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Wasim’s Vocabulary

Other words/phrases to convey examples correctly: 

For example
For instance 
As an example 
Notably 
One such example includes 
One notable example is 
To exemplify 
One exemplary example is….. 
One such prominent instance is…. 
Another prominent example of the point discussed includes… 
One such prominent example is…..

Topic: Discuss why crime among teenagers has increased and provide some reasons and solutions. 

One example why crime among teenagers is increasing is the influence of films and the media. Many computer games and
movies show gangsters and depict them as someone cool or someone that teenagers can aspire to be like. This in turn
influences their decisions and gives them the impression that crime is cool or something fun. Teenagers are very
impressionable. For example - the movie Terminator 2 shows the young character holding a gun and taking part in
violence. If this is watched by teenagers who are too young. They may also want to re-enact these scenes as something that
is desirable to them.
Critical thinking

1. Clarify your thinking

Be on the look-out for vague, fuzzy, formless, blurred thinking. Try to figure out the real meaning of what people are saying.
Look on the surface. Look beneath the surface. Try to figure out the real meaning of important news stories. Explain your
understanding of an issue to someone else to help clarify it in your own mind. Practice summarizing in your own words what
others say. Then ask them if you understood them correctly. You should neither agree nor disagree with what anyone says
until you (clearly) understand them.
Our own thinking usually seems clear to us, even when it is not. But vague, ambiguous, muddled, deceptive, or misleading
thinking are significant problems in human life. If we are to develop as thinkers, we must learn the art of clarifying thinking,
of pinning it down, spelling it out, and giving it a specific meaning. Here’s what you can do to begin. When people explain
things to you, summarize in your own words what you think they said. When you cannot do this to their satisfaction, you
don’t really understand what they said. When they cannot summarize what you have said to your satisfaction, they don’t
really understand what you said. Try it. See what happens.

1. Strategies for clarifying your thinking:

2. State one point at a time.
3. Elaborate on what you mean.
4. Give examples that connect your thoughts to life experiences.
5. Use analogies and metaphors to help people connect your ideas to a variety of things they already understand (for
example, critical thinking is like an onion. There are many layers to it. Just when you think you have it basically
figured out, you realize there is another layer, and then another, and another and another and on and on).

Here is one format you can use:

 I think …(state your main point)

 In other words…(elaborate your main point)
 For example…(give an example of your main point)
 To give you an analogy…(give an illustration of your main point)

To clarify other people’s thinking, consider asking the following:

 Can you restate your point in other words? I didn’t understand you.
  Can you give an example?
 Let me tell you what I understand you to be saying. Did I understand you correctly?

2. Stick to the Point

Be on the look out for fragmented thinking, thinking that leaps about with no logical connections. Start noticing when you or
others fail to stay focused on what is relevant. Focus on finding what will aid you in truly solving a problem. When someone
brings up a point (however true) that doesn’t seem pertinent to the issue at hand, ask: “How is what you are saying relevant
to the issue?” When you are working through a problem, make sure you stay focused on what sheds light on, and thus helps
address the problem. Don’t allow your mind to wander to unrelated matters. Don’t allow others to stray from the main issue.
Frequently ask: “What is the central question? Is this or that relevant to it? How?”

When thinking is relevant, it is focused on the main task at hand. It selects what is germane, pertinent, related. It is on the
alert for everything that connects to the issue. It sets aside what is immaterial, inappropriate, extraneous, and beside the
point. What is relevant directly bears upon (helps solve) the problem you are trying to solve. When thinking drifts away from
what is relevant, it needs to be brought back to what truly makes a difference. 

Undisciplined thinking is often guided by associations (this reminds me of that, that reminds me of this other thing) rather
than what is logically connected (“If a and b are true, then c must also be true”). Disciplined thinking intervenes when
thoughts wander from what is pertinent and germane and concentrates the mind on the things that help it figure out what it
needs to figure out.
Ask these questions to make sure thinking is focused on what is relevant:

* Am I focused on the main problem or task?

* How is this connected? How is that?
* Does my information directly relate to the problem or task?
* Where do I need to focus my attention?
* Are we being diverted to unrelated matters?
* Am I failing to consider relevant viewpoints?
* How is your point relevant to the issue we are addressing?
* What facts are actually going to help us answer the question? What considerations should be set aside?
* Does this truly bear on the question? How does it connect?

