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Document Sample
Vocabulary
Word list - A
an instrument for performing calculations by sliding counters along rods
abacus
or in grooves
abandon to give (oneself) over unrestrainedly
abase To lower in rank, prestige, or esteem
abash to destroy the self-possession or self-confidence of:disconcert
to reduce in degree or intensity:MODERATE:to reduce in value or
abate
amount
to make briefer; especially :to reduce to a shorter form intended to stand
abbreviate
for the whole
abdicate to relinquish (as sovereign power) formally
aberrant deviating from the usual or natural type:ATYPICAL
abet to assist or support in the achievement of a purpose
abeyance temporary inactivity:SUSPENSION
abhor to regard with extreme repugnance
abiding to remain stable or fixed in a state
abject cast down in spirit
abjure to renounce upon oath
abnegate SURRENDER, RELINQUISH
abolish To do away with; annul
abolitionism principles or measures fostering abolition especially of slavery
aboveboard be in a straightforward manner
abrasion a wearing, grinding, or rubbing away by friction
abridge to shorten by omission of words without sacrifice of sense:CONDENSE
abrogate to abolish by authoritative action:ANNUL
abscond to depart secretly and hide oneself
absolve to set free from an obligation or the consequences of guilt
to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an
abstain
action or practice
abstemious marked by restraint especially in the consumption of food or alcohol
abstinent voluntary forbearance especially from indulgence of an appetite or craving
or from eating some foods:ABSTENTION
having only intrinsic form with little or no attempt at pictorial
abstract
representation or narrative content
abstruse difficult to comprehend:RECONDITE
abuse to attack in words:REVILE
abysmal immeasurably low or wretched
accede to express approval or give consent:give in to a request or demand
accelerate to move faster:gain speed
accessible capable of being understood or appreciated
accessory present in a minor amount and not essential as a constituent
accidental occurring unexpectedly or by chance
acclimate to adapt to a new temperature, altitude, climate, environment, or situation
accolade an expression of praise
to provide with something desired, needed, or suited (as a helpful service,
accommodate
a loan, or lodgings)
accomplice one associated with another especially in wrongdoing
accost to approach and speak to often in a challenging or aggressive way
accrete ACCUMULATE
accumulate to gather or pile up especially little by little:AMASS
accuse to charge with a fault or offense:BLAME
acerbity Sourness of taste, character, or tone.
designating color perceived to have zero saturation and therefore no hue,
achromatic
such as neutral grays, white, or black
acme the highest point or stage
acquiesce to accept, comply, or submit tacitly or passively
acquisition the act of acquiring
acquit to discharge completely
A unit of area in the U.S. Customary System, used in land and sea floor
acre
measurement
acrid sharp and harsh or unpleasantly pungent in taste or odor:IRRITATING
acrimonious caustic , biting , or rancorous especially in feeling, language, or manner
acumen mental keenness
without restraint or limit , to speak, sing, or act without a script, saying
ad lib
whatever words come into one's mind
adamant unshakable or immovable especially in opposition:UNYIELDING
adapt to make fit (as for a specific or new use or situation) often by modification
addendum textual matter that is added onto a publication; usually at the end
addict to devote or surrender (oneself) to something habitually or obsessively
addicted be addicted to
adherent one that adheres:as a follower of a leader, party, or profession
adhesive Tending to adhere; sticky.
having a common endpoint or border also immediately preceding or
adjacent
following
adjourn to suspend a session indefinitely or to another time or place
adjunct something joined or added to another thing but not essentially a part of it
ad-lib with little or no preparation or forethought
admission the act or process of admitting
to express warning or disapproval to especially in a gentle, earnest, or
admonish
solicitous manner
adore to regard with loving admiration and devotion
having or showing skill, cleverness, or resourcefulness in handling
adroit
situations
adulate to flatter or admire excessively or slavishly
to corrupt, debase, or make impure by the addition of a foreign or inferior
adulterate
substance or element stickler
adumbrate to suggest or disclose partially
adversary one that contends with, opposes, or resists:ENEMY
advert to turn the mind or attention
advertise to announce publicly especially by a printed notice or a broadcast
advocate to plead in favor of
aerate to supply (the blood) with oxygen by respiration
aerial of, relating to, or occurring in the air or atmosphere
adj. a branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of beauty, art, and taste
aesthetic
and with the creation and appreciation of beauty
aesthetics The branch of philosophy that deals with the nature and expression of
beauty
affable characterized by ease and friendliness
affected assumed artificially or falsely:PRETENDED
affection tender attachment:FONDNESS
a sworn statement in writing made especially under oath or on affirmation
affidavit
before an authorized magistrateor officer
affiliate to bring or receive into close connection as a member or branch
affiliation joining; associating with
affinity likeness based on relationship or causal connection
a:to distress so severely as to cause persistent suffering or anguish
afflict
b:TROUBLE, INJURE
affliction n.
having a generously sufficient and typically increasing supply of material
affluent
possessions
agenda a list or outline of things to be considered or done
aggrandize to make appear great or greater:praise highly
aggravate to make worse, more serious, or more severe:intensify unpleasantly
aggregate to collect or gather into a mass or whole
aggressive Inclined to behave in a hostile fashion.
aggrieve to give pain or trouble to:DISTRESS
agonized suffered extreme pain or great anguish.
agony intense pain of mind or body:ANGUISH, TORTURE
airtight impermeable to air or nearly so
alacrity promptness in response:cheerful readiness
albino an organism exhibiting deficient pigmentation
a medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aiming to achieve
the transmutation of the base metals into gold, the discovery of a universal
alchemy
cure for disease, and the discovery of a means of indefinitely prolonging
life
alibi an excuse usually intended to avert blame or punishment
align to bring into line or alignment
allay to subdue or reduce in intensity or severity:ALLEVIATE
allegiance devotion or loyalty to a person, group, or cause
the expression by means of symbolic fictional figures and actions of truths
allegory
or generalizations abouthuman existence
alleviate RELIEVE, LESSEN
the repetition of usually initial consonant sounds in two or more
alliterate
neighboring words or syllables
allowance a share or portion allotted or granted
allude to make indirect reference; broadly:REFER
aloft at or toward the upper rigging.
aloof removed or distant either physically or emotionally
alphabetical arranged in the order of the letters of the alphabet
altitude Vertical distance or elevation above any point or base-level, as the sea.
altruism unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others
amalgamate to merge into a single body
amass to collect for oneself:ACCUMULATE
ambiguous doubtful or uncertain especially from obscurity or indistinctness
ambivalent continual fluctuation (as between one thing and its opposite)
amble to walk slowly or leisurely; stroll
ambrosial suggestive of ambrosia; fragrant or delicious
ameliorate to make better or more tolerable
amenable readily managed; willing to be led
amenity something that conduces to comfort, convenience, or enjoyment
amiable being friendly, sociable, and congenial
amicable characterized by friendly goodwill:PEACEABLE
amiss in a faulty way:IMPERFECTLY
amorphous having no definite form:SHAPELESS
any of a class (Amphibia) of cold-blooded vertebrates (as frogs, toads, or
amphibian salamanders) intermediate in many characters between fishes and reptiles
and having gilled aquatic larvae and air-breathing adults
to make larger or greater (as in amount, importance, or
amplify
intensity):INCREASE
amplitude the quality or state of being ample:FULLNESS
a charm (as an ornament) often inscribed with a magic incantation or
amulet
symbol to protect the wearer against evil (as disease or witchcraft) or to
aid him
anaerobic living, active, occurring, or existing in the absence of free oxygen
analgesic insensibility to pain without loss of consciousness
a:resemblance in some particulars between things otherwise
analogy
unlike:SIMILARITY b:comparison based on such resemblance
analysis separation of a whole into its component parts
anarchist one who rebels against any authority, established order, or ruling power
anathema the denunciation of something as accursed
one from whom a person is descended and who is usually more remote in
ancestor
the line of descent than a grandparent
ancillary serving as an aid or accessory; auxiliary
a usually short narrative of an interesting, amusing, or biographical
anecdote
incident
anemic lacking force, vitality, or spirit
anesthetic lacking awareness or sensitivity
anhydrous free from water and especially water of crystallization
animation possessing or characterized by life:ALIVE
animus a usually prejudiced and often spiteful or malevolent ill will
annals a record of events arranged in yearly sequence
annotate comment; make explanatory notes
annoy to disturb or irritate especially by repeated acts
annul to declare or make legally invalid or void
anodyne something that soothes, calms, or comforts
inconsistent with or deviating from what is usual, normal, or
anomalous
expected:IRREGULAR, UNUSUAL
anonymous not named or identified
antagonize to incur or provoke the hostility of
antediluvian made, evolved, or developed a long time ago
anterior coming before in time or development
anthology a collection of selected literary pieces or passages or works of art or music
antic characterized by clownish extravagance or absurdity
anticipatory to give advance thought, discussion, or treatment to
antidote a remedy to counteract the effects of poison
antipathy settled aversion or dislike:DISTASTE
antiquate To make old or out of date.
antiquated existing since or belonging to earlier times:ANCIENT
antiseptic opposing sepsis, putrefaction, or decay;
anvil a heavy usually steel-faced iron block on which metal is shaped
apathy lack of feeling or emotion:IMPASSIVENESS
apex the highest or culminating point
aphorism a terse formulation of a truth or sentiment:ADAGE
a place where bees are kept; especially :a collection of hives or colonies of
apiary
bees kept for their honey
aplomb poise
apocalyptic forecasting the ultimate destiny of the world:PROPHETIC
apocrypha writings or statements of dubious authenticity
apologist one who speaks or writes in defense of someone or something
Allusion to something by denying that it will be mentioned, as in I will not
apophasis
bring up my opponent's questionable financial dealings
apoplectic greatly agitated
apostasy renunciation of a religious faith
a mark ' used to indicate the omission of letters or figures, the possessive
apostrophe
case, or the plural of letters or figures
apothecary one who prepares and sells drugs or compounds for medicinal purposes
appall to overcome with consternation, shock, or dismay
apparel to put clothes on:DRESS
appeal to make an earnest request
appealing having appeal:PLEASING
appease to bring to a state of peace or quiet:CALM
appellation A name, title, or designation.
appetite an inherent craving
applause approval publicly expressed
applicant one who applies
appoint to name officially
apposite highly pertinent or appropriate:APT
appreciable capable of being perceived or measured
apprehension suspicion or fear especially of future evil:FOREBODING
apprentice an inexperienced person:NOVICE
approbation COMMENDATION, PRAISE
1. to take or make use of without authority or right 2. especially suitable or
appropriate
compatible:FITTING
approval The act of approving
approve to have or express a favorable opinion of
approximate nearly correct or exact
apropos being both relevant and opportune
apt unusually fitted or qualified:READY
aquatic growing or living in or frequenting water
aqueduct a conduit for water
aquifer a water-bearing stratum of permeable rock, sand, or gravel
any of a class (Arachnida) of arthropods comprising chiefly terrestrial
invertebrates, including the spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks, and
arachnid
having a segmented body divided into two regions of which the anterior
bears four pairs of legs but no antennae
a shelter of vines or branches or of latticework covered with climbing
arbor
shrubs or vines
arboreal of, relating to, or resembling a tree
of, relating to, or characteristic of an earlier or more primitive
archaic
time:ANTIQUATED
the original pattern or model of which all things of the same type are
archetype
representations or copies:PROTOTYPE; also :a perfect example
archipelago an expanse of water with many scattered islands
architect a person who designs buildings and advises in their construction
archive a place in which public records or historical documents are preserved
arctic bitter cold:FRIGID
ardor extreme vigor or energy:INTENSITY
arduous hard to accomplish or achieve:DIFFICULT
an often more or less secret vocabulary and idiom peculiar to a particular
argot
group
arid excessively dry
armory a place where arms and military equipment are stored
arrest to make inactive
arresting catching the attention:STRIKING, IMPRESSIVE
arrhythmic lacking rhythm or regularity
a feeling or an impression of superiority manifested in an overbearing
arrogance
manner or presumptuous claims
arroyo a brook; a creek ;a water-carved gully or channel
a:an establishment for the manufacture or storage of arms and military
arsenal
equipmentb:a collection of weapons
to give clear and effective utterance to:put into
articulate
wordsratiocination:thinking:articulation:talking
something created by humans usually for a practical purpose; especially
artifacts
:an object remaining from a particular period
artifice false or insincere behavior
artless free from guile or craft:sincerely simple
ascendant governing or controlling influence:DOMINATION
ascent an upward slope or rising grade:ACCLIVITY
ascetic austere in appearance, manner, or attitude
aseptic preventing infection
askew out of line:AWRY
aspect a position facing a particular direction:EXPOSURE
asperity roughness of manner or of temper:HARSHNESS
aspersion slanderous remark
aspirant One who aspires, as to advancement, honors, or a high position.
aspiration a strong desire to achieve something high or great
assert to state or declare positively and often forcefully or aggressively
assess to determine the importance, size, or value of
the entire property of a person, association, corporation, or estate
asset
applicable or subject to the payment of debts
assiduous marked by careful unremitting attention or persistent application
assuage to lessen the intensity of (something that pains or distresses):EASE
assume to take to or upon oneself:UNDERTAKE
astounding causing astonishment or amazement
astute having or showing shrewdness and perspicacity
an inviolable place of refuge and protection giving shelter to criminals and
asylum
debtors:SANCTUARY
asymmetrical not of equal size or similar shape:
atone to supply satisfaction for:EXPIATE
atrocious extremely wicked, brutal, or cruel:BARBARIC
attenuate to lessen the amount, force, magnitude, or value of:WEAKEN
A person legally appointed by another to act as his or her agent in the
attorney transaction of business, specifically one qualified and licensed to act for
plaintiffs and defendants in legal proceedings
audacious intrepidly daring:ADVENTUROUS
audible heard or capable of being heard
augur to foretell especially from omens
auspicious affording a favorable auspice:PROPITIOUS
austere markedly simple or unadorned
authenticity not false or imitation:REAL, ACTUAL
authoritative having the weight of authority; dictatorial
authority power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior
autocracy government in which one person possesses unlimited power
excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or gain:GREEDINESS,
avarice
CUPIDITY
a feeling of repugnance toward something with a desire to avoid or turn
aversion
from
avid characterized by enthusiasm and vigorous pursuit
avulse to separate, cut, or tear off by avulsion
awash covered with water:FLOODED
an emotion variously combining dread, veneration, and wonder that is
awe
inspired by authority or by the sacred or sublime
awkward lacking dexterity or skill
a pointed tool for marking surfaces or piercing small holes (as in leather or
awl
wood)
a rooflike cover extending over or in front of a place (as over the deck or
awning
in front of a door or window) as a shelter
in a turned or twisted position or direction:ASKEW
awry
Word list - B
babble to utter meaningless or unintelligible sounds
backhanded INDIRECT, DEVIOUS; especially:SARCASTIC
backset SETBACK
badge a device or token especially of membership in a society or group
badger to harass or annoy persistently
badinage playful repartee:BANTER
baffle to check or break the force or flow of by or as if by a baffle
ENTICE, LUREto attack in speech or writing as by derision or insult; to
bait
gall or exasperate by repeated wanton attacks
baleful deadly or pernicious in influence
balk to check or stop by or as if by an obstacle:BLOCK
refusing or likely to refuse to proceed, act, or function as directed or
balky
expected
ballad a narrative composition in rhythmic verse suitable for singing
Heavy material that is placed in the hold of a ship or the gondola of a
ballast
balloon to enhance stability.
a theatrical art form using dancing, music, and scenery to convey a story,
ballet
theme, or atmosphere
balm a balsamic resin, especially:one from small tropical evergreen trees
balmy having the qualities of balm:SOOTHING
bamboozle to deceive by underhanded methods:DUPE, HOODWINK
ban to prohibit especially by legal means ban:protect
banal lacking originality, freshness, or novelty:TRITE
baneful productive of destruction or woe:seriously harmful
to drive out or remove from a home or place of usual resort or
banish continuance, especially compulsory removal from a country not
necessarily one's own
banister a handrail with its supporting posts
a sumptuous feast; especially :an elaborate and often ceremonious meal for
banquet
numerous people often in honor of a person
barb a biting or pointedly critical remark or comment
barbarous mercilessly harsh or cruel
bareface Having no covering over the face.
barefaced OPEN, UNCONCEALED
bargain to negotiate over the terms of a purchase, agreement, or contract:HAGGLE
baroque characterized by grotesqueness, extravagance, complexity, or flamboyance
barren lacking vegetation, especially useful vegetation
barter to trade by exchanging one commodity for another
base being of comparatively low value and having relatively inferior properties
baseboard a molding covering the joint of a wall and the adjoining floor
bathetic exceptional commonplaceness:TRITENESS
bedeck to clothe with finery:DECK
bedlam a place, scene, or state of uproar and confusion
belabor to explain or insist on excessively
beleaguer TROUBLE, HARASS
belie to show (something) to be false or wrong
belittle to speak slightingly of:DISPARAGE
bellicose favoring or inclined to start quarrels or wars
belligerence an aggressive or truculent attitude, atmosphere, or disposition
bellwether One that serves as a leader or as a leading indicator of future trends
bemoan to express deep grief or distress over
bend to make submissive:SUBDUE,COMPROMISE
benediction the invocation of a blessing
doing or producing good; especially :performing acts of kindness and
beneficent
charity
benign a:showing kindness and gentleness b:FAVORABLE, WHOLESOME
bent a strong inclination or interest:BIAS
bequest something bequeathed:LEGACY
berate to scold or condemn vehemently and at length
beseech to request earnestly:IMPLORE
besmirch SULLY, SOIL
betray to deliver to an enemy by treachery
a list of writings with time and place of publication (such as the writings of
bibliography
a single author or the works referred to in preparing a document etc.)
bibliophile a lover of books especially for qualities of format; also :a book collector
a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and
bigot
prejudices
bit the jaws of tongs or pincers
bland not irritating, stimulating, or invigorating:SOOTHING
blandishment something that tends to coax or cajole:ALLUREMENT
blase bored with pleasure or dissipation
blaspheme to speak of or address with irreverence
blast a violent gust of wind
completely obvious, conspicuous, or obtrusive especially in a crass or
blatant
offensive manner:BRAZEN
blazon to publish widely:PROCLAIM
bleach to remove color or stains from
blemish to spoil by a flaw
a disease or injury of plants resulting in withering, cessation of growth,
blight
and death of parts without rotting
bliss complete happiness
a gross error or mistake resulting usually from stupidity, ignorance, or
blunder
carelessness
blunt to make less sharp or definite
blur to make indistinct and hazy in outline or appearance;obscure
blurb A brief publicity notice, as on a book jacket.
blurt to utter abruptly and impulsively ? usually used with out
bluster to talk or act with noisy swaggering threats
an omen, prediction, or presentiment especially of coming evil:PORTENT
boding
,FOREBODING
boggle to hesitate because of doubt, fear, or scruples
boisterous noisily turbulent:ROWDY
bolster a structural part designed to eliminate friction or provide support or
bearing
bombast pretentious inflated speech or writing
bonhomie good-natured easy friendliness
bonus something in addition to what is expected or strictly due
boo to deride especially by uttering boo
boon BENEFIT, FAVOR
boor a rude or insensitive person
bootless USELESS, UNPROFITABLE
bore to make a hole by or as if by boring
bottleneck NARROW {bottleneck:indefinite} ??????
bough a branch of a tree; especially :a main branch
a:to make secure by tying b:to confine, restrain, or restrict as if with bonds
bound
c:to put under an obligation d:to constrain with legal authority
box to fight with the fists:engage in boxing box:fight:debate:argue
bracing giving strength, vigor, or freshness
an overhanging member that projects from a structure (as a wall) and is
bracket
usually designed to support a vertical load or to strengthen an angle
brackish REPULSIVE
braggadocio a:empty boasting b:arrogant pretension:COCKINESS
braid made by intertwining three or more strands
braided Produced by or as if by braiding
brake to retard or stop by a brake
brash done in haste without regard for consequences
brassy being shamelessly bold
brattish an ill-mannered annoying child
bravura marked by an ostentatious display of skill
bray to emit (an utterance or a sound) loudly and harshly
brazen marked by contemptuous boldness
breach to make a breach in
a roofed often open passage connecting two buildings (as a house and
breezeway
garage) or halves of a building
brevity shortness or conciseness of expression
bribe to induce or influence by or as if by bribery
bridle to restrain, check, or control with or as if with a bridle
brisk keenly alert:LIVELY
bristle to take on an aggressive attitude or appearance (as in response to a slight)
brittle easily broken, cracked, or snapped
broach to open for the first time
bromide a commonplace or hackneyed statement or notion
browbeat to intimidate by a stern manner or arrogant speech
bruit to noise abroad:REPORT
buck to refuse assent:BALK
bucolic relating to or typical of rural life
budge to give way:YIELD
buffer to lessen the shock of:CUSHION
buffoon a ludicrous figure:CLOWN
bulge a protuberant or swollen part or place
bully one habitually cruel to others who are weaker
bumper a device for absorbing shock or preventing damage
bumptious presumptuously, obtusely, and often noisily self-assertive:OBTRUSIVE
bungle to act or work clumsily and awkwardly
buoy support;uplift
buoyant a:capable of floating b:CHEERFUL, GAY
burgeon to grow and expand rapidly:FLOURISH
burial the act or process of burying
burlesque mockery usually by caricature
to make shiny or lustrous especially by rubbing
burnish
numb:insensible:burnish:lustrous
burrow to construct by tunneling
busybody an officious or inquisitive person
butt to thrust or push head foremost:strike with the head or horns
1. to furnish or shore up with a buttress; also :SUPPORT, STRENGTHEN
buttress 2. a projecting structure of masonry or wood for supporting or giving
stability to a wall or building
bygone gone by:PAST; especially:OUTMODED
a line at the beginning of a news story, magazine article, or book giving
byline
the writer's name
Word list - C
the artifices and intrigues of a group of persons secretly united to bring
cabal
about an overturn or usurpation especially in public affairs
cache hiding place
cacophony harsh or discordant sound:DISSONANCE
one in training for a military or naval commission; especially :a student
cadet
in a service academy
cadge BEG, SPONGE
a usually 2-wheeled vehicle for artillery ammunition attachable to a
caisson
horse-drawn limber
to persuade with flattery or gentle urging especially in the face of
cajole
reluctance:COAX
An event that brings terrible loss, lasting distress, or severe affliction; a
calamity
disaster:
calcify to make inflexible or unchangeable
calibrate to determine, rectify, or mark the graduations of
calligrapher one who writes a beautiful
callous a:feeling no emotion b:feeling no sympathy for others
callow lacking adult sophistication:IMMATURE
callus a thickening of or a hard thickened area on skin or bark
the amount of heat required at a pressure of one atmosphere to raise the
calorie temperature of one gram of water one degree Celsius that is equal to
about 4.19 joules
calumniate to utter maliciously false statements, charges, or imputations about
camaraderie a spirit of friendly good-fellowship
a:a small piece of sculpture on a stone or shell cut in relief in one layer
with another contrasting layer serving as backgroundb:A brief but
cameo
dramatic appearance of a prominent actor, as in a single scene of a
motion picture.
