e!pert; highly skilled. Adept refers to someone who is very good at performing a given task. ;ans, an AD&6# !or'ulator o! crosswor "u..les, so'eti'es see's to 'e to have 'e'ori.e the entire ictionary. adhere (a -;&*&), verb To hold fast to, usually with a sense of honor or allegiance. &ven a!ter his career in a vertising !orce hi' to 'ove to (ew 5ork City, Mason continue to AD;&*& to the values o! his strict Mor'on u"bringing. adjunct (AD-+unkt), noun An unessential addition; an appendage or complement.
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9ast cars an esigner clothes are only AD/U(C#S to a co'!ortable li!estyle, 2yle argue , while health insurance is so'ething a !a'ily si'"ly can-t o without. adobe (uh-D0&-bee), noun A type of brick made of clay and straw; the clay used to form such bricks. 0ur anthro"ology "ro!essor in!or'e us that AD0B& huts are viable only in cli'ates with very little rain!all. adopt (uh-D06#), verb To accept or take as one2s own. &See, for comparison, the entry for adapt.' A!ter last year-s car troubles, %-ve AD06#&D the "hiloso"hy that a goo 'echanic is worth every "enny you "ay hi'. adrenaline (uh-D*&(-uh-lin), noun A chemical produced in the body that gives one added strength and energy; epinephrine. ;aving run u" an own the basketball court !or nearly an hour, Bob ho"e !or a burst o! AD*&(A2%(& to carry hi' through to the en o! the ga'e. adroit (uh-D*0%#), a +ective #lever, e!pert, skilled with hands or feet Basil *athbone was an AD*0%# swor s'an. adulation (a -yoo-2A5-shun), noun )!treme praise, admiration, or flattery, especially of a servile nature. Adulation is generally taken to describe acclaim and admiration that is out of scope with its ob/ect. Des"ite great har shi", u"heaval, an eath resulting !ro' the violent tactics o! the secret "olice, ADU2A#%0( o! Stalin continue as though the country was "ara ise itsel!. adulterate (a-DU2-ter-ate), verb To make impure or tainted. To adulterate is to reduce the quality of something3 for instance, by substituting inferior ingredients. An unadulterated product is one that retains its original high quality and has not been tampered with in any way. At the turn o! the century, the sale o! ADU2#&*A#&D airy "ro ucts in the U.S. cause a 'a+or scan al. adverse (AD-verse), a +ective -nfavorable; acting in opposition to. Also* tending to discourage. &See, for comparison, the entry for averse'.

Des"ite AD,&*S& circu'stances, /enny an % 'anage , a!ter a 'onth o! looking, to !in an a"art'ent we coul a!!or . advocate (ADD-voe-kait), verb "n its noun form, 4advocate5 is pronounced differently &A667vuh7kitt' and means 4one who supports or defends the cause of another.5 As a verb, 4advocate5 is the act of pleading in favor of another. %! you nee a reco''en ation, %- be ha""y to AD,0CA#& !or you. affect (uh-9&$#), verb To influence; to stir the emotions of; to produce an effect &in something'. &See, for comparison, the entry for effect.' #he 'e'ory o! 'y "arents- hi eous an "rotracte breaku" A99&C#&D 'y li!e "ro!oun ly, an 'a e 'e vow to work har er at 'aking 'y own 'arriage succee . affinity (uh-9%(-i-tee), noun A natural liking or affection for something or someone. #he king ha an A99%(%#5 !or those on his council who always sai he was right. affirmative (uh-9%*-'uh-tive), a +ective 0ositive in nature; factually valid. Affirmative is the opposite of negative; its use means the sub/ect has vouched for and affirmed the correctness of a statement or idea. 8hen aske whether or not he live at <=>? Main, the e!en ant answere in the A99%*MA#%,&. affliction (uh-92%C$-shun), noun Suffering; a state of pain. An affliction is a state of misery or disabling disease. Carl-s arthritis was at ti'es 7uite "ain!ul, but he !oun the 'ost re'arkable ways to work aroun his A992%C#%0(. aid (ai ), verb To help. &See, for comparison, the entry for aide.' 6lease hel" our organi.ation-s e!!orts to A%D these re!ugees. aide (ai ), noun An assistant or trusted helper. She serve as the senator-s 'ost i'"ortant A%D& uring his ter' in o!!ice. alacrity (uh-2AC$-rih-tee), noun )ager, cheerful rapidity or promptness. Someone who is willing to e!tend themselves
8

politely and quickly for another is said to show alacrity. /ane 'a e a s"ecial e!!ort to show A2AC*%#5 her !irst ay on the +ob. alibi (A2-uh-bye), noun A story or circumstance that proves one is innocent of a crime or misdeed; a credible e!cuse or e!planation of innocence. Mike "ro'ise Craig he- "rovi e hi' with an A2%B% !or the night o! the bank robbery, but when the "olice 7uestione the 'en they !oun that the etails o! their stories i n-t 'atch. allay (uh-2A5), verb To calm or help put aside fear or uneasiness. My re"ort will hel" A22A5 sus"icions that our "ro!its have been !alling. allege (uh-2&D)&), verb To accuse someone of something3usually wrongdoing3without proof. Unless you can "rove you i n-t eat the last cookie, % will have to A22&)& that you-re the thie!@ allegiance (uh-2&&-+unce), noun 9oyalty, particularly to a government. Ale3 ha "ro'ise his A22&)%A(C& to the !a'ily !ir' ti'e an ti'e again, but the new o!!er !ro' their overseas co'"etitor, he eci e , was too goo to turn own. allocate (A2-uh-kait), verb To distribute something for a specific purpose or to a specific person or group. 8hen 'o' A220CA#&S tasks, %-' always the one who has to take out the garbage. allude (uh-200D), verb To make passing reference to. A person who gives a few details but does not describe an event openly and completely could be said to allude to that event. Similarly, someone who makes a brief reference to an incident in a certain novel is considered to have made an allusion to the work. % a' aware o! the inci ent you are A22UD%() to, Mr. Mayor, but % a' a!rai you have been 'isin!or'e about the events o! that night. alluring (uh-200*-ing), a +ective

Tempting; possessing the power to entice. Although $i' was !ollowing a strict iet, the chocolates were too A22U*%() !or her to resist. ally (A2-lie), noun A confederate or fellow associate in a cause. Also, as a verb* to /oin with another in a common pursuit. 8ith /ones as 'y A225, % knew the "ro+ect was 'ore likely to be a""rove . already (awl-*&D-ee), a verb (efore or at some previously specified time. My 'other was A2*&AD5 sitting in her "lace in church when % walke own the aisle. altar (A22-tur), noun A platform in a church or synagogue. &See, for comparison, the entry for alter.' 9ather Miller stoo an a resse us !ro' the A2#A*. alter (A22-tur), verb To cause to change. &See, for comparison, the entry for altar.' % coul tell that the ocu'ents ha been A2#&*&DA they !eature two i!!erent sets o! han writing in two sha es o! ink. altruism (A2-troo-i.-uh'), noun -nselfish devotion to the well being of others. Mother #heresa-s li!e was 'arke by A2#*U%SM towar the "oor an su!!ering o! the worl . ambidextrous (a'-bih-D&$-struss), a +ective #apable of using both hands with equal skill. Ambide!trous is made up of two halves from old 9atin words* 4ambi,5 meaning both, and 4de!ter,5 meaning right. The idea is that an ambide!trous person is able to act as though he has 4two right hands.5 Since the +uggler was AMB%D&B#*0US, she coul start her routine with a circular 'otion to either the le!t or the right. ambiguous (a'-B%)-yoo-uss), a +ective -nclear in meaning; open to more than one interpretation. &See, for comparison, the entry on ambivalent.' #he letter !ro' 'y 'other was AMB%)U0US as to the ate o! the !a'ily reunion, so we will have to call her to get the s"eci!ics.
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ambivalent (a'-B%,-uh-lunt), a +ective -ncertain or undecided. &See, for comparison, the entry on ambiguous.' %-' AMB%,A2&(# as to whether we shoul invite *al"h to the "artyA he-s a great storyteller, but he so'eti'es rinks too 'uch. amend (uh-M&(D), verb To modify or update. &See, for comparison, the entry on emend.' %n light o! the testi'ony we-ve hear tonight, Ma a'e 6resi ent, %- like to AM&(D 'y earlier re'arks. amenity (uh-M&(-ih-tee), noun A pleasant manner or custom. Also* a component or feature that gives pleasure or satisfaction. ,hile the primary meaning of amenity has to do with the customs of social interaction, its use in advertising and sales settings to mean 4a convenient and desirable e!tra5 has gained ground in recent years. Chris-s ho'e, which was once s"are, now !eature all the AM&(%#%&SC a sauna, a "las'a #,, an even a new swi''ing "ool in the back. amiable (A5-'e-uh-bul), a +ective 0ossessing a pleasant, cordial nature. A person who has a happy disposition and is easy to get along with is said to be amiable. /eanne 'a e it a "oint to s"eak to everyone at the "artyA she ca'e across as 7uite an AM%AB2& hostess. amicable (AM-ih-kuh-bull), a +ective ;enerally, 4amicable5 means 4characteri$ed by goodwill or peace,5 but the term is typically used to describe things most people don2t consider particularly amicable. #he ;u sons- ivorce is so AM%CAB2& that they o!ten go out to inner together. amnesty (AM-nuh-stee), noun <reedom from imprisonment for large numbers of people, initiated by a government. #he "risoners o! war waite years !or AM(&S#5. amorous (AM-er-us), a +ective

Strongly disposed toward love or se!uality. Someone who is amorous is preoccupied with thoughts of love, especially se!ual love. #he young 'an-s AM0*0US attentions 'erely annoye *ose. androgynous (an-D*0/-ih-nuss), a +ective )ither specifically male nor female; appearing with both male and female characteristics. A'y sai her new short haircut was a bree.e to 'aintain co'"are to the long 'ane she use to have, but % thought it 'a e her look rather A(D*0)5(0US. anecdote (A(-ik- oht), noun A short, interesting story, often amusing and biographical. #he s"eaker !ille his talk with !unny A(&CD0#&S o! his ti'e in the U.S. (avy. animosity (an-ih-M0SS-ih-tee), noun "ntense hostility toward a person or thing, usually taking the form of action. Animosity is a bitter dislike directed at something or someone. Cly e-s !irst !ew 'onths on the +ob were !ine, but a!ter he was trans!erre to a new e"art'ent he ca'e to harbor real A(%M0S%#5 towar his su"ervisor. anomaly (uh-(0M-a-lee), noun A seemingly abnormal e!ample; a deviation from established form. ,hen something differs markedly from the e!pected order of things, it is an anomaly. Bill, who was raise in a !a'ily o! avi gol!ers, is so'ething o! an A(0MA25C he thinks the s"ort is boring. antagonist (an-#A)-uh-nist), noun The 4bad guy5 in a story, novel, film, etc. The character who opposes a story2s main character. As an A(#A)0(%S#, you can-t get any better than /ohn Milton-s version o! Satan in 6ara ise 2ost. antecedent (A(-tih-see- ent), noun A trend, idea, fashion, historical event, etc., that came before. Also* an earlier word to which a pronoun refers. &"n the sentence 4The car was
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painted blue, though it had a huge red rust mark,5 car is the antecedent of it.' *e'e'ber, writersC the A(#&C&D&(# always goes !irst in the sentence. anticlimactic (an-tee-klie-MA$-tik), a +ective A disappointing decline in contrast to a previous rise; an average ending to a series of important events. Mike got own on his knees an "ro uce a s'all velvet bo3, only to reveal a tiny "ewter thi'ble bearing a re"lica o! the )ol en )ate Bri ge1which &li.abeth !oun A(#%C2%MAC#%C, to say the least. antiquity (an #%-kwi-tee), noun Ancient times, often used in reference to ;reek and oman civili$ations. #he civili.ations o! A(#%:U%#5 have 'uch to teach us to ay. antithesis (an-#%#;-i-sis), noun The opposite or highest possible contrast. Antithesis refers to the e!act opposite of a given thing. Antithesis is also the name of a form in rhetoric in which two ideas are contrasted dramatically* 4,e will live as heroes or die in the attempt.5 Mr. Brown1haggar , unke'"t, an e3hauste 1looke like the very A(#%#;&S%S o! the charis'atic achiever wehear about. antonym (A(-tuh-ni'), noun A word having an opposite meaning to that of another word. D*a"i E an DslowE are A(#0(5MS. apathy (A66-uh-thee), noun The state of not caring, or seeming not to care, one way or the other how a situation resolves itself. Because the characters weren-t very convincing, their "eril 'a e 'e !eel little 'ore than A6A#;5. ape (A56), verb To imitate someone else2s characteristics, mannerisms, voice, etc. /oey got sus"en e a!ter he A6&D the teacher-s "ronounce li'". apex (A5-"e3), noun The highest point. #he A6&B o! Dawn-s career ca'e when her novel was 'a e into a

'iniseries starring &li.abeth #aylor as the heroine. aplomb (uh-620M), noun A sense of self7possession and calm amidst chaos. #he "olice chie! showe re'arkable A620MB a'i the noise an con!usion o! the riot. apocalyptic (uh-"ok-uh-2%6-tik), a +ective .aving to do with revelation or prophecy. Also* presaging imminent destruction or disaster. "n part because the final book of the (ible, evelation, outlines prophecies of the end of the world, apocalypse has come to suggest a cataclysmic conflict of forces, and apocalyptic to reflect a sense of imminent mass destruction. #he novel-s A60CA256#%C en ing 'ay be a""ro"riate, but it is still heartwrenchingly i!!icult to rea o! violence on this large a scale. apparel (uh-6A%*-ul), noun #lothing; something worn. A!ter sweating through class a!ter class in the heavy wool uni!or', % wante to 'arch to the "rinci"al-s o!!ice an e'an to know why shorts were consi ere ina""ro"riate A66A*&2 !or school. apparition (a"-uh-*%S;-un), noun A ghostly figure; something appearing to be a ghost. #he A66A*%#%0( wave its s"ectral han s an e'itte a horrible 'oan. appease (uh-6&&4&), verb To placate; to soothe or satisfy. % only wore the ress to A66&AS& 'y 'other, who ha 'a e "ointe co''ents all week about "eo"le who went to we ings resse like slobs. apportion (uh-600*-shun), verb To divide and distribute something in an equitable manner. % on-t think we- ll have any trouble A660*#%0(%() the bla'e !or this "roble'. #here-s "lenty o! bla'e to go aroun @ appraise (uh-6*A4&), verb To estimate &an item2s' value. &See, for comparison, the entry for apprise.'
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#his esk has been in our !a'ily !or over a hun re years an % woul n-t rea' o! selling it1so there-s really no use in getting it A66*A%S&D, is thereF apprehension (a"-ri-;&(-sun), noun -neasiness about the future; suspicion of impending bad fortune. Also* the act of arresting or stopping. Another sense of apprehension is 4idea or understanding.5 A vague !eeling o! A66*&;&(S%0( ca'e over )or on as he ste""e into the ol house. apprentice (uh-6*&(-tiss), noun One who is learning a trade or art form by assisting a veteran practitioner or professional. Uncle /ake o!!ere to let 'e work as an A66*&(#%C& in his "lu'bing business !or the su''er, but % ha no interest in water "i"es. apprise (uh-6*%4&), verb To notify; to cause to be aware of. &See, for comparison, the entry for appraise.' ;ave you been A66*%S&D o! the 'ost recent news !ro' ho'eF arbitrary (A*-bih-trer-ee), a +ective -nregulated by law or reason; determined by impulse. Arbitrary refers to decisions made, not according to established procedures or laws, but purely through the discretion of an individual. "t carries a sense of capriciousness or even lack of responsibility. #he rules you have lai own !or this contest are co'"letely A*B%#*A*5 an have no basis in "ast tourna'ents. archival (are-$%&-vul), a +ective Of or pertaining to important records or archives. A!ter the lab !ire, the scientist was less isturbe by the loss o! e7ui"'ent an sa'"les than by the estruction o! the contents o! his A*C;%,A2 vault, a loss that set his work back at least si3 'onths. ardent (A*- ent), a +ective "ntense, passionate, devoted; characteri$ed by high emotion. Ardent

people show great enthusiasm for causes and people close to them. Barbara, an A*D&(# sta'" collector, has the 'ost i'"ressive collection o! 9rench sta'"s in the school. arduous (A*-+oo-us), a +ective equiring e!ceptional effort or care. Something is arduous if it is mentally or physically challenging, or if it pushes one to the limit of one2s abilities. Stacy has been "re"aring all week !or the A*DU0US 'arathon co'"etition. aromatic (air-o-MA#-ik), a +ective 0ossessing a pleasant odor. An aromatic flower is one that is pleasing to the smell. ?any sweet7scented things share a certain chemical structure known as an aromatic compound. #he herbs lent what woul have been an or inary 'eal a satis!ying A*0MA#%C touch. ascend (uh-S&(D), verb To climb or mount, especially a mountain. Sir & 'un ;illary an #en.ing (orgay were the !irst to ASC&(D Mt. &verest. ascertain (ass-sur-#A(&), verb To find out something by e!perimenting or by making inquiries. Arriving to !in the house locke an shuttere , % ASC&*#A%(&D !ro' the neighbors that 'y !iance ha loa e u" a 'oving van an !le the ay be!ore. ascribe (uh-S$*5B&), verb To attribute or assign causal responsibility to a person or thing. Ascribing something to someone is acknowledging their responsibility or creation of it. #his work has been ASC*%B&D to *ousseau, but his authorshi" now see's uncertain. assent (uh-S&(#), noun To agree that an opinion, view, or proposal is correct; to concur, corroborate, or acquiesce. 5ou !orget, Mr. /a'eson, that it is only with the ASS&(# o! the stockhol ers that the C&0 can be ouste .
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assertion (uh-SU*-shun), noun A positive statement or claim. An assertion is something claimed straightforwardly, without support of evidence or logical /ustification. 5our ASS&*#%0( that 'y car was at the scene o! the cri'e has no basis in !act. assimilate (uh-S%M-uh-late), verb "n general, to assimilate is to absorb knowledge, food, etc., but you may hear it in regard to immigrants. "n that sense, 4assimilate5 refers to the act of becoming similar to those already living in one2s new environment. 5ou-re giving 'e so 'uch new in!or'ation that %-' having trouble ASS%M%2A#%() all o! it. assuage (uh-S8A/&), verb To ease; to make less severe; to mitigate. )ary trie to ASSUA)& his grie! at the loss o! his lover by taking a long tri" to &uro"e. astute (uh-S#U#&), a +ective Skilled; quick to learn or grasp; shrewd; sharp7 witted. Carl was an AS#U#& investor who knew when to !ollow the crow an when to ignore it. atrophy (A-truh-"hee), verb To shrivel or shrink from lack of use. A!ter sitting aroun on the couch all su''er, 'y leg 'uscles ha A#*06;%&D so 'uch that % ha trouble walking to the 'ailbo3@ attrition (uh-#*%S;-un), noun The gradual wearing down of something or the gradual reduction of a group. Often, you2ll hear this word used in connection with a company that is trying to reduce its workforce. #he struggling co'"any use a co'bination o! early-retire'ent incentives an A##*%#%0( to re uce its work!orce enough to continue to 'eet its "ayroll. audacious (aw-DA5-shuss), a +ective (ra$en, daring, or fearless. Audacious refers to bold, unrestrained, uncompromising behavior. "t often carries a sense of bending accepted

rules or disregarding prevalent standards. ;is AUDAC%0US behavior at the !a'ily reunion shocke even his brothers an sisters. auger (A8-gur), noun A tool for drilling holes. &See, for comparison, the entry for augur.' % coul n-t use 'y !ather-s rill because the AU)&* was 'issing. augment (og-M&(#), verb To make bigger; increase; enhance. #he evening-s "rogra'1a series o! solilo7uies !ro' Shakes"eare1was AU)M&(#&D by a short rea ing !ro' Bra ley-s (otes on ;a'let. aura (0*-uh), noun A field of energy that some believe emanates from human beings. %-' sure 6aul will be a success!ul "olitician because he e3u es an AU*A o! trust an e"en ability. auspicious (aws-6%S;-us), a +ective 0romising; seemingly favorable or likrly to be accompanied by good fortune. Auspicious is usually used to describe encouraging signals or reasons for optimism at the beginning of an undertaking. #he tri" i not begin AUS6%C%0US25A our car broke own within an hour. austere (aw-S#&&*), a +ective Severe in appearance or nature; self disciplined or strict to a high degree. An austere person is self7controlled and somber. That which is without ornamentation or lu!ury is austere. #he interior o! the 'onastery "resente an a""earance o! AUS#&*& beauty. autism (A8-ti.-u'), noun A condition in which the sufferer has difficulty with or indifference to social contact, residing almost e!clusively in his or her own world. 0!ten sub+ecte to abuse an inhu'ane treat'ent two or three eca es ago, those su!!ering !ro' AU#%SM are now 'ore likely to receive a 'eaning!ul thera"eutic regi'en. auxiliary (auk-4%2-yuh-ree), noun (ackup, reserve, e!tra.
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DDon-t "anic,E Mr. 9orrest tol his an3ious sta!! a!ter the o!!ice went black, Dthe AUB%2%A*5 "ower will co'e on any 'inute now, an we- ll be back in business.E avail (uh-,A52), verb To be of benefit or use. Someone whose actions are to no avail acts in vain. %n (ove'ber, we eci e to A,A%2 ourselves o! the o""ortunity !or a vacation. avid (A-vi ), a +ective )arnest; eager; passionate and committed. *al"hie, an A,%D 6ittsburgh Steelers !an, owne "osters, "ennants, hats, socks, +ackets, shirts, sweatshirts, an un erwear bearing his tea'-s logo an colors, but his wi!e ha rawn the line at a tattoo. avoid (uh-,0%D), verb To shun; to stay removed from. &See, for comparison, the entry for evade.' At all costs, A,0%D the Che! -s Sur"rise at #ru y-s 8histlesto" Ca!e. azure (A4;-uhr), a +ective The color of the sky on a clear day; sky7blue. ;is A4U*& eyes an char'ing 'anner 'ay attract wo'en initially, but his conceite "ersonality kee"s the' !ro' staying intereste !or long. baccalaureate (bak-uh-20*-ee-it), noun The degree awarded upon completion of an undergraduate course of study. A baccalaureate, also called a bachelor2s degree, is the degree given to a college graduate. A baccalaureate is also a farewell address to a graduating class. % receive 'y BACCA2AU*&A#& in =GGH !ro' Bran eis University. balk (bock), verb To hesitate and refuse to go forward; to prevent from accomplishing an aim; to stop oneself in order to consider whether or not to go on. "n baseball* to perform an illegal maneuver in the delivery of a throw from the pitching mound; an instance of such an illegal delivery.

At !irst Mona BA2$&D at the suggestion that she a""ly !or the "osition in 'anage'entA she i not like the i ea o! working late hours. ballistics (buh-2%SS-tiks), noun The study of pro/ectiles and impacts. &ach o! the scientists working on the 'issile "ro+ect ha e3tensive e3"erience in BA22%S#%CS. baritone (BA*&-uh-tone), noun The second7deepest voice range on the scale, higher than bass and deeper than treble. )iven his i'inutive stature an shy e'eanor, !ew sus"ecte that Craig-s "ower!ul BA*%#0(& woul o'inate the choir. barometer (buh-*0M-uh-ter), noun An instrument that measures air pressure and aids in weather prediction. A!ter a lesson on 'eteorology, Mr. Cantelli "ut a BA*0M&#&* u" on the classroo'-s outer wall so that his stu ents coul "ractice "re icting the weather. barrage (buh-*04;), noun #oncentrated outpouring or volley. A barrage is an overwhelming torrent of something, usually words, blows, or pro/ectiles. The word was originally used only in a military sense. #he e!ense attorney sub+ecte the witness to a BA**A)& o! 7uestions about the events o! that night. bastion (BASS-chun), noun A stronghold or bulwark for protection. Because he is so shy, 6eter uses his geniuslevel intellect as a BAS#%0( to kee" others at ar'-s length. bazaar (buh-4A*), noun A marketplace, especially one in the open air. &See, for comparison, the entry for bi$arre.' As (e an % a'ble through the BA4AA*S o! Casablanca, we ke"t an eye out !or ene'y agents. beatific (bee-uh-#%99-ic), a +ective .aving a saintly or angelic character or demeanor. Charlie-s B&A#%9%C s'ile always 'akes 'e won er what he-s thinking about.
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bedlam (B&D-lu'), noun The popular name for 9ondon2s .ospital of St. ?ary of (ethlehem was 4(edlam.5 Since the hospital catered to the insane, 4bedlam5 has come to denote any place or scene of uproar and confusion. % always o 'y best to stay !ocuse on 'y work an to avoi the B&D2AM aroun the water cooler. behemoth (bih-;&-'uth), a +ective This .ebrew word appears in the Old Testament2s (ook of Cob and refers to a large animal most biblical scholars believe was a hippopotamus. At present, 4behemoth5 describes anything that has monstrous si$e or power. 8hat the heck-s wrong with /oeF 8hy i he buy that B&;&M0#; gasgu..lerF belated (bee-2A5-te ), a +ective 9ate or tardy; delayed. (elated refers to anything past due. /ane sent a B&2A#&D birth ay car , but still !elt guilty about !orgetting her 'other-s birth ay. belligerent (buh-2%/-er-ent), a +ective Aggresive or pugnacious; eager to instigate a fight. (elligerent is rooted in the 9atin word for 4war.5 Don beca'e overbearing an B&22%)&*&(# with his e'"loyees a!ter his ivorce, causing 'any o! the' to resign. bemused (bee-M5004D), a +ective The quality of being bewildered, perple!ed, or lost in reflection. A person who is preoccupied or confused by something is bemused. ,ictor stare B&MUS&D at the "hotogra"h o! his !ather in !ull 'ilitary ress1a 'an he ha never thought o! in 7uite that way. benchmark (B&(C;-'ark), noun A standard by which to measure; the e!emplary performance or criterion. Anne-s stunning oration on hu'an rights was recogni.e in our ebating society as the B&(C;MA*$ !or years a!terwar . benevolent (be-(&,-i-lent), a +ective

?arked by a tendency to do good toward others; kindly. A benevolent act is one in service to another. The word is derived from the 9atin for 4good wishes.5 #here is a B&(&,02&(# si e to Mark one woul not e3"ect to see in a 'an so a""arently col . bequeath (bee-:U&&#;), verb (estow by means of a will. (equeath is often used metaphorically to describe something handed down to a group of people from those of a past era. More than anything else, it is the language we s"eak, B&:U&A#;&D to us by Byron an Shakes"eare an Milton an a legion o! others, that bin s us to the &nglish an the' to us. bereaved (bih-*&&,D), a +ective or noun "n a state of mourning; deeply sorrowful because of the loss of a loved one. As a noun, bereaved refers to the person in mourning &and is usually preceded by the'. #he 'ost i!!icult "art o! 9ather Maurice-s +ob was "rovi ing solace !or the B&*&A,&D in his "arish. beseech (bih-S&&C;), verb To entreat, implore, or request earnestly. (eseech is a formal verb used to request something. "n contemporary use, it reflects either great &or even fawning' politeness or urgency of the highest order. 8e B&S&&C; you, Mr. 6ri'e MinisterC think twice be!ore co''itting the lives o! so 'any o! our country'en to this cause. bestial (B&SS-chul), a +ective Of, pertaining to, or reminiscent of beasts. Something is bestial if it e!hibits savagery or brutality. #he colonel-s B&S#%A2 treat'ent o! the "risoners o! war was in violation o! the )eneva Convention. bestow (bih-S#08), verb To confer or give. One bestows an award, honor, or degree. The verb is usually followed by on or upon. #hough he lacke !or'al e ucation, several universities ha B&S#08&D
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honorary egrees on Mr. )ol !arb. betrothed (bih-#*0#;&D), verb )ngaged to be married. Also, as a noun* the person to whom one is engaged. Marcia is B&#*0#;&D to that han so'e young ca"tain she 'et in Mia'i. biopic (B%-o""-ick 0* B%-oh-"ick), noun 0eople disagree how this word, short for 4biographical motion picture,5 should be pronounced. +o matter how you say the word, a 4biopic5 is a film based on the lives of real, rather than fictional, people. % was really i'"resse with the latest B%06%C until % !oun out that 'uch o! the !il'-s storyline was !actually inaccurate. biopsy (B%&-o"-see), noun An instance of taking samples of tissue, cells, or fluids from a living body and analy$ing these samples. Dr. S'ith thought the lu'" was "robably a benign cyst, not a tu'or, but he sche ule a B%06S5 +ust to be sure. bizarre (bih-4A*), a +ective Strange; incomprehensible; deviating from what is e!pected or in the rational order of things. &See, for comparison, the entry for ba$aar.' As the rug began to take e!!ect, Bill began to 'ake B%4A**& re'arks about large insects an ancing toasters. blithe (blithe), a +ective #heerful or merry in disposition; carefree or indifferent. A person who is blithe is unconcerned with petty cares or problems. *o is'isse the accountant-s ob+ections with a B2%#;& wave o! the han . bloc (B20$), noun A group of persons or nations with various political beliefs united for a common cause. 9or'er &astern B20C countries inclu e 6olan an ;ungary. bludgeon (B2UD-+un), verb an noun To beat. As a noun, a bludgeon is a short, heavy stick. To bludgeon someone is to beat or strike him with a similar instrument.

#he etectives conclu e that the victi' ha been B2UD)&0(&D re"eate ly with a 'etal "i"e. bluster (B2US-ter), verb To threaten swaggeringly or issue e!travagant threats. (luster is related to the same old word from which blow &as in 4the wind blows5' is derived. ;e see's !ierce at !irst, but you 'ust re'e'ber that he e"en s largely on B2US#&*%() to get his way. bogey (B0&-gie), verb an noun "n golf, to post a score of one stroke over par on a hole; an instance of such a score. /e!! B0)&5&D on the !ourteenth hole. boisterous (B05-struhss), a +ective #haracteri$ed by being very noisy and out of control. #he bar-s B0%S#&*0US crow 'a e it i!!icult to carry on a conversation. bolster (B082-ster), verb To strengthen, support, or prop up. Since *hon a is a news +unkie, she-s always able to B02S#&* with !acts her o"inions about worl events. bombarded (bo'-BA*D-u ), verb -nder attack; also, peppered with queries, problems, accusations, etc. During the !inal class be!ore the 'i ter' e3a', 6ro!essor Strang was B0MBA*D&D with 7uestions !ro' her "anicky stu ents. bombast (B0M-bast), noun .aughty, overblown, or pompous talk or writing. Someone who engages in bombast indulges a taste for an e!aggerated rhetorical style. 8e e3"ecte a co'"elling argu'ent !ro' our attorney, but he ca'e to court o!!ering little 'ore than B0MBAS#. born (born), verb #arried to term in childbirth; given birth. &See, for comparison, the entry for borne.' My son Davi was B0*( at about !our in the a!ternoon. borne (born), verb Supported; carried; brought forth or produced. &See, for comparison, the entry for born.'
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DB0*(&E is the "ast "artici"le o! the verb Dto bearE in all senses that o not involve chil birth. bough (bow), noun A branch of a tree. &See, for comparison, the entry for bow.' #he B0U);S o! the a""le tree hung heavy with !ruit. bout (B08#), noun A contest or fight. Also, something that lasts a short time. % 7uickly got over that B0U# o! !ever % "icke u" uring 'y cruise. bow (bow), verb To bend low; to yield. &See, for comparison, the entry for bough.' #he /a"anese a'bassa or B08&D in the irection o! the "ri'e 'inister. brake (brake), verb To control or stop. &See, for comparison, the entry for break.' #he car-s B*A$%() ability was truly re'arkableA it !elt as though % coul sto" on a i'e. brash (brash), a +ective "mpudent; hasty. Something done impetuously and quickly is brash. (rash can also refer to a certain $esty or irreverent quality that may be seen as refreshing. #he action you have taken is B*AS;A you will regret your recklessness. brazen (B*A5-.un), a +ective (old or shameless in display; unconcerned with the reactions of others. (one o! us un erstoo how /ulia an #e , each o! who' is 'arrie , coul have been so B*A4&( about their ro'ance. breadth (bre th), noun The side7to7side e!tent of something; width; e!panse. &See, for comparison, the entry for breath.' #he alley was so narrow that 'y car ha a clearance o! "erha"s two inches beyon its B*&AD#; on either si e. breath (breth), noun The process or act of breathing; an inhalation or e!halation. &See, for comparison, the entry for breadth.' #ake a ee" B*&A#;A %-' about to give you so'e ba news. brooch (broach or brooch), noun

An ornamental pin, usually large. Christ'as +ust woul n-t be Christ'as without Aunt )ertru e in her green-!lowere ress an ruby B*00C;. brunt (brunt), noun The primary impact of a blow. The brunt of an attack is the point of its main force. %! there is a war, rest assure that it is our country that will be aske to bear the B*U(# o! it. buffalo (BU99-uh-low), verb ,hen used as a verb, this familiar animal means to baffle thoroughly. % was co'"letely BU99A20&D by $aren-s angry res"onse to 'y courteous greeting. bulbous (BU22-buss), a +ective Shaped like a bulb, or bloated. 0ne look at 'y BU2B0US sha"e in the threeway 'irror convince 'e to +oin a gy' right away. bull (bull), noun an verb "n addition to the animal, this word has a number of meanings. As a noun, a 4bull5 is someone who buys stocks e!pecting a price rise. "t also denotes a formal proclamation by the 0ope. As an ad/ective, 4bull5 means to act with force or to engage in idle, boastful talk. #he bouncer BU22&D his way through the crow to re'ove the 'an who was causing a isturbance. burqa (BU**-kuh), noun A completely enveloping outer garment worn by women in some "slamic traditions. &ven though she is beco'ing thoroughly A'ericani.e , A'eena continues !aith!ully to wear her BU*:A. burnish (BU**-nish), verb To make shiny or lustrous due to rubbing or polishing. &very ay, Sa' lovingly BU*(%S;&S his 2e3us-s custo' "ur"le "aint +ob. butte (byoot), noun A solitary hill on a large plain. #he 'ission was situate ato" a lonely-looking BU##& outsi e o! town. cajole (kuh-/02&), verb
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To coa!; to persuade by using flattery; to wheedle. My brother-s e!!orts to CA/02& 'e out o! 'y allowance, by re'in ing 'e that % woul be a rich su"erstar in big-league baseball so'e ay, were in vain. callus ($A2-us), noun A hardened patch of skin. &See, for comparison, the entry for callous.' )eorge ha evelo"e a CA22US on his !ore!inger !ro' his constant guitar "laying. calzone (kal-40(&), noun An "talian food roll resembling a turnover made by wrapping meat, cheese, or vegetables in dough. 8e aske Aunt /oan i! she woul bring her !a'ous steak an cheese CA240(& to the "arty. canap ($A(-uh-"ay), noun An appeti$er made by spreading meat, fish, or cheese on a small piece of toasted bread. 8hile the guests waite !or the bri al "arty, waiters strolle through the rece"tion area with trays o! cha'"agne an CA(A6IS. candor ($A(- uhr), noun Openness or honesty. Someone who speaks directly or openly, without equivocation or doubletalk, can be said to speak with candor. 2et 'e say with all CA(D0* that % i not look !orwar to co'ing here to ay. cannon ($A;-nun), noun A weapon used to fire large metal pro/ectiles. &See, for comparison, the entry for canon.' #he thun erous soun o! CA((0(S being !ire resonate across the valley. canvas ($A(-vus), noun A type of coarse cloth. &See, for comparison, the entry for canvass.' Many o! ,an )ogh-s works were estroye an sol as scra" CA(,AS. canvass ($A(-vus), verb To solicit &support, opinions, votes, etc.'. &See, for comparison, the entry for canvas.'

,irgil an % s"ent all Sun ay walking aroun the city CA(,ASS%() !or our can i ate. capital ($A6-ih-tul), noun A city designated as a seat of government. Also* economic resources. Also* e!cellent. &See, for comparison, the entry for capitol.' %n 8ashington D.C., our nation-s CA6%#A2, the three branches o! govern'ent 'ake their !or'al hea 7uarters. capitalize ($A;-"ih-tuh-li.e), verb To draw an advantage from. Also, in business terms, 4capitali$e5 can mean funding a business or converting a business2s value to personal income. By CA6%#A2%4%() on the can i ate-s 'istake, her o""onent 'anage to win the election. capitol ($A6-ih-tul), noun The building in which a legislature meets. &See, for comparison, the entry for capital.' 0ne o! the highlights o! our tri" to 8ashington was our visit to the CA6%#02 buil ing. capitulate (kuh-6%#-yoo-late), verb To accede to a demand for surrender. Someone who yields a point under dispute can be said to capitulate to the other party. #he a'bassa or ha been instructe to show !le3ibility on cultural e3changes, but not to CA6%#U2A#& when it ca'e to tra e issues. cardiac ($A*- ee-ack), a +ective elating to the heart. 8hen their son-s "e iatrician etecte a heart 'ur'ur, the Si'"sons insiste on having hi' e3a'ine by the best CA*D%AC tea' in the city. careen (kuh-*&&(), verb To lurch while moving; to swerve. Su enly we hit a "atch o! oil, an our car CA*&&(&D into the guar rail. caricature ($A*&-ihk-uh-choor), noun A grotesquely or absurdly e!aggerated representation. 0olitical cartoons are the most common e!amples of caricature, but many
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modes of e!pression make use of the form2s distortion and contrast. #he "aintings o! #oulouse-2autrec are o!ten roote in CA*%CA#U*&, but they are 'ore than 'ere cartoons. carnivorous (kar-(%,-uh-russ), a +ective <lesh7eating. Mel an his "hotogra"her set o!! !or three 'onths in the Serengeti in search o! the CA*(%,0*0US wil li!e o! the region. cataclysmic (kat-uh-$2%44-'ick), a +ective Eery destructive and causing great upheaval. #he assassination o! the "ri'e 'inister was a CA#AC25SM%C event that le to a lengthy civil war. catacomb ($A#-uh-ko'e), noun A chamber below the ground with openings for graves. During ti'es o! religious "ersecution, early Christians o!ten ha to worshi" alongsi e the ea in the CA#AC0MBS. catapult ($A#-uh-"ult), verb an noun To hurl or shoot &as from a sling'; to provide or e!hibit sudden upward movement. As a noun* an ancient military weapon designed to hurl arrows, stones, and other missiles. 8hen he hear the a""roaching sirens, Michael CA#A6U2#&D out o! be . catheter ($A#;-uh-tur), noun A slim, fle!ible tube inserted in a bodily channel to maintain an opening to another internal opening. #he en less 'onths in 'y hos"ital roo' took their toll on 'y s"iritsA one 'orning % conte'"late tearing the CA#;&#&* !ro' 'y ar', grabbing a bathrobe, an si'"ly stalking out o! the "lace. caustic ($0SS-tick), a +ective #orrosive or capable of burning. Something is caustic if it can eat away at something else. A person is caustic if he speaks sharply and maliciously. #he CAUS#%C nature o! /ane-s s"eech cause all the 'e'bers to ree3a'ine their su""ort o! her can i acy. cavalry (CA,-ul-ree), noun A group of soldiers on horseback. #avalry is frequently confused with

calvary &see calvary within', but their meanings are entirely different. A!ter three ays o! elay, the CA,A2*5 !inally ca'e to the rescue. censor (S&(-sur), noun One who reviews for offensive or ob/ectionable material, deleting that which is found to fall into such categories. &See, for comparison, the entry for censer.' 8.C. 9iel s was constantly at o s with ;ays Co''ission C&(S0*S, who !oun !ault with 'any o! his re!erences to alcohol an wo'en. chafe (chay!), verb To rub or irritate. &See, for comparison, the entry for chaff.' #he new shoes C;A9&D 'y heels the !irst ay an le!t 'e with two "ri.ewinning blisters. chagrin (shuh-)*%(), noun The emotion of humiliation or embarrassment arising from disheartening e!perience. To show chagrin is to give evidence of disappointment and disquiet with oneself. Much to 'y C;A)*%(, 'y a""lication was re+ecte instantly. chalet (sha-2A5), noun A small country house, named after a type of Swiss cottage with overhanging eaves. 8e rente a C;A2&# on the e ge o! the 'ountain, an ha i''e iate access to the ski slo"es. chameleon (kuh-M&&-lee-un), noun A li$ard &chameleontidae and similar animals' with the ability to change the color of its skin for the purpose of camouflage; also, a person who shifts outlooks, opinions, or identities frequently or easily. %-' a!rai we haven-t been able to get %an to give us his !inal o"inion on the 'erger "lansA he-s been so'ething o! a C;AM&2&0( on the issue. charismatic (kare-ih.-MA#-ik), a +ective 0ossessing a special quality associated with leadership, authority, confidence, and overall personal appeal. ,hile we generally use
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charismatic in reference to a person, the word also refers to certain #hristian sects and ideas that emphasi$e demonstrative or ecstatic worship. #he C;A*%SMA#%C sales'an see'e to sell hi'sel! as 'uch as his "ro uct. chasm ($A4-u'), noun A deep gorge; a deep hole in the earth2s surface. Dawn stoo "eering across the see'ingly botto'less C;ASM, 'e itating on the 'ysteries o! nature. chastise (#C;A;-sti.e), verb To punish or scold severely in hopes that by so doing, new behavior will result. #he teacher C;AS#%S&D the stu ent !or being constantly isru"tive. chateau (sha-#0&), noun A large country house; a <rench manor house or castle. &va like to s"en her su''ers at the !a'ily-s C;A#&AU, strolling through the gar ens an ri ing horseback over the e3"ansive groun s. chic (sheek), a +ective or noun <rom the <rench meaning 4skill,5 4chic5 means stylishness and elegance in dress or manner. 8ithout s"en ing very 'uch, 2y ia always see's able to look incre ibly C;%C. chivalrous (S;%,-uhl-russ), a +ective .onorable; in keeping with a code of behavior reminiscent of that followed by medieval knights. #hivalrous applies especially to courteousness andFor consideration toward women, the poor, or the vanquished. #hose who e3"ecte a barbarian were sur"rise to !in the renega e lea er both even-te'"ere an C;%,A2*0US in bearing. chord (kor ), noun A combination of musical tones. &See, for comparison, the entry for cord.' #he 'a+or C;0*DS in the key o! C are the easiest !or the beginning "iano stu ent to learn.

cinematic (sin-uh-MA#-ik), a +ective eminiscent of or pertaining to the cinema; similar in imagery or approach to the visual styles employed in motion pictures. #he use o! a large rotating isk on the stage allows the irector to stage scenes in such a way that scenery an actors "ass stea ily across the stage as action "rocee s, len ing a C%(&MA#%C !eel to the "er!or'ance. cistern (S%S-tern), noun A large container or tank used for holding water, particularly rainwater. Mary watere her gar en with rainwater collecte in a C%S#&*( behin the garage. citadel (S%#-uh- el), noun A stronghold; literally, a strategically positioned fortress in control of a town or city. Something that is forfeited against attack or adversity may be referred to metaphorically as a citadel. )entle'en, this business is our C%#AD&2, an we 'ust be "re"are to e!en it as such. cite (site), verb To quote or refer to. &See, for comparison, the entry for site.' %-ve C%#&D your brilliant "a"er several ti'es in 'y u"co'ing book, Dr. 8ilson. citify (S%#-uh-!ie), verb To cause to become city7like. %-' a!rai it will take 'ore than a week in Chicago to C%#%95 ol Uncle 6arker. clairvoyance (klare-,05-uhnce), noun Supernatural perceptive skills. #lairvoyance &from the <rench for 4clear sight5' refers to the ability to perceive things normally out of the range of human intuition. Michael clai'e to have C2A%*,05A(C&, an even hel a !ew "lay!ul Dseances,E but no one took his clai's seriously. clangor ($2A5(-gurr), noun A loud, repeating noise that can be unnerving. #he C2A()0* o! the "ara e actually !rightene 'y aughter, rather than
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e3citing her. clinch (klinch), verb To settle a matter decisively or definitely. Also, as a noun* a passionate embrace. &ven Coach /ones a 'itte that his tea' ha slacke o!! a!ter they C2%(C;&D !irst "lace in their ivision. clique (klick), noun <rom the <rench meaning 4latch,5 a clique is a small, e!clusive group, one that often looks down on those who do not belong to it. Shelly was "lease to !in that her sorority was not ri le with in!ighting C2%:U&S. clout (klowt), noun 4#lout5 has two common meanings. "t either means someone who has a lot of influence, or it means to strike someone. % was a!rai we woul n-t get into the e3clusive club, but *eggie-s business connections give hi' a lot o! C20U#. 8e got in with no "roble'. cohabitate (koh-;AB-ih-tait), verb To live together as man and wife, or to live together as though one were man and wife. % on-t know why /i' an 2i.a on-t go ahea an get 'arrie . #hey-ve been C0;AB%#A#%() !or si3 years now@ cohort ($0-hort), noun An associate or companion with whom one is united through common e!perience. #ohort originally referred to one of the ten divisions of a oman legion, consisting of men who had developed strong ties of comradeship. Because Mark an his C0;0*#S ha grown u" together in the town, leaving !or i!!erent colleges was 7uite i!!icult. collate ($0&-late), verb To arrange &usually paper' in proper or logical order. Che! 2eBlanc-s assistant was res"onsible !or writing own the reci"es an C022A#%() the' !or inclusion in the restaurant-s internal cookbook. collateral (kuh-2A#-uh-rul), noun Something pledged as security or insurance for the fulfillment of an

obligation or payment. &Also, as an ad/ective* secondary or accompanying.' Sheila o!!ere her house as C022A#&*A2 in or er to obtain the loan she nee e to start her business. combustible (ku'-BUS-tih-bul), a +ective Susceptible to catching fire; able to be burned. #he local consu'er grou" trie to hel" 'ake neighborhoo ho'es as sa!e as "ossible by "ublishing lists o! "ro ucts !oun to be "oisonous, C0MBUS#%B2&, or "otentially ha.ar ous to s'all chil ren. commemorate (ku'-M&M-uh-rate), verb To serve as a memorial for; to mark or celebrate as a significant event. Arthur, a $orean 8ar veteran, woul C0MM&M0*A#& Me'orial Day by visiting the ce'etery an "lacing !lags on the graves o! !rien s who ha !allen in battle. compensate ($0M-"un-sate), verb Something given in return for or to make up for services performed, or for something lost; something given in e!change. Although 'anage'ent C0M6&(SA#&D )eorge !or crossing the "icket line uring the strike by giving hi' a "ro'otion an a big raise, he ha lost several !rien s as a result o! his ecision an regrette it bitterly. compile (ku'-6%2&), verb To gather or put together in one place or form. #he isc +ockey aske /anet an 6eter to C0M6%2& a list o! the songs they woul 'ost like to hear at their we ing. complement ($0M-"luh-'unt), verb an noun To accompany in a pleasing or harmonious style. Also, as a noun* something that completes or brings to perfection. &See, for comparison, the entry for compliment.' #hat scar! you-re wearing certainly C0M62&M&(#S your blouse. complementary (ko'-"luh-M&(-tuh-ree), a +ective Serving to complete or to accompany in a harmonious fashion. &See, for comparison, the entry for complimentary.'
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#he trick is to "ick a living roo' style C0M62&M&(#A*5 to the one we-ve alrea y establishe in the kitchen. compliant (ku'-625-ant), a +ective Submissive; yielding. A!ter we "hone the "olice a !ew ti'es, our noisy neighbor !oun it in his heart to be 'ore C0M62%A(# when we aske hi' to kee" own the racket. compliment ($0M-"luh-'unt), verb To praise or flatter. &See, for comparison, the entry for complement.' #he waiter C0M62%M&(#&D ;arry on his choice o! wine. complimentary (ko'-"luh-M&(-tuh-ree), a +ective )!pressing praise or admiration; also, e!tended without charge. &See, for comparison, the entry for complementary.' #he "lay was uneven an only 'il ly interesting, but % coul n-t co'"lain too 'uch, as the tickets ha been C0M62%M&(#A*5. compose (ku'-604&), verb To be the constituent components of; to make up. &See, for comparison, the entry for comprise.' #ea'work C0M60S&S the essence o! success in business. concord ($A;(-cor ), noun A state of agreement and harmony. 8hile 'ost siblings !ight, the C0(C0*D a'ong the 2ewis tri"lets is nothing short o! "heno'enal. concise (kun-S%C&), a +ective #lear and to the point; brief; e!pressing much with few words. *ather than etail the grievances he ha with his su"ervisor, *an y han e in a C0(C%S& resignation letter outlining his esire to 'ove on to so'ething new. concoct (kun-$0$#), verb To combine in the process of preparation. ;ow on earth i Myra 'anage to C0(C0C# a story like that !or her 'other on such short noticeF concourse ($0(-korse), noun An assembly of a large number of people. A concourse can also be a

large open area meant to accommodate public gatherings. ;e looke all aroun the C0(C0U*S&, but coul not see *obin. concur (kun-$U*), verb To agree; to share the same opinion. #he "rosecutor !elt that /i'-s cri'e eserve the 'a3i'u' "enalty, but the +u ge i not C0(CU*. concurrence (kun-$&*-runce), noun The condition of being in agreement. To concur is to agree, so a concurrence is in effect when two or more people have 4signed on5 to a given idea, plan, or /udgment. % will "rocee with the ac7uisitionA as "resi ent, % o not re7uire anyone else-s C0(CU**&(C&. condensed (kun-D&(S&D), a +ective Shortened; decreased in si$e; compressed, made more concise. Cin y thought she coul get through the class by rea ing only the C0(D&(S&D versions o! the novels that ha been assigne , but she en e u" !ailing both the 'i ter' an the !inal. conduit ($A;(- ew-it), noun A means by which something is transmitted. A traveler !ro' Malaysia turne out to be the C0(DU%# !or the ea ly e"i e'ic. confiscate ($0(-!iss-kate), verb To deprive of &one2s property', especially as part of an official or governmental body. #he news that his boat ha been C0(9%SCA#&D by the %*S to satis!y his back ta3 ebt hit Michael like a bo y blow. conform (kun-90*M), verb To go along with what is popular; to follow the actions of others. Also* not to be in violation of &a rule, principle, ideal, or edict'. As though eager to "rove she ha no intention o! C0(90*M%() to her "arents- i ea o! the "er!ect aughter, Bri get le!t ho'e at eighteen to beco'e a truck river. congeal (kuhn-/&&2), verb ,hen discussing inanimate ob/ects, something congeals when it
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thickens or gels. ,hen discussing people2s attitudes, 4congeal5 means to become hard7headed and rigid. 0ver ti'e, the elusions that cause 'y !ather-in-law to launch a 'ultitu e o! harebraine sche'es C0()&A2&D until it was i'"ossible to talk sense to hi'. congenial (kun-/&&(-ee-ul), a +ective .aving similar habits or tastes; temperamentally suitable. #ongenial surroundings are those that yield a sense of being pleasant and inviting. &#ongenial is sometimes confused with congenital, see below.' ;e !oun /ane a C0()&(%A2 hostessC easy to engage in conversation an knowle geable on to"ics o! interest to others. conjecture (kun-/&$-shur), noun Speculation based on inconclusive data or on evidence that is not complete. A con/ecture can be considered a 4best guess5 unsupported by fact or observation. #he ite' that a""eare in your colu'n o! Dece'ber <>th is base totally on C0(/&C#U*&, an is e3tre'ely 'islea ing. conjugate ($A;(-+uh-gut 0* $A;(-+uh-gate), verb To /oin together, especially in a pair or in pairs. As soon as the 'usic starte , 'en an wo'en began to C0(/U)A#& on the ance !loor. conjure ($0(-+ur), verb To summon or bring about &as if by supernatural means'. Someone who con/ures up an image of something brings it to mind in a vivid way. % cannot si'"ly C0(/U*& u" the !igures you are looking !orA the "ro+ect will take so'e ti'e. connoisseur ($A;(-uh-sue-er), noun This <rench word refers to someone who is an e!pert in a field, especially in one of the fine arts. /ake is a C0((0%SS&U* o! rare blues ?Js. consensus (kun-S&(-sus), noun #ollective agreement. #here was a strong consensus aroun town that Mayor Bergeron was

oing a "oor +ob1a C0(S&(SUS that e3ten e to both o! his chil ren, his uncles, an his barber. conspicuous (kun-S6%$-yoo-uss), a +ective Strikingly noticeable; obvious. #he "resent Su"re'e Court ter' has been 'arke by a C0(S6%CU0US absence o! controversial cases. consternation (kahn-ster-(A5-shun), noun A sense of alarm, confusion, or ama$ement. #he re"eate argu'ents with 'y wi!e over the sa'e issues !ille 'e with C0(S#&*(A#%0(. construe (kun-S#*00), verb To interpret or guess the meaning of. Ann-s constant tar iness was C0(S#*U&D by her su"ervisor as an inability to balance the e'an s o! her +ob an her !a'ily. contingent (kuhn-#%(-+ent), a +ective or noun As a noun, 4contingent5 refers to people who are considered representative of a larger group. As an ad/ective, something contingent is either accidental or dependent upon something else in order to occur. )etting to the concert on ti'e is C0(#%()&(# on you getting to 'y house by ?CHG. contrite (kun-#*%#&), a +ective "nclined to e!press penitence or apology. Myrtle-s C0(#*%#& s"eech i little to 'itigate her su"ervisor-s !rustration at the elay in the release o! the Mo el B. convalescence (kon-vuh-2&SS-unce), noun The process of regaining one2s health after an illness. #onvalescence is derived from the 9atin for 4to grow stronger.5 ;er C0(,A2&SC&(C& was i'"e e by the "ri'itive 'e ical !acilities on the islan . convene (kun-,&&(), verb To gather or assemble. #he legislature will not C0(,&(& this year until 9ebruary <. convoluted (kon-vuh-200-ti ), a +ective #omplicated and twisted; intermingled or intimately folded together. #onvoluted means, literally, folded into a coil or spiral; it is more
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commonly used to e!press an e!treme state of complication andFor interdependency. ;is argu'ent, though "erha"s soun to an e3"ert in the !iel , see'e e3tre'ely C0(,02U#&D to 'e. cord (kor ), noun A thin piece of rope, plastic, etc. &See, for comparison, the entry for chord.' #o ay-s rock artists are use to "er!or'ing with 'icro"hones that o not re7uire C0*DS. cordial ($0*D-+ull), a +ective 0leasant; marked by warmth or kindness. #he 9or s e3ten e a C0*D%A2 welco'e to us as we arrive !or the "arty. cosmic ($04-'ik), a +ective Of or pertaining to the universe as a whole; also, far7reaching or pervasive. %t is 'y ho"e that the council will use our re"ort as a blue"rint !or C0SM%C, rather than cos'etic, changes in city govern'ent. cosmopolitan (kah.-'uh-6AU2-uh-ton), a +ective 6escribes someone who is worldly and sophisticated. 5ou woul never think so'eone so C0SM0602%#A( was raise in a s'all town two hun re 'iles !ro' the nearest city. council ($08(-sul), noun An assembly gathered together for deliberation or consultation. #he neighborhoo C0U(C%2 'eets every #ues ay night to iscuss issues o! interest to our co''unity. counsel ($08(-sul), noun A discussion of ideas or opinions. $atrina-s a visor was always available to C0U(S&2 her about workrelate issues. counterculture ($0U(#-er-kuhl-chuhr), noun A group of people3typically young people3 whose actions and values oppose those of the larger society. 8hether the nation is at war or at "eace, it always s"awns a C0U(#&*CU2#U*&. counterintuitive (kount-er-in-#00-ih-tiv), a +ective

An assertion or belief that does not seem logical but which, in practice, turns out to be true and accurate. Since "eo"le have so 'uch 'ore control over local "olitics, it see's C0U(#&*%(#U%#%,& that "eo"le are 'ore likely to vote !or "resi ent o! the Unite States than !or city council 'e'bers. covenant ($U;-vuh-nent), noun A binding agreement entered into by two or more. According to the (ible, a covenant was made between the ancient "sraelites and Cehovah. #o /a'es the arrange'ent was an in!or'al un erstan ing, but to Michael it was a holy C0,&(A(#. covert ($0-vert), a +ective Secret; covered over. Something that is covert is concealed or surreptitious. #he C0,&*# o"eration was a success, but only a !ew "eo"le woul ever know its signi!icance. cow (cow), verb As a verb, 4cow5 means to intimidate, to frighten with a show of strength. &ven a!ter the Blit.-s re"eate bo'bings, &nglan was not C08&D by ;itler-s (a.is. crag (kragg), noun A steep rock formation rising higher than its surrounding rocks. Because this was 'y !irst rock-cli'bing e3"erience, % regar e the huge C*A) we were a""roaching with so'e nervousness. credence ($*&&- ence), noun Acceptance as factual; legitimacy. #redence is belief or plausibility. ;is "aci!ist argu'ents lost C*&D&(C& when he a 'itte that he ha worke !or a e!ense contractor !or so'e years. credible ($*&D-ih-bul), a +ective ,orthy of belief; plausible. &See, for comparison, the entry for creditable.' #he "rosecution-s witnesses see'e !orthright an C*&D%B2&, while those o! the e!ense weren-t 7uite as believable.
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creditable ($*&D-ih-tuh-bull), a +ective ,orthy of praise. &See, for comparison, the entry for credible.' 5ou-ve one a C*&D%#AB2& +ob on this "ro+ect, 9arnsworthA re'in 'e to give you a raise. croissant (kruh-S0(# or kwa-S0(), noun A crescent7shaped roll or pastry, sometimes prepared with a sweet or savory filling. 9or &llen, the C*0%SSA(#S an !reshs7uee.e orange +uice were about the only things that 'a e the co'"any-s break!ast 'eetings bearable. cryptic ($*%6-tik), a +ective Secret; coded; concealed from open understanding. A!ter 'aking a !ew C*56#%C co''ents on the i'"er'anence o! all artistic e!!ort, Melo y slunk into her roo'A we learne in the 'orning that she ha burne every "age o! her 'anuscri"t. crystalline ($*%SS-tuh-lean), a +ective )!tremely clear or clear7cut, resembling crystal. #he ocent-s C*5S#A22%(& escri"tion o! a s"ringhouse was easily un erstoo by the chil ren. culminate ($U2-'ih-nate), verb To clima! or reach a high point. Something that culminates concludes or reaches its fulfillment. #he see'ingly en less series o! Union victories CU2M%(A#& in 2ee-s surren er at A""o'ato3. cumbersome ($UM-ber-su'), a +ective .ard to manage; awkward in handling due to bulk, weight, or e!tent. Something that is troublesome and unwieldy is cumbersome. #he si3-volu'e set is e3haustive, but rather CUMB&*S0M&A % "re!er the abri ge version. curvaceous (kurr-,A5-shuss), a +ective .aving shapely and voluptuous curves. %n the !ive years since % last saw her, Bren a ha blosso'e !ro' a bean"ole to'boy into a CU*,AC&0US young beauty. cusp (kus"), noun

A point formed by the intersection of two curves. /ust above the CUS6 o! the arch was a hook 'eant to hol a hanging "lant. dabble (DAB-uhl), verb To work in something or concern oneself with something in an offhand manner. % always +ust thought % DABB2&D in watercolors until the 'ayor saw one o! 'y "aintings an o!!ere 'e a thousan ollars !or it. dank ( ank), a +ective 6amp and chilly. That which is unpleasantly cold and moist is dank. %nsi e the col , DA($ recesses o! the cave, 9re !elt su enly an terri!yingly isolate . daub ( awb), verb To smear with a sticky substance; to paint a surface in a hurried fashion. % can see you-ve DAUB&D a little black grease "aint un er your nose, 9rank, but %-' a!rai a goo )roucho costu'e will re7uire 'ore than that. deadlock (D&D-lok), noun An impasse resulting from two opposing and resistant forces. 8ith one 'e'ber absent ue to illness, the council !oun itsel! !acing a !our-to-!our D&AD20C$ a!ter nearly two ays o! ebate on the 'easure. debonair ( eb-uh-(A%*), a +ective Suave* sophisticated and charming. 6ebonair derives from the <rench for 4of good lineage.5 6aul-s D&B0(A%* 'anner never aban one hi', even at the 'ost i!!icult 'o'ents. debug ( ee-BU)), verb To remove errors from &a computer program'. Although the initial "rogra''ing work was co'"lete, Aaron antici"ate that the D&BU))%() "rocess woul be long an ar uous. debutante (D&B-yoo-tont), noun A young woman making her debut into society; any unmarried young
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woman perceived to move in high social circles. A'an a an her !rien s scanne the news"a"er-s society colu'n !or a review o! their D&BU#A(#& ball. decipher ( ih-C%&-!ur), verb To figure out or make sense of; to get the meaning of &particularly with relation to ancient or difficult writing'. D%! we can D&C%6;&* the sy'bols on these scrolls,E sai the archaeologist, D% believe we- ll know e3actly where to look !or the to'b.E decree ( ih-$*&&), noun An official order or announcement, especially from the government or another recogni$ed authority, that settles a matter with finality; also, to issue such an order. #he D&C*&& 'an ating integration o! "ublic schools set o!! one o! the 'ost bitterly ivisive con!licts in the town-s history. deduce ( i-D00S&), verb To infer; to derive from evidence or assumption. 6educe can also mean to trace down, but the logical sense is much more widespread. ;ol'es looke aroun the gar en an so'ehow D&DUC&D that the killer was a 'an o! 'i le age with thinning brown hair, a""ro3i'ately si3 !eet tall. deem ( ee'), verb To /udge; to regard or assess. 9or reasons the writer coul not !atho', his boar roo' scene, which containe no nu ity or violence an only the 'il est language, was D&&M&D unsuitable !or network broa cast. deescalate ( ee-&S-kuh-late), verb To diminish in si$e, intensity, or e!tent. 6eescalate is the opposite of escalate. #he "resi ent-s ecision to D&&SCA2A#& the war won hi' consi erable su""ort on the nation-s college ca'"uses. defer ( ih-9U*), verb To delay or put off until another time; also, to yield with respect. 8ith regar to the sche uling o! our announce'ent, % D&9&* to 'y !rien

the chair'an. deference (D&9-er-ence), noun 6ue respect or submission to the ideas andFor /udgment of another. 6eference is the courtesy of yielding to a &presumably higher, senior, or more authoritative' entity. %n D&9&*&(C& to 'y !a'ily-s wishes, % a' not iscussing this issue with the 'e ia. deficient ( ih-9%S;-unt), a +ective 9acking. As a result o! a iet D&9%C%&(# in calciu', Cathy-s !ingernails were very thin an easily broken. deft ( e!t), a +ective Skillful and quick in one2s movements or actions. #he 'agician-s D&9# !ingers see'e to 'ake all 'anner o! ob+ects isa""ear an rea""ear. degenerate ( i-/&(-er-it), a +ective an noun .aving regressed or descended to a lower state. As a noun, degenerate means a person who has declined to a point of immorality or low refinement. 8hat began as an intellectually rigorous ebate conclu e as a D&)&(&*A#& shouting 'atch. deign ( ane), verb To condescend; to lower oneself to a position or role considered unsuitable. Since 8alter won that writing "ri.e, he hasn-t D&%)(&D to return any o! 'y "hone calls. delectable ( e-2&$-tuh-bull), a +ective .ighly pleasing; en/oyable &especially of a food'. 6electable is derived from the 9atin root for 4delightful.5 #he #hanksgiving table was cra''e with D&2&C#AB2& ishes, but they woul not be eaten that nightA the news !ro' abroa ha i'inishe everyone-s a""etite. delete ( uh-2&&#), verb To leave out or omit. A!ter a brie! iscussion with the "rinci"al, the 'e'bers o! the booster club eci e to D&2&#& the section o! their cheer that 7uestione the ancestry
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o! the coach o! the Brentwater !ootball tea'. delusion ( e-200-.hun), noun An accepted &but undetected' falsehood. To delude is to deceive or mislead; a delusion is an instance of that act. ;is D&2US%0(S increase to such a "oint that rational iscussion was i'"ossible. demerit ( ih-MA*&-it), noun A mark resulting in a loss of privilege for an offender. Ma3 receive !ive D&M&*%#S !ro' Mrs. Collins !or his constant tar iness. demographics ( ih-'uh-)*A9-icks), noun The study of people2s lifestyles, habits, spending, etc., typically for the purpose of targeting products for3or culling votes from3these different sub7groups. #he D&M0)*A6;%CS suggeste that the new !lavor o! +uice woul be a hit with young 'others. demure ( i-M500*), a +ective ?odest; affecting a reserved and shy appearance. Someone whose behavior is &outwardly, at least' sober, retiring, or sedate is demure. Mr. Atkins !oun the ;allis twins D&MU*&, an won ere at what they woul say about hi' when he le!t. denounce ( ih-(08(#S), verb To critici$e or speak out against someone or something. /oan D&(0U(C&D 8alter !or his se3ist o"inions. denunciation ( e-nun-see-A5-shun), noun The act or e!ample of denouncing. 6enunciation is the act of accusing another &usually in a public forum' of some misdeed. 6aul-s angry D&(U(C%A#%0( o! his !or'er co'"any shocke even his !rien s. deplete ( ih-62&&#), verb To use up completely; to e!haust. 0nce the coal e"osits in the valley ha been D&62&#&D, the town o! ;arlenville, which ha thrive !or thirty years, virtually cease to e3ist. deplorable ( e-620*&-uh-bull), a +ective )!tremely reproachful; worthy of censure. Something that is

deplorable is wretched or grievous. Bill-s s"elling was D&620*AB2&A all his !rien s tol hi' it was ho"eless to "ursue a career as a "roo!rea er. depreciation ( ih-"ree-shee-A5-shun), noun A decrease in value, quality, or power, particularly due to wear or age. #hanks to !ive years o! D&6*&C%A#%0(, % coul n-t get 'ore than K=,GGG !or that car i! % took it back to the ealer now. derision ( e-*%4;-un), noun idicule. 6erision is formed from the verb 4deride,5 meaning 4to belittle or make light of something or someone.5 8ar see's i''inentA our suggestions on !in ing a "eace!ul solution to this crisis have been 'et with D&*%S%0( !ro' the other si e. derring-do (DA*&-ing-D00), noun .eroic deeds; acts of bravery. 2uke Skywalker-s challenges an !eats o! D&**%()-D0 are "erha"s the 'ost 'e'orable ele'ents o! the Star 8ars trilogy. designate (D&4-ig-nate), verb To indicate; to point out or specify. #he 8alker sisters D&S%)(A#&D the last #hurs ay o! each 'onth as their evening to leave their husban s at ho'e an go out to inner together. despondency ( i-S60(- un-see), noun 6e/ection; depression. 6espondency is marked by a feeling that all hope is in vain. %t took Cloris several weeks to e'erge !ro' the D&S60(D&(C5 that acco'"anie her breaku". destitute (D&SS-tih-tyoot), a +ective 9acking something necessary; often refers to e!treme poverty. #he D&S#%#U#& !a'ily still 'anage to "ut so'ething into the collection "late every Sun ay. detain ( ih-#A(&), verb To delay; to keep from going on; to confine. #he bor er "olice D&#A%(&D the "air !or two hours while they searche every inch o! their vehicle !or narcotics. deterrent ( ih-#U**-ent), noun Something that prevents something from happening.
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My 'o' an a -s "resence at the con o acte as a D&#&**&(# to any hanky "anky between 'e an 'y new girl!rien . detrimental ( et-rih-M&(-tul), a +ective 6amaging or harmful in effect. 5our husban -s cruel wor s to the chil ren will "rove D&#*%M&(#A2 to his cause uring the custo y hearing. deviate (D&&-vee-ate), verb To turn away from or go off course; change course or direction. As a noun &6))7vee7ut', a person who departs from the standard or norm. My aughter-s choice to wear cowboy boots with her we ing gown certainly D&,%A#&D !ro' 'y stan ar s o! "ro"riety, but there was no changing her 'in . dexterity ( ek-S#A*&-ih-tee), noun Adroitness; the quality of being skilled in using one2s hands and body. % coul n-t hit a +u'"-shot to save 'y li!e, but 'y s"ee , D&B#&*%#5, an "assing ability 'a e 'e a valuable 'e'ber o! the varsity basketball tea'. dexterous (D&$-ster-uss), a +ective Skillful. 6e!terous has its roots in the 9atin for 4right53since that is the hand with which the ma/ority of people are most skillful. Byron "rove a D&B#&*0US car"enter, 'aking !ew errors even in his earliest ays as an a""rentice. diagnostic ( ie-ug-(0SS-tik), a +ective Of or pertaining to diagnosis. Something used in evaluating a person2s or thing2s condition can be said to be diagnostic in nature. #he 'echanic ran a D%A)(0S#%C co'"uter test on the car. dialect (D%&-uh-lekt), noun The aspects of a language &grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, for instance' particular to a geographic region. Ar'e with !our years o! high school S"anish, % set out con!i ently on 'y vacation to Ma ri 1only to !in 'ysel! a ri!t in a sea o! inco'"rehensible D%A2&C#S on 'y arrival. dicey (D%&-see), a +ective

#haracteri$ed by being risky, chancy, and of uncertain outcome. /or an was !ille with con!i ence about hiking the une3"lore terrain, but % !oun the "ros"ect "retty D%C&5 'ysel!. diffuse ( i!!-5004), verb To spread out and circulate through air, water, etc. As an ad/ective, the word is pronounced 4diff7-S)5 and describes something that is scattered. Serious allergies an col s were trace to 'ol D%99US&D by the !aulty air con itioning syste'. dilapidated ( i-2A6-ih- ate), a +ective To fall into disrepair. To dilapidate is to decay or break down. #he D%2A6%DA#&D barn swaye , heave , an !inally colla"se be!ore Caitlyn-s eyes. dilute ( ie-200#), verb To make the strength of something, such as a mi!ture, weaker by adding additional ob/ects, ingredients, compounds, etc. to it. 9re erica never D%2U#&S her wor s. She- ll tell you e3actly how she !eels. diminish ( ih-M%(-ish), verb To cause to be smaller; to decrease in si$e or importance. %n "ointing out these "roble's, % on-t 'ean !or a 'o'ent to D%M%(%S; the achieve'ents o! your e"art'ent this year. din ( in), noun or verb As a verb, 4din5 means to instill by constant repetition. As a noun, 4din5 is a noisy disturbance. % coul barely hear the waiter above the D%( in the "o"ular restaurant. diorama ( i-uh-*A-'ah), noun A small model of a scene featuring painted figures and backgrounds. Using a car boar bo3, "aint, an "laster o! 6aris, 9rank hel"e his son construct a working D%0*AMA o! a corner store !or a school art "ro+ect. diplomacy ( ih-620-'uh-see), noun The conduct of relations among nations. 6iplomacy can also refer to a tact among individuals that calls to mind the great discretion and sensitivity required of diplomats.
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8hen D%620MAC5 !ails, it is too o!ten the young who "ay the "rice o! eath on the battle!iel . dirge ( ur+), noun A funeral song; a song of mourning. #he D%*)& !ro' Cy'beline, accor ing to 6ro!essor Al"ert, is the only worthwhile "assage to be !oun in that sel o'-"ro uce Shakes"eare "lay. disburse ( is-BU*S&), verb To pay out; to e!pend. A!ter 'eeting with the "resi ent, our co'"troller was !inally authori.e to D%SBU*S& the !un s. discombobulate ( iss-ku'-B0B-yoo-late), verb To confuse or throw into an awkward predicament. To say that someone is discombobulated is to say that he is utterly disconcerted. #he !ren.ie "ace o! eight hours on the tra ing !loor ha le!t 'e utterly D%SC0MB0BU2A#&D. disconcerting ( iss-kun-S&*#-ing), a +ective uffled; upset. That which upsets harmony or balance is disconcerting. Michelle-s esca"a es were 7uite D%SC0(C&*#%() to her "arents. discreet ( is-$*&&#), a +ective 6isplaying or possessing tact and restraint in behavior and speech. Mel !elt his 'other ha been less than D%SC*&&# in 'arrying Clau e so soon a!ter her !irst husban -s !uneral, an that she coul easily have waite si3 'onths or so rather than three weeks. discrepancy ( is-$*&6-un-see), noun "nconsistency; an instance of disagreement or difference. /ohn was the only one to notice the D%SC*&6A(C5 between the cash register recei"ts an the a'ount o! 'oney in the rawer. discretion ( is-$*&S;-un), noun The ability or right to make decisions independently; also, the ability to be tactful and act with decorum. #i'-s use o! "ro!anity at the inner "arty showe a startling lack o! D%SC*&#%0(.

disdain ( iss-DA(&), verb To treat with contempt; to dismiss haughtily. To disdain is to re/ect due to unworthiness. Mark D%SDA%(S /anet-s co'"anyA he cannot !orgive her la"se at last Se"te'ber-s "arty. disgruntle ( iss-)*U(-tull), verb To cause to become cross or discontented. To disgruntle is also to cause to feel cheated. A!ter years o! 'istreat'ent, the striking e'"loyees !elt D%S)*U(#2&D. disparity ( iss-6A*&-ih-tee), noun The condition of being inequivalent or unequal. 6isparity is inequality in age, measure, or e!tent. #he D%S6A*%#5 between the two horses was obviousC one was a swaybacke ol nag, the other a stunning thoroughbre . dispel ( is-6&22), verb To disperse; to drive away. A!ter the rioters ha been D%S6&22&D an the !ires "ut out, an eerie 7uiet !ell over the s'ol ering city streets. disperse ( is-6U*S&), verb To cause to scatter or to break up. 8ith a !ew angry wor s, the can i ate D%S6&*S&D the 'eeting an stor'e o!!. disseminate ( iss-S&M-ih-nate), verb To scatter across a broad spectrum; to spread far and wide. To disseminate is to promulgate &a message, for instance'. %n D%SS&M%(A#%() this in!or'ation, Mr. 6owers "lace innu'erable !oreign o"eratives at grave risk. dissipate (D%SS-ih-"ate), verb To dispel by means of dispersal. To dissipate is also to vanish or cease. #he rain D%SS%6A#&D an the !loo waters rece e . dissonance (D%SS-uh-nunce), noun A harsh or inharmonious combination, especially of sounds. )lements of a logical argument that are in conflict can also be said to be in dissonance. % coul have no "eaceA the city-s D%SS0(A(C& "oure unceasingly into 'y
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a"art'ent. divergence ( i-,&*-gence), noun The act or process of departing from a given course or pattern. That which e!tends in separate directions from a single point e!periences a divergence. #he D%,&*)&(C& in our o"inions begins with the 7uestion o! whether there can ever be a +ust war. divulge ( ih-,U2/), verb To make public something that once was secret. Most in!or'ation about /ohn 9. $enne y-s e3tra'arital inclinations was not D%,U2)&D until a!ter the "resi ent-s eath. DN ( ee enn ay), noun A molecule that carries genetic information in all life forms. The workings of 6+A are central concerns of biology and genetics. #he !antasy !il' &.#. le us to believe that s"ace aliens, like hu'ans, "ossess D(A, but it is sa!e to say that scientists are !airly ske"tical about the whole sub+ect. docile (D0SS-ul), a +ective )asily taught. "n addition, someone is docile if he is submissive and easily led. Susan was D0C%2& in her younger ays, but shows a real in e"en ent streak now. dogged (DA8-gi ), a +ective Stubbornly obstinate in pursuit of a particular goal. /anice-s D0))&D eter'ination to get to the truth o! every story 'akes her an e3cellent re"orter. dogmatic ( og-MA#-ik), a +ective Adhering rigidly to a principle or belief. Someone who takes a dogmatic approach to an issue stays within ideological bounds at all times, even when circumstances might seem to dictate another course. #he 'ost D0)MA#%C o! the king-s a visors "rove to be o! little hel" uring the crisis. doldrums (D02&- ru's), noun

A spell of low feeling; an instance of sadness or stagnation. Also* a specific belt of calms and light winds in the Atlantic and 0acific oceans, difficult to navigate by sail. $yle is in the D02D*UMS because he oesn-t have enough 'oney to go to the concert with his bu ies. domain ( o-MA(&), noun An area over which one rules; a field within which one has power, influence or authority; a sphere of influence. #he local hockey rink was truly /on-s D0MA%(A when he stee"e onto the ice, every other "layer sto""e !or a 'o'ent to watch hi' with 'ingle !ear an res"ect. domesticate ( o-M&SS-ti-kate), verb To make accustomed to home life. To domesticate often carries the sense of refining another2s 4uncivili$ed5 instincts. #hough she ha one her best to D0M&S#%CA#& Charles, 6ru ence ha to a 'it that he was still a i!!icult 'arriage "artner. double-entendre (DU;-bul on-#0(- ruh), noun A statement in which one or many of the words may be interpreted in several ways, resulting in ambiguity; an e!pression that can be taken two ways, one of which often has se!ual or threatening undertones. Although /a"anese a ult co'ic books 'ust abi e by so'e very stringent co es !orbi ing "ro!anity an the overt e"iction o! se3ual activity, they o!ten !eature a barrage o! stea'y D0UB2&&(#&(D*&S. dour ( owr), a +ective ;rim, stern, or sullen. (elson, the Mc$ays- D0U* ol butler, always 'a e 'e !eel as though % ha transgresse so'e grave social "rece"t in co'ing to visit Mar+orie. douse ( owce), verb To cover with a liquid thoroughly; to drench or soak. &See, for comparison, the entry for dowse.' &ven a!ter D0US%() the charcoal with lighter !lui , Uncle Al coul n-t see'
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to get the grill !ire u". downside (D08(-si e), noun A negative aspect attending a proposal or option; particularly, the potential ha$ard accompanying a business proposition. #he a vantage o! acce"ting your "ro"osal, o! course, is that it allows us to get the "lanes back in the airA the D08(S%D& is that we 'ust acce"t the ecision o! the arbitrator as !inal even i! it goes against the interests o! our stockhol ers. dwindle (D8%(- ul), verb To become smaller; to shrink or waste away; to decrease. % ha "lanne to run away !orever, but 'y D8%(D2%() su""ly o! cookies an "ennies !orce 'e to return ho'e by night!all. dyslexia ( is-2&$S-ee-uh), noun -nusual trouble with spelling or reading caused by a brain condition. 6ysle!ia is rooted in an impairment in interpreting spatial relationships. /u ith-s D5S2&B%A !re7uently cause her to trans"ose letters in wor s. earthy (&A*#;-ee), a +ective (e careful with this word. "t #A+ suggest someone who is down7to7 earth and practical, but it also can be used as an insult, to suggest that someone is crude and tasteless. %''e iately a!ter the acci ent, /o y !orgot her usually i'"eccable 'anners an let loose a string o! &A*#;5 accusations irecte at the other river. eccentric (ek-S&(-trik), a +ective -npredictable; erratic or marked by unconventional behavior. Someone who is given to odd behavior can be considered eccentric. 2ionel-s &CC&(#*%C behavior eventually le to "roble's with his !ather. eclectic (ek-2&$-tic), a +ective #hoosing from a variety of sources or origins. Something that offers a diverse selection of items, styles, or approaches is said to be eclectic.

*yan-s anthology o!!ers selections !ro' authors !ro' aroun the worl , resulting in a rather &C2&C#%C volu'e. ecology (ee-$A;2-uh-+ee), noun The study of how organisms interact with each other and with their environment. Gou might also hear the ad/ective form of this word, which is 4ecological.5 #he stu y o! &C020)5 le scientists to iscover global war'ing. ecosystem (&&-ko-sis-tuh'), noun The interaction of all living organisms within a particular environment. Carl has create an interesting new &C0S5S#&M in his roo', since his o'ain inclu es everything !ro' uneaten slices o! "i..a to !ilthy sweatsocks. ecstatic (eck-S#A#-ick), a +ective 6escribes a feeling of great delight, even rapture. /une was &CS#A#%C when she learne she ha gotten the +ob. eddy (&DD-ee), noun A small current of air or water that flows against the main current; a small whirlpool or whirlwind. Because it ha a strong un ertow an a 'ultitu e o! un"re ictable &DD%&S, the soun was consi ere angerous !or even the strongest an 'ost e3"erience swi''ers. effect (ih-9&C#), noun A thing taking place as the result of a cause. Also, as a verb &often pronounced ee7<)HT', to cause or influence &a change'; to bring about a hoped7for outcome. &See, for comparison, the entry for affect.' #he entre"reneur-s entry into the race ha the &99&C# o! s"litting the *e"ublican vote. effeminate (eh-9&M-uh-nit), a +ective ?ore reminiscent of women than men. )ffeminate was once a positive description of female refinement; today, it is more common as a derogatory word used to question a male2s masculinity. &#ontrast this word with effete, below.'
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Dean, a 7uiet, thought!ul boy, was so'eti'es labele as &99&M%(A#& by his crueler class'ates. eke (eek), verb To supplement through adversity. Also* to survive or subsist by means of hard labor or strenuous effort. )ke &usually used with 4out5' is derived from the ;reek for 4augment.5 *oger 'anage to &$& out an e3istence by working two +obs. elapse (ee-2A6S), verb To pass or go by &said of time'. #wo hours &2A6S&D at the entist-s o!!ice be!ore 'y na'e was !inally calle . elicit (ih-2%SS-it), verb To bring out. To elicit is to evoke or stimulate so as to yield a response. )licit is occasionally confused with illicit, which means 4improper or illegal.5 0! the 'any res"onses our broa cast &2%C%#&D, % like Mrs. Miller-s the best. elitism (ih-2&&-ti.-u'), noun Adherence to the belief that leadership is best managed by an elite &a group considered to be the highest or best class'. )litism often carries negative overtones of snobbery. 8e have not worke so long !or e'ocracy to see it e3change hal!hearte ly !or &2%#%SM. elliptical (ih-2%6-tuh-kuhl), a +ective "n addition to meaning 4shaped like an ellipse,5 4elliptical5 describes writing or speech that is intentionally obscure. % coul not !ollow the "ro!essor-s &22%6#%CA2 argu'ents, so % ro""e his course. eloquent (&2-oh-kwent), a +ective <luent and persuasive in speech or e!pression. )loquent people are convincing and pleasant to listen to. 2incoln an Douglas, both &20:U&(# ebaters, knew that 'uch 'ore was at stake in their "ublic 'eetings than a Senate seat. elusive (ee-200-siv), a +ective 6ifficult to perceive, comprehend, or describe. An elusive issue or point

is one that would require real work to grasp completely. 0ur goals are easily un erstoo A the nature o! the obstacles we !ace is so'ewhat 'ore &2US%,&. emanate (&M-uh-nate), verb To issue forth as from a source. To emanate is to flow from a point. #he soun s &MA(A#%() !ro' the roo' ne3t oor were not co'!orting. emancipate (ee-MA(-si-"ate), verb To liberate. That which emancipates frees from restraint or oppression. 2incoln-s ecision to &MA(C%6A#& the slaves is consi ere by 'any to be the 'ost signi!icant event o! the "erio . embellish (e'-B&22-ish), verb To ornament and beautify. To embellish is to improve in appearance by adornment; an embellishment, then, can be a fanciful addition &or, by e!tension, even a convenient e!aggeration of the facts'. Marie-s gown was &MB&22%S;&D with tiny "earls. embodiment (e'-B0D-ee-'ent), noun The incarnation &of a given thing or idea'; the condition of being embodied. To be the embodiment of something is to be so imbued with it as to be its physical representation. /ane was usually the &MB0D%M&(# o! tactA her sli" at the "arty was 'ost uncharacteristic. embroil (i'-B*0%2), verb To force someone into a situation or to cause someone to become involved in a situation. &ven though % was a"athetic about the argu'ent at !irst, % soon !oun 'ysel! &MB*0%2&D in it. embryo (&MM-bree-oh), noun Something that is undeveloped or that is /ust beginning. 8alt-s ho'e-base business was the &MB*50 that launche his in ustrial e'"ire. emigrant (&M-ih-grunt), noun One who leaves a country or region for the purpose of settling in another.
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#he %rish "otato !a'ine o! the <JLGs turne 'any relatively "ros"erous citi.ens into "enniless &M%)*A(#S boun !or the Unite States. eminence (&M-ih-nunce), noun Superiority or outstanding notability. An eminent person is one of great achievements or high rank. )minence may be used as part of a formal form of address. ;is &M%(&(C& Car inal 6owers has aske 'e to res"on to your letter. eminent (&M-ih-nunt), a +ective 0rominent or noted; of high esteem; outstanding and distinguished. % !oun the "ros"ect o! stu ying "hysics un er an &M%(&(# "ro!essor like Dr. Ma3well, who ha +ust won a (obel "ri.e, aunting to say the least. emissary (&M-ih-sare-ee), noun An agent acting in the interests of another party. An emissary is one sent to undertake a mission or task as a representative. #he "resi ent-s &M%SSA*5 le!t on a s"ecial "lane !ro' 8ashingtonA his ti'e o! return was unknown. empathize (&M-"uh-thi.e), verb To share another2s emotions. To empathi$e with someone is to understand and identify with his situation and feelings. Although % can &M6A#;%4& with your "light, there is very little % can o to hel". emphatic (e'-9A-tik), a +ective .ighlighted; e!tremely e!pressive. Something that is delivered with forceful or undeniable emphasis is emphatic. Beth was &M6;A#%C about collecting the over ue invoice. emulate (&M-yoo-late), verb To strive to match or better by means of imitation. Someone who emulates another uses that person2s actions as a model for future success or mastery. Davi always !elt that the key to his success was his ecision to &MU2A#& his !ather in his "ro!essional an ho'e li!e. encore (0(-kore), noun

Sustained applause, cheers and the like meant to encourage a performer or performers to appear again after the formal conclusion of a performance. %t i n-t see' "ossible that the 'aestro coul ignore the our e'"hatic e'an s !or an &(C0*&, but when the houselights went u" we all began to !ile slowly out o! the au itoriu'. encumber (in-$U;M-ber), verb "n legal terms, encumber means to place a lien on something. ;enerally, encumb er means to load something3or someone3down with burdens. (o won er you can-t li!t your back"ack. %t-s &(CUMB&*&D with all sorts o! stu!! you on-t nee @ endeavor (in-D&,-ur), verb To strive for or attempt; to try to reach. 9or the better "art o! a eca e, Michael ha &(D&A,0*&D to turn his novel into so'ething that woul touch the souls o! everyone who rea it. engross (in-)*0SS), verb To completely consume one2s attention. % was so &()*0SS&D in the novel that % i n-t hear Melin a calling 'y na'e at !irst. enmesh (en-M&S;), verb To involve, entangle, or implicate. 9iterally, enmesh means to catch with a mesh net; the word has acquired a broader metaphorical sense as well. #he +u ge su enly !oun hi'sel! &(M&S;&D in the ins an outs o! local "olitics. enmity (&(-'i-tee), noun ?utual antagonism or hatred. To show enmity toward a person is to harbor animosity or bitterness toward him. #he &(M%#5 between the !eu ing !a'ilies only increase with the "assage o! ti'e. ennoble (in-0;-bull), verb To elevate or confer dignity upon someone or something. ;istorians &((0B2&D that rotting shack on the e ge o! town a!ter they
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eter'ine that the ho'e was once an i'"ortant sto" on the Un ergroun *ailroa . ensemble (on-S0MB-ul), noun A group of individuals performing together as, for e!ample, a cast of actors or musicians; also, an outfit composed of complementary clothing and accessories. Mort-s ti'e with the +a.. &(S&MB2& was hu'bling a!ter his long career as a solo star, but it was the best 'usical e3"erience he- ever ha . enshrine (en-S;*%(&), verb To cherish as though sacred; to preserve as if held within a shrine. To enshrine something is to memoriali$e it with the special reverence associated with religious ceremonies. #here is a 'ove'ent to &(S;*%(& Shoeless /oe /ackson in the Baseball ;all o! 9a'e, but % o not think hi' a suitable can i ate. enthrall (en-#;*A22), verb To hold spellbound. To enthrall is to captivate or mesmeri$e. )arbo-s "er!or'ance was si'"ly &(#;*A22%(). entity (&(-tuh-tee), noun Something that e!ists separately. )ntity can also refer more broadly to e!istence or being. #he accounting e"art'ent o"erate as a se"arate &(#%#5. entourage (0(-too-rah+), noun A group of associates; people who commonly surround, protect, and attend to someone of importance. Melanie ha ho"e to score a !ront-"age story by interviewing the reclusive 'ovie star, but she never 'a e it "ast his &(#0U*A)&. entrepreneurial (on-truh-"ruh-(00*-ee-uhl), a +ective )ntrepreneurs start their own businesses . . . usually a risky venture. Therefore, someone who is entrepreneurial is willing to take risks, especially in order to turn a profit. As &laine sol 'ore an 'ore o! her han 'a e +ewelry, she ta""e into

her hitherto unknown &(#*&6*&(&U*%A2 s"irit. environmentalist (in-,%-run-'en-tull-ist), noun Someone who places a high value on the environment and works to protect or conserve it. My aughter beca'e an a'ateur &(,%*0(M&(#A2%S# a!ter her !irst nature hike. eon (&&-on), noun A very long, indefinite period of time; seemingly forever; a span of time beyond comprehension. &"n the disciplines of geometry and astronomy, however, eons have specific durations.' A!ter what !elt like several &0(S, the tow truck !inally arrive an we were able to haul our car back to the ca'"groun . epic (&6-ik), a +ective Of ma/or proportions; e!traordinary. *osa 6ark-s re!usal to go to the back o! the bus woul take on legen ary status in the &6%C struggle !or civil rights. epilepsy (&6-ih-le"-see), noun A condition characteri$ed by sei$ures and tremblings resulting from abnormal rhythmic impulses in the brain. *esearchers believe that 'any o! the D e'onic "ossessionsE recounte in the Bible were actually instances o! &6%2&6S5. equidistant (ee-kwih-D%S-tunt), a +ective 6escribes two ob/ects, places, people, etc. that are e!actly the same distance from one vantage point. &ven though the ho'es o! 'y "arents an 'y in-laws are &:U%D%S#A(# !ro' us, it takes longer to reach 'y !olks because they live on the other si e o! 'ountainous two-lane roa s. equity (&C$-wuh-tee), noun The state of not showing bias or favoritism. Mr. ;arris always 'anages to e3hibit &:U%#5 towar all o! his stu ents. equivocal (ee-$8%,-uh-kul), a +ective #apable of varying interpretation. Also* dubious, uncertain, or suspect. To say a statement is equivocal is usually to cast doubt on the sincerity or truthfulness of the person making it.
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#he &:U%,0CA2 nature o! 6aul-s re"lies cause 'any to won er about his suitability !or the "ost. eradicate (ee-*AD-ih-cate), verb To do away with utterly. To eradicate something is to wipe it out and leave no sign of it. DUntil we have &*AD%CA#&D "overty,E the "riest vowe , Dour struggle will continue.E erratic (ih-*A#-ik), a +ective "nconsistent; lacking a set course. Something that wanders or fluctuates unpredictably can be considered erratic. &laine-s &**A#%C writing style irritate her su"eriors, who ba no ti'e to "u..le over an in eci"herable an 'ean ering 'e'o. esoteric (ess-oh-#A*&-ik), a +ective #omprehensible only to a particular, restricted category of people. To say something is esoteric is to say it lacks broad appeal. #he novel is likely to be enthralling to those !a'iliar with the *evolutionary 8ar "erio A others 'ay !in it &S0#&*%C. espresso (es-6*&SS-oh), noun A potent, dark coffee brewed by means of forced steam. #he &S6*&SS0 'achine ha to be one o! the 'ost useless birth ay "resents %- ever receive , given 'y ca!!eine intolerance. estrange (ih-S#*A()&), verb To alienate or remove from a position or relationship. A family member who is estranged by others in the family is no longer regarded as part of the group. ;er estrange brother 'a e 'any atte'"ts to visit, but Michelle woul have no "art o! any such "lan. etching (&#C;-ing), noun An impression on metal or glass made by means of corrosive acid; a picture or design produced by using this process to impart a design on a plate with acid. #he ornate i'ages on our "a"er currency are the result o! intricate &#C;%()S 'eant to !oil counter!eiters.

eulogy (500-luh-gee), noun Speech or writing in praise of a person, typically used for a person who has recently died. Heep in mind that an )9);G denotes a mournful poem, one not necessarily written for a particular person. Diane elivere a &U20)5 !or her uncle that 'anage to be si'ultaneously sa an heartwar'ing. euphemism (50U-!uh-'i.-u'), noun A word or e!pression used as a substitute for one that may be considered offensive or distasteful. My Aunt 6olly-s 7uaint &U6;&M%SM !or DtoiletE was D !reshening-u" roo'.E euphoria (yoo-90*-ee-uh), noun A state of happiness and well7being that could be perceived by others as manic. The ad/ective form is 4euphoric.5 As the ho'e tea' sank the three-"ointer in the !inal secon s an won the ga'e, &U6;0*%A eru"te in the bar. evade (ee-,AD&), verb To sidestep or dodge; to flee from &a pursuer'. &See, for comparison, the entry for avoid.' #he !ugitives &,AD&D the authorities !or three 'onths, but were !inally a""rehen e near Scotts ale, Ari.ona. evasive (ee-,A5-siv), a +ective 0rone to hiding. Also* deliberately ambiguous in speech or response. An evasive answer is one that is meant to yield as little meaningful information to the questioner as possible. #he e!ense attorney !oun the witness hostile an &,AS%,& on the stan . evocative (ih-,0C$-uh-tive), a +ective 6escribes something that tends to draw forth3 or evoke3feelings, thoughts, responses, etc. 2y ia-s "er!u'e was &,0CA#%,& o! a s"ring ay in the woo s. evoke (ee-,0$&), verb To call forth or summon. To evoke is also to bring back to life through appeal to memory. #he sight o! the ol 'ansion &,0$&D 'any bittersweet 'e'ories !or Charles.
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exalted (ig-4A2#), a +ective ;lorified or praised; held up high in honor. Colvin-s albu' earne the kin o! &BA2#&D co''en ations usually reserve !or 'a+or new works o! literature. except (ek-S&6#), verb To e!clude; also, to e!press opposition or disagreement to by means of argument. &See, for comparison, the listing for accept.' % want everyone we know to co'e to the inner "arty, 'y ol boy!rien &BC&6#&D. excerpt (&$-sur"t), noun To quote or reproduce a portion of a book, play, poem, etc. Although it 'ay not have been his intention, the rock singer was hel"ing to e ucate his young au ience by using &BC&*6#S !ro' the sonnets o! Shakes"eare in his lyrics. exemplify (egg-4&M6-lih-!ie), verb To illustrate with an e!ample or to serve as an e!ample of something. Beethoven-s 'usic &B&M62%9%&S both the heights o! +oy an the e"ths o! es"air. exert (ig-4U*#), verb To e!pend effort. D6lease on-t &B&*# yoursel!,E Alice sneere sarcastically to her husban 9re as he lay on the couch while she vacuu'e . exfoliate (ecks-90A2-ee-ate), verb To remove the surface of something3such as skin3in flakes or scales. An rea-s skin is always "er!ect because she &B902%A#&S twice a ay. exhilarated (ig-4%22-uh-rate-u ), verb To make lively; to e!cite or energi$e. #hose evening runs in the cool air o! the s"ring were always &B;%2A*A#%(), es"ecially a!ter a ay s"ent coo"e u" in a stu!!y o!!ice. exhume (egg-4500M), verb The primary meaning of 4e!hume5 is to dig something up, such as a body or buried treasure. "n addition, one can e!hume anything by rescuing it from obscurity. #he !il'-s soun track 'anage to &B;UM& the career o! the songwriter,

who ha n-t ha a hit in 'ore than three eca es. exodus (&B-uh- uss), noun A going out; a departure, particularly of a large group of people. A!ter the !il' reel +a''e !or the thir ti'e, there was a 'ass &B0DUS o! angry "atrons. exonerate (ig-40(-uh-rate), verb To clear or free from blame or guilt; to restore &one2s reputation'. A!ter the charges were thrown out an Brian was co'"letely &B0(&*A#&D, he was !ree to continue his work in the securities in ustry. expatriate (ecks-6A5-tree-it), noun Someone who chooses to leave his or her home country and to resettle in another. The word gained currency in the early twentieth century, when many American writers, musicians, and artists chose to leave America and settle in )urope. &ven though she ha live in 9rance !or 'any years, #ru y never consi ere hersel! a true &B6A#*%A#& because her love !or A'erica re'aine so strong. expletive (&$-s"lih-tive), noun An e!clamation, inter/ection, or profane oath. An e!pletive is also a 4filler5 word that holds a grammatical position but has no independent meaning, such as the word 4it5 in 4"t is imperative that you read this.5 A shower o! &B62&#%,&S escen e on the u'"ire !ro' the stan s. explicit (ik-S62%SS-it), a +ective 6etailed; revealing in full e!pression; emphatically stated. % !elt that certain &B62%C%# scenes in 2ast #ango in 6aris were not 7uite right !or !ive-year-ol s, an urge the twins to select a Barney vi eocassette instea . extrapolate (ik-S#*A6-uh-late), verb To arrive at an estimate by e!amining unknown values. To e!trapolate is to make a supposition or model based on shifting or tenuous information.
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8hile there were no eyewitnesses, we can &B#*A602A#& the victi'-s 'ove'ents that night base on his "ast activities. exuberant (ig-400-burr-uhnt), a +ective )!tremely enthusiastic. % was &BUB&*A(# about 'y une3"ecte holi ay bonus. exurb (&C$-surb), noun A mostly self7contained community that lies well beyond a city2s suburbs and which is often inhabited by the wealthy or upper7middle class. % coul track 'y !a'ily-s !ortunes by our a resses. #he lean years were s"ent in the city-s urban core. #hen ca'e a 'ove to the suburbs. 9inally, we hit the big ti'e an relocate to an &BU*B. facade (!uh-S0D), noun The ornamental front of a building; also, a false or misleading appearance; a contrived surface meant to deceive. (ot 'any took the ti'e to look beyon the 9ACAD& o! the burly, roughhewn "ig !ar'er to see the kin -hearte , gentle soul that resi e ee" insi e Big /i'. facilitate (!uh-S%22-uh-tate), verb To help, to ease the way. My knowle ge o! Moroccan custo's 9AC%2%#A#&D our tea'-s negotiations in that country. facsimile (!ak-S%M-uh-lee), noun An e!act copy, imitation, or reproduction. #he center"iece o! ,ictor-s library was a 9ACS%M%2& o! the 9irst 9olio o! the collecte "lays o! Shakes"eare. faction (9A$-shun), noun A group of persons united within an organi$ation for a common purpose. #he 'eetings o! the boar o! irectors were 'arke by "er"etual s7uabbling between its two bitterly antagonistic 9AC#%0(S. fajita (!uh-;&&-tuh), noun A soft flat tortilla shell filled with chicken or beef &or both' and assorted vegetables; Spanish in origin.

