The Wordlist

Suvrit Sra

October 8, 2000
Abbreviations

• ath.: anything.
• char.: characterized or characteristic
• sth.: something.
• sb.: somebody.
• usu.: usually.
• ∼: stands for the word in context

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The Wordlist
1. abaft: behind.
2. abase: disgrace; debase; lower; to humble or
humiliate.
3. abase: to confound, disgrace, debase; [Opp]
uplift, dignify, elevate.
4. abash: discourage; disconcert; discompose.
5. abate: moderate; mitigate; to weaken or be-
come less in amount, degree, etc.
6. abbreviate: to make briefer; esp to reduce to
a shorter form intended to stand for the whole;
shorten.
7. abdicate: resign; abandon; renounce; to give
up formally (a high office, throne, etc); to sur-
render or repudiate.
8. abed: in bed; confined to bed.
9. aberrant: exceptional; deviating; divergent;
erroneous.
10. abet: aid; assist; incite; stimulate; promote.
11. abeyance: suspension; adjournment; tempo-
rary inactivity; a lapse in succession during
which there is no person in whom a title; is
vested.
12. abject: of the lowest degree; wretched; cast
away; worthless; groveling; base; outcast.
13. abjure: to give up on oath; forswear; recant;
retract; repudiate; renounce.
14. ablate: to remove.
15. ablutions: the act or action of bathing.
16. abnegation: denial; refusal; forbearance; self-
denial.
2
17. abolish: 1) to end the observance or effect of
: cancel : annul; 2) destroy : put an end to.
18. abominate: to hate or loathe intensely; ab-
hor.
19. aboriginal: existing (in a place) from the be-
ginning or from earliest days; indigenous; be-
ing the first of its kind in a region.
20. abortive: unsuccessful; fruitless; coming to
nth.
21. abound: teem, swarm, flourish; [Opp.] defi-
cient, destitute, lack.
22. abrade: 1a) to rub or wear away esp by fric-
tion : erode; 1b) to irritate or roughen by rub-
bing; 2) to wear down in spirit : irritate.
23. abrasive: 1) tending to abrade; 2) causing
irritation [∼ manners].
24. abrasive: a substance (emery, sandpaper)
used for abrasion.
25. abridgment: outline; digest; synopsis; ab-
stract.
26. abrogation: nullification; revocation; annul-
ment; defeasance; retractation; recantation.
27. abscond: to depart secretly and hide oneself;
to decamp, bolt, flee; [Opp.] remain, endure,
emerge.
28. absentia: absent.
29. absolute: 1a) free from imperfection : per-
fect; 1b) free or relatively free from mixture :
pure; 2) being, governed by, or char of a ruler
or authority, completely free from; constitu-
tional or other restraint; 3) positive, unques-
tionable [∼ proof]; 4) fundamental, ultimate
 [∼ knowledge]; 5) perfectly embodying the na-
ture of a thing [∼ justice]; 6) complete, totally
unlimited; certain.
30. absolution: forgiveness; the act of absolv-
ing?.
31. absolve: exonerate; to acquit; exculpate.
32. abstain: to refrain deliberately and often with
an effort of self-denial from an action or prac-
tice.
33. abstemious: sparing in food, drink or enjoy-
ment; temperate.
34. abstention: refrain; (to abstain from).
35. abstinence: 1) voluntary forbearance esp
from indulgence of an appetite or craving or
from eating some foods : abstention; 2) habit-
ual abstaining from intoxicating beverages.
36. abstract: 1) remove, separate; 2) to consider
apart from application to or association with
a particular instance; 3) to draw away the at-
tention of; 4) steal, purloin.
37. abstract: 1) summary of points (as of a writ-
ing) usu. presented in skeletal form; 2) also sth
that summarizes or concentrates the essentials
of a larger thing; or several things.
38. abstract: 1a) dissociated from any specific in-
stance [∼ entity]; 1b) difficult to understand :
abstruse [∼ problems]; 1c) insufficiently fac-
tual : formal [possessed only as an ∼ right]; 2)
dealing with a subject in its abstract aspects :
theoretical; 3) impersonal, detached; 4) having
only intrinsic form with little or no attempt at
pictorial ; representation or narrative content.
39. abstruseness: hidden; remote; difficult to
understand.
40. abusive: 1) characterized by wrong or im-
proper use or action; esp corrupt [∼ financial
practices]; 2a) using harsh insulting language;
characterized by or serving for abuse; 2b) phys-
ically injurious [∼ behavior].
41. abut: to terminate at a point of contact; to
lean for support; to border on; adjoin.
3
42. abysmal: bottomless; unfathomable; abyssal.
43. academia: the academic life, community or
world; pedant.
44. acatalectic: complete.
45. accede: assent; comply; agree.
46. accentuate: to make prominent; emphasize.
47. accessible: 1) providing access; 2a) capable of
being reached [∼ by rail]; also : being within
reach; 2b) easy to speak or deal with [∼ peo-
ple]; 3) capable of being influenced : open; 4)
capable of being used or seen : available; 5) ca-
pable of being understood or appreciated [the
author’s most ; ∼ stories].
48. accessory: 1) assisting as a subordinate; esp
: contributing to a crime but not as the chief
agent; 2) aiding or contributing in a secondary
way; supplementary.
49. accessory: 1a) a person not actually or con-
structively present but contributing as an ;
assistant or instigator to the commission of
an offense—called also ; ‘accessory before the
fact’; 1b) a person who knowing that a crime
has been committed aids or shelters ; the of-
fender with the attempt to defeat justice—
called also ‘accessory ; after the fact’; 2a) a
thing of secondary or subordinate importance
: adjunct; 2b) additional object or device not
essential in itself.
50. acclamation: a shout of applause or assent.
51. acclimate: acclimatize; to adapt to a new
temperature, altitude, climate, environment,
or situation.
52. acclivity: a sharp ascending slope or hill.
53. accolade: 1a) a ceremonial embrace; 1b) a
ceremony or salute conferring knighthood; 2a)
a mark of acknowledgment : award; 2b) an
expression of praise.
54. accommodate: 1) to make fit, suitable or
congruous; 2) to bring into agreement or con-
cord : reconcile; 3) to provide with sth desired,
needed or suited (as a helpful service, a ; loan
or lodgings); 4a) to make room for; 4b) to hold
 without crowding or inconvenience; 5) to give
consideration to : allow for [∼ the special in-
terests of ; some people]; 6) to help or oblige
someone.
55. accost: to approach and speak to often in a
challenging or aggressive way.
56. accoutre: (or accouter) to provide with
equipment or furnishings : outfit.
57. accretion: accumulation; continued growth;
(root: accrescent);
58. accrue: an accession, increment or product.
59. accrue: increment; to come as an accession;
to fall due.
60. acculturate: to change through accultura-
tion.
61. acculturation: cultural modification of an in-
dividual group or people by adapting to or ;
borrowing traits from another culture.
62. accumulate: amass, aggregate, hoard; [Opp.]
dissipate, disperse, portion.
63. acedia: listlessness; torpor; sloth; apathy;
boredom (of religious stuff).
64. acephalous: leaderless (headless?).
65. acerbate: acrimony; soreness; malevolence;
irritate; exasperate.
66. acervate: [Biol] heaped; growing in tight clus-
ters or heaps—esp growth of moss or fungi.
67. acidulous: slightly sour containing carbonic
acid; somewhat acid or harsh in taste or man-
ner.
68. acknowledge: 1) to recognize the rights, au-
thority, or status of ; 2) to disclose knowledge
of or agreement with; 3a) to express gratitude
or obligation for; 3b) to take notice of; 3c) to
make known the receipt of; 4) to recognize as
genuine or valid [∼ a debt]; 5) admit, own,
avow, confess.
69. acquiesce: to rest satisfied or without making
opposition; to assent.
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70. acquittal: a setting free from the charge of
an offense by verdict, sentence or other; legal
process.
71. acrimony: acerbity; tartness; bitterness; ha-
tred; acridity.
72. action: achievement, activity, exertion;
[Opp.] inertia, ennui, lassitude.
73. actuary: 1) one who makes calculations con-
nected with insurance, annuity premiums, ; re-
serves and dividends; 2) relating to statistical
calculation esp of life expectancy.
74. actuate: 1) to put into mechanical action or
motion; 2) to move to action : motivate.
75. acuity: sharpness; keenness of perception.
76. acumen: insight; keenness; perspicacity.
77. acute: 1) char by sharpness or severity [∼
pain]; 2) ending in a sharp point; 3) marked
by a keen discernment or intellectual percep-
tion esp of subtle ; distinctions : penetrating
[an ∼ thinker]; 4) felt, perceived, or experience
intensely [∼ distress].
78. adage: a saying often in metaphorical form
that embodies a common observation.
79. adagio: a slow tempo; a slow movement.
80. addle: barren; incomplete; abortive; confuse;
muddle; confound [an ∼ egg, he has an ∼
brain].
81. adduce: allege; advance; affirm; assign; urge;
to bring forward in discussion.
82. adept: thoroughly proficient; expert; a highly
skilled or well trained individual.
83. adit: mine entrance.
84. adjourn: discontinue meeting.
85. adjudicate: to determine judicially; to
pronounce–to award.
86. adjunct: appendage; augment; supernumer-
ary; interlineation; corollary; addition; ap-
pendage; appurtenance.
 87. adjuration: 1) a solemn oath; 2) an earnest 105. advocate: 1) one that pleads the cause of an-
urging or advising. other; 2) one that defends or maintains a cause
or proposal; 3) to plead in favor of : support.
88. adjure: 1) to command solemnly under or as
if under oath or penalty of a curse; 2) to urge 106. aegis: a shield belonging to Zeus; protection;
or advise earnestly. patronage.

89. adjutant: an officer specially appointed to as- 107. aesthetic: 1a) of, relating to , or dealing with
sist a commanding officer. aesthetics or the beautiful; 1b) artistic; 1c)
pleasing in appearance : attractive; 2) appre-
90. admonish: warn; advise; counsel; censure; re- ciative of, responsive to, or zealous abut the
prove. beautiful.
91. admonition: reproof; counsel; advice. 108. aesthetic: a branch of philosophy dealing
with the nature of beauty, art, and taste and ;
92. adroit: expert or nimble in the use of hands; with the creation and appreciation of beauty.
dextrous; deft; adept.
109. affable: 1) being pleasant and at ease in talk-
93. adroit: proficient, dextrous, artful; [Opp.] ing to others; 2) characterized by ease and
awkward, dull, clumsy. friendliness.
94. adscititious: derived or acquired from sth ex- 110. affectation: 1a) the act of taking on or dis-
trinsic; added; redundant; adventitious. playing an attitude or mode of behavior not ;
natural to oneself : artificiality.
95. adulation: to fawn upon; to flatter.
111. affected: 1) inclined, disposed; 2a) given to
96. adulterate: 1) to corrupt, debase, or make affectation; 2b) assumed artificially or falsely :
impure by the addition of a foreign or inferior; pretended.
substance or element; 2) to prepare for sale by
replacing more valuable with less valuable. 112. afferent: bringing towards a central point.
97. adumbrate: to give a faint shadow of; to fore- 113. affiant: affidavit signer.
shadow/overshadow; darkness; allegorise; rep-
resent. 114. affidavit: a sworn statement in writing made
esp under oath or an affirmation before an; au-
98. aduncity: hooked; curved or hooked as a par- thorized magistrate or officer.
rots beak.
115. affiliate: 1a) to bring or receive into close con-
99. advene: to be superadded. nection as a member or branch; 1b) to asso-
ciate as a member; 2) to trace the origin of.
100. advent: the coming into being or use; arrival.
116. affinity: 1) relationship by marriage; 2) sym-
101. adventitious: added from without; acciden- pathy marked by community of interest : kin-
tal?; adscititious. ship; 2) an attraction to or liking for sth.
102. adverse: 1) acting against or in a contrary di- 117. affirmation: 1) the act of affirming : a pos-
rection : hostile; 2a) opposed to one’s interests itive assertion ; 2) a solemn declaration made
[an ∼ verdict]; 2b) causing harm; harmful [∼ under the penalties of perjury by a person who
drug effects]. ; conscientiously declines from taking an oath.
103. adversity: misfortune; ill-luck; calamity; dis- 118. affix: 1) to attach physically; 2) to attach in
tress. any way; 3) add; append.

104. advert: to refer; to turn one’s attention. 119. afflatus: inspiration.

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120. affluence: abounding/inflowing wealth; 136. agnostic: a person who holds the view that
any ultimate reality (as God) is unknown ;
121. affray: disturbance; a brawl; breach of the and prob unknowable; broadly: one who is not
peace. committed to believing in either the existence
122. affront: insult; annoy; vex; taunt; provoke; or ; the nonexistence of God or a god.
exasperate.
137. agog: in a state of eager anticipation , excite-
123. aficionado: a person who likes, knows about, ment or interest.
and appreciates a usu fervently pursued; inter-
138. agrarian: relating to land; its management or
est or activity.
distribution.
124. afoul: in entanglement; in collision.
139. ague: burning fever; a shivering fit.
125. agape: curious; expectant; wonder; with gap-
ing mouth. 140. aileron: a flap on an aeroplane wingtip for
lateral balance.
126. agenda: 1) a list or outline of things to be
considered or done; 2) an underlying often ide- 141. ailurophile: a person having a strong attrac-
ological plan or program. tion to or devoted to cats.

127. agglomeration: 1) the action or process of 142. alacrity: speed; swiftness; briskness; quick-
collecting in a mass; 2) a heap or cluster of ness.
usu. disparate elements [urban ∼s knit; to-
gether etc]. 143. albeit: despite the fact; not withstanding
even if.
128. agglutinate: to cause to cohere or clump.
144. alchemy: 1) an early form of chemistry, with
129. aggrandize: exalt; enrich; augment; advance; philosophical and magical associations, ; stud-
elevate. ied in the Middle Ages: its chief aims were
to change metals into gold ; and to discover
130. aggravation: heightening; exacerbation; ex- the elixir of perpetual youth; 2) a method or
asperation; overestimation; exaggeration. power of transmutation; 3) esp. the seemingly
131. aggregate: 1) a mass or body of units or miraculous change of a thing into sth. better.
parts somewhat loosely associated with one ; 145. alcove: 1) a recessed section of a room, as a
another; 2) the whole sum or amount; 3) sum breakfast nook; 2) secluded corner in a garden
total. : summerhouse.
132. aggregate: 1) to collect or gather into a mass
146. alderman: a nobleman of highest rank;
or whole : total.
maybe a civic dignitary next to mayor.
133. aghast: struck with terror, amazement or hor-
ror; shocked. 147. aleatory: depending on chance.

134. agility: 1) marked by ready ability to move 148. alee: on or towards the lee side.
with quick, easy grace; 2) nimbleness; dexter- 149. alembic: distilling vessel.
ity.
150. alfresco: in the fresh and cool air; ¡to aug-
135. agitate: 1) to move with irregular , rapid, or
ment this meaning¿.
violent action; 2) to excite and often trouble
the mind or feelings of : disturb; 3a) to discuss 151. alginate: to prepare a colloidal substance.
excitedly and earnestly; 3b) to stir up public
discussion of; to attempt to arouse public feel- 152. alias: an assumed name; another name;
ing. pseudonym.

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153. alienate: 1) to transfer the ownership of 169. aloof: 1) at a distance : removed; 2) distant
(property) to another; 2) to make unfriendly in sympathy, interest, etc; reserved and cool
: estrange; 3) to cause to be withdrawn or [her manner was ∼].
detached [as from one’s society]; 4) to cause
transference of (affection). 170. alopecia: loss of hair, esp on the head; bald-
ness.
154. alimentary: 1) connected with food or nutri-
tion; 2) nourishing; 3) support or sustenance. 171. altercation: an angry or heated argument.

155. alimony: allowance for support for divorced 172. altruist: a person living and acting for the
wife. interest of others.

156. allayed: to put down; to quell; to alleviate; to 173. amalgamate: 1) to combine in an amalgam;
abate. 2) to join together into one : unite : combine.

157. allege: 1) to assert positively, or declare; af- 174. amanuensis: one who writes down the dicta-
firm : esp,to assert without proof; 2) to offer tion.
as a plea, excuse, etc [in his defense he ∼d 175. amaranthine: everlasting.
temporary ; insanity].
176. amass: 1) to pile up : collect together; 2) to
158. allegiance: loyalty; submission; subjection; accumulate (esp wealth).
devotion.
177. amatory: of, relating to, or expressing sexual
159. allegoric: symbolical narration; (ref trickery). love.
160. allegory: 1) a story in which people, things, 178. amazon: a large, strong, masculine woman.
and happenings have a hidden or symbolic;
meaning : allegories are used for teaching or 179. ambergris: perfume base.
explaining ideas, moral ; principles etc; 2) any
symbol or emblem. 180. ambidextrous: 1) able to use both hands
with equal ease; 2) very skillful or versatile;
161. allele: any of several forms of a gene aris- 3) deceitful : double-dealing.
ing thru mutation, responsible for ; hereditary
variation. 181. ambivalence: having opposing emotional at-
titude towards the same subject.
162. allemande: a movement which affects change
of order in a dance. 182. amble: to move at an easy pace; (move like a
horse).
163. alleviate: to lessen; to mitigate.
183. ambrosia: food of the Greek gods which con-
164. allure: to tempt with sth desirable; entice; ferred everlasting youth and beauty; can be
fascinate; attract. used to praise any fine food.

165. allusion: passing or casual reference; an inci- 184. ambulatory: 1) of or for walking; 2) able to
dental mention. walk and not confined to bed [an ambulatory
patient]; 3) moving from one place to another
166. alluvial: of, found in, or made up of, allu- : movable; 4) that can be changed or revoked
vium. [an ambulatory will].
167. alluvium: sand, clay, etc, gradually deposited 185. ambuscade: an ambush.
by moving water, as along a river bed ; or the
shore of a lake : wash. 186. ameliorate: to make better; improve.

168. aloft: in air, upward. 187. amenable: able to be led; submissive.

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188. amend: 1) to remove the faults of : correct : 204. amplify: 1) to make larger or stronger; in-
emend; 2) to change or revise (a law, constitu- crease or extend (power, authority, etc); 2) to
tion, etc); 3) to make better : improve. develop more fully, as with details, examples,
statistics, etc.
189. amenity: 1) pleasant quality; attractiveness;
2a) an attractive or desirable feature, as of 205. amputate: to cut off (an arm, leg, etc), esp
a place, climate, etc; 2b) ath that adds to by surgery.
one’s comfort : convenience; 3) the courteous
206. amulet: an object worn on the body be-
acts and pleasant manners of polite social be-
cause of its supposed magical power to protect;
haviour.
against injury or evil; a charm; talisman.
190. amerce: punished by fine.
207. ana: collection of odd literary items.
191. amiable: agreeable, pleasing, charming;
208. anachronism: misdate; intempestivity; a
[Opp.] dour, testy, grouchy, crusty.
chronological misplacing of persons, events,
192. amicable: friendly in feeling; showing good- objects, or customs in regard; to each other.
will; peaceable [an amicable discussion].
209. anagogic: mystical;.
193. amiss: in a wrong way; astray, wrongly, fault-
210. analects: miscellaneous excerpts.
ily, improperly,etc.
211. analgesia: a fully conscious state in which
194. amity: friendly, peaceful relations, as between normal pain is not felt.
nations; friendship.
212. analogous: similar or comparable in certain
195. amnesty: a pardon, esp for political offenses respects.
against a government.
213. analogy: 1) similarity in some respects be-
196. amok (amuck): 1) to rush about in a frenzy tween things otherwise unlike; partial resem-
to kill; 2) to lose control of oneself and behave blance; 2) [Logic] an inference from certain
outrageously and violently; 3) to become wild admitted resemblances between two or; more
or undisciplined. things to a probable further similarity between
197. amoral: 1) not to be judged by criteria of them.
morality; neither moral nor immoral; 2) with- 214. anaphorically: the rhetorical device of begin-
out moral sense or principles; incapable of dis- ning successive sentences with the same word;
tinguishing between right and wrong. or phrase.
198. amorous: of, relating to, expression of sexual 215. anarchism: 1) the theory that all forms of
love. government interfere unjustly with individual;
199. amorphism: uncouthness; absence of form. liberty and should be replaced by the volun-
tary association of cooperative; groups; 2) re-
200. amortize: to wipe out; to provide for the sistance, sometimes by terrorism, to organized
gradual extinction of sth. government.
201. amphibology: ambiguity. 216. anastomotic: communication by cross con-
nections to form a network.
202. amphitheater: 1) a round or oval building
with an open space (arena) surrounded by ris- 217. anathema: a solemn ecclesiastical curse; a
ing ; rows of seats. curse; execration;
203. ample: 1) large in size, extent, scope etc : 218. anchor: 1) any device that holds sth else se-
spacious : roomy; 2) more than enough : abun- cure; 2) ath. that gives or seems to give sta-
dant; 3) enough to fulfill the needs or purpose bility or security; 3) a person who anchors a
: adequate. team, news-cast etc.

8
219. anchoritism: (anchorite: a recluse : a man 234. anneal: 1) to heat (glass, metals,etc) and
or woman who has renounced the world). then cool slowly to prevent bitterness; 2) to
strengthen and temper (the mind, will, etc).
220. anchovy: a small Mediterranean fish of her-
ring family (put on pizza as sauce). 235. annihilate: 1) to destroy completely : put
out of existence : demolish; 2) to consider or
221. ancillary: 1) subordinate: often with to; 2)
cause to be of no importance or without effect;
that serves as an aid : auxiliary.
nullify [to ∼ another’s ambition]; 3) to conquer
222. ancipital: two edged. decisively : crush.
223. anecdote: a short, entertaining account of 236. annotated: to make notes upon sth.
some happening, usually personal or; bio-
graphical. 237. annuity: payment falling due annually.

224. anemia: 1) lack or vigor or vitality : lifeless- 238.
ness.
239.
225. anesthesia: 1) a partial or total loss of the
sense of pain, temperature, touch, etc.; pro-
240.
duced by disease; 2) a loss of sensation in-
duced by an anesthetic, hypnosis, or acupunc-
ture and; limited to a specific area or involving
a loss of consciousness. 241.
226. anfractuous: winding.
annunciate: proclaim; announce.
anodyne: lenitive; remedial; relief; drug that
relieves pain.
anoint: to smear with ointment or oil; to
drub; to smear with oil in a ceremony of con-
secration.
anomaly: irregularity; sth different, abnor-
mal, peculiar. or not easily classified.

227. anguish: great suffering, as from worry, grief, 242. anomic: ¡see anomie!¿.
or pain; agony.
243. anomie: this is a social condition character-
228. angular: 1) having or forming an angle or ized by the breakdown of norms governing; so-
angles; having sharp corners; 2) with bones cial interactions; social alienation.
that jut out : gaunt; 3) without ease or grace;
244. anonymous: 1) with no name known or ac-
stiff [an angular stride].
knowledged; 2) given ,written, etc by a person
229. anhedonia: losing the will of living or los- whose name is withheld or unknown; 3) not
ing ability to experience pleasure in normally; easily distinguished from others from one an-
pleasurable things. other because of a lack of; individual features
or character.
230. animadvert: to consider; attend to; repre-
hend; to make a critical and usu censorious 245. ansate: having a handle.
remark.
246. antagonist: 1) a person who opposes or com-
231. animate: 1) to give life to : bring to life; 2) petes with another : adversary : opponent; 2)
to make gay, energetic or spirited; 3) to give a muscle, drug, etc that acts in opposition to
motion to : to put into action. or counteracts another.
232. animus: 1) an animating force or underlying 247. antecede: to go before in rank, place, or time;
purpose : intention; 2) a feeling or strong ill- precede.
will or hatred : animosity.
248. antecedents: 1) any happening or thing prior
233. annals: 1) a written account of events year to another; 2) ath logically preceding; 3) one’s
by year in chronological order; 2) historical ancestry, past life, training etc.
records or chronicles : history; 3) any jour-
nal containing reports of discoveries in some 249. antediluvian: very old, old-fashioned, or
fields, meetings of; a society, etc. primitive.

9
250. anthropoid: 1) resembling a human; 2) ape- 266. aperture: 1) an opening; hole : gap; 2) the
like [a brutish man with anthropoid features]. opening or the diameter of the opening in a
camera, telescope, etc.; thru which light passes
251. anthropology: the study of humans, esp of into the lens.
the variety, physical and cultural; character-
istics, distribution, customs, social relation- 267. aphasia: inability to express thought in words
ships, etc of humanity. by reason of some brain disease.
252. anthropomorphism: the attributing of hu- 268. aphesis: initial curtailment.
man shape or characteristics to a god, animal,
or; inanimate thing. 269. aphorism: a concise and statement; a brief
pithy saying.
253. anticipation: foreboding, presentiment, pre-
vision; fear, doubt, dread. 270. apiaries: a place where bees are kept.

254. anticlimax: 1) a sudden drop from the dig- 271. aplomb: self-possession; assurance; poise.
nified or important in thought or expression 272. apocalypse: 1) any of various Jewish and
to; the commonplace or trivial, sometimes for Christian pseudonymous writings depicting;
humorous effect; 2) a descent, as in a series of symbolically the ultimate destruction of evil
events, which is in ludicrous or disappointing; and triumph of good; 2) a disclosure regarded
contrast to a preceding rise. as prophetic : revelation.
255. antihero: the protagonist of a novel, play, etc 273. apocryphal: not genuine; of doubtful author-
who lacks the virtues and esteemable; traits of ity; spurious.
a traditional hero.
274. apodictic: necessarily true.
256. antinomy: opposition between principles.
275. apogee: 1) the point farthest from the earth
257. antipathy: aversion, repugnance, antago- in the orbit of the moon or of a man-made;
nism; [Opp.] approbation, commendation, ap- satellite: opposed to perigee; 2) the highest or
preciation. farthest point.
258. antiphonal: alternate chanting or singing. 276. apolaustic: devoted to enjoyment.
259. antiquarian: connected with the studies of 277. apologue: a moral fable.
relics.
278. apology: exculpation, entreaty, supplication;
260. antisemitic: anti Jews. [Opp.] censure, arraignment, imputation.
261. antithesis: 1) a contrast or opposition of 279. apoplexy: a condition in any organ of severe
thoughts, usu. in two phrase, clauses, or; sen- hemorrhage or infraction: formerly used; esp.
tences [you are going : i am staying]; 2) the to indicate cerebral accident or stroke.
second part of such an expression; 3) the ex-
act opposite [joy is the antithesis of sorrow]. 280. aposiopesis: sentence left unfinished.
262. anvil: an iron or steel block on which metal 281. apostate: renegade; (one who has revolted
objects are hammered into shape. from ecclesiastical obedience); defection.
263. apathetic: lack of interest towards sth or 282. apothecary: a druggist or pharmacist.
someone’s problems?.
283. apothegm: a pithy saying more short pointed
264. apathy: stoicism, lethargy, indifference; and practical than the aphorism need be.
[Opp.] turbulence, eagerness, vehemence.
284. apotheosis: resuscitation; canonization; hero
265. ape: to imitate or mimic. worship; deification; glorification.

10
285. appall: to fill with horror or dismay; shock. 301. aqueduct: canal.
286. appanage: 1) a provision for maintenance 302. arbiter: umpire; judge.
esp for the kings younger child; 2) natural at-
303. arbitrary: 1) not fixed by rules but left to
tribute.
one’s judgement or choice : discretionary; 2)
287. apparition: 1) anything that appears unex- based on one’s preference, notion, whim etc;
pectedly or in an extraordinary way; esp, a 3) absolute : despotic.
strange figure appearing suddenly and thought
304. arbitration: the act of arbitrating; specif, the
to be a ghost; 2) the act of appearing or be-
settlement of a dispute by a person or persons
coming visible.
chosen to hear both; sides and come to a deci-
288. appease: 1) to pacify or quiet, esp by giving sion.
in to the demands of; 2) to satisfy or relieve 305. arbor: a shaft or beam; a spindle or axis; grass
[water appeases thirst]. plot; garden.
289. appellation: 1) the act of calling by a name; 306. arboretum: a place where many kinds of
2) a name or title that describes or identifies a trees and shrubs are grown for exhibition.
person or thing : designation.
307. arcade: a passage having an arched roof; any
290. append: to attach or affix; add as a supple- covered passageway, esp one with shops; on the
ment or appendix. sides.
291. appetency: craving. 308. archaic: old-fashioned; ancient.
292. apposite: juxtaposition; appropriate or apt. 309. archetypal: prototype; original pattern or
model.
293. apprehend: 1) to take into custody : capture
or arrest; 2) to take hold of mentally : perceive 310. archives: [usually pl.] a place in which public
: understand; 3) to anticipate with anxiety : records or historical documents are; preserved;
dread. also, the material preserved.
294. apprise: to inform or notify. 311. ardor: 1) emotional warmth : passion; 2) ea-
gerness : enthusiasm : zeal; 3) intense heat :
295. approbation: approval; official approval, fire.
sanction or commendation.
312. arduous: 1) difficult to do : laborious : oner-
296. appurtenance: 1) anything that appertains; ous; 2) using much energy : strenuous; 3) steep
thing added to a more important thing : ad- : hard to climb [an arduous slope].
junct; 2) [pl.] apparatus or equipment : ac-
cessories; 3) an incidental right, privilege, etc, 313. argot: slang; (orig that of thieves).
attached to some thing and passing with it, as
314. aria: an air or melody in a opera, cantata, or
by conveyance or sale.
oratorio, esp for solo voice with; instrumental
297. apropos: to the purpose; appropriately. accompaniment.

298. apse: a semi circular of polygonal recess esp 315. arid: 1) lacking enough water for things to
at the east end of a church quire. grow : dry and barren; 2) not interesting :
lifeless : dull.
299. apterous: wingless.
316. aristocracy: 1) orig. government by the best
300. aptitude: the quality of being apt or appro- citizens; 2) government by a privileged minor-
priate; a natural tendency or inclination; a ity or upper class, usu. of inherited wealth and
natural ability or talent; quickness to learn or social position; 3) a country with this form of
understand. govt : oligarchy.

11
317. armada: 1) a fleet of warships; 2) a fleet of 333. aseptic: medically sterile; not septic; free
military aircraft. from or keeping away disease producing or pu-
trefying microorganisms.
318. armistice: a suspension of hostilities; a truce.
334. asinine: of or like an ass.
319. armorer: a maker/repairer/custodian of
arms and armor. 335. askance: with a sideways glance; obliquely;
with suspicion, disapproval etc.
320. aromatic: 1) of or having and aroma;
smelling sweet or spicy; fragrant or pungent. 336. askew: aside; awry;

321. arraign: charge; cite; censure; summon (bring 337. asperity: discourtesy; anger; irascibility;
before a court). roughness or harshness as of surface, sound,
weather,etc or of circumstances.
322. arrant: downright; unmitigated; notorious;
rascally. 338. aspersion: the act of defaming; a damaging
or disparaging remark; slander; innuendo.
323. array: 1) to place in order : marshal (troops
for battle, etc); 2) to dress in fine or showy 339. aspirant: a person who aspires, as after hon-
attire : deck out. ors, high position, etc.

340. aspiration: a) strong desire or ambition, as

324. arrears: unpaid and overdue debts; any obli-
gation not met on time; unfinished business,
work, etc.
325. arroyo: 1) a dry gully; 2) a rivulet or stream.
326. articulate: 1) having parts connected by
joints; 2) able to speak; 3) expressing oneself 342. assess: 1) to set an estimated value on (prop-
easily and clearly; 4) well formulated : clearly
presented [an articulate argument].
327. artifacts: any object made by human work;
esp, a simple or primitive tool, weapon, vessel,
etc.
328. artifice: 1) skill or ingenuity; 2) a clever ex- 344. assiduity: persistent application or diligence.
pedient; 3) trickery or craft.
329. artisan: a worker in a skilled trade; crafts-
man.
330. artless: 1) lacking skill or art; 2) uncultured
: ignorant; 3) not artistic : clumsy : crude;
4) without artificiality : simple : natural; 4)
without guile or deceit.
331. ascendancy: a position in which one has con-
trol or power; supremacy; domination.
for advancement, honor, etc; b) the thing so
desired; 2) a breathing in, as of dust into the
lungs.
341. assay: to put to trial; to put to the proof; to
test.
erty etc) for taxation; 2) to set the amount of
(a tax, a fine, damages etc); 3) to impose a
fine, tax or special payment on (a person or
property).
343. asseveration: assertion.
345. assiduously: diligently.
346. assimilate: 1) to change (food) into a form
that can be taken up by, and made part of;
body tissues; 2) to absorb and incorporate into
one’s thinking; 3) to absorb (groups of different
cultures) into the main cultural body; 4) to
make like or alike : cause to resemble : with
to.
347. assonant: to correspond in vowel sound.

332. ascription: act, expression, formula of ascrib- 348. assuage: 1) to lessen (pain, distress, etc) :
ing or imputing (assigning or attributing sth to allay; 2) to satisfy or slake (thirst, appetite,
sth). etc); 3) to calm (passion, anger, etc) : pacify.

12
349. assurance: the act or action of assuring: as 367. atrophy: wasting away; progressive decline;
pledge, guarantee: the act of conveying real; degeneration.
property: also the instrument by which it is
conveyed; the state of being assured: as secu- 368. attenuate: decrease; weaken; mitigate.
rity: being certain in the mind.
369. attest: to bear witness; certify or testify (to).
350. asthenic: weak.
370. attrition: wearing down by rubbing together;
351. astigmatism: distorted view or judgement, a defective or imperfect sorrow for sin; any
as because of bias. gradual wearing or weakening esp to the point
352. astral: belonging to the stars. of exhaustion; loss of personnel from an orga-
nization in the normal course of events, as by
353. astringent: that contracts the body tissues retirement.
and checks secretions, capillary bleeding,etc;
styptic; having a harsh biting quality. 371. atypical: not typical.

354. astrolabe: astronomical instrument. 372. audacity: boldness; effrontery; presumption;

355. astute: clever, discerning, sagacious; [Opp.]
obtuse, stolid, dull.
356. astute: sagacious; shrewd; having keen dis-
cernment.
357. asunder: into parts or pieces; apart or sepa-
rate in direction or position.
arrogance; assurance.
373. audit: 1) a formal, often periodic examination
and checking of accounts or financial records
to verify their correctness; 2) a settlement or
adjustment of accounts.
374. augurs: a diviner; soothsayer.

358. asylum: 1) a place where one is safe and se- 375. augury: 1) divination from omens; 2) an
cure; refuge; 2) the protection given by a sanc- omen; portent; indication.
tuary or refuge or by one country to refugees
from another country; 3) an institution for the 376. august: 1) inspiring awe and reverence; im-
care of the mentally ill, or of the aged, the poor posing and magnificent; 2) worthy of respect
etc. because of age and dignity, high position, etc;
venerable.
359. asyndeton: omission of conjunctions.
377. aura: subtle emanation; air; distinctive char-
360. atavistic: appearance of ancestral but not acter.
parental characteristics.
378. aureole: a radiance encircling the head or
361. atemporal: independent of or unaffected by
body, as in religious paintings; halo; glory;
time; timeless.
the illuminated area around the sun etc, as
362. atheist: a person who believes that there is when seen in a mist or during an eclipse; sun’s
no God. corona.

363. atonal: out of tune; not referred to any scale 379. auscultation: the art of discovering the con-
or tonic. dition of the lungs and heart by applying the
ear of the stethoscope.
364. atone: 1) to make amends or reparation (for
a wrongdoing etc). 380. austere: 1) having a severe or stern look,
365. atrabilious: melancholy. manner, etc; forbidding; 2) showing strict self-
discipline and self-denial; ascetic; 3) very plain;
366. atrocity: 1) atrocious behaviour or condition; lacking ornament or luxury [austere surround-
brutality, cruelty etc. ings].

13
381. authenticate: 1) to make authentic or valid; 396. avocation: sth done in addition to a vocation
2) to establish the truth of; verify; 3) to prove or regular work, and usu for pleasure; hobby.
to be genuine or as represented.
397. avowal: a positive declaration; an acknowl-
382. authoritarian: believing in, relating to , edgement; a frank confession.
characterized by, or enforcing unquestioning
obedience to authority, as that of a dictator, 398. avuncular: 1) of an uncle; 2) having traits
rather than individual freedom of judgement considered typical of uncles; jolly, indulgent,
and action. stodgy, etc.

383. autism: absorption in self-centered subjective 399. awl: a small, pointed tool for making holes in
mental activity usu accompanied by marked wood, leather, etc.
withdrawal from reality. 400. awry: askew; with a twist to a side; wrong;
384. autocrat: 1) a ruler with absolute power; amiss.
dictator; despot; 2) anyone having unlimited 401. axiom: 1) a statement universally accepted as
power over others; 3) any domineering, self- true; maxim; 2) an established principle or law
willed person. of a science, art etc.
385. autodidacts: self taught.
402. azure: of faint blue sky color.
386. automaton: 1) ath that can move or act of
403. azygous: single.
itself; 2) a mechanism that is relatively self
operating, esp robot. 404. bacchanalia: a drunken party; orgy.
387. autopsy: 1) an examination and dissection of 405. badger: to harass or annoy persistently.
a dead body to discover the cause of death,
damage done by disease, etc; post-mortem; 2) 406. badinage: light playful talk; banter.
a detailed critical analysis of a book, play, etc,
407. bagatelle: a trifle; a piece of music played in
or of some event.
a light style.
388. auxiliary: 1) giving help or aid; assisting or
408. bait: 1) to torment or harass with unpro-
supporting; 2) acting in a subsidiary, or subor-
voked, vicious, repeated attacks; 2) to tease or
dinate capacity; 3) additional; supplementary;
goad esp so as to provoke reaction; 3) to put
reserve.
food etc on (a hook or trap) to lure animals or
389. avaricious: greedy;miserly; parsimonious; fish.
penurious; stingy.
409. baize: a coarse woollen cloth.
390. avariciousness: parsimonious, niggardly,
410. baldric: belt for sword.
penurious, greediness; [Opp.] bountiful, mu-
nificent, generous. 411. baleen: whalebone.
391. aver: to declare to be true. 412. baleful: malignant; hurtful; sorrowful.
392. averse: reluctant; disinclined. 413. balk: 1) to obstruct or thwart; foil; 2) to stop
393. aviary: a large cage or building for keeping and obstinately refuse to move or act; 3) to
many birds. hesitate or recoil (at).

394. avid: having an intense craving; greedy; eager 414. balm: 1) any fragrant ointment or aromatic
and enthusiastic. oil for healing or anointing; 2) ath healing or
soothing, esp to the mind or temper [sleep was
395. avocation: a diversion or distraction from a ∼ to his troubles]; 3) pleasant odor; fra-
one’s regular occupation. grance.

14
415. balmy: having the qualities of balm; soothing, 428. barrage: 1) a curtain of artillery fire laid
mild, pleasant, etc [a balmy day]. down to keep enemy forces from moving, or; to
cover or prepare the way for one’s own forces,
416. balustrade: a small pillar supporting a stair esp in attack; 2) a heavy, prolonged attack of
rail; railing. words, blows, etc.

417. banal: commonplace; trivial; trite; insipid. 429. barrage: a man-made barrier in a stream,
river, etc to deepen the water or channel it;
418. bane: the cause of distress, death, or ruin. for irrigation; dam.

419. banter: to joke or jest; to assail with good 430. barratry: a kind of fraud.
humored raillery.
431. barrier: bulwark, barricade, rampart; [Opp.]
420. barb: 1) a thin, somewhat beardlike growth opening, transit, way.
near the mouth of certain animals, as the; bar- 432. barrister: in England, a qualified member of
bel of a fish; 2) a piece of linen for covering the the legal profession who presents and; pleads
throat and sometimes the chin worn by nuns; cases in court; counselor-at-law.
3) a sharp point curving or projecting in an
opposite direction from the main; point of a 433. barter: to trade by exchanging goods or ser-
fish-hook, harpoon, arrow etc; 4) sharpness; vices without using money.
sting [the ∼ of his wit made us wince]; 5) a
cutting remark; 6) one of the hairlike branches 434. bask: 1) to warm oneself pleasantly, as in the
growing from the shaft of a feather. sunlight; 2) to enjoy a warm or pleasant feeling
from being in a certain environment or; situa-
421. barbate: bearded. tion [to bask in someone’s favor].

422. bard: 1) any of various national minstrels or 435. bastion: a kind of tower or fortification; (fig-
epic poets; a poet. uratively defense)

436. bate: to abate, lessen, lower, etc.

423. barefaced: 1) with the face uncovered, un-
masked, beardless; 2) unconcealed; open; 3) 437. bathos: ludicrous descent from the elevated
shameless; brazen; audacious. to the mean in writing or speech.

424. baritone: deep toned male voice between bass 438. batiste: a fine fabric of linen, cotton or wool.
and tenor (eg Amitabh’s voice).
439. batten: to grow fat.
425. barnacle: shell-bearing sea animal.
440. bauble: a trifling piece of finery; a child’s
plaything.
426. baroque: 1) of, characteristic of or like a style
of art and architecture characterized; by much 441. bawdy: indecent or humorously coarse; lewd.
ornamentation and curved rather than straight
lines; 2) of, characteristic of, or like a style 442. beatific: blissful.
of music characterized by highly; embellished
melodies and fugal or contrapuntal forms; 3) 443. beatitude: heavenly happiness.
designating or of the period in which these
444. bedizen: to dress or decorate in a cheap,
styles flourished( 1600-1750); 4) fantastically
showy way.
overdecorated; gaudily ornate; 5) irregular in
shape said of pearls; something so ornate as to 445. bedlam: an asylum for lunatics; a madhouse.
be in bad taste.
446. bedraggle: to soil by dragging in the wet or
427. barouche: carriage. dirt; gen for a pathetic condition.

15
447. bedrock: 1) a secure foundation; 2) the very 463. belittle: to make seem little, less important
bottom; 3) basic principles or facts. etc; speak slightingly of; depreciate.
448. beech: a common forest tree (silvery bark 464. bellicose: warlike; contentious.
etc).
465. belligerent: 1) at war; designating or of a
449. befogged: to obscure. state recognized under international law as;
being engaged in a war; 2) inclined to or ex-
450. beget: 1) to be the father or sire of; procreate;
hibiting assertiveness, hostility, or combative-
2) to bring into being; produce [tyranny ∼s
ness.
rebellion].
451. begrudge: 1) to feel ill will or resentment 466. bellwether: leader.
at the possession or employment of (sth) by; 467. bemused: to put in confusion; stupefy.
another [to begrudge another’s fortune]; 2) to
give with ill will or reluctance [he begrudges 468. benediction: a blessing; a solemn invocation
her every cent]; 3) to regard with displeasure of the divine blessing on men or things.
or disapproval.
469. benefactor: a person who has given help, esp
452. beguile: to cheat or deceive; to pass with financial help; patron.
diversion of attention from ath tedious or
painful. 470. beneficence: active goodness; kindness; char-
ity.
453. behemoth: an animal or thing that is huge
or very powerful. 471. beneficiary: 1) anyone receiving benefit; 2)
a person named to receive the income or in-
454. beholden: obliged to feel grateful; owing heritance from a will, insurance policy, trust
thanks; indebted. etc.
455. behoove: to be necessary for or incumbent 472. benighted: overtaken by night; involved in
upon [it behooves you to think for yourself]. darkness intellectual or moral.
456. belabor: 1) to beat severely; hit or whip; 2)
473. benign: 1) good-natured; kindly; 2) favor-
to attack with words; scold; 3) to spend too
able; beneficial; 3) doing little or no harm; not
much time and effort on; develop in too great
malignant.
detail [to belabor the issue].
457. belated: late or too late; tardy. 474. benison: benediction; blessing.

458. beldam: a hag; a grandmother or remoter an- 475. bequeathal: to transmit to posterity; to com-
cestress. mit or entrust to anyone.

459. beleaguer: 1) to besiege by encircling, as with 476. berate: to scold or chide vigorously.
an army; 2) to beset, as with difficulties; ha-
477. bereave: 1) to deprive or rob; dispossess: now
rass.
usually in the pp, bereft [she was bereft of hope
460. belesprit: in good spirits. or; happiness]; 2) to leave in a sad or lonely
state, as by loss or death.
461. belgard: a fair or kind look.
478. bereft: deprived by death of some dear rela-
462. belie: 1) to give a false idea of; disguise or tive or friend; snatched away.
misrepresent [his smile ∼s his anger]; 2) to
leave unfulfilled; disappoint [war ∼d hopes for 479. beset: 1) to cover or set thickly with; stud; 2)
peace]; 3) to show to be untrue; prove false to attack from all sides; harass or besiege; 3)
[her cruelty ∼d her kind words]. to surround or hem in.

16
480. besmirch: to soil as with smoke or soot; to 502. bivouac: the resting of soldiers in open air at
bring to dishonor, sully. night.

481. besotted: to make dull, sottish, or stupid; 503. blanch: 1) to make white; take color out of;
infatuated. to make pale.

482. bespeak: engage in advance. 504. bland: 1) pleasantly smooth in manner;

483. bestow: 1) to give or present as a gift : often
with on or upon; 2) to apply; devote [to ∼
much time on a project].
484. betrothal: mutual pledge to marry; engage-
ment.
485. bevy: 1) a group, esp of girls or women; 2)
a flock : now chiefly of quail; 3) any group or 507. blasphemy: impious or profane speaking.
collection.
486. bezel: edge of a cutting tool.
487. bibelot: trinket; a small decorative object.
488. bibulous: addicted to drink.
489. bicameral: having two legislative chambers.
suave; 2) mild and soothing; not sharp, harsh
etc.
505. blandish: to flatter or coax in persuading; ca-
jole.
506. blase: having indulged in pleasure so much as
to be unexcited by it; satiated and bored.
508. blatant: glaringly obvious; calumniously
clamorous; egregiously vulgar.
509. bleak: dreary, desolate, dismal; [Opp.] bright,
cheerful, balmy.
510. bleary: dim; esp from fatigue or sleep.

490. bicker: to contend in a petty way; a fight or 511. blight: 1) any atmospheric or soil condition,
quarrel. parasite, or insect that kills,; withers, or checks
the growth of plants; 2) any of several plant
491. biddable: tractable. diseases, as rust, mildew, or smut; 3) anything
that destroys, prevents growth, or causes de-
492. bifurcated: having two branches or peaks; valuation [slums are a; blight on a city]; 4)
forked. a person or thing that withers one’s hopes or
ambitions.
493. bight: bay.
512. blighted: injured; destroyed; depressed; frus-
494. bigotry: blind or excessive zeal esp in reli-
trated.
gious manners; intolerance; prejudice.
513. blithe: jocund; cheerful; sprightly.
495. bijoux: a jewel; something delicate and
exquisitely wrought. 514. bloated: 1) to swell, as with water or air; 2)
to puff up, as with pride.
496. bilboes: fetters.

497. bilge: the broadest part of a ships bottom. 515. blowhard: a loudly boastful person.

498. bilious: 1) having or resulting from some ail- 516. bludgeon: a short club with a thick, heavy,
ment of the bile or the liver. or loaded end.

499. bilk: swindle; frustrate; defraud.
500. bipartisan: consisting of members of two par-
ties.
501. bittern: marsh bird.
517. bluestocking: a learned lady esp one inclin-
ing to pedantry.
518. bluff: 1) a high, steep, broad-faced bank or
cliff; 2) having a rough and frank but affable
manner.

17
519. bluff: 1) to mislead or seek to mislead (a per- 540. boustrophedonic: alternately from left to
son) by a false, bold front; 2) to frighten (a right and right to left.
person) by threats not intended to be carried
out. 541. bovine: 1) of an ox; 2) having ox-like qual-
ities; thought of as ox-like; slow,dull, stupid,
520. blurb: a publishers commendatory descrip- stolid, etc.
tion of a book commonly printed on the jacket.
542. bowdlerize: to remove passages considered
521. blurt: to say suddenly, without stopping to offensive from (a book, play, etc); expurgate.
think: often with out.
543. brachylogy: condensed expression.
522. blustered: to bully or swagger.
523. bode: to be an omen of; presage. 544. brackish: 1) somewhat salty, as the water of
some marshes near the sea; 2) having an un-
524. bogus: not genuine; spurious. pleasant taste; nauseating.
525. bolster: 1) a long, narrow cushion or pillow; 545. braggadocio: empty boasting; braggart or
2) a soft pad for easing pressure on any part boaster.
of the body; 3) to support, strengthen or rein-
force. 546. brandish: to wave or flourish as a weapon.
526. bombast: talk or writing that sounds grand 547. bravado: pretended courage or defiant confi-
or important but has little meaning; pompous dence where there is little or none.
language.
548. brawn: strong, well-developed muscles; mus-
527. bonafide: genuine.
cular strength.
528. bonhomie: easy good nature.
549. brazen: bold or reckless;
529. boon: 1) welcome benefit; blessing; 2) merry?.
550. brazier: a vessel or tray for hot coals.
530. boor: crude; peasant; coarse or awkward per-
son; yokel; churl. 551. breakwater: a barrier against force of waves.
531. bootlegging: illicit distillation of liquor. 552. breviary: prayer book.
532. bosky: woody; bushy; shady; (colloq) some- 553. brevity: shortness of duration; esp, shortness
what tipsy. or conciseness of expression.
533. bosun: boatswain.
554. bridle: any curb or restraint; a head(like
534. bouillon: a clear broth, usually of beef. me)movement expressing scorn or vanity.

535. boulevard: a promenade bordered with trees. 555. brindle: marked with spots or streaks (of a
darker color).
536. bounteous: bountiful.
537. bountiful: 1) giving freely and graciously; 556. brinkmanship: the art or practice of pushing
generous; 2) provided in abundance; plentiful. a dangerous situation or confrontation to the
limit of safety esp to force a desired outcome.
538. bourasque: a tempest.
557. brittle: 1) easily broken or shattered because
539. bourgeois: 1a) a self employed person, as a hard and inflexible; 2) having a sharp, hard
shopkeeper or businessman; 1b) a member of quality; 3) stiff and unbending in manner; lack-
the bourgeoisie or middle class; 2) a person ing warmth.
whose, beliefs, attitudes and practices are con-
ventionally middle class. 558. broached: to open up or begin.

18
559. broadsheet: a sheet of paper printed on one 578. bureaucracy: 1) the administration of gov-
side containing a proclamation or popular mat- ernment thru departments and subdivisions
ter. managed by sets of appointed officials follow-
ing an inflexible routine; 2) the officials collec-
560. broadside: the side of a ship; all the guns on tively.
one side of a ship of war; also broadsheet.
579. burgeon: 1) to put forth buds, shoots, etc;
561. brocade: a rich cloth with a raised design, as sprout; 2) to grow or develop rapidly; expand;
of silk, velvet, gold, or silver, woven into it. proliferate; flourish [the burgeoning suburbs].
562. brochure: a pamphlet, esp one promoting or 580. burgess: a member of a privileged class in a
advertising something. town;
563. brooch: an ornament that is held by a pin or 581. burgher: a townsman;.
clasp and is worn at or near the neck.
582. burlesque: ludicrous imitation;.
564. brook: to put up with; endure: usually in the
negative [I will brook no interference]. 583. burnish: to make or become shiny by rub-
bing; polish.
565. browbeat: to intimidate with harsh, stern
looks and talk; bully. 584. buttress: 1) a projecting structure, generally
of brick or stone, built against a wall to sup-
566. brumal: wintry. port or reinforce it; 2) anything like a buttress;
support or prop.
567. brummagem: tinsel.
585. buxom: having a shapely, full-bosomed fig-
568. brusquely: curtly; roughly. ure: said of a woman or girl.
569. buccal: of or pertaining to the mouth or 586. cabal: small party united for some secret de-
cheeks. sign; the plot or scheme itself.
570. bucolic: pertaining to the tending of cattle; 587. cabala: mystical doctrine.
pastoral; rustic.
588. cache: 1) a place in which stores of food,
571. buffoon: a person who is always clowning and supplies, etc, are hidden, as by explorers or
trying to be funny; clown. trappers; 2) a safe place for hiding or storing
572. bugaboo: bugbear;. things; 3) ath stored or hidden in such a place.
589. cachet: a seal; any distinctive stamp; a cap-
573. bugbear: 1) an imaginary hobgoblin or terror
sule enclosing a medicine.
used to frighten children into good conduct; 2)
anything causing seemingly needless or exces- 590. cachinnation: loud laughter.
sive fear or anxiety; 3) imaginary; bane; alarm;
fear. 591. cacophony: harsh, jarring sound; dissonance.

574. bullion: 1) gold and silver regarded as raw 592. cadaverous: pale; deathly; sickly looking;
material; 2) gold or silver in the form of ingots, gaunt; corpse like.
bars, or sometimes coins. 593. cadence: 1) fall of the voice in speaking; 2)
575. bulwark: the side of the ship projecting above inflection or modulation in tone; 3) any rhyth-
the deck; a fortification or rampart. mic flow of sound; 4) measured movement, as
in dancing or marching, or the beat of such
576. bumptiousness: offensively self important. movement.
577. bungle: to spoil by clumsy work or action; 594. cadge: To intrude or live on another meanly,
botch. or beg.

19
595. cadger: idler; beggar; huckster. 615. canard: a false rumor; a false esp malicious
report that has been fabricated with the inten-
596. caesura: rhythmic break. tion of doing harm.
597. caitiff: a person of low character. 616. cancel: rescind, abrogate, annul; to endorse,
enforce, ratify.
598. cajole: to coax with flattery and insincere
talk; wheedle. 617. candent: glowing; white hot.
599. calamity: 1) deep trouble or misery; 2) any 618. candor: openness; frankness in expressing
extreme misfortune bringing great loss and sor- oneself; the quality of being fair and unprej-
row; disaster. udiced and impartial.
600. calefaction: increase of temperature; igni- 619. canker: 1) ath that corrupts or gradually de-
tion; inflammation. stroys; 2) an ulcerlike sore, esp in the mouth :
thought to be an immune reaction.
601. calescent: growing warm.
620. canny: careful and shrewd in one’s actions
602. caliber: degree of worth or value of a person and dealings; clever and cautious; careful, pru-
or thing; quality or ability. dent : with money; thrifty.
603. caliginous: misty. 621. canon: a regulation or dogma decreed by a
604. calk: to render watertight; sailor slang–to church council; the authentic works of a writer;
snooze. law?.

605. calligraphy: 1) beautiful handwriting, esp as 622. cant: beveled; to set at an angle; tilt; to pitch
an art; 2) handwriting; penmanship. to one side; lean; slope;inclined.

606. callous: insensible, obdurate, unfeeling; com- 623. cant: lively; lusty.
passionate, indulgent, tender. 624. cant: the expression or repetition of conven-
607. callous: lacking pity, mercy etc; unfeeling; tional or trite opinions or sentiments esp the
thick and hardened. insincere use of pious words.

625. cant: to talk or beg in a whining or sing-song

608. callow: raw; inexperienced (note sense!); low
lying and liable to be submerged; still lacking
the feathers needed for flying; unfledged.
609. calorific: producing heat.
610. calumny: defamation, libel, detraction, as-
persion; laudation, commendation, goodwill.
611. calumny: false accusation; slander.
612. camaraderie: loyalty and warm, friendly feel-
ing among comrades; comradeship.
613. camber: curve upwards.
manner; to speak in cant or jargon; to talk
hypocritically.
626. cantankerous: cross-grained; perverse in
temper.
627. cantata: a musical composition consisting of
vocal solos, choruses etc, often with instru-
mental accompaniment, used as a setting for
a story to be sung not acted.
628. canto: any of the main divisions of certain
long poems, corresponding to the chapters of
a book.

