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ABOUT DISHA PUBLICATION

One of the leading publishers in India, Disha Publication provides books and study materials for
schools and various competitive exams being continuously held across the country. Disha's sole
purpose is to encourage a student to get the best out of preparation. Disha Publication offers an
online bookstore to help students buy exam books online with ease. We, at Disha provide a wide
array of Bank / Engg./ Medical & Other Competitive Exam books to help all those aspirants who
wish to crack their respective different levels of Bank / Engg./ Medical & Other Competitive
exams. At Disha Publication, we strive to bring out the best guidebooks that students would find
to be the most useful for all kind of competitive exam.

VOCABULARY
Every student at some time or the other faces the question ''How
do I increase my vocabulary? '' This is because, people who might
otherwise be very fluent in spoken English do not really take care
to use new words, since, for the purpose of communication, the
current register of words is deemed enough. An unfortunate fallout
of this nonchalant complacency is that when these people actually
face questions examining their vocabulary and its extent, they are
all at sea. An easy example will bear this out. Everyone knows that
when we are asked to name the tip of a mountain or the highest
point of something, we use the word peak. But not everyone
would know that words like zenith, apogee, crest and summit may
be replacements for the same word. So the same meaning used in
the form of another word might leave the student totally flummoxed.
Therefore, it is important to start working on ones vocabulary as
soon as possible for success in any competitive exam.
Given below are a few tips on the accepted methods and practices
used to improve ones vocabulary:
(a) The practice of reading - This is, sadly, lacking in most
aspirants. With the advent of Television, reading has almost
become passe. Reading is important not just because it
increases general knowledge. That it definitely does; in
addition what it does is help a student get into the habit of
reading. It is also important to read a variety of subjects,
because each subject has its own register of language and
words are used with differing connotations in each register.
So, for success in competitive exams, perusal of a few different
sources of reading material is mandatory. The sources are:
1) A general magazine e.g. India Today, Frontline, Outlook,
Readers Digest, Time, etc.
2) A business magazine e.g. Business Today, Business
India, Business World, etc.
3) The daily newspaper e.g. The Times of India, The Hindu,
The Indian Express, etc.
(b) Using a dictionary-the almost-extinct habit - Even though
the idea of using a dictionary does nothing to enthuse the
common student, every one owns a dictionary but treats it
like a sacred cow, not to be touched and defiled; of course,
not that they are to be blamed too much for it; it is almost a
habit now; but should be considered a necessary evil. A
dictionary should be kept with the student while reading
anything, so that an incomprehensible word can be looked
up immediately. Procrastination invariably leads to the words
remaining incomprehensible due to forgetfulness in looking
up the word in the dictionary.
(c) Self-help books - Quite a few self-help books claiming to
improve Verbal Ability are to be found in the open market,
and one or two are actually helpful in this regard. Students
are welcome to consult these books but are advised to do so
after consulting discriminating people who have experience
in this regard e.g. experienced English teachers or the English
faculty, since they have better idea of the relative efficacy of
these books.
(d) Thesaurus-the viable alternative - If using a dictionary seems
to be too boring to be considered for any length of time,
using a thesaurus may be a more interesting alternative. In
theory, it is the reverse of a dictionary, and basically gives
the various synonyms and the types of usage of a word e.g.
as a verb, adjective, noun etc.. So it gives a lot of information
about each word. If the student can remember even some of
it, it will be a great advantage. The most commonly available
thesaurus in the market is the Rogets Thesaurus, usually
now used as a generic name by most publishers.
(e) The Word List - The Word List is a comprehensive
compendium of the words most commonly asked or used in
the Management Examination question papers. Studying the
Word List will also give the student a lot of information about
the origin of various words, their roots etc. This is a
particularly useful method of studying because knowledge
of etymology helps the student gauge the meaning and usage
of other words having the same roots, regardless of whether
the student has come across the word earlier or not.
(f) Flip-Cards - We strongly advocate this technique which is
another tool to memorize words from the list. These are blank
cards approximately double the size of your standard visiting
card. After isolation of the exceptionally difficult words from
the Word List, the student should write approximately five
words on one side of the card and the corresponding
meanings on the other. The advantages of using this type of
tool are that (1) Cards are portable and the student can carry
a card around with him/her any where and glance at it anytime.

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(2) The embarrassment factor which carrying a Word List
around entails is absent here, and (3) At the time of the final
run-up to the examination, the student, instead of revising
the whole Word List, can just go through the set of Flip
Cards that he or she has collected. The only problem is getting
started and, to mix metaphors, once that initial hurdle is
overcome the rest is smooth sailing!
(g) Gauging meanings - This logically follows from the earlier
method. It is advisable for the student to try and gauge the
meaning of a word from the context of the sentence. This is
an extremely effective method and very frequently, it is
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possible to find out the meaning of a newly seen word just
by reading the whole sentence and getting the meaning of
the sentence as a whole. e.g. in the sentence All of us tried
our best to persuade him but he remained adamant. Even if
a student does not know the meaning of the word adamant
per se, it is still possible to gauge the meaning from the
context of the sentence i.e. unmoved, firm, intractable, etc.
It should be kept in mind by the students that none of the
above methods are absolute in themselves. It is a combination
of all these, or at least some of these, which will give one the
best results.
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ONE WORD - A SMALL COLLECTION that persons skill