#his restaurant is !a'ous !or its 9A/%#AS, but % "re!er the chi'ichangas 'ysel!. falafel (!uh-2099-ul), noun <ried food balls or patties consisting of spicy ground vegetables, such as fava beans or chick peas, originating in the ?iddle )ast. Moo y-s in Central S7uare o!!ers a elicious Mi le &astern inner s"ecial !eaturing 9A2A9&2 an lentil sou", !or un er KM.GG. fallow (9A2-low), a +ective 6escribing land* uncultivated; plowed but not seeded for a season or more in order to improve the soil. Also* not active or in use. Bren a-s creative !orces have lain 9A2208 since she co'"lete that thir novel o! hers. falsetto (!al-S&#-oh), noun A male singing voice higher than the normal range for that voice. Also* a person who sings falsetto. 0ur so"rano is ho'e with the !lu, so "oor ol Mike is going to have to sing 9A2S&##0. falter (9A22-tur), verb To hesitate, stumble, or waver; to move uncertainly. Stan ha 9A2#&*&D so 'any ti'es in his atte'"ts to ask /ulie !or a ate that his !rien s began to won er whether he ha ever conte'"late si'"ly giving u" an beco'ing a 'onk. faze (!a.e), verb To bother; to disturb or annoy. 8e thought Seth woul be angry when he !oun out 6hilli" was ating his ol girl!rien , but the news i n-t see' to 9A4& hi' a bit. feral (9&&*-uhl), a +ective ,ild and uncontrolled &said especially of animals who were once domesticated'. <eral can also mean 4natural.5 #he islan s o! ;awaii su!!er !ro' a severe in!estation o! 9&*A2 "igs not native to the area. ferment (!urr-M&(#), verb To cause agitation or e!citement, typically in order to incite drastic change.
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;igh oil "rices began to 9&*M&(# e!!orts to !in alternative !uel sources. ferret (9A*&-ut), verb To drive or force out; to discover by forcing out. Colonel )on.ale. eclare that he woul take any 'easure necessary to 9&**&# the rebels out o! the hillsi es. fibrous (9%&-bruss), a +ective ?ade up of fibers; sinewy; of or pertaining to something that can be separated into fibers. 8ith horror % reali.e that the 9%B*0US 'ass the og was ragging through the rose bushes was 'y cash'ere sweater1or what was le!t o! it. fidelity (!ih-D&2-ih-tee), noun <aithfulness to duties; observance of responsibilities. One maintains fidelity in marriage by honoring a vow of se!ual faithfulness. #he "ublishe book-s 9%D&2%#5 to the author-s original te3t is sus"ect. finesse (!ih-(&SS), verb -sing subtle charm and style to resolve a problem; smooth, skillful maneuvering. Davi -s legen ary ability to 9%(&SS& his way out o! any situation was ta3e to the e3tre'e when his wi!e returne early !ro' a business tri" an !oun hi' in the hot tub with his secretary. finis (!ih-(&&), noun The end or conclusion; also, as an ad/ective* finished. Many "eo"le consi ere Mr. Clinton-s "resi ential ca'"aign 9%(%S in the weeks be!ore the (ew ;a'"shire "ri'ary. !irst mendment (!irst uh-M&(D-'unt), noun An article of the -nited States #onstitution guaranteeing citi$ens the right to freedom of speech and the free e!ercise of religion. A court or er su""ressing this story woul be a blatant violation o! our news"a"er-s 9%*S# AM&(DM&(# rights. fissure (9%S;-er), noun or verb A narrow opening produced by a crack or other form of accidental or purposeful separation. As a verb, 4fissure5 describes the act of splitting.

#he e3"losion was trace to a s'all 9%SSU*& that ha evelo"e on the botto' o! the !uel tank. fitful (9%#-!uhl), a +ective Occurring irregularly or intermittently. % !elt rotten in the 'orning, a!ter a night o! 9%#9U2 slee". fixate (9%C$-sate), verb To focus one2s attention on, often to an alarming degree. *oy is getting too ol to 9%BA#& on "artying an casual relationshi"s. flagrant (92A5-grunt), a +ective Obvious and very noticeable in a notorious or scandalous way. #he !act that the re!erees let only one tea' get away with a series o! 92A)*A(# !ouls cause 'any in the crow to believe the ga'e was !i3e . flashback (92AS;-back), noun To inter/ect a scene containing events from the past into a chronological series of present7day events; an instance of such a scene. Casablanca-s 92AS;BAC$ scenes o! the two lovers uring their ti'e in 6aris give us a sense o! the love they share 1 an the 'agnitu e o! *ick-s loss. flashpoint (92AS;-"oint), noun 6enotes either the site at which significant3 typically violent3action has occurred or a place or situation that is likely to erupt in violence. #he 'ur er o! the "ri'e 'inister was a !lash"oint !or global war!are. flaunt (!lont), verb To display &oneself or a possession' in an ostentatious way. <launt is often confused with flout &see flout below', but the words have completely different meanings. Mr. Miller-s habit o! wearing 'any +ewelle rings is one o! the 'any ways he has !oun to 92AU(# his wealth. flimsy (92%M-.ee), a +ective 9ightweight; cheap; unsturdy; of poor quality. #he e"art'ent store circular a vertise an a'a.ing sale on bureaus, esks, an other !urniture, but when we got to the store we !oun that all
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the ite's we were intereste in were constructe !ro' 92%MS5 "articleboar , not "ine or oak. flounce (!lownts), verb To move about with e!aggerated motion or in a spasmodic manner. #he actress !lounce about as she entere the "re'iere with her entourage. flounder (9208(- ur), verb To struggle clumsily. &See, for comparison, the entry for founder.' Also* a fish. My 920U(D&*%() e!!orts to o"en the oor while hol ing !ive "ackages were the ob+ect o! so'e a'use'ent to 'y roo''ate, but he i not o!!er to relieve 'e o! any o! the'. flout (!lowt), verb To bra$enly or openly break a law, regulation, or tradition. <lout is often confused with flaunt &see flaunt above', but the words have completely different meanings. #o begin the baseball ga'e without singing the national anthe' woul be to 920U# a tra ition o! 'ore than a century. fluctuate (92U$-choo-ate), verb To waver between one thing and another; to change or shift back and forth constantly. #he ietitian sai we shoul not worry i! our weight 92UC#UA#&D between two an !ive "oun s in either irection o! our goal as long as we were able to 'aintain a weight in that range. flue (!loo), noun A duct or tube used for the passage of smoke. Davi vowe to s"en Christ'as &ve staring u" the 92U& so he coul alert the !a'ily the 'o'ent Santa arrive , but he !ell aslee" a!ter only a short ti'e at his "ost. fluency (9200-un-see), noun eady and unhindered e!pression. Alice-s 92U&(C5 in S"anish "rove a real a vantage uring our tri" to Me3ico. flummox (92U;M-ucks), verb To completely bewilder or confuse. (o 'atter how 'uch % stu y, 'athe'atics continues to 92UMM0B 'e.

foist (!oist), verb To pawn off &something undesirable'. To foist something on someone is to assign it or pass it along to him despite his wishes. #his "ro+ect was 90%S#&D on us because everyone believe it was i'"ossible, an because we were consi ere the worst e"art'ent in the organi.ation. forage (90*-u+), verb To search or hunt for food and provisions. % awoke +ust in ti'e to !in the og 90*A)%() in our "icnic basket. forcible (90*C&-ih-bul), a +ective 0owerful; using force to achieve a goal. #he e itors o! the ca'"us "a"er were shocke at the ca'"us "olice-s 90*C%B2& entry into their o!!ices. formidable (90*-'ih- uh-bull), a +ective #apable of inspiring fear or respect. Something that is formidable is challenging or difficult to overcome. Al!re !ace a 90*M%DAB2& o""onentA he knew he ha to "lan care!ully. formulaic (!or'-you-2A5-ick), a +ective ?ade according to a formula, usually used in a negative way. /ohn sto""e watching television because he was !e u" with the 90*MU2A%C +unk networks "al'e o!! as Dentertain'ent.E forsake (!or-SA$&), verb To abandon. &'ily has 90*SA$&( Cali!ornia !or an islan in the %n ian 0cean. forum (90*-u'), noun A gathering, meeting, or program held for the purpose of discussing matters of public or common concern. DAlthough % a' sure your neighbor-s constantly barking og is irritating, Mrs. 8ake!iel ,E the chair'an intone , Dthe "ur"ose o! this 90*UM is to iscuss the "ro"ose waste site.E foyer (905-ur), noun .all; vestibule; entryway; a lobby &as in a theater or hotel'. D%! the 905&* is any in ication o! what %- ll !in on the u""er !loors,E % thought to 'ysel!, D'y new o!!ice is going to be a real u'".E
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fraught (!rot), a +ective 9oaded or filled with; accompanied by; involving. Buck acce"te the task, although he knew it was 9*AU);# with "eril. frenzy (9*&(-.ee), noun A state of wild e!citement; e!treme emotional or mental agitation. 8hat with stu ying !or the bar e3a' an "lanning her we ing, Sara ha been in an al'ost constant 9*&(45 !or nearly two 'onths. frivolity (!rih-,02-ih-tee), noun -nworthy of serious note; insubstantial. To engage in frivolity is to behave in a lighthearted or even ludicrous way. 8e have no ti'e !or 9*%,02%#5A to'orrow 'orning, the 'anager is co'ing. fruition (!roo-%S;-un), noun That which has arisen from development, possession, use, or effort. The achievement of something desired or labored for is the fruition of that deed. #he novel was, in a sense, the 9*U%#%0( o! a li!eti'e o! work !or Melville. funereal (!yoo-(%*-ee-uhl), a +ective eminiscent of a funeral. That which is dark, brooding, and mournful is funereal. #he 9U(&*&A2 tone o! the 'eeting was not at all what we ha in 'in to raise 'orale. furlough (9U*-low), noun A leave of absence, especially for a member of the armed forces; the act of granting this leave. During his 9U*20U); Dan concentrate on !in ing a +ob in the "rivate sector, as he was sche ule to be ischarge !ro' the (avy in three 'onths. furor (9500*-ur), noun ,idespread e!citement or anger; fury or uproar among persons or institutions. )overnor 8hite-s in ict'ent !or e'be..le'ent cause a 9U*0* in the state. furrow (9U*-oh), noun or verb

A furrow is a narrow groove in the ground, such as one formed by a plow. Thus, one furrows when one creates grooves or wrinkles in something. % coul tell 'o' i n-t believe 'y story as she began to 9U**08 her brow. furtive (9U*-tiv), a +ective Stealthy. That which is surreptitious or sly is furtive. Marie-s 9U*#%,& esigns were soon etecte an e3"ose . futility (!yoo-#%22-ih-tee), noun That which is characteri$ed by uselessness. Something that is impractical or vainly undertaken shows futility. #he 9U#%2%#5 o! atte'"ting to reason with 6aula coul no longer be enie A Michael gave u" trying. gallantry ()A2-un-tree), noun Something displaying dashing bravery or chivalry. ;allantry pertains to an air of courage and nobility. ;is )A2A(#*5 Although we e3"ecte to con!ront to solve this "roble'A what is nee e is col cash. galore (guh-20*&), a +ective "n abundance; plentiful. 0nce Mo' hit the lottery, she "ro'ise , it woul be "resents )A20*& !or all o! usC new cars, clothes, +ewelry, vacations, an +ust about anything else we wante . galvanize ()A2-vuh-ni.e), verb To stimulate into action; to motivate &as if with an electric shock'. A!ter consi erable national ebate over the 'erits o! entering into a D&uro"ean war,E the /a"anese attack on 6earl ;arbor )A2,A(%4&D A'erican "ublic o"inion as nothing else coul . garner ()A*-nur), verb To amass, gather, or accumulate. To garner something is to acquire it over a period. 8illia' )A*(&*&D 'uch "raise !or his writing but little cash. garret ()A*&-ut), noun An attic room; also, a secluded, generally unfinished area near the top
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of a structure used as an observation post or as a place for privacy and refuge. Although he ha a co'"uter an "rinter set u" in his ownstairs stu y, Christo"her !oun that he i his best writing sitting u" in the )A**&# with a "a o! "a"er an a "encil. gaudy ()A;8- ee), a +ective Showy; tasteless. Something that bespeaks tackiness or e!cessive ornamentation is gaudy. 9or so'e reason, Cheryl always a orns hersel! with the )AUD%&S# +ewelry i'aginable. gaunt (gawnt), a +ective )!tremely thin; haggard, as by deprivation or worry. #he televise i'ages o! the hostages showe the worl a series o! )AU(# !aces, worn by 'onths o! torture an ca"tivity, rea ing wor s that ha obviously been written !or the'. gauntlet ()0(#-let), noun A challenge. To 4throw down the gauntlet5 in medieval times, was to issue a challenge to a duel. #his ea line is not si'"ly a goal !or this e"art'entA it is a )AU(#2&# that has been thrown be!ore us. gazebo (guh-4&&-boe), noun A small outdoor structure, roofed but open on the sides, usually placed in a backyard or a park. #he )A4&B0 in the church courtyar was !reshene u" with a new coat o! white "aint every s"ring in "re"aration !or out oor we ings. generic (+uh-(A*&-ik), a +ective Of or pertaining to all members of a group or category; also, unprotected by trademark; common and unremarkable. Senator S'ith use the "ress con!erence as an o""ortunity to eliver his )&(&*%C s"eech on the role o! the 'e ia in the evelo"'ent o! "ublic "olicy. genial (/&&(-yul), a +ective Hindly or pleasant in disposition. A genial attitude is one of warmth and openness.

Although we e3"ecte to con!ront the ene'y in !ull !orce, we encountere only )&(%A2 towns!olk. ghoulish ()00-lish), a +ective .aving a morbid fascination with sub/ects like death, disease, serial killers, etc. % woul n-t call /i' );0U2%S;, but his !avorite activity is to tour local ce'eteries an to take "ictures o! area !uneral ho'es. girth (girth), noun The circumference of something. 4;irth5 often is used as a nice way to say 4fat.5 My 'in was boggle as % trie to conceive o! the )%*#; o! the "lanet /u"iter. gist (+ist), noun The main point; the essential meaning, the core or heart of a message. #he )%S# o! the letter !ro' the grievance co''ittee is that the workers are tire o! being una""reciate an un er"ai . gnocchi ((5A8-kee), noun An "talian pasta dish; small round balls of pasta. Dawn or ere )(0CC;% !or &llen, her !iveyear-ol , but the little girl see'e to en+oy "laying with the little things 'ore than eating the'. goad (goa ), verb To stimulate, urge, or prod, especially toward a given action. Originally, a goad was a pointed stick used to prod animals. Brian eci e not to write his na'e on the wall, es"ite his !rien satte'"ts to )0AD hi' into oing so. goulash ()00-losh), noun A stew made with beef, vegetables, and paprika. #he che! -s !a'ous )0U2AS; was an ol !a'ily reci"e that ha been han e own !ro' his ;ungarian ancestors !or generations. grandeur ()*A(-+ur), noun The quality of being grand; e!travagance in scale or appearance. ;randeur refers to magnificence.
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#he &'eral City-s )*A(D&U* e3cee e anything Dorothy ha ever seen. grapple ()*A6-ul), verb To struggle &with an opponent or enemy'; to attempt to pin down or throw to the ground. Alert Secret Service agents )*A662&D with the ar'e intru er an wrestle hi' to the groun be!ore any shots were !ire . gratis ()*A#-iss), a +ective <ree of charge. % like visiting *enee when she was working at the ice crea' "arlor, but the )*A#%S sun aes an banana s"lits she always o!!ere were i'"ossible to resist1an they weren-t hel"ing 'y iet 'uch. gratuity (gruh-#00-ih-tee), noun A tip; e!tra money given for service beyond the amount required by the bill. % 'ake it a "oint never to leave a )*A#U%#5 i! the service has been truly horrible. gravitate ()*A,-ih-tate), verb To have a natural inclination toward or to be strongly attracted to something &or someone'. As soon as we entere the electronics store, 'y ki s )*A,%#A#&D towar the vi eo ga'es. greenhouse effect ()*&&(-;0US&-uh-!ect), noun ?any believe the greenhouse effect is the cause of global warming. A greenhouse traps heat because the short waves of solar radiation easily go through glass. Once the sun2s light passes through the glass and hits something, it is converted to longer7 waved heat radiation, which cannot pass back out of the greenhouse. On )arth, the burning of fossil fuels has created something akin to the panes of glass on a greenhouse. The sun2s rays can pass into the planet2s atmosphere, but then, once converted to heat radiation, they are trapped inside our atmosphere.

Al )ore-s !il', An %nconvenient #ruth, brought attention to the "erils o! the )*&&(;0US& &99&C#. grimace ()*%M-uss), noun A facial e!pression showing disgust or discomfort. A grimace is a sharp facial contortion indicating pain, dissatisfaction, or disgust. Billy 'a e a )*%MAC& at the thought o! eating his vegetables. grisly ()*%4-lee), a +ective ;ruesome. #he !inal con!rontation with Bran o-s character, )*%S25 though it is, e!!ectively !ollows through on the the'es o! ritual sacri!ice establishe earlier in the !il'. grope (groa"), verb To reach about blindly. ;rope can also be used figuratively to describe someone who acts in uncertainty of purpose. ;e )*06&D !or the right wor s, but coul not 'anage to co'e u" with an acce"table e3"lanation. grovel ()*0,-ul), verb To lie prostrate, especially when done as a sign of humility. Another meaning of grovel is to give oneself over completely to subservience. #o see his sister re uce to )*0,&2%() !or a""roval in this way was al'ost too 'uch !or *yan to take. guile (gile), noun #unning; treacherous deceit. Someone who e!ercises guile is insidious and misleading. %n laying the groun work !or e'be..le'ent on such a large scale, Donal showe consi erable )U%2& an no s'all a'ount o! aring. guru ()00-roo), noun An inspiring spiritual or intellectual leader; a revered teacher. #hough % !oun the sel!-hel" se'inar to be hel"!ul enough, % wasn-t as awe as so'e others in the course, who 'a e the instructor out to be so'e kin o! )U*U. gyrate (/%&-rate), verb To spin; to wind or coil. D8hat you ki s o to ay isn-t ancing,E sai )ran 'aA Dall you o is +u'"
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an )5*A#& willy-nilly.E hacienda (ha-see-&(- uh), noun A large estate or plantation. A!ter s"en ing his +unior year living on a ;AC%&(DA while he stu ie S"anish in Ma ri , 0scar ha a tough ti'e rea +usting to his tiny or' roo'. haggle (;A)-ul), verb To bargain with; to dicker or negotiate on price or terms. % think #o' en+oye the "rocess o! ;A))2%() at the !lea 'arket 'ore than the ite's he bought. hale (hale), a +ective .ealthy and vigorous; disease7free. 2y ia ha been assure by the surgeon that she- be ;A2& an hearty again in two weeks. hallucinogenic (huh-loo-sih-noe-/&(-ik), a +ective eminiscent of or pertaining to a drug or other substance that causes imaginary visions or delusions. %t see's i!!icult to believe that any "erson woul knowingly a 'inister ;A22UC%(0)&(%C rugs to a seven-year-ol chil , 5our ;onor, but such are the !acts be!ore us in this case. haphazard (ha"-;A4-ur ), a +ective "rregular; governed by chance. Something that is done in a hapha$ard manner is not guided by a system or regular method. A!ter a !ew ;A6;A4A*D guesses at the bo3-s contents, Steve gave u". hardscrabble (;A*D-scrabb-uhl), a +ective 6escribes a task, activity, profession, etc. that is e!tremely arduous yet offers little reward in return. My !a'ily co'es !ro' irt !ar'ers who barely survive their ;A*DSC*ABB2& e3istence. harlequin (;A*-luh-kwin), noun A comic character from the "talian commedia tradition, usually masked and wearing a tight7fitting costume. %nstea o! the stan ar +oker, the orna'ental eck o! "laying car s !eature a ;A*2&:U%( in color!ul attire. harrowing (;A*&-roe-ing), a +ective

)!tremely distressing; disturbing or frightening in the e!treme. A!ter her ;A**08%() ri e own a hill in a car with !aile brakes, Monica vowe never to rive again. harry (;A*-ee), verb To harass and annoy to an e!cessive degree. #he bill collectors ;A**%&D Susan until she !elt !orce to eclare bankru"tcy. heed (hee ), verb To pay attention to; to take into consideration; as a noun, an instance of notice or attention. Don-t ;&&D 'y brother )eorgeA he always tries to 'ake 'e look ba in !ront o! 'y ates. heirloom (A%*-loo'), noun A possession of commercial or sentimental value handed down from generation to generation. As the ol est chil , % was given the 'ost "recious !a'ily ;&%*200M, our ol gran !ather clock, when 'y 'other "asse away. helter-skelter (;&2-tur S$&2-tur), a +ective .apha$ard; lacking order or purpose; confused in manner or array. 8hile the chil ren ran ;&2#&*-S$&2#&* through the living roo', Mrs. Moore trie to light the can les on her son-s birth ay cake an set out "arty bags. hereditary (huh-*&D-ih-tare-ee), a +ective 0assed through the genes from parents to their children. Although the octors o! his ti'e believe hi' to be su!!ering !ro' a host o! e3otic contagious illnesses, e3"erts now believe that )eorge %%%-s 'a ness was cause by ;&*&D%#A*5 !actors. heterogeneous (het-er-uh-/&&(-ee-us), a +ective 6ifferent. .eterogeneous means consisting of utterly dissimilar parts or styles. Marie invite a ;&#&*0)&(&0US grou"C "oets, "otters, 'echanics, bureaucrats, an who knows who else. hierarchy (;%&-uh-rar-kee), noun
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A system &of people, concepts, groups, etc.' in which there is a ranking of entities one above another. A hierarchy often refers to a formal chain of command. #he !a'ous "sychologist Abraha' Maslow has establishe a ;%&*A*C;5 o! hu'an nee s. highbrow (;%&-brow), a +ective "ntelligent and cultured; also, one who is pretentious or snobby about intelligence and culture. Al like going to gallery shows to see the work o! new artists, but he !oun the ;%);B*08 analysis o! so'e o! his !ellow "atrons al'ost unbearable. highfalutin (hi-!uh-200-tin), a +ective 0ompous; pretentious; overblown and e!travagant. Al sai he- rather have root canal work than atten another one o! )ina-s ;%);9A2U#%( inner "arties an su!!er in hu'iliation !or not using the "ro"er utensils !or each course. hologram (;022-uh-gra'), noun A three7dimensional image created electronically and without a lens. #he ;020)*AM was such a convincing illusion that the og actually barke at the i'age o! its owner, a""arently e3"ecting to be !e . homogeneous (ho-'o-/&&-nee-uss), a +ective The same throughout; made up of like parts; not heterogeneous. #he islan su""orte a s'all ;0M0)&(&0US "o"ulation o! aboriginal tribes. homonym (;0M-uh-ni'), noun A word that sounds the same as another word. 4To5 and 4two5 are homonyms. % think in this sentence you have con!use the wor DrealE with its ;0M0(5M Dreel.E horde (hor ), noun A large crowd; a swarm of people. 0utsi e the e"art'ent store, ;0*D&S o! angry sho""ers, having been tol that the oors woul swing o"en at eight o-clock shar", began to "ress against the huge win ow.

hormonal (;0*-'oan-uhl), a +ective A hormone is a substance released by the body to affect physiological activity. Thus, 4hormonal5 describes someone who acts as though he or she is being affected by hormones. #he ;0*M0(A2 shouts o! teenagers an "reteens annoye 'e so 'uch that % le!t the concert be!ore the encore. horrific (hor-*%99-ik), a +ective .orrifying; scary; terrifying. Mr. Benton insiste on rea ing the news"a"er-s account o! the ;0**%9%C train wreck out lou uring lunch. hybrid (;%&-bri ), a +ective The result of a mi!ture or combination of two dissimilar things &as in two breeds of animals, or two types of flowers'. *ay'on s"ent all o! his !ree ti'e in the greenhouse "er!ecting his beauti!ul ;5B*%D orchi s. hyperbole (hie-6U*-buh-lee), noun )!travagant overstatement. To e!aggerate something for the purpose of effect is to use hyperbole. % think you can sa!ely regar his "ro'ise to eat his hat i! "roven wrong as ;56&*B02&. idle (&5&- ul), a +ective +ot put to use; inactive. Also* lacking in substance. &See, for comparison, the entry for idol.' 8hen the "hone service went own, our custo'er service o"erators ha to sit %D2& at their stations, which rove Mr. Brown to istraction. idol (&5&- ul), noun A worshiped image; a figure of a god. Also, any personage who is the ob/ect of devotion. &See, for comparison, the entry for idle.' #hat !la'enco ancer she went to see last week is 'y sister Cassan ra-s latest %D02. idolatry (eye-D022-uh-tree), noun The worship of a physical ob/ect as though it were a god or idol; to display an unusual and worshipful attachment to an ob/ect. Bu y-s %D02A#*5 o! his shiny new Corvette le a cou"le o! his !rien s to
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re'ark that he woul take it to be with hi' i! he coul . imam (ih-MA;M), noun The governing priest at a mosque. % was wary o! atten ing the 'os7ue, but % 7uickly !oun the %MAM welco'ing an "leasant. immaculate (i'-MA$-yoo-lut), a +ective Spotless; utterly free from fault, blemish, or stain. Something that is immaculate is impeccably clean. A!ter the boys ha !inishe the cleanu" +ob, the garage looke %MMACU2A#&. immeasurable (ih-M&4;-er-uh-bull), a +ective 6escribes a quantity that cannot be measured because it seems to be limitless. % was gla ene by the %MM&ASU*AB2& love 'y aughter clearly !elt !or her !iancN. immerse (i'-MU*C&), verb To plunge into or surround with liquid. *a ios, electric shavers, an other electrical a""liances can eliver lethal electric shocks i! %MM&*S&D in water while "lugge in. imminent (%M-uh-nunt), a +ective 9ikely to happen at any time; impending. 8ith his "lane-s e"arture %MM%(&(#, )reg gave his little girl a hug !or the last ti'e, kisse her on the !orehea , an hea e towar the gate. impale (i'-6A2&), verb To pierce with a sharp ob/ect; to pin or hold down. Carol, with her !lair !or the ra'atic, urge her husban to !i3 the loose "ickets on the !ence be!ore one o! the neighborhoo chil ren was %M6A2&D. impeccable (i'-6&$-uh-buhl), a +ective <lawless; faultless. /a'es Bon wore %M6&CCAB2& evening ress, 'arre only by the bulge where his gun was conceale . impede (i'-6&&D), verb To obstruct progress; to block. #he !ire regulations are 7uite clear on the 7uestion o! storage in this hallwayA nothing is allowe to %M6&D& access to the 'ain e3it.

imperative (i'-6A%*-uh-tiv), a +ective an noun )ssential, obligatory, or mandatory. As a noun, an imperative is a command or an essential ob/ective. "mperative also has a grammatical sense referring to verbs that command or e!hort. &<or instance, in the sentence 4Sit, e!I5 the word sit is in the imperative.' %t is %M6&*A#%,& that the sol iers evacuate as soon as "ossible. imperceptible (i'-"ur-S&6-tuh-bull), a +ective So subtle as to be unnoticeable. "mperceptible refers to that which is so gradual or unnoticeable it is virtually impossible to perceive. #he istinctions you raw in this "aragra"h are %M6&*C&6#%B2& to the average rea er. impervious (i'-6U**-vee-us), a +ective "mpenetrable. Also* impossible to alter or affect. "mpervious usually means incapable of being changed from a given course. 8e trie to issua e Millicent !ro' sen ing the chil ren to Montana, but she was %M6&*,%0US. impetuous (i'-6&#-you-us), a +ective "mpulsive. That which is driven by sudden force or emotion is impetuous. Dirk-s %M6&#U0US re'ark 'ay well cost hi' his +ob. implacable (ih'-62AC$-uh-bull), a +ective 6escribes someone who cannot be calmed or pacified. 4"mplacable5 can also serve as a synonym for 4stubborn.5 (o 'atter what % i to try to "lease 'y 'other, she re'aine gri' an %M62ACAB2&. implicit (i'-62%SS-it), a +ective "mplied or understood, though not e!pressed directly. An implicit understanding is one that two parties abide by but do not set out in specific language. #here was an %M62%C%# agree'ent between the two not to bring u" the sub+ect o! Michael-s !irst wi!e. impregnable (i'-6*&)-nuh-bull), a +ective
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Stubbornly resistant. Something that is impregnable is unshakeable andFor unconquerable. #he town "rove %M6*&)(AB2&, es"ite the ar'y-s re"eate assaults. impromptu (i'-6*A;M6-too), a +ective Spontaneous; not planned or rehearsed; conceived on the spur of the moment. Sonya-s %M6*0M6#U (ew 5ear-s &ve inner "arty en e u" being 'ore !un than any o! the !or'al a!!airs our grou" o! !rien s ha atten e !or (ew 5ears "ast. inadvertent (in-u -,&*#-unt), a +ective -nintentional; not on purpose; accidentally. % %(AD,&*#&(#25 calle attention to )len a-s tar iness by asking the boss what ti'e it was +ust as she walke in the oor. inanimate (in-A(-ih-'utt), a +ective eminiscent of an ob/ect that is not alive or animated; lacking in movement. Ben ga.e at the wa3 !igure as i! he e3"ecte the %(A(%MA#& !igure to co'e to li!e. inauguration (in-og-yuh-*A5-shun), noun The act of ushering into office with a formal ceremony; an instance of marking or acknowledging the beginning of something in a ceremonious fashion. 6resi ent Clinton-s %(AU)U*A#%0( !eature a "oe' co'"ose !or the occasion by Maya Angelou an rea by the "oet. incantation (in-kan-#A5-shun), noun The repeated chanting of words or phrases believed to have magical powers. % believe #o'-s is'issal o! the rosary as a "ri'itive set o! %(CA(#A#%0(S shows how s'all a role religious !aith "lays in his li!e. incapacitate (in-kuh-6ASS-ih-tate), verb To disable; to deprive of strength, ability, or skill. Uncle /i''y 'isse an entire 'onth o! work ue to a bout o! "neu'onia that le!t hi' co'"letely %(CA6AC%#A#&D. incarcerate (in-$A;*-suh-rate), verb

To /ail or imprison. % never thought %- be %(CA*C&*A#&D +ust !or !ailing to "ay over one hun re "arking tickets@ incessant (in-S&SS-unt), a +ective #ontinuous. "ncessant derives from the 9atin roots for 4without end.5 ;is %(C&SSA(# 7uestions can beco'e 7uite annoying. incisive (in-S5&-siv), a +ective 0enetrating or sharp in analysis, observation, etc. "ncisive derives from the 9atin root for 4cutting.5 An %(C%S%,& #i'es review o! the "lay notes that the ialogue is si'ilar in 'any "laces to "assages !ro' the works o! 6roust. incoherent (in-koh-;&&*-unt), a +ective +ot capable of being understood due to a lack of logical meaning. A!ter he-s ha one too 'any, % can-t hel" laughing at Bob-s %(C0;&*&(# s"eech. incredible (in-$*&D-ih-bull), a +ective -nbelievable; so remarkable as to be hard or impossible to accept. &See, for comparison, the entry for incredulous.' #he charges % a' 'aking against Mr. 8hite 'ay see' %(C*&D%B2&, but the evi ence will show that they are absolutely true. incredulous (in-$*&D-you-luss), a +ective Skeptical; refusing or reluctant to believe. &See, for comparison, the entry for incredible.' Dan was absolutely %(C*&DU20US when % tol hi' % was the sole winner o! the K<G 'illion lottery. increment (%(-kruh-'unt), noun One in a series of additions; an increase in si$e or number. #he letter in!or'e (ina that she woul receive checks !ro' the estate in KMG,GGG %(C*&M&(#S over the course o! twenty years. incumbent (in-$U;M-bent), a +ective or noun As a noun, 4incumbent5 means the holder of an office. As an ad/ective, the word suggests responsibility, such as the responsibility with which an officeholder is entrusted.
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%-ve got to sto" "rocrastinating, Stewart thought. %t-s %(CUMB&(# u"on 'e to !inish this "ro"osal by 9ri ay@ indelible (in-D&22-ih-bul), a +ective -n7removable. An indelible mark is one that is not easily erased or cleansed away. Carl leaves an %(D&2%B2& i'"ression on those he 'eets. indeterminate (in- ee-#U;*-'ih-nut), a +ective +ot having a specific length or e!tent. #he wait at the De"art'ent o! Motor ,ehicles was both %(D&#&*M%(A#& an inter'inable. indomitable (in-D0M-ih-tuh-bull), a +ective 6escribes someone who acts in the face of fear, someone with unconquerable will. (a ia-s courage was %(D0M%#AB2&, even though she !ace 'uch larger o""onents. induct (in-DUC#), verb To install as a member with formal ceremony; to install in office. Many baseball !ans !eel it-s a sha'e that 6ete *ose will "robably never be %(DUC#&D into the Baseball ;all o! 9a'e. inept (in-&6#), a +ective "nappropriate. Someone who lacks /udgment, discretion, or ability can be said to be inept. 8illia's, an %(&6# cra!ts'an, soon !oun that his goo s woul never !etch to" ollar. inequity (in-&C$-wih-tee), noun A person who, or situation that, is unfair, biased, or demonstrates favoritism. #he %(&:U%#5 o! your "ro"osal bor ers on being insulting. inert (in-U*#), a +ective "nactive; unmoving; e!tremely slow in moving or reacting. 8e ca'e ho'e !ro' the su"er'arket to !in our %(&*# son on the so!a an the lawn still not 'owe . infallible (in-9A2-uh-bul), a +ective "ncapable of making a mistake. Something that is regarded as beyond error might be said to be infallible.

5ou have no nee to worry about the security o! this 'ission, gentle'enA the ;A2 OGGG co'"uter is %(9A22%B2&. infraction (in-9*AC$-shun), noun A violation or breach, as of rules. 0ne citi.en stoo u" an e'an e to ask 7uestions o! the city council, a irect %(9*AC#%0( o! "rotocol. infrastructure (%(-!ruh-struk-chur), noun <oundation; underlying base. An infrastructure is the collection of essential primary components or a system, organi$ation, or structure. #he architect guesse that the %(9*AS#*UC#U*& ha "robably begun to ero e at the turn o! the centuryA the buil ing was now beyon re"air. ingratiate (in-)*A5-she-ate), verb To work very hard to gain someone2s favor, most likely with an eye toward receiving something in return at a future date. 6aul trie har to %()*A#%A#& hi'sel! with his !iancee-s stern "arents. inherent (in-;A*&-unt), a +ective "ntrinsic; necessary. An important or essential part of something can be said to be inherent. Dwayne-s %(;&*&(# reluctance to entrust newco'ers with tasks o! any signi!icance was a 'a+or "roble' !or the co'"any. initiative (ih-(%S;-uh-tiv), noun 0ersonal enterprise and responsibility. %! you were to show a little 'ore %(%#%A#%,&, you woul not kee" being "asse over !or a "ro'otion. innate (ih-(A#&), a +ective 0ossessed at birth. Something that is inborn or central to a person or thing can be said to be innate. Sol-s %((A#& sense !or what will 'ake a goo "lan has serve hi' well since be was a s'all boy. innocuous (ih-(0$-yoo-us), a +ective .armless. Also* lacking conflict or drama. Something is innocuous if it shows minimal significance, interest, or prominence. #he e itor re+ecte 'y !irst news story, which % !oun !ascinating but he consi ere %((0CU0US.
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innovate (%(-uh-vate), verb To introduce something new or to make significant changes to something, such as an invention, that already e!ists. The familiar ad/ective form is 4innovative.5 #he inventors s"ent their ay, tinkering an %((0,A#%(), until they ca'e u" with the "er!ect 'ousetra". #he worl 7uickly beat a "ath to their oor. innumerable (in-(00M-ur-uh-bul), a +ective Too many to be numbered or counted &but often used simply to e!press the idea 4very numerous5'. 0ver the "ast three 'onths, Michelle has "ut in %((UM&*AB2& hours o! overti'e on this "ro+ect. inquiry (%(-kwuh-ree), noun "n general, an inquiry is a question, but the word suggests an investigation that seeks the answer to profound or perple!ing questions. #he etective-s %(:U%*5 nette signi!icant evi ence, which le to the cri'e-s "er"etrators. inseparable (in-S&6-uh-ruh-bull), a +ective "ncapable of being separated or parted. /ean an Michael have been %(S&6A*AB2& since they 'et online. insurgence (in-SU*-+unce), noun evolt or uprising. An insurgence is a revolt against the government or e!isting authority. #he %(SU*)&(C& against the ictator-s regi'e was welco'e enthusiastically by the country-s !ar'ers. insurrection (in-sur-*&$-shun), noun A rebellion against a government or ruling power. Be!ore the "resi ent coul get the treaty through Congress, however, he woul have to atten to an %(SU**&C#%0( o! sorts that ha arisen in the le!t !lank o! his own "arty. intangible (in-#A(-+uh-bul), a +ective "ncapable of being touched, felt, or calculated. 9rien s berate 'e !or breaking u" with Matthew, but there was so'ething %(#A()%B2& 'issing !ro' the relationshi", so'ething %

coul n-t o without. integrated (%(-tuh-gray-te ), a +ective 6escribes the harmonious assemblage of various parts into a whole. &ven though both Mike an Carol ha chil ren !ro' "revious 'arriages, their new union 7uickly create an %(#&)*A#&D !a'ily unit. intercede (in-tur-S&&D), verb To offer aid or action on another2s behalf; to interrupt &a conflict or altercation' to help another. Much to 'y a'a.e'ent, 'y big brother, whose 'ain goal in li!e ha always see'e to be to tor'ent 'e, %(#&*C&D&D when the school bully trie to attack 'e. interim (%(-ter-i'), noun The meantime. An interim is the period of time between one event and another. #he %(#&*%M1which laste over a 'onth1 was !ille with work an "lanning in "re"aration !or the secon series o! 'eetings. intermediary (in-ter-M&&- ee-air-ee), noun or a +ective As a noun, an intermediary is a go7between, a middleman. As an ad/ective, the word describes someone who is a middleman or gobetween. My brother acte as an %(#&*M&D%A*5 in the is"ute between our 'o' an 'e. intermittent (in-tur-M%#-nt), a +ective #haracteri$ed by a cycle of stopping and starting. An intermittent storm is one that comes and goes. 9rank was bothere by an %(#&*M%##&(# "ain in his ankle. interstellar (in-tur-S#&2-lur), a +ective Occurring or situated between the stars. Due to "roble's with the base-s satellite trans'itter, %(#&*S#&22A* co''unication with the s"ace shuttle was e3tre'ely i!!icult. intrepid (in-#*&6-i ), a +ective (rave. Those who are fearless and show great courage are intrepid. #he %(#*&6%D cli'ber 'a e her way own the icy 'ountain alone. intrigue (in-#*&&)), a +ective
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To arouse suspicion or curiosity; to engender a sense of mystery. As a noun* a plot. $eith-s %(#*%)U%() "lan caught our attention, but we ha a nagging sus"icion it woul n-t work. introspection (in-tro-S6&$-shun), noun Self7e!amination; interior meditation. To think closely on one2s feelings, thoughts, and inclinations is to spend time in introspection. #he weeken at the cabin "rovi e Clive with an o""ortunity !or so'e 'uch-nee e %(#*0S6&C#%0(. invert (in-,U*#), verb To reverse; to change to an opposite orientation or course. A!ter co'"laining o! "oor vision all 'orning, $athy !oun out that her "roble' was an %(,&*#&D le!t contact lens. iota (eye-0-tuh), noun A minute quantity; an e!tremely small amount. #he !act that the "risoner-s re"rieve o'its his 'i le initial oesn-t 'atter one %0#A, 8ar en ;olloway. irrefutable (ihr-ree-9500-tuh-bull), a +ective 6escribes something that cannot be disproved or refuted. #he evi ence is %**&9U#AB2&. 5ou-re un er arrest@ irrevocable (ih-*&,-uh-kuh-bull), a +ective #annot be rescinded or revoked. 0nce you walk out that oor, 6ete, your ecision is %**&,0CAB2&@ itinerary (eye-#%(-uh-rare-ee), noun A list of things to be done and seen while on a trip; a summary of the arrivals, departures, and other particulars of one2s pro/ected travels. % ha ho"e this vacation woul give 'e a chance to rela3, but a!ter glancing at the %#%(&*A*5, % !eel %-' likely to co'e back 'ore e3hauste than be!ore % le!t. its (its), "ronoun (elonging to it. &<or comparison, see the entry for it2s.' #his +ob o! 'ine has %#S u"s an owns. it"s (its), contraction "t is. &<or comparison, see the entry for its.' %#-S certainly a lovely 'orning@ jargon (/A*-gun), noun

The speciali$ed language or vocabulary of a particular profession, trade, or hobby. #hroughout, the book asks the rea er to 'ake sense o! so'e rather so"histicate /A*)0( likely to be co'"rehensible only to those !a'iliar with accounting "roce ures. jeopardize (/&6-ur- i.e), verb To put in danger of being harmed or adversely affected. 0nly a!ter he ha narrowly avoi e being arreste i Marcus reali.e that his behavior coul /&06A*D%4& his !uture as a lawyer. jettison (/&#-ih-sun), verb To cast off or overboard. ,hen a captain /ettisons items from a boat, he is sacrificing their value for the advantage of decreased weight on the ship. Similarly, to /ettison can be to abandon something once thought valuable that has become a burden. #he "ro+ect see'e "ro'ising initially, but now, with the loo'ing "ossibility they coul be accuse o! con!lict o! interest, #e an /an eci e to /&##%S0( their "lans. jilt (+ilt), verb To cast &a lover' aside, to discard or dismiss unfeelingly. A!ter being /%2#&D so abru"tly by Michael, /ane !oun it har to trust 'en enough to enter another relationshi". jingoism (/%()-go-i.-u'), noun Staunch, e!treme patriotism or chauvinism; calculatedly overblown patriotic rhetoric used for political advantage. #his kin o! /%()0%SM has no "lace in national "olitical iscourse, sir@ jostle (/0S-l), verb To bump or disrupt by means of incidental contact. To make one2s way by elbowing or pushing &as through a crowd' is to /ostle. Mark /0S#2&D through the crow , but coul not !in Sharon. jovial (/0&-vee-ul), a +ective 0ossessing a /oyous, happy nature; good7 hearted. ;olly-s /0,%A2 s"irit in the !ace o! such a versity was an ins"iration to us
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all. jubilation (+oo-bih-2A5-shun), noun )!treme /oy; a mood of high celebration. 9i!teen years in the 'aternity war ha not ulle the !eeling o! /UB%2A#%0( Doctor Mea e e3"erience every ti'e she hel"e bring new li!e into the worl . judicious (+oo-D%S;-us), a +ective 6emonstrating good /udgment, as well as the ability to be prudent and politic. Darlene is /UD%C%0US in everything . . . e3ce"t boy!rien s@ juncture (/U($-chur), noun A point in time, especially an important one. D#hank you !or your o"ti'is',E sai Senator Byron, Dbut % !eel that celebrating 'y victory at this /U(C#U*& woul be "re'ature.E juxtapose (+uk-stuh-"o.), verb 0lace side by side for purposes of comparison and contrast. #he co''an er in chie! /UB#A60S&D the two courses o! action !or his generals. karma ($A*-'uh), noun "n .induism and (uddhism, the law or force dictating that current circumstances result from one2s past actions, decisions, or lifestyle; consequences of one2s past. Also* the general principle of cause and effect underlying the operations of the universe. )reg "ut his car trouble own to the Dba auto'otive $A*MAE that he !elt ha acco'"anie hi' since he overcharge !or the use ,olkswagen he sol in <O>J. keynote ($&&-note), a +ective A prime theme, sub/ect, or underlying element. A keynote address is given on a topic of relevance to a specific audience. #he $&5(0#& s"eaker a resse the 'any "roble's relate to "ro uctivity that !ace our organi.ation. kin (kin), noun One2s relatives. &ric was not use to s"en ing such a long "erio o! ti'e away !ro' his

$%( in 0hio. kinetic (kih-(&#-ik), a +ective 0ertaining to motion. Hinetic energy is the energy associated with the movement of a system or body. #he artist-s $%(&#%C scul"tures ca"ture s"ectator interest by 'eans o! gran swee"s, su en "lunges o! "en ulu's, an ro""ing globes. kiosk ($&&-osk), noun A small vending booth. 0nce out o! the subway station, % "icke u" a co"y o! the (ew 5ork #i'es at a news"a"er $%0S$. knell (nell), noun A sound emanating from a bell; the toll of a bell, particularly a bell rung as part of a funeral ceremony. #hough she coul n-t bring hersel! to atten her uncle-s !uneral, Bren a stoo on the hill above the graveyar an listene to the $(&22 o! the church bells. kudos ($00- os), noun .onor or accolades. The word kudos, occasionally used with a singular verb, is more commonly construed as a plural noun. #he $UD0S he receive !or his !irst novel were nothing co'"are to the glowing reviews that greete his secon . kung fu (kung 900), noun An Oriental art of self7defense, the strategy of which is to strike quick, successive blows to an opponent2s weak spots using fluid hand and leg moves. #he 'ugging shook A a' u" so ba ly that he began taking $U() 9U lessons the ne3t ay, ho"ing to "rotect hi'sel! in the !uture. #wanzaa ($8A;(-.uh), noun This Swahili word denotes a harvest festival celebrated, from 6ecember 1> to Canuary %, by some African Americans. *eggie-s !a'ily began to celebrate $8A(4AA last year. largess (lar-4;&SS), noun ;enerously bestowed gifts. 9argess &sometimes spelled largesse; can also refer to a generous nature.
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;er !ather-s 2A*)&SS was the only thing stan ing between Barbara an bankru"tcy. latent (2A5-tunt), a +ective )!isting and having the power to become visible or manifest, but for the time being remaining unseen or unknown. #he virus re'aine 2A#&(# in his syste' !or so'e ti'e, causing hi' unknowingly to in!ect those he ca'e in close contact with. latke (20#-kuh), noun A Cewish potato pancake, often eaten during .anukkah. Mrs. Bloo' always 'a e her !a'ous 2A#$&S !or the chil ren uring the holi ay season. laureate (20*&-ee-ut), a +ective an noun .onored as a result of achievements. As a noun, laureate refers to a person who has been singled out for a particular high honor or award. #he grou" inclu e a re'arkable cross-section o! acco'"lishe scientists, so'e o! who' were (obel 2AU*&A#&S. lax (lacks), a +ective -ndisciplined, careless, or negligent. % was sur"rise by the 2AB security at the ar'ory. lay (lay), verb To set something down in a certain position; to place &an ob/ect' upon something. &See, for comparison, the entry for lie.' Unlike the verb Dto lie,E the verb Dto 2A5E 'ust take a irect ob+ect, as in D#hat scri"t really lai an egg.E lead (le ), noun A metal. Also, as a verb &pronounced leed', to take charge or guide. &See, for comparison, the entry for led.' Most service stations have sto""e selling gasoline containing 2&AD. led (le ), verb The past tense of the verb 4to lead.5 &See, for comparison, the entry for lead.' #o our great relie!, ,ernon 2&D us out o! the !orest without a co'"ass. lesser (2&SS-ur), a +ective Smaller; littler. &See, for comparison, the entry for lessor.'

So'eti'es in li!e we 'ust choose the 2&SS&* o! two evils. lethargic (luh-#;A*-+ik), a +ective Sluggish; inactive to such a degree as to resemble sleep or unconsciousness. A lethargic person is difficult to rouse to action. A!ter 'any long hours o! work, 6at an Corey stare at each other, 2&#;A*)%C but unable to acce"t the necessity o! calling it a night. levitate (2&,-ih-tayt), verb To float, hover, or rise in the air, particularly as a result of supernatural or magical powers. #he au ience watche breathlessly as the 'agician see'e to 'ake his assistant 2&,%#A#& high above the stage. liberal (2%B-uh-rul), a +ective ;enerous in giving; tolerant of different ideas and people; in politics, favoring democratic reform; progressive. Accor ing to the tourist gui e, Mario-s was !a'ous !or its 2%B&*A2 "ortions o! lasagna, ravioli, an garlic brea . lie (lie), verb To recline; to rest. Also* to tell an untruth. Also* a falsehood. &See, for comparison, the entry for lay.' D%-' +ust 25%() here oing nothing,E *ick 2%&D, "ointing to the tiny 'icro"hone an 'otioning !or #ru y to kee" 7uiet. linchpin (25(C;-"in), noun Specifically, a linchpin is a pin pushed through an a!le to keep a wheel in place. "n general, 4linchpin5 denotes someone or something essential to holding together a complicated situation, business, organi$ation, etc. 0nce Mr. Crane, the 2%(C;6%( o! the organi.ation, retire , the business !ell a"art ue to s7uabbling an in!ighting. lionize (2%&-uh-ni.e), verb To praise e!cessively; to idoli$e. 9or years young baseball !ans 2%0(%4&D Babe *uth, whose 'any in iscretions were usually overlooke by the "ress. liqueur (li-$&*), noun An alcoholic beverage flavored with fruit, nuts, seeds, spices, herbs, or
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a combination of these ingredients. A!ter iner, the hostess gave us a choice o! several e3otic 2%:U&U*SA % chose 9rangelico because % love the taste o! ha.elnuts. literal (2%#-uh-rul), a +ective ?eaning e!actly what is said or written; not open to interpretation. Mr. 6ickney-s unyiel ing, 2%#&*A2-'in e inter"retations o! his su"ervisor-s irectives le!t hi' very little !le3ibility in han ling unantici"ate crises in his e"art'ent. loath (loath), a +ective -nwilling; reluctant. &See, for comparison, the entry for loathe.' )eorge wante to go to the "arty, but his wi!e was 20A#; to leave little A'y, who ha the !lu, with a sitter. loathe (loathe), verb To hate or detest. &See, for comparison, the entry for loath' My wi!e has always 20A#;&D the #hree Stooges, a cultural la"se on her "art that % a' "er!ectly willing to !orgive. lope (lo"e), noun an verb A long, galloping stride. As a verb* to move using such a stride. My horse was 206%() along at an easy "ace until a car back!ire su enly, causing hi' to break into a terri!ie gallo". ludicrous (200- ih-kruss), a +ective Absurd to the point of being laughable. Something that is obviously implausible or impractical could be considered ludicrous. 5our "ro"osal that % acce"t a ?M "ercent "ay cut is 2UD%C*0US, Mr. *obinson. lurid (200*-i ), a +ective ;ruesome or sensationalistic. Something likely to elicit horror, lust, shock, or disgust could be considered lurid. #he 2U*%D illustrations 'a e it clear to 6a'ela that this was no chil ren-s book she ha bought. lustrous (2US-truss), a +ective adiant; shining. 9ustrous refers to that which possesses a sheen or glow. 9ustrous can also mean 4brilliant5 in the sense of outstanding or

e!ceptional. )ina-s 2US#*0US eyes shi''ere in the can lelight. lyrical (2&&*-ih-kull), a +ective ?usical; flowing; e!pressive. #he 25*%CA2 7uality o! Ash-s "oetry o!ten 'asks a harsh, 'ourn!ul worl view. malady (MA2-uh- ee), noun An illness or unwholesome condition. A malady is a disorder or disease causing discomfort. /ason-s MA2AD5, i! it ha gone un iagnose , coul have taken his li!e. malevolent ('uh-2&,-uh-lent), a +ective ?alicious. Someone who is unrepentantly and viciously ill7willed is malevolent. )len cast a MA2&,02&(# glance at his o""onent. malice (MA2-iss), noun The desire to commit harmful or unfair acts. Someone who intends to commit an act known to be immoral, unlawful, or likely to cause harm shows malice. #he e!en ant clearly showe MA2%C& in stating that he inten e to kill Mrs. 6owers. malignant ('uh-2%)-nunt) a +ective 0osing a serious threat or harm. A malignant tumor can cause death. #hey ha !eare the growth woul be !oun MA2%)(A(#, but it turne out to be benign. manatee (MA(-uh-tee), noun A large mammal reminiscent of a seal found in shallow waters off the coast of <lorida. Un!ortunately, the MA(A#&& has +oine the ever-growing list o! ani'als in anger o! e3tinction. mandate (MA(- ate), noun Authoritative command, endorsement, or instruction. A mandate is also an order issued by one court of law to another, lower court. ;aving receive only LG "ercent o! the vote nationwi e, 6resi ent 2incoln coul har ly clai' a national MA(DA#& !or his "olicies. mandolin ('an- uh-2%((), noun
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An eight7stringed fretted instrument similar to a lute. 6atrick calle the MA(D02%( "layer over to serena e the table while he aske /eannie !or her han in 'arriage. maniacal ('uh-(5&-uh-kull), a +ective "nsane. Also* overly emphatic or nervous. ?aniacal is often used ironically to describe a person2s near7fanatical devotion to a certain pursuit. Chuck-s obsession with baseball statistics bor ere on the MA(%ACA2. material ('uh-#&&*-ee-ul), noun 0hysical substance; essence; something from which things are or can be constituted. &See, for comparison, the entry for materiel.' 8ith the right MA#&*%A2S, Dave, we coul buil a treehouse out back. matriarch (MA5-tree-ark), noun A woman who presides over a family or group. A woman who holds the dominant position in an organi$ation or family can be said to be the group2s matriarch. Millicent Bryant, MA#*%A*C; o! the large Bryant !a'ily, 'a e her custo'ary s"eech at the reunion. matrix (MA5-tri3), noun A place, situation, or ob/ect that acts as the point of origin or development for something else; a mold. #he art e"art'ent was the MA#*%B o! all o! the co'"any-s great creative works. maverick (MA,-er-ik), noun <ree and independent of outside association or contact. A maverick is an independent7minded person who resists the influence of a group. &The word referred originally to a horse or steer that escapes from a herd and runs alone.' Although *yan "ortraye hi'sel! as a MA,&*%C$, he owe !avors to the sa'e s"ecial interest grou"s his o""onent i . mean ('een), noun "n mathematics, an intermediate value or average of a series of figures. &See, for comparison, the entry for median.' #he M&A( o! the series (G, H, >, ?, O) is !ive.

median (M&&- ee-un), noun "n mathematics, a middle number in a series of numbers. &See, for comparison, the entry for mean.' #he M&D%A( o! the series (G, H, >, ?, O) is si3. medley (M&D-lee), noun A group of varying elements; a mi!ture; in music, a series of songs or melodies connected as one. Dinner at the club that night was es"ecially tastyC chicken "iccata, wil rice, an a M&D2&5 o! winter vegetables. melodious ('uh-208- ee-us), a +ective 0leasant or agreeable to the ear. ?elodious refers to that which features a pleasing succession of sounds. #he M&20D%0US tones o! his 'other-s voice always re'in e 8ayne o! his chil hoo . melodrama (M&22-uh- rah-'uh), noun A performance or script that e!aggerates dramatic situations, making such situations laughable and unbelievable. The ad/ective form, which you may see, is 4melodramatic.5 Unless you want to en ure constant M&20D*AMA, Dave, on-t get involve with Shirley. memento ('uh-M&(-toe), noun A souvenir. % took ho'e a variety o! sea shells as M&M&(#0S o! 'y beach vacation. memoir (M&M-wahr), noun A series of written reminiscences about people, places, and events composed by and from the point of view of someone with intimate knowledge of the details. #he "retense e3ten e even to the !or'er "resi ent-s M&M0%*S, in which he re"eate his assertion that he ha no knowle ge o! how or why the crucial 'inutes were erase !ro' the ta"e. menagerie ('uh-(A4;-uh-ree), noun A group of wild animals collected for e!hibition; any e!otic grouping of people or elements. 8il'a thought o! her eccentric sta!! not so 'uch as a grou" o! artists, but as a strange M&(A)&*%& o! very creative "eo"le who ha to be a""roache with e!erence.
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menorah ('uh-(0*&-uh), noun A nine7branched candelabrum used during the Cewish festival of .anukkah. %n our o!!ice we is"lay both a Christ'as tree an a brass M&(0*A; uring the holi ay season. mentor (M&(-tor), noun A counselor or teacher. "n contemporary use, mentor usually refers to a senior figure &in business or politics, for instance' who aids the progress of a /unior figure2s career. Bart res"ecte an revere his M&(#0*, but he knew the ti'e ha co'e to 'ove on to another co'"any. metamorphosis ('et-uh-M0*&-!uh-siss), noun A transformation, as by magic or other supernatural influence. Someone or something undergoing a change in form can be said to undergo a metamorphosis. Darryl-s !rien s viewe his entry into reactionary "olitics with so'e concernA because o! his "ast history, they !eare his M&#AM0*6;0S%S into a 'ilitant. meteor (M&&-tee-or), noun ;lowing matter from space, typically stone or metal, that passes through and lights up the sky; a shooting star. A""arently, the vast 'a+ority o! re"orte U90s turn out to be M&#&0*S. millenium ('uh-2&(-ee-u'), noun A period of one thousand years. "n #hristian theology, the millenium is a thousand7year span during which #hrist is to rule human affairs. #he 'e'bers o! the s'all church "raye !or the early arrival o! the M%22&(%UM. mimic (M%M-ik), verb To imitate &mannerisms or speech', usually in a playful or mocking way. /ero'e, who coul M%M%C Mr. ;arris-s s7ueaky voice with great "recision, never 'isse an o""ortunity to is"lay his talents to the class when the instructor le!t the roo'. mince ('ince), verb

To chop into small pieces; figuratively, to use evasive or indirect language. Also* to walk affectedly, taking short steps. DDon-t M%(C& wor s with 'e, ;enry,E 'y boss growle A D i! you aren-t going to 'eet the ea line, tell 'e so.E misconstrue ('is-kun-S#*00), verb To get the wrong idea; to misunderstand or misinterpret. #o' M%SC0(S#*U&D 2in a-s !rien liness as !lirting1until he 'et her boy!rien . mitigate (M%;-tih-gate), verb To moderate. To mitigate is to lessen in impact or degree, or to cause to become less intense or severe. #he international situation ha see'e tense until a nu'ber o! M%#%)A#%() !actors1notably the overthrow o! )eneral Sanche.1ca'e into "lay. modicum (M0D-ih-kuh'), noun A moderate or token amount. 6aul always co'"lains about actors who have trans!or'e a M0D%CUM o! talent into success!ul careers. modulate (M0/-uh-late), verb To vary. "n music, to modulate is to change from one key to another. #he ra io announcer began M0DU2A#%() his voice in or er to counter criticis's that be s"oke in a 'onotone. mollify (M02-uh-!y), verb To allay &a person2s' anger. ?ollify can also mean 4to lessen the impact of.5 #he u'"ire-s atte'"ts to M022%95 the two screa'ing 'anagers with so'e ris7ue hu'or were to no avail. monarchy (M0(-ark-ee), noun ;overnment by a single ruler claiming a hereditary right to sovereignty; an e!ample or instance of perceived royal lineage. $ing )eorge %%%-s trouble reign, highlighting the isa vantages o! M0(A*C;5 as a !or' o! govern'ent, was characteri.e by civil unrest in the colonies, 'ental inca"acity in the sovereign, an the usual "ack o! useless hangers-on at court.
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monogamy ('uh-(0)-uh-'ee), noun The practice of being faithful to a single married partner. The opposite of monogamy is polygamy. #he "riest re'in e the cou"le that they shoul not get 'arrie without thoroughly e3a'ining their !eelings towar 'aintaining a li!e o! M0(0)AM5. monotonous ('uh-(0#-uh-nuss), a +ective <ailing to e!cite interest; boring, tedious, repetitive, and dull; literally, possessing only one tone or note. Mike a 'itte that screwing the ca"s on so a bottles on an asse'bly line was M0(0#0(0US work, but he clai'e it "ai sur"risingly well. mortify (M0*&-tih-!y), verb To humiliate. To mortify is also to discipline &one2s body' through austerity or self7denial. Mrs. /ones-s 'other was M0*#%9%&D at the thought o! her aughter atten ing the ance unescorte . mullah (M500-luh), noun An "slamic title of respect for one who teaches or is learned in sacred law. #he MU22A; ca'e to 'y son-s school an iscusse the !un a'entals o! the %sla'ic !aith. mundane ('un-DA(&), a +ective Ordinary or everyday. That which is common or pertains to the concerns of the workaday world is mundane. &verett-s concerns were MU(DA(& enoughC kee" a roo! over his hea , track own the occasional 'eal. munitions ('yoo-(%S;-un.), noun The materials of war; weapons or ammunition. (eil !elt his training with the ar'y-s MU(%#%0(S unit "ut hi' in goo stan ing !or a "osition with the "olice e"art'ent-s bo'b s7ua . murky (MU**-key), a +ective -nclear, obscure, and unsettling. % was a!rai o! what creatures 'ight be hi ing +ust below the sur!ace o! the MU*$5 river. narcotic (nahr-$A;-tick), noun Something that produces a soothing3 especially a mind7numbing3

effect. ;er incessant bragging acte on 'e like a (A*C0#%C. nautical ((A8-tih-kul), a +ective Of the sea, ships, or sailors. Mr. 6etty-s en is ecorate in a (AU#%CA2 'oti! !eaturing wall"a"er with anchors, "aintings o! colonial shi"s, an an authentic shi"-s wheel hanging on the wall. nemesis ((&M-i-sis), noun An opponent motivated by revenge. A person2s nemesis is one who will stop at nothing to 4settle a score.5 #hings looke bleakC ;arol -s (&M&S%S, Mike, was in charge o! all hiring ecisions. nepotism ((&6-uh-ti.-u'), noun The practice of favoring relatives. #he co'"any "ractice sha'eless (&60#%SM, regularly "assing u" 7uali!ie a""licants an hiring the un er7uali!ie sons, aughters, an cousins o! boar 'e'bers. nirvana (nir-,A8-nuh), noun A point or state of spiritual perfection. +irvana has a number of theological definitions, but is usually understood to mean 4a transcendent state beyond the concerns of e!istence.5 So'e o! the 'onks ha 'e itate an 'aintaine co'"lete silence !or years in an atte'"t to achieve (%*,A(A. nocturnal (nok-#U*-nal), a +ective 0ertaining to night. Activities that occur only at night are nocturnal. 0wls are "erha"s the best known s"ecies o! (0C#U*(A2 bir s. nomad ((0-'a ), noun One who roams from place to place, having no real roots or home. &ver since )ran 'a an )ran "a retire an sol their ho'e, they-ve live like (0MADS, traveling the country in a recon itione 8innebago. nominal ((A;M-uh-null), a +ective "n name only; not in reality. Mr. )ol berg is only the (0M%(A2 hea o! the !ir'. &veryone knows his wi!e-s the real brains o! the out!it. nonchalance ((0(-shu-lonce), noun
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The quality of being unconcerned with worldly cares. A cool, carefree person can be said to be nonchalant. Astaire-s (0(C;A2A(C& was a""ealing to the au ience o! the ti'e, which was on the whole weighe own with the 'any cares o! the De"ression. nosh (nahsh), verb This Giddish word for 4nibble or gnaw5 has come to mean /ust that* the process of nibbling or snacking on something. Be!ore we go to the 'ovie, let-s (0S; on so'e o! these chi"s. notoriety (noe-tuh-*%&-uh-tee), noun <ame; wide publicity &particularly for sensational reasons'; also, having an unfavorable reputation. #he 'usical gaine (0#0*%&#5 as wor s"rea that it !eature baw y songs an "lenty o! nu ity. nougat ((00-gut), noun A type of candy containing nuts and honey. #he new can y bar containe an a""ealing 'i3ture o! (0U)A#, cara'el, an 'ilk chocolate. novice ((0,-iss), noun One who is new to a profession, trade, or sport; a beginner. 5ou shoul n-t take too 'uch "ri e in having check'ate 'e in twelve 'oves, SteveA %-' a (0,%C& an you-re a nationally rate "layer. noxious ((0$-shuss), a +ective .armful; in/urious. That which has a corrupting or debilitating influence is no!ious. #he (0B%0US wee soon took over the entire cro", which eventually !aile . nuance ((00-ahnts), noun A subtle difference in e!pression, meaning, tone, etc. #he (UA(C&S o! Bren a-s e3"ression alert 'e to her 'oo . obligatory (uh-B2%)-uh-tore-ee), a +ective equired as an obligation. To say a duty is obligatory is to say that one is bound by morality, law, or tradition to perform it. #he coaches, who hate each other bitterly, nevertheless e3change the 0B2%)A#0*5 han shakes at the en o! the ga'e.

oblivion (uh-B2%,-ee-un), noun The state of being beyond memory and utterly forgotten. To say something is in oblivion is to say it is lost to human recollection. #o #i', the !act that his book was being allowe to go out o! "rint 'eant that he as an author ha been consigne to 0B2%,%0(. oblivous (uh-B2%,-ee-uss), a +ective +ot mindful. Someone who is oblivious displays little awareness of surroundings. 8e warne /an about the conse7uences o! her actions, but she was 0B2%,%0US to us. obstinate (0B-sti-nut), a +ective -nyielding. Someone who holds firmly to an opinion, attitude, or approach despite obstacles could be said to be obstinate. Melvin, 0BS#%(A#& to the en , re!use to talk to Mr. S'ith about settling the case out o! court. obtain (ub-#A(&), verb To get or acquire. 8ith his green car set to e3"ire in a !ew 'onths, 0la! searche !or an A'erican wo'an who coul 'arry hi' so that he coul 0B#A%( citi.enshi". odyssey (0DD-uh-see), noun A long /ourney that entails danger or adventure. Odyssey derives from .omer2s poem The Odyssey, which describes such a /ourney undertaken by the character Odysseus. #he !il' &asy *i er recounts the 0D5SS&5 o! two counterculture 'otorcyclists in search o! A'erica. off-the-record (o!!-the-*&$-er ), a +ective +ot intended for publication. Senator 6ower-s !rank a 'ission that he ha never rea the Unite States Constitution was "robably inten e as an 099#;&-*&C0*D co''ent. ogre (0-gur), verb A legendary man7eating monster; a brute or wicked person. As a chil , ,ern believe that a huge 0)*& live in his be roo' closet. ominous (0M-ih-nuss), a +ective
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<oreboding or menacing. Something that is ominous foretells the possibility of future harm or evil. #he ay began with sunny weather, but by = ".'. an 0M%(0US sky threatene to ruin our outing. omnipresent (ah'-nuh-6*&4-ent), a +ective Occurring, or seeming to occur, everywhere at once. As the ay awoke, the soun o! early bir s was 0M(%6*&S&(#. omniscient (o'-(%SS-see-unt), a +ective All7knowing. Omniscient refers to having absolute knowledge. Contrary to what you 'ay have hear , 6ro!essor 6owers is not 0M(%SC%&(#A he still has a thing or two to learn about chairing the biology e"art'ent. omnivorous (o'-(%,-er-uss), a +ective Accustomed to eating both animal and vegetable food items. Omnivorous &derived from the 9atin for 4eating everything5' can also mean 4voracious,5 in the sense of taking all that is offered. #he Cantonese, % a' tol , are 0M(%,0*0US, an it is sai that the traveler is best a vise not to in7uire too closely into e3actly what he is eating. opaque (oh-6A$&), a +ective "mpenetrable to light. That which does not allow light to pass through is opaque. $arl was unable to 'ake out e3actly what was ha""ening behin the 06A:U& screen that ha been set in !ront o! hi'. optimal (06-tih-'ul), a +ective (est; favored. The optimal time for something is the best possible time. As you know, we were not working in 06#%MA2 con itionsC it was snowing heavily an the win was blowing at over LG '.".h. opulent (06-yoo-lent), a +ective ich. Something characteri$ed by wealth or affluence &an e!travagant dinner party, for instance' could be considered opulent.

8ithout the 'oney !ro' 6owers, ;ans knew he woul be unable to 'aintain his 06U2&(# li!estyle. origami (or-ih-)A;-'ee), noun The Capanese art of cutting and folding paper. A!ter stu ying 0*%)AM% in her cra!t class, Aunt /anice eci e to ecorate her entire Christ'as tree with 'iniature "a"er !igures. ornate (or-(A#&), a +ective Overwrought or decorated elaborately. That which is flashy or e!travagantly ornamented is ornate. #he !urniture in the living roo' was as 0*(A#& as it was unco'!ortable. overarching (oh-ver-A*C;-ing), a +ective #entral or principally important. % 7uickly ascertaine that co'"assion was not the 0,&*A*C;%() reason !or her line o! 7uestioning. pact ("akt), noun An agreement or promise. 8hen they were each ten years ol , 2ouise an Barbara 'a e a sole'n 6AC# to grow u" together, atten the sa'e college, work !or the sa'e co'"any, an live in the sa'e house. pagan (6A5-gun), a +ective or noun Someone who is not aligned with the world2s ma/or religions or a description of someone who does not belong to these ma/or religions. Often, the word suggests someone who is hedonistic or irreligious. /ean is !orever telling her !rien s that being a 6A)A( oes not 'ean that she worshi"s Satan. palatial ("uh-2A5-shul), a +ective .aving the grand, lu!urious characteristics of a palace; resembling a palace. Mr. 2ara'ie o!!ere to hol the rece"tion at his 6A2A#%A2 seasi e 'ansion, but the social co''ittee o"te !or a hotel ballroo' in the city. palpable (6A26-uh-bull), a +ective Touchable or able to be perceived. That which is palpable is tangible or undeniably present. A 6A26AB2& sense o! e3cite'ent !ille the air o! the city be!ore the big ga'e.
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pandemonium ("an- uh-M0A(-ee-u'), noun #haos. 0andemonium refers to wild, uproarious, and noisy tumult. 6A(D&M0(%UM broke out in the streets o! the city a!ter the local tea' won the "ennant. panorama ("an-uh-*AM-uh), noun An e!tensive, unobstructed view of a wide area. Des"ite 'y li!elong aversion to !lying, % coul n-t hel" a 'iring the breathtaking 6A(0*AMA o! San 9rancisco below 'e. pantomime (6A(-tuh-'i'e), verb The conveyance of ideas, words, emotions, or stories without the use of words. My atte'"t to escribe the acci ent in 6A(#0M%M& to the villagers % encountere was "atheticA % bitterly regrette 'y ecision not to stu y 9rench be!ore our tri". paradox (6A%*-uh- oks), noun A seemingly self7contradictory statement that e!presses a valid idea or potentially true statement. 0arado! can also mean 4a conclusion that, while reached by conventional logical methods, nevertheless cancels itself out.5 Be!ore announcing the test gra es, Mrs. Miller re'in e her stu ents o! the 6A*AD0B that a teacher o!ten 'ust be cruel in or er to be kin . paralysis ("uh-*A2-ih-siss), noun 9oss or damage of movement ability; the loss of feeling in a part of the body due to disease or in/ury. 0aralysis is used figuratively to refer to the inability of a person or institution to take action in a given situation. 2acking !ir' irection !ro' its !oun er, the co'"any soon reache a state o! 6A*A25S%S. paraphrase (6A*&-uh-!rase), verb To restate in different words. Also, as a noun* an instance of such restating. #o call this work a new translation o! the original )reek te3ts is an overstate'entA it is a ca"able, but by no 'eans groun breaking,

6A*A6;*AS& o! e3isting &nglish e itions. parody (6A*&-uh- ee), noun A satirically humorous imitation or mocking interpretation of a wellknown work, person, or institution. D2i!e in ;ellE is an irreverent 6A*0D5 o! "arents, school, an the working worl . partisan (6A*-tih-.un), a +ective Showing a marked inclination or bias. Also, as a noun* one who is partial to a particular side or view. As a De'ocrat, % reali.e that 'y 6A*#%SA( role in o""osing the governor-s "olicies 'ay cause so'e o! the *e"ublicans in this bo y to oubt 'y truth!ulness in this 'atter. patronize (6A5-truh-ni.e), verb This word #A+ mean simply to give a business your patronage, but 4patroni$e5 usually has a negative meaning, suggesting that one is being condescending toward another. /ust because % i n-t gra uate !ro' college oesn-t 'ean you can 6A#*0(%4& 'e whenever we try to have an intellectual iscussion@ penal (6&&-nul), a +ective elated to or pertaining to punishment or imprisonment; having to do with a prison system. 6resi ent Clinton once re'arke that the 8hite ;ouse, in his view, re"resente the crown +ewel o! the !e eral 6&(A2 syste'. percolate (6U*-kuh-layt), verb To pass or make pass through a porous body. % was ying !or a cu" o! !resh brewe co!!ee, but as % i n-t have ti'e to wait !or it to 6&*C02A#&, % ha to settle !or instant. perennial ("uh-*&(-ee-ull), a +ective )nduring. That which gives evidence of lasting indefinitely can be considered perennial. &#ertain plants that have a long blooming cycle are called perennials.' #he nation-s 6&*&((%A2 bu get crisis took an ugly new turn this week. perforated (6U*-!ur-aye-tu ), a +ective <eaturing holes or openings, especially at regular intervals.
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#he 'aga.ine cou"on was 6&*90*A#&D along the si e !or easy re'oval. perimeter ("uh-*%M-ih-tur), noun The outer edge of an enclosed shape or area. 0erimeter can also refer to the distance described by this edge. %n the early 'orning hour, /ake woul take a walk along the 6&*%M&#&* o! the yar . periphery ("uh-*%99-uh-ree), noun The area at the e!treme of a given boundary. The outskirts of a town, for instance, are on the periphery of the town. #here a'ong the ho'eless, at the !urthest 6&*%6;&*5 o! society, Maria !oun her calling. permeate (6U**-'ee-ate), verb To penetrate. Something that permeates spreads throughout. /oan-s stories are 6&*M&A#&D with a sense o! s"iritual 'ystery. perpetuate ("urr-6&#C;-oo-ate), verb To make everlasting; to prolong memory or use &of a thing'. To perpetuate someone2s memory is to cause that person2s life to be recalled after his death. #he ru'or that % a' resigning has been 6&*6&#UA#&D by a nu'ber o! sources, all co'"letely unreliable. perquisite (6U*$-wuh-.it), noun An incidental privilege other than payment that accompanies a position of responsibility; also, an e!tra payment beyond what is owed. Often shortened to 4perk.5 A'ong the "resi ent-s 6&*:U%S%#&S were two !ront-row seats to all the Celtics- regular-season ho'e ga'es. pervasive ("urr-,A5-siv), a +ective .aving infiltrated or penetrated. A pervasive rumor is one that has been circulated widely. #he "re+u ice against han ica""e "ersons is no longer as 6&*,AS%,& as in years "ast. petulant (6&#-yoo-lunt), a +ective "mpatiently peevish. Someone who shows great annoyance or irritation with minor problems could be said to be petulant.

;e is'isse their 7uestions with a 6&#U2A(# wave o! the han an 7uickly change the sub+ect. philanthropy (!ih-2A(-thruh-"ee), noun ;enerosity or benevolence toward mankind. Someone who acts out of philanthropy is someone who commits resources to the betterment of his fellow man. &A philanthropist is one who bestows wealth on public institutions or people in need.' #owar the en o! his li!e, An rew Carnegie was a 'o el o! 6;%2A(#;*065. phonics (90(-iks), noun The study of the sounds and acoustics of language. Davi -s teacher-s insistence that stu ying 6;0(%CS was not necessary to evelo" goo rea ing skills struck us as o . pictorial ("ick-#0*-ee-ul), a +ective elating to or consisting of pictures. (ational )eogra"hic o!!ers a 6%C#0*%A2 intro uction to "eo"le an cultures we 'ay never have known about be!ore. picturesque (6%$-chuh-resk), a +ective eminiscent of or suggesting a &painted' picture. A striking or unusually interesting scene can be considered picturesque. #he !il'-s 6%C#U*&S:U& setting is not enough to 'ake u" !or its scant "lot. piety (6%&-uh-tee), noun 6evotion; religious reverence. Someone who shows a marked inclination to worship ;od is said to show piety. /ose"h S'ith1a 'an not note !or his 6%&#5 1su enly starte atten ing religious services. pigment (6%)-'unt), noun A dry coloring substance meant to be mi!ed with fluid; any matter that produces color. #he use o! 6%)M&(#S evelo"e only in the late nineteenth century is "roo! "ositive that this "ainting is not one o! ,er'eer-s. pilaf (6&&2-a!), noun A flavored rice dish served alone or with meat, poultry, or vegetables.
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#he restaurant is certainly trying to cater to the nee s o! the healthconscious, o!!ering 'ore chicken, !ish, an vegetable entrNes than be!ore, an allowing iners a choice o! rice 6%2A9 or !ries. pinnacle (6%(-uh-kul), noun The topmost point. To reach the ape! or highest point of something is to reach its pinnacle. 9re reache the 6%((AC2& o! his "ro!ession when he was na'e chair'an o! the history e"art'ent. pious (6%&-uss), a +ective 6evout; dedicated to ;od and the practice of one2s faith or religion. /ose"h ha always see'e to be the 'ost 6%0US o! all o! us, so no one in our class was sur"rise when he announce that he- !oun his calling in the 'inistry. pixie (6%$-see), noun An elf or fairy. #he villages believe the 'ysterious the!t to be the work o! 'ischievous 6%B%&S an trolls. placard (62AC$-ur ), noun A notice or sign set out on stiff paper or board. #he u'"ire aske us to re'ove our 62ACA*D !ro' the bleacher wall, clai'ing that it obstructe the view o! the hitters. placebo ("luh-S&&-bo), noun A medicine having no fi!ed medical purpose or healing property given either to pacify a patient or, as a control method, to test the effectiveness of another drug. A placebo is administered as though it were a medication or drug, yet is neutral from a medical standpoint. Scientists are still uncertain as to e3actly what causes the 62AC&B0 e!!ect, in which so'e "atients taking a D !akeE rug actually i'"rove. placid (62A;-si ), a +ective -ndisturbed; smooth. That which appears calm or undisturbed on the surface can be said to be placid. #he 62AC%D country surroun ings were +ust the change Caitlyn nee e a!ter three 'onths in noisy Manhattan.

plague ("layg), noun A broad7based affliction. A plague is a widespread calamity usually associated with a severe and sudden incidence of disease in a population. &0lague can refer to divine intervention or, figuratively, to any sudden and widespread reversal of fortune affecting a group* 4a plague of bank closures.5' 9ortunately, hu'ans have not encountere a severe outbreak o! the bubonic 62A)U& !or centuries. plaited (62A5-tu ), a +ective (raided. /ulia usually wore her hair neatly 62A%#&D, but she rew 'ore than a !ew looks when she let it !all to its !ull length1 nearly to her waist1!or the co'"any "arty. plausible (62A8-.uh-bull), a +ective .aving the ring of truth, though not a proven fact. *hon a-s e3cuse !or tar iness was 62AUS%B2&, but % still think she was +ust out rinking all night. pliant (625-unt), a +ective Supple. Something that is modified or altered easily is pliant. 5ou 'ust 'ol "a"ier 'ache 7uicklyA it is not 62%A(# !or long. plight ("lite), noun 0redicament, especially one arising from a solemn obligation. A plight is an unfortunate or desperate situation. 0ut o! sy'"athy !or the "ublic television station-s 62%);#, )lenn 'a e a large onation. plod ("lo ), verb To trudge along slowly, as if weighed down. #he tour gui e notice (elson 620DD%() along behin the rest o! the grou" an guesse that he was not a big !an o! Monet. plucky (62U$-ee), a +ective (rave; courageous. %t was the gno'elike Mario, the last "erson Sergeant Denton woul have ter'e a 62UC$5 young ca et, who en e u" winning a 'e al !or risking his own li!e to save his co'ra es. poignant (605-nyunt), a +ective
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Appealing to the emotions. That which is acutely painful or affecting is poignant. #he !il'-s !inal scene is 'eant to be 60%)(A(#, but % !oun it cloying. poise ("oy.e), noun Stability of outlook or emotional state, especially when facing trying circumstances. Also, as a verb* to set on a potentially ha$ardous surface, such as a narrow edge. *uth-Anne-s 60%S& uring the rigorous interview i'"resse us all. polarize (60-luh-ri.e), verb To encourage elements or components to occupy opposite ends of a spectrum. Something that divides or sows discord is said to polari$e. #he scan al le!t the two wings o! the "arty co'"letely 602A*%4&D. posterity ("ah-S#A%*-ih-tee), noun <uture generations, considered collectively. #he "resi ent believes 60S#&*%#5 will +u ge his a 'inistration a success!ul one. postmortem ("ost-M0*&-tuh'), noun Traditionally, 4postmortem5 has referred to the e!amination of a body after death, but pundits have picked up on the word and use it to describe a political, cultural, social, etc. event, after the event2s occurrence. 6un its s"ent weeks oing 60S#M0*#&MS o! the lengthy "ri'aries once the "ri'aries !inally en e . postpartum ("ost-6A*-tu'), a +ective Occurring after pregnancy and birth. %n the weeks !ollowing the elivery, /anice !elt 7uite low at ti'es, but her obstetrician assure her that hers was a stan ar case o! 60S#6A*#UM e"ression an woul soon "ass. potent (60-tunt), a +ective Strong; powerful. #he "oor review o! ;enry-s "lay serve as a 60#&(# incentive !or hi' to labor 'ore care!ully over the ne3t one. potentate (60#-n-tate), noun A powerful person. An influential political or business figure could be considered a potentate.

#he 9irst 2a y was thoroughly at ease with !oreign 60#&(#A#&S an i"lo'ats !ro' the a 'inistration-s !irst ay. pragmatic ("rag-MA-tik), a +ective 0ractical. Something that is pragmatic is useful or apt. #he governor, in this case, eci e not to take the a vice o! the i eologues, o"ting instea !or a 6*A)MA#%C a""roach. prattle (6*A#-ul), noun ?eaningless babble; idle chatter. % ha sto""e at the iner to have break!ast an rea the 'orning "a"er, but the en less 6*A##2& o! the waitress 'a e it i'"ossible !or 'e to get beyon the !ront "age. precedence (6*&SS-uh- unce), noun The act or right of preceding; an instance or claim of coming first in order or priority. #o his cre it, the "resi ent o! the toy co'"any agree that the sa!ety o! chil ren took 6*&C&D&(C& over "ro!its an "ro'"tly recalle the e!ective ite' !ro' the stores. precedent (6*&SS-i- ent), noun A previous parallel incident /ustifying a present action. A precedent is an e!ample from the past that is either identical to a current situation or similar enough to it to use as a guide. #here is no 6*&C&D&(# !or the action the e!ense is re7uesting, 5our ;onor. precipice (6*&SS-ih-"is), noun A cliff. To be 4on the precipice5 can also be to be on the verge of a dangerous course of action. #hough the view is s"ectacular here, % on-t a vise walking near the 6*&C%6%C&. precocious ("ri-$0-shuss), a +ective 0rematurely advanced, especially with regard to mental ability. A child who vies for attention by displaying adult7like social or mental skills is also said to be precocious. Bill, a 6*&C0C%0US nine-year-ol , coul alrea y o algebra an geo'etry. predecessor (6*&D-uh-sess-er), noun Something or someone succeeded or replaced by another.
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/ane knew it woul be i!!icult to live u" to the stan ar s set by her 6*&D&C&SS0*. predestined ("re-D&SS-tin ), a +ective #ontrolled by the fates; governed by higher powers and foreordained. A!ter his 'eeting with the !ortuneteller, /i' honestly believe he was 6*&D&S#%(&D to 'eet an 'arry a wo'an !ro' Argentina. preeminent ("re-&M-ih-nunt), a +ective Superior to others. #he young Stalin-s "lan was to reach a 6*&&M%(&(# "osition in the "arty hierarchy by any 'eans necessary. preemptive ("re-&M6-tive), a +ective 0ossessing and acting on a prior right &for instance, as one who has the first claim to purchase a property'. Similarly, to take a preemptive action is to act before others can. #he ol 'iner ha a 6*&&M6#%,& clai' to the "ro"erty, an so our "urchase o! it was i'"ossible. premise (6*&M-iss), noun The idea or statement that stands as the base of a theory or argument; also, the conceit underlying the action of a work of fiction or drama. #he story-s 6*&M%S&1that all o! us can win the lottery i! we only "lay it enough ti'es1is so !ar!etche as to be laughable, but the "iece is not, alas, inten e as a co'e y. prenatal ("re-(A5-tull), a +ective Occurring before childbirth. Dr. &llis a vise all her "atients to !ollow a soun 6*&(A#A2 regi'en that inclu e a iet rich in "rotein, calciu', an iron. prerogative ("uh-*0))-uh-tive), noun A right or privilege limited to a particular person in a particular situation. #he 'anager e3ercise his 6*&*0)A#%,& to sto" the bickering uring the sta!! 'eeting. pretense (6*&&-tence), noun An instance of pretending. To make a pretense of surprise, for instance, is to falsely act or claim to be surprised.