614. cameo: 1) a minor but well defined role in 629. canvass: 1) to examine or discuss in detail;
a play, movie, etc, esp by a notable actor; 1) look over carefully; 2) to go through (places)
a fine bit of descriptive writing ¡other horrid or among (people) asking for (votes, opinions,
meanings in the dictionary¿. orders, etc).

20
630. capacious: having a large capacity; roomy; 645. caricature: 1) a picture or imitation of a per-
spacious. son, literary style, etc in which certain; fea-
tures or mannerisms are exaggerated for satir-
631. caparisoned: the covering of a horse; rich ical effect; 2) a likeness or imitation that is so
cloth over war horse. distorted or inferior as to seem ludicrous.
632. capillary: 1) of or like a hair, esp in being 646. carillon: 1) a set of stationary bells, each
very slender; 2) having a very small bore. producing one tone of the chromatic scale;
now usu sounded by means of a keyboard; 2)
633. capitulate: to treaty; to draw up terms of
a smaller instrument imitating this electroni-
agreement; to surrender conditionally.
cally usu by amplifying the; sounds made by
634. caprice: a change of humor or opinion with- striking metal tubes, bars, etc.
out reason; a freak changeableness.
647. carious: decayed (link to carrion!).
635. caption: 1a) a heading or title, as of an ar-
ticle; 1b) a descriptive title, or legend, as un- 648. carnage: bloody and extensive slaughter, esp
der the illustration; 2b) a heading showing the in battle; massacre; bloodshed.
names of the parties, court and docket number
649. carousal: festivities; drinking and dancing; a
in a pleading or deposition.
noisy merry drinking party.
636. captious: petulant, censorious, carping, fret-
650. carp: to catch at small faults and errors.
ful; encouraging, complementary, approving.

637. captious: ready to catch at faults and take 651. carping: biting; venomous; to complain or
offense; quibbling; carping; made only for the find fault in a petty or nagging way.
sake of argument or fault finding.
652. carrefour: crossroads; square, plaza.
638. carafe: a glass bottle for serving wine, water
653. carrion: the decaying flesh of a dead body esp
or coffee.
when regarded as food for scavenging animals;
639. carapace: the horny, protective covering over ath very disgusting or repulsive.
all or part of the back of certain animals, as
the upper shell of the turtle, armadillo etc. 654. caryatid: column in the shape of a female
figure.
640. carat: 1) a unit of weight for precious stones
and pearls, equal to 200 milligrams; 2) one 655. cascade: 1) a small steep waterfall, esp one of
24th part (of pure gold) [14-carat gold is 14 a series; 2) ath suggesting this, as a shower of
parts pure gold and 10 parts alloy]. sparks or an arrangement of lace or drapery in
rippling folds; 3) ath connected in a series.
641. carcinogenic: any substance that produces
cancer. 656. cassock: robe worn by a priest.

642. carcinoma: a cancer. 657. caste: 1) any exclusive and restrictive social
or occupational class or group; 2) rigid class
643. cardinal: 1) of main importance; principal; distinction based or birth, wealth, etc, operat-
chief; 2) bright-red, like the robe of a cardinal. ing as a social system or principle.

644. careen: 1) to cause (a ship) to lean or lie on 658. castellated: having turrets and battlements
one side, as on a beach, so that the; bottom like a castle.
can be cleaned, repaired etc; 2) to cause to
lean sideways, tip, tilt; 3) to lurch from side to 659. castigate: to punish or rebuke severely, esp
side, esp when moving rapidly. by harsh public criticism.

21
660. casualty: 1) an accident esp a fatal one; 2) 674. caulk: 1) to stop up (the cracks, seams,etc)
anyone hurt or killed in an accident; 3) ath of (a window frame, boat, etc) as with a putty
lost, destroyed, or made useless by some un- like sealant or oakum; 2) to make (a joint of
fortunate or unforeseen happening. overlapping plates) tight by hammering the
edge of one plate into the side of the other.
661. cataclysmic: a debacle; deluge; any great up-
heaval that causes sudden and violent changes 675. causal: 1) of a cause or causes; 2) being or in-
as earthquake etc. volving a cause; 3) relating to cause and effect.

662. catalyst: 1) any substance serving as the 676. caustic: that can burn, eat away or destroy
agent in catalysis; 2) a person or thing acting tissue by chemical action; corrosive; cutting or
as the stimulus in bringing about or hastening sarcastic in utterance; biting.
a result. 677. cauterize: to burn with a hot needle, a laser,
a caustic substance, or an electric; current, so
663. catapult: 1) an ancient military contrivance
as to destroy dead or unwanted tissue, prevent
for throwing or shooting stones, spears, etc; 2)
the spread of; infection, seal blood vessels etc.
a slingshot; 3) to move quickly; leap.
678. cavalcade: a procession of horsemen or car-
664. cataract: a large waterfall; any strong flood riages; any procession; a sequence or series of
or rush of water. events.
665. catechism: 1) a handbook of questions and 679. cavil: to make empty trifling objections; to
answers for teaching the principles of a reli- use false arguments.
gion; 2) any similar handbook for teaching the
fundamentals of a subject. 680. cede: to give up one’s rights in; surrender for-
mally; to transfer the title of ownership of.
666. categorical: without qualifications or condi-
tions; absolute; positive; direct; explicit: said 681. celerity: swiftness in acting or moving; speed.
of a statement, theory, etc. 682. celestial: 1) of or in the sky or universe, as
planets, stars, etc; 2a) of heaven; divine; 2b)
667. categorically: unqualifiedly. of the finest or highest kind [∼ bliss].
668. catenary: type of a suspended cable. 683. celibate: 1) an unmarried person, esp one un-
der a vow to remain unmarried; 2) one who
669. catharsis: 1) purgation, esp of the bowels; 2)
abstains from sexual intercourse.
the purifying of the emotions or relieving of
emotional tensions; 3) the alleviation of fear, 684. cenobite: monk living communally.
problems, and complexes by bringing them to
consciousness or giving them expression. 685. cenotaph: a sepulchral monument without a
burial; empty tomb.
670. cathartic: a medicine for stimulating evacua-
686. censorious: expressing censure; inclined to
tion of bowels; purgative.
find fault; harshly critical.
671. catholic: 1) of general scope or value; all- 687. censure: to express strong disapproval of;
inclusive; universal; 2) broad in sympathies, condemn as wrong.
tastes, or understanding; liberal; 3) of the
Christian church headed by the Pope. 688. centrifugal: moving or tending to move away
from the center (as opposed to centripetal?).
672. caucus: a closed meeting of a group of persons
belonging to the same political party or faction 689. centrifuge: a machine using centrifugal force
usu to select candidates or to decide on policy. to separate particles of varying density, as
cream from milk, or to draw off moisture, as
673. caudle: warm drink for invalids. in a washing machine.

22
690. centurion: the commanding officer of an an- 708. chaperon: one who accompanies a lady for
cient Roman century. protection or appearances sake.

691. cerebral: of the brain or cerebrum; appealing 709. charisma: a divinely inspired gift, grace or
to, or conceived by the intellect rather than talent as for prophesying, healing etc; a special
the emotions. quality of leadership that captures the popu-
lar imagination; a special charm or allure that
692. cerebrate: to use one’s brain; think. inspires fascination or devotion.
693. ceremonious: 1) ceremonial; 2) full of cere- 710. charlatan: a person who pretends to have ex-
mony; 3) char by conventional usages or for- pert knowledge or skill that he does not have;
mality; 4) excessively formal or proper. fake; mountebank.
694. certitude: certainty; the state of being or
711. chary: not taking chances; careful; cautious;
feeling certain.
not giving freely; sparing (chary of his hospi-
695. cessation: a ceasing or stopping, either for- tality).
ever or for some time.
712. chase: to make a groove or furrow in; indent.
696. cession: a ceding or giving up ( of rights,
property, territory etc) to another. 713. chase: to ornament (metal) by engraving, em-
bossing etc.
697. chafe: to rub so as to stimulate or make warm;
to wear away by rubbing; to irritate or make 714. chasm: 1) a deep crack in the earth’s surface;
sore by rubbing; to annoy, irritate. abyss; narrow gorge; 2) any break or gap ; 3) a
wide divergence of feelings, sentiments, inter-
698. chaff: the husks of wheat or other grain sep- ests, etc; rift.
arated in thrashing or winnowing; fine cut
hay or straw used as fodder; ath worthless; 715. chassis: the part of a motor vehicle that in-
tiny strips of metal foil used to confuse enemy cludes the engine, the frame, suspension sys-
radar. tem, wheels, steering mechanism, etc but not
the body.
699. chaff: to tease or ridicule in a good natured
way. 716. chaste: not indulging in unlawful sexual ac-
tivity; virtuous; sexually abstinent; celibate;
700. chaffer: haggle. pure, decent or modest in nature, behaviour
etc; restrained and simple in style; not ornate.
701. chagrin: vexation; annoyance; a feeling of em-
barrassment and annoyance because one has 717. chasten: 1) to punish in order to correct or
failed or been disappointed; mortification. make better; chastise; 2) to restrain from ex-
cess; subdue; 3) to make purer in style; refine.
702. chalice: 1) a cup; goblet; 2) the cup or wine
of Holy Communion; 3) a cup shaped flower 718. chastise: 1) to punish, esp by beating; 2) to
¡there is some one called chalis too¿. scold or condemn sharply.
703. chameleon: 1) a changeable or fickle person. 719. chasuble: ecclesiastical garment.

704. chamois: a goat like antelope.

720. chattel: any kind of property which is not
705. champion: to fight for; defend; support. freehold.

706. chanticleer: cock. 721. chauvinistic: an absurdly extravagant pride

in one’s country with a corresponding con-
707. chaparral: thicket. tempt for foreign nations

23
722. checkered: 1) having a pattern of squares; 740. circlet: a small circle; a ring or circular band
2) varied by the use of color and shading; worn as an ornament esp on the head.
3) marked by diversified features or by varied
events, some unpleasant [ a ∼ career]. 741. circuitous: roundabout; indirect; devious.

723. cherubic: 1) a person, esp a child, with a 742. circumjacence: ambience; environment; en-
sweet, innocent face; 2) a representation of one compassment.
of the cherubim as, in early art, a winged angel
743. circumlocution: verbiage, verbosity, redun-
clothed in red or later, a chubby, rosy-faced
dancy, periphrasis; terseness, succinctness,
child with wings.
brevity.
724. chiaroscuro: management of light and shade
744. circumscription: the act of limiting; re-
in a picture.
straining the action of; to confine.
725. chiastic: type of inverted word order.
745. circumspect: looking around on all sides
726. chicanery: trickery or artifice esp in legal pro- watchfully.
ceedings; quibbling.
746. circumvent: to surround or circle around; to
727. chimerical: wildly fanciful; unreal; imagi- surround or encircle with evils, enmity etc, en-
nary. trap; to get the better of or prevent from hap-
pening by craft or ingenuity.
728. chine: backbone.
747. citadel: a fortress on a commanding height for
729. chiromancy: palmistry.
defense of a city; a fortified place; stronghold;
730. chitterling: part of the small intestine. a place of safety; refuge.

731. choleric: full or choler (anger); passionate; 748. cite: 1) to summon to appear before a court
bilious. of law; 2) to quote (a passage, book, speech,
writer, etc); 3) to refer to or mention as a way
732. choreography: 1) dancing, esp ballet danc- of example, proof, or precedent.
ing; 2) the arrangement of the written notation
of the movements of a dance, esp of a ballet; 749. civil: 1) of a citizen or citizens; 2) of a com-
3) the art of devising dances, esp ballets. munity of citizens, their govt, or their interre-
lations [∼ service, war etc]; 3) polite or cour-
733. chronicle: 1) a historical record or register of teous, esp in a merely formal way.
facts or events arranged in the order in which
they happened; 2) a narrative; history. 750. clairvoyance: 1) the supposed ability to per-
ceive things that are not in sight or that cannot
734. chutzpah: shameless audacity; impudence; be seen; 2) keen perception or insight.
brass.
751. clairvoyance: 1) the supposed ability to per-
735. cicatrix: scar tissue.
ceive things that are not in sight or that cannot
736. cinerary: pertaining to ashes. be seen; 2) keen perception or insight.

737. cinnabar: bright-red mineral. 752. clamber: to climb with effort or clumsily, esp
by using the hands as well as the feet.
738. cipher: 1) the symbol 0, indicating a value of
naught, zero; 2) a person or thing of no im- 753. clammy: moist; cold damp.
portance or value; nonentity; 3a) a system of
secret writing based on a key, or set of prede- 754. clamor: 1) a loud outcry, uproar; 2) a vehe-
termined rules or symbols. ment continued expression of the general feel-
ing or public opinion; loud demand or com-
739. circa: about; around. plaint.

24
755. clandestine: concealed or hidden; surrepti- 775. cockatrice: fabulous serpent.
tious; furtive; kept secret or hidden esp for il-
licit purpose. 776. coda: a more or less independent passage
added to the end of a section or composition
756. clapper: a thing that makes a clapping sound, so as to reinforce the sense of conclusion.
as the tongue of a bell or, facetiously, that of
a garrulous person. 777. coddle: to cook (esp eggs in the shell) gen-
tly by heating in water not quite at boiling
757. clarion: strong or loud; bugle like instrument. temperature; to treat (an invalid, baby etc)
tenderly.
758. clavicle: a bone connecting the sternum with
the scapula; collar bone. 778. codicil: a supplement to a will that changes,
759. claymore: broad sword. explains, revokes or adds provisions; appendix,
supplement.
760. cleave: 1) to divide by a blow, as with an axe
: split; 2) to pierce; 3) to sever : disunite. 779. codify: to arrange (laws, rules etc) systemat-
ically.
761. cleft: 1) an opening made by or as by cleaving
: crack, crevice; 2) a hollow between two parts. 780. coercive: with power to compel.

762. clemency: mildness; readiness to forgive. 781. coeval: of the same age or period; contempo-
rary.
763. cliche: hackneyed; a stereo-typed phrase.
782. coffer: a chest for holding money or treasure.
764. clientele: all one’s clients or customers collec-
tively. 783. cog: any of the series of teeth on the rim of
a wheel, for transmitting or receiving motion
765. climactic: of, constituting, or in the order of
by fitting between the teeth of another wheel;
a climax.
gear tooth.
766. clime: a region or realm esp with reference to
784. cogent: powerful; convincing; forceful and to
its climate.
the point as a reason or argument.
767. clime: a region or realm, esp with reference
to its climate. 785. cogitate: to turn a thing over in one’s mind;
to ponder;
768. clique: a small exclusive circle of people;
snobbish or narrow coterie. 786. cognate: related by family; having the same
ancestor; having the same nature or quality;
769. cloister: a place of religious retirement; to related thru the same source; derived from a
confine within walls. common original form (as in cognate words of
diff langs and cognate languages).
770. clout: 1) a blow with or as with the hand :
rap; 2) [Now Chiefly Dial] to patch or mend 787. cognition: the process of knowing in the
coarsely. broadest sense. including perception, memory,
and judgement.
771. cloy: to disgust; to cause distaste from excess.
788. cognitive: capable of cognition (ie knowing,
772. coadjutor: assistant.
quick understanding).
773. coagulate: to cause (a liquid) to become a
soft, semi solid mass; curdle; clot. 789. cognizance: 1) perception or knowledge; esp
the range of knowledge possible thru observa-
774. coalesce: to grow together or to unite into tion; 2) official observation of or authority over
one body (root of coalition). sth.

25
790. cohere: 1) stick together; 2) to be connected 805. collusion: a secret agreement to deceive.
naturally or logically, as by a common princi-
ple : be consistent. 806. colophon: publishers ornamental device; An
inscription, monogram, or cipher, containing
791. cohort: any band of men esp warriors. the place and date of publication, printer’s
name, etc., formerly placed on the last page
792. coiffure: a headdress; a style of arranging of a book.
hair.
807. colossus: 1) a gigantic statue; 2) any huge or
793. coincident: 1) occurring at the same time; important person or thing.
2) taking up the same position in the space
at the same time; 3) in agreement; similar or 808. comatose: 1) of, like, or in a coma or stupor;
identical [when desire and need are ∼]. 2) characterized by lethargic inertness; torpid
[a comatose economy].
794. colander: a perforated pan, usu bowl-shaped,
for draining off liquids, as in washing veg. 809. combatively: aggressively; in fighting spirit;

795. coliseum: a large place of entertainment. 810. comely: pleasant to look at; attractive; fair.

796. collaborate: 1) to work together, esp in some 811. comely: pleasing; graceful.
literary, artistic, or scientific undertaking; 2)
812. comestible: eatable; food.
to cooperate with an enemy invader.
813. comeuppance: a deserved rebuke or penalty;
797. collage: 1) an art form in which bits of objects
deserts.
such as newspaper, cloth, pressed; flowers, etc
are pasted together on a surface in incongruous 814. comity: courteousness; civility.
relationship for; their symbolic or suggestive
effect; 2) any collection of seemingly unrelated 815. commandeer: to compel to military service;
bits and parts, as in a photomontage. to take arbitrarily.

798. collate: to bring together for comparison. 816. commemorate: to honor the memory of as
by a ceremony; to keep alive the memory of;
799. collateral: 1) parallel in time, rank, impor- serve as a memorial to.
tance, etc; corresponding; 2) accompanying or
existing in a subordinate, corroborative, or in- 817. commensurate: 1) equal in measure or size;
direct; relationship; 3a) designating or of se- coextensive; 2) corresponding in extent or de-
curity given as a pledge for the fulfillment of gree; proportionate; 3) measurable by the
an; obligation; 3b) secured or guaranteed by same standard or measure;specif, designat-
property, as stocks, bonds etc. ing two quantities having a common measure
which is contained an integral number of times
800. collation: bringing together for examination in each.
and comparison; a repast between meals.
818. commination: threatening; denunciation.
801. collop: small piece of meat.
819. commiserate: to feel or show sorrow or pity
802. colloquial: 1) designating or of the words, for.
phrases, and idioms characteristic of informal
speech and writing; informal; 2) having to do 820. commodious: offering plenty of room;
with or like conversation; conversational. roomy; spacious.

803. colloquialism: conversation in the ordinary 821. communal: 1) of a commune or communes;

language; used in common conversation. 2) of or belonging to the community; shared,
or participated in, by all; 3) designating or of
804. colloquy: a conversation, esp a formal discus- social or economic organization in which there
sion; conference. is common ownership of property.

26
822. compact: an agreement between two or more 839. conative: relating to an attempt to perform
individuals, states, etc; covenant. action.

823. compelling: irresistibly or keenly interest- 840. concatenation: to chain or link together; to
ing, attractive, etc; captivating [a compelling connect in series.
drama].
841. concede: to yield or give up.
824. compendium: a summary or abstract con- 842. conception: 1) that which is conceived, specif
taining the essential information in a brief an embryo or fetus; 2) the beginning of some
form; concise but comprehensive treatise. process, chain of events, etc; 3) the act, process
or power of conceiving mentally; formulation
825. compensate: to make up for; be a counter-
balance to in weight, force, etc; 2) to make of ideas, esp of abstractions.
equivalent or suitable return to; to recom- 843. concert: to arrange or settle by mutual un-
pense. derstanding; contrive or plan together; devise.
826. complacent: satisfied, esp self-satisfied; affa- 844. conch: spiral shell.
ble, smug .
845. conciliate: to reconcile.
827. complaisant: willing to please; affably agree-
846. conciliatory: making friends; reconciling.
able; obliging.
847. concise: brief and to the point; short and
828. complement: 1) that which completes or clear.
brings to perfection; 2) the amount or num-
ber needed to fill in or complete. 848. conclave: 1) the private meeting of cardinals
to elect a pope; 2) any private or secret meet-
829. compliant: complying or tending to comply; ing; 3) any large conference or convention.
yielding; submissive.
849. concoct: 1) to make by combining various in-
830. complicity: a sharing of wrongdoing. gredients; compound; 2) to devise, invent, or
plan.
831. complicity: complexity; state or condition of
being an accomplice. 850. concomitant: an accompanying or attendant
condition, circumstance or thing.
832. comply: to act in accordance (with a request,
order rule etc). 851. concord: harmony, agreement.

833. comport: to agree; suit; to bear; to behave 852. concordant: harmonious; united.
or conduct (oneself) in a specified manner. 853. concordat: agreement.
834. composure: calmness of mind or manner; 854. concourse: assembly of persons or things run-
tranquility; self-possession. ning or drawn together; a large hall; an open
space.
835. comprise: 1) to include; contain; 2) consist
of, be composed of. 855. concupiscence: burning desire.

836. compunction: a sharp feeling of uneasiness 856. concurring: to coincide; to run together; to
brought on by a sense of guilt; twinge of con- agree; to assent.
science; remorse; a feeling of slight regret for
857. condescend: 1) to descend voluntarily to the
sth done.
level, regarded as lower, of the person one is
837. compunction: contrition; regret; remorse;. dealing with; be graciously willing to do sth
regarded as beneath one’s dignity; deign; 2) to
838. comstockery: over zealous censorship. deal with others in a proud or haughty way.

27
858. condign: deserved; suitable; said esp of pun- 875. congruence: 1) the state or quality of being
ishment for wrongdoing. in agreement; correspondence; harmony.

859. condiments: a seasoning or relish for food, 876. conjecture: an inferring, theorizing, or pre-
as pepper, mustard, sauces, etc. dicting from incomplete or uncertain evidence;
guesswork
860. condole: to express sympathy; mourn in sym-
pathy; commiserate. 877. conjugal: of marriage or of the relation be-
tween husband and wife; matrimonial; connu-
861. condoned: to forgive; to excuse; to atone for. bial.
862. conduce: to tend or lead (to an effect); con-
878. conjunct: conjoined; joined.
tribute.
879. connivance: to take no notice; to have a pri-
863. conducive: that conduces to contributes;
vate understanding.
tending or leading (to).
880. connive: to wink as at a fault; to take no
864. conduit: a channel or pipe conveying water
notice; to have a private understanding.
or another fluid.

865. confabulations: confidential conversations.
866. confidant: a close, trusted friend, to whom
one confides intimate matters or secrets.
867. confiscate: 1) to seize (private property) for
the public treasury, usually as a penalty; 2) to
seize by or as by authority; appropriate.
868. conflagration: a big, destructive fire.
869. confluence: 1) a flowing together, esp of two
or more streams; 2) the place where they join,
or a stream formed in this way; 3) a coming
together as of people; crowd; throng.
870. conformity: 1) the condition or fact of be-
ing in harmony or agreement; correspondence;
congruity; similarity; 2) action in accordance
with customs, rules, prevailing opinion, etc; 886. conscription: compulsory enrollment for ser-
conventional behaviour.
881. connoisseur: a person who has expert knowl-
edge and keen discrimination in some field esp
in the fine arts or in matters of taste.
882. connotation: to signify or suggest meanings,
ideas in addition to the explicit primary mean-
ing.
883. connubial: pertaining to marriage.
884. consanguinity: relationship by descent from
the same ancestor; blood relationship; close as-
sociation;filiation; agnation; cognation.
885. conscientious: governed by or made or
done according to what one knows is
right;scrupulous; honest; showing care and
precision; painstaking.
vice.

871. congealing: to freeze; to solidify.
872. congenial: 1) kindred; compatible [∼ tastes];
2) having the same tastes and temperament; 888. consensus: 1) an opinion held by all or most;
friendly; sympathetic [∼ friends]; 3) suited to
one’s needs or disposition [∼ work].
873. congenital: 1) existing as such at birth; 2)
existing as if inborn; inherent [a ∼ cheerful-
ness].
874. conglomeration: varied mixture; collection
or jumble of things;
887. consecrate: to set apart for holy use; to ren-
der holy or venerable.
2) general agreement, esp of opinion.
889. consequential: 1) following as an effect or
influence; 2) important.
890. conservatory: 1) a room enclosed in glass, for
growing and showing plants; non-commercial
greenhouse; 2) a school specializing in one of
the fine arts [a music conservatory].

28
891. consign: 1) to hand over; give up or deliver; 902. contagion: transmission of a disease by direct
2) to put in the care of another; entrust [∼ contact with an infected person or object.
the orphan to her uncle’s care]; 3) to assign to
an undesirable position or place; relegate [∼ to 903. contemn: despise.
oblivion]; 4) to send or deliver as goods to be 904. contemn: to despise.
sold.
905. contempt: the feeling or attitude of one who
892. consistency: 1a) the condition of holding to- looks down on somebody or something as be-
gether; firmness or thickness, as of a liquid; ing low, mean, or unworthy; scorn.
1b) amount or degree of this [oil or the wrong
∼]; 2) agreement; harmony; logical connection 906. contentious: causing lot of disagreements or
[arguments lacking ∼]; 3) agreement with what arguments.
has already been done or expressed.
907. context: 1) the parts of a discourse that sur-
893. consonance: 1) harmony or agreement of ele- round a word or passage and can throw; light
ments or parts; accord; 2) a pleasing combina- on its meaning; 2) the whole situation, back-
tion of simultaneous musical sounds; harmony ground, or environment relevant to a particu-
of tones. lar; event, personality, creation, etc.

894. consort: 1) orig, a partner, companion; 2) a 908. contiguous: 1) in physical contact; touching
wife or husband; spouse, esp of a reigning king along all or most of one side; 2) near, next or
or queen. adjacent.

895. conspire: 1) to plan and act together secretly, 909. continence: self-restraint; moderation; self-
esp in order to commit a crime; 2) to com-
bine or work together for any purpose or effect
[events conspired to ruin him].
896. consternation: great fear or shock that
makes one feel helpless or bewildered.
897. constituent: 1) necessary in forming or mak-
ing up a whole; component [a ∼ part]; 2) that
can or does appoint or vote for a representa- 911. contort: to twist or wrench out of its usual
tive; 3) authorized to make or revise a political
constitution or establish a government [a ∼ as-
sembly].
898. constraint: 1) a constraining or being con-
strained; specif a) confinement or restriction;
b) compulsion or coercion; 2a) a repression of
natural feelings or behaviour; 2b) forced, un-
natural manner; awkwardness.
899. construe: to explain; to interpret; to infer. 915. contrarity: contrast; anti-thesis; antagonism;
900. consummate: to raise to the highest point;
to perfect or finish.
901. consumptive: 1) consuming or tending to
consume; destructive or wasteful; 2) of, hav-
ing, or relating to tuberculosis of the lungs; 3)
a person who has tuberculosis of the lungs.
restraint in esp by total abstinence from sexual
activity.
910. contingent: 1) that may or may not hap-
pen; possible; 2) happening by chance; ac-
cidental; fortuitous; 3) unpredictable because
dependent on chance; 4) a group forming part
of a larger group [military ∼].
form into one that is grotesque; distort vio-
lently.
912. contraband: 1) unlawful or prohibited trade;
2) goods forbidden by law to be imported or
exported; smuggled merchandise.
913. contradistinction: distinction by contrast.
914. contrapositive: opposition; contrast?.
inversion.
916. contravene: to go against; oppose; conflict
with; violate [practices contravening an ethi-
cal code]; to disagree with in argument; con-
tradict.
917. contretemps: an embarrassing situation.

29
918. contrite: feeling sorry; penitent. not natural, original or spontaneous [∼ behav-
ior].
919. contrivance: invention; design; artifice.
931. converge: 1) to come together or tend to
920. contrived: too obviously the result of fore-
come together at a point; 2) to move or be di-
thought and planning; not spontaneous or nat-
rected toward each other or toward the same
ural.
place, purpose or result.
921. controvert: 1) to argue or reason against;
932. conversant: familiar or acquainted (with),
contradict; deny; dispute 2) to argue about;
esp as a result of study or experience; versed
debate; discuss.
(in).
922. contumacious: opposing lawful authority
with contempt; obstinate. 933. converse: 1) thing related in a converse way;
the opposite; 2) [Logic] the proposition ob-
923. contumely: insolent; harsh language or treat- tained by conversion.
ment arising from haughtiness and contempt.
934. converse: 1) to hold a conversation; talk; 2)
924. contuse: to injure without breaking the skin; [Obs] to consort; to interact socially.
bruise.
935. convert: 1) to change from one form or use
925. conundrum: 1) any puzzling question or in another; transform; 2) to cause to change
problem; 2) a riddle whose answer contains as from one religion, doctrine, or course to an-
a pun (Ex: “What’s the difference between a other; 3) to exchange for sth equal in value [Re
jeweler and a jailor?”, “One sells watches and to $].
the other watches cells”).
936. conveyance: 1) the act of conveying; 2) a
926. conundrum: a riddle turning on some odd means of conveying; carrying device, esp a ve-
or fanciful resemblance between things quite hicle; 3a) the transfer of the ownership of real
unlike; any puzzling question. property from one person to another; 3b) the
927. convalescent: 1) gradually recovering health document by which this is effected; deed.
after illness; 2) of or having to do with conva- 937. conviction: 1) a convicting or being con-
lescence [a ∼ diet]; a person who is convalesc- victed; 2) the state or appearance of being con-
ing. vinced, as of the truth of a belief [to speak with
928. convene: to convoke; to meet together esp for ∼]; 3) a strong belief.
a common purpose.
938. convivial: 1) having to do with a feast or
929. convention: 1a) an assembly, often periodi- festive activity; 2) fond of eating, drinking and
cal, of members or delegates, as of a political; , good company; sociable; jovial.
social, professional or religious group; 1b) the
members or delegates of such an assembly; 2a) 939. convoke: to call together; to assemble.
an agreement between persons, nations etc [the 940. convoluted: 2) extremely involved; intricate;
Geneva ∼, a copyright ∼]; 2b) general agree- complicated [ a ∼ style].
ment on the usages and practices of social life;
[Bohemian revolt against ∼]; 3) a customary 941. copious: heavy; rich; viscous; thick.
practice, rule, method etc.
942. coquetry: flirting; attempt to attract admi-
930. conventional: 1) having to do with a con- ration without serious affection.
vention or assembly; 2) of, sanctioned by, or
growing out of custom or usage; customary; 943. coquette: a girl or woman who merely from
3a) depending on or conforming to formal or vanity tries to get men’s attention ad admira-
accepted standards or rules rather than nature; tion.

30
944. cordon: 1) a line or circle of police, soldiers, 960. cosmic: 1) of the cosmos; relating to the uni-
forts. ships etc, stationed around an area to verse as a whole; 2) of the universe exclusive
guard it; 2) a cord, ribbon, or braid worn as a of the earth [∼ dust]; 3) vast; grandiose.
decoration or badge.
961. cosset: to fondle; to treat as a pet; to pamper.
945. cormorant: a glutton; web footed sea birds
962. coterie: a social literary or other exclusive
of great voracity.
circle whose members share a common back-
946. cornice: 1) a horizontal molding projecting ground; clique.
along the top of a wall, building, etc; 2) the top 963. countermand: to cancel or revoke ( a com-
part of an entablature; 3) a projecting, deco- mand or order); to call back or order back by
rative strip above a window, designed to keep a contrary order.
a curtain rod from showing.
964. counterpart: 1) a person or thing that cor-
947. cornucopia: horn of plenty; an exhaustible responds to or closely resembles another, as in
store; abundance; a receptacle shaped like a form or function; 2) a thing which, when added
horn or cone. to another, completes or complements it; 3) a
copy or duplicate, as of a lease.
948. corollary: 1) a proposition that follows from
the one that has already been proved; 2) an 965. counterpoint: the art of combining melodies.
inference or deduction; 3) ath that follows as
966. counterpoise: to poise or weigh against or on
normal result.
the opposite side.
949. corporeal: 1) of, for, or having the nature 967. coup: 1) literally, a blow; 2) a sudden, suc-
of, the body; physical; bodily; not spiritual; 2) cessful move or action; brilliant stroke; 3) coup
of material nature; perceptible by the senses; d’etat.
tangible.
968. couple: 1) ath joining two things together;
950. corpulent: obese; fat; swollen. bond; link; 2) two things or persons of the
same sort that are somehow associated.
951. corpus: a body (of things, literature, law etc).
969. courier: 1) a messenger sent in haste or on
952. corral: a pen for cattle; an enclosure; . a regular schedule with important or; urgent
messages; specif a) a member of the diplomatic
953. correlation: mutuality; complimentary; re- corps charged with carrying messages; b) a spy
ciprocal; analogous. carrying secret information; 2) a person hired
to take care of hotel accommodations and lug-
954. corroborate: to make certain the validity of;
gage and to act; as a guide for a traveler.
confirm; bolster; support [evidence to corrob-
orate his testimony]. 970. covenant: 1) a binding and solemn agreement
to do or keep from doing a specified thing;
955. corroboration: confirmation; to confirm to compact; 2) an agreement among members of
make more certain. a church to defend and maintain its doctrines,
polity and faith.
956. corrosive: 1) corroding or causing corrosion;
2) bitingly sarcastic; cutting. 971. covert: concealed, hidden, disguised, or sur-
reptitious [ a covert threat]; protected by a
957. corrugated: to shape or contract into parallel husband: said of a marriage woman.
grooves and ridges; make wrinkles in; furrow.
972. covert: hidden.
958. coruscate: sparkle.
973. covetousness: inordinately desirousness;
959. coryphee: chorus girl. avariciousness.

31
974. covin: (also covine) conspiratorial band. 992. cretin: a person suffering from cretinism.
975. cow: to make timid and submissive by filling 993. cretinism: a congenital deficiency of thyroid
with fear or awe; intimidate. secretion with resulting deformity and mental
deficiency.
976. cower: 1) to crouch or huddle up, as from
fear or cold; 2) to shrink and tremble, as from 994. crevice: a narrow opening caused by a crack
someone’s anger, threats, or blows; cringe. or split; fissure; cleft; chink.
977. coy: 1) orig quiet, silent; 2a) shrinking from 995. cringed: to bend or crouch with servility.
contact or familiarity with others; bashful; shy;
2b) primly reserved; demure; 3) affecting inno- 996. criterion: a standard, rule, or test by which
cence or shyness, esp in a playful or coquettish something can be judged; measure of value.
manner; 4) reticent or evasive in making com-
mitment. 997. critiquing: reviewing; criticizing.

978. cozen: 1) to cheat; defraud; 2) to deceive. 998. croft: a small farm (vegetable garden!).

979. crabbed: 1) peevish; morose; ill-tempered; 999. crone: an ugly, withered old woman; hag.
cross; 2) hard to understand because intri-
cate or complicated; 3) hard to read because 1000. crony: a very close intimate friend.
cramped or irregular [∼ handwriting]. 1001. crotchety: full of peculiar whims or stubborn
980. crampon: mountain climber. notions; cantankerous; eccentric.

981. crapulous: ill from over-drinking. 1002. crotchety: perversely whimsical; eccentric.

982. crass: 1) grossly stupid, dull or obtuse; 2) 1003. cruet: a small bottle (that can be used as a
tasteless, insensitive, and coarse; 3) money- sprinkler).
grubbing; blatantly materialistic.
1004. crux: 1) a difficult problem; puzzling thing;
983. craven: very cowardly; abjectly afraid; thor- 2) the essential or deciding point.
ough coward.
1005. crypt: a underground chamber or vault as one
984. credence: belief; trust. under the main floor of a church, esp formerly
serving as a burial place.
985. credo: creed;
1006. cryptic: 1a) having hidden or ambiguous
986. credulity: a tendency to believe too readily,
meaning; mysterious; baffling [a ∼ comment].
esp with little or no proof; lack of doubt.
987. creed: 1) a brief statement of religious belief; 1007. cryptogram: ath written in cipher.
confession of faith; 2) a specific statement of 1008. cubicle: 1) a small sleeping compartment, as
this kind, accepted by a church; 3) a statement in a dormitory; 2) any small compartment, as
of belief, principles or opinions on any subject. for study.
988. crepitate: make a rattling sound (decrepita-
1009. cuisine: style of cooking; manner of preparing
tion).
food; also, the food prepared, as at a restau-
989. crepuscule: twilight; dusk. rant.

990. crescendo: gradually increasing in loudness 1010. culinary: of or relating to the kitchen or cook-
or intensity. ery.

991. crestfallen: 1) with drooping crest or bowed 1011. cull: something picked out; esp, something re-
head; 2) dejected, disheartened, or humbled. jected as not being up to standard.

32
1012. culminated: to reach the highest point; cli- 1029. dally: 1) to flirt; to play at love; 2) to deal
max. lightly or carelessly (with); trifle; toy; 3) to
waste time; loiter.
1013. culpable: deserving blame; blameworthy.
1030. dank: disagreeably damp; moist and chilly.
1014. culvert: a conduit, esp a drain, as a pipelike
construction of stone, concrete, or; metal, that 1031. dapper: 1) small and active; 2) trim, neat or
passes under a road, railroad track, footpath, smart in dress or appearance.
etc. or through an; embankment.
1032. dappled: marked or variegated with spots;
1015. cumbersome: unwieldy; clumsy; burden- mottled.
some; hard to handle or deal with as because 1033. dastardliness: cowardliness, characterized
of size, weight or many parts. by underhandedness or treachery.
1016. cupidity: greed; covetousness. 1034. daunt: to make afraid or discouraged; intim-
idate; dishearten.
1017. curator: one that has the care and superin-
tendence of something; esp, one in charge of a 1035. dauntless: fearless; unsubdued.
museum, zoo, or other place of exhibit.
1036. dawdle: to waste (time) in trifling or by being
1018. curlicue: fantastic curl; a fancifully curved or slow; idle: often with away.
spiral figure; flourish.
1037. deadlock: 1) a standstill resulting from the
1019. curmudgeon: a surly, ill-mannered, bad tem- action of equal and opposed forces; stalemate;
pered person; cantankerous fellow. 2) a tie between opponents in the course of a
contest.
1020. cursive: flowing; not disconnected; specif,
designating writing in which the strokes of the 1038. deadpan: without expression or show of emo-
letters are joined in each word. tion; blank(ly).

1021. cursorily: running quickly over; hastily; su- 1039. deadwood: dead meaningless customs.
perficially.
1040. dearth: scarcity, dearness, want, high price.
1022. curtail: to cut short; reduce; abridge.
1041. debase: to make lower in value, quality, char-
1023. cynical: 1) believing that people are moti- acter, dignity etc.
vated in all their actions only by; selfishness : 1042. debauch: to lead away from duty or alle-
denying the sincerity of people’s motives and giance; to corrupt with lewdness.
actions, or by; the value of living; 2) sarcastic,
sneering, etc. 1043. debilitate: weaken; enervate.
1024. cynosure: any person or thing that is a center 1044. debonair: 1) easy and carefree in manner;
of attention or interest. jaunty; sprightly; 2) elegant and gracious; ur-
bane.
1025. dado: middle section of a pedestal.
1045. debris: 1) rough broken bits of stone, wood,
1026. daedal: ingenious. glass etc, as after destruction; rubble; 2) bits
or pieces of rubbish; litter.
1027. daemon: a spirit holding a middle place be-
tween god and men(spirit, genius,devil). 1046. debunk: to expose the false or exaggerated
claims, pretensions , glamour etc of.
1028. dais: a platform raised above the floor at one
end of a hall or room, as for a throne, seats of 1047. debutante: one who makes her first appear-
honor , a speaker’s stand etc. ance.

33
1048. decadence: a process, condition or period of 1064. default: 1) failure to do sth or be somewhere
decline as in morals, art, literature, etc; dete- when required or expected, specif; a) failure to
rioration; decay. pay money due; b) failure to appear in court
to defend or prosecute a case; c) failure to take
1049. decapitate: to cut off the head of; behead. part in or finish a contest.
1050. deciduous: 1) falling off or out at a cer- 1065. defeasance: 1) the annulment of a contract
tain season or stage of growth, as some leaves, or deed; 2) a clause stating a condition the
antlers, insect wings, milk teeth; 2) short-lived; fulfillment of which makes the deed, contract,
temporary. etc void in whole or in-part.

1051. deciduous: not evergreen.
1052. decimate: to punish every tenth man;
loosely- to punish very heavily.
1053. decipher: 1) to translate (a message in ci-
pher or code) into ordinary, understandable;
language : decode; 2) to make out the mean- 1068. defenestrate: a throwing of a person or thing
ing of (ancient inscriptions, illegible writing,
etc).
1054. decoction: a liquid preparation.
1066. defeatist: a person who too readily accepts
or expects defeat.
1067. defection: 1) abandonment of loyalty, duty,
or principle; desertion; 2) the act of defecting
from one’s country; 3) a failing or failure.
out of a window.
1069. deference: 1) a yielding in opinion, judge-
ment or wishes; 2) courteous regard or respect.

1055. decollete: cut low so as to bare the neck and 1070. defile: 1) a narrow passage thru which troops
shoulders, as some dresses.
1056. decompose: 1) to break up or separate into
basic components or parts; 2) to rot.
1057. decorum: 1) propriety and good taste in be-
havior, speech, dress, etc; 2) an act or require-
ment of polite behavior: often used in pl.
1058. decrement: deduction; reprise; rebate.
1059. decrepit: broken down or worn out by old
age, illness or long use.
1060. decrepitude: the condition of being decrepit;
infirmity or feebleness.
1061. decry: to speak out against strongly and
openly; denounce [to decry religious intoler-
ance]; to depreciate (money etc) officially.
1062. deface: 1) to spoil the appearance of; disfig-
ure; mar; 2) to make illegible by injuring the
surface of.
1063. defame: to attack or injure the reputation
or honor of by false and malicious statements; 1078. defunct: no longer living or existing; dead or
malign, slander, or libel.
must defile; 2) any narrow valley or mountain
pass; 3) a march in single file or files.
1071. defile: 1) to make filthy or dirty; pollute; 2)
to make ceremonially unclean; 3) to corrupt;
4) to profane or sully (as a person’s name);
1072. definitive: 1) that settles or decides in a final
way; decisive; conclusive [a ∼ answer]; 2) most
nearly complete and accurate; authoritative;
3) serving to define; limiting or distinguishing
precisely.
1073. deflect: to turn or make go to one side; bend;
swerve.
1074. defoliate: to strip of leaves.
1075. defray: to pay or furnish the money for ( the
cost or expenses).
1076. defrock: to deprive of the rank or function of
priest or minister.
1077. deft: skillful in a quick, sure, and easy way;
dextrous.
extinct; out of outer since a long time.

34
1079. degenerate: 1) having sunk below a former or 1096. demagogue: a leader of the people; a popular
normal condition, character etc; deteriorated; and factious orator.
2) morally corrupt; depraved.
1097. demean: to lower in status or character; de-
1080. deglutition: swallowing food. grade; humble [to demean oneself by taking a
bribe].
1081. degrade: to lower in rank or status, as in pun-
ishing; denote; to lower or corrupt in quality, 1098. demeanor: outward behavior; conduct, de-
moral character or value; debase; to bring into portment.
dishonor or contempt.
1099. demented: out of one’s mind; insane.
1082. degraded: disgraced, debased, depraved etc.
1100. demesne: region (domain?).
1083. deify: to exalt to the rank of a god.
1101. demography: the statistical science dealing
1084. deign: to condescend to do sth thought to with the distribution, density, vital statistics
be slightly beneath one’s dignity [the queen etc of human population.
deigned to shake my hand].
1102. demoniac: like or characteristic of a demon;
1085. deleterious: hurtful or destructive; poi- fiendish; frenzied.
sonous.
1103. demotic: 1) of the people; popular; specif,
1086. deliberate: to think or consider carefully and vernacular; 2) designating or of a simplified
fully; esp, to consider reasons for and against system of ancient Egyptian writing : distin-
a thing in order to make up one’s mind [a jury guished from hieratic.
deliberates].
1104. demur: to hesitate because of one’s doubts or
1087. delineate: 1) to trace the outline of; sketch objections; have scruples; object.
out; 2) to draw; depict; 3) to depict in words;
describe. 1105. demure: 1) decorous; modest; reserved; 2)
affectedly modest or shy; coy.
1088. delinquency: failure in or omission of duty;
a fault; a crime. 1106. denigrate: to blacken; to disparage the char-
acter or reputation of; defame.
1089. delirium: a temporary state of extreme men-
tal excitement, marked by restlessness,; con- 1107. denizen: 1a) an inhabitant or occupant; 1b)
fused speech, and hallucinations: it sometimes a frequenter of a particular place.
occurs during a fever or; in some forms of in- 1108. denouement: the outcome, solution, unrav-
sanity; uncontrollably wild excitement or emo- eling, or clarification of a plot in a drama, story
tion. etc; any final revelation or outcome.
1090. delitescence: concealment. 1109. denounce: 1) to accuse publicly; inform
1091. delude: to fool, as by false promises or wrong against [to ∼ an accomplice in crime]; 2) to
notions; mislead; deceive; trick. condemn strongly as evil; 3) to give formal no-
tice of the ending of a (treaty, armistice etc).
1092. deluge: great overflow of water.
1110. depict: 1) to represent in a drawing, painting,
1093. delusion: a false belief or opinion. sculpture, etc; portray; picture; 2) to picture
in words; describe.
1094. delusive: 1) tending to delude; misleading; 2)
of or like a delusion; unreal. 1111. depilate: to remove hair.

1095. delve: to dig with a spade; to investigate for 1112. depletion: the act of emptying or exhausting
information; search (into books, the past etc). or reducing.

35
1113. deplore: 1) to be regretful or sorry about; 1129. desecrate: to profane; to take away the sa-
lament; 2) to regard as unfortunate or credness of sth.
wretched; 3) to condemn as wrong; disapprove
of. 1130. desiccate: to dry completely; to preserve
(food) by drying.
1114. deploy: 1a) to spread out (troops etc) so as
to form a wider front; 1b) to station or place 1131. desideratum: something desired or much
(forces, equipment,etc) in accordance with a wanted.
plan.
1132. desolate: 1) left alone; lonely; solitary; 2)
1115. depose: 1) to remove from office or a position uninhabited; deserted; 3) made uninhabitable;
of power, esp from a throne; oust; 2) [Law] to laid waste; in a ruinous state.
state or testify under oath but out of court.
1133. desperado: a dangerous, reckless criminal;
1116. depositary: a receipt for money deposited in bold outlaw.
a bank.
1134. despise: to look down on with contempt and
1117. deposition: 1) a deposing or being deposed; scorn; to regard with dislike or repugnance.
removal from office or position of power; 2)
the act of testifying; 3) a depositing or being 1135. despoil: plunder; destroy; deprive sth of value
deposited. by or as by force.

1118. deprave: to lead into bad habits; make 1136. despondency: state of being dejected, de-
morally bad; corrupt; pervert. pressed, disheartened etc.

1119. deprecate: to feel and express disapproval of; 1137. despotic: of or like a despot; autocratic;
plead against; to depreciate, belittle. tyrannical.

1120. depreciate: to reduce in value or price; to 1138. destitute: not having; being without; lacking;
make seem less important; belittle; disparage.
1121. depredation: the act or an instance of rob-
bing, plundering, or laying waste.
1122. deracinate: to pull up by the roots; to extir-
pate.
1123. derange: to upset the arrangement, order, or
operation of ; unsettle; disorder; to make in- 1141. desultory: passing from one thing to another
sane.
1124. derelict: deserted by the owner; abandoned;
forsaken; neglectful of duty; remiss; negligent.
1125. deride: to laugh at in contempt or scorn;
make fun of; ridicule.
1126. derivative: using or taken from other sources;
not original.
1127. derogatory: detracting; injurious.
lacking the necessities of life; living in complete
poverty.
1139. destitution: deprivation of office; forsaken in
utter want;
1140. desuetude: dissuage; want of habit; disuse;
discontinuance.
in an aimless way; disconnected; not method-
ical [a desultory conversation]; lacking direct
relevance; random; incidental [a desultory ob-
servation].
1142. detached: 1) not connected; separate; 2) not
involved by emotion, interests, etc; aloof; im-
partial.
1143. detente: relaxation or easing of tension (as
between two nations).

1128. descry: to catch sight of; discern (distant or 1144. deter: to keep or discourage (a person, group,
obscure objects); to look for and discover; de- or nation) from doing something by instilling
tect. fear, anxiety, doubt, etc.

36
1145. detonation: to explode violently and noisily. 1164. digression: to wander away from the main
topic; ramble.
1146. detraction: a taking or drawing away; a
malicious discrediting of someone’s character, 1165. dilapidated: in ruins; in need of repair as due
accomplishments, etc as by revealing hidden to neglect.
faults or by slander.
1166. dilatory: causing or tending to cause delay;
1147. detrimental: causing damage or injury. meant to gain time, defer action etc; inclined
to delay; slow or late in doing things.
1148. detrition: wearing away.
1167. dilemma: an argument necessitating a choice
1149. devoid: completely without; empty or desti- between equally unfavorable or disagreeable al-
tute. ternatives; any situation in which one must
1150. devolve: to pass (on) to another or others: change between unpleasant alternatives; any
said of duties, responsibilities etc. serious problem.
1168. dilettante: person who loves fine arts in a
1151. devout: very religious; pious; showing rever-
superficial way without serious purpose.
ence; earnest; sincere; heartfelt.
1169. dimidiate: halved.
1152. dexterity: skill; adroitness; nimbleness.
1170. diminutive: of a diminished size; contracted.
1153. diabolical: devilish;.
1171. dinghy: 1) a small boat carried on a warship
1154. diadem: a crown, headband or the like; royal
or merchant ship; 2) a small boat used as a
power, authority or dignity.
tender to a yacht; 3) a small, single masted
1155. dialectics: logical argumentation. racing boat.

1156. diaphanous: so fine or gauzy in texture as to 1172. dingy: 1) dirty colored; not bright or clean;
be transparent or translucent; vague or indis- grimy; 2) dismal; shabby.
tinct; airy.
1173. dint: force; exertion; now chiefly in ’by dint
1157. diatribe: a continued discourse or disputa- of’; 2) a dent.
tion; an invective harangue.
1174. diorama: 1) a picture painted or set of trans-
1158. dichotomy: division into two parts (halves, parent curtains and looked at thru a; small
kinds, pairs); schism or split. opening; 2) a miniature scene, wholly or par-
tially : three dimensional, depicting; figures in
1159. diction: manner of speaking or expressing. a naturalistic setting; 3) a museum display of
a preserved or reconstructed specimen, as of
1160. dictum: a statement or saying esp a formal
wildlife; in a simulation of its habitat.
statement of fact, opinion, principle etc or of
one’s will or judgement; pronouncement. 1175. dire: arousing terror or causing extreme dis-
tress; dreadful; terrible; calling for quick ac-
1161. didactic: fitted or intended to teach; instruc- tion.
tive; preceptive; too much inclined to teach
others; boringly pedantic or moralistic. 1176. dirge: a funeral hymn; a slow sad song,
poem or musical composition expressing grief
1162. diffidence: lack of confidence in oneself; or mourning; lament.
marked by hesitation in asserting oneself; shy-
ness. 1177. disabuse: to get rid of false ideas; undeceive.
1163. diffuse: spread out or dispersed; not con- 1178. disaffect: to cause to lose affection for; make
centrated; using more words than are needed; unfriendly,discontented, or disloyal, esp to-
long-winded; wordy. ward the government.

37
1179. disapprobation: disapproval.
1180. disarray: 1) to throw into disorder or confu-
sion; upset; 2) a state of disorderly or insuffi-
cient dress.
1181. disavow: to deny any knowledge or approval
of, or responsibility for; disclaim; disown.
1182. disband: to cease to exist or function as an
organization; scatter; disperse.
1183. disburse: to pay out; expend.
1184. discalced: barefooted.
1185. discern: to separate mentally (a thing) from
another or others; recognize as separate or 1199. discrimination: 1a) act of discriminating;
different; to perceive or recognize; make out
clearly.
1186. discerning: having or showing good judge-
ment or understanding; astute.
1187. disclaim: to give up or renounce any claim to
or connection with; to refuse to acknowledge
or admit; deny; repudiate.
1188. discombobulate: to upset the composure of;
disconcert.
1189. discomfited: to bauch; to defeat; to rout; dis-
concerted.
1190. disconcerting: to throw into confusion; dis-
turb; frustrated.
1191. disconsolate: so unhappy that nothing will
comfort; inconsolable; dejected; causing or
suggesting dejection.
1192. discordant: 1) not in accord; disagreeing;
conflicting; 2) not in harmony; dissonant;
clashing.
1193. discourse: 1) communication of ideas, infor- 1205.
mation etc, esp by talking; conversation; 2)
a long and formal treatment of a subject, in 1206.
speech or writing; lecture; treatise; disserta-
tion.
1207.
1194. discredit: 1) to reject as untrue, disbelieve;
2) to show or be a reason for disbelief or dis-
trust; cast doubt on; 3) to damage the credit 1208.
or reputation of ; disgrace.
38
1195. discreet: careful about what one says or does;
prudent esp keeping silent or preserving confi-
dences when necessary.
1196. discrepancy: lack of agreement, or an in-
stance of this; difference; inconsistency.
1197. discrete: 1) separate and distinct; not at-
tached to others; unrelated; 2) made up of dis-
tinct parts; discontinuous.
1198. discretion: 1) the freedom or authority to
make decisions and choices; power to judge or
act; 2) the quality of being discreet, or careful
about what one does and says; prudence.
1b) the process by which two stimuli differing
in some aspect are responded; to differently;
2) the quality or power of finely distinguish-
ing; 3a) the act or practice or an instance of
discriminating categorically rather; than indi-
vidually; 3b) prejudiced or prejudicial outlook,
action, or treatment [racial ∼].
1200. discursive: running from one thing to an-
other; roving desultory; intellectual, rational.
1201. disdain: to regard or treat as unworthy or
beneath one’s dignity, specif to refuse or reject
with aloof contempt or scorn.
1202. disembark: to unload (passengers or goods)
from a ship; aircraft, etc.
1203. disenfranchise: to deprive of the rights of
citizenship esp of the right to vote; to deprive
of a privilege, right or power.
1204. disengage: to release or loosen from sth that
binds, holds, entangles, or interlocks; unfasten;
detach; disentangle.
disfigure: to hurt the appearance or attrac-
tiveness of; deform; deface; mar.
disgorge: to discharge from the throat; to
vomit; to throw out with violence.
disgruntle: to make peevishly discontented;
displease and make sulky.
dishearten: to deprive of courage or enthusi-
asm; discourage; depress; daunt.
1209. disheveled: disarranged and untidy; tousled; 1224. dispel: to scatter and drive away; cause to
rumpled; said of hair, clothing etc. vanish; disperse.
1210. disinclination: a dislike or lack of desire; 1225. dispirit: to lower the spirits of; make sad,
aversion; reluctance. discouraged or apathetic; depressed, dejected.
1211. disingenuous: not frank or open; crafty. 1226. displosion: explosion.
1212. disinter: to remove from a grave, tomb etc; 1227. disport: to indulge in amusement; play;
dig up; exhume; to bring (sth hidden) to light. frolic.
1213. disinterested: not influenced by personal in-
1228. disport: to indulge in amusement; play;
terest or selfish motives; impartial; unbiased.
frolic.
1214. disjointed: 1a) being thrown out of orderly
function [∼ society]; 1b) lacking coherence or 1229. disputations: inclined to dispute; fond of ar-
orderly sequence [an incomplete and ∼ his- guing; contentious.
tory]; 2) separated at or as if at a joint. 1230. disquieting: causing anxiety or uneasiness.
1215. disjunctive: disjoining; tending to separate;
1231. disquisition: a formal discussion of some sub-
uniting sentences but disjoining the sense.
ject, often in writing; discourse or treatise.
1216. dislodge: to force from a position or place
where lodged, hiding etc; drive out. 1232. disquisition: dissertation.

1217. dismantle: to strip of covering; to strip (a 1233.
house, ship etc) of furniture, equipment, means
of defense etc; to take apart; disassemble; dis-
member.
1234.
1218. dismember: to remove the limbs of by cut-
ting or tearing; to pull or cut to pieces; sepa- 1235.
rate into parts; divide up or mutilate.
dissect: 1) to examine or analyze closely; 2)
to cut apart piece by piece; separate into parts,
as a body for purposes of study; anatomize.
dissemble: to conceal; to play the hypocrite.
disseminate: to scatter far and wide; spread
abroad, as if sowing; promulgate widely.