Arboreal -
Those who live in trees
Abdicate - Renounce a throne or high office Armistice -
(or cease-fire or truce) An agreement to stop
Abolish - Do away with
fighting
Accelerate - Move faster
Ascetic - One who avoids physical pleasures and
Accomplice - One associated with another especially in
comforts
wrong-doing
Astrology - The art of understanding the influence of
Acoustics - Science of the production, transmission,
heavenly bodies on human affairs.
reception and effects of sound
Astronomy - Scientific study of heavenly bodies
Acrobat - One who performs gymnastic feats
Aviary - A place for keeping birds
Adolescence - The period of life from puberty to maturity
Actuary - One who calculates insurance and annuity Backlog - It means an accumulation of arrears.
premium etc Example: I must clear my heavy backlog of
Adulterate - Make impure by the addition of inferior work.
substance Backwater - A part of a river out of the main stream,
Aggression - Unprovoked attack of one country or person where the water does not move
by another Barbarian - An uncivilised person
Amnesty - General pardon Barbecue - A metal flame on which meat etc. is cooked
Abattoir - A building where animals are killed for meat over an open fire
(or slaughterhouse) Barometer - An instrument for measuring the air pressure
Ad hoc - arranged or happening when necessary and Beverage - A liquid for drinking
not planned in advance Bibliography - A list of writings on a subject
Aeronautics - The science of the operation and flight of Biennial - Happening once every two years
aircraft Bigamy - System of two marriages
Aesthete - A person with a highly developed sense of Biodata - (or Resume or Curriculum Vitae) A short
beauty aesthetics written account of ones education and past
Agnostic - One who believes that nothing can be employment
known about God Black Hole - An area in outer space into which
Agoraphobia - Fear of open spaces public places everything near it, including light, is pulled
Alibi - It is Latin for elsewhere. It is actually a plea Bleach - Make white or pale by means of chemicals
of having been elsewhere at the time of or sunlight
commission of an act. But it is now used in Blue Blood - The quality of being a noble person by birth
the sense of an excuse. Example: He offered Blueprint - The word originated in the engineering
no alibi for his absence from duty. industry where it means the final stage of
Alimony - Compensatory allowance given to wife after paper design. So it may mean the final plan
divorce or layout. Example: The blueprint of the
Allergic - Allergy means, a heightened sensitivity to Five-Year Plan is ready.
a substance as food, medicine etc. Allergic Bonsai - The art of growing a plant in a pot that is
means having an aversion to. Example : He prevented from reaching its natural size
is allergic to hard work. Bon Vivant - One who likes good wine and food and
Altruist - One who is habitually kind to others cheerful companions
Alumnus - A former student of a school or college Bookworm - (or nerd) One who is too fond of reading
Ambivalent - The word means simultaneous attraction and study
towards and repulsion from an object, Botany - The scientific study of plants
person or action. Example : The attitude of Bottleneck - It is a narrow passage, a place, stage or
educated Indians to love-marriages is
condition that checks progress. Example:
ambivalent
We must remove all bottlenecks in the swift
Anachronism - That which appears to be old fashioned and
implementation of policies.
does not belong to the present time
Boulevard - A broad street having trees on each side
Anarchy - Lawlessness and disorder caused by
Bourgeois - Belonging to the middle class
absence of control
Bric-a-brac - Small objects kept for decoration
Anecdote - A short interesting or amusing story
Bullion - Bars of gold or silver
Anthology - A collection of poems or writings
Aphorism - (or maxim) A wise saying in a few words Bust - A piece of sculpture showing a persons
Aphrodisiac - A medicine drug causing sexual excitement head, shoulders, and upper chest
Apiary - A place where bees are kept Cabal - A small group of people who make secret
Apprentice - A person who works under someone to learn plans for political action
Calligraphy - The art of beautiful writing by hand
Canine - Of a dog
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Cannibal -One who eats human flesh Cuisine - A style of cooking
Cardiac -Connected with the heart Daredevil - One who is prepared to take dangerous risks
Catch-22 -A situation from which one is prevented D-day - A day on which an important operation is
from escaping by something that is part of to begin
the situation itself Debacle - A sudden complete failure
Celestial - Of the sky or heaven Decanter - A container for holding alcoholic drinks,
Cerebral - Connected with the brain especially wine
Chalet - A wooden house with a steeply sloping roof Defeatism - The practice of thinking in a way that shows
Charlatan - One who deceives others by falsely an expectation of being unsuccessful
claiming to have a skill Deficit - The amount by which something is less
Celibacy - One who does not indulge in carnal than what is needed
pleasure Dja vu - The feeling of remembering something that
Clean sweep - A complete victory in fact one is experiencing for the first time
Cloak-and-Dagger - Stories that deal with adventure and exciting Depression - A lon g per iod of seriously reduced
mystery business activity and high unemployment
Clot - A half-solid mass or lump formed from a Designate - Chosen for an office but not yet officially
liquid, especially blood placed in it
Clubfoot - A badly-shaped foot twisted out of position Disarmament - Reduction of weapons by a government
from birth Dissection - Cutting up the body of a plant or animal for
Coagulate - Change from a liquid into a solid by chemical studying
action Dividend - The money which is divided among
Cold war - Severe political struggle between countries, shareholders
without actual fighting Dome - A rounded roof on a building
Colloquial - Suitable for ordinary, informal, or familiar Dormitory - A large room containing a number of beds
conversation Down-and-out - One who is suffering from lack of money,
work, etc, and is unable to change the
Colonnade - A row of pillars supporting a roof or arches
situation
Coma - A state of long unnatural deep or
Dragnet - A system of connected actions and
unconsciousness
methods for catching criminals
Combustible - (or Inflammable) That can catch fire and
Dregs - Sediment in a liquid that sinks to the bottom
burn easily
and is thrown away
Comrade - A close companion who shares difficult
Drudgery - Hard uninteresting work
work
Dutch - Of the Netherlands (Holland)
Congenital - Existing at or from ones birth Eagle-eyed - Looking with very keen attention and
Connotation - The feeling or ideas that are suggested by noticing small details
a word Eaves - The edges of a roof which come out beyond
Consortium - A combination of several companies, banks, the walls
etc. for a common purpose Eddy - A circular movement of water, wind, dust, etc.
Consul - A person appointed by a government to Elastic - Able to spring back into shape after being
protect and help its citizens and its interests stretched
in trade in a foreign city Electrocute - To kill by passing electricity through the
Contemporary - A person living at the same time as another body
Contretemps - An unlucky and unexpected event, socially Embargo - An official order forbidding trade with
uncomfortable position with someone another country
Corinthian - Typical of the most richly decorated style Empirical - Based on practical experience of the world
of ancient Greek buildings we see and feel
Corrigendum - Something (to be) made correct in a printed Enigmatic - That which is mysterious and very hard to
book understand
Counterfeit - Made exactly like something real in order to Entomology - The scientific study of insects
deceive Epic - A long narrative poem
Countervailing - Acting with equal force but opposite effect Epicurean - Lover of physical/material
Couture - The business of making and selling Ergonomics - The study of the conditions in which
fashionable womens clothes people work most effectively with machines
Cradle - A small bed for a baby Estuary - The wide lower part or mouth of a river
Creativity - The ability to produce new and original Evaporate - To change into steam and disappear
ideas Evolution - Gradual development from simpler forms
Criminology - The scientific study of crime and criminals Excise - Tax on goods produced and used inside a
Crossroads - A point at which an important decision must country
be taken Expletive - An often meaningless word used for
Cruise - A sea voyage for pleasure swearing