8e will "rove here that the lease was signe un er !alse 6*&#&(S&S. prevail ("rih-,A%2), verb To succeed and become dominant, or to be widespread. #he challenger ulti'ately 6*&,A%2&D over the two-ti'e heavyweight cha'"ion. principal (6*%(-sih-"ul), a +ective <irst in importance. Also, as a noun* the main performer in a dramatic production; also, the head of an elementary or high school. &See, for comparison, the entry for principle.' My 6*%(C%6A2 ob+ection to your "lan is that it is co'"letely unethical, but % 'ight also a that it is not likely to yiel any signi!icant inco'e !or our co'"any. principle (6*%(-sih-"ul), noun A common truth or law; a standard of behavior. &See, for comparison, the entry for principal'. Melanie-s assertion that our !or'er Congress'an is an overweight gra!t artist without a single 'oral 6*%(C%62& was out o! lineA he-s lost a goo eal o! weight in recent 'onths. pristine (6*%SS-teen), a +ective -nspoiled; primitive. Something that is pristine is original and uncorrupted by later influence. #he 6*%S#%(& wil erness ha an invigorating e!!ect on Charles, who ha never gone ca'"ing be!ore. prodigy (6*A8- ih-gee), noun A person possessing e!traordinary skill or talent. A prodigy can also be a wonder or marvelous e!ample. #he young Mo.art, a !a'ous chil 6*0D%)5, "laye the "iano with the skill o! a 'aster. progressive ("ruh-)*&SS-iv), a +ective <orward7moving, especially with regard to social or political issues. A progressive politician is one who is associated with reform movements or similar causes. )overnor Dowling-s retire'ent is seen as a severe blow to the entire 6*0)*&SS%,& 'ove'ent. proliferate ("ro-2%9-uh-rate), verb
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To multiply or come into being rapidly. To proliferate can also mean to spread or become more common at an accelerated pace. A!ter the !il'-s success, a nu'ber o! chea" i'itations 6*02%9&*A#&D !or a ti'e. prolific ("ruh-2%99-ick), a +ective )!tremely fruitful and productive. /oyce Carol 0ates is one o! A'erica-s 'ost 6*02%9%C writers, turning out three or !our books a year. propriety ("ruh-6*5-uh-tee), noun #onformity to standards appropriate to a given situation. My ty"ically !oul-'outhe boy!rien was a 'o el o! 6*06*%&#5 the !irst ti'e he 'et 'y !olks. proselytize (6*0SS-ih-li-ti.e), verb To convert &a person' from one religion to another. #hus it was that our 'ain goal o! 6*0S&25#%4%() the natives was te'"orarily aban one in !avor o! the 'ore "ressing an i''e iate ob+ect o! surviving their rai s on our settle'ent. prosthesis ("ross-#;&&-sis), noun An artificially constructed member meant to replace a damaged or missing part of the human body. Several 'onths a!ter the acci ent, )reg was !itte !or a 6*0S#;&S%S !or his lower le!t leg that woul allow hi' to walk again. prostrate (6*0SS-trait), a +ective or verb 9ying face down on the ground due to being weary, overthrown, or helpless; or the act of putting someone in such a prone position. #he 7uarterback lay 6*0S#*A#& !or several 'inutes a!ter he was sacke . protege (6*0-tuh-.hay), noun Someone aided by another influential person. A protege is a person who is protected, encouraged, or helped &for instance, in career matters' by another of superior status or rank. &veryone e3"ecte Dean to na'e Bill (his 6*0#&)&) to the new "ost. protocol (6*0-tuh-call), noun

<ormal etiquette, especially as practiced in diplomatic circles. 0rotocol can also refer to established rankings followed in a social gathering. ;er inability to a here to o!!icial 6*0#0C02 le to her is'issal !ro' the e'bassy sta!!. prototype (6*0-tuh-ty"e), noun The original model of something. A prototype is the e!perimental or trial version of a system or invention. #he 6*0#0#56& un erwent several 'o i!ications be!ore Ben !elt co'!ortable showing it to "otential investors. providence (6*0,-ih- nce), noun 6ivine care. To trust in providence is to hold an assurance that ;od will provide for needs or guide one2s actions. &0rovidence can also mean 4thrift.5' Des"ite Mother-s assurance that 6*0,%D&(C& will see to our nee s, % !eel % shoul try to !in a +ob. provocative ("ruh-,0$-uh-tive), a +ective Stimulating or combative. Someone who is provocative tends to focus on controversial issues. Des"ite & -s 6*0,0CA#%,& attitu e1or "erha"s because o! it1he won the res"ect o! his su"ervisor on the creative tea'. proximity ("rok-S%M-ih-tee), noun #lose or near in time, location, or relation. #he 6*0B%M%#5 o! 'y esk to %r'a-s 'eant that % woul be sub+ect to her en less, te ious stories about her crocheting classes. prudent (6*00D-nt), a +ective )!ercising due care with regard to one2s interests. Something that is prudent is /udicious or carefully considered. % believe the 'erger was a 6*UD&(# course o! action, one that will soli i!y our cash "osition i''e iately. psychosomatic (sy-ko-suh-MA;-tik), a +ective 0ertaining to disorders having emotional or mental &rather than evident physical' causes. 0sychosomatic can also refer to that which involves both mind and body.
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Although the !irst octor she consulte insiste that /ane-s sy'"to's were 6S5C;0S0MA#%C, the secon !oun signs o! "hysical illness. pundit (6U(- it), noun An educated or authoritative person whose opinion is generally respected. #he "olitical 6U(D%#S ha all ecree that #ru'an woul be e!eate in a hea -to-hea contest with )overnor Dewey, but the voters ha other i eas. puny (6500-nee), a +ective Eery little; being small in stature or strength. A brilliant but rather 6U(5 chil , /ason o!ten ha to en ure the taunts an abuse o! the school bully. purge ("ur+), verb To free &someone or something' of all that is perceived as bad; to take steps to cleanse or purify. % trie to 6U*)& 'y syste' o! the !lu virus by rinking en less glasses o! !ruit +uice, but % still en e u" 'issing a week o! work. qualm (kwal'), noun A misgiving or pang of conscience &at one2s course of action'. To have qualms about a particular action is to wonder whether or not it is right. ;e ha no :UA2MS about leaving his +obA he ha given the co'"any three very goo years. quaver ($8A5-vur), verb To tremble, shake, or quiver. & ie-s han :UA,&*&D as he e3ten e the bo3 containing the ia'on ring across the table towar ;elene. quibble ($8%B-uhl), verb or noun As a noun, 4quibble5 means either an instance of using evasive language to avoid the sub/ect at hand O an e!ample of petty criticism. The verb is the act of using evasive language or the act of offering petty criticism. DDo you love 'eFE /anice aske . 6aul :U%BB2&D !or so'e ti'e, "ointing out how 'uch she 'eant to hi' an how ha""y he was to be with her. /anice knew the answer to her 7uestion was Dno.E

quirk (kwurk), noun An idiosyncrasy; an odd behavioral or personality characteristic. % ho"e you can overlook Mr. /ohnson-s :U%*$ o! using rough language with outsi e sales"eo"le. quizzical ($8%4-ih-kul), a +ective 0u$$led. Chris gave his boss a :U%44%CA2 look u"on being tol he woul not receive any "ay !or the ne3t 'onth. rampage (*AM-"age), noun An instance reminiscent of fren$ied violence; a destructive period of self7indulgent behavior. D#he tiniest 'istake sen s 'y boss on a *AM6A)&,E the senior sta!!er 'oane . rampant (*AM-"unt), a +ective ,idespread; unrestrained. #he obe ience trainer tol us that because we ha allowe our *AM6A(# ogs to run through our ol a"art'ent, we woul have a har ti'e kee"ing the' con!ine to one area o! the new house. rankle (*A()-kul), verb To cause irritation or festering resentment. Someone who is peeved by a perceived slight or oversight is said to be rankled. #he criticis' he receive !or his "lan *A($2&D 6aul !or so'e ti'e. rapport (rah-60*&), noun A trusting and peaceful mutual relationship. Although the 8ilsons !oun their neighbors o at !irst, the !our soon evelo"e a strong *A660*#. raucous (*A8-kuss), a +ective owdy; boisterous; disorderly and wild. Also* harsh or grating to the ear. My "arents- !ears that we woul use their vacation as an o""ortunity to stage *AUC0US "arties in the en were not entirely without !oun ation. ravage (*A,-i+), verb To wreak havoc or inflict ruinous damage upon. My online Mongol hor es *A,A)&D the si'ulate village. ravenous (*A,-uh-nuss), a +ective
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0owerfully hungry. avenous can also mean intensely eager to be satisfied. % a' *A,&(0US, but !ortunately inner will be serve soon. rebuff (re-BU99), noun An instance of re/ection or e!pressed disapproval. To receive a rebuff is to be sharply and summarily turned down. #i' su!!ere his e'"loyer-s *&BU99 shortly a!ter "ro"osing the new "ro+ect. rebuke (rih-B500$), noun or verb Sharp, stern disapproval or, as a verb, its e!pression. Al-s runken behavior earne a shar" *&BU$& !ro' his wi!e. recede (rih-S&&D), verb To move back or away. My brother is so sensitive about his *&C&D%() hairline that he-s starte wearing a hat whenever he goes out in "ublic. reciprocal (rih-S%6-ri-kul), a +ective ;iven in return for something else; mutually negotiated. Many econo'ists !eel that the U.S. econo'y cannot truly i'"rove until the Unite States is able to negotiate a *&C%6*0CA2 tra e agree'ent with the /a"anese. reciprocate (rih-S%6-ro-kate), verb To give or act in turn following the lead of another. Someone who reciprocates reproduces the courtesy, gift, or e!ample of another. Mr. 6owers has shown evi ence that he wants to en the !eu A the least you can o is *&C%6*0CA#&. reclusive (ri-$200-siv), a +ective .ermitlike. Someone who shuts himself off from the influences of the world could be considered reclusive. #he *&C2US%,& 'illionaire live the li!e o! a her'it, never leaving his ho'e. recompense (*&$-u'-"ense), verb an noun To give compensation &for suffering or in/ury, for instance'. As a noun, recompense means 4that which is given in compensation.5 #here is no *&C0M6&(S& !or the loss you have su!!ere , Mrs. 8illia's.

reconcile (*&$-un-sile), verb To settle or bring into agreement. One can reconcile conflicts, contradictory columns of figures, or even internal emotions that seem at odds with each other. ;ow is the 8hite ;ouse to *&C0(C%2& these con!licting signals !ro' the $re'linF reconnaissance (ri-$0(-uh-sunce), noun A search &of an area' made for the purpose of gaining information likely to yield military advantage. econnaissance is borrowed from the <rench. #he "ilot knew that a *&C0((A%SSA(C& 'ission such as this one woul be i!!icult an angerous. reconnoiter (rek-uh-(05-ter), verb To engage in reconnaissance. &See above.' econnoiter is from an old <rench verb meaning 4to e!plore.5 5our 'ission is to *&C0((0%#&* the area an 'eet back here at GJGG hours. recoup (rih-$006), verb To regain or recover the equivalent of something lost. /ohn robotically "lace coins in the slot 'achine, trying es"erately to *&C0U6 his losses. rectify (*&$-tih-!ie), verb To put right. Someone who rectifies a calculation corrects the mathematical errors it contains. &llen *&C#%9%&D her "revious 'istakes an !ile the re"ort. redundant (rih-DU(- unt), a +ective Superfluous. That which fulfills the role of something already in place and functional is redundant. Many o! the !unctions o! the shuttle vehicle are eliberately esigne to be *&DU(DA(# in or er to "rovi e backu" syste's in case "ri'ary syste's !ail. refurbish (re-9U*-bish), verb To renovate or repair. To refurbish is to restore to a state of attractive completion. #he housing "ro+ect-s volunteers *&9U*B%S;&D the aban one
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a"art'ents in recor ti'e. regale (rih-)A2&), verb To entertain; to give delight. Also, to provide pleasure, particularly by means of food, spectacle, or the like. %n this !il', although the 'illionaire *&)A2&S the innocent country girl with beauti!ul gi!ts an a lavish week on the town, 'oney isn-t enough to win her heart in the en . regress (rih-)*&SS), verb To return to an earlier state of being. &very ti'e Dan gets aroun 2y ia he *&)*&SS&S to so'e sort o! in!antile state. relapse (*&-la"s), noun A return or slip back into an old condition, state, or mindset. Mo' warne 'e that %- have a *&2A6S& o! the !lu i! % stoo out in the col watching the !ootball ga'e !or three hours, an she was right. relegate (*&2-uh-gate), verb To assign or place in a position, often one of low prestige or power; to set out of sight; banish. Although the "ress release escribe 2ou-s new "osition as a "ro'otion, he an everyone else in the organi.ation knew he was being *&2&)A#&D to a less "ro'inent s"ot in the hierarchy a!ter the !iasco o! the Darwin "ro+ect. relentless (ri-2&(#-lis), a +ective -nceasingly harsh. Something that is unyieldingly intense or severe is relentless. Un er the *&2&(#2&SS 7uestioning o! the "rosecutor, Diane lost her co'"osure. relevance (*&2-uh-vence), noun The quality of being pertinent. That which has a connection or apt association has relevance. #hese sales !igures have no *&2&,A(C& !or our "ur"osesA they are at least si3 years ol . relevant (*&2-uh-vunt), a +ective 0ertaining to or having bearing, influence, or relation to the matter at hand. #he e!ense attorney argue vehe'ently1but in vain1that the accuse -s

"ast history was not *&2&,A(# to the case. relinquish (ri-2%()-kwish), verb To give up. Someone who surrenders or forswears a thing relinquishes it. #he $ing *&2%(:U%S;&D his throne to 'arry the wo'an he love . relish (*&2-ish), verb To en/oy heartily; also, an instance of great en/oyment. &Also* a sweet pickle dish composed of various vegetables.' 0n "articularly i!!icult ays, Barbara *&2%S;&D a "rivate !antasy o! kicking Mr. 8ilkins in the shins. reminisce (re'-uh-(%SS), verb To recall the past; to remember; to have memories. % use to like to sit on the "orch swing with )ran 'a on those cool su''er nights an listen to her *&M%(%SC& about her chil hoo in %taly. rendezvous (*0(- ay-voo), noun A meeting; especially, a secret meeting between lovers. Claire knew that i! her 'other !oun out about her *&(D&4,0US with &lton, she woul be groun e !or at least a week. renounce (re-(08(C&), verb To abandon or deny any connection with. Someone who renounces something severs all ties to it. 0nly by *&(0U(C%() all esire !or "ossessions, the 'onks believe , coul one attain enlighten'ent. renowned (rih-(08(D), a +ective <amous or well7known. 8e were all thrille to learn that a *&(08(&D author o! your caliber ha agree to teach at the university this se'ester, sir. repercussion (ree-"er-$US;-un), noun An echo; reverberation; also, the result of an action, often negative. #he *&6&*CUSS%0(S o! Ben-s cheating were 'ore severe than he ha e3"ecte C a !ailing gra e !or the class an a two-week sus"ension. replica (*&6-lih-kuh), noun A copy, imitation, or facsimile of an original. 8hile Steve was in 6aris he bought a *&62%CA o! the Mona 2isa !or his
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'other. reprieve (ri-6*&&,), noun A suspension or delay from imminent proceedings. A reprieve is a respite. #he in'ate won a last-'inute *&6*%&,& !ro' the governor. reproach (ri-6*0AC;), verb an noun To e!press stern disapproval of. As a noun, reproach means scornfully stated disdain. 5our 'any e!!orts to get on ;arvey-s goo si e have succee e only in winning his *&6*0AC;. requisite (*&$-wi-.it), a +ective +ecessary. That which is required or essential is requisite. ;aving !aile to !ill out the *&:U%S%#& !or's, 2y ia 'isse the o""ortunity to enter her work in the !air. rescind (ri-S%(D), verb everse &for instance, an order, command, or edict'. To rescind an instruction is to overrule it. #he or er o! etention is hereby *&SC%(D&DA you 'ay return to your native country at your earliest convenience, Mr. Dawson. resilience (ri-4%2-yunce), noun The ability to rebound. That which bounces back shows resilience. /oanne-s *&S%2%&(C& was re'arkableA she recovere !ro' the o"eration in recor ti'e. resilient (rih-4%2-yunt), a +ective .aving the ability to survive; likely to rebound, particularly from hardship. Although *u y !aile to 'ake the tea' uring his !resh'an year, he was *&S%2%&(# an e icate enough to earn a s"ot the ne3t year. resonant (*&4-uh-nunt), a +ective 0ertaining to or reminiscent of a sound &often deep and pleasant' that echoes or continues. #he cal', *&S0(A(# tone o! the "ro!essor-s voice was, a!ter a night without slee", very nearly enough to "ut 'e aslee". resonate (*&4-uh-nate), verb

To vibrate or sound in a way similar to something else. "n addition, that which matches or complements an e!isting pattern can be said to resonate with that pattern. #he soun o! clicking !ootste"s *&S0(A#&D through the cavernous hallway. resurgence (ri-SU*-+ents), noun eappearance or revival. Something that has a resurgence returns to a position of prominence or visibility. A *&SU*)&(C& o! "o"ularity !or bell-botto' slacks is not e3"ecte this season, but the e3"erts have been wrong be!ore. resurrect (re.-uh-*&$#), verb To bring back from the dead. <iguratively, to resurrect something &a fashion, for instance' is to reintroduce it after it has been dismissed as no longer relevant or appropriate. %t astoun s 'e that you have gone to the trouble to *&SU**&C# these co'"letely iscre ite i eas. resuscitate (rih-SUS-ih-tate), verb To revive someone after he or she has passed out or died. #he crow cheere as the li!eguar *&SUSC%#A#&D the rowning victi'. retraction (rih-#*A$-shun), noun A formal renunciation of statements considered or determined to be false or in/urious to reputation. A!ter erroneously linking Mr. ,ining to organi.e cri'e !igures, the "a"er was !orce to issue a !ront-"age *&#*AC#%0( e3"laining an acknowle ging its 'istake. retribution (ret-ruh-B500-shun), noun 0unishment &as from ;od' for past wrongdoing. etribution can also refer to divine reward for the /ust, but the negative sense is more common. So'e saw the Ma!ia on-s ebilitating illness as a !or' o! ivine *&#*%BU#%0( !or a li!e o! cri'e. retroactive (ret-ro-A$-tiv), a +ective )ffective back to a stated point in time. Something that is made
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retroactive is e!tended as though it had been taking place since a certain past date. 8e will be raising your salary to K<GG,GGG a year, 6erkins, *&#*0AC#%,& to /anuary <. retrospect (*&#-ruh-s"ekt), noun .indsight. etrospect derives from the 9atin roots for 4backward5 and 4vision.5 %n *&#*0S6&C#, the ecision to launch the attack at night now see's like a catastro"hic error. reverberate (rih-,U*-buh-rate), verb To echo back and forth, rebound, or recoil. #he soun o! the gunshot *&,&*B&*A#&D throughout the canyon. riff (ri!!), noun "n music, especially /a$$ and rock, a short melodic phrase repeated as background or used as a main theme. 0nce the bass "layer starte "laying the insistent o"ening *%99 to DMy )irl,E "eo"le "oure out onto the ance !loor. rudimentary (roo- uh-M&(-tuh-ree), a +ective (asic. That which is elementary is rudimentary. #his thesis is !ull o! *UD%M&(#A*5 errors in gra''ar, to say nothing o! several signi!icant la"ses in style. sacrilege (SAC$-ruh-li+), noun The violation of anything sacred or anything someone may consider sacred. #he bar "atrons !oun Dan-s negative wor s about the 5ankees a SAC*%2&)&. salient (SA5-lee-unt), a +ective Striking, obvious. 2et-s not get bogge own in the etails o! the bonus "lanA the SA2%&(# "oint is, we-ve "rovi e our e itors with a 'easurable !inancial incentive to o the very best ac7uisitions work they can. salivate (SA2-ih-vate), verb To secrete saliva. To salivate over something is to eagerly anticipate eating it; the word has seen some figurative use in this sense. 8e now know that ogs will SA2%,A#& u"on hearing a bell they associate with !oo , even i! the !oo is not "resent. sangria (sang-)*&&-uh), noun

A cocktail of ?e!ican origin consisting of wine and fruit /uices. #he cool cantina, with its see'ingly en less su""ly o! enchila as an SA()*%A, was +ust what we nee e a!ter a long ay o! sightseeing in the hot Aca"ulco sun. satire (SA-tire), noun A humorous work employing sarcasm or irony in order to ridicule, e!pose, or make light of a person, institution, or practice. % won er how 'any o! the young chil ren now strea'ing to theaters to watch this cartoon are acco'"anie by a ults who can a""reciate its subtle SA#%*& o! consu'er culture. scanty (SCA(-tee), a +ective "nsufficient; noticeably lacking. #he !oo at this restaurant is certainly goo , but the "ortions are a little too SCA(#5 !or the "rice we-re "aying. scapegoat (S$A6&-goat), noun A person considered responsible for a fiasco or mishap who was not in fact totally responsible for it. Scapegoat derives from an ancient practice of selecting a goat to accept the sins of a community. % will not act as SCA6&)0A# in this a!!airA you all ha a vote in the 'atter, an you all vote yes, +ust as % i . scathing (S$A5-thing), a +ective Eiolently critical. Scathing usually refers to speech or writing about another2s conduct or performance. #he SCA#;%() review by the #i'es theater critic ha the antici"ate e!!ectC the show close within two weeks. scrutinize (S$*00#-n-i.e), verb To review e!tremely closely. Someone who e!amines an ob/ect or document in minute detail scrutini$es it. %t is your +ob to SC*U#%(%4& these a""lications care!ully !or any inaccuracies or 'islea ing state'ents. sear (sear), verb To burn or scorch, or to cause to dry up and wither. 8hile % was on vacation, the heat S&A*&D 'y "lants, leaving the' nothing but li!eless brown stalks.
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seasonable (S&&-.un-uh-bull), a +ective Timely; in keeping with or appropriate to the season. &See, for comparison, the entry for seasonal.' %n Dece'ber, the outsi e o! our buil ing is one u" in S&AS0(AB2& green an re lights. seasonal (S&&-.un-ul), a +ective .appening as a result of regular and anticipated changes occurring at a specific time of the year. Don-t worryA that ra'atic ro" in sales !or 9ebruary is a S&AS0(A2 i" e3"erience to one egree or another by everyone in our in ustry. seclude (sih-$200D), a +ective To hide or keep apart; to keep in isolation. #he two 'et in a woo y, S&C2UD&D area o! the estate to be sure their conversation woul not be overhear . secular (S&$-yuh-lur), a +ective +ot religious in form or content; worldly. Although the Car inal ha a long list o! ecclesiastical issues to review with 'e, he began our interview with a !ew wholly S&CU2A* re'arks on the "oor !ortunes o! the *e So3 this year. seethe (seethe), verb To boil. "n addition, someone who internali$es agitation or anger can be said to seethe. Still S&&#;%() !ro' his e!eat at the han s o! the Do gers on #ues ay, )ibson took the 'oun with a look o! unwavering eter'ination last night. semaphore (S&M-uh-!ore), noun A method of &usually seafaring' communication or signaling based on the positionings of the arms of a standing person or the similar positioning of flags &with one held in each hand'. Mark-s atte'"t to ren er the co'"lete works o! )oethe in S&MA6;0*& 'akes !or a e icate , i! not e3actly enthralling, "iece o! long-ter' "er!or'ance art. serendipity (sare-un-D%6-ih-tee), noun The quality of coming upon important insights or discoveries by

accident. To e!perience serendipity is to encounter fortunate coincidence. %t was "ure S&*&(D%6%#5 that, nearly !ainting with hunger, % ca'e u"on the stock o! su""lies that night. serenity (suh-*&(-ih-tee), noun 0eacefulness in outlook; a lack of agitation. Although she ha always been a whirlwin o! activity while we were growing u", 'y sister Alice see's to be en+oying the S&*&(%#5 o! convent li!e. serpentine (SU*-"un-teen), a +ective Snakelike. That which is reminiscent of serpents is serpentine. Most sales"eo"le resent the stereoty"e o! their "ro!ession as S&*6&(#%(& an ruthless. severity (suh-,A*&-uh-tee), a +ective ;reat force or concentration; harshness. #he S&,&*%#5 o! Milton-s re'arks about 'y "ro"osal-s e!iciencies ca'e as a shock to 'eA he ha tol 'e be!ore the 'eeting that he like the i ea. shear (sheer), verb To clip or cut. &See, for comparison, the entry for sheer.' %-' a!rai %-' not 'uch goo at S;&A*%() shee"A % can-t cut the !leece evenly. sheer (sheer), a +ective Absolute; utter. Also* transparent. &See, for comparison, the entry for shear.' #o work on a "ro+ect !or twenty-!our hours straight is S;&&* 'a ness, *olan . shun (shun), verb To keep away from or avoid. 8a e-s "arents thought he woul be gla they ha agree to cha"erone the school ance, an see'e sur"rise when he S;U((&D the' !or the entire evening. singsong (S%()-song), a +ective endered chantingly or with a musical air; spoken in a manner reminiscent of singing. Bert taunte Arthur with a S%()S0() recitation o! his 'ost e'barrassing inci ents at school.
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singularity (sing-you-2A%*-ih-tee), noun A peculiarity or unique quality. 9iona-s S%()U2A*%#5 in !ashion 'akes her1 !or goo or ill1the talk o! 'ost "arties she atten s. site (site), noun A place or spot. &See, for comparison, the entry for cite.' 8e will buil the new library an treasure hall on this S%#&. skepticism (S$&6-tih-si.-u'), noun An instance of doubt or uncertainty. 5our S$&6#%C%SM that we will be able to !inish the work on ti'e is un erstan able, given our history o! elivering 'aterial late. skittish (S$%#-ish), a +ective +ervous and lacking confidence. Someone who is uneasy about approaching a task can be said to be skittish about it. 2isa is still a bit S$%##%S; about the co'"uter, )eorgeA "erha"s you can give her a han . sluggish (S2U)-gish), a +ective 9acking vitality or alertness; lethargic. As the hours rew on, % "ecke away at 'y keyboar uti!ullyA towar 'orning, however, % coul tell that % was getting S2U))%S;. sobriety (so-B*&5&-uh-tee), noun #lear7headedness. Sobriety is generally used to signify freedom from the influence of alcoholic drink. My guess is that 8.C. 9iel s ha as !ew 'o'ents o! S0B*%&#5 in real li!e as he ha in the 'ovies. sociopolitical (so-she-oh-"uh-2%#-uh-kuhl), a +ective 6escribes the combination of social and political factors that affects certain people, groups, classes, etc. De"en ing on his au ience, the "olitician either e'"hasi.e or istance hersel! !ro' the S0C%06A#;%C backgroun o! her !a'ily. solace (S02-uss), noun #onsolation. To give solace is to sympathi$e with and console. #he !act that he ha thrown three touch owns was little S02AC& to /i'C all he coul think about was losing the ga'e.

solicitous (suh-2%SS-ih-tuss), a +ective Openly concerned or worried &about the condition of another'. Someone who is attentively eager to help is solicitous. /oan coul not have been 'ore S02%C%#0US to 6eter while he was sick. solidarity (sol-uh-DA*&-ih-tee), noun -nity arising from a common purpose or situation. As the "ro+ect-s ea line got closer an closer, the asse'ble tea' showe an a'ount o! S02%DA*%#5 that it earlier ha lacke . soliloquy (suh-2%2-uh-kwee), noun "n drama, a speech given by a character when no one else is present on stage. A soliloquy can also be any discourse a person gives to himself, or an account of a person2s interior thoughts. ;a'let-s thir act S02%20:U5 was elivere in a strange, cho""y 'anner that % !oun 'ost unsettling. somber (S0M-ber), a +ective 6epressing; /oyless. #he S0MB&* e3"ression on 'y boss-s !ace be!ore our 'eeting 'a e 'e won er whether the long-ru'ore layo!! was !inally to be or ere , but as it turne out he ha si'"ly sle"t "oorly. soprano (suh-6*A(-oh), noun The uppermost singing voice in boys and women. &very wo'an in the a ca"ella grou" ha a goo voice, but to 'e the tall S06*A(0 in the blue sweater stoo out as an e3ce"tional 'usical talent. sovereignty (sov-rin-tee), noun 0ower or legitimacy as a nation. A nation2s sovereignty refers to its selfdetermination and right to e!ist as a separate, independent entity. #he bor er incursion shoul be acce"te !or what it isC an a!!ront against the S0,&*&%)(#5 o! our country. spasmodic (s"a.-M0D-ik), a +ective #haracteristic of a spasm; brief and fitful. #he regi'e-s S6ASM0D%C atte'"ts at re!or' ha yet to bring "ros"erity to the nation-s citi.ens. spectral (S6&$-trul), a +ective
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eminiscent of ghosts or spirits; gruesome and otherwordly. ScroogePs S6&C#*A2 visitors take i!!erent !or's, but each is intereste in the sa'e thingC the re e'"tion o! the ol 'an-s heart. spiel (sh"eel), noun A long, e!travagant argument or speech designed to persuade. % let the sales'an recite his S6%&2 +ust to be "olite, but the guy i'"resse 'e so 'uch % en e u" buying a vacuu' cleaner. spinster (S6%(-ster), noun A single woman, especially a middle7aged one. Spinster usually carries negative connotations of unattractiveness and being past one2s prime; there is no parallel e!pression that carries the same sense about an unmarried man. Although Charles ha e3"ecte a gathering o! S6%(S#&*S at the club 'eeting, be was greete at the oor by none other than the starting 7uarterback !or the local college !ootball tea'. sporadic (s"o-*AD-ik), a +ective "rregular. That which occurs at unpredictable intervals is sporadic. S60*AD%C gun!ire echoe own the streets all night. spurn (s"urn), verb To re/ect with disdain. )inger ha thought o! trying to locate the chil she ha given u" !or a o"tion !i!teen years be!ore, but she was a!rai he woul S6U*( her atte'"ts to see hi'. squall (skwall), noun A sudden, violent burst of wind often accompanied by snow or rain. Although it wasn-t snowing all that har , we ha to elay our tri" because the S:UA22S 'a e visibility too "oor !or sa!e riving on the hill-s narrow roa s. stalemate (S#A2&-'ate), noun "n chess, a condition in which neither side is in checkmate and the game cannot proceed because no legal move can be made; also, any situation

in which progress, movement, or negotiation has becomes impossible. % thought % ha beaten /oreth when % ca"ture the knight he ha le!t un e!en e , but he was such a strong "layer that he was able to 'aneuver a S#A2&MA#&. stalwart (S#02-wert), a +ective <irm of purpose; steadfast. Stalwart can also mean courageous. Because the !light ha been elaye by 'ore than ten hours, only the 'ost S#A28A*# !ans staye u" to greet the rock grou" at the air"ort. stationary (S#A5-shun-air-ee), a +ective -nmoving; fi!ed in place. &See, for comparison, the entry for stationery.' Although the cart was esigne to be wheele !reely, a set o! cla'"s coul be engage that woul allow it to serve as a S#A#%0(A*5 "ost !or nursessu""lies. stationery (S#A5-shun-air-ee), noun ,riting paper. &See, for comparison, the entry for stationary.' 9ollowing her we ing, A'y ha S#A#%0(&*5 e'bosse with her 'arrie na'e. stereotype (S#A%*-ee-o-ty"e), noun an verb A commonly accepted notion that presents an oversimplified or inaccurate viewpoint &of a racial group2s behavior, for instance'. As a verb, to stereotype someone is to assign him characteristics in keeping with a popular image of the group he belongs to, whether or not he possesses those characteristics. Most sales"eo"le resent the S#&*&0#56& o! their "ro!ession as ser"entine an ruthless. stoke (stoke), verb To poke or feed &a fire'; to supply with fuel. My o""onent-s re'arks are 'eant to S#0$& the !ires o! intolerance, not hel" us learn to live with one another. stucco (S#UC$-oh), noun A plaster or cement wall finish. #he real estate agent e3"laine that S#UCC0 ho'es were very "o"ular in this area o! southern Cali!ornia.
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stupefy (S#00-"uh-!ie), verb To make numb with ama$ement; to stun into helplessness. #he "ros"ect o! working until the 'orning hours le!t 'e S#U6&9%&D, but there was no alternative. subjective (sub-/&$-tiv), a +ective Originating in one2s personal observation. To say that something is sub/ective is to say that it may be influenced by individual pre/udice and represents only a particular person2s viewpoint. Min you, this is only a SUB/&C#%,& observation, but 'y !eeling is that that restaurant serves the worst Chinese !oo in the city. sublime (suh-B25M&), a +ective ;rand or lofty. That which is splendid is sublime. Many "eo"le can 'ake a "retty goo "ot o! s"aghettiA 'ine, however, is SUB2%M&. subsequent (SUB-suh-kwunt), a +ective After; following in time. #he butler at !irst enie that he- ha anything to o with the 'ur er, but the SUBS&:U&(# testi'ony o! three witnesses eventually convince hi' to con!ess. subservient (sub-S&*-vee-unt), a +ective (ending to the will of another. Someone who is subservient is servile. Stan always beca'e 'eek an SUBS&*,%&(# in his boss-s "resence. subsistence (sub-S%S#-unce), noun The means required to support one2s e!istence. Mr. Best, %-ve gone !ive years without a raise, an in!lation has turne what was once a reasonable wage into a SUBS%S#&(C&-level co'"ensation. subvert (sub-,U;*#), verb To undermine, corrupt, or overthrow. Sherry consi ers hersel! a rebel because she loves to SUB,&*# society-s tra itions. suffrage (SU99-ru ge), noun The right to vote. #o ay-s a"athetic voters (or, 'ore "recisely, nonvoters) see' to have little

a""reciation o! how har "revious generations ha to !ight !or the "rinci"le o! universal SU99*A)&. sultry (SU2-tree), a +ective Eery hot and moist; characteri$ed by heat. Also* likely to arouse passion or romance. % "asse the SU2#*5 su''er evenings in a beach chair with a 'argarita in han , staring out at the e3"anse o! tro"ical ocean. sundry (SU(- ree), a +ective Earious. Sundry can also mean 4an unspeci fied number more than two.5 SU(D*5 ine3"ensive "lastic ite's were s"rea out on a table at the !ront o! the store. superdelegate (S00-"er- el-uh-get), noun An elected party official or a party leader chosen to a national political convention as an uncommitted delegate. #he SU6&*D&2&)A#& ha to eci e the winner o! the hotly-conteste "ri'ary. superfluous (soo-6&*-!loo-uss), a +ective -nnecessary. That which e!ceeds what is essential is superfluous. #he !il'-s long "ro uction nu'ber was eventually cut !ro' the !inal version because test au iences !elt it was SU6&*92U0US to the 'ain "lot. superlative (soo-6&*-luh-tiv), a +ective To the highest possible degree. Something that is superlative is of surpassing quality or power. Boris-s SU6&*2A#%,& skills as a chess "layer are well known aroun ca'"us. supplant (suh-62A(#), verb To replace with something3or someone3 else. A!ter 2in a 'ove in, *oy !oun 'any o! his 'ost-treasure "ieces o! uni7ue1so'e 'ight say ugly1artwork SU662A(#&D with taste!ul, tra itional watercolors. surly (SU*-lee), a +ective Sullen; gruff; morose. Shiela, in the SU*25 'oo that acco'"anies her every working 'orning
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since the ivorce, barke that % ha no right to ask her !or the re"ort that was ue last week. surrogate (SU*-uh-gut), noun One who acts in the place of another. Surrogate is derived from a 9atin verb meaning 4to nominate in one2s place.5 Although he was not relate to &ric, Dean !oun hi'sel! acting as a SU**0)A#& brother to hi'. surveillance (sur-,A5-lunce), noun An instance of watching something closely, usually in a scrutini$ing fashion. #he "olice set u" SU*,&%22A(C& in the house across the street !ro' the esca"e con-s girl!rien , as they were sure he woul try to visit her. sustenance (SUS-tuh-nunce), noun ?eans of supporting life. A!ter the bo'bing, the city-s hungry occu"ants wan ere through nearby woo e areas in search o! SUS#&(A(C&. swelter (S8&2-tur), verb To suffer from e!treme heat. /as'ine an % !oun ourselves lost in the 'i le o! the +ungle, S8&2#&*%() in the tro"ical heat. symmetry (S%M-ih-tree), noun The quality of showing complementary forms or aesthetically pleasing proportions. Symmetry is structural balance. #he scul"ture-s lack o! S5MM&#*5 is unnerving to the casual observer, an that is e3actly what the artist has in 'in . symposium (si'-60S&-ee-u'), noun A meeting for discussion; especially, a gathering of e!perts before an audience whose members may pose questions. #he S5M60S%UM was a isasterA both "ro!essors arrive an hour late, a!ter 'ost o! the au ience ha given u" an le!t. synchronize (S%($-ruh-ni.e), verb To cause something to take place at the e!act same time &as another event'; to cause to occur in unison. As this is an o"eration re7uiring the ut'ost accuracy !ro' all tea' 'e'bers, % suggest we S5(C;*0(%4& watches now be!ore beginning our

assign'ents. synonym (S%(-uh-ni'), noun A word with a meaning similar or identical to that of another word in a language. DMasculineE an D'aleE are S5(0(5MS. synopsis (sih-(06-sis), noun A summary. A synopsis is a brief recounting of the principal points of something. A !ull S5(06S%S o! the "lay-s "lot woul give away a elight!ul sur"rise en ing, so % will not atte'"t one here. taboo (tuh-B00), noun Anything deemed absolutely unacceptable or immoral by a social order. Also* forbidden or off7limits. Anthro"ologists have !oun that incest is a universal #AB00 in hu'an culture. tactile (#AC$-tul), a +ective Of or pertaining to the sense of touch. At this stage, your baby-s nee !or #AC#%2& sti'ulation is intenseA she 'ust be hel , stroke , an cu le regularly. talkathon (#A2$-uh-thon), noun An e!tended speech or discourse, especially one featuring e!cessive posturing. % was tol that this 'eeting was 'eant to e3"lore the "ros an cons o! locating the waste site near our town, but % see we-ve 'ove towar a #A2$A#;0( on the long-ter' bene!its o! the nuclear "ower in ustry. tam-o"-shanter (#AM-o-shan-ter), noun A floppy Scottish hat with a tight headband. Angus Mac)regor, a 'an !iercely "rou o! his heritage, usually took the o""ortunity o! a co'"any "icnic to on a kilt an #AM-0--S;A(#&* an "lay his bag"i"e. tandem (#A(- u'), a +ective One after another. To walk in tandem is to walk in single file. 8e gave Mo' an Da a #A(D&M bicycle !or Christ'as this year. tangible (#A(-+uh-bull), a +ective eal; touchable. That which e!ists corporeally is tangible. #he "rosecution has o!!ere 'any theories an s"eculations, but no
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#A()%B2& evi ence linking 'y client to the 'ur er. taut (taut), a +ective Tight; firm. #his toy tele"hone will not work unless you "ull the tin cans !ar enough a"art to 'ake the string #AU#. teem (tea'), verb To abound or swarm. % was nauseate by the sight o! ants #&&M%() all over a iscar e hot og bun. teetotaler (tee-#0&-tuh-ler), noun Someone who does not drink alcohol under any circumstances. Teetotaler was formed from the verb teetotal, coined during the Temperance movement of the nineteenth century. (o wine !or 'e, thanksA %-ve been a #&&#0#A2&* since high school. telegenic (tell-uh-/&(-ic), a +ective 9ikely to make a good appearance on television. 8hen he-s not oing his newscast, he-s awkwar an with rawn, but once the ca'era is on, 2enny co'es across as a""ealing, con!i ent, an incre ibly #&2&)&(%C. teleprompter (#&2-uh-"ro'"-tur), noun An automated means of displaying lines to be read by actors. The teleprompter is a device used in place of cue cards. #he show-s 'ost a'using 'o'ent1the !ailure o! the #&2&6*0M6#&* that !orce actors to i'"rovise1ha ha nothing to o with its scri"t. temper (#&M-"er), verb To moderate or lessen the impact or harshness of something. #o' #&M6&*&D his harsh wor s with a war' s'ile. tempo (#&M-"o), noun The speed or pace of something &particularly, of music'. 0ur aerobics instructor will only "lay 'usic with a !ast #&M60 an a strong beat, although there are ti'es, generally a!ter a har ay at work, when % !eel like intro ucing her to the won ers o! Mantovani.

tenacious (tuh-(A5-shuss), a +ective -nyielding; stubborn. Someone who is tenacious is hard put to give up. Bill was a tough ca'"aigner who "ut u" a #&(AC%0US !ight !or the no'ination, but in the en he ca'e u" short. tentative (#&(-tuh-tiv), a +ective ;iven to or showing hesitation; lacking in resolution or consistency. #he "arents were able to ca"ture their chil -s !irst #&(#A#%,& ste"s on vi eota"e. tenure (#&(-yur), noun The holding of a post or property, especially with regard to status as a permanent employee. Tenure can also refer to the period such a post is held. A!ter si3teen years in the e"art'ent, 6ro!essor Milligan was !inally grante #&(U*&. terse (turce), a +ective 0ithy; brief; concise. Although % trie to "u'" /i' !or in!or'ation about his new girl!rien , his #&*S& answers were a "olite way o! letting 'e know it was none o! 'y business. than (than or then), con+unctive A con/unction used to introduce the second element of an unequal comparison. &See, for comparison, the entry for then.' Bert is shorter #;A( ,el'a is. then (then), a verb At that time. &See, for comparison, the entry for than.' 5ou shoul have known 'e back #;&(@ their (thare), "ronoun (elonging to that group. &See, for comparison, the entries for there and they2re.' Many celebrities .ealously guar #;&%* "rivacy. therapeutic (thare-uh-6500-tik), a +ective .aving to do with cures for illness. That which is remedial is therapeutic. #he "roble' is not "hysical illness, but stressA % think you will !in that a weeken in the country will have a strong #;&*A6&U#%C e!!ect.
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there (thare), a verb "n that place. &See, for comparison, the entries for their and they2re.' Although %-ve always wante to visit Barcelona, %-ve never !oun the ti'e or 'oney % nee e to vacation #;&*&. they"re (thare), "ronoun contraction They are. &See, for comparison, the entries for their and there.' Mo' an Da +ust tol 'e that #;&5-*& "lanning to renovate the ining roo'. threshold (#;*&S;-ol ), noun An entranceway; a piece of stone or wood positioned under a doorway; also, the beginning or initiation of anything. #hose who were "resent !or the !inal 'eeting agree a!terwar that the countries ha reache a new #;*&S;02D in tra e relations. throng (throng), noun A large crowd. As the es"erate e itor stoo on the tenth!loor le ge, a #;*0() o! s"ectators gathere on the street below. tiered (teer ), a +ective #onstructed or arranged in layers or levels. %n talking to bakeries about a we ing cake !or 'y aughter, % was !labbergaste to learn that so'e o! the elaborate #%&*&D cakes cost over a thousan ollars. tint (tint), noun an verb A color or a degree of a color; a slight variation in shade. As a verb* to add or alter color, generally in a subtle way. My 'other was aghast when 'y sister Cassan ra ca'e back !ro' her !irst se'ester at college with her gol enblon e-hair #%(#&D a "ale orange. tirade (#%&-rai ), noun An e!tended outburst of harsh talk. Someone who delivers a tirade gives a lengthy, overblown speech. % i not co'e here to listen to a #%*AD& about how inconsi erate 'y son is in class. titanic (tie-#A(-ic), a +ective Of enormous strength, influence, or si$e.

#he #%#A(%C e3"losion in the 'ovie-s !inal scene re7uire several hun re "oun s o! yna'ite an was !il'e !ro' eleven i!!erent angles. titillate (#%#-ih-late), verb To arouse or e!cite in a pleasing way. Something that titillates tickles one2s fancy. #hese stories about the se3 lives o! "ast "resi ents 'ay be #%#%22A#%(), but they woul n-t have "asse !or har news in 'y ay. topical (#06-ih-kuhl), a +ective .aving to do with issues of current or local interest. )len a is always rea ing 'aga.ines so she can kee" u" with #06%CA2 issues an have so'ething to say when encountering new clients. torrential (to-*&(-shul), a +ective eminiscent of or pertaining to severe storms. That which is intense or unyieldingly powerful is torrential. A #0**&(#%A2 rain ke"t the chil ren insi e all ay. torrid (#0*&-i ), a +ective 0arching and burning, like desert heat, or ardent and passionate, like love. #heir #0**%D a!!air began when they 'et at a business convention. torte (tort), noun A cake made with eggs and very little flour. A torte has nothing to do with a tort &See within.' Mrs. Carrigan-s 2in.er #0*#&S are the best % have ever taste . totter (#0#-tur), verb To walk or move with unsteady steps; to sway at ground level. #he sight o! Mr. Bass #0##&*%() ho'e !ro' another night at Mulvaney-s 6ub was enough to 'ake a teetotaler out o! anyone. tousle (#AU-.ul), verb To muss up or dishevel. 2ynne a 'ire the 'o el-s #0US2&D hair, but she knew that what looke se3y on a long, elegant !ace like that woul look like an acci ent with a blen er on her. tout (towt), verb
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To publici$e in a boastful, e!travagant manner. #he stu io #0U#&D its latest "icture as Dthe greatest story ever tol .E trajectory (truh-/&$-tuh-ree), noun The curving path followed by a pro/ectile in flight. #he bullet-s #*A/&C#0*5 !ro' the warehouse win ow woul be co'"letely consistent with the in+ury su!!ere by the victi', 5our ;onor. transgression (trans-)*&S;-un), noun A violation of a rule. To break a law or guideline is to commit a transgression. Davi was "erha"s a little too eager to cross over into Mr. 6eterson-s yar to "lay ball, but this was a 'inor #*A(S)*&SS%0(. tranquility (tran-$8%2-ih-tee), noun 0eacefulness; the state of being undisturbed. A!ter all the insanity o! the ea line week, % was looking !orwar to the #*A(:U%2%#5 o! 'y annual vacation in ,ienna. transcend (tran-S&(D), verb To rise above common levels. #he young violinist-s "er!or'ance at the recital #*A(SC&(D&D all o! his teacher-s e3"ectations. transgress (trans-)*&SS), verb To violate a principle or moral law. %>1 A!ter having #*A(S)*&SS&D once, an agoni.e ;enry knew he woul never violate the club-s rules again. transient (#*A(-.ee-unt), a +ective )!isting only temporarily; brief; fleeting; transitory. 8ith seven chil ren to care !or, 'y wi!e an % knew that tran7uility in the house was a #*A(S%&(# thing. transition (tran-4%S;-un), noun A change; a passage from one state or form to another. Mark 'a e the #*A(S%#%0( !ro' actor to irector with relative ease. transpire (tran-S6%*&), verb To take place. That which happens transpires. Mrs. 6otter, "lease tell the court e3actly what #*A(S6%*&D that night as you re'e'ber it. transpose (trans-604&), verb

To reverse or change the position of. To transpose A and ( is to put A in (2s place, and vice versa. #he two !ra'es o! the !il' ha been 'ysteriously #*A(S60S&D, so that it now looke as though the 'an-s hea 'ove !orwar su enly instea o! backwar . traumatize (#*A8-'uh-ti.e), verb To cause to undergo mental or physical distress. Many o! the "atients in the war ha been #*AUMA#%4&D over the years by abusive sta!!. trepidation (tre"-ih-DA5-shun), noun A state of fear or agitation. To have an apprehension is to have a trepidation. At !irst, % a""roache the task o! writing this book with so'e #*&6%DA#%0(. trimester (try-M&SS-tur), noun A period spanning three months. 9or Beth, as !or 'ost wo'en, the last !ew weeks o! the !inal #*%M&S#&* o! "regnancy was a challenging ti'e. trooper (#*00-"ur), noun A military or police officer. &See, for comparison, the entry for trouper.' % trie to talk 'y way out o! the s"ee ing ticket, but the #*006&* woul n-t hear any o! it. trouper (#*00-"ur), noun An actor, especially a veteran performer who is able to come through no matter what; also, any person who is remarkably dependable. &See, for comparison, the entry for trooper.' (ancy rove through a snowstor' to 'an the esk on Satur ay1what a #*0U6&*@ tryst (trist), noun A prearranged meeting, especially one between lovers. Tryst derives from an old verb meaning 4to make an arrangement with.5 8e-ve eci e to celebrate our secon honey'oon with a weeken #*5S# at the A'bassa or ;otel. tumultuous (too-MU2-choo-uss), a +ective #haotic, especially as a result of a popular outcry. That which is in a
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violent uproar is tumultuous. A!ter the boar o! trustees re+ecte the stu ents- "ro"osal, there were #UMU2#U0US "rotests on ca'"us. tutorial (too-#0*&-ee-ul), noun A software program offering step7by7step instruction and demonstration in the use of another program; a component of a software program that offers instruction in the main program2s use. Also* of or pertaining to tutors. #he 'anual that ca'e with the so!tware was woe!ully ina e7uate, but, !ortunately, the "rogra' !eature an e3cellent #U#0*%A2. ubiquitous (yoo-B%$-wi-tuss), a +ective Seemingly everywhere at once. That which is ubiquitous is so common as to appear to be all places. By the early !i!ties, that UB%:U%#0US sy'bol o! in e"en ence, the auto'obile, ha in!luence virtually every !acet o! A'erican li!e. ulterior (ul-#&&*-ee-ur), a +ective (eing beyond what is obvious or put forth; lying beyond a recogni$ed boundary. % !latly re+ect the notion that 'y "ro"osal to your aughter is occasione by any U2#&*%0* 'otive, sir. ultimatum (ul-tih-MA5-tu'), noun One2s last set of demands. To issue an ultimatum is to outline a set of terms that cannot be compromised. &ither "ay the rent by 'i night on the thirty!irst, or be thrown out in the streetC that was Si'on-s U2#%MA#UM. unanimity (yoo-nuh-(%M-ih-tee), noun Agreement without dissent. % was genuinely sur"rise at the U(A(%M%#5 with which 'y "ro"osal was acce"te by the boar . unbecoming (un-bee-$UM-ing), a +ective -nseemly; likely to detract from one2s reputation or character. % think your use o! street language uring the con!ir'ation hearing was 'ost U(B&C0M%(), )eorge. unblinking (un-B2%()$-ing), a +ective +ot displaying emotion or response. Also* unwavering in devotion.

,ictor-s U(B2%($%() reaction to the +u ge-s sentence le!t observers with no !urther insights on the 'otives that le hi' to co''it the cri'e. uncalled-for (un-$A2D-!or), a +ectival "hrase "mproper or un/ustified; also, superfluous. #hat re!erence to 'y !ather-s bankru"tcy was U(CA22&D-90*, Senator. uncanny (un-CA(-ee), a +ective Strange; mysterious or otherwordly. )reg-s shooting ability is U(CA((5A %-ve seen hi' sink twenty !oul shots in a row. underdog (U(- ur- og), noun A person or entity e!pected to fail or to fare poorly. San Diego, a eci e U(D&*D0), so'ehow 'anage to "ull out a win against the ivision-lea ing Mia'i tea'. underwhelm (un- ur-;8&2M), verb To fail to impress or e!cite. &"nformal.' A!ter all the hy"e 'oney coul buy, the "lay o"ene to a wave o! reviews written by unani'ously U(D&*8;&2M&D critics. unequaled (un-&&-kwul ), a +ective -nmatched; without serious competition. #he sales'an bragge o! the car-s DU(&:UA2&D level o! trouble-!ree "er!or'ance,E but it broke own within two weeks o! the ti'e we bought it. unfaltering (un-9A22-tur-ing), a +ective -nwavering; steadfast. 9rank-s U(9A2#&*%() co'"osure on the witness stan , even un er intense cross-e3a'ination, i'"resse us all. ungrammatical (un-gruh-MA#-ih-kul), a +ective "n violation of grammatical rules. 9re -s use o! such U()*AMMA#%CA2 sentences as D;i' an 'e want to talk at youE i n-t score hi' any "oints with the college "resi ent. unilateral (yoo-ni-2A#-ur-el), a +ective -ndertaken independently, although likely to have implications for others &for instance, allies, associates, or family members'. A unilateral decision is one made with no consultation of affected parties.
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#he allies resolve that no 'e'ber country woul take any U(%2A#&*A2 act that 'ight threaten 'utual security. unique (yoo-(&&$), a +ective Singular; alone in a particular class. 6ro!essor 8atson woul always scol 'e when % escribe so'ething as Dvery U(%:U&E as so'ething that is U(%:U& is by e!inition un"arallele , an there!ore cannot be 'o i!ie with a wor like very. unkempt (un-$&M6#), a +ective 6isheveled or messy; lacking care in aspect or look. #he witness-s story was believable, but the e!en ant-s lawyer worrie about his U($&M6# a""earance. unmitigated (un-M%;-tih-gay-tu ), a +ective #omplete and without e!ception; unalloyed; sheer or outright. *on, who ha worke on his article !or si3 'onths, rea the acce"tance letter !ro' the (ew 5orker with U(M%#%)A#&D +oy. unobtrusive (un-ub-#*00-siv), a +ective +ot easily seen or noticed; not showy in nature. #he guar s resse in civilian clothes, taking seriously the "o" star-s re7uest that his security etail be as U(0B#*US%,& as "ossible. unorthodox (un-0*#;-uh- ocks), a +ective #haracteri$ed by breaking with custom and tradition due to independence of spirit. #he teacher-s U(0*#;0D0B 'etho s got 'any stu ents to evelo" an a""reciation !or learning. unprecedented (un-6*&SS-uh- ent-u ), a +ective +ew; unparalleled; not having been done before. #he stu io grante 2ewisohn U(6*&C&D&(#&D access to the grou"-s session ta"es an relate recor ing 'aterials. unremitting (un-ruh-M%##-ing), a +ective 0ersistent; relentless. An U(*&M%##%() rain s"oile our "lans !or a "icnic. untold (un-#02D), a +ective +ot counted. Also* not revealed.

)reg use U(#02D "a s o! "a"er in constructing the !irst ra!t o! his e"ic. unwarranted (un-80*&-un-tu ), a +ective ;roundless; lacking factual basis. #he e!ense will "rove each an every one o! these U(8A**A(#&D accusations to be !alse, 5our ;onor. unwitting (un-8%#-ting), a +ective -naware; unintentional. Also* unintended. )reg was shocke to learn that he ha been the U(8%##%() stooge o! a !oreign es"ionage organi.ation. upheaval (u"-;&&-vul), noun A sudden, violent change. )iven the sense o! U6;&A,A2 in the e"art'ent a!ter the irector-s resignation, it-s not too sur"rising that "ro uctivity has !allen. upside (U6-si e), noun The positive aspect of a situation; particularly, the potential profit in a business proposal. #he U6S%D& o! investing in the *ussian co'"any was consi erable, but there were consi erable risks as well. upstage (u"-S#A5/), verb To distract attention from &a person undertaking an act supposedly of primary interest'. To upstage, in the theatrical sense, is to stand behind the main action of a scene and distract the audience. % a' not accusto'e to being U6S#A)&D uring a "resentation, 6eter. upthrust (U6-thrust), noun Juick, strong upward movement in the national economy or in the stock market. #his !inancial writer !eels that the current U6#;*US# in the 'arket cannot be sustaine . usury (500-sur-ee), noun )!cessive interest on a loan. Someone who demands e!travagant payment in e!change for money lent out practices usury. #he rates you are charging !or this loan you consi er D !air,E sir, bor er on USU*5. utopia (yoo-#0&-"ee-uh), noun A &theoretical' perfect society or paradise. -topia was coined by using
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;reek forms to produce a word meaning 4nowhere.5 Any notion that granting eighteen-year-ol s the right to vote woul turn the country into a "astoral, stri!e-!ree U#06%A was 7uickly is"roven. vagabond (,A)-uh-bon ), a +ective 9eading the life of a person who has no home; transient. %van-s ,A)AB0(D e3istence was not easy, but he was inure to it. valiant (,A2-yunt), a +ective #ourageous, bold; brave. % 'a e a ,A2%A(# e!!ort to co'"lete the "ro+ect by the ea line, but in the en % ha to get an e3tension !ro' 'y boss. validate (,A2-ih- ate), verb To substantiate or confirm; to make valid. % won-t ,A2%DA#& your accusations with a res"onse. vamoose (vah-M00S&), verb To depart in haste; to leave hurriedly. 8e-ve got a !ull ay o! travel ahea o! usA let-s ,AM00S&. vanguard (,A(-gar ), noun The most advanced groups &of a military force or social movement, for instance'. That which is at the forefront is in the vanguard. Dali was the !irst to a 'it that he took !ull !inancial a vantage o! his "osition at the ,A()UA*D o! the Surrealist 'ove'ent. vanquish (,A(-kwish), verb To defeat, as in combat. ;aving ,A(:U%S;&D the ene'y, the general returne victorious to his native lan . vehement (,&&-uh-'ent), a +ective Strongly felt or marked by high emotion. That which is forceful and emphatic is vehement. Congress overro e the 6resi ent-s veto a!ter 'any 'e'bers ha o"enly e3"resse their ,&;&M&(# issatis!action with A 'inistration "olicy. veneer (vuh-(&&*), noun A thin surface layer; a coating; a superficial surface or deceptive appearance.

#hough it was not rea ily a""arent to those who ha n-t seen the su"ervisor in action, his ,&(&&* o! cal' an a""roachability 'aske the te'"er an tolerance o! a three-year-ol . vent (vent), verb To relieve pressure by giving e!pression to something, in the way a vent allows steam to escape. #he boss 'a e 'e so 'a that % i n-t !eel back to nor'al until % was able to ,&(# to 'y wi!e about the situation. verification (veh-rih-!ih-$A5-shun), noun Something that confirms. % coul !in no ,&*%9%CA#%0( o! the author-s clai' that he ha 'et with ;e'ingway in the early twenties. veritable (,&*-ih-tuh-bull), a +ective Authentic; true. That which is undeniably legitimate or actual is veritable. #he car boar bo3es containe a ,&*%#AB2& treasure trove o! Civil 8ar arti!acts, "robably worth tens o! thousan s o! ollars. vernacular (ver-(A$-yoo-lur), noun an a +ective The mode of e!pression in language accepted in a given circle. As an ad/ective, vernacular describes the quality of being common to a particular group2s or region2s speech. % saw that Cle'ent was once again into3icate 1or Dblaste ,E to use the ,&*(ACU2A* he see's to "re!er. versatile (,&*-suh-tl), a +ective #apable of doing many tasks, or prone to frequent changes. Mike is a ,&*SA#%2& baseball "layer because he can "lay the in!iel or the out!iel with e7ual a"lo'b. vertigo (,U*-tih-go), noun A sensation of di$$iness and disorientation. Eertigo is a feeling of tilting or spinning. /ane was overco'e with a su en bout o! ,&*#%)0 as the shi" le!t "ort. vestige (,&SS-ti), noun A remaining sample of something no longer common. That which represents something now lost is a vestige.
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#he last ,&S#%)& o! truly no'a ic %n ian li!e was wi"e out at 8oun e $neeA !ro' that "oint on, (ative A'ericans woul be !orce either to assi'ilate with the settlers or to live on the reservation. vex (ve3), verb To irritate or bother. Although his school !rien s constantly tease hi' about his ballet lessons, $en never allowe their co''ents to ,&B hi'. vial (,%&-ul), noun A small container &usually glass' used to hold liquids, medicines, and the like. #he octor gave 'e a s'all ,%A2 o! the rug !or use over the weeken , an a written "rescri"tion so % coul get 'ore !ro' the "har'acy on Mon ay. vigilant (,%/-uh-lunt), a +ective Alert and watchful in order to detect danger. My ,%)%2A(# watch og barks at the slightest soun . vindicate (,%(- ih-kate), verb 0roven correct or innocent despite previous indications to the contrary. To be vindicated is to have one2s name cleared after being falsely suspected of something. #he test results ,%(D%CA#&D the athleteC there was no trace o! any illicit substance in his bloo strea'. virile (,%*-ul), a +ective <orcefully masculine. Someone who is virile is characteri$ed by the drive and energy thought to be common among men. %t was har !or 'e to "icture 'y gran !ather as the ,%*%2& young 'an bea'ing out !ro' that ol "hotogra"h. virtually (,U*-choo-uh-lee), a verb )!isting in effect, although not in actual fact or form. 6aul ha been worrie about his !irst ay at work !or weeks, so it ca'e as a sur"rise to hi' when he "asse his !irst ay in the o!!ice with ,%*#UA225 no nervousness. viscosity (vis-$0SS-ih-tee), noun The thickness of a liquid.

#he 'echanic working on 'y car reco''en e % switch to a bran o! 'otor oil with a higher ,%SC0S%#5. vivacious (vy-,A5-shuss), a +ective Spirited. That which is full of life is vivacious. #he novelist-s characters are saucy an ,%,AC%0US, but the situations they !ace are, alas, ea ly ull. vivid (,%,-i ), a +ective (rilliant; resplendent and gaily colored. Also* described or capable of describing with great precision and detail; related in such a way as to leave a distinct impression. /ulius, a boy with a ,%,%D i'agination, coul a'use hi'sel! in his roo' !or hours 'aking u" stories an a ventures !or his toy sol iers. volatile (,02-uh-tull), a +ective 0otentially unstable. That which is likely to shift or change suddenly is volatile. 8e shoul have known that asking those two to work together a!ter the ivorce woul lea to a ,02A#%2& work environ'ent. voluptuous (vuh-2U6-shoo-uss), a +ective Sensually en/oyable. Eoluptuous can also refer to that which calls to mind sensual pleasure. #he bestselling writer showe u" !ashionably late in a long black li'ousine, acco'"anie by a ,02U6#U0US co'"anion whose na'e we never learne . voracious (vo-*A5-shuss), a +ective ;reedily hungry. Someone who is gluttonous or ravenous is voracious. #o' is a ,0*AC%0US rea erA % believe he has been through every volu'e in our "ublic library. vortex (,0*-te3), noun A whirlpool or whirlwind; a spinning mass of liquid or flame capable of drawing ob/ects into it; something regarded as capable of drawing other entities into its current with great strength. &ven as the two nations sli""e ine3orably towar the ,0*#&B o! war, the 'ainstrea' "ress !ocuse on trivialities. waft (wa!t), verb
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To carry lightly, as if caught in a bree$e. #he scent o! brea 8A9#&D !ro' the corner bakery. wallow (8A22-lo), verb To immerse oneself in utterly. 9iterally, to wallow in something is to roll around in it. /oan-s reviews were certainly un!lattering, but in 'y o"inion, she 8A2208&D in sel!-"ity a!ter o"ening night an i the cast an crew o! the show a isservice. wan (wahn), a +ective ,ithout color; pallid; pale. 9rankie looke thin an 8A( a!ter his long bout o! 'ononucleosis. wane (wane), verb To decrease in si$e, power, or intensity; to diminish; to decline. Stanley took u" 9rench, ancing, backga''on 1he even learne the basics o! horticulture1anything to rekin le his girl!rien -s 8A(%() interest in their relationshi". wary (8A*&-ee), a +ective On guard; watchful of danger; leery; suspicious. Although the new "ro+ect has un eniable "otential, %-' 8A*5 about #e -s clai' that he can bring the "ro uct to 'arket by the !irst o! /anuary. watershed (8A;-ter-she ), noun An important event that serves to distinguish two separate phases. 9iterally, a watershed is a ridge that diverts water in a new direction. #he new ar's agree'ent is being toute as a 8A#&*S;&D in &ast-8est relations. waver (8A5-vur), verb To sway; to quiver or flutter; also, to move back and forth on an issue before making a final decision. Although the a 'inistration i its ut'ost to secure legislative su""ort !or the controversial initiative, three 8A,&*%() senators announce their o""osition to it last night, thus guaranteeing that the bill will never 'ake its way out o! co''ittee. wean (ween), verb

To withdraw from a habit or form of en/oyment. The phrase 4wean on5 suggests accustoming someone to something at an early age. Sasha is a great "ianist because she was "ractically 8&A(&D on Beethoven. whimsical (8%M-.ih-kul), a +ective <anciful; given to acting on sudden notions or ideas. /ohn is known as a real sour"uss aroun the o!!ice, but as his college roo''ate % can tell you he has his 8;%MS%CA2 si e. whittle (;8%#-ul), verb To shape a piece of wood and make it smooth by shaving or carving off pieces. % thought 8;%##2%() was a "retty useless activity until % saw the beauti!ul walking stick Uncle 4eke ha whittle !or )ran "a. who"s (hoo.e), contraction ,ho is. &See, for comparison, the entry for whose.' 8;0-S going to the !air with 'e tonightF whose (hoo.e), "ossessive "ronoun (elonging to whom. &See, for comparison, the entry for who2s.' 8;0S& i ea was it to go to the !air tonightF wily (8%2&-ee), a +ective #unning; shrewd; clever or crafty. 0ur 8%25 little "u""y 7uickly learne that he coul esca"e !ro' the yar by igging a hole un er the !ence. withered (8%#;-ur ), a +ective Shriveled; wrinkled and dried up. %t 'a e #i' sa to reali.e that the oak tree he ha such !un cli'bing as a chil was now too 8%#;&*&D an ol !or his son to ascen sa!ely. woeful (80;-!ul), a +ective <illed with sorrow; in a sorry state, filled with woe. 8hen the ho'e tea' lost the ga'e in the !inal secon s, the 80&9U2 crow gas"e then went silent. wok (wok), noun A bowl7shaped skillet used in Oriental cooking. /eb, who coul work won ers in the kitchen with his 80$, treate us to
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an e3cellent stir-!rie vegetable an chicken ish. wrest (rest), verb To take away; to pull away forcefully. 8hen it co'es to ealing with !rien s who are runk an want to rive ho'e by the'selves, Mr. 6owell a vocates tact!ul suggestions, shrew negotiation, an , i! all else !ails, an outright atte'"t to 8*&S# the keys away !ro' the "erson. writhe (rythe), verb To twist &the body', especially in reaction to pain or strong sensation. To writhe is to twist the body or squirm. #he in+ure og 8*%#;&D in agony, but soon cal'e own when the vet a 'inistere a local anesthetic. wunderkind (,00(- ur-kin ), noun #hild prodigy. Although he ie young, Mo.art, a 8U(D&*$%(D whose career in 'usic began at the age o! si3, ha a career that s"anne two an a hal! eca es. yarmulke (5A*-'ul-kuh), noun A skullcap7like headpiece worn by Cewish men &especially those following Orthodo! or #onservative traditions'. The yarmulke is worn during religious services or prayer. 8inston was unsure whether he was su""ose to wear a 5A*MU2$& at the we ingA a!ter all, he was a )entile. your (yore), "ossessive "ronoun (elonging to you. &See, for comparison, the entry for you2re.' 8here is 50U* +acket, Davi F you"re (yore), contraction Gou are. &See, for comparison, the entry for your.' Are you sure 50U-*& going to go to the "arty tonightF zealot (4&2-ut), noun A fervent or fanatical partisan &in favor of a certain cause'. A $ealot is a person who shows great $eal. Although he i not 'in overlooking an occasional error in "roce ure, Mr. 9allow was a 4&A20# when it ca'e to "osting correct nu'bers !or an accounting "erio . zenith (4&&-nith), noun

The highest point attained. A $enith is the ape! of something. $ou!a3-s career reache its 4&(%#; in <O>H, when he won =M ga'es an was awar e the Cy 5oung Awar unani'ously. zest (.est), noun ;usto; vigor; spice; en/oyment. Annabel-s 4&S# !or li!e le her enthusiastically into 'o ern ance, 'ountain cli'bing, an untol hours o! volunteer work. abbess (AB-iss), noun A head nun in charge of a convent; a mother superior. #he ol ABB&SS generally ran a strict convent, so on 'y birth ay % was a'a.e to !in she- le!t a bo3 o! chocolates on 'y rea ing table. abecedarian (ay-bee-see-DA*&-ee-un), noun A beginner; someone /ust learning the rudiments of a task, skill, /ob, etc. 6aul is an e3"ert in a sea kayak, but when it co'es to snow skiing, he-s an AB&C&DA*%A(. aboriginal (ab-uh-*%D)&-ih-nul), a +ective "ndigenous or native to an area; the first of its kind in a region. Aboriginal pertains most commonly to the aborigines in Australia. .owever, the most complete definition of the word is something that e!isted first in an area. The aborigines in Australia were that area2s first inhabitants. #he )eneral Asse'bly was "resente with a "etition on environ'ental 'atters signe by re"resentatives o! the worl -s various AB0*%)%(A2 "eo"les. absinthe (AB-sinth), noun A green alcoholic liqueur flavored with wormwood and having narcotic qualities. Be!ore the beverage was banne in the early "art o! this century, a great 'any A'ericans were a icte to ABS%(#;&. accede (ak-S&&D), verb To give one2s consent. To accede is to signal one2s acceptance of
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something. To formally accept a high position is to accede. Therefore, someone who accepts a position accedes to that office. #he college "resi ent eventually ACC&D&D to the e'an s o! the stu ent e'onstrators. acculturation (uh-kul-chu-*A5-shun), noun Alteration of one culture traceable to interaction with another. Acculturation describes the process of cultural influences as well as the means by which the culture of a particular culture is instilled in a human being. 8hile there are o!ten severe a +ust'ent "roble's a'ong senior citi.ens who i''igrate to this country, ACCU2#U*A#%0( a'ong younger chil ren occurs re'arkably 7uickly. acuity (uh-$U&-uh-tee), a +ective Heen, as in the mind or the senses; deft. Although 6ro!essor $ane a 'itte that /or an-s chess ACU%#5 was i'"ressive !or one so young, he i not agree that the boy was rea y to co'"ete "ro!essionally. adjure (a -/00*), verb To command solemnly as if under oath. To ad/ure is to command or en/oin solemnly, often under the threat of some sort of penalty. #he witnesses were AD/U*&D to avoi any contact with the accuse . adumbrate (ADD-u'-brate), verb To suggest or disclose something partially. #he !actory workers were nervous when they learne the owner ha ADUMB*A#&D a "lan !or layo!!s. aesthetic (us-#;&#-ik), a +ective Of or related to a sense of what is attractive or beautiful. Also* related to sensation and feeling as contrasted with reason or logic. Aesthetics is the science that e!amines how people react to art and to beauty. Something that is aesthetically pleasing is in keeping with one2s standards of scale, structure, clarity, and attractiveness. %t is not 'y "lace to co''ent on the A&S#;&#%CS o! the carA % a' here to

re"ort on whether it won the race, which it i . afflatus (uh-92A5-tuss), noun <rom the 9atin meaning 4a breathing on,5 afflatus is inspiration that seems to come from divine origin. Beethoven hi'sel! o!ten attribute his genius to A992A#US, rather than to his own abilities. agape (ah-)A;-"ay), noun "n #hristianity, divine love for humanity, or human love that transcends customary boundaries. Agape is the ;reek word for love. Today, it is often used to describe an unselfish love that goes beyond se!uality or other worldly concerns. #he nurse-s work a'ong the "oor an is"ossesse see'e roote , not in a well-'eaning an te'"orary hu'anitarian instinct, but in a ee"er an 'ore "ro!oun A)A6& totally un!a'iliar to 'ost o! us. aggiornamento (uh-+oarn-uh-M&(-toe), noun This "talian word means moderni$ation, the concern with bringing something up to date. #he A))%0*(AM&(#0 o! the <OHGs-era o!!ice buil ing is taking 'uch longer than e3"ecte because o! the e i!ice-s anti7uate wiring. agglomerate (uh-)2A;M-uh-rate), verb To gather items into a ball or cluster. 6hil is so la.y he see's to think his +ob is +ust to A))20M&*A#& all the "ieces o! "a"er in the recycle bin. agrarian (uh-)*A*&-ee-un), a +ective elating to or concerning the land or farming. %t a'a.e the census taker that these !ar'ers, living only a short rive !ro' the big city, coul 'aintain their s'all A)*A*%A( co''unity with so little i!!iculty. ague (A)-you), noun A malarial fever marked by drastic fits of hot and cold sweats. 0ur e3"e ition own the (ile ca'e to an abru"t halt when our navigator was struck with an attack o! A)U&. aleatory (A5-lee-uh-tore-ee), a +ective Of or by chance. Also, relating to luck . . . especially bad luck.
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%! you-re honest with yoursel!, Bob, you- ll have to a 'it that your current circu'stances have 'ore to o with your rinking than with the "urely A2&A#0*5 whi's o! nature. alchemy (A2-kuh-'ee), noun A medieval chemical philosophy in which the goal was to convert base metals into gold; also, any supposedly magical power of transformation or instant creation of wealth. Staring at a "rintout in icating an JH-"ercent short!all in "ro+ecte inco'e !or the !irst three 7uarters, the "resi ent o! the !ir' re'arke bitterly that an A2C;&M5 e"art'ent woul o the !ir' 'ore goo than its research an evelo"'ent tea' ha . amanuensis (uh-'an-you-8;&(-suss), noun A secretary, especially one whose principal duties involve copying manuscripts or taking dictation. % i n-t s"en seven years in college to be an AMA(U&(S%S to a no-talent hack who calls hi'sel! a writer@ amatory (AM-uh-tore-ee), a +ective .aving to do with se!ual love. /i' hasn-t sto""e sulking since ;elen re"elle his AMA#0*5 a vances at the o!!ice Christ'as "arty. amerce (uh-M&*SS), verb To punish, especially to punish with a monetary amount set by a court. Barbara always watches her s"ee since she was AM&*C&D to the tune o! a week-s "ay. amortize (A;-'uhr-ti.e), verb To settle a debt by means of installment payments. Also* to write off an asset2s value over a certain period. To amorti$e is to liquidate with periodic payments. #he ebt will be co'"letely AM0*#%4&D in two years. ampersand (AM-"er-san ), noun The symbol 4K5; represents the word 4and.5 9or the cor"orate logo she was esigning, the gra"hic artist eci e to use an AM6&*SA(D instea o! the bulkier wor Dan .E anagram (A(-uh-gra'), noun

A word game in which the letters of one or more words are reassembled to make a new word or phrase. 9rank loves A(A)*AMS. ;is !avorite !or D)eorge 8. BushE is DBrew &gos Ugh@E analogous (uh-(A2-uh-gus), a +ective Similar to such a degree that an analogy may be drawn. An analogy is a similarity or comparison between two items, ideas, or features; something is analogous to something else when it can be shown to share a significant corresponding element with it. ;istorically, the A'erican e3"ansion westwar to the 6aci!ic is A(A20)0US to the *ussian e3"ansion eastwar across Siberia. andante (on-D0(#-ay), noun an a +ective ?oderately slow tempo. D)oo ness, Sarah,E e3clai'e the 'usic teacher, D it says QA(DA(#&,- but you on-t have to "lay it like a irge@E anfractuous (an-9*AC$-chuh-wuss), a +ective <ull of windings and intricacies. This is a good word to describe e!tremely convoluted mysteries. #he A(9*AC#U0US "lot o! the recent s"y 'ovie turne 'e o!! so 'uch that % on-t inten to see the !il'-s se7uel. anglicize (A()-gli-si.e), verb To render into the forms of )nglish or to make similar to )nglish. To anglici$e a word or name is to change it in a way that allows it to resemble other )nglish words more closely. ?any immigrants to this country anglici$ed family names &for instance, from (odini to (onney'. My gran !ather ca'e to this country in <OGL un er the na'e o! Mikhail 4arensky, which he A()2%C%4&D to Michael 4are. animadversion (an-uh-'a -,&*-.hun), noun )!tremely harsh criticism that typically suggests the critici$er disapproves of what is being critici$ed. #he boss-s A(%MAD,&*S%0(S le to high sta!! turnover.
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animus (A(-uh-'uss), noun <rom the 9atin meaning 4mind5 or 4spirit,5 the word animus has two very different meanings. "t can refer to a person2s basic governing spirit, but it also can refer to pre/udiced ill will. Don-s A(%MUS is one o! cal'ness an "eace since he took u" "racticing transcen ental 'e itation. anneal (U;-neal), verb To strengthen or toughen via difficult situations and e!periences. 9ar !ro' 'aking hi' es"on ent, Bill see's A((&A2&D since his 'arriage en e . anomie (an-uh-M&&), noun "n society, unrest or instability that arises from a collapse in values and systems of order; for an individual, feelings of alienation, insecurity, and discontent, largely do to one2s loss or confusion over ideals or purpose in life. #here were so'e who s"eculate that the is'al state o! the econo'y, co'bine with a general !eeling o! A(0M%& a'ong citi.ens, coul lea the country to revolution. anthropomorphic (an-thro-"uh-M0*&-!ik), a +ective Attributing human characteristics to animals or other nonhumans. 8alt Disney knew that his A(#;*060M0*6;%C creations woul be i'"ortant to the success o! his !il's. antinomy (an-#%(-uh-'e), noun Another word for 4parado!,5 the apparent contradiction between two apparently equally valid ideas, statements, etc. 5es, Sally, % think it-s an A(#%(0M5 to say you hate how e3"ensive that store is when you-re always sho""ing there@ apercu (a"-er-SU&), noun <rom the <rench meaning 4to perceive,5 an apercu is an immediate impression one gets from a person, situation, etc. Also, an apercu is a brief outline or synopsis. #he "ro!essor-s A6&*CU o! /a'es /oyce-s Ulysses +ust le!t 'e !eeling even 'ore con!use . aphasia (uh-9A5-.huh), noun

The inability, brought on by brain damage, to understand words andFor ideas. A!ter his car acci ent Marcus retaine all o! his "hysical !aculties, but su!!ere 'inor A6;AS%A that 'a e it i!!icult !or hi' to s"eak coherently. aphorism (A59-ur-i.-u'), noun A short saying that illustrates an important principle or observation. An aphorism is a concise summation of opinion or received wisdom, for e!ample* 4Gou never get a second chance to make a first impression.5 &arly A'erican rea ers !oun 9ranklin-s 6oor *ichar -s Al'anac to be a rich re"ository o! wit, "olitical co''entary, !orecasts, hu'or, A6;0*%SMS, an una"ologetic gossi". apogee (A6-uh-gee), noun Originally used to describe the distance at which an ob/ect circling the )arth is farthest away from the planet, apogee has come generally to mean 4culmination5 or 4highest point.5 D5ou know, Steve,E Alison sai , D it-s a sha'e that the A60)&& o! your li!e is being able to belch the entire al"habet.E aporia (uh-60*&-ee-uh), noun Often associated with philosopher Cacques 6errida and his theory of deconstruction, aporia is the /aw7dropping feeling that occasionally overcomes us when we contemplate the world2s parado!es and mysteries. &gg-laying 'a''als like the "laty"us !ill 'e with A60*%A. argosy (are-guh-S&&), noun Originally used to mean a large ship or fleet of ships, argosy is more commonly used to denote a rich supply of anything. 8hen the villagers walke into the ecease her'it-s ho'e, they !oun his o'icile to be an A*)0S5 o! iscar e bottles, cans, an co'ic books. argot (are-)0), noun This <rench word denotes 4secret5 words and idioms used by particular groups.
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8ith the a vent o! te3t 'essaging, it has beco'e even 'ore i!!icult to !ollow the A*)0# o! teenagers. arrogate (A%*-uh-gate), verb To demand something for oneself or to take control without authority. #he way (elson A**0)A#&S o!!ice 'eetings rives his coworkers cra.y@ ascetic (uh-S&#-ik), noun A person who chooses a life of constant and strict self7denial, usually as an act of faith. An ascetic is someone who foregoes the conveniences of society in order to lead a life of self7discipline and contemplation. Asceticism is the body of beliefs and philosophies by which ascetics live their lives. At !irst Michael ha oubts about his religious calling, but he eventually iscovere that his ten ency towar solitu e an intros"ection were well suite to the li!e o! an ASC&#%C. assignation (as-ig-(A5-shun), noun A rather stuffy word for a rather 4unstuffy5 sub/ect, an assignation is a secret meeting between lovers. #he ASS%)(A#%0(S between the countess an the stable boy cause tongues to wag throughout the town. atavistic (at-uh-,%S-tic), a +ective .aving characteristics regressing to a more primitive type; resembling a distant relative. % can-t hel" thinking that when the 'en all congregate aroun the barbecue, so'e A#A,%S#%C instinct !ro' the stone age is at work. augur (A8-gur), verb To foretell future events, as though by supernatural knowledge or power; to divine; to indicate a future trend or happening. #he chair'an-s sour 'oo this 'orning oes not AU)U* well !or that bu get "ro"osal we 'a e. azimuth (A4-uh-'uth), noun The distance in degrees in a clockwise direction from the southernmost point of a body. #he A4%MU#; between the 'ain 'ast an the sea varie as the boat

"itche in the waves. bacchanalian (back-uh-(A%2-yuhn), a +ective 6runken and carousing. #he !raternity brothers see'e to have an insatiable a""etite !or BACC;A(A2%A( revelry. basilica (buh-S%22-ih-kuh), noun An oblong building used as a #hristian church, especially one built in medieval "taly with strong hori$ontal accents and little attempt at rhythmic internal design; a building reminiscent of such a structure. #he highlight o! our visit to *o'e was our visit to St. 6eter-s BAS%2%CA. bathos (BA#;-oss), noun Something e!cessively trivial, sentimental, or melodramatic; also, a ludicrous change from the high7minded to the commonplace. #he "lay-s BA#;0S 'a e it har !or 'e to take it seriously, but /une thought it was the 'ost 'oving ra'a she ha ever seen. benighted (bee-(5#-e ), a +ective "gnorant or unenlightened. Also* lost in night or darkness. A person in intellectual or moral darkness is said to be benighted. A culture or time that is considered primitive or crude can also be said to be benighted. %t was a B&(%);#&D era o! su"erstition an !olly, yet its "roble's were not all that i!!erent !ro' ours. bibelot (B&&-buh-low), noun A beautiful trinket. #he rest o! the !a'ily is'isse the contents o! )ran 'a-s +ewelry bo3 as +unk, but % !oun a !ew B%B&20#S. bibulous (B%B-yuh-luss), a +ective Ah, a fancy word for one of humankind2s favorite activities* drinkingI (ibulous is related to drinking or to drunkenness. 5ou 'ay think you-re D!ine,E but your B%BU20US activities will "ut you in the "oorhouse or in +ail one o! these ays@ bildungsroman (B%22- ungs-roh-'an), noun "mpress your friends with this ;erman word for a coming7of7age novel, such as
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#he Catcher in the *ye or Bastar 0ut o! Carolina. % en+oye 6ro!essor )raha'-s class, but % wish he ha n-t li'ite us to stu ies o! B%2DU()S*0MA(S. bilge (bil+), noun The lowest portion of a ship2s hull. #he sailors venture own to the bowels o! the shi" to !in that the B%2)& ha s"rung a leak. biogenesis (bye-oh-/&(-ih-siss), noun The process of life arising from other living things. (iogenesis, a scientific word, was coined by T... .u!ley in %A@D. B%0)&(&S%S involves an unen ing regenerative cycle o! li!e an eath. bluejacket (B200-+ak-eht), noun A person enlisted in the -nited States or (ritish +avy. Because San Diego is a big (avy town, 'any o! its nightclubs cater to B2U&/AC$&#S an attract !ew civilians. bonhomie (bohn-uh-M&&), noun A pleasant disposition. Bill-s atte'"ts at B0(;0M%& were usually !utile, li'ite to a curt an !orce DhelloE !or each sta!! 'e'ber as the ay began. bouillabaisse (B00-yuh-base), noun A stew made from various kinds of fish, usually shellfish. A!ter Uncle Charlie hel"e us clean the !ish an cla's we- caught, Aunt 6attie showe us how to 'ake her !a'ous B0U%22ABA%SS&. bovine (B0-vine), a +ective Of or resembling a cow or o!; dull. #he har est "art o! teaching high school !or 'e has been getting use to the look o! B0,%(& sub'issiveness on 'ost o! 'y stu ents- !aces. brummagem (B*U;M-uh-+uh'), noun or a +ective 6escribes something that looks great but performs poorly, or brummagem can be used as the name for such a thing. % woul have been better o!! getting an ol hea" with a goo engine than buying this sna..y-looking B*UMMA)&M. bugaboo (BU)-uh-boo), noun

An ob/ect of fear. Something that causes worry or dismay is a bugaboo. % ho"e you-re not going to be swaye by the ol BU)AB00 that changing a "ackage esign is a sure way to kill a "ro uct. bumptious (BUM6-shuss), a +ective Overbearing or crudely assertive. Someone who is bumptious is overly pushy or impertinent. 8e ha i!!iculty crossing the bor er because (an got into a s7uabble with a BUM6#%0US bor er guar . burlesque (burr-2&S$), a +ective This <rench word concerns literary works or plays that mock conventions by grotesquely caricaturing them. #he "lay was intentionally BU*2&S:U& because the ra'atist was trying to "oint out the absur ity o! racial hatre . cadre ($A;- ray), noun This <rench word refers to the backbone or framework of a group, typically a government or military agency. &ven a!ter the war en e , a nu'ber o! o!!icers were le!t to !or' a CAD*& in or er to 7uell !uture unrest in the region. cambric ($AM-brik), noun A variety of fine linen. My gran 'other gave us a beauti!ul CAMB*%C tablecloth as a we ing "resent. canard (kuh-(A*D), noun A fabrication or unfounded story. Someone who spreads a rumor he knows to be false and harmful would be guilty of circulating a canard. #he clai' that the "resi ent o! the co'"any is likely to resign soon has been throughly iscre ite , but you will still hear so'e 'e'bers o! the o""osition s"rea ing the CA(A*D. canon ($A;-nun), noun A principle governing political or religious groups; a law or set of laws. &arly in the "lay, ;a'let e3"resses his wish that )o D ha not !i3- his CA(0( Qgainst sel!-slaughter.E canonical (kuh-(0(-ih-kuhl), a +ective "n accordance with or conforming to established &church' law. Also* accepted as belonging within a body of work &especially the (ible'.
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Orthodo! behavior can be said to be canonical. #he CA(0(%CA2 re7uire'ents o! the sect were stringent an i!!icult to obey. caste (kast), noun A social class marked by strong hereditary and cultural ties. #aste also refers to the strict set of social boundaries and customs determined by birth within .indu society. 8hen *olan 'arrie the aughter o! a sho"kee"er, he was accuse by so'e o! having betraye his CAS#&. catarrh (kuh-#A**), noun An inflammation of the mucous membrane, especially one affecting the throat or nose. Dr. Alon.o "ro'ise us that his s"ecial eli3ir woul relieve any an all illnesses, inclu ing in!luen.a, CA#A**;, an snakebite. catharsis (kuh-#;A*-siss), noun To purify and re/uvenate the body and spirit by purging them of whatever is causing problems; to release tensions and achieve renewal by an outpouring of emotion. /i''y-s thera"ist suggeste that the young boy take u" "ainting as a 'eans o! achieving a CA#;A*S%S a!ter his !ather-s eath. censer (S&(-sur), noun A vessel for burning incense. 9ather *iley looke in vain !or the altar boy, then "lace the C&(S&* on the altar hi'sel!. cerebellum (sare-uh-B&22-u'), noun A region of the brain located at the back of the cerebrum and the brain stem; the portion of the brain concerned with muscle coordination and bodily equilibrium. Mary-s !re7uent i..iness a!ter the car acci ent le octors to believe that there 'ight have been an in+ury to her C&*&B&22UM. cerulean (suh-*U&-lee-un), a +ective The color of the sky. #he brochure tol 'e to e3"ect "er!ectly C&*U2&A( skies, but it raine so 'uch uring 'y vacation that % never saw the'.

chiaroscuro (kee-are-uh-SCU*&-oh), noun This "talian word means a pattern of light and dark &or light and shadow' in a painting or literary work. #he "ower o! the "ainting co'es !ro' its C;%A*0SCU*0, which see's to in icate loo'ing isaster. chimera ($%-'er-uh), noun "n ;reek mythology, a chimera is a terrifying monster, a cross between a lion, a goat, and a dragon. "n modern times the word has come to mean an illusion of the mind or a dream that can2t possibly be reali$ed. 2eon-s "ain!ul shyness has beco'e a C;%M&*A that kee"s hi' !ro' reali.ing his goal o! !in ing true love. chimerical (kih-MA*&-ih-kull), a +ective <anciful, imaginary, or unreal. A chimerical event is one that seems dreamlike or surrealistic. A C;%M&*%CA2 lan sca"e greete those brave enough to e'erge !ro' the shi". chloroform ($20*&-uh-!or'), noun A colorless, to!ic liquid chemical possessing a strong ether smell, and sometimes used as an anesthetic. 6olice !oun a C;20*090*M soake -rag on the !loor o! the stu y an sur'ise that the ki na""ers ha use it to knock Mr. *obinson out. cinephile (S%(-uh-!ile), noun One who loves movies and is e!tremely knowledgeable about them. The word usually contains the suggestion that the movie7lover prefers obscure cult or foreign films rather than .ollywood blockbusters. &laine is such a C%(&6;%2& that she won-t even go to see a !il' without subtitles. circumflex (SU*-ku'-!le3), noun An accent mark &L' placed over a letter to indicate a certain pronunciation. Much to the is'ay o! the &uro"ean +ournalists in town to cover the roa race, the A'erican ty"ewriters in their hotels ha no keys !or C%*CUM92&B&S or other accent 'arks. claque (klak), noun
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A group of people hired to applaud at an entertainment event. #he !irst co'e ian was absolutely terribleA i! it ha n-t been !or the C2A:U& the 'anage'ent ha asse'ble at the last 'inute, there woul n-t have been any a""lause at all. climacteric (klih-MAC$-ter-ick), a +ective or noun "n ancient ;reece, the climacterics were considered important years in a person2s life, times when great changes occurred. Today, one meaning of climacteric is 4menopause,5 but it also means any pivotal time in a person2s life. A!ter )wen gra uate !ro' college an 'ove across the country, her li!e was !ille with C2%MAC#&*%C events. codger ($0D-+ur), noun A peculiar or eccentric man, generally of advanced years. 0ur ne3t- oor neighbor was Mr. 6ott'an, a likeable C0D)&* who use to wash his car every a!ternoon, even i! it ha raine in the 'orning. coeval (koh-&&-vuhl), a +ective or noun Of the same period, having the same duration, or being of the same age. %t-s interesting to think that the s7ueaky clean Cleavers o! 9eave "t to (eaver an the "olite society-shunning 'e'bers o! the Beat )eneration were C0&,A2S. cogent ($0&-+unt), a +ective #ompelling or convincing. Something that appeals effectively to the intellect or reason is said to be cogent. % 'ust a 'it that 'y counter"art has "ut !orwar a C0)&(# argu'ent in e!ense o! his client. cognomen (kog-(0-'uhn), noun A nickname. ;e oesn-t 'in being calle D2eo"ol ,E but he "re!ers his C0)(0M&(, D2ee.E cognoscente (kon-yuh-S;&(-tee), noun A connoisseur; an e!pert. &0lural* cognoscenti.' 8hen it co'es to wine-tasting, Arthur is well res"ecte as a C0)(0SC&(#&.

comity ($0M-ih-tee), noun #ourtesy; mutual civility. #he "olice were kin enough to grant 'e the C0M%#5 o! a "rivate tele"hone call once % "ro'ise to sto" re'oving "ieces o! clothing an !linging the' at the sergeant. complaisant (ku'-62A5-.unt), a +ective )ager to please; agreeable. #omplaisant is frequently confused with the similar7sounding 4complacent,5 which means 4self7satisfied.5 A!ter 'onths o! "ersonality "roble's with #rish, 9ran su enly !oun her 7uite C0M62A%SA(#. conclave ($0(-klave), noun A secret meeting; also, the room in which this meeting is held. 9earing he 'ight crack un er "ressure, the rebels i not inclu e &li in the C0(C2A,& in which they gathere to "lan their attack strategy. concupiscent (kahn-$5U-"uh-cent), a +ective ?arked by strong desire, especially strong se!ual desire. Connie-s C0(CU6%SC&(# 'anner 'akes so'e "eo"le 7uestion her virtue. conflate (kuhn-92A#&), verb 6epending on the conte!t, conflate means either a fusion3a coming together of disparate elements3or it means to confuse. % a' co'"letely C0(92A#&D by 'olecular "hysics. confraternity (kahn-!ruh-#U*(-ih-tee), noun An association of people united for a common cause. &ager to i'"rove the con ition o! our neighborhoo "laygroun s, Carol an % +oine a town C0(9*A#&*(%#5 that ha !or'e !or that "ur"ose. conoidal (kuh-(05D-uhl), a +ective Shaped like, or nearly like, a cone. My son-s "aintings o! C0(0%DA2 sha"es are all the rage in his "reschool. consanguineous (con-san-)8%(-ee-us), a +ective elated by blood; of common lineage. Two people or entities that are consanguineous are commonly descended. The word derives from the 9atin roots for 4with5 and 4blood.5
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#he two brothers learne o! their C0(SA()U%(&0US relationshi" a!ter a series o! bloo tests. constant dollars ($0(-stuhnt D022-ur.), noun "n economics, a measure of monetary value in which the factors of inflation and deflation are accounted for; a base year2s currency value used to determine what costs would presumably have been in other years. #he !igures on our ivision-s growth were e3tre'ely 'islea ing because they ha not been converte to C0(S#A(# D022A*S. contravention (kon-truh-,&(-shun), noun An instance of contradiction or opposition; also, the condition of being overruled or disobeyed. 5our a""earance here without the !ull re"ort is in blatant C0(#*A,&(#%0( o! the instructions lai out in 'y 'e'o. controvert ($0(-truh-vert), verb To oppose with logical reasoning; to dispute or contradict. (o 'atter how 'any atte'"ts the e!ense 'akes to C0(#*0,&*# the etails o! this se7uence o! events, the !act re'ains that the e!en ant was seen leaving the buil ing i''e iately a!ter the 'ur er. contumely (kon-#500-'uh-lee), noun A rude display in speech or deed; contemptuous behavior. #ontumely can also mean humiliating derision. (o 'atter how long he ha hel the gru ge against Aaron, his C0(#UM&25 at the we ing was uncalle !or. convocation (kon-vo-$A5-shun), noun An assembly of people gathered in response to a summons. #onvocation also has a technical meaning within the )piscopal church* a gathering of laity requested by church officials. #he a ress Mr. 9reling gave at the C0(,0CA#%0( challenge all gra uates to e3cel. corrigendum (kor-ih-/&;(- u'), noun

An error to be corrected in a manuscript. &0lural* corrigenda.' #he "roo!rea er han e the 'anuscri"t back to Bill, who was horri!ie to !in that it still containe hun re s o! C0**%)&(DA. costive ($A;-stiv), a +ective Specifically, costive refers to constipation or something that causes constipation. ?ore generally, the word describes slow and sluggish people or things. % took 'y car to a 'echanic because o! 'y car-s increasingly C0S#%,& "er!or'ance. countermand ($0U(#-er-'an ), verb To cancel officially, especially to cancel a previous order. 0nce ;arol began s'oking again, he C0U(#&*MA(D&D the no-s'oking "olicy he- recently a o"te !or his business. crapulous ($*A6-yuh-luss), a +ective <rom the 9atin meaning 4sick with gluttony,5 crapulous describes someone who eats and drinks too much, or it describes the effects of eating and drinking too much. "n other words . . . it2s a great way to describe a hangover. /i' s"ent the ay a!ter the "arty in a C*A6U20US state. crepitate ($*&66-uh-tate), verb To crack, crinkle, or pop. #repitate has come to be a 4polite5 word for flatulence because flatulence often makes a cracking or popping sound. /oe +u'"e u" an sat own several ti'es, as i! to "rove that his chair1 an not he1was C*&6%#A#%(). crepuscular (krih-6USS-kya-lerr), a +ective .aving to do with twilight or things3like certain bugs3that are active at twilight. "n addition, crepuscular means 4dim.5 #here-s nothing like the C*&6USCU2A* cast o! the sky +ust be!ore !ull ark !alls. cubism ($500-bi.-u'), noun A school of sculpture and painting that came to prominence in the early twentieth century in which forms are rendered as geometric structures.
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Although 6icasso is the !irst "ainter 'ost "eo"le think o! when aske to na'e a "ioneer o! CUB%SM, his !rien )eorge Bra7ue was e7ually i'"ortant in the evelo"'ent o! the 'ove'ent. cubit ($500-bit), noun An archaic unit of measure, roughly equivalent to twenty inches. Most e itions o! the Book o! )enesis give the 'easure'ents o! (oah-s Ark in CUB%#S, although so'e e itors have converte such "assages to 'o ern ter's o! 'easure'ent. cygnet (S%)-nit), noun A young swan. #he "rou 'other swan le her broo o! C5)(&#S towar the north en o! the "on . cynosure (S%(-uh-sure), noun 6erived from the 9atin word denoting the +orth Star, a cynosure is a center of attention or attraction. &ven with all the ga'es an the color!ul "ara e, the !ireworks were the obvious C5(0SU*& o! the %n e"en ence Day !estivities. dandle (DA(- ull), verb To bounce &a child' on one2s knees or in one2s arms. #o cal' the baby own, Aunt %rene DA(D2&D her on her knee an sang nursery rhy'es. decasyllabic ( ek-uh-sil-2AB-ik), a +ective "n verse, having ten syllables in one line. #he e"ic "oe' !ollowe a D&CAS522AB%C !or'. defalcate ( ih-9A2-kate), verb To embe$$le. (o one knew !or certain how the corru"t banker ha 'a e his !ortune, but it was ru'ore that he ha D&9A2CA#&D !un s !ro' a bogus charitable organi.ation. deleterious ( el-i-#&&*-ee-us), a +ective .armful or in/urious. 6eleterious is a word used primarily in legal circles to give a sense of formality to the assessment of harm. My client was regularly sub+ecte to high ra iation levels, ha.ar ous co'"oun s, an 'any other D&2&#&*%0US environ'ental con itions.

delft ( el!t), noun A kind of gla$ed earthenware featuring blue and white patterns. My 'other-s gi!t o! D&29# cookware co'"le'ente our blue an white kitchen beauti!ully. demimonde (D&MM-ih-'on ), noun This <rench word initially described prostitutes. The word still carries with it that connotation, but in general, it refers to women who are considered to have loose morals due to their indiscreet or promiscuous behavior. Unless you-re trying to get yoursel! labele a D&M%M0(D&, Sylvia, you nee to sto" hanging out with guys like *oger. demiurge (D&M-ee-ur+), noun <rom the ;reek meaning 4artisan,5 a demiurge is a powerful creative force or a creative personality. A!ter trying several i!!erent "ro!essions, /ake reali.e he was a 'arketing D&M%U*)&. dentifrice (D&(-ti-!riss), noun Any substance used to clean the teeth. Dr. Sanche. gave 'e a lecture on the "ro"er use o! D&(#%9*%C&S, an reco''en e several bran s % coul "urchase in any su"er'arket. descant (D&SS-kant), verb A descant is an improvised or composed harmonic melody sung above the main melody in a piece of music. As a verb, one descants if one talks or writes about a sub/ect at great length. #he way /ay D&SCA(#S about obscure s"orts stars +ust ten s to bore 'e to tears. desideratum ( i-si -uh-*A;-tu'), noun A thing to be desired. 6esideratum finds its plural in desiderata, which is also the name of a popular short writing that outlines worthy spiritual ob/ectives. ;e eventually acce"te that her love was a !leeting D&S%D&*A#UM, one he coul learn in ti'e to o without. desuetude (D&;4-wih-tyoo ), noun <rom the <rench meaning 4to become unaccustomed,5 desuetude means disuse or discontinuance.
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#ele"hones "lugge into walls are one o! 'any once-ubi7uitous ite's that have !allen into D&SU&#UD&. desultory ( e-SU2-to-ree), a +ective Aimless. A person or thing lacking guidance or progressing randomly can be said to be desultory. Unable to believe it was his last ay on the +ob, Bill wan ere through the buil ing, D&SU2#0*5. dialectic ( ie-uh-2&$-tic), a +ective an noun .aving to do with logical arguments. &Also* dialectical.' As a noun, dialectic means the practice of arriving nearer to the truth by means of logical e!amination. #he D%A2&C#%C thoroughness with which 6aul coul estroy an o""onent-s argu'ent was legen ary. didactic ( ie-DA$-tik), a +ective ?ade or framed for the purpose of moral or ethical betterment. To say a work of art is didactic is to say that it forwards a clear vision of what is right and wrong, a vision the artist would like to pass on to his audience. Si'"son-s early writings let the rea er raw his own conclusions, but his later work is e3tre'ely D%DAC#%C. dipsomaniacal ( i"-so-'uh-(%&-ih-kul), a +ective 6ipsomania is an uncontrolled craving for alcohol, so someone who suffers from this craving is considered dipsomaniacal. #he "rivate etective su''e u" his latest client, a boo.e-loving gol igger, as the DD%6S0MA(%ACA2 a'e.E diphthong (D%9-thawng), noun A sound made by smoothly pronouncing two vowel sounds within one syllable. &nglish is !ull o! D%6;#;0()S, e3a'"les o! which can be !oun in such wor s as boil, house, an s'ile. dishabille ( is-uh-B&&-uhl), noun <rom the <rench meaning 4to undress,5 this word refers to someone who is dressed very casually or to someone with a careless manner.