3. Question Questions 

Be on the look out for questions. The ones we ask. The ones we fail to ask. Look on the surface. Look beneath the surface.
Listen to how people question, when they question, when they fail to question. Look closely at the questions asked. What
questions do you ask, should you ask? Examine the extent to which you are a questioner, or simply one who accepts the
definitions of situations given by others.

Most people are not skilled questioners. Most accept the world as it is presented to them. And when they do question, their
questions are often superficial or “loaded.” Their questions do not help them solve their problems or make better decisions.
Good thinkers routinely ask questions in order to understand and effectively deal with the world around them. They question
the status quo. 

They know that things are often different from the way they are presented. Their questions penetrate images, masks, fronts,
and propaganda. Their questions make real problems explicit and discipline their thinking through those problems. If you
become a student of questions, you can learn to ask powerful questions that lead to a deeper and more fulfilling life. Your
questions become more basic, essential, and deep.

Strategies for formulating more powerful questions:

1. Whenever you don’t understand something, ask a question of clarification.

2. Whenever you are dealing with a complex problem, formulate the question you are trying to answer in several
different ways (being as precise as you can) until you hit upon the way that best addresses the problem at hand.
3. Whenever you plan to discuss an important issue or problem, write out in advance the most significant questions you
think need to be addressed in the discussion. Be ready to change the main question, but once made clear, help
those in the discussion stick to the question, making sure the dialogue builds toward an answer that makes sense.

Questions you can ask to discipline your thinking:

* What precise question are we trying to answer?

* Is that the best question to ask in this situation?
* Is there a more important question we should be addressing?
* Does this question capture the real issue we are facing?
* Is there a question we should answer before we attempt to answer this question?
* What information do we need to answer the question?
* What conclusions seem justified in light of the facts?
* What is our point of view? Do we need to consider another?
* Is there another way to look at the question?
* What are some related questions we need to consider?
* What type of question is this: an economic question, a political question, a legal question, etc.?
- See more at: http://onlineieltspreparationcourse.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/improving-your-critical-thinking-
to.html#sthash.mhPxBHWt.dpuf
Disproportionate 

The level of wealth among the poor and rich nowadays is quite disproportionate. 

The price of property in big cities is quite disproportionate to the level of the average salary. 

Susceptible 

Nowadays people are becoming increasingly more susceptible to incurable diseases like the Ebola virus. 

Innate 

For most of us creative skills are not innate, nor are we likely to develop them by accident.

Evokes 

The topic of freedom evokes a sense of motivation to promote further freedom where it is not possible. 

Concrete 

Having a concrete plan to move abroad is essential in making sure things go as planned. 

The governments in many countries devise concrete plans for the future development of the country. However, it is not always possible to turn these
plans into action. 

Hand in hand 

The topic of poverty and charity goes hand in hand. 

Dubious 

The professor gave a response to his answer on the topic of women’s equality. However, the students were rather dubious about his views and felt that
they could be biased. 

Biased 

The professor gave a response to his answer on the topic of women’s equality. However, the students were rather dubious about his views and felt that
they could be biased. 

Undoubtedly 

The Middle East is undoubtedly one of the hottest regions that Europeans can visit during the European winter season. 

Unfortunately 

Unfortunately, child labour still exists in many countries around the world. 

Degeneration 

Overgrazing of the meadow has caused a high level of degeneration among the grass land levels compared to other meadows. 

Exploitation 

The exploitation of workers is a topic that human rights workers are increasingly concerned about. 

Increasingly 

The exploitation of workers is a topic that human rights workers are increasingly concerned about. 

Increasing 

The issue of voting in the elections is increasing in popularity. 

Great 

The political issues in Europe is of great concern to many. The particular issue of immigration is becoming of great concern for the citizens of Europe. 
-

Exasperated 
The futile process exasperated the police officers who wanted to investigate the case quickly. 

Exacerbate 

We need to think carefully, as we really do not want to exacerbate the situation by upsetting Tina. 

Unconsolidated 

The balance sheet for the business was unconsolidated properly. 

Unconsciously 

He unconsciously opened the fridge and realised he had already made dinner. 