camouflage behavior or artifice designed to deceive or hide
one that aspires to or is nominated or qualified for an office,
candidate
membership, or award
candor unreserved, honest, or sincere expression:FORTHRIGHTNESS
cane A stick used as an aid in walking or carried as an accessory
canon a regulation or dogma decreed by a church council
canonical appearing in a biblical canon ; of or relating to or required by canon law
a cover (as of cloth) fixed or carried above a person of high rank or a
canopy
sacred object:BALDACHIN
cantankerous difficult or irritating to deal with
canvas a piece of cloth backed or framed as a surface for a painting
canvass to seek orders or votes:SOLICIT
a deep narrow valley with steep sides and often with a stream flowing
canyon
through it
capitulate to cease resisting:ACQUIESCE
caprice a sudden, impulsive, and seemingly unmotivated notion or action
the part of a legal document that shows where, when, and by what
caption
authority it was taken, found, or executed
to influence and dominate by some special charm, art, or trait and with
captivate
an irresistible appeal
carefree Free of worries and responsibilities.
careworn showing the effect of grief or anxiety
exaggeration by means of often ludicrous distortion of parts or
caricature
characteristics
carnal fleshly
carouse to drink liquor deeply or freely
carp to find fault or complain querulously
cartographer one that makes maps
the set of actors in a dramatic production; to assign a certain role to (an
cast
actor)
castigate to subject to severe punishment, reproof, or criticism
castigation severe punishment
catalyze BRING ABOUT, INSPIRE supervisor:oversight,catalysis:initiate
cataract WATERFALL; especially:a large one over a precipice
a momentous tragic event ranging from extreme misfortune to utter
catastrophe
overthrow or ruin
categorical ABSOLUTE, UNQUALIFIED
cater to supply what is required or desired
COMPREHENSIVE, UNIVERSAL; especially :broad in sympathies,
catholic
tastes, or interests
caustic marked by incisive sarcasm
A gallant or chivalrous man, especially one serving as escort to a
cavalier
woman of high social position; a gentleman
caveat a warning enjoining one from certain acts or practices
cavern CAVE; especially:one of large or indefinite extent
cavil to raise trivial and frivolous objection
cavort to walk or move in a spirited manner:PRANCE
cede to yield or grant typically by treaty
celebrity the state of being celebrated
a binding element or agency:as a substance to make objects adhere to
cement
each other
to examine in order to suppress or delete anything considered
censor
objectionable
censorious marked by or given to censure
censure to find fault with and criticize as blameworthy
census a count of the population
a machine using centrifugal force for separating substances of different
centrifuge
densities, for removing moisture, or for simulating gravitational effects
of or relating to the manufacture of any product (as earthenware,
ceramic porcelain, or brick) made essentially from a nonmetallic mineral (as
clay) by firing at a high temperature
ceremony a formal act or series of acts prescribed by ritual, protocol, or convention
certitude the state of being or feeling certain
cessation a temporary or final ceasing (as of action):STOP
the seed coverings and other debris separated from the seed in threshing
chaff
grain
chagrin disquietude or distress of mind caused by humiliation, disappointment,
or failure
any of a family (Chamaeleontidae) of chiefly arboreal Old World lizards
chameleon with prehensile tail, independently movable eyeballs, and unusual ability
to change the color of the skin
champion to act as militant supporter of:UPHOLD, ADVOCATE
chaotic a:a state of utter confusion b:a confused mass or mixture
a word represented in riddling verse or by picture, tableau, or dramatic
charade
action
one making usually showy pretenses to knowledge or ability:FRAUD,
charlatan
FAKER
discreetly cautious:as a:hesitant and vigilant about dangers and risks
chary
b:slow to grant, accept, or expend
chasm a deep cleft in the surface of a planet (as the earth):GORGE
check to block the progress of
chef a skilled cook who manages the kitchen (as of a restaurant)
cherubic innocent-looking usually chubby and rosy
a sleeve badge that usually consists of one or more chevron-shaped
chevron stripes that indicates the wearer's rank and service (as in the armed
forces)
the interplay or contrast of dissimilar qualities, pictorial representation
chiaroscuro
in terms of light and shade without regard to color
chic smart elegance and sophistication especially of dress or manner:STYLE
chicanery deception by artful subterfuge or sophistry:TRICKERY
to voice disapproval to:reproach in a usually mild and constructive
chide
manner:SCOLD
a small usually thin and flat piece (as of wood or stone) cut, struck, or
chip
flaked off
to check normal breathing of by compressing or obstructing the trachea
choke
or by poisoning or adulterating available air
choleric easily moved to often unreasonable or excessive anger:hot-tempered
chord three or more musical tones sounded simultaneously
choreography the composition and arrangement of dances especially for ballet
chorus a body of singers who perform choral compositions
always present or encountered; especially :constantly vexing,
chronic
weakening, or troubling
a usually continuous historical account of events arranged in order of
chronicle
time without analysis or interpretation
chronological of, relating to, or arranged in or according to the order of time
churlish marked by a lack of civility or graciousness:SURLY
small piece of partly burnt coal, wood, etc that is no longer burning but
cinder
may still be hot
cineast a film or movie enthusiast
cipher a method of transforming a text in order to conceal its meaning
circuitous not being forthright or direct in language or action
circumference the perimeter of a circle
circumlocutory the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea
to construct or be constructed around (a geometrical figure) so as to
circumscribe
touch as many points as possible
careful to consider all circumstances and possible
circumspect
consequences:PRUDENT
circumvent to manage to get around especially by ingenuity or stratagem
an artificial reservoir (as an underground tank) for storing liquids and
cistern
especially water (as rainwater)
citation an official summons to appear (as before a court)
civility COURTESY, POLITENESS
clairvoyant unusually perceptive:DISCERNING
clamp device for holding things tightly together, usu by means of a screw
clandestine marked by, held in, or conducted with secrecy:SURREPTITIOUS
clarion loud and clear
clarity the quality or state of being clear:LUCIDITY
clasp a device (as a hook) for holding objects or parts together
claustrophobia abnormal dread of being in closed or narrow spaces
a usually V-shaped indented formation:a hollow between ridges or
cleft
protuberances
clement inclined to be merciful:LENIENT
cliche a trite phrase or expression
a narrow exclusive circle or group of persons; especially one held
clique
together by common interests, views, or purposes
clog something that shackles or impedes:ENCUMBRANCE
closed-minded not easily subdued, remedied, or removed
closet a cabinet or recess for especially china, household utensils, or clothing
clot a coagulated mass produced by clotting of blood
cloture closing, device (in Parliament) to end a debate by voting
cloudburst a sudden copious rainfall
clout PULL, INFLUENCE
cloying excessively sweet or sentimental
clumsy lacking dexterity, nimbleness, or grace
coagulant something that produces coagulation
coalesce to unite into a whole:FUSE
coarse not precise or detailed with respect to adjustment or discrimination
to manipulate with great perseverance and usually with considerable
coax
effort toward a desired state or activity
a concluding musical section that is formally distinct from the main
coda
structure
coerce to bring about by force or threat
coeval of the same or equal age, antiquity, or duration
cogent appealing forcibly to the mind or reason:CONVINCING
cognizant knowledgeable of something especially through personal experience
colander a perforated utensil for washing or draining food
collapse to fall or shrink together abruptly and completely
collude CONSPIRE, PLOT
a series of columns set at regular intervals and usually supporting the
colonnade
base of a roof structure
of a bulk, extent, power, or effect approaching or suggesting the
colossal
stupendous or incredible
coma a state of profound unconsciousness caused by disease, injury, or poison
combustible capable of combustion
comely having a pleasing appearance:not homely or plain
comity friendly social atmosphere:social harmony
1. the ceremonies or the day for conferring degrees or diplomas 2. an
commencement
act, instance, or time of beginning
commend to mention with approbation:PRAISE
commensurate equal in measure or extent:COEXTENSIVE
commercial an advertisement broadcast on radio or television
commingle mingle together
commitment an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date
committed OBLIGATE, BIND
commodious comfortably or conveniently spacious:ROOMY
commonsense sound and prudent but often unsophisticated judgment
commotion an agitated disturbance:TO-DO
a brief summary of a larger work or of a field of
compendium
knowledge:ABSTRACT
compensate to offset an error, defect, or undesired effect
COMPLACENCE; especially :self-satisfaction accompanied by
complacency
unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies
complaisance disposition to please or comply:AFFABILITY
compliant ready or disposed to comply:SUBMISSIVE
compliment expressing or containing a compliment
to conform or adapt one's actions to another's wishes, to a rule, or to
comply
necessity
composed free from agitation:CALM; especially :SELF-POSSESSED
compress to reduce in size or volume as if by squeezing
1. to come to agreement by mutual concession 2. to cause the
compromise
impairment of
compunction anxiety arising from awareness of guilt
concatenate to link together in a series or chain
concede to grant as a right or privilege
concentrate to bring or direct toward a common center or objective:FOCUS
concerted mutually contrived or agreed on
a piece for one or more soloists and orchestra with three contrasting
concerto
movements
concession an act of yielding
APPEASE:to cause to subside:ALLAY especially :to buy off (an
conciliate
aggressor) by concessions usually at the sacrifice of principles
marked by brevity of expression or statement:free from all elaboration
concise
and superfluous detail
conciseness Expressing much in few words
concomitant that which accompanies
concord a state of agreement:HARMONY
concur to act together to a common end or single effect
to declare to be reprehensible, wrong, or evil usually after weighing
condemn
evidence and without reservation
condescending showing or characterized by condescension:PATRONIZING
condign deserved, appropriate
condole to express sympathetic sorrow
to pardon or overlook voluntarily; especially :to treat as if trivial,
condone
harmless, or of no importance
conducive tending to promote or assist
to disclose one's faults; specifically :to unburden one's sins or the state
confess
of one's conscience to God or to a priest
confidant one to whom secrets are entrusted
confident characterized by assurance; especially :SELF-RELIANT
confine something that restrains
confluence a coming or flowing together, meeting, or gathering at one point
conform to be similar or identical; also :to be in agreement or harmony
confront to face especially in challenge:OPPOSE
congeal to make viscid or curdled:COAGULATE
congenial OCIABLE, GENIAL congenial:bonhomie ???:?? 9????:
congruent superposable so as to be coincident throughout
conjecture inference from defective or presumptive evidence
connive to cooperate secretly or have a secret understanding
EXPERT; especially :one who understands the details, technique, or
connoisseur
principles of an art and is competent to act as a critical judge
conquest the act or process of conquering
conscientious Thorough and assiduous
consensus group solidarity in sentiment and belief
conservative tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or
institutions:TRADITIONAL
conservatory a school specializing in one of the fine arts
conserve to keep in a safe or sound state
considerable worth consideration:SIGNIFICANT
to give, transfer, or deliver into the hands or control of another; also :to
consign
commit especially to a final destination or fate
console to alleviate the grief, sense of loss, or trouble of:COMFORT
consolidate to join together into one whole:UNITE
consonance harmony or agreement among components
conspicuous obvious to the eye or mind
An agreement to perform together an illegal, wrongful, or subversive
conspiracy
act.
constellation the configuration of stars.
constitute to appoint to an office, function, or dignity
constrained to appoint to an office, function, or dignity
constringe to cause to contract; constrict.
COUNCIL, CONFERENCE; specifically :a deliberation between
consult
physicians on a case or its treatment
Complete in every detail; of the highest degree; extremely skilled and
consummate
accomplished.
contagious communicable by contact:CATCHING
contaminate to soil, stain, corrupt, or infect by contact or association
contemplate to view or consider with continued attention:meditate on consider
contempt the act of despising:the state of mind of one who despises:DISDAIN
feeling or manifesting satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or
content
situation
exhibiting an often perverse and wearisome tendency to quarrels and
contentious
disputes
contingent likely but not certain to happen:POSSIBLE
contort to twist into or as if into a strained shape or expression
contortion contortingor being contorted (esp of the face or body)
contradictory involving, causing, or constituting a contradiction
contravene to oppose in argument:CONTRADICT
contrite grieving and penitent for sin or shortcoming
contrived ARTIFICIAL, LABORED
an individual or group used as a standard of comparison in a control
control
experiment
contumacious stubbornly disobedient:REBELLIOUS
a:a question or problem having only a conjectural answer b:an intricate
conundrum
and difficult problem
convalesce to recover health and strength gradually after sickness or weakness
something (as an appliance, device, or service) conducive to comfort or
convenience
ease
convention usage or custom especially in social matters
conventional lacking originality or individuality:TRITE
tending to move toward one point or to approach each
convergent
other:CONVERGING
conversant having frequent or familiar association
convert to bring over from one belief, view, or party to another
convex curved or rounded like the exterior of a sphere
convey to transfer or deliver to another
1. a strong persuasion or belief 2. the act or process of convicting of a
conviction
crime especially in a court of law
relating to, occupied with, or fond of feasting, drinking, and good
convivial
company
convoke to call together to a meeting
convoluted INVOLVED, INTRICATE
an abnormal violent and involuntary contraction or series of contractions
convulsion
of the muscles
coop a cage or small enclosure (as for poultry)
copious present in large quantity:taking place on a large scale
a woman who endeavors without sincere affection to gain the attention
coquette
and admiration of men
a unit of wood cut for fuel equal to a stack 4 x 4 x 8 feet or 128 cubic
cord
feet
cordon a line of persons or objects around a person or place
cornucopia an inexhaustible store:ABUNDANCE
coronation the act or occasion of crowning; also :accession to the highest office
having, consisting of, or relating to a physical material body:as a:not
corporeal
spiritual b:not immaterial or intangible:SUBSTANTIAL
corral a pen or enclosure for confining or capturing livestock
corroborate to support with evidence or authority:make more certain
corrosive tending or having the power to corrode
cosmopolitan having worldwide rather than limited or provincial scope or bearing
cosset to treat as a pet:PAMPER
an intimate and often exclusive group of persons with a unifying
coterie
common interest or purpose
countenance to extend approval or toleration to:SANCTION
counterfeit made in imitation of something else with intent to deceive:FORGED
counterpart one of two corresponding copies of a legal instrument:DUPLICATE
to seek the affections of; especially :to seek to win a pledge of marriage
court
from
courtesy a courteous act or expression
coven an assembly or band of usually 13 witches
marked by inordinate desire for wealth or possessions or for another's
covetous
possessions
cow to destroy the resolve or courage of
cowardice lack of courage or resolution
to shrink away or crouch especially for shelter from something that
cower
menaces, domineers, or dismays
cozen cheat; hoodwink; swindle
craft skill in planning, making, or executing:DEXTERITY
cramp restricted; narrowed
crass
Word list - D
to work or involve oneself superficially or intermittently especially in a
dabble
secondary activity or interest
daft SILLY, FOOLISH
dally a:to act playfully; especially :to play amorously b:to deal lightly:TOY
damp MOISTURE,HUMIDITY, DAMPNESS
damper a dulling or deadening influence
dandy a man who gives exaggerated attention to personal appearance
dank unpleasantly moist or wet
dapper neat and trim in appearance
dappled marked with small spots or patches contrasting with the background
daredevil a recklessly bold person
dart to move suddenly or rapidly fall
dastard a person who acts treacherously or underhandedly
daunt to lessen the courage of:COW, SUBDUE
dawdle to move lackadaisically
deactivate to make inactive or ineffective
deaden to impair in vigor or sensation:BLUNT
deadpan marked by an impassive matter-of-fact manner, style, or expression
dearth an inadequate supply:LACK
debark To unload, as from a ship or an airplane.
debase to lower in status, esteem, quality, or character
debilitate to impair the strength of:ENFEEBLE
debonair LIGHTHEARTED, NONCHALANT
debris the remains of something broken down or destroyed
debunk to expose the sham or falseness of
debut a first appearance
decadence the process of becoming decadent:the quality or state of being decadent
decant to pour out, transfer, or unload as if by pouring
decelerate to reduce the speed of:slow down
a unit for expressing the relative intensity of sounds on a scale from zero
decibel for the average least perceptible sound to about 130 for the average pain
level
a:to make out the meaning of despite indistinctness or obscurity b:to
decipher
interpret the meaning of
decode to convert (as a coded message) into intelligible form
decorum propriety and good taste in conduct or appearance
decrepit wasted and weakened by or as if by the infirmities of old age
dedication a devoting or setting aside for a particular purpose
default a failure to pay financial debts
respect and esteem due a superior or an elder; also:affected or
deference
ingratiating regard for another's wishes
deficiency an amount that is lacking or inadequate:SHORTAGE
defile a narrow passage or gorge
definitive serving to provide a final solution or to end a situation
defoliate to deprive of leaves especially prematurely
the action or process of clearing of forests; also :the state of having been
deforest
cleared of
defraud to deprive of something by deception or fraud
deft characterized by facility and skill
defuse to make less harmful, potent, or tense
defy to challenge to do something considered impossible:DARE
to remove bound water or hydrogen and oxygen from (a chemical
dehydrate
compound) in the proportion in which they form water
deify To worship or revere as a god
deject to make gloomy
deleterious harmful often in a subtle or unexpected way
deliberate to think about or discuss issues and decisions carefully
delicacy the quality or state of being dainty:FINENESS
delinquent offending by neglect or violation of duty or of law
To dissolve gradually and become liquid by absorption of moisture from
deliquesce
the air.
a mental disturbance characterized by confusion, disordered speech, and
delirium
hallucinations
delude to mislead the mind or judgment of:DECEIVE, TRICK
deluge adj. an overflowing of the land by water b:a drenching rain
delve to make a careful or detailed search for information
demagogue a leader who makes use of popular prejudices and false claims and
promises in order to gain power
demanding requiring much time, effort, or attention:EXACTING
demise DIE, DECEASE
the statistical study of human populations especially with reference to
demography
size and density, distribution, and vital statistics
the act of demolishing; especially :destruction in war by means of
demolition
explosives
a:to weaken the morale of:DISCOURAGE, DISPIRIT b:to upset or
demoralize
destroy the normal functioning of c:to throw into disorder
demotic Of or relating to the common people; popular
demur to take exception:OBJECT
denigrate to cast aspersions on:DEFAME
denouement the final outcome of the main dramatic complication in a literary work
denounce to pronounce especially publicly to be blameworthy or evil
dent a depression or hollow made by a blow or by pressure
denude to strip of all covering or surface layers
denunciate to pronounce especially publicly to be blameworthy or evil
depart to go away:LEAVE
depict to represent by or as if by a picture
deplete to lessen markedly in quantity, content, power, or value
deplore to feel or express strong disapproval of; condemn.
deploy to extend (a military unit) especially in width
the removal from a country of an alien whose presence is unlawful or
deportation
prejudicial
depose to testify to under oath or by affidavit
deposit to lay down or leave behind by a natural process
depravity a corrupt act or practice
deprecate BELITTLE, DISPARAGE
depreciate to lower the price or estimated value of
depress to press down
the state of being deprived:PRIVATION; especially :removal from an
deprivation
office, dignity, or benefice
deracinate UPROOT
derelict a destitute homeless social misfit:VAGRANT, BUM
deride to subject to usually bitter or contemptuous ridicule
derivative lacking originality:BANAL
derogatory expressive of a low opinion:DISPARAGING
descendant one deriving directly from a precursor or prototype
descent an inclination downward:SLOPE
desecrate to violate the sanctity of:PROFANE
desert to withdraw from or leave usually without intent to return
desiccate to preserve (a food) by drying:DEHYDRATE
designate appointed to a job (but not yet having officially started it)
despair to lose all hope or confidence
deserving to be despised:so worthless or obnoxious as to rouse moral
despicable
indignation
despise to look down on with contempt or aversion
despondent feeling or showing extreme discouragement, dejection, or depression
a usually sweet course or dish (as of pastry or ice cream) served at the
dessert
end of a meal
desultory disappointing in progress or performance:SLUGGISH
to separate especially from a larger mass and usually without violence or
detach
damage
detain to hold or keep in or as if in custody
deter to turn aside, discourage, or prevent from acting
detestable arousing or meriting intense dislike:ABOMINABLE
detour to send by a circuitous route
detract to diminish the importance, value, or effectiveness of something
detritus a product of disintegration, destruction, or wearing away
deviation noticeable or marked departure from accepted norms of behavior
to form in the mind by new combinations or application of and ideas or
devise
principles
devolve deputize; pass to others
devote:to give over or direct (as time, money, or effort) to a cause,
devoted
enterprise, or activity
devout devoted to religion or to religious duties or exercises
dew moisture condensed upon the surfaces of cool bodies especially at night
dexterous mentally adroit and skillful:CLEVER
diabolic of, relating to, or characteristic of the devil:DEVILIS
diabolize To represent as diabolical
diagnose to recognize (as a disease) by signs and symptoms
diaphanous characterized by such fineness of texture as to permit seeing through
diatribe a bitter and abusive speech or writing
didactic designed or intended to teach
any of various tools or devices for imparting a desired shape, form, or
die
finish to a material or for impressing an object or material
diehard strongly or fanatically determined or devoted
diffident hesitant in acting or speaking through lack of self-confidence
diffuse being at once verbose and ill-organized
digit A human finger or toe.