D#he only "roble' with working near the beach,E sai /ack, D is seeing all those el erly !olks in various states o! D%S;AB%22&.E disport ( ih-S60*#), verb To play or frolic. To find a diversion is to disport oneself. /ean an Michael D%S60*#&D the'selves at the a'use'ent "ark !or the better "art o! the 'orning. dowse ( ow.e), verb To search for water with a divining rod. A ske"tical 'an by nature, 'y !ather re!use to believe that we ha succee e in locating the right s"ot !or our well by D08S%(). doxology ( oks-A;-lo-+ee), noun A hymn praising ;od. #his 'orning-s cere'ony will conclu e with the D0B020)5 !oun on "age H<= o! your hy'nals. dromedary (D*0M-uh- are-ee), noun A camel of +orth Africa and Arabia possessing only one hump. 9or a s'all .oo such as ours to have a "air o! D*0M&DA*%&S is, % think, so'ething o! a cou". dystopia ( iss-#06&-ee-uh), noun A utopia is a perfect world. A dystopia is the complete opposite, a world that has gone terribly wrong. A good e!ample is Oceania, the setting for ;eorge Orwell2s novel, +ineteen )ighty7<our. 8ith the rising "rice o! gas an !oo , so'e are starting to won er i! the Unite States has beco'e a D5S#06%A. ebonite (&BB-ah-nite), noun .ard black rubber; vulcanite. #he stur y &B0(%#& hoses, !li'sy an "rone to break own in last year-s 'o el, were +ust one o! the i'"rove'ents the co'"any 'a e in its "ro uct line. ebullition (ebb-uh-2%S;-un), noun The tiny bubbles of a sparkling liquid; also, a sudden outpouring of strong emotion. #he cha'"agne-s elicate &BU22%#%0( tickle 'y nose. ecumenical (ek-yoo-M&(-ih-kul), a +ective -niversal. )cumenical is often used to refer to the beliefs, movements,
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and actions common to the various branches of #hristianity worldwide. #his is not a 6rotestant 7uestion or a Catholic 7uestion, but a 'atter o! &CUM&(%CA2 signi!icance. educe (ee-D500C&), verb To draw out. )duce also means to reason out or establish from given facts. Myron-s atte'"ts to &DUC& his sister-s whereabouts were !utile. efflorescent (e!-!lore-*&S-sunt), a +ective (lossoming. )fflorescent is a biological term used to describe the final development of something, but it is used by metaphor in other conte!ts, as well. #he "oet-s 'i le years were 'arke by so'e re'arkable1an &9920*&SC&(#1 work o! un"arallelle 7uality. effluent (&9-loo-unt), noun "n general, something that flows out, but more specifically, an effluent is a fluid discharged as waste. &992U&(# !ro' the !actory "ollute the river !or eca es. effulgent (ih-9U2/-unt), a +ective adiant; brilliantly shining. Something that is effulgent shines forth resplendently. #he e3"losion, evastating though it was, le!t the night sky so e!!ulgent that Belva coul not hel" but 'arvel at the is"lay. effusion (ih-9500-.hun), noun An outpouring; also, an unrehearsed flow of speech or writing that is emotional in nature. *eviewing the ol love letters he ha written to Susan, Brian !oun it har to believe that the &99US%0(S o! lovestruck "rose he !oun on every "age ha actually co'e !ro' his "en. eidetic (&5&- ett-ick), a +ective 6escribes a memory or mental image recalled with perfect clarity. %- stu ie the travel brochures so 'uch that % ha a "er!ectly &%D&#%C vision o! what to e3"ect on the cruise shi". eldritch (&22- ritch), a +ective

6escribes something &or possibly someone' eerie, spooky, supernatural, or unearthly. % was terri!ie by the &2D*%#C; screeches until % reali.e they 'erely e'anate !ro' a cat in heat. eleemosynary (eh-lee-MA;SS-uh-nair-ee), a +ective .aving to do with charity or charitable activity. 0ur boss is always re'in ing us that we-re a !or-"ro!it business, not an &2&&M0S5(A*5 organi.ation. elegy (&22-uh-+ee), noun A poem of mourning; a poem reflecting on and praising the deceased. At the !uneral, Mitch rea a touching &2&)5 !or his gran 'other, re'in ing all "resent o! the li!e o! kin ness an sacri!ice she ha le . elocution (el-oh-$500-shun), noun An individual2s style of public speech. -nlike eloquence &see eloquent below', which has to do with the content of a person2s speech, elocution refers to the manner in which speech is delivered. #he cast-s &20CU#%0( le!t a great eal to be esire . emend (ee-M&(D), verb To change by means of editing; to correct &a te!t or reading'. Many o! Shakes"eare-s 'ost !a'ous lines, such as DA rose by any other na'e woul s'ell as sweet,E are the result o! a critic-s choice to &M&(D a troubleso'e source te3t. emeritus (ih-MA*&-ih-tuss), a +ective )meritus describes the position of one who has retired but who still holds an honorary title corresponding to the position held prior to retirement. 8atkins has been awar e the "osition o! 6ro!essor &M&*%#US. encomium (en-$0M&-ee-u'), noun A formal &and often, a spoken' e!pression of e!treme praise. #he evening, !eaturing war' &(C0M%UMS !or basketball great 2arry Bir !ro' coaches, !or'er o""onents, an !a'ily 'e'bers, conclu e when his
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+ersey was raise to the ra!ters an his nu'ber retire . enervate (&(-ur-vate), verb To weaken. To enervate is to deprive of vitality, strength, or endurance. #he vacation-s whirlwin "ace actually serve to &(&*,A#& Ma ge. enfilade (&(-!uh-lay ), noun <rom the <rench meaning 4to thread a needle,5 enfilade is a troop that is in a formation allowing it to be sub/ect to sweeping gunfire, or it is the name for the sweeping gunfire itself. (y e!tension, enfilade can refer to a barrage of any kind. #he attorney-s &(9%2AD& o! harsh 7uestions 7uickly cause the accuse 'ur erer to a 'it to his guilt. entomology (en-tuh-M02-uh-+ee), noun The study of insects. /u y-s little boy so love to collect bugs !ro' the gar en that we won ere i! he 'ight grow u" to stu y &(#0M020)5. epaulet (&6-uh-let), noun An ornamental shoulder piece worn on a military uniform. &rnie trie his best to sew the &6AU2&# back on his uni!or' be!ore 'orning ins"ection. epigraph (&6-ih-gra!!), noun An inscription written on a stone, monument, or building; also, a short quotation coming at the beginning of a book or chapter. #he &6%)*A6; carve above the entrance to the college library, D#hat they 'ay have li!e an have it abun antly,E con!use so'e an ins"ire others. epistemology (uh-6%S#-uh-'all-uh-+ee), noun The study of the nature of knowledge and understanding. The ad/ective form, which you might see, is epistemological. An interest in "eo"le-s "urchasing habits le Martina to begin stu ying &6%S#&M020)5. eponymous (ih-6A;(-ih-'uss), a +ective An eponym is the name of a real or fictional person that has been adopted to name something else. )ponymous is the ad/ective form of the word.

Burt has create a website about &60(5M0US A'erican cities like 2incoln, (ebraska an Bu!!alo, (ew 5ork. equable (&$-wuh-bull), a +ective ,ithout variation. #he islan boaste a "leasant an &:UAB2& cli'ate, with te'"eratures in the low seventies virtually every ay. equanimity (ee-kwa-(%M-ih-tee), noun )ven7temperedness; calmness. Someone who possesses equanimity keeps his composure even in a difficult situation. ;e rebutte each o! the charges against hi' convincingly an with &:UA(%M%#5. esplanade (&SS-"luh-nah ), noun An open, level strip of ground, usually near a body of water. 8hile strolling along the &S62A(AD&, we watche the rowing tea's train !or the u"co'ing regatta. estuary (&SS-choo-ayre-ee), noun The point of a water passage where a river empties into a tidal area. Dr. )reen argue against allowing the "lant to be built so near the river, on the groun s that it woul threaten several i'"ortant s"ecies living in the &S#UA*5. etiolate (&&-tee-uh-late), verb To cause to become weak and sickly7 appearing. 0ver ti'e, Bra -s "oor health choices increasingly &#%02A#&D his oncehan so'e a""earance. etymology (et-ih-M022-uh-gee), noun The study of the development and history of words. A word2s etymology is its lineage or descent. % took a little )reek in school, so % think % can 'ake an e ucate guess at this wor -s &#5M020)5. excelsior (ik-S&2-see-ur), noun ,ood shavings used as a packing agent. #he !ragile china was shi""e in stur y woo en crates !ille with &BC&2S%0*. excoriate (ik-S0*&-ee-ate), verb To denounce emphatically. 9iterally, e!coriate means to remove the e!terior &skin' of something.
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#o be &BC0*%A#&D in this way is ba enoughA to en ure such re'arks on the !loor o! the Senate is a sa co''entary on our ti'es. exculpate (&$-skul-"ate), verb To remove responsibility or guilt from. To e!culpate someone is to clear his name. #he !act that % was convicte is i''aterialA % have been !ully &BCU26A#&D. exigency (&$-si-+en-see), noun Something requiring immediate action or attention; an emergency. An e!igency is an une!pected development of some urgency. #he "rinter-s !ailure to 'eet the ea line "resente us with an &B%)&(C5 we were ill-e7ui""e to !ace. exiguous (e3-%)-you-uss), a +ective ?eager; small; scanty. Dinner turne out to be an &B%)U0US o!!ering o! two thin slices o! chicken, three green beans, an a "otato1 albeit 7uite artistically arrange . expatiate (ick-S6A5-she-ate), verb To speak or write at length. The word typically suggests that you are speaking or writing at too much length. % +ust tune out #yrone as he began to &B6A#%A#& again on his trouble relationshi" with Mavis. expeditious (ek-s"uh-D%S;-uss), a +ective Speedy and efficient. That which is conducted in a brisk manner is e!peditious. *yan ca'e u"on an &B6&D%#%0US 'eans o! solving the "roble' that ha ve3e the !ir' !or so long. expostulate (ick-S6A;SS-chew-late), verb To use reason and logic in an effort to talk someone out of doing something he or she intends to do. % &B60S#U2A#&D with (ora about the 'istake % believe she was about to 'ake, but she "ai 'e no attention. expressionism (e3-6*&S;-un-i.-u'), noun An art movement with roots in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in which e!ternal forms of reality are distorted as a means of

communicating an interior vision of the artist. 9or & var Munch, whose "ainting #he Screa' is "erha"s the single 'ost recogni.able i'age o! &B6*&SS%0(%SM, the the'es o! isolation an an3iety were o! "ara'ount i'"ortance. expurgate (&B-"ur-gate), verb To remove or delete something unacceptable or ob/ectionable, &particularly, passages in a te!t'. 9earing a "ublic backlash, the "ublisher "ro'ise that all o!!ensive 'aterial woul be &B6U*)A#&D !ro' !uture e itions o! the book. extempore (iks-#&M-"uh-ray), a +ective ,ithout forethought or preparation; spontaneous, impromptu. As he watche the note car s to his s"eech !ly away in the bree.e, )riswol stoo be!ore the crow an wishe , once again an 'ore !ervently than ever be!ore, that he ha the ability to eliver a 'agni!icent s"eech &B#&M60*&. fabulist (9AB-yuh-list), noun A liar. Someone who tells outrageously untrue stories is a fabulist. Sir )eral , a notorious 9ABU2%S#, was not consulte !or an authoritative account o! the cri'e. factitious (!ack-#%S;-us), a +ective 9acking spontaneity; contrived. #he news network-s 9AC#%#%0US co''entary see'e to be 'ere talking "oints !or the current "resi ential a 'inistration. fainant (9A5-knee-unt), a +ective or noun Someone who is la$y and idle or the description of such a person. <rom a <rench contraction meaning 4he does nothing.5 % s"ent 'y vacation in such a 9A%(IA(# state that % !oun it har to !ocus on work once % returne to 'y Dreal li!e.E fantasia (!an-#A5-.huh), noun Originally used to signify a musical piece with an irregular form, fantasia has come to denote anything considered unreal, weird, or grotesque. % e'erge !ro' the arkene subway entrance an sha e 'y eyes !ro'
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the 9A(#AS%A o! hea lights an neon signs. farouche (!uh-*00S;), a +ective <rom the <rench meaning 4belonging outside,5 farouche describes someone who is unsociable, cranky, and withdrawn. 5our 9A*0UC;& behavior will not win you any !rien s. %n !act, it will si'"ly alienate you !ro' everyone. farrago (!uh-*0)-oh), noun A careless mi!ture; mish7mash. My !our-year-ol , who "icke out his own out!it !or the !irst ti'e this 'orning, walke into the kitchen s"orting a 9A**A)0 o! 'is'atche clothing. fealty (9&&-ul-tee), noun 9oyalty. 9iterally, fealty describes the historical obligation of a vassal &a person granted use of land' to a lord. % on-t think you have any right to kee" 'e !ro' looking !or another +obA % never took an oath o! 9&A2#5 here, sir. febrile (9&&-brul), a +ective <everish. That which is marked by elevated body temperature is febrile. Due to Mother-s current 9&B*%2& con ition, we are uneasy about her acco'"anying us on the tri". femur (9&&-'ur), noun The bone between the pelvis and the knee; the thighbone. #he !orce o! the tackle cause a hairline !racture that e3ten e along the entire length o! &li-s right 9&MU*. ferrous (9A%*-us), a +ective elating to iron; of or pertaining to a substance that contains iron. #o counteract the loss o! iron uring 'enstruation, 'any octors suggest that their !e'ale "atients take a 9&**0US vita'in su""le'ent every ay. ferule (9&*-uhl), noun or verb A stick used to punish children, or the act of hitting with a ferule. ?ore generally, the word is equivalent to 4punish5 or 4punishment.5 Since 'y istracte state ha le to the acci ent, % stoo "atiently as the other river 9&*U2&D 'e with harsh wor s. fiat (9&&-at), noun

An arbitrary pronouncement or decree. To rule by fiat is to constantly issue orders on one2s own authority, without any check or consultation. #he king issue a 9%A# on the 7uestion o! religious worshi", but the citi.enry ignore it. fibula (9%B-you-luh), noun The large outer bone of the lower portion of the leg. #he little brat kicke 'e so har % thought !or a 'o'ent that she 'ight have broken 'y 9%BU2A. filial (9%22-ee-ull), a +ective That which is due from or befitting a son or daughter; pertaining to a son a daughter. Mother consi ere it 'y 9%2%A2 res"onsibility to take over the !a'ily business when % gra uate , but % wante to "ursue a career o! 'y own. filigree (9%2-uh-gree), noun or a +ective 6elicate decorative work made of twisted wire. #he crown was a orne with beauti!ul +ewels an intricate gol 9%2%)*&&. fillip (9%22-u"), verb To strike or tap energetically. Also, to e!cite or stimulate, as though one were tapped. Une'"loy'ent 9%22%6&D 'y e!!orts to !inish an "ublish 'y novel. fjord (!yor ), noun A thin strip of sea flowing between cliffs or hills. 6rison o!!icials were able to eter'ine that the two esca"ees ha 'anage to esca"e the islan !ortress by rugging the guar s, crawling through a secret tunnel, an swi''ing out to the s'all 'otorboat acco'"lices ha hi en in the 9/0*D. flagitious (!luh-/%S;-us), a +ective 6escribes someone shamefully wicked or describes particularly heinous events. 9or 'any years, a"arthei was the 92A)%#%0US woun aroun which South A!rica was built. flamb (!lo'-BA5), verb To serve in flaming liquor &usually brandy'. Although the inner was only so-so, the ras"berry custar 92AMBI, which
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the waiter ignite at our table, was both ra'atic an elicious. floe (!low), noun A large chunk or sheet of floating ice. #he "enguins woul a'use the'selves !or hours +u'"ing an sli ing o!! the broa , !lat 920&S an careening into the water. four-flusher (90*-!lush-ur), noun "n poker, a player who bluffs. 0ur 9ri ay-night "oker ga'es aren-t "laye with the highest egree o! honestyA everyone involve is a well-known 90U*-92US;&*. fractious (9*A$-shuss), a +ective -nruly; likely to cause disturbance or trouble. A fractious person is quarrelsome and difficult. Michael-s 9*AC#%0US nature 'a e hi' an unsuitable can i ate !or a career in custo'er service. frangible (9*A(-+uh-bull), a +ective )asily breakable. #he 9*A()%B2& vase i not survive the cross-country 'ove. freebooter (9*&&-boo-ter), noun A pirate; one who takes his loot3or booty3 without asking. /ohn 7uickly thought o! Alan as a 9*&&B00#&* an not as a roo''ate s"litting costs !i!ty-!i!ty. friable (9*5-uh-bull), a +ective )asily crumbled; brittle. #he 9*%AB2& "ottery was "acke in layers o! bubble wra" to "revent breakage. frisson (!ree-S0(), noun A brief shudder of e!citement; a thrill. Maria !elt a 9*%SS0( o! +oy at winning the ra'a awar , but it was te'"ere by the !act that one o! the "eo"le she ha beaten out was her best !rien . fugacious (!yoo-)A5-shuss), a +ective <leeting, transitory, short7lived. #he 9U)AC%0US 'i -su''er col sna" was a welco'e relie! !ro' the heat. fulminate (9U2-'ih-nate), verb To e!plode. Also* to denounce loudly or forcefully. Someone who

fulminates thunders forth or issues a dramatic attack. ;e 9U2M%(A#&D against the bill on the !loor o! the Senate, but he knew he i not have the votes to e!eat it. fulsome (9U2-su'), a +ective )!cessive and overdone, especially in a way inconsistent with good taste. Also* insincerely earnest in e!pression. Although Marian greete 'y work with 9U2S0M& "raise, it was clear to 'e within !ive 'inutes o! our 'eeting that she ha n-t rea a "age o! it. fungible (9U;(-+ih-bull), a +ective A fancy way to say 4interchangeable.5 % on-t think a twelve-inch black an white television is 9U()%B2& !or a !orty-two inch color set. funicular (!yoo-(%C$-you-ler), a +ective A funicular railway contains cars that are toted up and down hillsides by means of a cord or cable. Thus, something funicular is related to ropes, cables, and cords as well as the tension on them. 8e got to the site an coul n-t go cli'bing because /enny ha le!t behin all the necessary 9U(%CU2A* e7ui"'ent. furbelow (9U*-buh-low), noun A showy ruffle. Deborah-s !loor-length ress en e in a beauti!ul silk 9U*B&208. futurism (9500-chur-ih-.i'), noun An early 1Dth7century arts movement stressing the dynamics and movements of the industrial age. /ones was !ascinate by early in ustrial artA last se'ester he took a course on 9U#U*%SM. gamine ()A;-'ean), a +ective or noun A slight, diminutive girl who often is plucky or perky; or the description of such a girl. As the actress grew ol er an "ut on weight, she was no longer able to "lay the )AM%(& roles that ha 'a e her re"utation. garrulity (guh-*00-lih-tee), noun Talkativeness. ;arrulity refers to one who is overly or habitually given to talking.
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%! Michael-s insight only 'atche his )A**U2%#5, he woul be 7uite "o"ular. gastropod ()AS-tro-"aw ), noun A variety of mollusk having no shell or a single spiral shell and moving by means of a ventral disk or foot. /une retorte that she ha n-t ever consi ere eating )AS#*060DS in the Unite States, an saw no reason to o so in 9rance no 'atter what they were calle . gazetteer (gah-.ih-#&&*), noun A dictionary or inde! of geographical locations. #he S'iths- 'etho o! eci ing where to go on their vacation is to o"en the )A4&##&&* at ran o' an stab the "age with a !ingerA whatever they lan on will beco'e their su''er estination. gelding ()&2- ing), noun A castrated animal and, by e!tension, an emasculated man. 8e calle Al a )&2D%(), but he sai he ha no "roble' letting his wi!e, Mary, take charge o! the cou"le-s !inancial ecisions. gemology (+eh-MA22-uh-+ee), noun The study of gems. Des"ite a li!elong interest in )&M020)5, 2ucas knew he was in no "osition to 'ake a vali assess'ent o! the stone-s worth. gendarme (.hon-DA*M), noun An officer in a police force in any of several )uropean countries, but particularly those of <rance. A!ter 'onths o! i!!icult un ercover work, the 6arisian )&(DA*M& was able to recover the stolen artwork an return it to its right!ul "lace in the 2ouvre. gerontocracy (+are-un-#0C$-ruh-see), noun A group in which the order and rule is kept by a group of elders; government by the older members of a society. 0ne o! the "otential rawbacks o! a )&*0(#0C*AC5, o! course, is that "eo"le entruste with great "olitical "ower 'ay well beco'e 'entally in!ir'. gerontology (+are-un-#02-uh-+ee), noun

The field of medicine concerned with illnesses, diseases, and problems specific to old age. My ecision to enter the !iel o! )&*0(#020)5 was greete with ske"ticis' by 'y !ather, who ha ho"e % woul !ollow in his !ootste"s an beco'e a general "ractitioner. gesticulate (+es-#%C$-yoo-late), verb To employ gestures, especially in place of speech. ;esticulate usually implies more animation and e!citement than the simpler gesture. Unable to s"eak 9rench, Michael was !orce to )&S#%CU2A#& to try to 'ake hi'sel! un erstoo . glaucoma (glaw-$0&-'uh), noun A disease of the eye caused by increasing pressure on the eyeball, creating damage to the optic disk that, if severe enough, can cause loss of vision. #he "ortion o! 'y annual visit to the eye octor that % like the least is the )2AUC0MA test, in which a blast o! air is shot into each eye at close range. glissade (glih-S0D), noun "n mountain climbing, a slide down a steep, snow7covered slope. #he instructor ha 'a e the )2%SSAD& look easy, but as % looke a!ter hi' own the slo"e, % ha a !eeling 'y own trek own woul n-t be 7uite as s'ooth. glissando (glih-SA;(- oe), a +ective "n music, a smooth transition between intervals, such as the sound a slide trombone or pedal steel guitar makes in moving from one note to another. Since there is no way to Dben E its notes, the "iano cannot "ro uce a true )2%SSA(D0. $nostic ((0SS-tik), a +ective 0ertaining to or reminiscent of certain early #hristian sects &known as ;nostics' who valued personal knowledge and inquiry as supreme religious values transcending physical e!perience. &;nostic also can mean 4pertaining to knowledge,5 especially in the conte!t of spirituality.
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"t is not normally used as the opposite of agnostic. #he ancient )(0S#%C gos"els, while not "art o! 'y !or'al church teaching, nevertheless 'a e !or illu'inating rea ing. gormandize ()0*&-'un- i.e), verb To eat in a greedy, ravenous manner. Someone who gormandi$es eats to satisfy a voracious appetite. Someone who does this is known as a gormand &or gourmand'; this is very different from gourmet, which describes someone who cultivates refined tastes for food of the finest quantity. #o'-s ten ency to )0*MA(D%4& eventually 'a e hi' an unwelco'e inner guest. gourmand ()00*-'ahn ), noun One who eats well and to e!cess. A well-known )0U*MA(D, Uncle Abe was !orce to change his eating habits a!ter his heart attack. gravid ()*A,-i ), a +ective 9arge, due to pregnancy. /ean-s )*A,%D con ition 'a e it i!!icult !or her to cli'b stairs. gravitas ()*A,-ih-tahss), noun <rom the 9atin meaning 4heavy,5 gravitas denotes seriousness and weightiness of thought. /i'-s boyish looks ke"t hi' !ro' attaining the )*A,%#AS he esire to convey. grenadine ()*&(-uh- een), noun eddish7orange in color; also, a pomegranate7 flavored syrup used in preparing mi!ed drinks. #e ha "lanne to 'ake #e7uila Sunrises !or the "arty, but as he ha no )*&(AD%(& to a a hint o! re , he calle the rinks D#e7uila Sunbursts.E grifter ()*%99-ter), noun A person who engages in unseemly activities; a swindler, a dishonest gambler, etc. #he s'all-town bar was !ille with re"robates, toothless legions, an )*%9#&*S. % !elt right at ho'e. guerrilla (guh-*%22-uh), noun an a +ective

A guerilla is a member of an informal group of fighters that attacks enemies with surprise raids, sabotage, booby traps, etc. ,hen used as an ad/ective, the word guerilla describes these fighters or their actions. #he nation-s ar'y coul not e!eat the )U&**%22AS, who see'e to swoo" own invisibly !ro' the 'ountains, wreak havoc, then isa""ear. habiliment (huh-B%2-eh-'ent), noun A piece of clothing; a garment. Much to the "u..le'ent o! his stai colleagues, 6ro!essor ;erriot looke u"on the hi""ies o! the <O>Gs, with their unortho o3 choices in li!estyle an ;AB%2%M&(#, as welco'e a itions to a stagnant social or er. halyard (;A2-yur ), noun A tackle or rope usually used on ships to help hoist and lower sails. As the stor' intensi!ie , Mary tol us to slacken the ;A25A*D while Billy trie to gui e the boat back towar shore. hardtack (;A*D-tak), noun A hard biscuit once common in the rations of sailors and soldiers. .ardtack did not spoil3a ma/or logistical benefit. By the en o! the war, the Union sol iers were thoroughly sick o! the ;A*D#AC$ an vegetable sou" that ha been the 'ainstay o! their iet. hegemony (he-/&M-uh-nee), noun 0redominant influence, especially in reference to the affairs of nations. To say one nation practices hegemony over another is to suggest that it e!ercises undue influence over conduct, mores, or administration within that nation. 0ur !oe-s ;&)&M0(5 will not sto" with his control o! s'aller nationsA his ai' is worl o'ination. hemophilia (hee-'o-9&&-lee-uh), noun A blood defect usually affecting males but transmitted by females in which the blood fails to clot normally, often leading to uncontrolled hemorrhaging. Because so 'any ;&M06;%2%A "atients have contracte the A%DS virus
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!ro' conta'inate bloo , 'any will only acce"t trans!usions using bloo that has been onate by !a'ily an !rien s. herbicide (U*B-ih-sy e), noun A chemical that kills plants. .erbicide refers especially to that which eradicates weeds. Although originally escribe as a co'"aratively har'less ;&*B%C%D&, Agent 0range was (as thousan s o! sol iers learne 'uch later) anything but. hermaphrodite (hur-MA99-ruh- ite), noun One who possesses both male and female reproductive organs. Shel on brought back 'iniature statues o! the islan -s 'ythic hero, a ;&*MA6;*0D%#& warrior. heterodox (;&##-uh-ruh- ocks), a +ective .olding unorthodo! opinions, especially opinions concerned with religion. % believe )eorge will grow out o! his ;&#&*0D0B belie!s as he gets ol er. hibachi (hih-B0C;-ee), noun A small, table7top charcoal grill. #he 'anager o! the a"art'ent co'"le3 woul not allow her tenants to kee" !ull-si.e gas or charcoal grills on the balconies, but she i 'ake occasional allowances !or ;%BAC;%S. hinterlands (;%(-tur-lan s), noun An area far away from the coastline; also, an area far removed from a city. #he bli..ar u'"e nearly three !eet o! snow on 'y relatives in the ;%(#&*2A(DS, while those o! us in town ha to eal with icy rain an !loo ing. hippodrome (;%6-uh- ro'e), noun Arena for events such as circuses and horse shows. 0nce a year Da woul take us own to the ;%660D*0M& in S"ringville !or the L-; Club-s e3"osition. hirsute (;U*-soot), a +ective .airy. D;ere you are, 'y ;%*SU#& !rien ,E Dr. 9re ericks calle out, Da nice +uicy bone !ro' the butcher.E hoarfrost (;0*&-!rost), noun

,hite, fro$en dew that coats surfaces on winter mornings. A layer o! ;0A*9*0S# ha covere the rab gar en in silver, an the chil ren s7ueale that the !rost !airies ha co'e. holistic (ho-2%SS-tik), a +ective )mphasi$ing wholeness andFor the cooperation of the constituent members of a thing. .olistic is often used to describe medical or healing practices that emphasi$e an organism2s totality, rather than focusing e!clusively on one symptom or illness. 9enwick takes a ;02%S#%C a""roach to "roble'-solving that has rawn 'uch "ositive attention. homeopathy (ho-'ee-06-uh-thee), noun A means of treating a disease by administering small doses of medicine that in large doses would bring about effects similar to the disease being treated. ;0M&06A#;5 relies on the bo y-s ability to evelo" i''une res"onses in war ing o!! isease. homiletics (ho'-ih-2&#-iks), noun The art of preaching. *ather than risk being swaye by the ;0M%2&#%CS o! its "ro"onents an o""onents, )ran "a 'a e it a "oint to rea the te3t o! every ballot initiative in !ull be!ore eci ing how he woul vote on it. hominid (;0M-ih-ni ), noun A member of the animal family to which humans belong. .ominids are humans and their ancestors. #he !irst ten 'inutes o! the !il' e"ict the !irst use o! tools by a grou" o! ancient A!rican ;0M%(%DS. hookah (;00$-uh), noun A large multistemmed smoking apparatus that cools smoke by passing it through water. #erry brought back 'any arti!acts !ro' her tri" to %n ia, inclu ing incense, silk saris, an even an anti7ue ;00$A;. hosanna (ho-4A(-uh), noun
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<rom the .ebrew for 4save us5; now an e!pression of praise, e!altation, and adoration typically heard in religious ceremonies; also, an instance of e!cessive praise. Mel-s agent warne hi' not to take too seriously the ;0SA((AS that ca'e his way a!ter he won the acting awar . house organ (;0US-or-gun), noun A maga$ine or newsletter published by an organi$ation for distribution within the organi$ation. % rea about /oanne-s "ro'otion to sales 'anager in the last issue o! 0n the 2ine, our ;0US& 0*)A(. hydraulic (hie-D*022-ik), a +ective elated to the study of water, its properties, circulation, and distribution; powered by water. Senator )raha' argue that harnessing the river coul "rovi e ;5D*AU2%C "ower to three counties. hyperthermia (hie-"ur-#;U*-'ee-uh) noun )!treme increase of body heat. .yperthermia derives from the ;reek roots 4hyper5 and 4thermia,5 meaning 4above5 and 4heat,5 respectively. &#ompare with hypothermia.' #he rea ing is <GJ egreesA we are ealing not with a si'"le !ever, but with severe ;56&*#;&*M%A. hypodermic (hi-"uh-DU*-'ik), noun elated to parts under the skin; made e!pressly for the purpose of introducing medications via in/ection. 9or )reg the 'ere sight o! a ;560D&*M%C nee le was enough to "ro uce a "anic attack. hyperopia (hi-"e-*0;-"ee-uh), noun <arsightedness. Those who see distant things more clearly than those that are near e!perience hyperopia. Although 9ran-s ;56&*06%A coul have been correcte easily, she insiste on rea ing without glasses or contact lenses. hypothermia (hie-"o-#;&*-'ee-uh), noun )!treme loss of body heat. .ypothermia derives from the ;reek roots 4hypo5 and 4thermia,5 meaning 4below5 and 4heat,5 respectively. &#ompare with hyperthermia.'

A!ter seven hours in the !ree.ing water, the victi's ha alrea y succu'be to the e!!ects o! ;560#;&*M%A. ibid (%;-bi ), abbreviation Abbreviation for 4ibidem,5 literally 4in the place mentioned before.5 &The word is typically used in bibliographies and other reference materials to indicate that a quote from a previously referenced source is being repeated.' Mark-s overreliance on a single source was evi ent in the "a"er-s bibliogra"hy, which consiste o! one re!erence to Mill-s 0n 2iberty an seventy-si3 notations rea ing D%B%D.E iconoclast (eye-$0(-uh-klast), noun A person who supports the destruction of holy images, or, more broadly, someone who challenges the status quo. #he !irst-year stu ent-s re"eate verbal attacks on the art e"art'ent, the "resi ent o! the university, an the ca"italist structure o! society earne hi' a re"utation as an %C0(0C2AS#. ideogram (%D-ee-o-gra'), noun A symbol representing an idea rather than a word. 9or !oreigners, the 'ost i!!icult "art o! learning to write in Chinese is generally 'astering its 'any %D&0)*AMS. ignominy (ig-(0M-uh-knee), noun 0ublic contempt or disgrace. A!ter he acci entally burne own the writer-s ho'e, 8ally was treate with %)(0M%(5 by the town. imbroglio (i'-B*0A-lee-o), noun An entanglement or complicated misunderstanding. "mbroglio refers to a delicate situation from which it is difficult to e!tricate oneself. #he recent %MB*0)2%0 over con!lict-o!interest violations has not i'"rove the Mayor-s stan ing with voters. immolate (%M-uh-late), verb To kill as if as a sacrifice, especially by fire. "mmolate derives from a 9atin word that pertained to sacrificial meals. #he 'onk-s ra'atic act o! sel!-%MM02A#%0( 'a e hea lines aroun the worl .
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immure (i-M500*), verb To imprison or enclose behind walls; to shut in or confine. My co'"oun !racture le!t 'e %MMU*&D in the hos"ital !or weeks. importune (i'-"or-#00(), verb To request repeatedly so as to be a bother. A!ter 'onths o! %M60*#U(%() his e'"loyer !or a "ro'otion that i not yet e3ist, ;ank was aske to leave the co'"any. impressionism (i'-6*&S;-un-i.-i'), noun An art movement of the late nineteenth century dedicated to reproducing the effect of light on ob/ects, typically by means of short brush strokes. #he "ainter an scul"tor & gar Degas was one o! the !ore'ost "ractitioners o! %M6*&SS%0(%SM. imprimatur (i'-"ruh-MA;-ter), noun Approval granted, usually by the oman #atholic #hurch, to publish a book. A!ter irecting several revisions o! the controversial book-s te3t, the Church !inally gave its %M6*%MA#U*. incarnate (in-$A*-nut), a +ective )mbodied. Something that takes the bodily or physical form &especially human form' of 4M5 is said to be 4M incarnate.5 Sarah is not si'"ly 7uietA she is tran7uility %(CA*(A#&. inchoate (in-$0-ate), a +ective "ncomplete. "nchoate refers to something still in early development. #he conce"t, which )lenn rea ily a 'itte was %(C;0A#&, showe "ro'ise es"ite its !laws. incorporeal (in-core-60*&-ee-al), a +ective 9acking form. "ncorporeal derives from the 9atin roots meaning 4without the body.5 #he 'oanings an low ru'blings in the ol house suggeste %(C0*60*&A2 visitors to $ate. inculpate (in-$U2-"ate), verb To incriminate. To blame for a wrongdoing is to inculpate. Myra-s !re7uent visits to the scene o! the cri'e, in Sarah-s view, %(CU26A#&D her as the guilty "arty.

indite (in-D%#&), verb To cause to come into being by means of artistic effort; to write or compose. #he o.ens o! letters that "asse between the two containe a nu'ber o! rather stea'y "oe's %(D%#&D un er the in!luence o! 'utual "assion. ineffable (in-&99-uh-bull), a +ective (eyond the capacity of e!pression. Also* forbidden as a sub/ect of conversation. Something that is ineffable is indescribable or unspeakable. Carlton "resente new ac7uaintances with a certain %(&99AB2& char' that lingere long a!ter one-s !irst 'eeting with hi'. ineluctable (in-ee-2U$-tuh-bull), a +ective -navoidable; impossible to overcome. Something that is inevitable is ineluctable. 0e i"us- !ate, we 'ust re'e'ber, is %(&2UC#AB2&A no a'ount o! struggling will !ree hi' !ro' it. ingnue (A;(-.huh-new), noun <rom the <rench meaning 4naive,5 an ingNnue is an actress who speciali$es in playing the part of an innocent or unworldly young woman. The word also refers to this type of role in a film or on stage. Since she hit thirty, that %()I(U& has isa""eare !ro' the screen. inimical (in-%M-ih-kul), a +ective .armful; in/urious. Something that possesses a dangerous or hostile character can be said to be inimical. %-' a!rai this work environ'ent is %(%M%CA2 to creative thinking. intelligentsia (in-tell-uh-/&(#-see-uh), noun The intellectual class and its social, political, and cultural habits and ideas. Daniel consi ers hi'sel! a 'e'ber o! the %(#&22%)&(#S%A. % +ust consi er hi' a snob. interstice (in-#U*-stis), noun A space between ob/ects; a crevice or crack. )reg shi''ie u" the %(#&*S#%C& between the two rocks. inveigle (in-,A5-gul), verb
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To tempt or persuade by using deception, artful talk, or flattery. My aughter Sharon trie to %(,&%)2& 'e into "laying gin ru''y by "ro'ising to clean u" the kitchen !or the ne3t week, even though she knew she- be at su''er ca'". invidious (in-,%D-ee-uss), a +ective 9ikely to damage a reputation. Brent-s %(,%D%0US re'arks to the "resi ent at the co'"any "icnic are "robably the 'ain reason he was "asse over !or "ro'otion. invocation (in-vuh-$A5-shun), noun The process or act of invoking. An invocation is a call to a higher power &usually ;od' for help. #he "riest o!!ere a s"ecial %(,0CA#%0( at the beginning o! the service. jackanapes (/A$-uh-na"es), noun An arrogant or impertinent person; especially, an impudent young man. %! that /AC$A(A6&S tells you to "ut his "hoto on the book +acket one 'ore ti'e, it will be the last ay he works here as an e itor. jambalaya (+a'-buh-2%&-uh), noun A spicy #a/un dish featuring rice cooked with ham, sausage, chicken, shrimp, or oysters, and seasoned with herbs. Anna ha so 'uch ha' le!t over !ro' &aster inner that she eci e to try to whi" u" a /AMBA2A5A. jejune (+i-/00(), a +ective 6ull or lackluster. Ce/une can also mean immature or lacking in insight. *al"h-s /&/U(& !antasies o! star o' brought only laughs o! erision !ro' his !rien s. jitney (/%#-nee), noun A small car or bus charging a low fare. )ran "a tol us stories o! how he use to 'ake his living riving a /%#(&5 aroun town. jocund (/0$-un ), a +ective ;iven to merriment. Someone who possesses a cheery disposition is /ocund. #i'-s /0CU(D "ersonality 'a e hi' the li!e o! the "arty. judicature (/00- i-kuh-choor), noun

The authority of /urisdiction of a court of law. The rank, function, or authority of a /udge is referred to as the /udge2s /udicature. #his case is in !act within 'y /UD%CA#U*&, es"ite counsel-s argu'ents to the contrary. jujitsu (+u-/%#-soo), noun A Capanese art of unarmed self7defense, the strategy of which is to use an opponent2s strength and weight against him or her. Cornere by a "air o! thugs in the alley, /ustine was able to call u"on her /U/%#SU skills to !ight her way to sa!ety. julienne (+oo-lee-&(), a +ective an noun "n thin strips &of vegetables'; also, the soup containing such vegetables. 2isa knew /U2%&((& vegetables woul look 'ore elegant on the "lates o! her inner guests than those cut in the nor'al way, but she wasn-t u" !or the hours o! "re"aration it woul take to slice u" carrots an celery !or a "arty o! twenty. junta (;00(-tuh), noun A group that rules a country, unofficially, following a coup d2etat. #he /U(#A eclare control o! the country, but control was wreste away by !or'er 'e'bers o! the ruling "arty. juvenilia (+oo-vuh-(%22-yuh), noun )arly work by a creative artist, usually produced when the artist was young. 8hat-s a'a.ing is that even this "oet-s /U,&(%2%A have a istinctive, nuance voice. kabala (kuh-BA22-uh), noun This word, which has a variety of spellings, denotes a body of mystical, ancient .ebraic writings. <or whatever reason, celebrities3including ?adonna3have become fans of the kabala, thus causing it to gain popularity. /ane-s newest obsession is the $ABA2A. % won er what it will be ne3t 'onth. kibbutz (ki-BU;#4), noun A communal farm in "srael.
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9or her senior year o! college, 2in a co'"lete a s"eciali.e "rogra' by living an working on a $%BBU#4. kinesiology (kih-nee-see-02-uh-+ee), noun The study of physical movement and musculature. Hinesiology is the science concerned with the movement of muscles and related physical conditioning. 0nly an e3"ert in $%(&S%020)5 coul "rovi e insight into Carl-s illness. kith (kith), noun One2s friends and acquaintances. &;enerally used with 4kin.5' 2in a en+oye her +ob in 2os Angeles, but she was willing to give it u" to return to her $%#; an kin back in Massachusetts. kitsch (kitch), noun <rom the ;erman meaning 4gaudy5 or 4trash,5 kitsch refers to items that are overly sentimental and gaudy and which are thought indicative of bad taste. #he tourist tra"-s gi!t sho" was !ille with row a!ter row o! souvenir $%#SC;. lamina (2AM-ih-nuh), noun A thin coating or sheet. #he new win ow ca'e wra""e in a clear "lastic 2AM%(A to "rotect it. lampoon (la'-600(), noun or verb As a noun, lampoon denotes a typically mean7 spirited satire directed at a person, group, institution, etc. The verb form suggests the act of mocking someone. Many !elt #rina-s i'itation o! /essica-s nervous tic was a cruel 2AM600(. legato (leg-A;-toe), a +ective "n music, possessing a smooth, even, unbroken sound. #he soothing 2&)A#0 o! the secon 'ove'ent always raws 'e into a 7uiet worl o! re!lection. legerdemain (le+-ur- uh-MA(&), noun "llusions performed by a magician; sleight7of7 hand. 8ith his re'arkable ability to 'ake every ay ob+ects see' to isa""ear, the A'a.ing Mannini was a true 'aster o! 2&)&*D&MA%(.

leitmotif (2%);#-'oe-tee!), noun This ;erman word denotes a recurring theme in a musical or opera associated with a particular character, situation, setting, etc. "n general, leitmotif can signify a dominant theme in fiction or even in someone2s life. %an-s 2&%#M0#%9 is the s'ell o! never-washe an o!ten-worn clothing. lessor (2&SS-or), noun A person or group granting a lease. #he 2&SS0* 'ust sign the agree'ent here, Mr. 8atkins. lexicography (le3-ih-$0)-ruh-!ee), noun The compiling, writing, and editing of dictionaries. #hough he ha never inten e to "ursue a career in 2&B%C0)*A6;5, /ere'y s"ent twenty years with Merria'8ebster, working his way u" !ro' researcher to e itor. lexicon (2&$-sih-kon), noun A dictionary composed for a specific, narrowly defined &professional' audience. 9e!icon can also mean the vocabulary associated with a specific discipline or group. Arthur, though not a octor, was well verse in the 2&B%C0( o! 'e icine. lissome (2%SS-u'), a +ective Supple. Something that is easily bent is lissome. #he 2%SS0M& young gy'nast-s bo y see'e to e!y the laws o! "hysics. locution (loe-$500-shun), noun Style of speaking. A locution is also a particular word, e!pression, or phrase. Martin-s British 20CU#%0( woul be a real asset uring the 'any 'e ia a""earances he woul 'ake over the ne3t !ew years. logy (208-gee), a +ective 0ronounced with a hard 4g,5 as in 4gate,5 logy describes someone or something lethargic or sluggish. 0n really col ays, 'y alrea y 20)5 car absolutely re!uses to start. lycanthrope (2%&-kan-thro"e), noun A werewolf.
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#he newest 25CA(#;*06& !lick was not as e3citing as its a vertise'ents. machination ('ak-uh-(A5-shun), noun A conniving plot. A crafty scheme meant to achieve an illicit end is a machination. Carrie was !a'iliar with Des'on -s MAC;%(A#%0(S when it ca'e to winning raises. maleficence ('uh-2&9-ih-sence), noun The undertaking of evil or harmful acts. That which is mischevious or rooted in ill will could be said to possess maleficence. #he long-ignore MA2&9%C&(C& o! the county-s corru"t "rison syste' was !inally e3"ose by a rookie )lobe re"orter. marzipan (MA*-.uh-"an), noun A popular candy made from almonds, egg whites, and sugar, often molded into the shapes of animals. %n &uro"e it is 7uite co''on to ecorate a Christ'as tree with e ible ecorations, inclu ing gingerbrea 'en, MA*4%6A( ani'als, an 'iniature !ruitcakes. materiel ('uh-teer-ee-&2), noun ?ilitary equipment and weapons. 8e have soli evi ence that ene'y MA#&*%&2 has been 'aking it "ast the e'bargo, Mr. 6resi ent. matriarchy (MA5-tree-ark-ee), noun A society that traces descent and inheritance through the female line. %! we live in a MA#*%A*C;5, the husban an chil ren woul "robably take the wi!e-s last na'e. mawkish (MA8-kish), a +ective Overly sentimental. Something that is emotional or maudlin is mawkish. Dayti'e soa" o"eras irritate MelanieA she !oun the' 'awkish an unbelievable. melanin (M&2-uh-nin), noun A dark pigment found in skin, eyes, and hair. Albino organis's lack M&2A(%(, an 'any have white hair, "ale skin, an "ale, sensitive eyes. mendacious ('en-DA5-shuss), a +ective 9ying or false. Someone who tells falsehoods could be said to be mendacious.

Clark-s M&(DAC%0US habits will catch u" with hi'A one o! these ays his lies will be e3"ose . mephitic ('uh-9%#-ick), a +ective 6escribes something poisonous or something with an offensive odor. A!ter Mark burne inner, the house was coate with a M&6;%#%C o or that took hours to issi"ate. meritocracy ('are-ih-#0$-ruh-see), noun A system in which those perceived as talented or intelligent are granted positions of preeminence. Dara, who !elt "o"ularity rather than 7uality o! work was the 'ain !actor in getting a "ro'otion in her e"art'ent, snorte when % allu e to a M&*%#0C*AC5. meretricious ('are-uh-#*%S;-uss), a +ective Attracting attention by vulgar, trashy means; false or insincere. Many critics clai' that Ma onna-s success is 'ore the result o! her M&*&#*%C%0US sel!-"ro'otion talents than her 'usical talent. metonymy ('ih-#A;(-uh-'ee), noun A figure of speech that uses a part of something to describe the whole thing, such as when a country singer says, 4The bottle let me down.5 4The bottle5 stands for alcohol. Sa' says her !avorite e3a'"le o! M&#0(5M5 is, D(ow hiring s'iling !aces.E microfiche (M&5&-kroh-!eesh), noun ?icrofilm that has been converted to small sheets so that it can be read from a special viewing machine. Seven straight hours at the M%C*09%C;& 'achine "erusing ol news"a"er articles on 8orl 8ar %% le!t &laine blurry-eye , but with a !ir' historical sense o! the setting o! her new novel. misogamy ('ih-S0)-uh-'ee), noun .atred of marriage. Someone who holds only contempt for the institution of marriage and refuses to take a husband or wife could be said to practice misogamy. A!ter his ivorce, Brent-s 'istrust o! 'arriage bor ere on M%S0)AM5. mohair (M0-hair), noun
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The hair of the angora goat; fabric or clothing made from this hair. *u y love the M0;A%* sweater % knitte !or his birth ay, but it gave hi' a rash. moil ('oyl), noun or verb .ard, grinding work or to engage in such work. #he M0%2 o! "a"erwork 'a e Sheila long !or early retire'ent. monograph (M0(-uh-gr7!!), noun A scholarly article or essay on a certain topic. A monograph is usually intended for an academic audience and not for the general public. 6eterson-s M0(0)*A6; on theoretical "hysics was well receive in the scienti!ic co''unity, although it certainly 'akes !or tough rea ing !or the lay'an. monophonic ('on-uh-90(-ik), a +ective Of or pertaining to sound reproduction using a single signal channel. Although the grou"-s recor ings were release !or M0(06;0(%C syste's, the new co'"act isc !eatures stereo re'i3es o! their 'ost !a'ous songs. morphology ('ore-9A22-uh-+ee), noun The study of something2s form or structure. 8e s"ent a sur"risingly interesting !ew 'inutes iscussing the M0*6;020)5 o! the uck-bille "laty"us. motley (M0#-lee), a +ective Of diverse composition. Something that shows many colors or facets could be said to be motley. &The word has come to carry negative overtones of raggedness or lack of union.' %t was 9re erick-s +ob to 'ol the M0#2&5 asse'blage he ha been given into a "ower!ul !ighting !orce. mountebank (M0U(#-uh-bank), noun A charlatan; one who sells worthless medicines, potions, and the like; a fake. #he line between visionary ro'antic an co''on M0U(#&BA($, !or 'y !ather, was o!ten a thin one. multifarious ('ul-tih-9A*&-ee-uss), a +ective ?ade of many components. Something that has a large number of parts is multifarious.

9ro' the air, (ew 5ork-s MU2#%9A*%0US skyline s"arkle 1as i! beckoning to Mary to try her han there. myopia ('ye-0;-"ee-uh), noun "nability to see distant things clearly. <iguratively, to suffer from myopia is to lack foresight. My !eeling is that by turning own that "ro+ect, 9enster showe once again that he su!!ers !ro' M506%A when it co'es to 'arketing new consu'er "ro ucts. nabob ((A5-bob), noun A wealthy person who is accustomed to lu!ury. Originally, a nabob was a person who returned to )urope from "ndia with great riches. All the city-s (AB0BS, "otentates, an intellectual stars showe u" !or %ris-s "arty. nanosecond ((A(-o-sek-un ), noun One billionth of a second; an e!tremely short period of time. %t see'e the "hone was on the hook !or only a (A(0S&C0(D be!ore it rang again. narcolepsy ((A*-ko-le"-see), noun The disorder of suddenly and unpredictably falling asleep. Someone who has narcolepsy is prone to une!pectedly succumb to the urge to sleep. A!ter learning he su!!ere !ro' (A*C02&6S5, Brian reali.e how angerous it woul be !or hi' to rive, an voluntarily returne his license to the *egistry. narcoma (nar-$0-'uh), noun A ha$y state between sleep and wakefulness reminiscent of or signalling use of narcotics. To be in a narcoma is to be in a partially concious state associated with drug use. Because she ha worke in a city e'ergency roo' !or !our years, &llen knew that the boy ha sli""e into (A*C0MA. natatorium (nay-tuh-#0*-ee-u'), noun An indoor swimming pool. Although he ha swu' in hun re s o! venues, Melvin still ha a rea' o! co'"eting in the worl -s largest (A#A#0*%UM.
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necrology (nek-*02-uh-+ee), noun A list of people who have recently died. A necrology can also be an obituary. Ben+a'in scoure the long necrology !or the na'e o! his !ather, but it was not there. necromancy ((&$-ruh-'an-see), noun The supposed practice of gaining insight by means of communication with the dead. +ecromancy can also mean 4witchcraft.5 (&C*0MA(C5 is still a "art o! 'any tribal rituals on the islan . nelson ((&2-sun), noun "n wrestling, a kind of hold in which one places one2s arm under the opponent2s arm and applies pressure to the back of the opponent2s neck. 8hen % got 9rank in a !ull (&2S0(, % knew % woul win the 'atch. neolithic (nee-oh-2%#;-ik), a +ective Of or pertaining to the latter part of the Stone Age, when ground stone weapons and tools first came into use. To dismiss something as neolithic is to say it is so unsophisticated as to belong to a much earlier era. %n these ays o! co'"uters an wor "rocessors, 'any consi er the ol !ashione 'anual ty"ewriter "ositively (&02%#;%C. neologism (nee-02-uh-+i.-u'), noun A newly coined term or word. #he co'"uter revolution has s"awne not only new technologies but a wealth o! (&020)%SMS, such as D ownloa E an Dsyste' crash,E that have 7uickly beco'e "art o! our work ay vocabulary. neurology (noo-*02-uh-gee), noun The study of the nervous system and its diseases. A neurologist is a doctor whose specialty is neurology. #he Man 8ho Mistook ;is 8i!e !or a ;at is a !ascinating account o! (&U*020)%CA2 isor ers written !or the lay'an. nexus ((&$-sus), noun A linkage or connection. A ne!us can also be the means by which two

or more things are connected #he stars in the cluster !or'e a (&BUS one coul trace across the sky. nimbus ((%M-bus), noun A halo7like source of light above the head of a saint or spiritual figure. #he 'osaic e"icts Christ an his isci"les with bright (%MBUS&S. nitid ((%#-i ), a +ective (right and lustrous. A!ter % change back to 'ore e3"ensive og !oo , 'y og regaine her (%#%D coat. noggin ((0)-in), noun A small drinking vessel; a mug. Dinner at our !avorite sea"ort restaurant always began with a generous hel"ing o! cla' chow er serve in ol !ashione cera'ic (0))%(S. noisome ((05-su'), a +ective "ll7smelling and offensive; also, harmful. #hat (0%S0M& gang o! unwashe hooligans you call your !rien s will bring you to nothing but trouble, Steve. nomenclature ((0-'en-klat-cher), noun A system of names for purposes of organi$ation. A nomenclature is a technical, professional, or artistic set or system of names in a given discipline. ;arol ha a goo gras" o! the !un a'ental "rinci"les o! che'istry, but his knowle ge o! the (0M&(C2A#U*& o! che'ical co'"oun s was weak. nonfeasance (non-9&&4-unce), noun <ailure to perform &a given duty'. Someone who is bound to act in a certain way and does not is guilty of nonfeasance. #he !ailure o! the "assersby to ai the in+ure wo'an was a heartren ing e3a'"le o! urban a"athy an (0(9&ASA(C&. nonillion (no-(%22-yun), noun A very large number equal to %D,DDD,DDD,DDD,DDD,DDD,DDD,DDD,DDD,DDD,DDD. My "arents- clai' that they ha aske 'e to clean the garage one (0(%22%0( ti'es struck 'e as the sort o! irres"onsible e3aggeration that relieve 'e o! any obligation to o 'y chores. nostrum ((A;-stru'), noun
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<rom the 9atin meaning 4ours,5 nostrums originally were patent medicines, purported to cure almost anything, sold by shady characters. At present, a nostrum is any kind of cure7all or panacea for social ills that, in practice, would probably not really work. &ven i! it coul be one, Ale3, giving all the "oor a thousan bucks woul only be a (0S#*UM. nugatory ((00-guh-toe-ree), a +ective ,orthless or in vain. That which is trifling or pointless is nugatory. %-' a!rai the e ict o! the ;igh Co''issioner has ren ere your re7uest to have the "risoner !ree (U)A#0*5. numerology (noo-'uh-*02-uh-+ee), noun The supposed practice of divining the future through analy$ing the occult significance of numbers. +umerology is not the same as the science of mathematics. /u y-s interest in (UM&*020)5 is the latest in a series o! 'ystic oingsA she was very big on #arot car s last week. numismatics (noo-'i.-MA#-iks), noun #oin or currency collecting. +umismatics can also include the collecting of paper money or medals. % su""ose 'y ecision to "ut asi e 'y newly 'inte Susan B. Anthony ollar coin 'arke 'y !irst !oray into (UM%SMA#%CS. ocher (0A$-ur), noun A yellow or reddish7brown clay; the color typical of this clay. #he shelves o! the "ottery sho" were !ille with o.ens o! 0C;&* vessels o! varying si.es. ochlophobia (ok-luh-90-be-uh), noun An illogical fear or dread of crowds. Betty never reali.e she su!!ere !ro' 0C;206;0B%A until she 'ove to the city, where she ha great i!!iculty walking to an !ro' work uring rush hour. octogenarian (ok-tuh-+uh-(A*&-ee-un), noun A person in his or her eighties. An octogenarian is one who is between eighty and eighty7nine years old.

Mrs. *ear on, an 0C#0)&(A*%A(, attributes her longevity to rinking a glass o! !ruit +uice every 'ornig. oenophile (&&-nuh-!ile), noun A wine connoisseur. 2en, a li!elong 0&(06;%2&, shu ere as % "ro uce a bottle o! *i""le to acco'"any our inner o! !ish sticks an 'acaroni an cheese. olfactory (ol-9A$-tuh-ree), noun elating to the sense of smell. 9or 'e, walking "ast the bakery every 'orning on the way to school was an 029AC#0*5 elight. oncology (on-$02-uh-+ee), noun The study of tumors. Abbey was worrie when she !oun a lu'" in her breast, but the 0(C020)5 s"ecialist tol her it was a benign cyst. ontogeny (on-#A;/-uh-nee), noun The cycle of development of an organism. #he cha"ter Anne was having trouble with escribe the 0(#0)&(5 o! the co''on house!ly in 'inute etail, with "articular e'"hasis on the 'aggot stage. ontology (on-#A22-uh-gee), noun Study of the nature of being and e!istence. The ad/ective form is ontological. 9or several 'inutes, we ha a lively conversation about the 0(#020)5 o! the ee"-!rie #winkie. operose (06-uh-roass), a +ective .ard7working and industrious. /ack-s 06&*0S& attention to etail is sure to sen hi' 7uickly u" the cor"orate la er. opprobrium (uh-6*0-bree-u'), noun "nfamy. Opprobrium is disgrace resulting from shameful action. :uentin knew that ro""ing out o! school woul bring only 066*0B*%UM !ro' his !ather. oracle (0*-uh-kul)t noun A means by which prophetic wisdom is imparted. Oracle is sometimes used figuratively to describe someone who is seen as offering completely dependable counsel or advice.
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A!ter A""o'ato3, )rant-s wor s see'e ('uch to his sur"rise) to be regar e as having issue !ro' an 0*AC2&. oracular (or-A$-yuh-lur), a +ective esembling an oracle; said in a solemn or cryptic manner. My boss, Mr. #wo'bey, always issue his "ronounce'ents in a gloo'y, 0*ACU2A* !ashion that le!t us won ering whether so'ething horrible was about to ha""en. ornithology (or-nih-#;A;2-uh-+ee), noun The study of birds. ;er li!elong love o! bir s le Stella to seek a egree in 0*(%#;020)5. orotund (0*-uh-tun ), a +ective &Of the voice or speech' possessing a full, big sound; sonorous; &of a style of speaking' overbearing or pretentious. #he senator elivere an i'"assione , i! 0*0#U(D, e!ense o! the "arty-s tra e "olicy. osmosis (oss-M0&-sis), noun ;radual absorption, assimilation. /erry reste his hea on the te3tbook an close his eyes, as i! ho"ing to absorb the in!or'ation in it by 0SM0S%S. ossify (0SS-ih-!ye), verb To harden or become bonelike. 9iterally, ossify means 4to change into a bone,5 but it is often used to describe a rigidity of outlook or opinion. #he creative tea'-s conce"ts, which ha originally see'e very "ro'ising, ha 0SS%9%&D into a conventional set o! i eas that no one !oun e3citing. outr (oo-#*A5), a +ective <rom the <rench meaning 4to pass beyond,5 outrN describes someone or something radically unconventional or outside the limits of what most consider proper. %t-s not 0U#*I to go to a church "icnic wearing an e3"letive-covere #shirt, Sally. %t-s +ust ru e@ oxymoron (ahk-see-M0*&-on), noun A phrase in which contradictory or incongruous terms are used together, as in the phrase 4poor little rich kid.5 8hen #e sai the ter' D'ilitary intelligenceE always struck hi' as an

0B5M0*0(, he 'eant it as a +oke, but his cousin, a li!elong ar'y o!!icer, took grave o!!ense. palaver ("uh-2A,-er), noun A parley or conference. 0alaver can also refer to charming but insubstantial talk meant to persuade or ca/ole. Don-t be taken in by 9rank-s 6A2A,&*A he is not the agent !or you. palindrome (6A2-in- ro'e), noun A word or sentence &such as pop or +ot so, (oston' that reads the same forward and backward. /a'es-s ogge atte'"t to write a novel consisting solely o! a single si3tythousan wor 6A2%(D*0M& le his relatives to won er whether his best ays as a writer o! !iction were behin hi'. panegyric ("an-uh-/&&*-ick), noun <ormal, elaborate praise. A!ter Coach ;enry retire , her !or'er athletes !ille the local "a"er with 6A(&)5*%CS concerning her character an acco'"lish'ents. panjandrum ("an-/A(- ru'), noun An important person; a bigwig. % was able to obtain a list o! local business 6A(/A(D*UMS to solicit !or invest'ent !un s. pantheism (6A(-thee-i.-u'), noun A doctrine that espouses ;od2s manifestation in all things. 0antheism tends to identify 6eity with the natural world. The word derives from the ;reek roots for 4all5 and 4;od.5 %t is !air to say that although she ha no !or'al religious u"bringing & ith ten e towar the 6A(#;&%SM she associate with certain (ative A'erican religious rites. papal (6A5-"ull), a +ective Of or pertaining to the pope. A papal decree is one issued by the pope. #he actor was unable to obtain a 6A6A2 au ience, although he i 'eet with an archbisho" while visiting the ,atican. paraffin (6A*&-uh-!inn), noun A white wa!7like material used in the production of candles and wa! paper. So 'any custo'ers ha or ere Betty-s ho'e'a e Christ'as can les that
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she ha to sen her son 8ally out to buy 'ore 6A*A99%(. paroxysm (6A*&-uk-si.-u'), noun An outburst. A paro!ysm is a sudden action or an incidence reminiscent of something e!plosive. /oan broke out in 6A*0B5SMS o! laughter at 6ete-s +oke. parse ("ahrss), verb To break a sentence down into its component parts. "n recent years, the word also has come to mean analy$ing, or breaking down, anything. % s"ent 'y ti'e a!ter our argu'ent 6A*S%() every cutting re'ark she ha 'a e. parsimonious ("ar-suh-M0A(-ee-uss), a +ective Stingy. Someone who is e!ceptionally frugal or thrifty could be considered parsimonious. #he ol 'an-s 6A*S%M0(%0US ways were legen C it is sai that in a li!eti'e o! restaurant ining, he never once "icke u" a check. parvenu (6A*-vuh-new), noun <rom the <rench meaning 4upstart,5 a parvenu is someone who has recently gained wealth, prestige, or an important position but has not yet figured out how to act appropriately in that new position. #he Cla'"ett !a'ily, o! classic television-s Beverly ;illbillies, is a great e3a'"le o! a 6A*,&(U clan. passim (6ASS-i'), noun A word used to indicate that a given source or element is used frequently throughout a written work. *e!erences to a !ictitious writer na'e $ilgore #rout a""ear 6ASS%M in a nu'ber o! $urt ,onnegut-s novels. patois (6A#-wah), noun <rom the <rench meaning 4clumsy speech,5 patois refers either to rural speech or to /argon . . . basically any language that deviates from standard usage. %-ve given u" trying to !ollow the 6A#0%S o! teenagers, the teacher co'"laine . patriarchy (6A5-tree-ark-ee), noun

A group ruled by a patriarch; an organi$ation or clan in which lines of descent and inheritance are traced through the male. Martha accuse her !ather o! running a 6A#*%A*C;5, arguing that she eserve to take on the lea ershi" o! the co'"any !ar 'ore than her younger brother. patrimony (6A#-rih-'o-nee), noun .eritage or legacy. Someone2s patrimony can be either a financial inheritance or an ancestral heritage. &A patrimony can also be a church endowment.' #he will outline 6A#*%M0(5 "ay'ents totaling over one 'illion ollars. peerage (6&&*-ih+), noun #ountries, empires, kingdoms, etc. considered friendly toward another empire or country. #he nation-s 6&&*A)& began to shi!t a!ter it launche covert attacks against !or'erly !rien ly countries. penurious ("eh-(00*-ee-uss), a +ective ?iserly. 0enurious can also mean 4lacking in means or e!tremely poor.5 /oan, raise in co'!ortable surroun ings, was not cut out !or such a 6&(U*%0US li!estyle. peony (6&&-uh-nee), noun A colorful plant bearing large petals; the state flower of "ndiana. #he !lorist asse'ble a lovely arrange'ent o! 6&0(%&S !or Aunt %rene. peregrination ("ear-uh-grih-(A5-shun), noun Courneys or wanderings made on foot. 8ally-s Sun ay 6&*&)*%(A#%0(S took hi' !ro' shuttere sho"s to rivers s"oile by centuries o! "ollution. peremptory ("uh-*&M6-tuh-ree), a +ective Allowing for no rebuttal or overturning. A peremptory act is one that admits no possibility of denial or negotiation. $ings 'ay issue 6&*&M6#0*5 eclarations o! war, Mr. SecretaryA "resi ents are oblige to iscuss such 'atters with Congress. perfidy (6U**-!ih- ee), noun 0erfidy is a calculated breach of faith or trust. %n warti'e, such 6&*9%D5 as you have been !oun guilty o! yiel s only one
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sentenceC eath. perigee (6&A*-uh-+ee), noun The point at which a heavenly body, especially an orbiting body like the moon, is closest to the )arth. 6eo"le all over the country got out their telesco"es to see the 'eteor as it reache its 6&*%)&&. peripatetic ("er-ih-"uh-#&#-ik), a +ective ,andering. Someone who goes from one place to another is peripatetic. #hese ays, "ursuing the "resi ency re7uires serious can i ates to live a 6&*%6A#&#%C li!estyle that "ro!oun ly a!!ects one-s ho'e an !a'ily li!e. perspicacity ("er-s"ih-$ASS-ih-tee), noun "nsightfuness. Someone who shows keen understanding displays perspicacity. #he "roble' was a co'"le3 one that re7uire the analysis o! so'eone with great 6&*S6%CAC%#5. perspicuity ("urr-s"i-$500-ih-tee), noun #lear and easy to understand. 0erspicuity is generally used with regard to speech or writing. #he re"ort !ro' the accounting o!!ice was loa e with technical +argonA writing with 6&*S6%CU%#5 is not one o! the talents o! the "eo"le who work there. pestle (6&SS-ul), noun A tool used to grind substances into a powder in a mortar. During the e3cavation, the crew iscovere a nu'ber o! ancient !oo "re"aration ite's, inclu ing woo en 6&S#2&S, clay crocks, an eating utensils 'a e o! "olishe bone. phaeton (9A5-ih-tin), noun A lightweight four7wheeled passenger carriage drawn by horses. #he 6;A&#0(, once a co''on sight on any city street, was eventually "hase out an re"lace by the auto'obile. phantasmagoria (!an-ta.-'uh-)0*&-ee-uh), noun A dreamlike, constantly changing series of visions. #he avant-gar e !il' ha no ialogue or "lot in the tra itional senseA it

was essentially a 6;A(#ASMA)0*%A set to 'usic. phantasmagoric (!an-ta..-'uh-)0*&-ihk), a +ective 6escribes the type of imagery one might see in a dream* mysterious, shifting scenes, filled with incongruous elements. #he irector-s 6;A(#ASMA)0*%C i'ages elighte so'e au ience 'e'bers, while con!using the e3"ectations o! others. pheromone (9A*&-uh-'one), noun A substance released by an animal that produces specific physiological reactions or behavioral changes in other animals of the same species. #he "er!u'e co'"any-s clai' that its new "er!u'e containe 6;&*0M0(&S that woul cause it to act as a hu'an a"hro isiac was the sub+ect o! strict scrutiny by !e eral regulators. philter (9%2-tur), noun A magical love potion. #hinking the glass containe &vian water, ,eronica raine the 6;%2#&* to its regsA her eyes 'et those o! the startle butler, an she 'elte with ten erness. phraseology (!ray-.ee-ah-20-+ee), noun "n language, the way phrases and words are employed. 8ith her e3cellent iction, articulation, an 6;*AS&020)5, ;olly ha a gi!t !or "ublic s"eaking an ebate. physiognomy (!i.-ee-0)-nuh-'ee), noun The human face &especially when regarded as a mirror of one2s emotional state'. 0hysiognomy is also the practice of determining a person2s inclination or character from facial signals. #here was a noticeable change in Doris-s 6;5S%0)(0M5 as #o rea her the news. picayune (6%$-uh-yoon), a +ective 0etty. Something that is trifling or unimportant is picayune. Mr. 9rankl a""arently coul n-t be bothere with such 6%CA5U(& concerns as what color shirt to wear. pied ("ie ), a +ective
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6escribes animals, plants, cloth designs, etc. featuring two or more colors. #he "oet )erar Manley ;o"kins believe the strangeness o! 6%&D creatures an "lants was a sign o! )o -s grace. planar (62A5-ner), a +ective <lat or level, like a geometric plane. My boys s"ent the 'orning rolling a ball across the 62A(A* sur!ace o! their new "layhouse-s !loor. plangent (62A(-+ent), a +ective 6escribes something loud and, typically, sorrowful. #he 62A()&(# loco'otive whistle 'a e ;enry ro" a tear in his beer. plaudit (62A8- it), noun An e!pression of gratitude or praise. 0laudits &in the plural' is usually taken to mean 4applause.5 % a' unworthy, 'y !rien s, o! the 62AUD%#S you have bestowe on 'e this evening. playa (625-uh), noun The lowest area of a desert, usually flat and sometimes covered with water. #he esert-s un raine 62A5A containe the only water !or hun re s o! 'iles. plebiscite (62&B-uh-site), noun A vote, open to all voters, which decides matters of public policy. #he anne3ation was vote own in a 62&B%SC%#&. plutocracy ("loo-#0$-ruh-see), noun ule by the rich. 0lutocracy can also refer to the overall influence of the wealthy in social affairs. D%! 62U#0C*AC5 were likely to i'"rove the nation-s stan ar o! living,E )eral sai haughtily, Dthen % woul be a "lutocrat.E polemics ("uh-2&M-ik), noun The art of argument. Someone who is strong in the field of polemics is gifted in making points by means of controversial discourse with others. #he talk show host-s great asset was his skill in 602&M%CS1not his

"ersonality. politick (602-ih-tik), verb To talk about or engage in politics. Barry s"en s hours 602%#%C$%() with his associates. polity (602-ih-tee), noun A system of government. A nation2s polity is its structure of social and political functioning. #he 602%#%&S o! the )reek city-states, a 'ire as they 'ay be, cannot serve as a literal 'o el !or a 'o ern in ustrial society. polydipsia ("ol-ee-D%6-see-uh), noun An abnormal or e!cessive thirst. #he barten er, clearly unintereste in *al"h-s clai' to su!!er !ro' 6025D%6S%A, tol hi' !latly that he- ha enough. polyglot (602-ee-glot), noun A person who speaks a number of languages. Someone fluent in <rench, ;erman, and )nglish would be a polyglot. #he 6resi ent-s translator, a 6025)20#, serve hi' well in 'issions to )er'any, 6ortugal, an Me3ico. polymath (6A;2-ee-'ath), noun Someone who is learned in many different areas. &ven though he never gra uate !ro' college, /a'es is known as a 6025MA#;. pongee ("on-/&&), noun A thin, unbleached variety of silk. #he gau.e-like scar! was woven !ro' a elicate 60()&&. postern (60SS-turn), noun A back or rear door or gate, especially in a castle or fort. #he !ire 'arshall was uni'"resse with our evacuation "lan, which re7uire guests, in the event o! an e'ergency, to 'ake their way through a ark, narrow hallway lea ing to a 60S#&*(. preceptor ("ri-S&6-tur), noun A school principal, teacher, or instructor. 0ur ele'entary school-s 6*&C&6#0* was a stern 'an who han e out swi!t isci"line to trouble'akers. premillennial ("re-'uh-2&(-ee-uhl), a +ective
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"n general, premillennial refers to a time /ust before the start of a new millennium, such as the %BBDs. The word has gained increasing usage by some religious groups to describe the time /ust before the second coming of Cesus #hrist, which they believe imminent. #ru y le!t the church a!ter she eci e she i not subscribe to its 6*&M%22&((%A2 views. prestidigitation ("ress-tih- ih-+ih-#A5-shun), noun Sleight of hand, or a magician2s work in general. #he 'agician-s acts o! 6*&S#%D%)%#A#%0( were a hit at 'y son-s birth ay "arty. priapic ("ry-A6-ick), a +ective elated to the phallus or to a man who is obsessed with his masculinity. #he 'e ication-s 6*%A6%C warnings, that so'e erections coul last longer than !our hours, le to a series o! +okes by latenight co'ics. procrustean ("ro-$*US-tee-un), a +ective Seeking to enforce doctrines or theories by violently eliminating all possible alternative viewpoints. 0rocrustean derives from the name of a fabled thief of ancient ;reece who stretched or amputated his victims in order to make them fit a bed e!actly. #he regi'e-s 6*0C*US#&A( tactics are esigne to co'"letely eli'inate all "olitical issent. prognosticate ("rog-(0SS-tih-kate), verb To predict. Someone who foretells the future prognosticates. As to the ga'e-s !inal outco'e, % re!use to 6*0)(0S#%CA#&. prolix ("ro-2%$S), a +ective Tediously wordy. Something that is long and verbose is proli!. #he re"ort was utterly 6*02%BA % gave u" trying to !inish rea ing it. promulgate (6*0M-ul-gate), verb To put forward publicly. To promulgate can also mean 4to announce in an official capacity.5 #he news o! the British attack was 6*0MU2)A#&D by town criers.

protean (6*0-te-un), a +ective Eersatile; changing form easily. As !urther e'onstration o! his 6*0#&A( abilities as an actor, (e agree to a""ear in a si3-week run o! ;enry %,, 6art 0ne, "laying 9alsta!! an ;ots"ur on alternate nights. provocateur ("ruh-vock-uh-#U**), noun <rom the <rench meaning 4challenger,5 a provocateur is someone who deliberately causes trouble or sparks dissension. Mick revels in being a 6*0,0CA#&U*, o!ten wearing to church his #-shirts !eaturing satanic rock ban s. prurient (6*00*-ee-ent), a +ective 9ewd &said of an idea, representation, account, etcetera'. A prurient interest is one focusing e!cessively on se!. D#he i ea,E /u ge Cotlin wrote, Dthat /oyce-s Ulysses is esigne 'ainly to e3cite the rea er-s 6*U*%&(# interest is absur .E pseudomorph (S00- oh-'or!), noun A deceptive or irregular form. % thought the sha"e on the !loor was a bug an "re"are to s7uash it with a book, when % reali.e it was 'erely a 6S&UD0M0*6; . . . a "iece o! irt or an o ly-colore ust bunny. punctilio ("ungk-#%2-ee-o), noun A fine point of etiquette. DDon-t use essert !orks uring the 'ain course, "lease,E 'y gran 'other intone , reverting to one o! her !avorite 6U(C#%2%0S. punctilious ("unk-#%22-ee-uss), a +ective Overly attentive to trifling details. Someone who takes great care to dispose of seemingly small matters in a formally correct way is punctilious. #he 6U(C#%2%0US Mrs. S'ith took issue with the seating arrange'ents we ha suggeste . pusillanimous ("yoo-sih-2A(-ih-'uss), a +ective #owardly; profoundly lacking in noble qualities of courage and mettle. #he actor 'a e a career o! "laying 6US%22A(%M0US ty"es in 'ovies an
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on television, but he was a""arently a robust an vigorous 'an o! action in real li!e. pyriform (6&&*-uh-!or'), a +ective Shaped like a pear. D%! % get 'uch 'ore 65*%90*M, %-' going to have to rent a s"ace in the "ro uce section,E ,ivian co'"laine . quahog ($0-hog), noun An edible clam found off of the Atlantic coastline of +orth America. &very su''er )ran "a woul take us to his beachhouse in Maine, where we- !ish an ig !or :UA;0)S in the 7uiet hours be!ore awn. quark (kwork), noun An elementary particle. A quark is one of the smallest known quantities of matter. 6hilli"-s work in a""lie "hysics !ocuse on the behavior o! :UA*$S in various environ'ents. quiescent (kwee-&SS-unt), a +ective 6ormant; inactive. #he ol :U%&SC&(# "iano that ha once rung out triu'"h a!ter triu'"h ha been stan ing in its oak-"anele roo' since the ay o! its 'aster-s eath. quietus (kwhy-eat-us), noun Something that ends or settles a situation. Also, a word for death or retirement. #he :U%&#US o! the argu'ent arrive when Marteeka 'a e a "oint that 9rie a coul not re!ute. quondam ($8A;(- u''), a +ective <rom the 9atin meaning 4at one time,5 quondam means one7time or former. 6ro!essor 2ightyear-s :U0(DAM assistant turne to wicke ness an soon beca'e an evil genius. ratiocinate (rash-ee-0SS-ih-nate), verb To reason. To ratiocinate is to probe thoroughly by means of logical e!amination. 8e have so'e o! the best 'athe'atical 'in s in the worl working on this "roble', an yet no one has "rove able to *A#%0C%(A#& with su!!icient clarity to !in a solution.

recidivism (rih-S%D-ih-vi.-u'), noun epeated relapse into a past condition or behavior. #he rate o! *&C%D%,%SM !or in'ates in this institution is woe!ully high, 8ar en. redact (rih-DA$#), verb To revise or edit a manuscript into publishable form. edact can have a negative connotation, suggesting that edits are made against a writer2s probable wishes. /ulie was livi when she !oun how the e itors ha *&DAC#&D her care!ul, "olishe "rose. refulgent (rih-9U2-+unt), a +ective adiant. A *&9U2)&(# s'ile crosse Anna-s !ace when she learne that her loan ha been a""rove . remand (rih-MA(D), verb To send back. #he +u ge *&MA(D&D the case 'uch 'ore 7uickly than ha been e3"ecte , issuing an unusually thorough set o! instructions !or the lower court to !ollow. remunerative (rih-M500(-er-uh-tive), a +ective 6escribes something that is profitable. /ane 7uit her ay +ob a!ter she !oun her online business was 'ore *&MU(&*A#%,& than she- e3"ecte . restive (*&S-tive), a +ective -neasy; impatient with delay. Someone who is impatient or uncomfortable with present surroundings could be said to be restive. #he *&S#%,& "layers gathere aroun the coach, eager to get the ga'e un erway. reticulate (rih-#%$-yoo-lit), a +ective 9ike a net or network. Also, as a verb &rih7T)H7 yoo7late', to cause to take the form of a network. #he 'a"le lea! -s !ibers are *&#%CU2A#& in structure. rhetoric (*&#-ur-ik), noun The art of the effective use of language. hetoric is also speech or writing calculated to arouse passion.
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Are we ever going to 'ove !ro' e'"ty *;&#0*%C to a soun "lan o! action on this issueF riposte (rih-60AS#), noun "n fencing, the thrust made in response to an opponent2s parry; also, a retaliatory remark or retort. % thought (ew'an was goo -nature enough to han le 'y +okes about his rece ing hairline, but his heate *%60S#& about 'y weight "roble' in icate otherwise. rou (roo-A5), noun A licentious man; a libertine or lecher. Although &rnest-s alliances 'ight have been un erstan able when he was a young 'an, they were 'ore i!!icult !or his !a'ily to !orgive in his later years, when he ca'e to rese'ble nothing so 'uch as a tire an lonely ol *0UI. rubicon (*00-bih-kon), noun A point beyond which permanent change is unavoidable. The word comes from the name of a river &the ubicon' once crossed by Culius #aesar in an act that led irrevocably to war. %n signing the bill, the )overnor 'ay have crosse the *UB%C0( an !orever close the oor on his "rison re!or' "rogra'. rusticate (*USS-ti-kate), verb To move &a person' to the country. usticate can also mean 4to accustom to country living.5 % a' a!rai you will be unable to *US#%CA#& $enA he is a city boy through an through. saffron (SA99-ron), noun A variety of crocus that blooms in the autumn. Also* a spice. Also* yellow7orange in color. #he Se"te'ber "age o! 'y calen ar is 'y !avoriteC trees with leaves o! re , orange, an gol , surroun e by a !iel o! "ur"le SA99*0(. sake (SA;-kee), noun A wine7like Capanese beverage made with fermented rice. 8hen he returne !ro' Cali!ornia, 'y !ather an % ine on sushi an rank war' SA$& at his !avorite /a"anese restaurant.

sanctum (SA($-tu'), noun A holy, sacred place. Bran on-s s'all ho'e o!!ice containe little 'ore than a co'"uter, an encyclo"e ia, an a !ew "ieces o! !urniture, but it was in this un"re"ossessing SA(C#UM that he wrote his 6ulit.er 6ri.eRwinning "lay. sangfroid (san-9*8A), noun The state of being supremely composed or self7assured, especially in the face of adversity or danger. % always 'arvele at /anie-s SA()9*0%D be!ore taking e3a'sA % usually got so nervous % coul har ly hol a "encil. sanguinary (SA()-gwuh-nare-ee), a +ective ?arked by bloodshed. #hey awoke the ne3t 'orning to !in that the battle ha been won, but not without costC it ha been the 'ost SA()U%(A*5 encounter o! the two-year con!lict. sanguine (SA(-gwinn), a +ective 0ossessing a positive attitude. Sanguine usually carries the sense of being cheerful despite obstacles or potential problems. Des"ite the 'any setbacks she ha !ace , &llen re'aine SA()U%(&. saturnine (SA#-ur-neen), a +ective ?oody and morose. Someone who is saturnine is gloomy. 9or so'e 'onths a!ter the eath o! his cat, Cosgrove 'aintaine a SA#U*(%(& !ront. scalene (S$A5-leen), noun "n geometry, having no two equal sides. %n geo'etry we learne about the si3 kin s o! trianglesC right angle, acute, isosceles, obtuse, e7uilateral, an SCA2&(&. schadenfreude (S;A;- un-!roy- uh), noun An instance of re/oicing at the misfortune of another. 8ilson-s conviction on "er+ury charges set o!! a !estival o! SC;AD&(9*&UD& a'ong his 'any conservative etractors. schematic (skuh-MA#-ik), a +ective an noun .aving to do with a diagram or scheme. As a noun, schematic can mean 4a fully diagrammed plan or drawing.5
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8ill you "lease re!er to the SC;&MA#%C esign % have re"ro uce on "age twelve o! your han bookF scull (skull), noun an verb A long oar used in the stern of a boat; also, a light racing rowboat. As a verb* to propel a boat with a scull. Stewart love to get u" early in the 'orning an SCU22 aroun the cal' lake. sedulous (S&D-yuh-luss), a +ective 6one or crafted with skill, diligence, and care. #he teen-s S&DU20US labors at the esert site were rewar e by the iscovery o! tricerato"s bones in the thir week o! the ig. semantic (suh-MA(-tic), noun elated to or having to do with the diverse levels of meaning accompanying words and symbols. 8hether we i enti!y the' as DstreetwalkersE or D"rostitutes,E Mr. Mayor, is a 'atter o! S&MA(#%CSA the !act is that the "eo"le "lying their tra e on our streets at night are re ucing the 7uality o! li!e in our town. semantics (suh-MA(-tiks), noun The science of the way meaning is communicated through language. A semantic distinction is one focused on the way something is phrased, rather than its underlying reality. 8hether we say the co'"ensation will be Da""ro"riateE or Dco'"etitiveE is really a 'atter o! S&MA(#%CSA we know e3actly how 'uch we inten to "ay the "erson we !inally hire. sententious (sen-#&(-shuss), a +ective Tending to use many cliches or ma!ims in order to enlighten others. Someone who shares many sayings or stories in a sanctimonious or preachy way is sententious. 6olonius-s S&(#&(#%0US 'anner o! s"eaking clearly irritates ;a'let in this scene. septuagenarian (se"-tuh-+uh-(A*&-ee-un), noun A person in his or her seventies. A septuagenarian is one who is between seventy and seventy7nine years old.

)ran 'other, now >O, is not looking !orwar to beco'ing a S&6#UA)&(A*%A(. seraphic (sih-*A99-ick), a +ective #haracteristic of an angel. #he 'usic-s S&*A6;%C tones le!t 'e !eeling s"iritually u"li!te . serriform (SA%*-uh-!or'), a +ective Shaped like a saw7edge; having ridges reminiscent of saw7teeth. #he two S&**%90*M "ieces !it together "er!ectly, 'aking a soli +oint. sesquipedalian (ses-7uih-"uh-DA5-lee-un), a +ective Appropriately, this word describes someone who uses really big, ponderous words. <rom the 9atin meaning 4a foot and a half.5 D#hat co''entator uses such S&S:U%6&DA2%A( language that % oubt anyone knows what he-s talking about,E 'y !ather co'"laine . shako (S;AC$-oh), noun A stiff, tall piece of military headgear, resembling a fe$ with an upright plume. #he guar -s S;A$0 tre'ble as he a vance towar us angrily. shogun (S;0-gun), noun (efore %A>A, the commander of the Capanese military. #he S;0)U(S o! ancient /a"an are consi ere a'ong the 'ost notable strategists in 'ilitary history. simile (S%M-uh-lee), noun A comparison in speech or writing. 4.er smile is like the morning sun5 is an e!ample of a simile. By asking, DShall % co'"are thee to a su''er-s ayFE Shakes"eare initiates a S%M%2& he will evelo" !ully in succee ing lines o! the sonnet. simulacrum (si'-yuh-2A5-kru'), noun A minor, unreal or eerie similarity. A simulacrum can also be an effigy. #he boy "ossesse only the barest S%MU2AC*UM o! the classic DeBerris brow, but so'ething tol 'e his clai' to be a escen ant was vali . sinecure (S%(-uh-kyoor), noun A /ob that is profitable although it requires only a marginal amount of
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work. &veryone-s annoye that the boss gave her o-nothing son a S%(&CU*& +ust to kee" hi' !ro' getting into trouble. sloe (slo), noun A small fruit resembling a plum. Many "eo"le like the taste o! S20& gin, but /enni!er "re!ers the tra itional variety !lavore with +uni"er berries. snafu (sna-900), noun An egregious but common error. Su""ose ly, the wor DS(A9UE is an acrony' o! the "hrase DSituation nor'al, all !oule u".E sociometry (so-see-0M-uh-tree), noun The determination of preference among members of distinct social groups. Sociometry can also refer to distinctions accountable to social differences. 8hat we !oun is that the bran -s success or !ailure in a given area was ue not 'ainly to inco'e level, but to S0C%0M&#*5. solstice (S02-stiss), noun )ither of the two yearly times during which the sun is furthest from the celestial equator; the longest and shortest days of the year in the +orthern .emisphere. &The longest day, known as the summer solstice, occurs in Cune; the shortest day, or winter solstice, is in 6ecember.' During the *o'an winter S02S#%C& !estival, known as Saturnalia, revelers woul "ut can les on trees an hol 'assive celebrations inten e to "ersua e the !a ing sunlight to return. somniferous (so'-(%99-er-us), a +ective 6escribes something, such as drugs, that induces sleep. #he "ro!essor-s S0M(%9&*0US voice cause 'any stu ents to !all aslee" uring her lectures. somnolent (S0M-nuh-lunt), a +ective Tired, sleepy. ;aving worke all night on the "a"er, )aylor ragge hi'sel! into the lecture hall an s"ent the hour casting a well'eaning but S0M(02&(#

ga.e in the irection o! his "ro!essor. sophistry (S09-iss-tree), noun A seemingly convincing argument that is logically flawed. To accuse someone of sophistry is to say he is practicing sly doubletalk. % believe this +ury is too so"histicate to be taken in by the S06;%S#*%&S the e!ense has o!!ere . spate (s"ayt), noun A sudden outpouring; a flood or deluge. My re7uest !or a raise was greete by a S6A#& o! hysterical laughter an occasionally obscene rantings !ro' 'y boss, Mr. 8alker. stalactite (stuh-2AC$-tite), noun An icicle7shaped deposit hanging from the top of a cavern, formed by drips of water containing calcium or other minerals. S#A2AC#%#&S hang !ro' the to"s o! cavesA an easy way to re'e'ber this is that the secon hal! o! the wor begins with a DtE !or Dto".E stalagmite (stuh-2A)-'ite), noun A deposit, typically found on a cave floor, formed from the drippings of a stalactite. S#A2A)M%#&S are !oun at the botto's o! cavesA an easy way to re'e'ber this is that the secon hal! o! the wor begins with a DgE !or Dgroun .E stultifying (S#U22-tih-!ie-ing), a +ective 9ikely to stifle or cause to be futile or ineffective. %t was on a S#U2#%95%()25 hot August ay in Me'"his, #ennessee, that the i ea o! scaling back 'y aily running routine !irst occurre to 'e. subaltern (sub-A82-turn), a +ective 9ow in position or rank; secondary in importance. Sto" giving 'e all these SUBA2#&*( reasons !or your behavior an tell 'e what your true 'otivation is@ sublimate (SUB-lih-'ate), verb To transfer the force of an unacceptable inclination or impulse to a pursuit considered proper. To sublimate an urge is to redirect it to a wholesome purpose.
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#here is a "o"ular1but un"roven1notion that butchers are secretly violent, an that they choose their "ro!ession as a 'eans o! SUB2%MA#%() their "assions. supine (S00-"ine), a +ective 9ying down with the back to the floor. Supine can also mean 4passive.5 Da'on !oun the 'arketing e"art'ent SU6%(& when it ca'e to i'"le'enting i eas. suppliant (SU;-"lee-unt), noun or a +ective One who asks humbly for something, or a description of someone who asks humbly. A!ter he ha an a!!air, Steve-s SU662%A(# behavior towar his wi!e beca'e al'ost nauseating to his !rien s. surcingle (SU*-sing-gul), noun A strap that holds a saddle or other apparatus on a domesticated animal. #he worn leather SU*C%()2& sna""e , an Dan was thrown !ro' the gallo"ing horse. surrealism (suh-*&&-uh-li.-u'), noun A twentieth7century movement in art and literature that emphasi$ed the subconscious or irrational nature of perceived forms through the illogical placing and presentation of sub/ect matter. Dali-s D#he 6ersistence o! Me'ory,E which !eatures the now-!a'ous 'elting watches, was i''e iately haile as a 'aster"iece o! SU**&A2%SM. surrealistic (suh-ree-uh-2%SS-tik), a +ective -nreal. Surrealistic art focuses on images or emotions that are otherworldly or profoundly removed from everyday e!perience. #he astronauts 'a e their way across the SU**&A2%S#%C lan sca"e o! Mars. susurration (suss-uh-*A5-shun), noun A soft, whispering sound. % sat there on the "orch o! 'y "arents!ar'house, listening to the SUSU**A#%0( o! win - riven stalks o! wheat. sward (swore ), noun

9and covered with thick grass. 8e eci e that the large, !lat S8A*D woul 'ake an e3cellent location !or a ga'e o! touch !ootball. sybarite (S%B-er-ite), noun A person enamoured of lu!ury and pleasure. *o ney live the li!e o! a S5BA*%#&, riving his *olls-*oyce aroun his su''er cottage in (ice an wintering at his ,irginia 'ansion. syllogism (S%2-uh-+i.-u'), noun A form of logical argument that features two propositions and finishes with a conclusion. An e!ample of a syllogism would be 4All elected epublican officials will be at the meeting; all the members of #ongress from my state are elected epublican officials; therefore all the members of #ongress from my state will be at the meeting.5 Aristotle-s !or'ulation o! the S5220)%SM as a tool !or logical analysis is one o! the 'ost signi!icant contributions to 8estern thought. sylph (sil!), noun A slim, graceful girl or woman. Although the !ashion in ustry now consi ere her to be the 'ost e3otic S526; on the scene, the !ashion 'o el ha thought hersel! clu'sy an awkwar as a teenager. symbiotic (si'-bee-0##-ik), a +ective #haracteristic of an intimate or mutually advantageous relationship, especially &in biology' one between dissimilar organisms. %n ocean li!e you o!ten see S5MB%0#%C relationshi"s between large an s'all !ish, in which the s'aller !ee o!! o! organis's e3isting on the larger, thereby kee"ing the larger !ish clean an healthy. talisman (#A2-iss-'un), noun A lucky charm; an engraved ob/ect believed to possess occult powers. /ustin was all set !or the big ga'e until he reache into his "ocket an !oun that his #A2%SMA(1a s'all "iece o! stone !ro' the shores o! %relan , given to hi' by his 'other1was 'issing.
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tangelo (#A(-+uh-lo), noun A kind of citrus fruit; hybrid of a tangerine and a grapefruit. #he corner !ruit 'arket s"eciali.e in stocking the 'ore e3otic !ruits an vegetables, an !or 'ost o! the year was the only "lace in town where one coul regularly "urchase #A()&20S. %aoism (D08-is-u'), noun A system of philosophy identified with the sage 9ao7T$u, and embodied most notably in his work Tao7te7ching, that holds that life lived simply and in accordance with natural laws and events is most in keeping with the Tao, or way, that underlies all e!istence. Scholars 'ay ebate the !ine "oints o! a rational un erstan ing o! #A0%SM, but a true "ractitioner "robably e3"resses it best when she grace!ully an thank!ully acce"ts a "ro!!ere cu" o! tea. taphephobia (ta!!-uh-90&-bee-uh), noun The abnormal fear of being buried alive. A!ter seeing the !inal scene o! that horror !il', #he )rave Clai's %ts 0wn, % coul n-t slee", an % ha an inkling o! what it 'ust be like to su!!er !ro' #A6;&6;0B%A. tarantella (tar-un-#&22-ah), noun A spirited "talian dance in >FA time. Al, a e icate !o3trotter, ha a tough ti'e ealing with his new wi!e-s see'ingly en less !ascination with the #A*A(#&22A. taurine (#A8-rine), a +ective Of or pertaining to bulls. Taurine can also refer to the $odiacal sign Taurus. Brian coul is"lay a certain #AU*%(& tenacity when it ca'e to co'"leting a "ro+ect on ti'e. tautology (taw-#02-uh-gee), noun -nnecessary repetition3in different words3of an already stated idea. To describe someone as a 4wealthy member of the city2s upper class5 would be a tautology. 5our escri"tion o! Brian as a D !oreign illegal alienE is a #AU#020)5C every illegal alien is a !oreigner. taxonomy (tak-S0(-uh-'ee), noun

The science of formal classification and naming. "n biology, ta!onomy also has a more formal meaning related to the classification of organisms. #he newly iscovere insect was ubbe D2ili"utE by the researchers, although its !or'al na'e was a 7uestion o! #AB0(0M5 that no one !elt hurrie to resolve. technocracy (tek-(0$-ruh-see), noun ;overnment by engineers, technicians, or other highly skilled members of society. Technocracy &a theory populari$ed in the %B8Ds' gave us the word technocrat, which refers to a person skilled in &economic or managerial' technique who holds a position of power and influence. #he clai' that % woul institute so'e sort o! #&C;(0C*AC5 si'"ly because % a' a skille 'anager ignores 'y years o! service as a District Attorney. telekinesis (tel-uh-kuh-(&&-siss), noun The supposed ability to move ob/ects by means of mental energy. Telekinesis derives from the ;reek roots for 4from a distance5 and 4movement.5 )eller-s clai' to "ossess "owers o! #&2&$%(&S%S has been thoroughly iscre ite . teleologic (tel-ee-uh-2A;/-ick), a +ective 6escribes the belief that there is an intelligent design or purpose discernible in nature. #he natural ca'ou!lage so'e ani'als evelo" woul see' to be "roo! that we live in a #&2&020)%C universe. telepathy (tuh-2&6-uh-thea), noun The supposed ability to read minds or communicate mentally. Telepathy is a form of )S0 &e!trasensory perception'. % ho"e you-re not suggesting that % cheate on the e3a' by using #&2&6A#;5. temblor (#&M-blor), noun An earthquake. Temblor is derived from a Spanish verb meaning 4to quake.5
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Because resi ents ha consi ere earth7uakes unlikely to occur in the region, !ew structures ha been built to withstan a 'a+or #&MB20*. tempera (#&M-"ur-uh), noun A paint medium populari$ed during the enaissance, generally composed of egg, oil, water, and pigment. *a"hael-s early #&M6&*A works have isintegrate ba ly over the centuries an are in nee o! restoration. tenebrous (#&(-uh-bruhss), a +ective 6ark and gloomy. #he #&(&B*0US !orest began to !righten so'e o! the youngest hikers in the grou". testator (#&SS-tay-tur), noun A male who sets out his wishes in a legal will. The female form of testator is testatri!. #he #&S#A#0*, %-' a!rai , 'a e a serious 'istake in !ailing to have the will witnesse . testatrix (tess-#A5-triks), noun A female who sets out her wishes in a legal will. The male form of testatri! is testator. 2et-s kee" one thing in 'in C Mother is the #&S#A#*%B, not you two, an she can is"ose o! her "ro"erty in any way she sees !it. %etragrammaton (tet-ruh-)*AM-uh-ton), noun The written .ebrew word for ;od consisting of the four letters yod, he, vav, and he, and usually rendered G.E.. Tetragrammaton is ;reek for 4having four letters.5 #he sight o! the #&#*A)*AMMA#0( carve in stone above the altar always !ille 6aul with a sense o! inner "eace. theocentric (the-oh-S&(-trik), a +ective 0lacing ;od at the center &of a system of beliefs'. That which focuses on ;od is theocentric. 5ou- ll !in this writer-s "hiloso"hies a little 'ore #;&0C&(#*%C than the last one we stu ie . theocracy (thee-0$-ruh-see), noun ;overnment by religious leaders. Theocracy is the concentration of political power in the hands of church figures.