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Expressionism - A style of painting which expresses feelings Grunt - Short deep rough sound of a pig
rather than describing objects and Gubernatorial - Of a governor
experiences Guinea pig - A person who is subject of some kind of
Extrovert - One who likes to spend time with others test
Facet - Any of the many flat sides of a cut jewel Halitosis - A condition in which one has bad breath
Faeces - The solid waste material passed from the Handbook - A short book giving all the most important
bowels information about a subject
Fallacy - A false idea or belief Hangar - A big building where aircraft are kept
Farce - A light humorous play full of silly things between flights
happening Harpoon - A spear with a long rope, used for hunting
Farrier - One who makes and fits shoes for horses large sea animals
Febrile - Of or caused by fever Haven - A place of calm and safety
Felony - A serious crime such as murder or armed Headgear - A covering for the head
robbery Headstrong - Determined to do what one wants in spite
Fiance - (feminine fiance) The person one is going of all advice
to marry Heat-stroke - Fever and weakness caused by too much
Filament - A thin thread heat
Flogging - Severe beating with a whip or stick Heirloom - A valuable object passed on for generations
Flora - All the plants of a particular place, country, Herbivore - A plant-eating animal
or period Hide - An animals skin, when removed, to be used,
Fluvial - Of, found in, or produced by rivers for leather
Foible - A small rather strange and stupid personal Hinterland - The inner part of a country
habit Histrionics - Behaviour resembling a theatrical
Foolscap - A large size of paper, especially writing performance
paper Holocaust - Great destruction and the loss of many lives
Foray - A sudden rush into enemy country Holster - A leather holder for a pistol
Foreman - A skilled and experienced worker in charge Hooligan - A noisy rough person who causes trouble
of other workers Hothead - One who does things too quickly, without
Fortnight - Two weeks thinking
Fourth Estate - Newspapers and their writers, considered Hub - The central part of a wheel
with regard to their political influence Hump - A lump on the back of a camel
Freckle - A small flat brown spot on the skin
Ideology - A set of ideas on which a political or
Freight - Goods carried by ship, train. plane, etc.
economic system is based
Frill - A decorative edge to a piece of material
Idolatry - The worship of idols
Frontispiece - A picture or photograph at the beginning
Illegible - Difficult or impossible to read
of a book
Immortal - That which will never die
Fumigate - To clear of disease, bacteria etc. by means
Implacable - Impossible to satisfy, change, or make less
of chemical smoke
angry
Furrow - A long narrow track cut by a plough
Improvident - One who does not save for the future
Galaxy - A large group of stars
Gastronomy - The art and science of cooking and eating Incarnate - In physical form rather than in the form of a
good food spirit or idea
Gelatine - A clear substance used for making jellies Incorporeal - Without a body or form
Geocentric - Having the Earth as the central point Inedible - Not suitable for eating
Gigolo - A man who is paid to be a womans lover Inflate - To fill with air or gas until swelled
Glacier - A mass of ice moving very slowly down a Ingest - To take into the stomach
mountain valley Innate - That which one is born with
Glut - A larger supply than is necessary Inseminate - To put male seed into a female
Goatee - A little pointed beard on the bottom of the Intelligentsia - Those who are highly educated and often
chin concern themselves with ideas and new
Go-Getter - One who is forceful, determined, and likely developments
to succeed in getting what one wants Intestate - Not having made a will
Good Samaritan - One who helps others in trouble, without Invective - A forceful attacking speech used for
thinking of oneself blaming someone
Gorge - A deep narrow valley with steep sides Invoice - A list of goods supplied, stating quantity
Graffiti - Drawings or writing on a wall and price
Grange - A large country house with Farm buildings Irreproachable - So good that no blame at all could be given
Green Belt - A stretch of land, around a town or city, Journal - A serious magazine produced by a specialist
where building is not allowed, so that fields, society
woods, etc. remain Junta - A council or assembly that deliberates in
secret upon the affairs of government.
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Juxtapose - To place side by side or close together powerful than one really is
Kennel - A small hut for a dog Mercantile - Of trade and business
Kimono - A long loose garment made of silk Meteorology - The scientific study of weather conditions
Knuckle - The joint between the finger and the hand Midriff - The part of the human body between the
Lackey - One who behaves like a servant by always chest and the waist
obeying Militia - Those trained as soldiers but not belonging
Lead Time - The time taken in planning and producing a to a regular army
new product Miniature - A very small painting
Lecher - One who continually looks for sexual Mirage - The appearing of objects which are not
pleasure really there
Leonine - Of or like a lion Misnomer - A name wrongly or mistakenly applied.
Levee - An embankment beside a river or stream or Moccasin - A simple shoe made of leather
an arm of the sea, to prevent floods. Modus Operandi - A method of doing something typical of
Levy - An official demand and collection, someone
especially of a tax Mogul - A person of very great power. wealth, and
Libertarian - One who believes that people should have importance
freedom of expression Monarchy - Rule by a king or queen
Lien - A legal claim or hold on employment or Monomaniac - One who keeps thinking of one particular
property, as security for a debt or charge. idea only
Limerick - A humorous short poem with five lines Moralistic - Having unchanging narrow ideas about
Linchpin/ - An important member which keeps the right and wrong
Lynchpin whole group together Morbid - Having or expressing a strong interest in
Literati - People with great knowledge of literature sad or unpleasant things
Livery - Uniform of a special type for servants Motto - A few words taken as the guiding principle
Locale - A place where something particular
Multinational - A company having operations in many
happens
different countries
Logger - One whose job is to cut down trees
Mundane - Dull / Ordinary
Loom - A machine on which thread is woven into
Mycology - The scientific study of fungi (plural of
cloth
Lore - Old beliefs, not written down, about a fungus)
particular subject Namesake - A person with the same name as yours is
Lowbrow - One who has no interest in literature, art, your namesake
etc. Nautical - Of sailors, ships, or sailing
Lullaby - A pleasant song used for causing children Necromancy - The practice which claims to learn about
to sleep the future by talking with the dead
Machete - A knife with a broad heavy blade Nemesis - Just and unavoidable punishment
Magnum Opus - A great work of art, theatre, film, etc. Newfangled - New (idea. machine etc) but neither
Malady - That which is wrong with a system necessary nor better
Malaise - A feeling of pain without any particular pain Nihilism - The belief that nothing has meaning or
or appearance of disease value
Malcontent - One who is dissatisfied with the existing Nodding
state of affairs. Acquaintance - A very slight familiarity
Male Chauvinist - A man who believes that men are better than Nosegay - A small bunch of flowers, to be carried or
women worn on a dress
Malign - To speak evil of, especially to do so falsely Notary - A public official who makes written
and severely. statements official
Mane - The long hair on the back of a horses neck No-win Situation - That which will end badly whichever choice
Manual - A book giving information about how to do one makes
something Nursery - A place where small children are taken care
Market Forces - The free operation of business and trade of or where young plants are grown for sale
without govt. controls Oar - A long pole used for rowing a boat
Mascot - Chosen as a symbol or thought to bring Obstetrics - The branch of medicine concerned with
good luck childbirth
Massacre - The unnecessary and indiscriminate killing Obtrude - To be pushed or to push oneself into
of human beings.
undue prominence.
Materialism - Too great interest in money & material, etc,
Obtrusive - Tending to be pushed or to push oneself
rather than spiritual matters
into undue prominence.
Mechanics - The science of the action of forces on
objects Obviate - To clear away or provide for, as an objection
Megalomania - The belief that one is more important or or difficulty.
Odoriferous - Having a smell

