Abacus a frame holding rods with sliding beads on them.

n them. used in some eastern countries for counting and in other coun
Abase To humble, to disgrace, to humiliate
Abattoir place where animals are killed for meat
Abdicate To give up or renounce a position, right or power
Aberrant unusual, not normal (aberrant behavior, aberrant ideas). Aberration: an event that is not normal (Eg. This is
Abet Assist/encourage usually in doing something wrong (abetting the enemy)
Abeyance Temporary suppression or suspension of action, inactive (Eg. In temporary abeyance. The title shall be deemed
Abjure To reject, to abandon formally, renounce upon oath (Eg. The government had abjured such a disreputable way o
Ablution Formal or humorous word for the activity of washing oneself (Eg. watching his father's ablutions)
Abnegation (Formal word) Giving up, not taking, not doing something you want, even though you would like to
Aboriginal Being the first of its kind in a region, primitive, native, indigenous
Abrogate Revoke, annull, abolish a law, agreement, or practice usually in a formal way (Eg. if the unions were to abrogate
Abscission Cutting off, separation
Abscond To leave secretly & hurriedly to avoid detection (Eg. He absconded with everyone's wages)
Absolutism A political system in which one leader or ruler has complete power and authority over a country
Absolve Publicly/Formally state that someone is not guilty or to blame (Eg. the captain is absolved from all blame and re
Abstemious Moderate in appetite (Eg. Someone abstemious is careful to avoid overeating or overdrinking.)
Abstruse Difficult to comprehend, obscure (Eg. abstruse scientific information)
Abut Border upon, next to something on one side (Eg. The garden abuts on to the graveyard)
Abyss 1. An extremely deep hole. 2. A frightening or threatening situation (Eg. The world was teetering on the edge of
Accede Agree to someone's request or opinion usually rather unwillingly (Eg. He was upset by my refusal to acced
Acclivity Sharp upslope of a hill
Accolade Award of merit, strong praise or approval (Eg. That was the highest accolade he could receive)
Accord 1. Treat someone in a particular way (Eg. Newsmen accorded her the kind of coverage normally reserved f
Accost Approach and confront someone (Eg. In the hall, he was accosted by two men).
Accoutre Equip, accoutrement (noun)
Accretion A layer of material which gradually forms on top of something, process of parts being added to something to inc
Acerbic Harsh or bitter in speech and temper (an acerbic confrontation)
Acidulous Slightly sour (in taste or manner), sharp, caustic
Acme Highest point of achievement or excellence (Eg. Acme of parenting)
Acquiesce Assent, agree passively, comply without protest (Eg. They acquiesced grudgingly. He acquiesced to the de
Acquittal 1. Conduct oneself (Eg. She acquitted herself well in the meeting). 2. Declare someone they did not comm
Acrimonious Stinging, caustic, bitter in words or manner (Eg. an acrimonious dispute broke out). Acrimony (Noun): Eg. a
Acrophobia Fear of heights
Actuarial Calculating, pertaining to insurance statistics [Noun] Actuary: Someone who advises insurance companies
Actuate Motivate, activate, cause to act (Eg. The device was actuated by the transmitter).
Acuity Sharpness of mind or senses of sight or hearing
Acumen Mental keenness, sharpness of judgement, ability to judge quickly and well (Eg. Business acumen)
Adage wise saying, proverb
Adjunct Something linked or attached to something larger or more important (Eg. He regarded it as an indispensab
Adjure Ask or order someone to do something (Eg. His lawyer had been adjuring him again not to answer questions.)
Adjutant Staff officer assisting the commander, assistant
Admonish Warn strongly (publicly admonish Indonesia over the smog) Admonition (Noun): warning or rebuke about so
Adroit Skillful in using mind or hand
Adulation Flattery, admiration that is more than is necessary or deserved
Adulterate Making unpure, poorer in quality (Eg. The champagne has been adulterated)
Advent Arrival, starting, coming into existence (Eg. The advent of microprocessors)
Adventitious Accidental, casual, happening by chance (Eg. His knowledge of the bishop was adventitious)
Aegis Support and backing (Eg. The students protested under the aegis of Amnesty International)
Affidavit Written statement made under oath (for use as proof in a court of law)
Affray A noisy and violent fight especially in a public place (Eg. His success with her had resulted in the affray between
Agglomeration Collection, heap in no particular order (Eg. An economic gglomeration created for profit. Large agglomerations o
Aggrandize Make greater, increase in power, wealth, rank, or honor, Noun: Aggrandizement (Eg. He sided with the masses fo
Agnostic One who is skeptical of the existence or known ability of a god or any ultimate reality, unbeliever
Agrarian Relating to the ownership and use of land, especially farmland or society/economy concerned with agriculture
Alacrity Quickly and eagerly (Eg. He accepted with alacrity).
Alcove A small area in a room formed by one part of a wall being built further back than the rest of the wall (Eg. His des
Alfresco Meal eaten in open air (Eg. They often dined alfresco in the warm summer evenings.)
Alimentary Eating or digestion (Eg. Alimentary regulations are not the same for all religions)
Allay Calm, pacify (Eg. His efforts to allay her fears met little success)
Allege State without proof (Eg. Nearly 100 public officials were alleged to be members of an illegal secret society)
Allegory Story, play or picture in which characters are used as symbols to make some moral, religious, or political point
Alliteration The use in speech or writing of several words close together which all begin with the same letter or sound (Eg. H
Allude Refer indirectly
Altercation Noisy quarrel (Eg. There was a slight altercation upstairs)
Altruistic Unselfishly generous, concerned for others
Amalgam Combination of different things, mixture of metals used for filling holes in teeth [Verb] Amalgamate: mix, combi
Amazon Female warrior
Ambiguous Doubtful, uncertain
Ambivalent Does not know or does not make it clear whether they want or do not want something, whether they approv
Ambrosia Food of the gods
Amenable Obedient, compliant, readily managed, responsive (Eg. They were less amenable about the issue than hoped)
Amity Friendship, peaceful relationship as between nations
Amnesty Pardon (allowed by government to political criminals)
Amoral Non-moral, having no understanding of right and wrong
Amorous Moved by sexual love, loving (Eg. Amorous advances)
Amorphous Formless, lacking shape or definition (Eg. An amorphous cloud)
Amortize To diminish by installment payments
Anachronism Something out of place in time, or outdated (old-fashioned)
Analgesic A drug which lessens pain (Eg. This drug has good analgesic properties and will help to reduce pain.)
Analogous Similar or equivalent in some respects
Anarchism A political belief that the laws and power of all governments and organizations should be replaced by people an
Anathema Strong disapproval (Eg. Taxes were always anathema to the Yankees)
Ancillary 1. Main staff of an organization. 2. Additional part of something else (Eg. Local resources were ancillary to a wid
Angular Containing a lot of straight lines and sharp points (Eg. Women in angular hats and sensible shoes. Their apparen
Animosity/Animus Strong dislike
Annals Records as part of history (Eg. The two most improbable soldiers in the annals of military history)
Anneal Reduce brittleness and improve toughness by heating and cooling (metal or glass)
Annotate Comment, make explanatory notes. (Noun): Annotation
Annuity Investment or insurance policy that pays a fixed sum of money to someone each year (Eg. to ensure a guarantee
Anodyne Drug that relieves pain or trouble, opiate (Eg. Anodyne statement)
Anoint Consecrate, put oil on in a religious ceremony
Anomaly Rule or practice that is different from what is normal or usual, and which is therefore unsatisfactory (Eg. We mu
Antecedents Preceding events that influence what comes later, ancestors or early background
Antedate Be earlier in time, go back further (Eg. The Egyptians' written records antedated those of the Greeks by thousan
Antediluvian Antiquated, extremely ancient (often used in a humorous way) (Eg. Old men with antediluvian ideas still ruled t
Anthology A book of literary selections by various authors
Anthropoid Manlike, resembling a human being
Antithetical Sharply contrasted in character or purpose
Antipathy Strong feeling of dislike or hostility towards them (Eg. Both share a common antipath to colonialism)
Anvil Heavy iron block on which hot metals are beaten into a particular shape
Apartheid Brutal racial discrimination in the political system (Eg. The practical effects of apartheid on the daily lives of
Apathy An absence of emotion or enthusiasm
Aperture Opening, hole, adjustable opening in a camera that limits the amount of light
Aphasia Loss of speech due to injury or illness
Apiary A place where bees are kept. Apiarist: person who keeps bees
Aplomb Poise, composure in difficult situations, assurance, self-confidence (Eg. She went on with wonderful aplomb con
Apocryphal A story widely believed but of questionable authority or authencity
Apogee Highest point, the point farthest from the earth
Apolitical Having a lack of concern for political affairs
Apologist One who writes in defense of a cause or institution, Apologia (Noun) (Eg. A magnificent apologia for the House o
Apoplexy Stroke, loss of consciousness caused by too much blood in the brain
Apostate One who abandons his religious faith or political beliefs
Apotheosis An ideal example of something (Eg. He seemed the apotheosis of generosity)
Apparition Someone or something (esp. dead) that you think you see but is not really there (Eg. He is visited by an appariti
Appellation Name, title (Eg. Few experimenters would shudder at the appellation 'architect')
Apposite Very suitable or appropriate to what is being discussed (Eg. apposite questions, the image of the tomb seemed p
Apprise Inform (Eg. I apprised him of the political situation in Washington)
Approbation Approval of something or agreement to it (Eg. He surveyed the document with approbation)
Appurtenances Minor or additional features or possessions (Eg. the appurtenances of modern civilization)
Apropos 1. Something relevant (Eg. Apropos of space medicine, I would like to mention a new development). 2. Introduc
Aquiline Curved, hooked (Eg. aquiline nose = like beak)
Arbitrary 1. Not done or decided according to any plan, system, or reason (Eg. It is difficult to discern the motive of this se
Arbitrate To judge a dispute between two opposing parties (Eg. They called on the EU to arbitrate the dispute)
Arcade A covered passageway usually lined with shops
Arcane Esoteric, secret, mysterious (Eg. Arcane ritual)
Archetype Perfect example of a particular kind of person, thing, system, etc. because it has all their most important traits
Ardor Heat, passion, zeal
Arduous Difficult, tiring, involves a lot of effort (Eg. An arduous journey)
Argot Slang, speech spoken by only a small group of people
Aria Operatic solo, a song sung by one person in an opera or oratorio
Arraign Brought before a court of law to answer that charge (Eg. He had just been arraigned on a charge of murdering h
Arrogate To claim without justification, to claim a privilege for oneself without right
Arroyo Gully, narrow channel formed by rainwater
Artifice Deception, trickery (Eg. They saw through the artifice)
Artless Someone simple and honest, without thought of deceiving others
Ascendancy State of being more powerful or having more influence than someone else (Eg. Unionist ascendancy over the Ca
Ascertain Learn or discover with confidence (employer has a hard time ascertaining the most suitable candidate)
Ascetic A way of life that is simple and strict with no luxuries or physical pleasures, usually because of religious beliefs (
Ascribe Refer, attribute, assign (Eg. It is wrong to ascribe everything that has happened simply to the war)
Asinine Stupid (Eg. Asinine remarks)
Askance Look at someone in a doubtful or suspicious way (Eg. Look askance at)
Aspersion Criticize someone with comments that may damage their reputation (Eg. cast aspersions on)
Aspirant Seeker after position or status (Eg. Aspirants to political power), Aspire (Verb)
Assail To attach, to assault (Assailant: Noun)
Assay Test metal to see how pure it is
Assent Agree or express agreement
Assiduous Diligent, works with care and dedication (Eg. an assiduous student)
Assuage Make less severe, ease or lessen pain, satisfy hunger, soothe anger (Eg. He tried to calm her down, but could not
Astral Relating to the stars
Astringent 1. Liquid or substance put on wound to stop bleeding, or to make less greasy (Eg. I examined the cut, put on astr
Astute Wise, shrewd, keen, seeing quickly something that is to one's advantage (Eg. astute politician)
Asunder Violently separate into two or more pieces (Eg. The Party would be torn asunder)
Atavistic Feelings or behaviour of primitive ancestors (Eg. Many of those present felt this atavistic fear)
Atrophy Decrease in size or strength (Eg. muscle atrophy, Their society is in a state of atrophy)
Attenuate Become weaker in strenth, value, or magnitude (the therapertuic effects of the drug are attenuated at too small
Attrition Steadily reduce the strength of an enemy by continually attacking them (Eg. a war of attrition)
Audacious Fearless, daring (Eg. to take audacious decisions)
Augury A sign of what will happen in the future (Eg. Let us hope it is an augury)
August Impressive, majestic (Eg. He is the most august figure in the House of Lords)
Aureole Sun's corona, halo, bright circle of light
Auroral Pertaining to the aurora borealise
Auspicious Favoring success, giving signs of future success
Austere 1. Plain and undecorated (Eg. The interior of the church was sober and austere). 2. Strict, serious and does not a
Autocratic Having absolute unchecked power, dictatorial., Autocrat, Autocracy (Noun)
Automaton 1. Person who acts without thinking when they are tired or bored (Eg. Eventually you become an automaton, sa
Auxiliary Person/Equipment to help in main work (Eg. Nursing auxiliary help nurses with their basic duties, auxiliary sca
Avant-garde Group of artists whose work is based on the newest ideas and methods
Avarice Greediness for wealth (Eg. driven by avarice, he ruthlessly exploited his workers)
Aver State confidently, declare as true (Eg. He averred his innocence)
Averse Firm dislike, reluctant, (Eg. Averse to cats)
Avocation Secondary or minor occupation
Avow Declare openly, Avowal (Noun)
Avuncular Friendly, caring, and helpful to someone younger (Eg. The avuncular doctor smiled kindly at his patient)
Awning Piece of canvas or thick material, attached to a caravan, building, etc. which shelters people or things from the r
Axiom A statement of an idea which people accept as being true, although it is not necessarily so (Eg. It is an old axiom
s for counting and in other countries for teaching children to count.

t that is not normal (Eg. This is a temporary aberration and will soon be put right).

yance. The title shall be deemed to be in abeyance.)

jured such a disreputable way of proceeding.)
ather's ablutions)
h you would like to

. if the unions were to abrogate their traditional role, abrogation of emergency laws)

y over a country
s absolved from all blame and responsibility for the shipwreck). Absolution: Forgiven for wrong committed (Eg. An absolution from my sins of the
overdrinking.)

rld was teetering on the edge of the abyss of WWII). 3. A very great different between two people or two groups (Eg. God and man are divided by a
s upset by my refusal to accede to his request. To accede to such a contention would set a dangerous precedent.)

e he could receive)
f coverage normally reserved for film stars). 2. If an idea, policy, situation accords with something else, it fits in with harmony (Eg. I rewrote

being added to something to increase its size (Eg. accretions of mud, coral is formed by a process of accretion).

ingly. He acquiesced to the demand. The legislators acquiesced in the peace terms.)
e someone they did not commit the crime (Eg. The jury acquitted her of theft).
e out). Acrimony (Noun): Eg. acrimony over the involvement of the police.

advises insurance companies

Eg. Business acumen)

regarded it as an indispensable adjunct to the kind of life he wanted. Women want to be seen as independent forces, rather than adjuncts
gain not to answer questions.)
un): warning or rebuke about someone's behaviour

d resulted in the affray between him and John)

or profit. Large agglomerations of capital.) Agglomerate (Verb): gather into a rounded mass
(Eg. He sided with the masses for personal gain and aggrandizement)
eality, unbeliever
my concerned with agriculture (Eg. The system is well designed for an agrarian society, agrarian reform)

n the rest of the wall (Eg. His desk was in an alcove to one side of the chimney, built-in closet?)

of an illegal secret society)

ral, religious, or political point
h the same letter or sound (Eg. His prose was full of alliteration)

[Verb] Amalgamate: mix, combine, unite socities

omething, whether they approve of it or not (Eg. Americans are ambivalent about the whole business of abortion)

e about the issue than hoped)

help to reduce pain.)

should be replaced by people and groups working together freely. (Noun) Anarchy: where nobody pays attention to rules or laws (Eg. anarchy and
esources were ancillary to a wider national system of control)
nd sensible shoes. Their apparent angular movement.)

of military history)

year (Eg. to ensure a guaranteed income by the purchase of an annuity)

efore unsatisfactory (Eg. We must correct these injustices and anomalies.)

d those of the Greeks by thousands of years.)

h antediluvian ideas still ruled the villages)

tipath to colonialism)

f apartheid on the daily lives of blacks)

t on with wonderful aplomb considering that no one seemed interested)

nificent apologia for the House of Lords.)

(Eg. He is visited by an apparition, a girl mysteriously resembling his dead daughter)

the image of the tomb seemed particularly apposite in this case)

new development). 2. Introduce something that you are going to say which is related to the subject at hand (Eg. I was at school with his sister. Ap

t to discern the motive of this seemingly arbitrary attack). 2. Done without consideration for the wishes of the people affected and cannot be preve
arbitrate the dispute)

all their most important traits

ned on a charge of murdering his wife)

Unionist ascendancy over the Catholic minority)

most suitable candidate)
ally because of religious beliefs (Eg. ascetic life of monks)
simply to the war)

spersions on)

to calm her down, but could not assuage her terror)

g. I examined the cut, put on astringent and applied a plaster). 2. Criticize someone severely (Eg. The funniest and most astringent critic to date).
ute politician)

atavistic fear)

drug are attenuated at too small doses)

ar of attrition)

2. Strict, serious and does not approve of enjoying life (Eg. She was an austere religious woman). 3. Simple life without comfort or luxuries )Eg. In
y you become an automaton, saying the same dull things over and over again). 2. A small mechanical figure tht can move automatically (robot)
h their basic duties, auxiliary scaffolding)

led kindly at his patient)

ters people or things from the rain or sun (Eg. The shop was freshly painted with a large green awning to protect the plate glass window)
essarily so (Eg. It is an old axiom that the more people know a secret, the less of a secret it is likely to be)
An absolution from my sins of the past.)

(Eg. God and man are divided by a fundamental abyss)

s in with harmony (Eg. I rewrote the article because it didn't accord with our policy). 3. A formal agreement between two states or sovereigns

ent forces, rather than adjuncts of men.)

n to rules or laws (Eg. anarchy and economic chaos)
 I was at school with his sister. Apropos, I have often wondered what became of my old schoolfriends). 3. Very suitable in a particular situation (Eg

eople affected and cannot be prevented or changes, used showing disapproval (Eg. the brutal and arbitrary expulsion of immigrants).
d most astringent critic to date).

without comfort or luxuries )Eg. In these austere times, we are all cutting back).
an move automatically (robot)

t the plate glass window)

between two states or sovereigns (The government expected a final accord before the end of the year).
uitable in a particular situation (Eg. You look very apropos today in that suit!).

lsion of immigrants).
Bacchanalian Party at which people drink a lot and behave in an uncontrollable way, often involving sexual activity (Eg.
Backslide Failing to do something agreed or promised, especially reverting back to bad habits
Badinage Teasing conversation, banter, joking talk
Baleful Harmful effects or expresses someone's harmful intentions (Eg. We saw his baleful eyes fixed on us)
Balmy Soft and mild (or air), fragrant (Eg. balmy weather)
Banal A remark, idea, or situation that is ordinary and unoriginal that is not at all effective or interesting (Eg. I c
Bandy 1. discuss in casual way (Eg. Many businesses start off as ideas just bandied to and fro between friends). 2
Bane Cause distress or unhappiness (Eg. the costly system is the bane of hospital administration)
Bard Poet
Baroque 1. European architecture and art in late 16th to early 18th century (Eg. Baroque buildings). 2. European m
Barrage 1. A Barrage of complaints, question, criticism (Eg. His comments proboked a barrage of criticism). 2. Firi
Barrister Lawyer who speaks in the higher courts of law on behalf of either the defence or prosecuted
Base Immoral behavior or dishonorable (Eg. base and unpatriotic motives)
Bastion 1. Regarded as important and effective in defending a particular way of life or protecting people from som
Bate Reduce the force or intensity of, restrain
Bawdy A story, joke, etc. that contains humorous references to sex (Eg. bawdy songs)
Beatific Shows or expresses great happiness, calmness and bliss
Bedizens Dress or decorate with vulgar finery
Beget 1. Cause something to happen or be created (Eg. repetition begets boredom, the plague begot significant p
Beguile Deceive, mislead or delude, trick. Beguiling: charming and attractive in a rather false way.
Behemoth Huge creature, something of monstrous size or power
Beholden Obligated, indebted, owing thanks to, obliged or indebted from gratitude (Eg. I am beholden to you, John,
Behoove Right, necessary, or advantageous for you to do it (Eg. It behooves us to be cautious about imposing our id
Belabor 1. Hit hard repeatedly (Eg. Marie was about the belabor her with a walking stick.). 2. Emphasize or repeat
Beleaguer 1.Person, organization, or project that is having difficulties or being criticized. (Eg. The beleaguered space
Belie 1. Makes it seem less interesting or extreme than it really is (Eg. These simple words belie the ambitious n
Bellicose Aggressive and likely to start an argument or fight (Eg. Bellicose governments, bellicose pronouncements
Belligerent Hostile and aggressive (Eg. belligerent attitude)
Bemoan Express sorrow and dissastisfaction for something (Eg. The farmer bemoaned his loss.)
Benediction Blessing, prayer asking God to bless someone
Benevolent Kind, helpful, tolerant (Eg. a benevolent uncle, benevolent government, he lived off contributions from a b
Benison Blessing (Eg. The rewards and benisons of marriage)
Bereft 1. Loss of an ability, quality (Eg. Her cheeks were bereft of color, the room was bereft of pictures). 2. Loss o
Beset 1. Overwhelmed with difficulties, problems, fears (Eg. The problems which beset us and threaten to dstro
Besiege 1. Soldiers or a group of people surround a town or place to attempt to invade it (Eg. They were besieged
Bestial Behaving in a revolting or disgusting way (Eg. She began to look upon the act of love as bestial and repulsi
Betoken Signify, indicate, be a sign of (Eg. an expression which clearly betokened how deeply his feelings had been
Bevy Group of people with something in common, oftten used to show disapproval (Eg. A bevy of village girls fl
Bicameral (of a legislative body) having two branches or chambers
Bifurcate Divided into two branches, forked (Eg. A bifurcate tree)
Bigot One who is intolerant (in matters of religion or politics) N: Bigotry - stubborn intolerance
Bilious 1. Unpleasant and disgusting which may cause to feel sick (Eg. a bilious green). 2. feel sick and have a head
Bilk 1. obtain or withhold money from (someone) by deceit or without justification; cheat or defraud (Eg. gove
Bivouac 1. Temporary camp made by soldiers or mountaineers, stay at a place temporarily (Eg. regiments had bivo
Blackball Prevent someone from joining a club or other association by voting against their application, ostracize
Blanch 1. Become pale from shock, fright, or ill (Eg. Her rosy cheeks had been blanched by the wind.). 2. Put vege
Blandishment Flattery (Eg. He remained impervious to Nell's sulks and blandishments)
Blase Showing no excitement, interest, or pleasure in things that other people consider exciting or interesting d
Blasphemy Disrespect for God and considered shocking (Eg. Any attempt to violate or degrade that image is blasphem
Blight 1. Plant disease 2. Something causing great difficulties and unpleasantness that damages or spoils someth
Blithe 1. Done without serious or careful thought (Eg. I made a blithe comment about the fine weather). 2. Caref
Blowhard Talkative boaster, braggart (Eg. a bunch of pompous blowhards trying to get on the news)
Bluff Steep cliff or bank, especially by a river or the sea
Bluster 1. Speak or behave noisily and aggressively because you are angry or offedned (Eg. They blustered and sw
Bogus False, not done according to proper laws and rules (Eg. Bogus scientific arguments, bogus names, terrible
Boon Blessing, benefit, something very helpful and convenient (Eg. The bus service is a boon to old people)
Boor Rough, impolite, clumsy
Bouillon Soup made from boiling meat and bones or vegetables (Eg. beef bouillon)
Bourgeois 1. Middle-class lifestyle, attitudes, beliefs (Eg. I found their ideas insufferably bourgeois). 2. Referring to th
Bovine 1. Relating to cattle (Eg. Bovine tuberculosis) 2. Slow, stupid, ugly behaviour or appearance (Eg. bovine ap
Bowdlerize Expurgate, remove material that is considered improper or offensive from (a text or account), especially w
Braggadocio Boastful or arrogant behavior
Bravado Appearance of courage or confidence put on in order to impress others (Eg. a defiant act of bravado)
Bridle 1. Harness fitted about a horse's head attached to reins for rider to control and drive horse 2. show anger
Brindled Brownish or tawny color of animal fur, with streaks of other color (Eg. Brindle pup)
Broach 1. raise (a sensitive or difficult subject) for discussion (Eg. he broached the subject he had been avoiding a
Brocade Thick, heavy, expensive material, often of silk with a raised pattern (Eg. She wore a kimono of beige and w
Broil Grill (Eg. trout broiled over charcoal)
Brook 1. small stream with quickly flowing water (Eg. mountain brook). 2. Disallow or unaccept argument (Eg. s
Browbeat Bully, intimidate into doing something (Eg. Hw are you suggest that I would try and browbeat Elizabeth!)
Buccaneer 1. Pirate 2. Clever and successful person in business who cannot be completely trusted (Eg. Selling cars is
Bucolic Rustic, pastoral, relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life
Bugaboo Bugbear (something that worries or upsets people), an object of fear or alarm (Eg. noise from engines is a
Bullion Gold or silver in the form of bars and lumps, often turned into coins or jewellery
Bulwark Something strong built for defense (Eg. The fund is a bulwark against your benefits being cut)
Bungle 1. carry out (a task) clumsily or incompetently, leading to failure or an unsatisfactory outcome, botch (Eg.
Burgeon Develops rapidly (Eg. The leaves brugeoned in spring, life in sea burgeoned into many forms, a burgeonin
Burlesque Give an imitation that ridicules, imitate mockingly (Eg. the poem is really a burlesque, we could have joine
Burnish Polish so it shines (Eg. burnished skin)
Buxom Voluptous, healthy and attractive with big breasts when describing women (Eg. the buxom ladies in his pa
 ten involving sexual activity (Eg. A night of bacchanalian revelry)

his baleful eyes fixed on us)

all effective or interesting (Eg. I couldn't think of anything to say that wouldn't sound banal)
ied to and fro between friends). 2. Argue (Eg. I'm not going to bandy words with Jimmy). 3. Repeat or use often, usually to impress ot
tal administration)

aroque buildings). 2. European music style used by Bach and Handel in the 18th century. 3. Extremely complicated, rich and elabora
ked a barrage of criticism). 2. Firing of a large number of guns at the beginning of a battle over a wide area rather than at a single targ
fence or prosecuted

ife or protecting people from something unpleasant (Eg. They regard the wealth-producing system as a bastion of capitalistic privile

om, the plague begot significant political change). 2. A man begets a child (fathers a child)
rather false way.

(Eg. I am beholden to you, John, for looking after us.)

e cautious about imposing our ideas on them).
ng stick.). 2. Emphasize or repeat a point (Eg. There is no need to belabor the point.)
cized. (Eg. The beleaguered space program). 2. place or group of people surrounded by enemies and besieged (Eg. A beleaguered city
mple words belie the ambitious nature of his task. His unlined face belied his fifty-five years.). 2. Untrue, unreal, ingenuine (Eg. The p
ments, bellicose pronouncements by public men.)

oaned his loss.)

e lived off contributions from a benevolent society)

m was bereft of pictures). 2. Loss of a close friend or relative (Eg. He had imagined her as utterfly bereft and friendless).
ch beset us and threaten to dstroy us, the maintenance of an effective policy is beset with problems). 2. Harrassed by a group of peop
nvade it (Eg. They were besieged for months but refused to surrender, a besieged town). 2. Demands from people (Eg. All hospitals w
e act of love as bestial and repulsive).
how deeply his feelings had been hurt).
roval (Eg. A bevy of village girls flanked by two stout matrons, a bevy of eager experts, the discovery was followed by a bevy of simila

born intolerance
 reen). 2. feel sick and have a headache. 3. bad-tempered
cation; cheat or defraud (Eg. government waste had bilked taxpayers billions of dollars.). 2. Evade, elude (Eg. I ducked into the pantr
mporarily (Eg. regiments had bivouacked at places like Valley Forge.)
nst their application, ostracize
anched by the wind.). 2. Put vegetables, fruit, or nuts in boiling water for a short time to remove skins to kill germs. 3. Bleach, whiten

consider exciting or interesting due to having experienced them before (Eg. I tried sounding blase and experienced.)
or degrade that image is blasphemy.)
ss that damages or spoils something (Eg. Pollution is often regarded as a modern blight, her career has been blighted by some clashe
about the fine weather). 2. Carefree or cheerful (Eg. Mollie strolled blithely into the yard.)
get on the news)

edned (Eg. They blustered and swore that the pictures were fake.). 2. A noisy, aggressive way of talking that shows anger or offense (E
arguments, bogus names, terrible bogus accent)
rvice is a boon to old people)

ably bourgeois). 2. Referring to the capitalist system according to Marxist theory and the social class in such a system who own most
our or appearance (Eg. bovine apathy of members, typical media woman's bovine leer)
m (a text or account), especially with the result that it becomes weaker or less effective (Eg. a bowdlerized version of the story)

Eg. a defiant act of bravado)

ol and drive horse 2. show anger or displeasure by moving head and body upwards in proud way (Eg. Smith bridled at anonymous cr

he subject he had been avoiding all evening) 2. pierce (a cask) to draw liquor (Eg. broach a bottle or barrel)
he wore a kimono of beige and white brocade)

llow or unaccept argument (Eg. she brooks no nonsense)

uld try and browbeat Elizabeth!)
pletely trusted (Eg. Selling cars is big business in which buccaneers make huge profits)

alarm (Eg. noise from engines is a bugbear)

ur benefits being cut)

nsatisfactory outcome, botch (Eg. They bungled the entire operation)
ed into many forms, a burgeoning industry)
y a burlesque, we could have joined any burlesque show in the country)

en (Eg. the buxom ladies in his paintings)

use often, usually to impress others (Eg. The words dedication and loyalty are bandied about regularly at our board meetings).

y complicated, rich and elaborate, used showing disapproval (Eg. I find her novels too baroque and alarming for my taste).
area rather than at a single target so that soldiers can move forward. 3. A construction built across a river to control the level of wate

a bastion of capitalistic privilege, love is a bastion against loneliness.). 2. Part of the wall of a castle of fortress which sticks out from

esieged (Eg. A beleaguered city).

ue, unreal, ingenuine (Eg. The promises in the manifesto were belied as rapidly as his other promises)

t and friendless).
2. Harrassed by a group of people (Eg. The frantic beast was beset by a mob wielding sticks).
rom people (Eg. All hospitals were still being besieged by crowds of casualties needing treatment, she was besieged by people wantin

as followed by a bevy of similar studies)

de (Eg. I ducked into the pantry, bilking Edward yet again.)

to kill germs. 3. Bleach, whiten, make white or pale

d experienced.)

s been blighted by some clashes with authorities.)

that shows anger or offense (Eg. She simply ignored his bluster as empty rhetoric.)

n such a system who own most of the wealth (Eg. A new phase in the evolution of bourgeois capitalism)

ized version of the story)

Smith bridled at anonymous criticism in the press)

 at our board meetings).

rming for my taste).

ver to control the level of water

fortress which sticks out from the main part of the wall

was besieged by people wanting her autograph).

Cabal Small group of persons secretly unite to promote their own interests, usually political (Eg. a secret cab
Cache Hiding place for things (Eg. They discovered an arms cache, an unoccupied fort containing caches of fo
Cadaver Corpse, dead human body Cadeverous: very thin and pale, looking unhealthy (he had a cadaverous face
Cadence 1. Rise and fall of voice (Eg. his voice had an unfamiliar cadence) 2. Close of a musical phrase or sequen
Calamity Event which caused great destruction or personal sadness and distress (Eg. the calamity of dole queue
Callow Youthful, immature, inexperienced (Eg. a callow youth)
Calumny Untrue statement made to reduce other people's respect and admiration (Eg. The Lord Chancellor bec
Cameo 1. Jewelry, typically oval in shape, consisting of a portrait in profile carved in relief on a background of
Camp 1. Group sharing a common cause or opinion 2. Designed in exaggerated or vulgar style that makes it in
Canard False information often to discredit someone's work (Eg. Perpetuate the canard that blacks are cause o
Candor Speaking honestly and openly and not hiding any facts (Eg. They were talking of personal matters with
Canker Any ulcerous sore, ulcer, any evil (Eg. Hypocrisy is the canker of society)
Cant 1. hypocritical and sanctimonious talk, typically of a moral, religious, or political nature (Eg. the liberal
Cantankerous Ill-humored, irritable, always finding something to complain about (Eg. Their boredom made them qua
Cantata Short musical work for singers and instruments (Eg. He sang Bach cantatas)
Canto Main section of a long poem
Canvass 1. solicit votes from (electors in a constituency), campaign (Eg. it was the fullest canvass ever seen). 2.
Capacious Spacious
Capitulate Surrender, give up all resistance (Eg. Economic pressures finally made the Government capitulate to ou
Caprice Whim, sudden change of mind without any real cause or predictability (Eg. we cannot control the capr
Carafe Glass to serve wine or water, also used to refer to the liquid within the glass (Eg. We drank a carafe of h
Carapace Hard upper shell of a turtle, crustacean, or arachnid
Cardinal 1. a leading dignitary of the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinals are nominated by the Pope and form the
Career Move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way in a specified direction (Eg. the car careered across the road a
Carillon A set of bells often in a tower, played using a keyboard or automatic mechanism similar to piano roll (E
Carnage Destruction of life, slaughter, killing large numbers of people or animals (Eg. unforgettable scene of car
Carousal Rowdy gathering with a lot of alcohol (Eg. Carousal is a popular pastime of rock stars)
Carping Difficult to please, critical, complain or find fault about trivial matters, nag (Eg. She silenced the carpin
Carrion Decaying flesh of dead animals
Castigate Punishment, severe criticism or disapproval, reprimand someone severely (Eg. He was castigated for n
Cataclysm A large scale and violent even in the natural world, sudden violent upheaval in political or social contex
Catechism A summary of the principles of Christian religion in the form of questions and answers used as instruc
Categorical Without exceptions, explicit and direct (Eg. a categorical assurance that annual premiums would not in
Catharsis 1. Process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from strong or repressed emotions 2. Purgation (m
Caucus 1. Meeting at which local members of a political party register their preference among candidates runn
Caulk (calk) Make watertight by blocking up cracks in a ship
Cauterize Burn the skin or flesh of (a wound) with a heated instrument or caustic substance, typically to stop ble
Cavalcade Procession of riders or horse-drawn carriages, parade (Eg. bystanders cheered as the cavalcade passed
Cavalier 1. Supporter of King Charles I in the English Civil War 2. A courtly gentleman, especially one acting as a
Cavil Quibble, make frivolous objections, find fault unnecessarily (Eg. They caviled at the cost)
Celerity Swiftness of movement, rapidity
Censor (Census) 1. Official who examines material about to be released such as books, art, and suppresses parts conside
Censorious Severely critical (Eg. Jim was never censorious and often carried tolerance too far)
Censure Blame, criticize, express strong disapproval in a formal statement (Eg. the judge was censured for a var
Centurion The commander of a century in the ancient Roman army
Cerebration Thought, working of the brain
Certitude Absolute certainty or conviction that something is the case, something that is firmly believed to be true
Cessation Stopping, termination of a process (Eg. the cessation of hostilities)
Cession The formal giving up of rights, property, or territory, especially by a state (Eg. the cession of twenty imp
Chafe 1. Make sore or warm by rubbing against (Eg. the collar chafed his neck) 2. a state of annoyance
Chaff 1. The husks of corn or other seed separated by winnowing or threshing, chopped hay and straw 2. Wo
Chagrin Distress or embarrassment at having failed or been humiliated (Eg. Jeff, much to his chagrin, was not in
Chalice A large cup or goblet typically used for drinking wine (used in Christian Eucharist)
Chancellery Position, office or department of a chancellor, an office attached to anembassy or consulate
Chaplain A member of the clergy attached to a private chapel, institution, ship, branch of armed forces, etc.
Charlatan Person falsely claiming to have special knowledge or skill, a fraud
Chary Cautious, unwilling to take risks, sparing or restrained about giving (Eg. he was chary of broaching the
Chase 1. Engrave metal (Eg. a delicately chased floral design) 2. metal frame for holding composed type and b
Chasm 1. A deep fissure in earth, rock, abyss 2. a profound difference between people, viewpoints, feelings (Eg
Chassis Base frama of a vehicle, the outer structural framework of a piece of audio, radio or computer equipme
Chaste 1. abstaining from extramarital intercourse, nonsexual, platonic (Eg. a chaste kiss on the cheek) 2. simp
Chasten have a restraining or moderating effect on (Eg. the director was somewhat chastened by his recent flop
Cherub A winged angel attending on God with eagles' wings and a human face regarded as angel of second hig
Chicanery The use of trickery to achieve a political, financial, or legal purpose (Eg. an underhanded person who s
Chide Scold, rebuke someone who has done wrong (Eg. she chided him for not replying to her letters)
Chimera 1. a fire-breathing female monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail 2. a thing hoped
Choleric Hot-tempered, bad-tempered, irritable
Churlish Rude in a mean and surly way (Eg. it seems churlish to complain)
Cipher 1. a secret or disguised way of writing, a code (Eg. he was writing cryptic notes in a cipher) 2. zero, figu
Circuitous a journey or route longer than the most direct way (Eg. the canal followed a circuitous route)
Circumlocution the use of many words where fewer would suffice, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or eva
Circumscribe 1. restrict something within limits (Eg. their movements were strictly monitored and circumscribed) 2
Circumspect Wary and unwilling to take risks, chary
Cistern Reservoir or water tank (Eg. a cistern of rainwater)
Clairvoyant Supernatural abilities to perceive events in the future or beyond normal sensory contact, psychic (Eg. h
Clandestine Kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit (Eg. she deserved better than these clandetine
Clangor A continuous loud banging or ringing sound (Eg. he went deaf because of the clangor of the steam ham
Clapper The free swinging metal piece inside a bell that is made to strike the bell to produce the sound, tongue
Clarion A shrill, narrow-tubed war trumpet, loud and clear (Eg. clarion trumpeters)
Clemency Disposition to be lenient in deciding punishments, mildness as of the weather
Clime a region considered with reference to its climate (Eg. the Continent and its sunnier climes)
Cloister 1. a covered walk in a convent, monastery, or cathedral typically with a wall on one side and colonnade
Clout 1. A heavy blow with hand or hard object (Eg. a clout on the ear) 2. influence or power in politics or bu
Coda 1. Concluding section of a piece or movement in dance or musical, the finale in which dancers parade b
Codicil An addition or supplement that explains, modifies, or revokes a will or part of one
Codify Arrange laws or rules into a systematic code (Eg. Verdi helped codify an international operatic culture)
Coercion The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats (Eg. John claims the pol
Coeval 1. Having the same date of origin, contemporary (Eg. these lavas are coeval with volcanic activity) 2. pe
Cog A wheel or bar with a series of projections on its edge that transfers motion by engaing with projection
Cogent clear, logical convincing argument
Cogitate Think deeply about something, meditate or reflect
Cognate Having the same linguistic derivation as another, from the same original word or root, related, connect
Cognizance 1. Knowledge, awareness, notice (Eg. he was deputed to bring the affair to the cognizance of the board)
Coiffure Hairstyle, typically an elaborate one
Collate 1. Compile text, information, figures in proper order 2. compare and analyze texts or data (Eg. he collat
Colloquial language used in ordinary conversation, not formal or literary
Colloquy Conversation, gathering for discussion of theological questions (Eg. the broke off their colloquy at once
Collusion Conspiring in a fraudulent scheme to cheat or deceive others (Eg. there had been collusion between se
Comestible Food, edible (Eg. a fridge groaning with comestibles, comestible plants)
Comeuppance Punishment or fate that someone deserves (Eg. he got his comeuppance)
Comity 1. Association of nations for their mutual benefit, mutual recognition of laws and customs of other nati
Commandeer 1. Officially take possession or control of something for military purposes (Eg. telegraph and telephone
Commensurate Corresponding in size or degree, in proportion (Eg. salary will be commensurate with experience)
Commiserate Express or feel sympathy or pity (Eg. she went over to commiserate with Rose on her unfortuante circu
Commodious Spacious and comfortable, convenient
Compendium A collection of concise but detailed information about a particular subject especially in a book or other
Complaisant Trying to please, obliging, wiling to please others (Eg. when unharnessed, Northern dogs are peaceful
Comport 1. Conduct oneself, behave (Eg. articulate students who comported themselves well in television interv
Compunction A feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad (Eg. spend the m
Concatenate Link things together in a chain or series
Concede 1. Admit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it (Eg. I had to concede that I'd o
Concerted 1. Jointly arranged, planned, coordinated (Eg. concerted action) 2. Strenously carried out, done with gr
Conciliatory Intended or likely to placate or pacify (Eg. a conciliatory approach)
Conclave Private secret meeting, the assemply of cardinals for the election of a pope, the meeting place for a con
Concomitant Naturally accompanying or associated (Eg. she loved to travel, with all its concomitant worries, pain an
Concord Agreement between people or groups (Eg. council meetings rarely end in concord), a treaty, a chord th
Condign Adequate of punishment, severe and well deserved to the crime or wrongdoing
Conflagration An extensive fire that destroys a great deal of land or property (Eg. the conflagration spread rapidly thr
Confluence 1. Flowing together, the place where two rivers flow together (Eg. the confluence of the Rhine and the M
Conformist Person who conforms to accepted behavior or established practices
Confound 1. Cause surprise or confusion by acting against expectations (Eg. the inflation figure confounded econ
Congenital Disease, abnormality, trait existing from birth or by firmly established habit (Eg. a congenital malforma
Congruence Agreement, compatibility (Eg. the results show good congruence with recent studies)
Conjecture 1. Opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information (Eg. conjectures about the new
Conjugal Pertaining to marriage (Eg. conjugal loyalty)
Connoisseur An expert judge in matters of taste (Eg. a connoisseur of music)
Connotation An idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its primary meaning (Eg. the word discipline has u
Connubial Pertaining to marriage, conjugal (Eg. their connubial bed)
Consanguineous having a common ancestor
Conscientious 1. wishing to do what is right, do one's duty well and thoroughly (Eg a conscientious and hardworking
Conscript Draftee, compulsory enlistment for state service, typically into armed forces
Consecrate 1. Make or declare sacred, dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose (Eg. the present Holy Trin
Consign 1. Send to a person or place for sale, deliver officially, entrust (Eg. He consigned three paintings to Soth
Consonance Harmony, agreement
Consort 1. spouse 2. habitually associate with typicaly with disapproval of others (Eg. you chose to consort with
Consternation Anxiety or dismay at something unexpected (Eg. I always welcome clover, much to the consternation o
Constituency Voters in a specific area who elect a representative to a legislative body, body of customers or supporte
Construe Interpret in a particular way, analyze the syntax of a sentence, translate (Eg. I'm not sure you've proper
Contention 1. Heated disagreement (Eg. the captured territory was one of the main areas of contention between th
Contiguous Adjacent to, together in sequence, sharing a common border (Eg. contiguous states, 500 contiguous dic
Continence Self-restraint, sexual chastity, sexual abstinence
Contingent 1. subject to chance (Eg. the contingent nature of the job) 2. losses that can be anticipated to arise if a p
Contraband 1. smuggled goods, goods forbidden to be supplied by neutrals to those engaged in war (the contraban
Contrite Feeling or expressing remorse, guilt (Joey was so contrite we had to conceal our amusement)
Contrivance 1. Use of skill to bring something about or create something (her matchmaking contrivances) 2. a devic
Contrived Deliberately created rather than arising naturally (the ending of the novel is too contrived)
Controvert Deny the truth, argue about something (subsequent work from the same lab controverted these result
Contumacious Stubborning or willfully disobedient to authority
Conundrum A confusing and difficult problem or question, question asked for amusement, riddle (the conundrums
Convene Come together, assemble call to meet (he convened a group of well known scientists and philosophers)
Conversant Familiar with, having knowledge of
Convoke Call together, summon (she convoked a Council of Ministers)
Coquette 1. Flirt, woman who triest to attract the admiration of men without sincere feelings 2. a Central and So
Cordon 1. line or circle of police, soldiers, guard preventing access to an area or building (cordon of police) 2. o
Cornice 1. ornamental molding around wall just below ceiling 2. overhanging mass of hardened snow at edge o
Cornucopia Horn overflowing with fruit and grain, ornamental container shaped like a goat's horn, abundant supp
Corollary A proposition that follows from one already approved
Coroner Public official who investigates any death thought to be of other than natural causes
Corpulent Very fat, obese, stout
Corpus 1. a collection of written texts, especially the entire works of a particular author or a body of writing on
Corpuscle minute body or cell in an organism, especially a red or white cell in the blood of vertebrates, minute pa
Corroborate Confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding (confirm or give support to (a statement, the
Corrugated Of a material, surface, or structure shaped into alternate ridges and grooves (the roof was made of corr
Coterie A small group of people with shared interests or tastes, especially one that is exclusive of other people
Countenance 1. A person's face or facial expression (His impenetrable eyes and inscrutable countenance give little a
Countermand Cancel, revoke an order (an order to arrest the strike leaders had been countermanded)
Coup de grace Deathblow or shot which ends the suffering of a severely wounded person or animal
Covenant Binding agreement between two groups or people (The landlord covenants to repair the property)
Covert 1. Secret, hidden, implied, not openly acknowledged (covert operations against the dictatorship) 2. wo
Cozen Cheat, hoodwink, swindle (he was able to cozen a profit)
Crabbed Sour, bad-tempered, peevish, dfficult to read as handwriting
Craven Cowardly, a cowardly person (a craven abdication of his moral duty)
Credence 1. belief in or acceptance of something as true (psychoanalysis finds little credence among laymen) 2. a
Credo Creed, system of religious or ethical belief (he announced his credo in his first editorial)
Credulity Belief on slight evidence, gullibility, naivete, a tendency to be too ready to believe that something is rea
Crescendo Increase in the volume or intensity as in a musical passage, climax (the reluctant cheers began to cresc
Crone Hag, ugly thin old woman
Crotchet 1. quarter note 2. perverse or unfounded belief or notion (the natural crotchets of inveterate bachelors
Crotchety Eccentric, odd, bad-tempered (t's the dreadful arthritis that has made him so crotchety)
Crux 1. Essential or main point (the crux of the matter is that attitudes have changed) 2. a particular point o
Cull 1. select from a large quantity; obtain from a variety of sources (anecdotes culled from Greek and Rom
Culmination the highest or climactic point of something, especially as attained after a long time, the reaching of
Culpable Deserving blame, blameworthy (sometimes you're just as culpable when you watch something as whe
Culvert Artificial channel for water, drain crossing under a road
Cupidity Greed for wealth (he did not really see her cupidity until they'd been married for several years)
Curmudgeon Churlish, miserly individual, bad-tempered old person
Cursory Casual, hastily done with little attention to detail (a cursory glance at the figures)
Curtail Shorten, reduce in extent or quantity; impose a restriction on, deprive someone of (civil liberties were
Cynical 1. believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity (her c
Cynosure Person or thing that is a center of attention (the Queen was the cynosure of all eyes)
ually political (Eg. a secret cabal of powerful insiders)
ed fort containing caches of food and water)
lthy (he had a cadaverous face)
of a musical phrase or sequence (Eg. There was a pause at the end of each cadence)
Eg. the calamity of dole queues, the glee with which media reported scientific calamities)