1219. disparage: to dishonor by comparison with 1236. dissension: a difference of opinion; disagree-
what is inferior; to talk slightingly of. ment or esp violent quarreling or wrangling.

1220. disparate: distinct in kind; dissimilar; un- 1237. dissent: to differ in belief or opinion; disagree:
equal. often with from; to reject the doctrines and
forms of an established church.
1221. dispassionate: free from passion, emotion, or
bias; calm; impartial. 1238. dissertation: a formal and lengthy discourse
or treatise on some subject, esp one based on;
1222. dispatch: 1) to send off or away with prompt- original research and written in partial fulfill-
ness or speed; esp : to send off on official busi- ment of requirements for a; doctorate.
ness; 2a) to kill with quick efficiency; 3) to
dispose off (as a task) rapidly or efficiently; 4) 1239. dissident: disagreeing esp with an established
defeat. religious or political system, organization or
belief.
1223. dispatch: 1a) a message sent with speed, esp:
an important official message sent by a diplo- 1240. dissimilarity: diversity; disparity; dissem-
matic, military or naval officer; 1b) a news blance; disparateness; divergence.
item filed by a correspondent; 2) promptness of
efficiency in performance or transmission [done 1241. dissimulate: to hide (one’s feelings, motives,
with ∼]. etc) by pretense; dissemble.

39
1242. dissolution: 1) the act or process of dissolv- 1256.
ing: as ; a) separation into component parts;
b(i)] decay, disintegration; b(ii)] death; c) ter-
mination or destruction by breaking down, dis-
rupting, or dispersing [the ∼ of the republic]; 1257.
d) the dissolving of an assembly or organiza-
tion; e) liquefaction; 2) a dissolute act or prac-
tice.
1243. dissonant: unpleasant or discordant sound.
divergent: 1a) diverging from each other; 1b)
differing from each other or from a standard;
deviant [the ∼ interests of capital and labor].
diversify: 1) to make diverse : give variety
to [∼ a course of study]; 2) to balance (as an
investment portfolio) defensively by dividing
funds among securities of different industries
or of different classes; 3) to increase the variety
of the products.

1244. dissuade: to turn ( a person) aside (from a 1258. diversion: 1) the act or instance of diverting
course, etc) by persuasion or advice.
1245. distaff: 1. The staff for holding a bunch of
flax, tow, or wool, from which the thread is
drawn in spinning by hand; 2. Used as a sym-
bol of the holder of a distaff; hence, a woman;
women, collectively.
1246. distant: cool in manner; aloof; reserved.
1247. distend: to stretch out; to expand due to
pressure from within.
1248. distill: 1) to let fall, exude, or precipitate in
drops or in a wet mist; 2a) to subject to or
transform by distillation; 2b) to extract the 1262. divine: 1a) of, relating to, or proceeding di-
essence of; concentrate.
1249. distort: 1) to twist out of shape; change the
usual or normal shape, form, or appearance of;
2) to misrepresent; misstate; pervert [to distort
the facts]; 3) to modify (a wave, sound, signal, 1263. divulge: to make known; disclose; reveal.
etc) so as to produce an unfaithful reproduc-
tion.
1250. distrait: absent minded.
1251. distrait: absent minded; inattentive.
1252. distraught: extremely troubled; mentally
confused; distracted; harassed; driven mad,
crazy.
1253. dithyramb: frenzied emotional poem.
from a course, activity or use : deviation; 2)
sth that diverts or amuses : pastime; 3) an at-
tack or feint hat draws the attention and force
of an enemy from the point of the principal
operation.
1259. divested: stripped; to deprive of ath; to dis-
encumber or rid (of sth unwanted).
1260. divine: 1) clergyman; 2) theologian.
1261. divine: 1) to discover intuitively : infer; 2) to
discover or locate (as water or minerals under-
ground) usu by means of a divining rod.
rectly from God or a god [∼ love]; 1b) being a
deity [the ∼ Saviour]; 1c) directed to a deity
[∼ worship]; 2a) supremely good : superb [the
pizza was ∼]; 2b) heavenly, godlike.
1264. docket: a summary, as of a legal proceeding,
or a list of legal decisions; a list of cases to be
tried by a law court; agenda; a label listing the
contents of a package, directions etc.
1265. doctrinaire: adhering to a doctrine or theory
in an unyielding, dogmatic way.
1266. dodder: 1) to tremble or shake from weakness
or age; 2) to progress feebly and unsteadily;
totter.

1254. diuturnity: an eternity; aeons; assiduity; 1267. doff: 1a) to remove (an article of wear) from
perennial. the body; 1b) to take off (the hat) in greeting
or as a sign of respect; 2) to rid oneself of : put
1255. diva: a leading woman singer esp in grand aside [∼ one’s hat to or ∼ one’s cap to] : to
opera; prima donna. show respect to : salute.

40
1268. dogged: not giving in readily; persistent; 1284. dour: gloomy; sullen; forbidding.
stubborn.
1285. douse: 1) to plunge into water; 2a) to throw
1269. doggerel: trivial, awkward, often satirical a liquid on : drench; 2b) slosh; 3) extinguish
verse characterized by monotonous rhythm; [∼ the lights] : to fall or become plunged into
any trivial or bad poetry. water.
1270. dogma: positive assertion of settled opinion; 1286. douse: 1a) furl [∼ a sail]; 1b) slacken [∼ a
rigid tenet or principle or idea. rope]; 2) take off, doff.
1271. doldrums: 1) a spell of listlessness or despon- 1287. douse: a heavy drenching.
dency; 2) [often cap] : a part of the ocean near
the equator abounding in calms, squalls, and 1288. dovecote: a small cot or box in which pigeons
light shifting winds; 3) a state or period of in- breed.
activity, stagnation, or slump.
1289. dovetailed: to join or fit compactly or har-
1272. dolorous: causing, marked by, or expressing moniously.
misery or grief.
1290. dowdy: not neat or stylish in dress or appear-
1273. dolt: a stupid, slow-witted person; blockhead. ance; shabby.

1274. domicile: a customary dwelling place; home. 1291. downcast: directed downward; very unhappy
or discouraged; sad; dejected.
1275. domineer: to rule (over) in a harsh or arro-
gant way; bully. 1292. doxology: hymn of praise.

1276. don: to put on ( a garment, etc); dress in a 1293. drab: 1) of a dull yellowish-brown color;
certain color or material, etc. 2) not bright or lively; dull; dreary, or
monotonous; cheerless.
1277. dormant: 1) represented on a coat of arms
in a lying position with the head on forepaws; 1294. dragnet: a net to be dragged along the bot-
2) marked by a suspension of activity : as ; tom of water or the ground.
a) temporarily devoid of external activity [a ∼
1295. dregs: 1) the particles of solid matter that
volcano]; b) temporarily in abeyance yet capa-
settle at the bottom in a liquid; lees; 2) the
ble of being activated; 3a) asleep, inactive; 3b)
most worthless part [the dregs of society]; 3)
having the faculties suspended : sluggish.
[sing.] a small amount remaining; residue.
1278. dormer: a window set vertically in a structure
projecting through a sloping roof; also, the the 1296. drivel: to be foolish; speak like an idiot.
roofed structure containing such a window. 1297. droll: amusing in an odd or wry way.
1279. dorsal: of, on, or near the back. 1298. drone: a male bee, as a male honeybee, or
1280. dossier: a collection of documents concerning ant which serves only in a reproductive capac-
a particular person or matter. ity, has no sting and does no work; an idle
person who lives by the work of others; para-
1281. dotage: feeble and childish state due to old site; loafer; a pilotless airplane that is directed
age; senility; a doting; foolish or excessive af- in flight by remote control.
fection.
1299. drone: to make a continuous and monotonous
1282. dote: to be foolish or weak-minded esp be- humming or buzzing sound; to talk on and on
cause of old age; to be excessively or foolishly in a dull monotonous way.
fond (with or upon).
1300. dross: a scum formed on the surface of molten
1283. doughty: valiant. material; waste matter; worthless stuff.

41
1301. dross: worthless matter. 1316. eavesdrop: to listen secretly to the private
conversation of others.
1302. drudgery: work that is hard, menial, or tire-
some. 1317. ebb: 1) to flow back or out; recede, as the
tide; 2) to weaken or lessen; decline.
1303. dubious: 1) giving rise to uncertainty as ; a)
of doubtful promise or outcome [felt that our 1318. ebullient: agitated; enthusiastic; bubbling;
pain was a little ∼]; b) questionable or sus- boiling.
pect as to true nature or quality [the prac- 1319. eccentric: anomalous, crotchety, cranky;
tice is ∼ of legality], [the ∼ honor of being usual, regular, conventional.
the world’s biggest polluter]; 2) unsettled in
opinion : doubtful [i was ∼ about the plan]. 1320. eccentric: not having the same center: op-
posed to concentric; not having the axis ex-
1304. dudgeon: resentment. actly in the centre; off-centre; not exactly cir-
cular in shape or motion; deviating from the
1305. dudgeon: resentment; indignation; a small norm, as in conduct; out of the ordinary; odd;
dagger. unconventional.
1306. duenna: an old lady who watches over or 1321. ecclesiastical: pertaining to the church.
chaperones a younger.
1322. ecdysis: moulting.
1307. dulcet: sweet; melodious; harmonious.
1323. eclectic: selecting or borrowing; choosing the
1308. dulcimer: musical instrument. best out of everything; sort of opposite of ex-
clusive!.
1309. dupe: to deceive by trickery; fool or cheat.
1324. eclipse: 1) to darken; obscure; 2) to make
1310. duplicity: hypocritical cunning or deception; seem less brilliant, famous, etc; overshadow;
double-dealing. outshine; surpass.

1311. duress: under compulsion; constraint; impris- 1325. ecology: the branch of biology that deals
onment. with the relations between living organisms
and their environment.
1312. dwindle: to keep on becoming or making
smaller or less; diminish; shrink. 1326. ecstasy: a state of being overpowered by emo-
tion, as by joy, grief, passion, etc; a feeling
1313. dyspepsia: 1) indigestion ; 2) ill-humor : dis- of overpowering joy; great delight; rapture; a
gruntlement. trance, esp one resulting from religious fervor.

1314. dysphoria: impatience under affliction; mor- 1327. edacious: devouring.

bid restlessness. 1328. eddy: a current of air, water, etc moving
against the main current and with a circular
1315. earthy: 1a) of, relating to or consisting of
motion; little whirlpool or whirlwind; a con-
earth [∼ creatures like worms];; 1b) suggestive
trary movement or trend, limited in impor-
of earth (as in texture, odor, or color) [an ∼
tance or effect.
yellow]; 1c) rough, coarse, or plain in taste [∼
flavors]; 2a) characteristic of or associated with 1329. edentate: toothless.
mortal life on the earth [prefers ∼ to ethereal
themes]; 3) suggestive of plain or poor peo- 1330. edification: education; instruction.
ple and their ways : as ; a) practical, down- 1331. edifices: a large built structure.
to-earth [∼ problems of daily life]; b) crude,
gross [∼ humor]; c) plain and simple in style : 1332. eerie: mysterious; uncanny or weird esp in
unsophisticated [∼ peasant cookery]. such a way so as to frighten or disturb.

42
1333. efface: to destroy the surface of; to rubout; to 1348.
make (oneself) inconspicuous; withdraw (one-
self) from notice.
1349.
1334. effectual: producing, or able to produce, the
desired effect.
1350.
1335. effeminate: 1) having feminine qualities un-
typical of a man : not manly in appearance or;
manner; 2) marked by an unbecoming delicacy 1351.
or over-refinement; [∼ art, an ∼ civilization].
egregious: something outstandingly bad;
outrageous; flagrant [an egregious error].
egress: 1) the action or right of going or com-
ing out; 2) a place or means of going out : exit.
ejaculation: a sudden vehement utterance;
exclamation.
elate: to raise the spirits of; make very proud,
happy, or joyful.

1336. effervescent: giving off gas bubble; bubbling 1352. eldritch: eerie.
up; foaming; lively and high-spirited; viva- 1353. eleemosynary: of, relating to, or supported
cious. by charity.
1337. effete: no longer fertile; having lost character,
1354. elegiac: mournful.
vitality, or strength; marked by a weakness or
decadence. 1355. elegy: a song in the lament and praise of the
dead; any poem , song, etc in a mournfully
1338. efficacious: having the power to produce a
contemplative tone.
desired effect.
1356. elixir: 1a(i)) a substance held capable of pro-
1339. efficacy: power to produce effects or intended
longing life indefinitely; a(ii)) a substance held
results; effectiveness.
capable of changing base metals to gold; b(i)]
1340. effigy: a portrait, statue or the like, esp of a cure-all; b(ii)] a medicinal concoction; 2) a
person; likeness; often a crude representation sweetened liquid usu containing alcohol that
of a despised person. is used in medication either for its medicinal
ingredients or as a flavoring; 3) the essential
1341. effluvium: a real or supposed flow in the form principal.
of a vapor or stream of invisible particles; a
disagreeable or noxious vapor or odor. 1357. ellipsis: the omission of a word or words nec-
essary for complete grammatical construction
1342. effrontery: unashamed boldness; impudence; but understood in the context [ex. “if possi-
audacity; presumption. ble” for “if it is possible”].
1343. effulgent: radiant. 1358. elliptical: 1a) of, relating to, or marked by
1344. effusiveness: expressing emotion in a copious extreme economy of speech or writing; 1b) of
and demonstrating manner. or relating to deliberate obscurity (as of liter-
ary or conversational style).
1345. egalitarian: equalitarian.
1359. eloquence: 1) discourse marked by force and
1346. egoism: 1a) doctrine that individual self in- persuasiveness; also : the art or power of us-
terest is the actual motive of all; conscious ing such discourse; 2) the quality of forceful or
action; 1b) a doctrine that individual self- persuasive expressiveness.
interest is valid end of all actions; 2) excessive
concern for oneself with or without exagger- 1360. elude: to escape by stratagem; to baffle.
ated feelings of; self-importance. 1361. elutriate: to separate by washing into finer
1347. egotism: 1a) excessive use of the first person and coarser portions.
singular personal pronoun; 1b) the practice of 1362. elysian: happy; blissful; delightful.
talking about oneself too much; 2) an exagger-
ated sense of self-importance : conceit. 1363. emaciated: made lean and thin.

43
1364. emancipation: act of setting free from 1379. emissary: a person or agent, esp a secret
bondage or disability of any kind. agent sent on a spec mission.
1365. embargo: 1) an order of a government pro- 1380. emollient: softening; soothing.
hibiting the departure of commercial ships
from; its ports; 2) a legal prohibition on com- 1381. emolument: the returns arising from office or
merce [an ∼ on arms shipments]; 3) stoppage, employment usually in the form of compensa-
impediment; esp : prohibition; 4) an order by tion or perquisites.
a common carrier or public regulatory agency 1382. empathy: 1) the imaginative projection of a
prohibiting or; restricting freight transporta- subjective state into an object so that; the ob-
tion. ject appears to be infused with it; 2) the action
1366. embark: 1) to go on board a vehicle for trans- of understanding, being aware of, being sensi-
portation; 2) to make a start [∼ on a new ca- tive to, and; vicariously experiencing the feel-
reer]; 3) to engage, enlist, or invest in an en- ings, thoughts, and experience of another of;
terprise. either the past or present without having the
feelings, thoughts, and; experience fully com-
1367. embed: 1a) to enclose closely in or as if in a municated in an objectively explicit manner;
matrix [fossils ∼ded in stone]; 1b) to make sth also the capacity for this.
an integral part of [the prejudice ∼ded in our
language]; 1c) to prepare (a microscopy spec- 1383. empirical: relying on or based on solely ex-
imen) for sectioning by infiltrating with and periment and observation rather than theory.
enclosing in a supporting substance; 2) to sur-
1384. empyreal: the firmament on high (heav-
round closely [a sweet pulp ∼s the plum seed].
enly?).
1368. embellishment: to make beautiful, graceful;
1385. emulate: strive to equal.
decoration; ornamentation.
1369. embezzle: to steal (money, etc entrusted to 1386. emulate: to imitate (a person or thing ad-
one’s care); take by fraud for one’s own use. mired); to try, often by imitating or copying,
to equal or surpass; to rival successfully.
1370. emblazon: adorn magnificently.
1387. enamour: to charm; to inflame with love.
1371. embrangle: to confuse; to perplex.
1388. encomium: a formal expression of high
1372. embrocate: rub with a liniment. praise; eulogy; panegyric.
1373. embroil: to confuse ( affairs, etc); mix up; 1389. encompass: to shut in all around; surround,
muddle; to draw into a conflict or fight; involve encircle; to contain, include; to bring about,
in trouble. achieve, contrive [to encompass its destruc-
1374. embryonic: in an early stage; underdevel- tion].
oped; rudimentary. 1390. encroach: 1) to enter by gradual steps or
1375. embryonic: rudimentary. by stealth into the possessions or rights of
another; 2) to advance beyond the usual or
1376. emend: to make scholarly corrections or im- proper limits [the gradually encroaching sea].
provements in ( a text).
1391. encumbered: loaded with; hampered by.
1377. emendation: correction (to make emends)
1392. endearment: 1) a word or an act (as a ca-
1378. eminent: 1) standing out so as to be readily ress) expressing affection; 2) to cause to be-
perceived or noticed : conspicuous; 2) jutting come beloved or admired.
out : projecting; 3) exhibiting eminence esp
in standing above others in some quality or 1393. endemic: disease prevalent in a particular
position : prominent. area.

44
1394. endorsement: 1) a provision added to an in- 1408. enjoin: to urge or impose with authority; or-
surance contract altering its scope of applica- der; enforce [to enjoin silence on a class]; to
tion ; 2) sanction, approval. prohibit esp by legal injunction; forbid [the
company was enjoined from using false adver-
1395. endue: to provide (with sth), specif to endow tising]; to order (someone) authoritatively to
with (qualities, talents etc). do sth esp by legal injunction.

1396. enduring: lasting; permanent; durable. 1409. ennui: boredom.

1410. enormity: 1) an outrageous, improper, vi-
1397. energize: to give energy to; activate; invigo-
cious or immoral act [the enormities of state
rate.
power]; 2) the quality or state of being immod-
erate, monstrous, or outrageous. esp : great
1398. enervate: to deprive of nerve, strength or
wickedness [the ∼ of crimes committed is ap-
courage.
palling]; 3) the quality or state of being huge :
1399. enfranchise: to free from slavery, bondage, immensity; 4) a quality of momentous impor-
legal obligation etc; to give a franchise to, tance.
specif to admit to citizenship esp to the right 1411. enrapture: to put in ecstasy; to fill with great
to vote. pleasure or delight; entrance; enchant.

1400. enfranchise: to set free; to give a ∼ or polit- 1412. ensconce: to place or settle comfortably,
ical privileges. snugly or securely [to ensconce oneself in an
armchair].
1401. engage: 1) to offer (as one’s word) as security
for a debt or cause; 2) to attract and hold by 1413. ensnare: to take in or as if in a snare; catch;
influence or power; 3a) to interlock with : mesh entrap.
: also : to cause (mechanical parts) to mesh; 1414. ensue: 1) to come afterward; follow immedi-
4) to bind oneself to do sth, esp : to bind as ately; 2) to happen as a consequence; result.
a pledge to marry; 5a) to provide occupation
for : involve [∼ him in a new project]; 5b) to 1415. enthrall: to make a slave of; enslave; to hold
arrange or obtain the use of services of : hire; as if in a spell; captivate; fascinate.
5c) engross; 5d) participate.
1416. entice: to attract by offering hope of reward
or pleasure; tempt;allure.
1402. engaging: attractive; pleasant; winning;
charming. 1417. entity: 1a) being ,existence,esp : indepen-
dent, separate, or self-contained existence; 1b)
1403. engender: to bring into being; bring about; the existence of a thing as contrasted with its
cause; produce [pity engendered love]. attributes; 2) sth that has separate and dis-
tinct existence and objective or conceptual re-
1404. engross: to take the entire attention of; oc- ality.
cupy wholly; absorb [engrossed in a book].
1418. entomology: study of insects.
1405. engulf: to submerge, inundate, swamp;.
1419. entourage: 1) one’s attendants or associates;
1406. enhance: 1) heighten , increase, esp to in- 2) surroundings.
crease or improve in value, quality, desirability, 1420. entrance: 1) to put into a trance; 2) to fill
or attractiveness. with rapture or delight; enchant; charm; en-
rapture.
1407. enigma: a perplexing, usu ambiguous state-
ment; riddle; a perplexing, baffling, or seem- 1421. entreat: to ask earnestly; beg; beseech; im-
ingly inexplicable matter, person etc. plore.

45
1422. entree: 1a) the act or manner of entering : 1437. epistle: a writing sent to one, a letter.
entrance; 1b) freedom of entry or access; 2)
the main course of a meal in the U.S. 1438. epitaph: an inscription on a tomb or grave-
stone in the memory of the person buried
1423. entrepreneur: a person who organizes and there; a short composition in prose or verse
manages a business undertaking, assuming the written as a tribute to the dead person.
risk for the sake of profit; an enterprising per-
son!. 1439. epithet: an adjective, noun or phrase, of-
ten specif a disparaging one, used to charac-
1424. enunciate: to pronounce distinctly. terize some person or thing [ex “egghead” for
an intellectual]; a descriptive name or title [ex
1425. environ: to surround; encircle.
America the beautiful etc].
1426. eolithic: pertaining to earliest human culture.
1440. epitome: embodiment; an abridgement or
1427. epaulet: a shoulder ornament for certain uni- short summary of ath.
forms, esp military uniforms.
1441. epitome: synopsis, abridgement, condensa-
1428. ephemeral: ath that is short lived or lasts for tion; enlargement, augmentation, increment.
a short time.
1442. eponym: 1) one for whom or which sth is or
1429. epic: 1) a long narrative poem in elevated is believed to be named; 2) a name (as of a
style recounting the deeds of a legendary or drug or a disease) based on or derived from an
historical hero [the Iliad and Odyssey are eponym.
epics]; 2) a work of art (as a novel or drama)
that resembles or suggests an epic; 3) a se- 1443. equable: not varying or fluctuating much;
ries of events or body of legend or tradition steady; uniform [an equable person]; not read-
thought to form the proper subject of an epic ily upset; even, tranquil, serene.
[the winning of the West was a great American 1444. equanimity: evenness of mind or temper.
epic].
1445. equestrian: a rider on horseback esp one per-
1430. epicene: sexless. forming acrobatics on horseback as in a circus.
1431. epicure: a person who enjoys and has a dis- 1446. equine: of or like or characteristic of a horse.
criminating taste for fine food and drinks.
1447. equipoise: equal distribution of weight; state
1432. epigram: any concise and pointed or sarcastic
of balance, or equilibrium; a weight or force
saying or poem.
that balances another; counterbalance.
1433. epilogue: 1) a concluding section that rounds
1448. equitable: characterized by equity; fair; just:
out the design of a literary work; 2a) a speech
said of actions, results of actions etc.
often in verse addressed to the audience by
an actor at the end of a play; also : the ac- 1449. equivocation: the use of ambiguous expres-
tor speaking such an ∼; 2b) the final scene sions specially in order to mislead.
of a play that comments on or summarizes the
main action; 3) the concluding section of a mu- 1450. eristic: argumentative.
sical composition; coda.
1451. erose: having irregular notched edges (ser-
1434. epiphenomenon: an accompanying phe- rated?).
nomenon outside the chain of causation.
1452. erratic: having no fixed course or purpose;
1435. episcopal: governed by bishops. irregular, random , wandering; deviating from
the normal customary course; eccentric,queer.
1436. epistemological: pertaining to the theory of
knowledge. 1453. erratic: unpredictable, irregular.

46
1454. ersatz: a substitute; a supplementary reserve 1470. ethnic: designating or of a population sub-
from which waste can be made good. group having a common cultural heritage or
distinguished by customs, characteristics, lan-
1455. eructate: burp!. guage, common history etc.
1456. erudite: having or showing a wide knowledge 1471. ethnology: the branch of anthropology that
gained from reading; learned, scholarly. studies comparatively the cultures or recent so-
1457. escapade: a reckless adventure or prank. cieties or language groups.

1458. eschatology: the doctrine of the last or final 1472. ethos: the characteristic and distinguishing
things as death, judgement, state after death. attitudes, habits, beliefs, etc of an individual
or of a group.
1459. escheat: a property that falls to the state for
the want of an heir; plunder; gain; to confis- 1473. etiolate: to blanch; to make pale.
cate. 1474. etiolated: bleached.
1460. eschew: to shun; to flee from; to abstain from. 1475. etiology: enquiry into physical causes.
1461. esculent: edible. 1476. etiquette: forms or ceremony or decorum;
1462. esemplastic: bringing together or able to 1477. eugenic: causing improvement of hereditary
bring together different concepts and thoughts qualities of a stock.
into a unified whole [the esemplastic imagina-
tion]. 1478. eulogy: a speech or writing in praise of a per-
son, event, or thing esp a formal speech prais-
1463. esoteric: intended for or understood by only ing a person who has recently died.
a chosen few, as an inner group of disciples or
initiates (said of ideas, literature, etc); beyond 1479. eupeptic: having good digestion.
the understanding or knowledge of most peo-
1480. euphemism: a figure of rhetoric by which an
ple, abstruse; confidential; private; withheld
unpleasant or offensive thing is designated by
[an esoteric plan].
a milder term.
1464. espionage: the act of spying; the use of spies
1481. euphony: 1) pleasing or sweet sound; esp the
by a government to learn the military secrets
acoustic effect produced by words so formed or
of another nations; the use of spies in indus-
combined as to please the ear; 2) a harmonious
try or commerce to learn the secrets of other
succession of words having a pleasing sound.
companies.
1482. euphoria: a feeling of well being or elation.
1465. espouse: 1) marry; 2) to take up and support
as a cause; become attached to. 1483. euphuism: excessive elegance of language.
1466. estivate: spend the summer (akin to hiber- 1484. euthanasia: act or method of causing death
nate!). painlessly, so as to end suffering: advocated by
some as a way to deal with persons dying of
1467. estrange: to remove, as from usu surround- incurable, painful diseases.
ings or associates; keep apart or away; to turn
a person from a friendly attitude to an indif- 1485. euthenics: science of dealing with improve-
ferent, unfriendly or hostile one; alienate the ment of well being.
affections of.
1486. evade: prevaricate, shuffle, shun; confront,
1468. esurient: voracious. face, acknowledge.
1469. ethereal: light airy or tenuous; extremely del- 1487. evanescent: tending to fade from sight;
icate or refined; heavenly. ephemeral.

47
1488. evenhanded: impartial; fair; just. 1503. execrate: 1) to declare to be evil or detestable
: denounce; 2) to detest utterly.
1489. evince: to show plainly; indicate; make mani-
fest esp to show that one has (a specified qual- 1504. execute: 1) to carry out fully : put com-
ity, feeling etc). pletely into effect [∼ a command]; 2) to do
what is provided or required by [∼ a decree];
1490. evoke: to call forth or summon (a 3) to put to death esp in compliance with a le-
spirit,demon etc), as by chanting magical gal sentence; 4) to make or produce (as a work
words; conjure up; to draw forth or elicit (a of art) esp by carrying out a design; 5) to per-
particular mental image, reaction etc). form what is required to give validity to [∼ a
deed]; 6) play [∼ a piece of music].
1491. exacerbate: to embitter; to provoke; to ren-
der more violent or severe as a disease. 1505. exegesis: explanation, critical analysis, or in-
terpretation of a word, literary passage etc esp
1492. exacerbate: to make more intense or sharp;
in the Bible.
aggravate (disease, pain, annoyance etc); to ex-
asperate, annoy; irritate; embitter. 1506. exhort: to urge earnestly by advice, warning
etc (to do what is proper or required); admon-
1493. exacting: making severe of excessive de-
ish strongly.
mands; not easily satisfied; strict [an exacting
teacher]; demanding great care, patience , ef- 1507. exhortation: to urge strongly and earnestly.
fort, etc; arduous [an exacting job].
1508. exhume: to dig out of the earth; disinter; to
1494. exalt: to raise on high; elevate; lift up : specif bring to light; disclose; reveal.
:; to raise in status or dignity, power, honor,
wealth, etc; to praise, glorify, extol; to fill with 1509. exhume: to take out of the ground or place
joy, pride, etc; to heighten or intensify the ac- of burial.
tion or effect of.
1510. exigency: compulsion,necessity, distress, dif-
1495. exasperate: to make very angry; to irritate ficulty; normalcy, regularity.
in a high degree.
1511. exiguous: scanty; little; small; meager.
1496. exchequer: 1) treasury; esp : a national or
royal treasury; 2) pecuniary resources : funds. 1512. existential: 1) of, relating to, or affirming ex-
istence [∼ propositions]; 2a) grounded in exis-
1497. excise: to remove (a tumor , organ etc) by tence or the experience of existence : empiri-
cutting out or away. cal; 2b) having being in time and space.

1498. excogitate: to discover by thinking; to think 1513. exodus: a going out or forth esp in a large
out earnestly or laboriously. group.

1499. excoriate: to strip, scratch or rub off the skin 1514. exonerate: 1) acquit; free from charges; 2) to
of; flay, abrade, chafe; to denounce harshly.
1500. excrescence: outgrowth or projection esp ab-
normal; abnormal twisted outgrowth.
1501. exculpate: to free from blame; declare or
prove guiltless.
1502. execrable: 1) deserving to be execrated : de-
testable [∼ crimes]; 2) very bad : wretched [∼
hotel food].
relieve of a responsibility, obligation, or hard-
ship.
1515. exorbitant: going beyond what is reasonable,
just, proper, usual etc; excessive, extravagant:
said esp of prices, charges etc.
1516. exorcise: to drive (an evil spirit or spirits) out
or away by ritual prayers, incantations etc.
1517. exoteric: easily understood.

48
1518. exotic: foreign , not native; strange or dif- 1534. expound: to expose or lay open the meaning
ferent in a way that is striking or fascinating; of.
strangely beautiful, enticing etc.
1535. expropriate: 1) to deprive of possession or
1519. expatiate: to walk about; to enlarge in dis- proprietary rights; 2) to transfer (the property
course, argument or writing. of another) to one’s own possession.
1520. expatriate: to drive (a person) from his or 1536. expugnable: capable of being overcome or
her native land; exile; to withdraw (oneself) vanquished.
from one’s native land or from allegiance to it. 1537. expunge: to wipe out; to efface; to mark for
1521. expectoration: to expel from the breast or deletion.
lungs by coughing. 1538. expurgate: to purge out or render pure; to re-
1522. expedience: specific subservience; oppor- move passages considered obscene or otherwise
tunism; pragmatism. objectionable from (a book, etc); to expunge
(objectionable material from),
1523. expedite: to free from impediments; to has-
ten; to send forth; to dispatch. 1539. extant: standing out or above the rest; still
existing; not extinct; not lost or destroyed.
1524. expendable: that may be expended; esp that
may be sacrificed to achieve some end; to 1540. extant: still in existence.
expend—to lay out; 1541. extemporaneous: unpremeditated, impro-
vised, impromptu; premeditated, studied, pre-
1525. expiate: to make amends or reparation for
pared.
(wrongdoing or guilt); atone for; pay the
penalty of; suffer for. 1542. extenuated: mitigated; to lessen.
1526. expletives: meaningless oaths. 1543. extirpate: to root out; to destroy totally; to
exterminate.
1527. explicate: to make clear or explicit (sth ob-
scure or implied); explain fully. 1544. extirpate: to root out; to exterminate.
1528. explicit: 1a) fully revealed or expressed with- 1545. extol: to praise highly; laud; to lift up.
out vagueness,implication, or ambiguity : leav- 1546. extort: to wring out (from); to gain or draw
ing no question as to meaning or intent; 2) out (money) by compulsion or violence.
open in the depiction of nudity or sexuality [∼
books and films]. 1547. extradite: to turn over (a person accused or
convicted of a crime) to the jurisdiction of an-
1529. exploit: an act remarkable for brilliance or other country, state etc where the crime was
daring; bold deed. allegedly committed.
1530. exploit: to make use of; turn to account; uti- 1548. extraneous: coming from outside; foreign [an
lize productively; to make unethical use of for extraneous substance]; not truly or properly
one’s own advantage or profit; specif to make belonging; not essential; not pertinent; irrele-
profit from the labor of (others) without giving vant.
a just return; to stir up interest in; promote [to
exploit a product]. 1549. extrapolation: 1a) to project, extend, or ex-
pand (known data or experience) into an area
1531. expository: serving to explain. not; known or experienced so as to arrive at
1532. expostulate: remonstrance. a usu conjectural knowledge of an; unknown
area; 1b) to predict by projecting past expe-
1533. expostulate: to reason with a person rience or known data [∼ public; sentiment on
earnestly, objecting to that person’s actions or one issue from known public reaction on oth-
intentions; remonstrate (with). ers].

49
1550. extricate: to free from entanglement or per- 1566. facile: affable; easily persuaded; yielding; us-
plexities. ing or showing little effort and not sincere or
profound; superficial [ a facile solution, facile
1551. extrinsicality: objectiveness; extraneous- emotions].
ness; adventitiousness.
1552. extrovert: one whose personality is charac- 1567. facilitate: to make easy or easier.
terized by extroversion; broadly : a gregarious
1568. facsimile: (an) exact reproduction or copy;
unreserved person.
the transmission and reproduction of graphic
1553. extrude: to push or force out ; expel; to force matter by electronic means.
(metal, plastic etc) through a die or very small
holes to give it a certain shape. 1569. faction: a group of people inside a political
party, club, government etc working in a com-
1554. extrusion: thrusting or throwing out; expul- mon cause against other such groups or against
sion. the main body; partisan conflict within an or-
ganization or a country.
1555. exuberant: in high spirits; lavish; luxuriant;
overflowing. 1570. factious: tending to promote internal dissen-
1556. exudation: act of exuding or discharging thru sion.
pores such as sweating.
1571. factitious: sth made up; artificial.
1557. exude: to pass out in drops thru pores, an
incision etc; ooze; discharge; to diffuse or seem 1572. factotum: a person employed to do all kinds
to radiate [to ∼ joy]. of work for another.

1558. exult: to rejoice greatly; to be jubilant, glory. 1573. faculty: 1) ability, power : as ; a) innate or
acquired ability to act or do; b) an inherent
1559. eyas: unfledged bird.
capability, power or function [the ∼ of hear-
1560. eyry: the nest of a bird of prey; a house or ing]; c) any of the powers of the mind formerly
stronghold perched on some high place; other held by psychologists to form a basis for the ex-
spelling are — aerie, aery, eyrie. planation of all mental phenomena; d) natural
aptitude [has a ∼ for saying the right things];
1561. fabricate: 1a) invent, create; 1b) to make 2a) a branch of teaching or learning in an ed-
up for the purpose of deception; 2) construct, ucational institution.
manufacture.
1574. fad: a custom, style etc that many people are
1562. facade: the front of a building; part of a build- interested in for a short time; passing in fash-
ing facing a street, courtyard etc; the front part ion; craze.
of ath: often used figuratively, with implica-
tions of an imposing appearance concealing sth 1575. fadge: to agree; hit it off; to succeed.
inferior.
1576. falchion: medieval sword.
1563. facetious: witty; humorous; jocose; joking or
trying to be jocular esp at an inappropriate
1577. fallacious: false; misleading.
time.
1564. facetious: jocular, funny, humorous; solemn, 1578. fallible: liable to be mistaken or deceived; li-
melancholy, sad. able to be erroneous or inaccurate.

1565. facets: any of the small , polished plane sur- 1579. fallow: land ploughed by not seeded for one
faces of a cut gem; any of a number of dies or or more growing seasons, to kill weeds, make
aspects, as of a personality. the soil richer etc.

50
1580. falter: to move uncertainly or unsteadily; tot- 1594. fathom: to measure the depth of ; sound; to
ter, stumble; to stumble in speech; speak halt- get to the bottom of; understand thoroughly.
ingly, stammer; to act hesitantly; show uncer-
tainty; waver; flinch; to lose strength, certainty 1595. fatuous: complacently stupid or inane; silly,
etc. foolish; esp marked by

1581. fanaticism: excessive and unreasonable zeal. 1596. fauna: the animals of a specified region or
time.
1582. fancied: 1) to have a fancy for; like; 2) to
form a conception of : imagine [∼ our embar- 1597. fawn: to show friendliness by licking hands,
rassment]; 3a) to believe mistakenly or without wagging its tail etc, said of a dog; to act
evidence; 3b) to believe without being certain servilely; cringe and flatter.
[she ∼ she had met him before]; 4) to visualize
or interpret as [∼ myself a child again]. 1598. faze: to disturb, disconcert.

1583. fancier: a person with a special interest in and 1599. febrile: of or like fever; feverish.
knowledge of sth, particularly of the breeding
1600. feckless: spiritless; helpless; futile.
of plants or animals [a dog fancier].
1584. fanciful: 1) marked by fancy or unrestrained 1601. feculent: covered with filth.
imagination rather than by reason and experi- 1602. fecund: fruitful; fertile; prolific.
ence [a ∼ reason]; 2) existing in fancy only [a
∼ notion]; 3) marked by or as if by fancy or 1603. feign: to pretend; to make up (a story, excuse
whim [gave their children ∼ names]. etc), invent; fabricate.
1585. fane: temple. 1604. feint: a false show; sham; a pretended blow
or attack intended to take the opponent off his
1586. fanfare: 1) a showy outward display; 2) a
guard, as in boxing or warfare.
short and lively sounding of trumpets.
1587. fantasia: a composition in fanciful or irregu- 1605. felicitous: used or expressed in a way suitable
lar form. to the occasion; aptly chosen; having the knack
of appropriate and pleasing expression.
1588. farce: 1) a savory stuffing : forcemeat; 2) a
light dramatic composition marked by broadly 1606. felicity: happiness; delight; a blessing; a qual-
satirical comedy and improbable plot; 3) a ity or knack of appropriate and pleasing ex-
ridiculous empty show; mockery [the enforce- pression in writing, speaking, painting etc; an
ment of this law became a ∼]. apt expression or thought.

1589. farrier: black-smith. 1607. fell: fierce; terrible; cruel; deadly: archaic ex-
cept in the phrase “one fell swoop” a single ef-
1590. farthingale: hoop skirt (like the one worn by fort or action that is completely effective, dev-
Victorian women). astating etc.
1591. fascicle: a bundle or bunch; esp a bunched 1608. felonious: heinous, despicable, vicious;
tuft of branches root or fibers. praiseworthy, beneficent, meritorious.
1592. fastidious: affecting superior taste; difficult
1609. felonious: wicked; depraved; done with a de-
to please; very critical or discriminating; re-
liberate intention to commit crime.
fined in a too dainty or oversensitive way so as
to be easily disgusted. 1610. feracious: fruitful.
1593. fatalism: the belief that all events are deter- 1611. ferial: pertaining to holidays.
mined by fate and hence inevitable; acceptance
of every event as inevitable. 1612. ferment: a state of excitement or agitation.

51
1613. fervent: hot; ardent; zealous; warm in feeling; regarded as analogous : metaphorical [∼ lan-
intensely devoted or earnest; ardent. guage]; 2b) characterized by figures of speech
[a ∼ description].
1614. fervid: very hot; having burning desire or
emotion; zealous. 1629. figurine: a small sculptured or molded figure;
statuette.
1615. fervor: intense heat; great warmth of emo-
tion; ardor; zeal. 1630. filch: to steal ; to pilfer.
1616. fester: to form pus; ulcerate; to grow embit- 1631. filial: pertaining to or becoming of a son or
tered; rankle; to decay. daughter; of, suitable to, or due from a son or
daughter [filial devotion].
1617. festive: 1) of, relating to or suitable for a feast
or festival; 2) joyful, gay. 1632. filibuster: a buccaneer; a piratical adven-
turer; one who makes unauthorized war; one
1618. festoon: 1) a decorative chain or strip hang- who obstructs legislation by speeches motions
ing between two points; 2) a carved, molded, etc.
or painted ornament representing a decorative
chain; 3) decorate, adorn. 1633. filigree: 1) ornamental work esp of fine wire
of gold, silver or copper applied chiefly to gold
1619. fete: 1) festival; 2a) a lavish often outdoor and silver surfaces; 2a) ornamental openwork
entertainment; 2b) a large elaborate party. of delicate or intricate design; 2b) a pattern
1620. fete: 1) to honour or commemorate with a or design resembling such openwork [a ∼ of
fete; 2) to pay high honour to. frost]; c) ornamentation, embellishment [writ-
ings heavy with late Victorian ∼].
1621. fetid: having a bad smell, as of decay; stink-
ing, putrid. 1634. fillip: stimulus.

1622. fettle: to make ready; set in order; arrange; 1635. finale: the concluding movement or passage
to potter fussily about. of a musical composition; the last scent or fea-
ture of an entertainment; the conclusion or last
1623. fiasco: a failure; a complete failure of any part, end.
kind.
1636. fine: penalty, forfeiture, confiscation; indem-
1624. fiat: 1) a command or act of will that creates nity, remuneration, reimbursement.
sth without or as if without further effort; 2) an
authoritative determination : dictate [a ∼ of 1637. finesse: 1) refinement or delicacy of workman-
conscience]; 3) an authoritative arbitrary order ship, structure, or texture; 2) skillful handling
: decree [government by ∼]. of a situation : adroit maneuvering; 3) the
withholding of one’s highest card or trump in
1625. fidelity: faithful performance of duty; accu- the hope that a lower card will take the trick
racy of a description, translation etc. or of the because the only opposing higher card is in the
reproduction of sound, image etc. hand of the opponent who has already played.
1626. fiducial: serving as a basis of reckoning; show- 1638. finicky: too particular or exacting: overly
ing confidence or reliance. dainty or fastidious; fussy.
1627. figment: sth made up or contrived. 1639. firebrand: a piece of burning wood; a person
who stirs up others to revolt or strife.
1628. figurative: 1a) representing by a figure or re-
semblance : emblematic; 1b) of or relating to 1640. fissure: 1) a narrow opening or crack of con-
representation of form or figure in art [∼ sculp- siderable length and depth usu occurring from
ture]; 2a) expressing one thing in terms nor- some breaking or parting; 2a) a natural cleft
mally denoting another with which it may be between body parts or in the substance of an

52
 organ; 2b) a break or slit in tissue usu at 1653.
the junction of skin and mucous membrane;
3) a separation or disagreement in thought or
viewpoint : schism; 4) to break into fissures :
cleave.
1654.
1641. fitful: characterized by irregular or intermit-
tent activity, impulses etc; spasmodic, restless.
1655.
1642. flaccid: hanging in loose folds or wrinkles;
soft and limp; flabby [flaccid muscles]; lacking 1656.
force; weak, feeble.
1643. flag: to become limp; droop; to lose strength;
grown weak or tired [his energy flagged].
1644. flagellation: a whipping or flagging, esp as a
religious discipline or for sexual stimulation. 1657. fleeting: transient, transitory, ephemeral; en-
1645. flagrantly: notoriously; enormous!; outra-
geously; egregiously?. 1658. flick: 1) a light sharp jerky stroke or move-
1646. flail: 1) a hand threshing implement consist-
ing of a wooden handle at the end of which a
stouter and shorter stick is so hung as to swing
freely; 2a) to strike with or as with a flail [arms
∼ing the water]; 2b) to move, swing, or beat
as if wielding a flail [∼ing a club to drive away
the insects].
1659. flinched: to shrink back; to fail; to wince,
1647. flair: a natural talent or ability; knack; apti-
tude.
fleck: 1) streak , spot [whitecaps ∼ed the blue
sea]; 2) to color as if by sprinkling with flecks
[his wife is ∼ed with sarcasm]; 3) flake, parti-
cle.
fledge: to grow the feathers necessary for fly-
ing.
fledged: acquiring feathers (for flying).
fleece: 1a) the coat of wool covering a wool
bearing animal (as a sheep); 1b) the wool ob-
tained from a sheep at one shearing; 2a) to
strip of money or property by fraud or extor-
tion; 2b) to charge excessively for goods or ser-
vices; 3) to dot or cover with fleecy masses.
during, continual, eternal.
ment; 2a) to move or propel or as if with a
flick [∼ed her hair back over her shoulder]; 2b)
to activate, deactivate, or change by or as if
by flicking a switch [∼ on a cigarette lighter];
3a) to strike lightly with a quick sharp motion
[∼ed the horse with a whip]; 3b) to remove
with light blows [∼ed an ash off her sleeve].
as from pain; to draw back from ath difficult,
dangerous or painful.

1648. flamboyant: designating or of a kind of ar- 1660. flippant: light; pert and frivolous of speech;
chitecture as late French Gothic characterized showing disrespectful levity.
by flamelike tracery of windows and florid dec-
1661. flit: to pass lightly and rapidly [memories flit-
oration; flamelike or brilliant in form or color;
ted thru his mind]; to fly lightly and rapidly;
too showy or ornate; florid; extravagant etc.
flutter.
1649. flange: a projecting rim or collar on a wheel,
1662. flocculent: fluffy.
pipe, rail etc to hold it in place, give it
strength, guide it or attach it to sth else. 1663. floe: a single piece, large or small of floating
sea ice.
1650. flaunt: to make a gaudy, ostentatious, con-
spicuous, impudent or defiant display; to flut- 1664. florid: flushed with red or pink; rosy; ruddy:
ter or wave freely. said of the complexion; highly decorated;
gaudy , showy, ornate [a florid musical pas-
1651. flautist: flute player. sage].
1652. flay: to strip off the skin or hide of, as by 1665. flotilla: a fleet of small ships.
whipping; to criticize or scold mercilessly; to
rob, pillage; fleece. 1666. flotsam: the wreckage of a ship; cargo.

53
1667. flounder: to stumble helplessly; to make mis- 1684. forbear: (obs) to do without; to hold oneself
takes. back from esp with an effort; hold back, ab-
stain [can write with ease what i forbear to
1668. flout: to mock or scoff at; show scorn or con- read]; to control oneself when provoked: be
tempt for. patient.
1669. flout: to mock, jeer; treat with contempt.
1685. forbearance: a refraining from the enforce-
1670. fluctuation: 1) a shifting back and forth with ment of sth (as a debt, right , obligation) that
uncertainty; 2) to ebb and flow in waves. is due; leniency.

1671. fluent: flowing or moving smoothly and eas- 1686. ford: a shallow place in a river stream, etc
ily [fluent verse]; able to write or speak easily, where one can cross by wading or by riding on
smoothly and expressively. horseback, in an automobile etc.

1672. fluke: a result esp a successful one, brought 1687. forebode: to prognosticate, surmise, betoken
about by accident; stroke of luck.
1673. fluster: to make or become confused, nervous
or befuddled.
1674. fluted: grooved.
1675. fluted: having or marked by grooves.
1676. foible: a small weakness; slight frailty in char-
acter; the weakest part of the sword blade,
from the middle to the point.
1677. foil: to keep from being successful; thwart;
frustrate; to enhance by contrast; someone or 1690. foreshadow: to be sign of (sth to come); indi-
sth that serves as a contrast to another [acted
as a foil for a comedian].
1678. foist: to put in slyly or surreptitiously, as a
clause into a contract; to get (a thing) ac-
cepted, sold, etc by fraud, deception etc; palm
off: with on or upon.
1679. foliage: leaves, as of a plant or tree; mass
of leaves; leafage; a decoration consisting of a
representation of leaves, branches, flowers etc.
1680. foment: to treat with warm water, medicated
lotions etc; to stir up (trouble); instigate; in-
cite [to foment a riot].
forewarn; to have a presentiment of (sth bad
or harmful).
1688. forensic: of, characteristic of, or suitable for
a law court, public debate, or formal argumen-
tation; specializing in or having to do with the
application of scientific, esp medical knowledge
to legal matters as in the investigation of a
crime.
1689. forerunner: harbinger, precursor, predeces-
sor; successor, follower, descendent.
cate or suggest beforehand; prefigure; presage.
1691. foresight: 1) an act or the power of foreseeing
: prescience; 2) provident care : prudence [had
the ∼ to invest his money wisely]; 3) an act of
looking forward: also a view forward.
1692. forestall: a place taken before hand; to antic-
ipate; to hinder by anticipating; to bar.
1693. forestall: to prevent or hinder by doing sth
ahead of time; to act in advance of; get ahead,
anticipate; to interfere with the trading in (a
market ) by buying up goods in advance, get-
ting sellers to raise prices,etc.

1681. foolhardy: bold or daring in a foolish way; 1694.
rash; reckless.
1695.
1682. fop: a vain, affected man who pays too
much attention to his clothes, appearance etc; 1696.
dandy, coxcomb.
1683. foray: a sudden attack or raid in order to seize
or steal things.
forfeited: that to which a right is lost.
forgo: to do without; abstain from; give up.
forlorn: 1a) bereft, forsaken [left quite ∼ of
hope]; 1b) sad and lonely because of isolation
or desertion : desolate; 2) being in poor con-
dition : miserable, wretched [∼ tumble down
buildings].

54
1697. formality: 1) compliance with formal or con- 1712.
ventional rules : ceremony; 2) the quality or
state of being formal; 3) an established form
or procedure that is required or conventional.
1698. formidable: causing fear or dread; hard to
handle or overcome; awe inspiring in size, ex-
cellence, etc; redoubtable.
1699. forsake: to give up; renounce (a habit, idea
etc); to leave; abandon.
1700. forswear: to renounce on oath; promise 1713.
earnestly to give up; to deny earnestly or on
oath.
1701. forte: a thing that a person does particularly
well; special accomplishment or strong pint;
the strongest part of the blade of a sword, be- 1715.
tween the middle and the hilt.
1702. forthright: straightforward; direct; frank.
1703. fortitude: courage in endurance; the strength
to bear misfortune, pain etc calmly and pa-
tiently; firm courage.
1704. fortuitous: happening by chance; bringing or
happening by good luck; fortunate.
1705. foster: to bring up with care; rear; to help to
grow or develop; stimulate; promote [to foster 1718. fret: 1) to decorate with interlaced designs;
discontent]; to cling to in one’s mind; cherish
[to foster a hope].
1706. founder: 1) one that founds or establishes; 2)
to become disabled : esp to go lame; 3) to give
way : collapse; 4) to sink below the surface of
the water; 5) to come to grief : fail.
1707. foyer: a public room opening on the lobby.
1708. fracas: uproar; a noisy quarrel.
1709. fractious: refractory or unruly; peevish; irri-
table; cross.
1710. fragrance: redolence.
1711. frailty: the quality or condition of being frail; 1721. friction: disagreement or conflict because of
weakness esp moral weakness.
franchise: 1) freedom or immunity from some
burden or restriction vested in a person or
group, ; 2a) a special privilege granted to an
individual or group; esp the right to be and
exercise the powers of a corporation; 2b) a
constitutional or statutory right or privilege
: esp the right to vote; 3) the right or license
granted to an individual or group to market
a company’s goods or services in a particular
territory; 4) the right of membership in a pro-
fessional sports league.
frantic: wild with anger, pain, worry etc; fren-
zied.
1714. fraught: filled, charged or loaded (with) ;
emotional, tense, anxious, distressing ,etc.
fray: 1) [archaic] scare : frighten away; 2)
a usu disorderly or protracted fight, struggle
or dispute; 3a) to wear (as an edge of cloth)
by or as if by rubbing : fret; 3b) to separate
the threads at the edge of; 4) strain, irritate
[tempers became a bit ∼ed].
1716. frenetic: delirious; frantic; distracted; mad;
wildly excited.
1717. fresco: the art or technique of painting with
watercolors on wet plaster.
to form pattern upon; 2) to enrich with em-
bossed carved patters; 3) an ornamental net-
work, esp : a medieval metallic or jeweled net
for a woman’s headdress; 4) an ornament or
ornamental work often in relief consisting of
small straight bars intersecting one another in
right or oblique angles.
1719. fret: 1a) to eat or gnaw into : corrode , also
: fray; 1b) rub, chafe; 1c) to make by wearing
away a substance [the stream ∼ted a channel];
2) to cause to suffer emotional strain : vex; 3)
to pass (as time) in fretting; 4) agitate, ripple.
1720. fricative: produced by friction; ¡another in-
teresting meaning on the rocks¿.
differences of opinion, temperament etc.
55
1722. frieze: a decoration or series of decorations 1737. fulcrum: the support or point of support on
forming an ornamental band around a room, which a lever turns in raising or moving sth; a
mantel etc. means of exerting influence, pressure etc.
1723. frigate: formally a vessel in the class next to 1738. fuliginous: sooty.
ships of the line.
1739. fulminate: to thunder or make a loud noise;
1724. frigid: extremely cold: without heat or to detonate.
warmth; without warmth of feeling or man-
ner; stiff and formal; habitually failing to be- 1740. fulminate: to thunder or make a loud noise;
come sexually aroused, or abnormally repelled to issue decrees with violence or threats; to
by sexual activity: said of a woman. denounce.

1725. fritter: to waste (money, time, etc) bit by bit 1741. fulsome: cloying or causing surfeit; offensive;
on petty things: usu with away. disgustingly fawning.

1726. frivolous: trifling; silly; not properly serious 1742. functionary: a person who performs a certain
or sensible; giddy. function, esp an official.
1727. frolicsome: full of gaiety or high spirits; play- 1743. funereal: 1) of or relating to a funeral; 2)
ful; merry. befitting or suggesting a funeral (as in solem-
nity).
1728. frond: a leaf; specif : the leaf of a fern : the
leaf of a palm; the leaflike part or shoot of a 1744. furbelow: ruffle.
lichen, seaweed, duckweed etc.
1745. furlough: leave of absence.
1729. frounce: to plait; to curl; to wrinkle up.
1746. furor: 1) an angry or maniacal fit : rage; 2)
1730. fructify: to bear fruit; become fruitful. fury ; 3) a fashionable craze : vogue; 4a) furi-
1731. frugal: thrifty; economical in the use of ous or hectic activity; 4b) an outburst of public
means. excitement or indignation : uproar.

1732. fruition: a pleasure obtained from using or 1747. furtive: 1a) done by stealth : surreptitious;
possessing sth; enjoyment; the bearing of fruit; 1b) expressive of stealth : sly [had a ∼
a coming to fulfillment; realization [a book look about him]; 2) obtained underhandedly
that is a fruition of years of research]. : stolen.

1733. fugacious: transitory. 1748. fusillade: a simultaneous or rapid and contin-

uous discharge of many firearms; sth like this
1734. fugitive: 1) running away or intending flight [ a fusillade of questions].
[∼ slave, ∼debtor]; 2) moving from place to
place : wandering; 3a) being of short duration; 1749. fusion: 1) a unison as if by melting; as a)
3b) difficult to grasp or retain : elusive; c) a merging of diverse, distinct or separate ele-
likely to evaporate, deteriorate, change, fade ments into a unified whole; b) a political part-
or disappear [dyed with ∼ colors]; 4) being of nership : coalition; c) popular music combin-
transient interest [∼ essays]. ing different styles (jazz, classical etc).

1735. fugitive: a person who flees or tries to escape, 1750. fustian: a kind of coarse twilled cotton fabric;
esp refugee. a bombastic style of writing or speaking; a kind
of liquor.
1736. fugue: a polyphonic composition based on
one, two, or more themes,that are enunciated 1751. futile: 1) serving no useful purpose; com-
by several voices or parts in turn & subjected pletely ineffective; 2) occupied with trifles :
to contrapuntal treatment. frivolous.