dignity quality or state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed
to turn aside especially from the main subject of attention or course of
digress
argument
dilapidate to bring into a condition of decay or partial ruin
dilate to enlarge or expand in bulk or extent:DISTEND, WIDEN
dilatory characterized by procrastination:TARDY
a person having a superficial interest in an art or a branch of
dilettante
knowledge:DABBLER
diligent characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort:PAINSTAKING
dilute to diminish the strength, flavor, or brilliance of by admixture
dimension measurement of any sort
diminish to make or become smaller ,less, or less important
din a loud continued noise; especially :a welter of discordant sounds
dingus an ornamental attachment or decoration:DOODAD
dingy SHABBY, SQUALID
diocesan a bishop having jurisdiction over a diocese
diplomatic of or engaged in diplomacy; tactful or suave
dire DISMAL, OPPRESSIVE
a song or hymn of grief or lamentation; especially :one intended to
dirge
accompany funeral or memorial rites
disabuse to free from error, fallacy, or misconception
disaffected discontented and resentful especially against authority REBELLIOUS
disagreeable causing discomfort:UNPLEASANT, OFFENSIVE
disarm to deprive of means, reason, or disposition to be hostile
disarray (n.) (state of) disorder
disavow to deny responsibility for:REPUDIATE
discard to get rid of especially as useless or unpleasant
discernible distinguishable; perceivable
discerning showing insight and understanding:DISCRIMINATING
discharge to dismiss from employment
disciple one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another
discipline a rule or system of rules governing conduct or activity
disclaim to renounce a legal claim to
a descriptive list of phonograph records by category, composer,
discography
performer, or date of release
discombobulate to confuse or disconcert
discomfit to put into a state of perplexity and embarrassment:DISCONCERT
discommode to cause inconvenience to:TROUBLE
discompose to destroy the composure of
disconcert to throw into confusion
discord lack of agreement or harmony (as between persons, things, or ideas)
formal and orderly and usually extended expression of thought on a
discourse
subject
discredit to deprive of good repute:DISGRACE
discrepancy Divergence or disagreement, as between facts or claims; difference.
discrete (adj.) separate; individually distinct; composed of distinct parts
the quality of being discreet:CIRCUMSPECTION; especially :cautious
discretion
reserve in speech frivolous
discretionary left to discretion:exercised at one's own discretion
discriminate to mark or perceive the distinguishing or peculiar features of
discursive moving from topic to topic without order:RAMBLING
disdain a feeling of contempt for what is beneath one:SCORN
disembody To free (the soul or spirit) from the body
disengage to release from something that engages or involves
disentangle (v.) to free from confusion
disgorge to discharge by the throat and mouth:VOMIT
to make ill-humored or discontented , usually used as a participial
disgruntle
adjective
disguise to furnish with a false appearance or an assumed identity
marked aversion aroused by something highly
disgust
distasteful:REPUGNANCE
dishevel to throw into disorder or disarray
disinclination a preference for avoiding something:slight aversion
disinfect to free from infection especially by destroying harmful microorganisms
disinterested free from selfish motive or interest:UNBIASED
disjunctive marked by breaks or disunity
dismantle to take to pieces; also :to destroy the integrity or functioning of
to depreciate by indirect means (as invidious comparison):speak
disparage
slightingly about
containing or made up of fundamentally different and often incongruous
disparate
elements
not influenced by strong feeling; especially :not affected by personal or
dispassionate
emotional involvement
dispatch promptness and efficiency in performance or transmission
systematic destruction; especially :destruction or transformation of
disposal
garbage
disquiet to take away the peace or tranquillity of:DISTURB, ALARM
disregard pay no attention to treat (sth) as of no importance; ignore
disrupt to throw into disorder
dissect to analyze and interpret minutely
to put on a false appearance:conceal facts, intentions, or feelings under
dissemble
some pretense
disseminate to spread abroad as though sowing seed
dissension DISAGREEMENT; especially:partisan and contentious quarreling
dissent to withhold assent
an extended usually written treatment of a subject; specifically :one
dissertation
submitted for a doctorate
dissipate dispel; squander
dissociate to separate from association or union with another
dissolute lacking restraint; especially :marked by indulgence in things
to cause to pass into solution to separate into component
dissolve
parts:DISINTEGRATE
lack of agreement; especially :inconsistency between the beliefs one
dissonance
holds or between one's actions and one's beliefs
dissuade to advise (a person) against something
the act of distending or the state of being distended especially unduly or
distention
abnormally
the process of purifying a liquid by successive evaporation and
distillation
condensation
distinction the quality or state of being distinguishable
distinguished marked by eminence, distinction, or excellence
distort to twist out of the true meaning or proportion
to draw or direct (as one's attention) to a different object or in different
distract
directions at the same time
distraught agitated with doubt or mental conflict
distress great pain/cause discomfort
district
ditch a long narrow excavation dug in the earth
ditty an especially simple and unaffected song
diurnal of, relating to, or occurring in the daytime
diver part of a country or town having a particular quality
to move or extend in different directions from a common point:draw
diverge
apart
divert to turn from one course or use to another:DEFLECT
divestiture the act of divesting
divulge to make known (as a confidence or secret)
a principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of
doctrine
knowledge or system of belief:DOGMA
dodder to progress feebly and unsteadily
doff to remove (an article of wear) from the body
dogged marked by stubborn determination
loosely styled and irregular in measure especially for burlesque or comic
doggerel
effect; also:marked by triviality or inferiority
doggo in hiding
something held as an established opinion;especially:a definite
dogma
authoritative tenet
doldrums state or period of inactivity, stagnation, or slump
dolorous causing, marked by, or expressing misery or grief
dolt a stupid person
domicile a dwelling place:place of residence:HOME
domination supremacy or preeminence over another
don to put on (an article of clothing)
donor one that gives, donates, or presents something
doodle an aimless or casual scribble, design, or sketch
dour STERN, HARSH
downpour a pouring or streaming downward; especially:a heavy rain
a:the senior member of a body or group b:a person considered to be
doyen knowledgeable or uniquely skilled as a result of long experience in some
field of endeavor
doze to fall into a light sleep
draconian CRUEL; also:SEVERE
drain to exhaust physically or emotionally
drawl to utter in a slow lengthened tone
having nothing likely to provide cheer, comfort, or interest:GLOOMY,
dreary
DISMAL
drench to wet thoroughly (as by soaking or immersing in liquid)
drivel to utter in an infantile or imbecilic way
drizzle a fine misty rain
droll having a humorous, whimsical, or odd quality
drone to speak in a monotonous tone:
droplet a tiny drop (as of a liquid)
drudgery dull, irksome, and fatiguing work:uninspiring or menial labor
dubious questionable or suspect as to true nature or quality
dulcet pleasing to the ear
dull lacking brilliance or luster
dullard a stupid or unimaginative person
dune a hill or ridge of sand piled up by the wind
dupe one that is easily deceived or cheated:FOOL
dwelling a shelter (as a house) in which people live
dyspeptic INDIGESTION
Word list - E
eaglet a young eagle
earnest characterized by or proceeding from an intense and serious state of mind
device of pliable material for insertion into the outer opening of the ear (as
earplug
to keep out water or deaden sound)
earshot the range within which the unaided voice may be heard
earsplitting distressingly loud or shrill
easel An upright frame for supporting something, such as an artist's canvas
eavesdrop to listen secretly to the private conversation of others
ebb recede; lessen
the quality of lively or enthusiastic expression of thoughts or
ebullience
feelings:EXUBERANCE
deviating from conventional or accepted usage or conduct especially in
eccentric
odd or whimsical ways
an arrangement of a body of troops with its units each somewhat to the left
echelon
or right of the one in the rear like a series of steps
eclat brilliant or conspicuous success
eclectic selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles
eclipse a falling into obscurity or decline; also :the state of being eclipsed
ecstasy a state of overwhelming emotion; especially :rapturous delight
ecstatic feeling great rapture or delight
ecumenical worldwide or general in extent, influence, or application
eddy circular or spiral movement (e.g. of wind)
edifice BUILDING; especially :a large or massive structure
efface to make (oneself) modestly or shyly inconspicuous
effervesce to show liveliness or exhilaration
effete having lost character, vitality, or strength
effluvia a by-product especially in the form of waste
effulgent radiant splendor:BRILLIANCE
effusive characterized or formed by a nonexplosive outpouring of lava
a belief in human equality especially with respect to social, political, and
egalitarian
economic rights and privileges
egocentric concerned with the individual rather than society
elaborate marked by complexity, fullness of detail, or ornateness
capable of being easily stretched or expanded and resuming former
elastic
shape:FLEXIBLE
elated marked by high spirits:EXULTANT
eleemosynary of, relating to, or supported by charity
elegant of a high grade or quality:SPLENDID
a song or poem expressing sorrow or lamentation especially for one who
elegy
is dead
elephantine having enormous size or strength:MASSIVE
elevate to raise in rank or status:EXALT
a small lively creature; also :a usually lively mischievous or malicious
elf
person
elicit to draw forth or bring out
elitism leadership or rule by an elite
a closed plane curve resulting from the intersection of a circular cone and
ellipse
a plane cutting completely through it
the omission of one or more words that are obviously understood but that
ellipsis
must be supplied to make a construction grammatically complete
elliptical of or relating to deliberate obscurity (as of literary or conversational style)
elongate to extend the length of
elucidate to give a clarifying explanation
emaciate to cause to lose f unaffectlesh so as to become very thin
emanate to come out from a source
to free from restraint, control, or the power of another; especially :to free
emancipate
from bondage
embargo a legal prohibition on commerce
embark to make a start
embarrass to place in doubt, perplexity, or difficulties
embed to enclose closely in or as if in a matrix
to appropriate (as property entrusted to one's care) fraudulently to one's
embezzle
own use
embolden to instill with boldness or courage
close encircling with the arms and pressure to the bosom especially as a
embrace
sign of affection:HUG
emigrate to leave one's place of residence or country to live elsewhere
one that is eminent, prominent, or lofty:as a person of high rank or
eminence
attainments
emphasis special consideration of or stress or insistence on something
emulate strive to equal or excel
to establish by legal and authoritative act; specifically:to make (as a bill)
enact
into law
enamel a hard calcareous substance that forms a thin layer capping the teeth
enclosure something that encloses
encomium glowing and warmly enthusiastic praise;
1. to form a circle about:ENCLOSE obsolete :to go completely around 2.
encompass
to form a circle about:ENCLOSE
encounter to come upon face-to-face
encumber to impede or hamper the function or activity of:HINDER
a work that contains information on all branches of knowledge or treats
encyclopedia comprehensively a particular branch of knowledge usually in articles
arranged alphabetically often by subject
to approve openly especially:to express support or approval of publicly
endorse
and definitely
enduring LASTING, DURABLE
enervate to lessen the vitality or strength of
enfeeble to make feeble:deprive of strength
to endow with a franchise:as to admit to the privileges of a citizen and
enfranchise
especially to the right of suffrage
engender to cause to exist or to develop:PRODUCE
engross to take or engage the whole attention of:occupy completely
enigmatic of, relating to, or resembling an enigma:MYSTERIOUS
enlighten to furnish knowledge to:INSTRUCT
enmity positive, active, and typically mutual hatred or ill will
ennoble to make noble:ELEVATE
ennui a feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction:BOREDOM
enrapture to fill with delight
ensconce settle comfortably
enslave to reduce to or as if to slavery:SUBJUGATE
ensue to take place afterward or as a result
entangle to wrap or twist together:INTERWEAVE
enthusiasm strong excitement of feeling:ARDOR
entice to attract artfully or adroitly or by arousing hope or desire:TEMPT
entrance to carry away with delight, wonder, or rapture
entrap to catch in or as if in a trap
entreaty an act of entreating:PLEA
entry a descriptive record (as in a card catalog or an index)
enumerate to specify one after another:LIST
a:to make a definite or systematic statement of b:ANNOUNCE,
enunciate
PROCLAIM
envision to picture to oneself
ephemeral lasting a very short time
epic extending beyond the usual or ordinary especially in size or scope
epicure one with sensitive and discriminating tastes especially in food or wine
a concise poem dealing pointedly and often satirically with a single
epigram
thought or event and often ending with an ingenious turn of thought
a concluding section that rounds out the design of a literary work; the final
epilogue scene of a play that comments on or summarizes the main action; the
concluding section of a musical composition:CODA
An incident or story in a literary work, separable from yet growing out of
episode
it.
the study or a theory of the nature and grounds of knowledge especially
epistemology
with reference to its limits and validity
epitomize to serve as the typical or ideal example of
marked by lack of noticeable, unpleasant, or extreme variation or
equable
inequality
equipoise a state of equilibrium
justice according to natural law or right; specifically :freedom from bias or
equity
favoritism
subject to two or more interpretations and usually used to mislead or
equivocal
confuse
1. characterized by firm or rigid straightness in bodily posture 2. SET UP,
erect
ESTABLISH
erode to diminish or destroy by degrees
errant traveling or given to traveling
erratic having no fixed course:WANDERING
erudite possessing or displaying erudition:LEARNED
escalate to increase in extent, volume, number, amount, intensity, or scope
eschew to avoid habitually especially on moral or practical grounds:SHUN
esoteric designed for or understood by the specially initiated alone
espouse to take up and support as a cause:become attached to
esteem to set a high value on:regard highly and prize accordingly
estimable worthy of esteem
to arouse especially mutual enmity or indifference in where there had
estrange
formerly been love, affection, or friendliness:ALIENATE
etch a chemical agent used in etching
eternal a:continued without intermission:PERPETUAL b:seemingly endless
a:lacking material substance:IMMATERIAL, INTANGIBLE b:marked by
ethereal
unusual delicacy or refinement
the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and
ethics
obligation
eulogize to speak or write in high praise of:EXTOL
the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may
euphemism
offend or suggest something unpleasant
euphonious pleasing to the ear
euphoria a feeling of well-being or elation
a:to remove especially from a military zone or dangerous area b:to
evacuate
withdraw from military occupation of c:VACATE
evade to avoid answering directly:turn aside
evanescent tending to vanish like vapor
evasive tending or intended to evade:EQUIVOCAL
everlasting lasting or enduring through all time:ETERNAL
evict to force out:EXPEL
evoke to call forth or up
the female of the sheep especially when mature; also :the female of
ewe
various related animals
exacerbate to make more violent, bitter, or severe
exacting tryingly or unremittingly severe in making demands
exaggerate to enlarge or increase especially beyond the normal:OVEREMPHASIZE
exalt to elevate by praise or in estimation:GLORIFY
exasperate a:to excite the anger of:ENRAGE b:to cause irritation or annoyance to
excavate find by digging in the ground ; remove the inner part or the core of
exceptional deviating from the norm
excerpt to select (a passage) for quoting:EXTRACT
exclamation a sharp or sudden utterance
excoriate to censure scathingly
to separate and eliminate or discharge (waste) from the blood or tissues or
excrete
from the active protoplasm
excruciate to subject to intense mental distress
exculpate to clear from alleged fault or guilt
exculpatory Acting or tending to exculpate
excursive constituting a digression:characterized by digression
execrate to declare to be evil or detestable:DENOUNCE
execute to carry out fully:put completely into effect
exemplary serving as a pattern
free or released from some liability or requirement to which others are
exempt
subjectexempt:liability:pardon:penalty
exert to bring to bear especially with sustained effort or lasting effect
exhaust to consume entirely:USE UP
exhilarate to make cheerful
exhortation language intended to incite and encourage
exodus a mass departure:EMIGRATION
exonerate to relieve of a responsibility, obligation, or hardship
exceeding in intensity, quality, amount, or size the customary or
exorbitant
appropriate limits
exotic introduced from another country:not native to the place where found
expansive characterized by high spirits, generosity, or readiness to talk:OPEN
expedite to accelerate the process or progress of:speed up
expedition efficient promptness:SPEED
expiation the act of making atonement
fully revealed or expressed without vagueness, implication, or
explicit
ambiguity:leaving no question as to meaning or intent
exponent one that expounds or interprets
to cleanse of something morally harmful, offensive, or erroneous;
expurgate especially :to expunge objectionable parts from before publication or
presentation
marked by flawless craftsmanship or by beautiful, ingenious, delicate, or
exquisite
elaborate execution
extant currently or actually existing
to do something extemporaneously:IMPROVISE; especially :to speak
extemporize
extemporaneously
to lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of by making partial
extenuate
excuses:MITIGATE
exterminate to get rid of completely usually by killing off
extinct no longer existing
extinguish to cause to cease burning:QUENCH
extol to praise highly:GLORIFY
to obtain from a person by force, intimidation, or undue or illegal
extort
power:WRING
extraneous a:not forming an essential or vital part b:having no relevance
extravagant a:spending much more than necessary b:PROFUSE, LAVISH
extricate to free or remove from an entanglement or difficulty
extrinsic not forming an essential or inherent part of a thing; extraneous.
extrovert a gregarious and unreserved person
exuberant joyously unrestrained and enthusiastic
exude to undergo diffusion
exultant filled with or expressing great joy or triumph:JUBILANT
Word list - F
CONSTRUCT, MANUFACTURE; specifically :to construct from diverse
fabricate
and usually standardized parts
facetious joking or jesting often inappropriately:WAGGISH
facilitate to make easier:help bring about
a party or group (as within a government) that is often contentious or self-
faction
seeking:CLIQUE
fade to change gradually in loudness, strength, or visibility
incorporating some feature for automatically counteracting the effect of an
fail-safe
anticipated possible source of failure
lacking strength or vigor:performed, offered, or accomplished weakly or
faint
languidly
fainthearted lacking courage or resolution:TIMID
fallacy a:a false or mistaken idea b:erroneous character:ERRONEOUSNESS
falsehood absence of truth or accuracy
falter a:to hesitate in purpose or action:WAVER b:to lose drive or effectiveness
imaginative fiction featuring especially strange settings and grotesque
fantasy
characters
farce ridiculous or empty show
fascinate to be irresistibly attractive
1. in a firm or fixed manner 2. the act to eat sparingly or abstain from some
fast
foods
fasten to attach especially by pinning, tying, or nailing
fastidious showing or demanding excessive delicacy or care
fathom to penetrate and come to understand
fatigue weariness or exhaustion from labor, exertion, or stress
fatuous complacently or inanely foolish:SILLY
fawn to court favor by a cringing or flattering manner
faze to disturb the composure of:DISCONCERT, DAUNT
feckless WEAK, INEFFECTIVE
fecund fruitful in offspring or vegetation:PROLIFIC
feeble markedly lacking in strength
a device in front of locomotives and streetcars to lessen injury to animals or
fender
pedestrians in case of collision
feral not domesticated or cultivated:WILD
fertilize to make fertile
fervid marked by often extreme fervor
fervor intensity of feeling or expression
fetid having a heavy offensive smell
fetter to restrain from motion, action, or progress
fiasco a complete failure
fictitious of, relating to, or characteristic of fiction:IMAGINARY
fidelity the quality or state of being faithful
figurative representing by a figure or resemblance:EMBLEMATIC
figurine a small carved or molded figure
the use of extreme dilatory tactics in an attempt to delay or prevent action
filibuster
especially in a legislative assembly
filigree ornamental openwork of delicate or intricate design
filly a young female horse usually of less than four years
a porous article or mass (as of paper or sand) through which a gas or liquid
filter
is passed to separate out matter in suspension
any of numerous songbirds (especially families Fringillidae, Estrildidae, and
finch
Emberizidae) having a short stout usually conical bill adapted for crushing
seeds
finesse skillful handling of a situation:adroit maneuvering
finicky extremely or excessively nice, exacting, or meticulous in taste or standards
flaccid not firm or stiff; also :lacking normal or youthful firmness
flagging LANGUID, WEAK
flamboyant marked by or given to strikingly elaborate or colorful display or behavior
flange a projecting edge of cloth used for decoration on clothing
flannel outer garments of flannel; especially:men's trousers
flatter to praise excessively especially from motives of self-interest
flaw a defect in physical structure or form
any of a genus (Linum of the family Linaceae, the flax family) of herbs;
flax especially:a slender erect annual (L. usitatissimum) with blue flowers
commonly cultivated for its bast fiber and seed
fledge to acquire the feathers necessary for flight or independent activity
flexible capable of being flexed:PLIANT
to withdraw or shrink from or as if from pain:WINCE; also :to tense the
flinch
muscles involuntarily in anticipation of discomfort
flint a massive hard quartz that produces a spark when struck by steel
unbecoming levity or pertness especially in respect to grave or sacred
flippancy
matters
flirt to behave amorously without serious intent
flit to move about rapidly and nimbly.