Frequently 

The issue of immigration frequently appears in the newspapers in Europe. 

Measures  

Measures put in place to curb net immigration have been put in place. 

Recently 

The topic of health and obesity is of a major concern. However, more recently incurable diseases have been at the forefront of the headlines in the
newspapers around the world. 

Threefold 

The population in Asia has increased threefold in the last decade. This is a stark contrast compared to previous decades. 

Plethora 

There is a plethora of information available on the internet these days. However, the source or validity of this information is questionable. 

Questionable 

His motives to help Sarah with her new house were questionable, as everyone new he was in love with her. 

Debatable 

Many scholars argue that reading is an excellent way to improve literacy skills. However, many students many think that this is debatable. 

Safeguard 

To safeguard the interests of national security. Washington raised the level of security and ensured that the police forces were ready for any potential
issues or threats. 

Thereafter  

The wedding was held in a small church in Scotland. Thereafter, the wedding reception took place in a beautifully decorated gazebo outside. The view
by the river was breathtaking. 

Forefront 

The issue of her upcoming exam was constantly at the forefront of her mind. She knew that she needs to study harder in order to get the grade that
she wants. 
-

Counterview 

Example - As a counterview contrary to the popular belief that globalisation is a good thing and beneficial for all. Some people argue that it destroys
local traditions and local culture. 

Counteract 

Example: In order to counteract the issue increasing crime among teenagers. More support from the government should be implemented in order to
invest in youth clubs or after school centres that can be attended for free. This could help to alleviate this issue. 

Counterpart

Example: The minister held talks with his French counterpart, however, the talks were unsuccessful. 

Medium 

Example: Skype is used a very common medium of communication for both work and personal use nowadays. 
Source 

Example: It is imperative that the source of information given to children is age appropriate. 

Intangible 

Example: The importance of intangible things should be taught to children in order to make them appreciate their family and parents. 

Tangible 

Example: Nowadays, parents often give their children tangible items as a source of comfort. This is a stark contrast to children before - who probably
had very few toys and were very happy, as they had the care and attention that is required from a supportive family. 

Ideological 

Example: The ideological thinking of many terrorist groups or cults can often corrupt the mind of individuals. 

Literally 

Overcome

Example: Children nowadays literally cannot think for themselves. As a result - it is imperative to teach critical thinking skills in order
to overcome this issue. 

In a literal context 

Example: In a literal context - the case of ……….. portrays an example of how corruption still exists in every day life for some people around the
world. 

On a global scale 

Example: On a global scale - poverty is still a very contentious and important issue that is very concerning. 

Overlooked 

Example: The issue of pollution is often overlooked by developing countries. 

Vocabulary Builder 4
Using the words below can help you to increase your vocabulary. Using a high level of vocabulary is more likely to get you a band 8 and
above. This must be done properly and you must also conform to the minimum requirements needed to get band 7.  Simply using the
vocabulary below will not get you a band 8 or higher. However, it is very likely that if you do use these words properly - you will have a high
chance of getting a higher than band 7 grade. 

You should use the words below and try to make your own examples to practice. Moreover, you should try to ensure that
you implement these words into your next writing pieces. 

Synonymous 

Example: His good deeds made his name synonymous with victory. 

Concerning 

Example: The factors concerning pollution are wide and varied. 

Gratuitous 

Example: The gratuitous and unwarranted violence occurring in wars is uncalled for. 

Baseless 

Example: Her baseless accusations against the manager could lead to a potential lawsuit. 

Unprovoked 

Example: The attack against the group leader was completely unprovoked. 

Unwarranted 

Example: The excuse he gave was completely unwarranted. 

Undue 

Example: The undue hesitation during his speaking exam cost the student many marks. 

Unjustified

Example: Child labour is something that simply unjustified. 

Improper 
Example: The improper conduct of the manager led to her dismissal. 

Conduct 

Example: The improper conduct of the student led to expulsion 

Viable 

Example: A viable alternative to raise funds for the charity is still of concern for the people in charge of raising funds. 

Feasible 

Example: The doctor needed to come up with a feasible approach to ensure that could see all 100 patients in one day. 

Infeasible 

Example: The project or proposal put forward by the partner company was completely infeasible - due to the fact that they wanted the main
company to invest their own money into the project and were completely unwilling to use their own funds.