(Eg. The Lord Chancellor became target for further calumny)

d in relief on a background of a different color. 2. Star's special appearance in a minor role in a film
or vulgar style that makes it interesting an amusing (Eg. the room was brightly lit and done out in camp Victorian detail, the cheap th
canard that blacks are cause of racial tension)
lking of personal matters with candor)

political nature (Eg. the liberal case against all censorship is often cant). 2. denoting a phrase or catchword temporarily current or in
Their boredom made them quarrelsome and cantankerous)

e fullest canvass ever seen). 2. Discuss Eg. (canvass opinion before making a final decision)

e Government capitulate to our demands)

Eg. we cannot control the caprices of Mother Nature)
ass (Eg. We drank a carafe of house wine)

nated by the Pope and form the Sacred College, which elects succeeding popes. 2. of the greatest importance; fundamental (Eg. The sp
car careered across the road and went through a hedge)
hanism similar to piano roll (Eg. a tune played on a carillon)
(Eg. unforgettable scene of carnage)
of rock stars)
ag (Eg. She silenced the carping critics with a successful tour, I don't want to carp about the way you did it)

ly (Eg. He was castigated for not setting a good example)

aval in political or social context (Eg. The cataclysm of the First World War, their homeland was destroyed by great cataclysm)
s and answers used as instruction for Christians
annual premiums would not increase)
ssed emotions 2. Purgation (medicinal) evacuation of bowels by using laxatives
erence among candidates running for office or select delegates to attend a convention (Eg. Hawaii holds its nominating caucuses nex

substance, typically to stop bleeding or prevent the wound from becoming infected
heered as the cavalcade passed by)
man, especially one acting as a lady's escort 3. A horseman, especially a cavalryman 4. A small spaniel of a breed with moderately lon
viled at the cost)
 , and suppresses parts considered obscene or politically unacceptable 2. magistrates who held census and supervised public morals

e judge was censured for a variety of injudicious conduct)

hat is firmly believed to be true (Eg. the question may never be answered with certitude, his certitude that we would win)

(Eg. the cession of twenty important towns)

2. a state of annoyance
chopped hay and straw 2. Worthless things, trash 3. Strips of metal foil released in atmosphere from aircraft, deployed as missiles 4
much to his chagrin, was not invited, he was chagrined when his friend scorned at him)

bassy or consulate
anch of armed forces, etc.

he was chary of broaching the subject)

holding composed type and blocks printed 3. part of a gun enclosing the bore, a groove or furrow cut in the wall to receive a pipe
eople, viewpoints, feelings (Eg. the chasm between rich and poor)
io, radio or computer equipment (Eg. the chassis of the car is in mint condition)
aste kiss on the cheek) 2. simple and without ornamentation, no frills, austere (Eg. the dark, chaste interior was lightened by tilewor
at chastened by his recent flop), discipline or punish (by God)
garded as angel of second highest order in celestial hierarchy, a representation of a chrub in art, depicted as a chubby healthy child w
an underhanded person who schemes corruption and political chicanery behind closed doors)
replying to her letters)
serpent's tail 2. a thing hoped or wished for but is impossible to achieve (Eg. the economic sovereignty you claim to defend is a chim

notes in a cipher) 2. zero, figure 0 (Eg. a row of ciphers) 3. a person or thing of no importance, especially one who does the bidding o
d a circuitous route)
ate attempt to be vague or evasive (Eg. his admission came after years of circumlocution, when you've finished your circumlocution,
onitored and circumscribed) 2. draw a figure around another, touching it at points but not cutting it)

sensory contact, psychic (Eg. he didn't tell me about it and I'm not clairvoyant)
d better than these clandetine meetings)
f the clangor of the steam hammers)
to produce the sound, tongue of the bell

ts sunnier climes)
wall on one side and colonnade open to a quadrangle on the other (Eg. the convent's shadowed cloisters) 2. monastic life (Eg. he was i
ence or power in politics or business (Eg. I knew he carried a lot of clout) 3. to mend something with a piece of cloth used as a patch 4
nale in which dancers parade before the audiece. 2. a concluding event, remark (eg. his novel is a coda to his previous books)

international operatic culture)

hreats (Eg. John claims the police used coercion to extract a confession)
val with volcanic activity) 2. person of roughly same age as oneself (Eg. like many of his coevals, he yeared for stability)
ion by engaing with projections on another wheel or bar

word or root, related, connected (Eg. cognate subjects such as physics and chemistry), related to or descended from a common ance
o the cognizance of the board), the action of taking jurisdiction 2. Distinctive device or mark, especially an emblem or badge formerl

lyze texts or data (Eg. he collated these accounts with his own experience, we must collate these two sources) 3. appoint a member o

broke off their colloquy at once)

had been collusion between security forces and paramilitary groups)

aws and customs of other nations 2. Courtesy and considerate behavior toward others
s (Eg. telegraph and telephone lines were commandeered by the generals) 2. Take possession of something without authority (Eg. H
ensurate with experience)
Rose on her unfortuante circumstances)

ct especially in a book or other publication, collection of things systematically gathered (Eg. the program is a compendium of outtake
d, Northern dogs are peaceful and complaisant)
selves well in television interviews) 2. Accord with, agree with (Eg. the actions that comport with her own liberal views
omething bad (Eg. spend the money without compunction)

(Eg. I had to concede that I'd overreacted) 2. Surrender or yield (Eg. to concede all the territory he'd won)
ously carried out, done with great effort (Eg. it would take concerted effort to break in to my home) 3. music arranged in several part

pe, the meeting place for a conclave

s concomitant worries, pain and illness are concomitants of the stresses of living)
n concord), a treaty, a chord that is pleasing or satisfactory in itself

onflagration spread rapidly through the wooden buildings)

nfluence of the Rhine and the Mosel) 2. Process of merging (Eg. the major confluence of the world's financial markets)

lation figure confounded economic analysts) 2. prove a theory wrong (Eg. the rise in prices confounded expectations) 3. defeat a plan
abit (Eg. a congenital malformation of the heart, a congenital liar)
cent studies)
(Eg. conjectures about the newcomer) 2. an unproven mathematical or scientific theorem (Eg. the Goldbach conjecture)

g (Eg. the word discipline has unhappy connotations of punishment and repression)

nscientious and hardworking clerk) 2. relating to a person's conscience (Eg. the act does not provide exemption from service ont he

ose (Eg. the present Holy Trinity church was consecrated in 1845) 2. make bread or wine into body or blood of Christ (Eg. they recei
signed three paintings to Sotheby's) 2. Assign, commit decisively or permanently (Eg. she consigned the letter to the wastebasket)

(Eg. you chose to consort with the enemy)

r, much to the consternation of my neighbors)
body of customers or supporters (Eg. a politician who wishes to remain in the good graces of his constituency, a constituency of racin
Eg. I'm not sure you've properly construed what I just said, both verbs can be construed with either infinitive)
areas of contention between the two countries) 2. an assertion in argument (Eg. statistics bear out his contention that many runners
uous states, 500 contiguous dictionary entries)

an be anticipated to arise if a particular even occurs (businesses need to be aware of their liabilities, both actual and contingent) 3. o
ngaged in war (the contraband market, contraband of war)
ceal our amusement)
making contrivances) 2. a device in literary composition that gives a sense of artificiality (often tiresome contrivances of historical fic
el is too contrived)
lab controverted these results, the views in the article have been controverted)

ment, riddle (the conundrums facing policy-makers, Rod enjoyed conundrums and crosswords)
n scientists and philosophers)

re feelings 2. a Central and South American hummingbird

building (cordon of police) 2. ornamental cord or braid
ss of hardened snow at edge of mountain precipice
a goat's horn, abundant supply of good things of a specified kind (the festival offers a cornucopia of pleasures)

author or a body of writing on a particular subject (The Darwinian corpus) 2. The main body or mass of a structure, the central part
lood of vertebrates, minute particle regarded as the basic constituent of matter or light
e support to (a statement, theory, or finding))
ves (the roof was made of corrugated iron)
at is exclusive of other people (a coterie of friends and advisers)
table countenance give little away) 2. support (she was giving countenance to the occasion) 3. admit as acceptable or possible (He wa
ountermanded)
on or animal
nts to repair the property)
against the dictatorship) 2. woman married and under the authority and protection of her husband 3. thicket in which game can hide

e credence among laymen) 2. a small side table, shelf, or niche in a church for holding the elements of the Eucharist before they are c
s first editorial)
o believe that something is real or true
eluctant cheers began to crescendo)

otchets of inveterate bachelors)

m so crotchety)
hanged) 2. a particular point of difficulty (both cruces can be resolved by a consideration of the manuscripts)
es culled from Greek and Roman history) 2. reduce the population of (a wild animal) by selective slaughter he sees culling deer as a n
r a long time, the reaching of the meridian by a celestial body (the product was the culmination of 13 years of research)
you watch something as when you actually participate)

rried for several years)

meone of (civil liberties were further curtailed, I am curtailed of a fair proportion)

an sincerity or integrity (her cynical attitude) 2. concerned only with one's own interests and typically disregarding accepted or app
mp Victorian detail, the cheap theatre portrayed a world of high camp and low life). 2. Behaves or dresses in exaggerated or affected w

word temporarily current or in fashion (Eg. they are misrepresented as, in the cant word of our day, uncaring)

tance; fundamental (Eg. The speaker emphasized the cardinal importance of building a party to lead the country)

yed by great cataclysm)

ds its nominating caucuses next Tuesday) 2. Members of a legislative body who belong to a particular party or faction, considered as

of a breed with moderately long, uncurly, silky coat 5. Showing a lack of proper concern, offhand (Eg. Anne was irritated by his caval
 and supervised public morals in ancient Rome

that we would win)

aircraft, deployed as missiles 4. lighthearted joking, banter, tease (Eg. the pleasure of chaffing your buddies)

in the wall to receive a pipe

terior was lightened by tilework)

cted as a chubby healthy child with wings, a beautiful or innocent looking child

ty you claim to defend is a chimera) 3. an organism containing a mixture of genetically different tissues from lab manipulation (Eg. th

ally one who does the bidding of others and seems to have no will of their own 4. to do arithmetic

finished your circumlocution, maybe you could just get to the point)

s) 2. monastic life (Eg. he was inclined more to the cloister than the sword) 3. a convent or monastery (Eg. I was educated in the clois
 piece of cloth used as a patch 4. target used in long distance shooting placed flat on ground with a flag marking its center (Eg. a shot
to his previous books)

red for stability)

escended from a common ancestor (blood relative)

y an emblem or badge formerly worn by retainers of a noble house

ources) 3. appoint a member of the clergy to a benefice

thing without authority (Eg. He hoisted himself onto a table commandeering it as a speaker's platform) 3. Enlist someone to help in

am is a compendium of outtakes from our archives)

own liberal views

music arranged in several parts of equal importance (Eg. concerted secular music for voices)

nancial markets)

d expectations) 3. defeat a plan (Eg. we will confound these tactics by pressure groups) 4. mix up something so individual elements b
 dbach conjecture)

exemption from service ont he vasis of personal conscientious beliefs)

r blood of Christ (Eg. they received the host but not the consecrated wine) 3. ordain someone to a sacred office, typically bishop (Eg. h
he letter to the wastebasket)

ituency, a constituency of racing fans)

contention that many runners are undertrained for this event)

oth actual and contingent) 3. occuring or existing only if other circumstances are present (the merger is contingent upon governmen

me contrivances of historical fiction)

of a structure, the central part of the stomach

s acceptable or possible (He was reluctant to countenance the use of force1. )

thicket in which game can hide 4. any feathers covering the bases of the main flight or tail feathers of a bird

the Eucharist before they are consecrated (a credence table)

ghter he sees culling deer as a necessity) 3. send (an inferior or surplus animal on a farm) to be slaughtered 4. pick flowers or fruit (f
13 years of research)

y disregarding accepted or appropriate standards in order to achieve them (cynical manipulation of public opinion)
ses in exaggerated or affected way that may be considered typical of homosexuals

he country)

party or faction, considered as a group (Eg. He expected that 50 to 60 Republicans would join a united Democratic caucus in voting fo

Anne was irritated by his cavalier attitude)

s from lab manipulation (Eg. the sheeplike goat chimera) 4. a cartilaginous marine fish with a long tail, an erect spine before the first

(Eg. I was educated in the cloister) 4. seclude or shut up (Eg. the monastery was where the Brothers would cloister themselves to m
g marking its center (Eg. a shot that hits a clout)

m) 3. Enlist someone to help in a task against his will (Eg. He commandeered the men to find a table)

ething so individual elements become difficult to distinguish (Eg. microwave radiation is confounded with nuclear radiation) 5. used
ed office, typically bishop (Eg. he was consecrated bishop of Northern Uganda)

is contingent upon government approval) 4. a group of people united by some common feature, forming part of a larger group, troop
tered 4. pick flowers or fruit (fresh culled daffodils)

ublic opinion)
Democratic caucus in voting for a resolution) 3. Hold or form a legislative caucus (Eg. Republicans briefly caucused) 4. Attend an ele
l, an erect spine before the first dorsal fin, and typically a forward projection from the snout

would cloister themselves to meditate)

with nuclear radiation) 5. used to express anger or annoyance (Eg. oh confound it, where is the thing?)
ing part of a larger group, troops or polic sent to join a larger force (a contingent of businessmen attending a conference, a contingen
efly caucused) 4. Attend an electoral caucus, especially on behalf of a particular candidate (Eg. more than half of those young people
nding a conference, a contingent of soldiers)
han half of those young people that caucused yesterday caucused for Barack Obama)
Dais Raised platform for speakers or other important people (each speaker is allowed ten minutes on the d
Dally 1. act or move slowly (workers were dallying or goofing off) 2. have a casual romatinc or sexual liaison
Dappled Marked with spots or rounded patches (the horse's dappled flank, the floow was dappled with pale mo
Dearth Scarcity or lack of something (there is a dearth of evidence)
Debacle Sudden disastrous downfall or defeat, complete disaster (the economic debacle became known as the
Debar Exclude or prohibit someone officially from doing something (people declaring that they were HIV pos
Debauch Corrupt morally, debase moral purity of (he debauched many women)
Debauchery Excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures
Debonair (of men) friendly, charming, and fashionably dressed
Debunk 1. Expose as false, exaggerated, worthless, ridicule a myth, idea, or belief (the magazine debunks claim
Decadence Moral or cultural decline as characterized by excessive indulgence in pleasure or luxury, luxurious self
Deciduous 1. a tree or shurb shedding its leaves annually 2. broadleaved tree or shrub 3. denoting the milk teeth
Declivity Downward slope
Decollete (of a dress) having a low-cut neckline. Decolletage: a woman's cleavage as revealed by a low neckline
Decorous Proper in behavior, conduct, or appearance with good taste, politeness and restraint (dancing with de
Decrepit Weak and in bad condition from old age or hard use (a decrepit old drunk, centuries-old buildings are
Decry Express strong disapproval, publicly denounce (they decried human rights abuses)
Defalcate Embezzle funds with which one has been entrusted (the officials were charged with defalcating gover
Defeatist Person excessively resigned to defeat or failure, pessimist (we have a duty not to be so defeatist)
Defection Desertion of one's country or cause in favor of an opposing one (his defection from the Republican Par
Deference Humble submission and respect (he addressed her with the deference due to age)
Defoliate Remove leaves from a tree, plant, or land for agricultural purposes or military strategy (the area was d
Defray Provide for the payment of, undertake the payment of (the proceeds from the raffle help to defray the
Defrock/Unfrock Strip a priest or minister of church authority, or professional status, membership in a prestigious grou
Defunct No longer in use or functioning (a now defunct technology that only people over a certain age rememb
Deify Worship, regard or treat someone or something as a god (she was deified by the Romans as a fertility
Deign Do something that one considers to be beneath one's dignity, condescend to give (she did not deign to
Deleterious Causing harm or damage (divorce is assumed to have deleterious effects on children)
Deliberate Consider, ponder carefully (she deliberated on his words)
Deluge Heavy rainfall, flood, great quantity of something arriving at the same time (homes were swept away b
Demagogue a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by usi
Demotic denoting or relating to the kind of language used by ordinary people, popular and colloquial (a demot
Demur Object (because of doubts, scruples), raise an objection (showing qualms)
Denigrate criticize unfairly, defame, disparage (there is a tendency to denigrate the poor)
Denizen (animal, person or plant) inhabitant or resident of a particular place, a foreigner allowed certain right
Denomination 1. Religious group, unit in a system, name or designation (a Christian denomination) 2. the face value o
Denotation the literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests (be
Denouement Final outcome, final development of the plot of a play or other literary work, the climax of a chain of ev
Deplore feel or express strong disapproval of something (we deplore this act of violence)
Depose 1. Dethrone, remove from office suddenly and forcefully (he had been deposed by a military coup) 2. g
Depravity Extreme moral corruption, wickedness (a tale of wickedness and depravity)
Deprecate Express disapproval of (he sniffed in a deprecating way) 2. (mainly of software) be usable but regarde
Depredation Plundering, destruction (protecting grain from the depredations of pests)
Deputize Work or appoint as a deputy, temporarily act as a deputy (some officers will be deputized as federal m
Dereliction Neglect of duty, abandonment (every year, valuable gardens start the slow slide to dereliction)
Deride Ridicule, treat with contempt, make fun of (critics derided the proposals as clumsy attempts to find a s
Descry Catch sight of something distant (she descried two figures)
Desecrate Profane, violate the sanctity of (more than 300 graves were desecrated)
Desiccate 1. remove moisture from something, especially food to preserve it (desiccated coconut) 2. lacking inte
Desperado Reckless, desperate outlaw
Despoil Steak or violently remove valuable or attractive possessions from, plunder (the church was despoiled
Despondent In low spirits from loss of hope and courage, disheartened
Despot a ruler or other person who holds absolute power, typically one who exercises it in a cruel or oppressi
Destitute Extremely poor, without the basic necessitites of life, lack of (the charity cares for destitute children, to
Desultory Unfocused, haphazard, occurring randomly or occasionally, lacking enthusiasm (a few people were lef
Detraction Disparage, slander one's reputation or esteem by petty criticism
Devious 1. showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals (he's as devious as a politician needs
Devolve transfer or delegate power to a lower level, especially from central to local or regional government, de
Dexterous Skillful, skill in using hands or mind
Diabolical belonging to or so evil as to recall the Devil (his diabolical cunning)
Dialectic 1. Investigating or discussing the truth of opnions (feminism has of course contributed to this dialectic
Diaphanous light, delicate and translucent fabric (a diaphanous dress of pale gold)
Diatribe Bitter scolding, forceful verbal attack (a diatribe against the Roman Catholic Church)
Dichotomy Division into two opposite parts that are entirely different (a rigid dichotomy between science and my
Dictum 1. a formal pronouncement from an authoritative source (the First Amendment dictum that "Congress
Didactic 1. Intended to teach with moral instruction as an ulterior motive (a didactic novel that set out to expos
Diffidence Shyness, lack of self-confidence, timidity (her diffidence was out of place in this outgoing group)
Dignitary Person of high rank or position
Digression Wandering away from the subject (let's return to the main topic after that brief digression)
Dilapidated (of a building or object) Falling to pieces, in a bad condition, ruined because of neglect, decrepit
Dilatory Delaying, slow to act (he had been dilatory in appointing an executor, they resorted to dilatory proced
Dilettante Person who cultivates an area of interest without real commitment or knowledge (a dilettante approa
Dint 1. a hollow in a surface (the soft dints at the top of a coconut) 2. a blow or stroke made with weapon in
Diorama Life-size, 3 dimensional scene from nature or history commonly in museum exhibits - paintings, minia
Dirge Funeral song, slow mournful piece of music sung for the dead (a lone bagpiper played a woeful dirge, s
Disabuse Correct a false impression, undeceive, free from a wrong belief (he quickly disabused me of my fancifu
Disaffected Dissatisfied with people in authority and no longer willing to support them (a military plot by disaffec
Disapprobation Strong disapproval, typically on moral grounds (she braved her mother's disapprobation and slipped o
Disavowal Denial of any responsibility or support for something, repudiation (his disavowal of his previous writi
Disbar Expel a lawyer leave the bar or the legal profession, exclude someone from something (competitors w
Discombobulated Disconcert or confuse someone (this attitude totally discombobulated Bruce)
Discomfit make someone feel uneasy or embarrassed (he was noticeably discomfited by her tone)
Discompose Disturb or agitate someone (she looked a little discomposed as she spoke)
Disconsolate Hopelessly sad at the loss of something, cheerless, complete lack of comfort (the man's disconsolate w
Discord 1. Disagreement between people (a prosperous family who showed no signs of discord, we discorded
Discourse 1. Written or spoken communication or debate (the language of political discourse) 2. speak or write a
Discursive 1. Digressing from subject to subject (students often write dull, discursive prose) 2. relating to discour
Disenfranchise 1. Deprive someone of the right to vote, power, marginalized, privilege (the law disenfranchised 300 v
Disgorge 1. Cause to pour out (the combine disgorged a steady stream of grain) 2. discharge occupants of a buil
Disingenuous Not naive, not candid or sincere, typically be pretending that one knows less about something than on
Disinter Dig up, unearth something that has been buried, especially a corpse, discover something well hidden (
Disjunction 1. A lack of correspondence or consistency (there is disjunction between skills taught in education and
Disparage Belittle (he never missed an opportunity to disparage his competitors)
Disparate Basically different, impossible to compare, unrelated (they inhabit disparate worlds of thought)
Dispassionate Calm, impartial, not influenced by personal feelings (she dealt with life's disasters in a calm and dispa
Dispatch Speediness, prompt execution, message sent with all due speed, official report on state or military affi
Dispensation 1. Exemption from a rule or usual requirement (a dispensation from the Pope) 2. a system of order, go
Disport 1. enjoy oneself unrestrainedly (a painting of loards and ladies disporting themselves by a lake) 2. dive
Disputatious Argumentative, fond of argument (a congenial hangout for disputatious academics)
Disquiet anxiety, make someone worried or anxious (public disquiet about animal testing, she felt disquited at
Disquisition A long elaborate essay or discusison on a particular subject (nothing can kill a radio show quicker tha
Dissension Disagreement of opinions causing strife within a group (these issues caused bitter dissension in the p
Dissident a person who opposes official policy especially that of an authoritarian state (a dissident who had bee
Dissimulate Pretend, conceal by feigning one's thoughts, feelings or character (a country gentleman dissumulated
Dissipate Squander, waste foolishly, scatter money, energy, resources (he had dissipated his entire fortune)
Dissolution 1. the closing down or dismissal of an assembly, partnership or official body (the dissolution of their m
Dissonance Lack of harmony among musical notes, combination of two unsuitable elements, discord (dissonance
Distend Swell or cause to swell by pressure form inside (the abdomen distended rapidly)
Distrait Absentminded, distracted (he seemed oddly distrait)
Diurnal Daily, occurring each day (diurnal rhythm, the patient's mood is determined by diurnal events)
Divest 1. Deprive someone of power, rights or possessions (he intends to divest you of your power) 2. deprive
Docket 1. a calendar or list of cases for trial or people having pending cases, an agenda of things to be done (th
Doctrinaire Seeking to impose a doctrine in all circumstances without regard to practical considerations (a doctrin
Doctrine Beliefs held and taught in a church, political party or other group, a stated principle of government po
Doff Remove an item of clothing, take off one's hat as a greeting or token of respect (he doffed his tie and an
Dogged Determined, stubborn, stubbornly persevering, tenacious (success requires dogged determination)
Doggerel Comic verse composed in irregular rhythm badly written or expressed (the last stanza deteriorates in
Dogmatic Opinionated, holding stubbornly to one's opinion, arbitrary, doctrinal (your being so dogmatic does no
Doldrums 1. Listlessness (lack of spirit or energy), period of stagnation, state of inactivity (the mortgage market
Dolorous Sorrowful, feeling or expresisng great distress
 allowed ten minutes on the dais)
ual romatinc or sexual liaison with someone, trifle with, toy with, treat without the necessary seriousness (he likes dallying with film
oow was dappled with pale moonlight)

debacle became known as the Great Depression)

claring that they were HIV positive could be debarred entry)

(the magazine debunks claims of the paranormal) 2. reduce the inflated reputation of someone, ridicule (comedy takes delight in de
asure or luxury, luxurious self-indulgence (he denounced Western decadence, "French" connotes richness and decadence which is th
ub 3. denoting the milk teeth of a mammal which are shed after a time

s revealed by a low neckline

nd restraint (dancing with decorous space between partners). Decorum: Propriety, orderliness and good taste and propriety (you ex
k, centuries-old buildings are now decrepit and black with soot). Decrepitude: State of being decrepit, collape or weakness caused by

harged with defalcating government money)

y not to be so defeatist)
ction from the Republican Party)

litary strategy (the area was defoliated and napalmed many times)
m the raffle help to defray the expenses of the evening)
mbership in a prestigious group (a defrocked psychiatrist)
ple over a certain age remember)
d by the Romans as a fertility goddess)
d to give (she did not deign to answer the maid's question, he had deigned an apology)
on children)

me (homes were swept away by the deluge, a deluge of rain hit the plains, a deluge of complaints, he has been deluged with offers of w
prejudices rather than by using raitonal argument, a leader or orator who espoused the cause of the common people (he was drawn
pular and colloquial (a demotic idiom)

oreigner allowed certain rights in the adopted country (denizens of field and forest)
nomination) 2. the face value of a banknote, coin, or postage stamp (they demanded bills in small denominations) 3. the action of nam
eas that the word suggests (beyond their immediate denotation, the words have a connotative power)
ork, the climax of a chain of events usually when everything becomes clear (the debate had an unexpected denouement)

posed by a military coup) 2. give a deposition (the process of giving sworn evidence), testify or give evidence on oath typically in a w
 tware) be usable but regarded as obsolete and best avoided, typically due to having been superseded (this feature is deprecated and

will be deputized as federal marshals, he deputized them to keep order in his absence)
w slide to dereliction)
as clumsy attempts to find a solution). Derision: contemptuous ridicule or mockery (my stories were greeted with derision and disb

cated coconut) 2. lacking interest, passion or energy (a desiccated history of ideas)

er (the church was despoiled of its marble wall covering)

rcises it in a cruel or oppressive way, tyrant (when one despot is deposed for another, the cycle of repression continues)
cares for destitute children, towns destitute of commerce)
usiasm (a few people were left dancing in a desultory fashion, the desultory conversation faded, desultory passengers were appearin

devious as a politician needs to be) 2. longer and less direct route than the most straightforward way (they arrived at the town by a d
al or regional government, degenerate or be split into (measures to devolve power to the provinces, his duties devolved on a comrad

se contributed to this dialectic) 2. inquiry into metaphysical contradictions and their solutions, the existence or action of opposing so

olic Church)
omy between science and mysticism)
ndment dictum that "Congress shall make no law.. abridging the freedom of speech", he received the dictum with reluctance) 2. a sho
ctic novel that set out to expose social injustice) 2. patronizing someone in the manner of a teacher (slow paced, didactic lecturing)
in this outgoing group)

at brief digression)
use of neglect, decrepit
y resorted to dilatory procedural tactics forcing a postponement of peace talks)
nowledge (a dilettante approach to science, there is no room for the dilettante in this business)
r stroke made with weapon in fighting (I think you feel the dint of pity) 3. make a surface with hollows (the metal was dull and dinte
um exhibits - paintings, miniature movies, etc.
gpiper played a woeful dirge, singers chanted dirges)
ly disabused me of my fanciful notions, it isn't easy to disabuse people of soemthing they've been taught to believe in)
em (a military plot by disaffected elements in the army)
disapprobation and slipped out to enjoy herself)
isavowal of his previous writings, it's a complete disavowal of responsibility)
m something (competitors wearing rings will be disbarred from competition)

ed by her tone)
 ort (the man's disconsolate widow)
gns of discord, we discorded commonly on two points) 2. dissonance when musical notes are played (the music faded in discord) Dis
discourse) 2. speak or write authoritatively about a topic, engage in conversation (she could discourse at great length on the history
e prose) 2. relating to discourse or modes of discourse (the attempt to transform utterances from one discursive context to another)
he law disenfranchised 300 voters on the basis of a residence qualification, a number of kids who are disenfranchised don't feel conn
discharge occupants of a building or vehicle (an aircraft disgorging paratroopers) 3. yield or give up funds especially which have bee
less about something than one really does (that innocent teary-eyed look is just part of a disingenous act)
cover something well hidden (the defense attorney requested that the body be disinterred for further examination, he has disinterred
skills taught in education and those demanded in the labor market) 2. the relationship between two distinct alternatives (a stateme

rate worlds of thought)

disasters in a calm and dispasisonate way)
eport on state or military affirs (in his battle dispatch, he described the gunner's bravery)
Pope) 2. a system of order, government especially as existing at a particular time (scholarship is conveyed to a wider audience than u
g themselves by a lake) 2. diversion from work or serious matters, recreation or amusement (the King and all his Court were met for

l testing, she felt disquited at the lack of interest the girl had shown) Disquietude: uneasiness, anxiety
kill a radio show quicker than a disquisition on intertextual analysis)
sed bitter dissension in the party)
tate (a dissident who had been jailed by a military regime, there is only one explictly dissident voice to be heard)
ntry gentleman dissumulated his wealth beneath ragged pullovers)
pated his entire fortune)
ody (the dissolution of their marriage) 2. debauched living (an advanced state of dissolution)
ements, discord (dissonance between campaign rhetoric and personal behavior, unusual degree of dissonance for such choral styles

ned by diurnal events)

you of your power) 2. deprive something of a particular quality (he has divested the original play of its charm) 3. rid oneself of some
genda of things to be done (the case will go to the Supreme Court and may be docketed for the fall term) 2. a document or label listin
tical considerations (a doctrinaire conservative)
d principle of government policy mainly in foreign or military affairs (the doctrine of predestination, the Monroe Doctrine)
spect (he doffed his tie and and rolled up his sleeves, the manager doffed his hat to her)
res dogged determination)
he last stanza deteriorates into doggerel)
our being so dogmatic does not attract me to your religious philosophy)
ctivity (the mortgage market has been in doldrums for 3 years) 2. geographical term referring to latitudes with light winds
ness (he likes dallying with film stars, the company has been dallying with the idea of opening a new office)

ule (comedy takes delight in debunking heroes)

ness and decadence which is the idea of ice-cream)

ood taste and propriety (you exhibit remarkable modesty and decorum, he had no idea of funeral decorum)
collape or weakness caused by illness or old age (he had passed directly from middle age into decrepitude)

as been deluged with offers of work)

common people (he was drawn into a circle of campus demagogues)

ominations) 3. the action of naming or classifying something (denomination of oneself as a fat man)

cted denouement)

idence on oath typically in a written statement (every affidavit shall state which of the facts deposed to are within the deponent's kn
(this feature is deprecated and will be removed in later versions)

greeted with derision and disbelief)

ession continues)

tory passengers were appearing)

(they arrived at the town by a devious route)

s duties devolved on a comrade, the Empire devolved into separate warring states)

stence or action of opposing social forces and concepts

ctum with reluctance) 2. a short statement that expresses a general truth or principle (the old dictum 'might makes right')
ow paced, didactic lecturing)

s (the metal was dull and dinted)

ht to believe in)
the music faded in discord) Discordant: disagreeing, lack of harmony (the principle of meritocracy is discordant with claims of inher
e at great length on the history of Europe, he discoursed with his supporters in the courtroom)
discursive context to another)
disenfranchised don't feel connected to society)
unds especially which have been dishonestly acquired (they were made to disgorge all profits made from the record) 4. eject food fro

examination, he has disinterred and translated an important collection of writings)

distinct alternatives (a statement expressing the relationship between two distinct alternatives

eyed to a wider audience than under the old dispensation)

and all his Court were met for solace and disport)

ssonance for such choral styles)

s charm) 3. rid oneself of something that is no longer watned, such as business interest or investment (it appears easier to carry on i
m) 2. a document or label listing contents of a package or delivery, brief summary of its contents (he opened a new docket for the acc

the Monroe Doctrine)

udes with light winds

o are within the deponent's knowledge, a witness deposed that he had seen me)
'might makes right')
discordant with claims of inherited worth, bombs and guns mingled in discordant sound)

om the record) 4. eject food from throat or mouth 5. remove the sediment from sparkling wine after fermentation (the wine is aged i

(it appears easier to carry on in the business than to divest) 4. relieve someone of something being worn or carries (she divested him
pened a new docket for the account, he docketed the letter on the back in his distinctive writing)
ermentation (the wine is aged in the bottle befre it was disgorged)

orn or carries (she divested him of his coat)