a group of birds or mammals assembled or herded togetherto gather or move
flock
in a flock
florid flowery; ruddy
flounder to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually
flourish to grow luxuriantly:THRIVE
flout to treat with contemptuous disregard:SCORN
fluctuate to shift back and forth uncertainly
fluent a:ready or facile in speechb:effortlessly smooth and rapid:POLISHED
to pour liquid over or through; especially:to cleanse or wash out with or as if
flush
with a rush of liquid
fluster to put into a state of agitated confusion:UPSET
fluvial of, relating to, or living in a stream or river
foible a minor flaw or shortcoming in character or behavior:WEAKNESS
a thin piece of material (as metal) put under an inferior or paste stone to add
foil
color or brilliance
foliage the aggregate of leaves of one or more plants
folly a foolish act or idea
foment to promote the growth or development of:ROUSE, INCITE
fondness tender affection
foolhardy foolishly adventurous and bold:RASH
footloose having no ties:free to move about
forbears To refrain from; resist
A shallow place in a body of water, such as a river, where one can cross by
ford
walking or riding on an animal or in a vehicle
forebear person from whom one is descended; ancestor ;
forestry the management of growing timber
prefatory comments (as for a book) especially when written by someone
foreword
other than the author
an act of forging; especially:the crime of falsely and fraudulently making or
forgery
altering a document (as a check)
forgo do without ; lose or lose the right to by some error, offense, or crime
formidable causing fear, dread, or apprehension
forthright free from ambiguity or evasiveness:going straight to the point
fortify to make strong:as to give physical strength, courage, or endurance to
foster to promote the growth or development of:ENCOURAGE
founder 1. to become submerged:SINK 2. one that founds or establishes
fracture RUPTURE, TEAR
a:easily broken or destroyedb:constitutionally delicate:lacking in physical
fragile
vigor
fraudulent characterized by, based on, or done by fraud:DECEITFUL
a person who pursues a profession without a long-term commitment to any
freelancer
one employer
freewheel to move, live, or play freely or irresponsibly
frenzy a violent mental or emotional agitation
frequent to associate with, be in, or resort to often or habitually
the art of painting on freshly spread moist lime plaster with water-based
fresco
pigments
fret an agitation of mind:IRRITATION
friable easily crumbled or pulverized
friction the rubbing of one body against another
frieze a heavy durable coarse wool and shoddy fabric with a rough surface
frigid intensely cold; cold in manner
frivolous intensely cold
frothy gaily frivolous or light in content or treatment:INSUBSTANTIAL
frowsy [ frowzy: ] untidy or unkempt in appearance; shabby
frowzy having a slovenly or uncared-for appearance
frugal characterized by or reflecting economy in the use of resources
frustrate a:to balk or defeat in an endeavorb:to induce feelings of discouragement in
imparting to the palate the general impression of substantial weight and rich
full-bodied
texture
fulminate to send forth censures or invectives
any of a major group (Fungi) of saprophytic and parasitic spore-producing
fungi organisms usually classified as plants that lack chlorophyll and include
molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts
furnace an enclosed structure in which heat is produced
furor A general commotion; public disorder or uproar.
furtive done by stealth:SURREPTITIOUS
fury intense, disordered, and often destructive rage
fussy Calling for or requiring great attention to sometimes trivial details
fusty saturated with dust and stale odors:MUSTY
futility the quality or state of being futile:USELESSNESS
Word list - G
gab to talk in a rapid or thoughtless manner:CHATTER
gadfly a person who stimulates or annoys especially by persistent criticism
gaffe a social or diplomatic blunder
gainsay to declare to be untrue or invalid
gait a manner of walking or moving on foot
galaxy an assemblage of brilliant or notable persons or things
gall to fret and wear away by friction:CHAFE
gallant Possessing a brave or chivalrous spirit.
galvanize to stimulate or excite as if by an electric shock
gamble to stake something on a contingency:take a chance
gangling loosely and awkwardly built:LANKY
to so alter or distort as to create a wrong impression or change the
garble
meaning
gargantuan of immense size, volume, or capacity; gigantic
garish clothed in vivid colors
garment an article of clothing
garner a:GRANARY b:a grain bin
given to prosy, rambling, or tedious loquacity:pointlessly or annoyingly
garrulous
talkative
gash a deep long cut in flesh
gasification conversion into gas; especially:conversion of coal into natural gas
gauche lacking social experience or grace; also:not tactful:CRUDE
gaudy ostentatiously or tastelessly ornamented
a measurement (as of linear dimension) according to some standard or
gauge
system
gear a toothed wheel
an account of the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or
genealogy
from older forms
generality the quality or state of being general
genial marked by or diffusing sympathy or friendliness
genteel free from vulgarity or rudeness:POLITE
genuine ACTUAL, TRUE
germane being at once relevant and appropriate:FITTING
a movement usually of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an
gesture
idea, sentiment, or attitude
ghastly intensely unpleasant, disagreeable, or objectionable
gibe to deride or tease with taunting words
giddy lightheartedly silly:FRIVOLOUS
a thickened pungent aromatic rhizome that is used as a spice and
ginger
sometimes medicinally
a large body of ice moving slowly down a slope or valley or spreading
glacier
outward on a land surface
glade an open space surrounded by woods
glance a quick or cursory look
glaze to give a smooth glossy surface to
marked by ease and fluency in speaking or writing often to the point of
glib
being insincere or deceitful
glimmer a:to shine faintly or unsteadily b:to give off a subdued unsteady reflection
to give off a sparkling or lustrous reflection of or as if of a moist or
glisten
polished surface
glitch a usually minor malfunction
gloat express evil satisfaction; view malevolently
gloomy low in spirits:MELANCHOLY
glorify to make glorious by bestowing honor, praise, or admiration
a brief explanation (as in the margin or between the lines of a text) of a
gloss
difficult or obscure word or expression
glossary a collection of textual glosses or of specialized terms with their meanings
glossy having a surface luster or brightness
glut an excessive quantity:OVERSUPPLY
glutinous having the quality of glue:GUMMY
glutton one given habitually to greedy and voracious eating and drinking
goad something that urges or stimulates into action:SPUR
gobble to swallow or eat greedily
goggle to stare with wide or protuberant eyes
goldbrick to shirk duty or responsibility
gorge to eat greedily or to repletion
gossamer something light, delicate, or insubstantial
gourmet a connoisseur of food and drink; broadly :CONNOISSEUR
grandeur the quality or state of being grand:MAGNIFICENCE
be of a lofty, extravagantly colorful, pompous, or bombastic style,
grandiloquent
manner, or quality especially in language
characterized by affectation of grandeur or splendor or by absurd
grandiose
exaggeration
grandstand to play or act so as to impress onlookers
to bestow or transfer formally specifically :to give the possession or title
grant
of by a deed
gratify to be a source of or give pleasure or satisfaction to
grating noisily,rasping,harsh
gratis free
gratuitous not involving a return benefit, compensation, or consideration
grave having a serious and dignified quality or demeanor
a:deficient in training, knowledge, or experience b:deficient in
green sophistication and savoir faire:NAIVE c:not fully qualified for or
experienced in a particular function
gregarious tending to associate with others of one's kind:SOCIAL
grievous causing or characterized by severe pain, suffering, or sorrow
grimace a facial expression usually of disgust or disapproval
to draw back the lips so as to show the teeth especially in amusement or
grin
laughter; broadly :SMILE
gripe to complain with grumbling
grisly inspiring horror or intense fear
groove a long narrow channel or depression
grotesque FANCIFUL, BIZARRE
grotto A small cave or cavern
grove a planting of fruit or nut trees
to lie or creep with the body prostrate in token of subservience or
grovel
abasement
grumble to mutter in discontent
to engage for the existence, permanence, or nature of:undertake to do or
guarantee
secure
guffaw a loud or boisterous burst of laughter
guile deceitful cunning:DUPLICITY
feelings of culpability especially for imagined offenses or from a sense of
guilt
inadequacy:SELF-REPROACH
gullible easily duped or cheated
a trench which was orig. worn in the earth by running water and through
gully
which water often runs after rains
any of numerous colloidal polysaccharide substances of plant origin that
gum are gelatinous when moist but harden on drying and are salts of complex
organic acids
gush a sudden outpouring
gust a sudden brief rush of wind
guzzle to drink especially liquor greedily, continually, or habitually
Word list - H
habitable capable of being lived in:suitable for habitation
hack a writer who aims solely for commercial success
hackneyed lacking in freshness or originality
hairbreadth Extremely close
halcyon CALM, PEACEFUL
free from defect, disease, or infirmity:SOUND; also :retaining exceptional
hale
health and vigor
a:lacking adequate planning or forethought b:lacking in judgment,
half-baked
intelligence, or common sense
hallow to make holy or set apart for holy use
perception of objects with no reality usually arising from disorder of the
hallucination
nervous system or in response to drugs (as LSD)
halting marked by a lack of sureness or effectiveness
ham-handed lacking dexterity or grace:HEAVY-HANDED
hamper to restrict the movement of by bonds or obstacles:IMPEDE
hamstring to make ineffective or powerless:CRIPPLE
handle to act, behave, or feel in a certain way when handled or directed
hangdog SAD, DEJECTED
hankering to have a strong or persistent desire:YEARN
haphazard marked by lack of plan, order, or direction
hapless having no luck:UNFORTUNATE
harangue to address in a ranting way
harass to annoy persistently
harbinger one that presages or foreshadows what is to come
harbor to give shelter or refuge to
hard-bitten seasoned or steeled by difficult experience:TOUGH
hardheaded STUBBORN, WILLFUL
harebrained FOOLISH
harmonious marked by accord in sentiment or action
harness UTILIZE
a plucked stringed instrument consisting of a resonator, an arched or
harp angled neck that may be supported by a post, and strings of graded length
that are perpendicular to the soundboard
harrow break up ground after plowing; torture
harry to make a pillaging or destructive raid on:ASSAULT
a:causing a disagreeable or painful sensory reaction:IRRITATING
harsh
b:physically discomforting:PAINFUL
hasten to move or act quickly
hasty done or made in a hurry
haunt to visit often:FREQUENT
hauteur ARROGANCE, HAUGHTINESS
haven harbour, safety place
havoc great confusion and disorder
headlong Impetuous; rash.
hearken to give respectful attention
heart to give heart to:CHEER:HEARTEN
hearten to give heart to
heartrending causing intense sorrow or distress
hedge a means of protection or defense (as against financial loss)
hedonic of, relating to, or characterized by pleasure
heinous hatefully or shockingly evil:ABOMINABLE
heirloom something of special value handed on from one generation to another
any of various protective head coverings usually made of a hard material to
helmet
resist impact
hem a border of a cloth article doubled back and stitched down
herald to give notice of:ANNOUNCE
herbicide an agent used to destroy or inhibit plant growth
hereditary characteristic of or fostered by one's predecessors
heresy an opinion or doctrine contrary to church dogma
of, relating to, or characterized by departure from accepted beliefs or
heretical
standards:UNORTHODOX
one that retires from society and lives in solitude especially for religious
hermit
reasons:RECLUSE
herpetologist one that a branch of zoology dealing with reptiles and amphibians
hesitance the quality or state of being hesitant:as a:INDECISION b:RELUCTANCE
Not in agreement with accepted beliefs, especially in church doctrine or
heterodox
dogma
hidebound having an inflexible or ultraconservative character
hideous offensive to the senses and especially to sight:exceedingly ugly
hie to go quickly:HASTEN
the classification of a group of people according to ability or to economic,
hierarchy
social, or professional standing
hieroglyph a character used in a system of hieroglyphic writing
hike to rise up; especially :to work upward out of place
high spirits that may be carried to the point of boisterous conviviality or
hilarity
merriment
a slight indication of the existence, approach, or nature of
hint
something:CLUE
histrionic of or relating to actors, acting, or the theater
hive a place swarming with activity
hoard to keep (as one's thoughts) to oneself
hoary extremely old:ANCIENT
hoax an act intended to deceive or trick
hodgepodge a heterogeneous mixture:JUMBLE
homage expression of high regard:RESPECT
homely Not attractive or good-looking
homily a lecture or discourse on or of a moral theme
homogenize to blend (diverse elements) into a uniform mixture
hone to make more acute, intense, or effective:WHET
a payment for a service (as making a speech) on which custom or propriety
honorarium
forbids a
horn a wind instrument used in a jazz band; especially :TRUMPET
hortative giving exhortation:ADVISORY
the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, or ornamental
horticulture
plants
hospitable liking to give hospitality
hovel a small, wretched, and often dirty house:HUT
hub the central part of a circular object (as a wheel or propeller)
hubris exaggerated pride or self-confidencehubristic
humanitarian a person promoting human welfare and social reform:PHILANTHROPIST
humble ranking low in a hierarchy or scale:INSIGNIFICANT, UNPRETENTIOUS
humor to soothe or content by indulgence
hurdle to leap over especially while running (as in a sporting competition
a tropical cyclone with winds of 74 miles (118 kilometers) per hour or
greater that occurs especially in the western Atlantic, that is usually
hurricane
accompanied by rain, thunder, and lightning, and that sometimes moves
into temperate latitudes
husbandry the control or judicious use of resources:CONSERVATION
a usually dry or membranous outer covering (as a pod or hull or one
husk composed of bracts) of various seeds and fruits; also :one of the constituent
parts
husky hoarse with or as if with emotion
hybrid something heterogeneous in origin or composition:COMPOSITE
hymn a song of praise or joy
hyperbole extravagant exaggeration
hypercritical meticulously or excessively critical??:hypocritical9adj.???:
hypnotic tending to produce sleep:SOPORIFIC
hypocritical characterized by hypocrisy; also :being a hypocrite
Word list - I
ichthyologist one that study a branch of zoology that deals with fishes
a peculiarity of constitution or temperament:an
idiosyncratic
individualizingcharacteristic or quality
idolatrize admires intensely and often blindly
ignite to set afire; also :KINDLE
ignominy deep personal humiliation and disgrace
destitute of knowledge or education also lacking knowledge or
ignorant
comprehension of the thing specified
ignore to reject (a bill of indictment) as ungrounded
illegible Undecipherable.
the quality or state of being illiterate; especially :inability to read or
illiteracy
write
illuminati persons who are or who claim to be unusually enlightened
one of the decorative features used in the art of illuminating or in
illumination
decorative lighting
illusory based on or producing illusion:DECEPTIVE
illustrate to provide with visual features intended to explain or decorate
imbibe to absorb or take in as if by drinking
a violently confused or bitterly complicated
imbroglio
altercation:EMBROILMENT
the quality of an object in possessing some of the nature or attributes of
imitation
a transcendent idea
immaculate having no stain or blemish:PURE
remaining or operating within a domain of reality or realm of
immanent discourse:INHERENT; specifically :having existence or effect only
within the mind or consciousness
immaterial of no substantial consequence:UNIMPORTANT
extending or existing since beyond the reach of memory, record, or
immemorial
tradition
imminent ready to take place; especially :hanging threateningly over one's head
not susceptible or responsive; especially :having a high degree of
immune
resistance to a disease
immure to enclose within or as if within walls b:IMPRISON
immutable not capable of or susceptible to change
imp a mischievous child:URCHIN
to damage or make worse by or as if by diminishing in some material
impair
respect
impassive unsusceptible to or destitute of emotion
impeccable faultless
impecunious having very little or no money usually habitually:PENNILESS
impede to interfere with or slow the progress of
impend to be about to occur
incapable of being penetrated or pierced or incapable of being
impenetrable
comprehended:INSCRUTABLE
not feeling or expressing humble or regretful pain or sorrow for sins or
impenitent
offenses
imperative expressive of a command, entreaty, or exhortation
of, relating to, befitting, or suggestive of an empire or an emperor ;of
imperial
superior or unusual size or excellence
imperious marked by arrogant assurance:DOMINEERING
impertinent given to or characterized by insolent rudeness
imperturbable marked by extreme calm, impassivity, and steadiness:SERENE
not allowing entrance or passage:IMPENETRABLE also not capable of
impervious
being damaged or harmed
impetuosity Rashness.
impetuous marked by impulsive vehemence or passion
impiety the quality or state of being impious:IRREVERENCE
not placable:not capable of being appeased, significantly changed, or
implacable
mitigated
CARRY OUT, ACCOMPLISH; especially:to give practical effect to
implement
and ensure of actual fulfillment by concrete measures
implicate to involve as a consequence, corollary, or natural inference:IMPLY
implode to collapse inward as if from external pressure; also:to become greatly
reduced as if from collapsing
importune beg earnestly
imposing impressive in size, bearing, dignity, or grandeur
impostor one that assumes false identity or title for the purpose of deception
impotent not potent:lacking in power, strength, or vigor:HELPLESS
composed or uttered without previous
impromptu
preparation:EXTEMPORANEOUS
improvident not provident:not foreseeing and providing for the future
improvised to compose, recite, play, or sing extemporaneously
imprudent not prudent:lacking discretion
marked by contemptuous or cocky boldness or disregard of
impudent
others:INSOLENT
to assail by words or arguments:oppose or attack as false or lacking
impugn
integrity
impuissance WEAKNESS, POWERLESSNESS
to lay the responsibility or blame for often falsely or unjustly
impute
imputable:nettle
inadvertent not focusing the mind on a matter: INATTENTIVE
inalienable incapable of being alienated, surrendered, or transferred
inane lacking significance, meaning, or point: SILLY
inanimate not animated or lively:DULL
inaugurate to induct into an office with suitable ceremonies
incandescent strikingly bright, radiant, or clear
incantation singing or chanting of magic spells; magical formula
incarnate invested with bodily and especially human nature and form
incendiary of, relating to, or involving a deliberate burning of property
incense to arouse the extreme anger or indignation of
inception an act, process, or instance of beginning:COMMENCEMENT
incessant continuing or following without interruption:UNCEASING
inch to move by small degrees:progress slowly
being only partly in existence or operation; especially :imperfectly
inchoate
formed or formulated:FORMLESS
incinerate to cause to burn to ashes
incipient beginning to come into being or to become apparent
incisive impressively direct and decisive (as in manner or presentation)
incite to move to action:stir up:spur on:urge on
inclement lacking mildness:as severe in temper or action:UNMERCIFUL
incogitant THOUGHTLESS, INCONSIDERATE
incongruent not superposable so as to be coincident throughout,not congruent
inconsequential of no significance:UNIMPORTANT
incontrovertible not open to question:INDISPUTABLE
incapable of being corrected or amended UNALTERABLE,
incorrigible
INVETERATE
to charge with or show evidence or proof of involvement in a crime or
incriminate
fault
inculcate to teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions
inculpate INCRIMINATE
incursion a hostile entrance into a territory:RAID
indefatigable incapable of being fatigued:UNTIRING
indelible UNFORGETTABLE, MEMORABLE
indemnity security against hurt, loss, or damage
to charge with a crime by the finding or presentment of a jury (as a
indict
grand jury) in due form of law
marked by a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern for
indifferent
something:APATHETIC
having originated in and being produced, growing, living, or occurring
indigenous
naturally in a particular region or environment
indigent suffering from indigence:IMPOVERISHED
indispensability absolutely necessary:ESSENTIAL
indoctrinate to instruct especially in fundamentals or rudiments:TEACH
indolent averse to activity, effort, or movement:habitually lazy
a motive or consideration that leads one to action or to additional or
inducement
more effective actions
indulgent indulging or characterized by indulgence; especially:LENIENT
indurate to make hard
ineffable incapable of being expressed in words : INDESCRIBABLE
ineluctable not to be avoided, changed, or resisted:INEVITABLE
inept generally incompetent:BUNGLING
ineptitude quality of being inept
deficient in active properties; especially:lacking a usual or anticipated
inert
chemical or biological action
inestimable Above price.
inevitable incapable of being avoided or evaded
inexorable not to be persuaded or moved by entreaty:RELENTLESS
evil reputation brought about by something grossly criminal, shocking,
infamy
or brutal
infatuate to cause to be foolish:deprive of sound judgment
infelicitous not appropriate in application or expression
infer GUESS, SURMISE
inferno a place or a state that resembles or suggests hell
infiltrate to pass (troops, for example) surreptitiously into enemy-held territory
infinite immeasurably or inconceivably great or extensive: INEXHAUSTIBLE
infirm of poor or deteriorated vitality; especially:feeble from age
inflame to excite to excessive or uncontrollable action or feeling
influx a coming in
infuriate To make furious; enrage
infuse INSPIRE, ANIMATE
marked by originality, resourcefulness, and cleverness in conception or
ingenious
execution
ingenuous showing innocent or childlike simplicity and candidness
ingrained to work indelibly into the natural texture or mental or moral constitution
ingratiating capable of winning favor:PLEASING
involved in the constitution or essential character of
inherent
something:belonging by nature or habit:INTRINSIC
a:having the disposition of an enemy:HOSTILEb:reflecting or
inimical
indicating hostility:UNFRIENDLY
inimitable not capable of being imitated: MATCHLESS
iniquity gross injustice:WICKEDNESS
initial placed at the beginning:FIRST
inkling a slight knowledge or vague notion
free from guilt or sin especially through lack of knowledge of
innocent
evil:BLAMELESS
not likely to give offense or to arouse strong feelings or
innocuous
hostility:INOFFENSIVE, INSIPID
innovation the introduction of something new
inquiry examination into facts or principles:RESEARCH
insatiable incapable of being satisfied:QUENCHLESS
insipid lacking in qualities that interest, stimulate, or challenge:DULL, FLAT
insolent exhibiting boldness or effrontery:IMPUDENT
insouciant lighthearted unconcern:NONCHALANCE
outstanding or brilliant in a way or to a degree suggestive of divine
inspired
inspiration
instate to set or establish in a rank or office:INSTALL
instigate to goad or urge forward:PROVOKE
instill to impart gradually
institute to originate and get established:ORGANIZE
insubordinate disobedient to authority
characteristic of an isolated people; especially:being, having, or
insular
reflecting a narrow provincial viewpoint
insularity narrow-mindedness/isolated
to place in a detached situation:ISOLATE; especially:to separate from
insulate conducting bodies by means of nonconductors so as to prevent transfer
of electricity, heat, or sound
a person who revolts against civil authority or an established
insurgent
government; especially:a rebel not recognized as a belligerent
intangible not tangible:IMPALPABLE
integral essential to completeness:CONSTITUENT
integrity the quality or state of being complete or undivided:COMPLETENESS
intelligible capable of being understood or comprehended
intemperate not temperate especially:given to excessive use of intoxicating liquors
intensify to make intense or more intensive:STRENGTHEN
inter to deposit (a dead body) in the earth or in a tomb
to intervene between parties with a view to reconciling
intercede
differences:MEDIATE
interdict to forbid in a usually formal or authoritative manner
interim an intervening time:INTERVAL
interlock to become locked together or interconnected
interlope one that intrudes in a place or sphere of activity
interminable having or seeming to have no end; especially:wearisomely protracted
intermittent coming and going at intervals:not continuous
interrogate to question formally and systematically:probe
to interfere usually by force or threat of force in another nation's internal
intervene
affairs especially to compel or prevent an action
1. to make known especially publicly or formally:ANNOUNCE 2. a
intimate friend or confidant marked by very close association, contact, or
familiarity
to make timid or fearful:FRIGHTEN; especially:to compel or deter by
intimidate
or as if by threats
refusing to compromise or to abandon an extreme position or
intransigent
attitude:UNCOMPROMISING
intrepid characterized by resolute fearlessness, fortitude, and endurance
intricacy the quality or state of being intricate
intrigue to arouse the interest, desire, or curiosity of
intrinsic belonging to the essential nature or constitution of a thing
The act or faculty of knowing or sensing without the use of rational
intuition
processes; immediate cognition.