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 7
Off-White - White with some grey or yellow a man and a woman
Oligarchy - A collective government formed by a few Plebeian - Of the lower social classes
persons Poetaster - A writer of inferior quality poems
One-Upmanship - The art of getting an advantage over others Poker Face - A face that shows nothing of what one is
without actually cheating thinking or feeling
Ontology - The branch of philosophy concerned with Porcine - Of or like a pig
the nature of existence Pork - Meat from pigs
Operational - The study of how bussinesses are Portend - To indicate as being about to happen,
Research organised in order to make them more efficient especially by previous signs.
Opprobrium - The state of being scornfully reproached Post-Haste - In a great hurry
or censured Pot-Boiler - A book of low quality produced quickly to
Orderly - A soldier who attends an officer make money
Ornithology - The scientific study of birds Powder Keg - Something dangerous that might explode
Ostentation - A display dictated by vanity and intended Prcis - A shortened form of a piece of writing
to invite applause or flattery. Prescient - Able to imagine or guess what will probably
Ostracism - The state of not being included in a group happen
Outcast - One who is forced from ones home or Prevaricate - To use ambiguous or evasive language for
without friends the purpose of deceiving or diverting
Overhaul - Thorough examination and repair if attention.
necessary Prey - An animal that is hunted and eaten by
Pacemaker - A small machine that regularises heartbeats another
Palaeography - The study of ancient writing systems Prima Donna - The main woman singer in an opera
Panacea - A remedy or medicine proposed for or company
professing to cure all diseases. Prodigal - One who is wasteful or extravagant,
Panache - Being able to do things in a confident and especially in the use of money or property.
elegant way. Profile - A side view of someones head /face
Panegyric - A speeds or a piece of writing praising Projection - Something that sticks out from a surface
somebody or something Propellant - An explosive for firing a bullet or a rocket
Pariah - One who is not accepted by society Protagonist - First actor in a play. It means one who takes
the leading part in a drama, novel or any
Parricide - Act of murdering ones father, mother or
other sphere.
other close relative
Proscribe - To reject, as a teaching or a practice, with
Parting Shot - A last remark made at the moment of leaving
condemnation or denunciation.
Passive Smoking - The breathing in of smoke from the
Prosody - The rules by which the patterns of sounds
cigarettes that others are smoking
and rhythms are arranged in poetry
Patent - The right to make or sell a new invention
Postscript (or P.S.) - A note added at the end of a letter
Paunch - A mans fat stomach
Pulmonary - Of or having an effect on the lungs
Peanuts - Too small a sum of money Punctilious - Strictly observant of the rules or forms
Peeping Tom - One who secretly looks at others when they prescribed by law or custom.
are undressing Punter - One who makes a bet on horserace results
Penance - Making oneself willingly suffer for ones Pus - A thick yellowish liquid produced in an
wrongs infected wound
Perdition - Everlasting punishment after death Putsch - A sudden secretly planned attempt to
Perjury - A lie told on purpose in court remove a government by force
Persona on Grata - One who is not acceptable or welcome Palmistry - The art of telling ones character or future
Petrology - The scientific study of rocks by examining ones hands and palms
Phonetics - The study and science of speech sounds Quartet - Four singers or musicians performing
Phylum - A main division of animals or plants together
Pigment - The natural colouring matter of plants and Quixotic - Trying to do the impossible, often so as to
animals help others, while getting oneself into
Pillion - A seat for a second person on a motorcycle danger
Pithead - The entrance to a coalmine Raconteur - One who is good at telling stories in an
Placate - To bring from a state of angry or hostile interesting way
feeling to one of patience or friendliness. Raillery - Friendly joking at someones weakness
Plaintiff - One who brings a charge against someone Ranger - The keeper of a forest
in a court Real Estate - Property in the form of land and houses
Platitude - A written or spoken statement that has Realpolitik - Politics based on practical facts rather than
been made often befor e and is not on moral or ideological aims
interesting Rebuff - A peremptory or unexpected rejection of
Platonic - A friendly, not sexual, relationship between advances or approaches.
Recant - To withdraw formally ones belief (in
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8
something previously believed or Sensationalism - The intentional producing of excitement or
maintained). shock
Recumbent - Lying down on the back or side Septic - Infected with disease bacteria
Red-Handed - In the act of doing something wrong Sexagenarian - One who is between 60 and 69 years old
Redundant - Means exceeding what is natural, usual or Sexism - The belief that one sex is not as good as the
necessary. other
Reflation - A govt. policy of increasing the amount of Shaman - A priest believed to have magical powers
money used to increase the demand for and able to cure people
goods or services Shibboleth - A once-important custom which no longer
Relic - Something old that reminds us of the past has much meaning
Renaissance - A renewal of interest in some particular kind Shoot - A new growth from a plant
of art, literature, etc, a period of revival Short-change - To give back less than what actually should
during 15th and 16th centuries in Europe be given back
Renal - Of the kidneys Siamese twins - Those joined together from birth at some
Requisition - An official demand or request part of their bodies
Rescind - To make void, as an act, by the enacting Side Effect - An unwanted effect happening in addition
authority or by a superior authority. to the intended one
Resonance - Sound produced in one object by sound Signatory - Any of those who sign an agreement
waves from another Sill - The flat piece at the base of a window
Retribution - A severe which was punishment Singsong - A repeated rising and falling of the voice in
Revisionism - The questioning of the main beliefs of an speaking
already existing political system Skyscraper - A very tall modern city building
Rhyme - To end with the same sound, including a Sleeping Partner- A partner in a business who takes no active
vowel part
Right-hand Man - Ones most useful and valuable helper Slip-up - A slight unintentional mistake.
Ringleader - One who leads others to do wrong or make Small Fry - A young or unimportant person
trouble Smokestack - The tall chimney of a factory or a ship
Riviera - A warm stretch of coast on the Snippet - A short piece from something spoken or
Mediterraneon sea popular with holiday written
makers Socialite - A person well known for going to
Rodent - A small herbivore with strong sharp long fashionable parties
front teeth Sociology - The scientific study of societies and human
Rolling Stone - One who.travels around a lot and has no behaviour in groups
fixed address or responsibilities Solidarity - Loyal agreement of interests, aims, or
Rosary - A string of beads used for counting prayers principles among a group
Roving eye - Sexual interests that pass quickly from one Somnambulism - The habit of walking about while asleep
person to another SOS - An urgent message from someone in trouble
Rubber Stamp - One who acts only to make official the
Souvenir - An object kept as a reminder of something
decisions already made by another
Spatial - Connected with space
Ruling - An official decision of a court
Spectacle - A grand public show or scene
Rung - Any of the cross-bars that form the steps
Spindle - A machine part round which something
of a ladder
turns
Saboteur - One who practices sabotage
Splinter - A small sharp-pointed piece of wood broken
Salve - (or Ointment) An oily substance for putting
off something
on a cut, wound, etc.
Sapient - Wise and full of deep knowledge Sportsmanship - A spirit of honest fair play
Scaffolding - A structure built from poles and boards for Sprig - A small end of a stem or branch with leaves
workmen to stand on Stallion - A fully-grown male horse kept for breeding
Scalp - The skin on the top of the human head Standard-bearer - An important leader in a moral argument or
Sceptical - Unwilling to believe a claim or promise movement
Scraps - Pieces of food not eaten at a meal and Statesman - A political leader who is respected as being
thrown away wise, honourable, and fair-minded
Scuba - An instrument used for breathing while Stellar - Of the stars
swimming underwater Sticking Point - Something that prevents an agreement
Seam - A line of stitches joining two pieces of cloth, Stock Broker - One whose job is buying and selling shares
leather, etc. and debentures for others
Sedentary - Anything done while sitting down Stoic - One who is indifferent to joys/sorrows
Seer - One who can see into the future Stooge - One who habitually does what another
Seismic - Of or caused by earthquakes person wants
Sellers Market - Where there are not many goods for sale Stratagem - A trick to deceive an enemy
Strategist - A person skilled in planning, especially of

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 9
military movements. Turf - A surface made up of earth and a thick
Stride - A long step in walking. covering of grass
Strobe Light - A light which goes on and off very quickly Tutelage - The act of training or the state of being
Subcutaneous - Beneath the skin under instruction.
Sub Judice - A legal case being considered in court Tyrant - A ruler with complete power, who rules
Subsidy - Money paid by the government to reduce cruelly and unjustly
prices Tyro - One slightly skilled in or acquainted with
Superannuated - Too old for work any trade or profession.
Surety - One who takes responsibility for the Underling - A person of low rank in relation to another
behaviour of someone Undermanned - Not having enough workers
Surreal - Having a strange dreamlike unreal quality Unguent - A thick oily substance used on the skin to
Swarm - A large group of insects moving in a mass heal it
Sweet Tooth - A liking for sweet and sugary things Unisex - Of one type used by both male and female
Sword of - Something bad that may happen at any time Upholstery - A comfortable covering and filling for a seat
Damocles Valise - A small bag used while travelling
Tactile - Of the sense of touch Vase - A decorative container used to put flowers
Take-home Pay - Wages left after all taxes, deductions, etc, in
have been made Vendor - A seller of small articles that can be carried
Tannery - A Place where animal skin is made into about
leather Vertebrate - A living creature which has a backbone
Tarot - A set of 22 cards used for telling the future Vicissitude - A change, especially a complete change,
Tautology - is redundancy, which consists of needless of condition or circumstances, as of
repetition of meaning in other words. fortune.
Example: audible to the ear, return back, One Vinous - Of or pertaining to wine
after another in succession, etc.
Voluntary - Done willingly, without being forced
Taxonomy - The system of putting plants and animals
Wade - To walk through water
into various classes
Walkout - Leaving a meeting as an expression of
Technocrat - A highly skilled specialist in charge of an
disapproval
organisation
Wardrobe - A large cupboard in which one hangs up
Teller - One who is employed to receive and pay
out money in a bank clothes
Tenure - The act, right, or period of holding land or a Wasteland - Empty, unproductive, usually barren land
job Waterloo - A severe defeat after a time of unusual
Territorial waters - The sea near a countrys coast over which success
it has legal control Weakling - One who lacks physical strength or
Testamentary - Of or done according to a will strength of character
Thatch - Roof covering of straw, reeds, etc. Wean - To transfer (the young) from dependence
Thermal - Of heat on mother s milk to another form of
Thorax - The part between the neck and the nourishment.
abdomen Weather-beaten - Marked or damaged by the force of wind.
Thrombosis - Having a clot in a blood vessel or the heart sun, rain. etc.
Topiary - The art of cutting trees and bushes into Wheeler-dealer - One who is skilled at making profitable or
decorative shapes of animals and birds successful deals
Touchstone - Something used as a test or standard Whirlpool - A place with circular currents of water, which
Tract - A short piece dealing with a religious or can pull objects down into it
moral subject Wholesale - The business of selling goods to
Traitor - One who is disloyal to ones country shopkeepers
Transient - One who or that which is only of Wit - The ability to say clever and amusing things
temporary existence. Wizard - One who has magic powers
Transmogrify - To change completely as if by magic Word Blindness - (or dyslexia) Difficulty in seeing the
Transpire - To happen or occur or become known. difference between letter shapes
Example: It transpired at the meeting that Workaholic - One who likes to work too hard
he was going to be our next President. Working - Enough practical knowledge to do
Treatise - A serious book or article that examines a knowledge something
particular subject. Wreckage - The broken parts of a destroyed thing
Tribunal - A court of people officially appointed to Wretch - An unfortunate or unhappy person
deal with special matters. Xenophobia - Fear of strange or foreign people, customs,
Troglodyte - One who lives in a cave. etc.
Trousseau - The personal possessions that a woman Yeoman service - Great and loyal service, help, or support
brings with her when she marries. Yuppie - A young person in a professional job with
Tunnel Vision - A condition in which one can see only a high-income
straight ahead
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10