Sanctimonious 
Frivolous  
Arduous 
Chastise 
Benign 
Accommodating 
Indulgent 
Disposition 
Imposition 
Impose 
Recent measures 
Frequently 
Oblivious 
Invariably 
More notably 
More prominent 
A prominent issue 
Fledgling -
Abraded worn away; eroded [abrade (v); abrasion (n)]

Apposite fitting; suitable

Diatribe tirade; violent denunciation; stream of criticism

Gerontocracy government by the aged

Maculated spotted

Quisling traitor

Sedulity thoroughness; perseverance [sedulous (a)]

Seine type of fishing net

Tender to offer
Waffle talk nonsense

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Group 2

Burlesque 1. comic play; 2. lampoon

Exemplar model type [exemplary (a)]

Homiletics art of preaching and giving sermons

Impugn challenge; question someone’s honor etc.

Incubus encumbrance; nightmarish thing

Lope run with long strides

Macerate soften or break up by soaking; weaken

Nostrum remedy

Saw 1. tool for cutting; 2. wise saying

Sibyl prophetess

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Group 3

Brook 1. small stream; 2. tolerate

Emboss decorate with a raised design

Eschew shun; avoid

Limpid transparently clear

Liturgy form of worship

Nexus connection

Odometer instrument to measure distance covered

Purchase 1. grip; 2. buy

Quotidian daily; routine

Seminal essential; formative

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Group 4

Agog amazed; wide-eyed with enthusiasm

Amortize pay off a debt in installments

Curmudgeon grumpy person

Dormancy state of inactivity

Efficacy effectiveness

Epithet phrase used as a label or to express the essential nature of

Figurehead symbol of power; nominal leader

Fracas fight; disturbance

Jamb door post

Milk to squeeze; obtain by application of pressure

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Group 5

Chorales simple hymns

Dissonance discord; disagreement

Frieze decorative border

Gist essence; main point

Latent hidden; real but undeveloped

Partiality bias

Plodding walking slowly and heavily; uninspired

Rekindle relight; revive

Symphony type of musical composition

Tarnished made dull; spoil (reputation)

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Group 6

1. damaged or put in doubt (esp. of reputation); 2. reached an

Compromised agreement by giving up part of a claim

Drabness dullness

Endow give gift; provide with money etc.

Esoterica obscure details

Falters hesitates
Prattle mindless talk

Prohibitive 1. prohibiting; 2. exorbitantly expensive

Purist conservative; one who insists on correct forms of language etc.

Quack charlatan; fake

Taunt mock; tease

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Group 7

Arresting (a) attracting attention; striking

extended gunfire to cover an attack; dam across river; deluge

Barrage or information etc.

Chantey type of song sung by sailors

Ferrous concerned with iron or its compounds

Manipulative scheming

Orate speak in a pompous manner

Psychosis severe mental disturbance

Savor enjoy

Table (v) put down for future discussion

Underwrite give guarantee, insure

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Group 8

Dissident person who disagrees [dissidence (n)]

Enigmatic puzzling [enigma (n)]

Foolhardy reckless [foolhardiness (n)]

Homogeneity evenness; uniformity

Personification 1. represent something as a person; 2. a concrete example of

1. surface deposit on teeth or in artery etc.; 2. decorative plate

Plaque or sign

Plausibility believability [plausible (a)]

Resilience resistance; ability to spring back [resilience (a)]

Trilogy set of three (literary works etc.); tetralogy = set of four

Vagary something unaccountable; freak

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Group 9

Aisle corridor; passageway (esp. between rows of seats)

Discountenance disallow

Imperative must be obeyed

Indigent poor; needy [indigence (n)]

Nadir lowest point

Paranoia mental state characterized by delusions or excessive fear

Prudence caution; wisdom

Resuscitation revival from unconsciousness [resuscitate (v)]

Shirk avoid (esp. work)

Teetotalism total abstinence from alcohol

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Group 10

Balm soothing ointment or anything soothing [balmy (a)]

Calibrate mark an accurate scale on a device

Cataclysmic violently disruptive [cataclysm (n)]