Earmark 1. Designate something, typically funds or resources for a particular purpose (the money will be earm
Ebullient 1. cheerful and full or energy (she sounded ebullient and happy) 2. boiling liquid or matter (misted a
Ecclesiastic A priest of member of the clergy, relating to the Christian Church (ecclesiastical)
Eclectic 1. deriving ideas, style or taste from a broad range of sources (her musical tastes are eclectic) 2. deno
Edict official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority
Edifice 1. Building of imposing size 2. a complex system of beliefs (the concepts on which the edifice of capit
Edify Instruct, correct morally, improve intellectually
Efface 1. Erase a mark from a surface (the words were effaced by frost and rain) 2. make oneself appear ins
Effectual Able to produce a desired effect, effective (tobacco smoke is effectual against the mosquito)
Effectuate Put into force or operation (school choice would effectuate a transfer of power from government to i
Effervescence Bubbles in a liquid, fizz, vivacity and enthusiasm (the effervescence of sparkling wine, he was filled w
Effete 1. affected, overrefined, ineffectual (effete trendies from art college) 2. no longer capable of effective
Effigy A sculpture or model of a person, sometimes made in order to be damaged or destroyed as a protest
Effluvium Noxious (harmful) odor, secretion, or discharge (the unwholesome effluvia of decaying vegetable ma
Effrontery Rudenss without any sense of shame, insolent, impertinent behavior (one juror had the effrontery to
Effulgent Shining brightly, radiant, person or expression emanating joy or goodness
Effusion 1. instance of giving off liquid, light or smell (a massive effusion of poisonous gas) 2. act of talking or
Effusive expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner (an effusi
Egress Exit, opening for going out, act of going out (direct means of access and egree for passengers, they'd
Egregious Outstandingly bad, shocking, remakably good (egregious abuses of copyright)
Elegy Poem or song expressing lamentation for the dead
Elicit evoke or draw out a response, answer, fact from someone in reaction to one's own actions or questio
Ellipsis Omission of words from speech or writing that are superfluous or understandable from contextual c
Elucidate Explain, make clear, clarify, enlighten (work such as theirs will help to elucidate this matter)
Elysian Relating to paradise, heaven (Elysian visions) Elysium: concept of afterlife developed by Greek sects
Emaciated Abnormally thin or weak, especially due to illness or starvation (she was so emaciated she could har
Emancipate Set free from legal, social or political restrictions, set a child free from authority of parents, free from
Embargo Official ban on trade or other commerical activity with a particular country, seize ship or goods for s
Embellish Adorn, ornament, enhance as a story by adding fictitious details (blue silk embellished with golden e
Embitter Make bitter, fill with painful or bitter feelings, make sad and angry, give a sharp or pungent taste or s
Embody 1. give tangible or visible form to an idea, quality, or feeling (a team that embodies competitive spirit
Embroil Involve someone deeply in an argument, conflict or difficult situation, bring into a state of confusion
Emend (verb) Make corrections and improvements to a text, alter something (the year of his death needs to be eme
Emetic Substance, medicine causing vomiing
Eminent famous and respectied within a profession, emphasize presence of positive quality (one of the world
Emissary Agent (sent on a mission to represent another), diplomatic representative
Emollient Soothing or softening remedy for skin (emollient cream, formulated with rich emollients)
Emolument Salary, payment for an office, compensation (the directors' emoluments)
Empirical Based on experience, observation rather than theory or pure logic (they provided empirical evidenc
Emulate Match or surpass a person or achievement, typically by imitation, reproduce the function or action o
Enamored Feeling of love for, have a liking or admiration for (it is not difficult to see why Edward is enamored o
Encipher Encode, convert a message into code, encrypt
Enclave Territory enclosed within an alien land
Encomiastic Full of praise, eulogistic
Encomium speech of piece of writing praising someone highly, eulogy
Encroachment 1. Intrusion on a person's territory, rights (intrusion on a person's territory, rights (minor encroachm
Encumber 1. Restrict or burden that free action or movement is difficult, saddle with debt or mortgage (she wa
Endue Provide with some quality, endow (our sight would be endued with a far greater sharpness)
Enervate cause someone to feel drained or energy or vitality, weaken (the enervate slightness of his frail form
Enfranchise Give the right to vote to, free a slave (women were enfranchised in 1916)
Engender Cause or give rise to, beget offspring (the issue engendered continuing controversy, he engendered 6
Engross 1. absorb all attention or interest of (the notes completely engrossed him) 2. gain or keep exclusive p
Enigma Puzzle, mystery Enigmatic: difficult to interpret or understand (he took the money with an enigmati
Enjoin 1. Instruct or urge to do something (the code enjoined members to trade fairly) 2. prescribe an actio
Enmity the state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile to (enmity between Protestants and Catholics
Ennui Boredom, dissatisfaction resulting from lack of interest
Enormity 1. great or extreme scale, seriousness, or extent of something perceived as bad or morally wrong (a t
Ensconce Settle comfortably in a safe or secret place (Agnes ensconced herself in their bedroom)
Ensue Happen or occur afterward as a result (the difficulties that ensued from their commitment)
Entreat 1. Plead, ask earnestly (his friends entreated him not to go) 2. treat someone in a specific manner (h
Enumerate Mention a number of things one by one, establish the number of (there is not space to enumerate all
Environ (environs) Enclose, surround (the stone circle was environed by an expanse of peat soil)
Epaulet (epaulette) Ornament worn on the shoulder of a uniform, etc. typically on the coat or jacket of a military uniform
Ephemeral Short-lived, fleeting (fashion trends are ephemeral, an ephemeral plant)
Epicure Connoisseur of food and drink, gourmet (she sipped at the water as an epicure would savor good win
Epicurean Believing that pleasure is good and suffering is bad and should be avoided
Epigram Witty thought or saying expressing an idea in a clever and amusing way, short poem often satirical
Episodic (or a story or play) loosely connected, made up of separate and loosely connected parts
Epistemology theory of knowledge, especially regarding its methods, validity and scope
Epitaph Inscription in memory of a dead person (as on a tombstone)
Epithet Word or phrase characteristiclly used to describe a person or thing, term for abuse (old men are ofte
Equable Not easily disturbed or angered, calm and even-tempered, not varying or fluctuating greatly (an equ
Equanimity Calmness of temperament, composure, even temper in difficult situations (she accepted both the goo
Equestrian Rider on horseback (amazing equestrian skills, tracks for equestrians)
Equine relating to horses (equine infectiour anemia)
Equinox time or date (twice each year) at which the sun crosses the celestial equator, when day and night are
Equipoise Balance, balancing force, equilibrium (equipoise of power)
Equity 1. Fairness, justice (equity of treatment) 2. value of shares issued by a company (he owns 62% of the
Equivocal (of words or statements) ambiguous, intentionally misleading, open to more than one interpretation
Errant Erring or straying from proper course or standards, traveling in search of adventure (he could never
Erroneous Mistaken, wrong, incorrect (employers sometimes make erroneous assumptions)
Erudite having or showing great knowledge or learning
Eschew Deliberately avoid using, abstain from (he appealed to the crowd to eschew violence)
Esoteric Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowled
Espionage the practice of spying or using spies typically by governments to obtain political and military inform
Espouse Adopt or support a cause, belief or way of life, marry (he turned his back on the modernism he had e
Estimable (of a person) worthy of esteem, admirable, deserving esteem, possible to estimate
Ether 1. pleasant-smelling, colorless, volatile liquid that is highly flammable and used as anesthetic or solv
Ethnology Study of humandkind, study of the different relationships between human beings
Ethos the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations (a
Etymology Study of the origins of words and the way their meanings have changed throughout history (the etym
Eugenic the science of improving a human population by controlled breeding to increase the occurrence of d
Eulogy Speech or piece of writing praising someone highly, typically for when someone has just died (his go
Euphemism Mild or indirect word or expression used instead of being too harsh or blunt when referring to some
Euphony quality of being pleasing to the ear, especially through harmonious combination of words
Euthanasia intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering
Evanescent Fleeting, vanishing, soon disappearing (a shimmering evanescent bubble)
Evenhanded Impartial, fair in treatment and judgment (even-handed approach)
Evince Reveal the presence of a quality or feeling, be evidence of, indicate (his letters evince his excitement,
Evocative Tending to call up strong emotions, memories (powerfully evocative lyrics)
Exact (exacting) Demand and obtain by force, especially payment (tributes exacted from the Slavic people)
Exalt Hold someone in very high regard, think or speak highly of, raise to a higher rank or position, make n
Exceptionable open to objection, likely causing disapproval or offense (his drawings are almost the only exceptiona
Exchequer royal or national treasury, former government office responsible for collecting revenue and making p
Excise Tax levied on certain goods and commodities produced or sold within a country and on licenses gran
Excoriate Scold with biting harshness, censure strongly, damage or remove part of skin surface
Exculpate Declare someone is not guilty of wrongdoing (the article exculpated the mayor)
Execrable Extremely bad or unpleasant (execrable cheap wine)
Execrate Feel or express great loathing, abhorrence for, detest (they were execrated as dangerous and corrupt
Exegesis Critical explanation or interpretation of text, especially of biblical passages and cripture (the task of
Exemplify Be a typical example of, illustrate by giving an example, epitomize (rock bands best exemplify the spi
Exhort Strongly encourage or urge someone to do something (the media have been exhorting people to go o
Exhume 1. Dig something buried out of the ground, remove from a grave (the district attorney requested that
Exigency Urgent need or demand (women worked long hours when the exigencies of the family economy dem
Exiguous Very small in size or amount, minute (my exiguous musical resources)
Exodus Mass departure of people, especially emigrants (the exodus of Israelites from Egypt)
Exonerate 1. absolve someone from blame for fault or wrongdoing after due consideration of the case, exculpat
Exorbitant (of costs or demands) excessive, exceeding reasonable bounds (the exorbitant price of tickets)
Exorcise Drive out evil spirit from person or place (an attempt to exorcise an unquiet spirit, infants were exor
Expansive (of a person) outgoing and sociable, demonstrative, communicative (she felt expansive and inclined
Expatiate Talk at length, speak or write in detail (she expatiated on working-class novelists)
Expedient convenient, practical, but possibly improper or immoral, means of attaining an end, esp. one that is c
Expeditious Done with speed and efficiency (an expeditious investigation)
Expiate atone for guilt or sin (their sins must be expiated by sacrifice)
Expletive Meaningless word, interjection, profane oath, swear-word (she let out an expletive and slammed the
Explicate analyze and develop an idea or principle in detail (attempting to explicate the relationship between
Expository intended to explain or describe something (formal expository prose, expository dialogue)
Expostulation Protest, remonstrance, reasoning with someone to correct or dissuade (his father expostulated with
Expound present and explain a theory or idea systematically and in detail, explaint he meaning of literary or d
Expropriate take away property from its owner, dispossess someone of property (government plans to expropria
Expunge Erase or remove completely something unwanted or unpleasant, efface (I've expunged that period fr
Expurgate Clean, remove offensive parts of a book, censor (the expurgated Arabian Nights)
Extant Still in existence, surviving document (the original manuscript is no longer extant)
Extemporaneous Not planned, impromptu (an extemporaneous speech)
Extenuate 1. make guilt or an offense seem less serious or more forgivable (they were extenuating circumstanc
Extirpate Root up, uproot, destroy completely (the use of every legal measure to extirpate this horrible evil fro
Extol Praise very highly (he extolled the virtues of the Russian peoples)
Extort Obtain something by force, threats, other unfair means (he was convicted of trying to extort millions
Extradition the action of extraditing a person accused or convicted of a crime, deportation, expulsion (they fough
Extraneous 1. irrelevant or unrelated to the subject being dealth with (one is obliged to wade through many pag
Extricate free from a constraint or difficulty (he tried to extricate himself from official duties)
Extrinsic 1. not part of the essential nature of someone or something, coming or operating from outside (extri
Exuberance Overflowing abundance, joyful enthusiasm, growing profusely (youthful exuberance, houseplants gr
Exude 1. discharge moisture or smell slowly and steadily (the beetle exudes a caustic liquid, slime exuded f
Exult elation or jubilation from success (exulting in her escape, Annie closed the door behind her)
pose (the money will be earmarked for cancer research) 2. mark the ear of an animal as a sign of ownership or identity 3. a character
ng liquid or matter (misted and ebullient seas)

al tastes are eclectic) 2. denoting or belonging to a class of ancient philosophers who did not belong to or found any recognized schoo

on which the edifice of capitalism was built)

) 2. make oneself appear insignificant or inconspicuous (he attempted to efface himself)

inst the mosquito)
power from government to individuals)
arkling wine, he was filled with effervescence)
o longer capable of effective action (the authority of an effete aristocracy began to dwindle)
ed or destroyed as a protest of expression of anger (coins bearing the effigy of Maria Theresa of Austria, the senator was burned in e
via of decaying vegetable matter)
e juror had the effrontery to challenge the coroner's decision)

nous gas) 2. act of talking or writing in an unrestrained or heartfelt way (literary effusions)
heartfelt manner (an effusive welcome)
gree for passengers, they'd egree the area by heading southwest)

one's own actions or questions (they elicit exclamations of approval from guests, your sarcastic remarks will no doubt elicit a negativ
standable from contextual clues (a set of dots indicating an ellipsis)
ucidate this matter)
e developed by Greek sects and cults referring to a place of ideal bliss and complete happiness
so emaciated she could hardly stand)
thority of parents, free from slavery (the citizen must be emancipated from the obsessive secrecy of government, emancipated wom
try, seize ship or goods for state service (an embargo on grains ales, the country has been virtually embargoed by most of the non-co
k embellished with golden embroidery, she had difficulty telling the truth because she liked to embellish things)
sharp or pungent taste or smell to (he died an embittered man, the smell of orange zest and smoke embittered the air)
embodies competitive spirit and skill) 2. include or contain something as a constituent part (the changes in law embodied in the Free
ing into a state of confusion or disorder (she became embroiled in a dispute between two women she hardly knew, I don't want to ge
of his death needs to be emended to 652)

ve quality (one of the world's most eminent scientists, the guitar's eminent suitability for recording studio work)

h rich emollients)

provided empirical evidence to support their argument)

uce the function or action of a different computer, software system, etc. (lesser men trying to emulate his greatness, hers is not a hai
why Edward is enamored of her, she was truly enamored of New York)
ory, rights (minor encroachments on our individual liberties) Encroach: advanced gradually beyond acceptable limits (the sea has en
h debt or mortgage (she was encumbered by heavy skirts, an estate heavily encumbered with debt 2. fill or block up a place (we trip
greater sharpness)
e slightness of his frail form)

ontroversy, he engendered 6 children)

m) 2. gain or keep exclusive possession of (the country secured its position by engrossing trade) 3. produce a legal document in its fin
he money with an enigmatic smile)
fairly) 2. prescribe an action or attitude to be performed or adopted (the charitable deeds nejoined on him by religion) 3. prohibit s
en Protestants and Catholics)

as bad or morally wrong (a thorough search disclosed the full enormity of the crime, I began to sense the enormity of the task) 2. a gr
heir bedroom)
their commitment)
one in a specific manner (he has ill entreated her)
s not space to enumerate all his works, the census enumerated over 500 households in the county)

r jacket of a military uniform

picure would savor good wine)

short poem often satirical

onnected parts

m for abuse (old men are often unfairly awarded the epithet 'dirty', the woman begins to hurl racial epithets at them)
fluctuating greatly (an equable climate)
s (she accepted both the good and bad with equanimity)

ator, when day and night are of equal length

mpany (he owns 62% of the group's equity)

more than one interpretation (the equivocal nature of her remarks)
f adventure (he could never forgive his daughter's errant ways, a knight errant)
 ew violence)
with a specialized knowledge or interest (esoteric philosophical debates)
political and military information
on the modernism he had espoused in his youth, Edward espoused the Lady Grey)

d used as anesthetic or solvent 2. the clear sky, upper regions of air beyond the clouds (nasty gases and smoke disperse into the ethe

its beliefs and aspirations (a challenge to the ethos of the 1960s)

hroughout history (the etymology of a word may be unknown)
ncrease the occurrence of desirable heritable characteristics. Developed largely by Francis Galton as a method of improving the hum
omeone has just died (his good friend delivered a brief eulogy)
unt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing ('downsizing' as a euphemism for cuts)
ination of words

etters evince his excitement, man's inhumanity as evinced in the use of torture)

he Slavic people)
her rank or position, make noble in character (the party will continue to exalt its hero, this naturally exalts the peasant above his bre
e almost the only exceptionable part of his work)
ecting revenue and making payments on behalf of the sovereign, auditing official accounts, trying legal cases relating to revenue
country and on licenses granted for certain activities, charge excise on goods (excise taxes on cigarettes, excised goods)
skin surface

ed as dangerous and corrupt)

es and cripture (the task of biblical exegesis, the exegesis of ancient texts)
bands best exemplify the spirit of that age, this story exempligies current trents, he exemplified his point with an anecdote)
een exhorting people to go on strike)
rict attorney requested that the body be exhumed) 2. expose a land surface that was formerly buried (geology)
s of the family economy demanded it)

from Egypt)
eration of the case, exculpate (the inquiry exonerated them) 2. release someone from duty or obligation
bitant price of tickets)
uiet spirit, infants were exorcised prior to baptism)
felt expansive and inclined to talk)

ing an end, esp. one that is convenient but improper or imoral (either side could break the agreement if it were expedient to do so, h
n expletive and slammed the phone down), a word or phrase to fill out a sentence or line of verse
e the relationship between crime and economic forces)
ository dialogue)
his father expostulated with him about the evils of gambling)
t he meaning of literary or doctrinal work (he was expounding a powerful argument, the abbess expounded the scriptures to her nun
vernment plans to expropriate farmland, legislation to expropriate land from absentee landlords, the land reform expropriated the Ir
I've expunged that period from my CV)

nger extant)

ere extenuating circumstances that caused me to say the things I did) 2. make someone thin (drawings of extenuated figures)
xtirpate this horrible evil from the land)

d of trying to extort millions from developers)

tation, expulsion (they fought to prevent his extradition to the US, detainees awaiting extradition)
to wade through many pages of extranous material, extraneous considerations) 2. of external origin *when the transmitter pack is t

perating from outside (extrinsic factors that might affect time budgets) 2. a muscle having its origin some dstance from the part that
exuberance, houseplants growing with wild exuberance)
austic liquid, slime exuded from the fungus) 2. display emotion or quality strongly and openly (John exuded friendship and goodwill,
he door behind her)
ership or identity 3. a characteristic or identifying feature (this car has all the earmrkas of a classic, he has the earmarks of a leader)

o or found any recognized school of thought but selected such doctrines as they wished from various schools

ia, the senator was burned in effigy)

ks will no doubt elicit a negative response, a corrupt heart elicits all that is bad in us)

overnment, emancipated women, he emancipated 8000 slaves)

bargoed by most of the non-communist world)

mbittered the air)

ges in law embodied in the Freedom of Information Act)
hardly knew, I don't want to get embroiled in your crazy schemes)

his greatness, hers is not a hairstyle I wish to emulate)

 ceptable limits (the sea has encroached all around the coast) 2. a penalty in which a defensive player is positioned in the neutral zon
fill or block up a place (we tripped over sticks and stones which encumber most of the trail

duce a legal document in its final or definitive form

n him by religion) 3. prohibit someone from performing a particular action by issuing an injunction

he enormity of the task) 2. a grave crime or sin (the enormities of the regime)

thets at them)
d smoke disperse into the ether)

method of improving the human race, it fell into disfavor only after the perversion of its doctrines by the Nazis.

xalts the peasant above his brethren in the same society rank, romanticism liberated the imagination and exalted the emotions)

cases relating to revenue

es, excised goods)

int with an anecdote)

if it were expedient to do so, holding a public inquiry into the scheme was not expedient, the current policy is a political expedient, a
unded the scriptures to her nuns)
and reform expropriated the Irish landlords)

of extenuated figures)

when the transmitter pack is turned off, no extraneous noise is heard) 3. separate from the object to which it is attached (other inse

ome dstance from the part that it moves (eye muscles)

xuded friendship and goodwill, the building exudes an air of tranquility)

has the earmarks of a leader)
s positioned in the neutral zone at the start of a play
and exalted the emotions)

policy is a political expedient, a temporary expedient)

which it is attached (other insects attach extraneous objects or material to themselves)
Facet 1. a side of something many-sided, esp. a cut gem (the many facets of a gem) 2. particular aspect o
Facetious treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor, flippant
Facile 1. theory or argument that appears neat and comprehensive by ignoring the true complexities of a
Faction 1. small, organized dissenting group within a larger one, esp. in politics (the left-wing faction of th
Factitious Artificially created (a largely factitious national identity, the papers are shamelessly printing these
Factotum Handyman, person who does all kinds of work, handyman (he was employed as the general factot
Fallacy Based on mistaken belief, faulty reasoning, unsound argument (fallacious arguments, the notion t
Fallible capable of making mistakes or being erroneous (experts can be fallible)
Fallow 1. plowed and harrowed but unsown to restore fetility as part of crop rotation or to avoid surplus
Fanfare Short ceremonial tune or flourish played on brass instruments to introduce something or someon
Farce Comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay including crude characterization and ludric
Fastidious very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail, concerned about cleanliness (he chose
Fatalism Belief that events are determined by forces or fates beyond one's control, a submissive outlook, re
Fatuous silly and pointless (a fatuous comment)
Febrile have or show symptoms of a fever, great deal of nervous excitement or energy (a febrile illness, feb
Fecundity produce abundant offspring or new growth, fertility, new ideas (, a lush and fecund garden, multip
Felicitous well chosen or suited to circumstances, pleasing and fortunate (felicitous praise, the view was the
Felicity Happiness, appropriateness of a remark, choice (domestic felicity, David expressed his feelings wi
Feral wild, esp. after escape from captivity or domestication, resembling a wild animal, untamed (feral d
Ferment 1. incite or stir up trouble or disorder (the politicians and warlors who are fermenting this chaos)
Fervent/Fervid/Fervo having or displaying passionate intensity, esp. to an excessive degree (fervent disciple of tax reform
Fete celebration or festival, honor or entertain someone lavishly (she was an instant celebrity, feted by
Fetid smelling extremely unpleasant (the fetid water of the marsh)
Fetter chain or manacle used to restrain a prisoner, typically placed around the ankles (he lay bound wit
Fiat formal authorization or proposition, a decree, arbitrary order (adopting a legislative review progr
Fidelity faithfulness to a person, cause or belief demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support, degree o
Filch pilfer or steal something of small value in a casual way (I was accused of filching Tom's idea)
Filibuster 1. an action such as a prolonged speech that obstructs progress in a legislative assembly while not
Filigree ornamental work of fine (typically gold or silver) wire formed into delicate tracery (delicate silver
Finery expensive or ostentatious clothes or decoration, glad rags, Sunday best (officers in their blue, gold
Finicky Too particular, fussy, difficult to please, showing or requiring great attention to detail (a finicky ea
Firebrand 1. person passionate about a particular cause, typically inciting change and taking radical action (
Fitful Spasmodic, intermittent, irregular, active or occurring spasmodically (a few hours of fitful sleep, a
Flagrant something considered wrong or immoral,conspicuously or obviously offensive (his flagrant bad ta
Fledgling young bird that has just fledged, person or organization that is immature, inexperienced, underde
Floe Flat mass of floating ice
Florescence Condition or period of flowering (the Hieracia are erect throughout the process of florescence)
Florid 1. red or flushed complexion (a stout man witha florid face) 2. elaborately or excessively intricate
Flotsam wreckage of ship or cargo floating or washed up by the sea, people or things that have been reject
Flout openly disregard a rule, law or convention, mock, scoff (these same companies still flout basic eth
Flute 1. grooves or ridges (fluted pillars, roof supported by fluted columns) 2. speak in a melodious way
Fodder food, esp. dried hay or feed for cattle and other livestock, person or thing regarded as material for
Foible 1. minor weakness or eccentricity in one's character (they have to tolerate each other's little foible
Foil 1. prevent (something considered wrong or undesirable) from succeeding (a brave policewoman f
Foist 1. impose an unwelcome or unnecessary person or thing on (don't let anyone foist inferior goods o
Foment 1. Stir up, incite, instigate, promote the growth of something evil or unpleasant (they were accuse
Foppish concerned with his clothes and appearance in an affected and excessive way (he is foppish and vai
Foray 1. sudden attack or incursion into enemy territory, especially to obtain something; a raid (the garr
Forbearance Patience, self-control; restraint and tolerance, the action of refraining from exercising a legal right
Ford shallow place in a river or stream allowing one to walk or drive across (a ford across the river, we
Forebode a situation or occurrence acting as a warning of something bad, presentiment of something bad (t
Foreshadow be a warning or indication of a future event (it foreshadowed my preoccupation with jazz)
Forswear agree to give up or do without soemthing, swear falsely, commit perjury (he would never forswear
Forthcoming 1. planned for or about to happen in the near future (the forthcoming baseball season) 2. ready or
Forthright proceeding directly forward, manner or speech direct and outspoken; straightforward and honest
Fortuitous Accidental, by chance rather than design, lucky chance, fortunate (a fortuitous resemblance, the R
Fracas Brawl, noisy disturbance, quarrel
Fractious 1. irritable and quarrelsome like children (they fight and squabble like fractious children) 2. group
Franchise 1. ownership structure in professional sports in which a league is limited to a fixed number of team
Fraudulent obtained, done by, or involving deception, especially criminal deception, unjustifiably claiming or
Fray a battle or fight, a situation of intense activity, typically one incorporating an element of aggressio
Freebooter pirate or lawless adventurer
Frenetic Frenzied, fast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way (a frenetic pace of activity, the f
Fresco Painting done rapidly in watercolor on wet plaster on a wall or ceiling, so that the colors penetrate
Frieze 1. broad horizontal band of sculpted or painted decoration, especially on a wall near the ceiling 2.
Fritter 1. waste time, money, or energy on trifling matters (I wish we hadn't frittered the money away so
Frond Fern leaf, palm or banana leaf (fronds of bracken)
Fructify Bear fruit, produce fruit, make something fruitful or productive
Fulminate 1. express vehement protest all fulminated against the new curriculum) 2. explode violently or fla
Fulsome 1. complimentary or flattering to an excessive degree (they are almost embarrassingly fulsome in
Funereal Sad, mournful, somber character appropriate to a funeral (Lincoln's funereal gloominess was lege
Furor 1. outbreak of public anger or excitement (the article raised a furor among mathematicians) 2. a w
Furrow 1. long narrow trench made in the ground by a plow, especially for planting seeds or for irrigation
Fusillade a series of shots fired or missiles thrown all at the same time or in quick succession (marchers ha
Gadfly a fly that bites livestock, especially a horsefly, warble fly, or botfly, an annoying person, especially o
Gaffe Social blunder, an unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator (an unforg
Gainsay Deny, contradict a fact or statement, speak against or oppose someone (the impact of the railroads
Gall 1. bold, impudent behavior (the bank had the gall to demand a fee) 2. contents of the gallbladder;
Galleon Sailing ship in use (especially by Spain) from the 15th through 17th centuries, originally as a wars
Galley 1. Low, flat ship with one or more sails and up to three banks of oars, chiefly used for warfare, trad
Galvanic 1. involving electric currents produced by chemical action 2. sudden and dramatic (hurry with aw
Galvanize 1. shock or excite someone typically into taking action (the urgency of his voice galvanized them in
Gambit 1. device, action, or opening remark, typically one entailing a degree of risk, that is calculated to ga
Gamely in a brave, spirited way (he battled gamely but was outclassed by his more experienced opponent
Gamut the complete range or scope of something, complete scale of musical notes; the compass or range
Gangrene become affected with gangrene, localized death and decomposition of body tissue, resulting from
Gargantuan Huge, enormous, gigantic (a gargantuan appetite)
Garish obtrusively bright and showy; lurid (garish shirts in all sorts of colors)
Garrulous Loquacious, wordy, talkative, esp. in trivial matters (Polonius is portrayed as a foolish, garrulous o
Gastronomy Practice or art of choosing, cooking, and eating good food, cooking of a particular area (traditional
Gauche Lacking ease or grace; unsophisticated and socially awkward
Gaudy tastelessly extravagant, bright or showy (silver bows and gaudy ribbons)
Gavel Use of a gavel, small mallet with which an auctioneer, a judge, or the chair of a meeting hits a surfa
Gazette Names of periodicals in a journal or newspaper, official publication of a government organization
Genesis Origin or mode of formation of something (this tale had its genesis in fireside stories)
Geniality a friendly and cheerful manner; affability (he was endowed with geniality and good humor)
Genteel Well-bred, elegant, polite, refined, or respectable, often in an affected or ostentatious way
Gentility Those of high social class, social superiority as demonstrated by genteel manners, behavior, or app
Gentry of good social position, specifically (in the UK) the class of people next below the nobility in positi
Genuflect bending knee in worship or as a sign of respect, show deference or servility (she genuflected and
Geriatrics Branch of medical treatment or social science dealing with the health and care of old people
Germane Relevant to a subject under consideration (that is not germane to our theme)
Gerontocracy Government ruled by old people
Gerontology scientific study of old age, the process of aging, and the particular problems of old people
Gerrymander Change voting district lines, manipulate the boundaries of (an electoral constituency) so as to favo
Gestate 1. carry a fetus in the womb from conception to birth (rabbits gestate for 28 days, undergo gestati
Gesticulation Gesture, especially a dramatic one, used instead of speaking or to emphasize one's words (he pun
Gibe Insulting or mocking remark; taunt, jeer (a gibe at his old rivals, some cynics in the media might g
Gild 1. Cover thinly with gold, gold-plated 2. give specious or false brilliance to (they gild the facts unti
Glean 1. extract info from various sources, collect gradually bit by bit (the info is gleaned from press clip
Glib Fluent but insincere and shallow, facile, slick (she was careful not to let the answer sound too glib)
Gloss Translation, explanation, interpretation of a word or phrase (the chapter acts as a helpful gloss on
Glut 1. excessive, abundant supply of something (there is a glut of cars on the market) 2. supply or fill t
Glutton/Gourmand Excessively greedy eater (a glutton for adventure), connoisseur of good food, another term for wol
Goad 1. provoke or annoy to stimulate reaction (he goaded her on to more daring revelations) 2. drive o
Gore 1. blood shed from violence (the film omitted the blood and gore to avoid controversy) 2. pierced
Gossamer fine, filmy substance consisting of cobwebs spun by small spiders seen esp. in the autumn, someth
Gouge Overcharge, swindle (the airlines gouge passengers during the holiday season)
Granary Storehouse for grain, region producing large quantities of corn
Grandiloquent pompous or extravagant in language, style, or manner, esp. intended to impress (a grandiloquent c
Grapple engage in fight or struggle without weapons, wrestle, seize or hold with a grapnel, instrument to h
Grate Unpleasant rasping sound (the hinges of the door grated, her bones grated together)
Gratis Free, without charge (a monthly program was issued gratis, gratis copies)
Gratuitous 1. uncalled for, w/out good reason, unwarranted (gratuitous violence) 2. given or done free of cha
Gregarious 1. person fond of company, sociable (he was a popular and gregarious man, he was fun-loving and
Grotto small picturesque cave, esp. an artificial one in a park or garden, an indoor structure resembling a
Grouse 1. medium to large game bird with plump body and feathered legs, male larger and more conspicu
Guile Deceit, cunning intelligence (he used all his guile and guts to free himself from the muddle he was
Guise Outward appearance, costume, manner or presentation typically concealing the true nature of som
Gull 1. long-winged, web-footed seabird with a raucous call, typically having white plumage with gray
Gustatory Affecting or relating to the sense of taste (gustatory delights)
Gyroscope Device used to provide stability or maintain a reference direction in navigation systems, automati
Habituate Become accustomed to something (she had habituated the chimps to humans)
Hackles 1. erected hairs on back of dog or other animal when angry or alarmed 2. long, narrow feather on
Hackneyed phrase or idea lacking significance from overuse, unoriginal, trie (hackeyed old sayings)
Halcyon 1. period of time in past that was idyllically happy and peaceful (the halcyon days of the mid-1980
Hale 1. elderly but strong and healthy person (only just 60, very hale and healthy) 2. drag or draw forci
Hallowed honor as holy, make holy, consecrate, greatly revered or respected, saint or holy person (the Gange
Hap Luck, fortune, come about by chance (what can hap to him worthy to be deemed evil?) Hapless: un
Harangue lengthy and aggressive speech, lecture someone at length in an aggressive and critical manner (th
Harbinger person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another, forerunner of something (witc
Hardy robust, capable of enduring difficult conditions, plants able to survive outside during winter (our
Harrowing 1. cause distress to (a harrowing film about racism and violence) 2. heavy frame set with teeth dra
Harry persistently attach enemy or enemy's territory (he bought the house for Jenny, whom he harried i
Heckler person who interrupts performer or public speaker with derisive or aggressive comments or abus
Hedonist One who believs that pleasure is the sole aim in life (she was living the life of a committed hedonis
Hegemony Dominance especially of one nation over others (Germany was united under Prussian hegemony a
Helm 1. tiller or wheel for steering ship, position of leadership (she stayed at the helm, alert for tankers
Hem 1. Surround tightly and restrict space or movement (he was hemmed in by the tables) 2. used in w
Herald 1. official messenger bringing news 2. sign that something is about to happen (they considered th
Hereafter Life after death (sermon about hope of life hereafter, suffering is part of our preparation for the he
Heresy 1. belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious doctrine, esp. Christian (Huss was burned for h
Hermetic 1. seal or closure completely airtight, insulated or protected from outside influences (a hermetic s
Herpetology Branch in zoology referring to the study of amphibians
Heterodox not conforming with accepted or orthodox standards or beliefs (heterodox views)
Heterogenous 1. diverse in character or content (large and heterogenous collection) 2. process involving substan
Hew 1. chop or cut esp. wood with ax or other tool (we have finished hauling and hewing timber, the lo
Heyday period of person's or thing's greatest success, popularity, or vigor (the paper has lost millions of r
Hibernal Wintry, or occurring in winter (hibernal eczema)
Hieroglyph picture of an object representing a word, syllable, sound found in ancient Egyptian and other writ
High-flown Extravagant or lofty esp. of language or ideas
Hindmost Furthest behind, farthest to the rear (the hindmost part of the frog's food canal)
Hinterlands 1. often uncharted areas beyond a coastal district or a river's banks (early settlers were driven fro
Hireling person employed to undertake menial work, who works purely for material reward (the governm
Hirsute Hairy, having a lot of hair (their hirsute chests)
Histrionic Overly theatrical or melodramatic in character or style, concerning actors or acting, denoting pers
Hoary Grayish white, aged with gray hair, old and trite, used in animals and plants covered with whitish
Holocaust Mass scale destruction or slaughter esp. caused by fire or nuclear war, a Jewish sacrificial offering
Holster holder for carrying handgun or other firearm typically made of leather and worn on belt under ar
Homage Special honor or respect shown publicly, formal public acknowledgement of feudal allegiance (the
Homely 1. unattractive person (she's rather homely) 2. simple but cozy and comfortable, unsophisticated
Homeostasis the tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially
Homespun simple and unsophisticated (homespun philosophy)
Homily a religious discourse that is intended primarily for spiritual edification rather than doctrinal instr
Hortatory tending or aiming to exhort (the central bank relied on hortatory messages and voluntary complia
Hubris Arrogance, excessive self-confidence, excessive pride toward or defiance of the gods, leading to ne
Hue Color, aspect, character (her face lost its golden hue, a lovely hue of lilac, men of all political hues s
Hue and cry Outcry, loud cry or clamor, strong protest
Humdrum Dull, monotonous, lacking excitement or variety (humdrum routine work, an escape from the hum
Hummock Small hill, hillock, knoll, mound, hump or ridge in an ice field, piece of forested ground rising abov
Husbandry 1. breeding of crops and animals, agriculture, livestock (crop husbandry) 2. management and cons
Hyperbole Exaggeration, overstatement
Hypercritical Excessively exacting, unreasonably critical esp. of small faults
Hypochondriac Person unduly worried about his health, worrier without cause about illness Hypochondria: abno
Hypocritical believing that one has higher standards or more noble beliefs than is the case (we don't go to chur
em) 2. particular aspect or feature of something (participation by the laity in all facets of church life) 3. any individual units (ommati

the true complexities of an issue, superficial, oversimplified, having superficial or simplistic knowledge or approach (a man of facile
the left-wing faction of the party) 2. state of conflict within an organization, dissension (the council was split by faction, a factious co
hamelessly printing these factitious accounts)
oyed as the general factotum)
s arguments, the notion that the camera never lies is a fallacy)

ation or to avoid surplus production (incentives for farmers to let the land lie fallor to reduce grain surpluses) 2. inactive (long fallow
uce something or someone important, media attention or celebration (a fanfare announced her arrival, he turned 25 yesterday with l
haracterization and ludricrously improbable situations, slapstick comedy, an absurd event (the stories approach farce, the trial was fa
out cleanliness (he chose his words with fastidious care, the child seems fastidious about getting her fingers sticky or dirty)
, a submissive outlook, resulting from a fatalistic attitude

nergy (a febrile illness, febrile imagination)

and fecund garden, multiply mated females show increased fecundity, immense fecundity of his imagination made a profound impact
s praise, the view was the room's only felicitous feature, his nickname was particularly felicitous)
expressed his feelings with customary felicity)
d animal, untamed (feral dogs, a feral snarl)
re fermenting this chaos) 2. agitation and excitement among people, typically concerning major change and leading to trouble or vio
vent disciple of tax reform, a letter of fervid thanks, he talked with all the fervor of a new convert, even the smallest of tasks he tackl
nstant celebrity, feted by the media)

ankles (he lay bound with fetters of iron, the fetters of discipline and caution, a ragged and fettered prisoner, he was not fettered by
a legislative review program, rather than trying to regulate by fiat, a political union imposed through imperial fiat, the appraisal drop
lty and support, degree of exactness with which something is copied or reproduced (he sought only the strictest fidelity to justice, th
filching Tom's idea)
lative assembly while not technically contavening the required procedures (it was defeated by a Senate filibuster in June, many hour
te tracery (delicate silver filigree earrings, decorated with gold filigree)
officers in their blue, gold, and scarlet finery, all dressed up in her finery)
tion to detail (a finicky eater, a finicky and almost fetishistic collector)
nd taking radical action (a political firebrand, a group of political firebrands) 2. a piece of burning wood
ew hours of fitful sleep, a fitful night's sleep)
ensive (his flagrant bad taste)
e, inexperienced, underdeveloped (a woodpecker fledgling, the fledgling democracies of eastern Europe)

process of florescence)
y or excessively intricate or complicated, using unusual words or complicated rhetorical constructions (florid operatic-style music w
ngs that have been rejected or regarded worthless (the room was cleared of boxes and other flotsam)
panies still flout basic ethical practices, the women pointed and flouted at her)
speak in a melodious way reminiscent of the sound of a flute, play a flute or pipe ("What do you do?" she fluted, he sat on the rocks an
 regarded as material for specific use (young people ending up as factory fodder)
te each other's little foibles) 2. the weaker part of a sword blade, from the middle to the point
ng (a brave policewoman foiled the armed robbery) 2. the track or scent of a hunt animal 3. a setback in an enterprise, a defeat
yone foist inferior goods on you) 2. introduce someone or something surreptitiously or unwarrantably into (he attempted to foist a n
easant (they were accused of fomenting civil unrest) 2. bathe (a part of the body) with warm or medicated lotions
way (he is foppish and vain)
omething; a raid (the garrison made a foray against Richard's camp, the foray was met with little resistance) 2. an attempt to become
m exercising a legal right, especially enforcing the payment of a debt (forbearance from taking action, the boy forbore from touching
ford across the river, we tried to ford the river)
ment of something bad (this lull foreboded some new assault upon him, I foreboded mischief the moment I heard)
upation with jazz)
(he would never forswear the religion of his people, I swore that I would lead us home and I do not mean to be forsworn)
seball season) 2. ready or made available when wanted or needed (financial support was not forthcoming) 3. willing to divulge inform
raightforward and honest (his most forthright attack yet on the reforms, a forthright statement to the press about her involvement in
uitous resemblance, the Red Wings were saved by a fortuitous rebound, from a cash standpoint, the company's timing is fortuitous)

actious children) 2. group or organization difficult to control; unruly (the fractious coalition of Social Democrats)
d to a fixed number of teams 2. professional sports team 3. a star player on a team (franchise player) 4. rights of citizenship, right to v
unjustifiably claiming or being credited with particular accomplishments or qualities (the fraudulent copying of American software,
g an element of aggression or competition ( 19companies intend to bid for the contract, with three more expected to enter the fray)

netic pace of activity, the frenetic bustle of the city)

o that the colors penetrate the plaster and become fixed as it dries used in Roman times and by the great masters of the Italian Renai
a wall near the ceiling 2. heavy, coarse woolen cloth with a nap, usually on one side only
ered the money away so easily) 2. divide something into small pieces (they become frittered into minute tatters) 3. a piece of fruit, v

2. explode violently or flash like lightning (thunder fulminated around the house) 3. disease or symptom develop suddenly and sever
mbarrassingly fulsome in their appreciation) 2. large size or quantity; generous or abundant (a fulsome harvest)
real gloominess was legendary)
ng mathematicians) 2. a wave of enthusiastic admiration; a craze
ng seeds or for irrigation, rut, groove, or trail in the ground or another surface (furrows in a plowed field, gorges furrowing the deep
succession (marchers had to dodge a fusillade of missiles)
oying person, especially one who provokes others into action by criticism
o its originator (an unforgivable social gaffe)
he impact of the railroads cannot be gainsaid, it was difficult to gainsay his claim)
ntents of the gallbladder; bile proverbial for its bitterness (scholarly gall was poured on this work)
uries, originally as a warship, later for trade. Galleons were mainly square-rigged and usually had three or more decks and masts
efly used for warfare, trade, and piracy 2. the kitchen in a ship or aircraft
d dramatic (hurry with awkward galvanic strides)
s voice galvanized them into action) 2. coat iron or steel with protective layer of zinc (an old galvanized bucket)
 sk, that is calculated to gain an advantage (his resignation was a tactical gambit 2. in chess, an opening in which a player makes a sac
re experienced opponent)
es; the compass or range of a voice or instrument (the complete gamut of human emotion)
ody tissue, resulting from either obstructed circulation or bacterial infection

d as a foolish, garrulous old man)

articular area (traditional American gastronomy)

r of a meeting hits a surface to call for attention or order (he gaveled the convention to order)
government organization or institution, listing appointments and other public notices, announce or publish in an official gazette (it's
eside stories)
y and good humor)
ostentatious way
manners, behavior, or appearances (her grandmother's pretensions to gentility)
elow the nobility in position and birth, of a specified class or group (member of the landed gentry, a New Orleans family of Creole gen
ity (she genuflected and crossed herself, politicians had to genuflect to the far left to advance their careers)
d care of old people

ms of old people
onstituency) so as to favor one party or class (freedom to gerrmander the resutls they want)
28 days, undergo gestation) 2. develop over a long period (a research trip he made while gestating his new book)
size one's words (he punctuated his speech with wild gesticulations)
nics in the media might gibe)
o (they gild the facts unti lthe truth all but vanishes)
s gleaned from press clippings, objects gleaned from local markets) 2. gather leftover grain or other produce after a harvest (the con
he answer sound too glib)
acts as a helpful gloss on Pynchon's general method, those laws which they assumed the liberty of interpreting and glossing upon)
market) 2. supply or fill to excess (the factories for recycling paper are glutted)
ood, another term for wolverine esp. the European species
ing revelations) 2. drive or urge an animal with a goad, spiked stick used for driving cattle (he applied his goad to the cows)
d controversy) 2. pierced or stabbed with horn or tusk from an animal (he was gored by a bull) 3. triangular or tapering material use
sp. in the autumn, something very light, thin, and insubstantial or delicate (the light from the table lamp, his hair was blond gossame

mpress (a grandiloquent celebration of Spanish glory)

a grapnel, instrument to hold or seize something, struggle with or work hard to overcome a difficulty (passersby grappled with the a
ed together)
 given or done free of charge (solicitors provide a from of grauitous legal advice)
an, he was fun-loving and gregarious) 2. animals living in flocks or loosely organized communities (gregarious species forage in flock
or structure resembling a cave
larger and more conspicuously colored than female, the flesh of the grouse as food 2. complain pettily, grumble (she heard him grou
f from the muddle he was in) Guiless: innocent and w/out deception (his face was so open and guileless)
ling the true nature of something (he visited in the guise of an inspector)
white plumage with gray or black mantle 2. person fooled or deceived

gation systems, automatic pilots, and stabilizers

. long, narrow feather on neck or saddle of rooster or other bird 3 (fishing) feather wound around fishing fly so its filaments are spla
yed old sayings)
yon days of the mid-1980s when profits soared) 2. tropical Asian and African kingfisher with brightly colored plumage 3. mythical b
thy) 2. drag or draw forcibly (he haled an old man out of the audience)
or holy person (the Ganges is hallowed as a sacred, cleansing river, in keeping with a hallowed family tradition)
deemed evil?) Hapless: unfortunate (you're one of the many hapless car buyers who've been shafted)
e and critical manner (the kind of guy who harangued total strangers about religion)
unner of something (witch hazels are the harbingers of spring, these works were not yet opera but they were the most important har
tside during winter (our tiny fraily baby has grown into a strapping hardy man)
y frame set with teeth dragged over plowed land to break up clods, remove weeds, and cover seed (draw a harrow over land)
Jenny, whom he harried into marriage)
ressive comments or abuse (he was adept at dealing with hecklers)
fe of a committed hedonist) Hedonism: the ethical theory that pleasure (satisfaction of desires) is the highest good and proper aim o
der Prussian hegemony after 1871, the Prussian hegemony of the 19th century)
he helm, alert for tankers, they are family-run empires whose founders remain at the helm, Judith will be at the helm while I am in N
by the tables) 2. used in writing to indicate sound made when coughing or cleaning throat to attract someone's attention or express h
ppen (they considered the first primroses as the herald of spring, the speech heralded a change in policy) 3. an official employed to o
our preparation for the hereafter)
n (Huss was burned for heresy) 2. opnion profoundly at odds with what is generally accepted (cutting capital gais taxes is heresy)
e influences (a hermetic seal that ensures perfect waterproofing, a hermetic society) 2. relating to ancient occult tradition invlving al

process involving substances in different phases - solid, liquid, or gaseous 3. incommensurable through being of different kinds, degr
and hewing timber, the logs are freshly hewn) 2. conform or adhere to (some artists took photographs that hewed to more traditiona
aper has lost millions of readers since its heyday in 1964)

t Egyptian and other writing systems (like Chinese)

y settlers were driven from the coastal areas into the hinterland) 2. area surrounding a town or port and served by it (the city had gr
rial reward (the government's paid hirelines assure us that we're on our way out of recession)
 s or acting, denoting personality disorder marked by shallow, volatile emotions and attention-seeking behavior (a histrionic outburs
nts covered with whitish fur or short hairs (hoary cobwebs, hoary old fellow with a face of white stubble, hoary bat, that hoary Amer
Jewish sacrificial offering burned completely on an altar (a nuclear holocaust)
nd worn on belt under arm (the Luger slid easily from the holster)
t of feudal allegiance (they paid homage to the local boy who became president, a man doing homage to his personal lord)
ortable, unsophisticated and unpretentious (a modern hotel with a homely atmosphere, homely pleasures)
dent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes

ather than doctrinal instruction; a sermon, a tedious moralizing discourse (a guest preacher delivered today's homily, she delivered h
ges and voluntary compliance)
of the gods, leading to nemesis
men of all political hues submerged their feuds)

k, an escape from the humdrum of his life)

rested ground rising above a marsh
) 2. management and conservation of resources

ness Hypochondria: abnormal anxiety about one's health, especially with an unwarranted fear that one has a serious disease
case (we don't go to church and we thought it would be hypocritical to have him christened) Hypocrisy: claiming to have moral stan
3. any individual units (ommatidia) that make up the compound eye of an insect or crustacean

ge or approach (a man of facile and shallow intellect) 2. easily achieved, effortless esp. in sports (a facile victory)
as split by faction, a factious country, factious parties have weakened the movement)

rpluses) 2. inactive (long fallow periods when nothing seems to happen) 3. not pregnant 4. piece of fallow or uncultivated land
, he turned 25 yesterday with little fanfare)
approach farce, the trial was farce, the debate turned into a drunken farce)
ingers sticky or dirty)

nation made a profound impact on European literature)

ge and leading to trouble or violence (Germany at this time was in a state of religious ferment)
n the smallest of tasks he tackled with fervor, fervid protestations of love)

risoner, he was not fettered by tradition)

imperial fiat, the appraisal dropped the value by 10 mil rendering it worthless by bureaucratic fiat)
he strictest fidelity to justice, the 1949 recording provides reasonable fidelity)

e filibuster in June, many hours in committee are characterized by filibuster) 2. person engaging in unauthorized warfare against a f

s (florid operatic-style music was out, the florid prose of the 19th century) 3. disease or its manifestations occurring in fully develop

he fluted, he sat on the rocks and fluted to the morning sea) 3. make trumpet-shaped frills on a garment (a fluted collar)
n an enterprise, a defeat
y into (he attempted to foist a new delegate into the conference)
ated lotions

tance) 2. an attempt to become involved in a new activity or sphere (my first foray into journalism)
the boy forbore from touching anything, she could not forbear a smile)

ment I heard)

ean to be forsworn)
ming) 3. willing to divulge information (their daughter had never been forthcoming about her time in Europe)
press about her involvement in the cover-up)
mpany's timing is fortuitous)