WORD LIST Captive : Prisoner, confined, jailed, bonded

Cause : Make, originate, induce, generate,
Given below is a list of words placed in alphabetical order. Each create
word is followed by a few of its synonyms. Note these words Censor : Cut off, prohibit, ban
whenever you come across them. You should be familiar with Censure : Blame, condemn, reprove, reprimand
most of the words for which synonyms are given if you have done Character : Letter, emblem, type, OR nature,
all the exercises till this point thoroughly. So, this list will be disposition, quality
giving you synonyms for the words which you know. Thus Charity : Philanthropy, benevolence
learning will be easier. Chaste : Pure, immaculate, virgin, refined
Chatter : Babble, ramble, talk, discourse

A bandon : Leave, desert, forsake

Cheat
Cite
Clothes
:
:
:
Defraud, gull, outwit, dupe
Quote, mention, name, adduce
Apparel, attire, dress, garb
Abase : Degrade, disgrace, humiliate Colossal : Huge, gigantic, enormous, big
Abhor : Hate, loathe, detest Commence : Begin, start
Abridge : Shorten, abbreviate Commensurate : Equivalent, suitable, applicable,
Absolute : Unalterable, unrestricted, unconditional proportionate
Absurd : Ridiculous, silly, foolish Conceal : Hide, cover, shelter, disguise
Abundant : Ample, plentiful Confess : Admit, acknowledge, reveal, agree
Accessory : Additional, auxiliary, subsidiary Confuse or
Adept : Proficient, skilled, expert confound : Mix, perplex, astonish, Amaze, bewilder
Adherent : Follower, stickler Consequent : Following, resultant, outcome
Adhesive : Sticky, glue, gum Conspiracy : Plot, intrigue, treason
Admire : Praise, adore, esteem Convict : Felon, culprit, criminal, guilty
Adore : Respect, idolise, worship, admire Cowardly : Craven, dastardly, fearful, poltroon
Adversity : Misery, misfortune Coy : Modest, shy, reserved
Affliction : Distress, sorrow, sadness Crafty : Artful, adroit, dexetrous, cunning,
Alien : Foreign, stranger, unknown deceitful
Alive : Lively, vivacious, living Crazy : Mad, insane, silly
Alleviate : Relieve, lighten, ease Credence : Belief, faith, trust, confidence
Alms : Gratuity, donation, grant Crisis : Turning point, emergency, decisive
Amend : Improve, change, emend moment
Amicable : Suitable, friendly, lovable, amiable Criterion : Test, touchstone, standard, yardstick
Anxiety : Eagerness, misgiving, worry Criticism : Analysis, review, stricture
Apathy : Indifference, neutrality Cruel : Brutal, unmerciful, beastly, savage
Appalling : Terrific, terrifying, dreadful, horrible Cynical : Captious, incredulous, sarcastic,
Apposite : Apt, suitable, well chosen morose

D
Appraise : Evaluate, estimate
Apprehend : Seize, fear, arrest anger : Hazard, risk, peril
Arbitrary : Despotic, wayward
Assent : Agree, consent, acquiesce Dash : Run, rush, fly
Astonish : Astound, surprise, amaze, bewilder Dastardly : Cowardly, invaliant, afraid, fearful
Audacious : Bold, courageous, daring Dawn : Daybreak, appear, (sunrise), begin
Aversion : Dislike, detestation, hostility, hatred Deadly : Fatal, lethal, destructive

B
Dearth : Scarcity, lack, want
ase : Mean, low, ignoble Debase : Degrade, defame, disparage,
humiliate
Beg : Implore, ask, beseech, solicit Decay : Decompose, rot, decline in power,
Behaviour : Conduct, deportment, way, demeanour wealth, waste, wither, fade
Brave : Courageous, intrepid, bold, daring, Decease : Death, demise, end
valiant Deceit : Fraud, cheating, forgery
Brisk : Active, fast, quick, busy, alert Decipher : Translate, interpret, solve, explain
Brittle : Frail, fragile Decorum : Decency, etiquette, propriety, gravity
Brutal : Animal, savage, beastly, cruel Decree : Law, edict, ordinance, mandate,
Burglar : Thief, bandit, brigand, stealer judgement
Bystander : Spectator, onlooker, beholder Defamation : Calumny, disparagement, debasement

C alculate : Estimate, count, reckon, compute

Defection
Defer
Deference
:
:
:
Abandonment, desertion
Postpone, delay
Respect, reverence, honour
Callous : Hard, indifferent, cold-blooded Deformity : Disfigurement,
Calm : Cool, confident, quiet, serene, tranquil malformation, ugliness
Cancel : Annual, withdraw, revoke, delete Dejected : Depressed, distressed, downhearted,
Candid : Sincere, straightforward. frank
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 11
downcast Distaste : Abhorrence, dislike, detestation
Delectable : Charming, delightful, Distorted : Blurred, maligned, changed, disguised,
pleasant deformed, misrepresented
Delegate : Commission, depute, Distress : Affliction, depression, misery
authorise Divert : Turn aside, deflect, deviate
Deliberate : Knowingly done, Divine : Heavenly, metaphysical, godlike
intentional, forcible Divulge : Reveal, uncover, disclose
Delicacy : Softness, nicety, Docile : Amenable, tractable, submissive
slenderness, refinement, purity Doctrine : Precept, principle, teaching
Delusion : Illusion, fancy, error, false belief Dogmatic : Categorical, authoritative, firm, preachy
Demeanour : Behaviour, conduct, bearing Dolt : Blockhead, stupid, fool, idiot, dullard
Demise : Death, decease Domicile : Dwelling, home, residence
Demolish : Break, destroy, annihilate Dotage : Senility, imebcility
Demure : Modest, coy, humane Downright : Simple, unquestionable, blunt, frank
Denomination : Name, appellation, designation Dread : Apprehend, fear
Denounce : Accuse, malign, criticise, defame, Drench : Soak, wet
condemn Drowsy : Sleepy, comatose, lazy, lethargic
Deny : Contradict, refuse, disavow, withhold Dubious : Suspicious, doubtful, unreliable
Deride : Ridicule, mock, taunt Ductile : Pliant, yielding, flexible
Descant : Discourse, expatiate, enlarge Dupe : Cheat, befool, steal
Desire : Wish, long for, crave, covet Dwindle : Shrink, diminish, decrease
Desolate : Lonely, deserted, solitary, devastated