Impropriety inappropriate behavior

Pith center; soft part of stem; essence

Primordial present from the beginning of time

Reconnaissance examination or survey conducted in advance [reconnoiter (v)]

Sinistral left-handed (or counterclockwise) [dextral - right handed]

Tempers moderates

Undermine subvert; attempt to overthrow

Abrasion 1. damage to skin caused by scraping; 2. process of scraping

 or rubbing [abrade (v)]

Adumbrate outline; indicate

Cognitive concerned with thinking or perceiving [cognition (n)]

Deign condescend

Fervid passionate

1. bitterness (bad feeling); 2. confidence; 3. abnormal growth

Gall on a plant

1. raised bank of a river; 2. morning reception held by a

Levee monarch

Preternatural unnatural; abnormal

Quell suppress

Score (n) written form of music

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Group 2

Abut to adjoin

Consternation worry and concern

Gavel judge’s hammer

Lien right to sell property held as a security; legal hold on job etc.

remarks deviating from the main point [parentheses are round

Parenthesis brackets in punctuation]

Sinewy vigorous; having well-developed muscles [a sinew is a tendon]

Steep (v) to soak in water

to plug; press loose matter down tightly (e.g. pack explosives

Tamp into a hole)

1. hazarding; risking; putting forward; 2. going somewhere

Venturing [venturesome means courageous or willing to take risks]

Wry 1. twisted or bent to one side; 2. dryly humorous

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Group 3

Arduous hard

Decimated kill or destroy a large part of (originally one tenth)

 1. grow feathers; 2. leave nest [fledgling (n) = an
Fledge inexperienced person or a baby bird]

Gouge cut or dig out

Picayune insignificant; of little value

fascinating [to rivet literally means to fix metal plates using

Riveting metal pins]

Soliloquy solo speech

Supplicant person who requests or begs for something [supplicate (v)]

supernatural; going beyond normal experience [transcendent

Transcendental (a)]

Veritable true; genuine [verity (n)]

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Group 4

Condescension talking down to someone [condescending (a)]

Divest remove; take off

Eddy circular current

Epaulet shoulder decoration

Fallacy wrong idea [fallacious (a)]

Fringe 1. decorative border with tassels (n); 2. to form an edge (v)

Leaven to make light; modify; cause bread to rise using yeast etc.

Patronize 1. to talk down to; condescend; 2. to be a customer of

Prominent 1. eminent; 2. protruding; 3. obvious

Statute law [statutory (a)]

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Group 5

Antipathy hatred

Aver affirm

Expatiate speak or write at great length

Flag (v) 1. to lose energy; 2. to signal

Flail 1. tool used to thresh grain; 2. to thresh (separate grain from

 chaff); 3. to wave arms about wildly

Indicted accused (of crime)

Loll laze around; hang out (when used of the tongue)

Malign slander

Secure (v) 1. to fix firmly; 2. to obtain

Talon long pointed nail or claw

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Group 6

Abeyance state of inactivity; disuse

Disarm 1. take away weapons; 2. win over to one’s side [disarming (a)]

Elaborate 1. complex and detailed (a); 2. to expand on (v)

Foment 1. stir up; 2. bathe with hot liquids (medical)

Jockeying maneuvering; struggling to get ahead of others [jockey (v)]

Minutiae small details

Rue regret [rueful (a)]

Somatic concerned with the body

holding back; limiting the supply (of supplies/money etc.) [stint

Stinting (v)]

Temperate moderate

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Group 7

Allure 1. attraction (n); 2. to attract (v)

Caulk treat with substance such as tar to make water-tight

1. person enlisted compulsorily into the armed forces; 2.(v) to

Conscript enlist compulsorily

Desultory aimless; inconsistent in effort

Elegy poem concerned with death; praise of a dead person

Fallow uncultivated

Forbearing tolerant [forbear (v); forbearance (n)]

Hegemony political domination; complete authority

Improbity lack of honesty or integrity

Qualm hesitation or fear

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Group 8

Assay 1. try; 2. assess purity

Chauvinist someone excessively patriotic [chauvinism (n)]

separate; discontinuous (not to be confused with discreet -

Discrete prudent; diplomatic]

Enlist 1. sign up for the army; 2. obtain

Fabricated made up; false; manufactured [fabricate (v); fabrication(n)]