Democrats)
rights of citizenship, right to vote (the extension of the franchise to women)
copying of American software, he unmasked fraudulent psychics)
ore expected to enter the fray)

eat masters of the Italian Renaissance including Giotto, Masaccio, and Michelangelo (four scenes had been frescoed on the wall)

ute tatters) 3. a piece of fruit, vegetable, or meat that is coated in batter and deep-fried

om develop suddenly and severely (fulminating appendicitis) 4. a salt or ester of fulminic acid

eld, gorges furrowing the deep-sea floor, furrowed fields) 2. line or wrinkle on a person's face, sometimes caused by frowning, anxiet

ee or more decks and masts

 g in which a player makes a sacrifice, typically of a pawn, for the sake of some compensating advantage

ublish in an official gazette (it's in this week's gazette)

ew Orleans family of Creole gentry)

s new book)

roduce after a harvest (the conditions of farm workers in the 1890s made gleaning essential)

erpreting and glossing upon)

his goad to the cows)

ngular or tapering material used in making garments, sails, or umbrella (a gored skirt)
mp, his hair was blond gossamer)

(passersby grappled with the an after the knife attack, other towns are still grappling with the problem, a grappling hook)
egarious species forage in flocks from colonies or roosts, gregarious fish) 3. plants growing in open clusters or in pure associations

, grumble (she heard him grousing about his assistant, our biggest grouse was about the noise from the construction work)

hing fly so its filaments are splayed out, fly-fishing feathers collectively, bunch of feathers in a military headdress 4. steel comb for sep

colored plumage 3. mythical bird said by ancient writers to breed in a nest floating at sea at the winter solstice, charming the wind a

ey were the most important harbinger of opera)

aw a harrow over land)

highest good and proper aim of human life

be at the helm while I am in New Jersey) 2. manage the running of, direct a move (the magazine he helmed in the late 80s) 3. a helm
omeone's attention or express hesitation
icy) 3. an official employed to oversee state ceremony, precedence, and the use of armorial bearings and to make proclamations, over

capital gais taxes is heresy)

ient occult tradition invlving alchemy, astrology, and theosophy (obscure and hermetic poems)

h being of different kinds, degrees, or dimensions

that hewed to more traditional ideas of art)

nd served by it (the city had grown prosperous by exploiting its local western hinterland) 3. area lying beyond what is visible or unk
g behavior (a histrionic outburst, histrionic talents)
ble, hoary bat, that hoary American notion that bigger is better)

to his personal lord)

today's homily, she delivered her homily about the need for patience)

e has a serious disease

sy: claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform; pretense
llow or uncultivated land

nauthorized warfare against a foreign country 3. act in an obstuctive manner in a legislature, especially by speaking at inordinate len

ions occurring in fully developed form (florid symptoms of psychiatric disorder)

nt (a fluted collar)
een frescoed on the wall)

mes caused by frowning, anxiety, or concentration (the furrows on either side of her mouth, his brow furrowed in concentration, a lo
m, a grappling hook)
usters or in pure associations

e construction work)

headdress 4. steel comb for separating flax fibers 5. dress or comb with a hackle

r solstice, charming the wind and waves into calm

elmed in the late 80s) 3. a helmet

nd to make proclamations, oversee tournaments 4. acclaim (the band has been heralded as the industrial supergroup of the 90s, shou

g beyond what is visible or unknown (in the hinterland of his mind these things rose dark and ominous)
y by speaking at inordinate length (several measured were killed by Republican filibustering, the opposition are filibustering)
furrowed in concentration, a look of concern furrowed his brow)
rial supergroup of the 90s, shouts heralded their approach)
osition are filibustering)
Ichthyology Branch of zoology that studies fish (Ichythyo: fish)
Iconoclastic Attacking cherished traditions (a fresh, even an iconoclasstic, influence could work wonders) I
Idiosyncrasy Individual trait odd in nature, behavioral peculiarity, eccentricity, distinctive or peculiar featur
Idolatry Worship of idols, excessive admiration or devotion (the prophets railed against idolatry, we mu
Idyll extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque episode or scene, typically an idealized or unsustain
Ignoble Unworthy, not noble, dishonorable, of humble origin or social status (ignoble feelings of intens
Ignominy public disgrace, shame or dishonor (the ignominy of being imprisoned)
Illimitable Infinite, limitless (the illimitable human capacity for evil)
Imbibe drink alcohol, absorb or assimilate ideas or knowledge, familiarize with, absorb water into mic
Imbroglio extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation, confused heap (the Watergat
Imbue inspire or permeate with a feeling or quality (the entire performance was imbued with spark
Immolate Kill or offer as a sacrifice, especially by burning
Immure Imprison, shut up in confinement (her brother was immured in a lunatic asylum, his wife was
Immutable unchanging over time or unable to be changed (an immutable fact)
Impalpable Imperceptible, not easily comprehended, intangible unable to be felt by touch (an impalpable
Impart Make info known, communicate, bestow a quality (teachers had a duty to impart strong moral
Impartial Treat all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just (independent and impartial advice)
Impasse Situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement; a deadlock (the
Impassion(ed) Make passionate, filled with or showing great emotion (her body had once pleased and impass
Impecunious having little or no money (a titled but impecunious family)
Impede delay or prevent someone or something by obstructing them, hinder (the sap causes swelling t
Impel Drive or force onward, drive to take action, urge to action (financial difficulties impelled him to
Impenitent Unrepentant, not feeling shame or regret about one's actions or attitudes (the hardness of thei
Imperative 1. of vital importance; crucial (immediate action was imperative, free movement of labor was a
Imperious Domineering, too commanding, arrogant, assuming power or authority without justification (h
Impertinent Insolent, rude, irrelevant to a particular matter (an impertinent question, talk of rhetoric and s
Imperturbable Unshakably calm, placid (an imperturbable tranquility)
Impetus Moving force, momentum, force of a moving body, stimulus, force that catalyzes the process (h
Impiety/Impious Irreverence, lack of respect for God, wicked person or act (he blamed the fall of the city on the
Impinge 1. Have an effect or impact, especially a negative one (Nora was determined that the tragedy w
Implacable Incapable of being pacified, impossible to appease, relentless, unstoppable (he was an implaca
Implausible an argument or statement not seeming reasonable or probable; failing to convince (this is a bla
Implicate 1. show someone to be involved in a crime (police claims implicated him in many more killings
Implore Ask or beg earnestly, beseech (he implored her to change her mind, I implore mercy)
Impolitic Unwise, failing to possess or display prudence (it was impolitic to pay the slightest tribute to th
Imponderable Factor difficult or impossible to estimate or assess, very light (there are too many imponderab
Importune/Importunate 1. ask pressingly and persistently for something, persistent to the point of annoyance or intrus
Imposture Assuming a false identity, masquerade, pretending to be someone else in order to deceive othe
Imprecation Curse, swearword (she hurled her imprecations at anyone who might be listening)
Impropriety a failure to observe standards or show due honesty or modesty; improper language, behavior,
Improvident not having or showing foresight; spendthrift or thoughtless (improvident and undisciplined be
Impudence Impertinence, insolence, not showing due respect for another person (he could have strangled
Impugn Question, dispute the truth, validity, or honesty of a statement or motive (are you impugning m
Impuissance = incapacity 1. physical or mental inability to do something or to manage one's affairs (they can be fired on
Impunity Exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action (the im
Impute 1. represent (something, especially something undesirable) as being done, caused, or possesse
Inalienable Not to be taken away or given away by the possessor (freedom of riligion, the most inalienable
Inamorate Woman whom a man loves
Inane Silly, stupid (stop badgering people with inane questions)
Inapt (of statements or ideas) inappropriate (I cannot imagine a more inapt name)
Incapacitate prevent from functioning in a normal way, deprive someone of their legal capacity (he was inca
Incarcerate Imprison, shut up in confinement (many are incarcerated for property offenses, she returned t
Incendiary 1. device or attach designed to cause fires, an incendiary bomb or device (incendiary grenades
Inchoate 1. recently begun, rudimentary, at the beginning of development (a still inchoate democracy) 2
Incipient Beginning, in an early stage, developing into a specified type or role (he could feel incipient an
Incisive person or mental process intelligently analytical and clear-thinking, accurate and sharply focu
Incognito one's true identity concealed, using an assumed name, camouflaged (in order to observe you h
Incommodious causing inconvenience or discomfort (the rooms were clean but quite incommodious)
Incongruous Lack of harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something, out of place
Inconsequential Insignificant, unimportant (they talked about inconsequential things)
Incontinent Lacking self-restraint, uncontrolled, having insufficient voluntary control over urination or def
Incontrovertible Indisputable, undeniable (incontrovertible proof)
Incorporeal Without a material body, not composed of matter, having no physical existence (ghostly presen
Incorrigible person or their tendencies that are not able to be corrected, improved or reformed (she's an in
Incriminate Accuse of or implicate in a crime, make someone appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing; stron
Incrust/Encrust(ation) Encrust, cover something with a hard surface layer, a facing of marble on a building (the musse
Incubus male demon believed to have sexual intercourse with sleeping women, cause of distress or anx
Inculcate instill an attitude, idea or habit by persistent instruction, teach (the failures of the churches to
Incumbent 1. Obligatory, necessary for (someone) as a duty or responsibility (it is incumbent on all decen
Incursion Temporary invasion, attack (incursions into enemy territory, the Confederate incursion into M
Indefatigable persisting tirelessly (an indefatigable defender of human rights)
Indelible irremovable ink marks, cannot be forgotten (indelible memories, his story made an indelible i
Indemnify 1. compensate for harm or loss (the amount of insruance that may be carried to indemnify the
Indenure Formal legal agreement, contract, or document, contract of which copies were made for the co
Indeterminate Uncertain, indefinite, of a judicial sentence such that the convicted person's conduct determin
Indict formally accuse of or charge with serious crime (his former manager was indicted for fraud)
Indigent Poor, destitute, needy (a shelter for the city's indigents) Indigence: state of extreme poverty (h
Indignity Treatment or situation that causes shame or loss of dignity (the indignity of needing financial
Indiscriminate 1. Choosing at random, without careful judgement (the indiscriminate killing of civilians) 2. no
Indissoluble indestructible, lasting (an indissoluble friendship)
Indite Write, compose (he indites the wondrous tale of Our Lord)
Indoctrinte teach to accept a set of beliefs uncritically (broadcasting was a vehicle for indoctrinating the m
Indomitable Unconquerable, unyielding, impossible to subdue or defeat (woman of indomitable spirit)
Indubitable Unable to be doubted, unquestionable (an indubitable truth)
Induct 1. Place formally in office, formally introduce member of clergy into possession of a benefice (t
Inductive 1. inference of general laws from particular instances (instinct rather than inductive reasoning
Indulgent tendency to be overly generous to or lenient with someone, self-indulgent (indulgent parents,
Industrious Diligent, hardworking
Inebriate Make drunk, intoxicate, a drunkard
Ineffable too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words, not to be uttered (the ineffable na
Ineffectual Not effective, not having a desired effect, lacking the ability or qualities to cope with a role or s
Ineluctable Irresistable, inescapable, unavoidable (the ineluctable facts of history)
Inequity Unfairness, injustice (policies aimed at redressing racial inequity, the inequity of law)
Inerrant incapable of being wrong
Inestimable too great to calculate (a treasure of inestimable value)
Inexorable Relentless, unyielding, impossible to persuade by request or entreaty (the seemingly inexorab
Inextricable impossible to disentangle or separate, inescapable (the past and the present are inextricable, o
Infallible incapable of being wrong, never failing, always effective, credited with papal infallibility in the
Infernal 1. Pertaining to hell, devilish (the infernal regions) 2. irritating and tiresome (you're an inferna
Inferno large fire dangerously out of control, hell
Infidel Person who does not believe in religion or who adheres to a religion other than one's won (the
Infirmity Physical or mental weakness (old age and infirmity come to men and women alike)
Infraction Violaton or infringement of a rule or regulation, breach
Ingenious Clever, original, inventive, devised and well suited to its purpose (he was ingenious enough to o
Ingenue innocent or unsophisticated young woman, especially in a play or film [Ingenuous: innocent an
Ingrate Ungrateful person (not expressing thanks)
Ingratiate Bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering or trying to please them (a social climber w
Inimical Tending to obstruct or harm, unfriendly, hostile (actions inimical to our interests, an inimical a
Inimitable So good or unusual it is impossible to imitiate, unique (the inimitable ambience of Hawaii)
Iniquitous Grossly unfair and morally wrong (an iniquitous tax)
Injurious Harmful, causing injury, maliciously insulting, libelous in language (high temperature is injurio
Innocuous Not harmful or offensive (it was an innocuous question)
Inquisitive inquiring, unduly curious about the affairs of others, prying, snooping (he was very chatty and
Inquisitor Person making an inquiry, esp. one seen to be excessively harsh or searching, an officer of the i
Inroad 1. progress, an advance (an important way to make inroads in reducing spending, our departm
Insalubrious Unwholesome, unhealthy esp. of a climate or locality (an insalubrious climate)
Inscrutable Difficult to understand, impossible to interpret, mysterious (he looked blankly inscrutable)
Insensate Lacking physical sensation, sympathy, compassion, sense, reason, unfeeling (a patient who wa
Insensible 1. without one's mental faculties, typically a result of violence or intoxication, unconscious esp
Insidious 1. proceeding in gradually and subtly but with harmful effects (STDs can be insidious and som
Insinuate 1. suggest or hint something bad or reprehensible in an indirect and unpleasant way (he was i
Insipid Lacking in flavour, lacking interest, dull
Insolvent Bankrupt, lacking money to pay (the company became insolvent, insolvent liquidation)
Insouciant showing casual lack of concern, indifferent (an insouciant shrug)
Insubordination Defiance of authority, refusal to obey orders (he was dismissed for insubordination)
Insular 1. ignorant or uninterested in cultures, ideas or people outside one's own experience (a stubbo
Insuperable difficulty or obstacle impossible to overcome (insuperable financial problems)
Insurgent a rebel or revolutionary, rising in active revolt (an attach by armed insurgents, alleged links wi
Insurrection Violent uprising against an authority or government (the insurrection was savagely put down)
Intelligentsia Intellectuals, members of the educated elite esp. when regarded as possessing cultural and po
Inter bury corpse in grave or tomb typically with funeral rites (he was interred with the military ho
Interdict an authoritative prohibition, intercept and prevent the movement of a prohibited commodity o
Interloper person who becomes involved in place or situation where they are not wanted or are consider
Interminable Endless (we got bogged down in interminable discussions)
Internecine Mutually destructive, relating to conflict within a group or organization (the region's history o
Interpolate Insert something of different nature into something else, insert words in a book or text to give
Interregnum Period between 2 successive reigns or governments, an interval or pause (the interregnum bet
Interstice Narrow space between things (sunshine filtered through the interstices of the arching trees)
Intractable Unruly, difficult to manage, stubborn (intractable economic problems, an intractable man)
Intransigence Refusal to change one's view or to agree about something (in the face of government intransig
Intrepid Fearless, adventurous, often used for rhetorical or humorous effect (our intrepid reporter)
Introspection the examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional process (quiet introspectio
Inured 1. accustom to something, esp. something unpleasant (these children have been inured to viole
Invalid 1. person made weak or disabled by illness or injury (an invalid husband) 2. remove from activ
Invalidate 1. make an argument, statement, or theory unsound or erroneous 2. deprive an official docum
Invective Insulting, abusive, highly critical language (he let out a stream of invective)
Inveigh Speak or write about something with great hostility (nationalists inveighed against those who
Inveigle Persuade someone to do something, gain entrance to a place by means of deception or flattery
Inveterate having a particular habit, activity or interest that is long-established and unlikely to change, (h
Invidious likely to arouse or incur resentment or anger in others, unfairly discrimnating, unjust (she'd p
Inviolable Never to be broken, infringed, or dishonored (an inviolable rule of chastity)
Invoke 1. Cite or appeal to someone or something as an authority for an action or in support of an arg
Iota the 9th letter of the Greek alphabet, an extremely small amount (nothing she said seemed to m
Irascible Irritable, easily angered (an irascible man)
Ire Anger, wrath (the plans provoked the ire of conservationists)
Iridescent Exhibiting rainbow like colors that seem to change when seen from different angles
Irrefutable Indisputable, impossible to deny or disprove (irrefutable evidence)
Irremediable Incurable or impossible to put right
Irrepressible Unable to be restrained or held back (a shout of irrepressible laughter)
Irreproachable beyond criticism, faultless, impeccable (his private life was irreproachable)
Irresolute Uncertain how to act, weak, lacking in resolution, indecisive, showing hesitancy (she stood irre
Irreverence Lack of proper respect or reverence for people or things that are generally taken seriously (an
Irrevocable Unalterable, irreversible, impossible to revoke, final (an irrevocable step)
Isthmus narrow strip of land with sea on either side, forming a link between two larger areas of land, a
Itinerant Wandering, traveling from place to place to perform work (itinerant traders, an encampment o
 asstic, influence could work wonders) Iconoclast: one who attacks traditional ideas, one who destroys sacred images
centricity, distinctive or peculiar feature or characteristic of a place or thing, an abnormal physical reaction by an individual to a food
prophets railed against idolatry, we must not allow our idolatry of art to obscure issues of political significance)
ene, typically an idealized or unsustainable one, short description in verse or prose of a picturesque scene or incident, especially in r
social status (ignoble feelings of intense jealousy, ignoble savages)
ing imprisoned)

familiarize with, absorb water into microscopic spaces or pores in botany (they were imbibing far too many pitchers of beer, she had
uation, confused heap (the Watergate imbroglio)
e performance was imbued with sparkle and elan)

mured in a lunatic asylum, his wife was immured in sanatoriums for most of her adult life)

able to be felt by touch (an impalpable ghost, something so impalpable as personhood)

hers had a duty to impart strong morals to their students, its main use has been to impart a high surface gloss to finished articles, the
pendent and impartial advice)
cause of disagreement; a deadlock (the current political impasse)
her body had once pleased and impassioned him, she made an impassioned plea for help)

them, hinder (the sap causes swelling that can impede breathing)
n (financial difficulties impelled him to desperate measures, financial difficulties impelled her to seek work, vital energies impel him
tions or attitudes (the hardness of their impenitent hearts)
mperative, free movement of labor was an economic imperative) 2. giving an authoritative command, peremptory (the bell pealed aga
wer or authority without justification (his imperious demands)
ertinent question, talk of rhetoric and strategy is impertinent to this process)

ulus, force that catalyzes the process (hit to booster coil before the flywheel loses all its impetus, the crisis of the 1860s provided the
ct (he blamed the fall of the city on the impiety of the people, the emperor's impious attacks on the Church, impious villians)
ora was determined that the tragedy would impinge as little as possible on Constance's life, these issues impinge on all of us) 2. adva
ntless, unstoppable (he was an implacable enemy of Ted's, the implacable advance of the enemy)
robable; failing to convince (this is a blatantly implausible claim)
s implicated him in many more killings) 2. convey a meaning or intention indirectly rather than explicitly, imply (by saying that coffe
ge her mind, I implore mercy)
mpolitic to pay the slightest tribute to the enemy)
light (there are too many imponderables for an overall prediction, an imponderable problem of metaphysics)
ent to the point of annoyance or intrusion (if he were alive now, I should importune him with my questions, importunate creditors) 2
e someone else in order to deceive others
ne who might be listening)
modesty; improper language, behavior, or character (she was scandalized at the impropriety of the question)
less (improvident and undisciplined behavior)
nother person (he could have strangled this impudent upstart, his arrogance and impudence had offended many)
ement or motive (are you impugning my judgment? the father does not impugn her capacity as a good mother)
nage one's affairs (they can be fired only for incapacity or misbehavior) 2. legal disqualification (they are not subject to any legal inca
ious consequences of an action (the impunity enjoyed by military officers implicated in civilian killings)
ble) as being done, caused, or possessed by someone; attribute (the crimes imputed to Richard) 2. assign (a value) to something by i
eedom of riligion, the most inalienable of human rights)

e a more inapt name)

eone of their legal capacity (he was incapacitated by a heart attack)
ed for property offenses, she returned to the site where she had been incarcerated 50 years ago)
y bomb or device (incendiary grenades) 2. tending to stir up conflict (incendiary rhetoric, a political incendiary) 3. very exciting (an
lopment (a still inchoate democracy) 2. of an offense such as incitement or conspiracy anticipating a further criminal act
type or role (he could feel incipient anger building up, we seemed more like friends than incipient lovers)
ear-thinking, accurate and sharply focused (she was an incisive critic, the songs offer incisive pictures of American ways)
camouflaged (in order to observe you have to be incognito)
lean but quite incommodious)
ther aspects of something, out of place (the duffel coat looked incongruous with the black dress she wore underneath, the incongruit
uential things)
voluntary control over urination or defecation (the incontinent hysteria of fans)

g no physical existence (ghostly presences and incorporeal beings)

cted, improved or reformed (she's an incorrigible flirt, an incorrigible person)
r guilty of a crime or wrongdoing; strongly imply the guilt of (he refused to answer questions in order not to incriminate himself)
cing of marble on a building (the mussels encrust navigation buoys, the sides are white with encrustations of salt)
eeping women, cause of distress or anxiety, a nightmare (debt is a big incubus in developing countries)
n, teach (the failures of the churches to inculcate a sense of moral responsibility, they will try to inculcate you with a respect for cultu
onsibility (it is incumbent on all decent people to help others) 2. currently holding an office (the incumbent president had been defe
itory, the Confederate incursion into Mexico)

memories, his story made an indelible impression on me)

e that may be carried to indemnify the owner in the event of a loss) 2. secure someone against legal responsibility for their actions (
t of which copies were made for the contracting parties with the edges indented for identification, formal list, certificate, or inventor
e convicted person's conduct determines the date of release, having not definite or definable value in math (the date of manufacture
mer manager was indicted for fraud)
Indigence: state of extreme poverty (he did valuable work toward the relief of indigence)
nity (the indignity of needing financial help)
indiscriminate killing of civilians) 2. not exercising discrimination (she was indiscriminate with her affections)

g was a vehicle for indoctrinating the masses, he indoctrinated them in systematic theology)
 eat (woman of indomitable spirit)

f clergy into possession of a benefice (the new ministers were inducted into the cabinet) 2. enlist someone for military service 3. intr
nstinct rather than inductive reasoning marked her approach to life) 2. relating to electric or magnetic induction (possessing inducta
one, self-indulgent (indulgent parents, a slightly adolescent indulgent account of a love affair)

ords, not to be uttered (the ineffable natural beauty of the Everglades, the ineffable Hebrew name that gentiles write as Jehovah)
ility or qualities to cope with a role or situation (an ineffectual campaign, she was neglectful and ineffectual as a parent)
acts of history)
l inequity, the inequity of law)

st or entreaty (the seemingly inexorable march of new technology, the doctors were inexorable and yet there was nothing to be done
past and the present are inextricable, our lives are inextricable, an inextricable situation)
, credited with papal infallibility in the Roman Catholic Church (doctors are not infallible, an infallible sense of timing, infallible cures
ritating and tiresome (you're an infernal nuisance)

to a religion other than one's won (they wanted to secure the Holy Places from the infidel, the infidel foe)
me to men and women alike)

purpose (he was ingenious enough to overcome the limited budget)

n a play or film [Ingenuous: innocent and unsuspecting]

rying to please them (a social climber who had tried to ingratiate herself with the city gentry)
s inimical to our interests, an inimical alien power)
the inimitable ambience of Hawaii)

n language (high temperature is injurious to mangoes)

ying, snooping (he was very chatty and inquisitive about everything, I don't want to seem inquisitive)
ly harsh or searching, an officer of the inquisition (the professional inquisitors of the press)
ads in reducing spending, our department has made appreciable and positive inroads since receiving an unfavorable report last spri
n insalubrious climate)
ous (he looked blankly inscrutable)
e, reason, unfeeling (a patient who was permanently unconscious and insensate, a positively insensate hatred, insensate jabbering)
olence or intoxication, unconscious esp. of a bodily extremity, numb, unfeeling (they knocked each other insensible with their fists, th
effects (STDs can be insidious and somethimes without symptoms, the insidious bond between big money and political decisions) 2.
indirect and unpleasant way (he was insinuating that she had slept her way to the top, he insinuated that she lied) 2. maneuver onse

nsolvent, insolvent liquidation)

 missed for insubordination)
outside one's own experience (a stubbornly insular farming people) 2. lacking contact with other people, relating to or from an islan
ble financial problems)
h by armed insurgents, alleged links with insurgent groups, a series of insurgent attacks)
e insurrection was savagely put down)
regarded as possessing cultural and political influence
s (he was interred with the military honors due to him)
movement of a prohibited commodity or person, impede an enemy force esp. by aerial bombing of communication lines or supply (a
re they are not wanted or are considered not to belong (invader, intruder, trespasser)

or organization (the region's history of savage internecine warfare, the party shrank from the trauma of more internecine strife)
e, insert words in a book or text to give a false impression as to its date, alter book or text by insertion of new material (illustrations w
interval or pause (the interregnum between the discovery of radioactivity and its detailed understanding)
h the interstices of the arching trees)
mic problems, an intractable man)
ng (in the face of government intransigence, he resigned in disgust)
orous effect (our intrepid reporter)
d emotional process (quiet introspection can be extremely valuable)
hese children have been inured to violence) 2. come into operation, take effect (a release given to one of two joint contractors inures
n invalid husband) 2. remove from active service in the armed forces due to injury or illness (he was badly wounded and invalided ou
erroneous 2. deprive an official document or procedure of legal efficacy because of contravention of a regulation or law (a technical f
stream of invective)
tionalists inveighed against those who worked with the British)
place by means of deception or flattery (we cannot inveigle him into putting pen to paper)
-established and unlikely to change, (he was an inveterate gambler, inveterate corruption)
unfairly discrimnating, unjust (she'd put herself in an invidious position, it seems invidious to make special mention of one aspect of
ble rule of chastity)
ity for an action or in support of an argument (the antiquated defense of insanity is rarely invoked today, the invoction of new discipl
amount (nothing she said seemed to make an iota of difference)

n seen from different angles

e evidence)

ssible laughter)
was irreproachable)
isive, showing hesitancy (she stood irresolute outside his door)
s that are generally taken seriously (an attitude of irreverence toward politicians)
irrevocable step)
nk between two larger areas of land, a narrow organ passage or piece of tissue connecting two larger parts
rk (itinerant traders, an encampment of itinerants)
sacred images
ction by an individual to a food or drug in medicinal terms (one of his little idiosyncrasies was always preferring to be in the car first

cene or incident, especially in rustic life (the rural idyll remains strongly evocative in most industrialized societies) idyllic: charming

many pitchers of beer, she had imbibed the gospel of modernism from Kandinsky, imbibing local history)

ce gloss to finished articles, the picture imparts some color to the drab office)

work, vital energies impel him in unforeseen directions)

eremptory (the bell pealed again, a final imperative call, the imperative note in her voice)

isis of the 1860s provided the original impetus for the settlements, the sales force were given fresh impetus)
urch, impious villians)
es impinge on all of us) 2. advance over an area belonging to someone else, encroach (the site impinges on a greenbelt area, the gase

itly, imply (by saying that coffee would keep her awake, Mary implicated that she didn't want any)

stions, importunate creditors) 2. approach someone to offer one's services as a prostitute

are not subject to any legal incapacity)

ign (a value) to something by inference from the value of the products or processes to which it contributes (recovering the initial ou

ncendiary) 3. very exciting (an incendiary live performer)

urther criminal act

of American ways)

ore underneath, the incongruity of his fleshy face and skinny body disturbed her)

not to incriminate himself)

ions of salt)

ate you with a respect for culture)

mbent president had been defeated, the first incumbent of the post)

esponsibility for their actions (the newspaper could not be forced to indemnify the city for personal-injury liability)
mal list, certificate, or inventory, agreement binding an apprentice to a master, contract by which a person agreed to work for a set p
math (the date of manufacture is indeterminate)
eone for military service 3. introduce someone to a difficult or obscure subject (my master inducted me into the skills of magic) 4. in
c induction (possessing inductance)

gentiles write as Jehovah)

ectual as a parent)

et there was nothing to be done)

sense of timing, infallible cures, for an encyclical to be infallible the Pope must speak ex cathedra)

an unfavorable report last spring) 2. an instance of something being affected, encroached on, or destroyed by something else (seriou

e hatred, insensate jabbering)

er insensible with their fists, the horny and insensible tip of the beak) 2. unaware of, indifferent to, without emotion, callous (they sle
oney and political decisions) 2. treacherous, crafty (tangible proof of an insidious alliance)
that she lied) 2. maneuver onself into a position of favor or office by subtle manipulation, slide slowly and smoothly into a position (s
ple, relating to or from an island, climate equable due to influence of the sea (people living restricted and sometimes insular existenc

mmunication lines or supply (an interdict against marriage of those of close kin, society will never interdict sex, the police established

of more internecine strife)

of new material (illustrations were interpolated in the text, language models can be interpolated online)

of two joint contractors inures to the benefit of both)

adly wounded and invalided out of the infantry) 3. disable someone by injury or illness
regulation or law (a technical flaw in her papers invalidated her nomination, the court invalidated the statute)

pecial mention of one aspect of his work)

ay, the invoction of new disciplines and methodologies) 2. call on a deity or spirit in prayer as a witness or for inspiration, summon b
 preferring to be in the car first, the idiosyncrasies of the prison system)

zed societies) idyllic: charmingly carefree, simple & happy

es on a greenbelt area, the gases impinge on the surface of the liquid)

butes (recovering the initial outlay plus imputed interest) 3. ascribe (righteousness, guilt, etc.) to someone by virtue of a similar qual

njury liability)
rson agreed to work for a set period for a landowner in a British colony in exchange for passage to the colony (the validity of the inde
me into the skills of magic) 4. install in a seat or room

oyed by something else (serious inroads had now been made into my pitiful case reserves) 3. a hostile attack, a raid

thout emotion, callous (they slept on, insensible to the headlight beams, he showed insensible regard) 3. too small or gradual to be p

and smoothly into a position (she seemed to be taking over, insinuating herself into the family, the bugs insinuate themselves betwee
nd sometimes insular existences, the movement of goods of insular origin) 3. relating to the insula of the brain

rdict sex, the police established roadblocks throughout the country for interdicting drugs, I have not been interdicted from consumin

ss or for inspiration, summon by charms or incantation (I invoked the Madonna, invoking spirits, his invocation of the ancient mystic
eone by virtue of a similar quality in another (Christ's righteousness has been imputed to us)

colony (the validity of the indenture was in question, the 30 apprentices have received their indentures on completion of their train
attack, a raid

3. too small or gradual to be perceived, inappreciable (varying by insensible degrees)

s insinuate themselves between one's skin and clothes)

been interdicted from consuming or holding alcoholic beverages) a sentence barring a person or place from ecclesiastical functions a

nvocation of the ancient mystical powers) 3. call earnestly for (she invoked his help against the attack) 4. give rise to, evoke (how cou
es on completion of their training, men in their first year after indenture to the Company of Watermen and Lightermen, landowners
from ecclesiastical functions and privileges (a papal interdict)

4. give rise to, evoke (how could she explain how the accident happened without invoking his wrath?)
n and Lightermen, landowners tried to get their estates cultivated by indentured laborers)
Jaded Tired or uninterested by surfeit, fatigued, surfeited, worn out, wearied, satiated, glutted (meals to tempt t
Jaundice 1. Bitterness, resentment, envy (they looked on politicians with a jaundiced eye) 2. medical condition wit
Jaunty Having or expressing a lively, cheerful, and self-confident manner (there was no mistaking that jaunty wa
Jest Playful remark or act, an object of derision (there are jests about administrative gaffes, lowly virtue is the
Jetsam Unwanted material or goods that have been thrown overboard from a ship and washed ashore, especially
Jettison Throw overboard from a ship or plane, abandon or discard someone or something that is no longer want
Jibe 1. change course by swinging a fore-and-aft sail across a following wind (the skipper was hit by a jibing b
Jingoist Extremely aggressive and militant patriot, warlike chauvinist
Jocose playful or humorous (a jocose allusion)
Jocular Said or done in jest of playfully, marked by joking (she sounded in a jocular mood)
Judicious having, showing, or done with good judgment or sense (the efficient and judicious use of pesticides, follo
Juggernaut Irresistible crushing force, overwhelming advancing force or institution that crushes everything in its pat
Juncture 1. a particular point in events or time, a place where things join (it is difficult to say at this juncture wheth
Junket 1. a dish of sweetened and flavored curds of milk, often served with fruit 2. an extravagant trip or celebra
Junta Group of persons joined in political intrigue, cabal, group of military officers ruling a country after seizing
Juridical relating to judicial proceedings and the administration of the law
Jurisprudence the legal system, theory or philosophy of law (American jurisprudence)
Juxtapose Place or deal with close together for contrasting effect (black-and-white photos of slums were starkly jux
Ken 1. Range of knowledge (such determination is beyond my ken, their conversation was beyond my ken) 2.
Kismet Fate, destiny (what chance did I stand against kismet?)
Kleptomaniac Person who has a compulsive desire to steal
Knave Untrustworthy person, dishonest man, rogue, scoundrel, jack in cards
Knell Tolling of a bell especially to indicate a funeral, disaster, etc. sound of the funeral bell, used in reference to
Knoll 1. Little round hill, hillock 2. archaic form of knell
Labile Likely to change, emotionally unstable, easily altered spontaneously, broken down or displaced
Lachrymose Tearful or given to weeping, inducing tears (she was pink-eyed and lachrymose, a lachrymose children's c
Lackdaisical Lacking interest or effort, lacking purpose or zest, lazy, halfhearted, languid (a lackadaisical defense left t
Lackluster Lacking luster (shine, gloss), dull, lacking in vitality, force, or conviction; uninspired or uninspiring (no ex
Laconic Brief and to the point, using few words, terse (his laconic reply suggested a lack of interest in the topic)
Laggard a person who makes slow progress and falls behind others, slower than desired or expected (there was n
Laity Laypersons, laymen, persons not connected with the clergy, not professionals or experts
Lampoon Publicly criticize (someone or something) by using ridicule, irony, or sarcasm (the senator made himself
Lance 1. long weapon for thrusting, having a wooden shaft and a pointed steel head, formerly used by a horsem
Languid a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed, pleasantly lazy and peaceful, weak or fai
Languish 1. lose or lack vitality, grow weak or feeble (plants may appear to be languishing simply because they are
Languor 1. Lack of physical or mental energy, often pleasant or tiredness or inertia (he remembered the languor a
Larceny Theft
Largess Generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others (dispensing his money with such largesse, Bob took
Lascivious Lustful, often offensive sexual desire (he gave her a lasvicious wink)
Lassitude a state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy, languor (she was overcome by lassitude and retire
Laud Praise highly, especially in a public context (the obituary lauded him as a great statesman and soldier)
Leaven 1. a substance, typically yeast, that is added to dough to make it ferment and rise, dough that is reserved f
Leave-taking Farewell or departure (the leave-taking was restrained, with none of her earlier displays of emotion)
Lechery lustfulness, excessive or offensive sexual desire
Lectern Reading desk or stand for a public speaker
Leery cautious or wary due to realistic suspicions (a city leery of gang violence)
Legato in a smooth, flowing manner, without breaks between notes (music)
Legerdemain deception, trickery, skillful use of one's hands when performing conjuring magic tricks, sleight of hand (a
Leonine Like a lion (a handsome, leonine profile)
Levity Lack of seriousness or steadiness, frivolity, lightness of manner lacking respect (as an attempt to introduc
Lexicon Vocabulary of a person, language, or branch of knowledge, a dictionary esp. of Greek, Hebrew, Syriac, or A
Libel Defamatory written statement, act of writing something that smears a person's character, action or crime
Libertine 1. a person, especially a man, who behaves without moral principles or a sense of responsibility, especiall
Libidinous Lustful, showing excessive sexual drive
Libretto Text of an opera or oratorio
Licentious Promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters
Lien Legal claim or right on a property belonging to another person until a debt owed is discharged
Ligneous made, consisting of, resembling wood, woody
Lilliputian Trivial or very small, small person or thing (America's banks no longer look Lilliputian in comparison wit
Limber 1. Flexible, supple, pliable (I have to practice to keep myself limber, limber graphite fishing rods) 2. warm
Limbo 1. in some Christian beliefs the supposed abode of the souls of unbaptized infants, and of the just who die
Limn 1. depict or describe in painting or words (his earlier works limned violence) 2. suffuse or highlight (som
Limpid Crystal clear, unclouded (person's eyes), clear and accessible or melodious in writing or music (a limpid p
Lineaments Features especially of the face, distinctive shape or contour of the face, feature on earth's surface, such as
Lionize Treat a person as a celebrity, give alot of public attention and approval to someone (modern athletes are l
Liquidate 1. Close down a company by ascertaining liabilities and apportioning assets, convert assets into cash, pay
List 1. ship leaning to one side, typically because of a leak or unbalanced cargo (the boat listed to one side) 2.
Litany Petitions for use in church services or processions, usually recited by the clergy and responded to in a rec
Litigation Lawsuit, legal action (the company wishes to avoid litigation, his attorneys advised him to avoid the litiga
Litotes an ironic understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary (e.g., you wo
Loath Reluctant, unwilling, disinclined, different from loathe (I was loath to leave)
Lode Metal-bearing vein, long deposit of an ore, rich source of something (a rich lode of scandal and alleged cr
Lofty 1. of imposing height, noble or exalted nature, proud, aloof, self-important (the elegant square was shade
Lope run or move with long bounding stride (the dog was loping along by his side, they set off at a fast lope)
Loquacious Talkative
Lout an uncouth or aggressive man/boy (drunken louts)
Lucid Easily understood, clear, intelligible, bright or luminous (a lucid account, birds dipped their wings in the
Lucrative Profitable, producing wealth, a lucrative career as a comedian [Lucre: money, profit esp. when gained in d
Ludicrous foolish, unreasonable to a point it is is amusing, ridiculous (it's ludicrous that I have been fined, a ludicro
Lugubrious Mournful, sorrowful, sounding dismal
Lumber 1. Move heavily or clumsily (a truck filled his mirror and lumbered past) 2. timber sawn into rough plank
Luminary One who inspires or influences others, prominent in a particular sector, artificial light, a natural light-givi
Lurid 1. vivid in color to create unpleasant, harsh, or unnatural effect (lurid food colorings) 2. used in vividly sh
Luxuriant Rich and profuse in growth, lush, thick and healthy (forests of dark, luxuriant foliage)
Luxuriate enjoy in luxurious way, take self-indulgent delight (she was luxuriating in a long bath)
atiated, glutted (meals to tempt the most jaded appetites)
ced eye) 2. medical condition with yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, arising from excess of the pigment bilirubin and typica
was no mistaking that jaunty walk)
strative gaffes, lowly virtue is the jest of fools, you jest, surely?)
ip and washed ashore, especially material that has been discarded to lighten the vessel
omething that is no longer wanted (six aircrafts jettisoned their loads in the sea, individuals are often forced to jettison certain attitu
(the skipper was hit by a jibing boom) 2. be in accord, agree (the verdict does not jibe with the medical evidence, their story doesn't q

judicious use of pesticides, following a judicious course of action)

that crushes everything in its path (a juggernaut of secular and commercial culture)
icult to say at this juncture whether this upturn can be sustained, the plane crashed at the juncture of two mountains) 2. the set of fe
2. an extravagant trip or celebration, in particular one enjoyed by a government official at public expense (junketing, junketed)
cers ruling a country after seizing power

photos of slums were starkly juxtaposed with color images)

ersation was beyond my ken) 2. recognize, identify (do you ken anyone who can boast of that? that's him, do you ken him?)

funeral bell, used in reference to an announcement, event, or sound that warns the end of something (the decision will probably toll

ken down or displaced

ymose, a lachrymose children's classic)
uid (a lackadaisical defense left the Spurs adrift in the second half)
uninspired or uninspiring (no excuses were made for the team's lackluster performance)
d a lack of interest in the topic)
desired or expected (there was no time for laggards, a bell to summon laggard children to school)
onals or experts
casm (the senator made himself famous as a pinch-penny watchdog of public spending, lampooning dubious federal projects, does th
head, formerly used by a horseman in charging, cut open with lancet or other sharp instrument (a knight with a lance, abscesses sho
tly lazy and peaceful, weak or faint from illness or fatigue (they turned with languid movements from back to front so as to tan evenly
uishing simply because they are dormant) 2. fail to make progress or be successful (foreign stocks are still languishing) 3. pine with
a (he remembered the languor and warm happiness of those golden afternoons) 2. an oppressive stillness of the air (the afternoon w

ney with such largesse, Bob took advantage of his friend's largesse, the distribution of largesse to the local population)

overcome by lassitude and retired to bed, prolonged periods of lassitude)

great statesman and soldier)
and rise, dough that is reserved from an earlier batch in order to start a later one fermenting (yeast leavens the bread) 2. a pervasive
earlier displays of emotion)

g magic tricks, sleight of hand (a piece of management legerdemain)

espect (as an attempt to introduce a note of levity, the words were a disastrous flop, without some occasional levity, the working env
sp. of Greek, Hebrew, Syriac, or Arabic (the size of the English lexicon, a Greek-Latin lexicon, an illustrated lexicon) [Lexicographer: c
erson's character, action or crime of publishing a false statement about a person, bring a suit against someone in admiralty and eccel
sense of responsibility, especially in sexual matters (his more libertine impulses) 2. someone who rejects accepted opinions in matt

bt owed is discharged

ook Lilliputian in comparison with Japan's)

er graphite fishing rods) 2. warm up in preparation for exercise or activity, esp. sports (the acrobats were limbering up for the big sho
d infants, and of the just who died before Christ's coming 2. an uncertain period of awaiting a decision or resolution; an intermediate
nce) 2. suffuse or highlight (something) with a bright color or light (a crescent moon limned each shred with white gold, he created
us in writing or music (a limpid pool, the limpid notes of a recorder, his limpid prose)
ature on earth's surface, such as a fault
someone (modern athletes are lionized, popular myths have lionized a man who was in fact little more than a petty thief)
ets, convert assets into cash, pay off a debt (the company was liquidated, undergo liquidation, he liquidated his share portfolio, liqui
go (the boat listed to one side) 2. want, like, desire, inclination (let them think what they list, I have little list to write)
clergy and responded to in a recurring formula by the people, tedious recital or repetitive series (she was reciting the litany, a litany
ys advised him to avoid the litigation that his friends were suggesting)
gative of its contrary (e.g., you won't be sorry, meaning you'll be glad )

ch lode of scandal and alleged crime)

nt (the elegant square was shaded by lofty palms, a lofty tower, an extraordinary mixture of harsh reality and lofty ideals, lofty intelle
side, they set off at a fast lope)

birds dipped their wings in the lucid flow of air)

oney, profit esp. when gained in dishonorable way (officials getting their hands grubby with filthy lucre)
that I have been fined, a ludicrous idea)

2. timber sawn into rough planks (a truckload of quality lumber) 3. cut and prepare forest timber for transport and sale (the traditio
artificial light, a natural light-giving body eg. sun or moon (one of the luminaries of physics)
od colorings) 2. used in vividly shocking or sensational terms to give explicit details of crimes or sexual matters (the more lurid detai
riant foliage)
n a long bath)
e pigment bilirubin and typically caused by obstruction of the bile duct, by liver disease, or by excessive breakdown of red blood cell

forced to jettison certain attitudes and behaviors)

l evidence, their story doesn't quite jibe with the evidence) 3. another spelling for gibe - an insulting or mocking remark, a taunt (a g

two mountains) 2. the set of features in speech that enable a hearer to detect a word or phrase boundary, distinguishing I scream fro
nse (junketing, junketed)

him, do you ken him?)