Despise
Despondency
:
:
Condemn, dislike
Despair, dejection, E arnest : Eager, ardent, intent,anxious, sincere
hopelessness Eccentric : Irregular, anomalous, abnormal, odd
Despotic : Arbitrary, tyrannical, illegal Economise : Save, retrench
Destitute : Needy, poor, miserable, indigent Ecstasy : Trance, enchantment, rapture
Destruction : Ruin, demolition, ravage Efface : Blot out, obliterate, destroy
Detain : Lock in, arrest, hold, custody Effeminate : Womanly, weak, unmanly
Detest : Despise, abhor, dislike Efficacy : Energy, virtue, potence
Dethrone : Depose, remove (from office) Egotistic : Self-centered, egoist, self-conceited
Devastate : Ruin, demolition, ravage Egregious : Conspicuously bad, sinful, monstrous,
Devoid : Lacking, empty, vacant shocking
Devout : Religious, reverent Elaborate : Explain, discuss, elucidate
Dexterity : Adroitness, cleverness, skill Elevated : Elated, promoted, upgraded, risen
Diabolical : Fiendish, devilish, wicked Eliminate : Remove, replace, dismiss, discard
Diatribe : Tirade, denunciation Eloquence : Oratory, rhetoric, finery (of speech)
Dictatorial : Tyrannical, arbitrary, despotic fluency of expression
Diffident : Hesitating, doubtful, distrusting Emanate : Originate, proceed, spring, issue
Digression : Excursion, deviation, misguidance Emancipate : Free, deliver, liberate
Diligence : Care, industry, effort Embarrass : Vex, confuse, entangle
Dire : Terrible, awful, horrible; miserable Embezzle : Steal, peculate, cheat
Disapprove : Condemn, reject, disallow Embody : Incorporate, include, comprise
Disavow : Deny, refuse Emolument : Salary, wage, remuneration
Disciple : Follower, learner, student Emulate : Compete, rival, vie against, copy
Disclose : Reveal, tell, uncover, divulge Enchant : Charm, bewitch, hypnotise
Disconsolate : Sad, cheerless, miserable Encompass : Surround, encircle
Discredit : Disbelieve, doubt, disgrace Encounter : Come across, combat, fight
Disgust : Abhorrence, dislike, detestation Encroach : Trespass, intrude, invade
Dismay : Disappointment, Endeavour : Attempt, effort, aspiration
discouragement Endorse : Back, approve, ratify
Disorder : Disease, illness, OR untidiness, Endurance : Patience, continuance, fortitude
uncleanliness Enfranchise : Liberate, free, (also: give right to vote)
Disown : Disclaim, deny, renounce Enlighten : Illuminate, edify, elaborate
Disparage : Debase, decry, defame Enmity : Hostility, hatred, animosity
Dispose : Adjust, arrange, incline Enormous : Big, huge, colossal, gigantic
Dispute : Argument, controversy, altercation Enrage : Infuriate, madden, incense, irritate
Disregard : Neglect, overlook, Ensue : Succeed, follow, result
disrespect Entangle : Ravel, involve, perplex
Dissolute : Corrupt, mean, lax, licentious Enterprise : Undertaking, venture, endeavour

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12
Enthusiasm : Zeal, ardour, interest Flaccid : Soft, loose, weak
Entice : Allure, tempt, seduce, attract Flatter : Adore, please, praise
Entreat : Beseech, implore, beg Fleece : Rob, despoil, cheat
Entwine : Encircle, surround, encompass Flexible : Variable, pliable, changeable
Enumerate : Count, number one by one Flimsy : Transparent, thin, trivial, tenuous
Enunciate : Declare, publish, propound, reveal Flounder : Stumble, falter, wallow, struggle
Envoy : Legate, messenger, ambassador Fluctuate : Undulate, waver, vacillate
Epoch : Era, time, age Flutter : Flip, quiver, ruffle, agitate
Equivocal : Doubtful, Ambiguous, uncertain Folly : Absurdity, silliness, imprudence,
Eradicate : Root out, extirpate, annihilate foolishness
Erroneous : Wrong, false Fondle : Caress, touch, rub
Erudite : Learned, scholarly, lettered Foray : Incursion, inroad, venture
Esteem : Admire, appreciate, adore, respect Forbearance : Abstaining, refraining
Eulogy : Laudation, praise, extolling, felicitation
Forbid : Prohibit, disallow, debar
Evidence : Testimony, proof, witness
Forebode : Betoken, indicate, augur
Evince : Show, manifest, demonstrate
Forlorn : Disconsolate, cheerless, distressed,
Exact : Extort, oppress, loot
abandoned, lonely
Exaggerate : Amplify, overstate
Excerpt : Extract, quotations Formidable : Dreadful, difficult, hard to overcome
Exile : Expulsion, banishment, expatriation Fragile : Weak, feeble, slender, delicate
Exonerate : Acquit, absolve, release Fragrant : Odorous, balmy, soothing
Exorbitant : Excessive, too much, very high Frailty : Weakness, delicacy,
Extinguish : Quench, terminate, destroy, put out fragileness
Extravagant : Excessive, lavish, stylish Frantic : Frenzied, mad, distracted
Exuberant : Abundant, plentiful Fraudulent : Dishonest, cheating, deceitful
Exult : Triumph, rejoice, delight Fray : Battlefield, combat, brawl