56
1752. gadfly: metaphorically sth after one in a re- 1766.
lentless manner!??; a person who annoys oth-
ers or rouses them from complacency; any of
several large flies as the horsefly, that bite live-
stock.
gape: 1a) to open the mouth wide; 1b) to
open or part widely [holes ∼d in the pave-
ment]; 2) to gaze stupidly or in open mouthed
surprise or wonder; 3) yawn; an open-mouthed
stare.

1753. gaffe: a blunder; faux pas.
1754. gainsay: to deny; to contradict; to speak or
act against; oppose.
1755. gait: the manner of walking on foot; way of
walking or running; any of the various foot
movements of a horse,as a trot, pace, canter
or gallop.
1767. garble: 1) to sift impurities from; 3a) to so
alter or distort as to create a wrong impres-
sion or change the meaning [∼ a story]; 3b)
to introduce textual error into (a message) by
inaccurate encipherment, transmission or de-
cipherment; 4) the impurities removed from
spices in sifting.
1768. gargantuan: a giant; enormous; prodigious.

1756. galaxy: an assembly of brilliant or famous 1769. gargoyle: 1a) a spout in the form of a
people; a brilliant array of things. grotesque human or animal figure projecting
from a roof gutter to throw rain-water clear of
1757. gall: 1a) a skin sore caused by chronic irrita- a building; 1b) a grotesquely carved figure; 2)
tion; 1b) to cause or state of exasperation; 2) a person with an ugly face.
to fret and wear away by friction : chafe.
1770. garner: a store of ath; to accumulate.
1758. gall: 1a) bile : esp bile obtained from an ani-
1771. garnish: to decorate; adorn; embellish; trim;
mal and used in the arts or medicine; 1b) sth
to decorate (food) with sth that adds color or
bitter to endure; 2) bitterness of spirit : ran-
flavor [a steak garnished with parsley].
cor; 2) brazen boldness coupled with impudent
assurance and insolence. 1772. garrulous: talking much or too much esp
about unimportant things; loquacious.
1759. galleon: a large sailing ship with three or four
masts and a high forecastle and stern, devel- 1773. gastronomy: the art or science of good eat-
oped in the 15th and 16th cent, and used as ing; epicurism.
both, a warship and a trading ship?.
1774. gauche: lacking grace esp social grace; awk-
1760. galliard: (or gailliard) lively dance. ward; tactless.

1761. galvanize: 1b) to stimulate or excite as if by 1775. gaucherie: clumsiness; social awkwardness.
an electric shock [an issue that would ∼ public
1776. gawk: 1) a clumsy stupid person : lout; 2) to
opinion].
gape or stare stupidly.
1762. gambit: 1) an initial move in ath esp one with 1777. gazette: 1) newspaper; 2) an official journal;
an element of trickery; 2) a remark intended to 3) to announce or publish in a gazette.
start a conversation or make a telling point; 3)
a calculated move; stratagem. 1778. genealogy: history of the descent of families;
pedigree; lineage.
1763. gambol: to leap; to frisk in sport.
1779. generality: 1) the quality or state of being
1764. gamely: 1) having or showing a resolute un- general; 2a) generalization; 2b) a vague or in-
yiedling spirit; 2) willing or ready to proceed; adequate statement.
of or relating to game.
1780. generic: a class of objects comprehending
1765. gamut: the full extent of ath. several species.

57
1781. genesis: generation; creation or production. 1795. gesticulate: to make use of gestures esp with
the hands and arms as in adding nuances or
1782. genial: 1a) favorable to growth or comfort force to one’s speech, or as a substitute for
: mild [∼ sunshine]; 1b) marked by a diffus- speech.
ing sympathy or friendliness; 2) displaying or
marked by genius; 3) of or relating to the chin. 1796. gibberish: rapid and incoherent talk; unin-
telligible chatter; jargon.
1783. genre: kind; class (as of works of literature,
art etc). 1797. gibbous: hump backed.
1798. gibe: to jeer or taunt; scoff (at).
1784. genteel: well bred; graceful in manners or in
form. 1799. gimlet: a small tool for boring holes by turn-
ing it with the hand.
1785. gentility: 1) the condition of belonging to
the gentry : gentlefolk, gentry; 2a) decorum 1800. gingerly: in a careful or cautious way.
of conduct; 2b) attitudes or activity marked
by false delicacy , prudery, or affectation; 2c) 1801. girth: a band put around the belly of a horse
superior social status or prestige evidenced by or other animals for holding a saddle, pack etc;
manners , possessions or mode of life. the circumference, as of a tree trunk or per-
son’s waist.
1786. gentry: the class of people next below the
1802. gist: 1) the ground of a legal action; 2) the
nobility; people of a particular class or group
main point or part : essence.
[the newspaper gentry].
1803. glade: clear open spaces in woods or forests.
1787. genuflect: to bend the knee, as in reverence
or worship; to act in a submissive or servile 1804. glair: slimy substance.
way.
1805. gleaned: to gather, discover,or find out
1788. germane: truly relevant; pertinent; to the (facts) slowly and patiently.
point.
1806. glib: 1a) marked by ease and informality :
1789. germinal: 1a) being in the earliest stage of nonchalant; 1b) showing little forethought or
development; 1b) creative, productive; 2) of, preparation : offhand [∼ answers]; 1c) lacking
relating to or char of a germ cell or embryo. depth and substance : superficial; 2) marked
by ease and fluency in speaking or writing of-
1790. germination: doubling!. ten to the point of being insincere or deceitful
[a ∼ politician].
1791. gerontocracy: a government by the elderly
men of the society. 1807. glibly: smoothly; to make glib; ie easy, facile,
fluent and plausible.
1792. gerrymander: to rearrange voting districts
in the interest of a particular party or candi- 1808. glimmer: 1a) to shine faintly or unsteadily;
date; to manipulate so as to reach undue con- 1b) to give off a subdued unsteady reflection;
clusions. 2) to appear indistinctly with a faintly lumi-
nous quality; 3) an intermittent light.
1793. gestalt: a unified whole; a configuration, pat-
1809. glissade: to slide or glide down; act of sliding
tern,or organized field having specific proper-
down a slope; a gliding movement in dancing.
ties that cannot be derived from summation of
component parts. 1810. glitch: slide; glide; a minor malfunction; a
false or spurious electronic signal.
1794. gestation: the act or period of carrying young
in the uterus from conception to birth; preg- 1811. gloat: to gaze or think with exultation,
nancy; a development,as of a plan in the mind. avarice or malicious pleasure : often with over.

58
1812. gloss over: to deal with a subject or problem 1828. gourmet: a person who likes and is an excel-
lightly or not at all. lent judge of fine foods and drinks; epicure.
1813. glossary: a collection of textual glosses or of 1829. graduated: increasing in rate with increase
specialized terms with their meanings. in taxable base : progressive.
1814. glower: 1) to look or stare with sullen an- 1830. grandeur: splendor of appearance; loftiness
noyance or anger; 2) a sullen brooding look of of thought or deportment.
annoyance or anger.
1831. grandiloquent: using high flown, pompous ,
1815. glut: 1) to fill up ,esp with food to satiety; 2) bombastic words and expressions.
to flood (the market) with goods so that sup-
ply exceeds demand; 3) an excessive quantity 1832. grandiose: grand or imposing.
: oversupply.
1833. grandiose: having grandeur or magnificence;
1816. glutinous: gluey; sticky. imposing, impressive; seeming or trying to
seem very important; pompous and showy.
1817. gluttonous: inclined to eat too much and
greedily. 1834. grange: a granary; ¡add more here?¿.
1818. gnarled: knotted and twisted,as the trunk of 1835. granulate: to form or crystallize into grains
an old tree; roughened , hardened, sinewy etc, or granules.
as hands that do rough work.
1836. graphic: 1) formed by writing, drawing or en-
1819. gnaw: 1) to cut, bite, and wear away bit by graving; 2) marked by a clear lifelike or vividly
bit with the teeth; 2) to consume; wear away; realistic description; 3a) of , or relating to or
corrode; 3) to torment, as by constant pain, of the pictorial arts; 3b) of, relating to, or in-
fear, etc; harass. volving such reproductive methods as those of
engraving, etching, lithography, photography,
1820. gnawing: 1) a sensation of dull, constant pain
serigraphy etc.
or suffering; 2) [pl] pangs, esp of hunger.
1821. gnome: 1) maxim, aphorism; 2) an ageless 1837. grate: to grind into shreds or particles by rub-
and often deformed dwarf of folklore ho live in bing or scraping; to rub against (an object)
the earth and usu guards treasure. with a harsh, scraping sound; to grind (the
teeth) together with a rasping sound; to irri-
1822. gnomon: type of indicator. tate; annoy.

1823. gonfalon: type of flag. 1838. gratify: 1) to be a source of or give pleasure

or satisfaction to; 2) to give in to : indulge,
1824. gormandize: to eat too much. satisfy.
1825. gossamer: 1) a film of cobwebs floating in air 1839. gratis: for nothing; without payment or rec-
in calm clear weather; 2) sth light, delicate, ompense.
or insubstantial [the ∼ of youth’s dreams]; 3)
extremely light, delicate or tenuous. 1840. gratuitous: done or given for nothing; volun-
tary.
1826. gouge: 1) a chisel with a concavo-convex cross
section; 2a) the act of gouging; 2b) a groove or 1841. gratuity: sth given voluntarily beyond obli-
cavity scooped out; 3) an excessive or improper gation usu for some service esp : tip.
exaction : extortion.
1842. grave: crypt, catacomb, mausoleum, sepul-
1827. gourmand: a person with a hearty liking for cher.
good food and drink and a tendency to indulge
in them in excess. 1843. greenhorn: novice; inexperienced; tyro?.

59
1844. gregarious: living in herds or flocks; fond of 1862. gulch: a gully; a ravine or narrow rocky valley.
the company of others; sociable.
1863. gullible: easily duped or cheated.
1845. grievance: 1) a cause of distress (as an un-
satisfactory working condition) felt to afford 1864. gumption: shrewdness; common sense.
reason for complaint or resistance; 2) the for- 1865. gustatory: of or having to do with tasting or
mal expression of a grievance : complaint. the sense of taste.
1846. grill: to question intensely.
1866. gusto: taste, liking; keen enjoyment; enthusi-
1847. grimace: a twisting or distortion of the face, astic appreciation; zest; relish; great vigor or
as in expressing pain, contempt. disgust, etc. liveliness.
or a wry look as in seeking to amuse.
1867. gusty: characterized by gusts of air or wind;
1848. grisly: terrifying; horrible; ghastly. characterized by sudden bursts or outbursts.

1849. grist: corn for grinding; supply portion; quan- 1868. gyrate: to revolve, spin, whirl; curved round
tity; profit. in a coil.

1850. grotesque: bizarre; queer or strange; ludi- 1869. hackles: 1a) one of the long narrow feathers
crously eccentric or strange; absurdly incon- on the neck or saddle of a bird; 1b) the neck
gruous. plumage of the domestic fowl; 2) a comb or
board with long metal teeth for dressing flax,
1851. grotto: 1) cave; 2) an artificial recess or struc- hemp, or jute; 3) erectile hairs along the neck
ture made to resemble a natural cave. and back esp of a dog.
1852. grouse: to complain; grumble. 1870. hackneyed: cliched; dulled by over-much use;
1853. grovel: to fawn, to snivel, cower; scorn, dis- trite.
dain, command. 1871. haft: knife handle.
1854. grudge: to envy and resent (someone) be- 1872. haggard: (obs) intractable; lean; hollow eyed.
cause of that person’s possession or enjoy-
ment of (sth); begrudge [to grudge a person 1873. haggle: to argue about terms, price, etc; bar-
his success]; to give with reluctance [the miser gain, wrangle.
grudged his dog its food].
1874. halcyon: the kingfisher once believed to make
1855. gruel: a thin, easily digested porridge made a floating nest on the sea which remained calm
by cooking meal in water or milk. during hatching; calm; happy.
1856. grueling: extremely trying; exhausting. 1875. hale: a) free from disease, defect or infirmity
: sound; b) retaining exceptional health and
1857. gruesome: inspiring horror or repulsion :
vigor.
grisly.
1876. hallowed: made holy; consecrated.
1858. gruff: 1) rough, brusque, or stern in manner,
speech, or aspect [a ∼ reply]; 2) being deep 1877. hallucination: 1a) a perception of objects
and harsh : hoarse [a ∼ voice]. with no reality usu arising from disorder of the
1859. guffaw: a loud, coarse burst of laughter. nervous system or in response to drugs; 1b) the
object so perceived; 2) an unfounded or mis-
1860. guile: artifice, duplicity, deceit; candor, frank- taken impression or notion : delusion.
ness, integrity.
1878. halting: limping,awkward, or unsteady [a
1861. guise: 1) a form of style or dress : costume; halting gait]; marked by hesitation or uncer-
2a) external appearance : semblance : pretext. tainty, jerky, disconnected etc [halting speech].

60
1879. hamartiology: branch of theology dealing 1896. haughty: supercilious, disdainful, imperious;
with sin. unpretentious, unassuming, bashful.

1880. hamate: hooked. 1897. hazy: somewhat vague, obscure, confused or

indefinite [hazy thinking].
1881. hamper: 1a) to restrict the movement of by
bonds or obstacles : impede; 1b) to interfere 1898. headlong: 1) headfirst; 2) without any delib-
with the operation of : disrupt; 2) curb, re- eration : recklessly; 3) without pause or delay.
strain, encumber.
1899. headstrong: determined not to follow or-
1882. hap: 1) happening; chance, fortune; 2) sth (as ders,advice etc but to do as one pleases;
a bed, quilt or cloak) that serves as a covering self-willed; showing such determination [head-
or wrap. strong desire].

1883. hapless: unfortunate; unlucky; luckless. 1900. healthy: salubrious, sanative, bracing; ema-
ciated, weak, ailing.
1884. harangue: loud speech addressed to a multi-
tude; a pompous or wordy address. 1901. hearken: to hear attentively; to listen.

1885. harass: to trouble, worry or torment, as with 1902. hebetude: dullness.

cares, debts, repeated questions, etc; trouble 1903. heckle: to harass or try to disconcert, with
by repeated raids or attacks etc; harry. questions, challenges or gibes : badger; bait.
1886. harbinger: a forerunner; pioneer; one sent 1904. hedonism: in ethics, the doctrine that plea-
before to provide lodging. sure is the highest good.
1887. harbor: to serve as or provide a place of pro- 1905. hedonist: epicure; glutton; sensualist.
tection to ;shelter or house; conceal or hide; to
be the dwelling place or habits of; to hold in 1906. heed: to pay close attention to ; take careful
the mid; cling to [to harbor or grudge]. notice of.

1888. hardy: bold and resolute; daring; courageous; 1907.
too bold; full or temerity; rash; able to with-
stand fatigue, privation etc; robust, vigorous;
able to survive the winter without special care:
said of a plant.
1889. harlequin: a pantomime character; a breed
of small spotted dogs; buffoon.
1890. harmonic: in harmony; concordant.
1891. harp: to persist in talking or writing or te-
diously or continuously (on or upon sth).
1892. harrow: to tear or harass; to acutely distress.
1893. harry: to raid esp repeatedly and ravage or
rob; pillage; plunder; to torment or worry; ha-
rass; to force or push along.
1894. hasten: accelerate, expedite, sprint, scamper;
drudge, doddle, linger.
1895. hatchment: heraldic panel.
hegemony: leadership; preponderant influ-
ence esp of one state over another.
1908. heinous: flagrant, nefarious, infernal; laud-
able, ethical, exemplary.
1909. heinous: wicked in a high degree; odious.
1910. henchman: a servant or page; an active po-
litical partisan esp from self interest.
1911. heresy: a religious belief opposed to the or-
thodox doctrines of a church, esp such a belied
specifically denounced by the church; the rejec-
tion of a belief that is part of church dogma;
any opinion (in philosophy, politics,etc) op-
posed to official or established views or doc-
trines.
1912. heresy: belief contrary to the authorized
teaching of one’s natural religious community;
heterodoxy.
1913. heretic: an upholder of heresy.

61
1914. heretic: dissenter, nonconformist, apostate, 1929. higgle: to make difficulty in bargaining; to
renegade;. chaffer.
1915. hermetic: belonging in any way to the beliefs 1930. hilarious: noisily merry; boisterous; gay; pro-
current in the middle ages; magical. ducing great merriment; very funny.
1916. hermetic: magical; alchemic; hard to under- 1931. hindmost: farthest back; closest to the rear.
stand; obscure; completely sealed by fusion,
soldering etc so as to keep air or gas from get- 1932. hinterland: the land or district behind that
ting in or out; airtight. bordering on a coast or river; specif an in-
land region claimed by the state that owns the
1917. hermit: a person who lives alone in a lonely coast; an area far from big cities and towns;
or secluded spot, often from religious motives; back country.
recluse.
1933. hireling: a person who is for hire, esp one who
1918. herpetology: the branch of zoology having to will follow anyone’s orders for pay; mercenary.
do with the study of reptiles and amphibians.
1934. hirsute: hairy; shaggy; bristly.
1919. heterodox: departing from or opposed to the
usu beliefs or established doctrines esp in reli- 1935. histrionic: theatrical.
gion; inclined towards heresy; unorthodox.
1936. histrionics: relating to the stage or stage
1920. heterogenous: variant, discordant, conglom- players; an artificial or affected manner, dis-
erate; homogeneous, identical, conforming. play of emotions etc.
1921. heuristic: the art of discovery in logic; serving 1937. hoary: white or greyish white esp with age or
or leading to find out. frost.
1922. hew: 1) to cut with blows of a heavy cutting
1938. hoax: 1) to trick into believing or accepting
instrument; 2) to fell by blows of an axe; 3) to
as genuine sth false and often preposterous; 2)
give form and shape to as with heavy cutting
an act of intended trick or fraud.
blows [∼ed their farms from the wilderness].
1939. hobbledehoy: a gawky lad.
1923. heyday: the time of greatest health; exalta-
tion of spirits; culmination of vigor, prosperity, 1940. hogwash: thin worthless stuff; the refuse of a
gaiety; flush or full bloom. kitchen, brewery etc given to pigs.
1924. hiatus: a break where a part is missing or lost, 1941. holocaust: an offering the whole of which is
as in a manuscript; lacuna; an opening; a gap; burnt; a huge slaughter or destruction of life.
a break in continuity.
1942. holy: haloed, immaculate, sanctified; lascivi-
1925. hibernal: of or pertaining to winter; wintry.
ous, blasphemous, sacrilegious.
1926. hibernal: wintry.
1943. homage: ath given or done to show reverence,
1927. hierarchy: a group of persons or things ar- honor or respect; usu with do or pay [to pay
ranged in order of rank, grade, class etc. homage to a hero].

1928. hieroglyphic: a picture or symbol represent- 1944.
ing a word, syllable, or sound, used by the an-
cient Egyptians and others instead of alpha-
betical letters; [usu pl] a method of writing
using hieroglyphics; picture writing; a symbol,
sign etc hard to understand; [pl] writing hard
to decipher.
homeostasis: the tendency to maintain or
the maintenance of normal, internal stability
in; an organism by coordinated responses of
the organ systems that automatically; com-
pensate for environmental changes; any analo-
gous maintenance of stability or equilibrium,as
within a social group.

62
1945. homespun: spun or made at home; plain, un- 1963. hubris: wanton insolence resulting from ex-
pretentious; homely.
1946. homily: 1) usu a short sermon; 2) a lecture
or discourse on or of a moral theme.
1947. homomorphic: like in form.
1948. hone: a fine-grained, hard stone used to
sharpen cutting tools.
cessive pride or from passion; arrogance such
as which invites disaster.
1964. huckster: a retailer of small wares; a mean,
haggling fellow.
1965. humane: having what are considered the best
qualities of human beings; kind, tender, mer-
ciful, sympathetic etc; civilizing, humanizing.

1949. honed: to pine, moan or grieve; to sharpen 1966. humdrum: lacking variety; dull,
on a stone. monotonous; boring.

1950. honorifics: attributing or doing honour. (e.g. 1967. hummock: a low, rounded hill; knoll; hillock;
Sir, Maharaj) a ridge or rise in an ice field; a tract of fertile,
heavily wooded land, higher than a surround-
1951. hoodwink: to blindfold; to deceive, impose ing marshy area.
on .
1968. hurtle: to dash (against or together) with
1952. horde: a nomadic tribe or clan of Mongols; great force or crushing impact; collide; to move
any wandering tribe or group; a large moving swiftly and with great force.
crowd or throng. 1969. husbandry: the business of a farmer; eco-
1953. horipilation: standing up of hair on end. nomical management; thrift.
1970. hustings: election platform.
1954. hortatory: serving to encourage or urge to
good deeds; exhorting; giving advice. 1971. hyaline: glassy.
1955. horticulture: the art or science of growing 1972. hybrid: the offspring produced by crossing
flowers, fruits, vegetables, and shrubs esp in two individuals of unlike genetic composition;
gardens or orchards. ath of mixed origin, unlike parts etc.

1956. hospice: a house of entertainment for 1973. hydrophobia: an abnormal fear of water; ra-
strangers esp one kept by monks; a home of bies.
refuge.
1974. hyperbole: exaggeration for effect and not
1957. hovel: a low open shed as for sheltering an- meant to be taken literally.
imals or storing supplies or equipment; any 1975. hyperborean: frigid.
small, miserable dwelling.
1976. hypercritical: too critical; too severe in
1958. hover: to stay suspended or flutter in the air, judgement; hard to please.
near one place; to linger or wait close by esp in
an overprotective, insistent or anxious way; to 1977. hypochondria: abnormal anxiety over one’s
be in an uncertain condition; waver (between). health, often with imaginary illnesses and se-
vere melancholy.
1959. hoyden: a tomboy.
1978. hypocrisy: 1) a feigning to be what one is not
1960. hoyden: a tomboy; a romp. or to believe what one does not; esp the false
assumption of an appearance of virtue and re-
1961. hub: the center of activity; focal point. ligion.
1962. hubbub: a confused sound of many voices; 1979. hypothecate: to place or assign as security
uproar; tumult. under an arrangement to mortgage.

63
1980. hypothesis: an unproved theory, proposition, 1994. ignoramus: an ignorant person; esp one pre-
supposition etc tentatively accepted to explain tending to knowledge.
certain facts or to provide a basis for further
investigation, argument etc. 1995. illative: inferential.

1981. ibid: in the same place. 1996. illicit: not permitted; unlawful.

1982. ichthyology: the branch of zoology dealing 1997. illimitable: without limits or bounds; immea-
with fishes, their structure, classification, and surable.
life history.
1998. illuminate: 1a) to enlighten spiritually or in-
1983. icon: an image; figure; representation specif tellectually; 1b(i)] to supply or brighten with
any of various stylized figures, as displayed on light; 1b(ii)] to make luminous or shining; 1c)
a computer screen, representing available func- to subject to radiation; 2) to make clear : elu-
tions or resources. cidate.

1984. iconoclast: 1) one who destroys religious im- 1999. illusive: illusory.
ages and opposes their veneration; 2) one who
2000. illusory: based on or producing illusion : de-
attacks settled beliefs or institutions.
ceptive; apparent.
1985. ictus: verse stress (how the stress is laid in a 2001. imbalance: lack of balance; the state of being
particular line as in elocuting the verse). out of equilibrium or out of proportion.
1986. ideology: 1) visionary theorizing; 2a) a sys- 2002. imbecile: 1) a mentally deficient person; esp
tematic body of concepts esp about human life a feeble minded person having a mental age of
or culture; 2b) the manner or content of think- three to seven years and requiring supervision
ing char of an individual, group or culture. in the performance of routine daily tasks of
1987. idiosyncrasy: the temperament or mental self-care.
constitution peculiar to a person or group; any 2003. imbecility: 1) the quality or state of being
personal peculiarity or mannerism; an individ- an imbecile; 2a) utter foolishness : futility; 2b)
ual reaction to a drug, food, etc that is differ- sth that is foolish or nonsensical.
ent from the reaction of most people.
2004. imbibe: 1) [archaic] soak, steep; 2a) to receive
1988. idolatry: concerned with the worship of idols; into the mind and retain; 2b) to assimilate or
excessive love. take into solution; 3a) drink; 3b) to take in or
up.
1989. idyllic: happily innocent; rustic; pastoral.
2005. imbricate: overlap evenly.
1990. igneous: of, containing or having the nature
of fire; fiery; produced by the action of fire; 2006. imbroglio: an involved and confusing situ-
specif formed by volcanic action or intense ation state of confusion and complication; a
heat,as rocks solidified from molten magma at confused misunderstanding or disagreement.
or below the surface of the earth.
2007. imbrue: drench, stain, esp with blood.
1991. ignoble: not noble in birth or position; of the
common people; not noble in character or qual- 2008. imbue: 1) to permeate or influence as if by
ity; dishonorable; base; mean. dyeing [the spirit that ∼s the new constitu-
tion]; 2) to tinge or dye deeply.
1992. ignominious: dishonorable, shameful, scan-
dalous; honorable, reputable, esteemable. 2009. immaculate: spotless; unstained; pure.

1993. ignominy: public disgrace; infamy. 2010. immanent: intrinsical; inherent.

64
2011. imminent: likely to happen without delay; 2024. impecunious: having no money; poor; pen-
impending; threatening: said of danger, evil, niless.
misfortune.
2025. impede: to bar or hinder the progress of ;
2012. immolate: 1) to offer in sacrifice; esp to kill obstruct or delay.
as a sacrificial victim; 2) to kill or destroy often
by fire. 2026. impediment: ath that impedes; specif : a
speech defect; stutter, lisp, stammer etc: ath
2013. immune: 1a) free, exempt [∼ from taxes]; 1b) preventing the making of a legal contract esp
marked by protection [some criminal leaders of a marriage contract.
are ∼ from arrest]; 2) not susceptible or re-
sponsive [∼ to all pleas]. 2027. impending: hovering threateningly or men-
acingly.
2014. immure: to shut up within or as within walls;
imprison; confine or seclude; to entomb in a 2028. impenitent: without regret, shame or re-
wall. morse; unrepentant.

2015. immutable: which cannot be mu- 2029. imperative: mandatory, inexorable, peremp-
tated/changed. tory, preponderant, decretory, exigent; discre-
tionary, voluntary, optional.
2016. impair: to damage or make worse or as if
by diminishing in some material respect [his 2030. imperative: urgently necessary.
health was ∼ed by overwork].
2031. imperceivable: which cannot be perceived.
2017. impale: to fence in with stakes; to surround
2032. imperceptible: not discernible.
with a border; to put to death by spitting on
a stake; to transfix. 2033. imperious: authoritative; assuming com-
mand; domineering.
2018. impalpable: nor perceivable by touch; ex-
tremely fine grained. 2034. imperious: overbearing, arrogant, domineer-
ing, etc; urgent; imperative.
2019. impalpable: that cannot be felt by touching;
too slight or subtle to be grasped easily by the 2035. impermeable: not permeable; not permit-
mind. ting fluids to pass thru it, impenetrable.
2020. impasse: a passage open only at one end; 2036. impertinent: not pertinent; having no con-
blind alley; a situation offering no escape as a nection with a given matter; irrelevant; not
difficulty without solution, an argument where showing proper respect or manners; saucy; in-
no agreement is possible etc; deadlock. solent,impudent.
2021. impassive: not feeling pain; not liable to suf- 2037. impertinent: saucy; impudent.
fering; insensible; not feeling or showing emo-
tion; placid; calm. 2038. imperturbable: that cannot be disconcerted,
disturbed or excited; impassive.
2022. impeach: 1a) to bring and accusation against;
1b) to charge with a crime or misdemeanor, 2039. impervious: incapable of being passed thru
specif; to charge (a public official) before a or penetrated; not affected by: with to [imper-
competent tribunal with misconduct in office; vious to pity].
2) to cast doubt on , esp to challenge the cred-
ibility or validity of. 2040. impetuous: momentum; incentive; moving
with great force or violence; having great impe-
2023. impeccable: faultless; which cannot be found tus; rushing; furious ; acting or done suddenly
fault with. with little thought; rash; impulsive.

65
2041. impetus: 1) a driving force; impulse; 2) in- 2054. imponderable: not ponderable; specif: that
centive, stimulus; stimulus or encouragement cannot be weighed or measured : that cannot
resulting in increased activity. be conclusively determined or explained.
2042. impiety: a lack of piety; specif : lack of rev- 2055. import: to mean; signify [an action that im-
erence for God : lack of respect or dutifulness ports trouble].
as toward a parent.
2056. importunate: urgent or persistent in asking
2043. impinge: to strike, hit or dash (on , upon or or demanding; insistent; refusing to be denied;
against sth); to touch (on or upon); to have an annoyingly urgent or persistent.
effect [an idea that impinges on one’s mind];
to make inroads or encroach (on or upon the 2057. importune: to trouble with requests or de-
property or rights of another). mands; urge or entreat persistently or repeat-
edly.
2044. impious: wanting in veneration as for gods,
parents etc. 2058. imposter: a person who deceives or cheats
others esp by pretending to be someone or sth
2045. implacable: which cannot be placated; inex-
that he or she is not.
orable; irreconcilable.
2046. implausible: sth not plausible; provoking dis- 2059. imposture: 1) the act or practice of deceiving
belief. by means of an assumed character or name;
¡see: fraud, sham, fake, humbug, counterfeit¿.
2047. implement: 1) carry out , accomplish esp to
give practical effect to and ensure of actual ful- 2060. impotent: lacking physical strength; weak;
fillment by concrete measures. ineffective, powerless or helpless [impotent
rage]; unable to engage in sexual intercourse
2048. implicate: incriminate, impute, stigmatise, esp because of an inability to have an erection.
impeach; absolve, condone, approve.
2061. impoverish: to make poor.
2049. implication: 1) close connection, esp incrim-
inating involvement; 2a) the act of implying : 2062. imprecation: abuse; curse; prayer for or in-
the state of being implied; 2b(i)] a logical re- vocation (of evil, a curse etc) [to imprecate dis-
lation between two propositions that fails to aster upon one’s foe].
hold only if the first is true and the second is
false; 2b(ii)] a logical relationship between two 2063. impregnable: that which cannot be taken;
propositions in which if the first is true the sec- unshakable; unyielding; firm [an impregnable
ond is true; 3a) sth implied as a suggestion; 3b) belief].
a possible significance [the book has political
2064. impresario: manager of an opera company.
∼s].
2050. implicit: suggested or to be understood 2065. imprison: immure, incarcerate, detain; re-
though not plainly expressed; implied; with- lease, reprieve, extricate, disenthrall.
out reservation or doubt; unquestionable; ab-
2066. impromptu: improvised; offhand; without
solute.
prior preparation; composed or uttered with-
2051. implore: 1) to call upon in supplication; be- out any previous preparation : extemporane-
seech; entreat. ous.

2052. impolitic: not politic; unwise; injudicious; in- 2067. improvident: failing to provide for the fu-
expedient. ture; lacking foresight or thrift.

2053. imponderable: not able to be weighed or es- 2068. improvident: not prudent; thoughtless;
timated. wanting foresight.

66
2069. improvised: to compose, or simultaneously 2085.
compose and perform, on the spur of the mo-
ment; and without preparation; extemporize;
to make , bring about or do on the spur of the
moment [to improvise a solution to a problem]; 2086.
to make, provide, or do with the tools and ma-
terial at hand, usu to fill an; unforeseen and
immediate need.
2087. incapacitate: to make unable or unfit esp to
2070. imprudent: not prudent; without thought of
the consequences; lacking in judgement or cau-
2088. incarcerate: to imprison; jail; to shut up;
tion; rash; indiscreet.
2071. imprudent: wanting foresight or discretion;
2089. incarnate: 1) to give bodily form or sub-
ie incautious, inconsiderate.
2072. impugn: to oppose; to attack by words or
arguments; to call in question.
2073. impuissance: lack of power; weakness.
2074. impunity: freedom or safety from punish-
ment or ill consequences.
2075. imputation: 1) the act of imputing as : at-
tribution, ascription; 2) accusation; 3) insinu-
ation.
2076. impute: to attribute, to reproach, to indict,
to inculpate; extenuate, palliate, exculpate,
exonerate.
2077. inadvertence: oversight.
2078. inadvertent: not attentive or observant;
heedless; due to oversight; unintentional.
2079. inalienable: that may not be taken away or
transferred.
2080. inane: empty; vacant; vapid?; lacking sense
of meaning; foolish, silly.
2081. inanimate: not animate; not endowed with
(animal) life; not animated; dull; spiritless.
2082. inanition: emptiness.
incandescent: glowing with intense heat;
red-hot or esp white hot; very bright; shining
brilliantly; glowing.
incantation: the chanting of magical words
or formulas that are supposed to cast a spell
or perform other magic.
make incapable of normal activity.
confine.
stance to; actualize (give concrete form to).
2090. incarnate: 1a) vested with bodily and esp hu-
man nature and form; 1b) made manifest or
comprehensible : embodied [a fiend ∼]; 2) in-
carnadine [∼ clover].
2091. incarnation: 1a(i)] the embodiment of a de-
ity or spirit in some earthly form; 1a(ii)] [cap]
the union of divinity with humanity in Jesus
Christ; 1b) a concrete and actual form of a
quality or concept ; esp a person showing a
trait or typical character to a marked degree
[she is the ∼ of goodness]; 2) a particular phys-
ical form or state : version [in another ∼ he
might be a first vice-president].
2092. incendiaries: one who maliciously sets fire to
property; one who inflames passions or pro-
motes strife.
2093. incendiary: having to do with the willful
destruction of property by fire; causing or
designed to cause fires,as certain substances,
bombs etc.
2094. incense: 1) material used to produce a fra-
grant odor when burned; 2) the perfume ex-
haled from some spices when burned ; broadly
a pleasing scent; 3) pleasing attention : flat-
tery.

2083. inarticulate: unable to put into words. 2095. incense: to arouse the extreme anger and in-
dignation of.
2084. inaugurate: to induct (an official) into office
with a formal ceremony; to make a formal be- 2096. incentive: sth that stimulates one to take
ginning of; to celebrate formally the first public action, work harder etc; stimulus; encourage-
use of; dedicate [to inaugurate a new library]. ment.

67
2097. inception: the beginning of sth; start; com- compatible : as ; a) incapable of association or
mencement. harmonious coexistence [∼ colors]; b) unsuit-
able for use together because of undesirable
2098. incessant: never ceasing; continuing or being chemical or physiological effects; c) not both
repeated without stopping or in a way that true [∼ propositions].
seems endless.
2111. incongruity: inconsistent; disjointed; unsuit-
2099. inchoate: only begun; unfinished; rudimen- able.
tary; not yet clearly or completely formed or
organized; disordered. 2112. incongruous: inappropriate, incompatible,
variform; homologous, cognate, apposite.
2100. incidence: 1a) angle of incidence; 1b) the ar-
rival of sth (as a projectile or a ray of light) at 2113. inconsequential: 1a) illogical; 1b) irrelevant;
a surface; 2a) the act or the fact or manner of 2) of no significance : unimportant.
falling upon or affecting : occurrence; 2b) rate 2114. inconsistent: lacking consistency as; a) not
of occurrence or influence [a high ∼ of crime]. compatible with another fact or claim [∼ state-
ments]; b) containing incompatible elements;
2101. incipient: in the first state of existence; just
c) incoherent or illogical in thought or actions
beginning to exist or to come to notice [an in-
: changeable.
cipient illness].
2115. incontinent: a(i)] lacking self restraint; a(ii)]
2102. incisive: cutting into; sharp; keen; penetrat-
not being under control; b) unable to retain
ing; acute [an incisive mind].
a bodily discharge (as urine) voluntarily; b)
2103. incite: to move to action : stir up : urge on : without any moral restraint : lewd.
spur on; foment. 2116. incontrovertible: that cannot be contro-
2104. inclement: severe; stormy; harsh. verted; not disputable or debatable; undeni-
able.
2105. inclusive: including or tending to include;
2117. incorporeal: not consisting of matter; with-
esp taking everything into account; reckoning
out material body or substance; of spirits or
everything; including the terms, limits or ex-
angels; without physical existence in itself but
tremes mentioned.
belonging as a right to a material things or
2106. incogitancy: absence or want of thought; fa- property as a patent, copyright etc.
tuity; inanity.
2118. incorrigible: not corrigible; that cannot be
2107. incognito: 1) with one’s identity concealed; corrected, improved or reformed esp because
2) the state or assumed identity of one living firmly established as a habit or because set in
or traveling incognito . bad habits as a child.

2108. incoherent: 1) lacking coherence as ; a) lack- 2119. incrassate: thicken.

ing cohesion : loose; b) lacking orderly conti- 2120. incredulity: unwillingness or inability to be-
nuity, arrangement, or relevance : inconsistent; lieve; doubt; skepticism.
2) lacking clarity or intelligibility : incompre-
hensible. 2121. incredulous: hard of belief; not believing.

2109. incommodious: causing inconvenience; 2122. increment: 1) the act or process of increasing
uncomfortable; troublesome; inconveniently esp in quantity or value : enlargement; 2a) sth
small, narrow etc. grained or added; 2b) one of a regular series of
additions; 2c) a minute increase in quantity;
2110. incompatible: 1) incapable of being held by 3) the amount or degree by which sth changes,
one person at one time—used of offices that esp : the amount of positive or negative change
make conflicting demands of the holder; 2) not in the value of one or more set of variables.

68
2123. incriminating: to charge with a crime or 2136. indenture: a written agreement between two
fault. or more parties; a contract.

2124. incubate: 1) to sit on (eggs) so as to hatch 2137. indenture: a written contract.

by the warmth of the body; also : to maintain
2138. indeterminate: not determinate; specif : in-
(as an embryo or a chemically active system)
exact in its limits, nature etc; indefinite; un-
under conditions favorable for hatching, devel-
certain; vague [an indeterminate amount]; not
opment or reaction; 2) to cause (as an idea) to
yet settled, concluded or known; doubtful or
develop.
inconclusive.
2125. incubus: an evil spirit or demon thought in 2139. indict: 1) to charge with a fault or offense
medieval times to descend upon and have sex- : criticize, accuse; 2) to charge with a crime
ual intercourse with women; a nightmare; ath by the finding or presentiment of a jury (as a
oppressive; burden. grand jury) in due form of law.
2126. inculcate: to impress upon the mind by fre- 2140. indifference: apathy, impassivity, hebe-
quent repetition or persistent urging. tude, supineness, insusceptibility; sensitive-
ness, warmth, liveliness.
2127. inculcation: to enforce by frequent admoni-
tions and repetitions. 2141. indigenous: existing, growing or produced
naturally in a region or country; belonging (to)
2128. incumbent: 1) the holder of an office or ec- as a native; innate; inherent; inborn.
clesiastical benefice; 2) occupant; 3) imposed
as a duty : obligatory; 4) obligatory, binding, 2142. indigent: poverty stricken; destitute.
unavoidable; 5) leaning, hanging over.
2143. indignation: anger or scorn that is a reaction
2129. incumbent: lying, resting or pressing with its to injustice, ingratitude, or meanness; righ-
weight on sth else; currently in office. teous anger.

2130. incunabula: early printed books; A work of 2144. indignity: sth the humiliates, insults or in-
art or of human industry, of an early epoch; jures the dignity or self-respect; affront.
especially, a book printed before A. D. 1500. 2145. indiscreet: imprudent; injudicious.

2131. incur: to come into or acquire (sth undesir- 2146. indiscriminate: not based on careful selec-
able) [to incur a debt]; to become subject to tion or a discerning taste; confused, random
thru one’s own action; bring upon oneself [to or promiscuous; not discriminating; not mak-
incur someone’s wrath]. ing careful choices or distinctions.
2132. incursion: a running or coming in esp when 2147. indispensable: which cannot be dispensed
undesired; inroad; a sudden brief invasion or with.
raid.
2148. indisputable: that cannot be doubted or dis-
2133. indefatigable: that cannot be tired out; not puted; unquestionable.
yielding to fatigue.
2149. indissoluble: that cannot be dissolved , de-
2134. indemnify: to protect against or keep free composed, broken or destroyed; firm, stable,
from loss, damage etc; insure; to repay for lasting, permanent.
what has been lost or damaged; compensate
2150. indite: to put in writing; compose and write.
for a loss etc; reimburse; to redeem or make
good (a loss). 2151. indoctrinate: to instruct in any doctrine.
2135. indemnity: security from damage loss or 2152. indolent: disliking or avoiding work; idle;
punishment. lazy.

69
2153. indolent: indisposed to activity; lazy.
2154. indolent: slack, sluggish, soporific, languid;
spry, bustling, diligent.
2173. infantile: like, suitable for , or characteristic
2155. indomitable: not to be overcome.
2156. indubitable: certain; which cannot be
doubted. 2174. infernal: of the ancient mythological world
2157. inductive: 1) leading on : inducing; 2) of, re-
lating to, or employing mathematical or logical
induction; 3) introductory.
2158. indulge: to take unrestrained pleasure in;
gratify; to yield to the desire of : humor;
to treat with excessive leniency, generosity or
consideration.
2159. indulgent: 1) characterized by indulgence; le-
nient.
2160. inebriated: drunk; excited; exhilarated.
2161. inebriety: drunkenness; intoxication.
2162. ineffable: to overwhelming to be expressed 2178. infinitesimal: immeasurably or incalculably
or described in words; inexpressible [ineffable
beauty]; too awesome or scared to be spoken
[God’s ineffable name].
2172. infamous: having a very bad reputation; no-
torious; in disgrace or dishonour; causing or
deserving a bad reputation; scandalous.
of an infant; childish or childlike; babyish; im-
mature; in the earliest stage of development.
of the dead; of hell; hellish, diabolic, fiendish,
inhumane.
2175. infidel: unbelieving; skeptical.
2176. infidelity: unfaithfulness esp in the marriage
contract.
2177. infiltrate: 1) to cause (as a liquid) to perme-
ate sth by penetrating it’s pores or interstices;
2) to pass into or thru (a substance) by filter-
ing or permeating; 3) to pass (troops) singly
or in small groups thru gaps in the enemy line;
4) to enter or become established in gradually
or unobtrusively usu for subversive purposes.
small.
2179. infinitude: boundlessness; vastness.

2163. ineffectual: not effectual; not producing or 2180. infirm: not firm or strong physically; weak;
not able to produce the desired effect.
2164. ineluctable: inescapable; inevitable.
2165. inept: unfit; irrelevant and futile; fatuous.
2166. inequity: lack of equity; an unjust action.
2167. inerrant: not erring; making no mistakes; in-
fallible.
2168. inertia: a tendency to remove in a fixed con-
dition without change; disinclination to move 2182. inflated: 1) elaborated or heightened by arti-
or act.
2169. inevitable: incapable of being avoided or
evaded.
2170. inexorable: not to be moved by entreaty; un-
relenting; unyielding.
feeble, as from old age; not firm in mind or
purpose; not resolute; vacillating; not stable,
firm or sound; frail, shaky, as a structure; not
secure or valid [an infirm title to property].
2181. infirmity: 1a) the quality or state of being
frail; 1b) the condition of being feeble : frailty;
2) disease, malady; 3) a personal failing : foible
[one of the besetting infirmities of living crea-
tures is egotism].
ficial or empty means [an ∼ style of writing];
2) distended with air or gas; 3) expanded to
an abnormal or unjustifiable volume or level.
2183. infraction: violation esp of law;infringement.
2184. infringe: trespass; breach.

2171. infallible: not liable to fail, go wrong, make 2185. ingenious: skillful in invention; of good nat-
a mistake etc; dependable; reliable, sure. ural abilities.

70
2186. ingenuous: free from deception; frank; hon- 2204. inordinate: excessive, profuse, intemperate;
orable. meager, sparse, scanty.

2187. ingrained: 1) worked into the grain or fiber; 2205.
2) forming a part of the essence or inmost be-
ing : deep-seated [∼ prejudice].
2206.
2188. ingrate: an ungrateful person.
2207.
2189. ingratiating: pleasing; commending to grace
or favor; esp to bring (oneself) into another’s
favor or good graces by conscious effort.
2208.
2190. ingress: entrance; influx; incursion.(opp
egress-exit; efflux).
2209.
2191. inherent: innate; natural.
inquest: act of inquiring before a jury esp in
case of violent or sudden death.
inquisition: judicial inquiry.
inquisitor: one who inquires or makes inqui-
sition, esp one who is unduly harsh, severe or
hostile in making an inquiry.
insalubrious: not salubrious; not healthful;
unwholesome.
insatiable: constantly wanting more; that
cannot be satisfied or appeased; very greedy.

2192. inhibit: 1) to prohibit from doing sth; 2a) 2210. inscrutable: enigmatic.
to hold in check : restrain; 2b) to discourage
2211. inscrutable: that cannot be easily under-
from free or spontaneous activity esp thru the
stood; completely obscure or mysterious; un-
operation of inner psychological impediments
fathomable; enigmatic.
or of social controls.
2212. insensate: 1) lacking sense or understanding;
2193. inimical: unfriendly; hostile; unfavorable.
foolish; 2) lacking animate awareness or sensa-
2194. inimitable: that cannot be imitated or tion; 3) lacking humane feeling : brutal.
matched; too good to be equaled or copied.
2213. insensible: 1) imperceptible [dampened by
2195. iniquitous: nefarious, vicious, infamous; up- an ∼ dew]; broadly: slight : slight, gradual
right, virtuous, equitable. [∼ motion]; 2) incapable or bereft of feeling
or sensation as ; a) not endowed with life or
2196. injunction: order; precept; exhortation. spirit : insentient [∼ earth]; b) unconscious
[knocked ∼]; c) lacking sensory perception or
2197. injurious: pernicious, detrimental, disadvan- ability to react; 3) lacking emotional response
tageous; beneficial, useful, favorable. : apathetic, indifferent; 4) lacking delicacy or
refinement.
2198. inkling: an indirect suggestion; slight indica-
tion; hint; a vague idea or notion; suspicion. 2214. insidious: designing, wily, crafty; frank, can-
did, sincere.
2199. innate: inborn.
2215. insidious: watching an opportunity to en-
2200. innocuous: harmless, salutary, refreshing; snare; deceptive; treacherous.
not likely to give offense or arouse strong feel-
ing of hostility; ¡opp¿ noxious, deleterious, 2216. insinuate: to give indirect hints of a deroga-
maleficent, baneful. tory nature.

2201. innuendo: insinuation; indirect reference or 2217. insipid: tasteless; wanting spirit or interest;
intimation. dull.

2202. inopportune: not opportune; coming or hap- 2218. insipid: without flavor; tasteless; not exciting
pening at a poor time; not appropriate. or interesting; dull.

2203. inordinate: disproportionate; huge. 2219. insolent: rude; overbearing; insulting.

71
2220. insolvent: 1a) unable to pay debts as they fall 2234. intangible: incapable of being perceived by
due in the usu course of business; having lia- touch; not definite or clear to the mind; that
bilities in excess of a reasonable market value represents value but either has no intrinsic
of assets held; 1b) insufficient to pay all debts value or no material being [stocks and bonds
[an ∼ state]; 1c) not up to a normal standard are intangible property, goodwill is an intangi-
or complement : impoverished; 2) relating to ble asset].
or for the relief of insolvents.
2235. integral: 1a) essential to completeness : con-
2221. insomnia: prolonged and usu abnormal in- stituent [an ∼ part]; 1b) formed as a unit with
ability to obtain adequate sleep. another part [a seat with ∼ headrest]; 2) lack-
ing nothing essential : entire.
2222. insouciant: careless, unconcerned, reckless;
[opp. are] prudent, circumspect, wary. 2236. integrate: 1) to form, coordinate, or blend
into a functioning or unified whole : unite; 2a)
2223. inspissate: make thick. to unite with sth else; 2b) to incorporate into
a larger unit; 3a) to end the segregation of and
2224. instigated: to urge on; to incite. bring into equal membership in society or an
organization.
2225. insubordinate: not submissive to authority.
2237. integrity: 1) firm adherence to a code of esp
2226. insubstantial: not substantial; specif : not moral or artistic values : incorruptibility; 2) an
real, imaginary; not solid or firm; weak or unimpaired condition : soundness; 3) the qual-
flimsy. ity or state of being complete or undivided.

2227. insufferable: detestable; that cannot be en- 2238. integument: outer covering.
dured. 2239. intellect: 1a) the power of knowing as dis-
tinguished from the power to feel and to will
2228. insufferable: intolerable, appalling, excruci-
: the capacity for knowledge; 1b) the capac-
ating; soothing, emollient, agreeable.
ity for rational or intelligent thought esp when
highly developed; 2) a person with great intel-
2229. insular: 1a) of, relating to, or constituting an
lectual powers.
island; 1b) dwelling or situated on an island [∼
residents]; 2) char of an isolated people, esp : 2240. intelligentsia: the people regarded as or re-
being, having, or reflecting a narrow provincial garding themselves a the educated and enlight-
viewpoint; 3) of or relating to an island of cells ened class; intellectuals collectively.
or tissues.
2241. intemperate: indulging to excess any ap-
2230. insuperable: which cannot be overcome or petite or passion.
surmounted.
2242. intercalate: insert a day in a calendar.
2231. insupportable: unjustified; or that cannot
be supported by ath. 2243. intercede: to act as peacemaker between two.

2232. insurgent: rising up against established au- 2244.
thority; rebellious specif; designating or of a 2245.
revolt or rebellion not well enough organized
to be recognized in international law as bel-
ligerence; designating or of a faction in revolt 2246.
against the leadership of a political party.
2247.
2233. insurrection: a rising or revolt; rebellion.
intercept: to stop in passage.
intercession: act of interceding or pleading
for another.
interdict: to prohibit; to forbid.
interim: the period of time between; mean-
time.

72
2248. interlocution: collocution; colloquy; conver- 2262. intractable: not tractable; specif : hard to
sation; confabulation. manage; unruly or stubborn; hard to work,
manipulate, cure, treat etc.
2249. interloper: one who trades without license;
an intrudes or meddle in other’s affairs. 2263. intramural: within walls; included within the
college.
2250. intermediary: acting between others; inter-
mediate agent. 2264. intransigent: refusing to compromise, come
to an agreement or be reconciled; uncompro-
2251. interminable: endless; boundless. mising.
2252. internecine: deadly or harmful to both sides 2265. intrepid: fearless; dauntless.
of a group involved in a conflict as a civil war;
mutually destructive or harmful; of or involv- 2266. intrigue: conspiracy, machination, ruse; in-
ing conflict within a group. nocence, honesty, sincerity.

2253. interpolate: 1a) to alter or corrupt (as a text) 2267.
by inserting new or foreign matter; 1b) to in-
sert (words) into a text or into a conversation;
2268.
2) to insert between other things or parts : in-
tercalate.
2269.
2254. interpose: intervene, intercede, intercept, in-
terpolate; withhold, disregard, ignore.
2270.
2255. interpose: to put in by way of interruption.
2256. interregnum: an interval between two suc-
cessive reigns, when the country has no 2271.
sovereign; a suspension of governmental or ad-
ministrative functions; period without the usu 2272.
ruler, governor etc; any break in a series or in
a continuity; interval.
intrinsic: innate, ingrained, syngenic; extrin-
sic, extraneous, external.
intrinsicality: immanence; inherence;
quintessence.
introspective: to look into the mind; think-
ing deeply; observation and analysis of oneself.
introvert: to direct (one’s interest, mind or
attention) upon oneself; introspect; to bend
(sth) inward.
intrusion: something forced in;.
inundate: to cover or engulf with a flood; del-
uge; to overwhelm with a rush or great amount
of ath.

2257. interrogate: to ask questions of formally in 2273. inure: to make accustomed to sth difficult,
examining. painful etc; habituate.

2258. interspersion: to scatter or set here and 2274. invalidate: to make invalid; esp to weaken or
there. destroy the cogency of; nullify.

2259. intervene: 1) to occur, fall or come between 2275.
points of time or events; 2) to enter or appear
as an irrelevant or extraneous feature or cir-
2276.
cumstance; 3) to come in or between by way
of hindrance or modification [∼ to sop a fight];
4a) to become a third party to a legal pro- 2277.
ceeding begun by others for the protection of
an alleged interest.
2278.
2260. intimate: to make known indirectly; hint or
imply.
2279.
2261. intimidate: to strike fear into; to influence by
threats and violence.
invariably: undoubtedly; not capable of
change.
invasion: incursion, inroad, foray; fortifica-
tion, escarpment, rampart, bulwark.
invective: abuses; inveighing; using, inclined
to use or characterized by strong verbal abuse.
inveigh: to make a violent verbal attack; talk
or write bitterly (against); rail.
inveigle: to lead on with deception; entice or
trick into doing or giving sth, going somewhere
etc.

73
2280. inveterate: deep rooted; confirmed in any 2294. irreconcilable: that cannot be reconciled;
habit. that cannot be brought into agreement; incom-
patible; conflicting or inconsistent.
2281. invidious: odious, vexatious, obnoxious; giv-
ing offense. 2295. irredeemable: which cannot be redeemed ie
bought back.
2282. inviolable: not to be violated; not to be
2296. irrepressible: that which cannot be crushed.
profaned or injured; sacred [an inviolable
promise]; that cannot be violated; indestruc- 2297. irresolute: not resolute; wavering in decision,
tible [the inviolable heavens]. purpose or opinion; indecisive; vacillating.

2283. inviolate: uninjured; unprofaned. 2298. irreverent: lacking proper respect or serious-
ness; also : satiric.
2284. invoke: 1a) to petition for health or support;
1b) to appeal to or cite as authority; 2) to call 2299. irrevocable: which cannot be recalled; unal-
forth by incantation : conjure; 3) to make an terable.
earnest request for : solicit; 4) to put into effect 2300. isthmus: a narrow strip of land having water
or operation : implement. at each side and connecting two bodies of land.
2285. invulnerable: not vulnerable specif; that 2301. itinerary: traveling plan; a record of a jour-
cannot be wounded or injured; proof against ney; a guidebook for travelers.
attack; unassailable.
2302. jaded: tired; worn out; wearied; dulled or sa-
2286. iota: a very small quantity; jot. tiated, as from over indulgence.
2303. jamboree: a boisterous frolic; a spree; a great
2287. irascible: easily angered; quick-tempered;
boy-scout rally.
showing or resulting from a quick temper or
fit of anger [an irascible reply]. 2304. jape: prick.

2288. irate: angry; wrathful; incensed. 2305. jargon: 1a) confused, unintelligible language;
1b) a strange, outlandish, or barbarous lan-
2289. irenic: (or eirenic) working for peace. guage or dialect; 1c) a hybrid language or di-
alect simplified in vocabulary and grammar
2290. iridescent: having or showing shifting and used for communication between peoples
changes in color or an interplay or rainbowlike of different speech; 2) the technical termi-
colors, as when seen from different angles. nology or char idiom of a special activity or
group; 3) obscure and often pretentious lan-
2291. irk: to irritate; disgust; annoy. guage marked by circumlocutions and long
words.
2292. ironic: 1) relating to, containing, or consti-
tuting irony; 2) given to irony : sarcastic. 2306. jaundiced: 1) affected with or as if with jaun-
dice; 2) exhibiting or influenced by envy, dis-
2293. irony: 1) a pretense of ignorance and of will- taste or hostility [a ∼ eye].
ingness to learn from another assumed; in or-
der to make the other’s false conceptions by 2307. jaunt: to take a short trip for pleasure.
adroit questioning; 2a) the use of words to ex- 2308. jaunty: having an airy or sprightly manner;
press sth other than and esp the opposite of; approaching swagger.
literal meaning; 2b) a usu humorous or sar-
donic literary style or form characterized by 2309. jeopardy: 1) exposure to or imminence of
irony; 3) an incongruity between the actual re- death, loss, or injury : danger; 2) the danger
sult of a sequence of events and the; normal or that an accused person is subjected to when
expected result. on trial for a criminal offense.