inure to accustom to accept something undesirable
invective of, relating to, or characterized by insult or abuse
inveigh to protest or complain bitterly or vehemently:RAIL
inveigle to win over by wiles:ENTICE
an itemized list of current assets:as a catalog of the property of an
inventory
individual or estate
to make a systematic examination; especially:to conduct an official
investigate
inquiry
inveterate firmly established by long persistence
invidious tending to cause discontent, animosity, or envy
invigorate to give life and energy to:ANIMATE; also:STIMULATE
invincible Incapable of being overcome or defeated; unconquerable.
inviolate not violated or profaned; especially :PURE
invoice a consignment of merchandise
invoke to put into effect or operation:IMPLEMENT
invulnerable incapable of being wounded, injured, or harmed
irascible marked by hot temper and easily provoked anger
irate arising from anger
a lustrous rainbowlike play of color caused by differential refraction of
iridescence light waves (as from an oil slick, soap bubble, or fish scales) that tends
to change as the angle of view changes
irk to make weary, irritated, or bored
ironclad so firm or secure as to be unbreakable:as a:BINDING
a pretense of ignorance and of willingness to learn from another
irony assumed in order to make the other's false conceptions conspicuous by
adroit questioning
irradicable impossible to eradicate : DEEP-ROOTED
irreducible impossible to transform into or restore to a desired or simpler condition
irrelevant not relevant:INAPPLICABLE
irresolute uncertain how to act or proceed:VACILLATING
irreverent lacking proper respect or seriousness; also :SATIRIC
irritate to provoke impatience, anger, or displeasure in:ANNOY
1. the act of publishing or officially giving out or making available 2. a
issue
matter that is in dispute between two or more parties
isthmus a narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas
itinerant wandering; traveling
Word list - J
jabber to talk rapidly, indistinctly, or unintelligibly
jaded fatigued by overwork:EXHAUSTED
jam fatigued by overwork:EXHAUSTED
jape to make mocking fun of
jar to make a harsh or discordant sound
jargon The specialized or technical language of a trade, profession, or similar group.
jaundice a state or attitude characterized by satiety, distaste, or hostility
jaunty sprightly in manner or appearance:LIVELY
American music developed especially from ragtime and blues and
characterized by propulsive syncopated rhythms, polyphonic ensemble
jazz
playing, varying degrees of improvisation, and often deliberate distortions of
pitch and timbre
jealous having to do with or arising from feelings of envy, apprehension, or bitterness
jealousy being jealous
jejune devoid of significance or interest:DULL
jest an utterance (as a jeer or quip) intended to be taken as mockery or humor
jettison to get rid of as superfluous or encumbering : DISCARD
jibe to be in accord: AGREE
extreme chauvinism or nationalism marked especially by a belligerent foreign
jingoist
policy
jitter to be nervous or act in a nervous way
jocund marked by or suggestive of high spirits and lively mirthfulness
jog a movement, pace, or instance of jogging (as for exercise)
something said or done to provoke laughter; especially :a brief oral narrative
joke
with a climactic humorous twist
jolt to cause to move with a sudden jerky motion
jot to write briefly or hurriedly:set down in the form of a note
jovial markedly good-humored especially as evidenced by jollity and conviviality
jubilant EXULTANT
judicious having, exercising, or characterized by sound judgment:DISCREET
a massive inexorable force, campaign, movement, or object that crushes
juggernaut
whatever is in its path
jumble to mix into a confused or disordered mass
justify to prove or show to be just, right, or reasonable
juxtapose to place side by side
Word list - K
any of various herbivorous leaping marsupial mammals of Australia, New
Guinea, and adjacent islands with a small head, large ears, long powerful hind
kangaroo
legs, a long thick tail used as a support and in balancing, and rather small
foreleg
ken the range of vision
kindle to stir up:AROUSE
kindred of a similar nature or character:LIKE
a short tight twist or curl caused by a doubling or winding of something upon
kink
itself
knack a clever trick or stratagem
knave a tricky deceitful fellow
knead to work and press into a mass with or as if with the hands
to form by interlacing yarn or thread in a series of connected loops with
knit
needles
marked by or full of knots; especially :so full of difficulties and complications
knotty
as to be likely to defy solution
kudos fame and renown resulting from an act or achievement:PRESTIGE
Word list - L
readily or continually undergoing chemical, physical, or biological change
labile
or breakdown:UNSTABLE
labored lacking ease of expression
something extremely complex or tortuous in structure, arrangement, or
labyrinth
character:INTRICACY, PERPLEXITY
using or involving the use of a minimum of words:concise to the point of
laconic
seeming rude or mysterious
lacrimose
lambaste to attack verbally:CENSURE
lamentable expressing grief:MOURNFUL
lampoon a harsh satire usually directed against an individual
a system of trash and garbage disposal in which the waste is buried
landfill
between layers of earth to build up low-lying land
the owner of property (as land, houses, or apartments) that is leased or
landlord
rented to another
the usually rapid downward movement of a mass of rock, earth, or
landslide
artificial fill on a slope; also :the mass that moves down
lane narrow country road or track, usu between hedges or banks
languid drooping or flagging from or as if from exhaustion:WEAK
languish to be or become feeble, weak, or enervated
languor listless indolence or inertia
lank not well filled out:SLENDER, THIN
lapse a slight error typically due to forgetfulness or inattention
larder a place where food is stored:PANTRY
liberal giving (as of money) to or as if to an inferior; also :something so
largesse
given
a long light rope (as of hemp or leather) used with a running noose to
lariat catch livestock or with or without the noose to tether grazing
animals:LASSO
lash to bind with or as if with a line
lassitude a condition of weariness or debility:FATIGUE
present and capable of becoming though not now visible, obvious, or
latent
active
machine that shapes pieces of wood, metal, etc by holding and turning
lathe
them against a fixed cutting tool
latitude Freedom from normal restraints, limitations, or regulations.
laudatory of, relating to, or expressing praise
lavish expended or produced in abundance
leaven to raise (as bread) with a leaven
a stand used to support a book in a convenient position for a standing
lectern reader; especially :one from which scripture lessons are read in a church
service
leer to cast a sidelong glance
leery Suspicious or distrustful; wary
something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or
legacy
from the past
legend an explanatory list of the symbols on a map or chart
legible capable of being read or deciphered:PLAIN
legion MANY, NUMEROUS
lenient exerting a soothing or easing influence:relieving pain or stress
lethal gravely damaging or destructive:DEVASTATING
lethargy the quality or state of being lazy, sluggish, or indifferent
levee an embankment for preventing flooding
levelheaded having sound judgment:SENSIBLE
leverage positional advantage; power to act effectively:
levity excessive or unseemly frivolity
lexicographer an author or editor of a dictionary
liability something for which one is liable; especially :pecuniary obligation
liaison a close bond or connection:INTERRELATIONSHIP
liberal marked by generosity:OPENHANDED
a person who is unrestrained by convention or morality; specifically :one
libertine
leading a dissolute life
an action going beyond normal limits:as a:a breach of etiquette or
liberty
propriety:FAMILIARITY
libretto the text of a work (as an opera) for the musical theater
licentious lacking legal or moral restraints; especially :disregarding sexual restraints
a charge upon real or personal property for the satisfaction of some debt or
lien
duty ordinarily arising by operation of law
liken compare
limber capable of being shaped:FLEXIBLE
a light or humorous verse form of 5 chiefly anapestic verses of which lines
limerick 1, 2, and 5 are of 3 feet and lines 3 and 4 are of 2 feet with a rhyme
scheme of aabba
a large luxurious often chauffeur-driven sedan that sometimes has a glass
limousine
partition separating the driver's seat from the passenger compartment
limp lacking firm texture, substance, or structure
limpid marked by transparency:PELLUCID
linen cloth made of flax and noted for its strength, coolness, and luster
linger tarry;saunter; to be slow to act:procrastinate
a floor covering made by laying on a burlap or canvas backing a mixture
linoleum of solidified linseed oil with gums, cork dust or wood flour or both, and
usually pigments
fuzz consisting especially of fine ravelings and short fibers of yarn and
lint
fabric
lip either of the fleshy edges of the opening of the mouth
lissome NIMBLE
list a deviation from the vertical:TILT; also :the extent of such a deviation
listless characterized by lack of interest, energy, or spirit:LANGUID
lithe characterized by easy flexibility and grace
livid lead-colored; black and blue; enraged
unwilling to do something contrary to one's ways of
loath
thinking:RELUCTANT
loathe To dislike (someone or something) greatly; abhor.
lode an ore deposit
lofty elevated in status:SUPERIOR
loll to act or move in a lax, lazy, or indolent manner:LOUNGE
loophole a similar opening to admit light and air or to permit observation
lacking in balance, symmetry, or proportion:disproportionately heavy on
lopsided
one side
loquacious given to fluent or excessive talk:GARRULOUS
a drawing of lots in which prizes are distributed to the winners among
lottery
persons buying a chance
lounge to act or move idly or lazily:LOAF
loutish resembling or befitting a lout
unswerving in allegiance:as faithful in allegiance to one's lawful sovereign
loyal
or government
lubricate to make smooth or slippery
lucid clear to the understanding:INTELLIGIBLE
ludicrous meriting derisive laughter or scorn as absurdly inept, false, or foolish
lug to carry laboriously
lugubrious MOURNFUL; especially :exaggeratedly or affectedly mournful
lull to cause to sleep or rest:SOOTHE
a soothing refrain; specifically :a song to quiet children or lull them to
lullaby
sleep
a unit of luminous flux equal to the light emitted in a unit solid angle by a
lumen
uniform point source of one candle intensity
luminary a person of prominence or brilliant achievement
lurk to lie in wait in a place of concealment especially for an evil purpose
lush growing vigorously especially with luxuriant foliage
reflecting light evenly and efficiently without glitter or sparkle
lustrous
numb:insensible:burnish:lustrous
luxurious marked by or given to self-indulgence
lyric the words of a song
lyrics Expressing deep personal emotion or observations
Word list - M
a powerful often violent whirlpool sucking in objects within a given
maelstrom
radius
magnificent Grand or noble in thought or deed; exalted.
maladroit lacking adroitness:INEPT
malaise uneasiness; distress
malcontent dissatisfied with the existing state of affairs:DISCONTENTED
malicious given to, marked by, or arising from malice
malign having or showing intense often vicious ill will:MALEVOLENT
malinger to pretend incapacity (as illness) so as to avoid duty or work
malleable capable of being altered or controlled by outside forces or influences
malodor an offensive odor
mandatory containing or constituting a command:OBLIGATORY
mangle to spoil, injure, or make incoherent especially through ineptitude
mangy having many worn or bare spots:SEEDY, SHABBY
mania excessive or unreasonable enthusiasm
1. a list of passengers or an invoice of cargo for a vehicle (as a ship or
manifest
plane) 2. easily understood or recognized by the mind:OBVIOUS
to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means especially to
manipulate
one's own advantage
mansion a large imposing residence
manumit to release from slavery
a written or typewritten composition or document as distinguished from
manuscript
a printed copy; also :a document submitted for publication
mar To impair the soundness, perfection, or integrity of; spoil
a tract of soft wet land usually characterized by monocotyledons (as
marsh
grasses or cattails)
any of an order of mammals comprising kangaroos, wombats,
bandicoots, opossums, and related animals that do not develop a true
marsupial
placenta and that usually have a pouch on the abdomen of the female
which covers the teats and serves to carry the
martinet a strict disciplinarian
marvel something that causes wonder or astonishment
masquerade to assume the appearance of something one is not
to grind or crush (food) with or as if with the teeth in preparation for
masticate
swallowing:CHEW
mathematical of mathematics
matriculate to enroll as a member of a body and especially of a college or university
a fabric case filled with resilient material (as cotton, hair, feathers, foam
mattress rubber, or an arrangement of coiled springs) used either alone as a bed or
on a bedstead
maudlin weakly and effusively sentimental
maven one who is experienced or knowledgeable:EXPERT
maverick an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party
mawkish sickly or puerilely sentimental m
meager deficient in quality or quantity
mean PENURIOUS, STINGY
meander to wind or turn in its course
measly contemptibly small
measured marked by due proportion
Performed or performing in an impersonal or machinelike manner;
mechanical
automatic
to interest oneself in what is not one's concern:interfere without right or
meddle
propriety
a nutrient system for the artificial cultivation of cells or organisms and
media
especially bacteria
mediate to interpose between parties in order to reconcile them
of moderate or low quality, value, ability, or performance:ORDINARY,
mediocre
SO-SO
meditate to engage in contemplation or reflection
medley a musical composition made up of a series of songs or short pieces
precisely adapted to a particular situation, need, or circumstance:very
meet
proper
The belief that society has an innate tendency toward improvement and
meliorism
that this tendency may be furthered through conscious human effort.
mellifluous having a smooth rich flow
a sweet or agreeable succession or arrangement of
melody
sounds:TUNEFULNESS
membrane a thin soft pliable sheet or layer especially of animal or plant origin
menace to make a show of intention to harm
mend to put into good shape or working order again:patch up:REPAIR
given to or characterized by deception or falsehood or divergence from
mendacious
absolutetruth
mentor a trusted counselor or guide:TUTOR, COACH
one that serves merely for wages; especially :a soldier hired into foreign
mercenary
service
mercurial characterized by rapid and unpredictable changeableness of mood
merited deserved, be worthy of or entitled or liable to
mesh to cause (as gears) to engage
hypnotic induction held to involve animal magnetism; broadly
mesmerism
:HYPNOTISM
messy marked by confusion, disorder, or dirt:UNTIDY
a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind
metaphor
of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or
analogy between them (as in drowning in money); broadly :figurative
language
meteoric resembling a meteor in speed or in sudden and temporary brilliance
a science that deals with the atmosphere and its phenomena and
meteorology
especially with weather and weather forecasting
marked by extreme or excessive care in the consideration or treatment of
meticulous
details
metrical of, relating to, or composed in meter
mettle courage; spirit
miff a trivial quarrel
migratory WANDERING, ROVING
mill a building provided with machinery for grinding grain into flour
mime to act a part with mimic gesture and action usually without words
a tall slender tower of a mosque having one or more balconies from
minaret
which the summons to prayer is cried by the muezzin
minatory having a menacing quality:THREATENING
mince to walk with short steps in a prim affected manner
to bring or mix together or with something else usually without
mingle
fundamental loss of identity:INTERMIX
minion a servile dependent, follower, or underling
mint 1. to make (as coins) out of metal:COIN 2. a vast sum or amount
minuscule very small
minutia a minute or minor detail
miracle an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment
mirage something illusory and unattainable
mire to cause to stick fast in or as if in mire
mirth gladness or gaiety as shown by or accompanied with laughter
misanthrope a person who hates or distrusts mankind
misbehave to behave badly
mischievous able or tending to cause annoyance, trouble, or minor injury
miscreant one who behaves criminally or viciously
misdemeanor a crime less serious than a felony
miser a mean grasping person; especially :one who is extremely stingy with
money
misfortune a distressing or unfortunate incident or event
misgiving a feeling of doubt or suspicion especially concerning a future event
mishap an unfortunate accident
misnomer a name wrongly or unsuitably applied to a person or an object
to give a false or misleading representation of usually with an intent to
misrepresent
deceive or be unfair
any of numerous small acarid arachnids that often infest animals, plants,
mite
and stored foods and include important disease vectors
mitigate to make less severe or painful:ALLEVIATE
mnemonics a technique of improving the memory
mobility capable of moving or being moved:MOVABLE
mockery a subject of laughter, derision, or sport
moderate to lessen the intensity or extremeness of
modicum a small portion:a limited quantity
A tooth with a broad crown used to grind food, located behind the
molar
premolars.
molding a decorative plane or curved strip used for ornamentation or finishing
mollify to soothe in temper or disposition:APPEASE
mollycoddle a pampered or effeminate man or boy
the act or process of sheding hair, feathers, shell, horns, or an outer layer
molt
periodically; specifically :ECDYSIS
momentous IMPORTANT, CONSEQUENTIAL
a property of a moving body that the body has by virtue of its mass and
momentum
motion and that is equal to the product of the body's mass and velocity
monochromatic having or consisting of one color or hue
monocle an eyeglass for one eye
monopolize to get a monopoly of:assume complete possession or control of
having the property either of never increasing or of never decreasing as
monotone the values of the independent variable or the subscripts of the terms
increase :MONOTONIC
the production of a rapid succession of images in a motion picture to
montage
illustrate an association of ideas
morass something that traps, confuses, or impedes
moratorium a suspension of an ongoing or planned activity
abnormally susceptible to or characterized by gloomy or unwholesome
morbid
feelings
mordant biting and caustic in thought, manner, or style:INCISIVE
moribund being in the state of dying:approaching death
morose having a sullen and gloomy disposition
morsel morsel small amount or piece of sth, esp food
mortar a strong vessel in which material is pounded or rubbed with a pestle
mosque a building used for public worship by Muslims
any of a family (Culicidae) of dipteran flies with females that have a set
of slender organs in the proboscis adapted to puncture the skin of
mosquito
animals and to suck their blood and that are in some cases vectors of
serious diseases
motile exhibiting or capable of movement
motivate to provide with a motive:IMPEL
motley variegated in colorcomposed of diverse often incongruous elements
to mark with spots or blotches of different color or shades of color as if
mottle
stained
mournful causing sorrow or melancholy:GLOOMY
a distinct structural unit or division having its own key, rhythmic
movement structure, and themes and forming part of an extended musical
composition
muddy lacking in clarity or brightness:CLOUDY, DULL
muffle to wrap or pad with something to dull the sound
mulish unreasonably and inflexibly obstinate
mumble to utter with a low inarticulate voice
characterized by the practical, transitory, and
mundane
ordinary:COMMONPLACE
a primarily urban political unit having corporate status and usually
municipality
powers of self-government
characterized by great liberality or generosity
munificent
miser:munificent=zealot:blase munificence ◆ stinginess
mural a mural work of art (as a painting)
characterized by a heavy dimness or obscurity caused by or like that
murky
caused by overhanging fog or smoke
murmur a low indistinct but often continuous sound
mute to muffle, reduce, or eliminate the sound of
myopic a lack of foresight or discernment:a narrow view of something
myriad having innumerable aspects or elements
Word list - N
nadir the lowest point
nag to irritate by constant scolding or urging
deficient in worldly wisdom or informed judgment; especially
naive
:CREDULOUS
narcissism love of or sexual desire for one's own body
nascent coming or having recently come into existence
natty trimly neat and tidy:SMART
nauseate to feel disgust
one who denies, refuses, opposes, or is skeptical or cynical about
naysayer
something
nebulous INDISTINCT, VAGUE
needy being in want:POVERTY-STRICKEN
nefarious flagrantly wicked or impious:EVIL
negotiate to confer with another so as to arrive at the settlement of some matter
neophyte a new convert:PROSELYTE
nepotism favoritism (as in appointment to a job) based on kinship
nerve to give strength or courage to:supply with physical or moral force
nettle to arouse to sharp but transitory annoyance or anger imputable:nettle
neutralize to counteract the activity or effect of:make ineffective
nibble to eat or chew in small bits
nip to take liquor in nips:TIPPLE
nitpicking minute and usually unjustified criticism
nocturnal of, relating to, or occurring in the night
noisome offensive to the senses and especially to the sense of smell
a member of a people who have no fixed residence but move from place
nomad
to place usually seasonally and within a well-defined territory
nominal TRIFLING, INSIGNIFICANT
nonchalant having an air of easy unconcern or indifference
nondescript lacking distinctive or interesting qualities:DULL, DRAB
nonentity a person of little consequence or significance
not flammable; specifically :not easily ignited and not burning rapidly if
nonflammable
ignited
nonplus a state of bafflement or perplexity:QUANDARY
nonsense words or language having no meaning or conveying no intelligible ideas
notch to cut or make a notch in
prep (can also follow the n to which it refers ) without being affected by
notwithstanding
(sth); in spite of
novelty something new or unusual
noxious physically harmful or destructive to living beings
nuance a subtle distinction or variation
nucleate to form into a nucleus:CLUSTER
to touch or push gently; especially :to seek the attention of by a push of
nudge
the elbow
nurture to supply with nourishment EDUCATE
Word list - O
oafish a stupid person:BOOB
oasis a fertile or green area in an arid region (as a desert)
obdurate resistant to persuasion or softening influences
obedient submissive to the restraint or command of authority:willing to obey
1. a movement of the body made in token of respect or submission:BOW
obeisance
2. a movement of the body made in token of respect or submission:BOW
obfuscate to make obscure
obituary a notice of a person's death usually with a short biographical account
obligatory binding in law or conscience
oblige to do a favor for
obliging willing to do favors:ACCOMMODATING
oblique not straightforward:INDIRECT; also :OBSCURE
to remove from existence:destroy utterly all trace, indication, or
obliterate
significance of
oblivious lacking remembrance, memory, or mindful attention
obloquy Abusively detractive language or utterance; calumny
obscure not clearly seen or easily distinguished:FAINT
obsequious marked by or exhibiting a fawning attentiveness
a building or place given over to or equipped for observation of natural
observatory
phenomena (as in astronomy);
obsess to haunt or excessively preoccupy the mind of
obsolete of a kind or style no longer current
obstacle something that impedes progress or achievement
adj. perversely adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course in spite of
obstinate
reason, arguments, or persuasion
obstreperous marked by unruly or aggressive noisiness:CLAMOROUS
obstruct to hinder from passage, action, or operation
obtuse lacking sharpness or quickness of sensibility or intellect
to anticipate and prevent (as a situation) or make unnecessary (as an
obviate
action)
occlude to close up or block off:OBSTRUCT
occult not easily apprehended or understood:ABSTRUSE, MYSTERIOUS
occurrence something that occurs
a lyric poem usually marked by exaltation of feeling and style, varying
ode
length of line, and complexity of stanza forms
odious exciting or deserving hatred or repugnance
offbeat eccentric, unconventional
offend to cause dislike, anger, or vexation
offhand without premeditation or preparation:EXTEMPORE
volunteering one's services where they are neither asked nor
officious
needed:MEDDLESOME
offish somewhat cold and reserved:STANDOFFISH
being or exhibiting an omen : PORTENTOUS; especially : foreboding or
ominous
foreshowing evil : INAUSPICIOUS
omniscient having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight
exhibiting opacity:blocking the passage of radiant energy and especially
opaque
light
a drama set to music and made up of vocal pieces with orchestral
opera accompaniment and orchestral overtures and interludes; specifically
:GRAND OPERA
opine to express opinions
opportune suitable or convenient for a particular occurrence
to place over against something so as to provide resistance,
oppose
counterbalance, or contrast
oppression unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power
opprobrious expressive of opprobrium:SCURRILOUS
an act, process, or methodology of making something (as a design, system,
optimization
or decision) as fully perfect, functional, or effective as possible;
opulent amply or plentifully provided or fashioned often to the point of ostentation
a person (as a priestess of ancient Greece) through whom a deity is
oracle
believed to speak
oration an elaborate discourse delivered in a formal and dignified manner
a group of musicians including especially string players organized to
orchestra
perform ensemble music
orient get one's bearings; adjust
original not secondary, derivative, or imitative
ornithology a branch of zoology dealing with birds
the quality or state of being conforming to established doctrine especially
orthodoxy
in religion
oscillate to swing backward and forward like a pendulum
ossify to become hardened or conventional and opposed to change
ossilate
marked by or fond of conspicuous or vainglorious and sometimes
ostentatious
pretentious display
ostracism exclusion by general consent from common privileges or social acceptance
to remove from or dispossess of property or position by legal action, by
oust
force, or by the compulsion of necessity
outgoing openly friendly and responsive:EXTROVERTED
outmaneuver to maneuver with better effect than; outwit
outmoded no longer acceptable, current, or usable
outwit to get the better of by superior cleverness:OUTSMART
overbearing harshly and haughtily arrogant
overdose too great a dose (as of a therapeutic agent)
to expose excessively; especially:to expose (as film) to excessive radiation
overexposure
(as light)
overlap to occupy the same area in part:lap over
oversee INSPECT, EXAMINE
overt open to view:MANIFEST
overture something introductory:PRELUDE
to make helpless, as with greater force or deep emotion; overcome; crush;
overwhelm
overpower
overwrought extremely excited:AGITATED
oxymoron a combination of contradictory or incongruous words
Word list - P
any of various nonruminant hoofed mammals (as an elephant, a
pachyderm
rhinoceros, or a pig) most of which have a thick skin
pacify to allay the anger or agitation of:SOOTHE
pack a group of often predatory animals of the same kind
pact COMPACT; especially:an international treaty
padding material with which something is padded
a joyous song or hymn of praise, tribute, thanksgiving, or triumph;
paean
broadly
painstaking taking pains:expending, showing, or involving diligent care and effort
palatable agreeable to the palate or taste
palatial of, relating to, or being a palace
palette a particular range, quality, or use of color
pall to lose in interest or attraction
palliate to reduce the violence of (a disease)
pallid Having an abnormally pale or wan complexion
pallor (n.) lack of facial color
palmy marked by prosperity
easily perceived by the senses; audible, recognizable, perceptible,
palpable
noticeable, etc.