F
Frisk : Skip, dance, caper, frolic
able : Story, legend, myth, fiction Frivolous : Vain, foolish, trivial
Frugal : Economical, thrifty
Fabricate : Construct, forge, invent Futile : Useless, hopeless, in vain
Fabulous : Fictitious, mythical, exaggerated
Facile : Fluent, ready, glib (of writing), pliable,
docile, tractable
G aiety : Hilarity, jollity, festivity
Faction : Clique, cabal, discord, section Gainsay : Contradict, dispute, controvert, deny
Fallacy : Deception, illusion, mistake Gallantry : Courage, bravery, heroism
Falter : Waver, hesitate, delay, flounder Garbage : Filth, waste, useless, throwaway, trash
Famine : Hunger, starvation, scarcity of food Garner : Accumulate, collect, gather
Fanatical : Bigoted, enthusiastic Garrulous : Prattling, chattering
Fancy : Liking, conception, craving, whim Gawky : Awkward, clumsy
Farcical : Droll, comic, extravagant Gay : Happy, merry, joyous
Fascinate : Charm, bewitch, attract Generous : Noble, magnanimous, kind, liberal
Fastidious : Particular, over-nice, squeamish Genteel : Well-bred, well-cultured, polite, refined
Fatal : Deadly, lethal, mortal Genuine : True, authentic, real
Fatigue : Weakness, exhaustion, tiredness Ghastly : Horrible, horrifying, horrific
Feeble : Weak, frail, dim Ghost : Phantom, spirit, spectre
Felicitate : Congratulate, compliment Glimmer : Shine, flash, gleam
Felicity : Joy, happiness, good luck Glimpse : Glance, (quick) look, (brief) view
Felon : Criminal, sinner, guilty, bandit Glisten : Shine, beam, glow
Ferment : Excite, agitate Gloom : Depression, melancholy, loneliness
Ferocity : Fierceness, vehemence, fanaticism Glutinous : Sticky, viscous
Fervent : Glowing, heated, impassioned Gluttonous : Greedy, gorging, voracious
Fervour : Warmth, glow, vehemence Grandeur : Splendour, magnificence, glory
Festivity : Gaiety, merry-making Grapple : Grasp, clutch, seize
Fetter : Shackle, bind, imprison Gratification : Satisfaction, enjoyment
Feud : Dispute, broil, strife Gravity : Seriousness, importance, calmness
Fickle : Changeable, vacillating, varying Greed : Avarice, ravenous, envious, covetous
Fiendish : Devilish, diabolical, malignant Grievance : Hardship, complaint, trouble
Figurative : Typical, imaginative, emblematic, Grotesque : Horrifying, contorted, bizzare, whimsical
metaphorical Grudge : Grievance, begrudge, resent
Filthy : Dirty, foul, nasty Gullible : Simple, easy, pliable, credulous
Fissure : Crevice, rift, narrow opening
H
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allucination : Delusion, illusion, nightmare
 13
Hamper : Impede, block, fetter, bind wanton
Hapless : Unfortunate, unlucky Indolence : Apathy, inactivity, laziness,
Harangue : a lengthy speech, oration sluggishness, lethargy
Hardship : Trouble, adversity, difficulty Industrious : Busy, active, tireless
Haughty : Arrogant, overbearing, imperious Inevitable : Unavoidable, certain, sure
Havoc : Devastation, destruction, ruin Inexorable : Relentless, indefatigable
Hearty : Sincere, warm, ardent
Infallible : Unfailing, unerring, certain
Heave : Raise, lift
Infectious : Catching, contaminating, corrupting,
Hedge : Fence, hem
Heed : Advise, note, consider, mind transmittable
Heinous : Atrocious, odious, wicked Infer : Gather, conclude, deduce
Hem : Border, edge, fringe, outskirt Influence : Authority, effect, power
Herculean : Colossal, laborious, excessive Infringe : Break, violate, transgress, encroach
Heterogeneous : Dissimilar, unlike, different, diverse, Ingredient : Constituent, component, element
varied Inherent : Inborn, innate, built-in
Hideous : Terrific, horrible, filthy Inhibition : Restraint, check
Hilarious : Exceedingly, funny, boisterously merry, Iniquitous : Unjust, wrong, unfair
amusing, joyous Initiate : Start, begin, inchoate
Hindrance : Impediment, hampering, obstruction, Innocuous : Harmless, mild, innocent
obstacle Insanity : Madness, lunacy, mania
Histrionic : Theatrical, dramatic Insidious : Deceitful, treacherous
Hoax or
Instantaneous : Immediate, Sudden, quick
Humbug : Dupe, cheat, befool
Instigate : Arouse, misguide, provoke
Homage : Deference, salute, worshipping
Horizon : Verge, limit, skyline Intact : Untouched, unscathed, whole,
Hostile : Adverse, opposing, inimical unbroken, undamaged, unimpaired,
Hover : remain in one place in the air, remain entire
suspended, linger Integrity : Oneness, entirety, completeness,
Humane : Compassionate, caring, bvenevolent honesty, wholeness, soundness
Humiliate : Abase, insult, mock, defy Intellectual : Intelligent, rational, learned
Humorous : Amusing, laughable, comical Intentional : Deliberate, intended,
Hypocrisy : Pretence, imposture, deceit Intercourse : Intimacy, association, communication

I dolise : Adore, worship, admire

Intermission

Intervene
:

:
Suspension, stoppage, pause,
cessation, interval
Interpose, mediate
Illegal or Illicit : Unlawful, prohibited
Illogical : Inconsequent, irrational Intimate : Close, tender, friendly or informal,
Imitate : Copy, follow, mimic, emulate advertise, inform
Immaculate : Spotless, stainless, perfect Intolerable : Unendurable, unbearable
Immature : Crude, childish, unseasoned Intransigent : Uncompromising, inflexible
Imminent : Impending, near, due, threatening Intrepid : Brave, fearless
Immodest : Indecent, indelicate, unchaste Intricate : Complex, difficult, complicated
Immortal : Everlasting, undying, endless Intuition : Insight, premonition, instinct
Impassioned : Fervent, frenzied, fanatical Inveterate : Habitual, deep-rooted
Impeachment : Imputation, accusation Involuntary : Compulsory, unwilled, reflex
Implicit : Implied, assumed, inferred Irksome : Annoying, disagreeable, tedious
Impostor : Cheat, conman, charlatan Irresolute : Wavering, confused, vacillating
Impracticable : Impossible, (merely) theoretical Itinerant : Travelling (on a circuit), wandering,
Impressive : Striking, affecting, extraordinary
nomadic
Impunity : Exemption (from punishment)

Inane
Inarticulate
Incense
:
:
:
Empty, silly, idiotic
Voiceless, indistinct, inexpressive
Infuriate, enrage, anger
J aded : Tired, weary
Jargon : cant, technical language, gibberish
Incessant : Unceasing, continual
Incognito : (Identity) Concealed, secretly, stealthily Jocose : Jocular, humorous
Inculcate : Instil, enforce, pass on, generate Jocular : Inclined to joke.
Inculpate : Blame, incriminate Jovial : Merry.
Incumbent : Compulsory, obligatory, binding Judicious : Prudent.
Incursion : Inroad, foray, venture Juxtaposition : Closeness, nearness

Indefatigable
Indict
Indiscriminate
:
:
:
Tireless, assiduous
Accuse, charge
Mixed, undistinguished, confused,
K iosk : Stand (open on one side), booth
Knead : Work up (into dough), press, squeeze
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14

L
Obfuscate : To darken; to obscure.
acerate : Tear (tissue toughly), mangle Oblique : Slanting; said of lines.
Obstreperous : Boisterous.
Lachrymose : Given to shedding tears. Odious : Hateful.
Lackadaisical : Listless. Odium : A feeling of extreme repugnance, or of
Laconic : (Briskly) Short, concise, pithy dislike and disgust.
Languid : Listless, spiritless Ominous : Portentous.
Languish : Die (with hunger or desire), weaken, Onerous : Burdensome or oppressive.
droop Onus : A burden or responsibility.

Lascivious
Lassitude
:
:
Lustful.
Weariness, tiredness P alate : The roof of the mouth.
Latent : Hidden, concealed Palatial : Magnificent.
Laudable : Praiseworthy. Palliate : To cause to appear less guilty.
Legacy : A bequest. Palpable : Perceptible by feeling or touch.
Legitimate : Genuine, lawful Panoply : A full set of armor.
Levity : Frivolity. Paragon : A model of excellence.
Libel : Defamation. Pariah : A member of a degraded class; a social
Licentious : Wanton. outcast.
Lithe : Supple. Paroxysm : A sudden outburst (of any kind of
Loquacious : Talkative. activity).
Lustrous : Shining. Paucity : Fewness.
Pellucid : Translucent.
M alaise : A condition of uneasiness or ill-being.


Penchant
Penurious
:
:
A bias in favor of something.
Excessively sparing in the use of
Malevolence : Ill will. money.
Malleable : Pliant. Penury : Indigence.
Mawkish : Sickening or insipid. Peremptory : Precluding question or appeal.
Perfidy : Treachery.
Mellifluous : Sweetly or smoothly flowing.
Perfunctory : Half-hearted.
Mendacious : Untrue.
Peripatetic : Walking about.
Mendicant : A beggar.
Perjury : A solemn assertion of a falsity.
Mesmerize : To hypnotize. Permeate : To pervade.
Meticulous : Over-cautious. Pernicious : Tending to kill or hurt.
Mettle : Courage. Persiflage : Banter.
Mien : The external appearance or manner of a Perspicacity : Acuteness or discernment.
person. Perturbation : Mental excitement or confusion.
Moderation : Temperance. Petulant : Displaying impatience.
Modicum : A small or token amount. Phlegmatic : Not easily roused to feeling or action.
Mollify : To soothe. Pique : To excite a slight degree of anger in.
Mordant : Biting. Plea : An argument (to obtain some desired
Moribund : On the point of dying. action).
Morose : Gloomy. Plenary : Entire.
Multifarious : Having great diversity or variety. Plethora : Excess; superabundance.
Mundane : Worldly, as opposed to spiritual or Poignant : Severely painful or acute to the spirit.
celestial. Polyglot : Speaking several tongues.
Ponderous : Unusually weighty or forcible.
Munificent : Extraordinarily generous.
Portent : Anything that indicates what is to
Myriad : A vast indefinite number.
happen.