74
2310. jettison: to throw overboard; to discard (sth) 2325. kaleidescope: ath that constantly changes in
as useless or a burden. color or pattern.

2311. jingo: a person who boasts of his patriotism 2326.
and favors an aggressive, threatening warlike
foreign policy; chauvinist.
2327.
2312. jocose: joking or playful; humorous.
ken: mental perception; range of knowledge,
understanding [beyond one’s ken].
killjoy: a person who destroys or lesses peo-
ple’s enjoyment.

2313. jocund: marked by or suggestive of high spir- 2328. kindred: relatives or family; kin; of like na-
its and lively mirthfulness. ture; similar [kindred spirits].

2314. joist: timber laid horizontally.
2315. jollity: the quality or state of being jolly; fun.
2330.
2316. jostle: 1a) to come in contact or into collision;
1b) to make one’s way by pushing and shoving;
1c) to exist in close proximity; 2) to vie in
gaining an objective : contend. 2331.
2317. judicial: having, showing or applying sound
judgement; wise and careful.
2318. judicious: having, exercising, or char by
sound judgement : discreet.
2319. juggernaut: ath that exacts blind devotion
or terrible sacrifice; any terrible , irresistible
force.
2320. juncture: 1a) joint, connection; 1b) the man- 2334.
ner or transition or mode of relationship be-
tween two consecutive sounds in speech; 2) an
instance of joining : union, junction; 3) a point
of time, esp one made critical by concurrence 2335.
of circumstances; 4) [syn] exigency, emergency,
contingency, pinch, straits.
2329. kinetic: of or resulting from motion; energetic
and dynamic.
kleptomania: an abnormal, persistent im-
pulse or tendency to steal not prompted by
need.
knapsack: a leather or canvas bag or case
worn on the back as by soldiers or hikers for
carrying equipment or supplies.
2332. knave: a dishonest, deceitful person; tricky
rascal, rogue.
2333. knead: to mix and work (dough, clay etc) into
a pliable mass by folding over and squeezing
usu with the hands; to press, rub or squeeze
with the hands; massage.
knell: the sound of a bell, esp of a bell rung
slowly, as at a funeral; an omen of death, fail-
ure etc.
knit: 1) [chiefly dial] to tie together; 2) to
link firmly or closely [∼ted my hands]; 3) to
contract into wrinkles.

2321. junket: 1) a dessert of sweetened flavored 2336. knotty: having or full of knots; hard to solve
milk set with rennet; 2a) a festive social af- or explain; puzzling.
fair; 2b) a trip, journey, esp a trip made by an 2337. kosher: pure, clean according ordinance eg
official at public expense; 3) feast, banquet. Jewish meat.
2322. junta: ruling council; a group of political in- 2338. kowtow: the Chinese ceremony of prostra-
triguer esp such a group of military men in tion.
power after a coup.
2339. kudos: credit or praise for an achievement;
2323. jurisprudence: the science or philosophy of glory, fame.
law; a part or divisions of law [medical ju-
risprudence]. 2340. labefaction: weakening.

2324. juxtapose: to put side by side or dose to- 2341. labile: liable to change; unstable [labile chem-
gether. ical compounds].

75
2342. labile: unstable. or dull; lose intensity; to suffer with longing;
pine; to put on an air of sentimental tenderness
2343. labyrinth: a structure containing an intricate or wistful melancholy.
network of winding passages hard to follow
without losing one’s way; maze; a complicated 2359. languor: a lack of vigor or vitality; weakness;
perplexing arrangement, course of affairs etc; a lack of interest or spirit; feeling of listless-
the inner ear. ness; indifference; the condition of being still,
sluggish or dull.
2344. lacerate: to tear; to wound; to afflict.

2345. laches: inexcusable dealing.
2346. lachrymose: tearful; sad.
2347. lackadaisical: affectedly pensive; sentimen-
tal; languishing.
2348. laconic: curt, succinct, pithy, brief, terse; dif-
fuse, rambling, wordy, profuse.
2349. laggard: a slow person esp one who is always
falling behind; loiterer.
2360. lank: long and slender; lean; straight and
limp; not curly : said of hair.
2361. lanyard: short rope.
2362. larceny: pillage, theft, embezzlement;
restoration, return, indemnification.
2363. larder: a place where the food supplies of a
household are kept; pantry; a supply of food;
provisions.

2350. lagoon: a shallow lake or pond esp one con- 2364.
nected with a larger body of water; the area
of water enclosed by a circular coral reef, or
atoll; an area of shallow salt water separated
2365.
from the sea by sand dunes.
2351. laity: all the people not included among the
clergy; laymen collectively; all the people not 2366. lassitude: languor, torpor, lethargy; vivacity,
belonging to any given profession.
largesse: generous giving, as from a patron;
a gift or gifts given in a generous or sometimes
showy way; nobility of spirit.
lascivious: wanton,lewd, prurient, ribald,
dissolute; virtuous, unsullied, chaste.
vigour, animation.

2352. lambaste: to beat soundly; thrash; to scold 2367. latent: present but invisible or inactive; lying
or denounce severely. hidden and underdeveloped within a person or
thing,as a quality or power.
2353. lambent: licking; moving about as if touching
lightly; flickering. 2368. lateral: of , at , from or toward the side; side-
ways.
2354. lament: to feel deep sorrow or express it as
by weeping or wailing; mourn; grieve. 2369. latifundia: large landed estate.
2355. lampoon: a piece of satirical writing, usu at-
2370. latitude: freedom from narrow restrictions;
tacking or ridiculing someone.
freedom of opinion, conduct or action.
2356. languid: without vigor or vitality; drooping;
weak; without interest or spirit; listless; indif- 2371. laudable: deserving praise;.
ferent; sluggish; dull; slow.
2372. laudatory: expressing praise; eulogistic; com-
2357. languish: to be inert, depressed; to droop. mendatory.

2358. languish: to lose vigor or vitality; fail in 2373. lavish: very generous or liberal in giving
health; become weak; droop; to live under dis- or spending, often extravagantly so; prodigal;
tressing conditions; continue in a state of suf- more than enough; very abundant; unstinted
fering [to languish in poverty]; to become slack [lavish entertainment].

76
2374. lax: 1a) [of the bowels] loose, open; 2) defi- 2386.
cient in firmness : not stringent [∼ control];
3a) not tense, firm or rigid : slack [a ∼ rope];
3b) having an open or loose texture; 3c) having 2387.
the constituents spread apart [a ∼ flower clus-
ter]; 4) articulated with the muscles involved
in a relatively relaxed state (as the vowel ï in 2388.
contrast with the vowel é ¡check this last mean-
ing out i am not so sure about this.
2375. lechery: unstrained, excessive indulgence of
sexual desires; gross sensuality; lewdness.
2389.
2376. lectern: a reading desk in a church esp such
a desk from which a part of the scriptures is 2390.
read in a church service; a stand for holding
the notes written speech ,etc, as of a lecture.
2377. leer: a sly, sidelong, lecherous look.
2391. levy: to impose or collect (a tax, tribute,
2378. leery: on one’s guard; wary; suspicious. fine,etc); to enlist (troops) for military service,
usu by force; to wage (war).
2379. leeway: 1a) off-course lateral movement of a
ship when under way; 1b) the angle between 2392.
the heading and track of an airplane; 2) an
allowable margin of freedom or variation : tol-
erance.
2393.
2380. legacy: money or property left to someone
by will; bequest; ath handed down from or as
2394.
from, an ancestor.
2395.
2381. legend: 1a) a story coming down from the
past esp : one popularly regarded as histori-
cal although not verifiable; 1b) a body of such
stories [a place in the ∼ of the frontier]; 1c) a
popular myth of recent origin; 1d) a person or
thing that inspires legends; 2a) an inscription 2396.
or title on an object (as a coin); 2b) caption;
2c) an explanatory list of the symbols on a map
or chart.
lethal: causing or capable or causing death;
fatal or deadly.
lethargy: a condition of abnormal drowsiness
or torpor; a great lack of energy; sluggishness,
dullness, apathy etc.
levee: an embankment built alongside a river
to prevent high water from flooding bordering
land; a landing place, as a pier on the bank of
a river; a low ridge of earth around a field to
be irrigated.
levitate: to cause to rise and float in the air.
levity: lightness; subtile; astatic; lightness or
gaiety of disposition, conduct or speech; esp
improper unbecoming gaiety or flippancy; lack
of seriousness; frivolity; fickleness; instability.
lewd: showing or intended to excite lust or
sexual desire esp in an offensive way; lascivi-
ous.
lexicographer: a person who compiles or
writes a dictionary.
lexicon: a dictionary.
liability: 1a) the quality or state of being li-
able; 1b) probability; 2) sth for which one is li-
able esp pecuniary obligation : debt—usu used
in plural; 3) one that acts as a disadvantage :
drawback.
liaison: 1) a binding or thickening agent used
in cooking; 2a) a close bond or connection :
interrelationship; 2b) an illicit sexual relation-
ship : affair; 3a) communication for

2382. legerdemain: a sleight of hand; jugglery.
2383. legerdemain: sleight of hand; tricks of stage
magician; trickery of any sort; deceit.
2384. lenient: not harsh or severe in disciplin-
ing, punishing, judging etc; mild; merciful; 2398. libertine: a person esp a man, who leads
clement.
2385. leonine: of, characteristic of or like a lion.
2397. libel: any false and malicious written or
printed statement or any sign, picture, or effigy
tending to expose a person to public ridicule,
hatred, or contempt or to injure a person’s rep-
utation in any way.
an unrestrained, sexually immoral life; rake; a
free-thinker esp in religious matters—usu used
disparagingly.

77
2399. libidinous: full of or characterized by lust; 2415. liquidate: 1a(i)] to determine by agreement
lewd; lascivious. or by litigation the precise amount of (indebt-
edness, damages or accounts); (ii)] to deter-
2400. libido: 1) emotional or psychic energy that mine the liabilities and apportion assets to-
in psychoanalytic theory is derived from prim- ward discharging the indebtedness of; 1b) to
itive biological urges and that is usu goal- settle (a debt) by payment or other settlement;
directed; 2) sexual drive. 2) to do away with ; 3) to convert (assets) into
2401. libretto: the words, or text of an opera, ora- cash.
torio or any other long choral work. 2416. lissome: nimble; flexible.
2402. licentious: morally unstrained, esp in sexual 2417. list: to tilt to one side, as a ship.
activity; lascivious.
2418. listless: having no interest in what is going
2403. lien: a claim on the property of another as on about one, as a result of illness, weariness,
security for the payment of a just debt. dejection, etc; spiritless; languid.

2404. ligature: a bandage; a tie. 2419. litany: a prayer of supplication; a series

of fixed invocations and responses used as a
2405. ligneous: of, or having the nature of wood; prayer; a repetitive recitation, listing or speci-
woody. fication.
2406. limber: pliant, lithe, ductile; rigid, unyield- 2420. lithe: bending easily; flexible; supple; limber;
ing, obstinate. lissome.
2407. limbo: place of oblivion; borderland of hell; 2421. litigation: law-suit; the act or process of car-
any intermediate, indeterminate state or con- rying on a lawsuit.
dition; a place or condition of confinement, ne-
2422. litotes: understatement for effect, esp such
glect or oblivion.
understatement in which sth is expressed by a
2408. limn: 1) to draw or paint on a surface; 2) negation of the contrary (ex not a few regrets).
to outline in clear sharp detail : delineate; 3) 2423. livid: black and blue; discolored by a bruise;
describe. grayish blue; lead colored : sometimes to mean
2409. limpid: perfectly clear; transparent; not pale white or red [livid with rage].
cloudy or turbid [limpid waters]; clear and sim- 2424. loath: unwilling; reluctant: usu followed by
ple [limpid prose]. an infinitive [to be loath to depart].
2410. lineage: direct descent from an ancestor; an- 2425. loathe: to feel intense dislike, disgust, or ha-
cestry; family; stock; descendants from a com- tred for; abhor; detest.
mon ancestor.
2426. locution: 1) particular form of expression or a
2411. lineaments: 1a) an outline, feature, or con- peculiarity of phrasing; esp : a word or expres-
tour of a body or figure esp of a face—usu used sion char of a region, group or cultural level;
in pl; 1b) a linear topographic feature (as of the 2) style of discourse : phraseology.
earth or a planet) that reveals a characteristic
2427. lode: 1) [dial Eng] waterway; 2) an ore de-
(as a fault or the subsurface structure); 2) a
posit; 3) sth that resembles a lode : an abun-
distinguishing or char feature.
dant store.
2412. linguistic: of or relating to language or lin- 2428. lofty: 1a) elevated in character and spirit : no-
guistics. ble; 1b) elevated in status : superior; 2) having
2413. lintel: bar above the door. a haughty overbearing manner : supercilious;
3a) rising to a great height : impressively high;
2414. lionize: to treat as a celebrity. 3b) remote, esoteric.

78
2429. loiter: to linger in an aimless way; spend time 2445. lurid: 1a) wan and ghastly pale in appearance
idly: often with about ; to walk or move slowly ; 1b) of any of several light or medium grayish
and indolently, with frequent stops and pauses. colors ranging in hue from yellow to orange;
2) shining with the red glow of fire seen thru
2430. loll: to lean or lounge about in a relaxed or smoke or cloud; 3a) causing horror or revulsion
lazy manner; to hang in a relaxed manner; : gruesome; 3b) melodramatic, sensational :
droop. also shocking [paperbacks in the usual ∼ cov-
ers].
2431. loophole: a means of escape or evasion; or
maybe a fallacy in a system. 2446. lurk: to stay hidden, ready to spring out, at-
tack etc; lie in wait; to exist undiscovered or
2432. lope: to move along easily, with a long swing- unobserved; be present as a latent or not read-
ing stride or in an easy canter. ily apparent threat; to move furtively.
2433. lopsided: ill balanced; heavy on one side. 2447. luscious: palatable, savory, delectable; unsa-
vory, sharp, acrid.
2434. loquacious: very talkative; fond of talking.
2448. lustrous: having lustre; shining; bright; glo-
2435. lout: a clumsy stupid fellow; boor. rious.
2436. low: to make the characteristic vocal sound of 2449. macabre: grim and horrible; gruesome;
a cow; moo. ghastly.
2437. lucid: clearheaded; rational [ a lucid thinker]; 2450. mace: a heavy medieval war club, often with
clear to the mind; readily understood [lucid a spiked, metal head; any similar weapon; a
instructions]; transparent; designating an in- staff used as a symbol of authority by certain
terval of sanity in a mental disorder. officials; mace-bearer.
2438. lucrative: producing wealth or profit; prof- 2451. macebearer: one who carries a mace in a cer-
itable; remunerative [a lucrative investment]. emonial procession.
2439. lucre: money; riches : now chiefly in a humor- 2452. macerate: to soften and break down into
ously derogatory sense, as in “filthy lucre”. component parts by soaking in liquid for some
time; specif to soften and break down (food)
2440. ludicrous: so absurd, ridiculous, or exagger- in the digestive system; to steep (fruit or veg-
ated as to cause or merit laughter. etables) as in wine or liquor; loosely, to break,
tear,chop etc into bits; to cause to waste away
2441. lugubrious: very sad or mournful esp in a
or grow thin.
way that seems exaggerate or ridiculous.
2453. Machiavellian: of, like or characterized by
2442. lull: to calm or soothe by gentle sound or mo-
the political principles and methods of expe-
tion: chiefly in “lull to sleep”; to bring into a
diency, craftiness, and duplicity set forth in
specified condition by soothing and reassuring
Machiavelli’s book, “The Prince”; crafty; de-
[to lull people into a false sense of security]; to
ceitful
make less intense; quiet; allay.
2454. machicolated: having loopholes for dropping
2443. lumber: to move heavily, clumsily and often missiles.
noisily; to rumble.
2455. machination: scheming; an artful or secret
2444. luminary: a body that gives off light, such as plot or scheme, esp one with evil intent.
the sun or moon; a person who sheds light on
some subject or enlightens mankind; famous 2456. maculated: 1) marked with spots : blotched;
intellectual; any famous or well-known person. 2) impure, besmirched.

79
2457. madrigal: a short poem, usu a love poem, 2474. malfeasance: wrongdoing or misconduct, esp
which can be set to music; an often contrapun- by a public official.
tal song with parts for several voices singing
without accompaniment, popular in the 15th- 2475. malicious: having, showing or caused by
17th centuries; loosely any song, esp a part malice; spiteful; intentionally mischievous or
song. harmful.

2458. maelstrom: violent whirlpool; violent con- 2476. maligned: to speak evil of esp falsely and ran-
fused agitated state of mind/emotions etc. corously.

2459. maestro: a master usu in an art; esp an emi- 2477. malinger: to pretend to be ill or otherwise in-
nent composer, conductor, or teacher of music. capacitated to in order to escape duty or work;
shirk.
2460. magnanimous: noble in mind; high-souled;
esp generous in overlooking injury or insult; 2478. malleable: that which can be hammered,
rising above pettiness or meanness. pounded or pressed into various shaped with-
out breaking: said of metals; capable of being
2461. magnate: a very important or influential per- changed, molded, trained etc; adaptable.
son in any field of activity esp in a large busi-
ness. 2479. malodorous: having a bad odor; stinking.
2462. magniloquent: lofty, pompous or grandiose 2480. manacle: a handcuff; fetter or shackle for the
in speech or style of expression; boastful or hand; any restraint (usu used in pl).
bombastic.
2481. mandate: a charge; a command from a supe-
2463. maieutic: dialectic method of Socrates. rior to an inferior.
2464. maim: to deprive of the use of some necessary 2482. mandatory: 1) containing or constituting a
part of the body; cripple; mutilate; disable. command : obligatory [∼ retirement age]; 2)
2465. maladies: an illness or disease either of the of, by, relating to, or holding a League of na-
body or the mind. tions Mandate.

2466. maladroitness: opposite of adroitness. 2483. mandrill: baboon.

2467. malaise: uneasiness; feeling of discomfort or 2484. mangled: injured; twisted.

sickness.
2485.
2468. malapropism: ludicrous misuse of words, esp
through confusion caused by resemblance in
sound. 2486.
2469. malcontent: discontented; dissatisfied, or re-
bellious ; applied esp to the critics of the gov-
ernment.
2470. malediction: a curse; imprecation; denunci-
ation; execration; anathema; fulmination; vili-
fication; vituperation; scurrility.
2471. malefactor: evil doer; a criminal.
2472. malefic: doing mischief; producing evil.
2473. malevolence: bad intention; malice; rancor;
virulence; mordacity; acerbity; galling.
mangy: shabby and filthy; sordid; squalid;
mean and low; despicable.
maniacal: of, having or showing mania;
wildly insane; raving; characterized by exces-
sive or persistent enthusiasm.
2487. manifest: 1) readily perceived by the senses
and esp by the sight; 2) easily understood or
recognized by the mind : obvious; 3) to make
evident or certain by showing or displaying; 4)
manifestation, indication; 5) manifesto; 6) a
list of passengers or an invoice of cargo for a
vehicle (as a ship or plane).
2488. manifestation: 1a) the act, process, or an
instance of manifesting; 1b) sth that manifests
or is manifest; 1c) one of the forms in which

80
 an individual is manifested; 1d) an occult phe- 2504. maritime: nautical, oceanic, aquatic; terres-
nomenon : specif materialization; 2) a public trial, earthly, inland.
demonstration of power and purpose.
2505. maritime: on,near or living near the sea; of or
2489. manifesto: a public declaration of motives relating to sea navigation, shipping etc; char-
and intentions by government or by a person acteristic of sailors; nautical ; of the relatively
or group regarded as having some public im- wet air or climate associated with large bodies
portance. of water.
2490. manifold: having many and various forms, 2506. marked: singled out to be watched or looked
features, part etc [manifold wisdom]; of many for as an object of suspicion, hostility, etc [a
sorts; many and varied. marked man]; noticeable; obvious; apprecia-
ble; distinct; conspicuous [a marked change in
2491. manipulate: to work, operate, or treat with
behavior].
or as with the hand or hands; handle or use esp
with skill; to manage or control artfully or by 2507. marmoreal: pertaining to marble.
shrewd use of influence, often in an unfair or
fraudulent way [to manipulate an election by 2508. marmot: rodent.
bribing the voters]; to falsify (figures, accounts
etc) for one’s own purposes or profit; to cause 2509. marshal: 1a) a high official in the household
(prices of stock etc) to fall or rise by wash sales, of a medieval king, prince, or noble orig hav-
matched orders etc. ing charge of the cavalry but later usu in com-
mand of the military forces; 1b) a person who
2492. mannered: 1) having manners of a specified arranges and directs the ceremonial aspects of
kind [well-mannered]; 2a) having or displaying a gathering; 2) an officer having charge of pris-
a particular manner; 2b) having an artificial oners.
or stilted character [passages...so ∼ as to be
unintelligible]. 2510. marsupium: a fold of skin on the abdomen of
a female marsupial forming a pouch in which
2493. mantic: prophetic. the newborn young are carried.
2494. mantle: a loose garment. 2511. martial: of or suitable for war [martial songs];
2495. manumit: to free from slavery; liberate (a showing a readiness or eagerness to fight; war-
like; of the army, the navy or military life; mil-
slave,serf etc).
itary.
2496. mar: to injure or damage so as to make imper-
fect, less attractive etc; spoil; impair; disfigure. 2512. martinet: a very strict military disciplinar-
ian; any very strict disciplinarian or stickler
2497. marasmus: progressive emaciation. for rigid regulations.
2498. marasmus: wasting away of the body. 2513. martingale: harness strap.
2499. marcescent: withering. 2514. masochism: the getting of sexual pleasure
from being dominated, mistreated or hurt
2500. marinade: a savory usu acidic sauce in which
physically or otherwise by one’s partner; the
meat, fish or a vegetable is soaked to enrich its
getting of pleasure from suffering , physical or
flavor or to tenderize it.
psychological pain, inflicted by others or by
2501. marinate: to steep (meat, fish, veg etc) in a oneself.
marinade.
2515. mastic: a kind of resin.
2502. marionette: a puppet moved by strings.
2516. masticate: to chew up (food etc); to grind,
2503. marital: of marriage; matrimonial; connubial. cut or knead (rubber etc) to a pulp.

81
2517. materialism: the philosophic doctrine that 2529. maxim: general principle; a pithy saying.
matter is the only reality and everything in;
the world, including thought, will, and feel- 2530. mayhem: the offense of maiming a person;
ing, can be explained only in; terms of matter: specif the intentional mutilation of another’s
opposed to idealism; the doctrine that com- body; injury inflicted on another so as to cause
fort,pleasure and wealth are the only or high- loss of a bodily part or function necessary for
est goals or values; the tendency to be more self-defense; any deliberate destruction or vio-
lence; any deliberate destruction or violent.
concerned with material than with spiritual or;
intellectual goals or values. 2531. meager: thin; lean; emaciated; of poor qual-
ity or small amount; not full or rich; inade-
2518. maternal: of, like or characteristic of a
quate.
mother or motherhood; motherly; derived, re-
ceived or inherited from a mother; related thru 2532. mealymouthed: not outspoken or blunt; not
the mother’s side of the family. willing to state the facts in simple, direct
words; euphemistic and insincere.
2519. matriarchy: a form of social organization in
which the mother is recognized as the head of 2533. meander: to take a winding or tortuous
the family or tribe, descent and kinship being course said of a stream; to wander aimlessly
traced thru the mother; government, rule or or idly; ramble.
domination by women.
2534. meddle: to concern oneself with or take part
2520. matutinal: early. in other people’s affairs without being asked
or needed; interfere (in or with); to tamper
2521. maudlin: foolishly and tearfully or weakly (with).
sentimental; tearfully sentimental from too
much liquor. 2535. mediate: 1) occupying a middle position; 2a)
acting thru an intervening agency; 2b) exhibit-
2522. maudlin: silly; sickly; sentimental; fuddled; ing indirect causation, connection or relation.
half drunk.
2536. mediate: 1a) to effect by action as an inter-
2523. maul: to injure by beating or tearing; bruise mediary; 1b) to bring accord out of by action
or lacerate; to handle roughly or clumsily; as an intermediary; 2a) to act as intermediary
manhandle. agent in bringing, effecting
2537. mediocre: of moderate or low quality, value,
2524. maunder: talk incoherently.
ability, or performance : ordinary, so-so.
2525. mausoleum: a large, imposing tomb: humor-
2538. meditation: 1) a discourse intended to ex-
ously applied to any large, somber building or
press its author’s reflections or to guide others
room; a building with vaults for the entomb-
in contemplation; 2) the act or process of med-
ment of a number of bodies.
itating.
2526. mauve: a purple dye and pigment that is pro- 2539. medley: mingled and confused mass; a mu-
duced by oxidizing aniline, used for wool, silk sical piece made up of tunes or passages from
etc. various works.
2527. maverick: an unbranded animal, esp a 2540. meek: patient and mild; not inclined to anger
strayed calf; a person who takes an indepen- or resentment; too submissive; easily imposed
dent stand, as in politics, refusing to conform on; spineless; spiritless.
to that of a party or group.
2541. megalomania: a mental disorder character-
2528. mawkish: having a sweet, weak, sickening ized by delusions of grandeur, wealth, power
taste; insipid or nauseating; sentimental in a etc; a passion for or for doing big things; a
weak, insipid way, so as to be sickening. tendency to exaggerate.

82
2542. meiosis: understatement.
2543. melee: a confused struggle; esp : a hand-to-
hand fight among several people.
2544. melic: pertaining to song.
2545. mellifluous: flowing with honey or sweetness;
smooth.
2546. mellow: soft to the touch; genial.
2547. memento: ath serving as a reminder or warn-
ing; a souvenir.
2548. memorabilia: things worth remembering; 2563. mescaline: drug producing hallucination.
memoirs!.
2549. memorialize: 1) to address or petition by a
memorial; 2) commemorate.
2550. menagerie: a place where animals are kept
esp for exhibition. 2565. mete: to allot; distribute; apportion : usu
2551. mendacious: lying; a falsehood.
2561. merger: 1) [Law] the absorption of an estate,
a contract, or an interest in another, of a minor
offense, or by obligation into a judgement; 2a)
the act or process of merging; 2b) absorption
by a corporation of one or more organizations
(as business concerns).
2562. mesa: an isolated relatively flat topped natu-
ral elevation usu more extensive than a butte
and less extensive than a plateau; also : a
broad terrace with an abrupt slope on one side
: bench.
2564. metaphor: a figure of speech containing an
implied comparison, in which a word or phrase
ordinarily and primarily used of one things is
applied to another.
with out [mete out].

2552. mendacity: falsehood, prevarication, 2566. meteoric: 1) of, relating to, or derived from
calumny, perjury; veracity, candor, probity. the earth’s atmosphere [∼ water]; 2a) of or re-
lating to a meteor; 2b) resembling a meteor in
2553. mendicant: begging; a begging friar; fakir. speed or in sudden and temporary brilliance
[∼ rise to fame].
2554. menial: of or fit for servants; servile; low;
mean.
2567. methodical: characterized by method; or-
2555. mentor: tutor; teacher; a wise counselor. derly; systematic.

2556. mercantile: 1) of or relating to merchants or 2568. meticulous: extremely or excessively careful

trading; 2) of, relating to or having the char of
mercantilism.
2569.
2557. mercenaries: 1) a soldier hired for money;
paid soldier; 2) serving merely for pay or sordid
advantage : venal, also : greedy.
2570.
2558. mercenary: a professional soldier hired to
serve in a foreign army; a person who will do
ath for money; hireling.
2559. mercurial: variable, fluctuating, erratic; im- 2571.
mutable, constant, steadfast.
2572.
2560. meretricious: 1) of or relating to a prostitute
: having the nature of prostitution [∼ relation-
ship]; 2a) a tawdrily and falsely attractive [the
paradise they found was a piece of ∼ trash];
2b) superficially significant : pretentious.
about details; scrupulous or finicky.
metropolis: the main city, often the capital
of a country, state or region; an y large city or
center of population, culture etc.
mettle: quality or character or temperament,
esp high quality of character; spirit; courage;
ardor.
mettlesome: high spirited.
miasma: an unwholesome exaltation; a vapor
rising as from marshes or decomposing animal
or vegetable matter, formerly supposed to poi-
son and inflect the air, causing malaria, etc; an
unwholesome or befogging, atmosphere, influ-
ence.

83
2573. microcosm: 1) a little world; esp : the human 2589. mirth: gladness or gaiety as shown by or ac-
race or human nature seen as an epitome of the companied with laughter.
world or the universe; 2) a community or other
than unity that is an epitome or a larger unity. 2590. misadventure: an unlucky accident; mishap;
an instance of bad luck.
2574. midden: refuse heap.
2591. misanthrope: a person who hates or dis-
2575. migrant: one that migrates; a) a person who trusts all people : also misanthropist.
moves regularly in order to find work esp in 2592. misapprehension: to apprehend wrongly;
harvesting crops; b) an animal that shifts from misunderstand.
one habitat to another.
2593. miscellany: 1a) [pl] separate writings col-
2576. milieu: environment, esp social or cultural lected in one volume; 1b) a collection of writ-
setting. ings on various subjects; 2) a mixture of vari-
ous things.
2577. militant: ready or willing to fight; esp vigor-
ous or aggressive in support or promotion of a 2594. mischance: 1) bad luck; 2) a piece of bad luck
cause; at war; fighting. : mishap; [syn] misfortune.
2578. militate: to be directed (against); operate or 2595. mischance: an unlucky accident; misadven-
work (against or, rarely, for) : said of facts, evi- ture; bad luck or instance of it.
dence, actions, etc [his youth militated against
him]. 2596. misconstrue: to construe wrongly; misunder-
stood; misinterpret.
2579. mimesis: imitation, mimicry.
2597. miscreant: an evil person; criminal; villain.
2580. minatory: menacing; threatening.
2598. misdemeanors: bad conduct; misdeed; any
2581. mincing: affectedly elegant or dainty : a per- minor offense, as the breaking of a municipal
son, or a person’s speech, manner, etc; charac- ordinance, for which; statute provides a lesser
terized by short steps or affected daintiness [a punishment than for felony : the penalty is usu
mincing walk]. a; fine or imprisonment for a short time (usu
less than one year) in a local; jail, workhouse
2582. minimal: least possible. etc.

2583. minion: a favorite, esp one who is a fawning 2599.
servile follower : term of contempt; a subordi-
nate official, deputy, or the like.
2600.
2584. miniscule: very small or insignificant in
2601.
amount.
2585. minute: very small; tiny; of little importance
or significance; petty; trifling; of, characterized
by or attentive to tiny details; exact; precise. 2602. misogamy: hatred of marriage.
misgiving: mistrust; to fill with apprehen-
sions.
mishmash: a hotch-potch; a medley.
misnomer: the act of applying a wrong name
or epithet to some person or thing; such a
name or epithet; an error in naming a person
or place in a legal document.

2586. minutiae: small or relatively unimportant de- 2603. misogyny: hatred of women esp by man.
tails.
2604. misprision: official misconduct.
2587. mire: deep mud; wet, soggy earth; slush; an
area of wet, soggy ground. 2605. missile: a weapon, or other object, as a spear,
bullet, rocket,etc, designed to be thrown,fired,
2588. mire: to cause to get stuck in or as in mire; or launched toward a target; often specif a
to soil or splatter with mud or dirt. guided or ballastic missile.

84
2606. missive: a letter or written message. 2621. monad: number one; a unit; an ultimate unit
of being material or psychical.
2607. mite: 1) ¡ignoring the small arachnids¿; 2) a
small coin or sum of money; 2a) a very little : 2622. monarchy: 1) undivided rule or absolute
bit; 2b) a very small object or creature. sovereignty by a single person; 2) a nation or
state having a monarchical government; 3) a
2608. mitigate: to make or become milder, less se- government having an hereditary chief of state
vere , less rigorous or less painful; moderate; with life tenure and powers varying from nom-
to operate or work (against) : generally con- inal to absolute.
sidered a loose or erroneous usage.
2623. monetary: of or relating to money or to the
2609. mitigated: to mollify; appease. mechanisms by which it is supplied to and cir-
culates in the economy.
2610. mnemonic: 1) assisting or intending to assist
memory; also : of or relating to mnemonics; 2) 2624. monograph: a systematic account on one
of or relating to memory. particular subject.

2611. mode: a prevailing fashion or style (as of 2625. monolithic: 1a) of, relating to, or resembling
dress, behaviour); [syn] fashion; ¡for the other a monolith : huge, massive; 1b(i)] formed from
longer meaning please see a dictionary!¿. a single crystal [a ∼ silicon chip]; 1b(ii)] pro-
duced in or on a monolithic chip; 2a) cast as
2612. modicum: small quantity; a limited portion. a single piece; 2b) formed or composed of a
material without joints or seams; 3) constitut-
2613. modish: in the current mode; in the latest ing a massive undifferentiated and often rigidly
style; fashionable. whole [a ∼ society].

2614. modulation: 1) a regulating according to 2626. monotheism: the belief or doctrine that
pressure or proportion : tempering; 2) an in- there is only one God.
flection of the tone or pitch of the voice; specif
2627. monotony: sameness of tone or pitch, or con-
: the use of stress or pitch to convey meaning;
tinuance of the same tone without variation;
3) a change from one musical key to another
lack of variation or variety; tiresome sameness
by modulating.
or uniformity.
2615. mogul: a powerful or important person, esp 2628. monumental: 1) of or relating to a monu-
one with autocratic power. ment; 2) serving as or resembling a monument
2616. moiety: half; one of two parts or divisions. : massive; also : highly significant : outstand-
ing; 3) very great.
2617. mollify: to sooth the temper of; pacify; ap-
2629. moody: subject to or characterized by
pease; to make less intense, severe or violent.
gloomy sullen moods or changes of mood.
2618. mollycoddle: 1) a pampered or effeminate 2630. moratorium: a legal authorization, usu by
man or boy; 2) to surround with an excessive a law passed in an emergency to delay pay-
or absurd degree of indulgence and attention. ment of money due, as by a bank or debtor
nation; the effective period of such an autho-
2619. molt: to cast off or shed the exoskeleton, hair,
rization; any authorized delay or stopping of
outer skin, horns, or feathers at certain inter-
some specified activity.
vals, prior to replacement of the cast-off parts
by a new growth : said of reptiles, birds, in- 2631. morbid: sickly; unwholesome.
sects etc.
2632. mordant: 1) biting and caustic in thought,
2620. momentous: of great moment; very impor- manner or style : incisive [a ∼ wit]; 2) burning,
tant [a momentous decision]. pungent.

85
2633. mores: 1) the fixed morally binding customs 2648. muddle: 1) to make turbid or muddy; 2) to
of a particular group; 2) moral attitudes; 3) befog or stupefy esp with liquor; 3) to mix con-
habits, manners. fusedly; 4) to make a mess of : bungle; 5) to
think or act in a confused aimless way.
2634. mores: folk ways that are considered con-
ducive to the welfare of society and so, through 2649. mudlark: a name for various birds that fre-
general observance, develop the force of law, quent mud; one who picks up a living along
after becoming part of the formal legal code. the banks of tidal rivers.
2635. morganatic: marriage of royalty to a com- 2650. muggy: hot and damp, with little or no stir-
moner. ring of the air [muggy weather].
2636. moribund: in a dying state; being in a state 2651. mulct: to punish by a fine or by depriving of
of inactivity or obsolescence. sth; to extract (money etc) from (someone) as
by fraud or deceit.
2637. morose: ill-tempered; gloomy; sullen etc;
characterized by gloom. 2652. muliebrity: womanliness.
2638. mortician: a person who manages a funeral 2653. multifarious: having great diversity; made
home and is usu a licensed embalmer. up of many parts.
2639. mortification: humiliation; chagrin; that 2654. multiform: having many forms or appear-
which vexes. ances.
2640. mortify: to punish (one’s body) or control 2655. multiplicity: the quality or condition of be-
(one’s physical desires and passions) by self- ing manifold or various; a great number.
denial, fasting etc as a means of religious as-
cetic discipline; to cause to feel shame, humil- 2656. mummery: great show without reality; fool-
iation, chagrin etc ; to injure the pride or self- ish ceremonial.
respect of; to destroy the vitality or vigor of.
2657. mundane: worldly; earthly.
2641. mosaic: the fitting together in a design of
small pieces of colored marble glass etc. 2658. munificent: extremely generous.

2642. mote: a speck of dust or other tiny particle. 2659. murky: dark or gloomy; heavy and obscure
with smoke, mist, etc [the murky air].
2643. motif: a main element, idea, feature etc;
specif a main theme or subject to be elabo- 2660. murrain: plague.
rated on or developed as in a piece of music, a
2661. muse: to think deeply and at length; medi-
book, etc; a repeated figure in a design; some
tate.
inner drive, impulse, intention etc that causes
a person to do sth or act in a certain way; in- 2662. musky: having an odor of or resembling musk.
centive; goal.
2663. muster: 1) a representative specimen : sam-
2644. motile: capable of or exhibiting spontaneous ple; 2a) an act of assembling; specif : formal
motion. military inspection; 2b) critical examination;
2645. motley: of many colors or patches of color; 2c) an assembled group : collection; 2d) in-
having or composed of many different or dash- ventory.
ing elements; heterogeneous [a motley crew!]. 2664. muster: 1) to cause to gather : convene; b) to
2646. mottle: to mark with blotches, streaks and enroll formally—usu used with in or into [was
spots of different colors or shades. ∼ed into the army]; c) to call the roll of; 2a)
to bring together : collect; 2b) to call forth :
2647. mountebank: any charlatan, or quack. rouse.

86
2665. musty: having a stale, moldy smell or taste as 2680. nautical: of or having to do with sailors, ships
an unused room; food kept in a damp place,etc; or navigation.
state or trite; worn-out; antiquated; dull; apa-
thetic. 2681. neap: neap tide.

2666. mutilate: to cut off or damage a limb or other 2682. nebulous: misty; hazy; vague; cloudlike.
important part of ( a person or animal); to
2683. necromancy: the practice of claiming to fore-
damage, injure or otherwise mar, esp by re-
tell the future by alleged communication with
moving an essential part or parts [to mutilate
the dead; black magic; sorcery.
a book by censorship].
2684. necrosis: death or part of the living body.
2667. mutiny: revolt against and often, forcible re-
sistance to constituted authority; esp rebellion 2685. nefarious: very wicked; villainous; iniquitous.
of soldiers or sailors against their officers.
2686. negligent: habitually failing to do the re-
2668. muzzle: gag, trammel, suppress; liberate, fos- quired thing; neglectful; careless; lax, inatten-
ter, stimulate. tive or indifferent.
2669. myopia: lack of understanding or foresight. 2687. nemesis: retributive justice.

2670. myriad: various; many; of a highly varied na- 2688. neologism: a new word or a new meaning for
ture. an established word; the use of, or the prac-
tice of creating new words or new meanings
2671. mystique: incommunicable spirit, gift or
for established words.
quality; secret.
2689. neonatal: new born.
2672. nadir: that point of the celestial sphere di-
rectly opposite to the zenith and directly below 2690. neophyte: a new convert; one newly baptised;
the observer; the lowest point; time of greatest a newly ordained priest; a tyro or beginner.
depression or dejection.
2691. neophytes: new convert; one newly baptised.
2673. naivete: the quality or state of being naive;
simplicity; artlessness; a naive action or re- 2692. nepenthe: opiate.
mark.
2693. nepotism: favoritism shown to relatives, esp
2674. narcissism: self-love; excessive interest in in appointment to desirable positions.
own’s appearance, comfort, importance, abili-
ties etc. 2694. nescience: want of knowledge.

2675. narrative: 1) sth that is narrated : story; 2) 2695.
the art or practice of narration; 3) the repre-
sentation in art of an event or story; also : an
example of such a representation.
2676. nascent: being born; beginning to form, start,
grow or develop : said of ideas, cultures etc.
2677. natation: the act or art of swimming.
2678. natty: dapper; spruce; trim and smart in ap-
pearance or dress [a natty suit].
nether: lying, or thought of as lying below
the earth’s surface; lower or under [the nether
tip of a crescent].
2696. nettle: 1) any of various prickly or stinging
plants other than those of genus Urtica; 2) to
strike or sting as if with nettles; 3) to arouse
to sharp but transitory annoyance or anger.
2697. nexus: a connection, tie, or link between in-
dividuals of a group, members of a series etc;
the group or series connected.

2679. nausea: a feeling of sickness at the stomach 2698. nib: the bill or beak of a bird; the projecting
with an impulse to vomit; disgust; loathing. end of ath; point; sharp prong.

87
2699. nicety: 1) the quality or state of being nice; 2711. nomenclature: the system or set of names
2) an elegant, delicate, or civilized feature [the used in a specific branch of learning or activity,
niceties of life]; 3) a fine point or distinction as in biology for plants and animals, or for the
: subtlety [the niceties of table manners]; 4) parts of a particular mechanism; the act or a
careful attention to details; delicate exactness system for naming.
: precision; 5) delicacy of taste or feeling : fas-
tidiousness. 2712. nominal: of, consisting of, having the nature
of, or giving a name or names; of or having to
2700. niggard: a stingy person; miser. do with a noun or nouns; in name only, not in
fact [the nominal leader]; very small compared
2701. niggle: to work fussily; pay too much atten- to usu expectations.
tion to petty details; be finicky.
2713. nonchalance: casual; cool; sangfroid.
2702. niggling: finicky. 2714. noncommittal: not committing one to any
point of view or course of action; not revealing
2703. nihilism: belief in nothing; denial of all real- one’s position or purpose; having no definite
ity; extreme skepticism. quality, meaning etc.
2704. nimbus: 1a) a luminous vapor, cloud, or at- 2715. nondescript: not easily classified; neither one
mosphere about a god or goddess when on thing nor another.
earth; 1b) a cloud or atmosphere (as of ro-
mance) about a person or thing; 2)) an indi- 2716. nonentity: the state of not existing; sth exists
cation (as a circle) of radiant light or glory only in the mind or imagination; a person or
about the head of a drawn or sculptured divin- thing of little or no importance.
ity, saint or sovereign; 3) a rain cloud : thunder
2717. nonplus: a condition of perplexity in which
cloud.
one is unable to go, speak or act further.
2705. nimiety: excess. 2718. normative: establishing a standard.

2706. nirvana: 1) the final beatitude that tran- 2719.
scends suffering, karma, and samsara and is
sought esp in Buddhism thru the extinction
of desire and individual consciousness; 2a) a
place or state of oblivion to care, pain or ex-
ternal reality; also : bliss, heaven. 2720.
2707. nocturnal: of, done or happening in the
night; functioning or active during the night;
having blossoms that open at night, as some
flowers.
2708. noetic: relating to intellectual comprehen-
sion.
2709. noisome: injurious to health; harmful; having
bad odor; foul-smelling.
2710. nomad: a member of a tribe or people hav-
ing no permanent home but moving about con- 2723. novice: 1) a person admitted to probation-
stantly in search of food, pasture etc; any wan-
derer who has no fixed home.
nostalgia: 1) the state of being homesick :
homesickness; 2) a wistful or excessively senti-
mental yearning for return to or of some past
period or irrecoverable condition.
nostrum: a medicine prepared by the per-
son selling it; a patent medicine of a king sold
with exaggerated claims; quack medicine; a
pet scheme for solving some social or political
problem; panacea.
2721. notorious: well-known; publicly discussed;
widely but unfavorably known or talked about.
2722. novelty: the quality of being novel; newness;
freshness; sth new, fresh or usu; change; in-
novation; a small often cheap, cleverly made
article, usu for play or adornment : usu used
in pl.
ary membership of a religious community; 2)
beginner : tyro.

88
2724. noxious: 1a) physically harmful or destruc- 2739.
tive to living beings [∼ wastes that poison our
streams]; 1b) constituting a harmful influence
on mind or behavior : morally corrupting [∼ 2740.
doctrines]; 2) distasteful, obnoxious; 3) [syn]
pernicious.
2725. nuance: a slight or delicate variation in color,
meaning etc; shade of difference.
oblation: act of offering in worship; a sacri-
fice.
obligatory: 1) binding in law or conscience;
2) relating to or enforcing an obligation [an ∼
writ]; 3) mandatory, required [∼ military ser-
vice]; also : so commonplace as to be a con-
vention, fashion or cliche [the ∼ death scene in
the opera].

2726. nubile: marriageable esp a girl who seems 2741. obliquity: inclination; slope; leaning; gradi-
mature; sexually attractive : said of a young ent.
woman. 2742. obliterate: to blot out or wear away, leaving
no traces; erase; efface; to do away with as if
2727. nugatory: trifling; worthless; not operative;
by effacing; destroy.
invalid.
2743. oblivion: forgetfulness; state of being forgot-
2728. nugatory: trivial.
ten; amnesty; official overlooking of offenses.
2729. nullify: 1) to make null; esp : to make legally 2744. oblivious to: unmindful of.
null and void; 2) to make of no value and con-
sequence; 3) [syn] negate, annul, abrogate, in- 2745. obloquy: defamation, stigma, abasement; re-
validate. pute, renown, dignity.

2730. nuncupative: unwritten. 2746. obloquy: verbal abuse of a person or thing;

censure or vituperation, esp when widespread
2731. nuptial: of marriage or a wedding; of or hav- or general; ill repute, disgrace, or infamy re-
ing to do with mating. sulting from this.

2732. nurture: to promote the development of; to 2747. obnoxious: liable to hurt, punishment or cen-
raise by educating, training etc; to feed or sure; objectionable; offensive.
nourish.
2748. obscure: lacking light; dim ; dark; murky [the
2733. oaf: a stupid person; specif a stupid, clumsy obscure night]; not easily perceived; specif not
fellow; lout. clear or distinct; faint or undefined [an obscure
figure or sound]; not easily understood; vague;
2734. obdurate: not easily moved to pity or sympa- cryptic; ambiguous [an obscure explanation];
thy; hard-hearted; hardened and unrespecting; in an inconspicuous position; hidden [an ob-
impenitent; not giving in readily;stubborn; dif- scure village]; not well known; not famous [an
ficult to influence. obscure scientist].

2735. obeisance: a gesture of respect or reverence, 2749.
such as a bow or curtsy; the attitude shown by
2750.
this; homage; deference.
2751.
2736. obelisk: a tall four sided tapering pillar usu-
ally of one stone topped with a pyramid.
2752.
2737. obfuscation: confusion; bewilderment. ob-
fuscate: to muddle, perplex, stupefy.
2753.
2738. obituary: a notice of someone’s death , as in
a newspaper, usu with a brief biography.
obsequies: funeral rites or ceremonies.
obsequious: too eager to obey or serve;
obsequy: a funeral or burial rite—usu used
in pl.
obsess: to haunt or trouble in mind, esp to
an abnormal degree; preoccupy greatly.
obsidian: a hard, usu dark colored black, vol-
canic glass with conchoidal fracture, often used
as a gemstone.

89
2754. obsolescent: gone out of use; antiquated; ob- 2769. odious: arousing or deserving hatred or
solete. loathing; disgusting; offensive.
2755. obstetrics: the branch of medicine concerned 2770. odiously: hateful; offensively.
with the care and treatment of women during
pregnancy, childbirth, and the ensuing period. 2771. odium: hatred esp of a person or thing re-
garded as loathsome; the state or fact of being
2756. obstreperous: noisy; boisterous, or unruly hated; the disgrace brought on by hateful ac-
esp in resisting or opposing. tion; opprobrium.
2757. obtrude: to thrust forward; push out; eject; 2772. odoriferous: giving off an odor, now often
to offer or force (oneself, one’s opinions etc) specif a strong or offensive one.
upon others unasked or unwanted.
2773. odyssey: any extended wandering or journey.
2758. obtuse: not sharp or pointed; blunt; slow to
understand or perceive; dull or insensitive; not 2774. offensive: 1a) making attack : aggressive;
producing a sharp impression; not acute [an 1b) of, relating to, or designed for attack [∼
obtuse pain]. weapons]; 1c) of or relating to an attempt to
score in a game or contest; also : of or relating
2759. obverse: 1) facing the observer or opponent; to a team in possession of the ball or puck; 2)
2) having the base narrower than the top [an giving painful or unpleasant sensations : nau-
∼ leaf]; 3) the side of a coin or currency note seous; 3) causing displeasure or resentment.
bearing the chief device and lettering ; broadly
: a front or principal surface; 4) a counterpart 2775. offhand: said or done without prior prepa-
having the opposite orientation or force [their ration or study; extemporaneous; unpremedi-
rise was merely the ∼ of the Emperor’s fall]. tated; casual , curt, informal, brusque.

2760. obviate: to do away with or prevent by effec- 2776. officious: offering unnecessary and unwanted
tive measures; make unnecessary. advice or services; meddle-some esp in a high-
handed or overbearing way; in diplomacy, un-
2761. obviated: to meet on the way; to prevent or official or informal.
dispose off in advance.
2777. offshoot: 1a) a collateral or derived branch,
2762. Occident: the part of the world west of Asia, descendant, or member : outgrowth; 1b) a
esp Europe and the Americas. lateral branch (as of a mountain range); 2) a
branch of the main stem.
2763. occlude: to close, shut or block (a passage);
to prevent the passage of ; shut in or out; to 2778. ogle: to keep looking (at) boldly and with ob-
conceal , hide, or obscure; to retain or absorb vious desire; make eyes (at).
(a gas, liquid or solid).
2779. olfactory: of the sense of smell.
2764. occult: hidden; concealed; secret; esoteric;
beyond human understanding; mysterious; 2780. oligarchy: 1) government by the few; 2) a
designating or of certain alleged mystic arts government in which a small group exercise
such as magic, alchemy, astrology etc. control esp for corrupt and selfish purposes;
also : a group exercising such control.
2765. occursion: impulse; ¡check out this one!¿.
2781. ombudsman: 1) a government official ap-
2766. oculist: early term for ophthalmologist; op- pointed to receive and investigate complaints
tometrist. made by individual against abuses or capri-
2767. odalisque: a female slave; a concubine in a cious acts of public officials; 2) one that investi-
harem. gates reported complaints (as from students or
consumers), reports findings, and helps achieve
2768. odalisque: oriental female slave. equitable settlements.

90
2782. ominously: portending evil; inauspicious. 2797. opportunity: a combination of circum-
stances favorable for the purpose; fit time; a
2783. omnipotent: unlimited power; all powerful. good chance or occasion as to advance oneself.
2784. omniscience: knowledge of all things; all 2798. opprobrious: infamous, ignominious, abhor-
knowing. rent; meritorious, commendable, upright.
2785. oneiric: relating to dreams.
2799. opprobrium: disgrace; reproach; infamy.
2786. onerous: troublesome; burdensome; involv-
ing a legal obligation that equals or exceeds 2800. oppugnant: opposing, unpropitious, adverse,
the benefit. recalcitrant; propitious, conciliatory, sympa-
thetic.
2787. onomatopoeia: the formation of a word in
imitation of the sound of the thing meant; the 2801. opsimath: a very late learner.
use of words whose sounds help to suggest the
meaning (hiss, buzz); echoism; the use of words 2802. optimism: 1) a doctrine that this world is the
whose sounds reinforce their meaning or tone, best possible world; 2) an inclination to put
as in poetry. the most favorable construction upon actions
and events or to anticipate the best possible
2788. onslaught: an esp fierce attack; also : sth re- outcome.
sembling such an attack [an ∼ of technological
changes]. 2803. optimum: 1) the amount or degree of sth that
is most favorable to some end; esp : the most
2789. onus: burden; responsibility; burden of proof favorable condition for the growth and repro-
: the obligation to prove what is asserted and duction of an organism; 2) greatest degree at-
in dispute. tained or attainable under implied or specified
conditions.
2790. opacity: opaqueness; impervious to light; ob-
fuscated; murky; fumed. 2804. optometry: measurement of the range and
power of vision; the profession of examining
2791. opalescent: showing a play of colors like that the eyes and measuring the errors in refrac-
of the opal; iridescent. tion and of prescribing glasses to correct these
2792. operose: laborious. defects.

2793. ophiology: the branch of zoology specializing 2805. opulence: richness; characterized by abun-
in the study of snakes. dance or profusion; luxuriant.

2794. opiate: any medicine containing opium or 2806.
any of its derivatives, and acting as a sedative
and narcotic; ath tending to quiet, soothe, or
deaden.
2807.
2795. opportune: right for the purpose; fitting in
regard to circumstances : said of time; hap-
pening or done at the right time; seasonable; 2808.
well-timed; timely.
2796. opportunism: the practice or policy of
adapting one’s actions, judgements etc. to cir-
cumstances, as in politics, in order to further
one’s immediate interests, without regard for
basic principles or eventual consequences. 2809. ordaining: to order; to assign; to decree.
opus: a work; composition; esp any of the mu-
sical works of a composer numbered in order
of composition or publication.
oracular: ambiguous, mystical, cryptic; lucid,
clear, definite.
oratorio: a long, dramatic musical compo-
sition usu on a religious theme, consisting of
arias, recitatives, duets, trios, choruses etc,
sung to orchestral accompaniment; it is pre-
sented without stage action, scenery, or cos-
tumes.

91
2810. ordeal: an ancient method of trial in which 2824.
the accused was exposed to physical dangers,
from which he was supposed to divinely pro-
tected if he was innocent; any difficult, painful,
or trying experience; severe trial.
2811. ordinal: indicating order or sequence.
2825.
2812. ordinance: a direction or command of an au-
thoritative nature; that which is held to be a
decree of fate or of a deity; an established or 2826.
prescribed practice or usage esp a religious rite;
a governmental, now esp municipal, statute or
regulation.
2827.
2813. ordination: the act or an instance of ordain-
ing; the state of being ordained. 2828. ostensible: outwardly showing or professed.
2814. orient: 1) [cap] East; 2) a pearl of great luster; 2829. ostentation: act of showing; display to draw
3) lustrous, sparkling.
2815. orient: 1a) to cause to face or point toward 2830.
the east; specif : to build (a church or temple)
with the longitudinal axis pointing eastward
and the chief altar at the eastern end; 1b) to 2831.
set or arrange in any determinate position, esp
in relation to the points of the compass; 2a) to
set right by adjusting to facts or principles; 2832.
2b) to acquaint with the existing situation or
environment; 3) to direct (as a book or film) 2833.
toward the interests of a particular group.
2834.
2816. orifice: an opening (as a vent, mouth, or hole)
thru which sth may pass.
2835.
2817. oriflamme: battle standard.
orthography: 1a) the art of writing words
with the proper letters according to standard
usage; 1b) the representation of the sounds of
a language by written or printed symbols; 2) a
part of language study that deals with letters
and spelling.
osseous: composed of, containing or like
bone; bony.
ossify: to change or develop into bone; to set-
tle or fix rigidly in a practice, custom, attitude,
etc.
ostensible: avowed, specious, professed; un-
expected, covert, veiled.
attention or admiration.
oust: to force or drive out; expel, eject, dis-
possess, etc.
outlandish: foreign; queer; bizarre; out of the
way.
outlandish: very odd, strange or peculiar;
fantastic; bizarre; remote; out of the wary.
outlay: expenditure.
outmoded: no longer in fashion or accepted;
obsolete.
outskirt: part or district remote from the cen-
ter or midst, as of a city.

2818. orison: prayer. 2836. outspoken: unrestrained in speech; frank;

2819. ormolu: imitation gold.
2820. ornate: 1) marked by elaborate rhetoric or
florid style; 2) elaborately or excessively deco-
rated.
2821. orotund: resonant.
2822. orthodox: conforming to the usu beliefs or
established doctrines, as in religion, politics,
etc; approved or conventional.
2823. orthoepy: study of pronunciation.
spoken boldly or candidly.
2837. outstrip: to go at a faster pace than; get
ahead of; to excel; surpass.
2838. outwit: 1) to get the better of by superior
cleverness : outsmart.
2839. ovation: 1) a ceremony attending the entering
of Rome by a general who had won a victory of
less importance than that for which a triumph
was granted; 2) an expression or demonstra-
tion of popular acclaim esp by enthusiastic ap-
plause [received a standing ∼].