(the decision will probably toll the knell for the facility, proclaim something by or as if by a knell)

ubious federal projects, does this sound like a lampoon of student life?)
ght with a lance, abscesses should not be lanced until there is a soft spot in the center) 2. metal pipe supplying a jet of oxygen to a fur
back to front so as to tan evenly, the terrace was perfect for languid days in the Italian sun, she was pale, languid, and weak, as if she h
e still languishing) 3. pine with love or grief (she still languished after Richard) 4. assume or display a sentimentally tender or melanc
ness of the air (the afternoon was hot, quiet, and heavy with languor)

ocal population)
avens the bread) 2. a pervasive influence that modifies something or transforms it for the better (they acted as an intellectual leaven

asional levity, the working environment is no better than a sweatshop)

ated lexicon) [Lexicographer: compiler of dictionaries]
omeone in admiralty and eccelesiastical law (a councilor who sued two national newspapers for libel, she alleged the magazine had l
ects accepted opinions in matters of religion, a freethinker

ere limbering up for the big show, they're limbering up for the marathon 3. the detachable front part of a gun carriage, consisting of t
n or resolution; an intermediate state or condition (the fate of the Contras is now in limbo) 3. a state of neglect or oblivion (children l
ed with white gold, he created striated forms limned with bold black contour lines)

re than a petty thief)

dated his share portfolio, liquidating the public debt) 2. eliminate by violent means, kill
le list to write)
was reciting the litany, a litany of complaints)

lity and lofty ideals, lofty intellectual disdain) 2. thick and resilient wool and other textiles

transport and sale (the traditional resource industries of the nation is mainly fishing and lumbering) 4. burden someone with an unw
l matters (the more lurid details of the massacre were too frightening for the children)
ve breakdown of red blood cells

r mocking remark, a taunt (a gibe at is old rivals, some cynics in the media might gibe)

ary, distinguishing I scream from ice cream)

upplying a jet of oxygen to a furnace or to a hot flame for cutting [Lancet: 1. small, broad two-edged surgical knife or blade with sharp
e, languid, and weak, as if she had delivered a child)
sentimentally tender or melancholy expression or tone (when a visitor comes in, she smiles and languishes) 4. suffer from being forc
 acted as an intellectual leaven to the warriors who dominated the city, the proceedings should be leavened by humo)

she alleged the magazine had libeled her)

of a gun carriage, consisting of two wheels and an axle, a pole, and a frame holding one or more ammunition boxes 4. attach a limber
neglect or oblivion (children left in an emotional limbo)

4. burden someone with an unwanted responsibility, task, or circumstances 5. furniture or other household items no longer useful an
rgical knife or blade with sharp point 2. lancet arch or window (a lancet clock)]

ishes) 4. suffer from being forced to remain in an unpleasant place or situation (he has been languishing in jail for 30 years, the gene
vened by humo)

nition boxes 4. attach a limber to a gun

ehold items no longer useful and inconveniently taking up storage space (a lumber room)
ng in jail for 30 years, the general is now languishing in prison)
Macabre Gruesome, grisly, ghastly, disturbing and horrifying because of involvement with or depiction of death
Macerate Soften by soaking in liquid, waste away
Machiavellian reference o Nicoolo Machiavelli, cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous, especially in politics or in adva
Machinations Evil schemes or plots (they were always wary of the machinations of rival gangs)
Maculated Spotted, stained
Madrigal Pastoral song, song for several singers without instruments, a part-song for several voices, especially o
Maelstrom Violent whirlpool in sea or river, a situation or state of confused movement or violent turmoil (a maels
Magistrate a civil officer or lay judge who administers the law, especially one who conducts a court that deals with
Magnanimity Genorisity, magnanimous: generous (both sides will have to show magnanimity)
Magnate Person of prominence or influence, powerful or influential person, tycoon (a media magnate)
Magniloquent Boastful, pompous language
Maim Mutilate, injure lastingly, disable, cripple (thousands of soldiers were killed or maimed, the dog was m
Makeshift Temporary expedient or substitute (arranging a row of chairs to form a makeshift bed, we stayed dry u
Maladroit Clumsy, not skillful, bungling
Malady Illness, disease, ailment (an incurable malady)
Malaise Feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness whose exact cause is difficult to identify (a society afflicted
Malapropos(ism) misuse of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with unintentionally amusing effect, as in, fo
Malediction Curse, magical word or phrase uttered with the intention of bringing about evil or destruction
Malefactor Evildoer, criminal
Malfeasance Wrongdoing, esp. misconduct by a public official
Malign evil in nature or effect, malevolent, speak about someone spitefully (she had a strong and lign influenc
Malingerer One who feigns illness to escape duty (malinger: feign illness to avoid work)
Malodorous Foul-smelling
Manacle metal band, chain or shackle fastening one's hands or ankles (the practice of keeping prisoners in man
Mange Skin disease of mammals caused by parasitic mites and occasionally communicable to humans. It typic
Mangy Having mange, in poor condition, shabby (a mangy cat, a girl in a mangy fur coat)
Manifest Evident, visible, obvious, display or show a quality or feeling by appearance or actios, demonstrate, be
Manifesto Public declaration of principles, statement of policy issued before elections (a party manifesto that wo
Mantle 1. loose sleeveless cloak or shawl, worn especially by women, covering, fragile mesh cover fixed aroun
Manumit Emancipate, free from slavery or bondage
Mar Spoil the appearance of, impair quality of, disfigured, damaged (no wrinkles marred her face, violence
Maraud roam in search of things to steal or people to attack, raid and plunder a place (war parties crossed the
Marshal 1. officer of the highest rank in the armed forces of some countries, including France 2. arrange or asse
Marsupial One of a family of mammals that nurse their offspring in a pouch (pocket of skin or leather)
Martinet Strict disciplinarian, person who demands total obedience to rules and orders esp. in armed forces
Masochist Person who derives sexual gratification from their own pain or humiliation, someone who enjoys an ac
Mason One who builds or works with stone or brick, build from or strengthen with stone, cut hew or dress in
Masticate Chew food (strong jaws enable them to masticate the bones of their prey)
Matinee Dramatic or musical performance given in the afternoon
Matriculate Enroll in college or graduate school, record arms in an official register (he matriculated at the Univers
Maudlin Self-pityingly or tearfully sentimental, often through drunkenness (the drink made her maudlin)
Mausoleum a large and stately building, housing a tomb or tombs (the Dirkson family mausoleum dates back to 18
Maverick 1. Unorthodox or independent-minded person (a maverick among Connecticut Republicans, a maveric
Mawkish Mushy, sentimental in a feeble or sickly way, having a faint sickly flavor (a mawkish poem, the mawkish
Maxim a short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct (the maxim that actions speak lo
Mealy-mouthed afraid to speak frankly or straightforwardly (mealy-mouthed excuses)
Meander wander at random, winding curve or bend of a river or road, a circuitous journey that is aimless, with
Megalomania an obsession with the exercise of power, especially in the domination of others, delusion about one's o
Melancholy a pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause (an air of melancholy surrounded him, she felt a litt
Melee a confused fight, skirmish, scuffle, a confused mass of people (several people were hurt in the melee, t
Mellifluous (of words or a voice) sweetly or smoothly flowing, musical, pleasant to hear (the voice was mellifluous
Menagerie Collection of wild animals kept in captivity for exhibition (zoo), strange or diverse collection of people
Mendacious Lying, habitually dishonest (mendacious propaganda)
Mendicant Beggar, relying solely on alms due to religious orders (a mendicant friar, a member of a mendicant ord
Menial not requiring much skill and lacking prestige, a domestic servant (menial factory jobs)
Mercantile Concerning trade or merchants, commercial, a store (the shift of wealth to the mercantile classes, her
Mercenary 1. primarily concerned with making money at the expense of ethics (she's nothing but a mercenary litt
Mercurial 1. subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind (his mercurial temperament) 2. drug o
Meretricious Flashy, tawdry, attractive on the surface but of no real value, prostitute (the meretricious souvenirs for
Meritocracy Government selected based on their ability, ruling or influential class of educated or skilled people (a s
Meritorious Deserving reward or praise, likely to succeed on the merits of the case (a medal for meritorious condu
Metallurgy Pertaining to the art of removing metals from ores
Metaphysics Branch of philosophy that deals with the first principles of things, including abstract concepts such as
Mete 1. dispense or allot justice, a punishment, or harsh treatment (he denounced the maltreatment meted
Mettle ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way (th
Miasma highly unpleasant or unhealthy smell or vapor, oppressive or unpleasant atmosphere that surrounds o
Microcosm community, place, or situation regarded as encapsulating in miniature the characteristic qualities or fe
Milieu Social environment, means of expression (he grew up in a military milieu)
Militate face or circumstance that is a powerful or conclusive factor in preventing (these fundamental differenc
Mimicry imitation to entertain or ridicule, the close external resemblance of an animal or plant to another anim
Minatory Menacing, threatening (he is unlikely to be deterred by minatory finger-wagging0
Mincing Affectedly dainty, delicate in gait for a man (he followed her with quick, mincing steps)
Minutiae Petty or trivial details (the minutiae of everyday life, the captain cannot be concerned with the minutia
Mire Entangle, stick in or spatter with swampy ground or mud, difficult or embarrassing situation that is ha
Misadventure mishap, unfortunate incident (an expensive misadventure in financial services)
Misanthrope One who dislikes mankind and avoids human society
Misapprehension mistaken belief about or interpretation of something (she must have been laboring under the misappr
Miscellany collection or mixture of different items, book containing a collection of writing pieces by different auth
Miscreant person who behaves badly or breaks the law (the playground has been taken over by a pack of drug-de
Misnomer wrong or inaccurate use of name, term, designation ('king crab' is a misnomer - these creatures are no
Misogamy Hatred of marriage
Misogynist woman-hater, person who dislikes, despises or is strongly prejudiced against women (a misogynist att
Mnemonic device such as a pattern of letters, ideas or associations that aid in memorising something (knuckles a
Modicum Limited quantity, small amount of something considered desirable or valuable (his statement had mro
Modish Fashionable, conforming to the current fashion Iit seems sad that such a scholar should feel compelled
Modulate exert modifying or controlling influence on, vary the strength, tone or pitch of voice, alter amplitude o
Mogul 1. important or powerful person, esp. in the entertainment industry 2. steam locomotive with 3 pairs o
Mollify Sooth an angry person, appease anger or anxiety, reduce severity of something, soften (nature reserve
Molt Periodically shed or cast off hairs or feathers for new growth (the adult bird were already molting into
Monastic Related to monks or monasteries, removed from worldly concerns, buildings in which they live in, aus
Monogram motif of two or more letters (typically a person's initials) interwoven or combined in a decorative desi
Monograph Scholarly article of a single specialized subject (a series of monographs on music in late medieval and
Monolithic 1. formed of a single large block of stone, very large and characterless building [Monolith: large single
Monotheism Belief that there is only one God
Moratorium temporary prohibition of an activity, legal authorization to debtors to postpone payment (an indefinite
Nadir lowest point in the fortunes of a person or organization (they had reached the nadir of their sufferings
Naivete Quality of being unsophisticated, simplicity, artlessness, gullibility, lack of experience (the administrat
Napalm highly flammable sticky jelly used in incendiary bombs and flamethrowers, consisting of gasoline thick
Narcissist person with an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves (narcissists who think the world revo
Nascent process or organization) just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential (
Natation Swimming
Natty 1. Neatly or smartly dressed, dapper, smart (a natty blue blazer and designer jeans) 2. unstraightened
Nebula Diffuse mass of interstellar dust or gas, galaxy [Nebulous: cloudy, hazy, unclear, vague, ill-defined (a gia
Necromancy Black magic, sorcery, dealings with the dead to predict the future
Negate 1. Cancel out, nullify, make ineffective (alcohol negates the effects of the drug) 2. make clause, sentence
Neologism New or newly coined word or phrase
Neophyte person new to a subject, skill, new convert to a religion, novice in religious order, newly ordained pries
Nepotism practice of favoring relatives or friends by giving them jobs (hiring my daughter was not nepotism, it w
Nether lower in position (the ballast is suspended from its nether end, the nether regions)
Nib pointed end of pen or object, shelled and crushed coffee or cocoa beans, small pieces of caramel, licori
Nicety 1. fine detail or distinction, especially one regarded as intricate and fussy (she was never interested in
Niggardly Meanly, stingly, parsimonious serving out the rations with a niggardly hand, their share is a niggardly 2
Niggle 1. cause slight but persistent annoyance, discomfort, or anxiety (a suspicion niggled at the back of her
Nihilist One who believes that life is meaningless and rejects all religious and moral principles (dogmatic athe
Nirvana transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is relea
Noisome Foul smelling, very unpleasant, unwholesome (noisome vapors from the smoldering waste, noisome s
Nomenclature Terminology, system of names or naming things (the nomenclature of chemical compounds, “custome
Nominal In name only, of a name, trifling, very small sum of money far below real value or cost (Thailand retain
Noncommittal not expressing or revealing commitment to a definite opinion or course of action (her tone was noncom
Nondescript lack distinctive or interesting features or characteristics (she lived in a nondescript suburban apartme
Nonentity no special or interesting qualities; an unimportant person or thing, nonexistence (a political nonentity
Nonplus surprise and confuse (someone) so much that they are unsure how to react (Diane was nonplussed by
Nostrum 1. Questionable medicine, quack medicine prepared by unqualified person (they have to prove their no
Notch 1. indentation or incision on edge or surface, deep narrow mountain pass (notched bamboo sticks, not
Nova Star that suddenly becomes much brighter and then returns to its original brightness
Novelty 1. new, original, or unusual (the novelty of being a married woman wore off) 2. small and inexpensive
Nubile girl or young woman that is sexually attractive, sexually mature, of marriageable age (he employed a p
Nugatory of no value or importance, useless, futile (the teacher shortages will render nugatory the hopes of imp
Numismatist collector, specialist, dealers of coins
Nuptial Related to marriage or the wedding ceremony (moments of nuptial bliss, the forthcoming nuptials bet
Obdurate Stubborn, refusing to change one's belief, obstinate
Obeisance Bow to show respect and obedience, curtsy (they paid obeisance to the prince, he made a very formal
Obelish stone pillar, typically having a square or rectangular cross section and a pyramidal top, set up as a mon
Obfuscate render obscure, unclear, unintelligible, bewilder someone (the spelling changes will deform some fam
Oblique Indirect, slanting, deviating from the perpendicular or from a straight line (we sat on the settee onliqu
Obloquy strong public criticism or verbal abuse, disgrace (he endured years of contempt and obloquy, conduct
Obsequious Slavishly attentive, servile, full of servile compliance, sycophantic (they were served by obsequious wa
Obsequy Funeral ceremony
Obsidian Black volcanic rock
Obstetrician Physican/surgeon qualified in practice of obstetrics - pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum period
Obstreperous Boisterous, noisy and uncontrollable (the boy is cocky and obstreperous)
Obtrude Push oneself or one's ideas forward or intrude, impose oneself or one's ideas on others, butt in (a soun
Obviate Make unnecessary, get rid of, prevent (the Venetian blinds obviated the need for curtains, a parachute
Occident the West - Europe, America
Occlude 1. Shut, close, obstruct opening, orifice, passage (thick makeup can occlude the pores, a blood clot has
Occult 1. supernatural, mystical, or magical beliefs, practices, or phenomena (a secret society to study alchem
Oculist Physican who specializes in treatment of the eyes, optometrist, ophthalmologist (he visited an oculist
Odium widespread hatred or disgust directed toward someone as a result of their actions, odious (his job had
Odoriferous Giving off an unplesant or distinctive odor (spicily concocted with odoriferous herbs)
Odyssey Long, eventful, adventurous, epic journey
Officious assert authority in an annoyingly domineering way, especially with regard to petty or trivial matters, i
Olfactory Concerning the sense of smell (the olfactory organs)
Oligarchy small group of people having control of a country, organization, or institution (the ruling oligarchy of m
Omnipresent Universally present, uniquitous, present everywhere (the omnipresent threat of natural disasters)
Omniscient know everything (the story is told by an omniscient narrator, he thought I was some kind of omniscien
Onerous task, duty, or responsibility involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensom
Onomatopoeia Words formed in imitation of natural sounds (cuckoo, sizzle)
Onslaught Vicious assault, fierce attack, large quantity of people or things that are difficult to cope with (a series
Onus Burden, responsibility (the onus is on you to show that you have suffered loss)
Opiate containing opium, drug with morphine-life effects derived from opium, thing that soothes and stupefie
Opprobrium harsh criticism or censure, public disgrace arising from shameful conduct, an occasion or cause of rep
Opus large scale artistic work, separate composition or set of compositions by a particular composer, usuall
Oracular Of an oracle, prophetic, uttered as if with divine authority, mysterious or ambiguous, hard to understa
Orator eloquent public speaker (Patrick Henry, the great orator)
Oratorio Dramatic poem set to music, long musical work with singing but without acting, large-scale musical w
Ordain 1. make (someone) a priest or minister; confer holy orders on (the Church voted to ordain women) [O
Orgy Wild party, especially one involving excessive drinking and unrestrained sexual activity, excessive indu
Ornithology Scientific study of birds
Orthography study of spelling and how letters combine to represent sounds and form words
Osseous consisting of or be turned into bone, ossify, cease developing, be stagnant or rigid (these tracheal carti
Ostensible stated or appearing to be true but not necessarily so (the delay may have a deeper cause than the oste
Ostentatious Showy, trying to attract attention, pretentious, designed to impress or attract notice (books that peopl
Outlandish Bizarre, peculiar, unconventional (outlandish brightly colored clothes)
Outmoded No longer in fashion or use, no longer stylish, old-fashioned
Outstrip Outrun, surpass, outdo, overtake, exceed (he outstripped the police cars, demand far outstrips supply)
Overt done or shown in open, plainly or readily apparent, not secret or hidden (an overt act of aggression, an
Overture 1. an orchestral piece at the beginning of an opera, suite, play, oratorio, or other extended composition
Overweening Arrogant, presumptuous, excessive confidence or pride (overweening ambition)
Overwrought 1. Nervous or excited, extremely agitated, hysterical, wrought-up (she was too overwrought to listen to
Ovoid Egg-shaped, oval with one end more pointed than the other, ovoid body or surface
ent with or depiction of death and injury (a macabre series of murders)

specially in politics or in advancing one's career

for several voices, especially one of the Renaissance period, typically arranged in elaborate counterpoint and without instrumental a
nt or violent turmoil (a maelstrom in the sea, the maelstrom of war, the train station was a maelstrom of crowds)
onducts a court that deals with minor offenses and holds preliminary hearings for more serious ones

n (a media magnate)

ed or maimed, the dog was maimed by a coyote)

makeshift bed, we stayed dry under some makeshift shelter)

t to identify (a society afflicted by a deep cultural malaise)

onally amusing effect, as in, for example, “dance a flamingo ” (instead of flamenco)
out evil or destruction

had a strong and lign influence, don't you dare malign her in my presence)

e of keeping prisoners in manacles, his hands were manacled behind his back)
mmunicable to humans. It typically causes severe itching, hair loss, and the formation of scabs and lesions

nce or actios, demonstrate, be evidence of, prove, illness becoming apparent through symptoms (the system's manifest failings, his m
ns (a party manifesto that would change the course of world politics)
ragile mesh cover fixed around wick to give light when heated (a dark green velvet mantle, a thick mantle of snow, heavy mists mantl

kles marred her face, violence marred a number of New Year celebrations)
lace (war parties crossed the river to maraud)
ding France 2. arrange or assemble (a group of people, especially soldiers) in order (the general marshaled his troops) 3. combine co
of skin or leather)
rders esp. in armed forces
on, someone who enjoys an activity that appears to be painful or tedious (the roles of masochist and mistress, what kind of masochis
with stone, cut hew or dress in stone, a Freemason

e matriculated at the University of Vermont)

rink made her maudlin)
y mausoleum dates back to 1878)
ecticut Republicans, a maverick detective) 2. an unbranded calf or yearling
a mawkish poem, the mawkish smell of warm beer)
e maxim that actions speak louder than words)

journey that is aimless, with little purpose, an ornamental pattern of winding or interlocking lines such as in a mosaic (a river that m
others, delusion about one's own power or importance (typically as a symptom of manic or paranoid disorder)
surrounded him, she felt a little melancholy)
ople were hurt in the melee, the melee of people that was always thronging the streets)
ear (the voice was mellifluous and smooth, mellifluous dinner music)
or diverse collection of people or things (some other specimen in the television menagerie)

a member of a mendicant order)

l factory jobs)
to the mercantile classes, her grandfather had invested in several mercantile interests at the turn of the century, we walked to the loc
s nothing but a mercenary little gold digger, mercenary self-interest, the sport's most infamous mercenary) 2. a professional soldier
curial temperament) 2. drug or compound containing the element mercury
he meretricious souvenirs for the tourist trade)
educated or skilled people (a society governed by meritocracy)
medal for meritorious conduct)

ing abstract concepts such as being, knowing, substance, cause, identity, time, and space, abstract theory with no basis in reality (his
nced the maltreatment meted out to minorities, they were instructed to mete out harsh punishment) 2. a boundary or boundary ston
spirited and resilient way (the team showed their true mettle in the second half)
atmosphere that surrounds or emanates from something (a miasma of stale alcohol hung around him like marsh gas, a miasma of de
e characteristic qualities or features of something much larger, humankind regarded as the epitome of the universe (Berlin is a micr

g (these fundamental differences will militate against the two communities coming together, his resentment of others in the company
nimal or plant to another animal, plant or inanimate object (the bird's mimicry amazed us, the word was spoken with gently teasing

mincing steps)
be concerned with the minutiae of shipboard life)
barrassing situation that is hard to extricate oneself from (they were stuck in the mire, he has been left to squirm in a mire of new al

n laboring under the misapprehension that you are nice)

writing pieces by different authors (Talkeetna was a random miscellany of log cabins)
aken over by a pack of drug-dealing miscreants, her miscreant husband)
omer - these creatures are not crustaceans at all, scientists say 'killer whale' is a misnomer for what is one of the gentlest marine cre

ainst women (a misogynist attitude)

orising something (knuckles assist in remembering days in month)
uable (his statement had mroe than a modicum of truth)
scholar should feel compelled to use this modish jargon)
ch of voice, alter amplitude or frequency in accordance with variations of a second signal, change from one key to another, change co
eam locomotive with 3 pairs of driving wheels and a smaller pair in front 3. bump on ski slope formed by the repeated turns of skier
ething, soften (nature reserves were set up around the power stations to mollify local conservationists, mollifying the fears of the pu
bird were already molting into their winter shades of gray, the last of his juvenile plumage had molted)
ings in which they live in, austere, solitary, celibate way of life (a monastic order, a monastic community, a monastic student bedroom
combined in a decorative design used as a logo or to identify a personal possession (monogrammed sheets)
on music in late medieval and Renaissance cities)
ilding [Monolith: large single upright block of stone] 2. large, powerful and intractably indivisible and uniform organization or system

stpone payment (an indefinite moratorium on the use of drift nets, a moratorium on nuclear testing)
d the nadir of their sufferings, the nadir of his career)
f experience (the administration's naiveteé and inexperience in foreign policy, they took advantage of his naiveteé and deep pockets)
rs, consisting of gasoline thickened with special soaps, attack with bombs containing napalm
sists who think the world revolves around them)
play signs of future potential (the nascent space industry, the nascent economic recovery)

gner jeans) 2. unstraightened hair, uncombed, matted, in dreadlocks (variant of knotty)

nclear, vague, ill-defined (a giant nebulous glow, nebulous ideas, nebulous concepts like quality of life)

drug) 2. make clause, sentence of proposition negative in meaning 3. deny existence of soemthing (negating the political nature of ed

us order, newly ordained priest (cooking classes are offered to neophytes and experts)
aughter was not nepotism, it was just good business)

small pieces of caramel, licorice or other sweets

y (she was never interested in the niceties of Greek and Latin) 2. accuracy, precision (she prided herself on her nicety of pronunciatio
nd, their share is a niggardly 2.7 percent)
ion niggled at the back of her mind) 2. Spend too much time on minor points, especially when finding fault (colleagues say he loved t
oral principles (dogmatic atheists and nihilists could never defend the value of human life) [Nihilism: skeptimism that nothing in the
of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth. It represents the final goal of Buddhism
smoldering waste, noisome scandals)
emical compounds, “customers” was preferred to the original nomenclature “passengers.”)
value or cost (Thailand retained nominal independence under Japanese military occupation, some firms charge only a nominal fee fo
of action (her tone was noncommittal, and her face gave nothing away)
ondescript suburban apartment block)
xistence (a political nonentity, asserting the nonentity of evil)
act (Diane was nonplussed by such an odd question)
on (they have to prove their nostrums work) 2. a pet scheme or favorite remedy, especially one for bringing about some social or poli
s (notched bamboo sticks, notch the plank) 2. score or achieve something (she notched her second major championship)
al brightness
off) 2. small and inexpensive toy or ornament (he bought chocolate novelties to decorate the Christmas tree, we sell seasonal novelt
ageable age (he employed a procession of nubile young secretaries)
der nugatory the hopes of implementing the new curriculum, a nugatory and pointless observation, the shortages will render our ho

the forthcoming nuptials between Richard and Jocelyn, we attended the young duke's nuptials)

rince, he made a very formal elaborate gesture of obeisance, she made a deep obeisance, he made a half-bow half-curtsy, a sort of un
pyramidal top, set up as a monument or landmark, monolith, pillar (an obelisk marks the mass grave where Custer was buried)
hanges will deform some familiar words and obfuscate their etymological origins, mere rationalizations to obfuscate rather than cla
e (we sat on the settee onlique to the fireplace, an oblique line)
ntempt and obloquy, conduct to which no more obloquy could reasonably attach, there is no moral obloquy connected with getting d
were served by obsequious waiters)

rth, postpartum period

deas on others, butt in (a sound from the reception hall obtruded into his thoughts, I felt unable to obtrude my private sorrow upon a
eed for curtains, a parachute can be used to obviate disaster)

de the pores, a blood clot has occluded the coronary artery, they were occluding the waterfront with a wall, it is placed at eye level w
secret society to study alchemy and the occult, a follower of occult practices similar to voodoo) 2. of a disease or process) not accomp
mologist (he visited an oculist in Chicago, who prescribed a pair of reading glasses)
ir actions, odious (his job had made him the target of public hostility and odium)
erous herbs)

rd to petty or trivial matters, intrusively enthusiastic in offering unwanted help or advice, interfering (an officious, spiteful policeman

ution (the ruling oligarchy of military men around the president, the English aristocratic oligarchy of the 19th century)
hreat of natural disasters)
I was some kind of omniscient guru)
hat is oppressively burdensome, involving heavy obligations (he found his duties increasingly onerous, an onerous lease)

difficult to cope with (a series of onslaughts on the citadel, an onslaught of electronic mail, the battalion's onslaught was relentless)

hing that soothes and stupefies (the use of opiate drugs)

ct, an occasion or cause of reproach or disgrace (his films and the critical opprobrium they have generated, the opprobrium of being
a particular composer, usually ordered by date of publication (her latest opus is a critical success, he was writing an opus on Mexico
ambiguous, hard to understand (the oracular shrine, his every utterance was given oracular significance, an ambiguous oracular rem
 acting, large-scale musical work for orchestra and voices, typically a narrative on a religious theme, performed without the use of co
ch voted to ordain women) [Ordination: Ceremony conferring holy orders, ceremony of ordaining a priest] 2. order or decree officiall
sexual activity, excessive indulgence in a specific activity (he had a reputation for drunken orgies, an orgy of buying, an orgy of violen

t or rigid (these tracheal cartilages may ossify, ossified political institutions)

a deeper cause than the ostensible reason, the ostensible star is Lana Turner, but it's Juanita Moore who makes the movie click)
tract notice (books that people buy and display ostentatiously but never actually finish)

demand far outstrips supply)

(an overt act of aggression, an overt attempt to sidestep the truth)
r other extended composition (the overture to "Don Giovanni") 2. an introduction to something more substantial (the talks were no m

as too overwrought to listen to reason) 2. writing or a work of art) too elaborate or complicated in design or construction (the paintin
 int and without instrumental accompaniment. Originally used of a genre of 14th-century Italian songs, the term now usually refers t
m of crowds)

ystem's manifest failings, his manifest lack of interest, Ray manifested signs of severe depression, bad industrial relations are often m

ntle of snow, heavy mists mantled the forest, a warm pink mounted to the girl's cheeks and mantles her brow, her rich face mantling

haled his troops) 3. combine coats of arms to indicate marriage, descent, or bearing of office

mistress, what kind of masochist would take part in such an experiment?)

 ch as in a mosaic (a river that meandered gently through a meadow, kids meandered in and out, a stylish offbeat thriller which occas

e century, we walked to the local mercantile)

nary) 2. a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army (mercenary soldiers)

ory with no basis in reality (his concept of society as an organic entity is for market liberals, simply metaphysics)
2. a boundary or boundary stone

m like marsh gas, a miasma of despair rose from the black workshops)
f the universe (Berlin is a microcosm of Germany, in unity as in division)

tment of others in the company militates against his own chances for advancement)
was spoken with gently teasing mimicry)

ft to squirm in a mire of new allegations, sometimes a heavy truck gets mired down, Frank's horse got mired in a bog, the economy is

s one of the gentlest marine creatures known to man, to call this 'neighborhood policing' would be a misnomer)
m one key to another, change condition (the first half of the melody modulated from E minor to G, ideals and opnions are not modula
d by the repeated turns of skiers over the same path (a mogul field) 4.member of Muslim dynasty of Mongol origin founded by the suc
s, mollifying the fears of the public, they tried to mollify the protestors)

ty, a monastic student bedroom, a monastic experience)

uniform organization or system (a monolithic organization, rejecting any move toward a monolithic European superstate) 3. solid-s

his naiveteé and deep pockets)

gating the political nature of education)

lf on her nicety of pronunciation) 3. minor aspect of polite social behavior, detail of etiquette (we were brought up to observe the nic

fault (colleagues say he loved to niggle and criticize people) 3. a trifling complaint, dispute or criticism
keptimism that nothing in the world has a real existence, belief that life is meaningless, doctrine of an extreme Russian revolutionar
sents the final goal of Buddhism, a state of perfect happiness, an idyllic place (Hollywood's dearest dream of small-town nirvana)

ms charge only a nominal fee for the service)

nging about some social or political reform or improvement (right-wing nostrums)

ajor championship)

as tree, we sell seasonal novelties)

e shortages will render our hopes nugatory)

alf-bow half-curtsy, a sort of unisex obeisance)

where Custer was buried)
ns to obfuscate rather than clarify the real issue, her work became more and more obfuscated by mathematics and jargon)

oquy connected with getting drunk there)

rude my private sorrow upon anyone)

a wall, it is placed at eye level with one eye occluded) 2. absorb or retain a gas or impurity 3. tooth that closes on or comes into contac
disease or process) not accompanied by readily discernible signs or symptoms 3. cut off from view by interposing something (a woo

an officious, spiteful policeman came to move them on, an officious bystander)

he 19th century)

, an onerous lease)

n's onslaught was relentless)

ated, the opprobrium of being closely associated with thugs and gangsters, the opprobrium of being associated with thugs)
was writing an opus on Mexico, The Gambler was Prokofiev's sixth opera, despite its early opus number)
nce, an ambiguous oracular remark, he holds forth in oracular fashion)
 erformed without the use of costumes, scenery, or action. Well-known examples include Bach's Christmas Oratorio, Handel's Messia
iest] 2. order or decree officially (equal punishment was ordained for the two crimes, she ordained that anyone found hunting in the
orgy of buying, an orgy of violence)

who makes the movie click)

substantial (the talks were no more than an overture to a long debate)

ign or construction (the painting is overwrought)

s, the term now usually refers to English or Italian songs of the late 16th and early 17th c., in a free style strongly influenced by the tex

industrial relations are often manifested in disputes and strikes, his positive potential is manifested by his art, a disorder that usuall

r brow, her rich face mantling with emotion) 2. bird's back, wing coverts, outer enclosing layer of tissue, fold of skin and secreting su
ish offbeat thriller which occasionally meanders, a leisurely meander around the twisting coastline road, the river flows in sweeping

mired in a bog, the economy is mired in its longest recession with WWII, he has become mired in lawsuits)
ls and opnions are not modulated into authoritative journalese, the cells modulate the body's response, the state attempts to modula
ongol origin founded by the successors of Tamerlane which ruled much of India in the 16-19th century (the Mogul emperor of Delhi)