%t was to "revent the e3cesses o! #;&0C*AC5 (or its cousin, govern'ent by ivine right) that the 9oun ing 9athers !orba e establish'ent o! a !or'al state religion. timbre (#AM-bur), noun A quality of sound, usually musical, determined by its overtones; a distinctive quality or tone. % !eel that the haunting #%MB*& o! the oboe, when "laye by a 'aster, is 'ore 'oving than that o! any other 'usical instru'ent. toothsome (#00#;-su'), a +ective 0leasant or appealing &especially with regard to taste'. Toothsome can also mean 4alluring.5 8e conclu e the !east with a #00#;S0M& banana s"lit. torpid (#0*&-"i ), a +ective Sluggish; inactive; reminiscent of one in hibernation. My sister ;elen was always involve in torri ro'ancesA 'y boy!rien s were invariably #0*6%D an uninteresting. tort (tort), noun "n law, a civil misdeed requiring compensation. Tort is a legal term sometimes misspelled as torte &see below.' 5ou are incorrect in assu'ing this woul be a cri'inal caseA we are looking at a #0*#, not a cri'e. transcendental (tran-sun-D&(-tl), a +ective (eyond the realm of normal e!perience or understanding. That which transcends our customary bounds of perception is transcendental. 8hile the astronauts reacte in i!!erent ways to the #*A(SC&(D&(# e3"erience o! s"ace travel, all were "ro!oun ly a!!ecte by the e3"erience. transvestism (tran.-,&S#-i.-u'), noun The act or practice of dressing for pleasure and gratification in the clothing of the opposite se!; especially, the practice of men dressing in women2s garments. Milton Berle-s televise rag hu'or ha !ar 'ore to o with his willingness to o anything !or a laugh than with any #*A(S,&S#%SM on the co'e ian-s "art.
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treatise (#*&&-tiss), noun A scholarly essay or written argument. A systematic written e!amination of a sub/ect is a treatise. Mill-s #*&A#%S& on the e7uality o! wo'en was revolutionary !or its ti'e. tremolo (#*&MM-uh-lo), noun A quality of musical sound marked by rapid repetition of one or two notes. #he "ianist "laye e3travagantly, a ing e'bellish'ents an trills o! #*&M020 !ar too o!ten !or 'y taste. trenchant (#*&(-chunt), a +ective "ncisive and discerning. Mart-s #*&(C;A(# observations on Scorsese-s !il's were a welco'e a ition to our iscussion o! 'a+or A'erican irectors. trochee (#*0&-kee), noun "n poetry, a metrical element consisting of a two7syllable unit, the first stressed and the second unstressed. #he wor DgivenE is a #*0C;&&. troika (#*05-kuh), noun A group of three individuals acting in concert to e!ert authority. #he "hotos he took at the historic con!erence inclu e a 'e'orable i'age o! the victorious #*0%$AC Churchill, Stalin, an *oosevelt. troubadour (#*00-buh- ore), noun A traveling medieval poet and singer; also, any wandering singer or minstrel. A!ter college, %van !ancie hi'sel! so'ething o! a #*0UBAD0U*, an wan ere !ro' town to town in search o! a co!!eehouse willing to let hi' "lay. truckle (#*UC$-le), verb To yield lamely or obsequiously. % begge you not to #*UC$2& to that real estate agent-s outrageous e'an s, but you woul n-t listen. trumpery (#*UM6-uh-ree), noun ,orthless stuff; a thing or things without value; nonsense. Mark-s "a"er, co'"ose between HCGG an >CGG a.'. on the ay it was ue, use co'"licate language to isguise its "oor construction, but the

instructor ha seen such #*UM6&*5 o!ten enough to recogni.e it instantly. truncheon (#*U(-chun), noun A stick carried by police officers. A truncheon is a billy club. #he sight o! the "olice'en beating the young e'onstrators with #*U(C;&0(S, when bea'e to the nation on television, was 'ore than enough to ruin the convention !or the "arty. tutelage (#00#-l-i+), noun The act of providing guided instruction or protection. Tutelage can also mean 4close instruction.5 %t was un er Dr. Clay-s #U#&2A)& that he ca'e to un erstan how 'uch cra!t was re7uire to write a soli "lay. tyro (#%&-roh), noun <rom the 9atin meaning 4recruit,5 a tyro is a beginner or novice. 9ar !ro' being a #5*0, 'y !ive-year-ol has been "laying baseball since he was only two. ultimo (ul-#&&-'o), a +ective Of or in the calendar month preceding the current one. 0n the =Hr U2#%M0, % was in!or'e by counsel that an in ict'ent woul be !orthco'ing. ultrasaurus (ul-truh-S0*&-us), noun A recently discovered species of dinosaur that is believed to have stood five stories high. A inosaur that woul 'ake a #. re3 look like a "i"s7ueak 'ay see' a !ar!etche notion, but scientists are now certain that the U2#*ASAU*US was such a creature. ululate (U2-yuh-late), verb To howl. 2ate at night, Bert so'eti'es thought he hear !aint soun s o! the ol house-s !or'er occu"ants U2U2A#%() "laintively, as i! i'"risone there. umlaut (00M-laut), noun A symbol &O' used, especially in ;erman, to indicate special pronunciation of vowels. #he )er'an s"ortswriters in town !or the race were unha""y with the
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ty"ewriters we ha "rovi e , as they i not have UM2AU#S. unguent (U()-gwunt), noun A locally applied ointment or salve. %n treating "oison ivy, cala'ine lotion or so'e si'ilar U()U&(# is usually reco''en e . unicameral (yoo-nih-$AM-uh-rul), a +ective <eaturing a single chamber or body. #he new constitution "rovi es !or a U(%CAM&*A2 legislature, rather than an u""er an lower house. ursine (U*-sin), a +ective (earlike. -rsine derives from the 9atin word for 4bear.5 Mr. ;ess was so gla to see 'e that he ran across the hall an gave 'e a !ierce (% 'ight say U*S%(&@) e'brace. uxoricide (uk-S0*-ih-si e), noun The crime of murdering one2s wife. &ventually, the e!en ant was ac7uitte o! UB0*%C%D&A his wi!e-s eath was rule a suici e. uxorious (uk-S0*&-ee-us), a +ective Submissive or doting toward one2s wife. Although )ran "a 'akes a show o! rebellion against )ran 'a-s strictures every now an then !or our sake, he-s as UB0*%0US as they co'e. variorum (var-ee-0*-ee-u'), noun A version of a literary work that may contain several different versions of the work as well as notes and criticism. 9or the intro uctory course on Chaucer, we were re7uire to "urchase an unabri ge ,A*%0*UM e ition o! #he Canterbury #ales. vaticide (,A#-uh-si e), noun The act of murdering a prophet. #o' took the reviewer-s negative article on his religious "oetry as an act tanta'ount to ,A#%C%D&. vegan (,&;-+un), noun A person who eats only vegetables, fruits, and grains and no animal products whatsoever. ,&)A( since college, 8an a ha a har ti'e !in ing restaurants that o!!ere entrees she coul eat. vermilion (vur-M%22-yun), noun Scarlet red; bright red.

%n her tra e'ark ,&*M%2%0( "antsuit, Carrie really stoo out in a crow . vertiginous (ver-#%/-uh-nuss), a +ective .aving to do with whirling, spinning, or feeling di$$y. 4Eertigo5 is a di$$ying sensation, sometimes inspired by heights, that can make you feel like you2re about to fall. #he cli!!-s ,&*#%)%(0US !ace was aweins"iring . . . an a little bit !rightening. viand (,%&-un ), noun An article of food. Che! /ac7ues thought that any ,%A(D, whether "ri'e rib or 'eatloa!, shoul be serve to the custo'er in a visually a""ealing way. vicissitude (vih-S%SS-ih-tu e), noun A fateful obstacle or turn of events. Aware that 'ost o! us are hurt by love-s ,%C%SS%#UD&S at so'e "oint uring our lives, Ma3 trie to !orget the "ast an !in so'eone new. vitiate (,%S;-ee-ate), verb To corrupt or impair the quality or effectiveness of something or someone. My boss-s constant criticis', !ar !ro' i'"roving 'y "er!or'ance, actually ,%#%A#&D it. vivify (,%,-ih-!ie), verb To bring to life; to make lively or active. #he characters in $eillor-s stories are ,%,%9%&D through his al'ost uncanny sense o! hu'an nature an his knowle ge o! the i'"ortance o! see'ingly s'all events. vociferous (vo-S%9-er-us), verb #rying out loudly; noisy, especially in anger. Antici"ating a ,0C%9&*0US reaction, % waite until we were well outsi e o! the crow e restaurant be!ore telling 'y !ather % ha totale the car. vulpine (,U;2-"ine), a +ective #unning or crafty, like a fo!. My son-s ,U26%(& grin let 'e know he was u" to so'ething o! which % woul not a""rove. wayfaring (8A5-!are-ing), a +ective Tending to travel by foot. A wayfaring person is one who walks as a means of conducting a /ourney.
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My !ather, like 'any other 'en o! his generation, s"ent so'e ti'e as a 8A59A*%() laborer uring the e"ths o! the De"ression. weltschmerz (,&2#-sch'ayrt.), noun <rom the ;erman meaning 4world pain,5 weltschmer$ is a kind of lingering sorrow that some believe is a given in life. Mike likes to say he-s in the gri" o! 8&2#SC;M&*4, but the rest o! us +ust say he-s a total rag. whelp (hwel"), noun The offspring of a female dog or of certain other animals. Also, as a verb* to give birth to &used in connection with a female dog, wolf, lion, or similar animal'. 8here is that little 8;&261he-s taken 'y sli""er again@ whey (whay), noun "n cheesemaking, the liquid that separates from milk curd during coagulation. Many "arents, when aske by their chil ren to i enti!y e3actly what Miss Mu!!et is eating in the !a'ous nursery rhy'e, are at a loss to e3"lain Dcur s an 8;&5.E whippet (8%6-it), noun A short7haired, fast7running dog similar to a greyhound. 2ike 8;%66&#S straining be!ore a race, the swi''ers tense at the e ge o! the "ool, toes curle over the s'ooth stone o! the starting line. yabber (5AB-bur), verb To /abber; to chatter meaninglessly. % a' not intereste in any o! your 5ABB&*%() about how busy you-ve been at ho'eA % want to know why this work is a 'onth an a hal! late. yeshiva (yuh-S;&&-vuh), noun A place of instruction in the Orthodo! Cewish tradition for children of elementary school age. 8hen the 5&S;%,A release its chil ren in the a!ternoon, the soun s o! laughter echoe through the neighborhoo . yeti (5&;-tee), noun The &legendary' Abominable Snowman.

Carl clai's to have "hotogra"hic evi ence o! the 2och (ess Monster, several U90s, an a large grey 5&#%, but % have yet to see any o! it. yippie (5%6-"ee), noun A participant in a radical youth movement of the %B>Ds, the Gouth "nternational 0arty; one whose actions are reminiscent of the rebelliousness and irreverence of that time. #he 5%66%& "rotestors were on a collision course with Mayor Daley-s riot "olice that night. yob (yob), noun A hooligan or ruffian. #he !irst 50B 'ay have been a tough custo'er !ro' 2iver"ool, where the "hrase originate . zeitgeist (#S%);#-)ice ), noun A ;erman contraction meaning 4time spirit,5 $eitgeist refers to the taste and outlook3the 4spirit53common to a particular time. #hat ban has survive !or eca es because it always see's to 'ake an accurate assess'ent o! the current 4&%#)&%S#. zither (4%#;-ur), noun A small, harp7like stringed instrument. An autohar" is si'ilar to a 4%#;&* in that it has 'any strings an is stru''e A because it has keys, however, the autohar" is easier to "lay. zymurgy (4%&-'ur-+ee), noun The branch of chemistry concerned with fermentation. #hough not true che'ists, brewers an wine'akers coul be consi ere lay e3"erts in the !iel o! 45MU*)5 abase (uh-BAS&), verb To humiliate or deprive of self7worth. Melanie re!use to ABAS& hersel! !or her boss over a si'"le clerical error. abash (uh-BAS;), verb To disconcert, humiliate, or shame. To abash is to make another feel uncomfortable or disconcerted, or to cause someone to lose composure. #he ol er boys ba no 7ual's about ABAS;%() the new arrivalsA it was
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an ol tra ition at the school. abate (uh-BA#&), verb To put an end to or reduce in intensity. To abate is to reduce or diminish something. Something that lessens or weakens is abating. #he !loo waters ABA#&D when the rain sto""e . abeyance (uh-B&5-unce), noun Temporary suspension; a temporary pause, especially in regard to a government or court2s ruling. #o the e'barrass'ent o! the school a 'inistration, the local news"a"er soon got win o! their ecision to hol Chuck-s e3"ulsion in AB&5A(C& an allow hi' to "lay in the cha'"ionshi" ga'e. abjure (ab-/00*), verb To renounce, repudiate, or re/ect one2s word or professed beliefs. To ab/ure is to solemnly swear off or recant. A!ter so'e soul-searching !ollowing his !inancial an o'estic "roble's, Bra AB/U*&D rinking an ga'bling. academic (AC$-uh- e''-ick), a +ective "n addition to its noun form, which can mean 4someone associated with a school5 or 4someone who is educated but lacks street smarts,5 academic refers to theories and speculations that have no practical or useful significance. /anet is !ille with all kin s o! a vice on how to solve the worl -s "roble's, but all o! her solutions are ACAD&M%C, an thus, worthless. acclamation (ack-luh-MA5-shun), noun Overwhelming approval, demonstrated by loud cheers, clapping, etc., rather than through a ballot. #he ACC2AMA#%0( o! the crow 'a e it very clear that /ack ha won the talent show. accrete (uh-$*&&#), verb To accumulate or cause to become attached. Dang it@ &very ti'e % "ark 'y car un er a tree the can y a""le re !inish ACC*&#&S a layer o! bir ro""ings@ acquiescence (ak-wee-&SS-unce), noun The act of passive agreement or assent without ob/ection. Acquiesence

is the act of assenting or complying with another2s demands. Someone who submits to another2s will is acquiescent. ;ank, enchante by !irst-ti'e gran !atherhoo , gave over to co'"lete AC:U%&SC&(C& on his !irst ay with little 2aura. acumen (uh-CU&-'en), noun Heenness of /udgment. Acumen refers to an ability to make quick, accurate decisions and evaluations. "t is characteri$ed by rapid discernment and insight. A!ter only two years as a restaurant owner, Cly e evelo"e a re'arkable business ACUM&(A in a su""ose ly Dba location,E he ha little trouble co'ing u" with "ro'otions that attracte custo'ers. adage (AD-i+), noun A short proverb or saying. An adage is a brief ma!im. 4A stitch in time saves nine5 is an e!ample of an adage. #he ol 'an 7uote ADA)&S en lessly, which the re"orter uti!ully took own in his notebook. addle (ADD-ull), verb 6epending on its conte!t, addle can mean either 4to cause something to spoil5 or 4to make confused.5 5ou-re going to ADD2& the 'ilk i! you kee" !orgetting to "ut it back in the re!rigerator@ adherent (a -;&*&-unt), noun Someone who adheres to an opinion. Adherent describes one who is devoted to or strongly associated with a cause or opinion. #he 'easure-s AD;&*&(#S were outs"ent by its o""onents. affable (A99-uh-bul), a +ective ;entle; approachable; friendly. 8e were all sa to see our ol boss leave, but relieve that his re"lace'ent see'e like an A99AB2& "erson. aficionado (uh-!ish-ee-uh-(A;- oe), noun A devotee, someone who is enthralled with and supports a particular activity. The writer )rnest .emingway helped to populari$e this word of Spanish origin.
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My a can-t get enough o! it, but %-ve never really been a baseball A9%C%0(AD0. aggregate (A)-ruh-git), noun As a verb, aggregate is pronounced differently &A;7ruh7gait' and means to collect into a whole. As a noun, aggregate2s most common meaning is 4sum total.5 5ou-ve ha so'e rough s"ots, but your A))*&)A#& "er!or'ance at this co'"any has been !irst-rate. agnosticism (ag-(0S-ti-sih.-u'), noun The belief that it is impossible to know whether or not an ultimate cause &that is, ;od' e!ists. An agnostic is a person who is unable to conclude that there is or is not a ;od. (y contrast, an atheist is a person who has concluded that ;od does not e!ist. &The two words are often confused.' 9rank, who ha been raise in a ee"ly religious ho'e, knew that it woul hurt his "arents to s"eak o"enly o! his A)(0S#%C%SM. albatross (A2-buh-tross), noun A significant impediment, handicap, or burden. Also* a large pelican7like bird. The most common idiomatic use of albatross is the first sense given above. %n Coleri ge-s "oe' #he *i'e o! the Ancient Mariner, a sailor shoots a !rien ly A2BA#*0SS an is 'a e to wear the bir -s carcass aroun his neck. allegory (A2-uh-gore-ee), noun A story that seems simple on the surface but that uses symbolism and other techniques to convey a deeper meaning, usually one relevant to ma/or ethical or social issues. Dr. Seuss-s 5ertle the #urtle, a elight!ul chil ren-s story, is also an A22&)0*5 about the angers o! !ascis' an 'egalo'ania. alleviate (uh-2&&,-ee-ate), verb To make more bearable; to relieve. #he only thing that will A22&,%A#& the !atigue %-' !eeling right now is a goo night-s slee".

ambience (A8M-bee-awnce), noun A feeling or atmosphere associated with a place or individual. The distinctive air patrons may associate with a certain restaurant, for instance, can be a large part of its appeal; this atmospheric 4feel5 is called ambience. #he ol 'ansion ha the AMB%&(C& o! an elegant, re!ine gentle'an unaccusto'e to being hurrie . ameliorate (uh-M&&2-yuh-rate), verb To improve or upgrade. To ameliorate is to make better or put right. ,hen an unacceptable state of affairs is changed for the better, it can be said to have been ameliorated. #he a'bassa or-s 'i night visit was the !irst ste" towar AM&2%0*A#%() the "oor relations between the two countries, an 'ay actually have averte war. amenable (uh-M&;-nuh-bul), a +ective Agreeable &to an idea'; open to suggestion or willing to heed advice. A person who yields to the suggestion or wishes of another is said to be amenable to the idea in question. The word carries a sense of tact and manageability rather than submissiveness. 8e e3"ecte sti!! o""osition to the new bene!its "ackage, but once we took the trouble to e3"lain it thoroughly the e'"loyees were 7uite AM&(AB2&. amity (AM-uh-tee), noun <riendship, especially that e!pressed by two or more nations. 9or eca es, "eo"le o! all nations have wishe !or AM%#5 between %srael an 6alestine. amorphous (uh-M0*-!uss), a +ective <ormless. Amorphous refers not only to physical shapelessness, but also to ideas, works of art or literature, and even personalities that are vague or poorly defined. ;e i not 'ake reasone argu'ents in e!ense o! his client, but rather an AM0*6;0US collection o! unsu""orte clai's that "ersua e no one. antebellum (an-teh-B&22-uh'), a +ective
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Of or pertaining to the period preceding the American #ivil ,ar. Antebellum translates from the 9atin as 4before the war.5 (ostalgia asi e, we shoul re'e'ber that !or those hel in slavery the A(#&B&22UM "erio was anything but ro'antic an chivalrous. antipathy (an-#%6-uh-thea), noun A feeling of strong revulsion or dislike. Antipathy is a combination of the ;reek forms 4anti5 &against or in opposition to' and 4pathos5 &having to do with one2s feelings and emotions'. Therefore, antipathy is a feeling of aversion. %-' a!rai 'y A(#%6A#;5 !or light o"era won-t be change by a single night out. aperture (A6-er-churr), noun An opening, either natural or human7made, in something. #he A6&*#U*&S in the rock !or'ation !or'e an e3citing "attern o! sha ows on the esert !loor. apocryphal (uh-60$-ri-!uhl), a +ective Of dubious authenticity. A story that is fabricated long after the fact is considered apocryphal. &Similarly, several books of the (ible that are not universally accepted by all #hristians form a body of work known as the Apocrypha.' #he story o! Shakes"eare-s having share a 'istress with *ichar Burbage is al'ost certainly A60C*56;A2. apostate (uh-60SS-tate), noun One who renounces religious faith or, more generally, one who turns his or her back on previous loyalties. Melin a-s new stance on "ro-li!e issues cause her church to label her an A60S#A#&. apostolic (a"-uh-S#022-ic), a +ective Of or relating to the +ew Testament apostles or their teachings. #he "astor-s !iery, anti-A'erican ser'ons surely woul not be consi ere A60S#02%C by church !athers. appeasement (uh-6&&4-'ent), noun Sometimes used in a negative sense3 especially by political candidates

3 appeasement is an attempt to bring peace between people, groups, nations, etc. /ust because the can i ate wants to o"en talks with that rogue nation oesn-t 'ake hi' guilty o! A66&AS&M&(#. apposite (A66-uh-.it), a +ective Though similar to the word 4opposite,5 apposite means something that is relevant, pertinent, or appropriate to a given situation. 5our ob+ections are e3tre'ely A660S%#&, but % wish you woul let 'e !inish escribing 'y "lan be!ore you !ill it !ull o! holes@ archetype (A*&-ki-ti"e), noun The original upon which all subsequent versions are based, often used in its ad/ectival form, archetypal. *obert 2ouis Stevenson-s 2ong /ohn Silver is the A*C;&#56& o! the !earso'e "irate ca"tain. ardor (A*- ur), noun "ntense passion, desire, or emotion. Since chil hoo , Michelle ha stu ie ani'als with such A*D0* that her !rien s an !a'ily encourage her to beco'e a veterinarian. artifice (A*#-ih-!uss), noun Sometimes referring simply to anything created naturally or by hand, artifice more often refers to trickery or deceit. #o' Sawyer-s A*#%9%C&, which results in getting others to "aint a !ence !or hi', is one o! the highlights o! Mark #wain-s Tom Sawyer. aseptic (uh-S&6-tick), a +ective "n addition to meaning 4free from germs,5 aseptic describes someone who lacks emotion or vibrancy. /or an-s AS&6#%C "er!or'ance at the +ob interview is "robably the reason he i n-t get the +ob, es"ite his 7uali!ications. asperity (a-S6A*&-ih-tee), noun #arrying with it a multitude of meanings, asperity most often refers to a harshness of manner. "t also means 4hard to endure.5 #he AS6&*%#5 o! the swa'"-s cli'ate 'akes it unlikely anyone ever will settle there. aspersion (uh-S6U*-.hun), noun
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<alse accusation; slander. To cast an aspersion on another is to make an unfair or untrue statement about his conduct or character. % will not allow you to cast these AS6&*S%0(S on a 'an whose career has been so istinguishe . autonomous (aw-#A;(-uh-'uss), a +ective (eing in charge of one2s own life; independent of other influences; selfgoverning. 6eter ha always struggle to re'ain AU#0(0M0US a!ter leaving ho'e, so it was no sur"rise to us that he chose to start his own business a!ter gra uation. averse (uh-,&*C&), verb .olding a disinclination. &See, for comparison, the entry for adverse.' %-' a!rai the "roble' is not that #o' can-t !in a !iel o! stu y he en+oysA it-s that he-s A,&*S& to the i ea o! oing any work. aversion (uh-,U*-.hun), noun )!treme dislike; loathing. My A,&*S%0( to soa" o"eras leaves 'e with little to iscuss at co!!ee breaks. avocation (av-uh-$A5-shun), noun ,hile a vocation is a /ob, an avocation is a hobby. As long as you treat your "ro!ession like an A,0CA#%0(, you will not be success!ul. avowal (uh-,08-uhl), noun An open admission or statement. To avow is to declare openly, so an avowal is an unconcealed declaration or confession. ;e ha run as a De'ocrat !or over thirty years, so his A,08A2 o! su""ort !or the *e"ublican ticket shocke 'any su""orters. baleful (BA%2-!ul), a +ective Ominous; signaling evil to come. %t always see'e to 'e that Mrs. ;owar ha a BA2&9U2 glea' in her eye as she "asse out her absur ly i!!icult tests. baroque (buh-*0$&), a +ective This <rench word refers to art, literature, music, etc. that is e!cessively, even grotesquely, ornamental. "t2s so 4over the top5 that it can be

striking. (aroque dates from the seventeenth century, which gave birth to the form. 6aula eci e not to buy the house because she !eare its BA*0:U& orna'entation woul 'ake it a i!!icult resell. beatitude (bee-A#-it-too ), noun .ighest possible blessedness or contentment. Also* any of the declarations &4(lessed are . . .5' made by Cesus in the biblical account of his Sermon on the ?ount &usually capitali$ed'. (eatitude comes from the 9atin for 4perfect happiness.5 ;is translation o! Christ-s B&A#%#UD&S cast new light on the !a'iliar eclarations. bedraggled (bee-D*A)-el ), a +ective .arried or in a condition of disarray; unkempt; dirty and limp. A person who has /ust walked a long way through mud and rain could be said to be bedraggled. A grou" o! B&D*A))2&D or"hans stoo outsi e begging by the !lickering gaslight. befuddle (bee-9UD-il), verb To confuse or perple!. To befuddle is to mystify or confuse, as with bewildering arguments or misleading statements. ;is vague account o! strange oings in the woo s succee e in B&9UDD2%() the "olice'en, an "robably save hi' a tra!!ic ticket. beleaguered (bee-2&&)-er ), a +ective )mbattled; constantly confronted with obstacles. To beleaguer is, literally, to beseige or surround with an army for the purpose of harrassment. ,hen we say someone is beleaguered, we mean that he is beset with many troubles. #he B&2&A)U&*&D !inancier even consi ere bankru"tcy, but vowe to !ight on. belie (bee-25&) verb To disprove or demonstrate to be false; to contradict appearances. To say something belies something else is to say that it gives evidence of a contrary state of affairs.
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;is unstea y walk an slurre s"eech B&2%&D his insistence o! having consu'e no alcohol at the "arty. benediction (ben-i-D%$-shun), noun A formal blessing, an e!pression of good wishes. The most common sense of benediction has to do with the invocation of ;od2s blessing at the end of a church service, but the word can also mean the e!pression of goodwill from one person to another. As the "riest "ronounce the B&(&D%C#%0(, /ulia looke aroun the "ew !or her coat but coul not !in it. beneficent (buh-(&99-uh-cent), a +ective elated to performing acts of kindness and charity. (eneficent also can describe fortunate events. #he 'onsignor-s 7uiet, B&(&9%C&(# works have 'a e hi' one o! the 'ost res"ecte church lea ers in the region. besiege (bih-S&&/), verb To submit a person or body to insistent demands from all sides; to crowd around; to harass. &verywhere he went, the 'ovie i ol was B&S%&)&D by cra.e !ans looking !or autogra"hs an even "ieces o! his hair or clothing. biennial (bye-&(-ee-yul), a +ective .appening every second year. Ms. 8ebster argues that the su''er 0ly'"ics, which now occur every !our years, shoul beco'e a B%&((%A2 event. bilk (bilk), verb To swindle or cheat. Someone who defrauds a person or institution of funds or goods bilks the victim. #he accountant, investigators learne , ha been B%2$%() the co'"any o! nearly a 7uarter o! a 'illion ollars a year. binary (B5&-nair-ee), a +ective #onstructed of two elements; of or pertaining to two. A binary number system is one with two digits; $ero and one. #he eci'al nu'ber = woul be written as <G in B%(A*5 notation, since one ti'es two to the !irst "ower "lus .ero ti'es two to the .ero "ower e7uals two. blandish (B2A(- ish), verb

To coa! someone to do something for you through the use of flattery. Gou might also hear the noun form of this word, which is blandishment. 5our atte'"ts to B2A(D%S; 'e into giving in to your "oint o! view will not work. blazon (B2A5-.uhn), verb A bla$on is a coat of arms, which proclaims one2s family2s illustrious pedigree. Thus, to bla$on is to proclaim something widely. 8hen the "resi ent ie une3"ecte ly, the news was 7uickly B2A40(&D by every 'e ia outlet. bohemian (bo-;&&-'ee-un), a +ective -nconventional; reminiscent of a lifestyle free of the restraints and concerns of mainstream society. To say someone is bohemian is to say he is a free thinker and lives without much concern for the inhibitions associated with the workaday world. /ane love Carl, but was un"re"are to share in his B0;&M%A( way o! li!e. bosky (B0S-kee), a +ective Thick with underbrush; wooded. Straying !ro' the 'arke trail, the hikers soon !oun the'selves lost in the B0S$5, uncharte wil erness. brandish (B*A(- ish), verb To fluorish or shake menacingly or ostentatiously. Something can be brandished either out of defiance, as a warning of potential future harm, or out of pride, as a sign of status. ;e B*A(D%S;&D a revolverA the roo' su enly !ell silent. brazier (B*A5-.hur), noun A metal container for holding burning coals. Sitting si e by si e in the co.y !ar' kitchen, we si""e hot ci er an toaste 'u!!ins over the B*A4%&*. broach (broach), verb To bring up or put forth as a topic for discussion. #he evening with Dan was "leasant enough, "robably because none o! us ha the courage to B*0AC; the sub+ect o! his i'"en ing in ict'ent. brogue (broag), noun
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An "rish accent in spoken )nglish. Although Mrs. 0-2eary le!t %relan when she was a young girl you can still etect a slight B*0)U& in her s"eech. bucolic (byoo-$02-ik), a +ective 0astoral; rural or rustic in nature. Deana-s !ar', with its bloo'ing a""le trees an "eace!ul brooks, was +ust the kin o! BUC02%C scene we ha been ho"ing to "hotogra"h !or our article. bulwark (BU22-wurk), noun A wall made of earthen materials built as a defense mechanism; any e!tensive protective measure taken against e!ternal danger. #he 'oney set asi e in the e'ergency !un was regar e as a BU28A*$ against !uture isasters, to ensure that we woul be "re"are the ne3t ti'e. bursar (BU*-ser), noun The treasurer of a college. At the beginning o! each se'ester the stu ents receiving !inancial ai woul line u" outsi e the BU*SA*-s o!!ice to sign their stu ent loan "a"ers. cache (kash), noun A place where things of value are hidden; also, the things stored there. &lwoo , a shrew swin ler, ke"t a CAC;& o! stock certi!icates, Swiss bank account nu'bers, an +ewels +ust in case he ha to leave the country in short or er. cachet (kah-S;A5), noun A mark of distinction or originality. 8alter thought that the velvet s'oking +acket lent hi' a certain CAC;&# that was in kee"ing with his i'age as a 'an o! leisure. cacophony (kuh-$A;9-uh-knee), noun .arsh, unpleasant sounds that can create a disturbing feeling. 0oets sometimes will use cacophony on purpose, for effect, in their works. #he CAC06;0(5 o! the nearby construction site 'a e it al'ost i'"ossible !or 'e to get any work one. cadence ($A5- ence), noun

The rhythm or flow of a series of words or sounds; often, the harmonious rhythm or flow of the spoken word. #he "oe'-s CAD&(C& echoe the la.y su''er ays o! the "oet-s youth. callow ($A2-oh), a +ective 9acking e!perience; immature. &llis, a CA2208 youth acco'"anying Ma a'e ;e'"stea , see'e not to un erstan that his +oke about the A'bassa or-s choice o! un erwear was ina""ro"riate !or a state inner. calumny ($A2-u'-nee), noun A slanderous statement made with the intent of hurting another2s reputation; a malicious rumor. #he colu'nist a""arently thought that the CA2UM(5 she irecte at Senator Martin woul cause hi' to lose only the election, not his wi!e an !a'ily as well. capstone (CA6-stone), noun Originally used to describe the protective stone at the top of an arch, which keeps the arch stable, capstone has come to have the broader meaning of 4a crowning achievement5 or 4a finishing touch.5 8hen she won the 6ulit.er 6ri.e !or her last novel, it was the CA6S#0(& to a long an istinguishe literary career. cartel (kar-#&22), noun A group assembled with the ob/ective of establishing mutual control over prices, production, and marketing of goods by the members. ,hile a cartel is usually a group of representatives from independent business organi$ations, the term can also refer to a coalition of political figures united for a particular cause. #he oil CA*#&2 ha succee e in riving worl energy "rices u" signi!icantly. castigate ($ASS-tuh-gate), verb To critici$e or rebuke severely, usually with the intention of correcting wrongdoing. #he co''ittee CAS#%)A#&D the college-s a 'inistration !or unethical recruiting "ractices. catalyst ($A#-uh-list), noun
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That which initiates a process or event and is itself unaffected. #atalyst has a technical meaning in chemistry, but in general usage it refers to a person or thing that sets off a new sequence of events while remaining uninvolved in those events. #he !il' serve as a CA#A25S# !or 6eterA he began kee"ing a +ournal regularly soon a!ter he saw it. cavalcade ($A,-uhl-ka e), noun A procession, especially one involving people on horses or in vehicles. A cavalcade can refer to a parade or to anything that is to be displayed with great pageantry. #he "resi ent serve as host to a CA,A2CAD& o! visiting ignitaries. cavalier ($A,-uh-leer), a +ective -nconcerned with what is considered important; nonchalantly unengaged, especially with regard to serious matters. A reckless or inattentive person charged with responsibility in affairs of importance can be said to be cavalier. ;is CA,A2%&* attitu e towar !inancial 'anage'ent 'ay be his co'"any-s un oing. cavil ($A,-ihl), verb To find fault in trivial matters or raise petty ob/ections. As a noun, cavil can mean a trivial ob/ection. Susan CA,%22&D !or so'e ti'e about the lateness o! the 'ilk elivery, but since it was only a 'atter o! 'inutes, she eventually gave in an "ai the bill. cede (see ), verb To give up, as by treaty. %n <J<O, S"ain C&D&D to the Unite States the territory we now know as the state o! 9lori a. censure (S&(-sher), noun A show of disapproval or blame. #ensure is formal rebuke or stern reproof. 5ou coul not have acte as you i without e3"ecting C&(SU*& !ro' this organi.ation. chaff (cha!!), noun ,orthless stuff; material to be cast away.

% usually write !or an hour straight in 'y +ournal, knowing !ull well that 'uch o! what co'es out will be rivel, an allowing 'ysel! to go back later an se"arate the wheat !ro' the C;A99. chantey (S;A(-tee), noun A song sung by sailors in rhythm to their labors. As they haule u" anchor, the shi"-s crew woul +oin together in D8hat Shall 8e Do with a Drunken SailorE an other C;A(#&5S. chary (#C;A%*-ee), a +ective 6escribes someone who is very cautious or wary. % was C;A*5 o! 2illian-s new business sche'e because her DgreatE i eas always result in s"ectacular isasters. chide (chi e), verb To scold or lecture; to reprove. My brother C;%D&D 'e !or neglecting to visit our gran "arents uring 'y tri" to Cali!ornia. choleric ($A;2-er-ick), a +ective #haracteri$ed by becoming quickly angry. (o one woul work !or Mr. Sanche. because his C;02&*%C te'"er rove 'any to tears. cipher (S%&-!ur), noun A person or thing without meaning or value; a mystery; literally, the mathematical symbol for $ero. Des"ite the best e!!orts o! the intelligence co''unity to gather evi ence against hi', Doctor 2ysenko re'aine a C%6;&*. circa (SU*-ka), noun An estimated historical time period. Base on the iary-s con ition, as well as the han writing style an vocabulary choices o! its author, 6ro!essor &vans set the ate at C%*CA <O<G. circuitous (sir-CU&-uh-tuss), a +ective )!tremely twisty and windy; indirect. #a'eeka calle it a shortcut, but her C%*CU%#0US irections a e thirty 'inutes to the tri". circumspect (SU*-ku'-s"ekt), a +ective ,ary of consequences. ;aving been stung once, 9er inan was C%*CUMS6&C# about where he
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sat, an always checke !or bees. circumvent (S%*-ku'-vent), verb To evade by means of artful contrivance. Someone who circumvents a regulation has not broken it in the strict sense, but found a gray area or loophole within which to operate. Similarly, to circumvent someone2s authority is to maneuver around him. %n C%*CUM,&(#%() the will o! the boar o! irectors, the C&0 knew he was taking a risk. clandestine (klan-D&SS-tin), a +ective Hept hidden; secreted away from authorities or public observance. A clandestine ob/ect is one that is concealed for a purpose hidden from general view. #he 'essage reache the resistance 'ove'ent by 'eans o! a co e broa cast hear in hun re s o! C2A(D&S#%(& ra ios aroun the country. clarion ($2A*-ee-uhn), a +ective <rom the 9atin meaning 4trumpet,5 clarion describes something, such as a sound, that is clear and shrill. 0n the !irst ay back to school, *obby groane at the C2A*%0( call o! his 'orning alar'. clemency ($2&M-uhn-see), noun <orbearance or mercy toward a wrongdoer or opponent. To show clemency is to be lenient in cases where circumstances warrant. #he governor-s show o! C2&M&(C5 !or Callahan 'ay co'e back to haunt hi' at election ti'e. cloistered ($20%-stur ), a +ective Secluded; isolated; removed or hidden. Shocke by the news o! the shooting on our street, we re'aine C20%S#&*&D in our house !or ays a!terwar . coagulate (ko-A)-yoo-late), verb To change from a liquid to a solid7like mass. As so'eone who clai's to be 7uali!ie to teach high school biology, you shoul certainly be able to answer a 7uestion on what 'akes bloo C0A)U2A#&. coffers ($A;-!urs 0* $A8-!urs), noun A treasury, a place in which money is kept or stored.

8hen the 'inister su enly bought a bran new s"orts car, his !lock began care!ully checking the church-s C099&*S. coitus ($0-uh-tus), noun Se!ual intercourse. 6ro!essor 8ells sternly in!or'e 'e that he woul "re!er that % use the ter' DC0%#USE in escribing the activities o! the test cou"les, rather than the less !or'al D'aking whoo"ee.E collegiality (kuh-2&&)-ee-al-ih-tee), noun An effective working relationship among colleagues. #he C022&)%A2%#5 o! the o!!ice is one reason there-s very little turnover there. commensurate (kuh-M&(-sir-it), a +ective .aving an equal measure; of equivalent duration or e!tent. Something that is commensurate with something else is of a proper scope or si$e by comparison. Michael receive a raise C0MM&(SU*A#& with his "er!or'ance. commiserate (kuh-M%4-uh-rate), verb To share in another2s sorrow or disappointment. #ommiserate comes from the 9atin roots for 4with5 and 4pitiable.5 /ane an Anita C0MM%S&*A#&D with 9rank over the !ailure o! the business. complacent (ku'-62A5-sent), a +ective Satisfied with oneself; smug; content. Brian was so C0M62AC&(# uring the "ractice scri''ages be!ore the big ga'e that his coach consi ere benching hi' an "laying the backu" 7uarterback instea . complicity (ku'-62%S-ity), verb To be involved in or be associated with, or to participate in or have previous knowledge of, an instance of wrongdoing. Although he i not receive 'oney !or throwing the <O<O 8orl Series, Buck 8eaver was nevertheless sus"en e !ro' baseball !or li!e, because his !ailure to e3"ose the sche'e was seen as C0M62%C%#5 in his tea''ates- "lans. compote ($0M-"oat), noun
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A stewed fruit and sugar dessert. %n a ition to an uni enti!iable brownish 'eat in a ark, concealing sauce, 'any o! the #, inners % ate as a chil inclu e a rather lea en strawberry C0M60#&. concave (kahn-CA,&), a +ective #urving inward, as the inside of a sphere. &See, for comparison, the entry for conve!.' A!ter Bill threw it in anger, the baseball le!t a C0(CA,& i'"ression in the wall. conciliatory (kun-S%22-ee-uh-tore-ee), a +ective 6escribes someone willing to compromise or to make concessions in order to preserve peaceful relations. A!ter 2ou lost his te'"er with Margery, he was e3cessively C0(C%2%A#0*5 to her !or weeks a!terwar . confluence ($0(-!lu-ence), noun A point of meeting or flowing together. 9iterally, a confluence is the point at which two rivers /oin. The word has been e!panded significantly through metaphorical use. %t is on the issue o! hu'an s"iritual growth that the two "hiloso"hies !in their C0(92U&(C&. congenital (kun-/&(-it-ul), a +ective 0resent or e!isting from birth. A congenital disease or condition can be inherited, or can result from environmental influences &usually influences on growth within the womb'. #he young chil su!!ere !ro' a C0()&(%#A2 heart e!ect. conjoin (kuhn-/0%(), verb To /oin together or unite. The word often is used to mean 4to wed.5 A!ter the battling !actions C0(/0%(&D, they were able to acco'"lish "eace!ully 'ost o! their se"arate goals. connubial (kuh-(UB&-ee-uhl), a +ective Of, or related to, the state of being married. My "arents will celebrate !i!ty years o! C0((UB%A2 bliss this year. consecrate ($0(-si-krate), verb To proclaim as sacred; to set aside or declare to be holy. (y e!tension,

to consecrate oneself to a given goal is to commit to it with a conviction in keeping with strong faith. 2incoln-s wor s, 'ore than any other action a!ter the carnage, serve to C0(S&C*A#& the battle!iel at )ettysburg. consortium (kon-S0*-tee-u'), noun A union, partnership, or alliance, especially one among financial or business entities. #onsortium also has a legal meaning related to the rights of married persons, but use in this sense is rare. Mr. S"arks re"resente a C0(S0*#%UM o! !ir's. contrition (kun-#*%S;-un), noun Sadness or remorse over past wrong actions. Technically, contrition is one of the conditions for absolution from sin for members of the oman #atholic church. The word is also used in a broader secular sense. ;e showe not the least C0(#*%#%0( !or his acts, even when con!ronte by his victi's. convex (kon-,&B), a +ective #urving outward, as the outside of a sphere. &See, for comparison, the entry for concave.' 2ittle Ste"hen laughe as he watche the tiny car "lunge o!! the C0(,&B sur!ace o! his large toy ball. copious ($0-"ee-us), a +ective Abundant; large or generous in e!tent. That which is broad in scope or abundant is copious. #he winter-s C06%0US rain!all was welco'e by area !ar'ers. cornucopia (korn-yuh-C0&-"ee-uh), noun This 9atin word means 4horn of plenty,5 and a cornucopia has become a familiar symbol of Thanksgiving* a horn7like container overflowing with nature2s bounty. "n general, a cornucopia is an overabundance, a seemingly ine!haustible supply of something. /enny returne !ro' the beach with a C0*(UC06%A o! beach +unkC #shirts, co!!ee 'ugs, an li7ue!ie bags o! saltwater ta!!y. corollary ($0*&-uh-lare-ee), noun
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Accompanying element; consequence; thing brought about as a result &of some factor'. #he natural C0*022A*5 o! your theory that ;awkins 'ur ere his 'istress to silence her woul a""ear to be that she ha tol hi' she was about to go "ublic with etails o! their a!!air. corporal ($0*-"uh-rul), a +ective elated to the body. Also* a military rank. &See, for comparison, the entry for corporeal.' #he school has a strict "olicy !orbi ing C0*60*A2 "unish'ent. corporeal (kor-60*&-ee-ul), a +ective Tangible; having material e!istence. &See, for comparison, the entry for corporal.' #he estate sol the late author-s C0*60*&A2 assets, but it retaine the co"yright o! all his intellectual "ro"erties, both "ublishe an un"ublishe . correlate ($0*&-uh-late), verb To relate logically or systematically; to link; as a noun &HO )7uh7lut', something correlated to something else. % believe % can e'onstrate convincingly that the increase cancer rate in the town is irectly C0**&2A#&D to the u'"ing "ractices o! your !ir' over the "ast twenty. corroborate (kuh-*0B-uh-reyt), verb To make more certain; to confirm. #he witness was able to C0**0B0*A#& the e!en ant-s testi'ony. couplet ($U6-lut), noun "n poetry, two related lines, similar in rhyme or rhythm. #he use o! the rhy'e C0U62&# at the en o! a scene is a stock techni7ue e'"loye by &li.abethan "laywrights to alert the au ience to an u"co'ing shi!t in the action. credulous ($*&/-uh-luss), a +ective ;iven to acceptance or belief. A credulous person is one who accepts even outlandish assertions easily. #he swin ler !oun a rea y 'arket !or his wares in the C*&DU20US towns!olk. cull (kull), verb To assemble or collect bit by bit; to select.

;aving CU22&D the 'ost i'"ressive "oe's !ro' her early work, Ariel !elt she was rea y to sub'it the collection !or "ublication. curriculum ($U;-rik-yuh-lu'), noun The courses of study, educational plan, or study path of a learning institution. #he history e"art'ent here o!!ers a soli , challenging CU**%CU2UM e7ual to that o! the 'ore "restigious %vy 2eague schools1an at a !raction o! the cost. cursory ($U*-suh-ree), a +ective 0erformed with haste and without care. Mrs. 8allace avoi e giving tests on the 9ri ay be!ore a vacation, as she knew her stu ents- e!!orts woul be CU*S0*5 at best. curtail (ker-#A2&), verb To abridge or truncate; to lessen, usually by taking or cutting away from. ;is new o!!ice-s JCGG a.'. 'eetings 'eant Dwight woul have to CU*#A%2 his late-night television watching. dawdle (DA8- ull), verb To waste time; to loiter or loaf. D%! you on-t sto" DA8D2%(),E Mrs. A a's scol e her husban , Dwe- ll be late !or the o"era.E debilitate ( ih-B%22-ih-tate), verb To enfeeble or weaken. Something that debilitates a person devitali$es him and depletes his strength. 9ran-s D&B%2%#A#%() illness slowly sa""e her will to live. deciduous ( ih-S%D-you-us), a +ective 6escribes something that falls off or sheds seasonally during development. &very autu'n "eo"le travel here !ro' 'iles aroun to watch the 'ultihue "ageant o! D&C%DU0US trees. decimate (D&SS-ih-'ate), verb Technically, something is decimated if it is reduced one7tenth. (ut the term has been generali$ed to mean greatly reducing something, to the point of wiping it out. 2ogging has D&C%MA#&D (orth A'erica-s (orthern S"otte 0wl
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"o"ulation. decorous (D&C$-er-us), a +ective ?arked by good taste, dignity, and propriety. Marshall-s D&C0*0US e'eanor will serve hi' well as an a'bassa or. defunct ( ih-9U($#), a +ective elated to something that3or someone who3 has ceased to e!ist. 0nce a sta"le o! the A'erican lan sca"e, socalle !ive-an - i'e stores are now all but D&9U(C# in the Unite States. deify (DA5-ih-!y), verb To elevate to the level of divinity. ,hen something is deified, it is e!alted or revered as godlike. #o "ro'ote a celebrity is one thing, to D&%95 hi' 7uite another. delineate ( i-2%(-ee-ate), verb To outline; to describe the primary features of. One can delineate by sketching, or by using words or concepts to describe the principal points of something. #he rules, which ha been 7uite vague, were now D&2%(&A#&D clearly. dell ( ell), noun A small wooded valley; a glen. % e'erge !ro' the tent in the wee hours o! the 'orning to !in a san colore oe "eering at 'e !ro' the e ge o! the D&22. deluge (D&22-yoo +e), noun A great flood or heavy rain; an overwhelming inundation of anything. As the newest 'e'ber o! the accounting !ir', 9re was un"re"are !or the D&2U)& o! ta3 returns that lan e on his esk two weeks be!ore the A"ril <M ea line. dementia ( uh-M&(-chuh), noun A mental illness characteri$ed by loss of reason. 6ementia is caused by neuron damage or loss within the brain. 0wing to the ecease -s D&M&(#%A at the ti'e the will was signe , there was consi erable legal wrangling over the estate. denote ( e-(0#&), verb To indicate or make clear; to serve as sign or symbol for something else. To say that A denotes ( is to say that A signifies or indicates (.

;er chills an iscoloration, Dr. S'ith observe , D&(0#&D severe hy"other'ia. depose ( ih-604&), verb To oust or remove from office or a position of power and authority; also, to take testimony from someone under oath. A!ter the ictator was D&60S&D, the country set about healing the woun s o! a long civil war. deprecate (D&6-ri-kate), verb To belittle or make known one2s disapproval of. To deprecate someone is to 4cut him down5 verbally. /ean insiste that her re"ort containe not a single D&6*&CA#%() wor , but it was easy enough to rea between the lines. deracinate ( ee-*ASS-ih-nate), verb To uproot or to remove by force. #he hurricane D&*AC%(A#&D "o"ulations all over the islan . determinism ( ih-#U*-'un-i.-u'), noun The belief that a person2s course of action is not free but predetermined by e!ternal circumstances. A true isci"le o! D&#&*M%(%SM, /erry !elt he shoul not be hel accountable !or having 'arrie three wo'en1 since, as he argue , each o! the relationshi"s ha been D'eant to be.E detritus ( ih-#*%#&-us), noun9oose material worn away from rocks or, generally, debris of any kind. #he D&#*%#US le!t by the beachgoers 'a e it clear why our oceans are "ollute . diadem (D%&-uh- e'), noun A royal crown. #he "rincess arrive at the state ban7uet wearing a D%AD&M o! e'eral s an ia'on s. diaphanous ( ie-A6;-uh-nuss), a +ective So fine and sheer as to allow light to pass through. Also, describes something insubstantial or vague. 5our D%A6;A(0US logic 'ight i'"ress so'e "eo"le, but % can always tell when you-re +ust shooting bull. diffident (D%99-ih- unt), a +ective
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-nassertive and lacking a sense of self7worth. A shy, retiring person can be said to be diffident. Cheryl was "erha"s too D%99%D&(# to work co'!ortably in such an outgoing o!!ice environ'ent. dilatory (D%2-uh-tore-ee), a +ective 9ikely to cause delay. That which proceeds at an unsatisfactorily slow rate is dilatory. #he workers- D%2A#0*5 attitu e lost the' a large contract. diminution ( i'-ih-(00-shen), noun eduction or decrease due to outside influence. "n music, diminution is the repetition of a theme in notes of briefer duration than the original passage. #he stock !ell in value by ?MS in +ust over three hoursA !ew issues can !ully recover !ro' such D%M%(U#%0(. discerning ( is-SU*(-ing), a +ective "nsightful; sound in evaluation or /udgment. Although /a'ie is e3cellent at ac7uiring re!erence works, she is not the 'ost D%SC&*(%() e itor when it co'es to evaluating chil ren-s book "ro"osals. discomfit ( iss-$UM-!it), verb To cause to come into disorder. 6iscomfit can also mean 4to frustrate &someone'.5 9ern-s househol was D%SC0M9%#&D by the su en, unannounce arrival o! her relatives. disingenuous ( iss-in-/&(-yoo-uss), a +ective +ot inclined toward open dealing; less than truthful; other than appearances would suggest. #he Mayor-s care!ully wor e enials never e3"licitly touche on her involve'ent in her ca'"aign-s allege e!!ort to buy votes, lea ing 'any to conclu e that she was being D%S%()&(U0US. disparage ( iss-6A*&-u ge), verb To speak or write debasingly of. To disparage is to communicate in such a way as to diminish another2s reputation. ;is D%S6A*A)%() re'arks a'age both her character an her "ri e. dissidence (D%SS-uh- ents), noun

Strong disagreement, especially with a government. Gou might also see the ad/ective form of this word, which is dissident. ecently, the word dissident has become a noun, describing someone who e!presses dissidence. #he newly-!or'e govern'ent eci e to crack own on D%SS%D&(C& by +ailing anyone who isagree with govern'ental "olicies. dissolution ( iss-so-200-shun), noun The act of dissolving into fragments or parts. 6issolution is the disintegration of that which comprises something. #he union-s D%SS02U#%0( see'e i''inent, but a change o! lea ershi" !orestalle that crisis. dissuade ( iss-S8AD&), verb To convince to take alternate action. Someone who dissuades someone from doing something persuades that person to pursue another course. Marge D%SSUAD&D her brother !ro' +oining the ar'y. diurnal ( ye-U;*-nul), a +ective Occurring during the daytime. That which is not nocturnal and occurs only while the sun is out is diurnal. Unlike other 'e'bers o! this s"ecies, the one we are stu ying is D%U*(A2. doctrinaire ( ok-trin-A%*), noun <avoring doctrines without concern for their practicability. #he resi ent is not well serve by such D0C#*%(A%*& a visers as ;awkins. dubious (D00-bee-uss), a +ective Tending to cause skepticism, uncertainty, or doubt. 6ubious can also mean 4reluctant to accept a particular version or account &of something'.5 ;is clai' o! irect escent !ro' *ichar %% was regar e as DUB%0US at best. dupe ( oo"), verb an noun To fool, trick, or deceive. As a noun* a person so deceived. Cli!!-s atte'"ts to DU6& 'e into !inishing his ho'ework !or hi' were
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about what % e3"ecte !ro' an ol er brother use to getting his own way. duress ( ur-&SS), noun #ompulsion resulting from the threat of force; coercion. Also* physical restraint or imprisonment. #he "risoner-s con!ession, which ha clearly been obtaine un er DU*&SS, was instantly rule ina 'issible by the +u ge. echelon (&S;-uh-lon), noun A level of command. 9iterally, echelon pertains to military organi$ational structure. #o'-s "ro"osal eventually won the a""roval o! the co'"any-s u""er &C;&20(. edifice (&D-ih-!iss), noun A building, particularly one that is large and imposing. /acob, who ha worke !or twelve years in a s'all !a'ily-owne !ir', was un"re"are !or the "ros"ect o! working at the 8ebster cor"orate hea 7uarters, a 'assive &D%9%C& o! brick an glass locate in 'i town Manhattan. efface (ih-9AC&), verb To rub away. Although the letter ha been !ile an hel an !ol e so 'any ti'es that the e'bosse seal "resse into it by the county clerk was nearly &99AC&D, it was genuine. egalitarian (ih-gal-uh-#A*&-ee-un), a +ective Arising from a belief in the equality of all persons. Something is egalitarian if it is scrupulously fair toward all parties. % 'ust a 'it that Miles took an &)A2%#A*%A( a""roach to assigning o!!ice s"ace. egregious (ih-)*&&-+uss), a +ective <lagrantly incorrect or bad. An egregious error is one that stands out dramatically and therefore should not have been made. #i', an &)*&)%0US liar, is the last "erson % woul go to !or reliable in!or'ation. elephantine (&22-uh-!un-tine), a +ective An elephant is an e!tremely large animal, so the ad/ective derived from

the animal describes anything that is huge in si$e or scope. % !igure out that the &2&6;A(#%(& "resent ha to be a new re!rigerator. elixir (e-2%B-ur), noun A solution meant to be used for medicinal purposes; in medieval times, a supposedly curative drink made from mi!ing alcohol and drugs in water. Dr. Callahan-s &2%B%* o! 2i!e, a "atent 'e icine "o"ular in $ansas in the late <JJGs, 'ay have owe "art o! its "o"ularity to the coca leaves use in its "re"aration. elucidate (ee-200-si- ate), verb To make clear; to e!plain or provide key information leading to a full understanding. Someone who elucidates an issue or problem throws light on it and clarifies it. 8hat is behin 9rank-s bi.arre work habits is so'ething only he can &2UC%DA#&. emaciated (ee-MA5-shee-ay-tu ), a +ective 6angerously thin. 8inston knew that not everyone woul be willing to watch the !ootage he ha shot o! the &MAC%A#&D bo ies o! the !a'ine victi's. empirical (i''-6&&*-ih-kuhl), a +ective 6escribes knowledge that is based on direct observation or practical e!perience. 6hyllis !aile her science class because her e3"eri'ent was base on &M6%*%CA2 evi ence rather than on scienti!ic veri!ication. emulsify (ih-MU22-sih-!ie), verb The process of breaking up something into small pieces. 0ver several hours, your igestive syste' &MU2S%9%&S your 'eal into nutrients s'all enough !or your bo y to absorb an use. enclave (0(-klayv), noun A small territory surrounded by a larger &and usually foreign' one; also, any secluded area. #he gar en, !ille with !ragrant !lowers an a s'all, babbling !ountain,
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was an &(C2A,& o! serenity in the 'i st o! the busy city. endemic (en-D&M-ik), a +ective "ndigenous; characteristic of a certain place, region, or populace. ,hen something is widespread within an area3to the e!tent that it helps to characteri$e that area3we often say the thing is endemic to the area. 6overty in the 'ountain region was &(D&M%CA e ucation was al'ost none3istent. enigmatic (en-ig-MA-tick), a +ective eminiscent of an enigma; pu$$ling or perple!ing. )nigmatic refers to the quality of being ine!plicable or ambiguous. An &(%)MA#%C scrawl across the title sheet was the only clue to the work-s authorshi". enjoin (in-/0%(), verb To forbid someone from doing something. Also, to use authority to instruct someone to do something. #he 'oviegoers were &(/0%(&D by the 'anager to sto" talking uring the !il'. enrapture (in-*A6-chur), verb To delight; to thrill or give pleasure to. #he 'usic o! the sy'"hony see'e to &(*A6#U*& 0livia, who sat breathless an wi e-eye throughout the "er!or'ance. entice (in-#%C&), verb To tempt in a pleasing fashion; to attract or lure. #he elicious aro'a e'anating !ro' the bakesho" o!ten &(#%C&S 'e to sto" in an "ick u" a oughnut or 'u!!in on 'y way to work. enunciate (ee-(U(-see-ate), verb To articulate or pronounce. To enunciate something is to set it forth systematically and lucidly. #he i eas he &(U(C%A#&D were si'"le, i'"le'entable, an acce"te by all. epicenter (&66-ih-cent-uhr), noun This is the spot on the surface of the )arth directly above the site where an earthquake occurs, but3more generally3an epicenter is the

focal point or origin of an activity, event, fad, etc. % won er when it was that Seattle beca'e the &6%C&(#&* o! gour'et co!!eeF epigram (&6-ih-gra'), noun A short, witty saying or poem. Ale3an er 6o"e was !a'ous !or &6%)*AMS, but his bo y o! work !eatures 'uch 'ore "ro!oun e!!orts, as well. epoch (&6-uk), noun A particular time or era notable or significant in history. #he !irst A"ollo lunar lan ing 'arke the beginning o! a new &60C; !or s"ace travel. equilibrium (ee-kwuh-2%B-ree-u'), noun ?ental or emotional balance. Bren a-s &:U%2%B*%UM went o!!-kilter when she ro""e an broke all her groceries, the cli'a3 o! a !rustrating ay. equinox (&$-wih-no3), noun The point in time when the sun crosses the equator, causing night and day to be of roughly equal length everywhere on earth. #he vernal (or s"ring) &:U%(0B generally occurs aroun March =<A the autu'nal e7uino3, aroun Se"te'ber ==. equitable (&$-wih-tuh-bull), a +ective <ree from bias; /ust to all involved. &See, for comparison, the entry for equable.' #he "arties have reache what both si es believe to be an &:U%#AB2& settle'ent. ersatz (A%*-sats), noun An unconvincing substitute. That which is not 4the real thing5 is ersat$. %! you think you can "ass o!! that &*SA#4 ia'on as the real thing, you-re in !or a sur"rise. erudite (A%*-yoo- ite), a +ective 0ossessing e!tensive knowledge on a given sub/ect; learned. An erudite person has received a thorough and well7 rounded education. Borges is nothing i! not &*UD%#&A it is clear !ro' his short stories that he is a 'an o! i''ense learning. ethereal (uh-#;&&*-ee-ul), a +ective Airy; light; more heavenly than earthly.
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(or'an-s "aintings ha an &#;&*&A2 7uality that gave 2ynne an instant sense o! "eace. euphonious (you-6;0(&-ee-uss), a +ective 0leasing to the ear. #he low, &U6;0(%0US thru''ing o! the crickets outsi e 'y win ow those su''er nights always "ut 'e to slee" 7uickly. euphony (500-!ub-nee), noun .armonious language or sounds. One instance of euphony is pleasantsounding, musical phrasing employed in speech or writing. #here ca'e a "oint when what 'attere was not so 'uch what the "oet sai , but the &U6;0(5 o! his language. evanesce (ev-uh-(&SS), verb To vanish or fade away gradually. The ad/ective form is 4evanescent.5 As twilight !ille the valley, all signs o! civili.ation began to &,A(&SC&. evince (ee-,%(C&), verb To prove conclusively or demonstrate. To evince something is to show it clearly. 5ou have not &,%(C&D a single one o! the clai's you "ut !orwar . eviscerate (ee-,%S-uh-rate), verb To disembowel; to remove the entrails of. )viscerate is often used metaphorically to describe the process of cutting down or reducing something almost to nothing. ;aving &,%SC&*A#&D the novel-s key cha"ter, the censor was content to let the earlier e3"osition stan . exacerbate (ig-4ASS-ur-bate), verb To worsen or aggravate. To e!acerbate something is to make it even more unpleasant or severe. 5ou have only &BAC&*BA#&D the situation by lying about your activities that night. excise (&C$-si.e), verb To cut a passage from a te!t or, in general, to cut something out or off. As a noun, an e!cise denotes a ta! placed on the manufacture and sale of certain items3like liquor or cigarettes3that are produced within a country.

% went to the er'atologist an ha that 'ole &BC%S&D. exhort (ig-40*#), verb To urge or entreat; to plead with &usually in an attempt to warn or advise'. #he hostages &B;0*#&D their ca"tors to give u", arguing that the authorities woul eal 'ore leniently with the' i! no one were hurt. existential (eggs-ih-S#&(C;-uhl), a +ective )!istentialism is a twentieth7century philosophy characteri$ed by a belief in individuals making their own choices and finding their own meaning of life, while shunning faith in a higher being. The ad/ective derived from the philosophy describes periods when individuals question their choices, especially choices related to the meaning of life. 8hile going through another horrible ay at her boring o!!ice +ob, 6hyllis ha an &B%S#&(#%A2 'o'ent an eci e 1 right then an there1to 7uit her +ob an 'ove to a new town. exonerate (ig-40(-uh-rate), verb To clear or free from blame or guilt; to restore &one2s reputation'. A!ter the charges were thrown out an Brian was co'"letely &B0(&*A#&D, he was !ree to continue his work in the securities in ustry. expiate (&C$-s"ee-ate), verb To make amends or to atone for one2s actions. A!ter a li!eti'e o! working !or a co'"any known !or "olluting local waterways, Dean &B6%A#&D his guilt by onating hun re s o! acres o! his "ro"erty to various lan conservancies. expunge (iks-6U()&), verb To obliterate, remove, or mark for deletion. %n e3change !or her testi'ony against her !or'er lover, the charges against Carrie were ro""e an her recor &B6U()&D o! any connection to his cri'es. extenuate (ik-S#&(-yoo-ate), verb To reduce in seriousness, e!ternal aspect, or e!tent. To e!tenuate is to make a fault or error less grave.
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#he tri" was elaye , not because we aw le , but because o! &B#&(UA#%() circu'stances. extol (e3-#02&), verb To praise highly. #he "rinci"al &B#022&D the har work o! the 'e'bers o! the honor society, etailing their 'any aca e'ic achieve'ents !or the asse'bly. extraneous (e3-#*A5-nee-uss), a +ective #oming from the outside; not innate; foreign. Miles was a resource!ul ebater who e!lecte attacks !ro' his o""onents by raising &B#*A(&0US but in!la''atory issues. exult (ig-4U2#), verb To celebrate or re/oice heartily. #here was no &BU2#%() a'ong the !a'ilies o! the victi's, who greete the ver ict with a sense o! sole'n resolution. farce (!arce), noun A comedy in which situation, satire, and preposterous coincidence are predominant over character; also, a ridiculous, empty display not worth serious consideration; a mockery. Although the "rocee ings were "resente to the outsi e worl as a !air trial, *olan knew that he was watching a 9A*C& in which all the "rinci"al witnesses ha been bribe to hel" convict the e!en ant. fastidious (!uh-S#%D-ee-uss), a +ective Attentive to detail or issues of propriety; hard to please. A fastidious person is meticulous, e!acting, and sensitive to procedure. Carl, a 9AS#%D%0US le ger-kee"er, see'e estine to o well in the accounting e"art'ent. fecund (9&&-kun ), noun an a +ective <ruitful or fertile; prolific. Although he certainly ha a 9&CU(D i'agination, the screenwriter-s 'ost success!ul e!!orts ha been a a"tations o! the works o! others. feign (!ane), verb To fake or counterfeit; to pretend. %nstinctively % knew the 'an was going to grab !or 'y "urse, but % thwarte his e!!orts by 9&%)(%() a heart attack, attracting the crow -s

attention. feint (!aint), noun A false advance or attack intended to catch an opponent off guard. /i' 9&%(#&D several ti'es with his le!t be!ore ecking his o""onent with a !ierce right cross. felicitous (!ih-2%SS-ih-tuss), a +ective Appropriate and well7suited for a particular occasion. #he "rince-s ecision to go to the costu'e "arty resse as a (a.i was not a 9&2%C%#0US one. fervent (9&*-vunt), a +ective Ardent and enthusiastic. 9iterally, fervent means e!tremely hot. A fervent desire, then, is one that is strongly held. *ussell-s s"eech was characteri.e by 9&*,&(# e'otion. festoon (!eh-S#00(), verb A festoon is a garland strung between two points, so 4to festoon5 means to decorate as with garlands. Balloons an banners 9&S#00(&D the roo', in "re"aration !or 'y son-s birth ay "arty. fetish (9&##-ish), noun Any ob/ect, idea, leader, etc. inspiring unquestioned awe and reverence. Often, this word is used negatively. D%t sickens 'e,E (ora sai , Dhow so 'any colleges have 'a e a 9&#%S; o! high gra es on stan ar i.e tests.E fiduciary (!ih-D00-she-air-ee), a +ective egarding trust and confidence in public affairs. #he govern'ent has a 9%DUC%A*5 res"onsibility to o the 'ost goo !or the 'ost "eo"le. flaccid (92ASS-i ), a +ective 9acking firmness, stiffness, vigor. A!ter sitting out on the eli counter all ay long, the celery stalks an leaves o! lettuce looke 92ACC%D an una""ealing. flaxen (92A$-sun), a +ective A pale yellow color. %-' not sure Mel woul have a 'ire *enee-s 92AB&( hair 7uite so 'uch i! he- known it was the result o! a recent visit to the hair salon. fledgling (92&/-ling), a +ective an noun
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Goung or ine!perienced. 9iterally, a fledgling is a young bird that has only recently gained the power of flight. #he 92&D)2%() re"orter ha little res"ect aroun the newsroo'. flotilla (!loe-#%22-uh), noun A fleet of ships, usually military vessels; also, any large group of moving ob/ects. 0n the a""ointe evening, a 'assive 920#%22A o! Allie warshi"s1the largest asse'bly o! naval battle vessels in hu'an history1stea'e towar (or'an y. flotsam (920#-su'), noun The debris from a shipwreck that floats on water or is washed ashore. 8hen they collecte an e3a'ine the 920#SAM !ro' the %ntre"i , investigators !oun 'inute traces o! yna'ite that "rove once an !or all that the shi"-s e3"losion was not the result o! a !aulty !uel line. flux (!luks), noun Ongoing flow. <lu! can also refer to unceasing change. #he organi.ation-s "lans were in a state o! constant 92UB. fob (!ob), verb To get rid of &usually by unscrupulous means'. Don-t let hi' !ool youA those Dcourtsi eE tickets he-s trying to 90B o!! on you at such a bargain "rice are counter!eit. foible (90%-bull), noun <ault or character flaw. To say a person has a foible is to say he e!hibits a flaw or failing that is comparatively insignificant. #he ten ency to re'e'ber only the "leasant occurrences in our "ast is a co''on hu'an 90%B2&. foliate (90A2-ee-ate), verb or a +ective To bring forth leaves, to decorate with leaves or leafy patterns, or to shape something into thin sheets. As an ad/ective, the word is pronounced 4<OA97ee7uht,5 and describes something covered with leaves or shaped like a leaf. 0nce /ill !oun the right co'bination o! water an !oo , the ying "lant began to 902%A#& with aban on.

forge (!or+), verb To form and mold metals or other materials by using intense heat; to e!pend effort for the purpose of creating something; to fuse or /oin two formerly disparate elements. By the en o! the rigorous 0utwar Boun weeken , the !rien s ha 90*)&D a bon that woul last a li!eti'e. founder (90U(- ur), verb To sink; to fail in an undertaking. &See, for comparison, the entry for flounder.' #he new !ir' 90U(D&*&D because the "ro'ise invest'ent ca"ital never 'ateriali.e . frenetic (!ruh-(&#-ik), verb <rantic; fren$ied. % trie to avoi the 9*&(&#%C Christ'as rush by buying "resents over the su''er. freshet (9*&S;-it), noun )ither a stream of freshwater that runs into the sea or a quick rise in a body of water due to rain or melting snow. #he 7uick s"ring thaw create 9*&S;&#S throughout the county that threatene 'any ho'es. fugue (!yoog), noun A piece of music that builds up from a central theme. Many 'usic enthusiasts !in Bach-s 9U)U&S 'ore hauntingly beauti!ul than his sonatas an cantatas. fulcrum (9U2-kru'), noun The point of support on which a lever turns. #o illustrate the !unction o! a 9U2C*UM, Mr. ;ess irecte our attention to the win ow, where two chil ren coul be seen "laying on a see-saw in the "ark. gadfly ()AD-!ly), noun A fly that bites livestock; also, one who annoys, irritates, or provokes. 8ith his constant gru'bling an irritating habits, Morton has turne into the )AD925 o! our e"art'ent. galvanize ()A2-vuh-ni.e), verb To stimulate into action; to motivate &as if with an electric shock'. A!ter consi erable national ebate over the 'erits o! entering into a
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D&uro"ean war,E the /a"anese attack on 6earl ;arbor )A2,A(%4&D A'erican "ublic o"inion as nothing else coul . gambit ()AM-but), noun "n chess, an opening in which a piece is sacrificed with the hope of gaining strategic advantage; also, any maneuver or plan calculated to gain advantage. Bill-s "lan to get the insi e track on the new "osition by ating the boss-s aughter was a risky an ill-conceive )AMB%# that en e in !ailure. gamesome ()A%M-su'), a +ective ?erry; frolicsome. %t-s sa to see that Sally has beco'e such a stick-in-the 'u A as a young wo'an, she was so )AM&S0M& an !ull o! high s"irits. gamy ()A5-'e), a +ective Originally used to describe the tangy flavor and odor of wild game, the word gamy has branched out to have several meanings* lewd, spirited, and disgusting. "t2s all in the conte!tI A!ter three hours o! "laying basketball, % !eare 'y sweat-soake gy' clothes were 'ore than a little )AM5. genre (4;A8(-ruh), noun A particular style that characteri$es a type of music, art, literature, film, etc. #hough their )&(*& oesn-t 'ake !or "leasant or easy rea ing, one has to a 'ire 'uckrakers like U"ton Sinclair, who ai'e to bring about i'"ortant social re!or's with their novels. genteel (+en-#&&2), a +ective efined; conveying a sense of high style andFor respectability. ;enteel is often meant to imply a sense of social superiority, as well. #o'-s vulgar re'arks were not a""reciate by his )&(#&&2 ining co'"anions. gentrify (/&((-truh-!ie), verb To take something rundown, such as a neighborhood, and improve it. The noun form, with which you may be familiar, is 4gentrification.5

Atte'"ts to )&(#*%95 the historic neighborhoo !aile because o! co''unity a"athy. germane (+ur-MA5(), a +ective 0ertinent; relevant; related to the matter at hand. #he e!en ant-s e3e'"lary 7ualities as a brea winner are har ly )&*MA(& to the 7uestion o! whether he shot his cousin, 5our ;onor. gerrymander (/A*&-ee-'an- ur), verb To divide voting districts in such a way as to give unfair advantage to a particular party. Senator Belger is'isse the charges o! racist )&**5MA(D&*%() that ha been 'a e against hi' as so 'uch hogwash !ro' o""onents eager to raw the istrict 'a"s to their own liking. gild (gil ), verb To cover thinly with gold; also, to make something appear more valuable or appealing than it actually is. *oss atte'"te to )%2D his o!!er by "ro'ising not to lay o!! current e'"loyees !or at least two years, but the boar -s only 7uestion was whether he coul 'atch the K>HG 'illion !igure "ut !orth by the Stra bury grou". glean (gleen), verb To collect; to gain bit by bit; to obtain one piece or morsel at a time. Although Mr. 8illis never ca'e out an sai as 'uch, his secretary was able to )2&A( that he woul soon be retiring. glib (glib), a +ective Articulate yet superficial; facile. % aske !or an analysis o! the construction o! Shakes"eare-s trage ies, but you have turne in a series o! )2%B observations on the 'ost !a'ous s"eeches in the "lays. globular ()20B-yoo-lar), a +ective Spherically shaped. ;lobular means, primarily, 4in the shape of a globe.5 The best word for 4of worldwide interest or applicability5 is global. Several )20BU2A* la'"hea s illu'inate the roo'. gossamer ()0SS-uh-'er), a +ective
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A delicate, floating film of cobwebs; also* thin and light, and therefore reminiscent of gossamer. So'e 'ornings, the grass outsi e our house takes on a )0SSAM&* veil. grandiloquence (gran-D%2-uh-kwence), noun 0ompous speech or e!pression; bombast. ;randiloquence refers to an attitude of haughtiness, especially in one2s means of communication. % 'ay not always e'"loy the )*A(D%20:U&(C& 'y o""onent oes, but % believe % have a co''onsense solution to the "roble' he has +ust outline . graven ()*A5-vuhn), a +ective 6eeply impressed or firmly fi!ed, such as ideas, concepts, beliefs, etc. Although it is not necessarily co''on throughout the worl , !ree o' o! religion is a )*A,&( conce"t in the Unite States. grievous ()*&&-vuss), a +ective ;rave; severe; causing or likely to cause grief. 9ailing to get a tuneu" be!ore riving to the shore turne out to be a )*%&,0US errorC % broke own in the 'i le o! nowhere an ha to "ay a s'all !ortune !or a tow truck. guild (gil ), noun A group of people dedicated to common interests or goals; an association of like7minded individuals. Although she knew it was only a !irst ste", An rea coul n-t hel" !eeling that +oining the Screen Actors )U%2D 'eant she was on her way to beco'ing a star. guttural ()U##-er-ul), a +ective ;arsh or ras"yA re'iniscent o! ee" soun s "ro uce in the throat. AlsoC o! or "ertaining to the throat. #he og let out a low, )U##U*A2 growl that was likely to give "ause to who'ever was stan ing on the other si e o! the oor. haiku (;%&-koo), noun A /a"anese !or' o! "oetry. A haiku has three lines o! !ive, seven, an !ive syllables, an o!ten evokes i'ages !ro' nature. Dean even trie his han at "oetry, co'"osing several "leasant ;A%$US

!or the newsletter. hallow (;A2-low), verb #o establish as holy. #o hallow can also be to e3ten the highest "ossible honor towar so'ething. #his ancient burial groun , which is ;A2208&D groun to 'any (ative A'ericans, attracts a !ew too 'any tourists !or 'y tastes. hapless (;A6-liss), a +ective 2uckless, un!ortunate. A ha"less "erson is unlucky. 0liver "resente a rather ;A62&SS !igure uring his !irst !ew ays on the +ob, but he soon 'astere his new res"onsibilities. heinous (;A5-nuss), a +ective &vilA re"rehensible. #o say so'ething is heinous is to say that it !ar e3cee s the boun s o! 'orality. Because o! the ;&%(0US nature o! this cri'e, % a' !orce to "ass a stern sentence. heliocentric (hee-lee-oh-S&(-trick), a +ective 0! or "ertaining to the theory that the sun is the center o! the solar syste'A having the sun at the centerA also, seen as !ro' the center o! the sun. At the ti'e Co"ernicus "ublishe his theory that our solar syste' is ;&2%0C&(#*%C, the ortho o3 teaching was that the sun an all other "lanets revolve aroun the earth. heresy (;A*&-uh-see), noun An instance o! es"ousing religious belie!s contrary to a church octrine. A!ter having been su""resse centuries ago as ;&*&S5, the newly iscovere )os"el o! #ho'as has given scholars an lay rea ers valuable insights on the teachings o! /esus. heretic (;A*&-uh-tic), noun A "erson who "ro!esses belie! in a og'a or syste' o! belie! (es"ecially a religion), but i!!ers with a tenet o! that syste'. ;eretic is o!ten use 'ore loosely to escribe a 'e'ber o! a grou" or organi.ation who airs o"inions that con!lict with establishe "rinci"les
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or routines. ;is stan against the Agency-s involve'ent in )uate'ala le so'e to bran Clint a ;&*&#%C. hiatus (hie-A5-tuss), noun An interru"tion or break. A hiatus is an inter'ission or break in continuity. A!ter a long ;%A#US !ro' the stage, 6eter au itione !or a role in A Mi su''er (ight-s Drea'. hobgoblin (;0B-gob-lin), noun A goblin "ur"orte to engage in 'ischievous behavior. &ver since % rea her those !airy stories the other night, 'y aughter has trie to convince 'e that a ;0B)0B2%( is res"onsible !or every "iece o! 'ischie! she gets into. homily (;0M-uh-lee), noun A religious talk or s"eech, usually given to a congregationA a talk that e3"oun s on religious the'es. 9ather )raha'-s ;0M%25 on the "ower o! !aith ins"ire 8arren to go ho'e an try to work through his "roble's with his wi!e. honorific (on-uh-*%99-ick), a +ective Describes an o!!icial or uno!!icial title or honor given to so'eone in or er to show hi' or her res"ect. A!ter he !inally 'anage to lan a 'arlin, we gave 'y !ather the ;0(0*%9%C, Dthe ol 'an,E a re!erence to &rnest ;e'ingway-s #he 0l Man an the Sea. hypothesis (hie-60#;-uh-suss), noun An e ucate guessA a "ro"ositionA an unteste theory "ut !orth to e3"lain so'ething. 0ur task was to test the instructor-s ;560#;&S%S that constant e3"osure to high-"itche soun s i'"e es the growth o! "lants. idiosyncrasy (ih- ee-oh-S%($-ruh-see), noun A behavioral 7uirk or eccentricity. 0ne o! 'y coworkers likes to engage in a brie! roun o! calisthenics at the to" o! every hour, a har'less-enough %D%0S5(C*AS5. idyllic (eye-D%22-ick), a +ective 6leasingA "eace!ulA i eal.

0ur %D522%C honey'oon in the tro"ics was interru"te by a tro"ical hurricane. ignominious (ig-no-M%(-ee-uss), a +ective Sha'e!ul or isgrace!ul. %gno'inious is generally use to escribe "ublic hu'iliation or !ailure. #yrone-s %)(0M%(%0US e!eat in court "ersua e hi' to settle his other lawsuits against the co'"any. imbibe (i'-B%B&), verb #o rink. %'bibe is generally use to escribe the rinking o! alcoholic beverages, though it can also carry the 'eaning Dto take in (an i ea).E Donal once ha a rinking "roble', but now he no longer %MB%B&S. imbue (i'-B500), verb #o saturate or !low throughout by absor"tion. %'bue is o!ten use 'eta"horically to escribe the trans'ission o! an i ea, !eeling, or e'otion. Bert-s "hiloso"hy was %MBU&D with the i eas o! /ohn Stuart Mill. immutable (ih-M500-tih-bull), a +ective Describes so'ething that cannot be change or so'ething that is changeless. Mountains see' so %MMU#AB2& that it a'a.es 'e to reali.e they actually o shi!t an change over the course o! 'illions o! years. imperious (i'-6&&*-ee-us), a +ective ;aughty. AlsoC urgent. %'"erious is usually 'eant to convey a sense o! ictatorial arrogance. Mrs. Banks rushe aroun the kitchen, issuing a series o! %M6&*%0US co''an s to the cook. imperturbable (i'-"er-#U;*-buh-bull), a +ective Describes so'eone or so'ething inca"able o! being agitate or isturbe . During the air turbulence, % !elt cal'er ue to 'y !ather-s %M6&*#U*BAB2& e'eanor. imposition (i'-"uh-4%S;-un), noun An instance o! inconvenience or the laying on o! obligationA the act o! causing another to take on a bur en.
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% knew !ull well that our staying with Aunt Sa ie !or si3 'onths was an %M60S%#%0(, but while the house was being built we really ha no other choice. impresario (i'-"ruh-SA;*-ee-o), noun A "erson who organi.es or s"onsors entertain'ent or cultural events (such as concerts an "lays). :uentin-s career as an %M6*&SA*%0 ca'e to an abru"t halt when he lost all his investors- 'oney on a 'usical version o! Mar3-s Das $a"ital. impunity (i'-6500-nih-tee), noun 9ree o' !ro' "unish'ent or "enalty. %'"unity is so'eti'es con!use with i'"ugn (above), es"ecially in its s"elling. 8e cannot let such an act o! nake aggression stan with %M6U(%#5. inalienable (in-A5-lee-un-a-buhl), a +ective %nca"able o! being taken away. Although % have always believe !ree o' o! s"eech to be the %(A2%&(AB2& right o! every A'erican, % 'ust a 'it that the iatribes o! those who "reach hate an violence against 'e'bers o! 'y race are aw!ully tough to sto'ach. inauspicious (in-oss-6%S;-uss), a +ective Acco'"anie by or "re ictive o! ill luckA not !avorable in "ortent. 8ho coul have "re icte that !ro' such %(AUS6%C%0US beginnings )rant woul rise to co''an great ar'ies an , eventually, lea his nationF incandescent (in-kan-D&SS-unt), a +ective ,ery bright an hotA brilliant, as light or !ire. AlsoC 'asterly or yna'ic, es"ecially with regar to in ivi ual creativity. An %(CA(D&SC&(# la'" is one that e'its light as a result o! the glowing o! a heate 'aterial, such as a tungsten !ila'ent. incendiary (in-S&(- ee-air-ee), a +ective 9la''able. Also, re'iniscent o! or "ertaining to s"eech or action that is 'eant to in!la'e or arouseA eliberately "rovocative. A a'-s %(C&(D%A*5 re'arks about 'y 'other-s "arentage resulte in a bloo y nose !or hi' an a night in +ail !or 'e. incipient (in-S%6-ee-unt), a +ective

&arly in evelo"'entA at a beginning stage. Atte'"ting to stave o!! an %(C%6%&(# !lu, Marsha consu'e glass a!ter glass o! orange +uice. incognito (in-cog-(&&-to), a +ective ;i en or unknown. #o intentionally change a""earance in such a way as to 'ake one-s real i entity unknown is to go incognito. #he novelist wore sunglasses in ho"es o! re'aining %(C0)(%#0 at restaurants, but he was still "estere by autogra"h houn s. incontrovertible (in-kahn-truh-,&*-tuh-bull), a +ective (ot o"en to 7uestionA in is"utable. #he "rosecution won the case a!ter intro ucing %(C0(#*0,&*#%B2& evi ence. incorrigible (in-$0*&-i+-uh-bul), a +ective (A""arently) inca"able o! being re!or'e . %ncorrigible is o!ten use in a lighthearte , ironic sense. 5oung 6ete was an %(C0**%)%B2& boy, !orever getting into scra"es an causing 'ischie!. indemnify (in-D&M-nih-!y), verb #o "rotect !ro' or "rovi e co'"ensation !or a'ages. #o in e'ni!y is to shiel against the loss, estruction, or a'age o! so'ething. #his "olicy %(D&M(%9%&S 'y house against !ire, !loo , an burglary. indigent (%(- ih-+unt), a +ective 2acking the essentials o! li!eA i'"overishe . At the shelter, % ca'e across 'any %(D%)&(# !a'ilies who ha !allen victi' to the !ailing econo'y. indiscriminate (in- ih-S$*%M-uh-net), a +ective 2acking clear +u g'ent. Also escribes so'eone or so'ething ha"ha.ar an +u'ble . #he %(D%SC*%M%(A#& "lace'ent o! books 'a e it al'ost i'"ossible to o any success!ul browsing in the booksho". indolent (%(- uh-lnt), a +ective 2a.y, as a way o! li!e. So'eone who is in olent is inactive an unlikely to e3ert hi'sel!. 6eter, an %(D02&(# young 'an, s"ent his young ays ga.ing out the
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win ow ay rea'ing. inertia (in-U*-shuh), noun SluggishnessA the 7uality o! being inert. %n "hysics, inertia is the ten ency o! an ob+ect to resist change (acceleration or change in irection, !or instance) unless acte on by an outsi e !orce. %t is not a lack o! o""ortunity that has ha'"ere you, /ackson, but si'"le %(&*#%A. infidel (%(-!ih- el), noun A "erson who oes not acce e to a "articular set o! religious belie!s. An in!i el is an unbelieverC the wor is o!ten use 'eta"horically to re!er to those who are un"ersua e o! the wis o' an Tor righteousness o! a "osition or "rinci"le. Because he !aile to e3"ress the "ro"er enthusias' !or *iley-s ca'"aign "ro"osal, 8ilson was regar e as so'ething o! an %(9%D&2. infuse (in-95U4&), verb #o !illA to "enetrate as i! by "ouring or soaking. #he yna'ic co''issioner %(9US&D a new sense o! "ri e into the beleaguere e"art'ent. ingot (%()-gut), noun A "iece o! cast 'etal, usually in the !or' o! a bar. Charlie-s +ob at the re!inery was to ins"ect the %()0#S co'ing o!! conveyor belt nu'ber seven. innuendo (in-you-&((- oe), noun A subtle inti'ationA an in irect insinuation. #hrough hints an %((U&(D0 her o""onent 'anage to "lant see s o! oubt about )overnor 8illia's-s "ast. inoculate (ih-(0$-yoo-late), verb #o !acilitate the buil u" o! resistance to a isease by intro ucing a 'inuscule sa'"le o! its virus into the bo y. %noculate erives !ro' the 2atin !or Dto gra!t onto.E Marie, nor'ally !rightene o! in+ections, su''one u" all her courage when it ca'e ti'e !or the octor to inoculate her against s'all"o3. insensate (in-S&(S-ate), a +ective 8ithout hu'an !eeling, or lacking +u g'ent an goo sense.

0wen-s %(S&(SA#& behavior the 'orning a!ter their tryst 'a e A'y reali.e she- 'a e a 'istake in asking hi' to stay the night. insidious (in-S%D-ee-uss), a +ective Designe to entra"A ha""ening or s"rea ing har'!ully but subtlyA stealthily an se uctively treacherous. Mark-s chess ga'es were !ull o! %(S%D%0US tra"s 'eant to lull his o""onent into a sense o! co'"lacency. insinuate (in-S%(-you-ate), verb #o hint at arklyA to suggest (ty"ically, with negative connotations). % ho"e you on-t 'ean to %(S%(UA#& that 'y husban is seeing another wo'an. insouciant (in-S00-see-unt), a +ective Cal' an care!reeA in i!!erent. Des"ite his ire surroun ings, ;erbert 'anage to re'ain %(S0UC%A(# an at ease. insular (%(-suh-ler), a +ective 2ike an islan . . . etache , stan ing alone. #y"ically, insular is use negatively, to suggest that so'eone has narrow-'in e or "rovincial attitu es about "olitics, religion, i eas, etc. #he can i ate-s %(SU2A* views on i"lo'acy cause hi' to lose the election. integral (%(-tuh-grul), a +ective Acting as a constituent an essential 'e'ber o! a whole. %ntegral also carries a nu'ber o! technical an 'athe'atical e!initions not in co''on usage. /ane "laye an %(#&)*A2 role in the "ro uction-s success. intercession (in-ter-S&S;-un), noun An instance o! "lea ing in !avor o! another "erson or "arty. #o interce e is to act or s"eak in so'eone-s behal!A intercession is 'e iation in a con!lict in behal! o! another. 9rance-s %(#&*C&SS%0( is cre ite by 'any with bringing the crisis to a "eace!ul conclusion. interlope (%(-tur-lo"e), verb #o intru eA to inter!ere, 'e le, or in!ringe. &ric resente his !raternity brothers- atte'"ts to %(#&*206& on his
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ro'antic evening with Sheena. interpolate (in-#U;*-"uh-late), verb #o intro uce so'ething !oreign between other "arts, such as secretly a ing one-s own i eas into a te3t. #he s"eaker was interru"te by an au ience 'e'ber who !elt the nee to inter"olate his views into the "anel-s iscussion. intersperse (in-tur-S6U*S&), verb #o scatter here an thereA to istribute or "lace at intervals. %(#&*S6&*S&D throughout the stu io au ience were Dcla""ersE whose sole "ur"ose was to 'otivate the rest o! the crow into laughing an a""lau ing !or the show. intransigent (in-#*A(-si-+unt), a +ective Unco'"ro'isingA eter'ine to re'ain beyon a""eal or negotiation. So'eone unyiel ing to any change is intransigent. #he %(#*A(S%)&(# union negotiator see'e !ully "re"are to see the talks colla"se. inundate (%(-un- ate), verb #o !loo . #o inun ate is to engul! as in a torrent or !loo . #he o"erator knew she woul be %(U(DA#&D with calls that ay. inured (in-500*D), verb Accusto'e to (har shi" or trial). A!ter a !ew 'onths, Melvin beca'e %(U*&D to the "a"er boy-s habit o! tossing the (ew 5ork #i'es into the !urthest reaches o! the !ront lawn-s tall he ges. inviolate (in-,%&-uh-let), a +ective Soli an strong, inca"able o! being violate or in+ure . &ven a!ter !ive !aile 'arriages, /enny re'aine %(,%02A#& in her belie! that she woul one ay !in true love. iridescent (ear-ih-D&SS-unt), a +ective 6ossessing rainbowlike colors. %ri escent can also 'ean Daltering in hue when viewe !ro' i!!erent angles or 'ove .E #he %*%D&SC&(# light o! the "ris' !loo e (ewton-s shuttere roo'. irresolute (ihr-*&4-uh-loot), a +ective

Doubt!ul, wa!!ling, inca"able o! being !ir' an resolute. #he can i ate won the election because he was able to create the "erce"tion that his o""onent was %**&S02U#& about 'atters o! national security. isthmus (%SS-'us), noun A narrow stri" o! lan connecting two larger 'asses o! lan . #he geologic evi ence suggests that, long ago, an %S#;MUS linke Siberia an Alaska. itinerant (eye-#%(-er-unt), a +ective Describes so'eone who, or so'ething that, travels !ro' "lace to "lace with a "ur"ose. 8hile % was between +obs, % worke as an %#%(&*A(# !ar'er. jetsam (/&#-su'), noun Material thrown overboar to lighten the loa o! a shi" in anger. As the shi" !ille with seawater, Ma a'e 9ontaine "lea e with the sailor not to throw her trunk o! clothes overboar with the rest o! the /&#SAM sinking beneath the wil waves. jihad (+ee-;AD), noun An %sla'ic holy warA a bitter war or is"ute entere over a 'atter o! "rinci"le. #he ter'inology can be troubleso'e, Mr. A'bassa orA to us it was a terrorist act, but to those sy'"athetic with the grou" that "lante the bo'b it was a holy act un ertaken as "art o! a /%;AD. jingoistic (+in-go-%SS-tik), a +ective Aggressively an overbearingly "atriotic. A +ingo is a "erson whose "atriotis' is e3"resse in bellicose rhetoric (!or instance, in+unctions to "re"are !or war). So'eone who is +ingoistic is blin ly an aggressively nationalistic. Such /%()0%S#%C babbling can har ly be sai to "ass !or ecent a vice to a hea o! state. juggernaut (/U)-ur-not), noun An ob+ect or !orce so "ower!ul that it !lattens or estroys anything in its "ath.
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#he earth7uake i so'e 'inor structural a'age to the city, but the torna o that !ollowe a week later was a /U))&*(AU#, estroying every ho'e an buil ing it touche . junket (/U($-it), noun A recreational tri", outing, or e3cursionA o!ten, a "leasure tri" taken by "ublic o!!icials !or the ostensible "ur"ose o! gathering !acts. #he congress'an-s eight-week tri" to 0ahu, su""ose ly to survey the ;awaiian a""roach to health care, is only the latest o! a long series o! /U($&#S that call into 7uestion his ability to 'anage "ublic resources with integrity. kilter ($%2-tur), noun 8orking con itionA correct "ositionA or er. Although % ha use a level an ruler when hanging the "ainting, % coul see that it was o!!-$%2#&* when % ste""e back a !ew !eet. labyrinth (2AB-uh-rinth), noun An intricate or oversi.e 'a.eA any "lace or situation in which getting one-s bearings see's i!!icult or i'"ossible. As "art o! his e3"eri'ent, ;er'an ti'e how long it took the various bree s o! 'ice to 'ake it through a 2AB5*%(#; to a ish bearing a "iece o! cheese. laconic (luh-$0(-ik), a +ective 0! !ew wor s. S"eech that is concise or terse is laconic. Coo"er-s "er!or'ances are 2AC0(%C, but all the 'ore "ower!ul !or their terseness. laggard (2A)-ur ), noun 0ne who lags behin or loiters. A laggar !ails to kee" u". 8e have co'"lete our "art o! the "ro+ect, Mr. MillerA it is the 2A))A*DS in the accounting e"art'ent who have not. laity (2A5-uh-tee), noun A grou" o! religious worshi"ers i!!erentiate !ro' the clergyA 'e'bers o! the lay co''unity. Bisho" *iley, ever 'in !ul that his "re ecessor ha been critici.e !or his inaccessibility, 'a e a "oint o! 'ingling with the 2A%#5 as 'uch as

"ossible. lalapalooza (la-luh-"uh-200-.uh), noun So'ething outstan ing or unusual. #he charity carnival conclu e with a 2A2A6A2004A o! a "ara e, in which the 'ayor ro e a unicycle an +uggle gra"e!ruits to the soun o! wil a""lause. languid (2A()-gwi ), a +ective 2istlessA lacking vitality. #hat which lacks !orce or vigor is langui . *obert-s 2A()U%D e'eanor was 'istaken by so'e !or a lack o! intelligence. largesse (lahr-/&SS), noun )enerosity, es"ecially generosity with 'oney. My "arents- 2A*)&SS& rie u" a!ter % aske the' !or 'oney three 'onths in a row. lassitude (2ASS-ih-too ), noun A con ition o! listlessness, e3haustion, or weaknessA a !eeling o! in i!!erence. Mary-s uncharacteristic 2ASS%#UD& at work can, % think, be e3"laine by the !act that her !ather, who is gravely ill, is now living with her. latent (2A5-tunt), a +ective &3isting an having the "ower to beco'e visible or 'ani!est, but !or the ti'e being re'aining unseen or unknown. #he virus re'aine 2A#&(# in his syste' !or so'e ti'e, causing hi' unknowingly to in!ect those he ca'e in close contact with. lattice (2A#-us), noun A "attern o! crosse woo en or 'etal stri"sA any !ra'ework or ecoration one in this style. #he !ence in the gar en near the 'ain hall was an attractive 2A##%C& arrange'ent, a""arently broa an iscreet, but in !act un!orgivingly "orous when it ca'e to the inti'ate conversations o! lovers. leery (2&&*-ee), a +ective 8aryA cautiousA sus"icious. % was 2&&*5 o! 'eeting 'y !rien s at the bar owntownC %- have to travel there by 'ysel! on the subway, an there ha been several attacks in stations recently.
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leonine (2&&-uh-nine), a +ective Describes so'ething or so'eone characteristic o! a lion. Ben-s leonine 'ane o! hair 'akes 'ost o! his girl!rien s +ealous. lineage (2%(-ee-u+), noun AncestryA line o! escent. A thoroughbre )er'an she"her !ro' a cha'"ionshi" line, 'y og $han "robably ha a 'ore "restigious 2%(&A)& than anyone in our !a'ily. lithe (lithe), a +ective )race!ulA su""le. 2%#;& ancers resse in brilliant gol s"rang across the stage to the soun o! ru's an cy'bals. liturgy (2%;-tur-+ee), noun 8orshi"!ul ritual, es"ecially the !or'al Christian service o! the &ucharist. 2iturgy is the acce"te "ublic !or' o! religious worshi". 6at-s atte'"ts to re!or'ulate the 2%#U*)5 in her church were greete with great ske"ticis' by the 'ore conservative worshi"ers. logistics (loe-/%S-tiks), noun #he essential etails o! how so'ething is to be acco'"lishe . %n 'ilitary usage, logistics is the isci"line a ressing su""ly an "rocure'ent. /ane knew the tri" coul not begin until the 20)%S#%CS were worke out. luminary (200-'ih-nay-ree), noun So'ething that e'its lightA also, a "erson wi ely renowne an res"ecte in his or her area o! e3"ertise. A'ong other 2UM%(A*%&S who atten e the "arty was the author o! this year-s 6ulit.er winner !or ra'a. macabre ('ub-$A;-bruh), a +ective ;orri!yingA re'iniscent o! eath. A 'acabre story is one that !ocuses on 'orbi , grisly sub+ects. #he ol 'an-s MACAB*& tales !rightene the chil ren. macrobiotic ('ack-row-bi-A;#-ick), a +ective Describes a iet rich in whole grains an beans, which so'e believe lengthens one-s li!es"an. A!ter she ha a !ew health scares, /ean turne to a MAC*0B%0#%C iet.

maelstrom (MA%2-stru'), noun A situation 'arke by violence, turbulence, an uncertainty. #o outsi ers, the MA&2S#*0M o! 8all Street-s tra ing !loor looks !rightening. magnate (MA)-nayt), noun An in ustrial lea er. A 'agnate is a "ower!ul business !igure. 5our ;onor, % a' no co''unications MA)(A#&A % run a s'all town news"a"er. malinger ('uh-2%()-ger), verb #o avoi work by 'aking u" e3cuses. So'eone who "reten s to be ill or in+ure in or er to avoi e!!ort or uty can be sai to 'alinger. D#here will be no MA2%()&*%() in this o!!ice,E the new su"ervisor sai sternly. malleable (MA2-ee-uh-bull), a +ective Sha"eableA ca"able o! being 'ol e , change , or in!luence . Senator )reen was o! the o"inion that "ublic o"inion was !airly MA22&AB2&, an that any scan al, i! han le "ro"erly, coul be overco'e. manifesto ('an-ih-9&SS-toe), noun A "ublic eclaration o! one-s intentions or 'otives, ty"ically o! a "olitical nature. %nstea o! galvani.ing the crow to action, the "oet-s MA(%9&S#0 colla"se the au ience in laughter. maraud ('uh-*0D), verb #o wan er in search o! booty. #o loot or inva e !or treasure is to 'arau . #he shi" was waylai by MA*AUD%() "irates on the !ourteenth o! May. marrow (MA*&-oh), noun #he essential "artA literally, a vital 'aterial that !ills the insi e o! bone cavities. #he octor assure &llen that, once an a""ro"riate onor was !oun , her bone MA**08 trans"lant woul take "lace i''e iately. martial (MA*-shull), a +ective A""ro"riate to warti'e. Martial law is the i'"osition o! 'ilitary control
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over a civilian "o"ulation. (8e escribe isci"lines such as +u o an karate1which !ocus on han -to-han co'bat 1as 'artial arts.) A!ter ca"turing *ich'on , the co''an er issue an or er "lacing it un er MA*#%A2 law. mellifluous ('uh-2%9-loo-us), a +ective 9lowing sweetly an s'oothly. Melli!luous escribes a s'ooth, sweet sensation. /ane-s M&22%92U0US cello "laying was the envy o! the other 'usicians. mercurial ('ur-$500*-ee-ul), a +ective :uickly changingA un"re ictable. ;elen-s M&*CU*%A2 te'"era'ent o!ten 'ysti!ie her subor inates, who 'ight !in the'selves showere with gi!ts one 'o'ent an sub+ecte to verbal abuse the ne3t. miasma ('y-AS-'uh), noun An at'os"here that is angerous an !orebo ing. #he une3"resse anger an isagree'ent between *hon a an Scott 'a e a M%ASMA o! their once-ha""y ho'e. minion (M%(-yuhn), noun So'eone with a slavish evotion to a "erson in "ower. Sheila ucke into the la ies roo' when she saw San ra an all her M%(%0(S hea ing own the o!!ice halls. mire ('ire), noun an verb 8aterlogge groun A swa'"lan . AlsoC any corru"t or un"leasing environ'ent !ro' which it is i!!icult to e3tricate onesel!. As a verbC to cause to be stuck in 'ire. %n the early going, the a 'inistration !oun itsel! M%*&D in issues !ar !ro' its state goal o! i'"roving the econo'y. miscegenation ('ih-se+-uh-(A5-shun), noun %nterbree ing between 'e'bers o! i!!erent racial grou"s. Miscegenation was once a cri'e in "arts o! the Unite States. #he 'usical Show Boat was aring !or its ti'eA certainly no "revious show on Broa way ha are to e3a'ine an issue as sensitive as M%SC&)&(A#%0(. mnemonic (ni-M0(-ik), a +ective an noun

Meant to ai in 'e'ory. As a noun, a 'ne'onic is a evice (a rhy'e, !or instance) 'eant to 'ake 'e'ori.ing easier. #he !lashcar s serve only as M(&M0(%C evicesA they cannot, by the'selves, instill any un erstan ing o! 'athe'atical "rocesses. monosyllabic ('ah-no-sih-2AB-ik), a +ective ;aving only one syllable. 8e trie to engage $athleen in conversation but coul n-t get 'ore than M0(0S522AB%C grunts !or our "ains. monolithic ('on-uh-2%#;-ik), a +ective Unwiel y or cu'berso'eA huge. A 'onolith is a 'assive block o! stone or other 'arker (such as a scul"ture) that shows soli ity an uni!or'ityA so'ething that is 'onolithic calls to 'in the i'"osing nature o! a 'onolith. #he M0(02%#;%C "resence o! %BM in the co'"uter !iel is sobering enough to 'ake any co'"etitor think twice be!ore intro ucing a new "ro uct. morass ('uh-*ASS), noun A 7uag'ireA a i!!icult or bewil ering situation. By <O?H the 'ilitary was 'ore eager than ever be!ore to e3tricate itsel! !ro' the M0*ASS in Southeast Asia. moratorium ('ore-uh-#0*&-ee-u'), noun An authori.e "erio o! elay. #he city council vote to "lace a si3-'onth M0*A#0*%UM on new co''ercial evelo"'ent. mordant (M0*- uhnt), a +ective Bitingly sarcasticA cynical. #hel'a ha a M0*DA(# wit that coul sto" the 'ost arrogant swaggerer in his tracks. munificent ('yoo-(%9-ih-sent), a +ective )enerous. So'eone who has liberal habits o! giving coul be sai to be 'uni!icent. #he MU(%9%C&(# ol wi ow gave abun antly to charity. nadir ((A5- ur), noun #he lowest "oint. #he (AD%* o! 'y writing career was "robably that s"ell in 0'aha when % wrote obituaries !or the local news"a"er.
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necessitate (nuh-S&SS-ih-tate), verb #o 'ake necessary, to obligate. S"illing co!!ee on 'y shirt +ust be!ore the interview (&C&SS%#A#&D a 7uick run ho'e to change clothes. nefarious (nih-9A*&-ee-uss), a +ective 0"enly evilA wicke . #he (&9A*%0US Darth ,a er serves as the un!orgettable villain o! )eorge 2ucas-s Star 8ars. nether ((&#;-ur), a +ective 2owerA re'ove . #he nether regions o! so'ething are the "arts that lie beneath or beyon the 'ain "art. Dante takes the rea er on a +ourney to the (&#;&* regions o! hell. niggling ((%)-ling), a +ective 6ettyA annoying. % coul usually eal with 'y roo''ate-s (%))2%() co'"laints about hairs in the sink an 'y !orgetting to take out the trash, but % was in no 'oo !or it to ay. nonplussed (non-62U;S#), a +ective Describes a state o! ba!!le'ent or "er"le3ity. % stoo there, (0(62USS&D an blee ing, a!ter 'y "reviously ta'e og bit 'y han . nubile ((00-bile), a +ective Se3ually 'ature an Tor "re"are !or 'arriage. (ubile is use al'ost e3clusively in re!erence to young wo'enA there is no e3act "arallel to escribe young 'en. Art looke at his DbabyE aughter Marie an reali.e that she ha so'ehow beco'e a (UB%2& young wo'an o! eighteen. nullify ((U22-ih-!ie), verb #o 'ake invali A to ren er null. Because the league (U22%9%&D the is"ute ho'e run, the two tea's ha to "lay the ninth inning over again the !ollowing week. obdurate (A;B- ur-uht), a +ective Stubborn an unyiel ing to an e3cessive egree. % le!t the house a!ter our argu'ent, eter'ine to be +ust as 0BDU*A#& as /ane. oblique (oh-B2&&$), a +ective

Angle A in irect. #o 'ake an obli7ue re!erence to so'ething is to 'ention it glancingly, leaving the listener unclear as to the nature or conte3t o! the thing re!erre to. #he witness-s escri"tion was too 0B2%:U& to be o! any use to the "olice. obsolete (ob-suh-2&&#), a +ective (o longer use!ul or in useA unnecessary. #he roo'-si.e co'"uters o! the si3ties have long since been ren ere 0BS02&#& by the a vent o! eskto" an even la"to" e7uivalents. obsequious (ub-S&&-kwee-uss), a +ective Co'"liant an servile to su"eriors. So'eone who takes a !awning, sub'issive e'eanor in or er to curry !avor with those in authority coul be sai to be obse7uious. 5ou 'ay consi er the waiter-s attentions well 'eantA % !in hi' 0BS&:U%0US. obtuse (ob-#00S), a +ective (ot shar". 0btuse is 'ost o!ten use to escribe a "erson whose "owers o! intellect or observation are "oor. 6erha"s %-' being 0B#US&, but %- like you to e3"lain that last "oint again !or 'e. obviate (0B-vee-ate), verb #o 'ake unnecessary. #o obviate so'ething is to avoi it by acting in antici"ation. #he research e"art'ent "rovi e su!!icient ataA the "roble' was 0B,%A#&D be!ore it reache crisis "ro"ortions. occlude (oh-$200D), verb #o obstruct. So'ething that is close or blocke o!! is occlu e . Mr. *yanPs health "roble's 0CC2UD&D his coronary. octave (0$-tuv), noun %n 8estern 'usic, a tone eight tones above or below another tone. #he !a'ous o"era singer ha a vocal range o! three 0C#A,&S. officious (uh-9%S;-uss), a +ective 6rone to o!!ering one-s services an Tor insight, even when they are not re7ueste or a""ro"riate. So'eone who is o!!icious is 'e leso'e
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an overbearing. #o' was certainly a generous host, but his 099%C%0US nature was har !or 'e to live with a!ter a week or two. oligarchy (022-ih-gark-ee), noun )overn'ent by an elite !ew. My !ather-s o"inion was that since the 'i Si3ties the country ha been o"erating un er the "retense o! e'ocracy, an was in !act an 02%)A*C;5. ombudsman (A;M-bu s-'uhn), noun A "erson who acts as a 'e iator between the "ublic an an agency, university, or o!!ice, in or er to resolve is"utes. A!ter going aroun an aroun with iscre"ancies in 'y tuition bill, the 0MBUDSMA( !inally got involve . onus (08(-us), noun #he bur en o! "er!or'ing a task or uty. #o say that the onus is on a "erson to o so'ething is to say that he is res"onsible !or oing it. #he 0(US o! co'"leting this long- elaye "ro+ect now !alls to you. opiate (06&-ee-ut), noun An a ictive narcotic, es"ecially one with nu'bing or slee"-in ucing 7ualities. Mar3-s well-known re'ark that religion is the 06%A#& o! the "eo"le hel"e 'ake 'any church grou"s i'"lacable ene'ies o! Co''unis'. opine (oh-6%(&), verb #o 'ake one-s o"inion known. #o o"ine is to state one-s view. )rant 06%(&D that be coul take ,icksburg i! the 6resi ent woul show "atience in the un ertaking. opus (06&-us), noun A 'a+or work (o! art or literature). 0"era is erive !ro' one o! the "lural !or's o! o"us. (%n &nglish, o"uses is the acce"te "lural.) Although be ba been working on it !or over a year an a hal! the co'"oser was less than hal!way one with his 06US. ordnance (0*D-nunce), noun 8ea"onsA 'ilitary su""lies.