92
2840. overbearing: arrogant; domineering; acting 2854. paleontology: a science dealing with the life
in a dictatorial manner; of transcending im- of past geological periods as known from fossil
portance; overriding. remains.

2841. overt: not hidden; open; observable; appar- 2855. palimpsest: a parchment, tablet etc that
ent; manifest; done openly and publicly, with- has been written upon or inscribed two or
out attempt at concealment and with evident three times, the previous texts having been im-
intent. perfectly erased an remaining, therefore still
partly visible.
2842. overture: opening; disclosure; an offer or pro-
posal. 2856. palingeneis: reincarnation; a second cre-
ation; metempsychosis.
2843. overweening: arrogant; excessively proud;
exaggerated; excessive. 2857. pall: to become insipid, cloying, boring, weari-
some etc; to become satiated or bored.
2844. overwrought: 1) extremely excited : agi-
tated; 2) elaborated to excess : overdone. 2858. pallet: 1) a straw filled tick or mattress; 2) a
small, hard temporary bed.
2845. pachyderm: any of certain large thick
skinned hoofed animals, as the elephant, 2859. pallet: 1) a wooden flat blade instrument; 2)
rhinoceros, and hippopotamus, formerly clas- a lever or surface in a timepiece that receives
sified together; a thick-skinned, insensitive, an impulse from the escapement wheel imparts
stolid person. motion to a balance or pendulum; 3) a portable
platform for handling, storing, or moving ma-
2846. pacifism: opposition to the use of force under terials and packages (as in warehouses).
any circumstances; specif refusal for reasons of
conscience or participate in war or any military 2860. palliative: serving to extenuate; mitigating;
action. that which lessens pain etc.

2847. paean: in ancient greece a hymn of thanksgiv- 2861. pallid: pale; wan; lacking sparkle or liveliness
ing to the gods, esp to Apollo;a song of thanks- : dull.
giving or triumph; exultation. 2862. palpable: that can be touched or felt; easily
perceived by the senses; audible; recognizable,
2848. pagan: 1) heathen; esp : a follower of a poly-
perceptible, noticeable, obvious, evident;
theistic religion (as in ancient Rome); 2) one
who has little or no religion and who delights 2863. palpate: examine by touching.
in sensual pleasures and material goods : an
irreligious or hedonistic person. 2864. palpitate: to beat rapidly or flutter; said esp
of heart action that one is conscious of; to
2849. pageant: a dramatic performance, scene or throb, quiver, tremble.
part.
2865. paltry: practically worthless; trifling, insignif-
2850. painstaking: taking pains; very careful; dili- icant, contemptible, petty.
gent; characterized by great care.
2866. panacea: a supposed remedy, cure or
2851. paladin: champion of a cause. medicine for all diseased or ills; cure-all.
2852. palatable: pleasant or acceptable to the taste; 2867. panache: a plume of feathers esp such a
fit to be eaten or drunk; acceptable to the plume on a helmet; dashing elegance of man-
mind. ner; carefree, spirited self-confidence or style
flamboyance.
2853. palatial: 1) of, relating to or being a palace;
2) suitable to a palace : magnificent. 2868. pandect: complete digest.

93
2869. pandemic: epidemic over a wide area. 2885. parallelism: 1) the quality or state of be-
ing parallel; 2) resemblance, correspondence;;
2870. pandemonium: any place or scene of wild 3) repeated syntactical similarities introduced
disorder, noise or confusion; wild disorder, for rhetorical effect; 4) a theory that mind and
noise or confusion. matter accompany one another but are not ca-
sually related.
2871. pander: a go-between in a sexual intrigue, esp
a procurer, pimp; a person who provides the 2886. parameter: characteristic; element; factor
means of helping to satisfy the ignoble ambi- [political dissent as a ∼ of modern life].
tions or desires, vices etc of another.
2887. paramount: superior to all others; supreme.
2872. panegyric: laudatory speech; eulogy.
2888. paramour: a lover or mistress esp the illicit
2873. pannier: large wicker basket. sexual partner of a married man or woman.

2874. panoply: full array. 2889. paranoia: a form of insanity characterized by

fixed delusions esp of grandeur, pride and per-
2875. panorama: vista; landscape view. secution.

2876. pantheism: the doctrine that identifies god 2890. paraphernalia: trappings; equipment; mis-
with the universe. cellaneous accessories.

2877. pantheon: hall of fame. 2891. paraphrase: 1) a restatement of a text, pas-

sage, or work giving the meaning in another
2878. pantomime: 1a) an ancient Roman dramatic form.
performance featuring a solo dancer and a nar-
rative chorus; 1b) any of various dramatic or 2892. parasite: a person as in ancient greece , who
dancing performances in which a story is told flattered and amused the host in return for free
by expressive bodily or facial movements of the meals; a person who lives at the expense of
performers. another or others without making any useful
contribution or return.
2879. papyrus: 1) a tall sedge of the Nile valley; 2)
2893. paregoric: soothing; lessening pain; cam-
the pith of the papyrus plant, esp when cut in
phorated tincture of opium used esp to relieve
strips and pressed into a material to write on;
pain.
3a) written scroll made of papyrus.
2894. pariah: outcast; one of low or no caste?!.
2880. parable: a short , simple story, usu of an oc-
currence of a familiar kind, from which a moral 2895. parimutuel: a betting machine which auto-
or religious lesson may be drawn. matically pools, stakes and distributes win-
nings.
2881. paraclete: advocate.
2896. parity: 1) the quality or state of being equal
2882. paradigm: literally an example or exemplar; or equivalent; 2a) equivalence of a commodity
a pattern, example or model; an overall con- price expressed in one currency to its price ex-
cept accepted by most people in an intellectual pressed in another; 2b) the quality of purchas-
community as a science, because of its effec- ing power established by law between different
tiveness in explaining a complex process, idea kinds of money at a given ratio.
or set of data.
2897. parity: the state or fact of having borne off-
2883. paradox: self contradictory stmt; contrary to spring.
received opinion.
2898. parlance: speaking; conversation; mode of
2884. parale(i)psis: pretended omission. speech.

94
2899. parley: a talk or conference for the purpose of 2912.
discussing a specific matter or of setting a dis-
pute, as a military conference with an enemy
2913.
under a truce, for discussing terms.
2914.
2900. parochial: restricted or confined within nar-
row limits.
2901. parody: 1) a literary or musical work in which
the style of an author or work is closely imi-
tated for comic effect or in ridicule; 2) a feeble 2915. patchouli: mint perfume.
or ridiculous imitation.
2916. patent: 1) an official document containing a
2902. parol: word of mouth.
2903. parole: 1) a promise made with or confirmed
by a pledge of one’s honor; esp :the promise
of a prisoner of war to fulfill stated conditions 2917. patent: 1a) open to public inspection—used
in consideration of his release; 2) a watchword
given only to officers of the guard and of the
day; 3) a conditional release of a prisoner serv-
ing an indeterminate or unexpired sentence;
4a) a language viewed as a specific individual
usage : performance.
2904. paroxysm: a sudden attack, or intensification
of the symptoms, of a disease, usu recurring
periodically; a sudden convulsion or outburst
as of laughter, rage, or sneezing; fit; spasm. 2918. paternoster: the lord’s prayer; a harangue; a
2905. parquetry: inlaid woodwork in geometric
forms, usu of contrasting woods, used esp in 2919. pathological: 1) altered or caused by disease;
flooring.
2906. parried: to ward or keep off; to avert; to turn 2920.
aside (a question, criticism etc) as by a clever
or evasive reply or remark.
2921.
2907. parsimony: sparingness in the spending of
money; frugality; niggardliness.
2908. partiality: the quality or state of being par-
tial; a special liking or taste.
2909. partisan: a blind or unreasoning adherent of 2922.
a party or faction; any of a group of guerilla
fighters; esp a member of an organized civilian
force fighting covertly to drive out occupying
enemy troops. 2923.
2910. parturition: act of bringing forth; childbirth.
2911. pasquinade: 1) a lampoon posted in a public
place; 2) satirical writing : satire.
95
passe: out of date; old-fashioned; not youth-
ful, rather old.
passementerie: decorative trimming.
pastiche: a literary, artistic, or musical com-
position made of bits from various sources;
potpourri; a literary , artistic , or musical com-
position intended to imitate or caricature an-
other artists’ style; a jumbled mixture, .
right or a privilege; 2) a writing securing to an
inventor for a term of years the exclusive right
to make, use or sell an invention.
chiefly in the phrase ‘letters patent’; 1b) se-
cured by letters patent to the exclusive con-
trol and possession of a particular individual
or party; 1c) protected by a trademark or a
trade name so as to establish proprietary rights
analogous to those conveyed by letters patent;
2) making exclusive or proprietary claims or
pretensions; 4) affording a free passage : un-
obstructed [a ∼ opening].
muttered formula or spell;.
2) diseased?.
pathos: the quality in sth experienced or ob-
served which arouses feeling of pity, sorrow,
sympathy, or compassion.
patina: a fine crust or film on bronze or cop-
per, usu green or greenish-black formed by nat-
ural oxidation and often valued as being orna-
mental; any thin coating or color change re-
sulting from age, as on old wood or silver.
patios: a form of language differing generally
from the accepted standard, as a provincial or
local dialect; the specialized vocabulary and
idioms of those in the same profession.
patriarch: 1a) one of the scriptural fathers
of the human race or of the Hebrew people;
1b) a man who is father or founder; 1c) the
oldest member or representative of a group; a
venerable old man.
2924. patronize: 1) to act as patron of: provide aid 2940. pejorative: declining, making or becoming
or support for; 2) to adopt an air of condescen- worse; applied to words whose basic mean-
sion toward : treat haughtily or coolly; 3) to ing has changed for the worse; disparaging or
be a frequent or regular customer or client of. derogatory.

2925. Patsy: the scapegoat; a person who is easily 2941. pelagic: pertaining to the sea.
manipulated or victimized; sucker. 2942. pell-mell: in a jumbled, confused mass or
manner; without order or method; in wild dis-
2926. paucity: smallness of quantity.
orderly haste, headlong.
2927. pauper: 1) a person destitute of means except 2943. pellucid: transparent or translucent; clear;
such as are derived from charity; specif : one easy to understand; clear and simple in style
who receives funds or aids designated for the [a pellucid explanation].
poor.
2944. penance: 1) an act of self-abasement, morti-
2928. peccadillo: a trifling fault. fication or devotion performed to show sorrow
or repentance for sin; 2) sth (as a hardship or
2929. peculation: embezzlement. penalty) resembling an act of penance (as in
compensating for an offense).
2930. pecuniary: relating to money; involving a
money penalty, or fine. 2945. penchant: inclination; a strong liking or
fondness.
2931. pecunious: rich; relating to money.
2946. pendant: 1) sth suspended as ; a) an orna-
2932. pedagogue: a teacher, often specif a pedantic ment (as on a necklace) allowed to hang free;
dogmatic teacher. b) an electrical fixture suspended from the ceil-
ing; 2) a hanging ornament of roofs or ceiling
2933. pedagogy: the profession or function of a much used as a connector on a boat or ship; esp
teacher; teaching; the art or science of teaching : a short rope hanging from a spar and having
esp instruction in teaching methods. at its free end a block or spliced thimble; 3)
sth secondary or supplementary.
2934. pedant: 1a) one who makes show of knowl-
edge; 1b) one who is unimaginative or who 2947. pendulous: hanging freely or loosely; sus-
unduly emphasizes minutiae in the presenta- pended so as to swing; hanging or bending
tion or use of knowledge; 1c) a formalist or downward; drooping.
precisionist in teaching. 2948. penitent: suffering pain or sorrow with will
to repent.
2935. pedantic: school masterly; one who is learned
without being judicious; bookish knowledge!. 2949. penitentiary: relating to penance; penal and
reformatory.
2936. pedestrian: going or done on foot, walking;
lacking interest or imagination; prosaic; ordi- 2950. pennate: winged.
nary and dull: said of a literary style, a speech 2951. pensive: thinking deeply or seriously, of-
etc. ten sad or melancholy things; expressing deep
thought.
2937. pediatrics: the branch of medicine dealing
with the development and care of infants and 2952. penultimate: last but one.
children, and with the treatment of their dis-
eases, illnesses etc. 2953. penumbra: the partly lighted area surround-
ing the complete shadow (umbra) of a body,
2938. pedigree: lineage of ancestors; genealogy. as the moon, during an eclipse; the less dark
region surrounding the dark central area of a
2939. peerless: which does not have any match;. sunspot; a vague, indefinite, or borderline area.

96
2954. penurious: unwilling to part with money or 2967. perigee: the point nearest to the earth in the
possessions; mean; miserly; stingy; character- orbit of the moon or of a man made satellite;
ized by extreme poverty; impoverished. opposed to apogee; the lowest or nearest point.

2955. penury: lack of money, property or necessi- 2968. perimeter: 1a) the boundary of a closed
ties; extreme poverty; destitution. plane figure; 1b) the length of a perimeter; 2)
a line or strip bounding or protecting an area;
2956. peon: 1) any of various workers in India, etc 3) outer limits—often used in pl.
as ; a) infantryman; b) orderly; 2) a member of
the landless laboring class in Spanish America; 2969. peripatetic: walking about; pedestrian; itin-
3) a person held in compulsory servitude to a erant; an aristotalian.
master for the working out of an indebtedness.
2970. peripheral: on the boundary;.
2957. percept: 1) a commandment or direction
meant as a rule of action or conduct; 2) a rule 2971. periphrasis: the use of many words where
of moral conduct; maxim; 3) a rule or direc- one or few would do; roundabout way of speak-
tion, as in technical matters; 4) a written or- ing or writing; circumlocution.
der; writ.
2972. peristyle: enclosure formed by row of
2958. percipience: keen perception. columns.
2959. percussion: 1) the act of percussing: as ; a) 2973. perjure: to swear falsely; to forswear oneself.
the striking of a percussion cap so as to set
off the charge in a firearm; b) the beating or 2974. perjury: the breaking of an oath; false swear-
striking of a musical instrument; c) the act or ing.
technique of tapping the surface of a body part
to learn the condition of the parts beneath by 2975. permeate: to pass into or thru and affect ev-
the resultant sound. ery part of; penetrate and spread thru.
2960. perdition: 1a) [archaic] utter destruction; 2) 2976. pernicious: highly injurious; malevolent.
eternal damnation; hell.
2977. peroration: the concluding part of a speech,
2961. peregrination: to travel about; to live in a
in which there is a summing up and em-
foreign country; to traverse; to go on a pilgrim-
phatic recapitulation; a high-flown or bombas-
age.
tic speech.
2962. peremptory: absolute; precluding debate or
2978. perpetrate: to do or perform (sth evil, crim-
dispute; final; admitting no refusal or denial.
inal or offensive); be guilty of; to commit (a
2963. peremptory: arbitrary, overbearing, author- blunder); impose (a hoax) etc.
itative; mild, wavering, indecisive.
2979. perpetrate: to execute or commit esp an of-
2964. perfidious: unfaithful; basely violating faith. fense, poem or pun.

2965. perforate: to make a hole or holes thru, as by 2980. perpetual: lasting or enduring forever or
punching or boring; pierce; penetrate; to pierce for an indefinitely long time; eternal; perma-
with holes in a row, as a pattern, computer nent; continuing indefinitely without interrup-
tape, sheet of stamps etc. tion; unceasing; constant; blooming continu-
ously throughout the growing season.
2966. perfunctory: done merely as a duty to be got
through; acting without zeal or interest; hasty 2981. perpetuity: timelessness; athanasia; sem-
or superficial. piternal; amaranthine.

97
2982. perquisite: sth additional to regular profit or 2995. pestilential: 1a) causing or tending to cause
pay, resulting from one’s position or employ- pestilence : deadly; 1b) of or relating to pesti-
ment, esp sth customary or expected; a tip lence; 2) morally harmful : pernicious; 3) giv-
or gratuity; a privilege or benefit to which a ing rise to vexation or annoyance : irritating.
person , institution etc is entitled by virtue of
2996. petard: explosive device.
status, position or the like; prerogative; right.
2997. petrify: to replace the normal cells (of organic
2983. persiflage: banter; flippancy. matter) with silica or other mineral deposits;
2984. personable: having a pleasing appearance re-form as a strong substance; to make rigid,
and personality; attractive. inflexible or inert; harden or deaden; to para-
lyze or make numb, as with fear; stupefy; shun.
2985. perspicacious: having keen judgement or un- 2998. petulance: showing peevish impatience, irri-
derstanding; acutely perceptive. tation or caprice; impudent in manner.
2986. perspicuous: lucid; clear in statement or ex- 2999. petulant: irritated; showing peevish impa-
pression. tience, irritation or caprice.
2987. pert: 1a) saucily free and forward : flippantly 3000. phantasmagoria: fantastic series of illusive
cocky and assured; 1b) being trim and chic : images or of real forms.
jaunty [a ∼ little hat]; 1c) piquantly stimulat-
3001. pharisaic: emphasizing or observing the let-
ing [is a ∼ notion].
ter but not the spirit of religious law, self-
2988. pertinacious: thoroughly tenacious; holding righteous; sanctimonious; pretending to be
obstinately to an opinion or purpose; obsti- highly moral or virtuous without actually be-
nate; unyielding. ing so; hypocritical.
3002. phenomenon: 1) [pl phenomena] : an ob-
2989. perturb: to cause to be alarmed, agitated or
servable fact or event; 2a) an object or aspect
upset; disturb or trouble greatly; to cause dis-
known thru the senses rather than by thought
order or confusion in ; unsettle.
or; intuition; 2b) a temporal or spatiotemporal
2990. perturbation: the state of being disturbed; object of sensory experience as distinguished;
disquiet of mind. from a noumenon; 2c) a fact or event of scien-
tific interest susceptible of scientific; descrip-
2991. peruse: to read carefully or thoroughly; tion and explanation.
study; loosely, to read in a casual or leisurely
way. 3003. philander: to engage lightly in passing love
affairs; make love insincerely : said of a man.
2992. pervasive: to extend throughout; permeate. 3004. philanthropy: 1) goodwill to fellow men, esp

2993. perverse: 1a) turned away from what is right
or good : corrupt; 1b) improper, incorrect; 1c) 3005.
contrary to the evidence or the direction of the
judge on a point of law [∼ verdict]; 2a) ob-
stinate in opposing what is right, reasonable,
or accepted : wrongheaded; 2b) arising from
or indicative of stubbornness or obstinacy; 3) 3006.
marked by peevishness or petulance : cranky.
2994. pessimism: the tendency to expect misfor-
tune or the worst outcome in any circum-
stances; practice of looking on the dark side
of things.
: active effort to promote human welfare.
Philistine: a person regarded as smugly nar-
row and conventional in views and tastes, lack-
ing in and indifferent to cultural and aesthetic
values.
philology: 1) the study of literature and of
disciplines relevant to literature or to language
as used in literature; 2a) linguistics, esp : his-
torical and comparative linguistics; 2b) the
study of human speech, esp as the vehicle of
literature and as a field of study that sheds
light on cultural history.

98
3007. phlegmatic: hard to rouse to action; specif 3022. pillory: a device consisting of a wooden board
sluggish; dull; apathetic; cam; cool; stolid. with holes for the head and hands, in which
petty offenders were formerly locked and ex-
3008. physiognomy: the practice of trying to judge posed to public scorn; any exposure to public
character and mental qualities by observation scorn.
of bodily, esp facial features; facial features
and expression esp as supposedly indicative of 3023. pince-nez: eye glass kept on nose by a clip.
character; the face; apparent characteristics; 3024. pine: to waste (away) thru grief, pain, longing
outward features or appearance. etc; to have an intense longing or desire; yearn
: with for, after, or an infinitive.
3009. physiological: 1) char of or appropriate to an
organism’s healthy or normal functioning; 2) 3025. pinion: 1) the terminal section of a bird’s
differing in, involving or affecting physiological wing including the carpus, metacarpus and
factors [a ∼ strain of bacteria]. phalanges : broadly the wing; 2) feather, quill
: also flight feathers; 3a) to disable or re-
3010. piacular: requiring a sacrifice. strain from binding the arms; 3b) to bind fast
: shackle; 4) a gear with a small number of
3011. picaresque: relating to rogues (ex movies or teeth designed to mesh with a larger wheel or
sth where the rogue can be the hero). rack.

3012. picayune: ath of little or no value; petty.3026. pinnacle: a small turret or spire on a buttress
or a supporting pier; a pointed formation, as
3013. picturesque: like a picture; implying some at the top of a mountain; peak; the highest
measure of beauty with much quaintness. point; culmination; acme.

3014. piebald: black and white in patches; motley. 3027. piquancy: pleasantly sharp or pungent;
3028. pique: to arouse resentment in, as by slight-
3015. pied: covered with patches or spots of two or
ing; ruffle the pride of; to arouse; provoke.
more colors; piebald; variegated.
3029. piscatorial: related to fishing.
3016. piety: 1) the quality or state of being pious :
as; a) fidelity to natural obligations (as to par- 3030. pitfall: hidden dangers.
ents); b) dutifulness in religion : devoutness;
3031. pithy: full of vigor; terse; full of substance.
2) a conventional belief or standard : ortho-
doxy. 3032. pittance: a special additional allowance of
food or drink in a religious house; a dole; a
3017. pigment: coloring matter, usu in the form of very small portion or quantity.
an insoluble powder, mixed with oil, water, etc
to make paints; any coloring matter in the cells 3033. pivot: a person or thing or or around which
and tissues of plants or animals. sth turns or depends etc; central point.
3034. placate: to soothe or mollify esp by conces-
3018. pilchard: young herring.
sions; appease.
3019. pilfer: to steal (esp small sums or petty ob- 3035. placebo: a harmless, unmedicated prepara-
jects); filch. tion given as a medicine to a patient merely to
humor him or used as a control in testing the
3020. pilferage: petty theft; to steal in small quan- efficacy of another, medicated substance; sth
tity. said or done to win the favor of another.
3021. pillaging: plundering; to take as booty or 3036. plagiarism: stealing the thoughts or writings
loot. of others and giving them out as one’s own.

99
3037. plaintiff: a person who brings a suit into a 3055. podagra: gout (disease—check up).
court of law; complainant.
3056. podiatry: the profession dealing with the spe-
3038. plaintive: expressing of suffering or woe; cialized care of the feet and esp with the treat-
mournful; melancholy. ment and prevention of foot disorders.
3039. plangent: resounding deeply. 3057. podium: 1) a low wall serving as a foundation
or a terrace wall : as; a) one around the arena
3040. platitude: flatness; dull commonplace or tru- of an ancient amphitheater serving as a base
ism; an empty remark made as if it were im- for the tiers of seats; b) the masonry under
portant. the stylobate of a temple; 2a) a dais esp for an
3041. platonic: purely spiritual; free from sensual orchestral conductor; 2b) lectern.
desires—specially pertaining to relations be- 3058. pogrom: an organized massacre;.
tween man & woman.
3059. poignant: stinging; pricking; sharp; sharply
3042. plaudit: an act of applause; praise bestowed.
painful to the feelings; piercing; evoking pity,
3043. plebiscite: ¡can be used for a law made by compassion,etc; emotionally touching or mov-
the people¿; an ascertainment of the general ing.
opinion on any matter.
3060. polarize: 1) to give physical polarity to; 2) to
3044. plenary: full; complete; absolute [plenary break up into opposing factions or groupings
power]; for attendance by all [a plenary ses- [a campaign that ∼d the electorate]; 3) con-
sion]. centrate [recreate a cohesive rock community
by polarizing ...].
3045. plenipotentiary: having complete powers.
3061. polemic: given to disputing; controversial; ar-
3046. plenitude: fullness; completeness. gumentative.
3047. plethora: over-fullness in any way. 3062. politic: 1) political 2) characterized by
shrewdness in managing, contriving or dealing;
3048. pliant: flexible; easily influenced.
3) sagacious in promoting a policy; 4) shrewdly
3049. pluck: 1) to pull or pick off or out; 2) to move, tactful.
remove or separate forcibly or abruptly; 3) the
3063. polity: 1) political organization; 2) a specific
heart, liver, lungs and wind pipe of a slaugh-
form of political organization; 3) a form of gov-
tered animal esp as an item of food; 4) coura-
ernment of a religious denomination.
geous readiness to fight or continue against
odds : dogged resolution. 3064. polity: basic structure of government.
3050. plumb: perfectly vertical; to a complete de- 3065. polloi:
gree : absolutely [you are ∼ crazy she said];
to weight with lead; to examine minutely and 3066. poltroonery: want of spirit; chicken!.
critically; to seal with lead.
3067. polyglot: speaking or writing many lan-
3051. plumetting: sharply falling down. guages.

3052. pluralist: one who holds more than one offices 3068. pomp: stately or brilliant display; splendor;
at one time. magnificence; ostentatious show or display.

3053. plutocracy: a govt by the wealthy; a group 3069. ponderous: very heavy; unwieldy because of
of wealthy people who control or influence the weight; that seems heavy; bulky; massive; la-
government. bored and dull.
3054. pluvial: rainy. 3070. pontiff: of a priest or a bishop.

100
3071. pontifical: of or belonging to a pontiff; splen- figure; 3) a conscious mental or outward be-
did; pompously dogmatic. havioral attitude [take a natural ∼ toward the
discussions].
3072. popinjay: fop.
3089. potable: fit to drink; drinkable.
3073. populous: full of people; numerously inhab-
ited; popular (sometimes). 3090. potent: having authority or power; mighty;
3074. porcine: of, relating to or suggesting swine. influential [a potent monarch]; convincing; co-
gent [a potent argument]; effective or powerful
3075. pore: to read or study carefully : with over; in action as a drug or drink.
to think deeply and thoroughly : with over.
3091. potentate: a person having great power;
3076. porphyry: a reddish purple rock. ruler; monarch.
3077. portal: a gate or doorway esp a magnificent 3092. potential: that can, but has not as yet, come
one. into being; possible; latent; unrealized; unde-
veloped.
3078. portend: to be an omen or warning of; fore-
shadow; presage; to be an indication of ; sig- 3093. pother: disturbance.
nify.
3094. potion: a drink or liquid dose, as a medicine,
3079. portent: an evil omen; foreshadowing import.
poison, or supposedly magic substance.
3080. portly: 1) dignified, stately; 2) heavy or
round of body : stout. 3095. potpourri: a mixture of dried flower petals
with spices, kept in ajar for its fragrance; 2) a
3081. poseur: a person who pretends to be what he medley, miscellany, or an anthology.
is not; an affected or insincere person.
3096. poultice: a hot, soft, moist mass, as of flour,
3082. posset: spiced hot drink. herbs, mustard, etc, sometime spread on cloth,
applied to a sore or inflamed part of the body.
3083. posterity: 1) the offspring of one progenitor
to the furthest generation; 2) all future gener- 3097. practicable: that can be done or put into
ations. practice; feasible [ a practicable plan]; that can
be used; usable; useful.
3084. posthumous: born after the father’s death;
published after the death of author; arising or 3098. pragmatic: 1) relating to matters of fact or
continuing after one’s death. practical affairs often to the exclusion of intel-
3085. postprandial: after dinner. lectual or artistic matters; practical as opposed
to idealistic [∼ men of power have had etc].
3086. postulant: a petitioner; a candidate for holy
orders. 3099. prate: to talk much and foolishly; chatter.

3087. postulate: 1) demand,claim; 2a) to assume 3100. prattle: to speak in a childish way; babble;
or claim as true, existent or necessary : de- prate.
pend upon or start from the postulate of; 3)
a hypothesis advanced as an essential presup- 3101. preamble: an introduction, esp one to a con-
position, condition or premise for a train of stitution, statute etc stating the reasons for it
reasoning. and its purpose; an introductory fact, event
etc; preliminary.
3088. posture: 1) the position or bearing of the
body whether char or assumed for a special 3102. prebendary: resident clergyman who enjoys
purpose; 2) the pose of a model or artistic a prebend.

101
3103. precarious: 1) depending upon circum- 3114.
stances; uncertain; insecure; 2) dependent
upon chance; risky [a precarious foothold];
3) dependent upon mere assumption; unwar- 3115.
ranted [a precarious assertion].
3104. precatory: of the nature of or expressing a
wish, request or recommendation.
3116.
3105. precedent: 1) prior in time, order, arrange-
ment or significance; 2) an earlier occurrence of
sth similar; 3a) sth done or said that may serve
as an example or rule to authorize or justify a
3117.
subsequent act of the same or an analogous
kind [a verdict that had no precedent].
3106. precept: 1) a command or principle intended
esp as a general rule of action; 2) an order is-
3118.
sued by legally constituted authority to a sub-
ordinate official.
3119.
3107. precinct: space; an area esp around a build-
ing or other subject; any area of jurisdiction. 3120.
3108. precipice: 1) a vertical, almost vertical . or
overhanging rock face; steep cliff; 2) a greatly 3121. preeminence: outstanding extreme; surpass-
hazardous situation, verging on disaster. ing others in good or bad qualities.
3109. precipitate: 1) falling steeply, rushing head- 3122.
long, flowing swiftly, etc; 2)acting, happen-
ing or done very hastily or rashly; impetu-
ous; headstrong; 3) very sudden, unexpected,
or abrupt.
3110. precipitate: 1) to throw headlong; hurl 3123.
downward; 2) to cause to happen before ex-
pected, warranted, needed, or desired; bring
3124.
on; hasten [to precipitate a crisis]; 4) to con-
dense (water vapor) and cause to fall to the
ground as rain, snow, sleet etc. 3125.
3111. precipitous: sheer; sharp like a precipice.
3112. precise: 1) strictly defined; accurately stated; 3126.
definite; 2) speaking definitely or distinctly; 3)
with no variation; minutely exact [the precise
amount]; 4a) that strictly conforms to usage, 3127.
rules etc; scrupulous; fastidious; 4b) too fas-
tidious; finicky.
3113. preclude: to close beforehand; to prevent; to 3128. premeditate: to think out, plan or scheme
hinder by anticipation. beforehand [a premeditated murder].
102
precocious: early in reaching some state of
development.
precursor: 1) a person or thing that goes be-
fore; forerunner; harbinger; 2) a predecessor,
as in office; 3) a substance that precedes and
is the source of another substance.
predatory: 1) of, living by , or characterized
by plundering, robbing or exploiting others; 2)
living by capturing and feeding upon other an-
imals; predacious.
predecessor: 1) a person who precedes or
preceded another, as in office; 2)a thing re-
placed by another thing, as in use; 3) an an-
cestor, forefather.
predicament: unfortunate situation or con-
dition.
predicate: preach; to affirm; to assert;
predilection: favourable prepossession of
mind; preference.
preemption: 1) the act or right of buying
land, etc before, or in preference to, others;
esp such a right granted to a settler on public
land; 2) action taken to check another action
beforehand.
preen: a) [dial Brit] pin : brooch; b) to dress
or smooth (oneself) up : primp.
prefatory: of, like, or serving as a preface;
introductory.
prehensile: adapted for seizing or grasping,
esp by wrapping or folding around sth, as the
tail of certain monkeys.
prelate: an ecclesiastic of high rank; a chief
priest in clergymen.
prelude: ath serving as the introduction to a
principal event, action, performance etc; pre-
liminary part; preface; opening.
3129. premonition: a forewarning; feeling that sth 3146. prevenience: foresighted action.
is going to happen.
3147. prim: stiffly formal, precise, moral, etc;
3130. preponderate: 1) to sink or incline down- proper; demure.
ward, as the scale of a balance; 2) to surpass
others in amount, number, power, influence, 3148. primogeniture: 1) the condition or fact of
importance, etc; predominate. being the first-born of the same parents; 2)
the exclusive right of the eldest son to inherit
3131. preposterous: utterly absurd. his father’s estate.
3132. prerogative: a peculiar privilege shared by 3149. primordial: 1) first in time; existing at or
no other; a distinctively superior advantage. from the beginning; primitive; primeval; 2)
not derivative; fundamental; original; 3) earli-
3133. presage: 1) sth that foreshadows or portends
est formed in the development of an organism,
a future event : omen; 2) an intuition or feeling
organ, structure, etc; primitive.
of what is going to happen in the future.
3150. primp: to groom or dress up in a fussy way.
3134. prescience: fore knowledge; foresight.
3151. pristine: 1) original; former; belonging to the
3135. presentiment: a feeling that sth esp of an un-
earliest time; 2) still pure; uncorrupted; un-
fortunate or evil nature is about to take place;
spoiled.
foreboding.

3136. prestidigitator: one who has sleight of hand. 3152. privation: being deprived of something nec-
essary for comfort.
3137. prestige: 1) the power to impress or influence,
as because of success, wealth etc; 2) reputation 3153. privative: making negative.
based on brilliance of achievement, character 3154. privy: 1) a small building having a bench with
etc; renown. holes thru which the user may defecate or uri-
3138. presumptuous: insolent, arrogant, brazen; nate; toilet.
[Opp.] diffident, coy, unobtrusive. 3155. privy: 1a) private, withdrawn; 1b) secret; 2)
3139. presumptuous: presuming; taking as true belonging or relating to a person in one’s indi-
without examination or proof. vidual rather than official capacity; 3) admit-
ted as one sharing a secret [∼ to the conspir-
3140. pretentious: 1) overassuming; seeming to acy].
claim much; 2) affectedly grand; ostentatious.
3156. probation: testing; proof.
3141. preterition: retrospective time; bygone days;
antiquity; pristine. 3157. probity: uprightness; moral integrity.

3142. preternatural: 1) differing from or beyond 3158. problematic: 1) having the nature of a prob-
what is normally found in or expected from lem; hard to solve or deal with; 2) not settled;
nature; abnormal ;2) supernatural; yet to be determined; uncertain.

3143. pretext: 1) a false reason or motive put forth 3159. proclivity: inclination; propensity.
to hide the real one; excuse; 2) a cover-up;
front. 3160. procrastinate: to put off intentionally and
habitually : postpone.
3144. prevalent: a) widely existing; b) generally
practiced, occurring, or accepted. 3161. procure: 1) to get or bring about by some
effort; obtain ;secure [to procure supplies]; 2)
3145. prevaricate: to deviate; to evade the truth; to obtain (persons, esp women) for the purpose
to shift from side to side. of prostitution.

103
3162. prod: 1) to jab or poke with or as with a 3179. proliferate: 1) to grow by multiplying new
pointed stick; goad ; 2) to urge or stir unto parts, as by budding, in quick succession; 2)
action. to multiply rapidly; increase profusely.

3163. prodigal: 1) exceedingly or recklessly waste- 3180.
ful; 2) extremely generous; lavish [prodigal
with one’s praise]; 3) extremely abundant; pro-
fuse.
3164. prodigious: 1) wonderful; amazing; 2) of
great size, power, extent, etc; enormous; huge.
3165. profane: 1) to treat sth (sacred) with irrev-
erence, abuse or contempt : desecrate; 2) to
debase by wrong, unworthy or vulgar use; 3)
not concerned with religious purposes : secu-
lar; 4) not holy because unconsecrated, impure 3183.
or defiled : unsanctified.
3166. profligate: abandoned to vice; overthrown;
defeated.
3167. profound: deep seated; intense; abstruse.
3168. profusion: extravagance; prodigality.
3169. progenitor: 1) a forefather, ancestor in di- 3185.
rect line; 2) a source from which sth develops;
originator or precursor.
3170. progeny: children, descendants or offspring
collectively; issue.
3171. prognathous: having projecting jaws.
3172. prognosis: a forecast or forecasting; esp a
prediction of the probable course of a disease 3187. promulgate: to proclaim; to make widely
in an individual and the chances of recovery.
3173. prognostications: predictions.
3174. projectile: 1) an object designed to be hurled
or shot forward, as a cannon shell etc; 2) any-
thing thrown or hurled forward.
3175. prolate: ¡also used for¿ widespread.
3176. prolegomena: an introduction esp to a trea-
3190. propagate: 1) to cause to continue to increase
tise;.
3177. prolegomena: preliminary remarks.
3178. proletariat: the working class; esp the indus-
trial working class.
prolific: 1) producing young or fruit, esp
freely; 2) to increase in number as by prolif-
erating : multiply.
3181. prolix: long winded; dwelling too long on par-
ticulars.
3182. prominent: 1) sticking out; projecting [a
prominent chin]; 2) noticeable at once; con-
spicuous [prominent markings]; 3) widely and
favorably known [a prominent artist].
promiscuous: 1) consisting of different ele-
ments mixed together or mingled without sort-
ing or discrimination; 2) characterized by lack
of discrimination; specif engaging in sexual in-
tercourse indiscriminately or with many per-
sons; 3) without plan or purpose; casual.
3184. promissory: containing a promise of some en-
gagement to be fulfilled.
promontory: a peak of high land that juts
out into a body of water; headland.
3186. prompt: 1) to move to action : incite; 2) to
assist (one acting or reciting) by saying or sug-
gesting or saying the next words of sth forgot-
ten or imperfectly learned : cue; 3) to serve as
the inciting cause of; 4) being ready and quick
to act as occasion demands.
known.
3188. prone: 1) having a tendency or inclination :
being likely [∼ to forget names]; 2a) having the
front or ventral surface downward; 2b) lying
flat or prostrate.
3189. propaedeutic: relating to introduction to a
study.
by sexual or asexual reproduction; 2) to pass
along to offspring; 3) to cause to spread out
and affect a greater number or greater area :
extend; to foster growing knowledge of famil-
iarity with or acceptance of : publicize.

104
3191. propensity: inclination of mind; tendency to 3205. proscribe: to banish, ostracise, interdict; to
good or evil; disposition. invite, entreat, welcome.
3192. prophylactic: preventive or protective; esp 3206. proselyte: 1) to try to convert (a person), esp
preventing or guarding against disease. to one’s religion; 2) to persuade to do or join
sth esp by offering an inducement.
3193. propinquity: 1) nearness in time or place; 2)
nearness of relationship; kinship. 3207. prosody: 1) the science or art of versifica-
tion, including the study of metrical struc-
3194. propitiate: to cause to become favorably in-
tures, stanza forms, etc; 2) a particular system
clined; win or regain the good will of; appease
or style of versification and metrical structure.
or conciliate [sacrifices made to propitiate the
gods]. 3208. prosperity: the condition of being successful
or thriving, esp well being.
3195. propitious: favorable; disposed to be gra-
cious; boding well; auspicious; that favors or 3209. prostration: humble reverence; (say lying
furthers [propitious winds]. flat on the ground).
3196. proponent: bringing forward; bringing into 3210. protagonist: hero; leader; the chief actor or
action. combatant.
3197. propositions: act of proposing. 3211. protean: readily assuming different shapes;
3198. propound: to put forward for consideration; variable; inconstant.
purpose. 3212. prototype: original; module; paradigm; spec-
3199. proprietary: of the nature of property; of imen; archetype.
ownership. 3213. protract: 1) to draw out, lengthen in dura-
3200. propriety: 1) the quality of being proper, fit- tion; prolong; 2) to draw to scale, using a pro-
ting or suitable; fitness; 2) conformity with tractor and scale; 3) to thrust out; extend :
what is proper or fitting; 3) conformity with opposed to retract.
accepted standards or proper manner or be-
3214. protrude: to thrust or jut out; project.
havior.
3215. protuberance: bulging or swelling.
3201. propulsive: tending or having power to pro-
pel. 3216. provenance: 1) origin, source; 2) the history
of ownership of a valued object or work of art
3202. prosaic: 1) of or like prose rather than poetry;
or literature.
often specif heavy, flat, unimaginative etc; 2)
commonplace, dull and ordinary [prosaic de- 3217. provender: 1) dry food for livestock, as hay,
tails of everyday life]. corn, oats,etc; fodder; 2) provisions; food.
3203. proscenium: 1a) the apron of a stage; 1b) 3218. providence: foresight; prudent management
the plane separating the stage proper from the and thrift; timely preparation.
audience and including the arch (proscenium
arch) and the curtain within it; 2) the stage of 3219. provident: 1) providing for future needs or
an ancient Greek or Roman theatre. events; exercising or characterized by foresight;
2) prudent or economical.
3204. proscribe: 1) in ancient Rome, to publish the
name of ( a person) condemned to death, ban- 3220. provincial: 1) the superior of a province of a
ishment etc; 2) to deprive of the protection Roman Catholic religious order; 2) one living
of the law; outlaw; 3) to banish; exile; 4) to in or coming from a province; 3a) a person of
denounce or forbid the practice, use etc of; in- local or restricted interests or outlook; 3b) a
terdict. person lacking urban polish or refinement.

105
3221. provisional: having the nature of a tempo- 3232. psychiatry: the branch of medicine con-
rary provision; arranged or established for the cerned with the study, treatment and preven-
time being, pending permanent arrangement tion of disorders of the mind including psy-
or establishment. choses and neuroses, emotional maladjustment
etc.
3222. proviso: a provision or condition in a deed or
writing; stipulation. 3233. psychopath: a person suffering from a men-
tal disorder; specif a person whose behavior is
3223. provoke: 1) to excite to some action or feel- largely amoral or asocial and who is; charac-
ing; 2) to anger, irritate, or annoy; 3) to stir terized by irresponsibility, lack of remorse or
up (action or feeling); 4) to call forth; evoke shame, perverse or; impulsive (often criminal)
[to provoke a smile]. behavior, and other serious personality defects;
generally without psychotic attacks or symp-
3224. proximity: the state or quality of being near; toms.
nearness in space, time etc. 3234. psychosis: a major mental disorder in which
the personality in very seriously disorganized
3225. proxy: 1) the agency or function of a depute; and contact with reality is usu impaired.
2) the authority to act for another; 3) a docu-
ment empowering a person to act for another, 3235. pterodactyl: any of various pterosaurs of the
as in voting at a stockholder’s meeting; 4) a Late Jurassic having a rudimentary tail and
person empowered to act for another. beak with reduced dentition.

3226. prude: a person who is over modest or proper 3236. puerile: childish; trifling; silly.
in behaviour, dress, or speech, esp in a way 3237. puerile: foolish, puny, fatuous, shallow; wise,
that annoys others. sensible, shrewd.
3227. prudent: 1) capable of exercising sound 3238. pugnacious: fondness for fighting.
judgement in practical matters, esp as con-
cerns one’s own interests; 2) cautious or dis- 3239. puissant: powerful; strong.
creet in conduct; circumspect; not rash; 3) 3240. pulchritude: physical comeliness; beauty.
managing carefully and with economy.
3241. pullulate: swarm.
3228. prune: 1) to remove the dead or living parts
from (a plant) so as to increase fruit or flower 3242. pulsate: 1) to beat or throb rhythmically, as
production or improve the form; 2) to cut out the heart; 2) to vibrate; quiver.
or get rid of as being unnecessary; 3) to reduce 3243. pulverize: 1) to crush , grind, etc into a pow-
or diminish by removing what is unnecessary. der or dust; 2) to break down completely; de-
molish.
3229. prurient: uneasily or morbidly interested
curious or craving; dallying with lascivious 3244. pummel: to beat or hit with repeated blows,
thoughts. esp with the fist.

3230. psittacism: parrot like. 3245. punctilious: exact observance of formalities.

3231. psyche: 1) the human soul; 2) the intel-
lect; 3) the mind considered as a subjectively
perceived, functional entity, based ultimately
upon physical processes but with complex pro-
cesses of its own : it governs the total organism
and its interactions with the environment.
3246. pundit: 1) a person who has or professes to
have great knowledge/learning; actual or self-
professed authority; 2) in India , a Brahmin
who is learned in Sanskrit and in Hindu phi-
losophy, law and religion.
3247. pungency: acridity; mordant; acrimonious.

106
3248. pungent: sharp; pricking or acrid to taste.
3249. punitive: concerned with inflicting or intend-
ing to inflict punishment.
3250. purblind: lacking understanding.
3266. qualm: 1) a sudden attack of illness, faintness,
or nausea; 2) a sudden access of usu disturbing
emotion (as of doubt of fear); 3) a feeling of
uneasiness about a point esp of conscience or
propriety.

3251. purgatory: any state or place of temporary 3267.
punishment, expiation or remorse.
3268.
3252. purloin: to filch; steal; to appropriate wrong-
fully and often by breach of trust.
quandaries: state of perplexity; dilemma.
quarry: 1) an animal that is being hunted
down, esp with dogs or hawks; prey; 2) ath
being hunted or pursued.

3253. purport: 1) meaning; tenor; sense; drift; 2) 3269. quarry: a place where building stone, marble
intention; object. or slate is excavated, as by cutting or blasting.
3254. purveyor: one whose business is to provide 3270. quash: 1) to annul or set aside (an indict-
victuals or meals. ment); 2) to quell or suppress (an uprising).
3255. purview: scope; range; field of activity or 3271. quay: a wharf, usu of concrete or stone, for
view. use in loading and unloading ships.
3256. pusillanimity: timidity, dastardliness, cow-
3272. queasy: unsettled; uneasy; causing nausea.
ardice, poltroonery; valour, intrepidity, forti-
tude.
3273. quell: to extinguish; to crush; subdue.
3257. putative: generally considered or deemed
3274. querulous: complaining; peevish.
such; reputed [a putative ancestor].

3258. putrid: 1) decomposed; rotten and foul 3275. quibble: an evasive turning away from the
smelling; 2) causing, showing or proceeding point in question into matters irrelevant;
from decay; 3) morally corrupt; depraved; 4) merely verbal or insignificant; a pun; a petty
very disagreeable or unpleasant. conceit.

3259. pylon: gateway. 3276. quibble: prevaricate, equivocate, cavil; be-

firm, act conscientiously, speak plainly.
3260. pyromania: a persistent compulsion to start
destructive fires. 3277. quiddity: the whatness or essence of any-
thing; a cavil; a captious question.
3261. quack: 1) any person who pretends to have
knowledge or skill that he or she does not have 3278. quiescent: quiet; still; inactive.
in a particular field; charlatan; 2) an untrained
person who practices medicine fraudulently. 3279. quietude: quietness; tranquility.

3262. quaff: to drink deeply in a hearty or thirsty 3280.
way.
3281.
3263. quagmire: wet boggy ground that yields or
quakes under the feet; a difficult or inextricable
position [a quagmire of debts].
3264. quail: to draw back in fear; lose heart or
courage.
3265. quaint: skillful esp in the use of language.
quietus: release from life.
quintessence: 1) in ancient and medieval
philosophy the fifth essence, or ultimate sub-
stance, of which the heavenly bodies were
thought to be composed : distinguished from
the four elements (air, fire, water, and earth);
2) the pure, concentrated essence of ath; 3)
the most perfect manifestation of a quality or
thing.

107
3282. quip: 1a) a clever usu taunting remark : gibe; 3300. rampant: prevalent, dominant, violent; un-
1b) a witty or funny observation or response obtrusive, meek, mild.
usu made on the spur of the moment; 2) quib-
ble, equivocation. 3301. rampant: rearing; high spirited; unre-
strained; unchecked in growth or prevalence.
3283. quirk: a sudden turn; twist; an artful evasion;
a quibble. 3302. rampart: 1) an embankment of earth, usu
surmounted by a parapet, encircling a castle,
3284. quisling: a traitor. fort etc for defense against attack; 2) any de-
fense or bulwark.
3285. quixotic: extravagantly chivalrous or fool-
ishly idealistic; visionary; impractical or im- 3303. ramshackle: tumble down; not in good con-
practicable. dition?.
3286. quizzical: 1) odd, comical; 2) teasing; ban- 3304. rancid: sour; rank in smell or taste; having
tering; 3) perplexed; questioning. the bad smell or taste of stale fats or oils.
3287. quizzical: awed?. 3305. rancor: ill-will; virulence; spite; deep seated
enmity.
3288. quorum: 1) the minimum number of mem-
bers required to be present at an assembly or 3306. rankle: to cause or cause to have long lasting
meeting before it can validly proceed to trans- anger, rancor, resentment etc [their indiffer-
act business; 2) a select group or company. ence rankled him].
3289. quotidian: 1) daily; recurring every day; 2) 3307. rankling: continuing to be a painful or bitter
everyday, usual or ordinary. memory;
3290. quotidian: occurring everyday. 3308. rant: to talk or say in a loud, wild, extrava-
gant way; declaim violently; rave.
3291. rabid: frantic, berserk, frenetic, frenzied;
sane, normal, reasonable. 3309. rapacious: avaricious, voracious, predatory;
liberal, bountiful, prodigal.
3292. raconteur: a person skilled at telling stories
or anecdotes. 3310. rapine: plundering; prey; ravishment.
3293. ragamuffin: a dirty, ragged person; esp a 3311. rapport: relation; connection.
poor ragged child.
3312. rapprochement: a drawing together; estab-
3294. rail: to speak bitterly or reproachfully; com- lishment or renewal of cordial relations.
plain violently : with against or at.
3313. raptorial: predacious.
3295. raiment: clothing; wearing apparel; attire.
3314. rapturous: extremely delightful; paroxysm.
3296. rakish: dissolute; libertine; having a
trim or streamline appearance suggestive of 3315. rarefy: 1) to make or become thin, or less
speed; dashingly or carelessly unconventional dense; 2) to make or become more refined, sub-
: jaunty. tle or lofty.

3297. rambling: aimless; walking for pleasure. 3316. raspy: 1) rasping; grating; 2) easily irritated.

3298. rambunctious: marked by uncontrollable ex- 3317. ratify: to approve or confirm, esp to give offi-
uberance; unruly. cial sanction to.

3299. ramification: branching esp the remote 3318. ratiocination: logical reasoning; act of draw-
branch, offshoot or link. ing conclusions from premises.

108
3319. raucous: 1) hoarse; rough-sounding; 2) loud 3333. rebuttal: to repel; to refute.
and rowdy.
3334. recalcitrant: 1) refusing to obey authority,
3320. ravage: 1) an act or practice of ravaging; 2) custom, regulation, etc; stubbornly defiant; 2)
damage resulting from ravaging ; violently de- hard to handle or deal with.
structive effect; 3) to wreak havoc on : affect
destructively. 3335. recalcitrant: obstinate in opposition.

3321. rave: 1a) to talk irrationally in or as if in delir- 3336. recant: retract, abjure, withdraw, repudiate;
ium; 1b) to speak wildly; 1c) to talk with ex- to acknowledge, admit, proclaim.
treme enthusiasm; 2) to move or advance vio-
3337. recant: to retract; to revoke a former decla-
lently : storm; 3) act or instance of raving; 4)
ration; to unsay what has been said.
an extravagantly favorable criticism.
3338. recant: to withdraw or renounce (beliefs or
3322. ravel: 1a) to separate or undo the texture of
statements formerly held) esp in a formal or
: unravel; 1b) undo the intricacies of : disen-
public manner.
tangle ; 2) sth tangled; sth raveled out : specif
a loose thread. 3339. recapitulate: to repeat briefly, as in an out-
line; summarize.
3323. ravenous: 1) greedily or wildly hungry; vora-
cious or famished; 2) very eager for gratifica- 3340. receptacle: that in ath may be received or
tion [ravenous for praise]; 3) very rapacious.g stored.
3324. raze: to tear down completely; level to the 3341. receptive: 1) able or inclined to receive; esp
ground; demolish. : open and responsive to ideas, impressions or
3325. reactionary: relating to, marked by, or favor- suggestions; 2a) of a sensory end organ : fit to
ing reaction ,esp ultraconservative in politics. receive or transmit stimuli.

3326. realm: 1) a kingdom; 2) a region; sphere; area 3342. recession: 1) the act or action of receding
[the realm of thought]; 3) any of the primary : withdrawal; 2) a departing procession (as of
biogeographic regions of the earth. clergy and choir at the end of a church service);
3) a period of reduced economic activity.
3327. rebate: a return on part of an amount paid,
as for goods or services, serving s a reduction 3343. recidivism: habitual or chronic relapse, or
or discount. tendency to relapse, esp into, crime or anti-
social behavior.
3328. rebuff: 1) an abrupt, blunt refusal of offered
advice, help etc; 2) any check or repulse. 3344. reciprocate: 1) to give and take mutually; 2)
to return in kind or degree; 2) to move for-
3329. rebuffed: a beating back; unexpected refusal; ward and backward alternately [a reciprocat-
snub. ing valve].
3330. rebuked: to check; restrain; to reprove 3345. recluse: shut away from the world; secluded;
sternly. solitary.
3331. rebus: a kind of puzzle consisting of pictures 3346. recoil: to shrink from;.
of objects, signs, letters, etc, the combination
of whose names suggests words or phrases [a 3347. recompense: to return an equivalent to or
picture of an eye followed by an L followed by for; to repay.
an ampersand is a ∼ for “island”].
3348. reconcile: 1) to make friendly again or win
3332. rebut: to contradict, refute or oppose, esp in over to a friendly attitude; 2) to settle a (quar-
a formal manner by argument, proof, etc, as rel or dispute) or compose (a difference); 3)
in a debate. to make (arguments, ideas, texts, accounts,

109
 etc) consistent, compatible, etc; bring into har- 3360. recuperate: 1) to be restored to health,
mony; 4) to make content, submissive or acqui- strength etc; get well again; recover; 2) to re-
escent (to) [to become ∼ed one’s lot]. cover losses, etc.
3349. recondite: 1) beyond the grasp of the or- 3361. recusant: dissenting in religion.
dinary mind or understanding; profound; ab-
struse; 2) dealing with abstruse or difficult sub- 3362. redaction: editing.
jects; 3) obscure or concealed.
3363. redeem: 1a) to buy back : repurchase; 1b) to
3350. reconnaissance: an exploratory survey or ex- get or win back; 2) to free from what distresses
amination as in seeking out information about or harms: as; a) to free from captivity by pay-
enemy positions or installations, or as in mak- ment of ransom; b) to extricate from or help
ing a preliminary geological or engineering sur- to overcome sth detrimental; c) to release from
vey. blame or debt; 3) to change for the better; 4)
to atone for : expiate.
3351. recount: 1) to tell in detail; give an account
of; narrate; 2) to tell in order or one by one; 3364. redolent: 1) sweet-smelling; fragrant; 2)
3) to count again. smelling (of); 3) suggestive or evocative (of).
3352. recourse: 1) a turning or seeking for aid, 3365. redoubtable: 1) formidable; valiant; 2) com-
safety etc; 2) that to which one turns seek- manding respect [a ∼ logician].
ing aid,safety , etc [one’s last recourse]; 3) the
right to demand payment from the maker or 3366. redress: to set right; rectify or remedy, of-
endorser of a negotiable; instrument as a bill ten by making compensation for (a wrong,
of exchange : usu in “without recourse” with- grievance,etc).
out; obligation to pay (added by the endorser
to the bill of exchange to escape; possible lia- 3367. redundance: superabundance; superfluity;
bility). saturation; exuberance; surfeit; excess; exor-
bitance.
3353. recreant: surrendering; craven; false.
3368. reek: 1) to expose to the action of smokes or
3354. recriminate: to answer an accuser by accus-
fumes; 2) to emit or exude (vapor, fumes, etc).
ing him in return; reply with a counter-charge.
3355. recrudescence: a new outbreak after a pe- 3369. refection: a light meal.
riod of abatement or inactivity; renewal. 3370. refectory: a dining hall in a monastery, col-
3356. rectify: 1) to set right : remedy; 2) to pu- lege, etc.
rify (as alcohol) esp by repeated or fractional
3371. referendum: the principle or practice of sub-
distillation; 3) to correct by removing errors :
mitting a vote, a question directly to the vote
adjust.
of the electorate.
3357. rectitude: 1) conduct according to moral
principle; strict honesty; uprightness of char- 3372. refractory: 1) hard to manage; stubborn; ob-
acter; 2) correctness of judgement or method. stinate : said of a person or animal; 2) resistant
to heat; hard to melt or work : said or ores or
3358. rectitude: 1) the quality or state of being metals; 3a) not yielding to treatment,as a dis-
straight; 2) moral integrity : righteousness; 3) ease; 3b) able to resist disease.
the quality or state of being correct in judge-
ment or procedure. 3373. refrain: 1) to keep oneself from doing, feeling
or indulging in sth and esp from following a
3359. recumbent: 1a) lying down; reclining; lean- passing impulse; 2) curb, restrain.
ing; 1b) resting; idle; 2) designating a part that
leans or lies upon some other part or surface. 3374. refulgent: brilliant.