European superstate) 3. solid-state circuit composed of active and passive components formed in single chip

e brought up to observe the niceties)

extreme Russian revolutionary party c. 1900, which found nothing to approve of in the established social order)
eam of small-town nirvana)
hematics and jargon)

closes on or comes into contact with another tooth on the opposite jaw
interposing something (a wooden screen designed to occult the competitors)

ssociated with thugs)

 mas Oratorio, Handel's Messiah, and Haydn's The Creation
at anyone found hunting in the forest must pay a fine)
e strongly influenced by the text

y his art, a disorder that usually manifests in middle age, one deity manifested in the form of a bird)

ue, fold of skin and secreting substance that produces the shell, the region of the earth's interior between crust and core (the lunar m
ad, the river flows in sweeping meanders)
e, the state attempts to modulate private business's cash flow, she modulated her voice, radio waves are modulated to carry the anal
y (the Mogul emperor of Delhi)
een crust and core (the lunar mantle) 3. important role or responsibility that passes from one to the other (the second son has now a
re modulated to carry the analog information of the voice)
ther (the second son has now assumed his father's mantle, the mantle of leadership)
Pachyderm large mammal with thick skin, esp. an elephant, rhinoceros, hippo
Padre Chaplain in the armed forces, typically a Roman Catholic chaplain
Paean Song of praise or triump, thing that expresses enthusiastic praise (his books are paeans to combat)
Palatable food or drink pleasant to taste, action or proposal acceptable or satisfactory (very palatable local red win
Palate 1. roof of mouth separating cavities of nose and mouth (the tead burned her palate) 2. appreciation of tas
Palatial resembling a palace in being spacious and splendid (her palatial apartment in Chicago)
Palimpsest manuscript or piece of writing material on which the original writing has been effaced to make room for
Pall 1. cloth spread over coffin, hearse, tomb (rich velvet pall) 2. dark cloud or covering f smoke, dust (a pall o
Pallet straw mattress, crude or makeshift bed
Palliate make a disease or its symptoms less severe or unpleasant without curing, allay or moderate fears or susp
Pallid pale face due to poor health, feeble or insipid (a pallid child, an utterly pallid and charmless character, pa
Palpable feeling or atmosphere so intense as to seem almost tangible, able to be touched or felt, obvious (a palpabl
Paltry Insignificant, petty, trivial, meager amount (she would earn a paltry $30 more each month, naval glory str
Pan Criticize harshly, wash gravel in pan to separate out gold (the movie was panned by critics, the old-timers
Panacea solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases (the panacea for all corporate ills, a panacea for the coun
Panache flamboyant confidence of style or manner, tuft or plume of feathers as a headdress or on a helmet (he ent
Pander gratify or indulge an immoral or distasteful desire, need, habit, person with such a desire, a pimp (newsp
Panegyric public speech or published text in praise of someone or soemthing (Vera's panegyric on friendship, the pa
Pantomime 1. dramatic entertainment expressed through gestures and music without words, slapstick comedy 2. abs
Parable Short simple story teaching a moral or spiritual lesson told by Jesus in the Gospels (the parable of the pro
Paradigm 1. typical example or pattern of something, a model, worldbiew underlying theories and methodology of
Paradox seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may
Paragon person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality, model of excellence, a perfect diamo
Paramour Illicit lover to a married person
Paraphernalia Equipment, odds and ends used in a particular activity, personal belongings, miscellaneous articles, trapp
Pare trim something by cutting away its outer edges, cut off outer skin, reduce in size, quantity in small succes
Pariah Social outcast, member of a low caste in Southern India (they were treated as social pariahs)
Parish small administrative district typically having its own church and priest or pastor in Christian Churches, te
Parity 1. being equal in status or pay (parity of incomes between rural workers and industrial occupations, we s
Parlance way of speaking or using words common to those with a particular job or interest (dated terms that were
Parley conference between opposing sides in a dispute, esp. discussion of terns for an armistice (they disagreed
Parochial relating to church parish, having a limited or narrow outlook or scope (the parochial church council, this
Paroxysm sudden attack or violent expression of a particular emotion or activity, sudden recurrence of a disease or
Parquet flooring composed of wooden blocks arranged in a geometric pattern, ground floor of theater, branch of a
Parry ward off a weapon or attach with a countermove (he parried the blow by holding his sword vertically, her
Parsimony extreme unwillingness to spend money or use resources, frugal (a gread tradition of public design has be
Partisan strong supporter of a party, cause, person, member of armed group formed to fight secretly against an occ
Parvenu person of obscure origin who ha gained wealth, influence, celebrity (the political inexperience of a parven
Passe out of date, no longer fashionable, past one's prime for women (miniskirts are passe, the best skirts are k
Pastiche artistic work in a style that imitates that of another work, artist or period, art consisting of a medley of pe
Pathos evoking pity, sadness (the actor injects his customary humor and pathos into the role, the pathos of Antoi
Patina green or brown film on surface of bronze or other metals from oxidation, gloss or sheen on wooden furni
Patois dialect of common people, jargon or informal speech used in a social group (the nurse talked to me in a p
Patrician aristocrat or nobleman, member of long-established wealthy family (the great patricians of the British Em
Patrimony property inherited from father or male ancestor, heritage, estate or property belonging by ancient endow
Pauper Very poor person, recipient of government relief or public charity (the story of a lowly pauper who rises t
Peccadillo a small, relatively unimportant offense or sin (I'm sure we can overlook a few peccadilloes)
Pecuniary relating to or consisting of money (he admitted obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception, free from
Pedagogy method and practice of teaching an academic subject or theoretical concept (the relationship between ap
Pedant person excessively concerned with minor details and rules with displaying academic learning (many of th
Peerless unequaled, unrivaled (a peerless cartoonist)
Pejorative expressing contempt or disapproval ('permissiveness' is used almost universally as a pejorative term, his
Pellucid translucently clear, lucid in style or meaning, easily understood, music clear and pure in tone (mountains
Penance voluntary self-punishment inflicted as an outward expression of repentance for ahving done wrong, Chris
Penchant strong or habitual liking for something or tendency to do something (he has a penchant for adopting stra
Pendulous hanging down loosely, drooping (pendulous branches)
Penitent feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong, repentant, person who repents their sins or
Penology study of punishment of crime and of prison management
Penumbra partially shaded outer region of the shadow cast by an opaque object, shadow cast by the earth or moon o
Penury(ious) extreme poverty, destitution, parsimonious, mean (he died in a state of virtual penury, Dylan was obliviou
Peon Spanish-American day laborer or unskilled farm worker, debtor held in servitude by a creditor, person wh
Percussion musical instruments played by striking with the hand or handheld or pedal-operated stick, by shaking inc
Perdition state of eternal punishment and damnation into which a singul and unpenitent person passes after death
Peregrination long and meandering journey (she kept Aunt Ilsa company on her peregrinations, such fascinating peregr
Peremptory manner or action insisting immediate action or obedience in brusquely imperious way, not open to appea
Perennial long-lasting, enduring or continually recurring, long-living plant, person permanently engaged in specifie
Perfidious deceitful and untrustworthy (a perfidious lover, the perfidy of her husband)
Perfunctory action or gesture done with minimum effort or reflection (he gave a perfunctory nod, a perfunctory revie
Perigee Point of moon's orbit or satellite when it is nearest the earth
Peripatetic traveling from place to place for work or based in various places for relatively short periods (the peripate
Perjury offense of willfully lying in court after taking an oath or affirmation (she was found guilty of perjury, he m
Pernicious harmful in gradual or subtle way (the pernicious influences of the mass media, a pernicious influence on
Peroration speak at length, sum up and conclude, concluding part of speech typically intended to inspire enthusiasm
Perpetuate make undesirable sitation or unfounded belief continue indefinitely, preserve soemthing valued from obl
Perquisite (perk) regarded as special righ or privilege enjoyed at a certain position (the wife of a president as all the
Personify represent a quality or concept by a figure in human form, attribute personal nature or human characteris
Perspicacious having ready insight into and understanding of things (it offers quite a few facts to the perspicacious repo
Perspicuous clearly expressed and easily understood, lucid (it provides simpler and more perspicuous explanation tha
Pert young woman attractively lively or cheeky, impudent speech or behavior, bodily feature or garment attrac
Pertinacious Holding firmly to an opinion or course of action (he worked with a pertinacious resistance to interruption
Pertinent relevant or applicable to a particular matter, apposite (she asked me a lot of very pertinent questions)
Perturb make anxious or unsettled, influence a system or object to alter its normal or regular state or path (they w
Peruse read, examine thoroughly and carefully (he has spent countless hours in libraries perusing history books
Pervasive be present and apparent everywhere, unwelcome influence or physical effect spreading widely throughou
Perverse showing deliberate and obstinate desire to behave unreasonably or unacceptably in spite of the conseque
Pestilence destructive to life, infectious diseases, causing annoyance, troublesome, harmful or dangerous to morals o
Pestle heavy tool with a rounded end used for crushing and grinding substances such as spices or drugs usually
Petulant childlishly sulky or bad-tempered (he was moody and petulant)
Phalanx 1. body of troops or police officers standing or moving in close formation, group of people or things of sim
Pharisee member of an anicent Jewish sect distinguished by strict observance of the traditional and weritten law, c
Philanderer man who readily or frequently enters into casual sexual relationships with women, a womanizer (he was
Philanthropist person who seeks to promote the welfare of others by generous donation of money to good causes
Philately collection and study of postage stamps (Philatelist: stamp-collector)
Philistine hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts, no understanding of them (I am a complete philistine when i
Philology branch of knowledge that deals with structure, historical development, and relationships of languages, lit
Phlegmatic unemotional and stolidly calm disposition, imperturbable
Phylum Major classification, second to kingdom, of plants and animals, category ranking below a kingdom and ab
Physiognomy facial features or expression which indicate character or ethnic origin, art of judging character from facia
Piebald/Pied Piebald: horse having irregular patches of 2 colors, typically black and white Pied: two or more colors, va
Piecemeal One part at a time, gradually in stages (the village is slowly being killed off by piecemeal development, the
Pilfer Steal things of small value, filch, snitch
Pillage rob a place using violence during wartime, plunder, ransack (artworks pillaged from churches and museu
Pillory wooden framework with holes for the head and hands in which an offender was imprisoned and exposed
Pinion 1. outer part of a bird's wing including the flight feathers 2. tie or hold arms or legs, restrain, cut off the p
Pinnace Small boat with sails or oars forming part of the equipment of a warship or other larger vessel
Piquant pleasant sharp taste or appetizing flavor, pleasantly stimulating or exciting to the mind
Pique Irritation, resentment from wounded pride, stimulate interest or curiosity (he left in a fit of pique, she wa
Piscatorial concerning fishermen or fishing
Pith 1. soft or spongy tissue in plants or animals, spongy white tissue lining rind of an orange, lemon and othe
Placate Pacify, bring peace to, conciliate, appease (they attempted to placate the students with promises, John did
Plaintive Expressing sorrow, mournful (plaintive song, a plaintive cry)
Platitude remark or statement with moral content that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful (she
Platonic intimate and affectionate but not sexual, associated with Greek philosopher Plato or his ideas, confined to
Plaudits Praise, enthusastic approval, round (succession or series) of applause (the network has received plaudits
Plebeian commoner, lower social class, lacking in refinement (he is a man of plebeian tastes)
Plebiscite direct vote of all members of an electorate on important public question such as change in the constitutio
Plenary 1. unqualified, absolute (crusaders were offered a plenary indulgence by the Pope. the council has plenar
Plenitude abundance, full or complete (the farm boasts a plenitude of animals and birds, the plenitude of the pope's
Plethora Excess, overabundance, excess of bodily fluid, esp. blood (a plethora of committees and subcommittees)
Pliant pliable (pliant willow stems)
Plutocracy Society ruled by the wealthy, elite or ruling class of people whose power derives from their wealth
Podiatrist Doctor who treats ailments of the feet, ankles
Poignant evoking sense of sadness or regret, sharp or pungent taste or smell (a poignant reminder of the passing o
Polemic strong verbal or written attack on someone or something, engaging in controversial debate or dispute (hi
Polity civil government or constitution, organized society, political entity
Polygamy having more than one spouse at the same time, pattern of mating in which animal has more than one mat
Polyglot Speaking several languages, multilingual, text translated into several languages (a polyglot career woman
Ponderous slow and clumsy from great weight, dull, laborious, excessively solemn (her footsteps were heavy and pon
Pontifical 1. relating to the Pope, vestments and insignia of a bishop, cardinal or abbot (a bishop in full pontificals, a
Pontiff Pope, bishop
oks are paeans to combat)
ory (very palatable local red wine, palatable meals, device that made increased taxation more palatable, the truth is not always palat
her palate) 2. appreciation of taste and flavor esp. when sophisticated and discriminating (a fine range of drink for sophisticated pal
ent in Chicago)
s been effaced to make room for later writing but of which traces remain, something reused or altered but still bering visible traces o
r covering f smoke, dust (a pall of black smoke hung over the quarry) 3. somethng enveloping a situation with an air of gloom, heavin

g, allay or moderate fears or suspicions, disguise the seriousness or gravity of an offense (treatment works by palliating symptoms, th
allid and charmless character, pallid colors)
ouched or felt, obvious (a palpable sense of loss, a palpable bump on the bridge of the nose, to talk of raids in these circumstances is p
more each month, naval glory struck him as paltry)
panned by critics, the old-timers panned gold)
porate ills, a panacea for the country's economic problems)
headdress or on a helmet (he entertained Palm Springs socity with great panache)
ith such a desire, a pimp (newspapers are pandering to people's baser instincts, David was always there to pander to her every whim
's panegyric on friendship, the panegyric she delivered in Syd's memory brought tears to our eyes)
ut words, slapstick comedy 2. absurdly exaggerated behavior, ridiculous or confused situation or event (he made a pantomime of che
e Gospels (the parable of the prodigal son)
ng theories and methodology of a particular scientific subject (there is a new paradigm for public art in this country, why should you
hen investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true, statement or proposition that despite sound reasoning from acce
del of excellence, a perfect diamond of 100 carats or more (it would have taken a paragon of virtue not to feel viciously jealous, your

ngs, miscellaneous articles, trappings associated with a particular institution or activity that are regarded as superfluous (drills, saw
e in size, quantity in small successive stages (Carlo pared his thumbnails with his knife, pare the peel from the lemon, pare off the rin
ed as social pariahs)
r pastor in Christian Churches, territorial division corresponding to a county in other states in Louisiana (a parish church, the story s
and industrial occupations, we strive for a parity of wages) 2. value of one currency in terms of another at an established exchange r
r interest (dated terms that were once in common parlance)
for an armistice (they disagreed over whether to parley with the enemy, the two parties were willing to parley)
he parochial church council, this worldview seems incredibly naive and parochial, she was constantly challenging their parochial app
udden recurrence of a disease or worsening of symptoms (a paroxysm of weeping, paroxysms of coughing)
ound floor of theater, branch of administration of the law that deals with crime prosecution in France or French-speaking countries
holding his sword vertically, her question met with a polite parry)
tradition of public design has been shattered by government parsimony)
ed to fight secretly against an occupying force, particularly operating in enemy-occupied Yugoslavia, Italy, and easter Europe in WWI
political inexperience of a parvenu, make way for our newest little hotshot parvenu)
ts are passe, the best skirts are knee-length)
d, art consisting of a medley of peices taken from various sources (the opertta is a pastiche of 18th century styles, Gauguin took hims
into the role, the pathos of Antoine's predicament)
 , gloss or sheen on wooden furniture from age and polishing, impression or appearance of something (he carries the patina of old mo
up (the nurse talked to me in a patois that even Italians would have had difficulty understanding, the raunchy patois of inner-city kid
great patricians of the British Empire, a proud, patrician face)
erty belonging by ancient endowment or right to a church or other institution (an organization that saves the world's cultural patrim
ory of a lowly pauper who rises to the top of a major crime syndicate)
a few peccadilloes)
vantage by deception, free from pecuniary anxieties)
ept (the relationship between applied linguistics and language pedagogy) Pedagogue: strict or pedantic teacher
ng academic learning (many of the essays are long, dense, and too pedantic to hold great appeal)

versally as a pejorative term, his remarks were considered too pejorative for daytime radio)
ear and pure in tone (mountains reflected in pellucid waters, he writes in pellucid prose, a smooth legato and pellucid singing tone a
nce for ahving done wrong, Christian sacrament in which a member of the Church confesses sins to a priest and is given absolution, r
has a penchant for adopting stray dogs, I have a penchant for kittens)

person who repents their sins or wrongdoings and seeks forgiveness from god, person who confesses sins to a priest and submits to

adow cast by the earth or moon over an area experiencing partial eclipe, the less dark outer part of a sunspot surrounding the dark c
irtual penury, Dylan was oblivious to his brother's wretched state of penury, a penurious old tramp, penurious years, he was generou
ervitude by a creditor, person who does menial work, someone of low rank, attendant or messenger (racing drivers aren't exactly no
dal-operated stick, by shaking including drums, cymbals, xylophones, gongs, bells, rattles, striking one solid object with or against an
nitent person passes after death in Christian theology
rinations, such fascinating peregrinations you've experienced)
mperious way, not open to appeal or challenge, final ('Just do it!' came the peremptory reply, there has been no disobedience of a per
permanently engaged in specified role or way of life, stream or spring flowing throughout the year (his perennial distrust of the med

unctory nod, a perfunctory review)

ively short periods (the peripatetic nature of military life, I could never get used to her peripatetic lifestyle)
was found guilty of perjury, he made the regrettable mistake of perjuring himself)
media, a pernicious influence on society)
y intended to inspire enthusiasm in the audience (he reportedly would perorate against his colleague, the following innocent conclus
serve soemthing valued from oblivion or extinction (the law perpetuated the interests of the ruling class, how did these first humans
(the wife of a president as all the perquisites of stardom)
onal nature or human characteristics to something non-human, represent qualty, concept, thing in physical form (public pageants and
w facts to the perspicacious reporter)
more perspicuous explanation than its rivals, the perspicuity of her argument)
bodily feature or garment attractive because neat and jaunty (a pert Belgian actress, no need to be pert, miss, she had a pert nose an
nacious resistance to interruptions)
t of very pertinent questions)
al or regular state or path (they were perturbed by her capricious behavior, nuclear weapons could be used to perturb the orbit of an
libraries perusing history books, Laura perused a Caravaggio)
ffect spreading widely throughout an area or group of people (ageism is pervasive and entrenched in our society, the low-carb craze
ceptably in spite of the consequences, contrary to accepted or expected standard and practice, verdict against the weight of evidence
harmful or dangerous to morals or public order, pernicious (pestilent diseases, he regarded journalists as a pestilent race, the pestile
s such as spices or drugs usually in a mortar, mechanical device for grinding, pounding or stamping soemthing (she measured seeds

n, group of people or things of similar type forming a compact body, body of Macedonian infantry with long spears drawn up in close
he traditional and weritten law, commonly held to have pretensions to superior sanctity, a self-righteous person, a hypocrite (pharis
th women, a womanizer (he was known as a philanderer, husbands who philander with other women)
n of money to good causes

I am a complete philistine when it comes to paintings, a philistine government)

nd relationships of languages, literary or classical scholarship

ranking below a kingdom and above a class, division

t of judging character from facial characteristics, general form or appearance of something (the physiognomy of the landscape)
hite Pied: two or more colors, variegated (piebald horse or other animal, pied dogs from the Pyrenees, a lovely little pied pony)
ff by piecemeal development, the reforms were implemented piecemeal)

illaged from churches and museums, the rebels were intent on pillage)
der was imprisoned and exposed to public abuse, attack or ridicule publicly (offenders were put in the pillory, he found himself pillor
ms or legs, restrain, cut off the pinion of a wing or bird to prevent flight (he pinioned the limbs of his opponents) 3. small gear or spi
or other larger vessel
ng to the mind
ty (he left in a fit of pique, she was piqued by his curtness, you have piqued my curiosity)

nd of an orange, lemon and other citrus fruits, spinal marrow 2. essence of something (a book that he considered contained the pith
students with promises, John did his best to placate her)

be interesting or thoughtful (she begain uttering liberal platitudes, boring us with his platitudes)
her Plato or his ideas, confined to words, theories not leading to practical action (their relationship is purely platonic)
he network has received plaudits for its sports coverage, the plaudits for the winner died down)

such as change in the constitution (a plebiscite for the approval of constitutional reforms)
the Pope. the council has plenary powers in this matter) 2. meeting to be attended by all participants at a conference or assembly (a
birds, the plenitude of the pope's powers)
ommittees and subcommittees)

derives from their wealth

ignant reminder of the passing of time, they read aloud the poignant letters written by the victims' children)
ntroversial debate or dispute (his polemic against the cultural relativism of the 60s, the history of science has become embroiled in

ch animal has more than one mate, conditions of bearing some male, some female, some perfect flowers on the same plant
guages (a polyglot career woman, polyglot and bilingual technical dictionaries)
her footsteps were heavy and ponderous, Liz could hardly restrain herself from finishing all his ponderous sentences)
bot (a bishop in full pontificals, a pontifical commission) 2. pompous and superior air of infallibility (such explanations were greeted
le, the truth is not always palatable)
e of drink for sophisticated palates, menus to suit the tourist palate) 3. taste or flavor of wine or beer (a wine with a zingy, peachy pa

but still bering visible traces of its earlier form (Sutton Place is a palimpsest of the taste of successive owners)
on with an air of gloom, heaviness or fear (torture and murder have cast a pall of terror over the villages) 4. eccelesiastical pallium 5

orks by palliating symptoms, this eliminated or at least palliated suspicions aroused by German unity, there is no way to excuse or pa

aids in these circumstances is palpable nonsense)

re to pander to her every whim, the lowest panders of a venal press)

t (he made a pantomime of checking his watch, the drive to town was a pantomime) 3. express or represent something by extravagan

n this country, why should your set of values be the paradigm for the rest of us? the discovery of universal gravitation became the pa
pite sound reasoning from acceptable premises leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, self-contradictory,
t to feel viciously jealous, your cook is a paragon)

ded as superfluous (drills, saws and other paraphernalia necessary for home improvements, they have a ton of camping parapherna
rom the lemon, pare off the rind using a peeler, union leaders publicly pared down their demands, domestic operations have been pa

na (a parish church, the story scandalized the parish)

er at an established exchange rate 3. system of providing farmers with consistent purchasing power by regulating prices of farm prod

challenging their parochial approach to education)

or French-speaking countries

taly, and easter Europe in WWII, prejudiced in favor of a particular cause (the partisans opened fire from the woods, partisan attitud

tury styles, Gauguin took himself to an island and pastiched the primitive art he found there, a pastiche of literary models)
(he carries the patina of old money and good breeding)
raunchy patois of inner-city kids)

aves the world's cultural patrimony by restoring historic buildings)

ato and pellucid singing tone are his calling cards)

priest and is given absolution, religious observance or duty required of a person by a priest as part of this sacrament to indicate repe

sins to a priest and submits to the penance that he imposes (a penitent expression, she stood there looking like a penitent child)

sunspot surrounding the dark core

enurious years, he was generous and hospitable in contrast to his stingy and penurious wife)
racing drivers aren't exactly normal 9 to 5 peons)
solid object with or against another with force, action of tapping body part as diagnosis (percussion instruments, the clattering perc

s been no disobedience of a peremptory order of the court)

s perennial distrust of the media, the perennial fascination with crime, perennial plants, he's a perennial student)

the following innocent conclusion with which she perorates)

ss, how did these first humans survive to perpetuate the species?)

sical form (public pageants and dramas in which virtues and vices were personified, in the poem, the oak trees are personified, he fa

ert, miss, she had a pert nose and deep blue eyes)

e used to perturb the orbit of an asteroid)

our society, the low-carb craze is pervasive, a smell of stale cabbage pervaded the air, the sense of crisis that pervaded Europe in the
t against the weight of evidence or the direciton of the judge on a point of law, sexually perverted (Kate's perverse decision not to coo
s as a pestilent race, the pestilent sect of Luther, you shouldn't be out on a pestilential night like this, pestilential fever, a pestilential w
oemthing (she measured seeds into the mortar and pestled them to powder)

long spears drawn up in close order with shields overlapping (600 marchers set off, led by a phalanx of police, he headed past the ph
us person, a hypocrite (pharisaical)

ognomy of the landscape)

, a lovely little pied pony)

e pillory, he found himself pilloried by members of his own party)

opponents) 3. small gear or spindle engaging with a large gear

considered contained the pith of all his work, the pith of the argument) 3. pithy: forceful and concise expression (he writes with a co

purely platonic)

at a conference or assembly (a plenary session of the European Parliament)

ence has become embroiled in religious polemics)

rs on the same plant

rous sentences)
such explanations were greeted with pontifical disdain)
 a wine with a zingy, peachy palate)

ges) 4. eccelesiastical pallium 5. become less appealing or interesting through familiarity (the novelty of the quiet life palled)

there is no way to excuse or palliate his dirty deed)

esent something by extravagant and exaggerated mime (the clown candidates pantomimed different emotions)

ersal gravitation became the paradigm of successful science) 2. set of linguistic items that form mutually exclusive choices in particul
nacceptable, self-contradictory, situation or person that combines contradictory features or qualities (in a paradox, he has discovered

e a ton of camping paraphernalia, the rituals and paraphernalia of government)

mestic operations have been pared down)

y regulating prices of farm products, usually with government price supports 4. fact of being odd or even number 5. property of a spa

om the woods, partisan attitudes, newspapers have become increasingly partisan)

he of literary models)
this sacrament to indicate repentance, impose a penance on (he had done public penance for those hasty words, a hair shirt to penan

oking like a penitent child)

nstruments, the clattering percussion of objects striking the walls and the shutters, the chest sounded dull on percussion)

nial student)

oak trees are personified, he fairly personifies trustworthiness, the picture on the label should personify good, wholesome cooking)
is that pervaded Europe in the 1930s)
e's perverse decision not to cooperate, he is being deliberately perverse, in two general elections the outcome was quit perverse, a ve
estilential fever, a pestilential weed, what a pestilential man!) Pestilence: fatal epidemic disease such as bubonic plague

of police, he headed past the phalanx of waiting reporters to the line of limos) 2. bone of the finger or toe

expression (he writes with a combination of pith and exactitude) 4. remove the pith from, pierce or sever the spinal cord of an anima
of the quiet life palled)

lly exclusive choices in particular syntactic roles (English determiners form a paradigm: we can say 'a book' or 'his book' but not 'a h
in a paradox, he has discovered that stepping back from his job has increased the rewards he gleans from it, a potentially serious con

ven number 5. property of a spatial wave equation that either remains the same (even parity) or changes sign (odd parity) under a gi
 sty words, a hair shirt to penance him for his folly in offending)

d dull on percussion)

nify good, wholesome cooking)

utcome was quit perverse, a verdict that is manifestly perverse)
as bubonic plague

ver the spinal cord of an animal to kill or immobilize it

book' or 'his book' but not 'a his book')
om it, a potentially serious conflict between quantum mechanics and the general theory of relativity known as the information para

ges sign (odd parity) under a given transformation, value of a quantum number corresponding to parity, funciton whose being even o
known as the information paradox, the mingling of deciduous trees with elements of desert flora forms a fascinating ecological parad

ty, funciton whose being even or odd provides a check on a set of binary values 6. condition of having borne children, number of child
s a fascinating ecological paradox)

borne children, number of children previously borne (very high parity of 6 children or more)
Quadruped animal that has 4 feet, esp. an ungulate mammal
Quaff alcoholic drink, drink alchoholic drink heartily, gulp down
Quagmire 1. soft boggy area of land that gives way underfoot (torrential raint urned the building site into a quagm
Quail 1. small, short-tailed game bird 2. feel or show fear or apprehension (she quailed at his heartless word
Qualms uneasy feeling of doubt, worry or fear about one's own conduct, a misgiving, momentary faint or sick fe
Quandary perplexed or uncertain over what to do in difficult situation, practical dilemma (Kate is in a quandary, a
Quarry 1. large deep pit where stone or other materials are extracted, cut into rock or ground to obtain minera
Quash reject or void by legal procedure, put an end to, suppress (his conviction was quashed on appeal, a hosp
Quay concrete, stone or metal platform lying alongside or projecting into water for loading and unloading sh
Quell put an end to rebellion or disorder by force, subdue or silence someone, suppress unpleasant feeling (e
Querulous complaining in a petulant or whining manner (she became querulous and demanding)
Quicksilver liquid metal mercury, used in metaphors to describe something that moves or changes very quickly, dif
Quiescent inactive, dormant (strikes were headed by groups of workers who had previously been quiescent)
Quintessence perfect or typical example of a quality or class, intrinsic and central to its character, refined essence or
Quisling traitor who collaborates with enemy force occupying their country
Quixotic exceedingly idealistic, unrealistic and impractical (a cast and perhaps quixotic project)
Quorum minimum number of members of an assembly or society that must be present at any of its meetings to
Quotidian occurring daily, day-to-day, mundane, malignant form of malaria (the car sped moisily off through the q
Rabble disorderly crowd, mob, socially inferior or uncouth common people (he was met by a rabble of noisy, a
Rabid having or proceeding from extreme or fanatical support or belief in something, animal affected with ra
Raconteur person who tells anecdotes in a skillful and amusing way
Rail 1. complain or protest strongly and persistently about (he railed at human fickleness) 2. secretive bird
Raiment clothing (ladies clothed inr aiment bedecked with jewels)
Rake 1. fashionable or wealthy man of dissolute or promiscuous habits (a merry Restoration rake) 2. set stag
Rakish dashing, jaunty, slightly disreputable quality or appearance, vehicle that is trim and fast-looking with s
Ramification consequence of an action or event when complex or unwelcome, subdivision of complex structure perc
Rampart defensive wall or castle or city, having broad top with walkway and stone parapet, fortify or surround, d
Ramshackle house or vehicle in state of severe disrepair (a ramshackle cottage)
Rancor long-standing bitterness or resentfulness (he spoke without rancor, partisans on both sides have create
Rapacious aggressively greedy or grasping (rapacious landlords)
Rarefy become less thin or less dense, to become more refined (rarefy the air: add fresh air to a stuffy room)
Ratiocinate judge with logic, reason
Ravine deep narrow gorge with steep sides, canyon
Raze completely destroy building, town or other site (villages were razed to the ground, the old library will b
Reactionary views opposing political or social liberalization or regorm, reactionary person, right-wing, conservativ
Reaper person or machine that harvests a crop
Rebuff reject, refuse offer, request or friendly gesture abruptly or ungraciously (I asked her to be my wife and
Rebuke express sharp disapproval or criticism due to behavior or actions (she had rebuked him for drinking to
Rebus puzzle where words are represented by combinations of pictures and individual letters
Rebuttal refutation or contradiction (now that you've heard the accusations, have you a rebuttal?)
Recalcitrant obstinately uncooperative toward authority or discipline (a class of recalcitrant 15 year olds)
Recant say that one no longer holds an opinion or belief, esp. one considered heretical (heretics were burned i
Recapitulate summarize and state again the main points of, repeat during development and growth in biology (he be
Recast give metal object different form by meltingi t down and reshaping, present or organize in different form
Recidivism tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend (prison has succeeded in reducing recidivism)
Recondite subject or knowledge that is little known, abstruse (the book is full of recondite information)
Reconnaissance military observation of a region to locate enemy or ascertain strategic features, preliminary survey or r
Recourse source of help in a difficult situation, legal right to demand compensation or payment (surgery may be
Recreant cowardly, unfaithful to a belief, apostate (what a recreant figure must he make)
Recrimination accusation in response to one from someone else (there are no tears, no recriminations, this is not a tim
Rectitude morally correct behavior or thingking, righteousness (maddie is a model of rectitude, not all of his colle
Recumbent lying down, bicycle designed to be ridden lying almost flant on back or sitting up with legs stretched ou
Redolent strongly reminiscent or suggestive, stong smell, fragrant or sweet-smelling (names redolent of hisotry
Redoubtable formidable opponent (he was a redoubtable debater)
Redress remedy or set right an undesirable or unfair situation, compensation for a wrong or grievance (the pow
Refectory room used for communal meals in educational or religioius institution
Referendum general vote by the electroate on a single political question that has been referred for a direct decision
Refractory stubborn or unmanageable, resistant to a stimulus, not yielding to treatment, resistant to infection, hea
Refulgent shining brightly (refulgent blue eyes)
Refute prove statement or theory wrong, false, disprove, deny or contradict (these claims have not been convi
Regal fit for a monarch, magnificent or dignified (regal authority, his regal forebears)
Regale entertain or amuse with talk, lavishly supply with food or drink (he regaled her with a colorful account
Regatta sporting event consisting of a series of boat or yacht races
Regent person appointed to administer a country because monarch is a minor or is absent or incapacitated, m
Regicide killing a king
Rejoinder sharp and witty reply, defendant's answer to the plaintiff's reply or replication (she would hae made so
Relegate consign or dismiss to an inferior rank or position (they aim to prevent women from being relegated to
Relic object of historical or sentimental interest surviving from an earlier time, a part of a deceased holy per
Remediable capable of being cured, treatable, rectifiable (a remediable condition that may have serious consequen
Remiss lacking care or attention to duty, negligent (it would be very remiss of me not to pass on that informati
Remission cancellation of a debt, charge or penalty, diminution of the seriousness or intensity of disease or pain, t
Remonstrate make a forcefully reproachful protest (he turned angrily to remonstrate with Tommy)
Rend tear into pieces, wrench violently, cause emotional pain (snapping teeth that would rend human flesh t
Rendezvous meeting at an agreed time and place between 2 people, typically bar or restaurant (I rendezvoused wit
Rendition 1. performance or interpretation of dramatice role or piece of music, visual representation or reproduc
Renegade person who deserts and betrays an organization, country, set of principles, treacherously changed alleg
Repartee conversation or speech characterized by quick, witty comments or replies (an evening of wit and repar
Repast meal (a sumptuous repast)
Repertoire stock of plays, dances prepared to be performed, whole body of items that are regularly performed, ski
Repine feel or express discontent, fret (you mustn't let yourself repine)
Replete filled, well-supplied, full or sated by food (sensational popular fiction, replete with adultery and sudden
Repose 1. rest, sleep, tranquility, composure, lie down in rest (in repose her face looked relaxed, he had lost no
Repository place, building where things can be stored, place where natural resource has accumulated or found in s
Reprehensible deserving censure or condemnation (his placency and reprehensible laxity)
Reprieve cancel or postpone punishment, esp. capital punishment, abandon or postpone plans to close or put an
Reprisal retaliation (3 peole died in the reprisals that followed)
Reprise repeated passge in music, performance (a reprise of his earlier performance)
Reprobate unprincipled person used in humorous or affectionate way, rascal, express or feel disapproval of (a lon
Reprove reprimand or censure (he was reproved for obscenity)
Repudiate refuse to accept or be associated with, deny truth or validity of, refuse to fulfill or discharge an agreem
Repugnance intense disgust (our repugnance at bleeding carcasses, a look or repugnance)
Repute general opnion or belief despite not being so, widely known and respected (pollution could bring the a
Requiem (in Roman Catholic Church) a Mass for the repose of the souls of the dead, musical composition setting
Requisition official order laying claim to use of property or materials, demand occurrence of (I had to make varius
Requite return favor, service, wrongdoing, love, affection (they are quick to requite a kindness, to win enough to
Rescind revoke, cancel, repeal law, order, agreement (the government eventually rescinded the directive)
Resound fill place with sound loud enough to echo, sing praises of, much-talked fame, reputation (another screa
Respite short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant, short delay permitted before unple
Resplendent attractive and impressive by being richly colorful and sumptuous (she was resplendent in a sea-green d
Restitution restoration of something lost or stolen to its proper owner, recompense for injury or loss, restore to ori
Restive unable to keep still or silent, diffuclt to control from impatience, dissatisfaction, boredom, horse refusin
Resumption action of beginning something again after a pause or interruption (a resumption of meaningful negotia
Resurgent increasing or reviving after a period of little activity, popularity or occurrence (resurgent nationalism)
Resuscitate revive someone from unconsciousness or apparent death, make an idea or enterprice active or vigorou
Reticent not revealing thoughts or feelings readily (she was extremely reticent about her personal affairs)
Retinue group of advisers, assistants or others accompanying an important person, entourage
Retrench reduce costs or spending in response to economic difficulty, reduce or dimish in extent or quantity (as
Retribution punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act (employees asked not to be
Retroactive taking effect from a date in the past (a big retroactive tax increase)
Retrograde directed or moving backward, reverting to earlier and inferior condition, reversed, inverse, involving p
Revelry lively and noisy festivities involving drinking alcohol (sounds of revelry issued into the night)
Reverie pleasantly lost in thoughts, daydream, instrumental piece suggesting dreamy or musing state, fanciful o
Revile criticize in abusive or angrily insulting manner (he was now reviled by the party that he had helped to
Revulsion sense of disgust and loathing, drawing of disease or blood congestion from one part of the body to anot
Rhapsody emotional or exuberant musical composition, epic poem, speak or write about someone or something w
Rhetoric art of effective or persuadive speaking or writing with use of figures of speech and other compositiona
Ribald referring to sexual matters in amusingly rude or irreverent way (a ribald comment)
Rigor 1. extremely thorough, exhaustive, accurate, severity or strictness, demanding, difficult or extreme con
Rile/roil annoy or irritate, make water turbulent or muddy by disturbing sediment, move in turbulent, swirling
Rivet join or fasten metal or material, hold someone to restrain movement, attract and completely engross, d
Rivulet very small stream (sweat ran in rivulets down his back)
Rococo furniture or architecture with elaborately ornamental late baroque style of decoration prevalent in 18t
Roseate rose-colored, optimistic, promising good fortune (the early, roseate light, his letters home give a very g
Rostrum 1. raised platform for public speeches, awards or medal, music performances (the speakers will be sea
Rote mechanical or habitual repetition of something to be learned (a poem learned by rote in childhood)
Rotund plump, spherical, indulging in grandiloquent expression (huge stoves held geat rotund cauldrons) Rotu
Rout 1. disorderly retreat of defeated troops, decisive defeat, disorderly crowd or people, assembly of people
Rubric heading on document, direction in a book as to how church service should be conducted, statement of
Ruddy face with healthy red complexion, reddish color, euphemism for bloody (a cheerful pipe-smoking man
Rue 1. regret, repentance, compassion, pity (Tim will rue the day he turned down that offer, with rue my he
Ruminant 1. even-toed ungulate mammal that chews the cud regurgitated from its rumen, ruminants comprise th
Rune ancient German alphabet, mark or letter of mysterious or magic significance, small stones, bone pieces
Ruse action to deceive, a trick (Eleanor tried to think of a ruse to get Paul out of the house, his offer to help w
Rustic countryside, rural, simplicity and charm typical of countryside, lacking sophistication of the city, plain
Rusticate go to, live in, spend time in the country, suspend student from university as punishment (used chiefly a
d the building site into a quagmire, the field became a quagmire) 2. awkward, complex, hazardous situation (a legal quagmire)
e quailed at his heartless words)
ing, momentary faint or sick feeling (military regimes genereally have no qualms about controlling the press)
emma (Kate is in a quandary, a legal quandary)
ock or ground to obtain minerals 2. animal pursued by hunter or predatory mammal, thing or person that is chased or sought (the se
was quashed on appeal, a hospital executive quashed rumors that nursing staff will lose jobs)
r for loading and unloading ships
suppress unpleasant feeling (extra police were called to quell the disturbance, troops quelled the unrest, Connor quelled him with a
d demanding)
ves or changes very quickly, difficult to hold or contain (his mood changed like quicksilver)
reviously been quiescent)
s character, refined essence or extract of a substance (he was the quintessence of political professionalism, we were all brought up to

ixotic project)
esent at any of its meetings to make the proceedings of that meeting valid
sped moisily off through the quotidian traffic, his story is an achingly human one mired in quotidian details)
was met by a rabble of noisy, angry youths, the rabble)
ething, animal affected with rabies (the show's small but rabid fan base, a rabid dog)

an fickleness) 2. secretive bird with gray and brown plumage with long bill found in dense waterside vegetation

ry Restoration rake) 2. set stage or floor of auditorium at sloping angel, angle at which a thing slopes, angle of the edge or face of a cu
is trim and fast-looking with streamlined angles and curves (he had a rakish, debonair look)
sion of complex structure perceived as comparable to a tree's branches (any change is bound to have legal ramifications, an extended
e parapet, fortify or surround, defensive or protective barrier (the castle's stony ramparts, the open Pacific broke on the far-off rampa

isans on both sides have created much rancor)

dd fresh air to a stuffy room)

he ground, the old library will be razed on Saturday)

erson, right-wing, conservative

I asked her to be my wife and was rebuffed in no uncertain terms, any attemp to win her friendship was met with rebuffs)
ad rebuked him for drinking too much, he hadn't meant it as a rebuke, but Neil flinched)
dividual letters
you a rebuttal?)
citrant 15 year olds)
retical (heretics were burned if they would not recant)
nt and growth in biology (he began to recapitulate his argument with care)
nt or organize in different form or style (his docotral thesis has been recast for the general reader)
ducing recidivism)
condite information)
atures, preliminary survey or research (an excellent aircraft for low-level reconnaissance, they reconnoitered the area weeks before
n or payment (surgery may be the only recourse, means of solving disputes without recourse to courts of law, we had recourse to the

recriminations, this is not a time for recrimination but a time to come together in solidarity)
of rectitude, not all of his colleagues share his personal frugality and public rectitude)
tting up with legs stretched out in front, plant growing close the the ground (recumbent statues, he stepped over her recumbent bod
ng (names redolent of hisotry and tradition, their pubs bear names redonlent of the monarchy,the church was old, dark, and redolen

a wrong or grievance (the power to redress the grievances of our citiznes, some ambitious architect being called to redress a leaning

n referred for a direct decision (he called for a referendum on the death penalty)
ment, resistant to infection, head, hard to melt or fuse (his refractory pony, some granules are refractory to secretory stimuli, healing

ese claims have not been convincingly refuted, a spokesman totally refuted the allegation of bias)

led her with a colorful account of that afternoon's meeting, he regaled her with colorful stories, he was regaled with excellent home c

r is absent or incapacitated, member of the governing body of a academic institution (the queen regent of Portugal)

cation (she would hae made some cutting rejoinder but none came to mind, what serious rejoinder could I possibly offer when you m
omen from being relegated to a secondary role)
e, a part of a deceased holy person's body or belongings kept out of reverence, custom or belief that has survived from an earlier time
t may have serious consequences if not recognize, these grievances are remediable)
e not to pass on that information)
r intensity of disease or pain, temporary recovery, forgiveness of sins,r eduction of prison sentence as reward for good behavior (the
with Tommy)
that would rend human flesh to shreds, he rent the branch out of the tree)
estaurant (I rendezvoused with Bea as planned, the bar where they had agreed to rendezvous)
ual representation or reproduction, translation or transliteration (a wonderful rendition of Hamlet, a pen-and-ink rendition of Mars
es, treacherously changed allegiance, rebellious, abandons religion, apostate (he was denounced as a renegade, a religious renegade,
es (an evening of wit and repartee)

at are regularly performed, skills or behavior a person habitually uses (the three tenors will fashion their repertoire to their audience

plete with adultery and sudden death, I went out into the sun0drenched streets again, replete and relaxed)
looked relaxed, he had lost none of his grace or his repose, the diamond now reposes in the Louvre, the beds were we reposed, how
 has accumulated or found in significant quantities, person or thing regarded as store of infomration (a deep repository for nuclear w

stpone plans to close or put an end to something, temporary escale from undesirable fate or unpleasant situation (under the new reg

ss or feel disapproval of (a long-missed old reprobate drinking comrade, reprobate behavior, his neighbors reprobated his method o

fulfill or discharge an agreement, obligation or debt, divorce wife (she has repudiated policies associated with previous party leader

ed (pollution could bring the authority's name into bad repute, che's of international repute, they are reputed to be very rich, he was
d, musical composition setting parts of a requiem Mass, act or token of remembrance (he designed the epic as a requiem for his wife
rence of (I had to make varius requisitions for staff and accommodations, we have submitted our requisition for additional staff, the
te a kindness, to win enough to requite my friends, requiting their hospitality, she did not requite his love)
rescinded the directive)
me, reputation (another scream resounded through the school, the explosion resounded around the silent street, Horace resounds t
rt delay permitted before unpleasant obligation is carried out, postpone a sentence, grant a delay or extension of time to reprieve fro
as resplendent in a sea-green dress, the general was resplendent in his uniform)
or injury or loss, restore to original state (seeking the restitution of land taken from blacks under apartheid, restitution of land seize
faction, boredom, horse refusing to advance, stubbornly standing still or moving backward
umption of meaningful negotiation)
rence (resurgent nationalism)
or enterprice active or vigorous again (an ambulance crew tried to resuscitate him, measures to resuscitate the ailing economy)
out her personal affairs)
on, entourage
mish in extent or quantity (as a result of the recession the company retrenched, right-wing parties which seek to retrench the welfar
act (employees asked not to be named, fearing retribution)

reversed, inverse, involving period immediately preceding the causal event, reverse direction, degenerate person (a retrograde flow
ssued into the night)
amy or musing state, fanciful or impractical idea or theory (a knock on the door broke her reverie)
he party that he had helped to lead)
m one part of the body to another by counter-irritation (news of the attack will be met with sorrow and revulsion, most moviegoers
about someone or something with great enthusiasm and delight (he began to rhapsodize about her beauty and charm, rhapsodies of
peech and other compositional techniques, but often regarded as lacking sincerity or meaningful content (a form of rhetoric, all we h