1. attack loudly in words; denounce thunderously; 2. explode

Fulminate noisily

Hawser thick rope or cable

agree with; complement; match up with (in British

Jibe usagejibe means mock)

Peer 1. an equal; 2. to stare at; 3. nobleman

Stickler one who is strict about rules or details

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Group 9

Cloture closure; terminating a debate by voting

Congruent matching [congruency (n)]

Dally waste time; flirt

Dissemble avoid the truth

Dote be excessively fond of [doting (a)]

Errant 1. wandering; 2. wrong; 3. straying from accepted standards

Fervent passionate

Stomach (v) to tolerate

Synapse junction between two nerve cells

Undercutting offering a lower price; undermining

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Group 10

Arson deliberate, criminal starting of fires

Carrion dead flesh; carcasses

Intelligible can be understood

Ironclad cannot be altered; firm

Lint fluff; soft material used to cover wounds

Pretension assumed attitude of superiority; arrogance

Pundit expert

Pyre ceremonial fire

Sate satisfy

Syncopation type of musical rhythm with missed beats

Group 1

Alleviated made less severe [alleviation (n); alleviate (v)]

1. punctuation mark; 2. appeal to someone not present (a

Apostrophe figure of speech)

Centurion roman soldier (commander of a company of 100 soldiers)

Emollient softening (a); something which softens (n)

Fusillade long burst of gunfire

Inerrancy infallibility; inability to make mistakes [inerrant (a)]

1. chop into small pieces; 2. walk with tiny steps, 3. speak in

Mince an affected manner

Palpate medical term meaning to examine with the hands

Platitude unoriginal, obvious saying

1. (v) to argue about minor matters; to play on words when

Quibble finding fault; 2. (n) a minor verbal point in an argument

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Group 2

Apprehension slight fear; sense of something unfavorable

Conniving cunning; scheming [connive (v)]

Derision mockery [deride (v)]

Epigram short, witty saying

Lassitude lack of energy; weariness

Pedantic over-insistent on matters of book-learning [pedant (n)]

branch of science concerned with things as they are perceived;

Phenomenology not directly derived from theory

1. hurried (a); 2. insoluble product of a reaction in

Precipitate chemistry (n), 3. to instigate or speed up an action (v)

Renege go back on promise or retract statement

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Group 3

Armada fleet of ships

Dawdler slow person who falls behind others [dawdle (v)]

Dross something worthless; impurities left after refining

Expiate atone; make amends for

1. chop roughly; 2. person who writes to earn money, 3. hired

Hack horse

Prone 1. vulnerable to; 2. horizontal

Propensity tendency; inclination

Scabbard cover for a sword

Skiff small boat

Umbrage 1. shadow; 2. offence; sense of injury

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Group 4

Dilettantism dabbling esp. in the arts [dilettante (n) = person who dabbles]

Enervate weaken

Malevolent having evil intentions [malevolence(n)]

Neophyte new convert; tyro

Panegyric speech praising someone; laudatory words

Presage forewarn of; indicate

Serration jagged edge

Slight 1. minor (a); 2. perceived insult (v) and (n)

Tare 1. weed; 2. allowance made for container when weighing

Unprepossessing unattractive

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Group 5

Aberration deviation from the normal

Cant insincere talk

Disinter dig up [opposite inter = bury]

Façade 1. front elevation of building, 2. false appearance or demeanor

Impeding hindering [impede (v); impediment (n)]

Lacuna gap; missing part [plural = lacunae]

Monolithic united in purpose; forming a single unit

Pied multicolored

Roster list of names

Seemly appropriate (of behavior); decorous

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Group 6

1. something similar; 2. output proportional to input

Analogue (engineering)

piece of music at the end of a musical work; finale; final part of

Coda document

Commingle mix

ambiguous; open to interpretation [equivocate (v), equivocation

Equivocal (n)]

Fallible capable of making mistakes [fallibility (n)]

Hallow respect; worship

Indigence poverty
Papyrus material used for writing on before paper was invented

Pique 1. annoyance (n); 2. to stimulate interest; to annoy (v)

1. liquid inside plants (n); 2. to drain; to undermine (v); 3. a

Sap fool (n)

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Group 7

Arbitrator mediator; person appointed to judge a dispute [arbitrate (v)]