#hough the govern'ent enie there woul be a con!rontation with the rebels, the re"orts o! ra'atically increase 0*D(A(C& shi"'ents le the "ress to believe otherwise. osmosis (oss-M0&-sis), noun )ra ual absor"tion, assi'ilation. /erry reste his hea on the te3tbook an close his eyes, as i! ho"ing to absorb the in!or'ation in it by 0SM0S%S. ostentatious (oss-ten-#A5-shuss), a +ective Showy. So'eone who 'akes a boast!ul is"lay, or 'akes constant atte'"ts to show o!! talents or "ossessions, coul be sai to be ostentatious. 5ou shoul n-t take the *olls to the "artyA it will be seen as 0S#&(#A#%0US. owlish (08-lish), a +ective Describes so'eone who looks like an owl in that he or she has a wise, sole'n a""earance. %n a ition, the wor o!ten is use to escribe so'eone who wears thick glasses. % got contacts because % was sick o! "eo"le 'aking +okes about 'y 082%S; a""earance. palisade ("al-ih-SAD&), noun A e!ensive barrier or !ence co'"rising a row o! tall stakes riven into the groun A also, a line o! stee" cli!!s along a river. As we rove along the 6A2%SAD&S o! the river gorge, 'y wi!e an % la'ente that we ha !orgotten to bring our ca'era. panacea ("an-uh-S&&-uh), noun A cure-allA so'ething with the ability to cure any illness or re'e y any isor er. Accor ing to 'y eighty-!our-year-ol gran !ather, chocolate is the 6A(AC&A to any "roble' li!e 'ay throw at you. pandemic ("an-D&M-ik), a +ective 8i es"rea . So'ething that is general, co''on, or all-enco'"assing coul be sai to be "an e'ic. 8e 'ust begin to a""eal not to universal !ears, but to 6A(D&M%C hu'an values.
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parable (6A*&-uh-bull), noun A brie! allegory or story 'eant to highlight an essential truth. /esus- 6A*AB2& o! the 6ro igal Son is "erha"s the 'ost ins"iring "assage in the (ew #esta'ent. paragon (6A*&-uh-gone), noun A "eerless 'o el or "attern o! "er!ection. A "aragon, unlike a "ara ig' (within) is an absolute1an o!ten a hy"othetical1stan ar . &ven i! we coul live our lives in accor ance with the 6A*A)0(S o! right living, woul we not still e3"erience con!lict an 'isun erstan ing with othersF paramount (6A*&-uh-'ount), a +ective Su"re'eA su"eriorA e3cellent %t is o! 6A*AM0U(# i'"ortance that we co'"lete this "ro+ect on ti'e. paramour (6A*&-uh-'ore), noun An illicit lover. Although the wo'en in her circle 'a e high'in e s"eeches about her 'orality, Mrs. Able knew !ull well that 'ost o! the' ha ha a 6A*AM0U* at one ti'e or another. parlay (6A;*-lay), verb #o take so'ething1such as talent or a s'all a'ount o! 'oney1an atte'"t to use it to gain great !ortune or success. /ackson 6A*2A5&D a talent !or "oker into a lucrative career. pastiche ("ah-S#&&S;), noun A ha"ha.ar collection o! ite's !ro' various sources. Also, a "iece o! 'usic, writing, or art 'a e u" 'ostly o! 'aterial taken !ro' e3isting sources. So'e !olks consi er hi"-ho" 'usic nothing but 'in less 6AS#%C;&, but % heartily isagree. pastoral (6AS-tur-ul), a +ective 6ertaining to li!e in the country. 6astoral also has religious connotationsC a "astoral 'essage is one to the clergy or "eo"le in a region !ro' a bisho". #o 'any critics, the novel-s 6AS#0*A2 setting +arre against its the'es o! urban angst.

pathos (6A5-thos), noun A 7uality arousing or evoking "ity or sorrow. #o e'"loy "athos is to act in a way 'eant to elicit ten er sy'"athy !ro' an observer. Cha"lin-s evelo"'ent o! 6A#;0S as a co'"onent o! !il' co'e y was one o! his 'ost signi!icant achieve'ents. patina ("uh-#&&-nuh), noun A !il' or sheen that occurs naturally on an age sur!ace. %n the antebellu' 'ansion, % thought about the generations o! han s that ha le!t a 6A#%(A on the banisters. pejorative ("uh-/0*&-uh-tiv), a +ective Dis"araging. #hat which owngra es or e!a'es (usually a ter' or escri"tion) is "e+orative. 8hen % sai 2ynn was a ty"ical Massachusetts river, % i n-t 'ean that as a 6&/0*A#%,& re'ark. penchant (6&(-chunt), noun A liking or inclination. 0ver inner, ,icky, who ha a 6&(C;A(# !or s"eaking her 'in no 'atter what, aske the congress'an what he thought his chances were o! being i'"risone as a result o! his recent in ict'ent !or e'be..le'ent. penitent (6&(-ih-tunt), verb 9eeling guilty or re'orse!ul !or wrong oing. As a nounC a "erson who is "enitent. Aaron 'a e a token e!!ort to a"ologi.e !or his ru e behavior, but it was evi ent to us all that he was not at all 6&(%#&(#. pensive (6&(-siv), a +ective #hought!ulA having wist!ul or rea'y thoughts. My girl!rien was rea y !or a riotous night on the town, but % was !eeling, 6&(S%,&, so we en e u" going to a ca!e an talking well into the night. perfunctory ("urr-9U($-tuh-ree), a +ective Mun aneA routine. AlsoC showing little care. So'ething one with little interest is a "er!unctory act. 6reoccu"ie , #o' went about his aily tasks with a 6&*9U(C#0*5 air. permeable (6U**-'e-uh-bull), a +ective 6orousA ca"able o! being "er'eate .
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D0nly certain substances can "ass through the 6&*M&AB2& 'e'brane,E Mrs. A a's e3"laine to her class. pernicious ("urr-(%S;-uss), a +ective #en ing to cause insi ious har' or in+ury. 6ernicious can also 'ean D!atal or likely to cause eath.E A 6&*(%C%0US "lague s"rea through the village. perpetuate ("urr-6&#C;-oo-ate), verb #o 'ake everlastingA to "rolong 'e'ory or use (o! a thing). #o "er"etuate so'eone-s 'e'ory is to cause that "erson-s li!e to be recalle a!ter his eath. #he ru'or that % a' resigning has been 6&*6&#UA#&D by a nu'ber o! sources, all co'"letely unreliable. phalanx (9A5-lanks), noun 9ro' the )reek escribing a 'ilitary !or'ation, a "halan3 is a grou" o! closely asse'ble "eo"le or ani'als, usually working together !or a s"eci!ic "ur"ose, such as launching an attack. #he geek trie not to show his !ear in the hallway, as the 6;A2A(B o! +ocks walke in his irection. phallic (9A2-ik), a +ective 0! or "ertaining to the "hallus or "enisA re'iniscent o! a "enisA also, by e3tension, re'iniscent o! the li!e-giving !orce o! nature, as in ancient Dionysian !estivals that 'a e the "hallus a central ele'ent. Accor ing to 9reu , 6;A22%C sy'bols (such as the swor o! Un!erth use by Beowul!) aboun in both ancient an 'o ern literature. pidgin (6%D/-in), noun A ty"e o! language create by the interaction o! two istinct languages, use to hel" "eo"le co''unicate across language barriers. 8e s"oke 6%D)%( to each other, an % !inally was able to un erstan how to get to the nearest bathroo'. piquant ("i-$0(#), a +ective Sti'ulatingA "rovocative, "articularly to the tastebu sA s"icy. (or'ally, Me3ican !oo is too hot !or 'e, but (ancy-s salsa i" was +ust 6%:UA(# enough to be elight!ul.

pique ("eek), verb #o in+ure a "erson-s "ri e an thereby engen er harsh !eelings. So'eone who shows resent!ul irritation at a "erceive slight can be sai to be "i7ue . Marcia was 6%:U&D at not having been invite to the "arty. placate (62A5-kate), verb #o a""ease. So'eone who conce es or yiel s in or er to avoi another-s anger can be sai to "lacate that "erson. Although the co'"any was unable to raise wages, it i 'ake an e!!ort to 62ACA#& the union by e3ten ing the a!ternoon co!!ee break. plenary (62&&-nuh-ree), a +ective Describes so'ething that is absolute an un7uali!ie . 0riginal 9B% hea , & gar ;oover, i his best to give hi'sel! an his agency 62&(A*5 "owers. pliable (62%&-uh-bull), a +ective Able to be change in sha"e, !or', or inclinationA ca"able o! being irecte or in!luence . )ol , one o! the worl -s 'ost valuable 'etals, is also one o! the 'ost 62%AB2&. pneumatic (noo-MA#-ik), a +ective *elate to air or win A using air or co'"resse gas as a !orce. %t took Milton so'e ti'e to 'aster the controls o! the huge 6(&UMA#%C rill, but eventually he got the hang o! it an set about a glee!ul, early'orning estruction o! the "ave'ent outsi e his absent neighbor-s ho'e. pontiff (60(-ti!!), noun A high or chie! "riestA usually, the "o"e. Although lately /ohn 6aul %% has not 'a e as 'any "ilgri'ages to !oreign lan s as he i in the late Seventies an early &ighties, the 60(#%99 has 'a e a s"ecial "oint o! visiting one or two i'"ortant cities "er year. populism (606-yuh-li.-u'), noun A "olitical 'ove'ent that reaches out to D+ust "lain !olks,E rather than to social or cultural elites. So'eone who es"ouses "o"ulis' is calle a
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"o"ulist. So'eti'es "o"ulis' is use negatively, to suggest that a "olitical can i ate is a""ealing to the worst si e o! hu'an nature in an e!!ort to get votes. 9or e3a'"le, "rior to the Civil *ights &ra, "o"ulis' o!ten was e7uate with Dcontinuing the status 7uo o! segregation.E 0""onents calle the can i ate a 606U2%S#, 'eaning it as an attack, but he acce"te the wor an turne it into one o! the "illars o! his success!ul ca'"aign. porcine (60*&-sein), a +ective *e'iniscent o! or "ertaining to a "igA rese'bling a "ig. Mike-s constant escri"tion o! his heavyset blin ate as D'y 60*C%(& co'"anionE 'ay have ha so'ething to o with her early e"arture !ro' the "arty. potable (60;-tuh-bull), a +ective Drinkable. So'ething that can be runk sa!ely is "otable. (o a'ount o! boiling coul 'ake the water !ro' the stagnant lake 60#AB2&. precarious ("ruh-$A*&-ee-us), a +ective %nsecure. So'ething that is "recarious is uncertain an sub+ect to 'is!ortune or colla"se. #he crisis has le!t our nation in a 6*&CA*%0US "osition. precipitous ("ruh-S%6-uh-tuss), a +ective ,ery stee", as a "reci"iceA rushing away hea long. #he "ros"ect o! learning to rive a stan ar shi!t in this city o! 6*&C%6%#0US hills is an inti'i ating one. precept (6*&&-se"t), noun A rule, or er, or "rinci"le that sets u" a stan ar gui e !or con uct. % 'ake it a "ersonal 6*&C&6# never to ask 'y sta!! to o anything % woul not be willing to o 'ysel!. precocious ("ruh-$0&-shuss), a +ective 6ertaining to or re'iniscent o! one ("articularly a chil ) who acts in a 'anner generally e3"ecte o! an ol er "ersonA ahea o! !ashions, ti'es, or stan ar s.

Charlie-s 6*&C0C%0US !our-year-ol , 8illie, likes to walk into the en while we-re rinking beer an watching !ootball ga'es an ask whether we can-t think o! a better way to s"en our ti'e. presentiment ("rih-4&(-tuh-'ent), noun A !eeling that so'ething1es"ecially so'ething ba 1is going to ha""en. #he !light was unevent!ul, es"ite Cly e-s 6*&S&(#%M&(# that a 'i -air isaster woul occur. primer (6*%M-ur), noun A basic, gra e-school te3tbook. 9or eca es, the !oun ation o! A'erican schooling was the ol -!ashione 6*%M&*, !ro' which chil ren stu ie sub+ects ranging !ro' history to "oetry to arith'etic. primordial ("ry-M0*&- ee-ul), a +ective 0riginal. So'ething that is "ri'or ial co'es at the very !irst "osition in a se7uence. 6erha"s science can-t answer such 6*%M0*D%A2 7uestions as D;ow i the universe beginFE promissory (6*0M-uh-sore-ee), a +ective Suggesting a "ro'ise. #hat night-s 6*0M%SS0*5 kiss le!t /a'es unable to get Sa'antha out o! his 'in until he saw her again. promontory (6*0M-uhn-tore-ee), noun A "iece o! lan that "ro+ects !ro' a coastline or lowlan , which ty"ically o!!ers s"ectacular views. % s"ent all the ti'e uring our vacation sitting out on the balcony o! our inn, en+oying the views !ro' 'y 6*0M0(#0*5 "erch. propagate (6*06-uh-gate), verb #o cause to 'ulti"ly by natural "rocesses. 6ro"agate is relate to the wor "ro"agan a, which 'eans Dthat (in!or'ation) which is isse'inate !or "ublic circulation by a "erson or "arty !or a vantage.E Darwin-s observations on the way s"ecies 6*06A)A#& an a a"t were shocking to 'any rea ers. prosaic ("ro-4A5-ik), a +ective
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Co''on"lace or worka ay. So'ething that is unro'antic or 'atter-o!!act is "rosaic. Banks, whose 6*0SA%C outlook on li!e le!t little roo' !or !rivolity, was a stern !ather. proscribe ("ro-S$*%B&), verb #o "rohibit. #o "roscribe is also to enounce as in+urious. Any iscussion o! the !leet-s battle "lan was 6*0SC*%B&D un er threat o! i'"rison'ent. proselytize (6*0SS-uh-luh-ti.e), verb #o atte'"t to convert to one-s own religious !aith. So'eone who "roselyti.es atte'"ts (o!ten overbearingly) to recruit others to his religion. %t is not 'y intention to 6*0S&25#%4&, but rather to share so'e insights on 'y own e3"eriences within the /ewish !aith. protagonist ("ro-#A)-uh-nist), noun #he lea character in a story, "lay, novel, etc. % sto""e rea ing the book because % !oun the 6*0#A)0(%S# so unbelievable. proxy (6*0$-see), noun 0ne given authority to act on behal! o! another. Also, the "er'ission one gives another to act in one-s "lace. As % i n-t want to resche ule 'y ne3t vacation, % na'e Donna as 'y 6*0B5 !or the ne3t stockhol er-s 'eeting. pumice (6UM-iss), noun A lightweight volcanic rock use in "ow er !or' as a cleanser. 9or three hours % scrubbe the basin with the "ink, gritty 6UM%C& the guar ha su""lie , but % coul not re'ove the orange blotches. pungent (6U(-+unt), a +ective 6ower!ul or shar" (ty"ically use with regar to o ors or tastes). #hat 6U()&(# o or co'ing !ro' the back o! the re!rigerator is what-s le!t o! the lasagna Chris 'a e three 'onths ago. quantum ($8A;(-tuh'), noun 9ro' the 2atin 'eaning Dhow great,E 7uantu' is a share or "ortionA so'ething that can be counte .

Mike assu'e that his bri ges were burne , without assessing the :UA(#UM o! the changes he ha brought about. quell (kwell), verb #o sub ueA to crush or e3tinguishA to overco'e. #he "olice sought to :U&22 the rioters by using tear gas, but ue to e7ui"'ent 'al!unctions were unable to o so. rancor (*A(-kur), noun %ntense ill-willA bitter resent'ent. Mike-s *A(C0* towar his e3-wi!e was so intense that the 'ere 'ention o! her na'e was so'eti'es enough to sen hi' into a tira e. rapacious (ruh-6A5-shuss), a +ective )iven to "lun er or the !orcible over"owering o! another. *a"acious is relate to the wor ra"e. #he !oe we !ace is a *A6AC%0US one who thinks nothing o! overrunning the weak i! it suits his "ur"oses. rapport (rah-60*&), noun A trusting an "eace!ul 'utual relationshi". Although the 8ilsons !oun their neighbors o at !irst, the !our soon evelo"e a strong *A660*#. rapprochement (ra"-rosh-MA8(), noun #he re"airing o! a'age relations. #o bring about a ra""roche'ent is to i'"rove an e3isting ri!t between two "arties. #he "rocess o! *A66*0C;&M&(# between the two countries was slow an laborious. rapture (*A6-chur), noun &cstatic !eeling. #o e3"erience ra"ture is to be carrie into a real' o! +oy. Beethoven-s (inth Sy'"hony, well "laye , is enough to sen 'e into !its o! *A6#U*&. raze (ra.e), verb #o !latten, level, or e'olish. Des"ite our argu'ents that the buil ing ha signi!icant historical value an shoul be restore , the "lanning boar authori.e its e'olitionA within a week o! the 'eeting, it was *A4&D. recalcitrant (ri-$A2-sih-trunt), a +ective *esistant to authority. So'eone who has i!!iculty working un er any
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su"erior coul be sai to be recalcitrant. Boot ca'" is not the best "lace !or *&CA2C%#*A(# behavior, Mr. Dia'on . recant (rih-$A(#), verb #o isavow (a !or'erly hel view). ;istorically, "eo"le consi ere religious heretics have been !orce to recant unauthori.e belie!s by church authorities. %t was not until /une that the Congress'en *&CA(#&D an with rew his su""ort !or the constitutional a'en 'ent. recession (rih-S&S;-uhn), noun )enerally s"eaking, the act o! with rawing. &cono'ically s"eaking, a recession occurs when the gross o'estic "ro uct eclines !or two or 'ore 7uarters in a row. 6un its coul not agree on whether or not the country-s "oor econo'y was in icative o! a *&C&SS%0(. rectitude (*&$-ti-too ), noun *ighteousness an 'oral virtue. Myra e'onstrates an astoun ing a'ount o! 'oral *&C#%#UD& !or one so young. regimentation (re+-uh-'en-#A5-shun), noun Disci"line an uni!or'ity o! action an a""earance, ty"ical o! the 'ilitary. 9re "asse the e3it that woul take hi' to his +ob, ri""e o!! his tie an threw it out the win ow, an generally rebelle against the *&)%M&(#A#%0( o! his aily li!e. remuneration (rih-'yoon-uh-*A5-shun), noun So'ething "rovi e in e3change !or goo s or servicesA "ay'ent. 9re was 7uite co'!ortable with the general i ea o! working in the auto'otive in ustryA it was the low level o! *&MU(&*A#%0( he coul n-t get use to. renaissance (*&(-uh-sonce), noun A rebirth or revival. Also (when ca"itali.e ) the "erio o! artistic an cultural renewal in &uro"e that e3ten e !ro', roughly, the !ourteenth to seventeenth centuriesA (when lower-case) a si'ilar reawakening o! or'ant interests, s"irits, or abilities.

2eonar o Da ,inci is recogni.e by 'ost historians as the "ree'inent scienti!ic an artistic genius o! the *&(A%SSA(C&. replete (ri-62&&#), a +ective 9ull. #o say A is re"lete with B is to say A is su""lie to the highest "ossible level with B. #he 'arket was *&62&#& with everything the holi ay sho""er coul have wante . replicate (*&6-li-kate), verb #o re"ro uce (an event or action). *e"licate can also 'ean Dto ben back.E Dr. 5ate believe he ha 'a e an i'"ortant iscovery, but he was unable to *&62%CA#& his e3"eri'ent !or the other scientists in his grou". reprove (re-6*00,), verb #o censure. So'eone who corrects or !in s !ault re"roves. *&6*0,%() chil ren can only go so !arA you 'ust set a goo e3a'"le !or the', as well. repudiate (rih-6500- ee-ate), verb #o is"rove an thereby ren er obsolete. A theory that has been re"u iate is one that is acce"te as invali . #his survey totally *&6UD%A#&S the !in ings )eral son clai's in his earlier "a"erA his 'o el can no longer stan . requite (rih-$85#&), verb #o seek retribution or revenge !or an actual or assu'e wrong. 5ou have wronge 'e !or the last ti'e@ My thirst !or revenge will not be *&:U%#&D until you, too, are su!!ering@ resolute (*&4-uh-loot), a +ective Unyiel ing in eter'ination. So'eone who is !ir' o! "ur"ose is resolute. 8e re'ain *&S02U#& on the 7uestion o! the hostagesC they 'ust be release without "recon ition. respite (*&SS-"it), noun A re"rieveA an instance o! te'"orary relie!. Mark ha worke on the book !or si3 weeks straight without *&S6%#&. restitution (res-ti-#00-shun), noun #he act o! co'"ensating !or a "ast 'is ee . #o 'ake restitution !or
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so'ething is to acknowle ge the wrongness o! a "ast act an atte'"t to re"air the a'age cause by it. A bill authori.ing *&S#%#U#%0( to the citi.ens interne in the ca'"s recently cleare Congress. reticent (*&#-ih-sent), a +ective *eserve . So'eone who "re!ers silence to conversation in social settings coul be sai to be reticent. 2ittle A'y was *&#%C&(# at the "arty, staying close to her 'other an avoi ing all talk with strangers. retinue (*&#-n-oo), noun A grou" o! co'"anions or !ollowers (o! a "erson o! great i'"ortance). A retinue is an entourage. #he 6resi ent an his *&#%(U& are e3"ecte here +ust be!ore noon. rote (roat), noun A habit or 'echanical routine. #he chil ren learne their 'ulti"lication tables by *0#&. rube (roob), noun Slang !or an unso"histicate "ersonA a bu'"kin. D2ook at those *UB&S over there,E Charlie sco!!e A Dthey woul n-t know a goo restaurant i! it s'acke the' in the !ace.E rueful (*00-!ul), a +ective *egret!ul. *ue!ul can also 'ean "itiable. %n the ter'inal, /ean gave a *U&9U2 sigh as she stare at the "lane that was to carry her away !ro' San 9rancisco !orever. ruminate (*00-'uh-nate), verb #o "on er or review 'entally. So'eone who ru'inates over so'ething tosses it over in his 'in . &laine was still *UM%(A#%() over whether or not to atten college in the !all. salacious (suh-2A5-shuss), a +ective 2ew or o!!-color. Salacious is generally use in re!erence to eliberately "rovocative "ictures or writing. Most 'aga.ines sent by !a'ily 'e'bers to the troo"s were entirely innocentA who coul !in anything SA2AC%0US in a co"y o! )ol! DigestF salient (SA5-lee-unt), a +ective Striking, obvious.

2et-s not get bogge own in the etails o! the bonus "lanA the SA2%&(# "oint is, we-ve "rovi e our e itors with a 'easurable !inancial incentive to o the very best ac7uisitions work they can. sallow (SA2-low), a +ective ColorlessA sickly-looking. #he SA2208 tone o! Melanie-s skin le us to won er whether she was ill. salutary (SA2-yoo-tare-ee), a +ective 6ro'oting "hysical soun ness. #hat which is con ucive to goo health is salutary. #he 'e icine Dr. Catton gave to Mother see's to have ha a SA2U#A*5 e!!ect. sardonic (sar-D0(-ik), a +ective Bitter or sarcastic. #hat which is erisively scorn!ul is sar onic. Milton gave a SA*D0(%C laugh when aske i! he woul 'in ste""ing asi e to let so'eone else have a turn at the "inball 'achine. sate (sate), verb #o satis!y co'"letely or to e3cess. 0ur hunger !or television SA#&D !or the evening, we switche o!! the set an looke !or a goo book to rea alou . schism (S$%4-u'), noun A ivisionA a break or ru"ture o! relations, es"ecially one ue to i eological or "olitical i!!erences. #he SC;%SM in the "arty over the issue o! slavery re!lecte a ivision in the country itsel!. scintillate (S%(-til-ate), verb )iving o!! s"arks. So'ething o! re'arkable interest that sets o!! a su en reaction a'ong "eo"le can also be sai to scintillate. (ews about the new !il' has been har to co'e by, but a !ew SC%(#%22A#%() etails have leake out. secede (sih-S&&D), verb #o with raw o!!icially an !or'ally !ro' an organi.ation or unionA to renounce one-s 'e'bershi". A!ter 2incoln-s election to the "resi ency, the southern states, with South Carolina lea ing the way, began to S&C&D& !ro' the Union. sedimentary (se -uh-M&(-tuh-ree), a +ective
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Characteri.e by being settle in one-s ways or habits. Se i'entary usually has a negative connotation. Se i'ent is rocks an 'inerals that have settle over 'illions o! years. 5our S&D%M&(#A*5 li!estyle is +ust going to lea you to an early grave@ sentient (S&(-shunt), a +ective ;aving consciousness an use o! the senses. Until he-s ha his 'orning co!!ee, Mike cannot even be classi!ie as a S&(#%&(# being. sequential (sih-$8&(-shul), a +ective An or er o! arrange'ent or successionA one a!ter another in arrange'ent. #he class gra uation "rocee e in S&:U&(#%A2 or er !ro' the beginning o! the al"habet to the en , which /ane 4silow !oun isheartening. sequester (si-$8&S-ter), verb #o set a"art (!ro' outsi e in!luence). #hat which is "rotecte !ro' the "re+u ices o! the e3ternal worl is se7uestere . #he +ury was S&:U&S#&*&D, ue to the e3traor inary a'ount o! "ublicity the trial generate . severance (S&,-uh-runce), noun A ivisionA a breaking away, as o! a relationshi". Bill was able to negotiate a han so'e S&,&*A(C& "ackage when he le!t the co'"any. shibboleth (S;%B-uh-leth), noun A s"ecial ter' not wi ely known that, when use , i enti!ies the user as a 'e'ber o! a grou". Shibboleth (a wor with biblical origins) can also re!er to a "eculiarity o! !ashion or li!estyle co''on to a single grou". #he 'ore cynical in the e"art'ent will tell you that career a vance'ent has less to o with ability than with contacts an 'e'ori.ing S;%BB02&#;S. shunt (shunt), verb #o change the irection o!A to ivert. 8hen his "ro"osal was is'isse a!ter less than a 'inute o! iscussion, Mark !elt 'ore than ever that his i eas were being S;U(#&D asi e without ue consi eration.

slough (slu!!), verb #o beco'e she or cast o!!, like the slough1 or outer skin layer1o! a snake. % i 'y best to S20U); o!! 'y !eelings o! uncertainty an to 'ove ahea o"ti'istically. solecism (S02-ih-si.-u'), noun An act that breaks !or'al rules. Solecis' is generally taken to 'ean Da transgression o! establishe stan ar sE (!or instance, with regar to eti7uette or writing). She tol her husban not to worry, that !orgetting a host-s na'e was only a 'inor S02&C%SM an certainly nothing to be concerne about. soporific (so"-uh-*%9-ik), a +ective Causing or likely to cause slee" or rowsinessA anything likely to in uce slee". *ick-s en less s"eech on the social habits o! the grouse was a "oor choice !or a!ter- inner entertain'ent, but, +u ging by the reaction o! the grou", an e3cellent S060*%9%C. spay (s"ay), verb #o ren er (an ani'al) in!ertile by re'oving the ovaries. A!ter she ha whel"e three litters, Myron eci e that it was about ti'e to have :ueenie S6A5&D. spurious (S6500*-ee-uss), a +ective %nauthentic. So'ething that is not genuine is s"urious. #here were 'any in the aca e'ic co''unity who were rea y to acce"t the S6U*%0US 'anuscri"ts as co'ing !ro' Shakes"eare-s own han . staccato (stuh-$A;-toe), a +ective Ma e u" o! abru"t, se"arate "arts. Su enly we were awakene by S#ACCA#0 bursts o! gun!ire in the ne3t street. stanch (stanch), verb #o sto" a li7ui -s !low (usually sai o! the blee ing acco'"anying a woun ). Dr. Coo"er tie a tourni7uet aroun Mark-s in+ure ar' to S#A(C; the !low o! bloo . staunch (stonch), a +ective
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9ir' in resolution or belie!A !i3e . Mr. 8est, a S#AU(C; conservative, believe that govern'ent waste was the 'ain "roble' re7uiring attention in 8ashington. stentorian (sten-#0*&-ee-uhn), a +ective A soun characteri.e as lou an "ower!ul. #he announcer-s S#&(#0*%A( voice coul be hear even a!ter a stor' knocke out the "ower to his 'icro"hone. stigma (S#%)-'uh), noun A sign o! isgrace or low status. Stig'a erives !ro' a )reek wor 'eaning DtattooEA "resu'ably the sense o! isgrace arose !ro' the "ractice o! "hysically 'arking so'eone to istinguish hi' as belonging to a lower class. % was un"re"are to eal with the social S#%)MA o! bankru"tcy, yet it see'e 'y only available course o! action. stilted (S#%22-tu ), a +ective Sti!! an !or'alA rigi an uns"ontaneous in nature. #he letter was co'"ose in such S#%2#&D, elaborately correct language that Sergeant *yan sur'ise it was written by so'eone whose native language was not &nglish. stipend (S#%&-"en ), noun A "erio ic "ay'ent, such as a scholarshi" or other allowanceA re'uneration !or a service. A s'all 'onthly S#%6&(D !ro' the %nstitute 'a e it "ossible !or ,ernon to continue his biogra"hy o! 5eats. stipulation (sti"-yoo-2A5-shun), noun A con ition. A sti"ulation is an essential "oint (o! an agree'ent or arrange'ent) that 'ust be satis!ie . #he will oes !eature one i'"ortant S#%6U2A#%0(C you 'ust wait until you are thirty years ol to receive the 'oney. stoic (S#0-ik), a +ective Above succu'bing to sensations o! "ain or "leasure. Stoic originally re!erre to a "hiloso"hy that a vocate "utting asi e un+ust thoughts an in ulgences an atten ing !irst an !ore'ost to the uties o! li!e. 6aul re'aine S#0%C when given the news that his !ather ha !inally

succu'be to the illness. straits (strayts), noun A "osition o! i!!iculty an challenge, o!ten brought on by 'aking ba ecisions. A!ter a series o! ba invest'ents, % !oun 'ysel! in ire !inancial S#*A%#S. strident (S#*5- nt), a +ective ;arsh. S"eech that is obtrusively grating is stri ent. Dennis-s a""eals !or 'oney beca'e 'ore co''on1an 'ore S#*%D&(# 1as the year wore on. stymie (S#%&-'ee), verb #o thwartA to "revent (another) !ro' achieving a goal. #he re"orter-s atte'"ts to get to the botto' o! the scan al were S#5M%&D by the re!usal o! the "rinci"als to talk to hi'1either on or o!! the recor . subjugate (SUB-+uh-gate), verb #o cause to beco'e subservient. #o sub+ugate another is to 'ake hi' "er!or' your will. #he ictator-s atte'"ts to SUB/U)A#& his country-s s'aller neighbors will en in !ailure, 'ark 'y wor s. subliminal (sub-2%M-ih-nul), a +ective 0"erating below the level o! conscious "erce"tion. #he a vertising in ustry has long been sus"ecte o! using SUB2%M%(A2 i'"lants in a vertise'ents !or cigarettes an li7uor, but scientists an in ustry insi ers have always sco!!e at the notion. substantiate (sub-S#A(#-chee-ate), verb #o "rovi e "roo! or evi enceA to give vali ity to. #he so!t- rink co'"any sought to SUBS#A(#%A#& the clai' that their so a was the best tasting by hol ing blin taste tests in sho""ing 'alls across the country. supercilious (soo-"er-S%2-ee-uss), a +ective Dis ain!ul or haughty. So'eone who is overbearingly "rou coul be sai to be su"ercilious. *an y can take on a SU6&*C%2%0US air at ti'esA you 'ustn-t let his high'in e behavior bother you.
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supersede (soo-"er-S&&D), verb #o su""lant or re"lace. %! A now !ul!ills the !unction o! B an 'akes B obsolete, A su"erse es B. #his !or', which SU6&*S&D&S the ol version, has been 'a e 'uch easier to rea an !ill out. supplicate (SU6-lih-kate), verb #o 'ake a hu'ble, sincere, an earnest re7uest o! so'eone. #he e"art'ent hea s eci e their best bet was to asse'ble as a grou" in the "resi ent-s o!!ice an SU662%CA#& her to a""rove the bu get increases. surreptitious (sur-u"-#%S;-uss), a +ective Un ertaken in stealth. #hat which is one in hi ing is one surre"titiously. % have reason to believe our con!erence roo' has been !itte with DbugsE esigne to 'onitor our SU**&6#%#%0US conversations. syncretize (S%($-rih-ti.e), verb #o co'bine or unite varying "arties, i eas, "rinci"les, etc. As the eno'ination-s local atten ance began to !all shar"ly, several churches S5(C*&#%4&D their e!!orts to i'"rove overall atten ance. synergy (S%(-er-gee), noun #he situation that e3ists when two or 'ore grou"s, agents, businesses, etc. +oin !orces to acco'"lish a co''on goal. Synergy is a wor co''only use in to ay-s cor"orate culture. #he S5(&*)5 e'onstrate by the two e"art'ents 7uickly s"arke a'a.ing results. synthesis (S%(-thuh-suss), noun A co'bination o! ele'ents to !or' a new whole. #he writer-s latest book is an intriguing S5(#;&S%S o! classical )reek trage y an cyber"unk ele'ents. taciturn (#ASS-ih-turn), a +ective :uiet. So'eone who ten s to avoi s"eech is taciturn. 5ou 'ust un erstan that Betty can be 7uite #AC%#U*( a!ter a ay at workA her silence is not because o! anything you have one.

tactile (#AC$-tul), a +ective 0! or "ertaining to the sense o! touch. At this stage, your baby-s nee !or #AC#%2& sti'ulation is intenseA she 'ust be hel , stroke , an cu le regularly. tariff (#&A*-i!), noun Duties or ta3es "lace on i'"orts or e3"orts. %n an e!!ort to balance tra e, the govern'ent levie a #A*%99 on 'ost i'"orte goo s. temerity (tuh-MA*&-uh-tee), noun *ashnessA reckless isregar o! anger or un"leasant conse7uences. #o take a bol action is to show te'erity. 5ou have the #&M&*%#5 to ask !or a raise a!ter showing u" late !orty "ercent o! the ti'e over the last three 'onthsF temperance (#&M-"uh-runce), noun Sel!-restraintA 'o erationA s"eci!ically, the act o! abstaining !ro' consu'ing alcohol or other into3icating substances. Although Mr. Be !or ha been a 'o el o! #&M6&*A(C& !or 'ost o! his a ult li!e, he relente when % "lea e with hi' to try so'e o! the "unch we ha 'a e !or the "arty. temporal (#&M-"uh-rul), a +ective 6ertaining to or li'ite by ti'eA characteristic o! worl ly (rather than celestial or heavenly) en eavor. My !ather believe that #&M60*A2 +oys an sorrows were o! little conse7uence in the gran sche'e o! things. tenable (#&(-uh-bull), a +ective Ca"able o! being 'aintaine . #hat which is tenable can be hel . #he general warne the 'ayor that the troo"s"osition was no longer #&(AB2&, an that "re"arations shoul be 'a e to evacuate the city i''e iately. tendril (#&(- ril), noun A threa like organ o! lea!less "lants that o!ten attaches itsel! to other ob+ects or sur!aces to su""ort the "lant. #he shrub-s ten rils ha woun the'selves aroun the woo en "ole an were threatening to crush it. tenuous (#&(-yoo-uss), a +ective (ot soli (in ter's o! logical connection)A insubstantial. 2iterally,
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tenuous 'eans Dslen er (as a threa ).E #he connection between the "er!or'ance o! the stock 'arket an the result o! the yearly Su"er Bowl ga'e 'ight see' #&(U0US at best, but there is evi ence o! so'e strange correlation between the two. titular (#%C;-uh-lur), a +ective By title only. #he titular hea o! a grou" is a "erson who is technically esignate as the lea er, but who lacks real "ower. & 'ay be the #%#U2A* hea o! the organi.ation, but % have a !eeling that Bill has 'ore in!luence in ay-to- ay 'atters. torpor (#0*-"ur), noun %n i!!erence, sloth, or inactivity. #or"or is a state calling to 'in the hibernation o! ani'als. )regg-s #0*60* on the +ob has been troubling 'eA % can-t hel" won ering i! he 'ay be having trouble at ho'e. torque (tork), noun %n 'echanics, the !orce that causes twisting or rotation in a bo y. #he screw river was too s'all to generate enough #0*:U& !or the +ob. totem (#0#&-u'), noun An ani'al, "lant, or other natural ob+ect believe to be an ancestor o! a tribe o! "eo"lesA a re"resentation o! such an ob+ect. #he tribe ha an i'"ressive collection o! carve woo en #0#&MS. tractable (#*A$-tuh-bull), a +ective Manageable or easy to control. So'eone who takes instruction or gui ance easily is tractable. /ane was a will!ul an isobe ient little girl, but her sister Annie was 'ore #*AC#AB2&. transmogrify (trance-M0)-rih-!y), verb #o change into a i!!erent sha"e or !or'. Drink this an % "ro'ise you you- ll be #*A(SM0)*%9%&D into a "oet !or the ages. translucent (tran.-200-sunt), a +ective Ca"able o! allowing so'e light to show through, but not trans"arent. A gau.y shower curtain, !or instance, is translucent.

9ro' 'y be , through the #*A(S2UC&(# hos"ital curtains, % coul i'ly 'ake out that a scu!!le o! so'e kin was taking "lace in !ront o! the buil ing. transubstantiation (tran-sub-stan-shee-A5shun), noun #he theology that the brea an wine o! the &ucharist beca'e the actual bo y an bloo o! /esus Christ, while retaining their original a""earance. #he octrine o! #*A(SUBS#A(#%A#%0( beca'e a 'ain !ocus o! isagree'ent between 6rotestants an Catholics uring the *e!or'ation. tremulous (#*&M-yuh-luss), a +ective Describes so'eone or so'ething tre'bling as a result o! !ear or ti'i ity. As Brock steele his courage to ask out Alice, his #*&MU20US voice e3"ose his tre"i ation. trenchant (#*&(-chunt), a +ective %ncisive an iscerning. Mart-s #*&(C;A(# observations on Scorsese-s !il's were a welco'e a ition to our iscussion o! 'a+or A'erican irectors. triage (#*&&-o.h), noun #he "roce ure o! "rioriti.ing victi's (o! a battle or acci ent, !or instance) to eter'ine which will receive 'e ical care !irstA o! or "ertaining to this "roce ure. (urse ,ictoria-s single ay in the #*%A)& unit o! the 'obile hos"ital le!t her so e3hauste that she !oun hersel! won ering how the others worke there ay a!ter ay. tundra (#U(- ruh), noun A treeless arctic "lain. 9or ays the 'e'bers o! the search tea' trekke through the !rigi #U(D*A, but at last they ha to aban on the e3"e ition without locating any survivors. ubiquity (yoo-B%$-wih-tee), noun #he 7uality o! being (or o! see'ing to be) everywhere. #he UB%:U%#5 o! that song, which you know % can-t stan , is really
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beginning to get on 'y nerves. ulterior (ul-#&&*-ee-ur), a +ective Being beyon what is obvious or "ut !orthA lying beyon a recogni.e boun ary. % !latly re+ect the notion that 'y "ro"osal to your aughter is occasione by any U2#&*%0* 'otive, sir. unassuming (un-uh-S00M-ing), a +ective Mo estA hu'ble. Sa' is the U(ASSUM%() ty"e who re!uses to take cre it a!ter a +ob well one, "re!erring to cite the contributions o! others. underwrite (U(- ur-rite), verb #o su""ort as by subsi y. Also, to su""ort in !ull as though un ertaking (a risk or venture) onesel!. A grou" o! "hilanthro"ists U(D&*8*%#&S our ra'a e"art'ent-s annual "lay-writing co'"etition. undulate (U(- yoo-late), verb Move in a wavelike 'otion. #hat which un ulates 'oves in regular wavy "atterns. A!ter a har ay at work, &llis woul sit on the seashore an stare ahea at the U(DU2A#%() ocean to ease his 'in . untenable (un-#&(-uh-bull), a +ective %'"ossibleA unsu""ortable. #he "a"er-s central thesis, that ;a'let is a transvestite, is U(#&(AB2& to say the least. unwieldy (un-8&&2D-ee), a +ective ;ar to han le or 'anage. #he elivery'an ha a tough ti'e getting that U(8%&2D5 "ackage to our !ront oor. unwonted (un-8A;(#-i ), a +ective (ot ty"ical, habitual, or or inary. /anuary-s U(80(#&D war' weather was !ar !ro' unwante @ usurp (yoo-SU*6), verb #o assu'e !orcibly an Tor without right. #o usur" is to take over. #he authority o! Congress was in ee USU*6&D by 2incoln uring the war, but legislators briskly reasserte the'selves once the crisis was "ast. vacuity (va-$500-ih-tee), noun &'"tyA without content.

Staring out at the ,ACU%#5 o! the Atlantic, Stan !orgot !or a 'o'ent the ha.ar s o! the +ourney ahea . vacuous (,A$-yoo-uss), a +ective 2acking content or substance. #hat which is e'"ty is vacuous. #elevise ebates are so "otentially angerous that 'ost can i ates settle !or o!!ering ,ACU0US recitations o! ca'"aign s"eeches rather than saying so'ething new an une3"ecte . valedictory (val-uh-D%C-tuh-ree), a +ective Saying !arewellA o! or "ertaining to e"arting. $aren was selecte to give her class-s ,A2&D%C#0*5 a ress. vapid (,A-"i ), a +ective %nsi"i A !lat, ull, or li!eless. #he 'ovie-s scenery was a""ealing, but its ,A6%D characters 'a e it har !or one to care about what was going on. venerable (,&(-er-uh-bul), a +ective Co''an ing reverenceA sacre . D2a ies an gentle'enE Bob intone , D it is 'y "rivilege to intro uce tonight-s guest o! honor, the ,&(&*AB2& Dr. Mil re 9lint.E venerate (,&(-uh-rate), verb #o regar or treat with the reverence ue to one-s go T)o or holy lea er. D#he way the Unite States ,&(&*A#&S celebrities can be 7uite annoying,E Sylvia sai . venial (,&&-nee-ul), a +ective 9orgivableA e3cusable. (See, !or co'"arison, the entry !or venal.) Mo' tol us that occasionally 'issing cur!ew was only a ,&(%A2 o!!ense, but lying to her about why we- 'isse it was not. verve (vurv), noun A s"irite an enthusiastic 'anner, "articularly when e'bo ie in an artistic "er!or'anceA an air o! vitality. #he critics were unani'ous in their o"inion that, although the "lot o! the "lay was i'"lausible an its "ro uction values "oor, the actress "laying the librarian brought a uni7ue ,&*,& to the role. vet (vet), verb #o a""raise or evaluate !or authenticity.
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#he ca'"aign 'anager thoroughly ,&##&D the short list o! vice"resi ential can i ates. viable (,%&-uh-bul), a +ective Ca"able o! being "er!or'e or occurring. Mike argue 7uite "ersuasively that the only ,%AB2& solution to the co'"any-s !inancial ile''a was !or it to go "ublic an raise 'oney by selling stock. vicarious (vi-$A*&-ee-uss), a +ective Arising !ro' the e3"eriences o! others rather than one-s own e3"erience. #o gain vicarious "leasure is to gain "leasure !ro' actions not one-s own. % think 6aul erives so'e ,%CA*%0US thrill !ro' 'aking us !ightA every s"at we have see's to s"ring !ro' so'ething he-s sai to us. visceral (,%SS-er-ul), a +ective Dee"ly !elt. ,isceral 'eans D!ro' the viscera,E or bo ily interior. A ,%SC&*A2 wave o! "anic ran through Clark-s bo y as he listene to the air-rai siren blare. viscous (,%S-kuss), a +ective ;aving a gluey nature an consistency. % coul barely gul" own the ,%SC0US concoction 'y "ersonal trainer calle an Denergy rink.E vivisection (viv-uh-S&C$-shun), noun #he "ractice o! cutting on living ani'als in or er to learn new "hysiological in!or'ation. Ani'al-rights activists carrie signs outsi e the clinic in which ,%,%S&C#%0(S took "lace. volition (vo-2%S;-un), noun #he 'ental !aculty associate with !ree will an unhin ere , uncoerce choice. (othing you can say or o will be able to trans!or' your !ather overnightA he will have to a 'it o! his own ,02%#%0( that he nee s hel" an then 'ake a co''it'ent to work towar a recovery. voluble (,02-yuh-bul), a +ective #alkativeA gregarious. Muriel-s little girl is the 'ost ,02UB2& twoyear-ol %-ve ever 'et. She

rattle on en lessly until her 'other sent her u"stairs to "lay. wanderlust (8A(- ur-lust), noun A strong, innate esire to travel. 8hile /erry tol his !a'ily each #hanksgiving that he woul so'e ay settle own an raise a !a'ily, his irre"ressible 8A(D&*2US# ke"t hi' !ro' "utting own roots until he was well into his si3ties. wanton (80(-tun), a +ective Co'"letely unrestraine . 8anton can also 'ean D one without any +usti!ication.E Such 8A(#0(, "ointless cruelty, even in the na'e o! science, is ine3cusable. weal (8&&2), noun ;a""iness an well-being, ty"ically as a result o! being !inancially secure. #he "ublic 8&A2 greatly i'"rove un er the success!ul "olicies o! the "resi ent. whet (hwet), verb #o sti'ulateA also, to shar"en a kni!e or a si'ilar ob+ect by honing on a stone. 8orrie that % ha eaten so little over the "ast !ew ays, Mo' trie to 8;&# 'y a""etite by cooking 'y !avorite !oo sC chicken !ingers an 'ashe "otatoes. wile (wile), noun A clever trick 'eant to attain a goalA an instance o! or talent !or beguiling eceit. As a verbC to lure, entice, or beguile. ;ea 7uarters trusts, as always, that the in!or'ation with which you have been entruste is secure even !ro' the 8%2&S o! a s"y o! the o""osite se3. winnow (8%(-oh), verb #o analy.e care!ully in or er to se"arate valuable "arts !ro' worthless "arts. % 8%((08&D through the stack o! "ersonal "a"ers, looking !or the ones % nee e to "resent to the %*S. winsome (8%(-su'), a +ective 6leasantA char'ing.
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Although he ha oversle"t an been in a terri!ic rush to get out o! the house, a 8%(S0M& glance !ro' the vaguely !a'iliar wo'an at the toll collection booth hel"e "ut Milton-s 'orning back on track. wonk (wonk), noun A "erson who s"en s what 'any woul consi er too 'uch ti'e stu ying in!or'ation in great etail. 8onk is a !avorite wor o! "un its, who o!ten use it to escribe "oliticians who su""lant "ersonal e3"erience with intense stu y o! an issue. 0ne can i ate toute his e3"erience an sai that his o""onent was a "olicy 80($ whose only knowle ge o! issues ca'e !ro' her ability to rea . yaw (yaw), verb #o eviate te'"orarily !ro' course, as a shi" in rough waters or as an air"lane encountering turbulence. #he shi" 5A8&D in the strong win s. yearling (5&&*-ling), noun An ani'al that has entere its secon yearA also, a horse that is one year ol , ating !ro' the beginning o! the year !ollowing its !oaling. Mr. #o'"kin-s "ri.e 5&A*2%() is a thoroughbre Cly es ale. zephyr (4&99-ur), noun #he west win A any gentle win . Mike christene his new boat the 4&6;5*, even though he "lanne to use it "ri'arily uring the rugge winters o! his native Massachusetts. aberrant (AB-uh-runt), a +ective Aban oning the correct, e3"ecte , or "ro"er way o! oing thingsA straying !ro' the DrightE or nor'. Alice-s ecision to 7uit college an tour the country on 'otorcycle see'e so AB&**A(# to her "arents that they aske her to get a "sychiatric evaluation. aberration (ab-uh-*A5-shun), noun Diverging !ro' a 'oral stan ar or e3"ecte course. Aberration re!ers to a usually te'"orary e"arture !ro' what is nor'al or e3"ecte .

So'ething that eviates !ro' a custo'ary or natural course o! action is an aberration. Sally-s "oor work in the !irst "art o! 0ctober was har ly groun s !or is'issalA it was an AB&**A#%0( cause by serious "roble's at ho'e. abide (uh-B%D&), verb #o withstan , "atiently wait !or, or tolerate. #o abi e is to tolerate or en ure. Abi ing also re!ers to the ability to withstan an Tor "ersevere. % coul AB%D& 'y inner co'"anion-s bigotry !or only so longA by evening-s en , % ha to challenge hi'. ablution (ab-B200-shun), noun 8ashing or cleansing the bo y as "art o! a religious riteA any cleansing, "uri!ication, or "urging. Ablution is the washing away or cleansing o! sin or s"iritual uncleanness. 6ilate turne away !ro' the crow an calle !or a bowl o! scente water with which to "er!or' his AB2U#%0(S. abnegate (AB-ne-gate), verb an noun #o renounce, surren er, or eny "rivilege to onesel!. Abnegation is the act o! enying onesel! so'ething consi ere vital or i'"ortant. ;unger strikes or long !asts are a !or' o! abnegation. #he activist-s !ast laste !or !orty-seven aysA in an election year, such AB(&)A#%0( raws hea lines an attention !ro' electe o!!icials. abortive (uh-B0*-tive), a +ective Unsuccess!ul or !ruitless. So'ething that is abortive has !aile to co'e to !ruition. #he wor also re!ers to so'ething that is "artially or i'"er!ectly evelo"e . Although it was the astronauts- !ailure to ock at the station that rew 'e ia attention, the AB0*#%,& 'ission ha 'any "otentially 'ore serious "roble's as well. abrogate (AB-ro-gate), verb #o nulli!y or cancel. Abrogation is an o!!icial action use to !or'ally an unilaterally conclu e an agree'ent or ee . So'ething that has
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been re"eale or abolishe has been abrogate . #he Unite States AB*0)A#&D the treaty a!ter evi ence a""eare suggesting that the other nations ha !aile to honor the agree'ent. abscond (ab-S$0(D), verb #o e"art 7uickly an in secret, es"ecially to avoi cri'inal charges. #o abscon is to secretly !lee the conse7uences o! one-s acts, "articularly those acts lea ing to illicit gain. 6rosecuting attorneys 'ight accuse so'eone convicte o! e'be..ling o! abscon ing with co'"any !un s i! the "erson le!t the !ir' shortly a!ter the allege cri'e. #he bank robbers i''e iately ABSC0(D&D with the 'oney to Me3ico. acclimated (A$-lih-'ay-tu ), verb ;aving a a"te or beco'e accusto'e to. At !irst #a'i !oun college li!e lonely an stress!ul, but a!ter a !ew weeks she beca'e ACC2%MA#&D an never longe !or ho'e again. accoutrement (uh-$00-truh-'int), noun A su"er!icial characteristic that, nonetheless, i enti!ies a "erson, grou", etc. Accoutre'ent also can re!er to accessory ite's o! clothing or e7ui"'ent. %n both cases, the wor is usually "lural. 9ive televisions "er househol is +ust one o! the ACC0U#*&M&(#S o! A'erican li!e. adduce (uh-DUC&), verb #o cite as an e3a'"le or +usti!ication. #o a uce is to bring so'ething !orwar !or consi eration. #o cite an e3a'"le or "ut !orth a "ro"osition is to a uce. % woul ADDUC& the !ollowing reasons in su""ort o! rewriting the club charter. adjudicate (a -/00- i-cate), verb #o e'"loy +u icial "roce ure as a 'eans o! hearing an settling a case. #o a +u icate is to have a +u ge or so'eone in authority reach a ecision on so'e i!!icult "oint. %t is usually reserve to escribe

"rocesses o! resolution within a legal setting. )entle'en, i! this case is har !or you to argue, rest assure it is e7ually i!!icult !or 'e to AD/UD%CA#&. adventitious (a -vin-#%S;-us), a +ective Arising or occurring s"ora ically or in unusual locations. A ventitious has a 'eaning si'ilar to Dacci ental.E &very ti'e % "lant a gar en, AD,&(#%#%0US wil !lowers "o" u" to ruin 'y esign. aegis (&&-+iss), noun 9ro' the 2atin 'eaning Dshiel ,E an aegis is a controlling or con itioning in!luence. Also, control by one in ivi ual, grou", organi.ation, etc. #o' trie to e3"lain his illegal activity by clai'ing he was un er the A&)%S o! a crooke boss. aggrandize (uh-)*A(D-i.e), verb #o raise the i'"ortance o! or 'ake to a""ear great. #o aggran i.e is to increase the "restige, in!luence, re"utation, or "ower o! a "erson or institution. 8hat ha starte out as a si'"le re"ort 7uickly egenerate into 'eaningless sel!-"ro'otionA 6eter coul not resist the urge to A))*A(D%4& hi'sel!. akin (uh-$%(), a +ective Showing a si'ilar !eature or 7uality. #wo things that are co'"arable or relate in so'e i'"ortant way are sai to be akin. % !eel that ;arry-s re"eate !alsi!ication o! his recor s is 'uch 'ore than a breach o! "olicyC it is A$%( to outright "er+ury. albeit (all-B&-it), con+unction A !avorite wor o! "un its an e itorial writers, albeit 'eans si'"ly Deven though.E D% love chocolate,E $ate sai , DA2B&%# it 'akes 'e hy"er.E alliterative (uh-2%#-er-ah-tive), noun Using the re"etition o! initial consonant soun s in language. D6eter 6i"er "icke a "eck o! "ickle "e""ersE is an A22%#&*A#%,& tonguetwister. amalgamate (uh-MA2-guh-'ate), verb
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#o blen into a coherent single unit. 0riginally, an a'alga'ation was the 'i3ture o! an alloy or 'etal with 'ercury. #o ay, to a'alga'ate is taken to 'ean to co'bine o! a nu'ber o! ele'ents into a whole. #he two boar s vote to AMA2)AMA#& the !ir's as soon as "ossible. amble (AM-bul), verb #o walk in an easy or leisurely 'annerA to saunter or stroll. #o a'ble is to go at an unhurrie "ace. So'eone who e3"lores a gar en by walking through it slowly an re!lectively at a co'!ortable "ace coul be sai to a'ble through the gar en. #he ay-s last custo'er AMB2&D !ro' one en o! the sho" to the otherA no a'ount o! staring !ro' the clerk, it see'e , coul 'ake hi' co'e to the register. anachronism (uh-(A$-ruh-ni.-u'), a +ective #he e"iction o! so'ething as occurring or e3isting at a "oint in ti'e it i not. An anachronis' is an intentional or unintentional re"resentation o! a historically incorrect situation. A "ortrait o! )eorge 8ashington hol ing a "ocket calculator woul be an e3a'"le o! an anachronis'. #he author-s weak gras" o! )reek history is e'onstrate by several e'barrassing A(AC;*0(%SMS in the book-s very !irst cha"ter. ancillary (A(-se-lare-ree), a +ective Secon ary or subor inateA serving an au3iliary or su""ortive !unction. An ancillary role is a role that oes not Dco''an the s"otlight,E but that 'ay entail su""ort uties o! so'e i'"ortance. ;e took a great eal o! "ri e in his work, even though the "ay was "oor an 'ost o! his uties were A(C%22A*5 to those o! the regional irector. anemic (uh-(&&-'ik), a +ective 0! or "ertaining to a 'e ical con ition in which one-s bloo is e!icient in re cor"usclesA also, e3traor inarily weak. % 'a e a !ew A(&M%C e!!orts to get so'e work one last night, but %

coul n-t really !ocus on the +ob at han . annunciate (uh-(U(-see-ate), verb #o "roclai' or announce. Annunciate is a 'ore !or'al, so'eti'es religiously oriente way to e3"ress the i ea o! "roclai'ing or announcing. #he A((U(C%A#%0( o! the ,irgin Mary !igures i'"ortantly in Catholicis'. antediluvian (an-ti- e-200-vee-en), a +ective 6ertaining to the "erio "rior to the )reat 9loo recounte in the Bible. 9iguratively, ante iluvian has co'e to 'ean woe!ully out-o!- ate or e3tre'ely ol -!ashione . *achel-s i eas are out'o e , but those in 6aul-s re"ort are "ractically A(#&D%2U,%A(. aperitif (uh-"air-uh-#&&9), noun An alcoholic beverage consu'e be!ore a 'eal. #he clock struck si3 o-clock an the guests at the inner "arty were serve A6&*%#%9S. apoplectic (a"-uh-62&C$-tic), a +ective An Da"o"le3yE is a stroke, but a"o"lectic o!ten is use to escribe an e3tre'ely agitate state o! rage. 9re -s carelessness can 'ake 'e so A6062&C#%C that % +ust want to sto'" hi' into +elly. apotheosis (uh-60#;-ee-oh-sis), noun A "er!ect e3a'"leA the e"ito'e o! a "erson, "lace, thing, etc. Also, a"otheosis can 'ean so'ething or so'eone elevate to go -like status. (o, Bob, % can-t agree that eath 'etal is the A60#;&0S%S o! rock Qn- roll. appellation (a"-"uh-2A5-shun), noun #itle or na'e. An a""elation is the !or'al na'e o! so'ething. % wish you woul sto" calling 'e DoctorA % have never gone by that A66&2A#%0(. apprise (uh-6*%4&), verb #o noti!yA to cause to be aware o!. (See, !or co'"arison, the entry !or a""raise.) ;ave you been A66*%S&D o! the 'ost recent news !ro' ho'eF approbation (a"-ruh-BA5-shun), noun
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0!!icial a""roval or co''en ation. #i' !elt his boss-s A66*0BA#%0( was even better than a raise since she was usually so har to "lease. apropos (a"-ruh-60&), a verb 0""ortunelyA as an a"t "oint. #he structure is ty"ically a"ro"os o! . . . , 'eaning Ds"eaking o! . . .E or Dwith regar to . . .E #he wor co'es !ro' the 9rench !or Dto the "ur"ose o! . . .E A6*060S o! our vacation, it occurs to 'e that we haven-t yet selecte a hotel in ;onolulu. aquiline (AC$-wuh-line), a +ective *ese'bling an eagle or curving like an eagle-s beak. (eil wasn-t sure that it was a co'"li'ent when /ulie escribe his !eatures as A:U%2%(&. arbiter (A*-bi-ter), noun A "erson selecte to +u ge or 'e iate an issue in is"ute. An arbiter is the "erson assigne the "ower to 'ake a !inal ecision. A "erson selecte to rule e!initively on a salary is"ute, !or e3a'"le, woul be an arbiter. %t is not 'y "lan to ask an A*B%#&* to ste" inA % !ir'ly believe you an % can settle this a'icably between ourselves. arcane (are-CA%(), a +ective $nown only to a !ewA secret. %t-s too ba , thought 5olan a, that 'y A*CA(& knowle ge isn-t earning 'e any e3tra 'oney. Maybe % can get on a ga'e show. archaic (ar-$A5-ik), a +ective *elating to or rese'bling so'ething !ro' the "astA anti7uate . )ran 'a re!use to use our washing 'achine to clean clothes, insisting instea on her A*C;A%C washboar an bucket. arrant (A%*-ant), a +ective #y"ically use with a negative connotation, arrant 'eans thorough, co'"lete, through-an -through, without 7uali!ication, etc. Min y consi ers /ack an A**A(# !ool because he re!uses to res"on to her a vances. askance (uh-S$A(#S), a verb

So'eti'es use si'"ly to enote the 'anner o! looking obli7uely at an ob+ect, "erson, or situation, askance o!ten i'"lies +u g'ent or isa""roval. % looke AS$A(C& at 6hili" when he le!t the store without "aying !or his bubble gu'. aspiration (ass-"uh-*A5-shun), noun )oalA esireA so'ething one wishes to achieve. Marco, whose AS6%*A#%0( was to be a concert violinist, "ractice his instru'ent at least eight hours a ay. assay (U;-say), verb #o test or e3a'ineA to check out. My insurance co'"any woul not settle 'y acci ent clai' until an a +uster ha ASSA5&D the a'age to the car. assiduously (uh-S%D-+oo-us-lee), a verb ConstantlyA unceasingly in e!!ortA "ersistently. So'eone who is iligent an "ersistent is assi uous. So'eone who works unre'ittingly an attentively works assi uously. $aren worke ASS%DU0US25 to co'"lete her !inal "ro+ect, but was still one ay late. asunder (uh-SU(- ur), a +ective %nto "ieces or "artsA se"arate . #he lightning bolt ha torn the ol hickory tree ASU(D&*, an it now lay shattere an twiste in 'y gran "arentsyar . attenuate (a-#&(-you-ate), verb #o s"rea thinA to cause a ecrease in a'ount, value, "ower, severity. /i'-s strategy was to A##&(UA#& the i'"act o! /oan-s accusations o! harass'ent by suggesting that she ha so'ehow invite his overtures. augmentation (awg-'en-#A5-shun), noun #he "rocess o! increasing in e3tent, si.e, or sco"e. #he broa ening, e3tension, or increase o! so'ething is that thing-s aug'entation. ;e ha ho"e to bring in enough 'oney with the secon +ob, but even this AU)M&(#A#%0( o! his inco'e was not enough !or hi' to 'eet the "ay'ents. auspices (A8S-"is-u.), noun
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Su""ort, encourage'ent, or "atronage. Aus"ices is generally use with Dun er.E #o o"erate un er the aus"ices o! an organi.ation is to act with that organi.ation-s encourage'ent or "er'ission. #he e'ergency !oo shi"'ents were elivere un er the AUS6%C&S o! the Unite (ations. autonomous (aw-#A;(-uh-'uss), a +ective Being in charge o! one-s own li!eA in e"en ent o! other in!luencesA sel!governing. 6eter ha always struggle to re'ain AU#0(0M0US a!ter leaving ho'e, so it was no sur"rise to us that he chose to start his own business a!ter gra uation. aver (uh-,&*), verb #o assert the truth!ulness o! a state'ent. % can A,&* that your boy!rien is, in !act, a horse-s butt. axiomatic (ak-see-uh-MA##-ick), a +ective So'ething acce"te to be sel!-evi ent. D5ou on-t have to tell 'e that li!e isn-t !air,E sai /oan to her teenage son. D#hat-s +ust AB%0MA#%C.E badinage (BAD-in-a.h), noun 8itty, "lay!ul banter. As their 'utual attraction beca'e clear, the BAD%(A)& between Mike an Sarah beca'e increasingly suggestive. bailiwick (BA5-li-wick), noun 0riginally coine to escribe an area controlle by a baili!!, the ter' bailiwick has co'e to 'ean any s"ecial o'ain. % was e3as"erate by that so-calle Dcusto'er service agentE because all she woul ever say in answer to 'y 7ueries was, D#hat-s not 'y BA%2%8%C$.E balderdash (BA22- er- ash), noun (onsenseA a ri iculous i ea or suggestion. #o say an i ea is bal er ash is to is'iss it as senseless, i le, or worthless. Bal er ash is use al'ost e3clusively to escribe writing or s"eech. ;e went as !ar as to suggest the works o! Shakes"eare ha been written by :ueen &li.abeth, as i! !urther e3a'ination o! that BA2D&*DAS; woul

hel" his cause. banal (buh-(A;2), a +ective #riteA unoriginal. Aaron always is'isse the insights o! the other "hiloso"hers as BA(A2, but % !or one never hear hi' utter a single "ro!oun i ea. bandy (BA(- ee), verb #o e3change or "ass back an !orth. #ra ing wor s or blows is o!ten re!erre to as ban ying. #o e3change witticis's or insults is to ban y the' about. #he two si es BA(D%&D threats an accusations !or 'onths, but it was clear that neither nation wante war. baneful (BA5(-!ul), a +ective &3tre'ely har'!ul, ruinous, or estructive. Bane is anything that s"oils or estroys utterlyA bane!ul, then, 'eans ea ly an likely to cause ruin. #he wor is o!ten use !or ra'atic e!!ect an so is likely to escribe that which shoul be consi ere ea ly. ;is BA(&9U2 in!luence on the younger 'an in the s7ua was the cause o! all the 'is ee s we are e3a'ining. basal (BA5-suhl), a +ective 9un a'ental an basic. D#he BASA2 issue here,E Donny sai , D is what is right versus what is wrong@E belabor (bih-2A5-burr), verb #o go over an over a "osition e3cessively, even to the "oint o! absur ity. Also, belabor can 'ean Dto attack verbally.E As usual, you-re 'aking a +erk o! yoursel! by B&2AB0*%() your "oint long a!ter %-ve agree with you. bellwether (B&22-weh-ther), noun A lea er, or so'ething that in icates !uture evelo"'ents. #his ter' o!ten is use in business, to iscuss business tren s. 8e 'ay have to change our "lans. %-' a!rai those ark clou s are a B&228&#;&* o! to ay-s weather shi!ts. bemoan (bih-M0A(), verb #o regret "assionately or to co'"lain about an ill turn o! events.
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/oel coul not sto" B&M0A(%() the !act that he was only three nu'bers o!! o! the 6owerball +ack"ot. besotted (bih-S0##-e ), a +ective #o besot is to 'ake stu"i or ull, es"ecially ue to rink. But the 'ost co''on use o! this wor is its a +ective !or', which escribes so'eone who is runk. Also, besotte can escribe anyone who has been 'a e !oolish by anything, such as love, 'oney, a rive !or "ower, etc. % can-t hang out with 8ill any'ore because he-s so ri iculously B&S0##&D with Anna. bewail (bih-8A%2), verb #o e3"ress ee" sorrow or regret over so'ething, usually by wee"ing. A!ter his 'arriage en e , Chuck s"ent 'onths B&8A%2%() his !ate. bifurcate (B%-!ur-kait), verb #o ivi e one thing into two. #he grou" see'e uni!ie at !irst, but it soon B%9U*CA#&D into two very isagreeable !actions. bilateral (bye-2A#-er-uhl), a +ective %nvolving or "ertaining to both si es o! so'ething. A bilateral agree'ent is one that a!!ects an is bin ing u"on both "arties. %t is useless to try to settle such issues in our legislatureA only a B%2A#&*A2 tra e agree'ent will resolve our is"utes with that nation. bisque (bisk), noun A thick an crea'y sou" 'a e !ro' 'eat, !ish, or shell!ish. Mo' i n-t care what else was on the 'enu, as long as the restaurant o!!ere lobster B%S:U&. blather (B2A#;-er), verb #o gabble or talk ri iculously. So'eone who blathers is "rone to talk nonsense or iscuss 'eaningless issues !or e3ten e "erio s. 8e trie to leave the "arty, but Mark insiste on B2A#;&*%() en lessly to the hostess about his new car. boondoggle (B00(- ahg-uhl), noun Useless activity esigne to 'ake one look busy.

%n an e!!ort to a""ear e!!icient, Sally !ile an re-!ile "a"erwork, but her boss caught on to her B00(D0))2&. botanical (buh-#A(-ih-kull), a +ective 0! or "ertaining to "lant li!e. A botanical gar en is one that !eatures a wi e variety o! "lant li!e. #he wor co'es !ro' the )reek botanikos, 'eaning Dherb.E Martin-s B0#A(%CA2 survey o! rain!orest "lants re7uire a series o! tri"s to Borneo. bourgeois (B00-.hwah), a +ective or noun %n its noun !or', this 9rench wor was a o"te by $arl Mar3 to escribe 'e'bers o! the 'i le class who want to 'aintain the status 7uo. %n both its a +ective an noun !or', bourgeois enotes a 'e'ber o! the 'i le class, an it o!ten is use negatively. Dave is so B0U*)&0%S he goes to a li7uor store across town so his neighbors won-t know he rinks. braggadocio (brag-uh-D0C&-ee-oo), noun Bragging or 'eaningless boasting. Bragga ocio can re!er both to actual boasting or to a "erson who engages in it. %t a""ears that the ire warnings we receive so'e weeks back were nothing 'ore than B*A))AD0C%0. bravado (bruh-,A- o), noun An o"en show o! bravery. #hat which is characteri.e by a is"lay o! bol ness shows brava o. #he 'ayor-s swaggering attitu e o! B*A,AD0 was o! little hel" when the town was !inally attacke . bravura (bruh-,00*-uh), a +ective an noun An a'a.ing or aring is"lay o! style, techni7ue, or e3"ertiseA also, as a noun, a "articularly i!!icult an showy "assage in a "iece o! 'usic re7uiring both technical "ro!iciency an great energy on the "art o! the "er!or'er. *on 2ieb'an-s "ortrayal o! attorney *oy Cohn was a B*A,U*A "er!or'ance, the kin that 'akes critics sit back in awe. brevity (B*&,-ih-tee), noun
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Shortness. So'eone who writes with brevity writes in a way that is terse an to the "oint. 6aine-s argu'ent was state with such B*&,%#5 an "assion that within one short 'onth o! its "ublication it see'e every colonist was in !avor o! in e"en ence !ro' Britain. brigand (B*%)-un ), noun 0ne who lives as a ban it, "lun ering riches. #he B*%)A(DS hel u" the stagecoach an terri!ie the "assengers. brouhaha (B*00-ha-ha), noun An event that involves or invokes e3cite'ent, tur'oil, or con!lict. #he B*0U;A;A in the hotel lobby was the result o! a rock star 'aking his way !ro' his li'ousine to the elevator. brusque (brusk), a +ective ShortA abru"t or curt in 'anner. A "erson who iscusses things i'"atiently or with shortness is sai to be brus7ue. ;er B*US:U& e3terior "ut #o' o!! at !irst, but he later iscusse 'any i'"ortant issues with Ann in e"th. burgeon (BU**-+in), verb #o s"rout, to grow, to blosso' an !lourish. #he BU*)&0(%() DgreenE 'ove'ent 'ay change the way "eo"le live their every ay lives. bygone (B5&-gone), a +ective an noun So'ething gone by. A bygone occurrence is one that took "lace in the "ast. Use as a noun, a bygone re!ers to an event that took "lace long enough ago to be seen in the "ro"er "ers"ective, as in the "hrase D2et bygones be bygones.E #he inn calls to 'in a B5)0(& era o! Southern hos"itality. cadaverous (kuh-DA;-vuh-russ), a +ective A ca aver is a ea bo y, so so'eone or so'ething that is ca averous is "ain!ully thin an suggests eath. %'ages o! the CADA,&*0US survivors o! (a.i concentration ca'"s continue to haunt the worl -s consciousness. calamitous (kuh-2AMM-ih-tuss), a +ective ;aving e3tre'ely ire conse7uences that "oint towar a cala'ity.

#he stock 'arket-s CA2AM%#0US crash gave rise to a nationwi e "anic. capacious (kuh-6A5-shus), a +ective Ca"able o! hol ing a great eal o! so'ething. So'ething that is s"acious or ca"able o! enco'"assing a large 7uantity o! an ite' can be sai to be ca"acious. Don-t let his show o! ignorance !ool youA he has a CA6AC%0US 'e'ory an a strong eye !or etail. carafe (kuh-*A99), noun A wi e-'outhe bottle !or hol ing li7ui . % woul have been ha""y with a single glass o! the house wine, but Billy, who was in a generous 'oo , insiste we or er a CA*A9& o! the e3"ensive Char onnay. cardinal ($A*- ih-nul), a +ective 6ri'arily i'"ortantA vitalA "ro'inent. A car inal sin is one o! great seriousness. As a noun, car inal can re!er to a nu'ber o! things or "eo"le regar e as "ri'ary or i'"ortant, inclu ing a kin o! high o!!icial in the *o'an Catholic church. 8hatever you o, re'e'ber the CA*D%(A2 rule we have in this house about avoi ing the sub+ect o! religion. carouse (kuh-*084), verb #o engage in boisterous social activity or to rink to e3cess. During his twenty-!i!th high school reunion, Dave CA*0US&D 'ore in twenty-!our hours than he ha in the last ten years co'bine . catharsis (kuh-#;A*-siss), noun #o "uri!y an re+uvenate the bo y an s"irit by "urging the' o! whatever is causing "roble'sA to release tensions an achieve renewal by an out"ouring o! e'otion. /i''y-s thera"ist suggeste that the young boy take u" "ainting as a 'eans o! achieving a CA#;A*S%S a!ter his !ather-s eath. cavort (kuh-,0*#), verb #o ca"er aboutA to "rance. &lwoo an *iley were so ha""y to be release !ro' the kennel that they s"ent hal! an hour CA,0*#%() wil ly about on our lawn.
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celerity (suh-2A%*-ih-tee), noun S"ee A swi!tness o! action or 'otion. Celerity co'es !ro' the sa'e 2atin root as accelerate. % will carry out your or ers with C&2&*%#5, sir. celestial (suh-2&SS-chul), a +ective *elating to the skies or the heavens. At !irst Sa' thought that the C&2&S#%A2 bo y he ha "icke u" on his telesco"e was a s"aceshi", but it turne out to be a 'eteor. cerebral (suh-*&&B-rul), a +ective A""ealing to or involving the hu'an 'in A characteristic o! intellectual "ursuitsA also, "ertaining to the brain. Bill-s lo!ty observations on the nature o! e3istence are a little too C&*&B*A2 !or a "arty like thisA you- be better o!! inviting Charlie, who tells such !unny stories. cessation (sess-SA5-shun), noun #he act o! rawing to a close. Cessation is the "rocess o! ceasing or reaching a "oint o! abate'ent. Continue i"lo'atic e!!ort 'ay well bring about a C&SSA#%0( o! hostilities. chanteuse (shan-#&U4), noun A !e'ale singer, usually one who "er!or's in nightclubs. Although he clai'e to like the ecor an the at'os"here o! the club, we sus"ecte that &laine, the C;A(#&US& who "er!or'e there, was the real reason /i''y ke"t going back. circumlocution (sir-ku'-lo-CU&-shun), noun 0verwor y an in irect language. 2anguage that is overblown an te ious is consi ere circu'locution. #he stu ent-s use o! C%*CUM20CU#%0( lengthene his re"ort, but lowere his gra e. clamorous ($2AM-uhr-uss), a +ective 2ou A e3"ressively vehe'ent. A cla'orous crow is noisy an e'an ingA a cla'or is a lou outcry. #he throngs in the street roare with C2AM0*0US a""lause. climactic (klie-MA$-tik), a +ective 0! or "ertaining to a cli'a3. (See, !or co'"arison, the entry !or cli'atic.)

#he C2%MAC#%C 'o'ent o! the "lay co'es when ;a'let !inally kills Clau ius. climatic (klie-MA#-ik), a +ective 0! or "ertaining to cli'ate. (See, !or co'"arison, the entry !or cli'actic) #he C2%MA#%C con itions in northern Alberta uring the winter really on-t agree with 'e. coalesce (ko-uh-2&SS), verb #o unite or grow into a single whole. Dis"arate grou"s that coalesce !or a single cause (thus !or'ing a coalition) "ut asi e their i!!erences or se"arate goals to "resent a unite !ront. (o a'ount o! "lea ing !ro' /ones coul convince the two unions to C0A2&SC&. coda ($0- uh), noun %n 'usic, the !inal "assage o! a 'ove'ent or "ieceA also, the !inal "art o! anything, es"ecially an artistic work. As the De3"eri'entalE orchestral "iece !inally reache its C0DA, % saw the "ercussionist yawn an look at his watch. codify ($0D-ih-!y), verb #o re uce to the !or' o! a co e. #o co i!y a series o! "ositions is to syste'ati.e the', setting the' own into istinct rules an gui elines. %t is high ti'e we C0D%9%&D the e3isting 'a.e o! ta3 regulations. cogitate ($0/-ih-tate), verb #o think about or "on er seriously. #he "resi ent, never one to be "ressure into a ecision, close the iscussion by saying he nee e another week to C0)%#A#& on the 'atter. cognition (kog-(%S;-un), noun 6erce"tionA the "rocess o! knowing. Cognition can also 'ean Dknowle ge.E #he "rocess o! C0)(%#%0( evelo"s with a'a.ing ra"i ity over the !irst two years o! li!e. cognizant ($0)-nuh-.unt), a +ective Aware or well in!or'e . #he attorney angrily enie the charges that his client ha been C0)(%4A(# o! the sche'e to e!rau consu'ers.
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coiffure (kwa-9500*), noun A hair oA the style o! one-s hair. 8hen you-re as rich an "ower!ul as Don $ing, % i'agine you can get away with wearing any C0%99U*& you like. colloquial (kuh-20-kwee-ul), a +ective %n co''on conversational use. Collo7uial is use to escribe bree.y, in!or'al co''unication, either written or s"oken. A collo7uialis' is a co''on "hrase or e3"ression o! a conversational or in!or'al nature. 5ou cannot e3"ect a college "resi ent to take seriously a letter so C0220:U%A2 in tone. collusion (kuh-200-.hun), noun A cons"iratorial or secret un erstan ing entere into !or an illicit or !rau ulent en . #o enter into collusion with so'eone is to +oin with hi' in a secret "lot or strategy. #he lea ers were arraigne on "rice C022US%0( in violation o! anti-trust laws. comely ($UM-lee), a +ective 6leasing or attractive. AlsoA a""ro"riate. A co'ely a""earance is one that is !etching or inviting. /ane is C0M&25, but her 'other !ears that the 'en she attracts will not 'ake her ha""y. commodious (kuh-M0D&-ee-uss), a +ective ,ery s"acious, large, an roo'y. #he C0MM0D%0US suite at the hotel was worth all we "ai !or it an 'ore. compendious (ku'-6&(- ee-us), a +ective Co'"rise o! all necessary or essential co'"onents, yet concise. So'ething that is co'"en ious (usually a "iece o! writing) eals with all i'"ortant 'atters in a tight, succinct !or'at. #he new esk encyclo"e ia is C0M6&(D%0US but ty"ogra"hically unattractive. comport (ku'-60*#), verb #o behave in a "articular !ashion. AlsoC to stan in har'onious relation. #his secon sense o! co'"ort is usually !ollowe by Dwith.E #hat oes not C0M60*# with the !acts, counselor.

comprise (ku'-6*%4&), verb #o inclu e or containA to consist o!. (See, !or co'"arison, the entry !or co'"ose.) #he new co'"le3 C0M6*%S&S several !loors o! stu ent resi ences, a ca!eteria, an a recreation area. compunction (ku'-6U($-shun), noun Unrest or sel!- issatis!action arising out o! a !eeling o! guiltiness. A co'"unction is a sensation o! re'orse or uncertainty about a ecision or course o! action. % will sign her is'issal notice 'ysel! without C0M6U(C#%0(A she is easily the 'ost inco'"etent sales"erson % have ever worke with. concerted (kun-SU*-ti ), a +ective Mutually evise or "lanne . A concerte e!!ort is one that !eatures 'utual e!!ort towar an establishe goal. #he two 'a e a C0(C&*#&D e!!ort to get ,ivian to change her 'in , but she was resolute. confabulate (kun-9AB-yoo-late), verb #o chat or talk in!or'ally. Con!abulate erives !ro' the 2atin !or Dto have a conversation with.E (Con!abulation also has a technical 'eaning in "sychiatryC the "rocess by which "eo"le invent an believe stories to !ill 'ental ga"s ue to 'e'ory loss. Con!abulation is so'eti'es use in this sense in general iscourse to escribe e3travagant storytelling.) D% have no ti'e to C0(9ABU2A#&,E the actor e3clai'e 'elo ra'atically be!ore leaving. conflagration (kahn-!luh-)*A5-shun), noun %n general, a con!lagration is a !ire, but the wor ty"ically enotes a 'assive, uncontrollable, an very estructive !ire. #he C0(92A)*A#%0( cause when the se"arate wil !ires unite le to evacuations u" an own the coast. connotation (kon-uh-#A5-shun), noun An i'"lication beyon literal 'eaningA an uns"oken suggestion. #o connote is to suggest so'ething i'"licitlyA accor ingly, a connotation is
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a secon ary 'eaning iscernable Dbeneath the sur!ace.E ;is article on race relations uses several "hrases that carry un!ortunate C0((0#A#%0(S. connote (kuh-(0#&), verb #o i'"ly, suggest, or hint at another 'eaning in a ition to a "ri'ary one. #o 'any "eo"le the ter' D !rontierE C0((0#&S a rough an "ri'itive li!estyle, but 'ost "ioneer !a'ilies 'aintaine househol living stan ar s that e7uale those o! the eastern relatives they- le!t behin . consummate ($0(-su'-'ate), verb #o co'"lete or !inali.eA to bring to a "oint o! !inality or a esire en . #o consu''ate so'ething is to bring it to its "oint o! !ul!ill'ent. 8hen we s"eak o! a 'arriage-s consu''ation, we re!er to the 'arrie cou"le-s establish'ent o! a se3ual relationshi". Business agree'ents an contracts are also consu''ate . #he real estate agent C0(SUMMA#%() the eal reali.e a substantial co''ission. contiguous (kun-#%)-yoo-uss), a +ective /oining "hysicallyA touching. #he "ri.e o!!er is li'ite to resi ents o! the !orty-eight C0(#%)U0US states. contravene (kon-truh-,&&(), verb #o go against or eny. A "erson who o""oses so'ething by action or argu'ent can be sai to contravene that thing. #he or ers % le!t were to be C0(#*A,&(&D by no one but the colonel. contrivance (kun-#*5-vunce), noun A evice or art!ul 'eans o! ac7uiring or "er!or'ing so'ething. Contrivance 'ay re!er to an actual 'echanical ob+ect, or, 'ore arkly, to a "lot or sche'e. #he !alse e3"ense re"ort totals1a rather obvious C0(#*%,A(C&1were iscovere well be!ore the e'be..le'ent took "lace. conundrum (kuh-(U(- ru'), noun A ri le or "u..le.

D% on-t un erstan anything,E Stan sai , in the 'onths !ollowing gra uation. D(ow that %-' out on 'y own, 'y whole li!e is one big C0(U(D*UM.E conveyance (kuhn-,A5-unts), noun %n general, a conveyance is so'ething that serves to trans"ort so'ething or so'eone. %n real estate ter's, a conveyance is the ocu'ent that creates a "ro"erty trans!er. 0ur visit to the Dwil westE site was greatly enhance by a ri e on an authentic C0(,&5A(C&C a Conestoga wagon. convivial (kuhn-,%,-ee-ull), a +ective Describes so'eone who is !on o! goo ti'esC rinking, !easting, hanging out with goo !rien s. $evin is so C0(,%,%A2 that he-s always the li!e o! the "arty. convoke (kuhn-,0$&), verb #o call together !or a 'eetingA to su''on. 5ou 'ight also see the noun !or' o! this wor , which is Dconvocation.E An announce'ent went out over the interco' to C0(,0$& se'inar "artici"ants. coquettish (ko-$&#-ish), a +ective )iven to !lirting. Co7uettish is al'ost always use to escribe wo'en rather than 'en. 2ittle A'y-s C0:U&##%S; is"lay was note with a'use'ent by all. corpulent ($0*6-you-lunt), a +ective 0beseA !atA bulky. A C0*6U2&(# waiter, a""arently 'eant to !righten us into sensible eating, wa le out to ask us whether we were intereste in hearing about the restaurant-s s"ecial low-calorie entrees. coterie ($0;-tuh-ree), noun 9ro' the 9rench 'eaning Dan association o! tenant !ar'ers,E a coterie is an e3clusive grou" o! "eo"le, o!ten 'eeting with a s"eci!ic goal in 'in . #hose in !avor o! the "ro"osal !or'e a C0#&*%& that 7uickly beca'e a very vocal 'inority. countenance ($0U(#-nunce), verb
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#he !a'iliar noun !or' o! this wor 'eans Da""earance.E As a verb, countenance is to in icate a""roval, to sanction so'ething. %-' a!rai % can-t C0U(#&(A(C& your angerous e3"loits, so "lease take 'e ho'e. countervail (kown-tur-,A%2), verb #o use e7ual !orce againstA to co'"ensate. #he challenger hit the cha'"ion with two 7uick le!t +abs an a right u""ercut, but the cha'"ion C0U(#&*,A%2&D with a le!t hook. crescendo (kruh-S;&(- oe), noun A gra ual increase in volu'e or intensity to a certain "oint (use es"ecially in relation to 'usical works). As the orchestra reache a thun ering C*&SC&(D0, 'y si3-year-ol son continue to slee" "eace!ully by 'y si e. crestfallen ($*&S#-!all-uhn), a +ective %n low s"iritsA e3tre'ely e"resse . 8hen % hear that Ma"a woul have to work late that evening, % was C*&S#9A22&(. criterion (krie-#&&*-ee-un), noun Stan ar sA 7ualities or "recon itions that 'ust be 'et. 6luralC criteria. Stan 'et all o! the college-s C*%#&*%A !or a 'ission, but he "ut o!! a""lying because he si'"ly i n-t believe he was s'art enough to survive there. culinary ($500-lih-nar-ee), a +ective *elating to cooking or the "re"aration o! !oo . My CU2%(A*5 e!!orts these ays are 'uch hu'bler than 'y library o! cookbooks woul lea you to believe. curative ($500-ring), a +ective Serving to "rovi e a re'e y. Curative re!ers to the ability to "rovi e alleviation o! an ail'ent. #he CU*A#%,& 'easures were slow but e!!ectiveA /ose"h eventually recovere co'"letely. dalliance (DA2-ee-unce), noun A lighthearte un ertakingA care!ree s"en ing o! ti'e. A alliance is an inconse7uential event. (#he wor o!ten re!ers to an a'orous !lirtation or istraction.)