110
3375. refurbish: to brighten, freshen, or polish up 3387. reiterate: to repeat (sth done or said); say or
again; renovate. do again or repeatedly.

3376. refute: 1) to prove (a person) to be wrong; 3388. rejoinder: a) an answer to a reply; b) a reply;
confute; 2) to prove (an argument or state- answer.
ment) to be false or wrong, by argument or
evidence. 3389. rejuvenate: 1) to make feel or seem young
again; bring back to youthful strength, appear-
3377. regal: 1) of a monarch, royal; 2) characteristic ance etc; 2) to make seem new or fresh again.
of, like, or fit for a monarch; splendid, stately,
magnificent etc. 3390. relation: analogy; apposition; affinity; homo-
geneity.
3378. regale: 1) to entertain by providing a splen-
did feast; 2) to delight with sth pleasing or 3391. relegate: to banish; to dismiss; to assign; to
amusing. refer.
3379. regatta: event consisting of rowing or yacht 3392. relegate: to banish; to send away; to dismiss.
races.
3393. relent: to soften in temper, resolution etc; be-
3380. regeneration: 1) an act or the process of re-
come less severe, stern, stubborn etc.
generating; 2) spiritual renewal or revival; 3)
renewal or restoration of a body or bodily part 3394. relic: 1a) an object esteemed and venerated
after injury or as a normal process; 4) utiliza- because of association with a saint or mar-
tion special devices of heat or other products tyr; 1b) souvenir: memento; 2) [pl] remains,
that would ordinarily be lost. corpse; 3) a survivor or remnant of some past
or outmoded practice.
3381. regicide: 1) one who kills, or is responsible
for the killing of a monarch, esp of one’s own 3395. relinquish: 1) to give up; abandon (a plan,
country; 2) the killing of a monarch. policy etc); 2) to renounce or surrender (sth
3382. regime: 1a) regimen; 1b) a regular pattern of owned, a right etc); 3) to let go (a grasp, hold
occurrence or action (as of seasonal rainfall); etc).
1c) the char behavior or orderly procedure of a
3396. reliquary: a receptacle for relics.
natural phenomenon or process; 2a) a mode or
rule of management; 2b) a form of government; 3397. relish: 1) char flavor; esp : pleasing or zestful
2c) a government in power. flavor; 2) a quality just sufficient to flavor or
3383. regimen: a regulated system of diet, exercise, characterize : trace; 3a) enjoyment or delight
etc for therapy or the maintenance or improve- in sth that satisfies one’s tastes, inclinations or
ment of health. desires; 3b) a strong liking, or inclination; 4a)
sth adding a zestful flavor esp a condiment (as
3384. rehabilitate: 1a) to restore to a former ca- of pickles or green tomatoes) eaten with other
pacity : reinstate; 1b) to restore to good re- food to add flavor.
pute : reestablish the good name of; 2a) to
restore to a former state (as of efficiency, good 3398. remediable: capable of being remedied, re-
management or solvency) [∼ slum areas]; 2b) lieved, corrected or treated.
to restore or bring to a condition of health or
useful and constructive activity. 3399. reminiscence: recollection; an account of sth
remembered; sth that suggests or recalls sth
3385. reification: act of making sth concrete. else; reminder.

3386. reimbursable: sth which can be ∼ ie to pay 3400. remiss: negligent; slack; wanting in vigor;
an equivalent to the loss or expense. characterized by carelessness or negligence.

111
3401. remission: the act or an instance of remit- 3413. renunciate: to renounce; repudiate: specif
ting; specif ; a) forgiveness or pardon, as of ascetic self-denial.
sin’s or crimes; b) cancellation of or release
from a debt, tax, penalty etc; c) a lessening or 3414. reparation: 1a) a repairing or keeping in re-
abating, as of heat or cold, pain etc; d) a rela- pair; 1b) [pl] repairs; 2a) the act of making
tively prolonged lessening or disappearance of amends, offering expiation, or giving satisfac-
the symptoms of a disease. tion for a wrong or injury; 2b) sth done or
given as an act of satisfaction; 3) indemnifica-
3402. remonstrate: to make strong or formal tion.
protest; to expostulate;
3415. repartee: 1) a quick, witty reply; 2) a series of
3403. remorse: 1) a gnawing distress arising from such rejoinders; 3) skill in making witty replies.
a sense of guilt for past wrongs ; self-reproach;
penitence. 3416. repartee: a quick witty reply.

3404. remunerate: to recompense; to pay for ser- 3417. repatriate: to send back or return to the
vice rendered. country of birth,citizenship, or allegiance.

3405. rend: 1) to tear, pull or rip with violence 3418. repeal: 1) to rescind or annul by authoritative
: with from, off, away etc; 2) to tear, pull act; esp : to revoke or abrogate by legislative
apart, rip up or split with violence [a tree rent enactment; 2) abandon, renounce.
by lightning] : often used figuratively [a roar
rends the air]; 3) to tear (one’s clothing) to 3419. repellent: 1) serving to drive away or ward
show grief, anguish, etc. off—-often used in combination; 2) arousing
aversion or disgust.
3406. rendition: surrender; to tender or submit.
3420. repercussion: 1) reflection, reverberation;
3407. renegade: ¡alternate spelling—renegate¿ 2a) an action or effect given or extended in
apostate; one faithless to principle or party. return : a reciprocal action or effect; 2b) a
widespread, indirect, or unforeseen effect of an
3408. renege: to back out of an agreement; go back action, or event.
on a promise.
3421. repertoire: 1a) a list or supply of dramas, op-
3409. renitent: constantly opposed. eras, pieces or parts that a company or person
3410. renounce: 1) to give up (a claim, right, belief is prepared to perform; 1b) a supply of skills,
etc), usu by a formal public statement; 2) to devices, or expedients [part of the ∼ of a quar-
give up (a pursuit, practice, way of living or terback]; 1c) a list or supply of capabilities.
feeling etc); 3) to cast off or disown; refuse 3422. repertoire: a repertory of someone or sth.
further association with; repudiate.
3423. repertory: storehouse; repository; company
3411. renovate: 1) to make fresh or sound again,
that presents several different plays, operas, or
as though new; clean up, replace worn out and
theater housing such a company.
broken parts; 2) to refresh; revive.
3424. repine: 1) to feel or express dejection or dis-
3412. rent: 1a) a usu fixed periodical return made
content; 2) to long for sth.
by a tenant or occupant of property to the
owner for the possession and use thereof; esp 3425. repine: to feel or express unhappiness or dis-
: an agreed sum paid at fixed intervals by the content; complain; fret.
tenant; 2) the portion of the income of an econ-
omy (as of a nation) attributable to land as a 3426. replete: 1) fully or abundantly provided or
factor of production in addition to capital and filled [a book ∼ with info]; 2a) abundantly fed
labor. : fat : stout.

112
3427. replete: ill-filled or plentifully supplied; 2) 3442. reprove: 1) to scold or correct usu gently or
stuffed with food and drink; gorged.
3428. replicate: 1) to fold; bend back; 2) to repeat
or duplicate.
3429. repository: a place or receptacle in which ath
is laid up; storehouse; place of accumulation.
3430. reprehend: to reprimand or rebuke (a per-
son); to find fault with (sth done); censure.
with kindly intent; 2) to express disapproval of
: censure [it is not for me to ∼ popular taste].
3443. repudiate: 1) to refuse to have ath to do with;
disown or cast off publicly; 2a) to refuse to ac-
cept or support; deny the validity of (a belief, a
treaty, etc); 2b) to deny the truth of (a charge,
etc); 3) to refuse to acknowledge or pay (a debt
or obligation) : said esp of a government.

3431. reprehensible: blameworthy. 3444. repudiate: to divorce; to disown; to reject.

3432. repress: 1a) to check by or as if by pressure : 3445. repugnance: 1) inconsistency or contradic-

curb [injustice was ∼ed]; 1b) to put down by
force : subdue; 2a) to hold in by self control
[∼ed a laugh]; 2b) to prevent the natural or
normal expression, activity or development of 3446.
[∼ed her anger].
3433. repressive: adj of repress ie to keep under;
restrain.
3434. reprieve: 1) to postpone the punishment of;
esp to postpone the execution of (a person con-
demned to death); 2) to give a temporary relief
to, as from trouble or pain.
3435. reprieve: to delay the execution of; interval
of ease or relief; a suspension of a criminal sen-
tence.
3436. reprimand: 1) a severe or formal reproof;
2) to reprove sharply or censure formally usu
from a position of authority.
3437. reprisal: seizure in retaliation; sth given or
paid in retaliation.
3438. reprise: 1) a deduction or charge made yearly
out of a manor or estate—usu used in pl; 2) a
recurrence, renewal, or resumption of an ac-
tion; 3a) a musical repetition : recapitulation.
3439. reproach: to accuse of and blame for a fault,
so as to make feel ashamed; rebuke; reprove.
3452. residue: 1) that which is left over after part
3440. reprobate: base; depraved; unprincipled; an
abandoned or profligate person.
3441. reprobation: the act of reprobating or the
state of being reprobate.
tion; 2) extreme dislike or distaste; aversion;
antipathy.
repulsion: 1) the action of repulsing : the
state of being repulsed; 2) the action of re-
pelling : the force with which bodies, particles,
or like forces repel one another.
3447. requiem: a Mass for one or more deceased
persons; a musical setting for this; also, any
musical service, hymn, or dirge for the dead;
3) any dirge like song, chant, or poem.
3448. requisite: required, as by circumstances; nec-
essary for some purpose; indispensable.
3449. requite: 1) to make return or repayment to
for a benefit, injury, etc; reward or retaliate
against; 2) to make return or repayment for (a
benefit, service, etc, or an injury, wrong, etc).
3450. rescind: to cut away; to annul, to abrogate.
3451. reserve: 1a) to hold in reserve : keep back
[∼ grain for seed]; 1b) to set aside (part of
the consecrated elements) at the Eucharist for
future use; 1c) to retain or hold over to a future
time or place : defer [∼ one’s judgement or
plan]; 2) to set or have set aside or apart [∼ a
hotel room].
is taken away; remainder; rest; 2) the mat-
ter remaining at the end of a process, as after
evaporation etc; 3) that part of a testator’s es-
tate which is left after all claims, charges, and
bequests have been satisfied.

113
3453. resignation: 1a) act or instance of resigning judgement; 1c) the state of one risen from the
sth : surrender; 1b) a formal notification of dead; 2) resurgence, revival.
resigning; 2) submissiveness.
3466. resuscitate: to revive or revitalize; bring
3454. resilient: 1) bouncing or springing back into back to life; esp to revive (someone apparently
shape, position etc. after being stretched, bent dead, in a faint etc) as by artificial respiration
or esp compressed; 2) recovering strength, spir- etc.
its, good humor etc quickly.
3467. retaliate: to return like for like; esp to return
3455. resolute: firm and determined;. evil for evil; pay back injury for injury.
3456. resonant: 1) continuing to sound : echoing;
3468. retentive: 1) having the power, property, or
2a) capable of inducing resonance; 2b) relat-
capacity or retaining [soils ∼ of moisture]; esp
ing to or exhibiting resonance; 3a) marked by
: retaining knowledge easily.
grandiloquence.
3457. respite: 1) a delay or postponement, esp post- 3469. reticent: reserved or sparing in communica-
ponement of carrying out a death sentence; re- tion.
prieve; 2) an interval of temporary relief or
3470. reticulated: network pattern.
rest, as from pain, work, duty etc; lull.
3458. resplendent: shining brilliantly; gorgeously 3471. retinue: a body of assistants, followers, or
bright or splendid. servants attending a person of rank or impor-
tance; train of attendants or retainers.
3459. responsive: 1) giving response : constituting
a response : answering [a ∼ glance] [∼ aggres- 3472. retiring: drawing back from contact with oth-
sion]; 2) quick to respond or react appropri- ers, from publicity, etc; reserved; shy.
ately or sympathetically : sensitive; 3) using
responses [∼ worship]. 3473. retort: 1) to pay or hurl back : return [∼
an insult]; 2a) to make a reply to; 2b) to say
3460. restitution: 1) a giving back to the right- in reply; 3) to answer (as in argument) by
ful owner of sth that has been lost or taken counter argument; 4) a quick witty, or cutting
away; restoration; 2) a making good for loss or reply, esp : one that turns back or counters
damage; reimbursement; 3) a return to a for- the speaker’s words; 5) a vessel or chamber in
mer condition or situation; 4) the recovery of which substances are distilled or decomposed
its shape by an elastic body after pressure or by heat.
strain is released.
3474. retract: 1) to draw back or in; 2) to with-
3461. restive: obstinate, refractory; uneasy, as if draw or disavow ( a promise , offer, charge,
ready to break from control. statement, etc); recant.
3462. restraint: 1a) an act of restraining : the state
3475. retrench: to cut off, out, or down.
of being restrained; 2) a control over the ex-
pression of one’s emotions or thoughts. 3476. retribution: giving in return; repaying; re-
3463. resumption: 1) an act or instance of resum- warding or punishing suitably.
ing : recommencement; 2) a return to payment
3477. retrieve: rescue, salvage, regain; restore, re-
in specie.
vive, correct.
3464. resurgent: rising or tending to rise again.
3478. retroactive: 1) having application to or effect
3465. resurrection: 1a) [cap] the rising of Christ on things prior to its enactment [a ∼ law]; 2)
from the dead; 1b) [often cap] the rising again going info effect as of a specified date in the
to life of all the human dead before the final past [a ∼ increase].

114
3479. retrograde: 1) moving or directed backward; 3494. ricochet: a glancing rebound or skip as of a
retiring or retreating; 2) inverse or reverse : projectile flying low (to skip along the ground.)
said of order; 3) going back or tending to go
back to an earlier, esp worse, condition, retro- 3495. rider: 1) one that rides; 2a) an addition to
gressive. a document often attached on a separate piece
of paper; 2b) a clause appended to a legislative
3480. retrograde: inverse, reverting; degenerating. bill to secure a usu distinct object; 3) sth used
to overlie another or to move along on another
3481. retrospective: looking back; retroactive. piece.
3482. revamp: 1) remake; revise; 2) renovate; re- 3496. rife: 1) frequently or commonly occurring,
construct. widespread [gossip was rife]; 2a) abundant; 2b)
3483. reveled: to feast or make merry in a riotous abounding [rife with error].
manner.
3497. rift: 1) an opening caused by or as if by split-
3484. reverberate: 1) reflect; 2) repel; 3) echo. ting; cleft; fissure. 2) an open break in a pre-
viously friendly relationship.
3485. reverie: 1) dreamy thinking or imagining,
esp of agreeable things; fanciful musing; day- 3498. rig: 1) the distinctive shape, number and ar-
dreaming; 2) a dreamy, fanciful or visionary rangement of sails and masts of a ship; 2)
notion or daydream. equipage : esp a carriage with its horse; 3)
clothing, dress; 4) tackle, machinery equip-
3486. revile: to assail with bitter abuse. ment fitted for a specified purpose [an oil-
drilling ∼].
3487. revoke: 1) to annul by recalling or taking back
: rescind [∼ a will]; 2) to bring or call back; 3) 3499. rig: 1) to fit out (as a ship) with rigging; 2)
an act or instance of revoking in a card game. clothe, dress—usu with out; 3) to furnish with
special gear : equip; 4a) to put in condition
3488. revulsion: 1) a sudden, complete, and vio-
or position for use : adjust , arrange [a car
lent change of feeling; abrupt, strong reaction
rigged for manual control]; 4b) construct [∼
in sentiment; 2) extreme disgust, shock or re-
up a temporary shelter].
pugnance; feeling or great loathing.
3500. rig: to manipulate or control usu by deceptive
3489. rhapsody: any wild or unconnected composi-
or dishonest means [∼ an election].
tion; an ecstatic or unrestrainedly enthusiastic
utterance of feeling. 3501. rile: to anger; to irritate.
3490. rhetoric: 1a) the art of using words effectively 3502. rimose: full of cracks.
in speaking or writing; now the art of prose
composition; 1b) skill in this; 1c) a treatise or 3503. riposte: a swift sharp reply in speech or ac-
book on this; 2) artificial eloquence; language tion.
that is showy an elaborate but largely empty
of clear ideas or sincere emotion. 3504. risible: inducing laughter.

3491. rhetoric: false, showy, artificial, or declama- 3505. rive: 1a) to wrench open or tear apart into
tory expression. pieces : rend; 1b) to split with force or violence
[lightning rived the tree]; 2a) to divide into
3492. ribald: characterized by coarse or vulgar jok- pieces : shatter; 2b) fracture.
ing or mocking, esp dealing with sex in a hu-
morously earthy or direct way. 3506. riveting: having the power to fix attention :
engrossing, fascinating.
3493. ribald: low; base; mean; licentious; floutingly
derisive. 3507. rivulet: a little stream; brook.

115
3508. robust: 1a) strong and healthy; full of vigor; 2) water-worn or rough broken stones or bricks
hardy; 1b) strongly built or based; muscular used in coarse masonry or; in filling courses of
or sturdy; 2) suited to or requiring physical walls.
strength or stamina [robust work]; 3) rough;
coarse; boisterous; 4) full and rich, as in flavor 3521. rubric: 1a) an authoritative rule; esp : a rule
[a robust port wine]. for conduct of a liturgical service; 1b) name,
title specif : the title of a statue; sth under
3509. rococo: 1) a style of architecture, decorative which a thing is classed : category [the sensa-
art, music etc, of the early 18th century devel- tions falling; under the general ∼ “pressure”];
oped from and in reaction the Baroque and 1c) an explanatory or introductory commen-
characterized by profuse and delicate orna- tary : an editorial interpolation; 2) a heading
mentation, reduced scale,lightness, grace etc; of a part of a book or manuscript done or un-
2) a style or architecture, music, etc, regarded derlined in a color; (as red) different from the
often disparagingly, as this. rest.
3510. roil: 1) to make (a liquid) cloudy, muddy or 3522. rudimentary: 1) consisting in first principles
unsettled by stirring up the sediment; 2) to stir : fundamental [had only a ∼ formal education];
up; agitate; 3) to make angry or irritable; rile. 2) of a primitive kind; 3) very imperfectly de-
veloped or represented only by a vestige [the
3511. roseate: 1) resembling a rose , esp in color; 2)
∼ tail of a hyrax].
overly optimistic : viewed favorably.
3523. rueful: 1) causing sorrow or pity; lamentable;
3512. roster: 1) a list of military or naval person-
2a) feeling or showing sorrow or pity; mournful
nel or groups, specif one showing their regular
2b) feeling or showing regret, esp in an abashed
assignments and periods of duty; 2) any list;
way.
roll.
3524. ruffian: a brutal, violent, lawless person;
3513. rostrum: a platform for public speaking.
tough or hoodlum.
3514. rote: a fixed, mechanical way of doing sth;
routine - “by rote”; by memory alone; without 3525. ruminate: 1) to chew (the cud), as a cow
understanding or thought. does; 2) to turn (ath) over in the mind; medi-
tate (on).
3515. rotunda: a round building, hall or room, esp
one with a dome. 3526. rummage: 1) to make a thorough search or
investigation; 2) to engage in an undirected or
3516. rousing: 1a) giving rise to excitement : stir- haphazard search; 3a) a confused or misc col-
ring; 1b) brisk, lively; 2) exceptional, superla- lection; 3b) items for sale at a rummage sale;
tive. 4) thorough search esp among a confusion of
objects.
3517. rout: 1) a crowd of people : throng specif :
rabble; 2) disturbance; 3) a fashionable gath- 3527. runagate: a vagabond; a renegade; fugitive.
ering.
3528. rune (runic adj): 1) any of the characters of
3518. rout: a disastrous defeat ¡many more mean- any of several alphabets used by the Germanic
ings are there pl see zee lexicon¿. peoples from about the 3d to 13th centuries;
2) mystery, magic; 3) poem, song.
3519. rout: to low loudly—bellow.
3529. runnel: small stream.
3520. rubble: 1a) broken fragments (as of rock)
resulting from the decay or destruction of; a 3530. ruse: a stratagem, trick, or artifice.
building [fortification knocked into ∼]; 1b) a
miscellaneous confused mass or group of usu 3531. rusticate: to banish for a time from a town
broken or worthless things; [lay in a pile of ∼]; or college.

116
3532. sabotage: 1) intentional destruction of ma- 3545. saltatory: leaping.
chines, waste of materials, etc, as by; em-
ployees during labor disputes; 2) destruction 3546. salubrious: healthful, healthgiving.
of railroads, bridges machinery etc by enemy
3547. salutary: 1) promoting or conducive to
agents or by an; underground resistance; 3)
health; healthful; 2) promoting or conducive
the deliberate obstruction of or damage to any
to some good purpose; beneficial.
cause, movement, activity, effort,etc.
3548. salver: a small tray on an ornamental stand.
3533. saboteur: one that practices sabotage.
3534. sabulous: sandy. 3549. salvo: a saving clause; an expedient for saving
appearances, avoiding offense; a simultaneous
3535. saccharine: 1) of, having the nature of, con- discharge of artillery in salute or otherwise.
taining, or producing sugar; 2) too sweet or
syrupy [a saccharine voice]. 3550. sanatorium: a hospital esp for consumptives
or convalescents.
3536. sacrilege: profanation of ath holy.
3551. sanctimonious: pretending to be very holy
3537. sacrosanct: inviolable. or pious; affecting righteousness.
3538. sadism: the getting of sexual pleasure from 3552. sanction: 1) a formal decree, esp : an ecclesi-
dominating, mistreating, or hurting one’s part- astical decree; sth that makes an oath binding;
ner; the getting of pleasure from inflicting 2) the detriment, loss of reward, or coercive
physical or psychological pain on another or intervention annexed to a; violation of a law
others. as a means of enforcing the law; 3a) a con-
sideration, principle, or influence (as of con-
3539. saga: 1) a prose narrative recorded in Iceland
science) that impels to; moral action or de-
in the 12th and 13th centuries of historic or
termines moral judgement; 4) an economic or
legendary figures and events of the heroic age
military coercive measure adopted usu by sev-
of Norway and Iceland; 2) a modern heroic nar-
eral nations in; concert for forcing a nation vi-
rative resembling the Icelandic saga; 3) a long
olating international law to desist or yield; to
detailed account [a ∼ of the Old South].
adjudication.
3540. sagacious: keen in perception or thought; dis-
3553. sanctuary: a place of refuge; a place affording
cerning and judicious.
immunity from arrest; a private retreat.
3541. sage: 1a) wise thru reflection and experience;
2) proceeding from or characterized by wis- 3554. sanctum: holy place;.
dom, prudence and good judgement [∼ ad- 3555. sangfroid: coolness; self possession.
vice]; 3) one (as a profound philosopher) dis-
tinguished for wisdom; 4) a mature or venera- 3556. sanguinary: 1) accompanied by much blood-
ble man of sound judgement. shed or carnage; 2) flowing with blood; blood-
stained; 3) eager for bloodshed, bloodthirsty.
3542. salacious: 1) arousing or appealing to sexual
desire or imagination : lascivious; 2) lecherous, 3557. sanguine: ardent, confident and inclined to
lustful. hopefulness; abounding in blood.
3543. salient: 1a) leaping, jumping, or capering; 1b) 3558. sap (4th ): the extension of a trench to a
gushing or jetting forth; 2) pointing outward; point below the enemy fortification.
jutting or projecting as an angle; 3) stand-
ing out from the rest, noticeable; conspicuous; 3559. sarcasm: a taunting, sneering, cutting or
prominent. caustic remark; gibe or jeer, generally ironic.

3544. sallow: of a sickly, pale yellow hue. 3560. sardonic: sneering; bitter, unmirthful laugh.

117
3561. sartorial: 1) to tailors or their work; 2) of 3574. scanty: 1) barely sufficient; not ample; mea-
clothing or dress, esp men’s. ger. 2) insufficient, not enough; 3) narrow;
small; close.
3562. sate: 1) to satisfy (an appetite, desire etc) to
the full; gratify completely; 2) to provide with 3575. scapegoat: a person, group or thing upon
more than enough, so as to weary or disgust; whom the blame for the mistakes or crimes of
glut; surfeit. others is thrust.

3563. satiate: to satisfy (as a need or desire) fully 3576. scapegrace: graceless hare-brained fellow.
or to excess; [syn] sate, surfeit, cloy, pall, glut,
gorge. 3577. scathing: hurting; damaging; scorching.

3564. satire: 1a) a literary work in which vices, 3578. scavenge: 1) to clean up (streets, alleys
abuses, follies, stupidities, etc are held up to etc); remove rubbish, dirt, garbage, etc from;
ridicule and contempt. 2) to salvage (usable goods) by rummaging
thru refuse or discards; 3) to remove burned
3565. saturnine: 1) born under or influenced astro- gases from (the cylinder of an ICE); 4) to
logically by the planet Saturn; 2a) cold and clean (molten metal) by using a substance that
steady in mood : slow to act or change; 2b) will combine chemically with the impurities
of a gloomy or surly disposition; 2c) having a present.
sardonic aspect [a ∼ smile].
3579. scenario: 1) an outline or synopsis of a play,
3566. satyriasis: abnormal and uncontrollable de- opera, or the like, indicating scenes, charac-
sire by a man for sexual intercourse. ters, etc; 2) the script of a film; 3) the outline
for any proposed or planned series of events,
3567. saunter: to walk about idly; stroll. real or imagined.
3568. savage: 1) wild, uncultivated, rugged , etc [a 3580. schematic: of or relating to a scheme or
savage jungle]; 2) fierce; ferocious; untamed [a schema; a schematic drawing or diagram.
savage tiger]; 3) without civilization; primitive;
barbarous [a ∼ tribe]; 4) lacking polish; crude; 3581. schism: breach esp in the unity of a church.
rude; 5) cruel; pitiless; 6) furious; ill-tempered.
3582. scholiast: maker of marginal annotations.
3569. savant: a learned person; eminent scholar.
3583. scintilla: 1) a spark; 2) a particle; the least
3570. savor: 1) the taste or smell of sth; 2) a dis- trace : used only figuratively.
tinctive quality; 3) to give flavor to : season;
4a) to have experience of : taste; 4b) to taste 3584. scintillation: sparkling.
or smell with pleasure : relish. 3585. scion: a young member; descendant.
3571. scabrous: rough. 3586. scoff: to show mocking contempt, scorn or de-
rision, esp by language; jeer.
3572. scad: a very large number or amount [scads
of money]. 3587. scorn: extreme, often indignant contempt for
someone or sth; utter disdain.
3573. scaffold: 1) a temporary metal or wooden
framework for supporting workmen and ma- 3588. scotch: 1) to put an end to [∼ed rumors of a
terials during the erecting, repairing, or paint- military takeover]; 2) a chock to prevent rolling
ing of a building etc; 2) a raised platform on or slipping; 3) a superficial cut : score; 4) hin-
which criminals are executed, as by hanging; der, thwart.
3) a temporary wooden stage or platform, as
that on which medieval plays were presented; 3589. scoured: to clean, polish, remove by hard
4) any raised framework. rubbing.

118
3590. scourge: 1) a whip or other instrument for 3607. sear: the catch that holds the hammer of a
flogging; 2) any means of inflicting sever pun- gun’s lock or half cock.
ishment, suffering or vengeance; 3) any cause
of serious trouble or affliction [the scourge of 3608. seasoned: 1a) to give (food) more flavor or
war]. zest by adding seasoning or savory ingredients;
1b) to give a distinctive quality to as if by sea-
3591. scrawny: thin and bony. soning; esp : to make more agreeable [advice
∼ with wit]; 2a) to treat (as wood or a skil-
3592. scrimshaw: curved decorated object. let) so as to prepare for use; 2b) made fit by
experience [a ∼ veteran].
3593. scrumptious: delightful.
3609. secedes: to withdraw esp from party, religious
3594. scrupulous: conscientious, cautious, cap-
body, federation.
tious.
3610. seclude: 1) to keep away or apart from oth-
3595. scuffle: 1) to struggle or fight in rough confu-
ers; bar or shut off from the view of or relations
sion; 2) to move in a confused hurry or bustle;
with others; isolate; 2) to make private or hid-
3) to drag the feet; shuffle.
den; screen.
3596. scurf: dandruff. 3611. secrete: 1) to put or keep in a secret place;
3597. scurrilous: using indecent or abusive lan- hide; conceal; 2) to form and release (a speci-
guage; coarse; vulgar; foulmouthed. fied secretion) as a gland does.

3598. scurry: to run hastily; scamper. 3612. sectarian: 1) limited in character or scope
: parochial; 2) adherent of a sect; narrow or
3599. scurvy: low; mean; vile; contemptible. bigoted person.

3600. scutate: shield shaped.
3601. scuttle: 1) a shallow open basket for carrying
sth (as a grain or garden produce); 2) a metal
pail that usu has a bail and a sloped lip and is
used esp for carrying coal.
3602. scuttle: 1) a small opening in a wall or roof
furnished with a lid.
3603. scuttle: a quick shuffling pace; a short swift
run.
3604. scuttled: 1) to cut a hole thru the bottom,
deck, side (of a ship); specif : to sink or at-
tempt to sink by making holes thru the bot-
tom.
3613. secular: 1a) of or relating to the worldly or
temporal [∼ concerns]; 1b) not overtly or specif
religious [∼ music]; 1c) not ecclesiastical or
clerical; 2) not bound by monastic vows or
rules; specif : of, relating to, or forming clergy
not belonging to a religious order or congrega-
tion [a ∼ priest]; 3a) occurring once in an age
or a century.
3614. sedate: calm, quiet or composed, esp serious
and unemotional; staid, decorous.
3615. sedentary: 1) not migratory : settled [∼
birds]; 2) doing or requiring much sitting; 3)
permanently attached [∼ barnacles].
3616. sedition: insurrection; public tumult.

3605. seamy: 1) having or showing seams, esp with 3617. sedulous: 1) working hard and steadily; dili-
rough unfinished edges, as the underside of a gent; 2) constant; persistent.
garment; 2) unpleasant, squalid, or sordid [the
seamy side of life]. 3618. seedy: 1) containing or full of seeds [a ∼
fruit]; 2) inferior in condition or quality : as;
3606. sear: 1) to make withered and dry : parch; a) shabby, run-down [∼ clothes]; b) somewhat
2) to burn, scorch or injure with as or if with disreputable : squalid [a ∼ district, ∼ enter-
sudden application of intense heat. tainment]; c) slightly unwell : debilitated.

119
3619. seemly: 1) pleasing in appearance; fair; hand- 3631. sensuous: 1) derived from, based on, affect-
some; 2) suitable, proper, fitting or becoming, ing, appealing to, or perceived by the senses;
esp as regards conventional standards of con- 2) readily susceptible thru the senses; enjoying
duct or good taste; decorous. the pleasures of sensation.

3620. seep: to leak, drip or flow out slowly thru 3632. sententious: 1) expressing much in few
small openings or pores; ooze. words; short and pithy; pointed; 2) full of, or
fond of using maxims, proverbs,etc, esp in a
3621. seethe: 1) to boil or to surge, bubble or foam, way that is ponderously trite and moralizing.
as if boiling; 2) to be violently agitated or dis-
turbed. 3633. sentient: conscious; aware; responsive to
stimulus.
3622. seine: a large fishing net with floats along the 3634. sentinel: a person or animal set to guard a
top edge and weights along the bottom. group, specif, a sentry.
3623. seismic: 1) of, having to do with, or caused 3635. septic: causing or resulting from sepis or pu-
by an earthquake or by man-made tremors; 2) trefaction.
subject to earthquakes.
3636. sepulcher: large tomb; a vault for burial.
3624. semblance: 1a) outward and often specious
appearance or show : form [wrapped in a ∼ 3637. sequacious: following.
of composure]; 1b) modicum [has been strug- 3638. sequester: to set aside, seclude; to confiscate;
gling to get some ∼ of justice for his people];
2) aspect, countenance; 3a) a phantasmal form 3639. seraglio: harem.
: apparition : image, likeness.
3640. sere: dried up; withered.
3625. seminal: containing or contributing seeds of
later development : creative, original [a ∼ 3641. serendipity: the faculty of making happy
book]. chance finds.

3642. sericeous: silky.

3626. seminary: 1) an environment in which sth
originates and from which it is propagated [a 3643. serpentine: of or like a serpent; esp a) evilly
∼ of vice and crime]; 2a) an institution of sec- cunning or subtle, treacherous; b) coiled or
ondary or higher education; 2b) an institution twisted, winding.
for the training of candidates for the priest-
hood, ministry, or rabbinate. 3644. serrate: having sawlike notches along the
edges, as some leaves.
3627. senescence: process of going old.
3645. serried: crowded together.
3628. senility: the quality or state of being senile; 3646. servitude: 1) the condition of a slave, serf,
specif : the physical and mental infirmity of or the like; subjection to a master; slavery or
old age. bondage; 2) work imposed as punishment for
crime.
3629. sensibilities: sensitivity.
3647. sever: 1) to separate, make or become dis-
3630. sensual: 1) of the body and the senses as dis- tinct; divide; 2) to part or break off, as by
tinguished from the intellect or spirit ; bodily; cutting or with force; cut in two.
2a) connected or preoccupied with bodily or
sexual pleasures; voluptuous; 2b) full of lust; 3648. severe (severity adj): austere : stringent :
licentious; lewd; 3) resulting from, or showing restrictive : censorious : plain (in manner);
preoccupation with, bodily or sexual pleasure. grievous : arduous.

120
3649. sextant: an instrument used by navigators for 3661. shoddy: 1) made wholly or partly of shoddy;
measuring the angular distance of the sun , a 2a) cheaply imitative : vulgarly pretentious;
star, etc from the horizon, as in finding the 2b) hastily or poorly done : inferior; 2c)
position of a ship. shabby.

3650. shackle: 1) a metal fastening, usu one of a 3662. shoddy: 1a) a reclaimed wool from materials
linked pair, for the wrist or ankle of a prisoner; that are not felted that is of better quality and
fetter; manacle; 2) ath that restrains freedom longer staple than mungo; 1b) a fabric often of
of action or expression; 3) any of the several inferior quality manufactured wholly or partly
devices used in fastening or coupling. from reclaimed wool; 2a) inferior, imitative, or
pretentious articles or matter.
3651. sham: to be or make an imitation or false
show of; counterfeit. 3663. shrew: a scolding, nagging, evil-tempered
woman.
3652. shambles: 1) a place where meat is sold;
butcher’s stall or shop : now only in bad usage, 3664. shrewd: keen-witted, clever, or sharp in prac-
esp in street names; 2) a slaughterhouse; 3) a tical affairs; astute.
scene of great slaughter, bloodshed or carnage; 3665. shun: to keep away from; avoid scrupulously
4) any scene or condition of great destruction or consistently.
or disorder.
3666. shunt: 1) to move or turn to one side; turn
3653. shard: a fragment or broken piece, esp of pot- aside or out of the way; 2) to shift or switch,
tery; potsherd. as a train , car etc from one track to another.
3654. sheaf: 1) a bunch of cut stalks of grain, etc 3667. shyster: a person, esp a lawyer, who uses un-
bound up in a bundle; 2) a collection of things ethical or tricky methods; pettifogger.
gathered together; bundle, as of papers.
3668. sibling: one of two or more persons born of
3655. sheathe: 1) to put into or furnish with a the same parents, or sometimes, having one
sheath; 2) to plunge or bury (as a sword) in parent in common; brother or sister.
flesh; 3) to withdraw (a claw) into a sheath; to
cover with sth that protects. 3669. sibyl: 1) any of certain women consulted as
prophetesses by the ancient Greeks and Ro-
3656. shenanigan: sl trickery; humbug. mans; 2) a fortune-teller.

3657. sherbet: 1) a beverage, orig from the Ori- 3670. sibylline: oracular.
ent, made of watered fruit juice and sugar, and
3671. sidereal: of or relative to the stars.
served cold; 2) a frozen dessert like an ice but
with gelatin and often milk, added. 3672. sidle: to move sideways, esp in a shy or
stealthy manner; to make go sideways; a
3658. shibboleth: 1a) a word or saying used by ad- sidling movement.
herents of a party, sect or belief and usu re-
garded by others as empty of real meaning [the 3673. siesta: period of rest or sleep in the early af-
old ∼s come rolling of their lips]; 1b) a widely ternoon.
held belief [today this book publishing ∼ is a
3674. siffilate: whisper.
myth].
3675. sillabub: sweet-dish.
3659. shimmer: 1) to shine with an unsteady light;
glimmer; 2) to form a wavering image, as by 3676. simian: of or like an ape or monkey.
reflection from waves of water or heat.
3677. simile: a figure of speech in which one thing
3660. shirk: to neglect or evade doing (sth) that is likened to another, dissimilar things by the
should be done. use of like, as, etc [her tears flowed like wine].

121
3678. simper: to smile in a silly, affected or self- 3693. skulk: to sneak; to lurk; to avoid work or
conscious way. responsibility; shirk; malinger.

3679. simplistic: 1) simple; 2) of, relating to, or 3694. skullduggery: underhand malpractices.
char by simplism : oversimple [adequate, if oc-
casionally ∼]. 3695. slacken: 1) to become less active, intense,
brisk, etc; 2) to become less tense; loosen, as
3680. simulate: 1) to give a false indication or ap- rope.
pearance of; pretend; feign; 2) to have or take
on the external appearance of; look or act like. 3696. slag: the fused refuse or dross separated from
a metal in the process of smelting.
3681. sine qua non: somebody who is indispens-
able. 3697. slake: 1) to allay or make (thirst, desire,etc)
less active or intense by satisfying, assuage;
3682. sinecure: an office or position providing an satisfy; 2) to cause (a fire) to die down or go
income or other advantage but requiring little out; 3) to produce a chemical change in (lime)
or no work. by combination with water.

3683. sinewy: 1) full of sinews : as ; a) tough, 3698. slanders: false or malicious report.
stringy [∼ meat]; b) strong [∼ arms]; 2)
marked by the strength of sinews [a demanding 3699. slapdash: sth done carelessly and hastily.
∼ intelligence].
3700. slatternly: dirty untidy woman; slovenly.
3684. sinister: 1) threatening harm, evil or mis-
3701. sleazy: 1) flimsy or thin in texture or
fortune; ominous, portentous [sinister storm
substance; lacking firmness; shoddy,shabby,
clouds]; 2) wicked, evil or dishonest, esp in
cheap, morally low etc.
some dark,mysterious way; 3) most unfavor-
able or unfortunate; disastrous [met a sinister 3702. sleeper: a previously disregarded person or
fate]. thing that unexpectedly receives success, as-
sumes importance etc.
3685. sinuous: snake like; bending, winding, or
curving in and out; not straightforward; de- 3703. sleight: 1) cunning or craft used in deceiving;
vious; crooked. 2) skill or dexterity.
3686. skeptical: one who inclines to disbelieve; ha- 3704. slight: 1a) having a slim or delicate build :
bitual doubter. not stout or massive in body; 1b) lacking in
strength or substance : flimsy, frail; 2) to treat
3687. skiff: any of various small, light, open boats
as unimportant : make light of; 3) to treat with
propelled by ores, motor or sail.
disdain or indifference; 4) to perform or attend
3688. skimp: 1) to give or allow too little; be stingy; to carelessly and inadequately.
scrimp; 2) to keep expenses very low.
3705. slither: 1) to slip or slide on or as on a slope,
3689. skinflint: a niggardly person; miser. with a loose or broken surface; 2a) to move
along by a sliding or gliding as a snake; 2b) to
3690. skirmish: an irregular fight between small walk with a sliding motion.
parties.
3706. sloth: disinclination to work or exert oneself;
3691. skittish: 1) lively playful, esp in a coy man- indolence, laziness; idleness.
ner; 2) easily frightened; jumpy [a skittish
horse]; 3) fickle or undependable. 3707. slough: 1) the cast-off skin of a snake; 2) a
mass of dead tissue separating from an ulcer;
3692. skittles: a bowling game. 3) sth that may be shed or cast off.

122
3708. slough: 1a) a place of deep mud or mire; 1b) 3726.
swamp : an inlet on a river : backwater : a
creek in a marsh or tide flat; 2) a state of moral
degradation or spiritual dejection.
3709. slough: marsh.
3710. slovenly: carelessly or dirtily dressed.
3711. sluggard: a habitually lazy person.
3712. slur: 1a) an insulting or disparaging remark
or innuendo : aspersion; 1b) a shaming or de-
grading effect : stain, stigma; 2) a blurred spot
in printed matter : smudge; 3) to cast asper-
sions on : to make indistinct.
3713. slurry: thin paste; semi-fluid mixture.
3714. smattering: 1) slight or superficial knowl-
edge; 2) a small number. 3730. solicitude: 1a) the state of being solicitous
3715. smirch: to besmear; dirty; to sully.
3716. smirk: to smile in a conceited, knowing, or
annoyingly complacent way.
3717. smolder: 1) to burn and smoke without
flame; be consumed by slow combustion; 2) to
exist in a suppressed state or with activity sti-
fled; 3) to have or show feelings of suppressed
anger or hate.
3718. smutty: obscene; filthy.
3719. snicker: a sly or derisive, partly stifled laugh.
solace: 1) an easing of grief, loneliness, dis-
comfort etc; 2) sth that eases or relieves; com-
fort; consolation; relief.
3727. solecism: 1) a violation of the conventional
usage, grammar, etc of a language; ungram-
matical use of words [“we done it” for “we did
it”]; 2) a violation of good manners; breach of
etiquette; 3) a mistake or impropriety.
3728. solicit: 1) to ask or seek earnestly or plead-
ingly; appeal to or for [to solicit air, to ∼
members for donations]; 2) to tempt or en-
tice (someone) to do wrong; 3) to approach for
some immoral purposes, as a prostitute does.
3729. solicitous: 1) showing care, attention, or con-
cern; 2) showing anxious desire; eager; 3) full
of anxiety or apprehension; troubled.
: anxiety; 1b) attentive care and protective-
ness; also : an attitude of solicitous concern or
attention; 2) a cause of care or concern—usu
used in pl.
3731. soliloquy: 1) an act or instance of talking to
oneself; 2) lines in a drama in which a character
reveals his or her thoughts to the audience, but
not to the other characters, by speaking as if
to himself.
3732. solvent: 1) able to pay all one’s debts or meet
all financial responsibilities; that which can be
dissolved.

3720. sniggle: to catch with a baited hook. 3733. somatic: of the body, as distinguished from
the soul, mind, or psyche; corporeal, physical.
3721. sniveling: sniffing; snuffling; whimpering.
3734. somber: dark and gloomy; somber.
3722. sobriety: state or habit of being sober; grav- 3735. sommelier: butler; wine waiter.
ity; calmness.
3736. somnolent: 1) sleepy; drowsy; 2) inducing
3723. sodality: fellowship. drowsiness.
3724. sodden: 1a) dull or expressionless esp from 3737. sonorous: 1) producing or capable or pro-
continued indulgence in alcoholic beverages [∼ ducing sound, esp sound of full , deep, or rich
features]; 1b) torpid, sluggish [∼ minds]; 2a) quality; resonant; 2) full, deep or rich : said of
heavy with or as if with moisture or water [the sound; 3) having a powerful, impressive sound;
∼ ground]; 2b) soaked or saturated. high sounding.
3725. sojourner: one who stays as a temporary res- 3738. sophism: a clever and plausible but fallacious
ident at some place; [sojourned for a month at argument or forms reasoning, whether or not
a resort]. intended to deceive; fallacy or sophistry.

123
3739. sophist: 1) [cap] any of a class of ancient 3754. spectral: 1) of, having the nature of, or like a
Greek teachers of rhetoric, philosophy, and; specter; phantom; ghostly; 2) of or caused by
the art of successful living prominent about a spectrum or spectra.
the middle of the 5th century BC; for their
adroit subtle and allegedly often specious rea- 3755. speculation: reflection; conjecture; viewing.
soning; 2) philosopher, thinker; 3) a captious 3756. speleology: study of caves.
or fallacious reasoner.
3757. spendthrift: a person who spends money
3740. sophistry: absence of reasoning; casuistry; carelessly or wastefully; squanderer.
equivocation; chicanery.
3758. sphinx-like: enigmatic and mysterious ¡see
3741. sophistry: false or vicious reasoning. others in detail¿.
3742. sophomoric: 1) conceited and overconfident 3759. spiel: a speech meant to persuade by force
of knowledge but poorly informed or imma- and eloquence; sales patter.
ture; 2) of, relating to or char of a sophomore
[a ∼ prank]. 3760. splenetic: peevish; melancholy.

3743. soporific: 1) causing or tending to cause 3761. splenetic: spiteful.

sleep; 2) of or characterized by sleep or sleepi-
ness.
3744. sordid: 1) dirty; squalid; depressingly
wretched; 2a) base, ignoble, mean; 2b) mer-
cenary, avaricious, grasping or meanly selfish.
3745. sorority: sisterhood; a women’s academic so-
ciety.
3762. splice: 1a) to unite (as two ropes) by inter-
weaving the strands; 1b) to unite (as lengths
of magnetic tape) by lapping two ends together
or by applying a piece that laps upon two ends
and making fast; 2) to unite, link, or insert as
if by splicing; 3) marriage, wedding.
3763. spoliation: plundering.

3746. spangle: 1) a small piece of bright metal, esp 3764. spontaneous: 1) acting in accordance with
any of a number of those sewn on fabric for or resulting from a natural feeling, impulse
decoration; 2) any small, bright object that or tendency, without any constraint, effort or
glitters. premeditation; 2) having no apparent external
cause or influence; occurring or produced by its
3747. spangle: to glitter; to sprinkle with. own energy, force etc or thru internal causes;
self-acting; 3) growing naturally without being
3748. spartan: like or characteristic of the Spar-
planted or tended; indigenous; wild.
tans; warlike, brave, hardy, stoical, severe, fru-
gal and highly disciplined. 3765. spoonerism: accidental transposition of
sounds in (almost!) successive words [ex ’tons
3749. spasmodic: of, having the nature of, like or
of soil’ by ’sons of toil’].
characterized by spasm or spasms; sudden vi-
olent and temporary; fitful; intermittent. 3766. sporadic: scattered; occurring now and then.
3750. spat: a brief, petty quarrel or dispute. 3767. sportive: 1a) fond of or full of sport or mer-
riment; playful; 1b) done in fun or play, not in
3751. spawn: 1) to produce young, esp in large earnest; 2) of, or having the nature of sport,
numbers : bring forth, generate. esp outdoor sport.
3752. speakeasy: an illicit dram (liquor) shop; she- 3768. sprightly: vivacious; lively.
been.
3769. spruced: smart; neat; over-fastidious.
3753. specious: seeming to be good, sound, correct,
logical etc. without really being so; plausible 3770. spry: full of life; active, nimble, brisk, etc ,esp
but not genuine. though elderly.

124
3771. spry: nimble, agile, brisk; dull, depressed, in- 3789. statuette: a small statue.
firm.
3790. status quo: the existing state of affairs (at a
3772. spume: foam. particular time).
3773. spurious: 1) of illegitimate birth : bastard; 3791. statute: 1) an established rule, formal regu-
2) outwardly similar or corr to sth without or lation; 2a) a law passed by a legislative body
erroneously attributed origin : forged; 3) of a and set forth in a formal document; 2b) such
deceitful nature or quality. a document.
3774. spurns: to kick; to reject with contempt. 3792. statutory: enacted by statute.
3775. squabble: a noisy, petty quarrel or dispute; 3793. staunch: firm in support.
wrangle.
3794. stave: shaft; bar; rod.
3776. squalid: filthy; foul; neglected; poverty
stricken. 3795. steadfast: 1) firm, fixed, settled or estab-
3777. squalid: foul or unclean esp as the result lished; 2) not changing, fickle or wavering; con-
of neglect or unsanitary conditions; wretched; stant.
miserable; sordid. 3796. steep: 1) to soak in liquid, so as to soften,
3778. squander: to spend or use wastefully or ex- clean, extract the essence of,etc; 2) to immerse,
travagantly. saturate, absorb, or imbue [steeped in folklore].

3779. squeamish: disgusted; offended; sick at stom- 3797. stellar: 1) of the stars or a star; 2) like a star,
ach. as in shape; 3) b;y or as by a star performer;
excellent; outstanding; 4) leading; chief [a stel-
3780. staccato: short clipped and separate music lar role].
notes (also used for voice!).
3798. stentorian: extremely loud and strong.
3781. stagnant: 1) without motion or current; not
flowing or moving; 2) foul from lack of move- 3799. stereotyped: lacking originality or individu-
ment : said of water etc; 3) not active, alert ality; trite.
etc; sluggish [a stagnant ming].
3800. sternutation: sneezing.
3782. staid: sober; sedate; settled and steady.
3801. stertorous: snoring.
3783. stalemate: deadlock, unsatisfactory draw.
3802. stevedore: one who loads and unloads ves-
3784. stalwart: 1) strong and well-built; sturdy; ro- sels.
bust; 2) brave, valiant; 3) resolute; firm; un-
yielding. 3803. stickler: 1) a person who insists on the strict
observance of sth specified : usu with for [a
3785. stamina: resistance to fatigue, illness, hard-
∼ for discipline]; 2) sth puzzling or difficult to
ship, etc; endurance.
solve.
3786. stanch: 1) to check or stop the flow of [∼ed
3804. stifle: 1) to kill by cutting off the supply of air
her flow of tears]; also : to stop the flow of
from; suffocate; smother; choke; 2) to suppress
blood from (a wound); 3a) to stop or check in
or repress; hold back; check, stop, inhibit, etc
its course [trying to ∼ the crime wave]; 3b) to
[to ∼ a sob, to ∼ protests].
make watertight : stop up.
3787. statis: stagnation. 3805. stigma: 1) a mark of shame or discredit :
stain; b) an identifying mark or char; specif
3788. statuesquely: like a statue; tall and shapely. : a specific diagnostic sign of a disease.

125
3806. stigmatise: to describe or identify in oppro- 3822. stratum: 1) a bed or layer artificially made;
brious terms; to mark with stigmata. 2a) a socioeconomic level of society comprising
of persons of the same or similar status esp
3807. stilted: artificially formal or dignified; with regard to education or culture; 2b) one
pompous. of a series of layers, levels, or gradations in an
3808. stint: 1) restriction; limit; limitation; 2a) an ordered system [strata of thought].
assigned task or quantity of work; 2b) a spec-
3823. strepitant: boisterous.
ified period of time spent doing sth.
3809. stint: to restrict or limit to a certain quantity, 3824. strew: to spread about here and there by or
number, share, or allotment. often small or as by sprinkling; scatter.
scanty.
3825. striate: to mark with stria; stripe, band, fur-
3810. stipend: 1) a regular or fixed payment for row, etc.
services,as a salary; 2) any periodic payment,
as a pension or allowance. 3826. stricture: 1a) an abnormal narrowing of a
bodily passage : also : the narrowed part; 1b)
3811. stipple: 1) to paint, draw , engrave, or apply a constriction of the breath passage in the pro-
in small points or dots rather than in lines or duction of a speech sound; 2) sth that closely
solid areas; 2) to cover or mark with dots or restrains or limits : restriction [moral ∼s]; 3)
quick dabs; fleck. an adverse criticism : censure.
3812. stipulate: 1) to include specifically in the 3827. strident: harsh sounding; shrill; grating.
terms of an agreement, contract, etc; arrange
definitely; 2) to specify as an essential condi- 3828. stringent: 1) rigidly controlled, enforced, etc;
tion of or requisite in an agreement. strict; severe; 2) tight in loan or investment
money [a ∼ money market]; 3) compelling;
3813. stodge: to stuff; cram; gorge; to sate. convincing [∼ reason].
3814. stodgy: 1) having a rich filling quality : heavy
3829. strut: to flaunt; to stand stiffly upright; to
[∼ bread]; 2) moving in a slow plodding way
walk so in vanity or self importance.
esp as a result of physical bulkiness; 3) boring,
dull [out on a peaceful rather ∼ Sunday trip]. 3830. stucco: plaster used for coating walls, making
3815. stoical: showing austere indifference to joy, casts etc.
grief, pleasure, or pain; calm and unflinching
3831. studied: 1) prepared or planner by careful
under suffering, bad fortune ,etc.
study [a ∼ reply]; 2) deliberate; premeditated
3816. stoke: 1) to stir up and feed fuel to ( a fire, [in ∼ disarray].
furnace etc); 2) to tend (a furnace, boiler etc);
3) to feed or eat large quantities of food; fill 3832. stultify: 1a) to make seem foolish, stupid, in-
(up). consistent, etc; make absurd or ridiculous; 1b)
to make dull or torpid; 2) to render worthless,
3817. stolid: having or showing little or no emotions useless or futile; 3) to allege to be of unsound
or sensitivity; unexcitable; impassive. mind and therefore not legally responsible.
3818. stolid: not showing feeling; imperturbable; 3833. stultify: to allege or prove to be of unsound
mind; to cause to appear foolish; to destroy
3819. straiten: to tighten; to narrow; to put into
the force of.
difficulties.

3820. stratagem: a trick or a device; subterfuge. 3834. stupefy: 1) to bring into a state of stupor;
stun; make dull or lethargic; 2) to astound,
3821. stratified: to deposit or form in layers. amaze or bewilder.

126
3835. stupor: 1) a state in which the mind and 3849. subservient: serving to promote; slavish; ob-
senses are dulled; partial or complete loss of sequious.
sensibility, as from the use of a narcotic or from
shock; 2) mental or moral dullness or apathy. 3850. subside: 1) to sink or fall to the bottom; set-
tle, as sediment; 2) to send to a lower level; 3)
3836. stymie: any situation in which one is ob- to become less active, intense, etc; abate.
structed or frustrated.
3851. subsidiary: 1) giving air, support, service etc;
3837. styptic: tending to halt bleeding by contract- serving to supplement; auxiliary; 2) being in a
ing the tissues or blood vessels; astringent. secondary or subordinate relationship; 3) of,
consisting or maintained by a subsidy or sub-
3838. suave: smoothly gracious or polite; polished;
sidies.
blandly ingratiating; urbane.
3852. subsidy: a grant of money, specif; a) a grant
3839. subaltern: 1) particular with reference to a
of money from one government to another, as
related universal proposition [“some S is P” is
for military aid; b) a government grant to a
a ∼ proposition to “all S is P”]; subordinate.
private enterprise considered of benefit to the
3840. subjugate: 1) to bring under control or sub- public.
jection; conquer; 2) to cause to become sub-
3853. subsist: to have existence; to exist.
servient; subdue.
3854. subsistence: existence; means of support;
3841. sublimate: 1) to purify or refine (a substance)
livelihood.
by subliming; 2) to have a purifying or en-
nobling effect or influence on; 3) to express 3855. substantiate: 1) to give substance or form to
(socially or personally unacceptable impulses, : embody; 2) to establish by proof or compe-
specif sexual impulses) in constructive, accept- tent evidence : verify [∼ a charge].
able forms, often unconsciously.
3856. substantive: 1) [broadly] a word or word
3842. sublime: 1) noble; exalted; majestic; 2) group functioning as a noun; 2) being a totally
inspiring awe or admiration thru grandeur, independent entity; 3a) real rather than ap-
beauty, etc; 3) outstandingly or supremely parent : firm : also permanent, enduring; 3b)
such [a man of ∼ taste]. expressing existence [the ∼ verb is the verb ‘to
be’]; 4) creating and defining rights and duties
3843. subliminal: beneath the threshold of con-
[∼ law].
sciousness.
3844. submissive: having or showing the tendency 3857. subsume: 1) to include within a larger class,
to submit without resistance; docile ; yielding. group, order etc; 2) to show (an idea, instance,
etc) to be covered by a rule, principle etc.
3845. suborn: 1) to get or bring about thru bribery
or other illegal methods; 2) to induce or insti- 3858. subterfuge: any plan , action, or device used
gate (another) to do sth illegal, esp to commit to hide one’s true objective, evade a difficult or
perjury. unpleasant situation, etc; stratagem; artifice.