Descry to see (esp. at a distance); catch sight of

Facetious not intended to be taken seriously

Indecorous unseemly; inappropriate (of behavior)

Proliferate grow and spread [proliferation (n)]

Scotch (v) to prevent; stop; disable

1. supporting rod (n); 2. to walk in an arrogant manner; show

Strut off (v)

Toy (v) to play with

Usury lending money at high interest rates

Wag (n) a witty person

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Group 8

Atavism reappearance of ancestral traits; regression [atavistic (a)]

Filibuster delaying tactics

Gambit opening move; transaction

Mitigation making less severe [mitigate (v)]

Obligate compulsory

Predilection leaning; interest; talent

Propitiate appease; try to gain favor [propitiation (n)]

Stanch to stop

Travesty parody; ridiculous error

Waft drift smoothly (v); whiff; smell (n)

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Group 9

Forage search for food

Lumber 1. walk in an ungainly way; 2. timber (wood)

1. think; meditate (v); 2. a source of inspiration (n) [in

Muse mythology, a goddess who gives inspiration]

Prescience foreknowledge

Prune 1. to trim; 2. a dried plum

Ready (used of wit) quick

Resolve firmness (n)

Squalid dirty and demeaning

Sullied made dirty or impure [opposite unsullied; sully (v)]

Veneration worship; respect [venerable (a), venerate (v)]

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Group 10

Demur object; hesitate to accept

Duplicity cunning; deception; double dealing

Exigency urgent matter; pressing need

Expostulate offer strong objections; remonstrate

Gossamer delicate; filmy; like gauze

Inefficacious ineffective

Pine 1. type of evergreen tree; 2. grieve

narrow-minded; excessively concerned with morals [prudery

Prudish (n), prude (n)]

Quixotic impractically idealistic

Stipple cover with dots of paint etc.

Word list 10
Group 1

Bellicose war-like; aggressive

Consummate complete; total; supremely good

Elusive hard to pin down

Gregarious extroverted; sociable; outgoing

Jaundiced cynical; pessimistic

Nettle annoy

Phenomenon an event or happening (plural: phenomena)