/ean 'a e a show o! being +ealous, but the truth was she un erstoo Brian-s "ast DA22%A(C&S. dauntless (DA8(#-luss), a +ective Unable to be inti'i ate or "ut ownA braveA !earless. Although /an ha tol Michael she woul never 'arry hi', he was a DAU(#2&SS suitor, sen ing !lowers an can y on a aily basis. decanter ( ih-CA(-ter), noun A !ancy glass bottle use !or serving wine, bran y, etc. As teenagers, Austin an Billy woul so'eti'es steal wine !ro' the D&CA(#&* in the en, re"lacing it with !ruit +uice. dclass ( ay-klass-A5), a +ective #his 9rench wor escribes so'eone whose social "osition has !allen or labels so'eone or so'ething as being o! in!erior status. /ean thought her i'itation esigner bag looke e3actly like the real thing, but the other girls in her e3clusive "rivate school 7uickly ri icule /ean1 an her bag1!or being DIC2ASSI. decorum ( i-C0*-u'), noun Social "ro"rietyA igni!ie con uct. Decoru' can also re!er to a har'onious union o! ele'ents in a "iece o! art or literature. #hough the elegates were e3tre'ely !rustrate at the chair'an-s 'ove, they betraye no e'otion, an strict D&C0*UM was observe in the 'eeting hall. decry ( ih-C*5), verb #o con e'n, ri icule, or enounce as har'!ul. %t is unconscionable to D&C*5 ue "rocess +ust because the syste' is so'eti'es abuse . deign ( ane), verb #o con escen A to lower onesel! to a "osition or role consi ere unsuitable. Since 8alter won that writing "ri.e, he hasn-t D&%)(&D to return any o! 'y "hone calls. demarcate ( e-MA*-kate), verb #o establish the li'its o!. De'arcating is the "rocess o! setting own
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boun aries. #he i ea o! a new house ha been abstract, but once /oan an 6eter D&MA*CA#&D the lan , their un ertaking !elt su enly real. demur ( ih-MU*), verb #o take e3ce"tionA to ob+ect, "articularly as a result o! ee"ly hel "rinci"les. Mike suggeste that we run an a allu ing to our o""onent-s su""ose ties to organi.e cri'e, but Congress'an #aylor D&MU**&D. denigrate (D&(-ih-grate), verb #o e!a'e or s"eak ill o!A literally, to blacken (a re"utation, !or instance). *e"rinting, without "er'ission, the cru er "oe's o! the writer-s !or'ative years was one strategy the reviewer use to D&(%)*A#& her entire bo y o! work. denizen (D&(-ih-.un), noun An inhabitant or resi ent. Michael regar e ho'eless "eo"le as D&(%4&(S o! another worl until a series o! setbacks lan e hi' une3"ecte ly on the street. denouement ( ay-new-MA;), noun #his 9rench wor !or DuntyingE is use in literary circles to escribe the resolution o! a "lot !ollowing its cli'a3. %n general, a enoue'ent is the Dwra""ing-u"E o! any co'"le3 series o! events. % was isa""ointe with the "lay because % !elt its D&(0U&M&(# le!t too 'any loose en s. derivation ( are-ih-,A5-shun), noun Source. AlsoC the act or "rocess o! eriving. A thing-s erivation is its origin or "ath o! escent. #he "hrase-s D&*%,A#%0( is unclear, but it 'ay have its roots in an obscure tribal ialect o! Borneo. descry ( ih-S$*%&), verb #o s"ot as a result o! attentive observationA to iscover or !in . 8ith 'ingle relie! an rea the crew learne that the lookout ha D&SC*%&D the white whale Ahab ha been hunting. desiccate (D&SS-ih-kate), verb

#o cause to ry out. #he !oo "re"aration "rocess !or the ite's to be taken on the astronautsvoyage involve elaborate D&S%CCA#%() an sanitation "roce ures. dtente (DA5-tahnt), noun 9ro' the 9rench 'eaning Dto slacken,E a Ntente is the loosening o! straine relations. A!ter )raha' an ;eather sto""e yelling at an starte listening to each other, the DI#&(#& between the' began. devoid ( ih-,0%D), a +ective 2acking utterlyA without. D(o 'atter how skille a surgeon you beco'e,E Dr. S'ith tol the intern, Dyou- ll !ail as a octor i! you continue to be D&,0%D o! co'"assion an sy'"athy !or "atients.E diatribe (D%&-uh-tribe), noun Bitter enunciation. A iatribe is a "ointe an abusive criti7ue. #he "ro!essor ha scrawle a scathing D%A#*%B& in re on the un!ortunate boy-s "a"er. dichotomy ( ie-$0#-uh-'e), noun Division into two (contrasting) halves, "airs, or sets. A ichoto'y is the ivision o! 'utually e3clusive i eas or grou"s. D#here is "ublic interest an there is "rivate interest,E sai the Senator. DAn reconciling that D%C;0#0M5 can be a i!!icult +ob.E digress ( ie-)*&SS), verb #o wan er o!! the "oint o! a iscourse or conversationA to turn away !ro' a course. #he to"ic o! the s"eech was interesting enough, but Bill ha an un!ortunate habit o! D%)*&SS%() !ro' his te3t with irrelevant o!!-thecu!! stories. dilate (D%&-late), verb #o e3"an . #he rock star-s D%2A#&D "u"ils le so'e to believe that he ha been e3"eri'enting again with narcotics, an 7uite recently. diminutive ( ih-M%(-yuh-tiv), a +ective Describes so'eone or so'ething o! s'all stature.
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Marcia-s !orce!ul "ersonality overco'es her D%M%(U#%,& stature. disabuse ( iss-uh-B5004), verb #o !ree onesel! or so'eone else !ro' an incorrect assu'"tion or belie!. #he bestselling work o! history cause 'any to D%SABUS& the'selves o! the notion that 6resi ent 9ranklin *oosevelt was an entirely benevolent lea er. discursive ( is-$U*-siv), a +ective *a'blingA not to the "oint. Un!ortunately, the stu y grou" ten e towar long, D%SCU*S%,& e3a'inations o! the ay-s social events rather than "re"aration !or our ter' "a"ers. dishevel ( ih-S;&,-ul), verb an a +ective #o "ut (hair or clothing) into isarray. Although A a' answere the interview 7uestions intelligently, his D%S;&,&2&D a""earance le the interviewer to oubt his "ro!essionalis'. disparate (D%SS-"uh-rut), a +ective Utterly issi'ilar. #wo things entirely or !un a'entally i!!erent can be sai to be is"arate. A!ter inviting his 'other to live on the &ast Coast with hi', Clark won ere at how they woul reconcile their D%S6A*A#& li!estyles. disputation ( is-"yoo-#A-shun), noun A ebate, es"ecially, a !or'al ebate. #he two can i ates !or stu ent bo y "resi ent gave sur"risingly 'ature an well-reasone D%S6U#A#%0(S about i'"ortant school issues. disquisition ( iss-kwuh-4%S;-un), noun A !or'al written or s"oken e3"loration o! a "articular sub+ect. % was !ascinate by the author-s D%S:U%S%#%0( concerning the history o! the re'ote control. dissimulate ( iss-%;M-you-late), verb #o hi e one-s !eelings !ro' another, o!ten by using untruths. 9eeling e3tre'ely guilty about his a!!air, /ake woul D%SS%MU2A#& behin a wall o! anger whenever #ricia aske hi' "ointe 7uestions. distraught ( ih-S#*A8#), a +ective

Dee"ly hurt e'otionally. 6hyllis was D%S#*AU);# a!ter her !avorite cat ie . doleful (D02&-!ull), a +ective Causing or e3"ressing grie! or a!!liction. % eci e to rescue *e3 !ro' the ani'al shelter because % was entrance by his D02&9U2 e3"ression. domicile (D0M-ih-sile), noun A resi ence. A o'icile is one-s legal, "er'anent ho'e. #he e!en ant at that ti'e ha no D0M%C%2&, your honorA she was a ho'eless "erson. donnybrook ( ahn-&&-brook), noun A !ree-!or-all, knock- own, rag-out !ight. 6olice e3"ecte a D0((5B*00$ at the "rotest 'arch, but both those !or an those against the issue were "eace!ul an courteous. dossier (D0SS-ee-ay), noun A collection o! ocu'ents o!!ering etaile in!or'ation on a "articular in ivi ual or to"ic. $ee"ing or re!erring to a ossier on so'eone o!ten carries sinister overtones o! that "erson-s es"ionage or subversion. Marie !inally obtaine her D0SS%&* by 'eans o! an a""eal un er the 9ree o' o! %n!or'ation Act. droll ( role), a +ective 8ryly a'using. So'ething that is strikingly o an hu'orous is roll. #he little volu'e was !ille with D*022 illustrations that !urther un er'ine any atte'"t at authoritativeness. dross ( ross), noun Useless 'aterialA trash. #he young "oet was scarre !or li!e when her !ather escribe her "oe's as DD*0SSE an tol her to throw the' away. ebullience (ih-B022-yunce), noun #he 7uality o! being o"ti'istic in s"eech or writingA vivaciousness. &bullience is the e3"ression o! !eelings or notions in a lively, u"beat 'anner. Sharon-s &BU22%&(C& in elivering the "resentation really set her a"art !ro' the others on the tea'. clat (ay-$2A;), noun
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#his 9rench wor suggests great "ublic acclai' . . . or notoriety. #he IC2A# that greete the reclusive author-s last book see'e to cause hi' is'ay rather than +oy. edification (e -ih-!ih-$A5-shun), noun &nlighten'ent. #o e i!y so'eone is to instruct hi' or share i'"ortant insights with hi'A e i!ication is the "rocess by which this is one. Although the author inclu es several su""le'ents on ancient &gy"tian construction 'etho s !or the &D%9%CA#%0( o! his rea ers, these are not irectly connecte with the book-s central i ea. effervescent (e!!-ur-,&SS-unt), a +ective BubblyA s"arklingA lively. Myra-s &99&*,&SC&(# "ersonality 'akes her a !avorite guest at our "arties. efficacious (e!!-ih-$A5-shuss), a +ective 6ro ucing the esire outco'eA e!!ective. #o'-s lawyer trie a battery o! shrew negotiating techni7ues uring the 'eeting, but only outright threats to walk away !ro' the eal "rove &99%CAC%0US. effrontery (ih-9*0(-ter-ee), noun %'"u ent bol ness. &!!rontery is sha'eless au acity. She ha the &99*0(#&*5 to ask !or a raise a!ter three 'onths o! rea !ul "er!or'ance. egress (&&-gress), noun &3it. #he stewar ess-s earnest re7uest that we try to 'ake an or erly &)*&SS !ro' the burning "lane ha little e!!ect. lan (A5-lahn), noun 9ro' the 9rench 'eaning Dto hurl,E Nlan is high-s"irite 'orale that results !ro' e3tre'e con!i ence. #he I2A( with which 'y son attacke the obstacle course !ille 'e with "ri e. elision (ih-2&&-.hun), noun A eliberate act o! o'ission or the o'ission o! one or 'ore syllables in a wor , such as when a "oet writes Dne-erE !or Dnever.E $ee"ing so'e o! the etails o! the acci ent !ro' the chil ren see'e like a

reasonable &2%S%0(. emasculate (ee-MASS-kyoo-late), verb #o castrateA also, to e"rive o! strength or essential ele'ents. %n the e itor-s view 'y book ha been sub+ect to D e!t "runing o! occasional o!!ensive "assagesEA in 'ine, it ha been utterly &MASCU2A#&D. enceinte (en-SA5(#), a +ective 9rench, by way o! 2atin, !or Denclose area,E enceinte escribes a wo'an who is "regnant. A!ter two years o! trying to get "regnant, 2ena was over+oye the ay she learne she was &(C&%(#&. engender (en-/&(- ur), verb #o begetA to cause to e3ist. My ecision to 'ove east has &()&(D&*&D a goo eal o! hostility on 'y brother-s "art. ennui (on-noo-&&), noun 2istlessness, issatis!action, or bore o'. &nnui is 9rench !or Dbore o'.E A sense o! &((U% "erva e the o!!ice uring the long o!!season "erio . ensue (in-S00), verb #o co'e a!terwar A to !ollowA to ha""en as a result. 8hen a tractor-trailer ski e out o! control an s"ille its loa o! lu'ber across *oute <=J yester ay a!ternoon, a huge rush-hour backu" &(SU&D. envisage (en-,%4-u+), verb #o "icture or conceive o!. #o envisage is also to consi er or "ro+ect 'entally. #he grou" o! evelo"ers &(,%SA)&D an a"art'ent co'"le3 on the water!ront "ro"erty. ephemeral (ih-9&MM-uh-rul), a +ective 2asting only a short while. 0ur school-s +oy at winning the state basketball cha'"ionshi" turne out to be &6;&M&*A2, as the title was sus"en e when o!!icials learne o! the "resence o! an ineligible "layer on the tea'-s roster. episodic (e"-ih-S0D-ik), a +ective
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Ma e u" o! e"iso esA consisting o! a grou" o! se"arate but only e3ternally relate anec otesA ten ing to igress. Although the novels o! Dickens an #wain still enthrall 'o ern rea ers, 'any are "u..le by their &6%S0D%C structures. epistle (uh-6%SS-uhl), noun An e"istle is a !or'al letter. Christians an biblical scholars are !a'iliar with the e"istles o! the A"ostle 6aul. As the "o"ularity o! te3t 'essaging rises, the &6%S#2& is beco'ing a ying art !or'. epithet (&6-ih-thet), noun A wor , escri"tion, or e3"ression (o!ten is"araging) 'eant to characteri.e a "erson. #he &6%#;&#S use by 'e'bers o! the (i3on a 'inistration to escribe their "olitical ene'ies were o!ten unsuitable !or "ublication in !a'ily news"a"ers. epitome (ee-6%#-uh-'ee), noun #he highest or su"re'e e3a'"le. Many "eo"le consi er D#he Mary #yler Moore ShowE to be the &6%#0M& o! <O?Gs situation co'e y. eroticize (ih-*0#-uh-si.e), verb #o take so'ething Dta'eE an se3uali.e it. #here-s no nee to &*0#%C%4& Shakes"eare because his works are alrea y !ille with baw y1so'eti'es ownright !ilthy 1"uns. errant (A%*-unt), a +ective Describes so'eone who likes to travel or so'ething thatTso'eone who wan ers about ai'lessly. #he bu..ing o! &**A(# !lies "ractically wrecke the content'ent % ha been !eeling while sitting on the ock. erroneous (ih-*0(&-ee-us), a +ective 8rong. 5our suggestion that % s"ent the su''er on the coast o! Cali!ornia avoi ing writing 'y book is co'"letely &**0(&0US. erstwhile (U*S#-hwile), a +ective 9or'erA o! or "ertaining to a long-"ast ti'e. Boston *e So3 !ans can only rea' o! what 'ight have been ha their

&*S#8;%2& star Babe *uth not been sol to their archrivals, the (ew 5ork 5ankees. eructation (ih-ruhk-#A5-shun), noun A !ancy wor !or Dbelch.E #he verb !or' is Deructate.E Miss S'ithers hi her ainty &*UC#A#%0(S behin a char'ing cloth na"kin. eschew (ess-C;00), verb #o shunA to stay away !ro', es"ecially as a result o! 'oral or ethical concerns. Chuck &SC;&8&D his coworkers- nights out on the town, knowing they al'ost always conclu e with a visit to a stri" club. espouse (ih-S6084), verb #o a vocate as though one-s own. &s"ouse can also 'ean to take in 'arriage. Do you have any i ea how co'"licate it woul be to i'"le'ent the "lans you are &S60US%()F ethos (&&-thoass), noun 9ro' the )reek 'eaning Dcusto'E or Dhabit,E an ethos is the un er"inning "hiloso"hy that gui es a "erson, co''unity, nation, grou", etc. % can-t su""ort any grou" that see's to have ivisiveness as its gui ing &#;0S. excogitate (ecks-CA;/-ih-tate), verb #o stu y so'ething care!ully in or er to un erstan it as !ully as "ossible. Da s"ent so 'uch ti'e &BC0)%#A#%() over the 'a" that we 'isse our !light. exemplar (ig-4&;M-"lur), noun #he original, to which all !uture e3a'"les are co'"are . 9or 'any, Abraha' 2incoln is the &B&M62A* o! a war-ti'e "resi ent. exorbitant (egg-40*&-bih-tunt), a +ective Beyon what is reasonableA e3tre'e or e3cessive. Christo"her ha thought he nee e a la"to" co'"uter to 'ake his business tri"s easier, but a!ter seeing the &B0*B%#A(# "rices, he eci e
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he coul go without !or another year. expedite (&$S-"uh- ite), verb #o s"ee u" (a "rocess or action)A to co'"lete "ro'"tly. My !ather-s !rien at the *egistry o! Motor ,ehicles was able to &B6&D%#& 'y river-s license a""lication, an % was s"are the stan ar si3-week wait. extant (ik-S#A(#), a +ective &3istingA in e3istence. #he &B#A(# laws on the sub+ect i not 'ake a e7uate "rovisions !or issues o! se3ual harass'ent, Maria argue , an woul have to be u" ate . extricate (&$S-trih-kate), verb #o re'ove !ro' an entangle'ent. ;aving gotten us into an i'"ossible ile''a, 8arren a""eare to have no i ea how we shoul go about &B#*%CA#%() ourselves !ro' it. extrinsic (iks-#*%(4-ik), a +ective (ot "art o! the true nature o! so'ething. #he revolution was less o! a s"ontaneous eru"tion o! anger against ca"italis' as a syste', an 'ore o! a reaction to &B#*%(S%C !orces like the constant oil shortages that ca'e about because o! international sanctions. fabricate (9AB-rih-kait), verb #o create so'ething. 0!ten, this wor is use negatively, to suggest that one is lying, or DcreatingE !alse in!or'ation. Mo' shook her hea because she coul tell % was +ust 9AB*%CA#%() 'y e3"lanations. facet (9ASS-it), noun A co'"onent or as"ect. A !acet is also the !lat s'ooth sur!ace o! a "olishe ge'. #o say so'ething is 'ulti!acete is to say it has 'any i'ensions or co'"onents. % a' a!rai % a' un!a'iliar with this 9AC&# o! the case. facetious (!uh-S&&-shuss), a +ective Meant to evoke laughter or en+oy'entA not inten e seriously. My suggestion that we "ack the chil ren o!! to live with their gran "arents !or a !ew eca es was 9AC&#%0US.

facile (9ASS-ill), a +ective Describes so'ething acco'"lishe easily. #he teacher sai the work woul be i!!icult, but 'ost stu ents !oun it rather 9AC%2&. fallacious (!uh-2A5-shuss), a +ective 9alseA containing a logical error or serious 'isa""rehension. 9allacious is erive !ro' !allacy, which 'eans a !alse notion. As it turne out, McCarthy-s accusations against the Ar'y were totally 9A22AC%0US. fallacy (9A22-uh-see), noun A 'isconce"tionA an erroneous "erce"tionA a eceit. 9or so'e chil hoo is a ti'e o! innocenceA but it-s a 9A22AC5 to say it is like this !or all chil ren. fauna (9A8-nuh), noun #he ani'al "o"ulation o! a "articular region or ti'e "erio . (A "lural noun.) Accor ing to this article, the 9AU(A o! Australia inclu e 'ore 'arsu"ials than are !oun on any other continent. faux (!oe), a +ective 9ake or counter!eit in nature. /ill 'a e such co''otion over the 9AUB "earls % gave her that % began to sus"ect she thought they were real. felicity (!ih-2%SS-ih-tee), noun BlissA e3tre'e ha""iness. 9elicity can also re!er to so'ething that gives rise to subli'e content'ent. ;er 9&2%C%#5 at the news that her brother ha been locate knew no boun s. fiefdom (9&&9- u'), noun #he o'ain over which a !eu al lor rulesA an area over which one has control or o'ain. Mr. Duncan treate his wi!e an chil ren as i! they were his sub+ects, the lucky !ew "rivilege to occu"y his 9%&9D0M. flagellate (92AD)&-uh-late), verb #o whi". My aughter, a li!elong ani'al lover, re!use to go on the stage coach ri e at the a'use'ent "ark because o! the way the river 92A)&22A#&D the horses.
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florid (9200*-i ), a +ective Describes so'ething or so'eone with a re ish, rosy tint. %n a ition, !lori can be use to escribe writing or s"eech one consi ers too showy an ornate. Critics "raise her, but % !oun the "un it-s 920*%D "rose a real turno!! an got through only the !irst twenty "ages o! her book. folderol (9A22- uh-rahl), noun 9oolishness, a tri!le, so'ething nonsensical an uni'"ortant. #he co''entator calle all o! the "olitical wrangling nothing but 902D&*02 that ke"t anything substantive !ro' being one to solve the "roble'. foliage (902&-ee-u ge), noun A grou" o! leaves, branches, an !lowers. #he best ti'e to view the !all 902%A)& in (ew &nglan is at generally early 0ctober, when the re s, oranges, an gol en yellows are at their 'ost brilliant. foment (!o-M&(#), verb #o ai , nourish, !ee , or encourage. So'e in the university argue that our grou"-s "ur"ose was to 90M&(# a revolution, not work !or re!or', an they e'an e that we issolve. foofaraw (900-!uh-raw), noun A lot o! !uss about a lot o! nothing, or an e3cessive a'ount o! ecoration on onesel!, in a roo', etc. 8hether or not the celebrity ha re'ove a 'ole beca'e a 9009A*A8 ebate !or ays by the entertain'ent "ress. foray (90*&-ay), noun An initial try. 0riginally, a !oray was a su en 'ilitary a vance. &li.abeth-s 90*A5 into the worl o! "ublishing was not without isheartening 'o'ents. forebear (90*&-bare), noun An ancestorA !ore!ather. $ate-s illustrious 90*&B&A* was a "ree'inent !igure in the abolitionist 'ove'ent. forefend (!or-9&(D), verb #o "rotect, e!en , secure, etc.

A!ter he bought a television with a !i!ty-!ive inch screen, $eith bought an alar' syste' to 90*&9&(D it. foreordained (!ore-or-DA(&D), verb #o or ain or a""oint in a vanceA "re estine . Although Milton viewe his "ro'otion to 'anage'ent as 90*&0*DA%(&D, his wi!e ha her oubts. forestall (!or-S#A22), verb #o antici"ate an action an thus work to "revent it !ro' ha""ening. Alice saw that the river was going to run the re light, so she "ause at the intersection, 90*&S#A22%() an acci ent. forte (!ort), noun 0ne-s niche or strong "ointA that at which one e3cels. %nterior ecorating was 9rank-s 90*#&, but he resiste 'aking a career o! it !or !ear o! what Dthe guysE woul say. fortuitous (!ore-#00-ih-tuss), a +ective Acci entalA lucky or !ortunate. A !ortuitous event is one that co'es as a "leasant sur"rise. A!ter years o! trial an error, Dr. 6owers 'a e a 90*#U%#0US iscovery when he 'istakenly co'bine two che'ical co'"oun s. fracas (9*A$-us), noun Co''otionA a noisy isagree'ent. #he nightly 9*ACAS between the cou"le ne3t oor is always lou enough to wake 'e out o! a soun slee". fribble (9*%B-uhl), verb or noun #o waste one-s ti'e in a !oolish 'anner, or the ter' !or so'eone who oes this. #o' knew he nee e to !ocus on the "ro+ect, but he coul n-t kee" hi'sel! !ro' 9*%BB2%() away his ti'e with vi eo ga'es. fructify (9*UC$-tih-!ie), verb #o bear !ruit or to 'ake !ruit!ul. % believe the "artnershi" o! our !ir's will 9*UC#%95 both our co'"anies. futz (!uts), verb #o "ass the ti'e i ly or without "ur"ose. $evin s"ent so 'uch ti'e this 'orning 9U#4%() aroun with his new es"resso 'aker that he was late !or work. gadabout ()AD-uh-bout), noun
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A "erson who wan ers about ai'lessly or restlessly, es"ecially one in constant search o! "leasure. #hough 'ost everyone thought o! her as a !lighty )ADAB0U#, $aren certainly knew when to bear own an get serious about her schoolwork. gainsay ()A(&-say), verb #o eclare !alse. #o gainsay is to o""ose or contra ict. #he "rinci"les o! the Bill o! *ights, Mr. Secretary, will a 'it no )A%(SA5%(). galoot (guh-200#), noun An eccentric or !oolish "erson. Mike-s out ate clothes an hairstyle cause 'any to consi er hi' a )A200#. gambol ()AM-buhl), verb #o ski" or !rolic about with elight. #he bir s )AMB02&D outsi e 'y screene -in "orch as % sat there with 'y 'orning co!!ee. gamut ()AM-ut), noun #he !ull range or e3tent. )a'ut also re!ers to the entire series o! stan ar 'usical notes. ;is house !eature an entertain'ent center whose co'"onents ran the )AMU# o! state-o!-the-art e7ui"'ent. genuflect (/&((-you-!lect), verb #o bow ee"ly on one knee. 0!ten, the wor is use negatively, to suggest that so'eone is acting in a servile or overly reverential way towar so'eone else. D#he way ;arol )&(U92&C#S to Mr. #ho'as at sta!! 'eetings +ust 'akes 'e want to bar!,E Alice sai . germinate (/U;*-'uh-nate), verb #o cause so'ething, such as a conce"t, to co'e into e3istence. #he i eas we )&*M%(A#&D that ay have le to nu'erous i'"rove'ents in the area o! global co''unication. gestation (+es-#A5-shun), noun %nce"tion an creation. #he "erio o! gestation a'ong hu'ans, !or instance, woul be the nine 'onths s"ent within the wo'b. Conce"ts an i eas are also sai to have gestation.

#he a ca'"aign-s )&S#A#%0( was !raught with con!lict, but the en result was well worth all the 7uarrelling. gibber (/%B-bur), verb #o s"eak nervously an inco'"rehensiblyA to s"eak in a !ast, +u'ble , inarticulate 'anner. 4ack 'ay have been believable "laying the "art o! a Casanova in the television show, but o!!-screen he coul barely )%BB&* his way through a conversation with a wo'an. gimcrackery (/%M-crack-ur-ee), noun An ob+ect or ob+ects that have no real value e3ce"t !or the "ur"ose o! show. 6aul-s !ather use to tell hi' that all the aca e'ic honors he earne in college a'ounte to so 'uch )%MC*AC$&*5 i! he coul n-t "ut his intelligence to work !or hi' in the DrealE worl . glom (glah'), verb #o look at with ra"t attention or to steal so'ething. D)lo' ontoE 'eans to take "ossession o! so'ething, such as so'eone else-s i eas. 0nce he reali.e it woul get hi' votes, the can i ate )20MM&D onto the "light o! blue-collar workers an 'a e the issue his ca'"aign-s e'"hasis. glower ()20U-ur), verb #o give a broo ing, annoye , or angry look. Mark ho"e )208&*%() at our 'other woul convey that he i n-t a""reciate her telling his new girl!rien how i!!icult he ha been to toilet train, but Mo' i n-t see' to notice. gnash (nash), verb #o grin or strike (usually the teeth) together. Although she clai'e not to be, % coul tell that &laine was angry by the way she )(AS;&D her teeth. gradation (gra-DA5-shun), noun A "rogression by state or egree. #o "rogress in gra ation is to 'ove ahea in 'easure , istinct stages. #he "ortrait-s haunting e!!ect 'ay be ue to Singer-s e3tre'ely subtle )*ADA#%0(S o! color. gradient ()*A5- ee-unt), noun An incline or slo"e.
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#he hike was re!reshing but not ta3ing because the trail ha a gentle )*AD%&(#. grandiose ()*A(- ee-oce), a +ective 6o'"ous. So'eone whose "retentions or a'bitions e3cee his abilities, sensitivities, or 'eans coul be consi ere gran iose. ;is )*A(D%0S& sche'e !or career a vance'ent si'"ly will not "an out. gratuitous (gruh-#00-ih-tuss), a +ective Unnecessary. AlsoC given or grante without reco'"ense or charge. So'ething that is gratuitous is e3cessive, out o! "lace, or unnecessary. ;is )*A#U%#0US attacks on the "o"ular governor only weakene his stan ing a'ong voters. gregarious (gri-)A*&-ee-uss), a +ective 0utgoing, cor ial, or !rien ly. )regarious "eo"le en+oy the co'"any o! others. Many woul have been "ut o!! by such a rece"tion, but Bill was unusually )*&)A*%0USA he 'a e 'any !rien s that night. grouse (grouss), verb #his co''on bir beco'es so'ething entirely i!!erent when trans!or'e into a verb. #hen, to grouse is to co'"lain an gru'ble. 8e were +ust ten 'inutes late, but 'y in-laws )*0US&D about our tar iness !or the rest o! the ay. guffaw (guh-9A8), noun An instance o! !ull, unrestraine laughter. 9ro' the howls an )U99A8S % hear issuing !ro' the au itoriu', % gathere that the "rinci"al-s s"eech intro ucing a new ress co e !or the school was not going well. guise (guys), noun Se'blanceA outer a""earanceA 'anner o! ress. ;aving assu'e the )U%S& o! a "irate !or the costu'e ball, #o' looke ashing an angerous !or what 'ay well have been the !irst ti'e in his li!e. habitu (huh-B%C;-oo-ay), noun 9ro' the 9rench 'eaning Dto !re7uent,E a habituN is so'eone who

!re7uents or s"en s a lot o! ti'e in a "lace, es"ecially "laces like bars, casinos, nightclubs, etc. &llen has beco'e known as a ;AB%#UI o! the sha ier co!!eehouses. halcyon (;A2-see-on), a +ective an noun #ran7uil. AlsoC "ros"erous, care!ree. A halcyon is a 'ythical bir , i enti!ie with the $ing!isher, that coul su""ose ly cal' ocean stor's. #he co'"any-s ;A2C50( years were behin itA all was in chaos now. harangue (huh-*A()), verb 2ectureA berateA also, an instance o! such berating. 6ro!essor #ho'as ke"t 'e a!ter class to ;A*A()U& 'e !or han ing in a han written ter' "a"er. harbinger (;A*-bin-+ur), noun So'eone or so'ething that announces the a""roach o! another, or o! a !orthco'ing event. #he artist-s 'e iocre early work, while co''ercially unsuccess!ul, i serve as a ;A*B%()&* o! !uture triu'"hs that ealing with si'ilar the'es. hoary (;0;*-ee), a +ective )ray or white with age. Also, escribes so'eone or so'ething that is ol an venerable. #hose ;0A*5 urban 'yths about 'a 'en lurking along lovers lanes no longer have the "ower to scare teenagers. homage (;0M-i+), noun Dis"lay o! s"ecial res"ect or honor. #o "ay ho'age to so'eone is to act in a way that shows high reverence or alleigance. #he !a'ily 'a e the long auto tri" "ri'arily to "ay ;0MA)& to their ying uncle. hovel (;U,-ul), noun A 'o est, hu'ble ho'e or hutA a ru e or irty welling-"lace. %n the stor' scenes o! $ing 2ear, & war is isguise as 6oor #o', a lunatic who has sought shelter in a ;0,&2 on the barren heath. hubbub (;UB-ub), noun A co''otionA an outburst.
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#he ;UBBUB outsi e our win ow ca'e as a sur"riseA the "ara e was not ue !or an hour, yet the streets were alrea y thronge with "eo"le. iconoclastic (eye-kon-uh-$2ASS-tik), a +ective )iven to attacking cherishe institutions or belie!s. #aken 'ost literally, iconoclastic escribes a "erson who e!aces or estroys holy i'ages or icons. Shaw-s %C0(0C2AS#%C a""roach to issues o! social class won hi' 'any ene'ies. ilk (ilk), noun 9a'ily, ty"e, or category. % have no use !or such va"i writers as Crennen!iel , or anyone o! his %2$. illusory (ih-200-suh-ree), a +ective An illusion is so'ething that a""ears real but is not. #hus, so'ething illusory see's genuine but is "robably !ake or ece"tive. A!ter she 'ove to the beach, 2orna e3"ecte to !eel +oy but instea !oun that +oy %22US0*5. impalpable (i'-6A2-"uh-bull), a +ective %'"ossible to "erceive through use o! the sense o! touch. %'"al"able also re!ers to anything e3tre'ely i!!icult to "erceive or inter"ret. #he "rosecution has trie to connect 'y client with the 'ur erer, but all the connections they have "ut !orwar have been %M6A26AB2& ones. imparity (i'-6A*&-uh-tee), noun %ne7ualityA is"arity. #hings that are une7ual in sco"e or e3tent "ossess i'"arity. #he treaty will recti!y the serious %M6A*%#5 that now e3ists in wea"ons syste's. impasse (%M-"ass), noun A situation that see's to o!!er no solution or esca"e. #o reach an i'"asse is to co'e to a "oint o! stale'ate. 2iterally, an i'"asse is a ea -en street or "assage. #orn reali.e that his relationshi" with Betty ha co'e to an %M6ASS&A ivorce was now on her 'in , an he knew it.

impecunious (i'-"ih-$500-nee-uss), a +ective 2acking in 'oneyA having little or nothing in the way o! !un s. 8hen )reg an Cheryl !irst 'et, their %M6&CU(%0US circu'stances le the' to take a lot o! long walks instea o! going out to inner or ancing. imperiled (i'-6A*&-ul ), a +ective &n angere . 9re knew that i! he stu'ble on the !inal history test o! the year, the B"lus average he ha worke towar all se'ester long woul be %M6&*%2&D. impertinent (i'-6U**-tih-nent), a +ective *u eA brash. So'ething that is i'"ro"er or beyon establishe boun s is i'"ertinent. 8hat an %M6&*#%(&(# thing to say@ impetus (%;M-"uh-tuss), noun #he !orce that 'oves so'ething or so'eone to action. 2osing his +ob beca'e the %M6&#US !or /ohn to !ocus !ull-ti'e on his writing career. implore (i'-620*&), verb #o beseech or beg !or !ervently. #o i'"lore is to "lea urgently. She %M620*&D hi' to atten the "arty. impolitic (i'-6A82-i-tick), a +ective (ot e3"e ientA in+u icious. A!ter a !ew rinks, Uncle *olan has an un!ortunate habit o! 'aking %M602%#%C re'arks about 'y !ather-s !aile business ventures. importunate (i'-60*&-chuh-nit), a +ective De'an ing or i'"atient in issuing re"eate re7uests. An i'"ortunate "erson 'akes 'any annoying entreaties. #wo-year-ol s, though lovable, can be %M60*#U(A#&A 8esley see'e un"re"are !or this. imprecation (i'-"rih-$A5-shun), noun An oath or curse. #he verb !or' is Di'"recate.E 8hen the wi e receiver !u'ble the ball, the crow attacke hi' with nu'erous color!ul %M6*&CA#%0(S. impropriety (i'-"ruh-6*5-ih-tee), noun %ncorrectness. An i'"ro"riety is a 'is ee or crossing o! establishe social 'ores.
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Beverly-s 'inor %M6*06*%&#5 at the inner table was overlooke A the conversation turne 7uickly to other to"ics. impugn (i'-6500(), verb #o bran as !alse in argu'ent or iscourse. %'"ugn usually i'"lies an o"en attack or challenge u"on another-s honesty or 'otives. Are you atte'"ting to %M6U)( 'y husban -s version o! the attackF inception (in-S&6-shun), noun Beginning. %nce"tion re!ers to the generation o! an i ea or organis', !ro' its initial evelo"'ental stages onwar . #he car was ri le with esign !laws, 'ost ating back to the auto-s %(C&6#%0( in <O?=. incipient (in-S%6-ee-unt), a +ective &arly in evelo"'entA at a beginning stage. Atte'"ting to stave o!! an %(C%6%&(# !lu, Marsha consu'e glass a!ter glass o! orange +uice. inclement (in-C2&M-unt), a +ective ;arsh. %ncle'ent is o!ten use to re!er to the con ition o! the weather. #he une3"ecte %(C2&M&(# weather ruine our vacation. incongruous (in-C0(-groo-uss), a +ective (ot consistentA inco'"atible. Much o! the trou"e-s hu'or relies on an absur grou"ing o! %(C0()*U0US ele'ents, a techni7ue best e3e'"li!ie by the a""erlooking, by-the-nu'bers bureaucrat who hea s u" the Ministry o! Silly 8alks. incontestable (in-kuhn-#&S-tuh-bull), a +ective Cannot be argue with because it is un7uestionable. #he !act that 2loy thinks his talent !or bir calls will be !oun attractive by wo'en is %(C0(#&S#AB2& "roo! that he will re'ain a li!elong bachelor. inculcate (%(-kul-kate), verb #o instill (learning) by 'eans o! re"etition or instruction. #o inculcate is to i'"ress an i ea u"on so'eone with urging or earnest e3a'"le. *achel trie to %(CU2CA#& the virtue o! thri!t in her aughter.

indefatigable (in- i-9A#-ih-guh-bul), a +ective #ireless. So'eone who "ossesses unyiel ing sta'ina is in e!atigable. Betty, an %(D&9A#%)AB2& runner, never see'e to slow her "ace. indignant (in-D%)-nunt), a +ective Marke by in ignationA o!!en e by behavior "erceive as un+ust or i''oralA angere . Although % a"ologi.e !or the better "art o! a week !or showing u" raving runk at Si'on-s "arent-s house, he re'aine %(D%)(A(#. indoctrinate (in-D0C$-truh-nate), verb #o teachA to i'"art with the knowle ge or views o! a "articular grou", "hiloso"hy, or theory. Ma3-s earnest atte'"ts to %(D0C#*%(A#& 'e with the i eals o! the Co''unist 6arty le!t 'e howling with laughter. indubitable (in-D00-bih-tuh-bull), a +ective Absolutely un7uestionable an co'"letely beyon oubt. 8arren-s been right so 'any ti'es that his +u g'ent is consi ere %(DUB%#AB2&. inebriated (in-&&-bree-ate-u ), a +ective %nto3icate . So'eone who is inebriate is runk. #he two 'en at the bar beca'e stea ily 'ore %(&B*%A#&D as the night wore on. inexorable (in-&$-sur-uh-bul), a +ective Unyiel ing. So'ething that is stubborn or unwavering is ine3orable. D#he %(&B0*AB2& a vance o! our troo"s,E the Union general sai ha""ily, Dwill co'"licate things !or Mr. Davis.E inexplicable (in-eks-62%$-uh-bul), a +ective De!ying e3"lanation or inter"retation. #hat which is har to co''unicate is ine3"licable. My o""onent-s !ailure to !ile inco'e ta3 returns is %(&B62%CAB2&. inextricable (in-ick-S#*%C$-uh-bull), a +ective %nca"able o! being isentangle . Also escribes so'ething that is ho"elessly co'"le3. #he a verb !or', which you 'ay see, is Dine3tricably.E #he %(&B#*%CAB2& "roble' re'aine unsolve , even a!ter the co'"any-s
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best 'in s s"ent three ays attacking it. infer (in-9U*), verb #o gather by reasoning. #o in!er is not the sa'e as to i'"ly, which 'eans Dto leave the suggestion that.E % think we can %(9&* here that the author is using the character as a 'outh"iece o! sorts to air her own concerns. infinitesimal (in-!in-uh-#&SS-ih-'ull), a +ective So s'all that it can-t accurately be 'easure . 8hich color li"stick to wear tonight is an %(9%(%#&S%MA2, not a 'a+or, issue, so let-s get going alrea y@ infirmity (in-9U*-'ih-tee), noun A "hysical ail'ent. So'eti'es the wor is use to enote a 'ental weakness, such as being overly cautious. *an all, get over yoursel!. An ingrown toenail is annoying. %t-s not an %(9%*M%#5. 5ou cannot "ark in the han ica""e s"ot@ inordinate (in-0*- en-it), a +ective &3cessiveA too 'uch. An %(0*D%(A#& nu'ber o! stu ents !aile the last test, lea ing 6ro!essor ;arris to believe he- 'a e it too i!!icult. inroad (%(-roa ), noun An o"ening or entry (sai es"ecially o! a new i ea, ca'"aign, or un ertaking). %nroa originally re!erre to a 'ilitary 'aneuver uring invasion. #he new bran o! cookies was still unknown in the South, although it ha 'a e signi!icant %(*0ADS in the Mi west. inscrutable (in-S$*00-tuh-bul), a +ective Dense or i!!icult to !atho'A resisting o! scrutiny. So'ething that is har to eci"her coul be calle inscrutable. #o'-s %(SC*U#AB2& s'ile 'a e 'any in the roo' uneasy. insuperable (in-S00-"ur-uh-bul), a +ective %'"ossible to overco'e. 9ace with hostile rhetoric !ro' 'e'bers o! his own "arty, 'ounting o""osition in Congress, an a see'ingly %(SU6&*AB2& resistance to his "olicies on the "art o! the "ress, the "resi ent 'ust so'eti'es have won ere why he ever selecte this line o! work.

interminable (in-#U;*-'ih-nuh-bull), a +ective Describes so'ething un"leasant that is see'ingly without en . My wait in the octor-s waiting roo' see'e %(#&*M%(AB2&. intractable (in-#*AC$-tuh-bull), a +ective Unwilling to be le A stubborn. Although Monty trie everything he coul think o! to hel" &lston overco'e his habit o! e3"lo ing at his coworkers, &lston "rove 7uite %(#*AC#AB2& an actually see'e to resent his e!!orts. intrinsic (in-#*%(-.ik), a +ective %n the essential nature o! a thing. So'ething intrinsic is !un a'ental in character. #he %(#*%(S%C value o! gol was one o! the !ew co''on econo'ic !actors the nations coul take a vantage o!. invective (in-,&$-tiv), noun Abusive language. %nvective is enunciatory or overly harsh s"eech or writing. Clark-s strea' o! %(,&C#%,& near the en o! the 'eeting was totally uncalle !or. inveigh (in-,A5), verb #o "rotest strongly. %nveigh is usually !ollowe by against. #he crow %(,&%);&D against the governor-s ecision to co''ute Davi son-s sentence. inveterate (in-,&#-er-ut), a +ective Dee"-roote . A "ersisting or long-establishe habit is an inveterate one. Mike is an %(,&#&*A#& ga'blerA his 'arriage su!!ere greatly because o! it. irremediable (ihr-ree-M&&- ee-uh-bull), a +ective Describes so'ething that cannot be re"aire , cure , or re'e ie . 0ne too 'any argu'ents between *ose an /i' !inally le!t their !ragile relationshi" %**&M&D%AB2&. jocose (+oh-$0;SS), a +ective Characteri.e by +oking an goo hu'or. &veryone loves Bob because o! his /0C0S& 'anner. jocund (/0$-un ), a +ective
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)iven to 'erri'ent. So'eone who "ossesses a cheery is"osition is +ocun . #i'-s /0CU(D "ersonality 'a e hi' the li!e o! the "arty. jurisprudence (+oor-iss-6*00- ence), noun #he science o! law. /uris"ru ence is the "hiloso"hy behin legal "ractice. Casey-s stu y o! /U*%S6*UD&(C& laste !or three long years. kibosh ($5&-bosh), noun #he act o! halting or s7uelching. #o "ut the kibosh on so'ething is to sto" it. 2iterally, a kibosh is a s"ell that brings about the oo' o! so'ething. 8e ha wante to go to the baseball ga'e, but *yan1who-s bore by the s"ort1"ut the $%B0S; on that "retty 7uickly. kow-tow ($08-tow), verb #o show res"ect, e!erence, or servility. 9or the sake o! kee"ing "eace in the !a'ily, Alice $08-#08&D to her !ather, s"en ing her evenings at ho'e instea o! +oining her !rien s at the ance club. laborious (luh-B0*&-ee-us), a +ective *e7uiring a great eal o! har work an "erseverance. &ven though the years in school were 2AB0*%0US, they were worth the e!!ort when % earne 'y 6h.D. lachrymose (2AC$-rih-'oce), a +ective Causing tears or sa ness. 8hile 'ost 'en % know is'iss An A!!air to *e'e'ber as a 2AC;*5M0S& 'elo ra'a, the wo'en in 'y o!!ice consi er it one o! the best 'ovie ro'ances in history. lambaste (2AM-baste), verb an noun #o re"ri'an shar"ly or attack verbally. 2a'baste originally 'eant Dto beat harshly.E 8hat a 2AMBAS#%() he receive !ro' his 'other !or co'ing ho'e late@ lamentation (la'-en-#A5-shun), noun An e3"ression o! 'ourning. 0riginally, a la'ent was a song or "oe' e3"ressing grie!A a la'entation is the act o! e3"ressing grie! an sorrow.

$arl hear groans o! 2AM&(#A#%0( !ro' his 'other-s roo'. lascivious (luh-S%,-ee-us), a +ective 8anton or lust!ul. #hat which e3cites se3ual esires is lascivious. )ran 'other /ones, u"on being in!or'e that the ancers at the club ha one a cancan !or us, enounce such 2ASC%,%0US goings on. laudable (2A8D-uh-bul), a +ective 8orthy or eserving o! "raise. Dryly, 6ro!essor ;el'ut tol 'e that 'y a'bition to write the great A'erican novel was 2AUDAB2&, but that un!ortunately 'y 'anuscri"t was a !ew ra!ts away !ro' 'eeting that goal. laudatory (2A8- uh-tore-ee), a +ective )iving "raise. A lau atory s"eech is one that "raises or glori!ies. /ohn-s 2AUDA#0*5 re'arks really 'otivate the sales !orce. levity (2&;-vih-tee), noun 2ightnessA insubstantiality. 2evity o!ten re!ers to ina""ro"riately i le or hu'orous chatter. )entle'en, with all ue res"ect, we !ace a crisisA this is no ti'e !or 2&,%#5. liaison (lee-ay-40(), noun A co''unication channel. AlsoC a "erson who acts as a go-between or !or'al re"resentative. AlsoC a ro'antic a!!air. 2iaison is o!ten use to escribe the 'eetings o! lovers, but it a""lies e7ually to !or'al organi.ational or bureaucratic contact. Ca"tain Morse was 'et by an Air 9orce 2%A%S0( within 'inutes o! his arrival. libation (li-BA5-shun), noun An alcoholic beverage o!!ere or acce"te in celebration. (#he wor is usually use !acetiously, as i! to e3aggerate the su""ose !or'ality o! an in!or'al occasion.) 0riginally, a libation was a li7ui o!!ering at a !or'al religious rite. 8ill you +oin us in a 2%BA#%0(, CharlesF libretto (li-B*&#-oh), noun #he te3t o! a 'usical work, such as a cantata or o"era, o!ten acco'"anie by a translation.
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As she is !luent in %talian, Maria rarely nee s to re!er to the 2%B*&##0 when atten ing the o"era. lieu (loo), noun 6laceA stea . #his year, in 2%&U o! in ivi ual Christ'as "resents, the !ive o! us took a !a'ily vacation to ;awaii. limpid (2%M-"i ), a +ective ,ery clearA trans"arent. 2ooking into a 2%M6%D strea' o! swi!t-!lowing water, we saw that it was !ull o! 'igrating sal'on. litany (2%#-uh-nee), noun So'ething (es"ecially a list or a single sentence) relate incessantly in an unwavering 'anner. A litany is a res"onsive "rayer service within the Catholic church 'arke by 'uch re"etition. 8e listene to )reta recite the usual 2%#A(5 o! "roble's in the 'arketing e"art'ent. livid (2%;-vi ), a +ective &3tre'ely angryA in!uriate . 2iterally, livi 'eans iscolore (as !ro' a bruise). #o say so'eone is livi in the sense o! being angry is really to say his anger is so acute as to cause a change in his coloring. Caroline was 2%,%D a!ter she reali.e she ha been swin le . locomotion (lo-kuh-M0-shun), noun #he act or ability o! 'oving !ro' "lace to "lace. Chil ren-s lack o! 20C0M0#%0( to ay is resulting in an obesity e"i e'ic. loquacious (loe-$8A5-shuss), a +ective &3tre'ely talkative. So'eone "rone to nervous chatter coul be sai to be lo7uacious. Michael "rove a 20:UAC%0US houseguestA Mrs. Stevens i the best she coul to 'anage his one-si e conversational torrents. lucid (200-si ), a +ective %ntelligible. 2uci can also re!er to a clear 'ental state. Although be lost consciousness !or a !ew 'inutes, )lenn was 2UC%D be!ore the a'bulance arrive . lucre (200-kur), noun

6ro!itsA !inancial rewar sA 'oney. A!ter untol hours creating an evelo"ing the so!tware "rogra', Miles receive only K=,GGG !or his e!!orts1a tiny !raction o! the 2UC*& that "oure into co'"any co!!ers !ro' sales o! the "ro uct. lugubrious (loo-)00-bree-us), a +ective Mourn!ul in the e3tre'e. 2ugubrious re!ers to so'ething or so'eone 'ourn!ul to an ina""ro"riate egree. 5ou 'ay consi er Steven-s "oe's D arkEA to 'e, they are si'"ly 2U)UB*%0US. macrocosm (MA$-ruh-ko.-u'), noun A re"resentation on a large scaleA the universe envisione in its totality. %n a ition, a large syste' that re!lects one o! its co'"onent syste's is a 'acrocos'. So'e early astrono'ers obviously believe the "hysical universe to be a a MAC*0C0SM o! e3isting social an religious structures. magisterial ('a ge-ih-S#&&*-ee-uhl), a +ective Describes the authority, weight, an gravity o! so'eone consi ere a 'aster o! a "articular art, task, ability, etc. 8ith MA)%S#&*%A2 grace, the con uctor li!te her baton. malaise ('uh-2A4&), noun A vague !eeling o! illness, uneasiness, or sa ness. DSheer i iocy,E co''ente the "ro!essor at the en o! 'y "a"er, in which % argue that Shakes"eare-s $ing 2ear su!!ere only a "assing MA2A%S&, not 'a ness. malcontent ('al-kuhn-#&(#), a +ective or noun So'eone unha""y with his or her circu'stances or with his or her govern'ent, +ob, li!estyle, etc. As an a +ective, 'alcontent escribes such a "erson. ;arvey is such a MA2C0(#&(# that he-ll argue with you i! you tell hi' it-s a nice ay@ mar ('ar), verb #o s"oil, a'age, or tarnish.
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Alissa-s birth ay "arty was MA**&D by a lou altercation between two 'otorists on the street outsi e our house. masticate (MASS-tih-kate), verb #o chew. #o 'asticate is to knea an grin with the teeth. )ran "a, always an e3travagant s"eaker, re!erre to his entures as his DMAS#%CA#%() co'"anions.E maudlin (MAUD-lin), a +ective )ushingly or tear!ully senti'ental. % woul have like to believe $ent when he swore % was his earest !rien in the worl , but % ha a !eeling it was all the MAUD2%( babbling o! a 'an who ha ha a little too 'uch !un at a "arty. maunder (MA8(- ur), verb #o s"eak or act in an ai'less, incoherent !ashion. %n s"ite o!1or "erha"s because o!1his !ather-s ten ency to be an overachiever, 8illia' MAU(D&*&D through li!e without the slightest a'bition. meander ('ee-A(- er), verb #o !ollow a turning an win ing "ath. #o 'ean er is to wan er i ly without a set goal. /ack, lost without his sho""ing list, M&A(D&*&D hel"lessly through the aisles o! the su"er'arket. melee (MA5-lay), noun 9ro' the 9rench 'eaning D'e le,E a 'elee is a con!use struggle involving 'any "eo"le. A!ter the batter was struck by the "itcher-s ball, "layers !ro' both tea's ran out onto the !iel , an a M&2&& ensue . mendicant (M&(- ih-kunt), noun Beggar. #here, a'ong the casto!!s o! society, the le"ers, M&(D%CA(#S, an "rostitutes o! the city, he eci e to begin his 'inistry. meritorious ('are-uh-#0*&-ee-uss), a +ective 8orthy o! "raise, lau able. &arl-s work at the ho'eless shelter was M&*%#0*%0US, but it le!t hi' little ti'e !or his !a'ily an !rien s. mete ('eet), verb #o 'easure outA to istribute in "ro"ortion.

*olan "resse ahea with the case, con!i ent that right woul "revail an that +ustice woul eventually be M&#&D out. meticulous ('uh-#%C$-you-luss), a +ective 6recise an thorough, to the "oint o! !ussiness. /a'es is so M&#%CU20US he can tell i! you-ve 'ove anything on his resser as little as a 7uarter o! an inch@ mtier (MA5-tee-yay), noun 9ro' the 9rench 'eaning D'inister,E one-s 'Ntier is one-s occu"ation, "ro!ession, or !iel o! work. %! you nee so'e "roo!rea ing one, go see Albert. & iting is his MI#%&*. microcosm (M5-kro-ko.-u'), noun A 'o el that re!lects a larger thing. A 'icrocos' is a s'all syste' roughly co'"arable to a larger syste'. A M%C*0C0SM o! society is re"resente on boar the 6e7uo in Melville-s novel Moby Dick. midriff (M%D-ri!!), noun 0n the hu'an bo y, the 'i le area o! the torsoA the ia"hrag'. Allison won ere i! the out!it she ha selecte was a""ro"riate !or 'eeting her !iance-s "arentsA the shirt barely covere her M%D*%99. mien ('een), noun De'eanorA a""earanceA overall i'"ression. A "unctual 'an with an attentive, organi.e M%&(, #ony see'e the i eal can i ate !or the +ob. milieu ('ill-50U), noun 9ro' the 9rench 'eaning Din the 'i le,E 'ilieu escribes one-s cultural an social surroun ings. 8hen % walke into the skateboar store, % knew i''e iately that % was out o! 'y M%2%&U. minuscule (M%(-uss-kyool), a +ective &3tre'ely s'all. So'eti'es, trying to eci"her the M%(USCU2& na'es, nu'bers, an signs on a 'a" only 'akes 'e !eel 'ore lost. minutiae ('ih-(00-shuh), noun 9ro' the 2atin 'eaning Ds'allness,E 'inutiae are all the s'all, tri!ling 'atters that one encounters on an average ay. By the ti'e %-ve taken care o! all the ay-s M%(U#%A&1"aying bills, getting
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the ki s to school1% barely have any ti'e le!t to work@ miscellany (M%SS-uh-lay-nee), noun A grou"ing or collection o! various ele'ents. #he volu'e, which !eature a ho ge"o ge o! essays, "oe's, an interviews relating to the Beats, was an intriguing M%SC&22A(5 o! writings !ro' the bohe'ian worl o! the !i!ties. misconstrue ('is-kun-S#*00), verb #o get the wrong i eaA to 'isun erstan or 'isinter"ret. #o' M%SC0(S#*U&D 2in a-s !rien liness as !lirting1until he 'et her boy!rien . misnomer ('iss-(0-'ur), noun An incorrect or ina""ro"riate na'e. ,la the %'"aler, the historical antece ent !or the Dracula character, was a 'an a""arently intent on e'onstrating to the worl that his na'e was no M%S(0M&*. moniker (M0(-ih-kur), noun (a'eA nickna'e. #he rock star Sting has reveale in interviews that even his "arents an chil ren re!er to hi' by his !a'ous M0(%$&*. monochromatic ('on-owe-kru-MA#-ik), a +ective 0! a single color. So'ething that !eatures varying sha es o! only one hue in a ition to the backgroun hue (usually white) is 'onochro'atic. #he swee" an "ower o! A a's-s M0(0C;*0MA#%C "hotogra"hy "roves how 'uch can be acco'"lishe with a roll o! black-an -white !il'. montage ('on-#A4;), noun 9ro' the 9rench 'eaning Da 'ounting,E a 'ontage is a variety o! visuals1"hotogra"hs, !il' cli"s, etc.1brought together to "resent an i ea. %n essence, a 'ontage is a vi eo collage. #he ocu'entary-s e3cellent use o! M0(#A)& really brought to li!e the triu'"hs an heartbreaks o! 8orl 8ar %%. moribund (M0*&-uh-bun ), a +ective About to ie. Moribun 'eans, literally, Dboun towar eath.E #he Con!e eracy lay in ruins, its currency worthless, its ca"ital esecrate ,

its once "rou !ighting !orce M0*%BU(D. morose ('uh-*0C&), a +ective 9rightening or gloo'y. Morose re!ers to that which is 'elancholy or sullen in s"irit. Carl knew his co'"any was hea e !or bankru"tcyA he s"ent several long M0*0S& nights alone staring silently at the accounting le ger. multifaceted ('ul-tee-9ASS-ih-ti ), a +ective 6ossessing 'any !acets or i'ensions. So'eone who has 'any talents is 'ulti!acete . /oan, a MU2#%9AC&#&D writer, ha "ublishe "oe's, essays, an novels. muse ('yoo.), verb #o 'e itate (about a to"ic). #o 'use over so'ething is to consi er it closely. 6hyllis MUS&D over the a vertising ca'"aign !or so'e ays be!ore !inally a""roving it. mutable (M500-tuh-bull), a +ective Unstable an likely to change at a 'o'ent-s notice. Barb-s !ashion sense is co'"letely MU#AB2&. 0ne ay she-s in "olka ots, the ne3t in stri"es, the ne3t in i'itation .ebra skin. myriad (M&&*-ee-u ), a +ective %nnu'erable. #o say there are 'yria reasons to o so'ething is to say there are too 'any to list. & war -s res"onsibilities were M5*%AD, but his authority was al'ost none3istent. nascent ((A5-sunt), a +ective &'erging. (ascent re!ers to so'ething-s early stages o! co'ing into e3istence. #he (ASC&(# re"ublic ha !ew i! any establishe e'ocratic tra itions. nebulous ((&B-yuh-luss), a +ective Clou yA vague. &very ti'e Clau ia trie to ask 6hili" about his intentions or the !uture o! their relationshi", he gave a (&BU20US re"ly an change the sub+ect. negate (nih-)A#&), verb #o cause to be ine!!ectualA to eny. % i'agine that ouble hot !u ge sun ae % ate co'"letely (&)A#&D the
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e!!ects o! 'y 'orning e3ercises. neophyte ((&&-uh-!ite), noun A recent convert. (eo"hyte o!ten re!ers to so'eone whose new!oun .eal is not balance by e3"erience. /ane, a relative (&06;5#&, !oun little war'th in her iscussions with the other, 'ore knowle geable 'e'bers o! the grou". nettle ((&#-uhl), verb A nettle is a "lant covere with stinging hairs. #hus, when use as a verb, nettle 'eans to "rovoke, irritate, or annoy. 2ynn-s irkso'e co''ents never !ail to (&##2& 'e. nondescript (non- uh-S$*%6#), a +ective (ot having a "articularly istinctive or interesting a""earanceA har to escribe. 8ith all the cars on the lot to choose !ro', 6eggy went an "icke a (0(D&SC*%6# grey se an. nonentity (non-&(-ti-tee), noun So'ething that oes not e3ist. A nonentity is a vacuu' or a "urely i'aginary thing. (onentity is so'eti'es use insultingly to escribe a "erson o! little i'"ortance. 5ou 'ay sa!ely regar this clause o! the contract as a (0(&(#%#5A it is obsolete an co'"letely unen!orceable. nonpareil (non-"uh-*&22), noun A "erson without "arallel or e7ual. (on"areil can also 'ean Da !lat chocolate covere with colore sugar.E 9rank is har ly the (0(6A*&%2 as a 'ystery writer he 'akes hi'sel! out to be. nonpartisan (non-6A*-tih-.un), a +ective (ot a 'e'ber o! a "arty ("olitical grou") or associationA unbiase . Although the co''ission was su""ose to be (0(6A*#%SA(, Martin knew !or a !act that three o! the 'e'bers were ye -in-the-wool De'ocrats who woul never vote against the interests o! their "arty. obeisance (oh-BA5-suhnts), noun A 'ove'ent, such as a bow, that shows res"ect !or so'eone else. Most

o! the ti'e, this wor is use negatively, to in icate that one believes so'eone is acting like a syco"hant or toa y. #he 0B&%SA(C& Ma3 shows Mr. /enkins is +ust revolting. obfuscate (0B-!uss-kate), verb #o 'u y or con!use an issue. So'eone who ob!uscates 'akes every e!!ort to 'u le !acts i'"ortant to so'eone else-s +u g'ent or ecision. #he e!ense has "ut u" with enough o! these atte'"ts to 0B9USCA#&, 5our ;onor. obsolescence (ob-suh-2&SS-unce), noun #he state or con ition o! beco'ing out ate . 6lanne obsolescence is the eliberate Dun er esigningE o! "ro ucts or syste'sA the ite's are 'eant to wear out sooner than they 'ight in or er to 'ake way !or new ite's to !ul!ill essentially the sa'e !unction. #he !ar' 'achinery-s 0BS02&SC&(C& was now har !or even )ran "a to eny. oeuvre (00-vruh), noun 9ro' the 9rench 'eaning Dwork,E an oeuvre is an artist-s, writer-s, or co'"oser-s bo y o! work, treate as a whole. #he !il' was not a""reciate !or 'any years because it see'e so se"arate !ro' the irector-s usual 0&U,*&. ogle (0;-gul), verb #o watch intentlyA to ga.e at lasciviously. Bryan-s i ea o! an a!ternoon well s"ent was lounging aroun the beach 0)2%() wo'en twenty years too young !or hi'. omnibus (0;M-nih-bus), noun So'ething that covers 'any areas or sub+ectsA also, a bus. #he 0M(%BUS law "asse shortly a!ter the "ublication o! Sinclair-s #he /ungle was 'eant to assure consu'ers that blatant violations o! basic health an 7uality stan ar s woul never again be seen in the !oo in ustry. omnidirectional (o'-nee- uh-*&$-shun-ul), a +ective
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Ca"able o! receiving or trans'itting !ro' every irection. Agent 8arren hi a tiny 0M(%D%*&C#%0(A2 'icro"hone in the sus"ecte rug s'uggler-s hotel roo'. onomatopoeia (on-uh-'ot-uh-6&&-uh), noun #he evelo"'ent o! a wor whose "ronunciation i'itates its 'ain re!erence. #he wor s Ds"latE an Dbu..,E !or instance, are e3a'"les o! ono'ato"oeia. 0ver the centuries, the "rocess o! 0(0MA#060&%A has beco'e an acce"te "art o! the &nglish language. opacity (oh-6ASS-ih-tee), a +ective Degree o! i'"erviousness to lightA level o! o"a7ueness. #he "a"er was o! a very low 06AC%#5, nearly trans"arent. operatic (o"-uh-*A#-ik), a +ective *elating to or re'iniscent o! the o"eraA overly ra'atic or i!!icult to believe. %-' a!rai 'y !a'ily-s con!lict style ten s to be a little 06&*A#%C at ti'es. orator (0*&-uh-tur), noun A gi!te an "ersuasive "ro!essional "ublic s"eaker. Don-s encyclo"e ic knowle ge o! the to"ic, co'bine with his ability as an 0*A#0*, 'a e hi' the o s-on !avorite to win the ebate. orgiastic (ore-+ee-ASS-tick), a +ective *e'iniscent o! or "ertaining to an orgyA likely to elicit e3tre'ely intense e'otions. 8hen the oors o"ene the sho""ers strea'e into the store in an 0*)%AS#%C !ren.y, hurrying to !in the sale-s best bargains. orifice (0*&-ih-!iss), noun An o"ening in the bo y. #he 0*%9%C& 6rince ;a'let 'akes the 6layer $ing select as the rece"tacle !or "oison, his victi'-s ear, recalls the 'etho Clau ius use in killing ;a'let-s !ather. oscillate (0SS-ih-late), verb #o sway back an !orthA vacillate. My two-year-ol ne"hew was 'es'eri.e by the !ishtank, with its color!ul !ish, 0SC%22A#%() "lants, an so!t lighting.

ostensibly (uh-S#&(-sib-lee), a verb See'inglyA as re"resente . A reason ostensibly given !or taking an action is the reason that, to all intents an "ur"oses, one woul associate with 'otivating the act. ;e was 0S#&(S%B25 visiting the city on businessA no one was aware o! his es"ionage activities. overweening (0;-ver-8&&(-ing), a +ective 0vercon!i ent, "rou , arrogant. &ven a!ter losing the race, the athlete retaine her 0,&*8&&(%() 'anner. pacify (6ASS-ih-!ie), verb #o bring to a "oint o! "eaceA to issua e !ro' anger or hostility. So'eone who eases tensions or resolves con!licts "aci!ies a situation. ;er suggestion that she o!!er a written a"ology to the o!!en e client see'e to 6AC%95 Mr. 6eters. pagination ("a+-ih-(A5-shun), noun #he nu'bers by which one 'arks the "ages in a book. 6agination also re!ers to the se7uence an arrange'ent o! "ages in a book. #he wor "rocessor 6A)%(A#&D /i'-s ocu'ent !lawlessly the !irst ti'e. palatable (6A2-uh-tuh-bull), a +ective Agreeable in taste. 6alatable can also 'ean Dacce"table.E 5ou have two o"tions, Mr. Mayor, neither very 6A2A#AB2&. pallid (6A2-i ), a +ective 8an, "aleA lacking bright, ee" color. 9ra.ier-s 6A22%D co'"le3ion an inability to bear even the slightest noise le 'e to conclu e that he was hung over. palpitate (6A2-"ih-tate), verb #o !lutterA to beat 'ore ra"i ly than usual. Mel-s heart 6A26%#A#&D wil ly at the "ros"ect o! a ate with %r'a. paltry (6A;2-tree), a +ective #rivialA insigni!icantA worthless. #he 6A2#*5 su' !oun in the cash register 'a e us regret having "icke this store !or our !irst robbery. panache ("uh-(AS;), noun A istinctive !lair or styleA a !la'boyant 'anner.
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*osa'un was swe"t away by the char'ing stranger-s 6A(AC;&1he see'e so ashing an ro'antic. paradigm (6A*&-uh- i'e), noun An e3a'"le. A "ara ig' is an i eal instance or a "attern worthy o! stu y. #here have been a nu'ber o! "resi encies well suite to ti'es o! national crisis, but 2incoln-s is the 6A*AD%)M. parameter ("uh-*AM-uh-ter), noun 2i'it or boun ary. 6ara'eter also has a technical 'eaning within the !iel o! statistics, but this is not in co''on use. 8ithin these broa 6A*AM&#&*S, you are !ree to act as you see !it. paraphernalia ("are-uh-!ur-(A2&-ee-uh), noun 0ne-s "ossessionsA accessory ite's relating to a "articular "ro!ession, hobby, or activity. #he abun ance o! rug 6A*A6;&*(A2%A !oun in his hotel roo' i not o 'uch to su""ort the rock star-s clai' that he abstaine !ro' all into3icating substances on religious groun s. parenthetical ("ar-un-#;&#-ih-kul) a +ective Containe within "arentheses. 9iguratively, so'ething that 7uali!ies or e3"lains in a 'anner setting it o!! !ro' a 'ain i ea is "arenthetical. % shoul a , as a 6A*&(#;&#%CA2 note, that % a' onating all 'onies raise !ro' these e!!orts to charity. parity (6A%*-ih-tee), noun &7uality in ter's o! a'ount, status, "osition, etc. 8ait, wait, wait. 9ive !or you an one !or 'e is !ar !ro' 6A*%#5, 'y !rien @ parlance (6A*-lunce), noun A way o! s"eaking. So'ething that is in co''on "arlance is !a'iliar to 'ost s"eakers. #he s"ecial 6A*2A(C& o! the construction workers was i!!icult !or Mort to eci"her. parochial ("uh-*0&-key-uhl), a +ective 2i'ite or narrow in sco"e, outlook, or i eas. #his 'eaning has beco'e 'ore o'inant than the wor -s original 'eaning, which

escribes so'ething "ertaining to a "arish, such as a "arochial school. My gran !ather-s 6A*0C;%A2 views about D'en-s su"eriorityE are not likely to change. partake ("ar-#A$&), verb #o "artici"ate an share in. 5our o!!er is kin , but %-' un er strict octor-s or ers not to 6A*#A$& o! any alcoholic beverage. paucity (6A8-si-tee), noun S'allness o! nu'ber. A "aucity o! so'ething is a shortage or lack o! it. 8e were !orce to hea back own the 'ountain ue to a 6AUC%#5 o! su""lies. peccadillo ("ek-uh-D%22-oh), noun A 'inor !ault. 6eca illo co'es !ro' the %talian !or Dlittle sin.E /ane knew her 6&CCAD%220 woul be overlooke , but she coul not "ut it out o! her 'in . pecuniary ("i-$500-nee-air-ee), a +ective 0! or "ertaining to 'oney. #hat which consists o! or concerns 'oney is "ecuniary. Uncle 8alter eci e to stay with us !or a !ew 'onths owing, as he "ut it, to D6&CU(%A*5 i!!iculties.E pedagogue (6&D-uh-gog), noun An e ucator or schoolteacher. A "e agogue is a "erson who instructs. Mr. ;ar"er, a stern 6&DA)0)U&, woul not tolerate i le chatter in his class. pedestrian ("uh-D&SS-tree-uhn), a +ective 2acking in originality or vitality. #he wor also can be use to escribe so'eone who travels on !oot. %! you really want to a vance in this co'"any, you-re going to have to co'e u" with so'ething better than the 6&D&S#*%A( i eas we-ve alrea y trie an re+ecte . peerless (6&&*-luss), a +ective 8ithout "eerA above others with regar to ability or 7ualityA beyon co'"are. Mrs. *eilly-s 6&&*2&SS skills as a 'e iator soon earne her a s"ecial "osition o! res"ect on the school boar . pellucid ("uh-200S&-i ), a +ective
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0b+ects or 'eanings clear to the "oint o! trans"arency. %- ll rea anything by that author because her 6&22UC%D "rose can 'ake 'e intereste in any sub+ect. penultimate ("en-U2-ti-'ut), a +ective (e3t-to-last. 6enulti'ate is o!ten thought to 'ean D!inal,E but it oes not. #he book-s 6&(U2#%MA#& cha"ter gave no hint o! the sur"rise en ing the novel ha in store. perambulate ("uh-*AM-byuh-late), verb #o walk aroun . #o "era'bulate is to stroll or saunter. #he el erly cou"le 6&*AMBU2A#&D the city streets every night a!ter inner. permutation ("er-'yoo-#A5-shun), noun A trans!or'ation lea ing to a co'"lete change. A!ter e3"loring nu'erous 6&*MU#A#%0(S o! its style, the ban returne to the soun with which it ha !irst attracte !ans. persnickety ("urr-S(%$-uh-tee), a +ective 9ussy an overattentive to s'all etails. 6ersnickety can also 'ean Dsnobbish.E )or on 'a e a "oint o! being 6&*S(%C$&#5 about 'ealsC break!ast was always serve in his ho'e at e3actly ?CGL, an inner at e3actly >CL=. pertinacious ("er-tih-(A5-shuss), a +ective 6ersistent or obstinate to the "oint o! annoyance. #he car sales'an-s 6&*#%(AC%0US "atter cause 'e to leave the lot i''e iately. peruse ("uh-*004), verb #o rea through with attention. 6eruse can also 'ean De3a'ine with an eye to etail.E #he witness 6&*US&D the ocu'ent !or so'e ti'e, then eclare that it was not the one he ha signe . petrified (6&#-ruh-!ie ), verb Scare to the "oint o! losing the ability to 'oveA scare sti!!A turne to stone. My aunt was so 6&#*%9%&D o! snakes that when one slithere its way onto

the "ool eck, 'y brothers an % ha to carry her, lounge chair an all, into the house. phlegmatic (!leg-MA#-ic), a +ective ;aving a cal', une3citable te'"era'ent. Allan-s 6;2&)MA#%C "ersonality was certainly hel"!ul uring the ea line crunch in kee"ing us all !ro' "anicking. pillory (6%22-uh-ree), verb %n ol en ays, a "illory was a woo en !ra'e in which one was i'"risone an sub+ecte to "ublic ri icule. %n 'o ern ti'es1an as a verb1"illory 'eans to sub+ect so'eone to 'erciless "ublic ri icule or abuse. % si""e 'y 'orning co!!ee as the res"ective "arty-s "un its 6%220*%&D each other. pithy (6%#;-ee), a +ective So'ething very brie! but 'eaning!ul an concise. #he guest s"eaker li'ite his re'arks to a !ew 6%#;5 observations on the i'"ossibility o! getting anything one in 8ashington. pittance (6%#-unce), noun A very s'all a'ount. My allowance in those ays, o! course, was a 6%##A(C& co'"are to 'y brother-s. plaintive (62A%(-tive), a +ective &3"ressing sorrow or sa nessA 'ourn!ul. A 62A%(#%,& !eeling hung over the house !or weeks a!ter our og Sasha ie . platitude (62A#-ih-too ), noun A co''on"lace or useless re'ark. A state'ent that is trite or unoriginal can be consi ere a "latitu e. 5ou have taken a s"eech that see'e 7uite "ro'ising an !ille it to the bri' with 62A#%#UD&S. plenitude (62&(-ti-too ), noun Abun ance. 6lenitu e is the stan ar s"ellingA "lentitu e, though co''only use , is generally consi ere incorrect. #he su en 62&(%#UD& o! su""lies was certainly a welco'e change !or the hungry travelers. plethora (62&#;-er-uh), noun
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&3cessive oversu""ly. #o have a "lethora o! so'ething is to have a vast 7uantity o! it. #he new e ition contains a 62&#;0*A o! trivia concerning the !il's 'a e by Mr. ;owar an his cohorts in the !orties an !i!ties. pontificate ("on-#%9-ih-kate), verb #o issue authoritative ecrees (as a "onti!! 'ight). 6onti!icate usually carries a sense o! sel!-righteous "o'"osity. Can % assu'e the Senator now inten s to 60(#%9%CA#& on the 'any virtues o! our current tra e "olicyF portend ("or-#&(D), verb #o suggest or !oretell. %! A "orten s B, A signi!ies that B is i''inent. #he tone o! /oan-s voice this 'orning 60*#&(DS trouble. posit (604-it), verb #o sti"ulate. So'eone who "osits a thing "resents or assu'es it. %n his a ress, the 'ayor 60S%#&D the con itions he woul have to 'eet to resolve the !iscal crisis. postmodern ("ost-MA;- ern), a +ective ,ery 'o ern, cutting-e ge, avant-gar e. 0l er au iences staye away in roves !ro' the irector-s 60S#M0D&*( !il's, but young "eo"le ate the' u" like can y. postulate (6A;SS-chuh-late), verb #o assu'e as sel!-evi ent so'ething !or which one has no "roo!. Cin y 60S#U2A#&D that DeveryoneE knows that "articular restaurant has terrible service. predominate ("rih-D0M-uh-nate), verb #o be the 'ost noticeable or lea ing ele'ent or to have the 'ost authority or !orce. Bra !elt that his si3 'onths in &uro"e gave hi' the right to 6*&D0M%(A#& the conversation about &uro"ean custo's an culture. preen ("reen), verb #o "ri'"A to "er!ect one-s a""earance. AlsoC to take "ri e (in onesel! or one-s acco'"lish'ents). #he crew knew that the reason Barry arrive at the stu io an hour be!ore broa cast was so that he woul have "lenty o! ti'e to 6*&&( in !ront o!

the 'irror be!ore going on ca'era. preposterous ("rih-60SS-tur-uss), a +ective So outlan ish as to be unbelievableA incre ible. 5our suggestion that we hol the boar 'eeting in the "ark in or er to en+oy the war' weather is si'"ly 6*&60S#&*0US, /a'es. presage (6*&SS-i+), verb #o !oretell or in icate. %! A "resages B, A serves as a warning or sign that B will occur soon. Such "rovocation 'ay 6*&SA)& ar'e con!lict in the region. prescience (6*&SS-ee-unce), noun 9oreknowle ge. 6rescience is the knowle ge o! events be!ore they take "lace. 2acking 6*&SC%&(C&, % really can-t tell you what Sally inten s to o. prevalent (6*&,-uh-lunt), a +ective 0ccurring o!tenA co''on. Although a belie! that so'e kin o! cons"iracy in 6resi ent $enne y-s 'ur er is certainly 6*&,A2&(# in "ublic o"inion these ays, there is no consensus on the nature o! that "ur"orte cons"iracy. prevaricate ("ri-,A*&-uh-kate), verb #o avoi revealing the true nature o! one-s "osition, actions, !eelings, etcetera. So'eone who Dwa!!lesE on an issue, throwing u" istractions or res"on ing to 7uestions evasively, is sai to "revaricate. My o""onent has chosen to 6*&,A*%CA#& rather than a ress his role in the scan al. primacy (6*5-'uh-see), noun 9irst in or er, rank, i'"ortance, etc. My aging og, Sally, ke"t trying to attack 'y new "u""y, Ma3, because she !eare he woul isru"t her 6*%MAC5 in the househol . proclivity ("ro-$2%,-ih-tee), noun A "re is"osition. #o have a "roclivity to o so'ething is to ten to o it. Allen has a 6*0C2%,%#5 to unti iness that will not go over well with *al"h.
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procure ("ro-$500*), verb #o obtain. So'eone who "rocures so'ething gathers or collects it. Susan soon 6*0CU*&D su!!icient !inancing to close the eal. prodigious ("ro-D%D)&-uss), a +ective %'"ressive in si.e, i'"act, or statureA a'a.ing. Clark-s 6*0D%)%0US collection o! ol 'ovie "osters le 'any o! his !rien s to ask whether he ha once owne a theatre. proffer (6*09-!ur), verb #o o!!erA to ten er or volunteer (a thing)A as a noun, a thing o!!ere . Colin 6*099&*&D his car as a 'eans o! getting to 9lori a !or s"ring break, but as none o! us knew how to rive a stan ar , we ha to ecline. profundity ("ruh-9U(- ih-tee), noun De"th o! reasoning or insight. So'ething that shows "ro!un ity gives evi ence o! great un erstan ing an intellectual incisiveness. A "a"er-s length is no in ication o! its 6*09U(D%#5. profusion ("ro-95004;-un), noun An abun ance or e3travagance. /ane-s !iance insiste on sen ing her such a 6*09US%0( o! !lowers that she soon ran out o! "laces to "ut the'. progenitor ("ro-/&(-ih-ter), noun An ancestor who can be trace back through the irect line. A "rogenitor can also be the originator o! a school o! thought or organi.ation. 6icasso, consi ere by 'any the 6*0)&(%#0* o! Cubis', showe a 'astery o! conventional "ainting techni7ue in his very early work. propensity ("ruh-6&(-sih-tee), noun A ten ency or inclination. *hon a-s 6*06&(S%#5 !or chocolate i not 'esh well with her iet "lans. propinquity ("ruh-6%(-kwih-tee), noun (earness, es"ecially with regar to "lace, se7uence, or here ity. %! A is in close "ro3i'ity to B, A is in "ro"in7uity to B. 2iving in 6*06%(:U%#5 to constant civil con!lict, as % i , is har ly a reci"e !or a ha""y chil hoo . propound ("ruh-60U(D), verb

#o set !orth. #o "ro"oun is to o!!er (a theory) !or review or consi eration. Dr. *ichar s 6*060U(D&D his 'ost co'"le3 'athe'atical theory yet at the con!erence. provenance (6*A;,-uh-nunts), noun Derivation, or "lace o! origin. At least three cities clai' to be the 6*0,&(A(C& o! DtrueE barbecue. proverbial ("ruh-,&*-bee-ul), a +ective Calling to 'in (a !a'iliar) "roverb. So'ething that is "roverbial shows an i''e iate "arallel with a well-known saying, story, or 'a3i'. Stan consi ere his younger brother about as use!ul as the 6*0,&*B%A2 !i!th wheel. pugilism (6500-+uh-li.-u'), noun Bo3ing. 6ugilis' is the science or "ractice o! !ist!ighting. 9inally, the two 6U)%2%S#S ste""e into the ringA the 'atch was about to begin. pulchritude (6U;2-krih-too ), noun 6hysical beauty. &'ily-s easygoing attitu e attracte boysattention al'ost as 'uch as her 6U2C;*%#UD&. purvey ("ur-,A5), verb #o su""ly. Beluga caviar, 6U*,&5&D by a local gour'et sho", was set out !or the guests on large silver trays. purview (6U**-vyoo), noun A "erson-s range o! authority an control. 5es, /unior, %-' a!rai that taking out the garbage D0&S in !act !all into your 6U*,%&8. putative (6500-tuh-tive), a +ective *e"ute or generally regar e by co''on assent. 6utative is so'eti'es con!use with "unitive, which 'eans Din!licting "unish'ent.E #he e!en ant, 6U#A#%,& hea o! the city-s 'ost notorious cri'e !a'ily, entere the courtroo' con!i ently. quaff (kwo!!), verb #o rink heavilyA to engage in the robust intake o! alcoholic beverages.
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0n his twenty-!irst birth ay, Sean vowe , he woul :UA99 at least one glass o! beer at every tavern in the city. quagmire ($8A)-'ire), noun An entangle'ent that o!!ers no rea y solution or 'eans o! esca"e. 2iterally, a 7uag'ire is a boggy "atch o! groun which wagons an caravans o!ten cannot "ass over. #he hostage situation, which once worke in the 6resi ent-s !avor, now threatens to beco'e the worst :UA)M%*& o! his a 'inistration. quandary ($80(- uh-ree), noun A ile''aA a i!!icult or uncertain situation. Alisha !oun hersel! in a real :UA(DA*5 when she reali.e she- aske two ates to the "ro'. quash (kwahsh), verb #o re"ress or sub ue co'"letely. #he 'ilitary 7uickly :UAS;&D the evelo"ing rebellion. quintessence (kwin-#&SS-unts), noun #he "urest an 'ost "er!ect !or' o! so'ething. D%n 'y o"inion,E ;owar sai , Dthe #winkie is the :U%(#&SS&(C& o! the snack cake.E rabble (*AB-ul), noun A 'obA a row y crow or isor erly grou". 9lashing ca'eras recor e the +ourney o! the accuse as the "olice gui e hi' through the *ABB2& that ha gathere on the courthouse ste"s. raiment (*A5-'unt), noun Clothing or a""arel, o!ten o! the best 7uality. Cly e stoo unco'!ortably at the "arty in his sti!! *A%M&(#. rambunctious (ra'-BU($-shuss), a +ective Di!!icult to 'anage or controlA e3tre'ely boisterous. 8e love to have *o'an an Marlena over !or inner, but their three-yearol is so *AMBU(C#%0US that no one gets to rela3 an en+oy the 'eal. ramification (ra'-ih-!ih-$A5-shun), noun &ventual conse7uence. *a'i!ication is, literally, the "rocess o! e3ten ing along branchlike "rogressionsA an act-s ra'i!ications, then, are the events or situations arising !ro' it over ti'e.

% believe the *AM%9%CA#%0(S o! a""roving this bill have not been thought through !ully. rarefied (*A*&-uh-!ie ), a +ective 2o!ty or e3alte . So'ething that is rare!ie is re!ine an o! high caliber. % 'ust a 'it % !eel a little out o! "lace in such *A*&9%&D co'"any. reapportionment (re-uh-60*&-shun-'ent), noun *e istribution. *ea""ortion'ent is generally use with re!erence to changes in "olitical istricts base on shi!ting "o"ulation. #he *&A660*#%0(M&(# o! voting istricts ra'atically a!!ecte the balance o! "ower in the ;ouse. recapitulate (re-kub-6%#-yoo-late), verb #o su''ari.e in concise !or'. #o reca"itulate a story is to relate its essential "oints brie!ly. Sgt. Dennis, an eyewitness, *&CA6%#U2A#&D the inci ent to his su"eriors at hea 7uarters. recondite (*&C$-un- ite), a +ective Describes so'ething, such as knowle ge, that is i!!icult, obscure, an beyon or inary knowle ge. % 'a e it through only !ive "ages o! the author-s *&C0(D%#& "rose be!ore turning to the latest thriller. recrimination (rih-kri'-ih-(A5-shun), noun An accusation 'a e in res"onse to an accusationA a countercharge. Bo knew that ivorce "rocee ings o!ten egenerate into en less, bitter roun s o! see'ingly "ointless *&C*%M%(A#%0(. recumbent (ri-$UM-bent), a +ective 2ying own. *ecu'bent can also 'ean Dinactive.E 0scar lay on the beach, *&CUMB&(# beneath the war' ;awaiian sun. redolent (*&D-uh-lent), a +ective &ither having a "leasant !ragrance 0* being suggestive or re'iniscent o! so'ething else, such as a writer-s work that shows clear evi ence o! another writer-s in!luence. #he song-s o'inant the'e was *&D02&(# o! well-known works by
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Beethoven. redoubtable (rih-D0U#-uh-bull), a +ective %ns"iring won er or aweA worthy o! res"ect. #he *&D0UB#AB2& Saint )eorge 'ounte his charger an set o!! in search o! his ne3t ragon. redundant (rih-DU(- unt), a +ective Unnecessarily re"etitious. By the en o! the lecture, 6ro!essor S'ith-s "oints began to see' a little *&DU(DA(#, an % gave u" taking notes when she sai !or the thir ti'e, DAn as % state earlier. . . .E reiterate (re-%#-uh-rate), verb #o restate or say againA to re"eat. 2et 'e *&%#&*A#&C #here will be no e3ce"tion to the o!!icial "olicy on re'oving unauthori.e recor ings !ro' the stu io. rejoinder (rih-/0%(- er), noun An answer to a re"ly, es"ecially a clever or witty answer. % stoo there silently, racking 'y brain !or a suitable *&/0%(D&* to Mike-s ru e re'arks. remiss (rih-M%SS), a +ective (egligentA unreliable or careless in one-s uties. % hire #e because he was 'y !rien , but i! he continues to be *&M%SS in his uties %-' a!rai %-' going to have to let hi' go. remonstrate (rih-M0(-strate), verb #o "rotest, ob+ect, or o!!er isa""rovalA to o!!er ob+ection or s"eci!ic co'"laint. (eighborhoo "arents "acke the 'eeting to *&M0(S#*A#& with the school co''ittee !or voting to close the local ele'entary school. remunerate (ri-M500-ne-rate), verb #o "ay (in consi eration o! another "erson-s e3"ense or action). #o re'unerate is to settle an e3isting !inancial obligation by 'eans o! "ay'ent. #he insurance co'"any *&MU(&*A#&D the acci ent victi' only a!ter 'onths o! elaying. repartee (re"-er-#A5), noun Conversation characteri.e by witty banter.

#he *&6A*#&& o! the new late-night host see'e rehearse rather than s"ontaneous. repose (rih-60S&), noun An instance o! resting a!ter e3ercise or strainA also, tran7uil rest re'iniscent o! eternal or heavenly ease. 8e hike in the Blue ;ills !ro' sunrise to sunset, sto""ing only !or a brie! *&60S& by the lake aroun 'i ay. resplendent (ri-S62&(- ent), a +ective Brilliantly shining. #hat which is s"len i ly lustrous is res"len ent. A sky *&S62&(D&(# with stars awaite (or'an an his telesco"e. restaurateur (reh-stuh-ruh-#U*), noun A "erson who 'anages an owns a restaurant. #he An ersons ha no one to co'"lain to when they iscovere their ru e waiter was none other than the *&S#AU*A#&U* hi'sel!. retort (rih-#0*#), verb #o re"ly in a shar", so'eti'es retaliatory !ashionA as a nounC a biting re"ly. D8ell, i! you-re so s'art,E 9rank *&#0*#&D, Dwhy i you ro" the ball on the !ive-yar lineFE retrograde (*&;-truh-gra e), a +ective 0! with rawing, retreating, or 'oving backwar . % woul n-t say you-re in a slu'". %- say you-re 'aking *&#*0)*AD& "rogress. revamp (re-,AM6), verb #o re o. #o reva'" is to renovate thoroughly. #he "laywright eci e to *&,AM6 several o! the weaker scenes in the !irst act. revelry (*&,-ul-ree), noun Uninhibite celebration. Although Allan ha a lot o! work to o, he coul n-t resist +oining in the *&,&2*5 that acco'"anie the o!!ice Christ'as "arty. revile (rih-,%2&), verb #o curse or abuse in harsh language. So'eone who is revile by another is enounce or hate by that "erson. *eali.ing that he was *&,%2&D by those o""osing his stan on the 'ilitary
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buil u", the Senator eci e to cancel his a""earance at the ca'"us. ribald (*%B-ul ), a +ective A'usingly coarse or lew . A ribal story is one that is o!!-color. #he young boys o!ten retire to a s"ot behin the gy' where they woul "reten to s'oke cigarettes an e3change *%BA2D +okes none o! the' un erstoo . rife (ri!e), a +ective 8i es"rea A co''only occurring. Uni'aginably "oor sanitary con itions, *%9& in 2on on at the ti'e, were the chie! cause o! the su!!erings o! the "lague years. rigmarole (*%)-'uh-role), noun (onsensically co'"licate "roce ure. *ig'arole is also 'islea ing an inco'"rehensible oubletalk. % have ha enough o! this author-s *%)MA*02&A % want a book with so'e substance to it. risible (*%44-uh-bull), a +ective Ca"able o! causing laughter ue to its lu icrous nature. 8ill so'eone "lease tell Sean that the hairstyle he thinks is so cool is really +ust *%S%B2&F rue (roo), verb #o be sorrow!ulA to 'ourn or regret bitterly. A!ter s"en ing "ro' night at ho'e watching 'ovies by hersel!, Susan began to *U& the ay she ha re+ecte Mark so cruelly. sacrosanct (SAC$-roh-sankt), a +ective Beyon criticis' because it is consi ere sacre . 5ou can-t critici.e the Beatles, Steve. #hey-re SAC*0SA(C#. sagacious (suh-)A5-shuss), a +ective 6erce"tiveA showing soun +u g'ent. Brian is the "er!ect can i ate !or chair'an o! the boar A e3"erience , "atient, an SA)AC%0US enough to hel" us counter the threat !ro' our co'"etitor. salubrious (suh-200B-ree-uss), a +ective ;ealth!ulA "ro'oting or contributing to goo health. 8orking out at the health club was e!initely a 'ore SA2UB*%0US use o!