N adir : The lowest point.

Pragmatic
Precarious
Preclude
:
:
:
Practical(values), empirical
Critical, dangerous
To prevent.
Nefarious : Wicked in the extreme.
Precocious : Advan ced (in development),
Negligent : Apt to omit what ought to be done. overforward, premature
Neophyte : Having the character of a beginner. Predilection : Preference, partiality, inclination
Noxious : Hurtful. Predominate : To be chief in importance, quantity, or
Nugatory : Having no power or force. degree.

O bdurate : Impassive to feelings of humanity or

Preposterous :
Prerogative :
Presage :
(Very) Absurd, ridiculous
(Special) Right, privilege
To foretell.
pity.

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 15
Prescience : Knowledge of events before they take Redundant : Wordy, repetitious, super fluous,
place. needless
Preternatural : Extraordinary. Refractory : Not amenable to control.
Prim : Stiffly proper. Regale : To give unusual pleasure.
Pristine : Primitive. Regicide : The killing of a king or sovereign.
Probity : Virtue or integrity tested and confirmed. Reiterate : To say or do again and again.
Proclivity : A natural inclination. Relapse : To suffer a return of a disease after
Procrastination : Delay. partial recovery.
Prodigious : Large, immense Relegate : Assign a lower position, banish, demote
Profligate : Immoral, wanton, reckless, dissolute, Repast : A meal; figuratively, any refreshment.
licentious Repine : To indulge in fretfulness and
Profuse : Produced or displayed in overabundance. faultfinding.
Prolix : Verbose.
Reprisal : (Injury in) Return, retaliation, revenge
Promiscuous : Indiscriminate, impure, casual
Reprobate : One abandoned to depravity and sin.
Propinquity : Nearness, proximity
Repudiate : Disavow, disclaim
Propitious : Kindly disposed.
Prosaic : Unimaginative. Resilience : The power of springing back to a former
Protagonist : Leading character), hero(ine) position
Providential : Fortunate, lucky Resonance : Able to reinforce sound by sympathetic
Prudence : Caution. vibrations.
Puerile : Childish. Respite : Interval of rest.
Pugnacious : Quarrelsome. Restive : Resisting control.
Puissant : Powerful, influential, mighty Revere : To regard with worshipful veneration.
Punctilious : Exact (in formalities), ceremonious, Reverent : Humble.
conscientious Rotund : Round from fullness or plumpness.
Pungency : The quality of affecting the sense of Ruffian : A lawless or recklessly brutal fellow.
smell. Ruminate : To chew over again, as food previously
Pusillanimous : Without spirit or bravery. swallowed and regurgitated.

Putrefy
Pyre
:
:
Decay, rot, decompose
A heap of combustibles arranged for
burning a dead body.
S agacious : Wise, shrewd, astute

Q
Salacious :Obscene, foul, indecent, lecherous
ualm : A fit of nausea. Salubrious :Healthful; promoting health.
Salutary : (Morally) Healthy, salubrious,
Quandary : Doubt, dilemma, plight beneficial
Quibble : An utterly trivial distinction or Sanguine : Ardent, confident, optimistic
objection. Sardonic : Ironical, scornful, derisive
Quiescence : Being quiet, still, or at rest; inactive Satiate : Gratify (fully), surfeit, saturate
Quirk : Twist, quibble, deviation Satyr : A very lascivious person.
Quixotic : (Foolishly) Chivalrous, unrealistic, Savor : To perceive by taste or smell.
whimsical Schism : Disjunction, split

R abble : Th rong (of th e vulgar ), crowd,

Scribble
Sedition
: Hasty, careless writing.
: Plotting (against government),
incitement, insurgence
proletariat
Rabid : Furious, mad, fanatical Sedulous : Persevering in effort or endeavor.
Raconteur : A person skilled in telling stories. Severance : Separation.
Raillery : Jesting (language), banter, ridicule Sinecure : Any position (having emoluments with
Ramify : To divide or subdivide into branches few or no duties).
or subdivisions. Sinuous : Curving in and out.
Rampant : Rife, widespread Sluggard : A person habitually lazy or idle.
Ramshackle : Dilapidated, tumbledown, rickety Solace : Comfort in grief, trouble, or calamity.
Rapacious : Sieze by force, avaricious Solvent : Having sufficient funds to pay all debts.
Raucous : Harsh. Somniferous : Tending to produce sleep.
Recalcitrant : Stubborn, refractory Somnolent : Sleepy.
Recluse : One who lives in r etirement or Soporific : Causing sleep; also, something that
seclusion. causes sleep.
Recondite : Incomprehensible to one of ordinary Sordid : Filthy, morally degraded
understanding. Specious : Plausible.
Recuperate : To recover. Spurious : Not genuine.
Redoubtable : Formidable. Squalid : Having a dirty, mean, poverty-stricken
appearance.
Stanch : To stop the flowing of; to check.
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16

U
Stingy : Cheap, unwilling to spend money.
Stolid : Expressing no power of feeling or biquitous : Being present everywhere.
perceiving.
Submerge : To place or plunge under water. Umbrage : A sense of injury.
Subterfuge : Evasion. Unctuous : Oily.
Succinct : Concise. Undulate : To move like a wave or in waves.
Sumptuous : Rich and costly. Untoward : Causing annoyance or hindrance.
Supercilious : Exhibiting haughty and careless Upbraid : To reproach as deserving blame.

V
contempt.
Superfluous : Being more than is needed. agary : A sudden desire or action
Supernumerary : Superfluous.
Supersede : To displace. Vainglory : Excessive, pretentious, and
Supine : Lying on the back. demonstrative vanity.
Supplicate : To beg. Valorous : Courageous.
Suppress : To prevent from being disclosed or Vapid : Having lost sparkling quality and
punished. flavor.
Surcharge : An additional amount charged. Variegated : Having marks or patches of different
Surfeit : To feed to fullness or to satiety. colors; also, varied.
Susceptibility : A specific capability of feeling or Vehement : Very eager or urgent.
emotion. Venal : Mercenary, corrupt.

T aciturn : Disinclined to conversation.

Veneer
Venial
:
:
Outside show or elegance.
That may be pardoned or forgiven, a
forgivable sin.
Taut : Stretched tight. Veracious : Habitually disposed to speak the truth.
Temerity : Foolhardy disregard of danger; Veracity : Truthfulness.
recklessness. Verbiage : Use of many words without necessity.
Terse : Pithy.
Verbose : Wordy.
Timorous : Lacking courage.
Verdant : Green with vegetation.
Torpid : Dull; sluggish; inactive.
Veritable : Real; true; genuine.
Torrid : Excessively hot.
Vestige : (A visible) trace, mark, or impression
Tortuous : Abounding in irregular bends or turns.
(of something absent, lost, or gone).
Tractable : Easily led or controlled.
Transgress : To break a law. Virago : Loud talkative women, strong statured
Transitory : Existing for a short time only. women
Travail : Hard or agonizing labor. Virtu : Rare, curious, or beautiful quality.
Travesty : A grotesque imitation. Visage : The face, countenance, or look of a
Trenchant : Cutting deeply and quickly. person.
Trepidation : Nervous uncertainty of feeling. Vitiate : To contaminate.
Trite : Made commonplace by frequent Vituperate : To overwhelm with wordy abuse.
repetition. Vivify : To endue with life.
Truculence : Ferocity. Vociferous : Making a loud outcry.
Truculent : Having the character or the spirit of a Volatile : Changeable.
savage. Voluble : Having great fluency in speaking.

Turbid
Turgid
Turpitude
:
:
:
In a state of turmoil; muddled
Swollen.
Depravity.
W himsical : Capricious.
Winsome : Attractive.

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