Recuperate get better after illness

Superlative extremely good; the best

Whet sharpen

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Group 2

Belligerent aggressive; ready to fight

Contemporary living or happening at the same time

Emaciated very thin; withered

Gritty coarse; granular

Jaunt short pleasure trip

Niggardly miserly; stingy

Philanthropy charity; love of mankind

Red tape formalities; paperwork; official procedure

Surly grumpy; rude

Whimsical capricious; changeable

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Group 3

Bemoan complain about

Contrite sorry

Emancipate set free

Guffaw sudden loud laughter

Jeopardize put at risk; endanger

Nomadic wandering from place to place

Philistine uncultured person

Redolent smelling of; giving off odors

Surreptitious secret; sneaky; stealthy

Willful stubborn

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Group 4

Benevolent kindly

Contrition sorrow and repentance

Embezzle defraud; steal

Guile cunning; craftiness

Jingoistic extremely patriotic; nationalistic

Nonchalance an appearance of indifference; calm and composed

Phlegmatic calm; imperturbable

Redress put right something that was wrong

Surreptitiously secretly; furtively; stealthily

Wily cunning

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Group 5

Benign kindly; harmless

Contumacious stubborn

Embroil involve in hostility or argument

Guileless frank; straightforward; honest

Jocular in a joking manner

Nondescript having no special features; dull and ordinary

Pillage plunder

Redundant unnecessary; superfluous

Susceptible vulnerable

Wispy flimsy; frail; delicate

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Group 6

Benignity compassion; gentleness; fondness

Contusion a bruise

Emerge come out; appear

Gullibility unwariness; trustfulness; being easily fooled

Jollity gaiety; happiness

Nonentity a person of no importance; not famous

Pinnacle topmost point

Referendum public vote

Suspect doubtful

Wistful melancholy; pensive; expressing a longing for

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Group 7

Bequeath leave something in one's will to be given after one's death

Conundrum a puzzle

Emulate to imitate something admired

Gullible easily fooled

Jubilant ecstatic; delighted; rejoicing

Nostalgia longing for the past

Pious very religious

Refute disprove

Sybarite lover of luxury

Zany crazy; wacky

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Group 8

Berate scold; criticize

Conventional usual; customary; common

Endorse give support or approval to

Gustatory concerned with the sense of taste

Judicious correct in judgment; wise

Notoriety infamy; known for wrong doing

Pivotal of central importance

Regale entertain

Sycophant bootlicker; flatterer

Zeal enthusiasm

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Group 9

Beret type of cap

Corpulent fat

Endurance staying power; patience; stamina

Hackneyed common and over-used

Jurisprudence science or study of law

Novel new; unusual

Placate pacify; soothe; calm

Relegate dismiss to a lower position

Taciturn quiet; saying little

Zealot fanatic

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Group 10

Bestial behaving like a beast; brutal

Corrugated highly folded

Enduring lasting

Hallowed worshipped; consecrated

Juxtapose place next to

Novice a beginner; tyro

Placebo harmless medicine with no effect; dummy medicine

Remorse regret; sorrow; contrition

Tactile concerned with the sense of touch

Zenith summit

roup 1

Bane troublesome influence

Condone tacitly support; overlook

Eclectic taking things from different sources

Genre a category; type

Irascible easily angered

Mundane ordinary; worldly

Perpetuated caused to continue

Rancor resentment; animosity; bad feeling

Strut swagger; show off

Voluble talkative

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Group 2

Bard poet

Condoning overlooking; disregarding; ignoring

Edifice building; structure; construction

Germane relevant

Ire anger [irate (a) = very angry]

Munificent generous; charitable

Perpetuity eternity

Rant use bombastic language

Stupefying astonishing; shocking; stunning into silence

Voluminous very large; spacious

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Group 3

Bastion fortress; stronghold

Conflagration big fire

Efface wipe out; remove all trace of

Germinal just growing; not developed; immature

Irksome annoying; infuriating

Mutinous very rebellious

Personable attractive

Ratify approve; consent

Subpoena summons to court

Voracious ravenous

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Group 4

Befuddle confuse

Confound confuse

Effigy a model of a person

Gibbering making meaningless noises

Ironic satiric; unexpected

Myriad in large numbers

Perspicacious insightful; sharp; wise

Raucous rough and unpleasant (of sounds)

Substantiate give supporting evidence

Waive surrender; give up

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Group 5

Begrudge resent
Congeal to solidify

Effusive gushing; demonstrative

Glacial hostile; unfriendly; cold; icy

Irrational unreasonable; absurd

Navigable suitable for sailing

Perspicacity insight

Raze destroy; demolish; tear down

Subterfuge a trick

Wane grow less

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Group 6

Beguile mislead; lure

Congenital present from birth

Egalitarianism belief in equality

Goad prod; urge

Irreproachable cannot be criticized; perfect

Nebulous vague

Pertinent relevant

Rebuttal denial

Subtle not obvious

Wary hesitant; cautious

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Group 7

Belabor explain in unnecessary detail

Connoisseur person with refined taste and good judgment

Egregious outstandingly, obviously bad

Grate (v) 1. to annoy; aggravate; vex; 2. shred

Irrevocable cannot be cancelled; unchangeable

Nefarious wicked; immoral; disreputable

Peruse read carefully

Recant disclaim; retract statement

Subversive rebellious; revolutionary

Wax to increase; to grow

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Group 8

Beleaguer besiege; attack

Consecrate dedicate

Egress exit

Gratis free of charge; without payment

Itinerant nomadic; wandering from place to place

Negate cancel; deny

Pervasive spreading everywhere

Recapitulate summarize

Succinct concise

Waylay accost; stop; approach; hinder

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Group 9

Belie contradict

Consensus general agreement

Eloquent fluent and persuasive in speech

Gratuitous unwarranted

Jaded tired; bored; worn out

Negligence carelessness

Petrify 1. terrify; 2. turn to stone

Receptacle container; vessel; holder

Suffragist someone who campaigns for voting rights

Weighty serious

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Group 10

Belittle to demean

Conspicuous easily seen; prominent

Elucidate make clear

Gravity seriousness

Jargon specialized language used by experts

Neologism newly coined word

Petulant sulky; peevish

Recluse someone who cuts himself off from life

Supercilious proud and haughty