nding, difficult or extreme conditions (his analysis is lacking in rigor, intellectual rigor, the full rigor of the law, a mine operated unde
nt, move in turbulent, swirling manner (it was his air of knowing everything that riled her, winds roil these waters, the sea roiled belo
ract and completely engross, direct one's eyes or attention intently (the linings are bonded, not riveted to the brake shoes for longer

of decoration prevalent in 18th century Continental Europe with asymmetrical patterns involving motifs and scrollwork, extravagan
his letters home give a very good,r oseate idea of how he lived)
 nces (the speakers will be seated on either side of the rostrum) 2. beak-like projection, stiff snout or anterior prolongation of head in
arned by rote in childhood)
ld geat rotund cauldrons) Rotunda: round building or room with dome
d or people, assembly of people who have made a move toward committing an illegal act that would constitute offense or riot (the ret
ld be conducted, statement of purposeor function, a category (art for a purpose, not for its own sake, was his rubic, party policies on
a cheerful pipe-smoking man of ruddy complexion, the ruddy evening light, a red flash ruddied the cloud)
own that offer, with rue my heart is laden, tears of pitying rue) 2. perennial evergreen shrub with bitth strong-scented lobed leaves u
rumen, ruminants comprise the cattle,sheep, antelopes, deer, giraffes, etc. 2. a contemplative person, person given to meditation, thin
ance, small stones, bone pieces bearing runes used as divinatory symbols, spell or incantation (the casting of the runes)
of the house, his offer to help with my presentation was just a clever ruse)
ophistication of the city, plain and simple, unsophisticated country person, untrimmed branches or rough timber, sunk joints and rou
as punishment (used chiefly at Oxford and Cambridge)
ation (a legal quagmire)

hat is chased or sought (the security police crossed the border in pursuit of their quarry) 3. diamond-shaped pane of glass used in la

est, Connor quelled him with a look, he spoke up again to quell any panic among the assembled youngsters, he quelled his misgivings

ism, we were all brought up to believe that advertising is the quintessence of marketing)

angle of the edge or face of a cutting tool

egal ramifications, an extended family with its ramifications of neighboring in-laws)

cific broke on the far-off ramparts of the reef)

as met with rebuffs)

 oitered the area weeks before landing, a nocturnal reconnoiter of the camp, conducting client reconnaissance)
s of law, we had recourse to the national committee for additional funding, the bank has recourse against the exporter for losses incu

epped over her recumbent body, recumbent shrubs, recumbent bicycle)

rch was old, dark, and redolent of incense, a rich, inky, redolent wine)

eing called to redress a leaning wall, your best hope of redress, those seeking redress for an infringement of public law rights)

ry to secretory stimuli, healing of previously refractory ulcers)

s regaled with excellent home cooking, they were lavishly regaled)

nt of Portugal)

uld I possibly offer when you make such a ludicrous accusation)

s survived from an earlier time but is now outmoded, all that is left of something (a Viking relic, a saint's relics, individualized compu

reward for good behavior (the plan allows for the partial remission of tuition fees, the cancer is in remission, 10/20 remained in rem

pen-and-ink rendition of Mars with his sword drawn, the artist's rendition of Adam and Eve, an interpreter's rendition of the messag
enegade, a religious renegade, renegade troops, renegade bodyguard, a renegade monk, the administrated had reneged on its electio

eir repertoire to their audiences, the mainstrea, concert repertoire, his repertoire of threats, stares and denigratory gestures)

he beds were we reposed, how sweetly he would repose in the 4-poster bed, I'll go to him and repose our distresses on his friendly bo
 a deep repository for nuclear waste, accessible repositories of water, the metadata will be aggregated in a repository, his mind was a

nt situation (under the new regime, prisoners under the death sentence were reprieved, the threatened pits could be reprieved, the p

hbors reprobated his method of proceeding)

ated with previous party leaders, the minister repudiated allegations of human rights abuses, Hansen repudiated the allegations, bre

reputed to be very rich, he was reputed to have a mansion, this area have the lie to the reputed flatness of the country, intensive train
e epic as a requiem for his wife)
isition for additional staff, the requisition of cultural treasures, their house was requisitioned by the army, the government had assum

ilent street, Horace resounds the praises of Italy, the office resounds with the metronomic clicking of keyboards, the great hall resou
xtension of time to reprieve from death or execution (the reguee encampments will provide some respite from the suffering, respite f

rtheid, restitution of land seized, restitution for damage caused, he was ordered to pay $6000 in restitution, restitution of the damag

citate the ailing economy)

hich seek to retrench the welfare state, we need to retrench)

erate person (a retrograde flow, retrograde motion, to go back on the progress that has been made would be a retrograde step, the re

nd revulsion, most moviegoers will feel revulsion at these scenes of violence)

eauty and charm, rhapsodies of praise)
ent (a form of rhetoric, all we have from the opposition is empty rhetoric)

the law, a mine operated under conditions of rigor, the rigors of a harsh winter) 2. rigor mortis: sudden feeling of cold with shivering
hese waters, the sea roiled below her)
d to the brake shoes for longer wear, the grip on her arm was girm enough to rivet her to the spot, he was riveted by the reports on te

tifs and scrollwork, extravagantly or excessively ornate music or literautre (rococo style of art, decoration, architecture)
 nterior prolongation of head in insect, crustacean, cetacean

nstitute offense or riot (the retreat degenerated into a rout, the party lost more than half their seats in the rout, the army's ignomini
was his rubic, party policies on matters falling under the rubric of law and order)

h strong-scented lobed leaves used in herbal medicine, used in plant names that resemble rue in leaf shape (goat's rue, meadow rue,
person given to meditation, think deeply (we sat ruminating on the nature of existence)
ting of the runes)

ugh timber, sunk joints and roughened surface (bare plaster walls and a terra-cotta floor give a rustic feel, you are a rustic halfwit, a
shaped pane of glass used in lattice windows, quarry tile

sters, he quelled his misgivings)

 nst the exporter for losses incurred)

ment of public law rights)

t's relics, individualized computer programming and time-sharing would become expensive relics, relics of a lost civilization)

mission, 10/20 remained in remission, the remission of sins)

preter's rendition of the message) 2. practice of sending a foreign criminal or terrorit suspect covertly to be interrogated in a country
ated had reneged on its election promises, he reneged on his campaign promises)

nd denigratory gestures)

ur distresses on his friendly bosom, he halted to repose his wayworn soldiers) 2. place confidence or trust in (we have never betraye
 in a repository, his mind was a rich repository of the past)

ed pits could be reprieved, the project has been reprieved, a last-minute reprieve, a mother who faced eviction has been given a repri

repudiated the allegations, breach of a condition gives the other party the right to repudiate a contract)

s of the country, intensive training with reputed coaches)

rmy, the government had assumed powers to requisition cereal products at fixed prices, she requisitioned statements, one of the inv

keyboards, the great hall resounded with applause and cheers, the explosion resounded around the silent steet, nothing will resound
ite from the suffering, respite from debts, the execution was respited for a few months)

ution, restitution of the damaged mucosa)

uld be a retrograde step, the retrograde form of these inscriptions, people cannot habitually trample on law and justive without retro

en feeling of cold with shivering accompanied by rise in temperature and copious sweating during fever

was riveted by the reports on television, all eyes were riveted on him, the book is a riveting account of the legendary freedom fighter)

tion, architecture)
n the rout, the army's ignominious rout, a rout of strangers ought not to be admitted, in a matter of minutes the attackers were route

hape (goat's rue, meadow rue, wall rue)

feel, you are a rustic halfwit, a rustic oak bench, a rustic bridge, the stable block was built of rusticated stone)
ics of a lost civilization)

to be interrogated in a country with less rigorous regulations for the humane treatment of prisoners

trust in (we have never betrayed the trust that you have reposed in us)
eviction has been given a reprieve)

oned statements, one of the investors has requisitioned a special meeting)

ent steet, nothing will resound like their earlier achievemetns)

n law and justive without retrograding toward barbarism, all the planets will at some time appear to retrograde)

the legendary freedom fighter)

nutes the attackers were routed) 2. cut a groove or pattern in wooden or metal surface not extending to edges (you routed each plan
to edges (you routed each plank all along its length) 3. find something, force into place (Simon routed him from the stable)
him from the stable)
Saboteur person who sabotages
Saccharine excessively sweet or sentimental, sugary
Sacrilege violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred (putting ecclesiastical vestments to secular use w
Sacrosanct principle, place, routine too important or valuable to be interfered with (the individual's right to w
Saga long story, series of incidents, story of heroic achievement (a figure straight out of a Viking saga, Ce
Sagacious keen mental discernment and good judgment, shrewd (they were sagacious enough to avoid any o
Sage 1. aromatic plant with grayish green leaves used as culinary herb 2. wise man in ancient history or
Salacious treating sexual matters in an indecent way and conveying undue interest or enjoyment of the subje
Salient 1. most noticeable or important, prominent, conspicuous (it succinctly covered all the salient poin
Sallow 1. face or complexion with unhealthy yellow or pale brown color 2. low-growing, shrubby willow t
Salubrious healthy, giving health, pleasant, not run-down (salubrious weather, I found the climate salubrious)
Salutary producing good effects, beneficial withreference to soemthing unpleasant, health-giving (a salutar
Sanctimonious making a show of being morally superior to other people (what happened to all the sanctimonious
Sanguine 1. optimistic, positive in bad or difficult situations (he is sanguine about prospects for the economy
Sardonic grimly mocking or cynical (Stark attempted a sardonic smile)
Sartorial tailoring, clothes, style of dress (sartorial elegance)
Sate/satiate satisfy a desire or an appetite to the full, supply with as much as or more of something than desire
Satire humor, irony, exaggeration or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices in context
Saturnine slow and gloomy, dark in coloring, moody, mysterious (a saturnine temperament, his saturnine fac
Satyr 1. man with strong sexual desires 2. satyrid butterfly with dark brown wings
Savant learned person, distinguished scientist
Scabbard sheath for the blade of a sword, gun, or other weapon, made of leather or metal
Scad/jack device for lifting heavy objects to raise axle of a motor vehicle off the ground so that a wheel can be
Scanty small or insufficient in quantity or amount, revealing, skimpy, brief underpants (scanty wages, the
Schism split division between strongly opposed sections or parties caused by differences in opinion or bel
Scintilla tiny trace or spark of a specific quality or feeling (a scintilla of doubt) [Scintillate: emit flashes of li
Scion young shoot or twig of a plant cut for grafting or rooting, descendant of a notable family (he was th
Scotch 1. decisively put an end to (a spokesman has scothed the rumors) 2. wedge somewhere, place unde
Scourge whip used as instrument for punishment, cause great trouble or suffering (he was beaten with a sc
Scrimmage confused struggle or fight, engage in stimulated game, rough-and-tumble
Scruple feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality or propriety of a course of action, hesitat
Scrupulous diligent, extremely attentive to details, very concerned to avoid doing wrong (the research has bee
Scurrilous making or spreading scadalous claims about soemone to damage their reputation, humorously ins
Scurvy 1. disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, characterized by swollen bleeding gums and the ope
Scuttle 1. metal container with hinged lid and handle to fetch and store coal for domestic fire, amount of c
Seamy sordid and disreputable (a seamy sex scandal)
Secede withdraw formally from membership in a federal union, an alliance or a political or religious organ
Sect(arian) group of people with somewhat different religious beliefs (heretical) from the larger group that th
Secular attitudes, activities that have no religious or spiritual basis, not subject ot or bound by religious ru
Sedition conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch
Sedulous showing dedication and diligence (he watched himself with the most sedulous care, he picked the
Seedy sordid and disreputable, shabby and squalid, unwell (his seedy affair with a soft-porn starlet, the s
Seine fishing net that hangs vertically in water with floats on top and weights on bottom edge, ends draw
Seminal 1. work, event that strongly influences later developments (his seminal work on chaos theory) 2. re
Seminary college that prepares students to be priests, ministers, or rabbis
Sententious moralizing in a pompous or affected manner (he tried to encourage his men with sententious rhet
Sentient able to perceive or feel things (she had been instructed from birth in the equality of all sentient life
Sentinel 1. soldier or guard standing and keeping watch (a wide course had been roped off and sentineled w
Sepererogatory
Septic/ sepsis 1. wound infected with bacteria, infected, festering, purulent (a septic finger) 2. drainage sysem in
Sepulcher small room or monument cut in rock or built in stone where a dead person is laid or buried, serve
Sequester 1. isolate or hide away (he was sequestered on an island) 2. take legal possession of assets until a d
Serendipity the occurrence and development of events by change in a happy or beneficial way (a fortunate stro
Serpentine 1. like serpent or snake, winding and twisting (serpentine coils, serpentine country lanes, a serpen
Serrated jagged edge, sawtoothed (a knife with a serrated edge)
Sextant instrument with graduated arc of 60 degrees and a sighting mechanism to measure angular distan
Sham thing that is not what it is purorted to be, charlatan, falsely present something as the truth, bogus,
Sheathe put weapon into a sheath, encase in a close-fitting or protective covering (her legs were sheated in
Shrew 1. small mouselike insectivorous mammal with a long pointed snout and tiny eyes 2. bad-tempered
Shunt push or pull train from main line to a siding or from one track to another, direct, divert to a less im
Sibyl woman able to fortell the future, utter oracles and prophecies, prophetic, mysterious (one glimpse
Sidereal reference to distant stars (the constellations or fixed stars, not the sun or planets)
Simian relating to apes or monkeys (simian immunodeficiency virus)
Sinecure position requiring little or no work but giving the holder status or financial benefit, cushy job
Sinew tough fibrous tissue uniting muscle to bone or bone to bone, tendon or ligament, parts of a structu
Sinuous many curves and turns, lithe and supple (the river follows a sinuous trail through the forest, the sin
Skiff shallow, flat-bottomed open boat with sharp bow and square stern
Skimp expend or use less time, money or material than is necessary as attempt to economize (don't skim
Skimpy short and revealing clothes, providing or consisting less than is needed, meager (a skimpy dress, m
Skinflint person who spends as little money as possible, a miser, Scrooge
Skirmish irregular or unpremeditated fighting between small or outlying parts of armies or fleets, short arg
Skittish excitable or easily scared, playfully frivolous or unpredictable (a skittish chestnut mare, going to th
Skulduggery underhanded or unsrupulous behavior, trickery (a firm that investigates commercial skulduggery)
Slake 1. quench or satisfy thirst, desires (slake your thirst with some lemonade, we longed for a mountai
Slapdash done hurriedly and carelessly (he gave a slapdash performance)
Slavish relating to trait of slave, behaving in servile or submissive way, showing no attempt at originality, c
Sleight use of desterity or cunning to deceive (except by sleight of logic, the two positions cannot be harm
Slew 1. turn or slide violently or uncontrollably (the Chevy slewed from side to side in the snow, I was a
Slipshod lack of care, thought, organization, slapdash, shoes worn down at the heel (he'd caused many prob
Slothful lazy (fatigue made him slothful)
Slough 1. swamp, side channel or inlet that is only sporadically filled with water 2. lack of progress or activ
Slovenly messy and dirty, careless, excessively casual (he was upbraided for his slovenly appearance, sloven
Sluice 1. sliding gate or other device to control water flow, esp. one in a lock gate, artifical water channel f
Smattering slight superficial knowledge of a language or subject, small amount of something (Edward had only
Sojourn stay temporarily (her sojourn in Rome, she had sojourned once in Egypt, they sojourned in the mo
Solecism grammatical mistake in speech or writing, breach of good manners or incorrect behavior, faux pas
Solicit ask for or try to obtain something, accost someone and offer services as a prostitute (he called a m
Solicitor person who tries obtain business orders, advertising, etc. a canvasser, the chief law officer of a city
Solicitous show interest or concern, eagerness (she was always solicitous about the welfare of her students, h
Soliloquy voicing thoughts aloud, esp. in a play, monologue (viola ends the scene with a soliloquy)
Somatic relating to the body, distinct from the mind
Somnambulist Sleepwalker
Somnolent sleepy, drowsy (a somnolent summer day)
Sonnet poem of 14 lines, compose sonnets, celebrate in a sonnet
Sonorous voice or sound imposingly deep and full, using imposing language (the allow is sonorous and usefu
Soothsayer person suposed to be able to foresee the future, clairboyant, seer
Sophist paid teacher of philosophy and rhetoric in ancient Greece, associated in popular thought with mor
Sophistry fallacious argument used deliberately to deceive [Sophistry: a fallacious argument,s pecious re
Sophomoric sophomore characteristic, pretentious, juvenile (my sophomoric years, sophomoric double entend
Soporific induce drowsiness or sleep, tediously boring or monotonous (the motion of the train had a soporif
Sordid ignoble actions and motives, arousing moral distaste and contempt, dirty or squalid (the sotry pain
Sovereign self-governing, a monarch, possessing supreme or ultimate power, nation acting or done independ
Spartan indifference to comfort or luxury traditionally associated with ancient Sparta (spartan but adequa
Spasmodic/ sporadic occurring in brief, irregular bursts, caused by or in nature of a spasm (spasmodic fighting continue
Spate number of similar things appearing or occurring in quick succession, suden flood in a river caused
Specious superficially plausible but actually wrong, misleading in appearance, misleadingly attractive (a spe
Specter ghost, something widely feared as a possible unpleasant or dangerous occurrence (the specter of n
Spectral 1. of or like a ghost (a spectral figure darting about in a purplish fog) 2. concerning a spectrum
Splice join or connect ropes by interweaving the strands, join timber, fil, or tape at the ends, join gene frag
Spoof humorous imitation of soemthing in film for comic effect, trick played on someone as a joke, hoax,
Spoonerism verbal error in which a speaker accidentally transposes the initial sounds or letters of two or more
Spruce 1. widespread coniferous tree that has a distinctive conical shape and hanging cones, widely grown
Spry active and lively old person (he continued to look spry and active well into his 80s, isn't Aunt Helen
Spurious not being what it purports to be, false, fake, apparent but invalid reasoning, illegitimate offspring (
Spurn reject with disdsain or contempt, strike, tread, push away with foot (he spoke gruffly as if afraid th
Squalor extremely dirty and unpleasant as a result of poverty or neglect [Squalid: contemptible lack of mor
Squander waste money or time in reckless and foolish manner, allow an opportunity to pass or be lost (entre
Sta(u)nch stop or restrict blood flow from wound, strong or firm construction, watertight in ship (colleagues
Staccato each sound or note sharply detached from the others, noise or speech resembling series of shot, de
Staid sedate, respectable, unadventurous (staid law firms)
Stalwart loyal, reliable, hardworking, strongly built, sturdy, supporter in a team or organization (he remaine
Stanza group of lines forming the basic recurring metrical unit in a poem, a verse
Stately having a dignified, unhurried and grand manner, majestic in manner and appearance (a stately pro
Statute written law passed by a legislative body, rule of an organization or institution, law or decree made
Stentor loud and powerful voice, sedentary trumpet-shaped single-celled animal widespread in fresh wate
Stickler person who insists on a certain quality or behavior, difficult problem, a conundrum (a stickler for a
Stigma mark of disgrace (the stigma of having gone to prison will always be with me, the stigma of bankru
Stilted stiff and self-concious, unnatural, standing on stilts (we made stilted conversation, a few minutes o
Stint 1. supply an ungenerous or inadequate amount, be economical or frugal about spending or providi
Stipple mark surface with numerous small dots or specks in drawings, engravings, produce a decorative e
Stockade barrier formed from upright wooden posts or stakes as defense against attack or confining animal
Stodgy dull and uninspired, heavy, filling, high in carbs, bulky or heavy in appearance (some of the materi
Stolid calm, dependable, showing little emotion or animation
Strata layer of rock in ground, thin layer within any structure, level or class to which people are assigned
Stratagem plan or scheme to outwit opponent or achieve something (a series of devious stratagems)
Stratify form or arrange into strata, ararnge or classify, place seeds close together in layers in moist sand o
Stria linear mark, slight ridge or groove on surface with similar parallel features, longitudinal collection
Stricture 1. restriction (religious strictures on everyday life, the strictures on women) 2. sternly critical or ce
Strident loud and hard, grating, presenting controversial opnion excessively and unpleasantly forcefully (hi
Stultify cause to lose enthusiasm and initiative due to tedious or restrictive routine, cause to appear foolish
Stygian relating to the Styx River, very dark (the Stygian crypt)
Stymie prevent or hinder progress (the changes must not be allowed to stymie new medical treatments)
Styx deity and a river that forms the boundary between Earth and the unverworld, often called Hades (
Suave charming, confident and elegant man (all the waiters were suave and deferential, he conveyed an a
Subaltern second lieutenant, officer in army below captain, of lower status (the private tutor was a recognize
Subjugate bring under domination or control by conquest, make someone subordinate to (the invaders had s
Sublimate divert or modify into culturally higher or socially more acceptable activity (people who will sublim
Sublime 1. excellence, grandeur, beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe, denote the extreme and unpa
Subliminal stimulus or mental process below the threshold of sensation or consciousness, perceived by or affe
Subpoena summon person to attend court, require a document or evidence to be submitted to a court of law
Subservient 1. prepare to obey others unquestioningly (she was subservient to her parents, subservient women
Subsist 1. maintain or support oneself at a minimal level, provide sustenance for (thousands of refugees su
Substantiate provide evidence to support or prove truth of (they had found nothing to substantiate the allegatio
Subsume include or absorb in something else (most of these phenomena can be subsumed under 2 categori
Subterfuge deceit used in order to achieve one's goal
Subvert undermine power and authority of an established system or institution (attempt to subvert democ
Succor assistance and support during hardship and distress, reinforcements of troops (prisoners of war w
Suffrage right to vote in political elections, enfranchisement, series of prayers or petitions (suffrage for wom
Suffuse gradually spread through or over (her cheeks were suffused with color, the room was suffused wit
Sultry 1. hot and humid air, weather 2. attractive and passionate woman (a sultry film star)
Sunder split apart, cleave (the crunch of bone when it is sundered, his father and he were sundered by reli
Sundry various items not important to be mentioned individually (a drugstore selling magazines, newspap
Superannuated 1. position or employee belonging to a superannuation plan, retire with pension (his pilot's license
Supercilious behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others (a supercilious lady's maid)
Superfluous unnecessary due to being more than enough (the purchaser should avoid asking for superfluous in
Superimpose place or lay one thing over another so both are still evident (the number will appear on the screen
Supernumerary present in excess of normal or requisite number, person not belonging to regular staff but engaged
Supine 1. lying face upward, front or ventral part upward (she lay supine on the sand) 2. failing to act or pr
Suppliant person making humble plea to someone in power or authority (they were not mere suppliants, the
Supersede/ supplant overtake, replace (the older moelds have now been superseded, another discovery could supplant
Supplicate ask or beg earnestly or humbly (the plutocracy supplicated to be made peers, he supplicated the g
Supposition uncertain belief, based on assumption rather than fact (they were working on the supposition that
Surfeit excessive amount, consume too much, cause to desire no more after consumed or done to excess (a
Surmise suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it, supposition (he surmised th
Surmount overcome difficulty, to be placed on top of something (all manner of cultural differences were surm
Surreptitious kept secret esp. because it would not be approved of (they carried on a surreptitious affair)
Swarthy dark skinned (she looked frail standing next to her strong and swarthy brother, his swarthy comple
Swathe wrap in several layers of fabric, piece or stip of material in which something is wrapped (his hands
Swill 1. wash or rinse out with large amounts of water or liquid (I swilled out the mud, she gently swille
Sybarite person self-indulgent in their fondness for sensuous luxury (an exclusive resort that caters to weal
Sycophant person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage, bootlicker (I thought
Syhster lawyer who uses unscrupulous, fraudulent, deceptive methods in business
Syllogism form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn (whether validly or not) from two given or assum
Sylvan consisting or associated with woods, pleasantly rural or pastoral (trees and contours all add to a sy
Synchronous 1. existing or occurring at the same time (glaciations were approximately synchronous in both hem
vestments to secular use was considered sacrilege, any form of gambling on the church grounds, including bingo and raffles would be
the individual's right to work has been upheld as sacrosanct)
ght out of a Viking saga, Celtic tribal sagas, the saga of her engagement)
ous enough to avoid any outright confrontation)
man in ancient history or legend, showing profound wisdom (they nodded in agreement with these sage remarks)
or enjoyment of the subject, lustful, lecherous (salacious stories, his salacious grin faltered)
overed all the salient points of the case, it was always the salient object in my view) 2. animal standing on its hind legs with forepaws
growing, shrubby willow tree, moth with dull yello, orange and brown pattterned wings
nd the climate salubrious)
nt, health-giving (a salutary reminder of where we come from, a salutary lesson on the fragility of nature, the salutary spring air)
d to all the sanctimonious talk about putting his family first? no one wants to hear your sanctimonious hot air)
prospects for the economy, he is sanguine about the advance of technology) 2. blood-red, bloodthirsty [Sanguinary: causing bloodshe

of something than desired or can be handled (he folded up his newspaper, his curiosity satiated, sate your appetite at the restaurant
upidity or vices in context of contemporary politics and other topical issues, play, film that uses satire (a stinging satire on American
erament, his saturnine face and dark, watchful eyes)

und so that a wheel can be changed or the underside inspected, game played by tossing and catching small round pebbles or star-sha
rpants (scanty wages, the women looked cold in their scanty gowns)
ferences in opinion or belief, formal separation of a church into two churches or the secession of a group owing to doctrinal and othe
intillate: emit flashes of life, sparkle]
notable family (he was the scion of a wealthy family)
ge somewhere, place under wheel to prevent moving or slipping (he scothed himself against a wall) 3. cut or score skin or surface
g (he was beaten with a scourge, the scourfe of mass unemployment, a disease that scourged North America, political methods used

a course of action, hesitate or reluctant to do something that may be wrong (I had no scruples about eavesdropping, she doesn't scru
ong (the research has been carried out with scrupulous attention to detail, she's too scrupulous to have an affair with a married man
eputation, humorously insulting (a scurrilous attack on his integrity, a very funny collection of bawdy and scurrilous writings)
bleeding gums and the opening of previously healed wounds, which particularly affected poorly nourished sailors 2. worthless or con
domestic fire, amount of coal held in a scuttle (carrying endless scuttles of coal up from the cellar) 2. sink own ship deliberately by h

political or religious organization (the kingdom of Belgium seceded from the Netherlands in 1830, the southern states seceded from
m the larger group that they belong to, religious cult, a group that has separated from an established church, a nonconformist church
t or bound by religious rule, not belonging to or living in a monastic or other order, fluctuation or trend occurring or perissting over
e or monarch
dulous care, he picked the thorn from his leg with sedulous care)
 h a soft-porn starlet, the seedy world of prostitution, an increasingly seedy and dilapidated property, she felt weak and seedy)
on bottom edge, ends drawn together to encircle the fish (the fishermen then seine the weir, they seine whitefish and salmon)
work on chaos theory) 2. relating to semen, seed of plant

men with sententious rhetoric)

equality of all sentient life forms)
roped off and sentineled with police) 2. indicator of the presence of disease (the first national HIV sentinel surveillance program in t

nger) 2. drainage sysem incorporating a septic tank

on is laid or buried, serve as a burial place (an old family sepulcher on the grounds of the estate, tomes are soon out of print and sepu
ssession of assets until a debt has been paid or other claims have been met, take forcible possession, confiscate, legally place propert
ficial way (a fortunate stroke of serendipity)
ne country lanes, a serpentine path, fresh tire tracks serpentined back toward the hopper 2. complex, cunning, treacherous (his char

to measure angular distances between objects and taking altitudes in navigation

thing as the truth, bogus, pretend (the proposed legislation is a farce and a sham, it all turned out to be sham and hypocrisy, his tend
(her legs were sheated in black stockings)
tiny eyes 2. bad-tempered or aggressively assertive woman, tartar, hag
, direct, divert to a less important place or position, provide electrical current with conductor joining 2 points of a circuit, alternative
, mysterious (one glimpses them, uttering sibylline predictions of weal and woe)

ial benefit, cushy job

gament, parts of a structure or system that give it strength or binds it together, sturdy, rugged, lean and muscular (the sinews of gove
through the forest, the sinuous grace of a cat, she moved with sinuous grace)

to economize (don't skimp on insurance when you travel)

meager (a skimpy dress, my knowledge of music is extremely skimpy, my information is rather skimpy)

armies or fleets, short argument (the unit was caught up in a skirmish, there was a skirmish over the budget, reports of skirmishing
chestnut mare, going to the dentist makes me skittish, my skittish and immature mother)
commercial skulduggery)
e, we longed for a mountain spring to slake our thirst, restaurants worked the slake the Italian obsession with food) 2. combine quick

no attempt at originality, constructive interpretation nor development (he noted the slavish feudal respect they had for her, a slavish
positions cannot be harmonized)
o side in the snow, I was assaulted by the thump and slew of the van) 2. large number or quantity of something (he asked me a slew o
el (he'd caused many problems with his slipshod management)

2. lack of progress or activity (the economic slough of the interwar years) 3. shed or remove layer of dead skin, something undesirab
ovenly appearance, slovenly speech)
 e, artifical water channel for carrying off oferflow, channel or trough with grooves into which a current of water is directed in roder t
mething (Edward had only a smattering of Spanish, a smattering of snow)
they sojourned in the monastery)
correct behavior, faux pas
a prostitute (he called a meeting to solicit their views, historians and critics are solicited for opinions by the auction houses, although
e chief law officer of a city or department, lawyer qualified to draw up wills and other legal matters
e welfare of her students, he was solicitous to cultivate her mother's good opinion)
ith a soliloquy)

low is sonorous and useful in making bells, a sonorous voice, they had expected the lawyers to deliver sonorous lamentations)

popular thought with moreal skepticism and specious reasoning, person who reasons with clever but fallacious arguments
us argument,s pecious reasoning]
ophomoric double entendres)
n of the train had a soporific effect, some medicine made her soporific, a livel trial is in large parts intensely soporific, she was given a
y or squalid (the sotry paints a sordid picture of bribes and scams, a sordid love affair, the overcrowded housing conditions were sord
n acting or done independently and without outside interference, royal power and status, very good or effective (in modern democra
parta (spartan but adequate rooms)
asmodic fighting continued, the char chugged up the road with spasmodic lurches, a spasmodic cough)
den flood in a river caused by heavy rain or melting snow (a spate of attacks on travelers, a spate of interest in military memorabilia)
sleadingly attractive (a specious argument, the music trade gives golden oldies a specious appearance of novelty, specious reasoning)
ccurrence (the specter of nuclear holocaust)
oncerning a spectrum
e at the ends, join gene fragments (we learned how to weave and splice ropes, the ropes are spliced together, commercials can be spli
someone as a joke, hoax, interefere with radio signals to make them useless (a Robin Hood spoof, it is a movie that spoofs other mov
s or letters of two or more words, often to humorous effect, as in the sentence 'you have hissed the mystery lectures', accidentally sp
nging cones, widely grown for timber, pump and Christmas trees 2. near in dress and appearance, make smarter or tidier (he looked
to his 80s, isn't Aunt Helen spry for her age?)
ng, illegitimate offspring (separating authentic and spurious claims, this spurious reasoning results in nonsense)
poke gruffly as if afraid that his invitation would be spurned, wiht out touch of my feet, I spurn the solid Earth)
: contemptible lack of moral standards (they lived in squalor and disease, the squalid, overcrowded prison, a squalid attempt to save
ty to pass or be lost (entrepreneurs squander their profits on expensive cars, the team squandered several good scoring chances)
ertight in ship (colleagues saved her life by stanching the flow)
sembling series of shot, detached musical notes (a staccato rhythm, her heels made a rapid staccato on the polished boards)

organization (he remained a stalwart supporter of the cause, he was of stalwart build, the stalwarts of the auxiliary)

appearance (a stately procession)

ution, law or decree made by a sovereign or by God (violation of the hate crimes statute, she built her case around an all but forgotten
widespread in fresh water (he introduced me to the staff with a stentorian announcement)
onundrum (a stickler for accuracy, there's no pelasing you if you're going to be such a stickler)
h me, the stigma of bankruptcy)
versation, a few minutes of stilted conversation, villages of stilted houses)
about spending or providing, restrict in amount given or permitted (stowage room hasn't been stinted, he doesn't stint on wining or
gs, produce a decorative effect by roughening its surface when wet(the miniaturist's use of stippling)
attack or confining animals, military prison (we got ashore and into the stockade)
rance (some of the material is rather stodgy and top-heavy with facts, a stodgy pudding, this stodgy building)

which people are assigned according to social status, education, income (a stratum of flint, thin strata of air, members of other social s
vious stratagems)
r in layers in moist sand or peat to preserve or germinate them (socially stratified cities, stratifying patients into well-defined risk gr
es, longitudinal collections of nerve fibers in the brain (the striate cortex, striated bark)
en) 2. sternly critical or censorious remark or instruction (his strictures on their lack of civic virtue, the constant stricturs of the nun
unpleasantly forcefully (his voice had becoem increasingly sharp, almost strident, a strident voice interrupted the consultation, publi
ne, cause to appear foolish or absurd (the mentally stultifying effects of a disadvantaged home, Counsel is not expected to stultify him

new medical treatments)

world, often called Hades (mythical Greek river)
erential, he conveyed an air of polish and suavity)
vate tutor was a recognized subaltern part of the bourgeois family)
nate to (the invaders had soon subjugated most of the village, the Normans had subjugated most of Ireland's Gaelic population, the ne
y (people who will sublimate sexuality into activities which help to build up and preserve civilization, work can serve as a means of s
note the extreme and unparalleled nature of a person's attitude or behavior (mozart's sublime piano concertos, he had the sublime c
sness, perceived by or affecting mind without being aware of it, subconscious
ubmitted to a court of law (a subpoena may be issued to compel their attendance, the Queen is above the law and cannot be subpoen
arents, subservient women) 2. less important, subordinate (he expected her career to become subservient to his, individual rights ar
(thousands of refugees subsist on international handouts, the problem of subsisting the poor in a period of high bread prices) 2. rem
substantiate the allegations)
ubsumed under 2 categories)

attempt to subvert democratic government, subversive literature, a dangerous subversive - troublemaker)

roops (prisoners of war were liberated and succored)
petitions (suffrage for women is not yet a universal condition)
he room was suffused with soft, pink light)
ry film star)
d he were sundered by religious differences)
elling magazines, newspapers, and sundries)
pension (his pilot's license was withdrawn and he was superannuated, she is not superannuated and has no paid vacation) 2. obsolet
percilious lady's maid)
d asking for superfluous information)
will appear on the screen, superimposed on a flashing button)
o regular staff but engaged for extra work, not wanted nor needed, redundant, biological structure or organ occurring in addition to n
sand) 2. failing to act or protest as a result of moral weakness or indolence (supine in the face of racial injustice)
e not mere suppliants, their faces were suppliant, those around her were suppliant)
discovery could supplant the original finding)
eers, he supplicated the governor for leniency)
ng on the supposition that his death was murder, her supposition is based on previous results, most of the evidence is purely suppos
sumed or done to excess (a surfeit of food and drink, he died of a surfeit, I am surfeited from shopping, we'll all be surfeited with food
pposition (he surmised that something must be wrong, Charles was glad to have his surmise confirmed)
ural differences were surmounted, the tomb was surmountd by sculptured angel, the dome is surmounted by a statue)
urreptitious affair)
rother, his swarthy complexion)
ing is wrapped (his hands were swathed in bandages)
the mud, she gently swilled her brandy around her glass, the ice water swilled around us) 2. drink greedily or in large quantities, acc
resort that caters to wealthy sybarites)
tage, bootlicker (I thought you wanted a competent assistant, not a nodding sycophant)

t) from two given or assumed propositions (premises), each of which shares a term with the conclusion, and shares a common or mi
nd contours all add to a sylvan setting, vistas of sylvan charm)
y synchronous in both hemispheres) 2. satellite or its orbit making a orbit around the earth or another celestial body in which one re
ding bingo and raffles would be sacrilege, a sacrilegious act, your vile language is sacrilegious)

age remarks)

on its hind legs with forepaws raised as if leaping 3. piece of land jutting out to form an angle, an outward bulge in military line of at

re, the salutary spring air)

[Sanguinary: causing bloodshed]

your appetite at the restaurant)

(a stinging satire on American politics)

small round pebbles or star-shaped pieces of metal or plastic

oup owing to doctrinal and other differences

. cut or score skin or surface

merica, political methods used to scourge and oppress workers)

avesdropping, she doesn't scruple to ask her parents for money)

ve an affair with a married man, a scrupulous man)
and scurrilous writings)
shed sailors 2. worthless or contemptible (that was a scurvy trick)
ink own ship deliberately by holing ot or opening its seacocks to let water in, deliberately cause a scheme to fail (some of the stockho

e southern states seceded from the Union, precipitating the Civil War, the republics want secession from the union)
hurch, a nonconformist church, philosophical or political group that is regarded as extreme or dangerous (ethnic and sectarian diffe
d occurring or perissting over a long period (secular buildings, secular music, there is evidence that the slump is not cyclical but sec
she felt weak and seedy)
e whitefish and salmon)

ntinel surveillance program in the developing world

s are soon out of print and sepulchered in the dust of libraries, when ocean shrouds and sepulchers our dead)
onfiscate, legally place property of bankrupt in hands of a trustee for division among creditors (the power of courts to sequester the

cunning, treacherous (his charm was too subtle and serpentine for me, serpentine sentences)

e sham and hypocrisy, his tenderness had been a sham, he was a sham, totally unqualified to be a doctor, was he ill or was he shamm