palter to act insincerely or deceitfully
paltry practically worthless; trifling; insignificant; contemptible; petty
pan to criticize unfavorably, as in reviewing
panache dash or flamboyance in style and action
Pandemonium Wild uproar or noise
pander to act as a pander; especially:to provide gratification for others' desires
panegyric a eulogistic oration or writing; also:formal or elaborate praise
panorama comprehensive view; unobstructed view in all directions
panoramic an unobstructed or complete view of an area in every direction
pantechnicon a furniture van
pantry a room (as in a hotel or hospital) for preparation of foods on order
EXAMPLE; specifically:a usually short fictitious story that illustrates a
parable
moral attitude or a religious principle
EXAMPLE, PATTERN; especially :an outstandingly clear or typical
paradigm
example or archetype
paradise a place or state of bliss, felicity, or delight
a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common
paradox
sense and yet is perhaps true
paragon a model of excellence or perfection
extending in the same direction, everywhere equidistant, and not
parallel
meeting
paramount superior to all others
a tendency on the part of an individual or group toward excessive or
paranoia
irrational suspiciousness and distrustfulness of others
paraphrase to make a restatement of a text, passage, or work giving the meaning in
another form
parch to dry or shrivel with cold
pariah a member of a low caste of southern India
parity the quality or state of being equal or equivalent
parlance manner or mode of speech
parochial restricted to a small area or scope; narrow; limited; provincial
a literary or musical work in which the style of an author or work is
parody
closely imitated for comic effect or in ridicule; a poor or weak imitation
paroxysm a sudden violent emotion or action : OUTBURST
inlaid woodwork in geometric forms, usually of contrasting woods,
parquetry
used esp. in flooring
parrot to repeat by rote
parry to evade especially by an adroit answer
to resolve (as a sentence) into component parts of speech and describe
parse
them grammatically
a tendency to be over-careful in spending; unreasonable economy;
parsimony
stinginess
partial inclined to favor one party more than the other:BIASED
partiality inclination; bias
particularize to state in detail
a firm adherent to a party, faction, cause, or person; especially:one
partisan
exhibiting blind, prejudiced, and unreasoning allegiance
passionate capable of, affected by, or expressing intense feeling
a literary, artistic, musical, or architectural work that imitates the style
pastiche
of previous work;
patent readily visible or intelligible:OBVIOUS
something abnormal,deviation from propriety or from an assumed
pathology
normal state of something nonliving or nonmaterial
patina a superficial covering or exterior
patrician a person of high birth:ARISTOCRAT
patriot one who loves his or her country and supports its authority and interests
to be kind or helpful to, but in a haughty or snobbish way, as if dealing
patronize
with an inferior
paucity smallness of number:FEWNESS
paunchy having an enlarged, swollen, or protruding abdomen
a person destitute of means except such as are derived from charity;
pauper
specifically :one who receives aid from funds designated for the poor
a small usually rounded stone especially when worn by the action of
pebble
water
peccadillo a slight offense
peck (try to) strike (sth) with the beak
TEACHER, SCHOOLMASTER; especially :a dull, formal, or pedantic
pedagogue
teacher
pedant one who makes a show of knowledge
pedestrian COMMONPLACE, UNIMAGINATIVE
peep to utter the slightest sound
peerless MATCHLESS, INCOMPARABLE
peeve to make peevish or resentful:ANNOY
having negative connotations; especially :tending to disparage or
pejorative
belittle:DEPRECIATORY
pelf Wealth or riches, especially when dishonestly acquired
pellucid easy to understand
pen a female swan
the suffering in person, rights, or property that is annexed by law or
penalty
judicial decision to the commission of a crime or public offense
penchant a strong and continued inclination; broadly :LIKING
penetrate to enter by overcoming resistance:PIERCE
feeling or expressing humble or regretful pain or sorrow for sins or
penitent
offenses:REPENTANT
pensive musingly or dreamily thoughtful
a cramping and oppressive lack of resources (as money); especially
penury
:severe poverty
perceptible capable of being perceived especially by the senses
peremptory characterized by often imperious or arrogant self-assurance
perfervid marked by overwrought or exaggerated emotion : excessively fervent
perfidy the quality or state of being faithless or disloyal:TREACHERY
to make a hole through; especially :to make a line of holes in to
perforate
facilitate separation
perfunctorily lacking in interest or enthusiasm
perimeter the boundary of a closed plane figure
peripatetic moving or traveling from place to place:ITINERANT
peripheral of, relating to, involving, or forming a periphery or surface part
the voluntary violation of an oath or vow either by swearing to what is
perjury untrue or by omission to do what has been promised under oath:false
swearing perjury:deposition
permanence the quality or state of being permanent:DURABILITY
capable of being permeated:PENETRABLE; especially :having pores
permeable
or openings that permit liquids or gases to pass through
pernicious highly injurious or destructive:DEADLY
perpetual continuing forever:EVERLASTING
persecute to come to mind continually; obsess:
to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of
persevere
counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement
persiflage to provide with an incentive; move to action; impel
personable pleasant or amiable in person:ATTRACTIVE
perspective an optical glass (as a telescope)
perspicacious of acute mental vision or discernment:KEEN
plain to the understanding especially because of clarity and precision of
perspicuity
presentation
pertinacious stubbornly unyielding or tenacious
pertinent having a clear decisive relevance to the matter in hand
perturb to disturb greatly in mind:DISQUIET
peruse to examine or consider with attention and in detail:STUDY
pervade to become diffused throughout every part of suffuse
an inclination to emphasize adverse aspects, conditions, and
pessimism
possibilities or to expect the worst possible outcome
pesticide an agent used to destroy pests
a usually club-shaped implement for pounding or grinding substances in
pestle
a mortar
petition to make a request to:SOLICIT
petrography the description and systematic classification of rocks
petty having secondary rank or importance : MINOR, SUBORDINATE
petulance the quality or state of being petulant:PEEVISHNESS
phenomenal EXTRAORDINARY, REMARKABLE
philanthropic of, relating to, or characterized by philanthropy:HUMANITARIAN
a person who is guided by materialism and is usually disdainful of
Philistine
intellectual or artistic values
philosophical of or according to philosophy
phlegmatic having or showing a slow and stolid temperament
Oxidation of carbohydrates in plants with the release of carbon dioxide
photorespiration
during photosynthesis
piddling TRIVIAL, PALTRY
piebald of different colors; especially : spotted or blotched with black and white
pigment a coloring matter in animals and plants especially in a cell or tissue;
STEAL; especially :to steal stealthily in small amounts and often again
pilfer
and again
pillar a firm upright support for a superstructure:POST
pillory to expose to public contempt, ridicule, or scorn
pilot one employed to steer a ship:HELMSMAN
pine to yearn intensely and persistently especially for something unattainable
an upright architectural member generally ending in a small spire and
pinnacle used especially in Gothic construction to give weight especially to a
buttress
pinpoint to locate or aim with great precision
piquant agreeably stimulating to the palate; especially :SPICY
pithy having substance and point:tersely cogent
pitiless devoid of pity:MERCILESS
a small portion, amount, or allowance; also :a meager wage or
pittance
remuneration
pixel The smallest image-forming unit of a video display
placate to soothe or mollify especially by concessions:APPEASE
an inert or innocuous substance used especially in controlled
placebo
experiments testing the efficacy of another substance (as a drug)
to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own:use
plagiarize
(another's production) without crediting the source
plangent having a loud reverberating sound
plantation a usually large group of plants and especially trees under cultivation
plateau a region of little or no change in a graphic representation
platitude a banal, trite, or stale remark
platonic purely spiritual; theoretical; without sensual desire
plaudit An expression of applause.
plausible superficially fair, reasonable, or valuable but often specious
playoff A final game or series of games played to break a tie
pleat FOLD; especially :to arrange in pleats
plethora EXCESS, SUPERFLUITY; also :PROFUSION, ABUNDANCE
a. supple enough to bend freely or repeatedly without breaking b. Easily
pliable
influenced, persuaded, or swayed; tractable.
pliant easily influenced:YIELDING
plight to put or give in pledge:ENGAGE
plodding working laboriously and monotonously:DRUDGE
1. a secret plan for accomplishing a usually evil or unlawful
plot
end:INTRIGUE 2. the plan or main story of a literary work
1. to play by sounding the strings with the fingers or a pick 2.
pluck courageous readiness to fight or continue against odds:dogged
resolution
plumage the feathers of a bird
plumb to measure the depth of with a plumb
plummet to drop sharply and abruptly
plump having a full rounded usually pleasing form a plump woman
plurality A majority.
polarize to break up into opposing factions or groupings
polemic the art or practice of disputation or controversy
polish of Poland or the Poles
polished highly developed, finished, or refined PERFECT
politic characterized by shrewdness in managing, contriving, or dealing
pollster one that conducts a poll or compiles data obtained by a poll
Pollyanna A person regarded as being foolishly or blindly optimistic
pompous having or exhibiting self-importance:ARROGANT
ponderable significant enough to be worth considering:APPRECIABLE
ponderous of very great weight
pontificate to speak or express opinions in a pompous or dogmatic way
a hard, fine-grained, sonorous, nonporous, and usually translucent and
porcelain white ceramic ware that consists essentially of kaolin, quartz, and
feldspar and is fired at high temperatures
a minute opening especially in an animal or plant; especially :one by
pore
which matter passes through a membrane
porous capable of being penetrated
portentous eliciting amazement or wonder:PRODIGIOUS
PICTURE; especially :a pictorial representation (as a painting) of a
portrait
person usually showing the face
a person who pretends to be what he or she is not:an affected or
poseur
insincere person
posit to assume or affirm the existence of:POSTULATE
posterity the offspring of one progenitor to the furthest generation
postscript a note or series of notes appended to a completed letter, article, or book
to assume or claim as true, existent, or necessary:depend upon or start
postulate
from the postulate of
posture to assume an artificial or pretended attitude:ATTITUDINIZE
an enclosed framework of wire, wood, or wicker for catching fish or
pot
lobsters
potable suitable for drinking
potboiler a literary or artistic work of poor quality, producedquickly for profit
potentate RULER, SOVEREIGN; broadly:one who wields great power or sway
to make effective or active or more effective or more active; also:to
potentiate
augment the activity of (as a drug) synergistically
to show displeasure by thrusting out the lips or wearing a sullen
pout
expression
a large area of level or rolling land in the Mississippi valley that in its
prairie natural uncultivated state usually has deep fertile soil, a cover of tall
coarse grasses, and few trees
prate to talk long and idly:CHATTER
preach to deliver a sermon
precarious characterized by a lack of security or stability that threatens with danger
precedent prior in time, order, arrangement, or significance
precipice a very steep or overhanging place; dangerous position:CLIFF
precipitate to bring about especially abruptly
something precipitated:as a deposit on the earth of hail, mist, rain, sleet,
precipitation
or snow
precipitous very steep, perpendicular, or overhanging in rise or fall
preclude To make impossible, as by action taken in advance; prevent
precursor one that precedes and indicates the approach of another
one that precedes; especially:a person who has previously occupied a
predecessor
position or office to which another has succeeded
preeminent having paramount rank, dignity, or importance:OUTSTANDING
to replace with something considered to be of greater value or
preempt
priority:take precedence over
preen to dress or smooth (oneself) up:PRIMP
preface the introductory remarks of a speaker or author
pregnant abounding in fancy, wit, or resourcefulness:INVENTIVE
an adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without
prejudice
knowledge or examination of the facts.
coming before and usually forming a necessary prelude to something
preliminary
else
characterized by fully conscious willful intent and a measure of
premeditated
forethought and planning
preponderant having superior weight, force, or influence
prepossessing tending to create a favorable impression:ATTRACTIVE
preposterous contrary to nature, reason, or common sense:ABSURD
presage FORETELL, PREDICT
foreknowledge of events:a:divine omniscience b:human anticipation of
prescience
the course of events:FORESIGHT
a written direction for a therapeutic or corrective agent; specifically:one
prescription
for the preparation and use of a medicine
presentiment a feeling that something will or is about to happen:PREMONITION
something that preserves or has the power of preserving; specifically:an
preservative
additive used to protect against decay, discoloration, or spoilage
standing or estimation in the eyes of people:weight or credit in general
prestige
opinion
presumptuous overstepping due bounds (as of propriety or courtesy):taking liberties
an inadequate or insincere attempt to attain a certain condition or
pretense
quality
prevail to gain ascendancy through strength or superiority:TRIUMPH
prevalent generally or widely accepted, practiced, or favored:WIDESPREAD
prevaricate to deviate from the truth:EQUIVOCATE
prime the earliest stage
primordial existing in or persisting from the beginning
primp to dress, adorn, or arrange in a careful or finicky manner
principal most important, consequential, or influential:CHIEF
prissy being prim and precise:FINICKY
pristine not spoiled, corrupted, or polluted (as by civilization):PURE
the state of being deprived; especially : lack of what is needed for
privation
existence
a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or
privilege favor:PREROGATIVE; especially :such a right or immunity attached
specifically to a position or an office
probe to make a searching exploratory investigation
probity adherence to the highest principles and ideals:UPRIGHTNESS
proclivity A natural propensity or inclination; predisposition
procrastinate to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done
procure to get possession of:obtain by particular care and effort
prod to incite to action:STIR
prodigal characterized by wasteful expenditure:LAVISH
prodigy an extraordinary, marvelous, or unusual accomplishment, deed, or event
to treat (something sacred) with abuse, irreverence, or
profane
contempt:DESECRATE
proffer to present for acceptance:TENDER, OFFER
having or marked by an advanced degree of competence, as in an art,
proficient
vocation, profession, or branch of learning
profligate wildly extravagant:PRODIGAL
profusion great quantity:lavish display or supply
proliferate to increase in number as if by proliferating:MULTIPLY
prolix marked by or using an excess of words
prolong to lengthen in extent, scope, or range
prominent readily noticeable:CONSPICUOUS
promote to contribute to the growth or prosperity of:FURTHER
to cause to spread out and affect a greater number or greater
propagate
area:EXTEND
propensity an often intense natural inclination or preference
prophetic foretelling events:PREDICTIVE
propitiate to gain or regain the favor or goodwill of:APPEASE, CONCILIATE
propitious favorably disposed:BENEVOLENT
proposal an act of putting forward or stating something for consideration
prosaic DULL, UNIMAGINATIVE,EVERYDAY, ORDINARY
proscribe to condemn or forbid as harmful or unlawful:PROHIBIT
the act or process of prosecuting; specifically:the institution and
prosecution continuance of a criminal suit involving the process of pursuing formal
charges against an offender to final judgment
proselytize to recruit or convert especially to a new faith, institution, or cause
prospect to search for or explore (a region) for mineral deposits or oil.
prosperous enjoying vigorous and healthy growth:FLOURISHING
stretched out with face on the ground in adoration or submission;
prostrate
also:lying flat
protean displaying great diversity or variety:VERSATILE
protest to execute or have executed a formal protest against (as a bill or note)
protocol a code prescribing strict adherence to correct etiquette and precedence
protract to prolong in time or space:CONTINUE
thrusting out from a surrounding or adjacent surface often as a rounded
protuberant
mass:PROMINENT
provident FRUGAL, SAVING
providential Happening as if through divine intervention; opportune.
provincial limited in outlook:NARROW
provisional serving for the time being:TEMPORARY
provisory containing or subject to a proviso:CONDITIONAL
Word list - Q
quaff to drink (a beverage) deeply
quail to recoil in dread or terror:COWER
quaint unusual or different in character or appearance:ODD
qualified limited or modified in some way
quandary a state of perplexity or doubt
quarantine to isolate from normal relations or communication
1. one that is sought or pursued:PREY 2. an open excavation usually for
quarry
obtaining building stone, slate, or limestone
quash to suppress or extinguish summarily and completely
quell to thoroughly overwhelm and reduce to submission or passivity
quench to cool (as heated metal) suddenly by immersion (as in oil or water)
querulous habitually complaining
queue a waiting line especially of persons or vehicles
quibble to evade the point of an argument by caviling about words
quiescent marked by inactivity or repose:tranquilly at rest
a witty or funny observation or response usually made on the spur of the
quip
moment
foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals; especially :marked by
quixotic
rash lofty romantic ideas or extravagantly chivalrous action
a proportional part or share; especially :the share or proportion assigned to
quota
each in a division or to each member of a body
quotidian COMMONPLACE, ORDINARY
Word list - R
rabble a disorganized or disorderly crowd of people:MOB
rabid extremely violent:FURIOUS
one who obtains money by an illegal enterprise usually involving
racketeer
intimidation
raconteur a person who excels in telling anecdotes
racy having a strongly marked quality:PIQUANT
raffish marked by or suggestive of flashy vulgarity or crudeness
a lottery in which the prize is won by one of numerous persons buying
raffle
chances
rafter any of the parallel beams that support a roof
rage violent and uncontrolled anger
ragged torn or worn to tatters
rhythm characterized by strong syncopation in the melody with a
ragtime
regularly accented accompaniment
rail to revile or scold in harsh, insolent, or abusive language
a grape of any of several varieties that has been dried in the sun or by
raisin
artificial heat
rakish of, relating to, or characteristic of a rake : DISSOLUTE
ramble to move aimlessly from place to place
rambunctious marked by uncontrollable exuberance:UNRULY
rampart a protective barrier:BULWARK
ramshackle appearing ready to collapse:RICKETY
rancid offensive in odor or flavor:RANK
rancor bitter deep-seated ill will
range a series of mountains
ranger the keeper of a British royal park or forest
rank offensive in odor or flavor; especially :RANCID
rankle to cause anger, irritation, or deep bitterness
rant to scold vehemently
rapacious excessively grasping or covetous
RELATION; especially :relation marked by harmony, conformity,
rapport
accord, or affinity
rapprochement establishment of or state of having cordial relations
rapscallion RASCAL, NE'ER-DO-WELL
rapt wholly absorbed: ENGROSSED
marked by or proceeding from undue haste or lack of deliberation or
rash
caution
raspy HARSH, GRATING
ratify to approve and sanction formally:CONFIRM
ratiocination the process of exact thinking:REASONING
ration a food allowance for one day
rationalize to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct
raucous disagreeably harsh or strident:HOARSE
rave an extravagantly favorable criticism
ravel to separate or undo the texture of:UNRAVEL
ravenous very eager or greedy for food, satisfaction, or gratification
raze to destroy to the ground:DEMOLISH
a substance that enters into and is altered in the course of a chemical
reactant
reaction
relating to, marked by, or favoring reaction; especially :ultraconservative
reactionary
in politics
ream a quantity of paper being 20 quires or variously 480, 500, or 516 sheets
reap to gather by reaping:HARVEST
reaper one who harvests grain
reassure to restore to confidence
rebellow
rebuff to reject or criticize sharply:SNUB
a representation of words or syllables by pictures of objects or by
rebus symbols whose names resemble the intended words or syllables in sound;
also :a riddle made up of such pictures or symbols
recalcitrant obstinately defiant of authority or restraint
to withdraw or repudiate (a statement or belief) formally and
recant
publicly:RENOUNCE
recapitulate to repeat the principal points or stages of : SUMMARIZE
producing little or no phenotypic effect when occurring in heterozygous
recessive
condition with a contrasting allele
a tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior;
recidivism
especially :relapse into criminal behavior
reciprocate to move forward and backward alternately
reckless marked by lack of proper caution:careless of consequences
recluse a person who leads a secluded or solitary life
recoil to fall back under pressure
reconcile to make consistent or congruous
difficult or impossible for one of ordinary understanding or knowledge to
recondite
comprehend:DEEP
a preliminary survey to gain information; especially :an exploratory
reconnaissance
military survey of enemy territory
To make a preliminary examination of for military, surveying, or
reconnoiter
geological purposes.