'y s"are ti'e than sitting at ho'e in !ront o! the television eating "otato chi"s. sans (sans), "re"osition 8ithout. 0n the M#, show DUn"lugge ,E rock artists "er!or' their songs SA(S electric instru'ents an a'"li!iers. sartorial (sar-#0*&-ee-uhl), a +ective 6ertaining to tailors an their tra e. /ake arrive at the +ob interview in SA*#0*%A2 s"len or. satiate (SA5-shee-ate), verb Satis!y beyon reasonable e3"ectation. #o be satiate is to consu'e to e3cess. %! this #hanksgiving inner oesn-t SA#%A#& your a""etite, nothing will. saunter (S0(-tur), verb #o walk leisurely or !or "leasure. 0n Sun ay a!ternoons, Mr. 8eeks woul SAU(#&* through Central 6ark gathering 'aterial !or his short stories. scarify (S$A*&-ih-!ie), verb #o woun with harsh criticis'. #he rill instructor SCA*%9%&D recruits !or the slightest eviation !ro' "rotocol. scintilla (sin-#%22-uh), noun #he s'allest i'aginable "ortion. 5our ;onor, the "rosecution-s case, which is base entirely on hearsay, is unsu""orte by a SC%(#%22A o! har evi ence. scion (S%&-on), noun A "erson irectly escen e !ro' a given line. My "ro!essor tol 'e 'y clai' to be a SC%0( o! 8illia' Shakes"eare-s line was totally at o s both with the e3isting genealogical in!or'ation an with the 7uality o! writing in 'y ter' "a"er. sedentary (S&D-un-tare-ee), a +ective %nvolving the act o! sittingA accusto'e to a lack o! 'ove'ent or e3ercise. Although % have nothing against watching television uring the work week, % o like to engage in less S&D&(#A*5 activities on weeken s. sedition (sih-D%S;-un), noun 8or s or actions irecte against "ublic or erA the incite'ent o!
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isor er or rebellion. #he ictator-s charges o! S&D%#%0( against his "olitical o""onents were 'et with ske"ticis' by the international "ress. segue (S&)-way), noun %n 'usic, to "ass !ro' one section to anotherA also, as a noun, any connective 'atter linking, !or e3a'"le, otherwise unrelate thoughts or observations. #o'lin-s 'ature routines, which !eature ran o' observations on the eccentricities o! li!e with !ew or no S&)U&S, were risky but always rewar ing. sepulchral (suh-6U;2-kruhl), a +ective Describes so'ething that is characteristic o! a to'b because it is hollow an ee". Anyone who-s watche ol reruns o! #he A a's 9a'ily will never !orget 2urch-s S&6U2C;*A2 voice saying, D5ou rangFE seriocomic (seer-ee-oh-$0M-ik), a +ective ;aving both serious an hu'orous characteristics. 2ike 'any o! to ay-s success!ul ra'atists, &rica e'"loys S&*%0C0M%C the'es in her work. similitude (sih-M%2-ih-too ), noun 2ikeness or si'ilarity. %! A is a si'ilitu e o! B, A is si'ilar to B. Bea an *osa have a S%M%2%#UD& o! habits when it co'es to cooking. skulk (skulk), verb #o 'ove about !urtively or 7uietly. A!ter she lost her +ob, 2ea S$U2$&D aroun the town at o hours, ho"ing to avoi her !or'er colleagues. skullduggery (skull-DU)-uh-ree), noun Dishonest actionsA cheating. Mike accuse 'e o! co"ying 'y answers to the 'ath 7ui.A % re"lie that % ha never engage in such S$U22DU))&*5, or at any rate ha never been caught, which in 'y view a'ounte to 'uch the sa'e thing. smattering (SMA#-er-ing), noun A little bit. A s'attering is a s'all a'ount o! so'ething. Dean "icke u" a SMA##&*%() o! %talian uring his visit to ,enice.

smitten (SM%#-uhn), a +ective ,ery 'uch in love, or struck, as though by a har blow. 8arren is so SM%##&( with &llen that he-s "ractically sto""e getting anything "ro uctive one. snit (snit), noun An angry or nasty 'oo A an irritate state. A!ter his roo''ate s"ille gra"e +uice all over his !avorite coat, /ay was in a S(%# !or weeks. somnambulist (so'-(AM-byoo-list), noun A "erson who walks uring slee". My !ather, the 'ost notorious S0M(AMBU2%S# in our !a'ily, once e'"tie out the contents o! the re!rigerator be!ore "rocee ing back u"stairs to be . sonorous (S0(-uh-russ), a +ective Dee" or rich in soun A also, overblown or conceite in language. #he chair'an-s S0(0*0US but 'erci!ully brie! re'arks brought the long 'eeting to a close. spatial (S6A5-shull), a +ective 0! or "ertaining to "hysical s"ace. #he cover artist-s use o! varying wi ths o! ty"e leaves the viewer with an intriguing sense o! S6A#%A2 isorientation. specious (S6&&-shuss), a +ective So'ething that a""ears to be goo or right, but u"on closer e3a'ination is notA su"er!icially convincing but unsoun . My o""onent-s argu'ents 'ay see' soun at !irst hearing, but i! you will grant 'e !ive uninterru"te 'inutes, Mr. Mo erator, % will show the' to be S6&C%0US. staid (staye ), a +ective Serious an igni!ie . Bert-s !luorescent "instri"es an huge bow tie were not at all what his new su"ervisor ha in 'in when he calle !or S#A%D attire. stolid (S#02-i ), a +ective Une'otionalA i'"assive. #he witness retaine her S#02%D, "ro!essional e'eanor in the !ace o! so'e intense cross-e3a'ination. stopgap (S#06-ga"), noun A te'"orary e3"e ient.
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8e knew that kee"ing Da insi e the house by suggesting he watch the !ootball ga'e while we 'owe the lawn was nothing 'ore than a S#06)A6A sooner or later he- have to see the huge ent Billy "ut in the car. stratum (S#*A-tu'), noun 9ro' the 2atin 'eaning Dcover,E stratu' is a layer or level within a larger substance, ob+ect, i ea, etc. #he "lural is Dstrata.E As his a"ology tu'ble out, S#*A#UM a!ter stratu' o! Carl-s 'istakes ca'e to light. striate (S#*5-ate), verb #o 'ark with stri"es or streaks. #he a +ective !or', which you 'ay see, is striate . % think %- ll try to liven u" the a""earance o! this roo' by S#*%A#%() one o! its walls with white an yellow. stringent (S#*%(-+unt), a +ective %'"osing strict stan ar s, rigi . %t was very i!!icult !or Bonnie to a here to such a S#*%()&(# iet, but she 'anage to o it. stultify (S#U2-tih-!y), verb #o ren er !oolish or unable to act intelligently. #hat which stulti!ies causes a ecrease in 'ental "ower. #he intense heat ha a S#U2#%95%() e!!ect on MelanieA she !oun she ha i!!iculty thinking clearly. stymie (S#%&-'ee), verb #o thwartA to "revent (another) !ro' achieving a goal. #he re"orter-s atte'"ts to get to the botto' o! the scan al were S#5M%&D by the re!usal o! the "rinci"als to talk to hi'1either on or o!! the recor . substrate (SUB-strayt), noun An un erlying layer that serves as a !oun ation or basis. Doo ling on note"a s uring o!!ice 'eetings beca'e the SUBS#*A#& !or 6hil-s success!ul cartooning career. succinct (suck-S%($#), a +ective Brie!A "ithyA concise. (or'an "re!erre to say a SUCC%(C# goo bye to his brother be!ore

getting into the cab, rather than engaging in a long, rawn-out scene at the train station. succor (SUC$-ur), noun Ai or assistanceA relie!. Although she i not "artici"ate in the cri'e, Mrs. ;el' was sentence to !ive years in "rison !or giving SUCC0* to 'en she knew to be ki na""ers. sully (SU2-ee), verb #o bes'ear or 'ake !oul. 9iguratively s"eaking, to sully a "erson, grou", or institution is to cast as"ersions on it. % will not allow you to SU225 the goo na'e o! 'y !a'ily with such baseless accusations. sumptuous (SUM6-choo-us), a +ective &3travagant. #hat which is lavish is su'"tuous. A SUM6#U0US !east awaite the cou"le at the hotel. surcease (sur-S&&S&), noun &n . A surcease is a cessation. %t was only with the SU*C&AS& o! hostilities that li!e began to return to nor'al !or the region-s civilian "o"ulation. surfeit (SU*-!it), noun an verb &3cess. #o have a sur!eit o! so'ething is to have too 'uch o! it. 8e have ha a SU*9&%# o! "ro"osals an analysisA the ti'e has co'e !or us to act. surmise (sur-M%4&), verb #o guessA to co'e to a conclusion (o!ten without strong evi ence). 8e SU*M%S&D that 2eanna ha ecline the invitation to Arthur-s birth ay "arty si'"ly because she i n-t want to buy hi' a gi!t. tableau (ta-B208), noun A 'e'orable scene create by the grou"ing o! ob+ects an "eo"le. 8hen % walke into the roo', the #AB2&AU o! angry !aces let 'e know we were about to resolve the !a'ily argu'ent. tacit (#ASS-it), a +ective %'"lie A un erstoo without being o"enly e3"laine or e3"resse . #he 'en took their sergeant-s harsh language towar (e as #AC%# a""roval o! their own abusive behavior towar hi'.
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tangential (tan-/&(-chull), a +ective Divergent or igressiveA only slightly connecte (to a 'ore i'"ortant 'atter). A!ter reviewing the !inancial outlook !or the co'ing year, the chair'an close the 'eeting with a !ew #A()&(#%A2 re'arks on so'e new so!tware the accounting e"art'ent woul be "urchasing. tantamount (#A(-tuh-'ount), a +ective &7uivalent to in all 'eaning!ul res"ects. #anta'ount erives !ro' an ol verb 'eaning Dto a'ount to as 'uch.E 6lease re'e'ber that, since this is a tight race, a vote !or the thir -"arty can i ate is #A(#AM0U(# to a vote !or 'y o""onent. tempestuous (te'-6&SS-choo-uss), a +ective Stor'y, violent. 2ear-s own rage an 'a ness, !ar 'ore than any arti!icial theatrical stor' e!!ects, are the truly #&M6&S#U0US ele'ents o! these scenes. temporize (#&M-"uh-ri.e), verb #o gain ti'e by being evasive or in ecisive. % stuttere an unleashe a !lurry o! Du'-sE in an e!!ort to #&M60*%4& an co'e u" with a logical e3"lanation !or 'y earlier behavior. tenet (#&(-ut), noun A "rinci"le. So'ething hel to be true, vali , or essential by a grou" or organi.ation is a tenet. % think you will agree with 'e that the "ri'ary #&(&# o! this co'"any is that the custo'er 'ust co'e !irst. tepid (#&6-i ), a +ective 2ukewar' in te'"eratureA also, unenthusiastic. Although he e3"ecte a lou an long ovation !ro' the crow in a""reciation o! his work, the "laywright ha to 'ake o with a !ew "ockets o! #&6%D a""lause an a low bu..ing soun istinctly re'iniscent o! snoring. terrestrial (tuh-*&SS-tree-ul), a +ective 0! or "ertaining to the earth, or to li!e on earth. Although li!e on a s"ace station is interesting to rea about, % still believe %-

be 'ost co'!ortable in a #&**&S#*%A2 setting. tertiary (#U*-shee-are-ee), a +ective #hir in succession. #hat which !ollows the secon ite' in a list, se7uence, or "rogression is tertiary. #he isease ha "rogresse beyon its !irst two "hases, an even showe signs o! worsening beyon the #&*#%A*5 stage. thespian (#;&SS-"ee-un), noun An actor. #hes"ian re!ers es"ecially to a "erson who "er!or's onstage in a "lay. Sir 2aurence 0livier was rightly regar e as the 'ost versatile #;&S6%A( o! his era. tincture (#%()-churr), noun A trace a'ount or slight tinge. #he ra'a was leavene with a #%(C#U*& o! co'ic relie!. tintinnabulation (tin-tin-ab-yoo-2A5-shun), noun #he ringing o! bells. #intinnabulation erives !ro' a 2atin wor 'eaning Dbell.E #he #%(#%((ABU2A#%0( !ro' the center o! the village le!t no one in oubtC Christ'as ha co'e at last. tome (toa'), noun A thick or heavy book. #o'e a""lies es"ecially to long, aca e'ically oriente books. % ha been ho"ing to rea so'ething light that % coul !inish over 'y vacation, not a #0M& like this. tortuous (#0*&-choo-uss), a +ective 8in ingA !ull o! twists an turns. Drive sa!elyA the roa lea ing !ro' the center o! town u" the si e o! the 'ountain is a #0*#U0US one. tragedian (truh-/&&- ee-un), noun An actor note !or "er!or'ing tragic "arts. *ichar Burbage was the "re'ier #*A)&D%A( o! the &li.abethan era. transfiguration (trans-!ig-yuh-*&5-shun), noun An e3tre'e change in a""earanceA a 'eta'or"hosis. % was !ascinate by the ti'e-la"se vi eo o! a cater"illar-s #*A(S9%)U*A#%0( into a butter!ly.
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travail (truh-,A2&), noun ;ar work, es"ecially work causing "hysical "ain. #ravail is so'eti'es use to escribe the labor o! chil birth. %t is not sur"rising that, given the #*A,A%2S o! the long +ourney westwar , so'e settlers o"te to return &ast rather than try to 'ake a li!e on the !rontier. travesty (#*A,-ih-stee), noun A grotes7ue "aro y (o! so'ething). #hat which "resents an insulting 'ockery (o! a cherishe institution, !or instance) is a travesty. 2et-s !ace itC the way Congress eals with overe3"en iture is a #*A,&S#5 o! its own bu get re uction legislation. treacle (#*&&-kul), noun 0verly contrive senti'entA unrestraine 'awkishness. #he 'ovie-s "lot, which concerne a little blin girl-s search !or her "u""y, re"resente "erha"s the 'ost una"ologetic #*&AC2& o! the year. triennial (tri-&(-ee-ul), a +ective 0curring every three years. #hat which occurs once in a three-year cycle is triennial. #he #*%&((%A2 Shakes"eare !estival takes "lace in A"ril o! every thir year. trifling (#*5-!ling), a +ective %nsigni!icant. #hat which is uni'"ortant is tri!ling. #he !act is, you are unlikely to be calle in !or an au it over such a #*%92%() a'ount o! 'oney. tripartite (try-6A*-tite), a +ective Consisting o! three ele'entsA involving three "artici"ants. #he #*%6A*#%#& tra e agree'ent was signe by re"resentatives o! Cana a, Me3ico, an the Unite States. troglodyte (#*0)-luh- yte), noun 0ne who behaves in a beastly, savage, or "ri'itive 'anner. 2iterally, a troglo yte is a cave- weller. % knew that Sebastian woul be unco''unicative a!ter his or eal, but % i not e3"ect hi' to act like such a #*0)20D5#& at work. truncate (#*U(-kate), verb

#o shorten by cutting (a seg'ent). #he irector le!t the long "assage about the Dwillow that grows aslant the brookE intact, but eci e to #*U(CA#& an earlier scene that ha so'ething to o with ;ecuba. tumescent (too-M&SS-unt), a +ective Swollen or beginning to swell. #he yellow+acket stung *ho a on the thu'b, leaving a #UM&SC&(# welt she !elt co'"elle to show everyone in the o!!ice. tumid (#00-'i ), a +ective Swollen, like a bo y "art, or "o'"ous, like so'e hu'an beings. Ste"hen-s #UM%D, "ur"le bruise was a source o! !ascination on the "laygroun . umbrage (UM-bri+), noun *esent!ul annoyance. #o take u'brage is to e3"ress irritation. % take UMB*A)& at the suggestion that % have use 'y "osition here !or illicit "ersonal gain. unceremonious (un-sare-uh-M0(&-ee-uss), a +ective *u e or abru"tA tactlessly hastyA ina""ro"riate. /une 'a e an U(C&*&M0(%0US e3it +ust as the chair'an was beginning his re'arks on the 9entworth "ro+ect. undisposed (un- is-604&D), a +ective (ot incline A not !avoring. /i' was not cra.y about having to !in a +ob, but he was also U(D%S60S&D to letting his chil ren go hungry. unequivocal (un-ee-$8%,-uh-kul), a +ective Una'biguousA una orne A blatant or obvious in e3"ression. My res"onse to your suggestion that we lie to the +u ge is an U(&:U%,0CA2 oneC absolutely not. ungainly (un-)A(&-lee), a +ective )raceless. 8il'a, who ha always thought o! hersel! as U()A%(25, was sur"rise at the ease with which she an Clive 'ove across the ance !loor. unimpeachable (un-i'-6&&C;-uh-bul), a +ective &3e'"laryA beyon re"roach or sus"icion.
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My alibi !or the night in 7uestion co'es !ro' an U(%M6&AC;AB2& source, Sergeant MillerA % was hel"ing 9ather 8hite at the ho'eless shelter. upbraid (u"-B*A%D), verb #o critici.e an assign bla'e (to a "erson). #o u"brai is to scol . % i not s"en thirteen years at this !ir' to be U6B*A%D&D by a +unior clerk, Mr. 9ranklin. uprear (u"-*&&*), verb #o li!t or raise u". At the soun o! the siren, our og U6*&A*&D her hea an howle . urbane (ur-BA(&), a +ective SuaveA so"histicate A ebonair. Clive, 2in a-s U*BA(& &nglish cousin, was "leasant co'"any !or us all uring his stay here. utilitarian (yoo-til-ih-#A*&-ee-un), a +ective Characteri.e by a concern !or the "ractical or use!ul. #hat which is utilitarian is "rag'atic. % "ro"ose we take a U#%2%#A*%A( a""roach to the "roble'C since it no longer runs, why not scra" the ol car co'"letely an sell it !or "artsF vacillate (,AS-uh-late), verb #o waver between o"tions. A "erson who cannot eci e which course o! action to settle on vacillates. Mr. Mears-s "rinci"al weakness is that he is seen as a ,AC%22A#%() lea er, one who cannot choose one "ath an stick to it. vainglorious (vane-)20*&-ee-uss), a +ective )iven to sel!-absor"tionA incline to view onesel! e3cessively or too highly. Although so'e are entrance by Anais (in-s iaries, they always struck 'e as the narcissistic, ,A%()20*%0US observations o! a wo'an totally unable to look beyon hersel!. valise (vuh-2&&C&), noun A s'all "iece o! luggageA a carry-on bag. #he stewar ess aske 'e to stow 'y ,A2%S& in the overhea cabin. variegated (,A*-ee-uh-gay-ti ), a +ective Changing in color. #hat which alters hue is variegate .

/une-s latest nee lework "ro+ect uses ,A*%&)A#&D threa to achieve a rainbow e!!ect. vendetta (ven-D&#-uh), noun A bitter !eu or gru ge. Mark-s argu'ents against 'y "ro"ose "ro+ect ha less to o with its 'erits than with the ,&(D&##A he has hel against 'e since % was hire !or the +ob he wante . veracious (vuh-*A5-shuss), a +ective ;onestA truth!ul. 5our ;onor, % ask that the e!ense-s assertion that none o! the "rosecution-s witnesses are ,&*AC%0US be stricken !ro' the recor . verbiage (,&*-bee-u+), noun Unnecessary wor s. Su"er!luous or overwrought language is verbiage. 2ike 'any novelists, *obert overwroteC he woul let everything !ly in one session an then co'e back an "are away at ,&*B%A)& in another. verbose (ver-B0S&), a +ective 8or y. #hat which uses unnecessary language is verbose. #his is not ;e'ingway-s best workC long "assages o! the 'anuscri"t are strangely ,&*B0S& an 1let-s !ace it1 ownright boring. verdant (,U*- nt), a +ective )reen (with "lant li!e). #hat which is lush with vegetation is ver ant. #he ,&*DA(# surroun ings give one the !eeling o! being a 'illion 'iles !ro' the city, but !ro' where we are stan ing now (ashville is only !i!teen 'inutes away by car. vexation (vek-SA5-shun), noun %rritation. #hat which aggravates causes ve3ation. D8here on earth is 'y horseFE Scarlett e'an e in ,&BA#%0(. virtuoso (vur-choo-08&-so), noun A su"re'ely skille artist. )eena is a "iano ,%*#U0S0 who has won o.ens o! co'"etitions. visage (,%4-u+), noun #he !ace. ,isage can also 'ean Da""earance.E %t was a gri'-,%SA)&D *oosevelt who a resse Congress the ay a!ter the /a"anese attack.
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voluminous (vuh-200-'ih-nuss), a +ective 6ossessing great volu'e or !ullness. Michelle-s we ing ress was so ,02UM%(0US that there was barely roo' !or /on to stan ne3t to her at the altar. vouchsafe (vouch-SA9&), verb #o eign or to con escen A to agree, in a con escen ing 'anner, to grant a re7uest or o so'ethingA to o!!er as a !avor or "rivilege. /a'es-s show o! su"eriority to everyone else in the !a'ily was so blatant that %-' sur"rise he ,0UC;SA9&D to s"en a !ew 'inutes with 'e at the reunion. waggish (8A)-ish), a +ective /oking, witty, an 'ischievous. #he noun !or', which you 'ight see, is Dwag.E $ent-s 8A))%S; co''ents got hi' in trouble with the boss. wangle (8A()-gul), verb #o get one-s own way by using 'ani"ulation or clever 'eans. 9ran. 8A()2&D two tickets to the concert by "reten ing to be the son o! the city-s "re'ier entertain'ent critic. wend (wen ), verb #o go !orwar . #o wen one-s way is to "rocee along a given course. ;ansel an )retel, 8&(D%() their way through the !orest innocently, ha no i ea what awaite the' at +ourney-s en . whilom (;8;5-lu'), a +ective 9or'er, erstwhile. %-' a!rai our 8;%20M !rien shi" will not survive this latest betrayal. witticism (8%#-ih-si.-u'), noun A witty saying or re'ark. 8e like to invite *oger to our cocktail "arties, as he is able to kee" other guests entertaine !or hours on en with his stories an 8%##%C%SMS. wizened (8%4-un ), a +ective 0l A shrivele . #he sub+ect o! the ocu'entary was a 8%4&(&D ol 'an o! ninety-seven who ha""ene to be the ol est living Bolshevik. wont (wont), noun A habit or custo'.

As was his 80(#, /eb took a walk to the si ewalk ca!e near his ho'e an bought a co"y o! the (ew 5ork #i'es to rea . yore (yore), noun 9or'er aysA an era long "ast. %n ays o! 50*&, scribes sat in their cha'bers co"ying out long 'anuscri"ts, an rea'ing, % like to believe, o! co"iers an wor "rocessors. abhorrent (ab-;0*-ent), a +ective 2oathso'e or conte'"tible. Abhorrent re!ers to so'ething that is re"rehensible or re"ulsive. #hat which is re"ugnant or etestable is abhorrent. /ulie !oun the book-s recounting o! the etails o! serial 'ur ers "articularly AB;0**&(#. abstinence (AB-ste-nence), noun ,oluntarily !oregoing the in ulgence o! an a""etite. Abstinence is the act o! abstaining !ro' !oo , rink, or "leasure. Abstinence 'ay re!er to enial o! certain !oo s an rinks thought to be har'!ul to one-s healthA however, it can also re!er to re!raining !ro' behavior consi ere i''oral. A!ter years o! in ulgence, it was i!!icult !or &velyn to !ollow her octor-s or er o! co'"lete ABS#%(&(C& !ro' li7uor. acrimonious (ak-ri-M0-nee-us), a +ective Mean-s"irite , bitter, or ill-nature . Acri'onious re!ers to language or e3changes that are !ille with ani'osity. So'ething characteri.e by shar"ness or bitterness o! s"eech is acri'onious. Divorce is, we 'ust re'e'ber, an e3"ensive, e'otionally evastating, an AC*%M0(%0US a!!air. acrophobia (ak-ruh-90-bee-a), noun An abnor'al !ear o! heights. Acro"hobia re!ers to a "erson-s !ear o! high "lacesA it is characteri.e by !ealings o! rea , anger, an hel"lessness. 0! course, his AC*06;0B%A rule out any ri e in the hot-air bolloon. alienate (A5-lee-uh-nate), verb
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#o cause so'eone to lose a!!ection !or so'eone or so'ething else. %! you kee" taking a vantage o! $aren-s generosity, you-re going to A2%&(A#& a goo !rien . aloof (uh-2009), a +ective %n i!!erent or unintereste A unsociable. Chuck-s A2009 attitu e at our inner "arty 'a e us won er i! our usually talkative !rien was trying to tell us so'ething. amoral (ay-M0*-uhl), a +ective 8ithout 'oral iscretion or stan ar s. #o be a'oral is to act as though the istinctions o! right an wrong are none3istent. A "erson who is a'oral is neither 'oral nor i''oral. %n the en , we !in that war is not always D !or the right,E nor even Devil,E but !ar too o!ten a co'"letely AM0*A2 e3ercise. anarchy (A(-ar-key), noun #he absence o! govern'entA a isor ere an uncontrolle situation. 0riginally, anarchy re!erre to a s"eci!ic octrine a vocating voluntary associations a'ong in ivi uals an arguing against any e'"owere govern'ent or rule o! law. #o ay, anarchy is generally use to escribe a te'"orarily chaotic social situation in which no central authority e3ists. A!ter the eath o! the :ueen, 'any in the council !eare a return to the A(A*C;5 o! a eca e earlier. anathema (uh-(A#;-eh-'uh), noun A "erson or thing regar e as wrong in the highest egreeA a loathso'e entity. #o say so'ething is anathe'a to a "erson is to say that it is as etestable an unacce"table to hi' as it can "ossibly be. #he wor has its root in a kin o! !or'al religious curse or enunciation. #he a'bassa or warne us ahea o! ti'e not to atte'"t to iscuss the issue o! ro""ing sanctions against the ictatorA that sub+ect is A(A#;&MA to his govern'ent. arson (A*-son), noun

#he act o! estroying "ro"erty with !ire. A!ter Councilor 6erry-s ca'"aign hea 7uarters burne own, his su""orters were 7uick to accuse their o""onents o! A*S0(A in !act, one o! their own neglecte cigarette butts was to bla'e. asinine (ASS-ih-nine), a +ective Showing a very noticeable lack o! intelligence an Tor goo sense. % le!t hal!way through the latest thriller because % coul !eel its AS%(%(& "lot e"leting 'y brain cells. authoritarian (aw-thor-uh-#A*&-ee-un), a +ective Describes a !or' o! social control in which the govern'ent e'an s the absolute, blin assent o! its citi.ens. #he eerie, AU#;0*%#A*%A( worl o! )eorge 0rwell-s <OJL continues to resonate to ay. avarice (A,-er-iss), noun )reat esire !or riches. Avarice is e3tre'e gree . #hose who hoar wealth co'"ulsively can be sai to be avaricious. Although Matthew was an e3tre'ely success!ul business'an, A,A*%C& was certainly not in his nature. bamboozle (ba'-B00-.ul), verb #o eceiveA trick. 9re was BAMB0042&D out o! K<M,GGG by a con artist, who convince hi' to invest 'oney in none3istent real estate. barbarous (BA*-ber-us), a +ective Uncivili.e or "ri'itiveA characteri.e by brutality or savagery. #o say that so'ething or so'eone is barbarous is to say that it is cru e an lacks re!ine'ent. Barbarous treat'ent is uncivili.e or even cruel an brutal. #heir ca"tivity was 'arke by barbarous living con itions, "sychological abuse, an little or no news o! outsi e events. biased (B5&-usse ), a +ective 6re is"ose to a "articular view or irectionA "re+u ice . Mr. An erson-s clai' that he has never 'a e a B%AS&D hiring ecision is un ercut by the !act that his sta!! is co'"ose e3clusively o! white 'ale
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%vy 2eague gra uates. bigamy (B%)-uh-'ee), noun #he cri'e o! taking 'arriage vows while still legally 'arrie to so'eone else. Biga'y is an o!!ense involving illicit 'arriage, but it also escribes other ecclesiastical violations o! religious law regar ing 'arital status. By 'arrying /une be!ore her ivorce was !inali.e , Stanley was technically guilty o! B%)AM5. bilious (B%22-yes), a +ective #his wor relates to bile, a bitter substance that hel"s in igestion. #hus, bilious has co'e to escribe "eo"le who are irritable or "eevish, as though a!!licte by severe in igestion. Benny-s bilious B&;A,%0* oes not en ear hi' to strangers. bipolar (bye-60&-luhr), a +ective 6ossessing two si es or "olesA 'arke by ia'etrically o""ose e3tre'es. A bi"olar relationshi" is one between two o""osites or counter"arts. 9rank-s behavior on the +ob was generally unre'arkable, but we later learne that his severe 'oo swings were sy'"to's o! a B%602A* "ersonality isor er. blacklist (B2A$-list), verb #o "lace on a list o! isa""rove or re+ecte "ersons an organi.ations. Many "ro'inent entertain'ent !igures were B2AC$2%S#&D in ;ollywoo !or allege ties with Co''unis'. blase (blah-4A5), a +ective Uni'"resse A bore . So'eone who has seen too 'uch o! so'ething to beco'e e3cite about it can be sai to be blase. % tol /i' that he stoo a very goo chance o! being !ire this week, but to tell you the truth he see'e rather B2AS& about the whole thing. bloviate (B208-vee-ate), verb A blowhar bloviates because the wor 'eans to s"eak "o'"ously an at great length.

Don-t get Doug near alcohol because once he-s ha a !ew he- ll B20,%A#& until the cows co'e ho'e. bogus (B0&-guss), a +ective 9akeA counter!eit. &arnest-looking teens with obviously B0)US %Ds were nothing new to the area-s li7uor store ownersA a si3-year-ol with a revolver e'an ing two 7uarts o! #hun erbir was so'ething else again. boorish (B00-rish), a +ective 0!!ensiveA lacking 'anners, civility, or consi eration. A boorish "erson is one co'"letely un!a'iliar with social graces. &verett-s B00*%S; behavior at the "arty was co'"letely out o! character !or hi'. brassy (B*ASS-ee), a +ective Bra.enA chea" or showy. Brassy can also re!er to a bol , outgoing nature. #he "ro'otional ca'"aign struck a B*ASS5, aring tone that instantly won consu'er attention. bromidic (bro-M%D-ick), a +ective #rite an co''on"lace. #he 'arketing e3ecutive groane as one B*0M%D%C a ca'"aign a!ter another crosse her esk. bulimia (buh-2&&-'ee-uh), noun An eating isor er in which su!!erers alternately binge, then "urge, !orcing the'selves to vo'it. #he !aculty health center !eature a nurse with s"ecial training in ealing with BU2%M%A an other eating isor ers. bureaucracy (byoo-*0$-ruh-see), noun #he concentration o! "ower an authority in a 'inistrative bo ies. AlsoC an a 'inistrative bo y. Bureaucracy is o!ten characteri.e by a herence to routine an lack o! innovation. As the co'"any grew, the entrenche BU*&AUC*AC%&S in the accounting an !inance e"art'ents gaine 'ore an 'ore in!luence. burnout (BU*(-out), noun A con ition o! !atigue, low 'orale, or !rustration resulting !ro' e3cessive stress or overwork.
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Although 2elan -s !a'ily !eare he woul su!!er BU*(0U# i! he continue to work !ourteen hours a ay, seven ays a week, he see'e to be ha""ier than anyone coul re'e'ber seeing hi'. cabal (kuh-BA22), noun A grou" that 'eets secretly an "lots to overthrow a govern'ent, religion, co''unity, etc. #o call that sorry s"linter grou" o! the neighborhoo i'"rove'ent association a CABA2 is to give its 'e'bers way too 'uch cre it. callous ($A2-uss), a +ective Un!eelingA insensitiveA har ene . (See, !or co'"arison, the entry !or callus.) #he chau!!eur coul n-t un erstan how Mr. /ensen coul be so CA220US as to ri e by the crow o! ho'eless "eo"le every ay without taking the least notice o! the'. cantankerous (kan-#A()-ker-us), a +ective %ll-te'"ere A gru'"y. D5ou ki s stay o!! 'y lawn@E our CA(#A($&*0US ol neighbor barke . capricious (kuh-6*&&-shuss), a +ective Characteri.e by a whi'sical attitu e. A "erson who acts i'"ulsively or un"re ictably can be sai to be ca"ricious. )iven his CA6*%C%0US a""roach to li!e, it is not sur"rising that An rew never settle into one !iel o! e'"loy'ent. captious ($A6-shuss), a +ective &3tre'ely criticalA likely to !in !ault. A "erson who 'akes 'any criticis's about "etty 'atters can be sai to be ca"tious. Myra ha shown great tolerance throughout her stay, but when Mr. Cle'ents sub+ecte her to a CA6#%0US interrogation about her aca e'ic career, she eci e to leave. carbuncle ($A*-bunk-uhl), noun A "ain!ul in!la''ation o! the skin si'ilar to, but 'ore serious than, a boil. /i''y-s inventive e3cuses !or his absences reache a new level when he tol his teacher he ha been unable to atten S"anish class because o! a CA*BU(C2&.

carcinogen (kar-S%(-uh-gen), noun An agent that causes cancer. 8hen e3"eri'enting with CA*C%(0)&(S in the lab, the technicians woul always wear "rotective 'asks. carp (kar"), verb %t-s not +ust a !ish@ #o car" is to raise "icky, trivial ob+ections. All the CA*6%() at the sta!! 'eeting ke"t anything substantive !ro' being one. celibacy (S&22-ih-bus-see), noun #he 7uality o! being chasteA the act o! abstaining !ro' se3ual activity. 9or instance, so'eone who re'ains un'arrie in or er to !ollow a religious calling is sai to co''it to a li!estyle o! celibacy. Although he took ;oly 0r ers, Davi eventually !oun that he coul not live a li!e o! C&2%BAC5 an le!t the "riesthoo . censorious (sen-S0*-ee-us), a +ective CriticalA easily !in ing !ault. 8hen it ca'e to gra ing ter' "a"ers, Mrs. & war s was seen by 'any as overly C&(S0*%0US, even taking o!! "oints !or using a "a"er cli" instea o! a sta"le. charlatan (S;A*-luh-tun), noun A !ake or hu'bug. A charlatan !alsely clai's to "ossess a given level o! status, skills, or knowle ge. #he e!en ant, it has been clai'e , is a C;A*2A#A( an a liar1but where is the evi ence !or thisF chemotherapy (kee-'o-#;A*&-uh-"ee), noun #he treat'ent o! isease by 'eans o! a 'inistering che'icals that have a to3ic e!!ect on the 'icroorganis's that cause the isease, or that can estroy a bo y-s cancerous cells. #he octors warne A'elia that the C;&M0#;&*A65 she was about to un ergo woul not be without si e e!!ects. chicanery (shih-$A%(-uh-ree), noun Cheating or ece"tion, es"ecially through the use o! language. #he way the can i ate consistently 7uibble about the "recise 'eaning o! his state'ents 'a e 'e !eel he was guilty o! C;%CA(&*5.
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chintzy (C;%(#-see), a +ective Consi ere chea", tacky, or o! low 7uality. Angela insiste on wearing a C;%(#45 leo"ar -skin +u'"suit an high heels to the co'"any Christ'as "arty. churlish (C;U*-lish), a +ective %ll-bre A boorish. 8hen he starte rinking sou" noisily straight !ro' the bowl, Beverly eci e she ha seen enough o! her blin ate-s C;U*2%S; behavior. coarse (koarss), a +ective Clu'sy an cru e, lacking in social graces. Also, escribes !abric that is rough to the touch. *on-s C0A*S& 'anner is sure to get hi' caught in a se3ual harass'ent suit. cocksure ($A;$-sure), a +ective &3tre'ely, swaggeringly con!i ent . . . "robably overcon!i ent. Steve always acts like the C0C$SU*& 'anabout-town +ust because his uncle is the 'ayor. conspiracy (kun-S6&&*-uh-see), noun A treacherous "lan involving two or 'ore "ersons. 5our contention that 2yn on /ohnson was "art o! a C0(S6%*AC5 to assassinate 6resi ent $enne y a'ounts to what, in an earlier ay, woul have been calle se itious libel, Mr. 0liver. contemptuous (kun-#&M6-choo-us), a +ective 9eeling is ain or scorn. A conte'"tuous act is one that !lies in the !ace o! establishe "roce ures or tra itions. #he e!en ant-s C0(#&M6#U0US behavior on the stan was, a'a.ingly, overlooke by the +u ge. contentious (kuhn-#&(-chuss), a +ective Argu'entative, characteri.e by being "rone to is"utes an controversy. % walke away when the iscussion heate u" an got too C0(#&(#%0US. contraband ($A;(-truh-ban ), noun %llegal or "rohibite goo s. /ean trie to s'uggle a ta"e recor er into the concert, but her C0(#*ABA(D was 7uickly iscovere an taken !ro' her.

contretemps ($A;(-truh-tah), noun #his 9rench wor 'eans an e'barrassing an ino""ortune occurrence. % really woul have "re!erre to avoi that C0(#*&#&M6S with 'y wi!e while her "arents were at our house. covetous ($U;,-ih-tuss), a +ective )ree y an willing to go to sha'eless lengths to earn wealth. D#he C0,&#0US behavior o! the average ga'e show contestant 'akes 'e !eel sick to 'y sto'ach,E ;elen sai . crass (krass), a +ective Describes those who are coarse an cru e in their actions an 'anner 1an o!ten1the language such "eo"le use. 8ill you "lease re'e'ber that you-re over !i!ty an sto" being so C*ASSF culpable ($U2-"uh-bull), a +ective Bla'eworthyA accountable !or error or wrong oing. So'eone who is cul"able is res"onsible !or 'is ee . A!ter *yan was !oun CU26AB2& !or the !inancial 'is'anage'ent at his !ir', he was !orce to resign. cupidity (kyoo-6%D-ih-tee), noun )ree A e3tre'e esire !or wealth. 0ne who is obsesse with ac7uiring 'oney shows cu"i ity. 6aul-s CU6%D%#5 le to 'uch unha""iness an sorrow in later li!e, though his wealth was not to be enie . dearth ( urrth), noun An ina e7uate su""ly, es"ecially one that lea s to a catastro"hic event. #he D&A*#; o! rice worl wi e has s"arke !ears o! a global !a'ine. debacle ( ih-BA-kull), noun Utter colla"se or rout. A ebacle is a co'"lete (o!ten lu icrous) !ailure. #he wor originally re!erre to colla"sing sheets o! river ice. #he initiative see'e "ro'ising enough, but turne out to be another o! )eorge-s D&BAC2&S. debase ( ih-BAS&), verb #o lower in value. 0nce % lost its back bu'"er an crunche in its rear 7uarter"anel, 'y car was so D&BAS&D % "ractically ha to give it away.
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debauchery ( ih-B0C;-er-ee), noun 2icentiousnessA overin ulgent se3ual e3"ression. #o accuse so'eone o! ebauchery is to say that "erson is inte'"erate an i''oral with regar to in ulgence in "hysical "leasures. DeSa e-s critics clai'e they ha only to consult his writings !or evi ence o! his own D&BAUC;&*5. decadence (D&$-uh- unce), noun Characteri.e by eclining 'oral stan ar s. Deca ence can re!er to the eclining stan ar s o! a nation, a "erio o! ti'e, or an in ivi ual. A!ter si3 'onths on the "rairie, Cly e !oun it i!!icult to return to what he saw as the D&CAD&(C& o! city li!e. decapitate ( ee-$A6-ih-tate), verb #o re'ove the hea o!. Although the guillotine was initially "ro"ose as a hu'ane 'etho o! e3ecution, the i ea o! using a 'achine to D&CA6%#A#& cri'inals now strikes 'ost "eo"le as barbaric. decrepit ( i-$*&6-it), a +ective &n!eeble , as by ol age. Decre"it can re!er to a weakene "erson, or to an ob+ect or i ea that is "ast its "ri'e. #he car-s D&C*&6%# a""earance was eceivingA Colin !oun it ca"able o! ?M '"h on the highway, an it got very goo 'ileage. deface ( ih-9AC&), verb #o is!igure or a'age. %t breaks 'y heart to see the ol stone bri ge, 'y one unchanging co'"anion !ro' boyhoo , D&9AC&D with the s"ray "ainte gru'blings o! runken teenagers. defamation ( e!-uh-MA5-shun), noun 9alse, baseless attack on a "erson-s or grou"-s re"utation. #o e!a'e is to isgraceA e!a'ation is the act o! e!a'ing. A!ter the last o! the /ournal-s articles on her, ,irginia eci e she ha "ut u" with enough D&9AMA#%0( an eci e to sue. defeatist ( ih-9&&#-ist), a +ective Acce"ting e!eat as an unavoi able conse7uence o! li!eA "essi'istic. Shel on-s D&9&A#%S# attitu e le Monica, his su"ervisor, to won er

whether he woul ever co'"lete the "ro+ect he was working on. defile ( ih-9%2&), verb #o "olluteA to corru"t or 'ake unclean. #he river that only a !ew years ago ran clean an clear is now D&9%2&D with a witches- brew o! che'icals, thanks to the new tanning "lant. delinquent ( ih-2%($-went), a +ective an noun Describes so'eone who1or so'e grou" that 1o!!en s ue to the violation o! laws. Also, elin7uent escribes a "ay'ent that is over ue. Carl-s rawer !ull o! un"ai "arking tickets has cause the local "olice to label hi' a D&2%(:U&(#. demagogue (D&M-uh-gog), noun An in ivi ual (usually a "olitician or other lea er) who gains "ower by a""ealing to the e'otions an "assions o! the "eo"le, es"ecially by 'eans o! in!la'e s"eech. De'agogues o!ten a ress co'"licate issues by suggesting si'"listic 'easures that a""eal to "ublic "re+u ice or 'isconce"tion. #he senator-s ai es honestly believe that they ha agree to go to work !or a states'an, but saw now that they were !urthering the a'bitions o! a D&MA)0)U&. depraved ( uh-6*A,&D), a +ective Describes so'eone whose con uct or actions eviate consi erably !ro' what 'ost believe is acce"table or 'orally right. % knew % nee e to sto" ating /are i''e iately when % saw that all the books on his shelves concerne the lives o! D&6*A,&D 'ur erers. depravity ( ih-6*A,-ih-tee), noun Corru"tion, 'oral re"rehensibility. So'eone who corru"ts so'ething or intro uces wicke ness to it co''its e"ravity. #he D&6*A,%#5 o! those years is still su''one u" with reverence by so'e o! our 'ore naive writers. dereliction ( are-uh-2%$-shun), noun 8ill!ul neglectA shirking o! res"onsibility. Dereliction is the knowing
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!ailure to "er!or' one-s uty. #he sergeant-s inaction that night le to troubling accusations o! D&*&2%C#%0( o! uty. deride ( ih-*%D&), verb #o ri icule with crueltyA to laugh at an 'ake !un o!. ;is class'ates D&*%D&D /oe !or wearing argyle socks to the "ro'. derogatory ( ih-*0)-uh-tore-ee), a +ective #en ing to lessen or i'"air so'eone or so'ethingA is"araging an negative. Butch-s D&*0)A#0*5 re'arks about 'y girl!rien were 'eant to goa 'e into a !ight, but % was eter'ine to kee" 'y cool. desecrate (D&SS-ih-krate), verb #o abuse the sacre character o! a thing. #hose who write lew sayings on a church wall, !or instance, esecrate the church. Such "ro!ane language !ro' our organi.ation-s current lea er serves only to D&S&C*A#& the 'e'ory o! the !oun er. despotism (D&SS-"o-ti.-u'), noun Authoritarian rule. Des"otis' is a syste' where one o'inant !igure e3ercises co'"lete "ower. %t was not until so'e years a!ter the revolution began that the )eneral-s D&S60#%SM "asse into history. diabolical ( ie-uh-B02-ih-kul), a +ective Devilish, evil. So'ething iabolical is consi ere to be wicke or cruel. #he terrorists, the "a"ers clai'e , ha a D%AB02%CA2 agen a. dilettante (D%2-uh-tont), noun So'eone with only an a'ateurish or ai'less interest in a sub+ect or isci"line. A 'an who cultivates a su"er!icial knowle ge o! 'o ern art solely to i'"ress others, !or instance, 'ight be calle a ilettante. #he ca!e was once a 'eeting-"lace !or struggling artists an "oets o! genuine talent, but by <O?G it was nothing 'ore than a swa'" o! D%2&##A(#&S. disconsolate ( is-$0(-suh-lut), a +ective

Beyon consolationA unable to be co'!orte A ee" in grie! or sorrow. /a'ie was D%SC0(S02A#& a!ter 'issing what shoul have been the ga'ewinning !iel goal. discordant ( is-$0*- unt), a +ective Con!lictingA lacking in har'ony. % !in that co'"oser-s D%SC0*DA(# style i!!icult to listen to. disenfranchise ( iss-in-9*A(-chi.e), verb #o take away so'eone-s right to vote or to e"rive so'eone o! legal rights or "rivileges. By changing the bylaws, the city council e!!ectively D%S&(9*A(C;%S&D resi ents who live near the city-s urban core. dissemble ( iss-S&M-bul), verb #o act with an insincere or isguise 'otive. Although 'any on the co''ittee were convince that the un ersecretary was D%SS&MB2%() about how 'uch he knew o! rebel activities, there was no har "roo! to su""ort this view. diuretic ( ie-er-&#-ik), noun #en ing to increase urinationA a rug that causes this increase. A!ter being a 'itte to the clinic !or anore3ia, Danielle tol the octors how she ha use a'"heta'ines an D%U*&#%CS to s"ee her weight loss. dowdy (D08- ee), a +ective 2acking stylishness, 'ost likely because one is resse in a "ri', outo!ate 'anner. A!ter 'y gran 'other retire , she ro""e her D08D5 "antsuits an began to wear skirts an shoul er-e3"osing blouses. dregs ( reggs), noun 2iterally, the (se i'ent-bearing) contents o! the botto' o! a nearly e'"ty container o! wine, co!!ee, or the likeA also, so'ething or so'eone "erceive as worthless or as the last an least a""ealing in a series o! choices. #hough 'any in her town looke on e3convicts as the D*&)S o! society, it was Debbie-s +ob as a social worker to try to rehabilitate everyone who ca'e through her oor, regar less o! "ast history.
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dun ( unn), verb #o tor'ent, es"ecially to tor'ent so'eone because he or she has not "ai a bill. Alan eclare bankru"tcy to sto" being DU((&D by nu'erous cre itors. duplicity ( oo-62%SS-ih-tee), noun #rickeryA two-!ace nessA "ur"ose!ul ece"tiveness. 0!!icer 8ilkins began to sus"ect his in!or'ant o! DU62%C%#5, an won ere whether she was lea ing hi' into a tra". dysfunctional ( iss-9U($-shun-uhl), a +ective Characteri.e by not working "ro"erly. Charlie always bla'es his rotten behavior on being the "ro uct o! a D5S9U(C#%0(A2 !a'ily. dyspeptic ( iss-6&6-tick), a +ective Dys"e"sia is in igestion, so ys"e"tic can escribe so'ething1such as certain !oo s1that causes ys"e"sia, or it escribes so'eone who is irritable as though su!!ering !ro' ys"e"sia. (o won er 9re can-t get a girl!rien . ;is D5S6&6#%C te'"era'ent rives all "otential 'ates away. eczema (&)-.uh-'uh), noun An in!la''atory skin con ition, characteri.e by re , itching skin that eru"ts into lesions that later beco'e scaly, har , an crusty. #he skin cleanser (o3.e'a was na'e a!ter its su""ose ability to D knock &C4&MA.E effete (uh-9&&#), a +ective 2acking robust vitalityA sterileA without !orce. &!!ete originally 'eant e3hauste !ro' the labors o! chil birth, but is rarely i! ever use in that conte3t to ay. #ho'as was labele an &99&#& snob by so'e, but /ane ha seen hi' work 'iracles in the o!!ice through "ure concentration o! e!!ort an soli tea'work. egocentric (ee-go-S&(-trik), a +ective Sel!ishA ten ing towar the belie! that one-s own e3istence is alli'"ortant. An egocentric "erson "laces his interests above those o! all

others. ;is was a strange an &)0C&(#*%C way o! li!e that ha no "lace !or a 'ate. embezzle (i'-B&4-ul), verb #o a""ro"riate !un s !or onesel! that were "lace in one-s care !or another "arty. Bill ha always see'e to be a 'o el e'"loyee, so the news that he ha been &MB&442%() 'oney !ro' the co'"any !or so'e years ca'e as a co'"lete shock to us all. ethnocentricity (eth-no-sen-#*%SS-ih-tee), noun #he belie! that cultures i!!erent !ro' one-s own are inherently in!erior. #he (a.is is"laye a 'onstrous &#;(0C&(#*%C%#5, to be sure, but they were also "rag'atic enough to know when an alliance with the /a"anese serve their interests. excommunicate (eks-kuh-M500-nih-kate), verb an noun #o banishA to revoke !or'ally one-s status as 'e'ber o! a grou". &3co''unicate is use "ri'arily with regar to 'e'bers o! the Catholic church who are e3clu e !ro' that church ue to 'iscon uct or octrinal con!lict. #he "riest knew that he !ace &BC0MMU(%CA#%0( i! he re!use to resign !ro' the legislature. execrable (ig-4&$-ruh-bul), a +ective DisgustingA etestableA vulgar. Collectors o! unauthori.e Beatles recor s 'ust be "re"are to "ay high "rices !or the illegal iscs, which o!ten !eature tracks o! &B&C*AB2& recor ing 7uality. exploitation (eck-s"loy-#A5-shun), noun #he use o! so'ething !or "ro!it, es"ecially i! the "ro!it-'aking oes not bene!it the "erson or thing being use . 6aying une ucate workers less than e ucate ones !or the e3act sa'e work is an e3a'"le o! &B620%#A#%0(, Mr. Crowthers. extradition (eks-tra-D%S;-un), noun LOL
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#he han ing over o! an allege !ugitive !ro' one country, state, etc., to another. Because there was no !or'al &B#*AD%#%0( agree'ent between the two countries, the trial o! the accuse i not begin until two years a!ter the warrant !or his arrest ha been issue . fascist (9AS;-ist), a +ective 9ascis' is a govern'ental syste' run with an iron gri" by a ictator. #he a +ective !or', !ascist, has co'e to escribe any "erson, syste', grou", etc. that is run as though by ictatorial control. As his su"ervisor got increasingly bossy an 'e leso'e, 6aul began to escribe hi' as 9ASC%S#. fastuous (9ASS-chew-us), a +ective ;aughty an arrogant. Des"ite her beauty, /enny rarely got aske out, ue to her 9AS#U0US behavior. fatuous (9A#-yoo-uss), a +ective Stu"i or !oolish. #hat which is co'"lacently i iotic is !atuous. She 'a e so 'any 9A#U0US re'arks at the "arty that % beca'e isguste an sto""e a"ologi.ing !or her. feckless (9&$-liss), a +ective %ne!!ective or !eeble. A "erson who lacks initiative or ability in a given area coul be sai to be !eckless in that area. 8e ha ho"e !or a well-traine an 'otivate consulting !ir'A what showe u" was a "ack o! 9&C$2&SS hangers-on. felonious (!uh-20(&-ee-uss), a +ective Cri'inalA villainousA re'iniscent o! or relating to a !elony cri'e. Although no court in the lan woul consi er it 9&20(%0US, 'y brother-s atte'"t to black'ail 'e over that little ent % "ut in 'y "arent-s car was, in 'y 'in , worthy o! a long +ail sentence. fetid (9&#-i ), a +ective S'elly. #hat which has an un"leasant o or is !eti . #he 9&#%D contents o! the aban one a"art'ent-s re!rigerator are best le!t un escribe . fetters (9&#-ur.), noun

2iterally, shackles or han cu!!sA a restraint. Also, as a verb (9&#-ur), to restrain or restrict 'ove'ent. #he "risoners were le to the bowels o! the shi", where narrow woo en benches, 9&##&*S, an a thin scattering o! straw awaite the'. fiasco (!ee-ASS-koe), noun An utter an "athetic !ailure. 9iasco erives !ro' an %talian verb 'eaning Dto !ail.E #he !ailure o! the A 'inistration to get the housing bill through Congress is only the latest in a series o! legislative 9%ASC0S. filch (!ilch), verb #o steal, es"ecially to steal "etty a'ounts or ine3"ensive goo s. Brian is "rou o! how 'any 'otel towels he-s 9%2C;&D over the years. filibuster (9%22-ih-buss-ter), noun A legislative tactic by which a 'e'ber "revents or elays the "assage o! a law, ty"ically by !ocusing on irrelevant issues uring a long s"eech to "revent a vote !ro' taking "laceA any si'ilar techni7ue that 'ono"oli.es the !loor o! a legislature by 'eans o! "arlia'entary 'aneuvers. &ven an e"ic 9%2%BUS#&* stage by Southern legislators coul not sto" 6resi ent /ohnson !ro' gui ing the Civil *ights Act through Congress. finagle (!ih-(A5-gul), verb #o wangleA to use clever, o!ten un erhan e 'etho s to achieve one-s esires. /ustin 9%(A)2&D his way into the "ress con!erence by borrowing a "ass !ro' another re"orter. flak (!lak), noun #he bursting shell !ire !ro' antiaircra!t guns, or an antiaircra!t gun itsel!A also, i'"e i'ents, argu'ents, or o""osition (to a course o! action or situation). D%! you give 'e any 'ore 92A$ about the ti'e % set !or your cur!ew,E 'y 'o' "ro'ise , Dyou won-t be going out at all.E flibbertigibbet (92%B-er-tee-+ibb-it), noun A chatty, scatterbraine "erson.
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&stelle like 6hil at !irst, but she 7uickly reali.e he was a 92%BB&*#%)%BB&# an not worth her ti'e. flim-flam (92%M-!la'), noun an a +ective A swin le. A !li'-!la' o"eration is a sca' or con!i ence ga'e. ,ern 'ay call hi'sel! an entre"reneurA it a""ears to 'e he-s nothing 'ore than a 92%M-92AM artist. flippant (92%6-unt), a +ective Disres"ect!ul or harsh in toneA shallow or !rivolous. Mario, still u"set about the "revious night-s 7uarrel greete his wi!e-s cheery D)oo 'orningE with a 92%66A(# D8ho says it isFE foolhardy (9002-har- ee), a +ective *ashA hastyA unthinking. Mack-s 9002;A*D25 ecision to leave his +ob an visit #rini a an #obago !or two years was a""arently the result o! a chance encounter with a "al' rea er he 'et in a )reyhoun station in 8est Covina, Cali!ornia. fop (!o"), noun A an y. An e3travagant ('ale) "erson who is unco''only vain or "retentious is a !o". % was cornere by Charles, the biggest 906 on ca'"us, who sub+ecte 'e to a lecture about how won er!ully he was resse . foreclosure (!ore-C204;-er), noun #he act o! re"ossessing a 'ortgage "ro"erty ue to a e!ault on "ay'ents, resulting in the 'ortgagee losing all rights to the "ro"erty. (either Mrs. 8alker nor her estrange husban coul kee" u" the 'ortgage "ay'ents on the con o uring their ivorce "rocee ings, an the bank 'a e a 90*&C20SU*& on the "ro"erty. fratricide (9*A#-rih-si e), noun #he act o! killing a brother. 9ratrici e re!ers to the 'ur er o! a 'ale siblingA the wor !or killing a sister is sororici e. %t is only when ;a'let is tol o! the king-s 9*A#*%C%D& that a tragic chain o! events is initiate . froufrou (9*00-!roo), noun

&3cessive or unnecessary ecorationA es"ecially, an elaborate a orn'ent in wo'en-s !ashion. Angela ha never seen so 'any ill-!itting tu3e oes an sel!-conscious !rills an 9*0U9*0US as she behel the night o! the senior "ro'. frowzy (9*08-.ee), a +ective Slo""yA unke"tA stale. 0ne woul never know that beneath those 9*0845, oversi.e resses an grungy cowboy hats was a 'o el who ha recently a""eare on the cover o! ,ogue. fumigate (9500-'ih-gate), verb #o release !u'es in or er to get ri o! insects or other "ests. 8e ha the "lace 9UM%)A#&D, use soun waves, an set o.ens o! tra"s, but our house continue to be "lague by cockroaches. fusty (9U;SS-tee), a +ective 0l -!ashione an out o! ate, or clinging to ol -!ashione , conservative values. My !ather-in-law-s 9US#5 o"inions o! Da wo'an-s "laceE 'ake 'e want to sock hi' every ti'e % have to see hi'@ garish ()A%*-ish), a +ective Showy in an e3cessive an over-the-to" 'anner. %- always thought o! Martha as re!ine , so % was sur"rise by the )A*%S; way she ecorate her ho'e. genocide (/&((-uh-si e), noun #he eliberate, syste'atic estruction o! a culture, "eo"le, nation, etc. Atte'"ts at tribal )&(0C%D& have rawn attention to the A!rican "rovince o! Dar!ur. gingivitis (+in-+ih-,%&-tuss), noun A gu' iseaseA the con ition o! having swollen gu's. #he rinse "ro'ise li!eti'e "rotection against )%()%,%#%S, a clai' 9re viewe with so'e ske"ticis'. gruel (grool), noun A thin, sou"-like ish 'a e !ro' cooke cereal or grain. %n one o! the 'ost 'e'orable scenes Dickens ever wrote, young 0liver
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#wist loses a lottery a'ong the workhouse boys an 'ust ask !or an un"rece ente secon hel"ing o! )*U&2. gullible ()U22-ih-bull), a +ective &asily cheate , tricke , or eceive . %-' a!rai #erry is a little too )U22%B2& to survive !or long as an as"iring actor in a city like (ew 5ork. hackneyed (;A$-nee ), a +ective *en ere less signi!icant by co''on use. 2iterally, a hackney is a horse suite !or routine ri ing or riving (an not a "ri'e racehorse). #he "ri'itive construction an reliance on ;AC$(&5&D e3"ressions 'ake it "er!ectly clearC this is not the work o! Shakes"eare. haggis (;A)-iss), noun A ish originating in Scotlan 'a e by re'oving the heart, liver, an lungs o! a shee" or cow, icing these, a ing onions, suet, oat'eal, an seasonings, an "lacing the 'i3ture into the ani'al-s sto'ach, an boiling it. %van ha been en+oying the ;A))%S Mrs. Mac%ntyre ha "re"are !or hi' until he aske her how it was 'a e. haughty (;AU#-ee), a +ective Snobbishly "rou . % trie to a"ologi.e !or bu'"ing into the wo'an, but she only gave 'e a ;AU);#5 glance an ins"ecte her !ur coat !or a'age. hedonist (;&&- uh-nist), noun 0ne whose li!e is evote solely or "ri'arily to the "ursuit o! "leasure an grati!ication. % took o!!ense at /ane-s i'"lication that a glass o! white wine uring inner 'a e 'e so'e kin o! ;&D0(%S#. hemorrhoid, (;&M-er-oi ), noun A con ition where the 'ass o! tissues at the base o! the anus beco'es swollen as a result o! ilate veins. A!ter en uring a thirty-hour labor an a severe case o! "ost-"artu' ;&M0**;0%DS, Meg oubte she- ever have another chil . hidebound (;%D&-boun ), a +ective (arrow an rigi in one-s belie!s or o"inions . . . a so'ewhat nicer way

to call so'eone stubborn. % woul n-t 'in Mary-s ;%D&B0U(D belie!s, i! she +ust i n-t share the' so !reely@ histrionic (hiss-tree-A;(-ick), a +ective Describes the on-stage work o! actors an actresses, but, 'ore broa ly, histrionic escribes "eo"le who are given to acting theatrical, a!!ecte , an sel!-consciously e'otional when (0# on a stage. Melin a-s ;%S#*%0(%C behavior at the inner "arty e'barrasse everyone. hubris (;500-briss), noun &3cessive "ri e. ;ubris can re!er to the D!atal !lawE o! ancient )reek ra'a, or ('ore generally) to any is"ro"ortionate "ri e or sel!-love. Colin 'ay have begun as a "leasant an unassu'ing clerk, but by the ti'e he took over the co'"any in <OJ? he showe signs o! the ;UB*%S that woul acco'"any his own!all. hypertension (hi-"ur-#&(-shun), noun ;igh bloo "ressureA the con ition that occurs as a result o! high bloo "ressure. So'e over-the-counter cough, col , an allergy 'e icines ten to cause elevate bloo "ressure, an inclu e a warning that they 'ay be ha.ar ous to those su!!ering !ro' ;56&*#&(S%0(. hypocrite (;%6-uh-krit), noun A "erson "reten ing to be so'ething he or she is not, or "reten ing, !or the sake o! a""earance, to have high 'oral belie!sA a "erson who oes not act accor ing to es"ouse belie!s. %n Marilyn-s view, a 'arriage counselor who a vise others to live u" to the i eal o! !i elity but who cheate on his own wi!e was the worst kin o! ;560C*%#&. ignoble (ig-(0-bull), a +ective Dishonorable in nature. %n contrast with igno'inious (see below), ignoble carries the sense o! baseness or lowness. 6eter-s %)(0B2& ai's were well known to all in the roo'. illicit (ih-2%SS-it), a +ective
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%llegal or 'orally un+usti!iable. %llicit re!ers to so'ething not sanctione by custo' or law. 8e all know now that the 'oney was ac7uire through %22%C%# 'eans, on-t weF imbecility (i'-buh-S%22-ih-tee), noun 9oolishnessA si'"le'in e ness. Although he la'ente the %MB&C%2%#5 o! 'ainstrea' television, Arnie was not above an occasional viewing o! A'erican )la iators or )eral o. improvident (ih'-6*A;,-ih- ent), a +ective Describes so'eone who oes not "lan well !or the !uture or one who acts without thinking. %t was cute when he was younger, but now Mike-s %M6*0,%D&(# behavior +ust 'akes hi' look like a total loser. inane (in-A(&), a +ective 6ointless or lacking in substance. So'ething that is inane is vacuous. A'ong other %(A(& suggestions, /e!! "ro"ose "ainting the lunchroo' in a "olka ot "attern. indict (in-D%#&), verb #o charge !or'ally with a cri'e or o!!ense. (See, !or co'"arison, the entry !or in ite.) *u'ors that Mr. Brown woul soon be %(D%C#&D !or his "art in the scan al swe"t the city. indiscreet (in- ih-S$*&&#), a +ective 2acking goo +u g'ent an "ru enceA a"t to run one-s 'outh about things that others woul like le!t "rivate. Don-t get alcohol near Melanie. %t 'akes her go !ro' "ru ent to %(D%SC*&&# in less than si3ty secon s@ infernal (in-9&*-nul), a +ective 9ien ishA evilish. %n!ernal 'eans, literally, Do! or "ertaining to hell.E %t is o!ten use as a 'il e3"letive. #his %(9&*(A2 co"ier kee"s breaking own@ infidelity (in-!i-D&2-ih-tee) noun #he 7uality or act o! having been untrue or inconsistent with a (o!ten i'"lie ) stan ar . %n!i elity is o!ten use to escribe e3tra'arital a!!airs. Although )wen sus"ecte her husban o! %(9%D&2%#5, she ha not co'e

across any tangible "roo!. influenza (in-!loo-&(-.uh), noun A contagious res"iratory virus characteri.e by in!la''ation o! the 'ucous 'e'brane, !ever, "rostration, aches, an "ains. Davi was still weak !ro' his bout with %(92U&(4A. ingrate (%(-grate), noun An ungrate!ul "erson. A "erson who oes not show the "ro"er res"ect or gratitu e towar so'eone who has "rovi e hel" 'ight be calle an ingrate. ;e live with us !or si3 'onths, but that %()*A#& *al"h hasn-t even written in over two years. iniquity (ih-(%$-wih-tee), noun %n+ustice or i''oral action. %ni7uity erives !ro' the 2atin !or Dun!airness.E #he 'any %(%:U%#%&S su!!ere by A'erican %n ians at the han s o! govern'ent authorities is only now being wi ely acknowle ge . insidious (in-S%D-ee-uss), a +ective Designe to entra"A ha""ening or s"rea ing har'!ully but subtlyA stealthily an se uctively treacherous. Mark-s chess ga'es were !ull o! %(S%D%0US tra"s 'eant to lull his o""onent into a sense o! co'"lacency. insipid (in-S%6-i ), a +ective 2acking in vigorA ull. %nsi"i (usually a""lie to blan i eas, "ersonalities, or works o! art) erives !ro' the 2atin !or Dwithout taste.E %n 9rank-s o"inion, the novel-s "lot was %(S%6%D an le!t 'uch to be esire . insolent (%(-suh-lnt), a +ective *u e an arrogant. #hat which is insulting or isres"ect!ul (es"ecially s"eech) coul be consi ere insolent. ;er %(S02&(# retorts to /oan-s wellintentione 7ueries stunne the inner "arty. insubordinate (in-suh-B0*- in-it), a +ective 9ailing to acce"t or obey "ro"er authority. %n the 'ilitary, an enliste
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'an who insults an o!!icer coul be accuse o! an insubor inate act. 9rank, not eager to be bran e %(SUB0*D%(A#&, i his best to carry out the colonel-s strange or ers. irascible (ih-*ASS-uh-bul), a +ective &asily angere . #hose who are "rone to !its o! te'"er are irascible. Sebastian, an %*ASC%B2& 'an, i his best to "ut on a show o! conviviality when he visite his in-laws, 'ost o! who' irritate hi'. jaded (/A5- u ), a +ective 8orn outA ulle or satiate ue to overin ulgence. ;er "arents thought that "rovi ing #racy with everything her heart esire as a chil woul 'ake her a ha""y "erson, but she grew u" to be a /AD&D an sel!ish wo'an. jaundice (/0(- iss), noun A yellowish tint to the bo y-s skin, !lui s, an tissues as a result o! the buil u" o! e3cessive bileA also, a biase , hostile attitu e. #he cos'etics saleswo'an trie to convince her that the 'akeover ha given her a tanne a""earance, but Shawna worrie that she looke like she ha /AU(D%C&. lacerated (2ASS-uh-ray-tu ), a +ective Cut, torn, ri""e , or 'angle . Because % 2AC&*A#&D 'y !inger with the scissors while % was on the +ob, % was eligible to !ile a workers- co'"ensation clai'. lackadaisical (lack-uh-DA4&-ih-kul), a +ective 2acking s"irit or energyA langui . % was !eeling rather 2AC$ADA%S%CA2 last Sun ay, so % staye in be all ay an watche !ootball ga'es instea o! 'owing the lawn. lackluster (2AC$-lus-tur), a +ective DullA not shiny or brilliant. 8an a-s 2AC$2US#&* "er!or'ance as ;e a )abler le one critic to re'ark that she "robably ha a long career ahea o! her in the theater1 as a stage weight. libel (2%&-bull), noun A written, "rinte , or "ictorial state'ent or assertion that is un+ustly

negative, e!a'ing, or hurt!ul to one-s character an re"utation. Several celebrities have sue the su"er'arket tabloi !or 2%B&2, but the "ara e o! luri an "re"osterous hea lines has continue unabate . libertine (2%B-ur-teen), noun 0ne who lives li!e unconcerne an unrestraine by "o"ular convention or 'oralityA a "ro'iscuous "erson, es"ecially a 'an. 6resu'ably because he is ivorce , 'y el erly gran 'other re!ers to 'y !iance &ric as Dthat 2%B&*#%(&,E but everyone else in 'y !a'ily thinks he-s won er!ul. licentious (lie-S&((-shuss), a +ective ;aving little or no 'oral restraint, es"ecially with regar to se3. A!ter 'onths o! watching )ary leave the nightclub with one wo'an a!ter another, 6aul !inally eci e to tell Maureen o! her husban -s 2%C&(#%0US behavior. lip-sync (2%6-sink), verb #o si'ulate a live singing "er!or'ance by 'outhing along to a recor . %t is co''on these ays !or recor ing artists to 2%6-S5(C !or the bulk o! a D liveE concert. litigious (lih-#%/-us), a +ective 0verly incline to engage in lawsuits. 2itigious can also 'ean Do! or "ertaining to litigation.E Mr. )reen, a 2%#%)%0US business'an in our town, once ha seven cases "en ing at the sa'e ti'e. lout (lowt), noun A clu'sy, stu"i , bu'bling, 'oronic in ivi ual. %! you woul sto" acting like a 20U#, 8alter, you- get a ate once in a while. lowbrow (20&-brow), a +ective Unculture A unso"histicate . &arl-s 208B*08 hu'or 'ay have been !ine !or his !ellow 'echanics own at the garage, but his wi!e i not consi er her bri ge co'"anions the "ro"er au ience !or such re'arks. lummox (2UM-o3), noun A i'-witte an awkwar "ersonA an oa!.
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Sher'an ha a heart o! gol , but when it ca'e to social eti7uette, he was so'ething o! a 2UMM0B. lupine (200-"ine), a +ective Describes so'eone who acts like a wol! in that he or she is savage an "re atory. Si -s 2U6%(& behavior 'akes you !eel like you shoul go ho'e an take a shower a!ter you-ve been aroun hi' !or a little while. maladroit ('al-uh-D*0%#), a +ective Clu'syA uncoor inate . ;aving earne a re"utation as the 'ost MA2AD*0%# 'e'ber o! the !a'ily, &rnie ca'e in !or a lot o! teasing when he announce his "lans to take u" !igure skating. malfeasance ('al-9&&-.unce), noun An instance o! breaking the law or otherwise engaging in wrong oing, "articularly with regar to the acts o! a "ublic o!!icial. #he D.A.-s 'uch-"ublici.e MA29&ASA(C& uring the Coo"er case1 concealing evi ence an 'ani"ulating testi'ony1en e u" ruining his "olitical career. malicious ('uh-2%S;-uss), a +ective S"ite!ully 'eanA evilA ba in intent. 9re sai his co''ents were all inten e as constructive criticis', but % etecte a MA2%C%0US note in so'e o! his suggestions. malign ('uh-2%(&), verb #o e!a'eA to bes'irch (the re"utation o!). #he 'uch-MA2%)(&D tea' owner-s ecision to tra e his star 7uarterback turne out to be one o! the best 'oves he ever 'a e. martyrdom (MA*-ter- u'), noun #he con ition o! having su!!ere eath as a 'artyr. A "erson who has attaine 'artyr o' has ie or been kille !or a "rinci"le or cause, an has co'e to be regar e with reverence by others as a result. Many say that /ohn Brown-s MA*#5*D0M serve his cause 'ore e!!ectively than anything he i at ;ar"er-s 9erry. megalomania ('eg-uh-lo-MA5-nee-uh), noun

Delusions o! wealth an Tor "ower. 2iterally, 'egalo'ania is a "sycho"athological con ition in which a "erson is obsesse with !antasies o! riches or authority. #he wor is also use to escribe "eo"le whose a'bitions an sense o! sel!i'"ortance are overblown. So'e have inter"rete the tycoon-s "urchase o! the ol castle as an uncharacteristically ba real estate ealA % see it as "ure M&)A20MA(%A. messianic ('ess-ee-A(-ick), a +ective 8ith a ca"ital letter, a Messiah is the e3"ecte eliverer o! the /ewish "eo"le. A lower-case D'essiahE is so'eone e3"ecte to eliver a situation or organi.ation !ro' ruin. #he a +ective !or', D'essianic,E o!ten is use negatively, to escribe so'eone with a 'ercenary or in!late view o! his or her i'"ortance. %-' sickene by the M&SS%A(%C .eal with which %rene tackles her uties as hea o! the neighborhoo association. migraine (M%&-grane), noun An e3cruciating hea ache, cause by e3"an ing ca"illaries, that occurs on one (usually the le!t) si e o! the hea , an causes the su!!erer nausea, vo'iting, an e3tre'e sensitivity to light. As a treat'ent !or 'y M%)*A%(&S, the octor gave 'e a new "rescri"tion, suggesting % take two tablets an lie own in a very ark roo' whenever % !elt one co'ing on. mildew (M%2- oo), noun A "ungent, !ungus-like coating !or'ing on "aint, cloth, car"et, etc., as a result o! e3cessive e3"osure to 'oisture. % re'e'bere too late that % ha le!t 'y !avorite sweater in the washerA a!ter a week o! sitting a'" in the 'achine, it stank o! M%2D&8. misanthrope (M%SS-un-thro"e), noun 0ne who hates 'ankin or "eo"leA a "erson who e3"ects only the worst in his ealings with others. %n the course o! a single night, Scrooge un ergoes a re'arkable
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trans!or'ation !ro' M%SA(#;*06& to enlightene bene!actor. misanthropy ('iss-A((-thruh-"ee), noun ;atre o! 'ankin . Misanthro"y re!ers to conte'"t !or the hu'an race. Scrooge-s M%SA(#;*065 was to en that Christ'as &ve. misogyny ('y-S0/-uh-nee), noun ;atre o! wo'en. So'eone who hol s a bitter conte'"t !or all wo'en "ractices 'isogyny. *ousseau-s "re+u ices against wo'en !re7uently cross the line an har en into outright 'isogyny. mononucleosis ('on-oh-noo-klee-0;-siss), noun An in!ectious illness cause by an increase o! 'ononuclear leukocytes in the bloo , an characteri.e by e3tre'ely swollen glan s, a sore throat, an e3haustion. &rika-s M0(0(UC2&0S%S cause her to 'iss nearly two 'onths o! school. mossback (MA8SS-back), noun A "erson with out ate values an belie!s, es"ecially so'eone who tries to !oist those belie!s an values onto others. 9ar !ro' being a M0SSBAC$, 'y gran !ather re'ains co''itte to new i eas. mulct ('uhlkt), verb #o get so'ething !ro' so'eone else by swin ling hi' or her. #he gri!ter MU2C#&D ten bucks !ro' the unsus"ecting cou"le. mulish (M500-lish), a +ective Describes so'eone who acts like a 'uleC stubborn, intractable, etc. %! you were any 'ore MU2%S; about 'aking co'"ro'ises, #revor, yougrow long ears@ myopic ('y-A;6-ick), a +ective #his technical ter' !or nearsighte ness has co'e to 'ean, 'ore broa ly, narrow-'in e ness or shortsighte ness in one-s views. 5our M506%C views will win you !ew votes uring the election, senator. napalm ((A5-"o'), noun

A ty"e o! burning "lastic use as a wea"on in 'ilitary con!licts. (a"al' is is!iguring an e3cruciatingly "ain!ul. #he Unite States use (A6A2M e3tensively uring the ,ietna' 8ar. natter ((A-tuhr), verb #o talk 'in lessly an at length. #he ol guy starte (A##&*%() so 'uch that % wishe % ha n-t sto""e an aske hi' !or irections. nefarious (nih-9A*&-ee-uss), a +ective 0"enly evilA wicke . #he (&9A*%0US Darth ,a er serves as the un!orgettable villain o! )eorge 2ucas-s Star 8ars. nepotism ((&6-uh-ti.-u'), noun #he "ractice o! !avoring relatives. #he co'"any "ractice sha'eless (&60#%SM, regularly "assing u" 7uali!ie a""licants an hiring the un er7uali!ie sons, aughters, an cousins o! boar 'e'bers. niggardly ((%)-ur -lee), a +ective Stingy. (iggar ly re!ers to an unwillingness to give, share, or s"en . #he (%))A*D25 'erchant turne the begging 'an away with an i'"atient wave o! the han . nihilism ((%&-uh-li.-i'), noun #he belie! that li!e is 'eaningless. A "ro!oun (%;%2%SM see's to have !allen over the "oet uring the last si3 'onths she s"ent in 2on onA her letters to her 'other in icate a severe e"ression. obstreperous (ob-S#*&6-er-us), a +ective Uncontrollably aggressiveA e!iant, boisterous. Be!ore announcing the "lan !or 'assive layo!!s to his workers, the boss hire an e3tra security !orce to "revent certain 0BS#*&6&*0US "ersons !ro' inciting a riot. odious (0;- ee-us), a +ective Abhorrent. So'ething that stirs isgust or hatre coul be sai to be o ious. Such 0D%0US senti'ents o! racial "re+u ice have no "lace in this co'"any. off-color (o!!-$U;-lur), a +ective :uestionable in taste or "ro"rietyA istaste!ul. #he co'e ienne was talente , but her !re7uent use o! 099-C020*
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re'arks ke"t her !ro' getting bookings on network television shows. onerous (08&-nur-uss), a +ective #roubleso'e an bur enso'e. So'ething that entails a heavy obligation 'ight be consi ere onerous. #his contract1a thoroughly one-si e agree'ent1is "erha"s the 'ost 0(&*0US ocu'ent % have ever seen. ophidian (oh-9%DD-ee-un), a +ective Describes snakes or so'ething snake-like. More broa ly, it can be use as a DniceE way to call so'eone ishonest or 'eans"irite . #he lawyer-s 06;%D%A( eyes 'a e 'e secon -guess 'ysel! with every 7uestion he aske . ornery (0*&-nuh-ree), a +ective Stubborn or unyiel ingA incline towar obstinate behavior. )ran 'a insists that )ran "a was an easygoing !ellow in his youth, but since their 'ove !ro' the country he has beco'e 7uite 0*(&*5. osteoporosis (oss-tee-oh-"uh-*0&-sis), noun A con ition o! !ragile, brittle bones, "articularly co''on in wo'en o! a vance age. #he octor a vise all o! his !e'ale "atients over !i!ty to 'ake sure they took in "lenty o! calciu' as a "recaution against 0S#&060*0S%S. ostracize (0SS-truh-si.e), verb #o e3clu e or banish. #o ostraci.e so'eone is to e3clu e hi' !ro' a social circle. Des'on was 0S#*AC%4&D !ro' the grou" a!ter the negative "ublicity his 'other receive . otiose (0;-she-oass), a +ective Useless, ine!!ective, or i le ue to la.iness. 5ou-re never going to lose weight, /anine, i! you on-t change your 0#%0S& li!estlye. parasitic ("air-uh-S%#-ick), a +ective Describes so'ething or1'ore o!ten1 so'eone who acts like a "arasite an lives o!! o! another while oing little i! anything use!ul. My 6A*AS%#%C brother-in-law sai he was +ust going to stay with us until

he got back on his !eet, but he-s been sitting aroun on our couch !or nearly a 'onth now@ pariah ("uh-*%&-uh), noun An outcastA one who is shunne , avoi e , or es"ise . A!ter his !iring, Milton ha the nerve to show u" unannounce at the co'"any "icnic, then see'e sur"rise when he was treate as a 6A*%A;. pass ("ass-SA5), a +ective (o longer !ashionable or current. Marge-s insistence that "lat!or' shoes were 6ASSI le 'e to believe that she ha n-t been kee"ing u" with !ashion tren s. patsy (6A#-see), noun So'eone who is set u" to take the bla'e o! a cri'e or wrong oingA one who is !ra'e . Although cons"iracy theorists have sei.e on 2ee 0swal -s escri"tion o! hi'sel! as a 6A#S5, other observers re'ain unconvince that he acte as "art o! an organi.e "lot to kill 6resi ent $enne y. peculate (6&C$-you-late), verb #o steal so'ething, such as "ublic !un s, that has been entruste to one-s care. #he city 'anager lost his +ob an was arreste a!ter 6&CU2A#%() !un s set asi e !or e'"loyee retire'ent. pedant (6&D-unt), noun A "erson who is"lays learning ina""ro"riately or e3cessivelyA also, so'eone who !ocuses too narrowly on rules an 'inor etails. Don-t get *olan starte on Shakes"earean trage yA he-s a sha'eless 6&DA(# who- ll o'inate an entire lunch hour-s iscussion with observations on the ti'e "roble' in 0thello. pedantic ("uh-DA(-tik), a +ective %ntellectually showy or overblown. A "e ant is a "erson who 'akes a great is"lay o! knowle geA to be "e antic is to act in this way. 6e antic can also 'ean Doverly concerne with !or'al rules.E % !oun /a'es-s 6&DA(#%C 'anner 7uite con escen ing.
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penury (6&(-you-ree), noun &3tre'e "overty. (ot 'any o! us woul be willing to e3change our lot in li!e !or the si'"le li!e o! 6&(U*5 taken on by these 'onks. perjure (6U**-+er), verb #o lie or give !alse an 'islea ing testi'ony. #o "er+ure onesel! is to co''it the cri'e o! testi!ying to so'ething one knows is untrue. Although Mr. 9rattori was not convicte on the 'ain charges he !ace , he 'ay serve ti'e in "rison !or having 6&*/U*&D hi'sel! uring the trial. perjury (6U*-+uh-ree), noun #o lie "ur"osely while un er oath. *ather than risk 6&*/U*5 charges by lying to the Senate co''ittee, the witness was a vise to re!use to answer 7uestions "ertaining to his activities in Central A'erica. pernicious ("ur-(%S;-uss), a +ective ;ar'!ul or estructive in nature. Although the "estici e in 7uestion oes sa!ely "revent wheat !ro' being ravage by insects when use alone, environ'entalists argue that it is 6&*(%C%0US1even lethal1when co'bine with other co''on !ar' co'"oun s. pettifoggery ("et-ee-90)-er-ee), noun 6etty ishonesty or trickery. D2et-s "ut all this 6&##%90))&*5 behin us,E sai Mr. 6owers, Dan start ealing with each other in a 'ore straight!orwar 'anner.E petty (6&#-ee), a +ective Describes so'ething s'all an tri!ling, an "etty o!ten is use in a negative way, to suggest that so'eone is being s'all-'in e an 'ean. D% still can-t believe our relationshi" en e over such a 6&##5 argu'ent,E Stewart sai . philander (!i-2A(- er), verb #o engage in a'orous !lirtations or e3"loits with so'eone who one cannot or oes not inten to 'arry. 6hilan er is use in re!erence to the se3ual habits o! 'en, not wo'en. #hese accusations o! 6;%2A(D&*%(), whether base in !act or not, have

little to o with the 7uestion o! whether the can i ate will serve our state well in the Unite States Senate. pilfer (6%2-!er), verb #o take without authori.ation or "er'issionA to steal. % ha a !eeling the tickets 8ayne was trying to sell 'e ha been 6%29&*&D !ro' so'eone, but he assure 'e that was not the case. polygamy ("uh-2%)-uh-'ee), noun #he societal "ractice o! having 'ore than one s"ouse (es"ecially, 'ore than one wi!e) at a ti'e. #he sect-s a vocacy o! 6025)AM5 an grou" "arenting eventually brought it into bitter con!lict with the stern'in e towns!olk o! ;arris ;ollow. polygraph (602-ee-gra!!), noun A 'achine use in lie etection that in icates changes in "ulse, "ers"iration, bloo "ressure, an res"iration. A!ter the sus"ect "asse a series o! 6025)*A6; tests, "olice !or'ally ro""e so'e o! the charges. pompous (60M-"uss), a +ective 6retentiousA overblownA sel!-i'"ortant. #he !oo was goo an the service was "ro'"t, but our waiter-s 60M60US air an unceasing sneer 'a e 'e consi er leaving a single "enny as a ti". prate ("rayt), verb #o talk at length in a "ointless 'anner. As her blin ate continue to 6*A#& about his !or'er girl!rien s, 2y ia consi ere +u'"ing out o! the 'oving car to get away !ro' the guy. prodigal (6*0D-ih-gul), a +ective &3travagant or waste!ulA i'"ru ent. ;elen-s 6*0D%)A2 s"en ing habits were well known to the !a'ily, an were one o! the 'ain reasons they !ought her bi to take over the business. profligate (6*099-lih-git), a +ective Sha'elessly i''oral. 6ro!ligate can also 'ean e3travagantly or recklessly waste!ul. Ce ric aban one his 6*092%)A#& ways an eci e it was ti'e to live li!e
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along the straight an narrow. promiscuity ("ro'-ih-S$500-ih-tee), noun %n iscri'inate choice o! se3ual "artners. A "ro'iscuity can also be an instance o! "ro'iscuous se3. #he co'"aratively tolerant attitu e towar the 6*0M%SCU%#5 o! the late Q?Gs an early QJGs change ra'atically with the onset o! the A%DS crisis. provincial ("ruh-,%(-shull), a +ective Describes "eo"le with narrow-'in e , unso"histicate attitu es, such as those consi ere to originate in "rovinces. A!ter 'oving to Manhattan !ro' a s'all town, 6hyllis 7uickly le!t behin her 6*0,%(C%A2 tastes. psoriasis (suh-*%&-uh-suss), noun A chronic skin isease causing the skin to beco'e covere with re "atches an white scales. &''ett treate his !irst bout o! 6S0*%AS%S by a""lying co"ious a'ounts o! 'oisturi.er, but it i no goo . puerile (6500-ur-ul), a +ective /uvenile. 6uerile erives !ro' a 2atin wor 'eaning Dboyish.E Such 6U&*%2& babbling is not !it to be "rinte in the 2etters section o! this news"a"er. pugnacious ("ug-(A5-shuss), a +ective 6rone to 7uarrels or !ights. A "ugnacious "erson is one who is given to con!lict or is"ute. Aaron-s 6U)(AC%0US attitu e is the reason he is involve in so 'any argu'ents. purloin (6U**-loin), verb #o steal or to take by ishonest 'eans. Bobby 6U*20%(&D al'ost all the contents o! his a -s change +ar be!ore being iscovere . putrid (6500-tri ), a +ective *otten . . . either in ter's o! vegetables 0* in ter's o! behavior. ,ivian-s 6U#*%D, runken antics got us thrown out o! the !ancy 9rench restaurant. pyromaniac ("ye-roe-MA5-nee-ak), noun 0ne who co'"ulsively sets !ires. 6olice believe that the bla.e is not the work o! an arsonist out !or

co''ercial gain, as was initially sus"ecte , but the art o! a 65*0MA(%AC. quarantine ($80*-un-teen), verb #o set a"artA to isolate !ro' others in or er to "revent the s"rea o! isease. An ele'entary knowle ge o! "ublic health "roce ures woul have le you to :UA*A(#%(& this area i''e iately, Dr. Miller. querulous ($8&*-uh-luss), a +ective )iven to co'"laining. So'eone who 'akes "eevish co'"laints is 7uerulous. A rienne, a :U&*U20US young wo'an, co'"laine about all her "roble's uring lunch hours at work. regime (ruh-4;&&M), noun A govern'ent or ruling syste' in "ower. *egi'e ten s to have a negative connotation. #he !ascist *&)%M& was to""le by !ree o' !ighters. regurgitate (rih-)U*/-ih-tate), verb #o vo'itA to cast (so'ething) back again. 9rankly, the "ros"ect o! working all night on the "ro+ect 'a e 'e want to *&)U*)%#A#&, but the ea line was near an it ha to be 'et. renege (ri-(&)), verb #o go back (on one-s wor ). So'eone who breaks a "ro'ise or co''it'ent reneges on an agree'ent. Dalton was su""ose to have been na'e vice "resi ent in e3change !or his su""ort, but 6eterson *&(&)&D on the eal a!ter assu'ing control. reprehensible (re"-ri-;&(-sih-bull), a +ective Abhorrent. #hat which is 'orally ine3cusable is re"rehensible. % agree that the cri'es were *&6*&;&(S%B2&A they were not, however, co''itte by 'y client. reprobate (*&6-ruh-bate), noun An un"rinci"le "erson. A re"robate is so'eone who has crosse an acce"te line escribing 'orally soun behavior. 9ro' that ay on /ohnson was consi ere a *&6*0BA#&, an was shunne in the town. repugnance (ri-6U)-nunce), noun
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Disgust. #o show strong aversion !or so'ething is to show re"ugnance. 8e can greet the news o! the terrorist bo'bing only with *&6U)(A(C&. rogue (roag), noun A scalawag. A rogue is a "erson (usually a 'an) known to have low 'orals an habits. &veryone in Savannah knew that *hett was a *0)U&, but so'ehow he 'anage to use that !act to his a vantage. sacrilegious (sak-ruh-2%D/&-uss), a +ective 6ro!aneA blas"he'ous towar so'ething consi ere holy or sacre . So'e in the au ience consi ere the irector-s ecision to o'it the !a'ous Dto be or not to beE s"eech nothing short o! SAC*%2&)%0US. sanctimonious (sank-tih-M0(&-ee-uss), a +ective ;y"ocriticalA two-!ace , es"ecially with regar to 'atters o! 'orals or religion. Des"ite his SA(C#%M0(%0US brayings on issues o! D !a'ily values,E *everen 8ilton certainly see's to know his way aroun a certain "art o! town, accor ing to the re"orter who traile hi' there last night. schizophrenia (skits-uh-9*&&(-ee-uh), noun A 'ental con ition that o!ten causes su!!erers to hallucinate, to be isoriente , an o!ten to with raw !ro' society. %t is a co''on 'isconce"tion that the ter' DSC;%406;*&(%AE re!ers to the con ition o! 'ulti"le "ersonalities. schlemiel (shluh-M&&2), noun An unlucky or awkwar in ivi ual who can never see' to get the best o! a situation. My guess is, that use car sales'an ha Mike "egge !or a SC;2&M%&2 the secon he ste""e onto the lot. schlimazel (shluh-M04-ul), noun So'eone who en ures constant ba luck. 0ver the "ast year, /onah-s car was stolen, his house burne own, he lost his +ob, an he broke his leg1all o! which earne hi' an i'"ro'"tu DSC;2%MA4&2 o! the 5earE awar !ro' his coworkers at the co'"any "arty.

schmaltzy (S;MA2#-see), a +ective 0verly senti'ental (es"ecially with regar to 'usic or art)A tastelessly over one. Although 2ibby love her great-gran !ather, she !oun his SC;MA2#45 taste in 'usic har to bear. scourge (skuhr+), noun A scourge either is a whi" use to torture, or it is a cause o! a!!liction. 9a'ine is one o! hu'anity-s 'ost horri!ic SC0U*)&S. scurrilous (S$U*-ih-luss), a +ective 0!!ensive to civili.e iscourseA verbally abusive. Because they were 'a e on the !loor o! the Senate, the Senator-s SCU**%20US accusations against 'e were "rotecte , but i! he shoul are to re"eat the' in another setting % will sue hi' !or every "enny he-s worth. sectarian (seck-#&A*-ee-un), a +ective (arrow-'in e an li'ite in outlook. #he co'"eting cli7ues- S&C#A*%A( s7uabbles ca"ture the interest o! the entire school. segregate (S&)-ruh-gate), verb #o se"arate or kee" a"art !ro' others. As the +u ge see'e oo'e to have to "oint out !or the rest o! his li!e, his or er a!!ecte only those school istricts whose o!!icials eliberately "ractice S&)*&)A#%0( in violation o! law1 not S&)*&)A#%0( that was "urely the result o! e3isting e'ogra"hic "atterns. servile (SU*-vil), a +ective 0verly eager to serveA slavish. Marion-s uncharacteristically S&*,%2& e'eanor can only 'ean one thingC ;e wants a raise. sinister (S%(-uh-ster), a +ective Describes or suggests so'ething un!avorable an "otentially har'!ul. South"aws o! the worl will be unha""y to learn that the wor is 2atin !or Dle!t.E #he S%(%S#&* 'usic gave 'e goose!lesh. slander (S2A(- ur), verb An untrue an 'alicious state'ent inten e to a'age the re"utation
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o! another. (As a legal ter', slan er re!ers to oral, rather than written or "ictorial, e!a'ation.) %! % hear you S2A(D&* 'y !ather, Mr. Caen, you will be hearing !ro' 'y attorney. slovenly (S2U;,-in-lee), a +ective Dirty or unti y in one-s "ersonal habits. Burt-s S20,&(25 roo' is at o s with his ti y "ersonal a""earance. smarmy (SMA*-'ee), a +ective %nsincerely earnest. %n between syru"y love songs, the SMA*M5 lounge singer re"eate ly assure the crow they were by !ar the best au ience he- ever "er!or'e !or. sociopath (S0-see-uh-"ath), noun A "erson who, because o! 'ental illness, lacks restraint or 'oral res"onsibility towar !ellow 'e'bers o! society. Although 'otion "ictures an "o"ular !iction have shown an unen ing !ascination with serial killers, the !act is that such S0C%06A#;S are 7uite rare. solipsism (S02-i"-si.-u'), noun #he i ea that one-s own "erce"tions are the only 'eaning!ul reality. Soli"sis' was once use to escribe a "hiloso"hical octrine, but it has also been taken to 'ean Dthe "ractice o! e3tre'e sel!-centere ness.E #o the store 'anager, bringing thirteen ite's to the twelve-ite's-only line at the su"er'arket was an e3a'"le o! un!orgiveable S02%6S%SM. solipsistic (sawl-u"-S%S-tik), a +ective Believing that the sel! is the only reality. %t-s i!!icult to achieve the give-an -take 7ualities o! a goo iscussion with San y, whose argu'ents ten to be a little S02%6S%S#%C. sophomoric (so!-uh-M0*&-ik), a +ective %''atureA overbearing in a conceite or "retentious wayA characteristic o! one with little learning but convince that he or she is brilliant. 6reston was intrigue by the !raternity-s o!!er o! !un an ga'es, but %

!oun their S06;0M0*%C initiation rituals an elitist attitu es tough to take. sordid (S0*&- i ), a +ective #aw ry. #hat which is base or un igni!ie is sor i . Des'on brought everyone u" to ate on all the latest gossi", o'itting not a single S0*D%D etail. squalid (S$8A;2-i ), a +ective 9ilthy an !oul !ro' lack o! care or neglect. % shove ol banana "eels an cigarette butts !ro' the "assenger seat o! Mickey-s S:UA2%D car. squalor (S$8A2-ur), noun #he state or 7uality o! being !ilthy. My 'other knew !ull well that 'y roo''ates were not the ti iest 'en in the worl , but she still see'e shocke when con!ronte with the unre"entant S:UA20* o! our a"art'ent. stigmatize (S#%)-'uh-ti.e), verb #o 'ark as wicke or in!a'ous. Many "eo"le with A%DS !in that co"ing with the "hysical trau'a o! their isease is only "art o! their i!!icultyA another "art is being S#%)MA#%4&D by others as so'ehow eserving o! "unish'ent. stodgy (S#A;/-ee), a +ective Dull, uninteresting, an te iously co''on"lace. % coul only s"en !ive 'inutes in the S#0D)5 club be!ore % le!t !or a row ier "lace. straitlaced (S#*A5#-2A5S#), a +ective Describes so'eone with a "ru ish nature an very strict 'orality. Be!ore she went to college an began to loosen u" a little, 8en y was best known !or being the 'ost S#*A%#2AC&D girl in her gra uating class. subterfuge (SUB-tur-!yoo ge), noun A 'islea ing ruse or cunning evasionA a strategic avoi ance e'"loying eceit. (ick knew he woul have to co'e u" with a clever SUB#&*9U)& to get out o! going to another boring Sun ay inner at his gran "arents- ho'e. sycophant (S%$-uh-!unt), noun
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0ne who tries to gain !avor by !lattering e3cessively. Any !il' star use to being surroun e by an entourage o! S5C06;A(#S is likely to !in it i!!icult to kee" things in "ers"ective when 7uestione by an unsy'"athetic +ournalist. tawdry (#0DD-ree), a +ective Chea" an tastelessA also, ostentatious an gau y. Although 'any in the "ublishing worl consi ere the actress-s tell-all book to be a slea.y !oray into the #A8D*%&S# kin o! na'e- ro""ing, there were !ew who i n-t envy its sales totals. totalitarian (toe-tahl-ih-#A*&-ee-un), a +ective Characteristic o! a syste' o! govern'ent in which "olitical "ower is highly centrali.e an in which authorities tolerate no issent, "unishing e!!orts at "luralistic iscourseA o! or "ertaining to a govern'ental syste' that controls or ictates 'any as"ects o! li!e. Although the worl wi e !all o! Co''unis' has been wi ely iscusse , several o! its !a'iliar #0#A2%#A*%A( govern'ents1notably those o! China an (orth $orea1are still alive an kicking. traduce (truh-D00C&), verb #o slan er or e!a'eA to s"eak !alsely o! or with 'alice towar (a "erson). % was !labbergaste to learn that your ca'"aign has trie to #*ADUC& 'y character by o!!ering cash "ay'ents to 'y e3wi!e in return !or her stories about 'e. traitorous (#*A5-tur-uss), a +ective *e'iniscent o! or "ertaining to a traitorA "er!i ious. #he thir cha"ter o! the book covere Bene ict Arnol -s #*A%#0*0US acts an his eventual e3"osure as a British agent. trigamy (#*%)-uh-'ee), noun #he con ition o! being 'arrie to three husban s or three wives si'ultaneously. As a result o! two i entical !iling errors on the "art o! the county clerk in

the years be!ore her thir 'arriage, Beth learne to her is'ay that she was, technically at least, guilty o! #*%)AM5. truculent (#*UC$-yuh-lunt), a +ective %ncline towar con!lictA eager to !ight. % ha a run-in with a rather #*UCU2&(# sales clerk, who insiste , es"ite 'y recei"t, that % ha not bought the e!ective blen er at his store. turgid (#U*-+i ), a +ective Swollen an overin!late . #his wor ty"ically is use in a negative 'anner because it serves as a slightly nicer way to call so'eone a blowhar . #he s"eaker-s #U*)%D rhetoric cause 'any in the au ience to evelo" roo"ing eyeli s. turncoat (#U*(-kote), noun 0ne who reverses si es in a con!lict or changes "rinci"les easily. At the risk o! being labele a #U*(C0A#, %-ve eci e to su""ort your can i acy1 even though you-re a De'ocrat. tyranny (#&&*-uh-nee), noun #he abusive an unrestraine e3ercise o! "ower. 6aine-s bol argu'ents against the #5*A((5 o! )eorge %%% 'a e Co''on Sense "ower!ul rea ing. unconscionable (un-$0(S;-un-uh-bul), a +ective 2acking in "rinci"les or conscienceA beyon any reasonable boun ary. 5our ecision to estroy those letters without atte'"ting to get "er'ission !ro' the "oet-s wi ow was U(C0(SC%0(AB2&. uncouth (un-$00#;), a +ective Cru e, without 'anners, unre!ine . Carl ha an un!ortunate way o! belching lou ly in "ublic "laces, guessing (accurately an lou ly) whether or not so'eone he +ust 'et ha un ergone "lastic surgery, an otherwise acting in an U(C0U#; 'anner in !ront o! strangers. unctuous (U($-choo-us), a +ective 0ilyA !alsely an e3aggerate ly earnestA un"leasantly s'ooth. An U(C#U0US sales'an gli e across the lot an shook us both by the
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han , telling us what a "leasure it was to 'eet such intelligent an iscri'inating custo'ers. underhanded (U(- ur-han ), a +ective Devious or eceit!ul in natureA not o"en, but cra!ty. 8ho knows what U(D&*;A(D&D 'eans were use to turn the ecision in Milton-s !avorF undermine (U(- ur-'ine), verb #o e!eat or estroy, as by sabotage. 2ittle i % know that 8ells was U(D&*M%(%() 'y e!!orts to win a contract !or the "ro+ect. unsavory (un-SA5-vuh-ree), a +ective 2ikely to give social or 'oral o!!ense. AlsoC un"leasant or istaste!ul. % have no "atience !or biogra"hers who concern the'selves only with the nu'ber o! U(SA,0*5 e"iso es they can uncover. unseemly (un-S&&M-ly), a +ective %na""ro"riateA unbeco'ing. #he !a'ily !elt that Bill-s "resence at the 'e'orial service woul have been U(S&&M25, as he ha been 'y sisterin-law-s bitterest business rival. usurious (yoo-4;00*-ee-us), a +ective Charging e3cessive interest on 'oney loane A characteri.e by usury. #he rates we agree to when we bought the house see' "ositively USU*%0US by to ay-s stan ar s. valetudinary (val-uh-too -uhn-A%*-ee), a +ective Sickly to the "oint o! being an invali . A!ter catching the isease, ,al staye at ho'e !or three 'onths in a ,A2&#UD%(A*5 state. venal (,&&-nul), a +ective Corru"tible or e3cessively evote to sel!ish interests (as o""ose to "ublic interests)A susce"tible to bribes. (See, !or co'"arison, the entry !or venial.) #he "roble' with "olitics by scan al, o! course, is that it eventually leaves voters with the i'"ression that all o!!icehol ers, regar less o! i eology or e3"erience, are ,&(A2, conte'"tible scalawags. vilify (,%2-ih-!ie), verb

#o e!a'eA to slan er. My o""onent-s ceaseless atte'"ts to ,%2%95 'e uring this ca'"aign reache a new low when she accuse 'e o! being on the si e o! the neo(a.i 'ove'ent. vindictive (vin-D%$-tiv), a +ective Mean-s"irite A eager !or revenge. A vin ictive "erson is 'otivate by a esire !or vengeance. 8hen angere , 2ynn can be 7uite ,%(D%C#%,&A those who work with her know that the 'ost "ainless course is to stay on her goo si e. virulent (,%*-yuh-lent), a +ective So'ething or so'eone "oisonous or intensely hostile. ,irulent shares the sa'e root as the wor Dvirus.E Marla-s ,%*U2&(# wor s were 'eant to hurt her sister ee"ly. vitriolic (vit-ree-02-ik), a +ective Aci ic (literally, but also in tone). ,itriolic s"eech or writing is harsh an caustic. McCarthy-s ,%#*%02%C attacks on organi.ations with no actual Co''unist ties went co'"letely unchallenge in the Senate. vituperative (vie-#00-"er-uh-tive), a +ective Scathing an harshly abusive, as criticis'. 5ou can-t hi e your ,%#U6&*A#%,& attack behin a !ew sur!ace "leasantries@ waspish (8A;-s"ish), a +ective &asily irritate an annoye an likely to DstingE1or act s"ite!ully1in return !or "erceive slights. 8an a-s 8AS6%S; behavior "uts everyone in the o!!ice on eggshells. wiseacre (8%4&-ake-ur), noun A know-it-allA one who "ro!esses to know everything. D2isten, you little 8%S&AC*&,E Sergeant Arte'is howle at Cor"oral Bu worth, D i! you think you can train these recruits better than % can, you ought to try it so'eti'e.E xenophobe (4&&-nuh-!obe), noun 0ne who !ears anything !oreign or i!!erentA one who regar s "eo"le, "laces, or custo's that i!!er !ro' one-s own as inherently angerous.
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% on-t believe 'y o""onent is really a B&(06;0B&, es"ite his rhetoric against !oreignersA he is si'"ly a canny, wealthy, an e3tre'ely angerous e'agogue. yammer (5AM-'er), verb #o co'"lain lou lyA to whine. 8hile Diane was 5AMM&*%() about how har it was to get the o!!ice "lants watere "ro"erly, % was trying to 'ake a ea line. yokel (50&-kul), noun A bu'"kinA a rustic "erson. #hat one-set show 'ay have i'"resse the 50$&2S where you co'e !ro', but here in the big city we re7uire a little 'ore !lash an star ust !ro' our 'usicals.

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