2 points of a circuit, alternative path for the passage of the blood or other body fluid (their train had been shunted into a siding, chair

d muscular (the sinews of government, the sinewed shape of his back, a short and sinewy sunburnt man)

budget, reports of skirmishing along the border, they skirmished with enemy soldiers)

on with food) 2. combine quicklime with water to rpoduce calcium hydroxide

pect they had for her, a slavish adherence to protocol, slavish copying)

omething (he asked me a slew of questions) 3. past tense of slay: kill in violent way, greatly impress or amuse (he slew the dragon, a m

dead skin, something undesirable or no longer needed, collapse or slide into a hole or depression, dropping of dead tissue from living
 t of water is directed in roder to separate gold froms and or gravel in mining (sluiceway) 2. rinsing or showering with water, pour fre

by the auction houses, although prostitution was not itself an offnse, solicitng was)

sonorous lamentations)

fallacious arguments

nsely soporific, she was given a soporific)

d housing conditions were sordid and degrading)
r effective (in modern democracies the people's will is in theory sovereign, a sovereihn democratic republic, our most sovereign lord

erest in military memorabilia)

of novelty, specious reasoning)

gether, commercials can be spliced in later)

s a movie that spoofs other movies, they proceeded to spoof Western intelligence with false information)
stery lectures', accidentally spoken instead of the intended sentence 'you have missed the history lectures'
ke smarter or tidier (he looked as spruce as if he were getting married, the fund will be used to spruce up historic buildings)

ison, a squalid attempt to save themselves fro melectoral embarrassment, a squalid deal with the opposition)]
veral good scoring chances)

n the polished boards)

of the auxiliary)
case around an all but forgotten statute, the appointment will be subject to the statutes fo the university)

d, he doesn't stint on wining or dining, to avoid having to stint yourself, budget in advance, a collector with an eye for quality and the

of air, members of other social strata)

tients into well-defined risk groups, if you want to sow your own mistletoe, collect ripe berries and store them in moist sand to strat

he constant stricturs of the nuns) 3. abnormal narrowing of a canal or duct in the body (a colonic stricture, an intestinal stricture)
rrupted the consultation, public pronouncements on the crisis became less strident)
el is not expected to stultify himself in an attempt to advance his client's interests)

land's Gaelic population, the new ruler firmly subjugated the Church to the state)
work can serve as a means of sublimating rage)
oncertos, he had the sublime confidence of youth) 2. solid substance change directly into vapor when heated, forming a solid deposit

he law and cannot be subpoenaed, the decision to subpoena government records)

vient to his, individual rights are subservient to the interests of the state) 3. serving as a means to acquire soemthing (the whole narr
iod of high bread prices) 2. remain in force or effect, prevail, be attributable for (the tenant's rights of occupation subsist, the effect o

has no paid vacation) 2. obsolete though age or new tech or intellectural developments, defunct (superannuated computing equipme
organ occurring in addition to normal ones, actor appearing on stage but not speaking (books were obviously supernumerary and he

the evidence is purely suppositious)

we'll all be surfeited with food, he never surfeited on alcohol)

nted by a statue)

edily or in large quantities, accompany food with large quantities of drink (they whiled away their evening swilling pints of beer, a fea

n, and shares a common or middle term not present in the conclusion (e.g., all dogs are animals; all animals have four legs; therefore

r celestial body in which one revolution is completed in the period taken for the body to rotate about its axis
ward bulge in military line of attack or defense

eme to fail (some of the stockholders are threatening to scuttle the deal)

m the union)
ous (ethnic and sectarian differences, a sectarian attack)
he slump is not cyclical but secular)
ower of courts to sequester the assets of unions, rebel property was sequestered and a military government installed, a trustee in a s

or, was he ill or was he shamming? she shams indifference)

een shunted into a siding, chairs were being sunted back and forth, amaterus were gradually being shunted to filing jobs, shunt surge

amuse (he slew the dragon, a man was slain with a shotgun, you slay me, you really do)

pping of dead tissue from living flesh (a snake sloughs off its old skin, he is concerned to slough off the country's bad environmental i
 showering with water, pour freely (she sluiced her fce in cold water, a sluice with cold water, crews sluiced down the decks, the wave

public, our most sovereign lord the King, a sovereign remedy of all ills, how can we hope to wrest sovereignty away from the oligarchy

e up historic buildings)
with an eye for quality and the means to indult it without stint) 2. fixed or allotted period of work (his varied career included a stint a

ore them in moist sand to stratify)

ture, an intestinal stricture)

heated, forming a solid deposit again upon cooling (these crystals could be sublimed under a vacuum)

uire soemthing (the whole narration is subservient to the moral plan of exemplifying 12 virtues in 12 knights)
occupation subsist, the effect of genetic maldevelopment may subsist in chromosomal mutation)

rannuated computing equipment)

bviously supernumerary and he began jettisoning them, a pair of supernumerary teats)

ning swilling pints of beer, a feast swilled down with pints of cider, a swill of ale, she took a swill of coffee) 3. kitchen refuse and scrap

nimals have four legs; therefore all dogs have four legs), deductive reasoning as distinct from induction (logic is rules or syllogism)
nment installed, a trustee in a sequestered estate, the government sequestered his property) 3. a general cut in government spending

unted to filing jobs, shunt surgery)

country's bad environmental image, the medicine can cause blistering and slough)
uiced down the decks, the waves sluiced over them, the water sluiced out)

reignty away from the oligarchy and back to the people? their sovereignty over the islands, national sovereignty, the colony demande
varied career included a stint as a magician, a 2-week stint in the office) 3. small, short-legged sandpipier for northern Eurasia and A
fee) 3. kitchen refuse and scraps of waste food mixed with water for feeding to pigs (swill for the pigs, pigswill) 4. poor alcohol (the b

n (logic is rules or syllogism)

ral cut in government spending (if the budget deal hadn't gone through, there would have been a sequester of at least $100 billion)
vereignty, the colony demanded full sovereignty)
pier for northern Eurasia and Alaska with brown bank and white underparts
pigswill) 4. poor alcohol (the beer was just warm swill)
ester of at least $100 billion)
Tacit understood or implied without being stated (your silence may be taken to mean tacit agreement)
Taciturn reserved or uncommunicative in speech, saying little
Tactile of or connected with sense of touch, perceptible by touch, touching others as unselfconscious expre
Tangential relating to or along a tangent, diverging from a previous course or line, erratic, hardly touching a m
Tanner 1. person who tans animal hides for a living 2. lotion or cream to promote developing of suntan or a
Taper 1. diminish or reduce in thickness toward one end, gradually lessen or narrow, gradual or incremen
Tarry 1. like or covered with tar (a length of tarry rope) 2. stay longer than intended, delay leaving a place
Tart 1. woman who dresses or behaves tastelessly and sexually provocatively, a prostitute (the tarts wer
Taut 1. writing, music that is concise and controlled (a taut text of 120 pages) 2. ship with disciplined an
Tautology saying the same thing twice in different words, considered to be a fault of stype, statement that is tr
Tawdry showy but cheap and of poor quality, sordid or unpleasant, cheap and gaudy finery (tawdry jewelry
Tawny orange-brown or yellowish-brown color (tawny eyes, pine needles turning from tawny to amber)
Taxonomist biologist that groups organisms into categories (plant taxonomist, insect taxonomist, etc.)
Tedium being tedious (cousins and uncles filled the tedium of winter nights with many a tall tale)
Teetotalism practice or promotion of complete personal abstinence from alcohol (he is a teetotaler, or he is teet
Temerity excessive confidence or boldness, audacity (no one had the temerity to question his conclusions)
Temperance abstinence from alcoholic drink, moderation of self-restraint in eating and drinking (the temperanc
Tempestuous strong and turbulent or conflicting emotion, very stormy (he had a rechless and tempestuous strea
Temporize 1. avoid making a decision or committing oneself in order to gain time (the opportunity was missed
Tendentious expressing or intending to promote a particular cause or point of view, esp. a controversial one (a t
Tender offer or present formally, offer money as payment, formal written offer to carry out work, supply go
Tenet principle or belief, esp. one of the main principles of a religion or philosophy (the tenets of classica
Tensile relating to tension, capable or being drawn out or stretched
Tenuous very weak or slight, slender or fine, insubstantial (the tenuous link between interest rates and inve
Tepid lukewarm liquid, showing little enthusiasm (tepid water, the applause was tepid, a tepid response)
Tessellate decorate floor with mosaics, cover surface by repeated used of a single shape without gaps or overl
Testate having made a valid will before one dies Testator: person who has made a will or given a legacy
Theocracy system of government in which priests rule in the name of a god, the commonwealth of Israel from
Thespian relating to drama and the theater, an actor or actress (thespian talents)
Thrall being in someone's power or having great power over someone, slave, servant or captive (she was i
Threadbare poor, shabby in appearance, argument, excuse or idea used so often it is no longer effective (shabby
Thresh separate grain from a plant with a flail or revolving mechanism (machinery that can reap and thres
Throes intense or violent pain and struggle, esp. accompanying birth, death or great change (he convulsed
Throng large, densely packed crowd of people or animals, flock or be present in great numbers (he pushed
Tightwad mean or miserly person (her life as a tightwad had given her a handsome bank account and no one
Tiller 1. horizontal bar fitted to the head of a boat's rudder post and used as a lever for steering, machine
Timbre character or quality of a musical sound or voice as distinct from its pitch and intensity (trumpet mu
Timorous showing or suffering from nervousness, fear, or a lack of confidence (a timorous voice)
Tipple 1. drink alcohol habitually, an alcoholic drink (those who liked to tipple and gamble) 2. revolving fr
Tithe one tenth of annual produce or earnings formerly taken as tax for the support of the church and cle
Titular 1. holding or constituting a purely formal position or title without any real authority, in name only,
Toady behaving obsequiously to someone important, flatterer (she imagined him toadying to his rich clien
Tome large, heavy, scholarly book (a weighty tome, he expects us to read this tome by Monday)
Tonsure part of the monk's or priests head left bare on top by shaving off the hair as preparation for enterin
Torpor/Torpid state of physical or mental inactivity, lethargy, dormant animal during hibernation (they veered bet
Torrid very hot and dry, full of passional or highly charged emotions arising from sexual love, full of difficu
Tortuous full of twists and turns, excessively lengthy and complex (the route is remote and tortuous, a tortuo
Tout 1. attempt to sell something by pestering people in aggressive and bold manner, persuade people o
Tractable easy to control or influence, situation or problem easy to deal with (tractable dogs that have had ob
Traduce speak badly or tell lies about someone to damage their reputation, slander
Transgress 1. act that goes against law, rule, code of conduct, an offense, infringe beyond moral principles or es
Transient (transitorylasting for short time, impermanent, staying or workig in a place for short time, momentary variati
Transmute change in form, nature, substance, subject base metals to alchemical transmutation (the raw mater
Transpire 1. occur, happen, prove to be the case, reveal secret (I'm going to find out exactly what transpired, a
Trappings 1. outward signs, features, objects associated with a particular situation, role, thing (I had the trapp
Travail painful or laborious effort, labor pains (advice for those who wish to save great sorrow and travail,
Traverse 1. travel across or through, extend across, move back and forth or sideways, zigzag course followed
Treatise written work dealing formally and systematically with a subject (a comprehensive treatise on elect
Tremulous shaking or quivering slightly, timid, nervous (Barbara's voice was tremulous, he gave a tremulous s
Trenchant vigorous or incisive in expression or style, weapon or tool with sharp edge (she heard angry voices
Trepidation feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen, trembling motion (the men set off in
Tribulation great trouble or suffering (the tribulations of being a megastar, his time of tribulation was just begi
Tribunal court of justice, seat or bench for judges (an international war crimes tribunal)
Tribune 1. official in ancient Rome chosen by the plebeians to protect their interests, Roman legionary offic
Troth faith or loyalty when pledged in a solemn agreement or undertaking, truth (a token of troth)
Truculence aggressively self-assertive, belligerent, scathingly harsh, displaying ferocity, cruel savage, deadly, de
Truism statement that is obviously true and says nothing new or interesting, proposition that states nothin
Truncate shorten something by cutting off the top or the end, replace an edge or an angle by a plane so as to
Tryst private, romantic rendezvous between lovers, keep a private romantic rendezvous (a moonlight try
Tumid 1. part of body that is swollen (a tumid belly) 2. language or literary style that is pompous or bomb
Tureen a deep covered dish from which soup is served
Turgid 1. swollen and distended or congested (turgid and fast moving river) 2. language or style tediously
Turpitude depravity, wickedness (acts of moral turpitude)
Tutelage protection of or authority over someone or something, guardianship, protector, patron, instruction
Tyro beginner or novice
 o mean tacit agreement)

rs as unselfconscious expression of sympathy or affection (vocal and visual signals become less important as tactile signals intensify,
rratic, hardly touching a matter, peripheral (a tangential line, tangential thoughts, the reforms were tangential to efforts to maintain
e developing of suntan or artificially produce a skin colour 3. a sixpence
arrow, gradual or incremental reduction (the tail tapers to a rounded tip, the leaves taper at the tip, the impact of the dollar's depreci
ended, delay leaving a place (she could tarry a bit and not get home until four, they tarried by the lake prolonging their teary farewell
a prostitute (the tarts were touting for trade) 2. dress up to look attractive or eye-catching, decorate or improve the appearance of so
2. ship with disciplined and efficient crew
f stype, statement that is true by necessity or by virtue of its logical form (they arrived one after the other in succession, avoid such t
udy finery (tawdry jewelry, the tawdry business or politics)
ng from tawny to amber)
taxonomist, etc.)
many a tall tale)
is a teetotaler, or he is teetotal)
uestion his conclusions)
nd drinking (the temperance movement, a strict advocate of temperance)
ess and tempestuous streak, a tempestuous wind) Tempest: a violent windy storm
he opportunity was missed because the mayor still temporized, he temporized for weeks hoping the problem would go away) 2. tem
sp. a controversial one (a tendentious reading of history)
o carry out work, supply goods, buy land, shares or other assets for a stated fixed price (she tendered her resignation, she tendered h
ophy (the tenets of classical liberalism)

een interest rates and investment, a tenuous cloud, a tenuous thread)

as tepid, a tepid response)
hape without gaps or overlapping
a will or given a legacy
mmonwealth of Israel from the time of Moses until the election of Saul as King

rvant or captive (she was in thrall to her abusive husband, he held us in his evil thrall)
no longer effective (shabby rooms with threadbare carpets, the song was a tissue of threadbare cliches)
ery that can reap and thresh corn in the same process)
reat change (he convulsed in his death throes, the throes of childbirth)
great numbers (he pushed his way through the throng, a crowd thronged the station, tourists thronged to the picturesque village, pe
e bank account and no one to share it with)
ever for steering, machine for breaking up soil, plow or cultivator 2. lateral shoow from the base of the stem, esp. in grass or cereal
and intensity (trumpet mutes with different timbres, the timbre of the reeds)
morous voice)
and gamble) 2. revolving frame or cage in which a truck or freight car is inverted to discharge its load, place where loads from a tipple
pport of the church and clergy, a tenth of a specified thing, pay or give as a tithe (he hadn't said a tithe of the prayers he knew, he tithe
al authority, in name only, honorary, cleric nominally appointed to serve a diocese, abbey or other foundation no longer in existence,
 m toadying to his rich clients)
ome by Monday)
as preparation for entering a religious order, shave the hair on the crown of
bernation (they veered between apathetic torpor and hysterical fanaticism, the feeling of torpor lingered for weeks)
m sexual love, full of difficulty or tribulation (the torrid heat of the afternoon, a torrid love affair, Wall Street is in for a torrid time in t
mote and tortuous, a tortuous argument)
manner, persuade people of the merits of someone or something (Jim was touting his wares, the HQ was touted as the best in the cou
able dogs that have had obedience training, our preschool teachers disagree with the statement that children are becoming less trac

yond moral principles or established standard of behavior (she had transgressed an unwritten social law, I'll be keeping an eye out fo
rt time, momentary variatio i current, voltage or frequency (a transient cold spell, the transient nature of the labor force in catering, t
nsmutation (the raw material of his experience was transmuted into stories, the booked were transmuted into workable scripts, the q
exactly what transpired, as it transpired, he was right, Yaddo, it transpired, had been under FBI surveillance for some time, it transp
role, thing (I had the trappings of success) 2. a horse's ornamental harness
e great sorrow and travail, a woman in travail)
ays, zigzag course followed by ship because winds or currents prevent it from sailing directly toward destination (he traversed throug
rehensive treatise on electricity and magnetism)
ous, he gave a tremulous smile)
ge (she heard angry voices, not loud, yet certainly trenchant, a trenchant blade)
motion (the men set off in fear and trepidation)
of tribulation was just beginning)

sts, Roman legionary officer, popular leader, champion of the people (military tribune) 2. apse in a basilica, dais or rostrum in church
th (a token of troth)
ity, cruel savage, deadly, destructive
position that states nothing beyond what is implied by any of its terms (the truism that you get what you pay for, 'look before you lea
n angle by a plane so as to make equal angles with the adjacent faces, leaf, feather or other part ending abruptly as if cut off across th
ndezvous (a moonlight tryst, a trysting place)
e that is pompous or bombastic (tumid oratory)

anguage or style tediously pompous or bombastic (some turgid verses on the death of Prince Albert)

otector, patron, instruction, tuition (the organizations remained under firm government tutelage, the tutelary spirits of these regions
tant as tactile signals intensify, she had a distinct, almost tactle memory, tactile exhibitions help blind people enjoy the magic of sculp
ngential to efforts to maintain a basic standard of life)

e impact of the dollar's depreciation started to taper off, the meetings soon tapered off, the current industry standard taper of 5 degr
prolonging their teary farewells)
or improve the appearance of something (the page layouts have been tarted up with cartoons) 3. sharp or acid in taste, cutting, bitter,

ther in succession, avoid such tautology as "let's all work together, everyone, as a team" by saying simply "let's work together")

problem would go away) 2. temporarily adopt a particular course in order to conform to the circumstances (their unwillingness to te

her resignation, she tendered her fare, firms of interior decorators have been tendering for the project, what price should we tender

d to the picturesque village, people thronged to see the play, visitors thronged around him)

e stem, esp. in grass or cereal

place where loads from a tipple, esp. from a coal mine are dumped
of the prayers he knew, he tithes 10% of his income to the church)
ndation no longer in existence, tpically in fact having authority in another capacity (the queen is titular head of the Church of England
red for weeks)
Street is in for a torrid time in the next few weeks)

as touted as the best in the country, she's being touted as the next party leader) 2. offer racing tips for a share of resulting winnings, s
children are becoming less tractable every year, trying to make the mathematics tractable)

aw, I'll be keeping an eye out for further transgressions) 2. sea spread over an area of land
of the labor force in catering, transitory periods of medieval greatness)
ted into workable scripts, the quest to transmute lead into gold)
illance for some time, it transpired that her family had moved away) 2. plant or lead giving off water vapor through stomata

estination (he traversed through the forest, a moving catwalk that traversed a cast cavernous space, he would traverse a number of s

silica, dais or rostrum in church, raised area or gallery with seats

you pay for, 'look before you leap' is a truism that Sharon has rarely heeded)
g abruptly as if cut off across the base or tip (a truncated cone shape)

utelary spirits of these regions, the state maintained a tutelary relation with the security police, he felt privileged to be under the tut
people enjoy the magic of sculpture)

dustry standard taper of 5 degrees, with the taper in training, athletes can feel less hungry) 2. slender candle, wick coated with wax u

p or acid in taste, cutting, bitter, or sarcastic in tone (a tart apple, I bit back a tart reply)

ply "let's work together")

nces (their unwillingness to temporize had driven their country straight into conflict with France)

, what price should we tender for a contract?)

r head of the Church of England) 2. denoting a person or thing from whom or which the name of an artistic work is taken, denoting p
a share of resulting winnings, spy out the movements and condition of a racehorse in training to gain information for betting 3. perso

apor through stomata

e would traverse a number of subjects and disciplines, a probe is traversed along the tunnel) 2. deny an allegation in pleading, oppos

t privileged to be under the tutelage of an experienced actor)

candle, wick coated with wax used for conveying a flame

tistic work is taken, denoting parish churches in Rome to which cardinals are formally appointed (the work's titular song, the book's
 nformation for betting 3. person who buys tickets for an event to resell them at a profit, a scalper 4. used before the name of a city to

an allegation in pleading, oppose or thwart a plan 3. curtain rod allowing curtain to be opened and closed by sliding it along the rod
work's titular song, the book's titular hero, the priests of the titular churches)
sed before the name of a city to refer to its high society or people of importance (le tout Washington adored him)

sed by sliding it along the rod

Ubiquitous present, appearing, found everywhere (his ubiquitous influence was felt by all the family)
Umbrage 1. offense or annoyance (she took umbrage at his remarks, I would take umbrage at that if I thou
Unassuaged not soothed or relieved (her unassuaged grief)
Unassuming not pretentious or arrogant, modest (he was an unassuming and kindly man)
Unbridled uncontrolled, unconstrained (a moment of unbridled ambition, the unbridled spirit in these you
Unceremonious having or showing a lack of courtesy, rough or abrupt (he was known for his strong views and u
Unconscionable not right or reasonable, unreasonably excessive (the unconscionable conduct of his son, shareho
Uncouth lack good manners, refinement, grace, art of language lacking sophistication, delicacy, uncomfor
Unction 1. anointing someone with oil or ointment as a religious rite or as a symbol of investiture as a m
Unctuous excessively or ingratiatingly flattering, oily, minerals having a greasy or soapy feel (he seemed an
Understate describe or represent (something) as being smaller, worse, or less important than it actually is (
Undertaker person whose business is preparing dead bodies for burial or cremation and making arrangeme
Undulating move with a smooth wavelike motion, wavy form or outline (her bodyundulated to the thumpin
Unequivocal leaving no doubt, unambigious (an unequivocal answer)
Unexceptionable not open to objection (the unexceptionable belief that society should be governed by law)
Unfetter release from restraint or inhibition (his imagination is unfettered by the laws of logic, the choice
Unfledged bird not yet fledged, inexperience, youthful
Ungainly awkward, clumsy (an ungainly walk, they were as ungainly as 5th grade boys taking dance lesso
Unguent a soft, greasy, or viscous substances used as ointment or for lubrication
Unimpeachable unquestionable, entirely trustworthy (an unimpeachable witness)
Uninhibited expressing feelings or thoughts un-selfconsciously and without restraint (fits of uninhibited lau
Unintimating not intimate often, distant or shy in social relationships
Unmitigated absolute, unqualified (the tour was an unmitigated disaster, the raid was an unmitigated disaste
Unobtrusive not conspicuous or attracting attention (corrections should be neat and unobtrusive, she was un
Unprepossessing not particularly attractive or appealing (despite his unprepossessing appearance, he had an ani
Unregenerate not reforming or showing repentance, obsitnately wrong or bad
Unseemly improper behavior or actions, inappropriate (an unseemly squabble)
Unsullied not spoiled or made impure (an unsullied reputation)
Untenable postion or view not able to be maintaiend or defended against attack or objetion (this argumen
Untoward unexpected and inappropriate or inconvenient (both tried to behave as if nothing untoward had
Unwieldy difficult to carry or move because of its size, shape or weight, system or bureaucracy too big or b
Unwitting unaware of full facts, not done on purpose, unintentional (an unwitting accomplice, we are anxi
Unwonted unaccustomed or unusual (there was an unwonted gaiety in her manner)
Upbraid find fault with someone, scold (he was upbraided for his slovenly appearance)
Upshot final or eventual outcome or conclusion of a discussion, action, or series of events (the upshot o
Urbane suave, courteous, refined in manner
Ursine relating to or resembling bears
Usury illegal action or practice of lending money at unreasonably high rates of interest
Uxorious having or showing excessive or submissive fondness for one's wife
Vacillate alternate or waver between different opinions or actions, be indecisive (I had for a time vacillate
Vacuous having or showing a lack of thought or intelligence, mindless (a vacuous smile)
Vagabond having no settled home, wanders from place to place without home or job
Vagary unexpected and inexplicable change in a situation or in someone's behavior (the vagaries of the
Vagrant without settled home or regular work who wanders from place to place and lives by begging, a b
Vainglorious excessively proud of one's own achievements, overly vain (this vainglorious boast of personal in
Valediction statement or address made at a farewell (he spread his palm in valediction, his official memoria
Vanguard group of people, position at the forefront in leading new developments or ideas, foremost part o
Vantage place or position affording a good view of soemthing (from my vantage point I could see the fron
Vapid offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging (tuneful but vapid musical comedies)
Variegate diversify with different colors
Vassal holder of land by feudal tenure on coditions of homage and allegiance, person or coutnry in a su
Vaunted boast or praise excessively (the much vaunted information superhighway)
Vegetate live or spend period of time in dull, inactive, unchallenging way (if she left him theere alone, he'
Venal showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery (why should these venal politicians care how
Vendetta blood feud in which the family of a murdered person seeks vengeance on the murderer or the m
Veneer 1. thin, decorative covering of fine wood applied to coarser wood or other material (American c
Venerable regard with great deal of respect due to age, wisdom, or character (a venerable statesman, the v
Venial denoting sin that is not regarded as depriving soul of divine grace, slight and pardonable
Venison deer meat
Ventral relating to underside of an animal or plant, abdominal (a ventral nerve cord)
Veracious speaking or representing the truth, conforming to facts, accuracy (officials expressed doubts con
Verbatim in exactly the same words as were used originally (subjects were instructed to recall the passag
Verbiage, verbose speech or writing that uses too many words or excessively technical expressions, wording or dic
Verdant countryside green with grass or other rich vegetation, bright green color of lush grass (a deep, v
Verdigris bright bluish-green encrustation or patina formed on copper or brass by atmospheric oxidation
Verisimilitude appearance of being true or real (the detail gives the novel some verisimilitude, the verisimilitu
Veritable used as an intensifier, often to qualify a metaphor, indubitable, bona fide (the early 1970s witne
Verity true principe or belief, esp. one of fundamental importance, truth (the eternal verities, irrefutab
Vernacular 1. language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region, terminolo
Vernal appropriate to spring (the vernal freshness of the land)
Vertex highest point, top or apex, meeting point of two ines that form an angle, point at which an axis m
Vertigo sensation of whirling and loss of balance, associated with looking down from great heights, caus
Verve vigor and spirit, enthusiasm (Kollo sings with supreme verve and flexibility)
Vestige trace of something that is disappearing or no longer exists, smallest amount used to emphasize
Viand item of food (an unlimited assortment of viands)
Vicar representative or deputy of a bishop, member of the clergy in charge of a chapel, an incumbent
Vicarious experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person, acting or done
Vicissitude change of circumstances or fortune to one that is unwelcome or unpleasant, alternation betwee
Victuals food or provisions, eat, provide with food (the ship wasn't even properly victualed, a voyage of s
Vie compete eagerly with someone in order to do or achieve something (rival mobs vying for contro
Vigil 1. period of keeping awake during the time usually spent asleep to keep watch or ray (my birdw
Vigilant keeping careful watch for possible danger of difficulties (the burglar was spotted by vigilant nei
Vignette 1. brief evocative description, account or episode 2. small illustration or portrait photograph tha
Vilify speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner (he has been vilified in the press)
Vindicate clear someone of blame or suspicion, show or prove to be right, reasonable, justified (hospital s
Vindictive having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge (the criticism was both vindictive
Vintner wine maker, wine merchant
Virile man having strength, energy and a strong sex drive, having or characterized by strength and ene
Virtuoso a person highly skilled in music or another artistic pursuit, person with special knowledge or in
Virulent 1. disease or poison extremely severe or harmful in effects, highly infective pathogen, virus 2. bi
Visage person's face with reference to form or proportions of features, facial expression, surface of obje
Visceral 1. internal organs in the main cavities of the body, esp. those in the abdomen eg. the intestines (
Viscid glutinous, sticky (the viscid mucus lining of the intestine)
Vitiate spoil or impair the quality or efficiency or legal validity of (development programs have been vi
Vitreous like glass in appearance or physical properties, derived from or containing glass (the toilet and b
Vitriolic filled with bitter crticism or malice (vitriolic attacks on the politicians)
Vituperative bitter and abusive (the criticism soon turned into a vituperative attack)
Vivisection (-ve nuance)the practice of performing operations on live animals for the purpose of experimentation or scie
Vociferous person or speech that is vehement or clamorous (he was a vociferous opponent of the takeover)
Volition faculty or power of using one's will (without conscious volition she backed into her office)
Voluble speaking or spoken incessantly and fluently (she was as voluble as her husband was silent)
Voracious wanting or devouring great quantities of food, having an eager approach to an activity (he had a
Vouchsafe give or grant something to someone in gracious or condescending manner, reveal or disclose inf
Voyeur person who gains sexual pleasure from watching others when they are naked or engaged in sexu
Vulpine relating to a fox or foxes, crafty, cunning (Karl gave a vulpine smile)
Waffle 1. fail to make up one's mind (Joseph had been waffling over where to go) 2. speak or write at gr
Waif 1. homeless and helpless person, especially a neglected or abandoned child, abandoned pet (she
Wan complexion that is pale and giving the impression of illness or exhaustion, dim light (she was loo
Wanderlust strong desire to travel (a man consumed by wanderlust)
Wangle obtain by persuading others to comply or by manipulating events, persuasion (I wangled an inv
Wanton 1. cruel or violent action) deliberate and unprovoked (sheer wanton vandalism) 2. woman sexu
Warren network of interconnecting rabbit burrows, enclosed land set aside for rabbit breeding, densely
Wastrel wasteful or good-for-nothing person, waif; a neglected child
Wax make a recording of, phonograph records (he didn't get on wax until 1959, he waxed a series of
Waylay stop or interrupt (someone) and detain them in conversation or trouble them in some other wa
Wean 1. accustom (an infant or other young mammal) to food other than its mother's milk, accustom (
Welt 1. leather rim sewn around the edge of a shoe upper to which the sole is attached, ribbed, reinfo
Welter 1. move in turbulent fashion (the streams foam and welter) 2. lie steeped in blood without help
Whelp puppy, give birth to a puppy, young man, set of projections on the barrel of a capstan or windlas
Whet 1. sharpen the blade of (a tool or weapon (she took out her dagger and began to whet its blade i
Whimsical 1. playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way, odd (a whimsical sen
Whit very small part or amount (the last whit of warmth was drawn off by the setting sun)
Wily skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully (his wily opponents)
Winnow blow current of air through grain to remove the chaff, remove (people or things) from a group u
Winsome attractive or appealing in appearance or character (a winsome smile)
Witless foolish, stupid, to such an extent that one cannot think clearly or rationally (a witless retort, I wa
Wizened shriveled or wrinkled with age (a wizened, weather-beaten old man, their wizened faces said m
Wont customary behavior, habit, accustomed (Constance, as was her wont, paid little attention, Paul d
Wrangle 1. dispute or argument, typically one that is long and complicated (an insurance wrangle is hold
Writ form of written command in the name of a court or other legal authority to act, or abstain from
Wry 1. expressing dry, especially mocking, humor (a wry smile) 2. expression of disgust, disappointm
Xanadu idealized place of great or idyllic magnificence and beauty (architects and planners combined to
Xanthous yellowish, red, auburn or brown hair, yellow coloration of a xanthous tumor
Xenophobia intense, irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries
Xerography dry copying process in which black or colored powder adheres to parts of a surface remaining e
Xerostomia dry mouth resulting from reduced or absent saliva flow (not a disease, may be a sympton of var
Xyloid woody, ligneous
Xylophagous insect larva or mollusk) feeding on or boring into wood
Xylotomous insect capable of boring or cutting wood
Yearling animal a year old, or in its second year, a racehorse in the calendar year after its year of foaling (
Yen longing or yearning (she always had a yen to be a writer, it's no use yenning for the old simplicit
Yeoman 1. man holding and cultivating a small landed estate; a freeholder 2. person qualified for certain
Yoke 1. wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or
Yokel uneducated and unsophisticated person from the countryside
Yore long ago or former times (used in nostalgic or mock-nostalgic recollection (a great empire in da
Zany amusingly unconventional and idiosyncratic, an erratic or eccentric person (zany humor)
Zealot person fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals
Zenith 1. time at which something is most powerful or successful (under Justinian, the Byzantine Empi
Zephyr soft gentle breeze, fine cotton gingham, very light article of clothing
Zest 1. enthusiasm, excitement, piquancy (they campaigned with zest and intelligence, I used to try t
nfluence was felt by all the family)
ks, I would take umbrage at that if I thought you were serious) 2. shade or shadow case by trees)

ming and kindly man)

mbition, the unbridled spirit in these young players is contagious)
he was known for his strong views and unceremonious manners)
conscionable conduct of his son, shareholders have had to wait an unconscionable time for the facts to be accessible, we waited an un
acking sophistication, delicacy, uncomfortable place due to remoteness or poor conditions (he is unwashed, uncouth, and drunk mos
s rite or as a symbol of investiture as a monarch 2. treatment with medicinal oil or ointment 3. expression arising from deep emotion
ving a greasy or soapy feel (he seemed anxious to please but not in an unctuous way)
rse, or less important than it actually is (the press has understated the extent of the problem)
rial or cremation and making arrangements for funerals (in those days, an epidemic of the flu would have the undertaker working ar
line (her bodyundulated to the thumping rhythm of the music, delightful views over undulating countryside)

ociety should be governed by law)

unfettered by the laws of logic, the choice between a planned economy and an unfettered market)

nly as 5th grade boys taking dance lessons in a foot of snow)

r for lubrication

without restraint (fits of uninhibited laughter)

ster, the raid was an unmitigated disaster)

ould be neat and unobtrusive, she was unobtrusive and shy)
repossessing appearance, he had an animal magnetism)

mly squabble)

against attack or objetion (this argument is clearly untenable, these untenable explanations are not helping your case)
ed to behave as if nothing untoward had happened)
eight, system or bureaucracy too big or badly organized to function efficiently (the first mechanical clocks were large and unwieldy)
al (an unwitting accomplice, we are anxious to rectify the unwitting mistakes made in the past)
ty in her manner)
s slovenly appearance)
action, or series of events (the upshot of the meeting was that he was on the next plane to New York)

bly high rates of interest

s, be indecisive (I had for a time vacillated between teaching and journalism)

dless (a vacuous smile)
 thout home or job
someone's behavior (the vagaries of the weather)
m place to place and lives by begging, a bird that has strayed or been blown from its usual range or migratory route, moving or occur
n (this vainglorious boast of personal infallibility)
palm in valediction, his official memorial valediction, he departed without a valediction)
w developments or ideas, foremost part of an advancing army or naval force (the experimental spirit of the modernist vanguard, the p
om my vantage point I could see the front garden)
ful but vapid musical comedies)

and allegiance, person or coutnry in a subordinate position to another (a much stronger nation can also turn a weaker one into a vas
ion superhighway)
ing way (if she left him theere alone, he'd sit in front of the television and vegetate)
should these venal politicians care how they are rated?)
eks vengeance on the murderer or the murderer's family, a prolonged bitter quarrel with someone (he accused the British media of p
ser wood or other material (American cheery wood with a maple veneer) 2. attractive appearance that covers or disguises someone
character (a venerable statesman, the venerable Martin Steed joined our faculty in 1962, Mother Teresa is venerated as a saint)
vine grace, slight and pardonable

a ventral nerve cord)

accuracy (officials expressed doubts concerning the veracity of the story, voters should be concerned about his veracity and charact
ects were instructed to recall the passage verbatim, I memorized his monologue verbatim)
ely technical expressions, wording or diction (Prof. Chin's verbiage is tiresome, we need to look at how the rule should be applied ba
right green color of lush grass (a deep, verdant green)
opper or brass by atmospheric oxidation, consisting of basic copper carbonate
vel some verisimilitude, the verisimilitude of her performance is gripping) Verisimilar: like true but not necessarily so (comes from L
bitable, bona fide (the early 1970s witnessed a veritable price explosion)
nce, truth (the eternal verities, irrefutable, objective verity)
a particular country or region, terminology used by people belonging to a specified group or engaging in a specialized activity, spoke

t form an angle, point at which an axis meets curve or surface (a line drawn from the vertex of the figure to the base)
th looking down from great heights, caused by disease affecting inner ear or the vestibular nerve, giddiness (the steep narrow stairs
verve and flexibility)
sts, smallest amount used to emphasize absence of something (the last vestiges of colonialism, he waited patiently but without a ves

rgy in charge of a chapel, an incumbent of a parish where tithes formerly passed to a chapter or religious house or layman, cleric or c
actions of another person, acting or done for another (I could glean vicarious pleasure from the struggles of my imaginary film friend
come or unpleasant, alternation between opposite or contrasting things (her husband's sharp vicissitudes of fortune, the vicissitude
n't even properly victualed, a voyage of such length that no ship could victual for, victual with me next Saturday)
e something (rival mobs vying for control of the liquor business)
nt asleep to keep watch or ray (my birdwatching vigils lasted for hours) 2. a stationary, peaceful demonstration in support of a particu
(the burglar was spotted by vigilant neighbors) Vigilante: member of a self-appointed group of citizens who undertake law enforcem
all illustration or portrait photograph that fades into its background without a definite border, small ornamental design filling a space
er (he has been vilified in the press)
be right, reasonable, justified (hospital staff were vindicated by the inquest verdict, more sober views were vindicated by events, I ha
venge (the criticism was both vindictive and personalized)

ing or characterized by strength and energy (a strong, virile perfomance of the Mass)
uit, person with special knowledge or interest in works of art or curios (a celebrated clarinet virtuoso)
cts, highly infective pathogen, virus 2. bitterly hostile (a virulent attack on liberalism, a virulent attack on morals)
eatures, facial expression, surface of object presented to view (an elegant, angular visage, there was someting hidden behind his visa
hose in the abdomen eg. the intestines (the visceral nervous system) 2. relating to deep inward feelings rather than to the intellect (t

of (development programs have been vitated by the rise in population)

from or containing glass (the toilet and bidet are made of vitreous china)
the politicians)
perative attack)
r the purpose of experimentation or scientific research, ruthlessly sharp and detailed criticism or analysis (the vivisection of Americ
s a vociferous opponent of the takeover)
volition she backed into her office)
voluble as her husband was silent)
n eager approach to an activity (he had a voracious appetite, his voracious reading of literature)
escending manner, reveal or disclose information (it is a blessing vouchsafed him by heaven, you'd never vouchsafed that interesting
when they are naked or engaged in sexual activity, person who enjoys seeing the paid or distress of others (the neighbors accused h

over where to go) 2. speak or write at great length, without saying anything important or useful, trivial talk (he waffled on about eve
or abandoned child, abandoned pet (she is foster-mother to various waifs and strays) 2. a piece of property thrown away by a fleeing
ness or exhaustion, dim light (she was looking wan and bleary-eyed, the wan dawn light, the wan light of the moon)

ng events, persuasion (I wangled an invitation to her party, they regarded the coalition as a wangle)
sheer wanton vandalism) 2. woman sexually immodest or promiscuous (a wanton seductress)
nd set aside for rabbit breeding, densely populated or labyrinthine building or district (a warren of narrow gas-lit streets)

on wax until 1959, he waxed a series of tracks that emphasized his lead guitar work)
sation or trouble them in some other way (he waylaid me on the stairs)
other than its mother's milk, accustom (someone) to managing without something on which they have become dependent or of whi
which the sole is attached, ribbed, reinforced, or decorative border of a garment or pocket 2. red, swollen mark left on flesh by a blow
ter) 2. lie steeped in blood without help or care 3. large number of items in no order, a confused mass, state of disorder (there's such
ns on the barrel of a capstan or windlass designed to reduce the slippage of rope (Copper whelped 7 puppies)
her dagger and began to whet its blade in even, rhythmic strokes) 2. excite or stimulate (someone's desire, interest, or appetite (here
and amusing way, odd (a whimsical sense of humor, the film is an awkward blend of whimsy and moralizing, the stone carvings and
drawn off by the setting sun)
is wily opponents)
emove (people or things) from a group until only the best ones are left, find or identify a valuable or useful part of something, wind, b
nsome smile)
learly or rationally (a witless retort, I was scared witless)
aten old man, their wizened faces said much about the hard lives they had endured)
was her wont, paid little attention, Paul drove fast, as was his wont, he was wont to arise at 0530, wont they heart to thoughts hereof)
mplicated (an insurance wrangle is holding up compensation payments, weeks of political wrangling, we wrangled over details) 2. ro
er legal authority to act, or abstain from acting, one's power to enforce compliance or submission; one's authority (they were served
ile) 2. expression of disgust, disappointment, or annoyance (a wry expression) 3. neck or features) distorted or turned to one side (a
uty (architects and planners combined to create a Xanadu)
of a xanthous tumor

adheres to parts of a surface remaining electrically charged after being exposed to light from an image of the document to be copied
(not a disease, may be a sympton of various medical conditions)

he calendar year after its year of foaling (a yearling calf)

r, it's no use yenning for the old simplicities)
reeholder 2. person qualified for certain duties and rights, such as to serve on juries and vote for the knight of the shire, by virtue of
two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are to pull (the horses were loosened from the yoke, a plow drawn by a camel

stalgic recollection (a great empire in days of yore)

or eccentric person (zany humor)
r religious, political, or other ideals
ful (under Justinian, the Byzantine Empire reached its zenith of influence) 2. the pointi n the sky or celestial sphere directly above an
e of clothing
with zest and intelligence, I used to try to beat past records to add zest to my boring job) 2. outer colored part of the peel of citrus fru
o be accessible, we waited an unconscionable length of time)
shed, uncouth, and drunk most of the time, uncouth sketched of peasants)
ion arising from deep emotion to flatter, excessive adulation (he spoke the last sentence with exaggerated unction, he seemed anxiou

ave the undertaker working around the clock)

lping your case)

ocks were large and unwieldy)

 gratory route, moving or occurring unpredictably, inconstant (vagrant beggars, the vagrant heart of my mother)

the modernist vanguard, the prototype was in the vanguard of technical development)

so turn a weaker one into a vassal state)

e accused the British media of pursuing a vendetta against him)

at covers or disguises someone or something's true nature or feelings (her veneer of composure cracked a little, a veneer of sophistic
esa is venerated as a saint)

about his veracity and character)

w the rule should be applied based on the verbiage, much academic language is obscure and verbose)

ot necessarily so (comes from Latin)

in a specialized activity, spoken as mother tongue, not learned or imposed as second language (he wrote in the vernacular to reach

ure to the base)

iness (the steep narrow stairs give me vertigo)

ted patiently but without a vestige of sympathy)

ous house or layman, cleric or choir member appointed to sing certain parts of a cathedral service
gles of my imaginary film friends, a vicarious atonement)
udes of fortune, the vicissitude of the seasons)

nstration in support of a particular cause typically without speeches 3. the eve of a festival or holy day as an occasion of religious obs
ns who undertake law enforcement in their community without legal authority, typically because the legal agencies are thought to be
rnamental design filling a space in a book or carving based on foliage 3. portray someone in the style of a vignette by softening or sha

were vindicated by events, I had fully vindicated my contention)

on morals)
meting hidden behind his visage of cheerfulness, a visage marked by years of depression, the moonlit visage of the port's whitewash
gs rather than to the intellect (the voters' visceral fear of change)

lysis (the vivisection of America's seamy underbelly)

ver vouchsafed that interesting tidbit before)

thers (the neighbors accused him of being a voyeur)

al talk (he waffled on about everything that didn't matter. faced with this commitment, she waffled)
perty thrown away by a fleeing thief and held by the state in trust for the owner to claim
of the moon)

rrow gas-lit streets)

e become dependent or of which they have become excessively fond, be strongly influenced by (something), especially from an early
len mark left on flesh by a blow or pressure (I could have welted her, his lip was beginning to thicken and welt from the blow)
state of disorder (there's such a welter of conflicting rules, the notebook was a welter of half-finished stories, the attack petered out

sire, interest, or appetite (here's an extract to whet your appetite, he swallowed his two dozen oysters as a whet)
alizing, the stone carvings and whimsies) 2. acting or behaving in a capricious manner (the whimsical arbitrariness of autocracy)
seful part of something, wind, bird fanning air with wings (women winnow the chaff from piles of unhusked rice, the contenders had

they heart to thoughts hereof)

we wrangled over details) 2. round up, herd, or take charge of (livestock (the horses were wrangled early)
's authority (they were served with a writ, you have business here which is out of my writ and competence)
torted or turned to one side (a remedy for wry necks)

of the document to be copied

night of the shire, by virtue of possessing free land of an annual value of 40 shillings 3. servant in a royal or noble household, ranking
yoke, a plow drawn by a camel and donkey yoked together) 2. rob, mug (two drug addicts yoked the girl)

lestial sphere directly above an observer (the sun was well pas the zenith)

red part of the peel of citrus fruit used as flavoring (the grated zest of an orange, zest the orange and lemon, taking care to discard al
ated unction, he seemed anxious to please but not in an unctuous way)
ed a little, a veneer of sophistication)

rote in the vernacular to reach a larger audience, medical vernacular, vernacular literature) 2. architecture concerned with domestic

as an occasion of religious observance, nocturnal devotions

egal agencies are thought to be inadequate
of a vignette by softening or shading away the edges of the subject

visage of the port's whitewashed buildings)

thing), especially from an early age (the doctor tried to wean her off the sleeping pills, I was weaned on a regular diet of Hollywood fa
and welt from the blow)
stories, the attack petered out in a welter of bloody fighting)

arbitrariness of autocracy)
usked rice, the contenders had been winnowed to five, amidst this welter of confusing signals, it's difficult to winnow out the truth, t

yal or noble household, ranking between a sergeant and a groom or a squire and a page 4. petty officer in the US Navy or Coast Guard

emon, taking care to discard all of the white pith)

ture concerned with domestic and functional rather than monumental buildigs (buildings in which Gothic merged into farmhouse ve
n a regular diet of Hollywood fantasy) 2. a young child
cult to winnow out the truth, the autumn wind winnowing its way through the grass)

r in the US Navy or Coast Guard performing clerical duties on board ship and signals (yeomen of signals)
othic merged into farmhouse vernacular)