to constitute again or anew; especially :to restore to a former condition
reconstitute
by adding water
rectify to correct by removing errors:ADJUST
rectitude moral integrity:RIGHTEOUSNESS
to regain a former state or condition; especially :to recover health or
recuperate
strength
redolent exuding fragrance:AROMATIC
redoubtable ILLUSTRIOUS, EMINENT; broadly :worthy of respect
redress to set right:REMEDY
redundant exceeding what is necessary or normal:SUPERFLUOUS
reedy having many reeds
reel a revolvable device on which something flexible is wound
refinery a building and equipment for refining or processing (as oil or sugar)
reflective marked by reflection:THOUGHTFUL, DELIBERATIVE
refractory resisting control or authority:STUBBORN, UNMANAGEABLE
refresh to restore strength and animation to:REVIVE
one that flees; especially :a person who flees to a foreign country or
refugee
power to escape danger or persecution
refulgent a radiant or resplendent quality or state:BRILLIANCE
refute to prove wrong by argument or evidence:show to be false or erroneous
regard a feeling of respect and affection:ESTEEM
regenerate restored to a better, higher, or more worthy state
regime a government in power
a systematic plan (as of diet, therapy, or medication) especially when
regimen
designed to improve and maintain the health of a patient
regress to tend to approach or revert to a mean
regression A going back; a withdrawing or returning; (opposite of progression)
to restore to a former state (as of efficiency, good management, or
rehabilitate
solvency)
rehabilitation rehabilitating or being rehabilitated
a private performance or practice session preparatory to a public
rehearsal
appearance
reign royal authority:SOVEREIGNTY
rein to check or stop by or as if by a pull at the reins
reiterate to state or do over again or repeatedly sometimes with wearying effect
rejoice to feel joy or great delight
relapse to slip or fall back into a former worse state
release to set free from restraint, confinement, or servitude
showing or promising no abatement of severity, intensity, strength, or
relentless
pace:UNRELENTING
relevant having significant and demonstrable bearing on the matter at hand
religion a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
relinquish to give over possession or control of:YIELD
relish characteristic flavor; especially :pleasing or zestful flavor
reluctant Unwilling; disinclined:
remiss showing neglect or inattention:LAX
remnant a usually small part, member, or trace remaining
remodel to alter the structure of:REMAKE
an earnest presentation of reasons for opposition or grievance; especially
remonstrance
:a document formally stating such points
a gnawing distress arising from a sense of guilt for past wrongs:SELF-
remorse
REPROACH
remunerate to pay an equivalent to for a service, loss, or expense:RECOMPENSE
rend to split or tear apart or in pieces by violence
renounce to give up, refuse, or resign usually by formal declaration
renovate to restore to a former better state (as by cleaning, repairing, or
rebuilding)
a succession or interchange of clever retorts:amusing and usually light
repartee
sparring with words
repatriate to restore or return to the country of origin, allegiance, or citizenship
to rescind or annul by authoritative act; especially :to revoke or abrogate
repeal
by legislative enactment
repel to drive back:REPULSE
the complete list or supply of dramas, operas, or musical works available
repertoire
for performance
replete fully or abundantly provided or filled
reportage the act or process of reporting news
repose to take a rest
reprehensible worthy of or deserving reprehension:CULPABLE
repressed characterized by restraint
reprieve to delay the punishment of (as a condemned prisoner)
to reprove sharply or censure formally usually from a position of
reprimand
authority
the act or practice in international law of resorting to force short of war
reprisal
in retaliation for damage or loss suffered
reproach an expression of rebuke or disapproval
1. to condemn strongly as unworthy, unacceptable, or evil 2. A morally
reprobate
unprincipled person.
reproof criticism for a fault:REBUKE
reprove to scold or correct usually gently or with kindly intent
Any of various cold-blooded, usually egg-laying vertebrates of the class
Reptilia, such as a snake, lizard, crocodile, turtle, or dinosaur, having an
reptile
external covering of scales or horny plates and breathing by means of
lungs.
to refuse to accept; especially :to reject as unauthorized or as having no
repudiate
binding force
repugnant exciting distaste or aversion;inconsistent.
repulse to drive or beat back:REPEL
to make void (as an act) by action of the enacting authority or a superior
rescind
authority:REPEAL
resentment a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something
regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury
reserved restrained in words and actions
resign to give up one's office or position:QUIT
the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after
resilience
deformation caused especially by compressive stress
resin a sticky substance found in some plants
resolute marked by firm determination:RESOLVED
resonant (adj.) resounding; re-echoing
resourceful able to meet situations:capable of devising ways and means
respire BREATHE; specifically :to inhale and exhale air successively
respite A usually short interval of rest or relief.
resplendent shining brilliantly:characterized by a glowing splendor
responsive quick to respond or react appropriately or sympathetically: SENSITIVE
restive marked by impatience:FIDGETY
restless marked by a lack of quiet, repose, or rest
restore to put or bring back into existence or use
restrain to limit, restrict, or keep under control
resurgence a rising again into life, activity, or prominence:RENASCENCE
to revive from apparent death or from unconsciousness; also
resuscitate
:REVITALIZE
a person attached or owing service to a household; especially
retainer
:SERVANT
retaliate to repay (as an injury) in kind
to slow up especially by preventing or hindering advance or
retard
accomplishment:IMPEDE
reticent restrained in expression, presentation, or appearance
retinue a group of retainers or attendants
retort to pay or hurl back:RETURN
to alter (as a photographic negative) to produce a more desirable
retouch
appearance
retract TAKE BACK, WITHDRAW
the usually forced withdrawal of troops from an enemy or from an
retreat
advanced position
retrench to cut out:EXCISE
retrieve recover; find and bring in
retrograde going backward; degenerating
retrospective affecting things past:RETROACTIVE
revelry noisy partying or merrymaking
revenge to inflict injury in return for
revere to show devoted deferential honor to:regard as worthy of great honor
revise to make a new, amended, improved, or up-to-date version of
revive to return to consciousness or life:become active or flourishing again
revoke to annul by recalling or taking back:RESCIND
a theatrical production consisting typically of brief loosely connected
revue
often satirical skits, songs, and dances
rewarding yielding or likely to yield a reward:VALUABLE, SATISFYING
ribald CRUDE, OFFENSIVE
rickety lacking stability or firmness:SHAKY
rider a clause appended to a legislative bill to secure a usually distinct object
ridicule the act of exposing to laughter:DERISION, MOCKERY
rife copiously supplied:ABOUNDING
riffraff People regarded as disreputable or worthless
rift BREACH, ESTRANGEMENT
rigid inflexibly set in opinioncircular:asymmetrical::protean:rigid
a set of confused and meaningless statements ; a long and complicated
rigmarole
and confusing procedure
rile to make agitated and angry:UPSET
riot to indulge in revelry or wantonness
risible arousing or provoking laughter; especially :LAUGHABLE
a prescribed form or manner governing the words or actions for a
rite
ceremony
one of two or more striving to reach or obtain something that only one
rival
can possess
rive to wrench open or tear apart or to pieces:REND
riveting having the power to fix the attention : ENGROSSING, FASCINATING
rivulet a small stream
robust having or exhibiting strength or vigorous health
any of an order (Rodentia) of relatively small gnawing mammals (as a
rodent mouse, a squirrel, or a beaver) that have in both jaws a single pair of
incisors with a chisel-shaped edge
roil to stir up:DISTURB, DISORDER
roister to engage in noisy revelry:CAROUSE
roster a roll or list of personnel
rostrum a stage for public speaking
rosy characterized by or tending to promote optimism
rouse to stir up:EXCITE
rubicund having a healthy reddish color
rudimentary Being in the earliest stages of development; incipient.
rue to feel penitence, remorse, or regret for
ruffian a brutal person:BULLY
ruffle a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge
to go over in the mind repeatedly and often casually or slowly
ruminate
ruminate:decidemuseful ;ruminative ;lamentable ;plaintive
rumple FOLD, WRINKLE
an unbroken course of performances or showings,to be presented or
run
performed for a continuous period of time
breach of peace or concord; specifically :open hostility or war between
rupture
nations
ruse a crafty stratagem; a subterfuge.
rustic of, relating to, or suitable for the country:RURAL
rustle make slight sounds like silk moving or being rubbed together
Word list - S
sabbatical of or relating to the break or change from a normal routine
damage done secretly to prevent an enemy, a competitor, etc succeeding,
sabotage
esp by destroying his weapons or equipment and spoiling his plans
saccharine overly or sickishly sweet
an act of offering to a deity something precious; especially :the killing of
sacrifice
a victim on an altar
a technical and not necessarily intrinsically outrageous violation (as
sacrilege improper reception of a sacrament) of what is sacred because consecrated
to God
saddle to place (an onerous responsibility) on a person or group
safeguard a technical contrivance to prevent accident
sagacious of keen and farsighted penetration and judgment:DISCERNING
standing out conspicuously:PROMINENT; especially :of notable
salient
significance
a large anadromous salmonid fish (Salmo salar) of the No. Atlantic noted
salmon
as a game and food fish
salubrious favorable to or promoting health or well-being
salutary producing a beneficial effect:REMEDIAL
an expression of greeting, goodwill, or courtesy by word, gesture, or
salutation
ceremony
salvage to rescue or save especially from wreckage or ruin
salve an unctuous adhesive substance for application to wounds or sores
a simultaneous discharge of two or more guns in military action or as a
salvo
salute
sanctify to set apart to a sacred purpose or to religious use:CONSECRATE
affecting piousness:hypocritically devout; also :indicative of affected
sanctimonious
piousness
sanction to give effective or authoritative approval or consent to
sanctuary a place of refuge and protection
sand to smooth or dress by grinding or rubbing with an abrasive (as sandpaper)
sanguine CONFIDENT, OPTIMISTIC
the promotion of hygiene and prevention of disease by maintenance of
sanitation
sanitary conditions
sap to weaken or exhaust the energy or vitality of
sapient possessing or expressing great sagacity
a young tree; specifically:one not over four inches in diameter at breast
sapling
height
sarcastic given to the use of sarcasm:CAUSTIC
of or relating to a tailor or tailored clothes; broadly :of or relating to
sartorial
clothes
satiated to satisfy (as a need or desire) fully or to excess
satire a literary work holding up human vices and follies to ridicule or scorn
saturated full of moisture:made thoroughly wet
saturnine of a gloomy or surly disposition
saunter to walk about in an idle or leisurely manner:STROLL
savanna A flat grassland of tropical or subtropical regions.
savory pleasing to the sense of taste especially by reason of effective seasoning
savvy practical know-how
a.an instrument or machine for weighing b.an estimate of the amount of
scale
sound lumber in logs or standing timber
scalpel a small straight thin-bladed knife used especially in surgery
scan to read or mark so as to show metrical structure
scanty limited or less than sufficient in degree, quantity, or extent
deficient in quantity or number compared with the demand : not plentiful
scarce
or abundant
scare to frighten especially suddenly:ALARM
scathing bitterly severe
a separation or division into
schism
factionsschism:consensus::interruption:continuity
scintillating brilliantly lively, stimulating, or witty
scion DESCENDANT, CHILD
scission a division or split in a group or union:schism
a cutting implement consisting of two blades joined by a swivel pin that
scissor
allows the cutting edges to be opened and closed
scoff to show contempt by derisive acts or language
child's foot-operated vehicle consisting of a narrow footboard mounted
scooter between two wheels tandem with an upright steering handle attached to
the front wheel
scorch to dry or shrivel with or as if with intense heat:PARCH
score the copy of a musical composition in written or printed notation
scorn to treat with scorn:reject or dismiss as contemptible or unworthy
scour to rub hard especially with a rough material for cleansing
scowl to contract the brow in an expression of displeasure
scrap discard;to abandon as no longer of enough worth to retain
scrappy quarrelsome;having an aggressive and determined spirit
scrawl to write or draw awkwardly, hastily, or carelessly
a nail-shaped or rod-shaped piece with a spiral groove and a slotted or
screw
recessed head designed to be inserted into material by rotating
scribble to write hastily or carelessly without regard to legibility or form
the written text of a stage play, screenplay, or broadcast; specifically :the
script
one used in production or performance
having moral integrity:acting in strict regard for what is considered right
scrupulous
or proper
scrutable capable of being deciphered:COMPREHENSIBLE
scrutiny a searching study, inquiry, or inspection:EXAMINATION
scuff to scratch, gouge, or wear away the surface of
sculptor an artist who makes sculptures
scurrilous using or given to coarse language
scurvy disgustingly mean or contemptible:DESPICABLE
scutter to move with a clattering, scurrying sound
an implement used for mowing (as grass) and composed of a long curving
scythe
blade fastened at an angle to a long handle
secluded Removed or remote from others; solitary
secrete to form and give off (a secretion)
sedate to dose with sedatives
sedentary not migratory:SETTLED
seduce to persuade to disobedience or disloyalty
sedulous involving or accomplished with careful perseverance
seemly conventionally proper:DECOROUS
seminal containing or contributing the seeds of later development
A school, especially a theological school for the training of priests,
seminary
ministers, or rabbis
sensation a mental process (as seeing, hearing, or smelling) due to immediate
bodily stimulation often as distinguished from awareness of the
sensitive highly responsive or susceptible
SENTRY:GUARD, WATCH; especially :a soldier standing guard at a
sentinel
point of passage (as a gate)
sepulchral suited to or suggestive of a sepulchre:FUNEREAL, MORTUARY
sequela A secondary consequence or result
sequester to place (property) in custody especially in sequestration
seraph one of the 6-winged angels standing in the presence of God
sere being dried and withered
the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not
serendipity
sought for
serenity the quality or state of being shining bright and steady
a member of a servile feudal class bound to the soil and subject to the will
serfdom
of his lord
a religious discourse delivered in public usually by a clergyman as a part
sermon
of a worship service
Of or resembling a serpent, as in form or movement;
serpentine
sinuousserpentine:directness::??
notched or toothed on the edge; specifically having marginal teeth
serrate
pointing forward or toward the apex
serried crowded or pressed together:COMPACT
servile meanly or cravenly submissive:ABJECT
rigorous in restraint, punishment, or requirement:STRINGENT,
severe
RESTRICTIVE
to deprive of freedom especially of action by means of restrictions or
shackle
handicaps:IMPEDE
shadow to follow especially secretly:TRAIL
shaft arrow or spear/smth long and narrow
a fissile rock that is formed by the consolidation of clay, mud, or silt, has
shale a finely stratified or laminated structure, and is composed of minerals
essentially unaltered since deposition
sham an imitation or counterfeit purporting to be genuine
fragments of pottery vessels found on sites and in refuse deposits where
shard
pottery-making peoples have lived
shelter to constitute or provide a shelter for:PROTECT
shiftless lacking in ambition or incentive:LAZY
shirk to evade the performance of an obligation
shopworn stale from excessive use or familiarity
shrewd marked by clever discerning awareness and hardheaded acumen
shrink to recoil instinctively
to raise or draw in the shoulders especially to express aloofness,
shrug
indifference, or uncertainty
shun to avoid deliberately and especially habitually
shunt to switch (as a train) from one track to another
shuttle to cause to move or travel back and forth frequently
sidereal of, relating to, or expressed in relation to stars or constellations:ASTRAL
signal distinguished from the ordinary
simpleton a person lacking in common sense
to give or assume the appearance or effect of often with the intent to
simulate
deceive:IMITATE
sin an offense against religious or moral law
sincere free of dissimulation:HONEST
an office or position that requires little or no work and that usually
sinecure
provides an income
sinew solid resilient strength:POWER
to burn superficially or lightly:SCORCH; especially :to remove the hair,
singe
down, or fuzz from usually by passing rapidly over a flame
singular distinguished by superiority:EXCEPTIONAL
sinister singularly evil or productive of evil
sinuous of a serpentine or wavy form:WINDING
sip to drink in small quantities
One of a group of sea nymphs who by their sweet singing lured mariners
siren
to destruction on the rocks surrounding their island.
a person disposed to skepticism especially regarding religion or religious
skeptic
principles
wanting in completeness, clearness, or substance:SLIGHT,
sketchy
SUPERFICIAL
skimpy deficient in supply or execution especially through skimping:SCANTY
skirt to avoid especially because of difficulty or fear of controversy
a brief burlesque or comic sketch included in a dramatic performance (as
skit
a revue)
skittish easily frightened:RESTIVE
slake SATISFY, QUENCH
to present so as to conform to a particular bias or appeal to a certain
slant
audience
slate a list of candidates for nomination or election
slew a large number
1. to treat with disdain or indifference 2. small of its kind or in
slight
amount:SCANTY, MEAGER
slink to go or move stealthily or furtively (as in fear or shame):STEAL
slippery causing or tending to cause something to slide or fall
slipshod wearing loose shoes or slippers
sloppy wet so as to spatter easily:SLUSHY
sloth disinclination to action or labor:INDOLENCE
to walk, stand, or sit with a gait or posture characterized by an ungainly
slouch stooping of the head and shoulders or excessive relaxation of body
muscles:DROOP
sloven untidy especially in personal appearance:slovenly
sluggard an habitually lazy person
sluggish averse to activity or exertion:INDOLENT; also :TORPID
slumber to be in a torpid, slothful, or negligent state
slur an insulting or disparaging remark or innuendo:ASPERSION
sly lacking in straightforwardness and candor:DISSEMBLING
smarmy Hypocritically, complacently, or effusively earnest; unctuous
1. stylish or elegant in dress or appearance 2. a smarting pain; especially
smart
:a stinging local pain
smattering superficial piecemeal knowledge
smirk to smile in an affected or smug manner:SIMPER
smother to be overcome or killed through or as if through lack of air
smug highly self-satisfied
smuggle to convey or introduce surreptitiously
snare to capture by or as if by use of a snare
to cause to become knotted and intertwined:TANGLE To growl viciously
snarl
while baring the teeth
sneer to smile or laugh with facial contortions that express scorn or contempt
one who has an offensive air of superiority in matters of knowledge or
snob
taste
snub to treat with contempt or neglect
to lie immersed in liquid (as water):become saturated by or as if by
soak
immersion
marked by sedate or gravely or earnestly thoughtful character or
sober
demeanor
sodden heavy with or as if with moisture or water
solace alleviation of grief or anxiety
solder to unite or make whole by solder
solemn marked by grave sedateness and earnest sobriety
solicitous full of concern or fears:APPREHENSIVE
solidify to make solid, compact, or hard
solitude the quality or state of being alone or remote from society : SECLUSION
solvent able to pay all legal debts
somber of a dismal or depressing character:MELANCHOLY
somnolence the quality or state of being drowsy:SLEEPINESS
an instrumental musical composition typically of three or four movements
sonata
in contrasting forms and keys
a fixed verse form of Italian origin consisting of fourteen lines that are
sonnet typically five-foot iambics rhyming according to a prescribed scheme;
also :a poem in this pattern
to please by or as if by attention or concern:PLACATE,RELIEVE,
soothe
ALLEVIATE
sop a conciliatory or propitiatory bribe, gift, or gesture
an argument apparently correct in form but actually invalid; especially
sophism
:such an argument used to deceive
the process or result of becoming cultured, knowledgeable, or
sophistication
disillusioned; especially :CULTIVATION, URBANITY
conceited and overconfident of knowledge but poorly informed and
sophomoric
immature
soporific tending to dull awareness or alertness
sordid marked by baseness or grossness:VILE
sound SOLID, FIRM; also :STABLE
sparse of few and scattered elements; especially :not thickly grown or settled
Spartan marked by simplicity, frugality, or avoidance of luxury and comfort
spat a brief petty quarrel or angry outburst
spate a large number or amount
specialize To pursue a special activity, occupation, or field of study
specious having a false look of truth or genuineness:SOPHISTIC
speck a very small amount:BIT
spectator one who looks on or watches
a continuum of color formed when a beam of white light is dispersed (as
spectrum by passage through a prism) so that its component wavelengths are
arranged in order
speculate to meditate on or ponder a subject:REFLECT
spendthrift a person who spends improvidently or wastefully
spent drained of energy or effectiveness:EXHAUSTED
of a disproportionately tall or long and thin appearance that often suggests
spindly
physical weakness
spine row of bones along the back of humans and some animals; backbone
spineless having no spine; invertebrate
spiny abounding with difficulties, obstacles, or annoyances:THORNY
spire a tapering roof or analogous pyramidal construction surmounting a tower
spleen feelings of anger or ill will often suppressed
material or a device used to protect and immobilize a body part (as a
splint
broken arm)
spoil to pamper excessively:CODDLE
any of the small radiating bars inserted in the hub of a wheel to support
spoke
the rim
spontaneous arising from a momentary impulse
spoof A gentle satirical imitation; a light parody.