3846. subpoena: a written legal order directing a 3859.
person to appear in court to give testimony, 3860.
show specified records,etc.
3861.
3847. subrogation: substitution; put in place of an-
other. 3862.
3848. subservient: 1) that is useful, helpful or of
service, esp in an inferior or subordinate ca-
pacity; 2) submissive; obsequious. 3863. succinct: concise; close fitting.
subtlety: the quality or state of being subtle.
suburbia: the suburban world.
subvention: financial aid.
subversive: tending or seeking to subvert,
overthrow, or destroy (an established govern-
ment, institution, belief etc).

127
3864. succor: aid, help; relief. 3883. superficial: 1a) of or being on the surface [a
∼ burn]; 1b) of or limited to surface area; plane
3865. succulent: 1) full of juice; juicy; 2) full of in- [∼ measurements]; 2) concerned with and un-
terest, vigor, etc; not dry or dull; 3) having derstanding only the easily apparent and obvi-
thick, fleshy tissues for storing water, as a cac- ous; not profound; shallow; 3) quick and cur-
tus. sory [a ∼ reading]; 4) seeming such only at first
glance; merely apparent [a ∼ resemblance].
3866. succumb: 1) to give way (to); yield; submit;
2) to die. 3884. superfluous: 1) being more than is needed,
useful or wanted; surplus; excessive; 2) not
3867. sucker: one who is easily taken in by ath needed; unnecessary; irrelevant [a ∼ remark].
(gullible!).
3885. superimpose: 1) to put, lay or stack on top
3868. sudorific: promoting sweat. of sth else; 2) to add as a dominant or unas-
similated feature.
3869. suffrage: a prayer esp for the dead; a vote.
3886. supernal: celestial; of a higher world; exalted;
3870. suffragette: a woman seeking votes for lofty.
women.
3887. supernumerary: 1) that exceeds or is be-
3871. suffuse: to over spread so as to fill with a yond the regular or prescribe number; extra;
glow, color, fluid etc : said of light, a blush, 2) that is beyond the number or qty needed or
air etc. desired; superfluous.
3888. supersede: 1) to cause to be set aside or
3872. sully: 1) to make soiled or tarnished : defile.
dropped from use an inferior or obsolete and
3873. sultry: very hot and humid : sweltering. replace by sth else; 2) to take the place of in
office, function, etc; succeed; 3) to remove or
3874. sumptuary: regulating expenditure. cause to be removed so as to make way for
another; supplant.
3875. sumptuous: 1) involving great expenses;
costly; lavish; 2) magnificent or splendid, as 3889. supine: lying on the back.
in furnishings,etc. 3890. supplant: 1) to take the place of; supersede,
esp thru force or plotting; 2) to remove or up-
3876. sunder: asunder, break apart.
root in order to replace with sth else.
3877. sunder: to break apart; separate; part; split. 3891. supple: 1) easily bent or twisted; flexible; pli-
ant; 2) able to bend and move easily and nim-
3878. sundries: several.
bly; lithe; limber [a ∼ body]; 3) easily changed
3879. sundry: various; miscellaneous; diverse. or influenced; yielding; compliant; 4) yielding
too easily; obsequious; servile; 5) adaptable,
3880. superannuate: 1) to set aside s, or become as to changes; resilient; elastic : said of the
old fashioned or obsolete; 2) to retire from ser- mind,etc.
vice, esp with a pension, because of old age or 3892. suppliant: 1) asking humbly; supplicat-
infirmity. ing; entreating; 2) expressing supplication [∼
words].
3881. supercilious: coolly and patronizingly
haughty; proud. 3893. suppliants: asking earnestly; entreating.
3882. supererogatory: 1) done or observed beyond 3894. supplicate: 1) to ask for humbly and
the degree required or expected; 2) superflu- earnestly, as by prayer; 2) to make a humble
ous. request of; petition earnestly.

128
3895. supplication: entreating earnestly. 3912. swale: shade; marshy land;.

3896. supposition: sth that is supposed : hypoth- 3913. swarthy: having a dark complexion.
esis; the act of supposing.
3914. swathe: 1) to wrap or bind up in a long strip
3897. supposititious: 1a) fraudulently substituted or bandage; 2) to wrap (a bandage, etc) around
: spurious; 1b) [of a child] (i) falsely presented sth; 3) to surround or envelop; enclose.
as a genuine heir : illegitimate; 2) imaginary. 3915. swelter: to be or feel uncomfortably hot;
3898. suppurate: form pus. sweat, feel weak etc, from great heat.
3916. swerve: to turn aside or cause to turn aside
3899. surcease: end.
sharply or suddenly from a straight line ,course
3900. surly: 1) bad-tempered; sullenly rude; hostile etc.
and uncivil; 2) gloomy and threatening : said
3917. swill: 1) wash : drench; 2) to drink great
of weather.
drafts of : guzzle; 3) to feed (as a pig) with
3901. surmise: an idea or opinion formed from ev- swill; 4) sth suggestive of slop or garbage :
idence that is nether positive not conclusive; refuse; 5) a semi-liquid food mixed with wa-
conjecture; guess. ter or skimmed or sour milk.

3902. surmount: 1) get the better; of ; conquer; 3918. swindle: 1) to get money or property from
overcome; 2) to be or lie at the top of; be or (another) under false pretenses; cheat; de-
rise above; 3) to climb up and across (a height, fraud; 2) to get by false pretense or fraud.
obstacle etc); 4) to place sth above or on top 3919. swizzle: to drink to excess.
of.
3920. sybarite: anyone very fond of self-indulgence
3903. surrealism: drawing upon the subconscious, and luxury; voluptuary.
escaping the control of reason.
3921. sycophant: a person who seeks favor by flat-
3904. surreptitious: stealthy; secret. tering people of wealth or influence; toady;
parasite.
3905. surrogate: substitute.
3922. syllogism: 1) an argument or form of reason-
3906. surveillance: 1a) close watch kept upon ing in which two statements or premises are
someone, esp a suspect; 1b) constant obser- made and a logical conclusion is drawn from
vation of a place or process; 2) supervision or them; 2) reasoning from the general to the
inspection. particular; deductive logic; 3) an instance of
subtle, tricky or specious reasoning.
3907. susceptible: easily affected emotionally; hav-
ing a sensitive nature or feelings. 3923. sylvan: 1) of or characteristic of the woods or
the forest; 2) living or found in the woods or
3908. suture: 1a) a strand or fiber used to sew parts the forest; 3) wooded.
of the living body; also : a stitch made with
a suture; 2a) the seam or seamlike line along 3924. symbiotic: mutually beneficial partnership
which two things or parts are sewed or united; between organisms of different kind.
3) the line of union in an immovable articula-
3925. synchronism: coincidence; concurrence; con-
tion (as between the bones of the skull).
comitance.
3909. svelte: lithe; lissome. 3926. synchronous: 1) happening at the same time;
3910. swale: a shady spot; a sunken or marshy occurring together; simultaneous; 2) having
place. the same period between movements, occur-
rences, etc; having the same rate and phase,
3911. swale: marshy prairie. as vibrations.

129
3927. syncopate: 1a) to shorten or produce by syn- 3941. tangible: 1) that can be touched or felt by
cope [∼ suppose to s’pose]; 1b) to cut short; touch; having actual form and substance; 2)
clip , abbreviate; 2) to modify or affect (musi- corporeal and able to be appraised for value
cal rhythm) by syncopation. [∼ assets]; that can be understood; definite;
objective.
3928. syncope: loss of consciousness resulting from
insufficient blood flow to the brain; faint; 2) 3942. tanner: a person who works in tanning hides.
loss of one or more sounds or letters in the
interior of a word (as in fo’c’sle for forecastle). 3943. tantalize: to tease or disappoint by promising
or showing sth desirable and then withholding
3929. syndicate: a council; a body of men chosen to it.
watch the interest of a company or to manage
3944. tantamount: amounting to as much or to the
a bankrupt property.
same; equal in value or meaning.
3930. synergism: the doctrine that the human will
3945. tantrum: a violent, willful outburst of annoy-
and the divine spirit are two efficient agents
ance, rage etc; childish fit of bad temper.
that cooperate in regeneration; coordinated
action. 3946. taper: 1a) a slender candle; 1b) a long waxed
wick use esp for lighting candles, lamps pipes
3931. synopsis: a statement giving a brief, general
or fires; 1c) a feeble light; 2a) a tapering form
review or condensation; summary.
or figure; 2b) gradual diminution of thickness,
3932. tabernacle: a tent or movable hut; ¡also used diameter or width in an elongated object.
for human body wrt soul¿. 3947. tardiness: slowness; too long delayed.
3933. tabescent: wasting away. 3948. tarn: small mountain lake.
3934. tacit: 1) unspoken; silent; 2) not expressed or 3949. tarry: 1) to delay, linger, be tardy etc; 2)
declared openly, but implied or understood [∼ to stay for a time, esp longer than originally
approval]. intended; remain; 3) to wait.
3935. taciturn: disinclined to speak; uncommunica- 3950. tatterdemalion: ragamuffin.
tive.
3951. taut: 1) tightly stretched, as a rope; 2) show-
3936. tactile: 1) that can be perceived by the touch; ing strain; tense [a ∼ smile]; 3) trim, tidy, well-
tangible; 2) of, having, or related to the sense disciplined, efficient, etc [a ∼ ship].
of touch.
3952. tautological: use of words that say the same
3937. taint: 1a) to affect with sth physically injuri- thing esp needlessly.
ous, unpleasant, etc; infect, poison etc; 1b) to
affect with putrefaction or decay; spoil; 2) to 3953. tawdry: cheap and showy, gaudy, sleazy.
make morally corrupt or depraved.
3954. taxonomy: the science of classification; laws
3938. talesman: juror. and principles covering the classifying objects,

3939. talisman: 1) sth, as a ring or stone, bearing 3955. tedium: the condition or quality of being tire-
engraved figures or symbols thought to bring some, wearisome, boring, or monotonous; te-
good luck, keep away evil, etc; amulet; 2) ath diousness.
thought to have magic power; charm. 3956. teleology: doctrine of purpose in nature.
3940. tangential: 1) divergent, digressive; 2) touch- 3957. tellurian: pertaining to the earth.
ing lightly : incidental, peripheral [∼ involve-
ment]. 3958. temerarious: rash.

130
3959. temerity: rashness; unreasonable contempt 3973. tenuous: 1) slender or fine, as a fiber; 2) rare,
for danger. as air at high altitudes; not dense; 3) not sub-
stantial; slight, flimsy [∼ evidence].
3960. temperament: internal constitution or state.
3974. tenuous: thin; slender; rarefied.
3961. temperate: moderate; self-restrained esp in
3975. tepid: 1) barely or moderately warm; luke-
appetites and passions; 2) neither very hot nor
warm : said of liquids; 2) lacking warmth of
very cold.
feeling and enthusiasm.
3962. tempestuous: stormy!. 3976. termagant: shrewish.
3963. tempo: 1) the speed at which a musical com- 3977. terminate: 1) to bring to an end in space
position is or is supposed to be performed : it is or time; from the end or conclusion of; limit,
indicated by such notations as allegro, andante bound, finish, or conclude; 2) to put an end to;
etc, or by reference to metronome timing; 2) stop; cease; 3) to dismiss from employment;
rate of activity; pace [the ∼ of modern living]. fire.

3964. temporize: 1) to act to suit the time or oc- 3978.
casion : yield to current or dominant opinion
: compromise; 2) to draw out discussions or
negotiations so as to gain time [you’d have to 3979.
∼ until you found out how she wanted to be
advised].
3965. tenacious: 1) holding firmly; 2) that retains
well; retentive [a ∼ memory]; 3) that holds to-
gether strongly; cohesive; tough [a ∼ wood];
4) that clings; adhesive; sticky; 5) persistent; 3980.
stubborn [∼ courage].
3981.
3966. tenacious: retaining or holding fast; tough;
stubborn.
terminology: 1) the terms or system of terms
used in a specific science, art etc; nomencla-
ture; 2) the systematic study of terms.
terminus: 1) a final goal : a finishing point; 2)
a post or stone marking a boundary; 3) either
end of a transportation line or travel route;
also : the station, town or city at such a place
: terminal : extreme point or tip [∼ of the
glacier].
terrapin: turtle.
terse: 1) smoothly elegant : polished; 2) de-
void of superfluity [a ∼ summary]; also : short,
brusque [dismissed me with a ∼ “no”].

3967. tendentious: characterized by a deliberate 3982. tertiary: of the third rank, order, formation,
tendency or aim; esp, advancing a definite stage,etc; third.
point of view [∼ writings]. 3983. tesselate: to lay out, inlay, or pave in a mo-
saic pattern of small square blocks.
3968. tenement: a holding by any tenure; ath that
may be held by a tenant. 3984. testator: a person who has made a will, esp
one who has died leaving a valid will.
3969. tenets: any opinion principle or doctrine that
a person holds as true. 3985. testy: irritable; touchy; peevish.
3986. tether: 1) a rope or chain fastened to an ani-
3970. tenets: basic principles of sth.
mal so as to keep it within certain bounds; 2)
3971. tentative: 1) made, done, proposed,etc ex- the limit of one’s abilities, resources, etc.
perimentally or provisionally; not definite or 3987. thalassic: pertaining to the sea.
final; 2) indicating timidity hesitancy or un-
certainty [a ∼ caress]. 3988. thematic: 1) of, or relating to the stem of a
word; 2) [of a vowel] being the last part of a
3972. tentatively: done provisionally and experi- wood stem before the inflectional ending; 3) of,
mentally. relating to , or constituting a theme.

131
3989. theme: 1a) a subject or topic of discourse or 4002. tinsel: 1. A shining material used for orna-
of artistic representation; 1b) a specific and mental purposes; esp. a very thin, gauze-like
distinctive quality, characteristic, or concern. cloth with much gold or silver woven into it;
also, very thin metal overlaid with a thin coat-
3990. theocracy: government by a person or per- ing of gold,silver,brass etc; 2. Something shin-
sons claiming to rule with divine authority. ing and gaudy; something superficially shining
3991. therapeutic: 1) of or relating to the treat- and showy, or having a false luster, and more
ment of a disease or disorder by remedial gay than valuable.
agents or methods [a ∼ rather than a diag- 4003. tipple: to drink (alcoholic liquor) habitually.
nostic specialty]; 2) providing or assisting in a
cure : curative, medicinal. 4004. tirade: harangue; extended scolding; denun-
ciation.
3992. thespian: having to do with the drama; dra-
matic. 4005. titanic: of great size, strength or power.

3993. thrall: 1) a servant, slave : bondsman, serf; 4006.
2) a person in moral or mental servitude; 3) a
state of complete absorption [mountains could
hold me in ∼ with subtle attractions of their
own].
tithe: 1) one tenth of the annual produce of
one’s land or of one’s annual income, paid as a
tax or contribution to support a church or its
clergy; 2a) a tenth part; 2b) any small part; 3)
any tax or levy.

3994. thrive: 1) to prosper or flourish, be successful, 4007.
esp as the result of economical management;
2) to grow vigorously or luxuriantly; improve
physically.
3995. throe: a spasm or pang of pain : usu used in
pl [death throes].
3996. throng: 1) a great number of people gathered
together; crowd; 2) a crowding together of peo- 4011.
ple; crowded condition; 3) any great number
of things massed or considered together; mul-
titude.
3997. throttle: suffocate.
3998. thwart: to hinder, obstruct, frustrate, or de-
feat (a person, plans, etc).
3999. tiller: a bar or handle for turning a boat’s
rudder.
4000. timbre: the characteristic quality of sound
that distinguishes one voice or musical instru-
ment from another or one vowel sound from
another : it is determined by the harmonics of 4015. topiary: relating to shaping trees.
the sound and is distinguished from the inten-
sity and pitch.
4001. timorous: 1) of a timid disposition : fearful;
2) expressing or suggesting timidity [proceed
with doubtful and ∼ steps].
titillate: 1) tickle; 2) to excite or stimulate
pleasurably, often erotically.
4008. titivate: spruce up.
4009. titter: to laugh in a half-suppressed way, sug-
gestive of silliness, nervousness, etc; giggle.
4010. titubant: staggering.
toady: a servile flatterer; sycophant, esp one
who does distasteful or unprincipled things in
order to gain favor.
4012. toga: 1) in ancient Rome, a loose, one piece
outer garment worn in public citizens; 2) a
robe of office, char gown of a profession.
4013. tome: a book, esp a large, scholarly or pon-
derous one.
4014. tonsure: a clipping off or shaving off of part or
all of the hair of the head, done esp formerly as
a signal of entrance into a clerical or monastic
state.
4016. topography: 1a) the art or practice of
graphic delineation in detail usu on maps or
charts; of natural and man-made features of a
place or region esp in a way to show; their rel-
ative positions and elevations; 1b) the physical

132
 or natural features of an object or entity and 4027. traduce: 1) to say untrue or malicious things
their; structural relationships. about; defame; slander; vilify; 2) to make
mockery of; betray.
4017. torpor: 1) a state of being dormant or inac-
tive; temporary loss of all or part of the power 4028. tranquil: 1) free from disturbance or agita-
of sensation or motion; stupor; sluggishness; tion, calm, serene, peaceful, placid, etc; 2)
2) dullness; apathy. quiet or motionless; steady [∼ waters].
4029. transcend: 1) to go beyond the limits of;
4018. torrent: 1) a swift, violent stream, esp of wa-
overstep; exceed [a story that ∼s belief]; 2)
ter; 2) a flood or rush of words, mail etc; 3) a
to be superior to; surpass; excel.
very heavy fall of rain.
4030. transcribe: 1) to write out or type out in full
4019. torso: 1) the trunk of a statue of the nude (shorthand notes, a speech etc); 2) to repre-
human figure, esp of such a statue lacking the sent (speech sounds) in phonetic or phonemic
head and full limbs; 2) the trunk of the human symbols; 3) to translate or transliterate; 4) to
body; 3) any unfinished or fragmentary piece arrange or adapt (a piece of music) for an in-
of work. strument, voice, or ensemble other than that
for which it was originally written; 5) to make
4020. tortuous: 1) full of twists, turns, curves, or a recording.
windings; winding, crooked; 2) not straightfor-
ward; devious; specif deceitful or tricky. 4031. transfixed: paralysed with emotion;.
4032. transgress: 1) to overstep or break (a law,
4021. touchstone: 1) a type of black stone formerly
commandment etc); 2) to go beyond (a limit,
used to test the purity of gold or silver by the
boundary, etc).
streak left on it when it was rubbed with the
metal; 2) any test or criterion for determining 4033. transgression: to pass beyond the limit of;
genuineness or value. to overstep.

4022. touchy: 1) easily offended; oversensitive; irri- 4034. transience: passing; short duration; momen-
table; 2) sensitive to touch; easily irritated, as tary.
a part of the body; 3) very risky [a ∼ situa-
4035. transient: 1a) passing away with time; not
tion]; 4) highly flammable or readily ignited.
permanent; temporary; transitory; 1b) passing
4023. tout: 1) to spy on : watch ; 2a) [Brit] to spy quickly or soon; fleeting; ephemeral; 2) staying
out information about (as a racing stable or only for a short time [the ∼ population at re-
horse); 2b) to give a tip or solicit bets on (a sorts].
horse); 3) to solicit, peddle, or persuade impor- 4036. transientness: evanescence; fugacity; ca-
tunately [not meant to ∼ you off the movie]; 4) ducity.
to praise or publicize loudly or extravagantly
[∼ed as the most etc]; one who solicits patron- 4037. transitory: going or passing away; lasting for
age. a short time.
4038. transitory: of a passing nature; not en-
4024. toxic: 1) of, affected by, or caused by a toxin,
during or permanent; temporary, fleeting, or
or poison; 2) acting as a poison; poisonous.
ephemeral; transient.
4025. tract: a propagandizing pamphlet, esp one on 4039. transmigration: to pass into another body
a religious or political subject. or place or abode;
4026. tractable: 1) easily managed, taught, or con- 4040. transmogrification: to transform, trans-
trolled; docile, compliant; 2) easily worked; mute; (ie change to another form or sub-
malleable. stance).

133
4041. transmute: to change from one form, species, 4054. trepidation: 1) tremulous or trembling move-
condition, nature, or substance into another; ment; quaking; tremor; 2) a fearful uncer-
transform; convert. tainty, anxiety etc; apprehension.

4042. transpire: 1) to give off vaporous material; 4055. tribulation: 1) great misery or distress, as
specif : to give off or exude a vapor esp from from oppression; deep sorrow; 2) sth that
the surfaces of leaves; 2) to pass in the form causes suffering or distress; affliction; trial.
of a vapor from a living body; 3a) to be re-
4056. tribunal: 1) a seat or bench upon which a
vealed : come to light; 3b) to become known
judge or judges sit in court; 2) a court of jus-
or apparent : develop.
tice; 3) any seat of judgement [the ∼ of popular
4043. trappings: 1) caparison—usu used in pl; 2) sentiment].
[pl] outward decoration or dress : ornamental 4057. tribute: 1a) a payment by one ruler or na-
equipment; also : outward signs [conventional tion to another in acknowledgement of submis-
men with all the ∼ of banality]. sion or as the price of protection; also : the
tax levied for such a payment; b) an excessive
4044. trauma: 1) a bodily injury, wound, or shock;
tax, rental or tariff imposed by a government,
2) a painful emotional experience or shock,
sovereign, lord or landlord; 2a) sth given or
often producing a lasting psychic effect and
contributed voluntarily as due or deserved; esp
sometimes, a neurosis.
: a gift or service showing respect, gratitude,
4045. travail: 1) very hard work; toil; 2) labor pains; or affection [floral ∼s].
pains of childbirth; 3) intense pain; agony.
4058. trident: 1) having three teeth, processes or
4046. travail: excessive labor; toil. points; 2) a 3-pronged spear serving in classical
mythology as the attribute of a sea god (as
4047. travesty: 1) a grotesque or farcial imitation Neptune).
for purposes of ridicule, burlesque; 2) a crude,
4059. trilogy: a set of three related plays, novels,
distorted, or ridiculous representation (of sth)
etc, which together form an extended, unified
[a trial that was a ∼ of justice].
work, though each has its own unity.
4048. travesty: disguise; burlesque. 4060. trinket: 1) a small, inexpensive ornament,
piece of jewelry etc; 2) a trifle or joy.
4049. treatise: a formal, systematic article or book
on some subject, esp a discussion of facts, evi- 4061. triturated: pulverized.
dence, or principles and the conclusions based
on these. 4062. trivia: 1) unimportant matters, trivialities; 2)
little known, insignificant facts.
4050. tremor: 1) a trembling, shaking or shivering;
2) a vibratory or quivering motion; 3) a ner- 4063. troglodyte: cave dweller.
vous thrill; trembling sensation; 4) a trembling
4064. troth: 1) loyal or pledged faithfulness :
sound; 5) a state of tremulous excitement [in
fidelity; 2) one’s pledged word ; also :
a ∼ of delight].
bethrothal.
4051. tremulous: 1) trembling; palpitating; quiver- 4065. truculent: 1) fierce; cruel; savage; ferocious;
ing; 2) fearful; timid; timorous; 3) marked by 2) rude, harsh, mean, scathing,etc : said of
or showing trembling or quivering. speech or writing; 3) pugnacious or bellicose.
4052. trenchant: sharp, cutting, assertive, pointed; 4066. truism: an undoubted or self-evident truth;
feeble, vacillating, pointless. esp one too obvious for mention.

4053. trencherman: a hearty eater. 4067. trumpery: showy trash.

134
4068. truncated: to cut short; to maim;lop.
4069. truncheon: a broken or cut piece; a broken
spear; a cudgel; a staff of authority.
4070. tryst: 1) an appointment to meet at a speci-
fied time and place, esp one made secretly by
lovers; 2a) a meeting held by appointment; 2b)
the place of such a meeting (also called “tryst-
ing place”).
4071. tumbrel: (also tumbril) two wheeled cart.
4072. tumid: 1) swollen; bulging; 2) inflated or
pompous.
4073. tumult: 1) noisy commotion, as of a crowd;
uproar; 2) confusion; agitation; disturbance; 3)
great emotional disturbance; agitation of mind
or feeling.
4074. turbid: 1) muddy or cloudy from having the
sediment stirred up; 2) thick, dense or dark, as
clouds or smoke; 3) confused; perplexed; mud-
dled.
4075. turbulent: full of commotion or wild disor-
der; specif a) marked by or causing turmoil; 4090. ululation: animal sounds.
unruly or boisterous [a ∼ mob]; b) violently
agitated; tumultuous [∼ grief]; c) marked by
wildly irregular motion [∼ air currents].
4076. tureen: a large, deep serving dish with a lid,
used for soups, stews,etc.
4077. turgid: 1) swollen; distended; 2) bombastic;
pompous; grandiloquent.
4078. turmoil: tumult; commotion; uproar; confu- 4095. unanimous: 1) agreeing completely; united
sion.
4079. turncoat: a person who goes over to the op-
posite side or party; traitor. 4096. unassailable: untested.
4084. tycoon: a wealthy and powerful industrialist,
financier.
4085. tyranny: 1) oppressive power [every form of
∼ over the mind of man]; 2a) a government
in which absolute power is vested in a single
ruler; esp : one char of an ancient Greek city-
state; 2) a rigorous condition imposed by some
outside agency or force.
4086. tyro: a beginner; a novice.
4087. ubiquitous: to be found everywhere; om-
nipresent.
4088. ulterior: 1) lying beyond or on the farther
side; 2) later, subsequent, or future; 3) further,
more remote; esp beyond what is expressed,
implied or evident; undisclosed [an ∼ motive].
4089. ultimatum: a last offer or demand esp by
one of the parties engaged in negotiations, the
rejection of which usu leads to a break in re-
lations and unilateral action, the use of force,
etc by the party issuing the ultimatum; a final
point.
4091. umber: reddish brown earth.
4092. umbrage: resentment, displeasure, antipathy,
animosity; affection, amity, admiration.
4093. umbrage: shade; a shadowy appearance;that
which casts a shade.
4094. unalienable: inalienable.
in opinion; 2) showing, or based on, complete
agreement.

4080. turpitude: baseness, vileness; depravity. 4097. unassuming: not assuming, pretentious or
forward; modest; retiring.
4081. tussock: thick clump of grass.
4098. unbridle: 1) to remove the bridle from ( a
4082. tutelage: 1) the function of a guardian; horse etc); to free from restraint.
guardianship; care, protection, etc; 2) teach-
ing; instruction; 3) the condition of being un- 4099. uncanny: 1) mysterious or unfamiliar, esp
der a guardian or tutor. in such a way as to frighten or make uneasy;
preternaturally strange; eerie; weird; 2) so re-
4083. tutelary: 1) that watches over or protects; 2) markable , acute etc as to seem preternatural
of or serving as a guardian. [∼ shrewdness].

135
4100. uncanny: weird; unearthly; savouring of the 4115. unfetter: to free from fetters; free from re-
supernatural. straint of any kind; liberate.

4101. unconscionable: 1) not guided or restrained 4116. unfettered: unrestraint; to free from fetters
by conscience; unscrupulous; 2) unreasonable, (chains).
excessive, or immoderate; 3) not fair or just; 4117. unfrock: to deprive of the rank or function of
outrageous [∼ demands]. priest or minister.
4102. uncouth: 1) awkward; clumsy; ungainly; 2) 4118. ungainly: 1) awkward, clumsy; 2) coarse and
uncultured; crude; boorish. unattractive.
4103. unction: 1) the act of anointing as a rite of 4119. unguent: a salve or ointment.
consecration or healing; 2) sth used for anoint-
ing : ointment, unguent; 3) exaggerated, as- 4120. unilateral: 1a) done or undertaken by one
sumed, or superficial earnestness of language person or party; 1b) of, relating to, or affect-
or manner. ing one side of a subject : one-sided; 1c) con-
stituting or relating to contract or engagement
4104. unctuousness: lubrication; anointment. by which an express obligation to do or forbear
(unctuous-oleaginous; pinguid). is imposed on only one party; 2a) having parts
arranged on one side [a ∼ raceme].
4105. undermine: 1) to excavate the earth beneath
: form a mine under : sap; 2) to wash away 4121. unimpaired: undamaged; free from being im-
supporting material from under; 3) to subvert paired.
or weaken insidiously or secretly; 4) to weaken 4122. unimpeachable: not impeachable; that can-
or ruin by degrees. not be doubted; questioned, or discredited; ir-
reproachable.
4106. underscore: 1) to draw a line under : under-
line; 2) to make evident : emphasize, stress; 3) 4123. uninhibited: without inhibition; esp free
to provide (action on film) with accompanying from the usu social or psychological restraints,
music. as in behavior.

4107. undulate: 1) to cause to move in waves; 2) to 4124. unison: 1) an interval consisting of two identi-
give a wavy form, margin, or surface to. cal musical pitches; prime; 2) complete agree-
ment; concord; harmony.
4108. unearth: 1) to dig up from or out of the earth;
2) to bring to light as by searching; discover; 4125. unkempt: 1) tangled, disheveled, etc as if
disclose. from not having been combed; 2) not tidy or
neat; messy; 3) not polished or refined; crude;
4109. unedifying: not comforting. rough.

4110. unequivocal: clear; unquestionable; not of 4126. unobtrusive: without getting noticed.
doubtful meaning. 4127. unpalatable: not of good taste.
4111. unequivocal: not equivocal; not ambiguous; 4128. unprecedented: having no precedent or par-
plain; clear. allel; novel; unheard of.
4112. unerring: 1) free from error; 2) not missing 4129. unpremeditated: not studied or purposed
or failing; certain; sure; exact. beforehand.

4113. unfaltering: not wavering or weakening : 4130. unravel: 1) to undo (sth woven, tangled or
firm. raveled up); untangle or separate the threads
of; 2) to make clear of confusion or involve-
4114. unfeigned: not feigned; genuine; real; sincere. ment; solve.

136
4131. unremitting: not relaxing; continued; inces- 4149. upshot: the conclusion; result; outcome.
sant;.
4150. urbane: polite and courteous in a smooth,
4132. unrequited: not returned; unanswerable; un- polished way; refined.
reciprocated. 4151. urchin: a small boy, or any youngster, esp one
4133. unruly: hard to control, restrain, or keep in who is roguish or mischievous.
order; disobedient, disorderly, etc. 4152. ursine: of, like, or char of a bear; bearlike.
4134. unsavory: 1) unpleasant to taste or smell; 2) 4153. usufruct: right to enjoy property of other
unpleasant or offensive, esp so as to seem im- without changing it.
moral.
4154. usurp: to take or assume (power, a position,
4135. unscathed: not hurt; unharmed. property, rights, etc) and hold in possession by
force or without right.
4136. unseemly: not seemly; not decent or proper;
unbecoming; indecorous. 4155. usury: 1) the act or practice of lending money
at interest, now specif at a rate of interest that
4137. unsightly: not sightly; not pleasant to look is excessive or unlawfully high; 2) interest at
at; ugly. such a high rate.

4138. unstintingly: not restricting or holding back; 4156. utopia: 1) any idealized place, state, or sit-
giving or being given freely [to praise ∼]. uation of perfection; 2) any visionary scheme
or system for an ideally perfect society; 3) a
4139. unsullied: not dirty; clean?. novel or other work depicting utopian society
or place.
4140. untenable: which cannot be retained; inca-
pable of being tenanted or occupied. 4157. uxorious: excessively or submissively fond of
a wife.
4141. untoward: 1) difficult to guide, manage or
work with : unruly, intractable; 2a) marked by 4158. vacillate: 1) to sway to and fro; waver; totter;
trouble or unhappiness : unlucky; 2b) not fa- stagger; 2) to fluctuate or oscillate; 3) to waver
vorable : adverse, unpropitious [∼ side-effects]; in mind; show indecision.
3) improper, indecorous. 4159. vacuous: 1) empty of matter; 2) having
4142. unwarranted: that cannot be justified; inex- or showing lack of intelligence, interest or
cusable. thought; stupid; inane; senseless; 3) character-
ized by lack of purpose, of profitable employ-
4143. unwary: careless; not vigilant. ment etc; idle.

4144. unwieldy: hard to wield, manage, handle or 4160. vagaries: a freakish prank; a caprice; a di-
deal with, as because or large size or weight,
or awkward form.
4145. unwitting: 1) not knowing; unaware; 2) not
intended; unintentional.
4146. unwonted: unaccustomed.
4147. upbraid: to rebuke severely or bitterly; cen-
sure sharply.
4148. uproarious: 1) making, or char by an uproar;
tumultuous; 2a) loud and boisterous, as laugh-
ter; 2b) causing such laughter [an ∼ joke].
gression;
4161. vagary: 1) an odd, eccentric or unexpected
action or bit of conduct; 2) an odd, whimsical,
or freakish idea or notion; oddity; caprice.
4162. vagrant: a person who wanders from place to
place or lives a wandering life; rover; one who
wanders from place to place without a regu-
lar job, supporting oneself by begging etc; idle
wanderer , vagabond; a tramp, beggar, prosti-
tute or similar idle or disorderly person whose
way of living makes them liable to arrest and
detention.

137
4163. vagrant: following no fixed direction, course, 4177. vegetate: 1) to grow as plants; 2) to exist
or pattern; random, wayward, fleeting, erratic with little mental and physical activity; lead a
etc. dull inactive life; 3) to grow or increase in size,
as a wart or another abnormal outgrowth.
4164. vainglorious: 1) boastfully vain and proud of
oneself; 2) showing or char by boastful vanity. 4178. vehement: 1) acting or moving with great
force; violent; impetuous; 2) having or char
4165. valediction: 1) the act of bidding or saying by intense feeling or strong passion; fervent;
farewell; 2) sth said in parting; farewell utter- impassioned etc.
ance.
4179. velleity: slight wish.
4166. valiant: valorous, puissant; dastardly, craven, 4180. velocity: quickness or rapidity of motion or
sneaking. action; swiftness; speed.
4167. validate: 1) to make a binding under the law; 4181. venal: 1) that can readily be bribed or cor-
give legal force to; declare legally valid; 2) to rupted [a ∼ judge]; 2) char by bribery or cor-
prove to be valid; confirm the validity of; ver- ruption [a ∼ bargain].
ify.
4182. vendetta: 1) a feud in which the relatives of
4168. valor: marked courage or bravery. a murdered or wronged person seek vengeance
on the murdered or wrongdoer or on members
4169. vanguard: the foremost of an army; the fore- of that person’s family; 2) any bitter quarrel
front. or feud.

4170. vantage: a) position, situation, etc more ad- 4183. vendor: one who vends or sells; seller.
vantageous than that of an opponent; b) a po-
4184. veneer: 1) a thin surface layer of fine wood or
sition that allows a clear and broad view, un-
costly material laid over a base of common ma-
derstanding, etc (also “vantage point”).
terial; 2) any of the thin layers glued together
4171. vapid: insipid; tasteless; flavorless; flat; unin- in plywood; 3) any attractive but superficial
teresting; lifeless; dull; boring appearance or display [a ∼ of culture].
4185. venerable: 1) worthy of respect or reverence
4172. variegated: 1) marked with different colors
by reason of age and dignity, character, or posi-
in spots, streaks, etc; parti-colored; 2) having
tion; 2) impressive on account of age or historic
variety in character, form , etc; varied; diver-
or religious associations,
sified.
4186. venerate: to look upon with feelings of deep
4173. vassal: 1) in the Middle Ages, a person respect; regard as venerable; revere.
who held land under the feudal system, doing
homage and pledging fealty to an over-lord, 4187. venial: pardonable; excusable.
and performing military or other duties in re-
turn for his protection; feudal tenant; 2) a de- 4188. venison: the flesh of a deer, used as food.
pendent; a bondsman; slave. 4189. ventriloquism: the art or practice of speak-
ing so that the voice seems to come from some
4174. vaticination: prophesy. source other than the speaker.
4175. vaunt: to boast about (sth); brag of sth ex- 4190. venturesome: 1) inclined to venture, or take
cessively [the ∼ed beauties of Paris]. chances; daring; 2) involving danger or risk;
risky; hazardous.
4176. veer: 1) to change direction; shift; turn or
swing around; 2) to change sides; shift, as 4191. Venus: the scene or locale of a large gather-
from, one opinion or attitude to another. ing,as for sports event or rock concert.

138
4192. veracious: 1) habitually truthful; honest; 2) 4208. versatile: a) competent in many things; able
true; accurate. to turn easily from one subject or occupation
to another; many-sided; b) adaptable to many
4193. veracity: 1) habitual truthfulness; honesty; uses or functions.
2) accordance with truth; accuracy of state-
ment; 3) accuracy or precision, as of percep- 4209. vertex: the highest point; summit; apex, as
tion; 4) that which is true; truth. the top point of the sun, moon etc, above the
horizon.
4194. verbalize: 1) to be wordy, or verbose; 2) to
use words to express or communicate meaning. 4210. vertiginous: dizzy.
4211. vertigo: a condition in which one has the feel-
4195. verbiage: 1) an excess of words beyond those
ing of whirling or of having the surroundings
needed to express concisely what is meant;
whirling about one, so that one tends to lose
wordiness; 2) style of expression; diction.
balance; dizziness.
4196. verbigerate: cause a repeated echo. 4212. verve: 1) vigor and energy, as in movement,
portrayal, etc; 2) exuberant enthusiasm; spirit,
4197. verbose: using or containing too many words;
dash, etc.
wordy; long winded; prolix.
4213. vesicant: causing blisters.
4198. verdant: 1) green; 2) covered with green veg-
etation; 3) inexperienced; immature [∼ youth]. 4214. vestige: 1) a trace, mark, or sign of sth that
once existed or disappeared; [∼s of the ancient
4199. verdigris: a greenish or greenish blue coating wall]; 2) a trace; bit [not a ∼ of hope left]; 3)
(false verdigris) that forms like rust; on brass, a degenerate, atrophied, or rudimentary organ
bronze or copper. or part, more fully developed; or functional in
an earlier stage of development of the individ-
4200. verdure: greenness. ual or; species: also “vestiguim”.
4201. verecund: bashful. 4215. vestige: a mark or trace of sth that no longer
remains.
4202. verger: minor church official.
4216. vesture: a garment; vegetation clothing the
4203. verisimilitude: 1) the appearance of being soil.
true or real; 2) sth having the mere appearance
of being true or real. 4217. viable: 1) able to live; specif a) having devel-
oped sufficiently within the uterus to be able to
4204. verity: 1) the quality or state of being true or live and continue normal development outside
real; 2) sth (as a statement) that is true; esp : the uterus [a premature but ∼ infant]; b) able
a fundamental and inevitably true value [such to take root and grow [∼ seeds]; 2) workable
eternal verities as honor, love and patriotism]; and likely to survive or to have real meaning,
3) the quality or state of being truthful or hon- pertinence, etc [a ∼ economy, ∼ ideas].
est [the kings becoming graces, as justice, ∼].
4218. viand: 1) an article of food; 2) [pl] food of
4205. vernacular: 1a) using a language or dialect various kinds; esp choice dishes.
native to a region or country rather than a 4219. vicarious: exercise performed or suffered by
literary, cultured or foreign language. one person or thing instead of another.
4206. vernal: appearing in spring; fresh and youth- 4220. vicissitude: change of fortune.
ful.
4221. victual: 1) food or other provisions; 2) [pl]
4207. verrucose: warty. articles of food, esp when prepared for use.

139
4222. vie: to struggle for superiority (with someone) 4238. visage: 1) the face, with reference to the form
or enter into competition (for sth); compete. and proportions of the feature or to the expres-
sion; countenance; 2) appearance; aspect.
4223. vigil: a) a purposeful or watchful staying
awake during the usual hours of sleep; b) a 4239. visceral: 1) felt in or as if in the viscera : deep
watch kept, or the period of this. [∼ conviction]; 2) not intellectual : instinctive,
unreasoning [∼ drives]; 3) dealing with crude
4224. vigilant: staying watchful and alert to danger
or elemental emotions : earthy [a ∼ novel].
or trouble.
4240. viscid: having a cohesive and sticky fluid con-
4225. vignette: a photographic portrait; a charac-
sistency; viscous.
ter sketch; a word picture.
4226. vilify: to make vile; to disparage; to defame. 4241. viscous: having a cohesive and sticky fluid
consistency; viscid.
4227. vilify: to use abusive or slanderous language
about or of; calumniate; revile; defame. 4242. vise: a device, usu fastened to a workbench,
consisting of two jaws opened and closed by a
4228. vindicate: 1) to clear from criticism, blame, screw, lever, etc and used for holding firmly an
guilt , suspicion etc; uphold by evidence or ar- abject being worked on.
gument; 2) to defend or maintain (a cause,
claim,etc) against opposition; 3) to serve as 4243. visionary: 1a) of the nature of a vision :
justification for; justify [a success which ∼d illusory; 1b) incapable of being realized or
their belief in him]; 4) to lay claim to or estab- achieved : utopian [a ∼ scheme]; 1c) existing
lish possession of (sth for oneself or another). only in imagination : unreal; 2) disposed to
reverie or imagination : dreamy; 3) having a
4229. vindictive: 1) revengeful in spirit; inclined marked foresight and imagination [a ∼ leader];
to seek vengeance; 2) said or done in revenge; 4) one whose ideas or projects are impractical
char by vengeance. [∼ punishment]. : dreamer.
4230. vintner: 1) a person who sells wine; wine mer- 4244. vital: 1a) existing as a manifestation of life;
chant; 2) a person who makes wine, 1b) concerned with or necessary to the mainte-
4231. virago: an amazon; a heroic or man-like nance of life [∼ organs]; 2) full of life and vigor
woman. : animated; 3) char of life or living beings; 4)
fundamentally concerned with or affecting life
4232. virgate: rod shaped. or living beings : invigorating : mortal.
4233. viridity: greenness. 4245. vitiate: 1) to make imperfect, faulty, or im-
pure; spoil; corrupt; 2) to weaken morally, de-
4234. virile: 1) of, belonging to, or char of an adult
base, pervert; 3) to make (a contract, or legal
man; manly; male; 2) having manly strength
instrument) ineffective; invalidate.
or vigor; forceful; 3) of or capable of copula-
tion; sexually potent. 4246. vitreous: a) of, having the nature of or like
glass; glassy; b) derived from or made of glass.
4235. virtual: being such practically or in effect,
although not in actual fact or name [a ∼ im- 4247. vitriolic: extremely biting or caustic; sharp
possibility]. and bitter. [∼ talk].
4236. virtuoso: a person displaying great technical 4248. vituperation: abusive; foul language.
skill in some fine art, esp in the performance
of music. 4249. vivacity: liveliness; animation.
4237. virulent: a) extremely poisonous or injurious; 4250. vivisection: medical research consisting of
deadly; b) bitterly antagonistic or spiteful; full surgical operations or other expts performed
of hate and enmity; venomous; rancorous. on living animals to study the structure and

140
 function of living organs and parts, and to in- a while or eddy in its rush, absorbing effect,
vestigate the effects of diseases and therapy. catastrophic power, etc.
4251. vixen: 1) a female fox; 2) an ill-tempered, 4262. votary: worshipper;.
shrewish, or malicious woman.
4263. vouchsafe: condescend; be graciously willing.
4252. vociferous: 1) loud, noisy, or vehement in 4264. voyeur: a person who has an exaggerated in-
making one’s feelings known; clamorous; char- terest in viewing sexual objects or activities to
acterized by clamor or vehement outcry. obtain sexual gratification; peeping Tom.
4253. vogue: 1) the accepted fashion or style at any 4265. vulnerable: 1) that can be wounded or phys-
particular time; mode : often with the; 2) gen- ically injured; 2a) open to criticism or attack [
eral favor or acceptance; popularity [coming a ∼ reputation]; 2b) easily hurt, as by adverse
into ∼]. criticism; sensitive; 2c) affected by a specified
4254. volatile: 1) readily vaporizable at a relatively influence, temptation, etc [∼ to political pres-
low temperature; 2) flying or having the power sure]; 3) open to attack by armed forces.
to fly; 3a) lighthearted or lively; 3b) easily 4266. vulpine: 1) of or like a fox or foxes; 2) clever,
aroused [∼ suspicions]; 3c) cunning,etc.
4255. volition: 1) the act of using the will; exer- 4267. waffle: to speak or write in a wordy, vague or
cise of the will as in deciding what to do; 2) a indecisive manner.
conscious or deliberate decision or choice thus
made; 3) the power or faculty of using the will. 4268. waft: 1) to move or go lightly on or as if on
a buoyant medium; 2) sth (as an odor) that
4256. volition: act of willing or choosing; the power is wafted : whiff; 3) a slight breeze : puff; 4)
of determining. the act of waving; 5) a pennant or flag used to
signal or show wind direction.
4257. voluble: char by a great flow of words; talking
much and easily; talkative,glib, etc. 4269. waggish: 1) like, char of, or befitting a wag;
roguishly merry; 2) done, said or made in jest;
4258. voluminous: 1) writing, producing, consist- playful [a waggish remark].
ing of, or forming enough material to fill vol-
umes; 2) of great volume; large; bulky; full. 4270. waif: 1a) a piece of property found (as washed
up by the sea) but unclaimed; 1b) [pl] stolen
4259. voluptuous: 1) full of, producing, or char by goods thrown away by a thief in flight; 2a) sth
sensual delights and pleasure; sensual; 2) fond found without an owner and esp by chance;
of or directed toward luxury, elegance, and the 2b) a stray person or animal, esp : a homeless
pleasure of the senses; 3a) suggesting or ex- child[].
pressing sensual pleasures or gratification; 3b)
sexually attractive because of a full shapely 4271. waive: 1) to give up or forgo (a right, claim,
figure; 4) arising from sensual gratification. privilege,etc); 2) to refrain from insisting on or
taking advantage of; 3) to put off until later;
4260. voracious: 1) greedy in eating; devouring postpone; defer; 4) to forgo or relinquish vol-
or eager to devour large quantities of food; untarily (a right, privilege, claim, etc which
ravenous; gluttonous; 2) very greedy or ea- one is legally entitled to enforce).
ger in some desire or pursuit; insatiable [a ∼
reader]. 4272. wallow: 1) to roll oneself about in an indolent
or ungainly manner; 2) to billow forth : surge;
4261. vortex: 1) a whirling mass of water forming a 3) to devote oneself entirely, esp : to take un-
vacuum at its center, into which ath caught in restrained pleasure : delight; 4a) to become
the motion is drawn; whirlpool; 2) a whirl or abundantly supplied : luxuriate [a family that
powerful eddy of air; whirlwind; 3) any activ- ∼s in money]; 5) a state of degradation or de-
ity, situation or state of affairs that resembles generacy.

141
4273. wan: 1) sickly pale; pallid; colorless; [a ∼ com- 4285. wax: 1) to grow gradually larger, more numer-
plexion]; 2) faint, feeble or weak in a way sug- ous etc; increase in strength, intensity , vol-
gestive of a sickly condition or great weariness, ume; 2) to speak or express oneself [he ∼ed on
sadness,etc [a wan smile]. and on about his prowess].

4274. wane: 1) to grow gradually less in extent : 4286. wayfarer: traveler esp on foot.
said esp of the visible face of the moon; 2) to
4287. waylay: 1) to lie in wait for and attack; am-
become less intense, bright, strong etc; grow
bush; 2) to wait for and accost (a person) on
dim or faint, as a light; 3) to decline in im-
the way.
portance, power, prosperity, influence, etc; 4)
to approach the end : said of a period of time 4288. wean: 1) to accustom (as a child) to take food
[the day ∼s]. otherwise than by nursing; 2) to detach from a
source of dependence [being ∼ed off the medi-
4275. wangle: 1) to extricate oneself (as from dif- cation]; also : to free from a usu unwholesome
ficulty) : wiggle; 2) to resort to trickery or habit or interest [∼ him off his excessive drink-
devious methods. ing habit]; 3) to accustom to sth from an early
age—used in the passive esp with on [students
4276. wanly: pale and sickly.
∼ed on the microcomputer].
4277. wanton: 1) playfully mean or cruel : mis- 4289. weather: 1) to expose to the open air : sub-
chievous; 2a) lewd, bawdy; 2b) causing sexual ject to the action of elements; 2) to bear up
excitement : lustful, sensual; 3a) merciless, in- against and come safely thru [∼ a storm]; 3)
humane [∼ cruelty]; 3b) having no just foun- state or vicissitude of life or fortune; 4) dis-
dation or provocation : malicious [a ∼ attack]; agreeable atmospheric conditions.
4) a pampered person or animal : pet, esp : a
spoilt child; 5) one given to self-indulgent flir- 4290. welt: 1) a strip between a shoe sole and up-
tation or trifling—used esp in the phrase ‘play per thru which they are stitched or stapled to-
the wanton’. gether; 2) a double edge, strip, insert, or seam
(as on a garment) for ornament or reinforce-
4278. warbled: to sing in a quavering way. ment; 3a) a ridge or lump raised on the body
usu by a blow; a heavy blow.
4279. warrant: ground, justification, sanction, au-
thorization; guarantee, security, confirmation, 4291. welter: 1a) writhe, toss ; also :wallow; 1b) to
proof. rise and fall or toss about in or with waves; 2)
to become deeply sunk, soaked or involved; 3)
4280. warren: 1) a space or limited area in which to be in turmoil.
rabbits breed or are numerous; 3) any build-
ing or group of buildings crowded like a rabbit 4292. welter: confusion.
warren.
4293. wenches: a working girl, a maid-servant.
4281. wary: 1) cautious; on one’s guard; 2) char by 4294. wheedle: 1) to influence or entice with soft
caution [a ∼ look]. words or flattery; [∼ one’s way into favor].
4282. wassail: a festive occasion; revelry; a drinking 4295. whelp: 1) any of the young of various carniv-
bout; drinking or festive song. orous mammals and esp of the dog; 2) a young
boy or girl; 3) to give birth to—used of various
4283. wastrel: 1) a person who wastes; esp a carnivores and esp the dog.
spendthrift; 2) good for nothing; a useless or
worthless person. 4296. whet: 1) to sharpen by rubbing or grinding
(the edge of a knife or tool); hone; 2) to make
4284. wattle: fleshy flap. keen; stimulate [to ∼ the appetite].

142
4297. whilom: quondam; former. 4313. wisp: 1) a small handful (as of hay or straw);
2) a thin strip or fragment; 3) sth frail, slight
4298. whimple: a veil folded around the head, neck or fleeting [a ∼ of a girl].
or cheeks part of a nuns dress.
4314. wistful: showing or expressing vague yearn-
4299. whimsical: 1) full of or char by whims or ings; longing pensively.
whimsy; 2) oddly out of the ordinary; fanciful;
freakish; 3) subject to sudden change; unpre- 4315. withdrawn: withdrawing within oneself, shy,
dictable. reserved, introverted etc.

4300. whimsical: delicately fanciful. 4316. witless: lacking wit or intelligence; foolish.

4301. whinny: to neigh in a low, gentle, contented 4317. wizardry: the art or practice of a wizard;
way : said of a horse. specif a) witchcraft; magic; sorcery; b) excep-
tional cleverness.
4302. whit: the least bit; jot; iota : chiefly in nega-
tive constructions [not a ∼ the wiser, not care 4318. wizen: to dry up; wither; shrivel.
one ∼]. 4319. wizened: dried up with age; shrivelled.
4303. whittle: to pare or cut with a knife; to dimin- 4320. wont: usual practice; habit; custom.
ish gradually; to cut wood aimlessly.
4321. worldly: 1) of, relating to, or devoted to this
4304. whorl: 1) a drum shaped section on the lower world and its pursuits rather than to religion
part of a spindle in spinning or weaving ma- or spiritual affairs; worldly-wise.
chinery serving as a pulley for the tape drive
that rotates the spindle; 2) an arrangement of 4322. wrangle: an angry noisy dispute or quarrel.
similar anatomical parts (as leaves) in a circle
4323. wrath: 1) intense anger, rage, fury; 2) any
around a point on an axis ; 3) sth that whirls,
action carried out in great anger, esp for pun-
coils, or spirals or whose form suggests such
ishment or vengeance.
movement.
4324. wreak: 1) to cause the infliction of (vengeance
4305. wicket: gate.
or punishment); 2) to give free play or course
4306. willful: 1) said or done deliberately or inten- to (malevolent) feeling.
tionally; 2) doing as one pleases; self-willed. 4325. wrench: 1) to move with a violent twist: to

4307. wily: full of wiles; crafty; sly.
4308. wimble: gimlet.
4309. wince: to shrink or draw back slightly, usu
with a grimace, as in pain, embarrassment,
alarm etc.
4310. windfall: 1) sth blown down by the wind, as
fruit from a tree; 2) any unexpected acquisi- 4326. wrest: 1) to pull, force, or move by violent
tion, gain or stroke of good luck.
4311. winsome: attractive in a sweet, engaging
way; charming.
4312. wiseacre: one who unduly assumes an air
of superior wisdom; a simpleton quite uncon-
scious of being such.
undergo twisting; 2) change, distort, pervert;
3a) to pull or tighten twisting or with vio-
lence; 3b) to snatch forcibly; 4a) a sharp twist
or sudden jerk straining muscles or ligaments;
4b) a distorting or perverting alteration ; 4c)
acute emotional distress; 4d) sudden violent
emotional change; 5) a hand or power tool for
holding, twisting or turning an object.
wringing or twisting movements; 2) to gain
with difficulty by or as if by force, violence or
determined labour.
4327. writ: a formal legal document ordering or pro-
hibiting some action.
4328. writhe: to cause to twist or turn; contort.

143
4329. wry: 1) to pull out of or as if out of proper
shape; 2) to make awry; 3) having bent or
twisted shape or condition; 3) cleverly and of-
ten ironically or grimly humorous.
4330. xenophobia: fear or hatred of strangers or
foreigners or of anything strange or foreign.
4331. yaw: to deviate temporarily from.
4332. yen: a strong longing or desire.
4333. yeomen: staunch and brave.
4334. yoke: 1) a wooden bar or frame by which two
draft animals (as oxen) are joined at the heads
or necks for working together; 2) servitude,
bondage, tie,link.
4335. yokel: a person living in a rural area; rustic;
country bumpkin : a contemptuous person.
4336. yore: times long past : now only in “of yore”
, formerly.
4337. zany: a clown or buffoon; specif a former stock
character in comedies who clownishly aped the
principal actors; a silly or foolish person; sim-
pleton.
4338. zeal: intense enthusiasm, as in working for a
cause; ardent endeavor or devotion; ardor; fer-
vor.
4339. zealot: a person who is zealous, esp to an
extreme or excessive degree; fanatic.
4340. zenith: the point directly overhead in the sky
or on the celestial sphere : opposed to nadir;
the highest point; peak.
4341. zephyr: a soft, gentle breeze; the west wind; a
fine, soft, light-weight yarn, cloth or garment.

4342. ziggurat: pyramidical temple.

144