sporadic occurring occasionally, singly, or in scattered instances
sprain a sudden or violent twist or wrench of a joint with stretching or tearing of
ligaments
sprightly marked by a gay lightness and vivacity:SPIRITED
spur to incite to action or accelerated growth or development:STIMULATE
outwardly similar or corresponding to something without having its
spurious
genuine qualities:FALSE
spurn to reject with disdain or contempt:SCORN
squabble a noisy altercation or quarrel usually over trifles
squalid marked by filthiness and degradation from neglect or poverty
squall a short-lived commotion
squander to spend extravagantly or foolishly:DISSIPATE
squelch to completely suppress:QUELL
squint looking or tending to look obliquely or askance (as with envy or disdain)
stagnant not advancing or developing
marked by settled sedateness and often prim self-restraint: SOBER,
staid
GRAVE
stalemate a drawn contest:DEADLOCK
stalk to pursue by tracking stealthily
stalwart marked by outstanding strength and vigor of body, mind, or spirit
stamina strength; staying power
stammer to make involuntary stops and repetitions in speaking:HALT
a division of a poem consisting of a series of lines arranged together in a
stanza
usually recurring pattern of meter and rhyme:STROPHE
stark rigid in or as if in death
startle to frighten or surprise suddenly and usually not seriously
static characterized by a lack of movement, animation, or progression
stature natural height (as of a person) in an upright position
status relative rank in a hierarchy of prestige; especially :high prestige
steadfast firmly fixed in place:IMMOVABLE
stealth the act or action of proceeding furtively, secretly, or imperceptibly
steep to saturate with or subject thoroughly to
stench to emit a strong offensive odor:STINK
stentorian extremely loud
sterile free from living organisms and especially microorganisms
one who insists on exactness or completeness in the observance of
stickler
something
stiff lacking in suppleness or responsiveness
stifle to withhold from circulation or expression:REPRESS
stigma a mark of shame or discredit:STAIN
stilted POMPOUS, LOFTY
stingy not generous or liberal:sparing or scant in giving or spending
stint to be sparing or frugal
stipple to engrave by means of dots and flicks
stipulate To lay down as a condition of an agreement; require by contract.
stipulation action of stipulating
a store or supply accumulated; especially :the inventory of goods of a
stock
merchant or manufacturer
stockade an enclosure or pen made with posts and stakes
stodgy BORING, DULL
not affected by or showing passion or feeling; especially :firmly
stoic
restraining response to pain or distress
stolid having or expressing little or no sensibility:UNEMOTIONAL
stouthearted having a stout heart or spirit:STUBBORN
straggle to wander from the direct course or way:ROVE, STRAY
a comparatively narrow passageway connecting two large bodies of water
strait
b:a situation of perplexity or distress
stratify to divide or arrange into classes, castes, or social strata
stray to wander accidentally from a fixed or chosen route
strength degree of potency of effect or of concentration
striate to mark with striations or striae
stricture an adverse criticism:CENSURE
stride to move with or as if with long steps
strident characterized by harsh, insistent, and discordant sound
strike To form by stamping, printing, or punching:
marked by rigor, strictness, or severity especially with regard to rule or
stringent
standard
strip to remove clothing, covering, or surface matter from
1. to walk with a pompous and affected air 2. a structural piece designed
strut
to resist pressure in the direction of its length
stubborn unreasonably or perversely unyielding:MULISH
studio the working place of a painter, sculptor, or photographer
stultify to have a dulling or inhibiting effect on
stun to make senseless, groggy, or dizzy by or as if by a blow:DAZE
stunt to hinder the normal growth, development, or progress of
sturdy marked by or reflecting physical strength or vigor
stygian extremely dark, gloomy, or forbidding
stylus an instrument for writing, marking, or incising
Word list - T
tacit expressed or carried on without words or speech
taciturn temperamentally disinclined to talk
an assemblage of ropes and pulleys arranged to gain mechanical advantage
tackle
for hoisting and pulling
tactile perceptible by touch:TANGIBLE
marked by lack of a keen sense of what to do or say in order to maintain
tactless
good relations with others or avoid offense
tag a cardboard, plastic, or metal marker used for identification or classification
taint to contaminate morally:CORRUPT
talisman charm
tame lacking spirit, zest, interest, or the capacity to excite:INSIPID
tamper to interfere so as to weaken or change for the worse
tangent diverging from an original purpose of course:IRRELEVANT
tangible capable of being perceived especially by the sense of touch:PALPABLE
tangy having or suggestive of a tang
to tease or torment by or as if by presenting something desirable to the view
tantalize
but continually keeping it out of reach
tantamount equivalent in value, significance, or effect
tantrum a fit of bad temper
taper progressively narrowed toward one end
a heavy handwoven reversible textile used for hangings, curtains, and
tapestry
upholstery and characterized by complicated pictorial designs
tardy delayed beyond the expected or proper time:late
something that tarnishes; especially a film of chemically altered material on
tarnish
the surface of a metal (as silver)
a piece of material (as durable plastic) used for protecting exposed objects
tarpaulin
or areas
tasty strikingly attractive or interesting
tatty rather worn, frayed, or dilapidated:SHABBY
taunt to reproach or challenge in a mocking or insulting manner:jeer at
taut having no give or slack:tightly drawn
tawdry cheap and gaudy in appearance or quality; also :IGNOBLE
taxing onerous, wearing
teal small wild duck living near rivers or lakes
tear to move or act with violence, haste, or force
to tantalize especially by arousing desire or curiosity without intending to
tease
satisfy it
tedious tiresome because of length or dullness:boring
teeter to move unsteadily:wobble
telling carrying great weight and producing a marked effect:effective, expressive
unreasonable or foolhardy contempt of danger or opposition:rashness,
temerity
recklessness
temperate marked by moderation
tempestuous of, relating to, or resembling a tempest
temporize avoid committing oneself; gain time
tenable capable of being held, maintained, or defended:defensible, reasonable
tenacious persistent in maintaining or adhering to something valued or habitual
tendentious marked by a tendency in favor of a particular point of view:biased
tender offer; extend
tendinous consisting of tendons:sinewy
tepid moderately warm, lukewarm
either end of a transportation line or travel route; also :the station, town, or
terminus
city at such a place:terminal
terror a state of intense fear
testator a person who dies leaving a will or testament in force
a solemn declaration usually made orally by a witness under oath in
testimony
response to interrogation by a lawyer or authorized public official
testy easily annoyed:irritable
tether to fasten or restrain by
theatrical marked by pretense or artificiality of emotion
the study of religious faith, practice, and experience; especially : the study
theology
of God and of God's relation to the world
of or relating to the treatment of disease or disorders by remedial agents or
therapeutic
methods
thorny full of difficulties or controversial points:ticklish
threadbare exhausted of interest or freshness
thrive to grow vigorously:flourish
throng to crowd together in great numbers
thwart to oppose successfully:defeat the hopes or aspirations of
ticklish touchy, oversensitive
tidy neat and orderly in appearance or habits:well ordered and cared for
tiff a petty quarrel
tightfisted reluctant to part with money
slab of baked clay or other material used in rows for covering roofs, walls,
tile
floors, etc
timeworn hackneyed, stale
timid lacking in courage or self-confidence
timorous of a timid disposition:fearful
tinge to color with a slight shade or stain:tint
to repair, adjust, or work with something in an unskilled or experimental
tinker
manner:fiddle
a variation of a color produced by adding white to it and characterized by a
tint
low saturation with relatively high lightness
a protracted speech usually marked by intemperate, vituperative, or harshly
tirade
censorious language
toady one who flatters in the hope of gaining favors:SYCOPHANT
sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting
tolerance
with one's own
a secret society or fraternal organization especially of Chinese in the U.S.
tong
formerly notorious for gang warfare
tonic increasing or restoring physical or mental tone:refreshing
tonsorial of or relating to a barber or the work of a barber
topsy-turvy being in utter confusion or disorder
torpid sluggish in functioning or acting
a state of mental and motor inactivity with partial or total
torpor
insensibility:extreme sluggishness or stagnation of function
torrential caused by or resulting from action of rapid streams
torrid giving off intense heat:scorching
tortuous marked by repeated twists, bends, or turns:winding
a device (as a bandage twisted tight with a stick) to check bleeding or blood
tourniquet
flow
tractable capable of being easily led, taught, or controlled:docile
trait a distinguishing quality (as of personal character): peculiarity
to rise above or go beyond the limits of , to triumph over the negative or
transcend
restrictive aspects of:overcome
to give a new and typically exalted or spiritual appearance to:transform
transfigure
outwardly and usually for the better
transgress to go beyond limits set or prescribed by:violate
transient passing especially quickly into and out of existence: transitory
transitory tending to pass away:not persistent
translucent permitting the passage of light:clear, transparent
transparent easily detected or seen through:obvious
travail painful labor
traverse to go or travel across or over
travesty a debased, distorted, or grossly inferior imitation
treacherous characterized by or manifesting treachery:perfidious
treasurer an officer entrusted with the receipt, care, and disbursement of funds
treaty an agreement or arrangement made by negotiation
tremendous notable by reason of extreme size, power, greatness, orexcellence
tremulous such as is or might be caused by nervousness or shakiness
trenchant vigorously effective and articulate
trepidation timorous uncertain agitation:apprehension
trespass to enter unlawfully upon the land of another
a payment by one ruler or nation to another in acknowledgment of
tribute submission or as the price of protection; also :the tax levied for such a
payment
trickle to issue or fall in drops
trite hackneyed or boring from much use:not fresh or original
triumph a victory or conquest by or as if by military force
trivial of little worth or importance
something gained or given in victory or conquest especially when preserved
trophy
or mounted as a memorial
troupe a company or group, especially of touring actors, singers, or dancers
Idle, lazy, or neglectful. one who shirks duty; especially :one who stays out
truant
of school without permission
truculent feeling or displaying ferocity:cruel, savage
trudge to walk or march steadily and usually laboriously
truncate to shorten by or as if by cutting off
A rigid framework, as of wooden beams or metal bars, designed to support
truss
a structure, such as a roof.
disorderly agitation or milling about of a crowd usually with uproar and
tumult
confusion of voices:commotion
turbid deficient in clarity or purity:foul, muddy
turbulent causing unrest, violence, or disturbance
turgid excessively embellished in style or language:bombastic, pompous
turmoil a state or condition of extreme confusion, agitation, or commotion
turncoat one who switches to an opposing side or party; specifically :traitor
a little tower; specifically :an ornamental structure at an angle of a larger
turret
structure
tutor a person charged with the instruction and guidance of another
typo an error (as of spelling) in typed or typeset material
Word list - U
ugly offensive to the sight:HIDEOUS
unavailing not availing:FUTILE, USELESS
seeming to have a supernatural character or origin:EERIE,
uncanny
MYSTERIOUS
uncouth awkward and uncultivated in appearance, manner, or behavior
unctuous smooth and greasy in texture or appearance
underdog a loser or predicted loser in a struggle or contest
undermine to weaken or ruin by degrees
line drawn under a word or line especially for emphasis or to indicate
underscore
intent to italicize
not open to objection or criticism:beyond reproach:
unexceptionable
UNIMPEACHABLE
unexceptional not out of the ordinary:COMMONPLACE
unflappable marked by assurance and self-control
ungainly lacking in smoothness or dexterity:CLUMSY
not impeachable:not to be called in question:not liable to
unimpeachable
accusation:IRREPROACHABLE, BLAMELESS
unkempt deficient in order or neatness
lacking facility in reading and writing and ignorant of the knowledge to
unlettered
be gained from books
unpalatable not palatable
unpretentious free from ostentation, elegance, or affectation:MODEST
unrequited not requited:not reciprocated or returned in kind
unruly not readily ruled, disciplined, or managed presumptuous : unruly
untenable not able to be defended
untold too great or numerous to count:INCALCULABLE, VAST
untoward not favorable:ADVERSE, UNPROPITIOUS
untutored untaught or untrained
unwitting not knowing:UNAWARE
unwonted not accustomed by experience
upbraid to reproach severely:scold vehemently
uphold to support against an opponent
uproar a state of commotion, excitement, or violent disturbance
upset to trouble mentally or emotionally:disturb the poise of
urbane notably polite or finished in manner:POLISHED
urge to present, advocate, or demand earnestly or pressingly
usurp to take the place of by or as if by force:SUPPLANT
utter to give public expression to:express in words
to inoculate (a person) with cowpox virus in order to produce immunity
vaccinate
to smallpox
Word list - V
vacillate to sway through lack of equilibrium:FLUCTUATE, OSCILLATE
vacuous marked by lack of ideas or intelligence:STUPID, INANE
vagary an erratic, unpredictable, or extravagant manifestation, action, or notion
one who has no established residence and wanders idly from place to place
vagrant
without lawful or visible means of support
vague not thinking or expressing one's thoughts clearly or precisely
valediction an act of bidding farewell
valiant possessing or acting with bravery or boldness:COURAGEOUS
valid logically correct
vanquish to defeat in a conflict or contest
vapid lacking liveliness, tang, briskness, or force:FLAT, DULL
vaporize to convert (as by the application of heat or by spraying) into vapor
the fact, quality, or state of being variable or variant: DIFFERENCE,
variance
VARIATION
varnish to apply varnish to
vault a room or compartment for the safekeeping of valuables
vaunt to make a vain display of one's own worth or attainments:BRAG
veer to change direction or course
vehement marked by forceful energy:POWERFUL
capable of being bought or obtained for money or other valuable
venal consideration:PURCHASABLE; especially :open to corrupt influence and
especially bribery:MERCENARY
vendor one that sell especially as a hawker or peddler
a layer of wood of superior value or excellent grain to be glued to an
veneer
inferior wood
venerate to regard with reverential respect or with admiring deference
vengeful serving to gain vengeance
of a kind that can be remitted:FORGIVABLE, PARDONABLE; also
venial
:meriting no particular censure or notice:EXCUSABLE
poisonous matter normally secreted by some animals (as snakes, scorpions,
venom
or bees) and transmitted to prey or an enemy chiefly by biting or stinging
ventilate to examine, discuss, or investigate freely and openly:EXPOSE
veracious TRUTHFUL, HONEST
verbatim being in or following the exact words:WORD-FOR-WORD
verbose containing more words than necessary:WORDY
verdant green with growing plants
verdict the finding or decision of a jury on the matter submitted to it in trial
verify to establish the truth, accuracy, or reality of
vernacular The standard native language of a country or locality
versatile having many uses or applications
versed acquainted through study or experience; knowledgeable or skilled
versemonger
a disordered state in which the individual or the individual's surroundings
vertigo
seem to whirl dizzily
the spirit and enthusiasm animating artistic composition or
verve
performance:VIVACITY
a tube or canal (as an artery) in which a body fluid is contained and
vessel
conveyed or circulated
a bodily part or organ that is small and degenerate or imperfectly developed
vestigial
in comparison to one more fully developed in an earlier stage of the
individual, in a past generation, or in closely related forms
veteran an old soldier of long service
veto an authoritative prohibition:INTERDICTION
vex to bring trouble, distress, or agitation to
capable of living; especially :capable of surviving outside the mother's
viable
womb without artificial support
vibrant oscillating or pulsating rapidly
performed or suffered by one person as a substitute for another or to the
vicarious
benefit or advantage of another:SUBSTITUTIONARY
vicious having the nature or quality of vice or immorality:DEPRAVED
vicissitude change (esp. from good to bad); change of fortune
victimize to subject to deception or fraud:CHEAT
vigilant alertly watchful especially to avoid danger
vignette a brief incident or scene (as in a play or movie)
vigor active bodily or mental strength or force
vilify to utter slanderous and abusive statements against:DEFAME
vim robust energy and enthusiasm
vindicate to free from allegation or blame
vindictive disposed to seek revenge:VENGEFUL
violate to do harm to the person or especially the chastity of; specifically :RAPE
the quality or state of being virile:a:MANHOOD b:manly
virility
vigor:MASCULINITY
an experimenter or investigator especially in the arts and
virtuoso
sciences:SAVANT
virtuous morally excellent:RIGHTEOUS
virulent marked by a rapid, severe, and malignant course
viscous having a glutinous consistency:VISCID
visionary incapable of being realized or achieved:UTOPIAN
vista a distant view through or along an avenue or opening:PROSPECT
capacity to live and develop; also :physical or mental vigor especially when
vitality
highly developed
vitiate to make faulty or defective:IMPAIR
vitrify to convert into glass or a glassy substance by heat and fusion
vitriolic bitterly scathing; caustic
vituperative uttering or given to censure:containing or characterized by verbal abuse
vivacious lively in temper, conduct, or spirit:SPRIGHTLY
vivid having the appearance of vigorous life or freshness:LIVELY
vociferous marked by or given to vehement insistent outcry
vogue popular acceptation or favor:POPULARITY
volatile characterized by or subject to rapid or unexpected change
volition an act of making a choice or decision; also :a choice or decision made
voluble characterized by ready or rapid speech:GLIB, FLUENT
voluminous having or marked by great volume or bulk:LARGE also :FULL
given to or spent in enjoyments of luxury, pleasure, or sensual
voluptuous
gratifications
an act or instance of disgorging the contents of the stomach through the
vomit
mouth; also :the disgorged matter
voracious excessively eager:INSATIABLE
votary a devout or zealous worshiper
vouch to summon into court to warrant or defend a title
vulgar lacking in cultivation, perception, or taste:COARSE
Word list - W
waffle to talk or write foolishly:BLATHER
wag WIT, JOKER
wan suggestive of poor health:SICKLY, PALLID
wane to fall gradually from power, prosperity, or influence
want grave and extreme poverty that deprives one of the necessities of life
wanton playfully mean or cruel:MISCHIEVOUS
wardrobe a room or closet where clothes are kept:CLOTHESPRESS
warmonger one who urges or attempts to stir up war:JINGO
to turn or twist out of or as if out of shape; especially :to twist or bend out
warp
of a plane
to guarantee to a person good title to and undisturbed possession of (as an
warrant
estate)
marked by keen caution, cunning, and watchful prudence especially in
wary
detecting and escaping danger
wastrel one who dissipates resources foolishly and self-indulgently:PROFLIGATE
waterproof impervious to water; especially :covered or treated with a material
watershed a crucial dividing point, line, or factor:TURNING POINT
1. to treat or rub with wax usually for polishing or stiffening 2. to increase
wax in phase or intensity ,used chiefly of the moon, other satellites, and inferior
planets
waylay to lie in wait for or attack from ambush
to unite (metallic parts) by heating and allowing the metals to flow together
weld
or by hammering or compressing with or without previous heating
welter to be in turmoil
wheedle to influence or entice by soft words or flattery
whet to make keen or more acute:EXCITE, STIMULATE
whiff a quick puff or slight gust especially of air, odor, gas, smoke, or spray
resulting from or characterized by whim or caprice; especially :lightly
whimsical
fanciful
wholesome promoting health or well-being of mind or spirit
wicked morally very bad:EVIL
wily full of wiles:CRAFTY
wince to shrink back involuntarily (as from pain):FLINCH
windbag an exhaustively talkative person
windy VERBOSE, BOMBASTIC
winnow to remove (as chaff) by a current of air
generally pleasing and engaging often because of a childlike charm and
winsome
innocence
wit mental capability and resourcefulness:INGENUITY
one that is credited with usually malignant supernatural powers; especially
witch :a woman practicing usually black witchcraft often with the aid of a devil
or familiar:SORCERESS
to remove (money) from a place of deposit;to become socially or
withdraw
emotionally detached
to become dry and sapless; especially :to shrivel from or as if from loss of
wither
bodily moisture
withhold to refrain from granting, giving, or allowing
wizen to become dry, shrunken, and wrinkled often as a result of aging or of
failing vitality
to move or proceed with an irregular rocking or staggering motion or
wobble
unsteadily and clumsily from side to side TREMBLE, QUAVER
woo to sue for the affection of and usually marriage with:COURT
wordsmith a person who works with words; especially :a skillful writer
of, relating to, or devoted to this world and its pursuits rather than to
worldly
religion or spiritual affairs
worship extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem
wrangler a ranch hand who takes care of the saddle horses; broadly :COWBOY
wretched (adj.) miserable or unhappy; causing distress
a formal written document; specifically :a legal instrument in epistolary
writ
form issued under seal in the name of the English monarch
cleverly and often ironically or grimly humorous also having a bent or
wry
twisted shape or condition
Word list - Y
to open the mouth wide usually as an involuntary reaction to fatigue or
yawn
boredom
to surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another:hand over
yield
possession of
yoke to join as if by a yoke
Word list - Z
zeal eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something:FERVOR
zest keen enjoyment:RELISH, GUSTO
one of a series of short sharp turns, angles, or alterations in a course; also
zigzag
:something having the form or character of such a series
to arrange in or mark off into zones; specifically :to partition (a city,
zone borough, or township) by ordinance into sections reserved for different
purposes (as residence or business
